Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of Attention as Near Saddle-Node Bifurcation Behavior

In consideration of attention as a means for goal-directed behavior in non-stationary environments, we argue that the dynamics of attention should satisfy two opposing demands: long-term maintenance and quick transition. These two characteristics are contradictory within the linear domain. We propose the near saddle-node bifurcation behavior of a sigmoidal unit with self-connection as a candidate of dynamical mechanism that satisfies both of these demands. We further show in simulations of the 'bug-eat-food' tasks that the near saddle-node bifurcation behavior of recurrent networks can emerge as a functional property for survival in non-stationary environments.
Empirical or unconscious reduction of the secondary immunosuppressive drug concomitantly with intended calcineurin inhibitor reduced exposure to improve kidney graft function can be followed by antibody mediated rejections

To the Editor: During the first years of the past decade, the progressive deterioration of glomerular filtration rates (GFR) in kidney allografts was mainly attributed to chronic calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) toxicity (1). Shortly thereafter, as CNI tapering became more common, an epidemic outbreak of antibody-mediated rejections (AMR) began, mainly in its chronic form. A decade later, chronic AMR had replaced CNI toxicity as the main culprit of graft failures (1). The causes of AMR were suspected to be either poor immunosuppressive (IS) treatment compliance in patients or iatrogenic IS modifications by physicians, especially regarding minimization or withdrawal of CNI (1). However, little to no emphasis has been put on the secondary IS agent, especially mycophenolic acid (MPA) derivatives, maybe because most physicians could consider that MPA behaves in a “binary way,” granting all of its benefits regardless of the prescribed doses and that a decreased dose is immunologically innocuous. This, as I will try to argue, may not be the case. Mycophenolic acid compounds show poor and nonlinear correlations between doses, drug exposures and pharmacodynamics (2). Moreover, MPA exposure decreases as patients become fatter (2) and as attending transplant physicians reduce the clinical trial tested and FDA approved dose of 2 g/d of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) or 1.44 g/d of sodium MPA, be it due to empirical reasons or because of adverse events, to even less than half 12 months after the transplant (3). All of these factors certainly can threaten an adequate MPA drug exposure and IS effect. After the attention given to CNI toxicity (1), the tendency has been to attempt to reduce CNI exposure, although with less consideration towards maintaining the approved MPA dosing. However, several prospective observational trials have shown that MMF doses are inversely correlated to both histological chronicity indexes in graft biopsies and GFR (4, 5). Furthermore, lower MMF doses can also deteriorate the allograft function in patients subject to optimal treatments with tacrolimus, as published by Staatz (2). On the contrary, maintaining full MPA doses allows for a safe reduction in CNI exposure without increasing acute rejection episode rates (2). The purpose of this analysis is to warn the transplant community that an unwise and unconscious decision to reduce MPA doses alongside CNI exposure with the intention of improving GFR could result, in fact, in an undesired AMR.
The Impact of Hemodialysis on Spatio-Temporal Characteristics of Gait and Role of Exercise: A Systematic Review

Background: People with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) on hemodialysis (HD) commonly have functional impairments. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the effect of HD on spatio-temporal characteristics of gait, and effect of exercise on these parameters. Methods: Electronic databases were searched to identify relevant citations. Extracted data was computed using a random effects model for means (Hedges’ and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: 27 studies met inclusion criteria. Mean values: gait speed (GS)—1.0 m/s (CI: 0.9–1.1 m/s; 16 studies), fast walking speed (FWS)—1.5 m/s (CI: 1.3–1.6 m/s; 7 studies), timed get-up & go test (TUG) —6.8 s (CI: 6.1–7.5 s; 2 studies), walk tests (WT) 193.0 s (CI: 116.0–270.0; 5 studies), 6 min-walk-test (6MWT)—386.6 m (CI: 243.2–530.0 m; 11 studies). 4 studies compared participants on HD with normal controls and 10 studies evaluated the effect of nutrition/exercise. Conclusions: Compared to age-matched populations, people with ESKD/HD had significantly slower GS and reduced walk distances; with intervention, the change in the distance walked was significant. Further research is required to evaluate the effect of HD on gait parameters, and the type of exercise/nutrition that will lead to meaningful changes.
Prony's method versus FFT for analyzing power converters signals

