Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clinical significance of placenta previa detected at early routine transvaginal scan.

Transvaginal ultrasonography in early pregnancy was used to determine the prevalence of placenta previa and the rate of persistence until delivery. The location of the placenta was registered systematically in 2342 pregnant women who underwent transvaginal ultrasonography at 10 to 16 weeks' gestation as a primary examination. The outcome of pregnancy as well as the presence or absence of placenta previa at delivery was noted in a total of 2158 cases. A receiver operating characteristic curve was generated for the different measurements from the edge of the placenta to the internal cervical os versus placenta previa at delivery. In 105 of the 2158 women screened in the early stages of pregnancy (4.9%) the placenta extended to or over the internal cervical os, and in 34 of 2158 patients (1.6%) the distance to the placental edge beyond the internal cervical os was equal to or greater than 14 mm. Of the eight cases of placenta previa at delivery, six (75%) were identified in our study, and two cases were missed. When a cutoff value of greater than 14 mm is used for the receiver operating characteristic curve the likelihood is 17.6% (95% confidence interval = 6.8 to 34.5) for placenta previa at delivery. Although a high percentage of false‐positive results occur owing to the low prevalence at delivery, this screening procedure can identify high‐risk patients who should be rescanned later in pregnancy.
Serum transferrin receptor, ferritin and TfR‐F index in identification of latent iron deficiency

To the Editor: Iron delivery to erythroblasts is mediated by the interaction of transferrin with cell surface transferrin receptor (TfR), and TfR expression is induced by a decrease in the level of intracellular free iron. Soluble TfR in plasma is a truncated form of the tissue receptor (1). The bulk of TfR in human body is in the erythroid precursors in bone marrow and, therefore, not only the iron status but also the total mass of erythropoesis has a considerable effect on the concentration of soluble TfR in plasma. An increase in serum TfR concentration is a reliable indicator of depletion of iron stores, and it has become apparent that TfR measurements might also aid patient care when differential diagnosis between iron-deficiency anemia and anemia of chronic disease is required (2-4). Importantly, unlike serum iron, transferrin or ferritin, serum TfR seems not to be considerably influenced by the acute phase responses (4-7). A special challenge for the various laboratory tests of iron status is the identification of the so-called latent iron deficiency that is the identification of patients with depleted iron stores when the hemoglobin concentration is still within the reference range. Diagnosis of latent iron-deficiency may be desired in patients whose hemoglobin concentration has decreased to a level close to the lower reference limit, and who at the same time have modest microcytic changes in red cells (8). People who frequently donate blood as well as pure vegetarians constitute groups in which iron deficiency can be presumed to be more frequent than in the overall population (9, 10). The importance of a proper diagnostic basis for the use of oral iron supplementation has been further emphasized by recent studies in which a positive correlation between body iron stores and, e.g., the risk of coronary heart disease has been reported
Extending Object-Oriented Programming with Roles for Open Multi-Agent Systems and Its Application to ATIS

The notion of organizations is getting increasing attentions for building open multi-agent systems by mimicking the collaboration of human beings for achieving the organization objectives. However, there is little support in the existing approaches to dealing with the issues of dynamic role binding towards building an agent organization in which roles and agents are designed by different designers. The main challenge is how to determine that an agent is capable of assuming a role and to build the relation between the role and the agent. As an attempt towards the investigation of the relationship between agents and roles, we propose an approach, called AgentJ a Java-based agent platform, to dealing with the issues by extending object-oriented programming with the following main features: (1) a role specification and a role matching mechanism are devised to determine whether an incoming agent is capable of assuming a role; and (2) the binding relation between agent and role is established through a role binding mechanism.
A Local Adaptive Segmentation of Vascular Network from Abnormal Retinal Images

Diabetes, hypertension, cerebral arteriosclerosis and other diseases have become great threats to human health, so it is urgent to explore their initial symptoms for early prevention and treatment. As an important part of small and medium-sized vessels of human body, retinal vessel is the only deep capillary that can be non-traumatic directly observed and its morphology, such as vascular diameter, shape and distribution, is deeply influenced by these diseases. So an effective vascular detection and features measurement will help make more accurate diagnosis of these diseases. This paper proposes a local adaptive segmentation to detect more accurate retinal vascular network from abnormal retinal images which contain red and bright lesions. The retinal image is firstly segmented by weighted entropy with probability segmentation to detect preliminary vascular network. Then a two-dimensional partial differential matched filter is introduced into segmentation to differentiate lesions from vascular network based on a vascular property. The algorithm has been tested and compared with other vascular network segmentation algorithms on the publicly available STARE database since it contains retinal images where the vascular structure has been precisely marked by two experts. The experiments demonstrate that our approach is capable of detecting the vascular network effectively, offering a better segmentation results, especially on abnormal cases. Because of its effectiveness, simplicity and robustness for different image conditions, it is suitable for automated vascular analysis.
Targeted radioimmunotherapy for leptomeningeal cancer using (131)I-3F8.

