Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Differential mRNA expression of inflammasome genes NLRP1 and NLRP3 in abdominal aneurysmal and occlusive aortic disease

NLRP1 and NLRP3 inflammasomes might differentially mediate the chronic inflammatory response in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and aortic occlusive disease (AOD). We measure differential relative gene expression of NLRP1 and NLRP3 inflammasomes in aortic tissues from 30 patients undergoing AAA open repair compared to aortic biopsies from 30 patients undergoing surgery to treat AOD. Aortic wall samples from autopsy without aortic disease were used as controls. NLRP3 was overexpressed in patients with AAA and AOD (RQ 1.185 ± 0.15, and 1.098 ± 0.05, respectively) compared to donors (RQ 1.001 ± 0.08) (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.2–4.3, p < 0.05 for AAA and OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.1–3.8, p < 0.05 for AOD). NLRP1 gene expression was significantly upregulated in patients with AOD (RQ 1.197 ± 0.09). Meanwhile, NLRP1 was normal expressed in AAA (RQ 1.003 ± 0.07) as well as in autopsy aortic specimens (RQ 1.005 ± 0.11). Enhanced NLRP1 expression in AOD was even significant when compared to AAA (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.2–3.3, p < 0.05) or controls (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.1–3.1, p < 0.05). According to our findings, NLRP3 could be involved in the common etiology of AAA and AOD, whereas NLRP1 appears to have a specific role in AOD development.
A Multi-Stage Approach to Facial Feature Detection

We describe a novel shape constraint technique which is incorporated into a multi-stage algorithm to automatically locate features o n the human face. The method is coarse-to-fine. First a face detector is applie d to find the approximate scale and location of the face in the image. Then individual feature detectors are applied and combined using a novel algorithm known as Pairwise Reinforcement of Feature Responses (PRFR). The points predicted by this method are then refined using a version of the Active Appe arance Model (AAM) search, which is tuned to edge and corner features. The final output of the three stage algorithm is shown to give much better results than any other combination of methods. The method outperforms previous published results on the BIOID test set [11].
Investigating the Social Costs of Schizophrenia: Facial Expressions in Dyadic Interactions of People With and Without Schizophrenia

People with schizophrenia show marked reductions in their emotional expressiveness, generally known as blunted affect. In this study, we tested whether interaction partners would evaluate community-dwelling participants with schizophrenia less favorably than healthy controls and whether this difference would be explained by reduced smiling behavior related to schizophrenia. We also tested whether deficient affect recognition would predict reduced smiling. We created 3 study groups, consisting of 28 participants each, participants with schizophrenia (SZ), healthy controls (HC), and naive healthy interaction partners (IP). IP engaged in 2 separate same-sex dyadic interactions with matched members of each of the other 2 groups, SZ and HC, in a repeated-measures study design. During the interactions, we assessed the amount of smiling and mimicry of smiling via electromyography. After the interactions, IP rated their willingness for future interactions with SZ and HC, respectively. IP indicated less willingness for future interactions with SZ than with HC participants (d = −0.72) but SZ and HC did not differ with respect to smiling or affect recognition. Better affect recognition predicted more smiling; more smiling predicted more favorable social evaluations. Within SZ participants, disorganization symptoms but no other symptom dimensions were associated with the social evaluations. In conclusion, community-dwelling people with schizophrenia face social challenges that go beyond the adverse effects of stigmatization. Future work needs to clarify the role of different symptom dimensions and behavioral aspects contributing to the interpersonal costs of schizophrenia to derive interventions targeted at social reintegration.
The relationship between exercise capacity and different functional markers in pulmonary rehabilitation for COPD

