Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of laparoscopy‐assisted by conventional open distal gastrectomy and extraperigastric lymph node dissection in early gastric cancer

Laparoscopy‐assisted gastrectomy with lymph node dissection for gastric cancer is considered technically more complicated than the open method. Moreover, the safety and efficacy of laparoscopy‐assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) with extraperigastric lymph node dissection in patients with gastric cancer have not been established yet. To evaluate short‐term surgical validity, surgical outcome of the laparoscopy‐assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) with extraperigastric lymph node dissection was compared with that of the conventional open distal gastrectomy (CODG) in patients with early gastric cancer.
Research for multidimensional systems diagnostic analysis based on improved mahalanobis distance

The relative importance of variables is different when comprehensively evaluating samples from multidimensional systems; however, traditional Mahalanobis-Taguchi System (MTS) method ignores this difference and treats all variables equally. To improve the accuracy of diagnosis or prediction when using MTS to measure the degree of abnormality of multidimensional observations, this paper makes an improvement on Mahalanobis distance function. Firstly, the necessity and feasibility of weighted Mahalanobis distance are analyzed. Secondly, the weighted Mahalanobis distance function in MTS is proposed. Finally, based on the new method a blood viscosity diagnosis system is optimized and analyzed and the result proves the effectiveness of this method.
Circulating biomarkers in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours.

The clinical presentation of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (GEP-NETs) varies according to the site and size of the primary tumour, the presence or absence of metastatic spread, whether associated features compatible with a hereditary syndrome exist or not, whether the tumour is functional or not and, if so, what syndrome is present (Rindi et al. 2000, Metz & Jensen 2008, Vinik et al. 2009). Early on in the disease process, patients present with vague symptoms associated with various hormonal symptoms that often are misdiagnosed for many years. In such a situation, early diagnosis depends on syndromic recognition by physicians and it is achieved by appropriate laboratory testing followed later by imaging studies and a tissue diagnosis (Metz & Jensen 2008, Vinik et al. 2009). A common exception to this rule occurs with midgut carcinoid syndrome-producing tumours which often present symptoms late in the disease course. Nonfunctional tumours also commonly present late in the disease course with imageable metastases identified per chance or when studies are ordered for symptoms attributable to tumour growth rather than hormone production (Metz & Jensen 2008, Vinik et al. 2009).
Towards a Mathematical Model for Elastic Wave Propagation in Granular Materials

A theoretical model for the propagation of acoustic waves in dry granular media is presented within the framework of the nonlinear granular elasticity. An essential ingredient is the dependence of the elastic moduli on compression. For the purpose of illustration, we analyze the case of a time-harmonic plane wave propagation under isotropic compression. We derive explicit relations for the wave speed dependence with the confining pressure. The present approach provides an accurate description of acoustic wave propagation in granular packings and represents a powerful tool to interpret the results of current experiments.
Harvested White-Tailed Deer as Sentinel Hosts for Early Establishing Ixodes scapularis Populations and Risk from Vector-Borne Zoonoses in Southeastern Canada

ABSTRACT Due to recent establishment of the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis Say, in southeastern Canada, tick-borne zoonoses (Lyme disease, human granulocytotropic anaplasmosis, and babesiosis) are of growing concern forpublic health. Using white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) culled in southwestern Quebec during 2007–2008, we investigated whether hunter-killed deer could act as sentinels for early establishing tick populations and for tick-borne pathogens. Accounting for environmental characteristics of culling sites, and age and sex of deer, we investigated whether their tick infestation levels could identify locations of known tick populations detected in active surveillance, presumed tick populations detected by passive surveillance, or both. We also used spatial cluster analyses to identify spatial patterns of tick infestation and occurrence of tick-borne zoonoses infection in ticks collected from the deer. Adult ticks were found on 15% of the 583 deer examined. Adult male deer had the greatest number (≈90%) of adult ticks. Overall, 3, 15, and 0% of the ticks collected were polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive for Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Babesia microti, respectively. Our statistical analyses suggest that sex and age of deer, temperature, precipitation, and an index of tick dispersion by migratory birds were significantly associated with tick infestation levels. Cluster analysis identified significant clusters of deer carrying ticks PCR-positive for A. phagocytophilum, and for deer carrying two or more I. scapularis. Our study suggests that hunterkilled deer may be effective as sentinels for emerging areas of tick-borne anaplasmosis. They may have limited use as sentinels for early emerging I. scapularis tick populations and emerging Lyme disease risk.
An investigation of user acceptance and flow experience using video-capture gaming technology for exercise

