Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sustained Zero‐Order Release of Intact Ultra‐Stable Drug‐Loaded Liposomes from an Implantable Nanochannel Delivery System

Metronomic chemotherapy supports the idea that long‐term, sustained, constant administration of chemotherapeutics, currently not achievable, could be effective against numerous cancers. Particularly appealing are liposomal formulations, used to solubilize hydrophobic therapeutics and minimize side effects, while extending drug circulation time and enabling passive targeting. As liposome alone cannot survive in circulation beyond 48 h, sustaining their constant plasma level for many days is a challenge. To address this, we develop, as a proof of concept, an implantable nanochannel delivery system and ultra‐stable PEGylated lapatinib‐loaded liposomes, and we demonstrate the release of intact vesicles for over 18 d. Further, we investigate intravasation kinetics of subcutaneously delivered liposomes and verify their biological activity post nanochannel release on BT474 breast cancer cells. The key innovation of this work is the combination of two nanotechnologies to exploit the synergistic effect of liposomes, demonstrated as passive‐targeting vectors and nanofluidics to maintain therapeutic constant plasma levels. In principle, this approach could maximize efficacy of metronomic treatments.
Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography and Surgical Treatment for Eagle's Syndrome

Eagle's syndrome represents a group of symptoms that includes recurrent throat pain, globus pharyngeus, dysphagia, referred otalgia, and neck pain possibly caused by elongation of the styloid process or ossification of the stylohyoid or stylomandibular ligaments. The medical history and physical and radiologic examinations are the main guides to the precise diagnosis. The radiologic diagnostic modality of choice is three-dimensional computed tomography (3-D CT). We describe a case of bilaterally symptomatic Eagle's syndrome that was diagnosed by 3-D CT of the styloid processes and successfully treated with surgery via a transoral approach.
Chasing Away RAts: Semantics and evaluation for relaxed atomics on heterogeneous systems

An unambiguous and easy-to-understand memory consistency model is crucial for ensuring correct synchronization and guiding future design of heterogeneous systems. In a widely adopted approach, the memory model guarantees sequential consistency (SC) as long as programmers obey certain rules. The popular data-race-free-0 (DRF0) model exemplifies this SC-centric approach by requiring programmers to avoid data races. Recent industry models, however, have extended such SC-centric models to incorporate relaxed atomics. These extensions can improve performance, but are difficult to specify formally and use correctly. This work addresses the impact of relaxed atomics on consistency models for heterogeneous systems in two ways. First, we introduce a new model, Data-Race-Free-Relaxed (DRFrlx), that extends DRF0 to provide SC-centric semantics for the common use cases of relaxed atomics. Second, we evaluate the performance of relaxed atomics in CPU-GPU systems for these use cases. We find mixed results — for most cases, relaxed atomics provide only a small benefit in execution time, but for some cases, they help significantly (e.g., up to 51% for DRFrlx over DRF0).
Normal Range Growth Curves for Fetal Biparietal Diameter, Occipito Frontal Diameter, Mean Abdominal Diameters and Femur Length

Normal range curves for the growth of fetal biparietal diameter (BPD), occipitofrontal diameter (OFD), mean abdominal diameter (AD), and femur length (FL) were obtained in a longitudinal series of ultrasound measurements in 19 normal pregnancies. Regression analysis was used to fit the data to equations. The best equations for BPD and AD on gestational are close to similar longitudinally obtained regression curves from other Scandinavian countries.
Association between exhaled inflammatory markers and asthma control in children

