Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ns3 Genetic Variability in HCV Genotype-1B Isolates from Liver Specimens and Blood Samples of Treatment-Naive Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C

Background Two distinct inhibitors of the HCV protease have been approved for the treatment of patients infected with HCV genotype-1. These drugs are highly efficient in suppressing HCV replication; however, their use is limited by the emergence of viral mutants resistant to them after a very short time of treatment. By analysing blood samples, it was shown that viral strains resistant to protease inhibitors (PIs) may exist prior to treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of viral variants resistant to PIs in isolates from liver and blood of HCV patients naive to any antiviral therapy. Methods Liver and blood HCV genotype-1b isolates from 10 patients with chronic hepatitis were analysed by cloning and sequencing procedures. Results The analyses of 10–15 clones from liver isolates of each patient showed that 7/10 cases had single or multiple mutations potentially conferring resistance to PIs. However, the analysis of the corresponding blood samples excluded the presence of these mutations in all cases but one, which had the Q80R mutation in all clones from both liver and plasma samples. No PI-resistant variants were detected in isolates from either liver or plasma samples of three patients. Conclusions Naturally occurring HCV variants resistant to PIs are commonly present at the intrahepatic level and this clearly explains their usual, very early emergence under treatment; however, the identification of these variants as circulating viral populations is not unusual in untreated patients.
Limited influence of pouch function on quality of life after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS Despite a high frequency of pouch function disorders, most patients are satisfied with the outcome of ileo-anal pouch surgery. Aims of this study were: 1) To assess the influence of pouch function on quality of life and, 2) to determine which aspects of pouch dysfunction affect quality of life the most. METHODOLOGY Questionnaires, addressing current pouch function and quality of life (Rand-36, GIQLI), were sent to all (53) patients with intact ileo-anal pouches, operated on between 1987 and 1997 in our center. RESULTS Thirty-six of 53 patients responded. Compared to reference data, Rand-36 scores for role-limitations based on a physical problem, vitality and general health perception were significantly diminished (P < 0.01). Physical and social functioning were normal. The GIQLI score was slightly decreased (111.7 vs. 125.8, P < 0.01). Overall pouch function did not correlate with the overall Rand-36 score, but correlated well with the overall GIQLI score (r = -0.47). Both quality of life scores were diminished mainly by the night-time stool frequency. CONCLUSIONS 1) Quality of life after IPAA, as measured with validated questionnaires, is only slightly decreased; 2) the GIQLI questionnaire is more sensitive to pouch dysfunction than the Rand-36; 3) night-time stool frequency influences quality of life the most.
Application of MTO-thyristors in current stiff converters with resonant snubbers

This paper addresses the impact of power devices switching characteristics on design and performance of pulse width modulated current stiff converter (CSC) topologies with resonant snubbers. The MTO thyristors were selected for this study due to their high voltage and current ratings, simplified gate drive circuitry, unity gain turn-off, greatly reduced storage time allowing higher switching frequencies, and reverse voltage blocking capability. The analysis presented in this paper is supported by experimental data obtained from a CSC commutation cell capable of reproducing all the commutation processes in the current stiff converter topologies with active resonant snubbers. Issues involved in the implementation of the commutation cell itself and MTO characteristics relevant for their operation in CSC topologies with resonant snubbers are addressed in detail in this paper.
Two types of corticopulvinar terminations: Round (type 2) and elongate (type 1)

