Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Disintegration of tissue using high intensity focused ultrasound: Two approaches that utilize shock waves

Introduction Surgery is moving more and more toward minimally-invasive procedures – using laparoscopic approaches with instruments inserted through tiny incisions or catheters placed in blood vessels through puncture sites. These techniques minimize the risks to the patient such as bleeding complications or infection during surgery. Taken a step further, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) can provide a tool to accomplish many of the same procedures without any incision at all. With HIFU, an ultrasound transducer can be positioned outside the body and focused through the skin and overlying tissue to deliver high-amplitude ultrasound to a target structure such as a tumor (Fig. 1). Absorption of acoustic energy within the focal volume is high enough to rapidly heat the tissue, effectively ‘cooking’ it within seconds or even a fraction of a second. This procedure also removes the need for a sterile operating room: without the risk of infection, HIFU noninvasive therapy could be done in the doctor’s office or outpatient clinic. For many years, HIFU surgery was centered on utilizing a thermal effect— tissue heating and denaturation caused by absorption of ultrasound. As the heating rate is dependent on local acoustic intensity, the temperature rises significantly enough to ablate tissue only in the focal region. While thermal ablation is the dominant interaction at lower HIFU focal intensities, higher intensities can introduce other bioeffects (Fig. 2). If the temperature rises to 100C during sonication, boiling bubbles appear in the tissue, inducing additional mechanical as well as thermal damage. At higher focal intensities, mechanical effects of the ultrasound wave itself become significant. The large tension phase of the wave can cause sporadic inertial cavitation or even a cloud of cavitation bubbles in the focal region in tissue—a process where the small gas bubbles grow and violently collapse, creating destructive effects on the tissue. Nonlinear propagation effects result in formation of high-amplitude shock waves around the focus which themselves create mechanical stress in the tissue. In addition, significantly enhanced heat deposiDISINTEGRATION OF TISSUE USING HIGH INTENSITY FOCUSED ULTRASOUND: TWO APPROACHES THAT UTILIZE SHOCK WAVES
Formalization of Behavior Change Theories to Accomplish a Health Behavior

The objective of this paper is to study theories behind behavior change and adaptation of behavior. Humans often live according to habitual behavior. Changing an existing behavior or adopting a new (healthier) behavior is not an easy task. There are a number of things which are important when considering adapting physical activity behavior. A behavior is affected by various cognitive processes, for example involving beliefs, intentions, goals, impediments. A conceptual and computational model is discussed based on state of the art theories about behavior change. The model combines different theories: the social cognitive theory, and the theory of self-regulation. In addition, health behavior interventions are discussed that may be used in a coaching system. The paper consists of two parts: the first part describes a computational model of behavior change and the second part discusses the formalization of evidence-based techniques for behavior change and questions to measure the various states of mind in order to provide tailored and personalized support.
The Enduring Fundamental Framework of Forest Resource Management Planning

Forest resource management planning began in the United States at the turn of the nineteenth century with an emphasis on timber production, sustained yield, and maximum timber growth. A set of well-documented procedures, philosophies, rules, and understandings developed within the forestry profession on the reasons for and requirements of a professionallydeveloped forest resource management plan. For most of the next decade, this framework controlled the development of timber-oriented forest management plans. In the late twentieth century, the forest resource management plans became stewardship- or sustainability-oriented. A broader expansive framework that stressed sustainable forest management developed. However, the framework of both types of plans is fundamentally the same. The natural resource being manipulated is still timber and that is the variable the management plan still focuses on. The set of fundamental underpinnings to the forest management plan has not changed. We describe these underpinnings in terms of both types of forest management plan, as they have remained unchanged over time. Also addressed are the questions of who are the forest owners that plan and what are the differences in the type of forest management plans they prepare.
ACES TM Signal Sequence and YebF Expression Systems

E. coli is the host strain of choice for the production of recombinant proteins. Despite its long and successful history, several limitations remain when the desired protein cannot be expressed in a functional state. This is o� en due to the inherent properties of expressing heterologous proteins in the cytoplasm. One means of overcoming these impediments is to express the protein such that it is secreted into the periplasm or extracellular matrix, where correct folding is likely and proteolytic degradation is minimized. Periplasmic or extracellular protein export has been exploited for the production of a number of recombinant proteins.1 The extracellular accumulation of a target protein provides several advantages. These include: [1] A simplifi ed downstream purifi cation scheme. E. coli does not naturally export a signifi cant amount of proteins to the extracelluar matrix. Therefore, the contamination level of host cell proteins, as well as endotoxin and nucleic acids (contaminants that present considerable challenges to the purifi cation of proteins destined for pharmaceutical use), are signifi cantly reduced. [2] Enhanced biological activity. Protein export through the periplasmic space exposes proteins to a set of disulfi de isomerases and foldases. These facilitate correct folding as well as provide an oxidizing environment which favors disulfi de bridge formation. [3] Higher product stability and solubility. In addition to the presense of chaperones, there are fewer proteases in the periplasmic space and even fewer in the extracellular matrix. [4] The N-terminus is authentic to the native protein. During the export process the signal sequence is removed, yielding an exported polypeptide without extra N-terminal amino acids.
Boolean-Valued Semantics for the Stochastic λ-Calculus

