Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dynamic contact mechanics of the medial meniscus as a function of radial tear, repair, and partial meniscectomy.

BACKGROUND The menisci are integral to normal knee function. The purpose of this study was to measure the contact pressures transmitted to the medial tibial plateau under physiological loads as a function of the percentage of the meniscus involved by the radial tear or repair. Our hypotheses were that (1) there is a threshold size of radial tears above which contact mechanics are adversely affected, and (2) partial meniscectomy results in increased contact pressure compared with that found after meniscal repair. METHODS A knee simulator was used to apply physiological multidirectional dynamic gait loads across human cadaver knees. A sensor inserted below the medial meniscus recorded contact pressures in association with (1) an intact meniscus, (2) a radial tear involving 30% of the meniscal rim width, (3) a radial tear involving 60% of the width, (4) a radial tear involving 90% of the width, (5) an inside-out repair with horizontal mattress sutures, and (6) a partial meniscectomy. The effects of these different types of meniscal manipulation on the magnitude and location of the peak contact pressure were assessed at 14% and 45% of the gait cycle. RESULTS The peak tibial contact pressure in the intact knees was 6 +/- 0.5 MPa and 7.4 +/- 0.6 MPa at 14% and 45% of the gait cycle, respectively. The magnitude and location of the peak contact pressure were not affected by radial tears involving up to 60% of the meniscal rim width. Radial tears involving 90% resulted in a posterocentral shift in peak-pressure location manifested by an increase in pressure in that quadrant of 1.3 +/- 0.5 MPa at 14% of the gait cycle relative to the intact condition. Inside-out mattress suture repair of a 90% tear did not restore the location of the pressure peak to that of the intact knee. Partial meniscectomy led to a further increase in contact pressure in the posterocentral quadrant of 1.4 +/- 0.7 MPa at 14% of the gait cycle. CONCLUSIONS Large radial tears of the medial meniscus are not functionally equivalent to meniscectomies; the residual meniscus continues to provide some load transmission and distribution functions across the joint.
TDOA/AOD/AOA localization in NLOS environments

In this paper we present a novel localization algorithm for use in non-line-of-sight environments. We use the single bounce scattering model to model the non-line-of-sight propagations and estimate the position of a mobile station when the observations are the time-difference-of-arrival, the angle-of-departure, and the angle-of-arrival. The proposed algorithm uses the geometry of the radio propagation paths to estimate the position of the mobile station. An iterative localization algorithm based on the linearization of the observation function using a first order Taylor series is also discussed. The lower bound of the variance of an unbiased mobile station position estimator is determined using the Cramer-Rao lower bound. The performance of the proposed algorithm is analyzed using measurements from a real world indoor localization scenario and using Monte-Carlo simulations. It is shown that the proposed algorithms yield a satisfactory performance.
Distributed set surrounding and modulus consensus for multi-agent systems

