Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Estimation of interaction matrix including anus elasticity in real time to control the probe tip in prostate biopsy

I n transrectal prostate biopsy, anus imposes kinematic constraints so when robots manipulate the US probe, it might be needed to know the insertion point in the base frame in real time. In this paper, we developped a detection model of instrument insertion point displacement. We focused on the localization of the fulcrum center in real time including the environment insertion elasticity (anus). The proposed solution was tested and verified using a 6 DOF robot.
Evidence for the Use of Ultrasound Imaging in Pediatric Regional Anesthesia: A Systematic Review

An earlier review to evaluate the quality and outcomes of studies assessing ultrasound imaging in regional anesthesia for the pediatric population considered articles published from 1994 to 2009 and showed some evidence in support of block-related outcomes (block onset, success, duration) and process-related outcomes (performance time, local anesthetic dose, and spread). At that time, strong evidence in the form of randomized controlled trials and well-designed prospective observational studies was limited, leading to a call for additional research. The current systematic review (2009–2014) compares and updates the evidence for ultrasound-guided pediatric regional anesthesia published since our last review. Using the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases, we included in this review studies examining ultrasound imaging for nerve localization in the pediatric population between 2009 and March 2014 (meta-analyses, systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, controlled studies without randomization, observational studies, comparative studies, and case series involving at least 10 patients). In the current review, we identified 24 and 13 articles evaluating peripheral nerve blocks and neuraxial anesthesia, respectively. What's New Studies in the current review provide stronger evidence and have addressed a number of outcomes that were previously inconsistent or lacked strength in evidence. In the current systematic review, we identified more studies in a shorter period compared with the previous review, and these studies contain higher levels of evidence compared with what we previously found. Randomized controlled trials and well-designed prospective observational studies have replaced case series. Stronger evidence from the literature suggests that ultrasound-guided peripheral blocks decrease block performance time when compared with nerve stimulation (but take longer than the landmark technique), increase block success, and increase block quality (as measured by analgesic consumption, block duration, and pain scores). Ultrasound guidance in neuraxial blocks improves needling time, predicts epidural depth, allows visualization of the catheter and local anesthetic spread, and improves block quality. Furthermore, we identified 2 large-scale prospective studies describing the incidence of adverse events and complications in pediatric regional anesthesia. The increase in evidence presented in this review reflects the efficacy and prevalent use of ultrasound imaging in pediatric regional anesthesia.
Superoxide Stimulates a Proton Leak in Potato Mitochondria That Is Related to the Activity of Uncoupling Protein*

The ability of plant mitochondrial uncoupling proteins to catalyze a significant proton conductance in situ is controversial. We have re-examined conditions that lead to uncoupling of mitochondria isolated from the tubers of potato (Solanum tuberosum). Specifically, we have investigated the effect of superoxide. In the absence of superoxide, linoleic acid stimulated a proton leak in mitochondria respiring NADH that was insensitive to GTP. However, when exogenous superoxide was generated by the addition of xanthine and xanthine oxidase, there was an additional linoleic acid-stimulated proton leak that was specifically inhibited by GTP. Under these conditions of assay (NADH as a respiratory substrate, in the presence of linoleic acid and xanthine/xanthine oxidase) there was a higher rate of proton conductance in mitochondria from transgenic potato tubers overexpressing the StUCP gene than those from wild type. The increased proton leak in the transgenic mitochondria was completely abolished by the addition of GTP. This suggests that superoxide and linoleic acid stimulate a proton leak in potato mitochondria that is related to the activity of uncoupling protein. Furthermore, it demonstrates that changes in the amount of StUCP can alter the rate of proton conductance of potato mitochondria.
A class of nonlocal variational problems on a vector bundle for color image local contrast reduction/enhancement

We extend two existing variational models from the Euclidean space to a vector bundle over a Riemannian manifold. The Euclidean models , dedicated to regularize or enhance some color image features, are based on the concept of nonlocal gradient operator acting on a function of the Euclidean space. We then extend these models by generalizing this operator to a vector bundle over a Riemannian manifold with the help of the parallel transport map associated to some class of covariant derivatives. Through the dual formulations of the proposed models, we obtain the expressions of their solutions, which exhibit the functional spaces that describe the image features. Finally, for a well-chosen covariant derivative and its nonlocal extension, the proposed models perform local contrast modification (reduction or enhancement) and experiments show that they preserve more the aspect of the original image than the Euclidean models do while modifying equally its contrast.
Antenna array optimization strategies for robust direction finding

