Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gait monitoring with a wearable plastic optical sensor

A wearable low-cost system designed to evaluate quantitatively the human gait is presented in this report. The system is based on transmittance changes when a plastic optical fiber is bent. To enhance sensibility, a portion of the fiber was side-polished improving attenuation due to macro bending. By calibration, the intensity of light received by a photo detector was related to the flexion angle. The fiber was bonded to the location of a commercial knee-support where it is desired to measure the joint angles. The prototype was calibrated with a video-based system and a gait cycle was obtained. The preliminary results show that the technique can be an important tool to aid physicians in diagnosis and rehabilitation of knee injuries or to monitor the performance of high competition athletes.
Investigação de Crimes Relacionados à Pedofilia Utilizando Metadados de Imagens

Resumo — A investigação de crimes relacionados à pedofilia é um processo complexo que compreende a análise de imagens. Nota-se, no entanto, que cada vez mais dispositivos móveis são utilizados para a captura de imagens. Boa parte dos celulares e tablets possuem sistema de GPS interno o qual permite que fotos sejam capturadas com informações de localização. Valendose disso, este trabalho busca apresentar uma arquitetura para coleta, análise e correlação dos dados analisando informações embutidas nas fotos. Para isso, os autores do trabalho descrevem uma arquitetura e implementam um protótipo para auxiliar peritos na resolução de crimes relacionados com pedofilia.
Steric Effects in Electrolytes: A Modified Poisson-Boltzmann Equation

The adsorption of large ions from solution to a charged surface is investigated theoretically. A generalized Poisson-Boltzmann equation which takes into account the finite size of the ions is presented. We obtain analytical expressions for the electrostatic potential and ion concentrations at the surface, leading to a modified Grahame equation. At high surface charge densities the ionic concentration saturates to its maximum value. Our results are in agreement with recent experiments.
Proving Fixed Points

We propose a method to characterize the fixed points described in Tarski's theorem for complete lattices. The method is deductive: the least and greatest fixed points are "proved" in some inference system defined from deduction rules. We also apply the method to two other fixed point theorems, a generalization of Tarski's theorem to chain-complete posets and Bourbaki-Witt's theorem. Finally, we compare the method with the traditional iterative method resorting to ordinals and the original impredicative method used by Tarski.
Commensal Microbiota and CD8+ T Cells Shape the Formation of Invariant NKT Cells

Commensal bacteria play an important role in formation of the immune system, but the mechanisms involved are incompletely understood. In this study, we analyze CD1d-restricted invariant NKT (iNKT) cells in germfree mice and in two colonies of C57BL/6 mice termed conventional flora and restricted flora (RF), stably bearing commensal microbial communities of diverse but distinct composition. In germfree mice, iNKT cells were moderately reduced, suggesting that commensal microbiota were partially required for the antigenic drive in maintaining systemic iNKT cells. Surprisingly, even greater depletion of iNKT cell population occurred in RF mice. This was in part attributable to reduced RF levels of intestinal microbial taxa (Sphingomonas spp.) known to express antigenic glycosphingolipid products. However, memory and activated CD8+ T cells were also expanded in RF mice, prompting us to test whether CD8+ T cell activity might be further depleting iNKT cells. Indeed, iNKT cell numbers were restored in RF mice bearing the CD8α−/− genotype or in adult wild-type RF mice acutely depleted with anti-CD8 Ab. Moreover, iNKT cells were restored in RF mice bearing the Prf1−/− phenotype, a key component of cytolytic function. These findings indicate that commensal microbiota, through positive (antigenic drive) and negative (cytolytic depletion by CD8+ T cells) mechanisms, profoundly shape the iNKT cell compartment. Because individuals greatly vary in the composition of their microbial communities, enteric microbiota may play an important epigenetic role in the striking differences in iNKT cell abundance in humans and therefore in their potential contribution to host immune status.
Three-Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy in the Liver: MRI Findings Along a Time Continuum

