Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development of virtual reality tools for arthroscopic surgery training

La chirurgie arthroscopique presente actuellement un essor tres important pour le benefice du plus grand nombre des patients. Cependant, cette technique possede un certain nombre d’inconvenients et il est donc necessaire pour le medecin de s’entrainer et repeter ses gestes afin de pouvoir executer ce type d’operation d’une facon efficace et certaine. En effet, les methodes traditionnelles d’enseignement de la chirurgie sont basees sur l’autopsie des cadavres et l’entrainement sur des animaux. Avec l’evolution de notre societe, ces deux pratiques deviennent de plus en plus critiquees et font l’objet de reglementations tres restrictives. Afin d’atteindre un niveau plus eleve, de nouveaux moyens d’apprentissage sont necessaires pour les chirurgiens. Recemment, la realite virtuelle commence d’etre de plus en plus utilisee dans la medecine et surtout la chirurgie. Les simulateurs chirurgicaux sont devenus une des matieres les plus recentes dans la recherche de la realite virtuelle. Ils sont egalement devenus une methode de formation et un outil d’entrainement valable pour les chirurgiens aussi bien que les etudiants en medecine. Dans ce travail, un simulateur de realite virtuelle pour l’enseignement de la chirurgie arthroscopique, surtout la chirurgie du poignet, a ete preesente. Deux questions principales sont abordees : la reconstruction et l’interaction 3-D. Une sequence d’images CT a ete traitee afin de generer un modele 3-D du poignet. Les deux principales composantes de l’interface du systeme sont illustrees : l’interaction 3-D pour guider les instruments chirurgicaux et l’interface de l’utilisateur pour le retour d’effort. Dans ce contexte, les algorithmes qui modelisent les objets en utilisant les approches de “Convex Hull” et qui simulent la detection de collision entre les objets virtuels en temps reel, sont presentes. En outre, un dispositif de retour d’effort est utilise comme une interface haptique avec le systeme. Cela conduit au developpement d’un systeme a faible cout, avec les memes avantages que les appareils professionnels. A cet egard, l’arthroscopie du poignet peut etre simulee et les etudiants en medecine peuvent facilement utiliser le systeme et peuvent apprendre les competences de base requises en securite, flexibilite et moindre cout
Heterogeneous clusters as a model system for the study of ionization dynamics within tampered samples

Tampering of a sample with a layer of another material is a promising technique to slow down the expansion dynamics within laser irradiated samples, with sound implications for single-particle diffraction imaging. Ideally, if an imaged object is covered by a layer of another material, during the irradiation this layer will be primarily ionized and will expand fast due to Coulomb repulsion, whereas the object located within the net neutral core will expand more slowly (hydrodynamically). We investigate the details of the electronic damage within the tampered samples during their irradiation with an intense extreme ultraviolet (EUV) pulse. We study heterogeneous clusters composed of noble gas atoms, Xe and Ar, for which chemical-bond effects can be neglected. Using a fully nonequilibrium kinetic equation code, we demonstrate the influence of cluster composition on ionization dynamics; in particular, on the electronic damage. The results are obtained for the wavelength of 32 nm, which is available at the free-electron laser in Hamburg (FLASH) facility, but our conclusions can also have implications for samples with a more complex structure and irradiated at a much shorter wavelength.
A use case of low power wide area networks in future 5G healthcare applications

