Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
When Eastern Surgeons Meet Western Patients: A Pilot Study of Gastrectomy with Lymphadenectomy in Caucasian Patients at a Single Korean Institute

East Asian surgeons generally report lower morbidity and mortality rates for gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy than do surgeons in Western countries; however, the disparity remains unexplained. The aim of this article was to determine the feasibility and safety regarding cases in which East Asian surgeons perform such procedures in Caucasian patients (CPs). Twelve CPs underwent gastrectomy with lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer at Yonsei University Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea between June 2011 and April 2014. Procedures performed included total gastrectomy (7 of 12, 58%), distal gastrectomy (4 of 12, 33%), and completion total gastrectomy (1 of 12, 8%). Nine patients (75%) underwent D2 lymphadenectomy, and D1+ lymphadenectomy was performed in three others (25%). In four patients (33%), combined resections were carried out. The median values of surgical parameters were as follows: operative time, 266.5 min (range, 120–586 min); estimated blood loss, 90 mL (range, 37–350 mL); retrieved lymph node count, 37.5 (range, 22–63); and postoperative hospital stay, 13.7 days (range, 5–63 days). No mortality was encountered, although two patients (17%) experienced complications (both Clavien-Dindo classification grade IIIa anastomotic leakages), which were successfully managed by conservative treatment. In the hands of East Asian surgeons, mortality and short-term morbidity appears to be acceptably low in CPs subjected to gastrectomy with lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer.
The effectiveness of dynamic zoning in multi-car elevator control

In recent years, multi-car elevator (MCE) provided with multi-car per shaft receive attention. By using MCE, it is expected that efficient transportation of passengers with smaller number of shafts and the decrease of elevator setting area in buildings. Therefore, various studies on MCE control have been made so far, and we also have proposed a MCE control method that assign a zone to a car dynamically according to needs. In this study, we discuss the effectiveness of proposal method on MCE controlling through two simulation experiments. In the first experiment, we compare proposal method with single-car elevator (SCE) and other MCE control methods on three evaluation indexes. The other experiment, we examine the effectiveness of an increase in shafts on proposal method.
Multisensory Technology for Flavor Augmentation: A Mini Review

There is growing interest in the development of new technologies that capitalize on our emerging understanding of the multisensory influences on flavor perception in order to enhance human–food interaction design. This review focuses on the role of (extrinsic) visual, auditory, and haptic/tactile elements in modulating flavor perception and more generally, our food and drink experiences. We review some of the most exciting examples of recent multisensory technologies for augmenting such experiences. Here, we discuss applications for these technologies, for example, in the field of food experience design, in the support of healthy eating, and in the rapidly growing world of sensory marketing. However, as the review makes clear, while there are many opportunities for novel human–food interaction design, there are also a number of challenges that will need to be tackled before new technologies can be meaningfully integrated into our everyday food and drink experiences.
BTRFS: The Linux B-Tree Filesystem

BTRFS is a Linux filesystem that has been adopted as the default filesystem in some popular versions of Linux. It is based on copy-on-write, allowing for efficient snapshots and clones. It uses B-trees as its main on-disk data structure. The design goal is to work well for many use cases and workloads. To this end, much effort has been directed to maintaining even performance as the filesystem ages, rather than trying to support a particular narrow benchmark use-case. Linux filesystems are installed on smartphones as well as enterprise servers. This entails challenges on many different fronts. ---Scalability. The filesystem must scale in many dimensions: disk space, memory, and CPUs. ---Data integrity. Losing data is not an option, and much effort is expended to safeguard the content. This includes checksums, metadata duplication, and RAID support built into the filesystem. ---Disk diversity. The system should work well with SSDs and hard disks. It is also expected to be able to use an array of different sized disks, which poses challenges to the RAID and striping mechanisms. This article describes the core ideas, data structures, and algorithms of this filesystem. It sheds light on the challenges posed by defragmentation in the presence of snapshots, and the tradeoffs required to maintain even performance in the face of a wide spectrum of workloads.
Multi-User Detection for Radar and Communication Multifunction System

A multifunctional system that performs synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and communication tasks is presented. The system depends on orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) waveform shaping and multiple input multiple output (MIMO) configuration to achieve enhancement in the spectral efficiency of communication operation and provide interference rejection in SAR imaging. The SAR interval idle time is utilized to enhance the communication signal through diversity. Adaptive system features are introduced to achieve multi-user detection and improve the communication reliability, by means of space division multiple access (SDMA) and space–time block coding (STBC). Investigations of linear and nonlinear multi-user detection (MUD) techniques are provided. Moreover, a genetic algorithm-based system is developed to optimize the MUD problem and to provide near-optimal performance even for overloaded scenarios. A gain of more than 4 dB is achieved at bit error rate of 10-2.
Platelet-Activating Factor Receptor Ligands Protect Tumor Cells from Radiation-Induced Cell Death

