Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
BMI Not WHR Modulates BOLD fMRI Responses in a Sub-Cortical Reward Network When Participants Judge the Attractiveness of Human Female Bodies

In perceptual terms, the human body is a complex 3d shape which has to be interpreted by the observer to judge its attractiveness. Both body mass and shape have been suggested as strong predictors of female attractiveness. Normally body mass and shape co-vary, and it is difficult to differentiate their separate effects. A recent study suggested that altering body mass does not modulate activity in the reward mechanisms of the brain, but shape does. However, using computer generated female body-shaped greyscale images, based on a Principal Component Analysis of female bodies, we were able to construct images which covary with real female body mass (indexed with BMI) and not with body shape (indexed with WHR), and vice versa. Twelve observers (6 male and 6 female) rated these images for attractiveness during an fMRI study. The attractiveness ratings were correlated with changes in BMI and not WHR. Our primary fMRI results demonstrated that in addition to activation in higher visual areas (such as the extrastriate body area), changing BMI also modulated activity in the caudate nucleus, and other parts of the brain reward system. This shows that BMI, not WHR, modulates reward mechanisms in the brain and we infer that this may have important implications for judgements of ideal body size in eating disordered individuals.
Fuzzy Adaptive Decentralized Optimal Control for Strict Feedback Nonlinear Large-Scale Systems

This paper considers the optimal decentralized fuzzy adaptive control design problem for a class of interconnected large-scale nonlinear systems in strict feedback form and with unknown nonlinear functions. The fuzzy logic systems are introduced to learn the unknown dynamics and cost functions, respectively, and a state estimator is developed. By applying the state estimator and the backstepping recursive design algorithm, a decentralized feedforward controller is established. By using the backstepping decentralized feedforward control scheme, the considered interconnected large-scale nonlinear system in strict feedback form is changed into an equivalent affine large-scale nonlinear system. Subsequently, an optimal decentralized fuzzy adaptive control scheme is constructed. The whole optimal decentralized fuzzy adaptive controller is composed of a decentralized feedforward control and an optimal decentralized control. It is proved that the developed optimal decentralized controller can ensure that all the variables of the control system are uniformly ultimately bounded, and the cost functions are the smallest. Two simulation examples are provided to illustrate the validity of the developed optimal decentralized fuzzy adaptive control scheme.
Direct observation of end resection by RecBCD during double-stranded DNA break repair in vivo

Abstract The formation of 3′ single-stranded DNA overhangs is a first and essential step during homology-directed repair of double-stranded breaks (DSB) of DNA, a task that in Escherichia coli is performed by RecBCD. While this protein complex has been well characterized through in vitro single-molecule studies, it has remained elusive how end resection proceeds in the crowded and complex environment in live cells. Here, we develop a two-color fluorescent reporter to directly observe the resection of individual inducible DSB sites within live E. coli cells. Real-time imaging shows that RecBCD during end resection degrades DNA with remarkably high speed (∼1.6 kb/s) and high processivity (>∼100 kb). The results show a pronounced asymmetry in the processing of the two DNA ends of a DSB, where much longer stretches of DNA are degraded in the direction of terminus. The microscopy observations are confirmed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction measurements of the DNA degradation. Deletion of the recD gene drastically decreased the length of resection, allowing for recombination with short ectopic plasmid homologies and significantly increasing the efficiency of horizontal gene transfer between strains. We thus visualized and quantified DNA end resection by the RecBCD complex in live cells, recorded DNA-degradation linked to end resection and uncovered a general relationship between the length of end resection and the choice of the homologous recombination template.
Peritonectomy Procedures

