Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Blue light cystoscopy with hexylaminolevulinate: Our 7 years experience.

AIM The objective of the present study is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of hexylaminolevulinate (HAL) blue light cystoscopy compared with standard white light cystoscopy (WLC) in daily practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS An observational, comparative, controlled (within patient) study was carried out at our Center. 61 consecutive patients with suspected or confirmed bladder cancer were recruited for the study from January 2008 until January 2015. Patients with suspected bladder cancer (positive cytology with negative WLC) or history of previous high-grade NMIBC or CIS were included in the study. Biopsies/resection of each positive lesion/suspicious areas were always taken after the bladder was inspected under WLC and BLC. Diagnoses of bladder tumor or CIS were considered as positive results, and the presence of normal urothelium in the biopsy specimen as negative result. RESULTS 61 BLC were performed. 15/61 (24.5%) with suspected initial diagnosis of NMIBC and 46/61 (75.5%) with a history of high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). We performed a total of 173 biopsies/TURBT of suspicious areas: 129 positive only to the BLC and 44 both positive to WLC and BLC. 84/173 biopsies/TURBT were positive for cancer. All 84 NMIBC were positive to the BLC, while 35/84 were positive to the WLC with a sensitivity of BLC and WLC respectively of 100% and 41.7%. Sensitivity of WLC for highgrade NMIBC and CIS was 34.1% and 39% respectively while sensitivity of BLC for high-grade NMIBC and CIS was 100%. The specificity of the WLC was 79.9% compared to 48.5% of the BLC. The positive predictive value of BLC and WLC were respectively 48% (95% CI: 0.447-0.523) and 79% (95% CI: 0.856-0.734). CONCLUSIONS Our data confirm those reported in the literature: BLC increases the detection rate of NMIBC particularly in high risk patients (history of CIS or high grade). BLC is a powerful diagnostic tool in the diagnosis of bladder cancer if malignancy is suspected (positive urine cytology) and if conventional WLC is negative.
Fast and Reliable Geometric-Based Controller for Three-Phase PWM Rectifiers

Three-Phase Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) converters are used in a large number of applications, such as motor drives, energy storage systems, and wind turbines, among many others. Usually, the control of this type of converter is achieved by dual-loop control structures (inner-current and outer-voltage) implemented with linear-based compensators. As a consequence, the transient response performance of the closed-loop system is limited by the dynamics of the linear compensators, leading to sluggish transient responses. In this paper, a novel geometric-based control approach for the three-phase PWM rectifier is introduced in order to improve the converter dynamics under large transients. A geometric-large signal model of the converter that describes the average natural trajectories for the operating point under different conditions is derived. Based on the natural trajectories of the converter, a closed-loop geometric based controller that computes the path that the operating point must follow to achieve the target point is developed. As a result, during transients, the operating point is able to follow a well-determined trajectory. The characteristic features of the proposed method are fast, reliable and predictable transient responses, as well as low computational cost and low-bandwidth sensing and signal conditioning stages due to the average nature of the model. Simulation and experimental results of the proposed model and control technique are provided to validate the theoretical analysis and implementation of the geometric-based large-signal controller.
Flexible and transparent ReRAM with GZO-memory-layer and GZO-electrodes on large PEN sheet

Fabrication of flexible transparent ReRAM consisting of the GZO memory layer and GZO-electrodes on the PEN sheet with large area was attained by the introduction of the RF plasma assist DC magnetron sputtering method. Resistive switching mechanism of all-GZO-FT-ReRAM can be explained by the redox model as well as that of conventional binary transition metal oxides. Reset switching of all-GZO-FT-ReRAM which memory layer is GZO(RH2=5%) is smooth and continuous, which enables the verify operation and the multilevel application.
FRP: A Nonvolatile Memory Research Platform Targeting NAND Flash

