Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Trajectory clustering using a new distance based on minimum convex hull

Trajectory clustering is a hot research topic in spatiotemporal data mining. A whole trajectory might be long and complex, so corner-based division and spatiotemporal properties-based compression are adopted for preprocessing. Spatial and temporal properties are both important for trajectory data. There are space based clustering methods and time depended clustering methods, but an efficient algorithm should consider both spatial and temporal information. So in this paper, we propose a new distance based on minimum convex hull to measure the distance between two sub-trajectory that are represented by segments. Then, by adopting the DTW (dynamic time warping) algorithm, distance between two sub-trajectories of any lengths can be calculated. Finally, the OPTICS(ordering points to identify the clustering structure) algorithm is applied to find clusters of sub-trajectories. Experimental results show that the proposed method can find meaningful clusters and can distinguish sub-trajectories close in space but different in time.
Conducting qualitative research in the British Armed Forces: theoretical, analytical and ethical implications

The aim of qualitative research is to produce empirical evidence with data collected through means such as interviews and observation. Qualitative research encourages diversity in the way of thinking and the methods used. Good studies produce a richness of data to provide new knowledge or address extant problems. However, qualitative research resulting in peer review publications within the Defence Medical Services (DMS) is a rarity. This article aims to help redress this balance by offering direction regarding qualitative research in the DMS with a focus on choosing a theoretical framework, analysing the data and ethical approval. Qualitative researchers need an understanding of the paradigms and theories that underpin methodological frameworks, and this article includes an overview of common theories in phenomenology, ethnography and grounded theory, and their application within the military. It explains qualitative coding: the process used to analyse data and shape the analytical framework. A popular four phase approach with examples from an operational nursing research study is presented. Finally, it tackles the issue of ethical approval for qualitative studies and offers direction regarding the research proposal and participant consent. The few qualitative research studies undertaken in the DMS have offered innovative insights into defence healthcare providing information to inform and change educational programmes and clinical practice. This article provides an extra resource for clinicians to encourage studies that will improve the operational capability of the British Armed Forces. It is anticipated that these guidelines are transferable to research in other Armed Forces and the military Veterans population.
Behind the Discovery of “Nissenbaum's Fixative”

Abstract The author describes the serendipitous discovery, conception, development, and history of Nissenbaum's Fixative while an undergraduate biology major in the early 1950s. The subsequent uses, applications, and modifications over the past forty-seven years are also described. Some of the modifications omitted from his short original paper are mentioned. Highlights of his subsequent career in the field of medicine are noted.
Bimanual Finger Tapping: Effects of Frequency and Auditory Information on Timing Consistency and Coordination

Abstract The authors' goal in this study was to probe the basis for an earlier, unexpected finding that preferred-frequency finger tapping tends to have higher frequencies and to be less stable for in-phase than for antiphase tasks. In follow-up experiments, 3 protocols were employed: a preferred-frequency replication in both coordination modes, a metronome-driven matching of the preferred frequencies to each of the coordination modes, and a frequency scaling of both modes. The original findings were affirmed for preferred frequency. Tapping to a metronome had a differential effect on in-phase and antiphase: A more stable coupling across frequencies was exhibited during in-phase. Under frequency scaling, the antiphase pattern decomposed at lower frequencies than did in-phase, but no phase transitions were observed. The loss of stable coordination in both modes was attended by sudden increases in frequency differences between fingers and by phase wandering. The emergence of those effects is discussed in light of asymmetric modifications to the Haken-Kelso-Bunz model (H. Haken, J. A. S. Kelso, & H. Bunz, 1985) and the task constraints of tapping.
Initiation of strand incision at G:T and O(6)-methylguanine:T base mismatches in DNA by human cell extracts.

Extracts of the human glioma cell line A1235 (lacking O(6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase) are known to restore a G:T mismatch to a normal G:C pair in a G:T-containing model (45 bp) DNA substrate. Herein we demonstrate that substitution of G:T with O(6)-methylguanine:T (m6G:T) results in extract-induced intra-strand incision in the DNA at an efficiency comparable to that of complete repair of the G:T-containing substrate, although the m6G:T mispair serves as a poor substrate for later repair steps (e.g. gap filling, as judged by defective DNA repair synthesis). The A1235 extract, when supplemented with ATP and the four normal dNTPs, incises 5' to the mismatched T, as inferred by the generation of a single-stranded 20mer fragment. Unlike its parental (A1235) counterpart, an extract of the alkylation-tolerant derivative cell line A1235-MR4 produces no 20mer fragment, even when thymine-DNA glycosylase (TDG) is added to the reaction mixture. In contrast, the A1235 extract, when augmented with TDG, catalyzes enhanced incision at m6G:T in the 45 bp DNA, yielding 5-10-fold greater 20mer than that of either extract or TDG alone. Interestingly, the absence of m6G:T incision activity in the A1235-MR4 extract is similar to that seen for extracts of several known mismatch repair-deficient cell lines of colon tumor origin. Together these results suggest that derivative A1235-MR4 cells are defective in m6G:T incision activity and that the efficiency of this activity in the parental (A1235) cells may depend on the presence of several ill-defined mismatch repair recognition proteins along with TDG and ATP.
A multicenter comparative study of two root coverage procedures: coronally advanced flap with addition of enamel matrix proteins and subpedicle connective tissue graft.