This paper focuses on the optimization of uniform circular antenna array (UCA) structures equipped with analog combining networks for direction finding applications. For such type of arrays, the specific choice of the combining matrix has a crucial impact on the effective radiation pattern and the sensitivity of direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation. A design framework for constructing the combining network is proposed that improves the DOA estimation performance of the array while limiting the probability of false detection of the DOA estimator to a desired value. In detail, we first derive an analytical expression for the false detection probability of the DOA estimator. This function together with the Cramér-Rao bound are then used to find the optimal combining matrix and array aperture size for a given number of sensor elements and combiner output (baseband) channels. We provide design examples to demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach.
Does acupuncture activate endogenous analgesia in chronic whiplash‐associated disorders? A randomized crossover trial

Many patients with chronic pain, including those with chronic whiplash‐associated disorders (WAD), show features of central sensitization. Randomized trials examining whether treatments are able to influence the process of central sensitization in patients with chronic WAD are emerging. Therefore, the present study aimed at examining whether acupuncture results in activation of endogenous analgesia and relief in symptoms in patients with chronic WAD.
One-shot subspace based method for blind CFO estimation for OFDM

In this paper, we propose a novel subspace based approach for blind carrier frequency offset estimation in OFDM. Correlation in the squared spectrum of the channel is exploited and a low rank signal model is thereby obtained without virtual subcarriers. The proposed estimator accomplishes frequency synchronization with a single OFDM block. No extensive time averaging is needed, which makes the approach very attractive for time and frequency selective channels where the offset may be time varying. The method is statistically very efficient since close to optimal performance is achieved with respect to the Cramer-Rao bound with a single block.
Carcinoembryonic antigens (CD66) on epithelial cells and neutrophils are receptors for Opa proteins of pathogenic neisseriae

Opa protein‐expressing pathogenic neisseriae interact with CD66a‐transfected COS (African green monkey kidney) and CHO (Chinese hamster ovary) cells. CD66a (BGP) is a member of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA, CD66) family. The interactions occur at the N‐terminal domain of CD66a, a region that is highly conserved between members of the CEA subgroup of the CD66 family. In this study, we have investigated the roles of CD66 expressed on human epithelial cells and polymorphonuclear phagocytes (PMNs) in adhesion mediated via Opa proteins. Using human colonic (HT29) and lung (A549) epithelial cell lines known to express CD66 molecules, we show that these receptors are used by meningococci. A monoclonal antibody, YTH71.3, against the N‐terminal domain of CD66, but not 3B10 directed against domains, A1/B1, inhibited meningococcal adhesion to host cells. When acapsulate bacteria expressing Opa proteins were used, large numbers of bacteria adhered to HT29 and A549 cells. In addition, both CD66a‐transfected CHO cells and human epithelial cells were invaded by Opa‐expressing meningococci, suggesting that epithelial cell invasion may occur via Opa–CD66 interactions. In previous studies we have shown that serogroup A strain C751 expresses three Opa proteins, all of which mediate non‐opsonic interactions with neutrophils. We have examined the mechanisms of these interactions using antibodies and soluble chimeric receptors. The results indicate that the nature of their interactions with purified CD66a molecules and with CD66 on neutrophils is alike and that these interactions occur at the N‐terminal domain of CD66. Thus, the Opa family of neisserial ligands may interact with several members of the CD66 family via their largely conserved N‐terminal domains.
The Epsins Define a Family of Proteins That Interact with Components of the Clathrin Coat and Contain a New Protein Module*

Epsin (epsin 1) is an interacting partner for the EH domain-containing region of Eps15 and has been implicated in conjunction with Eps15 in clathrin-mediated endocytosis. We report here the characterization of a similar protein (epsin 2), which we have cloned from human and rat brain libraries. Epsin 1 and 2 are most similar in their NH2-terminal region, which represents a module (epsin NH2 terminal homology domain, ENTH domain) found in a variety of other proteins of the data base. The multiple DPW motifs, typical of the central region of epsin 1, are only partially conserved in epsin 2. Both proteins, however, interact through this central region with the clathrin adaptor AP-2. In addition, we show here that both epsin 1 and 2 interact with clathrin. The three NPF motifs of the COOH-terminal region of epsin 1 are conserved in the corresponding region of epsin 2, consistent with the binding of both proteins to Eps15. Epsin 2, like epsin 1, is enriched in brain, is present in a brain-derived clathrin-coated vesicle fraction, is concentrated in the peri-Golgi region and at the cell periphery of transfected cells, and partially colocalizes with clathrin. High overexpression of green fluorescent protein-epsin 2 mislocalizes components of the clathrin coat and inhibits clathrin-mediated endocytosis. The epsins define a new protein family implicated in membrane dynamics at the cell surface.
The 2001 Bethesda System: terminology for reporting results of cervical cytology.

