Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Proximal Junctional Kyphosis Following Posterior Hemivertebra Resection and Short Fusion in Children Younger Than 10 Years

Study Design: A retrospective study. Objective: To investigate whether proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) or obvious proximal junctional angle (PJA) changes in the sagittal plane develops following short fusion in children younger than 10 years of age with congenital scoliosis, and to investigate the possible risk factors. Summary of Background Data: PJK following long spinal fusion in adolescents and adults is a serious postoperative complication. Although the same problem may occur in patients with early-onset scoliosis who have undergone spine fusion, few studies have been reported any relationship between PJK and spinal fusion in young children with congenital scoliosis. Materials and Methods: Thirty-seven children treated in a single institution between 1998 and 2010 were reviewed retrospectively. The inclusion criteria included (1) younger than 10 years of age at the time of operation; (2) simple congenital deformity; (3) hemivertebra treated by posterior hemivertebrectomy with short fusion at a maximum of 5 motion segments; and (4) minimum follow-up for 2 years. The PJA from the caudal endplate of the upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) to the cephalad endplate of the vertebra adjacent to the UIV, thoracic kyphosis (T5–T12), lumbar lordosis (T12–S1), global sagittal balance, and magnitude of scoliosis of the major curves and upper compensated curves were measured on lateral radiographs. PJK was defined by a PJA>10 degrees during the follow-up and at least 10 degrees greater than the preoperative or early postoperative measurement. Wilcoxon tests were performed for statistical analysis. Results: PJK occurred in 7 of 37 patients (18.9%), during an average of 4.5±3.2 years of follow-up (2–12 y). The UIV level of children with PJK was on T9 in 4 patients, and T11, T12, and L1 in 1. Screw malposition at UIV was confirmed by postoperative computed tomography images in 6 patients. Only 1 patient with a screw deviation did not develop PJK during the follow-up period. None of the patients with PJK was symptomatic, and no patients required revision surgery because of PJK. PJK occurred and progressed during the first 6 months after surgery followed by almost no progression or slight improvement in patients that could be followed up beyond 6 months postoperatively; in association with an increase of the lumbar lordosis. Conclusions: PJK occurred in pediatric patients with simple congenital deformities following hemivertebrectomy and short fusion. PJK was more common in patients with (1) greater immediately postoperative segmental kyphosis and PJA; (2) screw malposition on the UIV; and (3) hemivertebra located on the lower thoracic or the thoracolumbar region.
The use of veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation following thrombolysis for massive pulmonary embolism

A 59-year-old man was diagnosed with a massive pulmonary embolism. Despite thrombolysis there were two episodes of cardiac arrest and following recovery of spontaneous circulation profound cardiorespiratory failure ensued. An extracorporeal membrane oxygenation retrieval team initiated veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation on site to facilitate transfer to the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation centre. An excellent outcome is reported in the short term. This represents one of the few published cases of veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for a massive pulmonary embolism following thrombolysis.
On the design of the scheduling algorithm for the full duplexing wireless cellular network

In this paper, we consider the scheduling issue on the media access control (MAC) layer of a new practical full duplexing (FD) wireless cellular network, where the central base station (BS) works in the FD mode while the users (UEs) work in the time division duplexing (TDD) mode for considering the limited UE ability to handle the self co-channel interference in the FD mode. The main challenge of the scheduling for the FD system is not only how to allocate the channel resources to the UEs to maximize the system performance like the traditional frequency division duplexing (FDD) or TDD system, but also to determine the communication direction for each UE, i.e., down link (DL) or up link (UL) communication. We then propose an optimal scheduling algorithm to maximize the system throughput with considering the communication direction determination problem into the scheduling formulation. A modified proportional fair scheduling algorithm is also proposed to achieve the fairness among UEs. Furthermore, we put forward a suboptimal scheduling algorithm to reduce the computation complexity for a practical use. The simulation results show that through the proposed scheduling algorithms, the FD system can achieve significant improvement on the spectrum efficiency compared to the FDD system which works with traditional throughout maximization scheduling algorithm. It also proves the effectiveness of the FD system studied in this paper.
Political Footprints: Political Discourse Analysis using Pre-Trained Word Vectors

