Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Markers of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Ascites and Plasma in Patients with Platinum-Sensitive, Platinum-Resistant, and Platinum-Refractory Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

Diverse proinflammatory biomarkers and oxidative stress are strongly associated with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Objective. To determine the behavior of markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in plasma and ascites fluid in patients with platinum-sensitive, platinum-resistant, and platinum-refractory EOC. Methods. A prospective cohort study. The colorimetric method was used to determine levels of the markers 8-isoprostanes (8-IP), lipid peroxidation products (LPO), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in plasma and ascites fluid; and with ELISA, the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were determined in patients with EOC. Results. In ascites fluid, a significant increase in 8-IP versus baseline plasma levels was found (p = 0.002). There was an important leakage of the TAC levels in ascites fluid versus baseline plasma levels (p < 0.001). The IL-6 was elevated in ascites fluid versus baseline plasma levels (p = 0.003), and there were diminished levels of TNF-α in ascites fluid versus baseline plasma levels (p = 0.001). Discussion. We hypothesize that the ascites fluid influences the behavior and dissemination of the tumor. Deregulation between oxidants, antioxidants, and the proinflammatory cytokines was found to vary among platinum-sensitive, platinum-resistant, and platinum-refractory patients.
Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty: Modes of Failure and Conversion to Total Knee Arthroplasty

Abstract Despite the excellent success rates of the modern unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA), results of knee replacement registries still shows a relatively high revision and failure rate for UKA, especially when compared with traditional total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Bearing dislocation continues to be advocated as the predominant mechanism of failure in mobile UKA, whereas polyethylene wear and aseptic loosening remains the main cause of failure of fixed UKA. Degeneration of the unreplaced compartments has been reported in both mobile and fixed designs. When the revision is required, most of failed UKAs are converted to TKAs. Surgical challenges of the UKA revision, and outcomes of UKA converted to TKA are still debated in literature.
A Joint Model for Unsupervised Chinese Word Segmentation

In this paper, we propose a joint model for unsupervised Chinese word segmentation (CWS). Inspired by the “products of experts” idea, our joint model firstly combines two generative models, which are word-based hierarchical Dirichlet process model and character-based hidden Markov model, by simply multiplying their probabilities together. Gibbs sampling is used for model inference. In order to further combine the strength of goodness-based model, we then integrated nVBE into our joint model by using it to initializing the Gibbs sampler. We conduct our experiments on PKU and MSRA datasets provided by the second SIGHAN bakeoff. Test results on these two datasets show that the joint model achieves much better results than all of its component models. Statistical significance tests also show that it is significantly better than stateof-the-art systems, achieving the highest F-scores. Finally, analysis indicates that compared with nVBE and HDP, the joint model has a stronger ability to solve both combinational and overlapping ambiguities in Chinese word segmentation.
Attentional Switches and Dual-Task Interference

In four experiments, we studied the time course of interference between detection of an oddball orientation target (OT) in an 8-item circular search display, and identification of a letter target (LT) in a central stream of distractor letters. Dual-task performance for different temporal lags between targets was compared to single-task performance. When the LT preceded the OT, dual-task performance levels were reduced at short inter-target intervals of 0 and 166 ms; when the OT preceded the LT, the dual-task interference was unexpectedly stronger and lasted for up to 500 ms. Resource competition due to temporally overlapping target processing cannot account for this result, because the feature search task is easier than the letter identification task, and therefore would have generated less interference when presented first. Two alternative explanations were explored. First, by manipulating the spatial inter-target distance, we investigated to what degree there is a penalty associated with directing the attentional window from a large object (the search display) to a smaller object (the central letter stream). Second, by varying the duration of the OT and subsequent mask, we studied whether the interference was caused by the difficulty of disengaging attention from the search display. Results support this second explanation and thus indicate that switching attention to the letter stream is hampered by the continuing presence of (masked) search display items. This result shows that attentional effects may play a major role in dual-task execution and can easily obscure interference due to other factors such as resource competition.
Numerical 3D constraints on convective eddy time-correlations: Consequences for stochastic excitation of solar p modes