BACKGROUND Free grafts, pedicle flaps, and barrier membranes have been used to cover exposed root surfaces. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of a coronally advanced flap procedure with the additional use of enamel matrix protein derivative (EMD) to treat gingival recession and to compare it to the subpedicle connective tissue graft procedure (CTG). METHODS The study was conducted in six different periodontal clinics. Miller Class I or II buccal recession type defects in the anterior or premolar teeth were treated in 70 consecutive patients, 30 with EMD and 40 with CTG. At baseline and 6 and 12 months post-surgical treatment, vertical recession defect, defined as the distance from cemento-enamel junction to gingival margin; width of keratinized tissue; and probing depth were recorded and the percentage of coverage of the original defect was calculated. Statistical analyses consisted of t-test, analysis of variance, and analysis of covariance. RESULTS At 6 months, percent of root coverage was 77.4% +/- 11.92% in EMD and 84.1% +/- 11.97% in CTG (statistically significant at P = 0.024). At 12 months, percent of root coverage in EMD was 71.7% +/- 16.14% and 87.0% +/- 12.22% in CTG; again, differences between groups were statistically significant (P < 0.001). Differences between the 6- and 12-month vertical recession defect and percent of root coverage recordings within each group were also statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS The connective tissue graft procedure was superior to the coronally positioned flap with the addition of enamel matrix proteins derivative in percentage of coverage and increase in width of keratinized tissue. The EMD procedure is a predictable treatment for root coverage that is relatively easy to perform and presents low patient morbidity, and is appropriate especially where a substantial increase in the width of keratinized tissue is not of prime importance.
3D segmentation and visualization of lung and its structures using CT images of the thorax

Computing systems have been playing an important role in various medical fields, notably in image diagnosis. Studies in the field of Computational Vision aim at developing techniques and systems capable of detecting various illnesses automatically. What has been highlighted among the existing exams that allow diagnosis aid and the application of computing systems in parallel is Computed Tomography (CT). CT enables the visualization of internal organs, such as the lung and its structures. Computational Vision systems extract information from the CT images by segmenting the regions of interest, and then recognize and identify details in those images. This work focuses on the segmentation phase of CT lung images with singularity-based techniques. Among these methods are the region growing (RG) technique and its 3D RG variations and the thresholding technique with multi-thresholding. The 3D RG method is applied to lung segmentation and from the 3D RG segments of the lung hilum, the multi-thresholding can segment the blood vessels, lung emphysema and the bones. The results of lung segmentation in this work were evaluated by two pulmonologists. The results obtained showed that these methods can integrate aid systems for medical diagnosis in the pulmonology field.
Induction of sexual activity of male creole goats in subtropical northern Mexico using long days and melatonin.

The aim of this study was to determine whether the sexual activity of local male Creole goats in subtropical Mexico can be induced during the non-breeding season by a long-day treatment followed by insertion of two melatonin implants. The experiment was carried out in the Laguna region in the State of Coahuila, Mexico (26 degrees N). Fourteen male goats were allocated to two balanced groups (n = 7 each) according to body and testicular weights. Males were kept together in two separate groups and fed lucerne hay for ad libitum intake and 300 g of commercial concentrate and had free access to water and mineral blocks. The control group remained in open sheds under natural photoperiod and ambient temperature conditions. The experimental group was placed in a light-proof building and exposed to 2.5 mo of long days (16 h of light/d) from November 1 to January 15. On January 16, each male received two s.c. melatonin implants and was exposed to natural photoperiodic changes in an open shed. In the control group, testicular weight exhibited seasonal variations; the highest value occurred on May 30 (146 +/- 10 g). Treated males reached maximum testicular weight earlier (March 15; 147 +/- 11 g), and sperm quality from January to March was higher than that observed in the control group (P < 0.05). Treatment caused an increase in LH pulse frequency (2.0 +/- 0.5 vs 0.3 +/- 0.2 pulse/8 h in February, 4.6 +/- 1.1 vs 0.1 +/- 0.1 pulse/8 h in March; experimental vs control group, respectively). In the control group, plasma testosterone remained low until mid-June and increased thereafter to remain elevated until the end of the study. In the experimental group, elevated plasma testosterone was observed from February to April and from July to November. Treating male goats in subtropical latitudes with artificial long days and melatonin can induce an intense sexual activity during the natural nonbreeding season.
A Prima Facie Evidence on the Impact of Export Diversification on Relative Trade Preferential Margin

