Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Novel Nomograms Based on Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Predict Prognosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients After Hepatectomy

Background The prediction of prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is of great significance in improving disease outcome and optimizing clinical management, while reliable prognostic indicators are lacking. This study was conducted to develop readily-to-use nomograms for prognosis prediction of HCC after hepatectomy. Materials and Methods Data of eligible patients were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Independent prognostic factors were identified by Cox regression, and nomograms for the prediction of disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were developed. The performance of the nomograms was evaluated by receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves, C-indexes and calibration curves and was verified by the validation cohort. The predictive value of the nomograms was also compared with the 8th edition of American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) Tumor-Node-Metastasis (TNM) and the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging systems. Results In total, 599 patients were enrolled in the analysis: 420 in the training cohort and 179 in the validation cohort. The optimal cut-off value of Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (GLR) was 19.5. GLR contributed significantly to the nomograms with good predictive power. In ROC analyses, the areas under curve (AUCs) of the nomograms for 1-, 3- and 5-year DFS and OS prediction were 0.758, 0.756, 0.734 and 0.810, 0.799, 0.758, respectively. The C-indexes of the DFS nomogram were 0.697 (95% CI 0.665–0.729) in the training cohort and 0.710 (95% CI 0.664–0.756) in the validation cohort. For OS prediction, the C-indexes were 0.741 (95% CI 0.704–0.778) and 0.758 (95% CI 0.705–0.811) in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. The calibration curves demonstrated satisfactory agreement between nomogram predictions and actual observations. The nomograms demonstrated superior predictive performance to the TNM and the BCLC staging systems. Conclusion Our novel nomograms showed adequate performance in the prediction of HCC prognosis after hepatectomy, which may facilitate the risk stratification and individualized management of HCC patients.
Breaking bad degeneracies with Love relations: Improving gravitational-wave measurements through universal relations

The distance-inclination degeneracy limits gravitational-wave parameter estimation of compact binary mergers. Although the degeneracy can be partially broken by including higher-order modes or precession, these effects are suppressed in binary neutron stars. In this work, we implement a new parametrization of the tidal effects in the binary neutron-star waveform, exploiting the binary Love relations, that breaks the distance-inclination degeneracy. The binary Love relations prescribe the tidal deformability of a neutron star as a function of its source-frame mass in an equation-of-state insensitive way and, thus, allows direct measurement of the redshift of the source. If the cosmological parameters are assumed to be known, the redshift can be converted to a luminosity distance, and the distance-inclination degeneracy can thus be broken. We implement this new approach, studying a range of binary neutron-star observing scenarios using Bayesian parameter estimation on synthetic data. In the era of the third-generation detectors, for observations with signal-to-noise ratios ranging from 6 to 167, we forecast up to an $\sim70\%$ decrease in the $90\%$ credible interval of the distance and inclination and up to an $\sim50\%$ decrease in that of the source-frame component masses. For edge-on systems, our approach can result in moderate ($\sim50\%$) improvement in the measurements of distance and inclination for binaries with a signal-to-noise ratio as low as 10. This prescription can be used to better infer the source-frame masses and, hence, refine population properties of neutron stars, such as their maximum mass, impacting nuclear astrophysics. When combined with the search for electromagnetic counterpart observations, the work presented here can be used to put improved bounds on the opening angle of jets from binary neutron-star mergers.
On Rank 2 Complex Reflection Groups

We describe a class of groups with the property that the finite ones among them are precisely the complex reflection groups of rank 2. This situation is reminiscent of Coxeter groups, among which the finite ones are precisely the real reflection groups. We also study braid relations between complex reflections and indicate connections to an axiomatic study of root systems and to the Shephard–Todd “collineation groups. ”
Exponential Stability of Modified Stochastic Approximation Procedure

