Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Design and analysis of a multi-joint lower limbs rehabilitation robot

This paper presents a multi-joint lower limbs rehabilitation robot with three degrees of freedom. The robot includes seat, left mechanical leg, right mechanical leg and electric control box, and each mechanical leg includes the hip joint, knee joint and ankle joint which correspond to the hip joint, knee joint and ankle joint of human. The mechanical structure of the rehabilitation robot is described. By adjusting the seat angle, the patient can do the rehabilitation training in different postures. However, when the posture of human upper body changes with the elevation of the seat, the swing limit position of human thigh also changes. In order to guarantee the safety of patients, the mechanical limit of hip joint is designed to be variable. Therefore, the workspace of the robot is also variable. The inverse kinematics and variable workspace of the rehabilitation robot are analyzed. The trajectory planning for the variable workspaces is discussed and the flow chart of the trajectory planning is given.
A Compendium of Nucleosome and Transcript Profiles Reveals Determinants of Chromatin Architecture and Transcription

Nucleosomes in all eukaryotes examined to date adopt a characteristic architecture within genes and play fundamental roles in regulating transcription, yet the identity and precise roles of many of the trans-acting factors responsible for the establishment and maintenance of this organization remain to be identified. We profiled a compendium of 50 yeast strains carrying conditional alleles or complete deletions of genes involved in transcriptional regulation, histone biology, and chromatin remodeling, as well as compounds that target transcription and histone deacetylases, to assess their respective roles in nucleosome positioning and transcription. We find that nucleosome patterning in genes is affected by many factors, including the CAF-1 complex, Spt10, and Spt21, in addition to previously reported remodeler ATPases and histone chaperones. Disruption of these factors or reductions in histone levels led genic nucleosomes to assume positions more consistent with their intrinsic sequence preferences, with pronounced and specific shifts of the +1 nucleosome relative to the transcription start site. These shifts of +1 nucleosomes appear to have functional consequences, as several affected genes in Ino80 mutants exhibited altered expression responses. Our parallel expression profiling compendium revealed extensive transcription changes in intergenic and antisense regions, most of which occur in regions with altered nucleosome occupancy and positioning. We show that the nucleosome-excluding transcription factors Reb1, Abf1, Tbf1, and Rsc3 suppress cryptic transcripts at their target promoters, while a combined analysis of nucleosome and expression profiles identified 36 novel transcripts that are normally repressed by Tup1/Cyc8. Our data confirm and extend the roles of chromatin remodelers and chaperones as major determinants of genic nucleosome positioning, and these data provide a valuable resource for future studies.
Poloxamine/fibrin hybrid hydrogels for non‐viral gene delivery

Hydrogels have been widely investigated for localized, sustained gene delivery because of the similarity of their physical properties to native extracellular matrix and their ability to be formed under mild conditions amenable to the incorporation of bioactive molecules. The objective of this study was to develop bioactive hydrogels composed of macromolecules capable of enhancing the efficiency of non‐viral vectors. Hybrid hydrogels were prepared by simultaneous enzymatic and Michael‐type addition crosslinking of reduced fibrinogen and an acrylated amphiphilic block copolymer, Tetronic T904, in the presence of dithiothreitol (DTT) and thrombin. T904/fibrin hydrogels degraded by surface erosion in the presence of plasmin and provided sustained release of polyplex vectors up to an order of magnitude longer than pure fibrin gel control. In addition, the rate of gel degradation and time‐course of polyplex vector release were readily controlled by varying the T904/fibrinogen ratio in the gel composition. When added to transfected neuroblastoma (N2A) cells, both native T904 itself and hydrogel degradation products significantly increased polyplex transfection efficiency with minimal effect on cell viability. To evaluate gel‐based transfection, N2A cells encapsulated in small fibrin clusters were covered by or suspended within polyplex‐loaded hydrogels. Cells progressively degraded and invaded the hybrid hydrogels, exhibiting increasing gene expression over 2 weeks and then diminishing but persistent gene expression for over 1 month. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that T904/fibrin hybrid hydrogels can be promising tissue engineering scaffolds that provide local, controlled release of non‐viral vectors in combination with the generation of bioactive gel degradation products that actively enhance vector efficiency. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
VitisNet: “Omics” Integration through Grapevine Molecular Networks

