Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Load compensation in targeted limb movements of an insect

SUMMARY The task of a multi-jointed limb making an aimed movement towards a target requires that the movement is regulated against external perturbations such as changing load. In particular, loading one part of a limb leads to altered static forces on all proximal segments, and to additional dynamic joint interaction forces when the limb moves. We have addressed the question of load compensation in an insect preparation in which a locust makes aimed scratching movements with a hind leg in response to tactile stimulation of a wing. We show that loading the femur or tibia with the equivalent of 8.5 times the mass of the tibia (corresponding to an increase of up to 11.6 times the rotational moment of inertia at the femur–tibia joint) does not impair the animal's ability to make well-coordinated, aimed movements of that leg towards different targets. The kinematics of the movements are the same, and animals aim the same part of their distal tibia at the target, regardless of loading. The movements are carried out with equal accuracy and at the same initial velocity under all load conditions. Because loading of the leg does not change the behavioural performance, there is no indication of a change in aiming strategy. This implies high leg joint stiffness and/or the existence of high gain proprioceptive control loops. We have previously shown that in the unloaded condition, movements elicited by stimuli to different places on the wing are driven by a single underlying movement pattern that shifts depending on stimulus location along the wing surface. Our present data show that leg proprioceptive inputs are also integrated into the leg motor networks, rendering hind limb targeting robust against large changes in moment of inertia.
Deep vein thrombosis in medical and surgical Intensive Care Unit patients in a Tertiary Care Centre in North India: Incidence and risk factors

Background and Aims: Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis is underutilized, and there is a paucity of data reflecting the incidence of DVT in Indian Intensive Care Unit (ICU) population. We sought to evaluate the incidence and risk factors for DVT in medical and surgical ICU patients with DVT prophylaxis. Material and Methods: The ICU patients more than 18 years old, expected to be in the ICU for more than 48 h were enrolled and DVT prophylaxis were given as per risk and were observed for clinical signs of DVT along with duplex ultrasound until in ICU. The patients receiving anticoagulant for some other reasons were excluded along with those with pregnancy, congenital coagulation disorders and terminal illness. Results: The incidence of DVT was 0.8% (95% confidence interval: 0.78-0.81) in mixed populations (1.6% in medical and 0.5% in surgical). The higher DVT score (DVT (+) 10.75 ± 2.06/DVT (−) 8.75 ± 1.7 P = 0. 0264), Acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) IV score (DVT positive patient - DVT (+) 59.25 ± 15.06/DVT negative patients - DVT (−) 44.01 ± 13.74) P = 0. 0292), length of ICU stay ([DVT (+) 26.75 ± 12.87 days/DVT (−) 5.19 ± 6.18] P < 0.010), and inotropes (DVT (+) 50%/DVT (−) 12.3% P = 0. 023) were associated with DVT. Conclusion: The incidence of DVT was 0.8% with prophylaxis. High DVT and APACHE IV score were associated with DVT. Prolonged ICU stay and vasopressors were the risk factors.
Tranexamic acid in total hip arthroplasty saves blood and money

Background A blood transfusion is a costly transplantation of tissue that may endanger the health for the recipient. Blood transfusions are common after total hip arthroplasty. The total saving potential is substantial if the blood loss could be reduced. Studies on the use of tranexamic acid have shown interesting results, but its benefits in total hip arthroplasty have not yet been resolved. Patients and methods 100 patients receiving a total hip arthroplasty (THA) got a single injection of tranexamic acid (15 mg/kg) or placebo intravenously before the start of the operation. The study was double-blind and randomized. Total blood loss was calculated from the hemoglobin (Hb) balance. Volume and Hb con-centration of the drainage was measured 24 h after the operation. Intraoperative blood loss was estimated volumetrically and visually. Results The patients who received tranexamic acid (TA) bled less. The total blood loss was on average 0.97 L in the TA group and 1.3 L in the placebo group (p < 0.001). 8/47 (0.2) in the TA group were given blood transfusion versus 23/53 (0.4) in the placebo group (p = 0.009). Drainage volume and drainage Hb concentration were less in the TA group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001). No thromboembolic complications occurred. Interpretation Considering the cost of blood and tranexamic acid only, use of the drug would save EUR 47 Euro per patient. We recommend a preoperative single dose of tranexamic acid for standard use in THA.
The population genetics of mutations: good, bad and indifferent

