Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Macular hole formation: new data provided by optical coherence tomography.

OBJECTIVE To establish the sequence of events leading from vitreofoveal traction to full-thickness macular hole formation. METHODS Both eyes of 76 patients with a full-thickness macular hole in at least 1 eye were examined by biomicroscopy and optical coherence tomography. RESULTS Sixty-one fellow eyes had a normal macula. Optical coherence tomograms showed central detachment of the posterior hyaloid over the posterior pole in 19 cases (31%) and a perifoveal hyaloid detachment not detected on biomicroscopy in 26 cases (42%). In the 4 impending macular holes, optical coherence tomography disclosed various degrees of intrafoveal split or cyst, with adherence of the posterior hyaloid to the foveal center and convex perifoveal detachment. In the 14 stage 2 holes, eccentric opening of the roof of the hole was observed, and in the 24 stage 3 holes, the posterior hyaloid was detached from the entire posterior pole. CONCLUSIONS In fellow eyes of eyes with macular holes posterior hyaloid detachment begins around the macula, but the hyaloid remains adherent to the foveolar center, indicating the action of anteroposterior forces. This results in an intraretinal split evolving into a cystic space, and then to the disruption of the outer retinal layer and the opening of the foveal floor, thus constituting a full-thickness macular hole.
A New Highly Bioactive Composite for Bone Tissue Repair

In the last few years several attempts have been made to combine hydroxyapatite (HA) with bioactive glasses of different composition, with the aim to obtain composite materials with improved bioactivity or mechanical properties for hard tissue surgery applications. However, high-temperature treatments are usually required in order to sinter HA-based composites, causing the bioactive glass to crystallize into a glass–ceramic, with possible negative effects on its bioactivity. Recently, a new glass composition, named BioK and inspired by the 45S5 Bioglass®, has been formulated by substituting the sodium oxide with the potassium oxide. The potassium oxide is expected to reduce the tendency to crystallize of the parent glass. In this work, for the first time the BioK is applied to realize HA-based composites. The novel samples can be sintered at a relative low temperature (750°C) compared with the widely studied HA/45S5 Bioglass® composites. The new glass formulation and the relatively low sintering temperature of the BioK-based composites greatly help to preserve the amorphous nature of the glass. According to in vitro tests, this has excellent effects in terms of bioactivity. Moreover Vickers microindentation measurements show that the BioK-containing composites preserve their local mechanical properties during immersion in body fluids.
Canes Venatici I cloud of galaxies seen in the H-alpha line

We present results of H-alpha imaging for 42 galaxies in the nearby low-density cloud Canes Venatici I populated mainly by late-type objects. Estimates of the H-alpha flux and integrated star formation rate (SFR) are now available for all 78 known members of this scattered system, spanning a large range in luminosity, surface brightness, HI content and SFR. Distributions of the CVnI galaxies versus their SFR, blue absolute magnitude and total hydrogen mass are given in comparison with those for a population of the nearby virialized group around M81. We found no essential correlation between star formation activity in a galaxy and its density environment. A bulk of CVnI galaxies had enough time to generate their baryon mass with the observed SFR. Most of them possess also a supply of gas sufficient to maintain their observed SFR's during the next Hubble time.
Alterations of fluid and electrolyte distribution and renal function in diarrhea of infancy.

The salt and water lost during acute diarrhea was originally presumed to derive almost entirely from the extracellular compartment (1, 2). Subsequently, it was realized that a significant loss of potassium occurred, in excess of that which might be attributed to the negative nitrogen balance (3, 4, 5). This observation, with the assumption that transfer of body water depends upon primary transfer of base, led to the suggestion that considerable depletion of intracellular fluid also occurred (5, 6). Results obtained by balance studies, interpreted on the premise that the distribution of chloride is limited to the extracellular fluid, supported the belief that diarrhea of infancy induces primary depletion of extracellular water and salt with an additional loss of intracellular water and potassium (7, 8). These data also suggested that the early period of treatment may be characterized by a further depletion of the intracellular fluid volume, coexistent with an overexpansion of the extracellular compartment (7, 8). The recent development of methods for the estimation of the fluid phase of the extracellular compartment with inulin, sucrose, and ferrocyanide, and of total body water with deuterium oxide and antipyrene suggested the use of these substances to estimate directly alterations in body water in diarrhea of infancy. Accordingly, serial determinations of plasma volume (T-1824 space), extracellular volume (inulin space), total body water (deuterium space), and renal function (inulin and p-aminohippurate clearances) were made dur-
Transcriptomics Profiling of Alzheimer’s Disease Reveal Neurovascular Defects, Altered Amyloid-β Homeostasis, and Deregulated Expression of Long Noncoding RNAs

The underlying genetic variations of late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) cases remain largely unknown. A combination of genetic variations with variable penetrance and lifetime epigenetic factors may converge on transcriptomic alterations that drive LOAD pathological process. Transcriptome profiling using deep sequencing technology offers insight into common altered pathways regardless of underpinning genetic or epigenetic factors and thus represents an ideal tool to investigate molecular mechanisms related to the pathophysiology of LOAD. We performed directional RNA sequencing on high quality RNA samples extracted from hippocampi of LOAD and age-matched controls. We further validated our data using qRT-PCR on a larger set of postmortem brain tissues, confirming downregulation of the gene encoding substance P (TAC1) and upregulation of the gene encoding the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (SERPINE1). Pathway analysis indicates dysregulation in neural communication, cerebral vasculature, and amyloid-β clearance. Beside protein coding genes, we identified several annotated and non-annotated long noncoding RNAs that are differentially expressed in LOAD brain tissues, three of them are activity-dependent regulated and one is induced by Aβ(1-42) exposure of human neural cells. Our data provide a comprehensive list of transcriptomics alterations in LOAD hippocampi and warrant holistic approach including both coding and non-coding RNAs in functional studies aimed to understand the pathophysiology of LOAD.
Model Checking for Energy Efficient Scheduling in Wireless Sensor Networks ∗

Networking and power management of wireless energy conscious sensor networks is an important area of current research and considering the competitive constraints on the global energy market it will even gain importance. We investigate in the present work a network of MicaZ sensor motes using the Zigbee protocol for communication, and provide a model using Timed Safety Automata. The TA model will comprise a full functional scenario set-up consisting of a network controller, network routers, and sensor devices collecting information. Along with the model sending and receiving mechanisms included, a realistic need-specific investigation is feasible. Our analysis’ focus is on estimating energy consumption by model checking in different scenarios within a fixed but variable topology using the Uppaal[7] tool. Special interest is devoted to the energy use in marginal situations that rarely occur and are consequently not fully covered by simulation.
Physical Activity and Stroke Risk: A Meta-Analysis

Background and Purpose— Whether physical activity reduces stroke risk remains controversial. We used a meta-analysis to examine the overall association between physical activity or cardiorespiratory fitness and stroke incidence or mortality. Methods— We searched MEDLINE from 1966 to 2002 and identified 23 studies (18 cohort and 5 case-control) that met inclusion criteria. We estimated the overall relative risk (RR) of stroke incidence or mortality for highly and moderately active individuals versus individuals with low levels of activity using the general variance–based method. Results— The meta-analysis documented that there was a reduction in stroke risk for active or fit individuals compared with inactive or unfit persons in cohort, case-control, and both study types combined. For cohort studies, highly active individuals had a 25% lower risk of stroke incidence or mortality (RR=0.75; 95% CI, 0.69 to 0.82) compared with low-active individuals. For case-control studies, highly active individuals had a 64% lower risk of stroke incidence (RR=0.36; 95% CI, 0.25 to 0.52) than their low-active counterparts. When we combined both the cohort and case-control studies, highly active individuals had a 27% lower risk of stroke incidence or mortality (RR=0.73; 95% CI, 0.67 to 0.79) than did low-active individuals. We observed similar results in moderately active individuals compared with inactive persons (RRs were 0.83 for cohort, 0.52 for case-control, and 0.80 for both combined). Furthermore, moderately and highly active individuals had lower risk of both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes than low-active individuals. Conclusions— We conclude that moderate and high levels of physical activity are associated with reduced risk of total, ischemic, and hemorrhagic strokes.
Selection or Self-rejection? [subtitle: Applications into a Treatment Program: the Case of R&d Subsidies]

To study how an R&D subsidy program works, we build and estimate a structural model of application and selection into a treatment program. In our model the decision to apply is part of the equilibrium and the outcome of the treatment depends on both the participants and the public agencys investments. As a result we can clarify how application and treatment decision are made as well as the effects of the treatment on participants subsequent behavior. Testing our econometric model with project level data yields several insights into determinants and level of R&D returns, Agency utility, application costs, and the effects of (Finnish) technology policy. We find some evidence of returns to scale in R&D. We find that SMEs receive higher subsidies, subsidies are increasing in firm size (conditional on SME status) and in technical challenge of the proposed R&D project. Application costs are directly related to sales per employee, and inversely to the number of previous applications. Exporters have lower application cost. Firms with higher value-added have higher opportunity costs of applying. Firms with larger positive profitability shocks have higher application costs. Non-applicants have higher application costs and lower expected subsidies than applicants. We estimate that the median R&D projects expected discounted profit without subsidies is 500 000 euros, which is increased by 12 000 by expected subsidies. Subsidies increase the public agencys utility not appropriated by the applicant by 16 000 in the median. Ignoring application costs severely biases the estimated rates of return upwards.
Testing the interactive effects of testosterone and parasites on carotenoid‐based ornamentation in a wild bird

Abstract Testosterone underlies the expression of most secondary sexual traits, playing a key role in sexual selection. However, high levels might be associated with physiological costs, such as immunosuppression. Immunostimulant carotenoids underpin the expression of many red‐yellow ornaments, but are regulated by testosterone and constrained by parasites. We manipulated testosterone and nematode burdens in red grouse (Lagopus lagopus scoticus) in two populations to tease apart their effects on carotenoid levels, ornament size and colouration in three time‐step periods. We found no evidence for interactive effects of testosterone and parasites on ornament size and colouration. We showed that ornament colouration was testosterone‐driven. However, parasites decreased comb size with a time delay and testosterone increased carotenoid levels in one of the populations. This suggests that environmental context plays a key role in determining how individuals resolve the trade‐off between allocating carotenoids for ornamental coloration or for self‐maintenance needs. Our study advocates that adequately testing the mechanisms behind the production or maintenance of secondary sexual characters has to take into account the dynamics of sexual trait expression and their environmental context.
Copper, zinc, and Cu/Zn ratio in carcinoma of the gallbladder

The exact role of copper and zinc in the etiology of carcinoma of the gallbladder is unclear. Some studies suggest the Cu/Zn ratio is a good indicator of the extent and prognosis in carcinoma of the gastrointestinal tract. The aim of the present study is to estimate the micronutrient profile and Cu/Zn ratio in the serum, tissues, and bile of patients with benign and malignant gallbladder diseases.
RoliÃ ® of Tobacco and Alcoholic Beverages in the Etiology of Cancer of the Oral Cavity / Oropharynx in Torino , Italy 1

A population-based case-control study of cancer of oral cavity-oropharynv was conducted in the city of Torino, Italy, between 1982 and 1984. One hundred twenty-two cases (86 males and 36 females) and 606 controlÂ«(385 males and 221 females) were compared with respect to lifelong alcohol and tobacco consumption. A 4to 6-fold increase in risk among subjects with medium or high tobacco consumption was observed, as well as a trend in increasing risk with duration and with earlier age at the start of smoking. Other findings included a sharp reduction in risk with cessation of smoking, no clear protective effect of usage of filter, no diffÃ©rer ces in risk according to color of tobacco, and a higher risk for cigar i'Ãr. vu.vpipe/cigarette smokers. An effect of alcoholic beverages was found in subjects with an average daily ci nsumption of 120 or more grams of alcohol, with a higher risk in beer drinkers. Among heavy consumers of alcohol and tobacco, risks of both oral and orophai yngeal cancer were very high. A positive association between oral cancer Â¡ind low educational level, after adjustment for alcohol and tobacco, was found. Attributable risks for alcohol and tobacco in the population were 23% and 72% in men and 34% and 54% in women.
Locally optimum rank detection of correlated random signals in additive noise

Nonparametric detection of a zero-mean random signal in additive noise is considered. The locally optimum detector based on signs and ranks of observations is derived, for good weak-signal detection performance under any specified noise probability density function. This detector is shown to have interesting similarities to the locally optimum detector for random signals. It may also be viewed as a generalization of the locally optimum rank detector for known signals. Examples of the test statistic of the detector are given for some specific noise probability density functions. Asymptotic and finite sample-size performance of the locally optimum rank detector is also considered. >
Impact of prior therapies on the relative efficacy of bortezomib compared with dexamethasone in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma

This subgroup analysis of the phase III APEX (Assessment of Proteasome Inhibition for Extending Remissions) trial examined whether prior exposure to specific therapies affected the relative efficacy of bortezomib versus dexamethasone in relapsed/refractory myeloma. Time to progression and overall survival were superior with bortezomib in all subgroups, with no evidence of interaction between any prior therapies and assignment to study therapy. Patients with prior thalidomide exposure had worse outcomes overall, but neither prior thalidomide nor prior autologous stem cell transplantation affected the relative efficacy of bortezomib versus dexamethasone. These results confirm the superiority of bortezomib over dexamethasone, regardless of prior exposure to specific therapies (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT00048230).
Coordinate transformation approach to social interactions

A coordinate transformation framework for understanding how neurons compute sensorimotor behaviors has generated significant advances toward our understanding of basic brain function. This influential scaffold focuses on neuronal encoding of spatial information represented in different coordinate systems (e.g., eye-centered, hand-centered) and how multiple brain regions partake in transforming these signals in order to ultimately generate a motor output. A powerful analogy can be drawn from the coordinate transformation framework to better elucidate how the nervous system computes cognitive variables for social behavior. Of particular relevance is how the brain represents information with respect to oneself and other individuals, such as in reward outcome assignment during social exchanges, in order to influence social decisions. In this article, I outline how the coordinate transformation framework can help guide our understanding of neural computations resulting in social interactions. Implications for numerous psychiatric disorders with impaired representations of self and others are also discussed.
A developed friction test for sheet metal stretch forming processes

Punch friction test is considered to be the best simulator of sheet metal stretching over the punch corner. In this study, an improved punch friction test eliminating the error due to the strain-rate effect was developed. This method enables the direct force measurement and the online evaluation of the friction coefficient. Also, an improved boundary friction model was introduced to predict the friction coefficients and the real contact areas around the punch nose portion. The predicted values were then compared with the experimental one obtained from the newly developed test for verification. A good agreement was obtained between the theoretical and the experimental results. Finite element simulation of the punch friction test under dry friction condition for annealed aluminium was performed using the experimental friction coefficients. Since the simulated force-displacement results are in good agreement with the experimental one, the accuracy of the test is high and reliable.
Increased Risk of Non-Fatal Myocardial Infarction Following Testosterone Therapy Prescription in Men

Background An association between testosterone therapy (TT) and cardiovascular disease has been reported and TT use is increasing rapidly. Methods We conducted a cohort study of the risk of acute non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) following an initial TT prescription (N = 55,593) in a large health-care database. We compared the incidence rate of MI in the 90 days following the initial prescription (post-prescription interval) with the rate in the one year prior to the initial prescription (pre-prescription interval) (post/pre). We also compared post/pre rates in a cohort of men prescribed phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5I; sildenafil or tadalafil, N = 167,279), and compared TT prescription post/pre rates with the PDE5I post/pre rates, adjusting for potential confounders using doubly robust estimation. Results In all subjects, the post/pre-prescription rate ratio (RR) for TT prescription was 1.36 (1.03, 1.81). In men aged 65 years and older, the RR was 2.19 (1.27, 3.77) for TT prescription and 1.15 (0.83, 1.59) for PDE5I, and the ratio of the rate ratios (RRR) for TT prescription relative to PDE5I was 1.90 (1.04, 3.49). The RR for TT prescription increased with age from 0.95 (0.54, 1.67) for men under age 55 years to 3.43 (1.54, 7.56) for those aged ≥75 years (ptrend = 0.03), while no trend was seen for PDE5I (ptrend = 0.18). In men under age 65 years, excess risk was confined to those with a prior history of heart disease, with RRs of 2.90 (1.49, 5.62) for TT prescription and 1.40 (0.91, 2.14) for PDE5I, and a RRR of 2.07 (1.05, 4.11). Discussion In older men, and in younger men with pre-existing diagnosed heart disease, the risk of MI following initiation of TT prescription is substantially increased.
Initial results of investigations into introducing new HVDC injections into the Cape network to increase transfer capacity

The early phases of the development of the Cape network entailed construction of 400kV lines to link supplied from the generation pool in the northern part of the country, in Mpumalanga, with the loads in the Cape, i.e., the Western and Southern grids of Eskom. Once the 400kV network was matured, it became apparent that further commissioning of 400kV lines led to lesser and lesser improvements in voltage stability limit improvements. This led to consideration of 765kV lines for further expansion. For the future, considerations are being made into introducing high voltage direct current (HVDC) systems into the Cape network to further increase its voltage stability limit to support future loads. This paper presents the results of the preliminary work to assess the techno-economic merits of introducing HVDC into the Cape. Some lessons learnt and further questions to be looked into are discussed.
Engineering Executable Agents using Multi-context Systems

In the area of agent-based computing there are many proposals for specific system architectures, and a number of proposals for general approaches to building agents. As yet, however, there are comparatively few attempts to relate these together, and even fewer attempts to provide methodologies which relate designs to architectures and then to executable agents. This paper provides a first attempt to address this shortcoming. We propose a general method of specifying logic-based agents, which is based on the use of multi-context systems, and give examples of its use. The resulting specifications can be directly executed, and we discuss an implementation which makes this direct execution possible.
Navigation Functions for everywhere partially sufficiently curved worlds

We extend Navigation Functions (NF) to worlds of more general geometry and topology. This is achieved without the need for diffeomorphisms, by direct definition in the geometrically complicated configuration space. Every obstacle boundary point should be partially sufficiently curved. This requires that at least one principal normal curvature be sufficient. A normal curvature is termed sufficient when the tangent sphere with diameter the associated curvature radius is a subset of the obstacle. Examples include ellipses with bounded eccentricity, tori, cylinders, one-sheet hyperboloids and others. Our proof establishes the existence of appropriate tuning for this purpose. Direct application to geometrically complicated cases is illustrated through nontrivial simulations.