Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Estimating the storage of anthropogenic carbon in the subtropical Indian Ocean: a comparison of five different approaches

Abstract. The subtropical Indian Ocean along 32° S was for the first time simultaneously sampled in 2002 for inorganic carbon and transient tracers. The vertical distribution and inventory of anthropogenic carbon (CANT) from five different methods: four data-base methods (ΔC*, TrOCA, TTD and IPSL) and a simulation from the OCCAM model are compared and discussed along with the observed CFC-12 and CCl4 distributions. In the surface layer, where carbon-based methods are uncertain, TTD and OCCAM yield the same result (7±0.2 molC m−2), helping to specify the surface CANT inventory. Below the mixed-layer, the comparison suggests that CANT penetrates deeper and more uniformly into the Antarctic Intermediate Water layer limit than estimated from the much utilized ΔC* method. Significant CFC-12 and CCl4 values are detected in bottom waters, associated with Antarctic Bottom Water. In this layer, except for ΔC* and OCCAM, the other methods detect significant CANT values. Consequently, the lowest inventory is calculated using the ΔC* method (24±2 molC m−2) or OCCAM (24.4±2.8 molC m−2) while TrOCA, TTD, and IPSL lead to higher inventories (28.1±2.2, 28.9±2.3 and 30.8±2.5 molC m−2 respectively). Overall and despite the uncertainties each method is evaluated using its relationship with tracers and the knowledge about water masses in the subtropical Indian Ocean. Along 32° S our best estimate for the mean CANT specific inventory is 28±2 molC m−2. Comparison exercises for data-based CANT methods along with time-series or repeat sections analysis should help to identify strengths and caveats in the CANT methods and to better constrain model simulations.
Incidence of infective endocarditis among patients considered at high risk

Aims Patients with prior infective endocarditis (IE), a prosthetic heart valve, or a cyanotic congenital heart disease (CHD) are considered to be at high risk of IE by guidelines. However, knowledge is sparse on the relative risk of IE between these three groups and compared controls. Methods and results Using Danish nationwide registries (1996-2015), we identified all patients with prior IE, a prosthetic heart valve, or a complex CHD (defined as tetralogy of Fallot, truncus arteriosus, and transposition of great arteries) as well as matched control populations. Patients were followed up until death, end of study period, IE hospitalization, emigration, or a maximum of 10 years of follow-up, whichever came first. Multivariable adjusted Cox proportional hazard analysis was used to compare the risk of IE between the study groups and the matched controls. We included 25 945 patients: 5096 had prior IE, 19 478 had a prosthetic heart valve, and 1371 had complex CHD. The cumulative risk of IE at 10 years of follow-up was 8.8%, 6.0%, and 1.3% for patients with prior IE, a prosthetic valve, and complex CHD, respectively. Patients with prior IE and a prosthetic valve had a significant increased associated risk of IE compared with the matched controls [hazard ratio (HR) 65.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 43.1-99.1 and HR 19.1, 95% CI 15.0-24.4), respectively]. No events occurred among the matched controls for the complex CHD group and an HR could not be calculated. Conclusion All IE high-risk groups carried a higher risk of IE than the matched controls from the general population. These results justify the European and American guidelines in considering these groups at high risk of IE.
Band Subset Selection for Hyperspectral Image Classification

This paper develops a new approach to band subset selection (BSS) for hyperspectral image classification (HSIC) which selects multiple bands simultaneously as a band subset, referred to as simultaneous multiple band selection (SMMBS), rather than one band at a time sequentially, referred to as sequential multiple band selection (SQMBS), as most traditional band selection methods do. In doing so, a criterion is particularly developed for BSS that can be used for HSIC. It is a linearly constrained minimum variance (LCMV) derived from adaptive beamforming in array signal processing which can be used to model misclassification errors as the minimum variance. To avoid an exhaustive search for all possible band subsets, two numerical algorithms, referred to as sequential (SQ) and successive (SC) algorithms are also developed for LCMV-based SMMBS, called SQ LCMV-BSS and SC LCMV-BSS. Experimental results demonstrate that LCMV-based BSS has advantages over SQMBS.
Residents' readiness for out-of-hours service: a Dutch national survey.

