856 research outputs found
Semantics-based Automated Web Testing
We present TAO, a software testing tool performing automated test and oracle
generation based on a semantic approach. TAO entangles grammar-based test
generation with automated semantics evaluation using a denotational semantics
framework. We show how TAO can be incorporated with the Selenium automation
tool for automated web testing, and how TAO can be further extended to support
automated delta debugging, where a failing web test script can be
systematically reduced based on grammar-directed strategies. A real-life
parking website is adopted throughout the paper to demonstrate the effectivity
of our semantics-based web testing approach.Comment: In Proceedings WWV 2015, arXiv:1508.0338
Is epinephrine still the drug of choice during cardiac arrest in the emergency department of the hospital? A meta-analysis
Epinephrine is the first-line emergency drug for cardiac arrest and anaphylactic reactions but is reported to be associated with many challenges resulting in its under- or improper utilization. Therefore, in this meta-analysis, the efficacy and safety of epinephrine as a first-line cardiac emergency drug for both out-of-hospital and in-hospital patients was assessed. Pertinent articles were searched in central databases like PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, using appropriate keywords as per the PRISMA guidelines. Retrospective and prospective studies were included according to the predefined PICOS criteria. RevMan and MedCalc software were used and statistical parameters such as odds ratio and risk ratio were calculated. Twelve clinical trials with a total of 208,690 cardiac arrest patients from 2000 to 2022 were included, in accordance with the chosen inclusion criteria. In the present meta-analysis, a high odds ratio (OR) value of 3.67 (95 % CI 2.32–5.81) with a tau2 value of 0.64, a chi2 value of 12,446.86, df value of 11, I2 value of 100 %, Z-value 5.53, and a p-value < 0.00001 were reported. Similarly, the risk ratio of 1.89 (95 % CI 1.47–2.43) with a tau2 value of 0.19, chi2 value of 11,530.67, df value of 11, I2 value of 100 %, Z-value of 4.95, and p-value < 0.000001. The present meta-analysis strongly prefers epinephrine injection as the first cardiac emergency drug for both out-of-hospital and in-hospital patients during cardiac arrest
Spotlight on iron and ferroptosis: research progress in diabetic retinopathy
Iron, as the most abundant metallic element within the human organism, is an indispensable ion for sustaining life and assumes a pivotal role in governing glucose and lipid metabolism, along with orchestrating inflammatory responses. The presence of diabetes mellitus (DM) can induce aberrant iron accumulation within the corporeal system. Consequentially, iron overload precipitates a sequence of important adversities, subsequently setting in motion a domino effect wherein ferroptosis emerges as the utmost pernicious outcome. Ferroptosis, an emerging variant of non-apoptotic regulated cell death, operates independently of caspases and GSDMD. It distinguishes itself from alternative forms of controlled cell death through distinctive morphological and biochemical attributes. Its principal hallmark resides in the pathological accrual of intracellular iron and the concomitant generation of iron-driven lipid peroxides. Diabetic retinopathy (DR), established as the predominant cause of adult blindness, wields profound influence over the well-being and psychosocial strain experienced by afflicted individuals. Presently, an abundance of research endeavors has ascertained the pervasive engagement of iron and ferroptosis in the microangiopathy inherent to DR. Evidently, judicious management of iron overload and ferroptosis in the early stages of DR bears the potential to considerably decelerate disease progression. Within this discourse, we undertake a comprehensive exploration of the regulatory mechanisms governing iron homeostasis and ferroptosis. Furthermore, we expound upon the subsequent detriments induced by their dysregulation. Concurrently, we elucidate the intricate interplay linking iron overload, ferroptosis, and DR. Delving deeper, we engage in a comprehensive deliberation regarding strategies to modulate their influence, thereby effecting prospective interventions in the trajectory of DR’s advancement or employing them as therapeutic modalities
Postoperative anatomical and functional outcomes of different stages of high myopia macular hole
Background Recently it was suggested that high myopia macular holes (HMMH) and
macular holes accompanied by retinal detachment occur in the advanced stages
of myopia traction maculopathy (MTM), while macular retinoschisis, shallow
retinal detachment without holes, and lamellar macular holes occur in the
early stages of MTM. Complete vitreous cortex removal associated with internal
limiting membrane peeling is now widely used to treat HMMH. However, it
remains uncertain at what HMMH stage patients would benefit most from surgical
intervention. Our study was aimed to evaluate the postoperative anatomical
changes and functional outcomes of high myopia macular holes (HMMH). Methods
Patients were retrospectively collected between March 2009 and August 2011.
