Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Structural characterization of subchondral bone in the distal aspect of third metacarpal bones from Thoroughbred racehorses via micro--computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE To characterize the microstructure of subchondral bone (SCB) plate and trabecular bone (TBB) of the distopalmar aspect of the condyles of third metacarpal bones (MC3s) from Thoroughbred racehorses at 2 different stages of SCB disease via micro-computed tomography (CT). SAMPLE POPULATION 12 pairs of MC3s from Thoroughbred racehorses euthanized for various reasons. PROCEDURES MC3s were collected from horses with mild (n = 6) or severe (6) SCB disease, as determined via micro-CT. Cubic (6 x 6 x 6-cm) specimens of SCB plate and TBB were cut from the palmar aspect of condyles and sagittal ridges and examined with 3-dimensional micro-CT. For each specimen, apparent bone mineral density (aBMD), true BMD (tBMD), bone volume fraction (BVF), trabecular thickness (TBT), trabecular separation (TBS), and connectivity (CN) were calculated. RESULTS Condyles had higher aBMD, tBMD, BVF, and TBT and lower TBS than did the sagittal ridge. In bone specimens with mild SCB changes, SCB plate had higher aBMD, TBT, and CN and lower TBS than did TBB. In bone specimens with severe SCB disease, TBB had higher aBMD and TMD and lower TBS than it did in bone specimens with mild disease, and values were similar to those for SCB plate in bone specimens with severe disease. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The microstructure of SCB of the distopalmar aspect of metacarpal condyles of horses varied according to the severity of changes identified via micro-CT. With mild SCB disease, sclerosis existed in the SCB plate of the condyles; with severe disease, sclerosis also invaded condylar TBB.
Spatial and spectral imaging of retinal laser photocoagulation burns.

PURPOSE To correlate in vivo spatial and spectral morphologic changes of short- to long-pulse 532 nm Nd:YAG retinal laser lesions using Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (FD OCT), autofluorescence (AF), fluorescein angiography (FA), and multispectral imaging. METHODS Ten eyes with treatment-naive preproliferative or proliferative diabetic retinopathy were studied. A titration grid of laser burns at 20, 100, and 200 milliseconds was applied to the nasal retina and laser fluence titrated to produce four grades of laser lesion visibility: subvisible (SV), barely visible (BV, light-gray), threshold (TH, gray-white), and suprathreshold (ST, white). The AF, FA, FD-OCT, and multispectral imaging were performed 1 week before laser, and 1 hour, 4 weeks, and 3 and 6 months post-laser. Multispectral imaging measured relative tissue oxygen concentration. RESULTS Laser burn visibility and lesion size increased in a linear relationship according to fixed fluence levels. At fixed pulse durations, there was a semilogarithmic increase in lesion size over 6 months. At 20 milliseconds, all grades of laser lesion were reduced significantly in size after 6 months: SV, 51%; BV, 54%; TH, 49%; and ST, 50% (P < 0.001), with retinal pigment epithelial proliferation and photoreceptor infilling. At 20 milliseconds, there was healing of photoreceptor inner segment/outer segment junction layers compared with 100- and 200-millisecond lesions. Significant increases in mean tissue oxygenation (range, four to six units) within the laser titration area and in oxygen concentration across the laser lesions (P < 0.01) were detected at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS For patients undergoing therapeutic laser, there may be improved tissue oxygenation, higher predictability of burn morphology, and more spatial localization of healing responses of burns at 20 milliseconds compared with longer pulse durations over time.
Relapsing encephalopathy in a patient with &agr;-methylacyl-CoA racemase deficiency

&agr;-Methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR) deficiency is a rare disorder of fatty acid metabolism which has recently been described in three adult cases. We have identified a further patient with clinical features of a relapsing encephalopathy, seizures and cognitive decline over a 40 year period. Biochemical studies revealed grossly elevated plasma pristanic acid levels, and a deficiency of AMACR in skin fibroblasts. Sequence analysis of AMACR cDNA identified a homozygous point mutation (c154T>C). This case adds to the phenotypic variation seen in this peroxisomal disorder and highlights the importance of screening for plasma pristanic acid levels in patients with unexplained relapsing encephalopathies.
Development of patch-type sensor module for battery-free power transfer and data transmission

