Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Local extension of pancreatic carcinoma: assessment with thin-section helical CT versus with breath-hold fast MR imaging--ROC analysis.

PURPOSE To compare contrast material-enhanced thin-section helical CT with breath-hold contrast-enhanced MR imaging for sensitivity in the detection of pancreatic adenocarcinoma and for accuracy in local tumor staging. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifty-seven patients (37 men, 20 women aged 42-28 years) suspected of having pancreatic adenocarcinoma were examined. The final diagnosis was confirmed at surgery to be pancreatic cancer in 31 patients; the other 26 patients were deemed not to have pancreatic cancer. All patients underwent both CT and MR imaging (turbo spin-echo and fast low-angle shot) studies. Image quality and pancreatic enhancement were subjectively evaluated. All CT scans and MR images were assessed by two independent observers by using a five-point scale for the detection of tumor and of invasion into the peripancreatic tissue, portal vein, and/or peripancreatic artery. Receiver operating characteristic curves for CT and MR imaging were analyzed. RESULTS At visual analysis, pancreatic enhancement at CT and at MR imaging was comparable, but depiction of vessels was superior at helical CT. Detectability of tumor was comparable. Helical CT was significantly superior to MR imaging in diagnostic imaging of invasion into the peripancreatic tissue, portal vein, and/or peripancreatic artery (P < .01). CONCLUSION Thin-section dynamic CT is more sensitive than MR imaging for detection of peripancreatic and vascular invasion in patients with pancreatic cancer.
Estimating Kidney Function in HIV-Infected Adults in Kenya: Comparison to a Direct Measure of Glomerular Filtration Rate by Iohexol Clearance

Background More than two-thirds of the world's HIV-positive individuals live in sub-Saharan Africa, where genetic susceptibility to kidney disease is high and resources for kidney disease screening and antiretroviral therapy (ART) toxicity monitoring are limited. Equations to estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR) from serum creatinine were derived in Western populations and may be less accurate in this population. Methods We compared results from published GFR estimating equations with a direct measure of GFR by iohexol clearance in 99 HIV-infected, ART-naïve Kenyan adults. Iohexol concentration was measured from dried blood spots on filter paper. The bias ratio (mean of the ratio of estimated to measured GFR) and accuracy (percentage of estimates within 30% of the measured GFR) were calculated. Results The median age was 35 years, and 60% were women. The majority had asymptomatic HIV, with median CD4+ cell count of 355 cells/mm3. Median measured GFR was 115 mL/min/1.73 m2. Overall accuracy was highest for the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Consortium (CKD-EPI) equation. Consistent with a prior report, bias and accuracy were improved by eliminating the coefficient for black race (85% of estimates within 30% of measured GFR). Accuracy of all equations was poor in participants with GFR 60–90 mL/min/1.73 m2 (<65% of estimates within 30% of measured GFR), although this subgroup was too small to reach definitive conclusions. Conclusions Overall accuracy was highest for the CKD-EPI equation. Eliminating the coefficient for race further improved performance. Future studies are needed to determine the most accurate GFR estimate for use in individuals with GFR <90 mL/min/1.73 m2, in whom accurate estimation of kidney function is important to guide drug dosing. Direct measurement of GFR by iohexol clearance using a filter paper based assay is feasible for research purposes in resource-limited settings, and could be used to develop more accurate GFR estimates in African populations.
Distributed under Creative Commons Cc-by 4.0 Drosophila Chem Mutations Disrupt Epithelial Polarity in Drosophila Embryos

