Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of TriPath Thin-Layer Technology with Conventional Methods on Nongynecologic Specimens

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the use of the TriPath PREP (previously called AutoCyte) TriPath Inc., Burlington, North Carolina, U.S.A. ) in nongynecologic cytologic material by performing side-by-side comparison of conventional preparations with TriPath-prepared slides. STUDY DESIGN An initial study of 613 cases (set A) was conducted to compare the TriPath PREP system with conventional methods for the evaluation of nongynecologic specimens, including urine, body cavity effusions, cerebrospinal fluid, pulmonary and gastrointestinal specimens. Paired cases were evaluated for cellularity, staining quality, preservation and representation of diagnostic material. Subsequent changes in the automated technique warranted reevaluation of the TriPath method. The follow-up study of 259 cases (set B) was conducted with the same design as set A. Results of evaluated parameters were analyzed using the chi 2 test. RESULTS Results of the two sets were strikingly different. Prior to technical changes made by the laboratory, the TriPath method was significantly inferior. In the second set, the preferred material was most commonly the TriPath-prepared material. In particular, the majority of urine samples were prepared better by the automated, thin-layer system. CONCLUSION The TriPath PREP system offers a reliable preparation of urine and has potential for other nongynecologic specimens, provided that careful attention is paid to technical details and some adjustments are made to account for specimen variability.
PINK1-PRKN/PARK2 pathway of mitophagy is activated to protect against renal ischemia-reperfusion injury

ABSTRACT Damaged or dysfunctional mitochondria are toxic to the cell by producing reactive oxygen species and releasing cell death factors. Therefore, timely removal of these organelles is critical to cellular homeostasis and viability. Mitophagy is the mechanism of selective degradation of mitochondria via autophagy. The significance of mitophagy in kidney diseases, including ischemic acute kidney injury (AKI), has yet to be established, and the involved pathway of mitophagy remains poorly understood. Here, we show that mitophagy is induced in renal proximal tubular cells in both in vitro and in vivo models of ischemic AKI. Mitophagy under these conditions is abrogated by Pink1 and Park2 deficiency, supporting a critical role of the PINK1-PARK2 pathway in tubular cell mitophagy. Moreover, ischemic AKI is aggravated in pink1 andpark2 single- as well as double-knockout mice. Mechanistically, Pink1 and Park2 deficiency enhances mitochondrial damage, reactive oxygen species production, and inflammatory response. Taken together, these results indicate that PINK1-PARK2-mediated mitophagy plays an important role in mitochondrial quality control, tubular cell survival, and renal function during AKI.
Cortical and Subcortical Coordination of Visual Spatial Attention Revealed by Simultaneous EEG–fMRI Recording

Visual spatial attention has been studied in humans with both electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) individually. However, due to the intrinsic limitations of each of these methods used alone, our understanding of the systems-level mechanisms underlying attentional control remains limited. Here, we examined trial-to-trial covariations of concurrently recorded EEG and fMRI in a cued visual spatial attention task in humans, which allowed delineation of both the generators and modulators of the cue-triggered event-related oscillatory brain activity underlying attentional control function. The fMRI activity in visual cortical regions contralateral to the cued direction of attention covaried positively with occipital gamma-band EEG, consistent with activation of cortical regions representing attended locations in space. In contrast, fMRI activity in ipsilateral visual cortical regions covaried inversely with occipital alpha-band oscillations, consistent with attention-related suppression of the irrelevant hemispace. Moreover, the pulvinar nucleus of the thalamus covaried with both of these spatially specific, attention-related, oscillatory EEG modulations. Because the pulvinar's neuroanatomical geometry makes it unlikely to be a direct generator of the scalp-recorded EEG, these covariational patterns appear to reflect the pulvinar's role as a regulatory control structure, sending spatially specific signals to modulate visual cortex excitability proactively. Together, these combined EEG/fMRI results illuminate the dynamically interacting cortical and subcortical processes underlying spatial attention, providing important insight not realizable using either method alone. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Noninvasive recordings of changes in the brain's blood flow using functional magnetic resonance imaging and electrical activity using electroencephalography in humans have individually shown that shifting attention to a location in space produces spatially specific changes in visual cortex activity in anticipation of a stimulus. The mechanisms controlling these attention-related modulations of sensory cortex, however, are poorly understood. Here, we recorded these two complementary measures of brain activity simultaneously and examined their trial-to-trial covariations to gain insight into these attentional control mechanisms. This multi-methodological approach revealed the attention-related coordination of visual cortex modulation by the subcortical pulvinar nucleus of the thalamus while also disentangling the mechanisms underlying the attentional enhancement of relevant stimulus input and those underlying the concurrent suppression of irrelevant input.
From individual to group-level emotion recognition: EmotiW 5.0

