Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analytical validation of a high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T assay.

BACKGROUND We report the development of a novel high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) assay, a modification of the Roche fourth-generation cTnT assay, and validation of the analytical performance of this assay. METHODS Validation included testing of analytical sensitivity, specificity, interferences, and precision. We established the 99th percentile cutoff from healthy reference populations (n = 616). In addition, we studied differences in time to a positive result when using serial measurements of hs-cTnT vs cTnT in patients with a confirmed diagnosis of non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (non-STEMI). RESULTS The hs-cTnT assay had an analytical range from 3 to 10 000 ng/L. At the 99th percentile value of 13.5 ng/L, the CV was 9% using the Elecsys 2010 analyzer. The assay was specific for cTnT without interferences from human cTnI or cTnC, skeletal muscle TnT, or hemoglobin concentrations up to 1000 mg/L, above which falsely lower values would be expected. When the assay was evaluated clinically, a hs-cTnT higher than the 99th percentile concentration identified a significantly higher number of patients with non-STEMI on presentation (45 vs 20 patients, P = 0.0004) compared with cTnT, and a final diagnosis of non-STEMI was made in 9 additional patients (55 vs 46 patients, P = 0.23) after serial sampling. Time to diagnosis was significantly shorter using hs-cTnT compared with cTnT [mean 71.5 (SD 108.7) min vs 246.9 (82.0) min, respectively; P < 0.01]. CONCLUSIONS The analytical performance of hs-cTnT complies with the ESC-ACCF-AHA-WHF Global Task Force recommendations for use in the diagnosis of MI.
Autoassociative neural networks for discrimination of chronic alcoholics using Visual Evoked Potentials

The discrimination of asymptomatic chronic alcoholics from non-alcoholics using the brain activity patterns is studied in this paper. Detection of the abnormalities in the cognitive processing ability of chronic alcoholics is essential for their rehabilitation, and also in screening them for certain jobs. The brain patterns evoked in response to visual stimuli, known as visual evoked potentials (VEP), reflect the cognitive abnormalities of such alcoholics. Weighted Linear prediction cepstral coefficients, representing the spectral envelope, are extracted from the VEP and are used as discriminating feature vectors. The potential of the nonlinear autoassociative neural networks to capture the complex distribution of the feature space is explored for the discrimination task. A recognition accuracy of 52.5% is achieved. This shows that the VEP derived from all the 64 EEG channels, as used in this study, do not contain the same discriminatory attributes, causing a reduction in the accuracy levels. Studies to achieve improvements in recognition accuracy by empirically selecting channels with significant discriminatory attributes is in progress.
The MOTIF evaluation method and its region combination algorithm for surface texture

The new surface texture plays important role more and more in the modern engineering product. Therefore the measurement and characterization of new surface texture become increasingly important. For the characteristics acquisition of surface texture, the watershed segmentation method is introduced to segment the surface texture according to the latest draft international standard of areal surface texture evaluation. The surface texture can be characterized by the parameters of 3D-MOTIF. For the over-segmentation of surface texture, an areal combination algorithm based on gray value pretreatment is presented and it is effective to combine the over-segmented regions which are unimportant and tiny. And then it contributes to further extract the parameters of the main features of the surface structure. The effectiveness of this combination algorithm is verified by application examples.
The Burst Spectra of EXO 0748–676 during a Long 2003 XMM-Newton Observation

Gravitationally redshifted absorption lines from highly ionized iron have been previously identified in the burst spectra of the neutron star in EXO 0748–676. To repeat this detection we obtained a long, nearly 600 ks observation of the source with XMM-Newton in 2003. The spectral features seen in the burst spectra from the initial data are not reproduced in the burst spectra from this new data. In this paper we present the spectra from the 2003 observations and discuss the sensitivity of the absorption structure to changes in the photospheric conditions.
Diffusion Tensor Imaging for In Vivo Detection of Degenerated Optic Radiation

