Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Real-Time Tracking of Laryngeal Motion via the Surface Depth-Sensing Technique for Radiotherapy in Laryngeal Cancer Patients

Radiotherapy (RT) is an important modality for laryngeal cancer treatment to preserve laryngeal function. During beam delivery, laryngeal motion remains uncontrollable and may compromise tumor-targeting efficacy. We aimed to examine real-time laryngeal motion by developing a surface depth-sensing technique with preliminary testing during RT-based treatment of patients with laryngeal cancer. A surface depth-sensing (SDS) camera was set up and integrated into RT simulation procedures. By recording the natural swallowing of patients, SDS calculation was performed using the Pose Estimation Model and deep neural network technique. Seven male patients with laryngeal cancer were enrolled in this prospective study. The calculated motion distances of the laryngeal prominence (mean ± standard deviation) were 1.6 ± 0.8 mm, 21.4 ± 5.1 mm, 6.4 ± 3.3 mm, and 22.7 ± 4.9 mm in the left–right, cranio–caudal, and anterior–posterior directions and for the spatial displacement, respectively. The calculated differences in the 3D margins for generating the planning tumor volume by senior physicians with and without SDS data were −0.7 ± 1.0 mm (−18%), 11.3 ± 6.8 mm (235%), and 1.8 ± 2.6 mm (45%) in the left–right, cranio–caudal, and anterior–posterior directions, respectively. The SDS technique developed for detecting laryngeal motion during swallowing may be a practical guide for individualized RT design in the treatment of laryngeal cancer.
Spatially localized sparse approximations of deep features for breast mass characterization

We propose a deep feature-based sparse approximation classification technique for classification of breast masses into benign and malignant categories in film screen mammographs. This is a significant application as breast cancer is a leading cause of death in the modern world and improvements in diagnosis may help to decrease rates of mortality for large populations. While deep learning techniques have produced remarkable results in the field of computer-aided diagnosis of breast cancer, there are several aspects of this field that remain under-studied. In this work, we investigate the applicability of deep-feature-generated dictionaries to sparse approximation-based classification. To this end we construct dictionaries from deep features and compute sparse approximations of Regions Of Interest (ROIs) of breast masses for classification. Furthermore, we propose block and patch decomposition methods to construct overcomplete dictionaries suitable for sparse coding. The effectiveness of our deep feature spatially localized ensemble sparse analysis (DF-SLESA) technique is evaluated on a merged dataset of mass ROIs from the CBIS-DDSM and MIAS datasets. Experimental results indicate that dictionaries of deep features yield more discriminative sparse approximations of mass characteristics than dictionaries of imaging patterns and dictionaries learned by unsupervised machine learning techniques such as K-SVD. Of note is that the proposed block and patch decomposition strategies may help to simplify the sparse coding problem and to find tractable solutions. The proposed technique achieves competitive performances with state-of-the-art techniques for benign/malignant breast mass classification, using 10-fold cross-validation in merged datasets of film screen mammograms.
Using Gamma Irradiation to Predict Sperm Competition Mechanism in Bagrada hilaris (Burmeister) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae): Insights for a Future Management Strategy

