Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nonrigid Point Set Registration by Preserving Local Connectivity

This paper is concerned with the nonrigid point set registration problem and a probability-based registration algorithm with local connectivity preservation is proposed. A unified formulation for point set registration problem is introduced and the derived energy function is composed of three parts, distance measurement item, transformation constraint item, and correspondence constraint item. In order to preserve the local structure of point set, the definitions of ${k}$ -connected neighbors and connectivity matrix are given and the local connectivity constraint is constructed as a weighted least square error item. The point set registration problem is formulated in the expectation-maximization algorithm scheme and the optimal spatial transformation and correspondence matrix are estimated simultaneously. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by applying the method to synthetic point sets and real scenarios of hand shapes and surface-mount technology components.
Usefulness of omental wrapping to prevent biliary leakage and delayed gastric emptying in left hepatectomy.

BACKGROUND/AIMS To identify the clinical significance of the omental wrapping (OW) technique after left hepatectomy to reduce bile leakage and delayed gastric emptying. We examined clinical and surgical parameters after left hepatectomy with or without biliary reconstruction in 79 patients. METHODOLOGY This was a retrospective study of data from 14 patients undergoing OW compared to 65 patients in the control group. RESULTS Bile leakage and delayed emptying after hepatectomy were observed in 15 and 11 patients, respectively. Gender, background liver function, liver diseases and preoperative liver function tests were not significantly different between both groups. Prevalence of extent of hepatectomy, existence of segment 1 resection, biliary-enteric anastomosis, operating time and blood loss were also not significantly different between groups. Prevalence of bile leakage was similar between the OW and the control group (14 vs. 20%) (p=0.91). Prevalence of delayed gastric emptying was not significantly different between groups, but this complication was not observed in the OW group in comparison with the control group (0% vs. 20%) (p=0.31). Prevalence of other complications and hospital stay after hepatectomy were similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS Significant differences for preventing left hepatectomy related complications were not found; however, it is possible that OW could reduce delayed gastric emptying.
Multimodal Generative Models for Scalable Weakly-Supervised Learning

Multiple modalities often co-occur when describing natural phenomena. Learning a joint representation of these modalities should yield deeper and more useful representations. Previous work have proposed generative models to handle multi-modal input. However, these models either do not learn a joint distribution or require complex additional computations to handle missing data. Here, we introduce a multimodal variational autoencoder that uses a product-of-experts inference network and a sub-sampled training paradigm to solve the multi-modal inference problem. Notably, our model shares parameters to efficiently learn under any combination of missing modalities, thereby enabling weakly-supervised learning. We apply our method on four datasets and show that we match state-of-the-art performance using many fewer parameters. In each case our approach yields strong weakly-supervised results. We then consider a case study of learning image transformations---edge detection, colorization, facial landmark segmentation, etc.---as a set of modalities. We find appealing results across this range of tasks.
The adaption and evaluation of a Latvian version of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale

Objectives To determine the validity and reliability of a Latvian version of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (LV-NIHSS) for evaluating Latvian stroke patients. Methods The adaption of the LV-NIHSS followed standard methods used for the adaption and validation of clinical assessment tools. The scale validity was tested by comparison with the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and the modified Rankin scale (mRs). The reliability of the LV-NIHSS was evaluated by intra-rater and inter-rater agreement using intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) analysis. Results A total of 296 stroke patients and 101 control subjects were evaluated. The mean age of the overall study population was 73.6 years (range, 37 – 94 years; 227 [57.2%] were female). The mean LV-NIHSS score of the patients with stroke was 8.4 ± 6.2. In terms of construct validity of the LV-NIHSS, it correlated with the GCS (r = −0.571) and mRs (r = 0.755). In terms of the reliability of the LV-NIHSS, the inter-rater agreement had an ICC of 0.99 and the intra-rater agreement had an ICC of 0.99. Conclusion The adaption of LV-NIHSS was successful and the evaluation showed that the scale was valid and reliable for evaluating Latvian stroke patients.
Visible Light Communication Channel Modeling for Underwater Environments With Blocking and Shadowing

