Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
RTD-based smart temperature sensor: Process development and circuit design

Planar resistance temperature detector, RTD, can be manufactured with microelectronics processing techniques. However, the manufactured planar resistor requires an extra step for adjustment of the 0degC reference resistance, R 0. In this paper, we have evaluated the fabrication of nickel-RTD transducers for smart temperature sensors. By applying the smart sensor concept, the resistance adjustment step is avoided, as the calibration curve can be stored in the Transducer Electronics Datasheet (TEDS). The RTDs have been fabricated by thermal evaporation of nickel onto an alumina substrate. Calibration curves have been measured as a function of temperature, and a high linearity is observed. Two different prototypes for the conditioning and processing electronics are analyzed.
Parameter Selection for Graph Cut Based Image Segmentation

The graph cut based approach has become very popular for interactive segmentation of the object of interest from the background. One of the most important and yet largely unsolved issues in the graph cut segmentation framework is parameter selection. Parameters are usually fixed beforehand by the developer of the algorithm. There is no single setting of parameters, however, that will result in the best possible segmentation for any general image. Usually each image has its own optimal set of parameters. If segmentation of an image is not as desired under the current setting of parameters, the user can always perform more interaction until the desired results are achieved. However, significant interaction may be required if parameter settings are far from optimal. In this paper, we develop an algorithm for automatic parameter selection. We design a measure of segmentation quality based on different features of segmentation that are combined using AdaBoost. Then we run the graph cut segmentation algorithm for different parameter values and choose the segmentation of highest quality according to our learnt measure. We develop a new way to normalize feature weights for the AdaBoost based classifier which is particularly suitable for our framework. Experimental results show a success rate of 95.6% for parameter selection.
Effect of vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptor KDR on human airway smooth muscle cells proliferation.

Airway remodeling with inflammatory cell infiltration, epithelial shedding, basement membrane thickening and increased mass of airway smooth muscle (ASM) is an important determinant of bronchial obstruction and hyperresponsiveness in asthma. ~(1,2) Increased ASM mass is by far the most important abnormality responsible for excessive airway narrowing and compliance of the airway wall in asthma. ~(1-3) ASM growth and proliferation in asthma is a complex phenomenon of which the underlying mechanisms are difficult to investigate in vivo. The increased amount of ASM in asthmatics is an indication of abnormal cell proliferation and growth, but little is known regarding the molecular mechanisms and factors that regulate ASM cell proliferation and growth in asthma.
Gerotranscendence: A Developmental Theory of Positive Aging

Expanding upon his earlier writings, Dr. Tornstam's latest book explores the need for new theories in gerontology and sets the stage for the development of his theory of gerotranscendence. This theory was developed to address what the author sees as a perpetual mismatch between present theories in social gerontology and existing empirical data. The development towards gerotranscendence can involve some overlooked developmental changes that are related to increased life satisfaction, as self-described by individuals. The gerotranscendent individual typically experiences a redefinition of the Self and of relationships to others and a new understanding of fundamental existential questions: the individual becomes less self-occupied and at the same time more selective in the choice of social and other activities. There is an increased feeling of affinity with past generations and a decreased interest in superfluous social interaction. The individual might also experience a decrease in interest in material things and a greater need for solitary ""meditation. "" Positive solitude becomes more important. There is also often a feeling of cosmic communion with the spirit of the universe, and a redefinition of time, space, life and death. Gerotranscendence does not imply any state of withdrawal or disengagement, as sometimes erroneously believed. It is not the old disengagement theory in new disguise. Rather, it is a theory that describes a developmental pattern beyond the old dualism of activity and disengagement. The author supports his theory with insightful qualitative in-depth interviews with older persons and quantitative studies. In addition, Tornstam illustrates the practical implications of the theory of gerotranscendence for professionals working with older adults in care settings. A useful Appendix contains suggestions of how to facilitate personal development toward gerotranscendence.
Localization of neutralizing regions of the envelope gene of feline leukemia virus by using anti-synthetic peptide antibodies

