Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of maternal thyroid function during pregnancy: the importance of using gestational age-specific reference intervals.

BACKGROUND Maternal thyroid dysfunction has been associated with a variety of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Laboratory measurement of thyroid function plays an important role in the assessment of maternal thyroid health. However, occult thyroid disease and physiologic changes associated with pregnancy can complicate interpretation of maternal thyroid function tests (TFTs). OBJECTIVE AND METHODS To 1) establish the prevalence of laboratory evidence for autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) in pregnant women; 2) establish gestational age-specific reference intervals for TFTs in women without AITD; and 3) examine the influence of reference intervals on the interpretation of TFT in pregnant women. Serum samples were collected from 2272 pregnant women, and TFT performed. Gestational age-specific reference intervals were determined in women without AITD, and then compared with the non-pregnant assay-specific reference intervals for interpretation of testing results. RESULTS Thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO-Ab) and thyroglobulin antibodies (Tg-Ab) were positive in 10.4 and 15.7% of women respectively. TPO-Ab level was related to maternal age, but TPO-Ab status, Tg-Ab status, and Tg-Ab level were not. Women with TSH > 3.0 mIU/l were significantly more likely to be TPO-Ab positive. Gestational age-specific reference intervals for TFT were significantly different from non-pregnant normal reference intervals. Interpretation of TFT in pregnant women using non-pregnant reference intervals could potentially result in misclassification of a significant percentage of results (range: 5.6-18.3%). CONCLUSION Laboratory evidence for thyroid dysfunction was common in this population of pregnant women. Accurate classification of TFT in pregnant women requires the use of gestational age-specific reference intervals.
Exercise Increases the Preference for Salt in Humans

Salt preference was evaluated in 21 male students before and after 1 h routine exercise by measuring their preferred concentration of NaCl in tomato soup. Before exercise, baseline measures of preference were similar to those of 21 matched student controls that did not exercise. Immediately after exercise, the amount of NaCl added to flavour the soup increased by approximately 50% in comparison to pre-exercise baselines and to non-exercising controls. Concentration of sugar flavouring tea was unaltered. Twelve hours after exercise, preferred concentrations of both salt in soup and of sugar in tea were elevated. There were no changes, at any of these time intervals, in the preferences of the control students that did not exercise. These delayed and non-specific changes in preferences are attributed to hunger. However, we speculate that the immediate and specific increase in NaCl preference after exercise is due to sodium loss (in perspiration) and/or sympathetic arousal that activates the hormones, aldosterone and angiotensin II in humans, and that in animals increases salt preference. Our findings provide further evidence for the physiological regulation of salt preference in humans.
Syringomyelia and scoliosis.

1. In this analysis of forty-three patients with syringomyelia, twenty-seven (63 per cent) had scoliosis. This association is probably due to the early involvement of the ventro-medial and dorso-medial nuclei of the spinal cord by expanding lesions. 2. The literature makes no reference to the treatment of scoliosis associated with syringomyelia. Two cases are presented of attempts to correct this scoliosis—one because of increasing deformity, the other for increasing backache. 3. Due to the presence of cystic lesions characteristic of syringomyelia, corrective operative treatment of scoliosis may present an added risk. 4. Because of the high incidence of scoliosis in patients with syringomyelia, any patient with scoliosis should be examined for evidence of neurological deficit.
A image reconstruction algorithm based on variation regularization for magnetic induction tomography

This paper presents a variation regularization image reconstruction algorithm based on 1-norm which solves the ill-posed inverse problem of magnetic induction tomography (MIT) and improves the quality of reconstructed image. The variation regularization algorithm, compared with Tikhonov regularization algorithm based on 2-norm, overcomes the numerical instability of MIT image reconstruction and improves the resolving power of targets conductors and the quality of the reconstructed image, and it also makes the dividing line between target conductors region and background region clearer. Simulation results show that the quality of the reconstructed image obtained using the presented algorithm is enhanced, so an effective method for MIT is introduced.
A New Intelligent Jigsaw Puzzle Algorithm Base on Mixed Similarity and Symbol Matrix