The aims of this study were to investigate the user acceptance of exercise using the IREX™ Interactive Rehabilitation and Exercise system (a video-capture gaming environment) in comparison with exercise in a gym-based environment; and to compare users' flow experience - absorption in the activity - using the two exercise environments. A convenience sample of 18 healthy men and 20 healthy women, mean age 34 (1SD 12.8) years, with sedentary lifestyles were recruited from university staff and students. Participants were randomised into two groups - IREX™ (n = 19) or gym-based exercise (n=19). Both groups took part in three exercise sessions over two weeks. Apart from a greater Performance Expectancy with IREX, there were no significant differences in user acceptance and flow experience between the two environments. These results show IREX™ to be an acceptable alternative to gym-based exercise.
UvA-DARE (Digital Academic Repository) Resource discovery and allocation for federated virtualized infrastructures

The European Union Project Networking innovations Over Virtualized Infrastructures (NOVI) set out to design and implement a modular data, control and management plane federation architecture, leading to an integrated experimental prototype mounted on interconnected European Future Internet testbeds. In this paper we present the components of this architecture, responsible for resource discovery and mapping of virtual topologies over a federated multi-domain network virtualization environment. We subsequently introduce a method for the efficient mapping of user requests for virtual networks onto a substrate infrastructure, adopting a semantic-based approach to address the problem. The efficiency of the proposed scheme is evaluated via simulation and critically compared against common non-semantic-based solutions.
MOSFET power loss characterization: Evolving into multivariate response surface

This work describes a methodology to characterize MOSFETs losses with a comprehensive multivariate model that includes many effects simultaneously. Unlike the traditional family of curves employed for decades in data sheets and many scholarly publications, the proposed method evolves into a mathematical N-Dimensional response surface by employing statistical Design of Experiments (DoE). Design efficiency and accuracy are some of the characteristics of the method, which can be applied for both experimentation and surrogate modeling. Two examples of power loss characterization are presented to provide efficient experimental and surrogate models with statistical validity.
Efficacy of Lateral Retinacular Release for Painful Bipartite Patella

We treated painful bipartite patella with a modified lateral retinacular release technique in 15 patients (16 knees). Bony union of the separated fragment and the patella was obtained in 15 of 16 knees within 8 months of surgery. Sustained traction acting on the patella laterally and proximally is presumed to cause the pain. The surgical technique to reduce this force proved effective not only in relieving the pain but also in achieving bony union. Painful bipartite patella can lead to excessive lateral pressure syndrome or pa tellar compression syndrome, these complications can be effectively treated by this surgical technique. In contrast to conventional treatments, such as ex cision of smaller fragments or osteosynthesis to achieve bony union, the modified lateral retinacular release technique is easy to perform and provides an effective means for relieving patellofemoral pain and achieving bony union.
Type Ia supernovae and the Hubble constant

▪ Abstract The focus of this review is the work that has been done during the 1990s on using Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) to measure the Hubble constant (H0). SNe Ia are well suited for measuring H0. A straightforward maximum-light color criterion can weed out the minority of observed events that are either intrinsically subluminous or substantially extinguished by dust, leaving a majority subsample that has observational absolute-magnitude dispersions of less than σobs (MB) ≃ σobs (MV) ≃ 0.3 mag. Correlations between absolute magnitude and one or more distance-independent SN Ia or parent-galaxy observables can be used to further standardize the absolute magnitudes to better than 0.2 mag. The absolute magnitudes can be calibrated in two independent ways: empirically, using Cepheid-based distances to parent galaxies of SNe Ia, and physically, by light curve and spectrum fitting. At present the empirical and physical calibrations are in agreement at MB ≃ MV ≃ −19.4 or −19.5. Various ways that have been used .
Virtual Label Constraint Nonnegative Matrix Factorization

