Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A comparative study of two methods for uncertainty analysis in power system State estimation

This letter presents a comparative study between two methods for estimating the uncertainty interval in power system state estimation. Constrained nonlinear and linear formulations are proposed to estimate the tightest possible upper and lower bounds on the states. The study compares the performance of these methods in terms of estimating the bounds of the uncertainty interval. In addition, an assessment of time performance for both methods is carried out with varying measurement redundancy levels.
Interaction models to support peer coordination in crisis management

All phases of emergency management activities - that we will reference hereafter as eResponse activities - depend on data from a variety of sources and involve a range of different organizations and teams at various administrative levels with their own systems and services. The existence of numerous and different actors, policies, procedures, data standards and systems results in coordination problems with respect to data analysis, information delivery and resource management. In this paper we present a novel approach based on interaction models distributed through a peer to peer infrastructure and we show how it can be applied in the context of crisis management to support coalition formation and process coordination in open environments. In particular, a prototype eResponse simulation system – built on a P2P infrastructure – has been developed to execute interaction models describing common coordination tasks in emergency response domain. Preliminary evaluation of the proposed framework demonstrates its capability to support such eResponse tasks.
Neutrophil Responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection in Genetically Susceptible and Resistant Mice

ABSTRACT The role of neutrophils in tuberculosis (TB) resistance and pathology is poorly understood. Neutrophil reactions are meant to target the offending pathogen but may lead to destruction of the host lung tissue, making the defending cells an enemy. Here, we show that mice of the I/St strain which are genetically susceptible to TB show an unusually high and prolonged neutrophil accumulation in their lungs after intratracheal infection. Compared to neutrophils from more resistant A/Sn mice, I/St neutrophils display an increased mobility and tissue influx, prolonged lifespan, low expression of the CD95 (Fas) apoptotic receptor, relative resistance to apoptosis, and an increased phagocytic capacity for mycobacteria. Segregation genetic analysis in (I/St × A/Sn)F2 hybrids indicates that the alleles of I/St origin at the chromosome 3 and 17 quantitative trait loci which are involved in the control of TB severity also determine a high level of neutrophil influx. These features, along with the poor ability of neutrophils to restrict mycobacterial growth compared to that of lung macrophages, indicate that the prevalence of neutrophils in TB inflammation contributes to the development of pathology, rather than protection of the host, and that neutrophils may play the role of a “Trojan horse” for mycobacteria.
Rethinking presence: a grounded theory of nurses and teleconsultation

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To develop a theory that offered an evidence-based insight into the use of teleconsultation by nurses. BACKGROUND Teleconsultation is the use of video to facilitate real-time, remote interaction between healthcare practitioners and patients. Although its popularity is growing, there is little understanding of how teleconsultation impacts on the role of nurses. DESIGN The study adopted a constructivist grounded theory method, supplemented by the use of Straussian analytical approaches. METHODS Using selective and theoretical approaches, registered nurses with experience of using video in health care were sampled. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews exploring experiences, knowledge and feelings surrounding teleconsultation. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and subjected to three-stage, nonlinear manual analysis (open, axial and selective coding). RESULTS Theoretical saturation occurred after 17 interviews. The core category identified from the data was 'nursing presence' Four subcategories of nursing presence were identified: operational, clinical, therapeutic and social. The degree to which presence could be achieved was dependent upon three influencing factors - enablers, constraints and compensation. CONCLUSIONS Nurses provide different types of presence during teleconsultation, with the degree of presence dependent on specific characteristics of video-mediated communication. Where the use of video constrains the delivery of presence, nurses use a range of compensatory mechanisms to enhance patient care. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Teleconsultation provides an innovative approach to enhancing the delivery of health care. This study provides nurses with insight into the impact of teleconsultation on their professional role, and an understanding of how best to use video-mediated communication to support patient care.
Comparative data on SD-OCT for the retinal nerve fiber layer and retinal macular thickness in a large cohort with Marfan syndrome

