Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An improved OpenSim gait model with multiple degrees of freedom knee joint and knee ligaments

Musculoskeletal models are widely used to investigate joint kinematics and predict muscle force during gait. However, the knee is usually simplified as a one degree of freedom joint and knee ligaments are neglected. The aim of this study was to develop an OpenSim gait model with enhanced knee structures. The knee joint in this study included three rotations and three translations. The three knee rotations and mediolateral translation were independent, with proximodistal and anteroposterior translations occurring as a function of knee flexion/extension. Ten elastic elements described the geometrical and mechanical properties of the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments (ACL and PCL), and the medial and lateral collateral ligaments (MCL and LCL). The three independent knee rotations were evaluated using OpenSim to observe ligament function. The results showed that the anterior and posterior bundles of ACL and PCL (aACL, pACL and aPCL, pPCL) intersected during knee flexion. The aACL and pACL mainly provided force during knee flexion and adduction, respectively. The aPCL was slack throughout the range of three knee rotations; however, the pPCL was utilised for knee abduction and internal rotation. The LCL was employed for knee adduction and rotation, but was slack beyond 20° of knee flexion. The MCL bundles were mainly used during knee adduction and external rotation. All these results suggest that the functions of knee ligaments in this model approximated the behaviour of the physical knee and the enhanced knee structures can improve the ability to investigate knee joint biomechanics during various gait activities.
Active techniques for real-time video transmission and playback

There are many different types of video coding standards which can only be played with specific decoders. The lack of a decoder requires a user to download and install the proper decoder in order to decode a particular video stream. This however may not be preferable for real-time applications due to real-time constraint. We propose active techniques to dynamically inject video coding software into the transmitted video packets so that users are capable of playing video encoded in any format without having the decoding software pre-installed. The proposed techniques encapsulate the encoded video stream along with the appropriate video decoding software into active packets, and transmit the active packets to the receiving terminal. The receiver then only needs to extract the code from the active packets to get the software to decode the encoded video. The process of creating and extracting active packets is referred as active activation. Depending upon the nature of the video stream, there are different active techniques to encapsulate and restore the video stream. This paper details these active techniques.
CXCL16 is a surrogate marker of inflammatory bowel disease

Objective. Impaired barrier function of the gut and inadequate immunological response to intestinal pathogens are the cornerstones in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). CXCL16 is a protein which shares pattern recognition receptor functions, relevant for adhesion and phagocytosis of bacterial products, with the properties of an adhesion molecule and inflammatory chemokine. The relevance of CXCL16 in IBD has so far been elusive. This objective of this study was to determine the association between CXCL16 and IBD. Material and methods. Soluble CXCL16 (sol-CXCL16) serum levels in a cohort of 239 patients with Crohn's disease were measured, 114 patients with ulcerative colitis and 144 controls. Results. In a univariate analysis, sol-CXCL16 was found to be markedly increased in patients with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis compared with that in controls (p < 0.001). This was significantly associated with an increase of the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP) (p < 0.01). In the multivariate analysis (adjusted for age, gender, body mass index (BMI), white blood cell (WBC) count, resistin and CRP) sol-CXCL16 was associated with Crohn's disease above versus below the median (OR 10.53 (3.97–27.78) p < 0.001) and ulcerative colitis (OR 3.46 (1.40–8.55) p < 0.01). Conclusion. Our findings suggest that CXCL16 may play a pro-inflammatory role in IBD, particularly Crohn's disease.
Oxidative stress of the newborn in the pre‐ and postnatal period and the clinical utility of melatonin

Abstract: Newborns, and especially those delivered preterm, are probably more prone to oxidative stress than individuals later in life. Also during pregnancy, increased oxygen demand augments the rate of production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and women, even with normal pregnancies, experience elevated oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation compared with nonpregnant women. Also, there appears to be an increase in ROS generation in the placenta of pre‐eclamptic women. In comparison with healthy adults, newborn infants have lower levels of plasma antioxidants such as vitamin E, β‐carotene, and sulphydryl groups, lower levels of plasma metal binding proteins including ceruloplasmin and transferrin, and reduced activity of erythrocyte superoxide dismutase. This review summarizes conditions of newborns where there is elevated oxidative stress. Included in this group of conditions is asphyxia, respiratory distress syndrome and sepsis and the review also summarizes the literature related to clinical trials of antioxidant therapies and of melatonin, a highly effective antioxidant and free radical scavenger. The authors document there is general agreement that short‐term melatonin therapy may be highly effective and that it has a remarkably benign safety profile, even when neonates are treated with pharmacological doses. Significant complications with long‐term melatonin therapy in children and adults also have not been reported. None of the animal studies of maternal melatonin treatment or in postnatal life have shown any treatment‐related side effects. The authors conclude that treatment with melatonin might result in a wide range of health benefits, improved quality of life and reduced healthcare costs and may help reduce complications in the neonatal period.
Juventudes e política: uma análise das formas e modalidades de participação dos jovens universitários da Grande Recife

