Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cell population changes during acinus formation in the postnatal rat submandibular gland

The postnatal differentiation of acini in the submandibular glands of 2–42 day old rats given 3H‐thymidine was studied by using radioautographs prepared from Epon‐embedded, PAS and iron hematoxylin stained sections. The changes in morphology, population size and proliferative activity of various cell types in the gland were analyzed. At two days of age, rudimentary secretory units, designated as terminal tubules, were located at the end of the duct system and consisted of three cell types: (1) terminal tubule cells (30.7%) with darkly‐stained granules, (2) proacinar cells (23.6%) with large, lightly‐stained granules, and (3) acinar cells (1.6%) with PAS‐positive granules. The proacinar cells, which underwent mitosis, disappeared within the first two weeks of life. The terminal tubule cells increased in number between 2 and 14 days of age, but became less numerous thereafter and disappeared by six weeks. Concomitantly, the number of acinar cells increased linearly with age and at a much greater rate than that of intercalated duct cells. Yet the rate of proliferation of acinar cells was comparable to that of intercalated duct cells. The overall proliferative activity in the gland decreased with age, and was inversely correlated with the relative frequency of acinar cells in the gland. On the basis of above data, it is postulated that, during the formation of acini from terminal tubules, acinar cells have a dual origin: they arise from proacinar cells during the first one to two weeks and from terminal tubule cells between two and six weeks of age.
Individual Differences in Delay Discounting Under Acute Stress: The Role of Trait Perceived Stress

Delay discounting refers to the reduction of the value of a future reward as the delay to that reward increases. The rate at which individuals discount future rewards varies as a function of both individual and contextual differences, and high delay discounting rates have been linked with problematic behaviors, including drug abuse and gambling. The current study investigated the effects of acute anticipatory stress on delay discounting, while considering two important factors: individual perceptions of stress and whether the stressful situation is future-focused or present-focused. Half of the participants experienced acute stress by anticipating giving a videotaped speech. This stress was either future-oriented (speech about future job) or present-oriented (speech about physical appearance). They then performed a delay discounting task, in which they chose between smaller, immediate rewards, and larger, delayed rewards. Their scores on the Perceived Stress Scale were also collected. The way in which one appraises stressful situations interacts with acute stress to influence choices; under stressful conditions, delay discounting rate was highest in individuals with low trait perceived stress and lowest for individuals with high trait perceived stress. This result might be related to individual variation in reward responsiveness under stress. Furthermore, the time orientation of the task interacted with its stressfulness to affect the individual’s propensity to choose immediate rewards. These findings add to our understanding of the intermediary factors between stress and decision-making.
EXPERIMENTAL RAMET AGGREGATION IN THE CLONAL PLANT AGROSTIS STOLONIFERA REDUCES ITS COMPETITIVE ABILITY

Spatial models predict that long-distance dispersal of offspring provides competitive superiority in open environments. We tested this prediction by artificially aggregating ramets of the spreading clonal species Agrostis stolonifera in an undisturbed environment and in an environment where flooding increased open space. We compared the competitive response of this manipulated Agrostis with both the natural ramet distribution of Agrostis and with the naturally aggregated clonal species Alopecurus pratensis. Our phenotypic manipulation of ramet dispersal significantly increased aggregation of clonal offspring, without altering the number of offspring, and thus provided an adequate test of spatial effects. Regardless of flooding, both Alopecurus and the aggregated Agrostis were more suppressed in species mixtures than the natural dispersed form of Agrostis. This demonstrates that long distance dispersal of ramets enhances competitive ability, at least in early stages of succession.
Shape Completion from a Single RGBD Image

