Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Increased Radiodensity of the Proximal Pole of the Scaphoid: A Common Finding in Computed Tomography Imaging of the Wrist

Objectives: To determine whether the proximal pole (PP) of the scaphoid is denser than the distal pole (DP) in a diverse population of patients undergoing computed tomography (CT) imaging of the wrist. Methods: Sixty-nine patients who had CT of the wrist were retrospective reviewed. We measured CT density of the medullary bone of PP and DP of the scaphoid and calculated PP/DP ratio. To evaluate the variability of PP/DP ratio, we compared the ratios of these 3 groups. These patients were separated into 3 groups based on their diagnoses: group 1, healed scaphoids treated by casting; group 2, scaphoid nonunions; group 3, intact scaphoids. Results: Proximal pole was denser than DP in most subjects. Proximal pole/distal pole ratio was similar among groups (P < 0.05). Fracture healing, sex, and age did not affect this ratio. However, we did not study scaphoids with avascular necrosis. Conclusions: Proximal pole was denser than DP in most of our subjects, including those with intact scaphoids, healing scaphoid fractures, and nonunions.
Dienstleistungsmanagement: Einführung in Strategien und Prozesse bei persönlichen Dienstleistungen; 2. überarbeitete, erweiterte Auflage

Bereits weniger als anderthalb Jahre nach dem Erscheinen der ersten Auflage Ende 1998 wird fur das Lehr- und Handbuch Dienstleistungsmanagement eine zweite Auflage notwendig. Fur das in uns gesteckt Vertrauen zahlreicher Leserinnen und Leser, insbesondere aber auch Dozentinnen und Dozenten, die das Buch im Unterricht einsetzen, mochten wir uns herzlich bedanken. Die zweite Auflage soll auf der einen Seite moglichst wenig Veranderungen aufweisen, so dass eine parallele Verwendung der ersten und zweiten Auflage im Unterricht nicht ganzlich verunmoglicht wird. Gleichzeitig leben wir in einer Zeit, die gepragt ist von der Transformation nicht nur einzelner Unternehmen, sondern ganzer Branchen und Transaktionssysteme. In den vergangenen anderthalb Jahren wurden viele Entwicklungen, die vorher nur in Umrissen erkennbar waren, klar. Ebenfalls wurden zum Teil neue konzeptionelle Ansatze mit hohem praktischem Wert, nicht zuletzt auch am Institut fur Offentliche Dienstleistungen und Tourismus an der Universitat St. Gallen (IDT-HSG) und in einem Forschungsgesprach der Betriebswirtschaftlichen Abteilung (BWA) der HSG, entwickelt. Um diesen Konzepten moglichst raschen Eingang in Unterricht und Praxis zu ermoglichen, mussen einzelne Erganzungen, teilweise auch Anpassungen, vorgenommen werden. Dies betrifft: das Kapitel 2: Zusatzlich zu den Entwicklungen auf Nachfrage- und Angebotsseite wird ein Grundmodell der Transformationsprozesse von Branchen und Transaktionssystemen dargestellt. das Kapitel 3: In diesem Kapitel wird eine scharfere Unterscheidung zwischen Personen resp. objektbezogenen Dienstleistungen gegenuber Potentialdienstleistungen gezogen. Ebenfalls wird neben das Modell der "Value Chain" ein Modell des "Value Net" gestellt. das Kapitel 5: Es enthalt neu auch einen kurzen Abriss zum strategischen Netzwerkmanagement resp. der Virtualitat als Kernkompetenz im Dienstleistungsmanagement. das Kapitel 8: Es enthalt eine Darstellung eines konzeptionellen Modells zum Wert der personlichen Interaktion als Klarungsansatz fur den Kundenwert im Moment of truth. das Kapitel 10: Es werden einige neuen Aspekte des Marketings im Dienstleistungsbereich, die sich wie die Communities aufgrund der raschen Diffusion der Informationstechnologien ergeben, dargestellt. Gerne hoffen wir, dass das Buch mit seinen Neuerungen wiederum auf breites Interesse stosst. Fur Ausbildungsinstitutionen, die das Buch im Unterricht einsetzen, wurde ein Repetitionsfragenset mit Musterlosungen entwickelt, das den Prozess des selbstandig Lernens strukturieren hilft.
Examining the Feasibility of a Case-Based Reasoning Model for Software Effort Estimation

