Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
[Percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal unilateral decompression for treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis and observational study of non-surgical lower extremity symptoms].

Objective To summarize the efficacy of percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal unilateral decompression for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis, and to investigate the incidence and possible reasons for lower extremity symptoms of non-surgical side after surgery. Methods The clinical data of 46 patients who underwent percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal unilateral decompression for lumbar lateral recess stenosis between February 2016 and March 2018 were retrospectively analysed. There were 22 males and 24 females with an average age of 56.9 years (range, 21-90 years). The disease duration was 6 months to 12 years (mean, 4.8 years). There were 37 cases of single-segment lumbar lateral recess stenosis and 9 cases of multi-segment stenosis. All patients underwent single-segment surgery, including 2 cases of L 3, 4, 35 cases of L 4, 5, and 9 cases of L 5, S 1. For patients with multi-segment lumbar lateral recess stenosis, the single segment consistent with radicular symptom was selected for surgery. The visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of low back pain and sciatica and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores were recorded preoperatively and at last follow-up to evaluate the relief of symptoms. Postoperative symptoms on non-surgical side of lower extremity including new or aggravated radiation pain and numbness were recorded. The surgical effectiveness was evaluated according to modified MacNab score at last follow-up. Results All the 46 patients underwent successful operations without postoperative complications such as wound infection, permanent nerve root injury, and deep vein thrombosis. The patients were followed up 12-37 months (mean, 23.8 months). Four patients suffered from radioactive pain and numbness for the non-surgical side of lower extremities at 1-3 months postoperatively, and the symptoms were improved after conservative treatment without revision surgery. VAS scores of low back pain and sciatica and the ODI scores were significantly improved at last follow-up when compared with preoperative ones ( P<0.01). According to the criteria of modified MacNab scores, 25 cases were excellent, 17 cases were good, 3 cases were fair, and 1 case was poor. The excellent and good rate was 91.3%. Conclusion Percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal unilateral decompression for lumbar spinal stenosis would be able to relieve pain effectively and achieve good results. Lower extremity symptoms of non-surgical side may be observed postoperatively. Although the symptoms can be relieved by conservative treatment, further investigation should be carried out for the long-term result of those cases.
Modified Template Attack Detecting Address Bus Signals of Equal Hamming Weight

Side channel attacks usually target implementations of cryptographic algorithms on smart cards or FPGA’s, but can also be used to recognize other microprocessor activities, such as program, instruction or argument executed. One particular article by Quisquater and Samyde [1] demonstrates how to automatically reverse engineer software code, based on power and electromagnetic signatures. In their article, it is stated that data/addresses of equal Hamming Weight (HW), such as 55 and AA cannot be distinguished without using localization principles (i.e positioning of tiny probes to identify the location of the emanation). Recent methods, such as the Template Attack [2] has overcome this limitation. This is achieved by building precise noise models using identical devices, prior to the attack. Key bytes or intermediate values of cryptographic algorithms, i.e data transfers , can be distinguished, using a Bayesian classifier, even for byte values of equal HW [2]. In this article we present experimental results, validating that the Template Attack can distinguish very similar micro processor activities. Using a modified Template Attack on electromagnetic emanation from smart cards, we are able to distinguish parallel address bus activities of equal HW. We also present an alternative method to select the application specific features necessary (i.e points of interest).
Understanding the basis of medical use of poly-lactide-based resorbable polymers and composites – a review of the clinical and metabolic impact

Abstract This review intended to comparatively explain and present the most important medical use and biological impact of poly-lactides and lactide-based composites. The utilization and degradation of compounds based on lactic acid and polylactides is described in detail. Understanding the metabolism and degradation phenomenon and the factors that potentially influence it is key to modulating their properties as well as their characteristics driven from the fabrication procedures and the fields of use. All these are commented according to the clinician's criteria. The current debate on the advantages and shortcomings of various resorbable polymeric materials categories is also analyzed, from the perspective of the users of resorbable polylactide-based biomaterials. The scientific literature comprises either distinct chemical and physical or specific animal or medical description of resorbable materials; so that in compensation, the present review covers all topics for the most appropriate comprehensive update of the reader.
Geographic Location and Moral Arbitrariness in the Allocation of Donated Livers