This paper proposes a novel Semi-supervised Nonnegative Matrix Factorization (NMF), called Virtual Label Constraint Nonnegative Matrix Factorization (VLCNMF). The idea of the VLCNMF is to extend the NMF by incorporating a virtual label constraint into the NMF decomposition. Different from previous works, our approach covers two main steps: the first step is to obtain virtual labels by label propagation algorithms and the second step is to add these virtual labels information as additional constraints into original NMF. The proposed VLCNMF approach is applied to the problem of semi-supervised image representation using the well-known ORL, Yale datasets.
Optimal ZVS Modulation of Single-Phase Single-Stage Bidirectional DAB AC–DC Converters

A comprehensive procedure for the derivation of optimal, full-operating-range zero voltage switching (ZVS) modulation schemes for single-phase, single-stage, bidirectional and isolated dual active bridge (DAB) ac-dc converters is presented. The converter topology consists of a DAB dc-dc converter, receiving a rectified ac line voltage via a synchronous rectifier. The DAB comprises primary and secondary side full bridges, linked by a high-frequency isolation transformer and a series inductor. ZVS modulation schemes previously proposed in the literature are either based on current-based or energy-based ZVS analyses. The procedure outlined in this paper for the calculation of optimal DAB modulation schemes (i.e., combined phase-shift, duty-cycle, and switching frequency modulation) relies on a novel, more accurate, current-dependent charge-based ZVS analysis, taking into account the amount of charge that is required to charge the nonlinear parasitic output capacitances of the switches during commutation. Thereby, the concept of “commutation inductance(s)” is shown to be an essential element in achieving full-operating-range ZVS. The proposed methods are applied to a 3.7 kW, bidirectional, and unity power factor electric vehicle battery charger which interfaces a 400 V dc-bus with the 230 Vac, 50-Hz utility grid. Experimental results obtained from a high-power-density, high-efficiency converter prototype are given to validate the theoretical analysis and practical feasibility of the proposed strategy.
Optimal selection of cooperative RAUs in HSR based distributed antenna systems and mobile relay with massive antennas

This paper studies the performance and designs of high speed railway (HSR) communications that employ massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems, where a mobile relay (MR) with a large number of antennas is mounted on the train. The users onboard the train communicate with the ground base station (BS) via MR, i.e. two-hop communications. The distributed antenna system (DAS) is used on ground, where a BS consists of a central unit (CU) and a number of remote antenna units (RAUs) connecting to the CU by optical fiber. The issue of selecting an optimal cooperative RAU set of a linear DAS for railway scenario is addressed. We present a low complexity approach to select a transmit RAU set for capacity maximization, based on the theory of convex optimization. We show via extensive Monte-Carlo simulations that the proposed algorithm provides performance very close to that of optimal selection based on exhaustive search.
Study on Corona Discharge Test under the Power Frequency Voltage of the Severe Non-uniform Electric Field Based on the UV-light Imaging Technology

The study on corona discharge test under the power frequency voltage of the severe non-uniform electric field based on the UV-light imaging technology is conducted. The results illuminate that the corresponding relationship between the characterizing parameter of quantifying the intensity of corona discharge and the comparing parameter is accordant; the characterizing parameter can reflect the basic physical process of gas discharge; it can also distinguish each stage of gas discharge and the distribution of the characteristic variable of UV-light at each stage of corona discharge accords with the statistical regularity. The criterion of selecting the intersection of the characteristic variable of UV-light at the stage of stream discharge as the advertent range of the air interstice breakdown is proposed
Recognition of intussusception around gastrojejunostomy tubes in children.