This paper presents power and data transmission technology that can be used in patch-type module for epidermal electronics of wearable devices. Proposed technology based on passive RFID is a system that can transmit a data and power between patch-type module without battery and wearable devices, such as a smart watch. To improve the read distance and power transmission efficiency, the passive RFID system used a new matching circuit instead of impedance matching method. The maximum read distance was increased to 12.5 cm, which was 56% increase comparing the existing impedance matching method. This research showed the feasibility of power and data transmission between patch-type module and smart watch.
Who comes back with what: a retrospective database study on reasons for emergency readmission to hospital in children and young people in England

Objective To determine the proportion of children and young people (CYP) in England who are readmitted for the same condition. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting National administrative hospital data (Hospital Episode Statistics). Participants CYP (0-year-olds to 24-year-olds) discharged after an emergency admission to the National Health Service in England in 2009/2010. Main outcome measures Coded primary diagnosis classified in six broad groups indicating reason for admission (infection, chronic condition, injury, perinatal related or pregnancy related, sign or symptom or other). We grouped readmissions as ≤30 days or between 31 days and 2 years after the index discharge. We used multivariable logistic regression to determine factors at the index admission that were predictive of readmission within 30 days. Results 9% of CYP were readmitted within 30 days. Half of the 30-day readmissions and 40% of the recurrent admissions between 30 days and 2 years had the same primary diagnosis group as the original admission. These proportions were consistent across age, sex and diagnostic groups, except for infants and young women with pregnancy-related problems (15–24 years) who were more likely to be readmitted for the same primary diagnostic group. CYP with underlying chronic conditions were readmitted within 30 days twice as often (OR: 1.93, 95% CI 1.89 to 1.99) compared with CYP without chronic conditions. Conclusions Financial penalties for readmission are expected to incentivise more effective care of the original problem, thereby avoiding readmission. Our findings, that half of children come back with different problems, do not support this presumption.
Thermal characterization of the inter-die thermal resistance of hybrid Cu/dielectric wafer-to-wafer bonding

In this paper, we present the design of a passive test chip with thermal test structures in the Metal 1 layer of the back-end of Line (BEOL) for the experimental thermal characterization of the inter-die thermal resistance of wafer-pairs fabricated by hybrid Cu/dielectric wafer-to-wafer bonding. The thermal test structures include heater elements and temperature sensors. The measurement data is combined with a modeling study to extract the thermal resistance of the bonded interface for the fabricated bonded wafer pair. The extracted thermal resistance of the die-die interface created by hybrid wafer-to-wafer bonding is compared to literature data on μbump stacking. The low thermal resistance of the thin bonded dielectric interface indicates that hybrid Cu/dielectric bonding is a promising technology to create 3D chip stacks with a low thermal die-to-die resistance.
Regression‐based Multivariate Linkage Analysis with an Application to Blood Pressure and Body Mass Index

Multivariate linkage analysis has been suggested for the analysis of correlated traits, such as blood pressure (BP) and body mass index (BMI), because it may offer greater power and provide clearer results than univariate analyses. Currently, the most commonly used multivariate linkage methods are extensions of the univariate variance component model. One concern about those methods is their inherent sensitivity to the assumption of multivariate normality which cannot be easily guaranteed in practice. Another problem possibly related to all multivariate linkage analysis methods is the difficulty in interpreting nominal p‐values, because the asymptotic distribution of the test statistic has not been well characterized. Here we propose a regression‐based multivariate linkage method in which a robust score statistic is used to detect linkage. The p‐value of the statistic is evaluated by a simple and rapid simulation procedure. Theoretically, this method can be used for any number and type of traits and for general pedigree data. We apply this approach to a genome linkage analysis of blood pressure and body mass index data from the Beaver Dam Eye Study.
On Foguel’s answer to Nagy’s question

