Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clutter reduction and detection of landmine objects in ground penetrating radar data using singular value decomposition (SVD)

This paper demonstrates that the Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) B an efficient method for the reduction of clutter in Stepped-Frequency Ground Penetrating Radar (SFGPR) data. In this contribution, two algorithms have been applied for clutter reduction. In the first algorithm, SVD has been applied after mean subtraction and the target has been estimated, The suggestion of applying a threshold and excogitate a new formula to calculate the threshold has been presented on the first algorithm. Signal-to-Noise ratio (SNR) has been analyzed. In the second algorithm, a background estimate has been done directly using SVD. The technique has been experimentally validated using PMN landmine at different depths.
Isolation of lignocellulose-decomposing actinomycetes and degradation of specifically 14C-labeled lignocelluloses by six selected Streptomyces strains.

Forty-two actinomycete strains were isolated by enrichment techniques from soils and other lignocellulose-containing natural habitats. Isolates were screened for their lignocellulose-decomposing abilities using a substrate weight loss – 14C-labeled lignocellulose degradation assay which determined the relative abilities of each isolate to attack lignin versus glucan components of lignocellulose. Six Streptomyces strains were selected for further study, based upon their abilities to decompose significantly both lignin and glucan components of lignocellulose. The selected strains were examined under defined cultural conditions for their abilities to decompose 14C-labeled lignocelluloses prepared from Douglas fir. The 14C-labeled lignocellulose substrates included specifically lignin-labeled or glucan-labeled lignocelluloses, and two [14C]lignin lignocelluloses labeled specifically in only the lignin side chain or ring components. Results showed that the Streptomyces strains decomposed substantial amounts of.
In Silico Preclinical Trials: A Proof of Concept in Closed-Loop Control of Type 1 Diabetes

Arguably, a minimally invasive system using subcutaneous (s.c.) continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and s.c. insulin delivery via insulin pump would be a most feasible step to closed-loop control in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Consequently, diabetes technology is focusing on developing an artificial pancreas using control algorithms to link CGM with s.c. insulin delivery. The future development of the artificial pancreas will be greatly accelerated by employing mathematical modeling and computer simulation. Realistic computer simulation is capable of providing invaluable information about the safety and the limitations of closed-loop control algorithms, guiding clinical studies, and out-ruling ineffective control scenarios in a cost-effective manner. Thus computer simulation testing of closed-loop control algorithms is regarded as a prerequisite to clinical trials of the artificial pancreas. In this paper, we present a system for in silico testing of control algorithms that has three principal components: (1) a large cohort of n = 300 simulated “subjects” (n = 100 adults, 100 adolescents, and 100 children) based on real individuals' data and spanning the observed variability of key metabolic parameters in the general population of people with T1DM; (2) a simulator of CGM sensor errors representative of Freestyle Navigator™, Guardian RT, or Dexcom™ STS™, 7-day sensor; and (3) a simulator of discrete s.c. insulin delivery via OmniPod Insulin Management System or Deltec Cozmo® insulin pump. The system has been shown to represent adequate glucose fluctuations in T1DM observed during meal challenges, and has been accepted by the Food and Drug Administration as a substitute to animal trials in the preclinical testing of closed-loop control strategies.
Volume correction for bead model simulations of rotational friction coefficients of macromolecules.

Correction du modele bille de Kirkwood et Riseman par l'introduction de «volumes accessibles au solvant» definis comme la somme des «cones» de billes relies a la surface accessible au solvant. Application au calcul des cofficients de diffusion rotationnelle et translationnelle de spheres et de cylindres; resultats en accord avec les resultats analytiques. Application a la simulation de l'α-chymotrypsine et du tRNA Phe
DIRECT SHOOT MULTIPLICATION IN OCHRADENUS ARABICUS, AN ENDEMIC MEDICINAL PLANT OF SAUDI ARABIA

