Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rendering 6-DOF Object-to-Object Interaction with 3-DOF Haptic Interfaces

Three degree-of-freedom (3-DOF) tool-based haptic interfaces are widely used in virtual environments as an affordable way to train operators, as well as for virtual prototyping and design. In some special cases with higher requirements on haptic fidelity, the tool needs to be modeled as an object with real volume rather than a single point. However, such object-toobject interaction will inherently involve reaction torques, which 3-DOF haptic interfaces are incapable of rendering. As a result, whenever reaction torques are induced, undesired system behavior will occur, such as rendering errors, vibrations or even instability. Six degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) interfaces with torque feedback would be a solution of this problem, but these devices are costly, hard to maintain, and would require more computational power to determine the feedback. This paper presents a penalty-based algorithm to realize stable yet convincing object-to-object interaction with 3-DOF haptic interfaces. The major contribution of this work is the regulation of excessive directional combined stiffness when multiple contact points are considered in the calculation of rendered force. In contrast to other 3-DOF rendering methods, this approach is to generate translational movement to resemble the dynamics of end-effector during torque-involved interaction. A virtual peg-in-hole task was conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm. We used the geometrical constraints to calculate an ideal trajectory of the end-effector as a function of the peg’s orientation. The result shows that the end-effector’s trajectory resembled the ideal one when the virtual tool was rotated in the hole. We also showed that the regulated combined stiffness converged to a desired value so that the system stayed stable throughout the whole interaction.
Explant-dependent receptivity to isolation and a cell-wall resynthesis in protoplast culture of recalcitrant yellow lupin

Cell-wall resynthesis was studied in protoplast culture of yellow lupin (Lupinus luteus L.). We optimized protoplast isolation and found that explants excised from young seedling were more suitable sources of protoplasts, in contrast to callus tissue. Incubation in 2% cellulase R-10, 1% pectinase and 0.5% macerozyme solution for 3h effectively released protoplasts from majority of tested explants. Furthermore, we determined the optimal developmental age of explants which was 4, 21, 25 and 35 days for hypocotyls, cotyledons, in-vitro leaf mesophyll and ex-vitro leaf mesophyll, respectively. Explant type, culture medium and genotype influenced both a rate and a pattern of the cell wall regeneration. After 10 days of culture, the number of regenerated cells reached 44%-59% in hypocotyl, 84%-91% in cotyledonary, and 31%-42% in mesophyll protoplasts. Our results show that the earlier wall regeneration begins, the wall surface will be more incomplete. We suggest that unbalanced and inefficient cell-wall resynthesis likely contributes to recalcitrance of yellow lupin to manipulations in protoplast technology.
Personal Environmental Monitoring System and network platform

In recent years, air pollution has become a critical social problem because harmful materials can cause disease and death to humans as well as damage to other living organisms, including food crops, or the natural or built environment. Many countries have attempted to reduce air pollution through various means. This paper presents a Personal Environmental Monitoring System (PEMS) and a Wearable Environmental Monitoring System (WEMS) that were developed by considering consumers' needs to detect and avoid exposure to air pollution. The systems include multiple gas sensors which are based on a semiconductor-based heater. This paper presents a design for a new system that incorporates digital hardware and analogue circuits. Basically, MOS (metal oxide semiconductor)-based gas sensors, mostly used in the market, consume a large amount of energy and have a low accuracy. The proposed system provides sensor calibration and communication to conserve energy and improve the accuracy of the sensor data. In addition, systems are connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi or user's Smartphone and can be connected to other machines for Internet of Things (IoT). This paper also presents the network platform for the PEMS and the WEMS.
The current role of T cell depletion in paediatric stem cell transplantation

