Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A review of foot pose and trajectory estimation methods using inertial and auxiliary sensors for kinematic gait analysis

Abstract The use of foot mounted inertial and other auxiliary sensors for kinematic gait analysis has been extensively investigated during the last years. Although, these sensors still yield less accurate results than those obtained employing optical motion capture systems, the miniaturization and their low cost have allowed the estimation of kinematic spatiotemporal parameters in laboratory conditions and real life scenarios. The aim of this work was to present a comprehensive approach of this scientific area through a systematic literature research, breaking down the state-of-the-art methods into three main parts: (1) zero velocity interval detection techniques; (2) assumptions and sensors’ utilization; (3) foot pose and trajectory estimation methods. Published articles from 1995 until December of 2018 were searched in the PubMed, IEEE Xplore and Google Scholar databases. The research was focused on two categories: (a) zero velocity interval detection methods; and (b) foot pose and trajectory estimation methods. The employed assumptions and the potential use of the sensors have been identified from the retrieved articles. Technical characteristics, categorized methodologies, application conditions, advantages and disadvantages have been provided, while, for the first time, assumptions and sensors’ utilization have been identified, categorized and are presented in this review. Considerable progress has been achieved in gait parameters estimation on constrained laboratory environments taking into account assumptions such as a person walking on a flat floor. On the contrary, methods that rely on less constraining assumptions, and are thus applicable in daily life, led to less accurate results. Rule based methods have been mainly used for the detection of the zero velocity intervals, while more complex techniques have been proposed, which may lead to more accurate gait parameters. The review process has shown that presently the best-performing methods for gait parameter estimation make use of inertial sensors combined with auxiliary sensors such as ultrasonic sensors, proximity sensors and cameras. However, the experimental evaluation protocol was much more thorough, when single inertial sensors were used. Finally, it has been highlighted that the accuracy of setups using auxiliary sensors may further be improved by collecting measurements during the whole foot movement and not only partially as is currently the practice. This review has identified the need for research and development of methods and setups that allow for the robust estimation of kinematic gait parameters in unconstrained environments and under various gait profiles.
Clinical Impact of Antecedent Bariatric Surgery on Liver Transplant Outcomes: A Retrospective Matched Case-control Study

Background. Bariatric surgery (BS) may be associated with significant malabsorption and nutritional deficiencies. Methods. Between March 1987 and January 2017, we performed 922 liver transplants (LT) at our institution; 33 had antecedent BS. We matched the BS cohort to LT recipients without BS (1:3 matching) based on exact matching for gender and cancer and inverse variance matching for age, LT body mass index, MELD score, and transplant date. Results. We analyzed outcomes in 132 LT recipients (33 BS; 99 non-BS). The BS cohort comprised 26 (79%) women with a mean age of 52.4 years. The BS procedures included 20 Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (61%), 6 jejunoileal bypass (18%), 3 gastric band (9%), 2 sleeve gastrectomy (6%), and 1 duodenal switch (3%). The primary indications for LT listing were alcoholic cirrhosis (9; 27%), nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (7; 21%), hepatitis C (8; 24%), and hepatocellular carcinoma (3; 9%). At LT, body mass index for the BS cohort was 29.6, and MELD was 24. Compared with matched controls, BS recipients did not have longer LT length of hospital stay (17.8 versus 15.7 d, P = 0.71), longer intensive care unit length of stay (5.3 versus 4.1 d, P = 0.16), or higher 30-day complication rate (76% versus 85%, P = 0.43). Overall patient survival was similar (1- and 3-y survival was 90.1% and 75.9% for BS; 90.9% and 76.4% for non-BS, P = 0.34). Conclusions. A history of BS does not portend a deleterious effect on LT outcomes.
In vitro Plant Regeneration from Shoot tip Explants of Exacum travancoricum Beedi

