Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improving color image segmentation by spatial-color pixel clustering

Image segmentation is one of the most difficult steps in the computer vision process. Pixel clustering is only one among many techniques used in image segmentation. In this paper is proposed a new segmentation technique, making clustering in the five-dimensional feature space built from three color components and two spatial coordinates. The advantages of taking into account the information about the image structure in pixel clustering are shown. The proposed 5D k-means technique requires, similarly to other segmentation techniques, an additional postprocessing to eliminate oversegmentation. Our approach is evaluated on different simple and complex images.
Acquisition of precise probe vehicle data in urban city based on three-dimensional map aided GNSS

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) based vehicle probe technology is emerging as an effective means to monitor traffic flow and optimize traffic control. Moreover, the accuracy of the probe vehicle data is expected to be sub-meter level or even more precise for the lane-level traffic analysis. However, the performance of GNSS positioning technique is severely degraded in urban canyons, because the multipath effect and Non-Line-Of-Sight propagation. We proposed to rectify the positioning result of the commercial GNSS single frequency receiver using the three-dimensional building map, which is named 3D-GNSS. This paper proposes to employ the 3D-GNSS positioning method for the acquisition of the precise probe vehicle data. With the benefit of the proposed method, the global lane-level position, speed and stop state of vehicles are expected to be recognized from the 3D-GNSS based probe data. Finally, the accuracy of the 3D-GNSS based probe technology is evaluated in one of the most challenging urban city, Tokyo. The experiment results demonstrate that the proposed method can achieve 87% correct lane rate in the localization, and has submeter accuracy with respect to position and speed error mean. The accurate position and speed estimation provided by 3D-GNSS, result 92% correct rate in detecting stop vehicles.
Detection and Characterization of Circulating Tumor Associated Cells in Metastatic Breast Cancer

The availability of blood-based diagnostic testing using a non-invasive technique holds promise for real-time monitoring of disease progression and treatment selection. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have been used as a prognostic biomarker for the metastatic breast cancer (MBC). The molecular characterization of CTCs is fundamental to the phenotypic identification of malignant cells and description of the relevant genetic alterations that may change according to disease progression and therapy resistance. However, the molecular characterization of CTCs remains a challenge because of the rarity and heterogeneity of CTCs and technological difficulties in the enrichment, isolation and molecular characterization of CTCs. In this pilot study, we evaluated circulating tumor associated cells in one blood draw by size exclusion technology and cytological analysis. Among 30 prospectively enrolled MBC patients, CTCs, circulating tumor cell clusters (CTC clusters), CTCs of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer associated macrophage-like cells (CAMLs) were detected and analyzed. For molecular characterization of CTCs, size-exclusion method for CTC enrichment was tested in combination with DEPArray™ technology, which allows the recovery of single CTCs or pools of CTCs as a pure CTC sample for mutation analysis. Genomic mutations of TP53 and ESR1 were analyzed by targeted sequencing on isolated 7 CTCs from a patient with MBC. The results of genomic analysis showed heterozygous TP53 R248W mutation from one single CTC and pools of three CTCs, and homozygous TP53 R248W mutation from one single CTC and pools of two CTCs. Wild-type ESR1 was detected in the same isolated CTCs. The results of this study reveal that size-exclusion method can be used to enrich and identify circulating tumor associated cells, and enriched CTCs were characterized for genetic alterations in MBC patients, respectively.
Associations Among Psychological Distress, High-Risk Activism, and Conflict Between Ethnic-Racial and Sexual Minority Identities in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Racial/Ethnic Minority Adults

