Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Acoustic radiation force induced resonance elastography of coagulating blood: theoretical viscoelasticity modeling and ex vivo experimentation

Deep vein thrombosis is a common vascular disease that can lead to pulmonary embolism and death. The early diagnosis and clot age staging are important parameters for reliable therapy planning. This article presents an acoustic radiation force induced resonance elastography method for the viscoelastic characterization of clotting blood. The physical concept of this method relies on the mechanical resonance of the blood clot occurring at specific frequencies. Resonances are induced by focusing ultrasound beams inside the sample under investigation. Coupled to an analytical model of wave scattering, the ability of the proposed method to characterize the viscoelasticity of a mimicked venous thrombosis in the acute phase is demonstrated. Experiments with a gelatin-agar inclusion sample of known viscoelasticity are performed for validation and establishment of the proof of concept. In addition, an inversion method is applied in vitro for the kinetic monitoring of the blood coagulation process of six human blood samples obtained from two volunteers. The computed elasticity and viscosity values of blood samples at the end of the 90 min kinetics were estimated at 411 ± 71 Pa and 0.25 ± 0.03 Pa · s for volunteer #1, and 387 ± 35 Pa and 0.23 ± 0.02 Pa · s for volunteer #2, respectively. The proposed method allowed reproducible time-varying thrombus viscoelastic measurements from samples having physiological dimensions.
Collaborative Brain-Computer Interface for Aiding Decision-Making

We look at the possibility of integrating the percepts from multiple non-communicating observers as a means of achieving better joint perception and better group decisions. Our approach involves the combination of a brain-computer interface with human behavioural responses. To test ideas in controlled conditions, we asked observers to perform a simple matching task involving the rapid sequential presentation of pairs of visual patterns and the subsequent decision as whether the two patterns in a pair were the same or different. We recorded the response times of observers as well as a neural feature which predicts incorrect decisions and, thus, indirectly indicates the confidence of the decisions made by the observers. We then built a composite neuro-behavioural feature which optimally combines the two measures. For group decisions, we uses a majority rule and three rules which weigh the decisions of each observer based on response times and our neural and neuro-behavioural features. Results indicate that the integration of behavioural responses and neural features can significantly improve accuracy when compared with the majority rule. An analysis of event-related potentials indicates that substantial differences are present in the proximity of the response for correct and incorrect trials, further corroborating the idea of using hybrids of brain-computer interfaces and traditional strategies for improving decision making.
Are camera surveys useful for assessing recruitment in white-tailed deer?

Camera surveys commonly are used by managers and hunters to estimate white-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus density and demographic rates. Though studies have documented biases and inaccuracies in the camera survey methodology, camera traps remain popular due to ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and ability to survey large areas. Because recruitment is a key parameter in ungulate population dynamics, there is a growing need to test the effectiveness of camera surveys for assessing fawn recruitment. At Savannah River Site, South Carolina, we used six years of camera-based recruitment estimates (i.e. fawn:doe ratio) to predict concurrently collected annual radiotag-based survival estimates. The coefficient of determination (R2) was 0.445, indicating some support for the viability of cameras to reflect recruitment. We added two years of data from Fort Bragg Military Installation, North Carolina, which improved R2 to 0.621 without accounting for site-specific variability. Also, we evaluated the correlation between year-to-year changes in recruitment and survival using the Savannah River Site data; R2 was 0.758, suggesting that camera-based recruitment could be useful as an indicator of the trend in survival. Because so few researchers concurrently estimate survival and camera-based recruitment, examining this relationship at larger spatial scales while controlling for numerous confounding variables remains difficult. Future research should test the validity of our results from other areas with varying deer and camera densities, as site (e.g. presence of feral pigs Sus scrofa) and demographic (e.g. fawn age at time of camera survey) parameters may have a large influence on detectability. Until such biases are fully quantified, we urge researchers and managers to use caution when advocating the use of camera-based recruitment estimates.
Intrusion detection techniques for mobile cloud computing in heterogeneous 5G

Mobile cloud computing is applied in multiple industries to obtain cloud-based services by leveraging mobile technologies. With the development of the wireless networks, defending threats from wireless communications have been playing a remarkable role in the Web security domain. Intrusion detection system IDS is an efficient approach for protecting wireless communications in the Fifth Generation 5G context. In this paper, we identify and summarize the main techniques being implemented in IDSs and mobile cloud computing with an analysis of the challenges for each technique. Addressing the security issue, we propose a higher level framework of implementing secure mobile cloud computing by adopting IDS techniques for applying mobile cloud-based solutions in 5G networks. On the basis of the reviews and synthesis, we conclude that the implementation of mobile cloud computing can be secured by the proposed framework because it will provide well-protected Web services and adaptable IDSs in the complicated heterogeneous 5G environment. Copyright © 2015John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anesthetic and cardiorespiratory effects of single-bolus intravenous alfaxalone with or without intramuscular xylazine-premedication in calves

