Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Deep, noninvasive imaging and surgical guidance of submillimeter tumors using targeted M13-stabilized single-walled carbon nanotubes

Significance Early detection of cancer positively impacts diagnosis and treatment, ultimately improving patient survival. Using fluorescence imaging offers the promise of safe, noninvasive detection with excellent resolution and guides surgical removal of tumors to improve patient outcomes. However, the success of current optical probes is limited due to high background from tissue autofluorescence, poor penetration depth, and inherently low signal stability. Here, we engineered M13 bacteriophage to stabilize single-walled carbon nanotubes for selective, targeted imaging of ovarian tumors. These nanoprobes fluoresce at longer near-infrared wavelengths than current probes, thereby improving noninvasive detection of small, deep tumors and guidance for surgical removal of submillimeter tumors. This material-based approach may be attractive to guide surgical interventions where deep tissue molecular imaging is informative. Highly sensitive detection of small, deep tumors for early diagnosis and surgical interventions remains a challenge for conventional imaging modalities. Second-window near-infrared light (NIR2, 950–1,400 nm) is promising for in vivo fluorescence imaging due to deep tissue penetration and low tissue autofluorescence. With their intrinsic fluorescence in the NIR2 regime and lack of photobleaching, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are potentially attractive contrast agents to detect tumors. Here, targeted M13 virus-stabilized SWNTs are used to visualize deep, disseminated tumors in vivo. This targeted nanoprobe, which uses M13 to stably display both tumor-targeting peptides and an SWNT imaging probe, demonstrates excellent tumor-to-background uptake and exhibits higher signal-to-noise performance compared with visible and near-infrared (NIR1) dyes for delineating tumor nodules. Detection and excision of tumors by a gynecological surgeon improved with SWNT image guidance and led to the identification of submillimeter tumors. Collectively, these findings demonstrate the promise of targeted SWNT nanoprobes for noninvasive disease monitoring and guided surgery.
On the Nature of Angular Momentum Transport in Nonradiative Accretion Flows

