Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chronic respiratory symptoms of poultry farmers and model-based estimates of long-term dust exposure.

OBJECTIVES The airborne contaminant exposure levels experienced by poultry farmers have raised concerns about the possible health hazards associated with them. Thus, a longitudinal project was instituted in France to monitor these exposures in poultry workers and to evaluate the long-term effect on health. METHOD Sixty-three workers in two different poultry housing systems were included (33 from floor-based systems and 30 from cage-based systems). Personal dust concentrations (over 2 days) and activity patterns (over 14 days) were collected and then modeled to obtain average long-term estimates. Health data were collected by questionnaire. RESULTS The mean daily time spent in the cage system was more than 2 hours longer than in the floor system. Two main common tasks accounted for ~70% of this time. Dust concentrations were higher in the floor system than in the cage system. The concentrations for the 14 days of known activity patterns estimated using the statistical model agreed well with the measured values. Several chronic respiratory symptoms were significantly associated with the high levels of long-term exposure estimated by the model. The highest risk was for chronic bronchitis symptoms (>4-fold higher for exposures of 0.1 mg/m(3) of respirable dust). CONCLUSION The presented modeling strategy can be used to estimate the long-term average personal exposure to respirable dust, and to study the association between dust exposure and chronic respiratory symptoms. This population of workers will be followed-up in subsequent examinations (3 years later) to determine whether the predictive model is valid, and whether long-term dust exposure is related to the incidence of respiratory symptoms and changes in pulmonary functions.
On a Regularization Scheme for Linear Operators in Distribution Spaces with an Application to the Spherical Radon Transform

This article provides a framework to regularize operator equations of the first kind where the underlying operator is linear and continuous between distribution spaces, the dual spaces of smooth functions. To regularize such a problem, the authors extend Louis' method of approximate inverse from Hilbert spaces to distribution spaces. The idea is to approximate the exact solution in the weak topology by a smooth function, where the smooth function is generated by a mollifier. The resulting regularization scheme consists of the evaluation of the given data at so-called reconstruction kernels which solve the dual operator equation with the mollifier as right-hand side. A nontrivial example of such an operator is given by the spherical Radon transform which maps a function to its mean values over spheres centered on a line or plane. This transform is one of the mathematical models in sonar and radar. After establishing the theory of the approximate inverse for distributions, we apply it to the spherical Radon.
The resolution complexity of random constraint satisfaction problems

We consider random instances of constraint satisfaction problems where each variable has domain size d, and each constraint contains t restrictions on k variables. For each (d, k, t) we determine whether the resolution complexity is a.s. constant, polynomial or exponential in the number of variables. For a particular range of (d, k, t) we determine a sharp threshold for resolution complexity where the resolution complexity drops from a.s. exponential to a.s. polynomial when the clause density passes a specific value.
Acquired Primary Cutaneous Ganglioneuroma With Adipocytic Metaplasia: “An End Point of Melanocytic ‘Maturation’?” A Case Report and Meta-Analysis With Comparison to a Cross-Sectional Study of Neurotized Melanocytic Nevi

