Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A single camera motion capture system dedicated to gestures imitation

This article describes a method to track 3D articulated structures from a monocular perspective image sequence using a particle filter. This structure is composed of a set of linked degenerated quadrics (cones) which are truncated by pairs of planes also modelled as degenerated quadrics. This set of truncated cones is connected by joints containing one or more degrees of freedom. The method is based upon the estimation of the contours of the structure's silhouette projected on the image plane, to validate each of the particles which correspond to proposed configurations. This validation is performed using a criterion that combines a measure based on the contours, a measure of similarity between the colour distribution around a point on the structure and a reference distribution, and other criteria that reinforce the overall cost function. The results show the feasibility of the approach when using a single camera to track a 3D model containing eight degrees of freedom
Diagnostic utility of endobronchial ultrasound with a guide sheath under the computed tomography workstation (ziostation) for small peripheral pulmonary lesions

The application of radial probe endobronchial ultrasound (R‐EBUS) and virtual bronchoscopic navigation has improved the diagnostic outcome of bronchoscopy for peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs). Nonetheless, while existing navigation systems are very useful for selecting the bronchus containing the target lesion, the associated introductory costs are high. Therefore, we focused on virtual bronchoscopy (VB) using the workstation, ziostation that was already available in many countries as an adjunct modality.
Plantar Fibromatosis: Treatment of Primary and Recurrent Lesions and Factors Associated with Recurrence

Plantar fibromatosis is a benign but often problematic foot disorder which, when surgically treated, is difficult to eradicate. The purpose of this investigation was to identify epidemiologic factors associated with disease recurrence and to determine which method of treatment most successfully eliminated recurrence. A retrospective review of surgical pathology reports and clinical histories from 1979 to 1993 was performed to identify all patients who underwent surgery for plantar fibromatosis at our institution during that time. Thirty-three feet of 30 patients were identified with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Seventeen feet underwent surgery for primary lesions, and 4 of 10 that had local excision, 1 of 3 that had wide excision, and 2 of 4 that had subtotal fasciectomy (with or without skin grafting) had recurrence. All 16 feet in patients presenting with recurrent lesions had undergone prior local excision at other institutions. When combined with patients from our institution who underwent a second procedure, 21 feet had surgery for recurrent plantar fibromatosis. Of these, three of four had further recurrence when treated with local or wide excision. In feet with recurrences treated with subtotal fasciectomy, only 4 of 17 had recurrence after the first attempt at such treatment. Average follow-up for all patients was 7.7 years, and all patients with postoperative recurrences showed evidence of disease within 14 months after surgery (mean, 6.9 months). Factors identified with an increased risk for recurrence were multiple nodules, bilateral lesions, and positive family history. In treating recurrent disease, subtotal fasciectomy was more effective than local or wide excision. This study identified factors associated with a significant likelihood of postoperative recurrence in treating plantar fibromatosis and found subtotal fasciectomy to provide the most successful treatment in eradicating disease in recurrent cases.
Influence of Nuclear Geometry on the Formation of Genetic Rearrangements in Human Cells

