Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bone marrow micrometastasis in breast cancer: review of detection methods, prognostic impact and biological issues

Immunocytochemical detection of disseminated tumour cells in the bone marrow of patients with primary breast cancer at surgery has been shown to be an independent prognostic factor in single institutional studies and in a large pooled analysis. However, bone marrow sampling and assessment of disseminated tumour cells is not a routine procedure in the clinical management of patients with breast cancer, but will certainly play a role in the near future for risk stratification and monitoring of therapeutic efficacy. Accurate identification of disseminated tumour cells in bone marrow must be based on standardised methodologies and procedures. This review describes these methodologies and the standardised morphological criteria used for disseminated tumour cell detection. The prognostic value of circulating tumour cells detection in peripheral blood is demonstrated in patients with metastatic disease but remains to be substantiated at early stage. The significance of disseminated tumour cells in bone marrow and in the blood for the prediction of response to therapy is briefly summarised. Finally, this review addresses the main biological questions raised by disseminated tumour cells, in particular understanding tumour dormancy and identifying metastatic stem cells.
Light-induced changes in GTP and ATP in frog rod photoreceptors. Comparison with recovery of dark current and light sensitivity during dark adaptation

Light decreases GTP and ATP levels in purified suspensions of physiologically active frog rod outer segments still attached to their inner segment ellipsoids (OS-IS). (a) The GTP decrease is slower in OS- IS (t1/2 = 40 s) than in isolated outer segments (t1/2 = 7 s), which suggests there is more effective buffering in OS-IS. (b) The GTP decrease becomes detectable only at intensities greater than those required to saturate the photoresponse. As the intensity of a continuous light is increased over 4 log units, GTP levels decrease linearly with log intensity by as much as 60%. GTP is reduced to steady intermediate levels during extended illumination of intermediate intensity. (c) At levels of illumination bleaching greater than 0.003% of the rhodopsin, a decrease in ATP levels becomes detectable. (d) Following a flash, GTP levels fall and then rise with a recovery time dependent on the intensity of the flash. (e) After both 0.2 and 2% flash bleaches, the recovery of GTP levels parallels the recovery of light sensitivity, which is slower than the recovery of the dark current. This raises the possibility of a link between GTP levels and light sensitivity.
Monitoring and Debugging Distributed Autonomous Systems using Petri Nets

This paper describes the use of Petri nets to design, analyze, monitor, log and debug the run-time coordination of distributed control systems. The interaction between the distributed components is modeled using Petri nets. Before running the application, different Petri net analysis tools can be used to analyze the system. While running, interactions between the different components of the distributed system can be easily monitored watching the evolution of the different Petri nets. Besides monitoring, the system can be instrumented to log state changes at different levels of detail. Finally, graphical tools can be used for visualizing the evolution of the system at the same running pace, jumping to a specific point of the execution and visualizing the state of the global system.
Log-Likelihood Kernels Based on Adapted GMMs for Speaker Verification

Kernels in a SVM-based text-independent speaker verification system determine the performance. One of the main difficulties in designing a kernel arises from the unequal length of cepstral vector sequences. To simplify the above problem, time information is discarded and each speaker is presumed to have a unique probability density distribution. Gaussian mixture models (GMMs) are often used to estimate the probability density distribution from the train cepstral vector sequence. The methods of constructing SVM kernels by adapted GMMs become an open and key question in a GMM-SVM system. In this paper, we introduce a novel way of measuring the similarity between adapted GMMs and propose a log-likelihood kernel. We demonstrate that the presented kernel has an excellent performance on the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) speaker recognition evaluation (SRE) 2008 tel-tel English corpus.
Comparison of a New and Existing Method of Mammographic Density Measurement: Intramethod Reliability and Associations with Known Risk Factors

Background: Mammographic density is one of the strongest risk factors for breast cancer. It is commonly measured by an interactive threshold method that does not fully use information contained in a mammogram. An alternative fully automated standard mammogram form (SMF) method measures density using a volumetric approach. Methods: We examined between-breast and between-view agreement, reliability, and associations of breast cancer risk factors with the threshold and SMF measures of breast density on the same set of 1,000 digitized films from 250 women who attended routine breast cancer screening by two-view mammography in 2004 at a London population-based screening center. Data were analyzed using random-effects models on transformed percent density. Results: Median (interquartile range) percent densities were 12.8% (5.0-22.3) and 21.8% (18.4-26.6) in the threshold and SMF methods, respectively. There was no evidence of systematic differences between left-right breasts or between views in either method. Reliability of a single measurement was lower in the SMF than in the threshold method (0.77 versus 0.92 for craniocaudal and 0.68 versus 0.89 for mediolateral oblique views). Increasing body mass index and parity were associated with reduced density in both methods; however, an increase in density with hormone replacement therapy use was found only with the threshold method. Conclusion: Established properties of mammographic density were observed for SMF percent density; however, this method had poorer left-right reliability than the threshold method and has yet to be shown to be a predictor of breast cancer risk. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(6):1148–54)
Health Practices of Children and Women with Disabilities

Persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the Philippines generally face several difficulties in getting hold of a much needed medical attention, including transportation and other barriers to access, and financial difficulties, among others. This study is an offshoot of the joint project of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies and the Institute of Developing Economies that focuses on the health conditions of PWDs, both adult women and children, in Mandaue City and San Remigio, Cebu, Philippines. Using primary data collected through survey and key informant interviews with various stakeholders, the study highlights the lack of access to appropriate services for PWDs and that out-of-pocket expenditures on health cover a significant portion of their income. Some recommendations include the provision of early detection and intervention, routine monitoring of programs, the expanded utilization of medical and nursing students in the communities in providing preventive care services, the expanded coverage for medications and nursing/caregiver support, and the increased training on health-care providers and personnel, particularly in the communities.
Evidence of neuromuscular fatigue after prolonged cycling exercise.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of prolonged cycling exercise on metabolic, neuromuscular, and biomechanical parameters. METHODS Eight well-trained male cyclists or triathletes performed a 2-h cycling exercise at a power output corresponding to 65% of their maximal aerobic power. Maximal concentric (CON; 60, 120, 240 degrees x s(-1)), isometric (ISO; 0 degrees s(-1)), and eccentric (ECC; -120, -60 degrees x s(-1)) contractions, electromyographic (EMG) activity of vastus lateralis (VL) and vastus medialis (VM) muscles were recorded before and after the exercise. Neural (M-wave) and contractile (isometric muscular twitch) parameters of quadriceps muscle were also analyzed using electrical stimulation techniques. RESULTS Oxygen uptake (VO2), minute ventilation (VE), and heart rate (HR) significantly increased (P < 0.01) during the 2-h by, respectively, 9.6%, 17.7%, and 12.7%, whereas pedaling rate significantly decreased (P < 0.01) by 21% (from 87 to 69 rpm). Reductions in muscular peak torque were quite similar during CON, ISO, and ECC contractions, ranging from 11 to 15%. M-wave duration significantly increased (P < 0.05) postexercise in both VL and VM, whereas maximal amplitude and total area decreased (VM: P < 0.05, VL: NS). Significant decreases in maximal twitch tension (P < 0.01), total area of mechanical response (P < 0.01), and maximal rate of twitch tension development (P < 0.05) were found postexercise. CONCLUSIONS A reduction in leg muscular capacity after prolonged cycling exercise resulted from both reduced neural input to the muscles and a failure of peripheral contractile mechanisms. Several hypothesis are proposed to explain a decrease in pedaling rate during the 2-h cycling with a constancy of power output and an increase in energy cost.
Inter-Modal Competition in the Brazilian

This paper presents an analysis of inter-modal competition in Brazil by making use of a reduced-form model of coach operators’ pricing decisions in the interstate travel market. Interstate travel service is heavily provided by coaches, and the system is fully operated by the private sector under public delegation, through permits and authorizations. Agencybased regulation was introduced in 2002 and this new regulatory framework may stimulate competition in the market; particularly relevant in the new institutional design is the price cap regime that aims at enhancing the flexibility to change fares in response to demand and cost conditions. By analysing pricing decisions of coach operators in some cities within the country, we studied the sensitivity of coach fares to cost components and to air travel fares and therefore investigated whether there is competition with airlines after the regulatory reform. Inter-modal interaction among coach operators and airlines is found to be significant and probably due to the competition for a small set of premium, qualitysensitive, coach passengers.
Plasma Inflammatory Cytokine IL-4, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α Levels Correlate with Pulmonary Function in Patients with Asthma-Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Overlap Syndrome

