Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dynamic and Safe Path Planning Based on Support Vector Machine among Multi Moving Obstacles for Autonomous Vehicles

We propose a practical local and global path-planning algorithm for an autonomous vehicle or a car-like robot in an unknown semistructured (or unstructured) environment, where obstacles are detected online by the vehicle’s sensors. The algorithm utilizes a probabilistic method based on particle filters to estimate the dynamic obstacles’ locations, a support vector machine to provide the critical points and Bézier curves to smooth the generated path. The generated path safely travels through various static and moving obstacles and satisfies the vehicle’s movement constraints. The algorithm is implemented and verified on simulation software. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in complicated scenarios that posit the existence of multi moving objects. key words: path planning, support vector machine, particle filter, Bezier curve
Critical Appraisal and Review of the Rankin Scale and Its Derivatives

Background and Purpose:Efforts to reduce stroke burden require accurate assessment of outcomes in order to compare treatments. The Rankin Scale and its derivatives, the Modified Rankin Scale and the Oxford Handicap Scale, taken together, are among the most common outcome measures that have been used in stroke research. The aim of this study was to perform a critical appraisal of the clinimetric properties of these scales. It was also planned to review the use of these scales in a selection of articles to illustrate concerns raised by the critical appraisal. Summary of Review: A literature search was performed using electronic databases to locate relevant articles about the reviewed scales. The scales were appraised using a structured format regarding the following properties: purpose, development, presentation, language, method of administration, content validity, face validity, feasibility, construct validity, reliability, responsiveness, and generalizability. There are concerns in each of the appraised areas regarding the clinimetric properties of these scales. Conclusion: Further work is needed to improve the clinimetric properties of the reviewed scales to ensure that they are more useful tools in determining the outcome of stroke. Alternatively, a newer global outcome scale with improved clinimetric properties may be a better option for future stroke research.
Optimized Monte Carlo data analysis.

We present a new method for optimizing the analysis of data from multiple Monte Carlo computer simulations over wide ranges of parameter values. Explicit error estimates allow objective planning of the lengths of runs and the parameter values to be simulated. The method is applicable to simulations in lattice gauge theories, chemistry, and biology, as well as statistical mechanics.
A Novel Mode-Transducing Antenna for High-Power Microwave Application

A mode-transducing antenna composed of a coaxial plate-inserted mode converter and a compact coaxial conical horn was presented. The antenna transforms the TEM mode into coaxial TE11 mode firstly and then radiates it from the coaxial conical horn. It has the virtues of compactness, high aperture efficiency, boresight peak, and low sidelobe level. An antenna for a 1.76 GHz magnetically insulated transmission-line oscillator (MILO) was designed with a length of 60 cm and an aperture radius of 23.5 cm. It produces a gain of 17.4 dBi with an aperture efficiency of 74%. The test results are in good agreement with the simulations. The antenna also presents good performances in the high-power microwave experiments of the MILO
Morphological Assessment of Left Ventricular Thrombus by Live Three‐Dimensional Transthoracic Echocardiography

We report the usefulness of live three‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (3DTTE) in the morphological assessment of a left ventricular thrombus. Using live 3DTTE, the thrombus could be easily viewed end‐on and from the sides. In addition, by cropping the 3D images sequentially in transverse (horizontal or short axis), longitudinal (vertical or long axis), frontal, and oblique planes, the degree and extent of lysis within the thrombus, which represents an integral part of the clot‐resolution process, could be comprehensively assessed. The site of attachment of the thrombus in the left ventricular apex and its morphology could also be fully evaluated in three dimensions by live 3DTTE.
CLINICExercise Maximum Capacity Assessment : A Review on the Traditional Protocols and the Evolution to Individualized Models

