Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prophylaxis of endemic goiter with iodized oil in rural Peru.

Three Andean villages at altitudes of 3,100 to 3,500 meters above sea level were studied in order to determine the prophylac— ' tic effect of iodized oil administration on endemic goiter \ and cretinism (1). At the time of the study the population in | these villages was approximately 4,000, with an annual growth ' rate of about three percent. In a group of 3,000 subjects i examined in a house-to-house survey, the visible goiter rate, : as defined in an accompanying paper (2), was 55 percent. However, ? when the cccurrence of palpable goiter was considered as well, | the incidence of goiter rose to 83 percent. Fifty percent of * the children in the 0-5 yr age group were goitrous and of these, | 20 percent demonstrated visible goiter. Goiter prevalence l increased with age, as did nodularity. An example of this is ‘ shown in Fig. 1. In some families every member was found with ii goiter as illustrated in Fig. 2. Goiter was also found among 4 the domestic animals. The percentage of defective persons in the i three villages ranged from 1.0 to 3.6 percent. Although these _. x villages are accessible by automobile, they are still quite remote *, and isolated.
Low-cost, customized and flexible SRAM MBIST engine

This paper contributes to the field of test engineering: it shows the tradeoffs and engineering aspects of a low-cost, flexible SRAM MBIST engine, applied to the 768 and 256 byte SRAMs of an 8051 microcontroller. The simplicity and orthogonality of the architecture allowed for a full-custom implementation by Micronas in 120 hours of design time, while the area is reduced by 75% of an earlier commercial version.
The canine FRDA gene maps to CFA 1q31.1→q31.3

Supported by a grant of the Gesellschaft zur Forderung kynologischer Forschung (GKF) e.V. , Bonn. Heidi Kuiper is supported by a grant from the affirmative action program for women of the School of Veterinary Medicine Hannover. Pascale Quignon is supported by funds from the Conseil Regional de Bretagne. The authors would like to thank Heike Klippert and Stefan Neander for expert technical assistance.
Alterations in endocardial activation of the canine papillary muscle early and late after myocardial infarction.

Permanent coronary occlusion produces time-dependent changes in surviving subendocardial cellular properties. We compared the functional alterations in Purkinje (P) and ventricular muscle (VM) activation early (24 hr) and late (4 weeks or greater) after permanent coronary occlusion in an in vitro preparation of canine papillary muscle. High-density extracellular (1 to 2 mm resolution) and selected intracellular recordings were made in five animals early and seven animals late during stimulation of a free-running P strand. Activation patterns of P and VM layers from ischemic and unaffected papillary muscles were compared in the same animal. Average P layer conduction velocity was determined in normal and ischemic regions with the use of a linear array of recording and stimulating electrodes. Purkinje activation was altered little in the early phase of infarction, while healing was associated with a generalized 25% reduction in P layer conduction velocity and localized block and fragmentation of P waveforms. Intracellular recordings at sites of nonsynchronous P activation revealed electrotonic interaction between cell groups. At 24 hr, small groups of VM were present but with abnormal activation patterns in regions of necrosis with fragmented and delayed extracellular waveforms produced by partially uncoupled groups of cells. Local delay and block could be modulated by rate and site of stimulation. After healing, VM activation abruptly stopped at the visual infarct border, marked by a characteristic "end potential. " These studies demonstrate important differences in the functional attributes of the P and VM layers studied early and late after coronary occlusion. Alterations in cell-to-cell relationships are likely very important in determining abnormalities of activation in both settings.
Third-order Smoothness Helps: Faster Stochastic Optimization Algorithms for Finding Local Minima

We propose stochastic optimization algorithms that can find local minima faster than existing algorithms for nonconvex optimization problems, by exploiting the third-order smoothness to escape non-degenerate saddle points more efficiently. More specifically, the proposed algorithm only needs $\tilde{O}(\epsilon^{-10/3})$ stochastic gradient evaluations to converge to an approximate local minimum $\mathbf{x}$, which satisfies $\|\nabla f(\mathbf{x})\|_2\leq\epsilon$ and $\lambda_{\min}(\nabla^2 f(\mathbf{x}))\geq -\sqrt{\epsilon}$ in unconstrained stochastic optimization, where $\tilde{O}(\cdot)$ hides logarithm polynomial terms and constants. This improves upon the $\tilde{O}(\epsilon^{-7/2})$ gradient complexity achieved by the state-of-the-art stochastic local minima finding algorithms by a factor of $\tilde{O}(\epsilon^{-1/6})$. Experiments on two nonconvex optimization problems demonstrate the effectiveness of our algorithm and corroborate our theory.
Role of Applying Strategic Inventory Management Systems on Performance of Petroleum Marketing Firms in Nairobi

