Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phylogénie et biogéographie des timaliidae (aves, passeriformes)

La famille des timaliidae, les timalies, est un groupe important au sein des passereaux insectivores de l'ancien monde. Elle comprend plus de 200 especes principalement forestieres, distribuees pour la plus grande partie en Asie du sud-est, et presentant une grande diversite morphologique et ecologique. En l'absence de diagnose precise, de nombreux passereaux ont ete, et sont toujours pour certains, inclus en desespoir de cause parmi les timaliidae. De plus, les hypotheses phylogenetiques concernant ce groupe ne sont pas satisfaisantes, car elles sont pour la plupart tres subjectives et basees sur la ressemblance generale. L'objectif de ce travail est de resoudre en partie ces deux problemes, en proposant une phylogenie de la famille basees sur l'analyse de sequences de genes mitochondriaux (cytochrome b, ARN ribosomiques 12s et 16s), ainsi qu'une nouvelle classification basee sur ces resultats. L'analyse phylogenetique permet, dans un premier temps, de preciser la definition des limites de la famille, en excluant un certain nombre de timalies presumees, apparentees en realite a d'autres groupes de passereaux. C'est le cas des taxons d’Australie, de Madagascar, et de certaines especes asiatiques et africaines. En ce qui concerne l'ile de Madagascar, une importante radiation endemique est mise en evidence, regroupant des passereaux places habituellement dans trois familles d'oscines (dont les timaliidae). Dans un second temps, deux groupes sont determines a l'interieur des timaliidae. Le premier groupe comprend a la fois des taxons places parmi les timaliidae et les panuridae (une famille consideree comme proche des timaliidae), ainsi que le genre sylvia qui est le genre type de la famille des sylviidae (les fauvettes). Le second groupe comprend l'ensemble des autres timalies etudiees. Les relations phylogenetiques obtenues sont discutees a la lumiere des hypotheses precedentes, et les resultats indiquent la polyphylie de plusieurs genres de timalies
Real-time estimation of Human-Cloth topological relationship using depth sensor for robotic clothing assistance

In this study, we propose a novel method for the real-time estimation of Human-Cloth relationship, which is crucial for efficient motor skill learning in Robotic Clothing Assistance. This system relies on the use of low cost depth sensor, which provides color and depth images without requiring an elaborate setup making it suitable for real-world applications. We present an efficient algorithm to estimate the parameters that represent the topological relationship between human and the clothing article. At the core of our approach are low dimensional representation of Human-Cloth relationship using topology coordinates for fast learning of motor skills and a unified ellipse fitting algorithm for the compact representation of the state of clothing articles. We conducted experiments that illustrate the robustness of these feature representations. Furthermore, we evaluated the performance of our proposed method by applying it to real-time clothing assistance tasks and compared the estimates provided by our method with the ground truth.
The Role of Packaging in Consumer's Perception of Product Quality

This study aims to investigate the role of packaging in Indian consumer’s perception of product quality at the point of purchase. The study contains four Independent variable: Protection of product and shopper, Promotion of products, facilitation of storage, use, and convenience of product, facilitation of use and reducing environmental injury and therefore the variable quantity is Indian consumer's perceptions of product quality at the purpose of purchase. The researcher tries to develop and test a model to attain the analysis objectives. Result data were collected from a convenience sample. Questionnaire consists of twenty six things measured on 5 purpose likert scale. The data are analyzed using several statistical techniques to test the mentioned hypotheses. Descriptive statistical measures are used to describe the study’s sample characteristics. Multiple regression analysis is used to find the effect of the independent variables on the dependent variable. It was found that all the independent variables had a significant result on Indian consumer's perception of product quality at the purpose of purchase.
Geometric algorithms for workpiece localization

We present a unified geometric theory for localization of three types of workpieces: 1) general three-dimensional (3D) workpieces where points from the finished surfaces fully constrain the rigid motions of the workpieces; 2) symmetric workpieces; 3) partially machined workpieces where points from the finished surfaces are inadequate to fully constrain the rigid motions of the workpieces. Applications of the study include workpiece setup, refixturing and dimensional inspections in a flexible manufacturing environment. First, we formulate the localization problem for a general 3D workpiece and study the mathematical properties of the underlying problem. We discuss an iterative approach for solving the general localization problem and show how different considerations in updating the Euclidean transformation lead to various geometric algorithms. Then, we extend the localization techniques to symmetric workpieces and partially machined workpieces and present a simple algorithm for each of the problems. Finally, we present simulation results showing convergence and robustness properties of the various geometric algorithms.
LANTCET: elimination of solid tumor cells with photothermal bubbles generated around clusters of gold nanoparticles.

