Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reconstruction of undersampled SAS data using the WIPE algorithm

Synthetic aperture sonar (SAS) processing provides seafloor images with higher resolution than conventional sonar processing. The ability to achieve large area coverage rate (ACR) is a key benefit of SAS for mine countermeasures (MCM) applications. One bound on ACR for SAS systems is that, in order to ensure optimal image quality, the sonar platform should be towed at no more than half the length of its hydrophone array per ping. When this speed limit is violated, the resulting SAS image is degraded with undersampling artifacts. In this work, we evaluated potential iterative image deconvolution techniques in order to increase ACR in high frequency MCM for use in the Autonomous Operations Future Naval Capabilities (AO FNC). In particular, we implemented and evaluated the WIPE iterative deconvolution algorithm for reconstructing SAS images from data that have been undersampled due to platform speeds in excess of the SAS speed limit. WIPE is a regularized form of CLEAN that trades resolution for inversion stability. We have successfully implemented one-and two-dimensional versions of the WIPE algorithm. We applied the WIPE algorithm to simulated scenes as well as collected data scenes that were down-sampled for demonstration purposes. We found that the WIPE algorithm produced consistently better images than the previously implemented CLEAN algorithm and often better, for the bright objects, than the under-sampled images. However, while WIPE provides an improvement over CLEAN for under-sampled data, WIPE does not satisfactorily reconstruct the shadow contrast in the images, which is a major classification feature for high frequency MCM. This is a consequence of the development of WIPE for radio astronomy using Fourier synthesis techniques for image formation. Due to the poor shadow contrast reconstruction, we conclude that WIPE is more appropriate for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) SAS applications where this characteristic is not currently used in classification techniques.
Robotic rescue simulation for computing teaching in the UK: A case study

Physical computing, and robotics in particular, is an excellent tool which can be used to help students understand many aspects of Engineering and Computer Science. However, obtaining and using suitable kits or hardware can involve significant financial outlay for a school. Additionally maintaining, storing and using the physical hardware presents many practical problems for teachers. These factors combine to create a significant entry barrier, especially for teachers who have previously not used robots and may be lacking confidence or motivation to use physical computing as a teaching aid. Robotic simulation provides a good alternative as it provides the experience and many of the benefits of working with robots to be gained at low cost, using computers already available in school. A software platform which meets this need is CoSpace Rescue. This has been created by Singapore Polytechnic as an educational tool and provides a simulation platform for RoboCupJunior. This platform allows students to experience event driven programming by developing search strategies to find and deposit coloured objects, whilst avoiding obstacles and traps. CoSpace was introduced to the UK in 2013 coincident with the introduction of a new compulsory national computing curriculum for England. The approach used to introduce CoSpace into schools and the relevance that CoSpace has to the new curriculum for England are presented in this paper. Four teams have now represented the UK at international RoboCupJunior competitions and the UK national competition, now in its third year, is already attracting over 100 competing teams with over 300 schools making use of the CoSpace Platform nationwide.
Subcellular localization of overexpressed maize AChE gene in rice plant

The ACh-mediated system consisting of acetylcholine (ACh), acetylcholine receptor (AChR) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is fundamental for nervous system function in animals and insects. Although plants lack a nervous system, both ACh and ACh-hydrolyzing activity have been widely recognized in the plant kingdom. The function of the plant ACh-mediated system is still unclear, despite more than 30 years of research. To understand ACh-mediated systems in plants, we previously purified maize AChE and cloned the corresponding gene from maize seedlings (Plant Physiology). In a recent paper in Planta, we also purified and cloned AChE from the legume plant siratro (Macroptilium atropurpureum). In comparison with electric eel AChE, both plant AChEs showed enzymatic properties of both animal AChE and animal butyrylcholinesterase. On the other hand, based on Pfam protein family analysis, both plant AChEs contain a consensus sequence of the lipase GDSL family, while the animal AChEs possess a distinct alpha/beta-hydrolase fold superfamily sequence, but no lipase GDSL sequence. Thus, neither plant AChE belongs to the well-known AChE family, which is distributed throughout the animal kingdom. To address the possible physiological roles of plant AChEs, we herein report our data from the immunological analysis of the overexpressed maize AChE gene in plants.
A physical simulation to investigate the effect of anorectal angle on continence

This paper investigates the effect of the anorectal angle on continence using a physical model of the anatomical system. A method to fabricate, measure and control a physical model for the simulation of human faecal continence is presented. A model rectum and associated soft tissues, based on geometry from an anonymised CT dataset, was fabricated from silicone and showed behavioural realism to ex vivo tissue. Simulated stool matter with similar rheological properties to human faeces was developed. Instrumentation and control hardware are used to regulate injection of simulated stool into the system, define the anorectal angle and monitor stool flow rate, intra-rectal pressure and puborectalis force. A study was then conducted in which simulated stool was introduced to the system for anorectal angles between 80° and 100°. Results obtained from the study give insight into the effect of the anorectal angle on continence. Stool leakage was reduced as the angle became more acute. Conversely, intra-rectal pressure increased. These data demonstrate that the anorectal angle is fundamental in maintaining continence. This work is valuable in helping improve our understanding of the physical behaviour of the faecal system. It has particular relevance facilitating improved technologies to treat or manage severe faecal incontinence.
Epidemiology of total knee replacement in the United States Medicare population.