The relationship between exhaled inflammatory markers and asthma control in children is unclear. (1) To explore the association between inflammatory markers in exhaled breath (fractional nitric oxide (FeNO), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), cytokines/chemokines) and asthma control. (2) To assess whether exhaled inflammatory markers are able to discriminate between children with persistently controlled/uncontrolled asthma. (1) To explore the association between inflammatory markers in exhaled breath (fractional nitric oxide (FeNO), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), cytokines/chemokines) and asthma control. (2) To assess whether exhaled inflammatory markers are able to discriminate between children with persistently controlled/uncontrolled asthma. 96 asthmatic children were followed-up in a one-year observational study. Every 2 months, the following parameters were assessed: asthma control, FeNO, lung function (forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC), exhaled VOCs, and cytokines/chemokines in exhaled breath condensate (EBC). Random Forest was used to analyse the relationship between exhaled inflammatory markers and asthma control. For each model, patients were randomly selected for a training set and validation set. To assess the accuracy of the classification models, receiver operating characteristic-curves (ROC-curves) were generated. No significant association was found between the exhaled inflammatory markers (FeNO, markers in EBC, VOCs) and asthma control (area under the ROC-curve 49%). However, 15 exhaled VOCs could discriminate between subgroups of children with persistently controlled and uncontrolled asthma during all clinical visits (area under the ROC-curve 86%). Adding FeNO and markers in EBC to this model, did not lead to a more accurate classification (area under the ROC-curve 87%). There was no association between exhaled inflammatory markers and asthma control in children. However, children with persistently controlled or uncontrolled asthma during the 12 month study period could be discriminated by a set of VOCs.
A qualitative study on the role of patient–nurse communication in acute cardiac care

Background: This study aimed to illuminate the meaning of the patient–nurse communication during a hospital stay as narrated by patients after a myocardial infarction (MI). Methods: Narrative interviews from 10 patients were analyzed, using a phenomenological-hermeneutic method. Results: The nursing dialogue meant a safe mooring point on the trajectory from initial chaos after a MI to a reoriented life. Nurses’ presence and availability for non-verbal and verbal communication created a trustful relationship where new knowledge was acquired and motivational strength for life-style changes was mobilized. A person-centered perspective was preferred, where relatives were invited into the conversation. Conclusions: These results highlight that patient–nurse communication based on the patient’s view is possible in acute care after MI, and is an issue of attitude rather than time. Trust lays the foundation for a person-centered communication and is developed through the nurse’s presence and availability not only in the emergency phase, but throughout hospitalization. Discussions focused on personal action plans with emphasis on the patient’s health assets may facilitate a successful rehabilitation.
Regra de Taylor e política monetária no Brasil: considerações empíricas a partir de um modelo DSGE para uma pequena economia aberta

O presente estudo tem como objetivo analisar a conducao da politica monetaria brasileira apos a adocao do sistema de metas de inflacao. Para tal, avalia-se uma regra de Taylor estimada a partir de um modelo DSGE para uma pequena economia aberta. Comparam-se os resultados obtidos com os existentes na literatura nacional em busca de similaridades e/ou dissonâncias. As conclusoes deste estudo sao as seguintes: (i) a presenca de rigidezes nominais e reais e significativamente relevante para a dinâmica da economia brasileira, com destaque a indexacao de precos; (ii) o Banco Central do Brasil tem efetivamente uma postura anti-inflacionaria; e (iii) a taxa de câmbio e um fator auxiliar na conducao da politica monetaria nacional.
An Integrated Approach to Evaluating and Selecting Green Logistics Providers for Sustainable Development

Balancing economic development with environmental protection has become a critical concern worldwide. However, along with the highly competitively global marketplace, economic factors are known to directly affect an enterprise’s development and its future business. Therefore, selecting the right partner for sustainable collaboration that will lead to improved business performance and reduce carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions is a significant problem for many enterprises. In addition, investigating the economic impact of companies that are charged to protect the environment is becoming increasingly problematic. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to evaluate the comparative efficiencies of 16 Green Logistics Providers (GLPs) in the USA from 2012 to 2015, and the projected four-year period of 2016–2019, by means of an integrated approach that combines the grey forecasting model GM (1,1) and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). The results show that there are two GLPs, Knight Transportation and the Union Pacific Corporation, that possess a higher efficiency level and are achieving positive technical change. However, this study also determined that Hyster-Yale Materials Handling and CSX Corporation did not reach an acceptable efficiency score; therefore, they should improve technical efficiency to mitigate environmental concerns. This completely integrative methodology has the potential to provide the best decision-making strategies for finding suitable collaborative partners who are able to meet the sustainability requirements in most economic and environmental areas.
Knowledge management via ontology development in accounting

