Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Different Amplitudes (High vs. Low) of Whole-Body Vibration Training in Active Adults

Abstract Martínez-Pardo, E, Romero-Arenas, S, and Alcaraz, PE. Effects of different amplitudes (high vs. low) of whole-body vibration training in active adults. J Strength Cond Res 27(7): 1798–1806, 2013—The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of two different amplitudes of whole-body vibrations on the development of strength, mechanical power of the lower limb, and body composition. Thirty-eight recreationally active participants took part in the study. Participants were divided in two experimental groups (low amplitude group [GL] = 2 mm; high amplitude group [GH] = 4 mm) and a control group. The experimental groups performed an incremental vibratory training, 2 days per week during 6 weeks. The frequency of vibration (50 Hz), time of work (60 seconds), and time of rest (60 seconds) were constant for GL and GH groups. All the participants were on the platform in a static semi-squat position. Maximum isokinetic strength, body composition, and performance in vertical jumps (squat and countermovement jumps) were evaluated at the beginning and at the end of the training cycle. A significant increase of isokinetic strength was observed in GL and GH at angular velocities of 60°·s−1, 180°·s−1 and 270°·s−1. Total lean mass was significantly increased in GH (0.9 ± 1.0 kg). There were no significant changes in the total fat mass in any of the groups. Significant changes were not observed in different variables (height, peak power, and rate of force development) derived from the vertical jumps for any of the groups submitted to study. The vibration training, whatever the amplitude, produced significant improvements in isokinetic strength. However, high vibration amplitude training presents better adaptations for hypertrophy than the training with low vibration amplitude. In this sense, GH would be a better training if the practitioners want to develop both strength and hypertrophy of the lower limbs.
Iron speciation in bleached rocks by hydrocarbon leaching in Dushanzi Mud Volcano, NW China

Mud volcano is a typical petroleum leaching system, which normally result in bleaching effect to surrounding rocks. The result of Mossbauer spectroscopy of rock samples collected from the Dushanzi mud volcano system revealed clear variations in iron species. Compared to the unbleached reddish sedimentary rocks, the bleached rocks are dominated by reducing iron species such as paramagnetic ferrous iron (para-Fe2+), ferrous iron in siderite (sid-Fe2+), sulphide and pyrite (pyr-Fe2+) whereas the original reddish rock is enriched in ferric iron including iron in hematite (hem-Fe3+) and paramagnetic ferric iron (para-Fe3+). A reduction of ferric iron species and hydrolysis of iron along with oxidation of hydrocarbons should be one of the main processes along bleaching by hydrocarbons to rocks.
A new method for measuring the dependence of particle size distributions on relative humidity, with application to the Southeastern Aerosol and Visibility Study

A relative humidity-moderated differential mobility optical particle size spectrometer (RH-DMOPSS) was developed to measure particle size distributions at different humidity conditions in the 0.1- to 1.1-μm size range. The system has a high-flow differential mobility analyzer followed by an optical counter and condensation particle counter in parallel. An aerosol dryer or humidity conditioner can be placed in line ahead of the mobility analyzer. A second dryer ahead of the optical counter permits measurements of the decrease in particle size when particles classified at high relative humidity were dried. The RH-DMOPSS data set includes (1) optical counter response to monodisperse ambient aerosols, (2) accumulation mode particle size distributions for dry and humid conditions, (3) selected hygroscopic growth factors for humid diameters of 0.2 to 1.1 μm, (4) inferred volatile particle water volume, and (5) inferred refractive index for dried particles. The RH-DMOPSS was operated in Smoky Mountains National Park as part of the Southeastern Aerosol and Visibility Study and compared with other collocated size and aerosol growth measurements. For dried ambient particles, size distribution parameters were correlated with those from impactor measurements, but volume median diameters were 12% smaller, on average. Growth factors for particles below 0.5-pm diameter were in the same range as those measured by a tandem differential mobility analyzer and, for all sizes, were consistent with the measured differences between dried and humidified particle size distributions. The mean ambient particle real refractive index inferred from the RH-DMOPSS dry-particle calibration data was 1.48, equal to that measured by a multiangle light-scattering instrument.
A new computer vision-based system to help clinicians objectively assess visual pursuit with the moving mirror stimulus for the diagnosis of minimally conscious state

