Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rehabilitative and assistive wearable mechatronic upper-limb devices: A review

Recently, there has been a trend toward assistive mechatronic devices that are wearable. These devices provide the ability to assist without tethering the user to a specific location. However, there are characteristics of these devices that are limiting their ability to perform motion tasks and the adoption rate of these devices into clinical settings. The objective of this research is to perform a review of the existing wearable assistive devices that are used to assist with musculoskeletal and neurological disorders affecting the upper limb. A review of the existing literature was conducted on devices that are wearable, assistive, and mechatronic, and that provide motion assistance to the upper limb. Five areas were examined, including sensors, actuators, control techniques, computer systems, and intended applications. Fifty-three devices were reviewed that either assist with musculoskeletal disorders or suppress tremor. The general trends found in this review show a lack of requirements, device details, and standardization of reporting and evaluation. Two areas to accelerate the evolution of these devices were identified, including the standardization of research, clinical, and engineering details, and the promotion of multidisciplinary culture. Adoption of these devices into their intended application domains relies on the continued efforts of the community.
High type I collagen density fails to increase breast cancer stem cell phenotype

Breast cancer is a highly frequent and lethal malignancy which metastasis and relapse frequently associates with the existence of breast cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs are undifferentiated, aggressive and highly resistant to therapy, with traits modulated by microenvironmental cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM), a biologically complex and dynamic structure composed mainly by type I collagen (Col-I). Col-I enrichment in the tumor-associated ECM leads to microenvironment stiffness and higher tumor aggressiveness and metastatic potential. While Col-I is also known to induce tumor stemness, it is unknown if such effect is dependent of Col-I density. To answer this question, we evaluated the stemness phenotype of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 human breast cancer cells cultured within gels of varying Col-I densities. High Col-I density increased CD44+CD24− breast cancer stem cell (BCSC) immunophenotype but failed to potentiate Col-I fiber alignment, cell self-renewal and clonogenicity in MDA-MB-231 cells. In MCF-7 cells, high Col-I density decreased total levels of variant CD44 (CD44v). Common to both cell types, high Col-I density induced neither markers related to CSC nor those related with mechanically-induced cell response. We conclude that high Col-I density per se is not sufficient to fully develop the BCSC phenotype.
Role of scattering and birefringence in phase retardation revealed by locus of Stokes vector on Poincaré sphere

Abstract. Significance: Biological tissues are typically characterized by high anisotropic scattering and may also exhibit linear form birefringence. Both scattering and birefringence bias the phase shift between transverse electric field components of polarized light. These phase alterations are associated with particular structural malformations in the tissue. In fact, the majority of polarization-based techniques are unable to distinguish the nature of the phase shift induced by birefringence or scattering of light. Aim: We explore the distinct contributions of scattering and birefringence in the phase retardation of circularly polarized light propagated in turbid tissue-like scattering medium. Approach: The circularly polarized light in frame of Stokes polarimetry approach is used for the screening of biotissue phantoms and chicken skin samples. The change of optical properties in chicken skin is accomplished by optical clearing, which reduces scattering, and mechanical stretch, which induces birefringence. The change of optical properties of skin tissue is confirmed by spectrophotometric measurements and second-harmonic generation imaging. Results: The contributions of scattering and birefringence in the phase retardation of circularly polarized light propagated in biological tissues are distinguished by the locus of the Stokes vector mapped on the Poincaré sphere. The phase retardation of circularly polarized light due to scattering alterations is assessed. The value of birefringence in chicken skin is estimated as 0.3 × 10 − 3, which agrees with alternative studies. The change of birefringence of skin tissue due to mechanical stretch in the order of 10 − 6 is detected. Conclusions: While the polarimetric parameters on their own do not allow distinguishing the contributions of scattering and birefringence, the resultant Stokes vector trajectory on the Poincaré sphere reveals the role of scattering and birefringence in the total phase retardation. The described approach, applied independently or in combination with Mueller polarimetry, can be beneficial for the advanced characterization of various types of malformations within biological tissues.
Synthesis of 3h‐labelled enalapril maleate