Purpose – This paper seeks to develop an ontological approach, in order to make it possible to share a common understanding of accounting theory, in this case, the specific structure of the profit and loss account among people or software agents.Design/methodology/approach – This paper presents an ontology methodology (the Net technique) which represents a semi‐structured element in the domain knowledge of accounting. More specifically, ontology will be used to explain the profit and loss account as a representation of the potential use of this methodology.Findings – To support ontology effectively, a strong accounting information support system in the organization is necessary. The ontology may be used by employees to navigate the information repository of an organization for the effective coordination. In addition, it might be possible for the WWW to be used to generate data, information and knowledge in the accounting domain.Practical implications – Software agents could extract and aggregate accountin.
Up to 10.7-Gb/s High-PDG RSOA-Based Colorless Transmitter for WDM Networks

The operation of a network-embedded colorless self-tuning transmitter for WDM networks is experimentally demonstrated from 2.5- up to 10.7-Gb/s data rates. Colorless operation is achieved by self-seeding an ultra-fast reflective semiconductor optical amplifier (RSOA) with the feedback signal reflected at the WDM multiplexer filter. In particular, the transmitter exploits a 2-Faraday rotators configuration to ensure polarization insensitive operation and allowing for the exploitation of high gain RSOAs, which can be designed to operate on a single polarization. The impact on the transmission of the fiber chromatic dispersion at different bit-rates and with different channel bandwidths of the WDM multiplexer filter is experimentally investigated up to 10.7 Gb/s. The tolerance to positive and negative dispersive loads is also assessed.
An Approach for Automatic Segmentation of Scenes in Educational Videos through the use of Audio Transcription and Semantic Annotation

In recent years, educational videos are becoming more and more popular. Due to this increase in the amount of didactic content in the video format present on the web, it is interesting to make it possible for a search term to be related to a specific segment of the video. Better navigability allows the user to have quicker access to the topics that interest him, avoiding irrelevant content. This article proposes a method for automatic segmentation of scenes in educational videos through the use of automatic audio transcription and semantic annotation. With this targeting, you can improve content search on these videos by improving the user experience on e-learning platforms or educational video repositories.
Multiple Domains of Tetanus Toxin Direct Entry into Primary Neurons

Tetanus toxin elicits spastic paralysis by cleaving VAMP‐2 to inhibit neurotransmitter release in inhibitory neurons of the central nervous system. As the retrograde transport of tetanus neurotoxin (TeNT) from endosomes has been described, the initial steps that define how TeNT initiates trafficking to the retrograde system are undefined. This study examines TeNT entry into primary cultured cortical neurons by total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy. The initial association of TeNT with the plasma membrane was dependent upon ganglioside binding, but segregated from synaptophysin1 (Syp1), a synaptic vesicle (SV) protein. TeNT entry was unaffected by membrane depolarization and independent of SV cycling, whereas entry of the receptor‐binding domain of TeNT (HCR/T) was stimulated by membrane depolarization and inhibited by blocking SV cycling. Measurement of the incidence of colocalization showed that TeNT segregated from Syp1, whereas HCR/T colocalized with Syp1. These studies show that while the HCR defines the initial association of TeNT with the cell membrane, regions outside the HCR define how TeNT enters neurons independent of SV cycling. This provides a basis for the unique entry of botulinum toxin and tetanus toxin into neurons.
The value of statistical testing for quality, yield and test cost improvement

This paper is the third in a lecture series on statistical analysis of semiconductor test data. Statistical test methods offer increased value in IC manufacturing and test over traditional maverick silicon screening methods by optimizing the trade-off between yield and reliability in deep sub-micron CMOS technologies. Effective use of the vast volume of data generated by test can lead to cost-effective screening of subtle defects, burn-in reduction or elimination and test cost reduction through adaptive test
Mechanism of [Ca2+]i rise induced by angiotensin 1–7 in MDCK renal tubular cells