Irradiation generates oxidized phospholipids that activate platelet-activating factor receptor (PAFR) associated with pro-tumorigenic effects. Here, we investigated the involvement of PAFR in tumor cell survival after irradiation. Cervical cancer samples presented higher levels of PAF-receptor gene (PTAFR) when compared with normal cervical tissue. In cervical cancer patients submitted to radiotherapy (RT), the expression of PTAFR was significantly increased. Cervical cancer-derived cell lines (C33, SiHa, and HeLa) and squamous carcinoma cell lines (SCC90 and SCC78) express higher levels of PAFR mRNA and protein than immortalized keratinocytes. Gamma radiation increased PAFR expression and induced PAFR ligands and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in these tumor cells. The blocking of PAFR with the antagonist CV3938 before irradiation inhibited PGE2 and increased tumor cells death. Similarly, human carcinoma cells transfected with PAFR (KBP) were more resistant to radiation compared to those lacking the receptor (KBM). PGE2 production by irradiated KBP cells was also inhibited by CV3988. These results show that irradiation of carcinoma cells generates PAFR ligands that protect tumor cells from death and suggests that the combination of RT with a PAFR antagonist could be a promising strategy for cancer treatment.
Optimal Brain 99mTc–Ethyl Cysteinate Dimer SPECT Imaging and Analysis to Detect Misery Perfusion on 15O PET Imaging in Patients With Chronic Occlusive Disease of Unilateral Major Cerebral Artery

Purpose Misery perfusion is defined as marginally sufficient cerebral blood supply relative to cerebral metabolic demand. The aim of the present study was to determine the optimal brain 99mTc–ethyl cysteinate dimer (ECD) SPECT imaging and analysis to detect misery perfusion on 15O PET imaging in patients with chronic occlusive disease of unilateral internal carotid or middle cerebral artery (MCA). Methods For 97 patients, cerebral blood flow, cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen, and oxygen extraction fraction were measured using 15O PET; 99mTc-ECD SPECT was performed using dynamic scanning with a scan duration of 10 minutes each for 50 minutes after tracer administration. A region of interest was placed in the bilateral MCA territories and in the bilateral cerebellar hemispheres in all standardized images using a 3-dimensional stereotaxic region-of-interest template and affected-to-contralateral asymmetry ratio in the MCA territory (ARMCA) and contralateral-to-affected asymmetry ratio in the cerebellar hemisphere (ARcbl) were calculated. Results The ARMCA or ARcbl on 99mTc-ECD SPECT with a scan time of 20 to 30 minutes after tracer administration (ARMCA20–30 or ARcbl20–30) was correlated with ARMCA on PET cerebral blood flow (r = 0.654) or ARMCA on PET cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (r = 0.576), respectively, more strongly than with other scan times. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for detecting abnormally elevated ARMCA on PET oxygen extraction fraction was significantly greater for ARcbl20–30/ARMCA20–30 (0.947) than for ARMCA20–30 alone (0.780) (difference between areas, 0.167; P = 0.0001) on 99mTc-ECD SPECT. Conclusions Combination of asymmetries in the cerebellar and cerebral hemispheres on 99mTc-ECD SPECT in a scan time of 20 to 30 minutes after tracer administration optimally detects misery perfusion in unilateral internal carotid artery or MCA occlusive disease.
Characterisation of high temperature oxidation using electron backscatter diffraction

Abstract Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) in the scanning electron microscope (SEM) has been used to characterise the oxide scales formed on a low alloy steel. The technique provides a powerful combination of local phase information and orientational relationships both within and between phase layers. It has revealed that hematite grain growth occurs almost exclusively along the 0001 direction for the entire range of samples examined. Wüstite and magnetite grains were also found to grow preferentially along orientations close to the 001 direction. EBSD is also well suited to characterising more complex scales such as those formed during hot working (e.g. millscale), and those formed on Fe–Ni alloys. In the latter complementary chemical information from energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), which was acquired simultaneously with the EBSD, enables the identity of crystallographically similar phases to be distinguished. EDS also shows that no nickel exists in the external scale and that it instead accumulates at the interface with the scale and at adjacent grain boundaries.
Testing of Active Rectification Topologies on a Six-Phase Rotating Brushless Outer Pole PM Exciter

