Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Synchrotron radiation computed tomography versus conventional computed tomography for assessment of four types of stent grafts used for endovascular treatment of thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Background To determine the accuracy of synchrotron radiation computed tomography (CT) for measurement of stent wire diameters for in vitro simulation of endovascular aneurysm repair by four different types of stent grafts when compared to conventional CT images. Methods This study was performed using an aorta model with implantation of four aortic stent grafts for endovascular treatment of thoracoabdominal and abdominal aortic aneurysms. The aorta model was scanned using synchrotron radiation CT with beam energies ranging from 60 to 90 keV with 10 keV increment at each scan and spatial resolution of 41.6 µm per pixel. Stent wire diameters were measured at the top and body regions of each stent graft based on 2-dimensional (2D) axial and 3-dimensional (3D) reconstruction images, with measurements compared to those obtained from 128-slice CT images which were acquired with slice thickness of 0.5 mm. Results Synchrotron radiation CT images clearly demonstrated stent graft details with accurate assessment of stent wire diameters, with measurements at the top of stent grafts (between 0.32±0.02 and 0.47±0.02 mm) similar to the actual diameters (between 0.32±0.01 and 0.48±0.01 mm) when the beam energies of 70 and 80 keV were used, regardless of the types of stent grafts assessed. A beam energy of 60 keV resulted in stent wires thicker than the actual sizes, although this did not reach statistical significance (P=0.07-0.29), while the beam energy of 90 keV led to stent wires smaller than the actual sizes at the top (P=0.16) and body region (P=0.02) of stent grafts on 2D axial images. The stent wire sizes measured at the body region of stent grafts on 3D synchrotron radiation images (between 0.19±0.02 and 0.43±0.02 mm) were significantly smaller than the actual diameters (P=0.02-0.04). Stent wires were overestimated on conventional CT images with diameters more than 2-fold larger than the actual sizes (P=0.007-0.03) at both top and body regions of all four stent grafts. Conclusions This study further confirms the accuracy of high-resolution synchrotron radiation CT in image visualization and size measurement of different aortic stent grafts with measured wire diameters similar to the actual ones, thus allowing for more accurate assessment of stent wire details for endovascular repair of aortic aneurysms.
Platform-based service innovation and system design: research opportunities

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore research opportunities for service innovation and system design in network platforms by investigating representative case examples in an emerging market, China. Design/methodology/approach The authors provide four case examples to illustrate the manner in which network platforms facilitate and lead to service innovation and effective system design. Then, the authors propose nine research directions that present significant research opportunities, and the authors make theoretical and methodological suggestions. Findings The results indicate that research opportunities exist mainly in three areas: ecosystem design and evolution, including role design, coherence and sustainability issues; leader–participant collaboration, including governance, co-opetition and innovation stimulation issues; and transformation of traditional industries, including process informatization, modularization and standardization issues. Originality/value This study extends the platform-related literature by showing new platform features represented by case evidence from emerging economies, and provides recommendations to guide and direct management practices and efforts in platform-based service innovation and system design.
Effect of the phase of force production on corticomuscular coherence with agonist and antagonist muscles

During isometric contractions, the net joint torque stability is modulated with the force production phases, i.e., increasing (IFP), holding (HFP), and decreasing force (DFP) phases. It was hypothesized that this modulation results from an altered cortical control of agonist and antagonist muscle activations. Eleven healthy participants performed 50 submaximal isometric ankle plantar flexion contractions. The force production phase effect (IFP, HFP and DFP) was assessed on the net joint torque stability, agonist and antagonist muscles activations, cortical activation, and corticomuscular coherence (CMC) with agonist and antagonist muscles. In comparison to HFP, the net joint torque stability, the agonist muscles activation and the CMC with agonist muscles were lower during IFP and even more during DFP. Antagonist muscle activations, cortical activations and CMC with antagonist muscles were higher during HFP than during IFP only. Increased CMC with agonist and antagonist muscles appeared to enhance the fine motor control. At a cortical level, agonist and antagonist muscle activations seemed to be controlled independently according to their muscle function and the phase of force production. Results revealed that CMC was an adequate measure to investigate the cortical regulation of agonist and antagonist muscle activations. This may have potential applications for patients with altered muscle activations.
Transcriptomic Analysis of Oryza sativa Leaves Reveals Key Changes in Response to Magnaporthe oryzae MSP1

