Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clinical Evaluation of a Monoclonal Antibody-based Enzyme Immunoassay for Fibrin Degradation Products in Patients with Clinically Suspected Pulmonary Embolism

Summary We prospectively evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of the Fibrinostika® FbDP assay in 304 consecutive patients with suspected pulmonary embolism and examined potentially useful cut-off points at which the disease can be excluded. The prevalence of pulmonary embolism was 31%. The assay generated an area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve of 0.79 (95% CI 0.73–0.84). A cut-off point of 0.05 µ,g/ml yielded a sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value and an exclusion efficiency of 100% (95% CI 96–100), 5% (95% CI 2–9), 100% (95% CI 69–100) and 3% (95% CI 2–6), respectively. A clinically useful cut-off point seems to be 0.11 µ,g/ml which corresponded with a sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value and an exclusion efficiency of 96% (95% CI 90–99), 27% (95% CI 24–28), 93% (95% CI 84–98) and 20% (95% CI 16–25), respectively. We conclude that the assay has potential clinical utility for the exclusion of pulmonary embolism, but it cannot be used as a sole test.
Evaluation of residents in professionalism and communication skills in south China.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the resident doctors' competency in professionalism and communication skills in south China. METHODS We conducted this cross-sectional study in 8 hospitals, in 4 provinces of southern China from October to December 2007. The evaluation included 148 resident doctors. A 360-degree instrument from Education Outcomes Service Group (EOS group) of the Arizona Medical Education Consortium was developed and used by the attending physicians, residents, and their peers, nurses, patients, and office staff in this study. All data were entered into a computerized database and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 13.0( SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) for Windows®. RESULTS Our results indicated that the instruments are internally consistent (Cronbach's alpha >0.90). The principal components analysis with varimax rotation for the attending-, resident self-evaluation, nurse-, patient-, office staff- and resident peer-rated questionnaires explained 70.68%, 76.13%, 77.02%, 76.37%, 75.51%, and 72.05% of the total variance. Significant differences (p<0.05) were found among different evaluators. CONCLUSION The 360-degree instrument appears to be reliable in evaluating a residents' competency in professionalism and communication skills. Information from the assessment may provide feedback to residents.
Poster: Breaching Pattern Screen Lock Security

Multi-core is widely used for mobile devices due to high performance and good energy efficiency. For maintaining cores' cache coherency, mobile multi-core integrated new hardware ARM CCI. In this study, we focus on the security aspect of mobile multi-core. We monitor cache coherency operations that occur among PSL related processes' inter-core communication. After simple analysis, we can sneak android PSL information. Some preliminary results show that we could efficiently identify PSL pattern. This is a significant security violation in terms of confidentiality. In addition, mobile multi-cores are already prevalent, the attack is practical, and it can be easily spread.
Intention and personal policies

I am about to go running; I hear on the radio that the pollen count is high; I recall my general policy of not running when the pollen count is high; and so I decide not to run. Gregory asks me for help with his homework; I recall my general policy of helping him with his homework when he asks; so I decide to help him. While making my summer plans I note my general policy of always working on some foreign language; so I ensure that my summer plans include some language study. Getting into my car I am reminded of my general policy of buckling up my seat belt when I drive; and so I do. In all these examples my practical reasoning and action are shaped by relevant general policies of mine. I will call these personal policies to indicate that I am confining my attention to the general policies of individual agents, rather than those of complex organizations like corporations or governments. Personal policies pervade our lives. A plausible model of the intelligent activity of beings like us should make room for and shed light upon the complex roles of such policies in our lives. A common way of thinking about intelligent agency is in terms of a desire-belief psychology. On this approach, the agent's desires and beliefs give her various reasons for acting in various ways, and intelligent action is the output of psychological processes primarily involving such desires and beliefs. However, even before we begin to reflect on personal policies we can see, I think, that such a desire-
AMP-Activated protein kinase is activated by the stimulations of G(q)-coupled receptors.