Haematopoeitic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a curative procedure for children with malignant and non‐malignant haematological disease as well as an expanding number of inherited disorders. Most patients lack a human leucocyte antigen‐matched related donor, making alternative donors, such as closely matched unrelated donors, unrelated umbilical cord blood donations and haploidentical donors, necessary choices. T cell depletion (TCD) has been employed for over 30 years to reduce the risk of graft‐versus‐host disease (GvHD) associated with non‐genoidentical HSCT. However, until recently overall survival had not improved with TCD due to increased rates of graft failure, disease relapse and delayed immune reconstitution. Recent advances in graft manipulation and reduced toxicity conditioning regimens have offered renewed hope, particularly for children undergoing haploidentical HSCT, where encouraging results have been achieved using negative depletion techniques to retain beneficial accessory cells, which speed immune reconstitution and reduce disease relapse. Translational work building on megadose CD34+ selected grafts, including pathogen‐specific immunotherapy, suicide gene therapy and other adoptive cellular immunotherapies, has also offered improved outcomes for such patients.
Relationship between self-concept, body build, and perception of father's interest in sports in boys.

Abstract This study was designed to assess the relationship between self-concept, body build, and perception of father's interest in sports in grade 6 and grade 9 boys. Subjects were chosen on the criteria of differing body build measured by the ponderal index and perception of high or low father interest in sports. Analysis of variance of the self-concept scores indicated differences in the grade 6 sample associated with both body build and perception of father's interest. The lack of similar associations in the grade 9 sample suggests that the relationship between the variables changes in the junior high school level.
Gene Disruption by Homologous Recombination in the Xylella fastidiosa Citrus Variegated Chlorosis Strain

ABSTRACT Mutagenesis by homologous recombination was evaluated in Xylella fastidiosa by using the bga gene, coding for β-galactosidase, as a model. Integration of replicative plasmids by homologous recombination between the cloned truncated copy of bga and the endogenous gene was produced by one or two crossover events leading to β-galactosidase mutants. A promoterless chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene was used to monitor the expression of the target gene and to select a cvaB mutant.
Magnetic resonance temperature imaging for guidance of thermotherapy

Continuous thermometry during a hyperthermic procedure may help to correct for local differences in heat conduction and energy absorption, and thus allow optimization of the thermal therapy. Noninvasive, three‐dimensional mapping of temperature changes is feasible with magnetic resonance (MR) and may be based on the relaxation time T1, the diffusion coefficient (D), or proton resonance frequency (PRF) of tissue water. The use of temperature‐sensitive contrast agents and proton spectroscopic imaging can provide absolute temperature measurements. The principles and performance of these methods are reviewed in this paper. The excellent linearity and near‐independence with respect to tissue type, together with good temperature sensitivity, make PRF‐based temperature MRI the preferred choice for many applications at mid to high field strength (≥ 1 T). The PRF methods employ radiofrequency spoiled gradient‐echo imaging methods. A standard deviation of less than 1°C, for a temporal resolution below 1 second and a spatial resolution of about 2 mm, is feasible for a single slice for immobile tissues. Corrections should be made for temperature‐induced susceptibility effects in the PRF method. If spin‐echo methods are preferred, for example when field homogeneity is poor due to small ferromagnetic parts in the needle, the D‐ and T1‐based methods may give better results. The sensitivity of the D method is higher that that of the T1 methods provided that motion artifacts are avoided and the trace of D is evaluated. Fat suppression is necessary for most tissues when T1, D, or PRF methods are employed. The latter three methods require excellent registration to correct for displacements between scans. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2000;12:525–533. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Selected Biostatistical Aspects of the Validation of In Vitro Toxicological Assays

An overview is presented on selected biostatistical aspects of the validation of in vitro toxicological assays. Primarily, the statistical analysis of single assays is discussed. Several approaches are compared for the possible non-monotonic dose–response relationship with a priori unknown shapes. The use of confidence intervals instead of p values for toxicologically appropriate decision making is explained. New methods for demonstrating interlaboratory similarity for dose–response designs are discussed. For validation, the inappropriateness of the concordance coefficient is shown, and sensitivity and specificity, as well as predictive values, are proposed as alternatives. The problem of the missing gold standard is highlighted.
Downregulation of vasopressin V1A receptors and activation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase in rat mesangial cells cultured under high‐glucose conditions

