Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dexterous manipulation is poorer at older ages and is dissociated from decline of hand strength.

BACKGROUND The ability to dynamically control fingertip force vector magnitude and direction is critical for dexterous manipulation. We quantified the dynamic control of fingertip forces to examine how dexterous manipulation declines with age. METHODS The strength-dexterity (SD) test measures fingertip forces during compression of a slender spring prone to instability and buckling. The greatest sustained compression (designed to be under 3 N), and force dynamics therein, have been shown to be simple and quick measures of dynamic dexterous manipulation ability. We measured pinch strength and strength-dexterity test in a cross-sectional population of 98 people from 18 to 89 years of age. RESULTS Dexterous manipulation ability is poorer at older ages, beginning in middle age (p < .001), with greater decline past 65 years of age. Fingertip force dynamics during spring compression and stabilization show a deterioration of neuromuscular control with age. Importantly, this novel detection of decline in dynamic manipulation ability is not correlated with, and thus cannot be entirely explained by, the known decline in pinch strength. We also measured standardized tests of dexterity in participants older than 45, and discuss how the strength-dexterity test uniquely captures features of sensorimotor capabilities for dexterous manipulation in this adult population. CONCLUSIONS Starting in middle age, changes in the functional interactions among sensory, motor, and neural capabilities result in measurably poorer dynamic dexterous manipulation. This deterioration of neuromuscular control motivates and enables future studies to understand the physiological bases for this functional decline so critical to activities of daily living and quality of life.
Transcript and Protein Profiling Analysis of the Destruxin A-Induced Response in Larvae of Plutella xylostella

Background Destruxins (dtxs) are the mycotoxin produced by certain entomopathogenic fungi, such as Metarhizium anisopliae, Aschersonia sp, Alternaria brassicae and Ophiosphaerella herpotrichae. It can affect a wide variety of biological processes in insects, including innate immune, Ca2+ channel in cells, and apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Dtxs have been used as biological control agent for a long time, however, their molecular mechanism of action is still unknown. Principal Findings In this study, both digital gene expression (DGE) and two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) approaches were adopted to examine the effects of dtx A on Plutella xyllostella (L.) larvae. By using DGE and 2-DE analyses, 1584 genes and 42 protein points were identified as being up- or down regulated at least 2-fold in response to dtx A. Firstly, injection of dtx A to larvae accelerated the increase of peptidoglycan recognition protein (PGRP), which could activate the Toll signal pathway inducing production of antibacterial substances such as cecropin and gloverin. Dtx A also stimulated prophenoloxidase (proPO) system which plays an important role in innate immunity and leads to melanization of external organisms. Secondly, dtx A suppressed the expression of genes related to the Toll pathway, and induced expression of serine proteinase inhibitors (serpins), especially the serpin 2 that blocked process of the proPO system. Finally, other physiological process like xenobiotics detoxification, apoptosis, calcium signaling pathway and insect hormone biosynthesis, were also mediated in response to dtx A toxicity. Conclusions Transcript and protein profiling analyses will provide an insight into the potential molecular mechanism of action in P. xylostella larvae in response to dtx A.
Normwerte des pupillographischen Schläfrigkeitstests für frauen und männer zwischen 20 und 60 jahren

