Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Responsiveness of the 7-item Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire.

OBJECTIVE Baro-challenge-induced Eustachian tube (ET) dysfunction is defined as the presence of aural discomfort, popping, or pain, which only arises in case of ambient pressure changes, without abnormalities on otoscopy or tympanometry. Our primary aim was to determine the discriminative power of the 7-item Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire (ETDQ-7) in patients with baro-challenge-induced ET dysfunction in comparison with that in healthy controls. The secondary aim was to determine the responsiveness of ETDQ-7 in patients with baro-challenge-induced obstructive ET dysfunction who underwent balloon dilation tuboplasty (BDET). MATERIALS AND METHODS The accuracy of the diagnostic test was determined on the basis of the area under the curve in receiver-operating curve (ROC) analysis. Responsiveness to change of ETDQ-7 was assessed by exploring preoperative and postoperative ETDQ-7 scores using Cohen's kappa coefficient. Patients were asked whether their complaints improved, remained stable, or deteriorated after BDET. The findings of subjective evaluation were then compared with the difference in the ETDQ-7 score after BDET. RESULTS In the baro-challenge-induced ET dysfunction group, the median preoperative total ETDQ-7 score was 26, decreasing to 16 after BDET. ROC analysis demonstrated excellent discriminative power for the baro-challenge-induced ET dysfunction group. Cohen's kappa coefficient was 0.633, indicating that there was substantial agreement between the ETDQ-7 values before and after BDET. CONCLUSION ETDQ-7 can discriminate between patients with baro-challenge-induced ET dysfunction and healthy controls and can therefore be useful in its diagnosis. Furthermore the ETDQ-7 is responsive to change in patients with baro-challenge-induced ET dysfunction who have undergone BDET, although a larger sample size is required to confirm these preliminary findings.
Video coding algorithm based on recovery techniques using mean field annealing

Most of the existing video coding algorithms produce highly visible artifacts in the reconstructed images as the bit-rate is lowered. These artifacts are due to the information loss caused by the quantization process. Since these algorithms treat decoding as simply the inverse process of encoding, these artifacts are inevitable. In this paper, we propose an encoder/decoder paradigm in which both the encoder and decoder solve an estimation problem based on the available bitstream and prior knowledge about the source image and video. The proposed technique makes use of a priori information about the original image through a nonstationary Gauss-Markov model. Utilizing this mode, a maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimate is obtained iteratively using mean field annealing. The fidelity to the data is preserved by projecting the image onto a constraint set defined by the quantizer at each iteration. The performance of the proposed algorithm is demonstrated on an H.261-type video codec. It is shown to be effective in improving the reconstructed image quality considerably while reducing the bit-rate.
Questions and Answers from the F.I.X.

The Formulary Information Exchange (The F.I.X.) is an online drug information service available to subscribers of The Formulary Monograph Service. In this column, we present samples of recent dialog on The F.I. X. If you would like more information on The Formulary Monograph Service or The F.I. X.
Deutschlandweite, regionalisierte Prognose der bevölkerungsbezogenen Morbidität für häufige Krebserkrankungen – Auswirkungen auf die Versorgung