Population genetics is fundamental to our understanding of evolution, and mutations are essential raw materials for evolution. In this introduction to more detailed papers that follow, we aim to provide an oversight of the field. We review current knowledge on mutation rates and their harmful and beneficial effects on fitness and then consider theories that predict the fate of individual mutations or the consequences of mutation accumulation for quantitative traits. Many advances in the past built on models that treat the evolution of mutations at each DNA site independently, neglecting linkage of sites on chromosomes and interactions of effects between sites (epistasis). We review work that addresses these limitations, to predict how mutations interfere with each other. An understanding of the population genetics of mutations of individual loci and of traits affected by many loci helps in addressing many fundamental and applied questions: for example, how do organisms adapt to changing environments, how did sex evolve, which DNA sequences are medically important, why do we age, which genetic processes can generate new species or drive endangered species to extinction, and how should policy on levels of potentially harmful mutagens introduced into the environment by humans be determined?
Silence and Censure: A Qualitative Analysis of Young Adults’ Reflections on Communication With Parents Prior to First Sex

Seventy-four first- and second-year students, participating in focus groups at a northeastern U.S. university, discussed recollections of messages received at home, prior to sexual debut, about sex and sexuality. Responses were categorized as Characteristics of Communication (nature of interactions participants had at home about sexuality) and Major Message Content (actual themes of those conversations). Commonly reported characteristics were trouble talking with parents; most conversations happened with mothers; participants feared parents’ reactions; and among lesbian, gay, bisexual groups, feared parents’ discovering their nonheterosexual orientation. Commonly reported message content included use protection and, among women, wait. Women reported messages that were at best, mixed, and at worst, threatening or moralistic. Men reported fewer conversations, and those recalled were more neutral or encouraging, especially from fathers. Parental messages to males and females differed qualitatively, reflected stereotypical assumptions about gender roles, desire, and appropriate conditions under which to have sex, and lacked support for nonheterosexual orientations.
Review: neuronal injury in HIV infection.

The National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has a major commitment to the study of neurological disorders in patients infected by HIV. As a consequence, the NINDS has sponsored a series of symposia during which a small group of experts are invited to explore topics of specific importance to the field on neuroAIDS. ‘The NINDS HIV Therapies Workshop’ (1996) included a review of the natural history of neurological disease in HIV infection in the setting of available therapies and the challenge to develop improved treatments for peripheral and central nervous system disorders. The purpose of the NINDS AIDS Program panel: ‘CNS as HIV Reservoir: BBB and Drug Delivery’ (1998) was to bring together and to provide cross-fertilization of neuro-AIDS commmunity representatives and nationally and internationally recognized authorities on the blood-brain barrier and pharmacodynamics to discuss drug delivery to the nervous system and the central nervous system as the HIV sanctuary. The current NINDS AIDS Progam panel, ‘Neuronal Injury in HIV Infection’ (1999), dedicated review sessions and discussions to neuronal injury and death in HIV infection, cell death mechanisms, signals of nerve cell injury, and clinical applications of the basic research. Neuronal injury underlies the clinical symptomatology of HIV-associated dementia (HIV-D) and is well documented in human disease, in animal models of HIV infection, and in cell culture experiments. This review summarizes the presentations of the ‘Neuronal Injury in HIV Infection’ (1999) panel; lists its participants and invited guests; and includes the submitted abstracts, listed in alphabetical order. To provide continuity, this report is preceded by a short summary of the immediate past NINDS AIDS Program Panel (NAPP) held in 1998.
Duplex RNA activated ATPases (DRAs)

