Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Parameterization and Reconstruction from 3D Scattered Points Based on Neural Network and PDE Techniques

Reverse engineering ordinarily uses laser scanners since they can sample 3D data quickly and accurately relative to other systems. These laser scanner systems, however, yield an enormous amount of irregular and scattered digitized point data that requires intensive reconstruction processing. Reconstruction of freeform objects consists of two main stages: parameterization and surface fitting. Selection of an appropriate parameterization is essential for topology reconstruction as well as surface fitness. Current parameterization methods have topological problems that lead to undesired surface fitting results, such as noisy self-intersecting surfaces. Such problems are particularly common with concave shapes whose parametric grid is self-intersecting, resulting in a fitted surface that considerably twists and changes its original shape. In such cases, other parameterization approaches should be used in order to guarantee non-self-intersecting behavior. The parameterization method described in this paper is based on two stages: 2D initial parameterization; and 3D adaptive parameterization. Two methods were developed for the first stage: partial differential equation (PDE) parameterization and neural network self organizing maps (SOM) parameterization. The Gradient Descent Algorithm (GDA) and Random Surface Error Correction (RSEC), both of which are iterative surface fitting methods, were developed and implemented.
Evaluation of polyvinyl alcohol cryogel as an acoustic coupling medium for low‐intensity transcranial focused ultrasound

Transcranial focused ultrasound (FUS) has emerged as a noninvasive neuromodulatory modality with exquisite depth penetration and spatial selectivity. Liquids, such as degassed water or mineral oil, are used as acoustic coupling media between the ultrasound‐generating transducer and the brain; however, they require a separate container that limits the spatial orientation of the transducers with respect to the sonication target. Nonliquid, gel‐like materials that do not require a housing container have been sought after as coupling media to overcome such limitations. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), when dissolved in water and undergone freeze–thaw cycle(s), forms a flexible hydrogel having a high level of acoustic transmission. To examine the feasibility of the PVA cryogel as the coupling material for transcranial FUS, the mechanical properties (in terms of its Young's modulus) and acoustic attenuation of the PVA cryogel were examined using different concentrations and number of freeze–thaw cycles. The cryogel with 6 or 7% (w/v) concentrations and two freeze–thaw cycles showed minimum pressure attenuation (on the order of 1%) across the different ultrasound frequencies (250–650 kHz). The cryogel was molded to fit around a single‐element FUS transducer and was applied to a head phantom, showing the flexibility in orienting the sonication paths at different angles and depths. The use of the cryogel did not alter the location and shape of acoustic focal profile compared to the one measured in the degassed water. The present work suggests that PVA cryogel may be used as an alternative acoustic coupling medium for low‐intensity FUS applications.
Healthline: do primary care doctors agree with the advice?

AIMS To assess agreement between the advice to symptomatic callers to Healthline, and that advised by primary care doctors given the same clinical information, and thus to assess the safety of Healthline advice. METHODS Ninety records of symptomatic calls to Healthline were examined by three primary care specialists, blinded to the actual advice given. They independently recorded what they would have advised, and their advice was compared with that actually given by the Healthline nurse guided by Care Enhance Call Centre software. RESULTS Variation among the three doctors was greater than that between the median doctor and Healthline. In 82% of cases, the median doctor triaged to an endpoint close to (or lower than) Healthline. In all but one of the remainder, at least one doctor thought there was no risk to the patient (i.e. in 99% of cases). Review of that case indicated nurse error and the guideline itself was judged to be safe. CONCLUSION New Zealand primary care specialists regarded the Care Enhance Call Centre decision support software used by Healthline as clinically safe.
Effects of L-carnitine supplementation of diets differing in energy levels on performance, abdominal fat content, and yield and composition of edible meat of broilers

