Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Leg-adjustment strategies for stable running in three dimensions

The dynamics of the center of mass (CoM) in the sagittal plane in humans and animals during running is well described by the spring-loaded inverted pendulum (SLIP). With appropriate parameters, SLIP running patterns are stable, and these models can recover from perturbations without the need for corrective strategies, such as the application of additional forces. Rather, it is sufficient to adjust the leg to a fixed angle relative to the ground. In this work, we consider the extension of the SLIP to three dimensions (3D SLIP) and investigate feed-forward strategies for leg adjustment during the flight phase. As in the SLIP model, the leg is placed at a fixed angle. We extend the scope of possible reference axes from only fixed horizontal and vertical axes to include the CoM velocity vector as a movement-related reference, resulting in six leg-adjustment strategies. Only leg-adjustment strategies that include the CoM velocity vector produced stable running and large parameter domains of stability. The ability of the model to recover from perturbations along the direction of motion (directional stability) depended on the strategy for lateral leg adjustment. Specifically, asymptotic and neutral directional stability was observed for strategies based on the global reference axis and the velocity vector, respectively. Additional features of velocity-based leg adjustment are running at arbitrary low speed (kinetic energy) and the emergence of large domains of stable 3D running that are smoothly transferred to 2D SLIP stability and even to 1D SLIP hopping. One of the additional leg-adjustment strategies represented a large convex region of parameters where stable and robust hopping and running patterns exist. Therefore, this strategy is a promising candidate for implementation into engineering applications, such as robots, for instance. In a preliminary comparison, the model predictions were in good agreement with the experimental data, suggesting that the 3D SLIP is an appropriate model to describe human running in three dimensions. The prediction of stable running based on movement-related leg-adjustment strategies indicates that both humans and robots may not require external targets directing the movement to run in three dimensions based on compliant leg function. This new movement-based reference enables the control of 3D running because leg adjustment is less sensitive and gait stability is separated from directional stability.
Expression of a functional Kir4 family inward rectifier K+ channel from a gene cloned from mouse liver

1 A low stringency polymerase chain reaction (PCR) homology screening procedure was used to probe a mouse liver cDNA library to identify novel inward rectifier K+ channel genes. A single gene (mLV1) was identified that exhibited extensive sequence homology with previously cloned inward rectifier K+ channel genes. The mLV1 gene showed greatest sequence identity with genes belonging to the Kir4 subfamily. The amino acid sequence of mLV1 was 96 % identical to a Kir channel cloned from human kidney (hKir4.2), and ≈60 % identical to the Kir4.1 channel cloned from human and rat, so that mLV1 was classified as mKir4.2. 2 Xenopus oocytes injected with cRNA encoding mKir4.2 displayed a large inwardly rectifying K+ current, while control oocytes injected with H2O displayed no similar K+ current. The current was blocked by Ba2+ and Cs+ in a voltage‐dependent fashion and displayed inward rectification that was intermediate between that of the strong inward rectifier Kir2.1 and the weak inward rectifier Kir1.1. The current was weakly blocked by TEA in a voltage‐independent fashion. 3 mKir4.2 current was subject to modulation by several distinct mechanisms. Intracellular acidification decreased mKir4.2 current in a reversible fashion, while activation of protein kinase C decreased mKir4.2 current in a manner that was not rapidly reversible. Incubation of oocytes in elevated [K+] produced a slowly developing enhancement of current. 4 Oocytes co‐injected with cRNA for mKir4.2 and Kir5.1, a protein that does not form functional homomeric channels, displayed membrane currents with properties distinct from those expressing mKir4.2 alone. Co‐injected oocytes displayed larger currents than mKir4.2, with novel kinetic properties and an increased sensitivity to Ba2+ block at negative potentials, suggesting that mKir4.2 forms functional heteromultimeric channels with Kir5.1, as has been shown for Kir4.1 5 These results demonstrate for the first time that a Kir4.2 channel gene product forms functional channels in Xenopus oocytes, that these Kir channels display novel properties, and that Kir4.2 subunits may be responsible for physiological modulation of functional Kir channels.
Risk analysis and research based on IEEE 1588 in Smart high voltage substation

