Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Breast ultrasound lesion classification based on image decomposition and transfer learning.

PURPOSE In medical image analysis, deep learning has great application potential. Discovering a method for extracting valuable information from medical images and integrating that information closely with medical treatment has recently become a major topic of interest. Because obtaining large volumes of breast lesion ultrasound image data is difficult, transfer learning is usually employed to obtain benign and malignant classification of breast lesions. However, because of blurred unclear regions of interest in breast lesion ultrasound images and severe speckle noise interference, convolutional neural networks have proven ineffective in extracting features, thus providing unreliable classification results. METHODS This study employs image decomposition to obtain fuzzy enhanced and bilateral filtered images to enrich input information of breast lesions. Fuzzy enhanced, bilateral filtered, and original ultrasound images comprise multi-feature data, which is presented as input to a pre-trained model to realize knowledge fusion. Therefore, effective features of breast lesions are extracted and then used to train fully connected layers with ground truths provided by a doctor to accomplish the classification. RESULTS A pre-trained VGG16 model was used to extract features from multi-feature data, and these features were fused to train the fully connected layers to realize classification. The performance score reported is as follows: accuracy of 93%, sensitivity of 95%, specificity of 88%, F1 score of 0.93, and AUC of 0.97. CONCLUSIONS Compared with using a single original ultrasound image for feature extraction, multi-feature data based on image decomposition enables the pre-trained model to extract more relevant features, thereby providing better classification results than those from traditional transfer learning techniques.
Wall Slip Behaviour of Polymers Based on Molecular Dynamics at the Micro/Nanoscale and Its Effect on Interface Thermal Resistance

Taking the Poiseuille flow of a molten polymer in parallel plates as the research object and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) as the research material, an all-atom analysis model of the molecular dynamic flow of polymer macromolecules is established according to the Navier slip law. The effects of wall wettability and external pressure on the wall slip behaviour of polymer macromolecules, as well as the spatial evolution process of the entanglement–unentanglement process of polymer chains near the wall under different shearing effects, were studied. The interface thermal resistance rule was explored, and an interface thermal resistance model considering the wall slip behaviour was established. Finally, a micro-injection experiment was used to verify the validity and accuracy of the model. The results show that when the wall is hydrophobic, the polymer melt exhibits significant wall slip. As the external pressure increases, the wall slip speed and the slip length increase. However, after a certain pressure is exceeded, the growth rate of the slip length is basically zero. As the external pressure increases, the PMMA molecular chains gradually start to separate, the single molecular chain becomes untangled from the entangled grid, and the chain detaches from the wall after exceeding a certain threshold. Wall slip reduces the interface thermal resistance between the solid–liquid interface and enhances the interface heat transfer performance. The interface thermal resistance value calculated by molecular dynamics can more accurately reflect the heat conduction rule of the solid–liquid interface at the micro/nanoscale than that measured by the thermal resistance experiment, indicating that the micro/nano interface thermal resistance obtained by molecular dynamics simulation is reliable.
ULTRASTRUCTURE OF THE MATURE SPERMATOZOON OF THE KING CRAB LITHODES MAJA (LITHODIDAE, ANOMURA, DECAPODA) : FURTHER CONFIRMATION OF A LITHODID-PAGURID RELATIONSHIP

Ultrastructure of the spermatophore and spermatozoon of the king crab Lithodes maja is described and illustrated. The spermatophore is a pedunculate structure of which the major components are the sperm-filled ampulla, stalk, pedestal, and a smaller accessory ampulla at the base of the main ampulla. Each spermatozoon features a subspherical, concentrically zoned acrosomal vesicle, capped by a centrally perforate operculum and posteriorly embedded in the cytoplasm, and a large globular nucleus. Three microtubular arms emerge from the cytoplasm below the acrosomal vesicle. The spermatophores and spermatozoa share many features with those of their nearest postulated relatives - members of the Paguridae (the genus Pagurus in particular). Spermatophore characters that link L. maja with pagurids are the presence of the accessory ampulla (synapomorphy, also with the parapagurids) and the homogeneous granular nature of the spermatophore wall. Sperm characters include the simple concentric zonation of the acrosomal vesicle, the shape and differentiation of the operculum (synapomorphic with Paguridae), the electron-dense plume in the base of the acrosomal chamber (synapomorphy with Pagurus), and absence of microvillar projections in this chamber. Several features in which L. maja differs from species in the genus Pagurus include the central perforation in the operculum, the absence of reticulated acrosome zones, and indications of an irregular flange in some planes of the acrosomal vesicle (possible autapomorphy).
Dux facilitates post-implantation development, but is not essential for zygotic genome activation.

