Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
FEGNet: A Feedback Enhancement Gate Network for Automatic Polyp Segmentation

Regular colonoscopy is an effective way to prevent colorectal cancer by detecting colorectal polyps. Automatic polyp segmentation significantly aids clinicians in precisely locating polyp areas for further diagnosis. However, polyp segmentation is a challenge problem, since polyps appear in a variety of shapes, sizes and textures, and they tend to have ambiguous boundaries. In this paper, we propose a U-shaped model named Feedback Enhancement Gate Network (FEGNet) for accurate polyp segmentation to overcome these difficulties. Specifically, for the high-level features, we design a novel Recurrent Gate Module (RGM) based on the feedback mechanism, which can refine attention maps without any additional parameters. RGM consists of Feature Aggregation Attention Gate (FAAG) and Multi-Scale Module (MSM). FAAG can aggregate context and feedback information, and MSM is applied for capturing multi-scale information, which is critical for the segmentation task. In addition, we propose a straightforward but effective edge extraction module to detect boundaries of polyps for low-level features, which is used to guide the training of early features. In our experiments, quantitative and qualitative evaluations show that the proposed FEGNet has achieved the best results in polyp segmentation compared to other state-of-the-art models on five colonoscopy datasets.
Additively manufactured Ti-29Nb-21Zr shows improved oxide polarization resistance versus Ti-6Al-4V in inflammatory simulating solution.

Retrieval studies in the past two decades show severe corrosion of titanium and its alloys in orthopedic implants. This damage is promoted by mechanically assisted crevice corrosion (MACC), particularly within modular titanium-titanium junctions. During MACC, titanium interfaces may be subject to negative potentials and reactive oxygen species (ROS), generated from cathodic activation and/or inflammation. Additive manufacturing (AM) may be able to produce new, corrosion-resistant titanium alloys and admixtures that are less susceptible to these adverse electrochemical events. In this study, we characterize the impedance and corrosion properties of three new AM titanium materials, including Ti-6Al-4V with added 1% nano-yttria stabilized ZrO2 , admixed Ti-29Nb-21Zr, and pre-alloyed Ti-29Nb-21Zr. We aim to elucidate how these materials perform when subjected to high ROS solutions. We include conventionally and additively manufactured Ti-6Al-4V in our study as comparison groups. A 0.1 M H2 O2 phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution, simulating inflammatory conditions, significantly increased biomaterial OCP (-0.14 V vs. Ag/AgCl) compared to PBS only (-0.38 V, p = .000). During anodic polarization, Ti-6Al-4V passive current density more than doubled from 1.28 × 10-7 to 3.81 × 10-7 A/cm2 when exposed to 0.1 M H2 O2 . In contrast, Ti-29Nb-21Zr passive current density remained relatively unchanged, slightly increasing from 7.49 × 10-8 in PBS to 9.31 × 10-8 in 0.1 M H2 O2 . Ti-29Nb-21Zr oxide polarization resistance (Rp ) was not affected by 0.1 M H2 O2 , maintaining a high value (1.09 × 106 vs. 1.89 × 106 Ω cm2 ), while Ti-6Al-4V in 0.1 M H2 O2 solution had significantly diminished Rp (4.38 × 106 in PBS vs. 7.24 × 104 Ω cm2 in H2 O2 ). These results indicate that Ti-29Nb-21Zr has improved corrosion resistance in ROS containing solutions when compared with Ti-6Al-4V based biomaterials.
Study of near scrape-off layer (SOL) temperature and density gradient lengths with Thomson scattering

