Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tracked “Pick-Up” Ultrasound for Robot-Assisted Minimally Invasive Surgery

Goal: We present a novel “pick-up” ultrasound transducer for intraabdominal robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery. Such a “pick-up” ultrasound transducer is inserted through an abdominal incision at the beginning of the procedure and remains in the abdominal cavity throughout, eliminating the need for a dedicated port or a patient bedside surgical assistant. The transducer has a handle that can be grasped in a repeatable manner using a da Vinci Prograsp tool, allowing the transducer to be accurately manipulated by the surgeon using the da Vinci Robot. This is one way to enable 3-D tracking of the transducer, and, thus, mapping of the vasculature. The 3-D vascular images can be used to register preoperative CT to intraoperative camera images. Methods: To demonstrate the feasibility of the approach, we use an ultrasound vessel phantom to register a CT surface model to extracted ultrasound vessel models. The 3-D vascular phantom images are generated by segmenting B-mode images and tracking the pick-up ultrasound transducer with the da Vinci kinematics, internal electromagnetic sensor, or visible fiducials suitable for camera tracking. Results: Reconstruction results using da Vinci kinematics for tracking give a target registration error of 5.4 ± 1.7 mm.
Association of the polymorphism of MMP2 with the risk and severity of lumbar disc degeneration in the Chinese Han population.

OBJECTIVE The present study aimed to determine whether the -735 C/T polymorphism of the Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) gene is associated with the risk and severity of lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) in the Chinese Han population. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 1008 patients with LDD and 906 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. The grade of disc degeneration was determined according to Schneiderman's classification for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The -735 C/T polymorphism of MMP2 was genotyped using polymerase chain reaction and the restriction fragment length polymorphism method. RESULTS The genotype frequency of the -735 C/T polymorphism was in agreement with the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (p = 0.087). The frequencies of the -735CT and TT genotypes were significantly lower among LDD patients compared with normal controls (p < 0.001); CT and TT genotype were significantly associated with a decreased risk of LDD compared with the CC genotype (for TT genotype, p = 0.031; OR 0.413; 95% CI 0.184-0.924; for CT genotype, p < 0.001, OR 0.645, 95% CI 0.506-0.822). Patients with LDD showed significantly higher frequencies of the C allele than normal controls (p < 0.001), T allele was significantly associated with a decreased risk of LDD compared with the C allele (p < 0.001; OR 0.631; 95% CI 0.508-0.783). In addition, the -735TT and CT genotypes, as well as the T allele were associated with lower degenerative grades of LDD compared with CC genotype and the C allele, respectively (both p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The -735 C/T polymorphism of MMP2 may be associated with the risk and severity of LDD in the Chinese Han population.
Evaluating Neurocognitive Deficits in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis Via a Brief Neuropsychological Approach

Recent research demonstrates neurocognitive deficits are present early in the sequelae of multiple sclerosis (MS). This is an important consideration given the functional activities of daily living, such as employment, that can be impacted by neurocognitive dysfunction. This study investigated the utility of a brief neuropsychological battery, the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS), to evaluate neurocognitive deficits in patients with MS and to examine the relationship between a measure of functional disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS]) and the RBANS. Participants were 49 patients with MS (Mage = 45.39 years) who completed the RBANS as part of a neuropsychological assessment and 49 demographically matched healthy controls (Mage = 45.39 years). Multivariate analysis of variance revealed that the two groups differed on the RBANS. Descriptive discriminant analysis indicated the groups differed on domains of attention, language, immediate memory, and delayed memory. EDSS scores were a good predictor of neurocognitive dysfunction in patients with advanced disability but not for patients with mild disability. The RBANS seems to be effective in identifying cognitive dysfunction in patients with MS, and caution should be used in extrapolating cognitive deficits for patients with low EDSS scores.
Enrichment and detection of fetal erythroid cells from maternal peripheral blood using liquid culture

Isolating fetal cells from maternal blood for prenatal genetic analysis is the least invasive method currently being investigated. In order to enrich these fetal erythroid cells we employed a two‐phase liquid culture system that supports the growth and differentiation of erythroid progenitor cells. Mononuclear cells were separated from ten maternal blood samples at 8–14+3 weeks of gestation and cultured in the first phase. After 4–5 days, the non‐adherent cells were harvested and recultured with erythropoietin for another 3–4 days. The mean number of total erythroid cells reached approximately 0.77×106/ml with an average purity of 90.5%. Hb F stain disclosed fetal erythroid cells averaging ∼5.7%, therefore the mean number of fetal erythroid cells isolated was 0.49×105/ml. Female karyotypes were only observed while counting 5–66 metaphases. However, male DNA (SRY or DYZ1) was detected by PCR in 7/10 cases; in four of these cases and in one SRY‐negative pregnancy the 46,XY karyotype was found by amniocentesis performed during the second trimester. This liquid culture system provided an enriched source of fetal cells without the need for more complicated separation or sorting procedures. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploiting the Potential of Public Procurement: Opportunities for Circular Economy

