Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biofuel production from microalgae as feedstock: current status and potential

Abstract Algal biofuel has become an attractive alternative of petroleum-based fuels in the past decade. Microalgae have been proposed as a feedstock to produce biodiesel, since they are capable of mitigating CO2 emission and accumulating lipids with high productivity. This article is an overview of the updated status of biofuels, especially biodiesel production from microalgae including fundamental research, culture selection and engineering process development; it summarizes research on mathematical and life cycle modeling on algae growth and biomass production; and it updates global efforts of research and development and commercialization attempts. The major challenges are also discussed.
Localization of Protease-Activated Receptors -1 and -2 in Human Mast Cells: Indications for an Amplified Mast Cell Degranulation Cascade

Protease-activated receptors (PARs) belong to a family of G-coupled seven transmembrane receptors that are activated by a proteolytic cleavage of their N-termini. Recent studies suggest the involvement of protease-activated receptors-1 and -2 (PAR-1, PAR-2) activators in mast cell de-granulation in various physiological and pathophysiological processes in inflammatory responses. Although PAR-1 and PAR-2 activating proteases, thrombin and tryptase, have been associated with mast cell activation, PAR-1 and PAR-2 have not been localized within these cells. We describe here the localization of PAR-1 and PAR-2 in mast cells from various normal human tissues using im-munohistochemical and double immunofluorescence techniques. The presence of these receptors on the membrane may explain the actions of accessible extracellular thrombin and tryptase for mast cell activation. In addition to the membrane labeling, these receptors are also localized on the membrane of the intracellular tryptase-positive granules, which may function to sustain further mast cell degranulation upon exocytosis. The localization of these two receptors in mast cells suggests a novel mechanism for controlling mast cell activation through regulation of PARI and PAR-2.
AC-DC transfer difference of the PTB multijunction thermal converter in the frequency range from 10 Hz to 100 kHz

The ac-dc transfer difference of the multijunction thermal converter (MJTC) developed at Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) has been evaluated for various heater resistances between 27 and 700 Ω. By optimizing the heater resistance for voltage transfer to 190 Ω and for current transfer to 27 Ω, transfer differences of a few parts in 107 are achieved up to 100 kHz. Transfer differences caused by thermoelectric effects could be shown to be smaller than 10−8, due to the nearly ideal periodic structure of the converter and the special construction of the intermediate leads between heater and vacuum throughleads. An increase of the transfer difference at low frequencies is caused partly by the change in the real part of the heater impedance, which can be compensated by adding series or parallel resistors to the heater. Another part is found to be a current transfer difference which can only be diminished to a few parts in 107 by increasing the number of thermocouples or decreasing the input power.
Detection of coronary microembolisation by Doppler ultrasound during percutaneous coronary interventions

Objective: To validate an intracoronary Doppler ultrasound device for high intensity transient signals (HITS) detection and to assess the incidence of HITS during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods and Results: In an in vitro model, particle count and number of HITS detected by an intracoronary 0.014 inch Doppler wire were closely correlated (r = 0.97, p < 0.001). In the clinical study, 32 patients (mean (SD) age 61 (11) years; 23 men, nine women) with coronary artery disease were treated with balloon dilatation and stent implantation for a single vessel stenosis. In these patients HITS were detected during PCI in 84% (27 of 32). Reproducibility (r = 0.99, p < 0.001) and interobserver agreement (r = 0.84, p < 0.001) of HITS counts were significant. The number of HITS after stent implantation was significantly higher than after balloon dilatation (11 (7) v 2 (4), p < 0.001). Postprocedural coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR) was < 2.0 in 55% (16 of 29) of all patients after balloon dilatation and < 2.0 in 23% (six of 26) after stent implantation. The number of HITS after stent implantation did not differ significantly between patients with CFVR < 2.0 and patients with CFVR ⩾ 2.0 (12 (8) v 10 (7), not significant). Conclusions: Embolic particles can be detected as HITS by an intracoronary Doppler ultrasound device. Coronary microembolism is often observed during PCI, especially after stent implantation. However, the incidence of HITS alone does not explain a reduced CFVR after PCI.
Optimal location of battery energy storage systems in power distribution network for integrating renewable energy sources

The major challenge in integrating the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and renewable energy sources with the existing power system network is to determine the capacity and placement of the BESS in the system. The installation of BESS units at non optimal places can result in an increase in cost, including the system losses and larger battery capacity and therefore, having an effect opposite to the desired. For this reason, the use of a methodology capable of analyzing the influence on some system characteristics of BESS allocation and sizing is very useful for system planning. In this paper, a loss sensitivity based algorithm is proposed for optimal placement and size of the BESS in the distribution system to reduce the distribution power loss. IEEE distribution test data has been used to show the performance of the proposed algorithm.
A systematic literature review of technological factors for e-learning readiness in higher education

