Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Local Contractive Registration With Biomechanical Model: Assessing Microwave Ablation After Compensation for Tissue Shrinkage

Microwave ablation (MWA) is a minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of liver tumor. Accumulating clinical evidence has considered the minimal ablative margin (MAM) as a significant predictor of local tumor progression (LTP). In clinical practice, MAM assessment is typically carried out through image registration of pre- and post-MWA images. However, this process faces two main challenges: non-homologous match between tumor and coagulation with inconsistent image appearance, and tissue shrinkage caused by thermal dehydration. These challenges result in low precision when using traditional registration methods for MAM assessment. In this paper, we present a local contractive nonrigid registration method using a biomechanical model (LC-BM) to address these challenges and precisely assess the MAM. The LC-BM contains two consecutive parts: 1) local contractive decomposition (LC-part), which reduces the incorrect match between the tumor and coagulation and quantifies the shrinkage in the external coagulation region, and 2) biomechanical model constraint (BM-part), which compensates for the shrinkage in the internal coagulation region. After quantifying and compensating for tissue shrinkage, the warped tumor is overlaid on the coagulation, and then the MAM is assessed. We evaluated the method using prospectively collected data from 36 patients with 47 liver tumors, comparing LC-BM with 11 state-of-the-art methods. LTP was diagnosed through contrast-enhanced MR follow-up images, serving as the ground truth for tumor recurrence. LC-BM achieved the highest accuracy (97.9%) in predicting LTP, outperforming other methods. Therefore, our proposed method holds significant potential to improve MAM assessment in MWA surgeries.
Gray-scale morphological filter for small-target detection

A grayscale morphological filter has been developed for small target detection in Infrared Search and Track (IRST) applications. Applying morphological open in horizontal and vertical directions respectively, utilizing the property of open and choosing the proper one pixel by pixel from the processed data in horizontal and vertical directions, the algorithm exhibits perfect results in estimating background accurately. Represented by the stereo description of images, the performance of the algorithm could be seen intuitively in Section 4. Real IR images with cloud, ground objects as backgrounds are tested, and the detection result is satisfactory. Furthermore, this algorithm has the potential of parallel processing, which is of great importance in real-time implementation.
Modulation of pain perceptions following treadmill running with different intensities in females

We aimed to compare the effects of three intensities of treadmill running on exercise‐induced hypoalgesia (EIH) in healthy individuals. We anticipated that the primary and secondary changes in pain perception and modulation may differ between running intensities. Sixty‐six women were randomly assigned to one of three treadmill running intensities for 35 min: 40% reserved heart rate (HRR), 55% HRR, or 70% HRR. The effects of EIH were assessed using pressure pain thresholds (PPT) and tolerance thresholds (PPTol). We measured conditional pain modulation (CPM). Compared with baseline, PPT and PPTol significantly increased in all groups during running and at the 5–10‐min follow‐up. The PPT and PPTol changes in the moderate‐ and low‐intensity groups were significantly higher than those in the high‐intensity group during running and 24 h after running, while the CPM responses of the high‐intensity group were significantly reduced at the 24‐h follow‐up. Moderate‐ and low‐intensity running may elicit significant primary and secondary (persisting over 24 h) EIH effects and increase CPM responses in females. However, high‐intensity running induced only limited analgesic effects and reduced CPM responses, which may be attributed to the activation of endogenous pain modulation.
Pattern Analysis of Directed Graphs Using DEDICOM: An Application to Enron Email

DEDICOM is a linear algebra model for analyzing intrinsically asymmetric relationships, such as trade among nations or the exchange of emails among individuals. DEDICOM decomposes a complex pattern of observed relations among objects into a sum of simpler patterns of inferred relations among latent components of the objects. Three-way DEDICOM is a higher-order extension of the model that incorporates a third mode of the data, such as time, giving it stronger uniqueness properties and consequently enhancing interpretability of solutions. In this paper, we present algorithms for computing these decompositions on large, sparse data as well as a variant for computing an asymmetric nonnegative factorization. When we apply these techniques to adjacency arrays arising from directed graphs with edges labeled by time, we obtain a smaller graph on latent semantic dimensions and gain additional information about their changing relationships over time. We demonstrate these techniques on the Enron email corpus to learn about the social networks and their transient behavior. The mixture of roles assigned to individuals by DEDICOM showed strong correspondence with known job classifications and revealed the patterns of communication between these roles. Changes in the communication pattern over time, e.g., between top executives and the legal department, weremore » also apparent in the solutions. « less
CD8+ cells and small viral reservoirs facilitate post-ART control of SIV replication in M3+ Mauritian cynomolgus macaques initiated on ART two weeks post-infection

