Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Management of newly diagnosed single brain metastasis using resection and permanent iodine-125 seeds without initial whole-brain radiotherapy: a two institution experience.

OBJECT Whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) after resection of a single brain metastasis can cause long-term radiation toxicity. The authors evaluated the efficacy of resection and placement of 125I seeds (without concomitant WBRT) for newly diagnosed single brain metastases. METHODS In a retrospective review from two institutions (1997-2003), 15 women and 11 men (mean age 55 years) with single brain metastasis underwent gross-total resection and placement of permanent low-activity 125I seeds. Primary systemic cancer sites varied. Patients were monitored clinically and radiographically. With neuroimaging evidence of local recurrence or new distant metastasis, further treatment was administered at the physician's discretion. By the median follow-up evaluation (12 months), the local tumor control rate was 96%. Distant metastases occurred in three patients within 3 months, suggesting synchronous metastasis, and in six patients more than 3 months after treatment, indicating metachronous metastasis. Treatment in these cases included radiosurgery in seven patients, WBRT in two, and resection together with 125I seed placement in one. Two patients who suffered radiation necrosis required operative intervention (lesion diameter > 3 cm, total activity > 40 mCi). All 26 patients who had been treated using resection and placement of 125I seeds had a stable or an improved Karnofsky Performance Scale score. At the last review, nine of 16 living patients showed no evidence of treatment failure. The median actuarial survival rate was 17.8 months (Kaplan-Meier method). CONCLUSIONS Permanent 125I brachytherapy applied at the initial operation without WBRT provided excellent local tumor control. Local control and patient survival rates were at least as good as those reported for resection combined with WBRT. Although the authors noted a higher incidence of distant metastases compared with that reported in other studies of initial WBRT, these metastases were generally well controlled with a combination of surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, and, less often, WBRT. Twenty-four patients (92%) never required WBRT, thus avoiding potential long-term radiation-induced neurotoxicity.
Momentum and market correlation

This paper proposes that an important source of momentum profits is market risk associated with correlation to general market movements. Empirical tests for U.S. stocks in the sample period 1965 to 2013 indicate that most momentum profits can be attributed to the correlation of bigand medium-capitalization stocks with the CRSP market index. Further results show that small loser stocks have low correlation to the market and post-formation return reversal, small losers can be added to long winner portfolios to enhance profits, and momentum crashes can be reduced by suspending portfolio formation in bear markets. We conclude that momentum profits are related to market correlation and therefore not entirely anomalous as commonly believed. _____________________________ Dr. Ihsan Badshah, Department of Finance, Business School, Auckland University of Technology, Private Bag 92006, Auckland 1142, New Zealand. Office phone: +64 9 921 9999 Extn: 5394 Email address: ihsan.badshah@aut.ac. nz *Dr. James Kolari (corresponding author), JP Morgan Chase Professor of Finance, Texas A&M University, Department of Finance, College Station, TX 77843-4218 Office phone: 979-845-4803 Email address: j-kolari@tamu.edu Mr. Sang-Ook Shin, PhD Student, Texas A&M University, Department of Finance, College Station, TX 77843-4218 Office phone: 979-845-3514 Email address: sshin@mays.tamu.edu The authors gratefully acknowledge helpful comments from Ali Anari, Wei Liu, Seppo Pynnonen, and Ty Sorrell. Momentum and Market Correlation
Blocks4All

Block programming languages, such as Scratch and Blockly, are being used as to introduce children to programming, but because they rely heavily on visual aspects, blind children are being left behind their peers in access to computer science education. We propose finding new techniques to make these types of programs accessible to blind children. We plan to use an iterative design process to create a web-based application on a touchscreen laptop, where children can synthesize music using different instruments and recordings of themselves. We plan to work with students at a local school to test and refine initial prototypes in a workshop setting. We will then evaluate the final prototype in a longitudinal study with students: collecting the programs that they create over a two-week period, and conducting observations and interviews throughout that period in order to evaluate Blocks4All.
Flexible multi-camera optical surface digitization system