In this paper, we introduce the Flash Research Platform (FRP), a non-volatile memory research platform that targets Solid State Storage (SSS) and NAND Flash research. We are developing the FRP because we believe that solid state storage devices such as Solid State Disks (SSDs) will be a ubiquitous persistent storage medium within 5 years for personal computers and servers. Solid state technologies present great challenges and opportunities to revolutionize storage system architecture. This architectural change will affect the entire application stack of the computation platform and could enable new applications at a radically lower infrastructure cost than currently possible. Various Flash-based storage devices have been proposed. However, most of the existing and proposed solutions still regard Flash (and other solid state storage devices such as Phase Change Memory (PCM) and Magnetoresistive Random Access Memory (MRAM)) as a way to build faster hard disk drive equivalents (i.e., SSDs). Although this is a valid and sufficient approach for the short term, there are many more options in the design space and many open questions need to be answered to best exploit these new technologies in the longer term. To help answer these questions, we need a flexible platform for experimentation. We present a Flash Research Platform for SSS research. FRP leverages reconfigurable hardware to provide maximum flexibility for innovative architectural and algorithmic design of the next generation storage systems.
The Bacillus subtilis DivIVA Protein Has a Sporulation-Specific Proximity to Spo0J

ABSTRACT The Bacillus subtilis DivIVA protein controls the positioning of the division site and the relocation of the chromosome during sporulation. By performing coimmunoprecipitation experiments, we demonstrated that a myc-DivIVA protein is in proximity to FtsZ and MinD during vegetative growth and Spo0J during the first 120 min of sporulation.
The surgical treatment of hepatic lesions

ALTHOUGH resectable hepatic lesions are not as common among the people of Western countries as in some other parts of the world (Berman, I95I), the current literature reflects an increasing interest in the surgical treatment of diseases of the liver and a growing number of reports concerning successful hepatic resections in patients of all age-groups. Clatworthy, Boles, and Kattmeier (1961) reported that primary tumours of the liver are the third most common intra-abdominal neoplasm encountered at the Columbus Children’s Hospital, exceeded only by neuroblastomata and Wilms’s tumours. Langenbusch (1888), Tiffany in 1890 (Keen, 1892), and Luckes in 1891 (Keen, 1899) performed successful resections of liver tumours. Anatomic hepatic lobectomy was developed by Wendell ( I ~ I I ) , who described a right lobar hepatectomy with individual ligation of hilar structures, a technique not unlike that described by Lortat-Jacob and Robert (1952). Pettinari (1955) performed the first successful anatomic left hepatic lobectomy in 1940. These pioneering operations have been followed over the years with continued and increasing interest. Pack (1962) listed three conditions which have discouraged the surgical treatment of hepatic diseases :I. The surgical inaccessibility of the liver. 2. The vital functions of the liver. 3. The hazard of uncontrollable haemorrhage. The standardization of thoraco-abdominal incisions has rendered all portions of the liver available to surgical manipulation. The capacity of liver tissue to maintain its vital functions has been studied extensively in experimental animals and in man. McDermott, Greenburger, Isselbacher, and Weber (1963) found in man that after a 7-10-day recovery period following hepatic resection, a remnant of liver of as little as 10 per cent of the original total functioning tissue was sufficient to maintain life and reasonably normal metabolic activity. The most clinically significant metabolic abnormality following hepatic resection, as determined by McDermott and others (1963), was the rapid, progressive decrease in serum-albumin determinations during the first week following operation. An average of 175 g. of intravenous albumin were required during this period for support. It is interesting that we have not encountered the need for therapy of this magnitude in our cases. Within 6 months liver regeneration was sufficient in McDermott and others’ patients to have corrected any detectable metabolic abnormality. Clarification of the anatomic structure of the liver and its intrinsic and extrinsic arterial, biliary, and portal and hepatic venous supply has aided materially in the technique of hepatic resection; however, haemorrhage, subphrenic infection, and interference with residual arterial or venous blood-supply or biliary drainage remain as formidable problems in major hepatic resections.
Trading Effect Emerging Stock Markets Risks-Return Volatility Dynamics and Enterprises Economic Exposure