This paper describes the current Smart high voltage substation where Merging Units and other protection devices require high-precision time synchronization, and analyzes the time synchronization significant role in the Smart substation. With the expansion of the IEC 61850 standard in Smart substation automation applying, the IEEE 1588 which can achieve sub-microsecond level of accuracy seems to be a promising way to satisfy the synchronization requirements of Smart substation. The authors provide brief introduction to the time synchronization of Smart substation, then provide details of IEEE 1588 standard for precise time synchronization and describe the potential risks of the IEEE 1588 time synchronization system implemented in the Smart high voltage substation, and finally make a thorough research of the improved methods that have successfully applied in a 330kV Smart substation in the northwestern province of China.
Local adaptation and plasticity of Erysimum capitatum to altitude: its implications for responses to climate change

Alpine plants are at high risk because of climate change. Assessing the performance of alpine plant species across different altitudes is useful for predicting how they may respond to changing climate. Adaptation and plasticity of early life stages are of particular interest since seed germination and seedling establishment could be crucial life‐history stages for environmental tracking and population persistence of sexually reproducing plants. To evaluate past adaptation and the potential to accommodate future climate conditions, seeds and seedlings of Erysimum capitatum were reciprocally transplanted between alpine and low‐altitude sites. When grown in a common field environment, E. capitatum from alpine and lower‐altitude populations differed from each other in germination, size and morphological traits. Planting altitude also influenced those traits, indicating that population differentiation and plasticity to altitudinal conditions both contributed to differences in the performance of high‐ vs. low‐altitude plants. Seeds tended to germinate more in their native habitat than in the foreign habitat. Alpine plants survived more than low‐altitude plants at high altitude, and they suffered higher mortality when they were planted in low‐altitude sites. The production of multiple rosettes, a characteristic morphology of alpine E. capitatum, was negatively associated with survival at low altitude. In contrast to alpine populations, a survival advantage of low‐altitude populations in low‐altitude sites was not evident in this experiment. Synthesis. Because climate change is projected to cause alpine environments to become more similar to low‐altitude environments, alpine Erysimum capitatum is expected to suffer reduced seedling recruitment and higher mortality as a direct response to altered environment and possibly as a result of past adaptation to high altitude. In particular, the production of multiple rosettes, an adaptive trait to the current alpine environment, would constrain plant survival should those environments come to resemble low altitude. Moreover, the limited fitness advantage of low‐altitude E. capitatum in low‐altitude conditions suggests that environmental tracking by low‐altitude populations might have a limited role in maintaining future populations.
Factors affecting mode of delivery in a nullipara at term with singleton pregnancy and vertex presentation (NTSV)

Objective: To analyse the factors associated with Caesarean Section (CS) of Nulliparous, Term and Singleton pregnancies with Vertex presentation (NTSV) at a tertiary care hospital. Methods: In this unmatched retrospective case-control study, 212 NTSV patients were identified through computerized medical record systems; the data was collected through predesigned Performa by reviewing medical record charts. One hundred six CS and spontaneous vaginal deliveries (SVD) were taken as cases and controls. Results: The mean maternal age of cases (CS) was 26.64 (SD: 3.9) and of controls (SVD) was 26.7(SD: 3.9) years, whereas mean gestational age was 38.66±1.12 and 38.57±0.9 weeks for cases and controls respectively. Ninety per cent of women in the study group were delivered within 10 hours of active labour. Babies that weighed ≤3kg were 45% and >3kg were 55%. The possibility of being high risk was twice more among those delivered by CS. However, it was not statistically significant (p value 0.077). Labour was induced in 38% patients. The Odds of Induction of Labour (IOL) were two times more and delivering at night was three times more amongst CS. The likelihood of labour exceeding 10 hours was four times (81%) if the patient had a CS. Moreover 48% of the babies weighing >3kg were delivered through CS. Maternal age, high risk pregnancies, gender of baby and epidural analgesia were not statistically significant predictors of mode of delivery (MOD) in this study. Conclusion: Induction of Labour, night time delivery, prolonged labour and birth weight <3kg were found to be associated with the increased CS rate among NTSV. Therefore further research is required in order to address these factors and to reduce the increasing Caesarean Section.
[Studies on health effects of cadmium exposure in the general environment].

