Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bone Quality and Strontium Ranelate

Given its increasing incidence and serious complications, osteoporosis requires safe and effective longterm treatment. Strontium ranelate is an osteoporosis treatment with a broad spectrum of safety and efficacy in reducing the risks of both vertebral and nonvertebral (including hip) fractures in a wide variety of patients. This treatment should be considered as a first-line option to treat women at risk of osteoporotic fractures, whatever their age, the severity of the disease and their risk factors. The analysis of transiliac bone biopsies has provided further evidence of the good bone tissue safety of strontium ranelate. Results are fully consistent with the mode of action of strontium ranelate involving dissociation between bone formation and bone resorption. Strontium ranelate treatment appears to stimulate both trabecular and cortical bone formation in 3D analyses, but without increasing cortical porosity. The change in 3D trabecular and cortical microarchitecture may improve bone biomechanical competence and explain the decreased fracture rate after treatment. We now have evidence that strontium (Sr) is heterogeneously distributed in bone tissue and is exclusively present in bone formed after the beginning of treatment. Sr is absent from old bone formed before treatment, but focal bone Sr content is constant during treatment. Whatever the duration of treatment and the content of Sr in bone, the variables reflecting secondary mineralization at the tissue level are maintained at normal levels. However, the influence of Sr on the quality of bone mineral and its mineralization remains to be clarified. IBMS BoneKEy. 2010 March;7(3):103-107. ©2010 International Bone & Mineral Society
Effects of Brazil's Political Crisis on the Science Needed for Biodiversity Conservation

The effects of Brazil´s political crisis on biodiversity conservation are likely to be global. Brazil is not only the World´s most biodiverse nation, it is responsible for the greater part of the Amazon forest, which regulates the climate and provides rain to much of southern South America. Brazil was a World leader in satellite monitoring of land-use change, in-situ biodiversity monitoring, reduction in tropical-forest deforestation, protection of indigenous lands, and a model for other developing nations. Coordinated public responses will be necessary to prevent special-interest groups from using the political crisis to weaken environmental legislation and law enforcement.
Identification of Image-Based Virtual Reality for enhancing Spatial Presence Using Repertory Grid Technique

Spatial presence is the binary (on/off) experience of a feeling located in a mediated environment, such as media (e.g., movies) and geometry-based virtual reality. No studies on the spatial presence in image-based virtual reality (IBVR) applications currently exist because of the low interaction functionality of spatial presence. IBVR refers to photo-based images that are stitched together to form a virtual environment. Interaction functions are limited to navigation using hotspot hopping, panning, and zooming in/out within the virtual environment. However, IBVR applications provide highly realistic visuals that can create the spatial presence of users through the use of scenic photographs that are stitched together to create a realistic panoramic view. This paper reports the results of a comprehensive study that attempts to identify which characteristics of IBVR applications can enhance the spatial presence of users. A systematic mental model technique called Repertory Grid was selected as an approach for the data collection because the approach allows users to freely state their opinions. Three different IBVR virtual environments were created to fulfill the Repertory Grid technique requirement. A different virtual environment is necessary to allow users to compare and provide feedback. A discussion is presented based on two aspects of the IBVR: panning, and hotspot hopping. The results indicate that the spatial presence of users can be enhanced through flexible panning; and consistent, and informative hotspots.
A CLINICAL STUDY ON IRON DEFICIENCY ANAEMIA WITH BIOIRON