BACKGROUND Residents play a crucial role in out-of-hours service. Their perceived readiness for out-of-hours service, however, remains underexposed. This national exploratory study assesses whether or not Dutch residents feel sufficiently prepared to provide out-of-hours service at the time of their first shift, and aims to identify factors influencing perceived readiness. METHODS An online questionnaire focussing on residents' working conditions was accessible from 21 September to 10 November 2015. Questions targeting perceived readiness for out-of-hours service were presented to all responding medical residents actively involved in out-of-hours service. Residents who felt sufficiently prepared were compared with residents who did not, exploring both individual characteristics and environmental factors. RESULTS A total of 960 residents (mean age 32.5 years ±; 3.5, 72.4% female) from over 30 different medical specialties were included. Thirty-six percent of responding residents felt insufficiently prepared to provide out-of-hours service at the time of their first shift. Current junior status (p = 0.020), prolonged clinical experience prior to the first shift (p < 0.001), targeted training (p < 0.001), assessment of relevant skills and competencies (p < 0.001), and formal consequences following negative assessment (p = 0.001) were positively associated with perceived readiness. CONCLUSION One-third of responding residents felt insufficiently prepared for their first out-of-hours shift. Our results emphasise the need for sufficient time to gain clinical experience as a new graduate, and underline the positive contribution of targeted training and assessment of skills and competencies relevant to out-of-hours service.
Comparison of Traditional and Reverse Syphilis Screening Algorithms in Medical Health Checkups

Background The syphilis diagnostic algorithms applied in different countries vary significantly depending on the local syphilis epidemiology and other considerations, including the expected workload, the need for automation in the laboratory and budget factors. This study was performed to investigate the efficacy of traditional and reverse syphilis diagnostic algorithms during general health checkups. Methods In total, 1,000 blood specimens were obtained from 908 men and 92 women during their regular health checkups. Traditional screening and reverse screening were applied to the same specimens using automatic rapid plasma regain (RPR) and Treponema pallidum latex agglutination (TPLA) tests, respectively. Specimens that were reverse algorithm (TPLA) reactive, were subjected to a second treponemal test performed by using the chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA). Results Of the 1,000 specimens tested, 68 (6.8%) were reactive by reverse screening (TPLA) compared with 11 (1.1%) by traditional screening (RPR). The traditional algorithm failed to detect 48 specimens [TPLA(+)/RPR(−)/CMIA(+)]. The median TPLA cutoff index (COI) was higher in CMIA-reactive cases than in CMIA-nonreactive cases (90.5 vs 12.5 U). Conclusions The reverse screening algorithm could detect the subjects with possible latent syphilis who were not detected by the traditional algorithm. Those individuals could be provided with opportunities for evaluating syphilis during their health checkups. The COI values of the initial TPLA test may be helpful in excluding false-positive TPLA test results in the reverse algorithm.
Extranodal Marginal Zone B-Cell Lymphoma of Mucosa-Associated Tissue Type Involving the Dura

Primary central nervous system marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (MZBCL) is very rare, with only a few reported cases worldwide. It has an indolent disease course with high cure potential. We experienced a rare case of dural MZBCL of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) in a 69-year-old man who presented with headache. A magnetic resonance imaging scan of brain showed a 1.9×3.6-cm-sized extra-axial mass with a broad based dural attachment to the anterosuperior aspect of the falx cerebri, radiographically consistent with meningioma. Surgical resection yielded a MZBCL of the MALT type. Histopathology revealed a lymphoplasmacytic infiltration of the dura, and immunohistochemical study showed a B-cell phenotype with CD20, bcl-2, MUM-1, Ki-67 positive. He was treated with chemotherapy after complete surgical resection and remained free of disease at 30 months after chemotherapy. MALT lymphoma must be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients presenting radiographically with meningioma.
Evaluation of 11C-BU99008, a PET Ligand for the Imidazoline2 Binding Site in Human Brain

