Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development of an indirect-type teleoperation interface for biped humanoid robots

This paper presents a user interface for teleoperating a biped humanoid robot and discusses the interface design. Teleoperation interfaces can be classified as either direct- or indirect-type, and the latter is employed by our interface because our goal is to use humanoid robots for disaster response, and the indirect-type interfaces have advantages for such applications. The basic design of our interface and concrete functions for operating the robot are described. The interface visualizes the last state of the robot and its environment, and the operation is performed by executing commands, including robot state acquisition, measurement, walking, reaching, and manipulation. Communication between the interface and the robot is requested only when a command is executed. The developed interface was tested with the HRP-2 robot and two example tasks, i.e., walking on uneven terrain and rotating a valve. We verified that the robot was able to complete the tasks by teleoperation using our interface.
Illness perceptions in patients with osteoarthritis: change over time and association with disability.

OBJECTIVE To investigate changes in illness perceptions in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and the association of those changes with disability, and to determine the predictive value of illness perceptions in disability. METHODS Illness perceptions and disability were measured at baseline and after 6 years in 241 patients with OA at multiple sites (mean age 59.0 years, 82.2% women) using the revised Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ-R) and the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), respectively. Mean changes for each IPQ-R dimension were reported and related to progression of disability, defined as the highest quartile of HAQ score change. The predictive value of baseline illness perceptions in disability at 6 years (with high disability defined as the highest quartile of HAQ score) was assessed using logistic regression. RESULTS Illness perceptions changed over time, and these changes were related to the progression of disability. Patients with progression of disability had an increase in symptoms attributed to OA, perceived consequences, perceived disease chronicity, negative emotions associated with OA and beliefs about immunity as causal factor, and a decrease in perceived control and understanding of OA compared with patients without progression of disability. Moreover, a higher number of symptoms attributed to OA, less perceived control, and more perceived consequences of OA at baseline were predictive of high disability after 6 years. CONCLUSION Illness perceptions in patients with OA changed over time, and these changes were related to outcome. Moreover, illness perceptions were predictive of disability. This may imply that interventions aimed at changing illness perceptions can contribute to better functional outcome.
The Homeodomain Protein CDP Regulates Mammary-Specific Gene Transcription and Tumorigenesis

ABSTRACT The CCAAT-displacement protein (CDP) has been implicated in developmental and cell-type-specific regulation of many cellular and viral genes. We previously have shown that CDP represses mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) transcription in tissue culture cells. Since CDP-binding activity for the MMTV long terminal repeat declines during mammary development, we tested whether binding mutations could alter viral expression. Infection of mice with MMTV proviruses containing CDP binding site mutations elevated viral RNA levels in virgin mammary glands and shortened mammary tumor latency. To determine if CDP has direct effects on MMTV transcription rather than viral spread, virgin mammary glands of homozygous CDP-mutant mice lacking one of three Cut repeat DNA-binding domains (ΔCR1) were examined by reverse transcription-PCR. RNA levels of endogenous MMTV as well as α-lactalbumin and whey acidic protein (WAP) were elevated. Heterozygous mice with a different CDP mutation that eliminated the entire C terminus and the homeodomain (ΔC mice) showed increased levels of MMTV, β-casein, WAP, and α-lactalbumin RNA in virgin mammary glands compared to those from wild-type animals. No differences in amounts of WDNM1, ε-casein, or glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase RNA were observed between the undifferentiated mammary tissues from wild-type and mutant mice, indicating the specificity of this effect. These data show independent contributions of different CDP domains to negative regulation of differentiation-specific genes in the mammary gland.
System Integration of the LabPET Small Animal PET Scanner