ZusammenfassungFragestellungFür den pupillographischen Schläfrigkeitstest (PST) sollen Normwerte für gesunde Erwachsene zwischen 20 und 60 Jahren definiert werden. Sind die Testergebnisse von Alter und Geschlecht abhängig? Methodik191 Männer und 158 Frauen wurden in verschiedenen Institutionen rekrutiert. Während der Vormittagsstunden wurde ihre Anamnese erhoben, dann die PST-Messung durchgeführt und anschließend die subjektive Selbsteinschätzung anhand der Stanford-Schläfrigkeits-Skala (SSS) vorgenommen. Der natürliche Logarithmus des Pupillen-Unruhe-index mit der Maßzahl mm/min (In PUI) wurde analysiert.ErgebnisseDie logarithmierten PUI-Werte sind normalverteilt mit einem Mittelwert von 1,50 und einer Standardabweichung 0m39 (entsprechend MW 4,5 mm/min für Absolutwerte). Der In PUI als normalverteilte Variable zeigte sich unabhängig von Alter (n=349, r=0,004, p=0,94) und Geschlecht (n=349, t=0,19, p=0,85). Der In PUI nahm mit steigenden subjektiven SSS-Werten zu (n=349, r=0,29, p<0,01). SchlussfolgerungMit den vorliegenden Daten stehen für den Altersbereich 20–60 Jahre alters-und geschlechtsunabhängige Normwerte des PST zur Verfügung. SummaryObjectiveNormal values were to be defined for the pupillographic sleepiness test (PST) for male and female subjects between 20 and 60 years of age. Do the test results depend on age and gender? Methods191 men and 158 women were recruited at different institutions: after taking their history they were measured with the PST and the subjects estimated their subjective sleepiness afterwards by the Stanford Sleepiness Scale (SSS). The natural logarithm of the pupillary unrest index in units of mm/min (In PUI) was analysed.ResultsThe natural logarithm of the PUI is normally distributed with a mean of 1.50 and a standard deviation of 0.39 (for absolute values respectively: mean 4.5). The natural logarithm of the PUI proved to be independent from age (n=349, r=0,004, p=0,94) and gender (N=349, t=0,19, p=0,85). The PUI increased with increasing subjective sleepiness in the SSS (n=349, r=0,29, p<0,01). ConclusionsThe data presented provide normal values for the age period 20–60 years that are independent from age and gender.
Consumer Participation in FMCG Crowdsourcing Contests

Thesis purpose: The purpose of this study is to contribute to the existing literature on co-creation, specifically regarding the phenomenon of consumer participation in crowdsourcing contests. By taking a consumer perspective, it is our ambition to improve the conceptualization of the phenomenon of participants motives, experiences, attitudes and feelings, in general and related to the brand, in crowdsourcing contests. Methodology: An interpretive epistemology and social-constructionist ontology led us to a phenomenological method in which we conducted qualitative research. By following an abductive approach and conducting qualitative interviews rich respondent data was gathered and systematically analyzed as inspired by the hermeneutic circle approach. Theoretical perspective: The theoretical departure of the study starts out with theories relating to crowdsourcing contests as part of co-creation. The aspect of value co-creation and consumer characteristics is explained through the application of Consumer Culture Theory and Social Production in the Ethical Economy. Moreover, consumer motivation and experience theories were described to create a theoretical lens. Empirical data: Semi-structured instant messaging interviews were conducted with seven participants of the ‘Mein Burger 2012’ FMCG crowdsourcing ideation-contest of McDonalds Germany Inc. Conclusion: Our conclusion is that consumers show a mixture of both intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, wherein intrinsic motives are more dominant. The intrinsic motive of ‘Fun’ is expressed by all the interviewees and is therefore the strongest motive. However, as well other intrinsic motives were found like ‘Co-determination’ and ‘Joining the Mainstream’. We also found the extrinsic motives of ‘Prize’ and ‘For His Own Community’. When it comes to the effect of the crowdsourcing experience on the consumers attitude towards the brand we found that the participants tended to distinguish between the encountered experience of the crowdsourcing contest and the conducting brand and did not change their initial attitude. Within the encountered experience participants were mainly involved through the elements of Personal Relevance and Engagement.
Orexin receptor‐1 (OX‐R1) immunoreactivity in chemically identified neurons of the hypothalamus: focus on orexin targets involved in control of food and water intake

