Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography/Computed Tomography as a Problem-Solving Tool in Patients With Suspected Acute Cholecystitis

Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate our institutional experience with single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) hepatobiliary imaging as a problem-solving tool in the workup of suspected acute cholecystitis. Methods We queried our radiology information system database for cases in which SPECT/CT had been performed as part of the routine hepatobiliary technetium Tc 99m iminodiacetic acid studies done for the evaluation of acute cholecystitis. Fifty-three consecutive patients who had SPECT/CT after planar imaging were included. This cohort represents cases that were considered problematic by the initial interpreting physician on the basis of planar images. The planar and SPECT/CT images were retrospectively reviewed independently and separately by 2 experienced nuclear medicine specialists who evaluated the planar images for visualization of the gallbladder on a binary scale (yes or no) and rated their level of confidence on an ordinal scale(unsure, somewhat sure, and sure). Results Single-photon emission CT/CT would have led to change in the management for interpreter 1 in a total of 23 cases (41%), with change from normal to abnormal scan findings (28%) and from abnormal to normal scan findings (13%). Similarly, SPECT/CT would have led to change in the management for interpreter 2 in a total of 23 cases (43%), with change from normal to abnormal scan findings (13%) and from abnormal to normal scan findings (30%). Conclusions Although planar hepatobiliary scanning is usually sensitive and specific, there are occasionally problematic cases. In our experience, we found that the addition of SPECT/CT improved the interobserver agreement and may change management in patients with superimposed bowel activity and/or unusual gallbladder anatomy that can confound the planar interpretation.
Offering streaming rate adaptation to common media players

This paper describes an adaptive streaming technique that exploits temporal concatenation of H.264/AVC video bit-streams and uses only standard RTCP reports as feedback mechanism. As a result, common media players like VLC, QuickTime or GStreamer based, can be used in a streaming session with improved viewing experience when accessing video content through bandwidth constrained connections. Further, an original probing technique that uses video packets as probing data has been developed in order to assess whether the available bandwidth allows streaming at a higher bitrate, maximizing thus video quality and user experience. The proposed solution has been tested in real wireless scenarios, showing that video quality can indeed be improved even for standard media players.
Reliability of the Washington University Road Test. A performance-based assessment for drivers with dementia of the Alzheimer type.

OBJECTIVE To assess the reliability and stability of a standardized road test for healthy aging people and those with dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT). DESIGN A prospective study involving patients with DAT and age-matched healthy controls in which subjects' driving performance was evaluated by several raters in an initial and a follow-up road test. SETTING Urban medical school and urban highways and streets. SUBJECTS A convenience sample of 58 controls, 36 subjects with very mild DAT, and 29 subjects with mild DAT. RESULTS Analysis of road test ability of controls (2 subjects [3%] failed the test), very mild DAT subjects (7 subjects [19%] failed), and mild DAT subjects (12 subjects [41%] failed) disclosed a significant association between driving performance and dementia status (chi 2[4] = 20.65 [N = 123]; P < .001; Kendall tau-b = 0.306). Interrater reliability for assessment of driving performance ranged from kappa = 0.85 to 0.96. One-month test-retest stability on the road test was 0.76 (quantitative scoring) and 0.53 (clinical judgment). CONCLUSIONS Dementia adversely affects driving performance even in its mild stages, although some persons with DAT seem to drive safely for some time after disease onset. A traffic-interactive, performance-based road test that examines cognitive behaviors provides an accurate and reliable functional assessment of driving ability.
A modified NPML scheme for truncating anisotropic dispersive medium

Based on the CDLT-FDTD theory by which the electromagnetic scattering by magnetized plasma can be analysised, a modified NPML (M-NPML) absorbing boundary conditions(ABCs), by which the anisotropic magnetized plasma can be truncatied, are proposed. By using the partial derivatives of space variables stretched-scheme in the coordinate system, the programming complexity is reduced greatly. According to one-dimensional numerical simulation analysis, the M-NPML ABC is validated.
Bakuchiol Is a Phenolic Isoprenoid with Novel Enantiomer-selective Anti-influenza A Virus Activity Involving Nrf2 Activation

