Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Automatic Ground Surface Reconstruction from mobile laser systems for driving simulation engines

Driving simulation engines represent a cost effective solution for vehicle development, being employed for performing feasibility studies and tests failure and for assessing new functionalities. Nevertheless, they require geometrically accurate and realistic three-dimensional (3D) models in order to allow driver training. This paper presents the Automatic Ground Surface Reconstruction method, a framework that exploits 3D data acquired by Mobile Laser Scanning systems. They are particularly attractive due to their fast acquisition at the terrestrial level. Nevertheless, such a mobile acquisition introduces several constraints for the existing 3D surface reconstruction algorithms. The proposed surface modeling framework produces a regular surface and recovers sharp depth features within a scalable and detail-preserving framework. Experimental results on real data acquired in urban environments allow us to conclude on the effectiveness of the proposed method.
A STUDY OF A DYNAMIC PROXIMAL STABILITY SPLINT IN THE MANAGEMENT OF CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY

This paper describes a study of the UPsuit, a proximal stability splint fabricated from Lycra, in the management of children with cerebral palsy. The splint improved posture and reduced involuntary movement immediately. The amount of functional improvement depended on the type and severity of impairments, the subject's altitude, their capacity for purposeful intern and compliance. Compromised lung function and pre‐existing hypoaetivity were medical contra‐indications to UPsuit wear whilst a limited capacity for purposeful intent or a negative attitude restricted benefits.
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in the Freshwater Fish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch) Exposed to Sodium Fluoride: Antioxidant Defense and Role of Ascorbic Acid

The present study highlights fluoride -induced toxicity and the protective role of ascorbic acid in the liver and ovary of freshwater fish, Heteropneustis fossilis. The fish specimens were exposed to different concentrations (35 mg F/L and 70 mg F/L) of fluoride. Parameters related to oxidative stress were studied at the end of the experiment. The biomarkers selected for the study were thiobarbituric acid reactive substances for assessing the extent of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and antioxidant defense system such as reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) catalase (CAT) glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities. The fluoride exposure significantly elevated the level of LPO, CAT, SOD, and GST in the tissues of treated group as well as modulated the activities of GSH and level of GPx after exposure as compared to the control. A significant decrease in GPx activity was found in these tissues suggesting that fluoride exposure increases the level of free radical, as well as CAT activity. Pre- and post treatment with ascorbic acid decreased the LPO, SOD, CAT, GST level, and increased GSH, GPx levels in the liver and ovary.
Cosmic CARNage II: the evolution of the galaxy stellar mass function in observations and galaxy formation models

We present a comparison of the observed evolving galaxy stellar mass functions with the predictions of eight semi-analytic models and one halo occupation distribution model. While most models are able to fit the data at low redshift, some of them struggle to simultaneously fit observations at high redshift. We separate the galaxies into ‘passive’ and ‘star-forming’ classes and find that several of the models produce too many low-mass star-forming galaxies at high redshift compared to observations, in some cases by nearly a factor of 10 in the redshift range 2.5 < z < 3.0. We also find important differences in the implied mass of the dark matter haloes the galaxies inhabit, by comparing with halo masses inferred from observations. Galaxies at high redshift in the models are in lower mass haloes than suggested by observations, and the star formation efficiency in low-mass haloes is higher than observed. We conclude that many of the models require a physical prescription that acts to dissociate the growth of low-mass galaxies from the growth of their dark matter haloes at high redshift.
Calcineurin inhibitors suppress intestinal cellular respiration

