Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of elliptic handle shape on grasping strategies, grip force distribution, and twisting ability

A generic torque model for various handle shapes has been developed and evaluated using experimental data. Twelve subjects performed maximum isometric torques using circular and elliptic cylinders in medium and large sizes (circular: r = 25.4, 38.1 mm; elliptic: semi-major/minor axes = 30.9/19.3, 47.1/27.8 mm) finished with aluminium and rubber, in two opposite directions. Torque, grip force distribution, and finger position were recorded. Maximum torques were 25%, 7%, and 31% greater for the elliptic, large-size, and rubber-finished cylinders than for the circular, medium-size, and aluminium-finished cylinders, respectively. Greater torque for the elliptic cylinders was associated with 58% greater normal force that the subjects could generate for the elliptic than circular cylinders. The model suggests that greater torques for the large-size and rubber cylinders are related to long moment arms and greater frictional coupling at the hand–cylinder interface, respectively. Subjects positioned their hands differently depending on torque direction to maximise their normal force and torque generation. Statement of Relevance: Desirable handle features for torque generation may be different from those for grip only. Design of handles per advantageous handle features (e.g., shape, size, and surface) may help increase people's torque strength and contribute to increased physical capacity of people.
Cervista HPV HR test for cervical cancer screening: a comparative study in the Catalonian population.

CONTEXT Almost all cervical cancers are related to the human papillomavirus (HPV). Future strategies for cervical cancer screening will be based on HPV detection. The Hybrid Capture 2 (HC2) test is currently the most widely used method to screen for HPV. OBJECTIVE To test the performance of the Cervista HPV HR test for cervical screening. DESIGN We examined 875 cervical samples by HC2 and Cervista. Of these, 64 were high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN 2+) cases and were used to test the sensitivity of the assay. The remaining 811 were non-CIN 2+ cases, which were used to compare specificity. The noninferiority score test was used, with at least 0.90 for sensitivity and 0.98 for specificity and with a κ value of 0.7. RESULTS Sensitivity and specificity were, respectively, 100% and 86.4% for the HC2 test, and 98.4% and 85.2% for the Cervista test. The agreement between the two assays was 91.7% (802 of 875; κ = 0.743; 95% confidence interval, 0.688-0.798). The noninferiority score test (relative sensitivity of 90%, T = 2.85, P = .002; and relative specificity of 98%, T = 2.75, P = .003) demonstrated that the Cervista results were not inferior to those of the HC2 test. Intralaboratory and interlaboratory reproducibility was determined by evaluating 513 and 507 samples, respectively. These reproducibilities showed κ values of 0.886 (95% confidence interval, 0.845-0.927) and 0.907 (95% confidence interval, 0.886-0.948), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that the Cervista HPV HR test shows the same specificity as the HC2 assay. We therefore conclude that the Cervista HPV HR test is suitable for cervical cancer screening purposes.
Energieeffizienz: Regulierung für Wohngebäude wirkt

In Deutschland wird seit 1978 durch staatliche Energieeffizienzmindeststandards versucht, den Heizenergieverbrauch in Wohngebauden zu reduzieren. So sollen Kosten verringert, die Abhangigkeit von Energieimporten reduziert und, im Rahmen der nationalen Klimaschutzbemuhungen, die CO2-Emissionen gesenkt werden. Diese im Lauf der Jahre mehrfach verscharfte Regulierung erweist sich als wirksam: Sie vermeidet unter anderem, dass ineffiziente Gebaude gebaut werden. Studien, die zu gegenteiligen Ergebnissen kommen, berucksichtigen wichtige Faktoren wie Renovierungen oder Rebound-Effekte nicht und unterschatzen somit systematisch die Wirkung der Regulierung. Die Regulierung, fur deren Lockerung einige pladieren, sollte aufrechterhalten werden.
Introducing undergraduate students to science