Double homeobox genes are unique to eutherian mammals. It has been proposed that the DUXC clade of the double homeobox gene family, which is present in multicopy long tandem arrays, plays an essential role in zygotic genome activation (ZGA). We generated a deletion of the tandem array encoding the DUXC gene of mouse, Dux, and found it surprisingly to be homozygous viable and fertile. We characterize the embryonic development and ZGA profile of knockout embryos, finding that zygotic genome activation still occurs, with only modest alterations in 2-cell embryo gene expression, no defect in in vivo preimplantation development, but an increased likelihood of post-implantation developmental failure, leading to correspondingly smaller litter sizes in the knockout strain. While all known 2-cell specific Dux target genes are still expressed in the knockout, a subset are expressed at lower levels. These include numerous genes involved in methylation, blastocyst development and trophectoderm/placental development. We propose that rather than driving ZGA, which is a process common throughout the animal kingdom, DUXC genes facilitate a process unique to eutherian mammals, namely the post-implantation development enabled by an invasive placenta.
Individual differences in proprioception predict the extent of implicit sensorimotor adaptation

Recent studies have revealed an upper bound in motor adaptation, beyond which other learning systems may be recruited. The factors determining this upper bound are poorly understood. The multisensory integration hypothesis states that this limit arises from opposing responses to visual and proprioceptive feedback. As individuals adapt to a visual perturbation, they experience an increasing proprioceptive error in the opposite direction, and the upper bound is the point where these two error signals reach an equilibrium. Assuming that visual and proprioceptive feedback are weighted according to their variability, there should be a correlation between proprioceptive variability and the limits of adaptation. Alternatively, the proprioceptive realignment hypothesis states that the upper bound arises when the (biased) sensed hand position realigns with the target. When a visuo-proprioceptive discrepancy is introduced, the sensed hand position is biased towards the visual cursor and the adaptive system nullifies this discrepancy by driving the hand away from the target. This hypothesis predicts a correlation between the size of the proprioceptive shift and the upper bound of adaptation. We tested these two hypotheses by considering natural variation in proprioception and motor adaptation across individuals. We observed a modest, yet reliable correlation between the upper bound of adaptation with both proprioceptive measures (variability and shift). While these results do not favor one hypothesis over the other, they underscore the critical role of proprioception in sensorimotor adaptation, and moreover, motivate a novel perspective on how these proprioceptive constraints drive implicit changes in motor behavior. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT While the sensorimotor system uses sensory feedback to remain properly calibrated, this learning process is constrained, limited in the maximum degree of plasticity. The factors determining this limit remain elusive. Guided by two hypotheses concerning how visual and proprioceptive information are integrated, we show that individual differences in the upper bound of adaptation in response to a visual perturbation can be predicted by the bias and variability in proprioception. These results underscore the critical, but often neglected role of proprioception in human motor learning.
Drug Administration Routes Impact the Metabolism of a Synthetic Cannabinoid in the Zebrafish Larvae Model

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae have gained attention as a valid model to study in vivo drug metabolism and to predict human metabolism. The microinjection of compounds, oligonucleotides, or pathogens into zebrafish embryos at an early developmental stage is a well-established technique. Here, we investigated the metabolism of zebrafish larvae after microinjection of methyl 2-(1-(5-fluoropentyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine-3-carboxamido)-3,3-dimethylbutanoate (7′N-5F-ADB) as a representative of recently introduced synthetic cannabinoids. Results were compared to human urine data and data from the in vitro HepaRG model and the metabolic pathway of 7′N-5F-ADB were reconstructed. Out of 27 metabolites detected in human urine samples, 19 and 15 metabolites were present in zebrafish larvae and HepaRG cells, respectively. The route of administration to zebrafish larvae had a major impact and we found a high number of metabolites when 7′N-5F-ADB was microinjected into the caudal vein, heart ventricle, or hindbrain. We further studied the spatial distribution of the parent compound and its metabolites by mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) of treated zebrafish larvae to demonstrate the discrepancy in metabolite profiles among larvae exposed through different administration routes. In conclusion, zebrafish larvae represent a superb model for studying drug metabolism, and when combined with MSI, the optimal administration route can be determined based on in vivo drug distribution.
Qualitative Factor-Based Comparison of NMR, Targeted and Untargeted GC-MS and LC-MS on the Metabolomic Profiles of Rioja and Priorat Red Wines

