Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Visible Ear: A Digital Image Library of the Temporal Bone

High-fidelity computer-based modeling, simulation and visualization systems for the study of temporal bone anatomy and training for middle ear surgery are based on a sequence of digital anatomical images, which must cover a large tissue volume and yet display details in high resolution and with high fidelity. However, the use of existing image libraries by independent developers of virtual models of the ear is limited by copyright protection and low image resolution. A fresh frozen human temporal bone was CT-scanned and serially sectioned at 25 µm and digital images of the block surface were recorded at 50- to 100-µm increments with a Light PhaseTM single-shot camera back attachment. A total of 605 images were recorded in 24-bit RGB resolution. After color correction and elimination of image size variation by differential cropping to 15.4 cm × 9.7 cm, all images were resampled to 3,078 × 1,942 pixels at a final resolution of 50 µm/pixel and stored as 605 one-Mb JPEG files together with a three-dimensional viewer. The resulting complete set of image data provides: (1) a source material suitable for generating computer models of the human ear; (2) a resource of high-quality digital images of anatomical cross sections from the human ear, and (3) a PC-based viewer of the temporal bone in three perpendicular planes of section.
An offset-fed microstrip antenna with reusable harmonics based on a composite right/left-handed transmission line resonator

In this paper, a new reusable harmonic microstrip antenna with an offset feed is presented. The proposed antenna consists of 9 isotropic arranged square unit-cells with an offset-feed at the centre cell. Based on a composite right/left-handed transmission line (CRLH-TL) resonator and the cavity model of a microstrip antenna, additional resonant frequencies and radiation patterns are analyzed. Moreover, the theoretical approach is discussed for the proposed structure. The multiple resonant frequencies are occurred due to both of CRLH-TL and microstrip patch resonant characteristics. Particularly, the antenna has a gain of about 10 dBi and a patch-like radiation at the harmonic mode.
Control of a magnetic levitation system using non-linear robust design tools

In this paper we present different non-linear design tools applied on a Magnetic Levitation system for elevation control under the presence of parametric uncertainties and perturbations. The system in view is inherently highly unstable and requires the application of Robust Control techniques to stabilize the system at desired heights or use in tracking applications. Several non-linear State Feedback and Robust design methods were applied on the system and as a special case a robust Output Feedback control was developed using High Gain Observer to recover the performance of the state feedback controller. The simulations presented show the results and effectiveness of different design techniques.
Dynamic gain control with a matrix inequality approach to uncertain systems with triangular and non-triangular nonlinearities

We consider the global regulation problem of uncertain systems with both triangular and non-triangular nonlinearities. For the global regulation in the presence of non-triangular nonlinearities, we propose a dynamic gain controller designed by using power order conditions and a matrix inequality condition imposed on non-triangular nonlinearities. Compared with the existing results, the proposed control method allows a class of nonlinear systems that have not been treated before. Analysis and examples are given to prove the general applicability of our control method.
Do Learning Organizations have Strokes of Genius?

Do learning organizations have strokes of genius? An empirical study of 34 high technology R&D and manufacturing organizations suggests not. The roots of punctuated equilibrium in organizational learning can be traced to learning activities that occur within organizational subsystems, primarily during R&D. Continuous improvement at the subsystem level contributes significantly to a delayed, rapid surge in organizational performance. Managers coordinate subsystem-level activities to maximize organizational performance by trading off the revenues expected from timely learning against the expected costs. Knowledge accumulated within organizational subsystems can remain hidden from organization-level performance metrics for prolonged periods of time
Characterizing the Nano‐Bio Interface Using Microscopic Techniques: Imaging the Cell System is Just as Important as Imaging the Nanoparticle System

The rapid growth of nanotechnology and its industries has elevated the need to understand the risks associated with handling, using, and disposing of nanomaterials. These risks can be assessed through exposure measurement and hazard identification. One of the common challenges associated with quantifying nanomaterials in products, waste, humans, or the environment is the lack of tools available to measure concentration. The ability of refined tools and techniques to qualitatively detect nanoparticles in complex matrices has been demonstrated. For biological and ecological tests systems, dose can be represented as initial concentration in the applied matrix, concentration administered during the route of exposure, concentration at the target organ, and intake concentration at the cellular level. Each of these concentration measurements requires different sets of tools to perform accurate analyses. Advances in microscopy techniques provide new opportunities for reporting observations occurring at the interaction of a nanoparticle with a biomolecular entity of similar size within a biological test(s) system. This protocol outlines the steps to image nanomaterials within cell‐based systems. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Enhanced CpG Mutability and Tumorigenesis in MBD4-Deficient Mice