Before and 1st, 3rd, and 9th month after 23G pars plana vitrectomy, all
patients underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination, spectral domain
optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and MP-1. At each follow-up, best-
corrected visual acuity (BCVA), photoreceptor inner and outer segments (IS/OS)
defects, and retinal sensitivity (RS) were investigated. According to
different preoperative macular hole morphologies, patients were divided into
three groups: Group 1, macular hole with epiretinal membrane (ERM) traction
and macular retinoschisis; Group 2, full-thickness macular hole (FTMH); Group
3, FTMH with subretinal fluid. Results 43 eyes from 43 patients met the
inclusion criteria. The mean age was 60 years. BCVA and RS were significantly
improved after vitrectomy; the mean IS/OS defect was significantly reduced. At
9 postoperative months, 11 of 43 (25.6 %) eyes achieved IS/OS junction
integrity; 9 of these 11 (81.8 %) eyes belonged to Group 1, 2 (18.2 %)
belonged to Group 2. Conclusions Pars plana vitrectomy combined with ILM
peeling and gas tamponade results in limited functional outcomes in patients
with HMMH. The appearance of subretinal fluid indicates a worse prognosis for
surgical intervention
Strain Enhanced Visible–Ultraviolet Absorption of Blue Phosphorene/MoX2 (X = S,Se) Heterolayers
Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/149231/1/pssr201800659.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/149231/2/pssr201800659_am.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/149231/3/pssr201800659-sup-0001-SuppFig-S1.pd
Highly Efficient Polarized GeS/MoSe2 van der Waals Heterostructure for Water Splitting from Ultraviolet to Near‐Infrared Light
Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/152744/1/pssr201900582.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/152744/2/pssr201900582_am.pd
Subretinal Fluid in Eyes with Active Ocular Toxoplasmosis Observed Using Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography
Purpose To describe the clinical finding of subretinal fluid (SRF) in the
posterior pole by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in
eyes with active ocular toxoplasmosis (OT). Design Retrospective case series.
Participants Thirty-eight eyes from 39 patients with active OT. Methods Eyes
with active OT which underwent SD-OCT were reviewed. SRFs in the posterior
pole were further analyzed. Main Outcome Measures Presence of SRF; its
accompanying features, e.g. retinal necrosis, cystoid macular edema (CME),
choroidal neovascularization (CNV); and longitudinal changes of SRF, including
maximum height and total volume before and after treatment. Results SRF
presented in 45.5% (or 15/33) of eyes with typical active OT and in 51.3% (or
20/39) of eyes with active OT. The mean maximum height and total volume of SRF
were 161.0 (range: 23–478) µm and 0.47 (range: 0.005–4.12) mm3, respectively.
For 12 eyes with SRF related to active retinal necrosis, SRF was observed with
complete absorption after conventional anti-toxoplasmosis treatment. The mean
duration for observation of SRF clearance was 33.8 (range: 7–84) days. The
mean rate of SRF clearance was 0.0128 (range: 0.0002–0.0665) mm3/day.
Conclusions SRF (i.e., serous retinal detachment) is a common feature in
patients with active OT when SD-OCT is performed. The majority of SRF was
associated with retinal necrosis and reacted well to conventional therapy,
regardless of total fluid volume. However, SRF accompanying with CME or CNV
responded less favorably or remained refractory to conventional or combined
intravitreal treatment, even when the SRF was small in size
Removal of As(V) and As(III) from aqueous solution using hydrous ceric oxide
Removal of As(V) and As(III) from water using hydrous ceric oxide, CeO(2)center dot xH(2)O (HCO) was investigated under different pH and As loading conditions, using batch equilibrium adsorption and FTIR methods. Adsorption of both As(V) and As(III) anions was virtually independent of pH and up to 100% removal can be achieved in the lower concentration range 0.5 - 5.0 mg L(-1) As at sorbent dosage of 1.0 g L(-1). As the initial As concentration increased to 50, 100 or 250 mg L(-1) for the same sorbent dosage, distinct adsorption maxima of As(V) appeared and shift to lower pH, whereas that of As(III) was found at approximately pH 8. The effect of contact time was dependent on pH but adsorption equilibriums were reached after 6 h in all cases for the studied systems. The isotherms fit well in the Langmuir model of adsorption. Both As(V) and As(III) anions were adsorbed on HCO principally by forming inner-sphere complexes as revealed by the FTIR spectra
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