BACKGROUND We have developed a method, termed laser-activated nano-thermolysis as a cell elimination technology (LANTCET), for the selective detection and destruction of individual tumor cells by the generation of intracellular photothermal bubbles around clusters of gold nanoparticles. METHOD Bare nanoparticles and their conjugates to C225 tumor-specific monoclonal antibodies were applied in vitro to C225-positive squamous carcinoma cells and in vivo to an experimental tumor in a rat in order to form intracellular clusters of nanoparticles. RESULTS Single 10 ns laser pulses generated intracellular photothermal microbubbles at a near-infrared and visible wavelengths. The cells with the clusters yielded an almost 100-fold decrease in the laser fluence threshold for bubble generation and cell damage relative to that for the cells without clusters. Cell damage had a mechanical origin and single cell selectivity. Three LANTCET processes (cell detection, damage and optical guidance) were realized as a microsecond sequence and with the one device.
Alternative Selection of β-Site APP-Cleaving Enzyme 1 (BACE1) Cleavage Sites in Amyloid β-Protein Precursor (APP) Harboring Protective and Pathogenic Mutations within the Aβ Sequence*

β-Site APP-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) cleaves amyloid β-protein precursor (APP) at the bond between Met671 and Asp672 (β-site) to generate the carboxyl-terminal fragment (CTFβ/C99). BACE1 also cleaves APP at another bond between Thr681 and Gln682 (β′-site), yielding CTFβ′/C89. Cleavage of CTFβ/C99 by γ-secretase generates Aβ(1-XX), whereas cleavage of CTFβ′/C89 generates Aβ(11-XX). Thus, β′-site cleavage by BACE1 is amyloidolytic rather than amyloidogenic. β′ cleavage of mouse APP is more common than the corresponding cleavage of human APP. We found that the H684R substitution within human Aβ, which replaces the histidine in the human protein with the arginine found at the corresponding position in mouse, facilitated β′ cleavage irrespective of the species origin of BACE1, thereby significantly increasing the level of Aβ(11-XX) and decreasing the level of Aβ(1-XX). Thus, amino acid substitutions within the Aβ sequence influenced the selectivity of alternative β- or β′-site cleavage of APP by BACE1. In familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD), the APP gene harbors pathogenic variations such as the Swedish (K670N/M671L), Leuven (E682K), and A673V mutations, all of which decrease Aβ(11–40) generation, whereas the protective Icelandic mutation (A673T) increases generation of Aβ(11–40). Thus, A673T promotes β′ cleavage of APP and protects subjects against AD. In addition, CTFβ/C99 was cleaved by excess BACE1 activity to generate CTFβ′/C89, followed by Aβ(11–40), even if APP harbored pathogenic mutations. The resultant Aβ(11–40) was more metabolically labile in vivo than Aβ(1–40). Our analysis suggests that some FAD mutations in APP are amyloidogenic and/or amyloidolytic via selection of alternative BACE1 cleavage sites.
Human aspartic protease memapsin 2 cleaves the b-secretase site of b-amyloid precursor protein

