Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Laparoscopic Living Donor Right Hepatectomy Regarding the Anatomical Variation of the Portal Vein: A Propensity Score–Matched Analysis

This study is designed to analyze the feasibility of laparoscopic living donor right hemihepatectomy in living donors with portal vein variation. Living donor liver transplantation cases using a right liver graft during the period of January 2014 to September 2019 were included. Computed tomographic angiographies of the donor were 3‐dimensionally reconstructed, and the anatomical variation of the portal vein was classified. To reduce selection bias, a 1:1 ratio propensity score–matched analysis between the laparoscopy group and the open group was performed. Surgical and recovery‐related outcomes as well as portal vein complication‐free survival, graft survival, and overall survival rates were analyzed. After matching, 171 cases in each group from 444 original cases were compared. The laparoscopy group had a shorter operation time (P < 0.001), a smaller number of additional opioids required by the donor (P < 0.001), and a shorter hospital stay (P < 0.001). There were no differences in the portal vein complication‐free survival (P = 0.16), graft survival (P = 0.26), or overall survival rates (P = 0.53). Although portal vein complication‐free survival was inferior in portal veins other than type I (P = 0.01), the laparoscopy group showed similar portal vein complication‐free survival regardless of the anatomical variation of portal vein (P = 0.35 in type I and P = 0.30 in other types). Laparoscopic living donor right hemihepatectomy can be performed as safely as open surgery regardless of the anatomical variation of the portal vein.
Expression of human monolysocardiolipin acyltransferase-1 improves mitochondrial function in Syndrome lymphoblasts.

The mitochondrial polyglycerophospholipid cardiolipin (CL) is remodeled to obtain specific fatty acyl chains. This is predominantly accomplished by the transacylase enzyme tafazzin (TAZ). Barth Syndrome (BTHS) patients with TAZ gene mutations exhibit impaired TAZ activity and loss in mitochondrial respiratory function. Previous studies identified monolysocardiolipin acyltransferase-1 (MLCL AT-1) as a mitochondrial enzyme capable of remodelling CL with fatty acid. In this study, we analyzed what relationship, if any, exits between TAZ and MLCL AT-1 with regard to CL remodeling and if transfection of BTHS lymphoblasts with a MLCL AT-1 expression construct improves mitochondrial respiratory function. In healthy lymphoblasts reduction in TAZ expression through TAZ RNAi transfection resulted in a compensatory increase in MLCL AT-1 mRNA, protein and enzyme activity
Finasteride for Androgenetic Alopecia Is Not Associated with Sexual Dysfunction: A Survey-Based, Single-Centre, Controlled Study

Background: The occurrence of sexual dysfunction side-effects associated with finasteride use in men with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is thought to be less prevalent than is publicized. There is a need to investigate sexual dysfunction among finasteride users with population-based controls. Objective: To evaluate the presence of sexual dysfunction in men using finasteride or not using finasteride. Method: Adult men visiting a dermatologist’s office for any reason were asked to complete a survey including a modified version of the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) to assess the presence of sexual dysfunction with and without finasteride use. Results: Data from 762 men aged 18-82 were collected: 663 finasteride users and 99 non-finasteride users. There were no significant differences between finasteride users and non-user controls in reporting sexual dysfunction using the ASEX. Regression analysis indicated that self-reporting libido loss and reduced sexual performance, not finasteride use, predict a higher ASEX score. Conclusion: The use of finasteride does not result in sexual dysfunction in men with AGA. These data are consistent with other large survey-based controlled studies.
A 44-Year Daily Gridded Precipitation Dataset for Asia Based on a Dense Network of Rain Gauges

