Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, characterization, and application of PVP/chitosan blended polymers

The purpose of this study was to research the compatibility and application of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)/chitosan blended polymers. The polymers were synthesized at different weight ratios and tested using techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis to evaluate the compatibility of the blended materials. Incompatibility occurred when the quantity of chitosan exceeded 75%. The addition of PVP was beneficial for the thermal stability of chitosan, but resulted in inferior strength performance. Furthermore, the blended polymers did not show a color-enhancement effect, but did show elevated water absorption, chlorine resistance, and colorfastness. In addition, the treated fabrics with a higher chitosan ratio in the blended polymer had antimicrobial properties. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 885–891, 2006
Sex differences in outcome following sports-related concussion.

OBJECT Females comprise an increasing percentage of the athlete population across all age groups, and analysis of recent literature reveals that they sustain more concussions in collegiate sports. Results of human and animal studies indicate that females may have poorer outcomes after traumatic brain injury; however, no return-to-play guideline takes sex or other individual differences into account. In the present study the authors evaluated the influence of patient sex on objective neurocognitive performance and subjective reporting of symptoms following sports-related concussion. METHODS According to preseason baseline neurocognitive computerized testing in 2340 male and female high school and collegiate athletes, individuals who sustained sports-related concussions (155 persons) were reevaluated using an alternate form of the cognitive test. Sex differences in the magnitude of cognitive change from baseline levels and the subjective experience of symptoms were analyzed. To account for the possible protective effects of helmets, comparisons were performed among females, males with helmets, and males without helmets; none of the female athletes wore helmets. Female athletes had significantly greater declines in simple and complex reaction times relative to preseason baseline levels, and they reported more postconcussion symptoms compared with males. As a group, females were cognitively impaired approximately 1.7 times more frequently than males following concussions. Furthermore, females experienced more objective and subjective adverse effects from concussion even after adjusting for the use of helmets by some groups of male athletes (for example, in football). CONCLUSIONS Return-to-play decisions and concussion management must be objective and made on an individual basis, including consideration of factors such as patient sex rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all guideline.
DeltaC and DeltaD interact as Notch ligands in the zebrafish segmentation clock

We describe the production and characterisation of two monoclonal antibodies, zdc2 and zdd2, directed against the zebrafish Notch ligands DeltaC and DeltaD, respectively. We use our antibodies to show that these Delta proteins can bind to one another homo- and heterophilically, and to study the localisation of DeltaC and DeltaD in the zebrafish nervous system and presomitic mesoderm (PSM). Our findings in the nervous system largely confirm expectations from previous studies, but in the PSM we see an unexpected pattern in which the localisation of DeltaD varies according to the level of expression of DeltaC: in the anterior PSM, where DeltaC is plentiful, the two proteins are colocalised in intracellular puncta, but in the posterior PSM, where DeltaC is at a lower level, DeltaD is seen mainly on the cell surface. Forced overexpression of DeltaC reduces the amount of DeltaD on the cell surface in the posterior PSM; conversely, loss-of-function mutation of DeltaC increases the amount of DeltaD on the cell surface in the anterior PSM. These findings suggest an explanation for a long-standing puzzle regarding the functions of the two Delta proteins in the somite segmentation clock – an explanation that is based on the proposition that they associate heterophilically to activate Notch.
Relationship of telomeres and p53 in aging bovine corneal endothelial cell cultures.

PURPOSE To demonstrate a relationship between telomere lengths and levels of p53 in cultured bovine corneal endothelial cells (CECs) during aging. METHODS Bovine CECs were grown and aged as long-term cultures. Telomere lengths were determined directly on gels with 32P probes after treatment of isolated DNA with RsaI and HinfI. Protein p53 was determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent sandwich assay. Cellular aging and the development of replicative senescence were monitored by the appearance of senescent morphology and the beta-galactosidase assay. RESULTS Bovine CEC telomeres lost 4 kb (from 12.8 to 8.8 kb) over 1 year (89 population doublings [PDs]). The p53 levels in bovine CECs were initially small (approximately 60 pg/million cells), but rose 3.5-fold by culture age of 260 days (64 PDs). On initiation, cultured bovine CECs did not stain for the senescent marker beta-galactosidase. However, these cells stained at 89 PDs and senescent morphology was observed in the cultures at 64 PDs. CONCLUSIONS The data indicate an inverse relationship between telomere lengths (decreasing) and levels of p53 (increasing) in bovine CECs during aging. These properties may influence the ability of these cells to divide as they enter into replicative senescence.
Three phases in the evolution of the standard genetic code: how translation could get started

