Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prediction of rib cage fracture in computational modeling: effect of rib cortical thickness distribution and intercostal muscles mechanical properties

A finite element model of the 50 percentile male was developed based on geometrical surface generated from medical images. First, an interactive multi-block meshing approach was used to generate high quality quadrilateral and hexahedral meshes of the thorax anatomical structures. Second, a methodology based on the mesh blocks was developed to assign cortical thickness data taken from a micro-CT study to each of the nodes in the cortical shell elements of the ribs along the longitudinal direction and around the cross-sectional perimeter. The whole thorax model (rib cage, internal organs, muscles, skin) was exercised under a wide range of loadings that include inertial and non inertial loadings (blunt impacts, and table top). Although the response of the thorax model was reasonable compared to the experimental results at a “global” level—such as under hub or belt loading onto the entire body—, it has not been evaluated at a local level -such as the strain distribution in the rib cage. The structural response of the rib cage was therefore investigated to evaluate the effect of cortical thickness distribution and intercostal muscle mechanical properties on the thorax mechanical response. The need for node dependent cortical thickness to predict force and deflection at the time of fracture was demonstrated at the rib level by simulating anteroposterior dynamic bending of individual ribs. As for the intercostal muscles, there is no experimental data available to aid with the definition of their mechanical properties. Therefore the impacts to the lateral thorax recently performed by CEESAR for the THOMO project were used to carry out a sensitivity analysis to assess the effect of the cortical thickness distribution and intercostal muscles material properties on rib fracture prediction. The FE model of the thorax was run for three cortical thickness distributions (one distribution with thicknesses defined for each node, and two distributions of uniform thickness values) and three values for the intercostal muscles’ Young’s modulus. The variation of the strain field was compared for the various combinations of parameters and loading conditions to assess how the fracture prediction was altered. In particular, the rib strain profiles measured in the experiments as well as the locations of the rib fractures were compared to the FE results. This study represents a major effort in the development and validation of the thorax finite element model for the Global Human Body Modeling Consortium, and provides insight for the development of anatomically detailed computational models for injury prediction.
Chinese-English dictionary of modern usage

with law and commerce than many have thought but that they consciously tried to keep these two elements of their culture subservient to larger goals, such as morale in the administration and equity in the society. At one point, Metzger puts it well: "History itself was seen as a record of . varied changes, some more controversial than others, and the present was seen as another opportunity in history to improve society. " • On the basis of Metzger's own massive data and excellent arguments, this reviewer cannot accept one of his conclusions, that "We may doubt that Ch'ing bureaucracy has left us a legacy of norms and experiences from which statesmen of today can learn. " One need not be naively enthusiastic to appreciate a system in which the individual official rested his autonomy not only on wealth and law but on inner moral strength. One need not be an emotional environmentalist to admire the attempt to distribute limited resources fairly without recourse to the seductive (but potentially disastrous) alternative of rampant economic growth. There is surely something instructive in Yung-cheng's warning subordinates against the "corrupt habit of obsequiously agreeing with whatever We say" and his chastizing the recalcitrant: "Whether We are right or wrong, you let Us act without speaking up—what a small-minded way to serve Us! " There is certainly something for statesmen of today to learn from a system in which the leader viewed law as "an independently existing body of institutions with which his decisions should accord," where an impeached official who tried to remove the evidence before the impeaching memorial arrived at court would be subject to criminal prosecution, and where officials could be punished more strictly than commoners for certain crimes because they were assumed to be more conversant with the law. Indeed, it is one of the crowning virtues of this fine study that it shows us how much we have to learn from the Chinese about how to maintain justice and morality—as well as order and efficiency—in that increasingly ubiquitous institution known as bureaucracy.
Is Chief Executive Officer Turnover Good for the Hospital?

This study examined the general characteristics of chief executive officers (CEOs) and their hospitals and the perceived impact of CEO turnover on various organizational activities. A mail-based survey included 156 hospital CEOs in 6 states in the West South Central, West North Central, and Mountain regions. Neither hospital and CEO characteristics nor the impact on various organizational activities and performance indicators was significantly different among the 6 states compared. Overall, CEOs reported relatively short tenures, frequent promotion from within the organization to CEO level, and common involuntary departure of their predecessors. Respondents overwhelmingly reported a positive impact of leadership change on financial performance, employee morale, and organizational culture.
Topological Analysis of Scalar Fields with Outliers

Given a real-valued function f defined over a manifold M embedded in R^d, we are interested in recovering structural information about f from the sole information of its values on a finite sample P. Existing methods provide approximation to the persistence diagram of f when geometric noise and functional noise are bounded. However, they fail in the presence of aberrant values, also called outliers, both in theory and practice. We propose a new algorithm that deals with outliers. We handle aberrant functional values with a method inspired from the k-nearest neighbors regression and the local median filtering, while the geometric outliers are handled using the distance to a measure. Combined with topological results on nested filtrations, our algorithm performs robust topological analysis of scalar fields in a wider range of noise models than handled by current methods. We provide theoretical guarantees and experimental results on the quality of our approximation of the sampled scalar field.
Improved Transient Response in Adaptive Control Using Projection Algorithms and Closed Loop Reference Models