BACKGROUND There are limited population-based data on the utilization and outcomes of total knee replacement. The aim of the present study was to describe the rates of primary and revision total knee replacement and selected outcomes in persons older than sixty-five years of age in the United States. METHODS Using Medicare claims, we computed annual incidence rates of unilateral elective primary and revision total knee replacement among United States Medicare beneficiaries in the year 2000. Poisson regression was used to assess the relationships between demographic characteristics and the incidence rates of primary and revision knee replacement. Proportional hazards models were used to examine the relationships between the ninety-day rates of complications and demographic and clinical factors. RESULTS The rate of primary knee replacement was lower in blacks than in whites and in those qualifying for Medicaid supplementation than in those with higher incomes. The complications observed during the ninety days following primary knee replacement included mortality (0.7%), readmission (0.9%), pulmonary embolus (0.8%), wound infection (0.4%), pneumonia (1.4%), and myocardial infarction (0.8%). The complications observed during the ninety days following revision knee replacement were mortality (1.1%), readmission (4.7%), pulmonary embolus (0.5%), wound infection (1.8%), pneumonia (1.4%), and myocardial infarction (1.0%). Blacks had higher rates of mortality, readmission, and wound infection after primary knee replacement than whites did. Patients who qualified for Medicaid supplementation had higher complication rates, particularly after primary knee replacement. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the rates of postoperative complications during the ninety days following total knee replacement are low. In the United States, blacks and individuals with low income undergo total knee replacement less frequently and generally have higher rates of adverse outcomes following primary knee replacement.
Hypotensive resuscitation in combination with arginine vasopressin may prolong the hypotensive resuscitation time in uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock rats

BACKGROUND The optimal resuscitation strategy for traumatic hemorrhagic shock is not completely determined. The objective of the present study was to investigate whether hypotensive resuscitation in combination with arginine vasopressin (AVP) can prolong the hypotensive resuscitation time by minimizing blood loss and stabilizing hemodynamics for uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock. METHODS With an established rat model of uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock, we compared the beneficial effects of hypotensive resuscitation in combination with AVP to maintain blood pressure at 50 mm Hg for 3 hours to hypotensive resuscitation alone on animal survival, blood loss, and vital organ functions. RESULTS Hypotensive resuscitation in combination with AVP maintenance for 3 hours significantly reduced total blood loss and fluid requirement during hypotensive resuscitation period and significantly improved the survival of shock rats as compared with hypotensive resuscitation alone. Among the four concentrations of AVP, 5 × 10−4 U/mL had the best effect: it significantly improved hemodynamics and increased cardiac function, oxygen delivery, as well as hepatic blood flow and hepatic function in the shock rats. However, renal blood flow in the hypotensive resuscitation + AVP group was lower than that in the hypotensive resuscitation alone group. CONCLUSION Hypotensive resuscitation in combination with early application of AVP could prolong the tolerance time of hypotensive resuscitation and “buy” longer safe prehospital transport time by reducing blood loss and stabilizing hemodynamics. This strategy may be a promising strategy for the early management of trauma patients with active bleeding.
Conopeptide ρ-TIA Defines a New Allosteric Site on the Extracellular Surface of the α1B-Adrenoceptor*♦

