Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Signal processing and fabrication of a biomimetic tactile sensor array with thermal, force and microvibration modalities

We have developed a finger-shaped sensor array that provides simultaneous information about the contact forces, microvibrations and thermal fluxes induced by contact with external objects. In this paper, we describe a microprocessor-based signal conditioning and digitizing system for these sensing modalities and its embodiment on a flex-circuit that facilitates efficient assembly of the entire system via injection molding. Thermal energy from the embedded electronics is used to heat the finger above ambient temperature, similar to the biological finger. This enables the material properties of contacted objects to be inferred from thermal transients measured by a thermistor in the sensor array. Combining sensor modalities provides synergistic benefits. For example, the contact forces for exploratory movements can be calibrated so that thermal and microvibration data can be interpreted more definitively.
Prevalence and psychiatric comorbidity of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in an adolescent Finnish population.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of the study was to estimate the prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and its clinical characteristics in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986. METHOD A general population Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 of 9,432 children followed prospectively from the early fetal period was surveyed at adolescence (ages 16-18) for ADHD behaviors. Among 6,622 respondents to the survey, a subset of 457 likely cases and controls were evaluated for ADHD and other psychiatric disorders. Chi-square and descriptive statistics were used to examine clinical characteristics of ADHD in the subset, and logistic regression was used to estimate prevalence by weighted extrapolation in the larger cohort. RESULTS The estimated prevalence of ADHD among adolescents in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 is 8.5% with a male/female ratio of 5.7:1. The distribution of ADHD subtypes among the ADHD adolescents is 28% Combined, 64% Inattentive, and 8% Hyperactive-Impulsive. A lifetime diagnosis of a broadly defined ADHD (probable or definite) had a prevalence of 18.2% with a male/female odds ratio (OR) of 3.2. This lifetime diagnosis of ADHD is significantly associated with anxiety (OR 2.4), mood (OR 2.9), and disruptive behavioral disorders (OR 17.3) in the cohort. CONCLUSIONS ADHD is a common neurobehavioral disorder among Northern Finnish adolescents and significantly associated with psychiatric comorbidity in adolescence.
Unit Selection Speech Synthesis in Noise

The paper presents an approach to unit selection speech synthesis in noise. The approach is based on a modification of the speech synthesis method originally published in A.W. Black and P. Taylor (1997), where the distance of a candidate unit from its cluster center is used as the unit selection cost. We found out that using an additional measure evaluating intelligibility for the unit cost may improve the overall understandability of speech in noise. The measure we have chosen for prediction of speech intelligibility in noise is speech intelligibility index (SII). While the calculation of the SII value for each unit in the speech corpus was made off-line, a pink noise was used as a representative noise for the calculation. Listening tests imply that such a simple modification of the unit cost in unit selection synthesis can improve understandability of speech delivered under poor channel conditions
Infection of T lymphocytes in Epstein‐Barr virus‐associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in children of non‐Asian origin

Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) is one of the most frequent triggers of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). EBV‐associated HLH (EBV‐HLH) and ectopic infection of T cells has been particularly described in patients from Far East Asia.
A Big Five approach to self-regulation: personality traits and health trajectories in the Hawaii longitudinal study of personality and health

Self-regulatory processes influencing health outcomes may have their origins in childhood personality traits. The Big Five approach to personality was used here to investigate the associations between childhood traits, trait-related regulatory processes and changes in health across middle age. Participants (N = 1176) were members of the Hawaii longitudinal study of personality and health. Teacher assessments of the participants’ traits when they were in elementary school were related to trajectories of self-rated health measured on 6 occasions over 14 years in middle age. Five trajectories of self-rated health were identified by latent class growth analysis: Stable Excellent, Stable Very Good, Good, Decreasing and Poor. Childhood Conscientiousness was the only childhood trait to predict membership in the Decreasing class vs. the combined healthy classes (Stable Excellent, Stable Very Good and Good), even after controlling for adult Conscientiousness and the other adult Big Five traits. The Decreasing class had poorer objectively assessed clinical health measured on one occasion in middle age, was less well-educated, and had a history of more lifespan health-damaging behaviors compared to the combined healthy classes. These findings suggest that higher levels of childhood Conscientiousness (i.e. greater self-discipline and goal-directedness) may prevent subsequent health decline decades later through self-regulatory processes involving the acquisition of lifelong healthful behavior patterns and higher educational attainment.
The History of Cutaneous Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis has been a well-known affliction of mankind from antiquity. There is evidence that Mycobacterium tuberculosis may have preceded recorded history, because the changes of spinal tuberculosis have been described in the skeleton of a neolithic man. ' Tomb portraits of hunchbacks displaying the characteristic Potts spine deformity and the examination of the skeletal remains in the mummies clearly establish the existence of spinal tuberculosis in ancient Egypt (3400 BC). ' Lung fever and lung cough with accompanying symptoms of emaciation and hemoptysis have been mentioned in the old Chinese writings (2698 BC). ' The able and enlightened philosopher monarch of the Babylonians, Hammurabi''^ (1948-1905 BC), has made a reference to tuberculosis as one of the diseases of his times, in his famous Code of Hammurabi. A similar reference has been made in the Sanskrit works of the Indo-Aryans, namely the Rig-Veda (1500 BC), Ayur Veda (700 BC), and in the Laws of Manu (1000 BC). 'Hippocrates (460 BC-575 BC)' called tuberculosis phthisis which meant to dry up. Pulmonary tuberculosis was termed Shachepheth by the ancient Israelites. ' The Roman acquaintance with tuberculosis is found in the writings of Pliny the Elder (AD 23-79),' while John Bunyan' called it The Captain of the Men of Death, referring to its devastating course and prognosis.
Age Stereotypes about Emotional Resilience at Work