Simple Summary The greatest challenge for modern agriculture is the management of the damage caused by insect pests, in alternative to chemical insecticides, which are the most widely used tools for controlling these pest species. Among the sustainable alternatives to chemical insecticides, the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) can help to control the target population through the release of adults that have been rendered sterile via irradiation in the field. In order to evaluate the applicability of this technique, a great deal of knowledge about the biology of the target species is required. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of sperm competition in a polyandrous stink bug species, Bagrada hilaris. In view of the possible application of the SIT, it is important that irradiated males have the same potential to compete with wild non-irradiated ones, even at the post-copulation stage. The results obtained showed a mechanism of sperm mixing. Abstract The stink bug, Bagrada hilaris, is a pest of mainly Brassicaceae crops. It is native to Africa and Asia and was recently reported as invasive in the southwestern part of the USA and in South America. There are no mitigation programs in place that do not involve pesticides. Therefore, much attention has recently been paid to the study of this species in order to identify sustainable and effective control strategies, such as the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT). In order to evaluate the suitability of the SIT on this pest, the mechanism of post-copulatory sperm competition was investigated. This is a polyandrous species, and it is thus important to understand whether irradiated males are able to compete with wild, e.g., non-irradiated, males for sperm competition after matings. Sperm competition was studied by sequentially mating a healthy virgin female first with a non-irradiated male, and then with a γ-irradiated (Co-60) one, and again in the opposite order. Males were irradiated at three different doses: 60, 80, and 100 Gy. The fecundity and fertility of the females, in the two orders of mating, were scored in order to perform an initial assessment of the success of sperm competition with a P2 index. Sperm from the non-irradiated male were utilized at the lowest irradiation doses (60 and 80 Gy), whereas the irradiated sperm were preferentially utilized at the highest dose (100 Gy). Bagrada hilaris exhibited high variability in P2 indexes, indicating a sperm-mixing mechanism.
Toward the Development of Potentially Healthy Low-Energy-Density Snacks for Children Based on Pseudocereal and Pulse Flours

The main objective of this study was the development of gluten-free cracker-type snacks with a balanced supply of essential amino acids, a lower glycemic index, and a lower caloric intake that were sensorially acceptable. For this purpose, chickpea flour was replaced by quinoa (10, 20, 30, 40, and 50%) and the fat was partially (75%) replaced by chicory inulin. The flours were characterized in terms of their proximate composition, individual mineral content, particle size distribution, and functional properties. The parameters analyzed for the crackers, once baked, were the water content, water activity, weight, dimensions, color, and texture. A sensory analysis was performed as well, using the formulations containing 50% chickpea flour and 50% quinoa flour (g/100 g flour), with and without inulin, as well as those made with 100% chickpea flour. From the analysis of the raw flours, it can be concluded that snack products developed from them could be a nutritive option for children, in terms of the protein, magnesium, and fiber content. The functional properties revealed that both flours are suitable for producing doughs and baked products. The obtained results indicate that snacks made with 50% quinoa flour (g/100 g flour) and 75% chicory inulin (g/100 g high oleic sunflower oil) could be an interesting alternative for children as, in addition to offering a very interesting nutritional contribution, the energy intake from fat is reduced by 57%.
Precipitation Extremes in Dynamically Downscaled Climate Scenarios over the Greater Horn of Africa

This study first assesses the performance of regional climate models in the Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX) in reproducing observed extreme precipitation indices over the Greater Horn of Africa (GHA) region during 1989–2005. The study then assesses projected changes in these extremes during 2069–2098 compared to 1976–2005. The Regional Climate Model (RCM) simulations are made using two RCMs, with large-scale forcing from four CMIP5 Global limate Models(GCMs) under two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5). We found that RCM simulations have reasonably captured observed patterns of moderate precipitation extreme indices (MPEI). Pattern correlation coefficients between simulated and observed MPEI exceed 0.5 for all except the Simple Daily Intensity Index (SDII). However, significant overestimations or underestimations exist over localized areas in the region. Projected changes in Total annual Precipitation (PRCPTOT) and the annual number of heavy (>10 mm) and very heavy (>20 mm) precipitation days by 2069–2098 show a general north-south pattern, with decreases over the southern half and increases over the northern half of the GHA. These changes are often greatest over parts of Somalia, Eritrea, the Ethiopian highlands and southern Tanzania. Maximum one- and five-day precipitation totals over a year and SDII (ratio of PRCPTOT to rainy days) are projected to increase over a majority of the GHA, including areas where PRCPTOT is projected to decrease, suggesting fewer, but heavier rainy days in the future. Changes in the annual sum of daily precipitation above the 95th and 99th percentiles are statistically significant over a few locations, with the largest projected decrease/increase over Eritrea and northwestern Sudan/Somalia. Projected changes in Consecutive Dry Days (CDD) suggest longer periods of dryness over the majority of the GHA, except the central portions covering northern Uganda, southern South Sudan, southeastern Ethiopia and Somalia. Substantial increases in CDD are located over southern Tanzania and the Ethiopian highlands. The magnitude and the spatial extent of statistically-significant changes in all MPEI increase from RCP4.5 to RCP8.5, and the separation between positive and negative changes becomes clearer under RCP8.5.
Evaluation and Selection of New Trichogramma spp. as Biological Control Agents of the Guatemalan Potato Moth (Tecia solanivora) in Europe