Understanding the scientific method fosters the development of critical thinking and logical analysis of information. Additionally, proposing and testing a hypothesis is applicable not only to science, but also to ordinary facts of daily life. Knowing the way science is done and how its results are published is useful for all citizens and mandatory for science students. A 60‐h course was created to offer undergraduate students a framework in which to learn the procedures of scientific production and publication. The course's main focus was biochemistry, and it was comprised of two modules. Module I dealt with scientific articles, and Module II with research project writing. Module I covered the topics: 1) the difference between scientific knowledge and common sense, 2) different conceptions of science, 3) scientific methodology, 4) scientific publishing categories, 5) logical principles, 6) deductive and inductive approaches, and 7) critical reading of scientific articles. Module II dealt with 1) selection of an experimental problem for investigation, 2) bibliographic revision, 3) materials and methods, 4) project writing and presentation, 5) funding agencies, and 6) critical analysis of experimental results. The course adopted a collaborative learning strategy, and each topic was studied through activities performed by the students. Qualitative and quantitative course evaluations with Likert questionnaires were carried out at each stage, and the results showed the students' high approval of the course. The staff responsible for course planning and development also evaluated it positively. The Biochemistry Department of the Chemistry Institute of the University of São Paulo has offered the course four times.
Photoactive Subunits of Protochlorophyll(ide) Holochrome.

A stable, soluble, and photoactive protochlorophyll(ide) complex has been extracted from dark-grown barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) leaves with buffer containing saponin and glycerol. After ammonium sulfate precipitation, the redissolved pigment complex was partially purified by chromatography on Sephadex gels in the presence of saponin. With the assumptions that the pigment complex from barley has the same shape and density as the proteins used for calibration, its molecular weight is 63,000. Photoactive protochlorophyll(ide) complex isolated from bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and chromatographed by the same procedures has an aparent molecular weight of 100,000 or greater. No chromatographic separation of photoactive and inactive protochlorophyll(ide) complexes was observed. Photoconversion of protochlorophyll(ide) to chlorophyll(ide) did not change the chromatographic behavior of the pigment complex.The protochlorophyll(ide) complex had an absorption maximum at 644 nanometers and a corresponding fluorescence emission maximum at 652 nanometers. Photoconversion yielded chlorophyll(ide) complex with an absorption maximum at 678 nanometers and a main fluorescence emission maximum at 685 nanometers. Spectrofluorometry on partially photoconverted preparations gave no indication of energy transfer from protochlorophyll(ide) to chlorophyll(ide). This result is consistent with the presence of a single protochlorophyll(ide) molecule per active unit of the pigment complex.It is concluded that the protochlorophyll(ide) complex obtained from barley represents an active subunit of protochlorophyll holochrome.
Transmitters using Power Amplifiers

TWT amplifiers have traditionally been used for microwave communications links requiring high power amplifiers. The mean-time-before-failure (MTBF) of traveling wave tube amplifiers (TWTAs) is low compared to solid state power amplifiers and generally limits the communication system performance. The frequency and power capabilities of solid state amplifiers using FETs and IMPATT devices have been advancing rapidly in recent years. Transmitters with higher than 20-W output power and reasonably high power added efficiency are possible at Ka-band due to recent device improvements. Computer simulation results also indicate that FETs can deliver more linear power than a conventional TWT. An important advantage of SSPAs is the reliability of the device itself. This aspect will be discussed in detail. Theoretical calculations show that 30% power added efficiency at the device level can be achieved at Ka-band with state-of-the-art material and fabrication technologies. Some proposed approaches to improve the frequency, power, and efficiency achievable with FET SSPAs in the near future will be discussed.
A sequent calculus for type assignment