In light of an aging workforce, age stereotypes have become an important topic both for researchers and for practitioners. Among other effects, age stereotypes might predict discriminatory behavior at work. This study examined stereotypic beliefs about emotional resilience as a function of both targets’ and judges’ age. In a web-based study, 4,181 persons between 15 and 87 years rated four targets (young male worker, young female worker, older male worker, older female worker) on emotional resilience in a work context. An age effect showed that older targets were rated lower on emotional resilience than younger targets. Moreover, older compared to younger judges provided more positive assessments of younger targets.
The role of English language and international media as agents of cultural globalisation and their impact on identity formation in Kuwait

This study examines the influence of English language usage and international media on the strength of either national or global identity. The regression analysis of 354 responses reveals that individuals who studied at universities that use English as a medium of instruction show significant differences in the extent to which they embrace a global identity. Viewing local (Kuwaiti) television programmes and the use of the Internet predict national identity. This study discusses the social entities that are important factors in mitigating the influence of globalisation on national identity. It concludes that the argument that globalisation and Westernisation are two faces of the same coin is overstated.
Carbon fiber on polyimide ultra-microelectrodes

Objective. Most preparations for making neural recordings degrade over time and eventually fail due to insertion trauma and reactive tissue response. The magnitudes of these responses are thought to be related to the electrode size (specifically, the cross-sectional area), the relative stiffness of the electrode, and the degree of tissue tolerance for the material. Flexible carbon fiber ultra-microelectrodes have a much smaller cross-section than traditional electrodes and low tissue reactivity, and thus may enable improved longevity of neural recordings in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Only two carbon fiber array designs have been described previously, each with limited channel densities due to limitations of the fabrication processes or interconnect strategies. Here, we describe a method for assembling carbon fiber electrodes on a flexible polyimide substrate that is expected to facilitate the construction of high-density recording and stimulating arrays. Approach. Individual carbon fibers were aligned using an alignment tool that was 3D-printed with sub-micron resolution using direct laser writing. Indium deposition on the carbon fibers, followed by low-temperature microsoldering, provided a robust and reliable method of electrical connection to the polyimide interconnect. Main results. Spontaneous multiunit activity and stimulation-evoked compound responses with SNR >10 and >120, respectively, were recorded from a small (125 µm) peripheral nerve. We also improved the typically poor charge injection capacity of small diameter carbon fibers by electrodepositing 100 nm-thick iridium oxide films, making the carbon fiber arrays usable for electrical stimulation as well as recording. Significance. Our innovations in fabrication technique pave the way for further miniaturization of carbon fiber ultra-microelectrode arrays. We believe these advances to be key steps to enable a shift from labor intensive, manual assembly to a more automated manufacturing process.
Video super-resolution based on block motion estimation and gradient magnitude

Super-resolution (SR) technology aims to improve image resolution from a set of observed low resolution (LR) frames. This paper presents a new SR approach based on block motion estimation (ME) with gradient magnitude and the block types. ME is applied between a reference and its neighboring frames. If the motion is estimated inaccurately undesirable results are occurred at high resolution (HR) output frame. So, adaptive and static thresholds are used to eliminate improper blocks in registration. Outlier pixel detection is applied in reconstruction step. Finally, a deblurring process is performed on the HR frame. Proposed method results are compared with different interpolation methods. The experimental results are shown both peak-signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and as visually.
Mapping of six somatic linker histone H1 variants in human breast cancer cells uncovers specific features of H1.2