This paper explores the properties of adaptive systems with closed–loop reference models. Historically, reference models in adaptive systems run open–loop in parallel with the plant and controller, using no information from the plant or controller to alter the trajectory of the reference system. Closed–loop reference models on the other hand use information from the plant to alter the reference trajectory. Using the extra design freedom available in closed–loop reference models, we design adaptive controllers that are (a) stable, and (b) have improved transient properties. Numerical studies that complement theoretical derivations are also reported.
Classification of individuals based on Sparse Representation of brain cognitive patterns: A functional MRI study

Many neurological disorders can change patterns of brain activity observed in functional imaging studies. These functional differences may be useful for classification of individuals into diagnostic categories. However, due to the high dimensionality of the input feature space and small set of subjects that are usually available, classification based on fMRI data is not trivial. Here, we evaluate the use of a Sparse Representation Analysis method within a Fisher Linear Discriminant (FLD) classification method, taking functional patterns characteristic of different cognitive tasks as the data input. As a test dataset, with a clear `gold-standard' classification, we attempt to classify individuals as young, or older, based only on functional activation patterns in a speech listening task. Thirty two young (age: 19-26) and older (age: 57-73) adults (16 each) were scanned while listening to noise and to sentences degraded with noise, half of which contained meaningful context that could be used to enhance intelligibility. Different functional contrast images were used within K-SVD to generate basis activation sources and their corresponding sparse modulation profiles. Sparse modulation profiles were used in a FLD framework to classify individuals into the young and older categories. The results demonstrate the feasibility of the general approach, and confirm the potential applicability of the proposed method for real-world diagnostic problems.
Deriving Greenberg s Asymmetry in Arabic

Semitic verbs exhibit a well-known prohibition against forms with initial gemination, *ssam, or with an initial sequence of two identical consonants, *sasam, alongside an abundance of forms with final gemination or final identity such as samm, samam (Greenberg 1950). This asymmetry has received considerable attention in the literature. Past explanations crucially rely on restrictions imposed on the inventory of lexical inputs. In this paper, properties of the Semitic lexicon such as the asymmetry *ssam versus samm and other well-known alternations in the shape of the verb such as the doubled verb alternation are considered in the context of the inflectional paradigm. This makes it possible to explain the asymmetries in the lexical inventory and other previously problematic alternations in the verb by employing three independently necessary factors: the structure of the verbal paradigm, the syllabification canons of the language, and intra-paradigmatic identity constraints requiring identity between morphologically related forms. The implications of this stem-based view for the typological distinction between concatenative and non-concatenative morphology are developed.
A TISSUE CULTURE STRATEGY TOWARDS THE RESCUE OF ENDANGERED MASCARENE ALOES

The present study aimed at developing an efficient protocol for the micropropagation and restoration of four endemic threatened Masacrene Aloes namely Aloe lomatophylloides, A. macra, A. purpurea and A. tormentorii. Explants consisting of 2cm long hypocotyls with radicles were cultured on Murashige and Skoog’s (MS) basal medium supplemented different plant growth regulators Thidiazuron, Benzyl amino purine and Naphthalene acetic acid (TDZ, BAP, NAA). The diameter of protocorm-like bodies (PLBs) and the length of developing shoots were calculated using digital photography. All explants produced significantly (p<0.05) higher number of PLBs on MS containing 0.01 NAA mg/l except for A. tormentorii explants whereby more PLBs were obtained in MS with NAA and TDZ. Over 95% of rooted plantlets survived acclimatisation. The genetic integrity of the regenerated and acclimatised plantlets were evaluated by employing RAPD, ISSR and IRAP marker assays and results indicated that all the tissue culture-derived plants are trueto-type. Preliminary secondary metabolite screening from the in vitro regenerated Aloe plantlets revealed the presence of numerous bioactive components such as anthraquinones, phenols and flavonoids, and possible presence of alkaloids, coumarins, tannins, saponins and terpenes which are also detected in the crude extracts of their field counterparts. This study paves the way towards a rapid propagation and restoration strategy for endangered medicinal Mascarene Aloes.
A nutrient drink test to assess maximum tolerated volume and postprandial symptoms: effects of gender, body mass index and age in health