Rice blast disease, caused by Magnaporthe oryzae, results in an extensive loss of rice productivity. Previously, we identified a novel M. oryzae secreted protein, termed MSP1 which causes cell death and pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP)-triggered immune (PTI) responses in rice. Here, we report the transcriptome profile of MSP1-induced response in rice, which led to the identification of 21,619 genes, among which 4,386 showed significant changes (P < 0.05 and fold change > 2 or < 1/2) in response to exogenous MSP1 treatment. Functional annotation of differentially regulated genes showed that the suppressed genes were deeply associated with photosynthesis, secondary metabolism, lipid synthesis, and protein synthesis, while the induced genes were involved in lipid degradation, protein degradation, and signaling. Moreover, expression of genes encoding receptor-like kinases, MAPKs, WRKYs, hormone signaling proteins and pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins were also induced by MSP1. Mapping these differentially expressed genes onto various pathways revealed critical information about the MSP1-triggered responses, providing new insights into the molecular mechanism and components of MSP1-triggered PTI responses in rice.
Peak Power Output and Onset of Muscle Activation During High Pull Exercise.

Barnes, MJ, Petterson, A, and Cochrane, DJ. Peak power output and onset of muscle activation during high pull exercise. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2018-The aim of this study was to determine the percentage of 1 repetition maximum (1RM) at which peak power output occurred during the high pull (HP) exercise. In addition, the onset time of the biceps femoris (BF) and gluteus maximus (GM), across a range of loads, was investigated. Twelve resistance-trained men performed 1RM testing for the HP followed by lifts at 10% increments from 30 to 80% 1RM. During each load of power, output was measured using a linear potentiometer, whereas surface electromyography was recorded from the BF and GM. Peak power output occurred at 70% (1881.9 ± 296.1 W); however, there was no significant difference between loads at 60-80% (all p > 0.05). Loads between 40 and 80% 1RM produced significantly higher power outputs than 30% while 80% generated greater power than 100% 1RM (all p < 0.05). There was no significant (p > 0.05) main effect of muscle or load in the onset of BF (156.5-212.1 ms) or GM (112.1-158.1 ms). Therefore, these results suggest that training at a load between 60 and 80% 1RM may be useful in increasing power in the HP. In addition, activation of 2 of the hip extensors occurs in a relatively synchronous order irrespective of load.
Smoking susceptibility as a predictive measure of cigarette and e-cigarette use among early adolescents.

OBJECTIVE To assess the validity of a standard measure of smoking susceptibility for predicting cigarette and e-cigarette use in a sample of early adolescents in Argentina and Mexico. MATERIALS AND METHODS A school-based longitudinal survey was conducted in 2014-16 among secondary students. We analyzed students who were never smokers of regular cigarettes or e-cigarettes at baseline and who completed both surveys. The main independent variable was smoking susceptibility. Multilevel logistic regression models were used, adjusting for sociodemographic and personal variables, social network use of cigarettes and exposure to advertising. RESULTS In the adjusted analysis, smoking susceptibility independently predicted cigarette initiation (Argentina: AOR 2.28; 95%CI 1.66-3.14; Mexico: AOR 2.07; 95%CI 1.74-2.45) and current smoking (Argentina: AOR 3.61; 95%CI 2.48-5.24; Mexico: AOR 1.69; 95%CI 1.29-2.22); however, it only predicted e-cigarette initiation in Mexico (Mexico: AOR 1.29; 95%CI 1.02-1.63). CONCLUSIONS Smoking susceptibility was a valid measure to predict future cigarette smoking in this sample.
Semiautomatic construction of 3D medical image-segmentation processes

We describe a GUI-based system called INTERSEG that can define 3D radiological image-segmentation processes. Using INTERSEG's GUI interface, the user first defines interactively some problem cues, which specify a segmentation task. Then, INTERSEG uses the cues to automatically construct a process for the task. The process consists of automatic image-processing operations, such as image enhancement, image segmentation, shape analysis, and measurement. With other systems the user must resort to trial- and-error experimentation to construct such processes.
When did fun become so much work: The impact of social media invasiveness on continued social media use

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the negative impact the invasive nature of social media technologies (SMTs) can have on a user’s continued intention to use it. Design/methodology/approach In order to understand the impact technology invasiveness (TI) has on people’s continued SMT behavior, a research model and corresponding survey were developed based on a comprehensive literature review and data collected from actual SMT users. Findings The authors found perceived usefulness has a large impact on user’s attitudes. Additionally, social networking (SN) has a significant and direct impact on both attitude toward the use of the SMT and its continued use. Another interesting finding is how strongly SN increases a user’s TI. The negative impact technology has on users’ lives comes from the need users feel to continue to update and manage their online persona. Practical implications Social media tools are becoming part of the workplace environment. If not careful, companies may introduce increased pressures on their workers to constantly be “connected” to SMTs. In order to obtain the advantages of SMT usage, companies would be wise to set expectation standards that alleviate some of this pressure. Social implications This growth in social media would lead one to assume that all is well with SMTs and their usage is similar to other web-based technologies. However, there are some negative effects of SMT that warrant society and companies pausing to rethink the focus on these technologies. Originality/value Previous research has looked at IT from system success and acceptance. In this paper, we investigate the negative impact the invasive nature of SMTs can have on a user’s continued intention to use it.
Local filtering and global optimization methods for 3-D magnetic-resonance angiography image enhancement

