Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A complete analytical model for square diaphragm capacitive sensor with clamped edge

Capacitive Pressure Sensors have been among the most promising MEMS in recent years due to its inherently low power consumption, higher reliability and better performance. A complete analytical model is necessary to accurately determine the effects of sensing variables on the sensor. In this paper, a mathematical model is developed for square diaphragm capacitive sensors, which includes analytical equations for load-deflection characteristic, pull-in voltage and critical distance at pull-in and capacitance. The work is different from the previous ones in the way that it adopts a direct method to solve the governing equations of deflection which gives the load-deflection characteristic without involving any numerical aid and accounts for both small and large deflection. Again, the numerical integration for capacitance calculation has been replaced by an approximate analytical model which reduces the computational effort comparably. Comparison with experimental data reveals excellent accuracy of the model.
EcoRI‐RFLP of the Apo B gene: a study in a sample group from South Italy

EcoRI restriction analysis at codon 4154 of the Apo B gene was performed in a sample of 90 subjects from southern Italy (sample S), using total blood cell DNA amplified by PCR. A group of 46 subjects from northern Italy (sample N) was also investigated for comparison. Southern Italians showed an incidence of the R2 allele (absence of the cutting site) twice as high as that found in northern Italians (48 v. 21 %). By ASPCR the mutation which abolishes the restriction site was confirmed as being G→A at the first base of the 4154 codon of the Apo B gene (Glu→Lys) in both S and N samples. By studying the variability of cholesterolaemia among different EcoRI genotypes in the S sample, it was estimated that the average effect of the R2 allele is to lower serum cholesterol by 8‐5 mg/dl.
Changing from a pro re nata treatment regimen to a treat and extend regimen with ranibizumab in neovascular age-related macular degeneration

Background Treat and extend (TE) treatment regimens have the potential to reduce the treatment burden placed upon patients receiving ranibizumab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). This study aimed to analyse changes in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and anatomical parameters in patients switching from a pro re nata (PRN) to a TE regimen during routine clinical practice. Methods Retrospective, consecutive, comparative case series of treatment-naïve patients who were initially treated with 0.5 mg ranibizumab according to a PRN schedule, and subsequently switched to a TE schedule (12-month follow-up). Results 146 eyes from 134 consecutive treatment-naïve patients were included. Mean BCVA (decimal±SD) increased from 0.39±0.23 to 0.55±0.22 (p<0.001) during the PRN loading regimen, declining to 0.49±0.22 (p<0.001) during the PRN maintenance phase (mean duration 17 months; range 3–55). Following the switch to TE, BCVA improved to 0.55±0.23 and 0.56±0.24 by 6 and 12 months, respectively (p<0.001). Mean intraindividual variance in BCVA was higher during the PRN phase than at 12 months for TE (0.30±0.18 vs 0.09±0.08, respectively; p<0.001). After switching to TE, mean central retinal thickness decreased from 355±112 µm to 330±105 and 320±103 µm at 6 and 12 months, respectively (p<0.001). Mean number of visits per month was higher during PRN than TE periods (1.05±0.13 vs 0.73±0.18; respectively; p<0.001). Conclusions A TE regimen can improve and stabilise patient outcomes in nAMD compared with PRN, with the potential to reduce the healthcare resource burden incurred from fixed monitoring requirements.
Imaging Selection in Ischemic Stroke: Feasibility of Automated CT-Perfusion Analysis

