Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Testicular germ cell tumors exhibit evidence of hormone dependence

The aim of this investigation was to test the hypothesis that testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are hormone‐dependent cancers. Human TGCT cells were implanted in the left testis of male severe combined immunodeficient mice receiving either no treatment or hormone manipulation treatment [blockade of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone secretion and/or signaling using leuprolide or leuprolide plus exogenous testosterone]. Real‐time RT‐PCR analysis was used to determine the expression profiles of hormone pathway‐associated genes. Tumor burden was significantly smaller in mice receiving both leuprolide and testosterone. Real‐time RT‐PCR analysis of follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) receptor, luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor and P450 aromatase revealed changes in expression in normal testis tissue related to presence of xenograft tumors and manipulation of hormone levels but a complete absence of expression of these genes in tumor cells themselves. This was confirmed in human specimens of TGCT. Reduced TGCT growth in vivo was associated with significant downregulation of LH receptor and P450 aromatase expression in normal testes. In conclusion, manipulation of hormone levels influenced the growth of TGCT in vivo, while the presence of xenografted tumors influenced the expression of hormone‐related genes in otherwise untreated animals. Human TGCTs, both in the animal model and in clinical specimens, appear not to express receptors for FSH or LH. Similarly, expression of the P450 aromatase gene is absent in TGCTs. Impaired estrogen synthesis and/or signaling may be at least partly responsible for inhibition of TGCT growth in the animal model. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bounding the value of collaboration in federated systems

Design methods for federated systems must consider local incentives and interactive effects among independent decision-makers. This paper extends value-centric design methodology (VCDM) to multi-actor cases using game theoretic principles. Federated systems can be represented as a Stag Hunt game where players choose between risk-dominant (non-cooperative) and payoff-dominant (cooperative) strategies. An independent strategy is a lower bound to federated value and a centralized strategy controlled by a federation authority is an upper bound under special cases. An application case considers a stylized system value model (SVM) of a federated satellite system (FSS) with two players and a tradespace of 530 symmetric design decisions. A federated concept with opportunistic, fixed-cost communication services demonstrates the effect of lower and upper bounds on system value. Risk in federated systems arises from misaligned strategies between players and can be quantitatively assessed with a subjective estimate of cooperation.
On the double threshold energy detection-based spectrum sensing over κ-µ fading channel with noise uncertainty and diversity

This paper presents the performance analysis of spectrum sensing systems based on double threshold energy detection in which noise uncertainty and κ-μ fading channels, which represents the small-scale variations of the fading signal under both line-of-sight and multipath scenarios, coexist. Receiver Operation Characteristics (ROC) are obtained regarding the double threshold scheme and comparisons are performed against the traditional single threshold method considering the noise uncertainty constraint. Detection probabilities are derived and investigated for both low and high SNR cases considering different threshold values. Moreover, field trial measurements are used in order to investigate the usefulness of the double threshold scheme in energy detection-based spectrum sensing networks under κ-μ fading with the presence of noise uncertainty. Finally, the advantages of SC and MRC diversity techniques are investigated for the proposed system model.
Incentivizing strategic users for social diffusion: Quantity or quality?

We consider a problem of how to effectively diffuse a new product over social networks by incentivizing selfish users. Traditionally, this problem has been studied in the form of influence maximization via seeding, where most prior work assumes that seeded users unconditionally and immediately start by adopting the new product and they stay at the new product throughout their lifetime. However, in practice, seeded users often adjust the degree of their willingness to diffuse, depending on how much incentive is given. To address such diffusion willingness, we propose a new incentive model and characterize the speed of diffusion as the value of a combinatorial optimization. Then, we apply the characterization to popular network graph topologies (Erdos-Renyi, planted partition and power law graphs) as well as general ones, for asymptotically computing the diffusion time for those graphs. Our analysis shows that the diffusion time undergoes two levels of order-wise reduction, where the first and second one are solely contributed by the number of seeded users, i.e., quantity, and the amount of incentives, i.e., quality, respectively. In other words, it implies that the best strategy given budget is (a) first identify the minimum seed set depending on the underlying graph topology, and (b) then assign largest possible incentives to users in the set. We believe that our theoretical results provide useful implications and guidelines for designing successful advertising strategies in various practical applications.
Simulating the effects of surface diffusion on electron beam induced deposition via a three-dimensional Monte Carlo simulation