The cDNAs of two new human membrane-associated aspartic proteases, memapsin 1 and memapsin 2, have been cloned and sequenced. The deduced amino acid sequences show that each contains the typical pre, pro, and aspartic protease regions, but each also has a C-terminal extension of over 80 residues, which includes a single transmembrane domain and a C-terminal cytosolic domain. Memapsin 2 mRNA is abundant in human brain. The protease domain of memapsin 2 cDNA was expressed in Escherichia coli and was purified. Recombinant memapsin 2 specifically hydrolyzed peptides derived from the b-secretase site of both the wild-type and Swedish mutant b-amyloid precursor protein (APP) with over 60-fold increase of catalytic efficiency for the latter. Expression of APP and memapsin 2 in HeLa cells showed that memapsin 2 cleaved the b-secretase site of APP intracellularly. These and other results suggest that memapsin 2 fits all of the criteria of b-secretase, which catalyzes the rate-limiting step of the in vivo production of the b-amyloid (Ab) peptide leading to the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Recombinant memapsin 2 also cleaved a peptide derived from the processing site of presenilin 1, albeit with poor kinetic efficiency. Alignment of cleavage site sequences of peptides indicates that the specificity of memapsin 2 resides mainly at the S1* subsite, which prefers small side chains such as Ala, Ser, and Asp.
Transcranial doppler in acute ischemic stroke of the middle cerebral artery territories

We have investigated the reliability of transcranial doppler compared with cerebral angiography in acute ischemic stroke in the middle cerebral artery territories. We studied 48 patients, 28 men and 21 women, mean age 68.1 (range 54–75), observed within 5 h of the onset of ischemic stroke in the middle cerebral artery territory. Ultrasound evaluation (duplex scanner and transcranial doppler) and cerebral angiography were carried out in close sequence immediately after CT scan. CT was repeated by Day 7 to estimate the infarct size: 27/48 patients had intracranial arterial obstructions. An acoustic temporal “window” was not found in 6.25%. Transcranial doppler showed a sensitivity of 80.0% and a specificity of 90.0% compared with cerebral Angiography for patients with patent acoustic temporal “windows”. Accuracy was 79.2%, when patients with no “windows” were included. With respect to intracranial internal carotid artery and middle cerebral artery mainstem, transcranial doppler showed a sensitivity of 95.0%, and a specificity of 92.0%. Including patients with no windows, accuracy was 87.5%. Conclusions: Our data suggest that Transcranial Doppler can be reliably used to demonstrate intracranial internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery mainstem obstructions in the acute phase of a brain infarction.
Exciton-plasmon interaction and nonlinear-optical properties of Zn0.8Co0.2O/Au nanoparticles composite film

Nonlinear-optical refraction of semiconductor thin film Zn<inf>0.8</inf>Co<inf>0.2</inf>O decorated with Au nanoparticles was studied by standard Z-scan technique. It is shown that interaction between excitons in Zn<inf>0.8</inf>Co<inf>0.2</inf>O and localized surface plasmon resonances in Au nanoparticles results in the enhancement of nonlinear-optical response of a composite film.
The hydrogen isotopic composition of water vapor entering the stratosphere inferred from high‐precision measurements of δD‐CH4 and δD‐H2

The hydrogen isotopic composition of water vapor entering the stratosphere provides an important constraint on the mechanisms for dehydration of air ascending through the tropical tropopause layer. We have inferred the annual mean hydrogen isotopic composition of water vapor entering the stratosphere (or δD-H_(2)O_0) for the mid to late 1990s based on high-precision measurements of the hydrogen isotopic compositions of stratospheric H_2 and CH_4 from whole air samples collected on the NASA ER-2 aircraft between 1996 and 2000 and remote observations of δD-H_2O from the FIRS-2 far infrared spectrometer. We calculate an annual mean value for δD-H_(2)O_0 of −653 (+24/−25)‰ relative to Vienna standard mean ocean water (VSMOW). Previous inferences from balloon-borne and spacecraft remote-sensing observations are ∼20‰ lighter than the value from this analysis. We attribute the difference to an underestimation of deuterium in the molecular H_2 reservoir in earlier work. This precise and more accurate value for the annual mean δD-H_(2)O_0 will be useful as a 1990's benchmark for detecting future changes in the details of the dehydration of air due to the impact of climate change on convection intensity, cloud microphysics, or tropical tropopause layer temperatures. In addition, we report a value for the total deuterium content in the three main stratospheric hydrogen reservoirs HDO, HD, and CH_(3)D of 1.60 (+0.02/−0.03) ppbv.
An $O(T^3)$ algorithm for the economic lot-sizing problem with constant capacities

