Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Laparoscopic Total Gastrectomy in Elderly Patients (≥70 Years) with Gastric Carcinoma: A Retrospective Study

Purpose To compare the surgical outcomes of laparoscopic total gastrectomy between elderly and non-elderly patients. Materials and Methods Between 2008 and 2015, a total of 273 patients undergoing laparoscopic total gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma were divided into two age groups: elderly (≥70 years, n=71) vs. non-elderly (<70 years, n=172). Postoperative outcomes, including length of hospital stay, morbidity, and mortality were compared between the groups. Results The elderly group showed a significantly higher rate of comorbidities and American Society of Anesthesiologists scores than those in the non-elderly group. No significant differences were found with respect to lymphadenectomy or combined organ resection between the groups. After surgery, the elderly group showed a significantly higher incidence of grade III and above complications than the non-elderly group (15.5% vs. 4.1%, P=0.003). Among the complications, anastomosis leakage was significantly more common in the elderly group (9.9% vs. 2.9%, P=0.044). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that old age (≥70 years) was an independent risk factor (odds ratio=4.42, 95% confidence interval=1.50~13.01) for postoperative complications of grade III and above. Conclusions Elderly patients are more vulnerable to grade III and above complications after laparoscopic total gastrectomy than non-elderly patients. Great care should be taken to prevent and monitor the development of anastomosis leakage in elderly patients after laparoscopic total gastrectomy.
Dynamic localization of Lyapunov vectors in spacetime chaos

We study the dynamics of Lyapunov vectors in various models of one-dimensional distributed systems with spacetime chaos. We demonstrate that the vector corresponding to the maximum exponent is always localized and the localization region wanders irregularly. This localization is explained by interpreting the logarithm of the Lyapunov vector as a roughening interface. We show that for many systems, the `interface' belongs to the Kardar-Parisi-Zhang universality class. Accordingly, we discuss the scaling behaviour of finite-size effects and self-averaging properties of the Lyapunov exponents.
Assessment of Potential Neuronal Toxicity of Inhaled Anesthetics in the Developing Nonhuman Primate

Anesthetics have been used for years in pediatric patients without clinical evidence of adverse central nervous system (CNS) sequelae. In the current study, postnatal day (PND) 5–6 rhesus monkeys were exposed to nitrous oxide (N_2O; 70%) alone, isoflurane (ISO; 1.0%) alone, or N_2O plus ISO for 8 h. Six hours after completion of anesthetic administration, neuronal toxicity was examined using histochemical and molecular imaging approaches. Histochemical data demonstrated that exposure of the developing monkey to the inhaled anesthetic combination for 8 h results in significantly enhanced neuronal cell death in frontal cortex, temporal gyrus, and hippocampus. Imaging techniques also demonstrated that such anesthetic exposure causes significant neuronal damage in cortical brain regions as indicated by an elevated binding of the specific peripheral benzodiazepine receptor radiotracer [^(18)F]-N-(2-(2-fluoroethoxy)benzyl)-N-(4-phenoxypyridin-3-yl) acetamide ([^(18)F]-FEPPA), a marker of activated microglia or inflammatory responses. No significant neurotoxic effects were observed in monkeys treated with N_2O alone, ISO alone, or in monkeys treated with the anesthetic combination for only 3 h. These data suggest that prolonged exposures to inhaled anesthetics in the developing rhesus monkey can result in significant neuronal damage.
The layered agent pattern language

This paper presents a collection of patterns within a pattern language for agent based systems. Agents have appeared in a wide range of applications, including personalized user interfaces, enterprise integration, manufacturing, and business process support. They are viewed as the next significant software abstraction, and it is expected they will become as ubiguitous as graphical user interfaces are today. Agents are still fairly new, so only some of the patterns presented here have had widespread use; others have been uncovered as being useful and reoccurring problems and solutions at RMIT in the Java Application Framework for Intelligent and Mobile Agents (JAFIMA) Project. Following Examples (Section 2), and Context (Section 3), the Layered Agent is discussed in Section 4; other patterns are presented according to their location within this architectural pattern in Sections 5 to 9. For brevity, some of the patterns are presented in a “patlet” form.
An Analysis of Novice Text Entry Performance on Large Interactive Wall Surfaces

