Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Real-time visuomotor behavior and electrophysiology recording setup for use with humans and monkeys

Large-scale network dynamics in multiple visuomotor areas is of great interest in the study of eye-hand coordination in both human and monkey. To explore this, it is essential to develop a setup that allows for precise tracking of eye and hand movements. It is desirable that it is able to generate mechanical or visual perturbations of hand trajectories so that eye-hand coordination can be studied in a variety of conditions. There are simple solutions that satisfy these requirements for hand movements performed in the horizontal plane while visual stimuli and hand feedback are presented in the vertical plane. However, this spatial dissociation requires cognitive rules for eye-hand coordination different from eye-hand movements performed in the same space, as is the case in most natural conditions. Here we present an innovative solution for the precise tracking of eye and hand movements in a single reference frame. Importantly, our solution allows behavioral explorations under normal and perturbed conditions in both humans and monkeys. It is based on the integration of two noninvasive commercially available systems to achieve online control and synchronous recording of eye (EyeLink) and hand (KINARM) positions during interactive visuomotor tasks. We also present an eye calibration method compatible with different eye trackers that compensates for nonlinearities caused by the system's geometry. Our setup monitors the two effectors in real time with high spatial and temporal resolution and simultaneously outputs behavioral and neuronal data to an external data acquisition system using a common data format. NEW & NOTEWORTHY We developed a new setup for studying eye-hand coordination in humans and monkeys that monitors the two effectors in real time in a common reference frame. Our eye calibration method allows us to track gaze positions relative to visual stimuli presented in the horizontal workspace of the hand movements. This method compensates for nonlinearities caused by the system’s geometry and transforms kinematics signals from the eye tracker into the same coordinate system as hand and targets.
Determination of the Minimum Temperature Required for Selective Photothermal Destruction of Cancer Cells with the Use of Immunotargeted Gold Nanoparticles

Abstract Laser photothermal therapy of cancer with the use of gold nanoparticles immunotargeted to molecular markers on the cell surface has been shown to be an effective modality to selectively kill cancer cells at much lower laser powers than those needed for healthy cells. To elucidate the minimum light dosimetry required to induce cell death, photothermal destruction of two cancerous cell lines and a noncancerous cell line treated with antiepidermal growth factor receptor (anti-EGFR) antibody-conjugated gold nanoparticles is studied, and a numerical heat transport model is used to estimate the local temperature rise within the cells as a result of the laser heating of the gold nanoparticles. It is found that cell samples with higher nanoparticle loading require a lower incident laser power to achieve a certain temperature rise. Numerically estimated temperatures of 70–80°C achieved by heating the gold particles agree well with the measured threshold temperature for destruction of the cell lines by oven heating and those measured in an earlier nanoshell method. Specific binding of anti-EGFR antibody to cancerous cells overexpressing EGFR selectively increases the gold nanoparticle loading within cancerous cells, thus allowing the cancerous cells to be destroyed at lower laser power thresholds than needed for the noncancerous cells. In addition, photothermal therapy using gold nanoparticles requires lower laser power thresholds than therapies using conventional dyes due to the much higher absorption coefficient of the gold nanoparticles.
Co-occurrence of an Aphanomyces sp. and Phytopththora clandestina in subterranean clover pastures in the high rainfall areas of the lower south-west of Western Australia

A survey was undertaken, firstly, to study the distribution of Phytophthora clandestina in the high rainfall, highly leached soils in the cool climate region of the lower south-west of Western Australia and, secondly, to determine the incidence of an undescribed Aphanomyces sp. in these same subterranean clover-based (Trifolium subterraneum) pastures as the occurrence of Aphanomyces in Western Australia has never been studied. P. clandestina and an Aphanomyces sp. were both frequently detected in this survey. P. clandestina was detected from 16.1% and the Aphanomyces sp. was detected from 11.4% of the individual plants sampled. Of the 44 locations sampled, P. clandestina was detected from 71 root samples from across 22 locations, while the Aphanomyces sp. was detected from 50 samples taken from across 23 locations. There were 31 locations from where at least one of the pathogens was detected, of which 14 yielded both pathogens. It is noteworthy that there were eight samples across six locations from where both pathogens were detected in the roots of the same individual plant. Although P. clandestina and the Aphanomyces sp. were detected in a similar number of samples, their distribution patterns were different. P. clandestina was distributed evenly across the area surveyed. In contrast, the Aphanomyces sp. was not detected across the Torbay, Albany and Napier districts.
Estimating energy expenditure using heat flux measured at a single body site.

