Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Accuracy of CT Angiography for Differentiating Pseudo-Occlusion from True Occlusion or High-Grade Stenosis of the Extracranial ICA in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Retrospective MR CLEAN Substudy

All patients from the Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Netherlands (MR CLEAN) with an apparent ICA occlusion on CTA and available DSA images were included. Two independent observers classified CTA images as atherosclerotic cause (occlusion/high-grade stenosis), dissection, or suspected pseudo-occlusion. Pseudo-occlusion was suspected if CTA showed a gradual contrast decline located above the level of the carotid bulb, especially in the presence of an occludedintracranial ICA bifurcation (T-occlusion). In 108 of 476 patients (23%), CTA showed an apparent extracranial carotid occlusion. DSA was available in 46 of these cases, showing an atherosclerotic cause in 13 (28%), dissection in 16 (35%), and pseudo-occlusion in 17 (37%). The sensitivity for detecting pseudo-occlusion on CTA was 82% for both observers. The authors conclude that on CTA, extracranial ICA pseudo-occlusions can be differentiated from true carotid occlusions. BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The absence of opacification on CTA in the extracranial ICA in acute ischemic stroke may be caused by atherosclerotic occlusion, dissection, or pseudo-occlusion. The latter is explained by sluggish or stagnant flow in a patent artery caused by a distal intracranial occlusion. This study aimed to explore the accuracy of CTA for differentiating pseudo-occlusion from true occlusion of the extracranial ICA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients from the Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Netherlands (MR CLEAN) with an apparent ICA occlusion on CTA and available DSA images were included. Two independent observers classified CTA images as atherosclerotic cause (occlusion/high-grade stenosis), dissection, or suspected pseudo-occlusion. Pseudo-occlusion was suspected if CTA showed a gradual contrast decline located above the level of the carotid bulb, especially in the presence of an occluded intracranial ICA bifurcation (T-occlusion). DSA images, classified into the same 3 categories, were used as the criterion standard. RESULTS: In 108 of 476 patients (23%), CTA showed an apparent extracranial carotid occlusion. DSA was available in 46 of these, showing an atherosclerotic cause in 13 (28%), dissection in 16 (35%), and pseudo-occlusion in 17 (37%). The sensitivity for detecting pseudo-occlusion on CTA was 82% (95% CI, 57–96) for both observers; specificity was 76% (95% CI, 56–90) and 86% (95% CI, 68–96) for observers 1 and 2, respectively. The κ value for interobserver agreement was . 77, indicating substantial agreement. T-occlusions were more frequent in pseudo- than true occlusions (82% versus 21%, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: On CTA, extracranial ICA pseudo-occlusions can be differentiated from true carotid occlusions.
Detailed Analysis of TCP Fairness Issues in IEEE 802 . 11 Networks and their Solution using a Rate Control Approach

In this paper, we study the problem of maintaining fairness for TCP connections in wireless local area networks (WLANs) based upon the IEEE 802.11 standard. Current implementations of 802.11 use the so-called Distributed Coordination Function (DCF) which provides similar medium access priority to all stations. Although this mode of operation ensures fair access to the medium at the MAC level, it does not provide any provisions for ensuring fairness among the TCP connections. TCP unfairness may result in significant degradation of performance leading to users perceiving unsatisfactory quality of service. We propose and analyze two solutions that are capable of enabling TCP fairness with minimal additional complexity. The proposed solutions are based on utilizing a rate-control mechanism in two modes: static or adaptive. They do not require modifying existing standards at the MAC or network layers. Hence, they are fully compatible with existing devices. Our performance analysis results prove the efficaciousness of our proposed solutions in achieving TCP fairness compared to existing approaches. We have, also, implemented the proposed solutions in an ad-hoc experimental test-bed, and performed measurements to demonstrate the validity of our approach and results. This technical report is an extended version of a paper submitted for publication.
A fast and efficient heuristic nuclear-norm algorithm for affine rank minimization

