Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does the intensity of diffuse thyroid gland uptake on F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan predict the severity of hypothyroidism? Correlation between maximal standardized uptake value and serum thyroid stimulating hormone levels

Context: F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (F-18 FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scan and hypothyroidism. Aims: The aim was to determine whether the intensity of diffuse thyroid gland uptake on F-18 FDG PET/CT scans predicts the severity of hypothyroidism. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of 3868 patients who underwent F-18 FDG PET/CT scans, between October 2012 and June 2013 in our institution for various oncological indications was done. Out of them, 106 (2.7%) patients (79 females, 27 males) presented with bilateral diffuse thyroid gland uptake as an incidental finding. These patients were investigated retrospectively and various parameters such as age, sex, primary cancer site, maximal standardized uptake value (SUVmax), results of thyroid function tests (TFTs) and fine-needle aspiration cytology results were noted. The SUVmax values were correlated with serum thyroid stimulating hormone (S. TSH) levels using Pearson's correlation analysis. Statistical Analysis Used: Pearson's correlation analysis. Results: Clinical information and TFT (serum FT3, FT4 and TSH levels) results were available for 31 of the 106 patients (27 females, 4 males; mean age 51.5 years). Twenty-six out of 31 patients (84%) were having abnormal TFTs with abnormal TSH levels in 24/31 patients (mean S. TSH: 22.35 μIU/ml, median: 7.37 μIU/ml, range: 0.074-211 μIU/ml). Among 7 patients with normal TSH levels, 2 patients demonstrated low FT3 and FT4 levels. No significant correlation was found between maximum standardized uptake value and TSH levels (r = 0.115, P > 0.05). Conclusions: Incidentally detected diffuse thyroid gland uptake on F-18 FDG PET/CT scan was usually associated with hypothyroidism probably caused by autoimmune thyroiditis. Patients should be investigated promptly irrespective of the intensity of FDG uptake with TFTs to initiate replacement therapy and a USG examination to look for any suspicious nodules.
Methodology for extracting the delighter in Kano model using big data analysis

With shortening product lifecycles, product design is more strongly influencing successful business’ competitive advantage. The Kano model has been proposed to define and extract customers’ needs for attractive quality creation in product development. Because product or service differentiation is crucial to business successes, the extraction of the delighter in the Kano model is an important issue. This study proposes a methodology for extracting important factors by using big data outside the organisation; such a factor may not be a megatrend but may be a delighter in the Kano model. Because the delighter in the Kano model is defined as a constant necessity arising from a small number of propounders, the volume concept is used by adding the time axis to the flatland of the data distribution to extract the delighter. To demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed methodology, accumulated data from the iPhoneForum from 2010 are gathered and analysed to extract the delighter for a smartphone’s input device. The result shows that the ‘pen’ and ‘write’ have the highest index of potential delighter during the study period; in particular, before December 2014, ‘pen’ had the highest index of potential delighter.
Empirical Study on the Relationship between Technology Soft Power and Innovation Performance of Tech-Based SMEs

企业科技软实力体现在吸引和引入外界先进的科学技术的能力，对自有科学技术的利用能力，对外来技术的学习能力和利用能力以及对先进科学技术的吸收和转化能力。 科技型中小企业因其独特的特征而具有与其它企业不同的科技软实力，它对企业技术创新具有重要的影响。 本文在梳理相关研究的基础上，构建了科技型中小企业的科技软实力模型及科技软实力与创新绩效关系理论框架，并进行了经验研究。 结论表明，科技型中小企业技术创新绩效受到“技术引进能力、技术研发能力、创新文化、资金筹措能力、人才培养能力”等科技软实力的显著影响。 因此，重视科技型中小企业的科技软实力建设，是从根本上提升其创新能力和绩效的关键所在。 Corporate soft power of technology is reflected in the ability to attract and bring in advanced outside science and technology, the ability to use its own science and technology, the ability to learn and use foreign technology and the ability to absorb and convert advanced science and technology. On the basis of combing related research, this article develops a theoretical frame- work between the relationship of the technology soft power and innovation performance of SMEs, and empirical research. The results show that, the innovation performance of SMEs is influenced significantly by the technology soft power such as “technology transfer capabilities, R & D capabilities, innovation culture, financing capability, personnel training capabilities” etc. Therefore, attaching great importance to the development of SMEs’ technology soft power is the key to enhance its innovation capacity and innovation performance radically.
The Effect of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Deficiency and Reconstruction on the Patellofemoral Joint