The sequent calculus formulation (L-formulation) of the theory of functionality without the rules allowing for conversion of subjects of [3, §14E6] fails because the (cut) elimination theorem (ET) fails. This can be most easily seen by the fact that it is easy to prove in the system and but not (as is obvious if α is an atomic type [an F-simple]) The error in the “proof” of ET in [14, §3E6], [3, §14E6], and [7, §9C] occurs in Stage 3, where it is implicitly assumed that if [x]X ≡ [x] Y then X ≡ Y. In the above counterexample, we have [x]x ≡ ∣ ≡ [x](∣x) but x ≢ ∣x. Since the formulation of [2, §9F] is not really satisfactory (for reasons stated in [3, §14E]), a new seguent calculus formulation is needed for the case in which the rules for subject conversions are not present. The main part of this paper is devoted to presenting such a formulation and proving it equivalent to the natural deduction formulation (T-formulation). The paper will conclude in §6 with some remarks on the result that every ob (term) with a type (functional character) has a normal form. The conventions and definitions of [3], especially of §12D and Chapter 14, will be used throughout the paper.
Covert contrast in velar fronting: An acoustic and ultrasound study

ABSTRACT There is growing evidence that speech sound acquisition is a gradual process, with instrumental measures frequently revealing covert contrast in errors perceived to involve phonemic substitution. Ultrasound imaging has the potential to expand our understanding of covert contrast by showing whether a child uses different tongue shapes while producing sounds that are perceived as neutralised. This study used an ultrasound measure (Dorsum Excursion Index) and acoustic measures (VOT and spectral moments of the burst) to investigate overt and covert contrast between velar and alveolar stops in child speech. Participants were two children who produced a perceptually overt velar-alveolar contrast and two children who neutralised the contrast via velar fronting. Both acoustic and ultrasound measures revealed significant differences between perceptually distinct velar and alveolar targets. One child with velar fronting demonstrated covert contrast in one acoustic and one ultrasound measure; the other showed no evidence of contrast. Clinical implications are discussed in this article.
Joint Probability Distribution and Correlation Analysis of Wind and Solar Power Forecast Errors in the Western Interconnection

AbstractWind and solar power generation differ from conventional power generation because of the variable and uncertain nature of their power output. This can have significant impacts on grid operations. Short-term forecasting of wind and solar power generation is uniquely helpful for planning the balance of supply and demand in the electric power system because it allows for a reduction in the uncertainty associated with their output. As a step toward assessing the simultaneous integration of large amounts of wind and solar power, this article investigates the spatial and temporal correlation between wind and solar power forecast errors. The forecast and actual data analyzed are obtained from one of the world’s largest regional variable generation integration studies to date. Multiple spatial and temporal scales (day ahead, 4 h ahead, and 1 h ahead) of forecast errors for the Western Interconnection in the United States are analyzed. A joint probability distribution of wind and solar power forecast error.
Detecting latent tuberculosis in compromised patients

Purpose of review The detection of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in different categories of compromised patients is reviewed with focus on the role of strategies incorporating immunodiagnostic tests and analysis of epidemiological and clinical risk factors. Recent findings The development of active tuberculosis (TB) is increased in compromised patients and is closely related to determinants for disease reactivation or newly acquired TB infection. A targeted detection of LTBI in these high-risk groups should be performed especially if preventive treatment is planned. The performance of immunodiagnostic tests is highly variable among different groups of immunocompromised individuals. Findings of cross-sectional studies indicate a better diagnostic accuracy of interferon-&ggr; release assays over the tuberculin skin test. The critical issue is that in low-incidence countries, the positive and negative predictive values of any of immunodiagnostic tests were very poor. A targeted testing process involving analysis of TB risk factors increases the predictive positive values of immunodiagnostic tests and may improve LTBI detection. Summary The LTBI detection in immunocompromised patients is a challenge. The development of new immunological biomarkers and integrated clinical and epidemiological strategies are needed to identify LTBI in compromised individuals and to plan preventive chemotherapies in those at risk of developing active TB.
Epidemiology of group C rotavirus infection in Western New York women of childbearing age

