Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gait complexity and frequency content analyses of patients with Parkinson's disease

The gait kinematics for Parkinson's disease (PD) are usually examined in the time domain and limited to selected points on motion-time graphs. Wavelet analysis allows the examination of the whole waveform and demonstrates a high potential to assess the effects of PD treatment. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether differences existed in gait complexity and the frequency content of foot trajectories during walking between patients with PD and healthy individuals by using wavelet analyses. Fifteen persons with idiopathic PD and eleven healthy age- and height- matched healthy adults (HAs) were recruited. The foot trajectories of each subject during walking were detected by using a three-camera Optotrak Certus motion capture system. The scale wavelet energy raitos and wavelet entropy were computed after seven-scale wavelet decomposition, and the results of the two groups were compared using Wilcoxon rank-sum test with Bonferroni correction for multiple testing. The results showed that, the PD subjects walked with a higher degree of complexity for the foot motion in anteroposterior direction and a lower degree of complexity for the foot motion in vertical direction. Both groups had comparable gait frequency, but the differences in the energy distributed over some frequency bands were significant between the PD and control groups. In addition to previously described gait kinematics in time domain, the parameters of scale wavelet energy ratios and wavelet entropy could be used to provide additional insight into gait changes.
Energy Efficient Medium Access Control for Wireless Sensor Networks

††† Summary This paper aims to design an energy efficient Medium Access Control (MAC) for IEEE 802.15. 4 based Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN). This is achieved by replacing the currently existing common-range maximum transmission power with the concept of dynamic and adaptive transmission power control. Various parameters like Link Quality, Received Signal Strength, MAC collisions, are considered for exercising the control on transmit power. These parameters are fuzzified and optimal transmission power levels are chosen based on Fuzzy decisions. The Sensor Network scenario is simulated with and without power control using Network Simulator NS2 and the comparative performance is analysed for a chosen network. It is seen that sensor network with power control saves energy without degrading the throughput of the network.
Two classes of BRC repeats in BRCA2 promote RAD51 nucleoprotein filament function by distinct mechanisms

The human tumor suppressor protein BRCA2 plays a key role in recombinational DNA repair. BRCA2 recruits RAD51 to sites of DNA damage through interaction with eight conserved motifs of approximately 35 amino acids, the BRC repeats; however, the specific function of each repeat remains unclear. Here, we investigated the function of the individual BRC repeats by systematically analyzing their effects on RAD51 activities. Our results reveal the existence of two categories of BRC repeats that display unique functional characteristics. One group, comprising BRC1, -2, -3, and -4, binds to free RAD51 with high affinity. The second group, comprising BRC5, -6, -7, and -8, binds to free RAD51 with low affinity but binds to the RAD51-ssDNA filament with high affinity. Each member of the first group reduces the ATPase activity of RAD51, whereas none of the BRC repeats of the second group affects this activity. Thus, through different mechanisms, both types of BRC repeats bind to and stabilize the RAD51 nucleoprotein filament on ssDNA. In addition, members of the first group limit binding of RAD51 to duplex DNA, where members of the second group do not. Only the first group enhances DNA strand exchange by RAD51. Our results suggest that the two groups of BRC repeats have differentially evolved to ensure efficient formation of a nascent RAD51 filament on ssDNA by promoting its nucleation and growth, respectively. We propose that the BRC repeats cooperate in a partially redundant but reinforcing manner to ensure a high probability of RAD51 filament formation.
Part-to-Whole Registration of Histology and MRI Using Shape Elements

Image registration between histology and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a challenging task due to differences in structural content and contrast. Too thick and wide specimens cannot be processed all at once and must be cut into smaller pieces. This dramatically increases the complexity of the problem, since each piece should be individually and manually pre-aligned. To the best of our knowledge, no automatic method can reliably locate such piece of tissue within its respective whole in the MRI slice, and align it without any prior information. We propose here a novel automatic approach to the joint problem of multi-modal registration between histology and MRI, when only a fraction of tissue is available from histology. The approach relies on the representation of images using their level lines so as to reach contrast invariance. Shape elements obtained via the extraction of bitangents are encoded in a projective-invariant manner, which permits the identification of common pieces of curves between two images. We evaluated the approach on human brain histology and compared resulting alignments against manually annotated ground truths. Considering the complexity of the brain folding patterns, preliminary results are promising and suggest the use of characteristic and meaningful shape elements for improved robustness and efficiency.
Unification Categorial Grammar: A Concise, Extendable Grammar for Natural Language Processing

