Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Defective de novo thymocyte maturation in cyclosporin A (CsA)‐induced autoimmunity: expression of costimulatory and activation molecules

Lethally x‐irradiated Lewis rats, reconstituted with syngeneic bone marrow and transiently treated with CsA for 4 weeks, will develop an autoimmune disease about 2–3 weeks after cessation of CsA therapy. CsA‐induced autoimmunity is a thymus‐dependent and T cell‐mediated autoimmune disease. CsA is thought to generate autoreactive T cells by interference with negative selection in the thymus; x‐irradiation is required to eliminate the peripheral autoregulatory T cell circuit. In this study we re‐evaluate the effect of CsA on thymic atrophy and thymocyte maturation. Subsequently we examine the expression of costimulatory and activation molecules (CD2, CD5, CD11a, CD11b, CD25, CD28, CD43, CD54, OX‐40, RT‐1A, RT‐1B and RT‐1D) during distinct maturational stages in order to detect possible clues to the observed effects of CsA on thymocyte maturation and selection. The results revealed that CsA blocks maturation of double‐positive TCRint to double‐positive TCRhigh thymocytes and preferentially inhibits the development of mature CD4 single‐positive thymocytes. Furthermore, CsA administration resulted in a reduced expression of the costimulatory CD2 molecule. Although it is a matter of debate whether this defective CD2 expression is involved in the aberrant maturation and selection of thymocytes, it is speculated that reduced costimulation via CD2 may influence differentiation into distinct T cell subsets.
IoT and Robotics: a synergy

The Internet of Robotic Things (IoRT) [9] is a concept first introduced by Dan Kara at ABI Research, which talks about augmenting the existing IoT with active sensorization; thereby, opening the doors to novel business ideas, at the intersection of both IoT and Robotics. This position paper considers the synergy between IoT and robotics: it talks about the technologies in IoT that would benefit the robotics domain. The advent of Cloud Robotics and its role in aiding robot functions like sensing, manipulation, and mobility. The paper then discusses the ways in which robots can extend the capabilities of existing IoT infrastructure by acting as a special class of edge device. IoT-aided robotic applications are discussed in various domains like health-care, military, industrial plants and rescue operations. The paper concludes by considering the use case of an Intelligent Transportation System endowed by an IoRT-inspired architecture.
The spatial region of integration for visual symmetry detection

Symmetry is a complex image property that is exploited by a sufficiently wide range of species to indicate that it is detected using simple visual mechanisms. These mechanisms rely on measurements made close to the axis of symmetry. We investigated the size and shape of this integration region (IR) by measuring human detection of spatially band–pass symmetrical patches embedded in noise. Resistance to disruption of symmetry (in the form of random phase noise) improves with increasing patch size, and then asymptotes when the embedded region fills the IR. The size of the IR is shown to vary in inverse proportion to spatial frequency; i.e. symmetry detection exhibits scale–invariance. The IR is shown to have rigid dimensions, elongated in the direction of the axis of symmetry, with an aspect ratio of ca. 2:1. These results are consistent with a central role for spatial filtering in symmetry detection.
Is Diet Quality an Overlooked Mechanism for Bergmann’s Rule?

Bergmann’s rule (body size increases with latitude) has long interested biologists; however, its mechanism remains unclear. An overlooked mechanism (latitudinal variation in plant quality) might help explain Bergmann’s rule. We studied three herbivores. In the field, the planthopper Prokelisia and the sea hare Aplysia, but not the long‐horned grasshopper Orchelimum, were larger at high latitudes, following Bergmann’s rule. In the laboratory, all three species grew larger or faster on high‐latitude plants. High‐latitude diets increased Prokelisia size and Aplysia growth rates by 8% and 72%, respectively, enough to explain the increase in field body size toward high latitudes. Therefore, latitudinal variation in herbivore body size could be influenced by latitudinal variation in plant quality, which may directly or indirectly also affect body size in detritivores, parasitoids, and predators. Studies of Bergmann’s rule should consider the influence of biotic factors on body size in addition to abiotic factors such as temperature and precipitation.
Color Restoration and Image Retrieval for Dunhuang Fresco Preservation

