Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interactive segmentation for geographic atrophy in retinal fundus images

Fundus auto-fluorescence (FAF) imaging is a non-invasive technique for in vivo ophthalmoscopic inspection of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most common cause of blindness in developed countries. Geographic atrophy (GA) is an advanced form of AMD and accounts for 12-21% of severe visual loss in this disorder. Automatic quantification of GA is important for determining disease progression and facilitating clinical diagnosis of AMD. The problem of automatic segmentation of pathological images still remains an unsolved problem. In this paper we leverage the watershed transform and generalized non-linear gradient operators for interactive segmentation and present an intuitive and simple approach for geographic atrophy segmentation. We compare our approach with the state of the art random walker algorithm for interactive segmentation using ROC statistics. Quantitative evaluation experiments on 100 FAF images show a mean sensitivity / specificity of 98.3 / 97.7% for our approach and a mean sensitivity / specificity of 88.2 / 96.6% for the random walker algorithm.
324 Use of Pedicle Flaps for Skull Base Reconstruction after Expanded Endonasal Approaches

Institution: Universidade Federal do Ceará. Federal University – Ceará. Fortaleza / CE – Brazil. Address for correspondence: Prof. Sebastião Diógenes Pinheiro – Universidade Federal do Ceará Disciplina de Otorrinolaringologia – Rua Alexandre Baraúna, 949 – Rodolfo Teófilo – Fortaleza / CE – Brazil – Zip code: 60430-160 – Fax: (+55 85) 3262-7297 – Email: sediogenes@yahoo.com Article received on Auguts 1 6, 2007. Article approved on September 21, 2007.
Expressivity and completeness for public update logics via reduction axioms

In this paper, we present several extensions of epistemic logic with update operators modelling public information change. Next to the well-known public announcement operators, we also study public substitution operators. We prove many of the results regarding expressivity and completeness using so-called reduction axioms. We develop a general method for using reduction axioms and apply it to the logics at hand.
Report on "American Option Pricing and Hedging Strategies"

This paper mainly discusses the American option's hedging strategies via binomialmodel and the basic idea of pricing and hedging American option. Although the essential scheme of hedging is almost the same as European option, small differences may arise when simulating the process for American option holder has more rights, spelling that the option can be exercised at anytime before its maturity. Our method is dynamic-hedging method.
FRECLE Mining : Discovering Frequent Semantic Tree Cluster Sequences from Historical Tree Structured Data

Mining frequent trees is very useful in domains like bioinformatics, web mining, mining semistructured data, and so on. Existing techniques focus on finding “structural” patterns and ignores the “semantics” that may be associated with the subtrees. In this paper we proposal an algorithm to mine a novel pattern called frequent semantic tree cluster sequences (FRECLE), which captures the frequent sequential association between different semantics of tree-structured data. Given a semantic tree sequence database, the algorithm first categorizes each semantic tree to a semantic cluster. Next, FRECLE patterns are discovered from the semantic cluster sequences by adopting an existing frequent sequential pattern mining algorithm. FRECLE patterns are beneficial in applications where the knowledge of semantic association is significant, such as XML query caching, prefetching XML data, and web users clustering. Specifically, we show how our proposed FRECLE mining framework can be used for designing optimal XML query cache replacement strategy. Finally, by reporting the performance of our algorithm and caching strategy through extensive experiments with both synthetic and real datasets, we show the effectiveness and usefulness of FRECLE mining.
Variation in the transcriptional response of threatened coral larvae to elevated temperatures

