Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adaptive Knee Joint Control for an Active Amputee Prosthesis

This work presents the design and evaluation of knee joint controllers for an above-knee prosthesis. The prototype is a three degree of freedom prosthesis which is planned to be controlled in part by EMG thigh signals, in part by a predictive trajectory generator based on multisensorial data such that the foot can be correctly positioned with respect the floor. There is described a simplified non-linear dynamic model for the knee opening angle. The model parameter identification is made using a least squares batch estimator. Based on the estimated non-linear model, two strategies for joint controllers are designed: PID and model reference adaptive controller. The PID design follows a root locus approach with experimental tuning. Preliminary tests were performed in a platform built for the prosthesis under development. The results discussed in this paper reveals the difficulty in controlling such a nonlinear plant.
Mannan‐binding lectin plasma levels in leprosy: deficiency confers protection against the lepromatous but not the tuberculoid forms

Mannan‐binding lectin (MBL) is an important component of the first‐line defence against infections. Evidence has shown that MBL deficiency, reducing phagocytosis and internalization of intracellular pathogens may protect the host against intracellular infections such as leprosy. In this study, we speculated whether genetically determined low MBL serum levels confer protection against Mycobacterium leprae infection. One hundred and ninety‐one patients with leprosy, presenting lepromatous (n = 118), tuberculoid (n = 31), dimorph (n = 30) and indeterminate (n = 12) clinical forms and 110 healthy controls matched with the patients according to sex, age and ethnic background were investigated. MBL concentrations were measured in a double‐antibody enzyme immune assay and C‐reactive protein (CRP) serum levels by nephelometry. A significant negative association of MBL low values (< 100 ng/ml) was observed with lepromatous patients when comparing with controls and tuberculoid patients [10/118, 8·47%versus 21/110, 19·09%P = 0·03 χ2 with Yates’ correction, odds ratio (OR) 0·39, confidence interval (CI) 0·18–0·88 and 8/31, 25·81%, P = 0·02, OR 0·27, CI 0·09–0·75, respectively]. There was no significant difference in the distribution of MBL levels between patients and controls or among the clinical forms. The concentration of CRP was significantly increased in the patients (P = 0·0002) and in the lepromatous form (P = 0·0001) when compared to controls. A weak positive correlation between MBL and CRP levels was observed in the patients (P = 0·010, R = 0·255). These data suggest a protective role for MBL deficiency against the development of the most severe and multi‐bacillary form of leprosy.
A comparison of the quality of life of hearing-impaired people as estimated by three different utility measures Un comparación de la calidad de vida de personas con trastornos auditivos estimada por tres diferentes medidas de utilidad

The purpose of this study was to compare the quality of life of hearing-impaired adults, as assessed by three different utility measures – the EuroQol (EQ-5D), the Health Utilities Index Mark III (HUI3), and the SF-6D (derived from the SF-36 questionnaire). Measuring quality of life in terms of utility enables the benefits of many interventions to be compared on a common scale, where 0 corresponds to death and 1 to perfect health. Utility scores for 915 new referrals (mean age 69 years, 55% male) to four UK audiology clinics were estimated. The mean utility scores on the EQ-5D (0.79), SF-6D (0.77), and HUI3 (0.56) were all significantly different from each other. The agreement between measures was most commonly moderate according to the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC=0.36 to 0.58). This suggests that different utility measures will provide different estimates of the effectiveness of hearing aid provision.
Comparative reliability of proton spectroscopy techniques designed to improve detection of J‐coupled metabolites

Improved detection of J‐coupled neurometabolites through the use of modified proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS) techniques has recently been reported. TE‐averaged point‐resolved spectroscopy (PRESS) uses the J modulation effects by averaging FIDs with differing echo times to improve detection of glutamate, while standard PRESS detection of glutamate can be improved by using an appropriate single echo determined from J‐modulation simulations. In the present study, the reliabilities of TE‐averaged PRESS, standard PRESS with TE = 40 ms, and standard PRESS with TE = 30 ms in detecting metabolite levels in the cingulate gyrus of the human brain at 3T were compared in six subjects. TE‐averaged PRESS measures showed a mean variability of 9% for N‐acetyl aspartate, choline, and creatine, compared with < 4% for the 30‐ and 40‐ms PRESS techniques. The coefficients of variation for glutamate were 10%, 7%, and 5% for TE‐averaged, 30‐ms, and 40‐ms PRESS, respectively. PRESS with a TE of 40 ms also demonstrated improved reliability for GABA and glutamine concentrations. These results show that with the appropriate selection of echo time standard PRESS can be a reliable 1H‐MRS technique for the measurement of J‐coupled neurometabolites in the human brain and, moreover, compares favorably with at least one J‐edited technique. Magn Reson Med 60:964–969, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
First-principles study of the electronic properties of graphite.