ABSTRACT Purpose: To report the distribution of macular and optic nerve topography in the eyes of individuals with Marfan syndrome aged 8–56 years using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Methods: Thirty-three patients with Marfan syndrome underwent a full eye examination including slit-lamp biomicroscopy, indirect ophthalmoscopy, and axial length measurement; and SD-OCT measurements of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and macular thickness. Results: For patients between the ages of 8 and 12 years, the average RNFL thickness is 98 ± 9 μm, the vertical cup to disc (C:D) ratio is 0.50 ± 0.10, the central subfield thickness (CST) is 274 ± 38 μm, and the macular volume is 10.3 ± 0.6 mm3. For patients between the ages of 13 and 17 years, the average RNFL is 86 ± 16 μm, the vertical C:D ratio is 0.35 ± 0.20, the CST is 259 ± 15 μm, and the macular volume is 10.1 ± 0.5 mm3. For patients 18 years or older, the average RNFL is 89 ± 12 μm, the vertical C:D ratio is 0.46 ± 0.18, the CST is 262 ± 20 μm, and the macular volume is 10.2 ± 0.4 mm3. When the average RNFL data are compared to a normative, age-adjusted database, 6 of 33 (18%) were thinner than the 5% limit. Conclusion: This study reports the distribution of SD-OCT data for patients with Marfan syndrome. Compared to a normative database, 18% of eyes with Marfan syndrome had RNFL thickness < 5% of the population.
The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Invigorating Kidney and Supplementing Qi Chinese Herbal Formulae in Asthma Patients

Background The theories of Shen-reinforcement and Qi-supplementation are important in asthma treatment based on traditional Chinese medicine theories. Early studies suggested that Invigorating Kidney and Supplementing Qi herbal formulae, Bu Shen Fang Chuan (BSFC) and Bu Shen Yi Qi (BSYQ), conveyed promising results in asthma treatment. However, the efficacy and safety of the formulae need to be further investigated by a randomized double-blind clinical trial. Methods 328 eligible patients were randomly sent to BSFC, BSYQ, and placebo group. The two formulae were received as add-on therapy. The primary endpoints were rate of asthma exacerbation and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) score. The secondary endpoints included HPA axis function and inflammatory cytokine production profile. All indexes were measured before and after treatment. Results The primary endpoints were not improved in both groups; however, the depression levels of subgroup patients with HAM-D score > 5 were improved in BSFC group. HPA axis functions and inflammatory cytokines level were also improved by two formulae. The incidences of adverse events were similar among groups. Conclusions The two formulae had multiple advantage effects on neuroendocrine-immune system. They are worth used as a replacement therapy in asthma. Trial Registration This trial is registered with clinical trial number ChiCTR-PRC-09000529.
Differential mechanisms of conjunctival cell death induction by ultraviolet irradiation and benzalkonium chloride.

PURPOSE To determine the molecular mechanisms of conjunctival cell death on exposure to the quaternary ammonium preservative benzalkonium chloride (BAC) and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. METHODS Chang conjunctival cells, either wild-type or stably transfected with various constructs encoding antiapoptotic molecules or transiently transfected with siRNA targeting the beclin-1 gene, were exposed to BAC or UV radiation Cell death was analyzed morphologically with fluorescence and electron microscopy, and molecular mechanisms of death were studied by using immunofluorescence, cell fractionation, caspase substrates, and immunoblot analysis, with or without immunoprecipitation. The main results were controlled in IOBA-NHC cells. RESULTS Both agents induced cytochrome c release from the mitochondria, caspase activation, and nuclear chromatin condensation, suggesting caspase-dependent apoptosis. These events are prevented by stable expression of Bcl-2 protein. Both agents also induced a redistribution of Fas in plasma membrane rafts and the Fas-ligand-independent formation of a death-inducing complex leading to caspase-8 activation. Stable expression of either a dominant negative construct of Fas-associated death domain (FADD) or the long or short isoform of FADD-like interleukin-1-beta-converting enzyme inhibitory protein (FLIP) inhibited caspase-8 activation in response to both UV radiation and BAC. However, these proteins, as well as permeant peptides and baculovirus p35 caspase-inhibitors, delayed more efficiently the UV irradiation-induced than the BAC-induced nuclear chromatin condensation. BAC specifically activated a caspase-independent pathway by inducing the mitochondrial release of apoptosis-inducing factor. BAC-treated cells contain autophagosomes/autolysosomes, a characteristic feature of autophagy, and siRNA-mediated downregulation of the beclin-1 gene, whose product is crucial for autophagy, increases BAC toxicity. CONCLUSIONS UV irradiation induces typical, caspase-dependent cell death, whereas death induced by BAC associates features of caspase-dependent and -independent apoptosis counteracted by an autophagic process.
Using signs, artwork, and music to promote stair use in a public building.

