Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
AVALIAÇÃO SAZONAL DE ALGUNS PARÂMETROS INDICADORES DA QUALIDADE DE ÁGUA NO RESERVATÓRIO DA USINA HIDRELÉTRICA DE ILHA SOLTEIRA-SP, BRASIL

The present work reports on a evaluation of some w ater quality indicator parameters from Catarina and Marina beach, located t Ilha Solteira town, SP, Brazil. The dissolved oxygen (DO), conductivity and tempera ture measures were performed on-site through the use of portable equipments and the measures of other parameters such as chlorine (Cl ) and pH were performed on the laboratory. These pa rameters were monitored from october/2007 to october 2008 in orde r to investigate the seasonal influence on the water quality. According to the re sults the parameters investigated are above critical levels except the DO, which attained 16 mg L in october/2008. The present investigation showed that all parameters ar e in acceptable levels despite the anthropic influence.
Sleep Quality, Fatigue, and Related Factors Among Perimenopausal Women in Taipei City

Background: Sleep disturbances and fatigue are two of the most common complaints in perimenopausal women. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore sleep quality, fatigue, and related factors among perimenopausal women. Methods: A cross-sectional correlation survey was conducted. Data were collected through purposive sampling conducted from January to April 2008 at gynecological clinics and perimenopausal support groups in Taipei City. Informed consent was obtained from patients. Results: Eighty-five women with a mean age of 52.73 years were recruited. The total score for sleep quality was 7.71 ± 4.66, and 62.4% of women were identified as poor sleepers. The mean score of perimenopausal fatigue was 3.02 ± 2.41, indicating mild fatigue. Results showed that the quality of sleep among perimenopausal women was significantly affected by factors including long-term drug use, hormone and/or nutritional supplement consumption, perimenopausal status, and tendency toward anxiety and/or depression (t = 5.43, p < .01; t = −3.15, p < .01; t = −3.33, p < .001; F = 4.33, p < .05; F = 20.20 and 12.73, p < .001.). Fatigue and perimenopausal disturbances were related to sleep quality (r = .63 and .61, p < .01), and 43% of sleep quality variance was explained by fatigue and depression. Conclusions/Implications for Practice: It is crucial to assess sleep quality in perimenopausal women who complain of fatigue and/or depression. In addition, health providers should integrate assessments of factors of significant influence on the sleep quality of perimenopausal women (e.g., fatigue; long-term drug, hormone, and/or nutritional supplements use; menopausal status, and tendency toward anxiety and/or depression).
Acute ethanol exposure induces [Ca2+]i transients, cell swelling and transformation of actin cytoskeleton in astroglial primary cultures

Acute exposure to 100 mm isotonic ethanol (EtOH) increased intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), induced cell swelling, and transformed actin cytoskeleton in astroglial primary cultures from rat cerebral cortex. Fluorometric recordings of fluo‐3AM‐ or fura‐2AM‐incubated astroglial cells revealed that EtOH induced [Ca2+]i transients in a small population of the cells. Cell swelling was estimated using a new method based on three‐dimensional fluorescence imaging in conjunction with image analysis and graphic visualization techniques. The method provides detailed results concerning the reformation of structural shape and specific volume alterations, as well as total proportions between the different states. Astroglial cell swelling was registered and quantified in 7 of 39 cells chosen from 12 different coverslips. EtOH also induced reversible conformational changes in filamentous actin, appearing as increases in ring formations and a more dispersed appearance of the filaments. Filamentous actin was stained with Alexa phalloidin after incubation with EtOH for varied periods. The results presented here suggest that EtOH affects astrocytes in a way that could be of physiological relevance.
A Survey on Prototype Filter Design for Filter Bank Based Multicarrier Communications

Due to its numerous advantages, orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) has been the broadband wireless access technology of choice for many wireless stan dards over the last decade. Recently, filter bank based multicarri er techniques are emerging as one of the alternatives to OFDM for next generation broadband wireless access systems. Whi le there are several studies on filter bank based multicarrier s ystems in the literature, its potential merits over OFDM and possible implementation challenges in practical channel and impair ment conditions require further investigations. The goals of the present survey are to provide an extensive and unified review of wavef orm design issues for filter bank based multicarrier systems, sh ed some light on advantages and disadvantages of this technolo gy, and provide pointers to open research problems.
A novel biomembrane model for electrochemical studies : characterisation and applications

