Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A SIMPLE EM MODEL FOR DETERMINING THE SCATTERED MAGNETIC RESONANCE RADIOFREQUENCY FIELD OF AN IMPLANTED MEDICAL DEVICE

A radiofrequency field (RF) field exists inside body tissue during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). If any implanted medical device is present, there can be a very intense concentration of the scattered RF field in the tissue surrounding certain parts of the implant. This causes tissue heating that can reach dangerous levels. Scattered field considerations show that it is possible to neglect the loading effect of the implant on the MR RF source. This leads to an incident field simplification. The presence of the implant in nonhomogeneous tissue increases the complexity of the scattering problem. An approach is presented that makes the computational problem considerably smaller. A method of moments (MoM) formulation of the EM model is presented. The relevant issues that arise during a finite element method (FEM) formulation are also discussed. The methods are illustrated by solving the problem for typical implants using MoM as well as FEM.
PROJECTIONS OF BOUQUET GRAPH WITH TWO CYCLES

In this paper we investigate the projections of bouquet graph B with two cycles. A projection of B is said to be trivial if only trivial embeddings are obtained from the projection. It is shown that, to cover all nontrivial projections of B, at least three embeddings of B are needed. We also show that a nontrivial projection of B is covered by one of some two embeddings if the image of each cycle has at most one self-crossing.
Fuzzy evaluation on mining investment decision based on membership degree transformation new algorithm — M(1,2,3)

Mining investment is a kind of venture capital, the risk level of which is impacted by various factors. There are still a lot of uncertainty and ambiguity in the process of evaluating on mining investment decision, so it is more suitable to use fuzzy evaluation methods for it. The core of fuzzy evaluation is membership degree transformation. But the existing transformation methods should be questioned, because redundant data in index membership degree is also used to compute object membership degree, which is not useful for object classification. The new algorithm is: using data mining technology based on entropy to mine knowledge information about object classification hidden in every index, affirm the relationship of object classification and index membership, eliminate the redundant data in index membership for object classification by defining distinguishable weight and extract valid values to compute object membership. The new algorithm of membership degree transformation includes three calculation steps which can be summarized as “effective, comparison and composition”, which is denoted as M(1,2,3). The paper applied the new algorithm in fuzzy evaluation on mining investment decision.
Hereditary motor sensory neuropathy type II with neurofilament accumulaion: New finding or new disorder?

Peroneal muscular atrophy is now known to be heterogeneous and to be due to various underlying genetic mechanisms. Exploring this heterogeneity further, we report on a German kinship with the clinical, genetic, and nerve conduction features of hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy type II (HMSN type II) but whose sural nerves on biopsy were found to show infrequent axonal swellings with neurofilament accumulations not previously described. The dominant inheritance and absence of kinky hair set this disorder apart from giant axonal neuropathy. There was no history of toxic exposure to industrial chemicals. We conclude that the disorder either is a new type of HMSN or is HMSN type II with previously unencountered neurofilament accumulations. Neurofilament accumulation indicates that the axon could be a site for primary derangement and may implicate an abnormality of slow axonal flow. In addition, some of the patients exhibited features suggestive of a cardiomyopathy.
Limitations of entropy maximization in ecology

Applying ideas of statistical mechanics in ecology have recently received quite some attention. The entropy maximization (EM) formalism looks particularly attractive, as it provides a simple algorithm to infer detailed system variables from a limited number of constraints. However, we point out that a blind application of this formalism can easily lead to wrong conclusions. To illustrate this, we reanalyze an ecological data set that has been used to claim the good performance of EM in predicting species abundances from trait measurements. We show that these results are entirely due to the restrictive constraints, and do not provide any support for the applicability of EM in ecology. By comparing with a simple example from physics, we indicate which characteristic mechanism of EM, and of statistical mechanics in general, is missing for the ecological example. This analysis introduces a series of methods to evaluate future attempts to apply EM in ecology.
Neuropeptidomics: Mass Spectrometry-Based Identification and Quantitation of Neuropeptides

