Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Glaucoma Waveform Analysis of Ocular Blood Flow and the Early Detection of Normal Tension Glaucoma

METHODS. Sixty-one eyes of 61 patients with NTG and 21 eyes of age-matched healthy control subjects were included in this study. The NTG eyes were divided into the following three groups based on the progression of their visual field defects: mild (mean deviation [MD] greater than 6.0 decibels [dB]), moderate (MD between 6.0 and 12.0 dB), and severe (MD less than 12.0 dB). The ONH BF analysis was performed with laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG) and included waveform variables such as skew, acceleration time index (ATI), and blowout time.
Data-Driven Color Augmentation Techniques for Deep Skin Image Analysis

Dermoscopic skin images are often obtained with different imaging devices, under varying acquisition conditions. In this work, instead of attempting to perform intensity and color normalization, we propose to leverage computational color constancy techniques to build an artificial data augmentation technique suitable for this kind of images. Specifically, we apply the \emph{shades of gray} color constancy technique to color-normalize the entire training set of images, while retaining the estimated illuminants. We then draw one sample from the distribution of training set illuminants and apply it on the normalized image. We employ this technique for training two deep convolutional neural networks for the tasks of skin lesion segmentation and skin lesion classification, in the context of the ISIC 2017 challenge and without using any external dermatologic image set. Our results on the validation set are promising, and will be supplemented with extended results on the hidden test set when available.
Cell-free circulating tumor DNA analysis for breast cancer and its clinical utilization as a biomarker

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in the blood of cancer patients contains much information on genetic and epigenetic profiles associated with cancer development, progression, and response to therapy. Analysis of ctDNA provides an opportunity for non-invasive sampling of tumor DNA repetitiously and therefore advance precision medicine. Recent development in massively parallel sequencing and digital genomic techniques support the analytical and clinical validity of ctDNA as a promising ‘liquid biopsy’ in human cancer. In this review, we discussed the current status of cell-free ctDNA including ctDNA biology, recently developed techniques for ctDNA detection, breast cancer specific detecting strategies, with a focus on clinical applications of ctDNA-based biomarkers in breast oncology.
ensembles of linear classifiers by means of clonal selection algorithm ∗ by

Artificial immune systems (AIS) have become popular among researchers and have been applied to a variety of tasks. Developing supervised learning algorithms based on metaphors from the immune system is still an area in which there is much to explore. In this paper a novel supervised immune algorithm based on clonal selection framework is proposed. It evolves a population of linear classifiers used to construct a set of classification rules. Aggregating strategies, such as bagging and boosting, are shown to work well with the proposed algorithm as the base classifier.
Allergic phenotype of chronic rhinosinusitis based on radiologic pattern of disease

Polypoid edema of the middle turbinate is a marker of inhalant allergy. Extensive edematous changes may result in limited central nasal and sinus disease, which has been called central compartment atopic disease (CCAD). Radiologically, this is seen as soft tissue thickening in the central portion of the sinonasal cavity with or without paranasal sinus involvement. When the sinuses are involved, the soft tissue thickening spares the sinus roof or lateral wall (centrally limited). This centrally limited radiological pattern was assessed among chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients and compared to allergy status.
Establishment of an in vivo turkey model for the study of flexor tendon repair

Flexor tendon injuries are common and pose a clinical challenge for functional restoration. The purpose of our study was to assess the adequacy of the turkey as a large animal model for flexor tendon injuries in vivo. Twenty‐four male turkeys underwent surgical flexor tendon cut and repair. Turkeys were allocated to five groups postoperatively: (1) foot casted in extension and sacrificed after 3 weeks; (2) foot casted in extension and sacrificed after 6 weeks; (3) foot casted in flexion and sacrificed after 3 weeks; (4) foot casted in flexion and sacrificed after 6 weeks; and (5) foot casted in flexion for 6 weeks and then free roaming allowed for an additional 3 weeks before sacrifice. After sacrifice, digits were collected and analyzed for adhesion formation, healing at the macrolevel and histologically, and biomechanical properties—including friction, work of flexion, stiffness, and strength of repair. All turkeys survived anesthesia and surgery. Tendon rupture occurred in all extension casts and in 11% of those casted in flexion. Friction and work of flexion were significantly higher in the repaired digit than the control digit. There was a correlation between duration of immobilization and repair strength. Histologically, the tendon healed with tenocytes migrating into the gap and producing collagen fibers. We have, for the first time, studied flexor tendon injury and repair using turkeys in terms of anesthesia, surgical procedures, postoperative care, and animal husbandry. The findings regarding functional and histological results from this novel avian model were comparable to the most commonly used mammal model. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2497–2505, 2018.
Homocysteine and B vitamins in dementia.

