Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An augmented reality system for upper-limb post-stroke motor rehabilitation: a feasibility study

Abstract Purpose: To determine the clinical feasibility of a system based on augmented reality for upper-limb (UL) motor rehabilitation of stroke participants. Method: A physiotherapist instructed the participants to accomplish tasks in augmented reality environment, where they could see themselves and their surroundings, as in a mirror. Two case studies were conducted. Participants were evaluated pre- and post-intervention. The first study evaluated the UL motor function using Fugl-Meyer scale. Data were compared using non-parametric sign tests and effect size. The second study used the gain of motion range of shoulder flexion and abduction assessed by computerized biophotogrammetry. Results: At a significance level of 5%, Fugl-Meyer scores suggested a trend for greater UL motor improvement in the augmented reality group than in the other. Moreover, effect size value 0.86 suggested high practical significance for UL motor rehabilitation using the augmented reality system. Conclusion: System provided promising results for UL motor rehabilitation, since enhancements have been observed in the shoulder range of motion and speed. Implications for Rehabilitation Gain of range of motion of flexion and abduction of the shoulder of post-stroke patients can be achieved through an augmented reality system containing exercises to promote the mental practice. NeuroR system provides a mental practice method combined with visual feedback for motor rehabilitation of chronic stroke patients, giving the illusion of injured upper-limb (UL) movements while the affected UL is resting. Its application is feasible and safe. This system can be used to improve UL rehabilitation, an additional treatment past the traditional period of the stroke patient hospitalization and rehabilitation
Characterization of beta amyloid assemblies in drusen: the deposits associated with aging and age-related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE Recent studies strongly suggest that drusen, the extracellular deposits associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), are a manifestation of local inflammatory events. New evidence indicates that substructural elements within drusen contain activated complement components as well as amyloid beta (Abeta), a major pro-inflammatory component of Alzheimer's disease plaques. We characterized the ultrastructural organization and histochemical staining properties of these Abeta-containing elements in order to further assess their significance in drusen formation and AMD pathogenesis. METHODS We used differential interference contrast optics, laser scanning confocal immunofluorescence, and immunogold electron microscopy to characterize the structural properties and molecular composition of Abeta-containing elements in drusen. We obtained estimates of their frequency from montages of electron micrographs gathered from 152 human donor eyes ranging from 9 to 91 years of age. RESULTS Spherical Abeta-containing elements, which are typically organized as concentric ring-like structures, are common substructural components of drusen. They stain with thioflavin T, but are not stained by Congo red; nor do they bind cationic, lipophilic, or nucleic acid-binding fluorescent dyes. Ultrastructurally, they are composed of a central core, one or more concentric inner rings with intervening electron lucent layers, and an electron dense outer shell. Immunogold labeling indicates that most Abeta immunoreactivity is associated with the outer layers that consist of densely-packed spherical subunits. No longitudinally-oriented fibril arrays, characteristic of aggregated amyloid fibrils in the brain, are evident. Other prominent drusen-associated proteins including the terminal complement complex C5b-9, vitronectin, apolipoprotein E, serum amyloid P component, and ubiquitin are excluded from the spheres.Conclusions. These structures embedded in drusen appear to represent a new type of macromolecular assembly that contains Abeta as well as activated complement components. The presence of Abeta in these extracellular deposits is an additional indication that some of the pathogenic pathways that give rise to drusen and AMD may be shared with other neurodegenerative diseases characterized by misfolded protein deposition and aggregation.
Factors affecting health-promoting lifestyle profile in Iranian male seafarers working on tankers.

