Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Generation of a high-quality partially coherent dark hollow beam with a multimode fiber

We report the experimental generation of a high-quality partially coherent dark hollow beam (DHB) by coupling a partially coherent beam into a multimode fiber (MMF) with a suitable incidence angle. The interference experiment of the generated partially coherent DHB passing through double slits is demonstrated. It is found that the coupling efficiency of the multimode fiber, the quality and the coherence of the generated partially coherent DHB are closely controlled by the coherence of the input beam. A partially coherent elliptical DHB is generated through focusing the generated partially coherent DHB with a cylindrical lens.
ARE ANTIHISTAMINES USEFUL IN MANAGING ASTHMA ? * — Based on a presentation

S517 A lthough it is generally considered that many antihistamines have little or no efficacy in managing asthma, they are worth another look, because histamine is a major mediator that can cause airway smooth muscle constriction and because it is a major product of mast cells and basophils, the primary cells responsible for allergic reactions. In addition, bronchial hyperresponsiveness to histamine is a key feature in the diagnosis of asthma. The role of histamine, through its H1 receptors, in activating various immune system cells, such as macrophages, dendritic cells, or even lymphocytes, and contributing to airway inflammation should not be underestimated. The failure of antihistamines to produce meaningful clinical effects in asthma can be attributed to drug potency, dose-limiting anticholinergic effects and central nervous system side effects, particularly with first-generation agents, and redundancy in the immune system where other mediators, such as leukotrienes and prostanoids, are also potent causes of lower airway obstruction.
Association between vitamin D and pressure ulcers in older ambulatory adults: results of a matched case–control study

Background Pressure ulcers are common among older adults, but knowledge about nutritional risk factors is still developing. Vitamin D deficiency is common in the elderly population and is required for normal skin proliferation. The role of vitamin D in pressure ulceration and wound healing is not known. The purpose of this case–control study was to determine the association between vitamin D levels and pressure ulceration in an older community-dwelling cohort. Methods All cases and controls were community-dwelling elderly older than 60 years in a primary care panel in Olmsted County, MN. Pressure ulcer cases were defined clinically. The controls were age-matched and gender-matched to controls without pressure ulceration. The main exposure variable was 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in both groups. The other exposure variable was the Charlson Comorbidity Index used to measure medical comorbidity. The analysis included univariate and conditional logistic regression for 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. Results The average (standard deviation) age of the study participants with a pressure ulcer was 80.46 years (±8.67), and the average vitamin D level was 30.92 ng/mL (±12.46). In univariate analysis, Vitamin D deficiency (levels < 25 ng/mL) was associated with pressure ulcers (odds ratio: 1.871, P = 0.0154). Comorbidities of the subjects calculated using the Charlson Comorbidity Index were also associated with pressure ulcers (odds ratio: 1.136, P < 0.001). In the final conditional logistical regression model, the association of Vitamin D and pressure ulcers became nonsignificant after adjustment for comorbid illness. Conclusion Medical comorbidities increased the risk of pressure ulceration. Vitamin D deficiency was not an independent risk factor for pressure ulceration, and may be a marker of comorbid illness.
Digital inpainting based on the Mumford–Shah–Euler image model

Image inpainting is an image restoration problem, in which image models play a critical role, as demonstrated by Chan, Kang & Shen's [12] recent inpainting schemes based on the bounded variation and the elastica [11] image models. In this paper, we propose two novel inpainting models based on the Mumford–Shah image model [41], and its high order correction – the Mumford–Shah–Euler image model. We also present their efficient numerical realization based on the Γ-convergence approximations of Ambrosio & Tortorelli [2, 3] and De Giorgi [21].
Transmissible Gastroenteritis Coronavirus Induces Programmed Cell Death in Infected Cells through a Caspase-Dependent Pathway