The principles underlying a proposed class of black hole accretion models are examined. The flows are generally referred to as "convection-dominated" and are characterized by inward transport of angular momentum by thermal convection and outward viscous transport, vanishing mass accretion, and vanishing local energy dissipation. In this paper, we examine the viability of these ideas by explicitly calculating the leading-order angular momentum transport of axisymmetric modes in magnetized, differentially rotating, stratified flows. The modes are destabilized by the generalized magnetorotational instability, including the effects of angular velocity and entropy gradients. It is explicitly shown that modes that would be stable in the absence of a destabilizing entropy gradient transport angular momentum outward. There are no inward-transporting modes at all, unless the magnitude of the (imaginary) Brunt-Väisälä frequency is comparable to the epicyclic frequency, a condition requiring substantial levels of dissipation. When inward-transporting modes do exist, they appear at long wavelengths, unencumbered by magnetic tension. Moreover, very general thermodynamic principles prohibit the complete recovery of irreversible dissipative energy losses, a central feature of convection-dominated models. Dissipationless flow is incompatible with the increasing inward entropy gradient needed for the existence of inward-transporting modes. Indeed, under steady conditions, dissipation of the free energy of differential rotation inevitably requires outward angular momentum transport. Our results are in good agreement with global MHD simulations, which find significant levels of outward transport and energy dissipation, whether or not destabilizing entropy gradients are present.
Optimization of Postoperative Intravenous Patient-Controlled Analgesia with Opioid-Dexmedetomidine Combinations: An Updated Meta-Analysis with Trial Sequential Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND It is still a challenge to optimize postoperative pain management. The effects of adding dexmedetomidine (DEX) to opioid-based postoperative intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) are not fully understood. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of opioid-DEX combinations for postoperative PCA, and a trial sequential analysis (TSA) is utilized to evaluate the robustness of the current evidence. STUDY DESIGN A systematic review and meta-analysis. SETTING Randomized controlled trials that compared opioid-DEX combinations with opioid-only for PCA in adult surgical patients. METHODS MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases were searched for relevant articles. The main outcomes analyzed were postoperative pain intensity, opioid requirement, and opioid-related adverse events. The random-effects model was used to estimate mean differences (MDs) or relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A TSA was performed to test whether the evidence was reliable and significant. The quality of evidence for the main outcomes was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. RESULTS Eighteen studies involving 1,284 patients were included. The meta-analysis indicated that opioid-DEX combinations were associated with lower postoperative pain intensity (at rest: MD [24 hours] = -0.48, 95% CI [-0.75, -0.21], P = 0.0005), lower morphine-equivalent requirement (MD [0 - 24 hours] = -12.16 mg [-16.12, -8.21], P < 0.00001), and lower adverse events (nausea: RR = 0.66 [0.52, 0.83]; vomiting: RR = 0.65 [0.49, 0.87]; and pruritus: RR = 0.57 [0.40, 0.81]). For the above results, the TSA revealed that the cumulative Z-curve exceeded both the traditional boundary and the trial sequential monitoring boundary for benefit. DEX had no effect on the incidence of hypotension or bradycardia, which was also confirmed by the TSA. The GRADE level of evidence was high for postoperative nausea, moderate for pain intensity at rest at 24 hours postoperatively, morphine-equivalent requirement during 0 - 24 hours postoperatively, and postoperative vomiting, pruritus, and bradycardia, and low for postoperative hypotension. LIMITATIONS The risk of introducing potentially significant heterogeneity exists, and this study did not evaluate the effects of DEX combined with opioids on long-term outcomes including chronic pain and patients' satisfaction after hospital discharge. CONCLUSIONS Postoperative PCA strategies with opioid-DEX combinations decreased postoperative pain, opioid requirement, and opioid-related adverse events. DEX is a useful adjuvant to opioid-based PCA. KEY WORDS Dexmedetomidine, pain, postoperative analgesia, opioid, patient-controlled.
Dairy Products as Essential Contributors of (Micro-) Nutrients in Reference Food Patterns: An Outline for Elderly People

The nutrient richness of dairy products is widely recognized, but mainly low fat or skimmed versions are generally advocated given the proportion of saturated fatty acids in milk fat. The question arises how to appraise this nutrient richness relative to the contribution of the saturated fraction of dairy fat. We reviewed available data - collected from elderly people - on nutrient contributions by dairy products in The Netherlands, on the relevance of nutrients specifically supplied by dairy products and shown to be associated with ageing-related functional losses, and from prospective studies in selected elderly populations in Europe on the impact of dietary and lifestyle factors on morbidity and mortality. In the current daily food pattern of older adults in The Netherlands dairy products provide significant to substantial amounts of protein and a number of minerals and vitamins relevant for healthy ageing. Especially in the frail elderly it will be difficult to replace dairy products by other foods. Dietary advice should focus on an adequate supply of energy, protein and micronutrients rather than on avoiding saturated fats. For the younger healthy 65 + we estimated that including lower fat dairy products rather their whole fat equivalents, may help to improve the dietary pattern. However, prospective analyses on morbidity and mortality do not suggest that moderate dietary intake of dairy products is associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk in this age group. In dietary risk-benefit analyses the ultimate perspective should be the nutritional status, the risk profile of the target group and the place of the foods in the dietary pattern. Such analyses need more sophisticated methods than currently available and applied in this paper. In Europe initiatives have been taken to develop such methods.
High Dynamic Range Imaging by Perceptual Logarithmic Exposure Merging