Existing algorithmic models fail to produce accurate software development effort estimates. To address this problem, a case.based reasoning model, called Estor, was developed based on the verbal protocols of a human expert solving a set of estimation problems. Estor was then presented with 15 software effort estimation tasks. The estimates of Estor were compared to those of the expert as well as those of the function point and COCOMO estimations of the projects. The estimates generated by the human expert and Estor were more accurate and consistent than those of the function point and COCOMO methods. In fact, Estor was nearly as accurate and consistent as the expert. These results sug.
Bupivacaine scalp nerve block: hemodynamic response during craniotomy, intraoperative and post-operative analgesia

Abstract Background: Noxious stimuli during craniotomy may induce hypertension and tachycardia, giving rise to morbidity in patients with intracranial hypertension. Craniotomy is followed by moderate level of postoperative pain. Objective: Evaluate the effectiveness of scalp block on hemodynamic response to noxious stimuli, intraoperative fentanyl requirement and post-operative analgesia. Methods: Sixty patients undergoing elective craniotomy were randomly assigned to receive a scalp block with either 0.5% bupivacaine or 0.25% bupivacaine and 1:200,000 adrenaline (group A and B) or normal saline with 1:200,000 adrenaline (group C). Fentanyl 0.5 mcg/kg was administered for hemodynamic control. Intraoperative mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), fentanyl doses, and post-operative pain scores were recorded. Post-operative analgesia was provided by patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) morphine for 24 hours. Results: MAP was greater in group C than group A during pinning and incision (p <0.05), and was greater in group C than group B during pinning, incision and craniotomy (p <0.05). HR differences were not statistically significant between all groups (p >0.05). Intraoperative fentanyl requirement was significantly greater in group C compared with group A and B (p < 0.05). Pain score, time to the first morphine administration and total morphine consumption were not significantly different between all groups. Conclusion: Pre-incision scalp blocks using either 0.25% or 0.5% bupivacaine with 1:200,000 adrenaline were effective to prevent rising of MAP, but not HR in response to cranial pinning and skin incision, causing less intraoperative fentanyl requirement. However, they did not reduce post-craniotomy pain and morphine consumption.
Performance evaluation of biofilters and biotrickling filters in odor control of n-butyric acid

With the rapid development of swine production in China, odor pollution associated with piggery facilities has become an increasing environmental concern. N-butyric acid (n-BA) is one of the key odor compounds selected to represent volatile fatty acids (VFAs) found in piggery facilities. In this study, two biofilters (BFs) packed with compost (BFC) or sludge (BFS) and two biotrickling filters (BTFs) packed with pall rings (BTFP) or multidimensional hollow balls (BTFM), respectively, were compared with regard to their performances in the removal of n-BA. The non-biological removal capacities of packing material of the bioreactors on a per unit volume basis were BFS>BFC>BTFM>BTFP. Maximum biological removal capacities per unit volume of packing material of the bioreactors all exceeded 9.1 kg/m3·d and in the order of BFC>BTFM>BFS>BTFP. Kinetic analysis as well as overall evaluation by radar graphs showed that the BTFs achieved superior removal rates to the BFs in the order of BTFM>BTFP>BFC>BFS. The biotrickling filter packed with multidimensional hollow balls could be an effective technology for VFAs removal. Results from this research provide economical and effective alternatives for odor control in piggery facilities.
Community integration and life satisfaction after traumatic brain injury: long-term findings.

OBJECTIVE This study examines the relationship of the degree of community integration to the life satisfaction of persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI). METHOD The responses to two self-administered questionnaires measuring aspects of community integration and life satisfaction were studied for 30 persons with TBI who were 26 to 60 years of age. RESULTS A significant relationship (rho = .37, p < .05) was found between life satisfaction and social integration (a component of community integration). No significant association was found between the total community integration score and life satisfaction. CONCLUSION The results suggest the need for rehabilitation programs to provide long-term assistance with community-based social integration as well as more effective treatment strategies to develop these skills in persons with TBI.
Cervical Spinal Stenosis and Sports-Related Cervical Cord Neurapraxia in Children

