Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An evaluation of a smart-phone-based menu system for immersive virtual environments

System control is a crucial task for many virtual reality applications and can be realized in a broad variety of ways, whereat the most common way is the use of graphical menus. These are often implemented as part of the virtual environment, but can also be displayed on mobile devices. Until now, many systems and studies have been published on using mobile devices such as personal digital assistants (PDAs) to realize such menu systems. However, most of these systems have been proposed way before smartphones existed and evolved to everyday companions for many people. Thus, it is worthwhile to evaluate the applicability of modern smartphones as carrier of menu systems for immersive virtual environments. To do so, we implemented a platform-independent menu system for smartphones and evaluated it in two different ways. First, we performed an expert review in order to identify potential design flaws and to test the applicability of the approach for demonstrations of VR applications from a demonstrator's point of view. Second, we conducted a user study with 21 participants to test user acceptance of the menu system. The results of the two studies were contradictory: while experts appreciated the system very much, user acceptance was lower than expected. From these results we could draw conclusions on how smartphones should be used to realize system control in virtual environments and we could identify connecting factors for future research on the topic.
Models of Collaboration as the Foundation for Collaboration Technologies

Can models of collaboration serve as foundations for development of collaborative technologies in much the same way that engineers use models when developing complex systems? We explore this issue by investigating how eight approaches to understanding or modeling collaboration could be used to improve technologies that support processes used in a large aerospace program. Some modeling approaches are ostensive, defining how collaboration should be achieved or how the technology should be used. These approaches provide ways of documenting, analyzing, simulating, and automating the process. Other approaches are performative, describing actual collaboration behavior and actual technology use. Performative approaches reveal the variability in collaboration and deviations from the intended process. Technologies can benefit from and facilitate both types of modeling approaches by recording collaborative events for later analysis. We conclude by considering ways that modeling collaboration could contribute to requirements analysis, new collaboration capabilities, adoption, and maximizing benefit from technologies.
An adaptive position control algorithm of a DC motor based on the first order approximation using recursive least squares with forgetting

This paper describes an adaptive position control algorithm of a DC motor based on the first order approximation using recursive least squares with forgetting. The main concept of the proposed control algorithm is that the relationship between single-input and single-output of the system can be approximated as a first order system in a particular time region. The approximated first order system can be used for optimal control instead of actual complicated DC motor dynamics. In order to approximate the input and output relationship of the system, the method of recursive least squares with forgetting has been used. The disturbance observer has been employed to estimate the error between actual DC motor system and approximated first order system. Based on the approximated first order system that represents the DC motor dynamics, the optimal voltage input has been computed using the Lyapunov direct method. The actual DC motor system equipped with encoder has been used for performance evaluation of the proposed control algorithm. The results show good control performance in terms of error convergence and adaption ability.
Functional interictal changes of pain processing in migraine with ictal cutaneous allodynia

Objective A prospective clinical imaging study has been conducted to investigate pain processing functional pathways during trigeminal heat stimulation (THS) in patients with migraine without aura experiencing ictal cutaneous allodynia (CA) (MwoA CA+). Methods Using whole-brain BOLD-fMRI, functional response to THS at three different intensities (41°, 51° and 53℃) was investigated interictally in 20 adult MwoA CA+ patients compared with 20 MwoA patients without ictal CA (MwoA CA−) and 20 healthy controls (HCs). Secondary analyses evaluated associations between BOLD signal change and clinical features of migraine. Results During moderate-noxious THS (51℃), we observed a significantly greater activation in (a) the anterior cingulate cortex in MwoA CA+ patients compared to HCs and (b) the middle frontal gyrus in MwoA CA+ patients compared to both MwoA CA− patients and HCs. Furthermore, during high-noxious THS (53℃) a significantly decreased activation in the secondary somatosensory cortices was observed in (a) MwoA CA− patients compared to both MwoA CA+ patients and HCs and (b) MwoA CA+ patients compared to HCs. CA severity was positively correlated with the secondary somatosensory cortices activation. Conclusions Our findings suggest that CA may be subtended by both a dysfunctional analgesic compensatory mechanism and an abnormal internal representation of pain in migraine patients.
Study of four genes belonging to the folate pathway: transcobalamin 2 is involved in the onset of non‐syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate

Cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL/P) is the most common inborn craniofacial anomaly. Affected individuals require extensive medical and psychosocial support. Although CL/P has a complex and poorly understood etiology, increasing evidence of folate pathway involvement has been collected. So far, only the MTHFR gene has been extensively investigated as a risk factor for CL/P, while little has been done to test genetic variations in the folate biosynthetic pathways that may influence the infant's susceptibility to these birth defects. To date, this paper presents the first attempt to verify the involvement of four genes belonging to the folate pathway in nonsyndromic cleft onset. We used a case‐parent triad design to test for linkage disequilibrium in the case of seven SNPs mapping on four different genes: transcobalamin 1 and 2 (TCN1 and TCN2), methionine synthase (MTR), and MTR reductase (MTRR). Our finding suggests that TCN2 is involved in causing CL/P. Indeed, significant overtransmission of the C allele was observed at the polymorphism c.776C>G (p.Pro259Arg) to the affected offspring (P=0.01). Results obtained with additional TCN2 polymorphisms suggest that c.776C>G may be functionally related to CL/P. However, because conflicting data exist with regard to the effect of the polymorphism in transcobalamin 2 function or in perturbing plasma levels of key molecules in the folate pathway, further investigation is warranted to confirm our data. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Lattice Structure of L-Contact Relations

From the point of view of graded truth approach, we define the notion of a contact relation on the collection of all L-sets, discuss the connection to the set of all close, reflexive, and symmetric relations on all L-ultrafilters on X, and investigate the algebraic structure of all L-contact relations.
Serum lipid profile and inflammatory markers in the aorta of cholesterol-fed rats supplemented with extra virgin olive oil, sunflower oils and oil-products

Abstract Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) major and minor component anti-inflammatory effect on aorta was evaluated; Wistar rats were fed (9 weeks) on either a high-cholesterol diet (HCD) or a HCD supplemented with oils, i.e. EVOO, sunflower oil (SO), high-oleic sunflower oil (HOSO), or oil-products modified to their phenolic content, i.e. phenolics deprived-EVOO [EVOO(−)], SO enriched with the EVOO phenolics [SO(+)], HOSO enriched with the EVOO phenolics [HOSO(+)]. HCD induced dyslipidemia and resulted in higher aorta adhesion molecules levels at euthanasia. Groups receiving EVOO, EVOO(−), HOSO, HOSO(+) presented higher serum TC and LDL-c levels compared to cholesterol-fed rats; attenuation of aorta E-selectin levels was also observed. In EVOO/EVOO(−) groups, aorta vascular endothelial adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) was lower compared to HCD animals. SO/SO(+) diets had no effect on endothelial dysfunction amelioration. Overall, our results suggest that major and/or minor EVOO constituents improve aorta E-selectin and VCAM-1, while serum lipids do not benefit.
Cytomorphological identification of advanced pulmonary adenocarcinoma harboring KRAS mutation in lymph node fine‐needle aspiration specimens: Comparative investigation of adenocarcinoma with KRAS and EGFR mutations

Kirsten rat sarcoma 2 viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) mutation in pulmonary adenocarcinoma is clinically important due to its association with resistance to EGFR inhibitors and poor prognosis. To our knowledge, there has not been a comparative study focusing on cytological nuclear features of pulmonary adenocarcinoma harboring KRAS mutation (KRAS‐AD). Hence, we compared the cytomorphology of metastatic KRAS‐AD and EGFR‐positive adenocarcinoma (EGFR‐AD) in aspiration specimens from lymph nodes.
A 6.57 mW ZigBee transceiver for 868/915 MHz band

This paper presents architecture as well as the circuit implementation of a ZigBee transceiver using 868/915 MHz band, which is compliant to the physical layer of IEEE 802.15. 4. Two low-power analog-to-digital converters (ADC) are integrated within the proposed transceiver. The ADC is a 5-bit SA-based (successive approximation) structure. The post-layout simulation shows the packet error rate (PER) is less than 1% given SNR = 5 dB. The overall power consumption is merely 6.57 mW (Tx power = 3.28 mW, Rx power= 3.29 mW)
Evaluation of hypoxemic patients with transesophageal echocardiography

Objective:To summarize the use of transesophageal echocardiography when investigating hypoxemic patients in the intensive care unit, to assess its risks and benefits, and to evaluate which diseases of the cardiopulmonary system, mediastinum, and thorax it will help to guide therapeutic decisions. Design:A review of current literature and practice guidelines was performed. Results:Hypoxemia, due to a number of different reasons, is common in critically ill patients. Many diagnoses and therapeutic decisions have to rely on good-quality imaging. However, transthoracic echocardiography often produces poor-quality pictures; other imaging modalities involve transferring unstable patients to the imaging suite. Transesophageal echocardiography can safely be performed at the bedside and generates excellent image quality. Conclusion:Transesophageal echocardiography is a safe procedure that can be performed at the bedside and that produces high-quality images of the heart, its related structures, and its function. It helps detect extracardiac pathology leading to hypoxemia and may be used to guide fluid resuscitation and optimize tissue oxygenation.
The Second Receptor Binding Site of the Globular Head of the Newcastle Disease Virus Hemagglutinin-Neuraminidase Activates the Stalk of Multiple Paramyxovirus Receptor Binding Proteins To Trigger Fusion

