Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Stacked ABR: A Sensitive and Specific Screening Tool for Detecting Small Acoustic Tumors

The failure of standard ABR measures to detect small (≤1 cm) acoustic tumors has led to the use of enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as the standard to screen for small tumors. This study investigates the suitability of the stacked ABR as a sensitive screening alternative to MRI for small acoustic tumors (SATs). The objective of the study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the stacked ABR technique for detecting SATs. A total of 54 patients with acoustic tumors identified by MRI that were either ≤1 cm in size or undetected by standard ABR methods, irrespective of size, were studied. A control population of 78 nontumor normal-hearing subjects was also tested. For comparison, two standard ABR measures (IT5 and I-V delay) were also analyzed. The stacked ABR demonstrated 95% sensitivity and 88% specificity; 100% sensitivity was obtained at 50% specificity. Standard ABR measures were much poorer in detecting these tumors. In conclusion, the stacked ABR can be used as a sensitive, widely-available, cost-effective, and comfortable tool for screening SATs.
THE GUT IN CRITICAL ILLNESS: EVIDENCE FROM HUMAN STUDIES

Data from a large number of published human studies support the hypothesis that the gastrointestinal tract of the critically ill patient is an important factor in ICU morbidity and mortality. Changes in proximal gut flora in the critically ill patient predict nosocomial infection with the same organism, while gut-directed therapeutic measures clearly reduce rates of nosocomial infection and may have an impact on mortality Modulation of the systemic inflammatory response through gut derived measures has been no more successful than modulation of that response through more conventional systemic forms of mediator-directed therapy. But if the gastrointestinal tract is an important factor in nosocomial ICU-acquired infection, the bigger unanswered question is, to what extent does infection per se alter outcome in critical illness? Current articulations of the gut hypothesis challenge long-held and probably outmoded views of host-microbial interactions. The challenge to replace them is no less compelling and no less treacherous than it was in the era of Metchnikoff, Lane, or their ancient forebears.
Multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index and its reversion in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The MAR indexes of hospital isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were determined with reference to nine different cephalosporins. The values for all the strains were higher than 0·2 suggesting their origin from a high risk source of contamination where antibiotics are often used. Emergence of MAR pathogenic strains of Ps. aeruginosa indicated possible nosocomial infection in the hospital environment. β‐Lactamases produced by these organisms were tested and their inhibition by clavulanic acid was studied. β‐Lactamase produced by one of these strains (Ps‐1) could not be inhibited by clavulanic acid whereas β‐lactamases of three other strains (Ps‐2, Ps‐3 and Ps‐4) could be inhibited by clavulanic acid in the presence of cephalosporins, suggesting a possible use of clavulanic acid in combination with cephalosporins, to combat β‐lactamase induced resistance in Ps. aeruginosa.
Aided Abnormality Detection for Kidney on FPGA Based IoT Enabled Portable Ultrasound Imaging System

