Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Measurement of Electroretinograms and Visually Evoked Potentials in Awake Moving Mice

The development of new treatments for intractable retinal diseases requires reliable functional assessment tools for animal models. In vivo measurements of neural activity within visual pathways, including electroretinogram (ERG) and visually evoked potential (VEP) recordings, are commonly used for such purposes. In mice, the ERG and VEPs are usually recorded under general anesthesia, a state that may alter sensory transduction and neurotransmission, but seldom in awake freely moving mice. Therefore, it remains unknown whether the electrophysiological assessment of anesthetized mice accurately reflects the physiological function of the visual pathway. Herein, we describe a novel method to record the ERG and VEPs simultaneously in freely moving mice by immobilizing the head using a custom-built restraining device and placing a rotatable cylinder underneath to allow free running or walking during recording. Injection of the commonly used anesthetic mixture xylazine plus ketamine increased and delayed ERG oscillatory potentials by an average of 67.5% and 36.3%, respectively, compared to unanesthetized mice, while having minimal effects on the a-wave and b-wave. Similarly, components of the VEP were enhanced and delayed by up to 300.2% and 39.3%, respectively, in anesthetized mice. Our method for electrophysiological recording in conscious mice is a sensitive and robust means to assess visual function. It uses a conventional electrophysiological recording system and a simple platform that can be built in any laboratory at low cost. Measurements using this method provide objective indices of mouse visual function with high precision and stability, unaffected by anesthetics.
Contributions of KDD to the Knowledge Management Process: a Case Study

Knowledge Discovery in Databases (KDD), as any organizational process, is carried out beneath a Knowledge Management (KM) model adopted (even informally) by a corporation. KDD is grossly described in three steps: pre-processing, data mining, and post-processing. The latter is mainly related to the task of transforming in knowledge the patterns issued in the data mining step. On the other hand, KM comprises the following phases, in which knowledge is the subject of the actions: identification of abilities, acquisition, selection and validation, organization and storage, sharing, application, and creation. Although there are many overlaps between KDD and KM, one of them is broadly recognized: the point in which knowledge arises. This paper concerns a study aimed at clarifying relations between the overlapping areas of KDD and knowledge creation, in KM. The work is conducted by means of a case study using the data from the Electoral Court of the Federal District (ECFD), Brazil. The study was developed over a 1.717. 000-citizens data set from which data mining models were built by applying algorithms from Weka. It was observed that, although the importance of Information Technology is well recognized in the KM realm, the techniques of KDD deserve a special place in the knowledge creation phase of KM. Moreover, beyond the overlap of post- processing and knowledge creation, other steps of KDD can contribute significantly to KM. An example is the fact that one important decision taken from the ECFD board was taken on the basis of a knowledge acquired from the pre-processing step of KDD.
Left Ventricular Isovolumetric Relaxation Time Is Prolonged in Fetal Long-QT Syndrome

Background: Long-QT syndrome (LQTS), an inherited cardiac repolarization disorder, is an important cause of fetal and neonatal mortality. Detecting LQTS prenatally is challenging. A fetal heart rate (FHR) less than third percentile for gestational age is specific for LQTS, but the sensitivity is only ≈50%. Left ventricular isovolumetric relaxation time (LVIRT) was evaluated as a potential diagnostic marker for fetal LQTS. Methods and Results: LV isovolumetric contraction time, LV ejection time, LVIRT, cycle length, and FHR were measured using pulsed Doppler waveforms in fetuses. Time intervals were expressed as percentages of cycle length, and the LV myocardial performance index was calculated. Single measurements were stratified by gestational age and compared between LQTS fetuses and controls. Receiver-operator curves were performed for FHR and normalized LVIRT (N-LVIRT). A linear mixed-effect model including multiple measurements was used to analyze trends in FHR, N-LVIRT, and LV myocardial performance index. There were 33 LQTS fetuses and 469 controls included. In LQTS fetuses, the LVIRT was prolonged in all gestational age groups (P<0.001), as was the N-LVIRT. The best cutoff to diagnose LQTS was N-LVIRT ≥11.3 at ⩽20 weeks (92% sensitivity, 70% specificity). Simultaneous analysis of N-LVIRT and FHR improved the sensitivity and specificity for LQTS (area under the curve=0.96; 95% confidence interval, 0.82–1.00 at 21–30 weeks). N-LVIRT, LV myocardial performance index, and FHR trends differed significantly between LQTS fetuses and controls through gestation. Conclusions: The LVIRT is prolonged in LQTS fetuses. Findings of a prolonged N-LVIRT and sinus bradycardia can improve the prenatal detection of fetal LQTS.
Assessment of corneal and fatty tissues biomechanical response in dynamic tonometry tests by using inverse models.

