Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Deformable Image Registration for Three-Dimensional Temporal Subtraction of Chest Computed Tomography Images

Purpose To perform lung image registration for reducing misregistration artifacts on three-dimensional (3D) temporal subtraction of chest computed tomography (CT) images, in order to enhance temporal changes in lung lesions and evaluate these changes after deformable image registration (DIR). Methods In 10 cases, mutual information (MI) lung mask affine mapping combined with cross-correlation (CC) lung diffeomorphic mapping was used to implement lung volume registration. With advanced normalization tools (ANTs), we used greedy symmetric normalization (greedy SyN) as a transformation model, which involved MI-CC-SyN implementation. The resulting displacement fields were applied to warp the previous (moving) image, which was subsequently subtracted from the current (fixed) image to obtain the lung subtraction image. Results The average minimum and maximum log-Jacobians were 0.31 and 3.74, respectively. When considering 3D landmark distance, the root-mean-square error changed from an average of 20.82 mm for Pfixed to Pmoving to 0.5 mm for Pwarped to Pfixed. Clear shadows were observed as enhanced lung nodules and lesions in subtraction images. The lesion shadows showed lesion shrinkage changes over time. Lesion tissue morphology was maintained after DIR. Conclusions DIR (greedy SyN) effectively and accurately enhanced temporal changes in chest CT images and decreased misregistration artifacts in temporal subtraction images.
5-Hydroxytryptamine 1A Receptor Blockade Facilitates Aversive Learning in Mice: Interactions with Cholinergic and Glutamatergic Mechanisms

The effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A (5-HT1A) receptor ligands on aversive learning were examined in the passive avoidance (PA) task in mice. Anxiety and autonomic functions were investigated using the elevated plus-maze and heart rate measurements. The main findings from this study are as follows. 1) Pretraining administration of the 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-OH-DPAT [8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin hydrobromide] facilitated PA retention at low doses (0.01 and 0.03 mg/kg) but impaired PA retention at higher doses (0.1-1.0 mg/kg), consistent with previous findings in the rat. 2) Similar to the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor physostigmine, pretraining administration of the 5-HT1A receptor antagonists [(R)-3-N,N-dicyclobutylamino-8 fluoro-3,4-dihydro-3H-1-benzopyran-5-carboxamide hydrogen(2R,3R)-tartrate monohydrate] NAD-299 (0.1-2 mg/kg) and [N-2-4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinylethyl-N-(2-pyridinyl)cyclohexane carboxamide trihydrochloride] WAY-100635 (0.3-3 mg/kg) enhanced PA retention. 3) The impairment (1 mg/kg) but not the facilitation (0.03 mg/kg) induced by 8-OH-DPAT was fully blocked by NAD-299 (0.3 mg/kg). 4) 5-HT1A receptor ligands given immediate post-training failed to alter PA retention. 5) NAD-299 (0.3-1 mg/kg) blocked the impairment of PA retention caused by a) the nonselective muscarinic receptor antagonist scopolamine and b) the non-competitive N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist MK-801 [(5R,10S)-(+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo(a,d)cyclohepten-5,10-imine hydrogen maleate]. 6) A subthreshold dose of scopolamine completely blocked the facilitatory effect of NAD-299 on PA retention. 7) Anxiety-related behaviors and autonomic function were unchanged by NAD-299. 8) In situ hybridization showed that septal neurons expressing 5-HT1A receptor mRNA were codistributed with markers for cholinergic, GABAergic, and glutamatergic neurons. These results indicate that systemic administration of 5-HT1A receptor antagonists can facilitate cognitive performance, most likely by enhancing hippocampal/cortical cholinergic and glutamatergic neurotransmissions. Selective 5-HT1A receptor antagonists may be useful in the treatment of cognitive deficits such as Alzheimer's disease.
Wheelchair user support system using humanoid robots: system concept and experiments on pushing wheelchair

This paper discusses wheelchair support system using humanoid robots as an example of human support using humanoid robots. In this proposal system, humanoid robots provide both of mobility and manipulation supports for the wheelchair users. Then we show the experimental results on pushing a wheelchair using a real humanoid robot HRP-2, because it is essential for humanoid robots to perform this task for creating this proposal system.
Evidence for all‐or‐none regulation of neurotransmitter release: implications for long‐term potentiation.

