Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Satellite calibration using a collocated nadir observation technique: theoretical basis and application to the GMS-5 Pathfinder benchmark period

A collocated nadir observation technique has been used as part of the geostationary meteorological satellite (GMS) pathfinder project and is now employed at the Australian Bureau of Meteorology Research Centre to calibrate the visible infrared spin scan radiometer (VISSR) instrument used on GMS-5. It uses satellite-to-satellite cross calibration to bypass many of the problems inherent in the absolute calibration of satellite instruments. Orbital calculations determine where and when the VISSR and advanced very high resolution radiometer (AVHRR) instruments on the GMS and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) satellites, respectively, are observing the same Earth-atmosphere scene from the same direction at the same time. Results show that, with careful selection of calibration scenes, the satellites are observing the same radiation field, allowing a fundamental count-to-count calibration of the instrumentation. This calibration can subsequently be related to radiance. It should be possible to cross correlate all geostationary satellites currently employed using a similar method. This paper makes the following three contributions. 1) Using radiative transfer modeling, a sound theoretical basis for the calibration technique is provided. 2) Behavior of the GMS-5 VISSR instrument is tracked for the Pathfinder benchmark period (July 1, 1995-June 30, 1996). 3) Detailed theoretical and experimental comparison of the GMS-4 and GMS-5 VISSR instruments, which takes into account their different spectral response functions, is provided.
Mesh repair of a large ventral hernia with interposition of omentum in a calf: a case report

A one-month-old, Piedmontese female calf was admitted to the Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, for repair of a large ventral hernia. A large ventral hernia, approximately 20 cm long and 15 cm large was noticed extending from 3 cm caudal to the umbilicus down to the pubis. At ultrasonography the hernia content was represented by small intestine and omentum and no adhesions to the hernial sac could be detected. The hernial sac was composed by skin only. Because of the large dimensions of the defect and the economic value of the animal, surgical correction was recommended to the owner. A prosthetic implant with a polypropylene mesh was elected due to the dimension of the abdominal defect. The implant was placed intra-abdominally with the interposition of the omentum between the mesh and the underlying viscera. Two and six months after surgery follow-ups were performed and a positive outcome was confirmed. This is the first report of ventral hernia repair in large animals that combines the use of a tension-free polypropylene mesh with the interposition of the omentum between the viscera and the mesh. This procedure is safe, cost-effective and not associated with major complications.
Alterations in the estrogen environment of the testis contribute to declining sperm production in aging rats

Abstract Testicular function, specifically, production of testosterone by Leydig cells, diminishes during aging. Estradiol is also produced by the testis and potentially acts in an autocrine or paracrine manner to help regulate spermatogenesis. However, changes in estradiol concentration or receptor expression within the testis during aging remain unclear. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that the estrogen environment of the testis is altered during aging and that these changes are associated with declining sperm production. Sprague Dawley rats were examined at three, 15, 18, and 21 months of age to detail changes in sperm production and testicular concentration of testosterone and estradiol; five rats were used at three and 21 months and three rats were used at 15 and 18 months. Daily sperm production declined 49% from 15 to 21 months of age. Testicular concentrations of estradiol declined 53% from 15 to 21 months of age; testosterone concentrations were not significantly different. These results suggest that declines in intra-testicular estradiol may contribute to declining sperm production. We further tested our hypothesis by treating rats once every third day with a subcutaneous injection of estradiol valerate (1 µg/kg) from 15 to 18 months of age. Estradiol was increased 54% in treated animals while testosterone was unaffected. Estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) expression was significantly reduced from 15 to 18 months and expression in estrogen-treated animals was significantly higher than age-matched controls. Additionally, ESR1 expression in 18 month treated animals was not different from 15 months of age. Importantly, daily sperm production in 18 month treated animals was 22% higher than age-matched controls; thus, treatment prevented approximately half of the decline observed in control animals. Collectively, our results suggest that estrogen is involved in maintaining optimum spermatogenesis in adult rats and that estrogen treatment may attenuate the age-associated loss in sperm production.
Iatrogenic Pseudoaneurysm of the Superior Thyroid Artery

