Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Automated Classification of the Tympanic Membrane Using a Convolutional Neural Network

Precise evaluation of the tympanic membrane (TM) is required for accurate diagnosis of middle ear diseases. However, making an accurate assessment is sometimes difficult. Artificial intelligence is often employed for image processing, especially for performing high level analysis such as image classification, segmentation and matching. In particular, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are increasingly used in medical image recognition. This study demonstrates the usefulness and reliability of CNNs in recognizing the side and perforation of TMs in medical images. CNN was constructed with typically six layers. After random assignment of the available images to the training, validation and test sets, training was performed. The accuracy of the CNN model was consequently evaluated using a new dataset. A class activation map (CAM) was used to evaluate feature extraction. The CNN model accuracy of detecting the TM side in the test dataset was 97.9%, whereas that of detecting the presence of perforation was 91.0%. The side of the TM and the presence of a perforation affect the activation sites. The results show that CNNs can be a useful tool for classifying TM lesions and identifying TM sides. Further research is required to consider real-time analysis and to improve classification accuracy.
[Blood lead levels and exposure factors in children of Morelos state, Mexico].

OBJECTIVE To assess blood lead levels and lead exposure factors in children living in Morelos State, Mexico. MATERIAL AND METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted between June and October 1996, in 232 children aged 1-12 years, at Hospital del Niño Morelense de Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico. Blood lead levels were measured by anodic voltameter, and exposure factors were collected by questionnaire. The lead concentration value was log transformed for statistical analysis. Odds ratios were obtained for some risk factors. The statistical significative risk factors were later analyzed with ANOVA. RESULTS A total of 232 children were recruited (50% female); 73% resided in Cuernavaca City. The geometric mean blood lead level was 6.7 micrograms/dl; 29.7% of the children had levels over 10 micrograms/dl; 66% reported use of lead glazed pottery for cooking, 36% for storing food, and 19% for drinking. CONCLUSIONS Blood lead levels were similar to those reported in other Mexican children studies, after the reduction of lead in gasoline. The main risk factors were use of lead glazed pottery and vehicle traffic intensity near the household. These results will be useful for future prevention and control interventions. This paper is available too at: http://www.insp. mx/salud/index.html.
[Cerebral oximetry by infrared spectroscopy in comparison with continuous measurement of oxygen saturation of the jugular vein bulb in interventions of the internal carotid artery].

OBJECTIVE Monitoring the central nervous system during carotid endarterectomy plays an important role in detection of cerebral ischemia. With optical spectroscopy in the near-infrared light range it is now possible to measure regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) noninvasively. Numerous studies emphasize the importance of cerebral oxygen balance rather than absolute values of cerebral blood flow or metabolic rate. In this study data from oxygen saturation measured in the jugular bulb (SJO2) were compared to rSO2. METHODS 10 patients undergoing elective carotid end-arterectomy were enrolled after written informed consent and approval by the local ethics committee. rSO2 data were measured by cerebral spectroscopy (INVOS 3100, Somanetics, Michigan/USA). To avoid lesions of the internal carotid artery, a 4-F oxymetry catheter (OPTICATH, Abbot GmbH, Wiesbaden) was placed in the jugular bulb by retrograde approach after preparation by the surgeon. Anaesthesia and mechanical ventilation were standardised. RESULTS After cross-clamping of the internal carotid artery rSO2 significantly decreased (60.5 +/- 3.5%) compared to baseline (66.0 +/- 1.4%). After declamping rSO2 increased significantly (63.0 +/- 4.2%) and was close to baseline at the end of operation (65.0 +/- 2.8%). The SJO2 time course showed good correlation compared to rSO2 data (r = 0.85). After cross-clamping SJO2 decreased significantly (51.5 +/- 6.3%) in comparison to baseline (59.5 +/- 4.9%). Declamping increased SJO2 to 59.5 +/- 6.3%. No changes in latencies or amplitudes of SEP were observed throughout the operation. CONCLUSIONS Noninvasive cerebral optical spectroscopy is a useful tool to determine the brain tissue oxygenation. The positive correlation to jugular bulb oxygen saturation is somewhat unexpected as rSO2 evaluates regional while SJO2 measures global oxygen content. However our results suggests that both methods are able to detect episodes of cerebral ischemia during carotid endarterectomy. The interpretation of the changes of cerebral oxygen saturation with respect to neurological outcome warrants further studies.
Ultraviolet radiation as a stress factor for the PV-modules — Global approach

