Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Set-up errors in patients undergoing image guided radiation treatment. Relationship to body mass index and weight loss

Background. The purpose of this study was to quantify the set-up errors of patient positioning during IGRT and to correlate set-up errors to patient-specific factors such as weight, height, BMI, and weight loss. Patients and methods. Thirty four consecutively treated head-and-neck cancer patients (H&N) and 20 lung cancer patients were investigated. Patients were positioned using customized immobilization devices consisting of vacuum cushions and thermoplastic shells. Treatment was given on an Elekta Synergy accelerator. Cone-beam acquisitions were obtained according to a standardized Action Limit protocol and compared to pre-treatment CT images. The average 3D deviation from three initial cone beam scans was compared to deviations at the 10th and 20th treatment session and correlated by linear regression analysis to height, weight, and BMI, and in H&N to weight loss as expressed by the relative weight change over time. Results. The SD of the translational and rotational random set-up errors during the first three sessions for H&N were 0.9mm (Left-Right), 1.1mm (Anterior-Posterior), 0.7mm (Cranio-Caudal) and 0.7° (LR-axis), 0.5° (AP-axis), and 0.7° (CC-axis). The equivalent data for lung cancer patients were 1.1mm (LR), 1.1mm (AP), 1.5 mm (CC) and 0.5° (LR-axis), 0.6° (AP-axis), and 0.4° (CC-axis). The median BMI for H&N and lung was 25.8 (17.6–39.7) and 23.7 (17.4–38.8), respectively. The median weekly weight change for H&N was −0.3% (−2.0 to 1.1%). With H&N and lung cancer analyzed separately, no statistically significant correlation was observed between set-up errors and height, weight, BMI, or weight change during treatment, irrespectively whether the 3D deviations from the initial three cone beam scans or scans from the 10th or 20th treatment sessions were used. Conclusion. This IGRT study did not support the hypothesis that set-up errors during radiotherapy are correlated to patient height, weight, BMI, or weight loss.
Premotor and Prefrontal Correlates of Category-Related Lexical Retrieval

It has been shown that the retrieval of words denoting visually presented concrete entities engages neural systems in the left temporal lobe and that the precise pattern of activation within the temporal lobe depends in part on the conceptual category to which the entity belongs. Here, we used [15O]water positron emission tomography to test the hypothesis that the pattern of activation associated with word retrieval in left frontal lobe would also be related to conceptual category. The design entailed the performance of three tasks requiring the retrieval of words denoting animals, tools, and unique persons. The visual stimuli were presented at different rates, to produce equal performance success across categories, a feature which also had the effect of equalizing the proportion of scan time spent in mental search. All three word retrieval tasks activated the left inferior frontal gyrus, but they differed in their recruitment of two other premotor and prefrontal areas. Activity in a portion of the middle frontal gyrus, corresponding to Brodmann area 46, bore a linear relation to response latency and may index the extent of mental search. This region was most active when subjects named persons. Activity in the anterior bank of the precentral gyrus, along the inferior and middle frontal gyri, was most marked for naming tools. This region overlaps the area activated when subjects generate words for actions. We suggest that it is engaged by the retrieval of words denoting actions or objects with characteristic actions. The data presented here provide additional support for the notion that "nonclassical" language areas in extrasylvian frontal and temporal regions mediate word retrieval and that the pattern of their engagement relates to conceptual category.
STELLAR POPULATIONS OF ULTRAVIOLET-SELECTED ACTIVE GALACTIC NUCLEI HOST GALAXIES AT z ∼ 2–3

