Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Kidneys Are Not All Normal: Investigating the Speckle Distributions of Transplanted Kidneys

Modelling ultrasound speckle has generated considerable interest for its ability to characterize tissue properties. As speckle is dependent on the underlying tissue architecture, modelling it may aid in tasks like segmentation or disease detection. However, for the transplanted kidney where ultrasound is commonly used to investigate dysfunction, it is currently unknown which statistical distribution best characterises such speckle. This is especially true for the regions of the transplanted kidney: the cortex, the medulla and the central echogenic complex. Furthermore, it is unclear how these distributions vary by patient variables such as age, sex, body mass index, primary disease, or donor type. These traits may inﬂuence speckle modelling given their inﬂuence on kidney anatomy. We are the ﬁrst to investigate these two aims. N=821 kidney transplant recipient B-mode images were automatically segmented into the cortex, medulla, and central echogenic complex using a neural network. Seven distinct probability distributions were ﬁtted to each region. The Rayleigh and Nakagami distributions had model parameters that diﬀered signiﬁcantly between the three regions ( p ≤ 0 . 05). While both had excellent goodness of ﬁt, the Nakagami had higher Kullbeck-Leibler divergence. Recipient age correlated weakly with scale in the cortex (Ω: ρ = 0.11, p = 0.004), while body mass index correlated weakly with shape in the medulla (m: ρ = 0.08, p = 0.04). Neither sex, primary disease, nor donor type demonstrated any correlation. We propose the Nakagami distribution be used to characterize transplanted kidneys regionally independent of disease etiology and most patient characteristics based on our ﬁndings. This study explores which statistical distribution best captures the diﬀerences in transplanted kidney regions, and how this may among diﬀerent patient as age, sex, and primary diagnosis of kidney disease. It uses data from 821 unique kidney transplant recipients at a single institution over the span of ﬁve years across several ultrasound machines and settings.
F3 Hand: A Versatile Robot Hand Inspired by Human Thumb and Index Fingers

It is challenging to grasp numerous objects with varying sizes and shapes with a single robot hand. To address this, we propose a new robot hand called the "F3 hand" inspired by the complex movements of human index finger and thumb. The F3 hand attempts to realize complex human-like grasping movements by combining a parallel motion finger and a rotational motion finger with an adaptive function. In order to confirm the performance of our hand, we attached it to a mobile manipulator - the Toyota Human Support Robot (HSR) and conducted grasping experiments. In our results, we show that it is able to grasp all YCB objects (82 in total), including washers with outer diameters as small as 6.4 mm. We also built a system for intuitive operation with a 3D mouse and grasp an additional 24 objects, including small toothpicks and paper clips and large pitchers and cracker boxes. The F3 hand is able to achieve a 98% success rate in grasping even under imprecise control and positional offsets. Furthermore, owing to the finger’s adaptive function, we demonstrate characteristics of the F3 hand that facilitate the grasping of soft objects such as strawberries in a desirable posture.
Design of optical voltage sensor based on electric field regulation and rotating isomerism electrode

Temperature, stress birefringence and low frequency vibration have a negative impact on the long-term operation instability of optical voltage sensors (OVS), resulting in large random and fluctuate errors in the output signal. In order to suppress the error, this paper developed a method based on electrical field modulation with high-speed rotating isomerism electrodes and the digital lock-in amplifier technology. This method can shift the frequency band of the measured signal to $2\text{kHz}$, avoiding the low-frequency $(< 50\text{Hz})$ interference from temperature drift, stress birefringence and vibration. The waveform of modulated signal is studied by coupling wave theory and finite element simulation method. And the Simulink results show that digital lock-in technology can suppress the large random interference.
Learning 3D Object Shape and Layout without 3D Supervision

A 3D scene consists of a set of objects, each with a shape and a layout giving their position in space. Understanding 3D scenes from 2D images is an important goal, with ap-plications in robotics and graphics. While there have been recent advances in predicting 3D shape and layout from a single image, most approaches rely on 3D ground truth for training which is expensive to collect at scale. We overcome these limitations and propose a method that learns to predict 3D shape and layout for objects without any ground truth shape or layout information: instead we rely on multi-view images with 2D supervision which can more easily be col-lected at scale. Through extensive experiments on ShapeNet, Hypersim, and ScanNet we demonstrate that our approach scales to large datasets of realistic images, and compares favorably to methods relying on 3D ground truth. On Hy-persim and ScanNet where reliable 3D ground truth is not available, our approach outperforms supervised approaches trained on smaller and less diverse datasets.11Project page https://gkioxari.github. io/usl/
Conformal Off-Policy Prediction

