Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Novel Device for the Evaluation of Hemostatic Function in Critical Care Settings

Major surgical procedures often result in significant intra- and postoperative bleeding. The ability to identify the cause of the bleeding has the potential to reduce the transfusion of blood products and improve patient care. We present a novel device, the Quantra Hemostasis Analyzer, which has been designed for automated, rapid, near-patient monitoring of hemostasis. The Quantra is based on Sonic Estimation of Elasticity via Resonance Sonorheometry, a proprietary technology that uses ultrasound to measure clot time and clot stiffness from changes in viscoelastic properties of whole blood during coagulation. We present results of internal validation and analytical performance testing of the technology and demonstrate the ability to characterize the key functional components of hemostasis.
A comparison of the validity of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis of urine samples II: amphetamine, methamphetamine, (±)-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, (±)-3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, (±)-3,4-methylenedioxyethylamphetamine, phency

On November 25, 2008, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services posted a final notice in the Federal Register authorizing the use of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) and other technologies in federally regulated workplace drug testing (WPDT) programs. To support this change, it is essential to explicitly demonstrate that LC-MS-MS, as a technology, can produce results at least as valid as gas chromatography (GC)-MS, the long-accepted standard in confirmatory analytical technologies for drugs of abuse. A series of manufactured control urine samples (n = 10 for each analyte) containing amphetamine, methamphetamine, (±)-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, (±)-3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, (±)-3,4-methylenedioxyethylamphetamine, phencyclidine, and (±)-11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol at concentrations ranging from 10% to 2000% of federal cutoffs were analyzed with replication by five federally regulated laboratories using GC-MS and at RTI International using LC-MS-MS. Interference samples as described in the National Laboratory Certification Program 2009 Manual were analyzed by GC-MS and LC-MS-MS as well as previously confirmed urine specimens of WPDT origin. Matrix effects were assessed for LC-MS-MS. Results indicated that LC-MS-MS analysis produced results at least as precise, accurate, and specific as GC-MS for the analytes investigated in this study. Matrix effects, while evident, could be controlled by the use of matrix-matched controls and calibrators with deuterated internal standards.
Elementos de una política urbana europea. Experiencias de gestión del desarrollo urbano en Alemania y España

Con la Carta de Leipzig de Ciudades Europeas Sostenibles (2007), la construccion de una Politica UrbanaEuropea adquiere un nuevo impulso. La peculiaridad de este proceso reside en su caracter factico, apartir de la progresiva consolidacion de un acervo urbano (acquis urban), entendido como el conjuntode valores y conocimiento empirico derivado de la gestion de los procesos de desarrollo urbano. Desdeestos presupuestos, surge la pregunta de si, efectivamente, las ciudades europeas convergen en la maneraen que construyen e implementan su proyecto de desarrollo urbano, cuestion que es analizada a partirde los estudios de caso de Santiago de Compostela (Espana) y Konstanz (Alemania). Los resultadosevidencian una convergencia en terminos de discurso y tipo de procesos estrategicos puestos en marchaen ambas ciudades. Sin embargo, ambos casos presentan diferencias en su diseno e implementacion quedependen de factores derivados de la cultura politica y del contexto institucional local.
Super-resolution algorithm for joint range-azimuth-Doppler estimation in automotive radars

The problem of localization of targets and determining their velocities by means of radar is formulated as a joint estimation problem over single, three-dimensional domain. Joint estimation algorithms remove problems with data association and allow to exploit relations between individual estimation problems. To exploit wide bandwidth of the sensing signals, a new signal model is formulated based on time-dependant steering vectors for wideband automotive LFMCW radar applications. Joint three dimensional range-azimuth-Doppler estimation is performed using MUSIC approach based on the proposed signal model. The signal model is further improved based on investigation of inter-pulse Doppler effects on the radar array. Results of proposed model are compared to narrow-band MUSIC based joint estimation approach.
The preferential nucleation sites of self-assembled quantum dots with the influence of interfacial dislocation network