The objective of a circular economy (CE) is to maintain the value of products, materials, and resources in the economy by closing material loops and minimizing waste generation. In recent years, the role of public procurement has been recognized as an important, but as yet not fully exploited, opportunity by cities and municipalities in their transition toward circular societies. This study analyzed public procurement opportunities to promote CE. Different approaches and examples of circular public procurement were identified using case studies. In addition, opportunities to promote CE through sustainable and green public procurement policy were identified analyzing predefined sustainable or green public procurement criteria. The study concludes that public procurement can promote CE and related business models by setting criteria and requirements for the extension of product life spans, efficiency and/or intensity of use, and efficient cycling of biological or technical materials, as well as for the securing of clean and nonrisky cycles. Circular procurement can occur through the procurement of better‐quality products in circular terms, the procurement of new circular products, the use of business concepts that support the CE, and investments in circular ecosystems. Several sectors and product groups were identified as having potential for circular procurement, such as construction, waste, and wastewater management, transportation, food, and catering, furniture, and textiles. The study also suggests that the use of certain tools, such as performance‐based procurement, life cycle approach, and life cycle costing, as well as criteria concerning reuse and recycling of materials, could promote circular procurement. Market dialogue and cooperation between procurers and actors in the supply chains are important for the future development of circular procurement.
Natural Gas Combined Cycle Utilization: An Empirical Analysis of the Impact of Environmental Policies and Prices

Recent climate regulations include increased utilization of natural gas-fired combined cycle (NGCC) generators as a means for offsetting coal generation to reduce carbon emissions. There have been substantial increases in utilization for some generators, but most remain below baseload levels. This paper examines the factors that have driven NGCC utilization from 2003-2014. I run difference-in-dif-ference models to evaluate the relationships between environmental policies and natural gas prices on NGCC utilization. Both low natural gas prices and the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR) drive increases in utilization. However, the size of the impact by CAIR depends on the age of the plant. I use the estimates from this model for a counterfactual analysis which reveals CAIR had nearly twice the impact of low natural gas prices on increased utilization in nationwide averages.
Covalent modifications of histones during mitosis and meiosis

Higher order chromosome structures are the hallmark of mitotic and meiotic cells. Chromatin condensation and compaction are essential for rapid chromosome congression and accurate chromosome segregation during cell division. The core histones possess tails at their amino-termini. These tails, which extend from the surface of the nucleosomes, are highly dynamic and subject to an extensive array of covalent modifications. Modified histone tails play an important role, not only in the folding of nucleosomal arrays into higher order chromatin structures but also are crucial role in gene regulation. The combination of these distinct covalent modifications of histones constitutes “the histone code” that regulates various cellular processes, including mitotic and meiotic progression.
The Periplasmic Galactose Binding Protein of Escherichia coli

A specific high affinity galactose transport system called Pβg can be induced by trace amounts of galactose in the medium by virtue of its own ability to capture and accumulate galactose. The transport system is coregulated with the production of a high affinity periplasmic galactose binding protein, which constitutes but one part of the transport system. Some transport negative mutants still remain producers of this binding protein. A close correlation exists between production of the active binding protein and the presence of galactose chemotaxis. The hypothesis, that this binding protein is a common element of the specific galactose transport system, Pβg, and of galactose chemotaxis is supported by observations on structural mutants, being defective in galactose binding protein as well as showing a lack of galactose chemotaxis. The binding protein is a monomer with two binding sites for galactose. Binding of one or two of the galactose molecules elicits specific conformational changes of the galactose binding protein (lowered affinity for galactose, increase of charges of the protein, increased fluorescence of tryptophan residues). The importance of these features for transport and for chemotaxis is discussed (70).
Effect of oral administration of L-lysine on conjunctivitis caused by feline herpesvirus in cats.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether oral administration of L-lysine to cats would lessen the severity of conjunctivitis caused by feline herpesvirus (FHV-1). ANIMALS 8 healthy young adult cats. PROCEDURE Cats received oral administration of lysine monohydrochloride (500 mg, q 12 h) or placebo (lactose) beginning 6 hours prior to inoculation of virus. The left conjunctival sac received a 50-microl suspension of FHV-1 grown in cell culture (1.8 X 10(8) tissue culture infective dose50) on day 1. Cats were evaluated and scores given for clinical signs each day for 21 days. Samples for virus isolation were collected from the eye and throat every third day. Plasma lysine and arginine concentrations were measured prior to the study and on days 3, 14, and 22. RESULTS Cats that received lysine had less severe conjunctivitis than cats that received placebo. Virus isolation results did not differ between the groups. Plasma lysine concentration was significantly higher in cats that received lysine, compared with control cats, whereas plasma arginine concentrations did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Oral administration of 500 mg of lysine to cats was well tolerated and resulted in less severe manifestations of conjunctivitis caused by FHV-1, compared with cats that received placebo. Oral administration of lysine may be helpful in early treatment for FHV-1 infection by lessening the severity of disease.
Why Better Industrial/Academic Links Are Needed If There is to Be an Effective Software Engineering Workforce