Wine origin and ageing are two factors related to wine quality which in turn is associated to wine metabolome. Currently, new metabolomic techniques and proper statistics procedures allow accurate profiling of wine metabolome. Thus, the main goal was to evaluate different metabolomic methodologies on their ability to provide patterns on the wine metabolome based on selected factors, such as ageing of barrel-aged wine (factor time), prior usage of the barrels (factor barrel-type), and differences between wine ageing in barrels or glass bottles (factor bottled-wine). In the current study, we implement NMR, targeted and untargeted GC-MS and LC-MS metabolomic analytical techniques so as to gain insights into the volatile and nonvolatile wine metabolome composition of red wines from two cellars located in the only two Spanish Qualified Appellations of Origin; DOQ Priorat and DOCa Rioja regions. Overall, 95 differentially significant metabolites were identified facilitating the evaluation of the analytical methodologies performance and finding common trends of those metabolites depending on the considered factor. The results did not favor NMR as an effective technique on the current dataset whereas suggested LC-MS as an adequate technique for revealing differences based on the factor time, targeted GC-MS on the factor barrel-type, and untargeted GC-MS on the factor bottled-wine. Thus, a combination of different metabolomic techniques is necessary for a complete overview of the metabolome changes. These results ease the selection of the correct methodology depending on the specific factor investigated.
The Toxicological Testing and Thermal Decomposition of Drive and Transport Belts Made of Thermoplastic Multilayer Polymer Materials

The article presents the potential impact of flat drive and transport belts on people’s safety during a fire. The analysis distinguished belts made of classically used fabric–rubber composite materials reinforced with cord and currently used multilayer polymer composites. Moreover, the products’ multilayers during the thermal decomposition and combustion can be a source of emissions for unpredictable and toxic substances with different concentrations and compositions. In the evaluation of the compared belts, a testing methodology was used to determine the toxicometric indicators (WLC50SM) on the basis of which it was possible to determine the toxicity of thermal decomposition and combustion products in agreement with the standards in force in several countries of the EU and Russia. The analysis was carried out on the basis of the registration of emissions of chemical compounds during the thermal decomposition and combustion of polymer materials at three different temperatures. Moreover, the degradation kinetics of the polymeric belts by using the thermogravimetric (TGA) technique was evaluated. Test results have shown that products of thermal decomposition resulting from the neoprene (NE22), leder leder (LL2), thermoplastic connection (TC), and extra high top cower (XH) belts can be characterized as moderately toxic or toxic. Their toxicity significantly increases with the increasing temperature of thermal decomposition or combustion, especially above 450 °C. The results showed that the belts made of several layers of polyamide can be considered the least toxic in fire conditions. The TGA results showed that NBR/PA/PA/NBR belt made with two layers of polyamide and the acrylonitrile–butadiene rubber has the highest thermal stability in comparison to other belts.
Pressure Stimuli Improve the Proliferation of Wharton’s Jelly-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells under Hypoxic Culture Conditions

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are safe, and they have good therapeutic efficacy through their paracrine action. However, long-term culture to produce sufficient MSCs for clinical use can result in side-effects, such as an inevitable senescence and the reduction of the therapeutic efficacy of the MSCs. In order to overcome this, the primary culture conditions of the MSCs can be modified to simulate the stem cells’ niche environment, resulting in accelerated proliferation, the achievement of the target production yield at earlier passages, and the improvement of the therapeutic efficacy. We exposed Wharton’s jelly-derived MSCs (WJ-MSCs) to pressure stimuli during the primary culture step. In order to evaluate the proliferation, stemness, and therapeutic efficacy of WJ-MSCs, image, genetic, and Western blot analyses were carried out. Compared with standard incubation culture conditions, the cell proliferation was significantly improved when the WJ-MSCs were exposed to pressure stimuli. However, the therapeutic efficacy (the promotion of cell proliferation and anti-apoptotic effects) and the stemness of the WJ-MSCs was maintained, regardless of the culture conditions. Exposure to pressure stimuli is a simple and efficient way to improve WJ-MSC proliferation without causing changes in stemness and therapeutic efficacy. In this way, clinical-grade WJ-MSCs can be produced rapidly and used for therapeutic applications.
Medium Access Control Protocols for the Internet of Things Based on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: A Comparative Survey

The Internet of Things (IoT), which consists of a large number of small low-cost devices, has become a leading solution for smart cities, smart agriculture, smart buildings, smart grids, e-healthcare, etc. Integrating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with IoT can result in an airborne UAV-based IoT (UIoT) system and facilitate various value-added services from sky to ground. In addition to wireless sensors, various kinds of IoT devices are connected in UIoT, making the network more heterogeneous. In a UIoT system, for achieving high throughput in an energy-efficient manner, it is crucial to design an efficient medium access control (MAC) protocol because the MAC layer is responsible for coordinating access among the IoT devices in the shared wireless medium. Thus, various MAC protocols with different objectives have been reported for UIoT. However, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no survey had been performed so far that dedicatedly covers MAC protocols for UIoT. Hence, in this study, state-of-the-art MAC protocols for UIoT are investigated. First, the communication architecture and important design considerations of MAC protocols for UIoT are examined. Subsequently, different MAC protocols for UIoT are classified, reviewed, and discussed with regard to the main ideas, innovative features, advantages, limitations, application domains, and potential future improvements. The reviewed MAC protocols are qualitatively compared with regard to various operational characteristics and system parameters. Additionally, important open research issues and challenges with recommended solutions are summarized and discussed.
Pore Filling Effect of Forced Carbonation Reactions Using Carbon Dioxide Nanobubbles