INTRODUCTION The Personal Calorie Monitor (PCM) is a portable direct calorimeter that estimates energy expenditure (EE) from measured heat flux (i.e., the sum of conductive, convective, radiative, and evaporative heat). PURPOSE The primary aim of this study was to compare EE estimated from measures of heat flux with those measured using indirect calorimetry in a thermoneutral environment (26°C). A secondary aim was to determine whether exposure to ambient temperature below thermoneutral condition (19°C) influences the accuracy of the PCM. METHODS Thirty-four adults (mean ± SD: age, 28 ± 5 yr; body mass index, 22.9 ± 2.6 kg · m(-2)) were studied for 5 h in a whole-room indirect calorimeter (IC) in thermoneutral and cool conditions. Participants wore the PCM on their upper arm and completed two 20-min treadmill walking bouts (0% grade, 3 mph). The remaining time was spent sedentary (e.g., watching television, using a computer). RESULTS In thermoneutral conditions, EE values (mean (95% confidence interval)) measured by IC and PCM were 560.0 (526.5-593.5) and 623.3 (535.5-711.1) kcal, respectively. In cool conditions, EE values measured by IC and PCM were 572.5 (540.9-604.0) and 745.5 (668.1-822.8) kcal, respectively. Under thermoneutral conditions, mean PCM minute-by-minute EE tracked closely with IC, resulting in a small nonsignificant bias (63 kcal (-5.8 to 132.4)). During cool conditions, mean PCM minute-by-minute EE did not track IC, resulting in a large bias (173.0 kcal (93.9-252.1)) (P <; 0.001). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated the validity of using measured heat flux to estimate EE. However, accuracy may be impaired in cool conditions possibly because of excess heat loss from the exposed limbs.
Dependency of polychlorinated biphenyl and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon bioaccumulation in Mya arenaria on both water column and sediment bed chemical activities

The bioaccumulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) by the filter‐feeding soft‐shell clam Mya arenaria was evaluated at three sites near Boston (MA, USA) by assessing the chemical activities of those hydrophobic organic compounds (HOCs) in the sediment bed, water column, and organisms. Polyethylene samplers were deployed to measure the activities of HOCs in the water column. Sediment activities were assessed by normalizing concentrations with sediment‐water sorption coefficient values, including adsorption to black carbon in addition to absorption by organic carbon. Likewise, both lipids and proteins were considered in biota‐water partition coefficients used to estimate chemical activities in the animals. Chemical activities of PAHs in M. arenaria were substantially less than those of the corresponding bed sediments in which they lived. In contrast, chemical activities of PCBs in M. arenaria often were greater than or equal to activities in the corresponding bed sediments. Activities of PAHs, such those of pyrene, in the water column were undersaturated relative to the sediment. However, some PCBs, such as congener 52, had higher activities in the water column than in the sediment. Tissue activities of pyrene generally were in between the sediment and water column activities, whereas activity of PCB congener 52 was nearest to water column activities. These results suggest that attempts to estimate bioaccumulation by benthic organisms should include interactions with both the bed sediment and the water column.
Spermatozoon Ultrastructure of Gyliauchen sp. (Digenea: Gyliauchenidae), an Intestinal Parasite of Siganus fuscescens (Pisces: Teleostei)