In this paper, we discuss how machine learning could be used to produce a systematic and more objective political discourse analysis. Political footprints are vector space models (VSMs) applied to political discourse. Each of their vectors represents a word, and is produced by training the English lexicon on large text corpora. This paper presents a simple implementation of political footprints, some heuristics on how to use them, and their application to four cases: the U.N. Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement, and two U.S. presidential elections. The reader will be offered a number of reasons to believe that political footprints produce meaningful results, along with some suggestions on how to improve their implementation.
Estrogen receptors in the rat uterus. Studies on the interaction of cytosol and nuclear binding sites.

Abstract Studies on the interrelationship of binding sites for estrogens found in cytosol and nuclear fractions of the rat uterus show that 17β-estradiol is first associated with a protein (9 S) present in the cytosol. The estrogen subsequently moves into the nucleus where it is bound to a protein (5 S) which can be extracted from the chromatin. Simultaneously with the movement of the estrogen into the nucleus, the binding protein of the cytosol disappears or loses its ability to bind estrogen. These and other experiments are discussed in terms of a hypothetical model in which estrogen binds to a cytosol receptor protein, bringing about a change in its conformation and its subsequent movement into the nucleus.
Revival of partial scan: Test cube analysis driven conversion of flip-flops

Increasing complexity of integrated circuits has forced the industry to abandon partial scan, which necessitates a computationally demanding and unaffordable sequential ATPG, and to rather adopt full scan despite its costs. In this paper, we propose a partial scan scheme driven by a computationally efficient test cube analysis. We tackle the challenges associated with the identification of the conditions to restore the controllability and observability compromised due to partial scan, and with the formulation of these conditions in terms of test cube operations. Upon the identification of a maximal-sized set of scan flip-flops that are converted to non-scan, a simple post-processing of the test cubes helps compute the values to be loaded into the scan flip-flops, eliminating the need to re-run ATPG while at the same time ensuring the quality of full scan. The proposed scheme combines the simplicity of the conventional ATPG flow with the area, performance, test time, and test power reduction benefits of partial scan. The proposed test cube analysis driven partial scan scheme is orthogonal and thus fully compatible with other test cost reduction techniques, such as test data compression and test power reduction, which can be applied in conjunction.
Analog Synapse Device With 5-b MLC and Improved Data Retention for Neuromorphic System

This letter presents an investigation of analog synapse characteristics of a PCMO-based interface switching device with varying electrode materials. In comparison with the filamentary switching device having only 1-b storage and variability issues, the interface switching devices exhibit excellent electrical properties, such as 5-b (32-level) multi-level cell characteristics, wafer-scale switching uniformity, and scalability of the switching energy with device area. To improve data retention of the interface switching device, we propose a Mo electrode to increase the oxidation barrier height (~0.4 eV) that, in turn, significantly improves the retention time and pattern classification accuracy of neural networks.
Functional diagnosis of respiratory efficiency of cokery mill employees working in a polluted atmosphere

Reaction of the airways to inhaled Berodual was evaluated in two groups of metallurgists surveilled by systematic, complex medical examinations for appx. 25 years: 31 coke oven and 31 cold-rolling mill workers. All subjects under examination were active smokers, smoking more than 20 cigarettes a day. The frequency of ventilatory disorders (central bronchi obturation, small bronchi obturation, and emphysemal changes) and the microclimatic conditions of their living places (even mean anthropometric indices) were similar. The main differentiating factor was the presence of air pollutants in their workshops. Employees of the coke oven division were exposed to a variety of noxious substances: CO, NOX, SO2, benzene (and its derivatives), HCN, and policyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. In the cold rolling division concentration of air pollutions was much smaller and virtually devoid of BaP. As revealed by Berodual, the provocation test in coke oven workers irreversible obturation and fixed emphysemal changes were far more frequent than in workers of cold rolling mill performing their jobs in favorable microclimatic conditions.
Safety assessment of docosahexaenoic acid in X-linked retinitis pigmentosa: the 4-year DHAX trial.

