Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Review on near-infrared heptamethine cyanine dyes as theranostic agents for tumor imaging, targeting, and photodynamic therapy

Abstract. A class of near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) heptamethine cyanine dyes that are taken up and accumulated specifically in cancer cells without chemical conjugation have recently emerged as promising tools for tumor imaging and targeting. In addition to their fluorescence and nuclear imaging-based tumor-imaging properties, these dyes can be developed as drug carriers to safely deliver chemotherapy drugs to tumors. They can also be used as effective agents for photodynamic therapy with remarkable tumoricidal activity via photodependent cytotoxic activity. The preferential uptake of dyes into cancer but not normal cells is co-operatively mediated by the prevailing activation of a group of organic anion-transporting polypeptides on cancer cell membranes, as well as tumor hypoxia and increased mitochondrial membrane potential in cancer cells. Such mechanistic explorations have greatly advanced the current application and future development of NIRF dyes and their derivatives as anticancer theranostic agents. This review summarizes current knowledge and emerging advances in NIRF dyes, including molecular characterization, photophysical properties, multimodal development and uptake mechanisms, and their growing potential for preclinical and clinical use.
FROM DOUBLE JEOPARDY TO DOUBLE INDEMNITY: SUBTLETIES OF TEACHING INTERDISCIPLINARY GERIATRICS

Each of the fields of geriatrics and interdisciplinary practice intensifies the usefulness and effectiveness of the other. Combining geriatrics and interdisciplinary practice also magnifies the complexity of two singularly complex fields. However, the subtle reasons for their complexity may escape the understanding of clinicians, educators, policy makers, and administrators. Attempting to treat older patients who have complex problems while ignoring common principles of geriatrics and teamwork can cause a kind of double jeopardy. It can potentially harm the patient and decrease the provider's sense of mastery. Training either students or health care providers to appreciate the interactions and the complexities of these two fields could produce a double indemnity for the health care system and for older persons who need health care. It requires recognizing subtle factors like the barrier of presumed knowledge, the interpretation of the meaning of function, frailty, the lure of medical technology, professional hierarchies, diverse views of disease, and the myth of insufficient evidence.
High-resolution contrast-enhanced optical coherence tomography in mice retinae

Abstract. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive interferometric imaging modality providing anatomical information at depths of millimeters and a resolution of micrometers. Conventional OCT images limit our knowledge to anatomical structures alone, without any contrast enhancement. Therefore, here we have, for the first time, optimized an OCT-based contrast-enhanced imaging system for imaging single cells and blood vessels in vivo inside the living mouse retina at subnanomolar sensitivity. We used bioconjugated gold nanorods (GNRs) as exogenous OCT contrast agents. Specifically, we used anti-mouse CD45 coated GNRs to label mouse leukocytes and mPEG-coated GNRs to determine sensitivity of GNR detection in vivo inside mice retinae. We corroborated OCT observations with hyperspectral dark-field microscopy of formalin-fixed histological sections. Our results show that mouse leukocytes that otherwise do not produce OCT contrast can be labeled with GNRs leading to significant OCT intensity equivalent to a 0.5 nM GNR solution. Furthermore, GNRs injected intravenously can be detected inside retinal blood vessels at a sensitivity of ∼0.5 nM, and GNR-labeled cells injected intravenously can be detected inside retinal capillaries by enhanced OCT contrast. We envision the unprecedented resolution and sensitivity of functionalized GNRs coupled with OCT to be adopted for longitudinal studies of retinal disorders.
Microwave-heating-coupled photoacoustic radar for tissue diagnostic imaging

Abstract. An investigation of microwave (MW) heating effects on biotissue for enhancing photoacoustic radar (PAR) signals was conducted. Localized tissue heating generated by MWs was used to improve PAR imaging depth and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Elevated temperatures were measured with thermocouples in ex vivo bovine muscle. The measured temperature rise on the heated spot surface by MWs was in agreement with theoretical predictions. The study showed localized MW heating can increase the photoacoustic imaging depth by 11%, and the SNR by 5% in ex vivo bovine muscle.
An efficient algorithm for VLSI network partitioning problem using a cost function with balancing factor