The synthesis of enalapril maleate (MK 421) labelled with tritium at its proline ring is described. Thus, the N′-hydroxysuccinimidyl ester of a N-carboxyalkyl alanine derivative was reacted with L-[4,5-H] proline and the crude reaction mixture treated with maleic acid to give the maleate salt of enalapril in 27% yield.
Everyday Discrimination in Adults with Knee Pain: The Role of Perceived Stress and Pain Catastrophizing

Purpose Research indicates pain-related disparities in the impact of knee osteoarthritis (OA) across both sex and ethnicity/race. While several factors likely contribute to these disparities, experiences of discrimination are associated with poor OA-related pain, disability, and functional performance. However, the mechanisms that mediate experiences of discrimination and OA-related outcomes are unclear. The current cross-sectional study examined the associations between everyday experiences of discrimination and clinical pain, disability and functional performance among non-Hispanic Black (NHB) and non-Hispanic White (NHW) persons with or at risk of knee OA and assessed the serial mediated model of perceived stress and pain catastrophizing on these relationships in women only. Patients and Methods Participants were 188 community-dwelling adults who presented with unilateral or bilateral knee pain and screened positive for clinical knee pain. Participants completed several measures including experiences of discrimination, Perceived Stress Scale, Coping Strategies Questionnaire-Revised (CSQ-R): Pain Catastrophizing subscale, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Graded Chronic Pain Scale (GCPS), and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Results As compared to NHW participants, NHB individuals reported experiencing significantly higher levels of discrimination (F(1, 175)=26.660, p<0.001), greater levels of pain catastrophizing (F(1, 180)=12.919, p<0.001), higher levels of clinical pain and disability, and lower levels of physical function (ps<0.05). However, perceived stress was positively correlated with discrimination in the NHW group only (NHW females: r=0.40, p<0.01; NHW males: r=0.37, p<0.05). Further, perceived stress and pain catastrophizing mediated the relationship between discrimination and outcome variables (WOMAC pain, GCPS interference [pain disability], and SPPB function) in female participants after controlling for relevant sociodemographic variables (study site, age, race, income, and body mass index). Conclusion These results may have implications for the treatment of perceived stress and catastrophizing as a means to reduce the negative impact of experiences of discrimination on the experience of chronic pain, particularly for women.
Apoptosis of Human Neuroblastoma Cells Induced by Liposome-Encapsulated Fenretinide

AbstractHuman neuroblastoma (NB) tumours represent a major therapeutic challenge due to the lack of drugs effective in controlling cell proliferation. We previously reported that the synthetic retinoid Fenretinide (HPR) inhibits NB cell growth through the induction of programmed cell death. More recently, various NB cell lines have been shown to be partially resistant, in vitro, to HPR used at in vivo achievable concentrations (1-3 μmol/L). To significantly increase the dose, half-life, and stability of this promising anticancer agent we studied a system of conventional or long-circulating liposomes.In this study, we showed that HPR can be efficiently and stable encapsulated in conventional (CL-HPR) and stabilized liposomes (SL-HPR). Since the leakage of the drug from the liposomes under the experimental conditions used is negligible, it seems that HPR is entering cells via uptake of intact liposomes. Liposome-entrapped HPR completely arrested the growth of NB cells. The effect was dose- and time-dependen.
Impact of fruit feeding on overwintering survival of the multicolored Asian lady beetle, and the ability of this insect and paper wasps to injure wine grape berries

