Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Biomechanical Comparison of Limited Open Versus Krackow Repair for Achilles Tendon Rupture

Background: Soft tissue complications after Achilles tendon repair has led to increased interest in less invasive techniques. Various limited open techniques have gained popularity as an alternative to open operative repair. The purpose of this study was to biomechanically compare an open Krackow and limited open repair for Achilles tendon rupture. We hypothesized that there would be no statistical difference in load to failure, work to failure, and initial linear stiffness. Methods: A simulated Achilles tendon rupture was created 4 cm proximal to its insertion in 18 fresh-frozen cadaveric below-knee lower limbs. Specimens were randomized to open or limited open PARS Achilles Jig System repair. Repairs were loaded to failure at a rate of 25.4 mm/s to reflect loading during normal ankle range of motion. Load to failure, work to failure, and initial linear stiffness were compared between the 2 repair types. Results: The average load to failure (353.8 ± 88.8 N vs 313.3 ± 99.9 N; P = .38) and work to failure (6.4 ± 2.3 J vs 6.3 ± 3.5 J; P = .904) were not statistically different for Krackow and PARS repair, respectively. Mean initial linear stiffness of the Krackow repair (17.8 ± 5.4 N/mm) was significantly greater than PARS repair (11.8 ± 2.5 N/mm) (P = .011). Conclusion: No significant difference in repair strength was seen, but higher initial linear stiffness for Krackow repair suggests superior resistance to gap formation, which may occur during postoperative rehabilitation. With equal repair strength, but less soft tissue devitalization, the PARS may be a favorable option for patients with risk factors for soft tissue complications.
Motivators of Collegiate Sport Attendance: A Comparison Across Demographic Groups

The primary purpose of this study was to identify the motivators for collegiate sport fans across three different sports and to understand demographic variables that may impact these motivators. Collegiate sports depend not only on students, faculty and staff, but alumni and the community as well. Therefore, demographic variables would seem to play an important role in determining which motivators have the greatest impact on game attendance. The results of this study suggest that demographics do affect the importance of different marketing motivators. From a managerial standpoint, this means that marketers should consider their potential target(s) for sporting events to develop cost-efficient marketing strategies.
Optimization of Torque Tracking Performance for Direct-Torque-Controlled PMSM Drives With Composite Torque Regulator

In this article, a composite torque regulator is proposed for optimizing the torque tracking performance in direct torque-controlled permanent-magnet synchronous motor drives. In the proposed composite torque regulator, two new variable hysteresis bands are designed and combined with two constant hysteresis bands. In the conventional direct torque control (DTC) scheme, the torque increasing rate and decreasing rate are changed with different speeds and loads. Thus, the average torque will deviate the reference torque seriously under some operation states. With torque deviation, the reference torque can hardly reflect the actual electromagnetic torque, and the torque tracking becomes more difficult and unsatisfactory in dynamic process. On the other hand, the time delay of one sampling period further deteriorates the precision of torque tracking. By introducing the proposed composite torque regulator, both torque deviation and the impact of time delay on the torque ripple can be eliminated. In addition, the advantages of the conventional DTC scheme, namely low switching frequency, fast dynamic response, simple structure, and independence of motor parameters, can be reserved in the proposed DTC scheme with a composite torque regulator. Experimental results are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed scheme and compare its performance with the conventional DTC scheme.
A common assessment tool in inflammatory rheumatisms

Aims: Once the biologic therapies have been used, the present-day medicine trend is to homogenize the treatment of the inflammatory autoimmune rheumatic diseases, meaning rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). But, there is still the need to find out a common assessment instrument for this pathology. Methods: The study included 120 patients (40 patients with RA, 40 patients with AS, 20 patients with PsA and 20 patients with SLE). They were assessed at the beginning and at the end of the study period by using both DAS (Disease Activity Score) and HAQ (Health Assessment Questionnaire) scales. BASDAI (Bath AS Disease Activity Index) was used for AS patients and SLEDAI (SLE Disease Activity Index) for SLE patients. Results: The RA patients had significant improvements regarding both DAS and HAQ scores (DAS mean score was initially 4.49 and finally 3.75; HAQ mean score was initially 1.78 and finally 2.15; p<0.05). Important improvements were registered in AS patients (DAS mean score was initially 5.25 and finally 4.02; HAQ mean score was initially 2.24 and finally 2.57; BASDAI mean score was initially 4.28 and finally 3.21; p<0.05), in PsA patients (DAS mean score was initially 7.32 and finally 5.15; HAQ mean score was initially 2.1 and finally 2.51; p<0.05) and in SLE patients (DAS mean score was initially 4.4 and finally 3.45; HAQ mean score was initially 1.9 and finally 2.4; SLEDAI mean score was initially 24.7 and finally 12.5; p<0.05). Conclusions: Having in view that the DAS scale analyses complex aspects (clinical activity of the disease, its inflammatory lab evidence, patient’s general health status), as well as its good correlation to other specific disease scales, it can be used as a more widely assessment instrument in the autoimmune inflammatory rheumatisms.
Using the yield curve to forecast economic growth

