Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The role of the resistive index in Hashimoto's thyroiditis: a Sonographic pilot study in children

OBJECTIVE: The role of Doppler ultrasonography in the diagnosis of diffuse thyroid diseases is not well established. In particular, Doppler ultrasonography findings in children with Hashimoto's thyroiditis are very limited. We examined gray-scale and Doppler ultrasound findings in Hashimoto's thyroiditis in children in an attempt to understand the feasibility of future prospective controlled studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one children with newly diagnosed Hashimoto's thyroiditis were recruited in the study. The patients were euthyroid or had subclinical hypothyroidism at the time of the ultrasonography examination. According to the color Doppler scale developed by Schulz et al., thyroid glands were classified into four patterns based on visual scoring and the mean resistive index (RI), which was calculated via measurements from both lobes, and these results were compared with gray-scale findings. RESULTS: The mean RI value, calculated as the mean of the RI values of both lobes obtained from each patient, was found to be 0.57±0.05 (range 0.48-0.67) cm/sn. The distribution of thyroid classifications was as follows: Pattern 0, n = 7; Pattern I, n = 6; Pattern II, n = 4; and Pattern III (“thyroid inferno”), n = 4. The mean RI values in patients with normal or near-normal gray-scale findings (n = 10) and patients with more substantial gray-scale changes (n = 11) were not significantly different and were lower than the values in normal children previously presented in the literature. CONCLUSION: The results indicated that the RI may be more sensitive than other ultrasound parameters for the diagnosis of Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
A social transitivity-based data dissemination scheme for opportunistic networks

A social-based routing protocol for opportunistic networks considers the direct delivery as forwarding metrics. By ignoring the indirect delivery through intermediate nodes, it misses chances to find paths that are better in terms of delivery ratio and time. To overcome this limitation, we propose to incorporate transitivity, which considers the indirect delivery through intermediate nodes, as one of the forwarding metrics. We also found that some message forwards do not improve the delivery performance. To reduce the number of these useless forwards, the proposed scheme forwards messages to an encountered node when the increase of total utility value is greater than a threshold. Using a simulator with real world trace data sets, we compare the proposed scheme with the existing protocols, epidemic routing and SimBetTS. Compared with SimBetTS, the proposed scheme increases delivery ratio by 1.5 percent and decreases delay time by 2 percent while reducing overhead by 30 percent.
Towards modelling the effects of national culture on IT implementation and acceptance

Two of the most significant forces shaping organizations are globalization and the continued, rapid and, some would say, radical changes taking place in information technology (IT). To date, the extant literature has centred on the technology acceptance model (TAM) because it is arguably one of the most widely cited and influential models used for explaining the acceptance of IT. However, this literature has remained relatively silent with respect to the role that differences in national culture might play in IT acceptance as globalization continues. In order to begin to address this deficit, this paper offers a series of research propositions that explore the potential impact of differences in national culture on IT implementation and acceptance. Specifically, the paper explores the effects of culturally induced beliefs – including individualism–collectivism, uncertainty avoidance, long-/short-term orientation and power distance – on the implementation processes that impact on key variables in the TAM. The paper then discusses the potential importance of the revisions it has made for both researchers interested in employing the model for predicting IT acceptance in cross-cultural contexts and for managers faced with introducing new IT in a global organization.
COMPARATIVE EVIDENCE FOR THE CORRELATED EVOLUTION OF POLYPLOIDY AND SELF‐COMPATIBILITY IN SOLANACEAE

Breakdown of self‐incompatibility occurs repeatedly in flowering plants with important evolutionary consequences. In plant families in which self‐incompatibility is mediated by S‐RNases, previous evidence suggests that polyploidy may often directly cause self‐compatibility through the formation of diploid pollen grains. We use three approaches to examine relationships between self‐incompatibility and ploidy. First, we test whether evolution of self‐compatibility and polyploidy is correlated in the nightshade family (Solanaceae), and find the expected close association between polyploidy and self‐compatibility. Second, we compare the rate of breakdown of self‐incompatibility in the absence of polyploidy against the rate of breakdown that arises as a byproduct of polyploidization, and we find the former to be greater. Third, we apply a novel extension to these methods to show that the relative magnitudes of the macroevolutionary pathways leading to self‐compatible polyploids are time dependent. Over small time intervals, the direct pathway from self‐incompatible diploids is dominant, whereas the pathway through self‐compatible diploids prevails over longer time scales. This pathway analysis is broadly applicable to models of character evolution in which sequential combinations of rates are compared. Finally, given the strong evidence for both irreversibility of the loss of self‐incompatibility in the family and the significant association between self‐compatibility and polyploidy, we argue that ancient polyploidy is highly unlikely to have occurred within the Solanaceae, contrary to previous claims based on genomic analyses.
Similarity models for Internet host location