Abstract In this paper we emphasize a similarity between the logarithmic type image processing (LTIP) model and the Naka–Rushton model of the human visual system (HVS). LTIP is a derivation of logarithmic image processing (LIP), which further replaces the logarithmic function with a ratio of polynomial functions. Based on this similarity, we show that it is possible to present a unifying framework for the high dynamic range (HDR) imaging problem, namely, that performing exposure merging under the LTIP model is equivalent to standard irradiance map fusion. The resulting HDR algorithm is shown to provide high quality in both subjective and objective evaluations.
Mechanical Behavior of Grouted Sands

OF THESIS MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF GROUTED SANDS Grouting techniques have been in used for many years, but several new grout materials have surfaced in recent decades that have re-defined the boundaries of the limitations of grouting programs. Typically these applications are used for seepage control in earthen impoundments, but strength of these earthen impoundments should be considered where there is potential for movement in the grouted soil mass. This study investigated initial conditions that could affect grout application effectiveness. The initial conditions in question were soil grain size and in situ moisture content. Two grouts were used, ultrafine and acrylate, and variations in pure grout properties were studied. An apparatus was developed so that a uniform grout could penetrate the pore spaces of a soil specimen. The rate of penetration of the grout into the soil was studied. The unconfined compressive strength of the resulting grouted soil was then analyzed. In testing neat ultrafine grout, it was shown that increased water-to-cement ratios had negative effects on the stability of the grout. Increasing the water-to-cement ratio from 0.5 to 2.5 resulted in a decrease in strength by a factor of 100. An inhibitor chemical was used to increase the time for reaction in the acrylate grout. During the chemical reaction, the curing temperature and gel times were monitored. A grout mix was selected for the acrylate grout that achieved appropriate gel times. In general, this study found that the grout penetrations rates into the soil increased as the initial moisture was increased from dry conditions to a gravimetric moisture content of nine percent. In each study, increased initial moisture decreased the grouted soil strength, with decreases in strength exceeding 50 percent. Empirical relationships were realized when compared to the initial matric suction of the soil. This suggests initial matric suction may be a useful initial condition for estimating increases in soil strength upon implementation of a grouting program for both the acrylate and ultrafine grouts.
Three-Dimensional Crack Growth Assessment By Microtopographic Examination

The initial stage of the stable tearing process in two 2.3 mm sheet 2024-T3 aluminum alloy M(T) specimens are analyzed using fracture surface microtopography reconstruction techniques. The local crack tip opening angles (CTOA) in the interior of the specimens are determined relative to both crack extension and through-thickness position. The microtopographic analysis of cracks grown in the L-T and T-L orientations reveal that interior CTOA is comparable to those measured on the surface using standard optical analysis methods. Similar to surface CTOA results, interior (mid-thickness) CTOA exhibit a transient behavior; CTOA transitions from high angles, at near crack initiation, to a lower steady-state value of 5 deg. and 4.2 deg. for L-T and T-L, respectively, at crack lengths greater than 1.5mm. Fracture surface topographic projection maps are used to study the evolution of crack front tunneling during the initial stage of the fracture process. Stable tearing initiates at mid-thickness followed by a crack front tunneling process to a depth of approximately 2mm. A brief discussion of the basis of the fracture process reconstruction method is provided and comments on the general utility of microtopographic fracture surface examination for general assessment of elastic-plastic and fully-plastic fracture processes are made.
Recalibrated Tree of Leaf Beetles (Chrysomelidae) Indicates Independent Diversification of Angiosperms and Their Insect Herbivores