The effects that adsorbed precursor surface diffusion has on electron beam induced deposition are explored via a three-dimensional Monte Carlo simulation. Initially the growth rate and resolution are compared for a common set of deposition conditions with a variable surface diffusion coefficient ranging from 0 to 1 × 10−8 cm2 s−1. The growth rate and resolution are shown to both be enhanced as the growth changes from a mass transport limited regime to a reaction rate limited regime. The complex interplay between the vertical growth rate, the lateral growth rate, the interaction volume and the adsorbed and diffused precursor species are discussed. A second scenario is also simulated in which only gas diffused from a constant source at the perimeter of the simulation boundary is assumed (no gas phase adsorption). At low diffusion coefficients, the diffusing gas is consumed by secondary and backscattered electrons and experimentally observed ring-like structures are generated. At higher diffusion coefficients, the diffusion length is sufficient for the precursor atoms to diffuse to the center (and up the pillar sidewalls) to generate nanowires.
Heart rate variability and myocardial infarction: systematic literature review and metanalysis.

BACKGROUND Heart rate, measured as beat-to-beat intervals, is not constant and varies in time. This property is known as heart rate variability (HRV) and it has been investigated in several diseases, including myocardial infarction (MI). The main hypothesis is that HRV embed some physiological processes that are characteristics of regulatory systems acting on cardiovascular system. It is possible to quantify such a complex behaviour starting from RR intervals properties itself with the idea that any event affecting the cardiac regulatory system significantly will disrupt and change HRV. In this article, we first review different methodologies previously published to calculate HRV indexes. We then searched literature for studies published on HRV and MI and we derive a metanalysis where published data allow calculation of composite outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS Articles considered eligible for metanalysis were original retrospective/prospective studies investigating HRV after myocardial infarction, reporting follow up for mortality or significant cardiac complications. Random effect model was used to assessed for homogeneity and calculate composite outcome and its 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS 21 studies were identified as eligible for subsequent analysis. Among these studies 5 large trials were eligible for metanalysis: "they included 3489 total post-MI patient with an overall mortality of 125/577 (21.7%) in patients with standard deviation of RR intervals (SDNN) less than 70 msec compared to 235/2912 (8.1%) in patients with SDNN > 70 msec". Metanalysis demonstrates that, after a MI, patients with SDNN below 70 msec on 24 hours ECG recording have almost 4 times more chance to die in the next 3 years. CONCLUSION Results from metanalysis and other studies considered (but not included in the analysis) are consistent with the final finding, that a disrupted HRV dynamic (low SDNN) is associated with higher adverse outcome. In this perspective, although data are strongly positive for a direct relationship between SDNN and mortality after MI, SDNN value must be considered carefully on a single patient. The primary purpose of the metanalysis was to address whether studies conducted on HRV and MI were consistent rather than established a cut-off for SDNN. HRV is simple, non invasive and relatively not expensive to obtain.
Changes in AIDS incidence for men who have sex with men, United States 1990–1995