1. We have used the whole‐cell patch‐clamp recording technique to examine the modulation of dual‐component excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) in CA1 pyramidal cells in guinea‐pig hippocampal slices. 2. The dramatic difference in the reported sensitivities of the N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) and non‐NMDA glutamate receptors to glutamate suggests that changes in transmitter concentration in the synaptic cleft would result in differential modulation of the two components of the EPSC. 3. To test whether presynaptic manipulations change transmitter concentration in the synaptic cleft, pharmacological modulation of transmitter release by the GABAB agonist baclofen or by the adenosine antagonist theophylline was used. These manipulations resulted in parallel changes of NMDA and non‐NMDA receptor‐mediated components of EPSCs over a sixteen‐fold range. 4. Stimuli that induce long‐term potentiation (LTP) did not cause a sustained enhancement of isolated NMDA receptor‐mediated EPSCs evoked in the presence of the non‐NMDA receptor antagonist 6‐cyano‐7‐nitroquinoxaline‐2,3‐dione (CNQX). 5. To compare directly the effect of LTP on the components of the EPSC, dual‐component EPSCs were elicited while the postsynaptic membrane potential was held at +30 mV. Induction of long‐term potentiation by delivering low‐frequency synaptic stimulation in conjunction with such depolarization led to differential enhancement of the non‐NMDA receptor‐mediated component of the EPSC. 6. These data support the notion that synaptic transmission at individual boutons occurs in an all‐or‐none fashion, without changing peak transmitter concentration in the synaptic cleft. Long‐term potentiation could occur through a postsynaptic modification of receptors or through a presynaptic change involving increased transmitter concentration in the synaptic cleft, but is difficult to explain by a generalized increase in release probability.
Lysozyme-encapsulated gold nanocluster-based affinity mass spectrometry for pathogenic bacteria.

RATIONALE Bacterial infections can be difficult to treat and can lead to irreversible damage to patients if proper treatment is not provided in time. Additionally, the emerging threat from antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains makes medical treatment even more difficult. Thus, rapid identification of infected bacterial strains is essential to assist diagnostics and medical treatment. METHODS Lysozymes are glycoside hydrolases that can bind with peptidoglycans on bacterial cell walls. In this work, we demonstrated that lysozyme-encapsulated gold nanoclusters (lysozyme-AuNCs) with red photoluminescence can be used as affinity probes to concentrate pathogenic bacteria. After bacteria had been probed by the lysozyme-AuNCs in a sample solution, the lysozyme-AuNC-bacteria conjugates were readily spun down at a low centrifugation speed. The red emission from the AuNCs on the conjugates could be visualized with the naked eye under illumination of ultraviolet light. The bacteria in the conjugates can be identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) combined with principal component analysis (PCA). RESULTS We demonstrated that pathogenic bacteria including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, pandrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VRE) can be readily concentrated by the lysozyme-AuNCs and distinguished by the results combining MALDI-MS and PCA. Additionally, the possibility of using the current approach to differentiate E. faecalis from VRE was also demonstrated. The lowest detection concentration for E. coli using the current approach is ~10(6) cells/mL. CONCLUSIONS The results indicated that the lysozyme-AuNCs are effective affinity probes for Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. By combining the results from MALDI-MS and PCA, different bacteria can be easily distinguished. The current approach can be potentially used to assist the identification of bacteria from biological fluids.
Statistics of Earthquake Activity: Models and Methods for Earthquake Predictability Studies