By considering a theoretical computation model, the strain field and elastic stored energy due to an interfacial misfit dislocation network near the free surface have been calculated analytically. The result predicted the preferential nucleation sites of self-assembled quantum dots with the influence of interfacial dislocation network. Compared with Green function method, our solution is simple, direct and can solve the problem completely.
Evaluating heterogeneity of primary tumor 18F-FDG uptake in breast cancer with a dedicated breast PET (MAMMI): a feasibility study based on correlation with PET/CT

PurposeThe aim of the study was to evaluate the heterogeneity of primary tumor 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) uptake in breast cancer patients using a dedicated breast PET. Patients and methodsA positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) of the thorax was performed 60 min after administration of 180–240 MBq of 18F-FDG in patients with breast cancer. Subsequently, 110 min after injection, a scan was taken with a dedicated high-resolution breast PET [MAMmography with Molecular Imaging (MAMMI)]. Both procedures were performed with the patients in the prone position. Four-point scores were used to compare the intensity (0: none; 1: mild; 2: moderate; 3: high) and heterogeneity (0: none; 1: mild; 2: moderate; 3: high) of 18F-FDG uptake between PET/CT and MAMMI images. ResultsThirty-five patients in whom the primary tumor was visualized on both scans were included in this analysis. The mean primary tumor size was 35.1 mm (range 10–108 mm). The mean intensity score was similar on both devices (2.4 for PET/CT and 2.3 for MAMMI; P=0.439), but the mean heterogeneity score on MAMMI images was significantly higher (PET/CT 1.9 vs. MAMMI 2.3; P=0.005). MAMMI showed a higher heterogeneity score in 11 (31%) of 35 patients, especially in tumors with moderate or high intensity. Significantly higher heterogeneity scores on both PET/CT and MAMMI were seen in large tumors (P=0.005 and 0.014, respectively) and in tumors with high intensity scores (P=0.012 and P<0.001, respectively). ConclusionHeterogeneous tumor 18F-FDG uptake in breast cancer is frequently observed, particularly in large tumors with intense 18F-FDG uptake. It is more often seen on MAMMI PET than on conventional PET/CT. Although the observed heterogeneity should be proven histopathologically, this finding offers a rationale for 18F-FDG-guided biopsies.
The Value of Oro-Pharyngo-Esophageal Scintigraphy in the Management of Patients with Aspiration into the Tracheo-bronchial Tree and Consequent Dysphagia

Context: Tracheo-bronchial aspiration is the most invalidating condition which can happen to patients affected by dysphagia, especially when caused by central neurologic disorders; the associated pneumonia episodes represent the most frequent cause of death in these patients. Oro-pharyngo-esophageal scintigraphy (OPES) allows both functional imaging and semiquantitative evaluation of the subsequent phases of swallowing. Case Report: We evaluated by means of OPES a woman who had previously undergone high-dose external beam radiation therapy for a nasopharyngeal carcinoma, which determined tissue fibrosis and progressive dysphagia. Conclusion: In this patient with dysphagia, OPES was a simple, inexpensive, noninvasive, and reliable technique that allowed to show the presence of bolus aspiration and quantified tracheobronchial aspirate.
A method for reducing the energy dissipation in wireless sensor networks using edge node

Wireless sensor networks (WSN) are currently receiving significant attention due to their unlimited potential and many fields of application. Prolonged network lifetime, scalability, and load balancing are important requirements for many sensor network applications. Organizing sensor nodes in clusters is an effective technique for achieving these goals. In this work, we propose a new approach for reducing the energy dissipation in the network. The main idea behind the approach is the introduction of an edge node, which acts as both data aggregation point for all cluster heads and a communication point between the base station (BS) and the cluster field.
REDUCING PILOT / ATC COMMUNICATION ERRORS USING VOICE RECOGNITION