Objectives:To describe changes in AIDS incidence for men who have sex with men (MSM) from 1990 to 1995, by demographic and geographic groups. Methods:We examined national AIDS surveillance data reported up to 30 September 1996, for men who received AIDS diagnoses in the years 1990–1995 and whose only reported risk behavior was sex with men. We evaluated trends in AIDS rates by estimating the incidence of clinical AIDS (AIDS defined by opportunistic illnesses), and report clinical AIDS incidence rates for MSM (AIDS rates) and proportional change in rates from 1990 to 1995. Results:Clinical AIDS rates (MSM per 100 000 men per year) increased by 12%, from 25.5% in 1990 to 28.5% in 1995. Significant variations in AIDS rates and 5-year changes in AIDS rates were observed in various subgroups of MSM. Five-year increases in AIDS rates were highest for American-Indian/Alaskan native (53%), black (45%), and Hispanic (23%) MSM; the only decrease occurred for white MSM (−2%). Incidence for black MSM increased from twofold (in 1990) to threefold (in 1995) the rate for white MSM. Large increases in AIDS rates were observed for MSM in rural areas (34%) and areas with 50 000 to 249 999 residents (34%) and for MSM aged over 60 years (32%). Conclusions:The high national AIDS rate for MSM continued to rise, but more slowly than earlier in the epidemic. Racial/ethnic minority MSM had consistently large increases in AIDS rates; AIDS rates decreased only slightly for white MSM. The AIDS epidemic among MSM is not homogenous, and AIDS rates continue to increase for minority MSM, and MSM living in rural areas. HIV prevention remains a high priority for all MSM, especially black and Hispanic MSM.
A Survey on MIMO Transmission With Finite Input Signals: Technical Challenges, Advances, and Future Trends

Multiple antennas have played an essential role in spatial multiplexing and diversity transmission for a wide range of communication applications. Most advances in the design of high-speed wireless multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) systems have been based on information-theoretic principles that demonstrate how to efficiently transmit signals conforming to Gaussian distribution. However, although the Gaussian signal is capacity-achieving, practical systems transmit signals belonging to finite and discrete constellations. Therefore, capacity-achieving transceiver processing based on a Gaussian input signal can be quite suboptimal for practical MIMO systems with discrete constellation input signals. To address this shortcoming, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of MIMO transmission design with finite input signals. It first summarizes existing fundamental results for MIMO systems with finite input signals. Next, focusing on basic point-to-point MIMO systems, it examines transmission schemes based on the three most important criteria for communication systems: mutual-information-driven designs, mean-square-error-driven designs, and diversity-driven designs. In particular, a unified framework is developed for the design of low-complexity transmission schemes applicable to massive MIMO systems in forthcoming 5G wireless networks for the first time. Furthermore, adaptive transmission designs are proposed that switch among these criteria based on channel conditions to formulate the best transmission strategy. A survey is then given of transmission designs with finite input signals for multiuser MIMO scenarios, including MIMO uplink transmission, MIMO downlink transmission, MIMO interference channel, and MIMO wiretap channel. Additionally, transmission designs with finite input signals are discussed for other multi-antenna systems. Finally, a number of technical challenges that remain unresolved at the time of writing are highlighted, and future trends in transmission design with finite input signals are discussed.
Visual assessment of the cervical vertebral maturation stages: A study of diagnostic accuracy and repeatability.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and repeatability of the visual assessment of the cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) stages. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ten operators underwent training sessions in visual assessment of CVM staging. Subsequently, they were asked to stage 72 cases equally divided into the six stages. Such assessment was repeated twice in two sessions (T1 and T2) 4 weeks apart. A reference standard for each case was created according to a cephalometric analysis of both the concavities and shapes of the cervical vertebrae. RESULTS The overall agreement with the reference standard was about 68% for both sessions and 76.9% for intrarater repeatability. The overall kappa coefficients with the reference standard were up to 0.86 for both sessions, and 0.88 for intrarater repeatability. Overall, disagreements one stage and twp stage apart were 23.5% (T1) and 5.1% (T2), respectively. Sensitivity ranged from 53.3% for CS5 (T1) to 99.9% for CS1 (T2), positive predictive values ranged from 52.4% for CS5 (T2) to 94.3% for CS6 (T1), and accuracy ranged from 83.6% for CS4 (T2) to 94.9% for CS1 (T1). CONCLUSIONS Visual assessment of the CVM stages is accurate and repeatable to a satisfactory level. About one in three cases remain misclassified; disagreement is generally limited to one stage and is mostly seen in stages 4 and 5.
Systematic instruction for individuals with acquired brain injury: Results of a randomised controlled trial