A whole new class of location-aware services may be envisaged by the deployment of a geographic location service for Internet hosts. We focus on a technique that relies on delay measurements and the exploitation of a possible correlation between geographic distance and network delay. Our investigation shows that such a correlation becomes stronger as connectivity becomes richer. Host locations are inferred by comparing delay patterns of geographically distributed landmarks (hosts with a known geographic location) with the delay pattern of the target host to be located. The problem we deal with is how to best measure the similarity between the delay patterns of the landmarks and the one observed for the target host. The location estimation of the target host is the location of the landmark that presents the most similar delay pattern with respect to the one of the target host. We define and evaluate three similarity models. Experiments show that the previously adopted Euclidean distance is outperformed by other similarity models, resulting in a more accurate Internet host location from delay measurements.
The multi-modal nature of trustworthiness perception

Most past work on trustworthiness perception has focused on the structural features of the human face. The present study investigates the interplay of dynamic information from two channels – the face and the voice. By systematically varying the level of trustworthiness in each channel, 49 participants were presented with either facial or vocal information, or the combination of both, and made explicit judgements with respect to trustworthiness, dominance, and emotional valence. For most measures results revealed a primacy effect of facial over vocal cues. In examining the exact nature of the trustworthiness emotion link we further found that emotional valence functioned as a significant mediator in impressions of trustworthiness. The findings extend previous correlational evidence and provide important knowledge of how trustworthiness in its dynamic and multi-modal form is decoded by the human perceiver.
Laparoscopic reduction of intussusception in children: role in primary and revisional reduction after failed non-surgical therapies.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE With the advent of laparoscopy into pediatric surgical filed and with experience gaining, as well as, improvement in instrumentation, it has been used in management of different conditions, including intussusception. However, there is no universal acceptance regarding its role in reduction of intussusception. This is due to the early reports of high conversion rate and the concern of missing a lead point. The aim of this article is to review the literatures about safety and efficacy of laparoscopy in intussusception management and the limitations as well as formulating a working algorithm for management of intussusceptions in pediatric age group up to 18 years. Up to my knowledge this is the first review article in this subject. METHOD A comprehensive review of the English literature in Pub Med searching engine was conducted with key words laparoscopy, intussusception, management of intussusception, minimal invasive surgery and intussusception, laparoscopic reduction of intussusception, between 1996 and2009 . The results yielded were further explored for citation regarding the role of laparoscopy in reduction of intussusception. RESULTS The success rate increased from 57% in 1997 to 91% in 2009 while the conversion rate decreased from 43% in 1997 to 9% in 2009.The presence of a lead point and/or ischemic bowel were the main reasons for conversion in the initial reports. CONCLUSION Laparoscopy is a safe and efficient method for reduction of intussusception. The presence of a lead point or necrotic bowel is no more indication for conversion to open surgery. Laparoscopy should be an integral tool in the management algorithm of intussusception.
Optimal code design for lossless and near lossless source coding in multiple access networks

A multiple access source code (MASC) is a source code designed for the following network configuration: a pair of correlated information sequences {X/sub i/}/sub i=1//sup /spl infin// and {Y/sub i/}/sub i=1//sup /spl infin// is drawn i.i. d. according to the joint probability mass function (p.m.f.) p(x,y); the encoder for each source operates without knowledge of the other source; the decoder jointly decodes the encoded bit streams from both sources. The work of Slepian and Wolf (1973) describes all rates achievable by MASCs with arbitrarily small but non-zero error probabilities but does not address truly lossless coding or code design. We consider practical code design for lossless and near lossless MASCs. We generalize the Huffman and arithmetic code design algorithms to attain the corresponding optimal MASC codes for arbitrary p.m. f. p(x,y). Experimental results comparing the optimal achievable rate region to the Slepian-Wolf region are included.
Development of a micro-generator based on Bi2Te3 thin films

In this study, we fabricated in-plane thermoelectric micro-generators (4 mm times 4 mm) based on bismuth telluride thin films by using flash evaporation method. The thermoelectric properties of as-grown thin films are lower than those of bulk materials. Therefore the as-grown thin films were annealed in hydrogen at atmospheric pressure for 1 hour in a temperature range of 200 degC. to 400degC. By optimizing the annealing temperature, thin films with high thermoelectric power factors of 8.8 muW/(cmldrK2) in n-type and 13.8 muW/(cmldr K2) in p-type are obtained. To evaluate the figure of merit of the thin film, the thermal conductivity of the n-type thin film is measured by the 3omega method. The thin film annealed at 200degC exhibited a cross-plane thermal conductivity of 1.2 W/(mldrK). Micro-generators of flash-evaporated bismuth-telluride thin films are fabricated using three shadow masks. The shadow masks are prepared by standard micro-fabrication processes such as nitridation of Si, dry etching, and wet etching. Thermoelectric power of the as-grown thin film devices with 16 pairs of p-n legs are measured by YAG laser heating at the center of the devices. The maximum open circuit voltage is 6.7 mV under 2.5 K temperature difference.
Hyperorders and transclusion