Unification Categorial Grammar (UCG) combines the syntactic insights of Categorial Grammar with the semantic insights of Discourse Representation Theory. The addition of unification to these two frameworks allows a simple account of interaction between different linguistic levels within a constraining, monostraial theory. The resulting, computationally efficient, system provides an explicit formal framework for linguistic description, within which large fragments of grammars for French and English have already been developed. We present the formal basis of UCG, with independent definitions of well-formedness for syntactic and semantic dimensions. We will also focus on the concept of modifier within the theory.
Selective crosslinking in polymer blends. II. Its effect on impact strength and other mechanical properties of polypropylene/unsaturated elastomer blends

The effect of selective crosslinking of the unsaturated elastomer particles in polypropylene (PP) matrix was investigated. The crosslink system comprised N,N′-m-phenylene-bismaleimide and 6-ethoxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroqinoline or polymerized-(2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline). The system, which produces only carbon radicals, crosslinks the elastomer particles selectively without causing excessive degradation of the PP matrix. The reaction was carried out under a dynamic crosslinking process using a twin extruder on PP/EPDM, PP/SBS, and PP/SIS blends, all of which comprised 80 wt % of PP and 20 wt % of the elastomer. After the crosslinking, the impact strength of the blends increased. Especially remarkable increase is obtained at 23°C where PP is above its Tg. The increase of interfacial adhesion caused by production of PP/elastomer graft copolymer at the interface is considered to be the most important factor in the improvement. It permits the interactions of the stress concentrate zone developed at the elastomer particles and causes shear yielding of the PP matrix. Impact fracture energy absorption can be thus changed by adjusting the degree of the interfacial adhesion even at essentially the same morphology. The crosslinked elastomer particles also play the role of a nucleation agent. The selective cross-linking of the elastomer particles in PP/elastomer blends is demonstrated to be an excellent technique to produce a high-impact, high-modulus PP. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Electrophysiologic Effects of Placing Cochlear Implant Electrodes in a Perimodiolar Position in Young Children

Objective The purpose of this study was to intraoperatively record the electrically evoked auditory brainstem response (EABR) before and after placement of the electrode positioning system (EPS) (CII Bionic Ear with HiFocus I cochlear implant electrode array) as well as before and after stylet removal (Nucleus Contour cochlear implant electrode array). It was hypothesized that physiologic changes would occur after perimodiolar positioning of the electrode array and these changes would be evident from the EABR recordings.
Influence of Audiogenic Seizures on Synaptic Facilitation in Mouse Hippocampal Slices Is Mediated by N‐Methyl‐d‐Aspartate Receptor

The influence of audiogenic seizures (AGS) on synaptic facilitation was studied in DBA/2J (D2) and C57BL/6J (B6) mice. AGS susceptibility is inherited in D2 mice, but can be acquired in AGS‐resistant B6 mice through acoustic priming. The experiments were per formed on hippocampal slices obtained from D2 and B6 mice both with and without seizures. Long‐term potenti ation (LTP) and low‐Mg2 +‐induced synaptic facilitation (LMISF) were evaluated after stimulation of Schaffer col laterals. The magnitude of LTP and LMISF was signifi cantly greater in slices obtained from mice with seizures than from mice without seizures in both strains. Seizure induced enhancement of LTP and LMISF was markedly reduced by the JV‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist AP‐5. The noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist MK 801 reduced the efficiency of priming in B6 mice and abolished AGS in D2 mice and primed B6 mice, the data suggest that audiogenic seizures can en hance synaptic facilitation through activation of the NMDA receptor.
Oxygen sensor based on hollow-core photonic crystal fibres

We present a compact oxygen sensor based on hollow-core photonic crystal fibres (PCF). The compact design requires only a very small amount of gas. Both ends of the fibre are inserted into miniaturized vacuum adapters, which should result in an increased gas exchange and prevent fibre contamination. The detection of oxygen could be verified. Proper choice of the specific components (PCF, laser source) allows the detection of other gases.
Development in China’s Natural Gas Industry Regulation

With the growing interest in clean energy, and the natural gas market maturity in China, there is a strong need to introduce as soon as possible a regulation system covering the mid- and downstream natural gas business to ensure a harmonized approach to gas industry development. Adopting a consistent regulation system for the mid- and downstream natural gas industry that establishes the fundamental rights, obligations and regulatory principles would provide a clear legal expression of the government’s policy and strategy for gas industry development and the ground rules for the operation of the gas industry. Such a regulation system would, therefore, help create a more stable investment and operating environment, reduce uncertainty and investment risk, and consequently lower the cost of capital.
Glycoproteomic Analysis of Seven Major Allergenic Proteins Reveals Novel Post-translational Modifications*