Abstract Recent development of 3-dimensional conformal radiation therapies provides a concentrated radiation dose to the tumor. To achieve this goal, a complex design of multiple narrow beamlets is used to shape the radiation exposure to conform to the shape of the tumor. Imaging findings after novel radiation therapy techniques differ from those of conventional radiation therapy. This article discusses changes in the liver parenchyma and tumor after conformal radiation therapy focusing on magnetic resonance imaging.
Stability analysis of general swarm with Gaussian attractant/repellent profiles and interaction time delays

In this paper we consider a class of social foraging swarms with nutrient/toxic profiles and general nonlinear attraction and repulsion structure, as well as interaction constant time delays. The emergent behavior of the swarm motion is the result of a balance between inter-individuals interactions and the simultaneous interactions of the swarm with their environment. The paper considers some condition under which it shows that for Gaussian attractant/repellent profiles the individuals of the swarm with time delays will aggregate and form a cohesive cluster of finite size in a finite time under some mild assumptions.
Determinants of liver damage associated with intravenous methylprednisolone pulse therapy in Graves' ophthalmopathy.

BACKGROUND Intravenous methylprednisolone pulses (IVMP) are more efficacious and better tolerated than oral prednisone in Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) patients. However, acute and severe liver damage has been reported in sporadic cases during IVMP, resulting in fatal acute liver failure in four patients so far. The mechanism causing the liver damage is incompletely understood. DESIGN We performed a prospective observational study in 13 patients with dysthyroid optic neuropathy (group A) and in 14 patients with moderately severe GO (group B) who were treated with high-dose (group A) or low-dose (group B) IVMP; cumulative steroid doses were 8.45 g in group A and 4.5 g in group B, and follow-up time was 24 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME Slight increases in serum aminotransferases (in alanine aminotransferase [ALAT] more than in aspartate aminotransferase [ASAT]) were observed, in seven patients exceeding the upper normal limit of 40 U/L. These changes were more prominent in group A than in group B as was also evident from a decrease in ASAT/ALAT ratio in group A but not in group B. Changes in serum aminotransferases occurred especially in the first 6 weeks of IVMP, becoming smaller thereafter with the decrease in steroid dosage. Pretreatment liver steatosis or diabetes were not related to liver damage, but preexistent viral hepatitis was. CONCLUSION IVMP in GO patients causes dose-dependent liver damage by a direct toxic effect of glucocorticoids on hepatocytes. Nevertheless, IVMP seems to be pretty safe if cumulative doses exceeding 8 g are avoided and liver function is checked before and at regular intervals during pulse therapy.
Review on Cloud Computing: Issues, Services and Models

Cloud computing is Internet-based technology. It provides ondemand resources, software and information sharing by internet to users and devices. Cloud computing is the product of traditional network technology like grid computing, distributed computing and parallel computing. It is growing every day due to its basic services such as virtual pool of resources and its services, which are provided to the users through Internet. This paper is providing the basic description of cloud models and service of cloud computing. Paper also represents the cloud computing issues and its basic comparison with mobile and grid computing.
Intimacy Transformed? A Critical Look at the `Pure Relationship'

It has recently been claimed that a particular form of intimacy, `the pure relationship' is increasingly sought in personal life. For a couple, `the pure relationship' involves opening out to each other, enjoying each other's unique qualities and sustaining trust through mutual disclosure. Anthony Giddens (1992) postulates a transformation of intimacy in all personal relationships with radical consequences for the gender order. Popular discourse supports the view that heterosexual couples are more equal and intimate. However, stories of everyday lives told to researchers paint a very qualified picture. Much of personal life remains structured by inequalities. Gendered struggles with the gap between cultural ideals and structural inequalities result in a range of creative identity and relationship-saving strategies. More, perhaps much more, creative energy goes into sustaining a sense of intimacy despite inequality than into a process of transformation. Moreover, the rhetoric of `the pure relationship' may point people in the wrong direction both personally and politically. It feeds on and into a therapeutic discourse that individualises personal problems and down-grades sociological explanations. In practice, intimacy remains multi-dimensional and for the contenders for successful heterosexual equality, acts of practical love and care have been more important than a constant dynamic of mutual exploration of each other's selves.
Insights from echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and microcomputed tomography relative to the mid‐myocardial left ventricular echogenic zone

