Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Techniques for the calculation of medial surfaces of solids

The Medial Axis Transform (MAT) surface, or simply Medial Surface (MS), offers the possibility of mathematically-based volumetric reasoning about geometric models using global shape and proximity information. The MAT surface is an important tool which can be used for several applications, such as designing manufacturing applications, robot path planning and offsetting, but has the disadvantage that it is computationally intensive. This paper describes two techniques which have been developed to improve the efficiency of the calculation process of the MAT of planar polyhedral objects. The first is a thorough analysis of the cases which can arise when calculating the vertex positions of the MAT of an object as combinations of points, lines and planes. The second technique, presented here, is a divide-and-conquer method, which makes use of some properties of the MAT structure to subdivide the problem. The power of the algorithms is illustrated by some examples, which show the MAT of solid objects with complicated shape and structure.
Maternal exposure to hexachlorophene targets intermediate‐stage progenitor cells in the hippocampal neurogenesis involving myelin vacuolation of cholinergic and glutamatergic inputs in mice

Hexachlorophene (HCP) has been shown to induce myelin vacuolation due to intramyelinic edema of the nerve fibers in animal neural tissue. We investigated the maternal exposure effect of HCP on hippocampal neurogenesis in the offspring of pregnant mice supplemented with 0 (control), 33 or 100 ppm HCP in diet from gestational day 6 to day 21 after delivery. On postnatal day (PND) 21, offspring as examined in males exhibited decreased granule cell lineage populations expressing paired box 6, sex‐determining region Y‐box 2 and eomesodermin in the hippocampal subgranular zone (SGZ) accompanied by myelin vacuolation involving white matter tracts of the hippocampal fimbria at ≥ 33 ppm. However, SGZ cellular populations expressing brain lipid binding protein and doublecortin were unchanged at any dose. Transcript expression of cholinergic receptor genes, Chrna4 and Chrnb2, and glutamate receptor genes, Grm1 and Grin2d, examined at 100 ppm, decreased in the dentate gyrus. HCP exposure did not alter the number of proliferating or apoptotic cells in the SGZ, or reelin‐ or calcium‐binding protein‐expressing γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic interneurons in the dentate hilus, on PND 21 and PND 77. All neurogenesis‐related changes observed in HCP‐exposed offspring on PND 21 disappeared on PND 77, suggesting that maternal HCP exposure at ≥ 33 ppm reversibly decreased type 2 intermediate‐stage progenitor cells in the hippocampal neurogenesis. Myelin vacuolation might be responsible for changes in neurogenesis possibly by reducing nerve conduction velocity of cholinergic inputs from the septal–hippocampal pathway to granule cell lineages and/or GABAergic interneurons, and of glutamatergic inputs to granule cell lineages. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trend Mining on Bibliographic Data

The evolution of topics in a scientific community and terms associated with them is something important to intensively follow for researchers because it may affect their work. For politicians who want to fund projects, the industry which wants to adopt current findings and new scientists it is difficult to determine what is trending right now. A topic is a trend if it is not popular for a certain time or not existing but its significance soars. This change could be signalled by important researchers starting to work on this theme or its appearance in seminal conferences and journals. Automatic detection of these trends (Trend Mining) with special focus on and usage of the underlying network of authors, publications, subdivisions in the fields and their connections is a big challenge.
Designing an Educational Website to Improve Quality of Supportive Oncology Care for Women with Ovarian Cancer: An Expert Usability Review and Analysis

A broad-based research team developed a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)-compliant educational website for women with ovarian cancer to improve the quality of supportive oncology care. Prior to a randomized clinical trial of the website, initial usability testing was implemented to evaluate the website. The initial review found that 165/247 checklist items had sufficient information to allow for evaluation with the website achieving an overall score of 63%. By category, the lowest scores were for the Home Page, Task Orientation, Page Layout & Visual Design, and Help, Feedback & Error Tolerance. Major issues thought to potentially impede actual usage were prioritized in redevelopment and the second usability review, conducted by the same expert, saw an improvement in scores. Incorporating usability concepts from the start of development, fulfilling the positive expectations of end-users, and identifying the technical and personal factors that optimize use may greatly enhance the usage of health websites.
Reproducibility of Retinal Nerve Fiber Thickness Measurements Using the Test-retest Function of Spectral OCT/SLO in Normal and Glaucomatous Eyes