Double-stranded RNAs are an important class of functional macromolecules in living systems. They are usually found as part of highly specialized intracellular machines that control diverse cellular events, ranging from virus replication, antiviral defense, RNA interference, to regulation of gene activities and genomic integrity. Within different intracellular machines, the RNA duplex is often found in association with specific RNA-dependent ATPases, including Dicer, RIG-I and DRH-3 proteins. These duplex RNA-activated ATPases represent an emerging group of motor proteins within the large and diverse super family 2 nucleic acid-dependent ATPases (which are historically defined as SF2 helicases). The duplex RNA-activated ATPases share characteristic molecular features for duplex RNA recognition, including motifs (e.g., motifs IIa and Vc) and an insertion domain (HEL2i), and they require double-strand RNA binding for their enzymatic activities. Proteins in this family undergo large conformational changes concomitant with RNA binding, ATP binding and ATP hydrolysis in order to achieve their functions, which include the release of signaling domains and the recruitment of partner proteins. The duplex RNA-activated ATPases represent a distinct and fascinating group of nanomechanical molecular motors that are essential for duplex RNA sensing and processing in diverse cellular pathways.
The Effect of Delivery Method on Strategy and Conceptual Development Technical Report AI 04-318 , December 2004

In order to develop intellectual expertise, the student needs to learn how to perform sophisticated pattern identification, and to employ effective study and test taking strategies. These cognitive requirements are complex and analytical. In order to help students succeed in their chosen field, we need to better understand how instruction can best help develop these meta-cognitive skills. This paper reports the results of a study in which novices attempted to categorize calculus integration problems in one of three delivery methods (Drill and Test, Fully Integrated, Incremental Learning). The results demonstrate that Incremental Learners develop the most effective study and test taking strategies, have the best conceptual development, and have the most positive reactions to learning. The results, together with a previously reported computational study, confirm that Incremental Learners develop the best meta-cognitive attributes necessary for expertise.
Moral judgment modulation by disgust is bi-directionally moderated by individual sensitivity

Modern theories of moral judgment predict that both conscious reasoning and unconscious emotional influences affect the way people decide about right and wrong. In a series of experiments, we tested the effect of subliminal and conscious priming of disgust facial expressions on moral dilemmas. “Trolley-car”-type scenarios were used, with subjects rating how acceptable they found the utilitarian course of action to be. On average, subliminal priming of disgust facial expressions resulted in higher rates of utilitarian judgments compared to neutral facial expressions. Further, in replication, we found that individual change in moral acceptability ratings due to disgust priming was modulated by individual sensitivity to disgust, revealing a bi-directional function. Our second replication extended this result to show that the function held for both subliminally and consciously presented stimuli. Combined across these experiments, we show a reliable bi-directional function, with presentation of disgust expression primes to individuals with higher disgust sensitivity resulting in more utilitarian judgments (i.e., number-based) and presentations to individuals with lower sensitivity resulting in more deontological judgments (i.e., rules-based). Our results may reconcile previous conflicting reports of disgust modulation of moral judgment by modeling how individual sensitivity to disgust determines the direction and degree of this effect.
Analysis of composition techniques for combinational switching functions using reduced ordered Binary Decision Diagrams (ROBDDs)