In vitro studies were carried out with Ochradenus arabicus for rapid micropropagation from embryo explants. Direct regeneration of shoot buds of O. arabicus was observed in MS basal medium supplemented with varying levels of either benzyladenine (BA) or kinetin (Kn). Embryos produced multiple shoots on Murashige and Skoog’s medium (MS) containing 1.0 µM BA after 25 days of inoculation. Number of shoots depended on type of cytokinin and its concentrations. Maximum number of shoots (56) was derived from MS medium supplemented with 1.0µM BA, which declined with a further increase in BA concentration. Kinetin also induced multiple shoots at higher concentration (2.0µM) but the number of shoots produced was very low (15). The shoot buds elongated well on MS medium with 1.0µM BA. The shoots thus obtained were rooted on MS medium supplied with 0. 5µM NAA after 20 days of culture. The plantlets so developed were transferred to soil after proper acclimatization.
The energy piggy bank — A serious game for energy conservation

Serious games have attracted much attention recently and are used to in an engaging way support for example education and behavior change. In this paper, we present a serious game designed for helping people learn about their own energy consumption and to support behavior change towards more sustainable energy habits. We have designed the game for all the four Bartle Player Types, a taxonomy used to identify different motivations for playing games. Engagement of the participants has been evaluated using the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory, and we have measured self-assessed future behavior change. We found a statistically significant positive correlation between self-assessed future behavior change and perceived value/usefulness of the application independent of player type. Our study indicates the player type “Achievers” might perform better using this type of application and find it more enjoyable, but that it can be useful for learning energy conserving behavior independent of player type.
Weak localization in chaotic versus nonchaotic cavities: A striking difference in the line shape.

We report experimental evidence that chaotic and non-chaotic scattering through ballistic cavities display distinct signatures in quantum transport. In the case of non-chaotic cavities, we observe a linear decrease in the average resistance with magnetic field which contrasts markedly with a Lorentzian behavior for a chaotic cavity. This difference in line-shape of the weak-localization peak is related to the differing distribution of areas enclosed by electron trajectories. In addition, periodic oscillations are observed which are probably associated with the Aharonov-Bohm effect through a periodic orbit within the cavities.
Use of gabapentin in the treatment of chronic pain in an adolescent with sickle cell disease

Vaso-occlusive crises are the most common manifestation of sickle cell disease (SCD) and the main cause of hospital admission in these patients. There is emerging evidence that vaso-occlusive pain has both nociceptive and neuropathic components. However, the treatment of SCD-related pain with neuropathic drugs has not yet been systematically studied, particularly in children. We describe a 14-year-old girl with SCD and multiple hospital admissions for pain management for severe acute vaso-occlusive pain episodes. The patient was evaluated by a multidisciplinary team of specialists which considered that the chronic, refractory pain she was experiencing for years was probably neuropathic in origin and it was decided to start oral gabapentin (300 mg/day). At 10 months follow-up, the patient reported remarkable improvement in her quality of life with a significant decrease in the number of hospital admissions (three admissions for acute vaso-occlusive pain episodes in 10 months versus the previously monthly recurrences).
On-Chip Sensors to Detect Impending Metallization Failure of LDMOS Transistors Under Repetitive Thermo-Mechanical Stress

In many automotive applications, repetitive self-heating is the most critical operation condition for LDMOS transistors in smart power ICs. This is attributed to thermo-mechanical stress in the on-chip metallization, which results from the different thermal expansion coefficients of the metal and the intermetal dielectric. After many cycles, the accumulated strain in the metallization can lead to short circuits, thus limiting the lifetime. Increasing the LDMOS size can help to lower peak temperatures and therefore to reduce the stress. The downside of this is a higher cost. Hence, it has been suggested to use resilient systems that monitor the LDMOS metallization and lower the stress once a certain level of degradation is reached. Then, lifetime requirements can be fulfilled without oversizing LDMOS transistors, even though a certain performance loss has to be accepted. For such systems, suitable sensors for metal degradation are required. This work proposes a floating metal line embedded in the LDMOS metallization. The suitability of this approach has been investigated experimentally by test structures and shown to be a promising candidate. The obtained results will be explained by means of numerical thermo-mechanical simulations.
A Novel Low-Complexity Dynamic Frequency Selection Algorithm for Cognitive Radios