Rationale The relationship of functional parameters such as lung mechanics, chest kinematics, metabolism and peripheral and respiratory muscle function with the level of exercise tolerance remains a controversial subject. While it has been previously shown that pulmonary rehabilitation is capable of improving exercise tolerance in patients afflicted by COPD, as expressed by values of 6-minute walking test (6MWT), the degree of contribution to this change by each of the aforementioned parameters remains unclear. Aims To investigate the correlation between changes in exercise capacity and other functional markers following pulmonary rehabilitation in COPD and to determine which parameters are more closely related to improvements of exercise tolerance. Materials and methods Three hundred and twenty-seven patients with COPD (with average, 95% CI for forced expiratory volume in the first second [FEV1]: 45% [25%–83%] predicted, age: 64 [48–80] years, and BMI: 27 [13.5–40.4] kg/m2) participated in this study. Thirty percent of the patients had pulmonary hypertension as comorbidity. Patients underwent a pulmonary rehabilitation program with 20–30 minutes sessions two to three times per day for 4 weeks. The program was composed of chest wall-stretching, controlled breathing exercises, and a personalized training schedule for cycling and treadmill use. Measurements of 6MWT, lung function, chest wall expansion, grip strength, maximal inspiratory pressure, and breath holding time were taken. The Body mass index, airflow Obstruction, Dyspnea and Exercise capacity (BODE-index), body mass index [BMI], FEV1, 6MWT, modified Medical Research Dyspnea Scale score, and an alternative scale score (for BMI, FEV1, 6MWT, and COPD Assessment Test) were calculated. Results Rehabilitation resulted in a generalized improvement in 6MWT among patients (average: 360 [95% CI: 178–543 m] vs average: 420 [95% CI: 238–601 m], p<0.05). Improvements in exercise tolerance were found to be most closely associated with changes in composite BODE-index (R2=−0.6), Alternative Scale (R2=−0.56), dyspnea score (modified Medical Research Dyspnea Scale R2=−0.54), and health status (COPD Assessment Test R2=−0.4, p<0.05). In addition, improvements in exercise tolerance were found to moderately correlate with improvements in inspiratory vital capacity (IVC, R2=0.34, p<0.05). Post-rehabilitation changes in IVC displayed a connection with grip strength (R2=0.6) and chest expansion (R2=0.48). Conclusion Enhancements in exercise tolerance had correlation with changes in IVC, BODE-index, and the new Alternative Scale. However, comprehensive assessment needs to include considerations of chest kinematics and peripheral and respiratory muscle function as well.
Spatiotemporal Satellite Image Fusion Using Deep Convolutional Neural Networks

We propose a novel spatiotemporal fusion method based on deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs) under the application background of massive remote sensing data. In the training stage, we build two five-layer CNNs to deal with the problems of complicated correspondence and large spatial resolution gaps between MODIS and Landsat images. Specifically, we first learn a nonlinear mapping CNN between MODIS and low-spatial-resolution (LSR) Landsat images and then learn a super-resolution CNN between LSR Landsat and original Landsat images. In the prediction stage, instead of directly taking the outputs of CNNs as the fusion result, we design a fusion model consisting of high-pass modulation and a weighting strategy to make full use of the information in prior images. Specifically, we first map the input MODIS images to transitional images via the learned nonlinear mapping CNN and further improve the transitional images to LSR Landsat images via the fusion model; then, via the learned SR CNN, the LSR Landsat images are supersolved to transitional images, which are further improved to Landsat images via the fusion model. Compared with the previous learning-based fusion methods, mainly referring to the sparse-representation-based methods, our CNNs-based spatiotemporal method has the following advantages: 1) automatically extracting effective image features; 2) learning an end-to-end mapping between MODIS and LSR Landsat images; and 3) generating more favorable fusion results. To examine the performance of the proposed fusion method, we conduct experiments on two representative Landsat–MODIS datasets by comparing with the sparse-representation-based spatiotemporal fusion model. The quantitative evaluations on all possible prediction dates and the comparison of fusion results on one key date in both visual effect and quantitative evaluations demonstrate that the proposed method can generate more accurate fusion results.
Traumatic Brain Injury, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, and Postconcussive Symptom Reporting Among Troops Returning From Iraq