Statistical methods and various models in time-space-magnitude parameter space of earthquakes are being developed to analyze seismic activity based on earthquake hypocenter catalogs that are routinely accumulated. Considering complex geophysical environments and uncertainties, we seek proper stochastic modeling that depends on the history of earthquake occurrences and relevant geophysical information for describing and forecasting earthquake activity. Also, we need empirical Bayesian models with many parameters in order to describe nonstationary or nonhomogeneous seismic activity. This review is concerned with earthquake predictability research aimed at realizing practical operational forecasting. In particular, uncertainty lies in identifying whether abnormal phenomena are precursors to large earthquakes. The predictability of such models can be examined by certain statistical criteria.
A Hypertensive Response to Exercise Is Prominent in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Hypertension: A Controlled Study

Blood pressure (BP) behavior during exercise is not clear in hypertensive patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The authors studied 57 men with newly diagnosed essential hypertension and untreated OSA (apnea‐hypopnea index [AHI] ≥5) but without daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale score ≤10), and an equal number of hypertensive controls without OSA matched for age, body mass index, and office systolic BP. All patients underwent ambulatory BP measurements, transthoracic echocardiography, and exercise treadmill testing according to the Bruce protocol. A hypertensive response to exercise (HRE) was defined as peak systolic BP ≥210 mm Hg. Patients with OSA and control patients had similar ambulatory and resting BP, ejection fraction, and left ventricular mass. Peak systolic BP was significantly higher in patients with OSA (197.6±25.6 mm Hg vs 187.8±23.6 mm Hg; P=.03), while peak diastolic BP and heart rate did not differ between groups. Furthermore, an HRE was more prevalent in patients with OSA (44% vs 19%; P=.009). Multiple logistic regression revealed that an HRE is independently predicted by both the logAHI and minimum oxygen saturation during sleep (odds ratio, 3.94; confidence interval, 1.69–9.18; P=.001 and odds ratio, 0.94; confidence interval, 0.89–0.99; P=.02, respectively). Exaggerated BP response is more prevalent in nonsleepy hypertensives with OSA compared with their nonapneic counterparts. This finding may have distinct diagnostic and prognostic implications.
Multiobjective Optimization Model for Service Node Selection Based on a Tradeoff Between Quality of Service and Resource Consumption in Mobile Crowd Sensing

As mobile crowd sensing (MCS) cannot provide reliable services, the quality of service (QoS) is a major research interest. Since the service node makes a decisive impact on two vital factors of QoS, service node selection is becoming a novel research direction in MCS. In this paper, we analyze the factors that need attention when selecting proper service nodes in MCS and define the service node selection problem (SNSP) as follows: finding the optimal set of service nodes, provided that optimizes multiple metrics of QoS simultaneously and satisfies the network resource constraint. Accordingly, we formulate a multiobjective optimization model (MOOM), which converts SNSP to a multiobjective optimization problem (MOOP). Since the MOOM considers the comprehensive effect of all service nodes on one metric as one objective of MOOP, it can handle the diversity of metrics and conflicts between them; in particular, it can flexibly change the metric system of QoS depending on different demands. To demonstrate the value and effectiveness of the proposed MOOM, we propose a paradigm of it and design a corresponding multiobjective optimization selection mechanism. This paradigm focuses on the influence of node spatiotemporal mobility on both data collection and data transmission. Extensive experiments and comparison on a real-world data show that MOOM is an effective model for selecting service nodes with both good coverage and transmission performances.
Using the Velvet de novo Assembler for Short‐Read Sequencing Technologies

The Velvet de novo assembler was designed to build contigs and eventually scaffolds from short‐read sequencing data. This protocol describes how to use Velvet, interpret its output, and tune its parameters for optimal results. It also covers practical issues such as configuration, using the VelvetOptimiser routine, and processing colorspace data. Curr. Protoc. Bioinform. 31:11.5. 1‐11.5. 12. © 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Effects of Intermittent Alcohol Exposure on Emotion and Cognition: A Potential Role for the Endogenous Cannabinoid System and Neuroinflammation