This paper compares the Prony's method and the fast Fourier transform (FFT), for analyzing signals of power electronic devices, particularly power converters. The theoretical features of both techniques are analyzed and their differences are highlighted. The two techniques have been applied to synthetic signals that emulate converter signals. The results show that Prony is a good alternative when one is dealing with short-time windows of analyzed signals although is sensitive to noise
Hunter-Gatherers: Archaeological and Evolutionary Theory

1 * Progressive Social Evolution and Hunter-Gatherers. - 2 * The History of Americanist Hunter-Gatherer Research. - 3 * Middle-Range Theory and Hunter-Gatherers. - 4 * Hunter-Gatherers as Optimal Foragers. - 5 * More Complex Models of Optimal Behavior among Hunter-Gatherers. - 6 * Marxist and Structural Marxist Perspectives of Hunter-Gatherers. - 7 * Neo-Darwinian Theory and Hunter-Gatherers. - 8 * Hunter-Gatherers and Neo-Darwinian Cultural Transmission. - 9 * Hunter-Gatherers: Problems in Theory. - References.
Evaluation of customized employment in building the capacity of the workforce development system

The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) of 1998 established a national system to meet the needs of businesses and job seekers through a one-stop system of employment services, job training, and education (16). Although one of the principles of WIA is universal access, it is generally acknowledged that the workforce development system does not yet have the capacity to fully meet the complex needs of people with disabilities. The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) in the United States Department of Labor is the federal agency assigned to address this issue. Consequently, ODEP initiated the ODEP Demonstration Program to improve the capacity of the One-Stop system to meet the needs of people with disabilities through a customized approach to employment in an adult targeted program. This paper describes the evaluation of the ODEP Demonstration Program. Westat, a private research firm in Rockville, Maryland, conducted an independent evaluation of the program for ODEP. A one-group pretest-posttest study design was used to assess changes to the workforce development system, employment, and employment retention among program participants. Initial and followup site visits were conducted at 31 demonstration sites to examine program implementation and systems change outcomes over time. Quantitative data were also collected from study sites to examine competitive employment and retention rates, as well as demographic and work-related characteristics (e.g., employment history, need for supervision) and program services received by program participants. This study shows that it is feasible to deliver a customized employment approach to people with disabilities as part of the WIA One-Stop system and to build and sustain the capacity of the workforce development system through training, physical and programmatic accessibility improvements, and improved coordination of services. Since some factors were strong predictors of whether or not individuals retain their jobs and earn a living wage (e.g., individualized services, type of disability, previous work experience, years of education), we conclude that continued policy and research efforts are necessary to customize supports and services so the One-Stop system will truly achieve universal accessibility.
Synaptic organization of the vertebrate retina: general principles and species-specific variations: the Friedenwald lecture.

