Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Latest generation of flat detector CT as a peri-interventional diagnostic tool: a comparative study with multidetector CT

Background and purpose Flat detector CT (FDCT) has been used as a peri-interventional diagnostic tool in numerous studies with mixed results regarding image quality and detection of intracranial lesions. We compared the diagnostic aspects of the latest generation FDCT with standard multidetector CT (MDCT). Materials and methods 102 patients were included in our retrospective study. All patients had undergone interventional procedures. FDCT was acquired peri-interventionally and compared with postinterventional MDCT regarding depiction of ventricular/subarachnoidal spaces, detection of intracranial hemorrhage, and delineation of ischemic lesions using an ordinal scale. Ischemic lesions were quantified with the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Scale (ASPECTS) on both examinations. Two neuroradiologists with varying grades of experience and a medical student scored the anonymized images separately, blinded to the clinical history. Results The two methods were of equal diagnostic value regarding evaluation of the ventricular system and the subarachnoidal spaces. Subarachnoidal, intraventricular, and parenchymal hemorrhages were detected with a sensitivity of 95%, 97%, and 100% and specificity of 97%, 100%, and 99%, respectively, using FDCT. Gray–white differentiation was feasible in the majority of FDCT scans, and ischemic lesions were detected with a sensitivity of 71% on FDCT, compared with MDCT scans. The mean difference in ASPECTS values on FDCT and MDCT was 0.5 points (95% CI 0.12 to 0.88). Conclusions The latest generation of FDCT is a reliable and accurate tool for the detection of intracranial hemorrhage. Gray–white differentiation is feasible in the supratentorial region.
Texture analysis of non-small cell lung cancer on unenhanced computed tomography: initial evidence for a relationship with tumour glucose metabolism and stage

Abstract The aim was to undertake an initial study of the relationship between texture features in computed tomography (CT) images of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and tumour glucose metabolism and stage. This retrospective pilot study comprised 17 patients with 18 pathologically confirmed NSCLC. Non-contrast-enhanced CT images of the primary pulmonary lesions underwent texture analysis in 2 stages as follows: (a) image filtration using Laplacian of Gaussian filter to differentially highlight fine to coarse textures, followed by (b) texture quantification using mean grey intensity (MGI), entropy (E) and uniformity (U) parameters. Texture parameters were compared with tumour fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake (standardised uptake value (SUV)) and stage as determined by the clinical report of the CT and FDG-positron emission tomography imaging. Tumour SUVs ranged between 2.8 and 10.4. The number of NSCLC with tumour stages I, II, III and IV were 4, 4, 4 and 6, respectively. Coarse texture features correlated with tumour SUV (E: r = 0.51, p = 0.03; U: r = −0.52, p = 0.03), whereas fine texture features correlated with tumour stage (MGI: rs = 0.71, p = 0.001; E: rs = 0.55, p = 0.02; U: rs = −0.49, p = 0.04). Fine texture predicted tumour stage with a kappa of 0.7, demonstrating 100% sensitivity and 87.5% specificity for detecting tumours above stage II ( p = 0.0001). This study provides initial evidence for a relationship between texture features in NSCLC on non-contrast-enhanced CT and tumour metabolism and stage. Texture analysis warrants further investigation as a potential method for obtaining prognostic information for patients with NSCLC undergoing CT.
Plausibility and subcategorization preference in children's processing of temporarily ambiguous sentences: Evidence from self-paced reading

Three self-paced reading experiments investigated children's processing of temporarily ambiguous sentences. Across the three experiments, subcategorization preference of a verb in a subordinate clause and the semantic plausibility of the misanalysis were manipulated. Reading times in the temporarily ambiguous region and following syntactic disambiguation indicated that children in the age range tested (8 years, 11 months to 12 years, 11 months) routinely misanalyse sentences of the type tested, and their tendency to misanalyse the sentences does not depend on the subcategorization preferences of the initial verb. Additional correlational analyses suggested that subcategory information did affect the degree of difficulty that readers experienced processing the critical noun and matrix verb.
Selenium supplementation restores the decreased albumin level of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice

Previously, it has been suggested that the phenotypic level of albumin in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) decreased in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Concomitantly, the production of oxidative stresses was also elevated in the diabetic PBMC compared to that of normal control. These results suggest the close relationship between PBMC-albumin and its antioxidant roles. Here, we expanded the previous studies and investigated the effect of selenium supplementation as inorganic (sodium selenate) forms on the levels of albumin expression and oxidative stress in PBMC of STZ-induced diabetic mice. Selenium intake recovered the decreased albumin levels to those of normal mice and reduced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These results support that selenium intake may alleviate the etiology and pathology of PBMC in type 1 diabetic mice by restoring the decrease in albumin contents and the production of ROS.
A Matlab-based Monte Carlo algorithm for transport of gamma-rays in matter