BACKGROUND Intrathecal antibody-based targeted therapies may have clinical potential for patients with leptomeningeal (LM) cancer. PROCEDURE Five patients with GD2-positive LM tumors were injected with 1-2 mCi intra-Ommaya (131)I-3F8, a murine IgG3 antibody specific for GD2. Serial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum samples and SPECT imagings (4, 24, and 48 hr) were performed to predict radiation doses to the tumor and normal brain and blood prior to the administration of larger therapeutic doses. RESULTS Side effects included self-limited fever, headache, and vomiting. Focal (131)I-3F8 uptake consistent with tumors was seen along the craniospinal axis in four patients. Calculated radiation dose to the CSF was 14.9-56 cGy/mCi and to blood and other organs outside the CNS less than 2 cGy/mCi. CONCLUSIONS Intraventricular (131)I-3F8 successfully detected LM disease and resulted in a large favorable CSF/blood ratio. Intraventricular (131)I-3F8 may have clinical utility in the diagnosis and radioimmunotherapy of GD2-positive LM cancers. Med. Pediatr. Oncol. 35:716-718. 2000.
Air toxics in Canada measured by the National Air Pollution Surveillance (NAPS) program and their relation to ambient air quality guidelines

ABSTRACT This study reports ambient concentrations of 63 air toxics that were measured in Canada by the National Air Pollution Surveillance (NAPS) program over the period 2009–2013. Measured concentrations are compared with ambient air quality guidelines from Canadian jurisdictions, and compounds that exceeded guidelines are identified and discussed. Although this study does not assess risk or cumulative effects, air toxics that approached guidelines are also identified so that their potential contribution to ambient air toxics pollution can be considered. Eleven air toxics exceeded at least one guideline, and an additional 16 approached guidelines during the study period. Four compounds were measured using methods whose detection limits exceeded a guideline value, three of which could not be compared with guidelines, since they were not detected in any samples. The assessment of several metal(loid) concentrations is tentative, since they were measured only in fine particulate matter (PM) but compared with guidelines based on coarse or total PM. Improvements to sampling and analysis techniques for the latter compounds as well as for those whose methods are subject to known uncertainties would improve confidence in reported concentrations and their relation to applicable guidelines. Analysis of sampling strategies for all compounds found to exceed or approach guidelines would contribute to ensuring that their spatiotemporal coverage is adequate. Examination of the air toxics not measured by NAPS but having guidelines in Canadian jurisdictions or being included in other programs such as the U.S. National-Scale Air Toxics Assessment (NATA) would contribute to ensuring that the full suite of pollutants relevant to ambient air quality in Canada is subject to adequate study. The results of this study can be applied to evaluating the effectiveness of toxic substances management in Canada. Implications: Recent measurements of 63 air toxics in Canada by the National Air Pollution Surveillance (NAPS) program showed that 11 compounds exceeded daily or annual ambient air quality guidelines and that an additional 16 compounds approached such guidelines within an order of magnitude. The results of this study can be applied to evaluating the effectiveness of toxic substances management in Canada and to identifying compounds that merit further investigation.
High-Resolution ISAR Imaging by Exploiting Sparse Apertures

Compressive sensing (CS) theory indicates that the optimal reconstruction of an unknown sparse signal can be achieved from limited noisy measurements by solving a sparsity-driven optimization problem. For inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) imagery, the scattering field of the target is usually composed of only a limited number of strong scattering centers, representing strong spatial sparsity. This paper derives a new autofocus algorithm to exploit the sparse apertures (SAs) data for ISAR imagery. A sparsity-driven optimization based on Bayesian compressive sensing (BCS) is developed. In addition, we also propose an approach to determine the sparsity coefficient in the optimization by using constant-false-alarm-rate (CFAR) detection. Solving the sparsity-driven optimization with a modified Quasi-Newton algorithm, the phase error is corrected by combining a two-step phase correction approach, and well-focused image with effective noise suppression is obtained from SA data. Real data experiments show the validity of the proposed method.
Donors’ influence strategies and beneficiary accountability: an NGO case study