Background: Mechanistic insight into allosteric modulation of GPCRs can facilitate antagonist design. Results: Extracellular surface residues (ECS) of the α1B-adrenoceptor at the base of extracellular loop 3 interact with the allosteric antagonist TIA. Conclusion: The identified ECS pharmacophore provides the first structural constraints for allosteric antagonist design at α1-adrenoceptors. Significance: Binding to the ECS of a GPCR can allosterically inhibit agonist signaling. The G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily is an important drug target that includes over 1000 membrane receptors that functionally couple extracellular stimuli to intracellular effectors. Despite the potential of extracellular surface (ECS) residues in GPCRs to interact with subtype-specific allosteric modulators, few ECS pharmacophores for class A receptors have been identified. Using the turkey β1-adrenergic receptor crystal structure, we modeled the α1B-adrenoceptor (α1B-AR) to help identify the allosteric site for ρ-conopeptide TIA, an inverse agonist at this receptor. Combining mutational radioligand binding and inositol 1-phosphate signaling studies, together with molecular docking simulations using a refined NMR structure of ρ-TIA, we identified 14 residues on the ECS of the α1B-AR that influenced ρ-TIA binding. Double mutant cycle analysis and docking confirmed that ρ-TIA binding was dominated by a salt bridge and cation-π between Arg-4-ρ-TIA and Asp-327 and Phe-330, respectively, and a T-stacking-π interaction between Trp-3-ρ-TIA and Phe-330. Water-bridging hydrogen bonds between Asn-2-ρ-TIA and Val-197, Trp-3-ρ-TIA and Ser-318, and the positively charged N terminus and Glu-186, were also identified. These interactions reveal that peptide binding to the ECS on transmembrane helix 6 (TMH6) and TMH7 at the base of extracellular loop 3 (ECL3) is sufficient to allosterically inhibit agonist signaling at a GPCR. The ligand-accessible ECS residues identified provide the first view of an allosteric inhibitor pharmacophore for α1-adrenoceptors and mechanistic insight and a new set of structural constraints for the design of allosteric antagonists at related GPCRs.
Cigarette and alcohol consumption and the risk of colorectal cancer in Shanghai, China

The relation of cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking to colorectal cancer risk has been inconsistent in the epidemiological literature. In a population-based case–control study of colorectal cancer in Shanghai, China, where the incidence rates are rising sharply, we examined the association with tobacco and alcohol use. Cases were aged 30–74 years and newly diagnosed with cancers of the colon (N = 931) or rectum (N = 874) between 1990 and 1992. Controls (N = 1552) were randomly selected among Shanghai residents, frequency-matched to cases by gender and age. Information on lifetime consumption of tobacco and alcohol, as well as demographic and other risk factors, was obtained through in-person interviews. Associations with cigarette smoking and alcohol use were estimated by odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Among women, the prevalence of smoking and alcohol drinking was low, and no significant association with colon or rectal cancer was observed. Although cigarette smoking among men was not related overall to colon or rectal cancer risk, there was a 50% excess risk of rectal cancer (OR 1.5, 95% CI 0.9–2.5) among those who smoked 55 or more pack-years. Among men, former alcohol drinkers had an increased risk of colon cancer (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.4–3.7) but not rectal cancer, while current drinkers had a 30–50% excess risk of colon cancer only among those with long-term (30+ years) and heavy (>560 g ethanol/week) consumption. The excess risks were mainly associated with hard liquor consumption, with no material difference in risk between proximal and distal colon cancer. Although cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking in general were not risk factors for colorectal cancers in Shanghai, there were small excess risks for rectal cancer among heavy smokers and colon cancer among heavy drinkers.
On the frequency, quality, and informational role of mandatory financial reports

In this paper we study the relation between the frequency of mandatory financial disclosures, the amount of information voluntarily disclosed by privately informed managers, and the resulting informational efficiency of stock prices. Our analysis emphasizes the "confirmatory role" of mandatory financial reports and uses frequency to highlight the difference between this view of reporting and the prevailing view of mandatory disclosures as "primary" sources of information. We model the mandatory financial disclosures as verifiable but noisy and, possibly, late signals of management's private value-relevant information. Accordingly, financial statements may be of little use as a timely, primary source of information for the purpose of valuing the firm. However, since the audited statements can be used to evaluate the truthfulness of management's past voluntary disclosures (i.e., to "confirm" that they are indeed truthfully, they may be useful in creating an environment in which management
DNA fragmentation and activation of c‐Jun in the cerebellum of mutant mice (weaver, Purkinje cell degeneration)

