Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Why blind nasotracheal intubation?

a modification of the Bohr equation to measure total dead space. We also used the term pulmonary dead space, which can be found in the literature but is more frequently referred to as total dead space. Other than the mistake above, the terminology was used correctly. To be clear, physiologic dead space, also known as total dead space, can be divided into anatomic dead space (volume of gas in conducting airways) and alveolar dead space (volume of gas ventilating nonperfused alveoli). Anatomic dead space can be modified by tracheal intubation, and the addition of tubing between the endotracheal tube and the circuit’s Y-piece. This modification of anatomic dead space is referred to as apparatus dead space. Using the term apparatus dead space in our article was important specifically because it was the parameter that we manipulated. The abbreviations commented on (except for Vds mentioned above) were clear. In Figure 2, VDc is explained to be the subject’s baseline measurement of dead space, to differentiate it from the dead space measurements after the apparatus dead space was added. It was labeled VDc in the figure, but VDC in the figure legend. We agree that it is indeed difficult to judge the results unless one is very familiar with the subject—true for many complicated studies. Moens et al. comment that a randomized study with a larger, more uniform population with true measured alveolar dead space using volumetric capnography would provide more insights to the real clinical value of our method is a reasonable suggestion for future research. The intent of the current study was to simply discover whether a change in dead space could be detected using our simple technique. We agree that the study population was small, but the effect was large so the sample size was adequate. We disagree that our technique requires an additional capnograph and significant modification of the anesthesia circuit with a potential for leaks. Although we used 2 capnometers in the study, we have also used a single capnograph by placing a 4-way stopcock at its sample inlet. In this situation, we continuously sample airway gasses and intermittently switch to sampling bellows gasses. Furthermore, the modification of the circuit takes seconds to complete, and we never had a noticeable leak in this study, or the previous study.
Epilepsy in a representative series of Rett syndrome

In a representative series of 53 females with Rett syndrome (RS), aged 5–55 y, a history of epilepsy was present in 50 (94%), 45 of whom had 5‐y active epilepsy. Compared with severe mental retardation in general, the median age of seizure onset was significantly later (4 vs 0.8 y) and partial complex seizures were more frequent (54% vs 23%). Neonatal seizures had occurred in only one and infantile spasms in none compared with 26% and 12%. After teenage, the severity of epilepsy tended to decrease, i.e. lower seizure frequency and relatively more partial seizures. The rate of being seizure‐free for 1 y was 8% after 10 y and 40% after 27 y of epilepsy duration. Frequent seizures were associated with smaller head circumference.
A model based simulation verification method for IMA reconfiguration on system level

Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) has been employed in the aerospace industry. IMA system provides reconfigurable architecture, which can allocate shared resource dynamically in order to satisfy various mission requirements and to recover from failure. Both each configuration and especially transition process between different configurations should be taken into consideration during dynamic reconfiguration. Some research of configuration of IMA system has been conducted so far. In this paper, the mechanism to model dynamic reconfiguration with regard to system operating mode using Architectural Analysis and Design Language (AADL) is proposed. And then AADL model is transformed to petri net, which is used to verify the logical properties of dynamic reconfiguration process. The proposed method could help modify the design of IMA reconfiguration at the early stage of development and make contributions to safe dynamic reconfiguration.
Deformation of Honeycomb with Finite Boundary Subjected to Uniaxial Compression

In this paper, the crushing behavior of hexagonal honeycomb structures with finite boundaries (finite width and height) subjected to in-plane uniaxial compressive loading is studied based on the nonlinear finite element analysis. It is found that stress-strain responses for the honeycombs with finite boundaries can be classified into two types: Type I and Type II. Such a characteristic is affected by the wall thickness, the work-hardening coefficient and the yield stress for the honeycombs. Furthermore, a transition from the symmetric to asymmetric deformation mode can be observed in Type I, and these deformed cells were localized in a horizontal layer. However, for the case of Type II response, the symmetric and asymmetric deformation modes can be observed simultaneously, and the region of the asymmetric mode was formed by the cell layer along the diagonal direction. As a result, the shear deformation behavior was developed along that direction. Moreover, the effect of work-hardening on the deformation behavior for the honeycombs with finite boundaries can be explained from that for infinite honeycombs.
Which couples at given parities expect to have additional births? An exercise in discriminant analysis

Do couples at given parities who expect to have additional births differ on selected characteristics from their counterparts who do not expect to have any more children? This question is examined herein focusing attention on the wife’s age, age at marriage, religion, and education and the husband’s education and income. The method used is the discriminant-function analysis. The data are from the 1965 U. S. National Fertility Study. The combined discriminatory power of the social and economic background characteristics examined herein has been found to be greater at higher parities than at lower ones, while the opposite is true of demographic characteristics.
Synthesis and Cytotoxic Evaluation of a Series of Resveratrol Derivatives

