Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Learning curve for the transsphenoidal endoscopic endonasal approach to pituitary tumors

Abstract Introduction: The transsphenoidal endoscopic approach is a relatively new procedure compared to the microscopic approach in pituitary adenoma resection. The endoscopic approach has shown to significantly decrease the rate of complications, time in the operating room and hospital, and patient post-op discomfort. However, this procedure requires the surgeon to make use of different visual and tactile clues that must be developed with experience. Therefore, it is important to understand the learning curve that the surgeon must overcome to become proficient with the endoscopic approach. Methods: Retrospective review of a single-surgeon consecutive series of 78 patients undergoing endoscopic pituitary tumor surgery from 2006 to 2012 at Rush University Medical Center has been used in this study. Patients were grouped according to an early (n = 9) and late group (n = 68) determined by a significant difference in outcomes. Our primary outcome measures were: duration of operation, CSF leak, hospital length of stay, visual field improvement, diabetes insipidus, panhypopituitarism, and subtotal resection. Results: There was a significant reduction in OR time and intraoperative CSF leaks between the early and late groups. There was no difference in hospital LOS or visual field improvement between the groups. With regards to complication rates, there was no difference found for DI, panhypopituitarism, lumbar drain placement, sinusitis, or subtotal resection between the two groups. Conclusion: This study indicates that there may be a learning curve of approximately 9 cases before a surgical team can decrease OR times and reduce the rate of intraoperative CSF leaks for the endonasal endoscopic approach to pituitary adenoma resection.
TrustCAM: Security and Privacy-Protection for an Embedded Smart Camera Based on Trusted Computing

Security and privacy protection are critical issues forpublic acceptance of camera networks. Smart cameras,with onboard image processing, can be used to identifyand remove privacy sensitive image regions. Existing approaches,however, only address isolated aspects withoutconsidering the integration with established security technologiesand the underlying platform. This work tries to fillthis gap and presents TrustCAM, a security-enhanced smartcamera. Based on Trusted Computing, we realize integrityprotection, authenticity and confidentiality of image data.Multiple levels of privacy protection, together with accesscontrol, are supported. Impact on overall system performanceis evaluated on a real prototype implementation.
Post‐treatment‐Free Solution‐Processed Non‐stoichiometric NiOx Nanoparticles for Efficient Hole‐Transport Layers of Organic Optoelectronic Devices

In the early stage, Marks and co-workers [ 13 ] reported a striking performance improvement of OSCs by replacing PEDOT:PSS with NiO x ﬁ lm using a pulsed-laser deposition technology. From then on, NiO x HTLs have been reported for organic optoelectronics by various preparation methods, such as thermal evaporation, [ 14 ] sputtering, [ 9a ] and solution process. [ 9d , 15 ] Among them, solution process method is desirable for low-cost, large-scale and roll-to-roll production. Olson and co-workers [ proposed a solution-processed NiO x ﬁ lm as highly efﬁ cient HTL in OSCs. The functional NiO x HTL was fabricated through annealing the precursor ﬁ lm at a temperature of 275 ° C. So and co-workers [ 17 also presented a NiO x ﬁ lm by using monoethanolamine (MEA) to react with Ni in ethanol solution followed by thermally converting (275 ° C) coordination complexes ions [Ni(MEA) 2 (OAc)] + into high-quality NiO x . Mean-while, solution-processed NiO x at 150 ° C has also been realized. Ma and co-workers reported a solution-processed NiO x ﬁ lm with an experimental resolution of 0.025 eV. AFM was measured by using NanoScope III (Digital Instrument) in the tapping mode. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was performed using a Philips Tecnai G2 20 S-TWIN. Transmittance measurement was performed under a dark ambient environment by using spectroscopic ellipsometry (Woollam). Current density–voltage ( J – V ) characteristics were obtained by using a Keithley 2635 source meter and Newport AM 1.5G solar simulator with 100 mW cm − 2 illumination. The J – V and luminance–voltage ( L – V ) data of the prepared devices were measured with a Keithley 2400 and a calibrated Si photodiode.
Decreased interleukin‐10 and increased interleukin‐12p40 mRNA are associated with disease activity and characterize different disease stages in multiple sclerosis

