Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neoadjuvant therapy followed by local excision and two-stage total mesorectal excision: a new strategy for sphincter preservation in locally advanced ultra-low rectal cancer

Background: With the increased usage of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, improved surgical technique and stapling devices, sphincter-preserving resection has become more frequent for patients with rectal cancer. However, as for locally advanced ultra-low rectal cancer, sphincter-preservation is still facing an enormous challenge. Objective: To introduce an NLT strategy of sphincter-preservation—neoadjuvant therapy (NT) followed by local excision (LE) and two-stage total mesorectal excision (TME)—into the treatment of locally advanced ultra-low rectal cancer (lesions with anal sphincter invasion). Methods: From October 2010 to October 2011, nine patients with locally advanced rectal cancer located less than 3 cm from the anal verge were treated by the NLT strategy. All patients had shown good clinical response to NT. The LE procedure was carried transanally 6–8 weeks after completion of the NT. TME was performed to dissect mesorectal lymph nodes 4–6 weeks after LE. Results: Of the nine patients, the lesion was assessed as T2 in two, T3 in five, and T4 in two before NT, and lymph node metastasis was detected in five patients. The median distance from the tumor to the anal verge was 2.5 cm (range: 1–3 cm). The median follow-up was 27 months (range: 24–34 months). No distant metastasis was detected. Only one patient (11.1%) developed local recurrence at 12 months post-operatively and then underwent abdomino-perineal resection. The remaining eight patients had preserved long-term continence and the median Wexner score at two years post-operation was 4 (range: 2–6). Conclusion: The new NLT strategy can achieve sphincter-preservation in some patients with ultra-low rectal cancer, with favorable oncological outcome and preservation of normal anal sphincter function.
The impact of coronary artery disease severity on late survival after combined aortic valve replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting – experience of a single cardiac surgery center

Introduction The severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) may have an impact on the outcomes of patients (pts) after aortic valve replacement (AVR) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Aim The aim of the study was to analyze survival after simultaneous AVR and CABG with respect to CAD severity. Material and methods The study involved 143 consecutive pts (40 women and 103 men) with a mean age of 65.1 ± 7.7 years treated between 2006 and 2009. The indication for surgery was aortic stenosis accompanied by left main or three-vessel disease (group A; n = 43) and by single- or two-vessel disease (group B; n = 100). In-hospital and late mortality were analyzed. Post-discharge survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Moreover, selected preoperative clinical and echocardiographic data as well as intraoperative variables were compared between the groups. Results In-hospital mortality was 4.7% in group A and 3.0% in group B (NS). The 12-month and 48-month survival probability rates were 0.88 ± 0.05 and 0.83 ± 0.06 in group A, and 0.97 ± 0.01 and 0.92 ± 0.03 in group B, respectively (p < 0.05). Patients in group A and B differed (p < 0.05) with respect to the preoperative prevalence of arterial hypertension (65.1% vs. 42.0%) and atrial fibrillation (18.6% vs. 6.0%) as well as with regard to the rate of complete revascularization (20.9% vs. 85.0%, group A and B, respectively). Conclusions Coronary artery disease severity impacts long-term survival after combined AVR and CABG. Patients with left main or three-vessel disease more often undergo incomplete surgical revascularization, and this fact may be one of the predictors of an unfavorable outcome.
Conceptual design and preliminary characterization of serial array system of high-resolution MEMS accelerometers with embedded optical detection

This paper introduces a technology for robust and low maintenance cost sensor network capable to detect accelerations below a micro-g in a wide frequency bandwidth (above 1,000 Hz). Sensor networks with such performance are critical for navigation, seismology, acoustic sensing, and for the health monitoring of civil structures. The approach is based on the fabrication of an array of high sensitivity accelerometers, each utilizing Fabry-Perot cavity with wavelength-dependent reflectivity to allow embedded optical detection and serialization. The unique feature of the approach is that no local power source is required for each individual sensor. Instead one global light source is used, providing an input optical si gnal which propagates through an optical fiber network from sensor-to-sensor. The information from each sensor is embedded onto the transmitted light as an intrinsic wavelength division multiplexed signal. This optical "rainbow" of data is then assessed providing real-time sensing information from each sensor node in the network. This paper introduces the Fabry-Perot based accelerometer and examines its critical features, including the effects of imperfections and resolution estimates. It then presents serialization techniques for the creation of systems of arrayed sensors and examines the effects of serialization on sensor response. Finally, a fabrication process is proposed to create test structures for the critical components of the device, which are dynamically characterized.
Exploring the Current State of Grades 4 to 8 Science Education in Ontario