Umbilical cord serum samples (380), an average of 10 per month for 3 years (1990 to 1992), were tested by indirect immunofluorescence assay for group C rotavirus immunoglobulin G. Thirty percent were positive, suggesting that approximately one-third of women of childbearing age in western New York have experienced group C rotavirus infection.
Prévention nutritionnelle des troubles de la reproduction chez la vache laitière

L'alimentation au cours du tarissement et en debut de lactation conditionne les resultats de reproduction des vaches laitieres. La prevention nutritionnelle passe par l'optimisation de l'etat corporel au velage et la limitation du defi citenergetique post-partum. un bilan anions-cations de - 200 meq/kg de matiere seche au tarissement previent l'hypocalcemie. Les rations glucogeniques en post-partum favorisent la reprise de cyclicite. Les apports d'antioxydants et d'acides gras omega 6 participent a la prevention de la retention placentaire et des metrites. autour de l'insemination artificielle, les rations lipogeniques doivent etre favorisees pour diminuer la clairance de la progesterone et la secretion de prostaglandine F2a.
Does Entry Size Matter? The Impact of the Life Cycle and Technology on Firm Survival

A wave of empirical studies has recently emerged showing that smaller-scale entry is confronted with a lower likelihood of survival than their larger counterparts. The purpose of this paper is to examine whether the relationship between size of a firm when entering an industry and the likelihood of survival holds under different technological conditions and across the different stages of the industry life cycle. The empirical evidence suggests that the relationship between firm size and the likelihood of survival is shaped by technology and the stage of the industry life cycle. While the likelihood of survival confronting small entrants is generally less than that confronting their larger counterparts, the relationship does not hold for mature stages of the product life cycle, or in technologically intensive products. In mature industries that are still technologically intensive, entry may be less about radical innovation and possibly more about filling strategic niches, thus negating the impact of entry size on the likelihood of survival. Copyright 2001 by Blackwell Publishing Ltd
Cerebral Micro-Bleed Detection Based on the Convolution Neural Network With Rank Based Average Pooling

Cerebral micro-bleed (CMB) is small perivascular hemosiderin deposits from leakage through cerebral small vessels. They can result from cerebra-vascular disease, dementia, or simply from normal aging. It can be visualized via the susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI). Based on the SWI, we propose to use different structures of the CNN with rank-based average pooling to detect the CMB, and compare this method used in this paper to the current state-of-the-art methods. We can find that the CNN with five layers obtains the best performance, with a sensitivity of 96.94%, a specificity of 97.18%, and an accuracy of 97.18%.
Strategies to promote adherence to nutritional advice in patients with chronic kidney disease: a narrative review and commentary

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires extensive changes to food and lifestyle. Poor adherence to diet, medications, and treatments has been estimated to vary between 20% and 70%, which in turn can contribute to increased mortality and morbidity. Delivering effective nutritional advice in patients with CKD coordinates multiple diet components including calories, protein, sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and fluid. Dietary intake studies have shown difficulty in adhering to the scope and complexity of the CKD diet parameters. No single educational or clinical strategy has been shown to be consistently effective across CKD populations. Highest adherence has been observed when both diet and education efforts are individualized to each patient and adapted over time to changing lifestyle and CKD variables. This narrative review and commentary summarizes nutrition education literature and published strategies for providing nutritional advice in CKD. A cohort of practical and effective strategies for increasing dietary adherence to nutritional advice are provided that include communicating with “talking control” principles, integrating patient-owned technology, acknowledging the typical food pattern may be snacking rather than formal meals, focusing on a single goal rather than multiple goals, creating active learning and coping strategies (frozen sandwiches, visual hands-on activities, planting herb gardens), and involving the total patient food environment.
Handling RF Power: The Latest Advances in RF-MEMS Tunable Filters