The case is made that to address the current problems of a graduate and skills shortage industry and academia need to work together to present a positive image of what are challenging and exciting disciplines and ensure that there is an effective workforce. Elements of a four year research project concerned with investigating and analyzing industry/academic links is reported which has provided insights into the challenges and problems that exist today. The project has involved: running a series of international workshops to identify and evaluate a of range industry/academic interactions, a literature review centered on CSEE&T conference proceedings, and a series of activities that have enabled an investigation of roles played by government, professional bodies, industry and industrial bodies and how they interact with academia. A number of fundamental problems are identified that currently hinder co-operation. Finally suggestions are made with regard to improving the current situation.
Increased expression of the testicular estrogen receptor alpha in adult mice exposed to low doses of methiocarb

Methiocarb is a widely used carbamate pesticide and a suspected endocrine disrupter. The objective of this study was to examine the in vivo effects of methiocarb at low doses on testicular expression of steroid receptors, spermatogenesis and sperm quality in adult mice. Eighteen‐week‐old DBA/2 males were treated with daily intraperitoneal injection of methiocarb (0, 0.03, 0.3, 1.0 or 3.0 µg kg−1 of body weight) for 20 days. Kidney and liver weights were significantly increased in the 1.0 or 3.0 µg kg−1 treatment groups (P < 0.05). The testicular expression of estrogen receptor α (ERα) was significantly increased in mice treated with methiocarb as confirmed by Western blot analysis. The sperm production and sperm quality of the methiocarb‐exposed mice were not significantly altered as determined using a computer‐assisted sperm analysis system. Therefore, these results demonstrate, that although the exposure to methiocarb at low doses alters testicular ERα expression in adult mice, both sperm production and quality remain unaffected. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nursing adherence with evidence-based guidelines for preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia*

ObjectiveTo review barriers to nursing adherence to nonpharmacologic evidence-based guidelines for preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia. DesignDescriptive study. SettingIntensive care units. SubjectsSubjects were 110 nurses approached at two critical care nursing meetings. InterventionsA questionnaire was administered to nurses to assess their adherence to 19 nonpharmacologic prevention strategies and to identify barriers to adherence to evidence-based guidelines. Measurements and Main ResultsFifty-one nurses responded, and overall nonadherence was 22.3%. Significant differences of adherence were identified when compared with the rates previously reported by physicians in nine of the 19 strategies investigated. The most important reasons for nonadherence were unavailability of resources (37.0%), patient discomfort (8.2%), disagreement with reported trial results (7.8%), fear of potential adverse effects (5.8%), and costs (3.4%). Nurses were more likely (p < .05) to identify patient discomfort (odds ratio, 4.8) and fear of adverse events (odds ratio, 3.3), whereas physicians were more likely to report costs (odds ratio, 5.4) and disagreement with interpretation of trials (odds ratio, 3.7) as reasons for nonadherence. ConclusionsNurses had different levels of adherence than physicians for many nonpharmacologic strategies. The most important barriers to implementation were environment-related. Other reasons for nonadherence show significant variability between nurse and physician opinion leaders, patient-related barriers being significantly more important for nurses. Our findings suggest the need for development of multinational guidelines to reduce variability and the need to include the nursing point of view in these guidelines.
Health‐related quality of life in women previously treated for early‐stage breast cancer