ABSTRACT Previous research on NGO accountability have focused on the constraining features of NGOs’ accountability to donors. We argue that donor accountability of NGOs also has enabling features which can be mobilised to the advantage of beneficiaries. Drawing on a fieldwork-based case study design in this paper, we show that how powerful stakeholders like donors can influence NGOs, and in that process facilitate beneficiary accountability. We have found that donors have applied “direct usage” (influence NGOs directly by controlling critical resources) and “indirect usage” (influence NGOs indirectly via other stakeholders such as regulators) strategies in holding the case NGO to account. HIGHLIGHTS This paper is concerned with finding ways for the improvement of NGOs' accountability to beneficiaries. We have argued against the tendency to view donor accountability versus beneficiary accountability as dichotomous. While previous studies have focused on the constraining features of NGOs' accountability to donors we highlight in-built enabling features of NGOs' accountability to donors which can be mobilised to the enhancement of beneficiary accountability. Our results show that powerful NGO stakeholders like donors have applied various influence strategies in holding the case NGO to account for their beneficiaries.
Microscopic imaging of DNA repair foci in irradiated normal tissues

Purpose: It is now feasible to detect DNA double strand breaks (DSB) in tissues by measuring the induction and resolution of DNA repair foci, such as γ-H2AX, using immunofluorescent microscopy and digital image analysis. This review will highlight principal tools and approaches to tissue microscopy and analysis. It will also discuss the practical considerations of using microscopy in vitro and in vivo in measuring intranuclear foci following irradiation. Conclusions: Computer-based image analysis algorithms allow an objective and quantitative analysis of foci and protein-protein interactions using 3D confocal images. Finally, we review the literature in which DNA repair foci have been investigated as a biodosimeter or a biomarker of DNA repair in normal tissues.
Research achievements in transition: German scholars’ contribution to economic geographies of knowledge, innovation and new technologies

Abstract The 2018 Global Conference on Economic Geography in Cologne provides the occasion to take stock of research achievements especially of German geographers in selected fields. This paper reviews, based on a broad range of academic milestone publications, how German scholars have moved forward research frontiers in the field of knowledge, innovation and technology geographies. Which marks did this country’s economic geographers leave on the advancement of conceptual ideas, yet which topics were neglected? And how have they engaged in producing convincing empirical evidence for conceptualized developments? In which ways have German researchers ventured towards informing and supporting effective policies of innovation oriented regional or national development? Conclusively, which qualities can be discerned that specifically mark a ‘German’ approach towards economic geography research on knowledge, innovation and new technologies, telling about strengths and weaknesses with respect to being noticed internationally? Exploring these questions, the paper offers a structured review of exemplary works published in German or English language and points out some distinctive nation-specific features and topical achievements of economic geography research.
The role of chromatin, microRNAs, and tumor stem cells in ovarian cancer.

SUMMARY The term "epigenetics" refers to DNA sequence-independent events that regulate gene expression, including DNA methylation, modifications to histone proteins, and microRNA-associated post-transcriptional control of protein translation. Epigenetic aberrations are now considered a defining characteristic of numerous human pathologies, including cancer. However, in contrast to DNA sequence mutations, many oncogenic epigenetic modifications are potentially reversible, with studies now showing numerous tumor cell types to possess remarkable phenotypic "plasticity," strongly supporting possible reversion of their malignant status. The "epigenome" of one such malignancy, ovarian cancer, has now been studied in depth, with specific epigenetic alterations correlated with tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and therapy resistance. Ovarian cancer is the most lethal malignancy of the female reproductive tract, largely due to lack or diagnoses of early-stage disease and the eventual develoment of drug resistance; thus, reliable early detection biomarkers and alternative therapies are urgently needed. In this chapter, we discuss the epigenetics of ovarian cancer, including its likely role in the establishment of "cancer stem cells," i.e., highly tumorigenic progenitor cells believed to be largely or solely responsible for the propagation of malignant, chemotherapy-resistant and metastatic disease. Improved understanding of these gene-regulatory phenomena could likely result in improved detection and survival of this highly destructive malignancy.
A method of window and edge selection for color stereo images

Two algorithms are proposed in this article to improve the matching of stereo image pairs. One is the improved algorithm of adaptive image window; the other is an improved algorithm in edge pixel areas, which is used to enhance the correction rate of matching the edge pixels by reducing the Corr (color correlation measurement) of the edge pixels. These two algorithms are investigated by matching four stereo images (Tsukuba, Venus, Teddy and Cones) with ground truth provided in Middlebury stereo database. Experimental results show that the correction rate of matching is improved obviously for all the stereo images.
Robust visual feedback control of inverted pendulum system against camera misalignment