A daily gridded precipitation dataset for 1961-2004 was created by collecting rain gauge observation data across Asia through the activities of the Asian Precipitation—Highly Resolved Observational Data Integration Towards the Evaluation of Water Resources (APHRODITE) project. Our number of valid stations was between 5000 and 12,000, representing 2.3 to 4.5 times the data available through the Global Telecommunication System network, which were used for most daily grid precipitation products. APHRODITE’s daily gridded precipitation (APHRO_V0902) is the only long-term (1961 onward) continental-scale daily product that contains a dense network of daily rain gauge data for Asia including the Himalayas and mountainous areas in the Middle East. The product contributes to studies such as the evaluation of Asian water resources, diagnosis of climate change, statistical downscaling, and verification of numerical model simulation and high-resolution precipitation estimates using satellites. We released APHRO_V0902 datasets for Monsoon Asia, Russia and the Middle East (on 0.5° × 0.5° and 0.25° × 0.25° grids) at http://www.chikyu. ac.jp/precip/. Herein, we show the algorithm and input data of APHRO_V0902.
Evaluation of Navigational Range Lighting Parameters for Daytime and Nighttime Conditions

Abstract : The purpose of this study was to evaluate, using experimental methods under actual field conditions, parameters and relationships used by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) in the design of daytime and nighttime lighted parallax navigational ranges. In one experiment, thresholds of minimal separability, in terms of the angle at the observer's eye subtended by two lights, were measured for various light intensity combinations under both daytime and nighttime conditions. In a separate experiment, thresholds for detection of lights under daytime conditions were determined. Results suggest that the current process used by the USCG to prevent blurring together of the two lights while minimizing required tower heights for nighttime ranges is valid. For the daytime results, the design guidelines for minimum tower height separations, for the illuminance levels evaluated, are adequate for illuminance ratios less than 1.6:1. Results for the second experiment showed that the present USCG practice of using a factor of 1000 to convert the illuminance level specified for nighttime range light signals to a level adequate for daytime use is also valid. This Validation of current practices allows the USCG continued significant cost savings in the construction of towers used for navigational ranges.
Detection and classification of surface roughness in an Arctic marginal sea ice zone

Sea ice dynamic and thermodynamic processes are important and highly variable elements of the marginal ice zone (MIZ). This study examines the detection and classification of statistically separable sea ice classes in the MIZ through a range of temporal and spatial scales. A helicopter‐based laser system was used to obtain large‐scale and a ship‐based laser profiler to identify small‐scale roughness types, respectively. The analysis of variance of surface height data from helicopter‐ and ship‐based laser systems, active microwave (AMW) C‐band backscattering data and passive microwave (PMW) (37 and 89 GHz) brightness temperature data reveal different classes that statistically differ from one another. We found significant statistical difference in variances in AMW data with six classes that differ in VV polarization, three classes in VH polarization, and five classes in HH polarization in the MIZ (e.g. snow‐covered first‐year ice, ice rubble, pancake ice, frost flowers, melt pond, flooded ice, and ice edge) of southeastern Beaufort Sea. The PMW emission was not as effective at discrimination, yielding only one statistically separable class. The results can potentially be extended to satellite‐based investigations of the MIZ at regional scales. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How do particle number, surface area, and mass correlate with toxicity of diesel particle emissions as measured in chemical and cellular assays?

Correlations of PM metrics with human respiratory system deposited PM mass determined from distributions ABSTRACT The size distribution and effective density of ambient particles were measured with and without using Catalytic Stripper (CS) at Riverside, CA in September 2015 and June 2016 to calculate time-dependent human respiratory system deposited particulate matter (hereafter referred to as PM RS ) mass using composition dependent growth factors along with the lung deposition fraction reported by ICRP (1994). The particle active surface area, black carbon (BC) mass, particle number (PN), solid particle number (SPN), and suspended PM mass (from particle size distributions and effective densities) were also obtained to investigate correlations with PM RS . Non-refractory organic and inorganic mass measured by an aerosol mass spectrometer (mAMS) provided additional information in relation to PM RS vs. chemical nature of particles. Ambient particle size distributions showed strong diurnal variations during the sampling period. While the respiratory system deposited PM mass fraction (0.32 – 0.36) did not vary much with time, the PM RS followed the trend of suspended PM mass in the ambient air. The PM RS for the alveolar region was the highest (0.3 – 1.0 l g/m 3 ), followed by that for nasal region (0.16 – 0.83 l g/m 3 ), and that for tracheobronchial region (0.05 – 0.27 l g/m 3 ). They all peaked during noon to 6PM and reached the lowest value near midnight. Suspended PM mass in the ambient air correlated best with PM RS , followed by mAMS measured organics, active surface area, and BC mass. It is also found that particle hygroscopicity did not significantly affect correlations between metrics and PM RS . Considering the accessi- bility and cost of these measurements, we propose particle active surface area and BC mass to be considered when evaluating/monitoring the adverse health effects caused by PM.
Report Crowding in Peripheral Vision: Why Bigger Is Better