The establishment of the multicolored Asian lady beetle, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), in North America has resulted in negative impacts on fruit production. We investigated the overwintering survival of H. axyridis after feeding on four diets: injured wine grape berries, 25% sucrose solution, water, and a control containing no food or water. After being exposed to these diets for 6 days, live individuals were transferred to clean plastic Petri dishes, and held at 5 ± 1 °C in growth chambers throughout the winter. Survival was recorded every month. Adult lady beetles collected during the overwintering flight in mid‐October had higher survival rates than beetles collected from soybean fields in mid‐August. These results suggest that an adaptation period prior to diapause increases the chances of lady beetle survival over the winter. In addition, injured wine grape berries, sugar, and water decreased beetle mortality during the overwintering months. Our results also showed that under similar conditions, females have higher survival during the winter than males. The importance of sugar and water on winter survival may drive H. axyridis adults to vineyards for feeding on wine grapes. Finally, we tested if adults of H. axyridis and the European paper wasp, Polistes dominulus Christ (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), were able to break the grape skin. Harmonia axyridis adults and paper wasps were not able to cause the primary injury to berries of Frontenac grapes under laboratory conditions. These results suggest that control of paper wasps in vineyards may not affect H. axyridis aggregations, and that H. axyridis feeding on wine grapes depends on previous injury to grape berries.
Species distinctness of Sadleriana robici (Clessin, 1890) (Gastropoda: Rissooidea)

Partial sequences of cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene were studied in four populations of Sadleriana Clessin, 1890 from Slovenia and Croatia. All study localities were within the distribution range of S. fluminensis (Kuster, 1852); one was the type locality of S. robici (Clessin, 1890), at which S. robici co-occurred with S. fluminensis. No significant differences were found in the genital characters of all the congeners. There were significant differences in shell characters between the syntopic S. robici and S. fluminensis. The molecular characters indicated relatively high differences (K2P distances about 0.03) among the populations of S. fluminensis, not corresponding with the shell habitus and dimensions. The highest differences (K2P distances about 0.07) were found between the syntopic S. fluminensis and S. robici specimens, which verifies species distinctness of these two lineages.
Incorporating Genotyping Error Into Non-Invasive DNA-Based Mark–Recapture Population Estimates

Abstract Use of non-invasive sources of DNA, such as hair or scat, to obtain a genetic mark for population estimates is becoming commonplace. Unfortunately, with such marks, potentials for genotyping errors and for the shadow effect have resulted in use of many loci and amplification of each specimen many times at each locus, drastically increasing time and cost of obtaining a population estimate. We proposed a method, the Genotyping Uncertainty Added Variance Adjustment (GUAVA), which statistically adjusts for genotyping errors and the shadow effect, thereby allowing use of fewer loci and one amplification of each specimen per locus. Using allele frequencies and estimates of genotyping error rates, we determined, for each pair of specimens, the probability that the pair was obtained from the same individual, whether or not their observed genotypes match. Using these probabilities, we reconstructed possible capture history matrices and used this distribution to obtain a population estimate. With simulated data, we consistently found our estimates had lower bias and smaller variance than estimates based on single amplifications in which genotyping error was ignored and that were comparable to estimates based on data free of genotyping errors. We also demonstrated the method on a fecal DNA data set from a population of red wolves (Canis rufus). The GUAVA estimate based on only one amplification genotypes compares favorably to the estimate based on consensus genotypes. A program to conduct the analysis is available from the first author for UNIX or Windows platforms. Application of GUAVA may allow for increased accuracy in population estimates at reduced cost.
Metastatic Hormone-sensitive Prostate Cancer: Current Perspective on the Evolving Therapeutic Landscape