O presente artigo traz os resultados de uma pesquisa realizada com jovens estudantes universitarios de seis instituicoes de ensino superior, publicas e privadas, localizadas na regiao metropolitana da cidade do Recife/PE. Atraves da analise de entrevistas semiestruturadas, foi possivel realizar um mapeamento dos espacos e formas de participacao politica utilizados pelos estudantes. Quanto aos resultados, identificou-se quais os espacos utilizados pelos jovens universitarios e as suas formas de participacao politica . Alem disso, os depoimentos dos entrevistados explicitaram algumas questoes pertinentes, que podem se constituir como problemas de pesquisa e investigacao sociologica em trabalhos futuros. Dentre essas questoes, destacamos as criticas direcionadas aos espacos convencionais de atuacao politica, mais especificamente aos partidos politicos.
A Hierarchical Active Balancing Architecture for Lithium-Ion Batteries

This paper proposes a hierarchical active balancing architecture for the series-connected lithium-ion batteries. The key point of the architecture is that by grouping the battery string into different packs and introducing the top layer, the coupled influence among the cells in different packs is eliminated, which reduces the required balancing time and the energy loss. The repeated charging and discharging problem is avoided, which is beneficial for increasing the state-of-health. Moreover, the proposed architecture can lower the current rating of the balancing circuits, which helps decrease the required cost and improve the system efficiency. On the basis of the architecture, a balancing control using the state-of-charge of each cell is proposed to achieve the balance for all the cells. Furthermore, to deliver the energy from one pack to any other pack bidirectionally, a multidirectional multiport converter along with the current control method is proposed to serve as the top layer. This converter is different from the conventional three-port converter as it can achieve the arbitrary current flow direction control for any number of ports. The experimental results based on 24 series-connected 200-Ah lithium-ion batteries verified the benefits of the proposed architecture and the balancing circuits. After balancing, 4.1% of the total energy of the battery string is saved. Compared to the conventional adjacent cell-to-cell architecture, the proposed architecture can decrease the balancing time and the energy loss during the balancing process by 27.6% and 44.0%, respectively. In addition, the current rating and the cost of the balancing circuits in the proposed architecture is only 37.5% and 11.5% of that in other references.
Improved thermoelectric performance of (Zr0.3Hf0.7)NiSn half-Heusler compounds by Ta substitution

The thermoelectric performance of Ta substituted (ZrHf)NiSn-based half-Heusler compounds is studied. Here, Ta is used on the Hf site for controlling the charge carrier concentration in contrast to the widely used Sb substitution on the Sn site. The influence of the Ta content on the thermoelectric and transport properties of (Zr0.3Hf0.7-xTax)NiSn (x = 0, 0.01, 0.05) is investigated by means of Seebeck coefficient, electrical resistivity, thermal conductivity, and Hall coefficient measurements. The results are analyzed in context of the single parabolic band model. Ta substitution increases the charge carrier concentration and suppresses the influence of impurity band, which is present in the pristine (Zr0.3Hf0.7)NiSn. Moreover, Ta substitution decouples and simultaneously increases the density-of-states effective mass (m*) and the charge carrier mobility (μ), leading to a larger weighted mobility μ·(m*)3/2. The lattice thermal conductivity is slightly suppressed due to increased point defect scattering. A.
Cinnarizine‐induced parkinsonism: Ten years later

A retrospective study was carried out to investigate the evolution of patients diagnosed with cinnarizineinduced parkinsonism (CIP) over the past 15 years. A total of 74 cases of CIP were found among 172 patients with druginduced parkinsonism (DIP). Both CIP and other DIP were significantly more frequent in women. No clinical differences between CIP and other DIP were found. Most of the patients (66 of 74) completely recovered after cinnarizine withdrawal in 1–16 months. Eleven patients later developed Parkinson's disease; four of them had previously recovered. Five patients had tardive dyskinesia. CIP accounts for a high proportion of DIP referred to neurologists in populations in which cinnarizine is widely prescribed. The symptoms typically resolve after drug withdrawal, although complete recovery may take more than 1 year.
Universal NBTI model and its application for high frequency circuit simulation

An NBTI compact model considering the interface-state generation and the hole-trapping mechanisms has been proposed and evaluated for many different materials and processes. 8 model parameters are able to describe universal characteristics of the MOSFET degradation simply as a function of the gate oxide field (Eox). By implementing the NBTI degradation model into the compact model HiSIM, the circuit delay degradation is predicted, where the interface state generation dominates the degradation at low frequency operation, whereas the hole-trapping dominates under high frequency condition.
Effects of dietary sunflower seeds on rumen protozoa and growth of lambs

