Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transcranial magnetic stimulation

To assess possible persistent cerebral effects, we acquired EEG, measured serum prolactin, and administered cognitive and motor tests before and after transcranial magnetic stimulation of 30 healthy adults. We found no detrimental effects on EEG or test performance. A slight but statistically significant decline in serum prolactin lacked correlation with the extent of stimulation.
Real-time Query Expansion in Relevance Models

Automatic query expansion is well known as a technique that improves query effectiveness on average. Unfortunately, it is usually very slow, increasing the time to process a query by 20 times or more. In this study, we use relevance models to show how the process can be made almost as fast as running a non-expanded query.
Non-contact, automated cardiac pulse measurements using video imaging and blind source separation

: Remote measurements of the cardiac pulse can provide comfortable physiological assessment without electrodes. However, attempts so far are non-automated, susceptible to motion artifacts and typically expensive. In this paper, we introduce a new methodology that overcomes these problems. This novel approach can be applied to color video recordings of the human face and is based on automatic face tracking along with blind source separation of the color channels into independent components. Using Bland-Altman and correlation analysis, we compared the cardiac pulse rate extracted from videos recorded by a basic webcam to an FDA-approved finger blood volume pulse (BVP) sensor and achieved high accuracy and correlation even in the presence of movement artifacts. Furthermore, we applied this technique to perform heart rate measurements from three participants simultaneously. This is the first demonstration of a low-cost accurate video-based method for contact-free heart rate measurements that is automated, motion-tolerant and capable of performing concomitant measurements on more than one person at a time.
Optimal regular volume sampling

The classification of volumetric data sets as well as their rendering algorithms are typically based on the representation of the underlying grid. Grid structures based on a Cartesian lattice are the de-facto standard for regular representations of volumetric data. In this paper we introduce a more general concept of regular grids for the representation of volumetric data. We demonstrate that a specific type of regular lattice-the so-called body-centered cubic-is able to represent the same data set as a Cartesian grid to the same accuracy but with 29.3% fewer samples. This speeds up traditional volume rendering algorithms by the same ratio, which we demonstrate by adopting a splatting implementation for these new lattices. We investigate different filtering methods required for computing the normals on this lattice. The lattice representation results also in lossless compression ratios that are better than previously reported. Although other regular grid structures achieve the same sample efficiency, the body-centered cubic is particularly easy to use. The only assumption necessary is that the underlying volume is isotropic and band-limited-an assumption that is valid for most practical data sets.
Large-scale purification of recombinant human angiostatin.

A process for the purification of recombinant human angiostatin (rhAngiostatin), produced by Pichia pastoris fermentation operated at the 2000-L scale, is reported. rhAngiostatin was recovered and purified directly from crude fermentation broth by cation exchange expanded bed adsorption chromatography. Anion exchange chromatography, hydroxyapatite chromatography, and hydrophobic interaction chromatography were used for further purification. Full-length rhAngiostatin was separated from rhAngiostatin molecules fragmented by endoproteolysis. On average, 140 g of rhAngiostatin was produced per batch, with an overall yield of 59% (n = 9). The purification process was completed in approximately 48 h and used only inexpensive and nontoxic raw materials. Methods development, process synthesis, and process scale-up data are presented and discussed.
Methylation of DLEC1 Promoter Is a Predictor for Recurrence in Chinese Patients with Gastric Cancer

Purpose. To investigate promoter methylation in the deleted in lung and esophageal cancer 1 (DLEC1) gene in Chinese patients with gastric cancer. Methods. A total of 227 patients with gastric cancer were enrolled. The methylations of the promoter regions of DLEC1 and ACTB were determined using quantitative methylation-specific PCR. The DLEC1 methylation was compared to the clinicopathological variables of gastric cancer. Results. DLEC1 methylation was not associated with the clinicopathological variables of gastric cancer. Patients with DLEC1-hypermethylated gastric cancer had significantly higher recurrence rate than those with DLEC1-hypomethylated gastric cancer (P = 0.025; hazard ratio = 2.43). Conclusions. Methylation of DELC1 promoter may be a valuable predictor for recurrence in Chinese patients with gastric cancer.
The Tomato Wilt Fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici shares Common Ancestors with Nonpathogenic F. oxysporum isolated from Wild Tomatoes in the Peruvian Andes

