Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Numerical simulation and evaluation of aerodynamic configuration of the fairing for the national measurement standard of air flow velocity

When performing various technological processes in energy, the velocity of air flows is one of the important parameters for metrological control. In addition, in the coal industry, with the deepening of mines, there is an urgent need to solve the problems of ventilation of mining, compliance with safe working conditions and, as a consequence, measuring air velocities of 0.1 m/s and higher. The national primary measurement standard of air flow in the range from 0.1 m/s to 1 m/s, created in NSC “Institute of Metrology”, provides traceability of measurements for working measuring instruments. The numerical simulation and evaluation of the aerodynamic configuration of the fairing for the national measurement standard of air flow velocity are performed in this paper. The calculations of the length of the measuring section of the inverse installation of the national measurement standard for the selected range from 0.1 m/s to 1 m/s are carried out. The purpose of the work is to investigate and improve the metrological characteristics and to provide recommendations for expanding the measurement range.
Drivers for Companies ’ Entry into Standardization June 2016

This paper aims to identify the drivers for firms’ decision to join open standards-setting organizations (SSOs). In particular, the influence of several firm characteristics such as firm size, R&D-intensity, patenting-activity, innovation-activity and sector-affiliation on the propensity to enter the German institute for Standardization (DIN e.V.) is explored. For this purpose, data of the Community Innovation Survey (CIS) 2011 for Germany is merged with the information of company’s participation at the German Institute for Standardization (DIN) between 2010 and 2013. Therefore, for the first time it is possible to identify the moment when firms enter a formal SSO and, hence, eliminate the problem of simultaneity. For the multivariate estimations, a survival analysis approach is chosen, where the entrance of firms in standardization can be regarded as events taking place within the observed time period. Results show that the likelihood to enter the SSO rises with firm size. Also, companies that introduce new products or services into the market are significantly more likely to join formal standardization in the following years while R&D-intensity on its own does not have a significant positive influence. Finally, the protection of innovations by patents enhances the likelihood to enter SSOs, too. These results indicate that SSOs enable the diffusion of innovative products or services, that very small firms refrain from entering SSOs and that patenting seems to be important as protection instrument against potential knowledge spillovers.
Percutaneous locking plates for fractures of the distal tibia: Our experience and a review of the literature

Background: Distal tibial metaphyseal fractures pose many complexities. This study assessed the outcomes of distal tibial fractures treated with medial locking plates. Methods: Eighteen patients were selected based on the fracture pattern and classified using the AO classification and stabilized with an AO medial tibial locking plate. Time to fracture union, complications, and outcomes were assessed with the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle score at 12 months. Results: Sixteen of the 18 patients achieved fracture union, with 1 patient lost to follow-up. Twelve fractures united within 24 weeks, with an average union time of 23.1 weeks. Three delayed unions, two at 28 weeks and one at 56 weeks. The average time to union was 32 weeks in the smokers and 15.3 weeks in the nonsmokers. Five of the 18 patients (27%) developed complications. One superficial wound infection, and one chronic wound infection, resulting in nonunion at 56 weeks, requiring revision. Two patients required plate removal, one after sustaining an open fracture at the proximal end of the plate 6 months after surgery (postfracture union) and the other for painful hardware. One patient had implant failure of three proximal diaphyseal locking screws at the screw head/neck junction, but successful fracture union. The average American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle score was 88.8 overall, and 92.1 in fractures that united within 24 weeks. Conclusions: Distal tibial locking plates have high fracture union rates, minimum soft tissue complications, and good functional outcomes. The literature shows similar fracture union and complication rates in locking and nonlocking plates.
Effect of Trauma on Mental Health of Parents and Children in the Middle Area of the Gaza Strip

On September 2000, the Al Aqsa Itifada erupted. Palestinian children and families have been exposed to a variety of traumatic events, ranging from hearing of killing, to bombardment by helicopters at the entire Gaza Strip. The current conflict differs from the previous Intifada, in which events such as night and day raids were common occurrence in previous Intifada (1987-1993). Shelling and bombardment became the main them of trauma to children and families especially after the disengagement plan from Gaza Strip in 2005. Even after the withdrawal of the Israeli occupation forces from Gaza Strip, shelling of north and east of Gaza Strip is still a daily act of violence against the Palestinian. Added to this, the sonic sound of jetfighters, bombardment by helicopters, jet fighters, and pilot free aeroplanes including assassinations of Palestinian Militants. According to UN report [1] Palestinian death toll reaches 202 as ‘Operation Summer Rains’ extends into its tenth week The nearly two-month long Israeli military operation in the Gaza Strip continues to exact a heavy toll on the 1.4 million Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip. Two hundred and two (202) Palestinians, including 44 children have been killed since 28 June, when ‘Operation Summer Rains’ (the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) name for the offensive) began. Since 28 June, the Israel Air Force (IAF) launched at least 267 air strikes attacks on the Gaza Strip. Common feelings and reactions in the aftermath of a traumatic event include sadness, anger, rage, fear, numbness, stress, feeling of helplessness, feeling jumpy or jittery, moodiness or irritability, change in appetite, difficulty sleeping, experiencing nightmares, avoidance of situations that are reminders of the trauma, problems concentrating, and guilt because of survival or lack of harm during the event [2].
Estrogen dissociates Tau and alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid receptor subunit in postischemic hippocampus