The ultrastructure of the mature spermatozoon of Gyliauchen sp. , a parasite of the dusky rabbitfish Siganus fuscescens, was studied by transmission electron microscopy. The spermatozoon possesses two axonemes of the 9+“1” pattern of Trepaxonemata, four attachment zones, one mitochondrion, a nucleus, cortical microtubules, external ornamentation of the plasma membrane, and spine-like bodies. The main characteristics of this spermatozoon are the presence of one mitochondrion, spine-like bodies not associated with the external ornamentation, and a posterior extremity of type 3 that is characterized by the following sequence: posterior extremity of the nucleus then posterior extremity of the second axoneme. Numerous other ultrastructural features are also discussed and compared to the digenean spermatology literature. This is the first study of a member of the Gyliauchenidae and the fourth within the Lepocreadioidea. The results show that many ultrastructural characters are variable within this superfamily and could be useful for phylogeny.
Modelling Transmission of Bovine Tuberculosis in Red Deer and Wild Boar in Normandy, France

In early 2001, Mycobacterium bovis infection was confirmed in red deer (RD) (Cervus elaphus) shot in Normandy region, France. An epidemiological survey conducted during the following hunting season in two connected forests confirmed the occurrence of the disease in both free‐ranging RD and wild boar (WB) (Sus scrofa). This was the first detected bovine tuberculosis outbreak in wildlife in France. We present a simple deterministic age‐structured model of the within‐ and between‐species M. bovis transmission in RD and WB populations that distinguishes direct transmission (horizontal and pseudo‐vertical) and indirect transmission through contaminated offal left behind by hunters. Results issued from the epidemiological surveys conducted in Normandy forests were used to estimate transmission parameters. Because data for RD and WB populations were not available, population sizes at demographic equilibrium were estimated and used to run the model. We qualitatively tested different control measure scenarios with our model, considering different mortality rates and offal harvesting, to determine which ones affect the success of infection control. The most realistic control scenario would combine the total depopulation of RD and good compliance with offal harvesting, because the model suggests that infected offal left by hunters represents the main transmission source of M. bovis in the field.
Kin28 Is Found within TFIIH and a Kin28-Ccl1-Tfb3 Trimer Complex with Differential Sensitivities to T-Loop Phosphorylation

ABSTRACT Basal transcription factor TFIIH phosphorylates the RNA polymerase II (RNApII) carboxy-terminal domain (CTD) within the transcription initiation complex. The catalytic kinase subunit of TFIIH is a member of the cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) family, designated Kin28 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Cdk7 in higher eukaryotes. Together with TFIIH subunits cyclin H and Mat1, Cdk7 kinase is also found in a trimer complex known as Cdk activating kinase (CAK). A yeast trimer complex has not previously been identified, although a Kin28-Ccl1 dimer called TFIIK has been isolated as a breakdown product of TFIIH. Here we show that a trimeric complex of Kin28-Ccl1-Tfb3 exists in yeast extracts. Several Kin28 point mutants that are defective in CTD phosphorylation were created. Consistent with earlier studies, these mutants have no transcriptional defect in vitro. Like other Cdks, Kin28 is activated by phosphorylation on T162 of the T loop. Kin28 T162 mutants have no growth defects alone but do demonstrate synthetic phenotypes when combined with mutant versions of the cyclin partner, Ccl1. Surprisingly, these phosphorylation site mutants appear to destabilize the association of the cyclin subunit within the context of TFIIH but not within the trimer complex.
Depression Screening and Treatment in Uninsured Urban Patients

Background: Depression has been widely studied in primary care settings, yet studies of medically uninsured populations are lacking. We sought to determine whether depression screening and treatment improved depression scores of a medically uninsured, mostly African American primary care population. Methods: The study was a prospective repeated-measures design that recruited uninsured patients. Patients were screened for depression, and the rate of depression diagnosis was compared with baseline. Patients who were diagnosed and accepted treatment were randomized to 1 of 4 treatment arms: (1) usual care; (2) usual care and psychotherapy; (3) usual care and education and psychotherapy; and (4) usual care and education. Patients were then reevaluated at 8, 12, and 24 weeks. Results: A total of 674 patients participated. Depression prevalence was significantly higher among those screened (38%) than at baseline (16%). All treatment groups showed a significant reduction in depression scores over a 6-month period, from a mean score of 15 at baseline to 8.3 at 24 weeks (P < .005). All treatment interventions were equally effective. Conclusion: Screening improves the rate of diagnosis of depression in an uninsured, primarily African American population, and subsequent treatment significantly reduces the burden of depression.
COMPARISON OF MEAT PERFORMANCE OF PEKIN DUCKS FROM TWO CONSERVATIVE FLOCKS

