Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Knee flexor strength recovery following hamstring tendon harvest for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a systematic review

The hamstring tendons are an increasingly popular graft choice for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction due to preservation of quadriceps function and the absence of anterior knee pain post-operatively. Two commonly used hamstring grafts are a quadruple strand semitendinosus graft (4ST) and a double strand semitendinosus-double strand gracilis graft (2ST-2G). It has been suggested that concurrent harvest of the semitendinsous and gracilis tendons may result in sub-optimal hamstring strength recovery as the gracilis may play a role in reinforcing the semitendinosus particularly in deep knee flexion angles. The objective of this systematic review was to synthesize the findings of available literature and determine whether semitendinosus and gracilis harvest lead to post-operative hamstring strength deficits when compared to semitendinosus harvest alone. Seven studies were identified which compared hamstring strength outcomes between the common hamstring graft types. The methodological quality of each paper was assessed, and where possible effect sizes were calculated to allow comparison of results across studies. No differences were reported between the groups in isokinetic hamstring strength. Deficits in hamstring strength were reported in the 2ST-2G groups when compared to the 4ST groups in isometric strength testing at knee flexion angles ≥70°, and in the standing knee flexion angle. Preliminary evidence exists to support the hypothesis that harvesting the semitendinosus tendon alone is preferable to harvesting in combination with the gracilis tendon for minimizing post-operative hamstring strength deficits at knee flexion angles greater than 70°. However, due to the paucity of research comparing strength outcomes between the common hamstring graft types, further investigation is warranted to fully elucidate the implications for graft harvest.
Automotive Three-Dimensional Vision Through a Single-Photon Counting SPAD Camera

We present an optical 3-D ranging camera for automotive applications that is able to provide a centimeter depth resolution over a 40° × 20° field of view up to 45 m with just 1.5 W of active illumination at 808 nm. The enabling technology we developed is based on a CMOS imager chip of 64 × 32 pixels, each with a single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) and three 9-bit digital counters, able to perform lock-in time-of-flight calculation of individual photons emitted by a laser illuminator, reflected by the objects in the scene, and eventually detected by the camera. Due to the SPAD single-photon sensitivity and the smart in-pixel processing, the camera provides state-of-the-art performance at both high frame rates and very low light levels without the need for scanning and with global shutter benefits. Furthermore, the CMOS process is automotive certified.
Complex pattern of insulin‐like growth factor binding protein expression in primary rat osteoblast enriched cultures: Regulation by prostaglandin E2, growth hormone, and the insulin‐like growth factors

Primary osteoblast‐enriched (Ob) cultures from fetal rat bone synthesize insulinlike growth factor (IGF) I and IGF‐II, which each enhance Ob function. While a number of agents modulate IGF‐I production, IGF‐II is constitutively expressed in this culture model. Independent of their expression, however, the activity of the IGFs can be modified by a small group of proteins termed IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs), but little is known about the regulation of individual IGFBPs that are synthesized by Ob cells. Northern blot analysis revealed that serum‐deprived primary rat Ob cells. Northern blot analysis revealed that serum‐deprived primary rat Ob cells express transcripts encoding IGFBP‐2, IGFBP‐3, IGFBP‐4, IGFBP‐5, and IGFBP‐6, but undetectable levels of IGFBP‐1 transcripts. Western ligand blots of Ob culture medium probed with 125I‐IGF‐I or 125I‐IGF‐II showed predominant IGFBPs migrating at 30/32 kDa, with minor bands at 24 and 38–47 kDa. Western antibody analysis identified IGFBP‐2 and IGFBP‐5 within the 30/32 kDa complex, while gel mobility shift on SDS‐PAGE following deglycosylation determined that IGFBP‐3 comprised the 38–47 kDa complex. By Northern analysis, 6 h treatment with prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), growth hormone (hGH), IGF‐I, or IGF‐II revealed a complex pattern of regulatory effects on steady‐state IGFBP transcript expression. PGE2 increased the transcript levels of IGFBP‐3, IGFBP‐4, and IGFBP‐5, (∼22‐, ∼2‐, and ∼4‐fold respectively), but had no effect on IGFBP‐2 or IGFBP‐6 transcripts. hGH enhanced IGFBP‐3 and IGFBP‐5 transcripts (each approximately twofold). IGF‐I and IGF‐II had no effect on IGFBP‐2 steady‐state transcript levels but enhanced the level of IGFBP‐5 transcripts (approximately fourfold). By Western ligand blot analysis, 24 h treatment with PGE2 elevated the 24 and 38–47 kDa IGFBPs and to a lesser extent the 30/32 kDa complex, hGH elevated the 38–47 kDa IGFBPs, and IGF‐I and IGF‐II each increased the 30/32 kDa IGFBP complex. Therefore, a comparison of results obtained from Northern, Western ligand, and Western antibody studies indicates that multiple IGFBPs are expressed by primary rat Ob cultures. While IGFBP‐2 and IGFBP‐6 synthesis in Ob cultures is relatively unaffected by short‐term treatment with PGE2, hGH, or the IGFs, these agents modify IGFBP‐3, IGFBP‐4, and IGFBP‐5 expression with individual patterns of effects. In addition, some changes in IGFBP polypeptide levels that are independent of alterations in transcript expression may result from the formation of complexes between IGFs and certain IGFBPs, which could serve to store IGFs for future utilization in the formation phase of bone remodeling. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Alternative Transcript Initiation and Splicing as a Response to DNA Damage

