Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Histological and biochemical markers of the liver of Wistar rats on subchronic oral administration of green tea

Background: Few articles have linked the consumption of green tea to certain liver diseases but several articles have disputed these assertions and the consumption of green tea has been on the increase. Aims: The effects of oral administration of green tea on the liver of Wistar rats were studied in order to compare biochemical findings with histological findings. Materials and Methods: 36 male and female Wistar albino rats were grouped into 6, consisting of 6 rats in each group. They were given 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5% concentration of green tea in tap water for 42 days. The 6th group was on normal diet and received 0% of the tea. Their blood samples were analyzed for total and conjugated bilirubin, total protein, albumin, globulin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase. The liver tissues were also processed for histological examination. Results: The liver tissues were essentially normal and similar to the control tissues. The biochemical parameters studied were also normal and similar to the results obtained from the control animals. Conclusion: Sub chronic consumption of green tea has no injurious effects on the liver of Wistar rats.
Effect of Load Deflection on Corrosion Behavior of NiTi Wire

For dental orthodontic applications, NiTi wires are used under bending conditions in the oral environment for a long period. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of bending stress on the corrosion of NiTi wires using potentiodynamic and potentiostatic tests in artificial saliva. The results indicated that bending stress induces a higher corrosion rate of NiTi wires in passive regions. It is suggested that the passive oxide film of specimens would be damaged under bending conditions. Auger electron spectroscopic analysis showed a lower thickness of passive films on stressed NiTi wires compared with unstressed specimens in the passive region. By scanning electron microscopy, localized corrosion was observed on stressed Sentalloy specimens after a potentiodynamic test at pH 2. In conclusion, this study indicated that bending stress changed the corrosion properties and surface characteristics of NiTi wires in a simulated intra-oral environment.
Pseudoentropic Isometries: A New Framework for Fuzzy Extractor Reusability

Fuzzy extractors (Dodiset al., Eurocrypt 2004) turn a noisy secret into a stable, uniformly distributed key. Reusable fuzzy extractors remain secure when multiple keys are produced from a single noisy secret (Boyen, CCS 2004). Boyen showed information-theoretically secure reusable fuzzy extractors are subject to strong limitations. Simoens et al. (IEEE S&P, 2009) then showed deployed constructions suffer severe security breaks when reused. Canetti et al. (Eurocrypt 2016) used computational security to sidestep this problem, building a computationally secure reusable fuzzy extractor that corrects a sublinear fraction of errors. We introduce a generic approach to constructing reusable fuzzy extractors. We define a new primitive called a reusable pseudoentropic isometry that projects an input metric space to an output metric space. This projection preserves distance and entropy even if the same input is mapped to multiple output metric spaces. A reusable pseudoentropy isometry yields a reusable fuzzy extractor by 1) randomizing the noisy secret using the isometry and 2) applying a traditional fuzzy extractor to derive a secret key. We propose reusable pseudoentropic isometries for the set difference and Hamming metrics. The set difference construction is built from composable digital lockers (Canetti and Dakdouk, Eurocrypt 2008). For the Hamming metric, we show that the second construction of Canetti et al.(Eurocrypt 2016) can be seen as an instantiation of our framework. In both cases, the pseudoentropic isometry's reusability requires noisy secrets distributions to have entropy in each symbol of the alphabet. Our constructions yield the first reusable fuzzy extractors that correct a constant fraction of errors. We also implement our set difference solution and describe two use cases.
Revista Policial: formas de divulgação das polícias no Rio de Janeiro de 1903

Esta artigo analisa a producao da Revista Policial, editada no Rio de Janeiro em 1903/1904, por oficiais da Policia Militar. Verificamos como a Revista se inicia voltada para a formacao e informacao dos pracas policiais e vai mudando seu conteudo, talvez pelo tipo de leitor que conquista, tornando-se uma revista mais informativa sobre modelos policiais e celebrando vultos a acontecimentos que estabelecem uma memoria da instituicao policial militar.
Beyond furnaces and slags: a review study of bellows and their role in indigenous African metallurgical processes

