Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
One person labels one million images

Targeting the same objective of alleviating the manual work as automatic annotation, in this paper, we propose a novel framework with minimal human effort to manually annotate a large-scale image corpus. In this framework, a dynamic multi-scale cluster labeling strategy is proposed to manually label the clusters of similar image regions. The users label the multi-scale clusters of regions instead of individual images, thus each labeling operation can annotate hundreds or even thousands of images simultaneously with much reduced manual work. Meanwhile the manual labeling guarantees the accuracy of the labels. Compared to automatic annotation, the proposed framework is more flexible, general and effective, especially for annotating those labels with large semantic gaps. Experiments on NUS-WIDE dataset demonstrate that the proposed fast manual annotation framework is much more effective than automatic annotation and comparatively efficient.
Long Noncoding RNA MEG3 Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Metastasis in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia via Targeting miR-184

Maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3), a long noncoding RNA, has been reported to be associated with the pathogenesis of multiple malignancies. However, little is known regarding the role of MEG3 in leukemia. In this study, we found that the expression of MEG3 was decreased in leukemia patients and cell lines and has potential to be considered as a biomarker for leukemia. In addition, overexpression of MEG3 inhibited cell proliferation and invasion in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, a potential bonding site between miR-184 and MEG3 was predicted, and low expression of miR-184 was found in leukemia patients and cell lines. In vitro loss and gain of function showed that overexpression of MEG3 significantly decreased the expression of miR-184, and MEG3 knockdown markedly increased it. Furthermore, our results showed that MEG3 interacted with miR-184 and subsequently mitigated the proliferation and invasion of leukemia cells by downregulating related proteins. In conclusion, our study has identified a novel pathway through which MEG3 acts as a tumor suppressor in leukemia at the level of miRNAs and provided a molecular basis for potential applications of MEG3 in the prognosis and treatment of leukemia.
Probabilistic models for neural populations that naturally capture global coupling and criticality

Advances in multi-unit recordings pave the way for statistical modeling of activity patterns in large neural populations. Recent studies have shown that the summed activity of all neurons strongly shapes the population response. A separate recent finding has been that neural populations also exhibit criticality, an anomalously large dynamic range for the probabilities of different population activity patterns. Motivated by these two observations, we introduce a class of probabilistic models which takes into account the prior knowledge that the neural population could be globally coupled and close to critical. These models consist of an energy function which parametrizes interactions between small groups of neurons, and an arbitrary positive, strictly increasing, and twice differentiable function which maps the energy of a population pattern to its probability. We show that: 1) augmenting a pairwise Ising model with a nonlinearity yields an accurate description of the activity of retinal ganglion cells which outperforms previous models based on the summed activity of neurons; 2) prior knowledge that the population is critical translates to prior expectations about the shape of the nonlinearity; 3) the nonlinearity admits an interpretation in terms of a continuous latent variable globally coupling the system whose distribution we can infer from data. Our method is independent of the underlying system’s state space; hence, it can be applied to other systems such as natural scenes or amino acid sequences of proteins which are also known to exhibit criticality.
Modeling Expectations with Noncausal Autoregressions

This paper is concerned with univariate noncausal autoregressive models and their potential usefulness in economic applications. We argue that noncausal autoregressive models are especially well suited for modeling expectations. Unlike conventional causal autoregressive models, they explicitly show how the considered economic variable is affected by expectations and how expectations are formed. Noncausal autoregressive models can also be used to examine the related issue of backward-looking or forward-looking dynamics of an economic variable. We show in the paper how the parameters of a noncausal autoregressive model can be estimated by the method of maximum likelihood and how related test procedures can be obtained. Because noncausal autoregressive models cannot be distinguished from conventional causal autoregressive models by second order properties or Gaussian likelihood, a detailed discussion on their specification is provided. Motivated by economic applications we explicitly use a forward-looking autoregressive polynomial in the formulation of the model. This is different from the practice used in previous statistics literature on noncausal autoregressions and, in addition to its economic motivation, it is also convenient from a statistical point of view. In particular, it facilitates obtaining likelihood based diagnostic tests for the specified orders of the backward-looking and forward-looking autoregressive polynomials. Such test procedures are not only useful in the specification of the model but also in testing economically interesting hypotheses such as whether the considered variable only exhibits forward-looking behavior. As an empirical application, we consider modeling the U.S. inflation dynamics which, according to our results, is purely forward-looking.
Effects of vaginal progesterone for maintenance tocolysis on uterine electrical activity