ABSTRACT In this report, we show that apoptosis (or programmed cell death) is induced in different cell lines infected with a coronavirus, the porcine transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV). Kinetic analysis of internucleosomal DNA cleavage by agarose gel electrophoresis and flow cytometry or cytometric monitoring of the mitochondrial transmembrane potential showed that, for ST cells infected with TGEV, the first overt signs of apoptosis appeared from 10 to 12 h postinfection on. They preceded morphological changes characteristic of cells undergoing apoptosis, as observed by light and electron microscopy. The tripeptide pan-ICE (caspase) inhibitorN-benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp-fluoromethylketone blocked TGEV-induced apoptosis with no effect on virus production. The thiol agent pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate inhibited apoptosis, suggesting that TGEV infection may lead to apoptosis via cellular oxidative stress. The effect of TGEV infection on activation of NF-κB, a transcription factor known to be activated by oxidative stress, was examined. NF-κB DNA binding was shown to be strongly and quickly induced by TGEV infection. However, transcription factor decoy experiments showed that NF-κB activation is not critical for TGEV-induced apoptosis.
Prioritizing Coverage-Oriented Testing Process - An Adaptive-Learning-Based Approach and Case Study

This paper proposes a graph-model-based approach to prioritizing the test process. Tests are ranked according to their preference degrees which are determined indirectly, i.e., through classifying the events. To construct the groups of events, unsupervised neural network is trained by adaptive competitive learning algorithm. A case study demonstrates and validates the approach.
Soluble oligomeric A&bgr; disrupts the protein kinase C signaling pathway

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by selective neurodegeneration of neurons involved in cognitive function. Current hypothesis for AD etiology needs to be reconsidered because fibrillar A&bgr; cannot explain selective neurodegeneration. Recent evidence suggests oligomeric A&bgr; may be more relevant to AD etiology. Here we show signaling disruption induced by oligomeric A&bgr;. Using the MTT assay, NT2 showed greatest susceptibility to soluble oligomeric A&bgr;. In the kinase assay, treatment with either monomeric A&bgr; or fibrillar A&bgr; evoked no response in PKA, PKC and TK. Oligomeric A&bgr; treatment, however, inactivated membranous PKC but activated cytosolic PKC in NT2 within 24 h. Our data suggest that oligomeric A&bgr; may cause selective neurodegeneration through a PKC signaling, distinctive from fibrillar A&bgr;.
Do Chiral Soliton Models Predict Pentaquarks

We reconsider the relationship between the bound state and the SU(3) rigid rotator approaches to strangeness in chiral soliton models. For non-exotic $S=-1$ baryons the bound state approach matches for small $m_K$ onto the rigid rotator approach, and the bound state mode turns into the rotator zero-mode. However, for small $m_K$, there are no $S=+1$ kaon bound states or resonances in the spectrum. This shows that for large $N$ and small $m_K$ the exotic state is an artifact of the rigid rotator approach. An $S=+1$ near-threshold state with the quantum numbers of the $\Theta^+$ pentaquark comes into existence only when sufficiently strong SU(3) breaking is introduced into the chiral lagrangian. Therefore, pentaquarks are not generic predictions of the chiral soliton models.
Control of an aerial manipulator using on-line parameter estimator for an unknown payload

This paper presents an estimation and control algorithm for an aerial manipulator using a hexacopter with a 2-DOF robotic arm. The unknown parameters of a payload are estimated by an on-line estimator based on parametrization of the aerial manipulator dynamics. With the estimated mass information and the augmented passivity-based controller, the aerial manipulator can fly with the unknown object. Simulation for an aerial manipulator is performed to compare estimation performance between the proposed control algorithm and conventional adaptive sliding mode controller. Experimental results show a successful flight of a custom-made aerial manipulator while the unknown parameters related to an additional payload were estimated satisfactorily.
Modelling HIV epidemics in the antiretroviral era: the UNAIDS Estimation and Projection package 2009