Objectives:Analyze the contribution of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and/or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to the endorsement of postconcussive (PC) symptoms during Post Deployment Health Assessment. Determine whether a combination of mTBI and PTSD was more strongly associated with symptoms than either condition alone. Methods:Cross-sectional study design where both the exposure, mTBI and/or PTSD, and the outcomes of interest, PC symptoms, were ascertained after return from deployment. Subjects were injured soldiers (n = 1247) from one Fort Carson Brigade Combat Team (n = 3973). Main Outcome Measures:Positive history of PC symptoms. Results:PTSD and mTBI together were more strongly associated with having PC symptoms (adjusted prevalence ratio 6.27; 95% CI: 4.13–9.43) than either mTBI alone (adjusted prevalence ratio = 4.03; 95% CI: 2.67–6.07) or PTSD alone (adjusted prevalence ratio = 2.74; 95% CI: 1.58–4.74) after adjusting for age, gender, education, rank, and Military Occupational Specialty. Conclusions:In soldiers with histories of physical injury, mTBI and PTSD were independently associated with PC symptom reporting. Those with both conditions were at greater risk for PC symptoms than those with either PTSD, mTBI, or neither. Findings support the importance of continued screening for both conditions with the aim of early identification and intervention.
JPEG compression model in copy-move forgery detection

The integrity of visual data is important for the credibility of news media and especially when used as an evidence in court or during criminal investigation. The common way to manipulate image content is copying an object and pasting in another location of the same image. In this paper, we describe a new idea for the detection of this type of forgery in JPEG images, where the compression significantly degrades detection by popular algorithms. We derive a JPEG-based constraint that any pair of patches must satisfy to be considered a valid candidate for tampered area. We propose also efficient algorithm to verify the constraint that can be integrated into most existing methods. Experiments show significant improvement of detection, especially for difficult cases, such as small objects, objects covered by textureless areas and repeated patterns.
Host Centrality in Food Web Networks Determines Parasite Diversity

Background Parasites significantly alter topological metrics describing food web structure, yet few studies have explored the relationship between food web topology and parasite diversity. Methods/Principal Findings This study uses quantitative metrics describing network structure to investigate the relationship between the topology of the host food web and parasite diversity. Food webs were constructed for four restored brackish marshes that vary in species diversity, time post restoration and levels of parasitism. Our results show that the topology of the food web in each brackish marsh is highly nested, with clusters of generalists forming a distinct modular structure. The most consistent predictors of parasite diversity within a host were: trophic generality, and eigenvector centrality. These metrics indicate that parasites preferentially colonise host species that are highly connected, and within modules of tightly interacting species in the food web network. Conclusions/Significance These results suggest that highly connected free-living species within the food web may represent stable trophic relationships that allow for the persistence of complex parasite life cycles. Our data demonstrate that the structure of host food webs can have a significant effect on the establishment of parasites, and on the potential for evolution of complex parasite life cycles.
VRPI Thermoresponsive Reversibly Attachable Patch for Temporary Intervention in Ocular Trauma

