Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SymmMap: Estimation of the 2-D Reflection Symmetry Map and Its Applications

Detecting the reflection symmetry axis present in an object has been an active research problem in computer vision and computer graphics due to its various applications such as object recognition, object detection, modelling, and symmetrization of 3D objects. However, the problem of computing the reflection symmetry map for a given image containing objects exhibiting reflection symmetry has received a very little attention. The symmetry map enables us to represent the pixels in the image using a score depending on the probability of each of them having a symmetric counterpart. In this work, we attempt to compute the 2-D reflection symmetry map. We pose the problem of generating the symmetry map as an intra-image dense symmetric pixels correspondence problem, which we solve efficiently using a randomized algorithm by observing the reflection symmetry coherency present in the image. We introduce an application of symmetry map called symmetry preserving image stylization.
Visualisation of three‐dimensional microcracks in compact bone

Microdamage in bone contributes to the loss of bone quality in osteoporosis and is thought to play a major role in both fragility and stress fractures (Schaffler et al. 1995). In this study, in vivo microcracks in human ribs were bulk‐stained in basic fuchsin and viewed in longitudinal section and in 3 dimensions using 2 different computer‐based methods of reconstruction: (1) serial sectioning of methylmethacrylate embedded sections using a sledge macrotome and identification of microcracks using UV epifluorescence followed by computerised reconstruction of microcracks using software and (2) laser scanning confocal microscopy of thick sections followed by reconstruction of microcracks into a 3‐D image. The size and shape of microcracks were found to be similar using both techniques. Both techniques of reconstruction showed microcracks to be approximately elliptical in shape. From the serial sectioning reconstructions (n = 9), microcracks were found to have a mean length of 404±145 μm (mean±S.D.) (in the longitudinal direction) and mean width of 97±38 μm (in the transverse direction). Using epifluorescence microscopy, 92 microcracks were identified; mean microcrack length was 349±100 μm in the longitudinal direction. This was consistent with other results (Burr & Martin, 1993) and with the theoretical prediction of an elliptical crack shape with aspect ratio (longitudinal∶transverse) of 5∶1 deduced from analysis of random 2‐D sections (Taylor & Lee, 1998). The results obtained provide new data on the nature of microcracks in bone and the method has the potential to become a useful tool in the calculation of stress intensity values which indicate the probability of an individual microcrack propagating to cause a stress or fragility fracture.
Sonographic Findings in Patients with Scrotal Swelling

Based on physical examination alone, it is often difficult to decide whether a scrotal swelling arises from testicle itself or from extra testicular elements in scrotum. The aims of the study were, to establish the causes of scrotal swelling in the population and to evaluate the relationship between clinical, demographical and sonographic findings. One hundred patients with age ranging between (1-77 years) presented with scrotal swellings were examined by high resolution real-time ultrasound using 5-12MHz linear probe during the period from October 2011 to April 2012 in Al-Diwaniya teaching hospital at Al-Diwaniya city-Iraq.Seven patients were referred as scrotal swelling clinically, while ultrasound examination was unremarkable. Among the scrotal swellings, hydrocele was the commonest finding (33.1%) and varicoceles was the next (20.3%). Epididymal cystic masses were discovered in 17 patients (14.4%). Inflammation was seen in 14 patients (11.8%) , and 8 patients (6.7%) were subjected to trauma, 5 cases of hematocele and 3 cases extra-testicular hematoma. The findings in remaining patients were: three patients (2.6%) were diagnosed as testicular torsion by using Color Doppler imaging, 3 patients (2.6%) scrotal hernia and 3 patients (2.6%) showed solid intratesticular mass.
Scoring system and clinical application of COPD diagnostic questionnaires.

OBJECTIVES In most primary care settings, spirometric screening of all patients at risk is not practical. In prior work, we developed questionnaires to help identify COPD in two risk groups: (1) persons with a positive smoking history but no history of obstructive lung disease (case finding), and (2) patients with prior evidence of obstructive lung disease (differential diagnosis). For these questionnaires, we now present a scoring system for use in primary care. METHODS Scores for individual questions were based on the regression coefficients from logistic regression models using a spirometry-based diagnosis of obstruction as the reference outcome. Receiver operator characteristic analysis was used to determine performance characteristics for each questionnaire. Several simplified scoring systems were developed and tested. RESULTS For both scenarios, we created a scoring system with two cut points intended to place subjects within one of three zones: persons with a high likelihood of having obstruction (high predictive value of a positive test result); persons with a low likelihood of obstruction (high predictive value of a negative test result); and an intermediate zone. Using these scoring systems, we achieved sensitivities of 54 to 82%, specificities of 58 to 88%, positive predictive values of 30 to 78%, and negative predictive values of 71 to 93%. CONCLUSIONS These questionnaires can be used to help identify persons likely to have COPD among specific risk groups. The use of a simplified scoring system makes these tools beneficial in the primary care setting. Used in conjunction with spirometry, these tools can help improve the efficiency and accuracy of COPD diagnosis in primary care.
An observational study of extracorporeal CPR for in-hospital cardiac arrest secondary to myocardial infarction

