Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Bone Age in Children: A Mini-Review

Bone age represents a common index utilized in pediatric radiology and endocrinology departments worldwide for the definition of skeletal maturity for medical and non-medical purpose. It is defined by the age expressed in years that corresponds to the level of maturation of bones. Although several bones have been studied to better define bone age, the hand and wrist X-rays are the most used images. In fact, the images obtained by hand and wrist X-ray reflect the maturity of different types of bones of the skeletal segment evaluated. This information, associated to the characterization of the shape and changes of bone components configuration, represent an important factor of the biological maturation process of a subject. Bone age may be affected by several factors, including gender, nutrition, as well as metabolic, genetic, and social factors and either acute and chronic pathologies especially hormone alteration. As well several differences can be characterized according to the numerous standardized methods developed over the past decades. Therefore, the complete characterization of the main methods and procedure available and particularly of all their advantages and disadvantages need to be known in order to properly utilized this information for all its medical and non-medical main fields of application.
A Configurable Architecture for Two Degree-of-Freedom Variable Stiffness Actuators to Match the Compliant Behavior of Human Joints

Living beings modulate the impedance of their joints to interact proficiently, robustly, and safely with the environment. These observations inspired the design of soft articulated robots with the development of Variable Impedance and Variable Stiffness Actuators. However, designing them remains a challenging task due to their mechanical complexity, encumbrance, and weight, but also due to the different specifications that the wide range of applications requires. For instance, as prostheses or parts of humanoid systems, there is currently a need for multi-degree-of-freedom joints that have abilities similar to those of human articulations. Toward this goal, we propose a new compact and configurable design for a two-degree-of-freedom variable stiffness joint that can match the passive behavior of a human wrist and ankle. Using only three motors, this joint can control its equilibrium orientation around two perpendicular axes and its overall stiffness as a one-dimensional parameter, like the co-contraction of human muscles. The kinematic architecture builds upon a state-of-the-art rigid parallel mechanism with the addition of nonlinear elastic elements to allow the control of the stiffness. The mechanical parameters of the proposed system can be optimized to match desired passive compliant behaviors and to fit various applications (e.g., prosthetic wrists or ankles, artificial wrists, etc.). After describing the joint structure, we detail the kinetostatic analysis to derive the compliant behavior as a function of the design parameters and to prove the variable stiffness ability of the system. Besides, we provide sets of design parameters to match the passive compliance of either a human wrist or ankle. Moreover, to show the versatility of the proposed joint architecture and as guidelines for the future designer, we describe the influence of the main design parameters on the system stiffness characteristic and show the potential of the design for more complex applications.
Source and Channel Models for Secret-Key Agreement Based on Catalan Numbers and the Lattice Path Combinatorial Approach

This paper presents a solution to secret key sharing protocol problem that establishes cryptographically secured communication between two entities. We propose a new symmetric cryptographic key exchange scenario based on the specific properties of Cat-alan numbers and the Lattice Path combinatorics. Our scenario consists of three phases: generating Catalan values, defining the Lattice Path movement space and defining the key equalization rules. In the experimental part of this study, we have merged our scenario with the Maurer‟s protocol, while in the information-theoretical approach to the key exchange we have presented how a partially split bit sequence can become the secret key that both parties in communication can use. Maurer's satellite scenario model for the exchange of the Catalan key is discussed in detail and its application is proposed. Security analysis of the protocol and testing for channel capacity or key generation speed is also suggested.
Zookeeper

Animals at a zoo reveal a secret --- that they can talk to their zoo-keeper --- when they work together to reunite him with his girlfriend. For "Zookeeper", a Sony Pictures Imageworks team applied creative visual effects and animation techniques to produce convincing, talking zoo animals. Over 700 shots involved extensive facial animation, intricate motion control, and detailed compositing.
The Aerodynamic Behavior of Fibers in a Linear Shear Flow

Lung deposition behavior for straight versus curved aerosol fibers is known to be different based on existing experimental data. However, our understanding of actual fiber dynamics in the respiratory system remains far from being complete. In particular, it is not clear how fiber shape influences particle motion in the lungs. This article presents the results of direct numerical simulations in a linear shear flow of the rotational dynamics of high aspect ratio fibers with complex shapes such as elliptic rods, torus segments, and helices. Our findings show that as expected the rotational behavior of complex fibers is different from that observed for straight symmetrical particles. In particular, we observe secondary rotation for our particles, which is perpendicular to the shear plane (a plane with the unit normal parallel to the local vorticity) as well as more frequent flipping (for helical particles) than observed for straight fibers with the same lengths and diameters. In view of our results, it can be suggested that respiratory tract deposition for particles with complex shapes will exhibit enhanced interception compared with the deposition of particles with simpler shapes.
Input-Output Disjointness for Forward Expressions in the Logic of Information Flows