This study sought to establishthe role of applying strategic inventory management systems on performance of petroleum marketing firms in Nairobi. The specific objectives were: to determine the effect of applying strategic chip based fuel management system on performance of petroleum marketing firms in Nairobi, to investigate the effect of applying strategic economic order quantity (EOQ) model on performance of petroleum marketing firms and to examine the effect of applying strategic Always Better Control (ABC) analysis on performance of petroleum marketing firms. The research design was descriptive in nature and the population consisted of management and supervisory staff from different departments of the petroleum marketing firms within Nairobi County. Stratified random sampling technique was used to determine the sample elements. Primary data was solicited from the population through questionnaires, which was administered via hand delivery to the respondents. Secondary data was obtained by use of session papers and publication work. The raw data was subjected to thorough analysis, tabulation and presentation. The study established that applying strategic chip based fuel management system eliminates human error, assuring timely, accurate and detailed information capture for each vehicle and each fuelling session and that strategic strategic chip based fuel management system accurately monitor fuel being dispensed and reduce the opportunity for fraud and pilferage. Through strategic EOQ, the petroleum marketing firms enjoyed reduced carrying costs, and that the petroleum marketing firm can experience smooth fuel restocking process which results in better customer service as inventory is available when needed. Strategic ABC analysis, allows the petroleum marketing firm to use its resources to prioritize control of high-priority inventory over inventory that has a lower impact on its bottom line. The research therefore concludes that applying strategic (EOQ) model, strategic (ABC) analysis system and applying strategic CBFMS promoted the performance of petroleum marketing firms. The study recommends that petroleum marketing firms should increase the number of services possible through strategic chip based fuel management system. Also, more investment should go into strategic ABC analysis inventory management systems since they drive profitability. Finally, petroleum marketing firms should seek to integrate all strategic inventory management systems to one platform so that information sharing and duplication of system functions can be reduced.
Clinical significance of saccade analysis in early active Graves' ophthalmopathy.

PURPOSE To assess whether saccadic eye movements show distinct changes in patients with early active Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO), which could serve as a diagnostic tool for early detection and treatment. METHODS Each of two prospective studies included 10 patients with early acute GO and 10 age- and sex-matched control subjects. In the explorative study (ES) 15 dynamic parameters of saccades were analyzed. In the comparative study (CS) only those parameters were evaluated, which in ES had shown significant differences between patients and controls. Horizontal and vertical saccades of 10 degrees, 20 degrees, and 40 degrees including a fatigue test were recorded binocularly using the induction scleral search coil. RESULTS The differences of saccadic dynamics between patients and controls were small, whereas intra- and interindividual standard deviations were large. In ES, 7.1% of the parameters showed significant differences at a level of P < or = 0.05. In CS, 2.1% of all parameters revealed repetitive significant differences. Despite statistical significance, individual data did not allow differentiation between patients and healthy individuals due to high standard deviations. CONCLUSIONS In early active GO no clinically relevant saccadic changes were detected. These findings may be based on adaptation of the central saccadic generator. Inclusion of patients with fibrotic muscle changes due to long-standing disease could explain the contrasting results of previous studies. Consequently, analysis of saccades does not serve as a diagnostic tool during early active GO.
Heart Rate Variability and Diastolic Heart Failure

Diastolic heart failure accounts for up to 40% of patients with congestive heart failure (CHF), and is associated with a better prognosis as compared to patients with systolic dysfunction. Nevertheless, patients with diastolic dysfunction have a significantly higher mortality as compared to the normal population. Reduced heart rate variability (HRV), a marker of autonomic dysfunction, is associated with increased mortality in patients with systolic heart failure. We therefore sought to determine to what extent HRV is altered in a population of patients with diastolic heart failure. Twenty‐four hour ambulatory (Holter) recordings were performed in 19 consecutive patients with diastolic heart failure, in 9 patients with systolic heart failure, as well as in 9 healthy volunteers (normal controls). Time and frequency domain HRV variables were obtained for all three groups of patients. Both Time and Frequency domain variables were found to be reduced in both heart failure groups compared to normal controls. When compared with each other, patients with diastolic function had relatively higher values of HRV variables, compared to those with systolic dysfunction (SDNN, Total power, ULF power, all P ≤ 0.05). Patients with diastolic dysfunction have reduced HRV, suggesting a disturbed sympathetic‐parasympathetic balance. Nevertheless, values for HRV are not as profoundly reduced as in patients with systolic dysfunction. The relative preservation of sympathetic‐parasympathetic balance may explain the better prognosis in this patient population. (PACE 2004; 27:299–303)
Neighborhood pattern-sensitive fault testing and diagnostics for random-access memories