Minimally conscious state (MCS) is a neurological syndrome in which the patient shows signs of partial consciousness after having emerged from unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS), which itself follows a state of coma. Distinguishing between MCS and UWS is complex and has major impact on the clinical management and prognosis of affected patients. Research on disorders of consciousness (DoC) has revealed that (1) visual pursuit, i.e. the ability of a patient to track a moving stimulus, is one of the most decisive clinical signs for establishing the MCS/UWS distinction, and that (2) the most effective moving stimulus for visual pursuit assessment is a mirror where the patient can see his/her own face. In clinical practice, while this guidance is widely followed, the visual pursuit ability is typically assessed on the basis of the clinician's opinion only, i.e. in a subjective thus biased manner. In this paper, we present a new system using cameras and computer vision techniques, which helps clinicians to objectify the assessment of visual pursuit. Our system is specifically designed to work with the moving mirror stimulus in order to follow the recommended, well-established clinical setup. We validate our system on healthy control subjects and give preliminary results obtained with DoC patients.
Robust Topological Navigation via Convolutional Neural Network Feature and Sharpness Measure

Visual navigation for mobile robots has emerged in recent years. Among the various methods, topological navigation using visual information provides a scalable map representation for large-scale mapping and navigation. A topological map is essentially a graph with keyframes as its nodes and adjacency relations as its edges. Previous topological mapping uses local feature descriptors, such as scale-invariant feature transform or Speeded-Up Robust Features, to select keyframes in mapping, localization, and estimate relative pose. In practice, local features are not robust for severe motion blur or large illumination change. In this paper, we improve topological mapping to make it more efficient and robust. First, we use a convolutional neural network (CNN) feature as the holistic image representation. The CNN feature can be used to effectively retrieve keyframes that have similar appearance from a topological map, and it is robust to motion blur and illumination change. Thus, it improves the performance for place recognition and robot relocalization. Second, we use sharpness measure to select high-quality keyframes and avoid selecting blurry ones. Third, an efficient and robust non-rigid matching method, vector field consensus, is used for efficient geometric verification and to retrieve the most similar keyframe. The qualitative and quantitative experimental results demonstrate that our method is satisfactory.
Influence of plant genetic diversity on interactions between higher trophic levels

While the ecological consequences of plant diversity have received much attention, the mechanisms by which intraspecific diversity affects associated communities remains understudied. We report on a field experiment documenting the effects of patch diversity in the plant Baccharis salicifolia (genotypic monocultures versus polycultures of four genotypes), ants (presence versus absence) and their interaction on ant-tended aphids, ants and parasitic wasps, and the mechanistic pathways by which diversity influences their multi-trophic interactions. Five months after planting, polycultures (versus monocultures) had increased abundances of aphids (threefold), ants (3.2-fold) and parasitoids (1.7-fold) owing to non-additive effects of genetic diversity. The effect on aphids was direct, as plant genetic diversity did not mediate ant–aphid, parasitoid–aphid or ant–parasitoid interactions. This increase in aphid abundance occurred even though plant growth (and thus aphid resources) was not higher in polycultures. The increase in ants and parasitoids was an indirect effect, due entirely to higher aphid abundance. Ants reduced parasitoid abundance by 60 per cent, but did not affect aphid abundance or plant growth, and these top-down effects were equivalent between monocultures and polycultures. In summary, intraspecific plant diversity did not increase primary productivity, but nevertheless had strong effects across multiple trophic levels, and effects on both herbivore mutualists and enemies could be predicted entirely as an extension of plant–herbivore interactions.
Maternal and fetal risk factors for stillbirth: population based study