Binary decision diagrams (BDDs) provide a canonical and compact representation of Boolean functions. The canonical property makes it possible to easily detect many useful properties of Boolean functions such as size of the support set, symmetry between variables etc. Furthermore, BDDs compact representation coupled with the use of data structures for caching intermediate computations allows the effective implementation of many Boolean operations. In this paper, we present a new methodology and implementation details of the composition techniques of two combinational switching functions using reduced ordered binary decision diagrams ROBDDs. For instance, given two switching functions A and B, we present the composition formulas AnlandB,A or B,ArarrB etc using ROBDDs. In this regard, we have used the concept of Shannonpsilas expansion to directly build ROBDDs. An adequate number of examples have been used to make our method clear.
Granulocyte colony stimulating factor treatment of resistant thin endometrium in women with frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to assess the granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) effect on unresponsive thin (<7 mm) endometrium in women undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer at the blastocyst stage. A total of 62 women with thin unresponsive endometrium were included in the study, of which, 29 received a G-CSF infusion and 33 who opted out of the study served as controls. Patients in both groups had similar endometrial thickness at the time of the initial evaluation: 6.50 mm (5.50-6.80) in the G-CSF and 6.40 mm (5.50-7.0) in the control group. However, after the infusion endometrial thickness increased significantly in the G-CSF group in comparison with the controls (p=0.01), (Δ) 0.5 (0.02-1.2) (p=0.005). In the G-CSF group endometrium expanded to 7.90 mm (6.58-8.70) while in the control group to 6.90 mm (6.0-7.75). Five women in each group conceived. The clinical pregnancy rate was 5/29 (17.24%) in the G-CSF treated group and 5/33 (15.15%) in the control group (p>0.05). The live birth rate was 2/29 (6.89%) in the G-CSF group and 2/33 (6.06%) in the control group (p>0.05). We concluded that G-CSF infusion leads to an improvement in endometrium thickness but not to any improvement in the clinical pregnancy and live birth rates. Until more data is available G-CSF treatment should be considered to be of limited value in increasing pregnancy rate. Abbreviations: G-CSF: granulocyte colony-stimulating factor; M-CSF: macrophagecolony-stimulating factor; GM-CSF: granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor; FET: frozen embryo transfer; IVF: in vitro fertilization
Toward Industrial Democracy: Management and Workers in Modern Japan.

Personally, I found Odaka's treatment of alternative theories of national development to be the most illuminating part of the book. He argues rather convincingly that neither the theory of "uniform development" (inevitable evolution toward modernism) nor that of "pluralistic industrialism" (a logic of industrialism that develops differentially across nations) really explains the Japanese situation.
Rat CRM1 Is Responsible for the Poor Activity of Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus Type 1 Rex Protein in Rat Cells

ABSTRACT Rat models of human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1)-related diseases such as adult T-cell leukemia and HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis have been reported. However, these models do not completely reproduce human diseases partly because HTLV-1 replicates poorly in rats. We investigated here the possible reason for this. We found that the activity of Rex in rat cells is quite low compared to that in human cells. As Rex function depends largely on the CRM1 protein, whose human type (human CRM1 [hCRM1]) directly binds to Rex and exports it from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, we assessed whether rat CRM1 (rCRM1) could act as well as hCRM1 as a cofactor for Rex activity. We first cloned a cDNA encoding rCRM1 and found that both rCRM1 and hCRM1 could bind to and export Rex protein to the cytoplasm with similar efficiencies. However, unlike hCRM1, rCRM1 could hardly support Rex function because of its poor ability in inducing the Rex-Rex interaction required for RNA export into the cytoplasm. These observations suggest that the poor ability of rCRM1 to act as a cofactor for Rex function may be responsible for the poor replication of HTLV-1 in rats.
Effect of heme oxygenase-1 on vascular function and disease.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Heme oxygenase-1 apart from converting heme to carbon monoxide, iron and biliverdin has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic and antioxidant actions. The present review summarizes the most recent studies about heme oxygenase-1 involvement in atherosclerosis, neovascularization and endothelial progenitor cells biology. RECENT FINDINGS Heme oxygenase-1 has been shown to be protective against atherosclerosis via decreasing ROS generation and proinflammatory cytokine production resulting in diminished lipid uptake and foam cell formation. Moreover, heme oxygenase-1 role in neovascularization and its involvement in response of endothelial progenitor cells to stromal cell derived factor-1 as well as endothelial cells to vascular endothelial growth factor has been stressed, recently. The detailed mechanisms of heme oxygenase-1 action in the processes of vasculogenesis and angiogenesis as well as the involvement of Nrf2 and KLF2 transcription factors in heme oxygenase-1-dependent vascular protection are among the subjects most intensively studied, currently. SUMMARY Recent studies underscore the critical role of heme oxygenase-1 in neovascularization, implicating heme oxygenase-1 as an attractive therapeutic target for treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Active VSG Expression Sites in Trypanosoma brucei Are Depleted of Nucleosomes

