Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The role of sonoelastography in planning percutaneous biopsy of soft tissue tumours

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether compression elastography has a useful role in the planning of percutaneous ultrasound-guided biopsies of soft tissue tumours. Consecutive patients were evaluated in the sarcoma clinic after their initial imaging work-up, involving ultrasound and MR. The multi-disciplinary team decided when percutaneous biopsy for histology was required, and this was performed in the multi-disciplinary clinic using ultrasound guidance. An experienced sarcoma radiologist performed the ultrasound with compression elastography in all cases. Grey scale imaging was used to predict the needle track for each biopsy and routinely, two passes were made into each lesion. In this study, the track for the second pass was predicted from the elastogram, aiming for a stiff (blue) area within the lesion. The samples were separately potted in formalin and sent to the sarcoma pathologist. Pathology reports for each sample were assessed to evaluate whether the elastographic blue targets yielded any specific diagnostic quality; 157 biopsies were performed in separate patients, including two passes per patient as per routine protocol; 107 (68.1%) were benign lesions and 50 (31.9%) were malignancies. In the benign group, 16 (14.9%) showed significant blue areas in the lesion. However, nine of these were thought to be artefactual, as they showed grey scale characteristics of complex cysts. Positive histology was recorded in all the blue areas, but in the benign lesions positivity was not seen solely in the blue areas; 14 (28%) in the malignant group showed blue areas in the lesion and five biopsies were positive in blue areas only. Overall, the blue target yielded the only positive tissue in 10% of the malignancies, equating to 3% of the whole study population. The p value was 0.008829 for positive histology for malignancy from blue areas only.
Movement disorders and other motor abnormalities in adults with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

Movement abnormalities are frequently reported in children with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS), but knowledge in this area is scarce in the increasing adult population. We report on five individuals illustrative of movement disorders and other motor abnormalities in adults with 22q11.2DS. In addition to an increased susceptibility to neuropsychiatric disorders, seizures, and early‐onset Parkinson disease, the underlying brain dysfunction associated with 22q11.2DS may give rise to an increased vulnerability to multiple movement abnormalities, including those influenced by medications. Movement abnormalities may also be secondary to treatable endocrine diseases and congenital musculoskeletal abnormalities. We propose that movement abnormalities may be common in adults with 22q11.2DS and discuss the implications and challenges important to clinical practice. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Scalable and Fully Distributed Localization in Large-Scale Sensor Networks

This work proposes a novel connectivity-based localization algorithm, well suitable for large-scale sensor networks with complex shapes and a non-uniform nodal distribution. In contrast to current state-of-the-art connectivity-based localization methods, the proposed algorithm is highly scalable with linear computation and communication costs with respect to the size of the network; and fully distributed where each node only needs the information of its neighbors without cumbersome partitioning and merging process. The algorithm is theoretically guaranteed and numerically stable. Moreover, the algorithm can be readily extended to the localization of networks with a one-hop transmission range distance measurement, and the propagation of the measurement error at one sensor node is limited within a small area of the network around the node. Extensive simulations and comparison with other methods under various representative network settings are carried out, showing the superior performance of the proposed algorithm.
Asynchronous 1R-1W dual-port SRAM by using single-port SRAM in 28nm UTBB-FDSOI technology

With the advancement in technology nodes, the number of components operating in different clock domains in a System on Chip (SoC) increases. Asynchronous multi-port memory with dedicated write and read ports is used to allow data to cross clock domain boundaries. The dual-port memory architecture introduced in this paper, is based on the Single-Port SRAM (SP-SRAM) that can be generated in larger capacities with better performance statistics compared to the Dual-Port SRAM (DP-SRAM). The proposed design has been evaluated by comparing existing dual-port 1R-1W and 2RW designs in 28nm Ultra Thin Body and Box Fully Depleted Silicon on Insulator (UTBB-FDSOI) technology. A memory with a capacity of 2048 words with 64 bits, shows 15%, 35%, 28% and 4.5% improvement in read power, write power, read-write power consumption and performance respectively over conventional 1R-1W DP-SRAM with equal area. The synthesis with area optimizations applied instead, shows an area advantage of 50% over conventional 1R-1W DP-SRAM, but with a degradation in performance.
Frequency domain forecasting approach for latency reduction in direct human-computer interaction

The problem of latency reduction in direct humancomputer interaction is considered and formulated as a trajectory prediction problem. To solve the problem, the predictor is constructed as a frequency-domain approximation of the noncasual ideal predictor. This approximation can be computed analytically, or obtained as an optimization task. An adaptive modification of the forecasting algorithm is proposed taking into account possible variations in user behavior. Experimental results illustrate the applicability of the proposed solution.
ERK1/2 regulates two sequential steps promoting monocyte survival to peroxynitrite

