Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Learning curve of laparoscopy spleen-preserving splenic hilar lymph node dissection for advanced upper gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIMS To investigate the learning curve of laparoscopy spleen-preserving splenic hilar lymph node dissection for advanced upper gastric cancer (AUGC). METHODOLOGY A retrospective analysis of clinical data of 100 cases of spleen-preserving splenic hilar lymph node dissection for AUGC, completed by the same group of physicians with extensive laparoscopic gastric cancer surgical experience. The patients were divided into five groups (A, B, C, D and E) in accordance with their surgical priorities. RESULTS The five groups of patients were comparable in age, gender, body mass index, spleen lobe artery count, histological type and invasion department. The surgical time for Group A and Group B was longer than Group C, Group D and Group E. The amount of bleeding for Group A and Group B was significantly larger than Group C, Group D and Group E. Laparotomy rate, the number of splenic hilar lymph node dissection, incidence of complications, recovery time of bowel function, days for postoperative hospital stay were not statistically different among the five groups. CONCLUSIONS On the basis of skilled surgical techniques for laparoscopic gastric cancer, the learning curve for laparoscopy spleen-preserving splenic hilar lymph node dissection for upper advanced gastric cancer was roughly 40 cases.
Dermatitis herpetiformis: a cutaneous manifestation of coeliac disease

Abstract Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is an itchy blistering skin disease with predilection sites on elbows, knees, and buttocks. Diagnosis is confirmed by showing granular immunoglobulin A deposits in perilesional skin. DH is one manifestation of coeliac disease; the skin symptoms heal with gluten free diet (GFD) and relapse on gluten challenge. Of the first-degree relatives, 5% may be affected by either condition. Tissue transglutaminase (TG2) is the autoantigen in coeliac disease and epidermal transglutaminase (TG3) in DH. Both diseases conditions exhibit TG2-specific autoantibodies in serum and small bowel mucosa; patients with DH have IgA-TG3 in the skin. There are some divergencies between these two phenotypes. One-fourth of DH patients do not have small bowel mucosal villous atrophy, but virtually all have coeliac-type inflammatory changes. The skin symptoms respond slowly to GFD. The incidence of coeliac disease is increasing, whereas the opposite is true for DH. A female predominance is evident in coeliac disease, while DH may be more common in males. Coeliac disease carries the risk of small intestinal T-cell lymphoma; in DH B-cell lymphomas at any site may prevail. Adult coeliac disease carries a slightly increased elevated mortality risk, whereas in DH, the relative mortality rate is significantly decreased. Key messages Dermatitis herpetiformis is a cutaneous manifestation of coeliac disease; both conditions are genetically determined and gluten-dependent. Gastrointestinal symptoms and the degree of villous atrophy are less obvious in dermatitis herpetiformis than in coeliac disease. Both show tissue transglutaminase (TG2) specific autoantibodies in serum and small bowel mucosa. In addition, TG3-targeted IgA antibodies are found in the skin of DH patients Both conditions carry an increased elevated risk of lymphoma, in coeliac disease small intestinal T-cell lymphoma, in dermatitis herpetiformis mainly B-cell lymphoma at various sites. Coeliac disease is currently eight times more common that DH; the incidence of DH is decreasing in contrast to that of coeliac disease, where it is increasing.
Facebook apps and tagging: The trade‐off between personal privacy and engaging with friends

The use of social network sites offers many potential social benefits, but also raises privacy concerns and challenges for users. The trade‐off users have to make between using sites such as Facebook to connect with their friends versus protecting their personal privacy is not well understood. Furthermore, very little behavioral research has focused on how personal privacy concerns are related to information disclosures made by one's friends. Our survey study of 116 Facebook users shows that engaging with friends through tagging activity and third‐party application use is associated with higher levels of personal Facebook usage and a stronger emotional attachment to Facebook. However, users who have high levels of personal privacy concern and perceive a lack of effectiveness in Facebook's privacy policies tend to engage less frequently in tagging and app activities with friends, respectively. Our model and results explore illustrate the complexity of the trade‐off between privacy concerns, engaging with friends through tagging and apps, and Facebook usage.
An 8-channel digitally tunable transmitter with electroabsorption modulated output by selective-area epitaxy

We demonstrate an 8-frequency digitally tunable laser based on a waveguide grating router with an electroabsorption modulated output. The laser wavelengths range from 1.567 to 1.580 /spl mu/m with channel spacings of 200 GHz (1.6 nm). The modulator extinction is -10 dB/VN with a -5-V bias. A unique output coupler design delivers an ASE noise suppression of -55 dB//spl Aring/. <<ETX>>
Integrative Assessment of Informal Settlements Using VHR Remote Sensing Data—The Delhi Case Study

