Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Population and patient-specific target margins for 4D adaptive radiotherapy to account for intra- and inter-fraction variation in lung tumour position

In this work, five 4D image-guidance strategies (two population, an offline adaptive and two online strategies) were evaluated that compensated for both inter- and intra-fraction variability such as changes to the baseline tumour position and respiratory pattern. None of the strategies required active motion compensation such as gating or tracking; all strategies simulated a free-breathing-based treatment technique. Online kilovoltage fluoroscopy was acquired for eight patients with lung tumours, and used to construct inter- and intra-fraction tumour position variability models. Planning was performed on a mid-ventilation image acquired from a respiration-correlated CT scan. The blurring effect of tumour position variability was included in the dose calculation by convolution. CTV to PTV margins were calculated for variability in the cranio-caudal direction. A population margin of 9.0 ± 0.7 mm was required to account for setup error and respiration in the study population without the use of image-guidance. The greatest mean margin reduction was introduced by the offline adaptive strategy. A daily online correction strategy produced a small reduction (1.6 mm) in the mean margin from the offline strategy. Adaptively correcting for an inter-fraction change in the respiratory pattern had little effect on margin size due to most patients having only small daily changes in the respiratory pattern. A daily online correction strategy would be useful for patients who exhibit large variations in the daily mean tumour position, while an offline adaptive strategy is more applicable to patients with less variation.
Complement anaphylatoxin receptors C3aR and C5aR are required in the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune uveitis

Recent studies have suggested that reagents inhibiting complement activation could be effective in treating T cell mediated autoimmune diseases such as autoimmune uveitis. However, the precise role of the complement anaphylatoxin receptors (C3a and C5a receptors) in the pathogenesis of autoimmune uveitis remains elusive and controversial. We induced experimental autoimmune uveitis in mice deficient or sufficient in both C3a and C5a receptors and rigorously compared their retinal phenotype using various imaging techniques, including indirect ophthalmoscopy, confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, spectral domain optical coherence tomography, topical endoscopic fundus imaging, and histopathological analysis. We also assessed retinal function using electroretinography. Moreover, we performed Ag‐specific T cell recall assays and T cell adoptive transfer experiments to compare pathogenic T cell activity between wild‐type and knockout mice with experimental autoimmune uveitis. These experiments showed that C3a receptor/C5a receptor‐deficient mice developed much less severe uveitis than did control mice using all retinal examination methods and that these mice had reduced pathogenic T cell responses. Our data demonstrate that both complement anaphylatoxin receptors are important for the development of experimental autoimmune uveitis, suggesting that targeting these receptors could be a valid approach for treating patients with autoimmune uveitis.
Hematopoietic stem cell expansion: challenges and opportunities

Attempts to improve hematopoietic reconstitution and engraftment potential of ex vivo–expanded hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) have been largely unsuccessful due to the inability to generate sufficient stem cell numbers and to excessive differentiation of the starting cell population. Although hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) will rapidly expand after in vivo transplantation, experience from in vitro studies indicates that control of HSPC self‐renewal and differentiation in culture remains difficult. Protocols that are based on hematopoietic cytokines have failed to support reliable amplification of immature stem cells in culture, suggesting that additional factors are required. In recent years, several novel factors, including developmental factors and chemical compounds, have been reported to affect HSC self‐renewal and improve ex vivo stem cell expansion protocols. Here, we highlight early expansion attempts and review recent development in the extrinsic control of HSPC fate in vitro.
Path-tracking for a Tractor-Trailer-like Robot

Path-tracking controllers for tractor-trailer-like robots are de signed by generalizing the geometric path-tracking approach currently adopted for car-like robots. This is done by formaliz ing the concepts of speed and lateral and heading offsets and by assuming slippage-free motion. The main result is that for straight-line or circular-arc paths to be tracked with a con stant velocity, path-tracking may be ensured by means of a linear, time-invariant, and decoupled controller, the gains of which may be determined using familiar proportional-integral- derivative (PID) and state-feedback techniques.
Proximity communication