Background Genomic data release for the grapevine has increased exponentially in the last five years. The Vitis vinifera genome has been sequenced and Vitis EST, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic tools and data sets continue to be developed. The next critical challenge is to provide biological meaning to this tremendous amount of data by annotating genes and integrating them within their biological context. We have developed and validated a system of Grapevine Molecular Networks (VitisNet). Methodology/Principal Findings The sequences from the Vitis vinifera (cv. Pinot Noir PN40024) genome sequencing project and ESTs from the Vitis genus have been paired and the 39,424 resulting unique sequences have been manually annotated. Among these, 13,145 genes have been assigned to 219 networks. The pathway sets include 88 “Metabolic”, 15 “Genetic Information Processing”, 12 “Environmental Information Processing”, 3 “Cellular Processes”, 21 “Transport”, and 80 “Transcription Factors”. The quantitative data is loaded onto molecular networks, allowing the simultaneous visualization of changes in the transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome for a given experiment. Conclusions/Significance VitisNet uses manually annotated networks in SBML or XML format, enabling the integration of large datasets, streamlining biological functional processing, and improving the understanding of dynamic processes in systems biology experiments. VitisNet is grounded in the Vitis vinifera genome (currently at 8x coverage) and can be readily updated with subsequent updates of the genome or biochemical discoveries. The molecular network files can be dynamically searched by pathway name or individual genes, proteins, or metabolites through the MetNet Pathway database and web-portal at http://metnet3.vrac. iastate.edu/. All VitisNet files including the manual annotation of the grape genome encompassing pathway names, individual genes, their genome identifier, and chromosome location can be accessed and downloaded from the VitisNet tab at http://vitis-dormancy.sdstate. org.
Energy detection of a signal with random amplitude

Urkowitz (1967) has discussed the detection of a deterministic signal of unknown structure in the presence of band-limited Gaussian noise. That analysis is developed to the case of a signal with random (Rayleigh, Rice, Nakagami, and other) amplitude. For such amplitude the distribution of a decision statistic of an energy detector is retrieved and expressions for detection probability are obtained.
Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase-Dependent Cerebral Blood Flow Augmentation by L-Arginine After Chronic Statin Treatment

Nitric oxide, a product of nitric oxide synthase activity, relaxes vascular smooth muscle and elevates brain blood flow. We evaluated the importance of eNOS to cerebral blood flow augmentation after L-arginine infusion and increases in flow after eNOS upregulation in SV-129 mice. Blood flow was measured by laser-Doppler flowmetry before and after L-arginine infusion (450 mg/kg during a 15-minute period) or measured by 14C-iodoamphetamine indicator fractionation or 14C-iodoantipyrine tissue equilibration techniques. rCBF increased by 26% (laser Doppler flowmetry) after L-arginine infusion but did not change in mutant mice deficient in eNOS expression. After eNOS upregulation by chronic simvastatin treatment (2 mg/kg subcutaneously, daily for 14 days), L-arginine amplified and sustained the hyperemia (38%) and increased absolute brain blood flow from 86 ± 7 to 119 ± 10 mL/100 g per minute. Furthermore, pretreatment with simvastatin enhanced blood flow within ischemic brain tissue after middle cerebral artery occlusion. Together, these findings suggest that eNOS activity is critical for blood flow augmentation during acute L-arginine infusion, and chronic eNOS upregulation combined with L-arginine administration provides a novel strategy to elevate cerebral blood flow in the normal and ischemic brain.
- 2-Thermoplastic Polymer Shrinkage in Emerging Molding Processes

In this paper, in situ experiments have been designed using the full-field deformation technique of Digital Image Correlation (DIC) to characterize non-uniform shrinkage in thermoplastic polymers commonly used in traditional and emerging molding processes. These experiments are capable of characterizing the differences in strains that develop due to thermal gradients and stiction as the polymer shrinks from the molten to the solid state during molding processes. The experimental set-up consists of simulated open molds, a heating stage, thermocouples for temperature measurements, and a video imaging system for DIC. From these experiments, it has been shown that there is a large increase in shrinkage strain associated with the transition of the polymer from the molten to the solid state in a mold with reduced side rigidity, and as it is cooled below the Vicat softening point. Changing the cooling rate from air-cooled to quasi-steady state can eliminate the transition at the Vicat softening point. Furthermore, substantial decreases in shrinkage strain are observed when the polymer is melted in an open mold without mold release, while using mold release produces results similar to that observed with reduced side rigidity. A simple one-dimensional model reasonably explains and predicts the observed trends in the shrinkage behavior due to temperature differences through the thickness of the polymer melt when using high conductivity molds as well as constraint in the polymer melt near the mold resulting from stiction. *Corresponding author – email: bruck@umd.edu, phone/fax: 301-405-8711/314-9477
Estimation of Background Incidence Rates of Guillain-Barré Syndrome in Germany - A Retrospective Cohort Study with Electronic Healthcare Data

