Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MR cholangiography versus cholangioscopy for evaluation of longitudinal extension of hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND The utility of magnetic resonance cholangiography for assessment of longitudinal tumor extension of hilar cholangiocarcinoma was investigated with reference to findings by percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy. METHODS Ninety-nine patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma underwent both magnetic resonance cholangiography and percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy. Longitudinal tumor extension was described with the Bismuth-Corlette classification. Hilar cholangiocarcinoma was classified morphologically into stenotic, diffuse sclerosing, and polypoid types based on selective cholangiographic findings obtained during percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy. Agreement between percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy and magnetic resonance cholangiography according to the Bismuth-Corlette classification was compared. The degree of agreement between magnetic resonance cholangiography and percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy according to each morphologic type was also compared in each subgroup without reference to Bismuth-Corlette type. RESULTS The overall agreement between magnetic resonance cholangiography and percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy with regard to Bismuth-Corlette types was 87.9% (kappa = 0.832, p < 0.01). The agreement of magnetic resonance cholangiography for each Bismuth-Corlette type with reference to percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy was as follows: type I (n = 18), 16/18 (88.9%); type II (n = 16), 14/16 (87.5%); type IIIa (n = 23), 19/23 (82.6%); type IIIb (n = 14), 14/14 (100%); and type IV (n = 28), 24/28 (85.7%). The overall agreement between magnetic resonance cholangiography and percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy for Bismuth-Corlette type according to selective cholangiographic findings was as follows: stenotic type, 58/61 (95.1%, kappa = 0.929, p < 0.01); diffuse sclerosing type, 12/16 (75%, kappa = 0.619, p < 0.01); and polypoid type, 17/22 (77.3%, kappa = 0.696, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION There is good overall agreement between magnetic resonance cholangiography and percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy on longitudinal extension of hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Especially for the stenotic type of hilar cholangiocarcinoma (based on selective cholangiographic findings), magnetic resonance cholangiography may replace percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy in the determination of longitudinal tumor extension. For polypoid or diffuse sclerosing types, however, percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy is required for accurate evaluation of longitudinal tumor extension.
Dermatomyositis and HIV

HIV has been linked to several autoimmune disorders since its emergence in the 1980s. By affecting different cells and pathways in the immune system, HIV induces the development of certain autoimmune diseases while prohibiting the emergence of others. Dermatomyositis has been rarely described in patients with HIV. We present a case of dermatomyositis in a patient with HIV and explore the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders in HIV focusing on dermatomyositis.
Hepatitis C and HIV-1 coinfection

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has emerged as the cause of the second major epidemic of viral infection after human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) within the past two decades, and coinfection of HIV and HCV represents a growing problem for the future. This article reviews the current evidence on the epidemiology and clinical implications of an interaction between HIV-1 and HCV infection, and the current status of the management of patients with combined infection.
Factors affecting compliance with eye drop therapy for glaucoma in a multicultural outpatient setting

Abstract Ophthalmic nurses at Sydney Hospital Sydney Eye Hospital aimed to assess and evaluate the knowledge and resulting behaviours of patients using eye drop therapy for glaucoma and the effect that using interpreters or English speaking family members had on patients’ understanding and compliance. Non-compliance is known to lead to progression of the disease with resulting loss of vision. The study showed that patients undergoing long-term therapy for glaucoma have areas of non-compliance that may not be apparent to staff who see them in a clinic setting. It also showed that ineffectual use or missed doses of eye drops occur in both male and female groups, young and older groups and those from non-English and English speaking backgrounds. This is in spite of the same patients’ assurances that they have received clear instructions. It has been shown that the use of interpreters or English speaking family members has not affected compliance. This study has shown that even patients who have been on therapy for over 12 months are likely to benefit from continuing education and reinforcement of good technique. Poor understanding of glaucoma in the over 65 age group was not associated with a higher rate of non-compliance.
Customizable Data Distribution for Shared Data Spaces

To support component-based software engineering, simple and efficient mechanisms for dynamic composition and decomposition of components are needed. Shared data spaces are a simple composition mechanism, yet their efficient distributed implementation faces several complicating factors. One of these factors is that the communication needs of components may differ per data type, per application, and may even change over time. While existing data-space implementations treat all data equally, we propose a distributed data-space architecture that provides the means for differentiating distribution policies according to the type of data. Using this approach we are able to cater for the specific needs of the data. We maintain the transparency of the shared data space paradigm to the application programmer, but extend its capabilities for optimizing its efficiency.
Biological reconstruction after resection of bone tumors of the proximal tibia using allograft shell and intramedullary free vascularized fibular graft: Long‐term results

