Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prognostic factors in soft tissue sarcomas. A multivariate analysis of 109 cases

Prognostic factors were evaluated in 109 soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities, walls of the trunk, head, and neck. All lesions were graded according to the systems proposed by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the French Federation of Cancer Centers (FNCLCC), and a correlation was found between tumor grade and prognosis. Univariate analysis selected the following variables as unfavorable prognostic factors: invasive tumor margins, extracompartmental status, deep tumors, tumor diameters over 5 cm, inadequate excision, presence of necrosis, high mitotic count, histologically undifferentiated tumors, and blood vessel invasion. These variables were found to be interdependent. Multivariate analysis selected quality of surgery as the most important variable for predicting local recurrences. The factors selected with regard to overall and metastasis‐free survival were tumor size, tumor margins, necrosis, and adequacy of excision. These results permitted classification of patients into four prognostic groups: two with good and two with bad prognosis. Five‐year survival for the four groups was 100%, 83%, 53%, and 0%; 5‐year metastatic rates were 0%, 12%, 67%, and 100%. Similar groups were obtained when the variables of tumor margins and size were combined with an adaptation of the NCI grading (low‐grade tumors/high‐grade tumors without necrosis/high‐grade tumors with necrosis). Comparative analysis showed that patients with tumors of the same histologic grade or type were not necessarily classed in the same prognostic groups. A better clinicopathologic correlation was obtained using a combination of prognostic factors than with histologic grading or typing alone.
Effects of High Fault Currents on Ground Grid Design

Due to increased load demands, and reduced incentives to build new transmission lines, energy companies are increasing power flows on the existing transmission assets, which increases the fault current levels, both three-phase and phase-to-ground, throughout the power system. New generation sources to be added at the transmission and distribution network increase fault current intensities. It is crucial for the user of industrial facility to be aware of increased ground-fault current magnitude at the service entrance as well as of the actual condition of the grid. The protection that ground grids provide against step and touch potentials is only good up to the expected level and duration of ground fault currents, as originally communicated by the electric utility in the design phase. In addition, thermal and mechanical stresses to customer's ground grid and ground grid connections can increase the grid's resistance to ground and, at the same time, fault potentials. In order to prevent these problems from occurring, a ground grid assessment, utilizing field and utility updated data, should be carried out on a regular basis. This paper illustrates a CENELEC approach to ground grid design, aimed to maximize the electrical safety under ground fault. In addition, case studies were included, showing how high fault currents have damaged ground grids and what repairs are possible
Correlation of Ciprofloxacin Resistance with the AdeABC Efflux System in Acinetobacter baumannii Clinical Isolates

Background Acinetobacter baumannii is one of the most important pathogens capable of colonization in burn patients, leading to drug-resistant wound infections. This study evaluated the distribution of the AdeABC efflux system genes and their relationship to ciprofloxacin resistance in A. baumannii isolates collected from burn patients. Methods A total of 68 A. baumannii clinical strains were isolated from patients hospitalized in Motahari Burns Center in Tehran, Iran. Ciprofloxacin susceptibility was tested by the disk diffusion and agar dilution methods. PCR amplification of the adeRS-adeB drug efflux genes was performed for all resistant and susceptible isolates. To assess the role of the drug efflux pump in ciprofloxacin susceptibility, carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) was used as an efflux pump inhibitor (EPI). Results Approximately 95.6% of the Acinetobacter isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 4 to ≥128 µg/mL. The susceptibility of 86.1% of the resistant isolates increased by factors of 2 to 64 in the presence of CCCP. All resistant isolates were positive for the adeRS-adeB genes, and 73.2% of them had mutations in the AdeRS regulatory system. Conclusions The results showed that AdeABC genes are common in A. baumannii, which might be associated with ciprofloxacin non-susceptibility, as indicated by the observed linkage to the presence of the genes essential for the activity of the AdeABC, several single mutations occurring in the adeRS regulatory system, and an increase of ciprofloxacin susceptibility in the presence of a CCCP EPI.
Long-term efficacy of the complement inhibitor eculizumab in cold agglutinin disease.