To address modern molecular imaging requirements, a digital positron emission tomography scanner for small animals has been developed at Universite de Sherbrooke. Based on individual readout of avalanche photodiodes (APD) coupled to a LYSO/LGSO phoswich array, the scanner supports up to 3072 channels in a 16.2 cm diameter, 7.5 cm axial field of view with an isotropic 1.2 mm FWHM intrinsic spatial resolution at the center of the FOV. Custom data acquisition boards sample APD signals at 45 MHz and compute in real time crystal identification, energy and timing information of detected events at rates of up to 1250 raw counts per second per mm2 (10k cps/channel). Real time digital signal analysis also filters out events outside the photopeak with crystal granularity to eliminate Compton events and electronic noise. Retained events are then merged into a single stream through a real-time sorting tree, at which end the prompt and delayed coincidences are extracted. A single Firewire link handles both control and data transfers with a computer. The LabPETtrade features four data recording modes, giving the user the choice to retain data for research or to minimize file size for high coincidence count rate and imaging purposes. The electronic system also supports time synchronized data insertion for flags such as vital signs used in gated image reconstruction. Aside from data acquisition, hardware can generate live energy and discrimination histograms suitable for fast, automatic channel calibration.
Growth rate regulation of Escherichia coli acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase, which catalyzes the first committed step of lipid biosynthesis

Acetyl coenzyme A (CoA) carboxylase catalyzes the synthesis of malonyl-CoA, the first intermediate of fatty acid synthesis. The Escherichia coli enzyme is encoded by four subunits located at three different positions on the E. coli chromosome. The accBC genes lie in a small operon at min 72, whereas accA and accD are located at min 4.3 and 50, respectively. We examined the expression of the genes that encode the E. coli acetyl-CoA carboxylase subunits (accA, accBC, and accD) under a variety of growth conditions by quantitative Northern (RNA) blot analysis. We found a direct correlation between the levels of transcription of the acc genes and the rate of cellular growth. Consistent results were also obtained upon nutritional upshift and downshift experiments and upon dilution of stationary-phase cultures into fresh media. We also determined the 5' end of the accA and accD mRNAs by primer extension and did transcriptional fusion analysis of the previously reported accBC promoter. Several interesting features were found in the promoter regions of these genes, including a bent DNA sequence and an open reading frame within the unusually long leader mRNA of the accBC operon, potential stem-loop structures in the accA and accD mRNA leader regions, and a stretch of GC-rich sequences followed by AT-rich sequences common to all three promoters. In addition, both accA and accD are located in complex gene clusters. For example, the accA promoter was localized within the upstream polC gene (which encodes the DNA polymerase III catalytic subunit), suggesting that additional regulatory mechanisms exist.
Impact of deflection history based priority on adaptive deflection router for mesh NoCs

Network on chip (NoC) has been proposed over bus to address the communicational prerequisite of highly dense multi-core systems. NoCs with buffer-less routers gain popularity due to simplicity in the router design, low power consumption and less chip area. The state of the art of deflection router DeBAR employs side buffers instead of input port buffers, that can accommodate one among the deflected flit per router per cycle. In this paper we propose deflection history as a priority metrics for flit selection. We, modify the primitive DeBAR design, and propose priority based deflection based adaptive router (PBDeBAR) that make use of a cost effective priority scheme to choose a flit that has to be moved to the side buffer. Experimental results shows that PBDeBAR reduces latency, deflection rate, buffer occupancy and link usage with respect to the existing minimally buffered deflection routers.
Low-Temperature Wafer Bonding Using Solid-Liquid Inter-Diffusion Mechanism

The low temperature joining of semiconductor substrates on wafer level by solid-liquid inter-diffusion bonding using the Cu/Ga and Au/In systems is investigated regarding the bonding parameters and their influence on bond interface properties. The focus is on temperature dependence and composition of interface. In the case of Cu/Ga bonding, a phase transition from CuGa2 to Cu9Ga4 was found to be primarily responsible for an increase in bonding strength. After the temperature treatment of 90°C, a shear strength of up to 90 MPa could be achieved. Furthermore, the combination of Au and In with composition ratios suitable for AuIn2 and AuIn intermetallic phase formation was investigated. In the case of AuIn shear strength, 96 MPa was achieved using a bonding temperature of 200°C.
Transient solution to the bioheat equation and optimization for magnetic fluid hyperthermia treatment