The federal system for allocating donated livers in the United States is often criticized for allowing geographic disparities in access to livers. Critics argue that such disparities are unfair on the grounds that where one lives is morally arbitrary and so should not influence one's access to donated livers. They argue instead that livers should be allocated in accordance with the equal opportunity principle, according to which US residents who are equally sick should have the same opportunity to receive a liver, regardless of where they live. In this paper, we examine a central premise of the argument for the equal opportunity principle, namely, that geographic location is a morally arbitrary basis for allocating livers. We raise some serious doubts regarding the truth of this premise, arguing that under certain conditions, factors closely associated with geographic location are relevant to the allocation of livers, and so that candidates' geographic location is sometimes a morally non-arbitrary basis for allocating livers. Geographic location is morally non-arbitrary, we suggest, since by taking it into account, the UNOS may better fulfill its central goals of facilitating the effective and efficient placement of organs for transplantation and increasing organ donation.
Experiments with the Callas Programming Language and its Virtual Machine

Wireless sensor networks (WSN) are distributed systems composed of small devices capable of sensing the environment, processing data, and communicating with each other. These devices are typically very limited in terms of CPU, memory, and power resources. Joining the fact that WSN are mostly designed for very specific applications, and must be able to self-configure in large-scale sensor applications, makes the task of programming this type of networks very challenging. Currently exists a considerable number of programming languages for WSN providing distinct levels of hardware and network awareness. Some of them force the user to program basically at the hardware level, but others use sophisticated compilers to abstract away from the sensor devices and from the network infra-structure. Nevertheless, all of them fail in one important aspect. None is based on a model for describing computations in sensor networks allowing properties of the language, its runtime and applications to be demonstrated. The Callas programming language for wireless sensor networks is based on a formal model that allows properties like type-safety and soundness of the runtime system to be proved. This translates into a safety assurance for applications in the sense that common runtime errors can be prevented by design or statically at compile time. The language uses a custom bytecode format and runs it on a virtual machine created for this purpose. In this thesis we present a series of experiments with the Callas programming language and its virtual machine with the goal of verifying its usability and expressiveness through the introduction of new constructs, new abstractions, changes to the underlying model, and optimizing the resource footprint. We report our findings providing the design rationale and implementation details, and exemplifying the new features with examples written in Callas.
Adultification of Black Children in Pediatric Anesthesia.

BACKGROUND Unconscious racial bias in anesthesia care has been shown to exist. We hypothesized that black children may undergo inhalation induction less often, receive less support from child life, have fewer opportunities to have a family member present for induction, and receive premedication with oral midazolam less often. METHODS We retrospectively collected data on those <18 years of age from January 1, 2012 to January 1, 2018 including age, sex, race, height, weight, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status, surgical service, and deidentified anesthesiology attending physician. Outcome data included mask versus intravenous induction, midazolam premedication, child life consultation, and family member presence. Racial differences between all outcomes were assessed in the cohort using a multivariable logistic regression model. RESULTS A total of 33,717 Caucasian and 3901 black children were eligible for the study. For the primary outcome, black children 10-14 years were 1.3 times more likely than Caucasian children to receive mask induction (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-1.6; P = .001). Child life consultation was poorly documented (<0.5%) and not analyzed. Black children <15 years of age were at least 31% less likely than Caucasians to have a family member present for induction (AOR range, 0.4-0.6; 95% CI range, 0.31-0.84; P < .010). Black children <5 years of age were 13% less likely than Caucasians to have midazolam given preoperatively (AOR, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.8-0.9; P = .012). CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that disparities in strategies for mitigating anxiety in the peri-induction period exist and adultification may be 1 cause for this bias. Black children 10 to 14 years of age are 1.3 times as likely as their Caucasian peers to be offered inhalation induction to reduce anxiety. However, black children are less likely to receive premedication with midazolam in the perioperative period or to have family members present at induction. The cause of this difference is unclear, and further prospective studies are needed to fully understand this difference.
EFEKTIFITAS METODE GILLINGHAM UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KEMAMPUAN MEMBACA PERMULAAN SISWA KESULITAN BELAJAR KELAS III SD N 01 LIMAU MANIS PADANG

Abstract: This research is motivated by problems in a child's learning difficulties in SDN 01 Class III Sweet Lemons who have difficulty in reading the beginning so that even if the child is in class III he was not able to read well. Under these conditions, the researchers want to prove that the use of Gillingham method can boost children's reading skills beginning in third grade learning difficulties in SDN 01 Limau Manis. This study uses a Single Subject Research approach, with desian A –B- A and data analysis techniques using visual analysis chart. fungtions this study indicate that Gillingham method is able to improve the reading skills of learning difficulties for children beginning Grade III Sweet SDN 01 Limau Manis Padang Kata Kuci :Kesulitan Belajar ; kemampuan ; Membaca ; Gillingham
A power efficient channel selection filter/coarse AGC with no range switching transients

This paper presents a channel selection filter/coarse AGC system implemented in a 0.25 /spl mu/m digital CMOS process. The system uses multiple filtering paths, each optimized for part of the required total dynamic range, resulting in small power dissipation (9 mA at 2.5 V) and chip area (0.7 mm/sup 2/). The individual filtering paths operate continuously, providing undisturbed output over the entire time, contrary to conventional AGC-filter schemes. The fabricated prototype maintains a signal/(noise + IM3 distortion) ratio of at least 33 dB, over a 48 dB signal range, with good blocker immunity.
Avoiding misdiagnosis in patients with posterior circulation ischemia.

