Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of a patient-positioning device (EZ-FIX) for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

AIM To assess the efficacy and safety of a patient-positioning device (EZ-FIX) for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). METHODS A total of 105 patients were randomized to the EZ-FIX (n = 53) or non-EZ-FIX (n = 52) group in this prospective study. Midazolam and propofol, titrated to provide an adequate level of sedation during therapeutic ERCP, were administered by trained registered nurses under endoscopist supervision. Primary outcome measures were the total dose of propofol and sedative-related complications, including hypoxia and hypotension. Secondary outcome measures were recovery time and sedation satisfaction of the endoscopist, nurses, and patients. RESULTS There was no significant difference in the rate of hypoxia, but there was a statistical trend (EX-FIX group; n = 4, 7.55%, control group; n = 6, 11.53%, P = 0.06). The mean total dose of propofol was lower in the EZ-FIX group than in the non-EZ-FIX group (89.43 ± 49.8 mg vs 112.4 ± 53.8 mg, P = 0.025). In addition, the EZ-FIX group had a shorter mean recovery time (11.23 ± 4.61 mg vs 14.96 ± 5.12 mg, P < 0.001). Sedation satisfaction of the endoscopist and nurses was higher in the EX-FIX group than in the non-EZ-FIX group. Technical success rates of the procedure were 96.23% and 96.15%, respectively (P = 0.856). Procedure-related complications did not differ by group (11.32% vs 13.46%, respectively, P = 0.735). CONCLUSION Using EZ-FIX reduced the total dose of propofol and the recovery time, and increased the satisfaction of the endoscopist and nurses.
Assessment and classification of normal and restrictive respiratory conditions through pulmonary function test and neural network

In this work, an attempt to classify respiratory abnormality using a pulmonary function test and neural networks is reported. The flow – volume curves generated by spirometric pulmonary function tests were recorded from subjects under study. The pressure and resistance parameters were derived using theoretical approximation of the activation function representing the pressure – volume relationship of the lung. The pressure – time and resistance – expiration volume curves were obtained during maximum expiration. The derived values together with spirometric data were used for classification of normal and restrictive abnormality using feed forward network. Results demonstrate the ability of the proposed method in identifying and classifying pulmonary function data into normal and restrictive cases. The validity of the results was confirmed by measuring accuracy (92%), sensitivity (92.3%), specificity (91.6%) and adjusted accuracy (91.95%). As spirometric evaluation of human respiratory functions are essential components in primary care settings, the study carried out seems to be clinically relevant.
Suppression of signal sequence defects and azide resistance in Escherichia coli commonly result from the same mutations in secA

The SecA protein of Escherichia coli is required for protein translocation from the cytoplasm. The complexity of SecA function is reflected by missense mutations in the secA gene that confer several different phenotypes: (i) conditional-lethal alleles cause a generalized block in protein secretion, resulting in the cytoplasmic accumulation of the precursor forms of secreted proteins; (ii) azi alleles confer resistance to azide at concentrations up to 4 mM; and (iii) prlD alleles suppress a number of signal sequence mutations in several different genes. To gain further insights into the role of SecA in protein secretion, we have isolated and characterized a large number of prlD mutations, reasoning that these mutations alter a normal function of wild-type SecA. Our results reveal a striking coincidence of signal sequence suppression and azide resistance: the majority of prlD alleles also confer azide resistance, and all azi alleles tested are suppressors. We suggest that this correlation reflects the mechanism(s) of signal sequence suppression. There are two particularly interesting subclasses of prlD and azi alleles. First, four of the prlD and azi alleles exhibit special properties: (i) as suppressors they are potent enough to allow PrlD (SecA) inactivation by a toxic LacZ fusion protein marked with a signal sequence mutation (suppressor-directed inactivation), (ii) they confer azide resistance, and (iii) they cause modest defects in the secretion of wild-type proteins. Sequence analysis reveals that all four of these alleles alter Tyr-134 in SecA, changing it to Ser, Cys, or Asn. The second subclass consists of seven prlD alleles that confer azide supersensitivity, and sequence analysis reveals that six of these alleles are changes of Ala-507 to Val. Both of the affected amino acids are located within different putative ATP-binding regions of SecA and thus may affect ATPase activities of SecA. We suggest that the four azide-resistant mutations slow an ATPase activity of SecA, thus allowing successful translocation of increased amounts of mutant precursor proteins.
Demonstrating supply chain parameter optimization through beer game simulation

