Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Utility of post-traumatic amnesia in predicting 1-year productivity following traumatic brain injury: comparison of the Russell and Mississippi PTA classification intervals

Background Duration of post-traumatic amnesia (PTA) correlates with global outcomes and functional disability. Russell proposed the use of PTA duration intervals as an index for classification of traumatic brain injury (TBI) severity. Alternative duration-based schemata have been recently proposed as better predictors of outcome to the commonly cited Russell intervals. Objective Validate a TBI severity classification model (Mississippi intervals) of PTA duration anchored to late productivity outcome, and compare sensitivity against the Russell intervals. Methods Prospective observational data on TBI Model System participants (n=3846) with known or imputed PTA duration during acute hospitalisation. Productivity status at 1-year postinjury was used to compare predicted outcomes using the Mississippi and Russell classification intervals. Logistic regression model-generated curves were used to compare the performance of the classification intervals by assessing the area under the curve (AUC); the highest AUC represented the best-performing model. Results All severity variables evaluated were individually associated with return to productivity at 1 year (RTP1). Age was significantly associated with RTP1; however, younger patients had a different association than older patients. After adjustment for individually significant variables, the odds of RTP1 decrease by 14% with every additional week of PTA duration (95% CI 12% to 17%; p<0.0001). The AUC for the Russell intervals was significantly smaller than the Mississippi intervals. Conclusions PTA duration is an important predictor of late productivity outcome after TBI. The Mississippi PTA interval classification model is a valid predictor of productivity at 1 year postinjury and provides a more sensitive categorisation of PTA values than the Russell intervals.
Central seven-level current-fed inverter with module-integrated DC-DC converters for grid-connected PV plant

This paper proposes a system of current-fed converters for the integration of a large photovoltaic (PV) plant with a utility AC grid. The system comprises of a central seven-level current-fed inverter (CFI) and a large number of PV modules with module-integrated DC-DC converter. The seven-level CFI consists of three three-phase, three-level CFI units connected in parallel on the AC-side. Dual inductor current-fed push-pull topology is used for DC-DC converters which inject continuous current into the DC-bus of the CFI units. Seven-level output current waveform is obtained using space vector modulation (SVM) technique when DC-bus currents are equal. However, mismatch in module characteristics and non-uniform insolation levels cause unequal DC-bus currents leading to distortion of the output current waveform. This limitation is addressed by appropriate selection of the switching state vectors while employing SVM technique. The performance of the proposed power converters system is studied using MATLAB/Simulink.
Elementary School Science and Math Tests as a Driver for AI: Take the Aristo Challenge!

While there has been an explosion of impressive, data-driven AI applications in recent years, machines still largely lack a deeper understanding of the world to answer questions that go beyond information explicitly stated in text, and to explain and discuss those answers. To reach this next generation of AI applications, it is imperative to make faster progress in areas of knowledge, modeling, reasoning, and language. Standardized tests have often been proposed as a driver for such progress, with good reason: Many of the questions require sophisticated understanding of both language and the world, pushing the boundaries of AI, while other questions are easier, supporting incremental progress. In Project Aristo at the Allen Institute for AI, we are working on a specific version of this challenge, namely having the computer pass Elementary School Science and Math exams. Even at this level there is a rich variety of problems and question types, the most difficult requiring significant progress in AI. Here we propose this task as a challenge problem for the community, and are providing supporting datasets. Solutions to many of these problems would have a major impact on the field so we encourage you: Take the Aristo Challenge!
Morphological Aspects of Gonadal Morphogenesis in Bufo bufo (Amphibia anura): Bidder's Organ Differentiation

We have described the architecture of Bidder's organ, defined its compartmented structure, and affirmed the presence of basal laminae. We did not find morphological differences between sexes in Bidder's organ. All specimens initially developed gonads with a peripheral fertile layer surrounding a thin primary cavity. The first oogenetic wave was observed early, showing all phases of meiosis, including leptotene, zygotene, and pachytene, which had been previously thought to be lacking. The peculiar presence of an asynchronous germ cell nest was discussed. Diplotene oocytes issued from the peripheral layer and migrated inside the primary cavity. They were surrounded by a single layer of follicular cells, which originated from the peripheral layer somatic cells and were delimited by a basal lamina. There were few medulla or central layer cells. At the end of metamorphosis, while the oocytes of the first oogenetic wave came into close contact with blood vessels, a second oogenetic wave took place just as the first, except for the presence of synchronous germ cell nests. The central layer was not visible and we did not observe the formation of an ovarian pocket. Stocks of stem germ cells remained in the peripheral layer during both the first and second oogenetic waves. The asymmetric model, in which there is a tendency toward a primary female differentiation, was confirmed. The female differentiation becomes stable in the Bidder's organ because of the absence of further interaction between germ and medullary somatic cells, which would have led toward a male differentiation. Anat Rec, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Determinants of the Argentine Financial Crisis : Can We Predict Future Crises ?

