Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the absorption process following bioabsorbable everolimus-eluting stent implantation: temporal changes in strain values and tissue composition using intravascular ultrasound radiofrequency data analysis. A substudy of the ABSORB clinical trial.

AIMS The main objective was to use IVUS-backscatter radiofrequency (IVUS-RF) to assess the degradation of a bioabsorbable stent by measuring serial changes in dense calcium (DC) and necrotic core (NC) as assessed by intravascular ultrasound-Virtual Histology (IVUS-VH) and in the strain as assessed by palpography. METHODS AND RESULTS In the ABSORB trial, 27 patients treated with a single bioabsorbable everolimus-eluting stent (BVS, Abbott Vascular, Santa Clara, CA, USA) were all imaged with IVUS-RF post-stenting and at 6-month follow-up, and 13 and 12 patients were also investigated pre-stenting with IVUS-VH and palpography respectively. From pre- to post-stenting, with VH (n = 13), there was an increase in mean "DC" (9.8 vs. 25.4%, p = 0.0002) and "NC" (15.5 vs. 30.5%, p = 0.0002). In palpography (n = 12), the mean number of frames with Rotterdam Classification (ROC) III/IV per cm decreased from 1.22 +/- 1.91 to 0.12 +/- 0.31 (p = 0.0781) and the mean cumulative strain values (all frames with ROC I-IV scores) changed from 0.50 +/- 0.27 to 0.20 +/- 0.10% (p = 0.0034). Comparing post-stenting with follow-up (n = 27), VH showed a decrease in "DC" (29.7% vs. 21.1%, p = 0.0001). "NC" also decreased (26.9 vs. 21.5%, p = 0.0027). For palpography (n = 25 patients), an increase in the mean number of frames with ROC III/IV per cm was observed from 0.09 +/- 0.26 to 0.22 +/- 0.36 (p = -0.1563) while the mean cumulative strain values (all frames with ROC I-IV scores) changed from 0.15 +/- 0.10 to 0.26 +/- 0.12% (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS IVUS-VH changes at 6 months suggest alteration of the BVS with reduction of RF backscattering by polymeric struts. Strained plaques on the palpograms were almost abolished following stent implantation. However, strain values reappeared within 6 months suggesting an increase in endoluminal deformability of the stented vessel.
Pedometer-determined physical activity levels of healthy children and children with Down’s syndrome

Abstract Purpose Children with Down’s syndrome (DS) are considered sedentary and less engaged in recommended physical activity (PA) levels. This study compared the PA levels between children with DS and healthy children in Saudi Arabia. Methods The study included 85 children divided into two groups. The DS group comprised 37 children with DS aged 8–12 years recruited from the Down Syndrome Charitable Association and Al-Nahda Schools for DS. The healthy group comprised 41 healthy children aged 8–12 years recruited from regular schools in the same region. PA levels were measured over 7 days using a pedometer. Results The healthy group was more active than the DS group (p < 0.05). The total PA steps per minute had significant differences between the DS (M = 7.979, SD = 2.21) and healthy groups (M = 17.512, SD = 3.08; p < 0.05). The daily step count differed significantly on weekdays and weekends between the groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions The DS group had a high body mass index and physical inactivity compared with the second group. Obesity and physical inactivity among Saudi Arabian children with and without DS are major health concerns. Therefore, concerted efforts are needed to combat childhood obesity, promote PA, improve patient quality of life, and reduce the sedentary lifestyle among Saudi children and adolescents.
Testbeds Support for Reproducible Research

In the context of experimental research, testbeds play an important role in enabling reproducibility of experiments, by providing a set of services that help experiments with setting up the experimental environment, and collecting data about it. This paper explores the status of three different testbeds (Chameleon, CloudLab and Grid'5000) regarding features required for, or related to reproducible research, and discusses some open questions on that topic.
On the Development of Public-Private Partnerships in Transitional Economies: An Explanatory Framework