The effectiveness of vaginal progesterone for maintenance tocolysis after arrested preterm labor remains controversial. Myometrial contractility can be assessed objectively and non‐invasively after progesterone treatment by monitoring uterine electromyography (EMG). We examined the effects of vaginal progesterone on uterine EMG after successful acute tocolysis.
Contrast Analyses of Strain Measurement of Fiber Grating and Resistance Strain Chip

On the basis of the stress sensing experiments of equivalent strength standard beam, two strain measurement methods of fiber grating and resistance strain chip are experimentally contrasted. The studies indicate that the linearity and the sensitivity of fiber grating are well in agreement with those of theory. The measurement method of fiber grating is practical and effective.
Evaluation of splenic switch off in a tertiary imaging centre: validation and assessment of utility

Aims Adenosine can induce splenic vasoconstriction (splenic switch-off, SSO). In this study, we aim to evaluate the utility of identifying a lack of SSO for detecting false-negative adenosine stress perfusion cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) scans. Methods and results We visually analysed 492 adenosine stress perfusion CMR scans reported as negative in a cohort of patients with no previous history of coronary artery disease. A lack of SSO was identified in 11%. We quantified the phenomenon by drawing regions of interest on the spleen and comparing intensity between stress and rest scans, the spleen intensity ratio (SIR). Inter-rater agreement for qualitative determination of SSO was κ = 0.81 and inter-class correlation for quantitative determination of SSO was 0.94. The optimal threshold for SIR as an indicator of SSO was 0.40 (sensitivity = 82.5%, specificity = 92.3%, AUC = 0.91). 23 065 CMR scans and 9926 invasive coronary angiogram reports were retrospectively examined to identify patients with negative CMR scans who required coronary intervention in the subsequent 12 months (false negatives). We compared these scans with true positives who had positive adenosine stress perfusion CMR scans followed by coronary intervention. The rate of lack of SSO was 20.7% in the false-negative group versus 13.1% in true positives (P = 0.37). Conclusion The lack of SSO is prevalent, easily measureable, and has potential to improve on haemodynamic criteria as a marker of adenosine understress in CMR perfusion scans.
Differences in Experiences of Discrimination in Accessing Social Services Among Transgender/Gender Nonconforming Individuals by (Dis)Ability

ABSTRACT Transgender and gender nonconforming (GNC) individuals frequently experience discrimination and potentially a lack of respect from service providers, suggesting they have decreased access to professionals with cultural competency. Similarly, people with disabilities experience higher levels of discrimination in social services than their nondisabled counterparts. From an intersectional perspective, this study examines rates of discrimination in accessing social services faced by transgender and GNC people, comparing across ability. Data indicate that although transgender and GNC individuals of all abilities experience gender-based discrimination when accessing social services, those with disabilities experience higher levels of antitransgender discrimination in mental health centers, rape crisis centers, and domestic violence shelters.
Integrating end-user feedback in the concept stage of development of a novel sensor access system for environmental control

Abstract Purpose: This article illustrates user-centred design of a novel sensor access system for environmental control in the concept stage of development. Methods: Focus groups of individuals with disabilities and rehabilitation healthcare professionals were provided with video illustration of the technology and asked to provide quantitative and qualitative feedback through a semistructured interview process. Qualitative methods were employed to analyse transcribed comments to develop themes supporting ongoing development of the technology. Results: Both end-user streams rated the original design features of the sensor access system (alternative interface to assistive technologies, having wireless capabilities and not requiring batteries) as having high potential value. Both groups identified a need for the future design of the sensor technology to be able to capture minimal/reduced movements for those with severe physical impairments. Themes included (1) the sensor technology could be individualized/customized to accommodate the user, (2) minimal positioning and set-up requirement and (3) technology that alleviated problems encountered with touch-based solutions. Conclusions: Inclusion of end-user feedback provided the research team with valuable information that supported the initial conceptualization of the design features of the technology and provided valuable data to support development of a new prototype that can capture more reduced/minimal movements. Implication for Rehabilitation User-centered design of assistive technology is essential to the development of technology that can meet the unique needs of those with the most severe physical impairments. New sensor technology may alleviate some of the access challenges faced by individuals with severe physical impairments. Collaboration between all key stakeholders (individuals with disabilities, rehabilitation professionals, researchers, and developers) is an essential component in the iterative assistive technology design process.
Genotypic and phenotypic characterization of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated from milk of bovine mastitis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) among a (S. aureus) collection (n = 430) isolated from milk of cows suffering from mastitis in Belgium and to compare their genotypic as well as phenotypic characteristics. Pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and PCR‐based typing techniques (MLST, spa, SCCmec, and agr typing) have been applied and supplemented by capsule serotyping, biofilm production quantification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Nineteen MRSA were isolated. Seven distinct ApaI PFGE patterns were observed. All isolates, except one, were identified as ST398 strains. Three spa types (t011, t567 and t108) and two SCCmec types (IV and V) were identified. All isolates belonged to agr type I and capsule type 5 and were Panton‐Valentine leukocidin (PVL) negative. All isolates produced biofilm in TSBglc, whereas the majority did not in milk serum. Twelve resistance patterns were observed, with almost two‐thirds of the isolates being resistant to at least six antibiotics, including penicillin and tetracycline. Our study confirms that the emerging ST398 LA‐MRSA clone has attained Belgian cattle. With regard to genotypic and phenotypic typing, the 19 MRSA isolated in this study form a homogenous group and do not differ much from one another, neither from what has been previously described.
Design of a Thyristor Controlled LC Compensator for Dynamic Reactive Power Compensation in Smart Grid

