Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Image Registration and Fusion of Visible and Infrared Integrated Camera for Medium-Altitude Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Remote Sensing

This study proposes a novel method for image registration and fusion via commonly used visible light and infrared integrated cameras mounted on medium-altitude unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The innovation of image registration lies in three aspects. First, it reveals how complex perspective transformation can be converted to simple scale transformation and translation transformation between two sensor images under long-distance and parallel imaging conditions. Second, with the introduction of metadata, a scale calculation algorithm is designed according to spatial geometry, and a coarse translation estimation algorithm is presented based on coordinate transformation. Third, the problem of non-strictly aligned edges in precise translation estimation is solved via edge–distance field transformation. A searching algorithm based on particle swarm optimization is introduced to improve efficiency. Additionally, a new image fusion algorithm is designed based on a pulse coupled neural network and nonsubsampled contourlet transform to meet the special requirements of preserving color information, adding infrared brightness information, improving spatial resolution, and highlighting target areas for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) applications. A medium-altitude UAV is employed to collect datasets. The result is promising, especially in applications that involve other medium-altitude or high-altitude UAVs with similar system structures.
Development of indicators for monitoring Community-Based Rehabilitation

Background Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) is a multi-sectoral approach working to equalize opportunities and include people with disability in all aspects of community life. Reliable and internationally comparable data needed to monitor and evaluate CBR are scarce, partially due to the absence of standardized indicators. The objective of this manuscript is to describe the collaborative development process which led to the World Health Organization's (WHO) recently launched set of standardized CBR outcome indicators. Methods The WHO's CBR Guidelines recognize CBR as a comprehensive and multi-sectoral strategy, and were therefore used as the starting point for the development of the indicators, in a consensus process involving WHO and International Disability and Development Consortium. Pilot implementations in Guatemala, Egypt and China using a specifically developed mobile phone application to collect data, and an online expert survey were completed to assess validity and feasibility of the indicators and their corresponding questions. Results The indicator set includes 13 Base Indicators which are broad enough to capture the situation of people with disability in settings where CBR is carried out, independently of the specific CBR activities carried out in a community; and 27 Supplementary Indicators that provide more specific coverage and can be selected based on the specific goals of a CBR program. Conclusion The indicators were suitable to assess differences in health, education, social life, livelihood and empowerment between people with disability and other community members. This comparability provides valuable information to CBR managers, donors and government agencies, to guide decision making, support advocacy and improve accountability. The CBR indicators will support WHO and its member states in their efforts towards strengthening CBR, by generating evidence on its effectiveness.
Effect of burdock extract on physical performance and physiological fatigue in mice

Burdock (BD) is a common vegetable with many pharmacological properties. However, few studies have examined the effect of BD on exercise performance and physical fatigue. We aimed to evaluate the potential beneficial effects of BD on fatigue and ergogenic functions following physical challenge in mice. Methods: Male ICR mice were divided into four groups to receive either vehicle, or BD at 348.5, 697 or 1,742.5 mg/kg/day, by daily oral gavage for 4 weeks. Exercise performance and fatigue were evaluated from forelimb grip strength, exhaustive swimming time, and post-exercise levels of physical fatigue-related biomarkers serum lactate, ammonia, glucose, and creatine kinase (CK). Results: BD supplementation elevated endurance and grip strength in a dose-dependent manner. It also significantly decreased lactate, ammonia, and CK levels after physical challenge. In addition, BD supplementation had few subchronic toxic effects. Conclusions: Supplementation with BD has a wide spectrum of bioactive effects, including health promotion, performance improvement, and fatigue reduction.
Long‐term evaluation of quality of life and satisfaction between implant bar overdentures and conventional complete dentures: A 23 years retrospective study

