Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Questionário do Comportamento Alimentar da Criança (CEBQ)

Este artigo visa apresentar um questionario do comportamento alimentar para criancas. Consiste numa introducao historica e teorica do constructo em que o questionario se sustenta. Apresentam-se os resultados da adaptacao e validacao da traducao portuguesa do Children Eating Behaviour Questionnaire.A validacao implicou a investigacao factorial do questionario, a investigacao da sensibilidade e da consistencia interna de cada sub-escala do CEBQ.
Measuring absolute nanoparticle number concentrations from particle count time series

Single‐particle microscopy is important for characterization of nanoparticulate matter for which accurate concentration measurements are crucial. We introduce a method for estimating absolute number concentrations in nanoparticle dispersions based on a fluctuating time series of particle counts, known as a Smoluchowski process. Thus, unambiguous tracking of particles is not required and identification of single particles is sufficient. However, the diffusion coefficient of the particles must be estimated separately. The proposed method does not require precalibration of the detection region volume, as this can be estimated directly from the observations. We evaluate the method in a simulation study and on experimental data from a series of dilutions of 0.2‐ and 0.5‐μm polymer nanospheres in water, obtaining very good agreement with reference values.
AN UNUSUAL NEW NEOSAUROPOD DINOSAUR FROM THE LOWER CRETACEOUS HASTINGS BEDS GROUP OF EAST SUSSEX, ENGLAND

Abstract: Xenoposeidon proneneukos gen. et sp. nov. is a neosauropod represented by BMNH R2095, a well‐preserved partial mid‐to‐posterior dorsal vertebra from the Berriasian–Valanginian Hastings Beds Group of Ecclesbourne Glen, East Sussex, England. It was briefly described by Lydekker in 1893, but it has subsequently been overlooked. This specimen's concave cotyle, large lateral pneumatic fossae, complex system of bony laminae and camerate internal structure show that it represents a neosauropod dinosaur. However, it differs from all other sauropods in the form of its neural arch, which is taller than the centrum, covers the entire dorsal surface of the centrum, has its posterior margin continuous with that of the cotyle, and slopes forward at 35 degrees relative to the vertical. Also unique is a broad, flat area of featureless bone on the lateral face of the arch; the accessory infraparapophyseal and postzygapophyseal laminae which meet in a V; and the asymmetric neural canal, small and round posteriorly but large and teardrop‐shaped anteriorly, bounded by arched supporting laminae. The specimen cannot be referred to any known sauropod genus, and clearly represents a new genus and possibly a new ‘family’. Other sauropod remains from the Hastings Beds Group represent basal Titanosauriformes, Titanosauria and Diplodocidae; X. proneneukos may bring to four the number of sauropod ‘families’ represented in this unit. Sauropods may in general have been much less morphologically conservative than is usually assumed. Since neurocentral fusion is complete in R2095, it is probably from a mature or nearly mature animal. Nevertheless, size comparisons of R2095 with corresponding vertebrae in the Brachiosaurus brancai holotype HMN SII and Diplodocus carnegii holotype CM 84 suggest a rather small sauropod: perhaps 15 m long and 7600 kg in mass if built like a brachiosaurid, or 20 m and 2800 kg if built like a diplodocid.
Journal of Translational Medicine Functional Expression of a Single-chain Antibody to Erbb-2 in Plants and Cell-free Systems

Background: Aberrant signaling by ErbB-2 (HER 2, Neu), a member of the human Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) receptor family, is associated with an aggressive clinical behaviour of carcinomas, particularly breast tumors. Antibodies targeting the ErbB-2 pathway are a preferred therapeutic option for patients with advanced breast cancer, but a worldwide deficit in the manufacturing capacities of mammalian cell bioreactors is foreseen.
Induction of G1 arrest by down-regulation of cyclin D3 in T cell hybridomas

The relationship between activation-induced growth inhibition and regulation of the cell cycle progression was investigated in T cell hybridomas by studying the function of the cell cycle-regulating genes such as G1 cyclins and their associated kinases. Activation of T cell hybridomas by anti-T cell receptor antibody induces growth arrest at G1 phase of the cell cycle and subsequently results in activation-driven cell death. Rapid reduction of both messenger RNA and protein level of the cyclin D3 is accompanied by growth arrest upon activation. Although the residual cyclin D3 protein forms a complex with cdk4 protein, cyclin D3-dependent kinase activity is severely impaired. Stable transfectants engineered to express cyclin D3 override the growth arrest upon activation. These results imply that the activation signal through T cell receptor induces the down-regulation of cyclin D3 expression and cyclin D3-dependent kinase activity, leading to growth arrest in G1 phase of the cell cycle in T cells.
An intelligent mining system for diagnosing medical images using combined texture‐histogram features