Drosophila embryogenesis has proven to be an extremely powerful system for developmental gene discovery and characterization. We isolated five new EMS-induced alleles that do not complement the l(3R)5G83 lethal line isolated in the Nüsslein-Volhard and Wieschaus screens. We have named this locus chem. Lethality of the new alleles as homozygous zygotic mutants is not completely penetrant, and they have an extended phenocritical period. Like the original allele, a fraction of mutant embryos die with cuticular defects, notably head involution and dorsal closure defects. Embryonic defects are much more extreme in germline clones, where the majority of mutant embryos die during embryogenesis and do not form cuticle, implying a strong chem maternal contribution. chem mutations genetically interact with mutations in cytoskeletal genes (arm) and with mutations in the epithelial polarity genes coracle, crumbs, and yurt. chem mutants dorsal open defects are similar to those present in yurt mutants, and, likewise, they have epithelial polarity defects. chem 1 and chem 3 mutations suppress yurt 3 , and chem 3 mutants suppress crumbs 1 mutations. In contrast, chem 1 and coracle 2 mutations enhance each other. Compared to controls, in chem mutants in embryonic lateral epithelia Crumbs expression is mislocalized and reduced, Coracle is increased and mislocalized basally at embryonic stages 13–14, then reduced at stage 16. Arm expression has a similar pattern but levels are reduced.
Geographical Variation in Body Size and Sexual Size Dimorphism in an Australian Lizard, Boulenger's Skink (Morethia boulengeri)

Ecogeographical rules help explain spatial and temporal patterns in intraspecific body size. However, many of these rules, when applied to ectothermic organisms such as reptiles, are controversial and require further investigation. To explore factors that influence body size in reptiles, we performed a heuristic study to examine body size variation in an Australian lizard, Boulenger's Skink Morethia boulengeri from agricultural landscapes in southern New South Wales, south-eastern Australia. We collected tissue and morphological data on 337 adult lizards across a broad elevation and climate gradient. We used a model-selection procedure to determine if environmental or ecological variables best explained body size variation. We explored the relationship between morphology and phylogenetic structure before modeling candidate variables from four broad domains: (1) geography (latitude, longitude and elevation), (2) climate (temperature and rainfall), (3) habitat (vegetation type, number of logs and ground cover attributes), and (4) management (land use and grazing history). Broad phylogenetic structure was evident, but on a scale larger than our study area. Lizards were sexually dimorphic, whereby females had longer snout-vent length than males, providing support for the fecundity selection hypothesis. Body size variation in M. boulengeri was correlated with temperature and rainfall, a pattern consistent with larger individuals occupying cooler and more productive parts of the landscape. Climate change forecasts, which predict warmer temperature and increased aridity, may result in reduced lizard biomass and decoupling of trophic interactions with potential implications for community organization and ecosystem function.
Sub-10 µA reset in NiO-based resistive switching memory (RRAM) cells

NiO-based resistive-switching memory (RRAM) is attracting a growing research interest for high-density non-volatile storage applications. One of the most difficult challenges for RRAM-based high-density memories is the high current necessary for the reset operation (Ireset), which limits the possibilities of scaling for the select diode in the cross-bar memory array. This work addresses the scalability of the reset current Ireset in NiO-based RRAM by limiting the set current through an integrated series MOSFET. Ireset is shown to be controllable down to below 10 µA. The consequences of these findings for the select diode in the cross-bar array structure are finally discussed.
Theta band activity in response to emotional expressions and its relationship with gamma band activity as revealed by MEG and advanced beamformer source imaging

Neuronal oscillations in the theta and gamma bands have been shown to be important for cognition. Here we examined the temporal and spatial relationship between the two frequency bands in emotional processing using magnetoencephalography and an advanced dynamic beamformer source imaging method called synthetic aperture magnetometry. We found that areas including the amygdala, visual and frontal cortex showed significant event-related synchronization in both bands, suggesting a functional association of neuronal oscillations in the same areas in the two bands. However, while the temporal profile in both bands was similar in the amygdala, the peak in gamma band power was much earlier within both visual and frontal areas. Our results do not support a traditional view that the localizations of lower and higher frequencies are spatially distinct. Instead, they suggest that in emotional processing, neuronal oscillations in the gamma and theta bands may reflect, at least in visual and frontal cortex either different but related functional processes or, perhaps more probably, different computational components of the same functional process.
Multi-primitive hierarchical (MPH) stereo system