A pseudoaneurysm is a pulsating hematoma that results from disruption of a portion of the arterial wall. Clotting occurs in the peripheral limits of the hematoma, whereas the center remains fluid and communicates with thearterial lumen, causing a pulsatile mass. Femoral artery pseudoaneurysms are potentially serious complications of arterial catheterization. Various studies have shown that the pseudoaneurysm rate after cardiac catheterization is 1.6%, and it is 0.7% to 6.3% after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. 1 A pseudoaneurysm arising from the superior thyroid artery (STA) is extremely rare. Two cases of STA pseudoaneurysms have been reported after ultrasonographically guided chemical parathyroidectomy and after radiotherapy for hypopharyngeal cancer. 2 , 3 To the best of our knowledge, any case of an STA pseudoaneurysm due to fine-needle aspiration biopsy has not been reported. We report a case of an STA pseudoaneurysm during fine-needle aspiration biopsy, which showed spontaneous thrombosis.
Data mining using concepts of independence, unimodality and homophily

With the widespread use of information technologies, more and more complex data is generated and collected every day. Such complex data is various in structure, size, type and format, e.g. time series, texts, images, videos and graphs. Complex data is often high-dimensional and heterogeneous, which makes the separation of the wheat (knowledge) from the chaff (noise) more difficult. Clustering is a main mode of knowledge discovery from complex data, which groups objects in such a way that intra-group objects are more similar than inter-group objects. Traditional clustering methods such as k-means, Expectation-Maximization clustering (EM), DBSCAN and spectral clustering are either deceived by "the curse of dimensionality" or spoiled by heterogenous information. So, how to effectively explore complex data? In some cases, people may only have some partial information about the complex data. For example, in social networks, not every user provides his/her profile information such as the personal interests. Can we leverage the limited user information and friendship network wisely to infer the likely labels of the unlabeled users so that the advertisers can do accurate advertising? This is the problem of learning from labeled and unlabeled data, which is literarily attributed to semi-supervised classification. To gain insights into these problems, this thesis focuses on developing clustering and semi-supervised classification methods that are driven by the concepts of independence, unimodality and homophily. The proposed methods leverage techniques from diverse areas, such as statistics, information theory, graph theory, signal processing, optimization and machine learning. Specifically, this thesis develops four methods, i.e. FUSE, ISAAC, UNCut, and wvGN. FUSE and ISAAC are clustering techniques to discover statistically independent patterns from high-dimensional numerical data. UNCut is a clustering technique to discover unimodal clusters in attributed graphs in which not all the attributes are relevant to the graph structure. wvGN is a semi-supervised classification technique using the theory of homophily to infer the labels of the unlabeled vertices in graphs. We have verified our clustering and semi-supervised classification methods on various synthetic and real-world data sets. The results are superior to those of the state-of-the-art.
Estimating Probability Density Functions and Entropies of Chua's Circuit Using B-spline Functions

In this paper, first the probability density functions (PDFs) of the states of Chua's circuit have been estimated using B-spline functions and then the state entropies of Chua's circuit with respect to the bifurcation parameter have been obtained. The results of the proposed B-spline density estimator have been compared with the results obtained from the Parzen density estimator.
China's landscape in oncology drug research: perspectives from research collaboration networks.