We use stellar population synthesis modeling to analyze the host-galaxy properties of a sample of 33 UV-selected, narrow-lined active galactic nuclei (AGNs) at z ∼ 2–3. In order to quantify the contribution of AGN emission to host galaxy broadband spectral energy distributions (SEDs), we use the subsample of 11 AGNs with photometric coverage spanning from rest-frame UV through near-IR wavelengths. Modeling the SEDs of these objects with a linear combination of stellar population and AGN templates, we infer the effect of the AGN on derived stellar population parameters. We also estimate the typical bias in derived stellar populations for AGNs lacking rest-frame near-IR wavelength coverage, and develop a method for inferring the true host-galaxy properties. We compare AGN host-galaxy properties to those of a sample of UV-selected, star-forming non-AGNs in the same redshift range, including a subsample carefully matched in stellar mass. Although the AGNs have higher masses and star-formation rates than the full non-active sample, their stellar population properties are consistent with those of the mass-selected sample, suggesting that the presence of an AGN is not connected with the cessation of star formation activity in star-forming galaxies at z ∼ 2–3. We suggest that a correlation between MBH and galaxy stellar mass is already in place at this epoch. Assuming a roughly constant Eddington ratio for AGNs at all stellar masses, we are unable to detect the AGNs in low-mass galaxies because they are simply too faint.
Feedforward adaptive noise control with multivariable gradient lattice filters

This work presents a novel feedforward adaptive noise control (ANC) algorithm based on multivariable gradient lattice filters to control acoustic noise or vibration globally. In addition, a gradient-based lattice for AR and FIR models and its transpose lattice for the multivariable ANC algorithm are derived. The filter has different forward and backward reflection coefficient matrices to provide a faster convergence than the gradient lattice algorithm when using the same reflection coefficient matrices. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in controlling broadband acoustic noise in an enclosure.
Stock Market Integration and Portfolio Diversifications in the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC): A Thai Perspective

This paper has two objectives. First, we examine the dynamic patterns of interdependence among six stock markets in the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). The Dynamic Conditional Correlation (DCC) – GARCH model is used to generate time-varying cross-country correlations in stock returns. The results exhibit the time-varying behavior in both conditional variances and correlations. In addition, these cross-country conditional correlations are increasing over time in every case. Second, we investigate benefits of international portfolio diversification in ASEAN Exchange from a Thai perspective. The results show that performance of international diversify portfolios could vary over time. However, ability of the DCC-GARCH model to quickly update information on impact of market volatility could provides better information in optimization process. As a result, overall performance of portfolios using conditional correlation generated by the DCC-GARCH model is significantly better than simple portfolio with moving-average correlation. Therefore, financial liberalization process under the AEC framework provided an opportunity for a Thai investor to extract gain from international diversification.
Understanding The Organisational Buyer Behaviour Of Craft Retailers In South Africa

The purpose of the study was to investigate the buyer behaviour of craft retailers in South Africa (SA). Specifically, the study investigated the stages in the buying process craft retailers go through when buying crafts from the craft producers. Craft retailers play a dominant role in the craft industry value chain yet craft producers face difficulties selling to this market. Instead, they resort to selling directly to end consumers and not through craft retailers. An understanding of craft retailer and buyer behaviour is a necessity for craft producers who want to sell their products successfully through the craft retailers. A survey was conducted among 233 craft retailers in SA. A convenience sampling method was adopted for the study. The findings revealed that craft retailers go through homogenous buying stages. The stages in the buying process did not differ across different types of craft retailers. The stages also did not differ according to the years of buying experience of craft retailers. An understanding of buyer behaviour of craft retailers would be necessary for craft producers who want to target craft retailers, since they (craft producers) will be able to formulate appropriate and effective marketing strategies targeted at craft retailers. Craft retailers go through a lengthy process when buying crafts. Craft producers, therefore, need to understand the stages that craft retailers go through to ensure that the understanding is incorporated into their marketing strategy.
Follicle development in grafted mouse ovaries after cryopreservation and subcutaneous transplantation.