Glaucomatous optic nerve atrophy may continue to the linked optic radiation by transneuronal degeneration, as described in animal models of glaucoma. In vivo visualization of the visual pathway represents a new challenge in the field of ophthalmology. We present a new approach for illustration of the optic radiation by diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The DTI was established by use of a 3T high-field scanner. The case of a patient with primary open-angle glaucoma is opposed to this one of a healthy subject to demonstrate the visible rarefication of the optic radiation. The goal was to introduce the technique of the DTI also in ophthalmology and to demonstrate that it may be useful to judge glaucoma-related differences.
Hardness of Lattice Problems in 'p Norm

Apparatus is provided for controllably dispensing paper tissue from a spirally wound roll on a hollow core. The apparatus is comprised of holding means having a vertically oriented front panel, a floor and two side retaining members. The paper roll is supported on the floor such that the core is disposed horizontally and perpendicularly to the side members. A paper engaging means, supported by the holding means, and adapted for reciprocal motion in a linear path, advances the paper through an opening when moved in one direction, and does not move the paper when moved in the reverse direction.
Atg6 is required for multiple vesicle trafficking pathways and hematopoiesis in Drosophila

Atg6 (beclin 1 in mammals) is a core component of the Vps34 complex that is required for autophagy. Beclin 1 (Becn1) functions as a tumor suppressor, and Becn1+/- tumors in mice possess elevated cell stress and p62 levels, altered NF-κB signaling and genome instability. The tumor suppressor function of Becn1 has been attributed to its role in autophagy, and the potential functions of Atg6/Becn1 in other vesicle trafficking pathways for tumor development have not been considered. Here, we generate Atg6 mutant Drosophila and demonstrate that Atg6 is essential for autophagy, endocytosis and protein secretion. By contrast, the core autophagy gene Atg1 is required for autophagy and protein secretion, but it is not required for endocytosis. Unlike null mutants of other core autophagy genes, all Atg6 mutant animals possess blood cell masses. Atg6 mutants have enlarged lymph glands (the hematopoietic organ in Drosophila), possess elevated blood cell numbers, and the formation of melanotic blood cell masses in these mutants is not suppressed by mutations in either p62 or NFκB genes. Thus, like mammals, altered Atg6 function in flies causes hematopoietic abnormalities and lethality, and our data indicate that this is due to defects in multiple membrane trafficking processes.
Cadmium: An Endocrine Disrupter That Affects Gene Expression in the Liver and Brain of Juvenile Rainbow Trout1

Abstract An inhibition of vitellogenesis is observed in fish exposed to cadmium (Cd), either in natural or in experimental conditions. To investigate whether this correlates or not with modifications in the expression of several genes involved in reproduction, we have performed a study on juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) exposed to waterborne Cd in combination with estradiol (E2). A relative reverse transcription-PCR protocol was used to evaluate the effect of Cd exposure on the expression of several genes. We quantified vitellogenin, rainbow trout estradiol receptor α (rtERα), short and long isoforms (rtERαS and rtERαL), mRNA levels in liver, and salmon GnRH1, salmon GnRH2, rtERαS, and rtERαL mRNA levels in the brain. In liver, Cd reduced the E2-stimulated mRNA levels of vitellogenin as well as these of both rtERα isoforms in a dose-dependent manner. In brain tissue, our results indicate that rtERα mRNA levels are not enhanced by E2. Cd treatments did not modify rtERαS isoform expression but reduced rtERαL expression in the brain. Focusing on the expression of salmon GnRH (sGnRH) genes, E2 did not affect mRNA levels, but experiments with Cd alone greatly enhanced sGnRH 1 as well as sGnRH 2 gene expression in a dose-dependant manner. This study supports the idea that Cd is an important endocrine disrupter that could act through an inhibition of E2-stimulated genes in the liver and also through a central effect on sGnRH gene expression. Cd may affect a number of E2 signaling pathways but could also affect the reproductive axis by nonestrogenic mechanisms.
Thermal analysis of a run-capacitor single-phase induction motor