Could we use the satellite-derived ultraviolet (UV) irradiation data for the global mapping of the UV stress condition for the photovoltaic (PV) modules and their components? As a part of the research on the global stress factor classification for the development of climate specifically testing standards the different UV irradiance data sources have been compared. First the comparison between ground-based measurements from spectroradiometer and integral UV sensors and their dependence from global irradiance has been analyzed by taking into account the local and seasonal impact. On average the UV radiation from integral and also from spectral measurements for own locations (Zugspitze in German Alp and Gran Canaria in Spain) is between 4.14 and 5.35% and is in accordance with other authors [1]. Furthermore the spectral ground-based measurements have been used for the comparison of spectral UV irradiance (at 305, 310, 324 and 380 nm) from Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) from Zugspitze and Gran Canaria. The OMI data shows good correlation with the measurements in Gran Canaria. At the second location, Zugspitze there are considerable differences between the two measurements because of the small spatial resolution of OMI data, high altitude and snow cover, which are negatively affecting the results.
A Best-First Soft/Hard Decision Tree Searching MIMO Decoder for a 4 $\times$  4 64-QAM System

This paper presents the algorithm and VLSI architecture of a configurable tree-searching approach that combines the features of classical depth-first and breadth-first methods. Based on this approach, techniques to reduce complexity while providing both hard and soft outputs decoding are presented. Furthermore, a single programmable parameter allows the user to tradeoff throughput versus BER performance. The proposed multiple-input-multiple-output decoder supports a 4 × 4 64-QAM system and was synthesized with 65-nm CMOS technology at 333 MHz clock frequency. For the hard output scheme the design can achieve an average throughput of 257.8 Mbps at 24 dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) with area equivalent to 54.2 Kgates and a power consumption of 7.26 mW. For the soft output scheme it achieves an average throughput of 83.3 Mbps across the SNR range of interest with an area equivalent to 64 Kgates and a power consumption of 11.5 mW.
Output-Feedback Fault Detection and Accommodation of Uncertain Interconnected Systems With Time-Delayed Nonlinear Faults

This paper addresses a distributed fault detection and accommodation (DFDA) problem for uncertain nonlinear interconnected systems with faults in time-delayed nonlinearities. In contrast to existing DFDA works, we consider uncertain time-delayed interactions among subsystems and their faults, and additionally delays are assumed to be unknown. Under these conditions, a distributed memoryless local fault detection scheme consisting of a local detection estimator and its corresponding time-varying detection threshold is presented for each subsystem by using only output measurements. Then, a decentralized output-feedback control scheme for a local fault accommodation is designed based on this detection estimator and the adaptive approximation technique. The fault detectability and the stability of the proposed output-feedback DFDA scheme are thoroughly investigated in the Lyapunov sense. A simulation example is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology.
Replication timing of DNA sequences associated with human centromeres and telomeres

The timing of replication of centromere-associated human alpha satellite DNA from chromosomes X, 17, and 7 as well as of human telomeric sequences was determined by using density-labeling methods and fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Alpha satellite sequences replicated late in S phase; however, the alpha satellite sequences of the three chromosomes studied replicated at slightly different times. Human telomeres were found to replicate throughout most of S phase. These results are consistent with a model in which multiple initiations of replication occur at a characteristic time within the alpha satellite repeats of a particular chromosome, while the replication timing of telomeric sequences is determined by either telomeric origins that can initiate at different times during S phase or by replication origins within the flanking chromosomal DNA sequences.
Bond graph modelling of a tendon driven prosthetic hand finger for motion and impedance control

The human hand is a highly complex system with five co-operating manipulators and each manipulator(finger) has three links or phalanges. Hand has more than twenty degrees of freedom including abduction and adduction. Objective of any prosthetic hand would be to do as many grasps as possible with minimum weight and minimum cost. Different types of mechanisms are available like pneumatic hands, tendon driven, linkage mechanism etc. Among these tendon driven hand prosthesis has distinct advantages. All the three links of a finger i.e. proximal, middle and distal phalanges can be actuated by single actuator thus reducing the cost and weight. The underactuated tendon driven hand can be made adaptive: if a link is obstructed the motion is transferred to other links. So it can grasp wide range of objects with any shape. Grasping of objects is important in case of prosthetics. In grasping, there is interaction between the object and the fingers leading to interaction forces. These interaction forces should be controlled for an effective grasp. In this paper, tendon driven prosthetic finger is modelled using Bond Graph modelling. Interaction force control problems of a tendon driven robotic finger in performing different tasks i.e. interaction with environment is addressed using the concept of impedance control by the use of additional passive degree of freedom and with the aid of Bond Graphs (Symbols Shakti) as a simulation tool.
p53 Mediates Apoptotic Crisis in Primary Abelson Virus-Transformed Pre-B Cells