Improvements to the Thomson scattering diagnostic have enabled the study of near scrape-off layer (SOL) decay lengths in the 2014 ASDEX Upgrade experimental campaign. A database of H-mode discharges has been studied using a two-line fit method for the core and log-linear fit for the near SOL region under both attached and detached divertor conditions. SOL electron temperature Te ? > profiles have been found to have a radial exponential decay distribution which does not vary poloidally, consistent with the two-point model. In attached H-mode regimes, a log-linear regression shows that the SOL upstream dataset has the same main parametric dependencies as the scaling inferred from downstream Infrared camera measurements. A simple collisional relation from two-point model is found to best relate the upstream decay lengths and downstream divertor power widths. The SOL Te ? > gradient length appears to be independent of Te ? > pedestal parameters, but may correlate with the pedestal electron pressure parameters. Both the pedestal and SOL density and temperature scale lengths are linearly correlated with an almost constant gradient ratio, ηe ? >. The smaller gradient ratio ηe ? > and the fact that the Spitzer–Härm model is more valid, agrees with the studied plasma lying in the collisional regime. A transition to flat SOL ne profiles, previously reported for L-mode plasmas in many machines, has been observed in AUG detatched H-mode regimes. When the flattening of density profile happens in H-mode detached plasmas, the broadening of near SOL Te ? > decay length λTe,u ? > also appears which may be good news for future machines.
Psychotropic Medication Use and Changes During Hospitalization for Older Adults Living With Dementia

To describe the use of psychotropic medications among older hospitalized patients. This was a descriptive study using baseline data from the first 308 older patients in a function focused care intervention study. Age, gender, race, comorbidities, admitting diagnosis, and medications (antidepressants, antianxiety medications, anticonvulsants, dementia drugs, antipsychotics, sedative-hypnotics, and opioids) were obtained at baseline and discharge. To compare change over time, generalized estimating equations were used. Participants were mostly female (63%) and White (69%) and were 83.1 years old on average. Antidepressant, antianxiety, anticonvulsant, dementia medication, sedative-hypnotic, and opioid use remained essentially unchanged between admission and discharge. Antipsychotic medication use increased significantly from 16% to 21% at discharge. There was persistent use of psychotropic medication among hospitalized older adults living with dementia and little evidence of deprescribing. There was some indication of changes made during hospitalization that may be appropriate, even without a focused deprescribing initiative.
Differential engagement of the posterior cingulate cortex during cognitive restructuring of negative self- and social beliefs

Abstract Negative self-beliefs are a core feature of psychopathology, encompassing both negative appraisals about oneself directly (i.e. self-judgment) and negative inferences of how the self is appraised by others (i.e. social judgment). Challenging maladaptive self-beliefs via cognitive restructuring is a core treatment mechanism of gold-standard psychotherapies. However, the neural mechanisms underlying the restructuring of these two kinds of negative self-beliefs are poorly understood. Eighty-six healthy participants cognitively restructured self-judgment and social-judgment negative self-belief statements during 7 Tesla functional magnetic resonance imaging scanning. Cognitive restructuring broadly elicited activation in the core default mode network (DMN), salience and frontoparietal control regions. Restructuring self-judgment relative to social-judgment beliefs was associated with comparatively higher activation in the ventral posterior cingulate cortex (PCC)/retrosplenial cortex, while challenging social-judgment statements was associated with higher activation in the dorsal PCC/precuneus. While both regions showed increased functional connectivity with the supplementary and pre-supplementary motor areas during restructuring, the dorsal PCC displayed greater task-dependent connectivity with distributed regions involved in salience, attention and social cognition. Our findings indicate distinct patterns of PCC engagement contingent upon self- and social domains, highlighting a specialized role of the dorsal PCC in supporting neural interactions between the DMN and frontoparietal/salience networks during cognitive restructuring.
Association between smoking behavior and serum uric acid among the adults: Findings from a national cross-sectional study