ObjectiveNew surgical procedures designed to assist in the treatment of peritoneal surface malignancy were sought. BackgroundDecisions regarding the treatment of cancer depend on the anatomic location of the malignancy and the biologic aggressiveness of the disease. Some patients may have isolated intra-abdominal seeding of malignancy of limited extent or of low biologic grade. In the past, these clinical situations have been regarded as lethal. MethodsThe cytoreductive approach may require six peritonectomy procedures to resect or strip cancer from all intra-abdominal surfaces. ResultsThese are greater omentectomy-splenectomy; left upper quadrant peritonectomy; right upper quadrant peritonectomy; lesser omentectomy-cholecystectomy with stripping of the omental bursa; pelvic peritonectomy with sleeve resection of the sigmoid colon; and antrectomy. ConclusionsPeritonectomy procedures and preparation of the abdomen for early postoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy were described. The author has used the cytoreductive approach to achieve longterm, disease-free survival in selected patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis, peritoneal sarcomatosis or mesothelioma.
Dengue Virus prM-Specific Human Monoclonal Antibodies with Virus Replication-Enhancing Properties Recognize a Single Immunodominant Antigenic Site

ABSTRACT The proposed antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) mechanism for severe dengue virus (DENV) disease suggests that non-neutralizing serotype cross-reactive antibodies generated during a primary infection facilitate entry into Fc receptor bearing cells during secondary infection, resulting in enhanced viral replication and severe disease. One group of cross-reactive antibodies that contributes considerably to this serum profile target the premembrane (prM) protein. We report here the isolation of a large panel of naturally occurring human monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) obtained from subjects following primary DENV serotype 1, 2, or 3 or secondary natural DENV infections or following primary DENV serotype 1 live attenuated virus vaccination to determine the antigenic landscape on the prM protein that is recognized by human antibodies. We isolated 25 prM-reactive human MAbs, encoded by diverse antibody-variable genes. Competition-binding studies revealed that all of the antibodies bound to a single major antigenic site on prM. Alanine scanning-based shotgun mutagenesis epitope mapping studies revealed diverse patterns of fine specificity of various clones, suggesting that different antibodies use varied binding poses to recognize several overlapping epitopes within the immunodominant site. Several of the antibodies interacted with epitopes on both prM and E protein residues. Despite the diverse genetic origins of the antibodies and differences in the fine specificity of their epitopes, each of these prM-reactive antibodies was capable of enhancing the DENV infection of Fc receptor-bearing cells. IMPORTANCE Antibodies may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of enhanced DENV infection and disease during secondary infections. A substantial proportion of enhancing antibodies generated in response to natural dengue infection are directed toward the prM protein. The fine specificity of human prM antibodies is not understood. Here, we isolated a panel of dengue prM-specific human monoclonal antibodies from individuals after infection in order to define the mode of molecular recognition by enhancing antibodies. We found that only a single antibody molecule can be bound to each prM protein at any given time. Distinct overlapping epitopes were mapped, but all of the epitopes lie within a single major antigenic site, suggesting that this antigenic domain forms an immunodominant region of the protein. Neutralization and antibody-dependent enhanced replication experiments showed that recognition of any of the epitopes within the major antigenic site on prM was sufficient to cause enhanced infection of target cells.
Induction of Broad-Based Immunity and Protective Efficacy by Self-amplifying mRNA Vaccines Encoding Influenza Virus Hemagglutinin

ABSTRACT Seasonal influenza is a vaccine-preventable disease that remains a major health problem worldwide, especially in immunocompromised populations. The impact of influenza disease is even greater when strains drift, and influenza pandemics can result when animal-derived influenza virus strains combine with seasonal strains. In this study, we used the SAM technology and characterized the immunogenicity and efficacy of a self-amplifying mRNA expressing influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) antigen [SAM(HA)] formulated with a novel oil-in-water cationic nanoemulsion. We demonstrated that SAM(HA) was immunogenic in ferrets and facilitated containment of viral replication in the upper respiratory tract of influenza virus-infected animals. In mice, SAM(HA) induced potent functional neutralizing antibody and cellular immune responses, characterized by HA-specific CD4 T helper 1 and CD8 cytotoxic T cells. Furthermore, mice immunized with SAM(HA) derived from the influenza A virus A/California/7/2009 (H1N1) strain (Cal) were protected from a lethal challenge with the heterologous mouse-adapted A/PR/8/1934 (H1N1) virus strain (PR8). Sera derived from SAM(H1-Cal)-immunized animals were not cross-reactive with the PR8 virus, whereas cross-reactivity was observed for HA-specific CD4 and CD8 T cells. Finally, depletion of T cells demonstrated that T-cell responses were essential in mediating heterologous protection. If the SAM vaccine platform proves safe, well tolerated, and effective in humans, the fully synthetic SAM vaccine technology could provide a rapid response platform to control pandemic influenza. IMPORTANCE In this study, we describe protective immune responses in mice and ferrets after vaccination with a novel HA-based influenza vaccine. This novel type of vaccine elicits both humoral and cellular immune responses. Although vaccine-specific antibodies are the key players in mediating protection from homologous influenza virus infections, vaccine-specific T cells contribute to the control of heterologous infections. The rapid production capacity and the synthetic origin of the vaccine antigen make the SAM platform particularly exploitable in case of influenza pandemic.
Older Adults' Engagement With a Video Game Training Program