The calcineurin inhibitors, tacrolimus and cyclosporine, are commonly used immunosuppressants, and transplant patients on these medications often develop gastrointestinal symptoms. This in vitro study investigated their effects on intestinal cellular respiration (the process of delivering nutrients and O2 to the mitochondria, oxidation of reduced metabolic fuels, passage of electrons to O2, and synthesis of ATP) in C57BL/6 mice. For this purpose, a phosphorescence analyzer was used to measure cellular mitochondrial O2 consumption (kc, μM O2 min -1 mg-1) in fragments from the small intestine in the presence of 10 μM drug or 1.6 μL dimethyl-sulfoxide (drug vehicle). Tacrolimus and cyclosporine significantly reduced the rate of intestinal cellular respiration by 28% and 35%, respectively. Cyclosporine had no effects on cellular respiration in renal tissue. Intestinal respiration was unaffected by the multikinase inhibitors sorafenib and regorafenib, the mTOR inhibitors sirolimus and everolimus, the PI3K/ mTOR inhibitors BEZ235, GDC0980 and GSK2126458, the MEK inhibitor GSK1120212, and the P110δ inhibitor idelalisib. Thus, calcineurin inhibitors specifically impair intestinal cellular respiration. The mechanism and clinical significance of this in vitro event require further studies.
Weak D type 42 cases found in individuals of European descent

Abstract Patient samples were referred to our immunohematology reference laboratory to investigate the presence of a weak D antigen. In the last 3 years, 26 samples were received. Serology and molecular analyses were performed to identify the weak D variant. RHD mRNA from all patients was reverse transcribed, and cDNA was sequenced. The results were compared with a normal RHD sequence to identify the polymorphisms causing the weak D phenotype. Five different already known RHD variants were observed: weak D type 1 (5 individuals), weak D type 2 (1 individual), weak D type 42 (17 individuals), weak D type 45 (1 individual), and partial D DNB (2 individuals). Surprisingly, weak D type 42 was prevalent in our population, whereas weak D type 1, 2, and 3 are the most prevalent variants elsewhere. Anti-D was found in six cases of weak D type 42. The higher prevalence of weak D type 42 could be the result of a founder effect. Additional studies are needed to estimate the frequency of this variant in the general population. Immunohematology2011;27:20–24.
Clinical presentation, treatment options and outcome in patients with bronchioloalveolar carcinoma.

PURPOSE To determine the characteristics of bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC) as a special clinical and pathological entity and to evaluate the effects of treatment options on survival of BAC patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS The study was partially retrospective and partially prospective, non randomized. We evaluated the clinical presentation, smoking habits, radiographic findings, treatment and survival of 21 patients with BAC treated at our Institute from 2000-2004. RESULTS Registered were 16 (76.2%) male and 5 (23.8%) female patients, most of them in the 6th and 7th decade of life. Among younger patients females prevailed. Most common symptoms were dyspnoea 15 (71.4%), cough 14 (66.6%) and bronchial hypersecretion 9 (42.8%). There were 5 (23.8%) smokers, 6 (28.6%) ex-smokers and 10 (47.6%) nonsmokers. Main radiographic findings were lung consolidation (9; 42.8%), diffuse interstitial infiltrates (6; 28.6%), solitary (4; 19.0%) and multiple pulmonary lesions (2; 9.5%). Surgery was performed in 8 (38.0%) patients and 5 of them received adjuvant radio- and chemotherapy, while the remaining received chemotherapy alone (9; 42.8%) and symptomatic treatment (4; 19.0%). The median survival was 25 months and 1-year survival 70%, regardless of stage. In the group of patients treated surgically 1- and 2-year survival rate was 100% and the median survival 33 months. In non-operated patients the median survival was 18 months and 1- and 2-year survival 55% and 25%, respectively. CONCLUSION BAC is a special clinical and pathological form of adenocarcinoma of the lung. Surgical treatment is the best option for selected BAC patients. Survival is associated with the treatment modality. Larger scale studies are necessary to confirm these findings.
Caries Occurrence in a Fluoridated and a Nonfluoridated Town in Finland: A Retrospective Study Using Longitudinal Data from Public Dental Records