Coral populations have declined worldwide largely due to increased sea surface temperatures. Recovery of coral populations depends in part upon larval recruitment. Many corals reproduce during the warmest time of year when further increases in temperature can lead to low fertilization rates of eggs and high larval mortality. Microarray experiments were designed to capture and assess variability in the thermal stress responses of Acropora palmata larvae from Puerto Rico. Transcription profiles showed a striking acceleration of normal developmental gene expression patterns with increased temperature. The transcriptional response to heat suggested rapid depletion of larval energy stores via peroxisomal lipid oxidation and included key enzymes that indicated the activation of the glyoxylate cycle. High temperature also resulted in expression differences in key developmental signalling genes including the conserved WNT pathway that is critical for pattern formation and tissue differentiation in developing embryos. Expression of these and other important developmental and thermal stress genes such as ferritin, heat shock proteins, cytoskeletal components, cell adhesion and autophagy proteins also varied among larvae derived from different parent colonies. Disruption of normal developmental and metabolic processes will have negative impacts on larval survival and dispersal as temperatures rise. However, it appears that variation in larval response to high temperature remains despite the dramatic population declines. Further research is needed to determine whether this variation is heritable or attributable to maternal effects.
Identification and Characterization of Progesterone- and Estrogen-Regulated MicroRNAs in Mouse Endometrial Epithelial Cells

In endometrial epithelial cells, progesterone (P4) functions in regulating the cell structure and opposing the effects of estrogen. However, the mechanisms of P4 that oppose the effects of estrogen remain unclear. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important posttranscriptional regulators that are involved in various physiological and pathological processes. Whether P4 directly induces miRNA expression to antagonize estrogen in endometrial epithelium is unclear. In this study, total RNAs were extracted from endometrial epithelium of ovariectomized mice, which were treated with estrogen alone or a combination of estrogen and P4. MicroRNA high-throughput sequencing with bioinformatics analysis was used to identify P4-induced miRNAs, predict their potential target genes, and analyze their possible biological functions. We observed that 146 mature miRNAs in endometrial epithelial cells were significantly upregulated by P4. These miRNAs were extensively involved in multiple biological processes. The miRNA-145a demonstrated a possible function in the antiproliferative action of P4 on endometrial epithelial cells.
DTNBP1 is associated with imaging phenotypes in schizophrenia

Dystrobrevin binding protein 1 (DTNBP1) has been identified as putative schizophrenia susceptibility gene, but it remains unknown whether polymorphisms relate to altered cerebral structure. We examined relationships between a previously implicated DTNBP1 risk variant [P1578] and global and segmented brain tissue volumes and regional cortical thickness in schizophrenia (n = 62; 24 risk carriers) and healthy subjects (n = 42; 11 risk carriers), across ethnic groups and within Caucasians. Schizophrenia patients showed similar brain volumes, but significantly reduced brain‐size adjusted gray matter and CSF volumes and cortical thinning in a widespread neocortical distribution compared to controls. DTNBP1 risk was found associated with reduced brain volume, but not with tissue sub‐compartments. Cortical thickness, which was weakly associated with brain size, showed regional variations in association with genetic risk, although effects were dominated by highly significant genotype by diagnosis interactions over broad areas of cortex. Risk status was found associated with regional cortical thinning in patients, particularly in temporal networks, but with thickness increases in controls. DTNBP1 effects for brain volume and cortical thickness appear driven by different neurobiological processes. Smaller brain volumes observed in risk carriers may relate to previously reported DTNBP1/cognitive function relationships irrespective of diagnosis. Regional cortical thinning in patient, but not in control risk carriers, may suggest that DTNBP1 interacts with other schizophrenia‐related risk factors to affect laminar thickness. Alternatively, DTNBP1 may influence neural processes for which individuals with thicker cortex are less vulnerable. Although DTNBP1 relates to cortical thinning in schizophrenia, morphological changes in the disorder are influenced by additional genetic and/or environmental factors. Hum Brain Mapp, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Marginal donors for patients on regular waiting lists for liver transplantation

Abstract The use of marginal donors is well accepted by most centers for emergency situations, but there is debate on their use for patients on regular waiting lists. We report our experience of the l‐year survival for patients on waiting lists (n= 147, 1‐year survival = 32 %), patients transplanted from good donors (n= 60, l‐year survival = 84 %), and patients transplanted from marginal donors (n = 15, l‐year survival = 56 %). We concluded that liver transplantation from marginal donors (a) is a safe procedure (b) has a 1 ‐year survival that is significantly better than that on a waiting list (c) is ethically justified especially in countries with donor shortages, and (d) may allow transplantation of “special” high risk and poor long‐term outcome patients.
Value of corozo palm nut and sesame oil meals, bananas, A.P.F. and cow manure in rations for growing and fattening pigs.

