Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dorsal inlay buccal mucosal graft (Asopa) urethroplasty for anterior urethral stricture

Asopa described the inlay of a graft into Snodgrass’s longitudinal urethral plate incision using a ventral sagittal urethrotomy approach in 2001. He claimed that this technique was easier to perform and led to less tissue ischemia due to no need for mobilization of the urethra. This approach has subsequently been popularized among reconstructive urologists as the dorsal inlay urethroplasty or Asopa technique. Depending on the location of the stricture, either a subcoronal circumferential incision is made for penile strictures, or a midline perineal incision is made for bulbar strictures. Other approaches for penile urethral strictures include the non-circumferential penile incisional approach and a penoscrotal approach. We generally prefer the circumferential degloving approach for penile urethral strictures. The penis is de-gloved and the urethra is split ventrally to exposure the stricture. It is then deepened to include the full thickness of the dorsal urethra. The dorsal surface is made raw and grafts are fixed on the urethral surface. Quilting sutures are placed to further anchor the graft. A Foley catheter is placed and the urethra is retubularized in two layers with special attention to the staggering of suture lines. The skin incision is then closed in layers. We have found that it is best to perform an Asopa urethroplasty when the urethral plate is ≥1 cm in width. The key to when to use the dorsal inlay technique all depends on the width of the urethral plate once the urethrotomy is performed, stricture etiology, and stricture location (penile vs. bulb).
Value of α-smooth muscle actin and glial fibrillary acidic protein in predicting early hepatic fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C virus infection

Introduction α-Smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)-positive hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are pericytes responsible for fibrosis in chronic liver injury. The glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), commonly expressed by astrocytes in the central nervous system, is expressed in vivo in the liver in a subpopulation of quiescent stellate cells. The reports concerning GFAP expression in human liver are still conflicting. The aim of the study is investigation the utility of GFAP compared to α-SMA as an indicator of early activated HSCs, in predicting fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients. Material and methods With immunohistochemistry and a semi-quantitative scoring system, the expressions of α-SMA and GFAP on HSCs in liver biopsies from patients with pure CHC (n = 34), hepatitis C virus-induced cirrhosis (n = 24), mixed CHC/schistosomiasis (n = 11) and normal controls (n = 10) were analysed. Results The immunoreactivity of α-SMA and GFAP in perisinusoidal, periportal and pericentral areas was assessed. α-Smooth muscle actin and GFAP-positive HSCs were significantly increased in all diseased groups compared with normal controls. In pure CHC with or without cirrhosis, perisinusoidal α-SMA-positive HSCs were predominant in relation to GFAP-positive cells. On the other hand, GFAP-positive cells were predominant in the group of schistosomiasis as compared with the other diseased groups. It was noticed that expression of GFAP on perisinusoidal HSCs in CHC patients sequentially decreased with the progression of fibrosis. Conclusions Glial fibrillary acidic protein could represent a more useful marker than α-SMA of early activation of HSCs in CHC patients and seems to be an early indicator of hepatic fibrogenesis.
Visualization of Melanosome Dynamics within Wild-Type and Dilute Melanocytes Suggests a Paradigm for Myosin V Function In Vivo

Unlike wild-type mouse melanocytes, where melanosomes are concentrated in dendrites and dendritic tips, melanosomes in dilute (myosin Va−) melanocytes are concentrated in the cell center. Here we sought to define the role that myosin Va plays in melanosome transport and distribution. Actin filaments that comprise a cortical shell running the length of the dendrite were found to exhibit a random orientation, suggesting that myosin Va could drive the outward spreading of melanosomes by catalyzing random walks. In contrast to this mechanism, time lapse video microscopy revealed that melanosomes undergo rapid (∼1.5 μm/s) microtubule-dependent movements to the periphery and back again. This bidirectional traffic occurs in both wild-type and dilute melanocytes, but it is more obvious in dilute melanocytes because the only melanosomes in their periphery are those undergoing this movement. While providing an efficient means to transport melanosomes to the periphery, this component does not by itself result in their net accumulation there. These observations, together with previous studies showing extensive colocalization of myosin Va and melanosomes in the actin-rich periphery, suggest a mechanism in which a myosin Va–dependent interaction of melanosomes with F-actin in the periphery prevents these organelles from returning on microtubules to the cell center, causing their distal accumulation. This “capture” model is supported by the demonstration that (a) expression of the myosin Va tail domain within wild-type cells creates a dilute-like phenotype via a process involving initial colocalization of tail domains with melanosomes in the periphery, followed by an ∼120-min, microtubule-based redistribution of melanosomes to the cell center; (b) microtubule-dependent melanosome movement appears to be damped by myosin Va; (c) intermittent, microtubule-independent, ∼0.14 μm/s melanosome movements are seen only in wild-type melanocytes; and (d) these movements do not drive obvious spreading of melanosomes over 90 min. We conclude that long-range, bidirectional, microtubule-dependent melanosome movements, coupled with actomyosin Va–dependent capture of melanosomes in the periphery, is the predominant mechanism responsible for the centrifugal transport and peripheral accumulation of melanosomes in mouse melanocytes. This mechanism represents an alternative to straightforward transport models when interpreting other myosin V mutant phenotypes.
Local corticosteroid injection in sport: review of literature and guidelines for treatment