Jigsaw puzzle algorithm is important as it can be applied to many areas such as biology, image editing, archaeology and incomplete crime-scene reconstruction. But, still, some problems exist in the process of practical application, for example, when there are a large number of similar objects in the puzzle fragments, the error rate will reach 30%–50%. When some fragments are missing, most algorithms fail to restore the images accurately. When the number of fragments of the jigsaw puzzle is large, efficiency is reduced. During the intelligent puzzle, mainly the Sum of Squared Distance Scoring (SSD), Mahalanobis Gradient Compatibility (MGC) and other metrics are used to calculate the similarity between the fragments. On the basis of these two measures, we put forward some new methods: 1. MGC is one of the most effective measures, but using MGC to reassemble the puzzle can cause an error image every 30 or 50 times, so we combine the Jaccard and MGC metric measure to compute the similarity between the image fragments, and reassemble the puzzle with a greedy algorithm. This algorithm not only reduces the error rate, but can also maintain a high accuracy in the case of a large number of fragments of similar objects. 2. For the lack of fragmentation and low efficiency, this paper uses a new method of SSD measurement and mark matrix, it is general in the sense that it can handle puzzles of unknown size, with fragments of unknown orientation, and even puzzles with missing fragments. The algorithm does not require any preset conditions and is more practical in real life. Finally, experiments show that the algorithm proposed in this paper improves not only the accuracy but also the efficiency of the operation.
Tuberculin Skin Test for Control of Bovine Tuberculosis: Limitation History, Current Challenges and Future Opportunities

In spite of the great advancement in the diagnosis, treatment and control programs of tuberculosis during the past decades, bovine tuberculosis still represent an imminent threat to the public and considerable obstacles for development of bovine industry especially in developing countries [1]. All animal species and humans of all age groups are susceptible to the disease. Mycobacterium bovis, a member of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex is the causative agent of the disease in cattle. Although Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the main causative agent of human tuberculosis, M. bovis can also infect human causing clinically undistinguishable disease from that of human origin, which makes it an important zoonotic disease of public health concern [2,3].
Analysis of a Parallel Volume Rendering System Based on the Shear-Warp Factorization

This paper presents a parallel volume rendering algorithm that can render a 256/spl times/256/spl times/225 voxel medical data set at over 15 Hz and a 512/spl times/512/spl times/334 voxel data set at over 7 Hz on a 32-processor Silicon Graphics Challenge. The algorithm achieves these results by minimizing each of the three components of execution time: computation time, synchronization time, and data communication time. Computation time is low because the parallel algorithm is based on the recently-reported shear-warp serial volume rendering algorithm which is over five times faster than previous serial algorithms. The algorithm uses run-length encoding to exploit coherence and an efficient volume traversal to reduce overhead. Synchronization time is minimized by using dynamic load balancing and a task partition that minimizes synchronization events. Data communication costs are low because the algorithm is implemented for shared-memory multiprocessors, a class of machines with hardware support for low-latency fine-grain communication and hardware caching to hide latency. We draw two conclusions from our implementation. First, we find that on shared-memory architectures data redistribution and communication costs do not dominate rendering time. Second, we find that cache locality requirements impose a limit on parallelism in volume rendering algorithms. Specifically, our results indicate that shared-memory machines with hundreds of processors would be useful only for rendering very large data sets.
Design of Wideband and Dual Polarized Cavity Antenna Planar Array

A 6 × 6 wideband antenna array with ±45° dual polarizations is proposed. To achieve good radiation efficiency, cavity antenna is used in this work as the basic element. Feeding probes and strip line feeding networks are printed on general PCB substrate. The feeding circuits for exciting different polarizations are stacked and multilayer substrate step structure is used. Here, strip line to downward SMA connector transitions is also designed, which aids in integrating the proposed array with T/R modules located below and extending it to larger phased array. The antenna array is fabricated and measured. Simulated and measured impedance and radiation performances are also given and compared. The proposed antenna arrays show wide bandwidth of 30% from 10.9 to 14.8 GHz, and isolation of higher than 33 dB is also exhibited across the bandwidth. Furthermore, symmetrical patterns and cross-polarizations of below -25 dB are also demonstrated.
A Relational Database Model for Science Mapping Analysis

This paper presents a relational database model for science mapping analysis. It has been specially conceived for use in almost all of the stages of a science mapping workflow (excluding the data acquisition and pre-processing stages). The database model is developed as an entity-relations diagram using information that is typically presented in science mapping studies. Finally, several SQL queries are presented for validation purposes.
Strength Outcomes in Fixed Versus Free-Form Resistance Equipment