Sustainable HIV remission after antiretroviral therapy (ART) withdrawal, or post-treatment control (PTC), remains a top priority for HIV treatment. We observed surprising PTC in an MHC-haplomatched cohort of MHC-M3+ SIVmac239+ Mauritian cynomolgus macaques (MCMs) initiated on ART at two weeks post-infection (wpi). None of the MCMs possessed MHC haplotypes previously associated with SIV control. For six months after ART withdrawal, we observed undetectable or transient viremia in seven of the eight MCMs, despite detecting replication competent SIV using quantitative viral outgrowth assays. In vivo depletion of CD8α+ cells induced rebound in all animals, indicating the observed PTC was mediated, at least in part, by CD8α+ cells. With intact proviral DNA assays, we found that MCMs had significantly smaller viral reservoirs two wpi than a cohort of identically infected rhesus macaques, a population that rarely develops PTC. We found a similarly small viral reservoir among six additional SIV+ MCMs in which ART was initiated at eight wpi, some of whom exhibited viral rebound. These results suggest that an unusually small viral reservoir is a hallmark among SIV+ MCMs. By evaluating immunological differences between MCMs that did and did not rebound, we identified that PTC was associated with a reduced frequency of CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocyte subsets expressing exhaustion markers. Together, these results suggest a combination of small reservoirs and immune-mediated virus suppression contribute to PTC in MCMs. Further, defining the immunologic mechanisms that engender PTC in this model may identify therapeutic targets for inducing durable HIV remission in humans.
Hair Loss: A Well-Known Yet Understudied Symptom in Parkinson’s Disease Patients During Dopaminergic Therapy

Objective Hair loss has been reported to occur during dopaminergic therapy in patients with Parkinson’s disease. The mechanism by which dopaminergic therapy induces hair loss is not well understood. Dopamine receptors are present in the hair follicle, where they regulate melanin production. However, the role of dopamine receptors in hair growth is still not well understood. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of hair loss and identify factors associated with complaints of hair loss in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Methods A cross-sectional design involving 495 Parkinson’s disease patients was applied to evaluate hair loss status. Patients completed a questionnaire, and scalp/hair examinations were performed. Patients with underlying conditions that could affect hair loss and those prescribed medications known to increase the risk of hair loss were excluded. Finally, 291 patients (58.8%) were included for analysis. Results Among the 495 patients, 138 (27.9%) reported hair loss. Interestingly, more than half of the patients who complained of hair loss (79 out of 138) did not utilize treatments such as hair products, massage, dietary modifications, or alopecia medications. Hair inspection by a single investigator revealed objective hair loss in 263 patients (53.1%). An analysis of factors associated with hair loss complaints showed that the intake of dopaminergic medications with a levodopa-equivalent daily dose > 448 mg was associated with complaints of hair loss. Conclusion Dopaminergic medication is associated with hair loss complaints in Parkinson’s disease patients.
Research Note: Experimental measurements of Q‐contrast reflections

While seismic reflection amplitudes are generally determined by real acoustical impedance contrasts, there has been recent interest in reflections due to contrasts in seismic‐Q. Herein we compare theoretical and modelled seismic reflection amplitudes for two different cases of material contrasts. In case A, we examine reflections from material interfaces that have a large contrast in real‐valued impedance ( ρv ) with virtually no contrast in seismic‐Q. In case B, we examine reflections from material interfaces that have virtually no contrast in ρv but that have very large seismic‐Q contrasts. The complex‐valued reflection coefficient formula predicts non‐zero seismic reflection amplitudes for both cases. We choose physical materials that typify the physics of both case A and case B. Physical modelling experiments show significantly large reflections for both cases – with the reflections in the two cases being phase shifted with respect to each other, as predicted theoretically. While these modelling experiments show the existence of reflections that are predicted by theory, there are still intriguing questions regarding the size of the Q‐contrast reflections, the existence of large Q‐contrast reflections in reservoir rocks and the possible application of Q‐reflection analysis to viscosity estimation in heavy oilfields.
Composition and sources of aerosols from the Amazon Basin

Aerosols were sampled in the Amazon Basin, as part of the Global Tropospheric Experiment (GTE), during the Amazon Boundary Layer Experiment (ABLE 2A) in July–August 1985. Fine- and coarse-particle fractions were analyzed for 22 elements by particle-induced X ray emission. Gravimetric mass, black carbon, sulfate, and nitrate concentrations were also determined. Morphological and trace element measurements of individual particles were carried out by automated electron probe X ray microanalysis. Various receptor models, including multivariate methods and a chemical mass balance model, were employed in the interpretation of the bulk trace element concentrations. Three factors explained over 85% of the variability of fine- and coarse-mode variables. On the basis of the elemental composition of the factors, two could be identified as plant related, and the third was a soil dust component. Of the coarse-mode aerosol mass concentration (of 7.6±1.6 μg/m3), 62% could be attributed to aerosols released by the vegetation and 11% to soil dust. In the fine mode, soil dust accounted for less than 10% of the measured mass concentration (of 6.8±3.9 μg/m3). The variables related to the plant component were K, P, S, Ca, Mg, Cl, Rb, and the gravimetric mass. The elemental profile of the plant component resembled the bulk plant composition. By single-particle analysis coupled with hierarchical cluster analysis, six to nine different biogenic-related particle groups could be identified in the fine- and coarse-aerosol modes. Almost all particle types consisted predominantly of carbonaceous material, with trace amounts of K, S, Ca, P, Cl, and Na. Only one group, comprising less than 11% of the total number of particles, consisted of soil dust–related aerosol.
Patagonia Icefield melting observed by Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE)