In this paper, we present a comprehensive channel modeling and characterization study for underwater visible light communications. Our study is based on the advanced ray tracing, which allows for an accurate description of the interaction of rays emitted from the lighting source within an underwater environment. Contrary to existing works, which are mainly limited to simplified underwater scenarios, i.e., empty sea, we take into account the presence of human and man-made objects to investigate the effects of shadowing and blockage. The reflection characteristics of the sea surface and sea bottom as well as the water characteristics, i.e., extinction coefficient and scattering phase function of particles, are precisely considered. As case studies, we consider various underwater scenarios with different transmitter/receiver specifications (i.e., viewing angle, aperture size) and different depths from the sea surface. For each environment, we obtain channel impulse responses and present a characterization study where channel parameters, such as channel DC gain, path loss, and delay spread, are obtained.
Low‐dose total skin electron beam therapy as a debulking agent for cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma: an open‐label prospective phase II study

Background Total skin electron beam therapy (TSEBT) is a powerful treatment for cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL). Based on the occurrence of relapses with low radiation doses, doses of 30–36 Gy are commonly used but most patients still eventually relapse and repeat treatment courses are limited due to the cumulative toxicity. Complete response (CR) rates are about 60–90% for T2–4 stages with a 5‐year relapse‐free survival of 10–25% for stages IB–III.
Effects of Rebar Temperature and Water to Cement Ratio on Rebar-Concrete Bond Strength of Concrete Containing Fly Ash

This research presents the results on an experimental investigation to identify the effects of rebar temperature, fly ash and water to cement ratio on concrete porosity in continuously reinforced concrete pavements (CRCP). Samples were cast and analyzed using pullout tests. Water to cement ratio (w/c) and rebar temperature had a significant influence on the rebar-concrete bond strength. The 28-day shear strength measurements showed an increase in rebar-concrete bond strength as the water to cement ratio (w/c) was reduced from 0.50 to 0.40 for both fly ash containing and non fly ash control samples. There was a reduction in the peak pullout load as the rebar surface temperature increased from 77o F to 150o F for the cast samples. A heated rebar experiment was performed simulating a rebar exposed to hot summer days and the rebar cooling curves were plotted for the rebar temperatures of 180o F - 120o F. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was performed to show the moisture content of cement samples at the rebar-concrete interface. Mercury intrusion porosimetry test results on one batch of samples were used for pore size distribution analysis. An in-depth analysis of the morphological characteristics of the rebar-concrete interface and the observation of pores using the scanning electron microscope (SEM) was done.
Shift from bird to butterfly pollination in Clivia (Amaryllidaceae).

PREMISE OF THE STUDY Pollinator shifts have been implicated as a driver of divergence in angiosperms. We tested the hypothesis that there was a transition from bird- to butterfly pollination in the African genus Clivia (Amaryllidaceae) and investigated how floral traits may have been either modified or retained during this transition. METHODS We identified pollinators using field observations, correlations between lepidopteran wing scales and pollen on stigmas, and single-visit and selective exclusion experiments. We also quantified floral rewards and advertising traits. KEY RESULTS The upright trumpet-shaped flowers of C. miniata were found to be pollinated effectively by swallowtail butterflies during both nectar-feeding and brush visits. These butterflies transfer pollen on their wings, as evidenced by positive correlations between wing scales and pollen loads on stigmas. All other Clivia species have narrow pendulous flowers that are visited by sunbirds. Selective exclusion of birds and large butterflies from flowers of two Clivia species resulted in a significant decline in seed production. CONCLUSIONS From the distribution of pollination systems on available phylogenies, it is apparent that a shift took place from bird- to butterfly pollination in Clivia. This shift was accompanied by the evolution of trumpet-shaped flowers, smaller nectar volume, and emission of scent, while flower color and nectar chemistry do not appear to have been substantially modified. These results are consistent with the idea that pollinator shifts can explain major floral modifications during plant diversification.
Viability of dourado embryos cooled in different cryoprotectant solutions

