Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Approach for Refocusing of Ground Moving Target Without Target Motion Parameter Estimation

In synthetic aperture radar (SAR), long integration time may induce range migration and Doppler frequency migration of a received signal, which may degrade the SAR imaging performance of ground moving targets. Most of the conventional algorithms deal with the problems of range migration and Doppler frequency migration based on parameter searching. However, the exhaustive searching of target motion parameters may result in heavy computational burden. To avoid this problem, this paper proposes a new imaging method for ground moving targets without target motion parameter estimation. First, Keystone transform is applied to correct the range walk. Second, range curvature is compensated by the matched filtering function. Third, Doppler frequency migration is compensated via multiplying the data in range- and azimuth-time domains by its reversed conjugate data according to the equal interval sampling of the azimuth slow time, which avoids the searching procedure for target motion parameter estimation. Finally, the signal energy will be well accumulated in the range-Doppler domain, and thus, the moving targets can be efficiently recognized in the focused image. The major advantage of the proposed method is that it can obtain well-focused images of all targets in one processing step without target motion parameter estimation; thus, it is computationally efficient. Both simulated and real data processing results are used to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Clinical significance of soluble CD30 antigen in the sera of patients with untreated Hodgkin's disease.

The soluble form of the CD30 antigen (sCD30), an 88-kd glycoprotein that is released by Hodgkin's-derived cell lines in vitro, can be detected in patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma, adult (HTLV-1+) T-cell leukemia, rare cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and acute infectious mononucleosis (anti-EBV-IgM+). In a prospective study of 90 consecutive untreated patients with newly diagnosed Hodgkin's disease who were treated according to the protocols of the German Hodgkin Study group, 22% had detectable levels of sCD30 in their serum. sCD30 was only detected in patients with B symptoms (20 of 44 or 45%), and maximum sCD30 levels (88 U/mL) were found in stage IVB. Of 87 patients evaluable for response, sCD30+ patients had significantly lower rates of complete remission (9 of 20 or 45% v 60 of 67 or 90%; P less than .001) and higher rates of progressive disease (9 of 20 or 45% v 6 of 67 or 9%; P less than .001) than CD30+ patients. Similarly, freedom from treatment failure curves were significantly worse for CD30+ patients (P = .0003). sCD30 disappeared after successful treatment, but increased in patients with progressive disease. It was never detected in patients in complete remission or in healthy controls. We conclude that sCD30 is a valuable marker for disease activity and has prognostic significance in Hodgkin's disease.
Echocardiographic assessment of hemodynamic changes produced by two methods of inducing fluid deficit in dogs.

BACKGROUND Hydration status is important to the cardiovascular system because of its effects on preload. Decreased preload can alter echocardiographic measurements of systolic and diastolic function, potentially confounding interpretation of results. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES Mild fluid deficits are associated with measurable echocardiographic changes that are validated by physical and biochemical markers of decreased intravascular volume. ANIMALS Twenty-five healthy staff/student-owned dogs with no evidence of cardiac or renal disease. METHODS Prospective, interventional laboratory study. Dogs were randomly assigned to water deprivation (WD) alone for 8 hours (n = 13) or to furosemide treatment (FTx, 2.5mg/kg IV) followed by WD for 8 hours (n = 12). Echocardiograms, biochemical sampling, and physical parameters were measured at baseline, and after 4 and 8 hours. RESULTS Both protocols induced fluid deficit as indicated by significant (P < .00001) decreases in weight at 4 hours (WD, 1.1%; FTx, 3.7%) and 8 hours (WD, 2.7%; FTx, 4.5%). Furosemide significantly decreased left ventricular end-diastolic volume (54.3 +/- 19.3-42.1 +/- 17.3 mL, P < .0001), cardiac index (4.2 +/- 1.1-2.9 +/- 0.9 L/min/M2, P < .0001), and mitral valve E wave velocity (0.79 +/- 0.2-0.66 +/- 0.2 m/s, P = .0004). These changes were accompanied by significant increases in blood urea nitrogen concentration (13.8 +/- 2.6-14.8 +/- 2.7 mg/dL, P = .04), vasopressin concentration (1.4 +/- 1.2-3.3 +/- 1.9 pg/mL, P = .045), and PCV (49.8 +/- 4.5-53.2 +/- 6.5%, P = .006). Effects of water deprivation alone were similar, but less pronounced. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Mild fluid deficits have measurable hemodynamic effects in dogs. Hydration status should be considered when evaluating cardiac function by echocardiogram.
Percutaneous absorption of azelaic acid in humans