A procedure for thermal analysis of a run-capacitor single-phase induction motor characterized by two different windings is presented. The procedure allows computation of the average winding temperature rise, and the temperature rises of the two different windings separately. The proposed thermal analysis is based on a lumped parameter network commonly used for three-phase induction motors. The paper illustrates how this network is adaptable for analysing the run-capacitor single-phase motor temperatures. In order to valuate the procedure, the predicted results are compared with those obtained from finite element analysis and experimental data. Both comparisons show an appreciable agreement, confirming the validity of the analysis.
An Interior Point Source Localization Algorithm in Multi-agent Systems

This paper considers the constrained least squares (CLS) approach for source localization problem based on range-difference (RD) measurements collected from a multi-agent system. We provide an interior point algorithm for efficiently computing the CLS estimate of the source position by analyzing the special structure of the corresponding optimization problem. Numerical simulations suggest that the proposed algorithm is much more efficient than the Lagrange multiplier algorithm as well as the Matlab toolbox CVX.
The New Atlanticist: Poland's Foreign and Security Policy Priorities

1. Introduction. 2. The past as prologue: the culture of Polish foreign and security policy. 3. The emergence of an Atlanticist: the strategic orientation of Polish security policy after 1989. 4. The EU as a security actor: the Polish perspective. 5. Eastern policy - Poland's specialism. 6. Poland in the enlarged EU. 7. Conclusion.
T cell receptor repertoire for a viral epitope in humans is diversified by tolerance to a background major histocompatibility complex antigen

Two unusual characteristics of the memory response to the immunodominant Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) epitope FLRGRAYGL, which associates with HLA B8, have provided an unique opportunity to investigate self tolerance and T cell receptor (TCR) plasticity in humans. First, the response is exceptionally restricted, dominated by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) with identical TCR protein sequences (Argaet, V. P., C. W. Schmidt, S. R. Burrows, S. L. Silins, M. G. Kurilla, D. L. Doolan, A. Suhrbier, D. J. Moss, E. Kieff, T. B. Sculley, and I. S. Misko. 1994. J. Exp. Med. 180:2335-2340). Second, CTL expressing this receptor are cross-reactive with the alloantigen HLA B* 4402 on uninfected cells (Burrows, S. R., R. Khanna, J. M. Burrows, and D. J. Moss. 1994. J. Exp. Med. 179:1155-1161). No CTL using this conserved public TCR could be reactivated from the peripheral blood of EBV exposed individuals expressing both HLA B8 and B*4402, demonstrating the clonal inactivation of potentially self- reactive T cells in humans. A significant FLRGRAYGL-specific response was still apparent, however, and TCR sequence analysis of multiple CTL clones revealed an oligoclonal TCR repertoire for this determinant within these individuals, using diverse V and J gene segments and CDR3 regions. In addition, a significant public TCR component was identified in which several distinct alpha/beta rearrangements are shared by CTL clones from a number of unrelated HLA B8+, B*4402+ donors. The striking dominance of public TCR in the response to this EBV epitope suggests a strong genetic bias in TCR gene recombination. Fine specificity analysis using peptide analogues showed that, of six different antigen receptors for FLRGRAYGL/HLA B8, none associate closely with the peptide's full array of potential TCR contact residues. Whereas the HLA B*4402-cross-reactive receptor binds amino acids toward the COOH terminus of the peptide, others preferentially favor an NH2-terminal determinant, presumably evading an area that mimics a structure presented on HLA B*4402. Thus, tolerance to a background major histocompatibility antigen can effectively diversify the TCR repertoire for a foreign epitope by deflecting the response away from an immunodominant combination of TCR-binding residues.
On the energy equation and efficiency parameter of the common envelope evolution