Background:Adipocytic metaplasia is frequently exhibited by intradermal melanocytic nevi, often in conjunction with melanocytic neurotization, a process termed maturation where melanocytes are assumed to transform to a peripheral nerve phenotype. Objectives and Methods:To present the characteristics of a case of primary cutaneous ganglioneuroma (CGN) with adipocytic metaplasia and compare reported cases of primary acquired CGN with a cohort of neurotized melanocytic nevi (NMN). Results:We report a case of primary acquired CGN that presented as an asymptomatic, 1-cm, flesh-colored papule on the thigh of a healthy 75-year-old woman. An excisional specimen revealed an intradermal tumor with a dome-shaped profile formed by an intermixed proliferation of ganglion cells, Schwann cells, and numerous adipocytes. Schwann and ganglion cells expressed S100 protein, S100A6, and glial fibrillary acidic protein. Ganglion cells and axonal elements expressed c-kit, synaptophysin, neurofilament, CD56, and neuron-specific enolase. Rare small tumor cells with scant cytoplasm weakly expressed microphthalmia transcription factor protein (Mitf). Similar to NMN, CGN affected the same age group, commonly occurred on the trunk, showed neuromatous differentiation, and in a minority, exhibited adipocytic metaplasia. In contrast, CGNs were significantly larger tumors with more frequent coexisting epidermal changes or desmoplasia. No cases of NMN had authentic ganglion cells, but a minority had ganglion-like cells, which weakly expressed the neural tissue markers c-kit, neuron-specific enolase, CD56, and glial fibrillary acidic protein. A few small Mitf+ cells were found in neuromatous areas and nevic corpuscles of NMN. Conclusions:CGN and NMN are neural crest stem cell-derived tumors that exhibit overlapping and unique phenotypic traits. Adipocytic and neuromatous metaplasia in melanocytic nevi is considered as a consequence of “maturation. ” Although transformation of an intradermal melanocytic nevus to CGN is a theoretical possibility, the multiple coexisting phenotypes they display most likely arose ab initio in the dermis, mirroring the multiple pathways of differentiation possible for neural crest stem cells. The stage of differentiation of the precursor (stem) cell and interaction with environmental influences most likely predict the final phenotype(s), a pathogenic scheme that better explains the phenomenon of NMN rather than transformation of differentiated melanocyte into a peripheral nerve sheath cell.
Pattern formation by lateral inhibition with feedback: a mathematical model of delta-notch intercellular signalling.

In many developing tissues, adjacent cells diverge in character so as to create a fine-grained pattern of cells in contrasting states of differentiation. It has been proposed that such patterns can be generated through lateral inhibition--a type of cell-cell interaction whereby a cell that adopts a particular fate inhibits its immediate neighbors from doing likewise. Lateral inhibition is well documented in flies, worms and vertebrates. In all of these organisms, the transmembrane proteins Notch and Delta (or their homologues) have been identified as mediators of the interaction--Notch as receptor, Delta as its ligand on adjacent cells. However, it is not clear under precisely what conditions the Delta-Notch mechanism of lateral inhibition can generate the observed types of pattern, or indeed whether this mechanism is capable of generating such patterns by itself. Here we construct and analyse a simple and general mathematical model of such contact-mediated lateral inhibition. In accordance with experimental data, the model postulates that receipt of inhibition (i.e. activation of Notch) diminished the ability to deliver inhibition (i.e. to produce active Delta). This gives rise to a feedback loop that can amplify differences between adjacent cells. We investigate the pattern-forming potential and temporal behaviour of this model both analytically and through numerical simulation. Inhomogeneities are self-amplifying and develop without need of any other machinery, provided the feedback is sufficiently strong. For a wide range of initial and boundary conditions, the model generates fine-grained patterns similar to those observed in living systems.
Modulation of Fate Determinants Olig2 and Pax6 in Resident Glia Evokes Spiking Neuroblasts in a Model of Mild Brain Ischemia

Background and Purpose— Although in vitro studies suggest that non-neurogenic regions of the adult central nervous system potentially contain multipotent parenchymal progenitors, neurons are clearly not replaced in most brain regions after injury. Here, in a well-established model of mild transient brain ischemia, we explored Olig2 antagonism and Pax6 overexpression as potential avenues to redirect endogenous progenitors proliferating in situ toward a neuronal fate. Methods— Retroviral vectors containing either Pax6 or a strong activator form of the repressor Olig2 (Olig2VP16), ie, a functionally dominant negative form of Olig2, were stereotaxically injected into the lateral striatum at 48 hours after 30 minutes middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo)/reperfusion. Results— Retroviral modulation of fate determinants resulted in a significant number of infected cells differentiating into Doublecortin (DCX)-expressing immature neurons that were not observed after injection of a control virus. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in acute brain slices showed that the percentage of virus-infected cells with Na+ currents was increased by inhibition of the repressor function of Olig2 and by overexpression of Pax6. Furthermore, on retroviral transduction of fate determinants, we detected newly generated cells within the ischemic lesion that were capable of generating single action potentials and that received synaptic input. Conclusions— Taken together, these data show that resident glia in the striatum can be reprogrammed toward functional neuronal differentiation following brain injury.
Purification, identification, and characterization of an osmotic response element binding protein.