I~TIS is a preliminary report of a series of studies in the American ropics on the nutritional value of local feedstuffs for growing and fattening pigs. Malnutrition in animals is a major problem in these tropical areas. Apparently the problem is related to inadequate storage and transportation facilities, the lack of regulation in feed production, and insufficient experimentation on the nutritional value of indigenous feedstuffs. Many workers have shown that tropical areas contain many valuable feeds that may be used in swine rations (Lewy van Severen, 1949; Munsell et at., 1949; Squibb et al., 1949; Squibb and Wyld, 1949). The feeds tested in the studies reported herein may be obtained in quantity or may be economically cultivated. Corozo palms (Orbignya cohune and species of the genus Scheelea) grow abundantly in many areas in the American Tropics. Corozo oil meal, a byproduct of local oil factories, is highly palatable and has been fed to animals for a number of years. Sesame oil meal, which is being produced locally in increased quantities, contains protein of excellent quality and is of value in local chicken rations (Squibb and Wyld, 1948-1949, 1949). Bananas may be obtained readily; large quantities become available as the result of "blow downs" in plantations, rejects for export, or surplus production. Many farms are able to cultivate bananas economically as an animal feedstuff. Bogert, 1942, in a review of the literature, concluded that bananas are nutritious in that they furnish energy, minerals, and certain vitamins. The value of bananas and other tropical fruits and vegetables in rations for swine (at the
An on-line symbolic mathematics system using hand-printed two-dimensional notation

This paper describes a system that is being developed at The RAND Corporation for the on-line manipulation of symbolic mathematical expressions. The primary input consists of the user's expressions hand-printed on a RAND tablet in ordinary two-dimensional mathematical notation. The system recognizes the characters and interprets the whole expression from the spatial relationships present in accordance with a previously input syntax. The user at the console directs symbolic transformations upon his input expressions by instructing the computer to selectively attempt to apply various rules of mathematics; these rules have been previously entered into the system in the same manner as the expressions. A transformed expression resulting from the application of a rule or group of rules is displayed on the IBM 2250 graphic console. An experimental version of the system is in operation at the present time.
A Phytoanticipin Derivative, Sodium Houttuyfonate, Induces in Vitro Synergistic Effects with Levofloxacin against Biofilm Formation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Antibiotic resistance has become the main deadly factor in infections, as bacteria can protect themselves by hiding in a self-constructed biofilm. Consequently, more attention is being paid to the search for “non-antibiotic drugs” to solve this problem. Phytoanticipins, the natural antibiotics from plants, could be a suitable alternative, but few works on this aspect have been reported. In this study, a preliminary study on the synergy between sodium houttuyfonate (SH) and levofloxacin (LFX) against the biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was performed. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of LFX and SH, anti-biofilm formation and synergistic effect on Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and quantification of alginate were determined by the microdilution method, crystal violet (CV) assay, checkerboard method, and hydroxybiphenyl colorimetry. The biofilm morphology of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was observed by fluorescence microscope and scanning electric microscope (SEM). The results showed that: (i) LFX and SH had an obvious synergistic effect against Pseudomonas aeruginosa with MIC values of 0.25 μg/mL and 128 μg/mL, respectively; (ii) ½ × MIC SH combined with 2 × MIC LFX could suppress the biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa effectively, with up to 73% inhibition; (iii) the concentration of alginate decreased dramatically by a maximum of 92% after treatment with the combination of antibiotics; and (iv) more dead cells by fluorescence microscope and more removal of extracellular polymeric structure (EPS) by SEM were observed after the combined treatment of LFX and SH. Our experiments demonstrate the promising future of this potent antimicrobial agent against biofilm-associated infections.
A double‐blind cross‐over placebo‐controlled trial of the effects of bromocriptine on psychomotor function, cognition, and mood in de novo patients with Parkinson's disease

