Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Properties of chloride transport in barnacle muscle fibers

Unidirectional chloride-36 fluxes were measured in internally dialyzed barnacle giant muscle fibers. About 50--60% of the Cl efflux was irreversibly blocked by the amino-group reactive agent, 4-acetamido-4'- isothiocyano-stilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (SITS), when it was applied either intra- or extracellularly. Similarly, Cl influx was also blocked by SITS. No significant effect on [Cl]i of SITS was noted in intact muscle fibers. However, the rate of net Cl efflux from muscle fibers which were Cl-loaded by overnight storage at 6 degrees C could be slowed by SITS treatment. Two classes of anions were defined based upon their effects on Cl efflux. Methanesulfonate and nitrate inhibited Cl efflux either when they replaced external chloride or when they were added to a constant external chloride concentration. The other group of anions (propionate, formate) stimulated both Cl efflux and influx and such stimulation could be blocked by SITS. Propionate influx was not nearly as large as the stimulated Cl efflux and was unaffected by SITS. Neither the effects of SITS nor those of the anion substitutes could be simply accounted for by changes in the membrane resting potential or conductance. These results suggest a mediated transport system for chloride across the barnacle sarcolemma.
Influence of phenyl-urea and adenine-type cytokinins on direct adventitious shoot regeneration of cabbage (Brassica oleracea subsp. capitata) “KY Cross”

In this study, the effects of phenyl-urea (Thidiazuron) and adenine (6-benzylaminopurine) and 6- y,y,dimethylally-amino purine type cytokinins alone or in combination with indole-3-butyric acid on shoot regeneration from hypocotyl and cotyledonary explants of Brassica oleracea ssp. capitata “KY Cross” were investigated. For hypocotyl explants, medium containing 2.27 μM Thidiazuron showed the highest mean number (18.15) of separable shoots per explant with 80% shoot formation. In the case of cotyledonary explants, the highest mean number of shoots (3.03) was obtained on medium containing 12.30 μM 6-y,y,dimethylally-amino purine with a percentage of 56.67% shoot formation. Plantlets were successfully acclimatized with 70% survival in potting medium consisting of coconut husk+vermicompost (7 : 1 v/v). The regeneration system developed herewith will be a valuable tool for genetic improvement of cabbage “KY Cross”.
“Because you know there's an end to it”: Caring for a relative or friend with advanced breast cancer

Objective: The aim of this paper is to delineate the particular nature of the end-of-life care experience from the perspective of family members and friends. Ideas drawn from feminist analyses of caring and the sociology of death and dying are used to illuminate study respondents' accounts. Methods: Qualitative study with people who cared for a family member or friend who died of breast cancer. Two interviews were conducted with each of 12 study participants, and one carer responded by letter to a series of questions drawn from the interview guide. Accounts were analyzed with reference to grounded theory methods. Results: The analysis presented here suggests that anticipating the death of an ill relative or friend generates imperatives to care, imperatives that are both “felt” and linked to wider social structures and processes. The value assigned to closeness with the ill person can be seen to reflect cultural injunctions toward a “good death,” and to shape informal carers' perceptions of their labor. Also discussed in this paper are the complex negotiations undertaken by relatives and friends, for the life and death of someone with advanced cancer. Significance of results: This paper offers insight into the social processes of caregiving, revealing how care may be shaped in particular ways by an awareness of approaching death.
Occurrence of the Plantaris Tendon in Patients Sustaining Subcutaneous Rupture of the Achilles Tendon*

Many surgeons treat closed subcutaneous rupture of the Achilles tendon with primary surgical repair. Reinforcement of the primary repair can be accomplished easily using the plantaris tendon. Unfortunately, in the population of patients who sustain this injury, the plantaris is absent in 60% of patients. This is a statistically significant difference when compared to the absence of the plantaris tendon of less than 10% in reported cadaveric studies.
The time course of musculotendinous stiffness responses following different durations of passive stretching.