The effect of angiotensin 1–7 (Ang 1–7) on cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) in MDCK renal tubular cells was explored. The Ca2+-sensitive fluorescent dye fura-2 was applied to measure [Ca2+]i. Ang 1–7 at concentrations of 10–50 µM induced a [Ca2+]i rise in a concentration-dependent manner. The response was reduced partly by removing Ca2+. Ang 1–7 evoked store operated Ca2+ entry that was inhibited by La3+ and aristolochic acid. In the absence of extracellular Ca2+, incubation with the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor thapsigargin prevented Ang 1–7 from releasing more Ca2+. Inhibition of phospholipase C with U73122 abolished Ang 1–7-induced [Ca2+]i rise. Ang 1–7-induced [Ca2+]i rise was abolished by the angiotensin type 1 receptor antagonist losartan, but was not affected by the angiotensin type 2 receptor antagonist PD 123,319. In sum, in MDCK cells, Ang 1–7 stimulated angiotensin type 1 receptors leading to a [Ca2+]i rise that was composed of phospholipase C-dependent Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum and Ca2+ entry via phospholipase A2-sensitive store-operated Ca2+ channels.
Effective Methods for Solving Banded Toeplitz Systems

We propose new algorithms for solving n x n banded Toeplitz systems with bandwidth m. If the function associated with the Toeplitz matrix has no zero in the unit circle, then $O(n\log m + m\log ^2 m\log\log \epsilon^{-1})$ arithmetic operations (ops) are sufficient to approximate the solution of the system up to within the error $\epsilon$; otherwise the cost becomes $O(n\log m +m\log^2 m\log {n\over m})$ ops. Here $m=o(n)$ and $n>\log \epsilon^{-1}$. Some applications are presented. The methods can be applied to infinite and bi-infinite systems and to block matrices.
Multi-camera person tracking system

For the surveillance of the large interior spaces it is often necessary to use multiple cameras. This paper deals with the tracking of an individual using multiple cameras with partially overlapping views. To implement such a system it is necessary to preprocess recordings, detect a person in motion and find the contact point between person and floor. It is especially important to consider the situation in which a person is in the folded multi-camera field of view. Last step is making homographic transformation of a point where person contacts the ground in observed space. System performance was measured on artificially generated recordings of a person moving through halls. It utilizes views with cameras from four different locations. Implemented application runs fast enough for use in systems that operate in real time.
Therapy outcome measures in speech and language therapy: comparing performance between different providers.

BACKGROUND The use of outcome measures to monitor improved quality of care has been advocated for 20 years but has only achieved prominence with the increasing resource pressures and related changed in health service provision in the past 6 years. OBJECTIVE This paper describes the development of an approach to outcome measurement suitable for all patients receiving speech and language therapy. The measure, which is based on rating the dimensions of impairment, disability, handicap and well-being, is tested to assess whether it can usefully be used to compare the services of different providers. METHOD Five trusts volunteered for the study. Service descriptions suggest that these services are typical for the purposes of providing speech and language therapy. Twenty-five therapists were trained to use the Therapy Outcome Measure (TOM); their reliability was assessed and they provided prospective data on clients with speech and language impairments related to dysphasia, stammering and dysphonia. RESULTS The study provides evidence indicating the differences in the types of patients being referred to different providers of speech and language therapy. Different services have different impacts on the number and type of domains and that services discharge patients at different points in their recovery. DISCUSSION Different outcomes by different providers may be associated with different referral policies, base populations, skills and work policies of therapists. Differences in outcomes associated with certain therapy services can initiate the task of analysing attributions and progress endeavours to provide equitable quality of care which is the philosophy underpinning the move towards benchmarking in health service delivery.
Large-eddy simulation of a bluff-body-stabilized non-premixed flame using a recursive filter-refinemen procedure

