Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Image guided left ventricular lead-implantation for cardiac resynchronization therapy : assessment of the left phrenic nerve and coronary sinus.

Objective. Visualization and implementation of the left phrenic nerve (LPN) and the coronary sinus ostium in CARTBox3 to support left ventricular lead placement in cardiac resynchronization therapy. Introduction. Cardiac resynchronization therapy can be used to resynchronize a dyssynchronous ventricle contraction in patients with heart failure. The response rate of the therapy needs to be improved, since 30% of treated patients do not benefit from the therapy. One of the factors that can improve the response rate is optimal left ventricular lead position. CARTBox3 software was developed to determine an optimal lead position and provides image guided placement of the left ventricular lead to the optimal position during cardiac resynchronization therapy. To complete the CARTBox3 functionality, a way to visualize and segment the LPN course and coronary sinus ostium is developed. Method. A feasibility study of LPN visualization using MRI was performed. Based on the time planning and the availability of CT data it was chosen to develop and validate a method for LPN segmentation using contrast and non-contrast cardiac CTs. The LPN segmentation was implemented into CB3. Also from CT data, the ostium was determined by finding intersection points of segmented right atrium and coronary sinus volumes. Two segmentation methods were tested on contrast and non-contrast cardiac CTs. Results. Current clinically available MRI technology was proven to be unsuitable to visualize the LPN. The LPN segmentation based on contrast CT data was in accordance to mapping data of patients who underwent epicardial ablation (n=7). The intraobserver variability study shows acceptable limits (<5mm), in 8/9 (89%) subjects and 6/7 (86%) subjects of contrast and non-contrast CTs respectively. In the interobserver variability study it shows 6/9 (67%) subjects and 5/7 (71%) subjects respectively. The LPNFuse software allowed incorporation of the LPN course in CARTBox3. For the segmentation of right atrium and coronary sinus, the fast growing cut edge method was found to be better than the robust statistic segmenter. Though these segmentations were made in scans with non-optimal contrast distribution. Conclusion. In this study current clinical MRI technology was unsuitable to visualize the LPN. The developed segmentation method in CT is reproducible and had no preference for contrast or non-contrast CT images. Based on the same CTs, a method to define the coronary sinus ostium was developed. The next step is a proof-of-principle study to evaluate the clinical value of the implemented LPN and ostium in CB3 to guide the LV lead implantation during CRT.
High Tolerability of a Rice and Carob-Based Cereal Demonstrated in Highly Allergic Infants and Children: A Randomized Open-Food Challenge Trial

Background: Food allergy is the most common cause of atopic symptoms in early childhood. Standard care is an exclusion diet to avoid symptoms, but is associated with a risk of nutritional deficiencies. Sinlac® is a rice- and carob-based infant cereal free from major allergens, providing full nutritional support for children suffering from food allergies. Apple polyphenols (AP) have been shown to have favorable anti-allergy properties. Methods: A randomized clinical trial (NCT01029184) based on open-label food challenges was conducted to compare the tolerability of Sinlac® cereals with or without AP, with that of well-known allergenic foods, in subjects with severe food allergy (aged 4-40 months). Study products were Sinlac®, Sinlac®AP (0.3% in matrix), wheat, potato, milk and hen’s egg. The primary endpoint was a positive reaction to open-label food challenges. Results: Of the 51 subjects randomized, 48 completed the study. Both Sinlac® and Sinlac®AP were significantly better tolerated by atopic infants than other allergenic foods: incidence of allergic reactions was 2% with Sinlac® and Sinlac®AP, versus 49% with wheat, potato, milk or hen’s egg. Conclusion: Sinlac® and Sinlac®AP are very well tolerated and offer a nutritionally balanced option for atopic infants and children. Studies are needed to assess the benefit of adding AP to low allergenic products.
A Review on Metabolic Syndrome and Nutrition