Background The aim of this study was to investigate the plasma inflammatory cytokine levels and their correlations with pulmonary function in patients with asthma-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease overlap syndrome (ACOS). Material/Methods Between January 2013 and December 2014, a total of 96 patients with asthma, acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD), or ACOS were enrolled, and 35 healthy people were included as a control group. Fasting plasma interleukin (IL)-4, IL-8, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Correlations between the plasma inflammatory cytokine levels and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), FEV1/predicted value ratio (FEV1%pred), and FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) were analyzed. Results IL-4 and IL-8 levels showed statistically significant differences among the 3 groups of patients (both P<0.001); IL-4 level was significantly lower, while IL-8 level was significantly higher in the AECOPD group and ACOS group than those in the asthma group (all P<0.05). IL-10 level and TNF-α level were significantly different among the 3 patient groups (both P<0.001). IL-10 level was significantly different between each of the 2 groups (all P<0.001). TNF-α level in the asthma group was higher than in the AECOPD group and ACOS group (both P<0.001). IL-4 and IL-10 were positively and IL-8 and TNF-α were negatively related with FEV1, FEV1%pred, and FEV1/FVC. Conclusions Plasma levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-4, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α are related with severity of airway diseases and could be potential markers for the evaluation of asthma, COPD, and ACOS.
A new method of online learning with kernels for regression

New optimization models and algorithms for online learning with kernels (OLK) in regression are proposed in a Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Space (RKHS) by solving a constrained optimization model. The “forgetting” factor in the model makes it possible that the memory requirement of the algorithm can be bounded as the learning process continues. The applications of the proposed OLK algorithms in classification and regression show their effectiveness in comparing with the state of art algorithms.
Lim1 Is Essential for the Correct Laminar Positioning of Retinal Horizontal Cells

Although much is known about the transcriptional regulation that coordinates retinal cell fate determination, very little is known about the developmental processes that establish the characteristic laminar architecture of the retina, in particular, the specification of neuronal positioning. The LIM class homeodomain transcription factor Lim1 (Lhx1) is expressed in postmitotic, differentiating, and mature retinal horizontal cells. We show that conditional ablation of Lim1 results in the ectopic localization of horizontal cells to inner aspects of the inner nuclear layer, among the retinal amacrine cells. The ectopic cells maintain a molecular phenotype consistent with horizontal cell identity; however, these neurons adopt a unique morphology more reminiscent of amacrine cells, including a dendritic arbor positioned within the inner plexiform layer. All other retinal cell populations appear unaltered. Our data suggest a model whereby Lim1 lies downstream of horizontal cell fate determination factors and functions cell autonomously to instruct differentiating horizontal cells to the appropriate laminar position in the developing retina. This study is the first to describe a cell type-specific genetic program that is essential for targeting a discrete retinal neuron population to the proper lamina.
A five layersensorarchitecturefor autonomous robotsin indoorenvironments

Autonomousmobile service robotsfor transportation tasksin indoor environments e.g. multistory buildings, have to act in normal dynamic environments but with a huge number of components. The robots total repertoire of skills is high according to the complexity of the building and its respecti ve task. Difficult taskscan only be achieved on the baseby immediatesensingof theenvironment. This paperdescribesafivelayer sensor architecture with an integrated world model for multistory buildings. In contrast to grid basedapproachesweusea feature basedapproach.The sensorarchitecture aswell asthe evaluation modulesof the sensordata are basedon natural landmarks. The key featuresof the sensorarchitecture are reuseability, modularity and portability to other multistory buildings aswell asextendibility with different sensors. Keywords—robot architectures,sensorarchitectures,collision avoidance and sensor-basedcontrol, robot sensingand data fusion, behavior-based robotics
Multiplex PCR assay for immediate identification of the infecting species in patients with mycobacterial disease

Rapid identification of infecting mycobacterial species enables appropriate medical care decisions to be made. Our aim was to demonstrate the clinical usefulness of the multiplex PCR assay, a test based on PCR, which permits direct identification of 12 mycobacterial species in clinical specimens. A total of 259 specimens from 177 patients who had clinical symptoms of mycobacterial disease but for whom there were difficulties in diagnosis were tested. Specimens were analyzed within 48 h of receipt of the sample. Mycobacteria were identified in 102 specimens; 66 specimens contained nontuberculous mycobacteria, and 36 specimens contained Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex mycobacteria. The PCR assay identified the mycobacterial species in 43 (97.7%) of 44 microscopy- and culture-positive specimens and in 15 (93.8%) of 16 culture-positive, microscopy-negative specimens. It also permitted species identification in infections caused by more than one mycobacterial species. For 56 (96.5%) of the 58 specimens from patients with infections caused by opportunistic mycobacteria, the organisms were identified with the PCR assay. The test was useful also for the identification of fastidious mycobacteria, e.g., M. genavense, and those that cannot be cultured, e.g., M. leprae. After resolution of discrepant results, the sensitivity of the PCR assay was 97.9%, the specificity was 96.9%, the positive predictive value was 95.0%, and the negative predictive value was 98.7%. For culture these values were 60.8, 100, 100, and 81.0%, respectively. Thus, the multiplex PCR assay enables prompt diagnosis when rapid identification of infecting mycobacteria is necessary.
A Review of QoS Architectures