Fusarium oxysporum is an ascomycetous fungus that is well-known as a soilborne plant pathogen. In addition, a large population of nonpathogenic F. oxysporum (NPF) inhabits various environmental niches, including the phytosphere. To obtain an insight into the origin of plant pathogenic F. oxysporum, we focused on the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and its pathogenic F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (FOL). We collected F. oxysporum from wild and transition Solanum spp. and modern cultivars of tomato in Chile, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, Afghanistan, Italy, and Japan, evaluated the fungal isolates for pathogenicity, VCG, mating type, and distribution of SIX genes related to the pathogenicity of FOL, and constructed phylogenies based on ribosomal DNA intergenic spacer sequences. All F. oxysporum isolates sampled were genetically more diverse than FOL. They were not pathogenic to the tomato and did not carry SIX genes. Certain NPF isolates including those from wild Solanum spp. in Peru were grouped in FOL clades, whereas most of the NPF isolates were not. Our results suggested that the population of NPF isolates in FOL clades gave rise to FOL by gaining pathogenicity.
Organ-related cigarette smoke-induced oxidative stress is strain-dependent.

BACKGROUND Cigarette smoke (CS) is associated with oxidative stress in several organs because it contains high concentrations of free radicals and reactive oxygen species. Experimental models, using different strains, provide important insights into the genetic basis of diseases. This study sought to identify, in different mouse strains, the organ that is most-susceptible to CS-induced oxidative stress to obtain an optimized experimental animal model of oxidative injury induced by CS. MATERIAL/METHODS Male Swiss, DBA/2, C3H, BALB/c, and C57BL/6 mice were exposed to CS 3 times a day (4 cigarettes per session) for 60 consecutive days. Control groups from the same strains were sham-treated. Protein content, malondialdehyde level, myeloperoxidase activity, and nitrite level were assayed in lung, liver, kidney, and brain from all strains. Catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities were measured. Analyses of data were done by using a 1-way ANOVA with Bonferroni's post-test (P<.05). RESULTS Cigarette smoke exposure resulted in distinct, organ-specific responses among strains. The survival rate of DBA/2 mice was lowest. BALB/c and C57BL/6 strains were more-susceptible to oxidative damage in the lung and liver. C3H and C57BL/6 mice were more-susceptible to oxidative damage in the brain. No renal oxidative damage was seen. CONCLUSIONS Mouse strains and individual organs display a range of susceptibilities to CS-induced oxidative stress. BALB/c and C57BL/6 strains appear to be the best choices as experimental models for studying CS effects on liver and lung, and C3H and C57BL/6 strains for CS-effects on the brain.
The interpersonal context of romantic autonomy in adolescence.