Corticopulvinar axons were anterogradely labeled by Phaseolus vulgaris‐leucoagglutinin injections in the occipitotemporal cortex of the macaque to determine quantitative parameters of divergence and convergence, arbor size and shape, and distribution of terminal specializations. Forty individual axons were analyzed by serial section reconstruction and divided into two major groups. The majority of axons have numerous (typically 500–1,000) small, spinous endings (boutons terminaux). These axons have terminal fields that are beam‐like or elongated (E, corresponding to classical type 1) and highly divergent (1.0–3.0 mm). These frequently innervate several of the traditionally designated pulvinar subdivisions; namely inferior pulvinar (PI) and the ventral part of interal pulvinar (PL); medial pulvinar (PM) and dorsal PL, and (one axon) PM, dorsal PL, and PI. Some axons, however (R or round, corresponding to classical type 2), have a small number (typically 70–160) of primarily large, beaded endings (boutons en passant), which concentrate in sharply delimited, round arbors (diameters 100–125 μm). R axons appear to be larger caliber than E axons (1.0–1.5 μm vs. 0.5–1.0 μm, respectively). These differences in phenotype are probably associated with distinct types of projection neurons. In visual areas, corticopulvinar terminations are reported to originate from pyramidal cell subpopulations in layer 5. Indirect evidence, presented here, suggests that the more numerous medium‐sized neurons give rise to E axons, and the sparser giant pyramids give rise to R corticopulvinar axons. If this is correct, corticopulvinar connectivity may be involved in multiple transformations. Spatially, axons of giant neurons (with basal dendrites that collect intracortically from a disc‐like area, about 1.0 mm in diameter) converge onto a small number of pulvinar neurons. Axons of medium neurons (with basal dendrites that occupy a small intracortical disc, about 0.3 mm in diameter) diverge over 1.0–3.0 mm in the pulvinar and may form many contacts. Giant neurons, although numerically few in relation to medium pyramids (1 or 2: 50? ), are likely to have distinctive membrane properties (functionally equivalent to bursting neurons? ). Their larger boutons and axon caliber may be associated with a faster transmission that compensates for their small numbers. In primates, the E and R duality does not characterize cortical projections to the caudate, lateral geniculate nucleus, pons, or superior colliculus and thus may be essentially linked to pulvinar‐specific processes. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Seasonal and Spatial Variation of Solvent Extractable Organic Compounds in Fine Suspended Particulate Matter in Hong Kong

Abstract The results of a 12-month study of more than 100 solvent extractable organic compounds (SEOC) in particulate matter (PM) less than or equal to 2.5 μm (PM2.5) collected at three air monitoring stations located at roadside, urban, and rural sites in Hong Kong are reported. The total yield of SEOC that accounts for ∼8–18% of organic carbon (OC) determined by a thermal optical transmittance method was 125-2060 ng/m3, which included 14.6–128 ng/m3 resolved aliphatic hydrocarbons, 39.4–1380 ng/m3 unresolved complex mixtures, 0.6–17.2 ng/m3 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, 41.6–520 ng/m3 fatty acids, and <0.1–12.1 ng/m3 alkanols. Distinct seasonal variations (summer/winter differences) were observed with higher concentrations of the total and each class of SEOC in the winter and lower concentrations in the summer. Spatial variations are also obvious, with the roadside samples having the highest concentrations of SEOC and the rural samples having the lowest concentrations in all seasons. Characteristic ratios of petroleum hydrocarbons, such as carbon preference index, unresolved to resolved components, and carbon number with maximum concentration, suggest that PM2.5 carbon in Hong Kong originates from both biogenic and anthropogenic sources. The proportion of SEOC in PM2.5 from anthropogenic sources is estimated.
Learnings from the Finnish Game Industry

The motivation behind our research was the rapid growth and business wins of world-class Finnish game companies, like Supercell, as well as the success of other game companies in Finland. In particular, Supercell's growth is something that has not been heard of before and this raised the interest to research what game companies have been doing right. Supercell is not the only Finnish success. Rovio is also well known and has the roots for success from few years before. There are also other game companies in Finland that have succeeded and this motivated us to investigate what is happening behind the game industry and what could be learned from there that could be applied to other software industry as well. In order to explore and explain the different success factors, we interviewed the following eight Finnish game companies: Rovio Entertainment, Fingersoft, TicBits, Boomlagoon, 10tons, Tribeflame, Star Arcade and Mountain Sheep. In addition, we investigated public sources, like interviews given to newspapers and books written about companies. These sources cover well Supercell as they have given numerous public interviews to journalists. Similarly, Remedy was analysed based on public sources. Based on the results we recognised some 30 patterns that, depending on the context, could be used in other organisations as well. The patterns include the applicable context where they can be used, driving forces (and counterforces) that should be recognised, the problem they are solving and the solution to the problem coupled with the key enablers. Furthermore, narrative stories based on the interviews and public sources are included.
Primary malignant tumor of the pancreas in a fifteen-month-old boy.

