Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of corneal thickness measurements using ultrasound pachymetry, ultrasound biomicroscopy, and digital caliper in frozen canine corneas

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinical efficacy among ultrasound pachymetry (UP), ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM), and manual measurement (MM) with digital caliper by comparing corneal thickness (COT) values obtained from frozen canine corneas ex vivo. PROCEDURES COT was measured using UP, UBM, and MM in eight enucleated normal canine eyes frozen at -20 °C for 4 weeks. After thawing at room temperature for 2 h, the COT values were obtained from five sites on each cornea: central corneal thickness (CCOT), thickness at the 3, 6, 9, and 12 o'clock positions (3COT, 6COT, 9COT, and 12COT, respectively). For each device, measurements were performed three times at each designated site by one operator. Intraclass correlation coefficient, repeated-measures analysis of variance, and Bland-Altman plot were performed for statistical analyses. RESULTS The mean CCOT was 839.0 ± 138.2, 857.6 ± 127.9, and 849.1 ± 132.8 μm for UP, UBM, and MM, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference among the measurements by all three devices (P > 0.05). The statistical agreement among these devices was also shown to be good according to Bland-Altman plots. In addition, the values measured on the peripheral sites of the cornea (3COT, 6COT, 9COT, and 12COT) also revealed no significant differences among the three devices. The difference between CCOT and peripheral corneal thickness was also statistically insignificant. CONCLUSIONS The UP, UBM, and MM measurements showed statistically similar COT values. The UBM and UP provided accurate and reliable measurements comparable to MM and could be used effectively for clinical COT measurements.
Analysis and Control of Stick-Slip Oscillations in Drilling Systems

This paper proposes feedback control strategies for the mitigation of torsional stick-slip oscillations in drilling systems using drag bits. Herein, we employ a model for the coupled axial-torsional drill-string dynamics in combination with a rate-independent bit-rock interaction law including both cutting and frictional effects. Using a singular perturbation and averaging approach, we show that the dynamics of this model generate an apparent velocity-weakening effect in the torque-on-bit, explaining the onset of torsional stick-slip vibrations. Based on this dynamic analysis, the (decoupled) torsional dynamics can be described by a delay-differential equation with a state-dependent delay. Using this model, we propose both state- and output-feedback control strategies for the mitigation of torsional stick-slip oscillations, where the latter strategy uses surface measurements only. The effectiveness of the proposed approaches is shown in a simulation study.
Coupled azimuthal and radial flows and oscillations in a rotating plasma

Nonlinear coupling between the radial, axial, and azimuthal flows in a cold rotating plasma is considered nonperturbatively by first constructing a basis solution for a rotating flow. Simple but exact solutions that describe an expanding plasma with oscillatory flow fields are then obtained. These solutions show that the energy in the radial and axial flow components can be transferred to the azimuthal component but not the vice versa. Nonlinear electron velocity oscillations in the absence of electron density oscillations at the same frequency are shown to exist.
Linear and Nonlinear Analysis of Base Lung Sound in Extrinsic Allergic Alveolitis Patients in Comparison to Healthy Subjects

Summary Objective: Pulmonary disorders are frequently characterized by the presence of adventitious sounds added to the breathing or base lung sound (BLS). The aim of this work was to assess the features of BLS in extrinsic allergic alveolitis (EAA) patients in comparison to healthy subjects, applying linear and nonlinear analysis techniques. Methods: We investigated the multichannel lung sounds on the posterior chest of 16 females, 8 healthy and 8 EAA patients, when breathing at 1.5 L/s. BLS linear features were obtained from the power spectral density (PSD) while nonlinear features were extracted by the concepts of irregularity and complexity, i.e., spectral, sample and multi-scale entropy. Results: The results demonstrated that spectral percentiles of BLS were lower in EAA patients than in healthy subjects but statistical significance (p<0.05) was obtained only for expiration at the left apical and both basal regions. Also, the maximum amplitude of the PSD in patients reached statistical significance ( p < 0.05) for the expiratory phase at basal regions. In the case of nonlinear techniques, significant lower values ( p < 0.05) were obtained for EAA patients during both respiratory phases at left apical and both basal regions. Conclusion: In conclusion, we found that BLS in chronic EAA patients is characterized by lower spectral percentiles, lower irregularity and lower complexity than in healthy subjects suggesting the feasibility of its clinical usefulness by screening its temporal alteration.
Central Venous Catheter as Vascular Approach for Hemodialysis – Our Experiences