In this brief report, we present results from a study exploring the associations of high-risk activism (HRA) orientation in lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) issues; HRA orientation in racial/ethnic issues; conflicts in allegiances (CIA) between one’s ethnic-racial and sexual minority identities; and anxiety among LGB racial/ethnic minority adults. A racially and ethnically diverse sample of 208 LGB racial/ethnic minority adults (age: M = 27.52, SD = 8.76) completed an online survey. Bivariate correlations showed that HRA orientation in LGB and in racial/ethnic issues, as well as CIA, were each positively associated with anxiety. However, regression analyses indicated that CIA moderated the association between anxiety and HRA orientation in LGB issues (but not racial/ethnic minority issues) such that this association was significant and positive at low levels of CIA and nonsignificant at high levels of CIA. These findings can be used to not only inform psychological practice with this population (e.g., by encouraging practitioners to be more attentive to these issues as potential sources of stress), but also more broadly, as knowledge that can inform the burgeoning psychological literature on collective action. We highlight, for example, the importance of distinguishing between types of activism (i.e., high- vs. low-risk types) in relation to mental health outcomes.
Palliative care professional’s perceptions of barriers and challenges to accessing children’s hospice and palliative care services in South East London: A preliminary study

ABSTRACT Objectives: Several barriers have been identified as preventing or delaying access to children’s palliative care services. The aim of this study is to further explore such barriers from palliative care professionals’ perspective from two London boroughs. Methods: Qualitative-five children’s palliative care professionals’ perceptions were obtained from semi-structured interviews. Results: Three themes emerged: availability and adequacy of child palliative care (e.g., unreliability of services), obstacles to accessing palliative care (e.g., logistical challenges), and cultural values and family priorities. Conclusion: These findings contribute to the equal opportunities dialogue in this sector and the need for future research to address the challenges identified.
Classification and tracking of traffic scene objects with hybrid camera systems

In a hybrid camera system combining an omnidirectional and a Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) camera, the omnidirectional camera provides 360 degree horizontal field-of-view, whereas the PTZ camera provides high resolution at a certain direction. This results in a wide field-of-view and high resolution camera system. In this paper, we exploit this hybrid system for real-time object classification and tracking for traffic scenes. The omnidirectional camera detects the moving objects and performs an initial classification using shape-based features. Concurrently, the PTZ camera classifies the objects using high resolution frames and Histogram of Oriented Gradients (HOG) features. PTZ camera also performs high-resolution tracking for the objects classified as the target class by the omnidirectional camera. The object types we worked on are pedestrian, motorcycle, car and van. Extensive experiments were conducted to compare the classification accuracy of the hybrid system with single camera alternatives.
Design of high performance and low power dissipation operational transconductance amplifier by using MATLAB optimization

In Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI), Operational transconductance amplifier (OTA) become one of the most significant building blocks of analog circuit. The optimized of calculation transistor dimensions of the Miller OTA by using MATLAB code plays an important parameter to have higher performance and low power than a manual calculator. This paper presents a low power OTA based on OTA Miller, which operates at 1.8V power supply voltage. The proposed OTA exhibit DC gain of 68 dB, and gain bandwidth of 15.27 MHz with 0.243 mW power dissipation. The Phase Margin (PM) and slew rate of the proposed OTA are 71.97° and 21.5 V/μs respectively. Design and simulation have been carried by T-Spice using TSMC 0.18um CMOS technology.
Clustering of interictal spikes by dynamic time warping and affinity propagation

Epilepsy is often associated with the presence of spikes in electroencephalograms (EEGs). The spike waveforms vary vastly among epilepsy patients, and also for the same patient across time. In order to develop semi-automated and automated methods for detecting spikes, it is crucial to obtain a better understanding of the various spike shapes. In this paper, we develop several approaches to extract exemplars of spikes. We generate spike exemplars by applying clustering algorithms to a database of spikes from 12 patients. As similarity measures for clustering, we consider the Euclidean distance and Dynamic Time Warping (DTW). We assess two clustering algorithms, namely, K-means clustering and affinity propagation. The clustering methods are compared based on the mean squared error, and the similarity measures are assessed based on the number of generated spike clusters. Affinity propagation with DTW is shown to be the best combination for clustering epileptic spikes, since it generates fewer spike templates and does not require to pre-specify the number of spike templates.
RNA Dependent RNA Polymerases: Insights from Structure, Function and Evolution

RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is one of the most versatile enzymes of RNA viruses that is indispensable for replicating the genome as well as for carrying out transcription. The core structural features of RdRps are conserved, despite the divergence in their sequences. The structure of RdRp resembles that of a cupped right hand and consists of fingers, palm and thumb subdomains. The catalysis involves the participation of conserved aspartates and divalent metal ions. Complexes of RdRps with substrates, inhibitors and metal ions provide a comprehensive view of their functional mechanism and offer valuable insights regarding the development of antivirals. In this article, we provide an overview of the structural aspects of RdRps and their complexes from the Group III, IV and V viruses and their structure-based phylogeny.
Assessing the Genetic Influence of Ancient Sociopolitical Structure: Micro-differentiation Patterns in the Population of Asturias (Northern Spain)

The human populations of the Iberian Peninsula are the varied result of a complex mixture of cultures throughout history, and are separated by clear social, cultural, linguistic or geographic barriers. The stronger genetic differences between closely related populations occur in the northern third of Spain, a phenomenon commonly known as “micro-differentiation”. It has been argued and discussed how this form of genetic structuring can be related to both the rugged landscape and the ancient societies of Northern Iberia, but this is difficult to test in most regions due to the intense human mobility of previous centuries. Nevertheless, the Spanish autonomous community of Asturias shows a complex history which hints of a certain isolation of its population. This, joined together with a difficult terrain full of deep valleys and steep mountains, makes it suitable for performing a study of genetic structure, based on mitochondrial DNA and Y-Chromosome markers. Our analyses do not only show that there are micro-differentiation patterns inside the Asturian territory, but that these patterns are strikingly similar between both uniparental markers. The inference of barriers to gene flow also indicates that Asturian populations from the coastal north and the mountainous south seem to be relatively isolated from the rest of the territory. These findings are discussed in light of historic and geographic data and, coupled with previous evidence, show that the origin of the current genetic patterning might indeed lie in Roman and Pre-Roman sociopolitical divisions.
Achieving the Degrees of Freedom of Wireless Multi-User Relay Networks

We study the available degrees of freedom (DOF) of a class of wireless single-antenna multi-user relay networks. In these networks the communications between M unconnected source-destination pairs are provided by a large number of half-duplex relays. To conduct the communications we propose a cluster successive relaying protocol that divides the relays into two equal-size clusters. Unlike the conventional orthogonal relaying protocol that demands all the relays to simultaneously assist the sources, we require the two relay clusters to take turns forwarding the source messages to more efficiently use the channel. In a time-varying fading environment, through appropriate interference alignment the negative impact of inter-user interference can be effectively minimized. Thus the two clusters of half-duplex relays can mimic a cluster of full-duplex relays. When the number of relays is infinitely large, we show that the M-user half-duplex relay networks have M DOF, i.e. their sum capacity can be characterized as CΣ(SNR) = M log (SNR) + o(log (SNR)). This result implies that allowing only distributed processing and half-duplex operation is able to provide the same DOF performance as permitting joint processing and full-duplex operation in wireless relay networks.
Improved landing radio altimeter for unmanned aerial vehicles based on an antenna array

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are used in various applications such as civil and military surveillance, law enforcement, and support in natural disasters as well as in hazardous environments. Approaching and landing are necessary steps for all UAVs, indicating that radio altimeters are needed. In this paper, a radio altimeter based on an antenna array is proposed. Our solution allows some improvements over the traditional radio altimeter such as more precise altitude estimation, ground imaging without the need of side looking radar, mapping the obstacles positions and detecting the ground inclination and topology. Another important contribution of this paper is a review of traditional radio altimeters along with a performance comparison between the level-crossing detection and the digital signal processing frequency detection - which is based on the fast Fourier transform algorithm.
Ectodermal‐Neural Cortex 1 Isoforms Have Contrasting Effects on MC3T3‐E1 Osteoblast Mineralization and Gene Expression

