Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biopsychosocial Factors and Perceived Disability in Saleswomen with Concurrent Low Back Pain

Objectives To quantify disability level in salespeople with concurrent low back pain (LBP) and to determine the relative associations between demographic, occupational, psychosocial and clinical factors and back disability. LBP is the most common cause of work-related disability in people under 45 years of age and the most expensive cause of work-related disability, in terms of workers' compensation and medical expenses. Evidence suggests high prevalence of LBP in salespeople. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in which 184 saleswomen with a current episode of self-reported LBP working in a large up-scale department store filled out a battery of 6 self-administered questionnaires and received a standardised physical examination. Results Saleswomen with concurrent LBP had low disability levels. Factors significantly associated with disability were pain intensity, measured by a visual analogue scale, in the past week (p < 0.001), physical and mental health status (p < 0.001, p = 0.003, respectively), fear avoidance scores for both work and physical activities (p = 0.031, p = 0.014, respectively), past history of LBP (p = 0.019), and self-reported frequency of pushing or pulling objects placed in high positions during work (p = 0.047). A significant level (45%) of the variance in disability status was explained by these variables. Conclusion In clinical management of LBP workers who required prolonged standing, such as salespeople, clinicians should look for modifiable risk factors associated with disability. Specific measures need to be taken to prevent disability due to LBP among salespeople.
A Crosslayer Design with power control and AMC for Sub-band Based OFDM System

This contribution focuses on the optimization of the parameters for the services in a sub-band based OFDM system using AMC and power control at the physical layer and having a finite-length queue at the data link layer. Since the length of the queue at the data link is not infinite, the packets are possible to be dropped before their transmission at the physical layer, and on the contrary, there may be inadequate packets in the queue for the physical layer to transmit. The dropping rate and the error rate will jointly affect the packet loss rate. It is necessary to consider the parameters in the physical layer and high layers to minimize the packet loss rate of the wireless systems, which will lead to an improved spectral efficiency and high data rate. Numerical results are presented to show the relationships between the performances and various parameters.
Chronic toxicity of nickel‐spiked freshwater sediments: Variation in toxicity among eight invertebrate taxa and eight sediments

This study evaluated the chronic toxicity of Ni‐spiked freshwater sediments to benthic invertebrates. A 2‐step spiking procedure (spiking and sediment dilution) and a 2‐stage equilibration period (10 wk anaerobic and 1 wk aerobic) were used to spike 8 freshwater sediments with wide ranges of acid‐volatile sulfide (AVS; 0.94–38 µmol/g) and total organic carbon (TOC; 0.42–10%). Chronic sediment toxicity tests were conducted with 8 invertebrates (Hyalella azteca, Gammarus pseudolimnaeus, Chironomus riparius, Chironomus dilutus, Hexagenia sp., Lumbriculus variegatus, Tubifex tubifex, and Lampsilis siliquoidea) in 2 spiked sediments. Nickel toxicity thresholds estimated from species‐sensitivity distributions were 97 µg/g and 752 µg/g (total recoverable Ni; dry wt basis) for sediments with low and high concentrations of AVS and TOC, respectively. Sensitive species were tested with 6 additional sediments. The 20% effect concentrations (EC20s) for Hyalella and Gammarus, but not Hexagenia, were consistent with US Environmental Protection Agency benchmarks based on Ni in porewater and in simultaneously extracted metals (SEM) normalized to AVS and TOC. For Hexagenia, sediment EC20s increased at less than an equimolar basis with increased AVS, and toxicity occurred in several sediments with Ni concentrations in SEM less than AVS. The authors hypothesize that circulation of oxygenated water by Hexagenia led to oxidation of AVS in burrows, creating microenvironments with high Ni exposure. Despite these unexpected results, a strong relationship between Hexagenia EC20s and AVS could provide a basis for conservative site‐specific sediment quality guidelines for Ni. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013;32:2495–2506. © 2013 SETAC
PREHISTORIC STONE TOOLS, CHESS EXPERTISE, AND COGNITIVE EVOLUTION: AN EXPERIMENT ABOUT RECOGNIZING FEATURES IN FLINT DEBITAGE