The authors present test algorithms for go/no-go and diagnostic test of memories, covering neighborhood pattern-sensitive faults (NPSFs). The proposed test algorithms are March based, which have linear time complexity and result in a simple built-in self-test (BIST) implementation. Although conventional March algorithms do not generate all neighborhood patterns to test the NPSFs, they can be modified by using multiple data backgrounds such that all neighborhood patterns can be generated. The proposed multibackground March algorithms have shorter test lengths than previously reported ones, and the diagnostic test algorithm guarantees 100% diagnostic resolution for NPSFs and conventional RAM faults. Based on the proposed algorithms, the authors also present a cost-effective BIST design. The BIST circuit is programmable, and it supports March algorithms, including the proposed multibackground one.
Delay of neutrophil apoptosis in acute coronary syndromes

Apoptosis of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) is currently discussed as a key event in the control of inflammation. This study determined PMN apoptosis and its underlying mechanisms in controls (C), patients with stable (SAP) or unstable angina (UAP), and with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Blood was drawn from 15 subjects of each C, SAP, UAP, and AMI. Apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry in isolated PMN (propidium iodide staining) and PMN from whole blood (CD16, FcγRIII). Serum cytokines were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Apoptosis of isolated PMN was delayed significantly in acute coronary syndromes (ACS) as compared with SAP or C (C, 51.2±12.6%; SAP, 44.9±13.6%; UAP, 28.4±10.1%; AMI, 20.3±8.5%; AMI or UAP vs. SAP or C, P<0.001). These results were confirmed by measurement of PMN apoptosis in cultured whole blood from patients and controls. Moreover, serum of patients with ACS markedly reduced apoptosis of PMN from healthy donors. Analysis of patients’ sera revealed significantly elevated concentrations of tumor necrosis factor α, interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), granulocyte macrophage‐colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF), and interleukin (IL)‐1β in ACS (vs. C and SAP). IFN‐γ, GM‐CSF, and IL‐1β significantly delayed PMN apoptosis in vitro. Furthermore, coincubation of PMN with adenosine 5′‐diphosphate‐activated platelets significantly inhibited PMN apoptosis as compared with coculture with unstimulated platelets. This study demonstrates a pronounced delay of PMN apoptosis in UAP and AMI, which may result from increased serum levels of IFN‐γ, GM‐CSF, and IL‐1β and from enhanced platelet activation. Therapeutical modulation of these determinants of PMN lifespan may provide a new concept for the control of inflammation in ACS.
Cancer preventive services, socioeconomic status, and the Affordable Care Act

Out‐of‐pocket expenditures are thought to be an important barrier to the receipt of cancer preventive services, especially for those of a lower socioeconomic status (SES). The Affordable Care Act (ACA) eliminated out‐of‐pocket expenditures for recommended services, including mammography and colonoscopy. The objective of this study was to determine changes in the uptake of mammography and colonoscopy among fee‐for‐service Medicare beneficiaries before and after ACA implementation.
A user centered approach to collaborative information retrieval

In this paper, we explain a user centered approach to collaborative information retrieval where the focus is not only on the system but on the users' interactions in solving an information problem. Our approach consists in facilitating knowledge sharing among users during information retrieval process through annotation and interpersonal communication. We created an environment for users to share their knowledge synchronously and asynchronously during information problem definition and clarification; while choosing information system to be used for search; during formulation and reformulation of queries to express their information problem based on the information system chosen; and during the evaluation of information relevancy to the resolution of their information problem.
Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli induces modification of the focal adhesions of infected host cells

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) is a human‐specific pathogen that causes severe diarrhoea in young children. The disease involves intimate interaction between the pathogen and the brush border of enterocytes. During infection, EPEC uses a type III secretion system (TTSS) to inject several proteins into the infected cells, and these effector proteins modify specific processes in the host cell. We show that, upon infection, EPEC induces detachment of the infected host cells from the substratum, modification of focal adhesions (FA) in the infected cells and specific dephosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK). We also show that EPEC‐induced cell detachment is dependent on FAK expression by the infected cells. Finally, we demonstrate that cell detachment, FA modification and FAK dephosphorylation are dependent on functional TTSS in the infecting EPEC. These results suggest that EPEC is using its TTSS to inject protein(s) into the infected cells, which can induce FAK dephosphorylation, as well as FAK‐dependent FA modification and cell detachment. These processes are specific and probably play an important role in EPEC virulence.
Human endothelial precursor cells express tumor endothelial marker 1/endosialin/CD248