In this presentation, we discuss the visualization of cerebral blood vessels in 3-D MR angiography images. Two techniques for an improved visualization are investigated: 3-D non- linear morphological filters that enhance the contrast of blood-vessel-like structures and a global stochastic optimization framework incorporating shape constraints. The resulting filtered images are combined into a novel hybrid volume rendering visualization method for the integrated viewing of brain structures and cerebral vasculature.
SNAP-tagged nanobodies enable reversible optical control of a G protein-coupled receptor via a remotely tethered photoswitchable ligand

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) mediate the transduction of extracellular signals into complex intracellular responses. Despite their ubiquitous roles in physiological processes and as drug targets for a wide range of disorders, the precise mechanisms of GPCR function at the molecular, cellular, and systems levels remain partially understood. In order to dissect the function of individual receptors subtypes with high spatiotemporal precision, various optogenetic and photopharmacological approaches have been reported that use the power of light for receptor activation and deactivation. Here, we introduce a novel and, to date, most remote way of applying photoswitchable orthogonally remotely-tethered ligands (PORTLs) by using a SNAP-tag fused nanobody. Our nanobody-photoswitch conjugates (NPCs) can be used to target a GFP-fused metabotropic glutamate receptor by either gene-free application of purified complexes or co-expression of genetically encoded nanobodies to yield robust, reversible control of agonist binding and subsequent downstream activation. By harboring and combining the selectivity and flexibility of both nanobodies and self-labelling enzymes, we set the stage for targeting endogenous receptors in vivo.
STK405759 as a combination therapy with bortezomib or dexamethasone, in in vitro and in vivo multiple myeloma models

Multiple myeloma (MM) remains an incurable hematological malignancy. Combination regimens of conventional and novel drugs have improved patient’s survival. However, most patients inevitably relapse and become refractory to the current therapeutic armamentarium. We investigated the efficacy of combining the microtubule-targeting agent STK405759 with dexamethasone or bortezomib in vitro and in vivo. STK405759 combined with dexamethasone or bortezomib had synergistic cytotoxic activity in RPMIS, CAG and MM1.S human MM cell lines through activation of caspase 2, 3, 8, 9 and PARP. These treatments remained cytotoxic in the presence of bone marrow stroma cells. In other MM cells, including cells resistant to vincristine, melphalan, mitoxantrone or dexamethasone, these combinations decreased significantly survival as compared to single agents. In in vivo studies, STK405759 disrupted existing blood vessels in xenograft tumors, acting not only as a cytotoxic agent but also as an anti-angiogenic drug. Mice treated with STK405759 in combination with dexamethasone or bortezomib resulted in greater tumor growth inhibition, increased overall response and prolonged survival as compared to as compared to BTZ or DEXA alone. Their anticancer activity was mediated by activation of apoptosis and reduction of tumor microvessel density. These preclinical studies provide the rationale for future clinical trials of STK405759, dexamethasone and bortezomib combinations to improve the outcome of multiple myeloma patients.
Studying Word Equations by a Method of Weighted Frequencies

We briefly survey some results and open problems on word equations, especially on those equations where the right-hand side is a power of a variable. We discuss a method that was recently used to prove one of the results, and we prove improved versions of some lemmas that are related to the method and can be used as tools when studying word equations. We use the method and the tools to give new, simple proofs for several old results.
Research on Quantitative Relationship between Body Design Parameters of Residential Buildings and Energy Saving in Cold Regions

The research on quantitative relationship between design parameters of residential buildings and energy saving conducted in the paper is to update and correct the previous related research results and is the supplement and perfection of the building energy-saving design. The effect of length and width and height of building on energy saving in cold area under all-weather conditions especially when considering the effect of solar radiation on the building energy consumption are carried out. And the change trend of building energy consumption with design variables, the influence of the variables on the energy consumption and the quantitative relations with energy consumption are obtained using statistical method, providing a basis for further theoretical and experimental research. Keyword Building energy-saving, Body design parameters, Energy consumption simulation, Quantitative relation.
Tomlinson-Harashima Precoding-Aided Multi-Antenna Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access