The modified stochastic approximation procedure xi+1 = xi + αig(xi + ξi+1),x0 = ζ (1) is considered. Here {αj} is the sequence of positive numbers, {ξn} is a sequence of martingale-differences, function g is twice differentiable, ug(u) ≤ 0f oru � , ζ is the initial value. Results on the almost-sure boundedness and the exponen- tial stability of procedure (1) are obtained. The theorem of the convergence of nonnegative semimartingale has been applied.
Optical method for two-dimensional ultrasonic detection

Two-dimensional detection of ultrasonic waves is based on pressure-induced changes of optical reflectance at a glass–liquid interface, imaged with a time-gated video camera. The method is used to record optoacoustic waves generated after irradiation of optically absorbing targets with 6 ns long laser pulses. Measurements of absolute pressure values with high temporal and spatial resolution (in the range of 10 ns and 10 μm, respectively) is demonstrated. The sensitivity is varied between 0.19% and 0.81% gray level modulation per bar. The detector plane is optically transparent, making it possible to irradiate the sample through the detector without disturbing the acoustic measurement. Two-dimensional recording of ultrasonic waves is ideally suited for the analysis of acoustic emission from small sources and for optoacoustic imaging of optical absorption differences in an opaque material.
A statistical theory for the distribution of energy dissipation in intermittent turbulence

A new statistical theory involving the gamma distribution is presented for the local average rate of dissipation er. The gamma distribution for er leads to results for the high‐order moments of the velocity structure function that lie between those predicted by the lognormal model and β model and closely follow those of the multifractal model. Comparisons of results predicted by the gamma distribution are made with previously published experimental data, showing excellent agreement. Based on the gamma distribution for er, the one‐dimensional K distribution is developed as a plausible model for the distribution of energy dissipation e. Some laboratory measurements of velocity fluctuations and certain derived quantities from a modified airjet are also discussed. A good agreement is found by making comparisons of the measured cumulative probability distribution of the squared time derivative of the streamwise velocity component with that predicted by this new model.
Modelling crack growth by level sets in the extended finite element method

An algorithm which couples the level set method (LSM) with the extended finite element method (X‐FEM) to model crack growth is described. The level set method is used to represent the crack location, including the location of crack tips. The extended finite element method is used to compute the stress and displacement fields necessary for determining the rate of crack growth. This combined method requires no remeshing as the crack progresses, making the algorithm very efficient. The combination of these methods has a tremendous potential for a wide range of applications. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the accuracy of the combined methods. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Discrete Cosserat Static Model-Based Control of Soft Manipulator

In this letter, the continuous Cosserat static model is re-formulated by employing the piecewise linear strain (PLS) approach, which can obtain the analytic formula of the model to facilitate the controller design. The robust closed-loop control architecture based on the PLSCosserat static model for the soft arm around its workspace is then established. To validate the performance of the proposed model-based control scheme, the point-to-point and time-varying trajectory tracking experiments under external disturbances have been conducted on the soft manipulator actuated by cables.
A Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Health-Care Package on Self-care Management and Prevention of Complications in Patients with Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus in Terms of the Knowledge and Practices in Diabetic Clinic of Selected Hospitals in Delhi

Introduction: The aim of this study were to prevent, control, and manage diabetes mellitus (DM) and its further consequences, it is essentially required that the diabetic patients should have adequate knowledge and adopt healthy lifestyle practices. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of the health-care package on self-care management and prevention of complications in type 2 DM patients in terms of the knowledge and practices. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted with evaluative research approach and non-randomized control group design at Safadarjung Hospital, Delhi. Sample was selected through non-probability purposive sampling technique and sample size consisted of 60. The tools for data collection included structured interview schedule and expressed practice questionnaire. The health-care package included – planned teaching program, self-care diary cum information booklet, diabetic identification card, diet chart, and pictorial/flash cards. Results: There was a significant “t” value of 15.882, df (29), P < 0.05 and “t” value of 9.86, df (29), P < 0.05 for mean pre- and post-test, knowledge and practice scores of experimental group and, significant “t” value of 9.1, df (58), P < 0.05 and “t” value of 11.45, df (58), P < 0.05 for mean post-test, and knowledge and practice scores of experimental and control group. There was also found a positive correlation r = 0.948, P < 0.05 between post-test knowledge and practice scores of experimental group. Study findings also conclude significant association of post-test, knowledge scores with educational level (χ² = 16.533*, df=6, P < 0.05), per capita income (χ² = 10.093*, df=3, P < 0.05), practice scores with educational level (χ² = 17.2*, df=6, P < 0.05), and per capita income (χ² = 8.422*, df=3, P < 0.05) of type 2 diabetic patients. Conclusion: The study findings revealed that health-care package was found to be effective in enhancing the knowledge and improving the practices of the type 2 diabetic patients.
Testing non‐nested demand relations: linear expenditure system versus indirect addilog *