Linoleic acid-rich sunflower-seed supplements (SSS) were used in two experiments (experiment 1, high-concentrate diets; experiment 2, high-forage diets) to study effects on rumen protozoa and the growth of lambs. Both experiments consisted of four treatments, two with a low-protein diet (120 g/kg) and two with a high-protein diet (160 g/kg). For both diets, one treatment was without (control) and one with the SSS (140 g/kg dietary DM). The lambs were fed ad libitum for 70 and 140 d in experiments 1 and 2, respectively. Thereafter, the digestibility of organic matter (OM), acid-detergent fibre and neutral-detergent fibre were determined for each diet with four lambs, and then all lambs were slaughtered and rumen fluid samples were collected and analysed. The results showed substantial decreases (P<0·001) or total elimination of protozoa in the rumen fluid of the SSS-receiving lambs. In the first experiment the SSS also decreased (P<0·05) feed intake, but an increase in average daily gain (P<0·06) resulted in an improved (P<0·05) feed:gain ratio. Also, the SSS increased (P<0·05) the digestibility of fibre. In the second experiment the SSS decreased (P<0·05) the OM digestibility, feed intake and growth of lambs. It was concluded that the use of sunflower-seed supplementation in high-concentrate diets of ruminants reduces rumen fauna, resulting in savings on dietary protein supplements and an increased digestion of feed.
Overexpression of yes‐associated protein contributes to progression and poor prognosis of non‐small‐cell lung cancer

Yes‐associated protein (YAP), the nuclear effector of the Hippo pathway, is a key regulator of organ size and a candidate human oncogene. This study aimed to assess the clinical significance and biological functions of YAP in non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We investigated the expression of YAP in 92 cases of NSCLC tissue by immunohistochemistry and found that YAP was expressed in 66.3% (61/92) cases and predominantly presented in the nucleus. The expression of YAP in NSCLC was significantly correlated with p‐TNM stage (P = 0.0037) and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.0093). Importantly, YAP expression was associated with short overall survival. Further study in NSCLC cell lines in which YAP was either overexpressed or depleted confirmed that YAP markedly promoted cell proliferation and invasion. These results indicate that YAP plays an important role in NSCLC and might be a useful therapeutic target of NSCLC.
Preoperative malalignment increases risk of failure after total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND Implant survival after total knee arthroplasty has historically been dependent on postoperative knee alignment, although failure may occur when alignment is correct. Preoperative knee alignment has not been thoroughly evaluated as a possible risk factor for implant failure after arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of preoperative knee alignment on implant survival after total knee arthroplasty. METHODS We performed a retrospective review of 5342 total knee arthroplasties performed with use of cemented Anatomic Graduated Component implants from 1983 to 2006. Each knee was independently measured preoperatively and postoperatively for overall coronal alignment. Neutral ranges for preoperative and postoperative alignment were defined by means of Cox proportional hazards regression. RESULTS The overall failure rate was 1.0% (fifty-four of 5342 prostheses); failure was defined as aseptic loosening of the femoral and/or tibial component. The average preoperative anatomical alignment (and standard deviation) was 0.1° ± 7.7° of varus (range, 25° of varus to 35° of valgus), and the average postoperative anatomical alignment (and standard deviation) was 4.7° ± 2.5° of valgus (range, 12° of varus to 20° of valgus). The failure rate in knees in >8° of varus preoperatively (2.2%; p = 0.0005) or >11° of valgus preoperatively (2.4%; p = 0.0081) was elevated when compared with knees in neutral preoperatively (0.71%). Knees with preoperative deformities corrected to postoperative neutral alignment (2.5° through 7.4°) had a lower failure rate (1.9%) than undercorrected or overcorrected knees (3.0%) (p = 0.0103). Knees with postoperative neutral alignment, regardless of preoperative alignment, had a lower failure rate (0.74%) than knees with postoperative alignment of <2.5° or >7.4° of anatomic valgus (1.7%) (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Patients with excessive preoperative alignment (>8° of varus or >11° of valgus) have a greater risk of failure (2.3%). Neutral postoperative alignment (2.5° through 7.4° of valgus) improves (1.9% for preoperatively deformed knees) but does not completely eliminate the risk of failure (0.5% for knees that were neutral both preoperatively and postoperatively). Careful attention should be paid to knee alignment during total knee arthroplasty, especially for patients with severe preoperative deformities.
Aspirin use and potential mechanisms for colorectal cancer prevention.