Background Little is known about the effect of anterior cruciate ligament deficiency and reconstruction on the patellofemoral joint. Hypothesis Anterior cruciate ligament deficiency changes the patellofemoral joint biomechanics. Reconstruction of the ligament does not restore the altered patellofemoral joint function. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Eight patients with an acute anterior cruciate ligament injury in 1 knee and the contralateral side intact were included in the study. Magnetic resonance and dual-orthogonal fluoroscopic imaging techniques were used to compare the patellofemoral joint function during a single-leg lunge between the intact, the anterior cruciate ligament–injured, and the anterior cruciate ligament–reconstructed knee. Data on the patellar tendon apparent elongation and orientation, patellar tracking and patellofemoral cartilage contact location were collected preoperatively and at 6 months after reconstruction. Results Anterior cruciate ligament deficiency caused a significant apparent elongation and change in orientation of the patellar tendon. It decreased the flexion and increased the valgus rotation and tilt of the patella. Anterior cruciate ligament injury caused a proximal and lateral shift in patellofemoral cartilage contact location. Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction reduced the abnormal apparent elongation but not the orientation of the patellar tendon, and it restored the patellar flexion and proximal shift in contact. The abnormal patellar rotation, tilt, and lateral shift in cartilage contact persisted after reconstruction. Conclusion The altered function of the patellar tendon in anterior cruciate ligament deficiency resulted in an altered patellar tracking and patellofemoral cartilage contact. Persistent changes in patellofemoral joint function after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction imply that reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament does not restore the normal function of the patellofemoral joint. Clinical Relevance The abnormal kinematics of the patellofemoral joint might predispose the patellofemoral cartilage to degenerative changes associated with anterior cruciate ligament deficiency, even if the ligament is reconstructed in a way that restores anteroposterior knee laxity.
Framework of simulation system for rescue control/training center

The people at the rescue center focus their targets as the simulations proceed. Simulation tools that are best suited for the situations have been selected. This paper presents a framework that bridges simulations that have been developed independently and have different resolutions. Using two different simulations related rescue fields, a prototype simulation is presented and comparison between our approach and approaches based on HLA is discussed.
Effects of housing and two forage diets on the development of claw horn lesions in dairy cows at first calving and in first lactation.

This paper describes a systematic study of the development of lesions of the claw horn (CHL, sole and white line) in heifers calving for the first time, housed either in cubicles or a straw yard and fed either a low- or high-dry-matter forage diet. The feet of all animals were inspected on five occasions, at approximately four weeks before and four, eight, 16 and 24 weeks post calving. Haemorrhagic lesions of the sole and white line were described according to a geometric lesion score for severity and a cumulative lesion score based on the product of (severity x area) for each lesion. Geometric and cumulative lesion scores increased in all groups of cattle in the first eight weeks after calving. However, the severity and persistence of the lesions were significantly greater in cattle housed in cubicle yards. Wet feeding increased the severity of CHL in the cubicle yard only. There were no associations between lesion scores and body weight, body condition or foot conformation. The heels of the cattle in straw yards tended to be thick but many showed pitting erosions. In cubicles the heels were smooth but thin. This may have contributed to CHL by increasing concussive forces within the hoof. There was a highly significant (but relatively low) correlation between scores for sole lesions and lameness in individual animals. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that systemic events associated with calving and the onset of lactation may set in motion the chain of events that lead to the lesions of CHL; the extent and severity of these lesions being then determined by the externally imposed conditions of housing and feeding.
Decline in treatment of pediatric depression after FDA advisory on risk of suicidality with SSRIs.

OBJECTIVE In October 2003, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public health advisory about the risk of suicidality in pediatric patients taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for depression. This study used data from a large national pediatric cohort to examine patterns of diagnosis of depression, prescription of antidepressants, prescription of pharmacological alternatives to antidepressants, and use of psychosocial care before and after the FDA advisory was issued. METHOD A large pediatric cohort with newly diagnosed episodes of depression was created from a national integrated claims database of managed care plans from October 1998 to September 2005 (N=65,349). Time-series models were used to compare diagnosing and prescribing trends during the 2 years after the FDA advisory and the expected trends based on data from the 5-year period preceding the advisory. RESULTS From 1999 to 2004, pediatric diagnoses of depression increased from 3 to 5 per 1,000. After the FDA advisory was issued, the national rate decreased to 1999 levels, a significant deviation from the historical trend. Pediatricians and nonpediatrician primary care physicians accounted for the largest reductions in new diagnoses. Among patients with depression, the proportion receiving no antidepressant increased to three times the rate predicted by the preadvisory trend, and SSRI prescription fills were 58% lower than predicted by the trend. There was no evidence of a significant increase in use of treatment alternatives (psychotherapy, atypical antipsychotics, and anxiolytics). CONCLUSIONS The FDA advisory was associated with significant reductions in aggregate rates of diagnosis and treatment of pediatric depression.
Heterogeneous Expression Patterns of Mammalian Potassium Channel Genes in Developing and Adult Rat Brain