ABSTRACT The hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) protein of paramyxoviruses carries out three distinct activities contributing to the ability of HN to promote viral fusion and entry: receptor binding, receptor cleavage (neuraminidase), and activation of the fusion protein. The relationship between receptor binding and fusion triggering functions of HN are not fully understood. For Newcastle disease virus (NDV), one bifunctional site (site I) on HN′s globular head can mediate both receptor binding and neuraminidase activities, and a second site (site II) in the globular head is also capable of mediating receptor binding. The receptor analog, zanamivir, blocks receptor binding and cleavage activities of NDV HN′s site I while activating receptor binding by site II. Comparison of chimeric proteins in which the globular head of NDV HN is connected to the stalk region of either human parainfluenza virus type 3 (HPIV3) or Nipah virus receptor binding proteins indicates that receptor binding to NDV HN site II not only can activate its own fusion (F) protein but can also activate the heterotypic fusion proteins. We suggest a general model for paramyxovirus fusion activation in which receptor engagement at site II plays an active role in F activation.
New drugs in recurrent high grade gliomas.

BACKGROUND The incidence of Central Nervous System (CNS) neoplasias ranges from 3.8 to 5.1 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. In the presence of recurrence, the treatment is problematic; chemotherapy is experimental, primarily because the response is palliative and of limited duration. MATERIALS AND METHODS This article analyzes the new drugs that have been introduced for the treatment of these patients in recent years, the objective response, the TTP and the MST. RESULTS The most encouraging results to date come from studies of temozolomide, which is one of the most active and best tolerated drugs in recent years. CONCLUSION New approaches to chemotherapy treatment are necessary. Enrollment of patients into rigorous, well-conducted, clinical trials, both at tumor diagnosis and after tumor recurrence, will generate new information regarding investigational therapies and may offer improved therapies for patients with malignant gliomas.
Axial Position Estimation of Conical Shaped Motors for Aerospace Traction Applications

This paper is concerned with the use of conical induction machines. Such machines are extremely valuable when apart from the rotational torque output; an axial translation of the rotor is also required. The inherent attraction between the stator and rotor of any machine combined with the geometry of a conical machine will provide the required axial movement. However, when applied to aerospace applications, where reliability is very important, then full monitoring of the axial position is required. In this paper, an innovative approach aimed at monitoring and controlling the axial translation of a conical induction machine is proposed and investigated. In order to increase the system reliability and also decrease component count as demanded by the application, the methodology is a sensor-less technique based on an innovative variant of the high-frequency injection approach. In this paper, the technique has been fully investigated and experimentally validated on a purposely built instrumented test-rig.
An improved MR imaging technique for the visualization of myocardial infarction.

PURPOSE To design a segmented inversion-recovery turbo fast low-angle shot (turboFLASH) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging pulse sequence for the visualization of myocardial infarction, compare this technique with other MR imaging approaches in a canine model of ischemic injury, and evaluate its utility in patients with coronary artery disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS Six dogs and 18 patients were examined. In dogs, infarction was produced and images were acquired by using 10 different pulse sequences. In patients, the segmented turboFLASH technique was used to acquire contrast material-enhanced images 19 days +/- 7 (SD) after myocardial infarction. RESULTS Myocardial regions of increased signal intensity were observed in all animals and patients at imaging. With the postcontrast segmented turboFLASH sequence, the signal intensity of the infarcted myocardium was 1,080% +/- 214 higher than that of the normal myocardium in dogs-nearly twice that of the next best sequence tested and approximately 10-fold greater than that in previous reports. All 18 patients with myocardial infarction demonstrated high signal intensity at imaging. On average, the signal intensity of the high-signal-intensity regions in patients was 485% +/- 43 higher than that of the normal myocardium. CONCLUSION The segmented inversion-recovery turboFLASH sequence produced the greatest differences in regional myocardial signal intensity in animals. Application of this technique in patients with infarction substantially improved differentiation between injured and normal regions.
Differential Associations of Communication and Love in Heterosexual, Lesbian, and Bisexual Women's Perceptions and Experiences of Chronic Vulvar and Pelvic Pain

The literature on genital and pelvic pain has largely focused on heterosexual women. An online study examined characteristics of vulvar pain in 839 lesbian, bisexual, and heterosexual women 18–45 years of age and investigated associations between relationship qualities such as love and communication with participants’ perceptions of pain's influence on relationships. Characteristics of vulvar pain were similar across groups. Groups differed in how they perceived pain to impact their relationships, such that better communication for same-sex couples and more love for mixed-sex couples was associated with the perception of their pain as having less of an effect on their relationship functioning.
Control of ultra-high switching frequency power converters using virtual flux-based direct power control