Simple Summary The Guatemalan potato moth, Tecia solanivora, is an invasive pest that has spread to several countries of South America and reached Spain, arriving in Tenerife in 1999, now representing the most important pest in potato crops in the Canary Islands, where it causes significant crop losses, both in the field and in storage. In the field, the use of phytosanitary treatments to manage Guatemalan potato moth populations has been ineffective, and chemical control in warehouses has limited potential, as most insecticides cannot be applied to crops shortly before they are marketed, in addition to the current lack of authorized chemical product treatments. In this context, the search for biological control agents for Guatemalan potato moth pest has become especially important. In this sense, the evaluation of the potential use of Trichogramma species is of interest because egg parasitoids kill the host before hatching, resulting in a direct reduction in damage to the crop and harvest. In the present work, two species (T. achaeae and T. euproctidis) were evaluated under laboratory and semi-field conditions. T. achaeae was found to have potential as a biocontrol agent under field conditions, and T. euproctidis was found to be suitable for use under storage conditions. Abstract The Guatemalan potato moth (Tecia solanivora) is designated a quarantine pest by the European Union, causing severe production losses in potato crops. No effective chemical control alternatives are currently available, and cultural techniques are unable to reduce harvest losses to acceptable levels. With a focus on biological control, two egg parasitoids (Trichogramma euproctidis and Trichogramma achaeae) were selected and evaluated for use under field and storage conditions. Laboratory assays (choice and no-choice) indicated the preference of both parasitoids for T. solanivora vs. Phthorimaea operculella. Trichogramma euproctidis showed the highest parasitic activity for both moths. Analysis of functional response (at 15, 20, 25 and 27 °C) confirmed the high parasitic potential of T. euproctidis. Furthermore, in assays conducted under darkness conditions, T. achaeae was unable to parasitize eggs. However, in semi-field assays, T. achaeae was more efficient in searching for eggs in the soil than T. euproctidis. Based on these results, T. achaeae was selected to be tested under field conditions, and T. euproctidis was selected for testing under storage conditions.
Urinary Calcium Is Associated with Serum Sclerostin among Stone Formers

Background: Sclerostin plays an important role in bone metabolism and adipose tissue. Animal studies suggest that sclerostin influences urinary calcium (UCa), but this relationship has not been evaluated in stone formers (SFs). We aimed to investigate the association of UCa with serum sclerostin, bone mineral density (BMD), and body composition among SFs. Methods: Clinical and laboratorial data were retrieved from medical records. Determinants of UCa were studied using linear regression. Results: A total of 107 SFs (35.8 ± 9.3 years, 54% male) with eGFR 99.8 ± 14.5 mL/min/1.73 were studied. Subjects were split by sex and grouped into tertiles of UCa levels. Men in the highest UCa tertile had higher body mass index (BMI) and serum sclerostin, lower lean mass, and a trend towards higher fat mass. Women in the highest tertile had higher BMI and a trend towards higher serum sclerostin. Hypertension and metabolic syndrome, but not lower BMD, were more prevalent in the highest UCa tertile for both sexes. Sclerostin was positively correlated with fat mass and inversely correlated with lean mass among men, but not among women. BMD corrected for BMI at lumbar spine was inversely associated with UCa in a univariate analysis, but only serum sclerostin, hypertension, and NaCl intake were independent determinants of UCa in the multivariate model. Conclusion: The present findings disclose that in addition to hypertension and salt intake, serum sclerostin is associated with urinary calcium in stone formers, suggesting that in addition to the hormones traditionally thought to alter calcium reabsorption in the kidney, sclerostin may play a significant additional role, warranting further investigation.
Comparative Study on In Vitro Fermentation Characteristics of the Polysaccharides Extracted from Bergamot and Fermented Bergamot