Abstract This paper assesses the impact of export diversification in developing countries and particularly Least developed countries (LDCs) on the relative preferential margin that they enjoy in accessing preference-granters’ market. The analysis is carried out in a gravity-type model comprising 19 developed countries and 54 beneficiaries of non-reciprocal trade preferences from these developed countries, over the period 2002–2007. The empirical analysis suggests a non-linear relationship between the degree of export diversification in developing countries and the relative preferential margin that they benefit from developed preference-granting countries. However, it appears that the latter encourage LDCs to diversify their export products by providing them with higher trade preference advantages compared to their competitors in their markets.
Influences of Socio-Demographic Factors and Health Utilization Factors on Patient-Centered Provider Communication

ABSTRACT Patient-centered care has been documented as a measure of quality of health care and has been associated with positive health outcomes. However, the effect of health utilization on improving patient-centered communication has not been investigated. This study examined the effect of three important kinds of health utilization: routine check-up, frequency of provider visits in the last year, and quality of health care to patient-centered provider communication. Cross-sectional data from 3,608 respondents to Health Information National Trends Survey-Cycle 4 2014 were analyzed. Multiple regressions were used to examine the association of sociodemographic factors and health utilization to patient-centered provider communication. Results showed that adults above 50 years and women reported higher patient-centered provider communication. Hispanic and Asian versus White respondents reported poorer patient-centered provider communication. Respondents with routine checkups between 1 and 2 years, 2 and 5 years, 5 or more years and none were all negatively associated with patient-centered provider communication in comparison with routine checkup within 1 year. Respondents who didn’t visit health provider within past year had poorer patient-centered provider communication when compared to those who visited once. Finally, higher quality of healthcare experience was associated with higher patient-centered provider communication. Thus, this study highlights that race and ethnicity, age, and gender are significant factors that influence patient-centered provider communication; and specifically higher quality of healthcare experience, one provider visit within past year, and annual routine checkup as measures of health utilization predicts improved patient-centered provider communication.
Is Racial Equality Unconstitutional

Golub, Mark. (2018) Is Racial Equality Unconstitutional. New York: Oxford University Press. 232 pp. Hardback, $65.00. ISBN: 9780190683603 Race is a primary factor in United States legal, political, and social history. It is race that has found its way into the minds of citizens, influencing and shaping their thoughts and beliefs through the cracking of a gavel in a courtroom. Mark Golub reflects on these challenges in his new book, Is Racial Equality Unconstitutional? , as he traces the argument of “colorblind constitutionalism” back to Justice Harlan’s famous dissent in Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) to current debates on affirmative action. This leads to a furthered discussion of the many Supreme Court cases that emphasize a hierarchy of racial non-existence, where a protection of whiteness pervades as the illicit mechanism of the Supreme Court’s decision making, rather than an equal racial society, under the problematic color-blind doctrine.
Retrospective Multicenter Study of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prophylaxis in Korean Children with Congenital Heart Diseases

Background and Objectives We conducted a review of current data on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) prophylaxis with palivizumab, in Korean children with congenital heart diseases (CHD). In 2009, the Korean guideline for RSV prophylaxis had established up to five shots monthly per RSV season, only for children <1 year of age with hemodynamic significance CHD (HS-CHD). Subjects and Methods During the RSV seasons in 2009-2015, we performed a retrospective review of data for 466 infants with CHD, examined at six centers in Korea. Results Infants received an average of 3.7±1.9 (range, 1-10) injections during the RSV season. Fifty-seven HS-CHD patients (12.2%) were hospitalized with breakthrough RSV bronchiolitis, with a recurrence in three patients, one year after the initial check-up. Among patients with simple CHD, only five (1.1%) patients received one additional dose postoperatively, as per the limitations set by the Korean guideline. Among the 30 deaths (6.4%), five (1.1%) were attributed to RSV infection; three to simple CHD, one to Tetralogy of Fallot, and one to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Of the three HCM patients that exceeded guidelines for RSV prophylaxis, two (66.6%) were hospitalized, and one died of RSV infection (33.3%). Conclusion In accordance to the Korean guideline, minimal injections of palivizumab were administered to patients having HS-CHD <one year of age during the RSV season; the risk of RSV infection remains significant among children with simple CHD, cardiomyopathy, and children above the age of one year with HS-CHD.
Long-term follow-up of gastric MALT lymphoma after Helicobacter pylori eradication.