Intermittent alcohol exposure is a common pattern of adolescent alcohol use that can lead to binge drinking episodes. Alcohol use is known to modulate the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is involved in neuronal communication, neuroplasticity, neuroinflammation and behavior. Adolescent male Wistar rats were exposed to 4-week intermittent alcohol intoxication (3 g/kg injections for 4 days/week) or saline (N = 12 per group). After alcohol deprivation, adult rats were assessed for emotionality and cognition and the gene expression of the ECS and other factors related to behavior and neuroinflammation was examined in the brain. Alcohol-exposed rats exhibited anxiogenic-like responses and impaired recognition memory but no motor alterations. There were brain region-dependent changes in the mRNA levels of the ECS and molecular signals compared with control rats. Thus, overall, alcohol-exposed rats expressed higher mRNA levels of endocannabinoid synthetic enzymes (N-acyl-phosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D and diacylglycerol lipases) in the medial-prefrontal cortex (mPFC) but lower mRNA levels in the amygdala. Furthermore, we observed lower mRNA levels of receptors CB1 CB2 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α in the striatum. Regarding neuropeptide signaling, alcohol-exposed rats displayed lower mRNA levels of the neuropeptide Y signaling, particularly NPY receptor-2, in the amygdala and hippocampus and higher mRNA levels of corticotropin-releasing factor in the hippocampus. Additionally, we observed changes of several neuroinflammation-related factors. Whereas, the mRNA levels of toll-like receptor-4, tumor necrosis factor-α, cyclooxygenase-2 and glial fibrillary acidic protein were significantly increased in the mPFC, the mRNA levels of cyclooxygenase-2 and glial fibrillary acidic protein were decreased in the striatum and hippocampus. However, nuclear factor-κβ mRNA levels were lower in the mPFC and striatum and allograft inflammatory factor-1 levels were differentially expressed in the amygdala and hippocampus. In conclusion, rats exposed to adolescent intermittent alcohol displayed anxiety-like behavior and cognitive deficits in adulthood and these alterations were accompanied by brain region-dependent changes in the gene expression of the ECS and other signals associated with neuroinflammation and behavior. An intermittent adolescent alcohol exposure has behavioral and molecular consequences in the adult brain, which might be linked to higher vulnerability to addictive behaviors and psychopathologies.
Vasculitis in a patient with hairy cell leukemia.

A 70 year-old man with a known anti-HCV positivity for 3 years was admitted with high fever, severe burning pain and palpable purpura on the lower extremities (Picture). For the work-up of leukopenia and splenomegaly, bone marrow biopsy was performed and hairy cell leukemia (HCL) was diagnosed. Punch biopsy of the vasculitic lesions revealed leukocytoclastic vasculitis. HCV-RNA and cryoglobulins were negative, thus these lesions were not related to mixed cryoglobulinemia due to HCV infection. Rather, these lesions were considered to be directly associated with HCL. For the treatment of both HCL and vasculitis, α-Interferon (3 million units/day -3 days/week) and methyl-prednisolone 40 mg/day were started. With this treatment, vasculitic lesions and pain were completely resolved. The association of HCL with cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis (CLV) and polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is known but these are uncommon entities. PAN generally presents after the diagnosis of HCL, however CLV frequently precedes the diagnosis of HCL as in the present case (1).
A methodology for testing CPU emulators

A CPU emulator is a software system that simulates a hardware CPU. Emulators are widely used by computer scientists for various kind of activities (e.g., debugging, profiling, and malware analysis). Although no theoretical limitation prevents developing an emulator that faithfully emulates a physical CPU, writing a fully featured emulator is a very challenging and error prone task. Modern CISC architectures have a very rich instruction set, some instructions lack proper specifications, and others may have undefined effects in corner cases. This article presents a testing methodology specific for CPU emulators, based on fuzzing. The emulator is “stressed” with specially crafted test cases, to verify whether the CPU is properly emulated or not. Improper behaviors of the emulator are detected by running the same test case concurrently on the emulated and on the physical CPUs and by comparing the state of the two after the execution. Differences in the final state testify defects in the code of the emulator. We implemented this methodology in a prototype (named as EmuFuzzer), analyzed five state-of-the-art IA-32 emulators (QEMU, Valgrind, Pin, BOCHS, and JPC), and found several defects in each of them, some of which can prevent proper execution of programs.
Performance Analysis of a Telecommunication Network using Swarm Intelligence