PURPOSE The assessment of corneal biomechanics is essential for studying ophthalmological operations, such as refractive surgeries, and for more accurate estimation of intraocular pressure. The chief aim of the current study is to characterize corneal and fatty tissues in order to construct a model to predict eye globe behavior during dynamic tonometry tests. METHODS In the present study, images from corneal deformation, acquired from Corvis ST tonometer, were processed. Then, corneal pure displacement and eye globe retraction were calculated. Utilizing inverse finite element method, corneal material properties were calculated in order to predict pure deformation obtained from Corvis ST. Using a similar approach, material parameters of fatty tissue were estimated in order to predict the eye globe retraction. The model used for fatty tissue was considered as corneal boundary condition in a forward finite element model to create a joint model, which could simulate corneal behavior in dynamic tonometry tests. RESULTS It was shown that an isotropic material model is accurate enough to predict corneal deformation in dynamic tonometry tests. Moreover, effects of IOP on the estimated material properties were investigated. Finally, utilizing the joint model, it was demonstrated that there is strong correlation between corneal stiffness and the biomechanical parameter introduced by Corvis ST. CONCLUSIONS An eye globe model was constructed and characterized by two distinct inverse models for corneal and fatty tissue. This model can be utilized for predicting eye globe behavior during dynamic tonometry tests besides other ophthalmological operations.
Amino acid profiles of some varieties of rice, soybean and groundnut grown in Ghana.

Amino acid profiles of some Ghanaian varieties of rice, soybean and groundnut were investigated to augment existing data on their physicochemical properties and provide information to guide their application in weaning foods formulation. Five varieties of rice and four varieties each of groundnuts and soybeans were analyzed. Amino acids were separated using HPLC. Without postcolumn derivatization, Evaporative Light Scattering Detector (ELSD) was used to determine their concentrations against standard amino acids. Local rice varieties lacked tryptophan, valine, glycine, glutamic acid and lysine and histidine was present in only Nerica-2 variety but Nerica-1 variety had the highest total essential amino acid content of 36.42 g/kg. Quarshie soybean variety expressed all the amino acids under study and also had the highest total essential amino acids content of 169.14 g/kg. Sinkarzie and F-Mix groundnut varieties expressed all amino acids except tryptophan, with Sinkarzie having the highest total essential amino acids content of 100.62 g/kg.
Amyloid assembly and disassembly

ABSTRACT Amyloid fibrils are protein homopolymers that adopt diverse cross-β conformations. Some amyloid fibrils are associated with the pathogenesis of devastating neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Conversely, functional amyloids play beneficial roles in melanosome biogenesis, long-term memory formation and release of peptide hormones. Here, we showcase advances in our understanding of amyloid assembly and structure, and how distinct amyloid strains formed by the same protein can cause distinct neurodegenerative diseases. We discuss how mutant steric zippers promote deleterious amyloidogenesis and aberrant liquid-to-gel phase transitions. We also highlight effective strategies to combat amyloidogenesis and related toxicity, including: (1) small-molecule drugs (e.g. tafamidis) to inhibit amyloid formation or (2) stimulate amyloid degradation by the proteasome and autophagy, and (3) protein disaggregases that disassemble toxic amyloid and soluble oligomers. We anticipate that these advances will inspire therapeutics for several fatal neurodegenerative diseases. Summary: This Review showcases important advances in our understanding of amyloid structure, assembly and disassembly, which are inspiring novel therapeutic strategies for amyloid disorders.
On context aware predicate sequence queries

Due to the limited input capabilities of small mobile information system clients like mobile phones, it is not a must to support a descriptive query language like SQL. Furthermore, information systems with mobile clients have to address characteristics resulting from clients mobility as well as from wireless communications. These additional functions can be supported by a reasonable, well-defined notation of queries. Moreover, such systems should be context aware. In this paper we present a query notation named “context aware predicate sequence queries” which respects these issues.
Multi-word expressions in textual inference: Much ado about nothing?

Multi-word expressions (MWE) have seen much attention from the NLP community. In this paper, we investigate their impact on the recognition of textual entailment (RTE). Using the manual Microsoft Research annotations, we first manually count and classify MWEs in RTE data. We find few, most of which are arguably unlikely to cause processing problems. We then consider the impact of MWEs on a current RTE system. We are unable to confirm that entailment recognition suffers from wrongly aligned MWEs. In addition, MWE alignment is difficult to improve, since MWEs are poorly represented in state-of-the-art paraphrase resources, the only available sources for multi-word similarities. We conclude that RTE should concentrate on other phenomena impacting entailment, and that paraphrase knowledge is best understood as capturing general lexico-syntactic variation.
Balance disturbances coefficient as a new value to assess ability to maintain balance on the basis of FFT curves.