RF-MEMS technology permits practical implementations of high-Q (Q from 300 to over 1,000) tunable microwave filters with power handling in the >;1-10 W range, with significant tuning range (>;50% to 100%), and ultra-low power consumption. Continuously frequency-tunable filters with mechanical actuation in the opposite direction of RF-inducted pressure can reach powers up to several watts, using a variable compensation bias. Very high Q, and large tuning range can be achieved with this technology, both in planar and cavity tunable filters. Using several devices in parallel, RF-MEMS capacitor arrays can handle RF-powers better than 1 watt, without the need for any compensation tuning.
Investigation of End-Effect and Experimental Validation for Hybrid Excited Doubly Salient Machine

In this paper, a novel stator hybrid excited doubly salient (HEDS) machine is proposed, which combines the advantages of PM machines with the possibility of controllable magnetic flux by auxiliary dc excited windings. The influence of end-leakage effect on the back-EMF waveforms is taken into account. The electromagnetic performances are predicted and compared with 2-D and 3-D finite element analyses (FEA), and an end-leakage factor for end-effect is defined to modify the 2-D predicted result. Finally, experimental results are given to verify the accuracy of the prediction
Genetic Analysis of a High-Level Vancomycin-Resistant Isolate of Staphylococcus aureus

Vancomycin is usually reserved for treatment of serious infections, including those caused by multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. A clinical isolate of S. aureus with high-level resistance to vancomycin (minimal inhibitory concentration = 1024 μg/ml) was isolated in June 2002. This isolate harbored a 57.9-kilobase multiresistance conjugative plasmid within which Tn1546 (vanA) was integrated. Additional elements on the plasmid encoded resistance to trimethoprim (dfrA), β-lactams (blaZ), aminoglycosides (aacA-aphD), and disinfectants (qacC). Genetic analyses suggest that the long-anticipated transfer of vancomycin resistance to a methicillin-resistant S. aureus occurred in vivo by interspecies transfer of Tn1546 from a co-isolate of Enterococcus faecalis.
Capture and modelling of 3D face dynamics

Realistic 3D computer models of moving human faces has been a longstanding problem in computer graphics and vision research. This thesis addresses the problem of capturing, modelling and analysing 3D facial dynamics and provides a framework for the realistic synthesis of face sequences. Currently, 3D face reconstruction methods cannot provide dynamic shape and appearance information at full video rate. The contribution of this work is the development of a novel multi-view 3D capture system which simultaneously acquires dynamic face shape and appearance at full video rate. Optical filters are used to acquire shape using active stereo in the infra-red zone and colour appearance in the visible zone of the spectrum. The captured shape and colour appearance of the face is mapped onto an ellipsoidal primitive introducing an efficient 3D video representation. This representation forms the basis for spatio-temporal processing to extract accurate non-rigid deformation during speech and expressions. Results and evaluation suggest that dynamic 3D faces can be reconstructed with a quality comparable to captured video. An audio-driven visual speech synthesis application is also presented which demonstrates that realistic synthesis of 3D face sequences is feasible using the observed dynamics.
Genetic risk and breast cancer survival: another link in the chain of evidence.

The discovery of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes was an important milestone in breast cancer research. Ongoing investigation of cancer genes is sure to improve our knowledge of cancer biology and may speed development of new cancer treatments and prevention strategies. As this research effort goes forward, however, puzzling questions need to be addressed concerning the clinical effects of mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. We do not understand why the degree of cancer risk conferred by mutations is variable or why some mutation carriers develop breast cancer, others develop ovarian cancer, and some develop both. We do not know whether the cancers occurring in mutation carriers are essentially the same or significantly different from those occurring in noncarriers. Breast cancer occurs at an earlier age in mutation carriers, and a higher prevalence of adverse pathobiologic features has been reported in breast cancers occurring in BRCA1 mutation carriers. (1). These observations raise concern that mutationassociated cancers are more aggressive and result in higher mortality rates. A new study (2) reported in this issue of the Journal addresses the question of cancer survival. Lee et al. found no difference in breast or ovarian cancer survival by mutation status. This conclusion was based on a survey of Ashkenazi Jewish