Neuropeptides produced from prohormones by selective action of endopeptidases are vital signaling molecules, playing a critical role in a variety of physiological processes, such as addiction, depression, pain, and circadian rhythms. Neuropeptides bind to post-synaptic receptors and elicit cellular effects like classical neurotransmitters. While each neuropeptide could have its own biological function, mass spectrometry (MS) allows for the identification of the precise molecular forms of each peptide without a priori knowledge of the peptide identity and for the quantitation of neuropeptides in different conditions of the samples. MS-based neuropeptidomics approaches have been applied to various animal models and conditions to characterize and quantify novel neuropeptides, as well as known neuropeptides, advancing our understanding of nervous system function over the past decade. Here, we will present an overview of neuropeptides and MS-based neuropeptidomic strategies for the identification and quantitation of neuropeptides.
Effects of wearing foot orthosis with medial arch support on the fifth metatarsal loading and ankle inversion angle in selected basketball tasks.

STUDY DESIGN Preintervention and post-intervention, repeated-measures experimental design. OBJECTIVES The objective was to investigate the effects of foot orthoses with medial arch support on ankle inversion angle and plantar forces and pressures on the fifth metatarsal during landing for a basketball lay-up and during the stance phase of a shuttle run. BACKGROUND Proximal fractures of the fifth metatarsal, specifically the Jones fracture, are common in sports. Wearing foot orthoses with medial arch support could increase the ankle inversion angle and the plantar forces and pressure on the fifth metatarsal that may increase the risk for fifth metatarsal fracture, METHODS AND MEASURES Three-dimensional (3-D) videographic, force plate, and in-shoe plantar force and pressure data were collected during landing after a basketball lay-up and during the stance phase of a shuttle run with and without foot orthoses with medial arch support for 14 male subjects. Two-way ANOVAs with repeated measures were performed to compare ankle inversion angle, maximum forces, and pressure on the fifth metatarsal head and base between conditions and between tasks. RESULTS The maximum ankle inversion angle and maximum plantar force and pressure on the base of the fifth metatarsal during both tasks as well as the maximum plantar force and pressure on the head of the fifth metatarsal during the stance of the shuttle run were significantly increased (P< or =026) when wearing foot orthoses. No significant differences were found in the maximum vertical ground reaction forces between foot orthotic conditions. CONCLUSION Generic use of off-the-shelf foot orthoses with medial arch support causes increased plantar forces and pressures on the fifth metatarsal and may increase the risk for proximal fracture of the fifth metatarsal. Future studies are needed to investigate this risk, acknowledging that the differences noted in our study were small in magnitude and the foot type was not measured.
Permanent wood sequestration: the solution to the global carbon dioxide problem.

Among all global environmental prob-lems, there is one which dominates overall others: the excessive release ofcarbon dioxide due to burning offossilfuels like coal, oil, and gas. Carbon diox-ide is the main anthropogenic chemicalcompound responsible for global warm-ing (anthropogenic greenhouse effect)and all its devastating effects of globalclimate changes, such as the rise ofocean levels, growth ofdesert areas, andthawing ofpermafrost soil.
Influence of the IL17A and IL17F gene polymorphisms on the long‐term kidney allograft function and return to dialysis after kidney transplantation

The immune response after allogenic transplantation is a complex phenomenon involving cytokines, chemokines, and other mediators of inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the IL17A and IL17F gene polymorphisms on long‐term kidney allograft function, graft function loss/return to dialysis, and mortality after kidney transplantation. This study enrolled 269 Caucasian deceased donor renal transplant recipients. The rs2275913:G>A (−197G>A) polymorphism within the IL17A gene promoter and rs2397084:T>C (Glu126Gly), rs11465553:G>A (Val155Ile), and rs763780:T>C (His167Arg) polymorphisms within the IL17F gene were genotyped. Creatinine concentrations 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months after transplantation were significantly higher in recipients with the rs2275913:A>G IL17A GG genotype (GG vs. GA + AA: p = 0.03, p = 0.004, p = 0.006, p = 0.03, p = 0.04, respectively). Moreover, the GG genotype was statistically significantly associated with increased risk of delayed graft function. This association remained significant in multivariate regression analysis adjusted for recipients' age and sex. In the case of the rs11465553, IL17F univariate Cox regression analysis showed statistically significant association of GA genotype with higher risk of graft loss/return to dialysis (GA vs. GG: HR = 2.795, 95%CI = 1.031–7.579, p = 0.04). The results of our study suggest that the GG genotype of the rs2275913 IL17A gene promoter polymorphism is associated with significantly impaired long‐term kidney allograft function, whereas the GA genotype of the rs11465553 IL17F gene polymorphism may be associated with a significantly higher risk of graft function loss and return to dialysis after kidney transplantation.
Prediction and Optimization of Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Geometries using COMSOL Multiphysics