This paper reports results from wireless chip-to-chip communication experiments. Sixteen bit words pass from one chip to another in parallel without detectable error at 1.35 billion data items per second for a total data rate of 21.6 Gigabits per second. The experiment transmits pseudo random patterns between chips built in a 350-nm CMOS technology. Chips touch face-to-face to communicate. The same pseudorandom data pattern is loaded onto both chips so that the receiving chip can check the accuracy of every bit communicated. Each communication channel consumes a static power of 3.6 mW, and a dynamic power of 3.9 pJ per bit communicated. The channels lie on 50-/spl mu/m centers. Because the capacitive communication works through covering oxide, ESD protection is unnecessary. Vernier position measuring circuits built into the chips indicate the relative position of transmitting and receiving arrays to assist mechanical alignment. The test chip includes a Vernier measurement circuit that provides inter-chip position measurements with a resolution of 1.4 /spl mu/m.
Average Transmit Power Gain of Adaptive ZF Large Scale Multi-user and Multi-antenna Systems

This paper investigates adaptive zero-forcing (ZF) uplink transmission for a large-scale multi-user multi-antenna (MUMA) system. It is assumed that power control can be done at these transmitters as channel condition changes, and the number of antennas at the base station (BS) is not less than the number of users with each having single antenna. Under the case where both individual user rates and maximum transmit powers are constrained, we adopt the optimal transmit strategy of minimizing the total average transmit power (ATP). We define a concept called average transmit power gain (ATPG) for each link in the MUMA system in order to get an insight into the power benefits provided by the MUMA system over a single-user and single-antenna (SUSA) system. In Rayleigh fading environments, then we derive several ATPG expressions with and without channel estimation error. These expressions imply the relationship among the individual ATP, the individual outage probability, the number of BS antennas, and the number of users.
Modifications of a Dynamic-Logic Phase Frequency Detector for extended detection range

This paper presents two modified architectures of a Dynamic-Logic Phase Frequency Detector (PFD) which eliminate the blind-zone problem. The PFDs have linear phase-frequency characteristics for the input phase difference outside of the blind-zone, and constant phase-frequency characteristics for the phase difference inside the blind-zone. The proposed new PFD architectures extend the detection range and eliminate the polarity reversal issue of the output. The circuits have been designed in 0. 13µm CMOS technology and the simulation results have demonstrated a detection range improvement in comparison to previously existing solutions.
B Cells Are Dispensable for Neonatal Transplant Tolerance Induction

Background. Prior studies have demonstrated that neonatal B cells possess unique immunoregulatory properties. Specifically, neonatal B-1 cells produce interleukin (IL)-10 in response to toll-like receptor stimulation; this modulates innate and adaptive alloimmune responses. Here, we examine whether this process plays a critical role in neonatal transplant tolerance induction. Methods. We used a murine model of neonatal transplant tolerance induction, whereby female C57BL/6 mice injected with male spleen cells 3 days after birth acquire the ability to accept a male skin transplant in adulthood. Results. We investigated the role of B cells in this model by using mice with targeted genetic B-cell deficiencies (including muMT, JH−/−, and XID mice). In addition, we examined the role of IL-10 in this model using IL-10−/− mice. Transplant tolerance induction was neither dependent on B cells nor on IL-10. Conclusions. Despite the role of neonatal B cells in suppressing innate and adaptive alloimmune responses, B cells are dispensable for neonatal transplant tolerance induction in this experimental model.
Effect of Chloroquine on Glucose Metabolism