Summary We enjoy the illusion thatvisual resolution is high across the entire field of vision. However, this illusion can be easily dispelled by trying to identify objects in a cluttered environment out of the corner of your eye. This reflects, in part, the well-known decline in visual resolution in peripheral vision; however, the main bottleneck for reading or object recognition in peripheral vision is crowding. Objects that can be easily identified in isolation seem indistinct and jumbled in clutter. Crowding is thought to reflect inappropriate integration of the target and flankers in peripheral vision [1, 2]. Here, we uncover and explain a paradox in peripheral crowding: under certain conditions, increasing the size or number of flanking rings results in a paradoxical decrease in the magnitude of crowding—i.e., the bigger or more numerous the flanks, the smaller the crowding. These surprising results are predicted by a model in which crowding is determined by the centroids of z4‐8 independent features within z0.53 the target eccentricity. These features are then integrated into a texture beyond the stage of feature analysis. We speculate that this process may contribute to the illusion of high resolution across the field of vision.
OPINION Postprandial hypoglycemia after gastric bypass surgery: from pathogenesis to diagnosis and treatment

Purpose of review The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB) improves glucose control in majority of patients with type 2 diabetes. However, a minority group of individuals develop a life-threatening complication of hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia. The goal of this review is to identify underlying mechanisms by which RYGB cause hypoglycemia and describe pathogenesis-driven strategies to diagnose and treat this condition.
Seismic risk assessment : with an application to the South African insurance industry

This study provides a seismic risk assessment for various sites in South Africa and discusses the possible impact of seismic activity on the South African insurance industry in the light of this analysis. The work begins with an introduction and an historical perspective on the estimation of seismic damage to buildings. The methodology for the estimation of expected damage from a probabilistic point of view is presented. The work continues with an application of the described methodology to several sites around the country. The result of the investigation is that the seismic risk faced by South Africa is non-negligible. Keywords: Seismic risk, seismic hazard, expected damage, South Africa, short-term insurance South African Actuarial Journal: 2003 3: 1-28
Effect of Dopaminergic Medications on Blood Oxygen Level-Dependent Variability and Functional Connectivity in Parkinson's Disease and Healthy Aging

Both functional connectivity (FC) and blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signal variability (SD BOLD ) are methods that are used for examining the physiological state of the brain. Although they are derived from signal changes and are related, a few studies have explored their relationship. Here, we examined the relationship between SD BOLD and FC within the default mode network (DMN) in healthy aging participants and those with Parkinson’s disease (PD) ON and OFF dopaminergic medications. Dopaminergic medications had profound effects on both DMN FC and SD BOLD measured separately in PD. Analyzing DMN FC and SD BOLD in a joint independent component analysis, we identiﬁed joint components of DMN FC and SD BOLD that were separately associated with measurements of motor and cognitive impairment in PD and qualitatively similar to those in healthy aging. Dopaminergic medications had a differential effect on these components depending on these measures of disease severity, ‘‘normalizing’’ the relationships. Importantly, we show that dopaminergic medication status matters in imaging PD, and it can affect both connectivity and SD BOLD . Imaging PD ON may lead to inﬂated estimates of SD BOLD and diminish the ability to measure changes associated with declining motor and cognitive capacities. of the DMN changes in the natural DMN connectivity, higher precuneus/PCC SD BOLD , and greater anterior DMN connectivity and occipital SD BOLD being associated with greater Although there is no dose effect, levodopa and other PD medications
Image sharpening in the JPEG domain