ii Acknowledgements . iii List of Tables . vi List of Figures . vii CHAPTER ONE: OVERVIEW . 1 Statement of Problem Context. 4 Definition of Terms . 12 Purpose of the Study . 13 Research Questions . 15 Conceptual Perspectives . 16 Importance of the Study . 17 Scope and Limitations of the Study. 19 Outline of the Remainder of the Document . 21 CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW . 23 Elementary Science Education . 24 Scientific Literacy . 29 International and National Assessments of Student Achievement in Science . 30 Elementary Teachers’ Attitudes Toward Science Education . 33 Pedagogical Content Knowledge . 36 Teacher Self-Efficacy . 37 Influences of Teachers’ Academic and Professional Background Experiences . 38 Challenges With Teaching Science Education in Elementary Schools . 41 Reform-Based Elementary Science Education . 45 Chapter Summary . 49 CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY . 51 Research Context: Elementary Science Education in Ontario . 51 Research Questions . 52 Research Design . 53 Data Collection . 56 Data Analysis. 61 Methodological Assumptions . 64 Ethical Considerations . 64 Limitations . 65 Chapter Summary . 67
Implementation of Kalman Filter using VHDL

The main task in object tracking is to filter the movement information from undesired dynamic objects because this information is considered as noise. To cope with these difficulties the implementation of edge segment tracking (EST) algorithm based kalman filter is presented which is used to track the desired dynamic object and to filter the noise. The estimation of current state depends on the variables i.e. time, velocity, covariance and noise mainly. Segmenting objects is capable of identifying moving objects in image sequence. One object may consist of several parts with different motion as object motion and shape are less consistent within frames. The hardware implementation of kalman filter is done on FPGA (Virtex 5) using VHDL on Xilinx ISE simulator in the range of MHz clock frequency and tested with an ADC and DAC which were integrated into the design to support analog signals at the input and output of the system.
Optimization of time-frequency curve description via kernel smoothing

Presented paper deals with trend modeling of spectral coefficients represents material properties at very rapid load. We focus on identification and optimization of the curve describing dependence between frequencies and time in spectrogram. The spectrogram is firstly processed with the aim to specify significant spectral coefficients. Consequently for such coefficient we apply non-parametric kernel smoothing. We investigate the type of estimator, kernel and the bandwidth. Input data are given from aluminum metal plate acceleration by detonation products of brisant high explosive obtained using Photonic Doppler Velocimetry in time on the basis of frequency response.
Prospective analysis for CAD-FEM integration and other product views

The concept of product view and the corresponding required models is a basic constituent of a product development process where shape transformations are repeatedly encountered. Here, topological and geometric issues are identified and major shape modeling principles are studied. As a result, some core concepts of a framework for product view integration are proposed and justified. Notions of mixed shape representation and layered topological representation are briefly outlined as part of the proposed framework. Categories of operators enabling the required shape transformations are also shortly introduced as element of the proposed framework.
Ieee Transactions on Information Forensics and Security 1 Teeth Segmentation in Digitized Dental X-ray Films Using Mathematical Morphology

—Automating the process of postmortem identification of individuals using dental records is receiving increased attention. Teeth segmentation from dental radiographic films is an essential step for achieving highly automated postmortem identification. In this paper, we offer a mathematical morphology approach to the problem of teeth segmentation. We also propose a grayscale contrast stretching transformation to improve the performance of teeth segmentation. We compare and contrast our approach with other approaches proposed in the literature based on a theoretical and empirical basis. The results show that in addition to its capability of handling bitewing and periapical dental radiographic views, our approach exhibits the lowest failure rate among all approaches studied.
Hepatitis E Virus Seroprevalence among Adults, Germany