PURPOSE Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) continues to be evaluated and recommended as treatment and prophylaxis for various diseases. We recently assessed efficacy of high-dose DHA supplementation to slow vision loss in patients with X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP) in a randomized clinical trial. Because DHA is a highly unsaturated fatty acid, it could serve as a target for free-radical induced oxidation, resulting in increased oxidative stress. Biosafety was monitored during the 4-year trial to determine whether DHA supplementation was associated with identifiable risks. METHODS Males (n = 78; 7-31 years) meeting entry criteria were enrolled. The modified intent-to-treat cohort (DHA = 33; placebo = 27) adhered to the protocol ≥ 1 year. Participants were randomized to an oral dose of 30 mg/kg/d DHA or placebo plus a daily multivitamin. Comprehensive metabolic analyses were assessed for group differences. Treatment-emergent adverse events including blood chemistry metabolites were recorded. RESULTS By year 4, supplementation elevated plasma and red blood cell-DHA 4.4- and 3.6-fold, respectively, compared with the placebo group (P < 0.00001). Over the trial duration, no significant differences between DHA and placebo groups were found for vitamin A, vitamin E, platelet aggregation, antioxidant activity, lipoprotein cholesterol, or oxidized LDL levels (all P > 0.14). Adverse events were transient and not considered severe (e.g., gastrointestinal [GI] irritability, blood chemistry alterations). One participant was unable to tolerate persistent GI discomfort. CONCLUSIONS Long-term, high-dose DHA supplementation to patients with XLRP was associated with limited safety risks in this 4-year trial. Nevertheless, GI symptoms should be monitored in all patients taking high dose DHA especially those with personal or family history of GI disturbances. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00100230.).
New algorithms for processing and peak detection in liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry data.

Two new algorithms for automated processing of liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) data are presented. These algorithms were developed from an analysis of the noise and artifact distribution in such data. The noise distribution was analyzed by preparing histograms of the signal intensity in LC/MS data. These histograms are well fit by a sum of two normal distributions in the log scale. One new algorithm, median filtering, provides increased performance compared to averaging adjacent scans in removing noise that is not normally distributed in the linear scale. Another new algorithm, vectorized peak detection, provides increased robustness with respect to variation in the noise and artifact distribution compared to methods based on determining an intensity threshold for the entire dataset. Vectorized peak detection also permits the incorporation of existing algorithms for peak detection in ion chromatograms and/or mass spectra. The application of these methods to LC/MS spectra of complex biological samples is described.
Affective and Social Factors Influencing the Continuance Intention of Using Social Technology for the Case-based Learning

The proliferation of social technology poses both a threat and an opportunity for the delivery of traditional case method learning in business schools. This paper extends the expectation confirmation model (ECM) to examine the possibility of delivering the case method learning via social technology. Our regression analysis shows that, in addition to affective factors, the social factor of information and knowledge sharing can help improve the accuracy of predicting a student’s continuance intention of using social technology in case method learning. The analysis result leads to theoretical and empirical findings for business schools to consider adopting social technology as the next-generation tool for case method teaching.
Exercise Improves the Th1 Response by Modulating Cytokine and NO Production in BALB/c Mice