While investigating the role of trading effect in detecting the risks-return tradeoff, various volatility dynamics and macroeconomic exposure of firm returns, this research study employs monthly data from Pakistani stock market for the period from 1998 to 2012. For this purpose, three generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity models were func- tioned: GARCH-M for risks-return tradeoff, GARCH (1, 1) for capturing different volatility dynamics and EGARCH for asymmetric and leverage effect. This study rests on the follow- ing outcomes. Firstly, we unravel that trading effect is flag rising in the debate of risks-return tradeoff. Secondly, in the course of exploring whether the firm trading nature matters from the context of asymmetry and leverage effect, we find that it is certainly the case. Thirdly, trading effect holds considerable role in determining various volatility dynamics. Finally, we expose that macroeconomic variables affect stock returns differently depending upon firm trading nature, hence signifying the role of trading effect.
RAN Resource Slicing and Sharing with NOMA for Latency Reduction in Uplink URLLC Networks

A major feature of 5G, ultra reliable low latency communication (URLLC) network aims to enable mission critical services with stringent latency constraints. On the other hand, non-orthogonal multiple access scheme (NOMA), a prime candidate for 5G multiple access scheme, utilizes the received power differences to allow several users to share the same resource blocks (RBs), increasing the throughput, while negatively affecting successive interference cancellation (SIC) decoding latency of certain users. Therefore, this paper proposes two different NOMA- based user clustering techniques for uplink transmissions aiming to reduce latency for time stringent services. Users are clustered and RBs are assigned among the users in a way to achieve the target latency constraints of users. Changes in latency and throughputs are thoroughly investigated for the validation of the proposed techniques.
Effect of Lipemia and Heparin on Free Fatty Acid Content of Rat Plasma.∗

Summary Injection of heparin produces a moderate rise in the free fatty acid content of the plasma of fasted rats and a marked rise in lipemic rats. In the latter case this is accompanied by a precipitous fall in total fatty acid content. A moderate rise in free fatty acid content also occurs in association with lipemia without heparin injection.
Effects of Whole-Body Electromyostimulation on Low Back Pain in People with Chronic Unspecific Dorsal Pain: A Meta-Analysis of Individual Patient Data from Randomized Controlled WB-EMS Trials

In order to evaluate the favorable effect of whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) on low back pain (LBP), an aspect which is frequently claimed by commercial providers, we performed a meta-analysis of individual patient data. The analysis is based on five of our recently conducted randomized controlled WB-EMS trials with adults 60 years+, all of which applied similar WB-EMS protocols (1.5 sessions/week, bipolar current, 16–25 min/session, 85 Hz, 350 μs, and 4–6 s impulse/4 s impulse-break) and used the same pain questionnaire. From these underlying trials, we included only subjects with frequent-chronic LBP in the present meta-analysis. Study endpoints were pain intensity and frequency at the lumbar spine. In summary, 23 participants of the underlying WB-EMS and 22 subjects of the control groups (CG) were pooled in a joint WB-EMS and CG. At baseline, no group differences with respect to LBP intensity and frequency were observed. Pain intensity improved significantly in the WB-EMS (p < .001) and was maintained (p = .997) in the CG. LBP frequency decreased significantly in the WB-EMS (p < .001) and improved nonsignificantly in the CG (p = .057). Group differences for both LBP parameters were significant (p ≤ .035). We concluded that WB-EMS appears to be an effective training tool for reducing LBP; however, RCTs should further address this issue with more specified study protocols.
Immunogenecity of hepatitis A vaccine in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Background: There are only a few studies on immune response to routine vaccinations in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), despite a strong need for this kind of study. The aim of the study was to evaluate the immunogenicity of an inactivated hepatitis A vaccine (HAV) in IBD pediatric patients compared with healthy controls. Methods: This was an open, prospective, and controlled study on anti‐HAV‐negative children and adolescents age 2‐18 years with IBD. HAV using 720 enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) units were administered at 0 months and at 6‐12 months. Seroconversion and geometric mean titers were measured after each vaccine dose. The evidence of local and systemic adverse effects for 3 days after the first and second dose of vaccine was registered. Results: A total of 134 subjects (66 patients and 68 controls) completed the whole study course consisting of two doses of vaccine and six serum samples. There was no significant difference in the rate of seroconversion between IBD patients and controls when measured after the second dose of vaccine (97% versus 100%, P = 0.2407), but the rate was significantly lower in the IBD group when measured after the first dose (39% versus 64%, P = 0.00001). The mean geometric titers were statistically significantly lower in the IBD group than in the control group at all of the measured timepoints. There were no serious adverse events related to HAV during the study. Conclusions: HAV is both immunogenic and safe in pediatric patients with IBD. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2010;)
Improving Patient Selection for 18F-FDG PET Scanning in the Staging of Gastric Cancer