Effects of exposure to cadmium (Cd) in the general environment on health have been studied in several Cd-polluted areas in Japan. In this paper, results of investigations in the Kakehashi River basin, Ishikawa, a Cd-polluted area, are mainly reviewed as follows. 1. In an epidemiological study, prevalences of beta 2-microglobulinuria (beta 2-MG-uria) were 14. 3 and 18.7% in Cd-exposed men and women over 50 years of age, respectively, when a cutoff level of beta 2-MG of 1000 micrograms/g.cr. was used. These values are significantly high compared with those of nonexposed subjects. 2. Using several urinary indicators of renal function, such as alpha 1-microglobulin, N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase, human intestinal alkaline phosphatase, mucoprotein and albumin, levels of all indicators were significantly higher in Cd-exposed subjects than in nonexposed subjects. Furthermore, in a 5-year follow-up study, irreversibility of Cd-induced renal damage was shown after the level of beta 2-MG rose above 1000 micrograms/g.cr. 3. Exposure to Cd caused marked osteopenia, in particular in women, as assessed by microdensitometry, and this osteopenia was significantly associated with Cd-induced renal dysfunction. Serum 1 alpha, 25 dihydroxy-vitamin D levels were lower and serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were higher in Cd-exposed subjects with renal damage than in nonexposed subjects. We assume that disturbances in vitamin D and PTH metabolism may be one of the causative factors for Cd-induced bone damage. 4. The dose-response relationships between Cd exposure and renal dysfunction were assessed using several statistical methods such as simple linear regression, probit linear regression, logistic regression analysis and general linear models. The prevalences of beta 2-MG-uria or metallothioneinuria were employed as indices of health effects, while urinary Cd and total Cd intake was used as indicators of Cd exposure. As the biological threshold, urinary Cd concentrations were calculated to be 3.8-4.2 micrograms/g.cr. in men and 3.8-4.8 micrograms/g.cr. in women, and a maximum allowable intake of about 2 g Cd is considered to be a reasonable estimate for preventing Cd-induced renal dysfunction. 5. A significant association was found between urinary beta 2-MG and mortality in a 9-year follow-up study of 3178 Cd-exposed inhabitants, using Cox's proportional hazards model. Moreover, mortality rates increased in proportion to increases in the amount of urinary beta 2-MG excreted. These results suggest that the prognosis for Cd-exposed subjects with renal tubular dysfunction is unfavorable.
Intrinsic Transcriptional Activation-Inhibition Domains of the Polyomavirus Enhancer Binding Protein 2/Core Binding Factor α Subunit Revealed in the Presence of the β Subunit

ABSTRACT A member of the polyomavirus enhancer binding protein 2/core binding factor (PEBP2/CBF) is composed of PEBP2αB1/AML1 (as the α subunit) and a β subunit. It plays an essential role in definitive hematopoiesis and is frequently involved in the chromosomal abnormalities associated with leukemia. In the present study, we report functionally separable modular structures in PEBP2αB1 for DNA binding and for transcriptional activation. DNA binding through the Runt domain of PEBP2αB1 was hindered by the adjacent carboxy-terminal region, and this inhibition was relieved by interaction with the β subunit. Utilizing a reporter assay system in which both the α and β subunits are required to achieve strong transactivation, we uncovered the presence of transcriptional activation and inhibitory domains in PEBP2αB1 that were only apparent in the presence of the β subunit. The inhibitory domain keeps the full transactivation potential of full-length PEBP2αB1 below its maximum potential. Fusion of the transactivation domain of PEBP2αB1 to the yeast GAL4 DNA-binding domain conferred transactivation potential, but further addition of the inhibitory domain diminished the activity. These results suggest that the activity of the α subunit as a transcriptional activator is regulated intramolecularly as well as by the β subunit. PEBP2αB1 and the β subunit were targeted to the nuclear matrix via signals distinct from the nuclear localization signal. Moreover, the transactivation domain by itself was capable of associating with the nuclear matrix, which implies the existence of a relationship between transactivation and nuclear matrix attachment.
Drug-induced heart failure.