In this paper, we discuss the distributed set surrounding problem of a multi-agent system with a switching communication topology. With considering a convex target set in Euclidean space, we propose a distributed controller to the agents so as to surround the target set with the same distance and also keep the desired projection angle from the specified neighbors defined in the configuration graph. Furthermore, we obtain some initial conditions to ensure the consistent case. Finally, when the convex set reduces into the origin we provide modulus consensus results and then give estimation when agents are disturbed with bounded uncertainties.
Efficacy of plant essential oils against foodborne pathogens and spoilage bacteria associated with ready-to-eat vegetables: antimicrobial and sensory screening.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of plant essential oils (EOs) against foodborne pathogens and key spoilage bacteria pertinent to ready-to-eat vegetables and to screen the selected EOs for sensory acceptability. The EOs basil, caraway, fennel, lemon balm, marjoram, nutmeg, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, and thyme were evaluated. The bacteria evaluated were Listeria spp. , Staphylococcus aureus, Lactobacillus spp. , Bacillus cereus, Salmonella, Enterobacter spp. , Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas spp. Quantitative antimicrobial analyses were performed using an absorbance-based microplate assay. Efficacy was compared using MIC, the half maximum inhibitory concentration, and the increase in lag phase. Generally, gram-positive bacteria were more sensitive to EOs than were gram-negative bacteria, and Listeria monocytogenes strains were among the most sensitive. Of the spoilage organisms, Pseudomonas spp. were the most resistant. Oregano and thyme EOs had the highest activity against all the tested bacteria. Marjoram and basil EOs had selectively high activity against B. cereus, Enterobacter aerogenes, E. coli, and Salmonella, and lemon balm and sage EOs had adequate activity against L. monocytogenes and S. aureus. Within bacterial species, EO efficacy was dependent on strain and in some cases the origin of the strain. On a carrot model product, basil, lemon balm, marjoram, oregano, and thyme EOs were deemed organoleptically acceptable, but only oregano and marjoram EOs were deemed acceptable for lettuce. Selected EOs may be useful as natural and safe additives for promoting the safety and quality of ready-to-eat vegetables.
State-Space vs . VAR Models for Stock Returns

State-space or latent-variable models for stock prices specify a process for expected returns and expected and unexpected dividend growth, and then derive dividend yields and returns from a present value relations. They are a useful structure for understanding and interpreting forecasting relations. In this note, I connect state-space representations with their observable counterparts, and VAR/ARMA representations recovered by forecasting regressions.
Simulative Comparison of Multiprotocol Label Switching and OpenFlow Network Technologies for Transmission Operations

Utility companies are integrating multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) technologies into existing backbone networks, including networks between substations and control centers. MPLS has mechanisms for efficient overlay technologies as well as mechanisms to enhance security: features essential to the functioning of the smart grid. However, with MPLS routing and other switching technologies innovation is restricted to the features enclosed “in the box. ” More specifically, there is no practical way for utility operators or researchers to test new ideas such as alternatives to IP or MPLS on a realistic scale to obtain the experience and confidence necessary for real world deployments. As a result, novel ideas go untested. Conversely, the OpenFlow framework has enabled significant advancements in network research. OpenFlow provides utility operators and researchers the programmability and flexibility necessary to enable innovation in next-generation communication architectures for the smart grid. This level of flexibility allows OpenFlow to provide all features of MPLS and also allows OpenFlow devices to co-exist with existing MPLS devices. The simulation results in this paper demonstrate that OpenFlow performs as well as MPLS, and may therefore be considered an alternative to MPLS for smart grid applications.
Use of Munsell color charts to measure skin tone objectively in nursing home residents at risk for pressure ulcer development.

AIMS To assess the feasibility of classifying skin tone using Munsell color chart values and to compare Munsell-based skin tone categories to ethnicity/race to predict pressure ulcer risk. BACKGROUND Pressure ulcer classification uses level of visible tissue damage, including skin discoloration over bony prominences. Prevention begins with early detection of damage. Skin discoloration in those with dark skin tones can be difficult to observe, hindering early detection. DESIGN Observational cohort of 417 nursing home residents from 19 nursing homes collected between 2009-2014, with weekly skin assessments for up to 16 weeks. METHODS Assessment included forearm and buttocks skin tone based on Munsell values (Dark, Medium, Light) at three time points, ethnicity/race medical record documentation, and weekly skin assessment on trunk and heels. RESULTS Inter-rater reliability was high for forearm and buttock values and skin tone. Mean Munsell buttocks values differed significantly by ethnicity/race. Across ethnicity/race, Munsell value ranges overlapped, with the greatest range among African Americans. Trunk pressure ulcer incidence varied by skin tone, regardless of ethnicity/race. In multinomial regression, skin tone was more predictive of skin damage than ethnicity/race for trunk locations but ethnicity/race was more predictive for heels. CONCLUSIONS Given the overlap of Munsell values across ethnicity/race, color charts provide more objective measurement of skin tone than demographic categories. An objective measure of skin tone can improve pressure ulcer risk assessment among patients for whom current clinical guidelines are less effective.
Lipopolysaccharide-induced caveolin-1 phosphorylation-dependent increase in transcellular permeability precedes the increase in paracellular permeability