To the editor: Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is characterized by immunoglobulin M (IgM)–mediated hemagglutination and robust complement activation leading to intravascular hemolysis and hemolysis-related symptoms including anemia, fatigue, dyspnea, hemoglobinuria, and acrocyanosis. [1][1][⇓][2
Direct and interactive effects of ecologically relevant concentrations of organic wastewater contaminants on Rana pipiens tadpoles

Organic wastewater contaminants (OWCs) have recently been documented in several aquatic ecosystems. We examined the effects of three OWCs (caffeine, acetaminophen, and triclosan) on the activity level, startle response, survivorship, and growth of northern leopard frog (Rana pipiens) tadpoles. We conducted two experiments: one on the effects of acetaminophen and triclosan alone and in combination, and the other on the effects of caffeine and acetaminophen alone and in combination. In both experiments acetaminophen had no effect on activity, startle response, survivorship, or final mass. In experiment 1, tadpoles exposed to triclosan were less active than controls. Tadpoles exposed to the highest triclosan concentration had lower startle response and survivorship than in the other concentrations and in the control. Tadpoles exposed to the intermediate triclosan concentrations were heavier than in other treatments, but not in the control. In experiment 2, tadpoles exposed to the highest caffeine concentration were the most active. Acetaminophen increased the effect of caffeine on activity. More tadpoles exposed to caffeine exhibited a startle response than did control tadpoles. Survivorship was 100% for all caffeine treatments. There was a tendency (P = 0.06) for tadpoles exposed to higher concentrations of caffeine to be smaller. In general, the interactive effects were not important. Our results show that ecologically relevant levels of some OWCs can have both behavioral and physiological effects on R. pipiens tadpoles. Thus, amphibians may be affected by exposure to levels of OWCs that appear to be widespread in aquatic ecosystems. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 19: 250–256, 2004.
EVALUATION AND MODELLING OF METHANE YIELD EFFICIENCY FROM CO-DIGESTION OF WASTE ACTIVATED SLUDGE AND OLIVE MILL WASTEWATER

This research aims to enhance the biodegradation efficiency of waste activated sludge codigested with olive mill wastewater in a batch system at a laboratory scale in (600 ml) digester. The potential biomethane production was investigated. Different concentration ratios were tested out at a thermophilic temperature (55°C) for a retention period of 32 days. The results showed an increase in methane amount in the case of co-digestion. A height methane yield was obtained (71% of CH4) at a mixing ratio: 87.5/12.5 of waste activated sludge/olive mill wastewater. The kinetic modelling was done to analyze the digestion performance with two models: the modified Gompertz equation and the modified logistic equation. The kinetic data and the concentration ratio give a peak correlation, whose the Gauss amplitude equation is convenient to predict the optimum mixing ratio and the limited concentration to avoid the inhibition of process. The synergistic effect is limited if olive mill wastewater mixing ratio exceeds the limited ration (22%).
Comparison of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and Parasternal Block for Postoperative Pain Management after Cardiac Surgery

Background. Parasternal block and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) have been demonstrated to produce effective analgesia and reduce postoperative opioid requirements in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Objectives. To compare the effectiveness of TENS and parasternal block on early postoperative pain after cardiac surgery. Methods. One hundred twenty patients undergoing cardiac surgery were enrolled in the present randomized, controlled prospective study. Patients were assigned to three treatment groups: parasternal block, intermittent TENS application, or a control group. Results. Pain scores recorded 4 h, 5 h, 6 h, 7 h, and 8 h postoperatively were lower in the parasternal block group than in the TENS and control groups. Total morphine consumption was also lower in the parasternal block group than in the TENS and control groups. It was also significantly lower in the TENS group than in the control group. There were no statistical differences among the groups regarding the extubation time, rescue analgesic medication, length of intensive care unit stay, or length of hospital stay. Conclusions. Parasternal block was more effective than TENS in the management of early postoperative pain and the reduction of opioid requirements in patients who underwent cardiac surgery through median sternotomy. This trial is registered with Clinicaltrials.gov number NCT02725229.
An investigation of spatial representation of pitch in individuals with congenital amusia