OBJECTIVE Our aim was to determine the impact of freezing, thawing, and subcutaneous transplantation on follicular development in grafted mouse ovaries. STUDY DESIGN The mice were divided into 3 groups: control (group 1), frozen-thawed grafting (group 2), and frozen-thawed grafting with human menopausal gonadotropin injection (group 3). After freezing and thawing, the ovaries were transplanted into the subcutaneous tissue. Two weeks after transplantation, grafted ovaries and blood samples were collected. RESULTS Ovaries from group 3 contained significantly more follicles (246 +/- 43 follicles) than group 2(P <.05). The pattern and intensity of Cx37 immunohistochemical staining was similar in all groups. Follicle-stimulating hormone concentrations were significantly decreased in group 2 after ovarian grafting. CONCLUSION In mice, gonadotropin treatment before subcutaneous grafting improved the survival of growing follicles. Subcutaneous ovarian transplantation may restore ovarian function and could obviate many of the problems that are related to ovarian banking for humans.
Strong exciton–photon coupling in a low-Q all-metal mirror microcavity

We report the experimental observation of strong exciton–photon coupling in a planar microcavity composed of an organic semiconductor positioned between two metallic (silver) mirrors. Via transmission and reflectivity measurements, we observe a very large, room temperature Rabi splitting in excess of 300 meV. We show that the Rabi-splitting is enhanced in all-metal microcavities by a factor of more than 2 compared to an organic film positioned between a silver mirror and a dielectric mirror. This enhancement results from the significantly larger optical fields that are confined within all-metal microcavities.
Identifying the Best Forearm Muscle to Control Soft Robotic Glove System by Using a Single sEMG Channel

Soft robotic gloves controlled by surface electromyography signals (sEMG) can be indispensable tool for assisting patients afflicted with hand impairment to perform daily activities and at home rehabilitation. To simplify these devices and make them more practical for usage in daily basis, they must employ minimum number of sEMG channels. Some studies have developed classification algorithms that employ single sEMG channel, but these algorithms need intensive calculations and require sEMG signal with good signal to noise ratio (SNR) which is difficult to get from patients that have neuromuscular diseases. Therefore, a computationally efficient muscle activity detection algorithm with ability to classify two hand movements (hand close and hand open) has been proposed in a previous study (FLA-MSE algorithm) to control the movement of a soft robotic glove system. This algorithm employs a single sEMG channel on the Flexor Carpi Ulnaris (FCU) muscle to detect and classify low SNR muscle activities. In this paper, an investigation has been conducted on a healthy subject to verify if the FCU muscle is the best forearm muscle for locating the single sEMG channel in order to get the better detection and classification performance for the FLA-MSE algorithm. The results have verified that the FCU muscle is the most suitable location to put the sEMG channel compared to other forearm muscles with respect to obtaining optimum performance of the FLA-MSE algorithm.
The Social Cost of a Credit Monopoly

Banks provide credit and take deposits. Whereas a high price in the credit market increases banks’ retained earnings and attracts more deposits, it reduces lending if borrowers are sufficiently poor to be tempted by diversion. Thus optimal bank market structure trades off the benefits of monopoly banking in attracting deposits against losses due to tighter credit. The model shows that market structure is irrelevant if both banks and borrowers lack resources. Monopoly banking induces tighter credit rationing if borrowers are poor and banks are wealthy, and increases lending if borrowers are wealthy and banks lack resources. The results indicate that improved legal protection of creditors is a more efficient policy choice than legal protection of depositors, and that subsidies to firms lead to better outcomes than subsidies to banks. There are also likely to be sizable gains from promoting bank competition in developing countries.
Neither Stretching nor Postactivation Potentiation Affect Maximal Force and Rate of Force Production during Seven One-Minute Trials

Warm-up involves different factors and is implemented in multiple fields and applications. In athletics, it is an essential aspect of preparation. Four specific different warm-ups were randomly investigated in this study. PURPOSE: The purpose of this investigation was to compare the effects of stretching versus a heavy squat (potentiation) versus a loaded jump squat (potentiation) on subsequent maximal force and rate of force development capabilities in an isometric squat. METHODS: Ten male collegiate football and track & field athletes (9 & 1 respectively) participated as subjects in this study. Subjects were tested during four separate sessions that involved seven isometric squat trials on a force plate at one-minute intervals to determine maximal force (MF) and rate of force development (RFD) values. The sessions included a five-minute bike warm-up followed by nothing (control), a heavy squat set (3 reps at 90% 1RM), a loaded jump squat set (9 reps at 30%), or a stretching protocol (3 reps of 30 seconds on each leg; quadriceps and gluteals). RESULTS: MF and RFD in the isometric squat was not significantly different following any of the four conditions (C=3160.7+205.0 N, S=3092.2+188.2, JS=3268.9±207.6, HS=3172.7+190.3; C=167.1+19.3 N/s, S=153.1+20.9, 164.6+19.9, HS=172.0+20.9). CONCLUSION: Some insignificant results show that the loaded jump squat protocol may increase maximal force and that stretching may decrease this variable, with a larger sample size. Future experiments investigating the possibility of potentiation should involve loaded jump squats. Stretching seems to be detrimental to performance in athletic activities that require maximal force production.
Parent-Rated Externalizing Behavior in Preschoolers: The Predictive Utility of Structured Interviews, Teacher Reports, and Classroom Observations

This study investigated multiple forms of home and school assessment as predictors of parent-rated behavior problems across a preschool year. Participants were a community sample of 79 preschool children, their parents, and their teachers. Parent ratings of behavior problems were obtained toward the beginning of the school year and approximately 6 months later. Behavior problems were also assessed early in the school year using parent structured interviews, teacher-rating scales, and classroom observations of problem and prosocial behavior. Consistent with hypotheses, each assessment method significantly predicted year-end parent ratings of behavior problems, even above initial ratings.
Coauthorship Dynamics and Knowledge Capital: The Patterns of Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration in Information Systems Research

From the social network perspective, this study explores the ontological structure of knowledge sharing activities engaged in by researchers in the field of information systems (IS) over the past three decades. We construct a knowledge network based on coauthorship patterns extracted from four major journals in the IS field in order to analyze the distinctive characteristics of each subfield and to assess the amount of internal and external knowledge exchange that has taken place among IS researchers. This study also tests the role of different types of social capital that influence the academic impact of researchers. Our results indicate that the proportion of coauthored IS articles in the four journals has doubled over the past 25 years, from merely 40 percent in 1978 to over 80 percent in 2002. However, a significant variation exists in terms of the shape, density, and centralization of knowledge exchange networks across the four subfields of IS--namely, behavioral science, organizational science, computer science, and economic science. For example, the behavioral science subgroup, in terms of internal cohesion among researchers, tends to develop the most dense collaborative relationships, whereas the computer science subgroup is the most fragmented. Moreover, external collaboration across these subfields appears to be limited and severely unbalanced. Across the four subfields, on average, less than 20 percent of the research collaboration ties involved researchers from different subdisciplines. Finally, the regression analysis reveals that knowledge capital derived from a network rich in structural holes has a positive influence on an individual researcher's academic performance.
The impact of constraints on equity portfolios - A quantitative analysis of the restrictiveness of constraints for developed and emerging market equity strategies

Fiduciary managers can outsource their asset management tasks partially. While doing so, investment restrictions are imposed to the external asset manager. Quantitative insight in the restrictiveness of constraints is at heart of imposing the right constraints. The Transfer Coefficient is used in this thesis to analyse a country, sector and single asset constraint.
Trends and developments in liposome drug delivery systems.