The neuropeptides orexin‐A and orexin‐B are produced in neurons of the lateral hypothalamic area and have been implicated to be involved in the regulation of food/water intake and sleep–wake control. The orexins act at two different G‐protein‐coupled orexin receptors (OX‐R1 and OX‐R2) that are derived from separate genes and expressed differentially throughout the central nervous system. In the present study, we have used a polyclonal antipeptide antiserum to analyse in detail the distribution of OX‐R1‐immunoreactive neurons in the rat hypothalamus. In order to identify the chemical mediators of orexin action in the hypothalamus, the OX‐R1‐containing neurons were characterized with regard to the content of peptides shown previously to affect ingestive and drinking behaviour. Neurons containing OX‐R1 immunoreactivity were widely distributed in the hypothalamus with cell bodies located in the suprachiasmatic, periventricular, paraventricular (both magno‐ and parvocellular division), supraoptic, arcuate, ventromedial, dorsomedial and tuberomammillary nuclei and the lateral hypothalamic area. In magnocellular neurons of the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei, OX‐R1 immunoreactivity was seen in both vasopressin‐ and oxytocin‐containing neurons. OX‐R1 immunoreactivity was demonstrated in vasopressin and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) neurons of the suprachiasmatic nucleus, in somatostatin neurons of the periventricular nucleus and in corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH) neurons of the parvocellular paraventricular nucleus. In the arcuate nucleus, OX‐R1 immunoreactivity was present in neuropeptide Y (NPY) and agouti‐related peptide (AGRP) neurons of the ventromedial part as well as in proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and cocaine‐ and amphetamine‐regulated transcript (CART) neurons of the ventrolateral division. In the lateral hypothalamic area, OX‐R1 immunoreactivity was demonstrated in melanin‐concentrating hormone (MCH)‐ and orexin‐containing neurons. In the hypothalamic tuberomammillary nucleus, OX‐R1‐immunoreactivity was shown in many histamine‐containing neurons. The results support the idea that orexins have important actions on hypothalamic neurons that control food intake and fluid balance, but also that orexins may regulate other neuroendocrine systems.
The non-invasive and continuous estimation of cardiac output using a photoplethysmogram and electrocardiogram during incremental exercise

Cardiac output (CO) monitoring is not only essential for critically ill patients in the hospital, but also for patients at home and those undergoing cardiopulmonary exercise testing. However, CO is difficult to monitor during daily activities and exercise. In this paper, we aim at developing a novel CO estimation method that can be used under these challenging conditions. The tube model was utilized to derive a CO index, namely the pulse time reflection ratio (PTRR) from an electrocardiogram and photoplethysmogram. After calibration, the PTRR can be used to estimate beat-to-beat CO. The proposed method was verified against CO measured by impedance cardiography on 19 healthy subjects in an incremental intensity exercise test. Results showed that there were strong correlations (r) between the PTRR and reference CO in 18 subjects (mean r: 0.88, n = 245 trials). Two calibration approaches reported in the literature were applied to the proposed method and the corresponding bias ± precisions of estimation errors were 0 ± 1.89 L min−1 and −0.22 ± 2.12 L min−1, respectively. The percent errors were 21.94% and 24.90%, smaller than the clinical acceptance limit (30%). To conclude, after calibration, this method can be used to monitor CO on healthy subjects during incremental intensity exercise.
Mcl-1 Integrates the Opposing Actions of Signaling Pathways That Mediate Survival and Apoptosis

ABSTRACT Mcl-1 is a member of the Bcl2-related protein family that is a critical mediator of cell survival. Exposure of cells to stress causes inhibition of Mcl-1 mRNA translation and rapid destruction of Mcl-1 protein by proteasomal degradation mediated by a phosphodegron created by glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) phosphorylation of Mcl-1. Here we demonstrate that prior phosphorylation of Mcl-1 by the c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK) is essential for Mcl-1 phosphorylation by GSK3. Stress-induced Mcl-1 degradation therefore requires the coordinated activity of JNK and GSK3. Together, these data establish that Mcl-1 functions as a site of signal integration between the proapoptotic activity of JNK and the prosurvival activity of the AKT pathway that inhibits GSK3.
Stabilizing the Peace After Civil War: An Investigation of Some Key Variables

In the wake of negotiated settlements to civil wars, one critical problem involves reassuring people who have been killing one another that conflict is not about to break out again, endangering people's lives. Those concerned with the success of negotiated settlements have debated how best to enhance the prospects of a stable peace. We address this question by exploring variables that may explain the longevity of negotiated peace settlements. These variables are divided into two categories—one tapping into the potential effects of the environment in which settlements are negotiated and another focusing on the impact of settlement arrangements. On the basis of our analysis of thirty-eight civil war settlements negotiated between 1945 and 1998 we identify the environmental factors and institutional choices that affect the short-term stability of the peace following civil war.
Evaluation of the Objective Posturo-Locomotor-Manual Method in Patients with Parkinsonian Syndromes