Abstract Six healthy male volunteers received a single topical treatment with 5 g of an anti‐acne cream containing 20% azelaic acid (AzA) onto the face, the chest and the upper back. One week later 1 g of AzA was given orally to the same subjects as aqueous microcrystalline suspension. Following the two treatments the renal excretion of the unchanged compound was measured. Analysis included ether extraction of the urine, derivatization of extract and HPLC with UV detection. After topical application 2.2 ± 0.7%, and after oral administration 61.2 ± 8.8% of the dose had been excreted unchanged with the urine. By comparing both amounts, the percutaneous absorption of AzA from the cream was assessed to 3.6% of the dermally applied dose.
Role of Patient Information Handouts Following Operative Treatment of Ankle Fractures

Background: Widespread evidence exists for directed patient information interventions (eg, pamphlets) in the setting of several orthopaedic conditions and interventions. Up until now, no study had assessed the role of these interventions in the management of patients following ankle fractures. Methods: Between 2005 and 2007, 40 patients who suffered an operative ankle fracture were randomized to either a standard treatment group for an ankle fracture or an enhanced information group who received an American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ankle fracture information pamphlet that explained postoperative routine at our institution and a physiotherapy handout depicting a standard protocol. Study participants were followed for 3 months clinically and radiographically. At the 6-week and 3-month intervals, study participants completed the Olerud-Molander Questionnaire and 2 questions regarding their level of satisfaction. The primary outcome measure was the Likert-scale-based survey question determining the level of satisfaction with the treating staff. Results: Participants in the enhanced information group were more satisfied with treatment at 3 months (9.2 vs 6.3; P < .001). There were significant improvements in work/activity ability at 6 weeks (P = .01), but this advantage disappeared at 3 months (P = .24). No differences in postoperative complication rates were noted. Conclusions: Information enhancement in the form of pamphlets can be helpful in providing patients with accessible information in the postoperative period. While they do not seem to have a sustained impact on postoperative outcomes, handouts may enhance the interaction between staff and patient at postoperative visits, improving patient satisfaction. Level of Evidence: Level I, appropriately powered randomized prospective cohort study.
The involvement of nitric oxide in the anti‐Candida albicans activity of rat neutrophils

Rat peritoneal neutrophils (PMN) spontaneously release nitric oxide (NO) when incubated in vitro. Addition of the NO synthase inhibitor L‐monomethylarginine (L‐NMMA) to the PMN reduces NO production and impairs the killing of the yeast Candida albicans, both effects being reversed by L‐arginine. These data strongly suggest that oxidative metabolism of L‐arginine by PMN is involved in the candidacidal activity of these cells. Rat blood PMN, which do not produce significant amounts of NO, exhibit a reduced killing capacity compared with peritoneal cells, except when they are obtained from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐treated rats. In this case they produce measurable amounts of nitrite and express high fungicidal activity in vitro. Confirming the candidacidal activity of NO, the exposure of the C. albicans cultures to different concentrations of NO donors leads to a reduction in their survival. The candidacidal activity related to the NO pathway in rat PMN is phagocytosis dependent, since the activity can be inhibited by cytochalasin B. However, the oxidative products of oxygen released by rat PMN do not seem to be involved in their candidacidal activity, as incubation of the cells with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) increases release of superoxide anion but does not affect the pattern of killing. Our results suggest that NO could be an important candidacidal pathway in rat neutrophils.
An energy efficient grid based routing in mobile sink based wireless sensor networks

