Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Brain shift estimation in image-guided neurosurgery using 3-D ultrasound

Intraoperative brain deformation is one of the most important causes affecting the overall accuracy of image-guided neurosurgical procedures. One option for correcting for this deformation is to acquire three-dimensional (3-D) ultrasound data during the operation and use this data to update the information provided by the preoperatively acquired MR data. For 12 patients 3-D ultrasound images have been reconstructed from freehand sweeps acquired during neurosurgical procedures. Ultrasound data acquired prior to and after opening the dura, but prior to surgery, have been quantitatively compared to the preoperatively acquired MR data to estimate the rigid component of brain shift at the first stages of surgery. Prior to opening the dura the average brain shift measured was 3.0 mm parallel to the direction of gravity, with a maximum of 7.5 mm, and 3.9 mm perpendicular to the direction of gravity, with a maximum of 8.2 mm. After opening the dura the shift increased on average 0.2 mm parallel to the direction of gravity and 1.4 mm perpendicular to the direction of gravity. Brain shift can be detected by acquiring 3-D ultrasound data during image-guided neurosurgery. Therefore, it can be used as a basis for correcting image data and preoperative planning for intraoperative deformations.
Stochastic Model Based Opportunistic Spectrum Access in Wireless Networks

We present a stochastic model based opportunistic channel access and transmission scheme for cognitive radioenabled secondary users for single data channel. We refer to this scheme as RIBS (Residual Idle Time Distribution based Scheme). In this scheme, the SU uses residual white space distribution to estimate its transmission duration such that the probability of its interference with PU is less than a predefined threshold value. We derive analytical formulae for computing the average raw SU frames per transmission operation, average raw SU throughput, and the average sensing overhead for SU. Using simulation experiments, we show that using RIBS, SU can use the channel opportunistically without violating the interference probability constraint. We conduct simulation experiments by collecting channel occupancy data due to PU traffic in two different scenarios. In the first scenario, we synthetically generate channel occupancy data due to PU transmissions using two standard distributions (2-phase Erlang and Uniform distribution). We validate the analytical formulations using simulation with synthetic channel occupancy. In the second scenario, we simulate a PU network that runs realistic applications (VoIP and Web browsing) using a TDMA MAC protocol. A pair of sender and receiver SU uses RIBS to opportunistically transmit on the channel. We analyze the characteristics of white spaces obtained due to these realistic applications, list some of the challenges in using RIBS in realistic scenarios, and provide comprehensive methodology to use RIBS in primary network running real applications.
The role of the robot mass and velocity in physical human-robot interaction - Part I: Non-constrained blunt impacts

The desired coexistence of robotic systems and humans in the same physical domain, by sharing their workspace and actually cooperating in a physical manner, poses the very fundamental problem of ensuring safety to the user. In this paper we will show the influence of robot mass and velocity during blunt unconstrained impacts with humans. Several robots with weights ranging from 15-2500 kg are impacted at different velocities with a mechanical human head mockup. This is used to measure the so-called head injury criterion, mainly a measure for brain injury. Apart from injuries indicated by this criterion and a detailed analysis of chest impacts we point out that e.g. fractures of facial bones can occur during collisions at typical robot velocities. Therefore, this injury mechanism which is more probable in robotics is evaluated in detail.
Surveillance programme of cirrhotic patients for early diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma: a cost effectiveness analysis

BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of death in cirrhotic patients. This neoplasm is associated with liver cirrhosis (LC) in more than 90% of cases. Early diagnosis and treatment of HCC are expected to improve survival of patients. AIMS To assess the cost effectiveness of a surveillance programme of patients with LC for the early diagnosis and treatment of HCC. PATIENTS A cohort of 313 Italian patients with LC were enrolled in the surveillance programme between March 1989 and November 1991. In the same period, 104 consecutive patients with incidentally detected HCC were referred to our centre and served as a control group. METHODS Surveillance was based on ultrasonography (US) and α fetoprotein (AFP) determinations repeated at six month intervals. Risk factors for HCC were assessed by multivariate analysis (Cox model). Outcome measures analysed were: (1) number and size of tumours; (2) eligibility for treatment; and (3) survival of patients. Economic issues were: (1) overall cost of surveillance programme; (2) cost per treatable HCC; and (3) cost per year of life saved (if any). Costs were assessed according to charges for procedures at our university hospital. RESULTS Surveillance lasted a mean of 56 (31) months (range 6–100). During the follow up, 61 patients (19.5%) developed HCC (unifocal at US in 49 cases), with an incidence of 4.1% per year of follow up. AFP, Child-Pugh classes B and C, and male sex were detected as independent risk factors for developing HCC. Only 42 (68.9%) of 61 liver tumours were treated by surgical resection, orthotopic liver transplantation, or local therapy. The cumulative survival rate of the 61 patients with liver tumours detected in the surveillance programme was significantly longer than that of controls (p=0.02) and multivariate analysis showed an association between surveillance and survival. The overall cost of the surveillance programme was US$753 226, the cost per treatable HCC was US$17 934, and the cost for year of life saved was US$112 993. CONCLUSION Our surveillance policy of patients with LC requires a large number of resources and offers little benefit in terms of patient survival. The decision whether to adopt a surveillance policy towards HCC should rely on the prevalence of the disease in the population and on the resources of a particular country.
No Effect of Generalized Joint Hypermobility on Injury Risk in Elite Female Soccer Players: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background: Although it has been suggested that generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) is a risk factor for injury in soccer players, it remains unclear whether this applies to elite female soccer players. Purpose: To investigate whether GJH is a risk factor for injury in elite female soccer players. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Elite female soccer players in the Netherlands were screened at the start of the 2014-2015 competitive season. GJH was assessed using the Beighton score. Soccer injuries and soccer exposure were registered throughout the entire season. Poisson regression was performed to calculate incidence risk ratios (IRRs) using different cutoff points of the Beighton score (≥3, ≥4, and ≥5) to indicate GJH. Results: Of the 114 players included in the study, 20 were classified as hypermobile (Beighton score ≥4). The mean (±SD) injury incidence per player was 8.40 ± 9.17 injuries/1000 hours of soccer, with no significant difference between hypermobile and nonhypermobile players. GJH was not a risk factor for injuries when using Beighton score cutoff points of ≥3 (IRR = 1.06 [95% CI, 0.74-1.50]; P = .762), ≥4 (IRR = 1.10 [95% CI, 0.72-1.68]; P = .662), or ≥5 (IRR = 1.15 [95% CI, 0.68-1.95]; P = .602). Similarly, GJH was not a significant risk factor for thigh, knee, or ankle injuries evaluated separately. Conclusion: This study indicates that GJH is not a risk factor for injuries in elite female soccer players, irrespective of Beighton score cutoff point. Hypermobile players at this elite level might have improved their active stability and/or used braces to compensate for joint laxity.
Speed Scaling in the Non-clairvoyant Model

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in speed scaling algorithms, where a set of jobs need to be scheduled on a machine with variable speed so as to optimize the flow-times of the jobs and the energy consumed by the machine. A series of results have culminated in constant-competitive algorithms for this problem in the clairvoyant model, i.e., when job parameters are revealed on releasing a job (Bansal, Pruhs, and Stein, SODA 2007; Bansal, Chan, and Pruhs, SODA 2009). Our main contribution in this paper is the first constant-competitive speed scaling algorithm in the non-clairvoyant model, which is typically used in the scheduling literature to model practical settings where job volume is revealed only after the job has been completely processed. Unlike in the clairvoyant model, the speed scaling problem in the non-clairvoyant model is non-trivial even for a single job. Our non-clairvoyant algorithm is defined by using the existing clairvoyant algorithm in a novel inductive way, which then leads to an inductive analytical tool that may be of independent interest for other online optimization problems. We also give additional algorithmic results and lower bounds for speed scaling on multiple identical parallel machines.
A Dictionary-based Approach to Racism Detection in Dutch Social Media

