Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Strategies towards rapid generation of forefoot model incorporating realistic geometry of metatarsals encapsulated into lumped soft tissues for personalized finite element analysis

Abstract Use of finite element (FE) foot model as a clinical diagnostics tool is likely to improve the specificity of foot injury predictions in the diabetic population. Here we proposed a novel workflow for rapid construction of foot FE model incorporating realistic geometry of metatarsals encapsulated into lumped forefoot’s soft tissues. Custom algorithms were implemented to perform unsupervised segmentation and mesh generation to directly convert CT data into a usable FE model. The automatically generated model provided higher efficiency and comparable numerical accuracy when compared to the model constructed using a traditional solid-based mesh process. The entire procedure uses MATLAB as the main platform, and makes the present approach attractive for creating personalized foot models to be used in clinical studies.
Fast nearly ML estimation of the parameters of real or complex single tones or resolved multiple tones

This paper presents new computationally efficient algorithms for estimating the parameters (frequency, amplitude, and phase) of one or more real tones (sinusoids) or complex tones (cisoids) in noise from a block of N uniformly spaced samples. The first algorithm is an interpolator that uses the peak sample in the discrete Fourier spectrum (DFS) of the data and its two neighbors. We derive Cramer-Rao bounds (CRBs) for such interpolators and show that they are very close to the CRB's for the maximum likelihood (ML) estimator. The new algorithm almost reaches these bounds. A second algorithm uses the five DFS samples centered on the peak to produce estimates even closer to ML. Enhancements are presented that maintain nearly ML performance for small values of N. For multiple complex tones with frequency separations of at least 4/spl pi//N rad/sample, unbiased estimates are obtained by incorporating the new single-tone estimators into an iterative "cyclic descent" algorithm, which is a computationally cheap nonlinear optimization. Single or multiple real tones are handled in the same way. The new algorithms are immune to nonzero mean signals and (provided N is large) remain near-optimal in colored and non-Gaussian noise.
Developing an interactive mobile phone self-report system for self-management of hypertension. Part 1: Patient and professional perspectives

Abstract Low adherence remains a struggle in hypertension management, despite improvement efforts. Presuming that increased patient participation is a possible approach, we collaborated with patients and healthcare professionals to design a self-report system to support self-management. The study aimed to explore and describe relevant aspects of hypertension and hypertension treatment, for use in the development of an interactive mobile phone self-report system. It further aimed to suggest which clinical measures, lifestyle measures, symptoms and side-effects of treatment would be meaningful to include in such a system. Five focus group interviews were performed with 15 patients and 12 healthcare professionals, and data was analysed using thematic analysis. Patients suggested trust, a good relationship with caregivers, and well-being as important aspects of hypertension self-management. Furthermore, they regarded blood pressure, dizziness, stress, headache and tiredness as important outcomes to include. Patients sought to understand interconnections between symptoms and variations in blood pressure, whilst healthcare professionals doubted patients’ ability to do so. Healthcare professionals emphasized accessibility, clear and consistent counselling, complication prevention and educational efforts. The study presents aspects of importance for follow-up to understand the interplay between blood pressure and daily life experiences for patients with hypertension.
Functional Coatings and Microencapsulation: A General Perspective

