Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Low‐dimensional‐structure self‐learning and thresholding: Regularization beyond compressed sensing for MRI Reconstruction

An improved image reconstruction method from undersampled k‐space data, low‐dimensional‐structure self‐learning and thresholding (LOST), which utilizes the structure from the underlying image is presented. A low‐resolution image from the fully sampled k‐space center is reconstructed to learn image patches of similar anatomical characteristics. These patches are arranged into “similarity clusters,” which are subsequently processed for dealiasing and artifact removal, using underlying low‐dimensional properties. The efficacy of the proposed method in scan time reduction was assessed in a pilot coronary MRI study. Initially, in a retrospective study on 10 healthy adult subjects, we evaluated retrospective undersampling and reconstruction using LOST, wavelet‐based l1‐norm minimization, and total variation compressed sensing. Quantitative measures of vessel sharpness and mean square error, and qualitative image scores were used to compare reconstruction for rates of 2, 3, and 4. Subsequently, in a prospective study, coronary MRI data were acquired using these rates, and LOST‐reconstructed images were compared with an accelerated data acquisition using uniform undersampling and sensitivity encoding reconstruction. Subjective image quality and sharpness data indicate that LOST outperforms the alternative techniques for all rates. The prospective LOST yields images with superior quality compared with sensitivity encoding or l1‐minimization compressed sensing. The proposed LOST technique greatly improves image reconstruction for accelerated coronary MRI acquisitions. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
What is ZAP‐70?

Zap‐70, a crucial molecule for the selective activation of T cells, through its interaction with the ζ chain of the TCR/CD3 complex, is a tyrosine kinase. This well studied molecule has gained a renewed interest upon the demonstration of its transduction and expression in B cells from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Here the major characteristics of this cytosolic protein are reviewed, as well as its expression in various cell types and some indications about its detection. © 2006 International Society for Analytical Cytology
Improved pointer machine and I/O lower bounds for simplex range reporting and related problems

We investigate one of the fundamental areas in computational geometry: lower bounds for range reporting problems in the pointer machine and the external memory models. We develop new techniques that lead to new and improved lower bounds for simplex range reporting as well as some other geometric problems. Simplex range reporting is the problem of storing n points in a data structure such that the $k$ points that lie inside a query simplex can be outputted efficiently. This is one of the fundamental and extensively studied problems in computational geometry. Currently, the best data structures for the problem achieve Q(n) + O(k) query time using ~O( (n / Q(n))d) space in which the ~O(.) notation either hides a polylogarithmic or an nε factor for any constant ε > 0, (depending on the data structure and Q(n)). The best lower bound on this problem is due to Chazelle and Rosenberg who proved a space lower bound of Ω(nd-ε-dγ) for pointer machine data structures that can answer queries in O(nγ + k) time. For data structures with Q(n) + O(k) query time, we improve the space lower bound to Ω( (n/Q(n))d / 2O(√log Q(n))). Not only this reduces the overhead from polynomial to sub-polynomial, it also offers a smooth trade-off curve. For instance, for polylogarithmic values of Q(n), our lower bound is within a o(log n) factor of the conjectured trade-off curve. By a simple geometric transformation, we also improve the best lower bounds for the halfspace range reporting problem. Furthermore, we also study the external memory model and offer a new framework for proving lower bound in this model. For the first time we show that answering simplex range reporting queries with Q(n) + k/B I/Os requires Ω(B (n/(BQ(n)))d / 2O(√log Q(n)) space in which B is the block size.
Joint Detection, Tracking and Mapping by Semantic Bundle Adjustment

In this paper we propose a novel Semantic Bundle Adjustment framework whereby known rigid stationary objects are detected while tracking the camera and mapping the environment. The system builds on established tracking and mapping techniques to exploit incremental 3D reconstruction in order to validate hypotheses on the presence and pose of sought objects. Then, detected objects are explicitly taken into account for a global semantic optimization of both camera and object poses. Thus, unlike all systems proposed so far, our approach allows for solving jointly the detection and SLAM problems, so as to achieve object detection together with improved SLAM accuracy.
SLIP AESTHEASIS: a portable 2D slip/skin stretch display for the fingertip

Two dimensional lateral skin motions during manipulation are vital in ensuring grasping stability. This paper outlines the research, design, construction and testing of a completely portable slip/stretch feedback system for the fingertip. The device uses a V configuration of miniature motors to provide sensations of relative lateral motion (direction and velocity) onto the user's fingertips. This device has a mass of 22 g at the fingertip, 105 g at the forearm, Bluetooth communication to the simulation computer and a capacity of over 2 hrs continuous use. Testing involved user trails to determine quantitatively and qualitatively the realism and accuracy of the integrated system. These results show good levels of user ability to discriminate both directional and speed movements.
Preventable or potentially preventable mortality at a mature trauma center.