Allergenic proteins such as grass pollen and house dust mite (HDM) proteins are known to trigger hypersensitivity reactions of the immune system, leading to what is commonly known as allergy. Key allergenic proteins including sequence variants have been identified but characterization of their post-translational modifications (PTMs) is still limited. Here, we present a detailed PTM1 characterization of a series of the main and clinically relevant allergens used in allergy tests and vaccines. We employ Orbitrap-based mass spectrometry with complementary fragmentation techniques (HCD/ETD) for site-specific PTM characterization by bottom-up analysis. In addition, top-down mass spectrometry is utilized for targeted analysis of individual proteins, revealing hitherto unknown PTMs of HDM allergens. We demonstrate the presence of lysine-linked polyhexose glycans and asparagine-linked N-acetylhexosamine glycans on HDM allergens. Moreover, we identified more complex glycan structures than previously reported on the major grass pollen group 1 and 5 allergens, implicating important roles for carbohydrates in allergen recognition and response by the immune system. The new findings are important for understanding basic disease-causing mechanisms at the cellular level, which ultimately may pave the way for instigating novel approaches for targeted desensitization strategies and improved allergy vaccines.
Half-Heusler phases and nanocomposites as emerging high-ZT thermoelectric materials

Half-Heusler (HH) phases, a versatile class of alloys with promising functional properties, have recently gained attention as emerging thermoelectric materials. These materials are investigated from the perspective of thermal and electronic transport properties for enhancing the dimensionless figure of merit (ZT) at 800–1000 K. The electronic origin of thermopower enhancement is reviewed. Grain refinement and embedment of nanoparticles in HH alloy hosts were used to produce fine-grained as well as nanocomposites and monolithic nanostructured materials. Present experiments indicated that n-type Hf_0. 6Zr_0. 4NiSn_0. 995Sb_0. 005 HH alloys and p-type Hf_0. 3Zr_0. 7CoSn_0. 3Sb_0. 7/nano-ZrO_2 composites can attain ZT = 1.05 and 0.8 near 900–1000 K, respectively. The observed ZT enhancements could be attributed to multiple origins; in particular, the electronic origin was identified. The prospect for higher ZT was investigated in light of a recently developed nanostructure model of lattice thermal conductivity. Tests performed on p–n couple devices from the newly developed HH materials showed good power generation efficiencies—achieving 8.7% efficiency for hot-side temperatures of about 700 °C.
Macrophage complement and lectin-like receptors bind Leishmania in the absence of serum

We have examined the relative roles of the macrophage (M phi) plasma membrane receptor for the cleaved third complement component (iC3b, CR3) and of the mannosyl/fucosyl receptor (MFR) in binding and ingestion of Leishmania donovani. In the absence of exogenous complement, the binding and ingestion of promastigotes, which are good activators of the alternative complement pathway, were inhibited by the anti-CR3 monoclonal antibody M1/70, by the Fab portion of an anti-C3 antibody, or by the nucleophile, sodium salicyl hydroxamate, an inhibitor of C3 fixation. This provides strong evidence that M phi- derived, cleaved C3 (iC3b) present on the promastigote surface mediates binding to CR3. Equivalent inhibition of promastigote binding and ingestion was also observed using the soluble inhibitors of MFR activity, mannan or ribonuclease B. No additive effect for blocking the two M phi receptors simultaneously was observed. For amastigotes, which are poor activators of the alternative pathway, a lesser but nevertheless equivalent effect was observed for the three soluble inhibitors of CR3-mediated binding vs. the two soluble inhibitors of MFR-mediated binding. Modulation experiments in which either CR3 or MFR had been rendered inaccessible demonstrated that both receptors must be present on the segment of M phi membrane to which the parasite binds. The combined function of these two distinct M phi receptors may provide a general mechanism for recognition and ingestion of other pathogenic protozoa known to activate the alternative pathway.
Comparison of allograft-prosthetic composite reconstruction and modular prosthetic replacement in proximal femur bone tumors

Background and purpose The methods of reconstruction for proximal femur bone tumors that are used most often include modular prosthetic replacement and allograft-prosthesis composite reconstruction. In modular prostheses, the abductors are detached from the insertion and then reinserted into the implant, and the iliopsoas is detached and left free. In the allograft-prosthesis composite, the detached tendons are fixated to the graft. We assessed whether the latter procedure provides functional advantages regarding gait. Patients and methods We studied 2 groups of 10 patients, each with prosthetic reconstruction of the proximal femur either with modular prosthetic replacement or with allograft-prosthesis composite. Functional performance was analyzed by gait analysis 2.5–10 years after surgery. At that time, all the patients had good function according to the Musculoskeletal Society score. Results Walking speed was reduced in all patients, and especially in patients with modular prosthetic replacement. Different hip extension patterns during late stance were found in the 2 groups. Surface EMG showed a typical prolonged muscle co-contraction pattern during gait, which was more evident in modular prosthetic patients. Interpretation Although both procedures provided good functional outcome in the long-term follow-up, gait analysis revealed mechanical changes during gait that were probably related to the muscle reinsertion procedure. Direct fixation of the muscles to the bone graft appeared to result in a more efficient muscular recovery.
A Wearable Ground Reaction Force Sensor System and Its Application to the Measurement of Extrinsic Gait Variability