The ordinary untyped λ-calculus has a λ-theoretic model proposed in two related forms by Scott and Plotkin in the 1970s. Recently Scott showed how to introduce probability by extending these models with random variables. However, to reason about correctness and to add further features, it is useful to reinterpret the construction in a higher-order Boolean-valued model involving a measure algebra. We develop the semantics of an extended stochastic λ-calculus suitable for modeling a simple higher-order probabilistic programming language. We exhibit a number of key equations satisfied by the terms of our language. The terms are interpreted using a continuation-style semantics with an additional argument, an infinite sequence of coin tosses, which serves as a source of randomness. We also introduce a fixpoint operator as a new syntactic construct, as β-reduction turns out not to be sound for unrestricted terms. Finally, we develop a new notion of equality between terms interpreted in a measure algebra, allowing one to reason about terms that may not be equal almost everywhere. This provides a new framework and reasoning principles for probabilistic programs and their higher-order properties.
PHARMACOGNOSTIC, PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL STUDIES OF PIPER NI GRUM LINN. FRUIT (PIPERACEAE)

Piper species are reported to have great medicinal value in Indian medicine. Fruits of Piper nigrum Linn is commonly known as “Kalimiri” belongs to the family of Piperaceae and widely used as a pungent condiment. Traditionally it is used as antipyretic, diuretic, aphrodisiac, immune-stimulant, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, digestive, rubefacient, counter irritant, antiseptic, antispasmodic agent. Present work is related to standardization of Piper nigrum by using Pharmacognostic (Macroscopy, Cytomorphology, Physical constants) and Photochemical study of fruit. All parameters were studied according to the WHO and Pharmacopoeial guidelines to standardize the Piper nigrum.
Management of Acute Pancreatitis in the Pediatric Population: A Clinical Report From the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Pancreas Committee.

BACKGROUND Although the incidence of acute pancreatitis (AP) in children is increasing, management recommendations rely on adult published guidelines. Pediatric-specific recommendations are needed. METHODS The North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Pancreas committee performed a MEDLINE review using several preselected key terms relating to management considerations in adult and pediatric AP. The literature was summarized, quality of evidence reviewed, and statements of recommendations developed. The authorship met to discuss the evidence, statements, and voted on recommendations. A consensus of at least 75% was required to approve a recommendation. RESULTS The diagnosis of pediatric AP should follow the published INternational Study Group of Pediatric Pancreatitis: In Search for a CuRE definitions (by meeting at least 2 out of 3 criteria: (1) abdominal pain compatible with AP, (2) serum amylase and/or lipase values ≥3 times upper limits of normal, (3) imaging findings consistent with AP). Adequate fluid resuscitation with crystalloid appears key especially within the first 24 hours. Analgesia may include opioid medications when opioid-sparing measures are inadequate. Pulmonary, cardiovascular, and renal status should be closely monitored particularly within the first 48 hours. Enteral nutrition should be started as early as tolerated, whether through oral, gastric, or jejunal route. Little evidence supports the use of prophylactic antibiotics, antioxidants, probiotics, and protease inhibitors. Esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, and endoscopic ultrasonography have limited roles in diagnosis and management. Children should be carefully followed for development of early or late complications and recurrent attacks of AP. CONCLUSIONS This clinical report represents the first English-language recommendations for the management of pediatric AP. Future aims should include prospective multicenter pediatric studies to further validate these recommendations and optimize care for children with AP.
Evaluating Augmented Reality for Situated Vocabulary Learning

Augmented reality (AR) is an emerging technology for communicating learning contents. Several AR systems are designed for learning. However, studies that have investigated instructional strategies for applying AR are few. This investigation requires the implementation of prototypes that use state-of-the-art technology and sound learning theory. In this work, we implemented two prototypes for learning Filipino and German words by first developing a handheld AR platform. These prototypes demonstrate situated vocabulary learning. Using our AR system, students can learn words related to their current environment. We assessed the quality of these prototypes by conducting usability evaluations. For the theoretical grounding, we leveraged on multimedia learning theory to design the content. Through our handheld AR platform, we evaluated situated vocabulary learning by comparing our prototypes to a flash cards application. In the first evaluation, students scored significantly lower when using AR in an immediate post-test. However, this difference disappeared after taking into account the variability in usability scores via analysis of covariance. Taking account usability is fairer when comparing an emerging technology to traditional technology. Test scores were also not significantly different in a delayed post-test. In the second evaluation, although the post-test score and answering time of students did not differ, our results showed that they feel more satisfied and can keep their attention better when using AR. For the first time, we demonstrated situated vocabulary learning by using AR. Moreover, our preliminary study confirms the intuition that students can achieve the same score using AR, but with benefits such as ease in maintaining attention and increased satisfaction.
Effect of Service Broker Policies and Load Balancing Algorithms on the Performance of Large Scale Internet Applications in Cloud Datacenters