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of different cryoprotectants on the viability of dourado (Salminus brasiliensis) embryos. Ten cryoprotectant solutions were tested. For each solution, 300 embryos were selected at the closing of the blastopore stage, and 300 more embryos were used as a negative control. After cooling (-8oC for 6 hours), the embryos were rehydrated directly in the incubator until hatching. The best result is obtained with the cryoprotectant solution containing 9% methanol associated with 17% sucrose, resulting in a larvae hatching rate of 67.06%.
Identification of Microdochium bolleyi Associated with Basal Rot of Creeping Bent Grass in Korea

Symptoms of basal rot occurred sporadically on creeping bent grasses growing at a golf course in Hampyeong, Korea in April 2007. Ten isolates of Microdochium sp. were obtained from leaves and crowns of the diseased bent grasses. All isolates were identified as Microdochium bolleyi based on morphological, cultural, and molecular characteristics. This is the first report on M. bolleyi associated with basal rot on creeping bent grass in Korea.
Active search contributes to the identification of adverse events and incidents in intensive care unit

Objectives: Analyze adverse events and incidentes in the intensive care unit of a university hospital and check which portion of the active search contribuition in identifying occurrences. Methods: Retrospective study, documentary of nature quantitative. Results: It was recorded 253 events/incidents, of which 239 (94%) were recorded by active search. Injury pressure was the incident more frequently (n=88; 34.78%) and affected more patients (n= 54; 48.9%). It was found that 136 (53.8%) events/incidents were mild. Conclusion: The active search has proved to be a management strategy that corroborated so substantially to the identification of risk situations in the intensive care unit. Key-words: Patient safety; Quality of health care; Intensive care units; Nursing.
Health-related quality-of-life assessment in CLEOPATRA, a phase III study combining pertuzumab with trastuzumab and docetaxel in metastatic breast cancer.

BACKGROUND The phase III CLEOPATRA study demonstrated that combining pertuzumab with trastuzumab plus docetaxel significantly improves progression-free and overall survival in previously untreated HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. Here, we report health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) results from CLEOPATRA. PATIENTS AND METHODS Participants were randomly assigned to pertuzumab or placebo, each given with trastuzumab plus docetaxel every 3 weeks. Pertuzumab and trastuzumab were administered until progression and six or more docetaxel cycles were recommended. Time from randomization to a ≥ 5-point decrease in Trial Outcome Index-Physical/Functional/Breast (TOI-PFB) of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B) questionnaire was analyzed as a prespecified secondary end point. A post hoc exploratory analysis investigated time to ≥ 2-point deterioration in Breast Cancer Subscale (BCS) score. RESULTS Time to ≥ 5-point decline in TOI-PFB did not differ significantly between the pertuzumab and placebo arms [hazard ratio (HR), 0.97; P = 0.7161]. The median times to TOI-PFB deterioration were 18.4 and 18.3 weeks, respectively (approximately six cycles). The mean TOI-PFB declined slightly until week 18 and recovered thereafter. Pertuzumab increased time until BCS deterioration versus placebo (median 26.7 versus 18.3 weeks; HR, 0.77; P = 0.0061). CONCLUSIONS Combining pertuzumab with trastuzumab and docetaxel had no adverse impact on HRQoL and may prolong time to worsening of breast cancer-specific symptoms.
The Distribution of HLA Antigens on Humon Corneol Tissue