This paper presents a comparative study of several soft keyboard layouts for text entry on interactive whiteboards. We compare the traditional QWERTY with several other layouts, including theoreticall y optimal ones, such as FITALY . In contrast to previous work, we concentrate on nov ice performance, as few people ever gain expert sta tus on whiteboards. The results show that for a population of regular k eyboard users, QWERTY is the best alternative and even the slightest deviations from that arrangement degrade the performance significantly. Based on the experim nts, we present an in-depth analysis of the behaviour of us ers for several layouts from a cognitive viewpoint.
Advancing Treatment of Pituitary Adenomas through Targeted Molecular Therapies: The Acromegaly and Cushing Disease Paradigms

The current treatment of pituitary adenomas requires a balance of conservative management, surgical resection, and in select tumor types, molecular therapy. Acromegaly treatment is an evolving field where our understanding of molecular targets and drug therapies has improved treatment options for patients with excess growth hormone levels. We highlight the use of molecular therapies in this disease process and advances in this field, which may represent a paradigm shift for the future of pituitary adenoma treatment.
Multi-objects classification via optimized compressive sensing projection

The theory of compressive sensing (CS) enables the reconstruction of a sparse signal from highly compressed data. However, in many applications, we are ultimately interested in information retrieval rather than signal reconstruction. In this paper, we study the problem of multi-objects classification in compressive sensing systems. Theoretical error bounds are derived based on the analysis of classical compressive classification. The optimal projection matrix design problem is studied and an algorithm is derived to solve the corresponding problem. Application in the identification of license plate numbers is considered and simulation results show that the projection measurement obtained using the proposed algorithm significantly improve the classification performance in terms of classification error rate.
From synaptic plasticity to spatial maps and sequence learning

The entorhinal–hippocampal circuit is crucial for several forms of learning and memory, especially sequence learning, including spatial navigation. The challenge is to understand the underlying mechanisms. Pioneering discoveries of spatial selectivity in this circuit, i.e. place cells and grid cells, provided a major step forward in tackling this challenge. Considerable research has also shown that sequence learning relies on synaptic plasticity, especially the Hebbian or the NMDAR‐dependent synaptic plasticity. This raises several questions: Are spatial maps plastic? If so, what is the contribution of Hebbian plasticity to spatial map plasticity? How does the spatial map plasticity contribute to sequence learning? A combination of computational and experimental studies has shown that NMDAR‐mediated plasticity and theta rhythm can have specific effects on the formation and experiential modification of spatial maps to facilitate predictive coding. Advances in transgenic techniques have provided further support for these mechanisms. Although many exciting challenges remain, these findings have brought us closer to solving the puzzle of how the hippocampal system contributes to spatial memory, and point to a way forward. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dynamic Background Modeling for Foreground Segmentation

This paper presents a dynamic background modeling approach for foreground segmentation. The classification between foreground and background is based on Bayes decision rule. The posterior probability of a pixel being observed as a background or a foreground is directly estimated based on the occurrence frequency of its quantized version. Experimental results show that the presented method can be performed in real time and has good performance in complex and dynamic environments.
HOW VARIABLE IS ACCRETION IN YOUNG STARS?

