Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Imaging patterns of liver uptakes on PET scan: pearls and pitfalls.

OBJECTIVE PET imaging is becoming increasingly universal, and therefore increased liver uptake is frequently encountered. The purpose of this article is to describe and illustrate the various morphological patterns of increased metabolic activity within the liver with an emphasis on the diagnostic pitfalls and potential limitations. CONCLUSION Knowing the pitfalls of PET imaging, correlation with clinical background and findings from other imaging modalities are all important in the correct interpretation of increased hepatic activity on PET imaging.
Tree height estimates in boreal forest using Gaussian process regression

Tree height is one of the continuous essential climate model variables. This work applies Gaussian process regression to tree height estimation. Estimates are produced in a coniferous boreal forest area in Southern Finland. GP regression produces both estimate and predictive variance for each pixel. Results show that Gaussian process regression produces estimates which are as good as the ones produced by existing methods. The root-mean-square error from GP regression is lower, estimates have less bias and maximum value is closer to the actual maximum. Predictions can be applied and ingested to carbon modelling where estimates are either direct input parameters or they serve for validation the parameters computed by the models.
Efficient FDTD method for analysis of left-handed mushroom structure using system identification method

An FDTD method, combined with system identification (SI), thin wire and thin slot algorithms for the analysis of periodic mushroom structure based metamaterials, is proposed. The SI method provides a significant reduction in computation time by determining the auto-regressive moving-average (ARMA) model using least-squares method. This proposed method is suitable for analyzing problems involving fine structural details and long computation time. An example of a mushroom structure is investigated to compare the results between simulation and measurement.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and not Cyclooxygenase 2 Promotes Endothelial Cell Viability in the Pancreatic Tumor Microenvironment

Objectives: Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), often coexpressed in cancer, are associated with poor prognosis. However, results from pancreatic cancer trials of their inhibitors were disappointing. This study delineated the role of COX-2 and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in angiogenesis and VEGF regulation. Methods: AsPC-1 and BxPC-3 pancreatic cancer cells were cocultured with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). NS398 or VEGF-neutralizing antibody was added, and HUVEC viability assayed. Prostaglandin E2 and VEGF were quantified. Tumor cells were treated with NS398 or celecoxib, and VEGF quantified. Results: In cocultures, HUVEC viability in AsPC-1 was 60% that of BxPC-3 controls (P < 0.05). Prostaglandin E2 and VEGF from BxPC-3 were double that of AsPC-1 (P < 0.05). NS398 reduced prostaglandin E2 to undetectable levels (P < 0.05) but had no effect on HUVEC viability. Vascular endothelial growth factor-neutralizing antibody reduced HUVEC viability in BxPC-3 wells to that of AsPC-1 (P < 0.05). NS398 had no effect on VEGF. Celecoxib increased VEGF in a concentration-dependent manner in each cell line up to 4-fold (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Cyclooxygenase 2 does not regulate VEGF in pancreatic cancer, and celecoxib upregulates VEGF in pancreatic cancer. It is VEGF, and not COX-2, inhibitors that reduce tumor-stimulated endothelial cell viability. Future pancreatic cancer trials should consider lower-dose nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in combination with VEGF inhibitors.
A Paper On Implementation Of Privacy-Preserving Classification Using SVM

Late examples toward remote outsourcing can be abused to give capable and exact decision backing in restorative administrations. In this circumstance, User can use the wellbeing data arranged in remote servers through the Internet to examine their results. On the other hand, the way that these servers are untouchable and along these lines possibly not totally trusted raises possible assurance concerns. In this paper, we propose a novel insurance protecting tradition for a decision backing system where the user’s data reliably stay in a mixed structure in the midst of the conclusion process. From now on, the server incorporated into the conclusion strategy is not prepared to understand any extra data and results. Our exploratory results on standard remedial datasets from UCI-database demonstrate that the precision of the proposed tradition is up to 97.21% and the security of user’s information is not bargained.
Labor Turnover of Working Women

I N the inevitable flux of human existence may be found, in part, the cause of labor turnover. In poor management and unsatisfactory surroundings may be found the immediate, and, fortunately, removable causes. Economically and socially speaking, those natural forces which operate toward group efficiency, or the progress of individuals, cause a turnover which should be regarded as an asset to society. Turnover affecting either men or women is not an unmixed evil since adjustments are necessary to progress. While excessive labor turnover is costly
Instant Animated Grass

This paper introduces a technique for rendering animated grass in real time. The technique uses front-to-back compositing of implicitly defined grass slices in a fragment shader and therefore significantly reduces the overhead associated with common vegetation rendering systems. We also introduce a texture-based animation scheme that combines global wind movements with local turbulences. Since the technique is confined to a fragment shader, it can be easily integrated into any rendering system and used as a material in existing scenes.
Shattering All Sets of k Points in General Position Requires (k 1)/2 Parameters