Introduction: Application of a central venous catheter (CVC), as a temporary or permanent vascular access for hemodialysis, has been continuous practice at the Sarajevo Pediatric Clinic, Department of Pediatric Intensive Care. The main goal of the article is to present our experiences with central venous catheters in the treatment of these patients. Material and methods: In the period from January 2009 to December 2014 a total of 41 patients were treated and a total of 56 catheters were placed. Results: The results show the prevalence of the femoral venous catheter (69,64%), with significantly smaller participation of jugular (28,57%) and symbolic participation of subclavian catheters (1,78%). Frequency of infections of 8,92% in our article is lower than the percentage contained in the data of the National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance System, which provided data related to 17% of catheter related infections. The most common agents of the catheter related infections in our patients are gram-negative bacteria from the Klebsiella pneumoniae group. Conclusion: The issue of the higher complication percentage during the treatment is linked with hemostasis related to bleeding into or around the catheters in 28,57% of patients, and to clotting disorder in terms of thrombosis in 10,71% of patients.
Identification of a compound that directly stimulates phospholipase C activity.

Phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PLC) plays a pivotal role in the signal transduction of various cellular responses. However, although it is undeniably important that modulators of PLC activity be identified, no direct PLC activity modulator has been identified until now. In this study, by screening more than 10,000 different compounds in human neutrophils, we identified a compound that strongly enhances superoxide-generating activity, which is well known to be PLC-dependent. The active compound 2,4,6-trimethyl-N-(meta-3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-benzenesulfonamide (m-3M3FBS) stimulated a transient intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) increase in neutrophils. Moreover, m-3M3FBS stimulated the formation of inositol phosphates in U937 cells, indicating that it stimulates PLC activity. The compound showed no cell-type specificity in terms of [Ca(2+)](i) increase in the various cell lines including leukocytes, fibroblasts, and neuronal cells. We also ruled out the possible involvement of heterotrimeric G proteins in m-3M3FBS-stimulated signaling by confirming the following: 1) pertussis toxin does not inhibit m-3M3FBS-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increase; 2) m-3M3FBS does not stimulate cyclic AMP generation; and 3) the inhibition of G(q) by the regulator of G protein-signaling 2 does not affect the m-3M3FBS-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increase. We also observed that m-3M3FBS stimulated PLC activity in vitro. The purified isoforms of PLC that were tested (i.e., beta2, beta3, gamma1, gamma2, and delta1) were activated by m-3M3FBS and showed no isoform specificity. Taken together, these results demonstrate that m-3M3FBS modulates neutrophil functions by directly activating PLC. Because m-3M3FBS is the first compound known to directly activate PLC, it should prove useful in the study of the basic molecular mechanisms of PLC activation and PLC-mediated cell signaling.
Individual Differences in Audio-Vocal Speech Imitation Aptitude in Late Bilinguals: Functional Neuro-Imaging and Brain Morphology

An unanswered question in adult language learning or late bi and multilingualism is why individuals show marked differences in their ability to imitate foreign accents. While recent research acknowledges that more adults than previously assumed can still acquire a “native” foreign accent, very little is known about the neuro-cognitive correlates of this special ability. We investigated 140 German-speaking individuals displaying varying degrees of “mimicking” capacity, based on natural language text, sentence, and word imitations either in their second language English or in Hindi and Tamil, languages they had never been exposed to. The large subject pool was strictly controlled for previous language experience prior to magnetic resonance imaging. The late-onset (around 10 years) bilinguals showed significant individual differences as to how they employed their left-hemisphere speech areas: higher hemodynamic activation in a distinct fronto-parietal network accompanied low ability, while high ability paralleled enhanced gray matter volume in these areas concomitant with decreased hemodynamic responses. Finally and unexpectedly, males were found to be more talented foreign speech mimics.
Research Paper: Computer-based Insulin Infusion Protocol Improves Glycemia Control over Manual Protocol

OBJECTIVE Hyperglycemia worsens clinical outcomes in critically ill patients. Precise glycemia control using intravenous insulin improves outcomes. To determine if we could improve glycemia control over a previous paper-based, manual protocol, authors implemented, in a surgical intensive care unit (SICU), an intravenous insulin protocol integrated into a care provider order entry (CPOE) system. DESIGN Retrospective before-after study of consecutive adult patients admitted to a SICU during pre (manual protocol, 32 days) and post (computer-based protocol, 49 days) periods. MEASUREMENTS Percentage of glucose readings in ideal range of 70-109 mg/dl, and minutes spent in ideal range of control during the first 5 days of SICU stay. RESULTS The computer-based protocol reduced time from first glucose measurement to initiation of insulin protocol, improved the percentage of all SICU glucose readings in the ideal range, and improved control in patients on IV insulin for > or =24 hours. Hypoglycemia (<40 mg/dl) was rare in both groups. CONCLUSION The CPOE-based intravenous insulin protocol improved glycemia control in SICU patients compared to a previous manual protocol, and reduced time to insulin therapy initiation. Integrating a computer-based insulin protocol into a CPOE system achieved efficient, safe, and effective glycemia control in SICU patients.
Impacts of positional error on spatial statistics confidence intervals