During cerebral ischemia, part of the damage associated with the hyperactivation of glutamate receptors results from the hyperphosphorylation of the microtubule-associated protein Tau. Previous studies have shown that estradiol treatment reduces neural damage after cerebral ischemia. Here, we show that transient occlusion of the middle cerebral artery results in the hyperphosphorylation of Tau and in a significant increase in the association of Tau with glycogen synthase kinase-3&bgr; and alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid type glutamate receptor subunits 2/3 in the hippocampus. Estradiol treatment decreased hippocampal injury, inhibited glycogen synthase kinase-3&bgr; and decreased the hyperphosphorylation of Tau and the interaction of Tau with glycogen synthase kinase-3&bgr; and alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid receptor. These findings suggest that ischemia produces a strong association between Tau and alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid receptor, and estradiol can exert at least part of its neuroprotective activity through inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3&bgr;.
Combining Symbolic and Statistical Methods in Morphological Analysis and Unknown Word Guessing

Highly inflectional/agglutinative languages like Hungarian typically feature possible word forms in such a magnitude that automatic methods that provide morphosyntactic annotation on the basis of some training corpus often face the problem of data sparseness. A possible solution to this problem is to apply a comprehensive morphological analyser, which is able to analyse almost all wordforms alleviating the problem of unseen tokens. However, although in a smaller number, there will still remain forms which are unknown even to the morphological analyzer and should be handled by some guesser mechanism. The paper will describe a hybrid method which combines symbolic and statistical information to provide lemmatization and suffix analyses for unknown word forms. Evaluation is carried out with respect to the induction of possible analyses and their respective lexical probabilities for unknown word forms in a part-of-speech tagging system.
Rate invariant action recognition in Lie algebra

Human action recognition is currently a hot topic research domain including a variety of applications such as human HMI, rehabilitation and surveillance. The majority of existing approaches are based on the skeleton. They utilize either the joint locations or the joint angles in order to present a human skeleton. This study introduce a novel framework, which allows compact representation, quick comparison and accurate recognition of human action in video sequences from depth sensors. First, we represent the evolution of body parts in successive frames by rotations and translations. Mathematically, in 3D space, rigid body transformations are members of the special Euclidean group SE(3). We can represent the actions by trajectories in the Lie group SE(3) ×…× SE(3) with the proposed skeleton representation. We map these trajectories from Lie group to the corresponding Lie algebra se(3) ×…× se(3), by using the identity element of the group in the tangent space group. We propose then to use an elastic shape analysis framework to compare the resulting trajectories in the lie algebra, thus the comparison is invariant to the rate of execution of the action. Finally, a Hoeffding tree (VFDT)-based classification is performed. Experimentations on two challenging action datasets show that our proposed approach operates equally well or better when compared to state of the art.
Miniature Force Transducer for Myocardial Stimulation and Local Tension Measurements

The commercially available transducers for direct measurement of myocardial tension are either large in size or lack the ability of isometric measurement. Moreover, none of them enables measurement of local isometric tension just around the site of electrical stimulation of the heart. A miniature strain gauge transducer was developed in our laboratories and is herewith described. It weighs 150 mg, and consists of two arms with adjustable distance between 1-5 mm. It is applied to the heart by 2 needles which may serve also as stimulating or sensing electrodes. A full bridge made of constantan foil strain gauges ensures low drift. The device enables in vivo measurement of isometric tension of a myocardial segment of the site where the tension is being measured and permits simultaneous recording of the electrogram. Attachment of the gauge to the ventricular wall by means of needles makes simple the transfer of the transducer from one measuring point to another. The performance of the miniature force transducer was compared to that of a standard Walton-Brodie strain gauge arch demonstrating marked similarity of response at low heart rates. At high frequencies however differences in mechanical response of the heart were obtained by the two force transducers.
Decentralized headphone based spatialized audio conferencing for low power devices