OBJECTIVE Better understanding of China's landscape in oncology drug research is of great significance for discovering anti-cancer drugs in future. This article differs from previous studies by focusing on Chinese oncology drug research communities in co-publication networks at the institutional level. Moreover, this research aims to explore structures and behaviors of relevant research units by thematic community analysis and to address policy recommendations. METHODS This research used social network analysis to define an institutions network and to identify a community network which is characterized by thematic content. RESULTS A total of 675 sample articles from 2008 through 2012 were retrieved from the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE) database of Web of Science, and top institutions and institutional pairs are highlighted for further discussion. Meanwhile, this study revealed that institutions based in the Chinese mainland are located in a relatively central position, Taiwan's institutions are closely assembled on the side, and Hong Kong's units located in the middle of the Chinese mainland's and Taiwan's. Spatial division and institutional hierarchy are still critical barriers to research collaboration in the field of anti-cancer drugs in China. In addition, the communities focusing on hot research areas show the higher nodal degree, whereas communities giving more attention to rare research subjects are relatively marginalized to the periphery of network. CONCLUSIONS This paper offers policy recommendations to accelerate cross-regional cooperation, such as through developing information technology and increasing investment. The brokers should focus more on outreach to other institutions. Finally, participation in topics of common interest is conducive to improved efficiency in research and development (R&D) resource allocation.
Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs reduce the incidence of post‐endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis: a meta‐analysis

Several recent studies suggested that nonsteroidal anti‐inflammation drugs (NSAIDs) could prevent the pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). However, the routes of administration, the dosages of NSAIDs and the potential efficacy in reducing the severity of pancreatitis remain controversial. The aim of this meta‐analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of NSAIDs for post‐ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) prophylaxis.
An easy preparative gel electrophoretic method for targeted depletion of hemoglobin in erythrocyte cytosolic samples

Hemoglobin (Hb) approximately constitutes 98% of the protein composition of a red blood cell (RBC), thus masking the remaining 2% which has still to be discovered completely due to the difficulty in its analysis. Here, we proposed a large‐scale native gel electrophoresis that effectively tackles this limitation through a novel sample preparation strategy able to concentrate low‐abundance species by removing Hb by means of electrophoretic instruments. Clear native PAGE was performed in a gel electrophoresis tube where the run was intermittently interrupted and different fractions were recovered in liquid phase into a collection chamber placed at the end of the tube. In this way, fractions containing multi‐protein complexes with different molecular weights were collected in the native form by a simple elution. Red fraction containing Hb multi‐protein complexes can be excluded from subsequent analyses, or rather be analyzed separately, reducing therefore the dynamic range of erythrocyte cytosolic protein concentrations and increasing the number of protein identifications. In particular, 838 protein spots in total were detected when fractions were analyzed by 2‐D IEF‐SDS‐PAGE. This depletion method is inexpensive, simple to perform, reproducible and makes it possible to process large amounts of sample (up to 150 mg), thus making it suitable for in‐depth proteome investigations. Furthermore, this strategy has the potential to be applied both to native and denatured proteomes of different biological samples.
Optimal Design of Internal Disclosure Job Market Paper

This paper studies the joint design of optimal incentive pay and information disclosure in a dynamic moral hazard problem. The principal is more informed about the outcomes of agent’s actions and actively manages information available to the agent. Sharing information with the agent increases productivity (for example, allowing a better allocation of resources or effort), but increases the cost of providing incentives. The optimal contract features incomplete information sharing with positive information shared more than negative information and past negative information leading to less information sharing in the future.
Sleep apnea and hypoxemia in recently weaned premature infants with and without bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) experience significant hypoxemia. Apnea indices and oxygen saturation levels of ten infants with BPD were compared to ten healthy premature infants who were evaluated to rule out apnea or bradycardia prior to discharge from the hospital. Infants with BPD who had been recently (< 7 days) weaned from supplemental oxygen were evaluated on and off supplemental oxygen. Premature controls had never received oxygen nor ventilation assistance. Infants with BPD were born significantly more prematurely (28.1 ± 1.0 vs. 33.0 ± 3.9 weeks; P = 0.0012) while chronologic ages at the time of evaluation, adjusted for prematurity, were equal (37.1 ± 3.1 vs. 38.0 ± 2.7 weeks). Comparisons of apnea densities (expressed as percent of sleep time) between BPD and non‐BPD prematures revealed the following: neither the average obstructive apnea (0.15 ± 0.36 vs. 0.14 ± 0.31) nor periodic breathing densities (6.0 ± 8.56 vs. 10.2 ± 5.84) were different. Infants with BPD experienced significantly more central apnea (0.62 ± 0.34 vs. 0.16 ± 0.11; P = 0.003) than did non‐BPD prematures. Average oxygen saturation levels were significantly less among BPD vs. non‐BPD prematures (90.0 ± 10.18% vs. 95.7 ± 4.33%; P = 0.033). When supplemented with oxygen, BPD prematures had significantly higher saturation (X̄ = 94.5%) than when breathing room air (X̄ = 90.0%). Both central apnea and periodic breathing densities declined significantly with this improvement in saturation (0.64 vs. 0.04% and 6.0 vs. 1.4%, respectively). These data suggest that saturation status may indicate central respiratory stability in chronic lung disease. Pediatr Pulmonol 1991; 10:112–116.
Identification of correlation between blood relations using speech signal