Development of the flexible multi-camera optical surface digitization system which projects non coherent coded light in two perpendicular directions is presented. By the introduction of the absolute method for stereopairs indexing the need for twofold searching through the phase images is eliminated, as well as the influence of discontinuities. Critical areas responsible for outlier generation are eliminated prior to triangulation by combining the modulation filtering of phase images and gradient filtering of the absolute phase images. Sequential triangulation process enabled triangulation of points that are not visible in all the cameras, thus providing means for digitization of partially occluded areas. Free form calibration object eliminated the need for specialized planar calibration objects, which combined with variable external camera parameters resulted in a system that can be adjusted depending on the measurement problem. In comparison to the commercial single and stereo camera systems our approach reduces the number of projections for the digitization of the complete objects.
A Distributionally Robust Formulation for Stochastic Quadratic Bi-level Programming

In this paper, we propose a distributionally robust model for a (0-1) stochastic quadratic bi-level programming problem. To this purpose, we first transform the stochastic bi-level problem into an equivalent deterministic formulation. Then, we use this formulation to derive a bi-level distributionally robust model (Liao, 2011). The latter is accomplished while taking into account the set of all possible distributions for the input random parameters. Finally, we transform both, the deterministic and the distributionally robust models into single level optimization problems (Audet et al., 1997). This allows comparing the optimal solutions of the proposed models. Our preliminary numerical results indicate that slight conservative solutions can be obtained when the number of binary variables in the upper level problem is larger than the number of variables in the follower.
The psychological basis of problem‐based learning: a review of the evidence

Several potential advantages for students' learning are claimed for problem-based learning (PBL). Students in PBL curricula may be more highly motivated; they may be better problem solvers and self-directed learners; they may be better able to learn and recall information; and they may be better able to integrate basic science knowledge into the solutions of clinical problems. Although some of these claims find theoretical support from the literature on the psychology of learning, to date there has been no review of the experimental evidence supporting the possible differences in students' learning that can be attributed to PBL. In this review article, the authors examine each claim critically in light of that evidence. They conclude that (1) there is no evidence that PBL curricula result in any improvement in general, content-free problem-solving skills; (2) learning in a PBL format may initially reduce levels of learning but may foster, over periods up to several years, increased retention of knowledge; (3) some preliminary evidence suggests that PBL curricula may enhance both transfer of concepts to new problems and integration of basic science concepts into clinical problems; (4) PBL enhances intrinsic interest in the subject matter; and (5) PBL appears to enhance self-directed learning skills, and this enhancement may be maintained.
Natalisin, a tachykinin-like signaling system, regulates sexual activity and fecundity in insects

Significance Successful courtship and reproduction, which are at the center of evolutionary processes, involve complex interactions between neural and endocrine systems. In this study, we describe a group of neuropeptides that we have named “natalisin” (from the Latin natalis for “birth”) because of their function in promoting reproduction in arthropods. Three holometabolous insects, Drosophila melanogaster, Bombyx mori, and Tribolium castaneum were examined to understand the patterns of natalisin expression and to assess the phenotype of natalisin RNAi, and revealed the functions in courtship behavior and egg production. The natalisin receptor identified here warrants expanded study to elucidate the mechanisms of natalisin in arthropod reproduction. An arthropod-specific peptidergic system, the neuropeptide designated here as natalisin and its receptor, was identified and investigated in three holometabolous insect species: Drosophila melanogaster, Tribolium castaneum, and Bombyx mori. In all three species, natalisin expression was observed in 3–4 pairs of the brain neurons: the anterior dorso-lateral interneurons, inferior contralateral interneurons, and small pars intercerebralis neurons. In B. mori, natalisin also was expressed in two additional pairs of contralateral interneurons in the subesophageal ganglion. Natalisin-RNAi and the activation or silencing of the neural activities in the natalisin-specific cells in D. melanogaster induced significant defects in the mating behaviors of both males and females. Knockdown of natalisin expression in T. castaneum resulted in significant reduction in the fecundity. The similarity of the natalisin C-terminal motifs to those of vertebrate tachykinins and of tachykinin-related peptides in arthropods led us to identify the natalisin receptor. A G protein-coupled receptor, previously known as tachykinin receptor 86C (also known as the neurokinin K receptor of D. melanogaster), now has been recognized as a bona fide natalisin receptor. Taken together, the taxonomic distribution pattern of the natalisin gene and the phylogeny of the receptor suggest that natalisin is an ancestral sibling of tachykinin that evolved only in the arthropod lineage.
Genetics of haemostasis