The current study investigated older adults' level of engagement with a video game training program. Engagement was measured using the concept of flow (Csikszentmihalyi, 1975). Forty-five older adults were randomized to receive practice with an action game (Medal of Honor), a puzzle-like game (Tetris), or a gold-standard useful field of view (UFOV) training program. Both Medal of Honor and Tetris participants reported significantly higher flow ratings at the conclusion, relative to the onset of training. Participants are more engaged in games that can be adjusted to their skill levels and that provide incremental levels of difficulty. This finding was consistent with flow theory (Csikszentmihalyi, 1975).
Analysis of dendritic cell subpopulations in follicular lymphoma with respect to the tumor immune microenvironment

Abstract The immune cell composition of the follicular lymphoma (FL) tumor microenvironment is increasingly recognized as an important determinant for clinical outcome. Here, we explored frequency and distribution of dendritic cell (DC) subtypes in relation to regulatory T cells (Treg) by immunohistochemistry in lymph node biopsies from patients with de novo FL. We found that neoplastic follicles contained lower DC and higher Treg frequencies than hyperplastic follicles in control lymph nodes. Treg numbers particularly correlated with the subset of conventional CD11c+ DCs. Additionally, both a high intra- to interfollicular ratio of CD11c+ DCs and increased intrafollicular Treg frequencies were associated with decreased overall survival. This suggests that functional interactions between these cells may be relevant for FL progression/recurrence. The presence of CD11c+ DCs in the tumor microenvironment may assist tumor infiltration by Tregs, thus contributing to the suppression of an otherwise beneficial T-cell-dominated FL microenvironment.
Auditory Same/Different Concept Learning and Generalization in Black-Capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus)

Abstract concept learning was thought to be uniquely human, but has since been observed in many other species. Discriminating same from different is one abstract relation that has been studied frequently. In the current experiment, using operant conditioning, we tested whether black-capped chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) could discriminate sets of auditory stimuli based on whether all the sounds within a sequence were the same or different from one another. The chickadees were successful at solving this same/different relational task, and transferred their learning to same/different sequences involving novel combinations of training notes and novel notes within the range of pitches experienced during training. The chickadees showed limited transfer to pitches that was not used in training, suggesting that the processing of absolute pitch may constrain their relational performance. Our results indicate, for the first time, that black-capped chickadees readily form relational auditory same and different categories, adding to the list of perceptual, behavioural, and cognitive abilities that make this species an important comparative model for human language and cognition.
Micafungin Breakthrough Fungemia in Patients with Hematological Disorders