A total of 17 resveratrol (=(E)‐5‐[2‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)ethenyl]benzene‐1,3‐diol) derivatives were synthesized from resveratrol (RES) through a facile approach. Among them, 13 compounds, 2 and 6–17, were reported for the first time, while 1 and 3–5 had already been reported several years ago. The cytotoxic activities of these compounds were evaluated against human nasopharyngeal epidermoid tumor cell line KB, and compounds 1 and 8–11 showed strong anticancer activities in vitro, comparable with that of 5‐fluorouracil, an anticancer drug. On the basis of the experimental data obtained, structure–activity relationships are discussed.
Effects of Age, Domain, and Processing Demands on Memory Span: Evidence for Differential Decline

Analysis of cross-sectional data from the normative sample of the Wechsler Memory Scale - Third Edition (WMS-III) revealed different patterns of age-related differences in memory span measures depending on the type of memory item, processing demands, and the age of the older adult group. Regression of memory span on age revealed that the slope for Spatial Span raw scores was significantly more negative than the slope for Digit Span raw scores. There was no significant difference, however, either between the slopes for forward and backward Digit Span or between the slopes for forward and backward Spatial Span. Regression of Letter-Number Sequencing raw scores on age showed a distinctive, curvilinear pattern. Taken together, the present findings suggest that at least two mechanisms are involved in age-related differences in memory span. One mechanism, associated with a relatively linear decrease in memory span as a function of age, may differentially affect the storage of different types of information (e.g., sequences of digits vs. spatial locations). The other mechanism, evidenced by the curvilinear trend in Letter-Number Sequencing scores, may be tentatively attributed to a decline in executive aspects of working memory that becomes increasingly pronounced with age.
Investigation of the Emissivity and Suitability of a Carbon Thin Film for Terahertz Absorbers

Abstract : The main goal of this work is to optimize the emissivity of terahertz (THz) thermal sensors by deposition of a carbon thin film. Previously, these thermal sensors were designed to detect THz radiation utilizing metamaterials in a complicated optical probing scheme. We have repurposed them to absorb terahertz radiation, convert the radiation to heat, and convey that surface temperature as an infrared image, essentially mapping the terahertz domain. This design has the potential to be used for optical applications such as an attachable lens that would convert any IR (infrared) camera into a THz camera. Additionally, by using this technique, we show that carbon thin films produce sufficient spectral emissivity for IR-based readout. We ascertained that to deposit a carbon thin film an iron catalyst is needed; pure aluminum cannot be used as a catalyst for chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of carbon. Overall, this study provides a viable method to fabricate thin carbon films at low temperatures for IR-based readout.
Applications of Electromyography in the Throwing Shoulder

In the complex movement that makes up the baseball pitch, shoulder motion is a single link in an orderly chain of events. It can be argued, though, that herein lies the weakest link and by far the most commonly affected cog in the spectrum of overuse injuries in pitchers. Just why the shoulder receives the brunt of the stress has been the subject of numerous studies in the past several years. The tools of choice in many of these articles have been electromyography and high speed photography which have enabled researchers to study dynamically the phases of the pitch and the sequential firing of the muscles involved. With this information and the knowledge gained from studies looking at muscle activity during specific exercises, the clinician should be able to tailor a rehabilitation program that meets the needs of his or her patient. What has been learned from these articles as applied to the biomechanics of the pitch and the rehabilitation of the athlete who throws and the limitations of this form of study need to be clarified.
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation as a Treatment for Chronic Tinnitus: A Critical Review

Objective Because chronic tinnitus is a condition that negatively impacts the quality of life for millions of people worldwide, a safe and effective treatment for tinnitus has been sought for decades. However, a true “cure” for the most common causes of tinnitus remains elusive. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a noninvasive procedure, has shown potential for reducing patients’ perception or severity of tinnitus. This article provides background information about rTMS and reviews studies that investigated rTMS as a treatment for chronic tinnitus. Data Sources PubMed and Medline databases (National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine) were searched for the terms repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, tinnitus, TMS, and rTMS in articles published from 1980 to 2012. Study Selection Articles included in this review were selected to represent a sampling of rTMS methodologies that have been used with tinnitus patients. Data Extraction Data extraction included sample size, TMS stimulation frequency, TMS stimulation intensity, number of pulses administered per session, number of TMS sessions, and method of tinnitus assessment. Data Synthesis Because of the heterogeneity of the studies reviewed, most of which had small populations of subjects, it was not appropriate to perform a meta-analysis. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to summarize and critique published research results. Conclusion Although optimism for the clinical use of rTMS as an effective treatment for tinnitus remains high among many researchers, clinicians, and patients, several key questions and procedural issues remain unresolved. Suggestions for improving rTMS research protocols are described and discussed.
Heterogeneity in function of small artery smooth muscle BKCa: involvement of the β1‐subunit