We assessed hepatitis E virus (HEV) antibody seroprevalence in a sample of the adult population in Germany. Overall HEV IgG prevalence was 16.8% (95% CI 15.6%–17.9%) and increased with age, leveling off at >60 years of age. HEV is endemic in Germany, and the lifetime risk for exposure is high.
Polymorphisms of the DNA Methyltransferase 1 Gene Predict Survival of Gastric Cancer Patients Receiving Tumorectomy

DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) plays a pivotal role in maintaining DNA methylation status. Polymorphisms of DNMT1 may modify the role of DNMT1 in prognosis of gastric cancer (GC). Our aim was to test whether polymorphisms of DNMT1 gene were associated with overall survival of GC. Four hundred and forty-seven GC patients who underwent radical tumorectomy were enrolled in the study. Five tagging SNPs (rs10420321, rs16999593, rs2228612, rs2228611, and rs2288349) of the DNMT1 gene were genotyped by TaqMan assays. Kaplan-Meier survival plots and Cox proportional hazard regression were used to analyze the associations between SNPs of DNMT1 and survival of GC. Patients carrying rs2228611 GA/AA genotype tended to live longer than those bearing the GG genotype (HR 0.68, 95% CI: 0.51–0.91, P = 0.007). Further multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that rs2228611 was an independent prognostic factor (GA/AA versus GG: OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.49–0.91, P = 0.010). Nevertheless, other SNPs did not show any significant associations with survival of GC. Polymorphisms of the DNMT1 gene may affect overall survival of GC. The SNP rs2228611 has the potentiality to serve as an independent prognostic marker for GC patients.
Securing network coding against pollution attacks based on space and time properties

By allowing the mixture of information at the source and intermediate nodes, network coding benefits network protocols with increased throughput and higher reliability. However, such mixture makes network coding systems suffering pollution attacks, in which malicious nodes inject corrupted packets into the information flow. Previous solutions are either computationally expensive or too ineffective to limit pollution attacks with arbitrary collusion among malicious nodes. In this paper, we propose an efficient authentication scheme, STNC, which allows intermediate nodes to efficiently detect corrupted packets by using space and time properties of network coding. Our work is an innovative space and time based solution to frustrate pollution attacks with arbitrary collusion among malicious nodes, and the security of STNC scheme relies on the asymmetry of time in packet verification. We also present security analysis and simulations of our scheme, and results demonstrate the practicality and efficiency of STNC scheme.
ACI (automated Continuous Integration) using Jenkins: Key for successful embedded Software development

Continuous Integration (CI) is the most common practice among software developers where they integrate their work into a baseline frequently. The industry is facing huge challenges while developing Software (S/W)s at multiple sites and tested on multiple platforms. The best way to make CI faster and more efficient is to automate the build and testing process. Jenkins is a CI tool that helps in automating the complete process, reducing the work of a developer and check the development at each and every step of S/W evolution. In this paper, we discuss the implementation of Jenkins for software patch integration and release to client. We consider a real-life scenario, how the software development is carried out in corporate ventures and how Jenkins can save developers/integrators crucial work hours by automating the complete process. In this paper, Jenkins is implemented in a master/slave architecture where master node is the Jenkins server and slaves are the Jenkins clients. We discuss the usage of various plug-ins available that allow Jenkins to be used with any environment of software development.
Fixed-point algorithms for convolutive blind source separation based on non-gaussianity maximization Algorithmes à point xe pour séparation aveugle de sources convolutive fondée sur la maximisation de non-gaussianité