Reconstruction after excision of bone tumor of the proximal tibia is a challenging issue for the reconstructive surgeon. The combined use of a free fibular flap and allograft can provide a reliable reconstructive option in this location. This article describes the authors' long‐term follow‐up using this technique. Twenty‐seven patients that had resection of proximal tibia bone tumors underwent reconstruction using this technique. Only 21 patients that had primary reconstruction were included in this study. All patients had their surgeries performed at least 24 months before the end of the study. The average age at time of operation was 18.1 years. The average follow‐up time was 139.3 months. Limb salvage was 82.7%. The average length of the resected tibial segment was 15.3 cm and that of the residual proximal tibia remaining after resection was 2.7 cm. The average time of union of fibula was 5.4 months and for union of allograft was 19.1 months. Primary union of the allograft was achieved in 90.5% of cases. Full weight‐bearing was achieved at an average of 21.6 months. Ten patients (47.6%) had 14 local complications. The (MTSRS) average score at final follow‐up was 27.3. Local recurrences occurred in two patients (9.5%). Distant metastasis to the lung occurred in three patients (14.3%). One patient died of disease. This technique provides good long‐term results in reconstruction of proximal tibia. The viability of the fibula is a cornerstone in both success of reconstruction as well as successful management of complications. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2009.
Combination Low-Dose Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator Plus Annexin A2 for Improving Thrombolytic Stroke Therapy

Risk of hemorrhagic transformation, incomplete reperfusion, neurotoxicity, and a short treatment time window comprises major challenges for tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) thrombolytic stroke therapy. Improving tPA therapy has become one of the highest priorities in the stroke field. This mini review article focuses on our recent efforts aimed at evaluating a novel combination approach of low-dose tPA plus recombinant annexin A2 (rA2, a tPA, and plasminogen co-receptor), which might enhance tPA thrombolytic efficacy, while reducing its associated complications related to intracerebral hemorrhagic transformation. Results of our experimental studies using a focal embolic stroke model in rats support the feasibility of the combination approach and suggest the potential for successful clinical translation.
Memory Consistency Conditions for Self-Assembly Programming

Perhaps the two most significant theoretical questions about the programming of self-assembling agents are: (1) necessary and sufficient conditions to produce a unique terminal assembly, and (2) error correction. We address both questions, by reducing two well-studied models of tile assembly to models of distributed shared memory (DSM), in order to obtain results from the memory consistency systems induced by tile assembly systems when simulated in the DSM setting. The Abstract Tile Assembly Model (aTAM) can be simulated by a DSM system that obeys causal consistency, and the locally deterministic tile assembly systems in the aTAM correspond exactly to the concurrent-write free programs that simulate tile assembly in such a model. Thus, the detection of the failure of local determinism (which had formerly been an open problem) reduces to the detection of data races in simulating programs. Further, the Kinetic Tile Assembly Model can be simulated by a DSM system that obeys GWO, a memory consistency condition defined by Steinke and Nutt. (To our knowledge, this is the first natural example of a DSM system that obeys GWO, but no stronger consistency condition.) We combine these results with the observation that self-assembly algorithms are local algorithms, and there exists a fast conversion of deterministic local algorithms into deterministic self-stabilizing algorithms. This provides an "immediate" generalization of a theorem by Soloveichik et al. about the existence of tile assembly systems that simultaneously perform two forms of self-stabilization: proofreading and self-healing. Our reductions and proof techniques can be extended to the programming of self-assembling agents in a variety of media, not just DNA tiles, and not just two-dimensional surfaces.
A Methodology for Sketch based Image Retrieval based on Score level Fusion

sketches to match with a hand drawn sketch query is highly desired feature. This paper proposes a novel methodology for efficient retrieval of sketch based images. This system extracts features from the query sketch, HOG and GMM features are used and these features are combined using score level fusion which can match user drawn sketch with database sketches efficiently. The methodology is tested on bench mark images and the performance evaluation is carried out using metrics like Precession and Recall. The results derived are tested for efficiency against models based on HOG and GMM.
Comprehensive Methodology for ReRAM and Selector Design Guideline of Cross-point Array

In this research, an one selector-one ReRAM (1S1R) cross-point array of a multi-level cell (MLC) was demonstrated and investigated. To expand high-density feasibility of cross-point array, MLC pulse writing and reading operations were assessed with parasitic line resistances and capacitances using Matlab and HSPICE simulations. We observed a switching energy is an important parameter for MLC in actual cross-point array in the operating point of view. In addition, not only ReRAM but also selector characteristics are highly important in the device point of view. Therefore, this study serves power efficient guidelines for 1S1R devices and operating schemes of cross-point array.
Investigation of the Stabilization Parameters of theStabilized Finite Element Formulations

