Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Unusual Radiological Presentation of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex With Leptomeningeal Angiomatosis Associated With a Hypomorphic Mutation in the TSC2 Gene

Tuberous sclerosis complex is an autosomal dominant disorder affecting primarily the central nervous system, skin, and kidney caused by mutations in the TSC1 and TSC2 genes. Diagnosis is established with the identification of various neurocutaneous symptoms and multiple organ system hamartomas. The authors report on a 9-year-old patient with episodes of vertigo and headache followed by full spontaneous recovery. There was no history of seizures, mental retardation, or other neurologic sequelae, and psychomotor development was normal. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed pial angiomatosis of the left cerebellum and calcifications in the left parieto-occipital lobe consistent with the diagnosis of Sturge-Weber syndrome. At the age of 13, multiple renal angiomyolipomas and a single hypomelanotic macule were found, and subsequent imaging revealed several cortical tuberi. The diagnosis was confirmed by sequence analysis, which identified a novel missense mutation p.Ala460Thr in exon 13 of the TSC2 gene. Thus, mild tuberous sclerosis due to a hypomorphic mutation in TSC2 may present with isolated leptomeningeal angiomatosis.
Human cognitive performance in a 3 mT power‐line frequency magnetic field

Extremely low frequency (ELF, <300 Hz) magnetic fields (MF) have been reported to modulate cognitive performance in humans. However, little research exists with MF exposures comparable to the highest levels experienced in occupations like power line workers and industrial welders. This research aims to evaluate the impact of a 60 Hz, 3 mT MF on human cognitive performance. Ninety‐nine participants completed the double‐blind protocol, performing a selection of psychometric tests under two consecutive MF exposure conditions dictated by assignment to one of three groups (sham/sham, MF exposure/sham, or sham/MF exposure). Data were analyzed using a 3 × 2 mixed model analysis of variance. Performance between repetitions improved in 11 of 15 psychometric parameters (practice effect). A significant interaction effect on the digit span forward test (F = 5.21, P < 0.05) revealed an absence of practice effects for both exposure groups but not the control group. This memory test indicates MF‐induced abolition of the improvement associated with practice. Overall, this study does not establish any clear MF effect on human cognition. It is speculated that an ELF MF may interfere with the neuropsychological processes responsible for this short‐term learning effect supported by brain synaptic plasticity. Bioelectromagnetics. Bioelectromagnetics 32:620–633, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Old Wine in New Skins: The Sensitivity of Established Findings to New Methods

Findings from an evaluation of a model system for delivering mental health services to youth were reassessed to determine the robustness of key findings to the use of methodologies unavailable to the original analysts. These analyses address a key concern about earlier findings—that the quasi-experimental design involved the comparison of two noncomparable groups. The authors employed propensity score methodology to reconsider between-group baseline differences in observed characteristics of participating families. The authors also considered the possible effect of unobserved between-group differences. The data support previous studies that show few differences in outcomes, but the findings are sensitive to unobserved heterogeneity.
Popular Matchings with Lower Quotas

We consider the well-studied Hospital Residents (HR) problem in the presence of lower quotas (LQ). The input instance consists of a bipartite graph $G = (\mathcal{R} \cup \mathcal{H}, E)$ where $\mathcal{R}$ and $\mathcal{H}$ denote sets of residents and hospitals respectively. Every vertex has a preference list that imposes a strict ordering on its neighbors. In addition, each hospital $h$ has an associated upper-quota $q^+(h)$ and lower-quota $q^-(h)$. A matching $M$ in $G$ is an assignment of residents to hospitals, and $M$ is said to be feasible if every resident is assigned to at most one hospital and a hospital $h$ is assigned at least $q^-(h)$ and at most $q^+(h)$ residents. Stability is a de-facto notion of optimality in a model where both sets of vertices have preferences. A matching is stable if no unassigned pair has an incentive to deviate from it. It is well-known that an instance of the HRLQ problem need not admit a feasible stable matching. In this paper, we consider the notion of popularity for the HRLQ problem. A matching $M$ is popular if no other matching $M'$ gets more votes than $M$ when vertices vote between $M$ and $M'$. When there are no lower quotas, there always exists a stable matching and it is known that every stable matching is popular. We show that in an HRLQ instance, although a feasible stable matching need not exist, there is always a matching that is popular in the set of feasible matchings. We give an efficient algorithm to compute a maximum cardinality matching that is popular amongst all the feasible matchings in an HRLQ instance.
Ultrasound-guided approach for axillary brachial plexus, femoral nerve, and sciatic nerve blocks in dogs.