This paper presents a new approach to the problem of blind separation of independent components in the case of MA convolutive mixtures of MA processes. It consists of an extension of the well-known Fast-ICA algorithm developed by Hyvärinen and Oja for instantaneous mixtures. We introduce a new type of sphering (convolutive sphering) that allows the use of non-gaussianity criteria and associated parameter-free fast xed-point algorithms for the estimation of the source innovation processes. We prove the relevance of these criteria by reformulating the mixtures as linear instantaneous ones. We then describe associated kurtotic and negentropic time-domain algorithms. Test results are presented for arti cial coloured signals and for speech signals. Résumé Cet article présente une nouvelle approche pour la séparation aveugle de composantes indépendantes dans le cas des mélanges convolutifs MA de processus MA. Cette méthode peut être considérée comme une extension de l'algorithme Fast-ICA développé par Hyvärinen et Oja pour les mélanges instantanés. Nous introduisons un nouveau type de blanchiment ( sphering convolutif) qui permet l'utilisation de critères de non gaussianité associés à des algorithmes rapides de type point xe sans paramètre à ajuster, a n d'estimer les processus d'innovation des sources. Nous prouvons la pertinence de ces critères en reformulant le mélange sous forme instantanée. Nous dérivons ensuite les algorithmes à base de kurtosis et de négentropie qui en découlent. Des résultats de test sont présentés pour des signaux colorés arti ciels et pour des signaux de parole.
Association between Internet addiction and depression in Thai medical students at Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital

Objective To study the extent of Internet addiction (IA) and its association with depression in Thai medical students. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital. Participants were first- to fifth-year medical students who agreed to participate in this study. Demographic characteristics and stress-related factors were derived from self-rated questionnaires. Depression was assessed using the Thai version of Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). A total score of five or greater derived from the Thai version of Young Diagnostic Questionnaire for Internet Addiction was classified as “possible IA”. Then chi-square test and logistic regression were used to evaluate the associations between possible IA, depression and associated factors. Results From 705 participants, 24.4% had possible IA and 28.8% had depression. There was statistically significant association between possible IA and depression (odds ratio (OR) 1.92, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.34–2.77, P-value <0.001). Logistic regression analysis illustrated that the odds of depression in possible IA group was 1.58 times of the group of normal Internet use (95% CI: 1.04–2.38, P-value = 0.031). Academic problems were found to be a significant predictor of both possible IA and depression. Conclusion IA was likely to be a common psychiatric problem among Thai medical students. The research has also shown that possible IA was associated with depression and academic problems. We suggest that surveillance of IA should be considered in medical schools.
Understanding TCP Vegas: Theory and Practice

This paper presents a model of the TCP Vegas congestion contr ol mechanism as a distributed optimization algorithm. Doing so has three important benefi ts. First, it helps us gain a fundamental understanding of why TCP Vegas works, and an apprecia tion of its limitations. Second, it allows us to prove that Vegas stabilizes at a weighted prop ortionally fair allocation of network capacity when there is sufficient buffering in the network. T hird, it suggests how we might use explicit feedback to allow each Vegas source to determine th e optimal sending rate when there is insufficient buffering in the network. In addition to pres enting the model and exploring these three issues, the paper presents simulation results that va lidate our conclusions.
Transport and Regulation of the Cardiac Na 1 -Ca 2 1 Exchanger, NCX1 Comparison between Ca 2 1 and Ba 2 1