Introduction The treatment landscape for patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) has changed dramatically in the past five years, despite little change in the preceding 20 years. Such rapid change can make it difficult for clinicians to remain abreast of the current literature and synthesize the relevant data to inform evidence-based treatment decisions. Methodology We performed a narrative, comprehensive review of treatment options for patients with mHSPC as of December 31, 2019. Specifically, we focused on phase II and III randomized controlled trials assessing the role of chemotherapy, novel androgen axis targeting agents, local-(prostate) directed therapy, and metastasis-directed therapy. Results The data support a survival benefit with the addition of four different agents to androgen deprivation among men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer—docetaxel, abiraterone acetate, enzalutamide, and apalutamide. While not directly compared, the efficacy of these agents appears similar. That said, there are differences in their toxicity profiles and notable differences in cost between agents. Although analyses encompassing men with low- and high-volume metastases failed to demonstrate a significant survival benefit for radiotherapy treatment to the prostate, new data demonstrates a benefit for men with low-volume metastatic disease. Ongoing trials will assess whether this applies to local surgical treatment. Similarly, metastasis-directed therapy appears beneficial among carefully selected patients. Conclusion Treatment options for patients with mHSPC are rapidly changing following years of stagnation. A number of systemic therapies offer benefit without significant clinical differences between them. The role for local treatment of the prostate as well as metastatic sites continues to evolve.
SpikeForest, reproducible web-facing ground-truth validation of automated neural spike sorters

Spike sorting is a crucial step in electrophysiological studies of neuronal activity. While many spike sorting packages are available, there is little consensus about which are most accurate under different experimental conditions. SpikeForest is an open-source and reproducible software suite that benchmarks the performance of automated spike sorting algorithms across an extensive, curated database of ground-truth electrophysiological recordings, displaying results interactively on a continuously-updating website. With contributions from eleven laboratories, our database currently comprises 650 recordings (1.3 TB total size) with around 35,000 ground-truth units. These data include paired intracellular/extracellular recordings and state-of-the-art simulated recordings. Ten of the most popular spike sorting codes are wrapped in a Python package and evaluated on a compute cluster using an automated pipeline. SpikeForest documents community progress in automated spike sorting, and guides neuroscientists to an optimal choice of sorter and parameters for a wide range of probes and brain regions.
Population‐genetic structure in the New Zealand caddisfly Orthopsyche fimbriata revealed with mitochondrial DNA

Abstract Nucleotide sequences of 422 base pairs of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene were used to assess phylogeographic structure in the New Zealand hydropsychid caddisfly Orthopsyche fimbriata. A hierarchical examination of populations from 16 streams at different spatial scales in the central and northern North Island of New Zealand found 23 haplotypes. Most regions were characterised by unique haplotypes with genetically differentiated populations at the 70+ km scale. Haplotype diversity was high (0.5–0.8) at most sites, but low (0.2–0.3) in Northland and zero at some central sites. Analyses of molecular variance found significant genetic diversity among regions (66%) and among catchments (55%). Most population pair‐wise FST tests were significant, with non‐significant pair‐wise tests among sites in the central region and pairs of sites between neighbouring streams. The levels of sequence divergence are interpreted as the result of divergence of relict populations in multiple refugia, leading to the evolution of regionally unique haplotypes. The low diversity in some central region populations is interpreted as resulting from re‐colonisation following extinctions associated with historical volcanic events.
Morphological identification of the ryegrass hybrid Lolium multiflorum × Lolium perenne and isolation of the pathogen Fusarium pseudograminearum in the Western Cape

Weed resistance to herbicides present one of the greatest current economic challenges to agriculture. Herbicide resistant ryegrass (Lolium spp.) is a serious problem in Western Cape grain-producing areas. Morphological and pathogenic analyses were performed on ryegrass samples. Morphologically, 50% of specimens were classified as rigid ryegrass, 48% as a hybrid, namely L. multiflorum × L. perenne and 2% as perennial ryegrass. Fusarium pseudograminearum (cause of Fusarium crown rot) was isolated from six localities. Pathogencity tests confirmed that F. pseudograminearum isolates obtained from ryegrass and wheat are pathogenic on both crops, indicating that ryegrass can act as an alternative host and a source of inoculum of this important soilborne pathogen. Grass weed infestation can favour the disease, and grass weed control is therefore recommended as part of an integrated strategy to manage crown rot. Knowledge on morphological differences among ryegrass may be important to guide differential weed management of ryegrass. Smother cropping, as part of conservation farming, should receive more prominence to suppress herbicide-resistant ryegrass and simultaneously reduce the occurrence of crown rot.
Nomenclatural and taxonomic novelties in the tribe Melastomeae (Melastomataceae)