Abstract Physical exercise can improve health and may lead to changes in the functionality of the immune system. Moderate intensity exercise can reduce the risk of infection by shifting the overall immune response towards a T helper type 1 pattern. This study investigates the effect of 12 weeks of swimming on the cytokine profile of lymph node cells and macrophages and of the nitric oxide production by these cells. BALB/c mice were divided into 2 groups. The exercise group was subjected to swimming exercise. Lymph node cells culture showed that concentrations of interferon-γ and tumour necrosis factor-α were higher in the exercised group, while levels of interleukine-4 and interleukine-10 were significantly decreased in this group. The interleukine-10/interferon-γ ratio tended towards a T helper type 1 profile. Moreover, macrophages isolated from exercised mice produced more interleukine-12 and tumour necrosis factor-α following lipopolysaccharide stimulus. Challenging these macrophages with Leishmania major resulted in higher interleukine-12 production than was observed with macrophages from the control group. Nitric oxide production was increased in macrophages isolated from exercised group following lipopolysaccharide stimulus but not following infection with Leishmania major. These data suggest that exercise biases the immune system towards a T helper type 1 response profile.
A novel mutation in YARS2 causes myopathy with lactic acidosis and sideroblastic anemia

Mutations in the mitochondrial aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetases (ARSs) are associated with a strikingly broad range of clinical phenotypes, the molecular basis for which remains obscure. Here, we report a novel missense mutation (c.137G>A, p.Gly46Asp) in the catalytic domain of YARS2, which codes for the mitochondrial tyrosyl‐tRNA synthetase, in a subject with myopathy, lactic acidosis, and sideroblastic anemia (MLASA). YARS2 was undetectable by immunoblot analysis in subject myoblasts, resulting in a generalized mitochondrial translation defect. Retroviral expression of a wild‐type YARS2 complementary DNA completely rescued the translation defect. We previously demonstrated that the respiratory chain defect in this subject was only present in fully differentiated muscle, and we show here that this likely reflects an increased requirement for YARS2 as muscle cells differentiate. An additional, heterozygous mutation was detected in TRMU/MTU1, a gene encoding the mitochondrial 2‐thiouridylase. Although subject myoblasts and myotubes contained half the normal levels of TRMU, thiolation of mitochondrial tRNAs was normal. YARS2 eluted as part of high‐molecular‐weight complexes of ∼250 kDa and 1 MDa by gel filtration. This study confirms mutations in YARS2 as a cause of MLASA and shows that, like some of the cytoplasmic ARSs, mitochondrial ARSs occur in high‐molecular‐weight complexes. Hum Mutat 33:1201–1206, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Using Smalltalk for wait-free implementation of highly-concurrent objects

In this paper I describe wait-free implementations of concurrent objects and show, with the help of an example, how the design of the Smalltalk language can allow a concurrent version of Smalltalk to easily support highly-concurrent objects. Specifically, I explain how a universal wait-free algorithm written in Smalltalk can allow arbitrary concurrent-objects to be easily implemented and used in concurrent applications.
Evaluation of the Diabetes Health Plan to Improve Diabetes Care and Prevention

Investigators from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and members of the leadership and data analysis teams at UnitedHealthcare (UHC) are partnering to evaluate the Diabetes Health Plan (DHP), an innovative disease-specific insurance product designed by UHC specifically for patients with prediabetes or diabetes. The DHP provides improved access to care management, telephone coaching, and enhanced Internet-based communication with enrollees. The evaluation will use a quasi-experimental design, comparing patients from employer groups that offer the DHP with patients from groups that do not, to determine the effect of the DHP on incidence of diabetes, adherence to metformin, and costs of care among patients with prediabetes. Other factors studied will be cardiovascular risk factor control, adherence to preventive services, health care use, and costs of care among patients with existing diabetes.
Visual inspection of power lines by U.A.S.

Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) can be used nowadays for automatic visual inspection of power lines. Two challenging problems need to be solved: The detection of the power lines and the tracking of the lines. This paper presents a method for vision systems to extract power lines from cluttered natural backgrounds e.g. trees, cloudy skies. By means of range filters, some morphological operations, Canny operator and Hough transformation this separation is carried out, which results in binary images containing the detected lines only. These images can be further processed for inspection of power lines and pylons.
Comparison of multi-locus enzyme and protein gel electrophoresis in the discrimination of five Fusarium species isolated from Egyptian cottons