Today, many objects that we come across in our daily lives, including the house in which we live and the materials we use (e.g., toothbrushes, pots and pans, refrigerators, televisions, computers, cars, furniture) all come under the “umbrella” of coated materials. Likewise, fields such as military applications – for example, vehicles, artilleries and invisible radars – and aerospace products such as aircraft, satellites and solar panels all involve the widespread use of coated materials. Clearly, the importance of coatings has increased hugely during the modern era of technology. Coating is defined as a material (usually a liquid) which is applied onto a surface and appears as either a continuous or discontinuous film after drying. However, the process of application and the resultant dry film is also regarded as coating [1]. Drying of the liquid coating is mostly carried out by evaporative means or curing (cross-linking) by oxidative, thermal or ultraviolet light and other available methods. Paint can be defined as a dispersion that consists of binder(s), volatile components, pigments and additives (catalyst, driers, f low modifiers) [2]. The binder (polymer or resin) is the component that forms the continuous film, adheres to the substrate, and holds the pigments and fillers in the solid film. The volatile component is the solvent that is used for adjusting the viscosity of the formulation for easy application. Depending on their compositions, paints can be divided into three groups: solvent-borne, water-borne and solvent-free (100% solid). Solvent-borne paints consist of resin, additives and pigments that are dissolved or dispersed in organic solvents. Similarly, in water-borne paints the ingredients are dispersed in water. In solvent-free compositions, the paints do not contain any solvent or water and the ingredients are dispersed directly in the resin. The properties of coating films are determined by the types of binders, pigments and miscellaneous additives used in the formulation. Moreover, types of substrates, substrate pretreatments, application methods and conditions of film formation
Lymph node architecture preceding and following 6 months of potent antiviral therapy: follicular hyperplasia persists in parallel with p24 antigen restoration after involution and CD4 cell depletion in an AIDS patient.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate changes in architecture, viral RNA, and viral protein over 6 months in lymph nodes from retroviral-naïve HIV-infected persons before and after commencing highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). METHODS Nine antiretroviral-naïve HIV-infected persons had lymph nodes excised at baseline and at 2 and 6-8 months after beginning a four-drug combination regimen containing zidovudine, lamivudine, nevirapine, and indinavir. Two patients had AIDS. Lymph nodes were examined by immunohistochemical staining for Gag p24 HIV, CD3, CD21, CD20, HAM 56, and Ki67 antigens and by in-situ hybridization (ISH) for HIV RNA and H3-histone RNA. RESULTS Eight of nine baseline lymph nodes showed follicular hyperplasia and germinal center and paracortical mononuclear cell activation. At 2 months, the lymph nodes from seven patients, including the AIDS patients, showed more follicular hyperplasia and activation than their baseline specimens but with decreased mononuclear cell activation. By 6 months, seven lymph nodes were less hyperplastic and activated than their corresponding 2 month specimens. Combined ISH/immunohistochemical staining of baseline lymph nodes revealed productively infected T (CD3) and B (CD20) cells and macrophages (HAM56+). HIV RNA-positive mononuclear cells were infrequent at 2 months, and rare at 6 months. HIV RNA was still associated with follicular dendritic cells (FDC) at 2 months, but not at 6 months. HIV p24-positive antigen in germinal centers persisted through all 6, and the one 8 month specimens. The baseline lymph nodes from one of the AIDS patients was involuted and T cell depleted, whereas the follow-up lymph nodes were hyperplastic with normal T cell levels. CONCLUSION Follicular hyperplasia and cell activation, possibly caused by persistent viral protein in germinal centers, may help explain why HIV viremia rebounds so rapidly after the interruption of HAART. Restoration of architecture may follow the treatment of patients with AIDS who initially had involuted and CD4 cell-depleted lymph nodes.
Proportioning Fly Ash Concrete Mixes For Strength and Economy

A METHOD IS PRESENTED FOR PROPORTIONING FLY WITH CEMENT TO PRODUCE CONCRETE OF EQUAL STRENGTHS AT 28 AND 90 DAYS TO CONCRETE WITHOUT FLY ASH. THE METHOD WAS DEVELOPED BY THE TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY (TVA) AS A RESULT OF USING FLY ASH IN ALL CLASSES OF CONCRETE FOR THE PAST 12 YEARS. EFFECTS OF DIFFERING PROPORTIONS OF FLY ASH ON WATER REQUIREMENTS, STRENGTH, AND ECONOMY ARE GIVEN. THE EFFECTS OF FINENESS AND CARBON CONTENT OF FLY ASH AND VARIATIONS IN STRENGTH OF CEMENTS ON CEMENT REQUIREMENTS ARE DISCUSSED. COMPARISONS ARE MADE BETWEEN THE CEMENT REQUIREMENTS AS DETERMINED BY THIS METHOD WITH THE CEMENT ACTUALLY REQUIRED BY TESTS FROM THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS, TVA, AND BAYS MOUNTAIN CONSTRUCTION COMPANY. THE COMPARISONS WERE MADE USING AT LEAST NINE DIFFERENT SUPPLIERS OF CEMENT AND EIGHT DIFFERENT FLY ASHES, FOUR OF WHICH WOULD NOT MEET FEDERAL AND ASTM SPECIFICATIONS. /AUTHOR /
Location-based Mobile Learning for Higher Education Students - Developing an Application to Support Critical Thinking

The increasing adoption of smart phones and tablets has opened up many opportunities for the use of new technologies in ways that can benefit. The challenge is to try and match the technology to educational activities that can be adapted to students’ current practices and levels of ability, thus enriching their learning experience. Many higher education students’ assignments require critical thinking and analysis and students with rudimentary skills need a high level of guidance and support. This paper presents the background to an intervention, which is currently in the early stages of design, to develop students’ critical thinking skills using location-based mobile learning. It is hoped that this intervention, which will involve the use of a mobile application, will enrich students’ independent learning experiences by providing contextually relevant knowledge to enhance their analysisin various situations.
Modeling the inattention of a human driving a car

Abstract This paper proposes a method to measure the effects of the driver's visual inattention. In addition, the driver's inattention is associated with a time delay, the same that is defined such that it produces a similar effect on the car motion. This interpretation will allow the use of classic tools present in the control theory for time delayed systems in the case of a driver, who is maneuvering a car to follow a path taking into account its possible inattention. Experimental results using a driving simulator are presented with the on-line measure of the inattention level.
Upregulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase by HMG CoA reductase inhibitors.