Investigation of the Stabilization Parameters of the Stabilized Finite Element Formulations by Tracee L. Curlett The Team for Advanced Flow Simulation and Modeling at Rice University specializes in finite element computation of complex problems, relying on stabilized formulations such as the streamline-upwind/Petrov-Galerkin and pressure-stabilizing/PetrovGalerkin methods. These stabilization methods involve a stabilization parameter, T. Alternatives to the currently-used T definitions were provided in terms of element-level matrices and vectors. An extensive investigation of these stabilization parameters is performed with comparison to currently-used T definitions to determine their performance. Numerical data is reported to evaluate the behavior of these alternative stabilization parameters with changing element size, type, and distortion. This is accomplished through evaluation of the matrix-assembly outcome and test computations, with focus on boundary layer behavior. Test calculations are carried out in the context of a time-dependent advection-diffusion equation and the N avier-Stokes equations of incompressible flows, for both the semi-discrete formulation and the Deforming-Spatial-Domain/Stabilized Space-Time method.
Existence and construction of weight-set for satisfying preference orders of alternatives based on additive multi-attribute value model

Based on the additive multi-attribute value model for multiple attribute decision making (MADM) problems, the paper investigates how the set of attribute weights (or weight-set thereafter) is determined according to the preference orders of alternatives given by decision makers. The weight-set is a bounded convex polyhedron and can be written as a convex combination of the extreme points. We give the sufficient and necessary conditions for the weight-set to be not empty and present the structures of the weight-set for satisfying the preference orders of alternatives. A method is also proposed to determine the weight-set. The structure of the weight-set is used to determine the interval of weights for every attribute in the decision analysis and to judge whether there exists a positive weight in the weight-set. The research results are applied to several MADM problems such as the geometric additive multi-attribute value model and the MADM problem with cone structure.
Low-Defect-Density Ge Epitaxy on Si(001) Using Aspect Ratio Trapping and Epitaxial Lateral Overgrowth

Low-defect-density Ge epitaxy was fabricated using aspect ratio trapping combined with epitaxial lateral overgrowth techniques. Dislocations from the Ge/Si interface were trapped inside oxide trenches, and then Ge was laterally grown to form 20 μm wide, 6 mm long strips. Chemical mechanical polishing of Ge was used to planarize the faceted strips. Uncoalesced Ge strips showed a defect density as low as 1.6 X 10 6 cm -2 from plan-view transmission electron microscopy, while coalesced Ge had higher defect density. This approach shows great promise for the integration of low-defect-density Ge and III-V materials on Si.
Image Segmentation using Neural Network and Modified Entropy

In this paper, a novel image segmentation algorithm based on fuzzy clustering and entropy analysis using space information for optical images is proposed. We adopt the general properties of Hopfield neural network (HNN) and multi-synapse neural network (MSNN) to gain the center of the clusters and the fuzzy membership degrees for solving the optimization problems. As far as the noise influence is concerned, we introduce a novel window to improve the robustness of the proposed algorithm. In the experimental analysis part, we compare our method with some state-of-the-art methodologies and adopt the well-known test image databases to conduct the experiment. The result indicates that compared to FCM and some other clustering methods, our entropy and neural network based algorithm performs better. Our approach is less time-consuming and more robust to noise.
Rye cover crop and gamagrass strip effects on NO3 concentration and load in tile drainage.

A significant portion of the NO3 from agricultural fields that contaminates surface waters in the Midwest Corn Belt is transported to streams or rivers by subsurface drainage systems or "tiles. " Previous research has shown that N fertilizer management alone is not sufficient for reducing NO3 concentrations in subsurface drainage to acceptable levels; therefore, additional approaches need to be devised. We compared two cropping system modifications for NO3 concentration and load in subsurface drainage water for a no-till corn (Zea mays L.)-soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) management system. In one treatment, eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides L.) was grown in permanent 3.05-m-wide strips above the tiles. For the second treatment, a rye (Secale cereale L.) winter cover crop was seeded over the entire plot area each year near harvest and chemically killed before planting the following spring. Twelve 30.5x42. 7-m subsurface-drained field plots were established in 1999 with an automated system for measuring tile flow and collecting flow-weighted samples. Both treatments and a control were initiated in 2000 and replicated four times. Full establishment of both treatments did not occur until fall 2001 because of dry conditions. Treatment comparisons were conducted from 2002 through 2005. The rye cover crop treatment significantly reduced subsurface drainage water flow-weighted NO3 concentrations and NO3 loads in all 4 yr. The rye cover crop treatment did not significantly reduce cumulative annual drainage. Averaged over 4 yr, the rye cover crop reduced flow-weighted NO3 concentrations by 59% and loads by 61%. The gamagrass strips did not significantly reduce cumulative drainage, the average annual flow-weighted NO3 concentrations, or cumulative NO3 loads averaged over the 4 yr. Rye winter cover crops grown after corn and soybean have the potential to reduce the NO3 concentrations and loads delivered to surface waters by subsurface drainage systems.
Properties of ideals on the generalized Cantor spaces

