Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modelling the impulse diffraction field of shear waves in transverse isotropic viscoelastic medium

The generation of shear waves from an ultrasound focused beam has been developed as a major concept for remote palpation using shear wave elastography (SWE). For muscular diagnostic applications, characteristics of the shear wave profile will strongly depend on characteristics of the transducer as well as the orientation of muscular fibers and the tissue viscoelastic properties. The numerical simulation of shear waves generated from a specific probe in an anisotropic viscoelastic medium is a key issue for further developments of SWE in fibrous soft tissues. In this study we propose a complete numerical tool allowing 3D simulation of a shear wave front in anisotropic viscoelastic media. From the description of an ultrasonic transducer, the shear wave source is simulated by using Field’s II software and shear wave propagation described by using the Green’s formalism. Finally, the comparison between simulations and experiments are successively performed for both shear wave velocity and dispersion profile in a transverse isotropic hydrogel phantom, in vivo forearm muscle and in vivo biceps brachii.
Measurement proven analytical and numerical models for calculation of the teeth flux pulsations and harmonic torques of skewed squirrel cage induction machines

An analytical approach to calculate the tooth flux pulsations of stator and rotor teeth in squirrel cage induction machines at sinusoidal voltage supply [1] is compared with FEM (Finite Element Method) results. The analytical approach allows the fast calculation of the losses due to the tooth flux pulsations in the stator and rotor at any given slip, load and saturation level. In addition, the analytical calculation of the torque curve during start up is discussed considering the harmonic torques and the effect of inter-bar currents in skewed rotor cages. Calculations and measurements are compared for 4-pole TEFC (Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled) standard induction motors with nominal power levels of PN = 0.75kW, 2.2kW and 9.2 kW.
Chronic Pain and PTSD: Evolving Views on Their Comorbidity.

PURPOSE This paper presents a literature review of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its link to chronic pain. DESIGN AND METHODS Twenty-four papers are reviewed (included research and reviews), with the goal of improving and updating our understanding on this issue and its theoretical and clinical repercussions. FINDINGS The tight interdependence of symptoms that can be observed in both PTSD and chronic pain syndromes lends support to the idea that these disorders both constitute a reactive disorder. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Various forms of therapy and treatment focus on PTSD, but chronic pain symptoms must also be assessed.
Polymorphism of tandem repeat in promoter of 5‐lipoxygenase in ASA‐intolerant asthma: a positive association with airway hyperresponsiveness

Background: 5‐Lipooxygenase (ALOX5) and 5‐lipoxygenase‐activating protein (ALOX5AP) are known as key enzymes in cysteinyl‐leukotriene (cys‐LT) production, critical mediators in aspirin acetylsalicyclic acid (ASA)‐intolerant asthma (AIA). To date, studies of the promoter region of ALOX5 gene has revealed the potential influence of a variable number of tandem repeats of a Sp1‐ and Egr1‐binding motif, on the transcription rate.
Progesterone receptor structure and function altered by geldanamycin, an hsp90-binding agent

The assembly of progesterone receptor (PR) heterocomplexes in vitro involves at least eight components of the molecular chaperone machinery, and as earlier reports have shown, these proteins exhibit complex, dynamic, but ordered, interactions with one another and PR. Using the selective hsp90 binding agent geldanamycin (GA), we have found that PR assembly in vitro can be arrested at a previously observed intermediate assembly step. Like mature PR complexes, the intermediate complexes contain hsp90, but they differ from mature complexes by the presence of hsp70, p60, and p48 and the absence of immunophilins and p23. Arrest of PR assembly is likely due to GA's ability to directly block binding of p23 to hsp90. An important functional consequence of GA-mediated assembly arrest in vitro is the inability of the resulting PR complexes to bind progesterone, despite the presence of hsp90 in the receptor complexes. The biological significance of the in vitro observations is demonstrated by GA's ability to (i) rapidly block PR's hormone binding capacity in intact cells and (ii) alter the composition of COS cell PR complexes in a manner similar to that observed during in vitro reconstitutions. An updated model for the cyclic assembly pathway of PR complexes that incorporates the present findings with earlier results is presented.
Numerical and Experimental Study of Fan-Out Wafer Level Package Strength