Purpose: Ultrasound scanning has been widely used for preliminary diagnosis as it is non-invasive and has good scope for the doctors to analyze many diseases. Due to lack of trained radiologists in remote areas, tele-radiology is used to diagnose the scanned ultrasound data. Availability of online radiographers and having communication facility for the portable ultrasound are issues in tele-radiology for using ultrasound scanning in remote health-care. In these situations, Computer Aided Diagnosis (CAD) will be beneficial in diagnosing the patients with minimal manual intervention. Methods: We proposed FPGA based CAD algorithm for abnormality detection of kidney in ultrasound images. The proposed algorithm works in the following way: as a pre-processing, an ultrasound image is denoised and region of interest of kidney in ultrasound image is segmented. Intensity histogram features and Haralick features are extracted from the segmented kidney region. Based on extracted features, the classification algorithm is implemented in two stages. In first stage, a Look Up Table (LUT) based approach is used to differentiate between normal and abnormal kidney images. In second stage, after confirming the abnormality, Support Vector Machine (SVM) with Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) classifier trained with extracted features is used to further classify the presence of stone or cyst in kidney. The proposed algorithm is implemented on a FPGA based Xilinx Kintex-7 board. Results: The proposed algorithm gave an accuracy of 98.14%, sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 96.82% in detecting the exact abnormality present in kidney ultrasound images. E-mail addresses: ee13m0003@iith.ac. in (K. Divya Krishna), ee12m1041@iith.ac. in (V. Akkala), ee13p0007@iith.ac. in (R. Bharath), raji@iith.ac. in (P. Rajalakshmi), drmateen@gmail.com (A.M. Mohammed). http://dx.doi. org/10.1016/j.irbm. 2016.05. 001 1959-0318/© 2016 AGBM. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved. 190 K. Divya Krishna et al. / IRBM 37 (2016) 189–197 Conclusion: The proposed algorithm and its hardware implementation will be beneficial for diagnosing the kidney in absence of radiologists and internet connectivity. © 2016 AGBM. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.
Persistent Low Immunization Coverage Among Inner-city Preschool Children Despite Access to Free Vaccine

Objective. To compare vaccination coverage among children 19 to 35 months of age from public housing developments where a free vaccine outreach program was in place with children residing elsewhere in the city. Design. A household survey using a multistage cluster sampling method to compare community areas which accounted for 80% of measles cases during 1989 (high-risk stratum), areas which accounted for the remaining 20% of cases (low-risk stratum), and public housing developments (public housing stratum) having free, on-site vaccination services. Setting. Inner-city Chicago households, April to May 1994. Outcome Variables. Antigen-specific and series-specific coverage based on written records. Results. Based on evaluation of 1244 children, citywide coverage for four doses of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, three doses of polio vaccine, and one dose of measles-containing vaccine (4:3:1) was 47% [95% confidence interval (CI), 40% to 55%]. Coverage was significantly lower among children residing in public housing (23%; 95% CI, 18% to 28%) compared with those residing in high-risk strata (45%; 95% CI, 38% to 52%) and low-risk strata (51%; 95% CI, 43% to 60%). Compared with white children (53%), coverage for the 4:3:1 series was lower among African-American children in public housing (29%) or outside public housing (36%). Moreover, 11% (95% CI, 8% to 14%) of children residing in public housing had never received any immunizations. Conclusions. African-American children throughout Chicago, particularly in public housing, remain at increased risk for vaccine-preventable diseases and should be targeted further for vaccination services. Vaccination coverage remains low several years after a major outbreak of measles and implementation of a free vaccine outreach program. Cluster surveys may be useful for monitoring vaccination coverage in high-risk urban settings.
Variety of Approaches to Designing Microwave Active Filters

Microwave active filters continue to attract the attention of specialists because of their unique performance. The paper is targeted at providing microwave and RF designers with an introduction to the state of the art including both of current tendencies and unsolved problems. Emphasis is placed on a physical interpretalion of general principles of design and practical realizations of microwave active filters.
Improvised Capacitor Switched Regenerative snubber circuited high powered D.C/D.C boost converter for Low Cost Hybrid Autorikshaw (LCHA)

Advanced transportation technologies, such as hybrid-electric, battery-electric, and hybrid-fuel-cell vehicles, rely on high power dc/dc converters to interconnect and manage their power sources. This paper proposes a Novel Capacitor Switched Regenerative snubber circuit (NCRS) that greatly reduces the switching losses of the insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) in the boost converter used in Low Cost Hybrid Electric Auto Rickshaw (LCHA). The proposed circuit offers a unique Regenerative Operation thereby, a part of the switching voltage and current are utilized in charging of the snubber capacitor in once cycle and discharging of the same in the another cycle of triggering of the main switch, effectively passing on the energy stored in the capacitor to the output terminals. Due to the usage of high frequency, regenerative converters and switching devices the losses are reduced leading to a much more efficient performance of the engine. The DC/DC converter's efficiency and dynamic operational characteristics are henceforth the most important aspects of LCHA.
Environmental factors precipitating bronchial asthma exacerbations in southern Puerto Rico: a pilot study.