The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) functions as a metabolic sensor that monitors cellular AMP and ATP levels. Platelet-activating factor (PAF) activates endogeneous AMPKalpha1 in Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing the PAF receptor coupled with both G(i) and G(q), but its activity was not inhibited after treatment with islet-activating protein. Norepinephrine and bradykinin also activated AMPKalpha1 in cells expressing the G(q)-coupled alpha(1b)-adrenergic receptor and bradykinin receptor, respectively. Stimulations of the G(i)-coupled alpha(2A)-adrenergic receptor, fMet-Leu-Phe receptor, prostaglandin EP3alpha receptor, and G(s)-coupled beta(2)-adrenergic receptor did not activate AMPKalpha1. AMPKalpha1 thus is activated specifically by stimulation of G(q)-coupled receptors. G(q)-coupled receptors transmit the signal for GLUT4 translocation and glucose uptake through an insulin-independent pathway. However, direct activation of AMPKalpha1 with treatment of 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-d-ribofuranoside did not trigger GLUT4 translocation nor stimulate glucose uptake in our cells. Thus, activation of AMPKalpha1 via G(q) is not sufficient to trigger GLUT4 translocation or stimulate glucose uptake.
Leukaemia cell drug resistance and prognostic factors in AML

Abstract: In 93 cases of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) the extent to which prognostic factors mirrored the in vitro cellular chemotherapy resistance (to anthracyclines aclarubicin (Acla) and daunorubicin (Dau) as well as nucleoside analogue cytarabine (Ara‐C)) was investigated using a 4‐d MTT (3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay. We found that age at presentation and presence of secondary AML were significantly correlated to leukaemia cell Ara‐C resistance. Thus, analysis of in vitro drug resistance data revealed that age at presentation and presence of secondary leukaemia were both independently correlated to cellular drug resistance, with older age being associated with higher Ara‐C resistance in vitro (p = 0.02 and 0.01 in univariate and multivariate analyses, respectively) and with secondary leukaemia being associated with higher Ara‐C resistance (p = 0.04 and 0.059 in univariate and multivariate analysis, respectively). Median LC‐50 values (Ara‐C) were: 178 ng/ml in paediatric cases, 356 ng/ml in younger adult cases, and 584 ng/ml in elderly (age ≥ 60 yr) cases giving a resistance ratio between these age subgroups of 1:2.0:3.3. Median LC‐50 values (Ara‐C) was 381 ng/ml in de novo cases as opposed to 891 ng/ml (resistance ratio 1:2.3) in secondary cases. By contrast, cytogenetic findings, presenting leucocyte count, FAB‐subtype, and gender were not consistently correlated to in vitro drug resistance to any of the three drugs. We conclude that at least two major adverse prognostic factors in AML (advanced age at presentation and presence of secondary leukaemia) are associated with increased leukaemia cell Ara‐C resistance. High leucocyte count is not associated with increased cellular drug resistance towards Acla, Ara‐C or Dau.
Down-Regulation of Na+ Pump α2 Isoform in Isoprenaline-Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy in Rat: Evidence for Increased Receptor Binding Affinity but Reduced Inotropic Potency of Digoxin

Cardiac hypertrophy in rats induces a down-regulation of Na+,K+-ATPase α2 isoform, although its functional consequences are poorly understood. Using a mathematical modeling approach that allows differentiation between effects elicited at the receptor and postreceptor level, we studied uptake, receptor binding kinetics, and positive inotropism of digoxin in single-pass Langendorff-perfused hearts of vehicle- and isoprenaline-pretreated rats (2.4 mg/kg per day over 4 days). Digoxin outflow concentration and left ventricular developed pressure data were measured for three consecutive doses (15, 30, and 45 μg) in the absence and presence of the reverse mode Na+/Ca2+ exchange inhibitor 2-[2-[4-(4-nitrobenzyloxyl-)phenyl]ethyl isothiourea methansulfonate] (KB-R7943) (0.1 μM) in perfusate. In hypertrophied hearts, 1) the amount of α2 receptors was reduced to 52% of control levels; 2) the digoxin binding affinity was increased 12-fold due to a decrease in dissociation rate constants of α1 and α2 receptors, and 3) inotropic responsiveness to digoxin the was attenuated on the stimulus-response level, where the coupling ratio of stimulus to response was reduced to 38% of control values. Only in the lowest dose level (15 μg) was this decrease in inotropic potency counterbalanced by the increase in receptor affinity. The Na+,K+-ATPase isoform shift was not responsible for the diminished inotropic effect of digoxin. Coadministration of KB-R7943 significantly reduced cellular response generation at higher digoxin doses to the same limiting stimulus-response relationship in both the vehicle and isoprenaline group.
SN 2011dh: DISCOVERY OF A TYPE IIb SUPERNOVA FROM A COMPACT PROGENITOR IN THE NEARBY GALAXY M51