The effects of bromocriptine on potentially dissociable functions were investigated in this double-blind placebo-controlled trial in previously untreated Parkinsonian patients. Bromocriptine-induced reductions in response time were independent of variations in the complexity of the cognitive or motor programming components of reaction time tasks. These results suggest that bromocriptine speeds up response initiation, and it may also improve some “early” visual processes. No clear-cut verbal memory, visuospatial or general intellectual changes were produced by bromocriptine; however, further evaluation of the effects of bromocriptine on “executive” cognitive functions is clearly required. Psychiatric distress was significantly reduced when the active drug was administered. While mood improvements could not be statistically dissociated from motor improvements, review of the literature suggested that decreased emotional distress may have arisen through bromocriptine's action on neural circuits modulating mood. Some clinical implications of bromoeriptine's effect on mood are mentioned.
استجابة خلايا العضلات الجزعية لأشعة اكس العلاجية / Response of Human Myoblasts to Therapeutic Doses of X-irradiation

Abstract— Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the response of human skeletal muscle myoblasts to therapeutic doses of X-irradiation. Methods: Myoblasts was established via skeletal muscle biopsies which irradiated in vitro by x-ray at doses 3, 5 and 7 Gy. Two effects of radiation were measured (acute effect after 24h and long term effect after 72h). Acute effect was monitored by interleukin-6 release, while long term effect was monitored by measuring the proliferation capacity and cell death. Results: When comparing the non-irradiated control and cells processed with inhibitor of cell proliferation Ara C, myoblast proliferation reduced in 72h post-radiation, this change was significant with increasing doses. Post-irradiation myoblast survival determined by measurement of released LDH enzyme activity showed increased activity after exposure to x-rays. The acute reaction of myoblasts to lower doses of irradiation (3 and 5 Gy.) was reduced secretion of constitutive interleukin-6. Conclusion: The current study approved that there was positive response of human skeletal muscle myoblasts to therapeutic doses of X-irradiation.
PLASMA LIPID RESPONSES TO LEADERSHIP, CONFORMITY, AND DEVIATION,

Abstract : Plasma free fatty acids (FFA) have been shown to be sensitive indicators of central and auto nomic nervous system arousal as well as causa tive agents in atherosclerosis. Their measure ment gives a possibility of assessing the mean ing of variables introduced in social psychologi cal experiments and comparing them with epi demiological evidence of the action of the same variables, namely pressure tormity and responsibility of leadership. Four experiments, using a standard technique of producing experi mental conformity, are described. (Author)
Experimental Coinfection of Rhesus Macaques with Rhesus Cytomegalovirus and Simian Immunodeficiency Virus: Pathogenesis