We analyze the variability in accretion-related emission lines for 40 Classical T Tauri stars to probe the extent of accretion variations in young stellar objects. Our analysis is based on multi-epoch high-resolution spectra for young stars in Taurus-Auriga and Chamaeleon I. For all stars, we typically obtain four spectra, covering timescales from hours to months. As proxies for the accretion rate, we use the Hα 10% width and the Ca ii-λ8662 line flux. We find that while the two quantities are correlated, their variability amplitude is not. Converted to accretion rates, the Ca ii fluxes indicate typical accretion rate changes of 0.35 dex, with 32% exceeding 0.5 dex, while Hα 10% width suggests changes of 0.65 dex, with 66% exceeding 0.5 dex. We conclude that Ca ii fluxes are a more robust quantitative indicator of accretion than Hα 10% width, and that intrinsic accretion rate changes typically do not exceed 0.5 dex on timescales of days to months. The maximum extent of the variability is reached after a few days, suggesting that rotation is the dominant cause of variability. We see a decline of the inferred accretion rates toward later spectral types, reflecting the versus M relationship. There is a gap between accretors and nonaccretors, pointing to a rapid shutdown of accretion. We conclude that the ∼two orders of magnitude scatter in the versus M relationship is dominated by object-to-object scatter instead of intrinsic source variability.
A Programmable Architecture for Layered Multimedia Streams in IPv6 Networks

A new configurable architecture is presented that offers multiple levels of video playback by accommodating variable levels of network utilization and bandwidth. By utilizing scalable MPEG-4 encoding at the network edge and using specific video delivery protocols, media streaming components are merged to fully optimize video playback for IPv6 networks, thus improving QoS. This is achieved by introducing “programmable network functionality” (PNF) which splits layered video transmission and distributes it evenly over available bandwidth, reducing packet loss and delay caused by out-of-profile DiffServ classes. An FPGA design is given which gives improved performance, e.g. link utilization, end-to-end delay, and that during congestion, improves on-time delivery of video frames by up to 80% when compared to current “static” DiffServ.
Analysis of Nucleotide Sequences and Multimeric Forms of a Novel Satellite RNA Associated with Beet Black Scorch Virus

ABSTRACT The full-length sequence of a satellite RNA (sat-RNA) of Beet black scorch virus isolate X (BBSV-X) was determined. This agent is 615 nucleotides long and lacks extensive sequence homology with its helper virus or with other reported viruses. Purified virus particles contained abundant single-stranded plus-sense monomers and smaller amounts of dimers. Single-stranded RNAs from total plant RNA extracts also included primarily monomers and smaller amounts of dimers that could be revealed by hybridization, and preparations of purified double-stranded RNAs also contained monomers and dimers. Coinoculation of in vitro transcripts of sat-RNA to Chenopodium amaranticolor with BBSV RNAs was used to assess the replication and accumulation of various forms of sat-RNA, including monomers, dimers, and tetramers. Dimeric sat-RNAs with 5- or 10-base deletions or 15-base insertions within the junction regions accumulated preferentially. In contrast, the replication of monomeric sat-RNA was severely inhibited by five-nucleotide deletions in either the 5′ or the 3′ termini. Therefore, sequences at both the 5′ and the 3′ ends of the monomers or the presence of intact juxtaposed multimers is essential for the replication of sat-RNA and for the predomination of monomeric progeny. Comparisons of the time courses of replication initiated by in vitro-synthesized monomeric or multimeric sat-RNAs raised the possibility that the dimeric form has an intermediate role in replication. We propose that replication primarily involves multimers, possibly as dimeric forms. These forms may revert to monomers by a termination of replication at 5′ end sequences and/or by internal initiation at the 3′ ends of multimeric junctions.
Game AI Competitions: An Open Platform for Computational Intelligence Education [Educational Forum]

Teaching computational intelligence (CI) to undergraduate and/or graduate students is challenging because the theories are difficult and they feel that the topics are not closely related to their lives. It is desirable to use interesting projects to attract students' attention into the computational intelligence. CI educators have been used different types of tools to define course projects for students. There are no standard course materials on the projects, hence each instructor develops his/her own projects by oneself, making it difficult to share them. Furthermore, if the projects are dependent on special hardware or software, it often becomes a bottleneck on the dissemination of the materials.
Implementation and Time Performance Analysis of Security Suite in LR-WPAN 802.15.4