This paper presents a thyristor controlled LC (TCLC) compensator for dynamic reactive power compensation in a smart grid system. Compared with the traditional static var compensators like a fixed capacitor-thyristor controlled reactor (FC-TCR) which generates low order harmonic currents, the proposed TCLC can significantly mitigate the injection of harmonic currents. In this paper, the design of the TCLC parameters is investigated with the considerations of its reactive power compensation range and harmonic currents rejection. And a control method based on the generalized instantaneous reactive power theory is proposed. Moreover, representative simulation and experimental results of the proposed three-phase three-wire TCLC are presented to show its effectiveness in dynamic reactive power compensation in comparison with the traditional FC-TCR and parallel combination of FC-TCR and passive power filter.
Somatic‐autonomic neurorrhaphy for erectile function restoration after radical prostatectomy

I read this article from Hamburg-Eppendorf with great interest [1]. The treatment of invasive urothelial carcinoma has not significantly progressed in the last 30 years, with survivals currently that are little changed since the first introduction of multi-drug platinum-based chemotherapy in the 1980s. Moreover, the broad application of chemotherapy, whether it is in the preoperative or postoperative domains, is associated with significant morbidity in this generally elderly population. As 60–80% of patients are cured by surgery alone, the broad use of chemotherapy in any setting results in unnecessary morbidity and occasionally mortality in some patients unnecessarily. Multiple patients have a permanent reduction in renal function when platinum is used in this setting. The decision to treat preoperatively is limited by inaccurate clinical staging and in the postoperative setting may be compromised by slow or incomplete surgical recovery.
Activity of colistin alone or in combination with rifampicin or meropenem in a carbapenem-resistant bioluminescent Pseudomonas aeruginosa intraperitoneal murine infection model

Background Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) infections represent a major therapeutic problem and combination therapy may be the chemotherapeutic option. Methods Bioluminescent CRPA was developed through sequential subcultures in subinhibitory concentrations of meropenem from an engineered strain of bioluminescent PA Xen5. Then CRPA was injected intraperitoneally to establish an intraperitoneal murine infection model. Treatments of colistin alone or combined with rifampicin or meropenem were started 1 h after infection. In vivo bioluminescence imaging was applied dynamically at 0 h, and 2 and 5 h after treatment. Ex vivo bacterial counts from liver, kidney, spleen, lung and blood samples were also determined 5 h after treatment. Results In vivo imaging showed that both low- and high-dose colistin combined with rifampicin resulted in a significant decrease in bioluminescence signals compared with monotherapy of colistin or rifampicin alone, whereas colistin and meropenem combination therapy did not show a greater bactericidal effect compared with monotherapy. Ex vivo bacterial count results also confirmed that combination of both low- and high-dose colistin with rifampicin resulted in significantly reduced colony counts from five kinds of tissue samples. However, only combination of high-dose colistin + meropenem resulted in reduced colony counts merely in lung and blood samples. Conclusions Compared with single drugs, colistin and rifampicin combination therapy could exert synergistic effects, which might provide a better alternative when treating CRPA infections in clinical practice. Combination of colistin and meropenem should be considered with caution because it barely shows any synergism in the present in vivo model.
Real-world usage and clinical outcomes of alectinib among post-crizotinib progression anaplastic lymphoma kinase positive non-small-cell lung cancer patients in the USA