We present a dictionary-based approach to racism detection in Dutch social media comments, which were retrieved from two public Belgian social media sites likely to attract racist reactions. These comments were labeled as racist or non-racist by multiple annotators. For our approach, three discourse dictionaries were created: first, we created a dictionary by retrieving possibly racist and more neutral terms from the training data, and then augmenting these with more general words to remove some bias. A second dictionary was created through automatic expansion using a \texttt{word2vec} model trained on a large corpus of general Dutch text. Finally, a third dictionary was created by manually filtering out incorrect expansions. We trained multiple Support Vector Machines, using the distribution of words over the different categories in the dictionaries as features. The best-performing model used the manually cleaned dictionary and obtained an F-score of 0.46 for the racist class on a test set consisting of unseen Dutch comments, retrieved from the same sites used for the training set. The automated expansion of the dictionary only slightly boosted the model's performance, and this increase in performance was not statistically significant. The fact that the coverage of the expanded dictionaries did increase indicates that the words that were automatically added did occur in the corpus, but were not able to meaningfully impact performance. The dictionaries, code, and the procedure for requesting the corpus are available at: this https URL
Virologic efficacy of boosted double versus boosted single protease inhibitor therapy

Objective:Although regimens containing two protease inhibitor (PI) together with ritonavir boosting are used with the aim of improving virologic response to salvage therapy, there is little evidence to support or reject this approach. We compared the probability of attaining an undetectable HIV RNA level after using either boosted double or boosted single PI regimens. Design:Retrospective clinical cohort. Methods:PI-experienced subjects in a Northern California-based database who initiated either a boosted single or boosted double PI salvage therapy regimen were analysed. Traditional multivariable regression and marginal structural model analyses were used to compare the effects of the two regimens on virologic suppression 12–36 weeks after initiation of salvage therapy, controlling for confounding by baseline HIV RNA level, CD4 lymphocyte count, treatment history, drug resistance, and multiple characteristics of the salvage regimen. Results:Fifty-one percent of boosted single PI regimens (n=805) and 51.6% of boosted double PI regimens (n=183) achieved a plasma HIV RNA level of <75 copies/ml at week 12–36. In models including multiple potentially confounding variables, estimates of the relative odds of suppression on boosted double versus boosted single PI regimens ranged from 1.17 (95% CI, 0.54–2.55) to 1.33 (95% CI, 0.82–2.14). Conclusions:We were not able to reject the null hypothesis that boosted double versus boosted single PI regimens, resulted in equivalent probabilities of virologic success.
Anti-icing Performance of a Superhydrophobic PDMS/Modified Nano-silica Hybrid Coating for Insulators

Abstract This paper presents a new type of poly(dimethylsiloxane)/modified nano-silica (PDMS/modified nanosilica) hybrid superhydrophobic coating to reduce ice accumulation on insulators. The PDMS/modified nano-silica hybrid coating and a room temperature vulcanized (RTV) silicone rubber coating were formed on glass insulators for ice accumulation experiments in the laboratory. The hydrophobicity of the two coatings was measured and compared. Average water contact angle on the PDMS/modified nano-silica hybrid coating reached 161°. The microstructures and functional groups on the surfaces of both coatings were investigated using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE–SEM) and attenuated total reflection–Fourier transform infrared (ATR–FTIR) spectroscopy, respectively. Analysis results show that both multiscale microstructure and low surface energy contributed to the superhydrophobicity of the PDMS/modified nano-silica hybrid coating. Finally, experiments on ice accumulation on insulators were carried out to investigate the anti-icing properties of the PDMS/modified nano-silica hybrid coating on insulators. Significantly smaller rate of ice accumulation was observed for the insulators treated with the PDMS/modified nano-silica hybrid coating, relative to that treated with the RTV silicone rubber coating.
How Much Do Range of Movement and Coordination Affect Paralympic Sprint Performance?