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to formulate a new balance disturbances coefficient enabling objective balance assessment on the basis of fast Fourier transform curves. The article presents the method of coefficient calculation and possible ways of its interpretation. METHODS 11 healthy participants took part in the experiment. There were four measurements: two in real environment with eyes open and eyes closed as well as two in virtual environment with scenery (surroundings) oscillating with frequency 0.7 Hz and 1.4 Hz. Scenery was displayed by means of the Oculus Rift system, whereas position of centre of pressure was measured with the use of Zebris FDM-S platform. Obtained centre of pressure positions were used to calculate fast Fourier transform, and then balance disturbances coefficient. RESULTS Comparisons of coefficient values obtained for the whole group and two selected participants were presented in order to explain how to interpret and use the coefficient. For better explanation of coefficient interpretation the most popular time domain stabilometric quantities and fast Fourier transform curves were presented as well. CONCLUSIONS The balance disturbances coefficient makes it possible to quantitatively and objectively determine, on the basis of fast Fourier transform curves, the influence of the oscillating scenery on the tested person as well as show how the overall equilibrium of that person was disturbed.
The Effect of Metal-to-Glass Ratio on the Low-Field Microwave Absorption at 9.4 GHz of Glass-Coated CoFeBSi Microwires

We present an investigation of the effects of the variations in the metal-to-glass ratio of Co-rich microwires, on the low field microwave absorption (LFA) at 9.4 GHz. LFA as a function of the DC applied field exhibited a double peak; its separation increased as the metal-to-total diameter ratio, p, decreased (p= metal diameter/total diameter). We show that the magnetic field between the double peak is associated with twice the microwire anisotropy field, HK, and that the obtained results can be explained in terms of the magnetoelastic dependence of HK. A decrease in p led to an increase in the stresses, which in turn produced an increase in the total anisotropy field. In contrast, the removal of glass decreased H K down to values in the 0.9-1.6 Oe range
Knowledge, opinions and compliance related to the 100% smoke-free law in hospitality venues in Kampala, Uganda: cross-sectional results from the KOMPLY Project

Objective This study evaluated knowledge, opinions and compliance related to Uganda’s comprehensive smoke-free law among hospitality venues in Kampala Uganda. Design This multi-method study presents cross-sectional findings of the extent of compliance in the early phase of Uganda’s comprehensive smoke-free law (2 months postimplementation; pre-enforcement). Setting Bars, pubs and restaurants in Kampala Uganda. Procedure and participants A two-stage stratified cluster sampling procedure was used to select hospitality sites stratified by all five divisions in Kampala. A total of 222 establishments were selected for the study. One hospitality representative from each of the visited sites agreed to take part in a face-to-face administered questionnaire. A subsample of hospitality venues were randomly selected for tobacco air quality testing (n=108). Data were collected between June and August 2016. Outcome measures Knowledge and opinions of the smoke-free law among hospitality venue staff and owners. The level of compliance with the smoke-free law in hospitality venues through: (1) systematic objective observations (eg, active smoking, the presence of designated smoking areas, ‘no smoking’ signage) and (2) air quality by measuring the levels of tobacco particulate matter (PM2.5) in both indoor and outdoor venues. Results Active smoking was observed in 18% of venues, 31% had visible ‘no smoking’ signage and 47% had visible cigarette remains. Among interviewed respondents, 57% agreed that they had not been adequately informed about the smoke-free law; however, 90% were supportive of the ban. Nearly all respondents (97%) agreed that the law will protect workers’ health, but 32% believed that the law would cause financial losses at their establishment. Indoor PM2.5 levels were hazardous (267.6 µg/m3) in venues that allowed smoking and moderate (29.6 µg/m3) in smoke-free establishments. Conclusions In the early phase of Uganda’s smoke-free law, the level of compliance in hospitality venues settings in Kampala was suboptimal. Civil society and the media have strong potential to inform and educate the hospitality industry and smokers of the benefits and requirements of the smoke-free law.
Localised Ad-hoc Address Autoconfiguration Via Clustering in Nomadic Ad-hoc Networks

Densely populated urban environments provide unique nomadic movement patterns. People tend to move in groups across predefined paths, with low intra-group movement, giving rise to Nomadic Ad hoc Networks (NANETs). NANETs, which are a constrained subset of Mobile Ad hoc Networks (MANETs) in terms of mobility, are sufficiently dynamic in nature to present significant challenges in the design of even the most common tasks such as packet routing or name resolution. An intriguing issue relates to the automatic configuration of IP addresses to constituent nodes that will allow data exchange. The underlying physical group structure can be utilised in the network layer as a basis for an address autoconfiguration mechanism, which would yield low and localised signalling traffic overhead coupled with a subnet optimisation. This paper discusses the AALM IPv6 address autoconfiguration mechanism, developed to provide the aforementioned characteristics.
A Comparative Study on the Textile Effluent Decolourization by Using Synthesized Nano Particle and Procured Nano Particle

