Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE EFFECTS OF SHORT‐TERM UNILATERAL AND BILATERAL LOWER‐BODY RESISTANCE TRAINING ON MEASURES OF STRENGTH AND POWER

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of short-term unilateral resistance training (UL) and bilateral resistance training (BL) with free weights on several tests of unilateral and bilateral lower-body strength and power in men and women. Thirty-eight untrained men and women (mean body mass 78.3 ± 21.47 kg; age 20.74 ± 2.6 years) completed the study. The groups trained 2 days per week for 8 weeks with free weights and 2 days per week for 5 of the 8 weeks with plyometric drills. The resistance-training program consisted of a progression from 3 sets of 15 repetitions at 50% of the subject's predicted 1 repetition maximum (1RM) to 6 sets of 5 repetitions at 87% 1RM. Training volume and intensity were equal for each group. The free-weight squat was used to measure unilateral and bilateral strength. Power was measured by the Magaria-Kalamen stair-climb test and the unilateral and bilateral vertical jump test. Analysis of covariance was used to analyze differences between men and women and the interaction of group and gender. Pretest scores were used as the covariate. The UL group improved more than the BL group on the unilateral vertical jump height (p = 0.001) and relative power (p = 0.013). After adjusting for pretest differences, the improved scores on all tests, except for the unilateral squat, were similar between the men and the women. No significant interactions on all tests were found for the men or women comparison between training groups. These results indicate that UL and BL are equally effective for early phase improvement of unilateral and bilateral leg strength and power in untrained men and women.
Genetic Basis of Inherited Macular Dystrophies and Implications for Stem Cell Therapy

Untreatable hereditary macular dystrophy (HMD) presents a major burden to society in terms of the resulting patient disability and the cost to the healthcare provision system. HMD results in central vision loss in humans sufficiently severe for blind registration, and key issues in the development of therapeutic strategies to target these conditions are greater understanding of the causes of photoreceptor loss and the development of restorative procedures. More effective and precise analytical techniques coupled to the development of transgenic models of disease have led to a prolific growth in the identification and our understanding of the genetic mutations that underly HMD. Recent successes in driving differentiation of pluripotent cells towards specific somatic lineages have led to the development of more efficient protocols that can yield enriched populations of a desired phenotype. Retinal pigmented epithelial cells and photoreceptors derived from these are some of the most promising cells that may soon be used in the treatment of specific HMD, especially since rapid developments in the field of induced pluripotency have now set the stage for the production of patient‐derived stem cells that overcome the ethical and methodological issues surrounding the use of embryonic derivatives. In this review we highlight a selection of HMD which appear suitable candidates for combinatorial restorative therapy, focusing specifically on where those photoreceptor loss occurs. This technology, along with increased genetic screening, opens up an entirely new pathway to restore vision in patients affected by HMD. STEM CELLS 2009;27:2833–2845
Automatic Structured Decomposition of Manufacturing Actions in an Agent-Based Manufacturing System

This paper describes how products definitions can be automatically decomposed, to be able to utilize a group of Reconfigurable Manufacturing Systems that offer generic and standardized services. This approach is performed by an agent-based architecture where all systems, both products and manufacturing systems, have an agent that represents them. This is seen as a new manufacturing paradigm, called Grid Manufacturing. Grids can ideally be set up in such a way that a range of products can be produced dynamically and in parallel, depending on the demand the logistic systems might even be configured in such a way that products can move freely between manufacturing systems to offer more flexibility. This paper describes the necessary steps for the decomposition of the product definition, the manufacturing process and the involved architecture. The chosen platforms to perform these tasks are Multi Agent Systems and Robot Operating System, to create a hybrid architecture that fully utilizes performance, stability and the dynamic behavior of these distributed platforms. As a result the manufacturing systems can easily be adapted to the current product demand, which shortens the time to market for new products and makes it easier to scale the production means. This is especially interesting for high mix, low volume production, which is becoming more important in the high-tech and creative industry.
The Effects of the Use of a Humanoid Robot on Social Engagement in Two Children with Autism

