Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adaptive rehabilitation gaming system: On-line individualization of stroke rehabilitation

The effects of stroke differ considerably in degree and symptoms for different patients. It has been shown that specific, individualized and varied therapy favors recovery. The Rehabilitation Gaming System (RGS) is a Virtual Reality (VR) based rehabilitation system designed following these principles. We have developed two algorithms to control the level of task difficulty that a user of the RGS is exposed to, as well as providing controlled variation in the therapy. In this paper, we compare the two algorithms by running numerical simulations and a study with healthy subjects. We show that both algorithms allow for individualization of the challenge level of the task. Further, the results reveal that the algorithm that iteratively learns a user model for each subject also allows a high variation of the task.
The neuroanatomy of asomatognosia and somatoparaphrenia

Objectives Asomatognosia is broadly defined as unawareness of ownership of one's arm, while somatoparaphrenia is a subtype in which patients also display delusional misidentification and confabulation. Studies differ with regard to the underlying neuroanatomy of these syndromes. Methods Three groups of patients with right-hemisphere strokes and left hemiplegia were analysed: G1, asomatognosia+neglect; G2, non-asomatognosia+neglect; G3, hemiplegia only. The asomatognosic group was further subdivided into somatoparaphrenia (G1-SP: asomatognosia+delusions/confabulation) and simple asomatognosia (G1-SA; asomatognosia without delusions/confabulation). Results Patients with all forms of asomatognosia (G1) had larger lesions than non-asomatognosic patients in all sectors. While patients with or without asomatognosia had significant temporoparietal involvement, we found that the subset of patients with somatoparaphrenia had the largest lesions overall, and somatoparaphrenia cases had significantly more frontal involvement than patients with simple asomatognosia. All patients with asomotognosia (G1-SP and G1-SA) had significant medial frontal damage, suggesting that this region may play a role in the development of asomatognosia in general. Somatoparaphrenia cases also had greater orbitofrontal damage than simple asomatognosia cases, suggesting that the orbitofrontal lesion was critical in the development of somatoparaphrenia. Conclusions Asomatognosia results from large lesions involving multiple—including temporoparietal—sectors, but the addition of medial frontal involvement appears important. The addition of orbitofrontal dysfunction distinguishes somatoparaphrenia from simple asomatognosia. The data indicate roles for the right medial and orbitofrontal regions in confabulation and self-related systems.
Novelty‐related behavior of young and adult dopamine transporter knockout rats: Implication for cognitive and emotional phenotypic patterns

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by a developmentally inappropriate, pervasive and persistent pattern of severe inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Despite onset in early childhood, ADHD may continue into adulthood with substantial impairment in social, academic and occupational functioning. A new animal model of this disorder was developed in rats with genetic deletion of the dopamine transporter (DAT) gene (dopamine transporter knockout rats; DAT‐KO rats). We analyzed the behavior of DAT‐KO rats for a deeper phenotypical characterization of this model. We first tested rats of the 3 genotypes at different ages (preadolescent, adolescent and adult), in a novelty‐seeking test using a black/white box (Experiment 1). After that, we tested adult rats in a novelty‐preference test using a 3‐chamber apparatus with different shapes (Experiment 2). Experiment 1: as evidenced by analysis of time spent in the novel environment, adult DAT heterozygous (DAT‐HET) rats show an increased curiosity‐driven exploration compared with wild‐type (WT) controls while DAT‐KO rats did not recognize novelty. The locomotor activity data show a minimal difference between genotypes at adolescent age while the preadolescent and adult DAT‐KO rats have significantly increased activity rate compared with WT and DAT‐HET subjects. Experiment 2: in this case, due to more clearly evident spatial differences, time spent in novel environment was not significantly different among genotypes. During first 10 minutes, DAT‐KO rats showed a decreased hyperactivity, apparently related to curiosity and attention to the new environments. In conclusion, DAT‐KO rats may show some inattention while more novelty‐seeking traits appear in DAT‐HET rats.
Cryptococcal pathogenic mechanisms: a dangerous trip from the environment to the brain

Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic pathogenic yeast that causes serious infections, most commonly of the central nervous system (CNS). C. neoformans is mainly found in the environment and acquired by inhalation. It could be metaphorically imagined that cryptococcal disease is a “journey” for the microorganism that starts in the environment, where this yeast loads its suitcase with virulence traits. C. neoformans first encounters the infected mammalian host in the lungs, a site in which it must choose the right elements from its “virulence suitcase” to survive the pulmonary immune response. However, the lung is often only the first stop in this journey, and in some individuals the fungal trip continues to the brain. To enter the brain, C. neoformans must “open” the main barrier that protects this organ, the blood brain barrier (BBB). Once in the brain, C. neoformans expresses a distinct set of protective attributes that confers a strong neurotropism and the ability to cause brain colonisation. In summary, C. neoformans is a unique fungal pathogen as shown in its ability to survive in the face of multiple stress factors and to express virulence factors that contribute to the development of disease.
Controller Design for Flexible Spacecraft Attitude Tracking with Actuator Saturation