Objective To determine the effects of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) in patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) due to acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods IHCA patients due to AMI undergoing CPR between 1 January 2006 and 1 July 2010 were analysed retrospectively. We compared the survival outcome of 43 patients who received ECPR with that of 23 patients who underwent conventional CPR. Results The survival rate was 34.9% for patients who received ECPR and 21.8% for those who received conventional CPR (p=0.4). Increased survival rates to hospital discharge were seen in patients with ST segment elevation (p<0.01), or had initial rhythm of ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF) during resuscitation (p=0.031). Conclusions ECPR may improve survival in cardiac arrest patients who have a ST segment elevation or initial rhythm of VT/VF myocardial infarction.
Gender differences in trochlear groove orientation and rotational kinematics of human knees

Knowledge of the morphology and kinematics of the male and female knees is important for understanding gender‐related dimorphism in knee pathology and improvement of related surgical treatments. Twelve male and 12 female subjects with healthy knees were recruited, and each subject performed a single leg lunge while images of the knee were recorded by two fluoroscopes. Tibiofemoral joint motion was then reproduced using bony models matched to the fluoroscopic images. Femoral trochlear groove orientation was also measured in each knee. While many of the measured parameters were found to be similar between the genders, a few interesting differences were also noted. Females showed greater external tibial rotation at 0° flexion (−5.4° vs. −1.3 °, p = 0.03), smaller internal rotation at 30° flexion (1.7° vs. 6.4°, p = 0.04) and greater range of tibial rotation (18.2° vs. 12.4°, p = 0.01) compared to males. Female knees also had a more medially oriented proximal trochlear groove (10.0° vs. 4.5°, p = 0.04). These gender differences in rotational kinematics and trochlear groove orientation may warrant further studies to determine implications for surgical treatments such as total knee arthroplasty, and gender‐related dimorphism in certain knee injuries and pathologies, like anterior cruciate ligament injury and patellofemoral problems. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 871–878, 2009
Bactericidal activity of human serum against Escherichia coli chi1776

Escherichia coli chi1776 is a host strain providing the EK2 level of biological containment. Laboratories equipped to use this strain may be located near medical care facilities where patients prone to infection may be found. We have therefore documented the marked susceptibility of chi1776 to killing by human serum from normal as well as ill individuals.
Clinical problem-solving. A not-so-obscure cause of gastrointestinal bleeding.

A 66-year-old man was admitted to the hospital with a 2-day history of fatigue, dizziness on standing, and bright red blood from the rectum that transitioned to black, tarry stools. He reported no abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or weight loss. He had a history of several myocardial infarctions and subsequent ischemic cardiomyopathy (ejection fraction, approximately 20%); a HeartMate II left ventricular assist device (LVAD) had been placed 2.5 months earlier as destination therapy (i.e., permanent therapy for a patient who is not a candidate for heart transplantation). He also had chronic atrial fibrillation. Medications included warfarin (target international normalized ratio [INR], 2.0 to 3.0), low-dose aspirin, amiodarone, and metoprolol. On physical examination, the patient’s skin and conjunctiva were pale. The heart rate and blood pressure (measured by automated sphygmomanometry) were 74 beats per minute and 117/99 mm Hg, respectively. A continuous hum from the LVAD was heard in the precordial region. The abdomen was soft, with normoactive bowel sounds. Melena was noted in the patient’s bed. There were no stigmata of chronic liver disease.
Revision Rates and Risk Factors of 175 842 Patients Undergoing Septorhinoplasty.