OBJECTIVE To describe an ultrasound-guided technique and the anatomical basis for three clinically useful nerve blocks in dogs. STUDY DESIGN Prospective experimental trial. ANIMALS Four hound-cross dogs aged 2 +/- 0 years (mean +/- SD) weighing 30 +/- 5 kg and four Beagles aged 2 +/- 0 years and weighing 8.5 +/- 0.5 kg. METHODS Axillary brachial plexus, femoral, and sciatic combined ultrasound/electrolocation-guided nerve blocks were performed sequentially and bilaterally using a lidocaine solution mixed with methylene blue. Sciatic nerve blocks were not performed in the hounds. After the blocks, the dogs were euthanatized and each relevant site dissected. RESULTS Axillary brachial plexus block Landmark blood vessels and the roots of the brachial plexus were identified by ultrasound in all eight dogs. Anatomical examination confirmed the relationship between the four ventral nerve roots (C6, C7, C8, and T1) and the axillary vessels. Three roots (C7, C8, and T1) were adequately stained bilaterally in all dogs. Femoral nerve block Landmark blood vessels (femoral artery and femoral vein), the femoral and saphenous nerves and the medial portion of the rectus femoris muscle were identified by ultrasound in all dogs. Anatomical examination confirmed the relationship between the femoral vessels, femoral nerve, and the rectus femoris muscle. The femoral nerves were adequately stained bilaterally in all dogs. Sciatic nerve block. Ultrasound landmarks (semimembranosus muscle, the fascia of the biceps femoris muscle and the sciatic nerve) could be identified in all of the dogs. In the four Beagles, anatomical examination confirmed the relationship between the biceps femoris muscle, the semimembranosus muscle, and the sciatic nerve. In the Beagles, all but one of the sciatic nerves were stained adequately. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Ultrasound-guided needle insertion is an accurate method for depositing local anesthetic for axillary brachial plexus, femoral, and sciatic nerve blocks.
A Heuristic TRIZ Problem Solving Approach based on Semantic Relatedness and Ontology Reasoning

The theory of inventive problem solving (TRIZ) was developed to solve inventive problems in diﬀerent industrial ﬁelds. In recent decades, modern innovation theories and methods proposed several different knowledge sources, whose use requires extensive knowledge about diﬀerent engineering domains. In order to facilitate the use of the TRIZ knowledge sources, this paper explores a heuristic TRIZ problem solving approach. Firstly, TRIZ users start solving inventive problem with the TRIZ knowledge source of their choice. Then other similar knowledge sources are used according to a calculation of semantic relatedness. Finally, heuristic solutions are returned by ontology reasoning on the knowledge sources. The case of a ”Diving Fin” is used to show the heuristic TRIZ problem solving process in detail.
Parental Mediation Regarding Children's Smartphone Use: Role of Protection Motivation and Parenting Style

Parental mediation is a type of behavior that could protect children against the negative uses and effects of smartphones. Based on protection motivation theory, this research (a) predicted parental mediation based on parents' threat and efficacy perceptions and (b) predicted threat and efficacy perceptions based on parenting styles and parents' addiction to smartphone use. An online survey of 448 parents of fourth to sixth graders was conducted. Results showed that both restrictive and active parental mediation were predicted by perceived severity, response efficacy, and self-efficacy. With regard to parenting styles, (a) authoritative parenting was positively related to perceived severity as well as response- and self-efficacy, whereas (b) permissive parenting was negatively related to self-efficacy. In addition, parents' addiction was a negative predictor of perceived severity, but a positive predictor of perceived susceptibility.
Cardiovascular risk stratification in axial spondyloarthritis: carotid ultrasound is more sensitive than coronary artery calcification score to detect high-cardiovascular risk axial spondyloarthritis patients.