Prehistoric stone tool knapping was an expert skill. This experiment was a cognitively demanding test of modern day knappers using an adaptation of the classic Chase and Simon para- digm from chess expertise (where chess experts/novices are briefly exposed to chess positions and later asked to recall the patterns). Here, pieces of flint debitage were used instead of chess pieces, and it was a recognition test rather than recall. Expertise was measured by social status and ques- tionnaire. Three participant groups were tested (archaeology professionals, students, and non- experts) in 15 trials each, each comprising four tasks: (1) sorting task, (2) exposure, (3) sorting task, and (4) recognition task. The sorting task (interference) required participants to sort flint debitage by size into different buckets. In the exposure task, the experimenter showed the partici- pant three types of rock (flakes, miscellaneous rocks, cores) seriatim for 2 seconds each. The rec- ognition task required that the participant attempt to identify previously seen rocks on three tables (flakes, miscellaneous, and cores tables). Experts performed significantly better than students and non-experts. Post-session interviews revealed a diversity of strategies, suggesting that increased expertise enhanced perception. This result parallels chess expert studies, and template theory in chess might apply to knappers.
Small Molecular TRAIL Inducer ONC201 Induces Death in Lung Cancer Cells: A Preclinical Study

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) selectively targets cancer cells. The present preclinical study investigated the anti-cancer efficiency of ONC201, a first-in-class small molecule TRAIL inducer, in lung cancer cells. We showed that ONC201 was cytotoxic and anti-proliferative in both established (A549 and H460 lines) and primary human lung cancer cells. It was yet non-cytotoxic to normal lung epithelial cells. Further, ONC201 induced exogenous apoptosis activation in lung cancer cells, which was evidenced by TRAIL/death receptor-5 (DR5) induction and caspase-8 activation. The caspase-8 inhibitor or TRAIL/DR5 siRNA knockdown alleviated ONC201’s cytotoxicity against lung cancer cells. Molecularly, ONC201 in-activated Akt-S6K1 and Erk signalings in lung cancer cells, causing Foxo3a nuclear translocation. For the in vivo studies, intraperitoneal injection of ONC201 at well-tolerated doses significantly inhibited xenografted A549 tumor growth in severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice. Further, ONC201 administration induced TRAIL/DR5 expression, yet inactivated Akt-S6K1 and Erk in tumor tissues. These results of the study demonstrates the potent anti-lung cancer activity by ONC201.
Utility of the Lethargic (lh/lh) Mouse Model of Absence Seizures in Predicting the Effects of Lamotrigine, Vigabatrin, Tiagabine, Gabapentin, and Topiramate Against Human Absence Seizures

Summary: Purpose: Traditional methods of preclinical screening have predicted the effects of a putative antiepi‐leptic drug (AED) against human absence seizures by testing its efficacy against clonic seizures in the high‐dose pen‐tylenetetrazole (PTZ) model. This high‐dose PTZ model correctly predicted the efficacy of ethosuximide (ESM), benzodiazepines, and valproate (VPA) and the lack of efficacy of phenytoin (PHT) and carbamazepine (CBZ). However, the high‐dose PTZ model erred in predictions for (a) phenobarbital (PB) (PTZ: efficacy; human: noneffi‐cacy); (b) lamotrigine (LTG) (PTZ nonefficacy; human: efficacy); (c) vigabatrin (VGB) (PTZ: nonefficacy; human: proabsence effect); and (d) tiagabine (TGB) (PTZ efficacy; human: possibleproabsence). It also appears to have erred in predictions for gabapentin (GBP) (PTZ efficacy) and topiramate (TPM) (PTZ: efficacy). Because the lh/lh genetic model of absence seizures correctly predicted effects of ESM, clonazepam, VPA, PHT, CBZ, and PB against human absence seizures, we performed this study to test the predictive utility of the lWZh model for LTG, VGB, TGB, GBP, and TPM.
Uma abordagem estrutural para calcular similaridade entre conceitos de ontologias