In this paper, we investigate a version of robust stabilization via dynamic output feedback against affine perturbation to state space model. The motivation arises from the fact that the misalignment between the camera axis and the normal vector of the measurement plane in our visual feedback control experiment with inverted pendulum system can be modeled by this kind of perturbation. By solving related BMI, one can design a controller which tolerate the camera misalignment to some extent. The result is verified via experiments.
A wide-band bandpass filter using properties of microstrip open-loop resonators with outer tuning stubs

This paper proposes a wide-band bandpass filter using the properties of microstrip open-loop resonators with outer tuning stubs. The microstrip loop resonator consists of four identical branches and each branch is an open-loop microstrip element. An introduced bandpass filter is based on the bandstop filter employing the direct-connected feed lines on the orthogonal of the microstrip loop resonators. The introduction of two outer tuning stubs connecting opposite to the ports widens the passband and sharpens the stopbands. The filter is designed at center frequency of 2.45 GHz and simulated by IE3D. The measurement of fabricated structure proposes 36% bandwidth and 0.43 dB insertion loss.
The Multiple Functions of TRBP, at the Hub of Cell Responses to Viruses, Stress, and Cancer

SUMMARY The TAR RNA binding protein (TRBP) has emerged as a key player in many cellular processes. First identified as a cellular protein that facilitates the replication of human immunodeficiency virus, TRBP has since been shown to inhibit the activation of protein kinase R (PKR), a protein involved in innate immune responses and the cellular response to stress. It also binds to the PKR activator PACT and regulates its function. TRBP also contributes to RNA interference as an integral part of the minimal RNA-induced silencing complex with Dicer and Argonaute proteins. Due to its multiple functions in the cell, TRBP is involved in oncogenesis when its sequence is mutated or its expression is deregulated. The depletion or overexpression of TRBP results in malignancy, suggesting that the balance of TRBP expression is key to normal cellular function. These studies show that TRBP is multifunctional and mediates cross talk between different pathways. Its activities at the molecular level impact the cellular function from normal development to cancer and the response to infections.
Poland’s uninterrupted growth performance: new growth accounting evidence

ABSTRACT Since 1992 Poland has experienced an exceptionally long spell of output growth that was not interrupted even by the global economic crisis. Using a growth accounting exercise based on new estimates of flows of capital and labour services in the Polish economy during the period 1996–2013, we study the structure of this growth, highlighting the key role of certain supply-side factors. Most notably, unlike other European countries, the Polish economy recorded both a marked increase in capital deepening, a big improvement in workforce composition (driven mostly by educational attainment), and an uninterrupted process of productivity convergence. We also comment on the supply-side factors which contributed to Poland’s relative resilience to the global economic crisis of 2007–2010.
ROLE OF T CELLS FOR CYTOKINE PRODUCTION AND OUTCOME IN A MODEL OF ACUTE SEPTIC PERITONITIS

Although it is generally accepted that early defense mechanisms are controlled by cells of the innate immune system, T cells were found to be crucial for host resistance against acute septic peritonitis. However, the mechanisms by which T cells mediate protection are not fully understood. Here, we demonstrate mice deficient for recombinase-activating gene (RAG) 1, which lack mature B and T cells, showed enhanced susceptibility and impaired bacterial clearance in a model of acute septic peritonitis. Whereas B-cell-deficient &mgr;MT mice showed no significant difference in the survival rate after peritonitis induction, T-cell-deficient Balb/c nude mice exhibited reduced survival. Importantly, analysis of cytokine production in both RAG-1-deficient and T-cell-deficient nude mice indicated strongly attenuated production of IL-12, interferon (IFN) &ggr;, and IL-10 during sepsis. Reduced cytokine levels were detected both in serum and in organ extracts of septic mice. Direct analysis of T cells isolated from septic mice demonstrated that T cells respond to an acute septic challenge by increased production of IFN-&ggr; and IL-10. Moreover, bacterial numbers in spleens of septic RAG-1-deficient mice were significantly increased as compared with controls, suggesting that T cells are engaged in the early antibacterial immune defense during sepsis, possibly via the production of IFN-&ggr;. In summary, these results imply that T cells contribute to protective immune responses against acute systemic infections via their ability to produce crucial immune mediators.ABBREVIATIONS-CASP-colon ascendens stent peritonitis; CLP-cecal ligation and puncture; CXCL1-chemokine (CXC motif) ligand 1; RAG-recombinase-activating gene; SOCS5-suppressor of cytokine signaling-5