Posterior circulation strokes represent 20% of all acute ischemic strokes. Posterior circulation stroke patients are misdiagnosed twice as often compared to those with anterior events. Misdiagnosed patients likely have worse outcomes than correctly diagnosed patients because they are at risk for complications of the initial stroke, as well as recurrent events due to lack of secondary stroke prevention and failure to treat the underlying vascular pathology. Understanding important anatomic variants, the clinical presentations, relevant physical examination findings, and the limitations of acute brain imaging may help reduce misdiagnosis. We present a symptom-based review of posterior circulation ischemia focusing on the subtler presentations with a brief discussion of basilar stroke, both of which can be missed by the Emergency Physician (EP). Strategies to avoid misdiagnosis include establishing an abrupt onset of symptoms, awareness of the non-specific presentations, consideration of basilar stroke in altered patients and using a modern approach to diagnosis of the acutely dizzy patient. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Purification and Nitrogen Doping of Nanothin Exfoliated Graphite Through RF Thermal Plasma Treatment

A mixture of nanothin exfoliated (NTE) graphite and urea (CO(NH2)2) powder was treated with radio frequency (RF) thermal plasma to achieve in situ purification and nitrogen doping of NTE graphite using the high-temperature flame of the RF plasma. Reactive species such as NH3, NH2, and HCNO generated by the thermolysis of urea play an important role in the purification and nitrogen doping of NTE graphite. The nitrogen content of NTE graphite subjected to plasma treatment increased by 5 times compared with that of raw NTE graphite. Three types of nitrogen species, namely, quaternary N, pyridinic N, and pyrrolic N, were observed after N doping with plasma treatment. The sheet resistance of N-doped NTE graphite reduced to 12–21% compared to that of the untreated NTE graphite, with the corresponding resistivity being ~7 × 10−6 Ω m.
Commensal bacterial sharing does not predict host social associations in kangaroos.

1.Social network analysis has been postulated as a tool to study potential pathogen transmission in wildlife but is resource intensive to quantify. Networks based on bacterial genotypes have been proposed as a cost-effective method for estimating social or transmission network based on the assumption that individuals in close contact will share commensal bacteria. However, the use of network analysis to study wild populations requires critical evaluation of the assumptions and parameters these models are founded on. 2.We test (1) whether networks of commensal bacterial sharing are related to hosts' social associations and hence could act as a proxy for estimating transmission networks, (2) how the parameters chosen to define host associations and delineate bacterial genotypes impact inference and (3) whether these relationships change across time. We use stochastic simulations to evaluate how uncertainty in parameter choice affects network structure. 3.We focused on a well-studied population of eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus), from Sundown National Park, Australia. Using natural markings, each individual was identified and its associations with other kangaroos recorded through direct field observations over two years to construct social networks. Faecal samples were collected, Escherichia coli was cultured and genotyped using BOX-PCR, and bacterial networks were constructed. Two individuals were connected in the bacterial network if they shared at least one E. coli genotype. We determined the capacity of bacterial networks to predict the observed social network structure in each year. 4.We found little support for a relationship between social association and dyadic commensal bacterial similarity. Thresholds to determine host associations and similarity cut-off values used to define E. coli genotypes had important ramifications for inferring links between individuals. In fact, we found that inferences can show opposite patterns based on the chosen thresholds. Moreover, no similarity in overall bacterial network structure was detected between years. 5.Although empirical disease transmission data are often unavailable in wildlife populations, both bacterial networks and social networks have limitations in representing the mode of transmission of a pathogen. Our results suggest that caution is needed when designing such studies and interpreting results. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
An Interaction-Centered Hierarchical Post-WIMP User Interface Model

Following the great improvement in interaction devices and software technologies, lots of novel interaction technologies which are based on Post-WIMP user interface are studied. It is crucial that the designer chooses the interaction component or the interaction technology properly and efficiently to adapt to the various interaction devices and environments in the user interface designing. According to the analysis of the interaction process and the design level of the Post-WIMP user interface, an interaction-Centered Hierarchical Post-WIMP User Interface Model is presented. It is described and analyzed from the aspects of the user, task, device, behaviors and entity in interaction. Moreover, a Post-WIMP user interface auto-generate tool is designed and implemented based on the model, to help the designers to insert those novel interaction technologies into the system flexibly, and to develop and evaluate the prototype quickly and efficiently. Experiments show that, the model can guide the process of user interface design, the implement of prototype, and the evaluation of the result of design.
Contactless circuit breaker protection for AC line commutated thyristor converter