Off-policy evaluation is critical in a number of applications where new policies need to be evaluated offline before online deployment. Most existing methods focus on the expected return, define the target parameter through averaging and provide a point estimator only. In this paper, we develop a novel procedure to produce reliable interval estimators for a target policy's return starting from any initial state. Our proposal accounts for the variability of the return around its expectation, focuses on the individual effect and offers valid uncertainty quantification. Our main idea lies in designing a pseudo policy that generates subsamples as if they were sampled from the target policy so that existing conformal prediction algorithms are applicable to prediction interval construction. Our methods are justified by theories, synthetic data and real data from short-video platforms.
Nowcasting the Portuguese GDP with Monthly Data

In this article, we present a method to forecast the Portuguese gross domestic product (GDP) in each current quarter ( nowcasting ). It combines bridge equations of the real GDP on readily available monthly data like the Economic Sentiment Indicator (ESI), industrial production index, cement sales or exports and imports, with forecasts for the jagged missing values computed with the well-known Hodrick and Prescott (HP) ﬁlter. As shown, this simple multivariate approach can perform as well as a Targeted Diﬀusion Index (TDI) model and slightly better than the univariate Theta method in terms of out-of-sample mean errors.
FreeTransfer-X: Safe and Label-Free Cross-Lingual Transfer from Off-the-Shelf Models

Cross-lingual transfer (CLT) is of various applications. However, labeled cross-lingual corpus is expensive or even inaccessible, especially in the fields where labels are private, such as diagnostic results of symptoms in medicine and user profiles in business. Nevertheless, there are off-the-shelf models in these sensitive fields. Instead of pursuing the original labels, a workaround for CLT is to transfer knowledge from the off-the-shelf models without labels. To this end, we define a novel CLT problem named FreeTransfer-X that aims to achieve knowledge transfer from the off-the-shelf models in rich-resource languages. To address the problem, we propose a 2-step knowledge distillation (KD, Hinton et al., 2015) framework based on multilingual pre-trained language models (mPLM). The significant improvement over strong neural machine translation (NMT) baselines demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed method. In addition to reducing annotation cost and protecting private labels, the proposed method is compatible with different networks and easy to be deployed. Finally, a range of analyses indicate the great potential of the proposed method.
Rbf-Fd Discretization of the Navier-Stokes Equations Using Staggered Nodes

A semi-implicit fractional-step method that uses a staggered node layout and radial basis function-ﬁnite di ﬀ erences (RBF-FD) to solve the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations is developed. Polyharmonic splines (PHS) with polynomial augmentation (PHS + poly) are used to construct the global di ﬀ erentiation matrices. A systematic parameter study identiﬁes a combination of stencil size, PHS exponent, and polynomial degree that minimizes the truncation error for a wave-like test function on scattered nodes. Classical modiﬁed wavenumber analysis is extended to RBF-FDs on heterogeneous node distributions and used to conﬁrm that the accuracy of the selected 28-point stencil is comparable to that of spectral-like, 6th-order Pad´e-type ﬁnite di ﬀ erences. The Navier-Stokes solver is demonstrated on two benchmark problems, internal ﬂow in a lid-driven cavity in the Reynolds number regime 10 2 ≤ Re ≤ 10 4 , and open ﬂow around a cylinder at Re = 100 and 200. The combination of grid staggering and careful parameter selection facilitates accurate and stable simulations at signiﬁcantly lower resolutions than previously reported, using more compact RBF-FD stencils, without special treatment near solid walls, and without the need for hyperviscosity or other means of regularization.
OPTH_A_254152 3475..3480

1Ein-Tal Eye Center, Tel Aviv, Israel; 2Center for Applied Eye Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Meir Medical Center, Affiliated with the Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Kfar Saba, Israel; 3National Healthcare Group Eye Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore Introduction: To determine if intraoperative manual centration of the intraocular lens (IOL) during cataract surgery results in better early post-operative centration. It is common practice for cataract surgeons to align intraocular lens centration to the visual axis by manual intraoperative manipulation of the intraocular lens. We aim to compare post-operative intraocular lens centration between intraocular lenses that were allowed spontaneous positioning in the capsular bag and IOLs that were manually centred during implantation. Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty-five consecutive eyes that underwent either femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) or phacoemulsification and IOL (monofocal/toric/multifocal) implantation by a single surgeon were included. Post-operative IOL centration at 4 weeks was assessed and measured on a slit-lamp by a masked observer. Results: A total of 17 (13.6%) IOLs were off-centered to some extent at 4 weeks postoperatively. All the decentered IOLs were graded as minimal or mild (<0.5mm) decentration. There was no statistically significant difference in the proportion of decentered IOLs between the manual centration group and non-centration group (p = 0.59). Conclusion: The final position of the IOL is not dependent on manual centration but rather on the design and symmetry of the IOL, as well as the integrity of the capsular bag.
JCB_201408118 1..13