This paper considers the attitude tracking control problem of a class of flexible spacecraft with actuator saturations, and external disturbances. First, a sliding mode control (SMC) law is designed to achieve accurate attitude tracking with an adaptive algorithm. By means of the Barbalat lemma which is further used in this paper, the system stability and asymptotic attitude converging properties are guaranteed. The simulation results illustrate the efficiency of the theoretical results.
Thera-Band application changes muscle activity and kyphosis and scapular winging during knee push-up plus in subjects with scapular winging

Abstract Scapular winging (SW) is defined as increased prominence of the whole medial border of the scapula. Many researchers recently recommended knee push-up plus (KPP) for enhancing serratus anterior (SA) activation. However, during push-up plus, thoracic kyphosis (TK) may usually occur as a compensatory movement. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Thera-Band application during KPP on rectus abdominis (RA) activity, TK angle (TKA), SA activity, and amount of SW in subjects with SW. Fifteen subjects performed KPP with Thera-Band applied to different posterior body parts (no Thera-Band, in the occiput, and in the thoracic region). Electromyography was used to record the RA and SA activities. Image J software was used to calculate the compensatory TKA during KPP, and a scapulometer was used to measure SW in the quadruped position. One-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to test for significance. KPP with Thera-Band in the occiput showed significantly lower RA activity (P = .001) and TKA (P < .001) than KPP with no Thera-Band. SA activity (P = .020, P = .047) and SW (P < .001, P < .001) were significantly lower with Thera-Band applied to the occiput and thoracic regions than in KPP with no Thera-Band. Thera-Band applied to the occiput and thorax can be beneficial as it decreases RA and SA muscle activity and reduces TKA and SW during KPP in subjects with SW.
Use of the γ-H2AX Assay to Investigate DNA Repair Dynamics Following Multiple Radiation Exposures

Radiation therapy is one of the most common and effective strategies used to treat cancer. The irradiation is usually performed with a fractionated scheme, where the dose required to kill tumour cells is given in several sessions, spaced by specific time intervals, to allow healthy tissue recovery. In this work, we examined the DNA repair dynamics of cells exposed to radiation delivered in fractions, by assessing the response of histone-2AX (H2AX) phosphorylation (γ-H2AX), a marker of DNA double strand breaks. γ-H2AX foci induction and disappearance were monitored following split dose irradiation experiments in which time interval between exposure and dose were varied. Experimental data have been coupled to an analytical theoretical model, in order to quantify key parameters involved in the foci induction process. Induction of γ-H2AX foci was found to be affected by the initial radiation exposure with a smaller number of foci induced by subsequent exposures. This was compared to chromatin relaxation and cell survival. The time needed for full recovery of γ-H2AX foci induction was quantified (12 hours) and the 1:1 relationship between radiation induced DNA double strand breaks and foci numbers was critically assessed in the multiple irradiation scenarios.
Coevolution between positive reciprocity, punishment, and partner switching in repeated interactions

Cooperation based on mutual investments can occur between unrelated individuals when they are engaged in repeated interactions. Individuals then need to use a conditional strategy to deter their interaction partners from defecting. Responding to defection such that the future payoff of a defector is reduced relative to cooperating with it is called a partner control mechanism. Three main partner control mechanisms are (i) to switch from cooperation to defection when being defected (‘positive reciprocity’), (ii) to actively reduce the payoff of a defecting partner (‘punishment’), or (iii) to stop interacting and switch partner (‘partner switching’). However, such mechanisms to stabilize cooperation are often studied in isolation from each other. In order to better understand the conditions under which each partner control mechanism tends to be favoured by selection, we here analyse by way of individual-based simulations the coevolution between positive reciprocity, punishment, and partner switching. We show that random interactions in an unstructured population and a high number of rounds increase the likelihood that selection favours partner switching. In contrast, interactions localized in small groups (without genetic structure) increase the likelihood that selection favours punishment and/or positive reciprocity. This study thus highlights the importance of comparing different control mechanisms for cooperation under different conditions.
Diversity and production of extracellular polysaccharide by halophilic microorganisms