In contrast to the last century, where more people used to live in rural areas, at present, more than half of the world's population lives in urban settlements. Hence, the 21st century is the century of the cities and of urbanization. The rapid urbanization process experienced by the majority of developing countries during the last few decades has resulted in fundamental changes to the environment and to the social structure. In most of the megacities that have grown to unprecedented size, the pace of urbanization has far exceeded the growth of necessary infrastructure and services. In order to carry out the urban planning and development tasks necessary to improve the living conditions for the poorest world-wide, a detailed spatial data basis is required. Due to the high dynamics of megacities, traditional methods such as statistical analyses or fieldwork are limited to capture the urban process. Remote sensing provides the opportunity to monitor spatial patterns of urban structures with high spatial and temporal resolution. The present study investigates the potential to use very high-resolution (VHR) remote sensing data to identify urban structures and dynamics within Delhi, India. The paper presents a semi-automated, object-oriented classification approach which allows for the identification of informal settlements within the urban area. In order to provide indicators to identify socio-economic structures and their dynamics, the image classification results are embedded in an integrative analysis concept. Information on population and water related parameters are derived. This is understood to be a first step to the development of indicators which will help to identify and understand the different shapes, actors, and processes in megacities.
Immune regulation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D-1alpha-hydroxylase in human monocytic THP1 cells: mechanisms of interferon-gamma-mediated induction.

CONTEXT 25-Hydroxyvitamin D can be activated to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) [1,25(OH)(2)D(3)] by the rate-limiting enzyme 1alpha-hydroxylase in cells of the immune system under control of immune stimuli, such as interferon-gamma (IFNgamma). In pathological situations, such as sarcoidosis, this can lead to systemic excess of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) and hypercalcemia. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to elucidate the intracellular pathways used by the immune system to tightly regulate 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) production in monocytes and macrophages. DESIGN Human monocytic THP1-cells were differentiated and activated by IFNgamma and a secondary stimulus, such as lipopolysaccharide or phorbol myristate acetate. 1alpha-Hydroxylase mRNA levels were quantified by real-time RT-PCR. The involvement of different signaling pathways in the regulation of this enzyme was investigated using specific pharmacological inhibitors, whereas phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1alpha and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein beta was investigated by Western blotting. RESULTS In undifferentiated monocytic THP1 cells, IFNgamma needs to be combined with a second stimulus, such as lipopolysaccharide, to induce 1alpha-hydroxylase. In contrast, in phorbol myristate acetate-differentiated THP1 macrophages, IFNgamma alone induces 1alpha-hydroxylase and to much higher levels. Many different signaling pathways need to be activated concurrently to allow immune-mediated 1alpha-hydroxylase up-regulation. We show involvement of the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription, MAPK, and nuclear factor-kappaB pathways, with a crucial role for the transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer binding protein beta. Furthermore, histone remodeling involving histone deacetylases and histone acetylase p300 is required. CONCLUSION The present findings indicate that IFNgamma-mediated 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) production, as observed in granulomatous diseases such as sarcoidosis, will take place only under conditions where the necessary other signaling pathways are also activated.
Um ambiente paralelo para implementação de modelos adaptativos.

It is presented in this paper a model for parallel execution of the finite-state adaptive automaton, arguing that this kind of execution could be more efficient than the traditional sequential one. For this discussion, a comparison between the two models of execution is shown in this paper. Also, a framework for parallel adaptive finite-state automata development is presented. This framework was designed to facilitate the creation and execution of the device for researchers. For this purpose, the language Scheme was used, for it is a functional language, with high level of abstraction, that includes features for parallelizing computation
The discrete time Riccati equation related to the H∞ control problem

The H∞ control problem has been solved recently with the use of discrete time algebraic Riccati equations. In this paper, we investigate this Riccati equation. We derive recursive methods to find the stabilizing solution of this Riccati equation. Moreover, we derive several properties of the class of positive semi-definite solutions of this equation.
Some interface phenomena in parasitic protozoa and platyhelminths.