A primordial genetic code is proposed, having only four codons assigned, GGC meaning glycine, GAC meaning aspartate/glutamate, GCC meaning alanine-like and GUC meaning valine-like. Pathways of ambiguity reduction enlarged the codon repertoire with CUC meaning leucine, AUC meaning isoleucine, ACC meaning threonine-like and GAG meaning glutamate. Introduction of UNN anticodons, in a next episode of code evolution in which nonsense elimination was the leading theme, introduced a family box structure superposed on the original mirror structure. Finally, growth rate was the leading theme during the remaining repertoire expansion, explaining the ordered phylogenetic pattern of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases. The special role of natural aptamers in the process is high-lighted, and the error robustness characteristics of the code are shown to have evolved by way of a stepwise, restricted enlargement of the tRNA repertoire, instead of by an exhaustive selection process testing myriads of codes.
The Effect of Laboratory Testing on Emergency Department Length of Stay: A Multihospital Longitudinal Study Applying a Cross‐classified Random‐effect Modeling Approach

Abstract Objectives The objective was to examine the relationship between laboratory testing (including test volume and turnaround time [TAT]) and emergency department (ED) length of stay (LOS), using linked patient‐level data from four hospitals across 4 years. Methods This was a retrospective, multisite cohort study of patients presenting to any one of four EDs in New South Wales, Australia, during a 2‐month period (August and September) in 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011. Data from ED information systems were linked to laboratory test data. A cross‐classified random‐effect modeling approach was applied to identify factors affecting ED LOS, taking into account the correlation between patients' presentations at the same hospital and/or in the same calendar year. Number of test order episodes (tests ordered at one point in time during the ED stay) and TAT (time from laboratory order receipt to result available) were examined. Results As the number of test order episodes increased, so did the duration of patient ED LOS (p < 0.0001). For every five additional tests ordered per test order episode, the median ED LOS increased by 10 minutes (2.9%, p < 0.0001); each 30‐minute increase in TAT was, on average, associated with a 5.1% (17 minutes; p < 0.0001) increase in ED LOS, after adjustment for other factors. Patients presenting to the ED at night (7 p.m. to 7 a.m.) had longer stays than those presenting during the daytime, although the median TATs at nights were shorter than those during the daytime. Conclusions Laboratory testing has a direct effect on patients' LOS in ED. Laboratory TAT, number of testing episodes, and test volume influence ED LOS. Targeted increases of ED resources and staffing after‐hours may also contribute to reductions in ED LOS.
High Prevalence of Obesity Among Inner-City Adolescent Boys in the Bronx, New York: Forgetting Our Boys

We examined sex differences in overweight and obesity in a sample of 1,619 inner-city adolescents. Participants were enrolled from 11 public schools in the Bronx, New York. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 21.7% and 22.5%, respectively; prevalence of obesity was significantly higher among adolescent boys than adolescent girls (24.9 vs 20.1%). Childhood obesity is a public health concern in the United States, and the higher prevalence of obesity in adolescent boys requires additional attention.
Overview and Outlook on the Semantic Desktop

In this paper we will give an overview of the Semantic Desktop paradigm, beginning with the history of the term, a definition, current work and its relevance to knowledge management of the future. Existing applications and research results are listed and their role as building blocks of the future Semantic Desktop described. Based on the analysis of existing systems we propose two software architecture paradigms, one for the Semantic Desktop at large and another for applications running on a Semantic Desktop. A view on the context aspect of the Semantic Desktop and the Knowledge Management aspect is given. Based on the current events and projects, we give an outlook on the next steps.
Impact and Regulation of Lambda Interferon Response in Human Metapneumovirus Infection