The single player Beer Game supply chain simulation developed using Arena, Visio, Excel, VBA, OptQuest, and Crystal Reports software tools provides a virtual laboratory to analyze various scenarios for optimal design. The model uses animation, directed arrows to show flow of information and flow of material - work in process or finished goods at different stages of transformation, and icons to show an entity such as plant/factory, consumer, warehouse, etc. The model can be scaled up to a larger network of suppliers, OEMs, etc. with multiple products and other features that replicate complexities in an industry supply chain. The detailed analytical presentation of the Beer Game simulation example provides a useful framework for learning about challenges in production logistics systems. The contribution of this paper is to complement and enhance the existing body of knowledge where Beer Game or a similar approach has been utilized in understanding the complexity of managing decision-making in supply chain. In addition, the concept of templates (that is, Excel Workbooks) introduced can be used to build a generic framework for supply chain design of any business operation. The distinguishing feature of this paper is the emphasis given to the integrated system development environment utilizing a simulation software to study, understand, and learn about supply chain management problems. The Bullwhip Effect is an important demand and supply coordination problem that affects numerous organizations (for example, in spite of the efficient Cisco e-hub, still the Bullwhip effect is limiting their performance) which is a major phenomenon incorporated in the Beer Game model.
Efficacy and Safety of Danoprevir-Ritonavir plus Peginterferon Alfa-2a–Ribavirin in Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 1 Prior Null Responders

ABSTRACT Danoprevir (DNV) is a hepatitis C virus (HCV) protease inhibitor that achieves high sustained virologic response (SVR) rates in combination with peginterferon alfa-2a–ribavirin in treatment-naive HCV genotype 1 (G1)-infected patients. This study explored the efficacy and safety of ritonavir-boosted DNV (DNVr) plus peginterferon alfa-2a–ribavirin in G1-infected prior peginterferon-ribavirin null responders. Null responders (<2-log10 reduction in HCV RNA level at week 12) were given an open-label combination of 100 mg of ritonavir and 100 mg of DNV (100/100 mg DNVr) every 12 h (q12h) plus peginterferon alfa-2a–ribavirin for 12 weeks. All patients achieving an early virologic response (EVR; ≥2-log10 decrease in HCV RNA by week 12) continued treatment with peginterferon alfa-2a–ribavirin; those without an EVR discontinued all study drugs. Twenty-four prior null responders were enrolled; 16 patients (67%) were infected with HCV G1b, and 8 (33%) were infected with G1a. Ninety-six percent of patients had an IL28B non-CC genotype. A sustained virologic response at 24 weeks posttreatment (SVR24) was achieved in 67% of patients, with a higher rate in G1b-infected (88%) than G1a-infected (25%) patients. Resistance-related breakthrough occurred in 4/8 G1a and 1/16 G1b patients through the DNV resistance-associated variant (RAV) NS3 R155K. NS3 R155K was also detected in 2/2 G1a patients who relapsed. Treatment was well tolerated. Two patients withdrew prematurely from study medications due to adverse events. Two serious adverse events were reported; both occurred after completion of DNVr therapy and were considered unrelated to treatment. No grade 3 or 4 alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevations were observed. DNVr plus peginterferon alfa-2a–ribavirin demonstrated high SVR24 rates in HCV G1b-infected prior null responders and was well tolerated. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT01185860.)
An algorithm for estimation an anisotropic diffusion filter parameter

In many applications of computer vision it is important to smooth images while leaving unchanged the boundaries, which is called edge-preserving smoothing. One possibility to solve this problem is to use anisotropic diffusion filtering, which has a parameter that is necessary to assess before its usage. In this paper, it is presented an algorithm, which is used to assess such value of the parameter for anisotropic diffusion that yields the predefined Gaussian smoothing in regions with no edges.
The Risk of Lung Cancer Related to Dietary Intake of Flavonoids