Summary. Congenital defects of platelets or plasma proteins involved in blood coagulation generally lead to bleeding disorders. In some of these disorders, patients with a severe phenotype are prone to spontaneous bleeds with critical consequences. This situation occurs more commonly in haemophilia A and haemophilia B and to a certain extent in severe forms (type 3) of von Willebrand disease. Defects in other plasma coagulation proteins and platelet factors are relatively rare, with an incidence of ≤1: 1–2 million. Molecular genetic studies of the human coagulation factors, especially factors VIII and IX, have contributed to a better understanding of the biology of these genetic disorders, the accurate detection of carriers and genetic counselling, and have also fostered new therapeutic strategies. This article reviews the evolution of genetics over the last five decades as a tool for bleeding disorder investigations, the recent advances in molecular techniques that have contributed to improved genetic diagnosis of this condition, and the development and utility of proficiency testing programmes and reference materials for genetic diagnosis of bleeding disorders.
FK506 ameliorates proteinuria and glomerular lesions induced by anti-Thy 1.1 monoclonal antibody 1-22-3.

BACKGROUND We have previously reported that CD4 T lymphocytes and their cytokines contribute to development of Thy 1.1 glomerulonephritis (GN). FK506 is reported to suppress the production of Th1 cytokines. The aims of this study were to elucidate the role of Th1 cytokines on mesangial alteration and to examine whether FK506 is available for therapy of mesangial proliferative GN. METHODS The effects of daily treatments of FK506 from day -5 and from day +1 of Thy 1.1 GN induction on glomerular alterations were analyzed. RESULTS FK506 treatment with 1.0 and 0.3 mg/kg body weight (BW) daily from day 1 to day 4 significantly reduced the glomerular expression of mRNA for interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma; 1.0 mg/kg BW FK506, 32.4% to the placebo group, P < 0.01) and IL-2 (55.6%, P < 0.01) on day 5. FK506 treatment from day -5 of GN induction reduced proteinuria and glomerular alteration in a dose-dependent manner. Although no side effects were detected in rats with 0.3 mg/kg BW of FK506 treatment from day +1, the treatment also ameliorated proteinuria (day 14, 3.7 +/- 0.89 vs. 19.8 +/- 12.3 mg/100 g BW/day P < 0.05) and glomerular alterations [total cell number, 63.1 +/- 3.1 vs. 80.2 +/- 7.4, P < 0.01; matrix expansion, 0.90 +/- 0.30 vs. 1.34 +/- 0.27, P < 0.05; alpha-smooth muscle actin (alphaSMA) expression; 1.20 +/- 0.12 vs. 1.96 +/- 0.29, P < 0.01] on day 14. CONCLUSION Th1 cytokines may play an important role in the development of mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis, and could be targets for therapy. FK506 might be available for clinical use.
A flash ADC based on VCO-based comparator with 26.3dB SFDR and 7.5M BW at 1V

This paper presents an architecture of flash analog to digital converters (ADCs) implemented with VCO-based comparators. The architecture reduce the power consumption of ADCs operating at high speed. The flash ADC is designed with 7 VCO-based compactors operating at 15MHz and simulated with CPPSIM. The signal to noise ratio (SNR), signal to noise and distortion ratio (SNDR), and spurious free dynamic range (SFDR) of the flash ADC are 17.5, 16.6 dB, and 26.3 dB, respectively with an input of 1MHz sine signal.
Cutting Edge: Mouse NAIP1 Detects the Type III Secretion System Needle Protein