Cardiac muscle fails to relax upon replacement of extracellular Ca 2 1 with Ba 2 1 . Among the manifold consequences of this intervention, one major possibility is that Na 1 -Ba 2 1 exchange is inadequate to support nor- mal relaxation. This could occur due to reduced transport rates of Na 1 -Ba 2 1 exchange and/or by failure of Ba 2 1 to activate the exchanger molecule at the high affinity regulatory Ca 2 1 binding site. In this study, we examined transport and regulatory properties for Na 1 -Ca 2 1 and Na 1 -Ba 2 1 exchange. Inward and outward Na 1 -Ca 2 1 or Na 1 - Ba 2 1 exchange currents were examined at 30 8 C in giant membrane patches excised from Xenopus oocytes express- ing the cloned cardiac Na 1 -Ca 2 1 exchanger, NCX1. When excised patches were exposed to either cytoplasmic Ca 2 1 or Ba 2 1 , robust inward Na 1 -Ca 2 1 exchange currents were observed, whereas Na 1 -Ba 2 1 currents were absent or barely detectable. Similarly, outward currents were greatly reduced when pipette solutions contained Ba 2 1 rather than Ca 2 1 . However, when solution temperature was elevated from 30 8 C to 37 8 C, a substantial increase in outward Na 1 -Ba 2 1 exchange currents was observed, but not so for inward currents. We also compared the relative abilities of Ca 2 1 and Ba 2 1 to activate outward Na 1 -Ca 2 1 exchange currents at the high affinity regulatory Ca 2 1 binding site. While Ba 2 1 was capable of activating the exchanger, it did so with a much lower affinity ( K D z 10 m M) compared with Ca 2 1 ( K D z 0.3 m M). Moreover, the efficiency of Ba 2 1 regulation of Na 1 -Ca 2 1 exchange is also diminished relative to Ca 2 1 , supporting z 60% of maximal currents obtainable with Ca 2 1 . Ba 2 1 is also much less effective at alleviating Na 1 i -induced inactivation of NCX1. These results indicate that the reduced ability of NCX1 to adequately exchange Na 1 and Ba 2 1 contributes to failure of the relaxation process in cardiac muscle.
Changes in the Extracellular Proteome Caused by the Absence of the bldA Gene Product, a Developmentally Significant tRNA, Reveal a New Target for the Pleiotropic Regulator AdpA in Streptomyces coelicolor

ABSTRACT The extracellular proteome of Streptomyces coelicolor grown in a liquid medium was analyzed by using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight peptide mass fingerprint analysis. Culture supernatants became protein rich only after rapid growth had been completed, supporting the idea that protein secretion is largely a stationary phase phenomenon. Out of about 600 protein spots observed, 72 were characterized. The products of 47 genes were identified, with only 11 examples predicted to be secreted proteins. Mutation in bldA, previously known to impair the stationary phase processes of antibiotic production and morphological differentiation, also induced changes in the extracellular proteome, revealing even greater pleiotropy in the bldA phenotype than previously known. Four proteins increased in abundance in the bldA mutant, while the products of 11 genes, including four secreted proteins, were severely down-regulated. Although bldA encodes the only tRNA capable of efficiently translating the rare UUA (leucine) codon, none of the latter group of genes contains an in-frame TTA. SCO0762, a serine-protease inhibitor belonging to the Streptomyces subtilisin inhibitor family implicated in differentiation in other streptomycetes, was completely absent from the bldA mutant. This dependence was shown to be mediated via the TTA-containing regulatory gene adpA, also known as bldH, a developmental gene that is responsible for the effects of bldA on differentiation. Mutation of the SCO0762 gene abolished detectable trypsin-protease inhibitory activity but did not result in any obvious morphological defects.
Design of a Fine Grained Dynamically Reconfigurable Architecture for OS Support

In the context of large versatile platform for embedded real time system on chip, a fine grained dynamically reconfigurable architecture (at a first approach an FPGA) can be used as one possible computational resource. In order to manage this resource in that kind of context we need an OS kernel able to manage such a resource. Both the history of micro-processor based system and our previous work based on currently available FPGA devices led us to think that not only an OS kernel must be defined to handle an FGDRA but a FGDRA must also be designed to handle this OS kernel. This article relate our original work in this direction. OLLAF\footnote{Operating system enabled Low LAtency Fgdra}, an original FGDRA core that we have designed and modelized using VHDL will be presented as well as a more general view of our approach of a FGDRA and its related OS kernel.
Sensitivity and Stability Analysis in DEA on Interval Data by Using MOLP Methods

In this paper, we suppose a method for analyzing sensitivity and stability of all the decision making units, while inputs and outputs are interval data. Therefore, for estimating radius of stability of a DMU; firstly, we classify the decision making units then we obtain the radius of stability for each classification. For analyzing the sensitivity and estimating the radius of stability analogous of each DMU, a MOLP is defined. Therefore, the interactive methods are used for finding the efficient solution in which the comment of Decision Maker is important. At the end numerical example has been solved by using the weightedsums of the target function and also the interactive method (STEM) in MOLP problems.