The electronic properties of hexagonal graphite have been studied in the framework of the density-functional technique, using nonlocal ionic pseudopotentials and a large number of plane waves. The valence charge density and the density of states are presented, as well as the band structure and the charge-density contributions of some typical wave functions. The electronic energies, at the Fermi level, are parametrized by the Slonczewski-Weiss-McClure model, and compared with the parametrization of experimental data. The numerical accuracy of the calculation has been controlled, in order to provide a reliable comparison between theory and experiment. In particular, the agreement obtained in the framework of the density-functional theory for electronic energies at the Fermi level is surprisingly good.
Superdirective Magnetic Dipole Array as a First-Order Probe for Spherical Near-Field Antenna Measurements

The theory as well as numerical and experimental results are presented for a superdirective array composed of closely spaced electrically small resonant magnetic dipole elements. The array operates on a metal ground plane and can exhibit a maximum directivity of 11.5 dBi, 15.2 dBi, and 17.8 dBi (including 3 dB due to the ground plane), for 2, 3, and 4 magnetic dipoles, respectively. The array is self-resonant and is directly excited by a 50-ohm coaxial cable through the ground plane. The array radiates essentially the |μ| = 1 spherical modes, which, despite a narrow bandwidth, makes it an excellent first-order probe for spherical near-field antenna measurements at low frequencies.
Building ‘community’ for different stages of life: physical and social infrastructure in master planned communities

As cities around the world struggle to cope with increasing populations, major new master planned housing developments are being undertaken to meet the demand for housing. Such urban developments are influencing workforce, household, and community relations, which in turn drive health and well-being outcomes, and affect social capital and labour market participation. This paper reports findings from the first phase of data collection for the Work, Home and Community Project. Fourteen focus groups were conducted with 68 men and women who live and/or work at newly developed master planned communities in South Australia and Victoria. Findings indicate that familiarity, availability, and the enabling of social bridges contribute to the development of community and social capital in these residential areas. For individuals at different stages of life these factors were facilitated or inhibited by specific physical and social infrastructures in the residential area and the workplace. At a time when concerns are being raised about the ability of people to combine work, home, and community these findings shed some light on the physical and social infrastructures that can enable or constrain the building of healthy communities.
Low uptake of HIV testing and no HIV positivity in stable serodiscordant heterosexual partners of long-term treated HIV-infected Thais

The objective of this study was to characterize HIV-serodiscordant heterosexual couples and to evaluate acceptance for HIV testing and HIV prevalence in nonindex partners. We conducted a cross-sectional study with quantitative and qualitative components. Two cohorts of 1767 HIV-positive people were screened to identify heterosexual HIV-serodiscordant couples. HIV-positive partners (index) were administered a questionnaire; CD4, viral load (VL), and antiretroviral therapy (ART) history were gathered from clinical records. HIV-negative/unknown status partners (nonindex) were invited for a similar questionnaire and HIV testing. In-depth interviews with three HIV-serodiscordant couples were conducted. Two hundred and ninety-seven index partners agreed to enroll in this study. The median duration of the relationship was 10 years, and 81% were sexually active. All but two index partners were on ART, and 98% had VL < 1000 copies/mL. Only 111 (37%) nonindex partners came for HIV testing, and all of them tested HIV-negative. In addition, only 41% of nonindex partners had HIV testing in the last one year. The main reasons for the nonindex partners not to come for HIV testing were “no interest” (n = 117, 63%) and “nondisclosure of HIV status” (n = 46, 25%). The latter was substantiated and explained by the qualitative outcome of this study, suggesting relation to stigma against HIV-positive people. Our results support the WHO recommendation for starting ART for treatment and prevention in HIV-serodiscordant couples at any CD4 count. Furthermore, we recommend the dissemination of data showing that no HIV transmission in heterosexual couples through sex practice has been observed provided VL is suppressed. This could be a powerful tool for effective fight against stigma and self-stigma in people living with HIV.
Validating the Functions of Identity Scale: Addressing Methodological and Conceptual Matters

Various studies have examined the validity of the Functions of Identity Scale; the current study addressed gaps in previous works. Its three main goals were to revise the Control subscale and establish its construct validity, to assess the structural validity of a five-factor model, and to establish the external validity of the subscales. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was employed with a sample of 422 female and 107 male undergraduate students from two universities in Ontario, Canada. The analysis supported the construct validity of the revised five-factor measurement model and the new Personal Control factor. The external validity of each of the subscales was tested, and scale items were revised to increase clarity and readability (to a Grade 5.5 reading level). Rigorous validity testing, strong psychometric properties, low reading level, and a novel focus on the outer workings of identity formation make this scale an attractive addition to current identity measures.
What are Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Where Can I Find Them? Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids and consist of eicosapentaenoic acid

Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids and consist of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and alpha-linolenic acid Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid (EFA) that must be provided in the diet, and cannot be made within the human body. [2] Fatty fish, such as salmon, are the primary source of both EPA and DHA currently in the human diet. However, the EPA and DHA that fish store in their fat comes from ingestion of microalgae, such as zooplankton and phytoplankton. Microalgae Oil, thus, is an alternative to fish oil which is more sustainable, and is also high is EPA and DHA, and already available on the market. Microalgae Oil has the added benefit of being more appropriate for some vegetarian diets. Flax seed, walnuts and soybeans are the primary sources of ALA. [1] Another class of polyunsaturated fatty acids are the omega-6 fatty acids. The first member of the omega-6 fatty acids is linoleic acid (LA) and the major dietary source consist of most vegetable oils including corn, peanut, sunflower, safflower, and olive oil. The ideal dietary ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids is approximately 1:1. However, the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in the average American diet is about 20:1. What we lack in omega-3 in our diet, our bodies must instead, use omega 6 as a substitute. The consequences of excess omega-6 fatty acids are detrimental and promote many diseases including cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, inflammatory, and autoimmune diseases. [5][6][7][8][9] It is important to note that omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids compete for the same desaturase enzyme, delta-6 desaturase. Both alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3) and linoleic acid (omega-6) bind to delta-6 desaturase, however, alphalinolenic acid (ALA) has a higher affinity for the enzyme. Upon binding to delta-6 desaturase, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) can be converted into eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and, subsequently, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), whereas, linoleic acid (LA) is converted into arachidonic acid, a very potent pro-inflammatory molecule. [10] An additional study found that linoleic acid (omega-6) inhibits eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) incorporation from dietary fish oil supplements. These data suggest that in order to obtain maximum benefits from omega-3 fatty acids it is important to decrease omega-6 fatty acid intake. It is also very important to note that although ALA can be converted into EPA and DHA, this conversion is very inefficient. In one study, only 5% of ALA was converted into EPA and only 0.5% was converted into DHA . [12] (ALA).
A national assessment of propoxyphene in postmortem medicolegal investigation, 1972-1975.

Eighteen medical examiners, coroners, and forensic science laboratories and offices, representing a total jurisdictional population of 52.6 million, were visited during November 1975, and more than 1200 cases occurring in the four years from 1972 through 31 July 1975 were evaluated for inclusion in the study. The sites were distributed across the United States and Ontario, Canada, and included urban and rural, states, city, and county jurisdictions. Scientific data and circumstantial information was gathered consistently for each case and site by means of five questionnaires. Finally, 1022 cases were compiled and examined, and the data were analyzed to form the body of data from which this report is written. The following conclusions may be drawn. 1. The number of deaths involving propoxyphene is increasing each year, and at a faster rate than total drug deaths. The absolute numbers and rate are different in urban and rural areas, but the frequency reached 6.0 deaths per million population in 1974. Deaths attributed to suicide as well as those determined to be accidental deaths and undetermined have increased. 2. Approximately 66% of all the cases studied had the word propoxyphene included in the cause of death statement on the death certificate. Approximately 46% of the cases were classified as suicide (64% of them female and 36% male), 26% as accidents, and 21% as undetermined. 3. The deceased were mainly middle-class, Caucasian, urban dwellers, with male and female evenly distributed. Their ages were from 20 to 50 years, with few outside this range. Female ages were uniformly distributed, but males in their early twenties were very prominent. This is different from the U.S. population age distribution, which is currently dominated by teenagers. Propoxyphene does not appear to be a pediatric problem, as seen in the study. 4. The deceased were not part of the illegal drug abuse population and had no particular propensity for the use of heroin or narcotics, but rather they were a particular medical population of those who misuse prescription drugs and alcohol. 5. The deceased did have a marked tendency to hypochondria, chronic minor illnesses and emotional problems. Some 43% had recent medical histories, and 82% had a documented psychiatric history which often included (51%) self-destructuve behavior such as suicide attempts. Almost all received a wide range of prescription drugs, particularly tranquilizers, which they often misused in the sense of self-medicating, multiple drug ingestion, and combining alcohol with their medication. Approximately 34% had a history of misusing some drug, and 20% could be defined as abusers in that they were prone to excessive use of their medications; 44% had diazepam available to them, and 17% were either problem drinkers or alcoholics.
Chiasma Formation in Larix and Tsuga.