Abstract Interphase chromosomes are divided into discrete domains, with limited overlapping and movement. We explored the role of nuclear topology in the formation of chromosome aberrations by irradiating normal human fibroblasts with high-energy heavy ions from different directions. Cells with elliptical nuclei were grown in an aligned manner onto micrometer grooved culturing substrates to have a predetermined orientation with respect to the accelerated iron ions. Particles were directed either perpendicular to the cell layer or along the major or minor axis of the nucleus. Analysis of chromosome aberrations by mFISH showed that, at the same radiation dose, the yield of chromosomal damage and its complexity are largely modified by the irradiation geometry. The results demonstrate that the architecture of the cell nucleus determines the formation of chromosomal rearrangements.
Segmental muscle vibration modifies muscle activation during reaching in chronic stroke: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND Segmental muscle vibration (SMV) improves motor performances in neurological conditions, including stroke. OBJECTIVE To determine if SMV modifies upper limb muscular activity in chronic stroke patients performing a reaching movement. METHODS We randomized 22 chronic stroke patients to an experimental group (EG; n = 12), receiving 10 sessions of exercise + 120 Hz SMV over the biceps brachii (BB) and the flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) muscles, or to a control group (CG; n = 10) receiving exercise only. All subjects performed a reaching movement with the affected side before and 4 weeks after therapy ended. We recorded surface EMG activity of the anterior deltoid (AD), posterior deltoid (PD), BB, triceps brachii (TB), FCU and extensor carpi radialis (ECR) muscles. We calculated muscular onset times, modulation ratio, co-contractions and degree of contraction. RESULTS After SMV, onset times of the PD (p = 0.03), BB (p = 0.02) and ECR (p = 0.04) in the EG were less anticipated than at baseline; the modulation ratio increased in AD (p = 0.003) and BB (p = 0.01); co-contractions decreased in the pairs BB/TB (p = 0.007), PD/BB (p = 0.004) and AD/BB (p = 0.01); and the degree of contraction decreased in BB (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS The modulation of muscular function induced by SMV may aid to explain its action on smoothness and coordination of movements.
Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology Open Access Bovine Cumulus-granulosa Cells Contain Biologically Active Retinoid Receptors That Can Respond to Retinoic Acid

Retinoids, a class of compounds that include retinol and its metabolite, retinoic acid, are absolutely essential for ovarian steroid production, oocyte maturation, and early embryogenesis. Previous studies have detected high concentrations of retinol in bovine large follicles. Further, administration of retinol in vivo and supplementation of retinoic acid during in vitro maturation results in enhanced embryonic development. In the present study, we hypothesized that retinoids administered either in vivo previously or in vitro can exert receptor-mediated effects in cumulus-granulosa cells. Total RNA extracted from in vitro cultured cumulus-granulosa cells was subjected to reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and mRNA expression for retinol binding protein (RBP), retinoic acid receptor alpha (RARalpha), retinoic acid receptor beta (RARbeta), retinoic acid receptor gamma (RARgamma), retinoid X receptor alpha (RXRalpha), retinoid X receptor beta (RXRbeta), retinaldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (RALDH-2), and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma). was not detected in cumulus-granulosa cells. Using western blotting, immunoreactive RARalpha, and RXRbeta protein was also detected in bovine cumulus-granulosa cells. The biological activity of these endogenous retinoid receptors was tested using a transient reporter assay using the pAAV-MCS-betaRARE-Luc vector. Addition of 0.5 and 1 micro molar all-trans retinoic acid significantly (P < 0.05) increased the activity of the pAAV-MCS-betaRARE-Luc reporter compared to cells transfected with the control reporter lacking a retinoic acid response element. Addition of 5 or 10 micro molar all-trans retinol stimulated a mild increase in reporter activity, however, the increase was not statistically significant. Based on these results we conclude that cumulus cells contain endogenously active retinoid receptors and may also be competent to synthesize retinoic acid using the precursor, retinol. These results also indirectly provide evidence that retinoids administered either in vivo previously or in vitro may have exerted a receptor-mediated effect on cumulus-granulosa cells.
Reduced regional myocardial perfusion in the presence of pharmacologic vasodilator reserve.