Nagy's question is whether or not every power-bounded operator is similar to a contraction [3]. ("Power-bounded" means that the norms of the positive powers are bounded.) Foguel's answer is no [l]. The purpose of this note is to look at Foguel's ingenious counterexample from a point of view somewhat different from his own. The advantage of the new look is that it is less computational; its drawback is that the intuitive motivation is less transparent. Let Ho he a Hubert space with an orthonormal basis {e0,ei,e2, ■ ■ ■}, and let 5 be the unilateral shift on H0 (Sen = en+i, ra = 0, 1, 2, • • • )• Let / be an infinite set of natural numbers that is "sparse" in the sense that if i and j belong to / and * <j, then 2i <j. (Example : / can be the set of positive integral powers of 3.) Let Q he the projection from Ho onto the span of all the e/s with j in /. If H is the direct sum of two copies of H0 (the set of all ordered pairs (/, g ) with / and g in Ho), then every operator on H is given by a two-by-two matrix whose entries are operators on H0. Principal assertion: if
Detection of β-globin Gene Mutations Among β-thalassaemia Carriers and Patients in Malaysia: Application of Multiplex Amplification Refractory Mutation System-Polymerase Chain Reaction.

BACKGROUND β-thalassaemia is one of the most common single-gene disorders worldwide. Each ethnic population has its own common mutations, accounting for the majority of cases, with a small number of mutations for the rarer alleles. Due to the heterogeneity of β-thalassaemia and the multi-ethnicity of Malaysians, molecular diagnostics may be expensive and time consuming. METHODS A simple polymerase chain reaction (PCR) approach involving a multiplex amplification refractory mutation system (MARMS) and one amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS), consisting of 20 β-globin gene mutations, were designed and employed to investigate β-thalassaemia patients and carriers. RESULTS Out of 169 carriers tested with the MARMS, Cd 41/42 (-TTCT), Cd 26 (A-G) HbE, IVS 1-1 (G-T), and IVS 1-5 (G-C) were the most common mutations, accounting for 78.1%. Among the Malays, Cd 26 (A-G) HbE, Cd 41/42 (-TTCT), IVS 1-1 (G-T), and IVS 1-5 (G-C) were the most common mutations, accounting for 81.4%, whereas Cd 41/42 (-TTCT) and IVS 2-654 (C-T) were most common among the Chinese (79.1%). CONCLUSION We propose the use of this cheap, easy to interpret, and simple system for the molecular diagnostics of β-thalassaemia among Malaysians at the Institute for Medical Research (IMR).
A Survey on Image Steganography and Steganalysis

Steganography and steganalysis are important topics in information hiding. Steganography refers to the technology of hiding data into digital media without drawing any suspicion, while steganalysis is the art of detecting the presence of steganography. This paper provides a survey on steganography and steganalysis for digital images, mainly covering the fundamental concepts, the progress of steganographic methods for images in spatial representation and in JPEG format, and the development of the corresponding steganalytic schemes. Some commonly used strategies for improving steganographic security and enhancing steganalytic capability are summarized and possible research trends are discussed
Construction Method of Water-Loop System using Multi Water Resources

In these days, water-loop system using multi water resources is lively discussed. This system distributes water effectively by using multi water resources instead of new water resources development. Multi water resources consist of surface water, rainwater, reclaimed water, seawater etc. This system would be distributing sanitary water stably, and able to economical maintain the related facilities. Also, this system has an emergency reaction ability when system is faced with accident. Especially, if multi water loop system is constructed by using the city's securable water, nation's water resources will be utilized effectively and water resources will be developed or reused on a small scale. The necessary elements of water-loop system design are suggested in this research. The elements are the followings; Model of connected water-loop pipe networks, platform model of multi water resources loop system, range of technology, difference with existing systems and direction of construction.
Respiratory Pattern in a Rat Model of Epilepsy

Summary: Purpose: Apnea is known to occur during seizures, but systematic studies of ictal respiratory changes in adults are few. Data regarding respiratory pattern defects during interictal periods also are scarce. Here we sought to generate information with regard to the interictal period in animals with pilocarpine‐induced epilepsy.
The influence of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection on the development of the hepatitis B virus carrier state.