The trend in all cellular evolution to the Long -Term Evolution (LTE) has always been to offer users continuously increasing data rates. However, the next leap forwards towards the 5th Generation Mobile Networks (5G) will be mainly addressing the needs of devices. Machines communicating with each other, sensors reporting to a server, or even machines communicating with humans, these are all different aspects of the same technology; the Internet of Things (IoT). The key differentiator between Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communications and IoT will be the added -feature of connecting devices and sensors not only to themselves, but also to the internet. The appropriate communications network is the key to allow this connectivity. Local Area Networks (LANs) and Wide Area Networks (WANs) have been thought of as enablers for IoT, but since they both suffered from limitations in IoT aspects, the need for a new enabling technology was evident. LPWANs are networks dedicated to catering for the needs of IoT such as providing low energy consumption for wireless devices. LPWANs can be categorized into proprietary LPWANs and cellular LPWANs. Proprietary LPWANs are created by an alliance of companies working together on creating a communications standard operating in unlicensed frequency bands. An example of proprietary LPWANs is LoRa. Whereas cellular LPWANs are standardized by the 3rd Partnership Project (3GPP) and they are basically versions of the LTE standard especially designed for machine communications. An example of cellular LPWANs is Narrowband IoT (NB IoT). This diploma thesis documents the usage of LoRa and NB IoT in a healthcare use case of IoT. It describes the steps and challenges of deploying an LTE network at a target site, which will be used by the LoRa and NB IoT sensors to transmit data through the 5G test network (5GTN) to a desired server location for storing and later analysis.
Virus-Assisted Mapping of Neural Inputs to a Feeding Center in the Hypothalamus

We report the development of a pseudorabies virus that can be used for retrograde tracing from selected neurons. This virus encodes a green fluorescent protein marker and replicates only in neurons that express the Cre recombinase and in neurons in synaptic contact with the originally infected cells. The virus was injected into the arcuate nucleus of mice that express Cre only in those neurons that express neuropeptide Y or the leptin receptor. Sectioning of the brains revealed that these neurons receive inputs from neurons in other regions of the hypothalamus, as well as the amygdala, cortex, and other brain regions. These data suggest that higher cortical centers modulate leptin signaling in the hypothalamus. This method of neural tracing may prove useful in studies of other complex neural circuits.
Capacity versus availability trade-offs for availability-based routing

Feature Issue on High Availability in Optical NetworksThe core idea of availability-based routing consists of exploiting the availability as a link-state metric: this kind of approach has received attention by virtue of the ability to avoid excessively unavailable paths. A recent availability-based heuristic design technique for reliable optical transport networks [IEEE Sel. Areas Commun. 23, 1520 (2005)] showed that the availability metric returns results in line with the traditional length or hop metric, due to the close relationship between availability and length of the link. We break the direct relationship between length and availability by considering a highly available backbone next to a less reliable peripheral section of the network. Under this availability-unbalanced scenario, we analyze the trade-offs between capacity and availability: pros and cons of the availability metric emerge much more clearly. Performance of an availability-based metric is shown and discussed applying dedicated path protection. In addition we provide, for the first time to our knowledge, analytical proof of the optimality (under certain hypothesis) of the proposed maximal availability routing approach for dedicated path protection.
Opportunistic Scheduling for Wireless Network Coding

This paper addresses a scheduling problem for wireless network coding which has been recently proposed as a novel method to enhance the throughput in wireless networks. The wireless network coding involves broadcast transmission of a network-coded packet which contains unicast data to several receiving nodes. These receiving nodes have time-varying fading links to the transmitting node, which can generate different instantaneous conditions for different links. In this paper, we introduce an opportunistic scheduling for such a wireless network coding, which selects a set of nodes whose packets are network - coded as well as the data rate for the broadcast transmission according to the instantaneous link conditions. We analyze the average capacity of such a scheduling, and discuss the impact of different parameters on the average capacity. We show that the opportunistic scheduling can maximize the average capacity by choosing the appropriate set of network-coded nodes according to the instantaneous link conditions. We also discuss the practical factors which can additionally affect the best scheduling strategy for wireless network coding.
Scala macros: let our powers combine!: on how rich syntax and static types work with metaprogramming