Abstract To assess the effects of age, gender and body mass index on the maximum tolerated volume of a nutrient drink and postprandial symptoms in health. Healthy adolescents (15 M, 15 F, aged 13–17 years) and adults (15 M, 25 F, aged 19–51 years) ingested Ensure®(1 kcal mL−1) at a rate of 30 mL min−1. The maximum tolerated volume was recorded. Thirty minutes later, bloating, fullness, nausea and pain were rated using visual analogue scales. The Mann–Whitney test was used for comparisons between groups using body mass index and maximum tolerated volume as covariates. Age‐related differences in maximum tolerated volume were noted between adolescents and adults, and were observed in both genders. Adults had higher scores for bloating and pain, and lower scores for fullness. Gender‐related differences in maximum tolerated volume were noted in the group as a whole, and separately for adolescents and adults. Females had higher scores for nausea and pain. Gender and age‐related differences in the maximum tolerated volume of a nutrient drink and postprandial symptoms should be considered in future studies of upper gastrointestinal symptoms in disease. Body mass index does not appear to influence maximum tolerated volume beyond its association with age and gender.
Helium sensitivity in oxygen deficiency measurement equipment

Most accelerators in operation today use liquid helium based superconducting technology in some capacity. Many of these facilities also use fixed and portable oxygen monitors to detect an oxygen deficient atmosphere were the helium to be accidentally released. When released, helium can expand 800 times its liquid volume. Recent helium spill tests at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (Jefferson Lab) uncovered a fundamental flaw in certain types of oxygen deficiency monitoring equipment. The ensuing investigation found that the problem is endemic to a class of electrochemical oxygen sensors used throughout both the research and industrial communities. This paper describes the results of the Jefferson Lab investigation and steps taken to date to both solve the problem and inform the safety community at large.
The Effects of a Community-Based Exercise Program on Function and Health in Older Adults: The EnhanceFitness Program

This study examined the effectiveness of participation in EnhanceFitness (EF) (formerly the Lifetime Fitness Program), an established community-based group exercise program for older adults. EF incorporated performance and health status measure testing in year 2000. Initial performance was compared to age and gender-based norms to classify participants as within or at or above normal limits (WNL) or below (BNL). In 2,889 participants who participated in outcomes testing, improvements were observed at 4 and 8 months on performance tests for both subgroups. Participants’ self-rating of health improved at 8 months. All participants improved on performance tests. Implementation of performance-based measures in community studies is possible. Challenges included selecting measures, staff training, collecting performance measures, and deciding on time points for data collection. Older adults can maintain and/or improve physical function through participation in EnhanceFitness.
Atypical Presentation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Mimicking a Gastric Hepatoid Adenocarcinoma

AbstractThe diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) relies on imaging tools and biopsy. It usually does not present to be a challenge.Here we report the case of a 69-year-old patient with HCC, initially mistaken for a gastric hepatoid adenocarcinoma (HAC), with a favorable outcome after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.The initial presentation (clinical signs, morphological features, and histological findings) led to the diagnosis of a gastric hepatoid adenocarcinoma. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy by epirubicin, oxaliplatin, and capecitabine protocol was administered. Biological (alpha-fetoprotein [AFP] decreased by a factor of 10), radiological (−35% RECIST), and histological (20% of necrosis) responses were observed. Complete surgical resection was then performed. The final pathological diagnosis was a well-differentiated HCC, staged pT4 N0 (0/24) R0.There are no guidelines as to how such tumors should be managed. Nonetheless, neoadjuvant chemotherapy yielded a good outcome. This observation stresses the importance of the final pathological findings and addresses the issue of neoadjuvant therapy in some cases of HCC.
Immunization of a wild koala population with a recombinant Chlamydia pecorum Major Outer Membrane Protein (MOMP) or Polymorphic Membrane Protein (PMP) based vaccine: New insights into immune response, protection and clearance

We assessed the effects of two different single-dose anti-Chlamydia pecorum (C. pecorum) vaccines (containing either Major Outer Membrane Protein (3MOMP) or Polymorphic Membrane Protein (Pmp) as antigens) on the immune response of a group of wild koalas. Both vaccines elicited a systemic humoral response as seen by the production of anti-chlamydial IgG antibodies in more than 90% of vaccinated koalas. A mucosal immune response was also observed, with an increase in Chlamydia-specific mucosal IgG and/or IgA antibodies in some koalas post-vaccination. Both vaccines elicited a cell-mediated immune response as measured by the production of the cytokines IFN-γ and IL-17 post-vaccination. To determine the level of protection provided by the vaccines under natural conditions we assessed C. pecorum infection loads and chlamydial disease status of all vaccinated koalas pre- and post-vaccination, compared to a non-vaccinated cohort from the same habitat. The MOMP vaccinated koalas that were infected on the day of vaccination showed significant clearance of their infection at 6 months post-vaccination. In contrast, the number of new infections in the PMP vaccine was similar to the control group, with some koalas progressing to disease. Genotyping of the ompA gene from the C. pecorum strains infecting the vaccinated animals, identified genetic variants of ompA-F genotype and a new genotype ompA-O. We found that those animals that were the least well protected became infected with strains of C. pecorum not covered by the vaccine. In conclusion, a single dose vaccine formulated with either recombinant PmpG or MOMP can elicit both cell-mediated and humoral (systemic and mucosal) immune responses, with the MOMP vaccine showing clearance of infection in all infected koalas. Although the capability of our vaccines to stimulate an adaptive response and be protective needs to be fully evaluated, this work illustrates the necessity to combine epitopes most relevant to a large panel of variable strains with an efficient adjuvant.
Musical flocks