This article aims at identifying the macroeconomic indicators that account for the Argentine financial crisis. For this purpose, an early warning system (EWS) is built based on a probit model that incorporates six monthly variables spanning the time period between February 1991 and February 2000. The results indicate that the significant indicators are the consumer price index and the ratio of the value of exports to the value of imports. Results further indicate that the predictive power of the model is quite reasonable with a correct prediction probability of 67 percent at 15 percent cutoff level.
Assessment of Physical Activity with the Computer Science and Applications, Inc., Accelerometer: Laboratory versus Field Validation

Abstract Our purpose was to compare the validity of the Computer Science and Applications, (CSA) Inc., accelerometer in laboratory and field settings and establish CSA count ranges for light, moderate, and vigorous physical activity. Validity was determined in 60 adults during treadmill exercise, using oxygen consumption (VO2) as the criterion measure, while 30 adults walked and jogged outdoors on a 400-m track. The relationship between CSA counts and VO2 was linear (R2 = .89 SEE = 3.72 ml. kg1. min1), as was the relationship between velocity and counts in the field (R2 = .89, SEE = 0.89 mi. hr1). However, significant differences were found (p < .05) between laboratory and field measures of CSA counts for light and vigorous intensity. We conclude that the CSA can be used to quantify walking and jogging outdoors on level ground; however, laboratory equations may not be appropriate for use in field settings, particularly for light and vigorous activity.
A 13.56 MHz CMOS ring oscillator for wireless power transfer receiver system

A 13.56 MHz CMOS ring oscillator for DC/DC converter is demonstrated where measured performances make it suitable for wireless power transfer receiver system. The proposed structure employs a supply-regulated ring oscillator with a temperature compensated current bias circuit, which minimizes the frequency sensitivity to supply and temperature variations. Fabricated in a 0.11 μm 1P5M CMOS process, the developed oscillator as a switching frequency generator of DC/DC converter dissipates maximum 6.8 mW while exhibiting ±0.88 % frequency error against temperature variation of 0-125 °C.
Cross-neutralization of the coagulant activity of Crotalus durissus terrificus venom from the northeast of Argentina by bivalent bothropic antivenom

Cross-neutralization of Crotalus durissus terrificus venom coagulant activity was tested using bivalent horse antivenom against Bothrops alternatus and Bothrops diporus venoms. Our in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that bothropic antivenom neutralizes the thrombin-like activity of crotalic snake venom and this cross-reaction was demonstrated by immunoassays either with whole venom or a purified thrombin-like enzyme. These results suggest common antigenic properties and, consequently, similar molecular structure among venom thrombin-like enzymes. Besides, they provide information that could be further used in the development of new antivenom formulations.
Overexpression of RalBP1 in colorectal cancer is an independent predictor of poor survival and early tumor relapse

The non-ABC transport protein RalBP1 has been shown to be overexpressed in various cancer cell lines and implicated in the process of metastasis formation, but its expression in tissue samples and prognostic significance has not been shown. In this study matched tumor-mucosa tissue samples from 78 CRC patients were investigated. The RalBP1 mRNA and protein levels were quantified by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) and ELISA. RalBP1 was found to be overexpressed in tumor at the mRNA level both overall (p = 0.027), and for stages I (p = 0.024), II (p = 0.038) and IV (p = 0.004). At the protein level, RalBP1 was only significantly overexpressed in stage IV patients (p = 0.018). Expression of RalBP1 mRNA and protein were inversely correlated (r = 0.4173; p = 0.0004). Multivariate Cox regression analysis including sex, age, stage, grade, and nodal status as covariates showed that overexpression of RalBP1 protein, but not mRNA, was an independent predictor of both decreased disease free survival (p = 0.016, RR = 6.892) and overall survival (p = 0.039, RR = 5.986). These results suggest that RalBP1 protein is an independent predictor of poor survival and early relapse for CRC patients. Owing to its multifunctional intermediary role in cell survival, chemotherapeutic resistance, and metastasis formation, RalBP1 represents a promising novel therapeutic target.
Synergistic Activity of the N-Terminal Peptide of Human Lactoferrin and Fluconazole against Candida Species