Since the discovery of liposomes or lipid vesicles derived from self-forming enclosed lipid bilayers upon hydration, liposome drug delivery systems have played a significant role in formulation of potent drugs to improve therapeutics. Currently, most of these liposome formulations are designed to reduce toxicity and to some extent increase accumulation at the target site(s) in a number of clinical applications. The current pharmaceutical preparations of liposome-based therapeutics stem from our understanding of lipid-drug interactions and liposome disposition mechanisms including the inhibition of rapid clearance of liposomes by controlling size, charge, and surface hydration. The insight gained from clinical use of liposome drug delivery systems can now be integrated to design liposomes targeted to tissues and cells with or without expression of target recognition molecules on liposome membranes. Enhanced safety and heightened efficacy have been achieved for a wide range of drug classes, including antitumor agents, antivirals, antifungals, antimicrobials, vaccines, and gene therapeutics. Additional refinements of biomembrane sensors and liposome delivery systems that are effective in the presence of other membrane-bound proteins in vivo may permit selective delivery of therapeutic compounds to selected intracellular target areas.
The first eigenvalue of a Riemann surface

We present a collection of results whose central theme is that the phenomenon of the first eigenvalue of the Laplacian being large is typical for Riemann surfaces. Our main analytic tool is a method for studying how the hyperbolic metric on a Riemann surface behaves under compactification of the surface. We make the notion of picking a Riemann surface at random by modeling this process on the process of picking a random 3-regular graph. With this model, we show that there are positive constants C1 and C2 independent of the genus, such that with probability at least C1, a randomly picked surface has first eigenvalue at least C2. In this note, we announce a collection of results ([10, 11, 12]) connected to the behavior of the first eigenvalue λ1(S) of a compact Riemann surface of large genus, endowed with a metric of constant curvature −1. These results have as their common theme that the phenomenon of λ1 large is in some sense typical. To make the notion of “typical” precise, we model the process of picking a Riemann surface at random on the process of picking a 3-regular graph at random. The idea of studying the first eigenvalue of a Riemann surface via the study of eigenvalues of 3-regular graphs comes from the work of Buser [13, 14]. In effect, our approach here is a variation on his idea, where we first study the behavior of λ1 on finite-area Riemann surfaces connected to 3-regular graphs, and then see how λ1 changes when we compactify the surface. Our main analytic tool is a method for studying how the hyperbolic metric of a finite-area Riemann surface behaves under such a compactification. This method was introduced in [6], and is based on the Ahlfors-Schwarz Lemma ([1]; see also [5]). We then have: Theorem 1 ([10]). For all , there exists N such that, for g ≥ N , there is a compact Riemann surface Sg of genus g satisfying λ1(Sg) ≥ 171 784 − . The number 171/784 comes from the improvement by Luo, Rudnick, and Sarnak [17] of the Selberg 3/16 Theorem [18]. If Selberg’s conjecture were true, we would be able to replace 3/16 by 1/4, the best possible value. More generally, Theorem 1 Received by the editors March 25, 1999. 1991 Mathematics Subject Classification. Primary 58G99. Partially supported by the Israel Science Foundation, founded by the Israel Academy of Arts and Sciences, the Fund for the Promotion of Research at the Technion, and the New York Metropolitan Fund. c ©1999 American Mathematical Society
Firm entrepreneurial orientation and knowledge/networking of agro-based enterprises in Malaysia: The

Resurgence in agricultural-based sectors in Malaysia has recently prompted this study to explore the multi-dimensional entrepreneurial orientation (EO) relationship to knowledge and networking among the Malaysian Bumiputera small and medium agro-based enterprises (BSMAEs). The moderating role of technology and strategy on EO-knowledge-network relationship prompted some interesting findings. Based on 615 observations of BSMAEs, throughout Malaysia, factor analysis, multiple regression analysis and simple slope analysis were performed to substantiate the hypothesis. The findings suggested that EO explained both SMAEs’ knowledge and network strategy, and subsequently, interaction of technology development, resources and strategic capability and visionary showed that they were more positively related to higher human capital, tacit knowledge, strategic alliance and social networking proficiency when specific EO dimension was higher than when it was low. The impact is crucial for country’s agro-based strategic entrepreneurial policy development in the future. Besides enriching the emerging strategic entrepreneurship body of knowledge, the findings strengthened resource-based view (RBV) social capital and knowledge-based theories. Finally, the paper discusses recommendations to encourage more studies in EO under the purview of strategic entrepreneurship in the future.