IMPORTANCE Estimates of the rate of revision septorhinoplasty and the risk factors associated with revision are unknown because the current published literature is limited to small, retrospective, single-surgeon studies with limited follow-up time. OBJECTIVES To determine the rate of revision for septorhinoplasty surgery and to determine the risk factors associated with revision. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Retrospective cohort analysis of 175 842 patients undergoing septorhinoplasty between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2009, from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's State Inpatient Databases, State Ambulatory Surgery and Services Databases, and State Emergency Department Databases from California, Florida, and New York. Revisit information for these patients was then collected from the 3 databases between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2012, with a minimal follow-up time of 3 years; and study analysis done January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2012. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Revision surgery after an index septorhinoplasty was the main outcome measure, and the rate of revision was calculated within subgroups of patients based on different demographic and clinical characteristics. A multivariable model was then used to determine independent risk factors for the performance of revision surgery. RESULTS The study cohort comprised 175 842 participants who underwent septorhinoplasty procedures; mean (SD) age was 41.0 (15.3) years, and 57.0% were male. The overall revision rate for any septorhinoplasty procedure was 3.3% (5775 of 175 842) (99% CI, 3.2%-3.4%). After separating the patients into primary septorhinoplasty and secondary septorhinoplasty groups, the primary group had an overall revision rate of 3.1% (5389 of 172 324), while the secondary group had an overall revision rate of 11.0% (386 of 3518). Patient characteristics associated with an increased rate of revision include younger age (5.9% [633 of 10 727]), female sex (3.8% [2536 of 67 397]), a history of anxiety (3.9% [168 of 4350]) or autoimmune disease (4.4% [57 of 1286]), and surgery for cosmetic (7.9% [340 of 4289]) or congenital nasal deformities (8.9% [208 of 2334]). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The study results, derived from a large cohort of patients with long follow-up time, suggest that the rate of revision septorhinoplasty is low, but certain patient characteristics are associated with higher revision rates. These data provide valuable preoperative counseling information for patients and physicians. This study also provides robust data for third-party payers or government agencies in an era in which physician performance metrics require valid risk adjustment before being used for reimbursement and quality initiatives. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3.
Do Not Get Trapped into Crossing: Indian Firms and Foreign Markets

This paper examines the relationship between the exposure to foreign trade and productivity growth for a sample of Indian manufacturing firms. By testing a catching up model of productivity growth, it sheds some light on the nature of the relationship between the exposure to foreign competition and productivity growth. It finds a non linear relationship between firms’ export share and productivity gains. Productivity growth declines with the share of exports on total sales, up to a threshold ranging between 40 and 50 per cent and it increases thereafter. This result appears to be dominated by the behaviour of firms in traditional sectors like textile and clothing. In more technology intensive sectors, like pharmaceuticals, productivity gains also arise for smaller export shares. One likely explanation of this finding is that being successful in the export market for exporters of traditional products also requires investments in technological upgrading. These investments are less likely to be viable for marginal exporters. In fact, firms with a larger than 50 percent share of exports are also found to be more capital intensive and to use newer machinery than non exporters or marginal exporters. In contrast we find that human capital is not significantly different for different categories of firms.
Viruses and Virus Disease Complexes of Sweetpotato

Sweetpotato is an important crop for food security in many developing countries. Surveys have consistently listed virus diseases, especially sweetpotato virus disease (SPVD), as the most important diseases of this crop, yet they remain the most difficult diseases to manage. Much has been learned about sweetpotato viruses from independent research programs in different countries in recent years. Although there are indications that some viruses are yet to be isolated and characterized, there are at least 15 well characterized viruses now known from sweetpotato. It has become evident that sweetpotatoes are often infected by complexes of viruses and that interactions among these viruses influence the symptoms and yield losses. The crinivirus, Sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus (SPCSV), can greatly enhance the activity not only of the other key component of Sweet potato feathery mottle virus (SPFMV, a potyvirus), but also a number of other unrelated viruses. SPCSV will be the primary focus of future research to understand and control sweetpotato virus disease complexes. Sweetpotato begomoviruses are more widely distributed than previously recognized and may also require attention. International scientific exchange and collaboration could help determine why SPVD occurs in some countries but not others and provide insight to controlling this disease in the future.
The Position of the Deaf in the Swedish Labor Market

The position of deaf people in the Swedish labor market is described and analyzed. A population of 2,144 people born from 1941 to 1980 who attended special education programs for the deaf was compared to 100,000 randomly chosen individuals from the total Swedish population born during the same period. Data on these individuals consisted of registered information from 2005. It was found that the labor market position of the deaf population was not as good as that of the reference population. It was also found that differences in sex, age, immigration background, level of educational attainment, and region of residence did not affect the difference between the two populations in regard to labor market position. Instead, deafness itself appeared to be a crucial factor. The study also indicated difficulties in finding longterm solutions to the deaf population's problems finding employment.
Electrogenic ion transport in duodenum, an aid in cystic fibrosis diagnosis.

BACKGROUND Abnormality in chloride transport across epithelial tissues is a basic defect in cystic fibrosis (CF). Our aim was to compare the induced chloride secretion in duodenum in CF patients with different mutations. METHODS Duodenal biopsies from 9 patients were investigated in a modified Ussing chamber and the secretory response to prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and acetylcholine (ACh) were measured. RESULTS PGE2 and ACh induced no changes in chloride secretion in the AF508 homozygotes. In heterozygotes the induced change in chloride secretion corresponded to the severity of the known mutations. CONCLUSION The secretory response in duodenum in CF is influenced by the patients genotype and mainly related to sweat chloride secretion.
Personality Traits in the DSM–5