One of the most striking features of the vertebrates is that their retinal structures are remarkably similar, as recognized by Ramon y Cajal over 100 years ago.1 All vertebrates have two types of photoreceptors, rods and cones, with a ubiquitous molecular cascade underlying phototransduction in the outer segments of both cell types.2,3 Five major types of second-/third-order retinal neurons are found in all vertebrate species: bipolar cells (BCs, including the hyperpolarizing and depolarizing BCs, HBCs, and DBCs), horizontal cells (HCs), amacrine cells (ACs), interplexiform cells (IPCs), and ganglion cells (GCs). 4 The neuronal somas are located in three nuclear layers, and their axonal and dendritic processes form complex and orderly networks of chemical and electrical synapses in two (outer and inner) plexiform layers (OPL and IPL). 1 During the past few decades, detailed studies on synaptic connectivity and functional pathways in the retina have been performed in many species, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and humans. Results from these studies indicate that retinal synapses are organized in an intricate and orderly fashion, to efficiently process visual signals,4,5 and that synaptic pathways in the retina are arranged according to several general, cross-species principles.6,7 These principles dictate how retinal neurons are connected, synapses are formed, and various synaptic pathways are used to process different attributes of visual stimuli. Since not every type of retinal cell in every vertebrate is equally accessible for experimentation, identifying cross-species, general synaptic principles is important, not only to unravel how the first stages of the visual system operate, but also to facilitate our understanding of retinal function and dysfunction in less accessible animals, especially in humans. In this article, I shall discuss several general principles of synaptic organization in the vertebrate retina and their roles in visual information processing. Moreover, I will briefly mention several species-specific variations in retinal synaptic organization, but because of the space limitation, I will focus on the mammalian-specific AII amacrine cell (AIIAC) pathway.
Single DC/AC CCFL Inverter for Large Size LCD TV with Burst Control

Currently, dual AC voltage sources are used in the large size LCDTV to drive long and straight CCFLs. These dual AC voltage sources are out-off phase and are applied to the two sides of CCFL to overcome non-uniformity problem. But, higher cost is the penalty of this solution. This paper presents a novel CCFL inverter driver technology for large size LCDTV. The proposed burst control technology is capable to driving 950mm length or even longer CCFL by single voltage source. The luminance of lamp output is above 80% uniformity. Due to the negative incremental resistance of the CCFL, the leakage current flowing through the parasitic capacitor can be efficiently reduced with the proposed control scheme. Finally, a 42-inch LCD TV CCFL inverter is implemented experimentally to demonstrate the high efficacy and uniform luminance of the backlight system
In the Name of the Client: The Service Ethic in Two Professional Services Firms

In this article we explore how notions of the client and client service are constructed within two `Big 5' professional services firms. Drawing upon a range of qualitative materials, we argue that the client is a central term in the socialization of trainee accountants within these firms and the emergence of their professional identities. We illustrate this with reference to recruitment, appraisal and daily work practices. We then move on to consider the power effects of a discourse that privileges the client in this way by attending to what is `written out' of such a discourse. We suggest that management control, friends, family and the profit motive are all written out. However, we also point to what such a discourse enables, both materially and symbolically, for the trainees in the study.
Family and Residential Instability in the Context of Paternal and Maternal Incarceration

This study contributes to research on the effects of parental incarceration on youth, using quantitative and qualitative social file data among a sample of youth referred to an urban juvenile court. The authors expand on prior research by highlighting the role of the “unstable family” before and after parental incarceration, looking specifically at changes in guardianship status and residential instability. Maternal incarceration was significantly related to rearrest among youth, and residential instability that occurred following both maternal and paternal incarceration was significantly associated with rearrest. Results underscore the need for more nuanced research on the dynamic relation among family situational factors, paternal and maternal incarceration, and continued involvement of youth in the juvenile justice system.
Injuries affect team performance negatively in professional football: an 11-year follow-up of the UEFA Champions League injury study

Background The influence of injuries on team performance in football has only been scarcely investigated. Aim To study the association between injury rates and team performance in the domestic league play, and in European cups, in male professional football. Methods 24 football teams from nine European countries were followed prospectively for 11 seasons (2001–2012), including 155 team-seasons. Individual training and match exposure and time-loss injuries were registered. To analyse the effect of injury rates on performance, a Generalised Estimating Equation was used to fit a linear regression on team-level data. Each team's season injury rate and performance were evaluated using its own preceding season data for comparison in the analyses. Results 7792 injuries were reported during 1 026 104 exposure hours. The total injury incidence was 7.7 injuries/1000 h, injury burden 130 injury days lost/1000 h and player match availability 86%. Lower injury burden (p=0.011) and higher match availability (p=0.031) were associated with higher final league ranking. Similarly, lower injury incidence (p=0.035), lower injury burden (p<0.001) and higher match availability (p<0.001) were associated with increased points per league match. Finally, lower injury burden (p=0.043) and higher match availability (p=0.048) were associated with an increase in the Union of European Football Association (UEFA) Season Club Coefficient, reflecting success in the UEFA Champions League or Europa League. Conclusions Injuries had a significant influence on performance in the league play and in European cups in male professional football. The findings stress the importance of injury prevention to increase a team's chances of success.
Foods and Food Groups Associated With the Incidence of Colorectal Polyps: The Adventist Health Study