This paper presents a study of how speech features have comparable parameters amongst blood relations. Mel Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCC) has been used for extracting the features of input speech signal, along with vector quantization through modified k-means LBG (Linde, Buzo, and Gray) algorithm are implemented to analyse and estimate the similarity to perform related studies. The study is concentrated on database using 12 families from which voice databases were collected from all users, of different age groups, of each family. The Finding of the study shows a high correlation (Max ∼ 95%) between similar genders of the family and low correlation (Min ∼ 80%) between dissimilar genders of the family.
Application of tyramide signal amplification system to immunohistochemistry: A potent method to localize antigens that are not detectable by ordinary method

Tyramide signal amplification–avidin–biotin complex (TSA‐ABC) method is a powerful technique used to detect antigens that are not detectable by ordinary immunohistochemistry. It is worth trying in cases where localization of antigens by the conventional method has failed and antibodies are precious.
Backscatter ionogram inversion validation with the help of a HF radio transmitter

Accuracy in target localization by over-the-horizon radar can be improved with a good knowledge of the propagation channel. An inversion method has been developed in order to provide an electron density profile of an equivalent ionosphere from backscatter ionograms. The method uses the measurements realized by the HF radar during elevation scans. The method has been validated on synthesized and real data by comparing the results with ionospheric forecasts and vertical ionosonde. The equivalent ionosphere determined by inversion will be used to convert group path into ground range and to realize coordinate registration of targets. In this paper, we present first experiments of radio frequency interference (RFI) source localization. RFI source localization is used to estimate the precision of our inversion method.
A simplified method for the quantitative determination of urinary coproporphyrin in lead workers

Soulsby, Joan and Smith, R. L. (1974). British Journal of Industrial Medicine,31, 72-74. A simplified method of estimating urinary coproporphyrin is described, based on the method of Rimington (1971). Coproporphyrin and coproporphyrinogen are extracted into ether from acidified urine; the ether is then shaken with a solution of iodine in hydrochloric acid to oxidize any coproporphyrinogen to coproporphyrin and to extract the coproporphyrin. The solution is examined spectrophotometrically for coproporphyrin at the peak of the Soret band and at wavelengths on either side to correct for any impurities present. A comparison with the method of Rimington (1971) in 94 urine samples with coproporphyrin levels up to 2·5 mg/l showed good agreement. Correlation coefficient (r) = +0·986. One hundred estimations can be carried out in five hours.
Simple flaps for reconstruction of pediatric scalp defects after electrical burn.