For classes of concepts defined by certain classes of analytic functions depending on n parameters, there are nonempty open sets of samples of length 2n + 2 that cannot be shattered. A slighly weaker result is also proved for piecewise-analytic functions. The special case of neural networks is discussed.
Pedicle streaking: A novel and simple aid in pedicle positioning in free tissue transfer

Introduction: The pedicle positioning in free tissue transfer is critical to its success. Long thin pedicles are especially prone to this complication where even a slight twist in the perforator can result in flap loss. Pedicles passing through the long tunnels are similarly at risk. Streaking the pedicle with methylene blue is a simple and safe method which increases the safety of free tissue transfer. Materials and Methods: Once the flap is islanded on the pedicle and the vascularity of the flap is confirmed, the pedicle is streaked with methylene blue dye at a distance of 6-7 mm. The streaking starts from the origin of the vessels and continued distally on to the under surface of flap to mark the complete course of the pedicle in alignment. The presence of streaking in some parts and not in rest indicates twist in the pedicle. Observation and Results: Four hundred and sixty five free flaps have been done at our centre in the last 5 years. The overall success rate of free flaps is 95.3% (22 free flap failures). There has not been a single case of pedicle twist leading to flap congestion and failure. Conclusion: This simple and novel method is very reliable for pedicle positioning avoiding any twist necessary for successful free tissue transfer.
Dental emergence among urban Zambian school children: an assessment of the accuracy of three methods in assigning ages.

In situations where birth records are unavailable and stated ages are unreliable, the emergence of the permanent dentition can serve as an indicator of age. Due to substantial variation in the timing of tooth emergence, a sample (n = 721) of Zambian school children, with known ages, was examined to provide a tooth emergence reference standard for the area. Three methods for assigning ages were utilized and their accuracy assessed. A random test sample was withheld from the original study in order to further evaluate the methods' accuracy. The three methods-1) number of teeth, 2) regression and 3) probit analysis-were applied to Zambian children, and estimates of age were made. Predicted ages were compared to actual ages to determine the percentage of accuracy in three categories-(+/-) . 5, +/- 1.0 and +/- 2.0 years- and paired t-tests were conducted. Each of the three methods was then applied to the test sample, and their accuracy was evaluated in the same manner. Methods 1 and 2 were found to provide the higher percentage of correct ages within +/- . 5 years, assigning roughly 39% of both male and female children within this increment. This was also the case at the next increment, with methods 1 and 2 assigning a higher percentage (66-76%) of children to the +/- 1.0 year category, while the accuracy of method 3 was quite a bit lower. The results for the test sample were very similar to those of the main sample. The overall accuracy of methods 1 and 2 was very similar in both the main and test samples, while method 3 had lower accuracy and t-tests indicated significant differences. Therefore, due to ease of application in the field setting, method 1, mean age per number of teeth emerged, is the method of choice.
Forhcesrhor Influence Late-Admitted Student

The author used orientational qualitative inquiry to capture advisors' perceptions of students who register late when they enroll in community college. The resulting profile of late-admits developed from semi-structured one-hour interviews with 17 advisors at three community colleges is discussed in relationship to models of attrition developed by Tinto and Bean and Metzner. The advisors' perceptions revealed distinct differences between traditional age (18 to 20) and nontraditional age late-admits.
Correlates of Population Recovery Goals in Endangered Birds

Abstract: Endangered species recovery plans commonly set goals for population size that are used to define the success of recovery efforts. We examined variation in these population recovery goals for bird species listed under the U. S. Endangered Species Act to determine whether there were simple predictors of recovery population size. The median population sizes that must be met for a species to be removed from the list or downlisted to the threatened category are 4000 and 1500 respectively, but the thresholds varied considerably. Most variation in population recovery goals ( ≥75%) was explained by the population size when the recovery plan was written. Species listed when their population's size was relatively large have higher population recovery goals, whereas those listed when populations were small have lower population goals. Population sizes set for recovery also increased over time and were higher for species listed throughout the United States rather than for part of the country. In combination, these three variables explained 86% of the variance in population goals for delisting and 94% of the variance in goals for downlisting. Body mass, annual fecundity, maximum lifespan, whether the population was listed as threatened or endangered, and whether a formal population viability analysis was conducted were variables not significantly associated with population recovery goals. Thus, we found that variables relating to the circumstances under which the populations were listed could explain almost all of the variance in recovery population goals, and that biological traits of the endangered birds explained little of the variance.
The Early History of the Neuroscience of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Research on the neurobiology and pharmacotherapy of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has grown exponentially since 1980. A reasonable question is whether this research has improved our understanding and treatment of ADHD. This article describes relevant developments that took place roughly between 1900 and 1970. During this time, the efficacy of stimulant therapy for the disorder was established and the symptoms of ADHD were linked to many possible nervous system disorders including in the brain-stem, reticular formation, diencephalon, basal ganglia, frontal lobes, and cortex. In 1970, the catecholamine hypothesis of ADHD was proposed. It is concluded that early theories about the neurobiologic basis of ADHD anticipated core ideas of modern theory.
Predicting team performance from a learning process model