Last year we introduced the logic FLIF (forward logic of information flows) as a declarative language for specifying complex compositions of information sources with limited access patterns. The key insight of this approach is to view a system of information sources as a graph, where the nodes are valuations of variables, so that accesses to information sources can be modeled as edges in the graph. This allows the use of XPath-like navigational graph query languages. Indeed, a well-behaved fragment of FLIF, called io-disjoint FLIF, was shown to be equivalent to the executable fragment of first-order logic. It remained open, however, how io-disjoint FLIF compares to general FLIF. In this paper we close this gap by showing that general FLIF expressions can always be put into io-disjoint form. 2012
Application of Membrane Technology to Slaughterhouse Blood to Produce Edible Powdered Protein Mixture

Animal blood generated from slaughtered animals is often released into the environment resulting in significant pollution and also in the loss of a valuable protein source. This study aimed at developing a procedure that will allow for utilizing animal blood for protein powders production on an industrial scale. To meet this goal, hygienically collected animal blood was first treated with membrane technology: microfiltration (MF) or ultrafiltration (UF). A ceramic MF membrane and a PCI UF membrane were used. Average MF flux was 6.62 kg h -1 m -2 at transmembrane pressure of 2.5 bar. Average UF flux was 3.55 kg h -1 m -2 at transmembrane pressure of 4 bar. MF succeeded in separating the blood plasma proteins (permeate) from the red cell fraction (retentate). UF concentrated both the red cell and blood plasma proteins in a single sample (retentate). The volume ratio of retentate to permeate was 10:14 and 14:10, for the MF and UF, respectively. A membrane cleaning regime was developed. The treated blood fractions were then freeze dried and red and white protein powders were produced successfully. The potential of a SME (small-medium enterprise) to apply this procedure into practice is presented.
Suppression of Time‐Dependent Donor/Acceptor Interface Degradation by Redistributing Donor Charge Density

Poor operation stability is a major hurdle for the wide application of organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices. While most attention is given to environmental threats to device stability, we herein show evidence from X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) of an intrinsic time‐dependent chemical reaction at a donor/acceptor interface. Albeit with impressive device performance from boron subphthalocyanine chloride (SubPc)/fullerene (C60) interface, the forming boride bonds at its interface hinders the interfacial exciton dissociation and leads to device deterioration. Due to the high electron affinity of molybdenum oxide (MoO3) film, the incorporation of MoO3 layer under the SubPc film has strong electron‐drawing property and leads to charge‐transfer complex (CTC) formation at the MoO3/SubPc interface. The resulting charge redistribution in SubPc molecules effectively suppresses the further interfacial reaction at SubPc/C60 junction. Our results provide insight for new degradation mechanisms of OPV devices and corresponding stability control via charge redistribution in the donor film.
Effect of β-cyclodextrin on the chemistry of 3′,4′,7-trihydroxyflavylium

The pH dependence of the network of chemical reactions involving 3′,4′,7-trihydroxyflavylium was studied and all the rate and equilibrium constants were determined in the presence and absence of β-cyclodextrin. The β-cyclodextrin increases the rate constant of the flavylium cation hydration to give the hemiketal and decreases the reverse rate constant (de-hydration). The quantum yield of the flavylium cation formation from irradiation of the trans-chalcone increases from 0.023 to 0.055, respectively, in the absence and presence of β-cyclodextrin. NMR spectral characterization of the inclusion complex between 3′,4′,7-trihydroxyflavylium and β-cyclodextrin was performed by ROESY and suggests a structure in which the hydroxyl substituents at positions 3′ and 4′ interact with the internal surface of the β-cyclodextrin.
The Relationship between Moral Sensitivity, Ethical Climate, and Job Strain with Patient Privacy from Viewpoint of Operating Room Staffs

Background: The privacy of patients in the operating room is in particular importance. The results of previous studies have shown that various factors are affecting in this context. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between moral sensitivity, ethical climate, and job strain with respect to patients' privacy in operating rooms. Materials and Methods: All of operating rooms nurses of teaching hospitals affiliated to Ardabil University of Medical Sciences were entered into this descriptive-analytical study with census sampling method in 2019. To collect data, standard surveys of moral sensitivity, ethical climate, job strain, and privacy were used. Data were analyzed by SPSS15 software using descriptive and analytical statistics methods (independent t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis). Results: There was a positive significant relationship between moral sensitivity and privacy (r = 0.56, p < 0.001) and ethical climate and privacy (r = 0.60, p < 0.001), too. But, there was an inverse and significant correlation between job strain and privacy (r = -0.69, p < 0.001). The results also showed that moral sensitivity is the best predictor of patients' privacy. Conclusions: Despite the predictability of all variables, results showed that moral sensitivity is the most important component in patients' privacy. In this regard, by increasing the moral sensitivity of nurses, the privacy of patients can be improved.
Temporary spanning internal fixation for management of complex upper cervical spine fractures