To determine whether reductions in regional myocardial perfusion at reduced coronary arterial pressures reliably indicate maximal vasodilation of the distal vasculature, coronary autoregulation was studied in open-chest dogs at heart rates of approximately 60 beats/min, a level at which metabolic demand, time-averaged systolic compressive forces, and transmural vasodilator reserve approximate those found under usual resting conditions. Circumflex pressure was controlled with a programmable pressure source. Regional circumflex inflow was 0.56 +/- 0.04(SEM) ml . min-1 . g-1 when circumflex pressure equaled spontaneous aortic pressure and fell to 0.34 +/- 0.02 ml . min-1 . g-1 when circumflex pressure was reduced to 35 mm Hg. Reductions were similar in each myocardial layer, with endocardial flow falling from 0.68 +/- 0.04 to 0.39 +/- 0.03 ml . min-1 . g-1. During adenosine-induced vasodilation at 35 mm Hg, full-thickness and endocardial flows rose to 0.92 +/- 0.08 and 1.07 +/- 0.10 ml . min-1 . g-1, respectively. When coronary pressure was reduced to 25 mm Hg and autoregulation was again operative, full-thickness and endocardial flows fell to 0.28 +/- 0.03 and 0.28 +/- 0.04 ml . min-1 . g-1. During adenosine vasodilation at 25 mm Hg endocardial flow did not increase significantly but epicardial reserve remained present. These results indicate that significant reductions in regional myocardial perfusion can occur before pharmacologic vasodilator reserve is exhausted. In the absence of tachycardia, endocardial vasodilator reserve can persist to coronary pressures less than 35 mm Hg, but is ordinarily exhausted before epicardial vasodilator reserve.
Development of a retrodirective PARC for ALOS/PALSAR calibration

A novel PARC of Van Atta array design is developed for polarimetric calibration of PALSAR onboard the ALOS satellite. The PARC consists of four dual-polaraized 3/spl times/3-cross-dipole subarrays. The Van Atta array configuration combining with dual-polarized nature of the subarrays provides the PARC the depolarizing and retrodirective characteristics simultaneously.
Detection of vancomycin resistance in enterococci by the Alamar MIC system

The ability of the Alamar microdilution MIC system to detect vancomycin resistance in enterococci was evaluated by comparing the results with an agar dilution screen method. Of 100 strains tested, 41 were resistant and 47 were susceptible by both tests. Five strains were intermediate and one was resistant by the Alamar MIC system but susceptible by the agar screen. Three strains each were susceptible or intermediate by the Alamar MIC system but resistant by the agar screen. The predictive values for the Alamar MIC system were 94% (susceptible) and 88% (combined intermediate and resistant). The Alamar MIC system does not appear to have sufficient accuracy for the detection or confirmation of vancomycin resistance in enterococci.
The microorganisms in chronically infected end-stage and non-end-stage cystic fibrosis patients.

Patients suffering from cystic fibrosis (CF) develop chronic lung infections because of highly viscous mucus, where bacteria can form biofilms. In this study, we investigated the microorganisms present in the lungs of end-stage and non-end-stage patients using standard culturing techniques and molecular methods. Tissue and sputum samples (n = 34) from explanted lungs of five end-stage patients were examined along with routine expectorates (n = 15) from 13 patients with non-end-stage CF, representing earlier stages of chronic lung infections. Previously, using peptide nucleic acid (PNA) fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), we have shown that Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the sole pathogen in end-stage CF lungs (Pediatr Pulmonol 2009, 44: 547). In this study, this tendency was supported by the results of real-time PCR, confirming previous results obtained by standard culturing and 16S rRNA gene analysis (J Clin Microbiol 2011, 49: 4352). Conversely, the non-end-stage patients were found to harbor several species by culturing. PNA FISH confirmed heterogeneous microbiota and showed that the bacteria were located in monospecies aggregates with no apparent physical interaction between the different microcolonies. In conclusion, standard culturing identifies the dominating pathogens, which seem to reside in monospecies microcolonies. The possibility of signaling between the distinct microcolonies still has to be verified and elucidated.
Influence of epitope polarity and adjuvants on the immunogenicity and efficacy of a synthetic peptide vaccine against Semliki Forest virus