It has been shown that proinflammatory and antiinflammatory cytokines correlate with disease activity in multiple sclerosis (MS). To establish whether such correlations depend on the disease stage, we assessed in a longitudinal fashion the expression of interleukin (IL)‐12 (p40 and p35), tumor necrosis factor‐α, interferon‐γ, and IL‐10 mRNA by competitive polymerase chain reaction in unstimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells of relapsing–remitting (RR) and secondary progressive (SP) MS patients, in relation to monthly clinical and magnetic resonance imaging monitoring. MS patients had increased levels of IL‐12p40 and decreased levels of IL‐10 mRNA compared with controls; this difference was most pronounced in SP patients. Both RR and SP patients had increased levels of IL‐12p40 mRNA compared with controls during the development of active lesions. Moreover, in RR MS an increase was found before relapse. IL‐12p35 mRNA was decreased in both groups, and in relation to disease activity it showed a pattern different from IL‐12p40 mRNA. In RR MS, IL‐10 mRNA was low 4 weeks before magnetic resonance imaging activity and 6 weeks before relapse; a significant increase to normal levels was noted when active lesions became apparent. In contrast, SP patients showed low IL‐10 mRNA levels constitutively, suggesting that IL‐10 plays an important role in the control of disease progression. Ann Neurol 1999;45:695–703
Implant stability, tissue conditions, and patient self-evaluation after treatment with osseointegrated implants in the posterior mandible.

BACKGROUND Implant treatment in the posterior mandible is considered challenging because of bone resorption and the presence of the inferior alveolar nerve, which may result in the use of short implants. PURPOSE To evaluate implant stability, tissue conditions, and patient opinion after treatment with implant-supported bridges in the posterior mandible. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-four patients treated with implant-supported bridges in the posterior mandible according to a two-stage protocol were clinically and radiographically examined and interviewed after a mean functional time of 3.9 years. One hundred five Brånemark implants (Nobel Biocare AB, Gothenburg, Sweden) were placed in premolar and molar regions to support 40 bridges. Twenty-eight implants were placed anterior to the mental foramen, and 77 implants were placed posterior to the mental foramen. Bridges were supported either by two or by three implants. After 2 to 6 years, the bridges were removed to analyze the resonance frequency of the implants with the use of a special instrument (Osstell instrument, Integration Diagnostics AB, Gothenburg, Sweden), and an implant stability quotient (ISQ) was recorded for each implant. RESULTS One implant was lost. An ISQ range of 59 to 90 (mean, 70.05) expressed stability of fully integrated implants in the posterior mandible. Significantly higher (p < .024) ISQ values were found in implants in three-implant bridges when compared with implants in two-implant bridges. There were no differences in ISQ values between molars/premolars, implant types, implant widths, implant lengths, anchoring depth, or uni- or bilateral mandibular bridges. Good mucosal health in the periimplant soft tissue and minor bone resorption around the implants were observed. Patients were generally very satisfied with the treatment outcome. CONCLUSIONS High implant stability can be reached in the posterior mandible. The implants were more stable in three-implant bridges than in two-implant bridges. The patients were highly satisfied with the treatment, and few complications were seen.
Earthing resistance measurement technique without using auxiliary electrodes

This paper proposes a technique for measuring earthing resistance without using auxiliary electrodes. A new measurement technique and a measurement tool (earth tester) are introduced and discussed. The new technique is examined by comparing with the existing method (three poles method). The earthing resistance deviation between the new technique and the existing method are less than 10-20%. It is found that the new technique is useful to evaluate or check earthing resistance when earth soil surface is covered by pavement or stones
Outcomes of patients with hypertension and non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus treated by different systems and specialties. Results from the medical outcomes study.