PurposeTo evaluate the reproducibility of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness measurements in normal and glaucoma patients using the spectral optical coherence tomography (OCT)/scanning laser ophthalmosope (SLO). MethodsOne experienced operator measured peripapillary RNFL thickness 3 times in succession in 98 normal participants and 79 glaucoma patients by using the test-retest function of the spectral OCT/SLO. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), coefficient of variation, and test-retest variability (TRV) were analyzed for the mean RNFL thickness, and the RNFL thickness in each quadrant and at each clock-hour, in randomly selected eyes. The correlation coefficient was calculated between the TRV and the mean RNFL thickness, and between the TRV and the mean deviation of the Humphrey visual field. ResultsThe ICC for mean RNFL thickness was 0.988 in the normal group and 0.993 in the glaucoma group. The ICC for RNFL thickness in all quadrants and clock-hours in both normal and glaucoma patients ranged from 0.951 to 0.992. The coefficient of variation was between 1.9% and 5.0% in the normal group and between 2.0% and 5.3% in the glaucoma group. The TRV was between 4.3 and 11.5 &mgr;m in the normal group and between 3.8 and 10.0 &mgr;m in the glaucoma group. The TRV showed no correlation with the mean RNFL thickness or the mean deviation (Pearson r>0.15, P>0.2). ConclusionsSpectral OCT/SLO equipped with a test-retest function showed excellent reproducibility with regard to RNFL thickness measurements. The severity of glaucoma did not affect the reproducibility. These findings suggest that spectral OCT/SLO fulfills one of the basic premises for the diagnosis and progression analysis of glaucoma.
Multi-institutional Study of Voice Disorders and Voice Therapy Referral

Objectives To assess perspectives of patients with voice problems and identify factors associated with the likelihood of referral to voice therapy via the CHEER (Creating Healthcare Excellence through Education and Research) practice-based research network infrastructure. Study Design Prospectively enrolled cross-sectional study of CHEER patients seen for a voice problem (dysphonia). Setting The CHEER network of community and academic sites. Methods Patient-reported demographic information, nature and severity of voice problems, clinical diagnoses, and proposed treatment plans were collected. The relationship between patient factors and voice therapy referral was investigated. Results Patients (N = 249) were identified over 12 months from 10 sites comprising 30 otolaryngology physicians. The majority were women (68%) and white (82%). Most patients reported a recurrent voice problem (72%) and symptom duration >4 weeks (89%). The most commonly reported voice-related diagnoses were vocal strain, reflux, and benign vocal fold lesions. Sixty-seven percent of enrolled patients reported receiving a recommendation for voice therapy. After adjusting for sociodemographic and other factors, diagnoses including vocal strain/excessive tension and vocal fold paralysis and academic practice type were associated with increased likelihood of reporting a referral for voice therapy. Conclusions The CHEER network successfully enrolled a representative sample of patients with dysphonia. Common diagnoses were vocal strain, reflux, and benign vocal fold lesions; commonly reported treatment recommendations included speech/voice therapy and antireflux medication. Recommendation for speech/voice therapy was associated with academic practice type.
The covalent bioconjugate of multiwalled carbon nanotube and amino‐modified linearized plasmid DNA for gene delivery