Disease prevention is receiving more attention in the United States today. This welcome trend is largely a result of two economic forces: The increased level of support for prevention research by the National Institutes of Health (Healthy People 2000), and the potential payoff of prevention research in cutting the health care costs of managing patients with end-stage diseases. Indeed, the efficacy of preventive measures for many chronic diseases (such as heart disease and cancer) are being evaluated with the full expectation that mortality and morbidity—and perhaps health care costs—will decrease. One example of recent cancer prevention research indicates that there may be a 40–50% reduction in mortality from colorectal cancer in persons who take aspirin or other nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) 1 on a regular basis. It is clear that an effect of this magnitude would have a significant impact on both the number of lives saved and on the health care dollars recovered. Colorectal cancer is a major cause of death in Western civilizations, claiming about 55,000 lives in the United States this year alone. Americans have a 1 in 20 lifetime risk of developing this disease, and z 1 in 10 have a family member who develops colorectal cancer. Initially, it was hoped that early detection would reduce these high numbers. However, despite recent evidence that early detection by fecal occult blood tests and flexible sigmoidoscopy can decrease the risk of colorectal cancer death by 20–30%, most people do not undergo appropriate screening. Therefore, a number of laboratories have initiated research efforts focused on understanding the molecular basis of the potential chemoprotective effects resulting from aspirin and other NSAID use. It is hoped that this approach, in conjunction with more rigorous clinical trials, will lead to a rationale design for future colorectal cancer prevention regimens. This Perspectives article considers both the clinical and the basic research efforts underway this year, the 100th anniversary of the discovery of aspirin.
Evidence of Rehabilitative Impact of Progressive Resistance Training (PRT) Programs in Parkinson Disease: An Umbrella Review

Parkinson disease (PD) is a chronic neurodegenerative condition that leads to progressive disability. PD-related reductions in muscle strength have been reported to be associated with lower functional performance and balance confidence with an increased risk of falls. Progressive resistance training (PRT) improves strength, balance, and functional abilities. This umbrella review examines the efficacy of PRT regarding muscular strength in PD patients. The PubMed, PEDro, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from January 2009 to August 2019 for systematic reviews and meta-analyses conducted in English. The populations included had diagnoses of PD and consisted of males and females aged >18 years old. Outcomes measured were muscle strength and enhanced physical function. Eight papers (six systematic reviews and meta-analyses and two systematic reviews) were considered relevant for qualitative analysis. In six of the eight studies, the reported severity of PD was mild to moderate. Each study analyzed how PRT elicited positive effects on muscle strength in PD patients, suggesting 10 weeks on average of progressive resistance exercises for the upper and lower limbs two to three times per week. However, none of the studies considered the postworkout follow-up, and there was no detailed evidence about the value of PRT in preventing falls. The possibility of PRT exercises being effective for increasing muscle strength in patients with PD, but without comorbidities or severe disability, is discussed. Overall, this review suggests that PRT should be included in rehabilitation programs for PD patients, in combination with balance training for postural control and other types of exercise, in order to preserve cardiorespiratory fitness and improve endurance in daily life activities.
Controlling Interchain Interactions in Conjugated Polymers: The Effects of Chain Morphology on Exciton-Exciton Annihilation and Aggregation in MEH-PPV Films

The presence of interchain species in the photophysics of conjugated polymer films has been the subject of a great deal of controversy. In this paper, we present strong evidence that interchain species do form in conjugated polymer films, and that the degree of interchain interactions can be controlled by varying the solvent and polymer concentration of the solution from which the films are cast. Thus, much of the controversy in the literature can be resolved by noting that the polymer samples in different studies had different side groups or were prepared in different ways and thus have different degrees of interchain interaction. The photoluminescence (PL) of poly(2-methoxy-5-(2‘-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylene vinylene), MEH−PPV, changes both its spectral shape and quantum yield when the films are prepared from different solutions or when the morphology is varied by annealing. Increasing the amount of interchain interactions enhances the red portion of the film's PL, a result assigned to a combination of .
Unexpected Potential of Adult Stem Cells

We have identified a population of primitive cells in normal human (h) as well as murine (m) and rat (r), postnatal bone marrow (BM) that have, at the single cell level, multipotent differentiation and extensive proliferation potential, which we named Multipotent Adult Progenitor Cell or MAPC. MAPC differentiate in vitro into most mesodermal cell types (cells with characteristics of osteoblasts, chondroblasts, fibroblasts, adipocytes, skeletal, smooth and cardiac myoblasts, endothelial cells), as well as cells with neuroectodermal and with endodermal features. Using retroviral marking we have shown that multi-lineage differentiation is derived from single MAPC. MAPC express active telomerase and can undergo 100+ cell doublings without telomere shortening, suggesting that they do not senesce. MAPC express oct-4 mRNA. MAPC engraft in vivo and persist for 6+ months, differentiate into hematopoietic and epithelial cells in response to local “cues”, and contribute to all somatic cell types when injected in the blastocyst. The finding that stem cells exist in post-natal tissues with previously unknown proliferation and differentiation potential opens up the possibility of using autologous stem cells to treat a host of degenerative, traumatic or congenital diseases.