BACKGROUND Dental implants have been used in edentulous jaws to improve the retention and stability of complete dentures. Attachment to the implants improves stability and function of the prostheses and increases patient satisfaction. PURPOSE The aim of this study was to evaluate quality of life and satisfaction between patients with implant overdentures and complete dentures for more than 20 years. METHODS Forty patients with overdentures and 40 patients with conventional complete dentures were included in this study. Both groups are carriers of their prosthesis more than 20 years. All patients completed an OHIP-14 and perception and satisfaction questionnaire related their implant prothesis. RESULTS Follow-up mean in patients with overdentures were 23.27 ± 1.87 years and 23.20 ± 3.91 years for conventional prosthesis group. A worse quality of life was shown in the group of patients with conventional dentures in the 7 dimensions and in the total value, with statistically significant differences in 6 dimensions and in the total value (P ≤ .05). Patients with implants overdenture were more satisfied than patients with conventional dentures, with statistically significant differences (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Implant overdentures on cobalt chrome and gold bars offer an excellent long-term solution for edentulism compared with conventional denture.
W-band SPDT switches in planar and tri-gate 100-nm gate-length GaN-HEMT technology

This paper reports on W-band (75 to 110 GHz) single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switch millimeter-wave integrated circuits (MMICs) based on a planar and a tri-gate 100-nm gate-length GaN high-electron-mobility transistor (HEMT) technology. The SPDT switches utilize the well-established quarter-wave stub topology with shunt transistors. For an improved wideband performance, an optimized layout approach is used that connects the shorted stub for the compensation of the capacitance of a shunt transistor at the center of the transistor. The presented SPDT switch MMIC demonstrates for both technology versions a measured average insertion loss of 1.3 dB over the entire W-band with a peak insertion loss of 1.2 and 1.1 dB in the center of the W-band for planar and tri-gate HEMTs, respectively. The one-dB bandwidth is for both MMICs almost an octave. For an input power of at least 25 dBm, both SPDT switches do not show an indication of compression.
Time-Dependent Stiffness Increase of Foamed Asphalt Stabilized Base Material

Foamed asphalt stabilized base (FASB) is a cold-recycling process that combines reclaimed asphalt pavement and/or recycled concrete with a small amount of foamed asphalt binder. The combination of water and binder causes a gain in stiffness after placement due to drying effects and the irreversible bonds formed between the binder and aggregate during curing. To investigate this process, a series of experiments was conducted on a 20 cm thick FASB base layer for a lane addition project in Maryland. ln-place overall stiffness of the section was measured over seven consecutive days using a Zorn lightweight deflectometer (LWD) and a Humboldt GeoGauge. The stiffness increase with time was compared to that for a conventional 20 cm thick granular aggregate base (GAB) on top of the same subgrade. The stiffness values measured by each of these in-situ devices were different because of differences in applied stress states and zones of influence and the influence of subgrade stiffness on the overall response. The stiffness increases for both the FASB and GAB layers were corrected based on elastic 2-layer assumptions which revealed that the equivalent stiffness of FASB layer increases by a modulus ratio (FU) of 8.2 while this factor is about 3.9 for the GAB layer. FU was predicted using partially saturated soil mechanics, which affirmed that the stiffness gain in FASB layer is significantly higher than can be explained by mere drying of granular materials. This higher rate of stiffening in FASB layer reveals the effects of curing and the development of adhesive bonds between the binder and coated aggregates. The long-term post-construction stiffness was also measured using a Dynatest falling weight deflectometer (FWD) on the final pavement structure 4 months after construction. Backcalculated layer moduli showed that the final stiffness of the field-cured FASB was about 2524 MPa, 15 times higher than that for the GAB material.
Fibres naturelles de renfort pour matériaux composites

Le renforcement des polymeres par des fibres naturelles permet de reduire les impacts environnementaux. Parmi les fibres naturelles, les fibres vegetales ayant un role structurel dans la nature presentent des proprietes mecaniques interessantes. Elles sont de plus facilement disponibles. Les fibres organiques peuvent etre utilisees, mais elles ont des proprietes plus variees. Compte tenu du developpement des connaissances, de la disponibilite de nouveaux demi-produits et de l'evolution de la legislation en termes de protection de l'environnement, les biocomposites sont amenes a se developper dans de nombreux secteurs d'activites.
Online Fall Detection using Recurrent Neural Networks

