Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An improved procedure for the histochemical demonstration of cathepsin D by the mercury-labeled pepstatin method.

The desirable fixation conditions for the histochemical demonstration of cathepsin D using mercury-labeled pepstatin as an enzyme inhibitor were examined biochemically and histochemically. Four well known fixatives, namely, glutaraldehyde (GA), paraformaldehyde (PFA), glutaraldehyde with paraformaldehyde (GA-PFA) and periodate-lysine-paraformaldehyde (PLP), were applied to the prefixation of tissues prior to the reaction of the labeled inhibitor to the enzyme-active site. The effects of fixatives on cathepsin D were biochemically examined using subcellular fractionated lysosomes. Cathepsin D from rat liver lysosomes was rapidly inactivated by the fixatives containing glutaraldehyde, i.e., GA and GA-PFA, whereas the activity of cathepsin D was sufficiently maintained after fixing the enzyme in the PFA or PLP preparations. Effects of the PLP fixative on lysosomal cathepsin D in liver tissues using the mercury-labeled pepstatin method were also studied histochemically. The best result for the visualization of lysosomal cathepsin D in liver tissues was obtained using the PLP fixative with the prefixation time of three hours or more.
3D reconstruction under light ray distortion from parametric focal cameras

In this paper, we propose a new camera model for reconstructing 3D objects under light ray distortion caused by refractive medias. The proposed method can reconstruct 3D scene, even if light rays projected into the cameras are refracted by the refractive media, such as glasses and raindrops. For this objective, we represent light ray projection of multiple cameras by using a pair of planes shared by the multiple cameras in the scene. By using this model, intrinsic and extrinsic camera parameters as well as the refractive properties of the refractive media can be represented efficiently. By using the newly defined camera model, we propose a method for recovering 3D points and camera parameters with refractive properties simultaneously. The experimental results show the efficiency of the proposed camera model and reconstruction method.
Gaussian Graphical Models Identify Networks of Dietary Intake in a German Adult Population.

BACKGROUND Data-reduction methods such as principal component analysis are often used to derive dietary patterns. However, such methods do not assess how foods are consumed in relation to each other. Gaussian graphical models (GGMs) are a set of novel methods that can address this issue. OBJECTIVE We sought to apply GGMs to derive sex-specific dietary intake networks representing consumption patterns in a German adult population. METHODS Dietary intake data from 10,780 men and 16,340 women of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-Potsdam cohort were cross-sectionally analyzed to construct dietary intake networks. Food intake for each participant was estimated using a 148-item food-frequency questionnaire that captured the intake of 49 food groups. GGMs were applied to log-transformed intakes (grams per day) of 49 food groups to construct sex-specific food networks. Semiparametric Gaussian copula graphical models (SGCGMs) were used to confirm GGM results. RESULTS In men, GGMs identified 1 major dietary network that consisted of intakes of red meat, processed meat, cooked vegetables, sauces, potatoes, cabbage, poultry, legumes, mushrooms, soup, and whole-grain and refined breads. For women, a similar network was identified with the addition of fried potatoes. Other identified networks consisted of dairy products and sweet food groups. SGCGMs yielded results comparable to those of GGMs. CONCLUSIONS GGMs are a powerful exploratory method that can be used to construct dietary networks representing dietary intake patterns that reveal how foods are consumed in relation to each other. GGMs indicated an apparent major role of red meat intake in a consumption pattern in the studied population. In the future, identified networks might be transformed into pattern scores for investigating their associations with health outcomes.
Adaptive Control for Semilinear Stochastic Systems

An adaptive, ergodic cost stochastic control problem for a partially known, semilinear, stochastic system in an infinite dimensional space is formulated and solved. The solutions of the Hamilton--Jacobi--Bellman equations for the discounted cost and the ergodic cost stochastic control problems require some special interpretations because they do not typically exist in the usual sense. The solutions of the parameter dependent ergodic Hamilton--Jacobi--Bellman equations are obtained from some corresponding discounted cost control problems as the discount rate tends to zero. The solutions of the ergodic Hamilton--Jacobi--Bellman equations are shown to depend continuously on the parameter. A certainty equivalence adaptive control is given that is based on the optimal controls from the solutions of the ergodic Hamilton--Jacobi--Bellman equations and a strongly consistent family of estimates of the unknown parameter. This adaptive control is shown to achieve the optimal ergodic cost for the known system.
Evaluation of Drip and Sprinkler Irrigation during the Germination period of Cotton Crop in Central Greece