In applied economic research computable general equilibrium (CGE) models in which the behavior of economic agents are modeled, are widely used. In many CGE models, the linear expenditure system (LES) is used to model the behavior of the household sector. The disadvantage of LES is that the Engel curves, describing the relationship between expenditure on a certain commodity and total expenditure, are straight lines. Moreover, the LES does not allow for the existence of inferior commodities, elastic demand and gross substitution. An alternative model for the household block is the indirect addilog system (IAS), which is as simple to implement as LES, but which does not suffer from these theoretical deficiencies. In this paper, we test the LES specification against the IAS specification in case one disposes of a budget survey. Consequently, IAS provides a theoretically richer description of household behavior than LES, while it is also easy to implement.
Backscattering strength and the range dependence of sound scattered from the ocean surface

The wind‐driven ocean surface has been modeled as a conjoint assemblage of finite wedges such that the ocean statistics are correctly represented as a function of wind speed alone. The impulse response due to wedge diffractions and facet reflections from this surface has been calculated by the Biot–Tolstoy theory [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 29, 381–391 (1957)]. After transformation to frequency space, the range dependence of the scattered intensity is found to vary from R−2 to R−4 depending on range, percentage of reflecting facets, and ratio of surface height correlation length to sound wavelength. It is proposed that the concept of backscattering strength be redefined as BSS=10 log10(IBS/I0)[(RN+2)/RN0A], where I0 is source intensity at R0=1 m; A, scattering area; R, range in meters; and IBS, backscattered intensity. The exponent 0? N? 2 may be determined experimentally, at sea, or as shown in these calculations.
On the numerical evaluation of two infinite products

A numerical evaluation of two infinite products of the type nw_Q(l - aq ), which are important in some mathematical fields, is considered. The numerical evaluation is based on a recursive formula of the type x , j = xn^n^xn^' ? n+l = xn + l^n^xn^' ani* '* 's comPared with a series expansion that was previously used for the computation. Two tables of the infinite products are provided with twenty significant fig- ures which check and extend existing data.
Effects of Neck Taping in the Treatment of Hemispatial Neglect in Chronic Stroke Patients: A Pilot, Single Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

Background and objectives: Hemispatial neglect is a common consequence of stroke, with an estimated incidence of 23%. Interventions for treating hemispatial neglect may be categorized as either top-down or bottom-up processing. The aim of top-down approaches is to train the person to voluntarily compensate for their neglect. Such approaches require awareness of the disorder and a high level of active participation by the patient. Differently, bottom-up approaches are based on manipulation of a patient’s sensory environment and so require less awareness of behavioral bias. In line with the latter, it is conceivable that elastic therapeutic taping applied to the left neck surface may provide bottom-up inputs that reduce hemispatial neglect symptoms. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of therapeutic neck taping on visuo-spatial abilities, neck motion, and kinesthetic sensibility in chronic stroke patients with hemispatial neglect. Materials and Methods: After randomization, 12 chronic stroke patients with hemispatial neglect received 30 consecutive days of real (treatment group) or sham (control group) neck taping. The outcomes were as follows: Stars Cancellation Test; neck active range of motion; Letter Cancellation Test; Comb and Razor Test; Cervical Joint Position Error Test evaluated before and after one month of taping. Results: Between-group comparison showed significant differences only for the Cervical Joint Position Error Test after treatment (p = 0.009). Conclusions: Our preliminary findings support the hypothesis that neck taping might improve cervicocephalic kinesthetic sensibility in chronic stroke patients with hemispatial neglect. Further studies are needed to strengthen our results and better investigate the effects of elastic therapeutic taping on visuo-spatial abilities in stroke patients with hemispatial neglect.
Endothelial Indoleamine-2,3-Dioxygenase-1 is not Critically Involved in Regulating Antitumor Immunity in the Central Nervous System