PURPOSE The published evidence on the role of various drugs and medication classes in causing or exacerbating heart failure (HF) is reviewed, with discussion of precautions and management strategies for use in clinical practice. SUMMARY A literature search was conducted to identify reports of new-onset HF and exacerbations of HF associated with medication use published from 1960 to January 2011. A large body of evidence from controlled clinical trials has led to an improved understanding of well-established causes of drug-induced HF symptoms (e.g., thiazolidinediones, certain older chemotherapy agents) while implicating a wide range of other commonly used drugs and drug classes (e.g., tyrosine kinase inhibitors, biological response modifiers) as having causal or contributory roles. Among the various medications cited in cases of drug-induced HF, some have been linked to significantly increased risks of stroke, myocardial infarction, and death, particularly in patients with existing cardiovascular (CV) disorders or CV risk factors. In recent years, postmarketing and surveillance data have linked a number of newer medications--including the antiarrhythmic dronedarone, the antifungal itraconazole, and the anti-cancer drugs trastuzumab, lapatinib, and bevacizumab--to serious cardiac effects not reported during clinical trials. CONCLUSION A variety of agents have been associated with drug-induced HF. Patients receiving agents that have been implicated in cases of new-onset HF or exacerbations of HF should be monitored for signs and symptoms of CV effects.
A sige-based 140-GHz four-channel radar sensor with digital beamforming capability

This paper presents a multi-channel radar sensor operating at 140 GHz. The sensor employs fundamental-wave SiGe-based chips that feature HBTs with 340-GHz ƒmax. A separate voltage-controlled oscillator chip provides the LO signal with frequencies from 136 to 150GHz for four cascaded transceiver chips. The saturated transceiver output power is approximately 4 dBm, the maximum receiver gain is 19.5 dB, and the minimum double-sideband noise figure is 13.5 dB. The equivalent isotropically radiated power of a single channel is 5 dBm. The sensor was field-tested with frequency-modulated continuous-wave chirps from 140 to 145 GHz. Targets were resolved in range and angle by means of digital beamforming.
Detection of human immunodeficiency virus type 1-specific memory cytotoxic T lymphocytes in freshly donated and frozen-thawed peripheral blood mononuclear cells