Standard pretreatment staging for gastric cancer includes CT of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis; gastroscopy; and laparoscopy. Although 18F-PET combined with CT has proven to be a useful staging tool in many cancers, some gastric cancers are not 18F-FDG–avid and its clinical value is still debatable. Methods: Gastric cancer patients who underwent staging 18F-FDG PET scans from 2002 to 2013 at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Center were retrospectively analyzed, and a systematic review was also conducted using PubMed between 2000 to March 2014 to investigate clinicopathologic parameters associated with 18F-FDG avidity. A pretreatment PET scoring system was developed from predictors of 18F-FDG avidity. Results: Both the retrospective analysis of the patients and the systematic literature review showed similar significant predictors of 18F-FDG avidity, including large tumor size, non–signet ring cell carcinoma type, and glucose transporter 1–positive expression on immunohistochemistry. A PET scoring system was developed from these clinicopathologic parameters that allowed 18F-FDG–avid tumors to be detected with a sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 71%. Conclusion: A pretreatment PET scoring system can assist in the selection of patients with gastric adenocarcinoma when staging 18F-FDG PET is being considered.
Sonographic genital ambiguity in a fetus due to a mosaic 45,X/46,X,idic(Y)(qter‐p11.32::p11.32‐qter) karyotype

Nowadays, improved ultrasound techniques enable the detection of more subtle congenital abnormalities at an earlier stage of fetal development. Current cytogenetic techniques can characterize a chromosomal abnormality in greater detail. These advancements in both diagnostic possibilities have helped to answer many questions but have also created new issues and dilemmas in counselling. This is illustrated by this case report of a 35‐year‐old woman, who presented at the end of the second trimester of her first pregnancy. Sonographic examination indicated an abnormal external genital in a male fetus. A differential diagnosis of hypospadia was made. During follow‐up, an amniocentesis was performed, and this showed a 45,X/46,X,idic(Y)(qter‐p11.32::p11.32‐qter) karyotype as the cause of the sonographic findings. Cytogenetic characterization of the isodicentric Y chromosome and pre‐ and post‐natal findings in the child are reported. Cases with a similar karyotype reported in the literature are reviewed. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alterations of the lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase (p56lck) during T-cell activation

The lymphocyte-specific tyrosine protein kinase p56lck is abundantly expressed in L3T4+ (CD4+) and Lyt-2+ (CD8+) T-lymphocytes, where it is predominantly phosphorylated in vivo on the carboxy-terminal tyrosine residue 505 (Y-505). Upon exposure to activating signals (mitogenic lectins, antibodies to the T-cell receptor), the p56lck expressed in normal cloned murine T-cells is modified into a product which migrates at approximately 59 kilodaltons on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels and which possesses several amino-terminal serine phosphorylations. The changes in both mobility and amino-terminal phosphorylation can be reproduced by known activators of protein kinase C (4 alpha-phorbol 12 beta-myristate, dioctanoylglycerol), suggesting that this signal transduction pathway (or related pathways) mediates at least part of these events. Interestingly, agents raising intracellular calcium (such as A23187) cause the appearance of several of these amino-terminal phosphorylation changes but do not cause the pronounced shift in electrophoretic mobility. These data suggest that at least two serine kinase systems are implicated in the alterations of p56lck associated with T-cell activation and that the lck gene product plays a critical role in normal T-cell physiology.
Export of autotransported proteins proceeds through an oligomeric ring shaped by C‐terminal domains

