Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Physical Characteristics and Physiological Attributes of Female Volleyball Players—The Need for Individual Data

Abstract Nikolaidis, PT, Ziv, G, Arnon, M, and Lidor, R. Physical characteristics and physiological attributes of female volleyball players—The need for individual data. J Strength Cond Res 26(9): 2547–2557, 2012—The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to profile physical characteristics and physiological attributes of adolescent and adult Greek female volleyball players (n = 61) who were members of the A (the best league for female volleyball players) and B (the second-best league for female volleyball players) Series clubs in Greece and (b) to examine the intraindividual variability among these players in all physical and physiological measurements that were undertaken in the study. The participants were divided into 3 age groups––under 14, 14–18, and over 18 years. They underwent a series of physical (e.g., height, body mass, and percentage of body fat) and physiological (e.g., aerobic profile, flexibility, and vertical jumping ability) tests. Three main findings emerged from the data analysis: (a) differences in physical characteristics and physiological attributes existed between the 3 age groups. For example, fat-free mass was lower in players under the age of 14 years (41.57 ± 6.06 kg) compared with that in players between the ages of 14–18 years (50.24 ± 6.96 kg) and players over the age of 18 years (52.03 ± 3.39 kg). In addition, the relative peak power as measured in the Wingate Anaerobic Test was the highest in the over-18 group (9.72 ± 0.65 W·kg−1), lower in the 14–18 group (8.95 ± 0.7), and the lowest in the under-14 group (8.32 ± 0.78 W·kg−1), (b) large intraindividual variability existed in most physical characteristics and physiological attributes measured in the study, and (c) the intraindividual variability was observed in all the 3 groups. These findings emphasize the need for coaches to examine the intraindividual variability within the players on their teams and to use this information when designing training programs and strength and conditioning programs.
Optimal operational dispatch of an islanded microgrid

Microgrids have become a preferred source of energy for remote locations due to their relative reliability and minimal operational cost. In this work, the optimal operational dispatch of an islanded microgrid consisting of a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) generator and PV generator is considered. The power sources must satisfy the load and heat demand whilst simultaneously minimizing the daily operational cost and respecting the system operational limits. A practical case study is used to verify the mathematical formulations and obtained results show that the addition of the solar PV provides much needed operational cost reduction.
Transthyretin oligomers induce calcium influx via voltage‐gated calcium channels

The deposition of transthyretin (TTR) amyloid in the PNS is a major pathological feature of familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy. The aim of the present study was to examine whether TTR could disrupt cytoplasmic Ca2+ homeostasis and to determine the role of TTR aggregation in this process. The aggregation of amyloidogenic TTR was examined by solution turbidity, dynamic light scattering and atomic force microscopy. A nucleation‐dependent polymerization process was observed in which TTR formed low molecular weight aggregates (oligomers < 100 nm in diameter) before the appearance of mature fibrils. TTR rapidly induced an increase in the concentration of intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) when applied to SH‐SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. The greatest effect on [Ca2+]i was induced by a preparation that contained the highest concentration of TTR oligomers. The TTR‐induced increase in [Ca2+]i was due to an influx of extracellular Ca2+, mainly via L‐ and N‐type voltage‐gated calcium channels (VGCCs). These results suggest that increasing [Ca2+]i via VGCCs may be an important early event which contributes to TTR‐induced cytotoxicity, and that TTR oligomers, rather than mature fibrils, may be the major cytotoxic form of TTR.
Meniscal Allograft Transplantation