Semiconductor photocatalysis often leads to partial or complete mineralization of organic pollutants. Upon irradiation with UV/visible light, semiconductors catalyze redox reactions in presence of air/O 2 and water. Here, the potential of a common semiconductor, ZnO, has been explored as an effective catalyst for the photodegradation of textile effluent. The effects of process parameters like, catalyst loading, initial dye concentration and pH on the extent of photo degradation have been investigated. It is difficult to give a general picture of the kinetics using these wastewaters but the process was found to be quite effective for the decolourization of textile waste water. In this work, a detailed investigation was done on photocatalytic degradation for selected textile effluent. The ZnO nano particle was synthesized by using fuel urea by solution combustion method. This nano particle was characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Micrograph (SEM) and UV absorbance spectroscopy. The average size was found to be 41 nm. The band gap of the nano particle was found to be 3.2 eV and was tested for the photocatalytic degradation by varying parameters such as catalyst concentration, pH and dye concentration. Also, the efficiency of the synthesized nano particle was compared with the procured TiO 2 of size < 25 nm.
3 A 3 nW Fully Integrated Energy Harvester Based on Self-Oscillating Switched-Capacitor DC-DC Converter

Recent advances in low-power circuits have enabled mm-scale wireless systems [1] for wireless sensor networks and implantable devices, among other applications. Energy harvesting is an attractive way to power such systems due to limited energy capacity of batteries at these form factors. However, the same size limitation restricts the amount of harvested power, which can be as low as 10s of nW for mm-scale photovoltaic cells in indoor conditions. Efficient DC-DC up-conversion at such low power levels (for battery charging) is extremely challenging and has not yet been demonstrated.
A Web-based review of sexual and reproductive health services available at colleges and universities in Georgia

ABSTRACT Objective: Although two-thirds of graduating high school seniors attend college or university in the U.S., there is a paucity of national or state specific research regarding SRH services available on or near college and university campuses. Methods: A review of websites for all colleges and universities in Georgia was conducted to evaluate sexual health services available on campuses and evidence of referral to community providers. Results: Of 96 colleges in Georgia, 44 had campus-located health centers, with only 3 at two-year colleges. Overall SRH service provision was low, with great variation between colleges. Distances between colleges and Title X clinics ranged from 0.33 to 35.45 miles. Conclusions: Many students lack access to campus health centers, and information on college websites regarding SRH service availability and referrals differs dramatically between campuses. In the absence of robust campus-located services, schools should highlight where students can obtain comprehensive SRH care in the community.
Tolerance to the memory disruptive effects of cannabinoids involves adaptation by hippocampal neurons

The effects of chronic exposure to cannabinoids on short‐term memory in rats were assessed during repeated daily injections of an initially debilitating dose (3.75 mg/kg) of the potent CB1 cannabinoid receptor ligand, WIN 55,212‐2. Delayed nonmatch to sample (DNMS) performance was assessed over a 35‐day exposure period in which performance was initially disrupted during the first 21 days of exposure but recovered by day 30 and was stable at pre‐drug levels for 5 days thereafter. Withdrawal was precipitated by injections of the CB1 receptor antagonist SR141716A and transiently reduced performance for 2 days but was restabilized to pre‐drug levels within 3–4 days. Concomitant recording from identified CA1 and CA3 hippocampal neurons demonstrated a marked correspondence in the time course of suppression of peak firing in the sample and delay phases of the task to the drug‐induced performance deficits over the same days of exposure. Hippocampal encoding of task‐relevant events and performance levels “tracked” each other on a daily basis throughout the chronic cannabinoid treatment and withdrawal regimen. However, hippocampal neuronal activity in the nonmatch phase of the task was unaffected by the chronic cannabinoid treatment or withdrawal, suggesting that only a select population of hippocampal neurons and synapses are involved in cannabinoid‐sensitive short‐term memory processes. Hippocampus 2003;13:543–556. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Annexin-A1: Therapeutic Potential in Microvascular Disease

Annexin-A1 (ANXA1) was first discovered in the early 1980's as a protein, which mediates (some of the) anti-inflammatory effects of glucocorticoids. Subsequently, the role of ANXA1 in inflammation has been extensively studied. The biology of ANXA1 is complex and it has many different roles in both health and disease. Its effects as a potent endogenous anti-inflammatory mediator are well-described in both acute and chronic inflammation and its role in activating the pro-resolution phase receptor, FPR2, has been described and is now being exploited for therapeutic benefit. In the present mini review, we will endeavor to give an overview of ANXA1 biology in relation to inflammation and functions that mediate pro-resolution that are independent of glucocorticoid induction. We will focus on the role of ANXA1 in diseases with a large inflammatory component focusing on diabetes and microvascular disease. Finally, we will explore the possibility of exploiting ANXA1 as a novel therapeutic target in diabetes and the treatment of microvascular disease.