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are allotropes of carbon, which have unique physical, mechanical, and electronic properties. Among various biomedical applications, CNTs also attract interest as nonviral gene delivery systems. Functionalization of CNTs with cationic groups enables delivery of negatively charged DNA into cells. In contrast to this well‐known strategy for DNA delivery, our approach included the covalent attachment of linearized plasmid DNA to carboxylated multiwalled CNTs (MWCNTs). Carboxyl groups were introduced onto MWCNTs by oxidative treatment, and then the carboxyl groups were activated by 1‐ethyl‐3‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide (EDC). The whole pQE‐70 vector including the gene encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP) was subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using the modified nucleotide N6‐(6‐Amino)hexyl‐2′‐deoxyadenosine‐5′‐triphosphate. Hence, free amino groups were introduced onto the linearized plasmid. Covalent bonding between the amino‐modified plasmid DNA and the carboxylated MWCNTs was achieved via EDC chemistry. The resulting bioconjugate was successfully transformed into chemically competent Escherichia coli cells, without necessity of a heat‐shock step at 42°C. The presence of Ca2+ in transformation medium was required to neutralize the electrostatic repulsion between DNA and negatively charged outer layer of E. coli. The transformants, which were able to express GFP were inspected manually on ampicillin agar plates. Our study represents a novelty with respect to other noncovalent CNT gene delivery systems. Considering the interest for delivery of linear DNA fragments, our study could give insights into further studies. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog. , 30:224–232, 2014
Rifapentine-Proliposomes for Inhalation: In Vitro and In Vivo Toxicity

Background: Oral therapy for pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) treatment suffers from the limitation of hepatic metabolism leading insufficient concentration of antitubercular (anti-TB) drugs in alveolar macrophage which harbors Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). Targeted aerosol delivery of antituberculous drug to lung is efficient for treating local lung TB infection. Objective: The present study was aimed to evaluate rifapentine (RPT) loaded proliposomal dry powder for inhalation (RLDPI) for anti-TBactivity and cytotoxicity in vitro. In vivo toxicity study was also undertaken in Wistar rats to determine safe concentration of RLDPI for administration. Materials and Methods: Anti-TB activity of developed RLDPI was assessed using drug susceptibility testing (DST) on Mycobacteria growth indicator tube (MGIT) method. In vitro cytotoxicity was performed in A549 cell lines and IC 50 values were used to compare the cytotoxicity of formulation with pure RPT. In vivo repeated dose toxicity study was undertaken using Wistar rats at three different doses for 28-days by intratracheal insufflations method. Results: The results of DST study revealed sensitivity of tubercle bacteria to RLDPI at concentration equivalent to 10 μg/mL of RPT. This study confirmed anti-TB potential of RPT in spray-dried RLDPI, though the spray drying method is reported to reduce activity of drugs. Cytotoxicity study in A549 cells demonstrated that RPT when encapsulated in liposomes as RLDPI was safe to cells as compared to pure RPT. In vivo toxicity study revealed that RPT in the form of RLDPI was safe at 1 and 5 mg/kg dose. However, mortality was seen at higher dose (10 mg/kg), possibly because of liver and kidney damage. Conclusion: Thus, these studies demonstrated safety of RLDPI for the treatment of pulmonary TB.
Neurocognitive predictors of financial capacity across the dementia spectrum: Normal aging, mild cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer’s disease

Abstract Financial capacity is a complex instrumental activity of daily living critical to independent functioning of older adults and sensitive to impairment in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, little is known about the neurocognitive basis of financial impairment in dementia. We developed cognitive models of financial capacity in cognitively healthy older adults (n = 85) and patients with MCI (n = 113) and mild AD (n = 43). All participants were administered the Financial Capacity Instrument (FCI) and a neuropsychological test battery. Univariate correlation and multiple regression procedures were used to develop cognitive models of overall FCI performance across groups. The control model (R2 = .38) comprised (in order of entry) written arithmetic skills, delayed story recall, and simple visuomotor sequencing. The MCI model (R2 = .69) comprised written arithmetic skills, visuomotor sequencing and set alternation, and race. The AD model (R2 = .65) comprised written arithmetic skills, simple visuomotor sequencing, and immediate story recall. Written arithmetic skills (WRAT-3 Arithmetic) was the primary predictor across models, accounting for 27% (control model), 46% (AD model), and 55% (MCI model) of variance. Executive function and verbal memory were secondary model predictors. The results offer insight into the cognitive basis of financial capacity across the dementia spectrum of cognitive aging, MCI, and AD. (JINS, 2009, 15, 258–267.)
Vehicle Detection Using Mixture of Deformable Parts Models: Static and Dynamic Camera