The aim of this article is to design an expert system for medical image diagnosis. We propose a method based on association rule mining combined with classification technique to enhance the diagnosis of medical images. This system classifies the images into two categories namely benign and malignant. In the proposed work, association rules are extracted for the selected features using an algorithm called AprioriTidImage, which is an improved version of Apriori algorithm. Then, a new associative classifier CLASS_Hiconst (CLassifier based on ASSociation rules with High Confidence and Support) is modeled and used to diagnose the medical images. The performance of our approach is compared with two different classifiers Fuzzy‐SVM and multilayer back propagation neural network (MLPNN) in terms of classifier efficiency with sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value. The experimental result shows 96% accuracy, 97% sensitivity, and 96% specificity and proves that association rule based classifier is a powerful tool in assisting the diagnosing process. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 23, 194–203, 2013
A Four‐level Focus+Context Approach to Interactive Visual Analysis of Temporal Features in Large Scientific Data

In this paper we present a new approach to the interactive visual analysis of time‐dependent scientific data – both from measurements as well as from computational simulation – by visualizing a scalar function over time for each of tenthousands or even millions of sample points. In order to cope with overdrawing and cluttering, we introduce a new four‐level method of focus+context visualization. Based on a setting of coordinated, multiple views (with linking and brushing), we integrate three different kinds of focus and also the context in every single view. Per data item we use three values (from the unit interval each) to represent to which degree the data item is part of the respective focus level. We present a color compositing scheme which is capable of expressing all three values in a meaningful way, taking semantics and their relations amongst each other (in the context of our multiple linked view setup) into account. Furthermore, we present additional image‐based postprocessing methods to enhance the visualization of large sets of function graphs, including a texture‐based technique based on line integral convolution (LIC). We also propose advanced brushing techniques which are specific to the time‐dependent nature of the data (in order to brush patterns over time more efficiently). We demonstrate the usefulness of the new approach in the context of medical perfusion data.
Aberrant Subcellular Dynamics of Sigma-1 Receptor Mutants Underlying Neuromuscular Diseases

The sigma-1 receptor (σ-1R) is an endoplasmic reticulum resident chaperone protein involved in a plethora of cellular functions, and whose disruption has been implicated in a wide range of diseases. Genetic analysis has revealed two σ-1R mutants involved in neuromuscular disorders. A point mutation (E102Q) in the ligand-binding domain results in the juvenile form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS16), and a 20 amino-acid deletion (Δ31–50) in the putative cytosolic domain leads to a form of distal hereditary motor neuropathy. We investigated the localization and functional properties of these mutants in cell lines using confocal imaging and electrophysiology. The σ-1R mutants exhibited a significant increase in mobility, aberrant localization, and enhanced block of the inwardly rectifying K+ channel Kir2.1, compared with the wild-type σ-1R. Thus, these σ-1R mutants have different functional properties that could contribute to their disease phenotypes.
Initial experimental verification of a compact permanent magnet transverse flux machine in a sector configuration

Flux concentrated permanent magnet transverse flux machine (FCPM-TFM) that is designed to achieve a compact design for in-wheel applications, has been set under test experiments to verify the published investigations that are demonstrated in and achieved through many computer simulations via using FLUX3D, a 3D finite element (FE-) package from Cedrat. The study in this paper includes generator and motor operations of the FCPM-TFM. Starting with generator electromotive force i.e., back EMF test, where the machine is operated as a generator for different speeds. The induced voltage waveform and cogging torque have been estimated via introducing 2D grids in certain positions of a two pole pitch segment and compared to the outcome of the software. The flux linkage has been examined by using an AC method, while including core losses, where the effects of saliency are illustrated. Motor operation is done through full block control. The measured quantities have been compared to the simulations results.
Wearable EEG via lossless compression

This work presents a wearable multi-channel EEG recording system featuring a lossless compression algorithm. The algorithm, based in a previously reported algorithm by the authors, exploits the existing temporal correlation between samples at different sampling times, and the spatial correlation between different electrodes across the scalp. The low-power platform is able to compress, by a factor between 2.3 and 3.6, up to 300sps from 64 channels with a power consumption of 176μW/ch. The performance of the algorithm compares favorably with the best compression rates reported up to date in the literature.
Rasch Analysis for Surveys.

