Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Voronoi Diagrams on Planar Graphs, and Computing the Diameter in Deterministic Õ(n5/3) Time

We present an explicit and efficient construction of additively weighted Voronoi diagrams on planar graphs. Let $G$ be a planar graph with $n$ vertices and $b$ sites that lie on a constant number of faces. We show how to preprocess $G$ in $\tilde O(nb^2)$ time (footnote: The $\tilde O$ notation hides polylogarithmic factors.) so that one can compute any additively weighted Voronoi diagram for these sites in $\tilde O(b)$ time. We use this construction to compute the diameter of a directed planar graph with real arc lengths in $\tilde{O}(n^{5/3})$ time. This improves the recent breakthrough result of Cabello (SODA'17), both by improving the running time (from $\tilde{O}(n^{11/6})$), and by providing a deterministic algorithm. It is in fact the first truly subquadratic {\em deterministic} algorithm for this problem. Our use of Voronoi diagrams to compute the diameter follows that of Cabello, but he used abstract Voronoi diagrams, which makes his diameter algorithm more involved, more expensive, and randomized. As in Cabello's work, our algorithm can compute, for every vertex $v$, both the farthest vertex from $v$ (i.e., the eccentricity of $v$), and the sum of distances from $v$ to all other vertices. Hence, our algorithm can also compute the radius, median, and Wiener index (sum of all pairwise distances) of a planar graph within the same time bounds. Our construction of Voronoi diagrams for planar graphs is of independent interest.
Arthroscopic Treatment of Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus Using Juvenile Articular Cartilage Allograft and Autologous Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentration

&NA; Juvenile allogenic chondrocyte implantation (JACI; DeNovo NT Natural Tissue Graft®; Zimmer, Warsaw, IN) with autologous bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) is a relatively new all‐arthroscopic procedure for treating critical‐size osteochondral lesions (OCLs) of the talus. Few studies have investigated the clinical and radiographic outcomes of this procedure. We collected the clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients who had undergone JACI‐BMAC for talar OCLs to assess treatment efficacy and cartilage repair tissue quality using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Forty‐six patients with critical‐size OCLs (≥6 mm widest diameter) received JACI‐BMAC from 2012 to 2014. We performed a retrospective medical record review and assessed the functional outcomes pre‐ and postoperatively using the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and Short‐Form 12‐item general health questionnaire. MRI was performed preoperatively and at 12 and 24 months postoperatively. Cartilage morphology was evaluated on postoperative MRI scans using the magnetic resonance observation of cartilage tissue (MOCART) score. The pre‐ to postoperative changes and relationships between outcomes and lesion size, bone grafting, lesion location, instability, hypertrophy, and MOCART scores were analyzed. Overall, the mean questionnaire scores improved significantly, with almost every FAOS subscale showing significant improvement postoperatively. Concurrent instability resulted in more changes that were statistically significant. The use of bone grafting and the presence of hypertrophy did not result in statistically significant changes in the outcomes. Factors associated with outcomes were lesion size and hypertrophy. Increasing lesion size was associated with decreased FAOS quality of life subscale and hypertrophy correlating with changes in the pain subscale. Of the 46 patients, 22 had undergone postoperative MRI scans that were scored. The average MOCART score was 46.8. Most patients demonstrated a persistent bone marrow edema pattern and hypertrophy of the reparative cartilage. Juvenile articular cartilage implantation of the DeNovo NT allograft and BMAC resulted in improved functional outcome scores; however, the reparative tissue still exhibited fibrocartilage composition radiographically. Further studies are needed to investigate the long‐term outcomes and determine the superiority of the arthroscopic DeNovo procedure compared with microfracture and other cartilage resurfacing procedures. &NA; Level of Clinical Evidence: 4
Axogenic mechanism enhances retinal ganglion cell excitability during early progression in glaucoma