Background Advanced imaging may refine patient selection for ischemic stroke treatment but delays to acquire and process the imaging have limited implementation. Aims We examined the feasibility of imaging selection in clinical practice using fully automated software in the EXTEND trial program. Methods CTP and perfusion-diffusion MRI data were processed using fully-automated software to generate a yes/no ‘mismatch’ classification that determined eligibility for trial therapies. The technical failure/mismatch classification error rate and time to image and treat with CT vs. MR-based selection were examined. Results In a consecutive series of 776 patients from five sites over six-months the technical failure rate of CTP acquisition/processing (uninterpretable maps) was 3·4% (26/776, 95%CI 2·2–4·9%). Mismatch classification was overruled by expert review in an additional 9·0% (70/776, 95%CI 7·1–11·3%) due to artifactual ‘perfusion lesion’. In 154 consecutive patients at one site, median additional time to acquire CTP after noncontrast CT was 6·5 min. Subsequent RAPID processing time varied from 3–10 min across 20 trial centers (median 5 min 20 s). In the EXTEND trial, door-to-needle times in patients randomized on the basis of CTP (n = 47) were median 78 min shorter than MRI-selected (n = 16) patients (P < 0·001). Conclusions Automated CTP-based mismatch selection is rapid, robust in clinical practice, and associated with faster treatment decisions than MRI. This technological advance has the potential to improve the standardization and reproducibility of interpretation of advanced imaging and extend use to practice settings beyond highly specialized academic centers.
Plasma Protein Binding of the Experimental Antitumour Agent Acridine‐4‐carboxamide in Man, Dog, Rat and Rabbit

Abstract— The plasma binding of N‐[2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl]acridine‐4‐carboxamide (AC) was investigated in‐vitro by equilibrium dialysis for 3 h at 37°C against isotonic phosphate buffer (pH 7·35) using [3H]AC. There were significant species differences with the smallest % free fraction (mean ± s.d.) occurring in human plasma (3·4 ± 0·2), followed by dog (8·1 ±0·4), mouse (14·8 ± 0·8), rat (16·3 ± 0·9) and rabbit (20·2 ± 0·7). In plasma from healthy individuals (n = 5), the % free fraction ranged from 2·7 to 3·8. In physiological solutions of human proteins, the greatest binding was observed for α‐acid glycoprotein (AAG) (0·75 g L−1) with a mean free fraction of 24·1 ± 2·2%, followed by albumin (40 g L−1) with 31·6 ± 0·7 and 39·8 ± 2·5% for fatty‐acid‐free and globulin‐free, respectively. There was also some binding to globulins (5 g L−1) with a mean % free fraction of 70·3 ± 1·6 and 84·8 ± 2·2 for Conn's fraction I and IV, respectively. Binding data from the displacement of [3H]AC by increasing concentrations of AC in human AAG (0·75 g L−1) or albumin solution (40 g L−1) indicated that AAG had 10‐fold greater binding affinity for AC (Ka, 7·8 × 104 m−1) compared with albumin (Ka, 6·8 × 103 m−1). In human plasma enriched with AAG there was a significant negative linear correlation (r = 0·932; P < 0·001) between % AC free fraction and increasing AAG concentration over the range 0·6–4·5 g L−1. Small but significant (P < 0·05) increases in AC free fraction occurred in the presence of various metabolites (50 and 100 μm) but, of those tested, only N‐monomethyl‐acridine carboxamide increased the free fraction to the same extent as parent AC.
Brånemark Novum: a new treatment concept for rehabilitation of the edentulous mandible. Preliminary results from a prospective clinical follow-up study.

BACKGROUND Brånemark fixtures were originally prescribed to be placed in two surgical stages. During the past years, reports on the placement of machined titanium implants in a one-stage procedure have been published, and the results have been encouraging. Recently there has been considerable interest in early or immediate loading. PURPOSE The purpose of this article is to report the preliminary clinical results of a new method for implant treatment of the edentulous mandible. The new protocol involves prefabricated components and surgical guides, elimination of the prosthetic impression procedure and attachment of the permanent fixed bridge on the day of implant placement. METHODS Fifty patients (26 males, 24 females) received 150 Brånemark Novum implants and were followed from 6 months to 3 years after implant placement. Bone width and height were determined preoperatively with the use of radiographs. The jaw was reduced in height to accommodate three special 5-mm wide implants. Precise implant positioning was accomplished with special drilling templates. Drill guides were placed over the drilling templates during site preparation using a series of specially designed drills. After the mucosa had been sutured back into position, a prefabricated titanium lower bar was connected with titanium screws to the transmucosal fixture. Another titanium bar was then attached by the prosthodontist, and a bite registration was performed. The bridge was attached to the upper bar. The permanent reconstruction was provided to the patient later the same day. RESULTS Three implants were lost to follow-up and three failed, resulting in an overall survival rate of 98%. One prosthesis failed, leaving a prosthetic survival rate of 98%. The average treatment time was approximately 7 hours. At the baseline examination, the marginal bone level was 0.72 mm below the reference point. The average marginal bone loss was 0.2 mm per year and 0.26 mm between the 3-month and 1-year control visits. The accumulated mean bone loss, including baseline, was -1.25 mm. A patient questionnaire demonstrated that 94% of the patients did not experience any discomfort during treatment and all patients would recommend the procedure to others. CONCLUSION The results of this study indicate that the precise surgical and prosthetic protocol allows successful prosthetic rehabilitation of mandibular edentulism and that the permanent reconstruction can be provided to the patient on the day of fixture surgery.
Epidemiologic study of 4684 hospital‐acquired infections in pediatric patients

