Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Combined effects of low frequency vertical vibration and noise on whole-body vibration sensation

The operators of vehicles and construction work machines experience a variety of vibration and noise stimulation from the surrounding environment. It has been reported that vibration and sound stimuli, such as vibration music therapy and background music, have the psychological and physiological effects of mitigating tiredness and tension. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of musical sound and noise on whole-body vibration sensation such as changes in sensation strength or uncomfortable sensation of vibrations. We studied low frequency vertical vibration generated in vibration environments including vehicles. We hypothesized that uncomfortable sensation of vibration could be reduced by adding sound to the vibration environment and comforting musical sounds to the sound stimulation. The vibration sensation when the subjects were simultaneously exposed to vibration and sound stimulation was measured by using a psychological method. From the experimental results, it was found that the vibration sensation strength has a maximum at a vibration frequency of 8 Hz. Also, the tendency of the vibration sensation to increase and decrease in response to the uncomfortable sensation of vibration was different with musical sound and noise.
Awareness of illness in schizophrenia and schizoaffective and mood disorders.

BACKGROUND The literature on insight, or self-awareness, in schizophrenia suggests that this cognitive dimension may be of nosological value. Poor insight has descriptive validity at the phenomenological and neuropsychological levels of schizophrenia and has prognostic validity in terms of the prediction of the course of illness. The lack of empirical data on the diagnostic specificity of poor insight to schizophrenia and the previous use of insight measures with questionable reliability and validity have limited this interpretation. METHODS In the present study, we assessed insight into multiple aspects of mental disorder using a measure with demonstrated reliability and validity. A sample of 412 patients with psychotic and mood disorders coming from geographically diverse regions of the United States and one international site was studied. The main aims were to determine the prevalence of self-awareness deficits in patients in whom schizophrenia was diagnosed, to examine the relative severity of self-awareness deficits associated with schizophrenia compared with that of schizoaffective and mood disorders with and without psychosis, and to evaluate the clinical correlates of self-awareness in patients with schizophrenia. RESULTS The results indicated that poor insight is a prevalent feature of schizophrenia. A variety of self-awareness deficits are more severe and pervasive in patients with schizophrenia than in patients with schizoaffective or major depressive disorders with or without psychosis and are associated with poorer psychosocial functioning. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that severe self-awareness deficits are a prevalent feature of schizophrenia, perhaps stemming from the neuropsychological dysfunction associated with the disorder, and are more common in schizophrenia than in other psychotic disorders.
Selective estrogen-receptor modulators -- mechanisms of action and application to clinical practice.

The selective estrogen-receptor modulators, or SERMs, chemically diverse nonsteroid compounds, have tertiary structures that permit binding to the estrogen receptor. These compounds have either selective agonist or antagonist effects, depending on the target tissue. This article reviews current information concerning the molecular basis of SERM action and the tissue-selective agonist–antagonist effects of this class of medication. The article also offers a perspective on the therapeutic uses of SERMs and compares the SERMs with estrogen and nonestrogen alternatives.
Do Silhouettes Dream?

This paper complements our interactive art installation consisting of a back-projected screen and a depth sensor. As participants stand in front of the projection, their silhouettes create an area of hallucination that changes with their movement. Hallucinations may vary; some are "dreams", transporting the area covered by the silhouette to past or future times. Others escape reality and either alter the visual artistic style or form "deep dreams", i.e. hallucinations created through a feedback loop on artificial deep neural networks. Hallucinations vary in intensity and "depth" as participants move, increasingly distorting reality with proximity to the screen. To our knowledge, this installation is the first of its kind, placing fascinating results of cutting-edge artificial intelligence in a public embodied experience.
Au th or ' s pe rs on al co py Immobilized methyltrioxo rhenium ( MTO ) / H 2 O 2 systems for the oxidation of lignin and lignin model compounds

A convenient and efficient application of heterogeneous methylrhenium trioxide (MTO) systems for the selective oxidation of lignin model compounds and lignins is reported. Environmental friendly and low-cost H2O2 was used as the oxygen atom donor. Overall, the data presented and discussed in this paper point toward the conclusion that the immobilized heterogeneous catalytic systems based on H2O2/and MTO catalysts are able to extensively oxidize both phenolic and non-phenolic, monomeric, and dimeric, lignin model compounds. Condensed diphenylmethane models were found also extensively oxidized. Technical lignins, such as hydrolytic sugar cane lignin (SCL) and red spruce kraft lignin (RSL), displayed oxidative activity with immobilized MTO catalytic systems. After oxidation, these lignins displayed the formation of more soluble lignin fragments with a high degree of degradation as indicated by the lower contents of aliphatic and condensed OH groups, and the higher amounts of carboxylic acid moieties. Our data indicate that immobilized MTO catalytic systems are significant potential candidates for the development of alternative totally chlorine-free delignification processes and environmentally sustainable lignin selective modification reactions. 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Tissue‐specific regulation of leptin expression and secretion by all‐trans retinoic acid