In recent years, short-range wireless communication becomes a hotspot in wireless industry, which can be widely used in constructing the wireless sensor network of military, industrial control, precise agriculture and medical monitoring. It will play an important role with the coming ubiquitous computing age. Focusing on LR-WPAN 802.15. 4, this paper introduces its security architecture and presents an input block model based on the underlying AES encryption algorithm and generic CCM mode when implementing AES-CCM security suite. An experiment compared with traditional DES on time performance is carried out and the results show better efficiency and security strength in AES-CCM.
Automatic Knowledge Acquisition by Semantic Analysis and Assimilation of Textual Information

Automatic knowledge acquisition is one of the bottlenecks in artificial intelligence and large-scale applications of natural language processing (NLP). There are many efforts to create large knowledge bases (KBs) or to automatically derive knowledge from large text corpora. On the one hand, we meet KBs like CYC, where a tremendous amount of work has been invested by knowledge enterers who have manually formalized large stocks of knowledge. The other extreme are projects using flat (mostly statistically based) methods for extracting knowledge from texts. These techniques seldom produce results with a clear semantic interpretation and sufficient quality for NLP applications, however. MACQUIK is a project to automatically acquire knowledge from natural language sources (like text corpora or lexicons) by means of a deep syntacticosemantic analysis and subsequent assimilation of the generated representations into a coherent KB. The paper emphasizes the role of a homogeneous formalism for interfacing between NLP and inferential question answering, and it demonstrates its use for a deductive treatment of coreference resolution.
Imaging Microscopic Features of Keratoconic Corneal Morphology

Purpose: To search for gold-standard histology indicators using alternative imaging modalities in keratoconic corneas. Methods: Prospective observational case–control study. Fourteen keratoconic corneas and 20 normal corneas (10 in vivo healthy subjects and 10 ex vivo donor corneas) were examined. Images of corneas were taken by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) before keratoplasty. The same removed corneal buttons were imaged after keratoplasty with full-field optical coherence microscopy (FFOCM) and then fixed and sent for histology. Controls consisted of normal subjects imaged in vivo with IVCM and donor corneas imaged ex vivo with FFOCM. Corneal structural changes related to pathology were noted with each imaging modality. Cell density was quantified by manual cell counting. Results: Keratoconus indicators (ie, epithelial thinning/thickening, cell shape changes, ferritin deposits, basement membrane anomalies, Bowman layer thinning, ruptures, interruptions, scarring, stromal modifications, and appearance of Vogt striae) were generally visible with all modalities. Additional features could be seen with FFOCM in comparison with gold-standard histology, particularly in the Bowman layer region, whereas the combination of SD-OCT plus IVCM detected 76% of those features detected in histology. Three-dimensional FFOCM imaging aided interpretation of two-dimensional IVCM and SD-OCT data. Basal epithelial cell and keratocyte densities were significantly lower in patients with keratoconus than those in normals (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: Structural and cellular assessment of the keratoconic cornea by means of either in vivo SD-OCT combined with IVCM or ex vivo FFOCM in both cross-sectional and en face views can detect as many keratoconus indicators as gold-standard histology.
Unifying Cluster-Tree Decompositions for Automated Reasoning

The paper provides a unifying perspective of tree-decomposition algorithms appearing in various automated reasoning areas such as jointree clustering for constraint-satisfaction and the clique-tree algorithm for probabilistic reasoning. By following the framework introduced by Shenoy [16], we then introduce a new algorithm, called buckettree elimination (BTE), that extends Bucket Elimination (BE) [5] to trees, and show that it is also an instance of tree-decomposition. Moreover, our analysis shows that the new extension, BTE, can provide a speed-up of n over BE for important reasoning tasks. Finally, time-space tradeoffs are shown to be cast naturally within the treedecomposition framework.
Noise-Robust environmental sound classification method based on combination of ICA and MP features