The vascular niche of malignant gliomas is a key compartment that shapes the immunosuppressive brain tumor microenvironment (TME). The blood-brain-barrier (BBB) consisting of specialized endothelial cells (ECs) and perivascular cells forms a tight anatomical and functional barrier critically controlling transmigration and effector function of immune cells. During neuroinflammation and tumor progression, the metabolism of the essential amino acid tryptophan (Trp) to metabolites such as kynurenine has long been identified as an important metabolic pathway suppressing immune responses. Previous studies have demonstrated that indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase-1 (IDO1), a key rate-limiting enzyme in tryptophan catabolism, is expressed within the TME of high-grade gliomas. Here, we investigate the role of endothelial IDO1 (eIDO1) expression for brain tumor immunity. Single-cell RNA sequencing data revealed that in human glioma tissue, IDO1 is predominantly expressed by activated ECs showing a JAK/STAT signaling pathway-related CXCL11+ gene expression signature. In a syngeneic experimental glioma model, eIDO1 is induced by low-dose tumor irradiation. However, cell type-specific ablation of eIDO1 in experimental gliomas did not alter frequency and phenotype of tumor-infiltrating T cells nor tumor growth. Taken together these data argue against a dominant role of eIDO1 for brain tumor immunity.
Rainfall Variability in Africa

Abstract Time series of annual rainfall for 69 stations in Africa were analyzed for trends and periodicities. Trend analysis showed that most of the annual series indicate some forms of oscillations rather than any particular trend. Use of binomial coefficients to smooth the series indicated positive or negative trends in recent years in 20 series, but only four of these were statistically significant judging by the Spearman rank correlation test. These four stations were geographically distributed within those showing no significant trends. Assuming the generating process to be purely random, the prominent cycles revealed by the spectral analysis were 2.0–2.5 years and 2.7–3.3 years. In general, the larger observed cycles (3.5–4.4 years, 5.0 years, 6.0–6.5 years, 7.0–8.0 years and 10.0 years) were weak at the 0.05 significance level.
Formulation of Ethyl Cellulose Microparticles Incorporated Pheophytin A Isolated from Suaeda vermiculata for Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities

Background: This study is designed to discover a method for delivering an efficient potent pheophytin a (pheo-a) into more absorbed and small polymeric ethyl cellulose (EC) microparticles. Methods: Silica gel and Sephadex LH-20 columns were used to isolate pheo-a from the chloroform extract of the edible plant, Suaeda vermiculata. Pheo-a was incorporated into EC microparticles using emulsion-solvent techniques. The antioxidant activity of pheo-a microparticles was confirmed by the level of superoxide radical (SOD), nitric oxide (NO), and reducing power (RP) methods. Meanwhile, the cytotoxic effect of the product was investigated on MCF-7 cells using MTT assay. Results: Pheo-a was isolated from S. vermiculata in a 12% concentration of the total chloroform extract. The structures were confirmed by NMR and IR spectroscopic analysis. The formulated microparticles were uniform, completely dispersed in the aqueous media, compatible as ingredients, and had a mean diameter of 139 ± 1.56 µm as measured by a particle size analyzer. Pheo-a demonstrated a valuable antioxidant activity when compared with ascorbic acid. The IC50 values of pheo-a microparticles were 200.5 and 137.7 µg/mL for SOD, and NO respectively. The reducing power of pheo-a microparticles was more potent than ascorbic acid and had a 4.2 µg/mL for IC50 value. Pheo-a microparticles did not show notable cytotoxicity on the MCF-7 cell line (IC50 = 35.9 µg/mL) compared with doxorubicin (IC50 = 3.2 µg/mL). Conclusions: the results showed that water-soluble pheo-a microparticles were prepared with a valuable antioxidant activity in a wide range of concentrations with a noteworthy cytotoxic effect.
Consumers’ preference and willingness to pay for graded beef in Polokwane municipality, South Africa