Objective To assess the main risk factors associated with stillbirth in a multiethnic English maternity population. Design Cohort study. Setting National Health Service region in England. Population 92 218 normally formed singletons including 389 stillbirths from 24 weeks of gestation, delivered during 2009-11. Main outcome measure Risk of stillbirth. Results Multivariable analysis identified a significant risk of stillbirth for parity (para 0 and para ≥3), ethnicity (African, African-Caribbean, Indian, and Pakistani), maternal obesity (body mass index ≥30), smoking, pre-existing diabetes, and history of mental health problems, antepartum haemorrhage, and fetal growth restriction (birth weight below 10th customised birthweight centile). As potentially modifiable risk factors, maternal obesity, smoking in pregnancy, and fetal growth restriction together accounted for 56.1% of the stillbirths. Presence of fetal growth restriction constituted the highest risk, and this applied to pregnancies where mothers did not smoke (adjusted relative risk 7.8, 95% confidence interval 6.6 to 10.9), did smoke (5.7, 3.6 to 10.9), and were exposed to passive smoke only (10.0, 6.6 to 15.8). Fetal growth restriction also had the largest population attributable risk for stillbirth and was fivefold greater if it was not detected antenatally than when it was (32.0% v 6.2%). In total, 195 of the 389 stillbirths in this cohort had fetal growth restriction, but in 160 (82%) it had not been detected antenatally. Antenatal recognition of fetal growth restriction resulted in delivery 10 days earlier than when it was not detected: median 270 (interquartile range 261-279) days v 280 (interquartile range 273-287) days. The overall stillbirth rate (per 1000 births) was 4.2, but only 2.4 in pregnancies without fetal growth restriction, increasing to 9.7 with antenatally detected fetal growth restriction and 19.8 when it was not detected. Conclusion Most normally formed singleton stillbirths are potentially avoidable. The single largest risk factor is unrecognised fetal growth restriction, and preventive strategies need to focus on improving antenatal detection.
Effects of scale and data source in periglacial distribution modelling in a high arctic environment, western Svalbard

The effects of scale (modelling resolution) and sources of data were explored in relation to periglacial distribution modelling for an area on western Svalbard in the High Arctic. To assess the effects of scale on predictive performance, the distributions of sorted circles and solifluction lobes were modelled at two resolutions (20 × 20 m and 200 × 200 m) using a boosted regression tree, a novel statistical ensemble method. To analyse the effects of sources of data on periglacial distribution modelling, a generalised linear model and a variation partitioning method were used. The explanatory variables were topographic parameters computed from a digital elevation model, vegetation and soil moisture indices derived from a Landsat TM 5 scene, and field survey‐based information on surficial materials. Firstly, similar levels of success were achieved in predicting the periglacial feature distributions at the local (20 m) and landscape (200 m) scales. Secondly, results indicated the potential for modelling to replace labour‐intensive field observations. The importance of topographic parameters for predicting the distribution of periglacial features in the sparsely vegetated High Arctic environment was also evident. Methodologically, novel statistical techniques and earth observation data provided an efficient combination for analysing periglacial landforms and processes in this remote region. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Observations of eastward currents in the tropical South Atlantic Ocean: 1978–1980

Data from four cruises to the tropical South Atlantic Ocean are used to describe the current distribution at 25°W and 27.5°/28°W. Two distinct eastward-flowing countercurrents separated by a branch of the westward-flowing South Equatorial Current (SEC) were observed during all the cruises. The South Equatorial Undercurrent, located between 3°S and 5°S, has a subsurface velocity core, with maximum speeds of about 0.4 m/s. Geostrophic volume transports of the SEUC, from the surface to 1000 m, range from 5 to 23 Sv. Surface flow above the core of the SEUC can be to the east or west. The South Equatorial Countercurrent (SECC) is located typically between 7°S and 9°S. Although weaker than the SEUC with transports ranging from 3 to 7 Sv, the SECC also has a subsurface velocity core. Maximum speeds of 0.1 m/s are observed at about 275 m. Surface flow above the core of the SECC is typically to the east. Upper layer waters of the SECC are saltier and warmer than waters within similar density layers to the north.
Review of Collision Avoidance and Path Planning Methods for Ships in Close Range Encounters