Raman spectroscopy is a com- monly used tool in bio-diagnostics and sen- sor technology. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering provides high signal enhance- ments especially at nanostructured metallic surfaces. In this paper the electromagnetic Raman enhancement from dierent metal- lic nanostructures { including gold coated gratings, spherical and hemispherical par- ticles { is calculated by using the nite- element method. The characteristic dimen- sions of the nanostructures are varied and the results are discussed and compared to each other. It is shown that hemispherical particles on a substrate promise the largest enhancement factors of up to seven orders of magnitude. These results are consistent with Raman spectroscopic measurements on surfaces covered with spherical gold parti- cles.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the safety and tolerability of high-dose quetiapine in patients with persistent symptoms of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.

OBJECTIVE Quetiapine is often prescribed at higher than approved doses. We investigated the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of quetiapine > 800 mg/d. METHOD A trial was carried out from October 2003-September 2005 in 19 referral centers. Patients with DSM-IV schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were randomized on the basis of persistent symptoms of moderate severity (< 30% improvement in total Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale score after ≥ 4 weeks of quetiapine). The 8 week, double-blind study compared continuation of quetiapine 800 mg/d (n = 43) versus 1,200 mg/d (n = 88). The primary outcome measure was emergent or worsening parkinsonism (Simpson-Angus Scale). Secondary outcomes were adverse events, metabolic side effects, and symptom severity. RESULTS Mean doses obtained were 799 mg/d and 1,144 mg/d in the 800-mg/d and > 800-mg/d groups, respectively. Emergent or deteriorating parkinsonism in the high-dose group was 3.1% greater (95% CI, -7.8% to 14.0%; P = .76) than in the 800-mg/d group, a value that was within the a priori limit of 16% defined as noninferiority. Both doses of quetiapine were safe and well tolerated. Weight gain was greater in the high-dose group (1.7 kg over 12 weeks; ≥ 7% body weight, n = 11 [12.5%]) versus the 800-mg/d group (1.1 kg over 12 weeks; ≥ 7% body weight, n = 4 [9.3%]). The mean adjusted difference in weight gain (1.3 kg) was greater in the high-dose group (95% CI, 0.0-2.5; P = .044). Symptom severity declined, with no significant difference between groups. CONCLUSIONS The results did not demonstrate any advantage for use of quetiapine outside the approved dose range. TRIAL REGISTRATION www.clinicaltrials. gov Identifier: NCT00328978.
Comparison between PEF values obtained from a population sample in the city of São Carlos, Brazil, and reference values.

OBJECTIVE To compare the reference values for PEF suggested by other authors in 1963, 1989 and 2001 (for populations in the USA, England and Cuba, respectively) with those obtained from a population sample in the city of São Carlos, Brazil, and to determine whether there is concordance among them. METHODS A total of 243 volunteers (123 females and 120 males; 20-70 years of age) participated in the study. The PEF measurements were performed with the volunteer standing, using a nose clip, by means of a portable peak flow meter. These measurements were compared with the reference values using the Friedman test and Dunn's post-hoc test (p < 0.05). RESULTS Significant differences were found in all age groups from both genders regarding the values predicted in 1989; the same occurred in the 20-30 and 31-40 age groups (both genders), as well as in the 61-70 age group (females only), regarding those predicted in 2001, as well as in the 20-30 age group (males only) regarding those predicted in 1963. CONCLUSIONS The values predicted in 1963 are appropriate for a population of individuals with the same characteristics as the study sample, except for males in the 20-30 age group. Our study is relevant due to the fact that our sample was larger than that evaluated in the 1963 study. The majority of the values predicted in 1989 and 2001 overestimated the PFE values obtained in our study, proving to be inappropriate for the population studied.
Multi-sensor based object grasping with eye-in hand laser ranger