Consumers around the world are progressively becoming more concerned and aware about food standards, quality and safety issues. The purpose of this study was to determine consumers’ preference regarding safe and quality beef and willingness to pay (WTP) for graded beef in Polokwane municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa. The research surveyed 150 consumers using a structured questionnaire to collect data on consumer characteristics and responses to different bid levels for graded beef. Analytical methods were descriptive statistics, Likert scales, contingent valuation method to evaluate respondents’ mean WTP for graded beef and logit model to determine the dependence of WTP on consumers’ socioeconomic characteristics. Results showed that consumers prefer their beef tender, with less fat and bones and labelled with price, grade/class, size or quantity of the product and lastly quality inspection or certification indicator. Over half of the respondents (53%) were aware of grading or classification systems. The results further revealed that most respondents are willing to pay an increase of 16.04% over the current price for beef. This could be an opportunity for investments in beef label industry. Consumer characteristics including age, income, gender and household size significantly influenced WTP for graded beef in Polokwane Municipality. Marketing strategies considered by beef product investors should target young, female and wealthier consumers. Grading with respect to quality attributes would make beef sales at differentiated prices possible. This will eventually enhance sales volume and returns for all stakeholders along the value chain.
Effect of the sputtering parameters on the growth and piezoelectric properties of zinc oxide thin films

In this paper the potential of zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films as a piezoelectric material for surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor developments is discussed. ZnO thin films were deposited by RF magnetron sputtering onto Al/SiO/sub 2//Si substrate. In highly oriented, transparent films lattice stress could be reduced sufficiently by varying the sputtering pressure and substrate temperature and by the careful selection of the other sputtering parameters. Availability of these structures for SAW device applications has been demonstrated by producing an electrode structure of a one-port resonator. The design and performance of resonators, based on ZnO films is described.
Equality in constraints and metric‐setting measurement models

Researchers using structural equation models with latent variables know that they must set the metric of each latent variable in the model. Whether the metric is set by fixing the variance of the latent variable or by fixing a loading of one of its indicators to a nonzero constant is viewed by most researchers as a necessary but unimportant decision. We show, however, that when the loadings of two (or more) observed variables that load on different latent variables are constrained to be equal, then different choices for setting the metric define distinct models. These models can differ in important ways: (a) their fit to the same observed covariance matrix, (b) the estimated values of their unstandard‐ized and standardized parameters, and (c) their identification statuses.
Missile Guidance Law Estimation Using Modified Interactive Multiple Model Filter

This paper presents an interactive multiple-model-based guidance law estimation filter. An antiship missile’s threat index, such as the remaining time of flight and impact angle, can be estimated by using the guidance law estimation filter. The filter bank of the filter was composed of models based on proportional navigation and impact angle control guidance laws. In the guidance law estimation filter, state variables, rather than fixed values of navigation constant or impact angle, are used for estimation. To that end, the modified interactive multiple model, which is a modified version of the conventional interactive multiple model method is presented in this paper. The modified interactive multiple model method minimizes the degradation of estimation performance by systematic approach for different state vectors. The effectiveness of the modified interactive multiple model method and the performance of the guidance law estimation filter are examined through the numerical simulation of various engagemen.