Two finite concentric spherical regions were considered as the tissue model for magnetic fluid hyperthermia treatment. The inner sphere represents the diseased tissue containing magnetic particles that generate heat when an alternating magnetic field is applied. The outer sphere represents the healthy tissue. Blood perfusion effects are included in both the regions. Analytical and numerical solutions of the one-dimensional bioheat transfer equation were obtained with constant and spatially varying heat generation in the inner sphere. The numerical solution was found to be in good agreement with the analytical solution. In an ideal hyperthermia treatment, all the diseased tissues should be selectively heated without affecting any healthy tissue. The present work optimized the magnetic particle concentration in an attempt to achieve the ideal hyperthermia conditions. It was found that, for a fixed amount of magnetic particles, optimizing the magnetic particle distribution in the diseased tissue can significantly enhance the therapeutic temperature levels in the diseased tissue while maintaining the same level of heating in the healthy tissue.
The Visualization of Pulmonary Tuberculosis With Tc-99m (V) DMSA and Tc-99m Citrate in Comparison to Ga-67 Citrate

Two patients with active tuberculosis confirmed by chest radiography and positive sputum smears were included in this study to determine whether a Tc-99m labeled agent, such as DMSA or citrate could localize such lesions in comparison to Ga-67 citrate. Both patients had Tc-99m (V) DMSA, Tc-99m citrate, and Ga-67 citrate scanning at 1-day to 5-day intervals. Both patients had positive scan findings with all three radiopharmaceuticals. However, the quality of Tc-99m (V) DMSA scans was superior to Tc-99m citrate, which showed faint uptake. Tc-99m (V) DMSA may be a better alternative to Ga-67 citrate in the assessment of the activity and extent of tuberculosis.
Management of miscarriage: expectant, medical, or surgical? Results of randomised controlled trial (miscarriage treatment (MIST) trial)

Abstract Objective To ascertain whether a clinically important difference exists in the incidence of gynaecological infection between surgical management and expectant or medical management of miscarriage. Design Randomised controlled trial comparing medical and expectant management with surgical management of first trimester miscarriage. Setting Early pregnancy assessment units of seven hospitals in the United Kingdom. Participants Women of less than 13 weeks' gestation, with a diagnosis of early fetal demise or incomplete miscarriage. Interventions Expectant management (no specific intervention); medical management (vaginal dose of misoprostol preceded, for women with early fetal demise, by oral mifepristone 24-48 hours earlier); surgical management (surgical evacuation). Main outcome measures Confirmed gynaecological infection at 14 days and eight weeks; need for unplanned admission or surgical intervention. Results 1200 women were recruited: 399 to expectant management, 398 to medical management, and 403 to surgical management. No differences were found in the incidence of confirmed infection within 14 days between the expectant group (3%) and the surgical group (3%) (risk difference 0.2%, 95% confidence interval − 2.2% to 2.7%) or between the medical group (2%) and the surgical group (0.7%, − 1.6% to 3.1%). Compared with the surgical group, the number of unplanned hospital admissions was significantly higher in both the expectant group (risk difference − 41%, − 47% to − 36%) and the medical group (− 10%, − 15% to − 6%). Similarly, when compared with the surgical group, the number of women who had an unplanned surgical curettage was significantly higher in the expectant group (risk difference − 39%, − 44% to − 34%) and the medical group (− 30%, − 35% to − 25%). Conclusions The incidence of gynaecological infection after surgical, expectant, and medical management of first trimester miscarriage is low (2-3%), and no evidence exists of a difference by the method of management. However, significantly more unplanned admissions and unplanned surgical curettage occurred after expectant management and medical management than after surgical management. Trial registration National Research Register: N0467011677/N0467073587.
Phenotypic analyses of a medaka mutant reveal the importance of bilaterally synchronized expression of isthmic fgf8 for bilaterally symmetric formation of the optic tectum