Background: Meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) was developed as a means of treating the symptoms of compartmental overload after meniscectomy. Despite more than 20 years of research in this field, many controversies still exist regarding meniscal transplantation. Purpose: The aims of this study were to assess (1) the quality of the published studies on MAT; (2) the indications for this type of surgery; (3) the methods used for preservation, sizing, and fixation of the allograft; and (4) the clinical and radiographic outcomes of this procedure and its role in preventing osteoarthritis. Study Design: Systematic review. Methods: Inclusion criteria for the articles were (1) English language, (2) peer-reviewed clinical studies with evidence levels 1 to 4, (3) reported clinical and/or radiological outcomes of MAT isolated or combined with other procedures, (4) minimum 12-month follow-up, (5) case series of at least 10 patients, and (6) a follow-up rate of at least 80% (no more than 20% of patients lost to follow-up). Results: A total of 55 studies matched the inclusion criteria (2 level 2, 7 level 3, and 46 level 4). The average Coleman methodology score was 49.73 ± 12.41 (range, 24-81). There was agreement in the literature regarding the indications for MAT: joint line pain and tenderness correlated with previous meniscectomy, young patients, without diffuse Outerbridge grade III and no grade IV cartilage damage, and a stable and well-aligned knee. Different graft types have been used: viable, fresh frozen, cryopreserved, and lyophilized. The most common method for graft sizing was plain radiography. Different fixation techniques have been described, with only a few studies comparing the clinical results of the different techniques and with no proven superiority of one method over the other. All the studies showed clinical improvement at last follow-up visit compared with preoperatively. The chondroprotective effect of MAT is still unclear. Conclusion: Meniscal allograft transplantation seems to provide good clinical results at short-term and midterm follow-up, with improvement in knee function as well as acceptable complication and failure rates. Higher quality studies are necessary to better assess the potential chondroprotective effect of MAT and to identify differences in terms of outcomes between different surgical techniques.
Numerical and experimental characterization of the thermal behavior of a packaged DRAM-on-logic stack

3D-TSV technologies promise increased system integration at lower cost and reduced footprint. One of the most likely applications of 3D technology is the integration DRAM-on-logic. Thermal management issues are considered one of the potentially showstoppers for 3D-integration. In this paper, we present a thermal experimental and modeling characterization of a packaged DRAM on logic stack. The DRAM die is stacked to the thinned logic die (25μm) using CuSn microbumps. For the experimental characterization a dedicated logic chip with integrated heaters and sensors is used. The thermal impact of logic hot spot dissipation on the temperature profile of the DRAM and the logic die is experimentally characterized in a dedicated socket using two experimental configurations mimicking a high power and a low power configuration respectively. The use of those 2 different experimental configurations of the packaged stack allows the calibration of a detailed finite element thermal model. The calibrated thermal models are used to evaluate the impact of the effective thermal conductivity of the microbump and underfill layer and the impact of the logic die thickness on the temperature distribution in the logic and DRAM die for different cooling configurations of the die stack.
THE EFFECTS OF HIBERNATION AND CAPTIVITY ON GLUCOSE METABOLISM AND THYROID HORMONES IN AMERICAN BLACK BEAR (URSUS AMERICANUS)

Abstract: American black bears (Ursus americanus) have been shown to become transiently insulin resistant and hypothyroid during winter, but no studies have investigated these changes in long-term captive bears or in bears which remain awake year-round. Wild, captive hibernating, and captive nonhibernating bears were evaluated at times corresponding to three of their major physiologic stages: fall (hyperphagic stage), winter (hibernation stage), and summer (normal activity stage). Combined insulin and glucose tolerance tests and thyroid hormone profiles were performed on all bears during each stage. All three groups of bears had evidence of insulin resistance during the winter, as compared to the summer or fall, based on glucose tolerance curves. Analysis of thyroid hormone concentration varied and distinct patterns or similarities were not apparent. While obesity in captive American black bears is multifactorial, the finding that, regardless of their ability to hibernate, captive bears retain similar physiology to their wild counterparts indicates that captive bears' complex physiologic changes need to be addressed in their management.
Tramadol Inhibits Norepinephrine Transporter Function at Desipramine-Binding Sites in Cultured Bovine Adrenal Medullary Cells