Unintentional falls can cause severe injuries and even death, especially if no immediate assistance is given. The aim of Fall Detection Systems (FDSs) is to detect an occurring fall. This information can be used to trigger the necessary assistance in case of injury. This can be done by using either ambient-based sensors, e.g. cameras, or wearable devices. The aim of this work is to study the technical aspects of FDSs based on wearable devices and artificial intelligence techniques, in particular Deep Learning (DL), to implement an effective algorithm for on-line fall detection. The proposed classifier is based on a Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) model with underlying Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) blocks. The method is tested on the publicly available SisFall dataset, with extended annotation, and compared with the results obtained by the SisFall authors.
Proposed cutoff level of waist circumference in Japanese men: evaluation by homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance levels.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to propose the cutoff level of waist circumference (WC) on the basis of homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) levels in order to diagnose metabolic syndrome (MetS). METHODS We examined a total of 798 non-diabetic men (40-65 years of age) by using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to determine the cutoff level that yielded the maximum sensitivity plus specificity. According to the criteria proposed by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), and the Japanese Society of Internal Medicine (JSIM), subjects with ≥ 2 metabolic components other than abdominal obesity, were considered to have MetS. RESULTS The overall prevalence rates of IDF- and JSIM-MetS were 17.4% (n=139) and 15.5% (n=124), respectively. The median levels of WC and HOMA-IR were 83.1 [interquartile range (IQR): 78.5-88.4] cm and 0.84 (IQR: 0.61-1.19), respectively. HOMA-IR was highly correlated with each metabolic parameter (each p<0.05), and in addition, multiple linear regression analysis of HOMA-IR (adjusted R2=0.459) showed that WC level was the strongest independent predictors of HOMA-IR level (F=141.1, p<0.05). According to ROC curve analysis, the cutoff level of HOMA-IR for predicting IDF- and JSIM-MetS was 0.92 for both (sensitivity: 79.9% and 78.2%, specificity: 64.9% and 63.6%). Based on the HOMA-IR level, the proposed WC cutoff level was 82.7 cm (sensitivity: 75.4%, specificity: 63.8%). CONCLUSION This study suggests that WC level should be more strictly managed than current criteria, for preventing the development of MetS in non-diabetic middle-aged Japanese men.
Older Australians Can Achieve High Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet during a 6 Month Randomised Intervention; Results from the Medley Study

Adherence to a Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) is thought to be achievable in non-Mediterranean regions, but this has yet to be investigated. We aimed to determine if an older Australian population could adhere to a MedDiet for six months. We conducted a randomised, parallel dietary intervention trial with two dietary arms: the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) group and the habitual diet (HabDiet) control group. A 15-point Mediterranean diet adherence score and food and nutrient intakes were estimated from three-day weighed food records collected at baseline, two and four months. Erythrocyte fatty acids, serum carotenoids and urinary metabolites were assessed at baseline, three and six months. We enrolled 166 participants; 152 commenced and 137 completed the study (70 in the MedDiet group, 67 in the HabDiet group). Adherence scores were significantly higher in the MedDiet group at two months (between group difference 2.2, 95% CI 1.3, 2.9) and four months (between group difference 2.6, 95% CI 1.9, 3.3). Consumption of vegetables, fruits, fish, legumes, nuts and olive oil significantly increased in the MedDiet group compared to the control, and discretionary food intake decreased (p < 0.01). Measures of compliance including serum β-carotene, lycopene and erythrocyte monounsaturated fatty acids were significantly higher in the MedDiet group at three and six months (p < 0.05). Our results indicate that a population of older Australians can adopt a Mediterranean diet over a six month period.
Predictors of Outcome in Conservative and Minimally Invasive Surgical Management of Pain Originating From the Sacroiliac Joint