Seven linker histone H1 variants are present in human somatic cells with distinct prevalence across cell types. Despite being key structural components of chromatin, it is not known whether the different variants have specific roles in the regulation of nuclear processes or are differentially distributed throughout the genome. Using variant-specific antibodies to H1 and hemagglutinin (HA)-tagged recombinant H1 variants expressed in breast cancer cells, we have investigated the distribution of six H1 variants in promoters and genome-wide. H1 is depleted at promoters depending on its transcriptional status and differs between variants. Notably, H1.2 is less abundant than other variants at the transcription start sites of inactive genes, and promoters enriched in H1.2 are different from those enriched in other variants and tend to be repressed. Additionally, H1.2 is enriched at chromosomal domains characterized by low guanine–cytosine (GC) content and is associated with lamina-associated domains. Meanwhile, other variants are associated with higher GC content, CpG islands and gene-rich domains. For instance, H1.0 and H1X are enriched at gene-rich chromosomes, whereas H1.2 is depleted. In short, histone H1 is not uniformly distributed along the genome and there are differences between variants, H1.2 being the one showing the most specific pattern and strongest correlation with low gene expression.
Reliability and accuracy of an automated tracking algorithm to measure controlled passive and active muscle fascicle length changes from ultrasound

Manual tracking of muscle fascicle length changes from ultrasound images is a subjective and time-consuming process. The purpose of this study was to assess the repeatability and accuracy of an automated algorithm for tracking fascicle length changes in the medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscle during passive length changes and active contractions (isometric, concentric and eccentric) performed on a dynamometer. The freely available, automated tracking algorithm was based on the Lucas–Kanade optical flow algorithm with an affine optic flow extension, which accounts for image translation, dilation, rotation and shear between consecutive frames of an image sequence. Automated tracking was performed by three experienced assessors, and within- and between-examiner repeatability was computed using the coefficient of multiple determination (CMD). Fascicle tracking data were also compared with manual digitisation of the same image sequences, and the level of agreement between the two methods was calculated using the coefficient of multiple correlation (CMC). The CMDs across all test conditions ranged from 0.50 to 0.93 and were all above 0.98 when recomputed after the systematic error due to the estimate of the initial fascicle length on the first ultrasound frame was removed from the individual fascicle length waveforms. The automated and manual tracking approaches produced similar fascicle length waveforms, with an overall CMC of 0.88, which improved to 0.94 when the initial length offset was removed. Overall results indicate that the automated fascicle tracking algorithm was a repeatable, accurate and time-efficient method for estimating fascicle length changes of the MG muscle in controlled passive and active conditions.
Synthesis, Characterization and Evaluation of IPN Hydrogels for Antibiotic Release

We prepared new ternary interpenetrating polymeric networks (IPN) systems containing chitosan, poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) and poly(acrylamide) polymers. IPNs were synthesized by radical polymerization of acrylamide monomers in presence of glutaraldehyde (G) and N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide as crosslinkers and the other polymers. These IPNs were named as C-P-A. Glutaraldehyde were used in different concentration to control the network porous of IPNs. Spectroscopic and thermal analyses of these cylindrical shaped IPNs were made with fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and thermomechanical analysis. Swelling studies of IPNs were carried out at pH 1.1 and pH 7.4 at 37°C. The swelling and diffusion parameters of IPNs in these solutions were calculated. Amoxicillin as a bioactive species was entrapped to the IPNs during synthesis. In vitro release kinetics of IPNs were investigated. The experimental data of swelling and release studies suggest clearly that the swelling and release process obeys second-order kinetics. The release of the entrapped bioactive species from IPNs depends on the degree of crosslinking of the polymer and pH of the medium at body temperature. We observed that amoxicillin release at pH 1.1 was higher than at pH 7.4. As a result, IPNs-based chitosan with different cross-linker concentration could be promising candidates for formulation in oral gastrointestinal delivery systems.
Women who sacrifice themselves for everybody: qualitative research with mothers of disabled children

This study, from a feminist perspective, aimed at examining the experiences of women whose children with cerebral palsy received a treatment at a physiotherapy and rehabilitation center located in Ankara, Turkey. The study intended to reveal the perceptions of in-family roles of women with disabled children, their participation in public life, and their self-concept within the scope of feminist social work. Thus, the objective of the present study was to contribute to the understanding of the fact that non gender-blind services should be developed in this field on the basis of social justice and human rights, which constitutes the fundamental philosophy of social work. Qualitative research method was employed in the study where data were analyzed through content analysis. The findings of the study were interpreted under four main themes: the lives of the women with disabled children after their disabled children were born; being a woman within the scope of family life, participation in decision-making processes, and domestic division of labor; participation in public life and relations with women's associations; the self-sacrifice; and the suggestions of women concerning self-realization within the scope of self-concept.
Mechanistic Basis for RNA Aptamer‐Based Induction of TetR