ABSTRACT Limited data are available on micafungin breakthrough fungemia (MBF), fungemia that develops on administration of micafungin, in patients with hematological disorders. We reviewed medical and microbiological records of patients with hematological disorders who developed MBF between January 2008 and June 2015. A total of 39 patients with MBF were identified, and Candida (30 strains) and non-Candida (9 strains) fungal species were recognized as causative strains. Among 35 stored strains, Candida parapsilosis (14 strains), Trichosporon asahii (7 strains), Candida glabrata (5 strains), and other fungal species (9 strains) were identified by sequencing. Neutropenia was identified as an independent predictor of non-Candida fungemia (P = 0.023). T. asahii was the most common causative strain (7/19) during neutropenia. The 14-day crude mortality rate of patients treated with early micafungin change (EMC) to other antifungal agents was lower than that of the patients not treated with EMC (14% versus 43%, P = 0.044). Most of the stored causative Candida strains were susceptible (80%) or showed wild-type susceptibility (72%) to micafungin. The MICs of voriconazole for T. asahii were low (range, 0.015 to 0.12 μg/ml), whereas the MICs of amphotericin B for T. asahii were high (range, 2 to 4 μg/ml). MBF caused by non-Candida fungus should be considered, especially in patients with neutropenia. EMC could improve early mortality. Based on epidemiology and drug susceptibility profiling, empirical voriconazole-containing therapy might be suitable for treating MBF during neutropenia to cover for T. asahii.
Early Versus Delayed (Traditional) Postoperative Oral Feeding in Patients Undergoing Colorectal Anastomosis

Background: A period of starvation after colorectal anastomosis to permit for resolution of the clinical evidence of ileus has been an unchallenged surgical dogma until recent years. We intended to determine the safety and feasibility of an unconventional postoperative oral intake protocol in patients experiencing colorectal anastomosis. Materials and Methods: Between 2013 and 2015, sixty consecutive patients underwent colorectal anastomosis and they were randomized into two groups. The early feeding group began fluids on the first postoperative day while the regular feeding group was managed in the traditional way - nothing by mouth until the complete resolution of ileus. Results: The majority of patients (93%) tolerated the early feeding. The times to first passage of flatus (2.66 ± 0.71 days vs. 3.9 ± 0.071 days) and stool (3.9 ± 0.92 days vs. 5.4 ± 0.77 days) were significantly quicker in early feeding group. Hospital stay was also significantly shorter in the early feeding group (4 ± 0.64 days vs. 6.1 ± 0.84 days). Anastomosis leakage and abscess formation were not seen in early feeding group. The patient's satisfaction (visual analog scale) in the early feeding group was higher than delayed feeding group (8.56 ± 1.16 vs. 7.06 ± 1.59, P < 0.001). Conclusions: Early oral feeding after colorectal surgeries is safe and tolerated by the majority of patients.
Adaptive Region Based Active Contour Model for Image Segmentation

In this paper, a new region based active contour model is proposed for image segmentation. The proposed model is based on the combination of an adaptive local term based on the computation of local statistics deduced at each point of the evolved curve and a global term built using the means of intensities inside and outside the evolved curve. The novelty of the approach is the introduction of an adaptive energy term by the definition of local regions along the curve that will be updated at each iteration of the minimization process according to the gradient information. Experiments on medical, synthetic, real-word and noisy images prove the effectiveness of the proposed method regarding methods of state of the art.
Youth self-report of child maltreatment in representative surveys: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION This systematic review identified population-representative youth surveys containing questions on self-reported child maltreatment. Data quality and ethical issues pertinent to maltreatment data collection were also examined. METHODS A search was conducted of relevant online databases for articles published from January 2000 through March 2016 reporting on population-representative data measuring child maltreatment. Inclusion criteria were established a priori; two reviewers independently assessed articles to ensure that the criteria were met and to verify the accuracy of extracted information. RESULTS A total of 73 articles reporting on 71 surveys met the inclusion criteria. A variety of strategies to ensure accurate information and to mitigate survey participants' distress were reported. CONCLUSION The extent to which efforts have been undertaken to measure the prevalence of child maltreatment reflects its perceived importance across the world. Data on child maltreatment can be effectively collected from youth, although our knowledge of best practices related to ethics and data quality is incomplete.
Low Rank Symmetric Tensor Approximations