The imidazoline2 binding site (I2BS) is thought to be expressed in glia and implicated in the regulation of glial fibrillary acidic protein. A PET ligand for this target would be important for the investigation of neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases. 11C-BU99008 has previously been identified as a putative PET radioligand. Here, we present the first in vivo characterization of this PET radioligand in humans and assess its test–retest reproducibility. Methods: Fourteen healthy male volunteers underwent dynamic PET imaging with 11C-BU99008 and arterial sampling. Six subjects were used in a test–retest assessment, and 8 were used in a pharmacologic evaluation, undergoing a second or third heterologous competition scan with the mixed I2BS/α2-adrenoceptor drug idazoxan (n = 8; 20, 40, 60, and 80 mg) and the mixed irreversible monoamine oxidase type A/B inhibitor isocarboxazid (n = 4; 50 mg). Regional time–activity data were generated from arterial plasma input functions corrected for metabolites using the most appropriate model to derive the outcome measure VT (regional distribution volume). All image processing and kinetic analyses were performed in MIAKAT. Results: Brain uptake of 11C-BU99008 was good, with reversible kinetics and a heterogeneous distribution consistent with known I2BS expression. Model selection criteria indicated that the 2-tissue-compartment model was preferred. VT estimates were high in the striatum (105 ± 21 mL⋅cm−3), medium in the cingulate cortex (62 ± 10 mL⋅cm−3), and low in the cerebellum (41 ± 7 mL⋅cm−3). Test–retest reliability was reasonable. The uptake was dose-dependently reduced throughout the brain by pretreatment with idazoxan, with an average block across all regions of about 60% (VT, ∼30 mL⋅cm−3) at the highest dose (80 mg). The median effective dose for idazoxan was 28 mg. Uptake was not blocked by pretreatment with the monoamine oxidase inhibitor isocarboxazid. Conclusion: 11C-BU99008 in human PET studies demonstrates good brain delivery, reversible kinetics, heterogeneous distribution, specific binding signal consistent with I2BS distribution, and good test–retest reliability.
Optical frequency domain imaging vs. intravascular ultrasound in percutaneous coronary intervention (OPINION trial): one-year angiographic and clinical results

Abstract Aims Optical frequency domain imaging (OFDI) is a recently developed, light-based, high-resolution intravascular imaging technique. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is a widely used, conventional imaging technique for guiding percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We aimed to demonstrate the non-inferiority of OFDI-guided PCI compared with IVUS-guided PCI in terms of clinical outcomes. Methods and results We did a prospective, multicentre, randomized (ratio 1:1), active-controlled, non-inferiority study to compare head-to-head OFDI vs. IVUS in patients undergoing PCI with a second generation drug-eluting stent. The primary endpoint was target vessel failure defined as a composite of cardiac death, target-vessel related myocardial infarction, and ischaemia-driven target vessel revascularization until 12 months after the PCI. The major secondary endpoint was angiographic binary restenosis at 8 months. We randomly allocated 829 patients to receive OFDI-guided PCI (n = 414) or IVUS-guided PCI (n = 415). Target vessel failure occurred in 21 (5.2%) of 401 patients undergoing OFDI-guided PCI, and 19 (4.9%) of 390 patients undergoing IVUS-guided PCI, demonstrating non-inferiority of OFDI-guided PCI to IVUS-guided PCI (hazard ratio 1.07, upper limit of one-sided 95% confidence interval 1.80; Pnon-inferiority = 0.042). With 89.8% angiographic follow-up, the rate of binary restenosis was comparable between OFDI-guided PCI and IVUS-guided PCI (in-stent: 1.6% vs. 1.6%, P = 1.00; and in-segment: 6.2% vs. 6.0%, P = 1.00). Conclusion The 12-month clinical outcome in patients undergoing OFDI-guided PCI was non-inferior to that of patients undergoing IVUS-guided PCI. Both OFDI-guided and IVUS-guided PCI yielded excellent angiographic and clinical results, with very low rates of 8-month angiographic binary restenosis and 12-month target vessel failure. Clinical registration ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01873027.
Anti‐inflammatory effects of melatonin in multiple sclerosis