Objective The UNAIDS Estimation and Projection Package (EPP) is a tool for country-level estimation and short-term projection of HIV/AIDS epidemics based on fitting observed HIV surveillance data on prevalence. This paper describes the adaptations made in EPP 2009, the latest version of this tool, as new issues have arisen in the global response, in particular the global expansion of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Results By December 2008 over 4 million people globally were receiving ART, substantially improving their survival. EPP 2009 required modifications to correctly adjust for the effects of ART on incidence and the resulting increases in HIV prevalence in populations with high ART coverage. Because changing incidence is a better indicator of program impact, the 2009 series of UNAIDS tools also focuses on calculating incidence alongside prevalence. Other changes made in EPP 2009 include: an improved procedure, incremental mixture importance sampling, for efficiently generating more accurate uncertainty estimates; provisions to vary the urban/rural population ratios in generalised epidemics over time; introduction of a modified epidemic model that accommodates behaviour change in low incidence settings; and improved procedures for calibrating models. This paper describes these changes in detail, and discusses anticipated future changes in the next version of EPP.
The Diagnostic Accuracy of Serologic and Molecular Methods for Detecting Visceral Leishmaniasis in HIV Infected Patients: Meta-Analysis

Background Human visceral leishmaniasis (VL), a potentially fatal disease, has emerged as an important opportunistic condition in HIV infected patients. In immunocompromised patients, serological investigation is considered not an accurate diagnostic method for VL diagnosis and molecular techniques seem especially promising. Objective This work is a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the accuracy of serologic and molecular tests for VL diagnosis specifically in HIV-infected patients. Methods Two independent reviewers searched PubMed and LILACS databases. The quality of studies was assessed by QUADAS score. Sensitivity and specificity were pooled separately and compared with overall accuracy measures: diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) and symmetric summary receiver operating characteristic (sROC). Results Thirty three studies recruiting 1,489 patients were included. The following tests were evaluated: Immunofluorescence Antibody Test (IFAT), Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunoblotting (Blot), direct agglutination test (DAT) and polimerase chain reaction (PCR) in whole blood and bone marrow. Most studies were carried out in Europe. Serological tests varied widely in performance, but with overall limited sensitivity. IFAT had poor sensitivity ranging from 11% to 82%. DOR (95% confidence interval) was higher for DAT 36.01 (9.95–130.29) and Blot 27.51 (9.27–81.66) than for IFAT 7.43 (3.08–1791) and ELISA 3.06 (0.71–13.10). PCR in whole blood had the highest DOR: 400.35 (58.47–2741.42). The accuracy of PCR based on Q-point was 0.95; 95%CI 0.92–0.97, which means good overall performance. Conclusion Based mainly on evidence gained by infection with Leishmania infantum chagasi, serological tests should not be used to rule out a diagnosis of VL among the HIV-infected, but a positive test at even low titers has diagnostic value when combined with the clinical case definition. Considering the available evidence, tests based on DNA detection are highly sensitive and may contribute to a diagnostic workup.
A new approach to Fourier analysis of randomly sampled data using linear regression technique

A literature survey of spectrum analysis techniques for randomly sampled records shows that most are unsuitable for real time applications and require considerable high speed storage. A simple approach to spectrum estimation from randomly sampled records has been attempted. The algorithm is based upon the Fourier series and the method of least squares. Example results from both simulated and experimental data are presented.
Comparison of Medium Spatial Resolution ENVISAT-MERIS and Terra-MODIS Time Series for Vegetation Decline Analysis: A Case Study in Central Asia

Abstract: Accurate monitoring of land surface dynamics using remote sensing is essential for the synoptic assessment of environmental change. We assessed a Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS) full resolution dataset for vegetation monitoring as an alternative to the more commonly used Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data. Time series of vegetation indices calculated from 300 m resolution MERIS and 250 m resolution MODIS datasets were analyzed to monitor vegetation productivity trends in the irrigated lowlands in Northern Uzbekistan for the period 2003–2011. Mann-Kendall trend analysis was conducted using the time series of Normalized Differenced Vegetation Index (NDVI), Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI), and MERIS-based Terrestrial Chlorophyll Index (MTCI) to detect trends and examine the capabilities of each sensor and index. The methodology consisted of (1) preprocessing of the original imagery; (2) processing and statistical analysis of the corresponding time series datasets; and (3) comparison of the resulting trends. Results confirmed the occurrence of widespread vegetation productivity decline, ranging from 5.5% (MERIS-MTCI) to 21% (MODIS-NDVI) of the total irrigated cropland in the study area. All indices identified
Involvement of the Soluble Urokinase Receptor in Chondrosarcoma Cell Mobilization