We present a new technique for sharpening compressed images in the discrete-cosine-transform domain. For images compressed using the JPEG standard, image sharpening is achieved by suitably scaling each element of the encoding quantization table to enhance the high-frequency characteristics of the image. The modified version of the encoding table is then transmitted in lieu of the original. Experimental results with scanned images show improved text and image quality with no additional computation cost and without affecting compressibility.
Methyl jasmonate induced accumulation of biologically active phenolic compounds in cell cultures of Emex spinosa (L.) Campd. Emex spinosa (L.) Campd hücre kültürlerinde biyolojik aktif fenolik bileşiklerin metil jasmonatla uyarilmiş birikimleri

SUMMARY BACKGROUND: Cell suspension cultures were established from the aerial parts of Emex spinosa cultivated on MS medium. METHODS: The changes in cells weight and phenolics content (anthraquinones and flavonoids) were followed between day zero and 12. The effect of methyl jasmonate on their production was studied. RESULTS: The linear increase in fresh weights was found to be parallel to both anthraquinones and flavonoids production. Cell suspension cultures treated with 100ml methyl jasmonate showed a significant increase in level of both anthraquinones and flavonoids. The enhancements of phenolics were: 7 fold in chrysophanol, 10 fold in physcion, 15 fold in aloe-emodin, 9 fold in aloe-emodin-8-O-glucoside, 6 fold in emodin-8-O-glucoside, 17 fold in kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside and 11 fold in quercetin-3-O-rutinoside (rutin).
Synthesis of time-stratigraphic relationships and their impact on hydrocarbon reservoir distribution and performance, Bridport Sand Formation, Wessex Basin, UK

Abstract The Lower Jurassic Bridport Sand Formation records net deposition in the Wessex Basin, southern UK of a low-energy, siliciclastic shoreface that was dominated by storm-event beds reworked by bioturbation. Shoreface sandstones dip at 2–3° to define (subaerial? ) clinoforms that pass distally into a near-horizontal platform, and then steepen again to form steep (2–3°) subaqueous clinoforms in the underlying Down Cliff Clay Member. The overall morphology indicates mud-dominated clinoforms of compound geometry. Compound clinoforms are grouped into progradational sets whose stacking reflects tectonic subsidence and sediment dispersal patterns, and also controls basin-scale reservoir distribution and diachroneity of the formation. Each shoreface clinoform set consists of an upward-shallowing succession that is several tens of metres thick with a laterally continuous mudstone interval at its base. The successions are punctuated by calcite-cemented concretionary layers of varying lateral continuity, which formed along bioclastic lags at the base of storm-event beds. Concretionary layers thus represent short periods of rapid sediment accumulation, while their distribution likely results from variations in storm-wave climate, relative sea-level, and/or sediment availability. The distribution of impermeable mudstone intervals that bound each clinoform set and concretionary layers along clinoform surfaces controls oil drainage in the Bridport Sand Formation reservoir.
Structural testing of tectonic hypotheses by field-based analysis of distributed tangential shear: examples from major high-strain zones in the Grenville Province and other parts of the southern Canadian Shield,

The Grenville Province and other parts of the Canadian Shield contain major (>100 km long) high-strain zones, also called shear belts or ductile shear zones, that are hosted by heterogeneously deformed gneisses and schists. In well-exposed segments of three nontabular zones whose dip angle is known locally, at the erosion level and (or) in the shallow subsurface, we investigate the tangential shear strain (better called the tangential unit shear or TUS) without assuming that mineral-shape lineations, common varieties of stretching lineations, are effectively parallel to the local TUS direction. Employing a graphic technique that copes with the geometric conditions of general triaxial strain, we approximate the actual direction and find the sense of local TUS in parts of (i) the Parry Sound shear zone, Grenville Province; (ii) the South Range shear zone, Southern Province; and (iii) the Uchi  English River subprovince boundary zone, Superior Province. Information thus obtained for individual high-strain z.
Spatial scale of land‐use impacts on riverine drinking source water quality