Tramadol is a widely used analgesic, but its mode of action is not well understood. To study the effects of tramadol on norepinephrine transporter (NET) function, we assayed the effect of tramadol on [3H]-norepinephrine ([3H]-NE) uptake and [3H]-desipramine binding to plasma membranes isolated from bovine adrenal medulla. We then characterized [14C]-tramadol binding in cultured bovine adrenal medullary cells. Tramadol inhibited the desipramine-sensitive uptake of [3H]-NE by the cells in a concentration-dependent manner (50% inhibitory concentration = 21.5 ± 6.0 &mgr;M). Saturation analysis revealed that tramadol increased the apparent Michaelis constant of [3H]-NE uptake without changing the maximal velocity, indicating that inhibition occurred via competition for the NET (inhibition constant, Ki = 13.7 &mgr;M). Tramadol inhibited the specific binding of [3H]-desipramine to plasma membranes. Scatchard analysis of [3H]-desipramine binding revealed that tramadol increased the apparent dissociation constant (Kd) for binding without altering maximal binding, indicating competitive inhibition (Ki = 11.2 &mgr;M). The binding of [14C]-tramadol to the cells was specific and saturable, with a Kd of 18.1 ± 2.4 &mgr;M. These findings indicate that tramadol competitively inhibits NET function at desipramine-binding sites.
Temporal Variation in Genetic Diversity and Structure of a Lotic Population of Burkholderia (Pseudomonas) cepacia

The genetic structure and temporal patterns of genetic diversity in a population of Burkholderia (Pseudomonas) cepacia, isolated from a southeastern blackwater stream, were investigated by multilocus enzyme electrophoresis. Allelic variation in seven structural gene loci was monitored at a single stream location at 0, 6, 12, and 24 h and at 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32 days. Over the length of the study, 217 isolates were collected, from which 65 unique electrophoretic types (ETs) were identified. Most of these ETs were present at only one or two time periods and were considered transients; however, one resident ET was particularly abundant (64 of the 217 isolates [29.4%]) and was found at all time points except day 32. The mean genetic diversity of the entire population was 0.520, and the index of association (a measure of multilocus linkage disequilibrium) was 1.33. These results, taken in conjunction with a previous study focusing on spatial patterns of genetic diversity in lotic B. cepacia, show that these bacterial populations exhibit greater variability among sites than within a site over time, suggesting relative stability over short time periods.
Time Dynamics Of Stabilization Theories And Responses To Debt And Financial Crises: An Analysis Of Mexico, Argentina, Nigeria And Ghana, 1960-2011

This paper uses continuous time series data from 1960 to 2011 to evaluate the contributions of foreign income to domestic macroeconomic stability. Foreign income is operationalized as income from major trading partners. Elasticity and absorption models are used to examine the effects of foreign income on domestic trade imbalances and per capita national income under narrow and broad theoretical propositions of partial and general equilibrium analyses. The reliance on foreign income is shown to be tenuous, but saving has a greater impact on per capita national income. Expansionary monetary policy may be beneficial to growth beyond immediate stabilization challenges.
Suppression of adipogenic differentiation by muscle cell‐induced decrease in genes related to lipogenesis in muscle and fat co‐culture system

Intercellular signalling communication between adipose and muscle tissue has been investigated. To test the effect of muscle cells on adipogenic gene expression, we utilised an in vitro co‐culture system, in which fat (3T3‐L1) and muscle (L‐6) cells were physically separated but chemically exposed each other via insert with 0.4 µm porous membrane. When 3T3‐L1 and L‐6 cells reached at 80 and 40% confluence, respectively in separate wells, L‐6 cells grown in insert were transferred onto 6‐well plates where 3T3‐L1 cells were being grown. When both cells were fully differentiated in co‐culture plates, morphology of 3T3‐L1 was examined by staining with Oil‐red‐O. Activity of glycerol‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) and adipogenic gene expression including lipoprotein lipase (LPL), adipsin, GPDH, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (PPARγ) and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBPα) were analysed. The presence of muscle cells during preadipocyte differentiation inhibited (P < 0.05) lipogenesis by suppressing lipogenic gene expression including LPL, adipsin and GPDH. Furthermore, GPDH activity was also decreased (P < 0.05) in 3T3‐L1 cells by the presence of L‐6 cells. These results suggest that presence of muscle cells suppresses adipogenic differentiation by inhibiting the adipogenic gene expression and GPDH activity in the muscle and fat cell co‐culture system.
A practical use of model checking for synthesis: generating a dam controller for flood management