Abstract We define a class of productiveσ-ideals of subsets of the Cantor space 2ω and observe that both σ-ideals of meagre sets and of null sets are in this class. From every productive σ-ideal we produce a σ-ideal of subsets of the generalized Cantor space 2κ. In particular, starting from meagre sets and null sets in 2ω we obtain meagre sets and null sets in 2ω, respectively. Then we investigate additivity, covering number, uniformity and cofinality of . For example, we show that Our results generalizes those from [5].
The problem with preventable deaths

Interest in the utility of measuring preventable hospital deaths to drive improvement dates back to Florence Nightingale's first intimation that variations in mortality between London hospitals might reflect differences in quality of care.1 In 1999, the US Institute of Medicine's report ‘To Err is Human’ published the frequently quoted estimate of 44 000–98 000 preventable deaths annually in US hospitals, claiming that medical error represented the eighth most common cause of death in the country.2 This claim has fuelled ongoing and vigorous debate over actual numbers across many countries. Following well-publicised failures at Bristol Royal Infirmary3 and Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust,4 ,5 in England, the problem of preventable deaths has come to the wider attention of politicians and the public alike. Of late, politicians in England have developed a myopic focus on tackling preventable deaths as the key to raising performance across the NHS and look to single out discrete measures for bench-marking purposes, despite clearly not representing the complexity of modern-day hospitals.6 Acknowledgement of the existence of preventable hospital deaths is helpful in raising interest in the scale and burden of healthcare-related harm and encouraging commitment to improvement among clinicians and hospital managers. However, using preventable deaths as a comparative measure of quality between hospitals, if measures are not robust and fair, may overestimate the size of the problem and the risk to patients inducing unjustified levels of anxiety and fear and have a powerful stigmatising effect on hospitals identified as ‘high death rate’ outliers. Conversely, underestimation may lead to complacency and failure to acknowledge ongoing risks to patients. A thorough understanding of problems associated with both the concept and different approaches to measurement is needed to determine the role of preventable deaths in quality improvement. Failing to prevent an avoidable death or, worse, …
Topics in Parallel and Distributed Computing: Introducing Concurrency in Undergraduate Courses Chapter 6 Networks and MPI for Cluster Computing

Cluster computing, message passing, and high performance networks form the foundation for high performance computing and modern supercomputers. This chapter will introduce the reader to the key concepts needed to understand how cluster computing differs from other types of distributed computing and provides a brief introduction to supercomputing. The material presented here is intended to be introduced in core computer science courses, alongside other parallel and distributed computing concepts. This information can be easily integrated into discussions of shared memory parallelism, and it serves as an example of methods for extreme parallelism that are needed for supercomputing. Relevant core courses: CS2, DS/A, Systems Relevant PDC topics: Cluster Computing, Message Passing, SPMD, BSP, Communication Algorithms, MIPS/FLOPS, LinPack, Distributed Memory, PGAS Languages, Synchronization Learning outcomes: Students will become aware of the existence of message passing Sandia National Laboratories is a multi-program laboratory managed and operated by Sandia Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation, for the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-AC04-94AL85000. SAND Report Number 2013-10652P. 186 paradigms for cluster computing. They will understand the concept of collective communication and the needs for unique identifiers for each computational process. The concept of supercomputing and the unique concerns of operating large scale systems will be introduced. Context for use: These topics should be introduced along with shared memory parallel computing as a replacement for or complement to shared memory. They can be used to complement any discussion of machine parallelism by representing that individual computing nodes can then be leveraged for further multi-node parallelism.
Purification and partial characterization of a flocculin from brewer's yeast

Analysis of a shear supernatant from flocculent, "fimbriated" Saccharomyces cerevisiae brewer's yeast cells revealed the presence of a protein involved in flocculation of the yeast cells and therefore designated a flocculin. The molecular mass of the flocculin was estimated to be over 300 kDa, as judged from sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Gel permeation chromatography of the flocculin yielded an aggregate with an apparent molecular weight of > 2,000. The flocculin was found to be protease sensitive, and the sequence of its 16 N-terminal amino acids revealed at least 69% identity with the predicted N terminus of the putative protein encoded by the flocculation gene FLO1. The flocculin was isolated from flocculent S. cerevisiae cells, whereas only a low amount of flocculin, if any, could be isolated from nonflocculent cells. The flocculin was found to stimulate the flocculation ability of flocculent yeast cells without displaying lectinlike activity (that is, the ability to agglutinate yeast cells).