Recent advances in personality research coupled with a broad acknowledgment of the limitations of the representation of personality pathology in the third and fourth editions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM–III and DSM–IV) have positioned personality science to influence the shape of personality assessment in the fifth edition (DSM–5). Representing normative personality with well-validated traits that are broad, normally distributed, theoretically integrative, and distinct from personality disorder constructs would take optimal advantage of this opportunity. The assessment of normative traits would also link a large body of personality research with the practice of clinical diagnosis and would encourage clinicians to consider every patient's personality regardless of his or her diagnosis. Furthermore, conceptualizing personality traits and disorders separately would promote more careful clinical consideration of the functional severity and specific symptom constellations among personality disorders. Based on these considerations I argue that Five-factor model personality traits should be assessed separately from personality disorders in the DSM–5.
Ontogeny of the 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor in fetal rat bone

To gain insights into 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor (VDR) function during fetal bone development, we examined fetal rat tissues from gestational days 13–21 for the presence and distribution of VDR using immuno‐histochemistry. Prior to ossification, VDR epitopes were observed in the mesenchyme condensing to form skeletal tissues, on day 13 in the developing vertebral column and limbs, and on day 17 of gestation in developing calvaria. Immunostaining for VDR was seen in proliferating and hypertrophic chondrocytes and in osteoblasts of limb buds and the vertebral column by day 17 of gestation. In calvaria, VDR epitopes were observed in osteoblasts by gestational day 19. VDR immunostaining was also evident in the skin of fetal limbs at all gestational ages examined. We show for the first time that the VDR appears very early in the developing fetal rat skeleton, suggesting that the VDR, in concert with its ligand, 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3, may play a role in the differentiation of mesenchymal precursors into bone tissue.
Bif-1 regulates Atg9 trafficking by mediating the fission of Golgi membranes during autophagy

Atg9 is a transmembrane protein essential for autophagy which cycles between the Golgi network, late endosomes and LC3-positive autophagosomes in mammalian cells during starvation through a mechanism that is dependent on ULK1 and requires the activity of the class III phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3KC3). In this study, we demonstrate that the N-BAR-containing protein, Bif-1, is required for Atg9 trafficking and the fission of Golgi membranes during the induction of autophagy. Upon starvation, Atg9-positive membranes undergo continuous tubulation and fragmentation to produce cytoplasmic punctate structures that are positive for Rab5, Atg16L and LC3. Loss of Bif-1 or inhibition of the PI3KC3 complex II suppresses starvation-induced fission of Golgi membranes and peripheral cytoplasmic redistribution of Atg9. Moreover, Bif-1 mutants, which lack the functional regions of the N-BAR domain that are responsible for membrane binding and/or bending activity, fail to restore the fission of Golgi membranes as well as the formation of Atg9 foci and autophagosomes in Bif-1-deficient cells starved of nutrients. Taken together, these findings suggest that Bif-1 acts as a critical regulator of Atg9 puncta formation presumably by mediating Golgi fission for autophagosome biogenesis during starvation.
A multidisciplinary intervention to prevent the readmission of elderly patients with congestive heart failure.

BACKGROUND Congestive heart failure is the most common indication for admission to the hospital among older adults. Behavioral factors, such as poor compliance with treatment, frequently contribute to exacerbations of heart failure, a fact suggesting that many admissions could be prevented. METHODS We conducted a prospective, randomized trial of the effect of a nurse-directed, multidisciplinary intervention on rates of readmission within 90 days of hospital discharge, quality of life, and costs of care for high-risk patients 70 years of age or older who were hospitalized with congestive heart failure. The intervention consisted of comprehensive education of the patient and family, a prescribed diet, social-service consultation and planning for an early discharge, a review of medications, and intensive follow-up. RESULTS Survival for 90 days without readmission, the primary outcome measure, was achieved in 91 of the 142 patients in the treatment group, as compared with 75 of the 140 patients in the control group, who received conventional care (P = 0.09). There were 94 readmissions in the control group and 53 in the treatment group (risk ratio, 0.56; P = 0.02). The number of readmissions for heart failure was reduced by 56.2 percent in the treatment group (54 vs. 24, P = 0.04), whereas the number of readmissions for other causes was reduced by 28.5 percent (40 vs. 29, P not significant). In the control group, 23 patients (16.4 percent) had more than one readmission, as compared with 9 patients (6.3 percent) in the treatment group (risk ratio, 0.39; P = 0.01). In a subgroup of 126 patients, quality-of-life scores at 90 days improved more from base line for patients in the treatment group (P = 0.001). Because of the reduction in hospital admissions, the overall cost of care was $460 less per patient in the treatment group. CONCLUSIONS A nurse-directed, multidisciplinary intervention can improve quality of life and reduce hospital use and medical costs for elderly patients with congestive heart failure.