PRIMARY malignant tumor of the pancreas is extremely rare in infancy and childhood. An extensive review of the literature disclosed only two primary sarcomas 1 and six primary carcinomas 2 with histological diagnostic confirmation. In all reported cases the disease has been fatal. The lymphosarcomas were located only in the pancreas and occurred in a 4-year-old boy and a 9-day-old girl. In the latter the disease was discovered at autopsy, after death had resulted from peritonitis and liver abscess secondary to an omphalitis and phlebitis of the umbilical vein. Of the six adenocarcinomas, three were described as cylindrical-cell, one was medullary, and two were not further classified. Three originated in the head of the pancreas, one in the head and body, one in the tail, and one was not localized. The tumor mass was palpated in two instances, jaundice was evident in two cases, diarrhea was striking in two cases,
[Experimental studies of therapeutic effect of Rheum officinale on acute pancreatitis].

OBJECTIVE To investigate the therapeutic effect of Rheum offĩcinale on acute pancreatitis. METHODS Buffered sodium taurocholate (3% m/V) was injected into the pancreatico-biliary duct to induce acute pancreatitis. Death rate,coefficient of pancreas, serum amylyse (AMY), hemocuprein (SOD), TNF-alpha and IL-1beta level were examined at 6, 12 and 24 hours after operations. Pathology analysis were also obtained. RESULTS Compared with corresponding pancreatitis groups,death rate, coefficient of pancreas, serum TNF-alpha and IL-1beta level of drug groups decreased remarkably (P < 0.05), while serum SOD level significantly increased (P < 0.01). Serum AMY level of drug groups increased at 6 h (P < 0.01), decreased at 12 h (P < 0.01) and had no statistics disparity at 24 h (P > 0.05) compared with respective pancreatitis group. Although score points of all drug groups were lower than corresponding pancreatitis groups, the growth tendency of both were similar. CONCLUSION Rheum officinale Baill has the effect of prevention to pancreas pathological changes in the animal pattern, but not able to reverse the tendency.
Estimation of Power Switching Current by Chip-Package-PCB Cosimulation

This paper presents a methodology to estimate power switching current on printed circuit boards (PCBs) through chip-package-PCB cosimulation. A macromodel for a timing controller chip running pseudo H-pattern data was generated from transistor-level simulations. The macromodel consists of a passive impedance network and internal switching activity of the chip. Power delivery network models for package and PCB were produced as a RLCG netlist and S-parameter touch stone files, respectively, using commercial tools. It is found that comparison between the simulated and measured impedances of the chip and package shows excellent agreement up to 300 MHz. Also, the simulated and measured impedances of the PCB match well in terms of magnitude and resonance frequency up to 3 GHz. Moreover, the results of power switching current from cosimulation and measurement show good agreement within 5 dB difference at major harmonic frequencies of 20 MHz data and 80 MHz clock patterns up to 1 GHz.
Analysis of k-coverage in Homogenous Wireless Sensor Networks

Recently, wireless sensor networks have attracted a lot of attention. They are being used in many fields like security and surveillance, disaster prevention, agriculture, and traffic monitoring. Such environments may consist of many low cost nodes, each having the ability of gathering, storing, and dealing with environmental information and communicating with neighboring nodes via wireless links. One of the fundamental problems in sensor networks is the coverage problem, which reflects the quality of service which is provided by a particular sensor network and how well a sensor network is monitored or tracked by sensor. The coverage concept is depending from several points of view due to a variety of sensors and a wide-range of their applications. In this paper, simulation is performed to determine the degree of coverage of for a sensor network in terms of k-mean coverage. All sensor nodes with same sensing range are deployed for the simulation. Simulation is performed on MATLAB. Simulation results shows as degree of node is greater than one then that node will goes into sleep mode so that particular region must be covered by at least one sensor node which is in active state which result in less energy consumption and also show that as we increase the number of nodes the degree of the nodes also get increase.
SURGICAL VIRTUAL REALITY – OPTIMIZATION OF COLLISION DETECTION