The antibody response to a previously defined B-cell epitope of Semliki Forest virus (SFV) was investigated in male BALB/c (H-2d) mice. The B-cell epitope, located at amino acid positions 240 to 255 of the E2 protein, was linked to an H-2d-restricted T-helper cell epitope of SFV located at positions 137 to 151 of the E2 protein. Colinearly synthesized peptides, of either T-B or B-T polarity, mixed with different adjuvants (the nonionic block copolymer L 180.5, a water-oil-water [W/O/W] emulsion of L 180.5, Montanide, and Q VAC) were used for immunization. Generally, after one booster immunization, high serum antibody titers were measured against either peptide. With Q VAC and W/O/W L 180.5 as adjuvants, the titers of SFV-reactive (nonneutralizing) antibodies were consistently much higher after immunization with the T-B peptide than with the B-T peptide, which was reflected in a higher vaccine efficacy. With these two adjuvants, the survival ratio in T-B peptide-immunized mice was 82%, compared with 8% in B-T peptide-immunized mice. Intermediate results were obtained with the adjuvant Montanide. L 180.5 alone was ineffective in this study. All immunoglobulin G (IgG) isotypes were induced with either adjuvant, but Q VAC was clearly the most effective in inducing IgG2a and IgG2b isotypes with the T-B peptide as the antigen. Subsequently, monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) of IgM, IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b, and IgG3 subclasses were prepared against the B-cell epitope. These nonneutralizing but SFV-reactive MAbs protected 40 to 80% of mice against a lethal challenge with SFV. Control mice all died. The availability of those antipeptide MAbs allowed competition binding assays with a previously characterized panel of E2-specific MAbs. Binding of enzyme-labeled antipeptide MAbs was very effectively inhibited by two strongly SFV-neutralizing mutually competitive MAbs, suggesting that the linear B-cell epitope (amino acids 240 to 255) is associated with a major neutralization site of SFV.
A computationally efficient non-uniform digital FIR filter bank for hearing aid

A computationally efficient non-uniform digital FIR filter bank is proposed for hearing aid applications. The ten non-uniform sub-bands are formed with the help of frequency masking technique. Two half-band filters are employed as prototypes resulting in significant improvements in the computational efficiency. The example shows that the proposed filter bank with stopband attenuation of 40dB can be implemented with 14 multipliers and matches the hearing audiograms with less than +/-5dB errors.
Prevalence of Anemia among Adults with Newly Diagnosed HIV/AIDS in China

Background The prevalence of anemia among antiretroviral-naïve HIV-infected patients in China has not been well characterized. We conducted a cross-sectional study to estimate the prevalence of anemia among Chinese adults with newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS. Methods One thousand nine hundred and forty-eight newly diagnosed HIV-infected patients in China were selected during 2009 and 2010. Serum samples obtained from each individual were collected to measure hemoglobin levels. Demographics and medical histories were recorded. Factors associated with the presence of anemia were analysed by logistic regression. Results Among the 1948 patients, 75.8% were male. Median age was 40 years (range: 18–80 years). The overall prevalence of anemia among HIV-infected patients was 51.9% (51.5% among men, 53.2% among women). The prevalences of mild anemia, of moderate anemia, of severe anemia were 32.4%, 17.0%, and 2.5%, respectively. The prevalence of anemia was higher among ethnic minority patients than among the Han patients (70.9% versus 45.9%). The prevalence of anemia increased with increasing age (49.6%, 53.5% and 60.1% among patients who were 18–39, 40–59, and ≥60 years of age respectively) and with decreasing CD4 count (14.0%, 22.4%, 50.7%, and 74.6% among patients with CD4 count of ≥350, 200–349, 50–199, and <50 cells/mm3 respectively). The logistic regression analysis showed that older age, lower CD4 count and minority ethnicity were significantly associated with an increased risk of anemia. Conclusions Anemia is highly prevalent among Chinese adults with newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS, but severe anemia is less prevalent in this population. Older age, lower CD4 count and minority ethnicity are associated with an increased risk of anemia.
Recurrent Classifier Based on an Incremental Metacognitive-Based Scaffolding Algorithm