This paper describes a novel media distribution model for headphone based spatialized audio conferences. In contrast to existing models, our approach permits high quality spatialized audio conferencing across low power terminals, without the requirement for centralized spatial processing functionality. The model is flexible in terms of the spatial processing techniques, though we focus upon one particular implementation which employs accurate binaural room impulse response (BRIR) filtering. Our model operates by performing a single binaural filter operation upon each user's audio at source, before encoding and transmitting the binaural signal to a centralized mixing location. Since only centralized mixing is required, this model can easily be implemented within the IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) using existing IMS components. A discussion on codec selection for this model is also offered. Finally, the impact upon network load for our proposed approach is analysed, using a traffic model based upon a hypothetical core network partition.
Continuous prefetch for interactive data applications

Interactive data visualization and exploration (DVE) applications are often network-bottlenecked due to bursty request patterns, large response sizes, and heterogeneous deployments over a range of networks and devices. This makes it difficult to ensure consistently low response times (< 100ms). Khameleon is a framework for DVE applications that uses a novel combination of prefetching and response tuning to dynamically trade-off response quality for low latency. Khameleon exploits DVE's approximation tolerance: immediate lower-quality responses are preferable to waiting for complete results. To this end, Khameleon progressively encodes responses, and runs a server-side scheduler that proactively streams portions of responses using available bandwidth to maximize user-perceived interactivity. The scheduler involves a complex optimization based on available resources, predicted user interactions, and response quality levels; yet, decisions must also be made in real-time. To overcome this, Khameleon uses a fast greedy heuristic that closely approximates the optimal approach. Using image exploration and visualization applications with real user interaction traces, we show that across a wide range of network and client resource conditions, Khameleon outperforms existing prefetching approaches that benefit from perfect prediction models: Khameleon always lowers response latencies (typically by 2--3 orders of magnitude) while keeping response quality within 50--80%.
Nitrates for the Management of Acute Heart Failure Syndromes, A Systematic Review

Intravenous nitrates are widely used in the management of acute heart failure syndrome (AHFS) yet with lack of robust evidence to support their use. We therefore sought to analyze all randomized studies that evaluated the effects of nitrates on clinical outcomes in patients with AHFS. In total, 15 relevant trials comparing nitrates and alternative interventions in 1824 patients were identified. All but 3 were conducted before 1998. No trials demonstrated a beneficial effect on mortality, apart from 1 trial reporting a reduction in mortality, which was related to the time of treatment. Retrospective review suggests that there is a lack of data to draw any firm conclusions concerning the use of nitrates in patients with AHFS. More studies are needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these agents in the modern era of guideline-directed use of heart failure therapy.
Mutual effect of the direct and indirect pathways on the basal ganglia network

The main cause of Parkinson's disease is that the loss of dopamine makes the direct and indirect pathways of striatum lose their original balance, which eventually leads to abnormality of basal ganglia network. At the same time, various structures of the basal ganglia network show abnormal synchronous discharge. Thalamus also can't respond to cortex normally, making Parkinson's patients tremble abnormally. As the key structure of basal ganglia network, striatum has been always put much attention in the research. However, due to the complexity of the two pathways, a simplified method was always used in the research. Namely, The input of the striatum is set as a constant and the input current of the two pathways is analyzed individually. However, it's obvious that the simplified method can't truly reflect the influence of the two pathways on the basal ganglia network. In this paper, we will use the modified Hodgkin-Huxley model to simulate the influence of the direct path and the indirect path on the network. Corresponding parameters are adjusted in normal state. Then sensitivity characteristics of the two pathways on the network were observed by analyzing the relay ability of thalamus to the signals from the cerebral cortex, which will have much significance in diagnosis in Parkinson's disease.
Thrombin attenuation is neuroprotective in the injured rat optic nerve

The functional loss that often follows injury of the mammalian CNS has been attributed not only to the immediate neural loss, but also to secondary neuronal degeneration caused by toxic biochemical mediators in the environment of the injured nerve. We report here that a high thrombin content, produced as a result of injury‐induced activation of prothrombin, appears to be an important mediator of secondary damage. Measurement of post‐traumatic neuronal survival in vivo revealed that post‐traumatic local application of the thrombin inhibitor N‐α‐(2‐naphthylsulphonylglycyl)‐4‐(d,l)‐amidinophenylalanine piperidide acetate in the rat optic nerve subjected to mild partial crush injury left twice as many retinal ganglion cells with functioning axons as in controls. Thus, by readjusting thrombin activity, thereby possibly obtaining a moderate post‐traumatic increase and thus gaining the benefit of thrombin without its toxic effects, it may be possible to create an environment that is more favourable towards post‐traumatic survival.
The human antiporcine cellular repertoire. In vitro studies of acquired and innate cellular responsiveness.