Study Design. Congenital spinal stenosis has been demonstrated to contribute to cervical cord neurapraxia after cervical spinal cord injury in adult athletes. A sagittal canal diameter <14 mm and/or a Torg ratio (sagittal diameter of the spinal canal: midcervical sagittal vertebral body diameter) of <0.8 are indicative of significant cervical spinal stenosis. Although sports-related cervical spine injuries are common in children, the role of congenital cervical stenosis in the etiology of these injuries remains unclear. Objectives. The authors measured the sagittal canal diameter and the Torg ratio in children presenting with cervical cord neurapraxia resulting from sports-related cervical spinal cord injuries to determine the presence of congenital spinal stenosis. Methods. A total of 13 children (9 male, 4 female) presented with cervical cord neurapraxia after a sports-related cervical spinal cord injury. Age ranged from 7 to 15 years (mean ± SD, 11.5 ± 2.7 years). The sports involved were football (n = 4), wrestling (n = 2), hockey (n = 2), and soccer, gymnastics, baseball, kickball, and pogosticking (n = 1 each). Lateral cervical spine radiographs were used to determine the sagittal canal diameter and the Torg ratio at C4. Results. The sagittal canal diameter (mean ± SD, 17.58 ± 1.63 mm) and the Torg ratio (mean ± SD, 1.20 ± 0.24) were normal in all of these children. Conclusion. Using the sagittal canal diameter and the Torg ratio as a measurement of congenital spinal stenosis, the authors did not find evidence of congenital cervical spinal stenosis in a group of children with sports-related cervical spinal cord neurapraxia. The occurrence of cervical cord neurapraxia in pediatric patients can be attributed to the mobility of the pediatric spine rather than to congenital cervical spinal stenosis.
Heterogeneous Recommendations: What You Might Like To Read After Watching Interstellar

Recommenders, as widely implemented nowadays by major e-commerce players like Netflix or Amazon, use collaborative filtering to suggest the most relevant items to their users. Clearly, the effectiveness of recommenders depends on the data they can exploit, i.e., the feedback of users conveying their preferences, typically based on their past ratings. As of today, most recommenders are homogeneous in the sense that they utilize one specific application at a time. In short, Alice will only get recommended a movie if she has been rating movies. But what if she has been only rating books and would like to get recommendations for a movie? Clearly, the multiplicity of web applications is calling for heterogeneous recommenders that could utilize ratings in one application to provide recommendations in another one. This paper presents X-Map, a heterogeneous recommender. X-Map leverages meta-paths between heterogeneous items over several application domains, based on users who rated across these domains. These meta-paths are then used in X-Map to generate, for every user, a profile (AlterEgo) in a domain where the user might not have rated any item yet. Not surprisingly, leveraging meta-paths poses non-trivial issues of (a) meta-path-based inter-item similarity, in order to enable accurate predictions, (b) scalability, given the amount of computation required, as well as (c) privacy, given the need to aggregate information across multiple applications. We show in this paper how X-Map addresses the above-mentioned issues to achieve accuracy, scalability and differential privacy. In short, X-Map weights the meta-paths based on several factors to compute inter-item similarities, and ensures scalability through a layer-based pruning technique. X-Map guarantees differential privacy using an exponential scheme that leverages the meta-path-based similarities while determining the probability of item selection to construct the AlterEgos. We present an exhaustive experimental evaluation of X-Map using real traces from Amazon. We show that, in terms of accuracy, X-Map outperforms alternative heterogeneous recommenders and, in terms of throughput, X-Map achieves a linear speedup with an increasing number of machines.
Influence of Hero Apical instruments on cleaning ovoid-shaped root canals.

The cleaning capacity of Hero 642 nickel-titanium files, complemented by the Hero Apical instruments in flattened roots, was determined by histological analysis, considering the area of action of the instruments on the coronal walls and the presence of remaining debris. Twenty-four single-canal, human mandibular incisors were divided into three groups and prepared as follows: GI, instrumented with Hero 642 NiTi files 30/. 06, 25/. 06, 20/. 06, 25/. 06, and 30/. 06; GII, instrumented as GI followed by Hero Apical size 30/. 06; GIII, instrumented as GI followed by Hero Apical sizes 30/. 06 and 30/. 08, then returning to 30/. 06 with pendulum movements. The apical thirds were prepared for histological processing, analyzed at 40× magnification and the images were examined morphometrically. Statistical analysis showed that GIII presented the best results for removing debris (5.22% ± 4.13), with more contact between the instruments and the root canal walls (19.31% ± 0.15). This differed statistically from GI (14.04% ± 4.96 debris removal, with 42.96% ± 7.11 instrument contact) and GII (12.62% ± 5.76 debris removal, with 35.01% ± 0.15 instrument contact). Root canal preparation with Hero 642, complemented by Hero Apical instruments (30/.06 and 30/.08, then re-instrumented with Hero Apical 30/.06 using pendulum movements), was more efficient for debris removal and allowed more contact of the instruments with the root canal walls. GII presented the worst results.
Informal top-level specifications for trusted application systems