The synonymization of Itatiaia and Purpurella pro parte under Pleroma based on morphological and geographical data and molecular evidence is made and the new combination Pleroma cleistoflora with its synonyms is provided. For Purpurella cleistoflora one of the isotypes from HBG is designed as lectotype. Illustrations, descriptions and commentaries on geographic distribution, conservation and morphological features are given.
A SIMPLE AND RAPID TEST FOR ASSESSMENT OF ENDOSPERM PROTEIN MODIFICATION DURING MALTING

A simple test has been developed for the quantitation of endosperm protein modification in malts. Barley meals or ground malts were extracted with a suitable solvent and the clarified hordein extract diluted into an appropriate precipitant. Of a variety of extractants and precipitants investigated, 1M urea‐1% (v/v) mercaptoethanol and 1M sodium chloride were respectively found to be most suitable. Under these conditions a turbid suspension forms; the turbidity of extracts decreased progressively during malting. Turbidity was due to selective precipitation of a specific group of “B” hordeins. In an analysis of nine varieties differing in malting qualities, a significant correlation between the reduction in extract turbidity and cell wall modification (Calcofluor staining) was observed at 48 hours' malting. In addition, for each variety examined, protein modification occurred about one day before carbohydrate modification. Analysis of commercial malts and several samples of selected cultivars from regional trials found good correlations between malt turbidities and percent malt extract and Kolbach index. The test is rapid (10–90 mins) and can be used to screen large numbers of samples; since it is simpler than alpha—amino nitrogen or Kolbach index determination, it may be of use in analysis of malts for protein modification. 1987 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling
Qualitative and healthy traits of different Italian typical artichoke genotypes

Artichoke is one of the most important crop cultivated in the Mediterranean area and especially in Italy. Among all the different artichoke types available on the market, two typical genotypes grown in the Veneto basin in northern Italy, Violetto di S. Erasmo (VE) and Violetto di Chioggia (VC), both unknown from a nutritional point of view, were characterized. All the results obtained were compared with those of Violetto di Toscana (VT) that can be considered a standard for the oval purple type. Violetto di S. Erasmo (VE) and VC showed higher antioxidant capacity than VT. Chlorogenic acid content was very high, especially in VE and VC. Caffeic acid was also detected, whereas p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, and gallic acid were not found. Moreover, Veneto genotypes showed a high ascorbic acid content leading us to consider them suitable also for the processing industry and a rather good source of functional compounds and healthy properties.
A comparative study of a 0.1 m2 and 0.25 m2 Hamon grab for sampling macrobenthic fauna from offshore marine gravels

This paper is concerned with comparing the relative performance of small (0.1 m2) and large (0.25 m2) Hamon grabs for sampling the benthic macro-invertebrates from coarse offshore marine sediments. We present results based on an actual survey near the Isle of Wight, UK, but we also summarize and develop a statistical theory as well as demonstrate the theory using a small simulation study. Our results show that: the larger grabs are more difficult to handle, especially from small vessels; for a given sampling area the small grab can provide a more precise estimate of abundance than the larger grab if the individuals are clustered; the smaller grab can detect more species than the larger grab if individuals from the same species are clustered together (in our study, approximately 5% more species); and the smaller grab may undersample larger macrofaunal species and also species that live on larger cobbles. We present theoretical equations to demonstrate the two samplers abilities to capture cobbles of different sizes. Multivariate techniques suggest that differences in the composition of the fauna collected using the different sized grabs are statistically significant, but small. It is more expensive to process samples from the smaller grab per unit area. However, per grab, the smaller grab is cheaper. We also present a model to demonstrate the effect on species occurrence and abundance.