AIM: To assess the efficacy and safety of BioIrontablet as a herbal iron supplement for repletion in iron deficiency anaemic patients. METHODS: Thirty subjects were evaluated in 5 sessions: screening, baseline, 14 th , 28 th and 56 th day accompanied with a follow up assessment at least 7 days from the last visit (day 63). The efficacy parameters, such as complete blood count (CBC), red blood cell indices, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), serum iron, total iron binding capacity and serum ferritin were evaluated. Subjects were assessed using SF-36 Health Questionnaire and Fatigue Severity Scale. Safety of the investigational product was assessed by physical examination, vital signs and adverse events. RESULTS: BioIronÂ showed a significant efficacy in 56 days as evaluated by an increase in haemoglobin (Hb) levels (p â‰¤ 0.0001) and decrease erythrocyte sedimentation rate (p â‰¤ 0.001). An increase in serum iron could be correlated to the immediate release of iron from BioIron in systemic circulation. This depicts the increased health status of subjects response to SF-36 Health Questionnaire (p â‰¤ 0.0001) and decreased fatigability (p â‰¤ 0.0001) assessed by Fatigue Severity Scale during the study course. CONCLUSIONS: Without any adverse events or serious adverse events, an appreciable statistical significance has been observed with respect to Hb level, total iron binding capacity and other laboratory parameters. Hence it can be reckoned that BioIron is safe and effective for the management of IDA.
Emulsification Ability of Surfactant-Like Peptides Predicted by Coarse Grained Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Peptides and their derivatives are gaining attention due to their low toxicity, ability to selfassembly into nano structures and emulsion,and their antiviral/antimicrobial properties. Corase-grained molecular dynamics simulation is a powerful method to investigate dynamics and properties at the molecular level of these peptides with sufficient sampling and acceptable details. We predicted the ability of a series of surfactant like peptides (G6D2, A6D2, V6D2, I6D2, and L6D2) to emulsify decane molecules using coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations. The simulations were carried out at 298 K, 1 atm, using martini force field. Simulation system for each peptide was constructed to consist of 100 peptide molecules, 20 decane molecules, water, antifreeze particles, and neutralizing ions in random configuration. After 1μs of simulation time, we found the only peptides containing residues with index of hydropathy ≥ 3,8 (V6D2, I6D2, and L6D2) are able to form stable emulsion with decane molecules. Analysis of contact number (Nc) between decane and peptide molecules showed that the longer side chain residues the better and faster they made contact with decane molecules to form emulsion. We found that the emulsions are less stable upon increasing temperature. The study may give insight into designing surfactant-like peptides for applications such as enhanced oil recovery and bioactive compound’s delivery system. Biochemistry Research Division, Bandung Institute of Technology Corresponding author e-mail address: rukman@chem.itb. ac.id
Micropower CMOS temperature sensor with digital output

A CMOS smart temperature sensor with digital output is presented. It consumes only 7 /spl mu/W. To achieve this extremely low-power consumption, the system is equipped with a facility that switches off the supply power after each sample. The circuit uses substrate bipolars as a temperature sensor. Conversion to the digital domain is done by a sigma-delta converter which makes the circuit highly insensitive to digital interference. The complete system is realized in a standard CMOS process and measures only 1.5 mm/sup 2/. In the temperature range from -40 to +120/spl deg/C, the inaccuracy is /spl plusmn/1/spl deg/C after calibration at two temperatures. The circuit operates at supply voltages down to 2.2 V.
Neural network predictive controller design for counter-current tubular heat exchangers in series

This paper aims at showing the application of neural network predictive control (NNPC) to counter-current heat exchangers (HEs) in series for water savings. The controlled process unit is composed of five counter-current shell-and-tube heat exchangers in series in which petroleum, coming from a distillation unit in a refinery is cooled. Neural network predictive control (NNPC) of the HEs for water savings was studied by simulations. The neural network (NN) plant model of the heat exchangers in series was obtained off-line. The two-layer network with sigmoid transfer functions in the hidden layer and linear transfer functions in the output layer was trained using the Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) algorithm. The neural network predictive control (NNPC) combines the advantages of neural-network-based modelling and model-based predictive control (MPC). Neural-network modelling is suitable for modelling non-linear processes, processes with asymmetric dynamics and processes with uncertainty. MPC is a model-based strategy and usually linear models of controlled processes are used. This fact can cause problems when strongly nonlinear processes, processes with asymmetric dynamics or uncertainty have to be controlled. Using neural-network plant model in MPC is one of the ways to overcome these problems. Moreover, MPC can handle boundaries on control inputs and controlled outputs. As the calculated control inputs are obtained as a result of an optimisation procedure, MPC can lead to water savings. Results obtained using NNPC for the HEs were compared with those by the classical PID control. They confirm that using the advanced control strategy leads to water savings. Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org) PRES17 conference
Mapping of quick clay using geoelectrical imaging and CPTU-resistivity