This paper presents a control technique for ultra-high switching frequency rectifiers known as virtual flux-based direct power control (VF-DPC). This method utilizes AC voltage sensors to provide better power quality at the input and output of power converters. Performance of an ultra-high switching frequency converter using the extended and conventional VF-DPC method is analyzed. The analysis has shown that the extended VF-DPC method can reduce better the total harmonic distortion (THD) of input currents and the ripples of the output DC voltage as compared to conventional VF-DPC. Finally, the effect of switching frequency and inductance size on rectifier operation is investigated in this study.
Accurate analysis of CMOS inverter driving transmission line based on FDTD

This paper introduces a numerical method for time domain analysis of the inverter driving interconnect in CMOS digital integrated circuits. To include the carriers' velocity saturation effect of short-channel devices, the alpha-power law model is used for MOS transistor modeling. Moreover, interconnect is modeled as transmission line, which is required in deep submicron technologies. Based on detailed analysis of inverter operation and FDTD analysis of transmission line, the accurate time domain response and 50% delay can be achieved by iterative computation. The error of the proposed method is within 5% and the runtime is only one-sixth compared with SPICE.
Inguinal bladder hernia with left lung carcinoma : a case report

Inguinal hernia is a common disease with intestine or omentum majus herniating into hernia sac. Bladder herniation is a special type of inguinal hernia which often happens in old male with very low incidence. Here we report a rare case of an inguinal bladder hernia, which was diagnosed by 18F-FDG PET-CT during detection of lung carcinoma.
HDI organic technology integrating built-in antennas dedicated to 60 GHz SiP solution

During past years, various research teams have been implied in the development of 60 GHz chipset solutions, using both BiCMOS and advanced CMOS technologies. But for the 60 GHz market to flourish not only low cost RFICs are required, low cost antennas and packages are also key points. So far, HTCC technology has been seen as the chosen one when targeting millimeter wave (MMW) applications. But since 60 GHz applications are targeting large volume consumer applications, the pressure on the cost of the packaging will become higher and it is highly desirable to explore alternative lower cost solutions than HTCC. In this paper, we present 60GHz integrated antennas in an innovative low cost High Density Interconnect (HDI) organic technology demonstrating promising high-gain antenna solution (>; 7 dBi).
Interferon beta but not glatiramer acetate therapy aggravates headaches in MS

Type and frequency of headaches during immunomodulatory therapy in MS were determined in 167 consecutive patients. In a prospective group of 65 patients beginning interferon beta therapy, headache frequency and duration increased in 18% of all and in 35% of patients with pre-existing headache by more than 50% during the first 6 months. In two retrospective groups, increased headache frequency was reported by 34% of 53 patients on interferon beta, but by only 6% of 49 patients during at least 6 months of glatiramer acetate therapy.
A Welfare Analysis of Copay Coupons in Pharmaceuticals

Branded drug manufacturers have recently started to issue copay coupons as part of their strategy to compete with generics when their branded drugs are coming off patent. To explore the welfare implications of copay coupons, I estimate a model of demand and supply using pharmaceutical data on sales, prices, advertising, and copayments for cholesterol-lowering drugs and perform a counterfactual analysis where a branded manufacturer introduces coupons. The model allows flexible substitution patterns and consumer heterogeneity in price sensitivities and preferences for branded drugs. The counterfactuals quantify the effects of copay coupons for different assumptions about the take-up of coupons and the ability of the branded manufacturer to direct them to the most price-sensitive types of consumers. The results show that the agency problem between insurers and patients gives a branded manufacturer a strong incentive to issue copay coupons. Introducing copay coupons benefits the coupon issuer and consumers but raises insurance payments. In equilibrium, insurer spending can increase by as much as 25% even when just 5% of consumers have a coupon, with social welfare falling significantly.
The acceptance of background noise in adult cochlear implant users.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine (a) if acceptable noise levels (ANLs) are different in cochlear implant (CI) users than in listeners with normal hearing, (b) if ANLs are related to sentence reception thresholds in noise in CI users, and (c) if ANLs and subjective outcome measures are related in CI users. METHOD ANLs and the Hearing in Noise Test (HINT; M. Nilsson, S. Soli, & J. Sullivan, 1994) were examined in 9 adult CI users and 15 adult listeners with normal hearing. In addition, the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB; R. M. Cox & G. C. Alexander, 1995) and a satisfaction questionnaire were administered to CI users only. RESULTS Results indicated that (a) ANLs were not significantly different for CI users and listeners with normal hearing, (b) ANLs were not correlated with HINT values for either group, (c) ANL was not significantly correlated with APHAB scores, and (d) ANL was significantly correlated with overall CI benefit on the satisfaction questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS CI users with large ANLs reported more benefit from implants than those with small ANLs. The results of this preliminary study of ANL in CI users suggest that ANL can be used as a tool for evaluating processing in noise in individual CI users.