The goal of this study was to evaluate experimentally systematic instruction compared with trial-and-error learning (conventional instruction) applied to assistive technology for cognition (ATC), in a double-blind, pre-test–post-test, randomised controlled trial. Twenty-nine persons with moderate–severe cognitive impairments due to acquired brain injury (15 in systematic instruction group; 14 in conventional instruction) completed the study. Both groups received 12, 45-minute individual training sessions targeting selected skills on the Palm Tungsten E2 personal digital assistant (PDA). A criterion-based assessment of PDA skills was used to evaluate accuracy, fluency/efficiency, maintenance, and generalisation of skills. There were no significant differences between groups at immediate post-test with regard to accuracy and fluency. However, significant differences emerged at 30-day follow-up in favour of systematic instruction. Furthermore, systematic instruction participants performed significantly better at immediate post-test generalising trained PDA skills when interacting with people other than the instructor. These results demonstrate that systematic instruction applied to ATC results in better skill maintenance and generalisation than trial-and-error learning for individuals with moderate–severe cognitive impairments due to acquired brain injury. Implications, study limitations, and directions for future research are discussed.
A Protein Classification Method Based on Latent Semantic Analysis*

In this paper a new method that uses latent semantic analysis (LSA) to denote a protein sequence is proposed for researching the protein classification problem. A protein is vectorized according to its content of biological words: patterns and motifs, which are generated by utilizing TEIRESIAS algorithm and MEME/MAST system respectively. More precise description vectors of proteins are obtained through employing LSA. Those vectors are used to classify proteins combined with the support vector machine (SVM). Experiments of family-level protein classification on Structural Classification of Proteins database show that the performance of this method is better than that of the other state-of-the-arts methods
Accurate Automatic Defect Detection Method Using Quadtree Decomposition on SEM Images

In this paper, we propose an accurate automatic defect detection method using the quadtree decomposition on scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. The proposed method consists of five steps including alignment between the inspection and reference images, edge relaxation, defect candidate detection, multichannel integration, and defect scoring. Since the periodicity of semiconductor SEM images is usually high, alignment can be failed due to a lot of local minima. To resolve this problem, we propose the enhancement method of non-periodic areas in SEM images. Then, we propose an edge relaxation technique to minimize the falsely remained edges in the aligned and subtracted image due to different focusing and exposure between two images. Then, the defect candidates are detected by analyzing the inhomogeneity based on quadtree decomposition, which is enhanced by our outlier-robust decomposition rule and adaptive decomposition thresholding to prevent over/under decomposition. Whereas the conventional defect detection system focuses only on the intensity of defects, our method considers both the inhomogeneity and intensity of defects. Field test results demonstrated that the proposed method provided more accurate defect detection with faster speed as compared to the conventional system. The proposed method can much reduce the automatic defect review rework compared with the conventional system.
The distribution of cerebral microbleeds determines their association with arterial stiffness in non‐cardioembolic acute stroke patients

Increased arterial stiffness causes vessel damage in the end‐organs. Therefore small vessels in the brain may be susceptible to increased arterial stiffness. Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are topographically or pathophysiologically categorized as deep or infratentorial type and strictly lobar type. Whether the presence and location of CMBs are associated with brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) which represents a measure of arterial stiffness was investigated.
CT evaluation of the response of gastrointestinal stromal tumors after imatinib mesylate treatment: a quantitative analysis correlated with FDG PET findings.