We present a novel approach for constructing a complete 3D model for an object from a single RGBD image. Given an image of an object segmented from the background, a collection of 3D models of the same category are non-rigidly aligned with the input depth, to compute a rough initial result. A volumetric-patch-based optimization algorithm is then performed to refine the initial result to generate a 3D model that not only is globally consistent with the overall shape expected from the input image but also possesses geometric details similar to those in the input image. The optimization with a set of high-level constraints, such as visibility, surface confidence and symmetry, can achieve more robust and accurate completion over state-of-the art techniques. We demonstrate the efficiency and robustness of our approach with multiple categories of objects with various geometries and details, including busts, chairs, bikes, toys, vases and tables.
First measurement of nuclear recoil head-tail sense in a fiducialised WIMP dark matter detector

Recent computational results suggest that directional dark matter detectors have potential to probe for WIMP dark matter particles below the neutrino floor. The DRIFT-IId detector used in this work is a leading directional WIMP search time projection chamber detector. We report the first measurements of the detection of the directional nuclear recoils in a fully fiducialised low-pressure time projection chamber. In this new operational mode, the distance between each event vertex and the readout plane is determined by the measurement of minority carriers produced by adding a small amount of oxygen to the nominal CS2+CF4 target gas mixture. The CS2+CF4+O2 mixture has been shown to enable background-free operation at current sensitivities. Sulfur, fluorine, and carbon recoils were generated using neutrons emitted from a 252Cf source positioned at different locations around the detector. Measurement of the relative energy loss along the recoil tracks allowed the track vector sense, or the so-called head-tail asymmetry parameter, to be deduced. Results show that the previously reported observation of head-tail sensitivity in pure CS2 is well retained after the addition of oxygen to the gas mixture.
Relation between body size and temperatures during locoregional hyperthermia of oesophageal cancer patients

Purpose. To analyse the relation between patients’ body size and temperatures during locoregional hyperthermia for oesophageal cancer. Methods. Patients were treated with neo-adjuvant chemoradiotherapy plus hyperthermia, given with the AMC-4 waveguide system. Temperatures were measured at tumour location in the oesophageal lumen using multisensor thermocouple probes. Systemic temperature rise (ΔTsyst) was monitored rectally. Steady-state tumour temperatures were expressed in terms of T90, T50 and T10, averaged over the five hyperthermia sessions, and correlated with patients’ body mass, dorsoventral and lateral diameter and fat layer thickness, measured at tumour level using a CT scan made in treatment position. Fat percentage (Fat%) was estimated using diameters and fat layer thickness. Effective tumour perfusion (Wb) was estimated from the temperature decay during the cool-down period. Results. Temperatures were inversely related to body mass, diameters, fat layer thickness, and fat percentage. The strongest univariate correlations were found with lateral fat layer thickness, lateral diameter, and body mass. An increase in lateral diameter (28→42 cm), or in lateral fat layer thickness (0→40 mm) or in body mass (50→120 kg) all yielded a ∼1.5°C decrease in tumour temperature rise. Multivariate correlation analysis proved that the combination of Fat%, ΔTsyst and Wb was most predictive for the achieved tumour temperatures, accounting for 81 ± 12% of the variance in temperatures. Conclusions. Intra-oesophageal temperatures during locoregional hyperthermia are inversely related to patients’ body size parameters, of which fat percentage is the most significant prognostic factor. These findings could be used to define inclusion criteria of new studies on intrathoracic hyperthermia.
Sound event detection using weakly labeled dataset with stacked convolutional and recurrent neural network

This paper proposes a neural network architecture and training scheme to learn the start and end time of sound events (strong labels) in an audio recording given just the list of sound events existing in the audio without time information (weak labels). We achieve this by using a stacked convolutional and recurrent neural network with two prediction layers in sequence one for the strong followed by the weak label. The network is trained using frame-wise log mel-band energy as the input audio feature, and weak labels provided in the dataset as labels for the weak label prediction layer. Strong labels are generated by replicating the weak labels as many number of times as the frames in the input audio feature, and used for strong label layer during training. We propose to control what the network learns from the weak and strong labels by different weighting for the loss computed in the two prediction layers. The proposed method is evaluated on a publicly available dataset of 155 hours with 17 sound event classes. The method achieves the best error rate of 0.84 for strong labels and F-score of 43.3% for weak labels on the unseen test split.
Renal and urologic problems: management of ureteric obstruction