Significance Identifying new therapies for neurodegenerative disease requires understanding how neurons respond to stress and whether this response includes adaptation to slow progression. Because neurodegeneration affects both axons and dendrites, with their synaptic contacts, adaptation could involve both compartments. We investigated this question in experimental glaucoma, the world’s leading cause of irreversible vision loss. Glaucoma attacks retinal ganglion cell neurons and their axons, which comprise the optic nerve. We found that elevations in ocular pressure, a prominent risk factor for glaucoma, caused a paradoxical increase in ganglion cell excitability, including response to light, even in cells with substantial dendritic pruning. This adaptation arose from voltage-dependent mechanisms in the axon and may help maintain signaling to the brain to preserve vision. Diseases of the brain involve early axon dysfunction that often precedes outright degeneration. Pruning of dendrites and their synapses represents a potential driver of axonopathy by reducing activity. Optic nerve degeneration in glaucoma, the world’s leading cause of irreversible blindness, involves early stress to retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons from sensitivity to intraocular pressure (IOP). This sensitivity also influences survival of RGC dendrites and excitatory synapses in the retina. Here we tested in individual RGCs identified by type the relationship between dendritic organization and axon signaling to light following modest, short-term elevations in pressure. We found dendritic pruning occurred early, by 2 wk of elevation, and independent of whether the RGC responded to light onset (ON cells) or offset (OFF cells). Pruning was similarly independent of ON and OFF in the DBA/2J mouse, a chronic glaucoma model. Paradoxically, all RGCs, even those with significant pruning, demonstrated a transient increase in axon firing in response to the preferred light stimulus that occurred on a backdrop of generally enhanced excitability. The increased response was not through conventional presynaptic signaling, but rather depended on voltage-sensitive sodium channels that increased transiently in the axon. Pruning, axon dysfunction, and deficits in visual acuity did not progress between 2 and 4 wk of elevation. These results suggest neurodegeneration in glaucoma involves an early axogenic response that counters IOP-related stress to excitatory dendritic architecture to slow progression and maintain signaling to the brain. Thus, short-term exposure to elevated IOP may precondition the neural system to further insult.
Enhancement of dissolution of Fenofibrate by Solid dispersion Technique

Fenofibrate is a lipid lowering drug used in the treatment of hyperlipidemia, which is not soluble in water and lower absorption in gastric fluid. In order to improve the solubility and oral absorption of the drug in gastric fluid and to enhance its dissolution rate solid dispersions and Lyophilization of dispersion is designed and evaluated. Solid dispersions of Fenofibrate were prepared using PEG 6000, Poloxamer 407 and a mixture of PEG 6000 and Poloxamer 407(1:1 mixture). The effect of melt and solvent methods of preparation of solid dispersion on dissolution behavior was also investigated. Dissolution studies indicated a significant increase in dissolution of Fenofibrate when dispersed in PEG6000 and Poloxamer 407. Physical mixtures containing PEG and Poloxamer 407 also showed improved dissolution of Fenofibrate as compared with that of pure drug, indicating the solubilizing effect of PEG6000 and Poloxamer 407. Solid dispersions containing Fenofibrate /Poloxamer 407, 1: 8, showed a 14-fold increase in dissolution after 60 min (D60) and another dispersion containing Fenofibrate /PEG 6000, 1:10, showed an 8-fold increase in the 0.1 N HCl systems. The dispersion containing six parts of the PEG 6000: Poloxamer 407 mixture (PEG 4000/PEG 6000, 1:1 mixture) showed a 12-fold increase in D60 as compared with pure drug. When multi-carrier solid dispersion containing six parts of mixture was prepared by the solvent method, the D60 value was about 2-fold that of the same dispersion prepared by the melt method. The dissolution of lyophilized solid dispersions further increased the dissolution of Fenofibrate significantly.
A characterization of linearly repetitive cut and project sets