This article develops a generic framework to explain the environment for public–private partnership (PPP) development in transitional economies. The framework stands on a tripod that includes the market, the operating environment, and the government, each containing several factors that support aspects of PPPs. The authors apply the framework to analyze the results of a multicountry survey in an effort to identify key factors that facilitate PPP development in transition countries. The identified factors are market potential, institutional guarantee, government credibility, financial accessibility, government capacity, consolidated management, and corruption control. The framework and identified factors may serve as effective tools to diagnose and monitor PPP development in a broader array of countries. The framework is applied in analyzing data from four transitional economies and several advanced economies. The efficacy of the framework is further justified by its explanatory power of PPPs’ practicality and is largely confirmed by results from a sensitivity test.
Experiencing Turbulence: Competition, Strategic Choice and the Management of Human Resources In British Airways

Trevor Colling assesses the concept of ‘strategic choice’ in the light of developments in employment strategy and practice in British Airways. Contrary to the language of competition attending privatisation, it is argued that BA's celebrated decision to compete ‘upstream’ depended on their continued ability to influence their product market. Current restructuring reflects a significant weakening of this ability and is producing a different and, so far, less celebrated set of priorities. Attempts to theorise the links between competition, employment strategy and competitiveness should pay greater attention to the policy frameworks provided by local, national and supra-national states.
Studies of Calcium in Food Supplements in Humans

ABSTRACT Colon cancer is one of the commonest cancers in the Western world. Environmental factors appear to predominate as exemplified by a change in incidence in colon cancer within 20 years when people emigrate from a low‐ to a high‐incidence country. It had been suggested that a diet high in energy, fat, and meat content and low in fiber content is most likely responsible. Epidemiologic observations have pointed to a potential effect of calcium or/and vitamin D in reducing the incidence of colon cancer. other studies have shown a reduction in preneoplastic colon adenomas with increased calcium or/and vitamin D intake. high fat diets were shown to be accompanied by an increase in fecal fatty acids and bile acids or a change in bile acid composition. Soluble fatty acids and bile acids then could interact with the colonic epithelium inducing cell damage and increased proliferation. A hypothesis was developed suggesting that calcium supplementation and increased calcium in the colonic lumen would precipitate these bile acids and fatty acids. Examination of the effect of supplemental calcium or calcium in dairy foods showed a major reduction in fecal bile acids and fatty acids in solution in volunteers and accompanied by a reduction in cytolytic activity. Studies then were performed in patients at risk for colon cancer seeking a change in proliferative biomarkers of risk from a high‐risk to a low‐risk pattern with supplemental calcium administration. These studies generally have shown a beneficial effect of the addition of calcium at 1.2–2 gm per day in addition to a regular diet for periods of 2 to 6 months. A recently published study also demonstrated that a diet, in which low‐fat dairy foods containing an average of about 825 mg of calcium, significantly improved proliferative biomarkers as well as two differentiation biomarkers of risk for colon cancer from a high‐ to a low‐risk pattern. These observations, together with recent studies showing reduced adenomatous polyp recurrence when supplemental calcium was provided, demonstrate the potential of calcium and perhaps vitamin D as chemopreventive agents for colorectal neoplasia.
Methane airborne measurements and comparison to global models during BARCA

[1] Tropical regions, especially the Amazon region, account for large emissions of methane (CH_4). Here, we present CH_4 observations from two airborne campaigns conducted within the BARCA (Balanco Atmosferico Regional de Carbono na Amazonia) project in the Amazon basin in November 2008 (end of the dry season) and May 2009 (end of the wet season). We performed continuous measurements of CH_4 onboard an aircraft for the first time in the Amazon region, covering the whole Amazon basin with over 150 vertical profiles between altitudes of 500 m and 4000 m. The observations support the finding of previous ground-based, airborne, and satellite measurements that the Amazon basin is a large source of atmospheric CH_4. Isotope analysis verified that the majority of emissions can be attributed to CH_4 emissions from wetlands, while urban CH_4 emissions could be also traced back to biogenic origin. A comparison of five TM5 based global CH_4 inversions with the observations clearly indicates that the inversions using SCIAMACHY observations represent the BARCA observations best. The calculated CH_4 flux estimate obtained from the mismatch between observations and TM5-modeled CH_4 fields ranges from 36 to 43 mg m^(−2) d^(−1) for the Amazon lowland region.
Model predictive control on induction machine for electric traction