A research was conducted at the experimental farm of University of Thessaly, in Velestino, Central Greece, during 2015. Traditionally, Greek farmers use sprinkler irrigation after sowing and during the germination period of cotton and drip irrigation during the rest growing period. The economical cost to buy, maintain and use two different irrigation systems is not economically affordable for them, usually. The objective was to study if drip irrigation system could replace the traditional sprinkler one during germination of cotton. Three treatments in three replications were organized in a randomized complete block design: A) Sprinkler irrigation system (SPI), B) Drip irrigation system with emitter spacing at 0.33cm (DI33) and C) Drip irrigation system with emitter spacing at 0.80cm (DI80). After the seed emergence, the same drip irrigation system with emitter spacing at 0.80m was used in all treatments and the irrigation scheduling was based on the daily evapotranspiration (ETd) as it was calculated by the FAO Penman-Monteith method. The total number of germinated plants per m 2 as well as the final seed cotton production was measured. The results showed that between the treatments there were no differences in the total number of the germinated plants and the total cottonseed production (P<0.05).
Verifying cryptographic security implementations in C using automated model extraction

This thesis presents an automated method for verifying security properties of protocol implementations written in the C language. We assume that each successful run of a protocol follows the same path through the C code, justified by the fact that typical security protocols have linear structure. We then perform symbolic execution of that path to extract a model expressed in a process calculus similar to the one used by the CryptoVerif tool. The symbolic execution uses a novel algorithm that allows symbolic variables to represent bitstrings of potentially unknown length to model incoming protocol messages. The extracted models do not use pointer-addressed memory, but they may still contain low-level details concerning message formats. In the next step we replace the message formatting expressions by abstract tupling and projection operators. The properties of these operators, such as the projection operation being the inverse of the tupling operation, are typically only satisfied with respect to inputs of correct types. Therefore we typecheck the model to ensure that all type-safety constraints are satisfied. The resulting model can then be verified with CryptoVerif to obtain a computational security result directly, or with ProVerif, to obtain a computational security result by invoking a computational soundness theorem. In order to formalise the security properties of C programs and to prove the correctness of our approach we describe an embedding of C programs into the process calculus, such that C protocol participants can be executed as part of a larger system, described by the process calculus, that represents the environment and the attacker. We develop a security-preserving simulation relation that is preserved by embedding, and show that each step of our model transformation simulates the previous step, thus proving the overall soundness of the approach. Currently we only consider trace properties. Our method achieves high automation and does not require user input beyond what is necessary to specify the properties of the cryptographic primitives and the desired security goals. We evaluated the method on several protocol implementations, totalling over 3000 lines of code. The biggest case study was a 1000-line implementation that was independently written without verification in mind. We found several flaws that were acknowledged and fixed by the authors, and were able to verify the fixed code without any further modifications to it.
A comparison of hole-filling methods in 3D

Abstract This paper presents a review of the most relevant current techniques that deal with hole-filling in 3D models. Contrary to earlier reports, which approach mesh repairing in a sparse and global manner, the objective of this review is twofold. First, a specific and comprehensive review of hole-filling techniques (as a relevant part in the field of mesh repairing) is carried out. We present a brief summary of each technique with attention paid to its algorithmic essence, main contributions and limitations. Second, a solid comparison between 34 methods is established. To do this, we define 19 possible meaningful features and properties that can be found in a generic hole-filling process. Then, we use these features to assess the virtues and deficiencies of the method and to build comparative tables. The purpose of this review is to make a comparative hole-filling state-of-the-art available to researchers, showing pros and cons in a common framework.
On Generalized Stam Inequalities and Fisher-Rényi Complexity Measures

Information-theoretic inequalities play a fundamental role in numerous scientific and technological areas (e.g., estimation and communication theories, signal and information processing, quantum physics,. ) as they generally express the impossibility to have a complete description of a system via a finite number of information measures. In particular, they gave rise to the design of various quantifiers (statistical complexity measures) of the internal complexity of a (quantum) system. In this paper, we introduce a three-parametric Fisher–Renyi complexity, named (p, β, λ)-Fisher–Renyi complexity, based on both a two-parametic extension of the Fisher information and the Renyi entropies of a probability density function ρ characteristic of the system. This complexity measure quantifies the combined balance of the spreading and the gradient contents of ρ, and has the three main properties of a statistical complexity: the invariance under translation and scaling transformations, and a universal bounding from below. The latter is proved by generalizing the Stam inequality, which lowerbounds the product of the Shannon entropy power and the Fisher information of a probability density function. An extension of this inequality was already proposed by Bercher and Lutwak, a particular case of the general one, where the three parameters are linked, allowing to determine the sharp lower bound and the associated probability density with minimal complexity. Using the notion of differential-escort deformation, we are able to determine the sharp bound of the complexity measure even when the three parameters are decoupled (in a certain range). We determine as well the distribution that saturates the inequality: the (p, β, λ)-Gaussian distribution, which involves an inverse incomplete beta function. Finally, the complexity measure is calculated for various quantum-mechanical states of the harmonic and hydrogenic systems, which are the two main prototypes of physical systems subject to a central potential.
MRI after arthroplasty: comparison of MAVRIC and conventional fast spin-echo techniques.

OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to evaluate the quality of images obtained with a prototype imaging technique, multiacquisition variable-resonance image combination (MAVRIC), compared with fast spin-echo (FSE) images in the evaluation of patients who have undergone hip, shoulder, or knee arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS MRI with metal-artifact reduction FSE and MAVRIC sequences was performed in the care of 122 patients who had undergone 74 hip, 27 shoulder, and 21 knee arthroplasties. The FSE and MAVRIC images were subjectively graded for visualization of the synovium, prosthesis-bone interface, and hip abductors or supraspinatus tendon. The presence of synovitis, osteolysis, or supraspinatus tendon tear was recorded. RESULTS Visualization of the synovium was significantly better on MAVRIC images than on FSE images of the hip (p < 0.0001), shoulder (p < 0.01), and knee (p < 0.01). Synovitis was detected only on the MAVRIC images of nine subjects (12%) who had undergone hip arthroplasty and five subjects (18%) who had undergone shoulder arthroplasty. Visualization of the periprosthetic bone was significantly better on MAVRIC images of the hip (p < 0.0001), shoulder (p < 0.0001), and knee (p < 0.01). Osteolysis was detected only on the MAVRIC images of 12 subjects (16%) who had undergone hip arthroplasty, six (22%) who had undergone shoulder arthroplasty, and five (24%) who had undergone knee arthroplasty. Visualization of the supraspinatus tendon was significantly better on MAVRIC images (p < 0.0001). Supraspinatus tendon tears in 12 subjects (44%) were detected only on MAVRIC images. CONCLUSION MAVRIC complements the information on FSE images after arthroplasty and is a useful additional sequence, particularly when there is concern about synovitis, periprosthetic osteolysis, or the presence of a supraspinatus tendon tear.
Robust control based on linear matrix inequality of fuel cell system with μ analysis

In order to conquer uncertainty and disturbance, a reduced robust control strategy based on linear matrix inequality (LMI) was proposed for a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) system. And then the structure singular value (SSV) μ analysis method was utilized to testify the robust stability of proposed controller. The simulation results demonstrated that the control method could maintain the oxygen excess ratio (OER) better at the desired value and guarantee stable operation of the system when the vehicle running process was simulated. The comparison with other control strategies verified that the proposed method had superiority and valuable robust stability margin was obtained by μ analysis.
Low Level of Circulating Activated Protein C Is a Risk Factor for Venous Thromboembolism

Summary The levels of circulating activated protein C (APC) reflect in vivo protein C activation. The aim of this study was to determine whether a low APC level is an independent risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE). We measured APC in 160 patients with a history of VTE and without recognized thrombophilic defects, and in 199 healthy individuals. The mean (±SD) APC level was lower in patients (0.99 ± 0.44 ng/ml) than in controls (1.19 ± 0.41 ng/ml) (p <0.0001), and showed a different distribution in the two groups. Thirty-eight patients (23.7%) had APC levels below the 5th percentile of the control group (<0.69 ng/ml) and 57 patients (35.6%) had APC levels below the 10th percentile (<0.77 ng/ml). APC levels <0.69 ng/ml increased the risk of a single or recurrent episode of VTE 4.2-fold (95% confidence interval, 2.0-9.0) or 6.9-fold (2.6-17.9), respectively, and APC levels <0.77 ng/ml increased these risks 3.4-fold (1.9-6.2) or 5.1-fold (2.3-11.2), respectively, compared with controls. Familial studies revealed that in some cases the low APC phenotype seems to be hereditary. We conclude that a low level of circulating APC in individuals without any of the most recognized thrombophilic defects is a prevalent, independent risk factor for VTE, and that it predisposes to recurrent VTE.
Human mesenchymal stem cells suppress donor CD4+ T cell proliferation and reduce pathology in a humanized mouse model of acute graft‐versus‐host disease