This paper determines the effectiveness of a learning process model in the prediction of team performance. The team performance of 19 teams was objectively measured by using a “first past the post” criterion after completion of a demanding exercise. Performance scores were predicted by means of Honey and Mumford’s learning styles questionnaire. Results indicated that a model based on team learning is predictive of team success and that team members’ scores should be averaged to best predict performance. In comparison, Belbin’s team role questionnaire was not predictive of team performance.
Psychometric Properties of the Psychopathy Checklist

The main aim of the present study was to examine some psychometric properties of the Psychopathy Checklist: Youth Version (PCL:YV) among Portuguese juvenile delinquents. With forensic sample of 192 incarcerated male participants, the Portuguese version of the PCL:YV demonstrated promising psychometric properties of the three-factor model of youth psychopathy, internal consistency, convergent validity, concurrent validity, and retrospective validity that generally justify its use among Portuguese youths. Statistically significant associations were found with age of criminal onset, frequency of crimes, number of victims, and use of physical violence.
Being a celebrity in times of its democratisation: a case study from the Flemish region

This report analyses the labelling of domestic celebrities in Flanders (Belgium) as BVs or Bekende Vlamingen, its definition and evolution. Through interviews with Flemish celebrities, it is observed that there is a tension around this label: on the one hand, it has a negative connotation, especially since more people became famous through reality TV; on the other, most interviewed celebrities acknowledge that objectively speaking, they are a BV. This self-definition as BV is made with reference to three criteria: personal characteristics (achievements), the public (degree of recognisability) and the media.
Performance Profile of a Hybrid Heuristic Search Technique Using Graph Coloring as a Seed Example

Design and analysis of new algorithms are ever going phenomena in life of computer scientists. NP problems are attracting designers to design both heuristic and approximate algorithms that can result in better optimal and time-space efficient algorithms. Here, we have designed a memetic algorithm (also known as metaheuristic or hybrid heuristic), for optimal vertex coloring of a simple, symmetric and connected graph. Other than various uses, the problem has a perfume of efficient algorithm design in large-scale test graph. The earlier works, though encouraging, could not draw a conclusion that is deterministic. This paper is an essay towards further information in this area. Our work is progressing, but we don't know whether better players are needed for final bet through in this particular algorithm design
CEPSim: A Simulator for Cloud-Based Complex Event Processing

As one of the Vs defining Big Data, data velocity brings many new challenges to traditional data processing approaches. The adoption of cloud environments in complex event processing (CEP) systems is a recent architectural style that aims to overcome these challenges. Validating cloud-based CEP systems at the required Big Data scale, however, is often a laborious, error-prone, and expensive task. This article presents CEPSim, a new simulator that has been developed to facilitate this validation process. CEPSim extends CloudSim, an existing cloud simulator, with an application model based on directed acyclic graphs that is used to represent continuous CEP queries. Once defined, the queries can be simulated in different cloud environments under diverse load conditions. Moreover, CEPSim is also customizable with different operator placement and scheduling strategies. These features enable researchers and system architects to experiment with different configurations and strategies and to promote research in this field. Experimental results show that CEPSim can successfully simulate existing cloud-based CEP systems.
On the CRLB for combined model and model-order estimation of stationary stochastic processes

This letter is concerned with quantifying the Cramer-Rao lower bound for model-based spectral density estimation in the case of joint model and model-order estimation. In particular, the results here extend previous work by providing closed-form frequency domain expressions that, among other things, highlight the effect of order estimation bias on the total accuracy of model-based spectral density estimation.
Human Arterial Proteoglycans Increase the Rate of Proteolytic Fusion of Low Density Lipoprotein Particles*