It has been hypothesized that flavonoids in foods and beverages may reduce cancer risk through antioxidation, inhibition of inflammation, and other antimutagenic and antiproliferative properties. We examined associations between intake of 5 flavonoid subclasses (anthocyanidins, flavan-3-ols, flavones, flavonols, and flavanones) and lung cancer risk in a population-based case-control study in Montreal, Canada (1061 cases and 1425 controls). Flavonoid intake was estimated from a food frequency questionnaire that assessed diet 2 yr prior to diagnosis (cases) or interview (controls). Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using unconditional logistic regression. Overall, total flavonoid intake was not associated with lung cancer risk, the effect being similar regardless of sex and smoking level. However, low flavonoid intake from food, but not from beverages, was associated with an increased risk. The adjusted ORs (95% CIs) comparing the highest vs. the lowest quartiles of intake were 0.63 (0.47–0.85) for total flavonoids, 0.82 (0.61–1.11) for anthocyanidins, 0.67 (0.50–0.90) for flavan-3-ols, 0.68 (0.50–0.93) for flavones, 0.62 (0.45–0.84) for flavonols, and 0.70 (0.53–0.94) for flavanones. An inverse association with total flavone and flavanone intake was observed for squamous cell carcinoma but not adenocarcinoma. In conclusion, low flavonoid intake from food may increase lung cancer risk.
Influenza A Viral Replication Is Blocked by Inhibition of the Inositol-requiring Enzyme 1 (IRE1) Stress Pathway*

Background: The role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in influenza A viral infection is unknown. Results: Influenza A virus induces the IRE1 pathway of the ER stress response. Inhibition of IRE1 activity leads to decreased viral replication. Conclusion: IRE1 is a potential therapeutic target for influenza A virus. Significance: Targeting a host molecular mechanism is a novel therapeutic strategy that is less likely to be invalidated by viral mutagenesis. Known therapies for influenza A virus infection are complicated by the frequent emergence of resistance. A therapeutic strategy that may escape viral resistance is targeting host cellular mechanisms involved in viral replication and pathogenesis. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response, also known as the unfolded protein response (UPR), is a primitive, evolutionary conserved molecular signaling cascade that has been implicated in multiple biological phenomena including innate immunity and the pathogenesis of certain viral infections. We investigated the effect of influenza A viral infection on ER stress pathways in lung epithelial cells. Influenza A virus induced ER stress in a pathway-specific manner. We showed that the virus activates the IRE1 pathway with little or no concomitant activation of the PERK and the ATF6 pathways. When we examined the effects of modulating the ER stress response on the virus, we found that the molecular chaperone tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) significantly inhibits influenza A viral replication. In addition, a specific inhibitor of the IRE1 pathway also blocked viral replication. Our findings constitute the first evidence that ER stress plays a role in the pathogenesis of influenza A viral infection. Decreasing viral replication by modulating the host ER stress response is a novel strategy that has important therapeutic implications.
Implementation application internal chat messenger using android system

At present the development of rapid communications equipment makes easier to communicate globally. Chat messenger application is used for android users to communicate through internet and have a chat such as line, whatsUp, blackberry messenger (BBM), yahoo messenger and so forth. In communicating via instant messages, some people may also experience problems when communicating with foreigners, of which at least the required skills in the English language. The purpose of this research is to build the application chat messenger fellow android user through internal operation office. The result shows that the application can translate automatically in different language. It also shows the application can achieve the good performance in CPU, RAM, GPU and bandwith usage.
Development and characterization of 10 microsatellite loci in Paeonia lactiflora (Paeoniaceae).

