Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antioxidant Profile Characterization of a Commercial Paullinia cupana (Guarana) Extracts

The Brazilian guarana has been used since pre-colombian times as a tonic aphrodisiac or stimulating beverage. However, the current literature about the antioxidant properties of guarana is restricted to a few studies and still remains poorly understood. In this study we showed the full guarana commercial extract redox properties against several radicals and reactive species since the overload of these molecules are involved in the pathogenesis of several diseases. All tested concentrations (1, 10, 100 and 1000 μg/mL) guarana extract presented high efficiency in quenching peroxyl radical (~1 μg/mL), malondialdehyde (60 μg/mL), hydroxyl radical (63 μg/mL) and nitric oxide radical (84.1 μg/mL) and chelating iron (46 μg/mL) at low IC50. Since the reactive oxygen/nitrogen species and free radicals have pivotal roles in the initiation and/or progression in several diseases, such as neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases it is sovereign importance to know about the chemical profile and redox-active properties regarding medicinal plants candidate to being alternative forms in prevention or treatment of diseases. Thinking about this, our team provided the first milestone regarding the full redox profile of amazon Paullinia cupana (guarana) extracts.
[Immunization against the human immunodeficiency virus in Zaire].

The first experimental immunization of human against the AIDS retrovirus HIV-1 was started in a series of HIV seronegative healthy volunteers in november 1986. Priming used a vaccinia virus recombinant (V25) expressing Gp 160 env determinants of HTLV III B at the surface of infected cells. This priming which induced a weak immune reaction was performed on HIV seronegative French and Zaïrian individuals living in Zaïre (Kinshasa). These results prompted to boost the primary immune response. Four different protocols were used: slow drip intravenous infusion with paraformaldehyde fixed autologous cells infected with V25 (first protocol), repeated scarification with V25 for the second protocol. The third protocol used scarifications with fragment of Gp 120 env protein, and the fourth protocol used intramuscular injections of purified autologous cell membrane infected with V25. Results of the immune reaction obtained after these boosts: The three last protocols showed a cell mediated immunity (CMI) that not significantly enhanced in comparison with CMI obtained after V25 priming alone. Moreover, the sera showed low and variable neutralizing antibodies titers one to four months after boosting. By contrast boosting with V25 infected fixed cells (D.Z. individual) provide strong humoral and cellular group specific anamnestic immune response. Indeed, high levels of antibodies to viral envelope and neutralizing antibodies against divergent HIV-1 strains were observed. Group specific CMI and cell mediated cytotoxicity were enhanced by boosts. Skin-tests showed high mediated and delayed hypersensitivity to GP 160 in vivo. For the first time, these results show that an immune stage against HIV can be obtained in a man.
On choosing thresholds for duplicate detection

Duplicate detection, i.e., the discovery of records that refer to the same real-world entity, is a task that usually depends on multiple input parameters by an expert. Most notably, an expert must specify some similarity measure and some threshold that declares duplicity for record pairs if their similarity surpasses it. Both are typically developed in a trial-and-error based manner with a given (sample) dataset. We posit that the similarity measure largely depends on the nature of the data and its contained errors that cause the duplicates, but that the threshold largely depends on the size of the dataset it was tested on. In consequence, configurations of duplicate detection runs work well on the test dataset, but perform worse if the size of the dataset changes. This weakness is due to the transitive nature of duplicity: In larger datasets transitivity can cause more records to enter a duplicate cluster than intended. We analyze this interesting effect extensively on four popular test datasets using different duplicate detection algorithms and report on our observations.
Worldwide diffusion of FVII Arg304Gln coagulation defect (FVII Padua) *

FVII Padua is a Type 2 defect owing to an Arg304Gln substitution in exon 8. The defect was originally discovered in an isolated valley in northeastern Italy. Subsequently, it was described in several other countries of the Mediterranean basin and Middle East. Recently, several proven or suspected cases have been described among Afro‐Americans in the USA. This study has demonstrated the existence of at least a two‐founder effect for this FVII abnormality, Mediterranean countries, and USA Afro‐Americans. Patients are usually asymptomatic or only paucisymptomatic. The defect is characterized by low FVII activity when rabbit brain thromboplastins are used in the assay system. On the contrary, FVII levels are normal when ox‐brain thromboplastins are used. FVII antigen is always normal.
Representing activities with layers of velocity statistics for multiple human action recognition in surveillance applications