This paper finds the yield curve to have a well‐performing ability to forecast the real gross domestic product growth in the USA, compared to professional forecasters and time series models. Past studies have different arguments concerning growth lags, structural breaks, and ultimately the ability of the yield curve to forecast economic growth. This paper finds such results to be dependent on the estimation and forecasting techniques employed. By allowing various interest rates to act as explanatory variables and various window sizes for the out‐of‐sample forecasts, significant forecasts from many window sizes can be found. These seemingly good forecasts may face issues, including persistent forecasting errors. However, by using statistical learning algorithms, such issues can be cured to some extent. The overall result suggests, by scientifically deciding the window sizes, interest rate data, and learning algorithms, many outperforming forecasts can be produced for all lags from one quarter to 3 years, although some may be worse than the others due to the irreducible noise of the data.
Extensive Proliferation of Cd4+ Lymphocyte by Both Phytohaemagglutinin A and Anti-Cd2/Cd3/ Cd28 Macsibeads

Abstract Background: Lymphocytes proliferate considerably following appropriate stimulation in vitro. Autologous T cells are obtained from whole blood or tissue sites in relatively limited amounts. We need a method to expand these cells efficiently, study their functions and manipulate them to create appropriate cells for transferring to the patient with infection and cancer. Objectives: The aim of this study is to determine proliferation ability of two different stimulators on CD4+ lymphocytes. Methods: Lymphocytes were isolated from blood samples of healthy donors after removing adherent cells (monocytes). The efficacy of MACSiBead™ coated with anti-CD2, anti-CD3, anti-CD28 (anti-CD2/CD3/CD28) was compared with Phytohaemagglutinin A (PHA) on CD4+ lymphocytes proliferation using carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE) in cell culture media. The percentage of proliferating cells was analyzed using flow cytometry. Results: Both stimulators induced extensive proliferation of CD4+ lymphocytes but proliferation ability of PHA was higher compared to stimulation by anti-CD2/CD3/CD28 MACSiBead™. The proliferation rate of cells stimulated by PHA was 93.8% ± 3.37% whereas it was 85.2% ± 4.7% in cells stimulated by anti-CD2/CD3/CD28 MACSiBead™. Conclusions: Our results show that MACSiBead™ along with PHA can be used to obtain a large number of expanded CD4+ lymphocytes.
Opportunistic feeding by house-dwelling geckos: does this make them more successful invaders?

Various species of ‘house’ gecko are found in and around buildings, where they can be observed feeding opportunistically on the insects attracted to artificial lights. Most of the species are considered strict insectivores. Nevertheless, there have been several recently published observations of ‘house’ geckos feeding on non-insect food. In order to assess how common this behaviour is among geckos worldwide, we offered an online questionnaire to ecologists and herpetologists. Of the 74 observations received, most reported Hemidactylus frenatus, H. platyurus and Gehyra mutilata feeding on rice, bread, fruits, vegetables, dog food or chocolate cream, taken from tables, plates, and garbage bins. This opportunistic feeding behaviour is much more common than previously thought and is perpetrated by species considered to be highly invasive, possibly contributing to their success as invaders.
A semi-automated machine learning-aided approach to quantitative analysis of centrosomes and microtubule organization

ABSTRACT Microtubules (MTs) promote important cellular functions including migration, intracellular trafficking, and chromosome segregation. The centrosome, comprised of two centrioles surrounded by the pericentriolar material (PCM), is the cell's central MT-organizing center. Centrosomes in cancer cells are commonly numerically amplified. However, the question of how the amplification of centrosomes alters MT organization capacity is not well studied. We developed a quantitative image-processing and machine learning-aided approach for the semi-automated analysis of MT organization. We designed a convolutional neural network-based approach for detecting centrosomes, and an automated pipeline for analyzing MT organization around centrosomes, encapsulated in a semi-automatic graphical tool. Using this tool, we find that breast cancer cells with supernumerary centrosomes not only have more PCM protein per centrosome, which gradually increases with increasing centriole numbers, but also exhibit expansion in PCM size. Furthermore, cells with amplified centrosomes have more growing MT ends, higher MT density and altered spatial distribution of MTs around amplified centrosomes. Thus, the semi-automated approach developed here enables rapid and quantitative analyses revealing important facets of centrosomal aberrations. Summary: A quantitative image-processing and machine learning-aided approach for the semi-automated analysis of centrosome amplification and MT organization defects in breast cancer cells.
Does conscientiousness increase quality of life among renal transplant recipients