Background Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was shown to induce an increase in caveolin-1 (Cav-1) expression in endothelial cells; however, the mechanisms regarding this response and the consequences on caveolae-mediated transcellular transport have not been completely investigated. This study aims to investigate the role of LPS-induced Cav-1 phosphorylation in pulmonary microvascular permeability in pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVECs). Methods Rat PMVECs were isolated, cultured, and identified. Endocytosis experiments were employed to stain the nuclei by DAPI, and images were obtained with a fluorescence microscope. Permeability of endothelial cultures was measured to analyze the barrier function of endothelial monolayer. Western blot assay was used to examine the expression of Cav-1, pCav-1, triton-insoluble Cav-1, and triton-soluble Cav-1 protein. Results The LPS treatment induced phosphorylation of Cav-1, but did not alter the total Cav-1 level till 60 min in both rat and human PMVECs. LPS treatment also increased the triton-insoluble Cav-1 level, which peaked 15 min after LPS treatment in both rat and human PMVECs. LPS treatment increases the intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression. Src inhibitors, including PP2, PP1, Saracatinib, and Quercetin, partially inhibited LPS-induced phosphorylation of Cav-1. In addition, both PP2 and caveolae disruptor MβCD inhibited LPS-induced increase of triton-insoluble Cav-1. LPS induces permeability by activating interleukin-8 and vascular endothelial growth factor and targeting other adhesion markers, such as ZO-1 and occludin. LPS treatment also significantly increased the endocytosis of albumin, which could be blocked by PP2 or MβCD. Furthermore, LPS treatment for 15 min significantly elevated Evans Blue-labeled BSA transport in advance of a decrease in transendothelial electrical resistance of PMVEC monolayer at this time point. After LPS treatment for 30 min, transendothelial electrical resistance decreased significantly. Moreover, PP2 and MβCD blocked LPS-induced increase in Evans Blue-labeled BSA level. Conclusion Our study demonstrates that LPS-induced Cav-1 phosphorylation may lead to the increase of transcellular permeability prior to the increase of paracellular permeability in a Src-dependent manner. Thus, LPS-induced Cav-1 phosphorylation may be a therapeutic target for the treatment of inflammatory lung disease associated with elevated microvascular permeability.
Sensor Fault Detection, Isolation, and Estimation in Lithium-Ion Batteries

In battery management systems (BMSs), real-time diagnosis of sensor faults is critical for ensuring the safety and reliability of the battery. For example, a current sensor fault leads to erroneous estimates of state of charge and other parameters, which in turn affects the control actions in the BMS. A temperature sensor fault may lead to ineffective thermal management. In this brief, a model-based diagnostic scheme is presented that uses sliding mode observers designed based on the electrical and thermal dynamics of the battery. It is analytically shown how the extraction of the equivalent output error injection signals on the sliding manifolds enables the detection, the isolation, as well as the estimation of the temperature, voltage, and current sensor faults. This brief includes simulation and experimental studies to demonstrate and evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme. Discussions are also included on the effects of uncertainty and on threshold design.
Novel Inflammatory Markers, Clinical Risk Factors and Virus Type Associated With Severe Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