Arteriolar myogenic vasoconstriction occurs when increased stretch or membrane tension leads to smooth muscle cell depolarization and opening of voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels. To prevent positive feedback and excessive pressure‐induced vasoconstriction, studies in cerebral artery smooth muscle have suggested that activation of large conductance, Ca2+‐activated K+ channels (BKCa) provides an opposing hyperpolarizing influence reducing Ca2+ channel activity. We have hypothesized that this mechanism may not equally apply to all vascular beds. To establish the existence of such heterogeneity in vascular reactivity, studies were performed on rat vascular smooth muscle (VSM) cells from cremaster muscle arterioles and cerebral arteries. Whole cell K+ currents were determined at pipette [Ca2+] of 100 nm or 5 μm in the presence and absence of the BKCa inhibitor, iberiotoxin (IBTX; 0.1 μm). Similar outward current densities were observed for the two cell preparations at the lower pipette Ca2+ levels. At 5 μm Ca2+, cremaster VSM showed a significantly (P < 0.05) lower current density compared to cerebral VSM (34.5 ± 1.9 vs 45.5 ± 1.7 pA pF−1 at +70 mV). Studies with IBTX suggested that the differences in K+ conductance at 5 μm intracellular [Ca2+] were largely due to activity of BKCa. 17β‐Oestradiol (1 μm), reported to potentiate BKCa current via the channel's β‐subunit, caused a greater effect on whole cell K+ currents in cerebral vessel smooth muscle cells (SMCs) compared to those of cremaster muscle. In contrast, the α‐subunit‐selective BKCa opener, NS‐1619 (20 μm), exerted a similar effect in both preparations. Spontaneously transient outward currents (STOCs) were more apparent (frequency and amplitude) and occurred at more negative membrane potentials in cerebral compared to cremaster SMCs. Also consistent with decreased STOC activity in cremaster SMCs was an absence of detectable Ca2+ sparks (0 of 76 cells) compared to that in cerebral SMCs (76 of 105 cells). Quantitative PCR showed decreased mRNA expression for the β1 subunit and a decrease in the β 1: α ratio in cremaster arterioles compared to cerebral vessels. Similarly, cremaster arterioles showed a decrease in total BKCa protein and the β 1: α‐subunit ratio. The data support vascular heterogeneity with respect to the activity of BKCa in terms of both β‐subunit regulation and interaction with SR‐mediated Ca2+ signalling.
Expressing Time Intervals and Repetition Within a Formalization of Calendars

We investigate a formal representation of time units, calendars, and time unit instances as restricted temporal entities for reasoning about repeated events. We generalize Allen's interval relations to a class level, and based on interval classes we define time units. We examine characteristics of time units, and provide a categorization of the hierarchical relations among them. Hence we define an abstract hierarchical unit structure (a calendar structure) that expresses specific relations and properties among the units that compose it. Specific objects in the time line are represented based on this formalism, including nonconvex intervals corresponding to repeated events. A goal of this research is to be able to represent and reason efficiently about repetition in time.
Flexible recalibration of binary clinical prediction models

Calibration in binary prediction models, that is, the agreement between model predictions and observed outcomes, is an important aspect of assessing the models' utility for characterizing risk in future data. A popular technique for assessing model calibration first proposed by D. R. Cox in 1958 involves fitting a logistic model incorporating an intercept and a slope coefficient for the logit of the estimated probability of the outcome; good calibration is evident if these parameters do not appreciably differ from 0 and 1, respectively. However, in practice, the form of miscalibration may sometimes be more complicated. In this article, we expand the Cox calibration model to allow for more general parameterizations and derive a relative measure of miscalibration between two competing models from this more flexible model. We present an example implementation using data from the US Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Collagen binding activity of recombinant and N‐terminally modified annexin V (anchorin CII)

We have cloned the full coding cDNA sequence of chicken annexin V and of a mutant lacking 8 amino acid residues of the N‐terminal tail for prokaryotic expression. Both proteins were synthesized in Escherichia coli upon induction with isopropyl thio‐β‐D‐galactoside, and were purified following two different protocols: one based on the ability of these proteins to interact reversibly with liposomes in the presence of calcium, and the other based on two sequential ion‐exchange chromatographic steps. Spectroscopical analysis of recombinant annexin V revealed that binding of calcium did not change the circular dichroism spectra indicating no significant changes on the secondary structure; however, a conformational change affecting the exposition to the solvent of the tryptophan residue 187 was detected by analysis of fluorescence emission spectra. Recombinant annexin V binds with high affinity to collagen types II and X, and with lower affinity to collagen type I in a calcium‐independent manner. Heat denaturing of collagen decreases this interaction while pepsin‐treatment of collagen almost completely abolishes annexin V binding. Mutated annexin V interacts with collagen in a similar way as the nonmutated recombinant protein, indicating that the N‐terminal tail of annexin V is not essential for collagen binding.
Effects of exercise on the immune system in the elderly population