In this paper we analize the behaviour of model predictive control (MPC) on induction machine as an application for electric traction. We did a simulation on MATLAB/SIMULINK of a squirrel cage induction machine fed by a two level voltage inverter controlled by the MPC scheme with an electric vehicle as a load. We present the equations from the induction machine required by the control scheme, the electric vehicle's model and the inverter equations required by the simulator. Finally we show the behaviour of the system.
Supraclavicular Artery Island Flap (SCAIF) vs Free Fasciocutaneous Flaps for Head and Neck Reconstruction

Objective At our institution, the supraclavicular artery island flap (SCAIF) has become a reliable option for fasciocutaneous coverage of complex head and neck (H&N) defects. We directly compare the outcomes of reconstructions performed with SCAIFs and free fasciocutaneous flaps (FFFs), which have not been reported previously. Study Design Retrospective chart review. Setting Tertiary academic medical center. Subjects and Methods Retrospective review of consecutive single-surgeon H&N reconstructions using fasciocutaneous flaps over 5 years. Reconstructions were divided into 2 groups: SCAIFs and FFFs. Patient demographics, surgical parameters, and outcomes were compared statistically between groups. Results Thirty-four flaps were used in H&N reconstruction (18 SCAIFs and 16 FFFs). There was no difference in patient demographics, distribution of defects, or follow-up (SCAIF 9.2 vs FFF 15.13 months, P = .65) between the 2 groups. The SCAIFs were larger than the FFFs (164.6 ± 60 vs 111 ± 68 cm2, P < .05) and had shorter total operative times (588 ± 131 vs 816 ± 149 minutes, P < .05). Intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay was shorter for the SCAIF vs the FFF group (1.8 vs 5.6 days, P < .05). Overall morbidity was not significantly different (SCAIF 39% vs FFF 44%, P = NS). Conclusion The SCAIF is a technically simpler and equally reliable sensate fasciocutaneous flap for H&N reconstruction with comparable outcomes, shorter operative time, less ICU stay, and no need for postoperative monitoring when compared with using FFFs. It should be considered a first-choice reconstructive option for complex H&N defects.
Steuern und Risiko als substitutionale oder komplementäre Determinanten unternehmerischer Investitionspolitik

This paper analyzes the impact of taxation on risk-taking under irreversibility. We integrate a simple tax system into a real option model. Under irreversibility and risk neutrality, raising the tax rate can either increase or reduce risk-taking. We numerically derive tax-volatility indifference curves, i.e. combinations of volatility and tax rate, which induce identical investment thresholds. Using this novel illustration technique it is possible to identify conditions for an unambiguous influence of taxes on risk-taking. Our simulations indicate that raising the tax rate increases risk-taking under low volatility. Implementing a ? nal withholding tax on capital income tends to reduce risky investment. Our findings extend the well-known tax effects on investment from certainty with respect to uncertainty, irreversibility, and risk-taking.
Molecular Detection of the Synovial Sarcoma Translocation t(X;18) by Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction in Paraffin-Embedded Material

The t(X;18) translocation is known to be a useful marker for the diagnosis of synovial sarcoma. In this study, the authors describe a new real-time reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method to detect SYT/SSX fusion transcripts using paraffin-embedded and frozen tumor specimens. A series of 38 soft tissue sarcomas were analyzed. Diagnosis was based on clinical, histologic, and immunohistochemical examination. The fusion transcripts were detected in 16 of 17 synovial sarcoma samples (the 17th sample was not suitable for molecular analysis). No t(X;18)-fusion transcript was PCR-amplified in the 21 nonsynovial sarcoma mesenchymal tumors. Therefore, real-time PCR amplification appears to be a powerful, rapid, specific, and sensitive technique that can be used routinely to diagnose the synovial sarcoma t(X;18) translocation. In addition, the t(X;18) can be detected not only on frozen but also on paraffin-embedded tumor samples.
Human motion tracking & evaluation using Kinect V2 sensor