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to analyze the preventable and potentially preventable deaths occurring at a mature Level I trauma center. METHODS All trauma patients that died during their initial hospital admission during an 8-year period (January, 1998 to December, 2005) were analyzed. The deaths were initially reviewed at a weekly Morbidity and Mortality (M&M) conference followed by a multidisciplinary (Trauma Surgery, Critical Care, Emergency Medicine, Neurosurgery, Nursing, and Coroner) Combined Trauma Death Review Committee, and were classified into nonpreventable, potentially preventable, and preventable deaths. All preventable and potentially preventable deaths were identified for the purpose of the study. Quality improvement death forms included data on epidemiology, vital signs, injury severity, type of injury, probability of survival with Trauma and Injury Severity Score methodology, preventability (nonpreventable, potentially preventable, and preventable deaths), errors in the evaluation and management of the patient, and classification of errors (system, judgment, knowledge). Additional injury details, clinical course, circumstances leading to the death and autopsy findings were abstracted from the trauma registry and individual chart review. RESULTS During the study period, 35,311 patients meeting trauma registry criteria were admitted and a total of 2,081 (5.9%) deaths occurred. Fifty-one deaths were classified as preventable or potentially preventable deaths (0.1% of admissions, 2.5% of deaths). Eleven of them (0.53% of deaths) were classified as preventable and 40 (1.92% of deaths) as potentially preventable deaths. Mean age was 40 years, 66.7% were men, mean Injury Severity Score was 27, 74.5% were blunt. The most common cause of death was bleeding (20, 39.2%) followed by multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (14, 27.5%) and cardiorespiratory arrest (8, 15.6%). This was caused by a delay in treatment (27, 52.9%), clinical judgment error (11, 21.6%), missed diagnosis (6, 11.8%), technical error (4, 7.8%), and other (3, 5.9%). The deaths peaked at two time periods: 26 (51.1%) during the first 24 hours and 16 (31.4%) after 7 days. Only one patient (2.0%) died in the first hour. The most common location of death was the intensive care unit (28, 54.9%), operating room (13, 25.5%), and emergency room (5, 9.8%). CONCLUSION Preventable or potentially preventable deaths are rare but do occur at an academic Level I trauma center. Delay in treatment and error in judgment are the leading causes of preventable and potentially preventable deaths.
Energy management system for local energy market in microgrid consisting fuel cell

Energy Management System (EMS) is capable of finding the best solution to fulfill the demand of consumers completely, continuously and quickly. This paper evaluates the energy management system of a microgrid consisting fuel cell in day ahead market (DAM). EMS is used to obtain power profile of all generating sources and load for each trading interval. Local Energy Market(LEM) concept have been used to develop an algorithm for finding the Market Clearing Price(MCP) for Single Sided Auction(SSA) market and Double Sided Auction(DSA) market. The system used in this paper consists of PV (solar panel), WT (wind turbine), MT (microturbine), EWH (dump load), consumer load and Fuel cell (used as an energy storage device). Fuel cell is also modeled using various equations. Results demonstrate the difference between total cost for SSA and DSA market model.
Adaptive gait pattern control of a quadruped locomotion robot

The authors have proposed a control system of a quadruped locomotion robot by using nonlinear oscillators. It is composed of a leg motion controller and a gait pattern controller. The leg motion controller drives the actuators of the legs by using local feedback control. The gait pattern controller involves nonlinear oscillators with mutual interactions. In the paper, capability of adaptation of the proposed control system to variance of the environment is verified through numerical simulations and hardware experiments. With the input signals from the touch sensors at the tips of the legs, the nonlinear oscillators tune the phase differences among them through mutual entertainments. As a result, a gait pattern corresponding to the states of the system or to the properties of the environment emerges. The robot changes its gait pattern adaptively to variance of the environment and establishes a stable locomotion while suppressing the energy consumption.
Activity of phenothiazines against medically important yeasts

Two phenothiazine compounds, trifluoperazine and chlorpromazine, inhibited growth in vitro of the five most common pathogenic yeasts, with MICs ranging from 10 to 40 micrograms/ml. Daily intraperitoneal injections of trifluoperazine (4 to 7 mg/kg of body weight) increased the survival of mice experimentally infected with Candida albicans or Cryptococcus neoformans. The potential use of these drugs against fungal meningitis is discussed.
28-Joint count disease activity score at 3 months after diagnosis of early rheumatoid arthritis is strongly associated with direct and indirect costs over the following 4 years: the Swedish TIRA project.