This thesis describes the development and characterisation of a novel biomembrane model suitable for electrochemical investigation, and its applicability in studies of biologically related phenomena. The model system consists of a lipid monolayer, deposited at a polarisable liquid – liquid interface with the Langmuir – Blodgett technique. Combinations of ac and dc electrochemical techniques with theoretical models are employed to obtain information on the phase transfer and membrane interactions of charged therapeutics at the monolayer-covered interface. The thesis comprises six publications and a thorough introduction to biological and model membranes. The first part of the thesis surveys background literature with relevance to the present work. Basic properties of biological membranes are discussed and existing biomembrane models reviewed. The presented literature serves as a reference point for the development and evaluation of the model system described in this thesis, and is frequently referred to in the discussion of the results. In the second part of the thesis, the essential results of the publications are summarised. Instead of an article-by-article approach, results from various publications are jointly presented under appropriate headings. The development, characterisation and applicability of the model system are discussed. In the last-mentioned section, emphasis lies on methods applicable to drug development and delivery. To this end, the usefulness of the model system in the construction of pH – potential diagrams, determination of drug membrane activity, and studies of drug transfer through polyelectrolyte multilayers, is investigated. Finally, in view of the obtained results, the future prospects of the system are assessed.
Comparative amino acid requirements

It is proposed to look, not at absolute requirements, but rather at the optimum pattern of essential amino acids (EAA) needed and the optimum value for the ratio EAA:total useful crude protein supply (CP; Nx6.25) when the supply is adequate but not excessive. For monogastric mammals and poultry it is clearly of practical value to try to assess requirements in the diet’. However, results may vary greatly (Hegsted, 1973; Bodwell, 1977) and for the ruminant they are valueless because of profound modification of AA supply in the reticulo-rumen. A more useful site for comparing requirements is the small intestine, particularly if available (i.e. absorbed) AA are considered. Estimates of AA requirements for deposition in tissues, secretions or products provide fairly solid ground for making comparative assessments and it is plausible to suppose that they are related to requirements in the small intestine or the diet (Munks et al. 1945; Williams et al. 1954; Hutton & Annison, 1972; Buraczewski, 1973; Hurwitz et al. 1978). However, for reliable predictions it is necessary to understand the ways in which AA are transported and metabolized between the gut and their final destination. In this paper, present knowledge of these processes and the possibilities of using factorial methods to try to identify differences in EAA requirements for a number of different species and physiological states are examined in Table 2. EAA include leucine (Leu), isoleucine (Ile), valine (Val), methionine (Met), phenyl alanine (Phe), threonine (Thr), lysine (Lys), tryptophan (Trp) and histidine (His). In addition consideration is given to total sulphurcontaining amino acids (S-AA; Met and Lys) and to total aromatic amino acids (Ar-AA; Tyr and Phe). Histidine is included although apparently not essential for adult man (Irwin & Hegsted, 1971). An excellent review of qualitative and quantitative comparative AA requirements for a variety of animals has recently been published (Buttery, 1979).
Plasma GABA Is Low in Major DepressiveDisorderand Does Not Improve with Clinical Recovery

y-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransminer that serves about one-third of brain neurons, is involved in the development of depression and in the treatment of depression and mania with pharmacological therapy. Brain activity of GABA may be conveniently measured in plasma, and changes in plasma concentrations of GABA reflect brain GABA activity. Plasma concentrations of GABA are signfficantly lower than control values in about one-third of patients with major depressive disorder; concentrations are also low in patients with mania and in bipolar patients who are depressed. These low concentrations of GABA appear to persist after recovery from depression and are not increased by treatments that improve depressive symptoms. Follow-up studies suggest that GABA concentrations remain relatively constant over at least 4 years. Additionally, preliminary data suggest that low plasma GABA is a familial marker of mood disorders in a subset of patients. Despite the difficultyof demonstrating that a particular biochemical measure is a true genetic trait marker for vulnerability for development of an illness, the accumulated data suggest that low plasma GABA may represent a biological marker of vulnerability for development of various mood disorders.
Profile of tuberculosis patients progressing to death, city of São Paulo, Brazil, 2002.

OBJECTIVE To profile adult patients dying of tuberculosis in the city of São Paulo with respect to biological, environmental and institutional factors. METHODS Descriptive study covering all tuberculosis deaths (N=416) among individuals aged over 15 years in 2002. Data were obtained from hospital records, the local Mortality Information System, Coroner's Service, and tuberculosis Surveillance System. The estimates of relative risk and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were based on the reference group, i.e., females aged 15 to 29 years, originally from the State of São Paulo (Brazil). A comparative analysis was conducted using Pearson's chi-square test and Fisher's exact test for categorical variables and Kruskal-Wallis test for continuous variables. RESULTS Of all tuberculosis deaths identified, 78% had pulmonary form. Tuberculosis diagnosis was made after death in 30% and in primary health care units in 14%. Of them, 44% had not started treatment; 49% were not notified; and 76% were men. The median age was 51 years; 52% had up to four years of schooling; 4% were probably living in the streets. Mortality rate increased with age; it was 5.0/100,000 for the entire city, ranging between zero to 35 according to the district. Previous treatment was reported for 82 out of 232 patients, and of them, 41 defaulted treatment. Diabetes (16%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (19%), HIV infection (11%), smoking (71%), and alcohol abuse (64%) were also reported. CONCLUSIONS Adult males over 50, migrants and living in lower Human Development Index districts were more likely to die of tuberculosis. Low schooling and comorbidities are relevant characteristics. Low involvement of primary care units in tuberculosis diagnosis and high underreporting of cases were also seen.
Creating More Stable and Diversified Socially Responsible Investment