OBJECTIVE We correlated changes in tumor density on CT with changes in glucose metabolism, or the maximum standardized uptake value (SUV(max)), on FDG PET and sought to develop CT imaging criteria that can be used to objectively evaluate tumor response in patients with metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) who undergo treatment with imatinib mesylate. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using the criteria established by the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) group, we selected 173 tumors (in 36 patients) for study. Tumor size and density were determined objectively, and overall tumor response (OTR) was evaluated subjectively on CT images. The changes in these parameters before and after treatment were correlated with changes in SUV(max). RESULTS Significant decreases were seen in both tumor density (mean, 12.3 H [16.5%]; p < 0.0001) and SUV(max) (mean, 3.43 [64.9%]; p < 0.0001). OTR evaluated subjectively, correlated well with changes in SUV(max) (p < 0.0001). No statistically significant association was found between changes in tumor density and changes in SUV(max) (p = 0.3088), but 70% (14/20) of the patients with tumors that showed response on FDG PET exhibited at least a partial response by a change in tumor density. Tumor size was found to have decreased significantly 2 months after treatment (p = 0.0070). However, in 75% of the patients, the disease was stable according to the traditional tumor response criteria of RECIST. CONCLUSION FDG PET is sensitive and specific for evaluating tumor response but cannot be used in patients whose baseline FDG PET results are negative for tumors. Although subjective evaluation was a better indicator of treatment response than was tumor density alone, the tumor density measurement is a good indicator and provides a reliable quantitative means of monitoring the tumor. RECIST, using only tumor size, was unreliable for monitoring GISTs during the early stage of imatinib mesylate treatment.
Ciprofloxacin and long‐term prevention of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis: Results of a prospective controlled trial

The aim of this prospective double‐blind study was to evaluate the value of long‐term antibiotic prophylaxis using ciprofloxacin for the prevention of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in 60 cirrhotic patients with low ascitic fluid protein levels (<15 g/L). The patients were assigned to two groups: group I (n = 28) ciprofloxacin 750 mg per os once a week for 6 months, group II (n = 32) placebo. The two groups were similar for clinical and laboratory characteristics. Twelve patients developed an intercurrent disorder, and 10 patients died during the trial. There were no adverse effects in the treated group. There was a significant decrease in the incidence of SBP (3.6 vs. 22%) (P < .05) and duration of hospitalization (9.3 ± 4.5 vs. 17.6 ± 6.2 days) (P < .05) in the treated group as compared with the placebo group. The bacteriological study showed no acquired resistance to ciprofloxacin after 6 months' treatment. These results suggest that long‐term preventive antibiotic prophylaxis based on the weekly administration of 750 mg of ciprofloxacin is effective in the prevention of SBP in cirrhotic patients. (HEPATOLOGY 1995; 22:1171–1174.).
Polymer-Coated Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors for Simultaneous Monitoring of Soluble Analytes and Temperature

A new fiber-optic sensor for simultaneous measurement of water-soluble analytes and temperature with polymer-coated fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) is proposed. As an application of the approach, simultaneous monitoring of the concentration of sugar or potassium chloride (KCl) and temperature has been achieved. Changes in these environmental parameters result in different extents of either red- or blue-shifts of the Bragg resonance wavelengths of the gratings. It has been found that polyimide-coated FBG responds to variations of both temperature and concentrations of soluble analytes, while acrylate-coated FBG is sensitive to environmental temperature only. The experimental results showed that the temperature sensitivity of the acrylate-coated FBG, temperature, sugar, and KCl concentration sensitivities of the polyimide-coated FBG are 0.0102 nm/degC , 0.0094 nm/degC, 0.0012 nm/degBx , and 0.0126 nm/M, respectively. The sensing mechanism of the polyimide-coated FBG lies in the hygroscopic properties of the polyimide coating, which result in the change of the strain of the fiber and, thus, the optical properties of the grating. Since the sensor detects the analytes that swell the polyimide coating and different analytes induce different swelling effects, the sensor can detect different analytes without prior knowledge once a calibration curve is developed.