Responses to supplemental dietary l-carnitine of broilers fed on diets with different levels of metabolizable energy (ME) were investigated using growth performance and some carcass measurements. Three isonitrogenous diets containing 13.5, 12.8 or 12.2 MJ ME/kg were formulated, with or without supplemental l-carnitine (50mg/kg) and fed ad libitum from 18 to 53 d of age. Supplemental l-carnitine increased body-weight gain (BWG) and improved feed conversion (FC) during the first 2 weeks of study. FC was also improved during the fourth week of the experiment. Weights of breast yield and thigh meat yield were significantly increased, whereas quantity and percentage of abdominal fat were reduced by supplemental l-carnitine. A significant interaction between supplemental dietary l-carnitine and dietary energy level was noted for BWG and FC during the second week of study.
Cardiac effects of a competitive road race in trained child runners.

BACKGROUND Animal studies and investigations of adult endurance athletes indicate a transient depression of myocardial function after prolonged high-intensity exercise. PURPOSE To determine whether a similar decrease is observed in child distance runners after a 4-km competitive road race. METHODS Anthropometric measures, resting M-mode echocardiograms, maximal cycle exercise tests with estimation of cardiac output, and electrocardiograms were performed before a 4-km road race in nine run-trained boys (mean age, 12.2 years). Weight and resting echocardiogram and electrocardiogram were assessed immediately after the race. The entire test battery was repeated 24 hours later. RESULTS Small but significant decreases in mean body weight and left ventricular end-diastolic dimension were observed immediately after the race, but there were no changes in shortening fraction. These findings are consistent with the effects of dehydration. Measurements returned to prerace values by 24 hours of recovery. Peak work capacity, maximal stroke volume, and maximal cardiac output were similar on prerace and 24-hour-postrace testing. No electrocardiographic abnormalities were observed. CONCLUSIONS No adverse cardiac effects were observed from a competitive 4-km road race in male child distance runners.
The Impact of Economic Freedom on Per Capita Real GDP: A Study of OECD Nations

This study of the impact of economic freedom on per capita real GDP among OECD nations over the 2003-2006 period, with each OECD nation during this time frame being treated as a de facto “economic region” within the OECD, finds strong initial support for the hypothesis proffered here that the higher the degree of economic freedom, the higher the level of economic activity and hence the higher the per capita real GDP level. In particular, the per capita real GDP level in each of the 30 nations/regions in existence as OECD members over the study period is shown, using fixed-effects PLS estimations, to be an increasing function of business freedom, freedom from corruption, investment freedom, monetary freedom, government size freedom, trade freedom, and property rights freedom.
Multicenter study of human immunodeficiency virus-related germ cell tumors.

PURPOSE Testicular germ cell tumors (GCT) occur at increased frequency in men with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This multicenter study addresses the characteristics of these tumors. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with HIV-related GCT were identified from six HIV treatment centers. The incidence was calculated from the center with the most complete linked oncology and HIV databases. RESULTS Thirty-five patients with HIV-related GCT were identified. The median age at GCT diagnosis was 34 years (range, 27 to 64 years). The median CD4 cell count was 315/mm3 (range, 90 to 960/mm3) at this time. The histologic classification was seminoma in 26 patients (74%) and nonseminomatous GCT in nine patients (26%). Twenty-one patients (60%) had stage I disease and 14 patients had metastatic disease. Overall six patients relapsed, three died from GCT, and seven died from HIV disease, resulting in a 2-year overall survival rate of 81%. HIV-related seminoma occurred more frequently than in the age- and sex-matched HIV-negative population, with a relative risk of 5.4 (95% confidence interval, 3.35 to 8.10); however, nonseminomatous GCT did not occur more frequently, and there was no change in the incidence of GCT since the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy. CONCLUSION Testicular seminoma occurs significantly more frequently in HIV-positive men than in the matched control population. Patients with HIV-related GCTs present and should be treated in a similar manner to those in the HIV-negative population. After a median follow-up of 4.6 years, 9% of the patients died from GCT. Most of the mortality relates to HIV infection.
PRECLINICAL STUDY: A microdialysis study of extracellular levels of acamprosate and naltrexone in the rat brain following acute and repeated administration

