Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CT of the chest: minimal tube current required for good image quality with the least radiation dose.

OBJECTIVE We wanted to determine minimal tube current (mAs) required for consistently good image quality on conventional 10-mm collimation chest CT and effect of tube current reduction on detection of mediastinal and lung abnormalities. Tube current reduction is desirable to reduce patient radiation dose. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Prospectively, 30 consecutive patients (mean weight, 68 kg; range, 34-93 kg) older than 45 undergoing conventional chest CT with standard technique (120 kVp, 400 mAs) had four additional sections imaged at reduced tube current (200, 140, 80, 20 mAs) at two levels (tracheal carina and left atrium). CT scans were evaluated in random order by two independent observers who were blinded to technical factors used. Subjective image quality was graded on a five-point scale from non-diagnostic to excellent. Visualization of mediastinal adenopathy (n = 18), pleural plaques (n = 17), effusions (n = 28), lung parenchymal nodules (n = 37), and emphysema (n = 15) were assessed. The 400 mAs scan was considered the reference standard. RESULTS When compared with the reference technique (400 mAs), the first and second (200 mAs and 140 mAs) reduction levels showed no significant difference (p > .05) in subjective image quality. A significant difference (p < .001) was seen at the third and fourth (80 mAs and 20 mAs) reduction levels. However, no significant difference (p > .05) was seen in detection of mediastinal or lung parenchymal abnormalities with different tube currents. CONCLUSION A twofold reduction in tube current (400-140 mAs) and resultant radiation dose did not cause a significant change in subjective image quality or in detection of mediastinal or lung abnormalities with conventional chest CT. One hundred forty milliampere-seconds is the minimal tube current required to provide good image quality in patients of average weight.
The Utility of Observational Studies in Clinical Decision Making: Lessons Learned from Statin Trials

Abstract Contemporary clinical decision making is well supported by a wide variety of information sources, including clinical practice guidelines, position papers, and insights from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Much of our fundamental understanding of cardiovascular risk factors is based on multiple observations from major epidemiologic studies, such as The Seven Country Studies and the US-based Framingham Heart Study. These studies provided the framework for the development of clinical practice guidelines, including the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel series. The objective of this article is to highlight the value of observational studies as a complement to clinical trial data for clinical decision making in real-world practice. Although RCTs are still the benchmark for assessing clinical efficacy and safety of a specific therapeutic approach, they may be of limited utility to practitioners who must then adapt the lessons learned from the trial into the patient care environment. The use of well-structured observational studies can improve our understanding of the translation of clinical trials into clinical practice, as demonstrated here with the example of statins. Although such studies have their own limitations, improved techniques for design and analysis have reduced the impact of bias and confounders. The introduction of the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines has provided more uniformity for such studies. When used together with RCTs, observational studies can enhance our understanding of effectiveness and utility in real-world clinical practice. In the examples of statin observational studies, the results suggest that relative effectiveness of different statins and potential impact of switching statins should be carefully considered in treating individual patients by practicing physicians.
Indoor positioning in Wireless LANS using compressive sensing signal-strength fingerprints

Accurate indoor localization is a significant task for many ubiquitous and pervasive computing applications, with numerous solutions based on IEEE802.11, Bluetooth, ultrasound and infrared technologies being proposed. The inherent sparsity present in the problem of location estimation motivates in a natural fashion the use of the recently introduced theory of compressive sensing (CS), which states that a signal having a sparse representation in an appropriate basis can be reconstructed with high accuracy from a small number of random linear projections. In the present work, we exploit the framework of CS to perform accurate indoor localization based on signal-strength measurements, while reducing significantly the amount of information transmitted from a wireless device with limited power, storage, and processing capabilities to a central server. Equally importantly, the inherent property of CS acting as a weak encryption process is demonstrated by showing that the proposed approach presents an increased robustness to potential intrusions of an unauthorized entity. The experimental evaluation reveals that the proposed CS-based localization technique is superior in terms of an increased localization accuracy in conjunction with a low computational complexity when compared with previous statistical fingerprint-based methods.
Implicit and Explicit Processes in the Development of Cognitive Skills : A Theoretical Interpretation with Some Practical Implications for Science Education

