Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Risk assessment of hepatocellular carcinoma and liver‐related events using ultrasonography and transient elastography in patients with chronic hepatitis B

Cirrhosis has prognostic value. We investigated whether the combined use of ultrasonography (US) and transient elastography (TE) to diagnose cirrhosis is beneficial for the risk assessment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver‐related events in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). A total of 9300 patients with CHB who underwent US and TE in two institutions between 2006 and 2018 were enrolled. TE value ≥13 kPa was set to indicate cirrhosis. Patients were divided into four groups: US(+)TE(+) (cirrhosis by US and TE), US(+)TE(−) (cirrhosis by US, but not by TE), US(−)TE(+) (cirrhosis by TE, but not by US) and US(−)TE(−) (non‐cirrhosis by US and TE). The patients were predominantly male (n = 5474, 58.9%) with a mean age of 47.5 years. The proportions of patients with cirrhosis diagnosed by US and TE were 17.2% (n = 1595) and 13.2% (n = 1225), respectively. The proportion of patients with discordant results in diagnosing cirrhosis by US and TE was 18.7% (n = 1740). During follow‐up (median: 60.0 months), HCC and liver‐related events developed in 481 (5.2%) and 759 (8.2%) patients, respectively. The cumulative incidence rates of HCC and liver‐related events were highest in the US(+)TE(+) group, intermediate‐high in the US(−)TE(+) group, intermediate‐low in the US(+)TE(−) group and lowest in the US(−)TE(−) group (overall p < .001). Cirrhosis assessed using US and TE was a major predictor of HCC and liver‐related event development in patients with CHB. Cirrhosis assessed using TE seemed better in predicting HCC or liver‐related events than using US, when cirrhosis diagnosis was discordant by US and TE.
Urinary liver-type fatty acid-binding protein variation as a predictive value of short-term mortality in intensive care unit patients

Abstract Background Predicting the prognosis of intensive care unit (ICU) patients is crucial because it may lead to patient stratification that would in turn help in appropriately distributing limited medical resources. This study, therefore, aimed to investigate the use of the urinary liver-type fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) semi-quantitative kit in rapidly predicting the prognosis of patients admitted to the ICU. Methods We conducted a single-center, prospective, observational study wherein 100 consecutive patients admitted to the ICU with an indwelling bladder catheter were enrolled between April and October 2020. Urine specimens were collected at the time of admission (T1) and after 6 h (T2), and urinary L-FABP levels were semi-quantitatively measured. Based on the results, an L-FABP variation was defined as the change in L-FABP (negative, weakly positive, or strongly positive) from T1 to T2. Patients were divided into three groups (L-FABP decreased group, unchanged group, or increased group), following which we compared their 14-day mortality. Results Finally, a total of 79 patients were included in the analysis. In multivariate analysis, urinary L-FABP variation [Odds ratio (OR) = 14.327, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.819–112.868, p = 0.01] and lactate (OR = 1.234, 95%CI = 1.060–1.437, p = 0.01) were significantly associated with 14-day mortality. Conclusion Urinary L-FABP variation at 6 h after admission was significantly associated with 14-day mortality.
The Value of 3 Tesla Field Strength for Musculoskeletal Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Abstract Musculoskeletal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a careful negotiation between spatial, temporal, and contrast resolution, which builds the foundation for diagnostic performance and value. Many aspects of musculoskeletal MRI can improve the image quality and increase the acquisition speed; however, 3.0-T field strength has the highest impact within the current diagnostic range. In addition to the favorable attributes of 3.0-T field strength translating into high temporal, spatial, and contrast resolution, many 3.0-T MRI systems yield additional gains through high-performance gradients systems and radiofrequency pulse transmission technology, advanced multichannel receiver technology, and high-end surface coils. Compared with 1.5 T, 3.0-T MRI systems yield approximately 2-fold higher signal-to-noise ratios, enabling 4 times faster data acquisition or double the matrix size. Clinically, 3.0-T field strength translates into markedly higher scan efficiency, better image quality, more accurate visualization of small anatomic structures and abnormalities, and the ability to offer high-end applications, such as quantitative MRI and magnetic resonance neurography. Challenges of 3.0-T MRI include higher magnetic susceptibility, chemical shift, dielectric effects, and higher radiofrequency energy deposition, which can be managed successfully. The higher total cost of ownership of 3.0-T MRI systems can be offset by shorter musculoskeletal MRI examinations, higher-quality examinations, and utilization of advanced MRI techniques, which then can achieve higher gains and value than lower field systems. We provide a practice-focused review of the value of 3.0-T field strength for musculoskeletal MRI, practical solutions to challenges, and illustrations of a wide spectrum of gainful clinical applications.
Cooccurring Activities of Two Autotrophic Pathways in Symbionts of the Hydrothermal Vent Tubeworm Riftia pachyptila