A computational framework for an accurate, robust, and efficient stereo approach is developed. Most of the deficiencies prevailing in current computational models of stereo can be attributed to their use of a single, typically edge-element-based, primitive for stereo analysis and to their use of a single-level control strategy. The multi-primitive hierarchical (MPH) framework for stereo analysis presented is directed toward overcoming these deficiencies. In the MPH model, stereo analysis is performed in multiple stages, incorporating multiple primitives and utilizing a hierarchical control strategy. The higher levels of the hierarchical system are based on primitives containing more semantic information, and the results of stereo analysis at higher levels are used for guidance at the lower levels. It is shown that such a stereo system is superior to a single-level, single-primitive system. <<ETX>>
Syntactic Characterisations of Polynomial-Time Optimisation Classes (Syntactic Characterizations of Polynomial-Time Optimization Classes)

In Descriptive Complexity, there is a vast amount of literature on decision problems, and their classes such as \textbf{P, NP, L and NL}. ~ However, research on the descriptive complexity of optimisation problems has been limited. Optimisation problems corresponding to the \textbf{NP} class have been characterised in terms of logic expressions by Papadimitriou and Yannakakis, Panconesi and Ranjan, Kolaitis and Thakur, Khanna et al, and by Zimand. Gr\"{a}del characterised the polynomial class \textbf{P} of decision problems. In this paper, we attempt to characterise the optimisation versions of \textbf{P} via expressions in second order logic, many of them using universal Horn formulae with successor relations. The polynomially bound versions of maximisation (maximization) and minimisation (minimization) problems are treated first, and then the maximisation problems in the "not necessarily polynomially bound" class.
High‐resolution architecture of the outer membrane of the Gram‐negative bacteria Roseobacter denitrificans

The outer membrane of Gram‐negative bacteria protects the cell against bactericidal substances. Passage of nutrients and waste is assured by outer membrane porins, beta‐barrel transmembrane channels. While atomic structures of several porins have been solved, so far little is known on the supramolecular structure of the outer membrane. Here we present the first high‐resolution view of a bacterial outer membrane gently purified maintaining remnants of peptidoglycan on the perisplasmic surface. Atomic force microscope images of outer membrane fragments of the size of ∼50% of the bacterial envelope revealed that outer membrane porins are by far more densely packed than previously assumed. Indeed the outer membrane is a molecular sieve rather than a membrane. Porins cover ∼70% of the membrane surface and form locally regular lattices. The potential role of exposed aromatic residues in the formation of the supramolecular assembly is discussed. Finally, we present first structural data of the outer membrane porin from the marine Gram‐negative bacteria Roseobacter denitrificans, and we perform a sequence alignment with porins of known structure.
A cluster-based merging strategy for nearest prototype classifiers

A generalized prototype-based learning scheme founded on hierarchical clustering is proposed. The basic idea is to obtain a condensed nearest neighbor classification rule by replacing a group of prototypes by a representative while approximately keeping their original classification power. The algorithm improves and generalizes previous works by explicitly introducing the concept of cluster and cluster consistency. The proposed scheme also permits a very efficient implementation based on geometric cluster properties. Empirical results demonstrate the merits of the proposed algorithm taking into account the size of the condensed sets of prototypes, the accuracy of the corresponding condensed 1-NN classification rule and the computation time.
External Force Disturbance Rejection in Robotic Arms: An Adaptive Approach

This paper is devoted to the problem of force sensorless disturbance rejection in robot manipulators. In the proposed approach, the control system uses position sensor signals and estimated values of external forces, instead of force sensor signals. The estimation process is performed via an adaptive force estimator. Then the estimated force vector is utilized to compensate for the force disturbance effect in order to achieve a better trajectory tracking performance. The force estimation is carried out directly using no environment model. Asymptotical stability of the proposed control system is analyzed by the invariant set and Lyapunov direct method establishing an appropriate theorem. Finally, the performance of the proposed control system is verified using numerical simulation.
Changes in longevity and causes of death among persons with hemophilia A