A 3D simulation of the upper part of the solar convective zone is used to obtain information on the frequency component,k, of the correlation product of the turbulent velocity field. This component plays an important role in the stochastic excitation of acoustic oscillations. A time analysis of the solar simulation shows that a Gaussian function does not correctly reproduce the-dependency ofk inferred from the 3D simuation in the frequency range where the acoustic energy injected into the solar p modes is important (' 2 4m Hz). The-dependency ofk is fitted with dierent analytical functions which can then conveniently be used to compute the acoustic energy supply rate P injected into the solar radial oscillations. With constraints from a 3D simulation, adjustment of free parameters to solar data is no longer necessary and is not performed here. The result is compared with solar seismic data. Computed values of P obtained with the analytical function which fits best k are found2.7 times larger than those obtained with the Gaussian model and reproduce better the solar seismic observations. This non-Gaussian description also leads to a Reynolds stress contribution of the same order as the one arising from the advection of the turbulent fluctuations of entropy by the turbulent motions. Some discrepancy between observed and computed P values still exist at high frequency and possible causes for this discrepancy are discussed.
What is the Teacher"s Role in Robot Programming by Demonstration? - Toward Benchmarks for Improved Learning

Robot programming by demonstration (RPD) covers methods by which a robot learns new skills through human guidance. We present an interactive, multimodal RPD framework using active teaching methods that places the human teacher in the robot's learning loop. Two experiments are presented in which observational learning is first used to demonstrate a manipulation skill to a HOAP-3 humanoid robot by using motion sensors attached to the teacher's body. Then, putting the robot through the motion, the teacher incrementally refines the robot's skill by moving its arms manually, providing the appropriate scaffolds to reproduce the action. An incremental teaching scenario is proposed based on insights from various fields addressing developmental, psychological, and social issues related to teaching mechanisms in humans. Based on this analysis, different benchmarks are suggested to evaluate the setup further.
Effect of Acute Hypercapnia on Outcomes and Predictive Risk Factors for Complications among Patients Receiving Bronchoscopic Interventions under General Anesthesia

Background The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of acute hypercapnia on surgery outcomes among patients receiving bronchoscopic interventions under general anesthesia. Furthermore, independent predictive factors for surgery complications were analyzed. Method A total of 323 patients with airway stenosis were enrolled in this retrospective study. Each patient underwent interventional rigid bronchoscopy under general anesthesia. Arterial blood gas (ABG) was measured intraoperatively. In light of PaCO2 levels in ABG, patients were divided into three groups: Group C (control) (PaCO2:≤ 60 mmHg), Group M (moderate) (PaCO2:61–100 mmHg), and Group S (severe) (PaCO2: >100 mmHg). Parameters, including PaO2 levels and recovery delays, were compared across three groups. Complications among patients receiving bronchoscopic interventions were evaluated as well. Independent predictive factors for surgery related complications were analyzed by multivariable regression method. Results Significant differences in weight (p=0.04), ASA IV (p=0.008), dyspnea index (p=0.003),COPD (p=0.02), dynamic airway collapse (p=0.002), severe stenosis severity (p=0.02), and stenosis locations among three groups were observed. Mild (PaCO2:~60 mmHg) to moderate (PaCO2:60–100 mmHg) hypercapnia was not associated with delayed recovery, whereas severe hypercapnia (PaCO2:>100 mmHg) was associated with delayed recovery, as well as declined PaO2 (p=0.00) and elevated blood glucose levels (p=0.00). The complications of bronchoscopic interventions included postoperative congestive heart failure (14 cases, 4.3%), tracheorrhagia (8 cases, 2.5%), delayed recovery (19 cases, 5.9%), and transfers to ICU after surgery (10 cases, 3.1%). The multivariable regression analysis showed that procedure duration (p=0.003), lobectomy (p=0.007), dynamic airway collapse (p=0.01), severe bronchial stenosis (p=0.01) and hypercapnia (p=0.02) were independent predictive factors for surgery related complications. Conclusions Acute hypercapnia lower than 100 mmHg was not associated with detrimental consequences, whereas severe hypercapnia (PaCO2: >100 mmHg) was associated with lower levels of PaO2. Hypercapnia was an independent predictive factor for bronchoscopic intervention complication, which may help physicians to optimize the therapeutic choices.
A tactile sensor sheet using pressure conductive rubber with electrical-wires stitched method