" The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds new discoveries, is not 'Eureka! ' (I found it! ) but 'That's funny . ' " Isaac Asimov (Science fiction novelist & scholar: 1920-1992) As the quote above illustrates, there are facets of the scientific process that are prompted by feelings of intuition. Although this notion may seem closer to stereotypes of art than science, the notion that scientists can rely upon knowledge that is generated without their awareness has an empirical foundation in the literature on implicit learning (e. So, although the subjective experience of intuition may seem " magical, " researchers have begun to characterize the characteristics of such knowledge. One major theme of this chapter will be that implicit knowledge (knowledge gained directly from experience) and explicit knowledge (e.g. the explicit facts that are typically acquired in science instruction) may be fruitfully combined (and clearly are in mature scientists). To use the example above, the intuition that alerts one to the detection of an anomaly (e.g., " That's funny ") is likely to spur a more explicit reasoning process that involves trying to locate the source of the anomaly and understand its implications. Most educational settings focus on teaching conceptual (explicit) knowledge rather than setting up an opportunity for gaining substantial experiential (mostly implicit) knowledge. While this may be appropriate for some subject areas, other subjects areas may require learning information (e.g., features of complex systems or categories) that are better learned (at least initially) through extensive hands-on experience than with lectures or textbooks alone (that is, with explicit learning alone). This issue has a significant bearing on the question of the role of laboratory research experiences in science education (see, for example, the chapter by Taraban et al. in this volume). In general, lab experiences help to promote implicit and/or procedural learning, while classroom lectures and textbooks often promote explicit learning of explicit, conceptual knowledge. While emphasizing the importance of explicit knowledge, we should not downplay the significance of implicit learning and implicit knowledge in the overall learning experience. For example, to be a scientist is not simply a matter of accumulating a large amount of specific and explicit knowledge; it is, more importantly, a matter of developing intuitive (implicit) understanding and intuitive (implicit, procedural) skills for approaching and exploring scientific issues and for conducting scientific experiments (Sahdra & Thagard 2003). We believe that a major …
ERRATUM TO “ π 1 OF SYMPLECTIC AUTOMORPHISM GROUPS AND INVERTIBLES IN QUANTUM HOMOLOGY RINGS ”

The aim of this paper is to establish a connection between the topology of the automorphism group of a symplectic manifold (M,ω) and the quantum product on its homology. More precisely, we assume that M is closed and connected, and consider the group Ham(M,ω) of Hamiltonian automorphisms with the C-topology. Ham(M,ω) is a path-connected subgroup of the symplectic automorphism group Aut(M,ω); if H1(M,R) = 0, it is the connected component of the identity in Aut(M,ω). We introduce a homomorphism q from a certain extension of the fundamental group π1(Ham(M,ω)) to the group of invertibles in the quantum homology ring of M . This invariant can be used to detect nontrivial elements in π1(Ham(M,ω)). For example, consider M = S2 × S2 with the family of product structures ωλ = λ(ωS2 × 1) + 1 × ωS2, λ > 0. This example has been studied by Gromov [6], McDuff [8] and Abreu [1]. McDuff showed that for λ 6= 1, π1(Ham(M,ωλ)) contains an element of infinite order. This result can be recovered by our methods. In a less direct way, the existence of q imposes topological restrictions on all elements of π1(Ham(M,ω)). An example of this kind of reasoning can be found in section 10; a more important one will appear in forthcoming work by Lalonde, McDuff and Polterovich.
Hidden structure in unsatisfiable random 3-SAT: an empirical study

Recent advances in prepositional satisfiability (SAT) include studying the hidden structure of unsatisfiable formulas, i.e. explaining why a given formula is unsatisfiable. Although theoretical work on the topic has been developed in the past, only recently two empirical successful approaches have been proposed: extracting unsatisfiable cores and identifying strong backdoors. An unsatisfiable core is a subset of clauses that defines a subformula that is also unsatisfiable, whereas a strong backdoor defines a subset of variables which assigned with all values allow concluding that the formula is unsatisfiable. The contribution of This work is two-fold. First, we study the relation between the search complexity of unsatisfiable random 3-SAT formulas and the sizes of unsatisfiable cores and strong backdoors. For this purpose, we use an existing algorithm which uses an approximated approach for calculating these values. Second, we introduce a new algorithm that optimally reduces the size of unsatisfiable cores and strong backdoors, thus giving more accurate results. Experimental results indicate that the search complexity of unsatisfiable random 3-SAT formulas is related with the size of unsatisfiable cores and strong backdoors.
Towards a formal framework for conversational agents

This paper proposes a formal framework which offers an external representation of conversations between conversational agents. Using this formalism allows us: (1) to represent the dynamics of conversations between agents; (2) to analyze conversations; (3) to help autonomous agents to take part in consistent conversations. The proposed formalism, called “commitment and argument network”, uses a combined approach based on commitments and arguments. Commitments are used to capture the social and the public aspect of conversations. Arguments on the other side are used to capture the reasoning aspect. We also propose a layered communication model in which the formalism and the approach take place.
FEEDBACK FROM CENTRAL BLACK HOLES IN ELLIPTICAL GALAXIES. II. CAN PURELY MECHANICAL ENERGY FEEDBACK MODELS WORK?