S urveys, questionnaires and interview protocols that use rating scales to collect psychosocial information can be thought ofas structured "conversations" between researchers and subjects . To construct a successful questionnaire, the researcher must develop a clear idea of the aim of the questionnaire, especially the inferences that are to be drawn from its use . The researcher must also be intimate with the language the intended subjects understand and use . Observed responses are local descriptions of a situation as perceived by the subject at a moment in time . From these passing responses, the researcher hopes toinduce general inferences concerning reproducible processes of enduring psychosocial significance . The desired generalization requires that the observed responses can be fit into an overall metric, linear variable, along with moreness and lessness have well defined quantitative and qualitative meanings . The Rasch Model meets these criteria .
Approach for the discrimination of moving textures

: The present work aims to bring out a new approach of features selection for the discrimination of textures in sequences of images containing moving objects. The moving textures are analysed using spatio-temporal co-occurrence matrices from which we extract features characterizing the textures themselves as well as their movements. The originality of this approach is to select features that allow differentiating textures either from their visual aspect or from their movements. Our method, based on a supervised learning scheme, uses an iterative selection procedure in order to build a low dimension feature space. It has been applied, tested and validated on two reference databases, namely OuTex and BarkTex.
The Roles of CD147 and/or Cyclophilin A in Kidney Diseases

CD147 is a widely expressed integral plasma membrane glycoprotein and has been involved in a variety of physiological and pathological activities in combination with different partners, including cyclophilins, caveolin-1, monocarboxylate transporters, and integrins. Recent data demonstrate that both CyPA and CD147 significantly contribute to renal inflammation, acute kidney injury, renal fibrosis, and renal cell carcinoma. Here we review the current understanding of cyclophilin A and CD147 expression and functions in kidney diseases and potential implications for treatment of kidney diseases.
Comparison of worst case errors in linear and neural network approximation

Sets of multivariable functions are described for which worst case errors in linear approximation are larger than those in approximation by neural networks. A theoretical framework for such a description is developed in the context of nonlinear approximation by fixed versus variable basis functions. Comparisons of approximation rates are formulated in terms of certain norms tailored to sets of basis functions. The results are applied to perceptron networks.
Assisting Bioinformatics Programs at Minority Institutions: Needs Assessment, and Lessons Learned -- A Look at an Internship Program

Over the last two decades, there has been a general acknowledgement within the scientific community that modern biology is becoming increasingly computational and to be prepared biologists need to build computational skills. We present work in assisting Bioinformatics efforts at minority institutions in the USA funded through a National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant over the last 15 years. The primary aim was to create a program for assisting minority institutions in building multidisciplinary bioinformatics training programs. The program involves four components for immediate and long-term increases in research opportunities at minority institutions. Specifically, we describe the results of a two month internship program. Through pre and post surveys reported by the participants, we have measured the skills levels of the internship participants prior to the training beginning and at the end of the training. The interns in the program have a stated interest in bioinformatics and are drawn exclusively from multiple minority serving institutions (MSIs) across the United States. The results of the incoming surveys indicate that the participants have acquired basic bioinformatics knowledge, but have not acquired general computational science skills needed to be successful practitioners within the field. This program has been a highly successful outreach effort and a very sound and cost-effective use of the Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC) funding program from NIH. Important lessons have been learned about bioinformatics education that should be implemented at the policy level in order to ensure that educators, students and researchers at minority serving institutions can address science problems using state-of-the-art computational methods, computational genomics and Big Data. We offer suggestions based on our experience in working with MSIs and with High Performance Computing (HPC) to help improve the preparation of students for careers as bioinformatics scientists.
SPARC, a secreted protein associated with morphogenesis and tissue remodeling, induces expression of metalloproteinases in fibroblasts through a novel extracellular matrix-dependent pathway

SPARC (osteonectin/BM40) is a secreted protein that modifies the interaction of cells with extracellular matrix (ECM). When we added SPARC to cultured rabbit synovial fibroblasts and analyzed the secreted proteins, we observed an increase in the expression of three metalloproteinases--collagenase, stromelysin, and the 92-kD gelatinase-- that together can degrade both interstitial and basement membrane matrices. We further characterized the regulation of one of these metalloproteinases, collagenase, and showed that both collagenase mRNA and protein are upregulated in fibroblasts treated with SPARC. Experiments with synthetic SPARC peptides indicated that a region in the neutral alpha-helical domain III of the SPARC molecule, which previously had no described function, was involved in the regulation of collagenase expression by SPARC. A sequence in the carboxyl-terminal Ca(2+)-binding domain IV exhibited similar activity, but to a lesser extent. SPARC induced collagenase expression in cells plated on collagen types I, II, III, and V, and vitronectin, but not on collagen type IV. SPARC also increased collagenase expression in fibroblasts plated on ECM produced by smooth muscle cells, but not in fibroblasts plated on a basement membrane-like ECM from Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm sarcoma. Collagenase was induced within 4 h in cells treated with phorbol diesters or plated on fibronectin fragments, but was induced after 8 h in cells treated with SPARC. A number of proteins were transiently secreted by SPARC-treated cells within 6 h of treatment. Conditioned medium that was harvested from cultures 7 h after the addition of SPARC, and depleted of residual SPARC, induced collagenase expression in untreated fibroblasts; thus, part of the regulation of collagenase expression by SPARC appears to be indirect and proceeds through a secreted intermediate. Because the interactions of cells with ECM play an important role in regulation of cell behavior and tissue morphogenesis, these results suggest that molecules like SPARC are important in modulating tissue remodeling and cell-ECM interactions.
Genetic role in ameloblastoma: A systematic review