Acute graft‐versus‐host disease (aGVHD) is a life‐threatening complication following allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), occurring in up to 30–50% of patients who receive human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐matched sibling transplants. Current therapies for steroid refractory aGVHD are limited, with the prognosis of patients suboptimal. Mesenchymal stem or stromal cells (MSC), a heterogeneous cell population present in many tissues, display potent immunomodulatory abilities. Autologous and allogeneic ex‐vivo expanded human MSC have been utilized to treat aGVHD with promising results, but the mechanisms of therapeutic action remain unclear. Here a robust humanized mouse model of aGVHD based on delivery of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) to non‐obese diabetic (NOD)‐severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) interleukin (IL)‐2rγnull (NSG) mice was developed that allowed the exploration of the role of MSC in cell therapy. MSC therapy resulted in the reduction of liver and gut pathology and significantly increased survival. Protection was dependent upon the timing of MSC therapy, with conventional MSC proving effective only after delayed administration. In contrast, interferon (IFN)‐γ‐stimulated MSC were effective when delivered with PBMC. The beneficial effect of MSC therapy in this model was not due to the inhibition of donor PBMC chimerism, as CD45+ and T cells engrafted successfully in this model. MSC therapy did not induce donor T cell anergy, FoxP3+ T regulatory cells or cause PBMC apoptosis in this model; however, it was associated with the direct inhibition of donor CD4+ T cell proliferation and reduction of human tumour necrosis factor‐α in serum.
Joint Range and Angle Estimation Based on Sub-Array Scheme with Frequency Diverse Array Radar

Frequency Diverse Array (FDA) has its unique advantage in realizing Low Probability of Intercept (LPI) technology for its beam pattern is related to the range, time and angle. In this paper, a sub-array scheme of range-angle joint estimation of a target for Frequency Diverse Array (FDA) radar is proposed. To solve the problem of distance and angle response coupling of basic ULA FDA radar, the entire array is divided into two sub-arrays, which employs two different frequency offsets. For aperture extension, each sub-array adopts difference co-array structure to provide O(N) degrees of freedom by only N physical sensors when the second-order statistics of the received data is used. Therefore, the targets range and angle can be estimated directly with the subspace-based multiple signal classification algorithms. The estimation performance is examined by analyzing the Cramer-Rao Lower Bound (CRLB) versus Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). Simulation results show that the proposed approach is effective to realize the joint range and angle estimation of FDA.
Barriers to buying healthy foods for people with diabetes: evidence of environmental disparities.

OBJECTIVES A community coalition compared the availability and cost of diabetes-healthy foods in a racial/ethnic minority neighborhood in East Harlem, with those in the adjacent, largely White and affluent Upper East Side in New York City. METHODS We documented which of 173 East Harlem and 152 Upper East Side grocery stores stocked 5 recommended foods. RESULTS Overall, 18% of East Harlem stores stocked recommended foods, compared with 58% of stores in the Upper East Side (P <.0001). Only 9% of East Harlem bodegas (neighborhood stores) carried all items (vs 48% of Upper East Side bodegas), though East Harlem had more bodegas. East Harlem residents were more likely than Upper East Side residents (50% vs 24%) to have stores on their block that did not stock recommended foods and less likely (26% vs 30%) to have stores on their block that stocked recommended foods. CONCLUSIONS A greater effort needs to be made to make available stores that carry diabetes-healthy foods.
Prospective Evaluation of Multimodal Optical Imaging with Automated Image Analysis to Detect Oral Neoplasia In Vivo

The 5-year survival rate for patients with oral cancer remains low, in part because diagnosis often occurs at a late stage. Early and accurate identification of oral high-grade dysplasia and cancer can help improve patient outcomes. Multimodal optical imaging is an adjunctive diagnostic technique in which autofluorescence imaging is used to identify high-risk regions within the oral cavity, followed by high-resolution microendoscopy to confirm or rule out the presence of neoplasia. Multimodal optical images were obtained from 206 sites in 100 patients. Histologic diagnosis, either from a punch biopsy or an excised surgical specimen, was used as the gold standard for all sites. Histopathologic diagnoses of moderate dysplasia or worse were considered neoplastic. Images from 92 sites in the first 30 patients were used as a training set to develop automated image analysis methods for identification of neoplasia. Diagnostic performance was evaluated prospectively using images from 114 sites in the remaining 70 patients as a test set. In the training set, multimodal optical imaging with automated image analysis correctly classified 95% of nonneoplastic sites and 94% of neoplastic sites. Among the 56 sites in the test set that were biopsied, multimodal optical imaging correctly classified 100% of nonneoplastic sites and 85% of neoplastic sites. Among the 58 sites in the test set that corresponded to a surgical specimen, multimodal imaging correctly classified 100% of nonneoplastic sites and 61% of neoplastic sites. These findings support the potential of multimodal optical imaging to aid in the early detection of oral cancer. Cancer Prev Res; 10(10); 563–70. ©2017 AACR.