Resumo: O problema da compatibilização entre ontologias ainda é um problema aberto. Para tratar esse problema, apresentamos o algoritmo implementado no sistema GNoSIS. Nossa solução faz uso tanto de técnicas sintáticas quanto semânticas numa abordagem estrutural, facilitando o mapeamento ou alinhamento entre ontologias de diferentes domínios. Esse algoritmo se utiliza de diferentes funções de similaridade e calcula o grau de similaridade entre os conceitos de forma recursiva, calculando o resultado da função de similaridade entre dois conceitos com base no grau de similaridade total entre os conceitos que possuem parentesco próximo. Uma validação da abordagem é apresentada neste artigo.
4,5-dianilinophtalimide protects neuroendocrine cells against serum deprivation-induced stress and apoptosis.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to reveal the effects of 4,5-dianilinophthalimide (DAPH), which inhibits amyloid β fibrillization, against serum deprivation (SD)-induced apoptosis and the possible mechanisms in differentiated PC12 neuron cells. METHODS Firstly, we evaluated whether DAPH protects cell viability exposed to SD by MTT assay. Next, we examined the changes of phospho-p38 MAPK (Thr180/Tyr182), phospho-HSP27 (Ser82), phospho-c-JUN (Ser73) and cleaved-CASP3 (Asp175) profiles by immunoblotting, in PC12 cells exposed to SD. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was also measured. RESULTS SD induced apoptosis accompanied by up-regulation of phospho-p38 MAPK (Thr180/Tyr182), phospho-HSP27 (Ser82), phospho-c-JUN (Ser73), cleaved-CASP3 (Asp175) and intracellular ROS content. Co-treatment with non-toxic doses of DAPH prevented apoptosis by the attenuation of activated proteins and reduction of ROS level. These results suggest that serum deprivation-induced apoptosis inhibited by DAPH administration. CONCLUSION We have provided for the first evidence that DAPH has a neuroprotective effect on SD-caused stress, probably via contributing the re-establishment of redox homeostasis.
Studies on Salt Tolerance of Transgenic Sweetpotato which harbors two Genes Expressing CuZn Superoxide Dismutase and Ascorbate Peroxidase with the Stress-inducible SWPA2 Promoter

In this study, some physiological indexes of leaves in transgenic sweetpotato ( Ipomoea batatas L. cv. Yulmi), which harbors two genes CuZn superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) genes, with the stress-inducible SWPA2 promoter were evaluated under different concentrations of NaCl treatment. The results showed that physiological indexes were no remarkable differences without NaCl stress between the transgenic sweetpotato (TS) and the non-transformed sweet potato (NS). The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidease (APX), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) in leaves of TS was always higher than NS under the same NaCl stress, respectively, and when the concentration NaCl with 100 mmol/L, the enzyme activities was the most significant difference especially. On the other hand, the root length of TS was longer than that of NS. And the decline range of chlorophyll and malonaldehyde (MDA) content in leaves of TS was lower than that of NS. All these results indicated that transgenic sweetpotato had the resistance to salt tolerance. Therefore, there would be a great significance in efficiently utilizing saline land and alleviating the energy crisis by developing and planting transgenic sweetpotato plants with salt tolerance.
A collaborative augmented reality system using transparent display

Augmented reality is a technique to integrate the virtual (i.e., computer-generated) information with objects in the real world. Real world objects can thus be augmented in their properties and functions with the help of a computer. One of the authors has proposed an augmented reality system in which a transparent display is used as a means of integration of the real world and the virtual world. This paper discusses an extension of the system so that it can be used in a collaborative working environment. Capturing the gesture as a means of user interaction is realized by a single camera, aiming at simplifying the system setup and image analysis. We propose an idea of utilizing statistical data of human body and human's perceptional characteristics, as well as vision techniques. Two applications are presented to explain the usefulness of the system: one is a game-like application, which we call mind-to-mind communication, and the other a messenger object.
Testing agile requirements models