The mammalian protein MBD4 contains a methyl-CpG binding domain and can enzymatically remove thymine (T) or uracil (U) from a mismatched CpG site in vitro. These properties suggest that MBD4 might function in vivo to minimize the mutability of 5-methylcytosine by removing its deamination product from DNA. We tested this hypothesis by analyzing Mbd4 −/− mice and found that the frequency of of C → T transitions at CpG sites was increased by a factor of three. On a cancer-susceptibleApc Min/+ background,Mbd4 −/− mice showed accelerated tumor formation with CpG → TpG mutations in the Apc gene. Thus MBD4 suppresses CpG mutability and tumorigenesis in vivo.
Associated Minerals and their Influence on the Optical Properties of Jordanian Kaolin

Kaolin samples from Al-Disi kaolin deposits in southeastern region of Jordan are associated with mineral impurities, which impart color to this kaolin and adversely affect its application in paper and paint industries. The associated mineral impurities with kaolin were separated by deflocculating of kaolin particles in polymeric sodium polyphosphate solution. The crude kaolin, deflocculated kaolin (suspended kaolin), and the associated mineral impurities with kaolin (residue) were determined by X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, FTIR spectroscopy, and spectroscopic studies. The composition of the residue separated from Al-Disi kaolin composed mainly from quartz, feldspar, and hematite. The separation of these associated mineral impurities from al-Disi kaolin by deflocculating process improves the brightness of kaolin to be suitable for processing to produce kaolin that meets specifications for paper making, filler, cosmetics and other uses that demand high whiteness and low impurity content.
Performance degradation of a transmit diversity scheme due to fading

In this paper, the error performance of the Alamouti simple transmit diversity (STD) scheme in the presence of spatially correlated fading with time-selectivity or channel estimation error is studied. Exact expressions for the conditional bit error rates and simple approximate expressions for the average bit error rates over correlated Rayleigh fading channels are obtained. It is shown that STD performance generally degrades with increase in channel estimation error, decrease in temporal correlation and increase in spatial correlation.
Multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis for subtyping Salmonella enterica serovar Gallinarum

Salmonella enterica serovar Gallinarum causes a severe systemic disease, fowl typhoid, primarily in chickens and turkeys, and it remains a disease of worldwide significance. Multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA) has proved to be very useful for subtyping other Salmonella serovars. We describe the development of a simple MLVA assay for S. enterica serovar Gallinarum that is comparable with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) in resolution. The genome sequence of S. enterica serovar Gallinarum strain 287/91 was analysed for potential variable-number tandem repeats (VNTRs) and then polymerase chain reaction assays were developed to assess the variability of the loci. Four VNTR markers were selected and used in a multiplex fragment analysis assay. The stability of the VNTR markers was assessed by conducting in vitro passage experiments with two strains (95 clones per strain) over a 30-day period. A MLVA of 68 strains of S. enterica serovar Gallinarum based on the four VNTR loci distinguished 26 allelic profiles. The MLVA assay showed a Simpson's diversity index of 0.918, whereas PFGE analysis produced 23 patterns and had a diversity index of 0.874. Most importantly, the MLVA further discriminated strains having the same PFGE pattern. The MLVA assay is a highly discriminatory genotyping method for S. enterica serovar Gallinarum. Therefore, MLVA can be a useful addition to routine PFGE analysis for molecular epidemiological investigation of fowl typhoid.
Lipopolysaccharide stimulation of 70 kilo Dalton heat shock protein messenger ribonucleic acid production in cultured human fetal membranes