Abstract : Penetrating injuries to the eye can lead to drops in intraocular pressure and subsequent retinal detachment and loss of vision, if not managed properly. The current standard of care to close sclerotomies and other perforations of the sclera are to place sutures which are uncomfortable and can lead to abrasion and infection from eye rubbing. Glues are currently not approved in the US for closure of scleral tears. Here we fabricate and test, both in vitro and in vivo, sutureless wound closure patches for the eye. The enabling technology is a thermoreversible adhesive (poly n-isopropyl acrylamide), pNIPAM, which is adhesive to tissues at body temperature and non-adhesive at room temperature. Here we prepare a series of different pNIPAM scleral patches and test two key properties in vitro: 1) ability to survive ETO sterilization and extreme temperature, and adhesion strength to scleral tissue both in a uniaxial pull test and in an in vitro, porcine tissue eye model. Results are compared against cyanoacryalte glue, a commonly used medical adhesive.
Significant benefits of adding neoadjuvant chemotherapy before concurrent chemoradiotherapy for locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Purpose We did a meta-analysis to compare the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) versus CCRT with or without adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) for patients with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma based on randomized controlled trials. Methods We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, and meeting proceedings of major relevant conferences to identify published and unpublished randomized controlled trials. Progression-free survival (PFS) was the primary endpoint. Results This meta-analysis included 9 randomized clinical trials with 2215 patients. NACT followed by CCRT significantly improved PFS (HR=0.68, 95% CI 0.56 – 0.81, P < 0.001) compared versus CCRT with or without AC, and no heterogeneity was observed (I2 = 0.0%, P = 0.975). NACT was associated with a significant improvement in overall survival (HR = 0.64, 95% CI 0.49 – 0.84, P = 0.001; I2 = 0.0%, P = 0.467) and distant failure-free survival (HR = 0.72, 95% CI 0.53 – 0.97, P = 0.031; I2 = 0.0%, P = 0.744). No significant benefit was shown by NACT for locoregional control. NACT with CCRT increased risks of grade 3 – 4 anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and fatigue, compared versus CCRT with or without AC. Conclusions Our meta-analysis confirmed that the addition of NACT to CCRT significantly improved PFS and OS versus CCRT with or without AC for locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma. These results may alter the standard of care - CCRT with or without AC, for locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Combination of resveratrol‐containing collagen with adipose stem cells for craniofacial tissue‐engineering applications

Repair and regeneration of craniofacial tissues is particularly challenging because they comprise a complex structure of hard and soft tissues involved in intricate functions. This study combined collagen scaffolds and human adipose stem cells (hASCs) for oral mucosal and calvarial bone regeneration by using resveratrol (RSV), which affects the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. We have evaluated the effect of collagen scaffold‐containing RSV (collagen/RSV) scaffolds both in vitro and in vivo for their wound healing and bone regeneration potential. Scanning electron microscopy and immunostaining results reveal that hASCs adhere well to and proliferate on both collagen scaffolds and collagen/RSV scaffolds. Oral mucosal lesion experiments demonstrated that the collagen/RSV scaffold is more effective in wound closure and contraction than the collagen scaffold. The micro‐computed tomography (μCT) images of calvarial bone display regenerating bone in defects covered with hASCs on collagen/RSV scaffolds that are more visible than that in defects covered with hASCs on a collagen scaffolds. RSV was more effective at inducing hASC differentiation on the collagen scaffold, suggesting that collagen/RSV scaffolds can provide useful biological cues that stimulate craniofacial tissue formation.
The Effects of High Fat Diet and Resveratrol on Mitochondrial Activity of Brown Adipocytes

Background Resveratrol (RSV) is a polyphenolic phytoalexin that has many effects on metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity. Given the importance of brown adipose tissue (BAT) for energy expenditure, we investigated the effects of RSV on brown adipocytes. Methods For the in vitro study, interscapular BAT was isolated from 7-week-old male Sprague Dawley rats. For the in vivo study, 7-week-old male Otsuka Long Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats were divided into four groups and treated for 27 weeks with: standard diet (SD); SD+RSV (10 mg/kg body weight, daily); high fat diet (HFD); HFD+RSV. RSV was provided via oral gavage once daily during the in vivo experiments. Results RSV treatment of primary cultured brown preadipocytes promoted mitochondrial activity, along with over-expression of estrogen receptor α (ER-α). In OLETF rats, both HFD and RSV treatment increased the weight of BAT and the differentiation of BAT. However, only RSV increased the mitochondrial activity and ER-α expression of BAT in the HFD-fed group. Finally, RSV improved the insulin sensitivity of OLETF rats by increasing the mitochondrial activity of BAT, despite having no effects on white adipocytes and muscles in either diet group. Conclusion RSV could improve insulin resistance, which might be associated with mitochondrial activity of brown adipocyte. Further studies evaluating the activity of RSV for both the differentiation and mitochondrial activity of BAT could be helpful in investigating the effects of RSV on metabolic parameters.
Regulation of pectin methylesterase and polygalacturonate lyase activity during differentiation of infection structures in Uromyces viciae-fabae