This study aimed to compare the in vitro fermentation characteristics of polysaccharides from Bergamot and Laoxianghuang (fermented 1, 3, and 5 years from bergamot) using the stable in vitro human gut fermentation model. Results showed that bergamot polysaccharide (BP) and Laoxianghuang polysaccharides (LPs) with different surface topographies were characterized as mannorhamnan (comprising Mannose and Rhamnose) and polygalacturonic acid (comprising Galacturonic acid and Galactose), respectively. The distinct effects on the gut microbiota and metabolome of BP and LPs may be due to their different monosaccharide compositions and surface morphologies. BP decreased harmful Fusobacterium and promoted beneficial Bifidobacterium, which was positively correlated with health-enhancing metabolites such as acetic acid, propionic acid, and pyridoxamine. Lactobacillus, increased by LPs, was positively correlated with 4-Hydroxybenzaldehyde, acetic acid, and butyric acid. Overall, this study elucidated gut microbiota and the metabolome regulatory discrepancies of BP and LPs, potentially contributing to their development as prebiotics in healthy foods.
Disclosure Practices of Management Discussion and Analysis: A Study on the Indian Corporate Sector

: As an emerging economy, India’s post-pandemic resilience supports this study. We scrutinize current MD&A (Management Discussion and Analysis) reporting practices by Indian firms, aligning with the 'Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure Development' goal of Sustainability. Data was extracted from annual reports of selected listed Indian companies for the years 2016-2021. The data was analyzed using content analysis and t-tests. We found an encouraging increase in the quantity and quality of disclosures over time, even during the pandemic. However, there is a significant discrepancy with quality lagging behind quantity. These findings highlight an urgent need for improved MD&A disclosures. Managers, regulators, and organizations could use this study to identify issues and strategically direct their efforts for maximum benefits in this domain. This pioneering study assesses adherence to MD&A practices within the Indian context, extending its contribution to the accounting literature of other developing Asian economies, such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and China, where MD&A practices are still evolving.
Contemporary Biomarkers for Renal Transplantation: A Narrative Overview

Renal transplantation (RT) is the preferred treatment for end-stage renal disease. However, clinical challenges persist, i.e., early detection of graft dysfunction, timely identification of rejection episodes, personalization of immunosuppressive therapy, and prediction of long-term graft survival. Biomarkers have emerged as valuable tools to address these challenges and revolutionize RT patient care. Our review synthesizes the existing scientific literature to highlight promising biomarkers, their biological characteristics, and their potential roles in enhancing clinical decision-making and patient outcomes. Emerging non-invasive biomarkers seemingly provide valuable insights into the immunopathology of nephron injury and allograft rejection. Moreover, we analyzed biomarkers with intra-nephron specificities, i.e., glomerular vs. tubular (proximal vs. distal), which can localize an injury in different nephron areas. Additionally, this paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the potential clinical applications of biomarkers in the prediction, detection, differential diagnosis and assessment of post-RT non-surgical allograft complications. Lastly, we focus on the pursuit of immune tolerance biomarkers, which aims to reclassify transplant recipients based on immune risk thresholds, guide personalized immunosuppression strategies, and ultimately identify patients for whom immunosuppression may safely be reduced. Further research, validation, standardization, and prospective studies are necessary to fully harness the clinical utility of RT biomarkers and guide the development of targeted therapies.
Human granzyme B regulatory B cells prevent effector CD4+CD25- T cell proliferation through a mechanism dependent from lymphotoxin alpha