Drinking water purveyors are increasingly relying on land conservation and management to ensure the safety of the water that they provide to consumers. To cost‐effectively implement any such landscape initiatives, resources must be targeted to the appropriate spatial scale to address quality impairments of concern in a cost‐effective manner. Using data gathered from 40 Canadian rivers across four ecozones, we examined the spatial scales at which land use was most closely associated with drinking source water quality metrics. Exploratory linear mixed‐effects models accounting for climatic, hydrological, and physiographic variation among sites suggested that different spatial areas of land‐use influence drinking source water quality depending on the parameter and season investigated. Escherichia coli spatial variability was only associated with land use at a local (5–10 km) spatial scale. Turbidity measures exhibited a complex association with land use, suggesting that the land‐use areas of greatest influence can range from a 1 km subcatchment to the entire watershed depending on the season. Total organic carbon concentrations were only associated with land use characterized at the entire watershed scale. The Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment Water Quality Index was used to calculate a composite measure of seasonal drinking source water quality but did not provide additional information beyond the analyses of individual parameters. These results suggest that entire watershed management is required to safeguard drinking water sources with more focused efforts at targeted spatial scales to reduce specific risk parameters.
The Ganges basin geometry records a pre-15 Ma isostatic rebound of Himalaya

7 The Tertiary continental strata of the Himalayan foreland basin are subdivided in two 8 groups, but the meaning of this subdivision was previously unclear. From the analysis of drill-9 holes, seismic lines, dated sections, field outcrops and balanced cross-sections, we find that the 10 southward migration rate of the deposition pinch-out of the younger group is 19 ± 5 mm/yr and 11 equals the Himalayan shortening rate. This equality shows that the flexural foreland basin 12 development is mainly controlled by the motion of the thrust load. The long-term pinch-out 13 migration rate was slower for the older syn-orogenic group. Erosion locally occurred at the end 14 of its deposition, due to tectonic reactivation of lineaments of the Indian shield. We suggest that 15 this change in the basin development is linked to the detachment of the subducted Indian 16 lithosphere that decreased the slab pull and increased the mean compressive stress within the 17 Indian plate, whereas the plate motion remained constant. The most important implication of our 18 work is that the associated isostatic rebound could increase the Himalayan elevation prior 15 Ma.
SIG ET TÉLÉDÉTECTION POUR L'ÉTUDE DE L'ENSABLEMENT DANS UNE ZONE ARIDE : LE CAS DE LA WILAYA DE NAÂMA (ALGÉRIE).

En Algerie, pres de 20 millions d'hectares sont menaces par l'erosion eolienne. Depuis longtemps, le phenomene de l'erosion eolienne et ses effets nefastes sur le milieu naturel et l'environnement, constituent un serieux probleme, surtout dans les zones arides du pays. Ces dernieres annees, suite a l'exploitation irrationnelle des ressources naturelles (fourrageres) et a la mise en culture des terres fragiles (defrichement) ce processus s'est particulierement accentue. L'ampleur de la degradation dans la zone aride de la wilaya de Naâma a engendre une situation nouvelle caracterisee par la reduction du couvert vegetal, la diminution de la production ainsi que l'extension de l'ensablement rapide sur les zones mises en valeur. A travers cette etude, nous avons essaye de montrer d'une part, le potentiel de l'utilisation de la teledetection et du systeme d'information geographique pour la caracterisation de l'etat de l'occupation du sol et son evolution spatio-temporelle a partir des traitements effectues sur une serie d'images satellitaires de Landsat de differentes dates (1972, 1987 et 2002). D'autre part, de mettre a la disposition des utilisateurs potentiels et des decideurs les informations sur l'etat de l'environnement et les ressources naturelles de ces zones, via la mise en place d'un prototype integre dans un systeme d'information geographique. Le prototype ainsi developpe est base sur le principe du double prototypage. Le systeme sera un outil d'aide a la decision, utile pour la gestion des phenomenes naturels, et plus particulierement la degradation des sols et l'ensablement des terres de la wilaya de Naâma.