This study explored the interpersonal context of romantic autonomy in mid adolescence by examining within-relationship links with romantic intimacy and affiliation, links across relationships with mothers and friends, and individual differences due to age and gender. Two hundred and thirty adolescents in grades 9, 10 and 11 with a current romantic partner, completed self-report questionnaires assessing their relationships. The results indicated that romantic autonomy was positively linked to romantic intimacy and affiliation, although this link differed according to the duration of the romantic relationship. The results also indicated that romantic autonomy was higher among girls than boys. Finally, romantic autonomy was uniquely linked to intimacy and autonomy in both maternal and friend relationships. Overall, this study highlights the interconnection of intimacy and autonomy in romantic relationships and the interconnections across relationships.
Clinical evolution of autoimmune thyroiditis in children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND Few studies have addressed the clinical evolution of autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) occurring in childhood and scant data are available on the role of thyroid ultrasonography. We aimed to evaluate the natural history of AIT diagnosed in children and adolescents and to assess the possible prognostic role of ultrasonography. METHODS Retrospective case series prospectively followed up for a further 3-year period. RESULTS A series of 23 patients with AIT, diagnosed before 18 years of age from 1994 to 2004, was further followed up from 2005 to 2007 with clinical, laboratory, and ultrasound evaluation. Hypothyroid patients were treated with levothyroxine (LT(4)), while euthyroid patients were left untreated. Patients with subclinical hypothyroidism were also evaluated 40 days after LT(4) withdrawal. At diagnosis seven patients were euthyroid, 14 with subclinical hypothyroidism, and two with overt hypothyroidism. Median follow-up was 4.7 years. At last follow-up visit, none of the seven euthyroid patients had developed hypothyroidism. Three of the 14 patients with subclinical hypothyroidism recovered a normal thyroid function while only one patient showed an increase in TSH level. By serological screening we identified three patients with other autoimmune disorders. CONCLUSIONS In young patients with normal or mildly increased TSH levels and minimal echographic changes, AIT may remain stationary for years. In fact, patients with subclinical hypothyroidism recover a normal thyroid function in approximately 20% of cases. In patients with subclinical hypothyroidism and goiter, LT(4) therapy may induce thyroid size reduction. Screening for other autoimmune disorders is useful to identify patients that need further diagnostic assessment.
Structure Inference for Bayesian Multisensory Scene Understanding

We investigate a solution to the problem of multi-sensor scene understanding by formulating it in the framework of Bayesian model selection and structure inference. Humans robustly associate multimodal data as appropriate, but previous modelling work has focused largely on optimal fusion, leaving segregation unaccounted for and unexploited by machine perception systems. We illustrate a unifying, Bayesian solution to multi-sensor perception and tracking which accounts for both integration and segregation by explicit probabilistic reasoning about data association in a temporal context. Such explicit inference of multimodal data association is also of intrinsic interest for higher level understanding of multisensory data. We illustrate this using a probabilistic implementation of data association in a multi-party audio-visual scenario, where unsupervised learning and structure inference is used to automatically segment, associate and track individual subjects in audiovisual sequences. Indeed, the structure inference based framework introduced in this work provides the theoretical foundation needed to satisfactorily explain many confounding results in human psychophysics experiments involving multimodal cue integration and association.
Inoculum Potential of Fusarium spp. Relates to Tillage and Straw Management in Norwegian Fields of Spring Oats

The increased occurrence of Fusarium-mycotoxins in Norwegian cereals over the last decade, is thought to be caused by increased inoculum resulting from more cereal residues at the soil surface as a result of reduced tillage practices. In addition, weather conditions have increasingly promoted inoculum development and infection by Fusarium species. The objective of this work was to elucidate the influence of different tillage regimes (autumn plowing; autumn harrowing; spring plowing; spring harrowing) on the inoculum potential (IP) and dispersal of Fusarium spp. in spring oats. Tillage trials were conducted at two different locations in southeast Norway from 2010 to 2012. Oat residues from the previous year’s crop were collected within a week after sowing for evaluation. IP was calculated as the percentage of residues infested with Fusarium spp. multiplied by the proportion of the soil surface covered with residues. Fusarium avenaceum and F. graminearum were the most common Fusarium species recovered from oat residues. The IP of Fusarium spp. was significantly lower in plowed plots compared to those that were harrowed. Plowing in either the autumn or spring resulted in a low IP. Harrowing in autumn was more effective in reducing IP than the spring harrowing, and IP levels for the spring harrowed treatments were generally higher than all other tillage treatments examined. Surprisingly low levels of F. langsethiae were detected in the residues, although this species is a common pathogen of oat in Norway. The percentage of the residues infested with F. avenaceum, F. graminearum, F. culmorum, and F. langsethiae generally related to the quantity of DNA of the respective Fusarium species determined using quantitative PCR (qPCR). Fusarium dispersal, quantified by qPCR analysis of spore trap samples collected at and after heading, generally corresponded to the IP. Fusarium dispersal was also observed to increase after rainy periods. Our findings are in line with the general understanding that plowing is a means to reduce the IP of Fusarium spp. in cereal fields. The main inoculum source for F. langsethiae remains unclear. Our results will be useful in the development of forecasting tools to calculate the risk of Fusarium in cereals.
8 Passive Parallel Automatic Minimalist Processing