Humans are exposed to the DNA damaging agent, ionizing radiation (IR), from background radiation, medical treatments, occupational and accidental exposures. IR causes changes in transcription, but little is known about alternative transcription in response to IR on a genome-wide basis. These investigations examine the response to IR at the exon level in human cells, using exon arrays to comprehensively characterize radiation-induced transcriptional expression products. Previously uncharacterized alternative transcripts that preferentially occur following IR exposure have been discovered. A large number of genes showed alternative transcription initiation as a response to IR. Dose-response and time course kinetics have also been characterized. Interestingly, most genes showing alternative transcript induction maintained these isoforms over the dose range and times tested. Finally, clusters of co-ordinately up- and down-regulated radiation response genes were identified at specific chromosomal loci. These data provide the first genome-wide view of the transcriptional response to ionizing radiation at the exon level. This study provides novel insights into alternative transcripts as a mechanism for response to DNA damage and cell stress responses in general.
Violent Crime and Perceived Deterrence: An Empirical Approach using the Offending, Crime and Justice Survey

This paper provides an econometric assessment of the deterrence model, with a specific focus on violent crime in England and Wales. It finds that beliefs about the probability of arrest are substantially lower than official arrests rates, but when adjusting for non-reporting by victims, the perceived risk of arrest and actual arrest rate are very similar. Further, no empirical evidence is found to the effect that perception of the probability of arrest differ between criminals and non-criminals. Perceptions about general perceived risk of arrest are not found to be related to an individual's own criminal and arrest history. Instead, an individual's beliefs about the perceived probability of arrest are largely affected by neighbourhood conditions and victimisation. The link between perceptions and criminal behaviour is also examined, but the empirical evidence is not in line with the basic predictions of the economic theory of crime.
The influence of whistle register phonation exercises in conditioning the second passaggio of the female singing voice