Over the past several years there has been a considerable amount of research within the field of quality of service (QoS) support for distributed multimedia systems. To date, most of the work has occurred within the context of individual architectural layers such as the distributed system platform, operating system, transport subsystem and network. Much less progress has been made in addressing the issue of overall end-to-end support for multimedia communications. In recognition of this, a number of research teams have proposed the development of QoS architectures which incorporate quality of service configurable interfaces and quality of service driven control and management mechanisms across all architectural layers. This paper examines the state-of-the-art in the development of QoS architectures. The approach taken is, initially, to present QoS terminology and a generalised QoS framework for understanding and discussing quality of service in the context of distributed multimedia systems. Following this, we consider current research in the area of layer specific quality of service support, and then, evaluate a number of QoS architectures that have recently emerged in the literature from the telecommunications, computer communications and standards communities.
Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy dynamic regulator for a pendulum on a cart system

In this paper, from a nonlinear model for a pendulum on a cart system, which considers viscous friction, a two rules Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy model is proposed using local approximation in fuzzy partition spaces approach. A Parallel Distributed Compensator (PDC), where feedback gains for the local linear controllers are obtained via Linear Matrix Inequalities (LMI) technique, guaranteeing global stability in the closed-loop system is also proposed. Moreover, a T-S fuzzy observer, using the separation principle from linear systems theory, is designed in order to estimate both cart and pendulum velocities. The so-called swing-up technique is used to swing the pendulum up from its pendant position to upright position. Numerical simulation and real-time experiments validate the effectiveness of our control scheme.
SSS: a hybrid architecture applied to robot navigation

Describes a three-layer architecture, SSS, for robot control. It combines a servo-control layer, a subsumption layer, and a symbolic layer in a way that allows the advantages of each technique to be fully exploited. The key to this synergy is the interface between the individual subsystems. The design of situation recognizers that bridge the gap between the servo and subsumption layers, and event detectors that link the subsumption layers and symbolic layers are discussed. The development of such a combined system is illustrated by a fully implemented indoor navigation example. The resulting robot was able to automatically map office building environments, and smoothly navigate through them at the rapid speed of 2.6 feet per second. <<ETX>>
Co-Simulation Training Platform for Smart Grids

Power systems training and education faces serious challenges due to the rising complexity of energy systems. This paper presents a simulation-based training platform for educating students and power systems professionals in complex Smart Grid applications. The system is split into parts like electrical grid or controls and specialized, domain-specific tools are then coupled to be able to simulate the overall behavior. Experiences with the developed education and training material and the corresponding modeling and simulation environment are discussed. The usage of advanced modeling and simulation approaches, especially when providing new functionality via coupling of simulation, is an accessible way to train and educate students efficiently in the complex and interdisciplinary area of power systems.
A case study in refactoring a legacy component for reuse in a product line

This paper describes activities performed to systematically improve the design and implementation of an existing software component in order to reuse it in a software product line. The activities are embedded in the application of Fraunhofer's PuLSE/spl trade/-DSSA approach for defining the architecture of a new product line. The component under investigation is the so called image memory handler (IMH) which is used in Ricoh's current products of office appliances such as copier machines, printers, and multi-functional peripherals. It is responsible for controlling memory usage and compressing and decompressing image data. Both the improvement of the component's design and implementation are based on a systematic analysis and focused on increasing maintainability and reusability and hence suitability for use in a product line.
Computerized mass detection in whole breast ultrasound images: reduction of false positives using bilateral subtraction technique

The comparison of left and right mammograms is a common technique used by radiologists for the detection and diagnosis of masses. In mammography, computer-aided detection (CAD) schemes using bilateral subtraction technique have been reported. However, in breast ultrasonography, there are no reports on CAD schemes using comparison of left and right breasts. In this study, we propose a scheme of false positive reduction based on bilateral subtraction technique in whole breast ultrasound images. Mass candidate regions are detected by using the information of edge directions. Bilateral breast images are registered with reference to the nipple positions and skin lines. A false positive region is detected based on a comparison of the average gray values of a mass candidate region and a region with the same position and same size as the candidate region in the contralateral breast. In evaluating the effectiveness of the false positive reduction method, three normal and three abnormal bilateral pairs of whole breast images were employed. These abnormal breasts included six masses larger than 5 mm in diameter. The sensitivity was 83% (5/6) with 13.8 (165/12) false positives per breast before applying the proposed reduction method. By applying the method, false positives were reduced to 4.5 (54/12) per breast without removing a true positive region. This preliminary study indicates that the bilateral subtraction technique is effective for improving the performance of a CAD scheme in whole breast ultrasound images.