Various methods for repairing and modifying concrete surfaces have been proposed and applied to improve the durability of existing concrete structures. Surface modification through forced carbonation is a method of densification that forms calcium carbonate in the pores on the surface of concrete to improve its durability. In this study, to evaluate the applicability of this surface modification method to existing buildings, a series of experiments was conducted in which mortar specimens were repeatedly immersed in a carbon dioxide nanobubble aqueous solution. By evaluating the weight change and absorption rate, it was determined that the higher the water/cement ratio of the mortar specimen, the higher the pore filling effect owing to immersion in the carbon dioxide nanobubble aqueous solution. In addition, the effect of clogged pores generated by the precipitation of calcium carbonate was confirmed, and it was found that the higher the water/cement ratio of the mortar specimen, the higher the pore filling effect due to clogging. We believe that our findings contribute to the development of research and construction practices associated with concrete repair and restoration.
The role of volume in the perceptibility of topical vaginal formulations: User sensory perceptions and experiences (USPEs) of heterosexual couples during vaginal sex.

Users' sensory perceptions and experiences (USPEs; perceptibility) of drug formulations can critically impact product adoption and adherence, especially when products rely on appropriate user behaviors (timing of administration, dosing measurement) for effectiveness. The use of topical gel formulations for effective anti- HIV/STI vaginal microbicides has been associated with messiness and other use-associated challenges, resulting in low adherence. Nonetheless, such formulations remain attractive due to good pharmacokinetics and resulting pharmacodynamics via their volume and surface contact for drug delivery into luminal fluids and mucosa. Consequently, advocates and scientists continue to pursue topical forms (semi-solid (e.g., gel, suppository); solid (e.g., film)) to deliver select drugs and offer user choice in HIV/STI prevention. The current data build on previously validated USPE scales evaluating perceptibility of gels with various biophysical/rheological properties. Specifically, increased formulation parameter space adds a new set of properties inherent in quick-dissolving film. We compared film, a product adding no discernable volume to the vaginal environment, to 2- and 3.5-mL hydroxyethyl cellulose gel to consider the impact of volume on user experience. We also examined the USPE scales for evaluation of male sexual partners' experiences. The original USPE scales functioned as expected. Additionally, six new USPE scales were identified in this enhanced parameter space. Significant differences were noted between USPEs in pairwise comparisons, with largest differences between film and high-volume gel. Product developers and behavioral scientists can use these scales to design products, optimizing user experience and maximizing adherence and delivery of efficacious anti-HIV/STI pharmaceuticals. They can be extended to evaluation of additional formulations, devices, and compartments, as well as single- and multi-purpose pharmaceuticals. In broader contexts, USPEs could be of value in evaluating formulations and devices to prevent/treat other diseases (e.g., ophthalmologic, dermatologic). Steadfast attention should be given to patient experience, and, where applicable, experiences of partners and/or caregivers.
Expression of invadopodia markers can identify oral lesions with a high risk of malignant transformation

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common malignant tumor of the oral cavity and is usually preceded by a range of premalignant tissue abnormalities termed oral potentially malignant disorders. Identifying malignant transformation is critical for early treatment and consequently improved survival and decreased morbidity. Invadopodia (INV) are specialized subcellular structures required for cancer cell invasion. We developed a new method to visualize INV in keratinocytes using fluorescent immunohistochemistry (FIHC) and semi‐automated images analysis. The presence of INV was used to determine the risk of malignant transformation. We analyzed 145 formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) oral biopsy samples from 95 patients diagnosed as nondysplastic, dysplastic, and OSCC including 49 patients whose lesions transformed to OSCC (progressing) and 46 cases that did not transform to OSCC (control). All samples were stained for Cortactin, tyrosine kinase substrate with five SH3 domains (Tks5) and matrix metallopeptidase 14 (MMP14) using FIHC, imaged using confocal microscopy and analyzed using a multichannel colocalization analysis. The areas of colocalization were used to generate an INV score. Using the INV score, we were able to identify progressing lesions with a sensitivity of 75–100% and specificity of 72–76%. A positive INV score was associated with increased risk of progression to OSCC. Our results suggest that INV markers can be used in conjunction with the current diagnostic standard for early detection of OSCC.