Combustion was pivotal in the heat-mediated process of indigenous metalworking in precolonial Africa. For such combustion to be initiated, a consistent supply of air was essential and because bellows generated the air that precipitated the chemical reactions integral to smelting and forging, they were thus critical apparatus in these pursuits. Surprisingly, bellows have failed to attract much academic research when compared to other components of indigenous metalworking such as furnaces, slags and tuyères. Perhaps the excellent preservation of remnants of furnaces and slags, and the contrasting perishable nature of bellows, is largely responsible for this lack of interest. This paper deals with a ‘forgotten’ but essential aspect of indigenous metal working in sub-Saharan Africa – the bellows. It discusses their chronology, distribution, technical parameters and socio-cultural dimensions. It achieves this by melding multiple strands of evidence from archaeology and its cognate disciplines.
Cytokines: muscle protein and amino acid metabolism

Purpose of reviewThis review highlights the role of cytokines, in particular tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-&agr;) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), in relation to the nature of human in-vivo muscle wasting in disease. Recent findingsInfusion of human TNF-&agr; and IL-6 in healthy individuals, acutely raises TNF-&agr; and IL-6 to moderate levels, has only identified IL-6 as a potent cytokine, decreasing systemic amino acid levels and muscle protein metabolism. The marked decrease in circulatory and muscle amino acid concentrations was observed with a concomitant reduction in both the rates of muscle protein synthesis and breakdown, that is, reduced turnover with a minor increase in net muscle degradation. Very similar observations have been made in models of acute inflammation, induced by high-dose endotoxin injection. However, these changes were suggested not to be attributed to a direct effect of IL-6 on the regulation of muscle protein metabolism but indirectly via IL-6 reducing amino acid availability. SummaryRecent studies suggest that the best described cytokines TNF-&agr; and IL-6 are unlikely to be the major direct mediators of muscle protein loss in inflammatory diseases. However, these cytokines can initiate important changes in secondary mediators and/or clinical complications that need correction therapies causing muscle wasting. Moreover, the general view from animal work is that in muscle wasting the rate of muscle protein synthesis is decreased and the rate of breakdown is increased. However, this does not seem applicable for inflammatory diseases or human models of sepsis, in which the enhanced imbalance between these two processes is observed within an enhanced, normal or reduced muscle protein turnover.
Choice architecture as a means to change eating behaviour in self‐service settings: a systematic review

The primary objective of this review was to investigate the current evidence base for the use of choice architecture as a means to change eating behaviour in self‐service eating settings, hence potentially reduce calorie intake. Twelve databases were searched systematically for experimental studies with predefined choice architecture interventions in the period of June 2011–March 2012. The 12 included studies were grouped according to type of interventions and underwent a narrative synthesis. The evidence indicates that (i) health labelling at point of purchase is associated with healthier food choice, while (ii) manipulating the plate and cutlery size has an inconclusive effect on consumption volume. Finally, (iii) assortment manipulation and (iv) payment option manipulation was associated with healthier food choices. The majority of studies were of very weak quality and future research should emphasize a real‐life setting and compare their results with the effect of other more well‐established interventions on food behaviour in self‐service eating settings.
Texture-based Hatching for Color Image and Video

We present a texture-based hatching technique for color images and video. Whereas existing approaches produce monochrome hatching effects in considering of triangular mesh models by applying strokes of uniform size, our scheme produces color hatching effects from photographs and video using strokes with a range of sizes. We use a Delaunay triangulation to create a mesh of triangles with sizes that reflect the structure of an input image. At each vertex of this triangulation, the flow of the image is analyzed and a hatching texture is then created with the same alignment, based on real pencil strokes. This texture is given a modified version of a color sampled from the image, and then it is used to fill all the triangles adjoining the vertex. The three hatching textures that accumulate in each triangle are averaged and the result of this process across all the triangles forms the output image. We can also add a paper texture effect and enhance feature lines in the image. Our algorithm can also be applied to video. The results are visually pleasing hatching effects similar to those seen in color pencil drawings and oil paintings.
Dynamic K-Nearest Neighbors for the monitoring of evolving systems