Fan-out wafer level packaging technology becomes more attractive and popular in the semiconductor packaging industry. The fan-out wafer level package (FOWLP) has the feature of integrating various devices in a tiny form factor. Since the FOWLP size is compact and small, its package strength is critical to its reliability. In this work, the three-point bending test method and finite element method was used to evaluate the FOWLP strength. Two different structural FOWLP were built, and their numerical models were created. The results showed that the FOWLP experiment and simulation flexure strength results matched each other in the lower failure possibility area closely. However, the simulation results under-estimated the FOWLP failure possibility to compare with the experiment results in the upper failure possibility area.
A Greedy Heuristic for the Set-Covering Problem

Let A be a binary matrix of size m × n, let cT be a positive row vector of length n and let e be the column vector, all of whose m components are ones. The set-covering problem is to minimize cTx subject to Ax ≥ e and x binary. We compare the value of the objective function at a feasible solution found by a simple greedy heuristic to the true optimum. It turns out that the ratio between the two grows at most logarithmically in the largest column sum of A. When all the components of cT are the same, our result reduces to a theorem established previously by Johnson and Lovasz.
Skeletal Structures in the Images of Cosmic Dust Clouds and Solar System Planets

Multilevel dynamical contrasting of cosmic dust cloud images reveals the presence of skeletallike structures that are similar to those found in various electrical discharges and in space plasmas. These results, which are concentric cylinders in interstellar space, corroborate the discovery of interstellar neutral hydrogen (HI) emission spectra that are recorded in radio astronomy from low- and high-velocity intergalactic clouds in which the critical ionization velocity effect plays a role in the formation of coaxial or twisted plasma filaments. The nanodust assembled ldquoskeletonsrdquo are similar to that observed by Voyager 1 images of solar system planets that show the filaments aligned perpendicular to the ecliptic plane.
A Robot Application for Marine Vessel Inspection

Seagoing vessels have to undergo regular inspections, which are currently performed manually by ship surveyors. The main cost factor in a ship inspection is to provide access to the different areas of the ship, since the surveyor has to be close to the inspected parts, usually within arm's reach, either to perform a visual analysis or to take thickness measurements. The access to the structural elements in cargo holds, e.g., bulkheads, is normally provided by staging or by “cherry‐picking” cranes. To make ship inspections safer and more cost‐efficient, we have introduced new inspection methods, tools, and systems, which have been evaluated in field trials, particularly focusing on cargo holds. More precisely, two magnetic climbing robots and a micro‐aerial vehicle, which are able to assist the surveyor during the inspection, are introduced. Since localization of inspection data is mandatory for the surveyor, we also introduce an external localization system that has been verified in field trials, using a climbing inspection robot. Furthermore, the inspection data collected by the robotic systems are organized and handled by a spatial content management system that enables us to compare the inspection data of one survey with those from another, as well as to document the ship inspection when the robot team is used. Image‐based defect detection is addressed by proposing an integrated solution for detecting corrosion and cracks. The systems' performance is reported, as well as conclusions on their usability, all in accordance with the output of field trials performed onboard two different vessels under real inspection conditions.
adjunctive treatment in the management of post-surgical pain and post-trauma pain.” The Deepwave Percutaneous Neuromodulation Pain Therapy System (Biowave) received 510(k) approval in 2006, listing the Vertis Neuromodulation system and a Biowave TENS

Percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS) and percutaneous neuromodulation therapy (PNT) are therapies that combine the features of electroacupuncture and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). PENS is performed with a few needle electrodes while PNT uses very fine needle-like electrode arrays that are placed in close proximity to the painful area to stimulate peripheral sensory nerves in the soft tissue.
An Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase-Luciferase Reporter System for In Vivo Testing of Anti-inflammatory Compounds in Transgenic Mice1