Background Gout incidence is increasing worldwide; appropriate management of serum uric acid levels and a healthy lifestyle may help its prevention. The popularity of electronic cigarettes and the resultant emergence of dual smokers is increasing. Despite many studies on the effects of various health behaviors on serum uric acid levels, the association between smoking and serum uric acid levels remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the association between smoking and serum uric acid levels. Methods In this study, total sample of 27,013 participants (11,924 men and 15,089 women) were analyzed. This study used data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016–2020) and grouped adults into dual smokers, single smokers, ex-smokers, and non-smokers. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the association between smoking behavior and serum uric acid levels. Results Compared to male non-smokers, male dual smokers had significantly higher serum uric acid level (odds ratio [OR], 1.43; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08–1.88). In female, serum uric acid level was higher among single smokers than non-smokers (OR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.25–2.25). Higher serum uric acid levels were more likely to be present in male dual smokers with a > 20 pack-year smoking habit (OR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.06–3.18). Conclusion Dual smoking may contribute to high serum uric acid levels in adults. Thus, serum uric acid levels should be properly managed through smoking cessation.
7. The Logical Basis of Linguistic Theory

This chapter restricts the term "linguistic theory" to systems of hypotheses concerning the general features of human language put forth in an attempt to account for a certain range of linguistic phenomena. Linguistic theory addresses that a mature speaker can produce a new sentence of his language on the appropriate occasion, and other speakers can understand it immediately, though it is equally new to them. The grammar is a device that specifies the infinite set of well-formed sentences and assigns to each of these one or more structural descriptions. A concern with perception and acquisition of language has played a significant role in determining the course of development of linguistic theory, as it should if this theory is ever to have broader scientific significance. The present theories of transformational generative grammar provide a basis for extending and deepening our understanding of linguistic structure. Keywords:generative grammar; language; linguistic theory; perception; structural descriptions
Impairment of aryl hydrocarbon receptor signalling promotes hepatic disorders in cancer cachexia

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is expressed in the intestine and liver, where it has pleiotropic functions and target genes. This study aims to explore the potential implication of AHR in cancer cachexia, an inflammatory and metabolic syndrome contributing to cancer death. Specifically, we tested the hypothesis that targeting AHR can alleviate cachectic features, particularly through the gut–liver axis.
A pharmacological overview of aprepitant for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting

ABSTRACT Introduction Post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) affects 30% of all patients undergoing surgery and up to 80% of high-risk patients. Antiemetics for PONV prophylaxis target a variety of receptor systems, with varying degrees of efficacy and side effect profile. Neurokinin −1 receptor antagonists are the most recent class of compounds investigated for PONV prophylaxis, with aprepitant being the only one currently approved for this indication. Areas covered This review covers the pathophysiology of PONV, current recommendations for PONV prophylaxis, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of aprepitant, and the evidence for its efficacy in the management of PONV as a single agent and in combination therapy. Expert opinion Aprepitant is effective for PONV prophylaxis. It has superior antivomiting efficacy, long half-life, and favorable side effect profile. Data on antiemetic combinations involving aprepitant are limited, and it is not clear if the addition of other antiemetics to aprepitant results in improved PONV prophylaxis. The oral route of administration of aprepitant is a potential limitation in a busy clinical practice. However, the recent approval of an intravenous formulation could provide a more convenient route of administration. Aprepitant remains more expensive than other antiemetics, and there are no studies assessing the cost effectiveness of its use.
Formal Modelling and Simulation of Biological Systems with Spatiality