Low density lipoprotein (LDL) particles can undergo fusion in the arterial intima, where they are bound to proteoglycans. Here we studied the effect of human arterial proteoglycans on proteolytic fusion of LDL in vitro. For this purpose, an assay was devised based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer that allowed continuous monitoring of fusion of proteoglycan-bound LDL particles. We found that addition of human arterial proteoglycans markedly increased the rate of proteolytic fusion of LDL. The glycosaminoglycans isolated from the proteoglycans also increased the rate of fusion, demonstrating that this effect was produced by the negatively charged sulfated polysaccharides in the proteoglycans. Furthermore, heparin, chondroitin 6-sulfate, and dextran sulfate, three commercially available sulfated polysaccharides, also increased the rate of LDL fusion, with heparin and chondroitin 6-sulfate being as effective as and dextran sulfate more effective than human proteoglycans. The ability of the sulfated polysaccharides to increase the rate of proteolytic fusion of LDL depended critically on their ability to form insoluble complexes with LDL, which, in turn, resulted in an increased rate of LDL proteolysis and, in consequence, in an increased rate of LDL fusion. The results reveal a novel mechanism regulating LDL fusion and point to the potentially important role of arterial proteoglycans in the generation of LDL-derived lipid droplets in the arterial intima during atherogenesis.
In Defense of National Character

The concept of national character has a long and disputed history, serving at one time as a meeting point for anthropology and psychology, later as a signpost for the parting of the ways. Cultural anthropology has traditionally given ontological priority to culture over the individual and to values as relative over universal; psychology has increasingly pursued the reverse. Current trends in cross-cultural psychology—employing a biological trait ontology assessed via English language constructs at the individual level, and aggregated questionnaire responses at the cultural level—have furthered this universalist tradition, unlike research linking national character with sociocultural conditions. These data sources remain frozen in their respective tracks, related only by `undynamic' correlations. Their (premature) message has heralded the demise of national character, inadvertently paving the way for international character, mirroring methods, models, concepts, and values overwhelmingly Western in orientation, and nicely paralleling on-going economic globalization.
Protecting video service quality in multimedia access networks through PCN

The growing popularity of video-based services and their corresponding unpredictable bursty behavior makes the design of an admission control system an important research challenge. The pre-congestion notification (PCN) mechanism is a measurement-based approach, recently standardized by the IETF, optimized toward the admission of inelastic flows, where the number of flows is sufficiently large that individual bursts of flows can be compensated by silence periods of others. In this article, we discuss the implications of applying PCN to protect video services, which have less predictable behavior. Several algorithms for protecting video services in multimedia access networks are described. Through performance evaluation, we show the impact of these algorithms on the network utilization and video quality, and present guidelines on how to configure a PCN system.
Relationship between anthropometric and haematological parameters among third trimester pregnant women in Sokoto State, Northwest Nigeria.

The pregnancy state in a woman's life is a unique state in terms of the desirable physiological changes and the exciting reversal of the changes soon after the termination of the pregnancy. It is considered essential that to guarantee a good feto-maternal outcome the attainment of optimum anthropometric and haematological parameters are key. Our study assessed the anthropometric and haematological changes and also looked at the relationship that exists between these parameters among pregnant women.We carried out a cross-sectional descriptive study which considered 160 apparently healthy, singleton, third trimester pregnant women attending ANC at the State Specialist Hospital and 58 apparently healthy non-pregnant controls sourced from the Sokoto metropolis population. Each subject or control enrolled was contacted 3 times at 2 weekly intervals. And at each occasion they are assessed for changes in the anthropometric and haematological parameters. The response rate was 93.6% (3 pregnants and 11 controls were loss to follow up). The pregnant and control subgroups mean ages were 28.02 ± 6.81 years and 26.89 ± 5.84 years respectively (p = 0.265). Weekly weight gains of 0.48kg among the pregnant sub-group against 0.13kg obtained in the control group were recorded. BMI increase of about 0.19kg/m2 per week among the pregnant sub-group and only 0.05kg per week in the controls. 95% of the distribution of pregnant sub-group has haemoglobin and haematocrit of ≥8.9g/dL and ≥26% respectively. Among the pregnant sub-group, mean weekly haemoglobin and haematocrit drop of 0.24g/dL and 0.74% were respectively recorded. A steady rise in WBC was recorded but platelets counts dropped at an average of 5.04 x 103 /μL per week. A positive correlation between BMI and haemoglobin levels was observed (r > 0 and p < 0.05). No particular regularity in the relationship between BMI and WBC was noticed. We conclude that there was optimum weight gain and good haematological indices for those with good BMI during the third trimester of pregnancy. There was a positive correlation between BMI and plasma haemoglobin level but WBC showed no particular relationship with the anthropometric changes. We therefore, recommend that good education to improve the socio- economic wellbeing of the girl-child be encouraged to boost self sufficiency for better weight gains and to facilitate access to good healthcare so that the ideal anthropometric and haematological parameters can be achieved during pregnancy to guarantee good feto-maternal outcome.