The inducible NO synthase gene (iNOS) plays a role in a number of chronic and acute conditions, including septic shock and contact hypersensitivity autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, gastrointestinal disorders, and myocardial ischemia. The iNOS gene is primarily under transcriptional control and is induced in a variety of conditions. The ability to monitor and quantify iNOS expression in vivo may facilitate a better understanding of the role of iNOS in different diseases. In this study, we describe a transgenic mouse (iNos-luc) in which the luciferase reporter is under control of the murine iNOS promoter. In an acute sepsis model produced by injection of IFN-γ and LPS, we observed an induction of iNOS-driven luciferase activity in the mouse liver. This transgene induction is dose and time dependent and correlated with an increase of liver iNOS protein and iNOS mRNA levels. With this model, we tested 11 compounds previously shown to inhibit iNOS induction in vitro or in vivo. Administration of dexamethasone, epigallocatechin gallate, α-phenyl-N-tert-butyl nitrone, and ebselen significantly suppressed iNOS transgene induction by IFN-γ and LPS. We further evaluated the use of the iNos-luc transgenic mice in a zymosan-induced arthritis model. Intra-articular injection of zymosan induced iNos-luc expression in the knee joint. The establishment of the iNos-luc transgenic model provides a valuable tool for studying processes in which the iNOS gene is induced and for screening anti-inflammatory compounds in vivo.
Effects of filtering on colorectal polyp detection in ultra low dose CT

We have evaluated the feasibility of polyp detection on simulated ultra low dose CT Colonography data by a computer aided polyp detection (CAD) algorithm. We compared the results of ultra low dose to normal dose data. Twenty-three extensively prepared patients were scanned in prone and supine position at 25 to 100 mAs (average 70 mAs) depending on their waist circumference. Noise was added and the scans were reconstructed at 6.25 and 1.39 mAs. To evaluate the performance of the CAD system, polyps detected by an experienced reviewer and confirmed at colonoscopy were used as ground truth. Curvature, concavity and sphericity of the colon surface were used to detect polyp candidates. Bilateral filtering was used to reduce noise. We present the results for 40 polyps of 6 mm or larger as measured during colonoscopy. The by-polyp sensitivity was 80% for medium size polyps (6-9 mm) and 97% for large polyps (10 mm or larger) at an average value of 5 false-positives per scan for normal dose data. The by-polyp sensitivity was 81% for medium size polyps and 85% for large size polyps at an average value of 5 false-positives per scan for low dose data (6.25 mAs). Finally for the ultra low dose data (1.39 mAs) we achieved a by-polyp sensitivity of 75% for medium size polyps and 97% for large polyps at an average value of 5 false-positives per scan. The conclusion of our study is that CAD for polyp detection is feasible on ultra low dose CT colonography data.
A novel pipeline for bi-manual handover task

Abstract This paper addresses the problem of bi-manual object handover with a humanoid robot, i.e. the task of passing objects from one hand to the other. Bi-manual coordination is fundamental for improving manipulation capabilities of humanoid robots. We propose a novel and effective pipeline that tackles the problem by using visual and tactile feedback to localize the object and maintain grasp stability during the task. Given the object in one of the robot hand (first hand), the object in-hand pose is estimated by a localization algorithm, which makes use of vision and tactile information. Then, the estimated pose is used to automatically choose a suitable pose for the second hand among a set of candidates, a-priori annotated on the object model. The selected pose is finally used to accomplish the handover task. The performance of our approach is assessed on a real robotic system, the iCub humanoid robot, on a set of objects from the YCB dataset. Experiments demonstrate that the proposed method allows performing proper and reliable handovers with different every-day objects. Graphical Abstract
A Top-down Perception Approach for Object recognition

In this article we present a multi-purpose generic top-down algorithm. It is designed here for object recognition and is based on a progressive focusing. The object is assumed as constituted with several parts. The recognition is made by the detection of theses parts. The initial values and the relationships between each part are grouped in a state vector with its a priori knowledge mean value and its covariance matrix. The algorithm is to estimate this vector recursively using the detection of the parts and following an objective relying on the best accuracy / reliability of the recognition. The selection of the best part to detect is achieved by a Bayesian network. The state update is done thanks to a Kalman filter. This allows to focus in an optimal way the detection of each part and, in case of detection failure, to dynamically decide which hypothesis has to be tried.
Characterizing the Variability of Arrival Processes with Indexes of Dispersion