For a given symmetric tensor, we aim at finding a new one whose symmetric rank is small and that is close to the given one. There exist linear relations among the entries of low rank symmetric tensors. Such linear relations can be expressed by polynomials, which are called generating polynomials. We propose a new approach for computing low rank approximations by using generating polynomials. First, we estimate a set of generating polynomials that are approximately satisfied by the given tensor. Second, we find approximate common zeros of these polynomials. Third, we use these zeros to construct low rank tensor approximations. If the symmetric tensor to be approximated is sufficiently close to a low rank one, we show that the computed low rank approximations are quasi-optimal.
Effect of high-amylose starch and oat bran on metabolic variables and bowel function in subjects with rt'2

We compared the effects of a diet in which �25% of the carbohydrate was replaced by high-amylose starch with those of a similar diet high in oat bran or low-amylose starch in 23 hypertriglyceridemic subjects who were overweight mostly because of abdominal adiposity. Each diet was consumed for 4 wk in random order and in a crossover fashion. Overall, the diets were high in carbohydrate (> 55% of energy) and low in fat (< 30% of energy); the amount of resistant starch in the foods containing high-amylose starch was 17 g in women and 25 g in men. The metabolic effects of specific starches on plasma lipids, fasting and postprandial glucose and insulin profiles, and bowel function were assessed at the end of each intervention. Plasma triacylglycerols (triglycerides) were significantly lower after the oat bran diet than after the other two diets (P < 0.02). No other effects on fasting plasma lipids, glucose, or insulin were noted. However, when the high-amylose starch comprised 33% of the carbohydrate content in a test meal, there was a significant but biologically small reduction in the overall postprandial plasma insulin concentration by 17% relative to the low-amylose diet (P < 0.01). Both the oat bran and the high-amylose diet resulted in an increased frequency of bowel actions and lower fecal pH (P < 0.02) relative to the low-amylose diet. However, unlike the oat bran diet, the high-amylose diet increased short-chain fatty acid concentrations in fecal water by 32% (P < 0.001). Am J C/in Nutr 1996;64:944-51.
Design and evaluation of a 5-input majority gate-based content-addressable memory cell in quantum-dot cellular automata

Quantum-dot cellular automata (QCA) has been introduced as an emerging nanotechnology for circuit design. This technology is one of the best alternatives to the CMOS circuits. In QCA circuits, inverter and majority gates are the essential building blocks of different circuits. Moreover, in recent applications low-power architectures have become very important. Accordingly, we need to design low-power elements. Content addressable memory (CAM) is a kind of memory which can be used in very fast searching applications. In this paper, a single layer content addressable memory (CAM) cell is proposed. The proposed design has achieved significant improvements in terms of complexity, area and energy consumption.
Cardiac Effects of Echinocandins in Endotoxemic Rats

ABSTRACT Echinocandins are known as effective and safe agents for the prophylaxis and treatment of different cohorts of patients with fungal infections. Recent studies revealed that certain pharmacokinetics of echinocandin antifungals might impact clinical efficacy and safety in special patient populations. The aim of our study was to evaluate echinocandin-induced aggravation of cardiac impairment in septic shock. Using an in vivo endotoxemic shock model in rats, we assessed hemodynamic parameters and time to hemodynamic failure (THF) after additional central-venous application of anidulafungin (2.5 mg/kg of body weight [BW]), caspofungin (0.875 mg/kg BW), micafungin (3 mg/kg BW), and control (0.9% sodium chloride). In addition, echinocandin-induced cytotoxicity was evaluated in isolated rat cardiac myocytes. THF of the animals in the caspofungin group (n = 7) was significantly reduced compared to that in the control (n = 6) (136 min versus 180 min; P = 0.0209). The anidulafungin group (n = 7) also showed a trend of reduced THF (136 min versus 180 min; log-rank test P = 0.0578). Animals in the micafungin group (n = 7) did not show significant differences in THF compared to those in the control. Control group animals and also micafungin group animals did not show altered cardiac output (CO) during our experiments. In contrast, administration of anidulafungin or caspofungin induced a decrease in CO. We also revealed a dose-dependent increase of cytotoxicity in anidulafungin- and caspofungin-treated cardiac myocytes. Treatment with micafungin did not cause significantly increased cytotoxicity. Further studies are needed to explore the underlying mechanism.