ZigZag is a unique hyperstructural paradigm designed by the hypertext pioneer Ted Nelson. It has piqued a lot of interest in the hypertext community in recent years because of its aim of revolutionizing electronic access to information and knowledge bases. In ZigZag information is stored in cells that are arranged into lists organized along unlimited numbers of intersecting sets of associations called dimensions. To this infrastructure a mechanism of transclusion is added, allowing the data stored in cells to span, and hence be utilized, in different contexts. Proponents of ZigZag claim that it is a flexible and universal structure for information representation, and yet the system has not been widely adopted and has been implemented even more rarely. In this paper we address the question of whether there are intrinsic theoretical reasons as to why this is the case. While the basic features and specifications of ZigZag are well known, we delve in to the less understood area of its theoretical underpinnings to tackle this question. By modeling ZigZag within the framework of set theory we reveal a new class of hyperstructure that contains no referencable link objects whatsoever, instead grouping non-referencable binary associations into disjunct but parallel sets of common semantics (dimensions). We go on to further specialize these "dimensional models" into sets of finite partial functions, which are closed over a single domain, isolating the new class of hyperstructures we are calling hyperorders. This analysis not only sheds light on the benefits and limitations of the ZigZag hypermedia system, but also provides a framework to describe and understand a wider family of possible hyperstructure models of which it is an early example. Characteristics of Zigzag's transclusion mechanisms are also investigated, highlighting a previously unrecognized distinction, and potential irrevocable conflict, between two distinct uses of content reuse: instance and identity transclusion.
Pathways From Socioeconomic Status to Prenatal Smoking: A Test of the Reserve Capacity Model

Background Low-income, unemployed women with low levels of education are more likely to smoke during pregnancy compared to their higher-income, employed, and well-educated counterparts. The reserve capacity model (RCM) offers a theoretical framework to explain how psychosocial factors may serve as pathways connecting socioeconomic status (SES) to health behaviors. Research supports the link between prenatal smoking and several psychosocial variables such as chronic stressors, depressive symptoms, and social support. How these variables interrelate to explain the predominance of prenatal smoking in lower socioeconomic groups of pregnant women has not been fully elucidated. Objective The aim of this study was to test the RCM to evaluate the roles of early pregnancy levels of chronic stress, quality of the primary intimate relationship, and depressive symptoms in explaining the relationship between SES and persistent prenatal smoking. Methods A secondary analysis of data from 370 pregnant nonsmokers, spontaneous quitters, and persistent prenatal smokers was conducted. On the basis of the RCM, chronic stressors, depressive symptoms, and the quality of the primary intimate relationship were evaluated as potential mediating variables linking SES with persistent prenatal smoking using path analysis. Results Path analyses indicated that a simple model with all three psychosocial variables as mediators of the relationship between SES and persistent prenatal smoking provided the best fit. Discussion Findings indicated that chronic stressors, depressive symptoms, and the quality of the primary intimate relationship play important roles in the pathway from SES to prenatal smoking status. This knowledge can assist in the development of prevention and intervention strategies to target these variables and ultimately reduce prenatal smoking.
Mehr als die Muttersprache: Wird die eigene Intersprache von weiteren Sprachen beeinflußt?

Der folgende Artikel ist eine Zusammenfassung meiner unveroffentlichten Magisterarbeit von 1993 an der Gesamthochschule Kassel. In meiner Arbeit untersuche ich den Einflus der ersten Fremdsprache (Franzosisch) auf die Intersprache der zweiten Fremdsprache (Deutsch) bei Lernenden mit Englisch als Ausgangssprache. Die grundlegende Annahme dieser Arbeit ist, das die Aneignung einer fremden Sprache weder bei Null anfangt noch ausschlieslich auf der Grundlage der Muttersprache erfolgt. Sie schliest sich der Interlanguage Hypothese an und steht in der Tradition von Ternes (1976), Mohle (1989) und Hufeisen (1991), die behaupten, das Strukturen einer bereits gelernten Fremdsprache auf die Intersprache der zu lernenden Sprache wirken.
Nailfold capillaroscopy in primary biliary cirrhosis: a useful tool for the early diagnosis of scleroderma.