OBJECTIVES To determine the ability of Coronary Artery Calcification Score (CACS) and carotid ultrasonography (US) to detect high cardiovascular (CV) risk axial spondyloarthritis (ax-SpA) patients. METHODS CACS and carotid plaques were assessed in 66 consecutive ax-SpA patients (51 fulfilling criteria for ankylosing spondylitis and 15 for non-radiological ax-SpA) without history of CV events. The Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) calculated using total cholesterol (TC-SCORE) was assessed in 64 patients without diabetes mellitus or chronic kidney disease. RESULTS The mean age of the patients and the median disease duration since the onset of symptoms were 49.3 and 14.5 years. HLA-B27 was positive in 47 (75%) patients. CV risk was categorised according to the TC-SCORE as low (<1%; n=33), moderate (≥1% and<5%; n=30) and high/very high risk (≥5%; n=1). Most patients with low TC-SCORE (27/33; 82%) had normal CACS (zero), and only 1/33 had CACS >100. However, carotid plaques were observed in patients with CACS=0 (12/37; 32%) and CACS 1-100 (10/16; 62%). The sensitivity to detect high/very high CV risk using only the TC-SCORE was very low as the algorithm only detected 1/33 (3%) of patients with high/very high CV risk. Ten of 33 (30%) high/very high CV risk patients were identified using a chart TC-SCORE risk ≥5% plus the presence of CACS ≥100 in patients with moderate TC-SCORE. The replacement of CACS with carotid US identified a higher number of high/very high CV risk patients (22/33; 67%). CONCLUSIONS Carotid US is more sensitive than CACS for the detection of high CV risk in ax-SpA patients.
Older nursing home residents' experiences with videoconferencing to communicate with family members.

AIM This study explored the experiences of older Taiwanese nursing home residents in using videoconferencing to communicate with family members. BACKGROUND Enhancing communication between long-term care residents and their family is important. Interactions between residents and their family members can be increased through high-tech videoconferencing programmes. DESIGN A qualitative, observational research design was used to gain a deeper understanding of the videoconference experiences of older nursing home residents in Taiwan. METHODS In-depth interviews were used to gather information from 34 older residents at 10 nursing homes in northern Taiwan. Participants were asked to describe their three-month experience using videoconference communication with their family in the nursing home. Participants (18 women, 16 men) had an average age of 75.38 (SD 10.19, range 60-95). Verbatim transcripts of audiotaped interviews were analysed by content analysis and Atlas.ti software. RESULTS Participants experiences using videoconference communication with family members were captured by four themes: enriched life, second-best option for visiting, life adjustments and true picture of family life. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Our findings may enhance policy makers' and healthcare providers' understanding of older nursing home residents' experience with videoconferencing to communicate with distant family members, thus guiding development and evaluation of nursing home videoconference services to improve older people's lives in nursing homes.
Numerical analysis of shear thickening fluids for blast mitigation applications

Abstract : Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) have evolved over the years to become one of the main causes of casualties and fatalities in recent conflicts. One area of research focuses on the improvement of blast attenuation using Shear Thickening Fluid (STF). The STF is a dilatant material, which displays non-Newtonian characteristics in its unique ability to transit from a low viscosity fluid to a high viscosity fluid. Although empirical research and computational models using the non-Newtonian flow characteristics of STF have been conducted to study the effects of STF on blast mitigation, to the author's best knowledge, no specific research has been performed to investigate the STF behavior by modeling and simulation of the interaction between the base flow and embedded rigid particles when subjected to shear stress. The model considered the Lagrangian description of the rigid particles and the Eulerian description of fluid flow. The numerical analysis investigated key parameters such as applied flow acceleration, particle distribution arrangement, volume concentration of particles, particle size, particle shape, and particle behavior in Newtonian and Non-Newtonian fluid base. The fluid-particle interaction model showed that the arrangement, size, shape and volume concentration of particles had a significant effect on the behavior of STF. Although non-conclusive, the addition of particles in Non-Newtonian fluids showed a promising trend of better shear thickening effect at high shear strain rates.
Inverse association between serum albumin and future risk of venous thromboembolism: interrelationship with high sensitivity C-reactive protein