Background: Novel therapeutic approaches against influenza are required. Bakuchiol is a phenolic isoprenoid found in Babchi seeds. Results: Bakuchiol enantiomer-selectively inhibited influenza A viral infection and growth and activated the Nrf2 pathway. Conclusion: Bakuchiol showed novel enantiomer-selective anti-influenza viral activity. Significance: The study of bakuchiol will contribute to the development of novel approaches to influenza therapy. Influenza represents a substantial threat to human health and requires novel therapeutic approaches. Bakuchiol is a phenolic isoprenoid compound present in Babchi (Psoralea corylifolia L.) seeds. We examined the anti-influenza viral activity of synthetic bakuchiol using Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. We found that the naturally occurring form, (+)-(S)-bakuchiol, and its enantiomer, (−)-(R)-bakuchiol, inhibited influenza A viral infection and growth and reduced the expression of viral mRNAs and proteins in these cells. Furthermore, these compounds markedly reduced the mRNA expression of the host cell influenza A virus-induced immune response genes, interferon-β and myxovirus-resistant protein 1. Interestingly, (+)-(S)-bakuchiol had greater efficacy than (−)-(R)-bakuchiol, indicating that chirality influenced anti-influenza virus activity. In vitro studies indicated that bakuchiol did not strongly inhibit the activities of influenza surface proteins or the M2 ion channel, expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells. Analysis of luciferase reporter assay data unexpectedly indicated that bakuchiol may induce some host cell factor(s) that inhibited firefly and Renilla luciferases. Next generation sequencing and KeyMolnet analysis of influenza A virus-infected and non-infected cells exposed to bakuchiol revealed activation of transcriptional regulation by nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf), and an Nrf2 reporter assay showed that (+)-(S)-bakuchiol activated Nrf2. Additionally, (+)-(S)-bakuchiol up-regulated the mRNA levels of two Nrf2-induced genes, NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 and glutathione S-transferase A3. These findings demonstrated that bakuchiol had enantiomer-selective anti-influenza viral activity involving a novel effect on the host cell oxidative stress response.
FMCW SAR: From design to realization

This paper presents crucial techniques for the realization of frequency modulated continuous wave synthetic aperture radar (FMCW SAR). To begin with, the principle of FMCW SAR is reviewed in detail, then digital unit is focused to present. The digital unit includes real-time signal processor, mass data storage. Real-time imaging algorithm and its mapping to digital signal processor (DSP) as well as the SAR video formation are also proposed. Finally, beneficial results of the flight trial are presented to show the performance of the FMCW SAR system.
ASYMMETRIC MAGNETIC RECONNECTION IN WEAKLY IONIZED CHROMOSPHERIC PLASMAS

Realistic models of magnetic reconnection in the solar chromosphere must take into account that the plasma is partially ionized and that plasma conditions within any two magnetic flux bundles undergoing reconnection may not be the same. Asymmetric reconnection in the chromosphere may occur when newly emerged flux interacts with pre-existing, overlying flux. We present 2.5D simulations of asymmetric reconnection in weakly ionized, reacting plasmas where the magnetic field strengths, ion and neutral densities, and temperatures are different in each upstream region. The plasma and neutral components are evolved separately to allow non-equilibrium ionization. As in previous simulations of chromospheric reconnection, the current sheet thins to the scale of the neutral–ion mean free path and the ion and neutral outflows are strongly coupled. However, the ion and neutral inflows are asymmetrically decoupled. In cases with magnetic asymmetry, a net flow of neutrals through the current sheet from the weak-field (high-density) upstream region into the strong-field upstream region results from a neutral pressure gradient. Consequently, neutrals dragged along with the outflow are more likely to originate from the weak-field region. The Hall effect leads to the development of a characteristic quadrupole magnetic field modified by asymmetry, but the X-point geometry expected during Hall reconnection does not occur. All simulations show the development of plasmoids after an initial laminar phase.
Five-year change in morale is associated with negative life events in very old age

ABSTRACT Objectives: The objectives were to study changes in morale in individuals 85 years and older, and to assess the effect of negative life events on morale over a five-year follow-up period. Method: The present study is based on longitudinal data from the Umeå85+/GERDA-study, including individuals 85 years and older at baseline (n = 204). Morale was measured with the Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale (PGCMS). Negative life events were assessed using an index including 13 negative life events occurring during the follow-up period. Linear regression was used for the multivariate analyses. Results: The majority of the sample (69.1%) had no significant changes in morale during the five-year follow-up. However, the accumulation of negative life events was significantly associated with a greater decrease in PGCMS. A higher baseline PGCMS score did not attenuate the adverse effect negative life events had on morale. Conclusion: Morale seemed to be mainly stable in a five-year follow-up of very old people. It seems, nonetheless, that individuals are affected by negative life events, regardless of level of morale. Preventing negative life events and supporting individuals who experience multiple negative life events could have important implications for the care of very old people.
A method for homopolymer length discrimination in ion torrent sequencing

Ion torrent is a novel semiconductor long sequencing platform and advantages in faster and cheaper sequencing calls, but its raw data analysis is far from perfect, especially about discrimination of homopolymer length. With Bayesian inference and reference genome information, a comprehensive method was designed to resolve such problem. Bayesian posterior probabilities of homopolymer length were firstly calculated according to distributions of raw detected voltage signals. Integrated with reference genome sequences information, the homopolymer length was eventually deduced in high precision. In the experiment, excellent performance of the proposed method was verified.
Molecular Analyses of the Arabidopsis TUBBY-Like Protein Gene Family1