STUDY DESIGN Repeated-measures experimental design. OBJECTIVE To examine the acute effects of different durations of passive stretching on the time course of musculotendinous stiffness (MTS) responses in the plantar flexor muscles. BACKGROUND Stretching is often implemented prior to exercise or athletic competition, with the intent to reduce the risk of injury via decreases in MTS. METHODS AND MEASURES Twelve subjects (mean +/- SD age, 24 +/- 3 years; stature, 169 +/- 12 cm; mass, 71 +/- 17 kg) participated in 4 randomly-ordered experimental trials: control with no stretching, 2 minutes (2min), 4 minutes (4min), and 8 minutes (8min) of passive stretching. The passive-stretching trials involved progressive repetitions of 30-second passive stretches, while the control trial involved 15 minutes of resting. MTS assessments were conducted before (prestretching), immediately after (poststretching), and at 10, 20, and 30 minutes poststretching on a Biodex System 3 isokinetic dynamometer. RESULTS MTS decreased (P<.05) immediately after all stretching conditions (2min, 4min, and 8min). However, MTS for the 2min condition returned to baseline within 10 minutes, whereas MTS after the 4min and 8min passive-stretching conditions returned to baseline within 20 minutes. CONCLUSIONS Practical durations of passive stretching resulted in significant decreases in MTS; however, these changes return to baseline levels within 10 to 20 minutes.
Cancer in the contralateral breast after radiotherapy for breast cancer.

BACKGROUND Patients with breast cancer have a threefold increase in the risk that a second breast cancer will develop. Radiation treatment for the initial cancer can result in moderately high doses to the contralateral breast, possibly contributing to this heightened risk. METHODS We conducted a case-control study in a cohort of 41,109 women diagnosed with breast cancer between 1935 and 1982 in Connecticut. We reviewed the medical records of 655 women in whom a second breast cancer developed five or more years after the initial tumor and compared their radiation exposure with that of 1189 matched controls from the cohort who did not have a second cancer. The dose of radiation to the contralateral breast was estimated from the original radiotherapy records. Among the exposed women, the average radiation dose to the contralateral breast was 2.82 Gy (maximum, 7.10). RESULTS Overall, 23 percent of the women who had a second breast cancer and 20 percent of the controls had received radiotherapy (relative risk of a second breast cancer associated with radiotherapy, 1.19). Among women who survived for at least 10 years, radiation treatment was associated with a small but marginally significant elevation in the risk of a second breast cancer (relative risk, 1.33); the risk increased significantly with the dose of radiation. An increase in risk in association with radiotherapy was evident only among women who were under 45 years of age when they were treated (relative risk, 1.59) and not among older women (relative risk, 1.01). CONCLUSIONS Radiotherapy for breast cancer contributes little to the already high risk of a second cancer in the opposite breast. Fewer than 3 percent of all second breast cancers in this study could be attributed to previous radiation treatment; the risk, however, was significantly increased among women who underwent irradiation at a relatively young age (less than 45 years). Radiation exposure after the age of 45 entails little, if any, risk of radiation-induced breast cancer.
Hierarchical SOM-Based Detection of Novel Behavior for 3 D Human Tracking German

We present a hierarchical SOM-based architecture for the detection of novel human behavior in indoor environments. The system can unsupervisedly learn normal activity and then report novel behavioral patterns as abnormal. The learning stage is based on the clustering of motion with self-organizing maps. With this approach, no domain-specific knowledge on normal actions is required. During the tracking stage, we extract human motion properties expressed in terms of multi-dimensional flow vectors. From this representation, three classes of motion descriptors are encoded: trajectories, body features and directions. During the training phase, SOM networks are responsible for learning a specific class of descriptors. For a more accurate clustering of motion, we detect and remove outliers from the training data. At detection time, we propose a hybrid neural-statistical method for 3D posture recognition in real time. New observations are tested for novelty and reported if they deviate from the learned behavior. Experiments were performed in two different tracking scenarios with fixed and mobile depth sensor. In order to exhibit the validity of the proposed methodology, several experimental setups and the evaluation of obtained results are presented.
Antibodies to von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease in acute thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