BACKGROUND Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) causes endothelial dysfunction in part by decreasing the availability of endothelial nitric oxide (NO). Although HMG CoA reductase inhibitors restore endothelial function by reducing serum cholesterol levels, it is not known whether they can also directly upregulate endothelial NO synthase (ecNOS) activity. METHODS AND RESULTS Human saphenous vein endothelial cells were treated with ox-LDL (50 microg/mL thiobarbituric acid reactive substances 12 to 16 nmol/mg) in the presence of HMG CoA reductase inhibitors simvastatin and lovastatin. In a time-dependent manner, ox-LDL decreased ecNOS mRNA and protein levels (91+/-4% and 67+/-8% reduction after 72 hours, respectively). Both simvastatin (1 micromol/L) and lovastatin (10 micromol/L) upregulated ecNOS expression by 3.8-fold and 3.6-fold, respectively, and completely prevented its downregulation by ox-LDL. These effects of simvastatin on ecNOS expression correlated with changes in ecNOS activity. Although L-mevalonate alone did not affect ecNOS expression, cotreatment with L-mevalonate completely reversed ecNOS upregulation by simvastatin. Actinomycin D studies revealed that simvastatin stabilized ecNOS mRNA (tau1/2, 43 versus 35 hours). Nuclear run-on assays and transient transfection studies with a -1.6 kb ecNOS promoter construct showed that simvastatin did not affect ecNOS gene transcription. CONCLUSIONS Inhibition of endothelial HMG CoA reductase upregulates ecNOS expression predominantly by posttranscriptional mechanisms. These findings suggest that HMG CoA reductase inhibitors may have beneficial effects in atherosclerosis beyond that attributed to the lowering of serum cholesterol by increasing ecNOS activity.
A Case Study on Various Recommendation Systems

The goal of a recommender system is to generate relevant recommendations for users. It is an information filtering technique that assists users by filtering the redundant and unwanted data from a data chunk and delivers relevant information to the users. An information system is known as recommendation engine when the delivered information comes in the form of suggestions. Since different users have different interests, the information filtering system must be personalized to accommodate the individual users interests. This requires gathering of feedbacks from the user in order to make a user profile of his preferences. Recommender systems have become extremely common in the recent years, and are applied in a variety of fields. Usually recommender systems are based on the keyword search which allows the efficient scanning of very large document collections. Recommender systems typically produce a list of recommendations through collaborative or content-based filtering techniques.Different recommendation systems are available for different scenarios. In this paper, a detailed review of various recommendation systems is presented.
Enhanced Motor Imagery-Based BCI Performance via Tactile Stimulation on Unilateral Hand

Brain-computer interface (BCI) has attracted great interests for its effectiveness in assisting disabled people. However, due to the poor BCI performance, this technique is still far from daily-life applications. One of critical issues confronting BCI research is how to enhance BCI performance. This study aimed at improving the motor imagery (MI) based BCI accuracy by integrating MI tasks with unilateral tactile stimulation (Uni-TS). The effects were tested on both healthy subjects and stroke patients in a controlled study. Twenty-two healthy subjects and four stroke patients were recruited and randomly divided into a control-group and an enhanced-group. In the control-group, subjects performed two blocks of conventional MI tasks (left hand vs. right hand), with 80 trials in each block. In the enhanced-group, subjects also performed two blocks of MI tasks, but constant tactile stimulation was applied on the non-dominant/paretic hand during MI tasks in the second block. We found the Uni-TS significantly enhanced the contralateral cortical activations during MI of the stimulated hand, whereas it had no influence on activation patterns during MI of the non-stimulated hand. The two-class BCI decoding accuracy was significantly increased from 72.5% (MI without Uni-TS) to 84.7% (MI with Uni-TS) in the enhanced-group (p < 0.001, paired t-test). Moreover, stroke patients in the enhanced-group achieved an accuracy >80% during MI with Uni-TS. This novel approach complements the conventional methods for BCI enhancement without increasing source information or complexity of signal processing. This enhancement via Uni-TS may facilitate clinical applications of MI-BCI.
Deep diving in the blood stem cell‐ome

Defining the functional distinctions between cells comprising the bone marrow has yielded fundamental insights into lineage ordering and drivers of blood cell production. A novel, highly granular and multi‐dimensional molecular characterization of functional subsets of hematopoietic stem‐ and progenitor cells recently published in Cell Stem Cell (Cabezas‐Wallscheid et al, ) will serve as a landmark and treasure trove for unanticipated insights into basic biology and the development of future targeted medicine.
Structure and Dynamics of Information in Networks

