Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessment of optical localizer accuracy for computer aided surgery systems

The technology for localization of surgical tools with respect to the patient's reference coordinate system in three to six degrees of freedom is one of the key components in computer aided surgery. Several tracking methods are available, of which optical tracking is the most widespread in clinical use. Optical tracking technology has proven to be a reliable method for intra-operative position and orientation acquisition in many clinical applications; however, the accuracy of such localizers is still a topic of discussion. In this paper, the accuracy of three optical localizer systems, the NDI Polaris P4, the NDI Polaris Spectra (in active and passive mode) and the Stryker Navigation System II camera, is assessed and compared critically. Static tests revealed that only the Polaris P4 shows significant warm-up behavior, with a significant shift of accuracy being observed within 42 minutes of being switched on. Furthermore, the intrinsic localizer accuracy was determined for single markers as well as for tools using a volumetric measurement protocol on a coordinate measurement machine. To determine the relative distance error within the measurement volume, the Length Measurement Error (LME) was determined at 35 test lengths. As accuracy depends strongly on the marker configuration employed, the error to be expected in typical clinical setups was estimated in a simulation for different tool configurations. The two active localizer systems, the Stryker Navigation System II camera and the Polaris Spectra (active mode), showed the best results, with trueness values (mean ± standard deviation) of 0.058 ± 0.033 mm and 0.089 ± 0.061 mm, respectively. The Polaris Spectra (passive mode) showed a trueness of 0.170 ± 0.090 mm, and the Polaris P4 showed the lowest trueness at 0.272 ± 0.394 mm with a higher number of outliers than for the other cameras. The simulation of the different tool configurations in a typical clinical setup revealed that the tracking error can be estimated to be 1.02 mm for the Polaris P4, 0.64 mm for the Polaris Spectra in passive mode, 0.33 mm for the Polaris Spectra in active mode, and 0.22 mm for the Stryker Navigation System II camera.
Detection and Analysis of Skin Cancer in Skin Lesions

During the last years, computer-vision-based identification systems are employed in many hospitals and medical specialty clinics, aiming largely at the first detection of carcinoma, and additional specifically, the popularity of melanoma neoplasm. In this paper, we tend to review the state of the art in such systems by initial presenting the installation, the visual options used for skin lesion classification, and therefore the strategies for outlining them. Then, we have a tendency to describe a way to extract these options through digital image process ways, i.e., segmentation, border detection, and color and texture process, and that we gift the foremost outstanding techniques for skin lesion classification. Image segmentation is vital|a crucial|a vital|a very important} task in analysing dermoscopy pictures because the extraction of the borders of skin lesions provides important clues for correct designation. In this paper, we have a tendency to introduce a replacement mean shift based mostly fuzzy c-means formula that needs less machine time than previous techniques whereas providing smart segmentation results. The projected segmentation methodology incorporates a mean field term inside the quality fuzzy c-means objective operate. Since mean shift will quickly and faithfully realize cluster centers, the whole strategy is capable of effectively police investigation regions inside a picture.
A study of the vitreoretinal interface in patients with age-related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE To assess whether hyaloid adhesion is more prevalent in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) than in control patients and to evaluate whether it is more prevalent in exudative AMD than in non-exudative AMD. METHODS This was a cross-sectional, controlled analytical study. Patients from the Ophthalmology Department of the Public Service Hospital of the State of São Paulo were included if they were diagnosed with AMD that was confirmed by fundus biomicroscopy and fluorescein angiography. Patients were divided into three groups: patients without a vitreoretinal disease (controls), patients with exudative AMD, and patients with non-exudative AMD. For the optimal study of the vitreoretinal interface, all patients were subjected to spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT; Cirrus HD-OCT, version 4000; Carl Zeiss Meditec) and ultrasonography (UltraScan®, Alcon). Results with p values of ≤0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS We assessed 75 eyes of 23 patients with AMD (14 women and nine men) and 15 the control patients (11 women and four men). In total, 33 eyes had AMD that was consistent with the inclusion criteria, of which 11 had the non-exudative form (non-atrophic) and 22 had the exudative form (11 active and 11 disciform scars). Adherence was observed in eight eyes in the control group (26.67%), in seven eyes with exudative AMD (31.82%), and in five eyes with non-exudative AMD (45.45%). CONCLUSION Patients with exudative and non-exudative forms of AMD did not present with higher vitreoretinal adhesion than control patients as assessed by SD-OCT and ultrasound. Moreover, patients with exudative AMD (neovascular membrane and disciform scar) did not reveal a higher adherence than those with non-exudative AMD when evaluated by the same methods.
Research on power source of electromagnetically induced acoustic emission technique based on DSP