Research in automatic affect recognition has come a long way. This paper describes the fifth Emotion Recognition in the Wild (EmotiW) challenge 2017. EmotiW aims at providing a common benchmarking platform for researchers working on different aspects of affective computing. This year there are two sub-challenges: a) Audio-video emotion recognition and b) group-level emotion recognition. These challenges are based on the acted facial expressions in the wild and group affect databases, respectively. The particular focus of the challenge is to evaluate method in `in the wild' settings. `In the wild' here is used to describe the various environments represented in the images and videos, which represent real-world (not lab like) scenarios. The baseline, data, protocol of the two challenges and the challenge participation are discussed in detail in this paper.
Effect of laser surface hardening on pitting corrosion resistance of AM50 magnesium alloy

The influence of laser shock processing (LSP) on pitting corrosion of AM50 magnesium alloy in chloride solution was evaluated. Bright shallow dimples were formed after laser shock processing, and surface changes were accompanied by small roughening effects. Plastic deformation occurred and compressive residual stress formed in the surface layer. The compressive residual stress on the surface reached 146MPa with laser power density of about 3GW/cm2. The electrochemical polarization curve showed that the corrosion potential and pitting potential of the LSP sample increased 85 mV and 153mV as compared to the untreated sample, respectively, while the corrosion current density was about one order of magnitude lower. After 5 hours immersing in the chloride solution, many pits appeared on the surface of untreated samples, while few pits appeared in the LSP samples. The pitting corrosion resistance of the LSP AM50 was improved significantly; a beneficial influence of laser surface hardening has been demonstrated.
Ameloblastoma: Cytologic findings and literature review

OBJECTIVE: To define and elaborate the cytomorphologic features of primary and metastatic ameloblastoma (ABL) on fine needle aspiration (FNA) and to discuss the differential diagnosis with closely related entities and review the cytologic literature on the subject. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study consisting of five cases of ameloblastomas, primary in the mandible (n = 3) and metastases (n = 2), diagnosed by FNA cytology with appropriate cytohistologic correlation, was done. Smears were stained with the Diff-Quik and Papanicolaou methods. Hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections of paraffin block as well as sections from the surgically resected specimens were also re-viewed. RESULTS: The smears were hypercellular and occasionally showed tissue fragments of basaloid cells with peripheral palisading. A distinct, two-cell population was seen, consisting of small, hyperchromatic, basaloid-type cells and scattered larger cells with more open chromatin. Occasional fragments of mesenchymal cells with more elongated nuclei and ample, clear cytoplasm were also noted. Malignant cases that metastasized showed prominent cytologic pleomorphism, cellular crowding with molding and a high mitotic/karyorrhectic index. CONCLUSION: In the right clinical setting and with proper radiologic evidence, the cytologic features of primary and metastatic ameloblastoma are unique. Diagnostic problems may arise when these lesions are pleomorphic and frankly malignant, especially at metastatic sites, such as the lung. FNA, therefore, is a valuable diagnostic tool in the initial diagnosis and follow-up of patients with a history of ameloblastoma.
Analysis of KIT Mutation and Protein Expression in Fine Needle Aspirates of Gastrointestinal Stromal/Smooth Muscle Tumors

OBJECTIVE To determine if sequencing the KIT gene could facilitate more definitive FNA diagnosis. STUDY DESIGN Sixteen cases of gastrointestinal stromal/smooth muscle tumor (GIST) in which fine needle aspiration (FNA) was performed (mean age, 67; M/F = 12/4) were studied. DNA was extracted from cytologic preparations from all patients (15 cell blocks, 1 alcohol-fixed smear) and seven subsequent resection specimens. DNA was amplified by polymerase chain reaction, using primers designed to amplify a segment of the KIT gene exon 11 and sequenced on an ABI Prism 377 DNA sequence analyzer (Applied Biosystems, Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.A.). Immunocytochemical staining for CD 117 (the KIT gene product) was performed on sections from 12 cell blocks and 7 surgical resections. RESULTS In-frame deletion of exon 11 was detected in eight cases (7 monoalleic, 1 bialleic); a point mutation was found in one case. Mutation was found only in histologically malignant (6 of 10 cases) and borderline GISTs (3 of 4 cases). No mutation was identified in benign tumors. In three cases, scant cellularity or blood precluded sequencing. CD 117 was expressed in 12 of 15 cases. CONCLUSION Immunocytochemical staining for CD 117 is useful in confirming a cytologic diagnosis of GIST but does not facilitate diagnosis of malignancy. FNA biopsy specimens are suitable for KIT gene sequencing; detection of a KIT mutation favors a malignant diagnosis, though absence of mutation does not preclude malignancy.
Society of America ( IDSA ) Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Native Vertebral Osteomyelitis in Adultsa