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund | In den nächsten Jahren werden die Anforderungen an die onkologische Versorgung quantitativ zunehmen. In dieser Analyse wurden die Anzahl der Neuerkrankungen und die Prävalenzen für die drei häufigsten Krebserkrankungen für das Jahr 2020 für die Landkreise und die kreisfreien Städte prognostiziert und die Auswirkungen auf die stationäre und ambulante Versorgung untersucht. Methodik | Hochrechnungen der Neuerkrankungen und Prävalenzen erfolgten mit Daten der epidemiologischen Krebsregistern der Länder und der statistischen Landesämter. Die Anzahl der Krankenhaustage in der stationären Versorgung wurden auf der Basis dieser Prognosen für 2020 hochgerechnet. Die Prognosen beruhen auf einer Reihe von Annahmen. Die ambulante Versorgung wurde mit Abrechnungsdaten niedergelassener Hämatologen / Onkologen des Wissenschaftlichen Instituts der niedergelassenen Hämatologen und Onkologen (WINHO) analysiert. Krankheitskosten für 2020 wurden auf der Basis von Daten des statistischen Bundesamtes berechnet. Ärztezahlen stammen aus dem Bundesarztregister der Kassenärztlichen Bundesvereinigung. Ergebnisse | Die Anzahl der Krebsneuerkrankungen in Deutschland wird zwischen 2008 und 2020 um 67 000 Fälle, die Prävalenzen um 176 000 Fälle zunehmen. Die Anzahl der Krankenhaustage wird sich bis 2020 auf 15 513 000 Tage erhöhen. Es gibt Hinweise auf eine steigende Anzahl ambulanter Behandlungen (z. B. + 30 % in der zytoreduktiven und + 23 % in der chemotherapeutischen Behandlung beim Bronchialkarzinom zwischen 2008 und 2011). Zwischen 2002 und 2008 sind die Krankheitskosten im ambulanten Bereich um 52 %, im stationären Bereich um 31 % gestiegen. Im Jahr 2020 wird eine Steigerung der Krankheitskosten um 1,7 Milliarden Euro erwartet. Folgerungen | Durch den Anstieg der Krebsneuerkrankungen und Prävalenzen werden die Anzahl der benötigten Krankenhaustage sowie die Krankheitskosten insgesamt zunehmen. Die Ergebnisse der Analysen zeigen für die untersuchten Leistungen einen Zuwachs der Versorgungsleistungen im ambulanten Bereich.
A Delta-Sigma Fractional-N Frequency Synthesizer for Quad-Band Multi-Standard Mobile Broadcasting Tuners in 0.18-µm CMOS

A fractional-N frequency synthesizer supports quadruple bands and multiple standards for mobile broadcasting systems. A novel linearized coarse tuned VCO adopting a pseudo-exponential capacitor bank structure is proposed to cover the wide bandwidth of 65 %. The proposed technique successfully reduces the variations of KVCO and per-code frequency step by 3.2 and 2.7 times, respectively. For the divider and prescaler circuits, TSPC (true single-phase clock) logic is extensively utilized for high speed operation, low power consumption, and small silicon area. Implemented in 0.18-μm CMOS, the PLL covers 154 ~ 303 MHz (VHF-III), 462 ~ 911 MHz (UHF), and 1441 ~ 1887 MHz (L1, L2) with two VCO’s while dissipating 23 mA from 1.8 V supply. The integrated phase noise is 0.598 and 0.812 degree for the integer-N and fractional-N modes, respectively, at 750 MHz output frequency. The in-band noise at 10 kHz offset is -96 dBc/Hz for the integer-N mode and degraded only by 3 dB for the fractional-N mode.
Pharmacokinetics of ceftriaxone after intravenous infusion and intramuscular injection.

: The pharmacokinetics of ceftriaxone were evaluated in eight adults after doses of 1 g administered by intravenous infusion and 1 and 0.5 g administered by intramuscular injection. Mean peak plasma concentrations were 168 micrograms/ml for 1 g given intravenously, 81 micrograms/ml for 1 g given intramuscularly, and 46 micrograms/ml for 0.5 g intramuscularly. Plasma concentrations were similar by both high pressure liquid chromatographic and microbiologic methods. The plasma half-lives were 7.6 and 8.3 hours, respectively, for the intravenous infusion and intramuscular injection. Plasma concentrations were equal for the 1 g intravenous and intramuscular routes by 2.5 hours. Plasma concentrations exceeded the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of most aerobic gram-positive and gram-negative organisms with the exception of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter species for 24 hours. Urinary concentrations exceeded 100 micrograms/ml for 24 hours for the 1-g doses and for 12 hours for the 0.5-g dose. Urinary recovery of ceftriaxone within 24 hours was 40 percent for intravenous infusion and 33 and 34 percent for the intramuscular injection. A single 1-g dose daily will exceed the MICs of most staphylococcal and streptococcal species and Enterobacteriaceae for 12 to 24 hours.
Efficient segmentation of cellular images using gradient-based methods and simple morphological filters