Previous to this study, the activities of the rCAC and CBB in R. pachyptila had largely been inferred from “omics” studies of R. pachyptila without direct assessment of in situ conditions prior to collection. In this study, R. pachyptila was maintained and monitored in high-pressure aquaria prior to measuring its CO2 fixation parameters. ABSTRACT Genome and proteome data predict the presence of both the reductive citric acid cycle (rCAC; also called the reductive tricarboxylic acid cycle) and the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle (CBB) in “Candidatus Endoriftia persephonae,” the autotrophic sulfur-oxidizing bacterial endosymbiont from the giant hydrothermal vent tubeworm Riftia pachyptila. We tested whether these cycles were differentially induced by sulfide supply, since the synthesis of biosynthetic intermediates by the rCAC is less energetically expensive than that by the CBB. R. pachyptila was incubated under in situ conditions in high-pressure aquaria under low (28 to 40 μmol · h−1) or high (180 to 276 μmol · h−1) rates of sulfide supply. Symbiont-bearing trophosome samples excised from R. pachyptila maintained under the two conditions were capable of similar rates of CO2 fixation. Activities of the rCAC enzyme ATP-dependent citrate lyase (ACL) and the CBB enzyme 1,3-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RubisCO) did not differ between the two conditions, although transcript abundances for ATP-dependent citrate lyase were 4- to 5-fold higher under low-sulfide conditions. δ13C values of internal dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) pools were varied and did not correlate with sulfide supply rate. In samples taken from freshly collected R. pachyptila, δ13C values of lipids fell between those collected for organisms using either the rCAC or the CBB exclusively. These observations are consistent with cooccurring activities of the rCAC and the CBB in this symbiosis. IMPORTANCE Previous to this study, the activities of the rCAC and CBB in R. pachyptila had largely been inferred from “omics” studies of R. pachyptila without direct assessment of in situ conditions prior to collection. In this study, R. pachyptila was maintained and monitored in high-pressure aquaria prior to measuring its CO2 fixation parameters. Results suggest that ranges in sulfide concentrations similar to those experienced in situ do not exert a strong influence on the relative activities of the rCAC and the CBB. This observation highlights the importance of further study of this symbiosis and other organisms with multiple CO2-fixing pathways, which recent genomics and biochemical studies suggest are likely to be more prevalent than anticipated.
Deregulation of mitochondrial sirtuins and OGG1-2a acts as a prognostic and diagnostic biomarker in leukemia.