A longitudinal study comprising of renal transplant recipients (RTRs) was carried out in Lahore, Pakistan across 15 months. The recipients with healthy graft functioning were recruited from government and private renal clinics and assessed at three times. The aim was to investigate if conscientiousness as a personality trait influences their satisfaction with quality of life (QoL). Conscientiousness is mostly associated with health behaviors and in particular adherence. An improved QoL is associated with self-care, health behaviors and medication adherence post-transplant. However, there is little research evidence about the role of personality traits in health related behaviors and QoL in transplant population. The study found most recipients to be conscientious with a consistent pattern of conscientiousness across three waves, confirming its stability as an enduring personality trait. Regression analysis indicated that except wave 1, conscientiousness appeared to be a significant predictor of QoL satisfaction at wave 2 & 3, suggesting a contribution of this personality trait in increasing QoL satisfaction among RTRs. The findings suggest that conscientiousness influences QoL, reflecting a positive contribution of this personality trait in influencing subjective well-being and overall QoL.
Online Trajectory Optimization for Legged Robotics Incorporating Vision for Dynamically Efficient and Safe Footstep Locations

This paper presents a trajectory optimization algorithm for legged robotics that uses a novel cost function incorporating point cloud data to simultaneously optimize for footstep locations and center of mass trajectories. This novel formulation transforms the inherently discrete problem of selecting footstep locations into a continuous cost. The algorithm seamlessly balances the desire to choose footstep locations that enhance the dynamic performance of the robot while still choosing locations that are viable and safe. We demonstrate the success of this algorithm by navigating the ALPHRED V2 robotic system over unknown terrain in a simulation environment.
Development of Novel Anti-DC-STAMP Monoclonal Antibody Targeting Osteolytic Periodontal Lesion

Background: Dendritic cell-specific transmembrane protein (DC-STAMP) plays a key role in the induction of osteoclast (OC) cell fusion. This conclusion is supported by evidence showing that osteoclast cell fusion is diminished, while systemic bone mineral density is significantly elevated, in DC-STAMP-KO mice, when compared to their wild-type mice. Clinically available anti-bone loss drugs, such as denosumab (anti-RANKL mAb) and bisphosphonates, cause severe side effects of MRONJ or medication related osteonecrosis of the jaw, presumably by targeting the complete suppression of osteoclastogenesis, which interferes with normal osteoclastosteoblast coupling, or by interrupting antibacterial immune responses. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effects of locally administered anti-DC-STAMP-mAb on bone and immunological responses in the context of periodontitis using a mouse model. Methods: A silk ligature was placed around the second maxillary molar of C57BL/6J mice (male, 6to 7-week-old, n=6-7/group) to induce alveolar bone resorption. Immediately after ligature placement, local injection of anti-DC-STAMP-mAb or control mAb (10μg/site) on the palatal tissue was performed. Alveolar bone loss, localization of OC, and IgG antibody response to the mouse periodontal opportunistic pathogen Pasteurella pneumotropica (Pp) were measured at Day-7 and Day-14 using μCT, TRAP staining and ELISA. T-cells isolated from cervical lymph nodes were stimulated in vitro with mouse dendritic cells and Pp-antigen in the presence or absence of anti-DC-STAMP-mAb or control-mAb, followed by measurement of T-cell proliferation by 3H-thymidine incorporation assay. Results: Immunofluorescence staining demonstrated higher expression of DC-STAMP on osteoclast-like cells on the alveolar bone surface in the ligature-induced periodontitis lesion
Bankruptcy Profile of the Islamic Banking Industry: Evidence from Pakistan

The purpose of this study is to examine the bankruptcy profile of the Islamic banking industry in Pakistan for the post-crisis period 2007-2008. This study used Altman’s Z-score bankruptcy evaluation model for evaluating bankruptcy rates of the sampled Islamic banks from Pakistan for the post-crisis period 2009-2015. ANOVA result shows the P-value with 0.002, which implies that the sampled Islamic banks from Pakistan do differ in their rates of bankruptcy. Regression results show that the variables liquidity and productivity ratios have a significant positive impact on the bankruptcy profile of the Islamic banking sector in Pakistan. While profitability and insolvency, ratios indicated an insignificant impact on the bankruptcy profile of the Islamic banking industry in Pakistan. The overall analysis of this study is viable to draw the attention of researchers and practitioners towards the deteriorating bankruptcy profile of the Islamic banking sector in Pakistan. The study also persuades the researchers to design a separate Shariah-based bankruptcy evaluation model for the Islamic banking industry of Pakistan.
Assessment of Social Support for a Mother Raising a Child Diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, as Experienced by her Family. A Case Study