On 2011 May 31 UT a supernova (SN) exploded in the nearby galaxy M51 (the Whirlpool Galaxy). We discovered this event using small telescopes equipped with CCD cameras and also detected it with the Palomar Transient Factory survey, rapidly confirming it to be a Type II SN. Here, we present multi-color ultraviolet through infrared photometry which is used to calculate the bolometric luminosity and a series of spectra. Our early-time observations indicate that SN 2011dh resulted from the explosion of a relatively compact progenitor star. Rapid shock-breakout cooling leads to relatively low temperatures in early-time spectra, compared to explosions of red supergiant stars, as well as a rapid early light curve decline. Optical spectra of SN 2011dh are dominated by H lines out to day 10 after explosion, after which He i lines develop. This SN is likely a member of the cIIb (compact IIb) class, with progenitor radius larger than that of SN 2008ax and smaller than the eIIb (extended IIb) SN 1993J progenitor. Our data imply that the object identified in pre-explosion Hubble Space Telescope images at the SN location is possibly a companion to the progenitor or a blended source, and not the progenitor star itself, as its radius (∼1013 cm) would be highly inconsistent with constraints from our post-explosion spectra.
Joint attention interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND A core social-communication deficit in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is limited joint attention behaviours-important in the diagnosis of ASD and shown to be a powerful predictor of later language ability. Various interventions have been used to train joint attention skills in children with ASD. However, it is unclear which participant, intervention and interventionist factors yield more positive results. AIMS The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to provide a quantitative assessment of the effectiveness of joint attention interventions aimed at improving joint attention abilities in children with ASD. METHODS & PROCEDURES The researchers searched six databases for studies meeting the inclusion criteria at two levels: title/abstract and full-text stages. Two independent coders completed data extraction using a coding manual and form developed specifically for this research study. Meta-analysis procedures were used to determine the overall effects of several comparisons including treatment type, treatment administrator, intervention characteristics and follow-up. MAIN CONTRIBUTION Fifteen randomized experimental studies met inclusion criteria. All comparisons resulted in statistically significant effects, though overlapping confidence intervals suggest that none of the comparisons were statistically different from each other. Specifically, treatment administrator, dosage and design (control or comparison, etc.) characteristics of the studies do not appear to produce significantly different effects. CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS The results of this meta-analysis provide strong support for explicit joint attention interventions for young children with ASD; however, it remains unclear which children with ASD respond to which type of intervention.
Storing the Quantum Fourier Operator in the QuIDD Data Structure

Quantum algorithms can be simulated using classical computers, but the typical time complexity of the simulation is exponential. There are some data structures which can speed up this simulation to make it possible to test these algorithms on classical computers using more than a few qubits. One of them is QuIDD by Viamontes et al., which is an extension of the Algebraic Decision Diagram. In this paper, we examine the matrix of Fourier operator and its QuIDD representation. To utilize the structure of the operator we propose two orderings (reversed column variables and even-odd order), both resulting in smaller data structure than the standard one. After that, we propose a new method of storing the Fourier operator, using a weighted decision diagram that further reduces its size. It should be the topic of subsequent research whether the basic operations can be performed efficiently on this weighted structure.
RSR: a new rectilinear Steiner minimum tree approximation for FPGA placement and global routing

The work combines FPGA placement and global routing phases in a single phase, taking advantage of the interrelations between them both. The authors have developed rectilinear Steiner regions (RSR), a new fast algorithm to approximate the rectilinear Steiner minimum tree (RSMT) of each multi-terminal net. The search of placement solutions is performed in three simulated annealing optimization phases, guided by different objective functions. The first one uses a semi-perimeter classic metric to reduce the length of the nets. The second one estimates more precisely the length of the nets with RSR algorithm. The third stage measures the congestion making a fast routing of RSR regions in each placement iteration. They have also developed an RSR-based global router. This optimization method has been applied for the placement and global routing of a set of benchmark circuits. The layouts obtained, require equal or fewer routing tracks per channel segment than those produced by other tools appeared in the literature, that only optimize the semi-perimeter classic placement cost function.
Comparison of Background Subtraction Methods for a Multimedia Learning Space

This article presents, at a first time, a multimedia application called Aqu@theque. This project consists in elaborating a multimedia system dedicated to aquariums which gives ludo-pedagogical information in an interactive learning area. The reliability of this application depends of the segmentation and recognition steps. Then, we focus on the segmentation step using the background subtraction principle. Our motivation is to compare different background subtraction methods used to detect fishes in video sequences and to improve the performance of this application. In this context, we present a new classification of the critical situations which occurred in videos and disturbed the assumptions made in background subtraction methods. This classification can be used in any application using background subtraction like video surveillance, motion capture or video games.
Composition of weight lost during short-term weight reduction. Metabolic responses of obese subjects to starvation and low-calorie ketogenic and nonketogenic diets.