Developing neural tubes are bilaterally symmetric in all vertebrate embryos, irrespective of the presence of gene networks that generate left‐right asymmetry. To explore the mechanisms that underlie the bilaterally symmetric formation of the neural tube, we examined a medaka (Oryzias latipes) dominant mutant, Oot, the neural tube of which transiently lacks normal symmetry in the optic tectum. We found that spatial changes in isthmic fgf8 expression do not occur on one side of the mutant, resulting in a transient desynchronized expression that correlates with tectal asymmetry. The application of exogenous FGF8 on one side of a wild‐type embryo mimics the Oot phenotype, indicating that the bilaterally equivalent expression of isthmic fgf8 is crucial for the bilaterally symmetric development of the tectum. These results suggest that tectal symmetry is not a “default” state, but rather is maintained actively by a bilaterally coupled and synchronized regulation of isthmic fgf8 expression. genesis 46:537–545, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Perceived stress among male medical students in Egypt and Saudi Arabia: effect of sociodemographic factors

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES In Arab countries, epidemiological data about psychological morbidity among medical undergraduate students are scarce. This study sought to determine whether there was a difference in perceived stress levels of male medical students at Mansoura University, Egypt, compared with male medical students at King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia. METHODS The sample consisted of 304 male medical students in Egypt and and 284 male medical students in Saudi Arabia. The self-reported questionnaire covered four categories, including 15 items, on sources of stress (stressors). The perceived stress scale and hospital anxiety and depression scale were used to measure stress, anxiety and depression. RESULTS There was no significant difference between the two groups in number of stressors. However, Egyptian students were more likely to cite relationship, academic and environmental problems than Saudis. The prevalence of high stress was nearly equal in both groups. However, anxiety and depression were significantly higher among Egyptian than Saudi students. A logistic regression analysis of independent predictors of severe stress among both groups combined revealed that a satisfactory family income and university-graduated father were independent protective factors. The independent risk predictors were anxiety and number of stressors. CONCLUSIONS Stress, anxiety and depression are frequent among medical students. Counseling and preventive mental health services should be an integral part of the routine clinical facilities caring for medical students.
Metal ions, Alzheimer's disease and chelation therapy

Metal ions, Alzheimer's disease and chelation therapy In the last few years, various studies have been providing evidence that metal ions are critically involved in the pathogenesis of major neurological diseases (Alzheimer, Parkinson). Metal ion chelators have been suggested as potential therapies for diseases involving metal ion imbalance. Neurodegeneration is an excellent target for exploiting the metal chelator approach to therapeutics. In contrast to the direct chelation approach in metal ion overload disorders, in neurodegeneration the goal seems to be a better and subtle modulation of metal ion homeostasis, aimed at restoring ionic balance. Thus, moderate chelators able to coordinate deleterious metals without disturbing metal homeostasis are needed. To date, several chelating agents have been investigated for their potential to treat neurodegeneration, and a series of 8-hydroxyquinoline analogues showed the greatest potential for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Kovinski ioni, Alzheimerova bolest i kelacijska terapija Najnovija istraživanja na polju neurodegeneracije jasno pokazuju da kovinski ioni imaju značajnu ulogu u patogenezi Alzheimerove kao i drugih neurodegenerativnih bolesti. U skladu s ovim spoznajama upotreba kovinskih kelatora predstavlja zanimljiv i inovativan farmakološki pristup daljnjem istraživanju i mogućoj terapiji neurodegenerativnih stanja. U ovom radu ukratko je dan sažetak istraživanja upotrebe kovinskih kelatora u tretmanu Alzheimerove bolesti s posebnim osvrtom na istraživanja analoga 8-hidroksikinolina.
Mindfulness Meditation for Substance Use Disorders: A Systematic Review