This paper discusses a model-based approach to validate software requirements in agile development processes by simulation and in particular automated testing. The use of models as central development artifact needs to be added to the portfolio of software engineering techniques, to further increase efficiency and flexibility of the development beginning already early in the requirements definition phase. Testing requirements are some of the most important techniques to give feedback and to increase the quality of the result. Therefore testing of artifacts should be introduced as early as possible, even in the requirements definition phase.
Bridging the gap between virtual and physical games using wearable sensors

We believe that game playing in the real world finds such large appreciation because it is based on interaction between people in a physical environment. In this paper we present an example of how the gap between virtual and physical games can be bridged using sensing technology from a wearable computer. Unmasking Mister X is a game we propose, which incorporates sensor data from all the players. It is a first step in enhancing real world games with wearable computers and sensing technology.
Mechanics, hydrodynamics and energetics of blue whale lunge feeding: efficiency dependence on krill density

SUMMARY Lunge feeding by rorqual whales (Balaenopteridae) is associated with a high energetic cost that decreases diving capacity, thereby limiting access to dense prey patches at depth. Despite this cost, rorquals exhibit high rates of lipid deposition and extremely large maximum body size. To address this paradox, we integrated kinematic data from digital tags with unsteady hydrodynamic models to estimate the energy budget for lunges and foraging dives of blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus), the largest rorqual and living mammal. Our analysis suggests that, despite the large amount of mechanical work required to lunge feed, a large amount of prey and, therefore, energy is obtained during engulfment. Furthermore, we suggest that foraging efficiency for blue whales is significantly higher than for other marine mammals by nearly an order of magnitude, but only if lunges target extremely high densities of krill. The high predicted efficiency is attributed to the enhanced engulfment capacity, rapid filter rate and low mass-specific metabolic rate associated with large body size in blue whales. These results highlight the importance of high prey density, regardless of prey patch depth, for efficient bulk filter feeding in baleen whales and may explain some diel changes in foraging behavior in rorqual whales.
Location and Size of Acute Transmural Myocardial Infarction Estimated from Thallium-201 Scintiscans

A clinicopathological study was performed in 23 patients who died from acute transmural myocardial infarction and who had been studied with thallium-201 during the acute phase. Twenty patients died within five days and three later than five days after scintigraphy. The scintigraphic location and the estimated size of infarction in vivo were correlated with postmortem findings. There was good agreement in 91%percnt; between scintigraphic and postmortem location of infarction and in 70%percnt; between the ECG and postmortem find- ings. The size of infarction as determined from computer-processed schematic drawings of postmortem slices of the heart correlated well with the size determined from processed schematic drawings of the scintiscans (r = 0.91 for anterior infarction, r = 0.97 for inferior infarction, r = 0.86 for anterior-inferior infarction). It is concluded that thallium-201 scintigraphy provided more precise location of infarction than the ECG and that the size of the scintigraphically abnormal area reflected the extent of necrotic myocardium.
Reconstructing the origin and spread of horse domestication in the Eurasian steppe

Despite decades of research across multiple disciplines, the early history of horse domestication remains poorly understood. On the basis of current evidence from archaeology, mitochondrial DNA, and Y-chromosomal sequencing, a number of different domestication scenarios have been proposed, ranging from the spread of domestic horses out of a restricted primary area of domestication to the domestication of numerous distinct wild horse populations. In this paper, we reconstruct both the population genetic structure of the extinct wild progenitor of domestic horses, Equus ferus, and the origin and spread of horse domestication in the Eurasian steppes by fitting a spatially explicit stepping-stone model to genotype data from >300 horses sampled across northern Eurasia. We find strong evidence for an expansion of E. ferus out of eastern Eurasia about 160 kya, likely reflecting the colonization of Eurasia by this species. Our best-fitting scenario further suggests that horse domestication originated in the western part of the Eurasian steppe and that domestic herds were repeatedly restocked with local wild horses as they spread out of this area. By showing that horse domestication was initiated in the western Eurasian steppe and that the spread of domestic herds across Eurasia involved extensive introgression from the wild, the scenario of horse domestication proposed here unites evidence from archaeology, mitochondrial DNA, and Y-chromosomal DNA.
Performance Analysis of Routing Protocols for Mobile Ad-hoc Networks