This study describes health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in women previously treated for early stage breast cancer relative to general population and breast cancer norms. It also identifies correlates and multivariate predictors of physical and mental HRQOL. 2582 women who were up to four years post‐treatment for early stage breast cancer completed the RAND‐36 Health Survey and reported personal and cancer‐related information. Participants reported generally high HRQOL that was comparable to norms for women in the general population and other women with breast cancer. In multivariate analyses, better physical HRQOL was associated with fewer psychological symptoms, lower body mass index, better sleep quality, and more physical activity. Better mental HRQOL was associated with better sleep quality, fewer life events, less pain, and fewer gastrointestinal symptoms. Interventions targeting psychosocial symptoms, weight reduction, physical activity, sleep hygiene, and pain could result in improved HRQOL in these women. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Microfinance Disappointment: An Explanation Based on Risk Aversion

Recent research indicates that microcredit has not contributed significantly to poverty reduction. Take up of affordable credit by the poor for investment in businesses, education and health, turned out to be very low. We argue that this can be explained by risk aversion, when investment affects the probability of success of a risky project. Our model abstracts from fixed costs in the production technology, commonly assumed in the existing literature. There are no imperfections in the loan market, and we abstract from assumptions about false beliefs by the poor regarding the production function or other behavioral assumptions. We conclude that to facilitate investment and thereby reduce poverty, policy should be aimed at reducing the risk faced by the poor.
HR-pQCT-based homogenised finite element models provide quantitative predictions of experimental vertebral body stiffness and strength with the same accuracy as μFE models

This study validated two different high-resolution peripheral quantitative computer tomography (HR-pQCT)-based finite element (FE) approaches, enhanced homogenised continuum-level (hFE) and micro-finite element (μFE) models, by comparing them with compression test results of vertebral body sections. Thirty-five vertebral body sections were prepared by removing endplates and posterior elements, scanned with HR-pQCT and tested in compression up to failure. Linear hFE and μFE models were created from segmented and grey-level CT images, and apparent model stiffness values were compared with experimental stiffness as well as strength results. Experimental and numerical apparent elastic properties based on grey-level/segmented CT images (N = 35) correlated well for μFE ( ) and hFE models ( ). Vertebral section stiffness values from the linear μFE/hFE models estimated experimental ultimate apparent strength very well ( ). Calibrated hFE models were able to predict quantitatively apparent stiffness with the same accuracy as μFE models. However, hFE models needed no back-calculation of a tissue modulus or any kind of fitting and were computationally much cheaper.
Ertragskundliche Aspekte und Strukturdynamik der Buchen-Lichtwuchsdurchforstung

Based on thinning trials in beech stands initiated in the early 1970s, the effects of selective thinnings in favour of 100 to 120 future crop trees were analysed with regard to volume productivity and the stands' structural diversity. The results show that these kinds of thinnings reduce volume productivity by approximately 6% compared to the maximum volume growth. The reduction in volume growth is mostly caused by the fact that the strongly released crop trees have reduced their height growth for the benefit of a lateral crown expansion, while basal area growth was not affected. Calculations indicate that silvicultural systems working with only 50 future crop trees per hectare may decrease the maximum volume production by about 12%. Furthermore, the results show that the intense crown releases caused by selection thinnings increase the horizontal and vertical diversity of beech stands, since the trees in the understorey profit from better light conditions. The indices calculated for diameter and height diversity of the selection thinning plots approach the values being typical for single tree selection forests (“Plenterwälder”). Already after three to four consecutive selection thinnings, the beech stands' diameter distributions displayed an exponentionally decreasing shape typical for single tree selection forests close to equilibrium. Growth simulations revealed that it might even be possible to directly transform beech stands by selection thinnings into single tree selection structures. However, presumably negative effects on timber quality to be expected under single tree selection structures should be considered as a critical aspect with regard to theoretically possible transformation.
Predicting Risk Premia in Short-Term Interest Rates and Exchange Rates

We assess the ability of yield curve factors to predict risk premia in short-term interest rates and exchange rates across a large sample of major advanced economies. We find that the same tick-shaped linear combination of (relative) bond yields predicts risk premia in both short-term interest rates and exchange rates at returnforecasting horizons of up to six months for all (but one) countries and currencies in our sample. Our single forecasting factor loads positively on the short and long end of the curve and negatively on the medium-term and is therefore inversely related to Nelson-Siegel’s curvature factor. In line with recent interpretations of the yield curve factors, our findings suggest that the hump of the yield curve bears important information about future short-term interest rates. A relatively high curvature predicts a surprise rise in short-term interest rates beyond expectations and, coincidentally, an appreciation of the home currency in line with uncovered interest rate parity. JEL Classification: C23, C53, G11