To assess the influence of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection on the natural history of acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, a study was undertaken of the clinical records of all 77 homosexual men with documented seroconversion to anti-hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) between visits to either of two Sydney clinics between 1985 and 1989. HIV-1-seropositive subjects developed chronic HBV infection (positive for hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg] greater than 6 months) more frequently (7/31, 23%) than HIV-1-seronegative ones (2/46, 4%; P = .026). HIV-positive subjects who cleared HBsAg had significantly more circulating CD4+ lymphocytes (mean, 547 x 10(6)/l) than those who did not (352 x 10(6)/l, P less than . 005). A subset of subjects who acquired both viruses between visits had an even higher rate of chronic infection (4/10, 40%). Icteric illnesses were reported more frequently by HIV-1-seronegative (11/46, 24%) than -seropositive subjects (3/31, 10%; P = .20). These findings indicate a potential for an increased reservoir of HBV infection in the community as a consequence of the HIV-1 epidemic.
Moderating role of environment uncertainty on the relationship between interdependence and relationship performance

There are different characters in interdependence between members in a marketing channel, which express total interdependence and asymmetry independence. They respectively act on relational behavior between members in a marketing channel, and create different outcomes. But environment uncertainty, which includes environment diversity and environment dynamism, moderates above relationships. The empirical results show that under the situation of environment uncertainty the effect of total interdependence and asymmetry independence on relationship performance make changes.
Epstein-Barr Virus-Induced Viral and Soluble Complement-Fixing Antigens in Burkitt Lymphoma Cell Cultures

Summary Epstein-Barr virus-infected Burkitt lymphoma cell cultures contain viral (V) and virus-induced, nonsedimentable, soluble (S) antigens which react in complement-fixation tests with certain human and subhuman primate sera containing antibodies to the V antigen. An apparently related soluble antigen was demonstrated in concentrated cell-free fluids of virus-free Raji cell cultures. Serologic evidence is presented to relate S antigens to EBV infections in man and subhuman primates. The release of S antigen by virus-free Raji and other lymphoid cell lines suggests the possible presence of a portion of the viral genome in some of these cells. Data on the physical properties of V and S antigens are presented.
Raman sex sorting of bovine spermatozoa

This work relates to the problem of sex predetermination in animals based on the separation of Xand Y -bearing sperm cells before insemination. We developed a device for efficient, non-destructive and label-free sorting of X-and Y -bearing sperm cells based on their Raman spectroscopic characteristics. Raman spectroscopy (RS) is a non-invasive technique that allows the biochemical analysis of the cellular components and the characterization of molecular structure from their stretching and bending vibrational transitions. RS offers detailed information on the conformation, composition and molecular interactions of important cellular macromolecules, such as DNA, proteins and lipids, and can be used to characterize and study individual living cells. In this paper, we present a Raman spectroscopy-based method for selective and sensitive discrimination of Xand Ybearing bovine sperm cells.
Stochastic traffic engineering for demand uncertainty and risk-aware network revenue management

We present a stochastic traffic engineering framework for optimizing bandwidth provisioning and route selection in networks. The objective is to maximize revenue from serving demands, which are uncertain and specified by probability distributions. We consider heterogenous demands with different unit revenues and uncertainties. Based on mean-risk analysis, the optimization model enables a carrier to maximize mean revenue and contain the risk that the revenue falls below an acceptable level. Our framework is intended for off-line traffic engineering design, which takes a centralized view of network topology, link capacity, and demand. We obtain conditions under which the optimization problem is an instance of convex programming and therefore efficiently solvable. We also study the properties of the solution and show that it asymptotically meets the stochastic efficiency criterion. We derive properties of the optimal solution for the special case of Gaussian distributions of demands. We focus on the impact of demand uncertainty on various aspects of traffic engineering, such as link utilization, bandwidth provisioning and total revenue. The carrier's tolerance to risk is shown to have a strong influence on traffic engineering and revenue management decisions. We develop the efficient frontier, which is the entire set of Pareto optimal pairs of mean revenue and revenue risk, to aid the carrier in selecting an appropriate operating point.
Effect of smoking on caffeine clearance