The TetR aptamer induces TetR controlled gene expression, and represents an interesting tool for application in synthetic biology. We have analysed the mechanistic basis for RNA aptamer‐based induction of TetR. The aptamer binds TetR with a high affinity in the order of 107 M−1, which is similar to operator DNA binding under the used ionic conditions. We identified the binding epitope of the aptamer on TetR, which consists of amino acids T27, N47 and K48 of both monomers, using loss‐of‐function analysis and electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Tetracycline‐induced conformational changes of TetR led to reorientation of the DNA reading head. This movement destroys the composite binding epitope for the aptamer and leads to reduced RNA binding by one order of magnitude. The aptamer can actively displace TetR from the operator DNA; this could be the key factor for its activity in vivo.
Second Korean guidelines for the management of ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by a relapsing and remitting course. The direct and indirect costs of the treatment of UC are high, and the quality of life of patients is reduced, especially during exacerbation of the disease. The incidence and prevalence of UC in Korea are still lower than those of Western countries, but have been rapidly increasing during the past decades. Various medical and surgical therapies, including biologics, are currently used for the management of UC. However, many challenging issues exist, which sometimes lead to differences in practice between clinicians. Therefore, the IBD study group of the Korean Association for the Study of Intestinal Diseases established the first Korean guidelines for the management of UC in 2012. This is an update of the first guidelines. It was generally made by the adaptation of several foreign guidelines as was the first edition, and encompasses treatment of active colitis, maintenance of remission, and indication of surgery for UC. The specific recommendations are presented with the quality of evidence and classification of recommendations.
Conducting research interviews

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to draw on experience in supervising new researchers and the advice of other writers, to offer novice researchers, such as those engaged in study for a thesis, a pragmatic introduction to conducting research interviews. Design/methodology/approach - After a brief introduction, the paper is organized into three main sections: designing and planning interviews, conducting interviews, and making sense of interview data. Within these sections, 11 questions often asked by novice researchers are posed and answered. Findings - Novice interviewers need to conduct some research interviews in order to start to develop their skills in the craft of interviewing. This paper is designed to give novice interviewers the advice and support that they need before starting on this journey. Originality/value - Other research methods texts offer advice on research interviews, but their advice is not tailored specifically to new researchers engaged in research for a thesis. They tend to offer options, but provide limited guidance on making crucial decisions in interview planning, design, conduct, and data analysis.
Entering the era of proteomics in rheumatology

Proteomics, the large-scale analysis of proteins of a given cell or tissue, is a fast-emerging field in biomedical research. It has become clear that proteomic approaches can assist in unravelling complex disease pathways and can help in the discovery of protein drug targets. The recent flood of proteomic data demonstrates the furious digging in the quest for the so-called ‘Holy Grail’. However, at present only a limited number of reports describing proteomic studies in rheumatology have been published. This review highlights some recent advances in the field of proteomic techniques. These new techniques, as well as classic approaches, have potential applications in the field of rheumatology. Some of the proteome studies in rheumatology are directed to the discovery of diagnostic proteins in biological fluids, and others are designed to elucidate the pathophysiology of affected target tissues. As discussed in this review, proteomics is an emerging area in rheumatology and holds great potential in this field. There is little doubt that established and new proteomic tools will lead to landmark discoveries in this field, with applications ranging from diagnostics and therapeutic monitoring to the discovery of new therapeutic targets.
Enhanced protein breakdown after eccentric exercise in young and older men.

The effects of eccentric exercise on whole body protein metabolism were compared in five young untrained [age 24 +/- 1 yr, maximal O2 uptake (VO2max) = 49 +/- 6 ml.kg-1.min-1] and five older untrained men (age 61 +/- 1 yr, VO2max = 34 +/- 2 ml.kg-1.min-1). They performed 45 min of eccentric exercise on a cycle ergometer at a power output equivalent to 80% VO2max (182 +/- 18 W). Beginning 5 days before exercise and continuing for at least 10 days after exercise, they consumed a eucaloric diet providing 1.5 g.kg-1.day-1 of protein. Leucine metabolism in the fed state was measured before, immediately after, and 10 days after exercise, with intravenous L-[1-13C]leucine as a tracer (0.115 mumol.kg-1.min-1). Leucine flux increased 9% immediately after exercise (P less than 0.011) and remained elevated 10 days later, with no effect of age. Leucine oxidation increased 19% immediately after exercise and remained 15% above baseline 10 days after exercise (P less than 0.0001), with no effect of age. In the young men, urinary excretion of 3-methylhistidine per gram of creatinine did not increase until 10 days postexercise (P less than 0.05), but in the older men, it increased 5 days after exercise and remained high through 10 days postexercise (P less than 0.05), averaging 37% higher than in the young men. These data suggest that eccentric exercise produces a similar increase in whole body protein breakdown in older and young men, but myofibrillar proteolysis may contribute more to whole body protein breakdown in the older group.