For the development of a mathematical theory which can be used to rigorously investigate physical properties of quasicrystals, it is necessary to understand regularity of patterns in special classes of aperiodic point sets in Euclidean space. In one dimension, prototypical mathematical models for quasicrystals are provided by Sturmian sequences and by point sets generated by substitution rules. Regularity properties of such sets are well understood, thanks mostly to well known results by Morse and Hedlund, and physicists have used this understanding to study one dimensional random Schrödinger operators and lattice gas models. A key fact which plays an important role in these problems is the existence of a subadditive ergodic theorem, which is guaranteed when the corresponding point set is linearly repetitive. In this paper we extend the one-dimensional model to cut and project sets, which generalize Sturmian sequences in higher dimensions, and which are frequently used in mathematical and physical literature as models for higher dimensional quasicrystals. By using a combination of algebraic, geometric, and dynamical techniques, together with input from higher dimensional Diophantine approximation, we give a complete characterization of all linearly repetitive cut and project sets with cubical windows. We also prove that these are precisely the collection of such sets which satisfy subadditive ergodic theorems. The results are explicit enough to allow us to apply them to known classical models, and to construct linearly repetitive cut and project sets in all pairs of dimensions and codimensions in which they exist.
Quantitative analysis of rectus extraocular muscle layers in monkey and humans.

PURPOSE Rectus extraocular muscles (EOMs) consist of orbital (OL) and global (GL) layers. This study enumerated the fibers in both layers along the length of each EOM. METHODS Four human (ages 17 months-93 years) and three monkey (ages 5-7 years) orbits were serially sectioned in the coronal plane and stained with Masson's trichrome. All fibers of the rectus EOMs were counted using light microscopy at midorbit in all specimens and regular intervals throughout the orbits for one human and one monkey. RESULTS In the GL, human EOMs in midorbit contained 8000 to 16,400 fibers, and monkey EOMs contained 3600 to 6600 fibers, varying little among the four rectus EOMs. In humans and monkeys, the number of OL fibers in midorbit varied widely according to specific EOM, being most numerous for the medial rectus (human: 7400-14,600; monkey: 3700-7000). The GL existed over the entire extent of each EOM from origin in the orbital apex into continuity with the tendon inserting on the globe. The OL was absent in the most anterior portion of each EOM, because OL fibers inserted on the respective EOM pulley. CONCLUSIONS Primate EOMs contain substantial numbers of OL fibers. Numerical similarity of GL fibers is consistent with similar mechanical loading on each of the four rectus EOMs, as required to rotate the globe. Numerical dissimilarity of OL fibers correlates with varying mechanical loading because of varying elasticities of connective tissues onto which these fibers insert.
S4 grid-connected single-phase transformerless inverter for PV application

A novel transformerless inverter for grid-tied PV systems is introduces with low leakage current in this paper. Four power switches, two capacitors, two diodes, and a LC filter are uses in this topology. The negative polarity of the PV panel is connected to the neutral of the utility grid with common line. Therefore, a common-mode voltage is constant and leakage current is nearly zero. A unipolar Sinusoidal Pulse-Width modulation (SPWM) method is utilized to reduce the output current ripple and requirements of filter. The major merits of this topology are compact size, low cost, flexible grounding configuration and higher efficiency. The operating principle and analysis of the proposed inverter are presented in details. Finally, a universal prototype rated 500 W are tested to validate the proposed topology and the overall concept. The results obtained clearly confirm the performance and practical application of the proposed topology for grid-connected PV systems.
Effects of blur and repeated testing on sensitivity estimates with frequency doubling perimetry.