Previous studies from our laboratory indicate that cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2)‐released arachidonic acid promotes monocyte/macrophage survival in the presence of peroxynitrite. In particular, the lipid messenger is metabolised by 5‐lipoxygenase (5‐LO) to 5‐hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid and causes the mitochondrial translocation of protein kinase Cα (PKCα), an event associated with the cytosolic accumulation of Bad and Bax. Here we show that phosphorylation reactions driven by extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) critically regulate the activation/nuclear translocation of 5‐LO. Inhibition of ERK1/2 was invariably associated with the cytosolic localisation of PKCα, the mitochondrial accumulation of Bad and Bax and with a rapid mitochondrial permeability transition‐dependent necrosis. All these events were prevented by nanomolar concentrations of 5‐hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid. Hence, in addition to the previously characterised effects on cPLA2, ERK1/2 critically regulates 5‐LO activity in the absence of additional downstream targets in the survival signalling preventing peroxynitrite toxicity. J. Cell. Physiol. 210: 177–182, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Production , Manufacturing and Logistics Minimum cost allocation of quality improvement targets under supplier process disruption

This paper presents a system cost model to assist a manufacturer in assessing the minimum cost allocations of quality improvement targets to suppliers. The model accounts for the effects of autonomous learning and induced learning on quality improvement, via variance reductions of supplier processes. The model further accounts for the effects of planned and unplanned disruptions in supplier production processes, where such gaps in production decreases the amount of autonomous learning while providing an opportunity for induced learning, thereby counteracting the effect of disruptions on process improvement. An optimization model is developed that obtains the quality improvement allocations that minimize system expected cost to both suppliers and manufacturer. The proposed models also account for both the uncertainty in the realized induced learning rate as well as uncertainty in the realized level of process disruptions. An example is used to demonstrate an implementation of the proposed models and to assess the sensitivity of the optimal target allocations to several model parameters. 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
A Rule-based Detection of Functional Modules in Protein-Protein Interaction Networks

In the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network there are many functional modules, each involving several protein interactions to perform discrete functions. Pathways and protein complexes are the examples of the functional modules. In this paper, we propose a rule-based method for detecting the modules. The rule is expressed in terms of triples and operators between the triples. The former represents conceptual relations reifying the protein interactions of a module, and the latter defines the structure of the module with the relations. Additionally, users can define composite rules by composing the predefined rules. The composite rules make it possible to detect modules that are conceptually similar as well as structurally identical to users' queries. The rules are managed in the XML format so that they can be easily applied to other networks of different species. We also provide a visualized environment for intuitionally describing complexly structured rules
An Improved Ant Colony Algorithm for Path Planning in One Scenic Area With Many Spots

Disadvantages inherent to existing guidance systems for scenic areas can be reduced to a partial point traversal problem in the connected graph. This paper presents an intelligent, ant-colony-based path planning algorithm that is applicable to scenic areas. The proposed algorithm modifies the ants’ ending tour to achieve partial point traversal of the connected graph by eliminating the restriction of the ant colony algorithm taboo table. A temporary weight matrix is introduced so that the algorithm avoids the repeated selection of smaller-weight paths, improving its overall efficiency. The experimental results show that the improved ant colony algorithm proposed in this paper is more effective and efficient than other algorithms and more suitable to solve the path planning problem in one scenic area with many spots.
An optical tracker based registration method using feedback for robot-assisted insertion surgeries

Robot-assisted needle insertion technology is now widely used in minimally invasive surgeries. The success of these surgeries highly depends on the accuracy of the position and orientation estimation of the needle tip. In this paper, we proposed an optical tracker based registration method for the marker-robot-needle tip registration in a robot-assisted needle insertion surgery. The method consists of two steps. First, with the guide of the optical tracker, we use the motion vector from the marker's current position to its target point as a feedback control to automatically register the robot-marker and the robot-tracker coordinates respectively. Then, in the procedure of marker-needle tip registration, we use two points on the needle holder to achieve a high accuracy needle orientation registration. We have conducted a series of experiments for the proposed method on a verified platform. Results show that the position estimation error is below 0.5mm and the orientation estimation error is below 0.5 degrees.
The Nature and Causes of Bride Abduction Cases in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Abstract The paper reports on an investigation carried out to ascertain the nature and causes of bride abduction cases in KwaZulu – Natal in South Africa. The study utilized a qualitative survey design. Focus group discussions were used to collect the data on a purposefully selected sample of thirty research participants from three purposefully selected research sites. The sample consisted of eighteen (18) women and (12) twelve men comprising of abductors, witnesses of abductions, abducted women, local chiefs, headmen, head-girls and station commanders in the local police stations. Content analysis, through emerging themes, was used in analysing the data. The study revealed that bride abduction (contemporary and negative ukuthwala) is an abuse of the custom of ukuthwala(traditional bridal abduction) which is perceived by many people to have disappeared during social transformation. However, it is still prevalent in some deep rural areas of KwaZulu – Natal. Bride abduction grossly violates women’s fundamental rights. Whereas traditional bridal abduction (ukuthwala) (to carry away with intent to marry), is a custom to many African tribes and is a global practice. The study also revealed that the nature and causes of bride abduction cases vary depending on the context where it is taking place. Furthermore, the nature and causes of bride abduction differ from that of traditional bridal abduction (ukuthwala)as a custom. The study therefore, concludes that before any hasty judgements are made about any cultural practice we need to separate what is culture from the abuse of culture. Recommendations were made that Law and Government should deal with the abuse of (ukuthwala). If the South African Government is serious about making lives of women, children, youth and the disabled better, the issue of the abuse of ukuthwala(bride abductions) should be made a priority.
8A-2 ULA-OP: A Novel ULtrasound Advanced Open Platform for Experimental Research

