Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microbic Superinfection in Relapse of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

To assess the association between symptomatic relapse of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and superinfection with enteropathogenic microorganisms, we determined prospectively the incidence of infections with enteropathogenic bacteria, protozoa, and helminths in patients with confirmed longstanding IBD. Sixty-four patients with IBD (49 with Crohn's disease [CD] and 15 with ulcerative colitis [UC]) were consecutively enrolled in the study when relapse occurred. Multiple biopsies for histological and microbiological investigations were taken from all patients who were evaluated by colonoscopy. Parallel stool specimens were investigated for the presence of enteropathogenic bacteria, protozoa, and helminths. In six patients, we detected Clostridium difficile or toxin B (five CD, one UC), in one patient Campylobacter jejuni (CD), and in another patient Salmonella typhimurium (UC). Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli were isolated from three patients. Investigation of biopsies for Mycobacteria, microscopic examination of stool samples for helminths, and immunofluorescence for chlamydia were negative in all patients. In summary, as we found enteropathogenic microorganisms so infrequently in patients with relapse of IBD, despite intensive microbiological screening by tissue sampling for detection of gut adherent bacteria, we believe that microorganisms play only a minor role in the exacerbation of IBD.
Fixed point approximation for multirate multihop loss networks with state-dependent routing

In this paper we consider a class of loss networks that have arbitrary topologies and routes of arbitrary length. Multiple traffic classes are present, each with different bandwidth requirement, and each routed according to a state-dependent routing scheme. In particular, we consider the least loaded routing method generalized to routes of arbitrary number of hops. The connection level performance metric of interest is the end-to-end blocking probability. We are interested in developing fast evaluation methods to provide reasonably accurate estimates of the blocking probability, especially under heavy traffic load. Our algorithms are based on the fixed-point method framework, also known as the reduced load approximation. In addition to what commonly examined by previous work, two more factors contribute to the complexity of the computation in the scenario under consideration in this paper. One is the state-dependent nature of the routing mechanism, the other is the possible overlapping between routes due to the general multihop topology of the network. We present two fast approximation algorithms to evaluate the blocking probability with state-dependent routing by simplifying the route overlapping computation. We discuss the computational complexity of our algorithms as well as sources of approximation error. We then compare the numerical results with that of simulation and show that our algorithms provide fairly accurate blocking probability estimates especially under heavy traffic load.
Accuracy of angle and position of the cup using computed tomography-based navigation systems in total hip arthroplasty

Abstract Objective: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the accuracy of computed tomography (CT)-based navigation and to investigate whether the level of surgeon experience affects the accuracy of cup positioning under navigation. Methods: This study investigated 117 hips in 103 patients who underwent primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) by 7 surgeons using a CT-based navigation system. Pre- and postoperative CT images were matched using a volume registration technique. Postoperative cup angles and positions were then measured using the same pelvic coordinates, and results were compared for experienced and inexperienced surgeons. Results: The mean absolute error of the cup angle was 1.8 ± 1.6° for inclination and 1.2 ± 1.1° for anteversion. The mean absolute errors of cup position were 1.9 ± 1.5 mm, 1.4 ± 1.2 mm, and 1.9 ± 1.3 mm on the x-, y- and z-axes, respectively. No significant differences in accuracy were identified between experienced and inexperienced surgeons. Conclusions: The absolute spatial error of cup position was ≤2 mm for each axis, and the angle error was ≤2° for the angles of inclination and anteversion. This navigation system could therefore help surgeons perform accurate cup placement irrespective of the surgeon’s level of experience.
MEG masked priming evidence for form-based decomposition of irregular verbs

To what extent does morphological structure play a role in early processing of visually presented English past tense verbs? Previous masked priming studies have demonstrated effects of obligatory form-based decomposition for genuinely affixed words (teacher-TEACH) and pseudo-affixed words (corner-CORN), but not for orthographic controls (brothel-BROTH). Additionally, MEG single word reading studies have demonstrated that the transition probability from stem to affix (in genuinely affixed words) modulates an early evoked response known as the M170; parallel findings have been shown for the transition probability from stem to pseudo-affix (in pseudo-affixed words). Here, utilizing the M170 as a neural index of visual form-based morphological decomposition, we ask whether the M170 demonstrates masked morphological priming effects for irregular past tense verbs (following a previous study which obtained behavioral masked priming effects for irregulars). Dual mechanism theories of the English past tense predict a rule-based decomposition for regulars but not for irregulars, while certain single mechanism theories predict rule-based decomposition even for irregulars. MEG data was recorded for 16 subjects performing a visual masked priming lexical decision task. Using a functional region of interest (fROI) defined on the basis of repetition priming and regular morphological priming effects within the left fusiform and inferior temporal regions, we found that activity in this fROI was modulated by the masked priming manipulation for irregular verbs, during the time window of the M170. We also found effects of the scores generated by the learning model of Albright and Hayes (2003) on the degree of priming for irregular verbs. The results favor a single mechanism account of the English past tense, in which even irregulars are decomposed into stems and affixes prior to lexical access, as opposed to a dual mechanism model, in which irregulars are recognized as whole forms.
Understanding Contaminants Associated with Mineral Deposits