Research for which the idea that many basic cognitive processes can be described as fast, parallel, and automatic is reviewed. Memory retrieval/decision processes have often been ignored in the cognitive literature. However, in some cases, computationally complex processes can be replaced with simple passive processes. Cue-dependent retrieval from memory provides a straightforward example of how encoding, memory, and retrieval can interact. Three other examples are reviewed: inference in text processing, compound cue models for priming, and implicit memory. In each case, the research benefi ts from a focus on retrieval and decision processes. For implicit memory, consideration of these kinds of processes leads to a view of implicit memory different than hypothesizing new specialized memory systems. Finally, how behavioral data from simple decisions and the models that explain the behavior can be related to neuroscience research on neural fi ring rates are discussed.
Therapeutic Potential of Myrrh and Ivermectin against Experimental Trichinella spiralis Infection in Mice

Trichinosis is a parasitic zoonosis caused by the nematode Trichinella spiralis. Anthelmintics are used to eliminate intestinal adults as well as tissue-migrating and encysted larvae. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ivermectin and myrrh obtained from the aloe-gum resin of Commiphora molmol on experimental trichinosis. Ninety albino mice were orally infected with 300 T. spiralis larvae. Drugs were tested against adult worms at day 0 and day 5 and against encysted larvae on day 15 and day 35 post-infection (PI). Mature worms and encysted larvae were counted in addition to histopathological examination of muscle specimens. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total protein, albumin, globulin, urea, and creatinine values were estimated. Significant reductions in mean worm numbers were detected in ivermectin treated mice at day 0 and day 5 PI achieving efficacies of 98.5% and 80.0%, while efficacies of myrrh in treated mice were 80.7% and 51.5%, respectively. At days 15 and 35 post-infection, ivermectin induced significant reduction in encysted larval counts achieving efficacies of 76.5% and 54.0%, respectively, while myrrh efficacies were 76.6% and 35.0%, respectively. AST, ALT, urea, and creatinine levels were reduced, while total proteins were increased in response to both treatments compared to their values in the infected non-treated mice. Ivermectin use for controlling T. spiralis could be continued. Myrrh was effective and could be a promising drug against the Egyptian strains of T. spiralis with results nearly comparable to ivermectin.
Localised corrosion of copper canisters

Copper canisters in a KBS-3-type underground repository will be subject to general corrosion and minor localised attack. The form of the localised corrosion will depend on the composition of the bentonite pore water in contact with the canister surface and, in particular, the pH and chloride, sulphate, and bicarbonate ion concentrations. The presence of a passive Cu2O/Cu(OH)2 layer is a pre-requisite for film breakdown and pitting. Literature pitting data have been used to determine whether pitting is possible or whether the environmental conditions will favour active dissolution of the canister. It is concluded that the canister surface will corrode generally and will be subject to only minor localised corrosion in the form of surface roughening.
Establishing Functional Residual Capacity at Birth: The Effect of Sustained Inflation and Positive End-Expiratory Pressure in a Preterm Rabbit Model

The effect of a 20 s sustained inflation (SI) and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) on functional residual capacity (FRC) formation at birth were investigated. Preterm rabbit pups (28 d) were randomized at birth into four groups (n = 6 for each): 1) SI, PEEP 5 cm H2O, 2) no SI, PEEP 5 cm H2O, 3) no SI + no PEEP, 4) SI + no PEEP. FRC and tidal volume (Vt) were measured by plethysmography and uniformity of lung aeration by phase contrast x-ray imaging. Ventilation with a SI and PEEP uniformly aerated the lung and Vt and FRC were recruited by the first tidal inflation. Ventilation without a SI, with PEEP, gradually recruited Vt and FRC with each inflation but aeration was not uniform. Ventilation without a SI or PEEP, gradually recruited Vt, but no FRC. Ventilation with a SI, without PEEP, uniformly aerated the lung and recruited Vt but no FRC. FRC was greater with SI (p = 0.006) during the first minute, but was larger with PEEP than without PEEP throughout the first 7 min (p < 0.0005). Effects of PEEP and SI were additive. In ventilated preterm rabbits at birth, combining a SI and PEEP improved FRC formation and uniformity of lung aeration, but PEEP had the greatest influence.
American Journal of Epidemiology Original Contribution Ideal Weight and Weight Satisfaction: Association with Health Practices

Evidence suggests that individuals have become more tolerant of higher body weights over time. To investigate this issue further, the authors examined cross-sectional associations among ideal weight, examination year, and obesity as well as the association of ideal weight and body weight satisfaction with health practices among 15,221 men and 4,126 women in the United States. Participants in 1987 reported higher ideal weights than participants in 2001, an effect particularly pronounced from 1987 to 2001 for younger and obese men (85.5 kg to 94.9 kg) and women (62.2 kg to 70.5 kg). For a given body mass index, higher ideal body weights were associated with greater weight satisfaction but lower intentions to lose weight. Body weight satisfaction was subsequently associated with greater walking/jogging, better diet, and lower lifetime weight loss but with less intention to change physical activity and diet or lose weight (P < 0.01). Conversely, body mass index was negatively associated with weight satisfaction (P < 0.01) and was associated with less walking/jogging, poorer diet, and greater lifetime weight loss but with greater intention to change physical activity and diet or lose weight. Although the health implications of these findings are somewhat unclear, increased weight satisfaction, in conjunction with increases in societal overweight/ obesity, may result in decreased motivation to lose weight and/or adopt healthier lifestyle behaviors. With the large secular increases in body mass index (BMI) (1, 2), the perception of ''normal weight,'' ''over-weight,'' and ''obesity'' may have changed (3). Indeed, more than 65% of the US population is now considered overweight or obese (1). As a result, what had previously been characterized as ''normal weight'' may no longer be ''normal'' because it represents a minority of the population. A recent report suggests that, over time, younger individuals may have become more tolerant of higher body weights and less likely to perceive themselves as overweight (3). On the other hand, what the media portrays as an ''ideal'' or desirable woman has not seemed to change over time, whereas the BMI of Playboy-centerfold women remained consistent, and very low, from 1978 through 1998 (4). Because of the unrealistic standards often portrayed, media exposure is associated with increased risk of body dissatisfaction for both men (5) and women (6). Evidence suggests that obese individuals perceive higher body weights to be both healthy (7) and attractive (8) compared with their leaner counterparts. It is also reported that lean individuals interacting …
Airway clearance techniques in cystic fibrosis: physiology, devices and the future.

The appearance of the lungs of a cystic fibrosis (CF) patient at post mortem is typically one of consolidation, with areas of bronchiectasis filled with mucopurulent material and of mucus plugging of the small airways (Yankaskas et al., 2004). The airways of the upper respiratory tract have increased secretion production, whilst in the lower respiratory tract there is increased mucus production and an increase in sputum. This sputum is usually thick and tenacious, becoming thicker and more abundant during an exacerbation and leading to progressive lung damage. It is therefore essential that in patients with CF the process of airway clearance is enhanced, where needed, to attempt to reduce these long-term effects.