The standard vocal repertoire for soprano requires use of the uppermost segment of the female voice, which is typically produced using whistle register phonation. Voice teachers recognize that sopranos use whistle register phonation during performance to produce pitches in the highest segment of their range; however, the use of whistle register phonation as a training tool for female singers of all voice types is less common and the benefits of using whistle registration exercises to condition the female voice are not widely known. While several pedagogical manuals recommend vocal exercises that use whistle register phonation in the range of the second passaggio and in the highest segment of the female voice, no research has been conducted to investigate the benefits of singing in whistle register. The purpose of this study was to measure the efficacy of vocal exercises that incorporate whistle register phonation as treatment for poor intonation and pressed and/or breathy vocal quality in female singers with vocal challenges in the second passaggio of their voice. The influence of whistle register phonation on extending vocal range was also investigated. A treatment-no treatment (ABAB) research design was used. Five female vocalists attended 16 weekly sessions. During the treatment phases, participants received weekly instruction in vocal exercises using whistle register phonation and practiced these activities daily. Audio samples of two vocal exercises and a repertoire excerpt were collected weekly. Measurements taken during the treatment phases were compared to measurements taken during the no-treatment phases. Results of comparative Voice Range Profiles and a weekly Range Extension Measurement Task showed a positive relationship between practice of whistle register exercises and an increase in the upper pitch range in all subjects. Subjects gained an average of 2.4 semitones during Treatment Phase 1, when the whistle register tasks were introduced. Subjects lost an average of 1.2 semitones during the No Treatment phase, when the practice of whistle register tasks was withdrawn. Subjects gained an average of 2.2 semitones during Treatment Phase 2, when the whistle register tasks were reintroduced. The average overall gain in the upper pitch range was +4.3 semitones for mezzo-sopranos and +2 semitones for sopranos. In addition, data collected to measure the pitch range over which whistle register phonation was possible showed an average range of 14 semitones (D5 - E6); supporting the notion that whistle register phonation is possible in the range of the second passaggio and could be developed in this …
Disseminated Trichosporon infection in a renal transplant recipient

Trichosporon species are basidiomycetous yeast‐like anamorphic organisms (Basidiomycota, Hymenomycetes, Tremelloidae, Trichosporonales) that are widely distributed in nature. Trichosporon species colonize the skin and gastrointestinal tract of humans. We present a report of disseminated Trichosporon in a renal allograft recipient. Our patient satisfied the definitions of both “proven invasive trichosporonosis” and “probable pulmonary infection. ” Only 2 reports of disseminated Trichosporon infection in renal transplant recipients, to our knowledge, have been published.
Temperature-dependent development and reproduction of rice leaffolder, Marasmia exigua (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Marasmia exigua (Butler) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is one of the major rice leaffolders negatively affecting the rice production in the world. The growth and development of M. exigua was studied at seven constant temperatures (10, 15, 20, 25, 27, 30 and 35°C). The results showed that M. exigua eggs failed to hatch at 10°C and the larvae could not complete development at 15 and 35°C. The developmental times of each stage, survival rates of pre-adult, adult longevity, fecundities and oviposition days of M. exigua at 20, 25, 27 and 30°C were investigated using age-stage, two-sex life table. The total pre-adult development time decreased with the increase in temperature decreasing from 61.58 days at 20°C to 28.94 days at 30°C. The highest survival rate was observed at 25°C (73%). Male adult longevities were generally longer than that of females, except at 30°C. The highest mean fecundity, age-stage specific fecundity and age-specific fecundity peak values were all observed at 27°C. The maximum intrinsic rate of increase r and finite rate of increase λ were observed at 27°C, while the maximum net reproduction rate R0 was observed at 25°C. The longest mean generation time occurred at 20°C and the shortest at 27°C. These results provide better understanding on the development, reproduction and dynamic of M. exigua populations, their distribution, and might be utilized to forecast and manage M. exigua outbreaks in China.
Speech Coding Development for Audio fixing Using Spectrum Analysis

A new method for the enhancement of speech signals contaminated by speech-correlated noise, such as that in the output of a speech coder, is presented. This module is based on numerical speech processing algorithms which modelise the infected ear and generates the stimulus signals for the cilia cells (brain). The method is also based on constrained optimization of a criterion. This interface uses a gamma chirp filter bank constituted of 16 band pass filters based on IIR filters. The implemented method is on a block byblock basis and uses two constraints. A first constraint ensures that the signal power is preserved. A modification constraint ensures that the power of the difference of the enhanced and unenhanced signal is less than a fraction of the power of the unenhanced signal. The applied method is to increase the periodicity of the speech signal. Sounds that are not nearly periodic are perceptually unaffected by the optimization because of the modification constraint. The results demonstrated a degree of discrimination and interferences between different sounds especially in multi speaker environment.
Statistical modeling of the LMS channel