Immunosenescence is characterized by impaired cellular immune function concomitant with increased inflammatory activity. Immune dysfunction is associated with increased mortality risk in elderly people. An important part of human ageing is characterized by a decline in the ability of individuals to adapt to environmental stress. Exercise has been suggested as a prototype for studying the effects of stress factors on the cellular immune system. Studies of interactions between an acute bout of exercise and immune function may be a useful and an ethically acceptable tool to investigate cell trafficking, immune mobilization/deficiency and the acute phase response during physical stress situations in relation to human ageing. Elderly humans have a preserved ability to recruit T lymphocytes and NK cells in response to an acute bout of exercise. Physical exercise training programs do not result in major restoration of the senescent immune system in humans. However, highly conditioned elderly humans seem to have a relatively better preserved immune system, although it is not possible to conclude if this is linked to training or other lifestyle‐related factors.
Physiological Importance of First-Phase Insulin Release in Elderly Patients With Diabetes

OBJECTIVE To assess the physiological role of first-phase insulin release in obese elderly patients with type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Moderately obese elderly patients (n = 14, mean age 77 ± 2 years, BMI 28.4 ± 0.7 kg/m2) with type 2 diabetes underwent three 180-min hyperglycemic clamp studies. In the control study, glucose alone was infused. In the first-phase study, human insulin was infused for the first 4 min at 12 mU/m2 to mimic first-phase insulin release. In the first-phase enhanced study, insulin was infused for the first 4 min at 24 mU · m−2 · min−1. Tritiated glucose methodology was used in all studies to measure glucose production and disposal rates. RESULTS Glucose values were similar in all studies. In the control study, first-phase insulin response was absent. The peak insulin response occurred at 4 min in the first-phase and first-phase enhanced studies, but insulin values were substantially higher in the latter study (528 ± 40 vs. 340 ± 24 pmol/l, P < 0.0001). Second-phase insulin responses were not different among the studies. Glucose production and disposal rates were not significantly different among the studies. CONCLUSIONS While absent first-phase insulin secretion is a marker of abnormal pancreatic function in obese elderly patients with type 2 diabetes, it is not important in the regulation of hepatic glucose output or peripheral glucose disposal.
Bivariate Structural Regression Analysis: A Tool for the Comparison of Analytic Methods

Summary This paper introduces the concept of bivariate structural regression analysis, a new technique which offers some advantages compared to the well-known structural relationship approach. The concept is not restricted to multivariate normal distribution, and without additional constraints the model remains identifiable in the bivariate case. A bivariate calibration line is developed first by the maximum likelihood method and then also distribution-free by applying rank statistics. Both estimation procedures coincide, if the distribution assumption is satisfied. Hence, the distribution-free approach has an efficiency of 100%. Our concept of analysis is applied to the comparison of analytical methods in clinical chemistry. Appropriate statistical tests concerning accuracy and precision as well as the model fit are offered.
Entropy of phase measurement: Quantum phase via quadrature measurement.

The content of phase information of an arbitrary phase--sensitive measurement is evaluated using the maximum likelihood estimation. The phase distribution is characterized by the relative entropy--a nonlinear functional of input quantum state. As an explicit example the multiple measurement of quadrature operator is interpreted as quantum phase detection achieving the ultimate resolution predicted by the Fisher information.
Real-time Visual Odometry for Ground Moving Robots using GPUs

This paper introduces a novel visual odometry framework for ground moving robots. Recent work showed that assuming non-holonomic motion can simplify the ego motion estimation task to one yaw and one scale parameter. Furthermore, a very efficient way of computing image frame to frame correspondences for those robots was presented by skipping rotational invariance and optimizing keypoint extraction and matching for massive parallelism on a GPU. Here, we combine both contributions to a closed framework. Long term correpondences are preserved, classified and stablized by motion prediction, building up and keeping a trusted map of depth-registered keypoints. We also allow other ground moving objects. From this map, the ego motion is infered, extended by constrained rotational perturbations in pitch and roll. A persistent focus is on keeping algorithms suitable for parallelization and thus achieving up to one hundred frames per second. Experiments are carried out to compare against ground-truth given by DGPS and IMU data.