In mammals, TUBBY-like proteins play an important role in maintenance and function of neuronal cells during postdifferentiation and development. We have identified a TUBBY-like protein gene family with 11 members in Arabidopsis, named AtTLP1-11. Although seven of the AtTLP genes are located on chromosome I, no local tandem repeats or gene clusters are identified. Except for AtTLP4, reverse transcription-PCR analysis indicates that all these genes are expressed in various organs in 6-week-old Arabidopsis. AtTLP1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 10, and 11 are expressed ubiquitously in all the organs tested, but the expression of AtTLP5 and 8 shows dramatic organ specificity. These 11 family members share 30% to 80% amino acid similarities across their conserved C-terminal tubby domains. Unlike the highly diverse N-terminal region of animal TUBBY-like proteins, all AtTLP members except AtTLP8 contain a conserved F-box domain (51–57 residues). The interaction between AtTLP9 and ASK1 (Arabidopsis Skp1-like 1) is confirmed via yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) two-hybrid assays. Abscisic acid (ABA)-insensitive phenotypes are observed for two independent AtTLP9 mutant lines, whereas transgenic plants overexpressing AtTLP9 are hypersensitive to ABA. These results suggest that AtTLP9 may participate in the ABA signaling pathway.
“Know What to Do If You Encounter a Flash Flood”: Mental Models Analysis for Improving Flash Flood Risk Communication and Public Decision Making

Understanding how people view flash flood risks can help improve risk communication, ultimately improving outcomes. This article analyzes data from 26 mental models interviews about flash floods with members of the public in Boulder, Colorado, to understand their perspectives on flash flood risks and mitigation. The analysis includes a comparison between public and professional perspectives by referencing a companion mental models study of Boulder‐area professionals. A mental models approach can help to diagnose what people already know about flash flood risks and responses, as well as any critical gaps in their knowledge that might be addressed through improved risk communication. A few public interviewees mentioned most of the key concepts discussed by professionals as important for flash flood warning decision making. However, most interviewees exhibited some incomplete understandings and misconceptions about aspects of flash flood development and exposure, effects, or mitigation that may lead to ineffective warning decisions when a flash flood threatens. These include important misunderstandings about the rapid evolution of flash floods, the speed of water in flash floods, the locations and times that pose the greatest flash flood risk in Boulder, the value of situational awareness and environmental cues, and the most appropriate responses when a flash flood threatens. The findings point to recommendations for ways to improve risk communication, over the long term and when an event threatens, to help people quickly recognize and understand threats, obtain needed information, and make informed decisions in complex, rapidly evolving extreme weather events such as flash floods.
A rapid solid‐phase fluorescence‐based protein assay for quantitation of protein electrophoresis samples containing detergents, chaotropes, dyes, and reducing agents

A new solid‐phase, fluorescence‐based protein assay was developed that quantifies proteins in the presence of detergents, urea and reducing agents (one‐dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate (1‐D SDS) lysis buffers and urea isoelectric focusing (IEF) buffers). A specially designed 96‐well microplate facilitates application of protein samples to the assay paper and allows easy quantitation of samples using fluorescence microplate readers (top or bottom reading format). Alternatively, stained membranes may be directly scanned using a variety of different laser or charge‐coupled device (CCD)‐based imaging devices with UV or visible imaging capabilities. Since protein is specifically bound to the membrane, contaminants are readily washed away, avoiding interference with the protein measurement. The protein assay has a dynamic range extending from 10 ng to 5 μg of protein per microliter and requires only 1 μL of sample, which is ideal for samples destined for electrophoresis. The protein‐to‐protein variability of staining of ten different proteins was determined to be comparable with that of the bicinchoninic acid (BCA) and Lowry assays (16%). Additionally, the quality of the assay according to Z‐factor analyses is excellent.
A Bias-Corrected Net Reclassification Improvement for Clinical Subgroups

Background. Comparing prediction models using reclassification within subgroups at intermediate risk is often of clinical interest. Objective. To demonstrate a method for obtaining an unbiased estimate for the Net Reclassification Improvement (NRI) evaluated only on a subset, the clinical NRI. Study Design and Setting. We derived the expected value of the clinical NRI under the null hypothesis using the same principles as the overall NRI. We then conducted a simulation study based on a logistic model with a known predictor and a potential predictor, varying the effects of the known and potential predictors to test the performance of our bias-corrected clinical NRI measure. Finally, data from the Women’s Health Study, a prospective cohort of 24 171 female health professionals, were used as an example of the proposed method. Results. Our bias-corrected estimate is shown to have a mean of zero in the null case under a range of simulated parameters and, unlike the naïve estimate, to be unbiased. We also provide 2 methods for obtaining a variance estimate, both with reasonable type 1 errors. Conclusion. Our proposed method is an improvement over currently used methods of calculating the clinical NRI and is recommended to reduce overly optimistic results.
NIST language recognition evaluation - plans for 2015