This paper presents an algorithm for segmenting two-dimensional (2-D) microscope images of overlapping regions of cell nuclei. Algorithms for segmenting such images must be fast as well as capable of handling subtle variability between objects if they are to be of practical clinical use. The authors attempt to address these issues by the application of techniques that exploit local features, extract object boundaries, perform skeletonization using the distance transform and gradient operators, and evaluate junction segment candidates based on boundary criteria.
Spatiotemporal connection of remote sensing data concerning agricultural production modelisation at a middle scale

This study concerns the integration of remote sensing data at high temporal resolution associated with agro-meteorological data in the modelisation of agricultural production, at regional scale. Therefore, three objectives have been defined. The passing from a regional analysis of vegetation monitoring to a crop analysis during the vegetative cycle; the quantification of crop production thanks to on adding of radiometric elements (calculated at the previous step) in a productivity model, coming from Monteith model; and the spatialisation of production data thanks to the use of satellite imagery.
Extraction of face regions in color image

We propose a method to automatically locate the frontal human face regions under a complex background in a color image. The method starts from clustering the color space using the histogram of the detected skin pixels, where the YCrCb color model and HSV color model are used to detect the skin area. Then an opening morphological operation is used to remove the small objects in the background area. Some rules are used to select the candidate face regions according to the shape and size information. Finally, the face regions can be located by using a backpropagation neural network to detect the appearance of two eyes in the candidate face regions. Experimental results show that the proposed approach is efficient.
Temporal bone Cholesterol Granuloma

Cholesterol granulomas are cystic lesions that typically arise in the petro us apex as a result of an inflammatory giant-cell reaction to cholesterol crystal deposits that are formed when normal aeration and drainage of temporal bone air cells become occluded , it could be asymptomatic but aggressive CG could be produce audio logic , vestibular and neurologic symptoms, diagnosis done by MRI, and surgery indicated for symptomatic patients with need for long follow up due to the possibly of recurrence.
Using Multiple Viewpoint Templates For Target Detection In High Resolution Images

In this paper, we present a novel method to detect geospatial targets in high resolution remote sensing images by using a class of target templates with multiple viewpoints. The proposed method involves modeling the target by a collection of target models with multiple viewpoints. Initially, the image is segmented into several regions. The contour information of each segmented region image and templates are obtained. Then the seed regions are identified by computing the similarity of segmented image with the target template and missing regions are identified. Finally, the regions are extracted and combined to get the exact target.
Sensitivity of radar backscattering to soil surface parameters: a comparison between theoretical analysis and experimental evidence

The understanding of the sensitivity of radar backscattering to surface parameters is essential in applying microwave remote sensing to the retrieval of geo- and bio-physical parameters. A theoretical model, the integral equation model, is used to investigate the sensitivity of radar backscattering to soil surface parameters. This model is first tested against a dataset retrieved under well controlled conditions at the European Microwave Signature Laboratory, Joint Research Centre, Ispra, Italy. Then the surface roughness parameters are normalised with respect to wavelength and incidence angle to improve insight into the sensitivity of radar observations to surface roughness. In this way the roughness space can be subdivided in two regions where surface slope controls the dependency of the signal to roughness.
Route recovery based on anycast policy in mobile ad hoc networks

Mobile ad hoc network (MANET) is a special wireless network, which is a multi-hop temporary autonomous system of mobile nodes with wireless transmitters and receivers without the aid of pre-established network infrastructure. Because of its dynamic topology and mobility, the path for transmitting the date is easy failure in MANET. For the real-time transmission, route must be rebuilt rapidly after route failing. In the paper, we mainly discuss the route recovery problem and propose an efficient route recovery method based on anycast policy. By using the method, the route could be found rapidly after the transmitting route fails. But possibly the recovery route is not the best path for transmitting data. The simulation results show that the protocol gets lower average route recovery delay than others.
Child sexual abuse presenting to police centers in khartoum-sudan; pattern and victim associated factors