Quick clay has a major impact on landslide risk and it is therefore of considerable interest to map its presence and extent. In Sweden, quick clay has been involved in most landslides in soft clay with serious consequences. The predominant method for detection of quick clay in Sweden has been to take undisturbed samples and to perform fall-cone tests on the clay in its undisturbed and remoulded state. Originally deposited in saltwater in a marine environment, the salt maintains the stability of the clay. When the salt is leached out, the clay can become quick. When salt is leached from clay of marine origin the resistivity increases. In this study the intention was to calibrate electrical imaging with cone penetration tests with resistivity measurements (CPTU-R) and measurement of the total penetration resistance, i.e. the total rod friction, together with both geotechnical and chemical analyses on specimens in the laboratory. The results show that electrical imaging can be used for separation of leached soil volumes in marine clays that may form quick clay, from those where the salt content remains too high for this. In the dry crust and thin weathered zone at the top, the resistivity is high but the clay is non-quick. Also soils with less clay content will have higher resistivity without being quick. The technique may thus be used as a screening tool in order to delimit areas where further investigations are needed from areas that do not require more attention. This has a potential of saving significant resources if used in a relatively early stage of the survey process. It can also increase the overall quality and reliability of the survey results. The induced polarization (IP) results are consistent and seem to be geologically realistic, and appear to contain additional information to the resistivity that is related to material or electrochemical properties, although it is not clear how due to lack of sufficiently detailed reference data. The electrical imaging gives a general picture of the variation in resistivity along soil sections. The CPTU-R gives variations at depth with very high vertical resolution in one specific location. There is generally good agreement between the models based on electrical imaging and the CPTU-R. The CPTU-R results may be used to calibrate the electrical imaging results with quick clay estimations based on rod friction.
What is the Connection Between Aboriginal Education and Aboriginal Health

This paper reviews some international research which examines the impact that various indicators of socioeconomic status (SES), and especially education levels, appear to have on peoples’ health. In particular, it examines the work on ‘health transitions’, and its relevance to issues in Indigenous health in Australia. It then canvasses some theoretical, methodological and ethical issues involved in undertaking similar research in relation to the connections between education levels and health status among Indigenous peoples in Australia. The paper concludes by outlining several options for pursuing research of this type within the [Cooperative Research Centre for Aboriginal and Tropical Health] CRCATH program.
Membrane fusion as a morphogenetic force in nematode development

In Caenorhabditis elegans almost all the epithelial cells fuse to form permanent syncytia. Cells in the vulva and hypodermis fuse autonomously to produce ring shaped cells with defined structures and functions. Analysis of temporal and spatial sequence of events together with ultrastructural characterisation of cell fusion intermediates show that fusion pores in specific domains of the membranes dilate and subsequently vesicles are formed. The fusomorphogenetic hypothesis states that these vesicles are targeted to different domains of the plasma membrane where they fuse, thereby causing changes in cell shape. It is proposed that cell fusion and polarised membrane recycling are involved in the formation of ring cells. Fusomorphogenesis is a working model to investigate the forces that drive pattern formation and generate diversity of developmental mechanisms in nematodes. Chez Caenorhabditis elegans, presque toutes les cellules epitheliales fusionnent pour former des syncytia permanents. Les cellules de la vulve et de l’hypoderme fusionnent de facon autonome et produisent des cellules en forme d’anneau avec des structures et des fonctions definies. L’analyse de la sequence temporelle et spatiale des evenements, alliee a la caracterisation ultrastructurale des intermediaires de fusion cellulaire, montre que des pores de fusion se dilatent dans des domaines membranaires specifiques et que des vesicules sont par la suite formees. L’hypothese fusomorphogenetique suggere que ces vesicules sont ciblees vers des domaines differents de la membrane plasmique, ou elles fusionnent, provoquant ainsi des changements de forme cellulaire. Il est propose que la fusion cellulaire et le recyclage polarise de membranes soient consideres comme impliques dans la formation des cellules en anneau. La fusomorphogenese est un guide de travail pour etudier les forces qui entrainent la formation d’un modele spatial et engendrent la diversite des mecanismes de developpement chez les nematodes.
Sickle Cell Trait, Malaria and Sensorineural Hearing Loss–A Case-Control Study from São Tomé and Príncipe