High levels of urokinase receptor (uPAR) in tissue and serum of patients with chondrosarcoma correlate with poor prognosis. First, we analyzed the uPAR levels in tissues and plasma of five patients affected by chondrosarcoma. Interestingly, very high levels of uPAR and its soluble forms (SuPAR) were found on tumor cell surfaces and plasma, respectively, of two patients with lung metastases. Therefore, to investigate the role of SuPAR in chondrosaromas, we generated a primary cell culture from a chondrosarcoma tissue overexpressing uPAR on cell surfaces. We found that chondrosarcoma-like primary culture cells release a large amount of SuPAR in the medium. In vitro, SuPAR elicits chondrosarcoma cell migration likely through its uPAR88-92 sequence, since the DII88-183 or DIIDIIR88-284 uPAR domains retain motogen effect whereas DI1-87 or DIII184-284 domains, both lacking the uPAR88-92 sequence, are ineffective. Chondrosarcoma cells cross matrigel in response to SuPAR, and their invasion capability is abrogated by RERF peptide which inhibits uPAR88-92 signalling. These findings assign a role to uPAR in mobilizing chondrosarcoma cells and suggest that RERF peptide may be regarded as a prototype to generate new therapeutics for the chondrosarcoma treatment.
Analytical and Numerical Investigations into Hemisphere-Shaped Electrostatic Sensors

Electrostatic sensors have been widely used in many applications due to their advantages of low cost and robustness. Their spatial sensitivity and time-frequency characteristics are two important performance parameters. In this paper, an analytical model of the induced charge on a novel hemisphere-shaped electrostatic sensor was presented to investigate its accurate sensing characteristics. Firstly a Poisson model was built for electric fields produced by charged particles. Then the spatial sensitivity and time-frequency response functions were directly derived by the Green function. Finally, numerical calculations were done to validate the theoretical results. The results demonstrate that the hemisphere-shaped sensors have highly 3D-symmetrical spatial sensitivity expressed in terms of elementary function, and the spatial sensitivity is higher and less homogeneous near the hemispherical surface and vice versa. Additionally, the whole monitoring system, consisting of an electrostatic probe and a signal conditioner circuit, acts as a band-pass filter. The time-frequency characteristics depend strongly on the spatial position and velocity of the charged particle, the radius of the probe as well as the equivalent resistance and capacitance of the circuit.
Preventing pressure ulcers: an evaluation of four operating-table mattresses.

Pressure is a major factor in the development of pressure ulcers. This research focused on assessing the pressure-reducing effects of operating-table mattresses. Five mattresses were tested: a standard operating-table mattress, a foam mattress, a gel mattress, a visco-elastic polyether mattress, and a visco-elastic polyurethane mattress. Four intraoperative postures were evaluated: supine, lateral, fossa, and the Miles-Pauchet position. Interface pressure measurements were performed on 36 healthy volunteers. The foam mattress and the gel mattress seem to have little or no pressure-reducing effect; the polyurethane mattress and the polyether mattress reduce interface pressure significantly better (p < .001); but none of the mattresses reduce pressure sufficiently to prevent the occurrence of pressure ulcers.
Effects of Using Intravenous Antibiotic Only Versus Local Intrawound Vancomycin Antibiotic Powder Application in Addition to Intravenous Antibiotics on Postoperative Infection in Spine Surgery in 907 Patients