The problem of affine rank minimization seeks to find the minimum rank matrix that satisfies a set of linear equality constraints. Generally, since affine rank minimization is NP-hard, a popular heuristic method is to minimize the nuclear norm that is a sum of singular values of the matrix variable [1]. A recent intriguing paper [2] shows that if the linear transform that defines the set of equality constraints is nearly isometrically distributed and the number of constraints is at least O(r(m + n) logmn), where r and m × n are the rank and size of the minimum rank matrix, minimizing the nuclear norm yields exactly the minimum rank matrix solution. Unfortunately, it takes a large amount of computational complexity and memory buffering to solve the nuclear norm minimization problem with known nearly isometric transforms. This paper presents a fast and efficient algorithm for nuclear norm minimization that employs structurally random matrices [3] for its linear transform and a projected subgradient method that exploits the unique features of structurally random matrices to substantially speed up the optimization process. Theoretically, we show that nuclear norm minimization using structurally random linear constraints guarantees the minimum rank matrix solution if the number of linear constraints is at least O(r(m+n) log3 mn). Extensive simulations verify that structurally random transforms still retain optimal performance while their implementation complexity is just a fraction of that of completely random transforms, making them promising candidates for large scale applications.
Feasibility of reaching world health organization targets for hepatitis C and the cost‐effectiveness of alternative strategies

New drugs for treating hepatitis C have considerably increased the probability of being cured. Treatment uptake, however, is still low. The objectives of this study were to analyse the impact of initiatives that may increase the proportion of infected people on treatment and interventions aimed at reducing the incidence of new infection among people who inject drugs. A compartmental model for Norway was used to simulate hepatitis C and related complications. We analysed 2 different screening initiatives aimed to increase the proportion of infected people on treatment. Interventions aiming at reducing the hepatitis C incidence analysed were opioid substitution therapy (OST), a clean needle and syringe programme and a combination of both. The most cost‐effective strategy for increasing hepatitis C treatment uptake was screening by general practitioners while simultaneously allowing for all infected people to be treated. We estimated that this intervention reduces the incidence of hepatitis C by 2030 by 63% compared with the current incidence. The 2 harm reduction strategies both reduced the incidence of hepatitis C by about 70%. Combining an increase in the current clean needles and syringe programme with OST was clearly the most cost‐effective option. This strategy would reduce the incidence of hepatitis C by 80% compared with the current incidence by 2030. Thus, interventions to reduce the burden and spread of hepatitis C are cost‐effective. Reaching the WHO target of a 90% reduction in hepatitis C incidence by 2030 may be difficult without combining different initiatives.
An Important Natural Genetic Resource of Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) Threatened by Aquaculture Activities in Loboi Drainage, Kenya

The need to improve food security in Africa through culture of tilapias has led to transfer of different species from their natural ranges causing negative impacts on wild fish genetic resources. Loboi swamp in Kenya is fed by three hot springs: Lake Bogoria Hotel, Chelaba and Turtle Springs, hosting natural populations of Oreochromis niloticus. The present study aimed at better genetic characterization of these threatened populations. Partial mtDNA sequences of the D-loop region and variations at 16 microsatellite loci were assessed in the three hot spring populations and compared with three other natural populations of O. niloticus in the region. Results obtained indicated that the hot spring populations had mitochondrial and nuclear genetic variability similar to or higher than the large closely related populations. This may be attributed to the perennial nature of the hot springs, which do not depend on rainfall but rather receive permanent water supply from deep aquifers. The study also revealed that gene flow between the three different hot spring populations was sufficiently low thus allowing their differentiation. This differentiation was unexpected considering the very close proximity of the springs to each other. It is possible that the swamp creates a barrier to free movement of fish from one spring to the other thereby diminishing gene flow. Finally, the most surprising and worrying results were that the three hot spring populations are introgressed by mtDNA genes of O. leucostictus, while microsatellite analysis suggested that some nuclear genes may also have crossed the species barrier. It is very likely that the recent intensification of aquaculture activities in the Loboi drainage may be responsible for these introgressions. Taking into account the importance of these new genetic resources, protection and management actions of the Loboi swamp should be accorded top priority to prevent the loss of these spring populations.
Influences of Phytoncide Supplementation on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Blood Profiles, Diarrhea Scores and Fecal Microflora Shedding in Weaning Pigs