Metabolic syndrome can be defined as a disorder with occurrence of at least three out of five medical conditions including hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, high blood pressure, central obesity and low HDL cholesterol levels. In this review we will discuss how to improve poor eating habits which further escalates the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. To treat and moreover to prevent metabolic syndrome, we should make healthy life style changes as our priority goal. Macro and micronutrient composition and metabolically favorable food components have a profound influence on health outcomes. Though Mediterranean and DASH diets are referred as the healthiest diets, there are numerous diets that are as well successful. Positive effects of low carbohydrate diets on glycemic regulation have been shown. Nonetheless, personalized nutrition applications with persistent implementation of these changes are foundations for success. A successful approach also needs regular exercise and behavioral changes.
Using Advanced Tools, Techniques, and Methodologies

Data mining provides both systematic and systemic ways to detect patterns of student engagement among students at hundreds of institutions. Using traditional statistical techniques alone, the task would be signi! cantly di"cult—if not impossible—considering the size and complexity in both data and analytical approaches necessary for this task. This study presents a step-by-step review on how the data mining technique is utilized to develop an institutional typology based on student behavioral data. The result provides a fresh angle to understand similarities and di#erences among four-year undergraduate colleges and universities, shifting away from previous institutional typologies, such as those based on institutional mission, resources, or reputation. The institutional engagement typology is derived through student behavioral data, and therefore, is advantageous in that it retains one of the most important components in understanding higher education—student behaviors. This data mining-based study broke new conceptual and methodological ground, and its resulting institutional learning engagement typology o#ers new perspectives on peer institution comparison, congruence between students and their institutions, as well as policy development regarding educational quality.
Macroeconomic Linkages, Taxes, and Subsidies in the U.S. Agricultural Sector

LJ'~,AR{. ~ : Division of Agricultural Sciences UNlVERSIlY OF CALIFORJ'HA MA.CROECONo~nc LINKAGES. T? \XES, AND SUBSIDIES IN TIIE U. S. AGR. : CUtTURAL SECl'OR by Gordon C. Rausser, James A. Chalfant, H. Alan Love, and Kostas G. Stamoulis . ~~ . :. : ~. :::. :Tt. ~r~? i~f- r:~? ~:;. ' ~ :,,,; ~in.i jQ! lifor'~ia Agricultura: Experiment Station [clmoation of j\gricultural Economics ( January 1986
Isolation , Purification , and Investigation of Some Properties of Glucose Oxidase of the Wood-Degrading Fungus Lentinus ( Panus ) tigrinus Strain VKM F-3616 D

The activity and some properties of glucose oxidase (EC 1.1.3.4) of the wood-degrading fungus Lentinus (Panus) tigrinus VKM F-3616D were studied. The results showed that 12 days of dynamic liquid-phase cultivation increased the activity and the biosynthetic levels of the enzyme with maximal activity at day 6. After 6 days, a decrease in the glucose oxidase activity was observed. The enzyme isolated via ion exchange chromatography had an optimal pH of 4.0 and a temperature optimum of 50 °C. Spectrophotometry, fluorescence analysis, and IR Fourier spectroscopy showed that the enzyme was a flavoprotein and that its prosthetic group contains flavin adenine dinucleotide. The relative kinetic parameters of the enzyme were determined: the Michaelis constant (Km) was 4.1 x 10-3 M, and the maximal rate of the enzymatic reaction (Vmax) was 0.36 IU. Results of electrophoresis in native and denaturing conditions were consistent with an enzyme structure having two equal subunits with a total molecular mass of approximately 160 kDa.
Dynamics of Cu, Zn, Cd, and Hg release from sediments atsurface conditions