The purpose of this study was to compare measures of strength and balance between subjects using fixed form or free-form resistance training equipment to determine whether there is a difference in strength or balance outcomes. Thirty previously untrained subjects, mean age = 49 (±3.7 years), were randomly placed in either a free-form strength group (FF n = 10) utilizing a commercially available free-form plate loaded resistance device, a fixed form strength group (FX n = 10) utilizing a commercially available fixed range selectorized resistance device or a control group (C; n = 10) who did not exercise. All groups were assessed during a pretest (T1) and a posttest (T2). The exercise groups were asked to exercise over a 16-week period, increasing resistance based on a standardized 8-12 repetition protocol. The same muscles were targeted in both exercise groups, all groups were instructed not to change their dietary habits. A one-way ANOVA was used to detect differences among the groups using baseline and end results data. FX group increased strength 57% from baseline while the FF group increased strength 115% from baseline. A statistically significant difference (P = 0.000001) was detected for strength production in the FF over the FX group and (P = 0.0000144) over the training and control groups. Balance improved 49% in the FX versus 245% in the FF groups. Testing revealed a statistically significant difference (P ≤ 0.003). The control (C) group did not show significant improvement in either strength or balance. Results of this study indicate a greater improvement in FF over FX in strength (58%), and balance (196%). Additionally, the FX reported increased pain levels while the FF group reported lowered overall pain levels.
INTERCOMPARISON OF SURFACE ROUGHNESS PARAMETERIZATIONS FOR SOIL MOISTURE RETRIEVAL

Soil moisture plays a key role in many hydrological and agricultural processes because it controls the water and heat energy exchange between the earth and the atmosphere. Addressing the need for routine global surface soil moisture maps, the European Space Agency (ESA) launched the Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) mission in 2009. It provides L-band microwave brightness temperature observations in dual polarization with multi-incidence angles [1]. Scheduled for launch in 2014, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is developing the Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission which will deploy a combined radar and radiometer instrument to improve soil moisture retrieval capabilities and spatial resolution [2]. Both the SMOS and the SMAP missions use the tau-omega model as the key algorithm for passive microwave soil moisture retrieval. This model has been used in numerous L-band studies for soil moisture retrieval at different scales throughout Europe, America and Australia (eg. [3, 4]). However, the surface roughness parameterization of this model remains an unresolved issue and is often considered a tuning variable. Consequently, this paper tests the current roughness parameterizations with independent field data.
Variation-tolerant design of D-flipflops

This paper discusses vulnerability of a D-flipflop (D-FF) under within-die (WID) variation. The effect of WID variability on D-FF timing characteristics is examined and it is revealed that the setup time of a D-FF becomes larger than that of the worst corner condition. In order to suppress this “worse-than-the-worst-corner” behavior, variation-tolerant D-FFs are proposed and verified in a 65nm process, including a D-FF with over-sized clock drivers which reduces performance variability by 29% at 1.2V and 55% at 0.7V with power overhead of 14%.
Dichotomous cellular properties of mouse orexin/hypocretin neurons

Non‐technical summary Orexin/hypocretin neurons are widely projecting, ‘multi‐tasking’ brain cells that promote alertness, reward seeking and feeding. They are vital for stable consciousness in higher mammals. Loss of orexin/hypocretin cells produces narcolepsy. It was originally assumed that orexin/hypocretin neurons are one uniform population of cells, but recent studies hinted that they may be split into subsystems. To explore this, we performed unbiased statistical analysis of electrical properties of orexin/hypocretin cells in combination with 3‐D analysis of their shape. Our results pointed to an existence of two subgroups of orexin/hypocretin neurons, that have unique ‘electrical fingerprints’ and distinct ways of receiving information from other neurons.
Mutans streptococci caries and chlorhexidine.

