Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Automatic handedness detection from off-line handwriting

In forensics, the handedness detection or the classification of writers into left or right-handed helps investigators focusing more on a certain category of suspects. However, only a few studies have been carried out in this field. Classification of handwriting into a demographic category is generally performed in two steps: feature extraction and classification. In this study, we propose a system which extract characterizing features from handwritings and use those features to perform the classification of handwritings with regards to handedness. Classification rates are reported on the QUWI dataset, reaching almost 70% for Left and right Handwriting.
URINARY FLUORIDE EXCRETION IN 3 – 5-YEAR-OLD CHILDREN WITH AND WITHOUT MALNUTRITION

Monitoring urinary fluoride ion (F) excretion, which directly reflects the intake of F, during tooth development has been used in different countries in systemic fluoridation programs. The objective of the present study was to analyze the effect of malnutrition on urinary fluoride excretion in 3–5-year-old children. Twenty-four hour urine samples were analyzed in 56, 3–5-year-old, children recruited in a rural community, with and without malnourishment, as assessed by their agerelated weight. No significant difference (p>0.05) was found in the daily total F urinary excretion between those with a normal weight (323±156 μg F /24 hr) and those with either mild (290±117 μg F/24 hr) or moderate (303±126 μg F/24 hr) malnutrition. We concluded that malnutrition did not affect the urinary F fluoride excretion.
Validation of a Cognitive Map - Definition of Quality Criteria to Detect Contradictions in a Cognitive Map

A cognitive map is a knowledge representation model. Knowledge is represented as a graph where nodes represent concepts and arcs represent influences between these concepts. Each influence has a value that quantifies it. Despite the fact that a cognitive map is quite simple to build, some influence values may contradict each other. This paper provides some quality criteria in order to validate a cognitive map. There are two kinds of quality criteria. The verification validates a cognitive map by computing its internal coherency. The test validates a map from a set of constraints provided by the designer. These criteria indicate if a map does or does not contain contradictions. We also propose a way to adapt these criteria according to the possible values that an influence can take.
A Newly Prepared Solution for the Removal of the Smear Layer

Aims: The aim of the study was to evaluate the ability of a mixture of (castor detergent and papain enzyme) MCP to remove the smear layer by using scanning electron microscope. Materials and Methods: Samples of 45 human extracted was divided in to 3 groups (A, B, and C) n = 15 and prepared endodontically using pro taper system up to size F 3, each group was irrigated with corresponding solution 3 ml in between each file size and 5 minutes as a final irrigant as following: Group A irrigated with distilled water (control negative). Group B irrigated with 2.5% (Sodium hypo chloride) NaOCL and 17% (Ethylene di amine tetra acetic acid) EDTA (control positive). Group C irrigated with 20% castor detergent and 4% papain enzyme as a mixture (MCP). Each sample was irrigated with 15 ml of distilled water and dried with paper points. The samples were sent for SEM photograph. Each sample was evaluated at three levels (apical, middle, and cervical part of the canal) Results: MCP solution showed partial removal of both organic and inorganic parts (dual action) of smear layer from the 3 levels of root canals, but the apical one was significantly less clean than the other two, also it has a more gentle effect of erosion than EDTA with NaOCl. EDTA with NaOCl has the ability to remove the smear layer completely from the canal, but still the apical third was significantly less clean than that of other two. It is impossible to remove the smear layer completely by NaOCl and EDTA without erosion of the inner surface of irrigated canal when EDTA was used as a final irrigant for 5 minutes. Conclusion: solution had the ability to remove the smear layer partially at the three levels of a root canal without dentin erosion. While EDTA had the ability to remove the smear layer completely at the three levels of canal with obvious dentinal erosion. Still the apical area has mechanical and anatomical limitation in root canal irrigation.
KUR-1246, a novel beta(2)-adrenoceptor agonist, as a tocolytic agent.