The anatomical substrate for the mid‐mural ventricular hyperechogenic zone remains uncertain, but it may represent no more than ultrasound reflected from cardiomyocytes orientated orthogonally to the ultrasonic beam. We sought to ascertain the relationship between the echogenic zone and the orientation of the cardiomyocytes.
Carotene content of Azolla and its variations during drying and storage treatments

The carotene content of six Azolla strains was analysed at four representative stages of their population growth curve under two culture conditions (greenhouse and growth chamber). On fresh material, the carotene content ranged from 206 to 619 mg kgÿ1 on a dry matter (DM) basis and differed signi®cantly between strains. In both culture conditions, Azolla ®liculoides 173FI was the best source of carotene and Azolla mexicana 220ME the poorest source. Carotene content was maximal during the linear phase of growth and minimal during the stationary phase for the six strains and the two culture conditions. The in ̄uences of drying and storage were also studied on one strain (173FI). The carotene content decreased during oven drying at 508C at a constant rate of 6.0% hÿ1 for 32 h (after 8, 16 and 32 h the losses reached 45, 71 and 86%, respectively). A 4 months storage at room temperature after 17 h of drying at 608C lowered carotene content by 69% at a constant rate of 1% per day (from 259 to 79 mg kgÿ1 DM). Results show that, in addition to being used as a source of plant proteins, Azolla has a clear potential as a source of provitamin A for animal feeding when used fresh; Azolla selection programmes, therefore, need to include carotene content as one criterion among others. # 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
CAROTENOIDS AND REPRODUCTION

After a brief discussion of the essential chemical properties of carotenoids, the identification, occurrence and distribution of the pigments in the gonads and related organs of plants and animals have been reviewed. The information available concerning the metabolism of carotenoids in reproductive tissues and their possible function in reproduction has also been reviewed systematically.
Serum lipid profiles in acute myocardial infarction patients in Gorgan

Acute myocardial infarction is one of the important reasons of death and unhealthiness in the world. The present study was undertaken to investigate the changes in serum lipids and lipoproteins in patients with acute myocardial infarction. This study was performed in the Biochemistry and Metabolic Disorder Research Center of Gorgan, Golestan province (South East of Caspian Sea), Iran in 2011.The levels of lipid profile were significantly changed in the acute myocardial infarction patients. acute myocardial infarction patients had significantly higher levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, VLDLcholesterol, TG, LDL-cholesterol /HDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol /HDL-cholesterol, LDH, CPK and CPK-MB and lower level of HDL-cholesterol, as compared to the control subjects. We found a significant association of lipid profiles with acute myocardial infarction. Changing of dietary and social activity habits of people in this area can help to prevent future atherogenic damaging in AMI patients. Changing of dietary and social activity habits of people in this area can help to prevent future atherogenic damaging in AMI patients. Reduced serum HDL-cholesterol in our study subjects may be one of the effective reasonable lipid disorders in AMI patients.
Molecular cloning and expression of human UDP-d-Xylose:proteoglycan core protein beta-d-xylosyltransferase and its first isoform XT-II.