Dunhuang Mogao Cave, located in Gansu province, is a typical Chinese heritage site. Well preserved, the caves contain more than 555 grottoes, 2,000 painted statues, and 5,000 square meters of wall paintings. Scientists and artists have worked for a long time on how to preserve and restore the murals' colors, but have not found satisfactory methods. Discovering how to use advanced computer techniques to preserve, restore, and reuse Dunhuang fresco art information is a very interesting and complex task. In our project, we integrate many techniques, such as image processing, information retrieval, knowledge representation, and intelligent reasoning, to deal with these problems. Restoration of the frescoes is the basic focus of our project. Because of human activity, most of the frescoes fade day-by-day, with some seriously damaged. We propose a new, intelligent approach to color restoration. Each restored fresco will be preserved in the fresco database along with the original. For many of the Dunhuang frescoes, the key to preservation is to find an effective method for organizing, storing, managing, and retrieving the fresco data. We adopt content- and semantics-based image retrieval methods to solve these problems. Our fresco database will support Dunhuang pattern creation and virtual cave travel, reusing the fresco art information from the database. In this article, we mainly focus on the color restoration and retrieval techniques we use for fresco preservation.
A 160-MHz fourth-order double-sampled SC bandpass sigma-delta modulator

A fully differential double-sampled switched-capacitor (SC) architecture for a fourth-order bandpass /spl Sigma//spl Delta/ modulator is presented. This architecture is based on a double-sampled SC delay circuit. The effect of opamp nonidealities (finite dc gain and nonzero input capacitance) on the notch frequency of this modulator is analyzed. The modulator is implemented in a 0.5-/spl mu/m CMOS technology and operates at a clock frequency of 80 MHz, making the effective sampling rate 160 MHz. The image signal is about 40 dB below the fundamental signal. The measured signal-to-noise-plus-distortion (SNDR) is 47 dB (not including the image) over a 1.25-MHz bandwidth centered at 40 MHz. The circuit operates at 3 V and consumes 65 mW.
LA CONSOMMATION D'ENERGIE RENOUVELABLE ET LE PIB DANS L'EUROPE DU NORD

L'objectif de cet article est l'etude de la relation de la causalite a long terme et a court terme entre la consommation d'energie renouvelable et la croissance economique dans les pays en Europe du Nord pour la periode 1990-2010. Le test de Pedroni (2000) nous montre qu'il exicte la relation a long terme entre les variables et le test d'Hausman (1978) indique que nous devons appliquer le modele en effets fixes. Les resultats de test de la causalite indiquent qu entre la consommation d'energie renouvelable et la croissance economique il existe une relation unidirectionnelle (l'energie est la cause de PIB) mais entre le PIB et la formation de capital et aussi entre le PIB et le travail a long terme et a court terme il y a une relation bidirectionnelle. Donc ces pays peuvent remplacer cette energie a la place du petrole pour diminuer la dependance de l'etranger.
WHAT'S WHERE AND WHY AT A VASCULAR MYOENDOTHELIAL MICRODOMAIN SIGNALLING COMPLEX

1 Modulation of vascular cell calcium is critical for the control of vascular tone, blood flow and pressure. 2 Specialized microdomain signalling sites associated with calcium modulation are present in vascular smooth muscle cells, where spatially localized channels and calcium store receptors interact functionally. Anatomical studies suggest that such sites are also present in endothelial cells. 3 The characteristics of these sites near heterocellular myoendothelial gap junctions (MEGJs) are described, focusing on rat mesenteric artery. The MEGJs enable current and small molecule transfer to coordinate arterial function and are thus critical for endothelium‐derived hyperpolarization, regulation of smooth muscle cell diameter in response to contractile stimuli and vasomotor conduction over distance. 4 Although MEGJs occur on endothelial cell projections within internal elastic lamina (IEL) holes, not all IEL holes have MEGJ‐related projections (approximately 0–50% of such holes have MEGJ‐related projections, with variations occurring within and between vessels, species, strains and disease). 5 In rat mesenteric, saphenous and caudal cerebellar artery and hamster cheek pouch arteriole, but not rat middle cerebral artery or cremaster arteriole, intermediate conductance calcium‐activated potassium channels (IKCa) localize to endothelial cell projections. 6 Rat mesenteric artery MEGJ connexins and IKCa are in close spatial association with endothelial cell inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptors and endoplasmic reticulum. 7 Data suggest a relationship between spatially associated endothelial cell ion channels and calcium stores in modulation of calcium release and action. Differences in spatial relationships between ion channels and calcium stores in different vessels reflect heterogeneity in vasomotor function, representing a selective target for the control of endothelial and vascular function.
A fully traits-based approach to modeling global vegetation distribution

