Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Magnetic resonance angiography for the evaluation of lower extremity arterial disease: a meta-analysis.

CONTEXT Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is a rapidly evolving technique that has been reported to be accurate for assessment of lower extremity arterial disease. OBJECTIVE To obtain the best available estimates of the diagnostic performance of MRA in patients with lower extremity arterial disease. DATA SOURCES Studies published from January 1985 through May 2000 in English, German, or French, identified from the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Current Contents databases. STUDY SELECTION Studies were included that allowed construction of 2 x 2 contingency tables for detection of stenosis greater than 50% or occlusion with MRA or arteriography in patients with claudication or critical ischemia. DATA EXTRACTION Two observers graded the following elements of study quality: consecutively enrolled patients, prospective study design, clear cut-off levels, blinded assessment, and clear description of MRA technique. Summary receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to examine the influence of year of publication, all methodological criteria, arterial tract, number of subdivisions within arterial tracts, and MRA technique on diagnostic performance. DATA SYNTHESIS Of 3583 studies initially identified, 34 were included that evaluated MRA in 1090 patients (72% men; median age, 65 years). Magnetic resonance angiography was highly accurate for assessment of all lower extremity arteries. Three-dimensional gadolinium-enhanced (3-D Gd) MRA improved diagnostic performance compared with 2-D MRA (relative diagnostic odds ratio, 2.8 [95% confidence interval, 1.2-6.4]), adjusted for number of subdivisions within arterial tracts. The estimated points of equal sensitivity and specificity were 94% and 90% for 3-D Gd MRA and 2-D MRA, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Magnetic resonance angiography is highly accurate for assessment of the entire lower extremity for arterial disease. Three-dimensional Gd-enhanced MRA improves diagnostic performance compared with 2-D MRA.
Qualitatively Different Memory CD8+ T Cells Are Generated after Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus and Influenza Virus Infections

Viral infections often induce robust T cell responses that are long-lived and protective. However, it is unclear to what degree systemic versus mucosal infection influences the generation of effector and memory T cells. In this study, we characterized memory CD8+ T cells generated after respiratory influenza virus infection and compared the phenotypic and functional qualities of these cells with memory T cells generated after systemic infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). Using a recombinant influenza virus expressing the LCMV gp33–41 epitope and TCR transgenic CD8+ T cells with a fixed TCR, we compared responses to the same Ag delivered by mucosal or systemic viral infection. Memory cells generated postinfection with either virus showed only a few phenotypic differences. Yet, influenza memory T cells produced lower amounts of effector cytokines upon restimulation and displayed reduced proliferation compared with LCMV-induced memory cells. Strikingly, we observed reduced expansion of spleen- and, in particular, lung-derived influenza memory cells after recall in vivo, which correlated with reduced early protection from secondary infection. These findings suggest that qualitatively different memory CD8+ T cells are generated after respiratory or systemic virus infections.
On high-precision chessboard detection on static scene videos from mobile eye-tracking devices

Eye-tracking analysis require annotation of a scene video by information on the target of the gaze. We develop a technique for automatic high-precision scene annotation for mobile head-mounted eye-trackers. The solution combines computervision techniques for scene recognition, 3-D modeling of the recognized objects, and head movement compensation using gyroscope and accelerometer information provided by the eye-tracking device. In this paper we address the problem of recognition of a chessboard, while the approach may be applied to other situations with static scenes.
Auxiliary functions and optimal scanning for road detection by dynamic programming

Shape information is useful for road detection to improve the correctness and smoothness of the results. Within the frame of dynamic programming, the proposed method stores in an auxiliary image the global direction V(M) followed in the current shortest path. The potential is a function of this image, so that pixels prolongating the current shortest path are favored. The auxiliary image is updated recursively at the same time as the energy, during the optimization. A variant of this method stores in the auxiliary image the center of the circle tangent to the current shortest path. Another application presented herein computes the average of the potential instead of its sum. The optimality principle is not verified anymore with the auxiliary functions but they give smoother results without increasing the complexity. Furthermore, several improvements w.r. t. the scanning allow gains of up to 50% for the computational time.
RELATIONSHIPS OF DEER MOUSE MOVEMENT, VEGETATIVE STRUCTURE, AND PREVALENCE OF INFECTION WITH SIN NOMBRE VIRUS