Human UDP-d-xylose:proteoglycan core protein beta-d-xylosyltransferase (EC 2.4.2.26, XT-I) initiates the biosynthesis of glycosaminoglycan chains in proteoglycans by transferring xylose from UDP-xylose to specific serine residues of the core protein. Based on the partial amino acid sequence of the purified enzyme from human JAR choriocarcinoma cell culture supernatant we isolated a cDNA encoding XT-I using the degenerate reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction method. This enzyme, which is involved in chondroitin sulfate, heparan sulfate, heparin and dermatan sulfate biosynthesis, belongs to a novel family of glycosyltransferases with no homology to proteins known so far. 5' and 3'-RACE were performed to isolate a novel cDNA fragment of 3726 bp with a single open reading frame encoding at least 827 amino acid residues with a molecular mass of 91 kDa. The human XT-I gene was located on chromosome 16p13.1 using radiation hybrid mapping, and extracts from CHO-K1 cells transfected with the XT-I cDNA in an expression vector exhibited marked XT activity. A new 3608 bp cDNA fragment encoding a protein of 865 amino acid residues was also isolated by PCR using degenerate primers based on the amino acid sequence of human XT-I. The amino acid sequence of this XT-II isoform displayed 55% identity to the human XT-I. The XT-II gene was located on chromosome 17q21.3-17q22, and the exon/intron structure of the 15 kb gene was determined. RT-PCR analyses of XT-I and XT-II mRNA from various tissues confirmed that both XT-I and XT-II transcripts are ubiquitously expressed in the human tissues, although with different levels of transcription. Furthermore, the cDNAs encoding XT-I and XT-II from rat were cloned. The deduced amino acid sequences of rat xylosyltransferases displayed 94% identity to the corresponding human enzyme.
Genome plasticity in the distal tail fiber locus of the T-even bacteriophage: recombination between conserved motifs swaps adhesin specificity.

The adsorption specificity of the T-even phages is determined by the protein sequence near the tip of the long tail fibers. These adhesin sequences are highly variable in both their sequence and specificity for bacterial receptors. The tail fiber adhesin domains are located in different genes in closely related phages of the T-even type. In phage T4, the adhesin sequence is encoded by the C-terminal domain of the large tail fiber gene (gene 37), but in T2, the adhesin is a separate gene product (gene 38) that binds to the tip of T2 tail fibers. Analysis of phage T6 and Ac3 sequences reveals additional variant forms of this locus. The tail fiber host specificity determinants can be exchanged, although the different loci have only limited homology. Chimeric fibers can be created by crossovers either between small homologies within the structural part of the fiber gene or in conserved motifs of the adhesin domain. For example, the T2 adhesin determinants are flanked by G-rich DNA motifs and exchanges involving these sequences can replace the specificity determinants. These features of the distal tail fiber loci genetically link their different forms and can mediate acquisition of diverse host range determinants, including those that allow it to cross species boundaries and infect taxonomically distant hosts.
Resistance Training Exercises Acutely Reduce Intraocular Pressure in Physically Active Men and Women

Our purpose was to examine the effect of the chest press and leg press exercises on intraocular pressure (IOP) in physically active, college-aged students. Fifteen healthy males and 15 females performed 3 sets of 10 repetitions of the chest press or leg press with 70% 1 repetition maximum (1RM). IOP was measured using applanation tonometry with a Tono-PenXL prior to exercise, following each set and 5 minutes after the third set. Data were analyzed with a repeated-measures two-way analysis of variance and paired t-tests when necessary. A p < 0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. For the chest press, IOP was reduced 8.0% after the first set, up to 14.5% after the second and third sets, and remained depressed 5 minutes post exercise. For the leg press, IOP was reduced 6.9% after the second set and 13.2% after the third set. IOP began to return to the pre-exercise value during 5 minutes post exercise. Males and females had similar IOP responses to the chest press and leg press exercise. Dynamic resistance exercises induce modest postexer-cise decreases in IOP.
Corticosteroid Injections in the Treatment of Trigger Finger: A Level I and II Systematic Review

Abstract Trigger finger is a tendinitis (stenosing tenosynovitis) with multiple management approaches. We conducted an evidencebased medicine systematic review of level I and II prospective randomized controlled trials to determine the effectiveness of corticosteroid injection in managing trigger finger. MEDLINE, Cochrane database, and secondary references were reviewed to locate all English‐language prospective randomized controlled trials evaluating trigger finger treatment. Four studies using injectable corticosteroids were identified, based on the following inclusion criteria: all were prospective randomized controlled trials of adults with >85% follow‐up. This review indicates that the incidence of trigger finger is greatest in women (75%), with an average patient age range of 52 to 62 years. Combined analysis of these four studies shows that corticosteroid injections are effective in 57% of patients.
Auditory-nerve-fiber bandwidths and critical bandwidths in the cat.