UNLABELLED PREMISE OF THE STUDY Microsatellite primers were developed in Paeonia lactiflora for further population genetic studies. • METHODS AND RESULTS Ten dinucleotide microsatellite markers were developed using an enriched genomic library. They were identified in 58 individuals, and nine markers were also amplified in its cultivars. The number of alleles per locus ranged from three to 11, with a mean of six. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.1662 to 0.9140 and from 0.0841 to 0.8157, respectively. • CONCLUSIONS These microsatellite markers will facilitate further studies on population genetics variation and genetic structure of P. lactiflora.
The Association between Physical Activity and the Metabolic Syndrome among Type 2 Diabetes Patients in Gaza Strip, Palestine

Background Metabolic syndrome is a major health problem worldwide. Globally, the World Health Organization identified physical inactivity as the fourth leading risk factor for mortality. This study was conducted to evaluate the association between physical activities and metabolic syndrome and diabetes complications among type 2 diabetes patients in Gaza Strip, Palestine. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among 1200 previously diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus patients (from both genders, aged 20 to 64 years) receiving care in the primary health care centers. Metabolic syndrome was defined based on the International Diabetes Federation criteria. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to measure physical activity. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20. Results A significant inverse association was found between inactive patients and metabolic syndrome. In our study, 93.7% of inactive patients, 66.4% of active patients and 23.5% of very active patients had metabolic syndrome (OR .048 CI 95% (.03–.072)), (OR .787 CI 95% (.59–1.03)) and (OR 15.9 CI 95% (11.8–21.3)) respectively. Our results showed a significant inverse association between physical activity levels and anthropometric measurements in both gender. Moreover, a significant association was found between physical activity levels and triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol and blood pressure in both sexes (P value < 0.05 for all) and diabetes complications (P value < 0.05 for all). Conclusion We conclude that low levels of physical activity are associated with increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, inactive patients had a high percentage of diabetes complications among type 2 diabetes patients in Gaza Strip, Palestine.
BRAF analysis by fine needle aspiration biopsy of thyroid nodules improves preoperative identification of papillary thyroid carcinoma and represents a prognostic factor. A mono-institutional experience

Abstract Background: The current preoperative diagnosis of a thyroid mass relies on microscopic evaluation of thyroid cells obtained by fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). More recently, FNAB has been combined with molecular analysis to increase the accuracy of the cytological evaluation. In this mono-institutional prospective study, we evaluated whether the routine introduction of BRAF testing in thyroid FNAB could help ameliorate the preoperative recognition of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) in “suspended” or malignant cytological categories. Moreover, we investigated the prognostic role of the BRAFV600E mutation in PTC. Methods: BRAFV600E analysis was performed in thyroid FNAB from 270 patients classified into one of five cytological categories THY1, THY2, THY3, THY4, THY5. All subsequently underwent thyroidectomy±node dissection, from October 2008 to September 2009 in our Department. For each cytological category, we considered the definitive histological diagnosis of PTC and the presence of the BRAFV600E mutation. In 141 patients with a final tissue diagnosis of PTC, we correlated the presence of BRAFV600E with gender, age, histotype, TNM, size of the lesion, extracapsular extension, node metastases and multifocality. Results: The prevalence of the BRAFV600E mutation, among PTCs at final tissue diagnosis, was 69%. It improved the FNAB diagnostic accuracy from 88% to 91%. The BRAFV600E mutation was correlated with older age, classical variant of PTC, advanced stages in patients >45 years. Conclusions: BRAFV600E testing could play a role in improving the diagnostic accuracy of FNAB for PTC, representing a useful adjuvant tool in presurgical characterization of thyroid nodes in particular cases. There is an association between the BRAFV600E mutation and some clinico-pathological characteristics of PTC.
Image Super-Resolution via Sparse Representation over Coupled Dictionary Learning Based on Patch Sharpness