The tap water of Kuopio, Finland, was fluoridated from 1959 to1992. In the first decade of fluoridation, children in Kuopio had lower DMF values than children in Jyväskylä, a nearby low-fluoride town, but later differences between the towns have been small and inconsistent. The present study aimed to gain further insight into caries occurrence in Kuopio and Jyväskylä using longitudinal tooth-specific data from public health records on cohorts born in 1970/71 and 1980/81 (total n = 1,503). Survival analyses were used to summarize the tooth-specific times elapsed between eruption and the first filling (used as a proxy for dental caries). Generally, the first filling was placed sooner after eruption in the 1970/71 cohort than in the 1980/81 cohort. The curves for the two towns were virtually identical except for the first molars of the 1970/71 cohort, for which the percentage of filled first molars was consistently lower in Jyväskylä than in Kuopio. This study indicates that, among children and adolescents whose permanent teeth erupted in the mid-1970s or thereafter, even a longitudinal approach did not reveal a lower caries occurrence in the fluoridated than in the low-fluoride reference community. The main reason for the modest effect of water fluoridation in Finnish circumstances is probably the widespread use of other measures for caries prevention. The children have been exposed to such intense efforts to increase tooth resistance that the effect of water fluoridation does not show up any more. The results must not be extrapolated to countries with less intensive preventive dental care.
BRAZILIAN SOCCER PLAYERS AND NO-PLAYERS ADOLESCENTS: EFFECT OF THE MATURITY STATUS ON THE PHYSICAL CAPACITY COMPONENTS PERFORMANCE

The aim of this study was to compare the speed and the agility between Brazilian soccer players and non-players, regarding maturity status in adolescents 11-15 years old. Forty and two soccer players (age – 159.30±17.28 months old; weight – 48.45±9.96 kg; height – 1.53±0.10 m) and 45 non-players (age – 162.62±24.92 months old; weight – 48.30±8.35 kg; height – 1.54±0.12 m) participated of this study. Participants were classified by maturity status. On 2 different days with 1 week of differences between the assessments the participants were evaluated the agility, by Shuttle Run test, and the speed, by 30 m maximum speed test. The results showed that the maturity status was an influential factor in the performance with better results for individuals in a more advanced stage. The soccer practice does not seem to interfere in the performance of the physical capacity components analyzed, only effective when different maturity levels are involved in the analysis. It is also possible that late maturing boys selectively drop-out of soccer as age and sport specialization increase.
The Use of Trachea Temperature as a Means of Determining the Post-Mortem Period

Presented in this paper are the initial results involving the use of trachea temperatures as a means of determining the post-mortem period. A simple mathematical model is developed based on the cooling curves of five corpses. Errors between actual and calculated post-mortem periods may be due to an initial temperature plateau or lack of knowledge of body temperature at time of death.
Magnesium lauryl sulfate in tableting: effect on ejection force and compressibility.

Abstract The effect of magnesium lauryl sulfate on tablet ejection force and filler compressibility was evaluated and compared to magnesium stearate in four direct compression fillers (micro- crystalline cellulose, compressible starch, spray-dried lactose, and direct compression sucrose) and a typical wet granulation (terra alba) using a rotary tablet press instrumented to monitor ejection and compression forces. Generally, higher concentrations of magnesium lauryl sulfate were required to produce ejection forces similar to those obtained with magnesium stearate. However, batches employing magnesium stearate were generally less compressible than batches employing magnesium lauryl sulfate at levels sufficient to produce similar or lower ejection forces.
High glucose transactivates the EGF receptor and up-regulates serum glucocorticoid kinase in the proximal tubule.

BACKGROUND Serum glucocorticoid regulated kinase (SGK-1) is induced in the kidney in diabetes mellitus. However, its role in the proximal tubule is unclear. This study determined the expression and functional role of SGK-1 in PTCs in high glucose conditions. As the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor is activated by both EGF and other factors implicated in diabetic nephropathy, the relationship of SGK-1 with EGFR activity was assessed. METHODS mRNA and protein expression of SGK-1 and mRNA expression of the sodium hydrogen exchanger NHE3 were measured in human PTCs exposed to 5 mmol/L (control) and 25 mmol/L (high) glucose. The effects of SGK-1 on cell growth, apoptosis, and progression through the cell cycle and NHE3 mRNA were examined following overexpression of SGK-1 in PTCs. The role of EGFR activation in observed changes was assessed by phospho-EGFR expression, and response to the EGFR blocker PKI166. SGK-1 expression was then assessed in vivo in a model of streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus type 2. RESULTS A total of 25 mmol/L glucose and EGF (10 ng/mL) increased SGK-1 mRNA (P < 0.005 and P < 0.002, respectively) and protein (both P < 0.02) expression. High glucose and overexpression of SGK-1 increased NHE3 mRNA (P < 0.05) and EGFR phosphorylation (P < 0.01), which were reversed by PKI166. SGK-1 overexpression increased PTC growth (P < 0.0001), progression through the cell cycle (P < 0.001), and increased NHE3 mRNA (P < 0.01), which were all reversed with PKI166. Overexpression of SGK-1 also protected against apoptosis induced in the PTCs (P < 0.0001). Up-regulation of tubular SGK-1 mRNA in diabetes mellitus was confirmed in vivo. Oral treatment with PKI166 attenuated this increase by 51%. No EGF protein was detectable in PTCs, suggestive of phosphorylation of the EGFR by high glucose and downstream induction of SGK-1. CONCLUSION The effects of high glucose on PTC proliferation, reduced apoptosis and increased NHE3 mRNA levels are mediated by EGFR-dependent up-regulation of SGK-1.
The Syntax of French