Mailing address: Paulo de Tarso Veras Farinatti Laboratório de Atividade Física e Promoção da Saúde (LABSAU), Instituto de Educação Física e Desportos, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, 8o andar, salas 8.121-F e 8.133-F 20550-013 – Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. E-mail: farinatt@uerj.br ABSTRACT The physiological adjustments to exercise have been extensively investigated. Despite the agreement on the importance of cardiopulmonary exercise testing to assess the maximal oxygen uptake capacity ( O2max), expressive differences within the available protocols may compromise the comparison between studies as well as their clinical or functional utilization. The present study analyzed the most frequently used exercise testing protocols to assess the O2max highlighting their pros and cons. Furthermore, the characteristics of staggered protocols were compared to those of individualized models, generally referred as ramp protocols. 102 studies published between 1955 and 2009 were revised. The available studies suggest that ramp protocols would produce better results compared to more traditional staggered tests. However, there is clearly a lack of recommendations regarding the application of such individualized protocols. Very few studies investigated the influence of the testing variables on the main expected results, as O2max and metabolic transition thresholds. It is not clear yet which is the best strategy to determine the maximal exercise capacity, the initial speed of the test, increment ratio, interaction between speed and treadmill inclination, and total duration of the protocol. In conclusion, exercise ramp protocols have been elaborated based on the evaluator experience, since precise recommendations that would define a real ‘protocol’ do not exist. Studies that contribute to the development of formal and precise criteria for exercise testing ramp protocols design are therefore necessary.
Concepts and tools for coordination and control of networked ocean-going vehicles

An abstract characterization of the networked vehicle systems under study is presented together with the corresponding modeling, coordination and control challenges. This is done with the help of an example of 24/7 persistent operations. The novel aspects of these systems are emphasized and the nature of the new challenges is discussed. This is done with reference to fundamental concepts in control and computation, namely state and control spaces, control strategies, optimization, behavior equivalence, process, interaction and composition. The discussion is illustrated with tools and technologies from the Underwater Systems and Technologies Laboratory from Porto University.
Measurements of attenuation coefficient for evaluating the hardness of a cataract lens by a high-frequency ultrasonic needle transducer

A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. Phacoemulsification is the mostly common surgical method for treating cataracts, and determining that the optimal phacoemulsification energy is dependent on measuring the hardness of the lens. This study explored the use of an ultrasound needle transducer for invasive measurements of ultrasound attenuation coefficient to evaluate the hardness of the cataract lens. A 47 MHz high-frequency needle transducer with a diameter of 0.9 mm was fabricated by a polarized PMN-33%PT single crystal in the present study. The attenuation coefficients at different stages of an artificial porcine cataract lens were measured using the spectral shift approach. The hardness of the cataract lens was also evaluated by mechanical measurement of its elastic properties. The results demonstrated that the ultrasonic attenuation coefficient was increased from 0.048 ± 0.02 to 0.520 ± 0.06 dB mm−1 MHz−1 corresponding to an increase in Young's modulus from 6 ± 0.4 to 96 ± 6.2 kPa as the cataract further developed. In order to evaluate the feasibility of combining needle transducer and phacoemulsification probe for real-time measurement during cataract surgery, the needle transducer was mounted on the phacoemulsification probe for a vibration test. The results indicated that there was no apparent damage to the tip of the needle transducer and the pulse–echo test showed that a good performance in sensitivity was maintained after the vibration test.
A Novel Method for Smooth Contouring of Nasal Tip: Camouflaging Alar Tip Graft

AbstractThe aim of this article is to define a tip graft that provides camouflage for a smoothly contoured, natural-looking tip and that prevents long-term graft visibility. When traditional grafts are used to substantially increase tip projection, there is a possibility for thinning of the skin and subsequent graft visibility. To avoid such unwanted results, the authors have developed a novel graft: the camouflaging alar tip (CAT) graft. In this study, the authors provide a retrospective analysis of the long-term follow-up of 742 patients from 2003 to 2013 in whom a CAT graft was placed. This article is a synopsis of the authors’ 10 years experience in nasal tip surgery.
A symptom provocation study of posttraumatic stress disorder using positron emission tomography and script-driven imagery.