The importance of Wnt pathway signaling in development of bone has been well established. Here we investigated the role of a known Wnt target, ENC1 (ectodermal‐neural cortex 1; NRP/B), in osteoblast differentiation. Enc1 expression was detected in mouse osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and osteocytes by in situ hybridization, and osteoblastic expression was verified in differentiating primary cultures and MC3T3‐E1 pre‐osteoblast cells, with 57 kDa and 67 kDa ENC1 protein isoforms detected throughout differentiation. Induced knockdown of both ENC1 isoforms reduced alkaline phosphatase staining and virtually abolished MC3T3‐E1 mineralization. At culture confluence, Alpl (alkaline phosphatase liver/bone/kidney) expression was markedly reduced compared with control cells, and there was significant and coordinated alteration of other genes involved in cellular phosphate biochemistry. In contrast, with 67 kDa‐selective knockdown mineralized nodule formation was enhanced and there was a two‐fold increase in Alpl expression at confluence. There was enhanced expression of Wnt/β‐catenin target genes with knockdown of both isoforms at this time‐point and a five‐fold increase in Frzb (Frizzled related protein) with 67 kDa‐selective knockdown at mineralization, indicating possible ENC1 interactions with Wnt signaling in osteoblasts. These results are the first to demonstrate a role for ENC1 in the control of osteoblast differentiation. Additionally, the contrasting mineralization phenotypes and transcriptional patterns seen with coordinate knockdown of both ENC1 isoforms vs selective knockdown of 67 kDa ENC1 suggest opposing roles for the isoforms in regulation of osteoblastic differentiation, through effects on Alpl expression and phosphate cellular biochemistry. This study is the first to report differential roles for the ENC1 isoforms in any cell lineage. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 2141–2150, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Management of Sacrococcygeal Chordoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies

Study Design. Systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Objective. The aim of the study is to evaluate different treatment modalities in the management of sacrococcygeal chordoma. Summary of Background Data. Chordomas are primary malignant bone tumors associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Methods. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central-Register of Controlled Trials, and Scopus from inception to July 2015. Eligible studies included patients with sacrococcygeal chordoma treated exclusively with surgery, radiotherapy, or both. Two reviewers independently assessed the eligibility of potential studies, risk of bias, and extracted data. Outcomes of interest were all-cause mortality, progression-free survival, and metastases. We analyzed further surgical outcomes by resection margin. All outcomes were assessed at 60 months and more than 60 months following intervention. Results. We included 33 noncomparative studies reporting on 501 patients (mean age 57 years). Overall mortality rate was (16%) after surgical resection with adjuvant radiotherapy and (28%) after surgical resection, and (43%) after radiotherapy (P = 0.28). All-cause mortality following wide surgical resection was (32%) compared to (40%) after marginal resection (P = 0.51). Overall progression-free survival rate was (58%) after surgical resection with adjuvant radiotherapy and (55%) after surgery (P = 0.92). However, at more than 60 months follow-up, progression-free survival rates were significantly higher (P = 0.024) following surgical resection with adjuvant radiotherapy (74%) in comparison to surgery (55%) and radiotherapy (36%). Overall progression-free survival rates were nonsignificantly higher after wide surgical resection (66%) than marginal resection (33%) (P = 0.16). However, at 60 months follow-up, progression-free survival rates were significantly higher following wide surgical resection (73%) than marginal resection (33%) (P = 0.047). Conclusion. Sacrococcygeal chordoma is a difficult to treat disease entity. Until comparative studies become available, wide surgical resection and multidisciplinary management are the recommended approaches to improve patient outcomes. Level of Evidence: 3
Comparison of the Shear Bond Strength of Silorane-Based Composite Resin and Methacrylate Based Composite Resin to MTA