Background: Hearing loss is a problem with higher incidence in South Asia, Asia Pacific and sub-Saharan Africa. In these countries there is also associated history of anemia and malaria. Objective: This study aims to identify a putative role of Beta globin mutation - sickle cell trait and HL in Sao Tome and Principe population. Methods: A retrospective case-control study of a convenience sample was collected during Otolaryngologist Humanitarian Missions in Sao Tome and Principe. Control group includes individuals with normal hearing in both ears, and the case group has participants presenting bilateral or unilateral HL. It was evaluated the potential risk factors and sickle cell trait with HL, as well self-report of malaria infection, consanguinity, familial history of HL. The HbS gene point mutation (Glu6Val) was determined by PCR-RFLP. Results: Our results showed a statistical significance between HL - oral language and self-report of HL. Taken altogether, our data did not reveal association between sickle cell trait and HL. However, a statistical association between HL and self-report of malaria was found. Conclusion: No association between sickle cell trait and the high prevalence of HL was found. Self-report of Malaria was found as a risk factor for the development of HL in Sao Tome and Principe population. The multifactorial profile of HL shall not exclude the relevance of other etiologic factors than Malaria to justify the high prevalence of HL in Sao Tome and Principe and further investigation must be applied.
A Comparison of the Accuracy and Precision of Measurements from Single and Stereo-Video Systems

Underwater tests using plastic silhouettes of fish were used to compare the accuracy and precision of measurements made with a single video camera system to those made from two stereo-video systems (one using digital camcorders, the other using Hi8 camcorders). Test measurements made across a variety of ranges and angles of silhouette orientation in the fields of view showed the length estimates from both the digital and Hi8 stereo-video systems were substantially more accurate and precise than those obtained by the single video camera system, and had the great advantage that the position (range and bearing) and orientation of a fish target could be measured directly. Measurements made with stereo-video were much less restricted by range and subject orientation than those made with single video. The data resulting from these trials are used to propose a set of guidelines to optimize the accuracy and precision of underwater measurements of fish length using single and stereo-video systems.
Rg AS A DEPTH DISCRIMINANT FOR EARTHQUAKES AND EXPLOSIONS: A CASE STUDY IN NEW ENGLAND