Purpose: The present study was planned to explore the expression variations of mitochondrial sirtuins and the mitochondrial DNA repair enzyme OGG1-2a in leukemia patients. Oxidative stress and deacetylation levels of leukemia patients were measured in the present study. Methods: A total of 200 leukemia patients along with 200 healthy controls were evaluated using quantitative PCR, 8OXOG assay and deacetylation assay. Results: Significant deregulation of SIRT3 (p < 0.0001), SIRT4 (p < 0.0001), SIRT5 (p < 0.0001), Ki-67 (p < 0.0001) and OGG1-2a (p < 0.0001) was detected in patients versus controls. Survival analysis showed that deregulation of said genes was associated with decreased survival of leukemia patients (SIRT3: p < 0.004; SIRT4: p < 0.0009; SIRT5: p < 0.0001; OGG1-2a: p < 0.03). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis confirmed the diagnostic values of selected genes in leukemia patients. Levels of 8OXOG adducts were measured, and significantly increased 8OXOG adduct levels were observed in patients versus controls. Conclusion: These data suggest that deregulation of SIRT3, SIRT4, SIRT5 and OGG1-2a acts as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in leukemia.
Effects of barrier perch access and early dietary protein and energy dilution on some welfare parameters, tibiotarsus measurements, fear and mobility level in broiler chickens

ABSTRACT 1. This experiment determined the effect of increasing mobility in broiler chickens by placing barrier perches between feeders and drinkers. In addition, the limitation of early weight gain by dietary energy and protein dilution on some welfare parameters, tibiotarsus measurements, fear and mobility level was examined. 2. A total of 504 male, one-day-old broiler chickens (Ross 308) were randomly allocated to four treatments with three replicate pens per treatment and 42 broiler chickens per pen as a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Treatments included feeding the basal control diet between 0–42 days or a diet diluted by 10% energy and 20% crude protein fed between 0–21 d, with the control diet fed between 22–42 d. The second factor was the presence or absence of barrier perches. All treatments were allocated as a completely randomised design. Welfare parameters (foot pad dermatitis, hock burn, gait score, feather score, breast blister), tibiotarsus measurements (bone mineral content, bone mineral density, fluctuating asymmetry and relative fluctuating asymmetry), tonic immobility and mobility level were recorded. 3. Results showed that access to a barrier perch and the diluted diet increased the mobility in broiler chickens. However, access to a barrier perch had no significant effect on tibiotarsus and welfare parameters. Broiler chickens had better gait scores (P < 0.05) and lower foot pad dermatitis incidence (P < 0.01) in groups fed the diluted diet. The diluted diet had no significant effect on bone mineral density but reduced the tibiotarsus bone mineral content (P < 0.05). 4. In conclusion, the diluted diet provided positive effects in terms of leg health due to weight gain limitations in the early period, thus improving broiler chicken welfare.
Hybrid Particle Swarm Optimization and Ant Colony Optimization Technique for the Optimal Design of Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers

Abstract Owing to the wide utilization of shell and tube heat exchangers (STHEs) in industrial processes, their cost minimization is an important target for both designers and users. Traditional design approaches are based on iterative procedures which gradually change the design and geometric parameters until satisfying a given heat duty and set of geometric and operational constraints. Although well proven, this kind of approach is time-consuming and may not lead to cost-effective design. The present study explores the use of non-traditional optimization technique called hybrid particle swarm optimization (PSO) and ant colony optimization (ACO), for design optimization of STHEs from economic point of view. The PSO applies for global optimization and ant colony approach is employed to update positions of particles to attain rapidly the feasible solution space. ACO works as a local search, wherein ants apply pheromone-guided mechanism to update the positions found by the particles in the earlier stage. The optimization procedure involves the selection of the major geometric parameters such as tube diameters, tube length, baffle spacing, number of tube passes, tube layout, type of head, baffle cut, etc. and minimization of total annual cost is considered as design target. The methodology takes into account the geometric and operational constraints typically recommended by design codes. Three different case studies are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and accuracy of proposed algorithm. The examples analyzed show that the hybrid PSO and ACO algorithm provides a valuable tool for optimal design of heat exchanger. The hybrid PSO and ACO approach is able to reduce the total cost of heat exchanger as compare to cost obtained by previously reported genetic algorithm (GA) approach. The result comparisons with particle swarm optimizer and other optimization algorithms (GA) demonstrate the effectiveness of the presented method.
Provision of mental health services for people with disabilities in the Philippines amid coronavirus outbreak