Halophilic microorganisms derived from diverse thalassohaline and athalassohaline environments including marine estuaries, saline and soda lakes, inland solar salterns and acidic habitats are categorized as slight-, moderateand extreme halophiles according to their NaCl requirements. Taxonomic studies with culturable diversities of halophiles revealed that they belong to both Archaea and Bacteria representing the families Halobacteriaceae, Methanosarcinaceae and the class Gammaproteobacteria. As adaptive strategies against harsh salt stresses, majority of halophiles often synthesize and accumulate extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) which differ significantly in terms of their physical, chemical and material properties. So far the novelty in structure and functions of exopolysaccharides are concerned, producer strains belonging to the genera Halomonas and Haloferax have attracted the main attention. However, EPS producing strains belonging to the genera Idiomarina, Salipiger and Alteromonas are not uncommon. Through process optimization and metabolic regulation a number of potent halophilic strains have been found to produce copious amount of EPS indicating its commercial viability. Moreover, the significance of production, physicochemical and biological properties along with the possible applications of halophilic EPS in industry and biotechnology have also been highlighted.
Iron promotes α‐synuclein aggregation and transmission by inhibiting TFEB‐mediated autophagosome‐lysosome fusion

Recent studies have strongly shown that cell‐to‐cell transmission of neuropathogenic proteins is a common mechanism for the development of neurodegenerative diseases. However, the underlying cause is complex and little is known. Although distinct processes are involved in the pathogenesis of various diseases, they all share the common feature of iron accumulation, an attribute that is particularly prominent in synucleinopathies. However, whether iron is a cofactor in facilitating the spread of α‐synuclein remains unclear. Here, we constructed a cell‐to‐cell transmission model of α‐synuclein using SN4741 cell line based on adenovirus vectors. Cells were treated with FeCl2, and α‐synuclein aggregation and transmission were then evaluated. In addition, the possible mechanisms were investigated through gene knockdown or over‐expression. Our results demonstrated that iron promoted α‐synuclein aggregation and transmission by inhibiting autophagosome‐lysosome fusion. Furthermore, iron decreased the expression of nuclear transcription factor EB (TFEB), a master transcriptional regulator of autophagosome‐lysosome fusion, and inhibited its nuclear translocation through activating AKT/mTORC1 signaling. After silencing TFEB, ratios of α‐synuclein aggregation and transmission were not significantly altered by the presence of iron; on the other hand, when TFEB was over‐expressed, the transmission of α‐synuclein induced by iron was obviously reversed; suggesting the mechanism by which iron promotes α‐synuclein transmission may be mediated by TFEB. Taken together, our data reveal a previously unknown relationship between iron and α‐synuclein, and identify TFEB as not only a potential target for preventing α‐synuclein transmission, but also a critical factor for iron‐induced α‐synuclein aggregation and transmission. Indeed, this newly discovered role of iron and TFEB in synucleinopathies may provide novel targets for developing therapeutic strategies to prevent α‐synuclein transmission in Parkinson's disease.
Calcium fluxes in Hoplosternum littorale (tamoatá) exposed to different types of Amazonian waters

Os peixes que vivem na Amazonia sao expostos a varios tipos de agua: aguas pretas, contendo grande quantidade de carbono orgânico dissolvido, aguas brancas, com concentracao de Ca2+ dez vezes maior que as aguas pretas e pH neutro, e aguas claras, com concentracao de Ca2+ duas vezes maior que as aguas pretas e pH tambem neutro. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar o fluxo de Ca2+ no peixe de respiracao aerea facultativa Hoplosternum littorale (tamoata) exposto a diferentes tipos de aguas amazonicas. Os peixes foram aclimatados em agua de poco artesiano (semelhante a agua clara) e depois colocados individualmente em câmaras para medir o fluxo de Ca2+. Apos 4 h, a agua das câmaras foi trocada por um tipo diferente de agua. A transferencia do tamoata das aguas pobres em ions agua preta e preta acida ou da agua branca, rica em ions, para as aguas preta e preta acida, pobres em ions, resulta em uma perda de Ca2+ apenas nas duas primeiras horas de experimento. Entretanto, a transferencia da agua preta e preta acida, para a agua branca resulta em um influxo de Ca2+. Os resultados obtidos nos permitem concluir que a transferencia do tamoata para as aguas preta e preta acida, pobres em ions, leva a uma temporaria perda de Ca2+, e a quantidade de Ca2+ na agua branca, rica em ions, e adequada para prevenir sua perda apos a transferencia. Sendo assim, a transferencia do tamoata entre as aguas estudadas nao resulta em serios disturbios no Ca2+.
Applications of Smart Materials to Haptics

The papers in this special section present recent results in research related to the application of smart materials to haptics. Smart materials have been used in other areas like robotics, aeronautics, and medicine to mention a few. The articles selected for publication in this special section target tactile displays to be explored with the hand or fingers, tactile displays made of thin films to be worn by the users, and novel force feedback devices for the finger tips.
Effects of selenium-containing sealant and adhesive system on the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets

Aim: Selenium-containing (SeLECT-DefenseTM) sealant prevents plaque formation as well as serves as a primer for bonding bracket. This study investigated the influence of SeLECTDefenseTM (SD) sealant on shear bond strength (SBS) of orthodontic bracket, comparing it with commonly used sealants. Methods: 150 extracted human premolars were randomly assigned to 10 groups (n=15). Stainless steel brackets were bonded with two adhesive systems (SD and Transbond XT) after the enamel was conditioned with a primer (SD or Assure Universal) or a filled resin sealant (SD, Pro-Seal, or Opal-Seal). The specimens were stored in water at 37°C for 24 hours and debonded with a universal testing machine. Results: No significant difference in SBS between SD primer and SD sealant when used with either SD adhesive or Transbond. No significant differences in SBS among the three different sealants, Pro-Seal, Opal-Seal, and SD (P>0.05), when used with either SD or Transbond adhesives. Although not significant, SBS was higher when primer (Assure or SD) was used with either adhesive compared to using any of the sealants. Conclusions: SD sealant used as primer did not adversely influence the bond strength of orthodontic brackets, and resulted in shear bond strength above 9.6 MPa, sufficient for clinical orthodontic needs.
Fast camera motion estimation for hand-held devices and applications

In this paper we present an efficient motion estimation algorithm for camera-enabled handheld devices, such as mobile phones and PDAs. Compared to general camera motion estimation, the estimation of ego-motion of handheld devices presents unique challenges because most devices are limited in resources (processing power, memory and battery). The algorithm must be lightweight so it can be efficiently embedded and run fast enough to produce smooth seamless translation. Our solution includes a multi-resolution scheme which searches the match from coarse to fine; and optimization of the search space. As a demonstration, we implemented the algorithm on the Symbian based Nokia 3650/6600 camera phone, and explored several interesting applications, including using camera motion for browsing documents and as a pointing device. A cross-platform implementation is also discussed.
Acute myelogenous leukemia in adolescents and young adults

The incidence of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) increases progressively with age. Favorable genetic mutations are most prevalent in children, and unfavorable profiles increase proportionately in adolescents and young adults (AYA) and into later adulthood. Survival rates of AYA have improved over recent decades to 50–60%, but their accrual to clinical trials remains poor. In contrast to AYA with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the prognostic benefit for AYA with AML enrolled in pediatric compared with adult trials is minor and only seen when different protocols are used. The distinctive needs of AYA, including intensive psychological services, call for their treatment within specialized centers that offer complex supportive care.
Transient Analysis of Idle Time in VANETs Using Markov-Reward Models

The development of analytical models to analyze the behavior of vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) is a challenging aim. Adaptive methods are suitable for many algorithms (e.g., choice of forwarding paths, dynamic resource allocation, channel control congestion) and services (e.g., provision of multimedia services, message dissemination). These adaptive algorithms help the network to maintain a desired performance level. However, this is a difficult goal to achieve, especially in VANETs due to fast position changes of the VANET nodes. Adaptive decisions should be taken according to the current conditions of the VANET. Therefore, evaluation of transient measures is required for the characterization of VANETs. In the literature, different works address the characterization and measurement of the idle (or busy) time to be used in different proposals to attain a more efficient usage of wireless network. This paper focuses on the idle time of the link between two VANET nodes, which we denote as <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$T_{{idle}}$</tex-math></inline-formula>. Specifically, we have developed an analytical model based on a straightforward Markov reward chain to obtain transient measurements of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$T_{{idle}}$</tex-math></inline-formula>. Numerical results from the analytical model fit well with simulation results.
Network automata and the functional dynamic network framework

We introduce and define Network Automata, a generalization of Cellular Automata, which relates the topological evolution of a network to its structure. This framework is capable of replicating many familiar network models. We also introduce the Functional Dynamic Network framework for dealing with networks in which the topology evolves according to some specified microscopic rules and, simultaneously, there is a dynamic process taking place on the network that both depends on its structure but is also capable of modifying it. As such it is a generic framework for dealing with the types of systems in which network structure, dynamics, and function are interrelated. At the practical level, these frameworks allow for easy implementation of the microscopic rules involved in such systems. To demonstrate the Functional Dynamic Network in action, we develop a class of simple biologically inspired models of fungal growth.
A Ternary Unification Framework for optimizing TCAM-based packet classification systems

Packet classification is the key mechanism for enabling many networking and security services. Ternary Content Addressable Memory (TCAM) has been the industrial standard for implementing high-speed packet classification because of its constant classification time. However, TCAM chips have small capacity, high power consumption, high heat generation, and large area size. This paper focuses on the TCAM-based Classifier Compression problem: given a classifier C, we want to construct the smallest possible list of TCAM entries T that implement C. In this paper, we propose the Ternary Unification Framework (TUF) for this compression problem and three concrete compression algorithms within this framework. The framework allows us to find more optimization opportunities and design new TCAM-based classifier compression algorithms. Our experimental results show that the TUF can speed up the prior algorithm TCAM Razor by twenty times or more and leads to new algorithms that improve compression performance over prior algorithms by an average of 13.7% on our largest real life classifiers.