Introduction: Fractures of the upper cervical spine are often but not always amenable to either internal fixation or conservative management using a rigid cervical collar. For all other fractures in this area, management with a halo-vest orthosis is indicated, but it also has limitations. Here, we present an operative alternative to the halo-vest orthosis that provides more secure stability and less complications. Methods: Three patients presented to our hospital with atypical fractures of C1 and C2 and were given the choice of either a halo-vest orthosis or secure internal fixation without fusion and accepted the latter. Internal fixation without fusion from occiput to the subaxial spine was performed for all three and then removed-6 months later -after radiologic confirmation of healing. Results: All three patients underwent the procedure successfully and achieved and maintained acceptable alignment. Range of motion was preserved, and no intermediate-term issues were observed. Conclusion: Spanning internal fixation provides a safe and effective technique in the management of complex upper cervical spine injuries without the drawbacks of using a halo-vest orthosis.
A Qualitative Study to Identify the Perceptions of Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy among People Living with HIV

Background: Primary health care for marginalized population group such as people living with HIV (PLHIV) is challenging as evidenced by the alarming magnitude of nonadherence to freely available antiretroviral therapy (ART). Successful viral suppression depends on optimum adherence to ART which in turn depends on the client's perceptions toward adherence and ART. Objectives: This study aims at identifying the prevailing perceptions of PLHIV toward adherence to ART. Materials and Methods: A qualitative research was conducted through 7 focused group interviews and 5 in-depth interviews among 44 PLHIV across 3 ART centers of different organizational characteristics. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed through a thematic content analysis approach. Unique perceptions and thoughts identified from each interview were listed and regrouped according to related themes. Data were triangulated across different sources of information such as key informant interview and review of the literature. Results: The median age of PLHIV was 36 years, and the mean duration of ART was 3.53 years. A qualitative analysis of transcribed data yielded stigma, cost, distance, type of health-care setting, and desire for living longer as dominant themes in perceptions of PLHIV toward ART. Conclusion: Overall 70% of perceptual expressions and 15 themes out of 30 themes were related to person related factors that determine the adherence to ART.
Anatomic, functional, and radiographic review of the ligaments of the craniocervical junction

The craniocervical junction (CCJ) is a complex and unique osteoligamentous structure that balances maximum stability and protection of vital neurovascular anatomy with ample mobility and range of motion. With the increasing utilization and improved resolution of cervical magnetic resonance imaging, craniocervical injury is being more accurately defined as a spectrum of injury that ranges in severity from overt craniocervical disassociation to isolated injuries of one more of the craniocervical ligaments, which may also lead to craniocervical instability. Thus, it is vital for the radiologist and neurosurgeon to have a thorough understanding of the imaging anatomy and function of the CCJ.
Isolated Splenic Tuberculosis Masquerading as Disease Progression of Hodgkin's Lymphoma on Interim18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography Scan

18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scan is the imaging modality of choice in the management of lymphoma. However, 18F-FDG is a nonspecific tracer for tumoral metabolic activity and infective pathology, thus posing a challenge in accurate response assessment. Here, we present a case of Hodgkin's lymphoma, referred for staging PET/CT scan which showed FDG-avid disease in the mediastinum, and on interim 18F-FDG PET/CT in addition to the mediastinal mass lesion, a FDG-avid lesion was also noted in the spleen suggestive of disease progression. The biopsy report of the lesion was tuberculosis, which was masquerading as disease progression on interim 18F-FDG PET/CT.
SHED, PRF, and Chitosan as Three-Dimensional of Tissue Engineering for Dental Pulp Regeneration

The gold standard for pulpitis irreversible treatment is root canal treatment. However, it caused the loss of tooth vitality. To restore tooth vitality, materials that have regenerative ability in the pulp is needed. The exfoliated deciduous teeth stem cells (SHED) not only expressed specific markers for mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) but also induced the odontoblastic differentiation, and stimulating the formation of endothelium and fibroblast. The combination SHED with platelet rich fibrin (PRF) and chitosan were able to facilitate and increase the migration, proliferation and odontoblastic differentiation of dental pulp cells. Based on that fact, the combination of SHED, PRF and chitosan as three-dimensional tissue engineering is promising as new modality to pulp regeneration in the clinical setting. The purpose of this review is describing the potential combination of SHED, PRF, and chitosan scaffold as three-dimensional tissue engineering for pulp regeneration.
Mutual assistance of nucleus accumbens cannabinoid receptor-1 and orexin receptor-2 in response to nicotine: a single-unit study