Cloud computing is advancing rapidly. With such advancement, it has become possible to develop and host large scale distributed applications on the Internet more economically and more flexibly. However, the geographical distribution of user bases, the available Internet infrastructure within those geographical areas, and the dynamic nature of usage patterns of the user bases are critical factors that affect the performance of these applications. Therefore, it is necessary to compromise between datacenters, service broker policies, and load balancing algorithms to optimize the performance of the application and the cost to the owners. This paper aims at studying the effect of service broker policies and load balancing algorithms on the performance of large-scale Internet applications under different configurations of datacenters. To achieve this goal, we modeled the behavior of the popular Facebook application with the most recent worldwide users’ statistics. Then, we evaluated the performance of this application under different configurations of datacenters using: 1) two different service broker policies, namely, closest datacenter and optimum response time; and 2) three load-balancing algorithms, namely, round robin, equally spread current execution, and throttled load balancer. The overall average response time of the application and the overall average time spent for processing a user request by a datacenter are measured and the results are discussed. This study would help service providers generate valuable insights on coordination between datacenters, service policies, and load balancing algorithms when designing Cloud infrastructure services in geographically distributed areas. In addition, application designers would benefit greatly from this study in identifying the optimal arrangement for their applications.
Who Works for Whom and the UK Gender Pay Gap

This study reports novel facts about the UK gender pay gap. We use a large, longitudinal, representative and employer employee linked dataset for the years 2002-16. Men’s average log hourly wage was 22 points higher than women’s in this period. We ask how much of this gap is accounted for by the differences in whom men and women worked for; how much is explained by the relative wage premiums that firms paid their employees, after adjusting for the influence of other factors, such as occupations and tenure? The answer is less than 1 percentage point, or about one eighteenth of the adjusted hourly gender pay gap. We also find that the allocation of men and women to occupations was as unimportant as how workers were allocated to firms. These results show that in the United Kingdom what happens within firms and occupations is far more important than what jobs men and women have. Therefore, attention should focus on why men and women within UK firms tend to receive different rates of pay.
In-Hand Manipulation via Motion Cones

In this paper, we present the mechanics and algorithms to compute the set of feasible motions of an object pushed in a plane. This set is known as the motion cone and was previously described for non-prehensile manipulation tasks in the horizontal plane. We generalize its geometric construction to a broader set of planar tasks, where external forces such as gravity influence the dynamics of pushing, and prehensile tasks, where there are complex interactions between the gripper, object, and pusher. We show that the motion cone is defined by a set of low-curvature surfaces and provide a polyhedral cone approximation to it. We verify its validity with 2000 pushing experiments recorded with motion tracking system. Motion cones abstract the algebra involved in simulating frictional pushing by providing bounds on the set of feasible motions and by characterizing which pushes will stick or slip. We demonstrate their use for the dynamic propagation step in a sampling-based planning algorithm for in-hand manipulation. The planner generates trajectories that involve sequences of continuous pushes with 5-1000x speed improvements to equivalent algorithms. Video Summary -- this https URL
Worst-Case Bounds on R&D and Pricing Distortions: Theory and Disturbing Conclusions If Consumer Values Follow the World Income Distribution

We prove that, for general demand and cost conditions and market structures, the fraction of first best surplus that a monopolist is unable to extract in a market provides a tight upper bound on the relative distortions arising from firms' equilibrium decisions at all margins (entry and pricing). Continuing with this worst-case perspective, we show that a symmetrically truncated Zipf (STRZ) distribution of consumer values generates the lowest producer surplus among those with a given mean and maximum value. This allows us to relate potential deadweight loss from all margins in a market to the Zipf-similarity of its demand curve. The STRZ distribution also bounds deadweight loss at just the pricing margin. We leverage existing results from industrial organization (e.g., on demand curvature) and statistics (e.g., on the relation between means and medians) to bound producer surplus in an array of important special cases. Calibrations based on the world distribution of income generate extremely Zipf-similar demand curves, with disturbing consequences for potential deadweight loss in global markets. We gauge the extent to which various policies-such as progressive taxation or price discrimination-can ameliorate potential deadweight loss.
Immunology and Genetic of Leishmania infantum: The Role of Endonuclease G in the Apoptosis