OBJECTIVE To examine the effects of KUR-1246 on oxytocin-induced uterine contractions, the cardiovascular system, and general metabolism of pregnant sheep and their fetuses. METHODS At 123-125 days' gestation, ewes (n = 8) were infused with oxytocin (1.0 mU/kg/minute) to induce uterine contractions. One hour later, KUR-1246 was infused for 3 consecutive hours beginning at a dose of 0.001 microg/kg/minute for 30 minutes and increasing stepwise every 30 minutes to 0.3 microg/kg/minute in the KUR-1246 group (n = 4). The control received saline instead (n = 4). Statistical comparisons of changes with time in the physiologic parameters between the two groups were carried out (analysis of variance). RESULTS KUR-1246 suppressed oxytocin-induced uterine contractions more than 90% at doses over 0.03 microg/kg/minute. Significant differences between the two groups were found at high doses over 0.03 microg/kg/minute for the following parameters: maternal heart rate, diastolic blood pressure, mean blood pressure, base excess, blood K(+), blood lactate, plasma glucose, plasma insulin, plasma nonesterified fatty acid levels, and fetal plasma glucose and plasma insulin levels. CONCLUSION KUR-1246 significantly inhibited oxytocin-induced uterine contractions at doses over 0.03 microg/kg/minute and showed reduced cardiovascular and metabolic side effects compared with ritodrine hydrochloride studied earlier in pregnant sheep.
T4+ T helper cell function in vivo: differential requirement for induction of antiviral cytotoxic T-cell and antibody responses

This study documents the differential requirements of T4+ T helper cells in the induction of virus-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) and antibody responses during acute lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection. Two monoclonal antibodies (GK1.5 and RL172.4) directed against the L3T4 (T4) molecule were used for depleting T helper cells from mice. Depletion of T4+ cells caused a pronounced suppression of antiviral antibody response (20-fold decrease) but had minimal effect on virus-specific CTL response (less than 2-fold reduction). Despite the elimination of greater than 90% of T helper cells, anti-L3T4-treated mice were able to generate a CTL response of sufficient magnitude to control the viral infection. In contrast, depletion of Lyt2+ T cells abrogated the CTL response and the ability to eliminate virus. Thus, our results underscore the importance of the Lyt2+ T-cell subset in controlling infection with this virus and show that a deficiency of T4+ T cells is likely to have a more severe effect on antibody production than on CTL responses.
Electrophysiologic precursors of ventricular tachyarrhythmias.

The immediate cause of cardiac sudden death in the majority of cases, is ventricular fibrillation (VF); VF is precipitated by ventricular premature beats (VPBs) which are early enough to interrupt the T wave. The basis for ventricular vulnerability is inhomogeneous excitability of the ventricle in its relative refractoriness. The premature impulse initiated during the vulnerable period is forced to propagate along irregular wave fronts and this will predispose the ventricle to multiple reentrant activity and subsequent fractionation of the wave fronts into many irregular wavelets. Ventricular fibrillation is more likely to be induced by early VPBs in the presence of clinical and electrocardiographic evidence of myocardial infarction, long ventricular cycle lengths, Q-T prolongation, and increase in the T wave amplitude. These changes are associated with increased inhomogeneity of excitability in ventricular myocardium.
Understanding Partial Differential Equations

 In this paper, we present "a posteriori" analysis of the fundamental concepts involved in the modelling of problems of mathematical physics by Partial Differential Equations (PDEs). Our aim is to improve our students' understanding of PDEs when applied to an engineering problem, from a completely qualitative point of view. They should be able to understand the deep meaning of any Laplacian, curl, divergence, or gradient operator, as well as other differential terms, when appearing in any particular equation, besides its usefulness to model reality. Index Terms  Partial differential equation, modelling, Laplacian, divergence, curl.
EEG power spectral densities during and after cycle ergometer exercise.