Voltage‐gated K+ channels in the mammalian brain are functionally heterogeneous. Mechanisms which may underlie heterogeneity are the expression of multiple K+ channel subunit genes, alternative splicing and the formation of heteromultimers from different subunits. To examine the molecular basis of regional and cell‐specific K+ channel expression in rat brain in situ hybridization techniques were used. The transcript distribution patterns of 11 cloned mammalian K+ channel genes encoding both slow‐ and fast‐inactivating K+ channels from four different gene families were examined at different stages of development. The results show that each subunit‐specific messenger RNA (mRNA) is independently expressed and is characterized by an individual expression pattern. In the hippocampal formation transcripts of RCK2, RCK3, RCK4, RCK5, Raw3 and rat Shal genes are heterogeneously expressed and regulated during postnatal development. RCK1, Raw1, Raw2 and DRK1 mRNAs, on the other hand, are present in the hippocampus throughout postnatal life. The expression patterns of the 11 genes partially overlap, suggesting the formation of different heteromultimeric K+ channel complexes.
Application of ultrasonic pulse-echo method to insulation condition diagnosis for large generators

It is a challenge to diagnose insulation condition of stator bars using an ultrasonic technique, due to the complex structures of the stator bars and the high attenuation of the stator insulation. In this paper, five low frequency transducers were used in a pulse-echo configuration to try to test a standby stator bar of a generator (300 MW, 18 kV). With an available transducer, four types of insulation structures were tested on the stator bar. The short side insulation was compared with the large one of the stator bar in the slot. The stator bar near the exit from the slot and the end stator bar, were compared with the stator bar in the slot. The semiconductive coating covered stator insulation was compared with the uncoated one. The stator insulation having an insulation-copper interface was compared with that having an insulation-gas interface. In addition, insulation diagnosis tests in the laboratory were performed on two sets of stator bars, which had been in service for 18 and 23 years, respectively in two generators (300 MW, 18 kV). Field tests were performed on the stator bars near the exit from the slot and the end stator bars of a generator (300 MW, 18 kV). The experimental results demonstrated an availability of low frequency ultrasonic pulse-echo method for insulation condition diagnosis of large generators
Brain Imaging in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

Background: The primary role of brain imaging in idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is to exclude other pathologies causing intracranial hypertension. However, subtle radiologic findings suggestive of IIH have emerged with modern neuroimaging. This review provides a detailed description of the imaging findings reported in IIH and discusses their possible roles in the pathophysiology and the diagnosis of IIH. Evidence Acquisition: References were identified by searches of PubMed from 1955 to January 2015, with the terms “idiopathic intracranial hypertension,” “pseudotumor cerebri,” “intracranial hypertension,” “benign intracranial hypertension,” “magnetic resonance imaging,” “magnetic resonance venography,” “computed tomography (CT),” “CT venography,” “imaging,” and “cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. ” Additional references were identified by hand search of relevant articles. When possible, we extracted the number of patients and control subjects from each study for each radiological finding. When at least 2 studies used the same criteria to define a radiological finding, all patients from these studies were pooled to obtain a mean sensitivity and specificity with 95% confidence interval. Results: Specific neuroimaging findings may suggest long-standing IIH, including empty sella, flattening of the posterior globes, optic nerve head protrusion, distention of the optic nerve sheaths, tortuosity of the optic nerve, cerebellar tonsillar herniation, meningoceles, CSF leaks, and transverse venous sinus stenosis. Conclusion: Although IIH remains a diagnosis of exclusion, the most recently proposed diagnostic criteria have included neuroimaging findings to suggest IIH when major diagnostic criteria are not fulfilled. However, these findings are not diagnostic of IIH, and their presence is not required for the diagnosis of definite IIH. Their incidental discovery on brain imaging should not prompt invasive procedures, unless other signs of IIH, such as papilledema, are present.
Phenotypic and genetic differences between opaque and translucent colonies of Vibrio alginolyticus

Many pathogens undergo phase variation between rugose and smooth colony morphology or between opaque and translucent colony morphology, which is mainly due to the variation in the surface polysaccharides. In this study, Vibrio alginolyticus ZJ-51 displayed phase variation between opaque, rugose colonies (Op) and translucent, smooth colonies (Tr). Unlike the vibrios reported previously, Tr cells of ZJ-51 enhanced biofilm formation and motility, but they did not differ from Op cells in the quantity of surface polysaccharides produced. Real time PCR was used to analyze the expression of the genes involved in polysaccharide biosynthesis, flagellar synthesis, and the AI-2 quorum-sensing system. The results revealed that the K-antigen capsule gene cluster (which consists of homologs to the cpsA-K in Vibrio parahaemolyticus) and O-antigen polysaccharide gene cluster (which contains homologs to the wza-wzb-wzc) were significantly more transcribed in Tr cells. The AI-2 quorum-sensing genes showed enhanced expression in the Tr variant which also exhibited greater expression of genes associated with polar flagellar biosynthesis. These results suggest that colony phase variation might affect the virulence and survival ability in the stressful environment inhabited by V. alginolyticus.
Performance Assessment of A Novel Vertical Dielectrically Modulated TFET-Based Biosensor