This study is the first to apply a robust estimation technique when constructing Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) portfolios and to highlight that the selection of the optimization process in this industry matters. We go beyond the mean-variance Markowitz framework in order to bypass issues surrounding the significant estimation risk that causes unstable, poorly diversified and suboptimal portfolios. Using data from MSCI KLD on the social responsibility of US firms, we construct SRI portfolios which exhibit higher risk-adjusted performance, lower total risk, greater stability and diversification compared to conventional and SRI equity indexes, as well as more naive forms of optimization. Our main conclusions are robust to a series of tests, including the use of different estimation windows, stricter screening criteria, and alternative ways of evaluating portfolio performance.
Significance of nodular regenerative hyperplasia occurring de novo following liver transplantation

Nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) of the liver usually occurs in patients with rheumatological and myelolymphoproliferative disorders; the occurrence post–liver transplantation (LT) has traditionally been ascribed to the use of azathioprine. We report the clinical, biochemical, and radiological features of 14 patients who developed NRH, unrelated to azathioprine in most cases, 3 months to 11 yr after orthotopic LT. A total of 10 patients developed NRH within 4 yr (early onset), and 4 other patients developed the condition beyond 4 yr of LT (late onset). A total of 7 symptomatic patients, all in the early group, had features of portal hypertension with vascular abnormalities on Doppler ultrasonography that were preceded by the diagnosis of NRH. All asymptomatic patients, including each of the 4 patients in the late group, had normal hepatic ultrasound (US) studies. Two symptomatic patients had normalization of histologic abnormalities after correction of vascular abnormalities. In conclusion, observation is appropriate for patients who develop NRH late following LT. Patients in whom NRH is detected on liver biopsy early after transplantation are likely to develop portal hypertension in the future. Intervention aimed at correcting the vascular abnormalities in these patients may result in clinical as well as hepatic histological improvement. Liver Transpl 13:1552–1556, 2007. © 2007 AASLD.
Variation of semen quality in normal men.

To examine the amount of variability in semen analysis results and whether there is any effect of season, 673 specimens provided by seven normal, healthy men (61-205 specimens/subject) over 72-324 weeks were assessed for sperm concentration, ejaculate volume, motility and motility index. Noticeable sample to sample variations were found. The largest proportion of the overall variance was due to within-subject differences, e.g., sperm concentration (54%), ejaculate volume (59%), percentage motility (96%) and motility index (74%). Although changes in semen-analysis results occurred over the year, no consistent trend was seen. No evidence was found to suggest that the differences were due to modifications of the methods employed by the laboratory, or to the change of season.
Applying Heat for Joining Textile Materials

The middle of the last century presents the beginning of a wide use of heat technologies for joining of the textile materials. Up to now, adhesive bonding/fusing of textile materials by application of heat and pressure during the determinate time has become a wide‐use technology for manufacturing numerous kinds of textile products, such as outdoor and sport garments, underwear, swimming suits, medical gowns, toys, and automotive seating fabrics. Fusing and welding technologies of textiles represent today a signifi‐ cant competition to traditional sewing, because the technological process is quick and energy efficient. The welding and fusing of textiles represent a great opportunity for providing a good performance as well as aesthetic appearance. New types of fusing/ welding machines with high technological solutions regarding the functions, low energy consumptions, and environmental‐friendly effects are placed on the market. This chapter presents fusing, hot air and hot wedge welding techniques, suitable for joining of textile materials. The theoretical background and fundamental working principles of the equipment for each technology are presented in the first part of the chapter. Special attention is given to presentation of thermoplastic adhesives, textile substrates for fusible interlinings, and welding tapes. Next, the fusing/welding methods and their parame‐ ters are described, and the methods for quality evaluation of fused/welded panels are presented. The effect of fusing/welding parameters, selected methods depending on applied fabrics, fusible interlinings and welding tapes, and used fusing/welding machines are discussed separately. Factors effecting the quality of fused and hot air/ wedge welded panels are supported with latest scientific findings. The advantages and disadvantages of the presented techniques are discussed together with the applications areas of each of the presented techniques. The new application opportunities are also highlighted at the end of the chapter.
Impact of MnO 2 on the efficiency of metallic iron for the removal of dissolved CrVI