The anesthetic and cardiorespiratory effects of xylazine-alfaxalone combination were evaluated in calves. Six calves (age: 6–9 months old; weight: 114–310 kg) were anesthetized with intravenous alfaxalone 15 min after administration of intramuscular saline (0.5 ml/100 kg) or xylazine (0.1 mg/kg; 0.5 ml/100 kg of a 2% xylazine solution). Anesthesia induction was smooth and orotracheal intubation was achieved in all calves. The calves anesthetized with xylazine-alfaxalone required a smaller induction dose of alfaxalone (1.23 ± 0.17 mg/kg, P=0.010) and accepted endotracheal intubation for a significantly longer period (16.8 ± 7.2 min, P=0.022) than the calves anesthetized with alfaxalone alone (2.28 ± 0.65 mg/kg 7.3 ± 1.6 min). At 5 min after induction, tachycardia (heart rate: 166 ± 47 beats/min of heart rate), hypertension (mean arterial blood pressure: 147 ± 81 mmHg) and hypoxemia (partial pressure of arterial blood oxygen [PaO2]: 43 ± 10 mmHg) were observed in the calves anesthetized with alfaxalone alone, whereas hypoxemia (PaO2: 47 ± 7 mmHg) and mild hypercapnia (partial pressure of arterial blood carbon dioxide: 54 ± 5 mmHg) were observed in the calves anesthetized with xylazine-alfaxalone. Premedication with xylazine provided a sparing effect on the induction dose of alfaxalone and a prolongation of anesthetic effect. Oxygen supplementation should be considered to prevent hypoxemia during anesthesia.
Mid‐depth internal wave energy off the Iberian Peninsula estimated from seismic reflection data

Energy levels of internal waves are estimated from seismic reflection data. Three legacy seismic sections from 1993 and 1997 obtained off the Iberian Peninsula have been analyzed for acoustic reflections within the water column. The reflections are aligned continuously for up to several kilometers over large parts of the sections and in the depth interval from 200 to 2000 m. Depth variations of these reflections are thought to be caused by the background internal wave field. From the variations we derive horizontal wave number spectra of normalized internal wave displacement. The general slope of the power density spectra is remarkably consistent for all sections and agrees well with model spectra for internal waves. Significant differences within the sections can be found when sufficiently large subsections are averaged. The spatial variation of the energy level indicates increasing internal wave activity with shallower water depths as well as near a subsurface eddy.
An Algorithm for Estimating Fixed Points of Dynamical Systems from Time Series

This paper presents an algorithm for estimating fixed points of dynamical systems from time series. In some cases the new procedure can accurately estimate fixed points of which there is very little information in the data. Another advantage is that, although no prior knowledge is assumed, the new algorithm permits the user to employ a priori information about the system such as symmetry and the existence of a trivial fixed point. The new algorithm is tested on the Lorenz and Rossler systems and on real data taken from Chua's circuit.
Mesoporous alumina as a biomaterial for biomedical applications

Abstract: Porous anodic alumina (PAA) is a biomaterial based on a cost-effective electrochemical anodization of pure aluminum with unique geometrical properties, i.e., self-ordering hexagonal pore distribution, tunable pore diameters and interpore distances, and uniformity of the pores in the vertical direction (nanochannels). These remarkable properties have found important applications in several fields such as energy storage, optics, photonics, magnetism, catalysis and, in particular, in the biomedicine field. In this work, we review the current state of research and key issues on cell culture and implants, drug delivery systems with complex release profiles and specific action, and high efficiency and sensitivity biosensors with different biosensing mechanisms, all of them based on PAA. The biocompatibility, morphology of the surface, nanoestructural engineering in-depth, surface functionalization and coatings are discussed and analyzed in detail.
Assessing Flight Potential of the Invasive Asian Longhorned Beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) With Computerized Flight Mills