BACKGROUND Previous studies have used symptom provocation and positron emission tomography to delineate the brain systems that mediate various anxiety states. Using an analogous approach, the goal of this study was to measure regional cerebral blood flow changes associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. METHODS Eight patients with PTSD, screened as physiologically responsive to a script-driven imagery symptom provocation paradigm, were exposed sequentially to audiotaped traumatic and neutral scripts in conjunction with positron emission tomography. Heart rate and subjective measures of emotional state were obtained for each condition. Statistical mapping techniques were used to determine locations of significant brain activation. RESULTS Increases in normalized blood flow were found for the traumatic as compared with control conditions in right-sided limbic, paralimbic, and visual areas; decreases were found in left inferior frontal and middle temporal cortex. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that emotions associated with the PTSD symptomatic state are mediated by the limbic and paralimbic systems within the right hemisphere. Activation of visual cortex may correspond to the visual component of PTSD reexperiencing phenomena.
Realising transformational stage e-government: a UK local authority perspective

Whilst the early e-government efforts focused on e-enabling front-office processes, now the e-government is emphasising the reengineering of back-office processes. These efforts are commonly branded as Transformational stage e-government (or t-government). This paper seeks to explore what the transformational stage of e-government means to local authorities in the UK and what process-related challenges have to be overcome to successfully implement transformational change in local government. Although a number of broader issues of organisational, socio-cultural and technical origin are identified in the literature as presenting a considerable challenge for this goal, using two case studies this paper shows that more obvious process and information systems related issues pose an even more significant challenge in practice. The findings and issues raised in this paper are of importance to the UK public sector and can aid to enable the identification of objectives, priorities and barriers to t-government, and options for successful implementation thereof.
Defibrillation shock success estimation by a set of six parameters derived from the electrocardiogram

It is well known that in some cases defibrillator shocks cannot terminate ventricular fibrillation (VF). Repeated failed shocks often may worsen subsequent response to therapy. This study assesses the ability of six parameters derived from the surface electrocardiogram (ECG) to predict defibrillation shock outcome. Using stepwise discriminant analysis, we obtained several discriminant functions, yielding different combinations of sensitivity and specificity for detection of pre-shock ECG segments corresponding to successful versus unsuccessful shocks. The study was performed consecutively for 3, 4 and 5 s ECG time intervals. The prediction accuracy of 72.3% (61.8% sensitivity and 79.6% specificity) with five parameters and 3 s VF segment analysis prior to defibrillation shock could be considered acceptable for possible practical application in automatic external defibrillators.
Arterial blood pressure and carotid baroreflex function during arm and combined arm and leg exercise in humans.

AIM During arm cranking (A) blood pressure is higher than during combined arm and leg exercise (A + L), while the carotid baroreflex (CBR) is suggested to reset to control a higher blood pressure in direct relation to work intensity and the engaged muscle mass. METHOD This study evaluated the function of the CBR by using neck pressure and neck suction during upright A, L and A + L in 12 subjects and, in order to evaluate a potential influence of the central blood volume on the CBR, also during supine A in five subjects. Exercise intensities for A and L were planned to elicit a heart rate response of c. 100 and 120 beats min(-1), respectively, in the upright position and both workloads were maintained during A + L and supine A. RESULTS The CBR operating point, corresponding to the pre-stimulus blood pressure, was 88 +/- 6 mmHg (mean +/- SE) at rest. During upright A, L and A + L and supine A it increased to 109 +/- 9, 95 +/- 7, 103 +/- 7 and 104 +/- 4 mmHg, respectively, and it was thus higher during upright A than during A + L and supine A (P < 0.05). In addition, the CBR threshold and saturation pressures, corresponding to the minimum and maximum carotid sinus pressure, respectively, were higher during upright A than during supine A, A + L, L and at rest (P < 0.05) with no significant change in the maximal reflex gain. CONCLUSION These findings demonstrate that during combined arm and leg and exercise in the upright position the CBR resets to a lower blood pressure than during arm cranking likely because the central blood volume is enhanced by the muscle pump of the legs.
Human infection with a novel avian‐origin influenza A (H7N9) virus: serial chest radiographic and CT findings