Spatial statistical analyses inevitably are affected by positional errors embedded in georeferenced data. Positional errors further propagate when observations need to be geographically aggregated. This data accuracy issue often results in unreliable statistical conclusion about attribute variables in spatial statistical modeling. This paper investigates how positional errors propagate to variables based on geographically aggregated units in terms of impacts on regression coefficient confidence intervals.
Towards an integrative approach for the modeling and formal verification of biological regulatory networks

The study of large models of biological networks by means of analysis and simulation tools leads to large amounts of predictions. This raises the question of how to identify interesting predictions of novel phenomena that can be confronted with experimental data. Formal verification techniques based on model-checking have recently been used to the analysis of these networks, providing a powerful technology to keep up with this increase in scale and complexity. The application of these techniques is hampered, however, by several key issues. First, the systems biology domain brought to the fore a few properties of the network dynamics like multistability and oscillations, that are not easily expressed using classical temporal logics. Second, the problem of posing relevant and interesting questions in temporal logic, is difficult for non-expert users. Finally, most of the existing modeling and simulation tools are not capable of applying model-checking techniques in a transparent way. The approaches developed in this work lower the obstacles to the use of formal verification in systems biology. They have been validated on the analysis and simulation of two real and complex biological models.
A comparison between two algorithms for the retrieval of soil moisture using AMSR-E data

A comparison between two algorithms for estimating soil moisture with microwave satellite data was carried out by using the datasets collected on the four Agricultural Research Service (ARS) watershed sites in the US from 2002 to 2009. These sites collectively represent a wide range of ground conditions and precipitation regimes (from natural to agricultural surfaces and from desert to humid regions) and provide long-term in-situ data. One of the algorithms is the artificial neural network-based algorithm developed by the Institute of Applied Physics of the National Research Council (IFAC-CNR) (HydroAlgo) and the second one is the Single Channel Algorithm (SCA) developed by USDA-ARS (US Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service). Both algorithms are based on the same radiative transfer equations but are implemented very differently. Both made use of datasets provided by the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), within the framework of Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer–Earth Observing System (AMSR-E) and Global Change Observation Mission–Water GCOM/AMSR-2 programs. Results demonstrated that both algorithms perform better than the mission specified accuracy, with Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) ≤0.06 m3/m3 and Bias <0.02 m3/m3. These results expand on previous investigations using different algorithms and sites. The novelty of the paper consists of the fact that it is the first intercomparison of the HydroAlgo algorithm with a more traditional retrieval algorithm, which offers an approach to higher spatial resolution products.
Structural basis of nucleoside and nucleoside drug selectivity by concentrative nucleoside transporters

Concentrative nucleoside transporters (CNTs) are responsible for cellular entry of nucleosides, which serve as precursors to nucleic acids and act as signaling molecules. CNTs also play a crucial role in the uptake of nucleoside-derived drugs, including anticancer and antiviral agents. Understanding how CNTs recognize and import their substrates could not only lead to a better understanding of nucleoside-related biological processes but also the design of nucleoside-derived drugs that can better reach their targets. Here, we present a combination of X-ray crystallographic and equilibrium-binding studies probing the molecular origins of nucleoside and nucleoside drug selectivity of a CNT from Vibrio cholerae. We then used this information in chemically modifying an anticancer drug so that it is better transported by and selective for a single human CNT subtype. This work provides proof of principle for utilizing transporter structural and functional information for the design of compounds that enter cells more efficiently and selectively. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.7554/eLife.03604. 001
Carcinoma microsatellite instability status as a predictor of benefit from fluorouracil-based adjuvant chemotherapy for stage II rectal cancer.