Objective methods for quantifying patients’ movement capacity would be useful in evaluating progression and interventions in neurodegenerative diseases. The Posturo-Locomotor-Manual (PLM) test is a standardized automated movement test developed to measure hypokinetic movements in patients with Parkinsonism. Our hypotheses were that the PLM movement time (MT) correlates with the Unified Parkinson’s disease rating scale (UPDRS III) motor section, and that the components of the PLM test correlate with the corresponding constructed domains of UPDRS III. We also evaluated the coherence between the results of the two assessment methods after a test dose of levodopa (l-DOPA). We assessed motor function using the PLM method and UPDRS III in parallel, in the absence of medication and after administration of 200 mg l-DOPA, in 73 patients with moderate to advanced Parkinsonism: 47 with Parkinson’s disease (PD), 17 with multiple system atrophy (MSA), and 9 with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). There was a fair correlation between the two assessment tools in the PD patients but not in the MSA or PSP patients. In the full dataset, there was a fair to good correlation between UPDRS III and the PLM MT. At group level, the UPDRS III l-DOPA test differentiated PD from MSA/PSP, whereas the PLM l-DOPA test differentiated between all three diagnoses.
African Polyphony and Polyrhythm: Musical Structure and Methodology

List of illustrations Foreword Gyorgy Ligeti Preface Acknowledgements Map Book I. The Music of the Central African Republic: 1. General introduction 2. The general features of traditional music 3. Typology Book II. African Polyphonic Music: Introduction 1. A classification of African polyphonies 2. Previous studies: the present state of the subject Book III. Technical Tools: Methods of Recording Polyphonic Music For Transcription: 1. The need for transcription 2. The difficulties of transcription 3. Earlier methods 4. Towards a new method 5. Theoretical assumptions 6. Technical equipment: description and use 7. From recording to transcription 8. Checking the results 9. Potentialities 10. Anthropological acceptability Book IV. Theoretical Tools: 1. The notion of relevance 2. Description and analysis 3. The question of transcription Book V. The Organisation of Time In African Music: 1. A brief survey of Western rhythmics 2. Towards precise terminology 3. African rhythmics Book VI. Structural Principles And Their Applications: 1. Typology 2. Analytical notions 3. Strict polyrhythmics 4. Polyrhythmics as a way to polyphony: Hocket 5. Polyphony produced by melodic instruments 6. The association of polyphony and polyrhythmics Conclusion Bibliography Discography Index.
Investigation and design of a wideband microwave VCO

In this thesis, some most popular technologies for both resonator and active device were presented and compared. Two MMIC VCOs were selected to design on InGaP HBT and push push configuration with different topologies, namely balanced Colpitts and balanced Clapp. Optimization factors which give significant contribution to lower phase noise were investigated, such as Q factor, current density, bias circuitry, feedback capacitor ratio and etc. The optimum simulation results were obtained in the end of this work, which have the lowest phase noise such as -119.6 ~ -122.2 dBc/Hz (f0) with more than 16% tuning range and -108.7 ~ -111.2 dBc/Hz (f0) with 10% tuning range at 100 kHz offset frequency, respectively. The results were also analyzed by the formula of FOMT, which were -191.01 dBc/Hz and -182.48 dBc/Hz, respectively. The phase noise performance can reach the state of the art level and indicate potential applications.
Selecting Classical Statistic or Bayesian/Markov based Diagnostic/Prognostics in Support Systems

Current and future needs must be met when implementing a diagnostic/ prognostic support system. The classical statistic commonly referred to as frequentists methodology, and the Bayesian methodology offer two different, but distinct, means to realize adaptive diagnostic/prognostic systems. The need for these systems is partially a consequence of the operational test program set (OTPS) design criteria not aligning with the field usage. The problem of selecting the classical statistic or Bayesian support system presents itself when applying the two methodologies in the support system paradigm. Modeling and simulating these two methodologies as they are applied within the support system paradigm provides an insight on their strengths and weaknesses. Dynamic test sequencing is examined as a means to improve the OTPS time to fault callout and improve the accuracy in identifying the repair action accuracy given the fault callout. Using Gaussian distributions [4] and density functions and beta distribution and density functions to model the process provides a means to quantify and leverage knowledge. Additionally, a Markov model is presented to demonstrate applicability to the support system paradigm. What exactly are these two methodologies, what are the differences and what are the pros and cons of each methodology. Systems with the ability to adapt and adjust to their environment are required to optimize OTPS performance by compensating for inaccurate fault callouts in line replaceable units (LRU) built in test as well as OTPS performance test, self-test, and diagnostic tests. The impacts to the way OTPSs are implemented and the impact to the legacy compilers are discussed. Virtual instrumentation and IVI and PnP drivers impacts are addressed and the direction which system architecture requirements need to migrate is addressed.
A wire-speed powerTM processor: 2.3GHz 45nm SOI with 16 cores and 64 threads