Summary The long- and short-term effects of chloroquine (CAS 54-05-7) on glucose metabolism in rats were assessed. The long-term chronic chloroquine administration (5 and 10 mg/kg b.w. 6 days a week for 6 months) caused a decrease in serum glucose, insulin, calcium, potassium and protein levels, while the glucagon level increased. The short-term acute effect of chloroquine administration (10 mg/kg b.w. 6 days for one week) caused an improvement in glucose tolerance as shown by the decrease in glucose and insulin curves after an oral glucose tolerance test. This was accompanied by an increase in insulin activity, corrected insulin response, and glucose tolerance parameter and a decrease in glucose and insulin areas. Lactate dehydrogenase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities were increased, too, indicating an increase which provides the needed energy for overcoming the injurious effect of chloroquine.
The Prediction of Diabetic Neuropathic Foot Ulceration Using Vibration Perception Thresholds: A prospective study

OBJECTIVE To assess the ability of vibration perception threshold (VPT) to predict the development of diabetic foot ulceration. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A prospective follow-up study of consecutive patients with vibration perception measured by biothesiometry from April 1988 to March 1989. Patients were stratified in various risk groups. RESULTS Patients with a VPT <15 V had a cumulative incidence of foot ulceration of 2.9% compared with 19.8% in patients with a VPT >25 V, odds ratio (OR) 7.99 (3.65–17.5, 95% confidence intervals), P < 0.01. The incidence of ulceration increased with duration of diabetes, but even with this effect removed, the excess of ulceration persisted, OR 6.82 (2.75–16.92), P < 0.01. CONCLUSIONS VPT is an effective predictor of the risk of foot ulceration in diabetes and therefore could be used to target foot-care education to those patients most likely to benefit and, thereby, possibly improve its effectiveness.
Low Rank Approximation of Dual Complex Matrices

Dual complex numbers can represent rigid body motion in 2D spaces. Dual complex matrices are linked with screw theory, and have potential applications in various areas. In this paper, we study low rank approximation of dual complex matrices. We define $2$-norm for dual complex vectors, and Frobenius norm for dual complex matrices. These norms are nonnegative dual numbers. We establish the unitary invariance property of dual complex matrices. We study eigenvalues of square dual complex matrices, and show that an $n \times n$ dual complex Hermitian matrix has exactly $n$ eigenvalues, which are dual numbers. We present a singular value decomposition (SVD) theorem for dual complex matrices, define ranks and appreciable ranks for dual complex matrices, and study their properties. We establish an Eckart-Young like theorem for dual complex matrices, and present an algorithm framework for low rank approximation of dual complex matrices via truncated SVD. The SVD of dual complex matrices also provides a basic tool for Principal Component Analysis (PCA) via these matrices. Numerical experiments are reported.
Expression of CBY and Methylation of CBY at Promoter Region in Human Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Aims and Background Chibby (CBY), a β-catenin binding partner, inhibits Wnt/β-catenin-mediated transcriptional activation by competing with Tcf/Lef factors for β-catenin binding and promoting the export of β-catenin from nucleus to cytoplasm. The regulatory effect of CBY in this signaling pathway suggests its biological importance as a potential tumor suppressor gene. The purposes of this study were to determine whether the expression of CBY was downregulated in human laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) samples, the CpG sites of CBY at the promoter region were methylated in these tumor samples, and reduced expression of CBY was induced by methylation of CBY promoters. Methods CBY expression was investigated by quantitative real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry in samples from 36 LSCC patients. The methylation status of the CBY promoter was detected by methylation-specific PCR. Results Compared with normal laryngeal mucosa, the expression of CBY was downregulated in LSCC samples. The reduced CBY expression rate was 58.33% (21/36) at the mRNA and 66.67% (24/36) at the protein level. The promoters of CBY were methylated in 12/36 tumor samples, partially methylated in 5, and unmethylated in 19 samples. The methylation rate including incomplete methylation was 47.22% (17/36) in tumor samples, while no methylation was detected in normal laryngeal squamous epithelium. Compared with the unmethylated group, the expression of CBY was significantly different in the methylated group (p<0.05) but similar in the partially methylated group (p>0.05). Conclusions Our data indicate that CBY expression was downregulated in LSCC, which may be partially caused by methylation of CBY promoters.
Effectiveness of remote monitoring in the management of syncope and palpitations.