The risks and benefits of local injection therapy of overuse sports injuries with cortisteroids are reviewed here. Injection of corticosteroid inside the tendon has a deleterious effect on the tendon tissue and should be unanimously condemned. No reliable proof exists of the deleterious effects of peritendinous injections. Too many conclusions in the literature are based on poor scientific evidence and it is just the reiteration of a dogma if all steroid injections are abandoned. The corticosteroids represent an adjuvant treatment in the overall management of sports injuries: basic treatment is ‘active’ rest and graduated rehabilitation within the limits of pain. With proper indications there are only few and trivial complications that may occur with corticosteroid injections. Guidelines for proper local injection therapy with corticosteroids are given.
Social tourism programmes for the senior market: a benefit segmentation analysis

The senior market has gained increasing interest from the tourism industry, mainly because of its considerable size and time flexibility. However, seniors are also a group facing many constraints to participating in tourism, which has led some countries to promote social tourism programmes for this market. However, little is known about the success of these programmes, while research showing the benefits derived by participants would be useful to continuously improve these initiatives. This paper presents a segmentation analysis of senior participants in a Portuguese social tourism programme, based on benefits derived. A questionnaire-based survey was undertaken, yielding a total of 848 valid responses, which were subjected to a hierarchical cluster analysis. Three clusters emerged: the least benefitted, the most benefitted and active and the highly benefitted and locally socializing seniors. The clusters were compared regarding socio-demographic profile, travel behaviour, satisfaction and loyalty. Several statistically significant differences among the clusters were observable, providing relevant inputs for managing social tourism programmes for this market.
Magnetar oscillations pose challenges for strange stars

Compact relativistic stars allow us to study the nature of matter under extreme conditions, probing regions of parameter space that are otherwise inaccessible. Nuclear theory in this regime is not well constrained: one key issue is whether neutron stars are in fact composed primarily of strange quark matter. Distinguishing the two possibilities, however, has been difficult. The recent detection of seismic vibrations in the aftermath of giant flares from two magnetars (highly magnetized compact stars) is a major breakthrough. The oscillations excited seem likely to involve the stellar crust, the properties of which differ dramatically for strange stars. We show that the resulting mode frequencies cannot be reconciled with the observations for reasonable magnetar parameters. Ruling out strange star models would place a strong constraint on models of dense quark matter.
Sec‐dependent membrane protein insertion: sequential interaction of nascent FtsQ with SecY and YidC

Recent studies identified YidC as a novel membrane factor that may play a key role in membrane insertion of inner membrane proteins (IMPs), both in conjunction with the Sec‐translocase and as a separate entity. Here, we show that the type II IMP FtsQ requires both the translocase and, to a lesser extent, YidC in vivo. Using photo‐crosslinking we demonstrate that the transmembrane (TM) domain of the nascent IMP FtsQ inserts into the membrane close to SecY and lipids, and moves to a combined YidC/lipid environment upon elongation. These data are consistent with a crucial role for YidC in the lateral transfer of TM domains from the Sec translocase into the lipid bilayer.
Phytochemicals Mediated Remediation of Neurotoxicity Induced by Heavy Metals

Almost all the environmental components including both the abiotic and biotic factors have been consistently threatened by excessive contamination of heavy metals continuously released from various sources. Different heavy metals have been reported to generate adverse effects in many ways. Heavy metals induced neurotoxicity and impairment in signalling cascade leading to cell death (apoptosis) has been indicated by several workers. On one hand, these metals are required by the cellular systems to regulate various biological functions of normal cells, while on the other their biomagnification in the cellular systems produces adverse effects. The mechanism by which the heavy metals induce neurotoxicity follows free radicals production pathway(s) specially the generation of reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species. These free radicals produced in excess have been shown to create an imbalance between the oxidative and antioxidative systems leading to emergence of oxidative stress, which may cause necrosis, DNA damage, and many neurodegenerative disorders. This mini review summarizes the current knowledge available on the protective role of varied natural products isolated from different herbs/plants in imparting protection against heavy metals (cadmium, lead, arsenic, and mercury) mediated neurotoxicity.
Energy Expenditure Estimation in boys with Duchene muscular dystrophy using accelerometer and heart rate sensors