OBJECTIVE We describe antegrade intussusceptions of duodenum and jejunum around gastrojejunostomy tubes seen on sonography and fluoroscopic contrast tube studies. Reduction of the intussusception was achieved by bolus injection of air or contrast medium through the tube or exchange over a wire. CONCLUSION Sonography and fluoroscopic contrast tube studies permit diagnosis of intussusception around gastrojejunostomy tubes.
Ketone Body Production and Excretion During Wellness Fasting

1Lifescience Promoting Association, Daikyo-cho 25-3-1004, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0015, Japan 2Otsuma Women’s Univerisity, Sanbancho 12, Chiyoda, Tokyo 102-8357, Japan 3AOB Keioh Group CORP., Kobuchizawa-cho 2961, Hokuto City, Yamanashi 408-8522, Japan 4ARSOA HONSHA CORP., Shibuya 3-26-8, Shibuta-ku, Tokyo 150-0002, Japan 5Tokyo Metropolitan University, Minami-osawa 1-1, Hachioji City, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan Research
Mental disorder, substance misuse and violent behaviour: the Swedish experience of caring for the triply troubled.

BACKGROUND Professional standards in psychiatry, especially concerning the care of people with the combined clinical presentation of psychiatric symptoms, substance misuse and violent behaviour - the 'triply troubled', have been subject to much criticism in Sweden. AIMS To present the current Swedish situation concerning treatment and care of 'the triply troubled' and to discuss future development. METHODS Analysis of official government documents and contemporary literature as a basis for a personal assessment of the current state of the art. RESULTS Due to the work of a government task force, the National Psychiatric Services Commission, considerable improvements have been seen for treating substance-abusing mentally disordered people who are not aggressively or criminally inclined. This is less true for 'the triply troubled'. CONCLUSION/IMPLICATIONS The 'triply troubled' should be given higher priority in mental health services and there is a salient need for more extensive professional training, service improvement, method development and overarching coordination and planning for these people.
Sickness and health: Homophily in online health forums

This work explores the link between health and social relations by creating an automated metric of similarity of positive or negative affect (sentiment) between peers in online health forums. We analyze textual communication between peers and demonstrate that those who communicate often have similar average sentiment scores. Sentiment is the author’s immediate affective state, their positive or negative orientation. We hypothesize that average sentiment over time indicates overall happiness or sadness as similar analysis has been utilized to identify depression and depression at risk college students [19]. These results follow the analysis of Framingham study data demonstrating that happy people tend to associate with one another and that happiness spreads within social networks [4].
SIAS: Suicidal Intentions Alerting System

In this paper, we present an alerting system based on an efficient classification model for detecting suicidal people using natural language processing and data mining techniques. The model uses linguistic features which are derived from an analysis of handwritten and electronic messages/notes. The model was trained and validated with fully anonymised real data provided by the Cyber Crime Division of Greek Police as well as available suicidal notes from social media. The alerting system is intended as a prevention, management tool for automatic detection of suicidal intentions.
Defective interfering particles of parvovirus H-1

Defective interfering particles of the parvovirus H-1 were produced by serial propagation at high multiplicities of infection. Such particles interfere with the synthesis of capsid proteins and infectious virus of standard H-1. The interference is sensitive to UV irradiation, dependent on the multiplicity of the challenge virus, and is active in heterotypic infections against parvovirus H-3 or LuIII. Defective interfering particle genomes have alterations characterized by integral numbers (1 to 10 or more) of a 60-base-pair addition in the neighborhood of the origin of replicative-form DNA replication and deletions that are located primarily within two regions, 32 to 44 or 80 to 90 on the genome map. Some of the implications of these findings are discussed.
Robust Deadline-Constrained Resource Provisioning and Workflow Scheduling Algorithm for Handling Performance Uncertainty in IaaS Clouds