PURPOSE To investigate the effect of blur and repeated testing on sensitivity with frequency doubling technology (FDT) perimetry. METHODS One eye of 12 patients with glaucoma (mean deviation [MD] mean, -2.5 dB, range +0.5 to -4.3 dB) and 11 normal control subjects underwent six consecutive tests with the FDT N30 threshold program in each of two sessions. In session 1, blur was induced by trial lenses (-6.00, -3.00, 0.00, +3.00, and +6.00 D, in random order). In session 2, only the effects of repeated testing were evaluated. The MD and pattern standard deviation (PSD) indices were evaluated as functions of blur and of test order. By correcting the data of session 1 for the reduction of sensitivity with repeated testing (session 2), the effect of blur on FDT sensitivities was established, and its clinical consequences evaluated on total- and pattern-deviation probability maps. RESULTS FDT sensitivities decreased with blur (by <0.5 dB/D) and with repeated testing (by approximately 2 dB between the first and sixth tests). Blur and repeated testing independently led to larger numbers of locations with significant total and pattern deviation. Sensitivity reductions were similar in normal control subjects and patients with glaucoma, at central and peripheral test locations and at locations with high and low sensitivities. However, patients with glaucoma showed larger deterioration in the total-deviation-probability maps. CONCLUSIONS To optimize the performance of the device, refractive errors should be corrected and immediate retesting avoided. Further research is needed to establish the cause of sensitivity loss with repeated FDT testing.
Clinical characteristics and treatment outcome of acute myeloid leukemia in elderly patients in Korea: a retrospective analysis

Background The clinical characteristics of elderly patients with AML differ from those of younger patients, resulting in poorer survival and treatment outcomes. We analyzed retrospectively the clinical data of AML patients 65 years old and above to describe patients' characteristics and treatment patterns, and to define meaningful prognostic factors of survival in the Korean population. Methods Basic patients' characteristics, clinical outcomes according to treatments, and prognostic factors associated with survival and treatment intensity were examined in a total of 168 patients diagnosed in 5 institutes between 1996 and 2012 as having AML. Results Herein, 84 patients (50.0%) received high-intensity regimens (HIR), 18 (10.7%) received low-intensity regimens (LIR), and 66 (39.3%) received supportive care (SC) only. The median survival of all patients was 4.5 months; and median survival times with HIR, LIR, and SC were 6.8 months, 10.2 months, and 1.6 months, respectively. Median survival times with HIR and LIR were significantly longer than that with SC (P<0.0001 and P=0.006, respectively). Multivariate analysis identified age, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group-performance status (ECOG-PS), hemoglobin (Hb) level, and serum creatinine (Cr) level as statistically significant prognostic factors for survival. In the HIR group, prognostic factors for survival were ECOG-PS, Hb level, and C-reactive protein level. Conclusion Even in elderly AML patients, an intensive treatment regimen could be beneficial with careful patient selection. Further prospective studies designed to identify specific prognostic factors are required to establish an optimal treatment strategy for elderly AML patients.
ICG‐fluorescence imaging for detection of peritoneal metastases and residual tumoral scars in locally advanced ovarian cancer: A pilot study

No intraoperative imaging techniques exist for detecting tumor nodules or tumor scar tissues in patients treated with upfront or interval cytoreductive surgery (CS) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). The aims of this study were to evaluate the role of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging (FI) for the detection of peritoneal metastases (PM) and evaluate whether it can be used to detect remnant tumor cells in scar tissue.
Laterality-Specific Training Improves Mental Rotation Performance in Young Soccer Players

This study investigates the influence of specific soccer training with the non-dominant leg on mental rotation performance of 20 adolescent soccer players between 10 and 11 years of age. While the experimental group performed soccer specific tasks only with the non-dominant foot once a week for 10 weeks, the control group absolved the same exercises with the dominant foot for the same period of time. Both groups performed a mental rotation task and shot, dribbling and ball control tests before and after the 10 week intervention. The most relevant result was that the experimental group showed a significantly larger increase in mental rotation ability than the control group.
Branched Pectic Galactan in Phloem-Sieve-Element Cell Walls: Implications for Cell Mechanics1[CC-BY]