A power source designed for electromagnetically induced acoustic emission (EMAE) is developed. The power source is used to load eddy current as electromagnetic stimulation to produce acoustic emission signals. The core of power source system is the control circuit which is based on 32-bit digital signal processor (DSP) chip TMS320F2812. Trigger pulse can be regulated through the variation of the program parameters so the performance of trigger pulse is flexible. Therefore, the frequency and the waveform of the power source can be transformed. Test result shows the reliable and stable power has achieved the loading demand of the EMAE.
Keeping the promise

This study examined the psychological contract held by minority employees as it relates to diversity, and the implications of violating the contract on minority employee job satisfaction, commitment to the organization and organizational cynicism. Data were collected from 88 minority employees at four university campuses. Results support unique elements of the psychological contract for minority employees and negative outcomes associated with contract violation. Trust and justice were found to moderate employee interpretations of the violation, though not as was predicted by previous theoretical models. Implications for managers of a diverse work force and future research are discussed.
Momentum Returns in Tehran Stock Exchange: The Influences of Size and Liquidity

A study was carried out during 2001 to 2010 to illustrate the profit of momentum strategy in Tehran stock Exchange, and possibility of higher abnormal return based on past performance trends. In this study, the effects of two substantial variables including size and liquidity on profitability of momentum strategy in Tehran stock Exchange were investigated. The study was conducted in two sub-periods: 2005-2010, and 2007-2010. The first is due to a significant change in the number of stock companies after privatization, and the second is to cover the effects of global financial crisis on Iran’s economy. Our sample includes three separate samples of all stock market joined companies before the mentioned related periods that have been traded in at least half of the total trading days in the related period. R esults showed that using momentum strategy in Tehran Stock Exchange created negative returns in all periods. Moreover, liquidity factor did not affect the profitability of momentum strategy. Meanwhile, considering size as another fundamental factor, the positive effect of small stocks was identified only in one period , from 2005 to 2010. In other periods, however, it led to negative returns.
Radio-resistant mesenchymal stem cells: mechanisms of resistance and potential implications for the clinic

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) comprise a heterogeneous population of multipotent stromal cells and can be isolated from various tissues and organs. Due to their regenerative potential, they have been subject to intense research efforts, and they may provide an efficient means for treating radiation-induced tissue damage. MSCs are relatively resistant to ionizing radiation and retain their stem cell characteristics even after high radiation doses. The underlying mechanisms for the observed MSC radioresistance have been extensively studied and may involve efficient DNA damage recognition, double strand break repair and evasion of apoptosis. Here, we present a concise review of the published scientific data on the radiobiological features of MSCs. The involvement of different DNA damage recognition and repair pathways in the creation of a radioresistant MSC phenotype is outlined, and the roles of apoptosis, senescence and autophagy regarding the reported radioresistance are summarized. Finally, potential influences of the radioresistant MSCs for the clinic are discussed with respect to the repair and radioprotection of irradiated tissues.
Experiences from Passive Internet Traffic Measurements