Traditionally, pilots and air traffic controllers use radios to communicate with each other. As air traffic increases, routes get more and more diverse and light and ultra light aircraft are becoming more and more popular, the classic system is beginning to show its weaknesses. The two main issues regarding classic radio communications are channel congestion and the language – related problems. Statistics have shown that almost 80% of all pilot radio communications contain one or more errors. Furthermore, in the case of the air traffic controllers, the same statistics show that 30% of all incidents are caused, among others, by communication errors and 23% of flight level intrusions are caused by communications errors (40% in the case of runway incursions). Channel congestion issues are approached today by CPDL (Controller – Pilot Data Link), which uses an alternate system for the routine tasks that take up most of the available channel. One of the best known applications of CPDL is Eurocontrol’s Link2000+, which is set to become operational in all EU countries by 2016. CPDL uses a data link to exchange preset messages between pilots and air traffic controllers. Message types include approval/denial, request and information. Air traffic controllers can assign flight levels, approve/reject route changes, assign radio frequencies and request information. Pilots can respond to messages, request approvals and information, declare and dismiss an emergency. Text messages can be sent, in case there is no standard message type applicable for the information being exchanged. The purpose of this paper is to provide error reduction methods for pilot-air traffic controller communications using voice recognition and data links. Voice recognition converts spoken words into machine-usable data. Its uses include communications applications, medical applications and military applications. The output of the voice recognition system can be used in two ways: text broadcast, where the system acts as a backup to the classic voice radio system or it can be used to control CPDL systems, such as Eurocontrol’s Link2000+. In the first case, the system is designed to reduce communication errors between nonnative English speakers or between native and non-native English speakers and also to provide a solution to channel congestion. In the second case, the system is designed as an improvement to the Link2000+ system, reducing pilot / traffic controller workload and providing a more natural control interface for Link2000+. In this case, the system acts as a “vocal control” interface, eliminating the need to use the Control Display Unit (CDU) or the keyboard and mouse to input commands and allowing more time for important activities. The main benefit of this system is the increase in safety, as communications were one of the few aircraft systems without redundancy. Other benefits are workload reduction and more accurate communications. REDUCING PILOT / ATC COMMUNICATION ERRORS USING VOICE RECOGNITION
Reactions that generate aromatic molecules: is aromatic stabilization less or more advanced than bond changes at the transition state? Kinetic and thermodynamic acidities of rhenium carbene complexes.

A kinetic study of the reversible deprotonation of the rhenium carbene complexes 1H(+)(O), 1H(+)(S) and 2H(+)(O) by carboxylate ions, primary aliphatic and secondary alicyclic amines, water and OH(-) in 50% MeCN-50% water (v/v) at 25 degrees C is reported. These carbene complexes are of special interest because in their deprotonated form they represent derivatives of the aromatic heterocycles furan, thiophene and benzofuran. Intrinsic rate constants (k(o) for Delta G degrees = 0) determined from appropriate Brønsted plots for these rhenium carbene complexes and for the corresponding selenophene (1H(+)(Se)) and benzothiophene (2H(+)(S)) derivatives investigated earlier follow the orders furan < selenophene < thiophene and benzofuran less, similar benzothiophene. These orders indicate that an increase in aromaticity leads to an increase in the intrinsic rate constant or a decrease in the intrinsic barrier. This is an unexpected result; it implies that, in contrast to common resonance effects, the development of aromaticity at the transition state is ahead of proton transfer, i.e., the percentage development of the aromatic stabilization energy at the transition state is higher than the percentage of proton transfer.
Distributed computing system which solve an elliptic curve discrete logarithm problem

The paper describes computer system consisting of a central server and a distributed computing system composed of multiprocessor servers using the MPI, computer clusters, computers of the PC and dedicated FPGA units. The field programmable gate array (FPGA) units will be connected to the system through PC. The communication of computational units with the server is realized through Internet and LAN networks. The presented system executes a Pollard rho Parallel Algorithm. The system's efficiency analysis let us estimate the time needed for breaking the ciphers with various key lengths and determine the level of security that they provide.
Management of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction

Our review aims to provide an update of management protocols for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNDO). Although early probing performed before the age of 1 year was traditionally recommended, many reports have since confirmed high frequencies of spontaneous resolution during the first year of life. Accordingly, a ‘wait‐and‐see’ approach, combined with conservative therapies, is judged to be the best option in infants aged < 1 year. By contrast, persistent obstruction beyond 1 year of age warrants probing as a first‐line interventional therapy. However, the optimal timing for probing remains controversial. Although there remains a high possibility of spontaneous resolution after the first year of age, this must be balanced against the decrease in success rates for probing that accompanies advancing age. If conservative management fails, persistent CNDO beyond 1 year of age should be managed either by further observation or by primary probing according to the severity of symptoms. In patients in whom probing fails, advanced treatment such as balloon catheter dilation, silicone tube intubation or dacryocystorhinostomy may be considered.
In Vitro Maturation and Its Role in Clinical Assisted Reproductive Technology

Importance In vitro maturation (IVM) refers to maturation in culture of immature oocytes that may or may not have been exposed to short courses of gonadotropins. Approximately 5000 live births have occurred as a result of IVM since the 1970s. Currently, IVM is reserved for carefully selected patients at risk for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and for those with contraindications to hormone administration. The technology is still considered experimental. Objective The objective of this study was to identify a role for IVM and discuss clinical practices based on the current literature. Evidence Acquisition We conducted a literature review of all available and published data. Relevant studies were identified using PubMed and MEDLINE. Search parameters included “in vitro maturation or IVM” and “oocyte maturation. ” Multiple case-control studies were identified comparing reproductive outcomes between conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) and IVM, but no randomized controlled trials have been reported to date comparing IVF and IVM. Results Results from retrospective and prospective observational studies have shown decreased live birth and implantation rates in comparison to conventional IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection for patients with various indications for IVM. However, rates of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome were significantly reduced in studies with patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Conclusions Although the pregnancy rate is lower than conventional IVF, IVM is a safer and simpler alternative to conventional IVF. Future research needs to focus on improving implantation and live birth rates before universal implementation. Target Audience Obstetricians and gynecologists, family physicians Learning Objectives After completing this CME activity, physicians should be better able to describe IVM in clinical practice and how it differs from conventional assisted reproductive technology, analyze the clinical application of IVM in specific populations such as patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and those with malignancy and contraindications to estrogen, and discuss the developmental outcomes of IVM births.
GUIDE-ME: graphical user interface for the design of mixed interactive environment based on the ASUR notation

In this paper we present GUIDE-ME, Graphical User Interface for the DEsign of Mixed interactive Environment, a graphical tool to the design and the description of mixed systems also called ubiquitous systems. Based on the ASUR notation, that supports the description and the reasoning of mixed systems during the design phase, GUIDE-ME offers graphical editing capabilities for the manipulation of this notation. GUIDE-ME opens up new perspectives in terms of combinations of this notation with other HCI design methods and tools. To illustrate this, we present the links we established between GUIDE-ME and ASURSim, a platform supporting the simulation of the interaction of a mobile user in mixed 3D environment.
The epidemiologic, clinical, and microbiologic features of hemorrhagic colitis.

INTRODUCTION 383 EPIDEMIOILOGY 384 Outbreak Investigations 384 Surveillance Studies 385 Host Factors, Modes of Transmission, and Reservoir 387 CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS . 388 Natural History. 388 Laboratory Tests. 389 Pathology 389 Complications 390 Management . 391 Differential Diagnosis . 391 MICROBIOLOGy 393 Growth and Survival Characteristics of Escherichia coli 0157:H7 393 Biochemical Features of Escherichia coli 0157:H7 393 Pathogenesis 393 CONCLUSIONS 401
Capacity Planning for Maternal–Fetal Medicine Using Discrete Event Simulation