Abstract The confirmed cases in the Philippines breached the 578, 381 mark, while global cases reached 114, 710, 514 as of March 01, 2021. As the COVID-19 escalates, it also heightens stress, depression, and anxiety to people with disabilities. COVID-19 also exacerbates healthcare inequalities, and people with disabilities experienced elevated healthcare difficulties as their health essentials are neglected during the emergency. Hence, this article calls on the need for the provision of mental health services for people with disabilities, and for the governments to have a rights-based disability lens in their policy decision-making relative to emergency health response and recovery health plans. More research is needed to examine the impact of the COVID-19 to the mental health conditions of people with disabilities and the health services they receive during the crisis and post-pandemic.
Evaluation of a Behavioral Self-care Intervention Administered through a Massive Open Online Course

ABSTRACT Background: Previous research reported the effectiveness of a curriculum-based self-care intervention for students administered in the context of a course on behavior change. Purpose: The study evaluated the effectiveness of the self-care intervention for learners in a publicly available massive open online course (MOOC), who completed the course during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Participants were 216 learners enrolled in Coursera’s Health Behavior Change – From Evidence to Action in March 2020 – January 2021. The intervention consisted of behavior change assignments designed to increase health-promoting behaviors within three domains (nutrition, physical activity, and mental health). Course assignments were to apply behavioral principles to modify health behaviors. Outcomes included measures of physical wellbeing, depression, anxiety, perceived stress, and self-efficacy. Results: Health promotion behaviors and measures of physical and mental health showed significant improvements over the course of the semester. Discussion: The study provides support for the effectiveness of a brief self-care intervention for learners in a publicly available MOOC. Translation to Health Education Practice: This publicly available intervention can support learner well-being in a variety of academic programs, community, or workplace settings.
The Treatment of Privacy in Professional Codes of Ethics: An International Survey

Privacy is a major issue within libraries; however, the general concept of privacy varies across culture, context, and era. To understand what libraries mean when they discuss privacy, this article looks at the codes of ethics from 70 international library associations to find references to privacy. Using a content analysis, several themes emerge as issues that should be considered and asserted when approaching privacy concerns in the library.
Quality control of radiomic features using 3D-printed CT phantoms

Abstract. Purpose: The lack of standardization in quantitative radiomic measures of tumors seen on computed tomography (CT) scans is generally recognized as an unresolved issue. To develop reliable clinical applications, radiomics must be robust across different CT scan modes, protocols, software, and systems. We demonstrate how custom-designed phantoms, imprinted with human-derived patterns, can provide a straightforward approach to validating longitudinally stable radiomic signature values in a clinical setting. Approach: Described herein is a prototype process to design an anatomically informed 3D-printed radiomic phantom. We used a multimaterial, ultra-high-resolution 3D printer with voxel printing capabilities. Multiple tissue regions of interest (ROIs), from four pancreas tumors, one lung tumor, and a liver background, were extracted from digital imaging and communication in medicine (DICOM) CT exam files and were merged together to develop a multipurpose, circular radiomic phantom (18 cm diameter and 4 cm width). The phantom was scanned 30 times using standard clinical CT protocols to test repeatability. Features that have been found to be prognostic for various diseases were then investigated for their repeatability and reproducibility across different CT scan modes. Results: The structural similarity index between the segment used from the patients’ DICOM image and the phantom CT scan was 0.71. The coefficient variation for all assessed radiomic features was <1.0 % across 30 repeat scans of the phantom. The percent deviation (pDV) from the baseline value, which was the mean feature value determined from repeat scans, increased with the application of the lung convolution kernel, changes to the voxel size, and increases in the image noise. Gray level co-occurrence features, contrast, dissimilarity, and entropy were particularly affected by different scan modes, presenting with pDV > ± 15 % . Conclusions: Previously discovered prognostic and popular radiomic features are variable in practice and need to be interpreted with caution or excluded from clinical implementation. Voxel-based 3D printing can reproduce tissue morphology seen on CT exams. We believe that this is a flexible, yet practical, way to design custom phantoms to validate and compare radiomic metrics longitudinally, over time, and across systems.
AI-ForestWatch: semantic segmentation based end-to-end framework for forest estimation and change detection using multi-spectral remote sensing imagery