An emerging data-center market merges network and server attributes into a single wire-speed processor SoC. These processors are not network endpoints that consume data, but inline processors that filter or modify data and send it on. Wire-speed processors merge attributes from 1) network processors: many threaded low power cores, accelerators, integrated network and memory I/O, smaller memory line sizes and low total power, and from 2) server processors: full ISA cores, standard programming models, OS and hypervisor support, full virtualization and server RAS & infrastructure. Typical applications are edge-of-network processing, intelligent I/O devices in servers, network attached appliances, distributed computing, and streaming applications.
Voltage and Activation Mapping: How the Recording Technique Affects the Outcome of Catheter Ablation Procedures in Patients With Congenital Heart Disease

Background—Endocardial mapping is mandatory before radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA). Mapping can be performed with either unipolar or bipolar recordings. Impact of the recording technique used was studied in patients with and without structural heart disease using the 3D electroanatomic CARTO mapping system. Methods and Results—Patients (n=44; 16 males; age 43±16 years) referred for RFCA of atrial flutter (AFL, n=18), focal atrial tachycardia (FAT, n=4), AV nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT, n=5), or scar-related atrial reentrant tachycardia (IART, n=17) were studied. Voltage and activation maps were constructed. Unipolar and bipolar voltage distribution in the different groups was studied to establish a cutoff voltage value to facilitate delineation of scar tissue. Electrograms were recorded during tachycardia (FAT: n=246, cycle length [CL]=449±35 ms; AVNRT: n=182, CL=359±47 ms; AFL: n=1164, CL=255±56 ms; IART: n=2431, CL=280±74 ms). Unipolar voltages were greater than bipolar voltages (P <0.001). Unipolar voltages ≤1.0 mV were equally distributed in both AFL and IART patients. Bipolar voltages ≤0.1 mV were only found in patients with IART, and subsequently 0.1 mV was used as the cutoff value to delineate scar tissue. No unipolar cutoff value could be established. Timing of unipolar and bipolar local activation was correlated in all patient groups. Conclusions—The recording technique used has considerable impact on reconstruction of reentrant pathways and on the outcome of RFCA. In general, unipolar and bipolar recordings provide complementary information; however, only bipolar recordings allow voltage-based scar tissue delineation in patients with congenital heart disease.
Research on the model of magnetic-resonance based wireless energy transfer system

The key of magnetic-resonance based wireless energy transfer technology (MRBWET) is the magnetic coupling system which composed of driving and receiving coils, of which the mathematical model is important to the research of the transmission principle and the optimization of mechanism structure and parameters. Based on calculating the radiation level of typical coil, a magnetic-coupled-coil model was built based on analyzing the magnetic dipole used in the experimental system. According to the model, the quantitative relationship between the power contained in the receiving coil and parameters of resonances was discussed. The optimization method of parameters matching for maximal power transfer is proposed. Simulation and experimental results validate the correction and feasibility of the theoretical analysis.
Creative Community Demystified: A Statistical Overview of Behance

Online communities are changing the ways that creative professionals such as artists and designers share ideas, receive feedback, and find inspiration. While they became increasingly popular, there have been few studies so far. In this paper, we investigate Behance, an online community site for creatives to maintain relationships with others and showcase their works from various fields such as graphic design, illustration, photography, and fashion. We take a quantitative approach to study three research questions about the site. What attract followers and appreciation of artworks on Behance? what patterns of activity exist around topics? And, lastly, does color play a role in attracting appreciation? In summary, being male suggests more followers and appreciations, most users focus on a few topics, and grayscale colors mean fewer appreciations. This work serves as a preliminary overview of a creative community that later studies can build on.