Abstract Background Maternal–fetal medicine is a rapidly growing field requiring collaboration from many subspecialties. We provide an evidence-based estimate of capacity needs for our clinic, as well as demonstrate how simulation can aid in capacity planning in similar environments. Methods A Discrete Event Simulation of the Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment and Special Delivery Unit at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia was designed and validated. This model was then used to determine the time until demand overwhelms inpatient bed availability under increasing capacity. Findings No significant deviation was found between historical inpatient censuses and simulated censuses for the validation phase (p = 0.889). Prospectively increasing capacity was found to delay time to balk (the inability of the center to provide bed space for a patient in need of admission). With current capacity, the model predicts mean time to balk of 276 days. Adding three beds delays mean time to first balk to 762 days; an additional six beds to 1,335 days. Conclusion Providing sufficient access is a patient safety issue, and good planning is crucial for targeting infrastructure investments appropriately. Computer-simulated analysis can provide an evidence base for both medical and administrative decision making in a complex clinical environment.
Organization of surfactant micelles adsorbed on a polymer molecule in water : a neutron scattering study

Complex particles are formed in water by the spontaneous association of poly(ethylene oxide) macromolecules (PEO) with the small amphiphilic molecules of sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS). As a result, the phase diagram of dilute PEO + SDS solutions shows 2 singularities : a critical SDS concentration for the formation of the aggregates, and a stoichiometry. Small angle neutron scattering experiments on the stoichiometric aggregates are reported; the contrast variation method is used to determine separately the configuration of the polymer and that of the amphiphile in a PEO + SDS aggregate. The following structure is obtained : (i) each aggregate contains a single PEO macromolecule whose radius of gyration is comparable to that of a « free » PEO coil; (ii) the SDS molecules of the aggregate are clustered in subunits which are small spheres, 20 A in radius, similar to the micelles formed by pure SDS solutions at low ionic strengths; (iii) these subunits are adsorbed on the PEO strands; a distance between neighbouring subunits within the aggregate has been measured. Moreover, the contrast variation experiment shows that all the aggregates present in stoichiometric PEO + SDS solutions share the same composition.
A Novel Soft Switched Cycloinverter

A novel soft switched insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT)-based cycloinverter, which is capable of converting voltage at the main frequency to voltage at high frequency, is proposed to improve the previously proposed pulse width modulation cycloinverter. An auxiliary switch, along with an inductor, is used to have simultaneous zero-current switching and zero-voltage switching for turn-on transitions of the IGBT in order to mitigate the internal losses and total harmonic distortion factor in the inverter. The principle of operation and design consideration are presented. The proposed cycloinverter is compared with a conventional hard switched cycloinverter, and it has been demonstrated that the losses have been reduced approximately 50% by this new switching technique and the efficiency of the inverter is increased significantly. A prototype of the cycloinverter is developed in the laboratory for verification of the simulation results. Experimental results are found in good agreement to the simulated results.
New Zealand National Acute Stroke Services Audit 2009: organisation of acute stroke services in New Zealand.

AIMS To characterise the nature of acute stroke services provided by District Health Boards (DHBs) in New Zealand. METHODS An audit of all 21 DHBs was carried out in 2009 via an online survey examining the structural and process elements of acute stroke service provision. A clinical audit involving a retrospective review of consecutive admitted stroke patients is reported separately. RESULTS The organisational survey found that most patients (82%) are admitted to hospitals in the 13 large and medium DHBs. Only 8 DHBs had stroke units and 5 of the large and medium DHBs did not have stroke units. On audit day, only 39% of all New Zealand patients were being managed in a stroke unit, compared with 51% of all Australian patients. Even in the 8 DHBs with stroke units, only 64% of patients were actually being managed in the stroke unit on the day of the audit. New Zealand compared favourably with Australia in aspects of TIA management and in access to brain imaging. CONCLUSION There is significant regional variation in the provision of organised stroke care and the level of stroke unit care is low by international standards. This audit provides a benchmark against which to compare future changes in the delivery of stroke care.