In this paper, a statistical model for the land mobile satellite (LMS) channel is presented. The model is capable of describing both narrow- and wide-band conditions. The other relevant characteristic is that it can be used to study links with geostationary as well as nongeostationary satellites. The model is of the generative type, i.e., it is capable of producing time series of a large number of signal features: amplitudes, phases, instantaneous power-delay profiles, Doppler spectra, etc. Model parameters extracted from a comprehensive experimental data bank are also provided for a number of environments and elevation angles at L-, S-, and Ka-bands.
Local identification and removal of scatter artefacts based on the temporal information in dynamic SPECT images

Scatter in SPECT images may mask decreased uptake of radiopharmaceuticals in the left ventricle of the heart, which can alter the diagnostic outcome of the study. The newly developed dynamic SPECT (dSPECT) method, which reconstructs 4D images from a standard acquisition protocol, provides additional temporal information, which may be helpful to recognise such artefacts. Each voxel carries a time signature, which is different for different organs. In this paper, we investigate whether this signature can be used to detect and remove scatter. Time activity curves (TACs) from segmented data are tested for their potential to locally identify scatter according to a simple model. The investigation is carried out on artificial artefacts in real patient data as well as on existing scatter. Tests on the artificial artefacts showed that scatter can indeed be detected and removed while tests on real data revealed that the simplified model may suffice to remove the majority of local scatter.
Fully automatic 3D Threat Image Projection: Application to densely cluttered 3D Computed Tomography baggage images

In this paper, we describe a Threat Image Projection (TIP) method designed for 3D Computed Tomography (CT) screening systems. The novel methodology automatically determines a valid 3D location in the passenger 3D CT baggage image into which a fictional threat 3D image can be inserted without violating the bag content. According to the scan orientation, the passenger bag content and the material of the inserted threat appropriate CT artefacts are generated using a Radon transform in order to make the insertion realistic. Densely cluttered 3D CT baggage images are used to validate our method. Experimental results confirm that our method is able to reliably insert threat items in challenging 3D images without providing any perceptible visual cue to human screeners.
Disk Temperature Variations and Effects on the Snow Line in the Presence of Small Protoplanets

We revisit the computation of a "snow line" in a passive protoplanetary disk during the stage of planetesimal formation. We examine how shadowing and illumination in the vicinity of a planet affects where in the disk ice can form, making use of our method for calculating radiative transfer on disk perturbations with some improvements on the model. We adopt a model for the unperturbed disk structure that is more consistent with observations and use opacities for reprocessed dust instead of interstellar medium dust. We use the improved disk model to calculate the temperature variation for a range of planet masses and distances and find that planets at the gap-opening threshold can induce temperature variations of up to ±30%. Temperature variations this significant may have ramifications for planetary accretion rates and migration rates. We discuss in particular the effect of temperature variations near the sublimation point of water, since the formation of ice can enhance the accretion rate of disk material onto a planet. Shadowing effects can cool the disk enough that ice will form closer to the star than previously expected, effectively moving the snow line inward.
T670X KIT mutations in gastrointestinal stromal tumors: making sense of missense.