Purpose of reviewThe purpose of this article is to review the recent literature concerning obstructive uropathy from advanced cancer. This factor is relevant as it is often a difficult task for physicians to estimate a patient's life expectancy and evaluate the possible benefit of urinary diversion. Recent research has addressed this issue. We now have objective criteria to stratify the possible benefit of urinary diversion in patients with malignant obstructive nephropathy. Recent findingsWhen dealing with ureteric obstruction treatment must be individualized and risk stratification is of paramount importance. There is no clear evidence that urinary diversion improves quality of life and treatment decisions must be individualized. The decision to treat obstructive nephropathy in the palliative setting should include the patient, his family and members of the support team. SummaryUreteric stents and percutaneous nephrostomies are the preferred initial treatment options, although stent infection, encrustation and blockages are common problems. New compression-resistant metallic stents seem promising for patients with a malignant disease who require long-term urinary drainage. When more conservative measures have failed, supra-vesical reconstruction and diversion may be an option.
The association of technology in a workplace wellness program with health risk factor reduction.

Objective: Determine whether there is a relationship between level of engagement in workplace wellness programs and population/individual health risk reductions. Methods: A total of 7804 employees from 15 employers completed health risk appraisal and laboratory testing at baseline and again after 2 years of participating in their personalized prevention plan. Population and individual health risk transitions were analyzed across the population, as well as by stage of engagement. Results: Of those individuals who started in a high risk category at baseline, 46% moved down to medium risk and 19% moved down to low risk category after 2 years on their prevention plan. In the group that only engaged through the Web-based technology, 24% reduced their health risks (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: Engaging technology and interactive Web-based tools can empower individuals to be more proactive about their health and reduce their health risks.
Comparative Analysis of Different Cryptosystems for Hierarchical Mobile IPv6-based Wireless Mesh Network

Wireless Mesh Network (WMN) is advocated as the major supporting technology for the next generation wireless Internet satisfying the needs of anywhere-anytime broadband Internet access. In order to support secure ubiquitous communications for mobile users, WMN must have an efficient key setup procedure to secure control packets as well as data packets. In this paper we apply four different cryptosystems, namely: (1) RSA; (2) Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA) (3) Identity-Based Cryptography (IBC); and, (4) Elliptic Curve Cryptography-Based Public Key Cryptosystem (ECCSCPKC), to secure Hierarchical Mobile IPv6 (HMIPv6) based WMN. We present detailed cost analysis and numerical results to compare these systems for their suitability to secure HMIPv6 based WMN.
Influence of respiration in the very low frequency modulation of QRS slopes and heart rate variability in cardiomyopathy patients

This work investigates the very low frequency (VLF) modulation of QRS slopes and heart rate variability (HRV). Electrocardiogram (ECG) and respiratory flow signal were acquired from patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and ischemic cardiomyopathy. HRV as well as the upward QRS slope (IUS) and downward QRS slope (IDS) were extracted from the ECG. The relation between HRV and QRS slopes in the VLF band was measured using ordinary coherence in 5-minute segments. Partial coherence was then used to remove the influence that respiration simultaneously exerts on HRV and QRS slopes. A statistical threshold was determined, below which coherence values were considered not to represent a linear relation. 7 out of 276 segments belonging to 5 out of 29 patients for IUS and 10 segments belonging to 5 patients for IDS presented a VLF modulation in QRS slopes, HRV and respiration. In these segments spectral coherence was statistically significant, while partial coherence decreased, indicating that the coupling HRV and QRS slopes was related to respiration. 4 segments had a partial coherence value below the threshold for IUS, 3 segments for IDS. The rest of the segments also presented a notable decrease in partial coherence, but still above the threshold, which means that other non-linearly effects may also affect this modulation.
Current development in nanoformulations of docetaxel