AIMS Recently, the remote transmission of data detected by implantable loop recorders (ILRs) has become available. The aim of this study was to evaluate effectiveness and acceptance of remote monitoring in the clinical management of syncope and palpitations in patients with ILR. METHODS AND RESULTS Consecutive patients implanted with ILR (Reveal DX/XT Medtronic, Inc.) and followed up by means of remote monitoring (CareLink(®)) were included. The patients were requested to transmit the data stored in the ILR every week, via the CareLink system, or more frequently during the first period. Patient acceptance of ILR was evaluated by means of a questionnaire concerning physical and mental components. Forty-seven patients (27 males, average age 64 ± 19 years) were enrolled and followed up for 20 ± 13 weeks. Thirty-two patients (68%) had at least one ECG recording of a true relevant event. The mean time from ILR implantation to the first true relevant ECG was 28 ± 49 days, which was 71 ± 17 days less than in the clinical practice of 3-monthly in-office follow-up examinations. Thirty-eight patients (81%) had at least one false arrhythmic event, mainly false asystole and false fast ventricular tachycardia. In the absence of Carelink transmission, at least one episode of memory saturation of ILR would have occurred in 21 patients (45%) that would have limited the diagnostic yield. Patient compliance was good even though one-fifth had some minor psychological concern regarding the ILR implant. CareLink was well accepted and judged easy to use. CONCLUSION Remote monitoring enhances the diagnostic effectiveness of Reveal, limiting the risk of memory saturation due to the high number of false detections and reducing the time to diagnosis. Both ILR and CareLink were well accepted and well tolerated by the patients, as they were considered useful.
Broadband Measurement of Absorption Cross Section of the Human Body in a Reverberation Chamber

We present broadband reverberation chamber measurements of the absorption cross section (ACS) of the human body averaged over all directions of incidence and angles of polarization. This frequency-dependent parameter characterizes the interactions between the body and the enclosures of reverberant environments such as aircraft cabins, and is, therefore, important for the determination of the overall Q-factor and, hence, the field strength illuminating equipment inside such enclosures. It also correlates directly with the electromagnetic exposure of occupants of reverberant environments. The average ACS of nine subjects was measured at frequencies over the range 1-8.5 GHz. For a 75-kg male, the ACS varied between 0.18 and 0.45 square meters over this range. ACS also correlated with body surface area for the subjects tested. The results agree well with computational electromagnetic simulations, but are obtained much more rapidly. We have used the obtained values of ACS to estimate the effect of passengers on the Q-factor of a typical airliner cabin.
Nonsurgical treatment of tracheoinnominate fistula in the pediatric population.

The tracheoinnominate fistula (TIF) is a potentially lethal complication traditionally associated with open tracheostomy. Currently, standard treatment involves surgical diversion or occlusion of the innominate artery. Herein, we report the case of a 10-yearold girl with a TIF treated acutely with endovascular stenting; no surgical therapy was undertaken. The patient has been doing well since the procedure, with no associated complications and no further hemorrhaging. Based on the high mortality rate associated with surgical intervention, we believe that endovascular stenting should be considered as the first-line treatment for TIF in the acute setting.
Super Generalized 4PCS for 3D Registration

The 4-Points Congruent Sets (4PCS) Algorithm is an established approach to registering two overlapping 3D point sets with partial overlap and arbitrary initial poses. 4PCS performs the registration efficiently using a special set of 4 points, also known as a base, formed by two co-planar pairs of points within a RANSAC framework. The SUPER 4PCS algorithm uses intelligent indexing to reduce the complexity of the original 4PCS algorithm. Although SUPER 4PCS is efficient, we show in this work that one can gain significant practical improvements in runtime by reducing the number of congruent 4-point bases across the two 3D point sets. We accomplish this by using a generalized 4-point base which considers non-coplanar 4-point bases as well as planar ones. We show through experimentation that the number of 4-point bases decreases, sometimes exponentially, with a non-coplanar base. Using this property, we propose the Super Generalized 4PCS algorithm which can exhibit a significant speed-up of up to 6.5x over the Super 4PCS algorithm as demonstrated experimentally.
The Gibson Spiral Maze test: retest data in relation to behavioural disturbance, personality and physical measures.