From the standpoint of chiasma formation and the relation of the chromatids, two essentially different theories have been advanced. The first is JANSSENS’ ‘partial chiasmatypy” hypothesis (1924). This theory enjoins a crossing over between two of the four chromatids, a crossover a t every chiasmata, and a pairing of only sister threads a t early diplotene. The Janssens’ “partial chiasmatypy” theory, with various modifications, is supported by BELLING (1931), DARLINGTON (1931), and MAEDA (1930). The other hypothesis is that of MCCLUNG (1927). The work of WENRICH (1916)’ ROBERTSON (1916), CAROTHERS (1926, 1931), NEWTON (1927), BELAR (1928), and many others supports this theory. Chiasmata are produced by an alternate pairing of sister and non-sister strands. Chiasmata represent an exchange of partners among the chromatids. According to SAX (1930), a crossover occurs only when two chromatids break a t a chiasma. On this theory chiasmata may be present without crossing over. MCCLUNG (1927) has pointed out clearly that when there is crossing over, according to JANSSENS’ theory, there should be an asymmetrical arrangement of the chromatids. JANSSENS based his arguments for his theory on cases where the asymmetrical arrangements have been found in certain Orthoptera, but as MCCLUNG has pointed out the clearest figures show that symmetrical figures are the usual and most prevalent types. On,any theory, crossing over between two of the four chromatids should usually result in an asymmetrical relation of the chromatids. If a single crossover occurs it is possible that the chromatids might be subsequently oriented to produce a symmetrical relation of the chromatids, but in case two crossovers occur in a single bivalent a symmetrical relation of chromatids should be exceptional. Viewed from the end, each of the four chromatids should not lie in the same quadrant at all loci after a crossover has occurred at the four strand stage. As the homologues open out, the chromatids which were adjacent may form the cross at the chiasma if the chiasma is the result of a reciprocal crossover (text figure 1A). As such a chiasma is terminalized there should be a twist in one pair of chromatids. These reciprocal crossovers should occur as frequently as equationals if crossing over is a t random. Equational crossovers should also result in asymmetrical relations of the chromatids although it is possible that chro-
Intact rough‐ and smooth‐form lipopolysaccharides from Escherichia coli separated by preparative gel electrophoresis exhibit differential biologic activity in human macrophages

We established a new preparative separation procedure, based on DOC/PAGE, to isolate intact lipopolysaccharide (LPS) fractions from natural LPS preparations of Escherichia coli. Analysis of the chemical integrity of LPS fractions by MS showed that no significant chemical modifications were introduced by the procedure. Contamination with toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2)‐reactive cell‐wall components present in the natural LPS mixture was effectively removed by the procedure, as determined by the absence of reactivity of the purified fractions in a HEK293‐TLR2 cell line. Biologic analysis of LPS fractions derived from E. coli O111 in human macrophages demonstrated that the rough (R), semirough (SR) and smooth (S) LPS fractions were highly active at inducing tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) in the presence of human serum; however, on a weight basis the R‐LPS and SR‐LPS fractions were more active, by a factor of 10–100, than was the S‐LPS fraction. Under serum‐free conditions, the natural LPS mixture, as well as the R‐LPS and SR‐LPS fractions, showed dose‐dependent activation of macrophages, although the response was attenuated by about 10‐ to 100‐fold. In contrast, the S‐LPS fraction failed to induce TNF‐α. Remarkably, the dose–response of the natural LPS mixture resembled that of the R‐LPS and SR‐LPS fractions, supporting that short‐chain (R and SR) forms of LPS dominate the innate immune response of human macrophages to LPS in vitro. Biologic activity to the S‐LPS fraction under serum‐free conditions could be restored by the addition of recombinant lipopolysaccharide‐binding protein (LBP). In contrast, soluble cluster of differentiation antigen 14 was not able to confer activity of the S‐LPS fraction, indicating a crucial role of LBP in the recognition of S‐LPS by human macrophages.
FliK, the protein responsible for flagellar hook length control in Salmonella, is exported during hook assembly

In wild‐type Salmonella, the length of the flagellar hook, a structure consisting of subunits of the hook protein FlgE, is fairly tightly controlled at ≈ 55 nm. Because fliK mutants produce abnormally elongated hook structures that lack the filament structure, FliK appears to be involved in both the termination of hook elongation and the initiation of filament formation. FliK, a soluble protein, is believed to function together with a membrane protein, FlhB, of the export apparatus to mediate the switching of export substrate specificity (from hook protein to flagellin) upon completion of hook assembly. We have examined the location of FliK during flagellar morphogenesis. FliK was found in the culture supernatants from the wild‐type strain and from flgD (hook capping protein), flgE (hook protein) and flgK (hook‐filament junction protein) mutants, but not in that from a flgB (rod protein) mutant. The amount of FliK in the culture supernatant from the flgE mutant was much higher than in that from the flgK mutant, indicating that FliK is most efficiently exported prior to the completion of hook assembly. Export was impaired by deletions within the N‐terminal region of FliK, but not by C‐terminal truncations. A decrease in the level of exported FliK resulted in elongated hook structures, sometimes with filaments attached. Our results suggest that the export of FliK during hook assembly is important for hook‐length control and the switching of export substrate specificity.