OBJECTIVES The Bethesda 2001 Workshop was convened to evaluate and update the 1991 Bethesda System terminology for reporting the results of cervical cytology. A primary objective was to develop a new approach to broaden participation in the consensus process. PARTICIPANTS Forum groups composed of 6 to 10 individuals were responsible for developing recommendations for discussion at the workshop. Each forum group included at least 1 cytopathologist, cytotechnologist, clinician, and international representative to ensure a broad range of views and interests. More than 400 cytopathologists, cytotechnologists, histopathologists, family practitioners, gynecologists, public health physicians, epidemiologists, patient advocates, and attorneys participated in the workshop, which was convened by the National Cancer Institute and cosponsored by 44 professional societies. More than 20 countries were represented. EVIDENCE Literature review, expert opinion, and input from an Internet bulletin board were all considered in developing recommendations. The strength of evidence of the scientific data was considered of paramount importance. CONSENSUS PROCESS Bethesda 2001 was a year-long iterative review process. An Internet bulletin board was used for discussion of issues and drafts of recommendations. More than 1000 comments were posted to the bulletin board over the course of 6 months. The Bethesda Workshop, held April 30-May 2, 2001, was open to the public. Postworkshop recommendations were posted on the bulletin board for a last round of critical review prior to finalizing the terminology. CONCLUSIONS Bethesda 2001 was developed with broad participation in the consensus process. The 2001 Bethesda System terminology reflects important advances in biological understanding of cervical neoplasia and cervical screening technology.
Acute Upper and Lower Respiratory Effects in Wildland Firefighters

Objectives: To assess acute respiratory effects experienced by wildland firefighters. Methods: We studied two Interagency Hotshot Crews with questionnaires, spirometry, and measurement of albumin, eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) as indicators of inflammation in sputum and nasal lavage fluid. Assessments were made preseason, postfire, and postseason. Results: Fifty-eight members of the two crews had at least two assessments. Mean upper and lower respiratory symptom scores were higher postfire compared to preseason (P < 0.001). The mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second was lower postfire compared to preseason (P < 0.001) and then recovered by postseason. Individual increases in sputum and nasal ECP and MPO from preseason to postfire were all significantly associated with postfire respiratory symptom scores. Conclusions: Wildland firefighting was associated with upper and lower respiratory symptoms and reduced forced expiratory volume in 1 second. Within individuals, symptoms were associated with increased ECP and MPO in sputum and nasal lavage fluid. The long-term respiratory health impact of wildland firefighting, especially over multiple fire seasons, remains an important concern.
Affective Computing—A Rationale for Measuring Mood With Mouse and Keyboard

Emotions are an increasingly important factor in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). Up to the present, emotion recognition in HCI implies the use of explicit or intrusive methods, for example, video cameras or physiological measurements. We are developing and evaluating a method for the measurement of affective states through motor-behavioral parameters from standard input devices (mouse and keyboard).
Davorka Mikulić / Lidija Petrić Can culture and tourism be the foothold of urban regeneration ?

Following the theoretical discussion on changes in the development paradigm of cities in the post-industrial society, on the strategic implications of urban regeneration and the interrelations of culture and tourism in those processes, the paper presents a conceptual model which provided a basis for the empirical verifi cation of assumed links and relations between the concepts under scrutiny. Th e possibility of relating cultural and tourism strategies in the process of regeneration of Croatian cities was analysed by application of structural equations modelling. Th e assumption that cultural strategy based on fl agship cultural projects cannot be related to tourism development strategies in Croatian cities has been verifi ed. Furthermore, the estimated parameter have pointed at the existence of a direct positive correlations between the strategies promoting the development of cultural districts and similar projects, which are integrated into the general city development strategies and the tourism development strategies relying mostly on the small and medium-sized entrepreneurship. Apart from the empirical research an analysis of the cities' strategic development documents showed the growing prevalence of the approach in which culture is considered to be a powerful entrepreneurial resource for the development of small entrepreneurship, especially through tourism and related industries. In the light of detected problems, recommendations on further research have been proposed in the area of urban planning and urban management.
Stability analysis of SSN biochemical networks

This paper further investigates the dynamical properties of a class of basic biochemical networks modules — single substrate and single product with no inhibition (SSN) module. It is well known that the biological networks can be modelled by using different kinetics according to their reaction types. This paper introduces the SSN model under the law of mass action and proves that it can admit uniquely globally asymptotically stable positive equilibrium. Moreover, we prove that the SSN module under Hill kinetics can admit uniquely asymptotically stable positive equilibrium. It indicates some potential applications in the understanding of some biological networks modules and the design of some specific network controllers.
Solving Constrained Consumption-Investment Problems by Simulation of Artificial Market Strategies