Fundamental mode Rayleigh waves with periods between about 0.4 and 2.5 sec ( Rg ) are often observed on seismograms of explosions and very shallow-focus earthquakes. The Rg phase is particularly prominent on seismograms of quarry blasts. In this study, Rg waves generated by small earthquakes and explosions in New England are investigated to evaluate the extent to which Rg waves can be used to estimate depths of events in the upper crust. The data were recorded by the New England Seismic Network (NESN) operated by Weston Observatory. The strongest Rg signals recorded by the NESN are generally in the period range of 0.5 to 1.5 sec. In that period range, Rg displacement is essentially confined to the upper 5 km of the crust, with most of the Rg wave energy in the upper 2 or 3 km. Sources deeper than about 4 km would not be expected to generate strong Rg signals at these periods; and so, if Rg can be clearly identified on a seismogram, the source is most likely very shallow. Observed Rg waves can, therefore, be used to discriminate very shallow-focus events from deeper events, provided that Rg can be identified and distinguished from other phases. A method for identifying Rg waves at distances up to about 170 km is presented in this paper. Rg is identified and distinguished from other phases by measuring amplitudes at particular periods and arrival times using a narrow bandpass filter analysis. Rg/P and Rg/Lg ratios are estimated by forming the ratios of amplitudes in the appropriate group velocity-frequency windows on vertical component seismograms. The phase referred to as “ Lg ” is actually a complicated wave train recorded on short-period seismograms that travels with group velocities appropriate for S and Lg waves. An Rg/Lg ratio appears to be a better measure of the presence of Rg on a seismogram than an Rg/P ratio. Observed Rg/Lg ratios are used to estimate depths of two earthquakes recorded by the NESN.
The Bri2 and Bri3 BRICHOS Domains Interact Differently with Aβ42 and Alzheimer Amyloid Plaques

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and there is no successful treatment available. Evidence suggests that fibril formation of the amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) is a major underlying cause of AD, and treatment strategies that reduce the toxic effects of Aβ amyloid are sought for. The BRICHOS domain is found in several proteins, including Bri2 (also called integral membrane protein 2B (ITM2B)), mutants of which are associated with amyloid and neurodegeneration, and Bri3 (ITM2C). We have used mouse hippocampal neurons and brain tissues from mice and humans and show Bri3 deposits dispersed on AD plaques. In contrast to what has been shown for Bri2, Bri3 immunoreactivity is decreased in AD brain homogenates compared to controls. Both Bri2 and Bri3 BRICHOS domains interact with Aβ40 and Aβ42 present in neurons and reduce Aβ42 amyloid fibril formation in vitro, but Bri3 BRICHOS is less efficient. These results indicate that Bri2 and Bri3 BRICHOS have different roles in relation to Aβ aggregation.
The Incidence of Preeclampsia and Eclampsia in Obstetric-Gynecologic “Queen Geraldine” in Tirana, Albania during 2000-2013

Objective: To evaluate the incidence of preeclampsia and eclampsia and associated mortality in a in a tertiary referral center between 2000 and 2013.Materials and methods: This retrospective study was carried out in the Obstetric-Gynecologic “Queen Geraldine” in Tirana, Albania a tertiary level center for the country. The incidence, demographics of women with pre-eclampsia and eclampsia and neonatal outcomes of all singleton births in this hospital were recorded. Diagnoses of preeclampsia and eclampsia were established according to the ICD. Results: The incidence of preeclampsia was 2.7% (95%CI 2.65-2.80), presenting a significant downward trend over the study period, 4% in 2000 and 1.7% in 2013 (p<0.01). The rate of eclampsia was 8.6/ 10,000 births or 2.6% of preeclampsia cases, decreasing from 1.9% to 1.5% (p=0.2). RR of eclampsia in 2013 was 0.7 (95% CI 0.23 -2.51) compared with the year 2000 (p=0.6). Eighty percent of seizures occurred in nuliparous women (p<0.01). No seasonal variation of seizure occurrence was found (p=0.6). Conclusion: The incidence of preeclampsia has decreased significantly as well as the rate of eclampsia, however not significantly. Modern obstetric care and the introduction into national programmes and health-care services of evidence-based policies it is essential to the prevention and management of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia to reduce the infant morbidity and mortality.
Reputational Herding in Financial Markets: A Laboratory Experiment

ABSTRACT We study reputational herding in financial markets in a laboratory experiment. In the spirit of Dasgupta and Prat [2008], career concerns are introduced in a sequential asset market where wages for investors are set by subjects in the role of employers. Employers can observe investment behavior, but not investors' ability types. Thereby, reputational incentives may arise endogenously. We find that a sizable fraction of investors follows an established trend even in a setting where there are no reputational incentives. In a setting where there are reputational concerns, they do not seem to create substantial herd behavior.