A new type of tactile sensor using pressure-conductive rubber with stitched electrical wires is presented. The sensor is thin and flexible and can cover three-dimensional objects. Since the sensor adopts a single-layer composite structure, the sensor is durable with respect to external force. In order to verify the effectiveness of this tactile sensor, we performed an experiment in which a four-fingered robot hand equipped with tactile sensors grasped sphere and column. The sensor structure, electrical circuit, and characteristics are described. The sensor control system and experimental results are also described.
TLR2 and TLR4 serve distinct roles in the host immune response against Mycobacterium bovis BCG

Toll‐like receptor (TLR) proteins mediate cellular activation by microbes and microbial products. To delineate the role of TLR proteins in the development of host immune responses against mycobacteria, wild‐type and TLR‐deficient mice were infected with nonpathogenic Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette‐Guerin (BCG). Two weeks after intraperitoneal challenge with BCG, few bacilli were present in the lungs of wild‐type and TLR4−/− mice, whereas bacterial loads were tenfold higher in the lungs of infected TLR2−/− mice. BCG challenge in vitro strongly induced proinflammatory cytokine secretion by macrophages from wild‐type and TLR4−/− mice but not by TLR2−/− macrophages. In contrast, intracellular uptake, intracellular bacterial growth, and suppression of intracellular bacterial growth in vitro by interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) were similar in macrophages from all three mouse strains, suggesting that BCG growth in the lungs of TLR2−/− mice was a consequence of defective adaptive immunity. Antigenic stimulation of splenocytes from infected wild‐type and TLR4−/− mice induced T cell proliferation in vitro, whereas T cells from TLR2−/− mice failed to proliferate. Unexpectedly, activated CD4+ T cells from both TLR‐deficient mouse strains secreted little IFN‐γ in vitro compared with control T cells. A role for TLR4 in the control of bacterial growth and IFN‐γ production in vivo was observed only when mice were infected with higher numbers of BCG. Thus, TLR2 and TLR4 appear to regulate distinct aspects of the host immune response against BCG.
Hypothalamic and gonadal components of hypogonadism in boys with Prader-Labhart- Willi syndrome.

CONTEXT The specific form of hypogonadism in Prader-Labhart-Willi syndrome (PWS), central or peripheral, remains unexplained. OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study were to investigate the cause of hypogonadism in PWS and determine whether human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) treatment can restore pubertal development. DESIGN This was a clinical follow-up study, divided into two samples, over a duration of 1.5 and 4.5 yr. PATIENTS Eight male infants and six peripubertal boys (age at start of observation, 0.06-0.93 and 8.1-10.8 yr, respectively) with genetically confirmed PWS were studied. INTERVENTION hCG (500-1500 U twice weekly) was given from age 13.5 yr to the present. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Serum FSH, LH, inhibin B, and testosterone levels and pubertal development were the main outcome measures. RESULTS Infants with PWS presented normal LH (2.3 +/- 0.7 U/liter) and testosterone (2.5 +/- 0.9 nmol/liter) levels (mean +/- sem at 5 months) compared with the reference range. However, two thirds of the boys displayed cryptorchidism. Inhibin B levels were at the lowest level of the normal range and decreased significantly between infancy and puberty (at 13 yr, 72 +/- 17 pg/ml), whereas FSH secretion increased (9.9 +/- 2.6 U/liter). Pubertal maturation stopped at an average bone age of 13.9 yr. hCG therapy increased testosterone (11 +/- 2 nmol/liter) and reduced FSH (at 16 yr, 1.1 +/- 0.9 U/liter) levels. Testicular volume (5.6 +/- 1 ml) and inhibin B (26.5 +/- 11.9 pg/ml) remained low. CONCLUSION Children with PWS display a specific form of combined hypothalamic (low LH) and peripheral (low inhibin B and high FSH) hypogonadism, suggesting a primary defect in Sertoli and/or germ cell maturation or an early germ cell loss. hCG therapy stimulates testosterone production and virilization.
Non-convexly constrained image reconstruction from nonlinear tomographic X-ray measurements