Kidney cells, especially the epithelial cells lining the collecting tubules in the inner medulla, are constantly exposed to concentrated urine. They are protected from the osmotic effect of high levels of sodium ion and urea by accumulating compatible osmolytes such as sorbitol, betaine, and myo-inositol. These osmolytes are involved in maintaining cell volume and electrolyte contents because they do not perturb the protein structure and function over a wide range of concentrations. Sorbitol is produced via the reduction of glucose by aldose reductase (AR), while betaine and myo-inositol are transported into the cells through specific transporters. Under hyperosmotic stress, transcriptions of genes encoding these proteins are highly induced. The induction of transcription was found to be mediated through the osmotic response elements (OREs) located in the 5' flanking sequences of these genes. We had earlier identified the OREs in human AR gene. In this study we purified and identified the osmotic response element binding protein (OREBP). OREBP is a transcription factor of approximately 200 kDa in size, characterized by a Rel-like DNA binding domain and a glutamine-rich transactivation domain. Dominant negative OREBP significantly diminished hyperosmotic AR gene induction. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that this transcription factor is rapidly translocated into the nucleus upon hyperosmotic stress.
Neuronal Chains for Actions in the Parietal Lobe: A Computational Model

The inferior part of the parietal lobe (IPL) is known to play a very important role in sensorimotor integration. Neurons in this region code goal-related motor acts performed with the mouth, with the hand and with the arm. It has been demonstrated that most IPL motor neurons coding a specific motor act (e.g., grasping) show markedly different activation patterns according to the final goal of the action sequence in which the act is embedded (grasping for eating or grasping for placing). Some of these neurons (parietal mirror neurons) show a similar selectivity also during the observation of the same action sequences when executed by others. Thus, it appears that the neuronal response occurring during the execution and the observation of a specific grasping act codes not only the executed motor act, but also the agent's final goal (intention). In this work we present a biologically inspired neural network architecture that models mechanisms of motor sequences execution and recognition. In this network, pools composed of motor and mirror neurons that encode motor acts of a sequence are arranged in form of action goal-specific neuronal chains. The execution and the recognition of actions is achieved through the propagation of activity bursts along specific chains modulated by visual and somatosensory inputs. The implemented spiking neuron network is able to reproduce the results found in neurophysiological recordings of parietal neurons during task performance and provides a biologically plausible implementation of the action selection and recognition process. Finally, the present paper proposes a mechanism for the formation of new neural chains by linking together in a sequential manner neurons that represent subsequent motor acts, thus producing goal-directed sequences.
Review: Gender Differences in Cardiovascular Disease: Hormonal and Biochemical Influences

Objective: Atherosclerosis is a complex process characterized by an increase in vascular wall thickness owing to the accumulation of cells and extracellular matrix between the endothelium and the smooth muscle cell wall. There is evidence that females are at lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) as compared to males. This has led to an interest in examining the contribution of genetic background and sex hormones to the development of CVD. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of factors, including those related to gender, that influence CVD. Methods: Evidence analysis from PubMed and individual searches concerning biochemical and endocrine influences and gender differences, which affect the origin and development of CVD. Results: Although still controversial, evidence suggests that hormones including estradiol and androgens are responsible for subtle cardiovascular changes long before the development of overt atherosclerosis. Conclusion: Exposure to sex hormones throughout an individual’s lifespan modulates many endocrine factors involved in atherosclerosis.
Karyotype evolution and acquisition of FLT3 or RAS pathway alterations drive progression of myelodysplastic syndrome to acute myeloid leukemia

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a heterogeneous group of myeloid neoplasms associated with aberrant myeloid differentiation and ineffective hematopoiesis leading to cytopenias. In more than 20% of affected patients the MDS transforms into secondary acute myeloid leukemia (s-AML). To date,
The association of the sebum excretion rate with melasma, erythematotelangiectatic rosacea, and rhytides.