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer death in the United States. The majority of CRC arise in adenomatous polyps and 25–35% of colon adenoma risk could be avoidable by modifying diet and lifestyle habits. We assessed the association between diet and the risk of self-reported physician-diagnosed colorectal polyps among 2,818 subjects who had undergone colonoscopy. Subjects participated in 2 cohort studies: the AHS-1 in 1976 and the AHS-2 from 2002–2005. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the period risk of incident cases of polyps; 441 cases of colorectal polyps were identified. Multivariate analysis adjusted by age, sex, body mass index, and education showed a protective association with higher frequency of consumption of cooked green vegetables (OR 1 time/d vs. <5/wk = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.59–0.97) and dried fruit (OR 3+ times/wk vs. <1 time/wk = 0.76, 95%CI = 0.58–0.99). Consumption of legumes at least 3 times/wk reduced the risk by 33% after adjusting for meat intake. Consumption of brown rice at least 1 time/wk reduced the risk by 40%. These associations showed a dose-response effect. High frequency of consumption of cooked green vegetables, dried fruit, legumes, and brown rice was associated with a decreased risk of colorectal polyps.
The use of medications with known or potential anticholinergic activity in patients with dementia receiving cholinesterase inhibitors.

OBJECTIVES To assess the prevalence of prescribed medications with anticholinergic activity given concurrently with acetylcholinesterase-inhibitor therapy in long-term care residents with dementia and to recommend dose adjustment or discontinuation of these medications with anticholinergic activity. DESIGN Prospective case series. SETTING Long-term care facilities in Indiana. PATIENTS Geriatric residents in long-term care facilities were included if they were receiving both an agent with anticholinergic activity as determined by radioreceptor assay and an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. INTERVENTIONS Recommendations were made to the resident's physician suggesting substitution, dose reduction, or discontinuation of the agent with anticholinergic activity. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The number of residents with a recommended change in their anticholinergic medication regimen as a result of the consultant pharmacist's recommendation. RESULTS Of the 2,021 long-term care residents evaluated, 498 (25%) were receiving an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. Of the 498 residents receiving acetylcholinesterase inhibitor therapy, 103 (20.7%) were receiving concurrent medications with anticholinergic activity. The most commonly prescribed medication with anticholinergic activity was furosemide, an agent with "possible" or low anticholinergic effects. One hundred forty-six medications with anticholinergic activity were used in these 103 residents. Overall, adjustments to the agents with anticholinergic activity were completed in 24 (16.4%) cases. The majority of medications prescribed had "possible" anticholinergic activity (62.3%) compared with those prescribed with "definite" anticholinergic activity (37.7%). No medication dose adjustments or discontinuations were frequent, regardless of whether the medication was deemed to have "definite" (29.1%) or "possible" (31.9%) anticholinergic activity. Medication changes or discontinuations occurred in 13 (23.6%) agents with "definite" and 11 (12.1%) agents with "possible" anticholinergic activity. CONCLUSIONS Medications with anticholinergic activity may interfere with the beneficial effects of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Attention should be placed, however, on agents with moderate or strong anticholinergic activity or the use of multiple medications with anticholinergic activity. Health care providers should consider the risk versus benefit of using agents with anticholinergic activity in someone with cognitive impairment receiving an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor.
Reaching and Grasping Strategies in Hemiparetic Patients