Electrophoretic studies of multilocus-enzymes (MLEE) and whole-cell protein (SDS-PAGE) were carried out in order to evaluate the parity between different methods for the characterization of five Fusarium species recovered from cotton-growing areas in Egypt by numerical taxonomy methods. The obtained data revealed that SDS-PAGE and esterase isozymes are more efficient in grouping isolates in their respective species while peroxidase and malate dehydrogenase isozyme has much limited resolution in organizing all isolates in their respective species-specific clusters. A low correlations was detected between geographical origin of isolates and genetic diversity. Results indicate that the estimated inter-specific variation may be more pronounced with protein markers than with isoyzmes when the two approaches are applied to the same populations. The level of genetic variability detected within and between Fusarium spp. accessions with protein and esterase isoyzmes analysis suggests that it is a reliable, efficient, and effective marker technology for determining genetic relationships in Fusarium genus.
A semi-automatic groundtruthing tool for mobile-captured document segmentation

This paper presents a novel way to generate ground-truth data for the evaluation of mobile document capture systems, focusing on the first stage of the image processing pipeline involved: document object detection and segmentation in low-quality preview frames. We introduce and describe a simple, robust and fast technique based on color markers which enables a semi-automated annotation of page corners. We also detail a technique for marker removal. Methods and tools presented in the paper were successfully used to annotate, in few hours, 24889 frames in 150 video files for the smartDOC competition at ICDAR 2015.
Cascaded High Voltage Conversion Ratio Bidirectional Nonisolated DC–DC Converter With Variable Switching Frequency

In this paper, a multistage nonisolated high voltage conversion ratio (VCR) bidirectional dc–dc converter is proposed. The VCR is <italic>n</italic> times of the conventional buck/boost converter using only <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$n+ {\text{2}}$</tex-math></inline-formula> switches. All the switches can achieve full-range zero voltage switching (ZVS) despite the power flow direction. The operating principle, ZVS condition, and design considerations of a four-stage topology are analyzed in detail. In addition, an improved dynamic switching frequency modulation is proposed to reduce the power loss. Analyses and comparisons between the conventional constant frequency and variable frequency control are made to show the effectiveness. A 500-W experimental prototype interfacing 20–30 V with 270 V is fabricated to verify the performance of the proposed converter and control strategy.
Estimating Amoxicillin Influx/Efflux in Chinchilla Middle Ear Fluid and Simultaneous Measurement of Antibacterial Effect

ABSTRACT Understanding the transport process and the factors that control the influx/efflux of antibiotics between plasma and middle ear fluid is essential in optimizing the antimicrobial efficacy in the treatment of acute otitis media. In this study, an experimental chinchilla model with the application of a microdialysis technique was utilized to evaluate amoxicillin middle ear distribution kinetics. Amoxicillin solutions at various doses were instilled into the middle ear with a simultaneous intravenous bolus dose. Unbound amoxicillin levels were monitored by microdialysis in both ears. Serial phlebotomy provided samples for the measurement of unbound amoxicillin concentration in plasma ultrafiltrates. In infected chinchillas, discrete middle ear fluid samples were plated and cultured to characterize Streptococcus pneumoniae growth-kill kinetics. Noncompartmental analysis was used to estimate distributional and elimination clearances assuming linear pharmacokinetics. A nonlinear Michaelis-Menten equation was also used to determine the efflux clearance (from middle ear fluid to plasma) in a mammillary compartment model. No difference was observed in amoxicillin pharmacokinetics between control and infected chinchillas. Influx clearance was (4.6 ± 2.4) × 10−3 ml/min-kg and significantly lower than the efflux clearance estimated as (19.2 ± 9.7) × 10−3 ml/min-kg (P < 0.002). Nonlinear kinetics was observed in the locally dosed ear. The microdialysis procedure did not interfere with the bacterial growth-kill profile, thereby enabling pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic evaluation concurrently. In conclusion, the results suggested that the distribution equilibrium of amoxicillin in the middle ear favors efflux to plasma over influx. An active transport mechanism across middle ear mucosal epithelium may be involved in amoxicillin distribution.