BACKGROUND Rosacea and melasma are two common skin conditions in dermatology. Both conditions have a predilection for the centrofacial region where the sebaceous gland density is the highest. However it is not known if sebaceous function has an association with these conditions. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES We aimed to assess the relationship between facial glabellar wrinkle severity and facial sebum excretion rate for individuals with rosacea, melasma, both conditions, and in those with rhytides. Secondly, the purpose of this study was to utilize high resolution 3D facial modeling and measurement technology to obtain information regarding glabellar rhytid count and severity. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 21 subjects participated in the study. Subjects were divided into four groups based on facial features: rosacea-only, melasma-only, rosacea and melasma, rhytides-only. A high resolution facial photograph was taken followed by measurement of facial sebum excretion rate (SER). RESULTS The SER was found to decline with age and with the presence of melasma. The SER negatively correlated with increasing Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale. Through the use of 3D facial modeling and skin analysis technology, we found a positive correlation between clinically based grading scores and computer generated glabellar rhytid count and severity. CONCLUSION Continuing research with facial modeling and measurement systems will allow for development of more objective facial assessments. Future studies need to assess the role of technology in stratifying the severity and subtypes of rosacea and melasma. Furthermore, the role of sebaceous regulation may have important implications in photoaging.
On the Expressive Power of Overlapping Operations of Deep Networks

Expressive Efficiency with respect to a network architectural attribute P refers to the property where an architecture without P must grow exponentially large in order to approximate the expressivity of a network with attribute P. For example, it is known that depth is an architectural attribute that generates exponential efficiency in the sense that a shallow network must grow exponentially large in order to approximate the functions represented by a deep network of polynomial size. In this paper we extend the study of expressive efficiency to the attribute of network connectivity and in particular to the effect of "overlaps" in the convolutional process, i.e., when the stride of the convolution is smaller than its kernel size (receptive field). Our analysis shows that having overlapping local receptive fields, and more broadly denser connectivity, results in an exponential increase in the expressive capacity of neural networks. Moreover, while denser connectivity can increase the expressive capacity, we show that the most common types of modern architectures already exhibit exponential increase in expressivity, without relying on fully-connected layers.
AIDS Optimism and Condom Usage Among Men who Have Sex With Men in Australia, The Netherlands and United States.

This study investigates the literary discourse of AIDS optimism about men who have sex with men in Australia, The Netherlands and the United States. Six interviews consisting HIV-positive men who have sex with men, AIDS-activists and AIDSconsultants were conducted. The study was analyzed through both the literary data and interviews. The analysis focused on AIDS optimism topics, such as HIV as a threat and viral load, and target groups. The result of this study is an AIDS optimism model that is sensitive to Dutch culture.
Evaluation of Acute Fixation Strength for Mechanical Tacking Devices and Fibrin Sealant Versus Polypropylene Suture for Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Repair

Background: The purpose of this comparative study is to evaluate the acute fixation strength of mechanical tacking devices and fibrin sealant against polypropylene suture for laparoscopic ventral hernia repair. Methods: Three metallic mechanical tacking devices (ProTack, Salute, EndoANCHOR), 4 absorbable tacking devices (AbsorbaTack, PermaSorb, I-Clip, and SorbaFix), and 2 types of fibrin sealant (Tisseel, Artiss) were compared with 0-polypropylene suture. Three constructs from each device or an amount of sealant sufficient to cover a 3 × 3 cm2 area were used to affix a 4 × 3 cm piece of absorbable barrier-coated mesh (Proceed, Ethicon, Inc) to the peritoneal surface of porcine abdominal wall. Ten samples were completed for each fixation modality. Acute fixation strength was measured via a lap shear test on an Instron tensiometer. Results: Acute fixation strength was significantly greater for suture (59.7 7.2 N) compared with all laparoscopic tacking devices and to fibrin sealant (P < .001 for all comparisons). Protack (29.5 ± 2.8 N) was stronger than Absorbatack (13.2 ± 3.7 N; P = .029). Protack, Permasorb, SorbaFix, and I-clip were stronger than fibrin sealant (P < .05 for all comparisons). Conclusions: The acute fixation strengths of metallic or absorbable tacks as well as fibrin sealant are all significantly less than that achieved with polypropylene suture. These factors should be considered in selecting the type of mechanical fixation for patients undergoing laparoscopic ventral hernia repair.
Experience with Sonogram-guided hydrostatic reduction of Intussusception in Children in South-West Nigeria.

