Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The diagnosis efficacy and safety of video-assisted thoracoscopy surgery (VATS) in undefined interstitial lung diseases: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the efficacy and safety of lung biopsies by video-assisted thoracoscopy surgery (VATS) in the diagnosis of undefined interstitial lung disease (ILD). PATIENTS AND METHODS The retrospective analysis was performed in 32 who patients underwent VATS for the diagnosed with ILD from Jan 2007 to Dec 2011. The main reason for VATS for all the patients was due to no specific diagnosis could be obtained after non-invasive methods, transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) examination and the consultation with pulmonologist, radiologist and pathologist. The clinical profiles, chest high resolution computerized tomography (HRCT), laboratory profile, TBLB as well as the diagnosis of before and after the VATS were analyzed. The surgery site, biopsy number, duration of the thoracic drain, post-operative complications were also recorded. The 30- and 90-day post-operative mortality rates were calculated. The risk factors associated with the incidence of post-operative complications were assessed. RESULTS The specific diagnosis could be established in all patients after VATS lung biopsies, with change from previous ones in 27 (84.4%). Among 20 cases (62.5%) diagnosed as unclassified ILD before the surgery, 14 (70.0%) were diagnosed as nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP), 3 (15.0%) as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and 3 (15.0%) as connective tissue disease-related ILD (CTD-ILD). Among the 7 cases with complete change of diagnosis after VATS, 4 (57.1%) were cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP). The number of site of biopsy had no significant impact on the diagnostic efficacy. There were no significant change of vital sign and lung function after the VATS. 21 (65.6%) patients had post-operative complications, including pulmonary infection (56.3%), pulmonary atelectasis (28.1%) and pneumothorax (25.0%). The 30- and 90-day mortality rates were 0 and 5.2% respectively. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on the incidence of post-operative complications, and no significant difference was found in regards to the age, body mass index (BMI), smoking index, lung function, anesthesia method, duration of remaining the thoracic drain and the use of immunosuppressive drugs or steroids. CONCLUSIONS VATS is a safe and effective procedure for the diagnosis of ILD which were unclassified after routine evaluation, transbronchial lung biopsy and consultation with pulmonologist, radiologist and pathologist.
Hedgers, Investors and Futures Return Volatility: the Case of NYMEX Crude Oil

We present a new model to evaluate the volatility of futures returns. The model is a combination of Dynamic Conditional Correlation and an augmented EGARCH, which allows us to evaluate the differential effects of the trading activity of two classes of optimizing traders. We apply the model to the NYMEX crude oil futures contract, and we find that the rebalancing activity of hedgers has a significant and positive effect on returns volatility. However, we also find that the rebalancing activity attributable to crude oil futures for non-hedging investors has no significant effect.
The orthotopic left lung transplantation in rats: a valuable experimental model without using cuff technique

Advances in the field of clinical lung transplantation must rely on observations made in animal models. In this study, we introduced a new procedure in the rat, orthotopic left lung transplantation without using the cuff technique, in which the donor pulmonary artery, pulmonary vein, and membranous parts of the bronchus were anastomosed continuously in the lumen using a mattress suture under a surgical microscope; meanwhile, a second, low‐pressure perfusion through the pulmonary artery and turnover of the vascular stump were made, which also made the vessel anastomosis easy. Transplantations were completed in 68 rats (89.5%), the mean time used for suturing the left lung hilar structure was 23.5 ± 4.6 min. All lung grafts had good life‐sustaining function because of there being no cuff‐induced granulation tissue in bronchial anastomotic stoma, and three out of 12 allografts were observed with active bronchiolitis obliterans lesions at 8 weeks after transplantation. This model is a simple, valuable experimental model for studying lung transplantation and new therapies for preventing acute or chronic rejection.
Spacecraft Pose Estimation using Principal Component Analysis and a Monocular Camera