Scheduling the execution of scientific applications expressed as workflows on Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) Clouds involves many uncertainties due to the variable and unpredictable performance of Cloud resources. These uncertainties are modeled by probability distribution functions in past researches or totally ignored in some cases. In this paper, we propose a novel deadline constrained workflow scheduling algorithm which handles the uncertainties in scheduling workflows in the IaaS Clouds. Our proposed model addresses the uncertainties related to: the estimation of task execution times, and the delay in provisioning computational Cloud resources. The workflow scheduling problem is considered as a cost-optimized, deadline-constrained optimization problem. In our model, we consider knowledge of the interval of uncertainty for modeling the execution time rather than using a known probability distribution function or precise estimations which are very sensitive to variations. Simulation results from experiments with synthetic workflows show that our proposal is robust to fluctuations in estimates of task runtimes and is able to produce high quality schedules that have deadline guarantees with minimal penalty cost trade-off depending on the length of the interval of uncertainty.
Fluorometric variable-temperature kinetics investigations of the transesterification reaction of procaine with aliphatic alcohols.

PURPOSE Variable-Temperature Kinetics has been used to obtain the rate constants of the reaction at various temperatures during one kinetic run. METHODS Pseudo-first-order rate constants for the transesterification of procaine with aliphatic alcohols ethanol, n-propanol and tert-butanol were obtained by the fluorescence spectroscopy using the variable-temperature kinetics (VTK) method. RESULTS The activation parameters of the reactions were calculated (24-28 kcal x mol(-1)). The half-life of the procaine decreases in the ethanol solution compared with the other alcoholic solutions in the presence of sodium ethoxide. CONCLUSIONS The investigation time of the reactions is reduced to one-tenth of the one used for usual kinetic methods.
A Constrained Optimization Framework for Wireless Networking in Multi-Vehicle Applications

This paper presents an optimization framework for broadcast power-control, specifically addressed at wireless networking issues arising in implementing information flows for multi-vehicle systems. We formulate an optimization problem for the minimization of an aggregate cost subject to a constraint on a quantity we call the geometric connection robustness, which is a locally computable numerical assessment of the robustness of the an information flow to perturbations in position. Our main result is a location-aided distributed power-control algorithm based on a gradient-like optimization scheme. We also use geometric connection robustness to develop a cheap distributed heuristic for the construction of sparse connected information flow.
Structural identification of large statistically distributed vertex degree

For the modeling of large networks a random graph is proposed, the generation of which is based on the use of nonlinear preferential attachment rule. The analytical solution for the vertex degree distribution is given as well as the method for the calibration of graph generator according to the node degree distributions in real networks. Possibilities of structural identification are demonstrated using the proposed graph for a network of actors acted the same films, the Internet, networks of roads, networks of complementary goods in online store.
Matrix Metalloproteinases Gene Variants in Idiopathic Disseminated Bronchiectasis

Background The excess of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) might be associated with the airways destruction or dilatation in bronchiectasis. The functional promoter polymorphisms of MMP1 and MMP9 genes, involved in the extracellular matrix remodeling, might increase the expression of MMPs leading to the development of bronchiectasis. Methods Detection of MMP1 G-1607GG and MMP9 C-1562T gene variants was performed on 37 patients with idiopathic disseminated bronchiectasis and 102 control subjects. We also described a novel method for simple and rapid detection of MMP1 G-1607GG polymorphism. Results The frequency of -1607GG allele was significantly higher in the group of patients than in control subjects (P = 0.014). The heterozygote genotype showed association with bronchiectasis (odds ratio, 5.3; 95% confidence intervals, 1.4-20.0). The association was even stronger in homozygotes for -1607GG allele (odds ration, 8.7; 95% confidence intervals, 1.9-41.0). The allelic and genotype frequencies of MMP9 C-1562T variant did not show significant differences between the groups. Conclusions This is the first report concerning a role of MMP1 G-1607GG and MMP9 C-1562T variants in pathogenesis of idiopathic disseminated bronchiectasis. The results of our study revealed the association of -1607GG allele and the lack of association of MMP9 C-1562T variant with the disease.