The host–parasite interface is defined broadly as a region of intimate contact between host and parasite surfaces. The limitations of this definition are considered. The difficulties of studying the morphology, ultrastructure, and physiology of this region are discussed. Possible host–parasite interfaces appear to fall (theoretically) into one of the following categories: type 1: membrane-to-membrane; type 2A: cytoplasm-to-membrane; type 2B: membrane-to-cytoplasm; type 3: cytoplasm-to-cytoplasm. Phenomena associated with the interface region are various forms of membrane transport, pinocytosis, excretion, secretion, and membrane (= contact) digestion. The apparent role of the interface in differentiation in the protozoan Gregarina polymorpha and the cestode Echinococcus granulosus are discussed. The immunological significance of intimate contact between host and parasite and the various hypotheses to account for the (apparent) 'molecular mimicry' by the parasite, of host surface antigens, are briefly summ.
Forming of porous alumina with tubular structure by anodizing in meniscal region

A simple method to fabricate a porous alumina layer at high forming current densities has been developed. This method allows carrying an anodic process of aluminium film dipping into the electrolyte in the meniscal part with forming current density up to 1500 mA/cm2 and anodising rate up to 70 µm/min. The structure of the porous alumina formed has been found to be self-organized nanotube cells for anodizing current densities more than 100 mA/cm2.
Intermediate Goods Trade, Technology Choice and Productivity

We develop a dynamic model of intermediate goods trade in which the pattern and the extent of intermediate goods trade are endogenous. We consider a small open economy whose final good production employs an endogenous array of intermediate goods, from low technology (high cost) to high technology (low cost). The underlying intermediate goods technology evolves over time. We allow for endogenous markups and consider the effect of trade policy on both the intensive and extensive margins. We show that either domestic or foreign trade liberalization reduces the range of exports and the range of domestic intermediate goods production. Either type of trade liberalization reduces intermediate producer markups and increases final good output and average productivity, with stronger positive productivity effects for newly imported intermediate inputs. However, domestic trade liberalization results in lower aggregate and average technology for domestic intermediate good producers.
Identification of chromosomal imbalances in pancreatic carcinoma using comparative genomic hybridization.

OBJECTIVE To identify genetic abnormalities in primary pancreatic carcinoma in humans. METHODS Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) was used to investigate genomic imbalances in 27 cases of pancreatic carcinomas. Multiple deletions and gains were observed in all tumor specimens. RESULTS Losses affecting chromosomes 9p, 17p, 4q and 6p and gains involving 8q, 7q, 3q and 1q were commonly observed. CONCLUSIONS There are multiple regions of chromosomes with changes copy number in pancreatic carcinoma. The altered chromosomal regions may contain several candidate genes which are involved in the development and progress of pancreatic carcinogenesis.
Simultaneous Detection and Quantification of Retinal Fluid with Deep Learning

We propose a new deep learning approach for automatic detection and segmentation of fluid within retinal OCT images. The proposed framework utilizes both ResNet and Encoder-Decoder neural network architectures. When training the network, we apply a novel data augmentation method called myopic warping together with standard rotation-based augmentation to increase the training set size to 45 times the original amount. Finally, the network output is post-processed with an energy minimization algorithm (graph cut) along with a few other knowledge guided morphological operations to finalize the segmentation process. Based on OCT imaging data and its ground truth from the RETOUCH challenge, the proposed system achieves dice indices of 0.522, 0.682, and 0.612, and average absolute volume differences of 0.285, 0.115, and 0.156 mm$^3$ for intaretinal fluid, subretinal fluid, and pigment epithelial detachment respectively.
Late Recurrence of Malignant Melanoma: Analysis of 168 Patients

Analysis of 7104 patients with melanoma seen at Duke University identified 168 who experienced their first recurrence 10 or more years after diagnosis, for an incidence of 2.4%. This included patients with all stages of disease. There was no sex, age, or primary site predominance. The mean disease-free interval for cutaneous melanomas was 14.3 years versus 22.3 years for ocular primary melanomas. The prognosis following relapse was related to the site of recurrence. Survival after local or regional node recurrence was often prolonged; survival after distant metastases was usually limited. Patients with ocular primaries had the highest incidence of distant metastases, and the shortest subsequent survival. An additional 483 patients were identified who survived 10 or more years without evidence of recurrence; of these 651 patients with long disease-free intervals, 25% (168 of 651) developed recurrent disease. This demonstrates that a 10-year disease-free interval cannot be considered a cure, and emphasizes the importance of continued annual follow-up.
Single-Event Burnout Hardening of Power UMOSFETs With Optimized Structure

This paper gives and explains the simulation results of single-event burnout (SEB) hardening in a power metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor U-Shape Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (trench-gate MOSFET). It includes p+ plug enlargement and adds a buffer layer that is between the epitaxial layer and substrate. These two hardening solutions are compared and the optimized structure that can prevent SEB is given. The single event gate-rupture (SEGR) threshold voltages in different linear energy transfers are also compared with SEB results. In addition, the simulation results show that the change of gate bias can influence the occurrence of SEGR, and the natural radiation environment at cryogenic temperatures is also considered.
Position control on nanometer scale based on an adaptive friction compensation scheme