We synthesized 27 synthetic peptides corresponding to approximately 80% of the sequences encoding gp70 and p15E of Gardner-Arnstein feline leukemia virus (FeLV) subtype B. The peptides were conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin and injected into rabbits for preparation of antipeptide antisera. These sera were then tested for their ability to neutralize a broad range of FeLV isolates in vitro. Eight peptides elicited neutralizing responses against subtype B isolates. Five of these peptides corresponded to sequences of gp70 and three to p15E. The ability of these antipeptide antisera to neutralize FeLV subtypes A and C varied. In certain circumstances, failure to neutralize a particular isolate corresponded to sequence changes within the corresponding peptide region. However, four antibodies which preferentially neutralized the subtype B viruses were directed to epitopes in common with Sarma subtype C virus. These results suggest that distal changes in certain subtypes (possibly glycosylation differences) alter the availability of certain epitopes in one virus isolate relative to another. We prepared a "nest" of overlapping peptides corresponding to one of the neutralizing regions of gp70 and performed slot blot analyses with both antipeptide antibodies and a monoclonal antibody which recognized this epitope. We were able to define a five-amino-acid sequence required for reactivity. Comparisons were made between an anti-synthetic peptide antibody and a monoclonal antibody reactive to this epitope for the ability to bind both peptide and virus, as well as to neutralize virus in vitro. Both the anti-synthetic peptide and the monoclonal antibodies bound peptide and virus to high titers. However, the monoclonal antibody had a 4-fold-higher titer against virus and a 10-fold-higher neutralizing titer than did the anti-synthetic peptide antibody. Competition assays were performed with these two antibodies adjusted to equivalent antivirus titers against intact virions affixed to tissue culture plates. The monoclonal antibody had a greater ability to compete for virus binding, which suggested that differences in neutralizing titers may relate to the relative affinities of these antisera for the peptide conformation in the native structure.
Analgesia After Thoracotomy: Effects of Epidural Fentanyl Concentration/Infusion Rate

After thoracotomy some patients have discomfort, primarily in the rostral portion of their incisions.In this prospective, randomized study in 66 patients after lateral thoracotomy we evaluated whether, for equal fentanyl dosage in micrograms per kilogram, epidural infusion (lumbar catheter) of fentanyl 5 micro gram/mL provided better segmental analgesia (including the rostral portion of the incision) than a 10-micro gram/mL concentration infused at a rate half that used in the 5-micro gram/mL group. Ketorolac was used as an analgesic adjunct for nonincisional pain. Postoperative epidural fentanyl infusion included a 1-micro gram/kg initial dose and an initial infusion rate of 1 micro gram centered dot kg-1 centered dot h-1 in both the 5-micro gram/mL and 10-micro gram/mL groups. Patients were evaluated for comfort level and pain relief while resting, taking a deep breath, coughing, and ambulating at eight times over 3 days using two visual analog scales for overall comfort and a verbal rating score (VRS) for segmental analgesia. There were no significant differences in demographics, surgical procedure, intraoperative fentanyl dose, side effects, rates of epidural fentanyl infusion, or total epidural fentanyl doses at 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 h postbolus. Analgesia was effective in both groups. Although overall comfort levels were lower (i.e., indicated greater comfort) in the 5-micro gram/mL group in 6 of 8 visual analog scores (VASs) for comfort level and 20 of 24 VRSs for comfort level scores, and mean VRSs for the rostral portion of the incision were lower (i.e., indicated greater comfort) in the 5-micro gram/mL group at 21 of 24 evaluation subsets (one statistically significant), statistical significance was achieved in only six evaluation subsets. There were no significant differences between the two groups in averages of comfort level scores for the upper, middle, and lower portions of the incisions. Ketorolac was not a confounding variable. Lumbar epidural infusions of fentanyl can provide effective analgesia after thoracotomy; using lower concentrations at higher infusion rates is beneficial for some patients. (Anesth Analg 1995;81:973-81)
Parallels between Student Responses to Works of Art and Existing Aesthetic Theory.

The purpose of this study was to determine those aspects of a structured museum experience recalled 18 months after the museum visit. Participants were given a brief research statement, "Tell everything you can remember about going to Atlanta to the High Museum of Art," and allotted ten minutes alone to record their responses using an ordinary tape recorder. The recordings were transcribed and analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Findings indicated that the students vividly recalled the visual images encountered in the experience and that 43% of the students, untutored in aesthetic theory, revealed personal conceptions of art within their responses, and that these conceptions paralleled selected aesthetic theories. This paper summarizes those findings with implications drawn for art instruction designed to increase higher-order understanding of works of art.
Outcome after Achilles tendon lengthening with a posterior capsulolysis according to Imhäuser in idiopathic congenital clubfoot.