This study examined the effects of aerobic exercise on spontaneous electroencephalographic (EEG) activity. Participants (N = 34) were asked to (a) sit quietly for a 10-min adaptation period, (b) either exercise on a cycle ergometer (n = 18) or watch a videotape (n = 16) for 15 min, and (c) sit quietly for a 10-min recovery period. EEGs were collected during the last 2 min of the adaptation period, the last 2 min of each 5-min stage of the exercise/videotape period, and the last 2 min of the recovery period. EEG power densities were combined across the alpha and beta frequency bands. The results indicated that brain activation increased (i.e., alpha activity decreased and beta activity increased) during the exercise condition and returned to baseline following exercise. This did not occur in the nonexercise condition. Thus, the results were consistent with the opponent-process theory (Solomon, 1980) in that brain activation increased during exercise.
Activity of Arginine Aminopeptidases and Phosphatases in Inflamed Palatal Mucosa in Denture Stomatitis: A Histochemical and Biochemical Study

Aminopeptidase and phosphatase activity of denture stomatitis mucosa was studied histochemically and biochemically. Stomatitis clearly increased the activity of these enzymes. An enzyme resembling the chloride-activated aminopeptidase B, usually involved in inflammatory processes, was recognized in the inflamed tissue in higher concentrations than in the control tissue.
Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection

Abstract Objective. To determine the risk factors for the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Material and methods. A total of 620 patients who tested positive for hepatitis B surface antigen and were referred to Chiba University Hospital between February 1985 and March 2008 were included in the study and the following characteristics were analyzed: age, gender, status of hepatitis B e antigen, alanine aminotransferase level, HBV DNA level, and number of platelets (PLTs). Results. HCC was detected in 30 cases during the follow-up period (5.4 ± 5.1 years). Multivariate analysis revealed that age > 40 years [compared with patients aged < 40 years; odds ratio (OR) = 4.28; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.68–10.9] and PLT level < 206,000/μl (compared with patients with a higher PLT level; OR = 8.50; 95% CI = 1.98–36.2) were predictive factors for HCC occurrence. In patients aged > 40 years, the HBV DNA level (compared with < 5.0 log copies/ml; OR = 4.22, 95% CI = 1.13–15.8) and PLT level (compared with patients with > 196,000/μl PLTs; OR = 15.6, 95% CI = 2.06–118.3) were predictive factors for HCC occurrence. Conclusions. Advanced age and low PLT level were risk factors for HCC occurrence in patients with HBV infection. In patients aged > 40 years, viral load was also a risk factor for HCC.
Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Large Multilayer Interchange Bridge Using Airborne LiDAR Data

Accurate and timely updated three-dimensional (3-D) model data of interchange bridges are significant for traffic navigation, landscape design, and many other applications. In this study, we explore the potential of using airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data for 3-D reconstruction of large multilayer interchange bridges. To reduce the technical difficulty in this 3-D reconstruction process, we propose a concept of “structure unit. ” We propose a new technical framework based on the structure units for 3-D reconstruction of large multilayer interchange bridge, including point cloud extraction, connectivity-based segmentation, determination of structure units, occlusion detection and restoration, and 3-D modeling. The general idea of this framework is to divide an entire interchange bridge into many simple “structure units,” and then derive a complete 3-D model by reconstructing each “structure unit. ” The technical novelties in this framework include: 1) a hierarchal segmentation strategy including connectivity-based segmentation and determination of structure units; and 2) an automatic technique for detection and restoration of occluded structures. The experiments provide specific analysis and evaluation from three aspects: 1) correctness and completeness; 2) horizontal accuracy; and 3) elevation accuracy. The experimental results indicate that the proposed framework can provide satisfactory 3-D models of large complex bridges.
Simulation of Cosmic Ray-Induced Soft Errors in CMOS/SOS Memories

A follow-up series of simulation experiments have been conducted to study cosmic ray-induced soft errors in CMOS/SOS memories. Devices were tested in beams of krypton and argon ions from the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory (LBL) 88-inch Cyclotron at energies near 2 MeV/nucleon. The SOS test samples consisted of three versions of the TCS 146, 4K, static memory, constructed with buried contact technology. Small differences in processing have a significant effect on the electrical parameters, and these were observed to correlate with the sensitivity to cosmic ray-induced errors of the three versions. Differences in the probability of flips from 0 ¿ 1 and 1 ¿ 0 were observed. These differences are explained in terms of the geometrical details of the memory storage element and the nodal capacitances of the element. The predicted error rate in space was calculated to be 2.6×10-9 errors/ day-bit based on the observed critical charge for soft error failure.
Study on modeling & control of three phase quasi Z-source inverter for power conversion