This paper presents an efficient algorithm for network partitioning problem, which improves Fiduccia and Mattheyses' (F-M's) algorithm (1982). We have noticed that the main problem of F-M's algorithm is that the cell move operation is largely influenced by the balancing constraint. In order to handle this kind of inherent limitation in F-M's algorithm, a cost function is adopted which reflects balance degree of a partition as well as its cutset size. The weighting factor R is introduced in the cost function to determine the relative importance of the two factors: cutset size and balance degree. Using this cost function, we propose an iterative improvement algorithm which has the time complexity of O(b(m+c/sup 2/)), where b is the number of blocks, m is the size of network, and c is the number of cells. It is proven that the proposed algorithm guarantees to find a balanced partition if the value of R satisfies a certain condition. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm outperforms F-M's algorithm in most cases. >
A lower bound on channel density after global routing

The author addresses the minimum density switchable segment assignment (MINDESSA) problem, which arises during the global routing of standard cell integrated circuits. A switchable segment is a portion of a net that can be routed in one of two adjacent channels. The MINDESSA problem is the problem of assigning switchable segments to one of the two possible channels so that the total channel density of the IC is minimized. The author presents an algorithm for calculating a lower bound on channel density for the MINDESSA problem. >
Recovery of optical properties using interstitial cylindrical diffusers as source and detector fibers

Abstract. We demonstrate recovery of optical properties using arrays of interstitial cylindrical diffusing fibers as sources and detectors. A single 1-cm diffuser delivered laser illumination at 665 nm, while seven 1- and 2-cm diffusers at 1-cm grid spacing acted as detectors. Extraction of optical properties from these measurements was based upon a diffusion model of emission and detection distributions for these diffuser fibers, informed by previous measurements of heterogeneous axial detection. Verification of the technique was performed in 15 liquid tissue-simulating phantoms consisting of deionized water, India ink as absorber, and Intralipid 20% as scatterer. For the range of optical properties tested, mean errors were 4.4% for effective attenuation coefficient, 12.6% for absorption coefficient, and 7.6% for reduced scattering coefficient. Error in recovery tended to increase with decreasing transport albedo. For therapeutic techniques involving the delivery of light to locations deep within the body, such as interstitial photodynamic and photothermal therapies, the methods described here would allow the treatment diffuser fibers also to be used as sources and detectors for recovery of optical properties. This would eliminate the need for separately inserted fibers for spectroscopy, reducing clinical complexity and improving the accuracy of treatment planning.
Eliminating redundant DC equations for asymptotic waveform evaluation

Asymptotic waveform evaluation (AWE) is a waveform estimation technique which involves the computation of moments from a linear circuit followed by the generation of waveform estimates based on those moments. During moment computation a special case arises if there are capacitor cutsets or inductor loops. Methods proposed for handling these cases involve identifying the cutsets and loops and replacing one of the capacitors (inductors) with a dependent source. This note describes a different formulation of the problem. The elimination of redundant equations in order to compute moments can be viewed as the dual of the problem of reducing circuit equations to normal form. This formulation has a couple of interesting theoretical properties: (1) it formally handles all circuit topologies, including circuits with dependent sources for which the redundancies may be undetectable from an inspection of the circuit topology; and (2) it predicts that even networks without independent sources may have "hidden" particular solutions consisting of polynomials in t. >
Optical clearing of skin enhanced with hyaluronic acid for increased contrast of optoacoustic imaging