L’ objet de l’ etude syntaxique par excellence est la phrase. La phrase est, selon le mode ; le verbocentrique choisi, une entite organisee autour d’ un noyau indispensable forme d’ un verbe actualise d’ un sujet, comportant outre ce noyau des elements fonctionnels qui sont subordonnes au verbe directement ou indirectement. Les elements de la structure fonctionnelle de la phrase, a ; l’ exception du verbe me ; me, peuvent, grâce au principe de primaute de la fonction sur l’ appartenance categorielle, e ; tre remplaces par des entites phrastiques. Les phrases virtuelles de depart peuvent subir le processus de subordination et devenir des elements de la structure fonctionnelle d’ une autre phrase. Les effets du processus de subordination sont la presence du subordinateur, les modifications possibles du verbe (de son mode et/ou son temps) et les specificites concernant l'ordre lineaire.
Sexual function among married menopausal women in Amol (Iran)

Background: Sexual activity is an important part of the human being's life but this instinct could be influenced by some factors such as diseases, drug using, aging, and menopause. But information about that is limited. Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the status of sexual activity among married menopausal women in Amol, Iran. Materials and Methods: This descriptive analytical study was conducted to describe the sexual activity and sexual dysfunction of women after menopause. Data were collected from health centers in Amol from 280 married women using a questionnaire (self-completed or by interview). Finding: Mean age of subjects were 55.9 ± 6.02 years. 23.4% of subjects reported that their sexual intercourse had been low. 70% of subjects reported a decrease in their sexual activities after menopause. Sexual dysfunctions includes sexual desire disorder 80% arousal dysfunction 80%, orgasmic dysfunction 25%, dyspareunia 55.6%, and lack of sexual satisfaction 43.2%. Conclusion: Findings revealed high percentage of sexual desire disorder and sexual arousal disorder in menopausal women. Therefore, we should have emphasis on counseling and education about sexual activities during the menopause period.
Membrane area and dendritic structure in type‐identified triceps surae alpha motoneurons

The size and branching structure of the dendritic tree were studied in nine type‐identified triceps surae α‐motoneurons that were labeled intracellularly with horseradish peroxidase and reconstructed from serial sections in the light microscope. The average total membrane area (AN) for motoneurons of type S (slow‐twitch) motor units was about 22% smaller than AN for cells of type F units (including both FF and FR motor unit types in this category) (480.1 × 103μml;m2 vs. 617.7 ×103 μm2, respectively). Systematic correlations were found between stem dendrite diameter and three measures of dendritic size: dendrite membrane area, combined dendritic length, and number of terminations. All of these correlations were significantly different for the dendrites of F and S montoneurons. Power‐function relations between stem diameter and dendritic membrane area were used to estimate AN for a sample of 79 type‐identified motoneurons. Mean estimated AN values were significantly different for the F and S motoneuron groups, despite a large overlap in AN values between these groups.
Prevention of complement activation on the homologous cell membrane of nucleated cells as well as erythrocytes