During the last decade, industrial robots have been applied to various field of science from computer-assisted surgery to space exploration. In recent years, autonomous service robots are increasingly finding their way into our daily lives. In this paper, we present the design of the robot, and the robot arm path planning combined with several sensors: motor encoder, CCD camera and laser range finder. Using information of CCD-cameras that provide information of the robot's environment which serves as an input for a robust object recognition algorithm: SURF (Speeded Up Robust Features). However, image information provided by cameras is strongly affected by environmental influence. In order to reduce environmental influence, we integrate distance information provided from a laser range finder. The integrated sensory system locates the object using distance information and then identifies the target using image information. Ultimately the dexterous manipulator system integrated with visual servo system and eye-in-hand laser scanner feedback, it can perform object fetching towards contributions in flexible automation.
A reply

We read Hui and Tsui’s paper about using sublingual ultrasound as an assessment method for predicting difficult intubation with great interest [1]. We note that the choice of laryngoscope blade was left to the discretion of the anaesthetist. This may have affected the Cormack and Lehane grade recorded for laryngoscopic view of the glottis, as straighter blades (e.g. Miller) have been shown to provide a better view than curved blades (e.g. Macintosh) [2, 3]. In comparing the ultrasonographic results of airway assessment with commonly used tests like the modified Mallampati classification, thyromental distance, mouth opening and neck extension, the authors have omitted a more sensitive and specific test of predicting difficult laryngoscopy, namely the sternomental distance (with a threshold value of 12.5 cm, head fully extended on the neck and the mouth closed) [4], and we would encourage the authors to consider its inclusion when they extend their study beyond the pilot phase. D. Jain K. Jain Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India Email: jaindivya77@rediffmail.com
Calcium and Magnesium in Drinking Water and Risk of Death from Kidney Cancer

The possible association between the risk of kidney cancer development and the levels of calcium and magnesium in drinking water from municipal supplies was investigated in a matched cancer case-control study in Taiwan. All eligible kidney cancer deaths (1778 cases) of Taiwan residents from 1999 through 2008 were compared with deaths from other causes (1778 controls), and the levels of calcium and magnesium in drinking water of these residents were determined. Data on calcium and magnesium levels in drinking water throughout Taiwan were obtained from the Taiwan Water Supply Corporation (TWSC). The control group consisted of individuals who died from other causes, and the controls were pair-matched to the cancer cases by gender, year of birth, and year of death. The adjusted odd ratios for death attributed to kidney cancer for individuals with higher calcium levels in their drinking water, as compared to the lowest tertile, were 0.89 (95% CI = 0.72–1.11) and 0.78 (95% CI = 0.62–0.98), respectively. The adjusted odd ratios were not statistically significant for the relationship between magnesium levels in drinking water and kidney cancer development. The results of the present study demonstrate that there may be a significant protective effect of calcium intake from drinking water against the risk of death due to kidney cancer.
Generation and testing of a highly specific anti‐serum directed against porcine endogenous retrovirus nucleocapsid