Abstract. Enhanced delivery of optical clearing agents (OCA) through skin may improve sensitivity of optical and optoacoustic (OA) methods of imaging, sensing, and monitoring. This report describes a two-step method for enhancement of light penetration through skin. Here, we demonstrate that topical application of hyaluronic acid (HA) improves skin penetration of hydrophilic and lipophilic OCA and thus enhances their performance. We examined the OC effect of 100% polyethylene and polypropylene glycols (PPGs) and their mixture after pretreatment by HA, and demonstrated significant increase in efficiency of light penetration through skin. Increased light transmission resulted in a significant increase of OA image contrast in vitro. Topical pretreatment of skin for about 30 min with 0.5% HA in aqueous solution offers effective delivery of low molecular weight OCA such as a mixture of PPG-425 and polyethylene glycol (PEG)-400. The developed approach of pretreatment by HA prior to application of clearing agents (PEG and PPG) resulted in a ∼47-fold increase in transmission of red and near-infrared light and significantly enhanced contrast of OA images.
EVBDD-based algorithms for integer linear programming, spectral transformation, and function decomposition

Edge-Valued Binary-Decision Diagrams (EVBDD's) are directed acyclic graphs that can represent and manipulate integer functions as effectively as Ordered Binary-Decision Diagrams OBDD's) do for Boolean functions. They have been used in logic verification for showing the equivalence between Boolean functions and arithmetic functions. In this paper, we present EVBDD-based algorithms for solving integer linear programs, computing spectral coefficients of Boolean functions, and performing function decomposition. These algorithms have been implemented in C under the SIS environment and experimental results are provided. >
Optical interference probe of biofilm hydrology: label-free characterization of the dynamic hydration behavior of native biofilms

Abstract. Biofilm produced by Escherichia coli (E. coli) or Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) on quartz or polystyrene is removed from the culture medium and drained. Observed optical interference fringes indicate the presence of a layer of uniform thickness with refractive index different from air-dried biofilm. Fringe wavelengths indicate that layer optical thickness is <20 μm or 1 to 2 orders of magnitude thinner than the biofilm as measured by confocal Raman microscopy or fluorescence imaging of the bacteria. Raman shows that films have an alginate-like carbohydrate composition. Fringe amplitudes indicate that the refractive index of the interfering layer is higher than dry alginate. Drying and rehydration nondestructively thins and restores the interfering layer. The strength of the 1451-nm near infrared water absorption varies in unison with thickness. Absorption and layer thickness are proportional for films with different bacteria, substrates, and growth conditions. Formation of the interfering layer is general, possibly depending more on the chemical nature of alginate-like materials than bacterial processes. Films grown during the exponential growth phase produce no observable interference fringes, indicating requirements for layer formation are not met, possibly reflecting bacterial activities at that stage. The interfering layer might provide a protective environment for bacteria when water is scarce.
The Effects of Home-based Bench Step Exercise on Aerobic Capacity, Lower Extremity Power and Static Balance in Older Adults

‹Objective› To examine the effects of a twelve-week home-based bench step exercise program on aerobic capacity, lower extremity power and static balance in elderly subjects. ‹Methods› Thirty-eight elderly men and women participated in this study (age: 75±4 years, mean±SD). The subjects were randomly assigned, according to the area in which they resided, into either the exercise group (EG: 11 men, 8 women) or the control group (CG: 14 men, 5 women). The EG performed a 12-week home-based bench step exercise program (7 sessions/week, 20-30 minutes/session, bench height 15.0-20cm). They recorded the length of exercise and their physical condition. Before and after the intervention a sub-maximum bench step test, a leg extension power test and a one-leg balance test with eyes open (balance test) were performed to assess the subjects' aerobic capacity, as determined by the lactate threshold (LT), as well as lower extremity power and static balance ability. ‹Results› The LT (3.9 (3.2, 4.9) vs. 5.4 (4.8, 5.6) METs; p<0.01) and leg extension power (7.1 (6.2, 9.9) vs. 10.3 (7.2, 13.7)watts/kg; p<0.05) significantly increased while the balance test (9 (4, 25) vs. 16 (6, 35)) sec; p<0.1) also tended to increase in the EG. Conversely, these parameters did not significantly change in the CG (4.5 (3.9, 5.1) vs. 4.9 (4.3, 5.5) METs; 7.4 (6.7, 12.5) vs. 8.1 (7.3, 12.5) watts/kg, 17 (8, 50) vs. 11 (6, 20) sec, neither N. S. ) Based on the diary data, the subjects in the EG exercised an average of 164±56 minutes/week for twelve weeks. ‹Conclusion› This study showed that a bench step exercise program effectively improved not only aerobic capacity but also lower extremity power and static balance ability in elderly subjects.
Therapeutic Evaluation of the Effect of Biotin on Hyperglycemia in Patients with Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus

The therapeutic efficacy of biotin was evaluated in 43 patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. The serum biotin concentration in the patients was significantly lower than that in the 64 healthy control subjects and inversely correlated with the fasting blood glucose level. The oral administration of biotin, 9mg daily, corrected the hyperglycemia in the patients with no change in their serum insulin level. The serum levels of pyruvate and lactate decreased to their normal ranges after the administration. These observations suggest that the biotin administration ameliorates abnormal glucose metabolism in diabetic patients, presumably by enhancing the activity of the biotin-dependent enzyme, pyruvate carboxylase, with a subsequent promotion of glucose utilization for the entry into the tricarboxylic acid cycle. The administration also enhanced the response to glibenclamide in patients who had been resistant to the agent, suggesting a significant increase in the potency of the endogenous insulin action. The result demonstrates that biotin administration is effective for the treatment of the patients. Neither a relapse of clinical symptoms nor an occurrence of undesirable side effects has been observed.
Applicability of WHO Health Related Quality of Life Instruments [Bref Version] On Adolescent Medical Students Of West Bengal

Aims and Objectives: To assess the applicability of WHO health related quality of life instruments [BREF version] on the adolescent medical students of West Bengal. Methodology: A cross sectional study conducted in six medical colleges of West Bengal, India. The medical students of less than 19 years were taken for the study. The questionnaires of WHO HRQOL BREF was prepared as a proforma and was distributed in six medical colleges and responses were collected . The data was computerized and was analyzed by SPSS version16 software. Results and Interpretation: 132 cases were examined finally with mean age of 18.76 years. The numbers of males were 91 [68.9%] and the numbers of females were 41 [31.1%]. The responses are different in males and females and in students from medical colleges of Kolkata [state capital] or outside Kolkata. The validity of the questionnaire in this subset of population is found mainly in the psychological domain. Conclusions: WHO HRQOL BREF is a good tool to assess the health related quality of medical adolescents.
The Broader Impact of Friend to Friend (F2F)

Girls often harm others’ social standing by starting rumors about peers or by excluding others from peer group activities, which is called relational aggression. Although relational aggression is not a new phenomenon, there have been relatively few interventions designed to address this, especially for urban ethnic minority girls. The Friend to Friend (F2F) program, developed through an iterative participatory action research process, has proven to be effective in improving targeted relationally aggressive urban girls’ social problem-solving knowledge and decreasing levels of relational aggression, with effects being maintained 1 year after treatment. In the current article, we examine the broader effects of the F2F program. Findings suggest that the indicated F2F program has broader effects such as increasing prosocial behaviors, decreasing relational and physical aggression, and improving teacher–student relationships among non-targeted boys. In addition, the program demonstrated some effects for non-targeted girls including an increase in prosocial behaviors and improved teacher–student relationships. Implications for examining the cost-effectiveness of indicated interventions such as F2F are discussed.
Modeling subdiffusive light scattering by incorporating the tissue phase function and detector numerical aperture.