This paper presents modeling and control of quasi Z-source inverter (qZSl) for a particular amount of dc to ac power conversion to supply isolated electrical load. Necessary analysis and design of qZSI is included in this paper. This qZSI is capable of supplying three phase, 50 Hz, 400 V, 50 KW power load. In this context voltage boosting (DC: 273V to AC: 400Vrms) and DC to AC power (50 KW) conversion are simultaneously done in one step. Hence suitable pulse width modulation (PWM) control signals are generated to control three-phase qZSI for applying into particular load mentioned above. Thus, this paper emphasizes on power handling capability of qZSI along with its voltage boosting action. This concept is validated by appropriate simulation study using MATLAB-SIMULINK 2014b software and PWM signals are also realized in hardware platform.
Quantifying the Surface Geometry of Titanium Implant Material by Different Methods of Analysis

Biomaterial implant manufacturers have used rough surfaces to ensure better biocompatibility, less rejection and better adaptation of implants in the body. Proper characterization of biological interactions aod biocompatibility of biomaterials requires a thorough understanding of surface complexity. Surface roughness has often been shown to be important in influencing biological reactions with the surface. Previous communications from our laboratory have described a dynamic active vision system (MVS camera) capable of measuring three-dimensional coordinates of titanium implant material suefaces. Fractal analysis, due to its straightforward relationship to texture, is used to characterize the degree of irregularity of a surface and is expressed over a range of scales with the variation method. Thia papec compares the fractal approach with the results of image analysis, tactile profilometry, and confocal micro&eopy. The data obtained in these studies show that surface fractal dimension, in particular, can be a valuable parameter to describe the complexity of surface of titanium implant
The Choice of Dialysis Solutions in Pediatric Chronic Peritoneal Dialysis: Guidelines by An AD HOC European Committee

Objective To provide guidelines on choosing dialysis solutions for children on chronic peritoneal dialysis (PD). Setting European Paediatric Peritoneal Dialysis Working Group. Data Source Literature on the application of PD solutions in children (Evidence), and discussions within the group (Opinion). Conclusions Glucose is the standard osmotic agent for PD in children (Evidence). The lowest glucose concentration needed should be used (Opinion). Low calcium solution (1.25 mmol/L) should be applied, wherever possible, with careful monitoring of parathyroid hormone levels (Opinion). The use of amino acid-containing dialysis fluids can be considered in malnourished children, although aggressive enteral nutrition is preferred (Opinion). There is insufficient evidence documenting the efficacy of intraperitoneally administered amino acids (Evidence). When ultrafiltration and/or solute removal are insufficient, poly-glucose solutions are a welcome addition to the treatment of children on nocturnal intermittent PD (Evidence). However, in the absence of any reported long-term experience with children, their use must be closely monitored (Opinion). Bicarbonate would appear to be the preferred buffer for PD in children, but more in vivo studies are required before it replaces the present lactate-containing solutions (Evidence/Opinion).
pSense: An efficient and practical analog-to-information platform using COTS devices

A challenge in wireless sensing is to reduce power consumption during data transmission. Various methods aim at compressing amounts of data after sampling, which require additional computation energy or hardware. In this paper, pSense, a low complexity commercial off-the-shelf based (COTS-based) analog-to-information converter (AIC) platform is presented to minimize power consumption. A periodical pseudo-random down-sampling algorithm (PPRS) is employed to reduce energy consumption by controlling sampling numbers and features high scalability. Results show pSense can reconstruct signals within acceptable low error levels and having low energy consumptions.
Numerical Simulations of a VAWT in the Wake of a Moving Car