Background The great diversity of the “Phytophaga” (weevils, longhorn beetles and leaf beetles) has been attributed to their co-radiation with the angiosperms based on matching age estimates for both groups, but phylogenetic information and molecular clock calibrations remain insufficient for this conclusion. Methodology A phylogenetic analysis of the leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) was conducted based on three partial ribosomal gene markers (mitochondrial rrnL, nuclear small and large subunit rRNA) including over 3000 bp for 167 taxa representing most major chrysomelid lineages and outgroups. Molecular clock calibrations and confidence intervals were based on paleontological data from the oldest (K-T boundary) leaf beetle fossil, ancient feeding traces ascribed to hispoid Cassidinae, and the vicariant split of Nearctic and Palearctic members of the Timarchini. Principal Findings The origin of the Chrysomelidae was dated to 73–79 Mya (confidence interval 63–86 Mya), and most subfamilies were post-Cretaceous, consistent with the ages of all confirmed body fossils. Two major monocot feeding chrysomelid lineages formed widely separated clades, demonstrating independent colonization of this ancient (early Cretaceous) angiosperm lineage. Conclusions Previous calibrations proposing a much older origin of Chrysomelidae were not supported. Therefore, chrysomelid beetles likely radiated long after the origin of their host lineages and their diversification was driven by repeated radiaton on a pre-existing diverse resource, rather than ancient host associations.
QS-21 enhances the early antibody response to oil adjuvant foot-and-mouth disease vaccine in cattle

Purpose One of the most important tools against foot-and-mouth disease, a highly contagious and variable viral disease of cloven-hoofed animals, is vaccination. However, the effectiveness of foot-and-mouth disease vaccines on slowing the spread of the disease is questionable. In contrast, high potency vaccines providing early protection may solve issues with the spread of the disease, escaping mutants, and persistency. To increase the potency of the vaccine, additives such as saponin and aluminium hydroxide are used. However, the use of saponin with an oil adjuvant is not common and is sometimes linked to toxicity. QS-21, which is less toxic than Quil A, has been presented as an alternative for use with saponin. In this study, the addition of QS-21 to a commercially available foot-and-mouth disease water-in-oil-in-water emulsion vaccine was evaluated in cattle. Materials and Methods After vaccination, serum samples were collected periodically over 3 months. Sera of the QS-21 and normal oil vaccine groups were compared via serum virus neutralization antibody titre and liquid phase blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay antibody titre. Results The results showed that there was a significant early antibody increase in the QS-21 group. Conclusion Strong early virus neutralizing antibody response will be useful for emergency or ring vaccinations against foot-and-mouth disease in target animals.
Mobility of G proteins is heterogeneous and polarized during chemotaxis

The interaction of G-protein-coupled receptors with G proteins is a key event in transmembrane signal transduction that leads to vital decision-making by the cell. Here, we applied single-molecule epifluorescence microscopy to study the mobility of both the Gβγ and the Gα2 subunits of the G protein heterotrimer in comparison with the cAMP receptor responsible for chemotactic signaling in Dictyostelium discoideum. Our experimental results suggest that ~30% of the G protein heterotrimers exist in receptor-precoupled complexes. Upon stimulation in a chemotactic gradient, this complex dissociates, subsequently leading to a linear diffusion and collision amplification of the external signal. We further found that Gβγ was partially immobilized and confined in an agonist-, F-actin- and Gα2-dependent fashion. This led to the hypothesis that functional nanometric domains exist in the plasma membrane, which locally restrict the activation signal, and in turn, lead to faithful and efficient chemotactic signaling.
Arbitrarily High-order Accurate Entropy Stable Essentially Nonoscillatory Schemes for Systems of Conservation Laws

We design arbitrarily high-order accurate entropy stable schemes for systems of conservation laws. The schemes, termed TeCNO schemes, are based on two main ingredients: (i) high-order accurate entropy conservative fluxes and (ii) suitable numerical diffusion operators involving ENO reconstructed cell-interface values of scaled entropy variables. Numerical experiments in one and two space dimensions are presented to illustrate the robust numerical performance of the TeCNO schemes.
Factors affecting click-through behavior in aggregated search interfaces

An aggregated search interface is designed to integrate search results from different sources (web, image, video, blog, etc) into a single result page. This paper presents two user studies investigating factors affecting users click-through behavior on aggregated search interfaces. We tested two aggregated search interfaces: one where results from the different sources are blended into a single list (called blended), and another, where results from each source are presented in a separate panel (called non-blended). A total of 1,296 search sessions performed by 48 participants were analysed in our study. Our results suggest that 1) the position of search results is significant only in the blended and not in the non-blended design; 2) participants' click-through behavior on videos is different from other sources; and finally 3) capturing a task's orientation towards particular sources is an important factor for further investigation and research.
Respiratory effects on the reproducibility of cardiovascular autonomic parameters