Pekin ducks from P44 and P55 conservative flocks were compared for body weight and dimensions, feed intake, dressing percentage and carcass composition. P44 ducks, compared to P55 birds, had greater body weight (3124 vs. 3051 g), longer trunk with neck (47.8 vs. 47.5 cm), trunk (25.8 vs. 25.3 cm), keel (13.3 vs. 12.8 cm) and shanks (6.3 vs. 6.2 cm) as well as significantly greater chest circumference (34.6 vs. 33.7 cm). P55 ducks were characterized by lower feed intake per bird (7.48 kg) and per kg body weight (2.45 kg) and greater European Production Index (259 points) compared to P44 ducks (7.73 kg, 2.53 kg, 251 points). The carcasses of P44 ducks contained more breast muscles (12.6%) and skin with subcutaneous fat (31.4%) but less leg muscles (13.2%) compared to P55 birds (12.3, 29.7 and 13.9% of carcass with neck, respectively).
Women's Journey to the School Superintendency.

Eighty percent of public school teachers are females, but only 24% of school superintendents are females. This upward trend from a low of 1.3% in the early 1970s has not mirrored the increase of females in executive level positions in other professions. A mixed-methods design identified the barriers that contribute to the underrepresentation and lack of growth of female superintendents. Participants in the study included active and retired female superintendents from a single Southern state. The quantitative phase consisted of a 29-item Likert-scale survey with 26 respondents. Qualitative follow-up included a three-part interview series design with four successful current and former female superintendents. The results have implications for institutions of higher education and professional organizations.
Diagnostic Performance of Transluminal Attenuation Gradient and Noninvasive Fractional Flow Reserve Derived from 320-Detector Row CT Angiography to Diagnose Hemodynamically Significant Coronary Stenosis: An NXT Substudy.

PURPOSE To compare the diagnostic performance of 320-detector row computed tomography (CT) coronary angiography-derived computed fractional flow reserve (FFR; FFRCT), transluminal attenuation gradient (TAG; TAG320), and CT coronary angiography alone to diagnose hemodynamically significant stenosis as determined by invasive FFR. MATERIALS AND METHODS This substudy of the prospective NXT study (no. NCT01757678) was approved by each participating institution's review board, and informed consent was obtained from all participants. Fifty-one consecutive patients who underwent 320-detector row CT coronary angiographic examination and invasive coronary angiography with FFR measurement were included. Independent core laboratories determined coronary artery disease severity by using CT coronary angiography, TAG320, FFRCT, and FFR. TAG320 is defined as the linear regression coefficient between luminal attenuation and axial distance from the coronary ostium. FFRCT was computed from CT coronary angiography data by using computational fluid dynamics technology. Diagnostic performance was evaluated and compared on a per-vessel basis by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC). RESULTS Among 82 vessels, 24 lesions (29%) had ischemia by FFR (FFR ≤ 0.80). FFRCT exhibited a stronger correlation with invasive FFR compared with TAG320 (Spearman ρ, 0.78 vs 0.47, respectively). Overall per-vessel accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for TAG320 (<15.37) were 78%, 58%, 86%, 64%, and 83%, respectively; and those of FFRCT were 83%, 92%, 79%, 65%, and 96%, respectively. ROC curve analysis showed a significantly larger AUC for FFRCT (0.93) compared with that for TAG320 (0.72; P = .003) and CT coronary angiography alone (0.68; P = .008). CONCLUSION FFRCT computed from 320-detector row CT coronary angiography provides better diagnostic performance for the diagnosis of hemodynamically significant coronary stenoses compared with CT coronary angiography and TAG320.
Color vision in the dog