Vehicle detection in video is an important problem in Computer Vision because of the potential applications in security, vehicle traffic, driving assistance and so on. In this work, we used Mixture of Deformable Part Models (MDPM) for vehicle detection in video sequences obtained from static and dynamic cameras. The MDPM method was originally proposed by Felzenszwalb et al in the realm of object detection in images. We tested this method in the realm of video sequences for vehicle detection. We designed a set of experiments that explore the number of components of the mixture and the number of parts model. We performed a comparison study of symmetric and asymmetric MDPMs for vehicle detection. Our findings show that not only the MDPM performed well in vehicle detection in video, but also the best number of components and parts model confirmed the number suggested in Felzenzwalb et al's paper. Finally, the results show some differences between the symmetric and asymmetric MDPMs in vehicle video detection considering different scenarios.
Correlation between the modified Huddart and Bodenham index and the GOSLON yardstick for assessing occlusal characteristics at 5 and 10 years of age in individuals born with unilateral cleft lip and palate.

BACKGROUND The Great Ormond Street, London and Oslo, Norway (GOSLON) yardstick and the modified Huddart and Bodenham (MHB) index are two indices for evaluating study models to discern the effects of treatment in individuals born with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). GOSLON is a tool for ranking study models based on their sagittal, vertical, and transversal planes that requires calibration of the examiners. MHB is a tool for scoring the arch constriction between the jaws for each tooth pair, with scores ranging from +1 to -3. AIM Our study aimed to identify the degree of correlation between the GOSLON and MHB indices and to compare inter- and intra-examiner reliability. MATERIAL The study scored 107 study models of 76 children aged 5 (n = 50) and 10 (n = 57) years using the MHB and GOSLON indices. RESULTS We found a very high intra- and inter-examiner reliability (>0.90) for the MHB and the GOSLON indices as well as a moderate to high negative correlation between the two. Among 5-year-olds, the relationship between the MHB and the GOSLON was linear, while among 10-year-olds, GOSLON Groups 2 and 4 occurred most frequently, with a corresponding wide range in MHB. CONCLUSION Standardization of maxillary arch constriction measurements following CLP treatment would help evaluation of treatment outcome and make comparability between studies possible. We found a moderate to high correlation between GOSLON and MHB. Both indices showed very good intra- and inter-examiner reliability. MHB is a more sensitive system compared to GOSLON, with a greater range of scoring (40 grades) than GOSLON (five categories).
Improved Accuracy and Reproducibility Using a Training Protocol for Freehand-SPECT 3D Mapping in Radio-Guided Surgery

Purpose Freehand single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) (fh-SPECT) for optical tracked 3-dimensional radioactivity mapping raises popularity for sentinel node biopsy and other radio-guided procedures. However, the device seems to be complex, requiring both training and a standardized scan protocol. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare handling reproducibility between novice and expert users; subsequently, using additional scans, we evaluated a standardized scan protocol to be tested in novice users after receiving training. Materials and Methods Three groups (untrained novices, experts, and trained novices), each one composed of 5 fh-SPECT users, were given the same short introduction and the assignment to perform 3 fh-SPECT scans with the same time per scan. For the scans, a reproducible phantom with an iodine-125 point source was used. Furthermore, we performed probe-trajectory evaluation including pattern, speed, and length of scans based on recorded videos and digital target tracking. Results The training period encompasses 30 minutes per novice user. The mean error in 3 directions based on 45 measurements was 7.4 mm for untrained novices and 3.2 mm for expert users. The trained novice group had a mean error of 2.9 mm (a significant 61% reduction), comparable to the expert group. The reproducibility values, expressed in SD, were 4.1 mm for the untrained novice group, 1.3 mm for the expert group, and 1.1 mm for the trained novices (73% improvement). The standardized scan protocol was demonstrated by means of trajectory evaluation, a scan path better systematized. Conclusion Scanning with fh-SPECT for radio-guided surgery requires a specific training period to increase handling and reproducibility of 3-dimensional imaging, and to enhance its accuracy in the operating room.
A gut-specific chitinase from the mulberry longicorn beetle, Apriona germari (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae): cDNA cloning, gene structure, expression and enzymatic activity