Shoot tip explants of Exacum travancoricum, an endangered herb mainly known for ornamental purpose grown on MS with 4.44 μM BAP and 1.34 μM NAA showed better growth response and produced 29.3 ± 0.3 shoots per explant with an average length of 4.6 ± 0.1 cm after 35 days. Roots were induced after transfer to half strength of MS supplemented with 2.46 μM IBA produced 4.8 ± 0.62 roots with an average height of 3.6 ± 0.10 cm after 30 days. The rooted plantlets were transferred for hardening, 80 per cent of plantlets survived and resumed growth in the mixture of soil, vermiculite and farm yard manure (1 : 1 : 1). Key words : Exacum travancoricum; Shoot tip; Plant regeneration D.O. I. 10.3329/ptcb.v20i2. 6889 Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 20 (2): 113-118, 2010 (December)
A technical review of canonical correlation analysis for neuroscience applications

Abstract Collecting comprehensive data sets of the same subject has become a standard in neuroscience research and uncovering multivariate relationships among collected data sets have gained significant attentions in recent years. Canonical correlation analysis (CCA) is one of the powerful multivariate tools to jointly investigate relationships among multiple data sets, which can uncover disease or environmental effects in various modalities simultaneously and characterize changes during development, aging, and disease progressions comprehensively. In the past 10 years, despite an increasing number of studies have utilized CCA in multivariate analysis, simple conventional CCA dominates these applications. Multiple CCA‐variant techniques have been proposed to improve the model performance; however, the complicated multivariate formulations and not well‐known capabilities have delayed their wide applications. Therefore, in this study, a comprehensive review of CCA and its variant techniques is provided. Detailed technical formulation with analytical and numerical solutions, current applications in neuroscience research, and advantages and limitations of each CCA‐related technique are discussed. Finally, a general guideline in how to select the most appropriate CCA‐related technique based on the properties of available data sets and particularly targeted neuroscience questions is provided.
Intermediate layer contribution in placental membrane allografts

Placental membrane (PM) allografts are commonly used to treat chronic wounds. Native PM is composed of an amnion, chorion, and intermediate layer (IL) that contain matrix structures and regulatory components beneficial in wound healing. Historically, commercially available allografts were composed of only one or two layers of the PM. To maximize the conserved material in PM allografts, a dehydrated complete human placental membrane (dCHPM) allograft processed using the Clearify™ process was developed. Histological and proteomic characterization comparing dCHPM allografts with native PM demonstrated that the majority of matrix structures and regulatory proteins are retained in dCHPM allografts through processing. To evaluate the importance of maintaining the entire intact PM and the contribution of the IL, the structural and proteomic makeup of the IL was compared with that of dCHPM allografts. This is the first known characterization of regulatory proteins in the IL. Results demonstrate that the IL contains over 900 regulatory and signaling components, including chemokines, growth factors, interleukins, and protease inhibitors. These components are key regulators of angiogenesis, neurogenesis, osteogenesis, inflammation, tissue remodeling, and host defense. The results show that the proteomic composition of the IL is consistent with that of the entire dCHPM allograft. Although further investigation is required to fully understand the contribution of the IL in PM allografts, these results demonstrate that the IL contains structural and regulatory proteins that can enhance the barrier and wound healing properties of PM allografts.
Interaction with CD68 and Regulation of GAS6 Expression by Endosialin in Fibroblasts Drives Recruitment and Polarization of Macrophages in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

These findings highlight CAF-expressed endosialin as a primary regulator of macrophage recruitment and polarization and demonstrate endosialin inhibition as a potential treatment strategy for HCC. Fibroblasts and macrophages play key roles in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, cross-talk between these two kinds of cells has not been well studied. Endosialin (CD248/TEM1) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that is expressed in certain cancer cells, tumor stromal cells, and pericytes. In this study, we found that endosialin is mainly expressed in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) in HCC and its expression inversely correlates with patient prognosis. Endosialin interacted with CD68 to recruit macrophages and regulated expression of GAS6 in CAFs to mediate M2 polarization of macrophages. The fully human antibody IgG78 bound glycosylated endosialin and induced its internalization in CAFs, thus weakening the cross-talk between CAFs and macrophages. In subcutaneous and orthotopic xenograft models of HCC in nude mice, treatment with IgG78 significantly inhibited tumor growth. These results indicate that endosialin-positive CAFs promote HCC progression and highlight IgG78 as a promising therapeutic candidate for HCC treatment. Significance: These findings highlight CAF-expressed endosialin as a primary regulator of macrophage recruitment and polarization and demonstrate endosialin inhibition as a potential treatment strategy for HCC. Graphical Abstract: http://cancerres.aacrjournals. org/content/canres/80/18/3892/F1.large. jpg. Graphical Abstract
Cell surface immunoglobulin μ and γ chains of human lymphoid cells are of higher apparent molecular weight than their secreted counterparts