A vertical dielectrically modulated tunnel field-effect transistor (V-DMTFET) as a label-free biosensor has been investigated in this paper for the first time and compared with lateral DMTFET (L-DMTFET) using underlap concept and gate work function engineering. To improve the performance of lateral biosensor (LB), a heavily doped front gate <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${n}^{+}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-pocket and gate-to-source overlap is introduced in the vertical biosensor (VB). The integrated effect of lateral tunneling as well as vertical tunneling in VB leads to enhanced ON-state current and decrease the subthreshold swing. To evaluate sensing ability of these devices, charged and charged neutral biomolecules are immobilized in nanogap cavity independently. A deep analysis has been performed to show the effect of variation in dielectric constant (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$k$ </tex-math></inline-formula>), charge density (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\rho $ </tex-math></inline-formula>), <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${x}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-composition of Ge, % volume filling of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${t}_{\textsf {cavity}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, length and thickness of a <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${n}^{+}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-pocket and sensitivity of electrical parameters is also incorporated. Dual-pocket (front and back gate pocket) VB is studied and compared with the LB and VB in the tabular form. Noise characteristic of dielectrically modulated field-effect transistor, L-DMTFET, and V-DMTFET is also evaluated.
Peroxide Bond-Dependent Antiplasmodial Specificity of Artemisinin and OZ277 (RBx11160)

ABSTRACT Using nonperoxidic analogs of artemisinin and OZ277 (RBx11160), the strong in vitro antiplasmodial activities of the latter two compounds were shown to be peroxide bond dependent. In contrast, the weak activities of artemisinin and OZ277 against six other protozoan parasites were peroxide bond independent. These data support the iron-dependent artemisinin alkylation hypothesis.
Therapeutic Potential of Amino Acids in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, is a chronic relapsing inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, and is difficult to treat. The pathophysiology of IBD is multifactorial and not completely understood, but genetic components, dysregulated immune responses, oxidative stress, and inflammatory mediators are known to be involved. Animal models of IBD can be chemically induced, and are used to study etiology and to evaluate potential treatments of IBD. Currently available IBD treatments can decrease the duration of active disease but because of their adverse effects, the search for novel therapeutic strategies that can restore intestinal homeostasis continues. This review summarizes and discusses what is currently known of the effects of amino acids on the reduction of inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell death in the gut when IBD is present. Recent studies in animal models have identified dietary amino acids that improve IBD, but amino acid supplementation may not be adequate to replace conventional therapy. The animal models used in dietary amino acid research in IBD are described.
An improved P300-based brain-computer interface

A brain-computer interface (BCI) is a system for direct communication between brain and computer. The BCI developed in this work is based on a BCI described by Farwell and Donchin in 1988, which allows a subject to communicate one of 36 symbols presented on a 6 /spl times/ 6 matrix. The system exploits the P300 component of event-related brain potentials (ERP) as a medium for communication. The processing methods distinguish this work from Donchin's work. In this work, independent component analysis (ICA) was used to separate the P300 source from the background noise. A matched filter was used together with averaging and threshold techniques for detecting the existence of P300s. The processing method was evaluated offline on data recorded from six healthy subjects. The method achieved a communication rate of 5.45 symbols/min with an accuracy of 92.1% compared to 4.8 symbols/min with an accuracy of 90% in Donchin's work. The online interface was tested with the same six subjects. The average communication rate achieved was 4.5 symbols/min with an accuracy of 79.5% as apposed to the 4.8 symbols/min with an accuracy of 56% in Donchin's work. The presented BCI achieves excellent performance compared to other existing BCIs, and allows a reasonable communication rate, while maintaining a low error rate.
Mifepristone with Misorostol for Mid- Trimester Abortion – A Prospective Study

Background: There is an increase in number of second trimester pregnancy termination due to better prenatal screening. Medical methods, using combination of mifepristone and Misoprostol, frequently being used for midtrimester pregnancy termination. Objective: Objective of study was to study safety and effectiveness of combination of mifepristone and Misoprostol for mid-trimester MTP. Material & Methods: A prospective study of 68 women who underwent Mid-trimester MTP (between 13-20 weeks gestation) Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences Hubli, Karnataka, India during 2012 – June 2015 Results: Data was analysed for 48 cases who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Complete abortion occurred in 36(75%) of cases, 13(25%) required dilatation & curettage for incomplete abortion including manual removal of placenta in 8 cases. There were seven cases with previous LSCS all of whom had complete abortion. Conclusion: Combination on Mifepristone & Misoprostol is an effective & safe method for mid-trimester MTP and can be used in cases of previous caesarean section with caution.