We develop an algorithm that solves the constant capacities economic lot-sizing problem with concave production costs and linear holding costs in $O(T^3)$ time. The algorithm is based on the standard dynamic programming approach which requires the computation of the minimal costs for all possible subplans of the production plan. Instead of computing these costs in a straightforward manner, we use structural properties of optimal subplans to arrive at a more efficient implementation. Our algorithm improves upon the $O(T^4)$ running time of an earlier algorithm.
Tongkat Ali as a Potential Herbal Supplement for Physically Active Male and Female Seniors—A Pilot Study

Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia; TA) is known to increase testosterone levels and alleviate aging males' symptoms. This study aimed at investigating TA as an ergogenic supplement for elderly people. Thirteen physically active male and 12 physically active female seniors (57–72 years) were supplemented with 400‐mg TA extract daily for 5 weeks. Standard hematological parameters were taken. In addition, the concentrations of total and free testosterone, dihydroepiandrosterone, cortisol, insulin‐like growth factor‐1, and sex hormone‐binding globulin were analyzed. As additional biochemical parameters, blood urea nitrogen and creatine kinase as parameters of kidney function and muscle damage, respectively, as well as the muscle strength by a simple handgrip test were determined. After treatment, hemoglobin, testosterone, and dihydroepiandrosterone concentrations, and the ratio of total testosterone/cortisol and muscle force remained significantly lower in female seniors than in male seniors. Hematocrit and erythrocyte count in male seniors increased slightly but were significantly higher than in female seniors. Treatment resulted in significant increases in total and free testosterone concentrations and muscular force in men and women. The increase in free testosterone in women is thought to be due to the significant decline in sex hormone‐binding globulin concentrations. The study affirms the ergogenic benefit of TA through enhanced muscle strength. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Adult Reading History Questionnaire (ARHQ) in Icelandic

This article describes psychometric testing of an Icelandic adaptation of the Adult Reading History Questionnaire (ARHQ), designed to detect a history of reading difficulties indicative of dyslexia. Tested in a large and diverse sample of 2,187 adults, the Icelandic adaptation demonstrated internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = .92) and test–retest reliability (r = .93). Validity was established by comparing scores of adults who as children received ICD-10 diagnoses of specific reading disorder (F81.0; n = 419) to those of adults defined as nondyslexics (n = 679). ROC curve analysis resulted in an area under the curve of . 92 (95% CI = .90, .93, p < .001) and a cutoff score of . 43 with sensitivity of 84.5% and specificity of 83.7%. An exploratory factor analysis (n = 2,187) suggested three subscales, Dyslexia Symptoms, Current Reading, and Memory, the mean scores of which differed significantly among diagnosed dyslexics, relatives of dyslexics, and population controls. Our results support the applicability of the ARHQ in Icelandic as a self-report screening tool for adult dyslexia in Iceland.
Computational study on the geometry optimization and excited - state properties of riboflavin by ArgusLab 4.0.1.

Riboflavin (vitamin B2) belongs to a group of respiratory enzymes that occur widely in animals and plants participating in vital oxidation- reduction processes in the body. A computational study was conducted on riboflavin by ArgusLab 4.0. 1 to obtain the most active conformation of riboflavin and to analyze its excited-state properties. The best conformation of riboflavin was found to be -199.2173 kcal/mol which is the minimum potential energy calculated by geometry convergence function by ArgusLab software; performed according to Hartree-Fock calculation method. Electronic transition states (ground and excited), were also calculated and visualized by semi-empirical ZINDO method by ArgusLab from which molecular properties such as energies, wave function and dipole moments were established. All the results obtained from geometry optimization and excited-state properties lead us to delineate the active sites with charged groups of riboflavin to interact with the receptors. Such types of investigations are significant for drug-receptor interactions.
IgG 4-related paranasal sinus and intra-orbital disease diagnosed by endoscopic transnasal biopsy