The effects of vegetative structure on movement of deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) were examined in two distinct vegetation associations, one near Hesperus and the other near Molina in western Colorado (USA) from June–October 1994 to October 1998. We monitored movement by live-trapping small mammals within Gambel's oak/mixed-grass (Hesperus) and sage brush/juniper (Molina) vegetation types. Vegetative structure differed between the sites with Molina having more cover provided by shrubs and Hesperus having more cover provided by forbs. Adult male deer mice moved greater distances at Hesperus than at Molina. Sub-adult males tended to move greater distances than did adult females. Relative abundances of deer mice tended to differ by season, but the average relative abundance of deer mice was greater at Molina. Long-term prevalence of infection with SNV was greater at Hesperus and was greatest in adult males at Hesperus (36.1%). Adult males at Molina exhibited a prevalence of infection with SNV of 25.0%. Infection with SNV was highly associated with scars or wounds for adult male, adult female, and juvenile male deer mice at Hesperus, but only for adult female deer mice at Molina. The presence of scars or wounds tended to be associated with greater age, but male deer mice at Hesperus were more likely to have wounds than female deer mice of the same age class. A similar pattern, excluding juveniles, was observed at Molina. Intraspecific interactions and environmentally elicited long-distance movements of deer mice may play a role in prevalence of infection with SNV in these animals.
Complex Gaussian belief propagation algorithms for distributed multicell multiuser MIMO detection

In this paper, we considered a practical system where the number of base station antennas serving tens users is large but finite. The signal must be collected before detection, and the optimal maximum a posteriori (MAP) detector has high computational complexity that grows exponentially with the number of users. Even the suboptimal MMSE-SIC (soft interference cancellation) requires complexity proportional to the cube of the number of the antenna units. In this paper, we proposed a distributed detection scheme done at each antenna unit separately, termed complex Gaussian belief propagation algorithm (CGaBP), for multicell multi-user detection. The multiuser detection problem is reduced to a sequence of scalar estimations, and detecting each individual user using CGaBP is asymptotically equivalent to detecting the same user through a scalar additive Gaussian channel with some degradation in the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the desired user due to the collective impact of interfering users. The degradation is determined by the unique fixed-point of state evolution equations. Numerical results show that CGaBP has low complexity and overhead, and achieves optimal data estimates for Gaussian symbols, and is better than MMSE-SIC for finite-alphabet symbols.
Relationship Between Midweek Training Measures of Testosterone and Cortisol Concentrations and Game Outcome in Professional Rugby Union Matches

Abstract Gaviglio, CM and Cook, CJ. Relationship between midweek training measures of testosterone and cortisol concentrations and game outcome in professional rugby union matches. J Strength Cond Res 28(12): 3447–3452, 2014—The aim of this study was to assess the response of salivary-free testosterone and cortisol concentrations across selected midweek skill-based training sessions and their association with subsequent match outcome 3 days later. Twenty-two rugby union players were assessed for salivary-free testosterone and cortisol concentrations before and after a midweek training session over 6 consecutive weeks. The relative percentage change (response) in the testosterone and cortisol concentration and the testosterone to cortisol (T/C) ratio was also determined. Game-day analysis consisted of prematch testosterone concentrations and match outcome. Data were pooled across the winning (n = 3) and losing (n = 3) outcomes. The midweek pretraining T/C ratio was significantly lower (p < 0.01) before a win than a loss and the increase in the pre- to post-T/C ratio before a win was significant (p < 0.001). The increase in the pre- to post-testosterone concentration before a win was also shown to be significant (p < 0.01). However, the relative changes in testosterone before games that were won were not statistically different to that of games lost (p > 0.01). Significant relationships were also demonstrated between game-day pre-testosterone concentrations and the midweek cortisol response (r = −0.90, p = 0.01) and midweek T/C ratio response (r = 0.90, p = 0.01). In conclusion, a midweek measurement of the T/C ratio against a skill-based training session seems to show some potential as an early indicator of subsequent successfully executed performances in competitive rugby union. If this work is subsequently validated, further monitoring of midweek hormone concentrations in response to a mixed psychological-physical training session may assist with assessing competitive readiness leading up to competition.
The Galilean Satellites and Jupiter: Voyager 2 Imaging Science Results

Voyager 2, during its encounter with the Jupiter system, provided images that both complement and supplement in important ways the Voyager 1 images. While many changes have been observed in Jupiter's visual appearance, few, yet significant, changes have been detected in the principal atmospheric currents. Jupiter's ring system is strongly forward scattering at visual wavelengths and consists of a narrow annulus of highest particle density, within which is a broader region in which the density is lower. On Io, changes are observed in eruptive activity, plume structure, and surface albedo patterns. Europa's surface retains little or no record of intense meteorite bombardment, but does reveal a complex and, as yet, little-understood system of overlapping bright and dark linear features. Ganymede is found to have at least one unit of heavily cratered terrain on a surface that otherwise suggests widespread tectonism. Except for two large ringed basins, Callisto's entire surface is heavily cratered.
Hypochlorous acid stimulation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway enhances cell survival.