Wind energy generated from the wake of moving cars has a large energy potential that has not yet been utilized. In this study, a vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) was used to recover energy from the wakes of moving cars. The turbine was designed to be planted by the side of the car lane and driven by the wake produced by the car. Transient computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were performed to evaluate the performance of the VAWT. The influence of two main factors on the performance of the VAWT, the velocity of the car and the gap between the car and the rotor, were studied. The simulations confirmed the feasibility of this plan, and in the tested cases, the VAWT was able to generate a maximum energy output of 100.49 J from the wake of a car. The results also showed that the performance of the VAWT decreased with the velocity of the car, and the increased gap between the car and the VAWT.
Effectivity of expression of mature forms of mutant human apolipoprotein A-I.

In order to probe the structural and functional properties of a central region of apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), we engineered mutants of the mature form of the protein and expressed them using the baculovirus/insect cell expression system. The mutations which targeted the region of apoA-I between amino acids 140 and 150 included: (i) deletion of the region 140-150 (apoA-I(Delta140-150)); (ii) substitution of arginine 149 with valine (apoA-I(R149V)); (iii) substitution of proline 143 with alanine (apoA-I(P143A)); (iv) deletion of region 63-73 (apoA-I(Delta63-73)), which has structural properties similar to 140-150; and (v) a chimeric protein substituting amino acids 140-150 with amino acids 63-73 (apoA-I(140-150 --> 63-73)). The efficiencies of synthesis were vastly different for the various mutants as follows: apoA-I(R149V) > apoA-I(140-150 --> 63-73) > apoA-I(Delta63-73) > apoA-I(P143A) > apoA-I > apoA-I(Delta140-150). About 50% of the synthesized wild type and all apoA-I mutants was retained in the cells. During expression of apoA-I(R149V) an unusual spontaneous recombination occurred. In addition to the expected mutant, another form of apoA-I with an apparent M(r) of 36K was produced which consisted of a duplication of the amino-terminal end of apoA-I, from the prepeptide through to amino acid 62, linked to the original pre-apoA-I(R149V) sequence via a 4-amino-acid linker. Despite the fact that this form of apoA-I carries two prepeptides and consequently two cleavage sites, there was little, if any, cleavage at the internal cleavage site. During expression, less than 20% of this mutant was retained in the cells. These results demonstrate that at least in the model of insect cells, the efficiency of apoA-I synthesis, processing, and secretion depends on apoA-I secondary structure and/or folding.
Immunodominance in Virus-Induced CD8+ T-Cell Responses Is Dramatically Modified by DNA Immunization and Is Regulated by Gamma Interferon

ABSTRACT The phenomenon whereby the host immune system responds to only a few of the many possible epitopes in a foreign protein is termed immunodominance. Immunodominance occurs not only during microbial infection but also following vaccination, and clarification of the underlying mechanism may permit the rational design of vaccines which can circumvent immunodominance, thereby inducing responses to all epitopes, dominant and subdominant. Here, we show that immunodominance affects DNA vaccines and that the effects can be avoided by the simple expedient of epitope separation. DNA vaccines encoding isolated dominant and subdominant epitopes induce equivalent responses, confirming a previous demonstration that coexpression of dominant and subdominant epitopes on the same antigen-presenting cell (APC) is central to immunodominance. We conclude that multiepitope DNA vaccines should comprise a cocktail of plasmids, each with its own epitope, to allow maximal epitope dispersal among APCs. In addition, we demonstrate that subdominant responses are actively suppressed by dominant CD8+ T-cell responses and that gamma interferon (IFN-γ) is required for this suppression. Furthermore, priming of CD8+ T cells to a single dominant epitope results in strong suppression of responses to other normally dominant epitopes in immunocompetent mice, in effect rendering these epitopes subdominant; however, responses to these epitopes are increased 6- to 20-fold in mice lacking IFN-γ. We suggest that, in agreement with our previous observations, IFN-γ secretion by CD8+ T cells is highly localized, and we propose that its immunosuppressive effect is focused on the APC with which the dominant CD8+ T cell is in contact.