BACKGROUND Seafaring is a risky occupation that is associated with a high incidence of lifestyle-related diseases. The present study was carried out to examine health promotion behaviour and its associated factors in seafarers of the National Iranian Tanker Company. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional study was performed on 200 Iranian male seafarers in 2015. A self-administered socio-demographic and Health Promotion Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II) questionnaire was completed. One-way analysis of variance was used to identify significant differences among the various departments. The t-test was utilised to compare the HPLP-II scores according to the demographic variables. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to assess the association between demographic variables and the overall HPLP-II score, in addition to the six health-promoting lifestyle subscale scores. RESULTS The mean age of the participants was 35.93 ± 9.51 years. Most of the seafarers were categorised as having a moderate (32%) or good lifestyle (61.5%). The mean lifestyle score was 136.14 ± 19.90, with the subscale spiritual growth showing the highest score (26.16 ± 5.03) and the subscale exercise behaviour showing the lowest score (19.95 ± 4.23). The lowest score for nutrition was found among the seafarers working in the engine department (engine: 20.41 ± 4.50, deck: 23.52 ± 4.97, and galley: 24.83 ± 4.64) (p < 0.05). Working in the engine department was found to have a significant negative effect on the nutrition score (B = -3.57, p < 0.05). Moreover, educational level was found to have a significant positive effect on spiritual growth (B = 2.97, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that health-related issues in this occupation, especially workers in the engine room, are a matter of concern.
Generation of three dimensional photo-realistic models from Lidar and image data

Light detection and ranging (Lidar) instruments collect high density and accurate three dimensional (3D) point clouds of scanned surfaces of objects. 3D building modelling from terrestrial Lidar requires the raw point cloud data to be processed. Through processing, noise and outliers are eliminated from the point cloud, and a 3D photo-realistic model is generated using image data. This effectively reduces redundant data and enhances the visual representation. This paper deals with point cloud processing and proposes methods to automate several of the processing procedures. Specifically, we implemented automatic 3D point cloud registration, automatic target recognition used for geo-referencing, automatic plane detection algorithm used for surface modelling, and texture mapping. The proposed approach leads to the generation of accurately geo-referenced three dimensional (3D) photo-realistic models from point clouds and digital imagery.
Left-sided excess in the laterality of cutaneous melanoma.

Methods. To further evaluate the relationship between ROG and melanoma proliferation, we assessed the correlation of ROG with Ki67, a commonly used marker of cell cycle progression, and phosphorylated-histone-H3 (PH3), a sensitive marker of mitosis. The methods of assessing Ki67 and PH3 have been described elsewhere. In brief, recuts of a representative section within the primary melanoma were used for immunohistochemical staining with both markers, and staining was scored by 2 independent assessors without knowledge of ROG. The Ki67 staining (percentage of staining melanoma cells in the dermis) and the PH3 staining (numbers of staining melanoma cells per millimeters squared in the dermis) were assessed, beginning in the most immunoreactive area. The final score of Ki67 and the final score of PH3 were defined as the mean of scores from the 2 assessors. Results. The intraclass correlation coefficients for interassessor agreement were 0.91 for PH3 and 0.89 for Ki67, indicating an excellent level of agreement. We found that similar to the correlation with mitotic rate, ROG was significantly associated with the Ki67 score (Spearman rank correlation coefficient, 0.44; P .001) (Figure 1) and with the PH3 score (Spearman rank correlation coefficient, 0.46; P .001) (Figure 2).
Plant Importin α Binds Nuclear Localization Sequences with High Affinity and Can Mediate Nuclear Import Independent of Importin β*

Nuclear import of conventional nuclear localization sequence (NLS)-containing proteins initially involves recognition by the importin (IMP) α/β heterodimer, where IMPα binds the NLS and IMPβ targets the IMPα/NLS-containing protein complex to the nuclear pore. Here we examine IMPα from the plantArabidopsis thaliana (At-IMPα), which exhibits nuclear envelope localization typical of IMPβ rather than IMPα in other eukaryotic cell systems. We show that At-IMPα recognizes conventional NLSs of two different types with high affinity (K d of 5–10 nm), in contrast to mouse IMPα (m-IMPα), which exhibits much lower affinity (K d of 50–70 nm) and only achieves high affinity in the presence of m-IMPβ. Unlike m-IMPα, At-IMPα is thus a high affinity NLS receptor in the absence of IMPβ. Interestingly, At-IMPα was also able to bind with high affinity to NLSs recognized specifically by m-IMPβ and not m-IMPα, including that of the maize transcription factor Opaque-2. Reconstitution of nuclear import in vitroindicated that in the absence of exogenous IMPβ subunit but dependent on RanGDP and NTF2, At-IMPα was able to mediate nuclear accumulation to levels comparable with those mediated by m-IMPα/β. Neither m-IMPα nor -β was able to mediate nuclear import in the absence of the other subunit. At-IMPα’s novel NLS recognition and nuclear transport properties imply that plants may possess an IMPα-mediated nuclear import pathway independent of IMPβ in addition to that mediated by IMPα/β.
Integrity in Public Procurement: Good Practice from A to Z