We investigated the activation of three subfamilies of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAP kinase), the extracellular regulated kinase (ERK1/2), p38, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), by the myeloperoxidase-derived oxidant HOCl, in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and human skin fibroblasts. Treatment of fibroblasts with 10-30 microM HOCl induced a dose-dependent increase in the tyrosine phosphorylation of several proteins. ERK1/2 was activated by exposure to sublethal concentrations of reagent HOCl or by HOCl generated by myeloperoxidase as shown by immune complex kinase assays. Maximum activation was seen at 20 microM and peak activation occurred within 10 min. Western blot analysis demonstrated activation of p38 with 30 microM HOCl, occurring at 15-30 min. No activation of JNK was detected in the concentration range investigated. These results show that HOCl is able to activate MAP kinases. Effective doses were considerably lower than with H2O2 and the lack of JNK activation contrasts with the activation frequently seen with H2O2. Exposure to HOCl caused a loss of viability in HUVEC that was markedly enhanced when ERK1/2 activation was inhibited by U0126. This suggests that the activation of ERK promotes cell survival in response to the oxidative challenge.
Investigation of the incidence of stylohyoid ligament calcifications with panoramic radiographs.

AIM This study examined and classified patients who were treated at the Faculty of Dentistry at Ankara University Dentistry to determine the incidence of different types of stylohyoid ligament calcification (SLC) using panoramic radiographs. In addition, it also assessed the possible causative symptoms and Eagle's syndrome in cases of styloid process elongation. METHODS The study consisted of 2000 patients (1161 females and 839 males), aged 3-88 years, who were treated at our clinic. The panoramic radiographs were evaluated as part of this study. RESULTS Panoramic radiography examination revealed SLC in 1350 patients. Both-sided (right and left), type 1 SLC was observed in 345 patients, while types 2-4 were found in 203, 418, and 384 patients, respectively. CONCLUSION The incidence of SLC was found to be higher in female patients when compared to male patients. In addition, calcifications were seen more often at age 50-59 years, and the incidence of calcification was found to increase with age. Two Eagle's syndrome cases were diagnosed among a total of 2000 patients. Finally, it was determined that the incidence of calcified stylohyoid ligament is higher in patients with systemic diseases.
Coupled-mode analysis of two-parallel post-wall waveguides

The guided modes supported in a coupled two-parallel post-wall waveguides are analyzed by using a coupled-mode theory for coupled two-dimensional photonic crystal wave guides. The coupled-mode equations, which govern the evolution of the modal amplitude of individual post-wall waveguides, are derived in self-contained way on the basis of eigenmode fields of each single waveguide in isolation. Numerical examples show that for various configurations of post-walls, the solutions of the coupled-mode equations are in very close agreement with those obtained by the rigorous numerical analysis.
Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (t‐VNS) in pharmacoresistant epilepsies: A proof of concept trial

To elucidate, in a pilot‐study, whether noninvasive transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (t‐VNS) is a safe and tolerable alternative treatment option in pharmacoresistant epilepsy. t‐VNS was applied to 10 patients with pharmacoresistant epilepsies. Stimulation via the auricular branch of the vagus nerve of the left tragus was delivered three times per day for 9 months. Subjective documentation of stimulation effects was obtained from patients’ seizure diaries. For a more reliable assessment of seizure frequency, we carried out prolonged outpatient video–electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring. In addition, computerized testing of cognitive, affective, and emotional functions was performed. Three patients aborted the study. Of the remaining seven patients, an overall reduction of seizure frequency was observed in five patients after 9 months of t‐VNS. The noninvasive t‐VNS stimulation is a safe and well‐tolerated method for relatively long periods, and might be an alternative treatment option for patients with epilepsy.
FROM CLINICAL RECOMMENDATIONS TO MANDATORY PRACTICE

In an effort to control ambulatory care costs, regulatory practice guidelines (références médicales opposables or RMOs) were introduced by law in France in 1993. RMOs are short sentences, negatively formulated (“it is inappropriate to \ldots”), covering medical and surgical topics, diagnosis, and treatment. Since their introduction, physicians who do not comply with RMOs can be fined. The fine is determined by a weighted combination of indices of harm, cost, and the number of violations. The impact of the RMO policy on physician practice has been questioned, but so far few evaluations had been performed. At the end of 1997, only 121 physicians had been fined (0.1% of French private physicians). The difficulty of controlling physicians, the large number of RMOs, and the lack of a relevant information system limit the credibility of this policy. The simultaneous development of a clinical guideline program to improve the quality of care and of a program to control medical practice can lead to a misunderstanding among clinicians and health policy makers. Financial incentives or disincentives could be used to change physician behavior, in addition to other measures such as education and organizational changes, if they are simple, well explained, and do not raise any ethical conflict. But these measures are dependent on the structure and financing of the healthcare system and on the socioeconomic and cultural context. More research is needed to assess the impact of interventions using financial incentives and disincentives on physician behavior.
Flow-Level Capacity and Performance in HetNets