Microsoft Kinect V2 sensor is a motion sensing device that provides to the users a facility to interact with computers and game consoles through many ways like natural movement, gestures or spoken commands. This technology allowed many researchers and companies to develop real-time applications in various fields like healthcare, sports training, facial emotion detection, gaming, security, 3D reconstruction, motion recognition and many other. In this paper, we presented an approach to handle the problem of human body motion skeletal tracking with application in medical rehabilitation and sports training by using capabilities of the latest version of the Microsoft Kinect sensor.
3D threat image projection

Automated Explosive Detection Systems utilizing Computed Tomography perform a series X-ray scans of passenger bags being checked in at the airport, and produce various 2-D projection images and 3-D volumetric images of the bag. The determination as to whether the passenger bag contains an explosive and needs to be searched manually is performed through trained Transportation Security Administration screeners following an approved protocol. In order to keep the screeners vigilant with regards to screening quality, the Transportation Security Administration has mandated the use of Threat Image Projection on 2-D projection X-ray screening equipment used at all US airports. These algorithms insert visual artificial threats into images of the normal passenger bags in order to test the screeners with regards to their screening efficiency and their screening quality at determining threats. This technology for 2-D X-ray system is proven and is widespread amongst multiple manufacturers of X-ray projection systems. Until now, Threat Image Projection has been unsuccessful at being introduced into 3-D Automated Explosive Detection Systems for numerous reasons. The failure of these prior attempts are mainly due to imaging queues that the screeners pickup on, and therefore make it easy for the screeners to discern the presence of the threat image and thus defeating the intended purpose. This paper presents a novel approach for 3-D Threat Image Projection for 3-D Automated Explosive Detection Systems. The method presented here is a projection based approach where both the threat object and the bag remain in projection sinogram space. Novel approaches have been developed for projection based object segmentation, projection based streak reduction used for threat object isolation along with scan orientation independence and projection based streak generation for an overall realistic 3-D image. The algorithms are prototyped in MatLab and C++ and demonstrate non discernible 3-D threat image insertion into various luggage, and non discernable streak patterns for 3-D images when compared to actual scanned images.
Knowledge and Process Management in Health Care Organizations

Summary Objective: Medical knowledge management and care process management have become to be considered as valuable strategic assets that can lead to sustained increase in Health Care Organization (HCO) performance. Thus, it is essential to investigate which are the enablers for promoting knowledge-based organizations (people, organization, process, and system perspectives). Although they are essential for a HCO to manage knowledge effectively, it is still unclear how to employ them in more principled fashion. This requires innovative management strategies to determine effective ways of utilizing knowledge resources and capabilities available both within and outside the organization. Method: This paper reviews knowledge and process management theories, methods, and technologies that are potentially effective in building high performance HCOs. They come from a variety of fields behind computer science and medical informatics, e.g. from business and organization sciences to psychological and cognitive sciences, from epistemology to sociology. However, the success in developing future Health Information Systems (HIS) requires their incorporation into a new conceptual framework after recognizing how peculiar are the characteristics of HCOs with respect to other organizations. Investigating the nature of knowledge, in general, and of medical knowledge, in particular, is essential to define which services the future HIS should provide to foster collaboration between patients and health professionals. The knowledge creation process is then described in order to emphasize its dynamic and social characteristics. The potential of workflow technology for building innovative HISs is analyzed together with several basic research issues which are very challenging for researchers in the field. Result: A framework for augmenting the conceptual analysis of theories, methods, tools and effects of knowledge management in building high performance HCOs.
Stock Options Price Estimation In Indonesia Stock Exchange: Case Studies of LQ-45