As one of the most prevalent benign oral tumor, genetic contribution in development of ameloblastoma was not reported as extensively as its malignant counterpart. Therefore, the aim of this study is to summarize the role of genetic in ameloblastoma. English literatures were retrieved using the following term “Ameloblastoma” and “genetic” from PubMed and Scopus (Last search was updated on February 2015). A total of 6 studies and 6 genes were included in this review. The subjects in the study were population of Thai, Japanese, Finland, Turkey and USA. XRCC1 T allele at codon 194 and A allele at codon 399 increased the occurrence of ameloblastoma 1.62fold and 1.83-fold respectively. P53 codon 72 contributes with its Arg Allele promoting the ameloblastoma 2.06 times higher. BRAF mutation and SMO mutation both occurred in ameloblastoma, with BRAF mainly affected mandible whereas SMO influenced maxilla. However, IL-1α-889 and PTCH1 polymorphisms were not associated with ameloblastoma. Identification of risk factor genes involving wider population are needed to confirm particular genes’ effect in the development of ameloblastoma. Review (J Int Dent Med Res 2016; 9: (Special Issue), pp. 436-440)
SENSE or k-MAG to accelerate free breathing navigator-guided coronary MR angiography.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to assess the relative merits of reducing the scanning time of navigator-guided (NAV) coronary MR angiography by including, both independently and in combination, two time-saving strategies: k-space weighted motion-adapted gating (k-MAG) and sensitivity encoding (SENSE, factor = 2). SUBJECTS AND METHODS Coronary arteries of 21 healthy subjects were imaged with four NAV MR angiography sequences: conventional NAV sequence, NAV with the addition of SENSE, NAV with the addition of k-MAG, and NAV with a combination of SENSE and k-MAG. All imaging parameters including the magnetization preparation schemes, prescribed spatial resolution, and acquisition duration per R-R interval were identical for all techniques. The total scanning time, navigator efficiency, visible length of the coronary artery, and subjective image quality were used as metrics for evaluating the performance of the techniques. RESULTS The results show that the addition of k-MAG to NAV coronary MR angiography (with or without SENSE) improved scan efficiency and decreased scanning time by an average of 17% without compromising the length of coronary artery visible or the image quality. The addition of SENSE to the NAV technique (with or without k-MAG) reduces the scanning time by an average of 50%. CONCLUSION While the average image quality of coronary arteries was unaffected by the addition of k-MAG to navigator techniques, there was a slight reduction in image quality scores for the navigator sequence with SENSE. Identification of the proximal coronary arteries was not hampered by the addition of k-MAG, SENSE, or both to the NAV coronary MR angiography sequence.
Functional architecture of HCV IRES domain II stabilized by divalent metal ions in the crystal and in solution.

The RNA genome of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) contains an internal ribosome entry site (IRES), which binds to the hostcell 40S ribosomal subunit and initiates protein translation in the absence of most initiation factors. Recruitment of the ribosomal subunit to the HCV RNA is driven by the high affinity of the IRES–40S interaction. The IRES sequence adopts a highly ordered secondary structure (Figure 1a). The three-dimensional architecture of the IRES is dominated by independently folding RNA domains. Structures of IRES–40S complexes have been studied by cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) revealing the overall shape of the RNA. Higher-resolution structures of individual subdomains, including II and IIIa–e, have been determined by crystallography and NMR spectroscopy. Cryo-EM studies revealed that the domain II, which plays an important structural role in HCV translation, adopts an L-shaped conformation that directs the apical hairpin loop IIb to overlap with the ribosomal E site in the proximity of the P site. Binding of domain II induces a conformational change in the 40S head and closes the messenger RNA (mRNA) binding cleft. NMR studies suggested that subdomain IIa might be a flexible hinge whose bent state is stabilized by binding of divalent metal ions. To investigate the molecular architecture of the IRES domain II kink and its metal-ion-dependent stabilization, we have used X-ray crystallography and structure-guided incorporation of fluorescent labels. For X-ray crystal structure determination (see Figure S4 and Table S1 in the Supporting Information), an oligonucleotide (IIa-1) was used that contained residues 49–69 and 100–115 of the HCV IRES (Figure 1). The overall structure of the RNA revealed a bent architecture for the IIa subdomain. The two stems that are flanking the internal bulge are arranged at a right angle (Figure 1b). The upper stem (residues 58–69/100–110) forms a continuous helix that contains both standard and noncanonical base pairs that adopt cis-Watson–Crick geometries. U106 is looped out from the stem to allow continuous stacking of the flanking base pairs. The arrangement of residues of the internal bulge introduces a right-angled bend in the RNA