the kinetics of their synthesis and the Kms of the three major isoenzymes were determined. The enzyme activity was formed independently of the presence of its substrate and its regulation was thus differentiation-specific. A single PL was induced when haustoriaI mother cells were formed and its synthesis appeared to be controlled by both the developmental stage of infection structures and the availability of its substrate. Polygalacturonate concentrations lower than 0'025 mg ml- 1 induced enzyme synthesis, and at 0'25 mg ml- 1 the induction proces's appeared to be saturated. Enzyme formation in the presence of 50 mM glucose, fructose or sucrose suggested that neither pectic enzyme was subject to catabolite repression. Significant proportions of PME (approx. 57%) and PL (approx. 76%) activity were located extracellularly in 24-h-old differentiated infection structures and could contribute to the establishment of the parasite. Physico-chemical and kinetic properties of the enzymes and associated alterations of the apoplastic pH of infected host plants appeared to be important factors in the success of infection and could explain the restriction of cell wall damage at the penetration site usually observed in interactions involving obligately biotrophic fungi.
A Rapid, Strong, and Convergent Genetic Response to Urban Habitat Fragmentation in Four Divergent and Widespread Vertebrates

Background Urbanization is a major cause of habitat fragmentation worldwide. Ecological and conservation theory predicts many potential impacts of habitat fragmentation on natural populations, including genetic impacts. Habitat fragmentation by urbanization causes populations of animals and plants to be isolated in patches of suitable habitat that are surrounded by non-native vegetation or severely altered vegetation, asphalt, concrete, and human structures. This can lead to genetic divergence between patches and in turn to decreased genetic diversity within patches through genetic drift and inbreeding. Methodology/Principal Findings We examined population genetic patterns using microsatellites in four common vertebrate species, three lizards and one bird, in highly fragmented urban southern California. Despite significant phylogenetic, ecological, and mobility differences between these species, all four showed similar and significant reductions in gene flow over relatively short geographic and temporal scales. For all four species, the greatest genetic divergence was found where development was oldest and most intensive. All four animals also showed significant reduction in gene flow associated with intervening roads and freeways, the degree of patch isolation, and the time since isolation. Conclusions/Significance Despite wide acceptance of the idea in principle, evidence of significant population genetic changes associated with fragmentation at small spatial and temporal scales has been rare, even in smaller terrestrial vertebrates, and especially for birds. Given the striking pattern of similar and rapid effects across four common and widespread species, including a volant bird, intense urbanization may represent the most severe form of fragmentation, with minimal effective movement through the urban matrix.
MANAGEMENT OF ACID SOILS OF ANDAMAN FOR MAIZE PRODUCTION USING LOCALLY AVAILABLE ORGANICS

Soil acidity is a major problem in many of the tropical Islands where limestone is used as amendment however an attempt has been made to use organic materials for ameliorating soil acidity. A field experiment was conducted during 2011-12 to study the effect of poultry manure, vermicompost, coconut husk compost and gliricidia applied @ 20 t ha 1 on maize and compared with lime. Application of organics significantly increased plant height, no. of grain rows per cob, grain weight per cob and 100 grain weight of maize. The increase was in the order of coconut husk compost > gliricidia > vermicompost > poultry manure mainly because of improved availability of plant nutrients besides increase in soil pH. The poultry manure (3.79 t ha -1 ) and vermicompost (3.73t ha -1 ) application recorded significantly higher grain yield. Though no significant differences were observed in root length, significant increase was recorded in root volume. The soil parameters like pH, exchangeable Al 3+ , DTPA extractable Fe 2+ and Mn 2+ significantly reduced, while P Bray significantly increased in organic treatments.