Background Alectinib is an approved treatment for anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. Despite positive supporting clinical data, there is a lack of real-world information on the usage and patient outcomes of those treated with alectinib post-crizotinib progression. Methods Participating oncologists (N=95) in the USA were recruited from an online physician panel to participate in a retrospective patient chart review. Physicians randomly selected eligible patients (ie, patients who progressed on crizotinib as their first ALK inhibitor and were treated with alectinib as their second ALK inhibitor), collected demographics and clinical history from their medical charts, and entered the data into an online data collection form. Results A total of N=207 patient charts were included (age: 60.1±10.4 years; 53.6% male). The patients in our sample were older (median age of 60 vs 53 years), were more likely to be current smokers (12% vs 1%), had better performance status (45% vs 33% had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group [ECOG] of 0), and were less likely to have an adenocarcinoma histology (83% vs 96%) relative to published clinical trials. The objective response rate was higher than in clinical trials (67.1% vs 51.3%, respectively) as was the disease control rate (89.9% vs 78.8%, respectively), though it varied by race/ethnicity, ECOG, and prior treatment history. Discontinuation (0.0%) and dose reductions (3.4%) due to adverse events were uncommon in alectinib. Conclusion Patients using alectinib post-crizotinib in clinical practice are older, more racially/ethnically and histologically diverse than patients in published trials. Real-world response rates were high and similar to those reported in clinical studies, though there is some variation by patient characteristics. Alectinib was well tolerated in clinical practice as reflected by the rates of discontinuation, dose reductions, and dose interruptions.
sEEG is a Safe Procedure for a Comprehensive Anatomic Exploration of the Insula: A Retrospective Study of 108 Procedures Representing 254 Transopercular Insular Electrodes.

BACKGROUND The exploration of the insula in pre-surgical evaluation of epilepsy is considered to be associated with a high vascular risk resulting in an incomplete exploration of the insular cortex. OBJECTIVE To report a retrospective observational study of insular exploration using stereoelectroencephalography (sEEG) with transopercular and parasagittal oblique intracerebral electrodes from January 2008 to January 2016. The first purpose of this study was to evaluate the surgical risks of insular cortex sEEG exploration. The second purpose was to define the ability of placing intracerebral contacts in the whole insular cortex. METHODS Ninety-nine patients underwent 108 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided stereotactic implantations of intracerebral electrodes in the context of preoperative assessment of drug-resistant epilepsy, including at least 1 electrode placed in the insular cortex. On postoperative computed tomography images co-registered with MRI, followed by MRI segmentation and application of a transformation matrix, intracerebral contact coordinates of the insular electrodes' contacts were anatomically localized in the Talairach space. Finally, dispersion and clustering analysis was performed. RESULTS There was no morbidity, in particular hemorrhagic complications, or mortality related to insular electrodes. Statistical comparison of intracerebral contact positions demonstrated that whole insula exploration is possible on the left and right sides. In addition, the clustering analysis showed the homogeneous distribution of the electrodes within the insular cortex. CONCLUSION In the presurgical evaluation of drug-resistant epilepsy, the insular cortex can be explored safely and comprehensively using transopercular sEEG electrodes. Parasagittal oblique trajectories may also be associated to achieve an optimal exploration.
Genomic Imprinting Was Evolutionarily Conserved during Wheat Polyploidization[OPEN]

Genes controlled by imprinting were evolutionarily conserved during wheat polyploidization. Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic phenomenon that causes genes to be differentially expressed depending on their parent of origin. To evaluate the evolutionary conservation of genomic imprinting and the effects of ploidy on this process, we investigated parent-of-origin-specific gene expression patterns in the endosperm of diploid (Aegilops spp), tetraploid, and hexaploid wheat (Triticum spp) at various stages of development via high-throughput transcriptome sequencing. We identified 91, 135, and 146 maternally or paternally expressed genes (MEGs or PEGs, respectively) in diploid, tetraploid, and hexaploid wheat, respectively, 52.7% of which exhibited dynamic expression patterns at different developmental stages. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis suggested that MEGs and PEGs were involved in metabolic processes and DNA-dependent transcription, respectively. Nearly half of the imprinted genes exhibited conserved expression patterns during wheat hexaploidization. In addition, 40% of the homoeolog pairs originating from whole-genome duplication were consistently maternally or paternally biased in the different subgenomes of hexaploid wheat. Furthermore, imprinted expression was found for 41.2% and 50.0% of homolog pairs that evolved by tandem duplication after genome duplication in tetraploid and hexaploid wheat, respectively. These results suggest that genomic imprinting was evolutionarily conserved between closely related Triticum and Aegilops species and in the face of polyploid hybridization between species in these genera.