Sediments and soils have a high capacity for binding heavy metals from contaminated waters. However, these sediments become a potential source of water contamination by subsequently releasing the metals into the water when environmental conditions change. Samples of typical sediments from the Vienna Basin were collected for the experimental study of Cu, Cd, Zn, and Hg release from sediments to water. These sediments were characterized using chemical analysis, XRD analysis, the measurement of sediment sorption parameters, grain and pore analysis, and sequential analysis. Initially, a set of sediment samples was placed into batch reactors, each containing 0.1Msolution of CuSO4, CdSO4, ZnSO4, or HgCl2, and kept there for two months. These artificially contaminated sediments were subsequently leached by distilled water in flow-through reactors. Described experiments show that a significant proportion of the metal remains strongly bound to the sediment after the leaching process, suggesting that the reactions by which they are bound to the sediment are not completely reversed. The rate of metal release is significantly affected by sediment composition and bond type. Geochemical modeling and sequential analysis have confirmed that the metals are not only bound to sediments by sorption, but also by the precipitation of secondary minerals such as brochantite, tenorite (Cu2+), hydrozincite (Zn2+), and otavite (Cd2+). Significant quantities of the metals are releasable from the sediments only in extreme conditions (Cd, Zn, and Cu in strongly acidic reducing conditions, and Hg in acidic oxidizing conditions). The presence of calcite in the sediment decreases the rate of Hg, Zn and Cu release through pH buffering by calcite dissolution (in solutions with pH values ranging from 7 to 7.5). Under these conditions the metals are not released, and can remain bound to the sediment.
Chlamydia trachomatis infection in infertile and pregnant women in southern Brazil

Introduction: Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) is the most prevalent sexually transmitted bacterial infection, affecting mainly young, sexually active women. Untreated infection may lead to reproductive complications due to tubal damage. Infections during pregnancy may cause preterm labor, low birth weight, perinatal death, and neonatal conjunctivitis and pneumonia. There are few data on CT infection in Brazil. The aim of this study was to determine CT prevalence in infertile and pregnant women. Methods: A cross-sectional study included 77 infertile and 60 asymptomatic pregnant women. First-void urine was tested for CT using PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction). Blood samples were collected for CT IgG antibodies testing using indirect immunofluorescence. A questionnaire about medical, gynecological, and sexual history was completed by all participants. Results: We found statistically similar prevalence of PCR and IgG antibodies between the groups. There was a 61% prevalence of CT IgG antibodies in infertile women and 56.7% in pregnant women. PCR was positive in only one (1.3%) infertile woman and in none pregnant women. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of CT IgG antibody in Brazilian pregnant and infertile women, but we found a low prevalence of positive PCR in the urine samples. CT antibodies were associated with sexual behavior and smoking. Keywords: Chlamydia trachomatis , Chlamydia infections, prevalence, nucleic acid amplification techniques; infertility, female; fluorescent antibody technique
Title EFFECT OF ACIDIFIED VERSUS FROZEN STORAGE ON MARINE DISSOLVED ORGANIC CARBON CONCENTRATION AND ISOTOPIC COMPOSITION Permalink

The standard procedure for storing/preserving seawater dissolved organic carbon (DOC) samples after field collection is by freezing (–20°C) until future analysis can be made. However, shipping and receiving large numbers of these samples without thawing presents a significant logistical problem and large monetary expense. Access to freezers can also be limited in remote field locations. We therefore test an alternative method of preserving and storing samples for the measurement of DOC concentrations ([DOC]), stable carbon (δC), and radiocarbon (as ΔC) isotopic values via UV photooxidation (UVox). We report a total analytical reproducibility of frozen DOC samples to be [DOC]±1.3μM, ΔC±9.4‰, and δC±0.1‰, comparable to previously reported results (Druffel et al. 2013). Open Ocean DOC frozen versus acidified duplicates were on average offset by ΔDOC±1.1 μM, ΔΔC± –1.3‰, and ΔδC± –0.1‰. Coastal Ocean frozen vs. acidified sample replicates, collected as part of a long-term (380-day) storage experiment, had larger, albeit consistent offsets of ΔDOC±2.2 μM, ΔΔC±1.5‰, and ΔδC± –0.2‰. A simple isotopic mass balance of changes in [DOC], ΔC, and δC values reveals loss of semi-labile DOC (2.2± 0.6μM, ΔC = –94±105‰, δC = –27±10‰; n = 4) and semi-recalcitrant DOC (2.4±0.7 μM, ΔC = –478±116‰, δC = –23.4±3.0‰; n = 3) in Coastal and Open Ocean acidified samples, respectively.
Internet addiction of students at the vocational high school of healthcare