Spatial representation of pitch plays a central role in auditory processing. However, it is unknown whether impaired auditory processing is associated with impaired pitch–space mapping. Experiment 1 examined spatial representation of pitch in individuals with congenital amusia using a stimulus–response compatibility (SRC) task. For amusic and non-amusic participants, pitch classification was faster and more accurate when correct responses involved a physical action that was spatially congruent with the pitch height of the stimulus than when it was incongruent. However, this spatial representation of pitch was not as stable in amusic individuals, revealed by slower response times when compared with control individuals. One explanation is that the SRC effect in amusics reflects a linguistic association, requiring additional time to link pitch height and spatial location. To test this possibility, Experiment 2 employed a colour-classification task. Participants judged colour while ignoring a concurrent pitch by pressing one of two response keys positioned vertically to be congruent or incongruent with the pitch. The association between pitch and space was found in both groups, with comparable response times in the two groups, suggesting that amusic individuals are only slower to respond to tasks involving explicit judgments of pitch.
The Accuracy of Anal Swab–Based Tests to Detect High-Grade Anal Intraepithelial Neoplasia in HIV-Infected Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract Background The incidence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV)–induced anal cancer is increasingly problematic among HIV-positive patients. Anal cancer is preceded by precursor lesions, anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN). AIN detection requires high-resolution anoscopy, a cumbersome and time-consuming procedure. We aggregated evidence on anal swab–based tests to detect AIN in HIV-positive patients. Methods We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE for cross-sectional studies on AIN detection with anal cytology, HR-HPV DNA detection, HPV E6/E7 mRNA analysis, and P16INK4a and Ki-67 immunostaining. Summary estimates of sensitivity and specificity were calculated using bivariate logistic regression. Cytology was reported using the terms squamous intra-epithelial lesion (SIL) for AIN and high-grade SIL (HSIL) for high-grade AIN (HGAIN). Results We included 22 studies. Using cytology with a cutoff of any SIL to detect HGAIN, we detected a sensitivity of 82% (95% CI, 74%–87%) and specificity of 45% (95% CI, 44%–66%); with the cutoff of HSIL, the sensitivity was 44% (95% CI, 45%–67%) and the specificity was 79% (95% CI, 69%-87%). The sensitivity of HPV DNA to detect HGAIN was 91% (95% CI, 82%–95%) and the specificity was 27% (95% CI, 21%–33%). For MSM, the positive predictive value (PPV) of cytology with a cutoff of any SIL was 36% (95% CI, 23%–50%) and the negative predictive value (NPV) was 87% (95% CI, 78%–93%), whereas cytology with a cutoff of HSIL had a PPV of 62% (95% CI, 50%–73%) and an NPV of 78% (95% CI, 65%–87%). The PPV of HR-HPV DNA detection was 37% (95% CI, 20%–57%) and the NPV was 87% (95% CI, 79%–93%). Conclusions Given its sensitivity, cytology with a cutoff of any SIL could be considered as a triaging method, whereas cytology with a cutoff of HSIL had better specificity and could be used for quality assurance. HR-HPV DNA detection had poor specificity and PPV, making it unsuitable for triage.
Gesture recognition by learning local motion signatures

This paper overviews a new gesture recognition framework based on learning local motion signatures (LMSs) introduced by [5]. After the generation of these LMSs computed on one individual by tracking Histograms of Oriented Gradient (HOG) [2] descriptor, we learn a codebook of video-words (i.e. clusters of LMSs) using k-means algorithm on a learning gesture video database. Then the video-words are compacted to a codebook of code-words by the Maximization of Mutual Information (MMI) algorithm. At the final step, we compare the LMSs generated for a new gesture w.r. t. the learned codebook via the k-nearest neighbors (k-NN) algorithm and a novel voting strategy. Our main contribution is the handling of the N to N mapping between code-words and gesture labels with the proposed voting strategy. Experiments have been carried out on two public gesture databases: KTH [16] and IXMAS [19]. Results show that the proposed method outperforms recent state-of-the-art methods.
Human Model-Based Active Driving System in Vehicular Dynamic Simulation