The potential environmental effects associated with abandoned and inactive mines, resulting from the complex interaction of a variety of chemical and physical processes, is an area of study that is important to the USGS Mineral Resources Program. Understanding the processes responsible for the environmental effects of abandoned and inactive mines is also of interest to a wide range of stakeholders, including both those responsible for managing lands with historical mined areas and those responsible for anticipating environmental consequences of future mining operations. The recently completed USGS project entitled “Process Studies of Contaminants Associated with Mineral Deposits” focused on abandoned and inactive mines and mineralized areas in the Rocky Mountains of Montana, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona, where there are thousands of abandoned mines.
Guideline Approach to Therapy in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes

Both the prevalence and incidence of type 2 diabetes are increasing worldwide in conjunction with increased Westernization of the population's lifestyle. Type 2 diabetes is still a leading cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD), amputation, renal failure, and blindness. The risk for microvascular complications is related to overall glycemic burden over time as measured by A1C (1,2). The UK Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) 10-year follow-up demonstrated a possible effect on CVD as well (3). A meta-analysis of cardiovascular outcome in patients with long disease duration including Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD), Action in Diabetes and Vascular Disease: Preterax and Diamicron MR Controlled Evaluation (ADVANCE), and Veterans Affairs Diabetes Trial (VADT) suggested that in these populations the reduction of ~1% in A1C is associated with a 15% relative reduction in nonfatal myocardial infarction (4). Most antihyperglycemic drugs besides insulin reduce A1C values to similar levels (5) but differ in their safety elements and pathophysiological effect. Thus, there is a need for recommending a drug therapy preference. While the positive effects on prevention of microvascular complications were demonstrated with the various antihyperglycemic drugs (1,2,6,7), several questions are left open regarding this therapy in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes: 1. What is the comparative effectiveness of antihyperglycemic drugs on other long-term outcomes, i.e., β-cell function and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality? 2. What is the comparative safety of these treatments, and do they differ across subgroups of adults with type 2 diabetes? 3. Should we combine antihyperglycemic drugs at the time of diagnosis according to their pathophysiological effect to address the different pathologies leading to hyperglycemia? Most leading guidelines suggest adding one of several antihyperglycemic drugs (5,8,9) when lifestyle and metformin fail to keep A1C at target unrelated to these questions. …
Sensitization of BCL-2–expressing breast tumors to chemotherapy by the BH3 mimetic ABT-737

Overexpression of the prosurvival protein BCL-2 is common in breast cancer. Here we have explored its role as a potential therapeutic target in this disease. BCL-2, its anti-apoptotic relatives MCL-1 and BCL-XL, and the proapoptotic BH3-only ligand BIM were found to be coexpressed at relatively high levels in a substantial proportion of heterogeneous breast tumors, including clinically aggressive basal-like cancers. To determine whether the BH3 mimetic ABT-737 that neutralizes BCL-2, BCL-XL, and BCL-W had potential efficacy in targeting BCL-2–expressing basal-like triple-negative tumors, we generated a panel of primary breast tumor xenografts in immunocompromised mice and treated recipients with either ABT-737, docetaxel, or a combination. Tumor response and overall survival were significantly improved by combination therapy, but only for tumor xenografts that expressed elevated levels of BCL-2. Treatment with ABT-737 alone was ineffective, suggesting that ABT-737 sensitizes the tumor cells to docetaxel. Combination therapy was accompanied by a marked increase in apoptosis and dissociation of BIM from BCL-2. Notably, BH3 mimetics also appeared effective in BCL-2–expressing xenograft lines that harbored p53 mutations. Our findings provide in vivo evidence that BH3 mimetics can be used to sensitize primary breast tumors to chemotherapy and further suggest that elevated BCL-2 expression constitutes a predictive response marker in breast cancer.
Engineering of Therapeutic Proteins Production in Escherichia coli