Abstract Transport of gamma photons in many fields such as radiation detection, dosimetry, and treatment planning is used. The transport of 1 MeV and 5 MeV photons in a water phantom was simulated by using the Monte Carlo algorithm in Matlab work space. The result of KERMA calculation showed good agreement with Arqueros and Montesinos [American Journal of Physics 71 (2003), no. 1, 38–45], and MCNP4C. The proposed algorithm has ability to read out from different cross section libraries. As the future work, it also can be extend for the electron and visible photon transport.
Neurodynamic mobilization and foam rolling improved delayed-onset muscle soreness in a healthy adult population: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Objectives Compare the immediate effects of a Neurodynamic Mobilization (NM) treatment or foam roller (FR) treatment after DOMS. Design Double blind randomised clinical trial. Setting The participants performed 100 drop jumps (5 sets of 20 repetitions, separated by 2 min rests) from a 0.5-m high box in a University biomechanics laboratory to induce muscle soreness. The participants were randomly assigned in a counter-balanced fashion to either a FR or NM treatment group. Participants Thirty-two healthy subjects (21 males and 11 females, mean age 22.6 ± 2.2 years) were randomly assigned into the NM group (n = 16) or the FR group (n = 16). Main Outcome Measures The numeric pain rating scale (NPRS; 0–10), isometric leg strength with dynamometry, surface electromyography at maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and muscle peak activation (MPA) upon landing after a test jump were measured at baseline, 48 h after baseline before treatment, and immediately after treatment. Results Both groups showed significant reduction in NPRS scores after treatment (NM: 59%, p < .01; FR: 45%, p < .01), but no difference was found between them (p > .05). The percentage change improvement in the MVIC for the rectus femoris was the only significant difference between the groups (p < 0.05) at post-treatment. After treatment, only the FR group had a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.01) in strength compared to pre-treatment. Conclusion Our results illustrate that both treatments are effective in reducing pain perception after DOMS whereas only FR application showed differences for the MVIC in the rectus femoris and strength.
Characterization of Pea Aphid Resistance in Medicago truncatula1[W][OA]

To achieve a thorough understanding of plant-aphid interactions, it is necessary to investigate in detail both the plant and insect side of the interaction. The pea aphid (PA; Acyrthosiphon pisum) has been selected by an international consortium as the model species for genetics and genomics studies, and the model legume Medicago truncatula is a host of this aphid. In this study, we identified resistance to PA in a M. truncatula line, ‘Jester’, with well-characterized resistance to a closely related aphid, the bluegreen aphid (BGA; Acyrthosiphon kondoi). The biology of resistance to the two aphid species shared similarity, with resistance in both cases occurring at the level of the phloem, requiring an intact plant and involving a combination of antixenosis, antibiosis, and plant tolerance. In addition, PA resistance cosegregated in ‘Jester’ with a single dominant gene for BGA resistance. These results raised the possibility that both resistances may be mediated by the same mechanism. This was not supported by the results of gene induction studies, and resistance induced by BGA had no effect on PA feeding. Moreover, different genetic backgrounds containing a BGA resistance gene from the same resistance donor differ in resistance to PA. These results suggest that distinct mechanisms are involved in resistance to these two aphid species. Resistance to PA and BGA in the same genetic background in M. truncatula makes this plant an attractive model for the study of both plant and aphid components of resistant and susceptible plant-aphid interactions.
Agents are not (just) web services : considering BDI agents and web services ♦

Web services and software agents share a motivation of aiming to facilitate more flexible and adaptable I.T. systems. Web services are increasingly being used to provide active behaviour over the Internet, and promise end-user benefits that, in previous work, have been associated with agent systems. Thus it is natural to consider what relationships agents should have to web services. We argue that agents and web services are distinct. In our work, agents provide a distinctive additional capability in mediating user goals to determine service invocations. In this paper, we review some of the design choices for integrating agents and web services, and illustrate one approach using reactive planning to control web-service invocation by BDI agents.
Prevalence of symptoms of asthma and allergies in schoolchildren in Gondar town and its vicinity, northwest Ethiopia

A low level of allergic disorders has been generally reported in children from developing countries. A survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of symptoms of asthma and allergies among schoolchildren in Gondar, northwest Ethiopia. A standardized self‐administered questionnaire developed by the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Children (ISAAC) was used. In total, 3,365 children aged 13–14 years were surveyed at school, with a response rate of 98.4%. The female to male ratio was 1.5:1. The 12‐month‐period prevalences of wheeze (16.2%), rhino‐conjunctivitis (14.5%), and eczema (10.9%) were comparable to findings from Addis Ababa, but significantly higher than reported from Jimma. A striking seasonal pattern of rhinitis symptoms is observed during the months of September–December with a peak in November, corresponding with the main pollen season of the area. Overall, about 36% of the children reported symptoms of atopic disorders. However, the prevalence of diagnosed atopic diseases (8.6%) is less than a quarter of the symptom prevalence rate. This may reflect a generally poor awareness and low health service utilization, or underdiagnosis by health facilities. In conclusion, it appears that the prevalence of atopic diseases in Gondar area is high, and there is also wide variation within the country. This calls for further epidemiological studies with more objective assessments of atopy, such as allergen and bronchial hyperresponsiveness tests and ecological analysis. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2003; 35:427–432. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Isothermal crystallization and chain mobility of poly(L-lactide)