Abstract Objective: The 70 kilo Dalton heat shock protein is upregulated when cells are under physiological stress. It prevents protein denaturation and incorrect polypeptide assembly, and inhibits apoptosis as well as the transcription of genes coding for pro-inflammatory cytokines. To evaluate if up-regulation of heat shock protein 70 can occur during pregnancy, we examined whether addition of bacterial lipopolysaccharide to human amniochorion membranes in vitro stimulated heat shock protein 70 gene transcription. Materials and methods: Amniochorionic membranes (n = 5), collected at the time of elective repeat cesarean section prior to labor from normal term gestations, were placed in an organ explant system. After 48 hour in culture, the membranes were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide for 24 hours. Total RNA was extracted and subjected to an oligo dT primed reverse transcriptase reaction followed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using heat shock protein 70 specific primers. PCR products were hybridized with biotinylated internal probes and identified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results were analyzed by Mann-Whitney U test. A p < 0.05 was significant. Results: Heat shock protein 70 messenger RNA was expressed by all fetal membrane preparations both prior to and following in vitro culture. Addition of lipopolysaccharide increased the concentrations of heat shock protein 70 messenger RNA in each sample tested from a mean of 35.5 ± 29.6 ng/milliliter (12.1–80.1 ng/milliliter) to 169.6 ± 69.9 ng/ml (51.7–218.2 ng/milliliter) (p = 0.03). Conclusion: Human fetal membranes constitutively express heat shock protein 70 messenger ribonucleic acid. Bacterial lipopolysaccharide markedly stimulated heat shock protein 70 messenger RNA gene transcription in human fetal membranes. Thus, heat shock protein 70 is inducible in fetal membranes and may facilitate fetal survival under adverse conditions.
The Association Between BMI and QCT‐Derived Proximal Hip Structure and Strength in Older Men: A Cross‐Sectional Study

Although higher body mass index (BMI) is associated with higher bone mineral density, recent evidence indicates that increased BMI may not be consistently associated with reduced hip fracture risk. Moreover, substantial proportions of hip fractures occur among overweight and obese men and women. The role of increased BMI and obesity on bone density, structure, and strength at the hip is not well understood. We conducted cross‐sectional analyses between BMI and various density and structure measures derived from quantitative computed tomography (QCT)‐scans of the proximal femur, in 3067 men (mean age: 73 y) from the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study (MrOS). Finite element (FE) analysis of hip QCT scans was performed for a subcohort of 672 men to provide a measure of femoral strength for a simulated sideways fall. The impact force was estimated using patient‐specific weight and height information. Multivariable general linear models were used to examine the associations between BMI and hip QCT measures. The relationship of BMI with hip QCT measures was significantly different between men categorized as non‐obese and obese (P for interaction ≤ 0.014). For non‐obese men (BMI < 30), increasing BMI was associated with higher integral, cortical and trabecular vBMD, integral volume, cross‐sectional area, and percent cortical volume (all p < 0.001). For obese men (BMI ≥30), increasing BMI was not associated with any of those parameters. In addition, compared to non‐obese men, obese men had a higher hip strength, but also a higher ratio of impact force to strength (P < 0.0001), in theory increasing their risk of hip fracture despite their increased strength. These results provide a better understanding of hip fracture risk in obese men. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Determining nursing student knowledge, behavior and beliefs for breast cancer and breast self-examination receiving courses with two different approaches.

BACKGROUND This study aimed to determine nursing student knowledge, behavior and beliefs for breast cancer and breast self-examination receiving courses with a traditional lecturing method (TLM) and the Six Thinking Hats method (STHM). MATERIALS AND METHODS The population of the study included a total of 69 second year nursing students, 34 of whom received courses with traditional lecturing and 35 of whom received training with the STHM, an active learning approach. The data of the study were collected pre-training and 15 days and 3 months post-training. The data collection tools were a questionnaire form questioning socio-demographic features, and breast cancer and breast self-examination (BSE) knowledge and the Champion's Health Belief Model Scale. The tests used in data analysis were chi-square, independent samples t-test and paired t-test. RESULTS The mean knowledge score following traditional lecturing method increased from 9.32 ± 1.82 to 14.41 ± 1.94 (P<0.001) and it increased from 9.20 ± 2.33 to 14.73 ± 2.91 after training with the Six Thinking Hats Method (P<0.001). It was determined that there was a significant increase in pre and post-training perceptions of perceived confidence in both groups. There was a statistically significant difference between pre-training, and 15 days and 3 months post-training frequency of BSE in the students trained according to STHM (p<0.05). On the other hand, there was a statistically significant difference between pre-training and 3 months post-training frequency of BSE in the students trained according to TLM. CONCLUSIONS In both training groups, the knowledge of breast cancer and BSE, and the perception of confidence increased similarly. In order to raise nursing student awareness in breast cancer, either of the traditional lecturing method or the Six Thinking Hats Method can be chosen according to the suitability of the teaching material and resources.
Deletion of a Short, Untranslated Region Adjacent to the Polypurine Tract in Moloney Murine Leukemia Virus Leads to Formation of Aberrant 5′ Plus-Strand DNA Ends In Vivo