The use of polychromatic X-ray sources in tomographic X-ray measurements leads to nonlinear X-ray transmission effects. As these nonlinearities are not normally taken into account in tomographic reconstruction, artefacts occur, which can be particularly severe when imaging objects with multiple materials of widely varying X-ray attenuation properties. In these settings, reconstruction algorithms based on a nonlinear X-ray transmission model become valuable. We here study the use of one such model and develop algorithms that impose additional non-convex constraints on the reconstruction. This allows us to reconstruct volumetric data even when limited measurements are available. We propose a nonlinear conjugate gradient iterative hard thresholding algorithm and show how many prior modelling assumptions can be imposed using a range of non-convex constraints.
Evolution of transcript structure and base composition of rDNA expansion segment D3 in ticks

Four to thirty-two copies of the rDNA 28S gene expansion segment D3 and flanking H14 stem were sequenced in six species of ticks (Ixodes: Ixodidae: Acari). Sequence match among species varied from 66% to 97%. Sequence length averaged 130 bases in I. persulcatus across eight Eurasian sites and averaged 186 bases in five other species across 19 Eurasian and North American sites. The difference in length represents one or more deletions totalling about 60 bases that correspond to stems S3 or S4 of the folded transcript. The typical transcript conformation was observed as one possible low energy structure in the five species of longer D3. The structure entails a basal loop with four stem/loop structures, S1–S4 (moving 5′ to 3′) atop stem H14. A secondary structure lacking S4 but possessing all other putative standard features of the D3 transcript is possible with the shorter I. persulcatus sequences. Interspecific sequence differences occur at higher frequency in loops and bulges vs. complementary pairing regions of stems. Insertion/deletion events (indels) and base substitutions accounted equally for sequence differences. Indels are flanked by similar sequences, suggesting that they occur by slippage during replication. The D3 of Ixodes species is composed of a degenerate set of subrepeats. Thus, unequal exchange among subrepeats may have caused the reduction in length of the I. persulcatus D3. Compensatory base substitution and compensatory insertion/deletion events are indicated by the failure of mutations to affect secondary structure. Transversions accounted for 64% of sequence differences and were biased toward the gain of G and U and the loss of A and C. This bias could re-establish intramolecular base pairing when disrupted by insertions or deletions that shift one side of a stem relative to the other. The distribution of sequence differences, biased substitution, and conservation of transcript conformation in D3 suggest selective constraint.
Lipid domains control myelin basic protein adsorption and membrane interactions between model myelin lipid bilayers