Acamprosate and naltrexone are widely used in the treatment of alcoholism. However, numerous studies in rodents have shown differential effects of these compounds on alcohol consumption and/or relapse‐like behavior following acute versus repeated administration. In order to determine if these differential behavioral effects could be attributable to changes in extracellular levels of these compounds, we used in vivo microdialysis to monitor extracellular levels of acamprosate and naltrexone in the rat medial prefrontal cortex following acute and repeated intraperitoneal administration. For acute treatment, animals received a single administration of acamprosate (100 or 300 mg/kg) or naltrexone (1 or 3 mg/kg). For repeated treatment, animals received once daily treatment with saline, acamprosate (300 mg/kg) or naltrexone (3 mg/kg) for 10 days before a subsequent challenge with the compound according to their respective pretreatment group. Dialysate levels of acamprosate and naltrexone were analyzed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and high performance liquid chromatography, respectively. Following acute administration, peak dialysate concentrations of each compound were dose‐dependent, observed within 1 hour of administration, and were found to be in the low micromolar range for acamprosate and in the low to mid‐nanomolar range for naltrexone. Pretreatment with acamprosate, but not naltrexone, for 10 days resulted in higher dialysate concentrations of the compound relative to saline‐pretreated controls. Thus, repeated administration of acamprosate, but not naltrexone, results in augmented extracellular levels of the compound in the brain relative to saline‐pretreated controls, which may explain the need for repeated administration of acamprosate in order to observe effects on alcohol consumption and/or relapse.
A Safe, Simple Technique for Transseptal Catheterization

Transseptal catheterization is required for atrial fibrillation ablation and many ablations for atrial tachycardias, left atrial flutters, and accessory pathways. Using a Brockenbrough needle or other specialized device adds time, expense, and risk of potential complications such as atrial or aortic perforation, pericardial effusion, and tamponade to these procedures. We present a simple, low‐risk technique for transseptal catheterization.
Metabolic syndrome after pediatric liver transplantation

Half of adult liver transplantation (LT) recipients develop metabolic syndrome, but the prevalence after childhood LT remains unknown. We conducted a national cross‐sectional study of all living patients who had undergone LT between 1987 and 2007 at an age less than 18 years. We gathered information on blood pressure, body composition, serum lipids, glucose metabolism, and histological liver fat content. The diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome of the American Heart Association and the International Diabetes Federation were used. After a median post‐LT follow‐up time of 12 years, half of all patients had no components of metabolic syndrome. The prevalence of overweight/obesity was 20%, and the prevalence of hypertension was 24%. Serum triglycerides were high in 9%, and high‐density lipoprotein levels were low in 23%. Fasting glucose levels were impaired in 14%, but none had diabetes. Altogether, 9 patients (14%) had metabolic syndrome. Moderate liver steatosis found in protocol liver biopsy samples was associated with the accumulation of metabolic syndrome features (P = 0.01). No significant associations were found between immunosuppressive medications and metabolic syndrome. In conclusion, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome after childhood LT is similar to the prevalence in the general population of the same age. Guidelines for the general population, therefore, seem valid for the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome after pediatric LT as well. Liver Transpl 20:1185–1192, 2014. © 2014 AASLD.
Macular Function in Prediabetic and Diabetic Omani Adults: A Microperimetric Evaluation