Abstract Purpose: We aimed to assess the prospective association of serum albumin with venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk and evaluate if the association is independent of or modified by inflammation, as measured by high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP). Design: We analysed data of 2176 men aged 42–61 years free from VTE in the Kuopio Ischemic Heart Disease study, with serum albumin concentrations measured at baseline using Coulter’s bromocresol purple colorimetric assays. Hazard ratios (HRs) (95% confidence intervals [CI]) were calculated for VTE. Results: There were 109 validated cases of VTE recorded during a median follow-up of 24.9 years. The risk of VTE increased linearly below a serum albumin concentration of ∼48 g/l. In Cox regression analysis adjusted for established risk factors and other potential confounders, the HR (95% CI) for VTE per 1 standard deviation lower serum albumin was 1.23 (1.02–1.47). The association remained persistent on further adjustment for hsCRP 1.22 (1.01–1.46). Furthermore, the association was not modified by hsCRP and persisted on exclusion of men with elevated hsCRP levels. Conclusions: In middle-aged Caucasian men, low serum albumin is associated with an increased risk of VTE, consistent with a linear dose-response relationship. The association is independent of and not modified by inflammation. Key messages • Serum albumin may be associated with future risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE); however, the shape, nature, magnitude and consistency of the association is uncertain. • In a population-based prospective cohort study, low serum albumin was associated with an increased risk of VTE in a linear dose-response manner and this association was independent of and not modified by inflammation. • Serum albumin concentrations may play a role in the development of VTE.
Composition of C-S-H in the Hydration Products of Fly Ash-Cement System

This paper describes the effect of fly ash on the composition of C-S-H gel. The CaO/SiO2 ratio and chemical bonding water of C-S-H gel were estimated by the combination of the Rietveld analysis by XRD, the selective dissolution analysis and loss of ignition measurement. The results indicated that the CaO/SiO2 ratio of hydrate gel in fly ash-portland cement paste decreases as the hydration of fly ash proceeds, while the CaO/SiO2 ratio of C-S-H gel in portland cement paste did not vary with the progress of hydration. At the same amount of produced C-S-H gel, bonding water in C-S-H gel of paste prepared with 50% fly ash was higher than those of pastes prepared with prepared with of fly ash 25% and 0%. The corresponded results can be seen from decreasing of density of C-S-H gel when replacement ratio of fly ash increases. The paper describes how the bonding water in C-S-H gel decreases as its CaO/SiO2 ratio increases. The effect of chemical bonding water in C-S-H gel can be applied to modify the gel/space-strength model.
Cued Reinstatement of Cocaine but Not Sucrose Seeking Is Dependent on Dopamine Signaling in Prelimbic Cortex and Is Associated with Recruitment of Prelimbic Neurons That Project to Contralateral Nucleus Accumbens Core

Abstract Background Drug cues recruit prelimbic cortex neurons that project to ipsilateral nucleus accumbens core. However, it is not known if the same is true for prelimbic cortex projections that decussate to innervate contralateral nucleus accumbens core. Further, a role for prelimbic cortex dopamine signaling in cued reinstatement of cocaine seeking has not been shown. Methods We assessed Fos expression in prelimbic cortex neurons that project to contralateral nucleus accumbens core following cued reinstatement of cocaine or sucrose seeking. We also tested the effect of intra-prelimbic cortex infusions of the D1/D2 antagonist fluphenazine on cued cocaine and sucrose seeking. Results Prelimbic cortex-contralateral nucleus accumbens core projections were activated by cocaine cues but not sucrose cues, and this activation correlated with reinstatement behavior. Blockade of prelimbic cortex dopamine signaling prevented cued reinstatement of cocaine- but not sucrose-seeking behavior. Conclusions Cued cocaine seeking is associated with activation of the prelimbic cortex-contralateral nucleus accumbens core pathway. Prelimbic cortex dopamine signaling is necessary for cues to reinstate drug-seeking behavior.
Intrathyroidal ectopic thymus in children: a sonographic survey.