OBJECTIVES This study assessed the impact on stair use of improving the attractiveness of a stairwell. METHODS Observations of stair usage were made in a university building during baseline, 2 interventions, and follow-up. The first intervention involved signs; the second intervention added artwork and music in the stairwell. RESULTS More participants used the stairs during the music and artwork intervention than at baseline or when signs alone were used. CONCLUSIONS Improving the aesthetic qualities of a stairwell can increase rates of stair usage in a public building. Designs for buildings should take accessibility and aesthetic issues into consideration.
A novel multi-channel field effect transistor (McFET) on bulk Si for high performance sub-80nm application

We demonstrate highly manufacturable double FinFET on bulk Si wafer, named multi-channel field effect transistor (McFET) for the high performance 80nm 144M SRAM. Twin fins are formed for each transistor using our newly developed simple process scheme. McFET with L/sub G/=80nm shows several excellent transistor characteristics, such as /spl sim/5 times higher drive current than planar MOSFET, ideal subthreshold swing of 60mV/dec, drain induced barrier lowering (DIBL) of 15mV/V without pocket implantation, and negligible body bias dependency, maintaining the same source/drain resistance as planar transistor due to the unique feature of McFET.
A prospective study of the effect of haemorrhoidectomy on sphincter function and faecal continence

The effect of haemorrhoidectomy on anal sphincter manometry and continence to faeces and rectally infused saline was investigated in 24 unselected patients with third‐degree haemorrhoids. Haemorrhoidectomy resulted in the abolition of ultra‐slow waves and significant decreases in basal and squeeze pressures, though these were reduced to normal values from abnormally high levels. Pressures remained at normal levels up to a year after surgery. An association was found between mucous soiling following surgery and an abnormally low postoperative squeeze pressure. There was no alteration in the function of the recto‐anal inhibitory reflex following surgery. Only two patients developed incontinence to rectally infused saline for the first time following surgery. The addition of four‐finger dilatation of the anal canal to the operative procedure did not cause any significant differences in sphincter manometry.
Adipokines and blood pressure control

Purpose of reviewIn contrast to previous understanding, adipocytes are now known to produce an array of factors collectively termed ‘adipokines’, several of which have effects on the cardiovascular system. The marked rise in prevalence of obesity warrants investigation into the role of adipocyte-derived factors in the regulation of blood pressure. For example, dysregulated production of specific adipokines in the setting of obesity may contribute to hypertension commonly experienced in obese patients. This editorial highlights current concepts for regulation of adipokine production by adipocytes and their potential role in blood pressure regulation. Recent findingsAdipocytes synthesize and release several factors that have been linked to blood pressure control, including adiponectin, leptin, angiotensin, perivascular relaxation factors and resistin. Increasing evidence suggests that aberrant production and release of these factors from adipocytes may contribute to the high prevalence of hypertension in the obese population. However, additional studies are warranted to define precise mechanisms for blood pressure regulation by these factors, and to delineate their role in obesity-related hypertension. SummaryStudies aimed at determining the role of adipocyte-derived factors in blood pressure regulation during normal physiology and in the setting of obesity are needed.
Elevated PRAME expression: what does this mean for treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma?