Program synthesis with automated methods has been an active research area for many years; however, we still lack well‐known and accepted techniques for this software engineering task. In this case, the design space to be considered is infinite, even when the solution is restricted to software that meets the requirements. In this paper we propose the use of model checking (MC) techniques to automatically synthesize controllers. Given a goal in the evolution of a plant, MC can be used to search for acceptable software controllers that enable the plant to evolve as desired. We also develop a realistic application in the context of a joint project with a major water reservoir management company. This application generates controllers for dam management during flood seasons. The controllers give the proper orders (open or close the outflow elements) at precise times in order to avoid disasters and to preserve the water level in the dam. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diagnostic and prognostic markers in infants with disseminated neuroblastoma: a retrospective analysis from the Italian Cooperative Group for Neuroblastoma.

BACKGROUND One fourth of infants with disseminated neuroblastoma experience unfavorable outcome. Treatment strategies vary and are based on clinical characteristics at diagnosis which lead to the definition of stage 4 or 4s. To identify the distribution and effect of different prognostic factors, a series of such infants diagnosed in Italy between 1991-1999 was reviewed. MATERIAL/METHODS Data were retrospectively retrieved from the Italian Neuroblastoma Registry. One hundred infants, 32 stage 4 and 68 stage 4s, were eligible. Clinical and biological characteristics evaluated at diagnosis for their impact on survival were demographics, primary site, urinary excretion of vanillylmandelic and homovanillic acids, serum neuron specific enolase, LDH, and ferritin together with analysis for MYCN gene, DNA index, and 1p36 chromosome. RESULTS Stage 4 prevailed in the second six months of life and stage 4s in the first six months. Events were distributed over two years in stage 4, but occurred very early in stage 4s patients. Survival was respectively 72% and 77.9%. Unfavorable factors were MYCN amplification for both stages, elevated NSE and LDH and normal VMA for stage 4, and di-tetraploid DNA for stage 4s. CONCLUSIONS The frequency of stage 4s was greater than stage 4. MYCN amplification was the most unfavorable prognostic factor. Survival was similar to previous series, confirming that a part of such infants cannot be cured by current therapies.
Effective BCI mental tasks classification with adaptively solved convolutional neural networks

BCI mental tasks (hands movements and words imagination) classification becomes a challenging task of EEG signal processing and analysis. State-of-art approaches bother with spatial, unstable structure of highly noised EEG signals. Presented approach not only provides spatially dedicated convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture but also adaptively optimize method parameters. Provided method effectiveness outperforms other solution for BCI III competition dataset V.
Controlling a New Biped Robot Model Since Walking Using Neural Network

In this paper, a new biped model are evaluated and then a stable neural network controller is used to control it. The biped model has slink and 6 degrees of freedom and actuated by plated pneumatic artificial muscle, which have a very high power to weight ratio and an inherent adaptable compliance. This NN controller allow accurate and dynamic following of prescribed trajectories, not simply control using "via" points specified by a teach pendant. It can significantly improve the accuracy requirements by retraining the basic PD/PID loop, but adding an inner adaptive loop that allows the controller to learn unknown parameters such as friction coefficient, thereby improving tracking accuracy. Simulation results show that NN controller tracking performance is much better than PD controller tracking performance.
A meta-analysis of the therapeutic role of oil soluble contrast media at hysterosalpingography: a surprising result?