The author proposes to characterize the burstiness of packet-arrival processes with indexes of dispersion for intervals and counts. These indexes, which are functions of the variance of intervals and counts, are relatively straightforward and can estimate and convey much more information than simpler indexes (such as the coefficient of variation) that are often used to describe burstiness quantitatively. The author defines and evaluates the indexes of dispersion for some of the simple analytical models that are frequently used to represent highly variable processes. The indexes for a number of measured point processes that were generated by workstations communicating to file servers over a local area network are also estimated. It is shown that nonstationary components in the measured packet-arrival data distort the shape of the indexes, and ways to handle nonstationary data are proposed. To show how to incorporate measures of variability into analytical models and to offer an example of how to model the measured packet-arrival processes, the author describes a fitting procedure based on the index of dispersion for counts for the Markov-modulated Poisson process. >
SHA: A secure voice activated smart home for quadriplegia patients

One of the most promising technologies to enhance the quality of life of quadriplegia patients is smart home environments. Security has a paramount importance for all health information systems, but it is generally overlooked until a major security breach occurs. Especially in an application specifically targeting people with disabilities, ignoring security might have dire consequences therefore we think that proactive measures should be taken by system designers. In this paper, we present SHA, a secure voice activated smart home for quadriplegia patients. The principal contribution of our system lies behind the security mechanisms incorporated in the proposed smart home architecture which has an integrated framework including ambient assistance and remote health monitoring.
IMPROVING LINK UTILIZATION IN DATA CENTER NETWORK U SING NEAR OPTIMAL TRAFFIC ENGINEERING TECHNIQUES

Data center networks are driven by intensive appl ication like data mining, web searching and cloud c omputing. Nowadays, topologies in data center networks applie d multi-rooted tree like Canonical Tree, and Fat-Tr ee. In multipath routing Equal cost multiple path (ECMP) forwarding is used in most of the current data center networks . However, it fails to increased path diversity. Modified Penalizing Ex ponential Flow-spliTing (PEFT) routing algorithm in a data center environment based on the topologies such as canonic al and fat-tree to increase the path diversity over unequal cost link. In proposed new algorithm to increase the link utiliz ation ,efficient load balancing and the effects o f increased packet reordering on application performance with MTCP and Packet scatter, can further reduce MLU, increase l ink utilization through PEFT routing and better load balancing, fin ally increase the overall network performances.
Corticosteroids Prevent Generation of CD34+-Derived Dermal Dendritic Cells But Do Not Inhibit Langerhans Cell Development1

Corticosteroids (CS) have been shown to exert strong inhibitory effects on dendritic cell (DC) differentiation and function. Those studies were mostly performed with monocyte-derived DC, which represents only one subpopulation from the wide variety of DC types. In the present study the effects of the CS dexamethasone and prednisolone were investigated on the differentiation of CD34+ hemopoietic progenitor cells into 1) Langerhans cells (LC), which differentiate directly into CD1a+ DC; and 2) dermal/interstitial DC, which differentiate via a CD14+CD1a− phenotype into CD14−CD1a+ DC. CS present during the entire 11-day culture period, resulting in fully differentiated CD1a+ DC, increased the percentage of langerin+ DC within the CD1a+ population. In line with these data, CS treatment during the first 6 days of differentiation reduced the development of CD14+ dermal DC precursors and thereby seemed to support the generation of CD1a+ LC precursors. Addition of CS from day 6 onward specifically blocked the development of CD1a+ dermal DC by both inhibition of spontaneous and IL-4-induced differentiation of CD14+ DC precursors into CD1a+ DC as well as induction of apoptosis in CD14+ DC precursors. Apoptosis was not found in CD14+ macrophage precursors derived from the same CD34+ progenitors. The development and function of LC were not affected by CS, as demonstrated by a normal T cell stimulatory capacity and IL-12 production. These data demonstrate that CS interfere with the normal development of DC from CD34+ progenitors by specific induction of apoptosis in precursors of dermal/interstitial DC. In view of the different functional capacities of dermal/interstitial DC and Langerhans cells, this might affect the overall cellular immune response.
Are Sunk Costs a Barrier to Entry?