The effective bandwidths of cat auditory‐nerve fibers were estimated electrophysiologically from the masked thresholds of tones at the nerve fibers’ characteristic frequency. The masking noise was of variable bandwidth but constant total power and was geometrically centered on the characteristic frequency. It was presented at an intensity which, for the narrowest masker bandwidth used, raised the tone threshold by about 20 dB. The point at which the masked tone threshold began to decline as the masker bandwidth was increased provided an estimate of the fiber’s effective bandwidth. A similar method had been used in earlier psychophysical estimates of the cat’s critical band. The auditory‐nerve‐fiber bandwidths were on average 6 dB less than the critical bandwidth at the same frequency. Two of the cats had been tested both psychophysically and electrophysiologically; in these cats the difference was 6.8 dB. Most fibers, moreover, had critical ratios less than that observed psychophysically. The results sugg.
Biogenic Potassium Salt Particles as Seeds for Secondary Organic Aerosol in the Amazon

Salty Origins of Fresh Water Cloud droplets above the Amazonian rain forest form mostly around organic aerosols, but the source of the aerosols has been a mystery. Pöhlker et al. (p. 1075) report that particles rich in potassium salts emitted by Amazonian vegetation can act as the seeds for the growth of organic aerosol particles that function as condensation nuclei for water droplets. These specks of biogenic salts provide a surface for the condensation of low- or semi-volatile organic compounds formed by the atmospheric oxidation of isoprene and terpenes, molecules produced in great abundance by many kinds of Amazonian plants. Potassium salt particles account for the previously mysterious initiation sites of aerosol growth above the Amazonian rainforest. The fine particles serving as cloud condensation nuclei in pristine Amazonian rainforest air consist mostly of secondary organic aerosol. Their origin is enigmatic, however, because new particle formation in the atmosphere is not observed. Here, we show that the growth of organic aerosol particles can be initiated by potassium-salt–rich particles emitted by biota in the rainforest. These particles act as seeds for the condensation of low- or semi-volatile organic compounds from the atmospheric gas phase or multiphase oxidation of isoprene and terpenes. Our findings suggest that the primary emission of biogenic salt particles directly influences the number concentration of cloud condensation nuclei and affects the microphysics of cloud formation and precipitation over the rainforest.
Non‐uniform distribution of cellular phenotypes in the optic tectum of the leopard frog

Regional specializations in the retina have been described in a number of species. We have investigated whether such specializations can be found in the optic tectum, an area of the brain responsible for the processing of visual information. Using the tectum of Rana pipiens, we have examined the distribution of three different cell types defined on the basis of their immunoreactivity to somatostatin, substance P, and serotonin antibodies. These three immunoreactive cell populations had differing, nonuniform distributions in the optic tectum. Somatostatin‐like irnmunoreactive cells were largely restricted to the caudal one‐third of the tectum, whereas both substance P‐like immunoreactive (SP‐ir) and serotonin‐like immunoreactive (5‐HT‐ir) cells were found unequally represented throughout the tectum. The percentage of SP‐ir cells decreased significantly in both the posterior and medial directions from its high in the anterior lateral tectum. Although serotonin‐like immunoreactivity was also greatest in the lateral tectum and decreased significantly medially, it was largely constant in the anterior‐to‐posterior dimension. The populations of SP‐ir and 5‐HT‐ir cells were nonoverlapping. Our results suggest that information may be processed differently in different regions of the optic tectum. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.