We have investigated the structure of evolved giant stars with masse s3-1 0M in order to evaluate the binding energy of the envelope to the core prior to mass transfer in close binary systems. This binding energy is expressed by a parame- ter which is crucial for determining the outcome of binaries evolving through a common envelope (CE) and spiral-in phase. We discuss the -parameter and the efficiency of envelope ejec- tion in the CE-phase, and show that depends strongly on the evolutionary stage (i.e. stellar radius) of the donor star at the onset of the mass transfer. The existence of this relation enables us to introduce a new approach for solving the energy equation. For a given observed binary system we can derive a unique so- lution for the original mass and age of the donor star, as well as the pre-CE orbital period. We find that the value of is typically between 0.2 and 0.8. But in some cases, particularly on the asymptotic giant branch of lower-mass stars, it is possible that >5. A high value of (rather than assuming a high efficiency parameter, CE > 1) is sufficient to explain the long final orbital periods observed among those binary millisecond pulsars which are believed to have evolved through a CE-phase. We also present a tabulation of as a function of stellar radius and mass, which is useful for a quick estimation of the orbital decay during a common envelope and spiral-in phase.
Interference of guiding polariton modes in “traffic” circle waveguides

The interference of polariton guiding modes propagating through the waveguide composed of dielectric spherical particles forming the “traffic” circle docked by two linear entrance and exit chains is investigated. The dependence of intensity of the polariton wave on the position of the particle on the circle was studied using the multisphere Mie scattering formalism. We show that, if the frequency of light belongs to the pass band of the circular part of this waveguide, the electromagnetic waves may be considered as two optical beams running along the circle in opposite directions and interfering with each other. Indeed, the obtained intensity behavior can be represented as a simple superposition of two waves propagating along the circle in opposite directions. The applications of this interference are discussed.
Foldable structures and the natural design of pollen grains

Upon release from the anther, pollen grains of angiosperm flowers are exposed to a dry environment and dehydrate. To survive this process, pollen grains possess a variety of physiological and structural adaptations. Perhaps the most striking of these adaptations is the ability of the pollen wall to fold onto itself to prevent further desiccation. Roger P. Wodehouse coined the term harmomegathy for this folding process in recognition of the critical role it plays in the survival of the pollen grain. There is still, however, no quantitative theory that explains how the structure of the pollen wall contributes to harmomegathy. Here we demonstrate that simple geometrical and mechanical principles explain how wall structure guides pollen grains toward distinct folding pathways. We found that the presence of axially elongated apertures of high compliance is critical for achieving a predictable and reversible folding pattern. Moreover, the intricate sculpturing of the wall assists pollen closure by preventing mirror buckling of the surface. These results constitute quantitative structure-function relationships for pollen harmomegathy and provide a framework to elucidate the functional significance of the very diverse pollen morphologies observed in angiosperms.
A Low Cost design for Optimized IDCT and de-quantization of H.264

H.264 also known as MPEG4 part 10 is a promising video coding standard for the next generation video compression. To meet the needs of low cost H.264 decoders, this paper presents a low cost hardware implementation for the improved IDCT (inverse discrete cosine transform) and de-quantization of H.264. For the tradeoff between areas and processing speed, this hardware implementation achieves real-time decoding for all available video resolution formats at a quite low area cost
The Role of Spatial Reference Frames in Architecture

It is generally recognized that the spatial structure of a building is an important factor in way-finding performance. However, surprisingly little research has related way-finding performance directly to topological and geometrical properties of spatial environments. In this study, the authors provide empirical evidence that way-finding performance and the ability of people to orient themselves in their environment depends partly on geometrical relations between different parts of the space. The authors propose that the misalignment of local, cognitive reference frames suggested by architectural features leads to way-finding problems and impairs the integration of spatial knowledge. In an experiment with 56 participants, the authors tested way-finding performance and spatial memory for four virtual environments. Environments differed systematically in their alignment of parts of the building. Results show a main effect of alignment for both way-finding and pointing measures. Implications of these findings for both architectural design and cognitively motivated formal models of space are discussed.
A framework for schema matcher composition