Abstract The color vision of three domestic dogs was examined in a series of behavioral discrimination experiments. Measurements of increment-threshold spectral sensitivity functions and direct tests of color matching indicate that the dog retina contains two classes of cone photopigment. These two pigments are computed to have spectral peaks of about 429 nm and 555 nm. The results of the color vision tests are all consistent with the conclusion that dogs have dichromatic color vision.
Necessary Considerations for Surgery Preparation: Age and Previous Experience

&NA; While the number of hospitals incorporating psychologic preparation for surgery is increasing, little research has been done to determine whether providing information, the most common preparation, is uniformly beneficial. This study compared the effects of presenting hospital‐relevant and irrelevant information on information acquisition, physiologic responsivity (heart rate, palmar sweating), self‐report of medical concern, and observed anxiety, considering the factors of age and experience. Fifty‐eight children between the ages of 4 and 17 scheduled for elective surgery were shown either a hospital‐relevant slide tape information package or an unrelated film the night prior to surgery. Results support the effectiveness of hospital‐relevant information as improving the children's experience and recovery from hospitalization for surgery. However, age and previous experience also affect the amount of information acquired, with older and experienced children having more information. Children under the age of 8 who had at least one previous surgery experience reported increased medical concerns if they viewed the hospital‐relevant presentation. The findings suggest that the provision of information can be helpful, but is contraindicated for young, experienced children who might be better prepared utilizing alternative strategies.
Polytherapy in Bone Regeneration: Clinical Applications and Preliminary Considerations

Polytherapy, namely the simultaneous application of three fundamental elements necessary for bone regeneration (growth factors, osteogenic cells and osteocnductive scaffolds) seems to lead to a very high success rate in the treatment of complex non-union (NU) cases and critical bone defects. NU are reported in 5–10% of long bone fractures. The use of autologous bone grafts has been long-considered the gold standard for the treatment of these cases. However the harvesting procedure from the iliac crest increases surgery time and presents some donor site complications which may be elevated. In recent years, surgeons have some alternatives to autologous grafting such as: application of organic or synthetic bone substitute, application of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) or growth factors (GF). In the literature there are many studies available about their application in monotherapy, but unfortunately the healing rate doesn't exceed 90%. Polytherapy seems to be a logical option to improve the healing rate, nevertheless, there are not still extensive studies that validate this strategy and moreover, some questions are not resolved.
Human retinal hemodynamics following administration of 5-isosorbide mononitrate.

PURPOSE The purpose of this randomized double-masked cross-over study was to determine the effects of 20 mg of 5-isosorbide mononitrate (ISMO) on the retinal hemodynamics of young healthy subjects. METHODS Monochromatic fundus photography and bidirectional laser Doppler velocimetry (BLDV) were used to determine vascular diameters (D), and blood velocity (V(max)) and flow (Q) in retinal veins, respectively. The diameter of the vein [D((vein))] at the same location where BLDV measurements were made, and the diameter of a neighboring artery [D((art) )], were determined from the fundus photographs. Measurements were carried out one and three hours after ISMO dosing, on twelve and six subjects, respectively. Mean blood pressure (BP(m)) and intraocular pressure (IOP) were also monitored, and ocular perfusion pressure (PP) was calculated. Results are expressed in percentage changes (+/- the standard error of the mean). RESULTS On average, we observed a moderate increase of Q one hour after ISMO dosing (+8.2 +/- 5.4%), but not after placebo (+2.7 +/- 1.6%). This effect of ISMO, which displayed remarkable interindividual variability (95% confidence interval: -3.9%, +20.4%), did not attain statistical significance. D((vein)) and D((art)) were not appreciably affected. No effect was observed three hours after either ISMO or placebo dosing. PP was reduced one hour following ISMO administration, mainly as a function of reduced BP(m), although this variation was not statistically significant. IOP did not change appreciably throughout the duration of the study. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that, in contrast to the optic nerve head, in which we previously documented consistent and significant increases in blood flow following ISMO administration at both one and three hours, retinal hemodynamics are not equally responsive to a single dose of ISMO at these time points. Marked interindividual variability to the effects of this long-acting nitric oxide donor was documented one hour after administration, but not at three hours. This study further suggests that distinct vascular tissues of the ocular microcirculation respond differently to identical pharmacological challenges.