The method of Principal Components Analysis (PCA) is widely used in statistical data analysis for engineering and the sciences. It is an effective tool for reducing the dimensionality of datasets while retaining majority of the data information. This paper explores the method of using PCA for spacecraft pose estimation for the purpose of proximity operations, and adapts a novel kernel based PCA method called Euler-PCA to denoise spacecraft imagery using a single optical or thermal camera.
Platelet membrane glycoprotein changes during the preparation and storage of platelet concentrates

Previous studies of platelet membrane glycoproteins during blood bank storage have reported conflicting results. This study assessed two major plasma membrane glycoproteins (GP Ib and GP IIb), an alpha‐ granule membrane protein (GMP‐140), and the concentration of platelet membrane microparticles in cell‐free plasma during routine hospital blood bank platelet storage. 125I‐monoclonal antibody binding was used to measure membrane glycoproteins on the surface of intact platelets and to measure the concentration of membrane microparticles in cell‐ free plasma. Platelet concentrates were stored at room temperature in polyolefin bags for 7 days. In this blood bank, two types of rotators are routinely used for platelet concentrate storage: a 2‐rpm circular tumbler rotator and a 6‐rpm elliptical rotator. Different results were obtained with the rotators. With the tumbler rotator, there was no loss of platelets and antibody binding to GP Ib remained normal. With the elliptical rotator, one third of platelets were lost into clumps during storage, and a 50 percent decrease of antibody binding to GP Ib occurred in the remaining single platelets. There was no loss of antibody binding to GP IIb with either rotator. Antibody binding to GMP‐ 140 increased equally in both rotators indicating that the remaining single platelets had secreted about 16 percent of their alpha‐granule contents. The plasma concentration of platelet membrane microparticles was greater in the bags stored in the elliptical rotator. These results indicate that it is possible to maintain the normal concentration of platelet membrane glycoproteins Ib and IIb during 7 days of room‐ temperature blood bank storage. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A critical proteolytic cleavage site near the C terminus of the yeast retrotransposon Ty1 Gag protein

Cleavage of the Gag and Gag-Pol polyprotein precursors is a critical step in proliferation of retroviruses and retroelements. The Ty1 retroelement of Saccharomyces cerevisiae forms virus-like particles (VLPs) made of the Gag protein. Ty1 Gag is not obviously homologous to the Gag proteins of retroviruses. The apparent molecular mass of Gag is reduced from 58 to 54 kDa during particle maturation. Antibodies raised against the C-terminal peptide of Gag react with the 58-kDa polypeptide but not with the 54-kDa one, indicating that Gag is proteolytically processed at the C terminus. A protease cleavage site between positions 401 and 402 of the Gag precursor was defined by carboxy-terminal sequencing of the processed form of Gag. Certain deletion and substitution mutations in the C terminus of the Gag precursor result in particles that are two-thirds the diameter of the wild-type VLPs. While the Ty1 protease is active in these mutants, their transposition rates are decreased 20-fold compared with that of wild-type Ty1. Thus, the Gag C-terminal portion, released in the course of particle maturation, probably plays a significant role in VLP morphogenesis and Ty1 transposition.
Transient behavior of the kendall birth-death process — applications to capacity expansion for special services

In this paper we derive explicit expressions for the transient state probabilities of the Kendall birth-death process, with and without immigration, for any initial condition. We then propose this process as a model for special services point-to-point demand, in which the births represent circuit “connects” and the deaths represent “disconnects. ” This choice of model is based on intuitive arguments and on the fact that the model can represent the growth and turnover characteristics of special services demand. Thus, the model provides a means by which special services demand, with its inherent uncertainty, may be approximately represented in various facility network studies, to obtain, at the very least, useful qualitative results. In particular, we evaluate the probability of a held order (ie., the probability that a service request is held for lack of spare facilities) with Blocked Customers Held (BCH) as the queue discipline. We also apply the model to capacity expansion problems, introduce the concept of margin, the extra capacity needed to meet the demand within a given held-order probability, and examine its sensitivity with respect to growth, turnover (or churn), and system size. We find that aggregating small demands into a single larger demand produces significant reduction of the margin, because of improved statistical properties.
Vertebral Fracture Status and the World Health Organization Risk Factors for Predicting Osteoporotic Fracture Risk