During a 4-year period 4684 nosocomial infections occurred in a university pediatric hospital which admitted 78 120 patients (nosocomial infection rate (NIR) = 6.0). NIR varied from 0.17 to 14.0 on different wards or services; the highest rates (≥5.6) were found in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, infant neurosurgery, hematology/oncology, neonatal surgery, cardiology/cardiovascular surgery, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and infant/toddler medicine areas. Infections were most common in patients ≤23 months (NIR = 11.5), were less common in the 2− to 4-year age group (NIR = 3.6) and occurred least frequently in patients ≥5 years (NIR = 2.6). The median day of onset of infections was 15.3 days. The proportional frequencies of infections were: 35% gastrointestinal; 21% bacteremia; 16% respiratory (10% upper, 6% lower); 7% postoperative wound; 6% urinary tract; 5% skin (32% of these skin infections were related to intravascular lines); 5% eye; 3% cerebrospinal fluid; and 2% other. A similar proportional frequency of 379 infections in patients hospitalized for more than 100 days was observed. The etiologic agents were Gram-positive bacteria (50%), viruses (23%), Gram-negative bacteria (18%), fungi (4%) and mixed/other (5%).
Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter's High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE)

[1] The HiRISE camera features a 0.5 m diameter primary mirror, 12 m effective focal length, and a focal plane system that can acquire images containing up to 28 Gb (gigabits) of data in as little as 6 seconds. HiRISE will provide detailed images (0.25 to 1.3 m/pixel) covering ∼1% of the Martian surface during the 2-year Primary Science Phase (PSP) beginning November 2006. Most images will include color data covering 20% of the potential field of view. A top priority is to acquire ∼1000 stereo pairs and apply precision geometric corrections to enable topographic measurements to better than 25 cm vertical precision. We expect to return more than 12 Tb of HiRISE data during the 2-year PSP, and use pixel binning, conversion from 14 to 8 bit values, and a lossless compression system to increase coverage. HiRISE images are acquired via 14 CCD detectors, each with 2 output channels, and with multiple choices for pixel binning and number of Time Delay and Integration lines. HiRISE will support Mars exploration by locating and characterizing past, present, and future landing sites, unsuccessful landing sites, and past and potentially future rover traverses. We will investigate cratering, volcanism, tectonism, hydrology, sedimentary processes, stratigraphy, aeolian processes, mass wasting, landscape evolution, seasonal processes, climate change, spectrophotometry, glacial and periglacial processes, polar geology, and regolith properties. An Internet Web site (HiWeb) will enable anyone in the world to suggest HiRISE targets on Mars and to easily locate, view, and download HiRISE data products.
Functional connectivity structure of cortical calcium dynamics in anesthetized and awake mice