PURPOSE Cure of infection induces remissions in most patients with early stage Helicobacter pylori- (Hp) positive gastric MALT (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue) lymphoma (GML). We tracked the long-term stability of remissions in this prospective, multicenter trial. PATIENTS AND METHODS In 120 patients with stage I(1E) disease, we performed sequential endoscopic-bioptic follow-up after Hp eradication and polymerase chain reaction of the rearranged immunoglobulin heavy chain gene. The status of t(11;18) was assessed in 65 patients. RESULTS Median follow-up was 75 months (range, one to 116). Five-year survival was 90%. Eighty percent of patients (96 of 120) achieved complete histologic remission (CR). Eighty percent of CRs are in continuous complete histologic remission (CCR). Three percent of CR patients (three of 96) relapsed and were referred for alternative treatment. Seventeen percent of CR patients (16 of 96) showed histologic residual disease (RD) during follow-up; a watch-and-wait strategy was applied, and all entered into a second CR. After a median follow-up of 63 months, 14 of 52 analyzed patients reaching CR showed ongoing B-cell monoclonality. Fifteen percent of GMLs were t(11;18) positive. Both t(11;18) and ongoing monoclonality were associated with a significantly higher risk for no response or relapse (P =.004, P =.007), but also present in patients in CCR. Early gastric cancer was diagnosed in three cases during follow-up. CONCLUSION Cure of Hp infection results in CCR in most patients. Histologic RD, B-cell monoclonality, and t(11;18) were present in a considerable number of CR patients. A watch-and-wait strategy is justified when close follow-up is guaranteed.
Oral glucocorticoid pulse therapy for induction of treatment of canine pemphigus foliaceus - a comparative study.

BACKGROUND The management of canine pemphigus foliaceus (PF) often requires long-term immunosuppressive treatment that is often associated with unacceptable adverse effects. High-dose glucocorticoid pulse therapy, an alternative protocole used for pemphigus in people, has been shown to provide rapid improvement in dogs with pemphigus foliaceus and vulgaris. OBJECTIVES To further identify the benefit of pulse therapy for management of canine PF, we compared the outcomes of oral glucocorticoid pulse and traditional therapies during the first 3 months of disease management. ANIMALS Dogs were allocated based on their oral glucocorticoid regimen during the first 12 weeks of PF management into the 'traditional' (20 dogs) or the 'pulse' (18 dogs) treatment groups. RESULTS The proportion of dogs achieving complete remission (CR) during the first 12 weeks of treatment was significantly higher for the 'pulse' (61%) than for the 'traditional' group (15%; P = 0.0063). The maximal oral glucocorticoid dosage given to dogs from the 'traditional' group was significantly higher (median: 3.2 mg/kg) than that given between pulses to dogs from the other group (median: 1.1 mg/kg; P < 0.0001). There was no significant difference between groups in the time needed to achieve CR, the proportion of dogs requiring adjuvant immunosuppressive treatment or in the proportion of dogs experiencing severe adverse drug reactions. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE These results suggest several benefits associated with oral glucocorticoid pulse therapy, such as a higher proportion of dogs achieving CR during the first 3 months, a lower average maximal oral glucocorticoid dosage given between pulses and minimal adverse drug events.
Ang II–Salt Hypertension Depends on Neuronal Activity in the Hypothalamic Paraventricular Nucleus but Not on Local Actions of Tumor Necrosis Factor-&agr;

Development of angiotensin II (Ang II)–dependent hypertension involves microglial activation and proinflammatory cytokine actions in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). Cytokines activate receptor signaling pathways that can both acutely grade neuronal discharge and trigger long-term adaptive changes that modulate neuronal excitability through gene transcription. Here, we investigated contributions of PVN cytokines to maintenance of hypertension induced by subcutaneous infusion of Ang II (150 ng/kg per min) for 14 days in rats consuming a 2% NaCl diet. Results indicate that bilateral PVN inhibition with the GABA-A receptor agonist muscimol (100 pmol/50 nL) caused significantly greater reductions of renal and splanchnic sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) and mean arterial pressure in hypertensive than in normotensive rats (P<0.01). Thus, ongoing PVN neuronal activity seems required for support of hypertension. Next, the role of the prototypical cytokine tumor necrosis factor-&agr; was investigated. Whereas PVN injection of tumor necrosis factor-&agr; (0.3 pmol/50 nL) acutely increased lumbar and splanchnic SNA and mean arterial pressure, interfering with endogenous tumor necrosis factor-&agr; by injection of etanercept (10 &mgr;g/50 nL) was without effect in hypertensive and normotensive rats. Next, we determined that although microglial activation in PVN was increased in hypertensive rats, bilateral injections of minocycline (0.5 &mgr;g/50 nL), an inhibitor of microglial activation, failed to reduce lumbar or splanchnic SNA or mean arterial pressure in hypertensive or in normotensive rats. Collectively, these findings indicate that established Ang II–salt hypertension is supported by PVN neuronal activity, but short term maintenance of SNA and arterial blood pressure does not depend on ongoing local actions of tumor necrosis factor-&agr;.