To examine recent changes in longevity and the causes of death among persons with hemophilia A, we evaluated death certificate data for persons who died in the United States from 1968 through 1989 and had hemophilia A or congenital Factor VIII disorder (ICD code 286.0) listed on the death certificate as one of the multiple causes of death. Multiple‐cause‐of‐death mortality data for the United States from 1968 to 1989 were examined to compare death rates by year, focusing on death rates and causes of death for 1979‐1981, 1983‐1985, and 1987‐1989. Gender, age group, race, geographic region, and median age at death of persons with hemophilia A and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐related disease listed as a cause of death were compared with those with hemophilia A without HIV‐related disease. From 1968 through 1989, 2,792 hemophilia A deaths were reported. The death rate increased from 0.5 to 1.3 per 1,000,000 persons. From 1979‐1981 through 1987‐1989, mortality increased in all age groups above 9 years of age and age at death shifted markedly to lower ages. Median age at death decreased from 57 years in 1979‐1981 to 40 years in 1987‐1989. The percentage of deaths due to hemorrhage or diseases of the circulatory system decreased markedly as the result of the increase in deaths associated with HIV infection or infections other than HIV infection. Spread of HIV‐1 infection in persons with hemophilia A has disrupted the reduction in mortality seen with factor replacement therapy, implementation of home care, and use of comprehensive hemophilia treatment centers. It is hoped that advances in the care of HIV‐infected persons will improve survival in the hemophilia community. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Complete genome sequence and functional study of the fibrinolytic enzyme-producing bacterium Leuconostoc holzapfelii 5H4, a silage probiotic

To process silage, rye is usually removed before the heading stage but the rye biomass increased up to 30% after the heading stage. However, after the heading stage, lignification rapidly accelerated and it resulted in a poor NDF digestibility problem. This has led to a demand for a strong fibrinolytic enzyme-producing probiotic for rye silage. The Gram-positive Leuconostoc holzapfelii 5H4 was selected as a fibrinolytic enzyme-producing probiotic to overcome lignification of rye silage. The L. holzapfelii 5H4 has a relatively small circular chromosome (1,885,398 bp), but the strain has one cellulase, two xylanase, and five esterase in its genome sequence. All fibrinolytic enzyme genes were relatively highly expressed compared to housekeeping genes, and this was confirmed by qRT-PCR. In this study, we report the complete genome sequence of the bacterium so that fibrinolytic enzyme production and its fibrinolytic activity mechanism are better understood.
How to Open the Treasure Chest? Optimising DNA Extraction from Herbarium Specimens

Herbarium collections are potentially an enormous resource for DNA studies, but the use of herbarium specimens in molecular studies has thus far been slowed down by difficulty in obtaining amplifiable DNA. Here we compare a set of commercially available DNA extraction protocols and their performance in terms of DNA purity and yield, and PCR amplification success as measured by using three differentially sized markers, the rbcL barcoding marker (cpDNA), the LEAFY exon 3 (nrDNA), and the trnL (UAA) P6 loop (cpDNA). Results reveal large differences between extraction methods, where DNA purity rather than yield is shown to be strongly correlated with PCR success. Amplicon size shows similarly strong correlation with PCR success, with the shortest fragment showing the highest success rate (78%, P6 loop, 10–143 base pairs (bp)) and the largest fragment the lowest success (10%, rbcL, 670 bp). The effect of specimen preparation method on PCR success was also tested. Results show that drying method strongly affects PCR success, especially the availability of fragments longer than 250 bp, where longer fragments are more available for PCR amplification in air dried material compared to alcohol dried specimens. Results from our study indicate that projects relying on poor-quality starting material such as herbarium or scat samples should focus on extracting pure DNA and aim to amplify short target regions (<200–300 bp) in order to maximise outcomes. Development of shorter barcoding regions, or mini-barcodes within existing ones should be of high importance as only a few options are currently available; this is particularly important if we hope to incorporate the millions of herbarium samples available into barcoding initiatives and other molecular studies.
More on additive triples of bijections