OBJECTIVE To analyze the management of high-voltage electrical burn injury of the scalp in our hospital. METHODS This study involved 10 patients who suffered from high-voltage electrical burn injury of the scalp. Scalp reconstruction was done by different modalities according to the size and location of the defect. RESULTS Complete flap viability was achieved in all the cases. We had one case of gapped wound which was managed only by dressing. Widening of the scar was found in 2 cases. CONCLUSION Rotation, advancement and transposition scalp flaps are used for reconstructing scalp defects caused by electrical burn. The choice of ideal flaps for reconstruction depends upon the size and site of scalp defect.
APOE genetic associations with seizure development after severe traumatic brain injury

Primary objective: The purpose of the current study is to assess the role of the APOE genotype in post-traumatic seizure (PTS) development. Research design: A retrospective study of 322 adult Caucasians with a severe TBI and APOE genotype. Methods and procedures: Medical records were searched for PTS. Time to first seizure was categorized as early, late or delayed-onset PTS. Potential PTS associations by genotype, grouped genotype and allele were investigated. Main outcome and results: No statistically significant associations were found. However, two out of the four individuals (50%) with the E4/E4 genotype had late/delayed-onset PTS. Furthermore, none with a E2/E2 or E2/E4 genotype seized in the late periods. Conclusions: The results of this study may suggest 4/4 as a risk genotype for late/delayed onset PTS and a potential neuroprotective role of the E2 allele. However, this study did not definitively support a role for the APOE genotype in PTS susceptibility and indicates that larger populations are needed to fully evaluate the potential impact of APOE on PTS.
What's Not So Simple about SNMP?

Chris Hare 140.1 SNMP Defined 1867 140.2 The Management Information Base (MIB) 1869 140.3 SNMP Operations 1869 140.4 Administrative Relationships 1869 140.5 SNMP Requests 1870 140.6 The Protocol Data Unit 1871 140.7 SNMP Traps 1872 140.8 SNMP Security Issues 1874 Well-Known Community Strings † Ability to Change SNMP Configuration † Multiple Management Stations † Denial-of-Service Attacks † The Impact of CERT CA-2002-03 140.9 Summary 1876 Acknowledgments 1876 References 1876
Linear sifting of decision diagrams and its application insynthesis

We propose a new algorithm, called linear sifting, for the optimization of decision diagrams that combines the efficiency of sifting and the power of linear transformations. The new algorithm is applicable to large examples, and in many cases leads to substantially more compact diagrams when compared to simple variable reordering. We also show in what sense linear transformations complement variable reordering and how the technique can be applied to verification issues. Going a step further, we discuss a synthesis scenario where-due to the complexity of the target function-it is inevitable to decompose the function in a preprocessing step. By using linear sifting it is possible to extract a linear filter and, hence, to achieve the necessary decomposition. Using this method we were able to synthesize functions with standard tools which fail otherwise.
The Shadow in Transpersonal Psychology

I discuss the relevance of the archetype of the shadow for our understanding of transpersonal psychology, examining this in relation to two interdependent themes: (a) manifestations and implications of transpersonal psychology's own shadow, and (b) the importance of recognising and incorporating our transformative experiences of the archetypal shadow. On the basis of this discussion I present a preliminary taxonomy of transpersonal experiences and practices that incorporates aspects of the transformative shadow. This taxonomy itself raises a number of important and largely ignored questions within transpersonal psychology, including that of the ontological status and psychological significance of the transcendental and of the archetypes of good and evil.
Managing virtual data marts with metapointer tables

Although Internet/intranet topology has radically evolved communications for information workers, the access and transfer of large volumes of data through this topology is still inefficient and is not inherently conducive to point-in-time recall. Because information managers make real time decisions based on relevant subsets of an enterprise data warehouse, data marts are required for optimized data accessibility and use. Storage virtualization, based on pointer systems, has introduced new instant copy functions which do not require that data be actually stored outside the data warehouse even though it is referenced in a variety of contexts (e.g., multiple data marts utilizing overlapping subsets of the data warehouse). The purpose of this paper is to describe a method enabling users to access relevant subsets of large data populations residing in different data warehouses. This method enables the creation of data marts for use by local decision support software without requiring the data mart data population to be stored locally. This will save storage space and data transmission resources, and simplify synchronization of the data mart and the warehouse when updates occur.