In this paper, a non-cooperative distributed frequency selection algorithm is proposed for cognitive radio networks in which in addition to interference minimization, the minimization of implementation complexity and probability of interruption of secondary users are also addressed. The convergence and interference reduction property of the algorithm is also demonstrated using game theoretic concepts. In order to evaluate the performance of the algorithm, the associated optimization problem is formulated into a variant of graph colouring problem, and a centralized algorithm is also proposed as an approximation of the optimal solution. Finally, simulation results demonstrate that the proposed distributed algorithm achieves acceptable performance in comparison with earlier schemes.
A Fast and Accurate Synchronization Technique for Extraction of Symmetrical Components

This paper introduces an approach for the real-time extraction of the frequency, phase angle, and symmetrical components of the grid signal, which is of great importance for many applications in power systems such as power quality and protection. The proposed method is based on the concept of the adaptive notch filter that provides a fast and accurate estimation of the symmetrical components in the presence of frequency and amplitude variations. In addition, the system offers a high degree of immunity and insensitivity to power system disturbances, harmonics, and other types of pollutions that exist in the grid signal. The simplicity of the structure makes the method suitable for both software and hardware implementations. Moreover, this very simple and very powerful tool can be used as a synchronization technique, which further simplifies the control issues currently challenging the integration of distributed energy technologies into the electricity grid. Mathematical derivations are presented to describe the principles of operation, and experimental results confirm the validity of the analytical work.
Regulation of NMDA Receptor Transport: A KIF17–Cargo Binding/Releasing Underlies Synaptic Plasticity and Memory In Vivo

Regulation of NMDA receptor trafficking is crucial to modulate neuronal communication. Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase phosphorylates the tail domain of KIF17, a member of the kinesin superfamily, to control NMDA receptor subunit 2B (GluN2B) transport by changing the KIF17–cargo interaction in vitro. However, the mechanisms of regulation of GluN2B transport in vivo and its physiological significance are unknown. We generated transgenic mice carrying wild-type KIF17 (TgS), or KIF17 with S1029A (TgA) or S1029D (TgD) phosphomimic mutations in kif17−/− background. TgA/kif17−/− and TgD/kif17−/− mice exhibited reductions in synaptic NMDA receptors because of their inability to load/unload GluN2B onto/from KIF17, leading to impaired neuronal plasticity, CREB activation, and spatial memory. Expression of GFP-KIF17 in TgS/kif17−/− mouse neurons rescued the synaptic and behavioral defects of kif17−/− mice. These results suggest that phosphorylation-based regulation of NMDA receptor transport is critical for learning and memory in vivo.
Differential Regulation of Kiss1 Expression by Melatonin and Gonadal Hormones in Male and Female Syrian Hamsters

In seasonal breeders, reproduction is synchronized to seasons by day length via the pineal hormone melatonin. Recently, we have demonstrated that Kiss1, a key activator of the reproductive function, is down-regulated in sexually inactive hamsters maintained in inhibitory short days (SDs). In rodents, Kiss1 is expressed in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) and in the arcuate nucleus (ARC). Because both the duration of the nocturnal peak of melatonin and circulating sex steroid levels vary with photoperiod, the aim of this study was to determine whether melatonin and sex steroids differentially regulate Kiss1 expression in the ARC and the AVPV. Kiss1 expression was examined by in situ hybridization in both male and female hamsters kept in various experimental conditions, and we observed that 1) SD exposure markedly reduced Kiss1 expression in the ARC and AVPV of male and female hamsters as compared to LD animals, 2) sex steroid treatment in SD-adapted male and female hamsters increased the number of Kiss1 neurons in the AVPV but decreased it in the ARC, 3) melatonin administration to LD-adapted hamsters decreased Kiss1 mRNA level in both the AVPV and the ARC in intact animals, whereas in castrated hamsters, melatonin rapidly inhibited Kiss1 expression in the ARC but not in the AVPV, and 4) pinealectomy of male or female SD-adapted hamsters increased the number of Kiss1 neurons in the ARC but not in the AVPV. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that Kiss1 expression in the Syrian hamster hypothalamus is down-regulated in SD via different mechanisms. In the ARC, melatonin inhibits Kiss1 via a direct effect on the hypothalamus, and this effect is probably sex steroid dependent, whereas in the AVPV, the decrease in Kiss1 expression appears to be secondary to the melatonin-driven reduction of sex steroid levels. Taken together, our data support the hypothesis that ARC Kiss1 neurons mediate melatonin effects on the gonadotropic axis of the Syrian hamster.
Neighborhood Influences on Seasonal Influenza Vaccination among Older African Americans in Atlanta, Georgia.