Selected human lymphoma‐derived and lymphoblastoid cell lines have been characterized and shown to be useful model systems for the expression of either cell surface Ig, or secretory Ig, or both simultaneously. Daudi and Raji cell lines were shown to express surface IgM with no secretion of IgM. The lymphoblastoid cell lines Tay‐3 and RPMI 1788 are high‐rate secretors of IgM. The lymphoma cell line BJAB synthesizes both cell surface IgM and secretory IgM. In the secreting cells, we have identified an intracellular μ chain with an apparent molecular weight approximately 2000 less than secreted μ chain. In cells synthesizing surface IgM, a surface μ chain has been identified which has an apparent mol. wt. of approximately 2000 more than secreted μ chain. The intracellular μ chain in these cells is indistinguishable in size from the mature surface μ chain; the Daudi cell line is exceptional in that surface deposition of the intracellular μ chain is preceded, or accompanied, by an increase in apparent mol. wt. The lymphoblastoid cell line Bec‐11 synthesizes both cell surface IgG and secretory IgG. In Bec‐11 cells, a surface form of μ chain, having a higher apparent mol. wt. than secreted γ chain, has been resolved. There is no detectable difference between L chains associated with any of the different forms of H chain. A biosynthetic relationship between the different forms of H chain is proposed.
Zoospore ultrastructure in the genus Rhizophydium (Chytridiales)

The zoospore ultrastructure of 12 species of Rhizophydium is described. Species include the following: R. chlorogonii (Serbinow) Jaczewski; R. constantineani Saccardo; R. haynaldii (Schaarschmidt) Fischer; R. capillaceum Barr; two morphologically and cytologically different species, each previously identified as R. sphaerotheca Zopf; R. patellarium Scholz; R. biporosum (Couch) Barr; R. subangulosum (Braun) Rabenhorst; R. laterale (Braun) Rabenhorst; R. sphaerocarpum (Zopf) Fischer var. spirogyrae Barr; and two isolates of R. pollinis-pini (Braun) Zopf. The Rhizophydium zoospore is basically similar to the Chytridium zoospore having (1) the nucleus, a compact cluster of ribosomes, one or more mitochondria, and a microbody – lipid globule complex compartmentalized into the core of the zoospore by a double membrane system and (2) two to five microtubules connecting one side of the kinetosome to the rumposome on the lipid globule surface and thus anchoring the lipid globule in a lateral–posterior position in .
Life history and propagation of the endangered dromedary pearlymussel (Dromus dromas) (Bivalvia:Unionidae)

Abstract The reproduction, demography, and propagation of the endangered dromedary pearlymussel (Dromus dromas) (Lea, 1834) were studied in the Clinch and Powell rivers, Tennessee. Viable populations of the dromedary pearlymussel now occur only in the Clinch and Powell rivers; the species has been extirpated from the remaining portions of its range in the Cumberland and Tennessee river drainages. Females are long-term winter brooders, and they are gravid from October to June. Glochidia are contained in conglutinates that are red to white and resemble freshwater leeches or flatworms. Conglutinates are 20 to 40 mm long and are released through the excurrent aperture. Estimates of fecundity based on 7 gravid females collected from the Clinch River were 55,110 to 253,050 glochidia/mussel. The ages of 66 valves of D. dromas were determined by thin-sectioning and ranged from 3 to 25 y. Annual growth averaged 5 mm/y until age 10 and decreased to ∼1.2 mm/ y thereafter. Nineteen fish species were tested for suitability as hosts for glochidia. Ten were confirmed as hosts through induced infestations of glochidia: black sculpin (Cottus baileyi), greenside darter (Etheostoma blennioides), fantail darter (Etheostoma flabellare), snubnose darter (Etheostoma simoterum), tangerine darter (Percina aurantiaca), blotchside logperch (Percina burtoni), logperch (Percina caprodes), channel darter (Percina copelandi), gilt darter (Percina evides), and Roanoke darter (Percina roanoka). Juveniles produced from these hosts were cultured in dishes held in nonrecirculating aquaculture systems containing fine sediment (<105 µm) and were fed the green alga Nannochloropsis oculata every 2 d. Survival of 2810 newly metamorphosed juveniles was 836 (29.7%) after 1 to 2 wk.
Cardiac function and circulation in hagfishes