This paper presents an environmental sound classification method that is noise-robust against sounds recorded by mobile devices, and presents evaluation of its performance. This method is specifically designed to recognize higher semantics of context from environmental sound. Conventionally, sound classifications have used acoustic features in the frequency domain extracted from sound data using signal processing techniques. Although the most popular feature is Mel-frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCC), MFCC is inappropriate for mixture sound with noise. Independent Component Analysis (ICA) can extract sound characteristics even when the source is corrupted by noise because components within the source are assumed to be independent. In recent years, Matching Pursuit (MP) has been addressed to extract time-domain features. It has been applied to various applications. The feature is effective for recognizing and classifying environmental sounds that include time-variant sound such as birdsongs, alarms, and vehicle sounds. In this way, some innovative techniques have been proposed to recognize and classify environmental sounds recorded on mobile devices. However, we have not yet obtained a decisive method to attain a higher recognition and classification rate against environmental sounds with various noises such as unintended sounds and white noise. To address this problem, we propose a noise-robust classification method using a combination of Independent Component Analysis (ICA) and MP. It is possible to reduce noise effects for feature extraction. From performance evaluations, we confirmed that the proposed method can provide about 8% better classification than that of MFCC feature extraction.
Cell Polarity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae Depends on Proper Localization of the Bud9 Landmark Protein by the EKC/KEOPS Complex

In diploid Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells, bud-site selection is determined by two cortical landmarks, Bud8p and Bud9p, at the distal and proximal poles, respectively. Their localizations depend on the multigenerational proteins Rax1p/Rax2p. Many genes involved in bud-site selection were identified previously by genome-wide screening of deletion mutants, which identified BUD32 that causes a random budding in diploid cells. Bud32p is an atypical kinase involved in a signaling cascade of Sch9p kinase, the yeast homolog of Akt/PKB, and a component of the EKC/KEOPS (endopeptidase-like, kinase, chromatin-associated/kinase, putative endopeptidase, and other proteins of small size) complex that functions in telomere maintenance and transcriptional regulation. However, its role in bipolar budding has remained unclear. In this report, we show that the Sch9p kinase cascade does not affect bipolar budding but that the EKC/KEOPS complex regulates the localization of Bud9p. The kinase activity of Bud32p, which is essential for the functions of the EKC/KEOPS complex but is not necessary for the Sch9p signaling cascade, is required for bipolar bud-site selection. BUD9 is necessary for random budding in each deletion mutant of EKC/KEOPS components, and RAX2 is genetically upstream of EKC/KEOPS genes for the regulation of bipolar budding. The asymmetric localization of Bud9p was dependent on the complex, but Bud8p and Rax2p were not. We concluded that the EKC/KEOPS complex is specifically involved in the regulation of Bud9p localization downstream of Rax1p/Rax2p.
GMRT radio observations of the transiting extrasolar planet HD 189733 b at 244 and 614 MHz

We report a sensitive search for meter-wavelength emission at 244 and 614 MHz from HD 189733 b, the nearest known extrasolar transiting planet of “hot-Jupiter” type. To discriminate any planetary emission from possible stellar or background contributions, we observed the system for 7.7 h encompassing the planet’s eclipse behind the host star. These GMRT observations provide very low (3σ) upper limits of 2 mJy at 244 MHz and 160 μJy at 614 MHz. These limits are, respectively, about 40 and 500 times deeper than those reported recently at a nearby frequency of 340 MHz. Possible explanations of our non-detection include: (1) the Earth being outside the planet’s emission beam; (2) its highly variable emission with more rapid flaring than the temporal sampling in our observations; (3) the planetary emission being intrinsically too weak; or more likely; (4) the emission being predominantly at lower frequencies because of a weak planetary magnetic field. We briefly discuss these possibilities and the constraints on this exo-planetary system environment.