In the present study we examined the effects of high extracellular glucose concentrations on vasopressin (AVP) V1A receptor kinetics and signal transduction in cultured rat mesangial cells. Scatchard analysis of [3H]‐AVP binding to mesangial cell plasma membranes showed that although high glucose (30 mmol/L) decreased V1A receptor numbers relative to cells cultured in normal glucose (10 mmol/L), receptor affinity was not affected. This V1A receptor downregulation was associated with an attenuated increase in AVP‐stimulated cytosolic free calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]i). In addition, high glucose increased both the basal and AVP‐stimulated activity of the classic mitogen‐activated protein kinase, namely extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK). Furthermore, high glucose induced activation of protein kinase C (PKC) in mesangial cells that could be inhibited by coincubation with the PKC inhibitor staurosporine (10 nmol/L). Staurosporine also markedly attenuated the high glucose‐induced downregulation of V1A receptors on mesangial cells and blocked the depressed [Ca2+]i response and increased ERK activity induced by AVP. The results indicate that high extracellular glucose downregulates V1A receptors on rat mesangial cells and modulates their signal transduction properties via PKC activation.
Sexual Communication in the Drosophila Genus

In insects, sexual behavior depends on chemical and non-chemical cues that might play an important role in sexual isolation. In this review, we present current knowledge about sexual behavior in the Drosophila genus. We describe courtship and signals involved in sexual communication, with a special focus on sex pheromones. We examine the role of cuticular hydrocarbons as sex pheromones, their implication in sexual isolation, and their evolution. Finally, we discuss the roles of male cuticular non-hydrocarbon pheromones that act after mating: cis-vaccenyl acetate, developing on its controversial role in courtship behavior and long-chain acetyldienylacetates and triacylglycerides, which act as anti-aphrodisiacs in mated females.
Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus K3 and K5 Ubiquitin E3 Ligases Have Stage-Specific Immune Evasion Roles during Lytic Replication

ABSTRACT The downregulation of immune synapse components such as major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) and ICAM-1 is a common viral immune evasion strategy that protects infected cells from targeted elimination by cytolytic effector functions of the immune system. Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) encodes two membrane-bound ubiquitin E3 ligases, called K3 and K5, which share the ability to induce internalization and degradation of MHC-I molecules. Although individual functions of K3 and K5 outside the viral genome are well characterized, their roles during the KSHV life cycle are still unclear. In this study, we individually introduced the amino acid-coding sequences of K3 or K5 into a ΔK3 ΔK5 recombinant virus, at either original or interchanged genomic positions. Recombinants harboring coding sequences within the K5 locus showed higher K3 and K5 protein expression levels and more rapid surface receptor downregulation than cognate recombinants in which coding sequences were introduced into the K3 locus. To identify infected cells undergoing K3-mediated downregulation of MHC-I, we employed a novel reporter virus, called red-green-blue-BAC16 (RGB-BAC16), which was engineered to harbor three fluorescent protein expression cassettes: EF1α-monomeric red fluorescent protein 1 (mRFP1), polyadenylated nuclear RNA promoter (pPAN)-enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP), and pK8.1-monomeric blue fluorescent protein (tagBFP), marking latent, immediate early, and late viral gene expression, respectively. Analysis of RGB-derived K3 and K5 deletion mutants showed that while the K5-mediated downregulation of MHC-I was concomitant with pPAN induction, the reduction of MHC-I surface expression by K3 was evident in cells that were enriched for pPAN-driven EGFPhigh and pK8.1-driven blue fluorescent protein-positive (BFP+) populations. These data support the notion that immunoreceptor downregulation occurs by a sequential process wherein K5 is critical during the immediately early phase and K3 plays a significant role during later stages. IMPORTANCE Although the roles of K3 and K5 outside the viral genome are well characterized, the function of these proteins in the context of the KSHV life cycle has remained unclear, particularly in the case of K3. This study examined the relative contributions of K3 and K5 to the downregulation of MHC-I during the lytic replication of KSHV. We show that while K5 acts immediately upon entry into the lytic phase, K3-mediated downregulation of MHC-I was evident during later stages of lytic replication. The identification of distinctly timed K3 and K5 activities significantly advances our understanding of KSHV-mediated immune evasion. Crucial to this study was the development of a novel recombinant KSHV, called RGB-BAC16, which facilitated the delineation of stage-specific phenotypes.
A heterogeneous WiMAX-WLAN network for AMI communications in the smart grid