Significance Models on vegetation dynamics are indispensable for our understanding of climate change impacts. These models contain variables describing vegetation attributes, so-called traits. However, the direct impacts of trait variation on global vegetation distribution are unknown. We derived global trait maps based on information on environmental drivers. Subsequently, we characterized nine globally representative vegetation types based on their trait combinations and could make valid predictions of their global occurrence probabilities based on trait maps. This study provides a proof of concept for the link between plant traits and vegetation types, stimulating enhanced application of trait-based approaches in vegetation modeling. We envision that our approach, our observation-driven trait maps, and vegetation maps may inspire a new generation of powerful traits-based vegetation models. Dynamic Global Vegetation Models (DGVMs) are indispensable for our understanding of climate change impacts. The application of traits in DGVMs is increasingly refined. However, a comprehensive analysis of the direct impacts of trait variation on global vegetation distribution does not yet exist. Here, we present such analysis as proof of principle. We run regressions of trait observations for leaf mass per area, stem-specific density, and seed mass from a global database against multiple environmental drivers, making use of findings of global trait convergence. This analysis explained up to 52% of the global variation of traits. Global trait maps, generated by coupling the regression equations to gridded soil and climate maps, showed up to orders of magnitude variation in trait values. Subsequently, nine vegetation types were characterized by the trait combinations that they possess using Gaussian mixture density functions. The trait maps were input to these functions to determine global occurrence probabilities for each vegetation type. We prepared vegetation maps, assuming that the most probable (and thus, most suited) vegetation type at each location will be realized. This fully traits-based vegetation map predicted 42% of the observed vegetation distribution correctly. Our results indicate that a major proportion of the predictive ability of DGVMs with respect to vegetation distribution can be attained by three traits alone if traits like stem-specific density and seed mass are included. We envision that our traits-based approach, our observation-driven trait maps, and our vegetation maps may inspire a new generation of powerful traits-based DGVMs.
Untersuchungen zur Kniegelenkwinkelung des Hundes im Hinblick auf die Ruptur des vorderen Kreuzbandes unter besonderer Berücksichtigung des Tibiaplateaus

Zusammenfassung: Gegenstand und Ziel: Untersuchungen zum Vergleich der Kniegelenkstellung von Hunden mit und ohne vorderen Kreuzbandriss (KBR). Material und Methoden: Messung und Vergleich von Kniegelenkwinkel, Stellung des Tibiaplateaus nach Slocum, Stellung der Tibialängsachse und des Tibiaplateaus zur Waagerechten bei 61 Tieren mit (A) und 63 Tieren ohne (B) KBR. Ergebnisse: Kniegelenkwinkel (A gesunde Gliedmaßen: 119,3°, erkrankte Gliedmaßen: 117,7°; B 122,2°), die Stellung des Tibiaplateaus zur Waagerechten (A gesunde Gliedmaßen: –7,4°, erkrankte Gliedmaßen: –9,0°; B –2,0°) und die Stellung der Tibiaachse zur Waagerechten (A gesunde Gliedmaßen: 58,3°, erkrankte Gliedmaßen: 56,9°; B 63,4°) differierten zwischen den Gruppen signifikant. Bei einseitigem Kreuzbandriss lagen im Seitenvergleich im Kniegelenkwinkel (gesund: 119,2°; erkrankt: 116,5°) und der Stellung des Tibiaplateaus zur Waagerechten (gesund: –7,4°; erkrankt: –9,9°) signifikante Unterschiede vor. Die Stellung des Tibiaplateaus zur Waagerechten korrelierte in beiden Gruppen in erster Linie mit der Stellung der funktionellen Tibiaachse zur Waagerechten (A r = 0,944; B r = 0,946). Das Tibiaplateau wies in beiden Gruppen eine signifikante Abweichung von der Waagerechten auf (A –9,0°; B –2,0°). Schlussfolgerung: Die genannten Unterschiede waren trotz ihrer Signifikanz so gering ausgeprägt, dass eine klinische Relevanz nicht anzunehmen ist. Der Tibiaplateauwinkel nach Slocum korreliert nicht mit dem Kniegelenkwinkel. Klinische Relevanz: Ein KBR ruft keine wesentlichen Änderungen der Kniegelenkstellung hervor. Eine durch die Kniegelenk- oder Tibiaplateauwinkelung bedingte Prädisposition für einen KBR erscheint unwahrscheinlich. Es besteht kein Hinweis, dass der Kniegelenkwinkel in die Planung einer TPLO einbezogen werden sollte.
Learning evaluation of ultrasound image segmentation using combined measures