Abstract: Advances in xenotransplantation offer chances to alleviate the shortage of human donor organs. The discovery that pig endogenous retroviruses (PERV) can infect human cells in vitro has stimulated the discussion on infectious risk in xenotransplantation. A molecular and immunologic monitoring of xenograft recipients and of donor animals for putative infection with PERV and other microorganisms is inevitable. In this report, we describe the generation and testing of a highly specific anti‐serum directed against the PERV nucleocapsid protein. The Gag amino acid (aa) sequence of PERV class B was used to define immunogenic domains by computer analysis. A peptide corresponding to the C‐terminal 19 aa of the 10 kDa (p10) nucleocapsid (NC) portion of the Gag polyprotein was used to immunize rabbits. The generated serum was tested using recombinant PERV Gag protein expressed in insect cells, purified PERV virus particles and human 293 cells transfected or infected with PERV, respectively. Test methods included Western blotting, indirect immunofluorescence, immunoperoxidase assay and ELISA. The PERV anti‐serum provides a tool that is instrumental for detection of a potential agent of zoonosis. It can be used for screening of donor animals and xenograft recipients in the course of xenotransplantation procedures.
β-Radioluminescence Imaging: A Comparative Evaluation with Cerenkov Luminescence Imaging

Cerenkov luminescence imaging (CLI) can provide high-resolution images of 18F-FDG–avid tumors but requires prolonged acquisition times because of low photon sensitivity. In this study, we proposed a new modality, termed β-radioluminescence imaging (β-RLI), which incorporates a scintillator with a γ-rejection strategy for imaging β particles. We performed a comparative evaluation of β-RLI with CLI in both in vitro and in vivo systems. Methods: Using in vitro phantoms, we characterized the photon sensitivity and resolution of CLI and β-RLI. We also conducted a series of in vivo experiments with xenograft mouse models using both amelanotic (A375, UMSCC1-Luc) and melanotic (B16F10-Luc) cell lines. The B16F10 and UMSCC1 cell lines were transfected with the luciferase gene (Luc). CLI was acquired over 300 s, and β-RLI was acquired using two 10-s acquisitions. We correlated 18F-FDG activities, as assessed by PET, with tumor radiances for both β-RLI and CLI. We also compared tumor signal-to-background ratios (SBRs) between these modalities for amelanotic and melanotic tumors. Results: For in vitro experiments, the photon sensitivity for β-RLI was 560-fold greater than that for CLI. However, the spatial resolution for β-RLI (4.4 mm) was inferior to that of CLI (1.0 mm). For in vivo experiments, correlations between 18F-FDG activity and tumor radiance were 0.52 (P < 0.01) for β-RLI, 0.81 (P = 0.01) for amelanotic lesions with CLI, and −0.08 (negative contrast; P = 0.80) for melanotic lesions with CLI. Nine of 13 melanotic lesions had an SBR less than 1 for CLI, despite an SBR greater than 1 among all lesions for β-RLI. Conclusion: β-RLI can produce functional images of both amelanotic and melanotic tumors in a shorter time frame than CLI. Further engineering developments are needed to realize the full clinical potential of this modality.
Unstable Quantum Systems Coupled Via Continuum and Super Radiance

Excited states of a quantum system are unstable and decay into the continuum. The dynamics of the transmission quantum signal through a two-dimensional lattice with open decay channels coupled to the continuum is treated by means of a discretized effective non-Hermitian Hamiltonian. The energies and widths are treated as real and imaginary parts of complex eingenvalues for the effective Hamiltonian. This coupling through the continuum reorganizes the dynamics of the system, as a result the energy widths of the intrinsic states are redistributed and very broad states are formed absorbing a significant part of all the summed energy width. As a result these broad, super-radiant states become highly unstable, with short lifetimes, while the remaining states become trapped and long-lived. This notion of super-radiance was suggested by Dicke, over fifty years ago, for systems pertaining to coherent states in quantum optics. A sharp, sort of phase transition, between weak and strong coupling to the continuum is considered for a two-dimensional open periodic lattice. Due to this continuum coupling a sharp redistribution of energy widths occurs. The weak coupling limit corresponds to isolated sharp resonances, whereas strong coupling corresponds to the collectivization of widths and the formation of the short-lived Dicke state. Introduction All excited states in a quantum system are unstable and the notion of a closed physical system is an idealization. Through interactions with the outside world, Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle says that excited states acquire a finite lifetime τ and an energy uncertainty (decay width) of τ h ≅ Γ . The standard treatment of quantum mechanics of unstable states introduces their complex energies