Recently, Selhub et al (1) pointed out the importance of the B vitamins folic acid, vitamin B-6, and vitamin B-12 for the well-being and normal functioning of the brain. They also mentioned that the status of these vitamins is frequently inadequate in the elderly and that these inadequacies can result in hyperhomocysteinemia, a recently identified risk factor for atherosclerosis (2, 3) and Alzheimer disease (AD; 4). The authors further stated that these inadequacies can result in brain ischemia by way of occlusive vascular disease, stroke, or thrombosis. Vascular disease risk factors such as hypertension are well recognized in AD (5). In our own series of 31 patients with cognitive decline (6), 7 of 19 AD patients had one or more vascular disease risk factors (hypertension, generalized atherosclerosis, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia). When we measured serum concentrations of vitamin B-12, folic acid, and homocysteine in these patients, both AD patients and those with vascular dementia had similarly elevated homocysteine compared with concentrations in healthy control subjects of similar age (Table 1), indicating that vascular disease risk factors may contribute to the pathophysiology of AD. We found an inverse correlation between the degree of cognitive impairment as determined by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and homocysteine (r = 0.43; Spearman rank correlation), an inverse correlation between folic acid and homocysteine (r = 0.36), a correlation between MMSE and folic acid (r = 0.37), and a correlation between folic acid and vitamin B-12 (r = 0.60) (all P < 0.05). These results agree well with recent data reported by Nourhashemi et al (7), who also found a correlation between cognitive skills and B vitamins including folic acid and homocysteine. In our study, 9 of 31 patients with dementia and hyperhomocysteinemia were treated with 50 mg vitamin B-1, 50 mg vitamin B-6, 5 mg folic acid, and 0.05 mg vitamin B-12 (Beneuran compositum TM; Nycomed Austria GmBH, Linz, Austria). After 4 wk of treatment, serum homocysteine concentrations had returned to normal in all 9 patients, dropping from 17.3 ± 1.9 to 10.7 ± 3.5 mol/L (t = 7.72, P < 0.0001; paired t test). These data suggest that homocysteine, identified as an independent risk factor for vascular diseases (3) may also be of relevance in AD (4) and in vascular dementia, and that folic acid would be an additional therapeutic option in patients with dementia. We agree with the conclusion of Nourhashemi et al (7) that further studies must be performed to elucidate the association between vitamin status and homocysteine concentrations and the possible role of immune activation, free radicals, and oxidative stress in dementia (8).
Incentives in Organisations : A Selective Overview of the Literature with Application to the Public Sector

This paper provides a brief overview of the theoretical literature on how organisations provide employees with incentives to act in its interest and on the suitability of incentive schemes in different environments. Attention is drawn to areas that are appropriate to public sector organisations. A selection of relevant empirical literature is reviewed and related to the theory. JEL Classification: J32, J33
Galaxy evolution in Hickson compact groups : the role of ram-pressure stripping and strangulation

Galaxies in compact groups tend to be deficient in neutral hydrogen compared to isolated galaxies of similar optical properties. In order to investigate the role played by a hot intragroup medium (IGM) for the removal and destruction of H i in these systems, we have performed a Chandra and XMM–Newton study of eight of the most H i deficient Hickson compact groups. Diffuse X-ray emission associated with an IGM is detected in four of the groups, suggesting that galaxy–IGM interactions are not the dominant mechanism driving cold gas out of the group members. No clear evidence is seen for any of the members being currently stripped of any hot gas, nor for galaxies to show enhanced nuclear X-ray activity in the X-ray bright or most H i deficient groups. Combining the inferred IGM distributions with analytical models of representative disc galaxies orbiting within each group, we estimate the H i mass-loss due to ram-pressure and viscous stripping. While these processes are generally insufficient to explain observed H i deficiencies, they could still be important for H i removal in the X-ray bright groups, potentially removing more than half of the interstellar medium in the X-ray bright HCG 97. Ram pressure may also have facilitated strangulation through the removal of galactic coronal gas. In X-ray undetected groups, tidal interactions could be playing a prominent role, but it remains an open question whether they can fully account for the observed H i deficiencies.
Surface chemical heterogeneity modulates silica surface hydration