BACKGROUND Influenza vaccination coverage in the US is lower than the recommended Healthy People 2020 threshold, especially among older African Americans. This analysis explores the complex relationship among neighborhood-level factors, socio behavioral influences, and influenza vaccination outcomes among older African Americans. METHODS We analyzed data from 221 Black/African American participants' age ≥50 years living in Atlanta, Georgia. Generalized Estimating Equations for linear and logistic models assessed associations among socio demographic factors, census-tract neighborhood characteristics, and reported 2012-2013 seasonal influenza vaccination receipt, controlling for correlations among individuals within the same census tracts. Evaluated environmental factors included neighborhood deprivation indicators such as vacant housing percentage, vehicle availability, area violent crimes, and racial/ethnic composition. RESULTS Reported greater influenza immunization uptake was significantly associated with older age ≥65 years [OR=1.05, p=0.04], positive vaccination attitudes [OR=5.30, p<0.01], having health insurance [OR=14.37, p=0.03], lower perceived neighborhood security [OR=0.51, p=0.02], and lower neighborhood vehicle ownership [OR=1.07, p=0.04], a proxy for neighborhood affluence and transportation ease. Having a post-secondary education was significantly associated with both positive perceived neighborhood security [β=0.28, p=0.02] and positive vaccination attitudes [β=0.27, p=0.02]. CONCLUSION The findings provide evidence for distal neighborhood-level influences on influenza vaccination uptake among older African Americans. Lower vehicle ownership and lower perceived neighborhood security influenced seasonal influenza immunizations. Those who perceived personal risk, based on reported neighborhood security, displayed intent to obtain the seasonal influenza vaccine. Further investigation of multilevel, socio geographic factors is therefore warranted to more effectively address suboptimal influenza vaccine coverage among this population.
1 Reprogramming cell shape with laser nano-patterning

Cell shape in vitro can be directed by geometrically-defined micropatterned adhesion substrates. However conventional methods are limited by the fixed micropattern design, which can not recapitulate the dynamic changes of the cell’s microenvironment. Here, we manipulate the shape of living cells in real time by using scanned and tightly focused pulsed laser to introduce additional geometrically-defined adhesion sites. The sub-micrometer resolution of the laser patterning allowed us to identify the critical distances between cell adhesion sites required for cell shape extension and contraction. This easy-to-handle method allows a precise control of specific actin-based structures that regulate cell architecture. Actin filament bundles or branched meshworks were induced, displaced or removed in response to specific dynamic modifications of cell adhesion pattern. Isotropic branched actin meshworks could be forced to assemble locally new stress fibers and polarise in response to specific geometrical cues.
Echographic Tissue Characterization in Diffuse Parenchymal Liver Disease: Correlation of Image Structure with Histology

Seventy livers were examined in vitro using a computerized ultrasound B-mode data acquisition and analysis system. For tissue characterization, statistical parameters from pattern recognition algorithms describing image brightness and image structure were used. Reference classification based on histopathology as well as on chemical/morphometrical analysis led to the diagnostic classes of normal, fatty liver, fibrosis/cirrhosis and fatty fibrosis/cirrhosis. Comparing the two reference methods for ultrasound tissue characterization, re-classification based on chemical/morphometrical analysis resulted in a significant increase in diagnostic accuracy. The strong correlations between statistical ultrasound image parameters and morphometrical features reflect the relevance of our statistical approach to ultrasound tissue characterization.
Field trial of a staphylococcal mastitis vaccine in dairy herds: clinical, subclinical and microbiological assessments.