The Effects of the Use of a Robot during Intervention on Joint Attention in Children with Autism Aersta K. Acerson Department of Communication Disorders Master of Science This study examines the effects of intervention using a robot on the social interactions of two children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Robots have been shown to facilitate human-robot interaction in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, yet research has not fully investigated the use of robots to enhance interactions between children with ASD and human conversational partners. The purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of a low-dose intervention procedure using a robot to increase social engagement between each child and his communication partner. Although variable, results were promising and suggested that additional investigation is warranted.
A bovine model of a respiratory Parachlamydia acanthamoebae infection.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the pathogenicity of Parachlamydia (P.) acanthamoebae as a potential agent of lower respiratory tract disease in a bovine model of induced lung infection. Intrabronchial inoculation with P. acanthamoebae was performed in healthy calves aged 2-3 months using two challenge doses: 10(8) and 10(10) bacteria per animal. Controls received 10(8) heat-inactivated bacteria. Challenge with 10(8) viable Parachlamydia resulted in a mild degree of general indisposition, whereas 10(10) bacteria induced a more severe respiratory illness becoming apparent 1-2 days post inoculation (dpi), affecting 9/9 (100%) animals and lasting for 6 days. The extent of macroscopic pulmonary lesions was as high as 6.6 (6.0)% [median (range)] of lung tissue at 2-4 dpi and correlated with parachlamydial genomic copy numbers detected by PCR, and with bacterial load estimated by immunohistochemistry in lung tissue. Clinical outcome, acute phase reactants, pathological findings and bacterial load exhibited an initial dose-dependent effect on severity. Animals fully recovered from clinical signs of respiratory disease within 5 days. The bovine lung was shown to be moderately susceptible to P. acanthamoebae, exhibiting a transient pneumonic inflammation after intrabronchial challenge. Further studies are warranted to determine the precise pathophysiologic pathways of host-pathogen interaction.
Interactive Quantification of Categorical Variables in Mixed Data Sets

Data sets containing a combination of categorical and continuous variables (mixed data sets) are difficult to analyse since no generalized similarity measure exists for categorical variables. Quantification of categorical variables makes it possible to represent this type of data using techniques designed for numerical data. This paper presents a quantification process of categorical variables in mixed data sets that incorporates information on relationships among the continuous variables into the process, as well as utilizing the domain knowledge of a user. An interactive visualization environment using parallel coordinates as a visual interface is provided, where the user is able to control the quantification process and analyse the result. The efficiency of the approach is demonstrated using two mixed data sets.
Mortality from acute respiratory infections in children under 5 years of age: global estimates.

This article reports the findings of a study to determine the global magnitude of mortality from acute respiratory infections (ARIs) in children under 5. Although reliable data on the total number of deaths in children 0-4 years of age do not exist an estimate based on available demographic information has been calculated as a basis for reference purposes to provide a global estimate of ARI-related deaths. UNICEF publications present estimates on infant mortality together with other relevant indicators. Data on ARI-related mortality in children under 5 were tabulated for 39 countries reporting causes of death. Out of nearly 15 million children under 5 dying each year 4 million die of acute respiratory infection and 2/3 of both these figures are infants. More than 90% of all these deaths occur in developing countries where children under 5 represent about 15% of the total population and contribute to over 50% of all deaths. In all these countries ARIs together with diarrheal diseases and malnutrition constitute the main cause of high childhood mortality. This presents a strong rationale for fococusing the attention of the WHO ARI program on deaths among children under 5. It was found that childhood mortality was twice as high when mothers had no education compared to mothers with elementary education and 4 times as high when compared to mothers with 2ndary education. Among the 39 countries for which data were available for computation were: Canada and the US 11 Latin American countries 8 countries/regions from Asia Australia and New Zealand and 16 European countries. The total number of reported ARI-related deaths in the 39 countries was 111834 of which 74234 (66.4%) were in infants and 37600 (33.6%) in children 1-4 years old.
A Novel Member of the Leukocyte Receptor Complex Regulates Osteoclast Differentiation

Osteoclasts (OCs) are multinucleated cells that resorb bone and are essential for bone homeostasis. They develop from hematopoietic cells of the myelomonocytic lineage. OC formation requires cell-to-cell interactions with osteoblasts and can be achieved by coculturing bone marrow precursor cells with osteoblasts/stromal cells. Two of the key factors mediating the osteoblast-induced osteoclastogenesis are macrophage–colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) and the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family member TNF–related activation-induced cytokine (TRANCE) that are produced by osteoblasts/stromal cells in response to various bone resorbing hormones. In addition, other factors produced by osteoblasts/stromal cells further influence osteoclastogenesis. Here we report the identification and characterization of OC-associated receptor (OSCAR), a novel member of the leukocyte receptor complex (LRC)-encoded family expressed specifically in OCs. Genes in the LRC produce immunoglobulin (Ig)-like surface receptors and play critical roles in the regulation of both innate and adaptive immune responses. Different from the previously characterized members of the LRC complex, OSCAR expression is detected specifically in preosteoclasts or mature OCs. Its putative–ligand (OSCAR-L) is expressed primarily in osteoblasts/stromal cells. Moreover, addition of a soluble form of OSCAR in coculture with osteoblasts inhibits the formation of OCs from bone marrow precursor cells in the presence of bone-resorbing factors, indicating that OSCAR may be an important bone-specific regulator of OC differentiation. In addition, this study suggests that LRC-encoded genes may have evolved to regulate the physiology of cells beyond those of the immune system.
Ablation of TrkA function in the immune system causes B cell abnormalities