INTRODUCTION Development of evidence-based methods of paralympic classification requires research quantifying the relative strength of association between ratio-scaled measures of impairment and sports performance. To date, no such research has been conducted. The purpose of this study was to quantify the extent to which range of movement (ROM) and coordination affect running performance in runners with and without brain impairment. METHODS Participants were 41 male runners, 13 with brain impairments (RBI) and 28 nondisabled (NDR). All participants completed a maximal 60-m sprint as well as a novel battery of five lower limb ROM tests and three lower limb coordination tests. RESULTS In the coordination tests, RBI showed significantly slower mean movement times compared to NDR on all measures (e.g., 0.54 s ± 0.12 s vs 0.34 s ± 0.05 s). Runners with brain impairments had significantly lower range of movement on five of ten measures (e.g., 25.9° ± 5.4° vs 37.0° ± 6.0°) and had significantly slower acceleration (0-15 m) (3.2 s ± 0.3 s vs 2.8 s ± 0.2 s) and top speed (30-60 m) (4.3 s ± 0.6 s vs 3.8 s ± 0.3 s). Five ROM measures significantly correlated with sprint performance in RBI and did not significantly correlate with sprint performance in NDR, satisfying convergent and divergent validity criteria. These individual tests explained 38% to 58% of the variance in sprint performance in RBI. CONCLUSION This is the first study to quantify the extent to which eligible impairments affect performance in a paralympic sport. Five of the ROM measures significantly affected sprint performance in RBI and were deemed valid for the purposes of classifying impairments in classes T35-T38. This study is an important methodological step toward development of evidence-based methods of classifying impairments in classes T35-T38 and provides practical methodological guidance to researchers in this field.
The immunoglobulin superfamily--domains for cell surface recognition.

When Ig chains were first sequenced, segments within the constant regions of H and L chains showed sequence similarities, and this led to the idea that the Ig chains had all evolved from a primordial gene coding for about 100 amino acids (1). The domains within the Ig chains all contained a characteristic intrachain disulfide bond, and the idea of the domain as an independent structural unit was proposed (2). The domain hypothesis was firmly established when the structures of V and C domains were determined to reveal a common fold forming a sandwich of two p-sheets that was stabilized by the conserved disulfide bond (3, 4). Beta-2 microglobulin (P2-m), identified in the urine of patients with kidney disease, was the first nonimmunoglobulin structure found to share sequence similarities with Ig-domains. The pz-m sequence looked like an Ig C-domain (5, 6). P2-m was subsequently discovered to be part of the major histocompatibility complex (MH C) class I structure, and sequencing of the class I heavy chain showed that a segment of sequence adjacent to the transmembrane region was also similar to Ig C-domains (7, 7a). MHC antigens were known to play some role in the specificity of T lymphocyte
Effect of coadsorbent on the photovoltaic performance of squaraine sensitized nanocrystalline solar cells

The effect of chenodeoxycholic acid as the coadsorbent with a squaraine sensitizer on TiO2 nanocrystalline solar cells was investigated, and it was found that the coadsorbent prevents the squaraine sensitizer from aggregating on the TiO2 nanoparticles but reduces dye loading leading to an interdependent photovoltaic performance. Analysis of the absorption spectra, and incident monochromatic photon-to-current conversion efficiency data showed that the load of squaraine sensitizer as well as the appearance of H-aggregates is strongly dependent on the molar concentration of chenodeoxycholic acid coadsorbent. The open circuit voltage of the solar cells with chenodeoxycholic acid increases due to the enhanced electron lifetime in the TiO2 nanoparticles coupled with the band edge shift of TiO2 to negative potentials.
Improved direct sum theorem in classical communication complexity

We show the following direct sum theorem for classical communication protocols, R k (f m) = Ω(m k R k,pub (f)) where R k (f m) is the the k-round private coins communication complexity of f m and R k,pub (f) is the k-round public coin complexity of f. In particular for constant round protocols it implies R const (f m) = Θ(mR const,pub (f)).
An evaluation of botulinum-A toxin injections to improve upper extremity function in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.