BACKGROUND The Ponseti method has radically reduced the need for extensive surgical treatment in idiopathic clubfoot. At present there are no universally accepted criteria for the use of the various surgical techniques. MATERIAL AND METHODS 77 patients with idiopathic congenital clubfoot (111 affected feet) were treated according to Imhäuser. The operative release included z-shaped Achilles tendon lengthening and a posterior capsulolysis of the talocrural and talocalcaneal joint. In case of relapse in infancy and school age, a transfer of the tendon of the anterior tibial muscle (n=26) and a release of the alonavicular, navicular cuneiform I and cuneiform metatarsal I joints (n=15) were carried out. 49 patients with 70 clubfeet were followed up at a mean age of 9.8 years (+/- 7 years) and the length of follow-up averaged 8.6 years (+/- 6.2 years). RESULTS In 71.4% (50 feet) a "very good" or "good" correction of shape and in 64.2% (45 feet) "very good" or "good" function was achieved. A statistically significant correlation was found between delayed onset of walking and the risk of revision surgery due to a relapse of the deformity. CONCLUSIONS Important problems in the treatment of clubfoot according to Imhäuser in our study were residual partial forefoot adduction and restriction of mobility in the upper ankle joint. Our analysis of radiographs showed that despite unsatisfactory X-ray findings, clinical correction and mobility were good. Rigid congenital clubfeet, however, require peritalar releases.
Fast Processing of Large Graph Applications Using Asynchronous Architecture

Graph algorithms and techniques are increasingly being used in scientific and commercial applications to express relations and explore large data sets. Although conventional or commodity computer architectures, like CPU or GPU, can compute fairly well dense graph algorithms, they are often inadequate in processing large sparse graph applications. Memory access patterns, memory bandwidth requirements and on-chip network communications in these applications do not fit in the conventional program execution flow. In this work, we propose and design a new architecture for fast processing of large graph applications. To leverage the lack of the spatial and temporal localities in these applications and to support scalable computational models, we design the architecture around two key concepts. (1) The architecture is a multicore processor of independently clocked processing elements. These elements communicate in a self-timed manner and use handshaking to perform synchronization, communication, and sequencing of operations. By being asynchronous, the operating speed at each processing element is determined by actual local latencies rather than global worst-case latencies. We create a specialized ISA to support these operations. (2) The application compilation and mapping process uses a graph clustering algorithm to optimize parallel computing of graph operations and load balancing. Through the clustering process, we make scalability an inherent property of the architecture where task-to-element mapping can be done at the graph node level or at node cluster level. A prototyped version of the architecture outperforms a comparable CPU by 10~20x across all benchmarks and provides 2~5x better power efficiency when compared to a GPU.
A momentum‐based deformation system for granular material

Computer graphics animation often lacks interaction between rigid object and granular material. In this paper, we propose a method for the deformation of the ground surface that consists of granular material when it is penetrated by a rigid body object in motion. Meanwhile, the motion of the rigid object is also affected due to the collision with the ground surface. Our simulation model concerns: updating the motion of object, the collision detection between the rigid object and the ground surface, the distribution of the ground granular material and the deformation of the ground surface. Our contribution is that we present a method to simulate the interaction between the ground granular material and the rigid body object in motion. Moreover, a render to texture method is presented to accelerate the ray casting collision detection between the ground surface and the object. And, our implementation for the method can be simulated at interactive frame rates. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SU(3) × SU(3) compactification and mirror duals of magnetic fluxes

This paper analyses type II string theories in backgrounds which admit an SU(3) × SU(3) structure. Such backgrounds are designed to linearly realize eight out of the original 32 supercharges and as a consequence the low-energy effective action can be written in terms of couplings which are closely related to the couplings of four-dimensional N = 2 theories. This generalizes the previously studied case of SU(3) backgrounds in that the left- and right-moving sector each have a different globally defined spinor. Given a truncation to a finite number of modes, these backgrounds lead to a conventional four-dimensional low-energy effective theory. The results are manifestly mirror symmetric and give terms corresponding to the mirror dual couplings of Calabi-Yau compactifications with magnetic fluxes. It is argued, however, that generically such backgrounds are non-geometric and hence the supergravity analysis is not strictly valid. Remarkably, the naive generalization of the geometrical expressions nonetheless appears to give the correct low-energy effective theory.
Regorafenib for the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma

ABSTRACT Introduction: Sorafenib is the standard of care for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and well preserved liver function. However, until recent approval of regorafenib by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), no effective therapeutic options were available for patients resistant to sorafenib. Areas covered: The present article reviews the preclinical and clinical data of regorafenib, putting them into the context of current and future landscape of treatment options for patients with HCC. Recently, the randomized, placebo-controlled, Phase III RESORCE trial, demonstrated a statistically and clinically significant increase in overall survival from 7.8 months with placebo to 10.6 months with regorafenib in patients progressing on sorafenib. Furthermore, the study showed a significant improvement in all the other efficacy endpoints. Main adverse events were hypertension, hand-foot skin reaction, fatigue and diarrhea, with no negative impact on quality of life. Expert commentary: Regorafenib is a recently approved treatment option for HCC patients who have been previously treated with sorafenib. The RESORCE trial demonstrates the beneficial effect of a sequential approach involving two multikinase inhibitors, namely sorafenib and regorafenib, whose antitumor activity extends beyond their antiangiogenic functions.
Genetic analysis of chromosome 20-related posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy: genetic heterogeneity and exclusion of three candidate genes