Due to its versatility, flexibility and fast development, the modern Internet is far from being well understood in its entirety. A good way to learn more about how the Internet functions is to collect and analyze real Internet traffic. This paper addresses several major challenges of Internet traffic monitoring, which is a prerequisite for performing traffic analysis. The challenges discussed will eventually appear when planning to conduct passive measurements on high-speed network connections, such as Internet backbone links. After giving a general overview of network measurement approaches, a summary of different design options and important considerations for backbone measurements is given based on the lessons learned from a successful Internet measurement project. The challenges are discussed in order of their chronological appearance: First, a number of legal and ethical issues have to be sorted out with legislators and network operators, followed by operational difficulties that need to be solved. Once these legal and operational obstacles have been overcome, a third challenge is given by various technical difficulties when actually measuring high-speed links. Technical challenges range from handling the vast amounts of network data to timing and synchronization issues. Finally, policies regarding public availability of network data need to be established once data is successfully collected. This paper provides tutorial guidelines for setting up and performing future passive Internet measurement projects.
Ultrasound enhances the healing of orthodontically induced root resorption in rats.

OBJECTIVE To examine the effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on orthodontically induced root resorption in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sixty-four male Wistar rats were divided randomly and equally into four groups (n = 16 rats each). The rats were untreated (negative control) or treated with orthodontic tooth movement without (positive control) or with LIPUS at 100 or 150 MW/cm(2) (LIPUS-treated groups). An initial force of 100 g was applied to the areas between the upper right central incisors and the first molars of the rats for 10 days. Eight rats were randomly chosen from each group, and the root resorption index (RRI) was determined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Upper first molar-centered mesial-distal tissue slices were generated from the upper first molars and peridentium of the remaining eight rats from each group. Specimen slices were analyzed with hematoxylin-eosin and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining, osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) immunohistochemistry, and optical microscopy. Analyses of cell number, densitometry, and one-way analysis of variance were performed. RESULTS The LIPUS-treated groups displayed decreased RRI values, decreased osteoclast numbers and activity levels, and increased OPG/RANKL expression ratios. High-power SEM revealed reparative cementum in the LIPUS-treated samples. CONCLUSION LIPUS regulates osteoclast differentiation via the OPG/RANKL ratio, evoking a reparative effect on orthodontically induced root resorption in rats.
Thymomegaly, Microsplenia, and Defective Homeostatic Proliferation of Peripheral Lymphocytes in p51-Ets1 Isoform-Specific Null Mice

ABSTRACT Ets1 is a member of the Ets transcription factor family. Alternative splicing of exon VII results in two naturally occurring protein isoforms: full-length Ets1 (p51-Ets1) and Ets1ΔVII (p42-Ets1). These isoforms bear key distinctions regarding protein-protein interactions, DNA binding kinetics, and transcriptional target specificity. Disruption of both Ets1 isoforms in mice results in the loss of detectable NK and NKT cell activity and defects in B and T lymphocytes. We generated mice that express only the Ets1ΔVII isoform. Ets1ΔVII homozygous mice express no p51-Ets1 and elevated levels of the p42-Ets1 protein relative to the wild type and display increased perinatal lethality, thymomegaly, and peripheral lymphopenia. Proliferation was increased in both the thymus and the spleen, while apoptosis was decreased in the thymus and increased in the spleen of homozygotes. Significant elevations of CD8+ and CD8+CD4+ thymocytes were observed. Lymphoid cell (CD19+, CD4+, and CD8+) reductions were predominantly responsible for diminished spleen cellularity, with fewer memory cells and a failure of homeostatic proliferation to maintain peripheral lymphocytes. Collectively, the Ets1ΔVII mutants demonstrate lymphocyte maturation defects associated with misregulation of p16Ink4a, p27Kip1, and CD44. Thus, a balance in the differential regulation of Ets1 isoforms represents a potential mechanism in the control of lymphoid maturation and homeostasis.
On the Characterization of Buried Targets Under a Rough Surface Using the Wigner&#8211;Ville Transformation