Low cost and simplicity of cultivating bacteria make the E. coli expression system a preferable choice for production of therapeutic proteins both on a lab scale and in industry. In addition straightforward recombinant DNA technology offers engineering tools to produce protein molecules with modified features. The lack of posttranslational modification mechanisms in bacterial cells such as glycosylation, proteolytic protein maturation or limited capacity for formation of disulfide bridges may, to a certain extent, be overcome with protein engineering. Protein engineering is also often employed to improve protein stability or to modulate its biological action. More sophisticated modifications may be achieved by genetic fusions of two proteins. This article presents a variety of examples of genetic engineering of therapeutic proteins. It emphasizes the importance of designing a construct without any unnecessary amino acid residues.
Mechanisms of Increased Sensitivity to Noise and Light in Migraine Headache

To determine whether phonophobia is a manifestation of loudness recruitment, the hearing and auditory discomfort thresholds to an 8000 Hz tone were measured during the headache-free interval and again during an attack of migraine in 16 migraine sufferers. The visual discomfort threshold was also determined. For comparison, measures were taken in 10 non-headache controls of similar age and sex distribution. Auditory and visual discomfort thresholds decreased substantially during attacks of migraine. Increases (three subjects) or decreases (three subjects) in hearing threshold during attacks of migraine were significantly greater than the variation recorded in control subjects from Session I to Session 2. The findings do not support the view that phonophobia in migraine is a manifestation of loudness recruitment, although cochlear disturbances might mediate hearing loss in some cases. Disruption of central sensory processing mechanisms during migraine could increase sensitivity to quiet sounds, and contribute to phono- and photophobia.
Allosteric Regulation of Na/Ca Exchange Current by Cytosolic Ca in Intact Cardiac Myocytes

The cardiac sarcolemmal Na-Ca exchanger (NCX) is allosterically regulated by [Ca]i such that when [Ca]i is low, NCX current (INCX) deactivates. In this study, we used membrane potential (Em) and INCX to control Ca entry into and Ca efflux from intact cardiac myocytes to investigate whether this allosteric regulation (Ca activation) occurs with [Ca]i in the physiological range. In the absence of Ca activation, the electrochemical effect of increasing [Ca]i would be to increase inward INCX (Ca efflux) and to decrease outward INCX. On the other hand, Ca activation would increase INCX in both directions. Thus, we attributed [Ca]i-dependent increases in outward INCX to allosteric regulation. Ca activation of INCX was observed in ferret myocytes but not in wild-type mouse myocytes, suggesting that Ca regulation of NCX may be species dependent. We also studied transgenic mouse myocytes overexpressing either normal canine NCX or this same canine NCX lacking Ca regulation (Δ680–685). Animals with the normal canine NCX transgene showed Ca activation, whereas animals with the mutant transgene did not, confirming the role of this region in the process. In native ferret cells and in mice with expressed canine NCX, allosteric regulation by Ca occurs under physiological conditions (KmCaAct = 125 ± 16 nM SEM ≈ resting [Ca]i). This, along with the observation that no delay was observed between measured [Ca]i and activation of INCX under our conditions, suggests that beat to beat changes in NCX function can occur in vivo. These changes in the INCX activation state may influence SR Ca load and resting [Ca]i, helping to fine tune Ca influx and efflux from cells under both normal and pathophysiological conditions. Our failure to observe Ca activation in mouse myocytes may be due to either the extent of Ca regulation or to a difference in KmCaAct from other species. Model predictions for Ca activation, on which our estimates of KmCaAct are based, confirm that Ca activation strongly influences outward INCX, explaining why it increases rather than declines with increasing [Ca]i.
Mechanisms of benzalkonium chloride toxicity in a human trabecular meshwork cell line and the protective role of preservative‐free tafluprost

Benzalkonium chloride (BAK) is a controversial ophthalmic preservative because of its prominent side‐effect profile. In this study, we examined the mechanism of BAK toxicity in human trabecular meshwork cells (HTMC) and compared the effects of BAK with tafluprost free acid, which is an active form of tafluprost commercially available in a preservative‐free formulation.
Are Supershells Powered by Multiple Supernovae? Modeling the Radio Pulsar Population Produced by OB Associations

Traditional searches for radio pulsars have targeted individual small regions such as supernova remnants or globular clusters or have covered large contiguous regions of the sky. None of these searches have been specifically directed toward giant supershells, some of which are likely to have been produced by multiple supernova (SN) explosions from an OB association. Here we perform a Monte Carlo simulation of the pulsar population associated with supershells powered by multiple SNe. We predict that several tens of radio pulsars associated with the largest Galactic supershells (with kinetic energies ≳1053 ergs) could be detected with current instruments and a few pulsars associated with the smaller supershells. We test these predictions for some of the supershells that lie in regions covered by past pulsar surveys. For the smaller supershells, our results are consistent with the few detected pulsars per bubble. For the giant supershell GSH 242-03+37, we find the multiple SN hypothesis inconsistent with current data at the ~95% level. We stress the importance of undertaking deep pulsar surveys in correlation with supershells. Failure to detect any pulsar enhancement in the largest of them would put serious constraints on the multiple SN origin for them. Conversely, the discovery of the pulsar population associated with a supershell would allow a different, independent approach to the study of pulsar properties.
Putative alternative functions of human stefin B (cystatin B): binding to amyloid‐beta, membranes, and copper