The unique characteristics of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) communications such as large number of devices, small data burst transmission, high reliability and variable propagation conditions require a robust communication network to serve them in an efficient and scalable manner. Being the two promising technologies of the next generation wireless networks, the synergic operation of WiMAX and WLAN can significantly improve the cost and efficiency of an AMI network by extending transmission range, improving link quality and allowing flexible data aggregation to reduce signalling and protocol overheads. In this paper, we provide some of our initial studies on a WiMAX-WLAN heterogeneous network (Hetnet) architecture for AMI communications in the smart grid. Using a basic numerical analysis and discrete event simulation models based on OPNET, we compare the behaviour and performance of a WiMAX-WLAN Hetnet with a standalone WiMAX network. The results indicate that the Hetnet provides a significant performance edge over the standalone network in terms of capacity, coverage and latency.
Rayleigh Quotient Based Analysis of MIMO Linear Receivers

The statistics of indefinite quadratic forms in Gaussian vectors are of particular relevance as they often occur in signal processing, wireless communications, information theory and adaptive filter theory. Very recently their distribution has been characterized in closed form in [1]. In this work, we extend such results to the case of indefinite quadratic form with random kernel matrix. We focus on Rayleigh quotients in random matrices commonly met in MIMO communications. As an instance of practical application of our findings, the gap between the multiuser efficiency of a MIMO linear Minimum Mean-Squared Error (MMSE) receiver and the corresponding efficiency in the Zero Forcing (ZF) case, is statistically characterized in the finitesize setting for the first time.
Multiple Effects of an Anti-Human Immunodeficiency Virus Nucleocapsid Inhibitor on Virus Morphology and Replication

ABSTRACT Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 nucleocapsid protein is a major structural component of the virion core and a key factor involved in proviral DNA synthesis and virus formation. 2,2′-Dithiobenzamides (DIBA-1) and related compounds that are inhibitors of NCp7 are thought to eject zinc ions from NCp7 zinc fingers, inhibiting the maturation of virion proteins. Here, we show that the presence of DIBA-1 at the time of virus formation causes morphological malformations of the virus and reduces proviral DNA synthesis. Thus, it seems that DIBA-1 is responsible for a “core-freezing effect,” as shown by electron microscopy analyses. DIBA-1 can also directly interfere with the fate of the newly made proviral DNA in a manner independent of its effects on virion core formation. These data strongly suggest that nucleocapsid protein is a prime target for new compounds aimed at inhibiting human immunodeficiency virus and other retroviruses.
Extended‐release opioids in the management of cancer pain: A systematic review of efficacy and safety

Despite the increased availability of strong analgesics and evidence‐based recommendations for pain management, under‐treatment of cancer‐related pain is still common. Extended‐release (ER) opioids, in contrast to immediate‐release opioids, provide prolonged analgesia. In this review, we aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of ER opioid analgesics in managing moderate‐to‐severe pain in patients with cancer. We identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled observational studies that compared ER opioids in cancer pain by searching several databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library. Two independent reviewers screened and evaluated retrieved records to select relevant studies. We dually assessed the risk of bias for included studies and evaluated the overall strength of evidence for six critical outcomes using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation level of evidence. A total of three double‐blind RCTs (comparative efficacy and adverse events), two non‐blinded RCTs and four observational studies (comparative adverse events) were included in this review. All randomized trials and one observational study were of high risk of bias, and three observational studies of unclear risk of bias. The level of evidence for the selected efficacy and safety outcomes was low and very low. We synthesized the findings qualitatively because of the paucity of relevant studies as well as variable study design and quality. This systematic review indicates no substantial differences in efficacy and frequent adverse events among ER opioids for cancer pain. The body of evidence, however, is limited to few comparisons and fraught with methodological shortcomings.
Hematopoiesis in the embryonic mouse spleen. II. Alterations after phenylhydrazine administration to the mothers