ABSTRACT Transformation of pre-B cells by Abelson murine leukemia virus (Ab-MLV) involves a balance between positive, growth-stimulatory signals from the v-Abl oncoprotein and negative regulatory cues from cellular genes. This phenomenon is reflected by the clonal selection that occurs during Ab-MLV-mediated transformation in vivo and in vitro. About 50% of all Ab-MLV-transformed pre-B cells express mutant forms of p53 as they emerge from this process, suggesting that this protein may play an important role in the transformation process. Consistent with this idea, expression of p19Arf, a protein whose function depends on the presence of a functional p53, is required for the apoptotic crisis that characterizes primary Ab-MLV transformants. To test the role of p53 in pre-B-cell transformation directly, we examined the response of Trp53−/− mice to Ab-MLV. The absence of p53 shortens the latency of Abelson disease induction but does not affect the frequency of cells susceptible to Ab-MLV-induced transformation. However, primary transformants derived from the null animals bypass the apoptotic crisis that characterizes the transition from primary transformant to fully malignant cell line. These effects do not require p21Cip-1, a major downstream target of p53; however, consistent with a role of p19Arf, transformants expressing mutant p53 and abundant p19 retain wild-type p19 sequences.
Screening and managing a low-risk pregnant population using continuous-wave Doppler ultrasound in a low-income population: A cohort analytical study.

BACKGROUND In South Africa (SA), the largest category of perinatal deaths is unexplained stillbirths. Two-thirds of these occur in the antenatal period and most fetuses are macerated, but at antenatal clinics the mothers were generally regarded as healthy, with low-risk pregnancies. Innovative methods are urgently required to detect fetuses at risk of stillbirth and manage the mothers appropriately. OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence of raised resistance indices (RIs) of the umbilical artery in a low-risk, low-income population and ascertain whether use of this information can prevent perinatal deaths. METHODS A descriptive study was performed in Mamelodi township, east of Pretoria, SA, on pregnant women attending antenatal clinics draining to two community health centres (CHCs). These women, classified as having low-risk pregnancies, were screened for placental insufficiency using a continuous-wave Doppler ultrasound apparatus (Umbiflow) between 28 and 32 weeks' gestation. When a raised RI was detected, the mother was referred to a high-risk clinic and managed according to a standard protocol. A cohort analytical study compared women who attended antenatal care at the same clinics as the Umbiflow group but did not have an Umbiflow test with those who had an Umbiflow test. The outcomes of all the deliveries in Mamelodi were recorded. The prevalences of abnormal RIs, absent end-diastolic flow (AEDF), stillbirths and neonatal deaths were the main outcome measures. RESULTS An Umbiflow RI was performed in 2 868 women, and pregnancy outcome was available for 2 539 fetuses (88.5%); 297 fetuses (11.7%) were regarded as at high risk. AEDF was found in 1.5% of the population screened with an outcome. There were 29 perinatal deaths in the Umbiflow group (low risk n=18, high risk n=11). The perinatal mortality rate for 12 168 women attending the CHCs and the antenatal clinics draining to the CHCs who did not have an RI was 21.3/1 000 births, significantly higher than that in the Umbiflow group (11.4/1 000 births) (risk ratio 0.58, 95% confidence interval 0.42 - 0.81). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of AEDF in this low-risk population is ~10 times higher than that previously recorded. Use of the information prevented a number of perinatal deaths, most of which would have been macerated stillbirths. Screening a low-risk pregnant population using continuous-wave Doppler ultrasound may substantially reduce the prevalence of unexplained stillbirths in SA.
Acute Dystonia Versus Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome Without Fever in an Eight-Year-Old Child

Abstract Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare but potentially fatal complication of the use of certain medications. It is being seen more often in the pediatric population because of the increasing use of both typical and atypical antipsychotics in children. Rapid recognition of NMS is important to emergency physicians because timely treatment can be life saving. Acute dystonia is also a well-known and more common adverse effect of certain types of antipsychotics, more commonly seen with the typical antipsychotics versus the atypical antipsychotics. We describe a case of a pediatric patient who developed an acute dystonic reaction versus NMS soon after starting aripiprazole. We compare this case with the other documented cases of acute dystonia and NMS after initiating aripiprazole in the pediatric population.
Brij 58, a polyoxyethylene acyl ether, creates membrane vesicles of uniform sidedness. A new tool to obtain inside-out (cytoplasmic side-out) plasma membrane vesicles.