Purpose. To assess if functional visual loss preceded structural changes or vice versa in diabetic patients by evaluating the macular function in prediabetic patients and in diabetic patients with varying grades of retinopathy and comparing the findings with those of age-matched healthy controls by means of microperimetry Methods. Retinal sensitivity, fixation pattern, and test response were evaluated in 25 prediabetic patients (50 eyes), 25 diabetic patients (50 eyes), and 25 age-related normal nondiabetic patients (50 eyes) using Nidek microperimetry. The diabetic patients were classified into 3 groups on the basis of clinical and fundus fluorescein angiographic evidence: group 1 = no clinical or angiographic evidence of retinopathy, group 2 = background retinopathy only, group 3 = with macular edema. Classification of retinopathy was based on Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study standards. Statistical analysis was conducted by Fisher exact test. Results. In diabetic patients, 20 eyes (40%) had no clinical or angiographic evidence of retinopathy, 13 eyes (26 %) had background changes, and 17 eyes (34%) had macular edema. Statistically significant difference in the fixation pattern, test response, and retinal sensitivity was noted in the diabetic and the prediabetic patients when compared to the controls. Conclusions. Significant loss of macular function in the eyes of prediabetic subjects was noted. These preliminary findings probably support the hypothesis that neurodegeneration precedes mi-croangiopathy.
Israeli psychiatrists report on their ability to care for individuals with intellectual disability and psychiatric disorders.

BACKGROUND The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities enshrines the right of people with intellectual disability to optimal mental health services. However, the literature suggests that psychiatrists' ability to meet such a standard is questionable. Psychiatrists' self-assessment regarding their training, knowledge and skills in working with this population was examined, as well as the availability of continuous education resources. METHODS A questionnaire was completed by 256 psychiatrists working within the public sector in Israel. RESULTS Training in the field was very low; average level of self-perceived knowledge and skills was found to be slightly below the midpoint of the scale, while actual knowledge, as assessed through a case vignette, was found to be low for all psychiatrists, in particular for general psychiatrists. DISCUSSION Results point to an urgent need to increase the level of knowledge and skills of psychiatrists and improve the level of services offered to people with intellectual disabilities and mental health problems. Various options for achieving this are presented.
Simplified Bacterial “Pore” Channel Provides Insight into the Assembly, Stability, and Structure of Sodium Channels*

Eukaryotic sodium channels are important membrane proteins involved in ion permeation, homeostasis, and electrical signaling. They are long, multidomain proteins that do not express well in heterologous systems, and hence, structure/function and biochemical studies on purified sodium channel proteins have been limited. Bacteria produce smaller, homologous tetrameric single domain channels specific for the conductance of sodium ions. They consist of N-terminal voltage sensor and C-terminal pore subdomains. We designed a functional pore-only channel consisting of the final two transmembrane helices, the intervening P-region, and the C-terminal extramembranous region of the sodium channel from the marine bacterium Silicibacter pomeroyi. This sodium “pore” channel forms a tetrameric, folded structure that is capable of supporting sodium flux in phospholipid vesicles. The pore-only channel is more thermally stable than its full-length counterpart, suggesting that the voltage sensor subdomain may destabilize the full-length channel. The pore subdomains can assemble, fold, and function independently from the voltage sensor and exhibit similar ligand-blocking characteristics as the intact channel. The availability of this simple pore-only construct should enable high-level expression for the testing of potential new ligands and enhance our understanding of the structural features that govern sodium selectivity and permeability.
Radiographic signs of bone destruction in the arthritic temporomandibular joint with special reference to markers of disease activity. A longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the progression of radiographic changes of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) with reference to plasma levels of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), C-reactive protein (CRP) and disease duration. METHODS Twenty-one patients with chronic inflammatory joint disease and TMJ involvement were included. Individualized tomography of the TMJ was performed twice with an interval of at least 12 months. Blood samples were analysed for IL-1beta and CRP. RESULTS Significant progression of the overall grade of radiographic changes occurred during the observation period, whereas erosions showed great interindividual variability. Progression of TMJ bone loss was correlated to raised levels of CRP and, in patients with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, or with shorter duration, also to plasma IL-1beta. CONCLUSION Progression of overall grade of radiographic changes in the TMJ occurs in patients with chronic inflammatory joint disease. Raised levels of serum CRP are associated with progression of TMJ bone loss.
Russischer Agrarsektor im Aufschwung? Eine Analyse der technischen und Skaleneffizienz der Agrarunternehmen