OBJECTIVE To compare the outcomes of patients with hypertension and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) who were cared for in three different systems of care and by generalist and subspecialist physicians. DESIGN An observational study with follow-up at three periods: (1) a 2-year study of 532 patients with hypertension and 170 patients with NIDDM who had entrance and exit histories, physical examinations, and laboratory tests; (2) a 4-year follow-up of 1044 patients with hypertension and 317 patients with NIDDM based on patient-reported functional status; and (3) 7-year mortality for 1296 patients with hypertension and 424 patients with NIDDM. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Patients sampled from health maintenance organizations, large multispecialty groups, and solo or single-specialty group practices in Boston, Mass, Los Angeles, Calif, and Chicago, Ill. Patients were designated as belonging to one of three systems of care: fee for service; prepaid patients in solo or small single-specialty groups or in large multispecialty group practices, referred to as independent practice associations; and staff-model health maintenance organizations. The principal providers were family practitioners, general internists, cardiologists, or endocrinologists. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Physiological, functional, and mortality. For hypertension, we measured blood pressure and stroke incidence. For NIDDM, we measured blood pressure, glycosylated hemoglobin level, visual function, vibration sense, ulcers and infections in the feet, and albumin excretion rate. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Mortality was assessed for the 7 years following the entrance examination. RESULTS We found no evidence that any one system of care or physician specialty achieved consistently better 2-year or 4-year outcomes than others for patients with NIDDM or hypertension. Endocrinologists appeared to achieve better foot-ulcer and infection outcomes for patients with NIDDM, particularly when compared with family practitioners. However, no other specialist differences were found in any individual measures for either condition. Moreover, no adjusted mortality differences among systems or among physicians specialties were observed in the 7-year follow-up period. CONCLUSION No meaningful differences were found in the mean health outcomes for patients with hypertension or NIDDM, whether they were treated by different care systems or by different physician specialists. Although prepaid medicine relies more heavily on generalist physicians than does fee for service, there is no evidence from these analyses that the quality of care of moderately ill patients with these two common disease was adversely affected. These findings must be viewed in light of the historically higher costs of fee-for-service medicine and of subspecialty physician practice.
Belief propagation with Gaussian priors for pilot-assisted communication over fading ISI channels

Application of the belief propagation (BP) algorithm is proposed for pilot-assisted reception of Gaussian distributed symbols over unknown inter-symbol interference channels whose parameters are also Gaussian distributed. The proposed Bayesian network graph for the demodulator includes the channel parameters as explicit nodes, allowing the combined estimation of the channel and information bearing symbols with the aid of pilot symbols. Since direct application of BP is not tractable for this model, the algorithm is obtained by introducing approximations of the message distributions appropriately. The proposed algorithm is parallel in nature, is suitable for sparse channels, and can be easily extended to coded systems for joint demodulation and decoding. The numerical results show near-optimal performance in the minimum mean squared error sense for a small example, and a performance better than that of iterative semi-blind equalization with batch matrix-based estimators for the general case.
LACEwING: A New Moving Group Analysis Code

We present a new nearby young moving group (NYMG) kinematic membership analysis code, LocAting Constituent mEmbers In Nearby Groups (LACEwING), a new Catalog of Suspected Nearby Young Stars, a new list of bona fide members of moving groups, and a kinematic traceback code. LACEwING is a convergence-style algorithm with carefully vetted membership statistics based on a large numerical simulation of the Solar Neighborhood. Given spatial and kinematic information on stars, LACEwING calculates membership probabilities in 13 NYMGs and three open clusters within 100 pc. In addition to describing the inputs, methods, and products of the code, we provide comparisons of LACEwING to other popular kinematic moving group membership identification codes. As a proof of concept, we use LACEwING to reconsider the membership of 930 stellar systems in the Solar Neighborhood (within 100 pc) that have reported measurable lithium equivalent widths. We quantify the evidence in support of a population of young stars not attached to any NYMGs, which is a possible sign of new as-yet-undiscovered groups or of a field population of young stars.
Induction of precocious sexual development in female pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha).