In this paper, Tomlinson-Harashima Precoding (THP) is considered for multi-user multiple-input single-output (MU-MISO) non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) donwlink. Under the hierarchical structure in which multiple clusters each with two users are formed and served in the spatial domain and users in each cluster are served in the power domain, THP is applied to eliminate the inter-cluster interference (ICI) to the strong users and enlarge the dimension of the beam design space for mitigation of ICI to weak users as compared to conventional zero-forcing (ZF) inter-cluster beamforming. With the enlarged beam design space, two beam design algorithms for THP-aided MISO-NOMA are proposed. The first is a greedy sequential beam design with user scheduling, and the second is the joint beam redesign and power allocation. The two design problems lead to non-convex optimization problems. An efficient algorithm is proposed to solve the non-convex optimization problems based on successive convex approximation (SCA). Numerical results show that the proposed user scheduling and two beam design methods based on THP yield noticeable gain over existing methods.
THE EFFECTS OF KINETIN AND NAPHTHALENEACETIC ACID ON IN VITRO SHOOT MULTIPLICATION AND ROOTING IN THE FISHTAIL FERN.

This study is concerned with the determination of the shoot and root inducing effects of kinetin (K) and naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) on shoots ofthe fishtail fern (Nephrolepisfalcata formafurcans) in sterile tissue culture. The data shows that K is the major factor involved in maximal shoot production. The NAA is not essential. Specific concentrations ofNAA must be present with specific concentrations of K for maximal root production. At the same time, the data also demonstrate that shoots on media containing no NAA but with K concentrations of 5 × 10-7 and 10-6 M produced as many roots as with any other NAA concentration. The data can be used as a guide to rapid commercial propagation of fishtail fern, and demonstrate that media available commercially for Boston fern multiplication will induce maximal shoot production in fishtail fern.
Early Detection of Oral Cancer- Dentists’ Knowledge and Practices in the United Arab Emirates

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, opinions and practices of dentists regarding early detection of oral cancer in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a simple random sampling technique with a self-reported questionnaire applied to 298 dentists, working in private and public sectors in three cities (Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah) in the UAE. Dentists’ knowledge about risk factors and diagnostic concepts of oral cancer, current practices and opinions as well as interest in continuing education programs were assessed. Results: The dentists, aged 23-65 years, were generally aware of the major risk factors most likely associated with oral cancer. Thirty percent of the participants identified the tongue as the most common site on which oral cancer develops. The best known clinical presentation of oral cancer identified by the respondents was a persistent ulcer (87.6 %). Only thirty dentists (9.9%) were comfortable in performing a biopsy in their clinic. Less than half (48.0%) had attended a continuing education course on oral cancer within the past 5 years. The majority of the participants (84.9%) felt that they needed further training on oral cancer detection. Conclusion: The findings of the present study identified several deficiencies in the knowledge of dentists working in the UAE with regard to early detection of oral cancer. Some changes to dental educational and training could be made to improve the confidence and ability of dentists in this regard.
Sleep Mode Detection for Smart TV using Face and Motion Detection

Sleep mode detection is a significant power management and green computing feature. However, it is difficult for televisions and smart TVs to detect deactivation events because we can use these devices without the assistance of an input device. In this paper, we propose a robust method for smart TVs to detect deactivation events based on a visual combination of face and motion detection. The results of experiments conducted indicate that the proposed method significantly reduces incorrect face detection and human absence by means of motion detection. The results also show that the proposed method is robust and effective for smart TVs to reduce power consumption.
A review of cervical spine MRI in ALS patients

Rationale. In recent years, significant advances have been made on the subject of MRI examination techniques, which have opened new avenues of research regarding the spinal involvement in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Objective. Our objective was to compile and analyze the available literature data, concerning the MRI of the cervical spine in ALS, detailing the metrics and their significance in diagnosis and follow-up. Methods and results. We have conducted an extensive search on the subject using literature data published over the last fifteen years, correlating it with our own experience. In ALS, there is a permanent interest in developing new biomarkers that might be sensitive to spatial and temporal patterns of neurodegeneration, which will permit early diagnosis and hopefully lead to new therapeutic approaches. Both diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and spinal cord morphometry (especially spinal atrophy) reflect different aspects of the disease and correlate with clinical deterioration. Newer approaches like inhomogeneous magnetization transfer (ihMTR) and multiparametric analysis seem to have better sensitivity, are more appropriate for follow-up, and lend themselves to prognostic conclusions. Discussion. We conclude that MRI is a constantly expanding field, a unique non-invasive tool with immense potential in evaluating the in vivo evolution of the neurodegenerative ALS process, both structurally and functionally, with high hopes for the future. Abbreviations: ALS - amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, UMN - upper motor neuron, LMN - lower motor neuron, EMG – electromyography, CST - cortico-spinal tract, FLAIR – fluid-attenuated inversion recovery, MND - motor neuron disease, DTI - Diffusion tensor imaging, FA - fractional anisotropy, MD - mean diffusivity, ihMTR - inhomogeneous magnetization transfer, fMRI - functional MRI