A novel action recognition strategy in a video-surveillance context is herein presented. The method starts by computing a multiscale dense optical flow, from which spatial apparent movement regions are clustered as Regions of Interest (RoIs). Each ROI is summarized at each time by an orientation histogram. Then, a multilayer structure dynamically stores the orientation histograms associated to any of the found RoI in the scene and a set of cumulated temporal statistics is used to label that RoI using a previously trained support vector machine model. The method is evaluated using classic human action and public surveillance datasets, with two different tasks: (1) classification of short sequences containing individual actions, and (2) Frame-level recognition of human action in long sequences containing simultaneous actions. The accuracy measurements are: 96:7% (sequence rate) for the classification task, and 95:3% (frame rate) for recognition in surveillance scenes.
Electrical Characteristics of Thermal-SiON-Gated Ge p-MOSFET Formed on Si Substrate

With a Si substrate, the p-MOSFET formed on a thin Ge layer with the thermal SiON as the gate dielectric was electrically characterized in this letter. The desirable passivation of the Ge channel is evidenced by the interface trap density lower than 3.46 times1011 cm-2middoteV-1. A 1.74 times higher peak hole mobility than that of the Si universal one is obtained by the Ge MOSFET due to the low interface trap density and the good Ge crystallinity. With the source/drain region mainly formed on the Si substrate, the Ge MOSFET also demonstrates the excellent junction leakage. Combining these promising electrical characteristics, the thermal SiON with the device structure holds the potential to be applied to high-performance Ge MOSFETs.
Fermentation and aerobic stability of corn silage inoculated with Lactobacillus buchneri

The characteristics of fermentation and aerobic stability were evaluated in corn silage inoculated with different doses of Lactobacillus buchneri. The whole corn plant (300 g/kg DM) was ensiled in quadruplicate laboratory silos (7L). L. buchneri 40788 was applied at 5×104, 1×105, 5×105 and 1×106 cfu/g of fresh forage. Silages with no additive were used as controls. After 130 d of ensiling, the silages were subjected to an aerobic stability evaluation for 12 days, in which chemical and microbiological parameters as well as the temperature of the silage were measured to determine the aerobic deterioration. The addition of L. buchneri resulted in increased acetic acid concentrations. The number of yeast colonies was low in all treated silages. The pH, lactic and propionic acid concentrations did not differ between silages. Under aerobic conditions, all the treated silages showed a low number of yeasts and a great aerobic stability. Therefore, L. buchneri is effective against yeasts and improves the aerobic stability of corn silage in laboratory silos. However, doses equal or superior to 1×105 cfu/g of fresh forage were more efficient in the control of aerobic spoilage.
Identification of Insulin‐Producing Cells Derived from Embryonic Stem Cells by Zinc‐Chelating Dithizone

Background and Aims. Embryonic stem (ES) cells have a pluripotent ability to differentiate into a variety of cell lineages in vitro. We have recently identified the emergence of cellular clusters within differentiated ES cell cultures by staining with dithizone (DTZ). DTZ is a zinc‐chelating agent known to selectively stain pancreatic beta cells because of their high zinc content. The aim of the present study was to investigate the characteristics of DTZ‐stained cellular clusters originating from ES cells.
FITTEN - an APL workspace for nonlinear regression

Based on the problems experimentally working scientists have if they want to fit theoretical curves or models (e.g. Bateman curves of compartment models in pharmacokinetics) to data which are nonlinear and can not be treated by usual regression techniques, we developed an interactive APL program called FITTEN in order to carry out nonlinear regressions. Emphasis has been placed on easy practicability, also for users with minor computing experience. Batch processing for high and interactive processing for low amounts of CPU was combined by the usage of several APL libraries. The mode of operation of FITTEN, the possibility to control the search and the output is demonstrated by an example.
Modeling dynamic hysteresis for giant magnetostrictive actuator using hybrid genetic algorithm

This paper establishes a simple and novel dynamic hysteresis model for giant magnetostrictive actuator by considering the eddy current loss, anomalous loss and structural dynamic mechanical behavior of the actuator. To obtain parameters of the model, a hybrid genetic algorithm is proposed. Comparisons between the experimental and calculated results show the validity and practicability of the model
Premotor and Motor Reaction Time of Educable Mentally Retarded Youths in a Taekwondo Program

This study investigated the educational effect of a Taekwondo program on premotor and motor reaction time in high school students who were mentally retarded but educable. Subjects were voluntarily recruited from the Special High School for the Mentally Retarded in Busan, South Korea. Subjects were divided into a trained group (n = 10) and a control group (n = 10) with balanced ages, physical conditions, and IQ. Subjects took part in pretests after practicing a Taekwondo motion 10 times with a signal presented randomly between 2 and 8 sec. after “Ready! ” The motion was raising the right knee powerfully enough to crush a pine board. Subjects in the trained group took a Taekwondo course three times a week for 7 mo. This program was designed for the cognitive and physical characteristics of mentally retarded persons. After 7 mo. , all subjects underwent posttests like the pretests. A four-channel EMG analyzing device (LAXTHA Inc., 2001) recorded EMG activity. Analysis of covariance analyzed the difference of mean pre- and posttests for the two groups. For premotor RT, mean performance of the groups showed no significant difference, but significant improvement in mean motor RT by the trained group (p <.01) was noted.
Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery in the Prone Position