PURPOSE Rectal cancers with high microsatellite-instable have clinical and pathological features that differentiate them from microsatellite-stable or low- frequency carcinomas, which was studied rarely in stage II rectal cancer, promoting the present investigation of the usefulness of microsatellite-instability status as a predictor of the benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy with fluorouracil in stage II rectal cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS Data of 460 patients who underwent primary anterior resection with a double stapling technique for rectal carcinoma at a single institution from 2008 to 2012 were retrospectively collected. All patients experienced a total mesorectal excision (TME) operation. Survival analysis were analyzed using the Cox regression method. RESULTS Five-year rate of disease-free survival (DFS) was noted in 390 (84.8%) of 460 patients with stage II rectal cancer. Of 460 tissue specimens, 97 (21.1%) exhibited high-frequency microsatellite instability. Median age of the patients was 65 (50-71) and 185 (40.2%) were male. After univariate and multivariate analysis, microsatellite instability (p= 0.001), female sex (p< 0.05) and fluorouracil-based adjuvant chemotherapy (p< 0.001), the 3 factors were attributed to a favorable survival status independently. Among 201 patients who did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy, those cancers displaying high-frequency microsatellite instability had a better 5-year rate of DFS than tumors exhibiting microsatellite stability or low-frequency instability (HR, 13.61 [95% CI, 1.88 to 99.28]; p= 0.010), while in 259 patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy, there was no DFS difference between the two groups (p= 0.145). Furthermore, patients exhibiting microsatellite stability or low-frequency instability who received adjuvant chemotherapy had a better 5-year rate of DFS than patients did not (HR, 5.16 [95% CI, 2.90 to 9.18]; p< 0.001), while patients exhibiting high-frequency microsatellite instability were not connected with increased DFS (p= 0.696). It was implied that female patients had better survival than male. CONCLUSION Survival status after anterior resection of rectal carcinoma is related to the microsatellite instability status, adjuvant chemotherapy and gender. Fluorouracil-based adjuvant chemotherapy benefits patients of stage II rectal cancer with microsatellite-stable or low microsatellite-instable, but not those with high microsatellite- instable. Additionally, free of adjuvant chemotherapy, carcinomas with high microsatellite-instable have a better 5-year rate of DFS than those with microsatellite-stable or low microsatellite-instable, and female patients have a better survival as well.
China ’ s Impact on Africa – The Role of Trade and FDI

We investigate the impact of Chinese activities in sub-Saharan African countries with respect to the growth performance of economies in that region. Using a Solow-type growth model and panel data for the period 1991 to 2011, we find that African economies that export natural resources have benefited from positive terms-of-trade effects. In addition, there is evidence for displacement effects of African firms due to competition from China. Chinese foreign investment and aid in Africa do not seem to have an impact on growth.
Towards trust-based software requirement patterns

Users adopt trust to reduce social complexity that can be caused by the lack of knowledge about the inner working of an information system. Our aim is to translate results from trust research about the transformation of user trust in new technologies into software requirement patterns. Therefore, we collect antecedents that build trust, and develop requirement patterns that demand functionality to support these antecedents. This paper presents software requirement patterns consisting of the name, the goal, forces and the pre-defined requirement template that can be used to specify trust based requirements.
A simple model predictive control for Buck converter operating in CCM

A predictive control based on simplified discrete model is presented for Buck converter operating in CCM. The calculation of control decision is simple. The discrete model of converter is simplified by linearizing the model coefficient matrix. The predictive control value is deduced by substituting model states into objective function and minimizing the objective function. According to the error between the model output and the actual system output, the control error caused by the model simplification and the system parasitic parameters is modified only by adjusting the expected values in the objective function. Simulation and experiment results validate that the predictive control strategy can be realized online adopting digital way and the output voltage of converter can be controlled with fast and accurate response on various work conditions.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PERSONALITY DIMENSIONS AND COUNTERFACTUAL THINKING IN RUNNERS IN IRAN ' S SUPER LEAGUE IN 2013-2014 *

After experiencing defeat, humans think how they could produce more satisfactory outcomes and attempt to improve their future performance. This thinking is called counterfactual thinking which includes three negative dimensions (upward self-referent, no-referent and other-referent counterfactual thinking) and one positive dimension (downward counterfactual thinking). Personality is defined as distinct and stable emotions, thoughts, and behavior patterns which are indications of compatibility with surrounding environment. According to Neo theory, there are five personality dimensions: neurosis, extroversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness. These dimensions are correlated with counterfactual thoughts in cases of tragic events. The present study attempts to determine correlation between personality dimensions and counterfactual thinking in runners of Iran's super league in 2013-2014, in accordance with Neo five-factor personality theory. The population consisted of 118 runners, of which we selected 92 athletes by using Morgan Table. For data collection, three questionnaires were distributed: Demographic Inventory, Inventory of Counterfactual Thinking for Negative Events Scale (CTNES) &Neo Five-factor Inventory (NEO-FFI). For data analysis, we performed Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Pearson's correlation coefficient test, and regression analysis and used descriptive statistics. Our findings revealed significant correlation between personality dimensions and counterfactual thinking. Specifically, upward counterfactual thinking was significantly and positively correlated with openness. Accordingly, they can achieve success in future events. Also highly agreeable persons did downward counterfactual thinking. But, neurotic persons apply upward counterfactual thinking and feel frustrated about future competitive events.