Significance The proper functioning of multilayer membrane systems, such as myelin, requires the multilamellar membranes to be tightly wrapped around the axon fibers, thereby allowing efficient electric signal transmission. Slight changes in lipid composition in myelin membranes will alter their domain sizes and distributions, and the intermembrane adhesive properties. Using the surface forces apparatus and atomic force microscope, we studied the adsorption of myelin basic protein (MBP) to model myelin lipid bilayer membranes of varying compositions, and their effects on the structure, equilibrium spacing (swelling), and adhesion force between them. We find that MBP preferentially adsorbs to “disordered” submicron domains, affecting regular spacing and adhesion. These findings provide insights into lipid–protein interactions and membrane-associated (e.g., demyelinating) diseases. The surface forces apparatus and atomic force microscope were used to study the effects of lipid composition and concentrations of myelin basic protein (MBP) on the structure of model lipid bilayers, as well as the interaction forces and adhesion between them. The lipid bilayers had a lipid composition characteristic of the cytoplasmic leaflets of myelin from “normal” (healthy) and “disease-like” [experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE)] animals. They showed significant differences in the adsorption mechanism of MBP. MBP adsorbs on normal bilayers to form a compact film (3–4 nm) with strong intermembrane adhesion (∼0.36 mJ/m2), in contrast to its formation of thicker (7–8 nm) swelled films with weaker intermembrane adhesion (∼0.13 mJ/m2) on EAE bilayers. MBP preferentially adsorbs to liquid-disordered submicron domains within the lipid membranes, attributed to hydrophobic attractions. These results show a direct connection between the lipid composition of membranes and membrane–protein adsorption mechanisms that affects intermembrane spacing and adhesion and has direct implications for demyelinating diseases.
BPEL4WS Unit Testing: Test Case Generation Using a Concurrent Path Analysis Approach

BPEL is a language that could express complex concurrent behaviors. This paper presents a novel method of BPEL test case generation, which is based on concurrent path analysis. This method first uses an extended control flow graph (XCFG) to represent a BPEL program, and generates all the sequential test paths from XCFG. These sequential test paths are then combined to form concurrent test paths. Finally a constraint solver BoNuS is used to solve the constraints of these test paths and generate feasible test cases. Some techniques are proposed to reduce the number of combined concurrent test paths. Some test criteria derived from traditional sequential program testing are also presented to reduce the number of test cases. This method is modularized so that many test techniques such as various test criteria and complex constraint solvers can be applied. This method is tested sound and efficient in experiments. It is also applicable to the testing of other business process languages with possible extension and adaptation
Are conventional inlet and outlet radiographs obsolete in the evaluation of pelvis fractures?

INTRODUCTION The new-generation multidetector computed tomographic (CT) scanners allow for the generation of virtual x-rays from the data acquired during the evaluation of pelvic fractures. Special software allows technicians to obtain the appropriate orientation required for adequate inlet and outlet views, which would eliminate repeat trips to the radiography suite to acquire adequate x-rays. The purpose of this study is to compare the quality virtual x-rays and conventional x-rays that are used in evaluating pelvis fractures. METHODS A retrospective database review was performed to identify patients who were operated on with a diagnosis of pelvis fracture. The inclusion criteria were AO/OTA type B or C pelvic fractures, age older than 18 years, complete set of anteroposterior (AP) pelvis, inlet, and outlet x-rays and a multidetector pelvis CT scan. Virtual AP pelvis, inlet, and outlet views were generated from the CT scan data. Two fellowship-trained orthopedic trauma surgeons reviewed the virtual and conventional studies separately in association with CT scans and graded the quality of the studies on a custom developed questionnaire. RESULTS Twenty patients were eligible for the study. The AP pelvis image quality was similar for both conventional and virtual images except for the rotation of the pelvis, which was improved in the virtual images. The inlet and outlet image quality was better in all domains in the virtual x-ray group when compared with the conventional x-rays. The percentage of adequate inlet and outlet images was higher in the virtual x-ray group when compared with the conventional x-ray group. DISCUSSION The results show that the virtual inlet and outlet images consistently provided higher rates of adequate x-rays when compared with the conventional x-rays. In the evaluation of patients with pelvis fractures, the use of the virtual inlet and outlet views instead of the conventional x-rays may provide some advantages, such as decreased radiation exposure to the patient, reduced overall cost, and reduced repeat x-rays to achieve adequate views. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Diagnostic study, level V.