OBJECTIVE In a randomized, controlled, single-blind trial, to test the hypothesis that botulinum-A toxin (BTA) injections into the upper extremity of children with spastic hemiplegia improve upper extremity function. STUDY DESIGN Thirty children with hemiplegia, aged 2.5 to 10 years, were randomly assigned to receive: (1) a BTA injection into 1 or more of 3 muscle groups (biceps, volar forearm muscles, adductor pollicis) plus occupational therapy or (2) occupational therapy alone. Blinded outcomes obtained at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months included the Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test (QUEST), goniometry measurements, grip strength, and Ashworth scores. The caregiver completed the self-care domain of the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory. RESULTS Twenty-nine subjects completed the study. The QUEST demonstrated a significant improvement favoring the treatment group on a 2-way analysis of variance (F = 4.69, df = 1,83; P =.039). BTA treatment was also associated with an improvement in score on the self-care domain of the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (F = 4.68, df = 1,82; P =.04). CONCLUSIONS This study supports the effectiveness of BTA injections to improve upper extremity function of children with hemiplegia who have at least moderate spasticity.
International Journal of Health Geographics Open Access Research Protocol: Eb-gis4health Uk – Foundation Evidence Base and Ontology-based Framework of Modular, Reusable Models for Uk/nhs Health and Healthcare Gis Applications

EB-GIS4HEALTH UK aims at building a UK-oriented foundation evidence base and modular conceptual models for GIS applications and programmes in health and healthcare to improve the currently poor GIS state of affairs within the NHS; help the NHS understand and harness the importance of spatial information in the health sector in order to better respond to national health plans, priorities, and requirements; and also foster the much-needed NHS-academia GIS collaboration. The project will focus on diabetes and dental care, which together account for about 11% of the annual NHS budget, and are thus important topics where GIS can help optimising resource utilisation and outcomes. Virtual e-focus groups will ensure all UK/NHS health GIS stakeholders are represented. The models will be built using Protégé ontology editor http:// protege.stanford. edu/ based on the best evidence pooled in the project's evidence base (from critical literature reviews and e-focus groups). We will disseminate our evidence base, GIS models, and documentation through the project's Web server. The models will be human-readable in different ways to inform NHS GIS implementers, and it will be possible to also use them to generate the necessary template databases (and even to develop "intelligent" health GIS solutions using software agents) for running the modelled applications. Our products and experience in this project will be transferable to address other national health topics based on the same principles. Our ultimate goal is to provide the NHS with practical, vendor-neutral, modular workflow models, and ready-to-use, evidence-based frameworks for developing successful GIS business plans and implementing GIS to address various health issues. NHS organisations adopting such frameworks will achieve a common understanding of spatial data and processes, which will enable them to efficiently and effectively share, compare, and integrate their data silos and results for more informed planning and better outcomes. "Geocoding (street address matching or assignment of latitude and longitude) will be the basis for data linkage and analysis in the 21st century. The versatility of GIS supports the exploration of spatial relationships, patterns, and trends that otherwise would go unnoticed. which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
H∞ filtering for markovian jump linear systems with mode partial information

The goal of this paper is to present new results for H∞ filtering for continuous-time Markov jump linear systems with partial information on the jumping parameter. The central hypothesis considered here is the existence of a suitable detector which provides measurements of the Markov chain. This detector-based approach allows us to treat the case with complete observations, no information and cluster observations of the jumping process. The main result comprises a method for designing a mean square stable linear H∞ filter by using the information given by the detector. The proposed filter design is given in terms of linear matrix inequalities. Furthermore, the result is applied to the state estimation of an unmanned aerial vehicle model.
Banana nutrition: a review of principles and practice.

Results of gross analyses of single banana plants, fields of plants and bunches of bananas are described, and problems of the determination of fertiliser requirements in the field are discussed. Time and frequency of NPK fertiliser application and the placement of such fertilisers are discussed, together with results of soil and leaf analysis, and deficiency symptoms. Fertiliser practices in banana-producing countries are reviewed.