Background and purpose: The nucleus accumbens (NAc) express both orexin-2 receptor (OX2R) and cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R). Orexin and cannabinoid regulate the addictive properties of nicotine. In this study, the effect of the CB1R blockade on the electrical activity of NAc neurons in response to nicotine, and its probable interaction with the OX2R in this event, within this area, were examined via the single-unit recording. Experimental approach: The spontaneous firing rate of NAc was initially recorded for 15 min, and then 5 min before subcutaneous injection of nicotine (0.5 mg/kg)/saline, AM251 and TCS-OX2-29 were injected into the NAc. Neuronal responses were recorded for 70 min, after nicotine administration. Findings/Results: Nicotine excited the NAc neurons significantly and intra-NAc microinjection of AM251 (25 and 125 ng/rat), as a selective CB1R antagonist, prevented the nicotine-induced increases of NAc neuronal responses. Moreover, microinjection of AM251 (125 ng/rat), before saline injection, could not affect the percentage of change of the neuronal response. Finally, simultaneous intra-NAc administration of the effective or ineffective doses of AM251 and TCS-OX2-29 (a selective antagonist of OX2R) prevented the nicotine- induced increases of NAc neuronal responses, so that there was a significant difference between the group received ineffective doses of both antagonists and the AM251 ineffective dose. Conclusion and implications: The results suggest that the CB1R can modulate the NAc reaction to the nicotine, and it can be concluded that there is a potential interplay between the OX2R and CB1R in the NAc, in relation to nicotine.
Size Variation of Gold Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Tannic Acid in Response to Higher Chloroauric Acid Concentrations

The size evolution of gold nanoparticles synthesized using tannic acid with initial gold chloride concentrations ranging from 0.2 - 2 mM at various tannic acid to chloroauric acid molar ratios (ranging from 2:1 to 12:1) has been analysed. Dynamic light scattering spectroscopic and tramission electron microscopic analyses were performed to assess the size of formed gold nanoparticles. Two different patterns of nanoparticle size evolution were obtained; the size evolution trend below 1 mM chloroauric acid concentration was found to be different from the one obtained at gold chloride concentrations higher than or equal to 1 mM. In case of sizes obtained for less than 1 mM gold chloride concentration, a general decrease in particle size was observed with increase in gold salt concentration. On the contrary, for the particles synthesised using chloroauric acid concentrations higher than or equal to 1 mM, with increase in gold salt concentration, a general increase in nanoparticle diameter was seen. For the molarities 0.2 and 0.5 mM, with increase in tannic acid/ chloroauric acid ratios, first the size decreases and then increases and finally reaches saturation. Particles formed at molarities greater than equal to 1 mM do not exhibit plateaux in their size rather initially decrease and then increase in response to increasing tannic acid/chloroauric acid ratios except for 2 mM concentration at which a small saturation is observed. The findings enumerate that higher gold chloride concentrations leave a significant impact on the sizes of gold nanaparticles obtained using tannic acid as a reducing agent of chloroauric acid solution.
A Tool for Public PM2.5-Concentration Advisory Based on Mobile Measurements

A tool was developed that interpolates mobile measurements of PM2.5-concentrations into unmonitored areas of the Fairbanksnonattainment area for public air-quality advisory. The tool uses simulations with theAlaskaadapted version of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) and the Community Modeling and Analysis Quality (CMAQ) modeling system as a database. The tool uses the GPS-data of the vehicle’s route, and the database to determine linear regression equations for the relationships between the PM2.5-concentrations at the locations on the route and those outside the route. Once the interpolation equations are determined, the tool uses the mobile measurements as input into these equations that interpolate the measurements into the unmonitored neighborhoods. An episode of winter 2009/10 served as database for the tool’s interpolation algorithm. An independent episode of winter 2010/11 served to demonstrate and evaluate the performance of the tool. The evaluation showed that the tool well reproduced the spatial distribution of the observed as well as simulated concentrations. It is demonstrated that the tool does not require a database that contains data of the episode for which the interpolation is to be made. Potential challenges in applying this tools and its transferability are discussed critically.
Molecular Detection of SV40, BKV and JCV in Esophageal and Colorectal Cancer Patients in Khartoum State, Sudan

Background: The polyomaviruses that infect humans, BK virus (BKV), JC virus (JCV), and simian virus 40 (SV40), typically establish subclinical persistent infections. However, reactivation of these viruses in immunocompromised hosts is associated with renal nephropathy and hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) caused by BKV and with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) caused by JCV. Additionally, SV40 is associated with several types of human cancers including primary brain and bone cancers, mesotheliomas, and non-