Background: Virus-induced inflammation contributes to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) pathogenesis. We sought to determine the specific mediators that are associated with more severe illness in young children. Methods: Children ⩽5 years of age seen in our emergency department for respiratory symptoms from September 1998 to May 2008 were eligible for enrollment. Nasopharyngeal wash samples were collected from all eligible patients, and clinical data were recorded. Individuals were included in this study if nasopharyngeal wash samples were positive for RSV only. Patients enrolled in the study were stratified by disease severity, defined as mild (not hospitalized), moderate (hospitalized) or severe (requiring intensive care unit stay). Concentrations of individual inflammatory biomarkers in nasopharyngeal wash fluids were determined using the Luminex human 30-plex assay. Results: Eight hundred fifty-one patients met study criteria: 268 (31.5%) with mild, 503 (59.1%) with moderate and 80 (9.4%) with severe illness. As expected, illness severity was directly associated with young age, prematurity, heart or lung disease, infection with RSV group A and elevated concentrations of interleukin (IL)-2R, IL-6, CXCL8, tumor necrosis factor-&agr;, interferon-&agr;, CCL3, CCL4 and CCL2. In addition, we report several novel and mechanistically important inflammatory biomarkers of severe RSV disease, including IL-1&bgr;, IL1-RA, IL-7, epidermal growth factor and hepatocyte growth factor. Conclusions: In a large, longitudinal study (10 years, 851 enrolled patients) limited to RSV infection only, in which well-known risk factors are confirmed, we identified 5 novel biomarkers specifically of severe disease. These markers may ultimately serve to elucidate disease mechanisms.
Compartmentalization of Information Processing in anAplysia Feeding Circuit Interneuron through Membrane Properties and Synaptic Interactions

We describe a pair of cerebral-to-buccal interneurons, CBI-5/6, which have outputs and inputs in two ganglia. The soma in the cerebral ganglion received synaptic inputs during buccal motor programs (BMPs) and after mechanical stimulation of the lips. During BMPs the soma received antidromic spikes generated in processes in the buccal ganglion. The soma was driven into a plateau potential by each of these inputs, during which it fired orthodromically at 0–5 Hz. The soma had outputs in the cerebral ganglion consisting of electrical coupling to the adjacent CBI-5/6 and to a cerebral-to-pedal neuron (CPN1). The buccal terminals of CBI-5/6 received inputs that generated rhythmic barrages (up to 25 Hz) of antidromic spikes during BMPs. The buccal terminals had chemical and electrical outputs to motor and premotor elements of feeding circuitry. This combination of synaptic interactions and endogenous properties mean that CBI-5/6 can process information in a number of ways. During the barrage of antidromic spikes, high-frequency firing will produce strong inputs to buccal followers and on their arrival at the soma will transfer excitation electrotonically to CPN1. Subthreshold input to the soma will be transferred electrotonically to cerebral followers but will not be relayed to postsynaptic buccal neurons. Plateau potentials after the antidromic spikes or local cerebral inputs will locally excite CPN1 via electrical coupling but will have little influence on buccal events because of the low orthodromic firing rate. Thus, CBI-5/6 may transmit information locally within the cerebral ganglion or more extensively in both buccal and cerebral ganglia simultaneously.
The Behavioral Origins of War

In "The Behavioral Origins of War, " D. Scott Bennett and Allan C. Stam analyze systemic, binary, and individual factors in order to evaluate a wide variety of theories about the origins of war.Challenging the view that theories of war are nothing more than competing explanations for observed behavior, this expansive study incorporates variables from multiple theories and thus accounts for war's multiplicity of causes. While individual theories offer partial explanations for international conflict, only a valid set of theories can provide a complete explanation. Bennett and Stam's unconventional yet methodical approach opens the way for cumulative scientific progress in international relations.D. Scott Bennett is Professor of Political Science at the Pennsylvania State University. Allan C. Stam is Associate Professor in the Government Department at Dartmouth College.
Radiofrequency neurotomy for treatment of low back pain in patients with minor degenerative spondylolisthesis.