OBJECTIVE To assess the efficacy of a new staphylococcal mastitis vaccine under commercial dairying conditions. DESIGN A field trial involving 1819 cows and heifers conducted on seven dairy herds in Victoria. The trial was done 'blind'; approximately half the animals were vaccinated and the remainder were untreated controls. PROCEDURE The vaccine was given twice during the last 10 weeks of pregnancy. Effects of vaccination were assessed, during the ensuing lactation, on the basis of clinical and sub-clinical mastitis and microbiological investigations of the milk. RESULTS A total of 273 cases of clinical mastitis were recorded. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from 112 of these, 45 cases in vaccinates and 67 cases in controls; the difference was not statistically significant. One herd was notable in having a high incidence of clinical staphylococcal mastitis. This herd accounted for 15.8% of the animals in the field trial but 54.5% of cases of clinical staphylococcal mastitis. For this herd, vaccinated animals had significantly lower incidence of clinical staphylococcal mastitis and prevalence of subclinical mastitis, relative to controls. An unexpected feature of the trial as a whole was the low incidence of clinical mastitis from which S aureus was isolated in pure culture (26.3% of cases) and the high incidence of clinical Streptococcus uberis mastitis (22.7% of cases). CONCLUSIONS The trial showed that the vaccine was efficacious in reducing the incidence of clinical mastitis and prevalence of subclinical mastitis in a herd that had a serious staphylococcal mastitis problem.
PDQ Epidemiology

The first word in the title of PDQ Epidemiology evokes two images. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary (7th edition), "PDQ" is an abbreviation of "Pretty Damned Quick: immediately. " The authors kindly soften this to "Pretty Darned Quick" for the sensitive reader. The second image is that of "P.D. Q. Bach" and, hence, of things both witty and satirical at the same time. Both images have truth to them, but the implication that either epidemiology or statistics (the first two authors have a companion book out called PDQ Statistics) can really be learned quickly is grossly misleading. Most potential readers, however, probably know already that the subject matter is difficult, so the danger of their being seriously misled is slight. From the Preface, the authors' goal is clearly to address physicians in training and, considering that the authors are all associated with one of the meccas of "clinical epidemiology" (McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario), one might wonder why they didn't title the book Clinical Epidemiology. It may be because there are several other relatively new books by that title (including one from their department). The main reason, however, is that the authors have attempted to take a broad view of epidemiology, with many references to classical, population-based epidemiology, along with their clinical emphasis. As they state in the introductory chapter: "Modern epidemiology incorporates both classical or analytic-descriptive epidemiology. " This reviewer agrees and appreciates the approach taken. The style of the book is informal, almost chatty, and sometimes it is witty and iconoclastic. That helps to make it easy and fun to read, but it may prove distracting to some readers. Also, the witticisms occasionally interfere with the learning. For example, on page 37ff, they refer to "triple blinding" in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) as
Review of Brain Tumour Segmentation Approaches

Brain image segmentation is one of the most important parts of clinical diagnostic tools. Brain images mostly contain noise, in homogeneity and sometimes deviation. Therefore, accurate segmentation of brain images is a very difficult task. However, the process of accurate segmentation of these images is very important and crucial for a correct diagnosis by clinical tools. We presented a review of the methods used in brain segmentation. Reproducible segmentation and characterization of abnormalities are not straightforward. In the past, many researchers in the field of medical imaging and soft computing have made significant survey in the field of brain tumour segmentation