Compile-time metaprogramming has been proven immensely useful enabling programming techniques such as language virtualization, embedding of external domain-specific languages, self-optimization, and boilerplate generation among many others. In the recent production release of Scala 2.10 we have introduced macros, an experimental facility which gives its users compile-time metaprogramming powers. Alongside of the mainline release of Scala Macros, we have also introduced other macro flavors, which provide their users with different interfaces and capabilities for interacting with the Scala compiler. In this paper, we show how the rich syntax and static types of Scala synergize with macros, through a number of real case studies using our macros (some of which are production systems) such as language virtualization, type providers, materialization of type class instances, type-level programming, and embedding of external DSLs. We explore how macros enable new and unique ways to use pre-existing language features such as implicits, dynamics, annotations, string interpolation and others, showing along the way how these synergies open up new ways of dealing with software development challenges.
Expert Sources in Warnings May Reduce the Extent of Identity Disclosure in Cyber Contexts

ABSTRACT Identity theft is an increasing threat to individuals, institutions, and the economy. People are often not adequately cautious with the disclosure of their personal information in digital contexts and may make poor decisions to reveal private information. Warnings reduce unnecessary information exposure, but the effectiveness may depend on source credibility and expertise on influencing risk perceptions and attitudes. The warnings must be designed for users acting in a digital context. The current research was conducted to determine whether adding a trustworthy and expert source to a message that warned individuals not to disclose their personal information would impact decisions to disclose. First, a survey (pilot study) was conducted to identify the source considered the most trustworthy (among Google, FBI Cyber Division, and Department of Justice) and competent with respect to online security. Google received the highest ratings. In a later experiment, warnings with sources did reduce the extent of disclosure, with the FBI Cyber Division (not Google) being the most effective source. The results indicate that warnings need to be tested with respect to the actual target behavior (in this case, disclosure), rather than relying on individuals’ perceptions of trust, risk, or influence of a warning message when designing effective warnings.
INTERSPECIFIC GENETICS OF MATE RECOGNITION: INHERITANCE OF FEMALE ACOUSTIC PREFERENCE IN HAWAIIAN CRICKETS

Abstract Female mating behavior plays a fundamental role in the divergent evolution of mate recognition systems that may lead to speciation. Despite this important role, the phenotypic and genetic bases of female mating behavior remain poorly understood. In this study, I examine the shape of the female acoustic preference function and estimate values for pulse rate preference in two species of Hawaiian crickets, Laupala kohalensis and L. paranigra. In addition, I examine how preference differences are inherited in hybrid crosses between these species. Females expressed unimodal preference functions and were generally more attracted to pulse rates characterizing their own species. Unimodal preference functions also characterized F1 and backcross generations, with hybrid females expressing preferences for intermediate pulse rates. Pulse rate preferences segregated in the backcross generation. Mean pulse rate preference matched mean pulse rate in both parental and hybrid generations. Based on F1 hybrids and segregation patterns in backcross females, I show that changes in both signal and receiver components of the mate recognition system are consistent with a multilocus model of change through incremental steps. The results therefore suggest that ancestors of the current species also expressed unimodal preference functions and that changes in acoustic communication signals occurred through shifts in mean pulse rates and pulse rate preferences among populations. Corresponding Editor: E. Brodie III
Physical Environmental Attributes and Active Transportation in Belgium: What about Adults and Adolescents Living in the Same Neighborhoods?

Purpose. To examine if adults and adolescents living in the same high- and low-walkable neighborhoods have different environmental perceptions and if this is reflected in distinct associations between environmental perceptions and active transportation. Design. Cross-sectional study with observational design. Setting. In Ghent, 24 neighborhoods were selected, stratified on objectively assessed walkability, and matched on neighborhood income. This resulted in four walkability/income quadrants, each consisting of six neighborhoods. Subjects. Living in the 24 neighborhoods were 1166 adults (20–65 years, 52.1% women) and 477 adolescents (13–15 years, 49.7% girls). Measures. All participants completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the International (adults) or Flemish (adolescents) Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Neighborhood Environmental Walkability Scale. Analysis. Multilevel (two-level: participant-neighborhood) moderated regression models, using MLwiN 2.23. Results. Both adults and adolescents living in objectively high-walkable neighborhoods perceived their environment as more activity friendly than their low-walkable neighborhoods counterparts (11 out of 13 main effects walkability: p < .05). However, perceived residential density (p < .05), land use mix (p < .01), safety for cycling (p < .05), and perceived walkability (p < .001) were associated with active transportation only in adults. Conclusion. Different environmental intervention strategies are probably needed to increase active transportation in Belgian adults and adolescents living in the same neighborhoods. In adults, changing objective or perceived environmental characteristics might be effective, whereas in adolescents, the current environmental focus should be changed towards multidimensional research.
Influence of cyanoethylated chemical modification on transformer insulation paper: Molecular modeling study