The present study quantified reaching movements in 17 patients with vascular hemiplegia at various stages of recovery and 6 control subjects. The task involved grasping a light cone placed at one of seven positions on a baseboard. 3D analysis of movement was performed. Quantification of the reaching movement in hemiparetic patients showed abnormal features that could be related either directly to the motor impairment or to two kinds of adaptation to the impairment: acquisition of a new motor coordination or acquisition of a new strategy. Two movement strategies were identified in hemiparetic patients. Patients with a predominantly proximal impairment slid their hands toward the target, thus making maximal use of the properties of the environment. Patients with a predominantly distal impairment made a downward grasping movement, which probably used the passive properties of the hand-object contact to ensure grasping. These features contribute to fulfillment of the goal and are thus consistent with the acqu.
Positive Development in Adolescence: The Development and Role of Intentional Self-Regulation

Adolescence is a period of marked change in the person’s cognitive, physical, psychological, and social development and in the individual’s relations with the people and institutions of the social world. These changes place adaptational demands on adolescents, ones involving relations between their actions upon the context and the action of the context on them, a bidirectional process that has been labeled developmental regulation. The attributes and means through which the adolescent contributes to such regulation may be termed self-regulation. This article differentiates between organismic and intentional self-regulation and examines the development of intentional self-regulation in adolescence, and the individual and contextual contributions to its development. The model of Selection, Optimization, and Compensation, developed by Paul Baltes, Margaret Baltes, and Alexandra Freund, is used as a means to conceptualize and index intentional self-regulation in adolescence. The relation between intentional self-regulation and positive development of youth is examined.
Étude du bruit dans une analyse M-bandes en arbre dual

In this work, we study the properties of an additive noise undergoing a dual-tree M -band wavelet analysis. We express the relationships governing noise coefficients both in the primal and the dual tree. The knowlegde of the noise statistical properties is particularly useful for the design of efficient denoising methods in the framework of a dual-tree wavelet analysis. Our main contribution consists in the computation of the resulting cross-correlation functions for several M -band wavelet families. More specifically, we show that pairwise coefficients, from the primal and the dual-tree resulting from a white noise decomposition, are uncorrelated. Yet, there exists a significant local correlation, whose extent depends on the choice of the wavelet pair.
Atenolol Renal Secretion Is Mediated by Human Organic Cation Transporter 2 and Multidrug and Toxin Extrusion Proteins

Atenolol is a β-blocker widely used in the treatment of hypertension. Atenolol is cleared predominantly by the kidney by both glomerular filtration and active secretion, but the molecular mechanisms involved in its renal secretion are unclear. Using a panel of human embryonic kidney cell lines stably expressing human organic cation transporter (hOCT) 1–3, human organic anion transporter (hOAT) 1, hOAT3, human multidrug and toxin extrusion protein (hMATE) 1, and hMATE2-K, we found that atenolol interacted with both organic cation and anion transporters. However, it is transported by hOCT1, hOCT2, hMATE1, and hMATE2-K, but not by hOCT3, hOAT1, and hOAT3. A detailed kinetic analysis coupled with absolute quantification of membrane transporter proteins by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry revealed that atenolol is an excellent substrate for the renal transporters hOCT2, hMATE1, and hMATE2-K. The Km values for hOCT2, hMATE1, and hMATE2-K are 280 ± 4, 32 ± 5, and 76 ± 14 μM, respectively, and the calculated turnover numbers are 2.76, 0.41, and 2.20 s−1, respectively. To demonstrate unidirectional transepithelial transport of atenolol, we developed and functionally validated a hOCT2/hMATE1 double-transfected Madin-Darby canine kidney cell culture model. Transwell studies showed that atenolol transport in the basal (B)-to-apical (A) direction is 27-fold higher than in the A-to-B direction, whereas its B-to-A/A-to-B transport ratio was only 2 in the vector-transfected control cells. The overall permeability of atenolol in the B-to-A direction in hOCT2/hMATE1 cells was 44-fold higher than in control cells. Together, our data support that atenolol tubular secretion is mediated through the hOCT2/hMATEs secretion pathway and suggest a significant role of organic cation transporters in the disposition of an important antihypertensive drug.