Isothermal melt crystallization of poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) has been studied in the temperature range of 90 to 135°C. A maximum in crystallization kinetic was observed around 105°C. A transition from regime II to regime III is present around 115°C. The crystal morphology is a function of the degree of undercooling. At crystallization temperatures (Tc) below 105°C, further crystallization occurs upon heating; this behavior is not detected for Tc above 110°C. The analysis of the heat capacity increment at glass transition temperature (Tg) and of dielectric properties of PLLA indicates the presence of a fraction of the amorphous phase which does not relax at the Tg, and the amount of this so-called rigid amorphous phase is a function of Tc. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 64: 911–919, 1997
Biocompatibility of Novel Type I Collagen Purified from Tilapia Fish Scale: An In Vitro Comparative Study

Type I collagen (COL-1) is the prevailing component of the extracellular matrix in a number of tissues including skin, ligament, cartilage, bone, and dentin. It is the most widely used tissue-derived natural polymer. Currently, mammalian animals, including pig, cow, and rat, are the three major sources for purification of COL-1. To reduce the risk of zoonotic infectious diseases transmission, minimize the possibility of immunogenic reaction, and avoid problems related to religious issues, exploration of new sources (other than mammalian animals) for the purification of type I collagen is highly desirable. Hence, the purpose of the current study was to investigate the in vitro responses of MDPC-23 to type I collagen isolated from tilapia scale in terms of cellular proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization. The results suggested that tilapia scale collagen exhibited comparable biocompatibility to porcine skin collagen, indicating it might be a potential alternative to type I collagen from mammals in the application for tissue regeneration in oral-maxillofacial area.
Beliefs About Others’ Perceptions—Gender Typicality: Scale Development and Relationships to Gender Nonconformity, Sexual Orientation, and Well-Being

The purpose of this study was to develop a measure of “other-perceived” gender typicality and test its relationship with gender nonconformity, sexual orientation, and psychological distress. Data on these variables were collected from 632 participants (142 heterosexual men, 77 gay men, 50 bisexual men, 174 heterosexual women, 85 lesbian women, and 104 bisexual women). We designed a Beliefs About Others’ Perceptions—Gender Typicality (BOP-GT) scale on which participants reported how masculine or feminine they thought other people perceived their gendered behavior, interests, appearance, and activities. Factor analysis identified five factors: appearance, emotional response, sporting interests, occupational interests, and interpersonal style. Recalled childhood gender nonconformity (CGN) was significantly associated with each BOP-GT subscale. Heterosexual men rated that other people perceived them to be more masculine scoring on the BOP-GT compared to heterosexual women. Gay men and lesbian women showed cross-sexed patterns on the BOP-GT total scale, appearance, emotional response, and sporting interests scores. Bisexual men and women were generally no different from the other male and female groups, respectively. Bisexual women had greater distress scores, and the BOP-GT emotional response subscale was associated with somewhat greater distress scores. The BOP-GT measure may have use in future research on understanding gendered self-concepts.
Genome-Wide Crossover Distribution in Arabidopsis thaliana Meiosis Reveals Sex-Specific Patterns along Chromosomes

In most species, crossovers (COs) are essential for the accurate segregation of homologous chromosomes at the first meiotic division. Their number and location are tightly regulated. Here, we report a detailed, genome-wide characterization of the rate and localization of COs in Arabidopsis thaliana, in male and female meiosis. We observed dramatic differences between male and female meiosis which included: (i) genetic map length; 575 cM versus 332 cM respectively; (ii) CO distribution patterns: male CO rates were very high at both ends of each chromosome, whereas female CO rates were very low; (iii) correlations between CO rates and various chromosome features: female CO rates correlated strongly and negatively with GC content and gene density but positively with transposable elements (TEs) density, whereas male CO rates correlated positively with the CpG ratio. However, except for CpG, the correlations could be explained by the unequal repartition of these sequences along the Arabidopsis chromosome. For both male and female meiosis, the number of COs per chromosome correlates with chromosome size expressed either in base pairs or as synaptonemal complex length. Finally, we show that interference modulates the CO distribution both in male and female meiosis.
Virtual short pitch control model for fully pitched switched reluctance machines using a three-phase inverter