E-learning is an innovation that is increasingly adopted in higher education settings. Although most higher education institutions have adopted e-learning, they still face challenges in its implementation, especially in relation to the technological aspects. The primary reason for e-learning implementation challenges is a lack of assessment of the readiness for e-learning. The successful implementation of e-learning relies on assessing the readiness of technological aspects in order to realize the benefits of e-learning and reduce the barriers to e-learning implementation. Studies on e-learning readiness lack agreement on the important technological aspects; thus, there remains a need to identify the relevant factors that shape the technological aspects of e-learning readiness. This paper provides a systematic review of the literature, with the aim to identify the technological aspects of e-learning readiness in higher education.
A multitarget training method for artificial neural network with application to computer-aided diagnosis.

PURPOSE The authors propose a new training method for artificial neural networks (ANNs) in two-class classification tasks such as classifying breast lesions on a mammogram as malignant or benign. METHODS Whereas the conventional binary training method uses binary training target values based on the diagnostic truth of a lesion being malignant or benign, the authors use multiple training target values based on more detailed histological diagnosis that presumably are related to the posterior probability of a lesion being malignant. The authors performed Monte Carlo simulation studies in which training target values were assigned based on posterior probability, and they also performed a mammography study in which training target values were assigned according to histological subtypes. RESULTS These studies showed that the multitarget training method produced less variability in the ANN outputs than the binary training method. The simulation studies also showed that except for when the number of training cases was extremely large, the multitarget training method produced improved overall classification performance over the binary training method. CONCLUSIONS Therefore, the multitarget ANN training method is potentially useful for ANN applications in computer-aided diagnosis of breast cancer.
Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants: impact of non-adherence and discontinuation

ABSTRACT Introduction: Non-Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants (NOACs) are at least as effective as vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) reducing thromboembolism and mortality in atrial fibrillation (AF). These ‘fixed-dose regimen’ drugs are characterized by not requiring routine monitoring or dosage adjustment. Stroke prevention with OAC is indicated in AF patients with CHA2DS2-VASc ≥2 (≥3 in females) and NOACs are recommended in preference to VKAs. However, underuse, premature discontinuation of treatment and non-adherence to guidelines is common, and independently associated with higher stroke risk and all-cause mortality. Areas covered: In this review, we provide an overview of the impact of under or overdosing NOACs in AF patients. We debate the current adherence to AF-guidelines, the reasons involved in non-adherence and discontinuation, as well as the limitations found by patients and physicians about the use of NOACs. Expert opinion: The more convenient non-monitored and fixed-dose regimen of NOACs might improve patients’ adherence but may hinder the identification of patients with poor adherence or discontinuation. Since there are several reasons for OAC underuse, future strategies to improve adherence should be implemented, that include more and better education about AF and stroke risk, as well as and specific information about the potential consequences of non-adherence to OAC.
Improving logistics processes of surgical instruments: case of RFID technology

Purpose Since mid-2000s, hospitals have begun implementing radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology in order to improve their operations. The purpose of this paper is to explore the potential of RFID technology in improving the traceability of surgical instruments in a hospital environment. Design/methodology/approach A case study is conducted at a teaching hospital in Montreal, Canada. Business process reengineering approach and simulation techniques are used to assess the realistic potential of the RFID technology. The application of different scenarios and how they influence the efficiency of process flow between the central sterilization department and operating rooms of the hospital is investigated. Findings Research outcomes demonstrated how tagging individual instruments or their sets lead to reduction of the time spent in re-processing the soiled instrument as well as the reduction of costs related to staff. Furthermore, specific key performance indicators are identified and eventual issues related to implementation of the re-designed processes are discussed. Originality/value Implementing RFID-enabled solutions in hospital context is still an emerging phenomenon that involves various stakeholders in a change management project. While implementing RFID technology can benefit hospitals by improving business processes and workflows, the adoption is still slow, especially for managing surgical instruments. It is, hence, crucial to compare the advantages and drawbacks of RFID-enabled surgical instruments solutions with other well-established traceability technologies such as barcoding.
Pre-polarization resistance of the skin as determined by the single square voltage pulse method.