Melatonin is a hormone with complex roles in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders. Over the years, it has become clear that melatonin may exacerbate some autoimmune conditions, whereas it alleviates others such as multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by a dysregulated immune response directed against the central nervous system. Indeed, the balance between pathogenic CD4+ T cells secreting IFN‐γ (TH1) or IL‐17 (TH17); and FoxP3+ regulatory T cells and IL‐10+ type 1 regulatory T cells (Tr1 cells) is thought to play an important role in disease activity. Recent evidence suggests that melatonin ameliorates multiple sclerosis by controlling the balance between effector and regulatory cells, suggesting that melatonin‐triggered signaling pathways are potential targets for therapeutic intervention. Here, we review the available data on the effects of melatonin on immune processes relevant for MS and discuss its therapeutic potential.
Prevalence of Self-reported Allergic Diseases and IgE Levels: A 2010 KNHANES Analysis

Purpose The prevalence of allergic diseases is known to be associated with both demographic and environmental factors. Herein, we aimed to determine significant factors associated with the prevalence of allergic diseases and with total immunoglobulin E (tIgE) and specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) levels in Korea. Methods We analyzed unweighted data collected by the 2010 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for 2,342 subjects who underwent serum tests for tIgE and sIgE to Dermatophagoides farinae, dog, and Blattella germanica, representing a sample of 16,003,645 citizens, by considering the sample weight and stratification. Results The overall prevalence of self-reported allergic diseases was 37.6%. The prevalence rates of allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis decreased with age, whereas the asthma prevalence was not affected by the age of the subjects. When analyzed according to the type of allergic diseases, the prevalence of self-reported allergic disease was significantly associated with various factors (e.g. age, occupation, living in urban areas, and depression). The tIgE level decreased with age, but later increased. Elevation of tIgE was significantly associated with male sex, type of occupation, obesity, and smoking status. However, the risk factors for the increased sIgE levels to each allergen were quite different. Sensitization to D. farinae was more likely in young subjects, whereas the prevalence of sensitization to B. germanica was significantly higher in subjects with male sex, residing in a house (houses), and with glucose intolerance. Finally, young age and the smoking status were significantly associated with sensitization to dog. Conclusions Various demographic and environmental factors were significantly associated with the prevalence of self-reported allergic diseases and the levels of tIgE and sIgE to D. farinae, B. germanica, and dog in Korea.
DA vision 2015: From here to eternity

Design automation (DA) is at a historical moment where it has a chance - after mathematics, statistics, and computer science - to establish itself as the fourth universal approach with widespread applications in a variety of scientific, engineering, and economic domains. We start by outlining some of the most important research contributions and industrial applications of the design automation; we identify key conceptual DA techniques and describe how they interact to form synthesis and analysis flows. Next, we discuss the most attractive emerging and pending DA domains by analyzing several recent technologies, applications, and conceptual trends. Our emphasis is not just on the most challenging research or the most lucrative application areas but also on the technological trends relevant to DA. Furthermore, we elaborate on the types of new DA techniques and tools that are required for further fundamental progress and improved practical relevance. In order to provide a balanced picture of DA, we also identify the most pronounced dangers in false starts and false research in DA. Finally, we briefly discuss the need for a DA educational reform and community social reorganization that are beneficial for rapid and impactful research and development contributions.
Malware Variant Detection Using Similarity Search over Sets of Control Flow Graphs