The purpose of the study was to correlate environmental factors that may play a role in triggering asthma attacks requiring admissions. A retrospective analysis of 320 asthmatic admissions from January 1987 to December 1989 was conducted in two community hospitals in our area. Information from the U.S. Weather Bureau pertaining to temperature, barometric pressure, wind velocity, and precipitation was analyzed. The readings from the Puerto Rican Environmental Agency for Total Suspended Particles (TSP-10) during that period were also reviewed. Our results indicate that the female patients accounted for the majority of the asthmatic admissions: 74.3% versus 26% in males. Eighty-four percent of the patients had a history of asthma attacks and 67% had previous hospitalizations due to asthma exacerbations. Correlation between asthma family history and age was found in only two age groups, 31-40 and 71-80 years. Rhinitis and asthma exacerbations were strongly linked only in the age group of 31-40 years. Active cigarette smoking was strongly associated with asthma exacerbations only in the age group of 61-70 years. Environmental data indicated that there was not a consistent pattern of monthly admissions; however, there was a significant association between admissions and increased precipitation, high counts of annual TSP-10, and decreased wind velocity. In view of our findings, asthmatics living on islands such as Puerto Rico might be affected by an additive effect of pollutants, by local and mainland emissions that are transported by the air currents, leading to a higher incidence of asthma exacerbations.
Novelty seeking and the dopamine D4 receptor gene (DRD4) revisited in Asians: Haplotype characterization and relevance of the 2‐repeat allele

The relationship of the dopamine D4 receptor gene (DRD4) to the behavioral trait of novelty seeking has not been uniformly consistent. A methodological shortcoming in previous studies may relate to the way different DRD4 variants were categorized. Because of evolutionary and functional (e.g., diminished potency to reduce cAMP) similarities between the 2‐ and 7‐repeat (2R, 7R) alleles of the DRD4, we suggest grouping of these two alleles together may facilitate detection of biologically meaningful and reproducible association findings with behavioral traits. We measured novelty seeking with the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire (TPQ) in a community sample of Caucasian, Korean, and Filipino subjects (N = 171) who were subsequently characterized for the DRD4 variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR). In the Korean sample, those with a 2R and/or 7R allele scored significantly higher on novelty seeking scale (P < 0.05). By contrast, grouping the VNTR alleles by size (2, 3, 4 vs. 5, 6, 7), as has been done in similar studies of Asian subjects, was not significant. Using the extreme discordant phenotype (EDP) strategy in the pooled sample and selecting the individuals within the upper and lower decile, we observed a trend for association with higher novelty seeking in individuals who carry the 2R and/or 7R alleles (P = 0.06). We also confirmed that the 2R allele in the Korean and Filipino subjects was the result of a one‐step recombination event between the 4R and 7R alleles. This study suggests that genetic association analyses can benefit by consideration of the shared functional and evolutionary attributes of the DRD4 2R and 7R alleles. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
DNA polymerase I acts in translesion synthesis mediated by the Y‐polymerases in Bacillus subtilis

Translesion synthesis (TLS) across damaged DNA bases is most often carried out by the ubiquitous error‐prone DNA polymerases of the Y‐family. Bacillus subtilis encodes two Y‐polymerases, Pol Y1 and Pol Y2, that mediate TLS resulting in spontaneous and ultraviolet light (UV)‐induced mutagenesis respectively. Here we show that TLS is a bipartite dual polymerase process in B. subtilis, involving not only the Y‐polymerases but also the A‐family polymerase, DNA polymerase I (Pol I). Both the spontaneous and the UV‐induced mutagenesis are abolished in Pol I mutants affected solely in the polymerase catalytic site. Physical interactions between Pol I and either of the Pol Y polymerases, as well as formation of a ternary complex between Pol Y1, Pol I and the β‐clamp, were detected by yeast two‐ and three‐hybrid assays, supporting the model of a functional coupling between the A‐ and Y‐family polymerases in TLS. We suggest that the Pol Y carries the synthesis across the lesion, and Pol I takes over to extend the synthesis until the functional replisome resumes replication. This key role of Pol I in TLS uncovers a new function of the A‐family DNA polymerases.
Broadband single-fed single-patch circularly polarized antenna for UHF RFID applications