In this article, a new Pattern Recognition (PR) approach is proposed to monitor the functioning modes evolutions in dynamic systems. When a functioning mode evolves, the system characteristics change and the observations, i.e. the patterns, obtained on the system change too. In this case, classes representing the system functioning modes have to be updated by keeping representative patterns only. The developed PR approach is based on the K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) method. It is named Dynamic KNN (DKNN) and comprises two phases: a detection phase to detect and confirm classes evolutions and an adaptation phase realized incrementally to update the evolved classes parameters and reduce the dataset. To illustrate this approach, the monitoring of weldings quality (good or bad) is realized on an industrial system, based on acoustic noises issued of weldings operations.
Cloned manganese superoxide dismutase reduces oxidative stress in Escherichia coli and Anacystis nidulans.

The Mn superoxide dismutase gene of Escherichia coli was subcloned into the E. coli-Anacystis nidulans shuttle vector pSG111 to make the plasmid pMYG1. Transformation of E. coli HB101 with pMYG1 resulted in a 6-fold increase in superoxide dismutase activity. There was also induction of Mn superoxide dismutase in the transformants upon exposure to paraquat, as evidenced by dramatically increased levels of the Mn superoxide dismutase polypeptide in cytoplasmic extracts and a 16-fold further increase in superoxide dismutase activity. As well, the E. coli transformants showed resistance to paraquat-mediated inhibition of growth. Anacystis nidulans, a cyanobacterium that has no detectable Mn superoxide dismutase and is, consequently, very sensitive to oxidative stress, was also transformed with pMYG1. The transformants had detectable levels of Mn superoxide dismutase protein and showed resistance to paraquat-mediated inhibition of growth and photobleaching of pigments. Paraquat is known to promote formation of the superoxide radical anion, O2-. , and thus the data have been interpreted as indicating that the cloned Mn superoxide dismutase provides protection in both E. coli and A. nidulans against damage attributable to O2-.
The functional anatomy of the ureterovesical junction.

OBJECTIVE To obtain a new insight into the anti-reflux mechanism of the ureterovesical junction by studying the topographical anatomy of the juxta- and intravesical ureter and its relationship to the surrounding bladder musculature. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fresh pig bladders were fixed, frozen and serially sectioned. Enzyme histochemistry was performed to demonstrate tissue acetyl- and butyryl- (non-specific) cholinesterase. Smooth muscle cells were identified by immunohistochemistry using a monoclonal anti-alpha actin smooth muscle antibody. Three-dimensional computer reconstructions of the different muscle groups of the bladder and ureterovesical junction were generated. RESULTS On the basis of expression patterns of the cholinesterase isozymes, five different groups of muscles were identified: the detrusor, the muscularis mucosae of the bladder, the muscle layer of the intravesical ureter and the separate inner and outer muscular layers of the pelvic ureter. CONCLUSION No separate ureteric sheath was identified. There appeared to be few or no (muscular) connections between the ureter and the bladder musculature. The muscle layer of the ureter ended beneath the mucosa of the bladder, without extension into the trigone. The submucosal section of the ureter was very short, although its length was thought to be of importance in the anti-reflux mechanism. Examination using enzyme histochemistry demonstrated a muscularis mucosae in the bladder which was absent from the trigone.
Near Field - Far Field Conversion Based on Genetic Algorithm for Predicting Radiation from PCBs

A Near Field-Far Field conversion based on Genetic Algorithm has been performed for a printed circuit board with a ground plane. A robust procedure for a pre-selection of dipole moments has been introduced. Important aspects of setting up the conversion problem such as number of equivalent dipoles and choice of matching points have been addressed.
A Novel Practical to Demonstrate Systemic and Local Regulation of Circulation in a Human Subject.

