Abslml-The paper outlines a novel approach for perfoming explosive ordnance dbposal by use of a bimanual haptic telepresence system. This system enables an operator to perceive multimodal feedback from a remote environment for proper task execution. The developed experimental setup, comprising a bimanual human system interface and the corresponding bimanual teleoperator for use of both hands, is presented in delail. The teleoperation control architecture is discussed as well as a 1-1 model-based impedance control algorithm for manipulator control Human-system performance is improved hy means of stereo risualization of the tele-environment together with overlayed Augmented Reality assistance, and an algorithm for avoidance of dangerous manipulator configurations supported by augmented force feedback. Furthermore, a mently developed UDP communication library is presented for system interconnection taking Into account compression of haptic data. Thus efficient and low delay of data transfer Is e n s u d . The usahiUty and effectiveness of the developed bimanual telepresence system are demonstrated by focusing a relevant task scenario, such as demlning operations in a remote environment

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Background. Currently the choice of breast cancer therapy is based on prognostic factors. The proliferation marker Ki-67 is used increasingly to determine the method of therapy. The current study analyses the predictive value of Ki-67 in foreseeing breast cancer patients' responses to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Methods. This study includes patients with invasive breast cancer treated between 2008 and 2013. The clinical response was assessed by correlating Ki-67 to histological examination, mammography, and ultrasonography findings. Results. The average Ki-67 value in our patients collectively (n = 77) is 34.9 ± 24.6%. The average Ki-67 value is the highest with 37.4 ± 24.0% in patients with a pCR. The Ki-67 values do not differ significantly among the 3 groups: pCR versus partial pathological response versus stable disease/progress (P = 0.896). However, Ki-67 values of patients with luminal, Her2 enriched, and basal-like cancers differed significantly from each other. Furthermore, within the group of luminal tumors Ki-67 values of patients with versus without pCR also differed significantly. Conclusion. Our data shows that the Ki-67 value predicts the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy as a function of the molecular subtype, reflecting the daily routine concerning Ki-67 and its impressing potential and limitation as a predictive marker for neoadjuvant chemotherapy response.

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This article describes the development and validation of the Learning Difficulties Assessment (LDA), a normed and web-based survey that assesses perceived difficulties with reading, writing, spelling, mathematics, listening, concentration, memory, organizational skills, sense of control, and anxiety in college students. The LDA is designed to (a) map individual learning strengths and weaknesses, (b) provide users with a comparative sense of their academic skills, (c) integrate research in user-interface design to assist those with reading and learning challenges, and (d) identify individuals who may be at risk for learning disabilities and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and who should thus be further assessed. Data from a large-scale 5-year study describing the instrument's validity as a screening tool for learning disabilities and ADHD are presented. This article also describes unique characteristics of the LDA including its user-interface design, normative characteristics, and use as a no-cost screening tool for identifying college students at risk for learning disorders and ADHD.

Purpose It is suspected that delayed surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) leads to a worse outcome in breast cancer patients. We therefore evaluated possible influencing factors of the time interval between the end of NACT and surgery. Methods All patients receiving NACT due to newly diagnosed breast cancer from 2015 to 2017 at the Department of Gynecology, Saarland University Medical Center, were included. The time interval between end of NACT and surgery was defined as primary endpoint. Possible delaying factors were investigated: age, study participation, outpatient and inpatient presentations, implants/expander, MRI preoperatively, discontinuation of chemotherapy, and genetic mutations. Results Data of 139 patients was analyzed. Median age was 53 years (22–78). The time interval between end of NACT and surgery was 28 days (9–57). Additional clinical presentations on outpatient basis added 2 days (p = 0.002) and on inpatient basis added 7 days to time to surgery (p < 0.001). Discontinuation of NACT due to chemotherapy side effects prolonged time to surgery by 8 days (p < 0.001), whereas discontinuation due to disease progress did not delay surgery (p = 0.6). In contrast, a proven genetic mutation shortened time to surgery by 7 days (p < 0.001). Patient’s age, participation in clinical studies, oncoplastic surgery, and preoperative MRI scans did not delay surgery. Conclusion Breast care centers should emphasize a reduction of clinical presentations and a good control of chemotherapy side effects for breast cancer patients to avoid delays of surgery after NACT.

Abstract. Mobile Robot Localization is a fundamentalproblem to solve when navigating in an indoor structured environment. This problem might be stated as a matching problem between sensor observations and model features of an a priori map of the environment. Geometric constraints may be used to reduce the complexity of the matching process. Appropiate modelling of the geometric information is required t o d e al with such constraints. In this paper we estimate the mobile robot localization by means of a matching between segments obtained b y a laser range nder mounted on the robot and model segments of an a priori map of the environment. A probabilistic method is used t o r epresent the uncertainty and partiallity of the geometric information involved. We give some experimental results in which we compare two alternative matching schemes.