By using high-resolution one-dimensional hydrodynamical simulations, we investigate the effects of purely mechanical feedback from super massive black holes (SMBHs) in the evolution of elliptical galaxies for a broad range of feedback efficiencies and compare the results to four major observational constraints. In particular, we focus on (1) the central black hole to stellar mass ratio of the host galaxy, (2) the lifetime of the luminous quasar phase, (3) the mass of stars formed in the host galaxy within the last Gyr, and (4) the X-ray luminosity of the hot diffuse gas. As a result, we try to pin down the most successful range of mechanical feedback efficiencies. We find that while low feedback efficiencies result in too much growth of the SMBH, high efficiencies totally blow out the hot interstellar gas, and the models are characterized by very low thermal X-ray luminosity well below the observed range. The net lifetime of the quasar phase is strongly coupled to the mass ratio between SMBH and its host galaxy, while the X-ray luminosity is generally correlated to the recent star formation within the last Gyr. When considering the popularly adopted model of the constant feedback efficiency, the feedback energy deposited into the ambient medium should be more than 0.01% of the SMBH accretion energy to be consistent with the SMBH mass to stellar mass ratio in the local universe. Yet, the X-ray luminosity of the hot gas favors about 0.005% of the accretion energy as the mechanical active galactic nucleus (AGN) feedback energy. We conclude that the purely mechanical feedback mode is unlikely to be simultaneously compatible with all four observable tests, even allowing a broad range of feedback efficiencies, and that including both radiative and mechanical feedback together may be a solution to comply with the observational constraints. In addition to the adopted observational constraints, our simulations also show that the ratio of SMBH growth rate over its current mass and the density and temperature distribution of hot gas can be useful observable diagnostics for AGN feedback efficiencies.
Osteocutaneous radial forearm free flap: Its use without significant donor site morbidity

ABSTRACT While the fasciocutaneous radial forearm free flap has gained increasing popularity, the osteocutaneous radial forearm free flap has been condemned because of a high rate of pathologic donor radius fracture. On the basis of studies that demonstrated increased strength in ostectomized radii after dynamic compression plating, we believed that internal fixation at the time of graft harvest would significantly reduce the incidence of donor radius fracture. This is a retrospective review of the first 54 patients undergoing osteocutaneous radial forearm free flap reconstruction of the head and neck at our institution; 52 underwent prophylactic plating of their donor radii. No clinically significant donor radius fractures have occurred in plated patients. Five asymptomatic fractures were discovered on routine radiographs and required no treatment. Objective evaluation of forearm range of motion and strength after graft harvest demonstrated excellent function compared with unoperated arms. Serial radiographs have shown remodeling and reconstitution of donor radii without localized osteopenia.
G-protein coupled receptor solubilization and purification for biophysical analysis and functional studies, in the total absence of detergent

G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute the largest class of membrane proteins and are a major drug target. A serious obstacle to studying GPCR structure/function characteristics is the requirement to extract the receptors from their native environment in the plasma membrane, coupled with the inherent instability of GPCRs in the detergents required for their solubilization. In the present study, we report the first solubilization and purification of a functional GPCR [human adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR)], in the total absence of detergent at any stage, by exploiting spontaneous encapsulation by styrene maleic acid (SMA) co-polymer direct from the membrane into a nanoscale SMA lipid particle (SMALP). Furthermore, the A2AR–SMALP, generated from yeast (Pichia pastoris) or mammalian cells, exhibited increased thermostability (∼5°C) compared with detergent [DDM (n-dodecyl-β-D-maltopyranoside)]-solubilized A2AR controls. The A2AR–SMALP was also stable when stored for prolonged periods at 4°C and was resistant to multiple freeze-thaw cycles, in marked contrast with the detergent-solubilized receptor. These properties establish the potential for using GPCR–SMALP in receptor-based drug discovery assays. Moreover, in contrast with nanodiscs stabilized by scaffold proteins, the non-proteinaceous nature of the SMA polymer allowed unobscured biophysical characterization of the embedded receptor. Consequently, CD spectroscopy was used to relate changes in secondary structure to loss of ligand binding ([3H]ZM241385) capability. SMALP-solubilization of GPCRs, retaining the annular lipid environment, will enable a wide range of therapeutic targets to be prepared in native-like state to aid drug discovery and understanding of GPCR molecular mechanisms.
Wave and equation based rate control using multicast round trip time