Kraft paper is widely used in oil-paper transformer insulation. This type of cellulose insulation paper has many advantages, but deteriorates under the combined influence of a number of interrelated factors during the power transformer's long-term running. So modifications on insulation paper for power transformer are in great demand, and chemical modification of insulation materials is one of the main research topics in the field of material modification. This review covers cyanoethylated chemical modification on insulation paper, and relevant models were constructed by molecular simulation, which is often used to analyze microcosmic mechanism and cover the shortage of conventional experimental. The Discover module based on molecular dynamics was performed to study the mechanical properties and hygroscopic behavior of modified cellulose and the thermal stability was analyzed by the analysis of hydrogen bonds. Simulation results showed that chemical structure changes have great influence on mechanical properties and hygroscopicity of kraft paper. The decreasing number of hydrogen bonds and mechanical modulus displayed the degradation of mechanical properties. Chemical modifications whittled away the binding abilities of cellulose and water, weakening the hygroscopicity of kraft paper.
Evolving trends and challenges in applied underwater acoustic modeling

Prominent trends and challenges in applied underwater acoustic modeling have been motivated largely by marine-mammal protection research focused on the mitigation of naval-sonar, seismic-source, and pile-driving noise. Channel modeling, underwater-acoustic networks, and communications technologies have evolved to support the increased bandwidths needed for undersea data collection. Energy-flux models, not traditionally used in naval sonar applications, have proved useful for assessing marine-mammal impacts. Developments in inverse sensing include seismic oceanography, which employs low-frequency marine seismic reflection data to image ocean dynamics. Interest in the polar regions has increased due to the well-publicized effects of global warming. Collectively, these trends have added new analytical tools to the existing inventory of propagation, noise, reverberation, and sonar performance models.
Glutamine synthetase deficiency in murine astrocytes results in neonatal death

Glutamine synthetase (GS) is a key enzyme in the “glutamine‐glutamate cycle” between astrocytes and neurons, but its function in vivo was thus far tested only pharmacologically. Crossing GSfl/lacZ or GSfl/fl mice with hGFAP‐Cre mice resulted in prenatal excision of the GSfl allele in astrocytes. “GS‐KO/A” mice were born without malformations, did not suffer from seizures, had a suckling reflex, and did drink immediately after birth, but then gradually failed to feed and died on postnatal day 3. Artificial feeding relieved hypoglycemia and prolonged life, identifying starvation as the immediate cause of death. Neuronal morphology and brain energy levels did not differ from controls. Within control brains, amino acid concentrations varied in a coordinate way by postnatal day 2, implying an integrated metabolic network had developed. GS deficiency caused a 14‐fold decline in cortical glutamine and a sevenfold decline in cortical alanine concentration, but the rising glutamate levels were unaffected and glycine was twofold increased. Only these amino acids were uncoupled from the metabolic network. Cortical ammonia levels increased only 1.6‐fold, probably reflecting reduced glutaminolysis in neurons and detoxification of ammonia to glycine. These findings identify the dramatic decrease in (cortical) glutamine concentration as the primary cause of brain dysfunction in GS‐KO/A mice. The temporal dissociation between GSfl elimination and death, and the reciprocal changes in the cortical concentration of glutamine and alanine in GS‐deficient and control neonates indicate that the phenotype of GS deficiency in the brain emerges coincidentally with the neonatal activation of the glutamine‐glutamate and the associated alanine‐lactate cycles. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of Post-anthesis Drought on Cell Division and Starch Accumulation in Developing Wheat Grains