The received wisdom is that sunk costs create a barrier to entry - if entry fails, then the entrant, unable to recover sunk costs, incurs greater losses. In a strategic context where an incumbent may prey on the entrant, sunk entry costs have a countervailing effect: they may effectively commit the entrant to stay in the market. By providing the entrant with commitment power, sunk investments may soften the reactions of incumbents. The net effect may imply that entry is more profitable when sunk costs are greater.
Sociocultural Influences in Genetic Designs of Aging: Unexplored Perspectives

As the aging population continues to become more diverse, there is growing interest in understanding the similar and unique aspects of aging within and across people of different ethnic groups. The impact of culture on the sources of variation identified in quantitative genetic approaches has not been well discussed in the literature. The purpose of this paper is to review previous research pertinent to the cultural aspects of quantitative genetic approaches and methodologies, and provide conceptual and statistical approaches for advancing the science. To meet this objective, results from previously published studies as well as preliminary data analyses from the Carolina African American Twin Study of Aging will be presented. There are three themes to draw from the issues discussed in this paper: (1) avoiding genetic reductionism, (2) interpreting differential heritabilities, and (3) modeling cultural influences.
Simultaneous monitoring of temperature and T1: Methods and preliminary results of application to drug delivery using thermosensitive liposomes

A method is presented to obtain temperature and longitudinal relaxivity measurements simultaneously and in near real‐time. Quantitative relaxivity values are obtained from the signal magnitude from fast Look‐Locker EPI data, whereas phase information from all signal samples on the recovery curve is combined to provide temperature values using the proton resonance frequency method. The utility of this technique is illustrated in an in vitro experiment with thermosensitive liposomes, which are studied as potential micro vehicles for local drug delivery. The method allowed measuring the evolution of relaxivity during RF‐heating of liposomes containing a paramagnetic contrast agent, demonstrating increase of liposome permeability near the phase transition temperature. Potential applications are monitoring of local drug delivery using thermosensitive liposomes, and confirmation of reaching the liposomes' threshold temperature during thermal therapy. Magn Reson Med, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Relationship Between Anaerobic Cycling Tests and Mountain Bike Cross-Country Performance

Abstract Inoue, A, Sá Filho, AS, Mello, FCM, and Santos, TM. Relationship between anaerobic cycling tests and mountain bike cross-country performance. J Strength Cond Res 26(6): 1589–1593, 2012—Despite its apparent relevance, there is no evidence supporting the importance of anaerobic metabolism in Olympic crosscountry mountain biking (XCO). The purpose of this study was to examine the correlation between XCO race time and performance indicators of anaerobic power. Ten XCO riders (age: 28 ± 5 years; weight: 68.7 ± 7.7 kg; height: 177.9 ± 7.4 cm; estimated body fat: 5.7 ± 2.8%; estimated V[Combining Dot Above]O2max: 68.4 ± 5.7 ml·kg−1·min−1) participating in the Lagos Mountain Bike Championship (Brazil) completed 2 separate testing sessions before the race. In the first session, after anthropometric assessments were performed, the cyclists completed a single 30-second Wingate (WIN) test and an intermittent tests consisting of 5 × 30-second WIN tests (50% of the single WIN load) with 30 seconds of recovery between trials. In the second session, the riders performed a maximal incremental test. A significant correlation was found between race time and maximal power on the 5× WIN test (r = −0.79, IC95% −0.94 to −0.32, p = 0.006) and the mean average power on the 5× WIN test normalized by body mass (r = −0.63, IC95% −0.90 to −0.01, p = 0.048). The finding of the study supports the use of anaerobic tests for assessing mountain bikers participating in XCO competitions and suggests that anaerobic power is an important determinant of performance.