Study Design. Review of 27 consecutive patients who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in the prone position for anterior release and discectomy. Objectives. To convey the benefits and safety of this new technique for treating spinal deformities through VATS. Summary of Background Data. All reports using VATS for spinal deformities describe the patient in the lateral position. This is the first study to demonstrate the benefits and safety of the prone position. Methods. The patient is positioned prone, prepared, and draped allowing room for lateral portals on the convexity of the curve. Traditionally, a double-lumen endotracheal tube is used to deflate the ipsilateral lung. Prone positioning eliminates this need, because gravity aids in retraction of the lung. Results. All procedures were successfully performed using the VATS technique with the patient prone. After the anterior release and discectomy, posterior instrumentation (n = 27), costoplasty (n = 16), and fusion (n = 27) were performed. The time (n = 20) and blood loss (n = 16) for the anterior approach averaged 129 ± 35 minutes and 221 ± 231 mL, respectively. The mean number of disks resected was 3.3 ± 0.7 (range, 2–5). Conclusion. The prone position is both safe and effective for VATS when treating spinal deformity. The current results confirm that there is no need to insert a double-lumen tube, there is gravity-assisted correction of kyphosis when the patient is prone, and significant operative time is saved with the elimination of repositioning and redraping before the posterior procedure. Surgical times and blood loss compare very favorably with those reported for VATS in the lateral position.
Protective effects of transplanted and mobilized bone marrow stem cells on mice with severe acute pancreatitis.

AIM To evaluate the protective effects of transplanted and mobilized bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) on mice with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) and to probe into their possible mechanisms. METHODS A mouse model of SAP induced by intraperitoneal injections of L-arginine was employed in the present study. Two hundred female Balb/c mice weighing 18-22 g were randomly assigned into 4 groups. Group A was the stem cell mobilized group treated by injection of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) into mice for 4 days at a dose of 40 microg.kg(-1). d(-1) before induction of SAP. Group B was the group of BMSCs transplantation, in which the mice were given the isolated BMSCs via the tail vein 4 days prior to induction of SAP. Group C served as the model control and only SAP was induced. The mice without induction of SAP in group D acted as the normal control. At the time of animal sacrifice at 24, 48 and 72 h after induction of SAP, blood samples were obtained and prepared to detect serum amylase, while the abdominal viscera were examined both grossly and microscopically for the observation of pathological changes. RESULTS The mortality of mice in the model control, groups A and B was 34%, 8% and 10% respectively within 72 h after induction of SAP. The serum level of amylase in the model control was significantly increased at all time points after induction of SAP as compared with that of the normal control (P<0.05-0.01). When the mice were pretreated with BMSCs' transplantation or G-CSF injection, their serum level of amylase was significantly reduced at 48 h and 72 h after induction of SAP in comparison with that of the model control (P<0.05-0.01). In accordance with these observations, both gross and microscopic examinations revealed that the pathological changes of SAP in mice pretreated with BMSCs transplantation or G-CSF injection were considerably attenuated as compared with those in the model control at all observed time points. CONCLUSION Both transplanted allogenic and mobilized autologous BMSCs can protect mouse pancreas from severe damage in the process of SAP.
Is a Repeat Double Balloon Endoscopy in the Same Direction Useful in Patients With Recurrent Obscure Gastrointestinal Bleeding?

Goals: To evaluate the usefulness of repeat double balloon endoscopy (DBE) in obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB). Background: OGIB recurs in 11% to 42% of patients after DBE. Little is known about the outcome of repeat DBE in recurrent OGIB after DBE. Study: We reviewed clinical course of patients who underwent repeat DBE for recurrent OGIB in the same direction as in previous DBE. Diagnostic yield and therapeutic intervention of repeat DBE were analyzed. Results: Thirty-five repeat DBEs were performed in 32 patients (M:F=15:17; age range, 36 to 85 y). The first DBE identified a probable bleeding source in 21 (65.6%) patients. Angiodysplasia was the most common and was found in 16 patients. The second DBEs were performed after a median of 30 weeks (range, 1 to 204 wk). Oral approach only was performed in 28 patients and anal approach only in 4. Probable bleeding sources were detected in 17 (53.1%) patients. Sixteen (94.1%) cases were angiodysplasia, of which 14 patients had angiodysplasia also at the first DBE. All detected bleeding sources were managed with endoscopic interventions such as argon plasma coagulation. Seventeen of 21 patients with positive first DBE showed bleeding source at the repeat DBE, whereas none of the 11 patients with negative first DBE did (81.0% vs. 0%; P<0.001). Three patients underwent the third DBE. Angiodysplasias were detected in 2 patients (66.7%). Conclusions: Repeat DBE in the same direction may detect bleeding sources in 53% of recurrent OGIB patients. The probability of bleeding source detection in repeat DBE is higher in patients with a prior positive DBE.
Intelligent Modeling for Streamflow Forecasting