Abstract The Asian longhorned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Lamiinae), is an invasive woodborer that poses a serious threat to urban and natural landscapes. In North America, this beetle is a quarantine pest, and populations are subject to eradication efforts that consist of the identification, removal, and destruction of infested host material, and removal or prophylactic treatment of high-risk host plant species. To enhance Asian longhorned beetle eradication protocols in landscapes with extensive host availability, we assessed the dispersal potential of male and female adults of varying age, mating, and nutritional status using computerized flight mills. In total, 162 individuals were tethered to computerized flight mills for a 24-h trial period to collect information on total distance flown, flight times and velocities, and number and duration of flight bouts. Adult Asian longhorned beetles (in all treatments) flew an average of 2,272 m within a 24-h period, but are capable of flying up to 13,667 m (8.5 miles). Nutrition and age had the greatest impacts on flight, with Asian longhorned beetle adults >5 d of age that had fed having greater overall flight performance than any other group. However, mating status, sex, and body size (pre-flight weight and elytron length) had a minimal effect on flight performance. This information will be useful for refining quarantine zones surrounding areas of infestation, and for providing greater specificity as to the risk the Asian longhorned beetle poses within invaded regions.
Leukocyte Count and Intracerebral Hemorrhage Expansion

Background and Purpose— Acute leukocytosis is a well-established response to intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Leukocytes, because of their interaction with platelets and coagulation factors, may in turn play a role in hemostasis. We investigated whether admission leukocytosis was associated with reduced bleeding after acute ICH. Methods— Consecutive patients with primary ICH were prospectively collected from 1994 to 2015 and retrospectively analyzed. We included subjects with a follow-up computed tomographic scan available and automated complete white blood cell count performed within 48 hours from onset. Baseline and follow-up hematoma volumes were calculated with semiautomated software, and hematoma expansion was defined as volume increase >30% or 6 mL. The association between white blood cell count and ICH expansion was investigated with multivariate logistic regression. Results— A total of 1302 subjects met eligibility criteria (median age, 75 years; 55.8% men), of whom 207 (15.9%) experienced hematoma expansion. Higher leukocyte count on admission was associated with reduced risk of hematoma expansion (odds ratio for 1000 cells increase, 0.91; 95% confidence interval, 0.86–0.96; P=0.001). The risk of hematoma expansion was inversely associated with neutrophil count (odds ratio, 0.90; 95% confidence interval, 0.85–0.96; P=0.001) and directly associated with monocyte count (odds ratio, 2.71; 95% confidence interval, 1.08–6.83; P=0.034). There was no association between lymphocyte count and ICH expansion (odds ratio, 0.96; 95% confidence interval, 0.79–1.17; P=0.718). Conclusions— Higher admission white blood cell count is associated with lower risk of hematoma expansion. This highlights a potential role of the inflammatory response in modulating the coagulation cascade after acute ICH.
Effect of Irradiation Doses on Sterility and Biological Security in a Genetically Modified Strain of the Mediterranean Fruit Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Abstract The genetically modified strain of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) VIENNA 8 1260, was developed from the genetic sexing strain VIENNA 8. It has two molecular markers that exhibit red fluorescence in the body and green fluorescence in testis and sperm. These traits offer a precise tool to discriminate between mass-reared and wild males, increasing the effectiveness of sterile insect technique. The reproductive performance of the VIENNA 8 1260 and VIENNA 8 D53- (without the D53 inversion introduced to prevent recombination) was compared at different irradiation doses. The general effect of irradiation on VIENNA 8 1260 followed the same patterns documented in previous publications for VIENNA 8 D53-. Irradiation doses of 80 Gray or greater reduced fertility and induced high levels of sterility in wild females. Fecundity reduction was higher in VIENNA 8 1260 than in VIENNA 8 D53- females. Vertical transmission of the fluorescence gene was confirmed up to the F4 generation. Substerilization in the VIENNA 8 1260 could jeopardize the usefulness of the transgenic strain due to the possible vertical transfer of the fluorescence transgene from the sterile males to the wild flies. A biologically safe higher irradiation dose could result in reduced competitiveness of the VIENNA 8 1260 strain. Mating and remating experiments suggest that Mediterranean fruit fly females exhibit a relative precedence in the use of the sperm: though both sperms are mixed, sperm from the remating is spent first. Results suggest a lower fitness of VIENNA 8 1260 sperm, when compared with sperm from a nonfluorescent bisexual strain, which is consistent with the lower reproductive performance documented for the VIENNA 8 1260 strain.
Satisfaction With Life Moderates the Indirect Effect of Pain Intensity on Pain Interference Through Pain Catastrophizing