ABSTRACT In light of the need for new antifungal regimens, we report that at noncandidacidal concentrations, the lactoferrin-derived peptide hLF(1-11), which is highly active against fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans, acts synergistically with fluconazole against this yeast and a fluconazole-sensitive C. albicans strain as well as C. glabrata, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis, and C. tropicalis. When these yeasts were exposed to hLF(1-11) for 5 min and then incubated with fluconazole, they were killed effectively, while no candidacidal activity was observed when they were incubated first with fluconazole and then exposed to the peptide, indicating that the candidacidal activity is initiated by the peptide while fluconazole is only required during the effector phase. Investigations of the effect of azide, which inhibits mitochondrial respiration, on the activity of combinations of hLF(1-11) and fluconazole against fluconazole-resistant C. albicans revealed that it inhibits this activity, even when added during the effector phase only. As expected, azide inhibited the accumulation of rhodamine 123 in mitochondria and the production and release of ATP by C. albicans that occurred upon exposure to the combination of hLF(1-11) and fluconazole. Accordingly, oxidized ATP (oATP), an antagonist of ATP receptors, completely blocked the candidacidal activity of the hLF(1-11)-fluconazole combination, whereas oATP did not block the activity when its presence was restricted to the effector phase. The candidacidal activity of combinations of hLF(1-11) and fluconazole, which is initiated by the peptide through the involvement of energized mitochondria, renders fluconazole-resistant C. albicans sensitive to this azole.
Architectonics and cortical connections of the upper bank of the superior temporal sulcus in the rhesus monkey: An analysis in the tangential plane

Area TPO in the upper bank of the superior temporal sulcus (STS) of macaque monkeys is thought to correspond to the superior temporal polysensory (STP) cortex, but has been shown to have neurochemical/connectional subdivisions. To examine directly the relationship between chemoarchitecture and cortical connections of area TPO, the upper bank of the STS was sectioned tangential to the cortical surface. Three subdivisions of area TPO (TPOr, TPOi, and TPOc) were examined with cytochrome oxidase (CO) histochemistry and neurofilament protein (NF) immunoreactivity and architectonic patterns were compared with connections on the same or adjacent sections. Area TPOc, which may partly overlap with the location of the medial superior temporal area MST, exhibited regular patchy staining for CO in layers III/IV and a complementary pattern in the NF stain. Area TPOr, but not TPOi, also had a patchy pattern of complementary staining in CO and neurofilament similar to TPOc, although not as distinct. Tracer injections within cortex including the frontal eye fields (areas 46 and 8) labeled areas TPOc, TPOi, and TPOr. The caudal inferior parietal lobule (IPL) projected to all three areas. The projections from prearcuate and posterior parietal cortices showed both overlap and nonoverlap with each other within TPOc, TPOi, and TPOr. Projections were to all neurochemical components within the subdivisions of TPO. The findings support the parcellation of area TPO into three subdivisions and extend findings of chemoarchitectonic modules within high‐order association cortices. J. Comp. Neurol. 467:418–434, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Novel bioinspired stochastic tuning of a quadrotor PD controller

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have been attractive for years for many researchers and companies worldwide due to their commercial and military applications. The control of UAVs has been widely studied and implemented, but new techniques are yet to be explored in order to make tuning of controllers easier. In this paper, ecosystem equilibrium established in nature between different species is used to develop a novel bio-inspired stochastic search algorithm. The algorithm is then tested in offline tuning of the PD controller of a quadrotor UAV. MATLAB simulations emphasize the good performance of the proposed algorithm.
Combining hybrid Petri nets and hybrid automata

Hybrid systems have received much attention and a number of different models have been proposed in order to establish a mathematical framework which is able to handle both continuous and discrete aspects. Our research is focused on two models: hybrid automata and hybrid Petri nets (hybrid PNs). First, we deal with studying the hybrid PN functioning. An algorithm is proposed for constructing the hybrid automaton associated with a given hybrid PN. Next, we present the quantitative analysis of hybrid systems modeled by hybrid PN. The approach uses the reachability analysis of hybrid automaton to characterize the periodic functioning of a hybrid PN.
A randomized trial of cholecalciferol versus doxercalciferol for lowering parathyroid hormone in chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The optimal treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism in chronic kidney disease (CKD) is unknown. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS We conducted a randomized, blinded, 3-month trial in vitamin D-deficient CKD stage 3 and 4 patients with parathyroid hormone (PTH) values above the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative target, comparing cholecalciferol (4000 IU/d x 1 month, then 2000 IU/d; n = 22) to doxercalciferol (1 microg/d; n = 25). RESULTS There was no difference in baseline demographics or lab tests, except a slightly higher estimated GFR (eGFR) in the doxercalciferol group. There was a significant increase in vitamin D level in the cholecalciferol group (14 +/- 6 to 37 +/- 10 ng/ml; P < 0.001) but no change in the doxercalciferol group. The PTH decreased by 27% +/- 34% in the doxercalciferol group (P = 0.002) and decreased by 10% +/- 31% in the cholecalciferol group (P = 0.16), but the difference between treatments was NS (P = 0.11). Similar results were found when absolute PTH change from baseline to end point was analyzed in a repeated-measures ANOVA model. The serum calcium and urine calcium excretions were not different. Additional non-mineral-related end points, albuminuria, and BP were evaluated, and although trends were present, this did not reach significance. CONCLUSIONS This prospective, randomized trial demonstrated a within-group reduction in PTH in the doxercalciferol-treated patients but no significant difference between the doxercalciferol and cholecalciferol patients. Larger, long-term studies are needed to demonstrate efficacy of mineral-related and non-mineral-related end points and safety.
Hospitalizations and Costs Incurred at the Facility Level after Scale-up of Malaria Control: Pre-Post Comparisons from Two Hospitals in Zambia