The hagfish circulation contains a high volume of blood (180 mL∙kg−1) and is remarkable for the number of accessory pumps. Cardiac output from the branchial heart of hagfishes is comparable to that of elasmobranch and most teleost fishes, but blood pressures are considerably lower than in any other vertebrate group. Cardiac output is extremely sensitive to both venous return and ventral aortic pressure (afterload). Owing to the low arterial blood pressures, myocardial power output is lower than for any other vertebrate heart. The concomitant low energy requirement of the myocardium allows ATP generated anaerobically through glycolysis to maintain cardiac output during severe hypoxia. In vivo and in vitro administration of adrenergic agonists and antagonists increase and decrease cardiac performance, respectively. This suggests that the catecholamines that are stored beneath the endothelium of the branchial and portal hearts are involved in the tonic control of cardiac function.
Function of Nuclear Factor κB in Pancreatic Cancer Metastasis

Purpose: We seek to elucidate the role of constitutive nuclear factor κB (NFκB) activity in human pancreatic cancer cells. We have demonstrated that the transcription factor NFκB is activated constitutively in human pancreatic adenocarcinoma and human pancreatic cancer cell lines but not in normal pancreatic tissues or in immortalized/nontumorigenic pancreatic epithelial cells, suggesting that NFκB plays a critical role in development of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Experimental Design: By pooling all of the puromycin resistant clones after inhibitor of nuclear factor-κB phosphorylation mutant (IκBαM) retroviral infection, we generated pancreatic tumor cell lines that express a IκBαM (S32, 36A) that blocks NFκB activity. Inhibition of metastatic phenotype was assayed in an orthotopic nude mouse model. NFκB activity was determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and the expression of NFκB downstream target genes was analyzed by Northern, Western, and immunohistochemical analyses. Results: We showed that inhibiting constitutive NFκB activity by expressing IκBαM suppresses liver metastasis, but not tumorigenesis, from the metastatic human pancreatic tumor cell line AsPc-1 in an orthotopic nude mouse model. Furthermore, inhibiting NFκB activation by expressing IκBαM significantly reduced in vivo expression of a major proangiogenic molecule, vascular endothelial growth factor, and, hence, decreased neoplastic angiogenesis. Inhibiting NFκB activation by expressing IκBαM and using pharmacologic NFκB inhibitor PS-341 also significantly reduced cytokine-induced vascular endothelial growth factor and interleukin-8 expression in AsPc-1 pancreatic cancer cells. Conclusion: These results demonstrated that the inhibition of NFκB signaling can suppress the angiogenic potential and metastasis of pancreatic cancer, and suggest that the NFκB signaling pathway is a potential target for anticancer agents.
Macro and mesoscale physical patterns in the Bay of Biscay

The study area for this work includes all the southern edge of the Bay of Biscay, from the north-west Iberian Peninsula to the southern half of the French shelf. The principal aim of this article is to provide a complete overview of the physical oceanography of the area, mainly in its mesoscale aspects, of which there are few published studies, and the implications for early fish life history stages. The results showed the existence of two space and temporal scales for most of the physical processes that occur in the Bay of Biscay, a macroscale for seasonal time periods and a meso and submesoscale for the periods between seasons. The importance of local phenomena, such as upwelling or the variability of the Poleward Current, was observed. The interaction of both scales on these physical processes is discussed and the need for sampling at the submesoscale level to determine the distribution of ichthyoplankton is considered. Moreover, the mesoscale physical oceanography study is essential to improve the knowledge of interactions between strategies and environmental conditions that result in a significant mortality reduction in fish early stages.
Exploring the periodontal disease-Ischemic stroke link.