ABSTRACT Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a respiratory paramyxovirus that is distributed worldwide and induces significant airway morbidity. Despite the relevance of hMPV as a pathogen, many aspects of the immune response to this virus are still largely unknown. In this report, we focus on the antiviral immune response, which is critical for viral clearance and disease resolution. Using in vitro and in vivo systems, we show that hMPV is able to induce expression of lambda interferon 1 (IFN-λ1), IFN-λ2, IFN-λ3, and IFN-λ4. The induction of IFN-λ expression by hMPV was dependent on interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF-7) expression but not on IRF-3 expression. Treatment of hMPV-infected mice with IFN-λ reduced the disease severity, lung viral titer, and inflammatory response in the lung. Moreover, the IFN-λ response induced by the virus was regulated by the expression of the hMPV G protein. These results show that type III interferons (IFN-λs) play a critical protective role in hMPV infection. IMPORTANCE Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a pathogen of worldwide importance. Despite the relevance of hMPV as a pathogen, critical aspects of the immune response induced by this virus remain unidentified. Interferons (IFNs), including IFN-λ, the newest addition to the interferon family, constitute an indispensable part of the innate immune response. Here, we demonstrated that IFN-λ exhibited a protective role in hMPV infection in vitro and in an experimental mouse model of infection.
Effect of greyscale liquid crystal displays of different resolutions on observer performance during detection of small solitary pulmonary nodules.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of monochrome liquid crystal displays (LCDs) with different resolutions on observer performance during detection of small solitary pulmonary nodules. METHODS Chest images of digital radiography were selected online from the hospital's picture archiving and communication system. Of the 164 images selected, small solitary non-calcified pulmonary nodules were present in 63 images and absent in 101 images. Observer performance was assessed among 3 extremely experienced, 3 very experienced and 3 moderately experienced radiologists, who independently interpreted these images on 2, 3 and 5 megapixel greyscale LCDs. A five-point confidence level rating scale was used to represent the presence of nodules: definite absence, probable absence, indetermination, probable presence and definite presence. The observers were requested to rank each image on the given display according to the presence of the pulmonary nodule. Observer performance was analysed in terms of receiver operating characteristics (ROCs). RESULTS The areas under the ROC curves which represented the observer performance for the 2, 3 and 5 megapixel LCDs were found to be 0.705, 0.722 and 0.764, respectively, for the extremely experienced radiologists; 0.687, 0.712 and 0.721, respectively, for the very experienced radiologists; and 0.689, 0.696 and 0.711, respectively, for the moderately experienced radiologists. These differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION The observer performances for detection of small solitary non-calcified pulmonary nodules by radiologists with varying degrees of experience were comparable between the 2, 3 and 5 megapixel monochrome LCDs.
Three-Dimensional SIW-Driven Microstrip Antenna for Wideband Linear and Circular Polarization Applications

This letter presents a class of microstrip antenna driven by substrate-integrated waveguide (SIW) in three-dimensional (3-D) topology for wideband linear and circular polarizations. They are composed of the horizontal radiation patches and vertical or 3-D SIW feeding network. This LEGO-style architecture explores a novel perspective for 3-D integrated patch antenna, thereby offering a flexible spatial power distribution for low-cost and -weight applications. The SIW vertically cavity-coupled linearly polarized patch antenna presents numerous advantages, such as wide bandwidth, low cross-polarization level, and symmetrical radiation pattern. For the circularly polarized counterpart, improved axial-ratio bandwidth is obtained by the 3-D SIW feeder through a desired sequential-rotation excitation of a 2 $ \times $ 2 H-shape patch array antenna.
Differing Presynaptic Contributions to LTP and Associative Learning in Behaving Mice

The hippocampal CA3-CA1 synapse is an excellent experimental model for studying the interactions between short- and long-term plastic changes taking place following high-frequency stimulation (HFS) of Schaffer collaterals and during the acquisition and extinction of a classical eyeblink conditioning in behaving mice. Input/output curves and a full-range paired-pulse study enabled determining the optimal intensities and inter-stimulus intervals for evoking paired-pulse facilitation (PPF) or depression (PPD) at the CA3-CA1 synapse. Long-term potentiation (LTP) induced by HFS lasted ≈10 days. HFS-induced LTP evoked an initial depression of basal PPF. Recovery of PPF baseline values was a steady and progressive process lasting ≈20 days, i.e., longer than the total duration of the LTP. In a subsequent series of experiments, we checked whether PPF was affected similarly during activity-dependent synaptic changes. Animals were conditioned using a trace paradigm, with a tone as a conditioned stimulus (CS) and an electrical shock to the trigeminal nerve as an unconditioned stimulus (US). A pair of pulses (40 ms interval) was presented to the Schaffer collateral-commissural pathway to evoke field EPSPs (fEPSPs) during the CS-US interval. Basal PPF decreased steadily across conditioning sessions (i.e., in the opposite direction to that during LTP), reaching a minimum value during the 10th conditioning session. Thus, LTP and classical eyeblink conditioning share some presynaptic mechanisms, but with an opposite evolution. Furthermore, PPF and PPD might play a homeostatic role during long-term plastic changes at the CA3-CA1 synapse.
Dynamic image data compression in spatial and temporal domains: theory and algorithm

Advanced medical imaging requires storage of large quantities of digitized clinical data. These data must be stored in such a way that their retrieval does not impair the clinician's ability to make a diagnosis. We propose a theory and algorithm for near lossless dynamic image data compression. Taking advantage of domain-specific knowledge related to medical imaging, medical practice and the dynamic imaging modality, a compression ratio greater than 80:1 is achieved. The high compression ratios are achieved by the proposed algorithm through three stages: (1) addressing temporal redundancies in the data through application of image optimal sampling, (2) addressing spatial redundancies in the data through cluster analysis, and (3) efficient coding of image data using standard still-image compression techniques. To illustrate the practicality of the algorithm, a simulated positron emission tomography (PET) study using the fluoro-deoxy-glucose (FDG) tracer is presented. Realistic dynamic image data are generated by virtual scanning of a simulated brain phantom as a real PET scanner. These data are processed using the conventional and proposed algorithms as well as the techniques for storage and analysis. The resulting parametric images obtained from the conventional and proposed approaches are subsequently compared to evaluate the proposed compression algorithm. The storage space for dynamic image data reduced by more than 95%, without loss in diagnostic quality. Therefore, the proposed theory and algorithm are expected to be very useful in medical image database management and telecommunication.
Detection and Handling of Model Smells for MATLAB/Simulink models