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the therapeutic effect of oil-soluble contrast media compared with water-soluble contrast media after hysterosalpingography (HSG) in infertile couples. DESIGN Meta-analysis of four randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and six nonrandomized controlled studies evaluating pregnancy rates after the use of oil- or water-soluble contrast media during HSG. SETTING Institute of Epidemiology and Health Services Research, Leeds, United Kingdom. PATIENTS Four identified RCTs studied 800 patients and six nonrandomized studies comprised an additional 1,806 patients, all experiencing primary or secondary infertility. INTERVENTION Hysterosalpingography as part of infertility investigation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Pregnancy rates after HSG. RESULTS Pregnancy rates were significantly higher in the oil-soluble contrast media group compared with the water-soluble contrast media group in the RCTs. Inclusion of the six nonrandomized studies did not alter this conclusion. This apparent benefit was greatest for patients with unexplained infertility. CONCLUSIONS Oil-soluble contrast media have a therapeutic effect compared with water-soluble media and this effect is greatest for patients who have been diagnosed as having unexplained infertility. New techniques for the evaluation of tubal patency support the hypothesis that tubal "plugs" may be involved in proximal tubal blockage.
High dimensional microarray data classification using correlation based feature selection

Analyzing DNA microarray data pose a serious challenge because of their large number of features (genes) and relatively small number of samples. Extracting features, those have predictive capability for classifying these huge datasets demands appropriate approaches like feature reduction and identifying optimal set of genes. In this paper along with conventional statistical methods like filtering the dataset to reduce the number of features, one additional approach of evaluating correlation between the classes for each feature is performed. Proposed approach yields higher classification accuracy for both Acute Lymphoblastic (ALL) and High Grade Glioma cancer dataset than using only traditional statistical filtering methods.
Modeling Single Inductor DC–DC Converters With Thermal Phenomena in the Inductor Taken Into Account

This paper presents the method of modeling single-inductor dc–dc converters with thermal phenomena in the inductor taken into account. The electrothermal models of an inductor and semiconductor devices in the form dedicated for SPICE are proposed. Using the proposed models, the electrothermal analysis of buck and boost converters was performed for the inductor with cores made of different ferromagnetic materials. It was proved that nonlinearity of the inductor characteristics and thermal phenomena occurring in this element should be taken into account when the converter operates at high frequency range (over 200 kHz), especially for the inductor with the powder core.
The deadly toll of invasive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection in community hospitals.

INTRODUCTION Data regarding the epidemiology, treatment, and outcomes of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in rural and community hospitals are limited. METHODS This cohort study was conducted at 1 tertiary care hospital and 8 community hospitals in the southeastern United States. Patients with a surgical site infection (SSI) and/or bacteremia due to MRSA were prospectively identified at each study hospital during the period 1994-2003. RESULTS A total of 129 patients with SSI and 564 patients with bacteremia due to MRSA were identified. Only 57 patients with SSI (44.2%) received antibiotics active against MRSA on the initial date of diagnosis; only 95 (73.6%) received an agent active against MRSA by day 7 after diagnosis of SSI due to MRSA. Ninety-five patients with SSI due to MRSA (73.6%) were readmitted to the hospital within 90 days after their original surgery. The 1-year mortality rate among patients with SSI due to MRSA was 22%. Inadequate therapy was also commonly given to patients with bacteremia: only 216 (38.3%) received antibiotics active against MRSA on the initial day of infection, and only 383 (67.9%) received an agent active against MRSA by day 7 after diagnosis. Approximately one-third of patients with bloodstream infection died during their initial hospitalization. Patients hospitalized in community hospitals were less likely to receive effective antimicrobial therapy on both the day of infection and within 7 days after infection, compared with patients in the tertiary care hospital. CONCLUSION Inadequate therapy is commonly administered after diagnosis of SSI and bacteremia due to MRSA in patients in community hospitals.