Presents some initial experiences in NRL's application system certification technology project. The project goal is to develop an approach to certifying US Navy application systems that must be trusted. The authors are conducting their research by participating in the certification of two NATO command and control systems targeted at the B3 class of the Trusted Computer System Evaluation Criteria. An important initial finding of this project is a working definition of the role that an informal or descriptive top-level specification plays in development of trusted application systems. Other initial experiences include the possibility of using the descriptive top-level specification as a preliminary specification and the identification of some easily corrected shortcomings of natural language descriptions. The paper is divided into two parts. The first part discusses the role of the descriptive top-level specification and the second part relates three initial experiences with descriptive top-level specifications. <<ETX>>
A 49-to-62 GHz Quadrature VCO With Bimodal Enhanced-Magnetic-Tuning Technique

A bimodal enhanced-magnetic-tuning technique is proposed to extend the frequency tuning range of millimeter-wave (mmW) quadrature VCOs (QVCOs). First, the conventional magnetic tuning is reviewed, and its limitations for the frequency tuning at mmW frequencies are high-lighted. To enlarge the variable range of the magnetic field, a new transformer-based topology called enhanced-magnetic-tuning (EMT) is proposed and analyzed. In addition, by switching the polarity of the phase shift of the coupling currents, both of the two intrinsic modes in a quadrature VCO are exploited to ideally double the frequency tuning range. With a generic model, the proposed bimodal enhanced-magnetic-tuning (B-EMT) is analyzed mathematically and compared with the conventional frequency tuning techniques. Implemented in a 65 nm CMOS process, the QVCO prototype with the proposed B-EMT technique and 1-bit digitally controlled varactor measures a tuning range of 24% from 48.8 to 62.3 GHz and phase noise of -89 to -96 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset while drawing 13 to 25 mA from a 1.2-V supply, corresponding to FoM from 173 to 176 dBc and FoMT from 181 to 184 dBc/Hz.
Changes in premorbid brain volume predict Alzheimer’s disease pathology

Objective: To assess whether changes in antemortem MRI brain volume measurements are valid predictors of subsequent Alzheimer disease (AD) pathology. Methods: Thirty-nine subjects, 15 nondemented and 24 with cognitive impairment, were followed until death. Regional postmortem measures of senile plaque (SP) and neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) severity were examined in relationship to cross-sectional and longitudinal volumetric measurements obtained from antemortem MRI. Results: Total brain volume change over time was related to the accumulation of cortical NFT. The rate of ventricular CSF volume increase was related to both cortical NFT and SP. The last hippocampal volume prior to death was related to hippocampal NFT burden; the rate of hippocampal volume atrophy was not related to hippocampal NFT pathology. These significant relationships continue to exist when all nondemented subjects are excluded from analysis. In subjects with cognitive impairment, the best predictor of cortical NFT and SP is the rate of ventricular volume increase. Excluding subjects with long duration between MRI and death did not appreciably alter results. Conclusions: MRI volumes measured over time are valid biomarkers of pathologic progression of AD across a range of antemortem clinical states. The rate of ventricular volume enlargement can be used to monitor disease progression or response to treatment in future clinical trials that are targeted at NFT and SP pathology.
Identification of Unique Hepatitis C Virus Quasispecies in the Central Nervous System and Comparative Analysis of Internal Translational Efficiency of Brain, Liver, and Serum Variants