The interplay between hemodynamic-based markers of cortical activity (e.g. fMRI and optical intrinsic signal imaging), which are an indirect and relatively slow report of neural activity, and underlying synaptic electrical and metabolic activity through neurovascular coupling is a topic of ongoing research and debate. As application of resting state functional connectivity measures is extended further into topics such as brain development, aging and disease, the importance of understanding the fundamental physiological basis for functional connectivity will grow. Here we extend functional connectivity analysis from hemodynamic- to calcium-based imaging. Transgenic mice (n = 7) expressing a fluorescent calcium indicator (GCaMP6) driven by the Thy1 promoter in glutamatergic neurons were imaged transcranially in both anesthetized (using ketamine/xylazine) and awake states. Sequential LED illumination (λ = 454, 523, 595, 640nm) enabled concurrent imaging of both GCaMP6 fluorescence emission (corrected for hemoglobin absorption) and hemodynamics. Functional connectivity network maps were constructed for infraslow (0.009–0.08Hz), intermediate (0.08–0.4Hz), and high (0.4–4.0Hz) frequency bands. At infraslow and intermediate frequencies, commonly used in BOLD fMRI and fcOIS studies of functional connectivity and implicated in neurovascular coupling mechanisms, GCaMP6 and HbO2 functional connectivity structures were in high agreement, both qualitatively and also quantitatively through a measure of spatial similarity. The spontaneous dynamics of both contrasts had the highest correlation when the GCaMP6 signal was delayed with a ~0.6–1.5s temporal offset. Within the higher-frequency delta band, sensitive to slow wave sleep oscillations in non-REM sleep and anesthesia, we evaluate the speed with which the connectivity analysis stabilized and found that the functional connectivity maps captured putative network structure within time window lengths as short as 30 seconds. Homotopic GCaMP6 functional connectivity maps at 0.4–4.0Hz in the anesthetized states show a striking correlated and anti-correlated structure along the anterior to posterior axis. This structure is potentially explained in part by observed propagation of delta-band activity from frontal somatomotor regions to visuoparietal areas. During awake imaging, this spatio-temporal quality is altered, and a more complex and detailed functional connectivity structure is observed. The combined calcium/hemoglobin imaging technique described here will enable the dissociation of changes in ionic and hemodynamic functional structure and neurovascular coupling and provide a framework for subsequent studies of neurological disease such as stroke.
Attitudes toward noise, perceived hearing symptoms, and reported use of hearing protection among college students: Influence of youth culture

The purpose of this study was to assess the attitude toward noise, perceived hearing symptoms, noisy activities that were participated in, and factors associated with hearing protection use among college students. A 44-item online survey was completed by 2,151 college students (aged 17 years and above) to assess the attitudes toward noise, perceived hearing symptoms related to noise exposure, and use of hearing protection around noisy activities. Among the participants, 39.6% experienced at least one hearing symptom, with ear pain as the most frequently reported (22.5%). About 80% of the participants were involved in at least one noise activity, out of which 41% reported the use of hearing protection. A large majority of those with ear pain, hearing loss, permanent tinnitus, and noise sensitivity was involved in attending a sporting event, which was the most reported noisy activity. The highest reported hearing protection use was in the use of firearms, and the lowest in discos/ dances. The reported use of hearing protection is associated with having at least one hearing symptom but the relationship is stronger with tinnitus, hearing loss, and ear pain (χ 2 = 30.5-43.5, P< 0.01) as compared to noise sensitivity (χ 2 = 3.8, P= 0.03); it is also associated with anti-noise attitudes, particularly in youth social events. Universities and colleges have important roles in protecting young adults′ hearing by integrating hearing conservation topic in the college curriculum, promoting hearing health by student health services, involving student groups in noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) awareness and prevention, and establishing noise level limitations for all on-campus events.
Sexually Transmitted Infections and Risk Behaviors Among Transgender Persons (Hijras) of Pune, India