Relapse is common in substance use disorders (SUDs), even among treated individuals. The goal of this article was to systematically review the existing evidence on mindfulness meditation-based interventions (MM) for SUDs. The comprehensive search for and review of literature found over 2000 abstracts and resulted in 25 eligible manuscripts (22 published, 3 unpublished: 8 randomized controlled trials, 7 controlled nonrandomized, 6 noncontrolled prospective, and 2 qualitative studies, and 1 case report). When appropriate, methodological quality, absolute risk reduction, number needed to treat, and effect size were assessed. Overall, although preliminary evidence suggests MM efficacy and safety, conclusive data for MM as a treatment of SUDs are lacking. Significant methodological limitations exist in most studies. Further, it is unclear which persons with SUDs might benefit most from MM. Future trials must be of sufficient sample size to answer a specific clinical question and should target both assessment of effect size and mechanisms of action.
Pest detection using adaptive thresholding

Pest detection is crucial to secure crops and ensure food quality. A lot of work is being carried out for the effective identification of pests. In this paper we will develop a novel and fast methodology to detect and enumerate the pests present in an image using rapid feature detection algorithm. The amount of pesticides being used for agriculture pollutes the environment, with sophisticated machine vision systems that implement this algorithm we can make machines that utilize pesticides effectively by selective targeting pests using image processing. In the current scenario, human labor is used for the manual detection of pests which is not highly accurate. Automation is required in this field as it would be accurate in the detection of pests in crops. This paper proposes a system that would automate the detection of pests in crops using digital image processing techniques.
Assessment of Groundwater Quality in a Typical Rural Settlement in Southwest Nigeria

In most rural settlements in Nigeria, access to clean and potable water is a great challenge, resulting in water borne diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the levels of some physical, chemical, biochemical and microbial water quality parameters in twelve hand – dug wells in a typical rural area (Igbora) of southwest region of the country. Seasonal variations and proximity to pollution sources (municipal waste dumps and defecation sites) were also examined. Parameters were determined using standard procedures. All parameters were detected up to 200 m from pollution source and most of them increased in concentration during the rainy season over the dry periods, pointing to infiltrations from storm water. Coliform population, Pb, NO3− and Cd in most cases, exceeded the World Health Organization recommended thresholds for potable water. Effect of distance from pollution sources was more pronounced on fecal and total coliform counts, which decreased with increasing distance from waste dumps. The qualities of the well water samples were therefore not suitable for human consumption without adequate treatment. Regular monitoring of groundwater quality, abolishment of unhealthy waste disposal practices and introduction of modern techniques are recommended.
Risk based multi-objective optimal fulfillment of Renewable Purchase Obligation

It is known that renewable energy generation is associated with risk of uncertainty and market trading is associated with risk of price volatility. The mandatory Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) in India, exposes the Load Serving Entities (LSE) to these risks, in addition to the expenditure associated with it. This paper formulates the optimal fulfillment of RPO as a multi-objective problem. The optimal decision of meeting RPO is obtained by minimizing the two objectives - cost and risk. The two risks considered are the variability of wind power generation and volatility in the Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) price. These are modeled through fuzzy membership functions. Further, a best compromise solution is obtained through the fuzzy minmax approach.
A failure avoidance oriented approach for virtual network reliability enhancement

Network virtualization allows the co-existing of logical networks (virtual networks) on physical network (substrate networks). Virtual Network (VN) reliability is a critical problem for end-users and service providers. It aims to ensure service continuity even upon failure. As more and more VNs are created over substrate networks (SN), the failure of a single SN component may lead to the failure of many VNs. Thus, the VN reliability issue is becoming more and more critical. VN reliability can be enhanced in two ways: (1) by failure recovery (post-failure) with protection and/or restoration methods; (2) by failure avoidance with the selection of most reliable components at the network topology setting phase. Traditional virtual network embedding (VNE) methods have mainly focused on bandwidth optimization. In this paper, we focus on the reliability issue. We propose VNE methods which take into account the failure probability of SN components with a failure-avoidance approach, in order to minimize the VN failure probability. Our heuristics are based on the use of Steiner Minimal Tree (SMT). Simulations results confirm that our heuristics provide better reliability against traditional VNE with bandwidth as sole target, and, in case of failure of a SN component, reduce the number of affected VNs.