Purpose Posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy (PPCD) is a genetically heterogeneous autosomal dominant condition which maps to the pericentromeric region of chromosome 20. Mutations in the VSX1 transcription factor have been reported in patients affected with PPCD, keratoconus, or a combination of both phenotypes. However, no mutation was identified in the coding region of VSX1 in the family used for the original mapping. To clarify the genetic basis of PPCD1, a thorough analysis was performed on the original PPCD1 family and two other PPCD1-linked families. As part of the analysis, the expression profile, transcript variants, and evolutionary conserved regions of VSX1, a key candidate gene within the linkage interval, were characterized. Methods Haplotype analysis was performed using highly informative markers on the pericentromeric region of chromosome 20. VSX1 transcript variants were identified using RT–PCR and characterized by 3′RACE assay. Temporal expression profile of VSX1 was evaluated using semi-quantitative real-time RT–PCR on human tissues. Evolutionary conserved regions (ECRs) were identified in the vicinity of VSX1 using publicly available sequence alignments (UCSC and rVista) and sequenced for mutation analysis. Results Recombination events were identified that narrow the PPCD1-disease interval from 20 to 16.44 cM. This smaller interval includes the CHED1 locus and a recently described PPCD locus in Czech families. The three strongest candidate genes of the PPCD1-CHED1 overlap region (RBBP9, ZNF133, SLC24A3) did not show any mutations in our PPCD1-linked families. Semi-quantitative real-time RT–PCR detected VSX1 expression in neonatal human cornea. Six transcript variants of VSX1 were characterized. Four of the transcript variants spliced to two novel exons downstream of the gene. Mutation analysis of the PPCD1-linked families did not reveal any mutations in the full genomic sequence of VSX1 (considering all splice variants) or in the six cis- regulatory modules predicted in the vicinity of VSX1 (100 kb). Conclusions This is the first documentation of VSX1 expression in human neonatal cornea. We provide evidence for genetic heterogeneity of chromosome 20-related PPCD and refinement of the original PPCD1 interval. The full genomic sequence of VSX1 and coding exons of three other candidate genes were excluded from being pathogenic in the original PPCD1 family.
Machine Learning Techniques for Real-time Improvisational Solo Trading

This paper introduces a new melody generation scheme that en ables customized interaction between a live, improvising musici an and the computer. This scheme provides a method for integrating a mo del that was learned to describe the user’s tonal, melodic-inte rval and -contour trends into a stochastic process that, when sample d, produces sequences that exhibit similar trends while also seam lessly integrating with the local environment. This algorithm’s m usical performance is evaluated both quantitatively, using tradi tional machine learning techniques, and qualitatively, exploring i ts behavior in the context of Bebop saxophonist Charlie Parker.
Autophagy restricts Chlamydia trachomatis growth in human macrophages via IFNG-inducible guanylate binding proteins

Interferon γ (IFNG) is a key host response regulator of intracellular pathogen replication, including that of Chlamydia spp The antichlamydial functions of IFNG manifest in a strictly host, cell-type and chlamydial strain dependent manner. It has been recently shown that the IFNG-inducible family of immunity-related GTPases (IRG) proteins plays a key role in the defense against nonhost adapted chlamydia strains in murine epithelial cells. In humans, IFN-inducible guanylate binding proteins (hGBPs) have been shown to potentiate the antichlamydial effect of IFNG; however, how hGBPs regulate this property of IFNG is unknown. In this study, we identified hGBP1/2 as important resistance factors against C. trachomatis infection in IFNG-stimulated human macrophages. Exogenous IFNG reduced chlamydial infectivity by 50 percent in wild-type cells, whereas shRNA hGBP1/2 knockdown macrophages fully supported chlamydial growth in the presence of exogenous IFNG. hGBP1/2 were recruited to bacterial inclusions in human macrophages upon stimulation with IFNG, which triggered rerouting of the typically nonfusogenic bacterial inclusions for lysosomal degradation. Inhibition of lysosomal activity and autophagy impaired the IFNG-mediated elimination of inclusions. Thus, hGBP1/2 are critical effectors of antichlamydial IFNG responses in human macrophages. Through their capacity to remodel classically nonfusogenic chlamydial inclusions and stimulate fusion with autophagosomes, hGBP1/2 disable a major chlamydial virulence mechanism and contribute to IFNG-mediated pathogen clearance.