In addition to hormones and the sympathetic nervous system, specific nutrients may regulate leptin mRNA expression and adipose tissue metabolism. However, little is known regarding the effect of nutrients on leptin mRNA expression. Retinoic acid (RA) is a ligand of some nuclear receptors and previous reports have demonstrated contradictive effects on plasma leptin levels. Thus, we examined the effect of RA on expression of leptin in adipocytes of murine and human origin. After 48 h incubation of murine 3T3‐L1 adipocytes with 1 and 10 μM all‐trans RA, the expression of leptin mRNA was reduced by 56% and 65%, respectively, whereas the secretion of leptin was reduced by 38% and 77%, respectively. In human adipose tissue explants, 1 μM all‐trans RA reduced leptin mRNA expression levels by 55% and leptin secretion by 25% after 24 h incubation. We observed an increased mRNA expression level of the transcription factors peroxisomal proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ), retinoid X receptor α (RXRα), and RA receptor α (RARα) in 3T3‐L1 cells, whereas the mRNA level of these transcription factors was unchanged in human adipose tissue explants after incubation with RA. In two other leptin‐expressing cell systems, the human placental throphoblast cell line BeWo and normal human primary osteoblasts, there was no effect of RA on leptin mRNA expression, but leptin secretion was reduced by 64% after 24 h incubation with 10 μM all‐trans RA in BeWo cells. In conclusion, all‐trans RA reduced both expression and secretion of leptin in human and rodent adipose tissue. In human BeWo cells or primary osteoblasts, leptin mRNA expression levels was not changed by all‐trans RA, indicating a tissue‐specific regulation of leptin mRNA expression by all‐trans RA. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Highly Sensitive Optical Refractometer Based on Edge-Written Ultra-Long-Period Fiber Grating Formed by Periodic Grooves

An ultra-long-period fiber grating with periodic groove structure (G-ULPFG) fabricated by using an edge-written method with high-frequency CO2 laser pulses is proposed in this paper. The experimental results show that the different resonant peaks of the G-ULPFG have different temperature and refractive index sensitivities and, in particular, the refractive index sensitivity is much larger than that of conventional ULPFG due to the edge-groove structure. Such a kind of G-ULPFGs could be used as a highly sensitive optical refractometer with temperature self-compensation.
Multi-merged-switched redundant capacitive DACs for 2b/cycle SAR ADC

This paper introduces a novel switch approach for redundant capacitive DACs of a 2b-per-cycle SAR ADC. By using the proposed multi-merged switching algorithm, the conventional trial-and-error search procedure is prevented, which leads to significant switching energy and DAC settling time reductions. The conversion power and speed analysis are presented, which is also verified in behavior simulations of a 6-bit 2b/cycle SAR ADC. The simulation results show that the proposed method can achieve about 37% power saving as compared to the conventional one.
Image Optimization in Digital Dental Radiography

AbstractPresented is a method for establishing the appropriate balance of image quality and radiation dose for dental imaging. Using the Monte Carlo N-Particle Extended (MCNPX) radiation transport code, the DC Planmeca radiographic unit and a dental bitewing phantom were modeled. The Carestream 6100 RVG sensor signal response, noise response, dose rate dependence, and reproducibility were determined experimentally, including uncertainties and inter/intraunit variabilities. The computationally varied parameters were peak kilovoltage and tube filtration. The entrance air kerma for the current clinical technique was used to establish reference image quality. Four figures of merit (FOM) were chosen to encompass parameter variation. With equal weighting of FOMs and no equipment limitations, the optimal parameters were 90 kVp with 0.1 mm added copper filtration. The optimal technique in the radiographic units’ operating range was 70 kVp and 0.1 mm added copper filtration, resulting in a ∼50% (±17%) entrance dose and ∼40% effective dose savings.
Tasks prioritization for whole-body realtime imitation of human motion by humanoid robots

This paper deals with on-line motion imitation of a human being by a humanoid robot using inverse kinematics (IK). First, the human observed trajectories are scaled in order to match the robot geometric and kinematic description. Second, a task prioritization process is defined using both equality and minimized constraints in the robot IK model, with four tasks: balance management, end-effectors tracking, joint limits avoidance and staying close to the human joint trajectories. The method was validated using the humanoid robot NAO.
Techniques for Marking Amphibians