The static exciter is dominating among large grid-connected generators due to the weak dynamic performance of conventional brushless exciters. In this contribution, a six-phase double-star outer pole permanent magnet rotating brushless exciter is evaluated with different active rectification topologies. Both thyristor-based and chopper-based topologies are considered. A high speed response brushless excitation system is obtained by replacing the conventional rotating diode bridge rectifier with the proposed active rectification topologies on the shaft. The given two-stage system generates its own excitation power directly from the shaft, contrary to static exciters. The selection of an appropriate rectification topology could minimize the rotor armature phase currents for a given generator field current. The objective is a high-power factor and a high utilization of the exciter machine. An optimal rectification topology makes higher ceiling currents was possible, improving the transient behavior of the synchronous generator. In this paper, we show that six-phase topologies add complexity, but improve exciter redundancy, increase the available ceiling voltage, and reduce the steady-state torque ripple. Experimental results are given for validating the models implemented for the analysis.
RoMA: Interactive Fabrication with Augmented Reality and a Robotic 3D Printer

We present the Robotic Modeling Assistant (RoMA), an interactive fabrication system providing a fast, precise, hands-on and in-situ modeling experience. As a designer creates a new model using RoMA AR CAD editor, features are constructed concurrently by a 3D printing robotic arm sharing the same design volume. The partially printed physical model then serves as a tangible reference for the designer as she adds new elements to her design. RoMA's proxemics-inspired handshake mechanism between the designer and the 3D printing robotic arm allows the designer to quickly interrupt printing to access a printed area or to indicate that the robot can take full control of the model to finish printing. RoMA lets users integrate real-world constraints into a design rapidly, allowing them to create well-proportioned tangible artifacts or to extend existing objects. We conclude by presenting the strengths and limitations of our current design.
Lower Bounds on Sparse Spanners, Emulators, and Diameter-reducing shortcuts

We prove better lower bounds on additive spanners and emulators, which are lossy compression schemes for undirected graphs, as well as lower bounds on shortcut sets, which reduce the diameter of directed graphs. We show that any $O(n)$-size shortcut set cannot bring the diameter below $\Omega(n^{1/6})$, and that any $O(m)$-size shortcut set cannot bring it below $\Omega(n^{1/11})$. These improve Hesse's [Hesse03] lower bound of $\Omega(n^{1/17})$. By combining these constructions with Abboud and Bodwin's [AbboudB17] edge-splitting technique, we get additive stretch lower bounds of $+\Omega(n^{1/13})$ for $O(n)$-size spanners and $+\Omega(n^{1/18})$ for $O(n)$-size emulators. These improve Abboud and Bodwin's $+\Omega(n^{1/22})$ lower bounds.
The interplay between regulatory focus and temporal distance in the health context

OBJECTIVES This study identifies how the interaction between temporal distance, regulatory focus, and framing of health outcomes affects individuals' intention to adopt a personalized nutrition service. DESIGN A 2 (temporal distance: immediate health outcomes vs. delayed health outcomes) × 2 (regulatory focus: prevention vs. promotion) × 2 (health outcome framing: illness prevention vs. health promotion) full-factorial between-subjects design. METHODS In two experiments with samples of 236 and 242 students, regulatory focus was manipulated by asking participants to describe which academic outcomes they want to either achieve or prevent and how they aim to do this. Temporal distance and health outcome framing were manipulated by modifying descriptions of personalized nutrition services. To study the process through which temporal distance, regulatory focus, and health outcome framing affect adoption intention, measures of perceived privacy risk and perceived personalization benefit were included as mediators. RESULTS The interaction between temporal distance and regulatory focus had a significant effect on adoption intention, perceived privacy risk, and perceived personalization benefit. For prevention-focused individuals' adoption intention was higher, perceived personalization benefit was higher, and perceived privacy risk was lower when health outcomes were immediate instead of delayed. These effects were not significant for promotion-focused individuals. Health outcome framing affected the interaction between temporal distance and regulatory focus, but only in Study 1. Only perceived personalization benefit served as a mediator. CONCLUSION Tailoring temporal distance to individuals' regulatory focus increases adoption intention for personalized nutrition advice. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? Intention to adopt dietary recommendations results from a cognitive decision-making process. Regulatory focus and temporal distance are relevant for the adoption of dietary recommendations. Temporal distance and regulatory focus are interrelated. What does this study add? The interaction between temporal distance and regulatory focus affects adoption intention. Interaction between temporal distance and regulatory focus moderates the cognitive process that drives adoption.
Draft Genome Sequence of Endozoicomonas acroporae Strain Acr-14T, Isolated from Acropora Coral

ABSTRACT A lacuna exists in our understanding of the genetic makeup of Endozoicomonas bacteria, due to scarcity of genome sequences. We report here the first draft genome sequence of Endozoicomonas acroporae Acr-14, a type strain isolated from the coral Acropora. This sequence will foster an understanding of the genetic makeup and role of hosts in shaping gene repertoires.
Assessment of Bona Fide sRNAs in Staphylococcus aureus