A broadband single-fed single-patch circularly polarized antenna for UHF RFID application has been presented in this paper. The simulated and measured results have shown desirable performance with the gain of Gt7 dBic, VSWR of Lt2, and AR of Lt3 dB within the frequency range of 0.84-0.935 GHz (10.7%). The antenna is also low cost due to the simple structure and no use of any dielectric substrate. Due to the broadband performance covering most of the UHF RFID band, this proposed antenna can be considered a versatile reader antenna considering its relatively good performance and low cost.
A new vibrator to stimulate muscle proprioceptors in fMRI

Studying cognitive brain functions by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) requires appropriate stimulation devices that do not interfere with the magnetic fields. Since the emergence of fMRI in the 90s, a number of stimulation devices have been developed for the visual and auditory modalities. Only few devices, however, have been developed for the somesthesic modality. Here, we present a vibration device for studying somesthesia that is compatible with high magnetic field environments and that can be used in fMRI machines. This device consists of a poly vinyl chloride (PVC) vibrator containing a wind turbine and of a pneumatic apparatus that controls 1–6 vibrators simultaneously. Just like classical electromagnetic vibrators, our device stimulates muscle mechanoreceptors (muscle spindles) and generates reliable illusions of movement. We provide the fMRI compatibility data (phantom test), the calibration curve (vibration frequency as a function of air flow), as well as the results of a kinesthetic test (perceived speed of the illusory movement as a function of vibration frequency). This device was used successfully in several brain imaging studies using both fMRI and magnetoencephalography. Hum Brain Mapp, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
What is the optimal treatment for pancreatic pseudocysts?

We commend Heinzow et al. for an interesting original article about the evaluation of technical results and clinical outcome rates of the singlestep versus multi-step endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)-guided endoscopic transmural drainage in patients with symptomatic pancreatic pseudocysts (PPC) of >4 cm size [1]. In a retrospective design of the study, they compared the results of 16 patients with PPC who had undergone single-step EUSguided transmural drainage with a cohort of 22 patients who had undergone multi-step EUSguided transmural drainage of PPC. Primary clinical success rate was 88% for single-step drainage and 90% for the multi-step approach (n.s.). The mean procedure time was 36 ± 9 min in the singlestep group compared with 62 ± 12 min for the multi-step access (p < 0.001). They concluded that the use of single-step cystostomy appears useful in managing selected patients with symptomatic PPC as it is effective and time-saving. We congratulate the authors for their excellent results and low complication rate, without major complications.However,wewish to highlight certain issues regarding the design and discussion section of the study. It is very surprising that the authors compared the clinical outcome and procedure time between singleand multi-step groups because they are very similarmethods to achieve the clinical outcomes and it is clear that multi-step procedure must last longer. The recovery of disrupted pancreatic duct has been recognized as the main prognostic factor for successful treatment of PPC regardless of the treatment used. We believe that prolonged catheter drainage leads to the recovery of pancreatic duct and resolution of PPC in majority of cases regardless of the type of drainage performed, i.e., percutaneous or endoscopic. In the introduction and discussion section, authors specified that surgery has been the therapy of choice in the treatment of symptomatic PPC for many years. However, this treatment involves considerable surgical trauma and general anesthesia, accompanied by substantial morbidity and mortality [1]. In Figure 1, the authors specified that several pseudocyst recurrences were treated by percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD). However, PCD was not discussed as an alternative method in the treatment of PPC despite the fact that several reports evaluated the efficacy of percutaneous management of PPC, with good results [2–7]. Besides, PCD is performed in local anesthesia and with procedure time between 5 and 15 min, only. It is true that the advantage of endoscopic approach is that it creates a permanent pseudocysto-gastric track, with no spillage of pancreatic enzymes in contrast to PCD, thereby reducing the risk of formation of pancreatico-cutaneous fistulas. However, in the case of infective complications or other drainage problems, the monitoring, catheter manipulation and the analysis of cystic content are very difficult or impossible with endoscopic, unlike with PCD approach.
CHANGING TIMES FOR THE ARGENTINE TOBA : WHO CARES FOR THE BABY NOW ?