This paper outlines our proposal for a novel metacognitive-based scaffolding classifier, namely recurrent classifier (rClass). rClass is capable of emulating three fundamental pillars of human learning in terms of what-to-learn, how-to-learn, and when-to-learn. The cognitive constituent of rClass is underpinned by a recurrent network based on a generalized version of the Takagi-Sugeno-Kang fuzzy system possessing a local feedback of the rule layer. The main basis of the what-to-learn component relies on the new active learning-based conflict measure. Meanwhile, the when-to-learn learning scenario makes use of the standard sample reserved strategy. The how-to-learn module actualizes the Schema and Scaffolding concepts of cognitive psychology. All learning principles are committed in the single-pass local learning modes and create a plug-and-play learning foundation minimizing additional pre- or post-training phases. The efficacy of rClass has been scrutinized by means of rigorous empirical studies, statistical tests, and benchmarks with state-of-the-art classifiers, which demonstrate the rClass potency in producing reliable classification rates, while retaining low complexity in terms of the rule base burden, computational load, and annotation effort.
Patients’ and doctors’ preferences for disclosing dermatology results

Our study aimed to assess the best way that dermatologists can communicate pathology results to patients and the preferred methods of communication, which may improve clinician efficiency. There is no specific protocol for how patients should be notified of medical results, with methods varying between different hospitals and between the public and the private system. Feasible methods of electronic communication include using the telephone, email or text messages. Some research has been done in other countries on patients’ preferences for the communication of dermatology results. It is estimated that 81% of the population owns a smart phone. Studies in the USA found that there was a growing dissatisfaction with the ‘no news is good news policy’ and that patients preferred to receive an electronic notification of normal results. However, most patients preferred a phone call for receiving abnormal results. This study was conducted in the outpatient dermatology clinic at a tertiary hospital in a major city in Australia. Approval for the survey was obtained from the district health service Human Research Ethics Committee. Consecutive patients were surveyed while they were attending their routine appointment. The respondents were asked their preferred method of communication for receiving skin biopsy, skin swab or blood test results. In addition, 11 junior doctors who had completed a resident rotation in the same department responded to our phone survey with each spending between 3 and 7 hours per day ringing patients with their results. Overall, 78% (n = 78) of patients preferred using a quicker method than speaking directly to their physician. Texting was favoured by 59% (n = 59) of patients for receiving normal results which included 77% (n = 43) of patients under the age of 60 years (Table 1). Most participants 55% (n = 55) preferred to receive a mobile phone call from their doctor for an abnormal result (Table 2). However, 13% (n = 9) of respondents over 46 years of age were happy to receive abnormal results via a text message, which may reflect the fact that they had previously had diagnoses of skin cancer and were thus less anxious about the result. Patients older than 60 years continue to be dependent on landlines with 30% (n = 13) preferring this form of communication for abnormal results. Having a history of melanoma did not impact on their preference. In total, 82% (n = 9) of doctors preferred using email or text messages for normal results and a mobile phone call for communicating abnormal results. Concerns over confidentiality with using text messaging was reported by only 30% (n = 30) of patients, with no
This Work Is Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License Merging Functional and Structural Properties of the Monkey Auditory Cortex

structural properties of the monkey auditory cortex. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with a ccepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms. Recent neuroimaging studies in primates aim to define the functional properties of auditory cortical areas, especially areas beyond A1, in order to further our understanding of the auditory cortical organization. Precise mapping of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) results and interpretation of their localizations among all the small auditory subfields remains challenging. To facilitate this mapping, we combined here information from cortical folding, micro-anatomy, surface-based atlas and tonotopic mapping. We used for the first time, phase-encoded fMRI design for mapping the monkey tonotopic organization. From posterior to anterior, we found a high-low-high progression of frequency preference on the superior temporal plane. We show a faithful representation of the fMRI results on a locally flattened surface of the superior temporal plane. In a tentative scheme to delineate core versus belt regions which share similar tonotopic organizations we used the ratio of T1-weighted and T2-weighted MR images as a measure of cortical myelination. Our results, presented along a co-registered surface-based atlas, can be interpreted in terms of a current model of the monkey auditory cortex.