Using recently released reprocessed gravity solutions from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE), we estimate the ice loss rate for the Patagonia Icefield (PIF) of South America, for the period April 2002 through December 2006. After postglacial rebound and hydrological effects are corrected, the estimated rate is −27.9 ± 11 km3/year, equivalent to an average loss of ∼−1.6 m/year ice thickness change if evenly distributed over the entire PIF area. The estimated contribution to global sea level rise is 0.078 ± 0.031 mm/year. This is an independent confirmation of relatively large melting rate estimates from earlier studies employing topographic and cartographic data.
Estimation of net surface shortwave radiation from MODIS data

Net surface shortwave radiation (NSSR) is a key quantity for the estimation of surface energy budget and is used in various land-surface models. In this article, two different methodologies, including three empirical algorithms and one advanced simplified theoretical algorithm for estimating instantaneous NSSR from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data are explored and summarized. An advanced simplified theoretical algorithm is developed by combining two simplified radiative-transfer models with various MODIS atmosphere and land products. To comprehensively evaluate these algorithms, ground measurements from seven stations widely distributed in different climatic regions of China are used. The results indicate that under clear-sky conditions, the three empirical algorithms present appreciable difference in accuracy, while under cloudy skies, they produce similar, but not very good, predictions. Compared with these empirical methods, the simplified theoretical algorithm we adopt can significantly improve accuracy. The root mean square difference (RMSD) yielded by this algorithm is approximately 54 W m−2 under clear skies and 83 W m−2 under cloudy skies, respectively. Since the utility of instantaneous NSSR estimates is limited compared to that of the daily average value, a simple scheme to acquire the daily average NSSR is established, which is based on instantaneous estimations from two satellite MODIS sensors (Terra: AM and Aqua: PM), and the daily average NSSR over the Beijing area is also mapped.
Efficacy of ESHAP versus ICE plus dexamethasone (DICE) as salvage chemotherapy for relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Abstract Objectives To compare the efficacy and side effects of salvage chemotherapy between etoposide, methylprednisolone, cytarabine and cisplatin (ESHAP) and ifosfamide, carboplatin and etoposide plus dexamethasone (DICE) for relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Methods Medical records of patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL receiving second-line ESHAP or DICE chemotherapy with or without rituximab from January 2007 to November 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. The primary objective was progression-free survival (PFS). The secondary objectives were overall survival (OS), overall response rate (ORR) and adverse events (AEs). Results Seventy patients were enrolled including 21 patients who received ESHAP and 49 patients who received the DICE regimen. Six patients (28.6%) and 19 patients (38.8%) in the ESHAP and DICE groups underwent ASCT, respectively. The ORR was 47.6% for ESHAP and 53.1% for DICE (p = .67). The two-year PFS was 14.3% for ESHAP and 26.5% for DICE (p = .33) with median PFS of 5 months and 14 months, respectively (hazard ratio 0.74; 95% CI 0.39–1.36, p = .330). The two-year OS was 14.3% for ESHAP and 26.5% for DICE (p = .37) with median OS of 8 months and 19 months, respectively. Patients in ESHAP group have more all-grade renal impairment than DICE group (23.8% vs. 6.1%, p = .047). Discussion and conclusions Efficacy between ESHAP and DICE regimens as salvage chemotherapy for relapsed or refractory DLBCL was not significantly different in terms of two-year PFS, two-year OS and ORR. DICE regimen had less renal AE than ESHAP.
Development of an anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 monoclonal antibody panel and its applicability as a reagent in high‐throughput fluorescence reduction neutralization and immunohistochemistry assays