A total of 140 weaning pigs ((Landrace×Yorkshire)×Duroc, BW = 6.47±0.86 kg) were used in a 5-wk growth trail to determine the effects of phytoncide supplementation on growth performance, nutrient apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), blood profiles, diarrhea scores and fecal microflora shedding. Pigs were assigned randomly by BW into 5 treatments, dietary treatments were: i) NC, basal diet; ii) PC, NC+0.05% tylosin; iii) EO, NC+0.1% essential oil; iv) PP, NC+0.2% PP (phytoncide with 2% citric acid), and v) PA, NC+0.2% PA (phytoncide). Each treatment had 7 replicate pens with 4 pigs per pen. All pigs were housed in pens with a self-feeder and nipple drinker to allow ad libitum access to feed and water throughout the experimental period. During 0 to 2 wks, supplementation with essential oil and PA decreased (p<0.05) G/F compared with the other treatments. During 2 to 5 wks, supplementation with PA led to a higher (p<0.05) G/F than the other treatments. At 2 wk, ATTD of dry matter (DM) and gross energy (GE) in EO treatment were decreased (p<0.05) compared with NC treatment. Dietary PC treatment improved (p<0.05) ATTD of DM and E compared with the CON group, and PA and PP treatments showed a higher (p<0.05) ATTD of E than that in NC treatment. Pigs fed phytoncide (PA and PP) had a greater (p<0.05) ATTD of DM than those of NC and EO treatments at 5 wk. Moreover, supplementation with phytoncide elevated (p<0.05) the concentration of immunoglobulin (IgG) in blood at 2 wk. The inclusion of EO, PP and PA treatments showed a greater (p<0.05) amount of fecal Lactobacillus compared with CON group. However, no difference (p>0.05) was observed in diarrhea scores among treatments. In conclusion, phytoncide can elevate feed efficiency, nutrient digestibility, and improve the fecal Lactobacillus counts in weaning pigs. Our results indicated that the phytoncide could be used as a good antibiotics alternative in weaning pigs.
Multi-view Registration Based on Weighted Low Rank and Sparse Matrix Decomposition of Motions

Recently, the low rank and sparse (LRS) matrix decomposition has been introduced as an effective mean to solve the multi-view registration. It views each available relative motion as a block element to reconstruct one matrix so as to approximate the low rank matrix, where global motions can be recovered for multi-view registration. However, this approach is sensitive to the sparsity of the reconstructed matrix and it treats all block elements equally in spite of their varied reliability. Therefore, this paper proposes an effective approach for multi-view registration by the weighted LRS decomposition. Based on the anti-symmetry property of relative motions, it firstly proposes a completion strategy to reduce the sparsity of the reconstructed matrix. The reduced sparsity of reconstructed matrix can improve the robustness of LRS decomposition. Then, it proposes the weighted LRS decomposition, where each block element is assigned with one estimated weight to denote its reliability. By introducing the weight, more accurate registration results can be recovered from the estimated low rank matrix with good efficiency. Experimental results tested on public data sets illustrate the superiority of the proposed approach over the state-of-the-art approaches on robustness, accuracy, and efficiency.
New non-invasive method for early detection of metabolic syndrome in the working population