Mutans streptococci, particularly Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus, can be shown to be highly associated with caries in humans. Together with Lactobacillus spp. , they are regarded as significant odontopathogens. Because of their association with dental disease, an evaluation of the numbers of Mutans streptococci organisms in plaque and saliva may aid in the diagnosis of caries activity. In conjunction with this concept, control and prevention of caries has been sought by reducing the numbers of bacteria colonizing an individual. Despite the associations between dental disease and Mutans streptococci, which can be demonstrated in groups of people, these methods have not been entirely successful. Because of the wide range of factors involved, counts are not very effective in diagnosing caries activity or risk in an individual. Nevertheless, counts may be used to establish a normal pattern of colonization for a patient, and deviation from this pattern will indicate a change in their oral status, which can be included as a parameter in diagnosis. Accurate and relatively simple commercial tests for counting mutans streptococci and lactobacilli are available. In patients with high caries activity and high counts of mutans streptococci, chlorhexidine may be employed as an adjunct to other preventive measures. Chlorhexidine delivered in a gel form has been shown to be effective in the control and prevention of caries. Combinations of chlorhexidine with fluoride may be even more effective. Sustained release devices, like varnishes, reduce the numbers of mutans streptococci in a patient's mouth to levels below detection for long periods, but their effectiveness in preventing and controlling caries has not yet been assessed. The decision to use microbiological methods to aid diagnosis, and chlorhexidine to reduce or eliminate mutans streptococci, rests with the practitioner. Although the microbiological tests for caries activity or prediction are not 100 per cent accurate, they can be useful in certain situations. In addition, chlorhexidine as an adjunct in control and prevention of caries has been shown to have value. This short review introduces readers to the literature, so that they will not dismiss microbiology, but make decisions on the use of microbiological methods based on their own experience and the experience of others.
The frequency of transforming growth factor‐β1 gene polymorphisms in a normal southern Iranian population

Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the transforming growth factor‐β1 gene (TGFB1) have been reported. Determination of TGFB1 SNPs allele frequencies in different ethnic groups is useful for both population genetic analyses and association studies with immunological diseases. In this study, five SNPs of TGFB1 were determined in 325 individuals from a normal southern Iranian population using polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism method. This population was in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium for these SNPs. Of the 12 constructed haplotypes, GTCGC and GCTGC were the most frequent in the normal southern Iranian population. Comparison of genotype and allele frequencies of TGFB SNPs between Iranian and other populations (meta‐analysis) showed significant differences, and in this case the southern Iranian population seems genetically similar to Caucasoid populations. However, neighbour‐joining tree using Nei's genetic distances based on TGF‐β1 allele frequencies showed that southern Iranians are genetically far from people from the USA, Germany, UK, Denmark and the Czech Republic. In conclusion, this is the first report of the distribution of TGFB1 SNPs in an Iranian population and the results of this investigation may provide useful information for both population genetic and disease studies.
The rpoS Gene Is Predominantly Inactivated during Laboratory Storage and Undergoes Source-Sink Evolution in Escherichia coli Species

ABSTRACT The rpoS gene codes for an alternative RNA polymerase sigma factor, which acts as a general regulator of the stress response. Inactivating alleles of rpoS in collections of natural Escherichia coli isolates have been observed at very variable frequencies, from less than 1% to more than 70% of strains. rpoS is easily inactivated in nutrient-deprived environments such as stab storage, which makes it difficult to determine the true frequency of rpoS inactivation in nature. We studied the evolutionary history of rpoS and compared it to the phylogenetic history of bacteria in two collections of 82 human commensal and extraintestinal E. coli strains. These strains were representative of the phylogenetic diversity of the species and differed only by their storage conditions. In both collections, the phylogenetic histories of rpoS and of the strains were congruent, indicating that horizontal gene transfer had not occurred at the rpoS locus, and rpoS was under strong purifying selection, with a ratio of the nonsynonymous mutation rate (Ka) to the synonymous substitution rate (Ks) substantially smaller than 1. Stab storage was associated with a high frequency of inactivating alleles, whereas almost no amino acid sequence variation was observed in RpoS in the collection studied directly after isolation of the strains from the host. Furthermore, the accumulation of variations in rpoS was typical of source-sink dynamics. In conclusion, rpoS is rarely inactivated in natural E. coli isolates within their mammalian hosts, probably because such strains rapidly become evolutionary dead ends. Our data should encourage bacteriologists to freeze isolates immediately and to avoid the use of stab storage.
Fitness and diversity guided particle swarm optimization for global optimization and training artificial neural networks

It is widely known that particle swarm optimization (PSO) has some drawbacks, especially it loses diversity easily. In order to solve this problem, some improved PSOs were proposed which update velocity according to diversity. However, some important information about particles is still not sufficiently utilized such as fitness values. As a gradient descent method, backpropagation (BP) algorithm is often used to train artificial neural networks (ANNs), but it is apt to converge to local minima. To improve global search ability, it was combined with improved PSOs to form new hybrid algorithms like IARPSOs-BP. In this paper, we introduced two algorithms based on IARPSOs and they are combined with BP to train ANNs. In the new algorithms, particles were classified according to fitness values, and different categories have different flight strategies. The experiment results of three benchmark functions and four benchmark classifications prove the proposed algorithms have a better performance than IARPSOs.