Mo 1 2 3 4 5 6 , Sb, U and Zn Noubactep C. *, Btatkeu K.B. D. , Tchatchueng J.B. (a) Angewandte Geologie, Universität Göttingen, Goldschmidtstraße 3, D 37077 Göttingen, Germany; (b) ENSAI/University of Ngaoundere, BP 455 Ngaoundere, Cameroon; (c) Kultur und Nachhaltige Entwicklung CDD e.V. , Postfach 1502, D 37005 Göttingen, Germany. 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 (*) e-mail: cnoubac@gwdg.de; Tel. +49 551 39 3191, Fax: +49 551 399379 Abstract The idea that manganese oxide (MnO2) sustains the reactivity of metallic iron (Fe) is investigated in this study. A multi-elemental aqueous system containing Cr, Cu, Mo, Sb, U, and Zn (each about 100 μM) was used as model solution. Non-disturbed batch experiments were performed at initial pH values 4.0 and 6.0 for one month. Three different systems were investigated: (i) MnO2 alone, (ii) “Fe + sand”, and (iii) “Fe + MnO2”. The experimental vessels contained either: (i) no material (blank), (ii) up to 9.0 g/L of MnO2, or (iii) 5 g/L Fe and 0 to 9.0 g/L MnO2 or sand. Results clearly revealed quantitative contaminant removal (> 70 %) confirming the suitability of Fe as a highly efficient reactive material for the removal of the 6 tested metallic ions over a pH range applicable to environmental waters. Results also corroborated the suitability of MnO2 to sustain the longterm Fe reactivity. Further studies in dynamic systems (column studies) are necessary to finetune the use of MnO2 in Fe filtration systems.
Assessment of physiological strain in inland fishing activity

Ten fishermen aged between 19 and 48 years of age, were examined in the field during inland fishing activity, which they perform individually. Physiological strain in terms of heart rate varied between 86 and 115 beats/min with mean net cardiac cost of 32 beats/min. The average relative cardiac cost was 36%. Analysis of physiological responses revealed that the recommended limits of cardiac strain indices were surpassed during the majority of the fishing period. Average energy cost was estimated to be 3.3 kcal.min-1, which was about 34% of the VO2max. Average intensity of the workload entailed in the whole fishing shift appeared to be moderate and acceptable. Furthermore, the heat load in the working situation did not appear to be a serious threat to the health of the workers. Analysis of work revealed more static exertions in the work. To reduce the postural load and musculoskeletal discomforts of the fishermen, ergonomic interventions are required, which represents a further scope of study.
Solar Sail Near-Optimal Circular Transfers with Plane Change

DOI: 10.2514/1.38079 Near-minimum time interplanetary trajectories between circular orbits with different orbital planes are investigated. By assumption, the mission is carried out with a solar sail spacecraft, whose performance takes into account the optical characteristics of the sail film and the maximum temperature constraint. In an effort to obtain a general, albeit approximate, solution, the problem is tackled by dividing the mission in two or three phases, depending on the value of the inclination change between the initial and target orbit. Each phase is analyzed by solvingaminimumtimeproblemwithanindirectapproach,andthewholemissiontimeisestimatedasthesumofthe contributions of the elementary phases. The obtained results are then collected through graphs and fitting functions that can be used effectively to get a good and quick estimate of the main mission parameters, as well as to quantify their effect on the mission flight time. A comparison of the proposed approach with the optimal results available for the Solar Polar Imager mission confirms the effectiveness of the developed methodology.
Maternal HIV infection alters the immune balance in the mother and fetus; implications for pregnancy outcome and infant health

Purpose of reviewWith the rapid roll-out of combination antiretroviral therapy to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV, there is an annual increase in the number of uninfected infants born to HIV-infected women. Although the introduction of combination antiretroviral therapy has vastly improved pregnancy outcome and the health of infants born to HIV-infected women, concerns remain regarding the impact the maternal HIV infection on the pregnancy outcome and the health of HIV-exposed uninfected infants. Recent findingsMaternal HIV infection is associated with negative pregnancy outcomes such as low birth weight. In addition, an increased susceptibility to infections is reported in HIV-exposed uninfected infants compared with infants born to uninfected women. Studies have shown that HIV-exposure affects the maternal/fetal unit, with increase of proinflammatory cytokine produced by placental cells, as well as altered infant immune responses. These changes could provide the underlying conditions for negative pregnancy outcomes and facilitate mother-to-child transmission of HIV in the infant. Further studies are required to understand the underlying mechanisms and investigate whether these altered infant immune responses persist and have clinical consequences beyond childhood. SummaryHIV infection in pregnant women is associated with altered immune responses in HIV-infected women and their offspring with clinical consequences for pregnancy outcome and the HIV-exposed uninfected infant. Further studies are required to address the origin and long-term consequences of prenatal HIV-exposure and subsequent immune activation for infant health.