Code smells in traditional software artifacts are common symptoms of the violation of fundamental design principles which negatively impact the quality of the resulting software product. Symptoms of code smells commonly occur in traditional software artifacts and cannot be directly mapped to model-based software artifacts. In this paper, we present a catalog for the detection and handling of model smells for MATLAB/Simulink, a widely used tool for model-based software development in the automotive domain. These model smells describe antipattern against universal quality requirements and have been collected in cooperation with an OEM from the automotive domain. To show the feasibility of detecting the proposed model smells, we realized a model smell detector and evaluated it within an industrial case study.
Evaluation of negation phrases in narrative clinical reports

OBJECTIVE Automatically identifying findings or diseases described in clinical textual reports requires determining whether clinical observations are present or absent. We evaluate the use of negation phrases and the frequency of negation in free-text clinical reports. METHODS A simple negation algorithm was applied to ten types of clinical reports (n=42,160) dictated during July 2000. We counted how often each of 66 negation phrases was used to mark a clinical observation as absent. Physicians read a random sample of 400 sentences, and precision was calculated for the negation phrases. We measured what proportion of clinical observations were marked as absent. RESULTS The negation algorithm was triggered by sixty negation phrases with just seven of the phrases accounting for 90% of the negations. The negation phrases received an overall precision of 97%, with "not" earning the lowest precision of 63%. Between 39% and 83% of all clinical observations were identified as absent by the negation algorithm, depending on the type of report analyzed. The most frequently used clinical observations were negated the majority of the time. CONCLUSION Because clinical observations in textual patient records are frequently negated, identifying accurate negation phrases is important to any system processing these reports.
Modeling differences in the time-frequency representation of EEG signals through HMM’s for classification of imaginary motor tasks

Brain Computer interfaces are systems that allow the control of external devices using the information extracted from the brain signals. Such systems find applications in rehabilitation, as an alternative communication channel and in multimedia applications for entertainment and gaming. In this work, a new approach based on the Time-Frequency (TF) distribution of the signal power, obtained by autoregressive methods and the use Hidden Markov models (HMM) is developed. This approach take into account the changes of power on different frequency bands with time. For that purpose HMM’s are used to modeling the changes in the power during the execution of two different motor tasks. The use of TF methods involves a problem related to the selection of the frequency bands that can lead to over fitting (due to the course of dimensionality) as well as problems related to the selection of the model parameters. These problems are solved in this work by combining two methods for feature selection: Fisher Score and Sequential Floating Forward Selection. The results are compared to the three top results of the BCI competition IV. It is shown here that the proposed method over perform those other methods in four subjects and the average over all the subjects equals the one obtained by the winner algorithm of the competition.
Observation of resonant interactions among surface gravity waves

We experimentally study resonant interactions of oblique surface gravity waves in a large basin. Our results strongly extend previous experimental results performed mainly for perpendicular or collinear wave trains. We generate two oblique waves crossing at an acute angle, while we control their frequency ratio, steepnesses and directions. These mother waves mutually interact and give birth to a resonant wave whose properties (growth rate, resonant response curve and phase locking) are fully characterized. All our experimental results are found in good quantitative agreement with four-wave interaction theory with no fitting parameter. Off-resonance experiments are also reported and the relevant theoretical analysis is conducted and validated.
Distribution of radioactive calcium, strontium, barium and radium following intravenous injection into a healthy man.

SummaryPlasma concentrations were measured for 7 days and urinary and faecal excretions for 1 month or more following intravenous injections of 47Ca, 85Sr, 133Ba and 223Ra into a healthy man.The metabolism of 133Ba and 223Ra was very similar, so that Ba may be regarded as a good tracer for Ra. The difference in metabolism of 47Ca and 85Sr, was quite marked.The ratios of the cumulative urine to the cumulative faecal excretion of the injected dose rapidly approached a constant value of 0·52 for 47Ca, 0·24 for 85Sr, 9·0 for 133Ba and 36·0 for 223Ra. The calculated tissue uptake reached a maximum in about 1½ hours for 133Ba and 223Ra and at about 20 hours for 47Ca and 85Sr. For Ca, Sr and Ba the derived tissue content was between 0·3 and 0·4 per cent of the respective whole-body content.