The aim of this study is to survey the internet addiction level of the students of Adiyaman University Health Vocational High School and to define the factors that affects it. The scope of descriptive research consists of 371 students of Adiyaman University Vocational School of Health Services. After the necessary permission from the related institute, to collect information from 1 to 20 December 2013 data were collected through face to face interviews. As a means of data collection; personal questionnaire and Internet addiction scale was used. In terms of statistical analyzes, the "Mann-Whitney U" test and Kruskal-Wallis H test were used. In this study, the frequency of problematic Internet use was found as 3.5% (8 people). A statistically significant relationship between Internet addiction and participants' gender, smoking status, employment status, the internet connection tool and the purpose of using it has been identified. The frequency of the avaluated students’ internet addiction was understood to be low.
Ecological effects of marine protected areas on rocky reef communities—a continental-scale analysis

Data compiled by volunteer divers were utilised in a continental-scale investigation of ecological differences between reefs in no-take sanctuary zones in marine protected areas (MPAs) and adjacent fished zones. In a validation analysis, volunteer-generated data were found to be com- parable to data obtained by scientific dive teams for all metrics investigated: estimated total number of species, total faunal abundance, mean fish size, and faunal composition of species sighted along transects. Variation between individual divers within volunteer and professional groups also con- tributed little to total estimated variance between transects compared to residual variation between replicate transects, variation between sites, and variation between regions studied. Sites in 11 MPAs distributed around 5000 km of the Australian coastline had significantly more large (>30 cm) fishes and total fish biomass than nearby fished reference sites. For the older MPAs, fishes belonging to the largest size class (≥80 cm) were observed approximately 10 times more often in sanctuary zones than in fished zones, while fishes in the smallest size class (2.5 cm) occurred at densities approximately 4 times higher in fished zones than in sanctuary zones. Results of our empirical field surveys contrast in several respects with outcomes of published meta-analyses. No overall differences in fish densities were evident between sanctuary zones and fished zones. The response of fish species richness to pro- tection varied significantly between different MPAs, while invertebrate density and species richness were both significantly lower in sanctuary zones than in fished zones.
Spanish Savings Banks and their Future Transformation into Private Capital Banks.Determining their Value by a Multicriteria Valuation Methodology

As the result of the current international financial crisis and due to Basel II and Basel III Capital Accords, the Spanish financial system is undergoing profound changes. Among the most significant changes are the mergers of savings banks and their future transformation into private capital banks. Therefore, determining the value of these financial companies and their share prices is of great interest for different economic agents. This paper presents the application of a multicriteria method called CRITIC, combined with the valuation ratio, which together compose a valuation model. This new approach can overcome some of the problems faced by the traditional valuation methods since it calculates the value of a company by comparing with similar companies whose value is known. The comparison is made using criteria or variables which are indicative of the value of these types of companies. A case study is presented in which the combined methodology is applied to the valuation of a particular Spanish savings bank.
Roll Circulations in the Convective Region of a Simulated Squall Line

Abstract In high-resolution numerical simulations (using horizontal grid spacing less than ∼1 km), the convective region of squall lines will sometimes overturn as quasi-horizontal convective rolls. The authors study one case in detail using output from a simulation with 125-m grid spacing. The rolls have an average spacing of 3 km and are aligned parallel to the vertical wind shear. Individual convective cells often have long-lived, undiluted cores that entrain primarily on the sides of the rolls (i.e., between the roll updraft and downdraft). The following set of conditions is proposed for obtaining roll overturning: the formation of a moist absolutely unstable layer (MAUL); vertical shear of the horizontal wind within the MAUL; an environment without large-amplitude perturbations; and quasi-horizontal flow over the squall line’s surface-based cold pool. Further insight is gained through a series of more idealized simulations wherein a specified MAUL is perturbed by analytic potential temperature pertur.
Normalization of metagenomic data A comprehensive evaluation of existing methods