Background: The Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) occurs after infections and as an adverse reaction to vaccines. No detailed information on incidence rates (IRs) in Germany is available. Methods: This retrospective cohort study estimated age- and sex-specific IRs of GBS in Germany in the years 2007-2009 based on electronic healthcare data from the German Pharmacoepidemiological Research Database (GePaRD). Two case definitions were applied. GBS cases had a main discharge diagnosis of GBS. GBS_PROCEDURE cases in addition had codes for relevant diagnostic procedures. Crude and standardized IRs (SIRs) with 95% confidence intervals were stratified by year, age group, sex, region and season. IR ratios (IRRs) for each stratification factor were calculated by multivariable Poisson regression. Results: Among 13,297,678 persons, 889 (693) incident GBS (GBS_PROCEDURE) cases were identified. Overall SIRs per 100,000 person years were 2.4 (2.2-2.5) for GBS and 1.8 (1.7-2.0) for GBS_PROCEDURE. (S)IRs increased with age, peaking in the age group 70-79 years (IR GBS: 5.5 (4.7-6.5)) and were higher in males than in females (e.g., IR GBS: IRR = 1.5 (1.3-1.7)) and in February-April, as compared to the rest of the year. No regional pattern was observed. Conclusion: (S)IRs of GBS in Germany differed by age, sex and season and were comparable to those found in other studies. Results might be used as a comparator in vaccine safety monitoring.
Output Feedback Sliding Mode Controller Design Via H∞ THEORY

For a linear system with mismatched disturbances, a sliding mode controller using only output feedback is developed in this paper. Through application of the H∞ control theory, the designed switching surface can achieve robust stabilization and guarantee a level of disturbance rejection during sliding mode. Although the system exhibits disturbances, a state estimator is used which, using only measured outputs, can asymptotically estimate the system states. The control law is designed with respect to the estimated signals. Finally, a numerical example is presented to demonstrate the proposed control scheme.
The absorption of volatile fatty acids from the rumen.

1. When a dilute solution of the sodium salts of acetic, propionic and butyric acids was introduced into an empty rumen no significant change was observed in the relative proportions of the acids present, within a 6 hr. period. 2. When a similar mixture was introduced, and the animal ate lucerne during the experiment, marked changes occurred in the proportion of the acids present, indicating a more rapid absorption of propionic acid than of the other acids. 3. A similar absorption was observed on introducing a solution of the sodium salts of acetic and propionic acid, at p H 6.5, containing an amount of inorganic phosphorus equivalent to that occurring in sheep's saliva. By the inclusion of pectin as an unabsorbed reference substance in such a mixture it was shown that a considerable dilution of the rumen contents occurred during the experiment--presumably by the advent of saliva. The relative rates of absorption of acetic and propionic acids were determined over particular ranges of acid concentrations. 4. On the basis of the relative rates of absorption of these acids at concentrations in which they were found to occur in the normal rumen during the fermentation of wheaten-hay chaff, it was concluded that a much greater proportion of propionic acid is formed than is indicated by analyses of the acids found in the rumen.
Infant carrying in family groups of Goeldi’s monkeys (Callimico goeldii)

Goeldi’s monkey (Callimico goeldii) is closely related to marmosets and tamarins. Like marmosets and tamarins, C. goeldii lives in family groups, and fathers and older offspring (helpers) participate in infant carrying. In contrast to the typical twin births in marmosets and tamarins, C. goeldii has only single offspring, and paternal carrying is delayed. We studied infant carrying following 26 births in eight groups of C. goeldii, testing hypotheses proposed in the literature on infant carrying in marmosets and tamarins. The infant was carried exclusively by the mother for the first 26.3 days after birth. Afterwards other group members participated in infant carrying. Whereas the C. goeldii mother is always the main carrier, the father does not always carry more than helpers. In contrast to other callitrichids, age and sex of sibling helpers was not found to have an effect on the participation in infant carrying. The participation in infant carrying in Callimico indicated intraindividual consistency, i.e., the amount of infant carrying performed by fathers and helpers following one birth correlated significantly with the amount of infant carrying of the same individuals following the next birth. We found a significant negative correlation between parental infant carrying and group size, indicating that helpers really do help, sharing the carrying burden with their parents. This is attributed to a clear trend for a reduction in maternal carrying in the presence of helpers, whereas fathers did not benefit from helpers. We conclude that the infant‐carrying pattern in C. goeldii is different from the infant‐carrying pattern in marmosets and tamarins. The main differences were that the mother instead of the father is the main carrier, and that there is a clear time delay between infant birth and when the father and helpers participate in infant carrying. Am. J. Primatol. 53:57–67, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Food and nutrient intakes of a population sample of 7-year-old children in the south-west of England in 1999/2000 - what difference does gender make?