The subject of CSA inspired a large number of book authors and researchers since the late 1970s [1]. Almost all aspects of the abuse were well studied worldwide. It is true that human experiences share faces of similarities but some kind of cultural identity always exists. These cultural entities necessitate in-depth studies to differentiate elements of power and prevention from elements of weakness and vulnerability. To the best knowledge of this researcher, very few researches were conducted in Sudan up to date, these researches focused on prevalence [2], characteristics and consequences [3-5].
Psychische Krankheit und subjektive Gesundheit bei Wohnungslosen in Zürich

Zusammenfassung Anliegen Untersuchung der psychiatrischen Morbidität und der subjektiven Gesundheit (self-rated health, SRH) bei Wohnungslosen in der Stadt Zürich. Methode Querschnittsstudie bei Wohnungslosen (n = 338) in Zürich und Vergleich der SRH mit jener der Allgemeinbevölkerung (n = 21 597). Ergebnisse Bei 96 % der Wohnungslosen lag mindestens eine psychiatrische Diagnose vor, am häufigsten Drogen- oder Alkoholabhängigkeit. Wohnungslose bewerteten ihre Gesundheit signifikant schlechter als die Allgemeinbevölkerung. Schlussfolgerungen Auch in Zürich sind Wohnungslose weit häufiger von psychischer Krankheit betroffen als die Allgemeinbevölkerung. Die SRH ist ein Indikator für die effektive Gesundheit und ist mit der Inanspruchnahme medizinischer Leistungen assoziiert.
Terminal 14q Deletion and Duplication with Gastrointestinal and Pulmonary Disease

Terminal deletions of 14q are rare but have typical clinical findings whereas distal duplications of 14q are less well characterized. The combination of terminal deletion and distal duplication of 14q has only been reported once before. Neither terminal deletions nor duplications are consistently reported to have gastrointestinal or pulmonary manifestations. We report a terminal deletion and a distal inverted duplication of 14q in a patient with multiple anomalies; duodenal malrotation, feeding intolerance, cholestasis, tracheo-laryngo-pharyngomalacia and small bilateral congenital cystic adenomatoid malformations with severe obstructive sleep apnea. This is the first report of gastrointestinal and pulmonary features in a patient with both terminal 14q deletion and distal 14q duplication.
Analog layout using ALAS!

An analog layout assistant (ALAS! ) is presented that automatically generates common-centroid, interdigitated device pairs and passive components. The user inputs a minimum of input parameters and has the ability to interactively alter the parameters of the program. The program can be used in conjunction with any layout editor that imports CalTech Intermediate Format (CIF) layouts and is platform and technology independent.
New HIV Vaccine with Gene Alteration

Submit Manuscript | http://medcraveonline.com system and weakens the body sensors for discovery of infectious agents and the defense mechanisms. When the virus destroys the immune cells and affects the functions of the injured suffered immunodeficient aggravated gradually lead to increased exposure to a wide range of infections, some types of cancers and diseases that can be easily protected by healthy body system. Immune function is usually measured by the number of CD4 cells. HIV kills or damages the cells of the body’s immune system, destroying CD4 positive (CD4+) T cells, a type of white blood cell vital to fighting off infection. The human immunodeficiency leads to increased susceptibility to a wide range of infections and diseases that can be for people with healthy immune systems overcome [2].
The Critical Success Factors for Public Sector CRM Implementation

In the private business sector, researchers have used the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to theorize IT implementation factors in three groups: contextual factors, organizational factors and individual factors. However, little research has been conducted regarding the use of these factors to study CRM implementation in the public institution sector. The objective of this study is to identify which private business IT and CRM implementation factors best fit to the CRM implementation at a public institution. For this purpose, data was collected through interviews involving 19 consultants of a US state small-business development center (SBDC) which recently implemented a CRM system. After using the grounded theory approach to generate CRM implementation factors from data, the contextual factors found were compatibility with SBA-EDMIS, environmental pressure, choice of technology, and outsourcing decision. The organizational factors found were high volume of data, investment decision, cost-effectiveness of CRM technology, and top management support. Some factors which are classified in the literature in some cases as organizational and in some cases as individual were also found. They are hybrid individual-organizational factors: training activities and CRM user acceptance. Some of the expected individual factors were not found.
Pathophysiology of the disturbed angiogenesis in hemophilia