The effects of starvation, an 800-kcal mixed diet and an 800-kcal ketogenic (low carbohydrate-high fat) diet on the composition of weight lost were determined in each of six obese subjects during three 10-day periods. The energy-nitrogen balance method was used to quantify the three measurable components of weight loss; protein, fat, and water. On the 800-kcal ketogenic diet, subjects lost (mean +/- SE) 466.6 +/-51.3 g/day; on the isocaloric mixed diet, which provided carbohydrate and fat in conventional proportions, they lost 277.9+/- 32.1 g/day. Composition of weight lost (percentage) during the ketogenic diet was water 61.2, fat 35.0, protein 3.8. During the mixed diet, composition of loss was water 37.1, fat 59.5, protein 3.4.
Compact Hierarchical Bipolar Transistor Modeling With HiCUM

"Compact Hierarchical Bipolar Transistor Modeling with HICUM" will be of great practical benefit to professionals from the process development, modeling and circuit design community who are interested in the application of bipolar transistors, which include the SiGe:C HBTs fabricated with existing cutting-edge process technology. This book begins with an overview on the different device designs of modern bipolar transistors, along with their relevant operating conditions; while the subsequent chapter on transistor theory is subdivided into a review of mostly classical theories, brought into context with modern technology, and a chapter on advanced theory that is required for understanding modern device designs. This book aims to provide a solid basis for the understanding of modern compact models.
Thermal Overshoot Analysis for Hot-spot Temperature Rise of Transformer

The objective of this paper is to introduce a general model of hot-spot temperature rise calculation for the non-directed flow windings in order to explain the thermal overshoot phenomenon. The model employs heat transfer principles and hydrodynamics, in which the duct oil flow velocity is taken into account, and is validated using experimental results obtained for step changing load current on a oil natural-air natural (ONAN) cooling mode, 40 MVA transformer. The thermal overshoot phenomenon is analyzed by simulation for a 20-MVA-ONAN-cooled unit and a 40-MVA-ONAN-cooled unit.
Relative paradigms between autoantibodies in lupus and autoantibodies in cancer

Autoantibodies which are reactive with intracellular antigens have been studied extensively in autoimmune rheumatic diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), Sjogren's syndrome, scleroderma, dermatomyositis/polymyositis, and other related diseases [1]. Autoantibodies are being recognized with increasing frequency in other illnesses including type I diabetes [2], the paraneoplastic neurological disease syndromes [3,4], liver diseases [5], bullous skin diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, thyroid and other endocrinopathies, haematopoietic disorders and many others [6]. Autoantibody to p53 was detected in breast cancer [7] but for a time the main interest was in T cell-mediated autoimmunity [8], until it became evident that humoral immunity was also a prominent response in many different types of cancer [9–11]. In this paper, we will review and discuss the special features of spontaneously occurring autoantibodies and in the case of cancer, how some patients’ immune systems appear to be sensing aberrant cellular mechanisms related to tumorigenesis and reporting these events in the form of the contemporaneous appearance of neo-antibodies. There are some similarities between autoantibodies in lupus (and other autoimmune diseases) and autoantibodies in cancer and there are some differences, but important insights into aetiology, pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies could be gained by careful analysis of the deeper implications of autoimmune responses in both lupus and cancer.
Secretory Phospholipases A2 as Multivalent Mediators of Inflammatory and Allergic Disorders

Phospholipases A2 (PLA2s) are enzymes responsible for mobilization of fatty acids, including arachidonic acid (AA), from phospholipids. These enzymes are classified as high-molecular-weight cytosolic PLA2s (cPLA2s) and low-molecular-weight secretory PLA2s (sPLA2s). There is increasing evidence that large quantities of sPLA2s are released in the plasma of patients with systemic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. In addition, high levels of sPLA2s can be detected at sites of allergic inflammation including the upper airways of patients with rhinitis and the lower airways of patients with asthma. These extracellular enzymes play an important role in inflammation by releasing AA, which can be subsequently converted to proinflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Generation of AA mediated by sPLA2s occurs through different mechanisms, including (1) the direct hydrolysis of outer cell membrane phospholipids, (2) internalization and transfer of sPLA2s to intracellular pools of phospholipids enriched in AA, and (3) activation of cPLA2s. In addition, sPLA2s induce degranulation and production of cytokines and chemokines from a variety of cells involved in inflammatory and immune responses. These effects are exerted by mechanisms that are independent of the enzymatic activity and are mediated by the interaction of sPLA2s with specific or promiscuous membrane receptors. Therefore, sPLA2s may have an important role in inflammatory and allergic reactions by activating multiple mechanisms within inflammatory and immune cells, leading to the production of eicosanoids, cytokines and chemokines.