Wireless sensor network is a popular and an emerging area of research for scientists. The network consists of a large number of devices called as sensor nodes or motes which are deployed over a particular area or region. Each node is well equipped with energy so as to interact actively in a network and participate in a data exchange over networks. The nodes in a network can be static or dynamic and they can send their data to a base station called as sink node. The mobility of a base station node will help effectively in optimizing energy efficiency and to increase lifetime of a network. A Grid based approach makes the division of entire sensor network field into several numbers of clusters also called as cells. A cluster head is chosen among each cluster which will be responsible in making an optimal path so as to communicate with mobile base station node. As the sink node is moving along the sensor field the route will be automatically updated which will require only minimum number of motes to update their packet delivery path towards sink node. The sink node can be moved with variable speed to add more flexibility in a network. Also, the participating nodes can send the data with variable transmission data rates so as to increase the lifetime of a network. We propose these two parameters so as to make the existing communication more efficient and flexible.
Modulation of gap junctions by nitric oxide contributes to the anti‐arrhythmic effect of sodium nitroprusside?

Background and purpose: Nitric oxide (NO) donors provide a preconditioning‐like anti‐arrhythmic protection in the anaesthetized dog. As NO may modulate gap junction (GJ) function, the present study investigated whether this anti‐arrhythmic effect is due to a modification of GJs by NO, derived from the NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP).
Monthly brain magnetic resonance imaging scans in patients with clinically isolated syndrome

We investigated if monthly gadolinium (Gd)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can assist the clinician in anticipating the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the very first few months following a clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). A consecutive series of CIS patients with ≥ 3 T2-weighted (T2W) hyperintense brain MRI lesions suggestive of MS were followed up for the first six consecutive months after enrollment with monthly triple-dose Gd-enhanced brain MRI scan. MRI conversion to MS was defined by the presence of either ≥ 1 new Gd-enhancing lesion or ≥ 1 new T2W lesions in the subsequent MRI scan. Sixty patients were included. Of them, 30 (50%) had at least one Gd-enhancing lesion on the baseline MRI scan. After three months, MRI conversion to MS was observed in 80% and 62% of patients based on the appearance of ≥ 1 new T2 lesion and ≥ 1 new Gd-enhancing lesions, respectively. The presence of ≥ 1 new T2W lesion was observed in 90% and 82% of patients who had, at baseline, a Gd-positive MRI scan and dissemination in space based on the new McDonald’s criteria, respectively. The rate of MRI conversion remained almost stable in the last two MRI scans. Our study suggests that the majority of CIS patients with an abnormal baseline scan showed an MRI conversion to MS after three months. The model of six months as the optimal interval for repeating MRI exam is not supported by the present data.
A Comparative Efficacy of Amitriptyline, Gabapentin, and Pregabalin in Neuropathic Cancer Pain

Neuropathic pain is difficult to diagnose and difficult to treat with certainty. So the aim of the study was to evaluate comparative clinical efficacy of pregabaline with amitriptyline and gabapentin in neuropathic cancer pain. A total of 120 patients with cancer having severe neuropathic cancer pain were enrolled in the study after taking approval from Institutional Ethics Committee and divided in to 4 groups: group AT—amitriptyline, group GB—gabapentin, group PG—pregabalin, and group PL—placebo. Oral morphine was used for rescue analgesic for continued pain. Pain score (Visual Analogue scale) and secondary outcome measures such as intensity of lancinating, dysesthesia, and burning on numerical rating scale, Global satisfaction score (GSS), Eastern Co-operative Oncology Group scoring (ECOG), and adverse effects were assessed. At the end of study there was significant decrease in pain score in group PG as compared to the other groups; group AT (P = .003), group GB (P = .042), and group PL (P = .024). Percentage of patients with lancinating pain and dysesthesia were significantly less in group PG as compared to groups GB and PL. All the patients in group PL needed rescue morphine. After 4 visits, maximum improvement in ECOG scoring and GSS scoring was observed in group PG patients. Our results suggested that all antineuropathic drugs are effective in relieving cancer-related neuropathic pain. There was statistically and clinically significant morphine sparing effect of pregabaline in relieving neuropathic cancer pain and neuropathic symptoms as compared to other antineuropathic drugs.
The History of the Cross Section of Stock Returns