Several methods are available for marking adult salamanders and anurans (see Ferner 1979). The type of system used depends on the size and natural history of the target organism as well as time and resources. Some marking methods require special equipment, training, or permits from state or national wildlife agencies. Marks can be permanent, temporary, datespecific, or individual-specific. Long-term studies of populations require that marks be permanent. Temporary marks can be used if information on behavior over the course of a day or night is required (Jacobson 1985), Date-specific marks (all animals are given identical marks during a sample period) can be applied more rapidly in the field than individualspecific marks, and it is simpler to take data from recaptured animals marked by date. Most population estimators accommodate the use of date-specific marks. If a project requires detailed infomiation on space-use patterns or growth rates in addition to an estimate of population size, individual-specific marks must be used.
Collaborative DFA Learning applied to Grid Administration

This paper proposes a distributed learning mechanism that learns patterns from distributed datasets. The complex and dynamic settings of grid environments requires supporting systems to be of a more sophisticated level. Contemporary tools lack the ability to relate and infer events. We developed an information system, based on collaborative agents, that supports system administrators in monitoring the grid. While observing log files, the agents learn traffic patterns in their own local domain of the grid. The agents represent their knowledge in the form of deterministic finite automata (DFA), and share their models to provide global or multi-domain overviews. We discuss our collaborative learning mechanism and show the results of our experiments with data of two grid-sites. Our system generated job-traffic overviews that gave new insights in the performance of the grid environment.
Productivity Spillovers from Foreign Direct Investment in Developing Countries: A Meta-Regression Analysis

This paper reviews the empirical literature on technology spillovers from foreign direct investment (FDI) in developing countries. Our meta-analysis uses a sample of 32 studies to determine what aspects of study design and data characteristics explain the magnitude, significance, and direction of spillovers from FDI. Results suggest that spillover effects are more pronounced when studies measure the effect of FDI spillovers on output, and are more likely to be significant and positive for Asian countries. Results also highlight the possibility that the documented spillover effects from FDI in developing countries may be partly a product of model misspecification.
Effects of vitamin E on chronic hepatitis C genotype 3: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with chronic inflammation and oxidative damage, with hepatic steatosis being common in genotype 3 cases. Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant protective against oxidative stress-induced liver damage in vitro and in vivo, has beneficial effects on alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and histological outcomes in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of vitamin E on ALT status in patients with HCV genotype 3. MATERIAL AND METHOD This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial was conducted in a single tertiary-care hospital (Rajavithi Hospital, Bangkok) between 2010 and 2011. We included patients with HCV genotype 3 infection, unable to receive or tolerate, or did not respond to standard therapy. Responders were defined as patients exhibiting a decrease in serum ALT of at least 5% below the baseline value after 12 weeks of treatment. RESULTS Thirty-seven eligible patients were randomly assigned either to receive vitamin E 400 IU twice daily (n = 19) or placebo (n = 18; 1 dropped outearly) for 12 weeks. In all, 11 of 19 patients in the vitamin E group (57.8%) and 5 of 17 patients in the placebo group (29.4%) were ALT responders. Among responders, serum ALT levels were greatly decreased in the vitamin E group (reducing from 122.6±80.1 IU/L to 68.4±25.3 IU/L, p = 0.016), when compared with the placebo group (reducing from 89.2±40.6 IU/L to 73.6±30.6 IU/L, p > 0.05). Vitamin E treatment was well-tolerated with no serious adverse events in the present study. CONCLUSION Vitamin E treatment decreased serum ALT levels in patients with HCV genotype 3. Because of its good safety profile, vitamin E may be a worthwhile supportive therapy for patients with HCV particularly for those who were unable to achieve viral eradication by standard therapy.
Increased Silver Activity for Direct Propylene Epoxidation via Subnanometer Size Effects

Silver Cluster Catalysts for Propylene Oxide The formation of ethylene oxide—in which an oxygen atom bridges the double bond of ethylene—can be made directly and efficiently from ethylene and oxygen with the aid of silver catalysts (typically comprising a small silver cluster on aluminum oxide). Similar approaches are not so successful for making propylene oxide—an important starting material for polyurethane plastics, which are made from chlorinated intermediates. Lei et al. (p. 224) report that silver trimers, Ag3, deposited on alumina are active for direct propylene oxide formation at low temperatures with only a low level of formation of CO2 by-product, unlike larger particles that form from these clusters at higher temperatures. Density functional calculations suggest that the open-shell nature of the clusters accounts for the improved reactivity. Clusters of three silver atoms deposited on alumina are active for the low-temperature direct formation of propylene oxide. Production of the industrial chemical propylene oxide is energy-intensive and environmentally unfriendly. Catalysts based on bulk silver surfaces with direct propylene epoxidation by molecular oxygen have not resolved these problems because of substantial formation of carbon dioxide. We found that unpromoted, size-selected Ag3 clusters and ~3.5-nanometer Ag nanoparticles on alumina supports can catalyze this reaction with only a negligible amount of carbon dioxide formation and with high activity at low temperatures. Density functional calculations show that, relative to extended silver surfaces, oxidized silver trimers are more active and selective for epoxidation because of the open-shell nature of their electronic structure. The results suggest that new architectures based on ultrasmall silver particles may provide highly efficient catalysts for propylene epoxidation.
Innovation for Sustainability: Overcoming the Productivity of the Sugar-and-Ethanol Industry's Conventional System