Use of a new microcomputer-based instrumentation system to record and analyze current waveforms produced by applying square voltage pulses of 0.5-3.5 V to the skin revealed that peak currents are considerably higher, and corresponding pre-polarization resistance values considerably lower, than previously supposed. However, in keeping with previous observations, we confirmed that the skin is an Ohm's Law conductor in its pre-polarization state and that the pre-polarization resistance of the skin is resolvable into two components, a localized resistance beneath each electrode and a non-localized (body core) resistance. In addition, a three-electrode method was devised to measure the localized resistance at any selected location (target site). Simple equivalent circuit simulations of the initial section of current waveforms are used to assess the degree of instrument-related peak current underestimation inherent even in this system. This preliminary study indicates the need for reassessment of the roles played by the various body tissues, particularly the epidermis, in determining the pre-polarization electrical character of the skin.
A Symmetric Piecewise-Linear Chaotic System with a Single Equilibrium Point

In this paper, we propose a new autonomous electronic oscillator designed with some modifications of the well-known Wien bridge oscillator. In the mathematical model planned for such a circuit, the nonlinearity in the operational amplifier saturation is considered and reference is made to the only equilibrium point at the origin of phase-space. We show how the relation between the bifurcation parameters starts stable oscillations, providing an example for chaotic behavior and bifurcations diagrams. Finally, we conclude with a brief summary of the oscillators operation using a parameters plane.
Standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) revisited: parameter fitting, evapotranspiration models, tools, datasets and drought monitoring

The standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) was developed in 2010 and has been used in an increasing number of climatology and hydrology studies. The objective of this article is to describe computing options that provide flexible and robust use of the SPEI. In particular, we present methods for estimating the parameters of the log‐logistic distribution for obtaining standardized values, methods for computing reference evapotranspiration (ET0), and weighting kernels used for calculation of the SPEI at different time scales. We discuss the use of alternative ET0 and actual evapotranspiration (ETa) methods and different options on the resulting SPEI series by use of observational and global gridded data. The results indicate that the equation used to calculate ET0 can have a significant effect on the SPEI in some regions of the world. Although the original formulation of the SPEI was based on plotting‐positions Probability Weighted Moment (PWM), we now recommend use of unbiased PWM for model fitting. Finally, we present new software tools for computation and analysis of SPEI series, an updated global gridded database, and a real‐time drought‐monitoring system.
Research electives in rural health care.

PROBLEM BEING ADDRESSED As academic medical institutions being to address the education and service needs of rural Canadians, research will make its way to the foreground. Rural physicians are well positioned to lead in this venture, but often have little time or energy to take on extra duties. Rural populations differ in essential ways from urban populations. Certainly, the limitations of geography, funding, and population density alter medical surveillance, treatment, and research in ways that are largely undocumented. OBJECTIVE OF PROGRAM To undertake research projects of interest to our group of rural clinicians and to expose medical students to both research and rural practice. MAIN COMPONENTS OF PROGRAM Seven rural family physicians welcomed medical students into their group practice for summer research electives. Topics were chosen in advance by the medical group, and one member was designated as supervisor for each student. A local nurse educator also provided support to students and to clinicians after the students' departure. Several projects were undertaken simultaneously each summer; the result was several published peer-reviewed articles and good teaching and learning experiences. CONCLUSION Rural research electives provide a valuable experience for students and preceptors. Such initiatives deserve broad promotion and support.
Serotonin nerve cells in Alzheimer's disease.

Sir: A recent report' showing that the uptake of serotonin (5HT) by neocortical biopsy tissues is significantly reduced in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) implies that there may also be damage to the 5HT-containing nerve cells, situated in the raphe nuclei of the brain stem and mid brain,2 in this condition. We have examined those nerve cells which lie in the caudal part of the mesencephalon and
Cardiac and renal effects of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in cirrhosis

Refractory ascites and recurrent variceal bleeding are among the serious complications of portal hypertension and cirrhosis for which a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) can be used. Cirrhotic patients have varying degrees of haemodynamic derangement, mainly characterized by peripheral arterial vasodilatation, central underfilling and activation of several vasoactive systems. These changes affect the heart, the lungs and the kidneys in particular. The cardiac effects of TIPS are immediate and are related to the redirection of blood from the splanchnic circulation into the systemic circulation, resulting in worsening of the hyperdynamic circulation with increasing cardiac output and decreasing systemic vascular resistance; further, TIPS may unmask a latent diastolic dysfunction of the heart. However, the renal effects of TIPS seem to be beneficial as renal function tends to improve in patients with the hepatorenal syndrome. The clinical and haemodynamic effects of TIPS have been studied intensively and will be reviewed in the present paper. Considerable knowledge on the effects of TIPS on the pathophysiology of cirrhosis has been gained, but studies on the central haemodynamic effects are warranted to refine the already applied treatments and develop new treatment modalities.
The use of neuromonitoring in descending and thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery Literature Review

Abstract Without surgical repair thoracic aortic aneurysms are a lethal disease with poor prognosis. An extensive major operation is required to correct an aneurysm that involves the descending or thoracoabdominal aorta. Particular considerations must be made to protection of all abdominal organs, the brain and the spinal cord which are all at risk. Consequently there is a risk that these patients post operatively wake up paraplegic from spinal cord ischaemia due to the nature of the surgery. Certain techniques have evolved that have considerably reduced this risk. Neuromonitoring is a technique that can provide an intraoperative assessment of the integrity of the spinal cord through stimulation of nervous pathways and detection in either peripheral muscles or the brain cortex. In theory this can alert the surgical team to impending spinal cord ischaemia and change the management of this patient to prevent paraplegia. However, there is much ambiguity surrounding its use, with no conclusive evidence to prove this technique effectively reduces the rates of paraplegia. This literature review will assess the current methods of neuromonitoring in thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair.
Detection of neuroendocrine tumors: 99mTc-P829 scintigraphy compared with 111In-pentetreotide scintigraphy.