It is important that automotive engineers understand the interactions between active human maneuvering motions and vehicle dynamics, and how vehicle control affects the physical sensations of the human driver. This paper proposes a new system framework, the human model-based active driving system (HuMADS) for simulating human driver-vehicle interactions. HuMADS integrates the vehicle controller with models of vehicle dynamics and human biomechanics. It has an hierarchical closed-loop architecture for driver-vehicle control systems, including structures and contact interfaces of human and vehicle bodies. HuMADS is based on the OpenSim simulation platform. The developed system regulates the human model dynamics, such that the human model can react realistically to vehicle maneuver motions. The usability of the HuMADS is demonstrated through the simulation of coordinated gas/brake pedal operation and wheel-steering in highway driving tasks. The simulated vehicle dynamics and vehicle maneuvers are comparable with previously published experimental data of car-following driving. In addition, the proposed controllers successfully maintain the human body’s balance inside the vehicle during vehicle maneuvers. We are convinced that the HuMADS has potential as a tool for the development of intelligent transportation systems and investigation of integrated safety.
The Power Semantics in Self and Other Repertory Grid Representations: A Comparison between Obese and Normal-Weight Adult Women

According to systemic-constructivist theory, all psycho-pathological organizations are linked to specific meanings which are developed by the individual within problematic situations in the context of learning, particularly within the family. The aim of this empirical study is to support the theory that eating disorders are linked to the “power semantics,” concept developed by Ugazio. The hypothesis that the bipolar construct “winner/loser” and the associated meanings are predominant for obese people, has been verified by interviewing 44 women (22 obese/overweight; 22 controls) using the Repertory Grid Test developed by Kelly. The participants’ elicited constructs were classified according to their semantic content and the data compared using statistical techniques. The power semantics were more prevalent and important in the Obese Group than in the Control Group. These results are critically discussed, highlighting possible clinical developments.
Soft network coding in wireless two-way relay channels

Application of network coding in wireless two-way relay channels (TWRC) has received much attention recently because its ability to improve throughput significantly. In traditional designs, network coding operates at upper layers above (including) the link layer and it requires the input packets to be correctly decoded. However, this requirement may limit the performance and application of network coding due to the unavoidable fading and noise in wireless networks. In this paper, we propose a new wireless network coding scheme for TWRC, which is referred to as soft network coding (SoftNC), where the relay nodes applies symbol-by-symbol soft decisions on the received signals from the two end nodes to come up with the network coded information to be forwarded. We do not assume further channel coding on top of SoftNC at the relay node (channel coding is assumed at the end nodes). According to measures of the soft information adopted, two kinds of SoftNC are proposed: amplify-and-forward SoftNC (AF-SoftNC) and soft-bit-forward SoftNC (SBF-SoftNC). We analyze the both the ergodic capacity and the outage capacity of the two SoftNC schemes. Specifically, analytical form approximations of the ergodic capacity and the outage capacity of the two schemes are given and validated. Numerical simulation shows that our SoftNC schemes can outperform the traditional network coding based two-way relay protocol, where channel decoding and re-encoding are used at the relay node. Notable is the fact that performance improvement is achieved using only simple symbol-level operations at the relay node.
Associations of Baseline Blood Pressure Levels and Efficacy of Benazepril Treatment with Interaction of α-Adducin and ACE Gene Polymorphisms in Hypertensives