Introduction Human Granzyme B (GZMB) regulatory B cells (Bregs) have suppressive properties on CD4+ effector T cells by a mechanism partially dependent on GZMB. Moreover, these cells may be easily induced in vitro making them interesting for cell therapy. Methods We characterized this population of in vitro induced GZMB+Bregs using single cell transcriptomics. To investigate their regulatory properties, Bregs or total B cells were also co-cultured with T cells and scRNAseq was used to identify receptor ligand interactions and to reveal gene expression changes in the T cells. Results We find that Bregs exhibit a unique set of 149 genes differentially expressed and which are implicated in proliferation, apoptosis, metabolism, and altered antigen presentation capacity consistent with their differentiated B cells profile. Notably, Bregs induced a strong inhibition of T cell genes associated to proliferation, activation, inflammation and apoptosis compared to total B cells. We identified and validated 5 receptor/ligand interactions between Bregs and T cells. Functional analysis using specific inhibitors was used to test their suppressive properties and we identified Lymphotoxin alpha (LTA) as a new and potent Breg ligand implicated in Breg suppressive properties. Discussion We report for the first time for a role of LTA in GZMB+Bregs as an enhancer of GZMB expression, and involved in the suppressive properties of GZMB+Bregs in human. The exact mechanism of LTA/GZMB function in this specific subset of Bregs remains to be determined.
Optogenetic stimulation shapes dendritic trees of infragranular cortical pyramidal cells

Spontaneous or experimentally evoked activity can lead to changes in length and/or branching of neocortical pyramidal cell dendrites. For instance, an early postnatal overexpression of certain AMPA or kainate glutamate receptor subunits leads to larger amplitudes of depolarizing events driven by spontaneous activity, and this increases apical dendritic complexity. Whether stimulation frequency has a role is less clear. In this study, we report that the expression of channelrhodopsin2-eYFP was followed by a 5-day optogenetic stimulation from DIV 5–10 or 11–15 in organotypic cultures of rat visual cortex-evoked dendritic remodeling. Stimulation at 0.05 Hz, at a frequency range of spontaneous calcium oscillations known to occur in the early postnatal neocortex in vivo until eye opening, had no effect. Stimulation with 0.5 Hz, a frequency at which the cortex in vivo adopts after eye opening, unexpectedly caused shorter and somewhat less branched apical dendrites of infragranular pyramidal neurons. The outcome resembles the remodeling of corticothalamic and callosal projection neurons of layers VI and V, which in the adult have apical dendrites no longer terminating in layer I. Exposure to 2.5 Hz, a frequency not occurring naturally during the time windows, evoked dendritic damage. The results suggested that optogenetic stimulation at a biologically meaningful frequency for the selected developmental stage can influence dendrite growth, but contrary to expectation, the optogenetic stimulation decreased dendritic growth.
A Strategy for Replacing Sum Scoring

This article promotes the use of modern test theory in testing situations where sum scores for binary responses are now used. It directly compares the efficiencies and biases of classical and modern test analyses and finds an improvement in the root mean squared error of ability estimates of about 5% for two designed multiple-choice tests and about 12% for a classroom test. A new parametric density function for ability estimates, the tilted scaled β, is used to resolve the nonidentifiability of the univariate test theory model. Item characteristic curves (ICCs) are represented as basis function expansions of their log-odds transforms. A parameter cascading method along with roughness penalties is used to estimate the corresponding log odds of the ICCs and is demonstrated to be sufficiently computationally efficient that it can support the analysis of large data sets.
Mean-risk-skewness models for portfolio optimization based on uncertain measure

Abstract Numerous empirical studies show that portfolio returns are generally asymmetric. In this paper, skewness is considered to measure the asymmetry of portfolio returns and a mean-risk-skewness model for portfolio selection will be proposed in uncertain environment. Here, the returns of the securities are regarded as uncertain variables which are estimated by experienced experts instead of historical data. Furthermore, the corresponding variations and crisp forms of the model are considered. To solve the proposed optimization models, a hybrid intelligent algorithm is designed. Finally, the feasibility and necessity of the hybrid intelligent algorithm and the application of the proposed models are illustrated by two numerical examples.