Purpose of the study Systemic and local regulation of peripheral circulation is a vital concept to be taught to undergraduate medical students. There is lack of an effective practical module to demonstrate and reinforce the theoretical understanding of this concept. Methodology We designed a simple feasible novel practical using finger pulse recording coupled with hand grip test and reactive hyperemia protocol to elicit systemic and local regulation of peripheral circulation respectively. Main findings The reduction in finger pulse amplitude during hand grip contralateral to the exercising hand demonstrates systemic regulation while the isolated ipsilateral increase in finger pulse amplitude during reactive hyperemia demonstrates local regulation. Conclusion : Here we propose a simple novel practical for effective demonstration of systemic and local regulation of circulation for under-graduate teaching in physiology.
Transformational Leadership, Transactional Contingent Reward, and Organizational Identification: The Mediating Effect of Perceived Innovation and Goal Culture Orientations

Purpose: The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of transformational leadership and transactional contingent reward as complementary, but distinct, forms of leadership on facets of organizational identification via the perception of innovation and goal organizational values. Design/Methodology/Approach: Three studies were carried out implementing either a measurement of mediation or experimental-causal-chain design to test for the hypothesized effects. Findings: The measurement of mediation study showed that transformational leadership had a positive direct and indirect effect, via innovation value orientation, on cognitive identification, whereas transactional contingent reward was more strongly related to affective, rather than cognitive, identification, and goal orientation was a mediator of their link. The findings of the two experimental-causal-chain studies further supported the hypothesized effects. Transformational leadership was found to lead subordinates to perceive the culture as more innovative compared to transactional contingent reward, whereas transactional contingent reward led employees to perceive the culture as more goal, than innovation, oriented. Finally, innovation, compared to goal, value orientation increased cognitive identification, while goal orientation facilitated affective, rather than cognitive, identification. Implications: The practical implications involve the development of strategies organizations can apply, such as leadership training programs, to strengthen their ties with their employees, which, in turn, may have a positive impact on in-role, as well as extra-role, behaviors. Originality/Value: The originality of this research concerns the identification of distinct mechanisms explaining the effect of transformational leadership and transactional contingent reward on cognitive and affective identification applying an organizational culture perspective and a combination of measurement and causal mediation designs.
Early childhood prolonged febrile convulsions, atrophy and sclerosis of mesial structures, and temporal lobe epilepsy

We performed MRI volumetric measurements of the amygdala (AM) and hippocampal formation (HF) in a group of 43 patients with temporal lobe epilepsy not controlled by optimal drug treatment. Fifteen patients (35%) had a history of prolonged febrile convulsions (PFC) in early childhood; 30 patients underwent surgery, and histopathology was available in twenty-four. The mean values of AM and HF volumes ipsilateral to the EEG focus were significantly smaller than those of normal controls. The volumetric measurements showed a more pronounced atrophy of the AM in patients with a history of PFC, although the HF volumes were also smaller in this group. Patients with a history of PFC had a higher proportion of more severe mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) compared with those with no PFC. These findings confirm a correlation between early childhood PFC, the severity of atrophy of mesial structures, and MTS.
Three-field vs two-field lymph node dissection for esophageal cancer: a meta-analysis.