Vertebral fractures are the most common osteoporotic fracture, and patients with prevalent vertebral fractures have a greater risk of future fractures. However, radiographically determined vertebral fractures are not identified as a distinct risk factor in the World Health Organization (WHO) fracture risk assessment tool. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare potential risk factors including morphometric spine fracture status and the WHO risk factors for predicting 5‐yr fracture risk. We hypothesized that spine fracture status provides prognostic information in addition to consideration of the WHO risk factors alone. A randomly selected, population‐based community cohort of 2761 noninstitutionalized men and women ≥50 yr of age living within 50 km of one of nine regional centers was enrolled in the Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study (CaMOS), a prospective and longitudinal cohort study following subjects for 5 yr. Prevalent and incident spine fractures were identified from lateral spine radiographs. Incident nonvertebral fragility fractures were determined by an annual, mailed fracture questionnaire with validation, and nonvertebral fragility fracture was defined by investigators as a fracture with minimal trauma. A model considering the WHO risk factors plus spine fracture status provided greater prognostic information regarding future fracture risk than a model considering the WHO risk factors alone. In univariate analyses, age, BMD, and spine fracture status had the highest gradient of risk. A model considering these three risk factors captured almost all of the predictive information provided by a model considering spine fracture status plus the WHO risk factors and provided greater predictive information than a model considering the WHO risk factors alone. The use of spine fracture status along with age and BMD predicted future fracture risk with greater simplicity and higher prognostic accuracy than consideration of the risk factors included in the WHO tool.
Measurement of the Intrinsic Properties of Materials by Time-Domain Techniques

In this paper a method is presented for determining the complex permittivity and permeability of linear materials in the frequency domain by a single time-domain measurement; typically, the frequency band extends from VHF through X band. The technique described involves placing an unknown sample in a microwave TEM-mode fixture and exciting the sample with a subnanosecond baseband pulse. The fixture is used to facilitate the measurement of the forward- and back-scattered energy, s21(t) and s11(t), respectively. It is shown in this paper that the forward- and back-scattered time-domain "signatures" are uniquely related to the intrinsic properties of the materials, namely, e* and ? *. By appropriately interpreting s21(t) and s11(t), one is able to determine the real and imaginary parts of ? and ? as a function of frequency. Experimental results are presented describing several familiar materials.
Analysis of cytokine gene expression in subpopulations of freshly isolated thymocytes and thymic stromal cells using semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction

Using a semi‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique we have examined the expression of a panel of cytokines during thymus development, localizing the expression to individual components of the thymic stroma and thymocytes at different maturational stages. The expression of interleukin (IL)‐7, stem cell factor (SCF), IL‐1α and granulocyte‐monocyte‐colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) mRNA was mapped to individual stromal cell types, while the expression of IL‐1α and GM‐CSF, along with interferon (IFN)‐γ and IL‐4 was detected in the lymphoid compartment of fetal day (Fd) 14 thymus. The expression of lymphoid‐specific cytokine genes was selectively down‐regulated in thymocytes undergoing maturation. CD3−/104+8+ cells, representing an intermediate stage of thymocyte maturation, were devoid of cytokine gene expression. Their CD3+ progeny, on the other hand, expressed IFN‐γ mRNA, supporting the notion that positive selection of cells for further maturation induces the reexpression of some cytokine genes. The cytokine profiles of the various stromal components differed. Purified major histocompatibility complex class II+ cortical epithelial cells strongly expressed IL‐7 and SCF, but only limited expression of IL‐lα and GM‐CSF could be detected. Fetal mesenchyme, on the other hand, expressed SCF, IL‐lα and GM‐CSF but not IL‐7. The importance of these cytokine profiles in relation to T cell development is discussed.
Insulin resistance, insulin response, and obesity as indicators of metabolic risk.