ABSTRACT African trypanosomes regulate transcription differently from other eukaryotes. Most of the trypanosome genome is constitutively transcribed by RNA polymerase II (Pol II) as large polycistronic transcription units while the genes encoding the major surface proteins are transcribed by RNA polymerase I (Pol I). In bloodstream form Trypanosoma brucei, the gene encoding the variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) coat is expressed in a monoallelic fashion from one of about 15 VSG bloodstream form expression sites (BESs). Little is known about the chromatin structure of the trypanosome genome, and the chromatin state of active versus silent VSG BESs remains controversial. Here, we determined histone H3 occupancy within the genome of T. brucei, focusing on active versus silent VSG BESs in the bloodstream form. We found that histone H3 was most enriched in the nontranscribed 50-bp and 177-bp repeats and relatively depleted in Pol I, II, and III transcription units, with particular depletion over promoter regions. Using two isogenic T. brucei lines containing marker genes in different VSG BESs, we determined that histone H3 is 11- to 40-fold depleted from active VSG BESs compared with silent VSG BESs. Quantitative PCR analysis of fractionated micrococcal nuclease-digested chromatin revealed that the active VSG BES is depleted of nucleosomes. Therefore, in contrast to earlier views, nucleosome positioning appears to be involved in the monoalleleic control of VSG BESs in T. brucei. This may provide a level of epigenetic regulation enabling bloodstream form trypanosomes to efficiently pass on the transcriptional state of active and silent BESs to daughter cells.
Visualizing linguistic and cultural differences using Web co-link data

The study examined Web co-links to Canadian university Web sites. Multidimensional scaiing (MDS) was used to analyze and visualize co-link data as was done in co-citation analysis. Co-link data were collected in ways that would reflect three different views, the global view, the French Canada view, and the English Canada view. Mapping results of the three data sets accurately reflected the ways Canadians see the universities and clearly showed the linguistic and cultural differences within Canadian society. This shows that Web co-linking is not a random phenomenon and that co-link data contain useful information for Web data mining. It is proposed that the method developed in the study can be applied to other contexts such as analyzing relationships of different organizations or countries. This kind of research is promising because of the dynamics and the diversity of the Web.
Detecting Botnets Using Hidden Markov Models on Network Traces

One of the most prevalent problems in modern internet security is the botnet – large numbers of computers running the same malicious, self-propagating program without their users' knowledge. Bot programs communicate with their (human) botmaster, who can command them to stage distributed denial of service attacks, send spam, commit click fraud, send back user passwords, or any number of other illicit actions [1, 6, 10, 11, 14]. The analysis of bots and botnets is still a relatively new field. One may observe that if most of the bots in a botnet can be identified, and if the necessary communication with the botmaster can be blocked, the botnet loses its power [6]. This paper presents a new approach of identifying botnets using data from captured network packets by modeling the network with a Hidden Markov Model (HMM) and then comparing HMMs generated this way to detect covert coordination between computers.
Development and Validation of a Brief Self-Report Measure of Agitation: The Brief Agitation Measure

Emerging evidence indicates that agitation is an ominous precursor to imminent death by suicide, yet measures of it are few, and to our knowledge, no self-report measure of agitation exists. To fill this gap, we have developed the Brief Agitation Measure (BAM), which is designed as a brief measure to assess agitation. In this article, we provide preliminary evidence from 2 studies examining the reliability and validity of the BAM in an undergraduate sample as well as a clinical sample. We close with a discussion of the limitations of the studies and implications of our findings.