Frozen sections of human corneas, as well as cultured cells derived from the epithelial, stromal, and endothelial layers, were examined for class I (HLA-A, B, C) and class II (HLA-DR) histocompatibility antigens using mouse monoclonal antibodies in an indirect immunofluorescence assay. On frozen sections, class I antigens were readily detected on corneal epithelium and keratocytes. Class I antigens were not detected on endothelial cells on frozen sections of adult corneas, but were identified on endothelial cells from some individuals less than 2 years of age. Class II antigens were not detected on corneal epithelial, stromal or endothelial cells on frozen sections. However, HLA-DR-positive dendritic cells were seen in corneal epithelium and were more numerous near the limbus. HLA-DR was expressed by cuboidal cells in the basal layer of conjunctiva! epithelium from several infants. Cultured cells derived from corneal epithelium, stroma, and endothelium consistently expressed class I but not class II antigens. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 25:519-524, 1984
ENDEAVOUR: A Scalable SDN Architecture For Real-World IXPs

Innovation in interdomain routing has remained stagnant for over a decade. Recently, Internet eXchange Points (IXPs) have emerged as economically-advantageous interconnection points for reducing path latencies and exchanging ever increasing traffic volumes among, possibly, hundreds of networks. Given their far-reaching implications on interdomain routing, IXPs are the ideal place to foster network innovation and extend the benefits of software defined networking (SDN) to the interdomain level. In this paper, we present, evaluate, and demonstrate ENDEAVOUR, an SDN platform for IXPs. ENDEAVOUR can be deployed on a multi-hop IXP fabric, supports a large number of use cases, and is highly scalable, while avoiding broadcast storms. Our evaluation with real data from one of the largest IXPs, demonstrates the benefits and scalability of our solution: ENDEAVOUR requires around 70% fewer rules than alternative SDN solutions thanks to our rule partitioning mechanism. In addition, by providing an open source solution, we invite everyone from the community to experiment (and improve) our implementation as well as adapt it to new use cases.
Characterizing Private Clouds: A Large-Scale Empirical Analysis of Enterprise Clusters

There is an increasing trend in the use of on-premise clusters within companies. Security, regulatory constraints, and enhanced service quality push organizations to work in these so called private cloud environments. On the other hand, the deployment of private enterprise clusters requires careful consideration of what will be necessary or may happen in the future, both in terms of compute demands and failures, as they lack the public cloud's flexibility to immediately provision new nodes in case of demand spikes or node failures. In order to better understand the challenges and tradeoffs of operating in private settings, we perform, to the best of our knowledge, the first extensive characterization of on-premise clusters. Specifically, we analyze data ranging from hardware failures to typical compute/storage requirements and workload profiles, from a large number of Nutanix clusters deployed at various companies. We show that private cloud hardware failure rates are lower, and that load/demand needs are more predictable than in other settings. Finally, we demonstrate the value of the measurements by using them to provide an analytical model for computing durability in private clouds, as well as a machine learning-driven approach for characterizing private clouds' growth.
Brachial plexitis or neuritis? MRI features of lesion distribution in Parsonage–Turner syndrome

Introduction: This study seeks to characterize lesion distribution in Parsonage–Turner Syndrome (PTS) using high‐resolution MRI. Methods: MRIs of 27 patients with clinically confirmed PTS were reviewed. Two radiologists independently evaluated the brachial plexus proper, side and terminal plexus branches, and more distal, upper extremity nerves. Results: All patients had at least 1 clinically involved nerve. MRI revealed that the plexus appeared normal in 24 of 27 patients; in 3 other patients, signal hyperintensity was seen immediately proximal to the take‐off of abnormal side or terminal branch nerves. Focal intrinsic constrictions were detected in 32 of 38 nerves. MRI interobserver agreement was high (Cohen's κ = 0.839). Discussion: MRI findings, corroborated by electrodiagnostic testing, localized abnormalities to plexus branches and peripheral nerves, suggesting that PTS is characterized by 1 or more mononeuropathies rather than changes involving a portion of or the complete plexus proper. These results may improve diagnosis, prognostication, and management. Muscle Nerve 58: 359–366, 2018
Grade point average and biographical data in personal resumes: predictors of finding employment