BACKGROUND Degenerative spondylolisthesis is one of the major causes for low back pain. Morphological abnormalities of the zygapophysial joints are a predisposing factor in the development of degenerative spondylolisthesis. Therefore, radiofrequency neurotomy seems to be a rational therapy. OBJECTIVES To determine if radiofrequency neurotomy is effective for patients with low back pain and degenerative spondylolisthesis. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective practice audit. SETTING Single spine center METHODS Charts of all patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis who underwent treatment with radiofrequency neurotomy during a time period of 3 years were reviewed. Only patients with magnetic resonance imaging confirming the diagnosis were included. Patients with a lumbar spine operation in their history, patients with neurological deficits, and patients with a follow-up less than 3 months were excluded. Patients were treated with lumbar radiofrequency neurotomy. Positive treatment response was defined as at least a 50% reduction in pain. A radiofrequency neurotomy was only performed after positive diagnostic medial branch blocks. RESULTS During a time period of 3 years, 1,490 patients were treated with lumbar radiofrequency neurotomy. Forty of these patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis were included. A significant pain reduction was achieved in 65 % of the patients. LIMITATIONS This audit is retrospective and observational, and therefore does not represent a high level of evidence. However, to our knowledge, since this information has not been previously reported and no specific nonoperative treatment for lumbar pain in patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis exists, it appears to be the best available research upon which to recommend treatment and to plan higher quality studies. CONCLUSION Zygapophysial joints are a possible source of pain in patients with spondylolisthesis. Radiofrequency neurotomy is a rational, specific nonoperative therapy in addition to other nonoperative therapy methods with a success rate of 65%. This is the first study to determine the effect of radiofrequency neurotomy in patients with minor degenerative spondylolisthesis.
Regularized Policy Iteration with Nonparametric Function Spaces

We study two regularization-based approximate policy iteration algorithms, namely REG-LSPI and REG-BRM, to solve reinforcement learning and planning problems in discounted Markov Decision Processes with large state and finite action spaces. The core of these algorithms are the regularized extensions of the Least-Squares Temporal Difference (LSTD) learning and Bellman Residual Minimization (BRM), which are used in the algorithms' policy evaluation steps. Regularization provides a convenient way to control the complexity of the function space to which the estimated value function belongs and as a result enables us to work with rich nonparametric function spaces. We derive efficient implementations of our methods when the function space is a reproducing kernel Hilbert space. We analyze the statistical properties of REG-LSPI and provide an upper bound on the policy evaluation error and the performance loss of the policy returned by this method. Our bound shows the dependence of the loss on the number of samples, the capacity of the function space, and some intrinsic properties of the underlying Markov Decision Process. The dependence of the policy evaluation bound on the number of samples is minimax optimal. This is the first work that provides such a strong guarantee for a nonparametric approximate policy iteration algorithm.
Benefit requirements for substance use disorder treatment in state health insurance exchanges

ABSTRACT Background: Established in 2014, state health insurance exchanges have greatly expanded substance use disorder (SUD) treatment coverage in the United States as qualified health plans (QHPs) within the exchanges are required to conform to parity provisions laid out by the Affordable Care Act and the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). Coverage improvements, however, have not been even as states have wide discretion over how they meet these regulations. Objective: How states regulate SUD treatment benefits offered by QHPs has implications for the accessibility and quality of care. In this study, we assessed the extent to which state insurance departments regulate the types of SUD services and medications plans must provide, as well as their use of utilization controls. Methods: Data were collected as part of the National Drug Abuse Treatment System Survey, a nationally-representative, longitudinal study of substance use disorder treatment. Data were obtained from state Departments of Insurance via a 15-minute internet-based survey. Results: States varied widely in regulations on QHPs' administration of SUD treatment benefits. Some states required plans to cover all 11 SUD treatment services and medications we assessed in the study, whereas others did not require plans to cover anything at all. Nearly all states allowed the plans to employ utilization controls, but reported little guidance regarding how they should be used. Conclusion: Although some states have taken full advantage of the health insurance exchanges to increase access to SUD treatment, others seem to have done the bare minimum required by the ACA. By not requiring coverage for the entire SUD continuum of care, states are hindering client access to appropriate types of care necessary for recovery.