In this paper a new algorithm for single-image super-resolution based on sparse representation over a set of coupled low and high resolution dictionary pairs is proposed. The sharpness measure is defined via the magnitude of the gradient operator and is shown to be approximately scale-invariant for low and high resolution patch pairs. It is employed for clustering low and high resolution patches in the training stage and for model selection in the reconstruction stage. A pair of low and high resolution dictionaries is learned for each cluster. The sharpness measure of a low resolution patch is used to select the appropriate cluster dictionary pair for reconstructing the high resolution counterpart. The sparse representation coefficients of low and high resolution patches are assumed to be equal. By multiplying the high resolution dictionary and the sparse coding coefficient of a low resolution patch, the corresponding high resolution patch is reconstructed. Simulation results in terms of PSNR and SSIM and visual comparison, indicate the superior performance of the proposed algorithm compared to the leading super-resolution algorithms in the literature over a set of natural images in sharp edges and corners.
Plasmapheresis in Refractory FSGS

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is one of the commonest causes of glomerulonephritis related end stage renal disease. FSGS can be primary or secondary and its management varies. Patients with primary FSGS who present with nephrotic syndrome need treatment with glucocorticoids alone or in combination with other immunosuppressive drugs such as calcineurin inhibitors, cyclophosphamide or mycophenolatemofetil. Alternative therapies that have been tried in refractory FSGS include rituximab and plasmapheresis. Most of the literature regarding plasmapheresis is recurrent FSGS in renal transplant patients. To the best of our knowledge, there is very limited data on plasmapheresis in refractory FSGS in the native kidneys. Herein we report a case of refractory FSGS in native kidneys that failed to respond to all immunosuppressive therapy and finally responded to regular plasmapheresis.
Introduction to computing systems - from bits and gates to C and beyond (2. ed.)

From the Publisher: The reason most students do not understand their first programming language is because they are forced to memorize technical details. They do not understand the basic underpinnings. This book is based on the premise that starting with a high level programming language has its shortcomings This premise lead to Patt/Patel's "bottom-up approach" found in "Introduction To Computing. " This text covers (in order) a switch level abstraction of a MOS Transistor,Logic Gates,latches,logic structures (MUX,Decoder,Adder,gated latches),finally culminating in an implementation of memory. From there,the book moves on to the Von Neumann model of execution,then a simple computer (the LC-2),machine language programming and then assembly language programming of the LC-2,the high level language C,recursion,and finally elementary data structures. The book establishes a foundation that can easily be built upon
A self-portrait of young Leonardo

One of the most famous drawings by Leonardo da Vinci is a self-portrait in red chalk, where he looks quite old. In fact, there is a sketch in one of his notebooks, partially covered by written notes, that can be a self-portrait of the artist when he was young. The use of image processing, to remove the handwritten text and improve the image, allows a comparison of the two portraits
Design and Implementation of An ECC-Based Digital Baseband Controller for RFID Tag Chip

The extremely constrained resource has hindered the efforts to implement the elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) into a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag chip. In this paper, an ECC-based RFID digital baseband controller (DBC), which is compatible with ISO/IEC 14443 and Schnorr authentication protocol, is presented. In order to achieve low resources consumption and fast ECC computation speed, some techniques, such as the register reuse, clock multiplexer, and asynchronous counter, are adopted in this design. In addition, a linear feedback shift register-based stream encryption scenario is proposed for the data security. According to the synthesis result, the gate area and power consumption of DBC are 25.7 K and 14.7 μW, respectively, in UMC 0.13 μm CMOS technology. All of those characteristics make the realization of ECC-based DBC for RFID tag chip promising.
Exploring Context-Aware User Interfaces for Smartphone-Smartwatch Cross-Device Interaction

In this study, we explore context-aware cross-device interactions between a smartphone and smartwatch. We present 24 contexts, and then examine and prioritize suitable user interfaces (UIs) for each. In addition, we present example applications, including a map, notification management system, multitasking application, music player, and video chat application, each of which has its own context-aware UIs. To support these context-aware UIs, we investigate the performance of our context recognizer in which recognition is based on machine-learning using the accelerometers in a smartphone and smartwatch. We conduct seven different evaluations using four machine-learning algorithms: J48 decision tree, sequential minimal optimization (SMO)-based support vector machine (SVM), random forest, and multilayer perceptron. With each algorithm, we conduct a long-interval experiment to examine the level of accuracy at which each context is recognized using data previously collected for training. The results show that SMO-based SVM is suitable for recognizing the 24 contexts considered in this study.