Objective: Satisfaction with life buffers the effect of stress on health, but its role in the mechanism through which pain may impact engagement in activities of daily living is not known. We tested whether satisfaction with life protects against engaging in pain catastrophizing and through this explains individual differences in the extent to which pain interferes with activities of daily living. Method: One-hundred and 42 patients with upper extremity musculoskeletal illness participated in this cross-sectional study and completed the PROMIS pain intensity, PROMIS pain interference, pain catastrophizing scale (PCS), satisfaction with life scale (SWLS), and demographic variables. Results: A simple mediation model confirmed that the indirect effect of pain intensity on pain interference through PCS was 35.9% of the total effect. A moderated mediation analysis showed that the indirect effect of pain intensity on pain interference through PCS was differentially moderated by SWLS after controlling for relevant covariates. As satisfaction with life increased from low to moderate to high, a smaller proportion of the effect of pain intensity on pain interference (41.6%, 26.1%, and 10.5%) was carried through PCS, such that at the highest satisfaction with life, the indirect effect becomes completely nonsignificant. Conclusions: Satisfaction with life appears to buffer the effect of pain in individuals with upper extremity musculoskeletal illness. If replicated through longitudinal designs, results suggest that clinical interventions focused on increasing satisfaction with life, such as acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness training, gratitude, and other positive psychology skills, may improve outcomes in this population.
High-Frequency Percussive Ventilation Revisited

High-frequency percussive ventilation (HFPV) has demonstrated a potential role as a rescue option for refractory acute respiratory distress syndrome and as a method for improving inhalation injury outcomes. Nevertheless, there is a lack of literature examining the practical application of HFPV theory toward either improving gas exchange or preventing possible ventilator-induced lung injury. This article will discuss the clinically pertinent aspects of HFPV, inclusive of high- and low-frequency ventilation.
Mechanical and physical properties of composite panels manufactured from Chinese tallow tree furnish

Chinese tallow tree is a noxious, invasive plant in the southeastern United States. It is generally considered a nuisance and has no current commercial use. The objective of this research was to determine the technical feasibility of using the stem wood of this species for particleboard, fiberboard, and structural flakeboard. Due to its rapid growth, Chinese tallow tree could be a leading raw material for bio-based composite panels. This preliminary study indicated that Chinese tallow tree can be successfully used for all three composite panel types to produce panels meeting various American National Standards Institute grades based modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, and internal bond.
A High-Coverage Yersinia pestis Genome from a Sixth-Century Justinianic Plague Victim

The Justinianic Plague, which started in the sixth century and lasted to the mid eighth century, is thought to be the first of three historically documented plague pandemics causing massive casualties. Historical accounts and molecular data suggest the bacterium Yersinia pestis as its etiological agent. Here we present a new high-coverage (17.9-fold) Y. pestis genome obtained from a sixth-century skeleton recovered from a southern German burial site close to Munich. The reconstructed genome enabled the detection of 30 unique substitutions as well as structural differences that have not been previously described. We report indels affecting a lacl family transcription regulator gene as well as nonsynonymous substitutions in the nrdE, fadJ, and pcp genes, that have been suggested as plague virulence determinants or have been shown to be upregulated in different models of plague infection. In addition, we identify 19 false positive substitutions in a previously published lower-coverage Y. pestis genome from another archaeological site of the same time period and geographical region that is otherwise genetically identical to the high-coverage genome sequence reported here, suggesting low-genetic diversity of the plague during the sixth century in rural southern Germany.
Isolation and characterization of mesenchymal stromal progenitors from the temporomandibular joint disc

Disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) complex affect 6–12% of the population; the joint's disc is usually involved. Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine may constitute a promising therapeutic approach, with resident stromal progenitor cells a key factor in the process. We hypothesized that the TMJ disc (TMJD) contains multipotent stromal progenitors that may play an important role in regeneration of the disc. TMJD cells were cultured and evaluated for growth kinetics and colony‐forming units (CFUs). Single cell‐derived clones were isolated and induced to differentiate toward the osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic lineages by culturing in various induction media. Flow cytometry was used to identify multipotent stromal cell surface markers in additional cell samples, and reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) was used to determine gene expression patterns within isolated cells. High numbers of CFUs were observed, indicating cell self‐renewal. Biochemical assays showed significantly higher alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, lipid droplet concentration and glycosaminoglycan levels in cells cultured in osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic induction medium, respectively. Approximately 1% of the total cell population demonstrated the capability to differentiate into all three mesenchymal lineages. Chondrogenic gene levels within TMJD‐derived cells were significantly reduced in passaged culture. Our results support the hypothesis that multipotent stromal progenitor cells populate the TMJD and possess proliferation and differentiation capabilities. These cells may contribute to the regeneration potential of dysfunctional tissue and become the primary component in future attempts at tissue engineering or regeneration of this complex. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.