An investigation was made into the oligomerization, the ability to form pores and the secretion‐related properties of the 45 kDa C‐terminal domain of the IgA protease (C‐IgAP) from Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This protease is the best studied example of the autotransporters (ATs), a large family of exoproteins from Gram‐negative bacteria that includes numerous virulence factors from human pathogens. These proteins contain an N‐terminal passenger domain that em bodies the secreted polypeptide, while the C‐domain inserts into the outer membrane (OM) and trans locates the linked N‐module into the extracellular medium. Here we report that purified C‐IgAP forms an oligomeric complex of ∼500 kDa with a ring‐like structure containing a central cavity of ∼2 nm diameter that is the conduit for the export of the N‐domains. These data overcome the previous model for ATs, which postulated the passage of the N‐module through the hydrophilic channel of the β‐barrel of each monomeric C‐domain. Our results advocate a secretion mechanism not unlike other bacterial export systems, such as the secretins or fimbrial ushers, which rely on multimeric complexes assembled in the OM.
Introduction to oil quantification on sea surface from microwaves polarimetric SAR measurements

This paper aims at presenting a methodology for the absolute quantification of oil/water mixing from microwaves polarimetric SAR measurements. In this approach, the effective relative complex permittivity of observed surface is a key parameter for a quantitative estimation of the oil/water mixing. The scope of application of the method goes far beyond the sole quantification of the mixing and provides further understanding of some electromagnetic scattering processes at the sea surface.
Extinction of microbes: evidence and potential consequences

Microbes, i.e. viruses, prokaryotes, protists and fungi are main players in biogeochemical cycles in aquatic and soil systems. As predators, pathogens, commensals and symbionts they are associated with multicellular life forms. Microbes show a dazzling array of biodiversity and it has been argued that due to their small size and huge numbers, microbes are distributed worldwide (‘everything is everywhere’). However, we summarize evidence that even free-living microbes have biogeographies and thus might be subject to at least local extinctions. Furthermore, some microbes do seem to be restricted to very particular environments and are endangered in as much as these environments are threatened. Finally, microbes intimately associated with other organisms share (partially) the biogeographies of their hosts. As far as they are species-specific, they could potentially become extinct along with their hosts. Overall, extinction rates typically reported are underestimates, since they do not take into account associated microorganisms which likely become extinct with the host organism, plant or animal. As multicellular species can have specific viral, prokaryotic, protistan and fungal species associated with them, extinction rates could be several times higher than assumed previously.
Simulations of dynamic sequential search algorithms

In [3], R.L. Rivest presents a set of methods for dynamically reordering a sequential list containing <italic>N</italic> records in order to increase search efficiency. The method <italic>A<subscrpt>i</subscrpt></italic> (for <italic>i</italic> between 1 and <italic>N</italic>) performs the following operation each time that a record <italic>R</italic> has been successfully retrieved: Move <italic>R</italic> forward <italic>i</italic> positions in the list, or to the front of the list if it was in a position less than <italic>i</italic>. The method <italic>A</italic><subscrpt>1</subscrpt> is called the transposition method, and the method <italic>A</italic><subscrpt><italic>N</italic>-1</subscrpt> is called the move-to-front method.
Investigating the functional anatomy of empathy and forgiveness

Previous functional brain imaging studies suggest that the ability to infer the intentions and mental states of others (social cognition) is mediated by medial prefrontal cortex. Little is known about the anatomy of empathy and forgiveness. We used functional MRI to detect brain regions engaged by judging others’ emotional states and the forgivability of their crimes. Ten volunteers read and made judgements based on social scenarios and a high level baseline task (social reasoning). Both empathic and forgivability judgements activated left superior frontal gyrus, orbitofrontal gyrus and precuneus. Empathic judgements also activated left anterior middle temporal and left inferior frontal gyri, while forgivability judgements activated posterior cingulate gyrus. Empathic and forgivability judgements activate specific regions of the human brain, which we propose contribute to social cohesion.