Background. Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is a material that has recently gained popularity in the application of the vital pulp therapy. Along with the increasing use of MTA to this end, the permanent restoration material to be placed on MTA has become a significant issue. The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the bond strength of the novel low-shrinkage silorane-based composite resin (SBC) to MTA. Methods. Twenty acrylic blocks filled with MTA were prepared for this study. SBC was the test group and methacrylate-based composite resin (MBC) was used as the control group. Shear bond strength test was performed to determine the bond strength. The surfaces of broken samples were evaluated under a stereomicroscope and grouped as adhesive, cohesive and mixed. Data were examined by statistical analysis. Results. Statistical analysis revealed that SBC exhibited higher shear bond strength than the control group. It was observed that most of the failures in the test group were of cohesive type within MTA. Conclusion. Based on the results, SBC showed higher shear bond strength than the control group; however, clinical follow-up is needed to evaluate the clinical success.
All‐Trans Retinoic Acid Ameliorates Arsenic‐Induced Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in the Rat Uterus by Modulating MAPK Signaling Proteins

Exposure to arsenic leads to inhibition of the anti‐oxidant defense mechanism of the body. Reactive oxygen species generated in response to arsenic causes reproductive failures in exposed females and also acts as an inducer of apoptosis. As a prospective remedial agent, all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA) was assessed for reversing arsenic‐induced oxidative stress and apoptosis. Rats exposed to arsenic for 28 days were allowed to recover naturally or were treated simultaneously with ATRA for 28 days or up to 56 days. Production of H2O2 was detected using 2′,7′‐dichlorfluorescein diacetate (DCFCA) by flow cytometry. Catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, ALT, and AST were estimated by biochemical assays and Western blot analyses. Detection of apoptosis was performed using annexin V‐FITC/propidium iodide. Expressions of p53, p21, cleaved caspase 3, JNK/pJNK, and ERK/pERK levels were estimated using Western blot analysis. Elemental arsenic deposition in the rat uterus and liver was estimated by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Our results confirmed that ATRA ameliorated sodium arsenite‐induced ROS generation, restored redox balance, and prevented apoptosis. Concomitant recovery was observed to be more prominent for ATRA‐treated rats as compared to the rats that were allowed to recover naturally for 56 days. Tissue arsenic deposition was significantly reduced in the uterus upon continuous ATRA treatment. The results revealed that ATRA reversed arsenic‐induced free radical generation, activated the anti‐oxidant defence system, and subsequently repressed p53‐dependent apoptosis through inhibition of the MAPK signaling components. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3796–3809, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transesterification of waste activated sludge for the reduction of excess sludge and biodiesel production

In-situ transesterification was explored as a new cost-effective method to solubilize waste activated sludge (WAS) and produce biodiesel in this study. The most critical parameters for protein and carbohydrate solubilizations were heating temperature and H2SO4 concentration, respectively. All tested parameters except for H2SO4 concentration and water content resulted in the positive effect on the lipid conversion to biodiesel. In batch tests, transesterification reaction with xylene produced higher amounts of biodiesel than hexane transesterification. The optimum conditions were determined from batch tests and resulted 93 mg glucose/g TSS, 302 mg BSA/g TSS, 80 mg biodiesel/g TSS, 60 mg P/g TSS, which resulted in the maximum 47.5% COD solubilization. The composition of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) in xylene extract was similar with palm oil biodiesel. The physical properties (61.6 cetane number and 5.3°C cold filter plugging point) of sludge biodiesel was comparable to vegetable oils. This comprehensive study showed that transesterification using xylene can efficiently solubilize sludge and improve the production of biodiesel with satisfactory quality compared with hexane transesterification. Chapter 3
Complete Genome Sequence of Murine Pneumotropic Virus (Polyomaviridae) Clone pKV(37-1)

ABSTRACT The murine pneumotropic virus genome encoded by the pKV(37-1) clone was sequenced to completion. The regulatory region harbored a mutation not previously reported. The protein coding regions (large and small T antigens, viral proteins 1 to 3) showed multiple regions of high amino acid identity to the human, simian, and bovine polyomaviruses.