Experiments were performed to determine the function of a 28-nucleotide untranslated sequence lying between the envelope gene and the polypurine tract (PPT) sequence in the Moloney murine leukemia virus (Mo-MuLV) genome. A mutant virus carrying a deletion of this sequence (Mo-MuLVΔ28) replicated more slowly than wild-type (wt) virus and reverted by recombination with endogenous sequences during growth in NIH 3T3 cells. We show that this deletion did not affect the level of viral protein expression or genomic RNA packaging. Mo-MuLVΔ28 served as a helper virus as efficiently as the wt virus; in contrast, a retroviral vector harboring this mutation exhibited reduced transduction efficiency, indicating that the mutation acts not in trans but in cis. Analysis of acutely infected cells revealed that reduced levels of viral DNA were generated by reverse transcription of the Mo-MuLVΔ28 RNA as compared to the wt RNA. Analysis of DNA circle junctions revealed that plus-strand DNA of Mo-MuLVΔ28 but not wt virus often retained the PPT and additional upstream sequences. These structures suggest that aberrant 5′ ends of plus-strand DNA were generated by a failure to remove the PPT RNA primer and/or by mispriming at sites upstream of the PPT. These data demonstrate that the major role of the sequences immediately upstream of the PPT is specifying efficient and accurate plus-strand DNA synthesis.
Exploring the Critical Factors Influencing the Quality of Blog Interfaces Using the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) Method

Many studies have shown the significance of a good user interface in affecting a blogger's decision to select a platform for their blog and a reader's decision to read one, and so it is vital that both developers and bloggers need a greater understanding of how they can improve user experience through perfecting their blog interfaces. The aim of this research is to explore the critical factors influencing the quality of blog interfaces and the causal relationships between these factors, enabling blog interfaces to be designed more effectively. Using an approach combining a focus group and the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL), this study defined eight factors in four dimensions that influence blog interface quality. The results of the DEMATEL analysis identify the key causal factors and effect factors, as well as the causal relationships between the eight factors via the impact-relations map. The research also indicates the most critical causal factors that bloggers and developers should focus on, in order to most effectively improve the quality and attractiveness of blog interfaces.
Post-treatment symptoms among ethnic minority breast cancer survivors.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To determine racial and ethnic differences in the range and number of post-treatment symptoms among women who have undergone surgical and postsurgical treatment for breast cancer. DESIGN Retrospective study. SETTING Community-based social services agency and public health clinic. METHODS Face-to-face interview of 116 women who had undergone breast cancer surgery. SAMPLE Primarily low-income women in an urban area in northern California. Participants were recruited via posted flyers regarding the study. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES Outcomes (depression, fatigue, pain, and swelling from lymphedema) and demographics (ethnicity, age, income, insurance, education, and marital status). FINDINGS The typical participant was 47 years old, had 12 years of education, and was a parent (74%), unmarried (67%), heterosexual (88%), uninsured (68%), and employed (66%). Thirty percent were Caucasian, 30% African American, 25% Latina, and 15% women of other ethnic backgrounds. African American women and Latinas reported increased rates of pain and an increased number of symptoms. Latinas also reported higher rates of fatigue and depression. In multivariate analyses, an increased number of symptoms were associated with decreased income, with receiving chemotherapy, with having a mastectomy, and with Latina ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest an increased rate of post-treatment symptoms experienced by low-income and ethnic minority women. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING A need exists for affordable, culturally appropriate symptom management interventions. Nursing will have a vital role in designing, testing, and offering such interventions.
Bayesian Validation of Computer Models

Computer models are mathematical representations of real systems developed for understanding and investigating the systems. They are particularly useful when physical experiments are either cost- prohibitive or time-prohibitive. Before a computer model is used, it often must be validated by comparing the computer outputs with physical experiments. This article proposes a Bayesian approach to validating computer models that overcomes several difficulties of the frequentist approach proposed by Oberkampf and Barone. Kennedy and O’Hagan proposed a similar Bayesian approach. A major difference between their approach and ours is that theirs focuses on directly deriving the posterior of the true output, whereas our approach focuses on first deriving the posteriors of the computer model and model bias (difference between computer and true outputs) separately, then deriving the posterior of the true output. As a result, our approach provides a clear decomposition of the expected prediction error of the true output. This decomposition explains why and how combining computer outputs and physical experiments can provide more accurate prediction compared with using only computer outputs or only physical experiments. Two examples are used to illustrate our proposed approach and compare it with the approach Kennedy and O’Hagan. This article has supplementary material online.
LiTiS: The software for statistical lifetime data analysis

This paper is devoted to the description of software for statistical analysis of lifetime data. Software “LiTiS” allows constructing parametric and semiparametric accelerating life testing models with right censored and left truncated data. The overview of main parts of user interface and some properties of the software are presented in the paper.