ImmunoglobulinG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a novel systemic fibroinflammatory disorder. Here, we report a 49-year-old man who presented with nasal obstruction, exophthalmos, and diplopia for more than 3 years. Progressive left extraocular movement limitation and left visual acuity impairment were observed for 1 week. Computed tomography revealed a moderately enhanced and ill-defined lesion involving bilateral retro-orbital fat; bilateral intraorbital extraocular muscles; Lt orbital nerve; and bilateral paranasal sinus. IgG4-related sino-orbital disease was suspected with the serum IgG4 concentration was up to 1250 mg/dL. The patient subsequently underwent left endoscopic orbital surgical decompression and tissue biopsy. The histopathological sections of the patient revealed lymphoplasmacytic infiltration and fibrosis of >100 IgG4 cells/HPF and an IgG4+/IgG+ cell ratio of >40%. Thus, IgG4-related sino-orbital disease was diagnosed on the basis of comprehensive criteria for IgG4-RD. Prednisolone was postoperatively administered, and the patient symptoms improved following surgery and glucocorticoid treatment.
FR II radio galaxies at low frequencies – II. Spectral ageing and source dynamics

In this paper, the second in a series investigating FR II radio galaxies at low frequencies, we use LOFAR and VLA observations between 117 and 456 MHz in addition to archival data to determine the dynamics and energetics of two radio galaxies, 3C452 and 3C223, through fitting of spectral ageing models on small spatial scales. We provide improved measurements for the physical extent of the two sources, including a previously unknown low surface brightness extension to the northern lobe of 3C223, and revised energetics based on these values. We find spectral ages of $77.05^{+9.22}_{-8.74}$ and $84.96^{+15.02}_{-13.83}$ Myr for 3C452 and 3C223 respectively suggesting a characteristic advance speed for the lobes of around one per cent the speed of light. For 3C452 we show that, even for a magnetic field strength not assumed to be in equipartition, a disparity of factor of approximately 2 exists between the spectral age and that determined from a dynamical standpoint. We confirm that the injection index of both sources (as derived from the lobe emission) remains steeper than classically assumed values even when considered on well resolved scales at low frequencies, but find an unexpected sharp discontinuity between the spectrum of the hotspots and the surrounding lobe emission. We suggest that this discrepancy is due to the absorption of hotspot emission and/or non-homogeneous and additional acceleration mechanisms and, as such, hotspots should not be used in the determination of the underlying initial electron energy distribution.
Functional magnetic resonance imaging of goal-directed reaching children with autism spectrum disorders: A feasibility study

Our long-term goal is to understand the extent to which motor impairments reported in autism may be related to abnormalities of brain function. We previously described a robotic joystick and video game system that allows us to record functional magnetic resonance images (FMRI) while adult humans make goal-directed wrist motions. We anticipated several challenges in extending this approach to studying goal-directed behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and in typically developing (TYP) children. In particular we were concerned that children with autism may express increased levels of anxiety as compared to typically developing children due to the loud sounds and small enclosed space of the MRI scanner. We also were concerned that both groups of children might become restless during testing, leading to an unacceptable amount of head movement. Here we evaluated both the extent to which autistic and typically developing children exhibit anxiety during our experimental protocol and their ability to comply with task instructions. Our experimental controls were successful in minimizing group differences in drop-out due to anxiety. Kinematic performance and head motion also were similar across groups. Both groups of children engaged cortical regions (frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital). In addition, the ASD group exhibited task-related correlations in subcortical regions (cerebellum, thalamus), whereas correlations in the TYP group did not reach statistical significance in subcortical regions. Four distinct regions in frontal cortex showed a significant group difference such that TYP children exhibited positive correlations between the hemodynamic response and movement onset, whereas children with ASD exhibited negative correlations. These findings demonstrate feasibility of simultaneous application of robotic manipulation and functional imaging to study goal-directed motor behaviors in autistic and typically developing children.
Intra-Arterial Chemotherapy for Patients with Inoperable Carcinoma of the Pancreas

Abstract Percutaneous intra-arterial chemotherapy followed by intravenous maintenance therapy has been given to a highly selected group of 63 patients with inoperable carcinoma of the pancreas in most of whom the predominant symptom was pain. Relief of pain was an immediate response in 55%, with a slow recurrence of symptoms. Low toxicity was observed, with only one death attributable to the form of therapy used.