Elie F. Berbari, Souha S. Kanj, Todd J. Kowalski, Rabih O. Darouiche, Andreas F. Widmer, Steven K. Schmitt, Edward F. Hendershot, Paul D. Holtom, Paul M. Huddleston III, Gregory W. Petermann, and Douglas R. Osmon Division of Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota; Division of Infectious Diseases, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Lebanon; Division of Infectious Diseases, Gundersen Health System, La Crosse, Wisconsin; Section of Infectious Diseases and Center for Prostheses Infection, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Division of Infectious Diseases, Hospital of Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Switzerland; Department of Infectious Disease, Cleveland Clinic, Ohio; Department of Infectious Diseases, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota; Division of Spine Radiology, Marshfield Clinic, Wisconsin; and Division of Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
Path Planning of Mobile Robot by using Modified Optimized Potential Field Method

paper deals with the navigation of a mobile robot in an unknown environment by using artificial potential field (APF) method. The aim is to develop a method for path planning of mobile robot from start point to the goal point while avoiding obstacles on robot's path. Artificial potential field method will be modified and optimized by using particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm to solve the drawbacks such as local minima and improve the quality of the trajectory of mobile robot.
Acupuncture and women’s health: an overview of the role of acupuncture and its clinical management in women’s reproductive health

Background Acupuncture and other modalities of Chinese/East Asian medicine have been used to treat women’s health for many centuries. Gynecology specialties focus particularly on menstrual and reproductive disorders. Both the adoption of the use of acupuncture outside Asia, and the incorporation of scientific analysis in Asia have challenged biomedical conceptions of what can be achieved with this treatment method. The scale of research activity in relation to acupuncture and women’s health has increased over the last 20 years. Objective This review aims to explore the research evidence in relation to acupuncture use for women’s reproductive disorders, focusing on both clinical findings and experimental research on acupuncture’s mechanisms of action in relation to women’s health. Methods A narrative literature search was undertaken using searches of electronic databases and manual searches of journals and textbooks. The search included all literature published prior to June 2013. The literature was assessed as to the nature of the study it was reporting and findings synthesized into a commentary. Results For acupuncture’s mechanism of action the search resulted in 114 relevant documents; in relation to clinical reports on the use of acupuncture for women’s health 204 documents were found and assessed. Conclusion There is preliminary data indicating acupuncture may improve menstrual health and coping for women experiencing delays falling pregnant. There is experimental data showing that acupuncture can influence female reproductive functioning, although the actual mechanisms involved are not yet clarified. Further well-conducted clinical research would benefit our understanding of the usefulness of acupuncture to women’s health.
PRICING OF BT COTTON SEEDS IN INDIA: THE DEBATE BEHIND

In 2006 the state government of Andhra Pradesh reduced the Bt cotton seed prices from Indian Rs1600 to Rs750 in order to make the technology affordable and accessible to small and marginal farmers in the state and also to prevent the monopolistic market structure in the seed market. The drastic reduction in seed prices, on the other hand could affect the profitability of seed providing companies and curb their incentives to innovate in future. Recent literature has also examined the impact of price controls on diffusion of technology, revenue and profitability of seed providers. It suggests that price controls have positively impacted the diffusion of technology in India, and were also successful in increasing the revenue of seed providers in the short run. However, the impact of price controls on profitability would depend on cost conditions. In the light of the above discussion, this article attempts to discuss the debate behind price controls and draws certain policy implications pertaining to pricing of Bt seeds, which has an international policy relevance.
Disparities in cancer outcomes across age, sex, and race/ethnicity among patients with pancreatic cancer

Age, sex, and racial/ethnic disparities exist, but are understudied in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)–Medicare linked database to determine whether survival and treatment disparities persist after adjusting for demographic and clinical characteristics. Our study included PDAC patients diagnosed between 1992 and 2011. We used Cox regression to compare survival across age, sex, and race/ethnicity within early‐stage and late‐stage cancer subgroups, adjusting for marital status, urban location, socioeconomics, SEER region, comorbidities, stage, lymph node status, tumor location, tumor grade, diagnosis year, and treatment received. We used logistic regression to compare differences in treatment received across age, sex, and race/ethnicity. Among 20,896 patients, 84% were White, 9% Black, 5% Asian, and 2% Hispanic. Median age was 75; 56% were female and 53% had late‐stage cancer. Among early‐stage patients in the adjusted Cox model, older patient subgroups had worse survival compared with ages 66–69 (HR > 1.1, P < 0.01 for groups >69); no survival differences existed between sexes. Black (HR = 1.1, P = 0.01) and Hispanic (HR = 1.2, P < 0.01) patients had worse survival compared with White. Among late‐stage cancer patients, patients over age 84 had worse survival than those aged 66–69 (HR = 1.1, P < 0.01), and males (HR = 1.08, P < 0.01) had worse survival than females; there were no racial/ethnic differences. Older age and minority race/ethnicity were associated with lower likelihood of receiving chemotherapy, radiation, and/or surgery. Age and racial/ethnic disparities in survival outcomes and treatment received exist for PDAC patients; these disparities persist after adjusting for differences in demographic and clinical characteristics.
Identification of the primary site of metastatic adenocarcinoma in serous effusions. Value of an immunocytochemical panel added to the clinical arsenal.