Using data spanning the 20th century, we show that most accounting-based return anomalies are spurious. When examined out-of-sample by moving either backward or forward in time, anomalies' average returns decrease, and volatilities and correlations with other anomalies increase. The data-snooping problem is so severe that even the true asset pricing model is expected to be rejected when tested using in-sample data. Our results suggest that asset pricing models should be tested using out-of-sample data or, when not feasible, by whether a model is able to explain half of the in-sample alpha.
Green tea extract inhibits chemokine production, but up-regulates chemokine receptor expression, in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts and rat adjuvant-induced arthritis.

OBJECTIVE Evaluation of the efficacy of green tea extract (GTE) in regulating chemokine production and chemokine receptor expression in human RA synovial fibroblasts and rat adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA). METHODS Fibroblasts isolated from human RA synovium were used in the study. Regulated upon activation normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES)/CCL5, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1/CCL2, growth-regulated oncogene (GRO)alpha/CXCL1 and IL-8/CXCL8 production was measured by ELISA. Western blotting was used to study the phosphorylation of protein kinase C (PKC)delta and c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK). Chemokine and chemokine receptor expression was determined by quantitative RT-PCR. The benefit of GTE administration in rat AIA was determined. RESULTS GTE (2.5-40 microg/ml) inhibited IL-1beta-induced MCP-1/CCL2 (10 ng/ml), RANTES/CCL5, GROalpha/CXCL1 and IL-8/CXCL8 production in human RA synovial fibroblasts (P < 0.05). However, GTE inhibited MCP-1/CCL2 and GROalpha/CXCL1 mRNA synthesis in RA synovial fibroblasts. Furthermore, GTE also inhibited IL-1beta-induced phosphorylation of PKCdelta, the signalling pathway mediating IL-1beta-induced chemokine production. Interestingly, GTE preincubation enhanced constitutive and IL-1beta-induced CCR1, CCR2b, CCR5, CXCR1 and CXCR2 receptor expression. GTE administration (200 mg/kg/day p.o.) modestly ameliorated rat AIA, which was accompanied by a decrease in MCP-1/CCL2 and GROalpha/CXCL1 levels and enhanced CCR-1, -2, -5 and CXCR1 receptor expression in the joints of GTE administered rats. CONCLUSIONS Chemokine receptor overexpression with reduced chemokine production by GTE may be one potential mechanism to limit the overall inflammation and joint destruction in RA.
CHOROIDAL FINDINGS IN THE COURSE OF IDIOPATHIC SEROUS PIGMENT EPITHELIUM DETACHMENT DETECTED BY INDOCYANINE GREEN VIDEOANGIOGRAPHY

Purpose: To analyze the choroidal alterations associated with idiopathic serous pigment epithelium detachment. Methods: Twenty‐five consecutive patients affected by idiopathic serous pigment epithelium detachment underwent ophthalmoscopy, fluorescein angiography, and indocyanine green videoangiography. Results: On indocyanine green videoangiography an early, complete, and homogeneous filling of the pigment epithelium detachment was always observed. In the late phases, the indocyanine green pattern depended on the size of the detachment. An idiopathic serous pigment epithelium detachment larger than the diameter of one optic disk was still hyperfluorescent in the late phases of indocyanine green videoangiography and was surrounded by a ring of brighter hyperfluorescence. An idiopathic serous pigment epithelium detachment smaller than the diameter of one optic disk usually could be visualized in the late phases as a hypofluorescent area surrounded by a hyperfluorescent ring. In 30 eyes (83.3%), choroidal hyperpermeability was observed. An irregular dilatation of the choroidal veins at the site or within an area the size of one disk diameter from the detachments could be visualized on indocyanine green videoangiography in 12 of 36 affected eyes (33.3%); in three cases an active focus of central serous chorioretinopathy with subretinal leakage developed in the follow‐up period. Conclusion: The observation that pigment epithelium detachments frequently are associated with choroidal leakage and venous dilatation supports the hypothesis that an idiopathic serous pigment epithelium detachment is a variant of central serous chorioretinopathy. Moreover, the choroidal permeability alterations detected by indocyanine green videoangiography would support the theory of Gass that idiopathic serous pigment epithelium detachments could be caused by exudation of fluids from the choroidal vessels.
Necessary and sufficient conditions for quasiconvexity of a class of mixed-integer quadratic programs with applications in hybrid MPC