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of breathing pattern on the reproducibility of the most commonly used heart rate and blood pressure variability parameters and baroreflex indices. 5–5 min ECG and blood pressure recordings were made and repeated for 10 healthy volunteers in supine rest on 10 consecutive days during spontaneous and 6 min−1 patterned breathing. We investigated the following parameters: mean RR interval (RRI); the standard deviation of RR intervals (SDRR); the root mean square of successive differences in RRI (RMSSD); the percentage of RRIs which differed by 50% from the proceeding RRI (PNN50); mean systolic arterial pressure (SAP); the standard deviation of SAP (SAP SD); mean mean arterial pressure (MAP); mean diastolic blood pressure (DAP) and baroreflex indices from spontaneous sequence method (upBRS and downBRS) and from cross spectral analysis (LF alpha, HF alpha). To assess reproducibility for each parameter within‐ and between‐subject variability values were calculated and the ratio of within‐ and between‐subject variability was assessed. In addition, we calculated intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Compared to spontaneous respiration during 6 min−1 patterned breathing the heart rate and blood pressure variability increased; upBRS, LF alpha and HF alpha increased, downBRS did not change. However, ICC showed good reproducibility for most parameters, which did not improve further with controlled breathing. In conclusion, respiration had a strong influence on the most widely used cardiovascular autonomic parameters. The controlling of breathing did not result in consistent improvement in their reproducibility.
A unified context-free grammar and n-gram model for spoken language processing

While context-free grammars (CFGs) remain as one of the most important formalisms for interpreting natural language, word n-gram models are surprisingly powerful for domain-independent applications. We propose to unify these two formalisms for both speech recognition and spoken language understanding (SLU). With portability as the major problem, we incorporated domain-specific CFGs into a domain-independent n-gram model that can improve the generalizability of the CFG and the specificity of the n-gram. In our experiments, the unified model can significantly reduce the test set perplexity from 378 to 90 in comparison with a domain-independent word trigram. The unified model converges well when domain-specific data becomes available. The perplexity can be further reduced from 90 to 65 with a limited amount of domain-specific data. While we have demonstrated excellent portability, the full potential of our approach lies in its unified recognition and understanding that we are investigating.
High-Throughput Sequencing Identifies Novel and Conserved Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) microRNAs in Response to Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus Infection

Seedlings of Cucumis sativus L. (cv. 'Zhongnong 16') were artificially inoculated with Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV) at the three-true-leaf stage. Leaf and flower samples were collected at different time points post-inoculation (10, 30 and 50 d), and processed by high throughput sequencing analysis to identify candidate miRNA sequences. Bioinformatic analysis using screening criteria, and secondary structure prediction, indicated that 8 novel and 23 known miRNAs (including 15 miRNAs described for the first time in vivo) were produced by cucumber plants in response to CGMMV infection. Moreover, gene expression profiles (p-value <0.01) validated the expression of 3 of the novel miRNAs and 3 of the putative candidate miRNAs and identified a further 82 conserved miRNAs in CGMMV-infected cucumbers. Gene ontology (GO) analysis revealed that the predicted target genes of these 88 miRNAs, which were screened using the psRNATarget and miRanda algorithms, were involved in three functional categories: 2265 in molecular function, 1362 as cellular components and 276 in biological process. The subsequent Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis revealed that the predicted target genes were frequently involved in metabolic processes (166 pathways) and genetic information processes (40 pathways) and to a lesser degree the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites (12 pathways). These results could provide useful clues to help elucidate host-pathogen interactions in CGMMV and cucumber, as well as for the screening of resistance genes.