BACKGROUND & AIM Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is frequently associated with other autoimmune diseases, including systemic sclerosis (SSc). In the last years many efforts have been dedicated to the research of widely accepted criteria for the early diagnosis of SSc. Since studies on the prevalence of early SSc in PBC patients are lacking, our aim was to investigate its hitherto unknown prevalence in a large cohort of PBC patients. METHODS We studied 80 PBC patients and 72 patients with other chronic liver diseases. Diagnostic workup included research into signs of connective tissue disease, determination of autoantibody profile, and examination of capillary abnormalities through nailfold videocapillaroscopy. RESULTS Ten PBC patients (12.5%) satisfied diagnostic criteria for early SSc and 5 (6.3%) had definite SSc. None of the patients in the control group were diagnosed either with early or definite SSc. No differences were observed in terms of aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, and liver function tests between PBC patients with and without associated SSc. CONCLUSIONS Early SSc is significantly frequent in PBC patients. The detection of early SSc in PBC patients may lead to a prompt treatment of its complications, preventing inabilities and preserving the chance of liver transplantation.
Fallacy of a Single Model for School Achievement: Considerations for Ethnicity

Ethnic group differences in school achievement, often resulting in life cycle and generational cumulative disadvantages in stratified societies, are apparent in elementary education. Socioeconomic, family, and school factors affecting school achievement are frequently assumed to be equally applicable across ethnic groups. This study questions if a single model for school achievement, where the effect of socioeconomic factors is mediated by family processes, truly represents the processes occurring for different ethnic groups. Results show that the proposed theoretical model for school achievement fits blacks, Chicanos, and whites differently. The model best predicts school achievement for Chicanos. Socioeconomic status alone plays a small direct role in school achievement for whites but it is mediated by the intervening family socialization, school contact, and child study-time factors for Chicanos and blacks. The intervening factors also affect school achievement differently for blacks and Chicanos. The only ethnic similarity is that increased child study-time directly improves school achievement.
Characterization and Persistence of Staphylococcus aureus Strains Isolated from the Anterior Nares and Throats of Healthy Carriers in a Mexican Community

ABSTRACT Healthy carriers of Staphylococcus aureus strains have an important role in the dissemination of this bacterium. To investigate the presence of S. aureus in the throat and anterior nares, samples from 1,243 healthy volunteers in a Mexican community were examined. The percentage of healthy carriers was 59.8%. Results showed that colonization of the throat occurred more frequently than that of the nares (46.5% versus 37.1%, P < 0.0001). Of the S. aureus carriers, 22.2% were exclusive nasal carriers and 38% were exclusive throat carriers. A total of 1,039 strains were isolated; 12.6% were shown to be methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Of MRSA strains, 32.1% were isolated from exclusive throat carriers. Most of the strains isolated from the anterior nares and throat of the same carriers were the same or related; however, some were different. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) pattern analysis of the MRSA strains isolated from the exclusive nasal carriers or exclusive throat carriers showed that they belong to different clusters. A 6-year prospective study was performed to investigate the persistence of S. aureus in the throat. Results showed that 13% of subjects were persistent carriers. Most of them were colonized with the same clone of S. aureus throughout the time of the study, and just three had different clones. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed that 91.1% of the strains were penicillin resistant. The presence of mecA and nucA genes (in order to confirm methicillin resistance) and of thermostable nuclease of S. aureus was examined. This study showed that some strains of S. aureus regularly colonized the throats of healthy people and could persist for years.
Virtual View Synthesis by Non-Local Means Filtering using temporal data

A novel algorithm for Virtual View Synthesis based on Non-Local Means Filtering is presented in this paper. Apart from using the video frames from the nearby cameras and the corresponding per-pixel depth map, this algorithm also makes use of the previously synthesized frame. Simple and efficient, the algorithm can synthesize video at any given virtual viewpoint at a faster rate. In the process, the quality of the synthesized frame is not compromised. Experimental results prove the above mentioned claim. The subjective and objective quality of the synthesized frames are comparable to the existing algorithms.
Stimuli Responsive Poly(Vinyl Caprolactam) Gels for Biomedical Applications

Poly(vinyl caprolactam) (PNVCL) is one of the most important thermoresponsive polymers because it is similar to poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide). PNVCL precipitates from aqueous solutions in a physiological temperature range (32–34 °C). The use of PNVCL instead of PNIPAM is considered advantageous because of the assumed lower toxicity of PNVCL. PNVCL copolymer gels are sensitive to external stimuli, such as temperature and pH; which gives them a wide range of biomedical applications and consequently attracts considerable scientific interest. This review focuses on the recent studies on PNVCL-based stimuli responsive three dimensional hydrogels (macro, micro, and nano) for biomedical applications. This review also covers the future outlooks of PNVCL-based gels for biomedical applications, particularly in the drug delivery field.