AIMS Intrathyroidal ectopic thymus (IET) is being increasingly reported in the radiology literature. Most of the reports are of individual cases or small series and prevalence and natural course of the pathology is not well known. The purpose of this study is to establish the prevalence of IET in children and report long term follow-up results. MATERIAL AND METHODS In 180 children who were examined by ultrasound (US) for other reasons, 7 patients were indentified with IET. Together with the other seven children who were already under follow-up for IET (diagnosed using US criteria), these 14 patients were followed up with US for 30 months. Size, shape, location, echotexture and internal echoes of the lesions were evaluated. RESULTS There were 16 lesions in 14 children. The most common appearance was a fusiform hypoechoic lesion, with punctate and linear internal echoes and well-defined but slightly irregular borders located posteriorly in the lower thirds of the thyroid. In follow-up, there were no changes in echotexture, shape or border. In 3 patients, the lesion became slightly smaller, in a 10-year-old boy slightly larger, and in an 11-year old boy the lesion disappeared. In a patient with bilateral lesions, one lesion slightly decreased in size. CONCLUSIONS IET in children may be more common than thought. Its growth reflects that of a normal thymus. Awareness of this entity is important in order not to misdiagnose them, especially as papillary cancer, and to prevent unnecessary interventions.
Multi-Scheme Frame Rate Up-Conversion Using Space-Time Saliency

We propose a novel frame rate up-conversion algorithm, which adaptively selects multiple motion estimation (ME) schemes to generate absent frames according to the space-time saliency. We first use a space-time saliency classifier to determine which frames are most important to a human observer. Based on the varying saliency over time, we adopt high-cost ME scheme on high-salient frame but low-cost ME scheme on low-salient frame. Automatic switch of multiple ME schemes takes human visual attention into consideration, so that unnecessary computations cannot be invested into the frames of no interest. Experimental results show that our algorithm provides a better visual interpolation quality, while removing some redundant computations.
Blood eosinophils as a marker of response to inhaled corticosteroids in COPD

Identification of a biomarker that predicts response to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) would help evaluate the risk/benefit profile of ICS in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and guide treatment. The ISOLDE study randomised 751 patients (mean post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) 1.4 L: 50% predicted normal) to fluticasone propionate 500 μg twice daily or placebo for 3 years, finding no difference in FEV1 rate of decline between treatments (p=0.16) and a significant reduction in median exacerbation rate with fluticasone propionate versus placebo (p=0.026). We re-analysed ISOLDE results by baseline blood eosinophil count to investigate whether eosinophil level predicts ICS benefit. Patients with eosinophils <2% (n=456) had a similar rate of post-bronchodilator FEV1 decline with fluticasone propionate as placebo (–2.9 mL·year−1; p=0.688). With eosinophils ≥2% (n=214), the rate of decline decreased by 33.9 mL·year−1 with fluticasone propionate versus placebo (p=0.003). Exacerbation rate reduction on ICS for fluticasone propionate versus placebo was higher in the eosinophil <2% group compared with the ≥2% group; time-to-first moderate/severe exacerbation was not different between treatments in either group. A baseline blood eosinophil count of ≥2% identifies a group of COPD patients with slower rates of decline in FEV1 when treated with ICS: prospective testing of this hypothesis is now warranted. Blood eosinophil level identifies COPD patients showing a slower rate of lung function decline when treated with ICS http://ow.ly/X6HyJ