BACKGROUND Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is a potentially fatal disease characterized by widespread platelet thrombi in the microcirculation. In the normal circulation, von Willebrand factor is cleaved by a plasma protease. We explored the hypothesis that a deficiency of this protease predisposes patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura to platelet thrombosis. METHODS We studied the activity of von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease and sought inhibitors of this protease in plasma from patients with acute thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, patients with other diseases, and normal control subjects. We also investigated the effect of shear stress on the ristocetin cofactor activity of purified von Willebrand factor in the cryosupernatant fraction of the plasma samples. RESULTS Thirty-nine samples of plasma from 37 patients with acute thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura had severe deficiency of von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease. No deficiency was detected in 16 samples of plasma from patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in remission or in 74 plasma samples from normal subjects, randomly selected hospitalized patients or outpatients, or patients with hemolysis, thrombocytopenia, or thrombosis from other causes. Inhibitory activity against the protease was detected in 26 of the 39 plasma samples (67 percent) obtained during the acute phase of the disease. The inhibitors were IgG antibodies. Shear stress increased the ristocetin cofactor activity of von Willebrand factor in the cryosupernatant of plasma samples obtained during the acute phase, but decreased the activity in cryosupernatant of plasma from normal subjects. CONCLUSIONS Inhibitory antibodies against von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease occur in patients with acute thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. A deficiency of this protease is likely to have a critical role in the pathogenesis of platelet thrombosis in this disease.
A self-powered and efficient rectifier for electromagnetic energy harvesters

This paper presents an interface circuit for efficient rectification of voltages from electromagnetic (EM) energy harvesters operating with very low vibration frequencies. The interface utilizes a dual-rail AC/DC doubler which benefits from the full cycle of the input AC voltage, and minimizes the forward bias voltage drop with an active diode structure. The active diodes are powered through an AC/DC quadrupler with diode connected (passive) transistors. The interface system has been validated to drive 22 μA load at 1.1 V, with 86% efficiency, when 0.1g vibration is applied to an in house energy harvester at 8 Hz. The circuit is functional down to 150 mV input. The rectified voltage deviates at most 38 mV from the theoretical value of twice the input peak voltage. The system was demonstrated for feasibility in portable applications through a prototype placed to the waist of a jogger.
Comparison of Adaptive E-learning Mobile and Web-Based Software Applications Effectiveness

Our research studies the impact of different adaptive learning strategies on improving students study behavior. We have developed an e-learning software system that assists students to improve their study behavior from two different perspectives. In both of the perspectives, our e-learning system has different functionalities and implements different adaptive learning techniques. In the first approach, e-learning software system uses mobile app that through automatic reminders and different screen widgets, persuades the students to stay in touch with study and keep themselves up to date about different class activities. In the second approach, e-learning system uses automated web based SMS application for automatically sending timely and related messages to different students in order to keep them aware of their study progress and different class activities. Both approaches were thoroughly tested on undergraduate students and at the end interesting results were revealed about different adaptive and persuasive techniques that would help educationalist and software engineers in streamlining the process of mobile learning in future.
A Full 2D/3D GraphSLAM System for Globally Consistent Mapping based on Manifolds