In Systems Biology, spatial modelling allows an accurate description of phenomena whose behaviour is influenced by the spatial arrangement of the elements. In this thesis, we present various modelling formalisms with spatial features, each using a different abstraction level of the real space. From the formalisms with the most abstract notion of space, to the most concrete, we formally define the MIM Calculus with compartments, the Spatial P systems, and the Spatial CLS. Each formalism is suitable for the description of different kinds of systems, which call for the use of different space modelling abstractions. We present models of various real-world systems which benefit from the ability to precisely describe space-dependent behaviours. We define the MIM Calculus, inspired by Molecular Interaction Maps, a graphical notation for bioregulatory networks. The MIM Calculus provides high-level operators with a direct biological meaning, which are used to describe the interaction capabilities of the elements of such systems. Its spatial extension includes the most abstract notion of space, namely it only allows the modelling of compartments. Such a feature allows distinguishing only the abstract position where an element is, identified by the name of the compartment. Subsequently, we propose a spatial extension to the membrane computing formalism P systems. In this case, we follow a more precise approach to spatial modelling, by embedding membranes and objects in a two-dimensional discrete space. Some objects of a Spatial P system can be declared as mutually exclusive objects, with the constraint that each position can accommodate at most one of them. The distinction between ordinary and mutually exclusive objects can be thought of as an abstraction on the size of the objects. We study the computational complexity of the formalism and the problem of efficient simulation of some kinds of models. Finally, we present the Spatial Calculus of Looping Sequences (Spatial CLS), which is an extension of the Calculus of Looping Sequences (CLS), a formalism geared towards the modelling of cellular systems. In this case, models are based on two/three dimensional continuous space, and allow an accurate description of the motion of the elements, and of their size. In particular, Spatial CLS allows the description of the space occupied by elements and membranes, which can change their sizes dynamically as the system evolves. Space conflicts which may occur can be resolved by performing a rearrangement of elements and membranes. As example applications of the calculus we present a model of cell proliferation, and a model of the quorum sensing process in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Pathways from education and childhood parental death to successful aging: the role of social conditions and perceived income level

Abstract Objectives Although the association between adverse childhood conditions and health in later life has been relatively well established, little is known about how and through which mechanism this association develops. Building on the developmental adaptation model (Martin & Martin, 2002), the present study investigates the effects of distal and proximal influences on successful aging (SA). Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted of 475 adults aged 50 and above (Mean age = 72.13, SD = 10.46). SA was measured based on Rowe and Kahn’s successful aging criteria model (1997) and an SA operationalization based on a number of multidimensional biopsychosocial indicators, including no disease and disability, active engagement with life, high physical and cognitive functioning, psychological well-being, life satisfaction and a one-item subjective SA question. Results Parental death had no direct effect on SA (β = .03, p = .629), whereas education had (β = .39, p < .001). Furthermore, perceived income level and social conditions were identified as two sequential mediators between both education and SA; and parental death and SA. Conclusions The findings suggest that both early life and current factors contribute to explaining SA in a variety of ways.
Pharmacological Regulation of Endoplasmic Reticulum Structure and Calcium Dynamics: Importance for Neurodegenerative Diseases

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the largest organelle of the cell, composed of a continuous network of sheets and tubules, and is involved in protein, calcium (Ca2+), and lipid homeostasis. In neurons, the ER extends throughout the cell, both somal and axodendritic compartments, and is highly important for neuronal functions. A third of the proteome of a cell, secreted and membrane-bound proteins, are processed within the ER lumen and most of these proteins are vital for neuronal activity. The brain itself is high in lipid content, and many structural lipids are produced, in part, by the ER. Cholesterol and steroid synthesis are strictly regulated in the ER of the blood-brain barrier protected brain cells. The high Ca2+ level in the ER lumen and low cytosolic concentration is needed for Ca2+-based intracellular signaling, for synaptic signaling and Ca2+ waves, and for preparing proteins for correct folding in the presence of high Ca2+ concentrations to cope with the high concentrations of extracellular milieu. Particularly, ER Ca2+ is controlled in axodendritic areas for proper neurito- and synaptogenesis and synaptic plasticity and remodeling. In this review, we cover the physiologic functions of the neuronal ER and discuss it in context of common neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on pharmacological regulation of ER Ca2+. Furthermore, we postulate that heterogeneity of the ER, its protein folding capacity, and ensuring Ca2+ regulation are crucial factors for the aging and selective vulnerability of neurons in various neurodegenerative diseases. Significance Statement Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ regulators are promising therapeutic targets for degenerative diseases for which efficacious drug therapies do not exist. The use of pharmacological probes targeting maintenance and restoration of ER Ca2+ can provide restoration of protein homeostasis (e.g., folding of complex plasma membrane signaling receptors) and slow down the degeneration process of neurons.
Evaluation of Dry Distillers Grains Plus Solubles Inclusion on Performance and Economics of Finishing Beef Steers1