Study Design. A pooled patient-level analysis of two multicenter randomized controlled trials and one multicenter single-arm prospective trial. Objective. The aim of this study was to identify predictors of outcome of conservative and minimally invasive surgical management of pain originating from the sacroiliac joint (SIJ). Summary of Background Data. Three recently published prospective trials have shown that minimally invasive SIJ fusion (SIJF) using triangular titanium implants produces better outcomes than conservative management for patients with pain originating from the SIJ. Due to limitations in individual trial sample size, analyses of predictors of treatment outcome were not conducted. Methods. We pooled individual patient data from the three trials and used random effects models with multivariate regression analysis to identify predictors for treatment outcome separately for conservative and minimally invasive surgical treatment. Outcome was measured using visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and EuroQOL-5D (EQ-5D). Results. We included 423 patients assigned to either nonsurgical management (NSM, n = 97) or SIJF (n = 326) between 2013 and 2015. The reduction in SIJ pain was 37.9 points larger [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 32.5–43.4, P < 0.0001] in the SIJF group than in the NSM group. Similarly, the improvement in ODI was 18.3 points larger (95% CI 14.3–22.4), P < 0.0001). In NSM, we found no predictors of outcome. In SIJF, a reduced improvement in outcome was predicted by smoking (P = 0.030), opioid use (P = 0.017), lower patient age (P = 0.008), and lower duration of SIJ pain (P = 0.028). Conclusions. Our results support the view that SIJF leads to better treatment outcome than conservative management of SIJ pain and that a higher margin of improvement can be predicted in nonsmokers, nonopioid users, and patients of increased age and with longer pain duration. Level of Evidence: 1
Acetylcholine Facilitates a Depolarization‐Induced Enhancement of Inhibition in Rat CA1 Pyramidal Neurons

Abstract Cholinergic mechanisms in the hippocampus regulate forms of synaptic plasticity linked with cognition and spatial navigation, but the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, in rat hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells under blockade of ionotropic glutamate receptors, we report that a single acetylcholine pulse and repeated depolarization activated a robust and enduring postsynaptic depolarization‐induced enhancement of inhibition (DEI) that masked a presynaptic depolarization‐induced suppression of inhibition (DSI). Increased cytosolic Ca2+ and M1‐muscarinic receptor activation caused the rise in voltage‐sensitive &agr;5&bgr;&ggr;2‐containing &ggr;‐aminobutyric acid type‐A receptors that generated DEI. In summary, this muscarinic‐mediated activity‐dependent plasticity rapidly transfers depolarization effects on inhibition from presynaptic suppression or DSI to postsynaptic enhancement or DEI, a change potentially relevant in behavior.
Metabolomics Methods as a New Diagnostic Tool for Thyroid Nodules

Carcinoma of the thyroid gland is the most common cancer of the endocrine system. It accounts for approximately 10% of thyroid focal lesions, and the incidence of this cancer is increasing. A valuable technique for differentiating cancerous from benign nodules is fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) with cytological verification. Unfortunately, in 30% of cases, FNA results are not sufficient to determine the proper method of treatment. Therefore, many patients are referred for diagnostic surgery and histopathologic examination. Despite the development of new imaging and molecular diagnostic techniques, no universal marker for pre-surgery identification of malignant changes in the thyroid is available. Modern measuring techniques, such as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy - NMR - and mass spectrometry – MS, in combination with chemometric analysis led to the development of a new field of biology – metabolomics. Metabolomics allows for the analysis of biochemical processes in biological systems by assessing the metabolome (set of all metabolites - small molecular compounds with a molecular weight <1000 Da - contained in measured biological material). The metabolite profile quantitatively and qualitatively changes in response to disturbances of homeostasis. The promising results of the use of metabolomics methods as diagnostic tools for certain cancers and our experience with using metabolomics methods to differentiate benign from malignant thyroid tumors suggest that this field of science, which has been growing for several years, will improve the diagnosis and differentiation of thyroid cancer.
RAI1 gene mutations: mechanisms of Smith–Magenis syndrome