This letter considers the problem of detecting and characterizing a target buried beneath a rough surface separating two homogeneous half spaces. The problem of detecting the target is tackled by analyzing the frequency-averaged Wigner-Ville function, the purpose of which is to filter out rough surface scattering. Characterization of the target is performed using the iterative solution derived from the Newton-Kantorovitch algorithm as applied to the Wigner-Ville function instead of the scattered field as is usually done. In addition, the scattering model involved in the inversion scheme assumes a flat interface, and surface roughness is handled as clutter. The efficiency of the approach is illustrated through numerical experiments, and the comparison between inversions from the scattered field and the Wigner-Ville function is reported
Gene teams with relaxed proximity constraint

Functionally related genes co-evolve, probably due to the strong selection pressure in evolution. Thus we expect that they are present in multiple genomes. Physical proximity among genes, known as gene team, is a very useful concept to discover functionally related genes in multiple genomes. However there are also many gene sets that do not preserve physical proximity. In this paper, we generalized the gene team model, that looks for gene clusters in a physically clustered form, to multiple genome cases with relaxed constraint. We propose a novel hybrid pattern model that combines the set and the sequential pattern models. Our model searches for gene clusters with and/or without physical proximity constraint. This model is implemented and tested with 97 genomes (120 replicons). The result was analyzed to show the usefulness of our model. Especially, analysis of gene clusters that belong to B. subtilis and E. coli demonstrated that our model predicted many experimentally verified operons and functionally related clusters. Our program is fast enough to provide a service on the web at http://platcom.informatics. Indiana.edu/platcom/. Users can select any combination of 97 genomes to predict gene teams.
Light-weight synchronization for inter-processor communication acceleration on embedded MPSoCs

The advances in semiconductor technologies have placed MPSoCscenter stage as a standard architecture for embedded applications of ever increasing complexity. Efficient utilization of the ample hardware resources requires applications to be decomposed into fine-grained threads, engendering in turn a large amount of interprocessor communications. While fine-grained on-chip interconnects can reduce the data transfer overhead, the traditional synchronization mechanisms, such as spin locks and barriers, still cause significant contention in polling shared variables. To overcome this issue, in this paper we propose a light-weight distributed synchronization mechanism which statically encodes the semantically correct order of accesses to each shared variable. A sharp reduction in the number of code bits is attained through a reference coloring algorithm, which furthermore enables an implementation within negligible hardware overhead. This light-weight synchronization mechanism allows dependent threads to frequently exchange data during execution, in turn enabling the exploration of fine-grained parallelism for applications with complex dependences.
A Splitting Criteria Based on Similarity in Decision Tree Learning

Decision trees are considered to be the most effective and widely used data mining technique for classification, their representation is intuitive and generally easy to be comprehended by humans. The most critical issue in the learning process of decision trees is the splitting criteria. In this paper, We firstly provide the definition of similarity computation that usually used in data clustering and apply it to the learning process of decision trees. Then, we propose a novel splitting criteria which chooses the split with maximum similarity and the decision tree is called mstree. At the same time, we suggest the pruning methodology. The empirical experiments conducted on benchmark datasets have verified that the algorithm has outperformed some classic algorithms such as id3,c4.5 in the classification precision, and less affected by the size of training set
Virgin Caenorhabditis remanei females are attracted to a coital pheromone released by con-specific copulating males

The gonochoristic soil nematode Caenorhabditis remanei strictly requires copulation for species propagation. Males of this species are sexually promiscuous with females of other species; therefore, we asked in this study whether virgin C. remanei females display evidence of mate choice. We digitally recorded and measured the locomotor behaviors of one or more virgin females in the presence of a single male on a 5 mm diameter mating lawn. We observed that initially only the male modifies his locomotor trajectory to another animal on the mating lawn; the virgin females showed no locomotor bias toward the mate-searching male. However, once a male started to copulate, females in the vicinity altered their movement trajectories toward the copulating couple. Newly inseminated females are refractive to the coital signal, but partially regain their attraction to copulating males after 24 h. We found only copulating males with an intact gonad can attract females, and that the coital signal can be broadcasted at least 1.5 mm through the air. Unlike males, which are also attracted to hetero-specific females, virgin C. remanei females will only crawl toward a copulating con-specific male. We suggest that Caenorhabditis females use the coital signal as a pheromone to identify a vigorous male of their own species.
The Efficacy of a Mnemonic Technique for Learning Disabled and Nondisabled Adolescents