The deployment of pico cells to cover traffic hot spots within the footprint of a macro cell provides a powerful approach to meet the massive growth in traffic demands fueled by smartphones and bandwidth-hungry applications. Joint optimization of resource allocation and user association is critical to achieve the maximum capacity benefits and performance gains in such heterogeneous network deployments (HetNets). In order to gain insight in the achievable capacity gains, we examine in the present paper the stability and performance of a HetNet system in the presence of flow-level dynamics. The stability condition reveals that in stationary traffic conditions the maximum capacity can be achieved with a static resource split and traffic association rule, provided that these are suitably selected. This suggests that dynamic adaptation on time scales commensurate with the variations in traffic parameters suffices to extract most of the achievable capacity gains. For the case of static cell boundaries and Proportional Fair scheduling, we also present a method for evaluating the flow-level performance in terms of the distribution of the number of active file transfers and expected transfer delay.
Study and analysis of contralateral acoustic reflex in children with phonological disorder

Summary Much has been studied on the role of the acoustic reflex in the communication process. Aim To examine the responses of the contralateral acoustic reflex in children with normal hearing and phonological disorders. To investigate the relationship of the level of severity of phonological disorder. To measure the chances of it affecting all the frequencies tested. Materials and Methods The study was based on the analysis of medical charts from 70 children with phonological disorders, and 24 females and 46 males, aged between 5 and 7 years. Audiological tests were analyzed to exclude children with hearing loss, evaluation of the contralateral acoustic reflex and the level of severity of phonological disorder. Study Design: Prospective. Results All children showed change in the contralateral acoustic reflex. There was no significant relationship between the level of severity of phonological disorders and changes in the acoustic reflex for both genders. Female children showed no statistically significant value in the relationship between the frequencies, except at 500 Hz. Male children had more significant relationship in the association between changes in frequencies tested. Conclusion It is believed that children with phonological disorders exhibit changes in the contralateral acoustic reflex.
Similarities and Differences between Individuals Seeking Treatment for Gambling Problems vs. Alcohol and Substance Use Problems in Relation to the Progressive Model of Self-stigma

Aims: People with gambling as well as substance use problems who are exposed to public stigmatization may internalize and apply it to themselves through a mechanism known as self-stigma. This study implemented the Progressive Model for Self-Stigma which consists four sequential interrelated stages: awareness, agreement, application and harm on three groups of individuals with gambling, alcohol and other substance use problems. It explored whether the two guiding assumptions of this model (each stage is precondition for the following stage which are trickle-down in nature, and correlations between proximal stages should be larger than correlations between more distant stages) would differentiate people with gambling problems from those with alcohol and other substance use problems in terms of their patterns of self-stigma and in terms of the stages in the model. Method: 37 individuals with gambling problems, 60 with alcohol problems and 51 with drug problems who applied for treatment in rehabilitation centers in Israel in 2015–2016 were recruited. They completed the Self-stigma of Mental Illness Scale-Short Form which was adapted by changing the term “mental health” to gambling, alcohol or drugs, and the DSM-5-diagnostic criteria for gambling, alcohol or drug disorder. Results: The assumptions of the model were broadly confirmed: a repeated measures ANCOVA revealed that in all three groups there was a difference between first two stages (aware and agree) and the latter stages (apply and harm). In addition, the gambling group differed from the drug use and alcohol groups on the awareness stage: individuals with gambling problems were less likely to be aware of stigma than people with substance use or alcohol problems. Conclusion: The internalization of stigma among individuals with gambling problems tends to work in a similar way as for those with alcohol or drug problems. The differences between the gambling group and the alcohol and other substance groups at the aware stage may suggest that public stigma with regard to any given addictive disorder may be a function of the type of addiction (substance versus behavioral).
Design optimization for ultrahigh efficiency buck regulator using wide bandgap devices

This paper discloses the design optimization for 99.5% plus ultrahigh efficiency buck regulator. Rather than using silicon devices, the switching losses can be dramatically reduced by properly selected wide bandgap devices such as gallium nitride (GaN) high-electron-mobility transistor (HEMT) and silicon carbide (SiC) Schottky diode. A 100-kHz switching four-phase interleaved inverse buck converter with 400-V input dc, 370-V output dc, and 2-kW rated output power was built to verify the design. Besides using wide-band-gap devices, the interleaved technique for reducing the input and output current ripples and inverse-coupled inductors are adopted to further reduce the input and output capacitors' ESR power losses and inductor core losses, respectively. From the experimental results, the efficiencies are above 98.5% at 10% load and over 99.5% from 50% to full load.
Web Query Characteristics and their Implications on Search Engines

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