Objective evaluation of medical image segmentation is one of the important steps for proving its validity and clinical applicability. Although there are many researches presenting segmentation methods on medical image, while with few studying the evaluation methods on their results, this paper presents a learning evaluation method with combined measures to make it as close as possible to the clinicians’ judgment. This evaluation method is more quantitative and precise for the clinical diagnose. In our experiment, the same data sets include 120 segmentation results of lumen-intima boundary (LIB) and media-adventitia boundary (MAB) of carotid ultrasound images respectively. And the 15 measures of goodness method and discrepancy method are used to evaluate the different segmentation results alone. Furthermore, the experimental results showed that compared with the discrepancy method, the accuracy with the measures of goodness method is poor. Then, by combining with the measures of two methods, the average accuracy and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 2 segmentation groups are higher than 93% and 0.9 respectively. And the results of MAB are better than LIB, which proved that this novel method can effectively evaluate the segmentation results. Moreover, it lays the foundation for the non-supervised segmentation evaluation system.
An Energy-Constrained Routing Protocol for Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

In mobile ad hoc networks, the nodes are battery-operated, so it is easy to lead to network partition since some node’s energy is exhausted. And the mobility of nodes may cause route failure that leads to route rediscovery, which can degrade the performance of networks. To solve this issue, a new routing protocol EMRP by combining the prediction of the node mobility and residual energy state is presented. The simulation results show that EMRP can increase the packet delivery ratio and increase evidently the lifetime of the network.
Motion Analyses of Adolescent Rugby Union Players: A Comparison of Training and Game Demands

Hartwig, TB, Naughton, G, and Searl, J. Motion analyses of adolescent rugby union players: A comparison of training and game demands. J Strength Cond Res 25(4): 966-972, 2011-This research described the physiological demands of participation in adolescent rugby union including positional differences and the degree to which training practices replicate game demands. Between 2003 and 2008, 118 male adolescent rugby players aged 14 to 18 years were recruited from 10 teams representing 3 levels of adolescent rugby. Time-motion analyses using global positioning satellite tracking devices (SPI10; GPSports Systems Pty Ltd 2003) and computer-based tracking software (Trak Performance; Sports Tec Pty Ltd) applied to video footage determined player movement patterns 161 times during rugby training sessions and 53 times during rugby games. Compared with rugby training, rugby games were consistently characterized by more time spent jogging (14 vs. 8%), striding (3.2 vs. 1.3%), and sprinting (1.3 vs. 0.1%) (p < 0.001). Players also covered greater distances (4000 ± 500 vs. 2710 ± 770 m) and performed more sprints (21.8 vs. 1) during games compared with training (p < 0.001). The average sprint duration of 2 seconds was similar in games and training; however, the frequency of sprint efforts in training sessions was low (1 per hour). A major finding of this study is the disparity between physical game demands and on-field rugby training practices in adolescent players determined using time-motion analyses. Sprint pattern differences between games and training in particular could have important implications for player performance during competition. Results of this study should assist in the development of game-specific training sessions and drills that provide the kinds of physically demanding experiences observed in games. Additionally, coaches could assist in the management of adolescent players' participation loads by increasing the intensity and specificity and decreasing the volume of training.
A simple control scheme for a single stage flyback with low harmonic distortion