This paper introduces Wave and Equation Based Rate Control (WEBRC), the first multiple rate multicast congestion control protocol to be equation based. The equation-based approach enforces fairness to TCP with the benefit that fluctuations in the flow rate are small in comparison to TCP.This paper also introduces the multicast round trip time (MRTT), a multicast analogue of the unicast round trip time (RTT). The MRTT is fundamental to the equation-based protocol that each receiver uses to adjust its reception rate. Each receiver independently measures its own MRTT without placing any added messaging burden on the receiver, the sender or the intermediate network elements. Benefits provided by the MRTT include those that the RTT provides to TCP, e.g., reduced reception rates in reaction to buffer filling and fair sharing of bottleneck links. In addition, the use of MRTT is shown to synchronize and equalize the reception rates of proximate receivers and to cause reception rates to increase as the density of receivers increases.Another innovation of WEBRC is the idea of transmitting data with waves: the transmission rate on a channel is periodic, with an exponentially decreasing form during an active period followed by a quiescent period. Benefits of using waves include insensitivity to large IGMP leave latency; a frequency of joins and leaves by each receiver that is small and independent of the receiver reception rate; the use of a small number of multicast channels; fine-grained control over the receiver reception rate; and minimal, at times nonexistent, losses due to buffer overflow.
Different Subtypes of α1-Adrenoceptor Modulate Different K+ Currents via Different Signaling Pathways in Canine Ventricular Myocytes*

Multiple subtypes (α1A, α1B, and α1D) of α1-adrenoreceptors (α1ARs) co-exist in the heart and mediate a variety of cellular functions. We studied α1AR modulation of inward rectifier (I K1) and transient outward (I to) K+ currents in canine ventricular myocytes. Phenylephrine at 10 μm depressed only I to without affectingI K1 and at 100 μm inhibited bothI to and I K1. The effect of phenylephrine on I to was abolished by (+)niguldipine (10 nm) to inhibit α1AARs but not by chloroethyclonidine (10 μm) to inactivate α1BARs nor by BMY-7378 to antagonize α1DARs. In contrast, phenylephrine inhibition ofI K1 was reversed only by BMY-7378 (1 nm). PDD (100 nm, phorbol ester activator of protein kinase C (PKC)) simulates and bisindolylmaleimide (50 nm, PKC inhibitor) weakens phenylephrine modulation ofI to but not I K1. Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) inhibitor KN-93 and inhibitor peptides abolished the effects of phenylephrine on I K1. Enhancement of PKC or CaMKII activities was seen in α1aAR- or α1dAR-transfected HEK293 cells and in myocytes pretreated with 10 or 100 μm phenylephrine, respectively. Our data suggest that different subtypes of α1ARs selectively modulate different cardiac K+ currents via different signal transduction mechanisms; α1AARs mediateI to regulation via PKC, and α1DARs mediate I K1 regulation via CaMKII.
Effects of particle size and interfacial slope structure on the mechanical and fracture properties of PVC filled with crosslinked PMMA particles

The effects of interfacial structure and particle size on the mechanical properties of an particulate-filled composite have been investigated using a model system. For this purpose, uncrosslinked and crosslinked poly(methyl methacrylate) particles having the mean size of about 0.8 μm are prepared by a seeded emulsion polymerization, and then the amount and the distribution of crosslink points in the particles are varied. The obtained emulsion particles are powdered by a freeze dry method and dispersed into poly(vinyl chloride) matrix by a melt blending. The uncrosslinked particles are completely dissolved in the matrix due to a good compatibility of poly(methyl methacrylate) with poly(vinyl chloride). In the case of the crosslinked particles, the mutual diffusion of the polymer molecules is restricted within the particle/matrix interfacial regions by the crosslink points. The interfacial structures with different concentration slope dependent upon the amount and the distribution of inner crosslink points are developed with the same particle size. It is found that the yield stress decreases with a decrease in the interfacial adhesion. Furthermore, the effect of particle size is confirmed in the weakest interfacial adhesion system in the range of 0.3-0.8 μm. When the interfacial adhesion is sufficient or the particle size is effectively small, the yield stress was never lower than those of their components.
DIABETES MELLITUS IN TWINS.

puerperium was quite normal, there being no further manifestations of choreiform movements or nervousness of any kind. On June 25th blood examination showed heemoglobin 60 per cent; red blood cells, 4,400,000; colour-index, 68; no abnormalities in the structure of the red cells. Dr. Campbell looked after her in July and had a few septic teeth extracted. I saw her again about a month ago. She appeared to be quite well. The child which at first did not do so well, later, under Dr. Dey 's care, progressed nicely.
Policy Instruments for Climate Change: How Can National Governments Address a Global Problem?

There continues to be great debate about the desirability of taking actions to limit carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gas emissions, but it is important to consider policy instruments that can be employed to meet targets that may eventually be forthcoming. The theoretical advantages of market-based instruments, such as carbon taxes and systems of tradable carbon rights, are striking. In the U.S. domestic context, grandfathered tradable permits will probably be the preferred approach (if any) in the short run, although revenue-neutral carbon taxes will hold greater promise in the long run. In the international context, a system of international tradable permits could provide important advantages over alternative approaches, but it is difficult to imagine what existing international institution could administer such a system. Hence, despite the great theoretical advantages of market-based approaches to addressing global climate change, neither domestic political barriers nor international institutional impediments to implementing these and other instruments should be underestimated.