We study additive properties of the set $S$ of bijections (or permutations) $\{1,\dots,n\}\to G$, thought of as a subset of $G^n$, where $G$ is an arbitrary abelian group of order $n$. Our main result is an asymptotic for the number of solutions to $\pi_1 + \pi_2 + \pi_3 = f$ with $\pi_1,\pi_2,\pi_3\in S$, where $f:\{1,\dots,n\}\to G$ is an arbitary function satisfying $\sum_{i=1}^n f(i) = \sum G$. This extends recent work of Manners, Mrazovic, and the author. Using the same method we also prove a less interesting asymptotic for solutions to $\pi_1 + \pi_2 + \pi_3 + \pi_4 = f$, and we also show that the distribution $\pi_1+\pi_2$ is close to flat in $L^2$. As in the previous paper, our method is based on Fourier analysis, and we prove our results by carefully carving up $\widehat{G}^n$ and bounding various character sums. This is most complicated when $G$ has even order, say when $G = \mathbf{F}_2^d$. At the end of the paper we explain two applications, one coming from the Latin squares literature (counting transversals in Latin hypercubes) and one from cryptography (PRP-to-PRF conversion).
Clinical response in psoriasis patients discontinued from and then reinitiated on etanercept therapy

Background: Although continuous therapy with the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonist, etanercept, has been shown to have a favorable benefit to risk profile in the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, it is recognized that patients and practioners may wish for intermittent treatment should life circumstances dictate. Objective: To evaluate safety and effect maintenance of etanercept retreatment in psoriasis. Methods: Results of a 24‐week, randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind study were previously reported. Patients who responded at week 24 (improved ⩾50% in psoriasis area and severity index [PASI]) discontinued etanercept until disease relapse (loss of ⩾50% of week 24 PASI improvement). Patients were retreated with blinded etanercept at the originally randomized dose: 25 mg or 50 mg twice weekly (BIW) or 25 mg once weekly; original placebo patients received 25 mg BIW for the final 12 weeks of the double‐blind period and were retreated with etanercept 25 mg BIW. Results: Psoriasis returned gradually, without untoward events, within, on average, 3 months after etanercept discontinuation. Results after 12 weeks of retreatment were similar to those achieved after the initial 12 weeks. The major limitation of this study is that it examines only one round of discontinuation/retreatment. Conclusions: Retreatment with etanercept was effective and well tolerated in psoriasis patients.
A mating plug and male mate choice inDrosophila hibisciBock

The functional significance of mating plugs and their relation to male mating behaviour in insects are obscure. In Drosophila hibisci, we describe a firm, gelatinous, mating plug that fills the entire uterus at copulation, and evaluate two nonmutually exclusive hypotheses for the plug's function: (1) retention of sperm near the openings of the sperm storage organs and (2) inhibition of further matings. Unlike full-sized plugs, smaller plugs produced by previously mated males failed to retain sperm at the anterior end of the uterus, indicating that full-sized plugs prevent sperm backflow away from female storage organs. Sexually mature males failed to copulate with previously mated, young females, suggesting that the plug may also deter rival matings. In newly emerged females, the plug remains within the uterus for up to 4 days after copulation, but in mature females, the plug and ejaculate are expelled whenever the next mature oocyte descends into the uterus from the common oviduct, which may be soon after copulation. Males remained in copula significantly longer with mature females, perhaps to compensate for this greater likelihood of ejaculate expulsion. Males showed a mating preference for young virgins over older virgin and nonvirgin females. This unusual mating preference may confer fertility benefits made available through the effectiveness of the plug in reducing sperm competition. Copyright 1998 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.