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are the most common cancers of the head and neck region. In 2002, WHO estimated that 600,000 new cases of head and neck cancer and 300,000 deaths per year occur worldwide, with a projection of 595,000 deaths in 2030 [1]. Thus, HNSCCs are of considerable clinical and socioeconomic relevance. The standard of care therapy for HNSCC includes surgery, surgery plus chemoradiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy alone. Despite substantial progress in surgical and therapeutic strategies, the 5‐year survival of patients with HNSCC has not improved, and recurrence as well as cancer resistance to therapy are major problems [2]. The ability to predict recurrence and/or response to therapy depends on the use of biomarkers. Unfortunately, no reliable prognostic biomarkers of outcome or response to therapy are available for HNSCC, and the search for clinically relevant biomarkers is currently a priority. The expectation is that the availability of biomarkers, which can reliably identify patients with potentially poor outcome, will inform future selection of therapies and facilitate chemoprevention [3].
The factors associated with tuberculosis recurrence in the northwest and west of iran.

BACKGROUND Identifying the factors associated with the recurrence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) can help in tuberculosis disease prevention and reducing the burden on the health care system. This study was designed to identify the factors associated with recurrence in MTB patients in five border provinces of Iran. METHODS In a cross-sectional study (2010 to 2012), clinical, economic, and social factors associated with the recurrence of tuberculosis were evaluated. The data were collected by a questionnaire and survey of medical records. Simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS V.18. RESULTS A total of 300 patients with an average age of 51.9 years (SD 24.2) were randomly selected. Overall, 7.2% of the patients were diagnosed with a recurrence of tuberculosis. Sixty-four percent (n = 151) of the patients were in a low-income class. The migration from a village to a city (OR = 8.4) and weight loss (OR = 1.5) were significantly associated with an increased chance of recurrence. CONCLUSION In this study, the selected provinces of Iran had moderate rates of tuberculosis recurrence in comparison to global reports. Further studies on the relationship of both weight loss and the immigration from a village to a city with tuberculosis recurrence are necessary.
Therapeutic potential of serotonin antagonists in depressive disorders

Although the precise neurochemical imbalances in depression are still unknown, a role for the neurotransmitter 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) has been implicated since the identification of the first effective antidepressants, imipramine and iproniazid. This led to the development of the selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors which are widely used in the treatment of depression and depressive disorders, including generalised anxiety disorder, social phobia, obsessive compulsive disorder etc. Studies involving chronic administration in rats led to the hypothesis that the different classes of antidepressant treatment produce a common neuroadaptive change, namely an enhancement of serotonin neurotransmission, albeit via different pre and postsynaptic mechanisms. From this, it was suggested that serotonin antagonists should induce similar neuroadaptive changes, either directly or through a potentiation of other antidepressant agents. Here, the profiles of novel serotonin antagonists currently in preclinical development are reviewed and their therapeutic potential is assessed.
Prasugrel for acute coronary syndromes: Faster, more potent, but higher bleeding risk

Prasugrel (Effient) has been approved for reducing the risk of thrombotic complications in patients with acute coronary syndromes who are to undergo percutaneous coronary intervention. In a large clinical trial (N Engl J Med 2007; 357:2001–2005), prasugrel was superior to clopidogrel (Plavix), another drug of its class, in this situation. However, bleeding complications were more frequent with prasugrel, and so this drug should be avoided in patients at higher risk of bleeding. Prasugrel (Effient) is faster and more consistent in its effects, but patients at high bleeding risk should still receive clopidogrel (Plavix).
Estabilización de vídeo en micro vehículos aéreos y su aplicación en la detección de caras