The elimination of caffeine from saliva was compared in groups of healthy smokers (n = 13) and nonsmokers (n = 13). Mean caffeine t½ in smokers (3.5 hr) was shorter than that in the nonsmokers (6.0 hr). The body clearance of caffeine in the smokers (155 ± 16 ml · kg−1 · hr−1) was greater than that in the nonsmokers (94 ± 18 ml · kg−1 · hr−1) (p < 0.05). No significant difference was noted in the apparent volume of distribution in smokers (720 ± 67 ml . kg‐I) and nonsmokers (610 ± 80 ml · kg−1). These differences probably reflect the induction of hepatic aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) activity in smokers. The increased clearance of caffeine by smokers may contribute to the higher consumption of coffee reported to occur in this group.
Design of a circularly polarized antenna with parasitic square-ring strip for UHF RFID reader applications

A circularly polarized (CP) patch antenna with parasitic square-ring is presented for UHF RFID reader. The operating frequency of the proposed antenna covers 877MHz to 945MHz with VSWR less than 2. The size of this antenna is 174 × 171 × 10 mm̂3. A 3dB axial ratio is about 56MHz from 878MHz to 934MHz. The antenna gain is about 6.3-7.9dBic.
Characterization of Microcrystalline Cellulose after Pretreatment with Low Concentrations of Ionic Liquid-H2O for a Pyrolysis Process

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) samples pretreated by ionic liquid (ILs)-H2O mixtures were studied for application in a pyrolysis process. A 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium methanesulfonate [Emim][MeSO3]-H2O mixture with solid acid catalyst Nafion®NR50 was used in the pretreatment process. A lower amount of hydrogen bonding between neighboring pretreated MCC chains resulted from a less ordered cellulose structure, leading to lower crystallinity, decreased molecular weight and reduced thermal stability. The pyrolysis result showed that the yields of char were lower, the average reaction rate increased, and the DTG peak temperature decreased relative to the untreated MCC. The amount and concentration of the hydrogen gas obtained from the pyrolysis of sample 90(20) (4.00 mmol/g-sample) was higher than that obtained from the pyrolysis of the MCC (3.26 mmol/g-sample). This study explores MCC (pretreated by ionic liquid-H2O mixtures) with a recyclable solid acid catalyst under varying pretreatment conditions, as a potential raw feed material, to be applied in the pyrolysis process.
Aerobic fitness and multidomain cognitive function in advanced age

ABSTRACT Background: Studies generally describe the relationship between physical fitness and cognitive function by measuring only one or two specific cognitive tasks. In addition, in spite of the significant increase in life expectancy, the age of participants in these studies does not extend beyond a mean age of 70 years. This study was thus designed to examine the relationship between physical fitness and function in multiple cognitive domains in subjects older than those previously reported. Methods: Thirty-eight individuals, aged 65.3 to 85.3 years, performed a graded, progressive, maximal exercise test. Based on a median score of peak VO2, participants were divided into low-fitness and moderately-fit groups. Cognitive function was assessed by means of a computerized neuropsychological battery. Results: The moderately-fit group achieved significantly better scores on the global cognitive score (U = 97, p = 0.04), and a significant correlation was found between peak VO2 and attention, executive function, and global cognitive score (rs = .37, .39, .38 respectively). The trend for superior cognitive scores in the moderate-fitness compared to the low-fitness groups was unequivocal, both in terms of accuracy and reaction time. Conclusion: Maintenance of higher levels of cardiovascular fitness may help protect against cognitive deterioration, even at an advanced age. An adequately powered randomized controlled trial should be performed to further evaluate this hypothesis.