Lack of transparency and accountability were recognised as a major threat to integrity in public procurement at the 2004 OECD Global Forum on Governance: Fighting Corruption and Promoting Integrity in Public Procurement. To verify this hypothesis, the OECD Public Governance Committee launched a survey primarily targeted at procurement practitioners in charge of designing, supervising and managing procurement processes in central governments. Auditors, members of competition authorities and anticorruption specialists have also been involved. On the basis of the information collected, good practices were identified by government officials, representatives from civil society and private sector at the OECD Symposium: Mapping out Good Practices for Integrity and Corruption Resistance in Public Procurement in November 2006. This project maps out good practices, that is, successful measures for enhancing integrity in public procurement. It is a complementary part of multidisciplinary efforts in the OECD to improve public procurement systems, in particular: (1) Assessments of public procurement systems in developing countries by the Aid Effectiveness and Donor Practices Working Party of the Development Assistance Committee; (2) Analysis of bribery in public procurement by the Working Group on Bribery in International Business Transactions; and (3) Studies of the central procurement structure and capacity as well as review and remedies systems of the European Union Member States bythe Support for Improvement in Governance and Management Programme (SIGMA).
Fasting and Post-Glucose Load – Reference Limits for Peripheral Venous Plasma Glucose Concentration in Pregnant Women

Abstract Recently both the American Diabetes Organization (ADA) and World Health Organization (WHO) have revised the diagnostic recommendations for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), however, they did not not reach agreement on the criteria for diagnosis, the referral criteria for the confirmatory oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), its standardization, and diagnostic cut-off point. The aims of this study were to investigate if the fasting venous plasma glucose mmol/l (f-vPG) and the 2-hour venous plasma glucose mmol/l (2h-vPG) after a WHO standardized 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in a non-risk group of pregnant women during first and third trimester of pregnancy deviated from that of risk groups, to establish a reference interval for f-vPG and 2h-vPG, and to investigate the predictive role of f-vPG for the 2h-vPG glucose concentration. This is a population-based case-control study where a consecutive number of pregnant women were invited to screening irrespective of their risk factors for GDM. All women filled in a questionnaire of the Danish national screening program on risk factors and had f-vPG and the 2h-vPG measured. By ruling out women with GDM and risk factors, we isolated a non-risk reference class. The ln f-vPG parametric 97.5 centile was less than 5% higher during week 32 of pregnancy than during week 20, and therefore these groups were combined. The f-vPG 95% reference interval was from 4.01 mmol/l (95% CI: 3.96 to 4.07 mmol/l) to 5.26 mmol/l (95% CI: 5.19 to 5.34 mmol/l). “The true upper normal limit”, the 99.9 centile, was 5.69 mmol/l (95% CI: 5.59 to 5.80 mmol/l). The f-vPG was 0.6 mmol/l lower over the whole range in pregnant women compared to age-matched non-pregnant women. The distribution of 2h-vPG concentrations at week 20 was non-Gaussian and therefore considered non-homogeneous, while it was Gaussian distributed and homogeneous at week 32. The 2h-vPG 95% reference interval of the combined weeks was from 2.80 mmol/l (95% CI: 2.56 to 3.04 mmol/l) to 7.58 mmol/l (95% CI: 7.34 to 7.82 mmol/l), and the upper limit of normal (99.9 centile) was 8.96 mmol/l (95% CI: 8.63 to 9.29 mmol/l). Distributions of f-vPG and 2h-vPG were distinct in our defined risk classes. In individual cases, no systematic correlation was found between the f-vPG concentration at week 20 and week 32. The f-vPG concentrations at any of the weeks did not predict the 2h-vPG level and no single clinical risk factor was decisive for the presence of GDM.
Time-Varying Compensation for Peak Current-Controlled PFC Boost Converter