CONTEXT Insulin resistance (IR) and obesity, especially abdominal obesity, are regarded as central pathophysiological features of a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs), but their relative roles remain undefined. Moreover, the differential impact of IR viz. insulin response has not been evaluated. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to dissect out the impact of obesity, abdominal obesity, and IR/insulin response on CVRF. DESIGN This was a cross-sectional study. SETTING The study was conducted at 21 research centers in Europe. SUBJECTS The study included a cohort of 1308 nondiabetic subjects [718 women and 590 men, age 30-60 yr, body mass index (BMI) 17-44 kg.m(-2)]. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We measured IR (by a standardized euglycemic insulin clamp), waist girth, insulin response to an oral glucose tolerance test, and major CVRF, and analyzed their associations by multivariate models and factor analysis. RESULTS BMI was positively related to all CVRFs. Waist circumference was related to higher blood pressure and serum triglycerides and lower high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, IR to reduced glucose tolerance, higher free fatty acids, triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and lower high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and insulin response to higher heart rate, blood pressure and fasting glucose, and the same dyslipidemic profile as IR (P < or = 0.05 for all). By factor analysis, three main factors (related to IR, age, and fatness, respectively) appeared to underlie this pattern of associations. Each of BMI, waist girth, IR, and insulin response was independently associated with total CVRF load (all P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS When IR, fat mass and distribution, and insulin response are measured simultaneously in a large cohort, no one factor stands out as the sole driving force of the CVRF cluster, each being associated with one or more physiological pathways according to known cause-effect relationships.
Liquid-ChromatographicDeterminationof Progesteronein Serum , with SpectrophotometricDetection

In thisprecise,accurate,and specific liquid-chromatographic procedurefordeterminingprogesteronein serum, the serum is diluted10-foldwith water/methanol(65/35 by vol), and the progesterone is extracted from the sample by passage througha columnof graphitizedcarbon black (CarbopackB, Supelco). Afterwashingthe column,we elute the progesterone with chloroform/methanol(90/10 by vol), which Is then evaporated.The progesteroneis separated on a reversedphase C15columnwith a mobile phase of acetonitrile/water, (46/54 by vol) at a flow rate 011.6 mI/mm. The eluted compound is detected by absorbanceat 242 nm. Analytical recoveries for progesterone varied from 96.0 to 97.8%. Within-day and day-to-day precision, determined by analyzingpooledserum, rangedfrom3.4 to 6.4%, and 4.1 to 7.9%, respectively. The limit of detection was about 0.2 pg/L. Numerousdrugs and steroidstested did not interfere. Resuits correlated (r = 0.997) well with those by radloimmunoassay.
A simplified method for Ca2+ flux measurement on isolated human B cells that uses flow cytometry

A method for Ca2+ flux measurement on isolated human peripheral B cells that uses flow cytometry is described. B cells were isolated by anti-CD19 magnetic bead sorting, and Ca2+ flux was measured with the fluo-3 reagent on a standard single-laser flow cytometer. The response of B-cell stimulation by anti-immunoglobulin B (anti-IgM), anti-IgD, protein A, concanavalin A, and ionomycin was determined. Percentage of responder B cells, the level of Ca2+, and the time of peak stimulation were measured. Bound anti-CD19 monoclonal antibody coupled with small paramagnetic particles did not affect Ca2+ flux. All the isolated B cells responded maximally at 10s with stimulation by 8 microg of ionomycin. The average isolated preparation contains 70% IgM+ and 85% IgD+ cells, all of which showed peak stimulation with 10 microg of anti-IgM and anti-IgD per ml, respectively, at 30s. Only at high concentrations of 80 microg/ml, concanavalin A produced a slower response, peaking at 90 s after stimulation. Stimulation with 20 microg of protein A per ml resulted in Ca2+ flux in only 40 to 60% of cells that had a rapid response and maximal stimulation resembling the pattern of activation of ionomycin. B cells from three patients with mixed cryoglobulinemia with high concentrations of monoclonal rheumatoid factors showed stimulation with aggregated IgG, whereas those from healthy control subjects did not, demonstrating the applicability of the methodology to detection of specific antigen stimulation of B cells. This methodology may be useful in testing the functional capacity of B cells in a variety of diseases. The methodology may also prove useful in studying antigen-specific B-cell responses when they involve a significant percentage of B cells.
A flatness based backstepping controller design with sliding mode for asynchronous machines