The Gibson Spiral Maze was re-administered to 202 schoolboys approximately 3 yr. after a first test at the age of 8+ yr. The results were examined with respect to: (i) test—retest relationships, (ii) discrimination of disturbed and delinquent individuals by a new system of score interpretation, (iii) the relationship between personal tempo and personality as shown on the New Junior Maudsley Inventory, (iv) arm development related to speed. Scores at the two age levels were significantly related, and the new system of score interpretation was shown to be valid. Predictions by Eysenck about psychomotor performance and personality were supported, but some of the speed variance could be attributed to physical development of the arm.
Application of MEEMD in post-processing of dimensionality reduction methods for face recognition

Dimensionality reduction techniques are powerful tools for face recognition, because they obtain important information from a dataset. Several dimensionality reduction methods proposed in literature have been improved thanks to pre-processing approaches. However, they also require post-processing to rectify and increase the quality of projected data. This study presents a simple and new discriminative post-processing framework to make the dimensionality reduction methods robust to outliers. In detail, the proposed approach separates features according to their scale using multidimensional ensemble empirical mode decomposition (MEEMD) and then the spatial and frequency domain processing methods are employed to preserve crucial features. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated on ORL, Extended Yale B, AR, and LFW datasets by several dimensionality reduction techniques. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can perform very well in face recognition.
Cryptorchidism: residual effects on steroid-regulated gonadotropin release in recently castrated rhesus monkeys.

the testicular components of feedback in primates, we studied feedback regulation in six cryptorchid (CO) and three sham-operated (con- trol) rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) that were castrated (Day 0) 420 days after the initial operation. Gonadotropins Iluteinizing follicle and estradiol-17(cid:1)3 were radioimmunoassay in serum collected daily Days 1 to 21, 33 to 40, and 48 to 55. was collected on alternate days from Day 59 to Day 97. After castration CO control were E5 Silastic implants Day 0 to Day 58, T from Day 59 to Day 80, and no after Day 80. Serum concentrations of T and ng/ml, and E2 between 25 and 60 pg/mI during These data suggest cryptorchidism in our data to the enigma of the inability of estrogen to when the testes are present, i.e., they suggest that a substance (or substances) produced the germinal epithelia is responsible for this of
Activity of Posaconazole in Treatment of Experimental Disseminated Zygomycosis

ABSTRACT Three isolates of zygomycetes were used to produce a disseminated infection in nonimmunocompromised mice. Against all zygomycete strains, amphotericin B significantly prolonged survival. Itraconazole was inactive against Rhizopus microsporus and Rhizopus oryzae but was partially active against Absidia corymbifera. Posaconazole had no beneficial effects against R. oryzae but showed partial activity against A. corymbifera. Posaconazole had a clear dose-response effect against R. microsporus.
Measuring Nurse Educators’ Willingness to Adopt Inclusive Teaching Strategies

AIMThe purpose of the study was to examine the characteristics and relationships of nurse educators’ teaching practices, knowledge, support, and willingness to adopt inclusive teaching strategies (WillAdITS). BACKGROUNDAdopting more inclusive teaching strategies based on universal design for instruction is an innovative way for educators to reach today's diverse student body. However, the pedagogy has not diffused into nursing education. METHODDescriptive statistics and hierarchical multiple regression were used for analyzing data from 311 nurse educators in prelicensure and RN to BSN programs. FINDINGSThe model explained 44.8 percent of the variance in WillAdITS. The best indicators for this pedagogy were knowledge of universal design for instruction, social system support for inclusive teaching strategies, multiple instructional formats, and years of teaching. CONCLUSIONKnowing factors influencing the adoption of inclusive teaching strategies can inform schools of nursing of areas needing further development in the preparation of novice to experienced educators to teach diverse learners.