Metagenomics is a growing area of bioinformatics, defined as the study of DNA sequenced from microbial communities rather than individual microorganisms. A particularly important part of metagenomics is to identify differences between communities, or conditions. This is typically done by statistical identification of differentially abundant features, such as genes or classes of genes, based on the number of times they have been observed in the samples. However, the data is highdimensional and, due to undersampling, often sparse. Furthermore, it is well-known that metagenomic data is subjected to large technical variability, which unless taken into account, often makes correct inference hard. When dealing with high-dimensional data, it is common practice to apply normalization methods to reduce the variance in the data. Several normalization methods of varying complexity have been suggested. The performance and characteristics of these methods have also been evaluated when applied to data from other fields, such as transcriptomics. However, to this day no comprehensive evaluation of methods have been done for metagenomic data. This, together with the fact that metagenomic data is characterized by large variability, makes a study of normalization methods of great interest. In this thesis we consider nine commonly used normalization methods and analyze how they perform on metagenomic data in different situations. The methods are evaluated by studying how they influence the identification of differentially abundant features. Comparisons between methods are made by measuring how they affected the number of detected true and false positives in partly artificial data sets created by resampling of metagenomic data. The results presented in this thesis show that different methods may be preferred depending on condition sample size, the size of different abundance and how the highly abundant features are distributed between the conditions. We conclude that several methods proven well-performing in related fields also perform well for metagenomic data. However, it is important to note that knowledge about the data and its effects is necessary, as different methods perform better in certain cases. Under extreme cases, normalization of metagenomic data can even result in a loss of statistical power.
Smoking cessation and lung cancer screening: new perspectives from the SCALE project.

In the last few years, tobacco smoking has shown steady rates, stabilizing at round 1.1 billion smokers since 2000. All in all, 12% of people 30 years or older die because of smoking (1), a fact which establishes smoking as a major cause of premature and preventable morbidity and mortality (2).
Transforming Digital Unstructured and Semi-structured Data into Structured Data with the Aid of IE and KDT

Data growth has seen an exponential acceleration with the advent of computer and network, which have imparted the digital form to data. Data can be classified into three categories: Unstructured data, Semi-structured data and structured data. Text Mining concerns extraction of relevant information, knowledge or patterns from sources that are in Unstructured or Semi-structured form. This project entitled “ Transforming Digital Unstructured and Semi-structured Data into Structured Data with the Aid of IE and KDT ” demonstrates a framework for text mining using a learned information extraction system aided with KDT (Knowledge Discovery from Text) principles. The functionality of this project is concentrated over the integrated result of IE (Information Extraction) module, KDT (Knowledge Discovery form Text) module and Standard Protocols module. Pre-processing is employed for transforming unstructured data or Semi-structured data such as HTML documents, text documents, and documents with . doc, . docx or . pdf extensions into a feasible format of data which is then mined for interesting relationships. Standard Protocols are defined for discovery of additional information’s from input sources. For Example, consider if information extraction system has managed to extract skills like “HTML” and “DHTML” from a computer job posting but could not find “XML” in the document, in such cases relationships can be mined through predefined derivations which are framed in the standard protocols module. In addition, rules mined from the database extracted from a corpus of texts are used to predict additional information that could be extracted from future input documents, thereby improving the recall of the underlying extraction system. Results are presented by applying these techniques to a corpus of computer job announcement from an internet news group.
P o S ( G R B 2 0 1 2 ) 0 4 6 Classification of Fermi Gamma-RAY Bursts

The Fermi GBM Catalog has been recently published. Previous classification analyses of the BATSE, RHESSI, BeppoSAX, and Swift databases found three types of gamma-ray bursts. Now we analyzed the GBM catalog to classify the GRBs. PCA and Multiclustering analysis revealed three groups. Validation of these groups, in terms of the observed variables, shows that one of the groups coincides with the short GRBs. The other two groups split the long class into a bright and dim part, as defined by the peak flux. Additional analysis is needed to determine whether this splitting is only a mathematical byproduct of the analysis or has some real physical meaning.