A C3b receptor, a glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 205 kDa (gp205) on human erythrocytes (Ehu), has been claimed to restrict the activation of human complement via the alternative complement pathway (ACP), thereby inhibiting the activation of the ACP even on neuraminidase (Nase)‐treated Ehu. However, the Nase‐treated Ehu were sensitive to hemolysis by guinea pig complement via ACP activation, although the C3b receptors on Ehu can react with guinea pig C3b. Furthermore, HeLa cells which had no detectable C3b receptor did not became reactive with guinea pig ACP. On the contrary, Nase treatment of guinea pig erythrocytes (Egp) as well as guinea pig line 10 tumor cells, which have no detectable C3b receptor, could not make those cells reactive with the homologous guinea pig ACP although they became reactive with human and rabbit ACP. Similarly, rabbit E did not become reactive with the homologous rabbit ACP following Nase treatment. Nase‐treated Egp preincubated with human serum in the presence of EDTA were also not lysed by guinea pig serum. Therefore the unreactiveness of Nase‐treated cell membrane with homologous ACP was not merely due to the absence of antibody to cell membrane in the homologous serum. There may be a membrane inhibitor which preferentially interacts with homologous complement to circumvent undesirable complement activation on the homologous cell membrane.
Karyological observations on Artemisia alba Turra (Asteraceae)

Abstract Artemisia alba Turra from Calabria is karyologically studied (2n = 18). From the analysis of literature it results that this species shows three cytotypes, with a rather distinct geographical distribution: 1) diploids with 2n = 18, previously identified as A. alba subsp. chitachensis Maire (name which is here typified) or A. alba subsp. glabrescens (Willk.) Valdés-Bermejo. This diploid cytotype, known from Spain, Morocco and Bosnia-Hercegovina, occurs also in S Italy (Timpa di S. Lorenzo, Calabria). 2) Tetraploids with 2n = 36, generally identified with the typus subspecies. This cytotype appears the most widespread in northern part of the species range. 3) hexaploids with 2n = 54, known only from Abruzzo and Apulia. This cytotype seems of more recent origin, and is here considered of probable hybridogen origin between the 2n = 36 and 2n = 18 cytotypes. This unit can possibly be identified with A. columnae Ten. (= A. camphorata var. garganica Ten.). These latter names are lectotypified. We tested also the correlation of the ploidy level with the size of pollen-grains.
A Controlled Trial of Methylphenidate in Black Adolescents

The short-term effects of methylphenidate were examined on behavioral, laboratory, academic, and physiological measures in 11 black male adolescents diagnosed as having attention deficit disorder (ADD). In a double-blind, crossover design with randomized order, the subjects received placebo and each of three methylphenidate doses (0.15 mg/kg, 0.30 mg/kg, and 0.50 mg/kg) for a period of 2 weeks per medication dosage. Significant drug effects were found for the majority of measures. In general, the higher doses resulted in the most beneficial response in behavioral, academic, and laboratory measures of attention and impulsivity. However, a significant linear increase occurred in diastolic blood pressure. The results suggest that methylphenidate is an effective adjunct to the treatment of ADD in adolescents.
Analysis of Cytokinin Metabolism in ipt Transgenic Tobacco by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry

The endogenous levels of the major, naturally occurring cytokinins in Pisum sativum ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase small subunit promoter-isopentenyl transferase gene (Pssu-ipt)-transformed tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) callus were quantified using electrospray-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry during a 6-week subcultivation period. An ipt gene was expressed under control of a tetracycline-inducible promoter for a more detailed study of cytokinin accumulation and metabolism. Activation of the ipt in both expression systems resulted in the production of mainly zeatin-type cytokinins. No accumulation of isopentenyladenine or isopentenyladenosine was observed. In Pssu-ipt-transformed calli, as well as in the tetracycline-inducible ipt leaves, metabolic inactivation occurred through O-glucoside conjugation. No significant elevation of cytokinin N-glucosides levels was observed. Side-chain reduction to dihydrozeatin-type cytokinins was observed in both systems. The levels of the endogenous cytokinins varied in time and were subject to homeostatic regulatory mechanisms. Feeding experiments of ipt transgenic callus with [3H]isopentenyladenine and [3H]isopentenyladenosine mainly led to labeled adenine-like compounds, which are degradation products from cytokininoxidase activity. Incorporation of radioactivity in zeatin riboside was observed, although to a much lesser extent.