Wearable sensors for gait analysis are attracting wide interest. In this paper, a wearable ground reaction force (GRF) sensor system and its application to measure extrinsic gait variability are presented. To validate the GRF and centre of pressure (CoP) measurements of the sensor system and examine the effectiveness of the proposed method for gait analysis, we conducted an experimental study on seven volunteer subjects. Based on the assessment of the influence of the sensor system on natural gait, we found that no significant differences were found for almost all measured gait parameters (p-values < 0.05). As for measurement accuracy, the root mean square (RMS) differences for the two transverse components and the vertical component of the GRF were 7.2% ± 0.8% and 9.0% ± 1% of the maximum of each transverse component and 1.5% ± 0.9% of the maximum vertical component of GRF, respectively. The RMS distance between both CoP measurements was 1.4% ± 0.2% of the length of the shoe. The area of CoP distribution on the foot-plate and the average coefficient of variation of the triaxial GRF, are the introduced parameters for analysing extrinsic gait variability. Based on a statistical analysis of the results of the tests with subjects wearing the sensor system, we found that the proposed parameters changed according to walking speed and turning (p-values < 0.05).
Log Periodic Dielectric Resonator Antenna for Broadband Applications

broadband applications is presented. In this paper, a broad bandwidth antenna is formed by application of log periodic technique to the series fed electromagnetically coupled rectangular overlaid dielectric resonator array. This Log Periodic DRA is simulated using a CST microwave studio suite TM 2010. The simulated results show wider impedance bandwidth covering the frequency range of 6.4 GHz to 11.1 GHz with a VSWR less than 2 and radiation efficiency greater than 95 %. Its maximum gain is 7.2 dBi. Parametric studies of the antennas with CST microwave based design data and simulated results are presented here. The scaling factor of 1.05 has been chosen for this design.
Picnics, Flowers, and Moonlight Strolls: An Exploration of Routine Love Behaviors

This study focused on the behavioral aspect of love, with a purpose of explicating routine behaviors associated with love. A 37-item Love Behaviors Scale was created to explicate those behaviors indicative of expressing love towards a romantic partner. Analysis of the resulting factor matrix yielded a reliable five-factor structure of the behaviors—Mutual Activity, Special Occasion, Offerings, Selfless, Sacrifices. Although both genders considered the behaviors to be love-related, women placed greater emphasis on the behaviors than men. Individuals who had never been in love also perceived the behaviors as love-related. Participants also indicated 13 additional behaviors which should be included in the Love Behaviors Scale.
Intra-session variability compensation and a hypothesis generation and selection strategy for speaker segmentation

This paper addresses the problem of speaker segmentation in two-speaker telephone conversations, using an eigenvoice based factor analysis approach. We present a set of improvements in the speaker segmentation system. First, we study two methods to compensate for intra-session variability, that is the variability present in a speaker during a single session. Secondly we propose a method to generate segmentation hypotheses that combined with a given confidence measure, enables the selection of correct hypotheses improving the overall segmentation performance. The proposed improvements are evaluated on the NIST Speaker Recognition Evaluation 2008 summed channel test condition, obtaining 28% relative improvement in terms of speaker segmentation error.
Dynamic cluster structure for object detection and tracking in wireless ad-hoc sensor networks

Wireless ad-hoc sensor networks are being developed to carry out tasks such as target detection and tracking, environment monitoring, and data collection across the area of deployment. We explore the problem of using sensor networks to detect and track continuous objects, such as wild fire and bio-chemical material. The continuous objects are different from traditional one or many individual targets in that they are continuously distributed across a region and usually occupy a large area. These continuous objects tend to diffuse, increase in size, change in shape, or even split into multiple relatively smaller continuous objects. The fusion and dissemination of local boundary information becomes a very challenging problem. In the paper, we propose a dynamic cluster-based structure to track the movement of boundaries and facilitate the fusion and dissemination of boundary information in a sensor network.
A Matrix Factorization-Based Structure for Digital Filters

In this correspondence, a novel digital filter structure is derived using matrix factorization. This structure, called the LCW-structure, is an improved version of the so-called LGS-structure proposed by Li, Gevers, and Sun [ldquoPerformance Analysis of a New Structure for Digital Filter Implementation,rdquo IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems I, vol. 47, no. 4, pp. 474-482, April 2000]. For a digital filter of order , this new structure requires 4N - 1 multiplications and 4N - 1 additions for computing one filter output sample, instead of 7N - 3 and 6N - 3, respectively, which are needed for the LGS-structure. An expression of the roundoff noise gain is derived for the LCW-structure. Design examples are presented to demonstrate the behavior of this structure and to compare with several well-known digital filter structures in terms of minimizing roundoff noise and implementation efficiency.