ABSTRACT Introduction: It has been reported an increase of angiogenesis and vascular remodeling in hemophilic arthropathy. Therefore, antiangiogenic drugs could be useful in the management of hemophilic arthropathy. The aim of this review paper is to revise the role of angiogenesis in hemophilic arthropathy. Areas covered: This article is a narrative review of the pathophysiology of the disturbed angiogenesis in hemophilia and the potential role of antiangiogenic drugs in nonhemophilia patients Expert commentary: Antiangiogenic drugs could be helpful in the future for the treatment of hemarthroses in hemophilic arthropathy. However, despite some recent reports emphasizing the role of angiogenesis in hemophilia, as these drugs have never been investigated for the treatment of hemophilic arthropathy in PWH, it is clear that they are not indicated.
Tactile, Visual, and Bimodal P300s: Could Bimodal P300s Boost BCI Performance?

The P300 is a positive peak in EEG occurring after presentation of a target stimulus. For brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), eliciting P300s by tactile stimuli would have specific advantages; the display can be hidden under clothes and keeps the user’s gaze free. In addition, robust classification is especially important for BCIs. This motivated us to investigate P300s in response to tactile and visual stimuli unimodally and bimodally. Tactile stimuli were delivered by tactors around the participant’s waist. Visual stimuli were flashed circles on a monitor, schematically representing the tactors. Participants attended to the vibrations and/or flashes of a “target” presented in a stream of standards. The P300 amplitude for the different modalities was comparable in size and depended on electrode location. Classification accuracy was highest in the bimodal condition. We conclude that bimodal stimuli could enhance classification results within a BCI context compared to unimodal presentations.
Strategies for Maintaining Quality in Distance Higher Education.

The current paper was produced with the purpose of suggesting strategies for bringing quality in distance education programs at higher education level. In recent times distance education is becoming an indispensable part of education system globally. Every institution is trying to offer their educational course through general as well through distance education means in order to make market for its programs. There is need to introduce quality distance education programs. It can be done through bringing quality in the curriculum and instruction of distance education programs, providing students quality support services, training faculty members in innovative methods of instruction of distance education, provision of technical support for promotion of research culture, adopting multiple ways of assessment of distance students, developing code of ethics for distance education faculty members and students, provision of quality infrastructure and technology, launching courses of distance education only through approval of national accreditation council for distance education (NACDE) and taking measures of check at every delivery system of distance education courses through quality control agencies.
A modified IEM model for: scattering from soil surfaces with application to soil moisture sensing

The IEM surface scattering model is generalized to include the possible existence of a dielectric profile such as observed in drying conditions after rain. It is shown that for such a case, the generalized signal model including this improvement in reflectivity may give better agreement with backscatter measurements for some data sets. Hence, such a model may be applied either directly for estimating soil moisture or used to generate training patterns for statistical estimators.
Tamper-resistant Peer-to-Peer Storage for File Integrity Checking

One of the activities of most successful intruders of a computer system is to modify data on the victim, either to hide his/her presence and to destroy the evidence of the break-in, or to subvert the system completely and make it accessible for further abuse without triggering alarms. File integrity checking is one common method to mitigate the effects of successful intrusions by detecting the changes an intruder makes to files on a computer system. Historically file integrity checking has been implemented using tools that operate locally on a single system, which imposes quite some restrictions regarding maintenance and scalability. Recent improvements for large scale environments have introduced trusted central servers which provide secure fingerprint storage and logging facilities, but such centralism presents some new shortcomings. This thesis describes an alternative, decentralised approach where peer-to-peer mechanisms are used to provide fingerprint storage for file integrity checking with more flexibility and scalability than offered by currently available systems. A research implementation has been developed to verify the approach as viable and practical, and experimental results obtained with that prototype are discussed.