Just like flight and spaceship simulators already represent a standard, we expect that soon enough, surgical simulators should become a standard in medical applications. A simulations quality is strongly related to the image quality as well as the degree of realism of the simulation. Increased quality requires increased resolution, increased representation speed but more important, a larger amount of mathematical equations. A simulator executes one of the most complex sets of calculations each time it detects a contact between the virtual objects, therefore optimization of collision detection is fatal for the work-speed of a simulator and hence in its quality.
Bounds for Selection

In this paper we show that the minimum number of comparisons necessary for the computation of the kth element of a totally ordered set of size n, $V_k (n)$, is bounded below by $n - k + (k - 1)\lceil \log _2 (n/(k - 1)) \rceil $. For $3 < k < n/4$, this bound is an improvement on the best lower bound presently known. A new algorithm which yields an upper bound that is better than the currently known bound for a large range of values of n will also be presented.
Lumbar Degenerative Spondylolisthesis: Changes in Surgical Indications and Comparison of Instrumented Fusion With Two Surgical Decompression Procedures

Study Design. Single-center retrospective case series. Objective. To compare outcomes of instrumented fusion and two methods of decompression for degenerative spondylolisthesis. Summary of Background Data. There is no consensus on the surgical indications or optimum techniques for lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis. Methods. We analyzed the data of 140 patients treated by fusion (n = 80; mean follow-up, 77.9 months) or decompression (n = 60; mean follow-up, 38.0 months) and examined changes in surgical indications over a 12-year period. We compared the outcomes of instrumented fusion with the outcomes of two decompression techniques, the first employing a unilateral approach for bilateral decompression and the second employing a bilateral approach for contralateral decompression, with contralateral foraminal decompression as needed. Postoperative evaluation was made at the final follow-up visit beginning in 2007 by analyzing patient interviews and neurological examination data. We compared results with the Japanese Orthopedic Association symptom score before surgery and at final follow-up. Results. Surgical indications for fusion narrowed over time, with fusion used less frequently and decompression used more frequently. Similar decreases in clinical symptoms, including low back pain, were achieved with all methods. In the decompression groups, preoperative slip distance and instability, and postoperative slip progression or development of instability, did not correlate significantly with clinical outcome. Slip progression occurred in 8 of 10 levels in patients with preoperative translation ≥5 mm, but these patients showed no increase in instability, defined as translation ≥ 2 mm, at final follow-up. Conclusion. Our findings raise a question about the value of the radiologic criteria for performing fusion used in the late period, namely translation ≥5 mm and/or rotation ≥ 10°. If discogenic pain is excluded, decompression alone may be suitable even for patients with severe low back pain and translation ≥5 mm. Level of Evidence: 4
Variable Rate and Adaptive Traffic Tuning Technique to Improve Throughput of IEEE 802 . 15 . 4 based Wireless Networks

Throughput is the key parameter to estimate quality of service of wireless sensor networks (WSN). Many research papers were published on improving energy efficiency, but throughput improvement has not been extensively investigated. In this paper, the authors propose a Variable rate and Adaptive Traffic Tuning Algorithm to improve throughput. The traffic in event driven WSN is bursty in nature and causes congestion at the coordinator. This leads to packet loss and throughput degradation. The proposed algorithm work at coordinator and the sensor nodes as well. It converts bursty traffic arriving at the coordinator into constant bit rate traffic, to reduce packet loss. The transmission rate is adjusted at the sensor nodes, which reduces congestion and improves channel utilisation. The algorithm is implemented in NS-2. The performance was compared with existing algorithms. A 70% higher throughput was achieved with proposed algorithm.
On Generating Correlated Random Variables with a Given Valid or Invalid Correlation Matrix