Acceleration of ovarian maturation was achieved in immature pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) with injections of chinook (spring) salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) gonadotropin alone, and in combination with estradiol 17β. Oocytes containing yolk globules were evident in fish treated three times per week with 1.0 μg/g body weight salmon gonadotropin in combination with 1.5 μg/g body weight estradiol 17β for 126 days. After 168 days they were also seen in salmon treated with the same dosage of salmon gonadotropin alone. Estradiol 17β alone, at a dosage of 15 μg/g body weight, or in combination with salmon gonadotropin, inhibited vitellogenesis. Formation of oocytes 2 mm in diameter required months of treatment with 1.0 μg/g body weight salmon gonadotropin in combination with 1.5 μg/g body weight estradiol 17β, and 9 months of injections with 1.0 μg/g body weight gonadotropin alone. Few large yolky oocytes were developed by any of the treatments. Large numbers of preovulatory corpora atretica were observ.
The Nature of Contact between Native Greenlanders and Norse

ABSTRACT Recent archaeology has introduced a new people into the scenario of 13th-century Greenland – the Dorset people of the Paleo-Eskimo tradition. These people were encountered by Norse hunters who travelled northwards on their hunting forays, as described in Historia Norvegiae, which recounts contact with the so-called Skrælíngja. The question of who these Skrælíngja were has been discussed since the discovery of the source in the late 19th century. It has been proposed that they were the Inuit of the Thule culture. We now know that three different cultures—Paleo-Eskimo, Inuit, and Europeans—impacted on the development of Greenland's history in the first half of the second millennium AD. This paper addresses issues of interactions between them.
Assessing the Cost of Time-Inconsistent Operation Policies in Hydrothermal Power Systems

The current state-of-the-art method used for medium- and long-term planning studies of hydrothermal power system operation is the stochastic dual dynamic programming (SDDP) algorithm. The computational savings provided by this method notwithstanding, it still relies on major system simplifications to achieve acceptable performances in practical applications. In contrast with its actual implementation, simplifications in the planning stage may induce time-inconsistent policies, and consequently, a suboptimality gap. In this paper, we extend the concept of time inconsistency to measure the effects of modeling simplifications in the SDDP framework for hydrothermal operation planning. Case studies involving simplifications in transmission lines modeling and in security criteria indicate that these source of time inconsistency may result in unexpected reservoir depletion and spikes in energy market spot prices.
Big data analysis of swimming pools' impact on household electric intensity in San Antonio, Texas

This study advances efforts to achieve residential energy efficiency in order to promote overall energy conservation and a more sustainable future. The study specifically examines the relationship between residential swimming pools and overall electric household energy consumption. Electric energy intensity figures were calculated from an analysis of 2010 monthly billing utility data for approximately 350,012 single-family homes in San Antonio, Texas. In this analysis, a positive correlation was found between swimming pool presence and overall household energy consumption. On average, San Antonio homes with pools used over 40% more energy than homes without pools. This finding is within range of similar industry reports. This trend is broadly applicable across social and geographical regions. Consequently, it is argued that the presence of pools serves as a reliable indicator of other household structural, demographic, and behavioural features associated with higher energy consumption. Together, these findings offer important insights into ways to improve residential energy efficiency for the future, why it is important to do so, and how big data analysis can continue to be used to facilitate the achievement of this goal.
Detection of HEV antigen as a novel marker for the diagnosis of hepatitis E

Infection with hepatitis E virus (HEV) may be diagnosed by the presence of HEV RNA or anti‐HEV antibodies. An enzyme immunoassay (EIA) was developed for the detection of antigen. Twenty‐four monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were produced. An indirect sandwich EIA was developed to detect HEV antigen using a combination of three mAbs as coating antibodies. Approximately 44.6% (33/74), 28.6% (50/175), and none (0/27) of sera positive for anti‐HEV IgM alone, both anti‐HEV IgM and IgG, and anti‐HEV IgG alone also were positive for HEV antigen using this EIA. Forty‐two HEV antibody‐positive sera were tested for HEV RNA and antigen in parallel and the concordance was 81.0% (34/42). All PCR products were found to belong to HEV genotype 4. In order to evaluate the temporal relationship between HEV antigen positivity and HEV RNA, anti‐HEV IgG and IgM, and ALT concentrations, macaques were infected with HEV genotypes 1 and 4 and serial samples were collected. The results showed that the antigen EIA can detect the capsid proteins of both genotypes. HEV antigen was detectable prior to ALT elevation and the appearance of anti‐HEV antibodies in the infected monkeys and lasted for several weeks in all cases. HEV antigen became detectable in the serum at almost the same time as HEV RNA in feces but persisted for 4 weeks less than HEV RNA. This assay should be valuable for the diagnosis of acute hepatitis E, particularly in the window period prior to seroconversion to anti‐HEV. J. Med. Virol. 78:1441–1448, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Commentary on Diagnosing Major Depressive Disorder: Ask Less That We Embrace Major Depression and Ask More What the Concept Does for Us