This work concerns a non-model-based friction compensation scheme for dynamic position control on nanometer scale. The main goal of this work is to build up and implement a simple dynamic friction observer which allows an estimation of the friction force in combination with the system inertia against displacement. Experiments in the pre-sliding and sliding friction regimes are conducted on an experimental setup. After a short review of friction compensation, the experimental setup is explained in detail. Next, the observer is modeled mathematically and the used control scheme is presented. Finally, the friction observer is utilized as a non-model-based friction estimator combined with a classical feedback controller to compensate the nonlinear friction force and reduce tracking errors significantly. It is shown that the proposed controlling approach is able to realize a fast and ultra precise positioning over long distances.
Denitrification: production and consumption of nitric oxide

Denitrification has been known for more than a century and is widely recognized as a key process in the biogeochemical nitrogen cycle. It is the major mechanism that converts combined nitrogen, the form available to eukaryotes, to dinitrogen gas, thereby completing the nitrogen cycle. In recent years, denitrification has taken on added importance for the following reasons. First, it is a major source of NO and N20, gases that are of focal importance to atmospheric ozone destruction and to global warming. Indeed, N20 concentrations in the atmosphere have been increasing at 0.2 to 0.3% per year for at least 20 to 30 years (44), and N20 along with CO2 and CH4 are the most important gases thought to be driving climate change. More recently, significant fluxes of NO from soils to the atmosphere have been measured (13), raising questions about the microbial sources of this gas. Second, denitrification is important to waste treatment as a means of both removing excess nitrate and stimulating carbon removal when aeration is difficult. In the latter case, there is increased interest in using nitrate to drive pollutant bioremediation in aquifers (33), because nitrate is more water soluble and mobile in soil than is oxygen. Third, denitrification below the rooting zone has been largely ignored, but recent evidence shows that it is important to an understanding of the carbon, nitrogen, and mineral cycling in the vadose zone, aquifers, and deeper geological formations. Fourth, the discovery that NO is a key chemical signal in a variety of mammalian functions, including the cell killing function of macrophages, neurotransmission, and control of smooth muscle, led to NO being named 1992 Molecule of the Year by Science magazine (37). Whether microbial colonizers of mammals play any role in production or consumption of bioactive NO is unknown. Similarly, whether there is any mechanistic insight to be gained by comparing microbial and mammalian NO binding or transformation is just beginning to be explored. These reasons all speak to the importance of gaining a basic understanding of denitrification. This review summarizes recent advances in the physiology, biochemistry, and genetics of the central steps in denitrification, nitrite and nitric oxide reduction.
DEVELOPING AN AUTOMATIC GUIDED VEHICLE FOR SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED ENTERPRISES

When choosing material handling equipment, small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) with highly flexible product mixes seldom consider automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) as a potential solution. When evaluating AGV systems these organizations are often put off by their high cost. Also, the intrusiveness and inflexibility of fixed wire guidance systems are a poor fit for their ever-changing material handling environments. These factors lead to the under-utilization of AGV systems in these enterprises, which can leave them at a disadvantage. An AGV system often proves its worth in a short time as product is moved quickly and safely throughout operations. Since the barrier to the use of AGV systems in SMEs appears to be high initial cost coupled with an the inflexibility of navigable paths, a low cost and flexible alternative to the traditional AGV system is introduced and described.
Nerdy, Trendy or Healthy? Configuring the Internet Café

This article analyses how internet cafés, understood as technosocial spaces, are configured in the intersection of human and non-human actants. Based on empirical studies in Scotland and Norway, the article shows how internet cafés are not just adapting a universal concept in the process of configuration, but that some shared images are played with in different ways. The nerdy, trendy and healthy are translocal images that are played with in the configuration process, creating locally specific and embedded spaces. The article further looks at the various ways the internet is used in the cafés, identifying two forms of extenders, as well as players, who in different ways create new social spaces based on the internet café. The article concludes that the internet café is neither a footloose space nor entirely locally embedded, but that spaces are configured in the intersection of translocal images and local circumstances.
Another gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) recognizes himself in a mirror

Various attempts have been made to explain why gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) find it difficult to recognize their mirror image. One of the most oft‐cited reasons is aversion to eye contact, which stops gorillas from looking into a mirror and thus prevents them from carrying out a suitable exploration that could lead to self‐recognition. In the experimental design used here the subject was first habituated both to observers and to the mirror as an object before being exposed to the latter. The study was performed with a single subject who was well adapted to captivity and exhibited no aberrant behavior or signs of stress. The results revealed that the subject had no aversion to eye contact. He showed considerable interest in the mirror and appeared relaxed when faced with his image. He gave a positive response to the mark test. Am. J. Primatol. 69:576–583, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.