Two nonlinear controllers for voltage inverter-fed induction machines are presented in order to ensure flatness based trajectory tracking. The first one is a sliding mode controller and for the design of the second one a backstepping approach is used, where also a sliding mode regime arises. Simulation results illustrate the value of the presented methods.
Examination of Factor Structure for the Consumers' Responses to the Value Consciousness Scale

The psychometric properties of the Value Consciousness Scale developed by Lichtenstein, Netemeyer, and Burton in 1990 were examined in a retail grocery study (N = 497). Original assessment of scale properties was undertaken using two convenience samples in a nonretail setting and additional scale performance has been documented by the scale authors. This study furthers previous research by (1) examining performance on the items in the retail grocery setting and (2) utilizing an appropriately rigorous sampling procedure. A confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the Value Consciousness Scale does not exhibit unidimensional properties, and one must be cautious if this scale is used in applications of market segmentation until further clarification can be provided.
A Theory-Centric Real-Time Assessment of Programming

The instructional design of many introductory programming courses in computer science do not include introduction to programming styles. In most cases, these courses offer an introduction to syntax constructs of the programming language as a means to translate problem statements to program design and how to handle a compiler. Notably, students are offered only summative feedback on their code. Skill development in programming is an evolutionary process. Skilled programmers exhibit expertise in contextualizing language constructs, design issues, efficient debugging, standards requirements, best practices, coding resources, and ability to successfully collaborate with colleagues. We propose a pedagogical mechanism to guide students through a formative process and present empirical evidence in support of a real-time and theory-centric assessment and feedback of styles of programming.
Optimism, Pessimism, and Gambling: The Downside of Optimism

Three studies examined the relation between dispositional optimism and gambling. In Study 1, optimists were more likely than pessimists to have positive gambling expectations and report maintaining these expectations following losses. They also were more likely to indicate that winning money was a primary motivation for their gambling. Study 2 demonstrated that pessimists but not optimists reduce their betting and expectations after poor gaming performance. Study 3 replicated this effect using a more controlled experiment and showed that after losing, optimists report remembering more near wins than do pessimists. Thus, all three studies suggest that optimists, more than pessimists, maintain positive expectations and continue gambling after experiencing negative gaming outcomes. The authors suggest that despite optimism’s many benefits, there are common situations in which the pessimistic tendency to disengage is beneficial.
Improved transdermal delivery of prostaglandin E1 through hairless mouse skin: combined use of carboxymethyl‐ethyl‐β‐cyclodextrin and penetration enhancers

Abstract— The optimal prescription of transdermal preparations of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) for treatment of peripheral vascular diseases has been investigated. The chemical stability of PGE1 in fatty alcohol/propylene glycol (FAPG) ointment was markedly improved by carboxymethyl‐ethyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (CME‐β‐CyD). Application of a PGE1 ointment containing the penetration enhancer, 1‐dodecylazacycloheptane‐2‐one (Azone) or 1‐[2‐(decylthio)ethyl]azacyclopentane‐2‐one (HPE‐101), onto the skin of hairless mice showed the increase of blood flow in the skin due to the vasodilating action of PGE1. In particular, the ointment containing a PGE1‐CME‐β‐CyD complex supplemented with HPE‐101 showed the most prominent increase of the blood flow. Compared with other ointments, this ointment was found to show significantly greater transfer of HPE‐101 into in‐vitro preparations of the skin of hairless mice. Transfer of PGE1 into the skin was thought to be facilitated by this increased transfer of HPE‐101. These results suggest that a combination of CME‐β‐CyD and HPE‐101 is useful for designing PGE1 ointments for topical application with good chemical stability and percutaneous permeability.