In a series of articles commencing in this issue, Mark Zimmerman et al. pursue the definition of DSM-IV-defined major depression, seeking to improve the psychometric properties of the current criteria set. They examine the diagnostic predictability and discrimination provided by both its nine listed criteria and their 17 constituent symptoms in a very large outpatient sample of patients where depressive and anxiety conditions predominated. These papers, reflecting much thoughtful, meticulously planned and tenacious research, will be of major assistance to those whose task it is to review classificatory and taxonomic systems, and where the importance of diagnostic precision cannot be underestimated. Future DSM committees will clearly need to consider these papers carefully.
A Nonparametric Model for Short-Term Travel Time Prediction Using Bluetooth Data

Reliable travel time prediction enables both users and system controllers to be well informed of the future conditions on roadways. This in turn helps with informed pre-trip plans and effective traffic control strategies. This article studies short-time travel time prediction for stochastic freeway applications using real time Bluetooth travel time data. A set of four prediction models including historical average, auto-regressive integrated moving average (ARIMA), Kalman filter, and K-nearest neighbors (KNN), are implemented. A modified nonparametric model KNN-T is proposed that considers the traffic pattern features to enhance the basic KNN model with trend adjustment. The results of the prediction performances of each model from the case studies are investigated and reported. Results indicated that both nonparametric models, the basic KNN and KNN-T, outperformed the historical average, ARIMA, and Kalman filter models by decreasing the MAPE more than 10% for the all-day period and 20% for peak-hour periods in prediction accuracy. The proposed KNN-T model displayed 2.5% to 4.8% decrease in MAPE than KNN model for all-day and peak-hour periods, respectively, indicating that the KNN-T model captures not only the value but also the time-varying trend, which would lead to a more precise match with the future traffic conditions.
Protein Kinase Cδ Mediates Platelet-Induced Breast Cancer Cell Invasion

Platelets play an important role in carcinogenesis, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. To investigate the effects of platelets on in vitro invasion of MCF7 human breast cancer cells, human MCF7 cells were used to study their interactions with platelets using aggregometry and cell invasion chambers. Zymography and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were used to study matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), whereas Western blot was used to study protein kinase C (PKC) δ in MCF7 cells. We observed that platelets promoted invasion of MCF7 cells (3-fold increase, p < 0.05, n = 3) and that this process correlated with a dramatic increase in MMP-9 (8 fold-increase, p < 0.001, n = 3), which is known to facilitate cancer cell invasion. Because both platelets and MCF7 cells have been shown to release MMP-9, we investigated the cellular source that accounted for this increase. The time course and the use of specific protein synthesis inhibitors demonstrated that most of the increase in MMP-9 levels derived from de novo synthesis of this protease by cancer cells. Furthermore, platelets activated PKCδ in MCF7 cells after 1 h of incubation (18.45 ± 4.75% increase, p < 0.05, n = 4-7), which, in turn, led to an up-regulation of MMP-9 mRNA (from 60 ± 20 to 1040 ± 100 pg, p < 0.001, n = 3) and protein levels (18-fold increase, p < 0.001, n = 3), with the subsequent cell invasion-promoting effects. PKCδ plays a crucial role in transducing the invasion-promoting effects of platelets in breast cancer cells, and the specific inhibition of PKCδ may be a strategy to decrease platelet-mediated cancer cell invasion.