In this paper, an effort was made to analyze the performance of Routing Protocols for Mobile Ad-hoc Networks. Wireless networks can be classified in two types: infrastructured wireless networks and infrastructureless (ad hoc) wireless networks. Ad hoc networks are characterized by the need for efficient routing protocols. According to previous research, the Destination-Sequenced Distance-Vector (DSDV) routing protocol and the Ad-hoc On-Demand Distance Vector (AODV) routing protocol are two good representatives for each routing protocol category i.e. Table-Driven category and On Demand category respectively. The Simulation results have been compared to get their performance with respect to the mobility, offered load, number of nodes and pause time of nodes movement. It was tried to find which routing protocol is appropriate for certain network conditions. When the nodes move continually then AODV seems to be better than DSDV. When nodes stay unmoving for a long time then DSDV is preferable. Key-words: Ad Hoc, Mobile Networks, Performance Evaluation, Routing Protocol, Destination-Sequenced DistanceVector (DSDV), Ad-hoc On-Demand Distance Vector (AODV), Dynamic Source Routing (DSR), Temporally Ordered Routing Algorithm (TORA).
Stability and Change a Neural Basis for Global Object Features Wholes to Parts Wholes and Parts: a Chicken and Egg Story? Temporal Tolerance Circumscribed from Topological Perception to Distributed Cognition

Most people would agree that the shape of an object is one of its most perceptually important attributes, and some researchers have argued that it is the primary attribute by which observers are able to recognize objects (e.g., Biederman, 1987). Given the ubiquity of this common intuition, it is somewhat puzzling to note that the concept of``shape'' has no formal mathematical definition that can adequately characterize its intended meaning when used colloquially. For example, almost everyone would concur that a big sphere and a small sphere both have the same shape, yet by most of the standard measures used in geometry they are quite different. The abstract nature of the concept of shape is perhaps best revealed by the perceptual classification of biological forms (e.g., see Thompson, 1942). Consider , for example, the ability of normal individuals to identify their friends and loved ones under a variety of different viewing conditions. We are able to identify people from different vantage points, and with different facial expressions , hairstyles, make-up, or clothing accessories, such as hats or jewellery. We can also identify people after they undergo a growth spurt, gain or lose weight, or suffer the effects of ageing. These observations suggest that the identity of an individual's face must be based on some remarkably abstract property that is somehow unaffected by all of the transformations that faces typically undergo in the natural environment. This core idea of invariance under change has been of great importance to the development of modern geometry. In 1872, the German mathematician Felix Klein gave a lecture at Erlangen University, in which he outlined a general principle for constructing different geometries that is now known as the Erlanger Program. His basic idea was to consider arbitrary groups of single valued transformations, and to investigate the properties of objects they leave invariant. Klein noted that some object properties are more stable than others, because they remain invariant over a larger set of possible transformations. By using different properties to definè`shape equivalence'', it is possible to create a hierarchy of in which structural properties can be stratified with respect to their stability in a formally precise way. Since the 1980s, Lin Chen has been developing a provocative hypothesis that a similar stratification of object properties may also exist in human perception, and he has accumulated a large body of evidence to support this view, which is elegantly summarized …
An Optimal Minimum Phase Approximating PD Regulator for Robust Control of a Throttle Plate

In classical gasoline injection systems, the control of the throttle plate position is important for the efficiency and emission of the engine. The angular position, depending on the current load of the engine, must track a desired trajectory which is performed by the accelerator. The tracking problem is treated by using a minimum variance control approach. Moreover, this paper presents a feasible real time self-tuning of an approximated PD regulator. Robustness in the proposed loop control is achieved. Measured results on the real experimental set point are reported