AIM To assess the effects of 3-field lymphadenectomy for esophageal carcinoma. METHODS We conducted a computerized literature search of the PubMed, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, and EMBASE databases from their inception to present. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or observational epidemiological studies (cohort studies) that compared the survival rates and/or postoperative complications between 2-field lymphadenectomy (2FL) and 3-field lymphadenectomy (3FL) for esophageal carcinoma with R0 resection were included. Meta-analysis was conducted using published data on 3FL vs 2FL in esophageal carcinoma patients. End points were 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates and postoperative complications, including recurrent nerve palsy, anastomosis leak, pulmonary complications, and chylothorax. Subgroup analysis was performed on the involvement of recurrent laryngeal lymph nodes. RESULTS Two RCTs and 18 observational studies with over 7000 patients were included. There was a clear benefit for 3FL in the 1- (RR = 1.16; 95%CI: 1.09-1.24; P < 0.01), 3- (RR = 1.44; 95%CI: 1.19-1.75; P < 0.01), and 5-year overall survival rates (RR = 1.37; 95%CI: 1.18-1.59; P < 0.01). For postoperative complications, 3FL was associated with significantly more recurrent nerve palsy (RR = 1.43; 95%CI: 1.28-1.60; P = 0.02) and anastomosis leak (RR = 1.26; 95%CI: 1.05-1.52; P = 0.09). In contrast, there was no significant difference for pulmonary complications (RR = 0.93; 95%CI: 0.75-1.16, random-effects model; P = 0.27) or chylothorax (RR = 0.77; 95%CI: 0.32-1.85; P = 0.69). CONCLUSION This meta-analysis shows that 3FL improves overall survival rate but has more complications. Because of the high heterogeneity among outcomes, definite conclusions are difficult to draw.
Phase linearity in polyphase filters

Polyphase structures composed of recursive filters as subsections can be made to have either approximately linear or nonlinear phase response depending on the requirements of the application. There are several ways to obtain approximately linear phase filters. In this paper, we are concerned with the phase deviation from linearity in polyphase filters composed of infinite impulse response allpass sections. A linear relationship is presented between the number of delay sections per branch and the phase deviation from linearity which allows the designer to know how many nonzero sections are needed per branch in order to obtain a certain deviation from linearity beforehand.
Unusual presentations of papular umbilicated granuloma annulare

Figure 1. (a) Grouped, confluent, skin-colored papules on left chest wall, 1–3 mm in size, are noted in a 9-year-old girl. (b) Several, grouped, yellow-to-brown papules, 1–3 mm in size, in the left clavicular area are noted in a 49-year-old man. Dear Editor, Granuloma annulare (GA) is a benign granulomatous disease with several clinical manifestations including localized, generalized, perforating, subcutaneous, patch, papular and linear forms. Papular umbilicated GA is considered to be a special subtype of papular GA that has been reported in six cases in the English-language published work. Among the reported cases, all except one generalized case were localized on the dorsa of the hands and feet. Herein, we describe two unusual cases of papular umbilicated GA located on the clavicular area and chest wall, respectively. A 9-year-old girl presented with several pruritic, grouped papules on the left chest wall that showed no change in size for 3 weeks. She did not have recent viral infections or trauma, and the medical history revealed no other specific findings. The family history revealed no notable findings. The cutaneous examination showed grouped, confluent, skincolored papules, 1–3 mm in size, on the left chest wall (Fig. 1a). Some of the papules had central umbilication. A skin biopsy was performed and the histological examination of the lesion showed a normal overlying epidermis and a dermal granuloma with central myxoid changes. It exhibited an interstitial granuloma pattern with histiocytes between collagen bundles. No treatment was desired or given. The lesion persisted over 6 months of follow up. A 49-year-old man presented with several, asymptomatic, grouped papules involving the left clavicular area for 1 year. No change in size was observed during the 1-year period. The medical and family histories were unremarkable. On cutaneous examination, several clustered, yellow-to-brown papules, 1–3 mm in size, some with central umbilication, were noted (Fig. 1b). A skin biopsy was obtained from the skin lesion, and the histopathological examination exhib-
The Effectiveness of Physician-Directed External Fixation Pin Site Care in Preventing Pin Site Infection in a High-Risk Patient Population

Pin tract infection is one of the most frequently reported complications associated with the use of external fixation. Application of compression dressings to prevent motion at the pin-skin interface as well as periodic antiseptic cleansing of the pin sites has been advocated; however, no consensus has been reached on the most effective method of pin site care. This retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a weekly, physician-directed pin site care protocol on reducing the rate of pin tract infections in a high-risk patient population.