Abstract. Forest change detection is crucial for sustainable forest management. The changes in the forest area due to deforestation (such as wild fires or logging due to development activities) or afforestation alter the total forest area. Additionally, it impacts the available stock for commercial purposes, climate change due to carbon emissions, and biodiversity of the forest habitat estimations, which are essential for disaster management and policy making. In recent years, foresters have relied on hand-crafted features or bi-temporal change detection methods to detect change in the remote sensing imagery to estimate the forest area. Due to manual processing steps, these methods are fragile and prone to errors and can generate inaccurate (i.e., under or over) segmentation results. In contrast to traditional methods, we present AI-ForestWatch, an end to end framework for forest estimation and change analysis. The proposed approach uses deep convolution neural network-based semantic segmentation to process multi-spectral space-borne images to quantitatively monitor the forest cover change patterns by automatically extracting features from the dataset. Our analysis is completely data driven and has been performed using extended (with vegetation indices) Landsat-8 multi-spectral imagery from 2014 to 2020. As a case study, we estimated the forest area in 15 districts of Pakistan and generated forest change maps from 2014 to 2020, where major afforestation activity is carried out during this period. Our critical analysis shows an improvement of forest cover in 14 out of 15 districts. The AI-ForestWatch framework along with the associated dataset will be made public upon publication so that it can be adapted by other countries or regions.
FPGA accelerator for CNN: an exploration of the kernel structured sparsity and hybrid arithmetic computation

Abstract. The deployment of large-scale deep neural networks on field programmable gate array (FPGA) platforms is severely hindered by the high requirements on computational resources and off-chip data bandwidth. Traditional nonstructured sparsity algorithms can efficiently reduce the nonzero weights of neural network models. However, the nonstructured sparse connections across channels also degrade the degree of computational parallelism and consequently seriously deteriorate the performance of the FPGA accelerator. We propose an FPGA accelerator by exploring the kernel structured sparsity and hybrid arithmetic computation for the convolutional neural network (CNN). On the one hand, we introduce a hardware-friendly kernel pruning method to reduce the number of arithmetic operations of the CNN model. Our proposed method maintains high accuracy (achieving a less than 0.32% accuracy loss) and achieves a high degree of parallelism. On the other hand, we design a specific hybrid arithmetic computation for the FPGA accelerator to speed up the performance of the pruned CNN model. The FPGA accelerator consists of only 64 sets of hybrid 8-bit and 16-bit floating-point units for the convolution operation. Experiments on VGGNet16 demonstrate that the proposed FPGA accelerator achieves a state-of-the-art 5 × convolution operation reduction and a 3 × parameter compression. The proposed FPGA accelerator is able to perform at 13.2 FPS, and the corresponding energy efficiency can be boosted up to 1.9 image / J.
PHPRX: An Efficient Hash Table for Persistent Memory

Volatile media have dominated the realm of main memory on servers and desktop computers for decades. In 2019, Intel released the Optane Data Center Persistent Memory Module (DCPMM), which offers the capacity and persistence of block devices while providing the byte addressability and low latency of DRAM. These new memory modules allow programmers to develop data structures that can survive in main memory across crashes and power failures, without relying on secondary power sources such as batteries. This work presents the design of a persistent memory hash table data structure that incorporates several features to maximize efficiency: the locks for concurrency control are kept in volatile DRAM, an embedded memory allocator is used, a parallel table resize operation is implemented, and a mechanism is provided to incrementally expand the underlying memory-mapped file. We compare PHPRX experimentally against the Dash persistent memory hash table published recently by Lu et al., and demonstrate substantial speed-ups on an Intel Xeon server equipped with genuine Intel Optane DCPMM. Our performance advantage holds despite PHPRX using a space-efficient incremental approach to expanding the underlying memory-mapped file, as opposed to the much simpler static allocation approach used by Dash.