Musical Flocks is a project in the field of music visualization. It produces animations by simulating the behavior of agents that react to the sound of music. Additionally, swarm-like behavior is attained by following the rules of separation, alignment and cohesion (Reynolds, 1987). This process produces reactive animations and static artifacts that constitute abstract representations of the pieces, with different genres resulting in artifacts with distinctive visual properties (see Figure 1).
Towards Side-Channel Resistant Block Cipher Usage or Can We Encrypt Without Side-Channel Countermeasures?

Based on re-keying techniques by Abdalla, Bellare, and Borst [1, 2], we consider two black-box secure block cipher based symmetric encryption schemes, which we prove secure in the physically observable cryptography model. They are proven side-channel secure against a strong type of adversary that can adaptively choose the leakage function as long as the leaked information is bounded. It turns out that our simple construction is side-channel secure against all types of attacks that satisfy some reasonable assumptions. In particular, the security turns out to be negligible in the block cipher’s block size n, for all attacks. We also show that our ideas result in an interesting alternative to the implementation of block ciphers using different logic styles or masking countermeasures.
A Framework for Information Systems Architecture (Abstract of Tutorial)

With increasing size and complexity of the implementations of information systems, it is necessary to use some logical construct (or architecture) for defining and controlling the interfaces and the integration of all of the components of the system. This paper defines information systems architecture by creating a descriptive framework from disciplines quite independent of information systems, then by analogy specifies information systems architecture based upon the neutral, objective framework. Also, some preliminary conclusions about the implications of the resultant descriptive framework are drawn. The discussion is limited to architecture and does not include a strategic planning methodology.
Examining Agency Theory in Training & Development

Agency theory has been discussed widely in the business and management literature. However, to date there has been no investigation about its utility and implications for problems in training & development. Whereas organizations are still struggling to develop and implement effective training programs, there is little emphasis on the self-interest behaviors of the trainers and how these motivations may impede the training process. Agency theory can help inform our learning and understanding of possible outcomes in this scenario. Consequently, this article is the first to explore agency theory within the training & development framework and offers propositions for research and practice. Implications for organizational policy and performance outcomes are also discussed.
Trustworthiness: safety, security and privacy issues

The paper presents the Angel approach to analyzing and demonstrating trustworthiness in the context determined by the selected set of application scenarios. The focus is on safety, security and privacy issues. The analysis is based on two 'pillars': the analysis of risks in the context of Angel scenarios and the analysis of the requirements derived from the relevant standards. The way Angel addresses the risks and requirements is represented in the Angel trust case - a structured argument which integrates all the trustworthiness supporting evidence. The article gives more detail on the approach taken during the safety, security and privacy related analysis and explains the idea of Angel trust case.
Novel mutation in the SLC19A2 gene in an African‐American female with thiamine‐responsive megaloblastic anemia syndrome

Thiamine‐responsive megaloblastic anemia (TRMA) syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by diabetes mellitus (DM), progressive sensorineural deafness, and thiamine‐responsive anemia. Mutations in the SLC19A2 gene encoding a high‐affinity thiamine transporter protein THTR‐1 are responsible for the clinical features associated with TRMA syndrome. We report an African‐American female with TRMA‐syndrome associated with thyroid disease and retinitis pigmentosa caused by a novel mutation in the SLC19A2 gene. The patient presented at 12 months of age with paroxysmal atrial tachycardia and hepatosplenomegaly. One month later, she developed DM requiring intermittent insulin therapy. At 2‐1/2 years of age, profound sensorineural hearing loss was discovered. By 4 years of age, daily insulin therapy (0.5 U/kg/day) was instituted and her insulin requirement gradually increased to 1.0 U/kg/day by 9 years of age. She developed optic atrophy, retinitis pigmentosa, and visual impairment by 12 years of age with severe restriction of peripheral vision by 16 years. At age 19, a thiamine‐responsive normocytic anemia was discovered. She was diagnosed with autoimmune thyroiditis at 20 years and she experienced a psychotic episode associated with a mood disorder at age 21. With oral thiamine therapy, her insulin requirement decreased by 30% over a 20 month period. Molecular analysis revealed that the patient is homozygous for a missense mutation (C152T) in exon 1 of the SLC19A2 gene. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.