Leishmania infantum is the causative agent of infantile visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in the Mediterranean region. Despite developing protective responses, the disease progresses due to many of factors. These include the action of suppressive cytokines, exhaustion of specific T cells, loss of lymphoid tissue, and defective humoral response. Genetic changes that occur inside the genome of alienated or parasite cells, along with immune responses, play an important role in controlling or progressing the disease. Proapoptotic proteins such as Smac/DIABLO, EndoG, AIF (apoptosis-inducing factor), and cytochrome C are effective in apoptosis. EndoG is a mitochondrion-specific nuclease that translocates to the nucleus during apoptosis. Once released from mitochondria, endoG cleaves chromatin DNA into nucleosomal fragments independently of caspases. Therefore, endoG represents a caspase-independent apoptotic pathway initiated from the mitochondria. A comprehensive understanding of the immune and genetic events that occur during VL is very important for designing immunotherapy strategies and developing effective vaccines for disease prevention. In this review which explained the immunological responses and also the important factors that can contribute to parasite apoptosis and are used in subsequent studies as a target for the preparation of drugs or recombinant vaccines against parasites are briefly reviewed.
IN-VITRO ANTICANCER ACTIVITY OF EUCHEUMACOTTONII EXTRACTS AGAINST HELA CELL LINE , HUMN LUNG CARCINOMA CELL LINE ( SK-LU-1 ) , HUMAN COLON CARCINOMA CELL LINE ( HCT-116 ) , AND FIBROBLAST

In recent years, much focus has been put on finding new anticancer drugs that has lower side effects.Seaweed contains high level of polysaccharides especially sulphated polysaccharides which exhibit strong biological activities such as antitumor. Eucheumacottonii, the edible marine red algae is cultivated abundantly in Sabah of East Malaysia mainly for its kappa-carrageenan production. Recent studies have shown that E. cottonii was tumour-suppressive via apoptosis induction. In this in-vitro study, the anticancer effect of E. cottonii on various cell linewere evaluated. Cancer cells were exposed to various concentrations of E. cottonii crude extract for 24 hours. The results have shown that E. cottonii crude extracts induced cytotoxicity in various cancer cells in dose-dependent manner, as measured in MTT viability assay. A complete cessation in cell proliferation was observed using highest dose of extract (20.0mg/mL) for 24 hours incubation, showing strong cytotoxic effect of E. cottonii extract. However, the extracts of E. cottonii did not showed any effect on fibroblast, a human normal cell line. Overall, this study has demonstrated that E. cottoniiextracts may exhibit potential anticancer properties against various cancer cell line yet to prevent normal human cell line to be eliminated.
Impact of a one-day preventive voice program for teachers : A longitudinal study

Teachers are professional voice users, i.e. people who rely on a consistent, special, or appealing voice quality to achieve their job. If afflicted with dysphonia or aphonia, they would generally loose motivation at work and seek alternative employment [1]. Teachers represent the largest group of professionals complaining of dysphonia: they represent 20% to 25% of the treatment-seeking workers [2, 3].
Dynamic VeloSLAM – Preliminary Report on 3 D Mapping of Dynamic Environments

3D mapping using point cloud registration is a basic inevitable problem for many applications, especially for modeling of large scale complicated environments. This paper presents a novel approach for mapping highly dynamic environments, i.e., we present a system capable for mapping road traffic scenarios. Given 3D laser scans acquired at a high frame rate and no other sensor input, a 3D map is built by removing dynamic parts of the scene and estimating the ego-motion of the vehicle precisely at the same time. We extend the well-known ICP algorithm for HDL-64 laser scan data and build a system for solving the simultaneous localization and mapping problem in urban road scenarios. This paper presents initial results on two data sets.
Systematic review of Type 2 diabetes self-management: focusing on the middle-aged population of rural area of Pakistan

The systematic literature review was carried out to identify and analyse qualitative and quantitative articles published in the last 20 years relevant to the self-management of type 2 diabetes. The aim of this review was to identify and synthesize the contemporary qualitative and quantitative research on the selfmanagement of type 2 diabetes focusing on the factors that play an important role in self-management of diabetes in Pakistan. This systematic review synthesized the knowledge and identified the gap in the literature regarding type 2 diabetes self-management among the middle-aged population of Pakistan. The review has revealed that there is lack of studies in literature on self-management of type 2 diabetes in Pakistan. This review will be useful for health care professionals suggesting that coping with diagnosis and living with diabetes is affected by a complex constellation of factors, including life circumstances, social support, gender roles and economy.