BackgroundThe objectives of this cross-sectional study were to determine the prevalence of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STI) in Hijras (self-identified transgenders of South Asia), study associated risk factors, and compare the prevalence with that in heterosexual men and men having sex with men (MSM) in Pune, India, between 1993 and 2002. MethodsAfter informed consent, individuals attending 3 STI clinics were administered a questionnaire regarding their demographic, socioeconomic, and sexual behaviors. Blood samples were collected for STI and HIV diagnosis. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the correlates of HIV infection. ResultsThe prevalence of HIV (45.2% in Hijras vs 20% in heterosexual men vs 18.9% in MSM, P < 0.0001) and warts (10.3% vs 4.6% vs 7.0%; P = 0.004) was higher in Hijras as compared with heterosexual men and MSM; whereas that of genital ulcer disease (15.3% vs 32.6% vs 21.5%; P < 0.0001) and discharge (5.4% vs 13.6% vs 9.0%; P < 0.0001) was lower. Hijras were more likely to have received money for sex and have an earlier sexual debut than the comparison groups. In multivariate analysis, receiving money for sex (adjusted odds ratio: 4.49; P < 0.04) and having genital ulcer disease (odds ratio: 3.87; P < 0.08) were independently associated with high HIV prevalence in Hijras. ConclusionsConsidering the high HIV and STI burden, it is important to review current prevention strategies and stress the need to engage Hijra community members through appropriate targeted intervention programs.
Young Adults' Knowledge of Politics: Evaluating the Role of Socio-Cognitive Variables Using Structural Equations

The aim of this study was to create an explanatory model that allows analyzing the predictive power of a set of variables related to political knowledge; more specifically, to analyze the relationship between the education level of young adults and the variables, interest in politics and internal political efficacy. We also analyzed the combined relationship between these variables, together with age, and political knowledge. We worked with a sample group of 280 young adults between the ages of 18-30 from the city of Córdoba (Argentina). The data was subjected to a structural equation modelling SEM analysis, which allowed for the corroboration of the following hypotheses: the higher the education level, the more the interest in politics; the higher the education level, the better the perception of internal political efficacy; the higher the education level, the more the political knowledge; the more the interest in politics, the more the political knowledge; and the better the perception of internal political efficacy, the more interest in politics. Moreover, the following hypotheses could not be verified: the older an individual, the more the political knowledge; and the better the perception of internal political efficacy, the more the political knowledge. The model obtained allows for discussion of the explanatory value of these socio-cognitive variables. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo elaborar un modelo explicativo que permita analizar el poder predictivo de un conjunto de variables que mostraron tener relación con el conocimiento político. Específicamente, analizar la relación del nivel educativo de los jóvenes sobre las variables interés en la política y eficacia política interna; además, la relación conjunta de estas variables y la edad sobre el conocimiento político. Se trabajó con una muestra de 280 jóvenes de 18 a 30 años de edad, de la ciudad de Córdoba (Argentina). Los datos fueron sometidos a un análisis SEM, permitiendo corroborar las hipótesis que indicaban que a mayor nivel educativo mayor nivel de interés político; a mayor nivel educativo mayor percepción de eficacia política interna; a mayor nivel educativo mayor nivel de conocimiento político; a mayor nivel de interés político mayor nivel de conocimiento político; y a mayor percepción de eficacia política interna mayor nivel de interés político. Asimismo, no se pudieron corroborar las hipótesis que postulaban que a mayor edad de los jóvenes mayor nivel de conocimiento político y a mayor percepción de eficacia política interna mayor nivel de conocimiento político. El modelo obtenido permite discutir el valor explicativo de las variables sociocognitivas.
Phase-Disposition PWM Implementation for a Hybrid Multicell Converter

Many different topologies based on the multilevel converter approach have been presented in the last decades. In order to obtain improved output waveforms, several modulation techniques have been developed for such converters. Some of those modulation schemes can be directly applied to almost any multilevel converter, while others require significant adaptation in order to be implemented in certain specific converters. This paper presents the implementation of a phase-disposition level-shifted pulsewidth modulation to the recently introduced hybrid multicell converter (HMC). The HMC uses a flying capacitor module on each cell to generate a positive variable dc-link voltage. The variable dc link is inverted at fundamental switching frequency by an H-bridge to generate the cell output voltage. It is desirable to use PD-PWM for its well-known high-performance waveforms. In this paper, a state-machine decoder is developed to balance the floating capacitor voltages and to equalize the supplied power for the series-connected cells of the HMC when using a PD-PWM pattern. Experimental results obtained from a 10-kW prototype are presented, confirming the good-quality waveforms of the HMC modulated with PD-PWM and the adequate balance of all floating capacitors.