In this paper, an optimal time-varying compensation method with zero eigenvalue is first put forward for peak current-controlled power factor correction (PFC) boost converter, which can eliminate the fast-scale instability without zero current dead zone and achieve unity power factor. First, a time-varying mathematic model of a peak current-controlled PFC boost converter under continuous conduction mode is established. Then, based on the theoretical and experimental analyses of the traditional ramp compensation, a time-varying dynamic compensation model and method are presented to obtain zero eigenvalue during the whole line cycle. Therefore, the PFC boost converter occupies the strongest stability control during each switching cycle and can run into stable operation in one switching cycle under any external interference. Finally, the proposed compensation method is verified with experiments. Results show that a unity power factor and the stability in the whole line cycle can be obtained simultaneously.
Anterior Corneal Surface Irregularity after Descemet-Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty for Bullous Keratopathy

Purpose To evaluate irregularity of the anterior cornea before and after Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) for bullous keratopathy and its effect on visual acuity. Methods Corneal data were acquired using a topographic unit before and up to 12 months after DSEK. Anterior corneal elevation data were decomposed into a set of Zernike polynomials up to the 8th order within a 6.0-mm diameter region. Total higher-order aberrations (HOAs) and root mean square from the 3rd to 8th order were calculated. The effects of anterior surface irregularity on visual acuity were evaluated. Results This clinical study comprised 20 consecutive eyes of 20 patients with bullous keratopathy. The mean corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) was 1.00 ± 0.12 logMAR (SD) preoperatively and 0.24 ± 0.16 logMAR 12 months postoperatively. Before DSEK, corneas with bullous keratopathy had higher total HOAs compared with those in controls (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in anterior surface HOAs between preoperatively and 12 months (p>0.05). Conclusions Postoperative CDVA correlated with irregularity of the corneal anterior surface. Corneal anterior HOAs are higher in patients with bullous keratopathy than in controls, and remain higher through 12 months after DSEK. In addition to corneal transparency, regularity of the corneal anterior surface is an important factor in visual acuity after DSEK.
Preferential Priming of Alloreactive T Cells with Indirect Reactivity

The relative contributions of the direct and indirect pathways in alloimmune responses have not been fully elucidated. We report a novel murine TCR transgenic system that can simultaneously track the CD4‐direct (CD4‐d), CD4‐indirect (CD4‐i) and CD8‐direct (CD8‐d) pathways after transplantation. Using this system, we have observed a profoundly greater proliferation of CD4‐i T cells relative to CD4‐d and CD8‐d T cells after transplantation. Furthermore, a much larger proportion of CD4‐i T cells attain an effector phenotype. We also analyzed endogenous, wild‐type T cells using enzyme‐linked immunospot analysis. In naïve mice, T cells with indirect reactivity were undetectable, but T cells with direct reactivity were abundant. However, 10 days after skin or heterotopic heart transplantation, CD4‐i T cells comprised approximately 10% of the CD4+ response. Consistent with increased priming of the CD4‐i pathway, we observed that the CD4‐i T cells were further enriched in the effector cells migrating to the allograft and in memory‐like T cells persisting after rejection. Thus, priming of the CD4‐i pathway is favored after transplantation, allowing a rare population to rapidly become a major component of the CD4+ T‐cell response in acute allograft rejection. The generalizability of this observation to other models remains to be determined.
ISOLATION OF HIGH-QUALITY TOTAL RNA FROM LEAVES OF Myrciaria dubia “CAMU CAMU”