The NAIP/NLRC4 inflammasomes activate caspase-1 in response to bacterial type III secretion systems (T3SSs). Inadvertent injection of the T3SS rod protein and flagellin into the cytosol is detected through murine NAIP2 and NAIP5/6, respectively. In this study, we identify the agonist for the orphan murine NAIP1 receptor as the T3SS needle protein. NAIP1 is poorly expressed in resting mouse bone marrow–derived macrophages; however, priming with polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid induces it and confers needle protein sensitivity. Further, overexpression of NAIP1 in immortalized bone marrow–derived macrophages by retroviral transduction enabled needle detection. In contrast, peritoneal cavity macrophages basally express NAIP1 and respond to needle protein robustly, independent of priming. Human macrophages are known to express only one NAIP gene, which detects the needle protein, but not rod or flagellin. Thus, murine NAIP1 is functionally analogous to human NAIP.
Applying and evaluating AOM for platform independent behavioral UML models

Several approaches for aspect-oriented modeling (AOM) have been developed to modularize crosscutting concerns properly in UML models. In this position paper we present a combination of AOM approaches and show how they can be applied in a model-driven process targeting business applications. We present a UML 2 profile for platform independent AOM with advanced pointcut expressions and a corresponding model weaving mechanism for behavior models using UML 2 Actions. We show that a seamless integration of aspect-oriented concepts into an existing model-driven process can be achieved easily with state-of-the-art technology. We applied our approach in the context of an industrial case study and performed an evaluation that shows a significantly improved understandability and maintainability of platform independent models using aspects.
The Long Run Relationship between Population Growth and Economic Growth: a Panel Data Analysis of 30 of the most Populated Countries of the World

The aim of this study is to assess the controversial relationship between population growth and per capita income. The analysis is carried out on a sample of 30 countries. These countries are selected on the sole basis of their populations’ sizes. We selected a panel of 30 of the most populated countries of the world regardless of their levels of development. The Augmented Dickey Fuller test of stationarity was employed. The variables of interest turned-out to be I(1). We run the ECM,1 to test if there is a long run relationship between population growth and per capita income. The ECM result reveal that there is a long run equilibrium relationship between population growth and economic growth, and the granger causality test showed that there also exists a bi-directional causality between economic growth and population growth. We concluded by saying that population growth and economic growth are positively related. Jel clasification: O47, O15, J11.
Electromagnetic Lead Screw for Potential Wave Energy Application

This paper presents a new type electromagnetic lead screw (EMLS) intended for wave energy application. Similar to the mechanical lead screw, this electromagnetic version can transfer slow linear motion to high-rotational motion, offering gearing effects. Compared with the existing pure magnetic lead screw (MLS) employing permanent magnets only, the new EMLS proposed uses dc current to provide the required helical-shape magnetic field, offering a much simpler, robust structure compared with the MLS. The working principle and the performances of this EMLS are analyzed in this paper. Comparison with PM-type lead screw is given. In addition to this, the theoretical analysis to support the use of a 2-D finite element model to analyze the 3-D magnetic-type lead screw is given, which has not been well covered in the existing literature.
Controllability of non-cooperative dynamical games

In this paper, we consider a new class of control systems based on non-cooperative dynamical games. It involves a hierarchal decision making structure: one leader and multiple followers. Given any strategy of the leader, the followers form a non-cooperative dynamical game which may reach a Nash equilibrium. We will study the leader's controllability of such an equilibrium which has not be investigated before. It seems to be a new direction of dynamical games from the perspective of control and beyond the frameworks of both the traditional control theory and game theory. First, we will give the definition of the controllability, and then give some necessary and sufficient conditions of the controllability for non-cooperative linear-quadratic dynamical games.
Study on Scalable Coding Algorithm for Medical Image

According to the characteristics of medical image and wavelet transform, a scalable coding algorithm is presented, which can be used in image transmission by network. Wavelet transform makes up for the weakness of DCT transform and it is similar to the human visual system. The second generation of wavelet transform, the lifting scheme, can be completed by integer form, which is divided into several steps, and they can be realized by calculation form integer to integer. Lifting scheme can simplify the computing process and increase transform precision. According to the property of wavelet sub-bands, wavelet coefficients are organized on the basis of the sequence of their importance, so code stream is formed progressively and it is scalable in resolution. Experimental results show that the algorithm can be used effectively in medical image compression and suitable to long-distance browse
S BI 2015 Conference Best Empirical Research Paper Awarded by the Small Business Institute® GET WHAT YOU GIVE? AN EXAMINATION OF ENLIGHTENED SELF- INTEREST, PHILANTHROPIC INTENT, AND ENGAGEMENT IN PHILANTHROPY FOR SMALL FIRM OWNERS