Since its emergence in late 2019, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has caused millions of deaths and socioeconomic losses. Although vaccination significantly reduced disease mortality, it has been shown that protection wanes over time, and that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) variants of concern (VOCs) may escape vaccine‐derived immunity. Therefore, serological studies are necessary to assess protection in the population and guide vaccine regimens. A common measure of protective immunity is the presence of neutralizing antibodies (nAbs). However, the gold standard for measuring nAbs (plaque reduction neutralization test, or PRNT) is laborious and time‐consuming, limiting its large‐scale applicability. We developed a high‐throughput fluorescence reduction neutralization assay (FRNA) to detect SARS‐CoV‐2 nAbs. Because the assay relies on immunostaining, we developed and characterized monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to lower costs and reduce the assay's vulnerability to reagent shortages. Using samples of individuals vaccinated with COVID‐19 and unvaccinated/pre‐pandemic samples, we showed that FRNA results using commercial and in‐house mAbs strongly correlated with those of the PRNT method while providing results in 70% less time. In addition to providing a fast, reliable, and high‐throughput alternative for measuring nAbs, the FRNA can be easily customized to assess SARS‐CoV‐2 VOCs. Additionally, the mAb we produced was able to detect SARS‐CoV‐2 in pulmonary tissues by immunohistochemistry assays.
Assessing tourist infrastructure in the island of Skiathos: the views of locals and visitors.

The island of Skiathos is an important tourist destination. The creation of tourist infrastructure is a necessary pre-requisite for confronting competition from other, equally popular, tourist destinations. In this paper an effort is made to identify the problems with regard to the island’s tourist infrastructure in order to make it possible for those responsible to take the appropriate measures for improving this infrastructure. This paper is based on data retrieved from a structured assessment questionnaire. It also combines two parallel research projects, with regard to both the local population as well as visitors, who are asked to assess the road network, the pedestrian walkways, the parking areas and access to the island’s beaches. In addition, the respondents are asked to express their opinion with regard to the drainage system, the water supply network, cleanliness, transport services as well as hotel facilities, restaurants and entertainment places.
Course Design: Developing Programs and Materials for Language Learning

Thanks Introduction 1. The fact-finding stage: assessing societal factors 2. The basis for curriculum and syllabus designing 3. How goals become realized through instructional plans 4. A curriculum developed on communicative goals 5. The scope of a communicative syllabus 6. Focusing on language content in a communicative syllabus 7. Focusing on process: materials that deal with sociocultural appropriateness 8. Focusing on product: materials that deal with the reading skill 9. Creating materials: the links between syllabus and audience Epilogue Cumulative bibliography Acknowledgements Index.
Growth dynamics and molecular bases of evolutionary novel jaw extensions in halfbeaks and needlefishes (Beloniformes)

Evolutionary novelties—derived traits without clear homology found in the ancestors of a lineage—may promote ecological specialization and facilitate adaptive radiations. Examples for such novelties include the wings of bats, pharyngeal jaws of cichlids and flowers of angiosperms. Belonoid fishes (flying fishes, halfbeaks and needlefishes) feature an astonishing diversity of extremely elongated jaw phenotypes with undetermined evolutionary origins. We investigate the development of elongated jaws in a halfbeak (Dermogenys pusilla) and a needlefish (Xenentodon cancila) using morphometrics, transcriptomics and in situ hybridization. We confirm that these fishes' elongated jaws are composed of distinct base and novel ‘extension’ portions. These extensions are morphologically unique to belonoids, and we describe the growth dynamics of both bases and extensions throughout early development in both studied species. From transcriptomic profiling, we deduce that jaw extension outgrowth is guided by populations of multipotent cells originating from the anterior tip of the dentary. These cells are shielded from differentiation, but proliferate and migrate anteriorly during the extension's allometric growth phase. Cells left behind at the tip leave the shielded zone and undergo differentiation into osteoblast‐like cells, which deposit extracellular matrix with both bone and cartilage characteristics that mineralizes and thereby provides rigidity. Such bone has characteristics akin to histological observations on the elongated ‘kype’ process on lower jaws of male salmon, which may hint at common conserved regulatory underpinnings. Future studies will evaluate the molecular pathways that govern the anterior migration and proliferation of these multipotent cells underlying the belonoids' evolutionary novel jaw extensions.
Direct Simple-Shear Tests on a Norwegian Quick Clay

Synopsis The Paper gives a short description of a recently developed direct simple-shear apparatus. The cylindrical sample (diameter 8 cm, height 1 cm) is confined in a reinforced rubber membrane allowing vertical deformations and horizontal displacements with no change in diameter. Consolidated constant-volume shear tests showed shear strengths which were lower than those found in comparable triaxial tests. The ratio of the constant-volume shear strength to vertical consolidation pressure with the new equipment was found to be 0·18 compared with 0·29 measured in the triaxial tests and 0·13 found by vane tests in situ. The drained tests on samples consolidated at a pressure equal to the overburden in the field indicate that the structure of the clay might be stable for small shear stresses but starts to collapse at a certain critical value. This phenomenon might contribute to explain some landslides which have occurred in slopes in quick clay at a shear stress much below the ultimate drained shear strengt.