Preface The present notes are derived from a course taught at the University of Southern California. The focus of the course is on the mathematical and algorithmic theory underpinning the connections between networks and information. These connections take two predominant forms: • Network structure itself encodes a lot of information. For instance, friendships between individuals let us draw inferences about shared interests or other attributes (location, gender, etc.). Similarly, hyperlinks between documents indicate similar topics, but can also be interested as endorsements, and thus hint at quality. The list of scenarios in which network structure helps us interpret information about individual nodes continues beyond this list, and will be explored in more detail throughout these notes. • Networks also play a crucial role in disseminating or gathering information. This applies both to social networks, in which communication between individuals happens naturally, and computer networks, which are designed explicitly to facilitate the exchange of information and distributed computations. We will draw analogies between the two types of networks, and investigate the mathematical underpinnings of the diffusion of information over networks in the later chapters of these notes. These notes are designed to accompany a one-semester graduate-level course in computer science. We assume a solid mathematical background, and familiarity with basic algorithmic techniques, including flows and cuts; the necessary topics are covered in textbooks by Kleinberg and Tardos [222] and Cormen et al. [101]. In particular, we will assume familiarity with Linear Programming (see, e.g., [88, 201]) and the concept of approximation algorithms [179, 329], as well as with basic notions of randomization in algorithms [258, 266]. A basic understanding of graph theory is also required (see, e.g., [50, 116]). Several recent books cover topics overlapping with the content of these notes. " The Structure and Dynamics of Networks " [277] by Newman, Barabási and Watts collects a number of recent papers on network analysis and epidemic processes on networks, predominantly with a physics bent in the type of analysis. The collection " Network Analysis " edited by Brandes and Erlebach [62] covers many of the algorithmic and mathematical foundations of static network analysis. The recent book " Social and Economic Networks " [190] by Matthew Jackson covers several of the same problems studied here, in particular the diffusion of innovations and modeling and properties of networks. Its focus tends to be on essentially uniformly random models of networks, and mean-field approximations …
A modified slip model for gas lubrication at nanoscale head-disk interface

In this work, we derive a modified slip model for gas lubrication based on the effective viscosity concept and a kinetic-theory-based slip-boundary condition. A more accurate expression for the effective mean-free path is proposed, which can overcome the deficiency of other slip models in predicting effective mean-free path. In comparison with the existing slip models, such as the first, second, and 1.5-order slip models, the current slip model agrees well with F-K model over the entire flow regimes and therefore is expected to be more accurate for ultra-thin gas film lubrication at head-disk interface.
Simulation Experiments with Bio-inspired Algorithms for Odor Source Localization in Laminar Wind Flow

We compare three bio-inspired odor source localization algorithm (casting, surge-spiral and surge-cast) for environments with a main wind flow in simulation. The wind flow is laminar and the simulation setup similar to the setup in the wind tunnel in which we have carried out similar experiments with real robots. The algorithms are compared in terms of success rate and distance overhead when tracking the plume up to the source. We conclude that the algorithms based on upwind surge yield significantly better performance than pure casting.
Computed Tomography of Epidural Hematomas

Computed tomography was carried out in 24 patients with epidural hematomas. The development of symptoms was noted as was the clinical state on admission and after treatment. The clinical picture was correlated to the size of the hematomas and to presence and size of associated intracranial lesions. All patients with epidural hematomas but without other intracranial lesions, had either a symptom-free interval or latent period after the initial trauma. More than 40 per cent of patients with associated intracranial lesions also had a free interval or a latent period. The clinical state on admission was limited prognostic value unless the pain reactions were extinguished, which indicated a bad prognosis. Shearing injury of the white matter was also unfavourable. Three patients died, constituting a mortality of 12.5 per cent in the present series.
DFKI’s experimental hybrid MT system for WMT 2015

DFKI participated in the shared translation task of WMT 2015 with the GermanEnglish language pair in each translation direction. The submissions were generated using an experimental hybrid system based on three systems: a statistical Moses system, a commercial rule-based system, and a serial coupling of the two where the output of the rule-based system is further translated by Moses trained on parallel text consisting of the rule-based output and the original target language. The outputs of three systems are combined using two methods: (a) an empirical selection mechanism based on grammatical features (primary submission) and (b) IBM1 models based on POS 4-grams (contrastive submission).
The effect of water diuresis on spread of bacteria through the urinary tract.

bacteria in the left kidney. Similarly, with enterococcal or S. aureus infections, titers in the right kidney were equivalent in diuresing and nondiuresing rats. In cases of infection due to E. coli, the right kidneys of rats drinking 596 glucose in water had much higher titers of bacteria than those of rats drinking tap water. All three species of bacteria multiplied more rapidly in vitro in urine from diuresing rats than in urine from nondiuresing rats. Histological studies demonstrated marked pyelonephritis of all left kidneys. The right kidneys showed histological changes only in rats with titers of 105 or more per kidney. Many of these kidneys showed marked infiltration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the medulla just beneath the epithelium lining the papilla.