Background: We propose a new method for the early detection of metabolic syndrome in the working population, which was free of biomarkers (non-invasive) and based on anthropometric variables, and to validate it in a new working population. Methods: Prevalence studies and diagnostic test accuracy to determine the anthropometric variables associated with metabolic syndrome, as well as the screening validity of the new method proposed, were carried out between 2013 and 2015 on 636 and 550 workers, respectively. The anthropometric variables analysed were: blood pressure, body mass index, waist circumference, waist–height ratio, body fat percentage and waist–hip ratio. We performed a multivariate logistic regression analysis and obtained receiver operating curves to determine the predictive ability of the variables. The new method for the early detection of metabolic syndrome we present is based on a decision tree using chi-squared automatic interaction detection methodology. Results: The overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 14.9%. The area under the curve for waist–height ratio and waist circumference was 0.91 and 0.90, respectively. The anthropometric variables associated with metabolic syndrome in the adjusted model were waist–height ratio, body mass index, blood pressure and body fat percentage. The decision tree was configured from the waist–height ratio (⩾0.55) and hypertension (blood pressure ⩾128/85 mmHg), with a sensitivity of 91.6% and a specificity of 95.7% obtained. Conclusions: The early detection of metabolic syndrome in a healthy population is possible through non-invasive methods, based on anthropometric indicators such as waist–height ratio and blood pressure. This method has a high degree of predictive validity and its use can be recommended in any healthcare context.
A novel view on stem cell development: analysing the shape of cellular genealogies

Objectives: The analysis of individual cell fates within a population of stem and progenitor cells is still a major experimental challenge in stem cell biology. However, new monitoring techniques, such as high‐resolution time‐lapse video microscopy, facilitate tracking and quantitative analysis of single cells and their progeny. Information on cellular development, divisional history and differentiation are naturally comprised into a pedigree‐like structure, denoted as cellular genealogy. To extract reliable information concerning effecting variables and control mechanisms underlying cell fate decisions, it is necessary to analyse a large number of cellular genealogies.
BugzillaMetrics - Design of an adaptable tool for evaluating user-defined metric specifications on change requests

The evaluation of metrics on the data available in change request management (CRM) systems can give valuable information for the management of software development. It can for example be helpful in assessing the current workload, product quality or development process weaknesses. Metrics and charts on change requests are already available in current CRM systems. They provide information about common metrics, but their adaptability is limited with respect to the specification of metrics customized to organizationspecific needs. This paper describes a more flexible approach for the evaluation of metrics on change requests. The core part of the presented tool is an event driven evaluation algorithm for the calculation of time series data. It is parametrized with user defined metric specifications. This enables a separation between metric specification and information retrieval. Further design decisions enable a transparent execution optimization and an abstraction from the data sources of the underlying CRM database.
Agnoprotein Is an Essential Egress Factor during BK Polyomavirus Infection

BK polyomavirus (BKPyV; hereafter referred to as BK) causes a lifelong chronic infection and is associated with debilitating disease in kidney transplant recipients. Despite its importance, aspects of the virus life cycle remain poorly understood. In addition to the structural proteins, the late region of the BK genome encodes for an auxiliary protein called agnoprotein. Studies on other polyomavirus agnoproteins have suggested that the protein may contribute to virion infectivity. Here, we demonstrate an essential role for agnoprotein in BK virus release. Viruses lacking agnoprotein fail to release from host cells and do not propagate to wild-type levels. Despite this, agnoprotein is not essential for virion infectivity or morphogenesis. Instead, agnoprotein expression correlates with nuclear egress of BK virions. We demonstrate that the agnoprotein binding partner α-soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive fusion (NSF) attachment protein (α-SNAP) is necessary for BK virion release, and siRNA knockdown of α-SNAP prevents nuclear release of wild-type BK virions. These data highlight a novel role for agnoprotein and begin to reveal the mechanism by which polyomaviruses leave an infected cell.
Kelps’ Long-Distance Dispersal: Role of Ecological/Oceanographic Processes and Implications to Marine Forest Conservation