Efficient marine navigation through obstructions is still one of the many problems faced by the mariner. Many accidents can be traced to human error, recently increased traffic densities and the average cruise speed of ships impedes the collision avoidance decision making process further in the sense that decisions have to be made in reduced time. It seems logical that the decision making process be computerised and automated as a step forward to reduce the risk of collision. This article reviews the development of collision avoidance techniques and path planning for ships, particularly when engaged in close range encounters. In addition, previously published works have been categorised and their shortcomings highlighted in order to identify the ‘state of the art’ and issues in close range marine navigation.
Null allele frequencies at HLA-G locus in Iranian healthy subjects.

BACKGROUND HLA-G gene contains 15 alleles including a null allele, HLA-G*0105N. Previous studies have shown that HLA-G*0105N does not encode the complete HLA-G1 or HLA-G5 isoforms but encodes a functional HLA-G protein with the ability to inhibit NK cell cytolysis. Thus, although the biological functions of HLA-G1 and HLA-G5 proteins are abrogated, other isoforms such as HLA-G2 can replace their roles. Studies on the null allele of HLA-G gene could be useful in understanding the genetic variants of HLA-G alleles in ethnic groups. OBJECTIVE The goal of this research was to determine the frequency of HLA-G*0105N null allele in Iranian healthy subjects. METHODS The frequency of HLA-G*0105N null allele was evaluated in Iranian healthy subjects by PCR-RFLP method. Genomic DNA was isolated from the whole blood of 100 randomly selected, healthy, unrelated Iranian individuals using salting-out technique followed by PCR amplification of the exon 3 of HLA-G gene. PCR products were digested with PpUM-1 and the resulted fragments were analyzed using gel electrophoresis. RESULTS In this study the restriction enzyme digestion confirmed homozygous HLA-G*0105N null allele for 9 % of the population. Furthermore obtained results indicated that the total frequency of HLA-G*0105N null allele was 20 % in the studied population of Iran. CONCLUSION The final data analysis showed that the total frequency of this allele in Iranian people was higher than other ethnic groups that have been studied so far.
Large extent of mitochondrial DNA transfer from Oreochromis aureus to O. niloticus in West Africa

Introgressive hybridization has an important evolutionary significance in terms of gene diversity and speciation. Among the major groups of vertebrates, fish show a strong propensity to hybridize. In order to highlight the possible occurrence of gene flow between two tilapia species, Oreochromis niloticus and O. aureus, a comparison of allozyme and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) polymorphism was performed on sympatric and allopatric populations of these two species. Nuclear data were congruent with the morphological identification of O. niloticus and O. aureus populations. In opposition, the mtDNA analysis resulted in two strictly differentiated groups which did not follow the morphological and nuclear DNA classification. The first group consisted of East African O. niloticus populations and the second included all the O. aureus populations and the West African O. niloticus populations. Moreover, in some cases, the same sequences were detected in both species. These data strongly support a differential introgression of mtDNA from O. aureus to O. niloticus involving all the West African area. This work points out the risk of misinterpretation of mtDNA or nuclear DNA data when only one single class of marker is used.
Recent variations in mean temperature and the diurnal temperature range in the Antarctic

Monthly mean surface temperature data are available from nearly twenty stations for the period since the International Geophysical Year 1957. All but three stations show an increase in mean temperatures over this time, amounting in the average to 0.57°C over 1957 to 1994. All of this warming occurred before the early 1970s. Since then, there has been no change. The warming has been greatest in the Antarctic Peninsula. Analyses of the less-widely available diurnal temperature range (DTR) (maximum-minimum) data show regions of increase and decrease over Antarctica. An average continental DTR series shows no trend over 1957 to 1992. Analyses for six mid-to-high latitude Southern Ocean islands show increases in mean temperature over 1961–90. Given the low year-to-year variability in these data, these trends are more significant than for any of the stations on the Antarctic continent. The marked decrease in mean temperatures over Antarctica during 1993 and 1994 seems unrelated to sea-ice variations which show little change since the early 1980s.
Effect of feeling good on helping: cookies and kindness.