Sixty junior high school students, half classified as learning disabled by their school and half as non-disabled, were subjects in a replication and extension of a mnemonic study by Bugelski. Half the students were taught the peg-word rhyme, “one-bun, two-shoe, …, ten-hen,” and practiced visualizing four target lists of words interacting with the rhyme words. The other students served as controls, learning the list in whatever way they chose. Retention tests were conducted immediately after the last list was learned, one week later, and five months later. In a 2 $$ 3 analysis of variance, all main effects and interactions were significant. The peg-word mnemonic technique increased the memorability of paired-associates for both groups, by a factor of 2.3 vs. 2.4 at the immediate retention interval, with differential longer term retention slightly favoring the nondisabled.
Analysis of Thermal Injury-induced Insulin Resistance in Rodents

Burn injury is associated with insulin resistance. The molecular basis of this resistance was investigated by examining insulin receptor signaling in rats after thermal injury. The impaired insulin-stimulated transport of [3H]2-deoxyglucose into soleus muscle strips confirmed the insulin resistance following burns. In vivoinsulin-stimulated phosphoinositide 3-kinase activity, pivotal in translocation of GLUT4, was decreased in burns when assessed by its insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1)-associated activity. Insulin-induced tyrosine kinase activity of insulin receptor (IR) and tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1 were also attenuated. Immunoprecipitated IR, however, appeared to have normal insulin-responsive kinase activity. Finally, immunoprecipitated IRS-1 was tested for its effect on partially purified recombinant IR and was found to inhibit its kinase activity. This inhibitory effect of IRS-1 was abolished by prior treatment of IRS-1 with alkaline phosphatase, indicating that burn injury-related hyperphosphorylation of IRS-1 is similar to that observed in TNFα-induced inhibition of IR signaling. All of these changes were observed in the absence of quantitative changes in IR, IRS-1, and phosphoinositide 3-kinase. Alterations in postreceptor insulin signaling, therefore, may be responsible for the insulin resistance after thermal injury.
Blockade of angiopoietin-2/Tie2 signaling pathway specifically promotes inflammation-induced angiogenesis in mouse cornea.

AIM To investigate angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2)/Tie2 signaling pathway involving in inflammatory angiogenesis. METHODS Three interrupted 11-0 nylon sutures were placed into the corneal stroma of BALB/c mice (6wk old) to induce inflammatory neovascularization. Expression of Ang-2 and Tie2 protein on neovascularization were examined by immunofluorescence. The dynamic expression of Ang-2 mRNA on neovascularization was examined by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Finally, the mouse model of suture-induced corneal neovascularization was used to assess the role of Ang-2/Tie2 signaling pathway in inflammatory angiogenesis by systemic application of L1-10, an Ang-2 specific inhibitor. Mouse corneal hemangiogenesis were evaluated by whole mount immunofluorescence. RESULTS Both Ang-2 and Tie2 were expressed on newly generated blood vessels in inflammatory cornea. Ang-2 expression was gradually upregulated around 2wk following injury, which was concurrent with an increased number of blood vessels. Blockade of Ang-2/Tie2 signaling pathway obviously promoted angiogenesis in inflammatory cornea. CONCLUSION Ang-2/Tie2 signaling pathway seems to play an important role during angiogenesis in inflammatory cornea. This may open new therapeutic applications in pathological processes such as corneal graft survival, wound healing and carcinogenesis.