This paper would like to propose a simple control technique which is capable of facilitating the adaptation of single-stage flyback (SSF) converters to the application of light sources of low-power LEDs. The average current mode has several advantages, such as an I/O current ripple that is only 1/2 of the critical conduction mode (CRM). This helps extend the lifetime of output capacitors while lowering the value of input EMI capacitance. Based on this, the present paper operates an SSF converter in the CCM. In addition, there are some extra circuits at the output. Two of them are the sample-and-hold (S/H) circuits, the other one is zero-point detecting circuit. They help to access the output voltage and the average value of feed forward voltage. Moreover, the extra circuits also contribute the system from being influenced by 120Hz ripple and reduce harmonic distortion of the input current.
Fault-tolerant computing on trees

The paper analyzes the fault-tolerance of complete binary tree networks. It shows how an N-mode tree subject to random failures can simulate a perfect, fault-free tree under different fault models. If edges fail with independent probability p</sup 1///sub 3/ it shows both a lower bound and an approximately tight upper bound on the time required to simulate a perfect tree on the faulty tree. If edges are assumed to be robust and the nodes have a failure probability of p</sup 1///sub 2/, then the faulty tree can simulate the fault-free tree with O(loglogN) slowdown. The paper also shows a matching lower bound for using all non-faulty processors. These results are combined to analyse other fault models. All the results hold with high probability. <<ETX>>
Transurethral collagen injections for male intrinsic sphincter deficiency: the University of Texas-Houston experience.

PURPOSE Injectable agents are used to increase urethral coaptation for the treatment of intrinsic sphincter deficiency. We evaluated the long-term results and complications of transurethral collagen injections in males. MATERIALS AND METHODS We reviewed the charts of 322 men (mean age 67.2 years, range 40 to 91) with intrinsic sphincter deficiency after therapy for prostate carcinoma (307) or benign prostatic hyperplasia (15) who received transurethral collagen injections. The analysis included types and combinations of treatment for prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia, pre-procedure voiding symptoms, total collagen received, maximal percentage improvement and durability of effect. RESULTS The mean length of followup was 40.1 (+/-13.2) months. Overall, the mean number of injections was 4.37 (+/-2.09). Mean percent improvement after a series of injections was 44.59 (+/-38.26). Mean pad use before and after injection was statistically different (5.15 vs 2.98, p=0.0001). Mean duration of response was 6.3 (+/-8.14) months. In those who achieved complete continence (17%), the mean duration of response was 11.1 (+/-8.87) months. Within this group the mean number of injections and ml of collagen injected were 3.83 and 29.27, respectively. Five patients (1.5%) complained of a quantitative increase in leakage after their series of collagen injections. CONCLUSIONS Transurethral collagen injections are a good option for short-term therapy in men with post-prostatectomy incontinence. The mean number of injections to achieve a plateau is 3 to 4, regardless of initial severity of incontinence. Those in the radical prostatectomy only treatment group are statistically more likely to achieve continence than all other treatment groups.
Nonconvulsive seizures after traumatic brain injury are associated with hippocampal atrophy

Objective: To determine if posttraumatic nonconvulsive electrographic seizures result in long-term brain atrophy. Methods: Prospective continuous EEG (cEEG) monitoring was done in 140 patients with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and in-depth study of 16 selected patients was done using serial volumetric MRI acutely and at 6 months after TBI. Fluorodeoxyglucose PET was done in the acute stage in 14/16 patients. These data were retrospectively analyzed after collection of data for 7 years. Results: cEEG detected seizures in 32/140 (23%) of the entire cohort. In the selected imaging subgroup, 6 patients with seizures were compared with a cohort of 10 age- and GCS-matched patients with TBI without seizures. In this subgroup, the seizures were repetitive and constituted status epilepticus in 4/6 patients. Patients with seizures had greater hippocampal atrophy as compared to those without seizures (21 ± 9 vs 12 ± 6%, p = 0.017). Hippocampi ipsilateral to the electrographic seizure focus demonstrated a greater degree of volumetric atrophy as compared with nonseizure hippocampi (28 ± 5 vs 13 ± 9%, p = 0.007). A single patient had an ictal PET scan which demonstrated increased hippocampal glucose uptake. Conclusion: Acute posttraumatic nonconvulsive seizures occur frequently after TBI and, in a selected subgroup, appear to be associated with disproportionate long-term hippocampal atrophy. These data suggest anatomic damage is potentially elicited by nonconvulsive seizures in the acute postinjury setting.