The experimental test of novel ultrasound (US) investigation methods is frequently made difficult by the lack of flexibility of commercial US machines and/or general purpose instruments available in research laboratories. In many cases, it is only possible to extract beamformed echo-signals from a "closed" US machine, for real-time data processing or acquisition by an external board. More flexibility is achieved in high-level platforms, but they are typically characterized by high cost and dimensions. This paper presents a novel portable US system, specifically developed for research purposes. The system design has been based on high-level commercial integrated circuits, to obtain the maximum flexibility with minimum of electronics. A preliminary example of application involving simultaneous B- mode and vector Doppler mode is discussed.
Proline- and acidic amino acid-rich basic leucine zipper proteins modulate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) activity

In mammals, many aspects of metabolism are under circadian control. At least in part, this regulation is achieved by core-clock or clock-controlled transcription factors whose abundance and/or activity oscillate during the day. The clock-controlled proline- and acidic amino acid-rich domain basic leucine zipper proteins D-site-binding protein, thyrotroph embryonic factor, and hepatic leukemia factor have previously been shown to participate in the circadian control of xenobiotic detoxification in liver and other peripheral organs. Here we present genetic and biochemical evidence that the three proline- and acidic amino acid-rich basic leucine zipper proteins also play a key role in circadian lipid metabolism by influencing the rhythmic expression and activity of the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα). Our results suggest that, in liver, D-site-binding protein, hepatic leukemia factor, and thyrotroph embryonic factor contribute to the circadian transcription of genes specifying acyl-CoA thioesterases, leading to a cyclic release of fatty acids from thioesters. In turn, the fatty acids act as ligands for PPARα, and the activated PPARα receptor then stimulates the transcription of genes encoding proteins involved in the uptake and/or metabolism of lipids, cholesterol, and glucose metabolism.
BreXearch: Exploring Brexit Data Using Cross-Lingual and Cross-Media Semantic Search

BreXearch is a cross-lingual and cross-media semantic search system that focuses on the Brexit use case. This system has extracted the knowledge from various media sources (including online news sites, social media and live-TV) in three languages (i.e., English, German and Spanish) and integrated it with the additional background knowledge from DBpedia. Based on that, BreXearch allows us to search for different media channels using keyword queries or by means of entities and to ask complex questions regarding Brexit using SPARQL queries.
How complete is a transurethral resection of the prostate?

OBJECTIVE To determine the completeness of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). PATIENTS AND METHODS The prostate volume of 432 patients was measured by transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) before they underwent a TURP performed by one of three consultant urological surgeons. The prostate tissue collected at resection was weighed, multiplied by 1.2 to compensate for 'shrinkage', and the amount of tissue removed expressed as a percentage of the pre-operative prostate volume determined by TRUS (resection ratio). The patients were categorized into groups based on pre-operative prostate size. RESULTS The mean weight of prostate tissue resected was 25.6 g. Resection ratios increased with prostate size, with the largest occurring in prostates of 71-110 g. The surgeon did not resect more than 50% of the gland volume in any group. CONCLUSION This study counters the theory that a complete resection of the prostate is routinely achieved. The endoscopic appearances probably imply a complete resection of the adenoma but a considerable volume of the gland remains. This has important implications for the detection of prostate carcinoma at TURP and for the staging of the disease.
Validation of the Arabic version of the 5‐item WHO well being index in elderly population