Myrciaria dubia is a main source of vitamin C for people in the Amazon region. Molecular studies of M. dubia require high-quality total RNA from different tissues. So far, no protocols have been reported for total RNA isolation from leaves of this species. The objective of this research was to develop protocols for extracting high-quality total RNA from leaves of M. dubia. Total RNA was purified following two modified protocols developed for leaves of other species (by Zeng and Yang, and by Reid et al.) and one modified protocol developed for fruits of the studied species (by Silva). Quantity and quality of purified total RNA were assessed by spectrophotometric and electrophoretic analysis. Additionally, quality of total RNA was evaluated with reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). With these three modified protocols we were able to isolate high-quality RNA (A260nm/A280nm > 1.9 and A260nm/A230nm > 2.0). Highest yield was produced with the Zeng and Yang modified protocol (384 ± 46 µg ARN/g fresh weight). Furthermore, electrophoretic analysis showed the integrity of isolated RNA and the absence of DNA. Another proof of the high quality of our purified RNA was the successful cDNA synthesis and amplification of a segment of the M. dubia actin 1 gene. We report three modified protocols for isolation total RNA from leaves of M. dubia. The modified protocols are easy, rapid, low in cost, and effective for high-quality and quantity total RNA isolation suitable for cDNA synthesis and polymerase chain reaction.
Abnormal Glycolipid Composition of Erythrocytes with a Weak P Antigen

Abstract. The erythrocytes of a normal man were agglutinated more weakly than normal cells by several anti‐P1PPk sera, and exhibited a decreased capacity to absorb these antibodies. Analysis of his erythrocyte glycosphingolipids revealed that the globoside (P antigen) content was less than 25% of normal, and trihexosyl ceramide (the Pk antigen) was 30–40% of normal. The ganglioside content of his erythrocytes was approximately four times normal and sialosyl‐paragloboside was increased about sixfold. It appears that his erythrocytes are unable to synthesize normal quantities of trihexosyl ceramide, and that these serological and chemical features constitute a new phenotype in the P blood group system.
Investigation of 6-phase surface PM machines with concentrated windings for reduction in space harmonics, leakage inductance and magnet loss in direct-drive EV

Surface Permanent Magnet (SPM) synchronous machines with fractional slot concentrated windings (FSCW) have been found to provide high torque density with low torque ripple and cogging torque, making them suitable for direct-drive electric vehicle (EV) application. This paper initially analyses a 3-phase 36/30 FSCW SPM machine for direct-drive application in terms of its space harmonics, steady-state characteristics and losses over a wide speed range using winding function theory and MTPA control in conjunction with finite element analysis (FEA). It was found that the 3-phase machine produces high space harmonics in the flux density which resulted in increased magnet eddy current loss and high stator leakage inductance which leads to extended constant power speed range (CPSR) as well. Since, the CPSR requirement for a direct-drive EV motor is lesser than that of a high-speed EV motor, there is scope for reducing the stator leakage inductance. Hence, a 6-phase 36/30 FSCW SPM machine employing the same stator, rotor and current rating as that of the 3-phase machine is investigated in an effort to reduce space harmonics, stator leakage inductance and magnet eddy current losses while delivering the desired output characteristics. Also, an analytical method to calculate the 6-phase machine d- and q-axis inductances from winding and slot permeance functions are proposed. Thereafter, a comparative performance analysis is conducted on both the 3-phase and 6-phase machines designed and results are discussed.
Dynein and Star interact in EGFR signaling and ligand trafficking

Intracellular transport and processing of ligands is critical to the activation of signal transduction pathways that guide development. Star is an essential gene in Drosophila that has been implicated in the trafficking of ligands for epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor signaling. The role of cytoplasmic motors in the endocytic and secretory pathways is well known, but the specific requirement of motors in EGF receptor transport has not been investigated. We identified Star in a screen designed to recover second-site modifiers of the dominant rough eye phenotype of the Glued mutation Gl1. The Glued (Gl) locus encodes the p150 subunit of the dynactin complex, an activator of cytoplasmic dynein-driven motility. We show that alleles of Gl and dynein genetically interact with both Star and EGFR alleles. Similarly to mutations in Star, the Gl1 mutation is capable of modifying the phenotypes of the EGFR mutation Ellipse. These genetic interactions suggest a model in which Star, dynactin and dynein cooperate in the trafficking of EGF ligands. In support of this model, overexpression of the cleaved, active Spitz ligand can partially bypass defective trafficking and suppress the genetic interactions. Our direct observations of live S2 cells show that export of Spitz-GFP from the endoplasmic reticulum, as well as the trafficking of Spitz-GFP vesicles, depends on both Star and dynein.