BACKGROUND Intussusception is a common cause of intestinal obstruction in young children. The diagnosis and treatment of intussusception has evolved over the years with ultrasound being the first choice imaging technique and a major player in the non-operative reduction of intussusception owing to its advantage of reduced morbidity and non-exposure to ionizing radiation when compared to other modalities of treatment. Aim & Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of ultrasound guided hydrostatic reduction in the management of intussusception in children and assess the predictors of reducibility. METHODS A prospective study of all infants and children who presented with uncomplicated intussusception was conducted between January, 2005 and September, 2013. The diagnosis of intussusception was made clinically and this was confirmed by an abdominal ultrasonography. Ultrasound guided hydrostatic reduction of intussusception was performed on the selected patients after they were adequately resuscitated. Failed reduction was abandoned in favour of operative reduction in some patients. Data collected included the age of the patients, duration of symptoms and the outcomes of the procedure and these were analyzed. RESULTS Eighty-four patients with intussusception were treated over this period, 36(42.9%) patients were found suitable for hydrostatic reduction of intussusception. Twenty-four(66.7%) patients presented within 48 hours of onset of symptoms. Twenty-one(58.3%) patients had successful hydrostatic reduction of intussusception while 15(41.7%) patients had failed reduction. The procedure was successful in majority (58%) of the patients under the age of 1 year and one of the three (33%) patients older than one year. Hydrostatic reduction of intussusception was successful in 14 out of 24 patients (58.3%) who presented within 48 hours of onset of symptoms. CONCLUSION Hydrostatic reduction of intussusception under ultrasound guidance is an effective and useful conservative method of management in carefully selected children with intussusception. Overall, this modality of treatment is cost effective and could readily be used for patients in resource poor environment. It also monitors the reduction process and visualizes the components of the intussusception including the lead points.
Affective and behavioral responses to friends who neglect their friends for dating partners: influences of gender, jealousy and perspective.

Adolescents in the ninth grade (n=75) responded to a hypothetical situation involving an individual who neglects their friend as a result of their transition to steady dating. Results indicated that 53 per cent of girls and 32 per cent of boys reported past personal exclusion by their best friend who they perceived to be preoccupied by a romantic partner. Only 21 per cent of girls and 19 per cent of boys reported that they had ignored their best friend in the past while being preoccupied by a romantic partner. There were significant differences in emotional reactions of individuals depending on their gender, level of characteristic jealousy, and the perspective taken in the jealousy triangle. Analyses of suggested behavioral responses revealed a significant difference in verbosity depending on emotional reactions, gender, and level of characteristic jealousy. In general, the strategies adolescents' recommended for handling this situation were constructive, active responses that convey a continuing commitment to the relationship.
Bipolar Disorder in Young People: A Psychological Intervention Manual

Preface Acknowledgements Introduction 1. Bipolar disorder 2. Assessment and engagement 3. Insight, adaptation and functional recovery 4. Medication adherence 5. Cognitive behavioural therapy interventions 6. Social rhythm regulation 7. Relationship issues and family work 8. Alcohol, substance abuse and other comorbid disorders 9. Identifying early warning signs, preventing relapse and termination of therapy Appendices.