In Brazil, electrical power generation stems mostly from hydroelectric power plants and this is due to the available geographical conditions. For optimization purposes and economy of these resources, streamflows forecasting is an alternative that helps in the planning of operations in hydroelectric power plants. It is proposed in this paper build models that are able to combine several forecasters, in order to get forecasts with minor errors and therefore more accurate. For this work, we used a base National Systems Operator data (ONS) of some plants that make up the Grande River. The strategy of combining forecasts obtained through different models show excellent results being a promising technique for streamflow forecasting.
Mapping of the msDNA operon in the chromosome of Escherichia coli B

An msDNA operon, consisting of genes for msDNA and a reverse transcriptase, is present in Escherichia coli B and absent from E. coli K12. We have found that the msDNA operon is located on a DNA fragment, longer than 15 kb, that is absent from E. coli K12. Using conjugation, P1 transduction, and nucleic acid hybridization between E. coli B and E. coli K12 strains, we have located the position of the msDNA operon on the E. coli B chromosome at a site that corresponds to minute 19 on the genetic map and to position 900 on the physical map of the E. coli K12 chromosome.
The Role of S100A6 in Pancreatic Cancer Development and Its Clinical Implication as a Diagnostic Marker and Therapeutic Target

Recent microarray analyses showed that the S100 family contains members that are candidate diagnostic markers or therapeutic targets. In the present study, to evaluate the involvement of S100A6 in pancreatic cancer and its clinical usefulness for diagnosis, we examined S100A6 mRNA expression in pancreatic tissues and pancreatic juice from patients with different pancreatic diseases. To investigate the role of S100A6 in carcinogenesis of pancreatic cancer and the potential of S100A6 as a diagnostic marker for early detection of pancreatic cancer, we did immunohistochemistry and microdissection-based mRNA analysis of pancreatic normal ducts, pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasias, and invasive ductal carcinomas. We also used in vitro experiments and microarray analysis with RNA interference to evaluate the functional role of S100A6 and its potential as a therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer. S100A6 mRNA levels were significantly higher in carcinoma specimens than in nonneoplastic tissues. In pancreatic juice, there was a significant difference in S100A6 expression between patients with carcinoma and those with nonneoplastic disease. Receiver operating characteristic curves revealed that S100A6 might be a useful marker for diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Immunohistochemistry and microdissection-based analysis showed differential expression of S100A6 among normal ducts, pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasias, and invasive ductal carcinomas. In vitro data showed that inhibition of S100A6 decreased proliferation and invasiveness of cancer cells, and these findings were supported by microarray data. Our present results suggest that quantitation of S100A6 mRNA is a promising tool for diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, and that S100A6 may be a promising therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer.
Neuro-Phone: An assistive framework to operate smartphone using EEG signals

Recent advances in the brain computing technology have opened up novel paths for the development of various Brain-Computer-Interface (BCI) applications. It enables people to use the signals of BCI for silent communications, biometrics, security and to control various devices. Likewise, the progress in Smartphone technology facilitates everyone with a large number of applications including gaming, computing, banking, etc. Hence, the usage of mobile phones is increasing day by day. However, there are persons who suffer from various physical illnesses and unable to operate smartphones. In this paper, we propose an assistive framework “Neuro-phone” to operate Smartphones using Electroencephalographic (EEG) signals by person with disability. The framework is able to perform basic operations of mobile phone as per the brain wave instructions. The analysis of the signals have been performed using Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) and the classification has been performed using Hidden Markov Model (HMM) classifier. EEG signals of 9 mental commands from 8 participants have been recorded using an Android operated Smartphone. An accuracy of 68.69% has been recorded using HMM based classification. The results show the efficacy of the proposed framework that can be used in future mobile-BCI applications and other healthcare assistive techniques.
Relationships among stroke work, contractile force and fiber length during changes in ventricular function.

There is a linear relationship between ventricular contractile force and ventricular stroke work during changes in either atrial or aortic pressures and during the changes produced by l -norepinephrine. There is also a direct relationship between the contractile force or stroke work and the end diastolic length of the segment of ventricular muscle between the two points of attachment of a heart-lever system employed to measure the contractile force. There was no consistent relationship between the stroke work or contractile force and the systemic output or stroke volume. The relative merits of measurements of contractile force and stroke work in determining changes in ventricular contractility under a variety of conditions are discussed.
Functional classi fi cation analysis of somatically mutated genes in human breast and colorectal cancers

a Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology and Department of Cancer Biology, Dana–Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115-6084, USA b Department of Biostatistics, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA c Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK d Bioinformatics and Statistical Genetics, Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK e MRC Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell, UK