Dieses Discussion Paper beschaftigt sich mit der Analyse der technischen und Skaleneffizienz russischer Agrarunternehmen im Transformationsprozess. Insbesondere wird hierbei der Einfluss der Faktoren Betriebsgrose, Rechtsform und Spezialisierung auf die Effizienz untersucht. Um die Auswirkungen der Reformen und die Veranderungen in den Agrarunternehmen zu erfassen, werden die Jahre 1993 und 2000 miteinander verglichen. Als methodisches Instrument wurde ein input-orientiertes Modell der Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) zur Effizienzanalyse sowie DEA-Supereffizienzmodell zur Identifikation von Ausreisern und Uberprufung der Stabilitat der Daten gewahlt. Analysiert wurden im Jahr 1993 373 und im Jahr 2000 367 Nachfolgebetriebe ehemaliger Kolchosen und Sowchosen in Oblast Moskau. Die Ergebnisse der DEA-Modellrechnungen zeigen eine Verbesserung der durchschnittlichen Effizienz im Vergleich von 1993 zu 2000. Bei der Betrachtung der Einflussfaktoren auf die technische Effizienz hat die Wahl der Rechtsform keinen Einfluss. Hingegen beeinflussen Betriebsgrose und Spezialisierung die technische und Skaleneffizienz in beiden Jahren.
Satisfaction Survey : Towards A "Learner-Centered" Support Services

In its basic form, learner-centred support services encompass all aspects of learning and service delivery supports to meet the needs of the learners. In an open and distance learning environment, learners are of diverse background with unique needs that demand the development of special services to support their learning. Open University Malaysia (OUM) is Malaysia’s first open and distance learning (ODL) institution, catering mainly to the working adults who aspire to upgrade their skills and knowledge for better career promotions or better job prospects. In its relentless effort to increase its learners’ satisfaction and retention rates, a satisfaction survey is conducted to assist in better designing, developing and deploying the array of services required by learners. The survey incorporated six dimensions that make up the elements of learner support services in OUM. They are: Assessment; Students’ Record; Learner Centeredness; Teaching and Learning; Registration & Orientation and Student Affairs. T-statistics are used to determine the significant differences in the level of satisfaction of two different cohorts of learners. The findings of the survey are very useful in assisting the management of OUM in formulating suitable strategies to fulfill the needs of its learners, particularly in (i) identifying areas for improving performance; (ii) revising policies and (iii) modifying/creating procedures that would improve services to these learners.
A Low-Complexity Optimum Detection Based On High-Rate Full-Diversity Mimo Space Time Block Codes

The 2 × 2 MIMO profiles included in Mobile Wi-MAX specifications are Alamouti’s space-time block code (STBC) for transmit diversity and spatial multiplexing (SM). The former has full diversity and the latter has full rate, but neither of them has both of these desired features. An alternative 2×2 STBC, which is both full rate and full diversity, is the Golden code. It is the best known 2×2 STBC, but it has a high decoding complexity. Recently, the attention was turned to the decoder complexity, this issue was included in the STBC design criteria, and different STBCs were proposed. In this paper, we first present a high-rate full-diversity 2×2 STBC design leading to substantially lower complexity of the optimum detector compared to the Golden code with only a slight performance loss. We provide the general optimized form of this STBC and show that this scheme achieves the diversity multiplexing frontier for square QAM signal constellations. Then, we present a variant of the proposed STBC, which provides a further decrease in the detection complexity with a rate reduction of 25% and show that this provides an interesting trade-off between the Alamouti scheme and SM.
A comparative study of childhood psoriasis and atopic dermatitis and greater understanding of the overlapping condition, psoriasis‐dermatitis

Background and Objectives: Psoriasis (Pso) in children may be confused clinically with atopic dermatitis (AD) and, indeed, the two conditions may co‐exist. The aim of this study was to determine historical and clinical features that are different in paediatric Pso and AD and to describe children who have features of both: psoriasis‐dermatitis overlap (PD).