The effect of phenylhydrazine (PHZ) on the hematopoietic events in the embryonic spleeen of C57Bl/6J mice was examined by light and electron microscopy. Following PHZ injections to the mothers, the embryonic spleen revealed a marked increase in erythroid precursors, with a shift to mature cells. This phenomenon was part of a more generalized stimulation of erythropoiesis, expressed by a shift to mature red cell precursors in the embryonic livers and an increase in the percentage of non‐nucleated cells in the embryonic peripheral blood. Concomitantly stimulation of phagocytosis in the spleen of embryos in the early gestational days and increased vascularity were observed, and a later effect of granulocytopoietic stimulation. The effect on erythropoiesis in the embryonic spleen might be a sequence of erythropoietin stimulation, either in the mothers or the fetuses, due to anemia and hypoxia following PHZ injections.
Local transit policies and the complexity of BGP Stability Testing

BGP, the core protocol of the Internet backbone, is renowned to be prone to oscillations. Despite prior work shed some light on BGP stability, many problems remain open. For example, determining how hard it is to check that a BGP network is safe, i.e., it is guaranteed to converge, has been an elusive research goal up to now.
In Vitro Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity of Phytochemical Extracts from Leaves of Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr. (Rutaceae)

The present study was carried out to screen and evaluate the antimicrobial activity of leaf extracts from Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr. Petroleum ether, Dichloromethane, Chloroform, Ethanol and Aqueous extract of the leaves were tested against selected Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. Results depict that phytochemical extracts of A. marmelos exhibited significant anti-bacterial activity. However, the inhibitory activity was found to be both organism and solvent dependent. Ethanol and chloroform leaf extracts of Aegel marmelos were found to be more active towards the bacterial species tested. The leaf extracts inhibited the growth of both Gram-positive and Gramnegative bacterial species. Further, the aqueous leaf extract was moderately active followed by dichloromethane extract. However, petroleum ether extract was not effective against any of the organisms tested. Growth of Lactobacillus bulgaris and Bacillus cereus was not inhibited by any of the tested leaf extracts of A. marmelos. The study shows that ethanol and chloroform leaf extracts of A. marmelos can be used as a potential source of antimicrobial agents.
New serotypes of Treponema hyodysenteriae

Three isolates of pathogenic Treponema hyodysenteriae, B8044, B6933, and Ack 300/8, were serotyped by double immunodiffusion using lipopolysaccharide antigen and rabbit antiserum. The precipitation reactions of these three isolates were then compared with precipitin reactions from the reference strains of serotypes 1 through 4. The data indicated that B8044, B6933, and Ack 300/8 share antigenic determinants with either serotype 1 or 2 or both. However, when the cross-reacting antibodies were removed by adsorption, all reactions were found to be monospecific. Based on these results, three new serotypes of pathogenic T. hyodysenteriae are proposed: B8044 serotype 5, B6933 serotype 6, and Ack 300/8 serotype 7.
On lightlike geometry in indefinite Kenmotsu manifolds

We investigate some geometric aspects of lightlike hypersurfaces of indefinite Kenmotsu manifolds, tangent to the structure vector field, by paying attention to the geometry of leaves of integrable distributions. Theorems on parallel vector fields, Killing distribution, geodesibility of their leaves are obtained. The geometric configuration of such lightlike hypersurfaces and leaves of its screen integrable distributions are established. We show that no totally contact umbilical leaf of a screen integrable distribution of a lightlike hypersurface can be an extrinsic sphere. We also prove that the geometry of any leaf of an integrable distribution is closely related to the geometry of a normal bundle.