In simulation we often have to generate correlated random variables by giving a reference intercorrelation matrix, R or Q. The matrix R is positive definite and a valid correlation matrix. The matrix Q may appear to be a correlation matrix but it may be invalid (negative definite). With R(m,m) it is easy to generate X(n,m), but Q(m,m) cannot give real X(n,m). So, Q has to be converted into the near-most R matrix by some procedure. NJ Higham (2002) provides a method to generate R from Q that satisfies the minimum Frobenius norm condition for (Q-R). Ali Al-Subaihi (2004) gives another method, but his method does not produce an optimal R from Q. In this paper we propose an algorithm to produce an optimal R from Q by minimizing the maximum norm of (Q-R). A Computer program (in FORTRAN) also has been provided. Having obtained R from Q, the paper gives an algorithm to obtain X(n,m) from R(m,m). The proposed algorithm is based on factorization of R, yet it is different from the Kaiser Dichman (1962) procedure. A computer program also has been given.
Efficient methods of estimate correlation functions of Gaussian processes and their performance analysis

New efficient methods to estimate crosscorrelation functions of Gaussian signals are studied. In these methods, the "covariance property" of the Gaussian distribution is utilized such that the correlation estimates can be computed with only additions. To evaluate the performances of the methods, exact expressions for the bias and variance of these estimators are formulated and utilized in comparing these methods with the conventional correlation estimator. As a result, we point out that these new methods can give estimates which are comparable to the conventional approach.
Metabolic profiling of alcohol consumption in 9778 young adults

Background High alcohol consumption is a major cause of morbidity, yet alcohol is associated with both favourable and adverse effects on cardiometabolic risk markers. We aimed to characterize the associations of usual alcohol consumption with a comprehensive systemic metabolite profile in young adults. Methods Cross-sectional associations of alcohol intake with 86 metabolic measures were assessed for 9778 individuals from three population-based cohorts from Finland (age 24-45 years, 52% women). Metabolic changes associated with change in alcohol intake during 6-year follow-up were further examined for 1466 individuals. Alcohol intake was assessed by questionnaires. Circulating lipids, fatty acids and metabolites were quantified by high-throughput nuclear magnetic resonance metabolomics and biochemical assays. Results Increased alcohol intake was associated with cardiometabolic risk markers across multiple metabolic pathways, including higher lipid concentrations in HDL subclasses and smaller LDL particle size, increased proportions of monounsaturated fatty acids and decreased proportion of omega-6 fatty acids, lower concentrations of glutamine and citrate (P<0.001 for 56 metabolic measures). Many metabolic biomarkers displayed U-shaped associations with alcohol consumption. Results were coherent for men and women, consistent across the three cohorts, and similar if adjusting for body mass index, smoking and physical activity. The metabolic changes accompanying change in alcohol intake during follow-up resembled the cross-sectional association pattern (R2=0.83, slope=0.72±0.04). Conclusions Alcohol consumption is associated with a complex metabolic signature, including aberrations in multiple biomarkers for elevated cardiometabolic risk. The metabolic signature tracks with long-term changes in alcohol consumption. These results elucidate the double-edged effects of alcohol on cardiovascular risk. Key messages Alcohol intake in young adults associates with multiple novel metabolic biomarkers for the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. The metabolic aberrations are mainly adversely related to cardiometabolic risk Prominent metabolic associations with alcohol consumption include monounsaturated fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, glutamine, citrate and lipoprotein particle size. Many of these cardiometabolic biomarkers were as strongly associated with alcohol intake as HDL cholesterol The strongest novel biomarkers of alcohol consumption followed linear association shapes, whereas many lipid measures displayed U-shaped associations The detailed metabolic signature of alcohol consumption tracked with long-term changes in alcohol use, suggesting that the observed metabolic changes are at least partly due to alcohol consumption The results provide improved understanding of the diverse molecular processes related to alcohol intake. Novel metabolic biomarkers reflecting both alcohol intake and cardiovascular risk could serve as intermediates that may help to bridge the complex relation between alcohol and cardiometabolic risk