Accurate Energy Expenditure (EE) Estimation is very important to monitor physical activity of healthy and disabled population. In this work, we examine the limitations of applying existing calorimetry equations and machine learning models based on sensor data collected from healthy adults to estimate EE in disabled population, particularly children with Duchene muscular dystrophy (DMD). We propose a new machine learning-based approach which provides more accurate EE estimation for boys living with DMD. Existing calorimetry equations obtain a correlation of 40% (93% relative error in linear regression) with COSMED indirect calorimeter readings, while the non-linear model derived for normal healthy adults (developed using machine learning) gave 37% correlation. The proposed model for boys with DMD give a 91% correlation with COSMED values (only 38% relative absolute error) and uses ensemble meta-classifier with Reduced Error Pruning Decision Trees methodology.
H∞ fault estimation and accommodation for LTI systems

This paper deals with the problem of active fault tolerant control for linear time invariant (LTI) systems with L2 - norm bounded disturbances and potential additive fault. By incorporating some prior knowledge of fault into the design procedure, a new Hinfin controller in the generalized internal model control architecture is presented to realize fault estimation and accommodation. An integration of observer-based Hinfin fault estimator and a state feedback controller is considered, while a solution to the active fault tolerant control system can be obtained by designing the observer and controller gain matrices in terms of linear matrix inequality separately. Finally, a numerical example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.internal model control architecturefault estimationstate feedback controllercontroller gain matriceslinear matrix inequality
Architecture-level power estimation and design experiments

Architecture-level power estimation has received more attention recently because of its efficiency. This article presents a technique used to do power analysis of processors at the architecture level. It provides cycle-by-cycle power consumption data of the architecture on the basis of the instruction/data flow stream. To characterize the power dissipation of control units, a novel hierarchical method has been developed. Using this technique, a power estimator is implemented for a commercial processor. The accuracy of the estimator is validated by comparing the power values it produces against measurements made by a gate-level power simulator for the same benchmark set. Our estimation approach is shown to provide very efficient and accurate power analysis at the architecture level. The energy models built for first-pass estimation (such as ALU, MAC unit, register files) are reusable for future architecture design modification. In this article, we demonstrate the application of the technique. Furthermore, this technique can evaluate various kinds of software to achieve hardware/software codesign for low power.
Neurosteroid Modulation of GABA IPSCs Is Phosphorylation Dependent

The neurosteroid 3α-hydroxy-5α-pregnan-20-one (allopregnanolone) facilitates GABAAreceptor-mediated ionic currents via allosteric modulation of the GABAA receptor. Accordingly, allopregnanolone caused an increase in the slow decay time constant of spontaneous GABA-mediated IPSCs in magnocellular neurons recorded in hypothalamic slices. The allopregnanolone effect on IPSCs was inhibited by a G-protein antagonist as well as by blocking protein kinase C and, to a lesser extent, cAMP-dependent protein kinase activities. G-protein and protein kinase C activation in the absence of the neurosteroid had no effect on spontaneous IPSCs but enhanced the effect of subsequent allopregnanolone application. These findings together suggest that the neurosteroid modulation of GABA-mediated IPSCs requires G-protein and protein kinase activation, although not via a separate G-protein-coupled steroid receptor.
The Biology of the Small Leucine-rich Proteoglycans

If one of the keys to biology is protein structure, then nature is an efficient operator, because it adopts a number of structurally related proteins to perform functions as diverse as maintaining the mineralized matrix of bones and teeth, the transparency of the cornea, the tensile strength of the skin and tendon, and the viscoelasticity of blood vessels. Proteoglycans play key roles in all of these fundamental biological processes and behave as potent effectors of cellular pathways. The past decade has witnessed an explosion of knowledge in the proteoglycan world, with significant advances in the genetics and cell biology of these complex macromolecules. This minireview describes recent advances in the biology of the small leucine-rich proteoglycan (SLRP) gene family with special emphasis on the biology of the archetype proteoglycan decorin. The focus is on the “functional network” created by these molecules in tissues, on genetic evidence for their functional roles during ontogeny, and on their activities as modulators of complex pathological processes such as fibrosis and cancer growth. Other more extensive reviews may serve to fill the gaps in this one (1–4).
Astrometry and Photometry for Two Dwarf Carbon Stars