UNLABELLED The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of a new somatostatin analog, 99mTc-P829, compared with that of 111In-pentetreotide. METHODS Forty-three patients (32 men, 11 women; age range, 24-78 y; mean age, 56 y) with biologically or histologically proven neuroendocrine tumors were prospectively included: 11 patients with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, 16 patients with carcinoid tumors, and 16 patients with other types of functioning (n = 6) or nonfunctioning (n = 10) endocrine tumors. 111In-Pentetreotide planar images (head, chest, abdomen, and pelvis) were obtained 4 and 24 h after injection of 10 microg somatostatin analog labeled with 148 +/- 17 MBq 111In, and SPECT was performed 24 h after injection. Similar (99m)Tc-P829 planar images were obtained at 1, 4-6, and 24 h after injection of 50 microg peptide labeled with 991.6 +/- 187.59 MBq 99mTc. Abdominal SPECT was performed 4-6 h after injection. RESULTS 111In-Pentetreotide detected 203 tumoral sites in 39 (91%) of 43 patients, whereas 99mTc-P829 detected 77 sites in 28 (65%) of 43 patients (P < 0.005). In the liver, 129 sites (in 24 patients) were detected by 111In-pentetreotide scintigraphy and 34 sites (in 10 patients) were detected by 99mTc-P829 scintigraphy. CONCLUSION In patients with endocrine tumors, the detection rate of 99mTc-P829 scintigraphy was lower than that of 111In-pentetreotide scintigraphy, which appeared to be more sensitive, especially for liver metastases.
Current Status of Clinical Laboratory Reimbursement

Introduction In general, reimbursement for laboratory services in this country comes from two third-party payer sources - government and private sector. This third-party payment allows patients to access laboratory services from hospitals, physician offices, long-term care and other post acute providers and private laboratories. There are many components to this complex reimbursement system, including how and when tests are covered (coverage decisions), procedure and diagnosis codes (identifying what was actually ordered and performed) and payment methodologies. While levels of reimbursement are intended to reflect the value and the cost of the service being provided, over time the level of payment has been continually reduced to meet financial goals of the government or the healthcare system. Government payers primarily reflect Medicare on the federal level and Medicaid (Medical Assistance) on the state level. The Medicare program is the most influential reimbursement system since it often impacts state programs and private payer reimbursement policies and payment levels. All public payers and approximately 67% of private payers use Medicare's payment methodologies as the basis for their own and as tools for negotiating discounts with providers.1 In our current fiscal environment, with pressures on the federal budget and concerns about the long term viability of Medicare, we have seen a change in which the Medicare program is beginning to look at private payer reimbursement levels as an opportunity to reduce its financial responsibility for laboratory reimbursement. The steady reduction in payment levels from Medicare and other payers are resulting in a negative impact on… ABBREVIATIONS: ACA – Accountable Care Act; APC – Ambulatory Patient Classification; CAH – Critical Access Hospital; CLFS – Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule; CMS – Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; CPI – Consumer Price Index; DRG – Diagnosis Related Group; FEHB – Federal Employee Health Benefits; IOM – Institute of Medicine; MolDX – Molecular Diagnostics; MS-DRG – Medical Severity Diagnosis Related Group; NLA – National Limitation Amount; OIG – Office of Inspector General; OPPS – Outpatient Prospective Payment System; PPS – Prospective Payment System; SGR – Sustainable Growth Rate.
Quantum source coding and data compression 1 D

This lecture is intended to be an easily accessible rst introduction to quantum information theory. The eld is large and it is not completely covered even by the recent monograph [15]. Therefore the simple topic of data compression is selected to present some ideas of the theory. Classical information theory is not a prerequisite, we start with the basics of Shannon theory to give a feeling for Shannon entropy and for the informational divergence or relative entropy. The aim is to present Schumacher's compression theorem and to demonstrate that the von Neumann entropy, introduced in the 1920's by thermodynamical considerations, is a measure of quantum information exactly in the way as the Shannon entropy is that for classical information. Our discussion makes clear that the compression theorem depends heavily on the existence of the high-probability subspace. At the end of the lecture quantum sources with memory and some related questions are brie y discussed. This part could be skipped by new-comers in the eld.