Enterprise schemas tend to be different, which is the key issue when the seamless communication between systems is of utmost importance. One solution could be the development of standards which then could be enforced, however, vendors seem to be reluctant to comply with them and communication between existing and legacy systems still remains unsolved. Other solution could be schema matching, which resolves the matter on data level and the process do not require vendors to adhere to any kind of predefined schemas. The task is very complex on the other hand, even for human evaluators. Some of the solutions aired so far are fairly promising, however, their accuracy varies. Our goal was to find means by which the results could be enhanced. We have been focusing on the development of solutions which do not change the concept of the algorithms, but fine-tune them so that they achieve higher accuracy. Our experiments showed that the results of the matchers may vary on a large scale depending on the actual parameter settings. It has also turned out that the parameters should set for each scenario individually, as the best results are warranted only this way. In this article, we present a general approach for optimally dissembling existing solutions, and combining some of the resulting components in a way that the new matcher supersedes the donor ones. The composition and the optimal parameter setting combined provide a framework, which is capable of an enhanced performance. Improved accuracy lessens the need for the follow-up human supervision.
Different kinds of concepts and different kinds of words: What words do for human cognition

Different kinds of concepts and different kinds of words: What words do for human cognition Introduction This book addresses the nature of concepts. A consideration of human concepts is incomplete without also considering language. Language is a fundamental human capacity, one that permits us to express our own concepts and to influence the concepts of others. Although humans and non-humans alike can form categories in the absence of language, there is nonetheless a crucial role for words in human conceptual development (see Gelman and Kalish 2006; Waxman and Lidz 2006; Woodward and Markman 1998 for recent reviews). We will argue that throughout human development, words are intimately linked with conceptual representations and permit us to transcend categories and concepts that are supported by immediate perceptual experiences. Even before infants produce their first words, their representations of objects and events are influenced by the words that they hear. With development, the influence of words becomes increasingly powerful and precise. Thus, we argue for strong developmental continuities in the powerful and uniquely human relation between words and concepts; we also underscore that throughout human development, decisions about categorization and naming are affected by a host of considerations that do not correlate in any simple way with perceptual properties. The chapter is also motivated by our concern about the treatment of the constructs concept, word, and development. The depth and subtlety underlying each of these key constructs is often overlooked in current discussions. Consider first concept. The human mind is Waxman & Gelman-3 remarkable for its flexibility. We can construe any particular scene, or any element within a scene, in a number of different ways, depending upon the perspective that we adopt at the moment and the task at hand. The human mind, including the minds of infants and young children, represents a rich range of concepts, ranging from distinct individuals (e.g., Fido) to categories and kinds. Our concepts include abstractions over individual objects (e. concepts that can be derived from immediate perceptual experience (fluffy, cold), as well as concepts that relate to more complex internal emotional states (happy, mad) and abstract ideas (causation, animacy). Moreover, not all concepts are 'created equal': natural kind concepts that have been encoded in language (e.g., dogs, trees) are likely very different from arbitrary groupings created for a particular research task (e.g., tall red cubes, U-shaped blocks; see 2003, this volume). Although the latter are often organized …
Research of Peak-to-Average Power Ratio Reduction Improved Algorithm for MIMO-OFDM System

MIMO-OFDM system has the same defect as OFDM system, that is it has a high PAPR, which means when the signal pass through the non-linear power amplifier and other devices, it would require the amplifier has a wide dynamic range, otherwise, it would have a non-linear distortion, the generated harmonics will cause interferences among the sub-channels, finally it leads the signal distorted in interactive modulation and the system performance declined. On the basis of study the existing type of PAPR reduction algorithm applying the highly complex calculation probability, this paper proposes an algorithm of partial transmit sequence with the multi-antenna cooperative working by proving the strict corresponding conjugated relationships between weight vectors on the double antennas in the partial transmit sequence algorithm. This algorithm applies the partial transmit sequence algorithm to the OFDM system which uses Space-Time Block Coding. The simulation results show the improved algorithm can effectively reduce the PAPR and the calculation, it has great practical values.