We discuss two NIST coordinated evaluations of automatic language recognition technology planned for calendar year 2015 along with possible additional plans for the future. The first is the Language Recognition i-Vector Machine Learning Challenge, largely modeled on the 2013-2014 Speaker Recognition i-Vector Machine Learning Challenge. This online challenge, emphasizing the language identification task, is particularly intended to attract interest from the machine learning community and others beyond the audio processing community. The second is the next NIST Language Recognition Evaluation, following in the series of NIST evaluations previously held in 1996, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, and 2011. This evaluation will emphasize language detection in the context of closely related language pairs and is open to all interested in participating.
Malware Detection with Computational Intelligence

This work seeks to detect malware with learning classifiers. In this study, three learning classifiers: fisher linear classifier, automatic neural network classifier, and support vector machine are utilized for the analysis and detection of malicious code within a given data set. To achieve this goal we collected and investigated the sequential component of API calls native to the Windows 32-bit host operating system using API Monitor v2 and general sandboxing techniques. The findings indicate that implementation of a support vector machine algorithm (sustaining a 94.9% detection rate) to conclude the malicious nature of an executable is ideal in behavior-based malware detection.
Predicting Suicide Risk among Male Offenders: The Role of Severe Personality Disorders

One of the most critical complications of severe personality disorders is suicide. Earlier studies on patients with borderline personality disorder have reported rates from 8% to 10% of completed suicide. Some prospective investigations have also revealed antisocial personality disorder among predictors of future suicide attempts. On the other hand, there is substantial empirical evidence that severe personality disorders robustly predict suicidal behaviours among male and female offenders. In Romania, the literature on suicidal behaviours in prisons is relatively scarce. This study responds to a call to investigate factors that contribute to the prediction of lifetime suicide risk among persons imprisoned for criminal offences. Our aim was to test predictive models of current suicide risk and suicidal antecedents among imprisoned male offenders. A principal focus was on the role of severe personality disorders. Participants were 338 males incarcerated for a wide range of violent or non-violent offences (Mage = 34.41 years; SD = 8.95). Participants were interviewed individually using a protocol for demographic data, judicial status, vulnerabilities related to personal life history, and suicidal antecedents. The current suicide risk was captured with the Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire- Revised. The psychiatric history and current diagnoses were collected from personal records. Raw data were analyzed using parametric and non-parametric comparative tests, multiple linear regression and binary logistic regression. At the time of data collection, eighty-two participants (24.3%) were diagnosed with at least one severe personality disorder. Antisocial personality disorder was prevalent (52.4%). Other diagnoses included: emotionally unstable personality disorder (17%), emotionally unstable personality disorder-impulsive type (13.4%), and borderline personality disorder (9.7%). Violent victimization during early socialization, disharmonic organization of personality in adolescence, personal history of self-harming behaviours, negative global perception of childhood and adolescence, and the presence of a severe personality disorder were predictors of suicidal antecedents. On the other hand, disharmonic organization of personality in adolescence, previous self-harming behaviours, and the diagnosis of severe personality disorder were the main predictors of current suicide risk. Furthermore, the likelihood of a future suicide attempt was higher among male inmates who had suicidal antecedents. The results suggest that severe personality disorders should be considered when developing self-destructive behaviours prevention programs in prisons.
Implementation of three-dimensional bandpass frequency selective structure using multilayer PCB technology

A new three-dimensional (3D) frequency selective structure (FSS) with bandpass filtering response is presented. The proposed FSS, modified from a microstrip line based bandpass FSS, is implemented by using multilayer PCB technology, which indicates that this structure can be easily fabricated with high accuracy and should be more suitable for high frequency applications. The design concept and operating principle are briefly described and explained. Simulated results demonstrate that the FSS exhibits dual polarization, high out-of-band rejection, and stable frequency response under a large variation of incident angle.
Enhanced cognition and emotional recognition, and reduced obsessive compulsive symptoms in two adults with high-functioning autism as a result of deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (dTMS): a case report

ABSTRACT We report reduced repetitive behaviors similar to obsessive compulsive disorder and improved emotional recognition and cognitive abilities in two young patients diagnosed with high-functioning Autism as a result of deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS). The patients received daily high-frequency (5 Hz) dTMS with HAUT-coil over the medial prefrontal cortex for a period of 5–6 weeks. A computerized cognitive battery, tasks for testing emotional recognition, and clinical questionnaires were used to measure the effects of treatment. TMS might have modulated networks related to metalizing abilities and self-referential processes since both patients reported improved sociability and communication skills.