OBJECTIVES To describe the diet of schoolchildren aged 7 years, and identify gender differences in food and nutrient intakes. SUBJECTS A cohort of children resident in the south-west of England in 1999/2000. METHODS Diet was assessed using three 1-day unweighed food diaries. Nutrient intakes were compared with dietary reference values for this age group, and with children aged 7-10 years in the British National Diet and Nutrition Survey. Food and nutrient intakes were contrasted between boys and girls. RESULTS Median nutrient intakes exceeded the reference nutrient intake (RNI) for most nutrients. Median intakes of iron and zinc were below the RNI. Median sodium intake was greater than the maximum set by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition. The mean energy intake for boys and girls, respectively, were 7.3 and 6.8 MJ, this is below the estimated average requirement. The percentage of energy from fat was 35.3% for boys and 36.1% for girls. Boys had higher iron intakes than girls, even after adjustment for energy intake. There were differences in the types of foods eaten between boys and girls; girls ate more fruit and vegetables (P = 0.001) and boys ate more breakfast cereals (P = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS The dietary intakes of these 7-year-old children were adequate for most nutrients. However, a reduction in the sodium content of the diet would be advantageous. Fruit and vegetable consumption should be encouraged particularly among boys.
Non-physical pseudo-wave-based modal decoupling technique of multi-coupled coplanar transmission lines with homogeneous dielectric media

A modal decoupling technique which effectively decouples multi-coupled transmission lines surrounded with a homogeneous media is presented. For this technique, so-called, a pseudo-modal wave concept is introduced. Unlike the conventional modal decoupling technique which is applied only for [L][C] ne muepsiv[I] (i.e., inhomogeneous media), the technique can be applied for any transmission line system regardless of its dielectric media. It is shown that the signal transients of today's integrated circuit interconnects which are [L][C] = muepsiv[I] (i.e., homogeneous media) can be very accurately as well as efficiently characterized with the proposed technique
The impact of ERP implementation on corporate supply chain performance

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) and supply chain management (SCM) represent important technology investment options for operations managers, and have been acclaimed in the practitioner and academic literature for their potential to improve business performance. ERP systems provide benefits in the area of transaction automation; SCM systems provide more sophisticated planning capabilities. This paper focuses on the interactions between ERP and SCM A conceptual framework was proposed. The framework is featuring the ERP benefits, firm competences, and supply chain performance. It became clear that there exists close interrelations in benefits of implementing ERP system and SCM performances. We apply rough set theory (RST) to discover important ERP attributes leading to the success of SCM.
Cost-Effectiveness of Escitalopram versus Citalopram in the Treatment of Severe Depression

BACKGROUND: Severe depression is associated with an extensive economic burden on both the patient and society. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the cost-effectiveness in Austria of escitalopram compared with citalopram in the management of severe depression (Montgomery—Åsberg Depression Rating Scale score ≥30). METHODS: A decision model incorporated treatment paths and associated direct resource use (psychiatric hospitalization, medications, general practitioner and psychiatrist visits, treatment discontinuation, suicide attempts) associated with managing severe depression and the indirect cost of work absenteeism over a 6-month period. Main outcomes were clinical success (remission at 6 mo) and cost (2002 Euros equals ∼1.25 US) of treatment. The analysis was performed from the Austrian societal and Social Healthcare Insurance System (SHIS) perspectives. Clinical input data were derived from a meta-analysis of 8-week randomized clinical trials. Costs were derived from standard Austrian price lists or from the literature. RESULTS: Six months after the start of treatment, the overall clinical success remission rate was higher for escitalopram (53.7%) than for citalopram (48.7%). From the SHIS perspective, the total expected cost per successfully treated severely depressed patient was €924 (32.1%) lower for escitalopram (€2879) compared with citalopram (€3803). From the societal perspective, the total expected cost per successfully treated severely depressed patient was €1369 (24.4%) lower for escitalopram (€5610) than for citalopram (€6979). Sensitivity analyses demonstrated that the model was robust and that, even if citalopram had no acquisition cost, escitalopram remained the dominant strategy for both perspectives. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with escitalopram was the dominant strategy. These data suggest that escitalopram is a cost-effective antidepressant compared with citalopram in the management of severe depression in Austria.
Mobility Genome™- A Framework for Mobility Intelligence from Large-Scale Spatio-Temporal Data

Massive amount of spatio-temporal data is generated as a result of user movement and data access activities, from both smart mobile devices and network infrastructure. We aim to be able to derive mobility intelligence from spatiotemporal data at scale with efficiency and yet meet the needs of diverse applications. In this paper, we propose Mobility GenomeTM, a computational framework that enables efficient and extensible discovery of mobility intelligence from large-scale spatio-temporal data. The framework is organised as multiple layers composed of fundamental and extensible computational units. We describe several algorithms and models, such as Human Daily Activity to demonstrate the derivation of mobility intelligence from these units, together with validation results. The framework has been integrated into our Mobility Intelligence platform, processing hundreds of millions of records per day in our production environment. We also show the possibility of building more advanced applications on top of the framework such as detection of home and work location, origin-destination trips and footfall analysis. With its deployment, the framework helps us avoid duplicated efforts on repeating common data processing and algorithmic tasks while serving a diverse set of mobility intelligence applications.