Utility-maximizing consumption and investment strategies in closed form are unknown for realistic settings involving portfolio constraints, incomplete markets, and potentially a high number of state variables. Standard numerical methods are hard to implement in such cases. We propose a numerical procedure that combines the abstract idea of artificial, unconstrained complete markets, well-known closed-form solutions in affine or quadratic return models, straightforward Monte Carlo simulation, and a standard iterative optimization routine. Our method provides an upper bound on the wealth-equivalent loss compared to the unknown optimal strategy, and it facilitates our understanding of the economic forces at play by building on closed-form expressions for the strategies considered. We illustrate and test our method on the life-cycle problem of an individual who receives unspanned labor income and cannot borrow or short sell. The upper loss bound is small, and our method performs well in comparison with two existing methods. This paper was accepted by Wei Xiong, finance.
A Variation of Route Flap Damping to Improve BGP Routing Convergence

Inter-domain routing stability and convergence delay have significant effect on QoS in Internet. RFD is a mechanism to limit route oscillation from spreading wildly and is deemed as a key contributor for Internet routing stability. Recent research discovers that RFD may exacerbate relatively stable routes influenced by path exploration procedure and the interaction between RFD reuse timers. In this paper, a variation of RFD is proposed to deal with the side effect of RFD on routing convergence. Flapping routes are confined by neighboring nodes and invalid routes generated in path exploration are reduced by a RFD-like mechanism more suitable for their characteristics. Simulation results indicate that the modified flap damping mechanism limits persistent flapping routes while causing relatively stable routes converge more quickly.
An empirical comparison of scalable part–whole ontology engineering patterns

Abstract: To enhance aerospace applications such as supply chain management or maintenance tracking and reliability assessment, aircraft manufacturers need to enrich their electronic documentation systems with better conceptualizations of the aerospace domain. Because of the number and diversity of products and parts in an aircraft, ontologies to model this domain can potentially be very large. Therefore, it is critical to have scalable ontology generation approaches, along with an understanding of how the design of these ontologies has an impact on the performance of description logic reasoners that can operate over them. In this paper, we investigate how to achieve this goal though the application of best practice ontology engineering patterns. In particular, we examine two types of ontology engineering patterns used to instantiate large‐scale ontologies based on part–whole relations. The first approach is a direct implementation of the part–whole guidelines published by W3C. The second approach uses right‐identity axioms supported by the EL+ description logic. The results of our empirical evaluation show the benefits of the latter approach, whereby the CEL reasoner is able to perform the task of classification over large ontologies significantly faster than the description logic reasoners FaCT++, RACER and Pellet that operate over comparable ontologies designed using the W3C pattern.
Phlorizin or Vanadate Treatment Reverses Impaired Expression of Albumin and Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 1 in Diabetic Rats

Diabetes decreases transcription of the albumin gene. The role of hyperglycemia in mediating this suppression of albumin gene activity is unclear. To study the effect of glucose in vivo, we treated diabetic rats with phlorizin or vanadate, two agents that ameliorate hyperglycemia without increasing the levels of circulating insulin. When glucose was normalized in diabetic rats with either agent, the hepatic levels of albumin mRNA became indistinguishable from those in nondiabetic animals. In light of our previous observation that diabetes decreases the abundance of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 (HNF1), the predominant factor increasing albumin gene transcription, we wondered whether glucose normalization in diabetes would alter HNF1. Both the levels and DNA binding activity of HNF1 were restored to control values when phlorizin or vanadate was administered to diabetic rats. These findings suggest that hyperglycemia is integrally involved in mediating the suppression of albumin gene expression in diabetes. The effect of hyperglycemia on HNF1 suggests that glucose affects albumin expression at the level of transcription.
Effects on human eyes caused by experimental exposures to office dust with and without addition of aldehydes or glucan.

UNLABELLED Thirty-six volunteers (in three susceptibility groups: 11 subjects were non-allergic with nasal histamine hypersensitivity, 13 were non-allergic with normal sensitivity, and 12 were pollen allergic with or without nasal hypersensitivity) were exposed for three and a half hours in a climate chamber. Each subject was exposed to clean air (dust 45 +/- 38 microg/m(3) total suspended particle, TSP), house dust at 357 +/- 180 microg/m(3) TSP, house dust 382 +/- 175 microg/m(3) TSP with added glucan (50 ng/m(3)) and house dust 394 +/- 168 microg/m(3) TSP with added aldehydes corresponding to a gaseous phase of 300 microg/m(3) in the air. The study was explorative by nature. No significant effects of exposures as such were seen on break-up time, conjunctival epithelial damage score and Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) in tear film and subjective ratings. However, in TEAC a significant different time course was seen during exposures to aldehyde-containing dust indicating a subacute and late response to the exposures. Perceived eye irritation increased significantly during exposures to normal dust. The perception ratings were highly correlated, whereas no correlation was found between the subjective responses and the objective measurements. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS The findings indicate that measurement effects on the eyes are rather insensitive measures of short time effects of office dust exposures.