There is little evidence on the impact of malaria control on the health system, particularly at the facility level. Using retrospective, longitudinal facility-level and patient record data from two hospitals in Zambia, we report a pre-post comparison of hospital admissions and outpatient visits for malaria and estimated costs incurred for malaria admissions before and after malaria control scale-up. The results show a substantial reduction in inpatient admissions and outpatient visits for malaria at both hospitals after the scale-up, and malaria cases accounted for a smaller proportion of total hospital visits over time. Hospital spending on malaria admissions also decreased. In one hospital, malaria accounted for 11% of total hospital spending before large-scale malaria control compared with < 1% after malaria control. The findings demonstrate that facility-level resources are freed up as malaria is controlled, potentially making these resources available for other diseases and conditions.
Bevacizumab (Avastin) and Argon Laser to Treat Neovascularization in Corneal Transplant Surgery

Purpose: Two eyes with corneal neovascularization were treated with argon laser and bevacizumab (Avastin) to enhance transplant survival after penetrating keratoplasty. Patients and Methods: Before penetrating keratoplasty, pathologic corneal vessels were treated with argon laser coagulation and a simultaneous, subconjunctival bevacizumab injection. Four to 6 weeks after this treatment, corneal transplantation was performed, followed by an intraocular injection of bevacizumab. Results: A marked reduction of corneal neovascularization was observed in both eyes after the combined argon laser coagulation and subconjunctival bevacizumab injection. No major bleeding from corneal vessels occurred during the recipients' cornea trephination. At the end of the transplantation, bevacizumab was injected into the anterior chamber, the posterior chamber, and subconjunctivally without any immediate side effects. No recurrence of pathologic vessels' spreading into the graft was observed. Both transplants have remained clear without signs of rejection for more than 6 months. Conclusions: The combination of argon laser coagulation and bevacizumab injections may be a promising tool in treatment of neovascularization in association with corneal transplant surgery. Antivascular endothelial growth factor substances may increasingly play a role in anterior segment surgery in the future.
An experimental confirmation of automatic threshold voltage convergence in a flash memory using alternating word-line voltage pulses

A flash memory using the alternating word-line voltage pulses is experimentally studied. Relations between pulse count and the threshold voltages of the cell are obtained. An automatic threshold voltage convergence was confirmed by the relation, and the threshold voltage is successfully controlled by the word-line pulse voltage. An application to a multi-level flash memory is proposed.
Impacts of Secondary Aerosols on a Persistent Fog Event in Northern China

Abstract The chemistry version of the Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF/Chem) was coupled with the anthropogenic emission inventory of David Streets to investigate the impacts of secondary aerosols on a persistent fog event from 25 to 26 October 2007, in Northern China. The spatial distribution of the simulated fog is consistent with satellite observations, and the time-height distributions of the simulated boundary layer where the fog formed are also in good agreement with these observations. The sensitivity studies show that the secondary aerosols of SO4, NO3, and NH4 formed from gaseous precursors of SO2, NOx, and NH3 had substantial impacts on the formation processes and microphysical structure of the fog event. The decrease of the secondary aerosols obviously reduced the liquid water path and column droplet number concentration of the fog below the 1-km layer, and the corresponding area-averaged liquid water path and droplet number concentration of the fog decreased by 43% and 79%, respectively. The concentrations of NOx and NO3 were found to be extremely high in this case. The concentration of interstitial aerosol NO3 was much higher than the SO4 and NH4, but the concentration of SO4 was highest in the cloud-borne aerosols. The average activation ratios for SO4, NO3, and NH4 were 34%, 31%, and 30%, respectively, and the maximum ratios reached 62%, 86%, and 55% during the fog episode.