The Rockefeller University Press $30.00 J. Cell Biol. Vol. 209 No. 2 247–259 www.jcb. org/cgi/doi/10.1083/jcb.201408118 JCB 247 Correspondence to Hong-Guo Yu: hyu@bio.fsu. edu P. Li’s present address is Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310018, China. Abbreviations used in this paper: RFP, red fluorescent protein; SC, synthetic complete; SPB, spindle pole body; TAP, tandem affinity purification. Introduction
Simultaneous Sensing cum Actuating DC Motor

—This work aims to develop a new measurement method to monitor the speed, velocity, and mechanical impedance of a DC motor platform without using conventional sensors. A back-drivable DC motor platform is developed which uses the motor as sensor cum actuator. The sensor cum actuator determines the mechanical impedance of the moving load. By calibrating the Transduction Matrix of the DC motor the angular velocity and torque load of the motor can be measured via measuring the motor’s electrical impedance. The method is validated by measuring mechanical impedance of an out center linear spring that generates dynamically changing impedance.
Symmetric and Asymmetric influence of Exchange Rate Fluctuations on the Money Demand in Malaysia: New Evidence from Non Linear ARDL Approach

Preceding investigations on the effects of exchange rate on money demand has assumed a linear relationship between exchange rate and money demand thereby estimating a linear models. This study adopted the Shin et al. (2014) Nonlinear ARDL model to investigate the asymmetric effects of exchange rate on money demand for Malaysia. Annual data for money supply, GDP, interest rate and exchange rate for the period 1975 to 2016 were employed. The results show that Malaysian Ringgit depreciation and appreciation exerts an asymmetric effects on the money demand over both short run and long run period. The implication is that the effect of exchange rate fluctuations on money demand is more through the expectations channels rather than the wealth effect. Keywords— Asymmetric effect, money demand, Nonlinear ARDL, Malaysia
The assessment of a new cockpit colour concept using the Occlusion Method

The first vehicle cockpit colour concepts were developed based on the light used in submarine vehicles. This was primarily because operators were not typically exposed to external light sources and operated under the scotopic visual range. Red lighting was used as it does not disrupt dark adaptation. Based on this, many automobile companies developed their night time concepts in red. However, when driving in an urban setting at night or twilight, the lighting level is described as mesopic. Because of this, a white cockpit colour concept becomes a viable option. In this study, two colour concepts were compared under mesopic vision conditions. The main objective was to assess whether both concepts yielded similar results in terms of interpretability, readability, and differentiability of information. For the experiment, 30 participants performed an occlusion task. A cockpit display with a speedometer in either colour appeared. The cockpit was presented for different duration times to simulate short glances at the speedometer. Statistical tests were performed to examine global response accuracy and mean accuracy for particular presentation times. No significant differences were found. In sum, this paper confirms that a white concept shows no disadvantages relative to a red concept under mesopic lighting conditions.
Impact of Cigarettes Smoking on Undergraduates’ Lung Health and Functional Performance: Observational Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Cigarettes Smoking is a major social and global health problem. Cigarette smoking continues to be a major contributor to deteriorated health status across different age categories. Clarifying the impact of the cigarette smoking on young adults’ lungs health and functional aspects can serve eliminating further deterioration in health status and establishing proper management regimens. This study aimed to investigate the impact of cigarette smoking on lung health (age and functions) and functional performance in the university smoker students. Methods: One hundred and Thirty eligible volunteer, current smoker students participated in this study to objectively evaluate their pulmonary functions (including forced vital capacity “FVC”, forced expiratory volume in one second “FEV1”, FEV1/FVC, peak expiratory flow rate “PEFr”), lung age and functional performance (via the 6-minutes’ walk test “6MWT”) and compare “the observed” with “the predicted normal” mean values. Data were analyzed via SPSS program using the student t-test. Results: There were significant differences (P < 0.05) between the “observed” and the “predicted normal” FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEFr, lung age, and the 6MWT mean values. The “observed” and the “predicted normal” FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEFr, lung age and the 6MWT mean values were [(4.47 ± 0.53, 4.77 ± 0.5 liter), (3.95 ± 0.42, 4.08 ± 0.4 liter), (88.74 ± 7.17, 85.59 ± 4.91%), (550.75 ± 114.96, 572.72 ± 53.02 liter/minute), (32.77 ± 9.44, 21.55 ± 1.37 year), (387.06 ± 56.47, 466.82 ± 18.45 meter)], respectively. Conclusions: Cigarette smoking negatively impacts the lung age, functions, and functional performance of the university smoker students; the concept that can be used to encourage prevention and early smoking cessation.
Development of a Nomogram for Estimating the Risk of Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Background Patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are more likely to develop left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD). Although lifestyle adjustments contribute to the improvement of NAFLD, thereby delaying or even preventing LVDD progression, it is difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle, resulting in a higher incidence of LVDD in NAFLD patients. Objective This study aims to develop a nomogram for assessing the risk of LVDD progression in NAFLD patients to increase their adherence to therapeutic interventions and adjust their treatment regimens timely. Methods A total of 148 medical records of NAFLD patients were retrospectively analyzed. Sixty-three were assigned to the LVDD+ group and 85 were assigned to the LVDD- group. The independent correlates of LVDD, which were screened via least absolute shrinkage and selection operator logistic regression model first, followed by multivariate Logistic regression model, constituted the nomogram to determine the likelihood of LVDD in NAFLD patients. Results Number of comorbidities, glycosylated hemoglobin, and epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) volume index were independent correlates of LVDD (all P < 0.05). They served as components in the newly developed nomogram. It obtained significant clinical benefit in detecting NAFLD patients at the risk of LVDD progression, with satisfied discrimination and calibration. Conclusion We developed a nomogram for identifying NAFLD patients with a normal diastolic function who are at risk of LVDD progression, thus contributing to effective prevention of LVDD progression.
Needs Assessment for Climate Information on Decadal Timescales and Longer

Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires,Argentina Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Plymouth, United Kingdom University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana International Research Institute for Climate and Society (IRI)/Columbia University, Palisades, United States Monash University, Victoria, Australia f Voeikov Main Geophysical Observatory, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya Electricite de France, Paris, France Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Honolulu, United States Universidad Nacional de Colombia at Medellin, Medellín, Colombia Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Avignon, France National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, United States
Characterisation of the key-aroma compounds among the volatile constituents in different hemp strains (Cannabis sativa L.)

The key-aroma compounds and the volatile constituents of the flowers of three different industrial hemp varieties (KC Virtus, Felina 32 and Santhica 70) grown during a field study in Switzerland, have been analysed by means of Gas ChromatographyOlfactometry (GC-O) and Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) in fresh flower samples at different time points of plant growth. The GC-O analysis revealed 33 different odour-active compounds, whereas most of these compounds were detectable in all three hemp cultivars, with different odour intensities. Not only terpenes but also compounds from other substance classes were detected as odour-active constituents. The GC-MS analysis of the terpene constitution in the same samples revealed cultivar-specific differences among the main volatile constituents. Furthermore, changes in the terpene profile could be observed during plant growth. Overall, it could be shown that the flowers of industrial hemp varieties can be regarded as a valuable source of aroma compounds for future food and beverage applications.
Financial Valuation of Distributed Solar Resources in Texas using Electrified Transportation Hubs as a Case Study

1 Financial Valuation of Distributed Solar Resources in Texas using Electrified Transportation Hubs as a Case Study James Sean Corcoran∗1,2, Christopher Matos1,3, Ariane Beck3, and Varun Rai3,4 1Jackson School of Geosciences, The University of Texas at Austin 2McCombs School of Business, The University of Texas at Austin 3LBJ School of Public Affairs, The University of Texas at Austin 4Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin
A matrix model for type 0 strings

A matrix model for type 0 strings is proposed. It consists in making a non-supersymmetric orbifold projection in the Yang-Mills theory and identifying the infrared configurations of the system at infinite coupling with strings. The correct partition function is calculated. Also, the usual spectrum of branes is found. Both type A and B models are constructed. The model in a torus contains all the degrees of freedom and interpolates between the four string theories (IIA, IIB, 0A, 0B) and the M-theory as different limits are taken.
Removal of Cu and Zn from aqueous medium using ionic polyacrylamides

The wastewater produced by the galvanoplasty industryis a serious environmental problem due to the high concentrations of heavy metals. In this study polymers were used in ionic flocculation to treat synthetic wastewater containing metals, applying four types of polyacrylamides with different ionic loads as agents to remove copper and zinc. Metal removal efficiency was assessed considering the influence of polymer concentration, ionic load and pH. Selectivity (Cu/Zn) at different polymer concentrations was also evaluated. The results confirm that polyacrylamide is efficient in treating wastewater containing heavy metals. These experiments exhibited removal efficiency of around 40% and pH= 4,5; however, efficiency was more than 80% with pH= 7.0 under the same conditions, when polyacrylamides with average ionicity were used.