OBJECTIVE To explore possible association between disease activity at 3-month follow-up after RA diagnosis and costs over the following 4 years. METHODS Three-hundred and twenty patients with early (≤ 1 year) RA were assessed at regular intervals. Clinical and laboratory data were collected and patients reported health-care utilization and number of days lost from work. At 3-month follow-up, patients were divided into two groups according to disease activity, using DAS-28 with a cut-off level at 3.2. Direct and indirect costs and EuroQol-5D over the following 4 years were compared between the groups. Multivariate regression models were used to control for possible covariates. RESULTS Three months after diagnosis, a DAS-28 level of ≥ 3.2 was associated with high direct and indirect costs over the following 4 years. Patients with DAS-28 ≥ 3.2 at 3-month follow-up had more visits to physician, physiotherapist, occupational therapist and nurse, higher drug costs, more days in hospital and more extensive surgery compared with patients with 3-month DAS-28 < 3.2. Number of days lost from work due to sick leave and permanent work disability was also higher in this group. The effect of disease activity on health-related quality of life was highly significant. In regression models, DAS-28 at 3-month follow-up was significantly associated with costs over the following years. CONCLUSIONS Three months after diagnosis, DAS-28 is an important prognostic marker regarding health-care utilization and costs. Achieving remission or low disease activity 3 months after diagnosis is likely to decrease morbidity, increase quality of life and save costs for the patient and for society over the following years.
Vagal stimulation for the treatment of heart failure: a translational success story

One of the most inspiring features of medicine is the unending quest for better treatments for the affected patients. This is also the area where experimental and clinical medicine can merge and give rise to translational research. As far as heart failure is concerned, there have been interesting developments. Here, I will review the background that has prompted the initial attempts to modulate autonomic activity, and I will discuss the most recent data and current directions. Heart failure is characterised by an autonomic imbalance with the combination of sympathetic upregulation and parasympathetic withdrawal, associated with progressive ventricular remodelling, arrhythmia generation and disease progression.1 This type of autonomic imbalance can be quantified at clinical level by baroreflex sensitivity, or by heart rate variability, and is associated with increased mortality after myocardial infarction,2–4 and in heart failure.5 ,6 Acute cardiac decompensation in patients with heart failure is often preceded by signs of further vagal withdrawal.7 Although β-blockers can be used to modify the impact of elevated levels of norepinephrine and the effects of augmented sympathetic tone, the ability of drug therapy to influence parasympathetic function is limited. These considerations could not be separated by the evidence that increases in vagal activity, either by exercise training8 ,9 or by direct electrical vagal stimulation,10 have a powerful antifibrillatory effect, and can reduce sudden cardiac death. Altogether, they have provided a strong rationale for the evaluation of the potential benefit of chronic vagal stimulation in patients with heart failure. Potential doubts towards the implementation of a non-traditional treatment were progressively dismissed by the evidence of a clear benefit in different animal models for heart failure,11 and by the fact that chronic vagal stimulation has been used without complications in a very high number of patients with …
The era of integrative genomics: more data or better methods?

In this commentary we highlight a recently proposed statistical methodology called Functional Epigenetic Modules for the integrative analysis of DNA methylation and gene expression data. We begin by providing a high-level overview of this technique, along with a discussion of the perceived strengths and limitations of this methodology. This serves as the jumping off point for dialogue on some of the frequently encountered challenges in the analysis of data from integrative ‘omic studies; particularly those involving the collection of both DNA methylation and gene expression data. We shed light on these challenges and offer our perspective on potential solutions.
Surface Chemistry and Electrochemistry of Supported Zerovalent Iron Nanoparticles in the Remediation of Aqueous Metal Contaminants

The microstructure, physical characteristics, corrosion behavior, and reactivity of zerovalent iron nanoparticles synthesized on a support (primarily a nonporous, hydrophobic polymer resin) were studied. The remediation of groundwater by zerovalent iron in in situ permeable reactive barriers relies on the redox reaction between metallic iron and a reducible contaminant. Decreasing the size of the iron particles and dispersing them on a support increases the specific surface area of the iron, as well as the ratio of surface to bulk iron atoms, and should thereby increase both the reaction rate and the fraction of iron atoms available for the reaction. Borohydride reduction of aqueous ferrous sulfate gives supported iron nanoparticles, 10−30 nm in diameter, which consist of 85% zerovalent iron by weight. These materials (“ferragels”) are stable in air and have corrosion behavior comparable to iron filings. Interestingly, the presence or absence of a support, as well as the boron remaining from the borohydri.
DiSCo - A German Evaluation Corpus for Challenging Problems in the Broadcast Domain

Typical broadcast material contains not only studio-recorded texts read by trained speakers, but also spontaneous and dialect speech, debates with cross-talk, voice-overs, and on-site reports with difficult acoustic environments. Standard approaches to speech and speaker recognition usually deteriorate under such conditions. This paper reports on the design, construction, and experimental analysis of DiSCo, a German corpus for the evaluation of speech and speaker recognition on challenging material from the broadcast domain. One of the key requirements for the design of this corpus was a good coverage of different types of serious programmes beyond clean speech and planned speech broadcast news. Corpus annotation encompasses manual segmentation, an orthographic transcription, and labelling with speech mode, dialect, and noise type. We indicate typical use cases for the corpus by reporting results from ASR, speech search, and speaker recognition on the new corpus, thereby obtaining insights into the difficulty of audio recognition on the various classes.
The minimum legal drinking age and public health.