Bacterial regulatory RNAs have been extensively studied for over a decade, and are progressively being integrated into the complex genetic regulatory network. Transcriptomic arrays, recent deep-sequencing data and bioinformatics suggest that bacterial genomes produce hundreds of regulatory RNAs. However, while some have been authenticated, the existence of the others varies according to strains and growth conditions, and their detection fluctuates with the methodologies used for data acquisition and interpretation. For example, several small RNA (sRNA) candidates are now known to be parts of UTR transcripts. Accurate annotation of regulatory RNAs is a complex task essential for molecular and functional studies. We defined bona fide sRNAs as those that (i) likely act in trans and (ii) are not expressed from the opposite strand of a coding gene. Using published data and our own RNA-seq data, we reviewed hundreds of Staphylococcus aureus putative regulatory RNAs using the DETR'PROK computational pipeline and visual inspection of expression data, addressing the question of which transcriptional signals correspond to sRNAs. We conclude that the model strain HG003, a NCTC8325 derivative commonly used for S. aureus genetic regulation studies, has only about 50 bona fide sRNAs, indicating that these RNAs are less numerous than commonly stated. Among them, about half are associated to the S. aureus sp. core genome and a quarter are possibly expressed in other Staphylococci. We hypothesize on their features and regulation using bioinformatic approaches.
The Role of Stress-Induced O-GlcNAc Protein Modification in the Regulation of Membrane Transport

O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) is a posttranslational modification that is increasingly recognized as a signal transduction mechanism. Unlike other glycans, O-GlcNAc is a highly dynamic and reversible process that involves the addition and removal of a single N-acetylglucosamine molecule to Ser/Thr residues of proteins. UDP-GlcNAc—the direct substrate for O-GlcNAc modification—is controlled by the rate of cellular metabolism, and thus O-GlcNAc is dependent on substrate availability. Serving as a feedback mechanism, O-GlcNAc influences the regulation of insulin signaling and glucose transport. Besides nutrient sensing, O-GlcNAc was also implicated in the regulation of various physiological and pathophysiological processes. Due to improvements of mass spectrometry techniques, more than one thousand proteins were detected to carry the O-GlcNAc moiety; many of them are known to participate in the regulation of metabolites, ions, or protein transport across biological membranes. Recent studies also indicated that O-GlcNAc is involved in stress adaptation; overwhelming evidences suggest that O-GlcNAc levels increase upon stress. O-GlcNAc elevation is generally considered to be beneficial during stress, although the exact nature of its protective effect is not understood. In this review, we summarize the current data regarding the oxidative stress-related changes of O-GlcNAc levels and discuss the implications related to membrane trafficking.
MABS: Multicast Authentication Based on Batch Signature

Conventional block-based multicast authentication schemes overlook the heterogeneity of receivers by letting the sender choose the block size, divide a multicast stream into blocks, associate each block with a signature, and spread the effect of the signature across all the packets in the block through hash graphs or coding algorithms. The correlation among packets makes them vulnerable to packet loss, which is inherent in the Internet and wireless networks. Moreover, the lack of Denial of Service (DoS) resilience renders most of them vulnerable to packet injection in hostile environments. In this paper, we propose a novel multicast authentication protocol, namely MABS, including two schemes. The basic scheme (MABS-B) eliminates the correlation among packets and thus provides the perfect resilience to packet loss, and it is also efficient in terms of latency, computation, and communication overhead due to an efficient cryptographic primitive called batch signature, which supports the authentication of any number of packets simultaneously. We also present an enhanced scheme MABS-E, which combines the basic scheme with a packet filtering mechanism to alleviate the DoS impact while preserving the perfect resilience to packet loss.
Close Range Tracking of an Uncooperative Target in a Sequence of Photonic Mixer Device (PMD) Images

This paper presents a pose estimation routine for tracking attitude and position of an uncooperative tumbling spacecraft during close range rendezvous. The key innovation is the usage of a Photonic Mixer Device (PMD) sensor for the first time during space proximity for tracking the pose of the uncooperative target. This sensor requires lower power consumption and higher resolution if compared with existing flash Light Identification Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensors. In addition, the PMD sensor provides two different measurements at the same time: depth information (point cloud) and amplitude of the reflected signal, which generates a grayscale image. In this paper, a hybrid model-based navigation technique that employs both measurements is proposed. The principal pose estimation technique is the iterative closed point algorithm with reverse calibration, which relies on the depth image. The second technique is an image processing pipeline that generates a set of 2D-to-3D feature correspondences between amplitude image and spacecraft model followed by the Efficient Perspective-n-Points (EPnP) algorithm for pose estimation. In this way, we gain a redundant estimation of the target’s current state in real-time without hardware redundancy. The proposed navigation methodology is tested in the German Aerospace Center (DLR)’s European Proximity Operations Simulator. The hybrid navigation technique shows the capability to ensure robust pose estimation of an uncooperative tumbling target under severe illumination conditions. In fact, the EPnP-based technique allows to overcome the limitations of the primary technique when harsh illumination conditions arise.