To detect small-scale changes in tissue with optical techniques, small sampling volumes and, therefore, short source–detector separations are required. In this case, reflectance measurements are not adequately described by the diffusion approximation. Previous studies related subdiffusive reflectance to ? or ? , which parameterize the phase function. Recently, it was demonstrated that ? predicts subdiffusive reflectance better than ? , and that ? becomes less predictive for lower numerical apertures (NAs). We derive and evaluate the parameter R p NA , which incorporates the NA of the detector and the integral of the phase function over the NA in the backward and forward directions. Monte Carlo simulations are performed for overlapping source/detector geometries for a range of phase functions, reduced scattering coefficients, NAs, and source/detector diameters. R p NA improves prediction of the measured reflectance compared to ? and ? It is, therefore, expected that R p NA will improve derivation of optical properties from subdiffusive measurements.
Region-of-interest tracking method for video plus depth coding

3D video can bring to viewers an exhilarating experience, however, it contains more details compared to 2D video; thus, it demands higher bandwidth to transmit information to the viewers. In order to overcome this hurdle, our paper aims to propose a resolution that helps to detect and track video regions interested by viewers. These video regions may then be coded with higher bitrate than others to preserve the visual quality while the total video bitrate is reduced. Experimental results showed the effectiveness of our method and it can be applied to interactive video coders.
2012 International Conference on Information Management, Innovation Management and Industrial Engineering a Novel Interesting Recommendation System Based on Tags Mining

with the rapid growth of social network on Internet, many people can make friends through smartphone easily. But when young guys use smart phone to browse web pages which has huge content to display, they can hardly choose what they really like unless spending much time for limited input capability. This paper designs an interesting recommendation system to recommend something or someone to the people who login to our website. With Recommendation system people can easily found something they wanted from large data with little input. This character is very important to smartphone whose input capability is poor. Recommendation algorithm in the paper is based on the tags mining through Haidu encyclopedia database and Sina microblogging. When two people have interesting with high similar degree, we recommend one to the other. Experiment shows the recommendation algorithm in the paper has good precision.
Preclinical evaluation of spatial frequency domain-enabled wide-field quantitative imaging for enhanced glioma resection

Abstract. 5-Aminolevelunic acid-induced protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) fluorescence-guided resection (FGR) enables maximum safe resection of glioma by providing real-time tumor contrast. However, the subjective visual assessment and the variable intrinsic optical attenuation of tissue limit this technique to reliably delineating only high-grade tumors that display strong fluorescence. We have previously shown, using a fiber-optic probe, that quantitative assessment using noninvasive point spectroscopic measurements of the absolute PpIX concentration in tissue further improves the accuracy of FGR, extending it to surgically curable low-grade glioma. More recently, we have shown that implementing spatial frequency domain imaging with a fluorescent-light transport model enables recovery of two-dimensional images of [PpIX], alleviating the need for time-consuming point sampling of the brain surface. We present first results of this technique modified for in vivo imaging on an RG2 rat brain tumor model. Despite the moderate errors in retrieving the absorption and reduced scattering coefficients in the subdiffusive regime of 14% and 19%, respectively, the recovered [PpIX] maps agree within 10% of the point [PpIX] values measured by the fiber-optic probe, validating its potential as an extension or an alternative to point sampling during glioma resection.
Fusion of geometric and thermographic data for automated defect detection

Many workpieces produced in large numbers with a large variety of sizes and geometries, e.g. castings and forgings, have to be 100% inspected. In addition to geometric tolerances, material defects, e.g. surface cracks, also have to be detected. We present a fully automated nondestructive testing technique for both types of defects. The workpiece is subject to continuous motion, and during this motion two measurements are performed. In the first step, after applying a short inductive heating, a thermographic measurement is carried out. An infrared camera records the surface temperature of the workpiece enabling the localization of material defects and surface cracks. In the second step, a light sectioning measurement is performed to measure the three-dimensional geometry of the piece. With the help of feature-based registration the data from the two different sources are fused and evaluated together. The advantage of this technique is that a more reliable decision can be made about the nature of the failures and their possible causes. The same registration technique also can be used for the comparison of different pieces and therefore to localize different failure types, via comparison with a "golden," defect-free piece. The registration technique can be applied to any part that has unique geometric features, around which moments can be computed. Consequently, the inspection technique can be applied to many different parts. The efficacy of the method is demonstrated with measurements on three parts having different geometries.