The article discusses a variety of issues related to social support given to Polish families raising a child with Asperger syndrome. The questions regarding the position of Asperger syndrome in the current ICD-10 classification are presented along with the full spectrum of problems faced by people with this type of disorder. The article also discusses selected issues related to the functioning of the whole family. Theoretical considerations focus on social support understood as a special kind of assistance provided to a family in a difficult situation. The paper analyzes the features of the social network, including social support networks, along with the changes that have taken place in these structures. The article also discusses the sources and types of social support experienced by the family in a 10-year period.
Link Failure Recovery for a Large-Scale Video Surveillance System using a Software-Defined Network

The software-defined network (SDN) is a new technology that separates the control plane from data ‎plane for the network devices. One of the most significant issues in the video ‎surveillance system is the link failure. When the path failure occurs, the monitoring center cannot receive the ‎video from the cameras. In this paper, two methods are proposed to solve this problem. The first ‎method uses the Dijkstra algorithm to re-find the path at the source node switch. The second method ‎uses the Dijkstra algorithm to re-find the path at the ingress node switch (or failed link). Based on ‎simulation results, it is concluded that the second method consumes less time (lower transmission delay) than the first method. The delay consumed by the second method is half the delay in the first method. Also, the packet loss rate for second method is 14%, while 16% in the first method. The jitter for second method is almost similar to the jitter without link fail. Therefore, ‎the second method led to select the path with small losses without impact on video quality. ‎Finally, the results of two methods are compared in terms of end to end delay, packet loss rate, and jitter. ‎
Social media influence on tourists’ destination choice: importance of context

ABSTRACT While social media receive considerable scholarly attention, studies reveal mixed outcomes in relation to its influence on tourists’ destination choices. There is nonetheless a persistent perception that social media has a fundamental influence on destination choice. However, those studies that do find a social media influence are in contexts where tourists are predisposed to be influenced (the contexts were selected due to social media presence or influence). These studies also have limitations in terms of social media types, tourists and destinations. This research responds to the challenges and explores social media influence across diverse destination choice contexts. Through face-to-face interviews conducted with 39 Australian tourist decision-makers, the findings reveal that social media influence is only apparent when specific context-conditions are co-present. Instead, most destination choice contexts are likely to result in low levels of social media influence. The findings advance theory by identifying three contextual dimensions for social media influence: level of social media engagement; destination novelty or familiarity; and complexity of the planning decision. This research importantly demonstrates the need to illuminate context when conceptualising social media influence on tourists’ destination choices. Practically, destinations should utilise social media to demonstrate ease of visit planning.
Sequential Online Dispatch in Design of Experiments for Single- and Multiple-Response Surrogate Modeling

As parallel computing becomes increasingly important in many real-world applications, a batch sequential experimental design (BSED), which adds a batch of computer experiments per iteration and runs these simulations in parallel, is gaining popularity in surrogate modeling. This article proposes sequential online dispatch in design of experiments (SODDE) for single- and multiple-response surrogate modeling when multiple processors work in parallel but not independently. The proposed method includes several unique features: 1) it works with any popular acquisition function to select a single new sample point at each iteration; 2) it minimizes the idle time of all processors; 3) it rapidly updates the surrogate model; and 4) it dynamically reconstructs the surrogate model when a simulation process aborts, minimizing the impact incurred by the abortion. The effectiveness of SODDE is evaluated in one mathematical example and one industrial problem. The latter problem considers blade design of horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWTs). The cost of finding blade geometry that results in the desired aerodynamic behavior of HAWTs is estimated for BSED and SODDE. Relative to BSED, SODDE reduces the costs by up to approximately 31%. Note to Practitioners—Computer simulation models are often used to represent the behavior of complex engineered systems, such as automobiles, aircraft, and wind turbines. Although running computer simulations allows analyzing the performance of these systems, the simulations can still be computationally costly (e.g., hours of runtime for numerically solving a large number of differential equations in one simulation), which makes the performance analysis task challenging. It is important to design an innovative simulation process that replaces the original expensive simulation models by cheap-to-build surrogate models, and at the same time, minimize the computational costs for building the surrogate models. The new method developed in this article allows experimental designers to run batch sequential iterations and run these iterations in parallel. This, in engineering practice, will help meet the need for long and complex experimental designs scenarios in a parallel computing environment, where the computer “up time” (or runtime) needs to be maximized to save time and ultimately, money. Cost analysis results from an industrial problem involving the inverse design of wind turbine blades suggest that the proposed method reduces the computational costs by up to approximately 31% over an existing method.