Introduction: Docetaxel (DTX) has been proven as one of the most important cytotoxic agents, and its clinical efﬁcacy against many cancers is superior to paclitaxel. DTX in commercial formulation contains the non-ionic surfactant Tween 80 (polysorbate 80) and 13% ethanol; the side effects caused by DTX and the solvent have considerably limited its clinical use. In recent decades, the emergence of nanoformulations provides new modes of actions in DTX. Many nano-sized carriers can help DTX transport through leaky tumor capillary fenestrations into the tumor cells. Moreover, these particles can be modified for binding to specific sites such as cancer cell membranes, cytoplasmic or nuclear receptors. Areas covered: The authors focus on nanoformulations related to DTX delivery, covering their preparation, physicochemical properties and the in vitro and in vivo actions against tumor cells. The challenges involved in the development of nanoformulations for DTX are also discussed. Expert opinion: Although nanoformulations such as liposome, micelle, nanoparticle, nanoemulsion greatly improve the solubility, activity and distribution of DTX in vivo, significant hurdles remain concerning aspects of nanoformulations such as quality control, physicochemical stability, storage conditions, large-scale production and controlled manufacture technology, in vivo metabolism, excretion, acute and chronic toxicity, etc. In-depth studies in these areas are essential to making DTX nanoformulations applicable in clinic and commercially available viable.
Structural Holes and Good Ideas1

This article outlines the mechanism by which brokerage provides social capital. Opinion and behavior are more homogeneous within than between groups, so people connected across groups are more familiar with alternative ways of thinking and behaving. Brokerage across the structural holes between groups provides a vision of options otherwise unseen, which is the mechanism by which brokerage becomes social capital. I review evidence consistent with the hypothesis, then look at the networks around managers in a large American electronics company. The organization is rife with structural holes, and brokerage has its expected correlates. Compensation, positive performance evaluations, promotions, and good ideas are disproportionately in the hands of people whose networks span structural holes. The between‐group brokers are more likely to express ideas, less likely to have ideas dismissed, and more likely to have ideas evaluated as valuable. I close with implications for creativity and structural change.
Crystal Structure of the Cowpox Virus-Encoded NKG2D Ligand OMCP

ABSTRACT The NKG2D receptor is expressed on the surface of NK, T, and macrophage lineage cells and plays an important role in antiviral and antitumor immunity. To evade NKG2D recognition, herpesviruses block the expression of NKG2D ligands on the surface of infected cells using a diverse repertoire of sabotage methods. Cowpox and monkeypox viruses have taken an alternate approach by encoding a soluble NKG2D ligand, the orthopoxvirus major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-like protein (OMCP), which can block NKG2D-mediated cytotoxicity. This approach has the advantage of targeting a single conserved receptor instead of numerous host ligands that exhibit significant sequence diversity. Here, we show that OMCP binds the NKG2D homodimer as a monomer and competitively blocks host ligand engagement. We have also determined the 2.25-Å-resolution crystal structure of OMCP from the cowpox virus Brighton Red strain, revealing a truncated MHC class I-like platform domain consisting of a beta sheet flanked with two antiparallel alpha helices. OMCP is generally similar in structure to known host NKG2D ligands but has notable variations in regions typically used to engage NKG2D. Additionally, the determinants responsible for the 14-fold-higher affinity of OMCP for human than for murine NKG2D were mapped to a single loop in the NKG2D ligand-binding pocket.
Two Distinct Phases of Virus-induced Nuclear Factor κB Regulation Enhance Tumor Necrosis Factor-related Apoptosis-inducing Ligand-mediated Apoptosis in Virus-infected Cells*