The paper derives necessary and sufficient conditions for quasiconvexity of piecewise quadratic functions. The conditions are stated in terms of linear inequalities which can be verified efficiently. To show the relevance of the result, the paper considers a class of hybrid MPC problems where the system model is piecewise affine and the control input is subject to constraints. Minimizing a quadratic cost results in a mixed integer quadratic program where the objective function is piecewise quadratic. Quasiconvexity can be determined using the result of the paper. The results of the present paper has potential to increase the applicability of hybrid model predictive control in high-speed control applications. In high speed applications, the only option has been to solve the mixed integer program explicitly and this quickly becomes intractable because of growing complexity. However, if the problem can be shown to be quasiconvex it opens up the possibility to use an efficient on-line approach. A hybrid MPC example is considered which is shown to be quasiconvex for a subset of the initial conditions.
Cell‐free DNA copy number variations in plasma from colorectal cancer patients

To evaluate the clinical utility of cell‐free DNA (cfDNA), we performed whole‐genome sequencing to systematically examine plasma cfDNA copy number variations (CNVs) in a cohort of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC, n = 80), polyps (n = 20), and healthy controls (n = 35). We initially compared cfDNA yield in 20 paired serum–plasma samples and observed significantly higher cfDNA concentration in serum (median = 81.20 ng, range 7.18–500 ng·mL−1) than in plasma (median = 5.09 ng, range 3.76–62.8 ng·mL−1) (P < 0.0001). However, tumor‐derived cfDNA content was significantly lower in serum than in matched plasma samples tested. With ~10 million reads per sample, the sequencing‐based copy number analysis showed common CNVs in multiple chromosomal regions, including amplifications on 1q, 8q, and 5q and deletions on 1p, 4q, 8p, 17p, 18q, and 22q. Copy number changes were also evident in genes critical to the cell cycle, DNA repair, and WNT signaling pathways. To evaluate whether cumulative copy number changes were associated with tumor stages, we calculated plasma genomic abnormality in colon cancer (PGA‐C) score by summing the most significant CNVs. The PGA‐C score showed predictive performance with an area under the curve from 0.54 to 0.84 for CRC stages I‐IV. Locus‐specific copy number analysis identified nine genomic regions where CNVs were significantly associated with survival in stage III‐IV CRC patients. A multivariate model using six of nine genomic regions demonstrated a significant association of high‐risk score with shorter survival (HR = 5.33, 95% CI = 6.76–94.44, P < 0.0001). Our study demonstrates the importance of using plasma (rather than serum) to test tumor‐related genomic variations. Plasma cfDNA‐based tests can capture tumor‐specific genetic changes and may provide a measurable classifier for assessing clinical outcomes in advanced CRC patients.
Non-market valuation in the economic analysis of natural hazards

Natural hazards have a wide range of impacts, including on factors that are normally unpriced because they are not bought and sold in markets. Key examples include impacts on human health, the environment, ecosystem services and other outcomes relevant to social welfare. Economists seek to quantify these impacts in financial-equivalent terms in order to be able to compare them with market impacts and include them in Benefit: Cost Analysis (BCA) of policies and strategies to mitigate risks. Estimating these so-called non-market values can be difficult. This paper reviews the methods available for doing so, presents a comprehensive list of the non-market values that might be affected by natural hazards and reviews the existing literature that estimates non-market values relevant to natural hazards. We find that there are few applications specifically in a natural hazard context. We conclude with a discussion on the limitations of non-market valuation in the natural hazard context.