Multiple risk factors are associated with ischemic stroke. Here, we highlight studies indicating that periodontal disease significantly increases the risk of both primary ischemic stroke and subsequent cardiovascular events. Additionally, studies have shown an association between periodontal disease and multiple causes of ischemic stroke. Finally, we describe an ongoing clinical trial testing the benefit of periodontal disease treatment as a strategy to reduce risk for recurrent cardiovascular events in patients who have had recent ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). This article is mostly based on a presentation given in honor of Steven Offenbacher (1950 - 2018). This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
A medical student scholarly concentrations program: scholarly self-efficacy and impact on future research activities

ABSTRACT Background The Scholarly Concentrations program was established at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in 2009 with the aim of instilling passion for scholarship. Objective Our study aimed to determine whether the Scholarly Concentrations program achieves positive changes in medical student self-efficacy in conducting research and, if so, whether this results in future career aspirations toward scholarship. Design We used the Clinical Research Appraisal Inventory-Short Form (CRAI-SF) to assess changes in self-efficacy among students completing the Scholarly Concentrations program between 2014 and 2017. We calculated composite mean scores of six domains. We included outcomes on whether students published a manuscript, overall program perceptions, and likelihood of future research careers. We analyzed relationships between CRAI-SF scores and outcomes using paired t-tests and multivariable-adjusted logistic regression. Results A total of 419 students completed the Scholarly Concentrations program. All 6 CRAI domain scores showed significant improvements in self-efficacy between the pre-Scholarly Concentrations and post-Scholarly Concentrations ratings (range of changes 0.76–1.39, p < 0.05 for all). We found significant associations between post-Scholarly Concentrations self-efficacy ratings and course satisfaction (adjusted OR 1.57 [95% CI 1.20, 2.07]) and mentor satisfaction (OR 1.46 [1.15, 1.86]), as well as students’ intent to conduct future research (OR 1.46 [1.15, 1.86]). These results were robust to sensitivity analyses, and pronounced in the group of students without prior research experience. Conclusions Our findings suggest that a Scholarly Concentrations program is associated with an increased self-efficacy for research, and these changes in self-efficacy are associated with higher satisfaction in the scholarly experience and increased likelihood of pursuing scholarly work. Other medical schools could use such a tool of self-efficacy to both investigate the overall Scholarly Concentrations experience and understand factors that may increase interest in future physician-scientist pathways.
Molecular dissection of complex agronomic traits of rice: a team effort by Chinese scientists in recent years

Rice is a staple food for more than half of the worldwide population and is also a model species for biological studies on monocotyledons. Through a team effort, Chinese scientists have made rapid and important progresses in rice biology in recent years. Here, we briefly review these advances, emphasizing on the regulatory mechanisms of the complex agronomic traits that affect rice yield and grain quality. Progresses in rice genome biology and genome evolution have also been summarized.
EFFICACY OF HUNTING, FEEDING, AND FENCING TO REDUCE CROP DAMAGE BY WILD BOARS

Abstract Since 1980, populations of wild boar (Sus scrofa) have increased over the species' entire European range. This increase has led to conflicts because wild boars cause crop damage amounting to several million U.S. dollars every year. Wildlife management agencies promote and financially support 3 major methods to reduce the loss: (1) intensive harvest, (2) supplemental feeding in forests to bait animals for easier shooting and to distract them from agricultural fields, and (3) building electrical fences around crops at risk. Our objective was to investigate how effective these methods were in reducing field damage by wild boars. Based on data from 44 hunting territories in the Canton Thurgau, Switzerland, we related damage frequency to harvest success, supplemental feeding, and fencing effort by means of 2 multiple regression analyses. The analysis of mean damage frequency among territories (averaged over 3 years) and changes in damage frequency within territories from 1994 to 1996 showed that only hunting reduced damage by wild boars. Because our results question the effectiveness of wild boar management practices and wild boar populations and damage are increasing throughout Europe, we suggest that control efforts and funds be reconsidered. Because only hunting seems to clearly reduce wild boar damage, we suggest more emphasis be put on the development and introduction of new harvest models among local hunting teams.