This study aimed to examine relationships between graduates' grade point average (GPA), biographical data and success in finding a job in general and a psychology-based job in particular. Two hundred six psychology graduates participated in a two-wave longitudinal study. Biographical data assessed were extracurricular activities, computer and foreign language skills, participation in a growth mindset enrichment programme and in general enrichment programmes, and work experiences. GPA showed significant relationship with success in finding psychology-based job. Participation in growth mindset enrichment programme was related to the success in finding a job in general and in finding a psychology-based job. Work experiences predicted the success in finding a job in general. Extracurricular activities, foreign language skill and participation in general enrichment programmes showed significant relationships with success in finding psychology-based job. Computer skills did not emerge as determinant of finding a job. Practical implications are discussed.
High-Intensity Resistance Exercise Promotes Postexercise Hypotension Greater than Moderate Intensity and Affects Cardiac Autonomic Responses in Women Who Are Hypertensive

Abstract de Freitas Brito, A, Brasileiro-Santos, MdS, Coutinho de Oliveira, CV, Sarmento da Nóbrega, TK, Lúcia de Moraes Forjaz, C, and da Cruz Santos, A. High-intensity resistance exercise promotes postexercise hypotension greater than moderate intensity and affects cardiac autonomic responses in women who are hypertensive. J Strength Cond Res 29(12): 3486–3493, 2015—The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of high-intensity resistance exercise (RE) sessions on blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), cardiac autonomic modulation, and forearm blood flow (FBF). Sixteen trained hypertensive women (n = 16, 56 ± 3 years) completed the following 3 experimental sessions: control (CS), RE at 50% (EX50%), and RE at 80% (EX80%) of 1 repetition maximum (1RM). Both EX50% and EX80% comprised a set of 10 repetitions of 10 exercises, with an interval of 90 seconds between exercises. Measurements were taken preintervention and postintervention (at 10, 30, 50, 70, and 90 minutes of recovery). Reductions in systolic/diastolic BP after exercise were greater in EX80% (largest declines, −29 ± 4/−14 ± 5 mm Hg) than EX50% (largest declines, −18 ± 6/−8 ± 5 mm Hg, p ⩽ 0.05). Heart rate and cardiac sympathovagal balance (LF/HF) increased more in relation to pre-exercise values in EX80% than EX50% (largest increases 96 ± 3 vs. 90 ± 4 b·min−1, LF/HF = 1.77 ± 0.25 vs. 1.40 ± 0.20, respectively, p ⩽ 0.05). Increases in FBF and hyperemia was also higher in EX80% than EX50% compared with pre-exercise (4.97 ± 0.28 vs. 4.36 ± 0.27 ml·min−1·100 ml−1 and 5.90 ± 0.20 vs. 5.38 ± 0.25 ml·min−1·100 ml−1; p ⩽ 0.05, respectively). These results suggest that RE of higher intensity promoted greater postexercise hypotension accompanied by greater increases in FBF, vasodilator response, HR, and cardiac sympathovagal balance.
Factors Associated with Sleep Duration in Korean Adults: Results of a 2008 Community Health Survey in Gwangju Metropolitan City, Korea

Short (≤ 6 hr) and long (≥ 9 hr) sleep durations are both associated with risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, depression, learning problems, accidents and excess mortality. However, little is known about factors associated with sleep duration in Korean adults. This study examined sleep patterns in Korean adults and identified factors associated with short and long sleep durations. This study analyzed cross-sectional data collected from 4,411 Korean adults aged 19 yr and older who participated in a community health survey conducted in Gwangju, Korea. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to identify associations between socio-demographic and health-related factors and short or long sleep durations. Of the population, 37.2% and 4.0% reported short and long sleep, respectively. Short sleep was associated with older age, lower levels of income, night or shift work, heavy smoking, and depression or anxiety; long sleep was associated with younger age, being divorced or widowed, heavy smoking, underweight, depression or anxiety, and poorer self-reported health. In conclusion, a relatively high prevalence of short sleep duration is identified in this population of Korean adults. Factors associated with short or long sleep may act as potential confounders of the relationship between sleep duration and health outcomes.