The molecular mechanisms underlying essential hypertension are not fully elucidated. Although Benazepril is being widely used in antihypertensive medication, the agent is efficacious in only a portion of hypertensive patients. To evaluate the interaction of α-adducin gene Gly460Trp and angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) gene I/D polymorphisms in regard to baseline blood pressure (BP) levels and the reductions of blood pressures after Benazepril treatment, we conducted an investigation of 954 Chinese hypertensive patients in Anhui province, China. We found that compared with the baseline systolic BP (SBP) of subjects with one ACE I allele and one α-adducin Trp allele, the baseline SBP of those with ACE DD and α-adducin Gly/Gly genotypes was significantly higher [Crude: β(SE) = 7.83(3.09), p = 01; Adjusted: β (SE) = 5.83(2.83), p = . 04]. However, no associations were found between the interaction of ACE I/D and α-adducin Gly460Trp polymorphisms and the baseline diastolic BP or the BP response to Benazepril treatment. Our results suggested that the interaction effect of α-adducin Gly460Trp and ACE I/D polymorphisms might play a significant role in regulating baseline BP but not BP response to Benazepril.
Hardwood Regeneration on the Loessial Hills After Harvesting For Uneven-Aged Management

in 1991, study plots were harvested to four different resktual diameter distributions. Oeneralty, for all specks, the more extreme overstory removals promoted regeneration establishment while the trestment with the least overstory removal tended to provkie less regeneration than the uncut controk For oak spscies, most of the seedlings present in 1993 were those occurring in 1992. Survivel of oaks from 1992 to 1993 exceeded 60 percent for all species. Yellow-poplsrs present in 1993 were primi Sander and Graney 1993). The primary emphasis of the current study was to assess tree growth and stem quality for diierent residual diameter distributions, but we also observed regeneration after cutting to the prescribed diameter distributions. Development of regeneration in 1992 and 1993 is described in this paper. METHODS The study area is near Redwood, MS, on land managed by Anderson-Tully Co. (ATCO). Like most of the forest in the area, the stand probably was established after agricultural land abandonment between 1880 and 1925. A stand adjacent to the study area contains considerable eastern redcedar and honey locust (Gleditsie triecanthos L.), species that indicate previous use as pasture. The treated stand had received selection harvests in the past Trees of all sizes were present, but the smaller size classes included relatively few stems of desirable species. In addition to a control, four treatments were imposed. Each is based on a different guide for achieving a residual diameter distribution (figure 1). (1) The Putnam guide (Putnam, Furnival and McKnight 1960) is a rotated sigmoid curve with a residual basal area of 68 square feet per acre. (2) The ATCO guide is a generalized approach to achieving desired stocking over relatively large areas rather than on an area the size of our research plots (0.5 acre measurement plot). It corresponds to a negative exponential curve with a basal area of 94 square feet, a “q” factor of 1.4, and a maximum diameter class of 36 inches. The main distinction between these two guides is for trees smaller than 16 inches d.b. h. The ATCO guide maintains many more small trees than the Putnam guide. The other two guides differ considerably from the first two. They reflect results of optimal stand structure studies derived for northern hardwoods, but with some larger diameter trees. The third guide (75BA) is an extreme rotated sigmoid with a residual basal area of 75; this guide includes a high density of 10 to 20 inch d.b. h. trees, with a maximum diameter class of 26 inches. ‘Paper presented at the Eighth Biennial Southern Sihkultursl Research Conference, Auburn, AL, Nov. l-3,1%34. ‘Forest 8kmeWan and Sitviculturist, respectively, Southern Forest Experiment Station, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, P.O. 80x 227, Stonevllle, MS 38778.
Evolution of attacking patterns in elite-level soccer between 1982 and 2010: the application of lag sequential analysis

Broadcast footage of UEFA European and FIFA World Cups were used to assess the evolution of attacking patterns of play between 1982 and 2010. SoccerEye observation and recording instruments were used to gather data from 45 matches, which yielded 6791 attacks and 73463 multi- events. A lag sequential analysis was carried out using SDIS-GSEQ software, enabling us to study changes in the attacking dynamics that have resulted in goals over the last three decades. Goals were scored in the central zone of the offensive sector in one-to-one situations between the attacking player and goalkeeper. The attacking team also had more players in the centre of play than the opposing team when the goals were scored. Over time, offensive patterns resulting in a goal by elite teams have shifted from individual tactics such as dribbling and running with the ball in the central strip of the pitch toward team-based tactics, such as short passes and crosses along the wings. Understanding how the tactical dynamics of play by elite championship teams has changed over time will enable coaches to develop training exercises that are more likely to promote individual and team success.