Prior researchers agree that small businesses are important community contributors due to their active engagement in broader social responsibility activities, such as philanthropy. Despite their purported importance to charitable giving and philanthropy, little is known about the factors that motivate small business owners’ decisions to engage in philanthropic giving. We integrate enlightened self-interest theory and the theory of planned behavior to examine how enlightened self-interest influences intentions to engage in philanthropy during start-up, which in turn impacts current levels of engagement in philanthropic activities. Our results suggest that intentions to engage in philanthropy at start-up do partially mediate the relationship between enlightened self-interest and engagement in philanthropy behaviors; thus, suggesting that entrepreneurs’ motivations grounded in enlightened self-interest influence intentions to engage in philanthropy and subsequent engagement in such activities.
Oval Window Transport of Gd-DOTA from Rat Middle Ear to Vestibulum and Scala Vestibuli Visualized by in vivo Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Objectives: We tested our hypothesis that the oval window (OW) potentially functions as a route to carry substances from the middle ear to the vestibulum and then the scala vestibuli through the annular ligament across the stapediovestibular joint. Methods: Gd-DOTA was either injected into the lateral attic compartment of rats with a high-performance polyimide tube in a selective OW delivery group, or administered to the middle ear cavity of two groups of rats in which the OW was either sealed or not sealed. The dynamic uptake of Gd-DOTA in the inner ear was visualized with a 4.7-T magnetic resonance imaging machine. Results: In the selective OW delivery group, Gd-DOTA appeared in the vestibulum and in the basal turn of the scala vestibuli but not in the scala tympani on T1-weighted images acquired at 10 minutes after Gd-DOTA administration (the earliest available time point of magnetic resonance imaging). In the sealed-OW group, immediate uptake of Gd-DOTA was absent in the vestibulum and scala vestibuli. Measurement of the signal ratio of the vestibulum to that of the scala tympani showed that selective OW delivery induced the greatest signal ratio and that sealing of the OW induced the lowest signal ratio. Conclusions: The OW is a genuine and efficient pathway to transport Gd-DOTA from the middle ear to the vestibulum.
Angiogenic Gene Cell Therapy using Suicide Gene System Regulates the Effect of Angiogenesis in Infarcted Rat Heart

Background. Although angiogenic gene therapy has been reported to be effective in restoring ischemic heart function, there are several obstacles to its clinical application, such as unreliable efficiency of transfection and uncontrollable expression. We developed human HGF (hHGF)-producing cells that regulated hHGF production using the thymidine kinase gene of Herpes Simplex Virus (TK) and the Ganciclovir (GCV) system. We tested whether these cells induced and regulated angiogenic effects in infarcted myocardium. Methods. NIH3T3 cells were stably transfected with an hHGF cDNA expression plasmid (NIH/HGF). Next, the NIH/HGF cells were stably transfected with TK (NIH/HGF/TK). The left anterior descending artery was ligated in the heart of severe combined immunodeficiency rats, and four materials were transplanted: 1) NIH/HGF (n=10), 2) NIH/HGF/TK, with orally administered GCV (n=10), 3) NIH3T3 (n=10), and 4) culture medium (n=10). Results. In vitro, the proliferation of NIH/HGF/TK cells was suppressed by GCV. In vivo, significant increases in cardiac performance and angiogenesis were observed in the NIH/HGF and NIH/HGF/TK groups 4 weeks after transplantation. Although tumorous lesions were detected in the NIH/HGF group, their growth was completely controlled in the NIH/HGF/TK group. Conclusions. Angiogenic gene cell therapy using the TK-GCV suicide gene system induces and regulates angiogenesis under the control of cell growth, suggesting it as a promising system for therapeutic angiogenesis.