A large-eddy simulation (LES) of a bluff-body-stabilized flame has been carried out using a new strat LES grid generation. The recursive filter-refinement procedure (RFRP) has been used to generate o clustering for variable density combustion simulations. A methane–hydrogen fuel-based bluff-body-sta experimental configuration has been simulated using state-of-the-art LES algorithms and subfilter mod combustion chemistry is described using a precomputed, laminar flamelet model-based look-up table. T 2.11 mechanism is used to build the look-up table parameterized by mixture fraction and scalar dissipat A beta function is used for the subfilter mixture fraction filtered density function (FDF). The simulations good agreement with experimental data for the velocity field. Time-averaged profiles of major species a perature are very well reproduced by the simulation. The mixture fraction profiles show excellent agreeme locations, which helps in understanding the validity of flamelet assumption for this flame. The results indic LES computations are able to quantitatively predict the flame structure quite accurately using the laminar model. Simulations tend to corroborate experimental evidence that local extinction is not significant for this  2005 The Combustion Institute. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Population‐Based Exposure‐Efficacy Modeling of Ustekinumab in Patients With Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis

Ustekinumab, a human immunoglobulin G1 kappa (IgG1k) monoclonal antibody that binds with high affinity to human interleukin‐12 and interleukin‐23, has demonstrated efficacy in patients with psoriasis. The objective of this study was to perform exposure‐response modeling to increase the understanding of reduction in disease severity following treatment with ustekinumab in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis who participate in two phase III studies (PHOENIX 1 and PHOENIX 2). Patients were randomly assigned to receive ustekinumab 45 mg or 90 mg (n = 1312; 11 624 Psoriasis Area and Severity Index [PASI] scores) or placebo (n = 665; 3278 PASI scores). Disease severity was assessed using PASI scores. A population mechanism‐based exposure‐response model of ustekinumab using NONMEM was developed using serum ustekinumab concentrations and PASI scores. The pharmacodynamic response effect was the reduction in PASI score. The placebo effect, although minor, was also integrated into the model. None of the covariate factors evaluated (eg, demographics, baseline disease characteristics, comorbidities) significantly contributed to the between‐subject variability in the pharmacodynamic parameters. The developed exposure‐response model can serve as a basis to support future alternative dosing regimens for ustekinumab in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. A robust exposure‐response relationship has been confirmed for ustekinumab in psoriasis.
A new approach to decentralized array processing

The problem of of decentralizing the processing in a passive array composed of subarrays at geographically dispersed sites is addressed. A new scheme, based on obtaining estimates of the covariance matrices from each subarray is presented, and its performance is compared to the conventional triangulation method. It is shown that the new scheme offers improved accuracy with only a modest increase in the communication load. Moreover, unlike the conventional triangulation scheme, it does not require any data association step; the data association is done automaticly in the proposed algorithm.
Randomised controlled clinical trial of standard versus echocardiographically guided ibuprofen treatment for patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants: a pilot study

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the efficacy of echocardiographically guided (EchoG) pharmacological closure of the ductus arteriosus in reducing the number of required ibuprofen doses without increasing the reopening rate. Methods: We performed a randomised controlled trial that included 49 infants with a duct ≥1.5 mm who were randomised to either EchoG or standard ibuprofen treatment. Echocardiography was serially performed on days 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 10 and 17 after inclusion. The primary outcome was the ductus reopening rate, and an intention-to-treat analysis was performed. Results: Twenty-eight (EchoG treatment) and 21(standard treatment) infants were enrolled (27.2 versus 27.3 weeks, p = 0.3). The patients received 2 (1–5.7) and 3 (3–4) doses of ibuprofen in the EchoG and standard treatment groups, respectively (p = 0.04) and experienced a similar ductus reopening rate (11% versus 5%, p = 0.6). Conclusion: Echocardiographically guided ibuprofen treatment of patent ductus arteriosus is feasible and reduces unnecessary doses of medication.