Branched pectic galactan is identified as a component of the cell walls of phloem sieve elements. A major question in plant biology concerns the specification and functional differentiation of cell types. This is in the context of constraints imposed by networks of cell walls that both adhere cells and contribute to the form and function of developing organs. Here, we report the identification of a glycan epitope that is specific to phloem sieve element cell walls in several systems. A monoclonal antibody, designated LM26, binds to the cell wall of phloem sieve elements in stems of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), Miscanthus x giganteus, and notably sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) roots where phloem identification is an important factor for the study of phloem unloading of Suc. Using microarrays of synthetic oligosaccharides, the LM26 epitope has been identified as a β-1,6-galactosyl substitution of β-1,4-galactan requiring more than three backbone residues for optimized recognition. This branched galactan structure has previously been identified in garlic (Allium sativum) bulbs in which the LM26 epitope is widespread throughout most cell walls including those of phloem cells. Garlic bulb cell wall material has been used to confirm the association of the LM26 epitope with cell wall pectic rhamnogalacturonan-I polysaccharides. In the phloem tissues of grass stems, the LM26 epitope has a complementary pattern to that of the LM5 linear β-1,4-galactan epitope, which is detected only in companion cell walls. Mechanical probing of transverse sections of M. x giganteus stems and leaves by atomic force microscopy indicates that phloem sieve element cell walls have a lower indentation modulus (indicative of higher elasticity) than companion cell walls.
Effect of a dietary-induced weight loss on liver enzymes in obese subjects.

BACKGROUND Weight loss was shown to be associated with improvements in liver enzymes and improvements of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. However, some evidence also shows that liver enzymes may transiently increase immediately after a dietary-induced weight loss. OBJECTIVE The aim was to assess the outcome of liver enzymes after a low-calorie diet (LCD) as well as during a follow-up period and to identify predictors for potential changes in these liver enzymes. DESIGN In this post hoc analysis of an existing database, liver enzymes were assessed before and immediately after a highly standardized soy-based meal replacement LCD providing 800 kcal/d, as well as 32 and 60 wk after the end of the LCD. RESULTS Data emanating from 147 obese subjects (104 women and 43 men) without known hepatic disease were included in this study. The LCD led to a median weight loss of 12.1 kg (range: 7.7-27.6 kg). In men, a significant decrease in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was observed immediately after the LCD, whereas, in women, these enzymes increased significantly, although mildly; however, this increase was transient. Sex was the only identifiable predictor of these changes in liver enzymes. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that mild, transient increases in ALT and AST values can be observed immediately after an LCD in women, but not in men. These changes are probably of multifactorial origin and may be considered as benign as long as they remain transient.
A low-rate code-spread and chip-interleaved time-hopping UWB system

We consider a code-spread and chip-interleaved time-hopping (TH) multiple-access scheme for multiuser ultra-wideband (UWB) communications. In such a system, each user's chip sequence is interleaved by a user-specific distinct random interleaver, and the receiver is a low-complexity chip-level iterative multiuser detector (MUD) which performs simple Rake-type combining to collect the energy dispersed in multipath UWB channels. To further reduce the receiver complexity, time reversal (TR), a transmitter preprocessing technique, is also considered. When power control is employed along with TR, a single-tap receiver can be utilized which offers a desirable bit error rate (BER) performance with a significantly reduced sampling rate. Furthermore, the zigzag Hadamard (ZH) code is proposed as the low-rate code for both channel coding and spreading in the code-spread TH-UWB system. With its capacity-approaching capability and low encoding/decoding complexity, the parallel concatenated ZH code is a promising coding scheme for UWB applications.
Deep Learning is Robust to Massive Label Noise

Deep neural networks trained on large supervised datasets have led to impressive results in image classification and other tasks. However, well-annotated datasets can be time-consuming and expensive to collect, lending increased interest to larger but noisy datasets that are more easily obtained. In this paper, we show that deep neural networks are capable of generalizing from training data for which true labels are massively outnumbered by incorrect labels. We demonstrate remarkably high test performance after training on corrupted data from MNIST, CIFAR, and ImageNet. For example, on MNIST we obtain test accuracy above 90 percent even after each clean training example has been diluted with 100 randomly-labeled examples. Such behavior holds across multiple patterns of label noise, even when erroneous labels are biased towards confusing classes. We show that training in this regime requires a significant but manageable increase in dataset size that is related to the factor by which correct labels have been diluted. Finally, we provide an analysis of our results that shows how increasing noise decreases the effective batch size.