We describe studies performed thus far on stefin B from the family of cystatins as a model protein for folding and amyloid fibril formation studies. We also briefly mention our studies on aggregation of some of the missense EPM1 mutants of stefin B in cells, which mimic additional pathological traits (gain in toxic function) in selected patients with EPM1 disease. We collected data on the reported interactors of stefin B and discuss several hypotheses of possible cytosolic alternative functions.
Endoscopic Endonasal Approach of Congenital Meningoencephalocele Surgery: First Reported Case in Lithuania

Meningoencephalocele is a rare condition that usually occurs in children and is treated by neurosurgeons with occasional help from ENT doctors. The symptoms of meningoencephalocele might not develop until adulthood, but usually they are apparent immediately after birth. The case of small anterior basal transethmoidal meningoencephalocele in a 24-year-old patient who had headaches and runny nose since childhood is presented. Endonasal endoscopic approach for meningoencephalocele removal and skull base defect reconstruction was used. It was concluded that endoscopic endonasal approach is less invasive and provides an acceptable operative outcome with short recovery time and less postoperative complications in comparison with other external microsurgical approaches.
Estimating the Mechanical Properties of Travertine Building Stones Due to Salt Crystallization Using Multivariate Regression Analysis

Salt crystallization is one of the most powerful weathering agents that may cause a rapid change in the mechanical properties of stones, and thus limit their durability. Consequently, determining the mechanical properties of stones due to salt crystallization is important for natural building stones used in marine environmental and mild climatic conditions, which expose excessive salt crystallization cycles. In this study, multivariate regression analysis was performed for estimating the mechanical properties of travertine building stones after salt crystallization test. For this purpose, 12 travertine samples were selected and their physical and mechanical properties (density, porosity, uniaxial compressive strength, Brazilian tensile strength, and P-wave velocity) were determined. Then salt crystallization test was carried out at sodium sulfate solution (Na2SO4) up to 50 cycles and, after every 5 cycles, the uniaxial compressive strength, Brazilian tensile strength and P-wave velocity of the samples were measured. Using data analysis, regression equations were developed for estimating the mechanical properties of deteriorated samples at any cycle of the salt crystallization test. In these equations, the mechanical properties of the samples after salt crystallization were considered to be the dependent variable, which is dependent on the independent variables of the number of salt crystallization cycles, initial mechanical properties of the stones and their porosities. The validity of the equations was verified with the mechanical properties data of a researcher for salt crystallization test. The results showed that regression equations are in good accuracy for estimating the mechanical properties of stones, and thus making a rapid durability assessment.
Unusual, High Genetic Diversity of Aleutian Mink Disease Virus

ABSTRACT The genetic diversity of Aleutian mink disease virus (AMDV) was examined. Sequences obtained from 35 clinical samples were compared with five published sequences. An unusual, high genetic variability was revealed. Three phylogenetic subgroups of AMDV were identified, and the presence of more than one genotype at some farms was detected.
Classification of soil tilth for two projects in the mesopotamian plain western Iraq

According to the importance of soil tilth that should be determined by specialists of management and teaching was of the farm. This study was carried out determine the classes of tilth capability duo to Dickinson statistical method, for two projects as samples to fluvial soils west of Iraq. Sime detailed soil survey map of Right-Euphrates and Al-Sqlawia were prepared, as base maps to conduct this study, where enough pedons, described and lab analyzed previonsly by formal directory in soil survey reports of each. Which were executed of projects. largest numbers of samples descriptions were collected to get a better representating statistical sample for the area in a reality of 720 sampls for
Image Clustering using Color Moments , Histogram , Edge and K-means Clustering

Clustering a large volume of image database is a challenging research work. Image clustering is needed many practical area like Medical Diagnosis, Military. There exist many traditional way to cluster similar data. But the accuracy level is not so high. So in this paper we propose a new multi feature image clustering technique which will help us to classify the large volume data with high accuracy level. Firstly we extract color moments feature from an image, and then we consider histogram analysis and make a summation of each color bin. Finally we used canny edge detection technique. Lastly we combine all features in a matrix and perform clustering algorithm to cluster data.