Two experiments with adult subjects investigated the effects of a person's positive affective state on his or her subsequent helpfulness to others. "Feeling good" was induced by having received cookies while studying in a library (Study I) and by having found a dime in the coin return of a public telephone while making a call (Study II). In Study I, where the dependent measure involved volunteering in reply to a student's request, a distinction was made between specific willingness to help and general willingness to engage in any subsequent activity. In Study II, the dependent measure was whether subjects spontaneously helped to pick up papers that were dropped in front of them. On the basis of previous research, it was predicted that subjects who were thus made to "feel good" would be more helpful than control subjects. Results support the predictions.
A Test of the Serial Discontinuity Concept: Longitudinal Trends of Benthic Invertebrates in Regulated and Natural Rivers of Northern Canada

Abiotic and biotic impacts below impoundments within the context of the River Continuum (RCC) and the Serial Discontinuity Concepts (SDC) have been the focus of many lotic studies. Recovery gradients, however, are rarely examined in sufficient detail below dams. Further refinement and understanding are needed to inform science and river managers about regulated river ecology. In this study, we examine longitudinal patterns in abiotic and biotic characteristics in two regulated rivers in Northern Canada. We also examine spatial patterns on two natural rivers: a lake outlet river and a river with no lakes. Direct gradient analysis revealed that increases in periphyton, planktonic drift, primary production, substrate size, and changes in thermal regime at sites closest to the dam drive benthic invertebrate community characteristics. We test the Serial Discontinuity Concept by comparing predicted functional forms of each environmental variable with the empirically derived forms. Substrate size, periphyton biomass, and drift density increased below dams and recovered quickly within 5 km downstream, following closely with SDC predictions. The response of organic matter and water quality was variable, and benthic invertebrate richness recovered relatively quickly, contrary to SDC predictions. Thermal regime and flow took much longer to recover than most variables and represent a second longer gradient type below dams. Plecoptera, Gomphidae, and Simuliidae were strongly influenced by altered resource and habitat and may be good candidates for indicators and predictive modelling. Our results generally support predictions from the Serial Discontinuity Concept and highlight the need for the further testing and refinement of this concept. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Telemedicine support shortens length of stay after fast-track hip replacement

Background and purpose — Telemedicine could allow patients to be discharged more quickly after surgery and contribute to improve fast-track procedures without compromising quality, patient safety, functionality, anxiety, or other patient-perceived parameters. We investigated whether using telemedicine support (TMS) would permit hospital discharge after 1 day without loss of self-assessed quality of life, loss of functionality, increased anxiety, increased rates of re-admission, or increased rates of complications after hip replacement. Patients and methods — We performed a randomized controlled trial involving 72 Danish patients in 1 region who were referred for elective fast-track total hip replacement between August 2009 and March 2011 (654 were screened for eligibility). Half of the patients received a telemedicine solution connected to their TV. The patients were followed until 1 year after surgery. Results — Length of stay was reduced from 2.1 days (95% CI: 2.0–2.3) to 1.1 day (CI: 0.9–1.4; p < 0.001) with the TMS intervention. Health-related quality of life increased in both groups, but there were no statistically significant differences between groups. There were also no statistically significant differences between groups regarding timed up-and-go test and Oxford hip score at 3-month follow-up. At 12-month follow-up, the rates of complications and re-admissions were similar between the groups, but the number of postoperative hospital contacts was lower in the TMS group. Interpretation — Length of postoperative stay was shortened in patients with the TMS solution, without compromising patient-perceived or clinical parameters in patients undergoing elective fast-track surgery. These results indicate that telemedicine can be of value in fast-track treatment of patients undergoing total hip replacement.