Solid state power devices can be more easily damaged by load disturbances, faults and overcurrents. The AC line commutated high power thyristor converter is a reasonable power converter. It needs a fast acting short circuit protection against internal faults due to inverter commutation failure (flop) or faults in the DC line. A high speed thyristor circuit breaker is used as a current limiter and an interrupting device for the AC line commutated thyristor converter. This paper introduces the main features of the thyristor circuit breaker protection (TCB) for AC line commutated thyristor converters. TCB circuit breaker protection systems are based on computer simulation of switching processes at the clearing DC side fault As a reference some experimental results taken from short circuit tests performed on an industrial TCB model are used. The TCB model has been used as a short circuit protection for a test stand with a thyristor converter. The comparison between the simulated results and the experimental results indicate that both concur.
Metabolomic Profiling of Body Fluids in mouse models demonstrates that NMR is a Putative Diagnostic Tool for the Presence of Thyroid Hormone Receptor α1 Mutations.

BACKGROUND Resistance to thyroid hormone (RTHα) is a rare genetic disease due to mutations in the THRA gene, which encodes thyroid hormone receptor alpha (TRα1). Since its first description in 2012, 46 cases of RTHα have been reported worldwide, corresponding to 26 different mutations of TRα1. The high variability of clinical features and the absence of reliable biochemical markers make the diagnosis of this disease difficult. In addition, identified RTHα patients present some common features with hypothyroid patients, which may delay the diagnosis in some cases. Some of these mutations have been recently modelled in mice. METHODS In our study, we used four different mice models heterozygous for frameshift mutations in the Thra gene. Two of them are very close to human mutations, while the two others do not exist in human patients. We characterized the metabolic phenotypes of urine and plasma samples collected from these four animal models using an untargeted Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics approach. RESULTS Multivariate statistical analysis of the metabolomic profiles shows that biofluids of mouse models that carry human-like mutations can be discriminated from controls. Metabolic signatures associated with Thra mutations in urine and plasma are stable over time and clearly differ from the metabolic fingerprint of hypothyroidism in the mouse. CONCLUSION Our results provide a proof-of-principle that easily accessible NMR metabolic fingerprints of biofluids could be used to diagnose RTHα in humans.
High-frequency band temporal dynamics in response to a grasp force task

Objective. Brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) are being developed to restore reach and grasping movements of paralyzed individuals. Recent studies have shown that the kinetics of grasping movement, such as grasp force, can be successfully decoded from electrocorticography (ECoG) signals, and that the high-frequency band (HFB) power changes provide discriminative information that contribute to an accurate decoding of grasp force profiles. However, as the models used in these studies contained simultaneous information from multiple spectral features over multiple areas in the brain, it remains unclear what parameters of movement and force are encoded by the HFB signals and how these are represented temporally and spatially in the SMC. Approach. To investigate this, and to gain insight in the temporal dynamics of the HFB during grasping, we continuously modelled the ECoG HFB response recorded from nine individuals with epilepsy temporarily implanted with ECoG grids, who performed three different grasp force tasks. Main results. We show that a model based on the force onset and offset consistently provides a better fit to the HFB power responses when compared with a model based on the force magnitude, irrespective of electrode location. Significance. Our results suggest that HFB power, although potentially useful for continuous decoding, is more closely related to the changes in movement. This finding may potentially contribute to the more natural decoding of grasping movement in neural prosthetics.
Distributed Adaptive EnvironmentalSampling with AUVs: Cooperation and Team Coordination through Minimum-Spanning-Tree Graph Searching Algorithms

Abstract A distributed adaptive sampling algorithm suitable for a team of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles exploring an oceanic region is proposed. The algorithm fulfils the following goals: the sampling stations are incrementally chosen in order to satisfy the accuracy requirements on the measured quantity, on the basis of the local smoothness of the measured field as estimated from the data; the vehicles in the team are spread over the region in order to maximize area coverage; the vehicles are constrained to maintain a maximum range from each other, in order to preserve a communication link among the team. To fulfil the goal, a multi-objective optimization problem is iteratively solved in a distributed fashion by the vehicles in the team through application of minimum-spanning-tree graph search algorithms. The simulation results reported show how the application of this approach determines a behaviour of the team in which the vehicles travel in formation, eventually reconfiguring the formation as it may become necessary in the course of the mission.