In der heutigen Robotik-Forschung soll hauptsachlich die Interaktion von autonomen, mobilen Robotern mit vorher nicht bekannten Umgebungen ermoglicht werden. Eines der grundlegendsten Probleme, das in diesem Kontext gelost werden muss, ist die Frage, wo der Roboter ist und wie seine Umgebung in unmittelbarer Nahe, aber auch an bereits besuchten Orten aussieht " das sogenannte SLAM Problem. In dieser Arbeit wird ein GraphSLAM System vorgestellt, das einen graphbasierten Losungsansatz fur dieses Problem darstellt. Ein solches System besteht aus einem Frontend und einem Backend. Das Frontend hat die Aufgabe, aus den Sensordaten einen Graphen zu konstruieren, der die relative Lage der Messungen zueinander widerspiegelt. Da sich Messungen widersprechen konnen, ist ein solcher Graph im Allgemeinen inkonsistent. Das Backend hat nun die Aufgabe, diesen Graphen zu optimieren, d. h. eine Konfiguration der Knoten zu bestimmen, die sich nur minimal widerspricht. Knoten reprasentieren Roboterposen, die aufgrund der enthaltenen Rotationen sog. Mannigfaltigkeiten sind und keinen gewohnlichen Vektorraum bilden. Dies wird in der Arbeit konsequent berucksichtigt, was zu einem sehr effizienten und eleganten Optimierungsverfahren fuhrt.
Computers and Mathematics with Applications

ChaosdrivenDifferentialEvolutionalgorithmandSelf-OrganizingMigratingAlgorithmare presented in this paper for the task of PID (Proportional–Integral–Derivative) controller optimization. The dissipative chaotic Lozi map is embedded as a number generator inside DE and SOMA in order to avoid local optima stagnation and embed a superior search strategy. Three unique PID controller problems are presented and successfully resolved using these new approaches. The obtained results compare favorably with published results.
Accommodation in oral interviews between foreign language learners and teachers who are not native speakers

Previous research shows evidence of discourse accommodation by native speakers in oral interviews. This is seen as essential to their validity. The research described here examines whether non-native speakers also adjust their language to the proficiency of interviewees. Interviews of 34 sixteen-year-old learners of French with two non-native teachers were analysed. Measures of the students' French were related to indices of the teachers' language. Multiple regressions suggest that accommodation to the proficiency of individual students does take place, but that some aspects of the teachers' language are grossly tuned to the general proficiency of students in their class rather than finely tuned to individuals.
Perspectives on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health: Child and Youth Version (ICF-CY) and Occupational Therapy Practice

ABSTRACT Classifying disability for children and youth has typically meant describing a diagnosis or developmental lag. The publication of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health: Child & Youth version (ICF-CY) marks a global paradigm shift in the conceptualization and classification of childhood disability. Knowledge and awareness of the ICF-CY has been slow to diffuse within occupational therapy. Purpose. The purpose of this paper is to foster the integration of the ICF-CY into occupational therapy practice with children and youth. Key issues. Research describes positive trends in using the ICF-CY for cross-disciplinary communication; further clarity and development is warranted around activity and participation categories and functional profiles. Implications. Occupational therapy can contribute to the evolution of the ICF-CY, but must clarify its complementary perspective and knowledge base. If the ICF-CY can be further integrated into occupational therapy systems, it holds promise for shifting practice patterns and creating professional opportunities.
Monte Carlo model of nonlinear chromatography: correspondence between the microscopic stochastic model and the macroscopic Thomas kinetic model.

The Monte Carlo model of chromatography is a description of the chromatographic process from a molecular (microscopic) point of view and it is intrinsically based on the stochastic theory of chromatography originally proposed by Giddings and Eyring. The program was previously validated at infinite dilution (i.e., in linear conditions) by some of the authors of the present paper. In this work, it has been further validated under nonlinear conditions. The correspondence between the Monte Carlo model and the well-known Thomas kinetic model (macroscopic model), for which closed-form solutions are available, is demonstrated by comparing Monte Carlo simulations, performed at different loading factors, with the numerical solutions of the Thomas model calculated under the same conditions. In all the cases investigated, the agreement between Monte Carlo simulations and Thomas model results is very satisfactory. Additionally, the exact correspondence between the Thomas kinetic model and Giddings model, when near-infinite dilution conditions are approached, has been demonstrated by calculating the limit of the Thomas model when the loading factor goes to zero. The model was also validated under limit conditions, corresponding to cases of very slow adsorption-desorption kinetics or very short columns. Different hypotheses about the statistical distributions of the random variables "residence time spent by the molecule in mobile and stationary phase' are investigated with the aim to explain their effect on the peak shape and on the efficiency of the separation.
On Balls in a Hilbert Polygonal Geometry (Multimedia Contribution)