Most of the plasma membrane vesicles formed upon homogenization of plant tissue have a right-side-out (cytoplasmic side-in) orientation. Subsequent purification of plasma membrane vesicles using aqueous two-phase partitioning leads to a further enrichment in right-side-out vesicles resulting in preparations with 80-90% of the vesicles in this orientation. Thus, to be able to assay, e.g. the ion-pumping activities of the H(+)-ATPase and the Ca(2+)-ATPase, which expose their active sites towards the cytoplasm, the vesicles have to be inverted. This is very efficiently achieved by including 0.05% of the detergent Brij 58 (C16E20) in the assay medium, which produces 100% sealed, inside-out (cytoplasmic side-out) vesicles from preparations of 80-90% right-side-out vesicles. This was shown by assaying ATP-dependent H+ pumping using the delta pH probe acridine orange and dissipating the H+ gradient with nigericin, and by assaying ATP-dependent Ca2+ transport using 45Ca2+ and dissipating the Ca2+ gradient with the ionophore A23187. The presence of intact vesicles was confirmed by electronmicroscopy. The detergent Brij 58 is a polyoxyethylene acyl ether and a survey among some other members of this series revealed that those with a head group of relatively large size (E20-23) showed this 'non-detergent behavior', whereas those with smaller head groups (E8-10) behaved as normal detergents and permeabilized the membranes. Thus, a very convenient system for studies on ion-pumping activities and other vectorial properties of the plasma membrane is obtained by simply including the detergent Brij 58 in the assay medium.
Habitat Characteristics Influencing Distribution of the Freshwater Mussel Pronodularia japanensis and Potential Impact on the Tokyo Bitterling, Tanakia tanago

The physical habitat characteristics associated with spatial distribution patterns of the freshwater mussel Pronodularia japanensis, which is used for oviposition by the Tokyo bitterling Tanakia tanago, were investigated in a small stream within a Tokyo bitterling protected area. The distribution of the mussels was found to be in an under-dispersed, non-random spatial pattern. Mussel occurrence correlated negatively with sediment softness, and positively with flow velocity, while mussel abundance was associated negatively with sediment softness and positively with sediment type (particle size). Furthermore, mussels were scarce in riverbed areas with a lack of sediment. These correlations suggest that the population dynamics of mussels and Tokyo bitterling may be influenced by changes in stream sediment conditions. To conserve the symbiosis between Tokyo bitterlings and mussels, a suitable benthic environment is required.
Anti-neuropilin 1 antibody Fab′ fragment conjugated liposomal docetaxel for active targeting of tumours

Abstract Neuropilin-1, a transmembrane receptor entailed in wide range of human tumour cell lines and diverse neoplasms, mediates the effects of VEGF and Semaphorins during the processes of cellular proliferation, survival and migration. In view of this, we had developed and evaluated in vitro and in vivo efficacy of anti-neuropilin-1 immunoliposomes against neuropilin-1 receptor expressing tumours. The PEGylated liposomes loaded with docetaxel were prepared using thin film hydration method. Functionalised PEGylated liposomes were prepared using post-insertion technique. Anti-neuropilin-1 immunoliposomes were prepared by covalently conjugating Fab′ fragments of neuropilin-1 antibody to functionalised PEGylated liposomes via thioether linkage. In vivo evaluation of Taxotere and liposomal formulations was performed using intradermal tumour model to demonstrate anti-angiogenic and tumour regression ability. The modified Fab′ fragments and immunoliposomes were found to be immunoreactive against A549 cells. Further, docetaxel loaded PEGylated liposomes and PEGylated immunoliposomes demonstrated higher in vitro cytotoxicity than Taxotere formulation at the same drug concentration and exposure time. The live imaging showed distinctive cellular uptake of functional immunoliposomes. Further, significant decrease in micro-blood vessel density and tumour volumes was observed using bio-engineered liposomes. The results clearly highlight the need to seek neuropilin-1 as one of the prime targets in developing an anti-angiogenic therapy.
Ultraviolet radiation and the risks of cutaneous malignant melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer: perceptions and behaviours of Danish and American adolescents

The highest prevalence rates of skin malignancy in the northern hemisphere occur in Scandinavia and the United States (USA). Most Danes and Americans receive 50% of their lifetime ultraviolet (UV) radiation before the age of 21, making it important to address sun exposure risks with adolescents. The project was undertaken to determine differences between Danish and American adolescents in knowledge of sun exposure and skin malignancy, activities accounting for sun exposure, and means used for sun protection. Questionnaires regarding skin cancer and sun exposure were distributed to 674 secondary school age students in Hilleroed, Denmark, and to 483 similarly aged students in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA. Differences in responses between and within groups were compared. American adolescents had more knowledge of the characteristics and malignant potential of melanoma than did Danish adolescents. Danish youth and females from both countries were significantly more likely to engage in sunbathing and tanning bed use. Black Danish students reported significantly more sunburn and were more likely to sunbathe or use a tanning bed than were black American students. Danish students were more likely than Americans to use sunscreen, however, Americans were more likely to apply sun protective factor (SPF) 15 or greater. In conclusion, given that sunbathing and tanning bed use are associated with the development of precancerous lesions and skin malignancy, Danish teens are at increased risk. The rates of skin malignancy are relatively high in Scandinavia and efforts to improve understanding of exposure and cancer risks should be undertaken in adolescents.