ABSTRACT Reports of cerebral dysfunction in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have led to the suggestion that HCV may infect the central nervous system (CNS). We used reverse transcription-PCR, cloning, and sequencing to define quasispecies for the HCV internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) and hypervariable region 1 (HVR1) in autopsy-derived brain, liver, lymph node, and serum samples. There was evidence of tissue compartmentalization of sequences in the brain in two patients, with between 24 and 55% of brain-derived IRES sequences absent from the serum, and significant phylogenetic and phenetic clustering of the brain and lymph node HVR1 sequences. The IRES initiates cap-independent translation of the viral polyprotein. Two unique brain-derived IRES mutations (C204→A and G243→A), which have previously been associated with lymphoid replication and altered translational efficiency in cell culture, were found in one patient. We used a dicistronic reporter vector to test whether brain-derived variants showed altered IRES-mediated translational efficiency, which might favor CNS infection. The translational efficiencies of the brain-derived IRES sequences were generally reduced compared to those of the master serum and liver sequences in rabbit reticulocyte cell lysates and two human cell lines, HuH7 (liver) and CHME3 (microglial). The C204→A and G243→A mutations showed preserved translational efficiency in HuH7 cells but reduced efficiency in CHME3 cells. Our data provide evidence that the CNS is a site of HCV replication, consistent with the recent demonstration of negative-strand HCV RNA in brain, and suggest that IRES polymorphisms may be important as a viral strategy of reduced translation to favor latency in the CNS.
Microchip laser with active output mirror

Presented is an operator model of a microchip laser with an active output mirror based on Fabry-Perot interferometer. Considered are apodizing properties of a mirror-interferometer composed of two spherical, semi-transparent reflectors with variable gap between those. Proposed is an operator model describing the mirror under diffraction approximation. Results of numerical simulation of the micro-chip laser with variable thermal lens and active output mirror are presented. It is shown that use of an active interferometer as an output cavity mirror enables to control mode composition and power of output radiation at divergence close to diffraction limit.
How to Manipulate Social Media: Analyzing Political Astroturfing Using Ground Truth Data from South Korea

This project investigates political astroturfing, that is, hidden propaganda by powerful political actors aimed at mimicking grassroots activity, on social media. We focus on Twitter accounts used by the South Korean secret service to influence the 2012 presidential elections in favor of the eventual winner, Park Geun-hye. Two independent cluster analyses based on activity patterns of the Twitter accounts and textual features of tweets reliably reveal that there are three groups of NIS accounts, including one group that engages mostly in retweeting, and another group focused on posting news articles with a link. We show that these groups reflect different strategic agendas and correspond to several secret service agents identified in the court documents. We argue that these patterns of coordinated tweeting are consistent with predictions derived from principal-agent theory, and should therefore appear in other astroturfing campaigns as well.
Cyr61 is a target for heparin in reducing MV3 melanoma cell adhesion and migration via the integrin VLA-4

Summary The integrin VLA-4 is important for the metastatic dissemination of melanoma cells. We could recently show that heparin can block VLA-4 binding, which contributes, next to blocking P-and L-selectin, to the understanding of antimetastatic activities of heparin. The matricellular ligand Cyr61, secreted by numerous tumours, is responsible for increased tumourigenicity and metastasis. This has been attributed to Cyr61 binding to, and thus activating integrins. However, a VLA-4/Cyr61 axis has not yet been reported. Since Cyr61 possesses heparin binding capabilities, Cyr61 can be supposed as potential target for heparin to indirectly interfere with integrin functions. The present in vitro studies address (i) the existence of a Cyr61/VLA-4 axis and (ii) the functional relevance of heparin interference via Cyr61. The C-terminal module III of Cyr61 could be exposed as nanomolar affine binding site for VLA-4. A shRNA-based knockdown of Cyr61 in MV3 human melanoma cells reduced VLA-4-mediated cell binding to VCAM-1, migration on fibronectin, and integrin signalling functions significantly. Using a biosensor approach we provide insight into heparin interference with this process. The low-molecular-weight heparin tinzaparin, but not the pentasaccharide fondaparinux, binds module IV of Cyr61 with micromolar affinity. But tinzaparin cannot interfere with Cyr61 accumulation onto syndecan-4, indicating different Cyr61 binding sites for heparin and other GAGs. Nonetheless, tinzaparin affects the VLA-4 binding and signalling functions selectively via Cyr61 already at very low concentration most likely by blocking the cellular secreted free Cyr61. This study emphasises Cyr61 as promising, and hitherto not considered target for heparin to selectively influence integrin functions.