Resumen — Actualmente, los vehiculos aereos de micros escala (MAVs) se han tornado populares para multiples aplicaciones como rescate, vigilancia, mapeo, entre otras. Para todos los casos, es necesario un optimo desempeno de los videos capturados a bordo, y uno de los principales problemas constituyen los movimientos indeseados entre fotogramas consecutivos. Para solventar esta problematica existes diferentes enfoques que, aplicados a post-procesamiento, consiguen una estabilizacion robusta en la imagen. Sin embargo, muy pocos algoritmos son capaces de ser aplicados en tiempo real. En este articulo se presenta un nuevo enfoque que puede ser implementado en tiempo real sin que se generen movimientos falsos. Nuestra propuesta usa una combinacion de un filtro pasabajos, y la informacion de la accion de control para la estimacion de la intencion de movimiento. Adicionalmente, se presenta la aplicacion de nuestra propuesta en el algoritmo de deteccion de caras, en el cual, la robustez se incrementa al ser implementado a partir de la secuencia estable de video. Palabras clave —Estabilizacion de video, Intencion deMovimiento, Filtro, Control, Micro Vehiculos Aereos, deteccionde caras.
Ciberdefensa de infraestructuras industriales

La convergencia entre las redes corporativas, con gran cantidad de falencias de seguridad y las redes industriales, han dejado a estas ultimas en total vulnerabilidad. Las redes industriales no solo producen bienes transables, sino que tambien se encuentran en infraestructuras criticas de las naciones: plantas potabilizadoras, distribucion de energia, y demas. En este proyecto se estudian algunas de las principales vulnerabilidades, se analizan y se desarrollan soluciones criptograficas basadas en el algebra no conmutativa aptas para procesadores de 16 bits, lo que permitira otorgarles seguridad criptografica.
Rare Radiological Pattern of Diffuse Esophageal Spasm

A 42-year-old man with history of esophageal strictures and esophageal dilation presented to the emergency department with 12 hours of dysphagia and non-bloody emesis. His symptoms started upon waking and included sharp retrosternal pain during each attempt at swallowing. Dysphagia occurred with both solids and liquid. He denied difficulty initiating swallowing, pain with eating the previous night, halitosis and hematemesis. His vitals and 12-lead electrocardiogram were normal. Despite several attempts at esophageal relaxation using standard methods, he continued having symptoms. At this point an esophagram was obtained (Figure). Figure Barium esophagram. Grossly abnormal esophagram with dilated proximal esophagus (white arrow), abnormal appearance of middle one-third (short black arrow) and abrupt cutoff of ingested barium contrast material (short white arrow). The esophagram shows a dilated proximal esophagus and grossly abnormal mid-esophagus with abrupt cutoff of ingested barium contrast. The differential diagnosis of these findings is broad and includes Chagas disease, malignancy and obstruction. An esophagealduodenoscopy was ordered; however, the patient’s symptoms abruptly resolved without additional intervention. This case illustrates an uncommon radiological finding in likely diffuse esophageal spasm (DES). The classic radiographic pattern, resulting from strong muscular contractions, resulting in near-complete lumen obliteration is not present, and there is no evidence for the classic fluoroscopic appearance of a “corkscrew” or “rosary bead” esophagus.1 The small contractions of the proximal esophagus in this case do not obliterate most of the lumen. This image supports several studies showing that barium studies in DES are usually not characterized by a corkscrew appearance.1–4 These studies illustrate that radiography alone is insufficient to diagnose DES. However, since DES occurs intermittently, it is a difficult diagnosis to make as esophagram and manometry cannot be performed together.3 Although our patient had a classic presentation, he did not have the classic radiographic finding. This image further illustrates the non-specific information provided by a barium swallow and importance of history and physical exam in the diagnosis of diffuse esophageal spasm.
Joint Pitch-Analysis Formant-Synthesis framework for CS recovery of speech

A joint analysis-synthesis framework is developed for the compressive sensing (CS) recovery of speech signals. The signal is assumed to be sparse in the residual domain with the linear prediction filter used as the sparse transformation. Importantly this transform is not known apriori, since estimating the predictor filter requires the knowledge of the signal. Two prediction filters, one comb filter for pitch and another all pole formant filter are needed to induce maximum sparsity. An iterative method is proposed for the estimation of both the prediction filters and the signal itself. Formant prediction filter is used as the synthesis transform, while the pitch filter is used to model the periodicity in the residual excitation signal, in the analysis mode. Significant improvement in the LLR measure is seen over the previously reported formant filter estimation.