Hilbert geometry is a metric geometry that extends the hyperbolic Cayley-Klein geometry. In this video, we explain the shape of balls and their properties in a convex polygonal Hilbert geometry. First, we study the combinatorial properties of Hilbert balls, showing that the shapes of Hilbert polygonal balls depend both on the center location and on the complexity of the Hilbert domain but not on their radii. We give an explicit description of the Hilbert ball for any given center and radius. We then study the intersection of two Hilbert balls. In particular, we consider the cases of empty intersection and internal/external tangencies.
Achievement of avian influenza virus-like particles that could be used as a subunit vaccine against low-pathogenic avian influenza strains in ducks

Infections with H5/H7 low-pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses are now notifiable because such viruses can mutate into highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses, leading to serious problems for both animal and public health. Domestic ducks can play a crucial role in the transmission of H5 LPAI viruses to other poultry. Although prime boost vaccination using, respectively, a recombinant vaccine and an inactivated vaccine was shown to be protective in ducks against H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza, vaccination of domestic ducks against H5 LPAIV is poorly documented. However, substituting inactivated vaccines with subunit vaccines might be more advantageous. In this context, we generated a triple recombinant baculovirus composed of HA and NA proteins derived from a French H5N3 LPAI virus strain and the M protein derived from an Italian H7N1 LPAI virus strain. We describe a molecular construction strategy that enabled the development of virus-like particles (VLPs). Western blot analyses and neuraminidase inhibition assay of cell supernatants purified by sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation showed that HA, NA and M1 proteins were expressed and co-released. Electron microscopy examination revealed VLPs that were morphologically identical to wild-type virus. Immunogold electron microscopy demonstrated that H5 and N3 proteins were present on the VLP surface, and haemagglutination and neuraminidase assays showed that the H and N proteins, respectively, were biologically active. In addition, VLP immunogenicity (induction of haemagglutination-inhibiting antibodies) was demonstrated in specific pathogen free Muscovy ducks. According to our successful previous experimental results of protection in ducks following vaccination with the three baculovirus-expressed proteins, the present results make feasible the reliable use of H5N3 VLPs as a subunit vaccine in this species.
Estimating the efficacy of an interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome medication in a randomized trial with both non‐adherence and loss to follow‐up

We are motivated by a randomized clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of amitriptyline for the treatment of interstitial cystitis and painful bladder syndrome in treatment‐naïve patients. In the trial, both the non‐adherence rate and the rate of loss to follow‐up are fairly high. To estimate the effect of the treatment received on the outcome, we use the generalized structural mean model (GSMM), originally proposed to deal with non‐adherence, to adjust for both non‐adherence and loss to follow‐up. In the model, loss to follow‐up is handled by weighting the estimation equations for GSMM with one over the probability of not being lost to follow‐up, estimated using a logistic regression model. We re‐analyzed the data from the trial and found a possible benefit of amitriptyline when administered at a high‐dose level. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimum design criteria for maximum torque density & minimum torque ripple of flux switching motor using response surface methodology

This paper deals with optimum design criteria for maximum torque density & minimum torque ripple of Flux Switching Motor (FSM) using response surface methodology (RSM) & finite element method (FEM). The focus of this paper is to find a design solution through the comparison of torque density and torque ripple according to rotor shape variations. And then, a central composite design (CCD) mixed resolution is introduced, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) is conducted to determine the significance of the fitted regression model. The proposed procedure allows to define the rotor dimensions starting from an existing motor or a preliminary design.