Long-distance dispersal is one of the main drivers structuring the distribution of marine biodiversity. This study reports the first occurrence of Macrocystis pyrifera and Durvillaea antarctica rafts on the southwestern warm temperate coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Our results indicate that an extreme meteo-oceanographic event, characterized by a northward, displacement of cold sub-Antarctic oceanic waters driven by an extratropical cyclone, could account for these unusual occurrences. A niche model based on known current distribution and maximum entropy principle (MAXENT), revealed the availability of suitable habitats at lower latitudes, outside their actual distribution edges. The distributional boundaries, mainly driven by temperature and irradiance, suggest the existence of environmental suitability in warm temperate areas, as well as in the Northern Hemisphere off Atlantic and Asian coasts. These theoretical edges and respective environmental drivers agree with the physiological affinities of both species, supporting the hypothesis that these variables act as limiting factors for their occurrences in tropical or warmer areas. Emerging regions can function as refuges and stepping-stones, providing substrate with adequate habitat conditions for recruitment of propagules, allowing eventual colonization. Long dispersal events reinforce the need for an extensive discussion on selective management of natural dispersion, biological invasions, refuge mapping and conservation initiatives in a transnational perspective.
Conceptualizing Post Intensive Care Syndrome in Children—The PICS-p Framework*

Context: Over the past several decades, advances in pediatric critical care have saved many lives. As such, contemporary care has broadened its focus to also include minimizing morbidity. Post Intensive Care Syndrome, also known as “PICS,” is a group of cognitive, physical, and mental health impairments that commonly occur in patients after ICU discharge. Post Intensive Care Syndrome has been well-conceptualized in the adult population but not in children. Objective: To develop a conceptual framework describing Post Intensive Care Syndrome in pediatrics that includes aspects of the experience that are unique to children and their families. Data Synthesis: The Post Intensive Care Syndrome in pediatrics (PICS-p) framework highlights the importance of baseline status, organ system maturation, psychosocial development, the interdependence of family, and trajectories of health recovery that can potentially impact a child’s life for decades. Conclusion: Post Intensive Care Syndrome in pediatrics will help illuminate the phenomena of surviving childhood critical illness and guide outcomes measurement in the field. Empirical studies are now required to validate and refine this framework, and to subsequently develop a set of core outcomes for this population. With explication of Post Intensive Care Syndrome in pediatrics, the discipline of pediatric critical care will then be in a stronger position to map out recovery after pediatric critical illness and to evaluate interventions designed to mitigate risk for poor outcomes with the goal of optimizing child and family health.
Relationships between soil nitrate desorbed from anion-exchange membranes, canopy reflectance and nitrate leaching losses from cool-season lawn turf.

Nutrient leaching studies are expensive and require expertise in water collection and analyses. Less expensive or easier methods that estimate leaching losses would be desirable. The objective of this study was to determine if anion-exchange membranes (AEMs) and reflectance meters could predict nitrate (NO3–N) leaching losses from a cool-season lawn turf. A two-year field study used an established 90% Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.)–10% creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra L.) turf that received 0 to 98 kg N ha month, from May through November. Soil monolith lysimeters collected leachate that was analyzed for NO3–N concentration. Soil NO3–N was estimated with AEMs. Spectral reflectance measurements of the turf were obtained with chlorophyll and chroma meters. No significant (p > 0.05) increase in percolate flow-weighted NO3–N concentration (FWC) or mass loss occurred when AEM desorbed soil NO3–N was below 0.84 g cm –2 d. A linear increase in FWC and mass loss (p < 0.0001) occurred, however, when AEM soil NO3–N was above this value. The maximum contaminant level (MCL) for drinking water (10 mg L NO3–N) was reached with an AEM soil NO3–N value of 1.6 g cm –2 d. Maximum meter readings were obtained when AEM soil NO3-N reached or exceeded 2.3 g cm –2 d. As chlorophyll index and hue angle (greenness) increased, there was an increased probability of exceeding the NO3–N MCL. These data suggest that AEMs and reflectance meters can serve as tools to predict NO3–N leaching losses from coolseason lawn turf, and to provide objective guides for N fertilization. Abbreviations: AEMs, anion exchange membranes; FWC, flow-weighted concentration; MCL, maximum contaminant level