Intelligence, a mutant of biological swarms, exhibits numerous powerful features which are described in communication networks. With the increase in size and complexity of network, performance analysis is becoming difficult. With scalability of network, it becomes difficult to manage the route and indicate which one is the best. The intent of this paper is to find optimal path for routing of calls in a telecommunication network and achieve Load Sharing. For finding optimal path, the pheromone laying and sensing property of natural swarms is used. In this research work we present a simulated network model that uses artificial ants and simulated pheromone for finding optimal path from source to destination. Next node selection is done on the basis of local pheromone distribution and pheromone updation takes place based on the congestion encountered on the node. Simulation results using ACO mode will be compared with non-ACO mode using graphs.
Mating system does not predict permanent sperm depletion in black widow spiders

Variation in sperm production is strongly influenced by mating system across taxa. Recent work in spiders suggests that males of some species show termination of spermatogenesis before their adult molt and thus an inability to produce sperm after maturation. This permanent sperm depletion (PSD) has been hypothesized to co‐occur with monogyny, genital mutilation, or sexual cannibalism because the maintenance of continual sperm supplies is not necessary for species where males can expect only one mating opportunity. Here we test this hypothesis in two congeners exhibiting genital mutilation: the sexually cannibalistic, monogynous Australian redback spider Latrodectus hasselti and the polygynous Western black widow Latrodectus hesperus. We report that PSD does not occur in adult males of either species, and show that males transfer sperm into their copulatory organs multiple times as adults. These data suggest evolutionary links between mating system and investment in sperm production may be more complex than currently appreciated.
Static and Transient Voltage Stability Assessment of Power System by Proper Placement of UPFC with POD Controller

Optimal Location of FACTS devices are very important for the rapid and successful operation because of high cost and circuit complexities. In this paper best location of UPFC (Unified Power Flow Controller) is obtained both for static and transient voltage stability enhancement of an IEEE 14 bus power system. The simulation is done on PSAT (Power System Analysis Tool-box) in MATLAB and optimal location is found out by Continuation Power Flow (CPF), VCPI (Voltage Collapse Proximity Index) and Fast voltage Stability Index (FVSI). The bus having lowest voltage is the critical bus and the line having largest value of index for maximum permissible load with respect to a bus is the most critical line referred to that bus. It is found that by properly placing UPFC loadability margin of the system has been increased considerably leading to improvement of voltage stability and stability index value decreases at each reactive load with the insertion of the device at right place. Transient stability analysis is also done for an IEEE 14 bus system with a three phase fault created at a bus. It is found from the time domain simulation that proper placement of UPFC increases the transient performance of the system by damping out the power oscillation under large disturbance conditions with less settling time. KeywordsUPFC, FACTS, CPF, index, stability, PSAT.
Nanoscale “fluorescent stone”: Luminescent Calcium Fluoride Nanoparticles as Theranostic Platforms

Calcium Fluoride (CaF2) based luminescent nanoparticles exhibit unique, outstanding luminescent properties, and represent promising candidates as nanoplatforms for theranostic applications. There is an urgent need to facilitate their further development and applications in diagnostics and therapeutics as a novel class of nanotools. Here, in this critical review, we outlined the recent significant progresses made in CaF2-related nanoparticles: Firstly, their physical chemical properties, synthesis chemistry, and nanostructure fabrication are summarized. Secondly, their applications in deep tissue bio-detection, drug delivery, imaging, cell labeling, and therapy are reviewed. The exploration of CaF2-based luminescent nanoparticles as multifunctional nanoscale carriers for imaging-guided therapy is also presented. Finally, we discuss the challenges and opportunities in the development of such CaF2-based platform for future development in regard to its theranostic applications.