Background Rapidly progressive pneumonia infection with H7N9 virus is a novel disease, and limited information is available concerning serial chest radiographic and computed tomography (CT) findings. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in serial radiologic findings in patients with H7N9 pneumonia. Methods The two institutional ethics review boards approved this retrospective study. This study included 10 patients with H7N9 pneumonia. All patients underwent chest radiologic examinations at different time points. Serial radiologic images were systematically analyzed. Results All patients showed abnormal results on initial chest radiography and CT. The initial radiographic abnormalities were unilateral (n=9) and bilateral (n=1), including ground‐glass opacities (GGOs) (n=5) and consolidation (n=5). The initial CT findings consisted of unilateral (n=6) and bilateral (n=4), including consolidation (n=10), GGOs (n=10), reticular opacities (n=2), and pleural effusion (n=3). Follow‐up radiologic findings showed rapid development of consolidation or GGOs within two weeks after illness onset. Pneumomediastinum with secondary subcutaneous emphysema and pneumothorax were noted in two patients. Follow‐up high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) after two weeks showed slow improvement in both size and opacity of the lesions. On HRCT after discharge, patients had substantial residual lesions such as irregular linear opacities, reticular opacities, parenchymal bands, traction bronchiectasis, and cystic lesions. Conclusions The most common radiologic findings at presentation are multifocal or diffuse areas of consolidation and GGOs in H7N9 pneumonia. HRCT in sequence can show more changes in rapid progression of disease and a slow decrease of both size and opacity of the lesions plays an important role in the evaluation of H7N9 pneumonia.
71 BIPOLAR DISORDERS : REVIEW OF MOLECULAR GENETIC LINKAGE STUDIES

This chapter reviews evidence of the heritability of bipolar (BP) and recurrent unipolar (RUP) disorders. This evidence has accumulated through family, twin, adoption, linkage, and candidate gene studies. Both the twin and family studies suggest that unipolar and bipolar disorders share some fraction of genetic susceptibility. Data from the twin and family studies can be used for genetic counseling, and this will be discussed briefly from a clinical perspective. Efforts to find susceptibility genes through linkage studies have yielded several confirmed regions of the genome where such genes will be found. These linkage studies will be discussed and summarized from methodologic perspectives. Candidate gene approaches to BP and RUP disorders will be reviewed, with some suggestions for improving methods. A few of the most promising candidate genes will be noted. Mechanisms on nonmendelian inheritance may be involved in the complex genetics of BP and RUP disorders. Imprinting, triplet repeat expansion, and mitochondrial inheritance are reviewed briefly as examples of nonmendelian mechanisms possibly involved in these disorders. Finally, the implications of the Human Genome Project for future progress will be discussed.
Complete mitochondrial genome of Palawan peacock-pheasant Polyplectron napoleonis (Galliformes, Phasianidae)

Abstract The complete mitochondrial genome of the Palawan peacock-pheasant Polyplectron napoleonis is 16,710 bp and contains 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes and a control-region. All protein-coding genes use the standard ATG start codon, except for cox1 which has GTG start codon. Seven out of 13 PCGs have TAA stop codons, two have AGG (cox1 and nd6), and three PCGs (nd2, cox2 and nd4) have incomplete stop codon of just T– – nucleotide.
Induction of umbilical cord blood–derived β2m−c‐Met+ cells into hepatocyte‐like cells by coculture with CFSC/HGF cells