OBJECTIVE To use an immunocytochemical panel as ancillary method to identify the origin of adenocarcinomas in serous effusions. STUDY DESIGN Serous effusion samples examined cytologically in the Department of Surgical Pathology, A. C. Camargo Hospital, between 1966 and 1990, were investigated. Of 4,297 cases, 2,317 were associated with adenocarcinoma, and 1,099 were positive for adenocarcinoma by cytologic examination. We selected a total of 248 cases of different origins to subject to immunoreactions. A panel composed of CA-125, CA-19.9, HBME-1, lactoferrin and BRST 2 was tested for the efficiency of these antibodies under two conditions: the panel alone and associated with clinical data, such as anatomic localization of the effusion (pleural or ascitic) and patient sex and age. RESULTS BRST 2 and lactoferrin were both positive in 29.9% of cases of adenocarcinoma of breast origin; CA-125 and HBME-1 were 28.6% and 25.0% positive in cases of adenocarcinoma of the ovaries, respectively. These immunoreactivities were highly specific when compared to the others. The statistical significance of the results was improved by information on the anatomic location of the effusions and patient sex. CONCLUSION Our data strongly indicate that BRST 2 and lactoferrin are important components of an immunocytochemical panel used to identify carcinomas of breast origin. Similarly, CA-125 and HBME-1 may be useful in suggesting the ovaries as possible primary sites.
Optimisation of intravenous fluid prescribing: framework for changing practice through education and audits

Introduction Intravenous fluids are one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the hospital setting and yet the practice continues to fall short of National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines, with significant gaps in staff knowledge exposing patients to heightened morbidity and mortality. Aim Following the 2013 publishing of updated NICE guidelines on intravenous fluid prescribing, an intravenous fluid team was formed within the Royal Liverpool University Hospital (RLUH). Their role has been (and continues to be) to overhaul the culture of suboptimal intravenous fluid prescribing within the hospital and, ultimately, to improve patient outcomes. A framework to engender this change has been developed and is offered as an example to other Trusts within which improvement of guideline-compliant intravenous fluid prescribing remains stagnant. Method There have been three principal stages of the project to this point which are best demonstrated in a chronological manner. The period of 2010–2014 allowed for assessment of the issue of intravenous fluid prescribing and analysis of its causes through serial audits and a staff-wide survey. From 2015, there has been implementation of several measures (educative, managerial, administrative and technological) within the hospital to foster reproducible and positive change with regards to intravenous fluid prescribing. Finally, between 2016 and 2017, three cycles of a rolling audit based on NICE guidelines have been completed to allow measurement of improvement in intravenous fluid prescribing practice. Conclusion Results have demonstrated a significant improvement in the appropriateness of the intravenous maintenance and replacement fluids prescribed in the hospital since the March 2016 audit. Moreover, a 29-fold increase has been observed in the use of 4% dextrose/0.18% sodium chloride as maintenance fluid (gold standard as per NICE guidelines) since the staff-wide survey of 2015. Despite progress however, adherence to NICE guidelines remains below the recommended 100% and therefore further work remains to be done.
A Simple and Efficient Adaptive ISM-Band Antenna Based on a Reconfigurable Optically Driven Parasitic Structure

This paper describes the development and the realization of an adaptive antenna based on a reconfigurable parasitic structure. The geometry of the proposed antenna is circular, and it is composed by an active omni-directional radiator, surrounded by a number of parasitic elements that can be optically activated and configured as a director or as a reflector. The optical switches are activated by means of optic fibers in order to avoid electromagnetic perturbations. The optimized structure of the parasitic elements permits a high versatility since each parasitic element can act as reflector or director. Thanks to this structure, integrated with a suitable control software, it is possible to obtain a directive beam pattern that can be opportunely set in order to maximize the coupling with a desired signal and to attenuate the presence of interfering signals. A prototype has been designed, developed and experimentally assessed. The prototype has been integrated with a control software and the whole system has been numerically and experimentally tested. A good agreement between numerical and experimental results has been obtained demonstrating the capabilities of the proposed antenna prototype.