Weaver and Purkinje cell degeneration (fcd) are auto- somal recessive mutations in the mouse characterized by an almost complete loss of cerebellar Purkinje neurones and granule cells, respectively. Developmental neuronal death occurs by activation of an apoptotic pathway and chromatin condensation has been observed in degenerating granule cells of weaver mutants. In the present study we demonstrate nuclear DNA fragmentation in Purkinje cells of pcd mice and in granule cells of weaver mutants during the period of neuronal degeneration using in situ end labelling by terminal transferase and fluorescein- dUTP. Furthermore, activation of candidate cell death effector gene c-jun has been detected exclusively within the affected cell populations by immunohistochemistry. Both labelled DNA fragments and nuclear c-Jun immunoreactivity were virtually absent in wild-type animals. Thus, genetically determined cell death in pcd and weaver mutant mice has features of apoptosis and may require activation of cell death effector genes.
Acute predictors of return to employment after traumatic brain injury: a longitudinal follow-up.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the relation between selected acute injury and patient characteristics and subsequent return to work 1 to 5 years postinjury. DESIGN Longitudinal design with prospectively collected data. Data were collected on patients at the time of injury and each year postinjury for up to 5 years. SETTING Four medical centers in the federally sponsored Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems project that provide emergency medical services, intensive and acute medical care, inpatient rehabilitation, and a spectrum of community rehabilitation services. PARTICIPANTS Patients were selected from a national database of 538 rehabilitation inpatients admitted to acute care within 8 hours of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and seen at 1 to 5 years follow-up. INTERVENTIONS Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Employment status (employed vs not employed) at 1 to 5 years postinjury. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the extent to which selected variables predicted employment status at years 1 to 5 postinjury. RESULTS At year 1 postinjury, preinjury productivity, age, education, and rehabilitation length of stay were all significantly associated with postinjury employment. Preinjury employment and productivity and age significantly predicted employment at postinjury year 2. At year 3 postinjury, preinjury productivity, age, and FIMtrade mark instrument discharge score significantly predicted employment status. Age was significantly associated with employment status at year 4 postinjury. Preinjury employment and productivity and Disability Rating Scale discharge score were found to be significant predictors of postinjury employment at year 5 follow-up. CONCLUSIONS The relationship between certain acute injury and patient variables (eg, age, preinjury productivity, education, discharge FIM) and subsequent return to work may provide rehabilitation professionals with useful information regarding the intensity and types of services needed for individuals in the vocational rehabilitation planning process.
Effect of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery on Asthmatic Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis

There have been several reports on the effectiveness of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) in asthmatic patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. Whether ESS has a positive effect on the clinical course of asthma still remains controversial. There have been several subjective evaluations but few objective results. We performed a study to evaluate the effectiveness of ESS in 19 patients with asthma who underwent ESS for rhinosinusitis. The use of antiasthma medication and postoperative asthma symptoms was analyzed. Objective changes of pulmonary function tests were evaluated. There was a significant improvement in diurnal and nocturnal asthma symptoms. Improvements in asthma medication scores were also confirmed, and individual asthma symptoms (dyspnea, cough, wheezing, and sputum production) improved significantly. Despite a reduction in use of antiasthma medication after ESS, the parameters of the pulmonary function tests did not change. Both subjectively and objectively, it seems that ESS, when used to treat asthmatic patients with chronic rhinosinusitis, can play a significant role in the clinical improvement of asthma. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2001;124:99-104.)
Skin‐prick test findings in students from moisture‐ and mould‐damaged schools: A 3‐year follow‐up study

Dampness and moisture problems in a building may cause growth of moulds, leading to sensitization and symptoms in the inhabitants. The mechanism by which sensitization to moulds takes place has remained obscure; in particular, the role of atopy is not clear. In 1996, 622 pupils (7–13 years of age) attending a school with a moisture problem (index school; 414 pupils) and a control school (208 pupils) were screened using a questionnaire. Two‐hundred and twelve children had doctor‐diagnosed asthma, parental‐reported wheezing or prolonged cough, and they participated in a clinical study, which included skin prick tests (SPT) to 12 moulds. An identical, follow‐up study was performed 3 years later in 1999. In the follow‐up study, 144 of the original 212 students participated. They were now attending four different schools: the index primary school had been renovated and the control school remained unchanged, but the two secondary schools had moisture and mould problems. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the occurence of mould allergy in children of school age and to compare sensitization to moulds in relation to age, exposure, asthma, and atopy. In 1999, SPT responses to moulds were demonstrated in 17 (12%) of the 144 children. Six children had SPT reactions ≥ 3 mm and all but one were older than 14 years. During the 3‐year follow‐up period, mould allergy developed in five children and disappeared in two children. Five of the six children with reactions ≥ 3 mm to moulds had positive responses to other allergens, five had clinical atopy but only two had asthma. Likewise, all six children had been exposed to moisture and dampness in the school buildings. In conclusion, mould allergy diagnosed by SPTs was rare in students. Most reactions to moulds were in students older than 14 years with multiple SPT reactions to common allergens, and there was no significant association with asthma.
The bispectral index: a measure of depth of sleep?

UNLABELLED How does physiological sleep affect the Bispectral Index (BIS)? We collected electroencephalographic (EEG) data from five subjects during the early part of the night, comparing the changes in the BIS with the conventional EEG stages of sleep. We found that the BIS was a consistent marker of depth of sleep. Light sleep occurred at BIS values of 75-90, slow-wave sleep occurred at BIS values of 20-70, and rapid eye movement sleep occurred at BIS values of 75-92. The effects of natural sleep on the BIS seem to be similar to the effects of general anesthesia on the BIS. The BIS may have a role in monitoring depth of sleep. IMPLICATIONS Electroencephalographic data were collected from five subjects during sleep. We found that the Bispectral Index decreased during increasing depth of sleep in a fashion very similar to the decrease in Bispectral Index that occurs during general anesthesia. This study further highlights the electroencephalographic similarities of states of sleep and general anesthesia.