Cellular transcription factors are often utilized by infecting viruses to promote viral growth and influence cell fate. We have previously shown that nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) is activated after reovirus infection and that this activation is required for virus-induced apoptosis. In this report we identify a second phase of reovirus-induced NF-κB regulation. We show that at later times post-infection NF-κB activation is blocked in reovirus-infected cells. This results in the termination of virus-induced NF-κB activity and the inhibition of tumor necrosis factor α and etoposide-induced NF-κB activation in infected cells. Reovirus-induced inhibition of NF-κB activation occurs by a mechanism that prevents IκBα degradation and that is blocked in the presence of the viral RNA synthesis inhibitor, ribavirin. Reovirus-induced apoptosis is mediated by tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) in a variety of epithelial cell lines. Herein we show that ribavirin inhibits reovirus-induced apoptosis in TRAIL-resistant HEK293 cells and prevents the ability of reovirus infection to sensitize TRAIL-resistant cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, TRAIL-induced apoptosis is enhanced in HEK293 cells expressing IκBΔN2, which blocks NF-κB activation. These results indicate that the ability of reovirus to inhibit NF-κB activation sensitizes HEK293 cells to TRAIL and facilitates virus-induced apoptosis in TRAIL-resistant cells. Our findings demonstrate that two distinct phases of virus-induced NF-κB regulation are required to efficiently activate host cell apoptotic responses to reovirus infection.
Thirteen Years of Hyoid Suspension Experience in Multilevel OSAHS Surgery: The Short-Term Results of a Bicentric Study

Aims. To evaluate thirteen years of hyoid suspension experience in multilevel OSAHS surgery, for which hyoidthyroidpexia represented the exclusive hypopharyngeal approach applied. Materials and Methods. From 1998 to 2011, a bicentric retrospective study was conducted: all adult patients with a diagnosis of OSAHS were enrolled. Specific eligible criteria were established. Pre-/postoperative data concerning ENT and sleep findings were recorded. Recruited subjects were surveilled for a follow-up range from 6 to 18 months. Results. A total of 590 hyoid suspensions were evaluated, but only 140 patients met the specific inclusion criteria. A success rate of 67% was obtained. No intraoperative adverse events or major complications occurred. Excessive daytime sleepiness was observed in 28% of nonresponders. Despite the homogeneous candidate anatomy, ENT awake findings changed differently after surgery. Statistical analysis revealed multilevel surgery to be more effective when AHI < 30. Postoperative AHI was statistically not influenced by preoperative BMI. Conclusions. Hyoid suspension in multilevel treatment is effective when short-term results are considered. The necessity of a more valuable anatomic-based diagnostic approach is crucial to guide the patient selection. Long-term followups and randomized prospective trials with case-control series are needed to increase the level of evidence of this surgery.
Assessing the feasibility of subepidermal moisture to predict erythema and stage 1 pressure ulcers in persons with spinal cord injury: A pilot study

Abstract Background Persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) are at high risk for pressure ulcers (PrUs) throughout their lifetime due to decreased mobility, lack of sensation, and other physiological changes. The high prevalence and recurrence rates, and costs associated with PrUs in veterans with SCI indicate the need for a reliable and practical method of detecting early PrUs. Objective To assess the feasibility of obtaining biophysical measures of sub-epidermal moisture (SEM) using a handheld dermal phase meter to predict PrUs. Design/methods Prospective observational design. Thirty-four veterans at two VA SCI centers (Hines, Long Beach) received daily (n = 12) or weekly (n = 22) SEM and concurrent visual skin assessment (VSA) across nine anatomic locations for up to 6 weeks. Outcome measures SEM, visual skin assessment (VSA), and stage I PrUs. Findings/results SEM was lowest for normal skin (39.3 dermal phase units (DPU), SD = 12.6) and higher for erythema/stage 1 PrUs (40.8 DPU, SD = 10.4) across all anatomic sites. Buttocks SEM were different between normal skin (40.5 DPU, SD = 10.3) and erythema/stage1 PrUs (43.8, SD = 9.5). SEM taken at heels were lower across all skin conditions (normal skin 28.2 DPU; erythema/stage 1 PrUs 34.7 DPU). SEM was taken when generalized edema present was lower than without generalized edema. Conclusions Preliminary results of using SEM to detect early PrU damage may translate from nursing home (NH) residents to persons with SCI. This study provides a foundation for a larger study to implement and assess SEM use as a method of prevention of PrUs.