Angiogenesis occurs during normal physiologic processes as well as under pathologic conditions such as tumor growth. Serial analysis of gene expression profiling revealed genes [tumor endothelial markers (TEM)] that are overexpressed in tumor endothelial cells compared with normal adult endothelial cells. Because blood vessel development of malignant tumors under certain conditions may include endothelial precursor cells (EPC) recruited from bone marrow, we investigated TEM expression in EPC. The expression of TEM1 or endosialin (CD248) and other TEM has been discovered in a population of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2+/CD31+/CD45−/VE-cadherin+ EPC derived from human CD133+/CD34+ cells. EPC share some properties with fully differentiated endothelial cells from normal tissue, yet reverse transcription-PCR and flow cytometry reveal that EPC express higher levels of endosialin at the molecular and protein levels. The elevated expression of endosialin in EPC versus mature endothelial cells suggests that endosialin is involved in the earlier stages of tumor angiogenesis. Anti-endosialin antibodies inhibited EPC migration and tube formation in vitro. In vivo, immunohistochemistry indicated that human EPC continued to express endosialin protein in a Matrigel plug angiogenesis assay established in nude mice. Anti-endosialin antibodies delivered systemically at 25 mg/kg were also able to inhibit circulating murine EPC in nude mice bearing s.c. SKNAS tumors. EPC and bone marrow–derived cells have been shown previously to incorporate into malignant blood vessels in some instances, yet they remain controversial in the field. The data presented here on endothelial genes that are up-regulated in tumor vasculature and in EPC support the hypothesis that the angiogenesis process in cancer can involve EPC. [Mol Cancer Ther 2008;7(8):2536–46]
Usable Design Space Exploration in AutoFOCUS3

Software-intensive embedded systems are characterized by an increasing number of features that implement complex functionalities. To effectively manage this complexity, development processes in general, and model-based approaches in particular, support the development of such systems as model-based approaches have been considered a central design approach to deal with increasing complexity in software and hardware development. A valid system design and configuration, especially a safety-critical system design, has to fulfill a corresponding set of requirements describing all desired system constraints and objectives. In general, these constraints may be contradicting and correspond to different dimensions (e.g. timing, safety, energy, cost, etc.). Thus, considering all system constraints during system design is a manually unsolvable task. To support the system designer, usable Design Space Exploration methods are needed. Therefore, a proper tool implementation is needed that supports the usability. In this paper, we describe a Design Space Exploration process which aims to explore the architectural design space during system design. This process has been implemented in the open source CASE tool AutoFOCUS3 with the focus on usability.
Analysis of the Liftoff Effect of Phase Spectra for Eddy Current Sensors

This paper presents an analytical model that describes the inductance change when a double air-cored coil sensor is placed next to a conducting plate. Analysis of the analytical model reveals that the phase signature of such a sensor is virtually liftoff independent. This finding is verified by numerical evaluations. This paper also finds that the phase signature of a ferrite U-cored sensor can be approximated by that of a double air-cored sensor of similar size and, therefore, possesses a similar liftoff-independent property. Measurements made with a sample U-cored sensor next to plates of nonmagnetic and magnetic materials verified the theoretical results.
Design and characterization of a miniaturized implantable UHF RFID tag based on LTCC technology

This paper presents the design and characterization of a novel, compact, multilayer, passive UHF-RFID tag solution for implantable biotelemetry based on low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) technology. A spiral planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA) was matched to the UHF integrated circuit (IC) impedance by an inductor line. The LTCC process allowed the IC to be embedded in a sealed cavity. Simulations and measurements of the reflection coefficient and the tag range were carried out when the RFID tag was implanted in the center of a 10 cm cubic skin phantom. The dimensions of the prototype were 8×7×2 mm3, leading to a total volume of 112 mm3. Results indicated a 6 dB bandwidth of 39 MHz and 84 MHz for simulations and measurements, respectively, and a tag range of approximately 10 cm.
Creativity, Task Complexity, and Intuitive versus Analytical Problem Solving

Using 40 Ss the relative effectiveness of intuitive and analytical problem solving was determined as a function of creativity and task complexity. A three-way analysis of variance yielded a significant three-way interaction between thinking mode (intuition or analysis), task complexity, and creativity (as measured by the Barron-Welsh Art Scale). More creative Ss found intuition more effective for a complex task, analysis on the simple task; this relation was reversed for the less creative Ss.