Several studies have indicated that adult stem cells derived from bone marrow (BM) and cord blood (CB) can differentiate into hepatocyte‐like cells. This ability is important for the treatment of hepatic diseases with BM or CB as a potential approach. However, methods are still being developed for the efficient induction of stem cell differentiation and expansion to get enough cells to be useful. In the present study, we enriched a subset of umbilical cord blood β2m−c‐Met+ cells (UCBCCs) and investigated the combination effect of liver nonparenchymal cells (cirrhotic fat‐storing cells [CFSCs]) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) on the induction of UCBCCs into hepatocyte‐like cells. UCBCCs were cocultured with CFSC/HGF feeder layers either directly or separately using insert wells. Flow cytometric analysis showed that most UCBCCs were CD34+/−CD90+/−CD49f+CD29+Alb+AFP+. After cocultured with transgenic feeder layers for 7 days, UCBCCs displayed some morphologic characteristics of hepatocytes. Reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and immunofluorescence cell staining proved that the induced UCBCCs expressed several hepatocyte specific genes including AFP, Alb, CYP1B1 and cytokeratins CK18 and CK19. Furthermore, the induced cells displayed liver specific functions of indocyanine green (ICG) uptake, ammonium metabolism and albumin secretion. Hence, our data have demonstrated that UCBCCs might represent a novel subpopulation of CB‐derived stem/progenitor cells capable of successful differentiation into hepatocyte‐like cells when incubated with CFSC/HGF cells. In conclusion, not only HGF but also CFSCs and/or the secreted extracellular matrix (ECM) have been shown to be able to serve as essential microenvironment for hepatocyte differentiation. (Liver Transpl 2005;11:635–643.)
SPT 0538−50: PHYSICAL CONDITIONS IN THE INTERSTELLAR MEDIUM OF A STRONGLY LENSED DUSTY STAR-FORMING GALAXY AT z = 2.8

We present observations of SPT-S J053816−5030.8, a gravitationally lensed dusty star-forming galaxy (DSFG) at z = 2.7817 that was first discovered at millimeter wavelengths by the South Pole Telescope. SPT 0538−50 is typical of the brightest sources found by wide-field millimeter-wavelength surveys, being lensed by an intervening galaxy at moderate redshift (in this instance, at z = 0.441). We present a wide array of multi-wavelength spectroscopic and photometric data on SPT 0538−50, including data from ALMA, Herschel PACS and SPIRE, Hubble, Spitzer, the Very Large Telescope, ATCA, APEX, and the Submillimeter Array. We use high-resolution imaging from the Hubble Space Telescope to de-blend SPT 0538−50, separating DSFG emission from that of the foreground lens. Combined with a source model derived from ALMA imaging (which suggests a magnification factor of 21 ± 4), we derive the intrinsic properties of SPT 0538−50, including the stellar mass, far-IR luminosity, star formation rate, molecular gas mass, and—using molecular line fluxes—the excitation conditions within the interstellar medium. The derived physical properties argue that we are witnessing compact, merger-driven star formation in SPT 0538−50 similar to local starburst galaxies and unlike that seen in some other DSFGs at this epoch.
T to C Substitution at –175 or –173 of the γ-Globin Promoter Affects GATA-1 and Oct-1 Binding in Vitro Differently but Can Independently Reproduce the Hereditary Persistence of Fetal Hemoglobin Phenotype in Transgenic Mice*

The T to C substitution at position –175 of the γ-globin gene has been identified in some individuals with non-deletion hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH). In this study, the HPFH phenotype was reestablished in transgenic mice carrying the μ′LCRAγ–175ψβδβ construct, which contained a 3.1-kb μ′LCR cassette linked to a 29-kb fragment from the Aγ-to β-globin gene with the natural chromosome arrangement but with the –175 mutation, which provided evidence for this single mutation as the cause of this form of HPFH. The HPFH phenotype was also reproduced in transgenic mice carrying the μ′LCRAγ–173ψβδβ construct, in which the –175 T to C Aγ gene was substituted with the –173 T to C Aγ gene. In vitro experiments proved that the –175 mutation significantly reduced binding of Oct-1 but not GATA-1, whereas the –173 mutation dramatically decreased binding of GATA-1 but not Oct-1. These results suggest that abrogation of either GATA-1 or Oct-1 binding to this promoter region may result in the HPFH phenotype. An in vivo footprinting assay revealed that either the –175 mutation or the –173 mutation significantly decreased overall protein binding to this promoter region in adult erythrocytes of transgenic mice. We hypothesize that a multiprotein complex containing GATA-1, Oct-1, and other protein factors may contribute to the formation of a repressive chromatin structure that silences γ-globin gene expression in normal adult erythrocytes. Both the –173 and –175 T to C substitutions may disrupt the complex assembly and result in the reactivation of the γ-globin gene in adult erythrocytes.