In this paper the virtual short pitch control model for a fully pitched switched reluctance machine (FPSRM) is presented. The simulated results proved that it is possible to control a FPSRM in the same way as a short pitch switched reluctance machine (SPSRM) when certain matrix conversions are used. Three virtual short pitch phases can then be controlled independently as for the SPSRM. This is implemented with a normal three-phase bridge inverter. The advantage of the control model presented in this paper is that it can be used to exploit existing torque ripple reduction methods for the SPSRM.
Multiple Object Tracking and Attentional Processing

How are attentional priorities set when multiple stimuli compete for access to the limited-capacity visual attention system? According to Pylyshyn (1989) and Yantis and Johnson (1990), a small number of visual objects can be preattentively indexed or tagged and thereby accessed more rapidly by a subsequent attentional process (e.g., the traditional " spotlight of attention "). In the present study, we used the multiple object tracking methodology of Pylyshyn and Storm (1988) to investigate the relation between what we call " visual i n-dexing " and attentional processing. Participants visually tracked a subset of a set of identical, independently randomly moving objects in a display (the " targets "), and made a speeded identification response when they noticed a target or a nontarget (distractor) object undergo a subtle form transformation. We found that target form changes were identified more rapidly than nontarget form changes, and that the speed of responding to target form changes was unaffected by the number of nontargets in the display when the form-changing targets were successfully tracked. We also found that this enhanced processing only applied to the targets themselves and not to nearby nontarget distractors, showing that the allocation of a broadened region of visual attention (as in the " zoom-lens " model of attentional allocation) could not account for these findings. These results confirm that visual indexing bestows a processing priority to a number of objects in the visual field. It is widely accepted that visual attention can be shifted from one location to another independently of eye movements, and that the processing of stimuli appearing at attended locations is enhanced. The methodological paradigm that produced much of the evidence for this is the atten-tional cueing procedure (Posner, Snyder, & Davi d-son, 1980). In a cueing experiment, visual attention is shifted to a predetermined location either endogenously, in which the shift is under the volition of the observer, or exogenously, in which the shift is involuntarily elicited by a highly salient cue. A substantial number of studies have demonstrated that the speed and accuracy of processing at cued locations is superior to that at uncued locations. For example, Downing (1988) found that perceptual sensitivity was enhanced at the location of a cue, and concluded that focused attention serves to facilitate visual information processing. Previous research suggests that, whether controlled endogenously or exogenously, there can be only one focus of attention at any one time. …
Reliable broadcast protocols

Abstract : The distinguishing feature of a distributed program is not just that its various parts are distributed over a number of processors but that these parts communicate with one another. The hardware in a distributed system allows a processor to send messages to other processors; the operating system usually extends this facility to allow a process on one machine to send messages to a process on another. The operating system may also provide facilities to set up virtual circuits between processes and may include protocols that ensure a certain degree of reliability in the communication. From the point of view of a programming language, however, these facilities are still rather low-level, and this has led to a search for appropriate high-level abstractions for inter- process communication. Some researchers suggest that distribution be completely hidden from the programmer. They argue for an abstraction that looks like a global shared memory. This abstraction has the advantage that it is simple to program with; writing a distributed program is no different from writing a non- distributed one.
Pre and Post-stroke Use of Statins Improves Stroke Outcome

Introduction: Although there is sufficient evidence that HMG CoA Reductase Inhibitors reduce stroke recurrence in patients with or ischemic heart disease, it remains unclear whether they also improve outcomes given before or after stroke onset and whether such an effect is more robust with pre-stroke or post-stroke use of statins. Materials and Methods: We carried out a retrospective analysis of a large University Health Consortium Database. Patients with statin use before or after stroke onset were included in the analysis. Twenty patients discontinued statins after stroke onset. The outcome measures were discharge home or long-term care facility and/or death within 45 days. Results: Patients with prior statin use were more likely to be discharged home (1.67, CI 1.12-2.49), as were post stroke statin patients who had a more robust effect OR 2.63, CI 1.61-4.53). Conclusions: Patients started on statins after stroke were more likely to be discharged home versus patients already on statins before stroke onset. However, both groups were also more likely to be discharged home than those patients not on statins.
Statistical Properties and Design Criterions for AI-Based Fault Isolation

Fault diagnosis in the presence of noise and model errors is of fundamental importance. In the paper, the meaning of fault isolation performance is formalized by using the established notion of coverage and false coverage from the field of statistics. Then formal relations describing the relationship between fault isolation performance and the residual related design parameters are derived. For small faults, the measures coverage and false coverage are not applicable so therefore, a different performance criteria, called sub-coverage, is proposed. The performance of different AI-based fault isolation schemes is evaluated and it is shown that the well known principle of minimal cardinality diagnosis gives a very bad performance. Finally, some general design guidelines that guarantee and maximize the fault isolation performance are proposed.