The nerve growth factor (NGF) receptor TrkA is widely expressed in non-neural tissues suggesting pleiotropic functions outside the nervous system. Based on pharmacological and immuno-depletion experiments, it has been hypothesized that NGF plays an important role in the normal development and function of the immune system. However, attempts to unravel these functions by conventional gene targeting in mice have been hampered by the early postnatal lethality caused by null mutations. We have developed a novel `reverse conditional' gene targeting strategy by which TrkA function is restored specifically in the nervous system. Mice lacking TrkA in non-neuronal tissues are viable and appear grossly normal. All major immune system cell populations are present in normal numbers and distributions. However, mutant mice have elevated serum levels of certain immunoglobulin classes and accumulate B1 cells with aging. These data, confirmed in a classical reconstitution model using embryonic fetal liver from TrkA-null mice, demonstrate that endogenous NGF modulates B cell development through TrkA in vivo. Furthermore, they demonstrate that many of the dramatic effects previously reported by pharmacological or immuno-depletion approaches do not reflect physiological developmental roles of TrkA in the immune system.
On the accuracy and complexity of rate-distortion models for fine-grained scalable video sequences

Rate-distortion (R-D) models are functions that describe the relationship between the bitrate and expected level of distortion in the reconstructed video stream. R-D models enable optimization of the received video quality in different network conditions. Several R-D models have been proposed for the increasingly popular fine-grained scalable video sequences. However, the models' relative performance has not been thoroughly analyzed. Moreover, the time complexity of each model is not known, nor is the range of bitrates in which the model produces valid results. This lack of quantitative performance analysis makes it difficult to select the model that best suits a target streaming system. In this article, we classify, analyze, and rigorously evaluate all R-D models proposed for FGS coders in the literature. We classify R-D models into three categories: analytic, empirical, and semi-analytic. We describe the characteristics of each category. We analyze the R-D models by following their mathematical derivations, scrutinizing the assumptions made, and explaining when the assumptions fail and why. In addition, we implement all R-D models, a total of eight, and evaluate them using a diverse set of video sequences. In our evaluation, we consider various source characteristics, diverse channel conditions, different encoding/decoding parameters, different frame types, and several performance metrics including accuracy, range of applicability, and time complexity of each model. We also present clear systematic ways (pseudo codes) for constructing various R-D models from a given video sequence. Based on our experimental results, we present a justified list of recommendations on selecting the best R-D models for video-on-demand, video conferencing, real-time, and peer-to-peer streaming systems.
Expression of ykdA, Encoding a Bacillus subtilis Homologue of HtrA, Is Heat Shock Inducible and Negatively Autoregulated

ABSTRACT There are three members of the HtrA family of serine proteases, YkdA, YvtA, and YyxA, encoded in the chromosome of Bacillus subtilis. In this study, we report on the promoter structure and regulation of ykdA expression. The ykdA gene is heat inducible, exhibiting a biphasic pattern of expression during a 60-min interval after heat shock. Increased expression after heat shock occurs at the transcriptional level. The heat-shock-inducible promoter has a single mismatch with a SigA-type −10 motif, but does not exhibit similarity to a SigA −35 region. There are six octamer repeats with a consensus TTTTCACA positioned at, and upstream of, the normal position of a −35 region. While repeats V and VI appear dispensable, repeat IV is essential for normal thermoinducible expression. This promoter structure is also found in the control region of yvtA, encoding a second member of this family of proteases. Expression of ykdA is negatively autoregulated both during the growth cycle and during heat shock. Our evidence suggests that YkdA protease activity is not required for this form of regulation. Null mutants of ykdA display increased tolerance to heat and are 80-fold more resistant to 10 mM hydrogen peroxide than wild-type cells. However, ykdA expression is not induced by hydrogen peroxide. These results indicate that the regulon to which YkdA belongs is linked to the oxidative stress response in B. subtilis.
Short-Term Facilitation may Stabilize Parametric Working Memory Trace