Preliminary trigonometric parallaxes and BVI photometry are presented for two dwarf carbon stars, LP 765-18 (=LHS 1075) and LP 328-57 (=CLS 96). The data are combined with the literature values for a third dwarf carbon star, G77-61 (=LHS 1555). All three stars have very similar luminosities (9.6 < MV < 10.0) and very similar broadband colors across the entire visual-to-near-IR (BVIJHK) wavelength range. Their visual (BVI) colors differ from all known red dwarfs, subdwarfs, and white dwarfs. In the MV versus V-I color-magnitude diagram, they are approximately 2 mag subluminous compared to normal disk dwarfs with solar-like metallicities, occupying a region also populated by O-rich subdwarfs with -1.5 < [M/H] < -1.0. The kinematics indicate that they are members of the Galactic spheroid population. The subluminosity of all three stars is due to an as yet unknown combination of (undoubtedly low) metallicity, possibly enhanced helium abundance, and unusual line blanketing in the bandpasses considered. The properties of the stars are compared with models for the production of dwarf carbon stars.
Detection of Access Control Violations in the Secure Sharing of Cloud Storage

A cloud storage service implements security mechanisms to protect users data, including an access control mechanism to enable the data sharing. Thus, it is possible to define users permissions, granting the access only to authorized users. Existing solutions consider that the provider is honest but curious so that the designed mechanisms prevent the access to the files by the provider. However, the possibility of executing illegal transactions is not analyzed, and a malicious provider can perform transactions requested by unauthorized users, resulting in access control violations. In this paper, we propose monitoring and auditing mechanisms to detect these violations. As a result, new attacks are identified, especially those resulting from writing actions requested by users whose permissions were revoked. Colored Petri Nets (CPNs) are used to model and validate our proposal.
Thymic Epithelial Cell Development and Its Dysfunction in Human Diseases

Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) are the key components in thymic microenvironment for T cells development. TECs, composed of cortical and medullary TECs, are derived from a common bipotent progenitor and undergo a stepwise development controlled by multiple levels of signals to be functionally mature for supporting thymocyte development. Tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) family members including the receptor activator for NFκB (RANK), CD40, and lymphotoxin β receptor (LTβR) cooperatively control the thymic medullary microenvironment and self-tolerance establishment. In addition, fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), Wnt, and Notch signals are essential for establishment of functional thymic microenvironment. Transcription factors Foxn1 and autoimmune regulator (Aire) are powerful modulators of TEC development, differentiation, and self-tolerance. Dysfunction in thymic microenvironment including defects of TEC and thymocyte development would cause physiological disorders such as tumor, infectious diseases, and autoimmune diseases. In the present review, we will summarize our current understanding on TEC development and the underlying molecular signals pathways and the involvement of thymus dysfunction in human diseases.
Spectral mask filling for PAPR reduction in large bandwidth mmWave systems

Future communication systems such as 5G will explore mmWave frequencies where large bandwidth is available to support the exponentially increasing mobile broadband data traffic. However, mmWave systems come with the limitation that PA efficiency is significantly lower at mmWave frequencies due to reduced transistor gains and lossy interconnects. This low PA efficiency combined with the need to support high data rates with high order modulation and OFDM make PAPR considerations very important for mmWave systems. We propose a new method to reduce PAPR in mmWave systems called spectral mask filling. This method utilizes any available spectrum between the guard tones at the edge of the band and the spectral mask to generate a PAPR reduction signal. While the method is general, it is especially suitable for large bandwidth systems, where the spectrum mask is less stringent. For an example 60 GHz system, this technique can provide 2-2.5 dB PAPR gains over clipping based solutions with the addition of <; 2% extra energy in the guard tones. We also develop two architectures: a feed-forward and a reduced complexity architecture that can support real-time, low-latency implementations. The spectral mask filling technique has no impact on EVM or spectral efficiency and does not require any side information transmission. It is applicable to both OFDM and single-carrier systems.
ExmoR – A Testing Tool for Control Algorithms on Mobile Robots

This paper describes the testing tool ”ExmoR” that allows the user to experiment with different control algorithms as map building and a routine to explore the environment. The intention is to give the user the possibility of easy testing the various control algorithms for the Khepera robot without any knowledge about the robot language, the control architecture or other robot details.
Integrating Wikipedia, Facebook, and Other Personal Online Context into Collaborative E-Brainstorming

The position of this paper is that current electronic brainstorming applications need to be updated to more directly integrate online resources such as Google, Wikipedia, Facebook, etc. into the brainstorming process. The idea is to improve brainstorming by recommending ideas for brainstorming based on both the context of the brainstorming session, namely the ideas currently being discussed, as well as the personal context of the users, i.e. what technical expertise they contribute to the brainstorming session and what personal experiences/interests/preferences can be brought into the brainstorming process. We describe a preliminary application that implements a subset of these ideas.