A 167-d feedlot study was conducted to evaluate feeding increasing levels of dry distillers grains plus solubles (DDGS) to finishing cattle and the impact on performance and profitability. Crossbred steer calves (n = 240, BW = 306 ± 24.5 kg) were used in 30 pens with dietary treatments of 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40% DDGS dietary inclusion (DM basis). Quadratic relationships (P 0.15) by DDGS level, but G:F tended to be quadratic (P = 0.10) as 20% DM inclusion had the greatest value, although steers fed all levels of DDGS had numerically greater G:F compared with steers fed no DDGS. Carcass characteristics, other than hot carcass weight, were not affected by DDGS treatment. Energy value of DDGS at 10 to 40% dietary inclusion resulted in a quadratic trend (P = 0.10) and remained above corn, with the highest values at 10 and 20% inclusion averaging 127% of corn. When DDGS was priced equally to corn, all levels of DDGS from 10 to 40% inclusion resulted in higher profits compared with a dry-rolled corn based diet regardless of corn price. The greatest returns were observed when cattle were fed 20% DDGS. These data indicate that DDGS can be fed up to 40% DM to improve cattle performance and result in economic profits, with optimum levels at 20 to 30% diet DM.
A square-wave-driven radiofrequency quadrupole cooler and buncher for TITAN

The TITAN (Triumf’s Ion Trap for Atomic and Nuclear science) project at TRIUMF will use the unique combination of an Electron Beam Ion Trap (EBIT) charge state breeder and a precision Penning trap to carry out high accuracy mass measurements (δm/m ≈ 1×10−8) on short-lived (t1/2 ≈ 50 ms) isotopes. In order to obtain fast and efficient charge state breeding it is necessary to inject a cooled and bunched beam into the EBIT. For radioactive isotopes this can be achieved by employing a segmented, gas-filled, RadioFrequency Quadrupole (RFQ). Such a device has been developed for use in the TITAN experiment. Previous RFQ coolers have been driven sinusoidally, however this device will be driven with a large amplitude (Vpp = 400 V ) high frequency (f = 1 MHz) square-wave. This makes a broadband, linear, cooling trap possible for the first time. Using matrix methods the motion of ions in a square-wave-driven trap were studied and the acceptance and the space charge limit of the trap calculated as a function of the operating parameter, q. A simple viscous drag model for the cooling process was then used to prove the cooling concept. A Monte Carlo routine was developed and used to simulate the cooling of cesium ions in a helium buffer gas. At an operating parameter of q = 0.4 a cooling time of 600 μs was found at a gas pressure of 2.5×10−2 mbar. The final temperature, Tf , of the ion cloud was found as a function of q (for q < 0.4, Tf < 400 K). Ion optics for the injection and the extraction of ions from the trap were designed and simulated. Transverse rms emittances on the order of 3 π mm mrad and longitudinal rms emittances on the order of 2 eV μs for the extracted beam were demonstrated at an extraction energy of 2.5 keV . Simulations of a previously designed and manufactured stable ion source system were carried out to try and match the emittance of the beam to the acceptance of the RFQ. Through a combination of simulation and experimental results it was shown that with minor modification the system would give a relatively good approximation to the actual radioactive ion beam produced at TRIUMF. Further simulations showed that an acceptance of 99.8% of the modified beam by the RFQ will be possible.
Differential spatial-social accessibility to mental health care and suicide

Significance Against the backdrop of the current US mental health crisis, this study assembles 86 data sources to map, nationally, all psychiatrists and psychotherapists. Computationally modeling the relationship between access to mental health care providers and suicide, we find that improved spatial-social accessibility to psychiatrists and, to a lesser extent, to psychotherapists, is associated with reduced risk—even after controlling for a wide host of factors predictive of suicide. Locally, inequalities in mental health care access are additionally linked to substantially higher suicide risk. These findings demonstrate that nowadays, in the United States, access to mental health care is misaligned with need, and suggest that interventions to alleviate the access disparities currently impacting millions of Americans can prevent unnecessary death and suffering.