Networks with continuous set of attractors are considered to be a paradigmatic model for parametric working memory (WM), but require fine tuning of connections and are thus structurally unstable. Here we analyzed the network with ring attractor, where connections are not perfectly tuned and the activity state therefore drifts in the absence of the stabilizing stimulus. We derive an analytical expression for the drift dynamics and conclude that the network cannot function as WM for a period of several seconds, a typical delay time in monkey memory experiments. We propose that short-term synaptic facilitation in recurrent connections significantly improves the robustness of the model by slowing down the drift of activity bump. Extending the calculation of the drift velocity to network with synaptic facilitation, we conclude that facilitation can slow down the drift by a large factor, rendering the network suitable as a model of WM.
Effects of decision aids for menorrhagia on treatment choices, health outcomes, and costs: a randomized controlled trial.

CONTEXT Decision aids can increase patient involvement in treatment decision making. However, questions remain regarding their effects and cost implications. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of information, with and without a structured preference elicitation interview, on treatment choices, health outcomes, and costs. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A randomized controlled trial with 2 years of follow-up. Between October 1996 and February 1998, 894 women with uncomplicated menorrhagia were recruited from 6 hospitals in southwest England. Women were randomized to the control group, information alone group (information), or information plus interview group (interview). INTERVENTIONS Women in both intervention groups were sent an information pack (a booklet and complementary videotape) 6 weeks before their specialist consultation. Immediately before their consultation, women in the interview group underwent structured interview, to clarify and elicit their preferences. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Self-reported health status was the main outcome; secondary outcomes included treatments received and costs. Cost analyses adopted a UK health service (payer) perspective, and were based on patient-reported resource use data and are reported in 1999-2000 US dollars. RESULTS The interventions had no consistent effect on health status. Hysterectomy rates were lower for women in the interview group (38%) (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.38-0.96) than in the control group (48%) and women who received the information alone (48%) (adjusted OR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.33-0.82). The interview group had lower mean costs ($1566) than the control group ($2751) (mean difference, $1184; 95% CI, $684-$2110) and the information group $2026 (mean difference, $461; 95% CI, $236-$696). CONCLUSIONS Neither intervention had an effect on health status. Providing women with information alone did not affect treatment choices; however, the addition of an interview to clarify values and elicit preferences had a significant effect on women's management and resulted in reduced costs.
Phonology and Language Use

1. Language use as a part of linguistic theory 2. A usage-based model for phonology and morphology 3. The nature of lexical representation 4. Phonological processes, phonological patterns 5. The interaction of phonology with morphology 6. The units of storage and access: morphemes, words, and phrases 7. Constructions as processing units: the rise and fall of French liaison 8. Universals, synchrony and diachrony.
Accelerated restitution of endothelial integrity and endothelium-dependent function after phVEGF165 gene transfer.

BACKGROUND Delinquent reendothelialization (rET) has been shown to have a permissive, if not facilitatory, impact on smooth muscle cell proliferation. This inverse relation has been attributed to certain functions of the endothelium, including barrier regulation of permeability, thrombogenicity, and leukocyte adherence, as well as production of growth-inhibitory molecules. Accordingly, the present investigation was designed to test the hypothesis that an endothelial cell (EC) mitogen could serve as the basis for a novel gene therapy strategy designed to facilitate EC regeneration, reduce neointimal thickening, and promote recovery of EC dysfunction after balloon injury. METHODS AND RESULTS New Zealand White rabbits underwent simultaneous balloon injury and gene transfer of one femoral artery with phVEGF165, encoding the 165-amino acid isoform of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), or pGSVLacZ. In each animal transfected with phVEGF165 or pGSVLacZ, the contralateral femoral artery was also subjected to balloon injury but not to gene transfer. For pGSVLacZ, rET remained incomplete at 4 weeks after transfection; in contrast, phVEGF165 produced prompt rET, which was 95% complete by 1 week. Furthermore, rET in the contralateral, balloon-injured, nontransfected limb of the VEGF group was similarly accelerated. Consequently, intimal thickening was diminished, thrombotic occlusion was less frequent, and recovery of EC-dependent vasomotor reactivity was accelerated in VEGF transfectants compared with control animals. A similar benefit was observed for the contralateral, balloon-injured, nontransfected limb. CONCLUSIONS Catheter-mediated, site-specific arterial gene transfer of phVEGF165 can accelerate rET at local and remote sites, leading to inhibition of neointimal thickening, reduction in thrombogenicity, and restoration of endothelium-dependent vasomotor reactivity. These findings support the notion that gene transfer encoding for an EC-specific mitogen may be useful for preventing the complications, including restenosis, of balloon angioplasty.