Bonsignore M, 2001, EUR ARCH PSYCHIAT S2, V251, pII27; Chaaya M, 2008, INT PSYCHOGERIATR, V20, P571, DOI 10.1017-S1041610208006741; Chaaya M, 2007, AGING MENT HEALTH, V11, P37, DOI 10.1080-13607860600735812; Heun R, 1999, ACTA PSYCHIAT SCAND, V99, P171, DOI 10.1111-j.1600-0447.1999. tb00973.x; Karam EG, 2006, LANCET, V367, P1000, DOI 10.1016-S0140-6736(06)68427-4
Quantifying the effects of drought on abrupt growth decreases of major tree species in Switzerland

Abstract Drought entails important effects on tree physiology, which may result in short‐ to long‐term radial growth decreases. While the majority of studies have focused on annual drought‐related variability of growth, relatively little is known about sustained growth decreases following drought years. We apply a statistical framework to identify climatic factors that induce abrupt growth decreases and may eventually result in tree mortality. We used tree‐ring data from almost 500 standing dead trees and 200 living trees in eight sites of the Swiss network of strict forest reserves, including four of the most important Central European tree species (Abies alba, Picea abies, Fagus sylvatica and Quercus spp.). First, to assess short‐term growth responses to drought under various climate and site conditions, we calculated correlations and linear mixed‐effects models between ring‐width indices (RWIs) and drought based on the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI). Second, to quantify drought effects on abrupt growth decreases, we applied distributed lag nonlinear models (DLNMs), which account for both delayed effects and the nonlinear relationship between the SPEI and the occurrence of abrupt growth decreases. Positive correlations between RWIs and the SPEI indicated short‐term growth responses of all species, particularly at arid sites. Results of the DLNMs revealed species‐specific growth responses to drought. For Quercus spp. , abrupt growth decreases were more likely to occur several years following severe drought, whereas for P. abies, A. alba, and F. sylvatica abrupt growth decreases started frequently immediately in the drought year. We conclude that the statistical framework allows for quantifying the effects of drought intensity on the probability of abrupt growth decreases, which ultimately contributes to an improved understanding of climate impacts on forest community dynamics.
A databank (3D-ali) collecting related protein sequences and structures.

An updated version of the 3D_ali databank (Pascarella and Argos, 1992) was constructed to incorporate new protein structural and sequence data acquired since the original release in 1992. The databank has proved useful in many research fields, such as protein sequence and structure analysis and comparison, protein folding, engineering and design, evolution, and the like. The collection enhances present protein structural knowledge by merging information from proteins having a similar main-chain fold with homologous primary structures taken from large databases of known sequences. However, the construction philosophy of the databank has been modified. Originally, the Protein Data Bank (PDB; Bernstein et al, 1977) of known 3-D structures was exhaustively scanned for fold redundancy, and all the possible unique structures were incorporated either in multiple structural alignment files or in those containing only one structure where no relatives could be detected. The tertiary structural superpositioning of the backbones, which yielded spatial and topological Co atom equivalencing and thus corresponding sequence alignments, was mostly taken from the literature, but was sometimes determined by the authors using the Rossman-Argos superposition technique (Argos and Rossmann, 1979). In the updated 3D_ali databank, only published alignments based on superpositioning by the authors of the tertiary structures were collected and only folds with more than one sample structure were considered. Different literature alignments were also merged if they included common folds. As in the former release, only full coordinate sets with assigned side chains were included, while NMR structures, excluded in the 1992 release, are now incorporated. The 3D_ali features have several advantages. No systematic error, as could result from automatic topological equivalence methods, is introduced in the structural alignments because they follow the published literature and are derived by the authors of the structures themselves, who carefully considered hydrogen bond patterns, functional features, loop alterations, dihedral angles, structural peculiarities and the like. Subsequences such as those in loops that cannot be reliably aligned in 3-D are not matched. Only folded and functional domains in proper N- to C-terminal order, and not substructural segments comprising a few helices and strands, are considered. Related sequences without known architecture are added only when the residue identity level assures accuracy in alignment to
169Tm Mössbauer-spectroscopy study of the magnetic superconductor TmNi2B2C.

The magnetic properties of TmNi{sub 2}B{sub 2}C were measured with {sup 169}Tm M{umlt o}ssbauer spectroscopy at temperatures from 0.3 to 700 K. A clear transition in the quadrupole splitting (QS) near 1 K is observed, which might be due to magnetic ordering or to quadrupole ordering. Although a possible small magnetic Tm moment of {approximately}0.1(1){mu}{sub {ital B}} is found below {approximately}1 K, the change in QS is larger than expected due to magnetic ordering only. Therefore the nature of the transition is unclear at this moment. From the temperature dependence of QS is deduced that the crystal-field ground-state level most likely equals the singlet {ital a}{vert_bar}{minus}4{r_angle}+{ital b}{vert_bar}0{r_angle}+{ital a}{vert_bar}+4{r_angle}. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society. }