A gut-specific chitinase gene was cloned from the mulberry longicorn beetle, Apriona germari. The A. germari chitinase (AgChi) gene spans 2894 bp and consists of five introns and six exons coding for 390 amino acid residues. AgChi possesses the chitinase family 18 active site signature and three N-glycosylation sites. Southern blot analysis of genomic DNA suggests that AgChi is a single copy gene. The AgChi cDNA was expressed as a 46-kDa polypeptide in baculovirus-infected insect Sf9 cells and the recombinant AgChi showed activity in a chitinase enzyme assay. Treatment of recombinant virus-infected Sf9 cells with tunicamycin, a specific inhibitor of N-linked glycosylation, revealed that AgChi is N-glycosylated, but the carbohydrate moieties are not essential for chitinolytic activity. Northern and Western blot analyses showed that AgChi was specifically expressed in the gut; AgChi was expressed in three gut regions, indicating that the gut is the prime site for AgChi synthesis in A. germari larvae.
Human Astroviruses

SUMMARY Human astroviruses (HAtVs) are positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses that were discovered in 1975. Astroviruses infecting other species, particularly mammalian and avian, were identified and classified into the genera Mamastrovirus and Avastrovirus. Through next-generation sequencing, many new astroviruses infecting different species, including humans, have been described, and the Astroviridae family shows a high diversity and zoonotic potential. Three divergent groups of HAstVs are recognized: the classic (MAstV 1), HAstV-MLB (MAstV 6), and HAstV-VA/HMO (MAstV 8 and MAstV 9) groups. Classic HAstVs contain 8 serotypes and account for 2 to 9% of all acute nonbacterial gastroenteritis in children worldwide. Infections are usually self-limiting but can also spread systemically and cause severe infections in immunocompromised patients. The other groups have also been identified in children with gastroenteritis, but extraintestinal pathologies have been suggested for them as well. Classic HAstVs may be grown in cells, allowing the study of their cell cycle, which is similar to that of caliciviruses. The continuous emergence of new astroviruses with a potential zoonotic transmission highlights the need to gain insights on their biology in order to prevent future health threats. This review focuses on the basic virology, pathogenesis, host response, epidemiology, diagnostic assays, and prevention strategies for HAstVs.
Dual input single switch DC-DC converter for renewable energy applications

Among the available renewable energy sources, the photovoltaic (PV) one is a fast growing market all over the world. Such renewable energy generation system is normally composed of dc-dc and dc-ac converters and correlated control circuits. Also, for medium and high power PV systems optimal operation, it is interesting to employ a decentralized maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control instead of a centralized one. This paper presents a two-input single switch dc-dc converter controlled by a single switch. The proposed converter performs independent energy flux control for each dc input while minimizing the number of switches and drivers. Maximum power point tracking technique is employed in order to confirm the performance of the proposed converter when applied to photovoltaic systems. Simulation and experimental results verify the proposed scheme feasibility.
Dual sensing-light-sheet OCT for microfluidic PTV

A novel dual beam Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) system is presented for microfluidics applications. The dual sensing-light-sheet approach presented here achieves high velocity flow measurement because the rapid re-imaging by the second sensing-light-sheet allows for particle tracking between each image-frame of the pair. We have demonstrated measurements of microchannel flow using 10 μm particles in a 700 μm deep channel with peak velocities of approximately 0.28 metres-per-second (m/s), approximately two orders of magnitude higher than previously reported OCT systems operating at a few millimeters-per-second.
A NOVEL POWER EFFICIENT ON-CHIP TEST GENERATION SCHEME FOR CORE BASED SYSTEM-ON-CHIP ( SOC )

In this paper, a modified programmable twisted ring counter (MPTRC) based on-chip test generation scheme is proposed. It is used as built-in-self-test (BIST) pattern generator for high performance circuits with simple test control. This method is used to achieve low power and reduced test time for digital circuits. The MPTRC module is designed with Cadence NClaunch platform using Verilog HDL and synthesis done by using Cadence RTL compiler with 0. 18μm technology. The simulation results show about 13.46% power reduction compared with conventional programmable twisted ring counter (PTRC) based design.