BACKGROUND Chronic myeloid leukemia, gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), and idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome are associated with pathological deregulation of the tyrosine kinases BCR-ABL, KIT, and PDGFRA, respectively. Patients who become resistant to imatinib treatment often develop secondary mutations, the most common of which results in a substitution of isoleucine for threonine at the same location in the ATP-binding domain in all three kinases (in KIT this occurs at amino acid 670). We sought to determine why Thr is always replaced by Ile. METHODS All possible point mutations in the DNA triplet codon that could result in amino acid substitutions at Thr670 (Thr670Arg, Thr670Ile, Thr670Lys, Thr670Ala, Thr670Ser, Thr670Pro) were introduced by site-specific mutagenesis of the complementary DNA for a constitutively active, imatinib-sensitive form of the KIT receptor, Delta559/KIT. The resulting mutant KIT proteins were transiently expressed in COS1 African green monkey kidney cells grown with and without imatinib, and cell extracts were analyzed for KIT activation by immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting to determine autophosphorylation levels. We also performed molecular modeling to estimate the relative affinities of wild-type (Thr670) KIT and the KIT mutants for ATP and imatinib. RESULTS Like the parental strain, Thr670Ala, Thr670Ser, and Thr670Lys mutants were inhibited by 5 microM imatinib, but in comparison, they were only weakly active and Thr670Pro and Thr670Arg were not active at all. Only the Thr670Ile mutant was fully active (autophosphorylated) and resistant to imatinib. These findings were consistent with computer modeling predictions that ranked these mutants Thr - Ile > Ala, Ser > Lys >> Pro according to their affinity for ATP but Thr > Ala, Ser > Lys >Pro - Arg - Ile according to their affinity for imatinib. CONCLUSIONS This combination of in vitro and molecular modeling analyses shows why, among all possible amino acid substitutions at position 670 of KIT, only Ile is naturally selected as a resistance mutant in imatinib-treated GIST patients.
BirdWatch--Supporting Citizen Scientists for Better Linked Data Quality for Biodiversity Management

Observational data about species of public interest, such as birds and butterflies, is often created and collected by volunteered citizen scientists, and used by professionals for managing biodiversity. The education and skills of the citizens participating in the work varies a lot, and the process of making observations is typically not systematic but rather ad hoc. As a result, the quality of the observational data in repositories, such as the Global Biodiversity Information Facility GBIF Data Portal, is often not good, hampering its utilization severely. This paper presents an approach for enhancing data quality in a citizen science setting, and presents a mobile tool BirdWatch for citizen observers, mitigating difficulties in producing high quality Linked Data for biodiversity management.
Seasonality, negative life events and social support in a community sample

Background Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is now a well-described form of depressive disorder. However, relatively little research has focused upon psychosocial factors and SAD. Aims To determine the association between demographic/psychosocial factors and increased reported seasonal patterns of mood disorder (seasonality) and SAD in a community sample in the UK. Method A total of 1250 people, aged between 18 and 64 years, randomly selected from a primary care database were screened for SAD. Those above cut-off underwent diagnostic interview and completed several self-report questionnaires. Multivariate analysis was conducted to determine which variables were significantly associated with increased seasonality. Results Four factors (having experienced more numerous negative life events, having low levels of social support, being a woman and being non-native) were predictive of higher seasonality Being a woman was predictive of being diagnosed as a case of SAD. Conclusions A new association has been identified between increased seasonality, negative life events and social support. Future research should assess the psychosocial causes or consequences of SAD while continuing to examine the biology of the condition.
Life beyond the Classroom: Transition Strategies for Young People with Disabilities, Fourth Edition.

TRANSITION PLANNING Transition: The Bridge from Youth to Adulthood Self-Determination, Student Involvement, and Leadership Development Individual Transition Planning: Putting Self-Determination into Action Transition Planning in the Community: Using All of the Resources FACILITATING AND SUPPORTING TRANSITION Toward Full Inclusion Facilitating and Supporting Transition: Secondary School Restructuring and the Implementation of Transition Services and Programs High Stakes Accountability and Students with Disabilities: The Good, the Bad, and the Impossible Teaching for Transition: Guidelines, Techniques, and Strategies Assistive Technology from School to Adulthood WORK AND LIFE IN THE COMMUNITY Finding Jobs for Young People with Disabilities Job Carving and Customized Employment Vocational Placement and Careers: Toward Inclusive Employment Postsecondary Education Community Living and Housing Social Security Disability Benefit Issues Affecting Transition Aged Youth DESIGNING AND IMPLEMENTING INDIVIDUAL TRANSITION Applications for Youth with Intellectual Disabilities Applications for Youth with Sensory Impairments Applications for Youth with Learning Disabilities Applications for Youth with Emotional and Behavior Disorders Applications for Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders Applications for Youth with Orthopedic and Other Health Impairments Applications for Youth with Traumatic Brain Injury.