The main idea of this paper is to clarify the influence of historical volatility to its current volatility of stock return and estimate European call option pricing using Black-Scholes Model. Three method was used to knowing the influence: HisVol, GARCH (1.1) and CGARCH. Empirically the three method look provide similar result to prove the influence. Moreover, call-option pricing estimated result refer to its delta-hedging and vega indicates a very interesting prospect and profitable investment tool for Indonesian Stock Exchange.
Subcellular organization of UBE3A in neurons

Ubiquitination regulates a broad array of cellular processes, and defective ubiquitination is implicated in several neurological disorders. Loss of the E3 ubiquitin–protein ligase UBE3A causes Angelman syndrome. Despite its clinical importance, the normal role of UBE3A in neurons is still unclear. As a step toward deciphering its possible functions, we performed high‐resolution light and electron microscopic immunocytochemistry. We report a broad distribution of UBE3A in neurons, highlighted by concentrations in axon terminals and euchromatin‐rich nuclear domains. Our findings suggest that UBE3A may act locally to regulate individual synapses while also mediating global, neuronwide influences through the regulation of gene transcription. J. Comp. Neurol. 525:233–251, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
HIV integrase inhibitors in ART-experienced patients

Purpose of reviewWe review the most recent clinical trials of integrase inhibitors (INIs) in antiretroviral therapy (ART)-experienced patients, including trails of new strategies such as intensification and simplification therapy with this new class of compounds. Recent findingsAfter the excellent results of the first-generation INIs [raltegravir (RAL) and elvitegravir] in the treatment of ART-experienced patients, dolutegravir – a new second-generation compound in this drug class – adds the possibility of rescuing ART-experienced patients after virologic failure to first-generation INIs like RAL. RAL may have a role in an intensification strategy – adding RAL to a suppressive ART therapy – that could have an effect in avoiding new cycles of infection and cellular activation. On the contrary, RAL has clearly shown efficacy in switching away from boosted protease inhibitors (PI/r). This simplification strategy may be an interesting option in patients suffering from side effects of boosted protease inhibitors. In simplification, the length of time of HIV suppression before the switch may be used as a marker of probable success. SummaryIn ART-experienced patients INIs are a new and exciting part of the armamentarium for the control of HIV replication. INIs could play an interesting role in strategies such as intensification or simplification.
Losing innovativeness: the challenge of being acquired

Purpose – The aim of the paper is to explore how innovativeness and creativity in a small technology company changes after the company is acquired by a larger company.Design/methodology/approach – The empirical part of the article is based on interview and questionnaire data, with a focus on employees' perception of innovativeness and creativity, including their own innovativeness in relation to the possibilities offered within the organisational structure.Findings – The results indicate that entrepreneurial spirit, innovativeness, and creativity in the case company were related to the lack of boundaries to and contact with customers. These driving forces could not be sustained when the organisation matured and was acquired by a larger company.Research limitations/implications – More research regarding the integration phase of acquisitions, and how it affects employees and innovativeness, is needed. Case‐based research should examine differences between companies that are repeatedly successful in integrat.
Improvement in Efficiency of Wireless Power Transfer of Magnetic Resonant Coupling Using Magnetoplated Wire

Wireless power transfer is expected in the use of an electric vehicle and a chip card. However, it requires a high efficiency and takes a long distance. In this paper, we propose the use of a magnetoplated wire (MPW), which is a copper wire (COW) whose circumference is plated with a magnetic thin film to improve transmission efficiency. The MPW can reduce resistances due to the proximity effect comparison with the COW. The inner diameter of COW and MPW coils is di = 37 mm and their number of turns is n=10. As a result, the resistances of the COW and MPW at the frequency f=12 MHz are 6.8 and 4.1 Ω, respectively, which show a reduction of 40%. The quality factors of the COW and MPW at the frequency f = 12 MHz are 83 and 138, respectively, which show an increase of 66%. The efficiencies of the COW and MPW at a transmission distance of 10 mm are 69.8% and 77.7%, respectively, which show an increase of 7.9%.