Wheat plants (Triticum aestivum L., cv. Warigal) were subjected to 20 d of water deficit during the period of endosperm cell division. Drought accentuated the differences in final grain weight between spikelets and between grains within spikelets. The distal grains of top spikelets were most affected by drought. The maximum number of endosperm cells was, respectively, 30 and 40 per cent lower in basal grains and distal grains of droughted plants. In basal grains of middle spikelets, the number of large starch granules per cell was unaffected but the number of small starch granules per cell was 45 per cent lower in grains of droughted plants. The initiation of small starch granules was more affected than cell division because severe water deficit occurred earlier during the former process than the latter. Final dry weight appeared to correlate well with the maximum number of endosperm cells, but depended also on the number of starch granules per cell. Consequently, the amount of dry matter per cell was not constant in both treatments. The concentration of sucrose per endosperm cell was lower only in the droughted distal grains of top spikelets. The supply of sucrose to endosperm cells did not regulate the initiation of small starch granules.
Optimal Screening of Surface‐Displayed Polypeptide Libraries

Cell surface display of polypeptide libraries combined with flow cytometric cell sorting presents remarkable potential for enhancement of protein−ligand recognition properties. To maximize the utility of this approach, screening and purification conditions must be optimized to take full advantage of the quantitative feature of this technique. In particular, discrimination of improved library mutants from an excess of wild‐type polypeptides is dependent upon an effective screening methodology. Fluorescence discrimination profiles for improved library mutants were derived from a mathematical model of expected cell fluorescence intensities for polypeptide libraries screened with fluorescent ligand. Profiles for surface‐displayed libraries under equilibrium or kinetic screening conditions demonstrate distinct discrimination optima from which optimal equilibrium and kinetic screening parameters were derived. In addition, a statistical model of flow cytometrically analyzed cell populations indicates the importance of low‐stringency sorting followed by amplification through regrowth and resorting at increased stringency. This analysis further yields quantitative recommendations for cell‐sorting stringency.
Retinal vascular rescue of oxygen-induced retinopathy in mice by norrin.

PURPOSE Wnt-signaling has been implicated in retinal development. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of improving retinal vasculature in an animal model of retinopathy by activating Wnt-signaling. METHODS C57BL/6J mice were evaluated using a model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR). Test animals were divided in three groups and treated at postnatal day (P) 14 with intravitreal injections of Wnt-signaling modulators (respectively, norrin, Dickkopf-related protein 1 [DKK1], and norrin + DKK1) in one eye. A fourth group of animals were treated with injection of PBS in one eye as well and used as a control group. Areas of avascular retina and neovascular tufts in injected (treated) eyes and noninjected fellow eyes were determined in each of the four groups at P17 (3 days after intravitreal injection) and the difference related to these characteristics was obtained among them. To evaluate the effect of norrin on progression of retinopathy, a fifth litter (eight animals) was also treated with norrin and these retinas were evaluated at different time points. RESULTS Modulation of Wnt-signaling consistently shows a statistically significant decrease in the avascular area of the retinas. Treatment with norrin (Wnt-signaling activator) or DKK1 (canonical signaling inhibitor) results in a statistically significant reduction of retinal avascular area compared with control eyes. Neovascular tufts were also reduced in treated eyes, albeit to a lesser extent. CONCLUSIONS Modulation of Wnt-signaling improves retinal vascularization and accelerates vascular recovery after induction of retinopathy in the OIR mouse. Activation of Wnt-signaling (norrin) and inhibition of Wnt-canonical signaling (DKK1) result in similar improvement, indicating that norrin promotes improved vascularization, at least in part, by way of noncanonical Wnt-signaling.