Traditionally, alloparenting has been a prevalent childcare practice among the foraging Toba of Formosa, in Northern Argentina. Assuming that alloparenting evolved as an adaptive response to the demands of the environment, I was interested in exploring how alloparenting behaviour changes with drastic changes in the local ecology of a population. I describe infant caretaking practices in a rural, traditionally living Toba population and in a peri-urban Toba population that is changing from a traditional foraging to a market economy lifestyle. The mother is the primary caretaker in both cases. However, the mothers engage other individuals in childcare more often in the rural population than in the peri-urban one. In the rural population, grandmothers and sisters are actively involved in allomothering. The infant was observed in allomother contact about 60% of the observation time. In contrast, peri-urban Toba babies spend almost 80% of their time in direct contact with their mothers. Here, husbands are the primary alternative caretakers, followed by sisters and grandmothers. This peri-urban population is undergoing a drastic lifestyle change, with important demographic, nutritional, and epidemiological consequences. In response to a less demanding subsistence lifestyle and a changing social context, alloparenting practices have changed. Our study suggests that allomothering is a flexible and dynamic behavioural system dependent on a constellation of biocultural factors.
Immersive Analytics (Dagstuhl Seminar 16231)

This report documents the program and the outcomes of Dagstuhl Seminar 16231 "Immersive Analytics". Close to 40 researchers and practitioners participated in this seminar to discuss and define the field of Immersive Analytics, to create a community around it, and to identify its research challenges. As the participants had a diverse background in a variety of disciplines, including Human-Computer-Interaction, Augmented and Virtual Reality, Information Visualization, and Visual Analytics, the seminar featured a couple of survey talks on the first days, followed by plenary and working group discussions that were meant to shape the field of Immerswive Analytics. As an outcome, a book publication is planned with book chapters provided by the participants.
Techniques for Analysis of Plant Phenolic Compounds

Phenolic compounds are well-known phytochemicals found in all plants. They consist of simple phenols, benzoic and cinnamic acid, coumarins, tannins, lignins, lignans and flavonoids. Substantial developments in research focused on the extraction, identification and quantification of phenolic compounds as medicinal and/or dietary molecules have occurred over the last 25 years. Organic solvent extraction is the main method used to extract phenolics. Chemical procedures are used to detect the presence of total phenolics, while spectrophotometric and chromatographic techniques are utilized to identify and quantify individual phenolic compounds. This review addresses the application of different methodologies utilized in the analysis of phenolic compounds in plant-based products, including recent technical developments in the quantification of phenolics.
Hardening by Annealing and Softening by Deformation in Nanostructured Metals

We observe that a nanostructured metal can be hardened by annealing and softened when subsequently deformed, which is in contrast to the typical behavior of a metal. Microstructural investigation points to an effect of the structural scale on fundamental mechanisms of dislocation-dislocation and dislocation-interface reactions, such that heat treatment reduces the generation and interaction of dislocations, leading to an increase in strength and a reduction in ductility. A subsequent deformation step may restore the dislocation structure and facilitate the yielding process when the metal is stressed. As a consequence, the strength decreases and the ductility increases. These observations suggest that for materials such as the nanostructured aluminum studied here, deformation should be used as an optimizing procedure instead of annealing.