Study Design. A prospective randomized controlled trial. Objective. To assess the ability of local vancomycin powder in controlling postoperative infection in spine surgery. Summary of Background Data. Despite improvements through the use of prophylactic systemic antibiotics, surgical site infections remain a significant problem in spine surgical procedures. Various retrospective and prospective studies have reported the efficacy of local application of vancomycin powder in reducing the infection in animal and human studies. However, there were no randomized control trials that reported on its efficacy. Methods. Prospective randomized controls of 907 patients with various spinal pathologies were treated surgically during a period of 18 months. The control group received standard systemic prophylaxis only, whereas the treatment group received vancomycin powder in the surgical wound in addition to systemic prophylaxis. Patient demographics, comorbidities, level of spinal pathology, estimated blood loss, nutritional status, and hemoglobin were recorded. Incidence of infection was the primary outcome evaluated. Results. There were 8 infections (1.68%) in the control group (6 instrumented and 2 noninstrumented, 6 deep and 2 superficial) with bacteria cultured in 3 (1 Escherichia coli and 2 Staphylococcus aureus). In the treatment group, 7 infections (1.61%) were observed (6 instrumented and 1 noninstrumented surgical procedures, 6 deep and 1 superficial) with bacteria cultured in 3 (1 Staphylococcus aureus and 2 Klebsiella). No adverse effects were observed from the use of vancomycin powder. Statistically no significant difference was seen in infection rate between the treatment group and control group. Conclusion. The local application of vancomycin powder in surgical wounds did not significantly reduce the incidence of infection in patients with surgically treated spinal pathologies. The use of vancomycin powder may not be effective when incidence of infection is low. Level of Evidence: 2
A prospective clinical study of the implications of IL-8 in the diagnosis, aggressiveness and prognosis of prostate cancer

Aim: We evaluated the relationship between IL-8 and prostate cancer (PCa) with emphasis on diagnosis, aggressiveness and prognosis. Materials & methods: Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and serum IL-8 were collected from patients undergoing prostate biopsy. IL-8 expression was evaluated on immunohistochemistry with IL-8 labeling index. Complete follow-up of this cohort was achieved over a period of up to 6 years with continuous follow-up of PSA levels. Results: Among 135 patients, serum IL-8 level did not correlate to the diagnosis or aggressiveness of PCa. In 52 radical prostatectomy specimens, a higher IL-8 labeling index was detected in the tumor areas (0.4 ± 0.2 vs 0.33 ± 0.2; p = 0,007) but did not correlate to any of the prognostic markers: D'Amico classification (p = 0.52), Gleason score (p = 0.45), perineural (p = 0.83) and capsular invasion (p = 0.75). No correlation was found to PSA biochemical-free failure. Conclusion: IL-8 serum level was not a significant predictor of diagnosis, aggressiveness or prognosis of PCa.
Tissue Distribution of Human Papillomavirus 16 DNA Integration in Patients with Tonsillar Carcinoma

Purpose: Human papillomavirus 16 (HPV-16) has been implicated as a causative agent in a subset of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). This study was undertaken to discern the distribution and timing of HPV viral integration during tumorigenesis of the upper respiratory tract. Experimental Design: A tissue array was assembled from a consecutive group of 176 patients with HNSCCs. The array was evaluated by HPV-16 in situ hybridization and p16 immunohistochemistry. Patients with HPV-positive tonsillar cancers who had undergone bilateral tonsillectomies were selected for more complete mapping of viral integration. Results: HPV-16 was detected in 38 of the 176 (22%) cases by in situ hybridization. When stratified by site of origin, HPV-16 was detected in 37 of 45 cancers arising from the oropharynx but in only 1 of 131 tumors arising from nonoropharyngeal sites (82% versus 0.8%, P < 0.00001). P16 expression was associated with the presence of HPV-16: 31 of 38 HPV-positive tumors exhibited p16 expression, whereas only 9 of the 138 HPV-negative tumors were p16-positive (82% versus 6%, P < 0.00001). In the bilateral tonsil sections, hybridization signals were strictly limited to the invasive cancers and associated dysplasias. P16 staining was widely distributed throughout the nonneoplastic crypt epithelium of individuals with and without tonsillar cancer. Conclusions: HPV-16 is strongly associated with carcinomas arising from the oropharynx, and integration is tightly coupled to the neoplastic process. Viral integration does not occur as a field alteration throughout normal tonsillar epithelium. P16 expression localizes to HPV-positive cancers, and is intrinsic to the specialized epithelium of the tonsillar crypts. For risk assessment, early cancer detection and disease surveillance, evidence of HPV-16 integration may represent a meaningful finding, whereas high p16 expression, by itself, may not.
胸腺恶性肿瘤预后的标准评估方法

Standard Outcome Measures for Thymic Malignancies James Huang, Frank C. Detterbeck, Zuoheng Wang, Patrick J. Loehrer Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine and Department of Biostatistics, School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut; Thoracic Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, New York; HH Gregg Professor of Oncology, Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Indiana Universitychool of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana