Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Thyroid nodules and cancer in children and adolescents affected by autoimmune thyroiditis.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between juvenile autoimmune thyroiditis (JAT) and thyroid cancer in pediatric patients. DESIGN We conducted a retrospective study among children and adolescents affected by JAT. SETTINGS Data from 6 Italian pediatric endocrinology centers were collected. PARTICIPANTS Three hundred sixty-five children and adolescents affected by JAT diagnosed at 3.6 to 17.0 years of age. INTERVENTIONS All patients underwent clinical examination and thyroid function test every 6 to 12 months and thyroid echography every 12 to 24 months. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy was performed in 39 patients with nodule diameter of 1 cm or larger, as well as in 4 patients with nodule diameter of less than 1 cm and echographic findings suspicious for neoplasm. Twenty-three patients underwent surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Thyroid function, echographic pattern, nodule diameter, the presence of lymphadenopathy, and cytologic and histologic diagnoses were considered. RESULTS Thyroid nodules were found in 115 patients; findings in 11 of these were consistent with papillary carcinoma, with 5 exhibiting lymph node metastasis. The prevalence of male sex among patients with cancer was greater than that among patients with JAT (odds ratio [OR], 2.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.44-6.20). The growth of nodules during levothyroxine sodium therapy (OR, 15.60; 95% CI, 1.87-181.90) and the finding of lymphadenopathy (OR, 5.44; 95% CI, 1.05-30.50) were statistically significantly associated with the presence of cancer, while uninodularity and hypoechogenicity were not. CONCLUSIONS The observed prevalences of thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer in our JAT case series were 31.5% and 3.0%, respectively. Papillary carcinoma was the only histotype detected. The finding of lymphadenopathy, a lack of response to levothyroxine therapy, and nodule hypoechogenicity suggested malignancy. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy was reliable in selecting patients for referral to surgery.
Encoding of Complexity, Shape, and Curvature by Macaque Infero-Temporal Neurons

We recorded responses of macaque infero-temporal (IT) neurons to a stimulus set of Fourier boundary descriptor shapes wherein complexity, general shape, and curvature were systematically varied. We analyzed the response patterns of the neurons to the different stimuli using multidimensional scaling. The resulting neural shape space differed in important ways from the physical, image-based shape space. We found a particular sensitivity for the presence of curved versus straight contours that existed only for the simple but not for the medium and highly complex shapes. Also, IT neurons could linearly separate the simple and the complex shapes within a low-dimensional neural shape space, but no distinction was found between the medium and high levels of complexity. None of these effects could be derived from physical image metrics, either directly or by comparing the neural data with similarities yielded by two models of low-level visual processing (one using wavelet-based filters and one that models position and size invariant object selectivity through four hierarchically organized neural layers). This study highlights the relevance of complexity to IT neural encoding, both as a neurally independently represented shape property and through its influence on curvature detection.
TNF-α-mediated inflammation in cerebral aneurysms: A potential link to growth and rupture

Intracranial aneurysm (IA) rupture is one of the leading causes of stroke in the United States and remains a major health concern today. Most aneurysms are asymptomatic with a minor percentage of rupture annually. Regardless, IA rupture has a devastatingly high mortality rate and does not have specific drugs that stabilize or prevent aneurysm rupture, though other preventive therapeutic options such as clipping and coiling of incidental aneurysms are available to clinicians. The lack of specific drugs to limit aneurysm growth and rupture is, in part, attributed to the limited knowledge on the biology of IA growth and rupture. Though inflammatory macrophages and lymphocytes infiltrate the aneurysm wall, a link between their presence and aneurysm growth with subsequent rupture is not completely understood. Given our published results that demonstrate that the pro-inflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), is highly expressed in human ruptured aneurysms, we hypothesize that pro-inflammatory cell types are the prime source of TNF-alpha that initiate damage to endothelium, smooth muscle cells (SMC) and internal elastic lamina (IEL). To gain insights into TNF-alpha expression in the aneurysm wall, we have examined the potential regulators of TNF-alpha and report that higher TNF-alpha expression correlates with increased expression of intracellular calcium release channels that regulate intracellular calcium (Ca2+), and Toll like receptors (TLR) that mediate innate immunity. Moreover, the reduction of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) expression provides insights on why higher matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity is noted in ruptured IA. Because TNF-alpha is known to amplify several signaling pathways leading to inflammation, apoptosis and tissue degradation, we will review the potential role of TNF-alpha in IA formation, growth and rupture. Neutralizing TNF-alpha action in the aneurysm wall may have a beneficial effect in preventing aneurysm growth by reducing inflammation and arterial remodeling.
Are networks for residual language function and recovery consistent across aphasic patients?

Objectives: If neuroplastic changes in aphasia are consistent across studies, this would imply relatively stereotyped mechanisms of recovery which could guide the design of more efficient noninvasive brain stimulation treatments. To address this question, we performed a meta-analysis of functional neuroimaging studies of chronic aphasia after stroke. Methods: Functional neuroimaging articles using language tasks in patients with chronic aphasia after stroke (n = 105) and control subjects (n = 129) were collected. Activation likelihood estimation meta-analysis determined areas of consistent activity in each group. Functional homology between areas recruited by aphasic patients and controls was assessed by determining whether they activated under the same experimental conditions. Results: Controls consistently activated a network of left hemisphere language areas. Aphasic patients consistently activated some spared left hemisphere language nodes, new left hemisphere areas, and right hemisphere areas homotopic to the control subjects' language network. Patients with left inferior frontal lesions recruited right inferior frontal gyrus more reliably than those without. Some areas, including right dorsal pars opercularis, were functionally homologous with corresponding control areas, while others, including right pars triangularis, were not. Conclusions: The network of brain areas aphasic patients recruit for language functions is largely consistent across studies. Several recruitment mechanisms occur, including persistent function in spared nodes, compensatory recruitment of alternate nodes, and recruitment of areas that may hinder recovery. These findings may guide development of brain stimulation protocols that can be applied across populations of aphasic patients who share common attributes.
Similar T-cell immune responses induced by group M consensus env immunogens with wild-type or minimum consensus variable regions.

Consensus HIV-1 genes can decrease the genetic distances between candidate immunogens and field virus strains. To ensure the functionality and optimal presentation of immunologic epitopes, we generated two group-M consensus env genes that contain variable regions either from a wild-type B/C recombinant virus isolate (CON6) or minimal consensus elements (CON-S) in the V1, V2, V4, and V5 regions. C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice were primed twice with CON6, CON-S, and subtype control (92UG37_A and HXB2/Bal_B) DNA and boosted with recombinant vaccinia virus (rVV). Mean antibody titers against 92UG37_A, 89. 6_B, 96ZM651_C, CON6, and CON-S Env protein were determined. Both CON6 and CON-S induced higher mean antibody titers against several of the proteins, as compared with the subtype controls. However, no significant differences were found in mean antibody titers in animals immunized with CON6 or CON-S. Cellular immune responses were measured by using five complete Env overlapping peptide sets: subtype A (92UG37_A), subtype B (MN_B, 89.6_B and SF162_B), and subtype C (Chn19_C). The intensity of the induced cellular responses was measured by using pooled Env peptides; T-cell epitopes were identified by using matrix peptide pools and individual peptides. No significant differences in T-cell immune-response intensities were noted between CON6 and CON-S immunized BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice. In BALB/c mice, 10 and eight nonoverlapping T-cell epitopes were identified in CON6 and CON-S, whereas eight epitopes were identified in 92UG37_A and HXB2/BAL_B. In C57BL/6 mice, nine and six nonoverlapping T-cell epitopes were identified after immunization with CON6 and CON-S, respectively, whereas only four and three were identified in 92UG37_A and HXB2/BAL_B, respectively. When combined together from both mouse strains, 18 epitopes were identified. The group M artificial consensus env genes, CON6 and CON-S, were equally immunogenic in breadth and intensity for inducing humoral and cellular immune responses.
A three-way investigation of a game-CAPTCHA: automated attacks, relay attacks and usability

Existing captcha solutions on the Internet are a major source of user frustration. Game captchas are an interesting and, to date, little-studied approach claiming to make captcha solving a fun activity for the users. One broad form of such captchas -- called Dynamic Cognitive Game (DCG) captchas -- challenge the user to perform a game-like cognitive task interacting with a series of dynamic images. We pursue a comprehensive analysis of a representative category of DCG captchas. We formalize, design and implement such captchas, and dissect them across: (1) fully automated attacks, (2) human-solver relay attacks, and (3) usability. Our results suggest that the studied DCG captchas exhibit high usability and, unlike other known captchas, offer some resistance to relay attacks, but they are also vulnerable to our novel dictionary-based automated attack.
Forest biomass estimation using fourier-based textural ordination of high resolution airborne optical image

Accurately assessing biomass of temperate forests from remote sensing observation still remains a great challenge. High resolution optical imageries become more and more widely available from many kinds of space-borne and airborne sensors at reasonable price. These high resolution imageries contain ample texture indices which have already been used in remote sensing classification and forest structure parameter estimation. Fourier-based Textural Ordination (FOTO) method is one of recent technique developed texture indices, which combines Fast Fourier transform (FFT) and principle component analysis (PCA) then derives texture indices. These FOTO texture indices contain canopy grain information in high resolution optical image have successfully predicted forest biomass in some tropical area. Our research performed FOTO method in LiangShui National Nature Reserve, where is a typical representative of the broadleaf mixed coniferous temperate forests, located in Heilongjiang Province, northeast of China. The airborne optical image acquired in September 22th, 2009 were used. Our research showed that texture indices derived based on FOTO method had great potential for forest biomass estimation in temperate zone and the inversion results proved to be accurate predictions.
Comparison of In-House and Commercial Slides for Detection by Immunofluorescence of Immunoglobulins G and M against Bartonella henselae and Bartonella quintana

ABSTRACT We compared the sensitivities and specificities of indirect fluorescent antibody tests developed in our laboratory and commercially available from Focus Technologies (FT; formerly MRL Diagnostic) for detection of serum antibodies to Bartonella spp. Serum samples tested were from patients with culture- or PCR-confirmed Bartonella quintana or B. henselae infections causing cat scratch disease (CSD), chronic bacteremia, or endocarditis. At a cutoff titer of 64, the FT test had higher sensitivity than our in-house test in detecting anti-B. henselae immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies in CSD patients (91.2 versus 52.9%; P < 0.001). The specificity in serum samples from 85 control patients was, however, lower with the FT test (87%) than with the in-house test (98.8%) (P = 0.002). A cutoff titer of 128 improves the specificity for the FT test but lowers the sensitivity to 85%. For patients infected with B. henselae, our in-house test, but not the FT test, enabled endocarditis to be detected more reliably. With the in-house test, titers of IgG against B. henselae of ≥1,024 were found only in endocarditis patients and not in CSD patients. With the FT test, 19.1% of CSD patients had titers of IgG against B. henselae of ≥1,024 (P < 0.001). Our in-house technique also improved detection of anti-B. quintana antibodies in homeless patients with endocarditis. IgG titers of ≥1,024 were present in 75% of serum samples, but only in 16.7% of serum samples with the FT test (P = 0.004). Since each test has advantages over the other, the serological diagnosis of Bartonella infections would benefit if both tests were used concurrently.
Pension finance in a calibrated model of saving and income distribution for the UK

Traditional macroeconomic models are based on the concept of a single representative consumer. A great deal can be gained by constructing a dynamic general equilibrium economic model which represents the behaviour of a panel of consumers spread out along the income distribution. Such a framework allows us to assess the distributional impact of policy changes. We present here such a model, showing the behaviour of consumers facing uncertain incomes and we use it to assess the distributional impact of changes to pension provision. We find that means testing of old age pensions increases inequality among the retired because of the effect it has on incentives to save.
Genome-Wide Tissue-Specific Gene Expression, Co-expression and Regulation of Co-expressed Genes in Adult Nematode Ascaris suum

Background Caenorhabditis elegans has traditionally been used as a model for studying nematode biology, but its small size limits the ability for researchers to perform some experiments such as high-throughput tissue-specific gene expression studies. However, the dissection of individual tissues is possible in the parasitic nematode Ascaris suum due to its relatively large size. Here, we take advantage of the recent genome sequencing of Ascaris suum and the ability to physically dissect its separate tissues to produce a wide-scale tissue-specific nematode RNA-seq datasets, including data on three non-reproductive tissues (head, pharynx, and intestine) in both male and female worms, as well as four reproductive tissues (testis, seminal vesicle, ovary, and uterus). We obtained fundamental information about the biology of diverse cell types and potential interactions among tissues within this multicellular organism. Methodology/Principal Findings Overexpression and functional enrichment analyses identified many putative biological functions enriched in each tissue studied, including functions which have not been previously studied in detail in nematodes. Putative tissue-specific transcriptional factors and corresponding binding motifs that regulate expression in each tissue were identified, including the intestine-enriched ELT-2 motif/transcription factor previously described in nematode intestines. Constitutively expressed and novel genes were also characterized, with the largest number of novel genes found to be overexpressed in the testis. Finally, a putative acetylcholine-mediated transcriptional network connecting biological activity in the head to the male reproductive system is described using co-expression networks, along with a similar ecdysone-mediated system in the female. Conclusions/Significance The expression profiles, co-expression networks and co-expression regulation of the 10 tissues studied and the tissue-specific analysis presented here are a valuable resource for studying tissue-specific biological functions in nematodes.
A history-based test prioritization technique for regression testing in resource constrained environments

Regression testing is an expensive and frequently executed maintenance process used to revalidate modified software. To improve it, regression test selection (RTS) techniques strive to lower costs without overly reducing effectiveness by carefully selecting a subset of the test suite. Under certain conditions, some can even guarantee that the selected test cases perform no worse than the original test suite. This ignores certain software development realities such as resource and time constraints that may prevent using RTS techniques as intended (e.g., regression testing must be done overnight, but RTS selection returns two days worth of tests). In practice, testers work around this by prioritizing the test cases and running only those that fit within existing constraints. Unfortunately this generally violates key RTS assumptions, voiding RTS technique guarantees and making regression testing performance unpredictable. Despite this, existing prioritization techniques are memoryless, implicitly assuming that local choices can ensure adequate long run performance. Instead, we propose a new technique that bases prioritization on historical execution data. We conducted an experiment to assess its effects on the long run performance of resource constrained regression testing. Our results expose essential tradeoffs that should be considered when using these techniques over a series of software releases.
From Mouse to Human: Evolutionary Genomics Analysis of Human Orthologs of Essential Genes

Understanding the core set of genes that are necessary for basic developmental functions is one of the central goals in biology. Studies in model organisms identified a significant fraction of essential genes through the analysis of null-mutations that lead to lethality. Recent large-scale next-generation sequencing efforts have provided unprecedented data on genetic variation in human. However, evolutionary and genomic characteristics of human essential genes have never been directly studied on a genome-wide scale. Here we use detailed phenotypic resources available for the mouse and deep genomics sequencing data from human populations to characterize patterns of genetic variation and mutational burden in a set of 2,472 human orthologs of known essential genes in the mouse. Consistent with the action of strong, purifying selection, these genes exhibit comparatively reduced levels of sequence variation, skew in allele frequency towards more rare, and exhibit increased conservation across the primate and rodent lineages relative to the remainder of genes in the genome. In individual genomes we observed ∼12 rare mutations within essential genes predicted to be damaging. Consistent with the hypothesis that mutations in essential genes are risk factors for neurodevelopmental disease, we show that de novo variants in patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder are more likely to occur in this collection of genes. While incomplete, our set of human orthologs shows characteristics fully consistent with essential function in human and thus provides a resource to inform and facilitate interpretation of sequence data in studies of human disease.
Long-distance dispersal to oceanic islands: success of plants with multiple diaspore specializations

After more than 180 million years of evolution, angiosperms have acquired multiple fruit and seed types. Oceanic islands offer an ideal framework to test the advantage of bearing multiple sets of diaspore traits by a single species using its geographic distribution. Contrast analyses between the floras of Europe (Portugal) and Azores revealed a meager advantage for species with two sets of diasporas vs one set or none. A general trend of a higher number of islands colonized by species with a single set and two sets than species with no traits related to long-distance dispersal (unspecialized) was found.
Can capture by abrupt onsets be suppressed?

ABSTRACT Many studies have indicated that abrupt onsets have the power to capture attention against our will. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that abrupt onsets can be suppressed, but only when there is a strong incentive to do so. We presented a highly-salient flurry of distracting, irrelevant abrupt onsets immediately prior to each target display. This should incentivize participants to suppress the disruptive onsets (if that is an available strategy) and/or habituate to the abrupt onsets. In Experiment 1, the flurry of onsets was composed of dots. Experiment 2 greatly increased the size of the flashing onsets (10-fold increase in pixels) to make them even more salient and worthy of suppression. Experiment 3 used premasks, so that the search items would be offsets rather than onsets. Experiment 4 created more direct competition between the salient onsets and the search display. Surprisingly, despite the variety of approaches employed specifically to promote suppression of capture by abrupt onsets, we were unable to eliminate, or even noticeably reduce, capture effects. The present data support the hypothesis that the visual system is incapable of suppressing abrupt onsets in diffusely attended regions of visual space.
The effects of optimal capital structure on firms' performances in Nigeria

This paper examines an optimal capital structure to maximize the performance of the selected firms under the same systematic risk. We investigate the relation between return on equity (ROE) and the capital structure for a sample of 10 firms from 2000 to 2009. We explore the empirical implications that there exists an optimal capital structure under trade-off theory and the optimal capital structure of manufacturing firms. At the same time, find the optimal capital structure and their concerning maximum value of ROE. The target ratio may change over time as the firm's performance and environments change. When firms adjust their capital structure, they tend to move toward an optimal debt ratio consistent with the historical financial behaviors of firms. We also find the firm's performance is a quadratic function of debt ratio. In this paper, there is further evidence on the relation between the distribution of debt ratio and corporate performance. This text summarized the main conclusion that the manufacturing industry's capital structure in Nigeria is consistent with trade-off theory, and the results are consistent with the hypothesis that the corporate performance is a nonlinear function of the capital structure.