The Amethyst Initiative, signed by more than 100 college presidents and other higher education officials calls for a reexamination of the minimum legal drinking age in the United States. A central argument of the initiative is that the U.S. minimum legal drinking age policy results in more dangerous drinking than would occur if the legal drinking age were lower. A companion organization called Choose Responsibility explicitly proposes "a series of changes that will allow 18-20 year-olds to purchase, possess and consume alcoholic beverages. " Does the age-21 drinking limit in the United States reduce alcohol consumption by young adults and its harms, or as the signatories of the Amethyst Initiative contend, is it "not working"? In this paper, we summarize a large and compelling body of empirical evidence which shows that one of the central claims of the signatories of the Amethyst Initiative is incorrect: setting the minimum legal drinking age at 21 clearly reduces alcohol consumption and its major harms. We use a panel fixed effects approach and a regression discontinuity approach to estimate the effects of the minimum legal drinking age on mortality, and we also discuss what is known about the relationship between the minimum legal drinking age and other adverse outcomes such as nonfatal injury and crime. We document the effect of the minimum legal drinking age on alcohol consumption and estimate the costs of adverse alcohol-related events on a per-drink basis. Finally we consider implications for the correct choice of a minimum legal drinking age.
Session variability contrasts in the MARP corpus

Intra-session and inter-session variability in the Multi-session Audio Research Project (MARP) corpus are contrasted in two experiments that exploit the long-term nature of the corpus. In the first experiment, Gaussian Mixture Models (GMMs) model 30-second session chunks, clustering chunks using the Kullback-Leibler (KL) divergence. Cross-session relationships are found to dominate the clusters. Secondly, session detection with 3 variations in training subsets is performed. Results showed that small changes in long-term characteristics are observed throughout the sessions. These results enhance understanding of the relationship between long-term and short-term variability in speech and will find application in speaker and speech recognition systems. Index Terms: speaker identification, session variability
An extensible text extraction tool for learning objects

This work presents an extensible Eclipse platform based implementation of a Semantic Web based approach of information extraction from learning objects and transforming the learning objects to meaningful XML documents. The target XML documents contain the contents of learning objects meaningfully explained by XML tags, which represents the context of particular contents. Such meaningful XML documents allow transforming the content to another context, like language, that provides interoperability between diverse learning objects and learners. The present work is particularly focused on presenting X(HTML) documents of university curricula and course outlines in a form convenient for further effective integration and application of information extraction algorithms.
Pro-opiomelanocortin messenger RNA in hypothalamic neurons is increased by testosterone through aromatization to estradiol.

We have previously demonstrated that neurons in the rostral arcuate nucleus expressing the messenger RNA (mRNA) for pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) are responsive to modulation by physiological levels of testosterone. It is uncertain, however, whether testosterone's action is mediated through direct activation of androgen receptors or through aromatization to estradiol and subsequent binding to estrogen receptors. We examined this question by evaluating the effectiveness of estradiol and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a nonaromatizable androgen, in reversing the castration-induced diminution of POMC mRNA in the arcuate nucleus. Using in situ hybridization, we measured POMC mRNA content within arcuate neurons of intact, castrated, castrated testosterone-replaced, castrated estradiol-replaced, and castrated DHT-replaced male rats. Adult male rats were castrated and implanted (s.c.) with a Silastic capsule filled to one of the following specifications: crystalline testosterone (30 mm; n = 4); 17 beta-estradiol (E2) diluted 1:1 with cholesterol (5 mm; n = 4); DHT (40 mm; n = 4); or empty (30 mm; n = 4). Control, sham-operated animals (n = 4) were left intact. Analysis of the results showed that following castration, POMC mRNA content was significantly reduced in cells of the arcuate nucleus (intact: 152 +/- 3 grains/cell vs. castrate: 110 +/- 3 grains/cell). Replacement with physiological levels of testosterone prevented the decline of POMC mRNA levels (castrated testosterone-replaced: 143 +/- 6 grains/cell), as did replacement with physiological levels of estrogen (castrated estrogen-replaced: 149 +/- 8 grains/cell). Treatment with DHT failed to prevent the postcastration decline in POMC mRNA content (castrated DHT-treated: 118 +/- 4 grains/cell). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)