Loss of anti-human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) memory cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTLm) responses is associated with disease progression in HIV-1 infection. In this study, nonspecific stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from HIV-1-infected homosexual men with anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody (MAb) was compared with antigen-specific stimulation with inactivated, autologous B lymphoblastoid cells (B-LCL) infected with a vaccinia virus vector encoding HIV-1 IIIb Gag, Pol, and Env (VV-GPE) for activation of HIV-1-specific CTLm responses in a bulk lysis assay and by precursor frequency analysis. The results show that VV-GPE-infected B-LCL stimulated on average 10-fold greater anti-HIV-1 CTLm activity, as detected in the bulk lysis assay, and 55-fold-greater CTLm precursor frequencies specific for the three HIV-1 structural proteins than did stimulation with anti-CD3 MAb. This effect was noted with both freshly donated and frozen-thawed PBMC. The lysis was mediated by CD8+ T cells and was restricted by the major histocompatibility class I complex. These data indicate that antigen-specific stimulation with VV-GPE-infected B-LCL is a highly efficient method for detection of anti-HIV-1 CTLm responses that is applicable to noncurrent prospective studies with frozen PBMC.
Sexual Orientation in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Clinical impressions suggest a different sexual profile between individuals with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Little is presently known about the demographics of sexual orientation in ASD. Sexual Orientation was surveyed using the Sell Scale of Sexual Orientation in an international online sample of individuals with ASD (N = 309, M = 90, F= 219), aged (M = 32.30 years, SD = 11.93) and this was compared to sexual orientation of typically‐developing individuals (N = 310, M = 84, F= 226), aged (M = 29.82 years, SD = 11.85). Findings suggested that sexual orientation was contingent on diagnosis (N = 570, χ2(9)=104.05, P < 0.001, φ = 0.43). In the group with ASD, 69.7% of the sample reported being non‐heterosexual, while in the TD group, 30.3% reported being non‐heterosexual. The group with ASD reported higher rates of homosexuality, bisexuality and asexuality, but lower rates of heterosexuality. The results support the impression that non‐heterosexuality is more prevalent in the autistic population. Increased non‐heterosexuality in ASD has important clinical implications to target unique concerns of this population, and suggests a need for specialized sex education programs for autistic populations for increased support and awareness. Autism Res 2018, 11: 133–141. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Failure of bone marrow cells to transdifferentiate into neural cells in vivo.

Reports have suggested that adult mouse bone marrow cells (BMCs) are capable of transdifferentiating into cells with neural characteristics in the central nervous system (CNS) ([1][1],[2][2]). Because side-population (SP) cells within whole bone marrow are hematopoietic stem cells that can
Involvement of Human CRM1 (Exportin 1) in the Export and Multimerization of the Rex Protein of Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus Type 1

ABSTRACT We investigated the role of human CRM1 (hCRM1) (exportin 1) in the function of Rex protein encoded by human T-cell leukemia virus type 1. hCRM1 promoted the export of Rex protein from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. A Rex protein with a mutation in the activation domain, RexM90, lost both the ability to bind to hCRM1 and the ability to multimerize. The overexpression of hCRM1 complemented the functional defects of RexM64, which contains a mutation in the multimerization domain of Rex. A dominant-negative mutant of Rex which sequesters cofactors of Rex abrogated multimerization as well as the activity of the wild-type Rex protein. These two functions were simultaneously restored by the overexpression of hCRM1. Taken together, these results suggest that hCRM1 plays important roles in the multimerization and export of Rex protein.
A survey of TQM practices in the Malaysian electrical and electronic industry

Total quality management (TQM) is one of the key approaches towards realizing the goal of meeting customer satistaction. Besides efforts for quality improvement by large companies, many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have also pursued their quality improvement effort, but mostly through the ISO 9000 certification route. Few of these SMEs have actually implemented a total approach using the TQM philosophy. This paper relates to a survey conducted to investigate the level of practice on TQM elements and to find the most critical factors perceived by the SMEs. A questionnaire was sent to 248 companies in the electrical and electronics sector in Malaysia, which resulted in a response rate of 24.2%. Attempts at finding significant differences between small and large companies' quality practices were made and revealed that there was a significant difference between the TQM practices of large and small companies. Management leadership, continuous improvement system and education and training proved to be rated among top priorities for successful implementation by large companies, compared with SMEs. However, supplier quality management was found to be the least implemented criteria by both large and small companies. This indicates that a much greater emphasis must be given on supplier management in future quality improvement programmes. The study has highlighted the importance of TQM adoption in SMEs to meet future challenges in realizing the vision, of world- class organizations. Engineering innovation must not be limited to 'hard technology' alone but should incorporate advanced manufacturing management techniques to sustain the improvement efforts and in meeting the long-term needs of the nation. Further studies can be made focusing on other types of industry in Malaysia, such as automotive, metal-based, and food processing, etc, to allow for a more comprehensive TQM framework to be built upon to meet the needs of SMEs in their drive towards a total quality organization.