ABSTRACT Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) possesses low pathogenic potential in an immunocompetent host. In the immunosuppressed host, however, a wide spectrum of infection outcomes, ranging from asymptomatic to life threatening, can follow either primary or nonprimary infection. The variability in the manifestations of HCMV infection in immunosuppressed individuals implies that there is a threshold of host antiviral immunity that can effectively limit disease potential. We used a nonhuman primate model of CMV infection to assess the relationship between CMV disease and the levels of developing anti-CMV immunity. Naive rhesus macaques were inoculated with rhesus cytomegalovirus (RhCMV) followed 2 or 11 weeks later by inoculation with pathogenic simian immunodeficiency virus SIVmac239. Two of four monkeys inoculated with SIV at 2 weeks after inoculation with RhCMV died within 11 weeks with simian AIDS (SAIDS), including activated RhCMV infection. Neither animal had detectable anti-SIV antibodies. The other two animals died 17 and 27 weeks after SIV inoculation with either SAIDS or early lymphoid depletion, although no histological evidence of activated RhCMV was observed. Both had weak anti-SIV antibody titers. RhCMV antibody responses for this group of monkeys were significantly below those of control animals inoculated with only RhCMV. In addition, all animals of this group had persistent RhCMV DNA in plasma and high copy numbers of RhCMV in tissues. In contrast, animals that were inoculated with SIV at 11 weeks after RhCMV infection rarely exhibited RhCMV DNA in plasma, had low copy numbers of RhCMV DNA in most tissues, and did not develop early onset of SAIDS or activated RhCMV. SIV antibody titers were mostly robust and sustained in these monkeys. SIV inoculation blunted further development of RhCMV humoral responses, unlike the normal pattern of development in control monkeys following RhCMV inoculation. Anti-RhCMV immunoglobulin G levels and avidity were slightly below control values, but levels maintained were higher than those observed following SIV infection at 2 weeks after RhCMV inoculation. These findings demonstrate that SIV produces long-lasting insults to the humoral immune system beginning very early after SIV infection. The results also indicate that anti-RhCMV immune development at 11 weeks after infection was sufficient to protect the host from acute RhCMV sequelae following SIV infection, in contrast to the lack of protection afforded by only 2 weeks of immune response to RhCMV. As previously observed, monkeys that were not able to mount a significant immune response to SIV were the most susceptible to SAIDS, including activated RhCMV infection. Rapid development of SAIDS in animals inoculated with SIV 2 weeks after RhCMV inoculation suggests that RhCMV can augment SIV pathogenesis, particularly during primary infection by both viruses.
Geovisual analytics for self-organizing network data

Cellular radio networks are continually growing in both node count and complexity. It therefore becomes more difficult to manage the networks and necessary to use time and cost effective automatic algorithms to organize the networks neighbor cell relations. There have been a number of attempts to develop such automatic algorithms. Network operators, however, may not trust them because they need to have an understanding of their behavior and of their reliability and performance, which is not easily perceived. This paper presents a novel web-enabled geovisual analytics approach to exploration and understanding of self-organizing network data related to cells and neighbor cell relations. A demonstrator and case study are presented in this paper, developed in close collaboration with the Swedish telecom company Ericsson and based on large multivariate, time-varying and geospatial data provided by the company. It allows the operators to follow, interact with and analyze the evolution of a self-organizing network and enhance their understanding of how an automatic algorithm configures locally-unique physical cell identities and organizes neighbor cell relations of the network. The geovisual analytics tool is tested with a self-organizing network that is operated by the Automatic Neighbor Relations (ANR) algorithm. The demonstrator has been tested with positive results by a group of domain experts from Ericsson and will be tested in production.
Ultra-fast interconnect driven cell cloning for minimizing critical path delay

In a complete physical synthesis flow, optimization transforms, that can improve the timing on critical paths that are already well-optimized by a series of powerful transforms (timing driven placement, buffering and gate sizing) are invaluable. Finding such a transform is quite challenging, to say nothing of efficiency. This work explores innovative cloning (gate duplication) techniques to improve timing-closure in a physical synthesis environment. With a buffer-aware interconnect timing model, new polynomial-time optimal algorithms are proposed for timing-driven cloning, including both finding optimal sink partitions (identifying the fan-outs) for the original and the duplicated gates, as well as physical locations for both gates. In particular, we present an O(m)-time optimal algorithm to minimize the worst slack if the original gate is movable, and an O(m log m) algorithm if the original gate is fixed, where $m$ is the number of fan-outs. To the best of our knowledge, this work is the first one considering the timing-driven cloning problem under a buffer-aware interconnect delay model. For a hundred testcases in 45nm technology node, we demonstrate significant timing improvement due to our cloning techniques as compared to other existing timing-optimization transforms. Extensions to other factors, such as wirelength, FOM and placement obstacles are further discussed.