The article’s objective is to analyze a process of technological innovation incorporation in the realm of organic agriculture which, as per legal and conceptual definition, should take into consideration the economic, social and environmental aspects according to the proposals of sustainable development. This article presents the results of a case study carried out at Native Alimentos Orgânicos Ltd. , a Brazilian company producing organic sugar and ethanol with an exporter profile and responsible for the world’s largest organic agriculture project. The organic production system developed by the company demanded important innovation in the agricultural and industrial areas. The study shows that the choice for innovations that respond simultaneously to economic, environmental and social issues, besides being viable, is essential for the Brazilian sugar to access markets of developed countries. Thus the case shows that it is possible to innovate with profit and social and environmental concern simultaneously.
Modulation of Hepatic Cytochrome P450 Enzymes by Curcumin and its Pharmacokinetic Consequences in Sprague–dawley Rats

Background: Curcumin (CUR) is a polyphenolic component derived from an herbal remedy and dietary spice turmeric (Curcuma longa). Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate inhibitory effects of CUR on in vitro cytochrome P450 (CYP) activity and in vivo pharmacokinetic consequences of single CUR dose in rats. Materials and Methods: An in vitro CYP inhibition study in rat liver microsomes (RLM) was conducted using probe substrates for CYPs. Then, an in vivo pharmacokinetics of intravenous buspirone (BUS), a probe substrate for CYP3A, was studied with the concurrent administration of oral CUR in rats. Results: In the in vitro CYP inhibition study, CUR inhibited the CYP3A-mediated metabolism of testosterone (TES) with a half maximal inhibitory concentration of 11.0 ± 3.3 μM. However, the impact of a single oral CUR dose on the pharmacokinetics of BUS in rats is limited, showing that CUR cannot function as an inhibitor for CYP3A-mediated drug metabolism in vivo. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, our results are the first reported data regarding the inhibition of in vitro CYP3A-mediated metabolism of TES and the in vivo impact of a single CUR dose on the pharmacokinetics of BUS in rats. Further study is required to draw a confirmative conclusion on whether CUR can be a clinically relevant CYP3A4 inhibitor. SUMMARY CUR can inhibit the in vitro CYP3A-mediated metabolism of TES in RLM. However, the impact of a single oral CUR dose on the pharmacokinetics of BUS in rats is limited, showing that CUR cannot function as an inhibitor for CYP3A-mediated drug metabolism in vivo.
Analysis of energy harvesting efficiency for power supply of WBAN nodes in heterogeneous scenarios

The paper provides a through analysis of electromagnetic fields harvesting efficiency. We show that harvesting of energy only from ambient sources implies significant limitations in applications with strong QoS requirements, such as modern wireless body-area networks (WBANs). The joint usage of ambient and dedicated sources can enhance the capabilities of EH-supplied WBANs. We also discuss the influence of various additional parameters on overall system performance (e.g. carrier frequency, WBAN mounting way, user movement pattern etc.). The obtained results are based on both laboratory measurements and simulations.
Flexible dry electrode for recording surface electromyogram

A new type of flexible dry electrode is examined for its suitable for surface electromyography (SEMG). SEMG signals were collected from the both biceps of a subject, using the dry electrodes and standard AgAgCl electrodes, during three tasks: 1) rest, 2) an isometric contraction, and 3) a dynamic contraction. Signal quality indices (signal-to-motion artifact ratio, maximum-to-minimum drop in power ratio, signal to noise ratio, and power spectrum deformation) were computed to assess the SEMG. Results show that the dry electrodes can acquire SEMG signals that are nearly indistinguishable from the SEMG signals acquired using the AgAgCl electrodes. The dry electrodes did appear to exhibit a slightly high susceptibility to motion artifact; however, the motion artifact remained below 10 Hz, which can be filtered out for most SEMG applications.
The public health burden of Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Africa: deriving the numbers

In the present analysis we have modified our Pan-African malaria risk criteria and used the fuzzy membership model to delineate four areas of Africa: Class 1 (white: areas) where either there is no human settlement or zero fuzzy climate values for malaria transmission. Class 2 (yellow areas) where populations are exposed to marginal risks of malaria transmission and these risks are uncommon on an average year (fuzzy suitability greater than zero but less than 0.25). Class 3 (orange areas) where populations are exposed to a fuzzy suitability value greater than or equal to 0.25 but less than 0.75 corresponding approximately to acute seasonal transmission with a tendency toward epidemics. Finally Class 4 (brown areas) represent populations exposed to stable endemic malaria transmission which may still vary seasonaly (fuzzy suitability greater than 0.75). (excerpt)