Smith–Magenis syndrome (SMS; OMIM #182290) is a complex genetic disorder characterized by distinctive physical features, developmental delay, cognitive impairment, and a typical behavioral phenotype. SMS is caused by interstitial 17p11.2 deletions, encompassing multiple genes and including the retinoic acid-induced 1 gene (RAI1), or by mutations in RAI1 itself. About 10% of all the SMS patients, in fact, carry an RAI1 mutation responsible for the phenotype. RAI1 (OMIM *607642) is a dosage-sensitive gene expressed in many tissues and highly conserved among species. Over the years, several studies have demonstrated that RAI1 (or its homologs in animal models) acts as a transcriptional factor implicated in embryonic neurodevelopment, neuronal differentiation, cell growth and cell cycle regulation, bone and skeletal development, lipid and glucose metabolisms, behavioral functions, and circadian activity. Patients with RAI1 pathogenic variants show some phenotypic differences when compared to those carrying the typical deletion. They usually have lower incidence of hypotonia and less cognitive impairment than those with 17p11.2 deletions but more frequently show the behavioral characteristics of the syndrome and overeating issues. These differences reflect the primary pathogenetic role of RAI1 without the pathogenetic contribution of the other genes included in the typical 17p11.2 deletion. The better comprehension of physiological roles of RAI1, its molecular co-workers and interactors, and its contribution in determining the typical SMS phenotype will certainly open a new path for therapeutic interventions.
Effects of protein-crystal hydration and temperature on side-chain conformational heterogeneity in monoclinic lysozyme crystals.

The modulation of main-chain and side-chain conformational heterogeneity and solvent structure in monoclinic lysozyme crystals by dehydration (related to water activity) and temperature is examined. Decreasing the relative humidity (from 99 to 11%) and decreasing the temperature both lead to contraction of the unit cell, to an increased area of crystal contacts and to remodeling of primarily contact and solvent-exposed residues. Both lead to the depopulation of some minor side-chain conformers and to the generation of new conformations. Side-chain modifications and main-chain r.m.s.d. s associated with cooling from 298 to 100 K depend on relative humidity and are minimized at 85% relative humidity (r.h.). Dehydration from 99 to 93% r.h. and cooling from 298 to 100 K result in a comparable number of remodeled residues, with dehydration-induced remodeling somewhat more likely to arise from contact interactions. When scaled to equivalent temperatures based on unit-cell contraction, the evolution of side-chain order parameters with dehydration shows generally similar features to those observed on cooling to T = 100 K. These results illuminate the qualitative and quantitative similarities between structural perturbations induced by modest dehydration, which routinely occurs in samples prepared for 298 and 100 K data collection, and cryocooling. Differences between these perturbations in terms of energy landscapes and occupancies, and implications for variable-temperature crystallography between 180 and 298 K, are discussed. It is also noted that remodeling of a key lysozyme active-site residue by dehydration, which is associated with a radical decrease in the enzymatic activity of lysozyme powder, arises due to a steric clash with the residue of a symmetry mate.
Phellinus Weirii and Other Native Root Pathogens as Determinants of Forest Structure and Process in Western North America.

The population structure and ecological roles of the indigenous pathogen Phellinus weirii, cause of laminated root rot in conifer forests of western North America, are examined. This pathogen kills trees in slowly expanding mortality centers, creating gaps in the forest canopy. It is widespread, locally abundant, and very long-lived. It is among the most important disturbance agents in the long intervals between stand-replacing events such as wildfire or harvest in these ecosystems and shapes the structure and composition of both wild and managed forests. Trees are infected and killed regardless of individual vigor. Management of public lands is changing dramatically, with renewed emphasis on natural forest structures and processes but pathogens, especially root rot fungi, remain a significant challenge to "ecosystem management. "