Static detection of polymorphic malware variants plays an important role to improve system security. Control flow has shown to be an effective characteristic that represents polymorphic malware instances. In our research, we propose a similarity search of malware using novel distance metrics of malware signatures. We describe a malware signature by the set of control flow graphs the malware contains. We propose two approaches and use the first to perform pre-filtering. Firstly, we use a distance metric based on the distance between feature vectors. The feature vector is a decomposition of the set of graphs into either fixed size k-sub graphs, or q-gram strings of the high-level source after decompilation. We also propose a more effective but less computationally efficient distance metric based on the minimum matching distance. The minimum matching distance uses the string edit distances between programs' decompiled flow graphs, and the linear sum assignment problem to construct a minimum sum weight matching between two sets of graphs. We implement the distance metrics in a complete malware variant detection system. The evaluation shows that our approach is highly effective in terms of a limited false positive rate and our system detects more malware variants when compared to the detection rates of other algorithms.
Outcomes after catheter ablation and cardioversion in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation: results from the prospective, observational XANTUS study

Aims In patients with atrial fibrillation, catheter ablation and cardioversion carry a risk of peri-procedural thromboembolic events; current guidelines recommend anticoagulation in these settings. This study aimed to report the baseline demographics and clinical characteristics of patients enrolled in the prospective, observational XANTUS study who underwent catheter ablation or cardioversion, and adverse outcomes with each of these procedures in patients treated with rivaroxaban. Methods and results Data collected included information on catheter ablation and cardioversion, and adverse outcomes occurring within 30 days of these procedures: incidence of treatment-emergent adjudicated symptomatic thromboembolic events and major bleeding; and cardiovascular and all-cause death. Incidence of these adverse outcomes at 42 days after cardioversion was also analysed. Patients undergoing either procedure had significantly lower mean CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores than those who did not, and were more frequently hospitalized at study baseline. Within a period of 30 days after intervention, symptomatic thromboembolic events were reported in 1.2% and 0.6% of patients undergoing ablation or cardioversion, respectively; major bleeding events were reported in 2.9% and 0.4% of patients undergoing ablation or cardioversion, respectively. No patients died within 30 days of intervention. Incidence of symptomatic thromboembolic and major bleeding events remained low at 42 days after cardioversion. Conclusion Similar to the results of prospective and non-interventional studies, the low rates of symptomatic thromboembolic events and major bleeding in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing ablation or cardioversion and treated with rivaroxaban in XANTUS suggest that its use is associated with an acceptable benefit-risk profile in this setting. Trial registration number Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01606995.
Analyzing HTTPS encrypted traffic to identify user's operating system, browser and application

Desktops and laptops can be maliciously exploited to violate privacy. There are two main types of attack scenarios: active and passive. In this paper, we consider the passive scenario where the adversary does not interact actively with the device, but he is able to eavesdrop on the network traffic of the device from the network side. Most of the internet traffic is encrypted and thus passive attacks are challenging. In this paper, we show that an external attacker can identify the operating system, browser and application of HTTP encrypted traffic (HTTPS). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work that shows this. We provide a large data set of more than 20000 examples for this task. Additionally, we suggest new features for this task.We run a through a set of experiments, which shows that our classification accuracy is 96.06%.
Effects of tool tilt angle on tensile strength and fracture locations of friction stir welding of polyethylene

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of tool tilt angle on friction stir welding (FSW) of polyethylene (PE). The samples were longitudinally butt welded with double passes of rotating cylindrical shouldered tool in a milling machine for different tool tilt angles. The welding parameters had significant effects on tensile properties and fracture locations of the welds. The tensile strength decreased with increasing tool tilt angle. The thickness of the welding zone decreased with increasing tool tilt angle which affects the tensile strength. The interface line between weld passes was formed shorter for the higher welding speeds because of the less effect of the frictional heat.