Discordant xenogeneic transplantation offers a potentially unlimited source of donor organs from easily bred, nonendangered, physiologically compatible animals, but has been limited by the inevitable occurrence of hyperacute rejection (HAR). The potential existence of cell-mediated discordant graft rejection has remained obscured by HAR, and hence is incompletely understood. To define the cellular elements capable of recognition of and subsequent response against discordant tissue in a clinically applicable species combination, we have studied the in vitro interaction of human peripheral blood lymphocytes against 3 porcine B lymphoblastoid cell lines and 6 primary porcine endothelial cell populations. PBL from all individuals tested (n = 10) proliferated in response to culture for 72 hr in xenogeneic mixed lymphocyte culture (XMLC) with cell lines expressing porcine MHC (SLA) class II antigens, while endothelial cultures lacking SLA class II generally failed to evoke a response. The proliferative response to class II-positive cells was attenuated by addition of anti-SLA class II antibody but not by anti-SLA class I antibody. Two endothelial populations expressing class II stimulated an inhibitable proliferative response. The magnitude of the short-term proliferative xenogeneic response was similar to that evoked by fully mismatched allogeneic human B lymphoblastoid stimulators. Additionally, extended XMLC was performed with PBL from 3 individuals. All populations responded with continued proliferation when repeatedly stimulated by porcine cells. This was characterized not only by T cell growth, but by prominent NK cell growth as well. Elucidation of the TCR V beta chain usage patterns by semiquantitative PCR documented selection of TCR transcripts from gene family V beta 2 in each group, complemented by a heterogeneous mixture of other transcripts including V beta 17.1, 20.1, and 6.1, suggesting that direct human TCR binding of porcine cells occurs, and that it is likely to be an individualistic response complemented by a more homogeneous NK response. A 51Cr release assay was utilized to demonstrate that unprimed PBL could also lyse porcine target cells. This cytotoxic response was maintained despite the complete removal of T cells, suggesting that porcine-directed NK cell activity is present prior to the maturation of any T cell response. Cytolysis was also demonstrated in serum-free medium and thus was not mediated solely by antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Chinese hamster ovary cells transfected with the human T cell receptor accessory molecule CD4 were used to study the ability of this molecule to stabilize the interaction between the human TCR and SLA class II. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
The Linear Rational Pseudospectral Method with Iteratively Optimized Poles for Two-Point Boundary Value Problems

An algorithm is proposed which improves upon the polynomial pseudospectral method for solving linear two-point boundary value problems. In the latter, the collocation points are the vertical projection onto the interval of points equidistant or nearly equidistant on the circle, and they therefore accumulate in the vicinity of the extremities of the interval. Thus the method is well-suited for solving problems whose solutions have boundary layers but not as good at approximating solutions with large gradients (shocks) away from the extremities of their domain of definition. Our idea is to modify the polynomial ansatz by attaching a denominator so as to make it a rational interpolant. The denominator is then successively optimized in an iterative procedure with each step consisting of the solution of two problems: an optimization of the denominator for given values of the approximation to the solution u at the interpolation points and a collocation in the linear space of the rational interpolants with the just obtained fixed denominator to obtain new approximate values of u. We show the efficiency of a Galerkin version of the method and discuss the power of the collocation version with several numerical examples.
Trichodysplasia Spinulosa in a 7‐Year‐Old Boy Managed Using Physical Extraction of Keratin Spicules

Trichodysplasia spinulosa (TS) is an uncommon skin disease characterized by a folliculocentric papular eruption and keratin spine formation, classically appearing on the central face and ears. It occurs in immunosuppressed patients and is linked to a viral etiology. Diagnostic tests including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are available for detection of the TS‐associated polyomavirus. Effective treatment options include topical cidofovir and oral valganciclovir. We present a case diagnosed using PCR with skin scrapings and treated using physical extraction of the keratin spicules. Significant improvement was noted, suggesting a safe, cost‐effective treatment alternative.
Benchmarking: the five year outcome of rheumatoid arthritis assessed using a pain score, the Health Assessment Questionnaire, and the Short Form-36 (SF-36) in a community and a clinic based sample

BACKGROUND Treatment, and therefore outcome, of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) will improve in the next few years. However, improvement in outcome can only be judged against the probability of certain outcomes with current conventional treatment. AIM To document the five year outcome of RA in the late 1990s. SETTING Norfolk Arthritis Register (NOAR). DESIGN Longitudinal observational cohort study. METHODS 318 patients with recent onset inflammatory polyarthritis recruited by NOAR in 1990–91 completed five years of follow up. Four groups were assessed: the whole cohort, all those referred to hospital, those who satisfied criteria for RA at baseline, and those referred to hospital who satisfied criteria for RA at baseline. Outcome was assessed with a visual analogue scale for pain, the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), and the Short Form-36 (SF-36). RESULTS Of the RA hospital attenders, 50% had a visual analogue scale pain score of 5 cm or less and an HAQ score of 1.125 or less. SF-36 scores were reduced in all domains. Results are presented as cumulative percentages. CONCLUSIONS These results can be used for comparison and to set targets for improvement.