Significance Silica, conventionally known as “glass,” is a universally used material in catalysis, nanofabrication, and many other applications, but details of its surface chemistry and interactions with water are notoriously complicated and unclear––partially due to its tunable surface chemistry. We utilize this tunable surface chemistry of silica to reveal properties of surface-bound water that impact surface reactions, adhesion, and colloidal interactions. Using a combination of surface forces, hydration dynamics, and simulation techniques, we show that surface silanol groups stabilize the surface water layer, and also that variations/fluctuations are more pronounced at intermediate silanol densities on the surface. This work provides insight into fundamental interactions of water with chemically heterogeneous surfaces. An in-depth knowledge of the interaction of water with amorphous silica is critical to fundamental studies of interfacial hydration water, as well as to industrial processes such as catalysis, nanofabrication, and chromatography. Silica has a tunable surface comprising hydrophilic silanol groups and moderately hydrophobic siloxane groups that can be interchanged through thermal and chemical treatments. Despite extensive studies of silica surfaces, the influence of surface hydrophilicity and chemical topology on the molecular properties of interfacial water is not well understood. In this work, we controllably altered the surface silanol density, and measured surface water diffusivity using Overhauser dynamic nuclear polarization (ODNP) and complementary silica–silica interaction forces across water using a surface forces apparatus (SFA). The results show that increased silanol density generally leads to slower water diffusivity and stronger silica–silica repulsion at short aqueous separations (less than ∼4 nm). Both techniques show sharp changes in hydration properties at intermediate silanol densities (2.0–2.9 nm−2). Molecular dynamics simulations of model silica–water interfaces corroborate the increase in water diffusivity with silanol density, and furthermore show that even on a smooth and crystalline surface at a fixed silanol density, adjusting the spatial distribution of silanols results in a range of surface water diffusivities spanning ∼10%. We speculate that a critical silanol cluster size or connectivity parameter could explain the sharp transition in our results, and can modulate wettability, colloidal interactions, and surface reactions, and thus is a phenomenon worth further investigation on silica and chemically heterogeneous surfaces.
Eating in the laboratory: is it representative?

The degree to which caloric intake of food consumed in a laboratory setting can approximate caloric intake measured under free-living conditions was assessed in the present study. Four men and four women of normal body weight weighed and recorded their food intake for four days (period 1) during which they were eating in their normal home environment. On the following week (period 2) which also lasted 4 days, the subjects consumed all their food in a laboratory setting. Based upon the findings that no significant change in body weight occurred during either period of the study, that no significant difference in paired caloric intake was observed between period 1 and period 2, and that a highly significant intraclass correlation coefficient, ri = . 80 (p less than .005) existed between period 1 and period 2, it was concluded that food consumed in a laboratory setting is a reasonable approximation of caloric intake as measured under free-living conditions.
Effect of once weekly dulaglutide by baseline beta‐cell function in people with type 2 diabetes in the AWARD programme

Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists lower blood glucose in type 2 diabetes (T2D) partially through glucose‐dependent stimulation of insulin secretion. The aim of this study was to investigate whether beta‐cell function (as measured by HOMA2‐%B) at baseline affects the glycaemic response to dulaglutide. Dulaglutide‐treated patients from AWARD‐1, AWARD‐3 and AWARD‐6 clinical studies were categorised based on their homeostatic model assessment of beta‐cell function (HOMA2‐%B) tertiles. Changes in glycaemic measures in response to treatment with once‐weekly dulaglutide were evaluated in each HOMA2‐%B tertile. Patients with low HOMA2‐%B had higher baseline glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting and postprandial blood glucose, and longer duration of diabetes (P < .001, all) (mean low, middle and high tertiles with dulaglutide 1.5 mg: HOMAB‐2%B, 31%, 58%, 109%; HbA1c, 8.7%, 7.7%, 7.3%, respectively). At 26 weeks, the low tertile experienced larger reductions in HbA1c compared to the high tertile with dulaglutide 1.5 mg (mean; −1.55% vs. −0.98% [−16.94 vs. −10.71 mmol/mol]). Differences between low and high tertiles disappeared when adjusted for baseline HbA1c (LSM; −1.00 vs. −1.18% [−10.93 vs. −12.90 mmol/mol]). Greater decreases in fasting blood glucose and greater increases in fasting C‐peptide were observed in the low tertile. Similar increases in HOMA2‐%B were observed in all tertiles. Dulaglutide demonstrated clinically relevant HbA1c reduction irrespective of estimated baseline beta‐cell function.
A Novel Assay to Trace Proliferation History In Vivo Reveals that Enhanced Divisional Kinetics Accompany Loss of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Self-Renewal

Background The maintenance of lifelong blood cell production ultimately rests on rare hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) that reside in the bone marrow microenvironment. HSCs are traditionally viewed as mitotically quiescent relative to their committed progeny. However, traditional techniques for assessing proliferation activity in vivo, such as measurement of BrdU uptake, are incompatible with preservation of cellular viability. Previous studies of HSC proliferation kinetics in vivo have therefore precluded direct functional evaluation of multi-potency and self-renewal, the hallmark properties of HSCs. Methodology/Principal Findings We developed a non-invasive labeling technique that allowed us to identify and isolate candidate HSCs and early hematopoietic progenitor cells based on their differential in vivo proliferation kinetics. Such cells were functionally evaluated for their abilities to multi-lineage reconstitute myeloablated hosts. Conclusions Although at least a few HSC divisions per se did not influence HSC function, enhanced kinetics of divisional activity in steady state preceded the phenotypic changes that accompanied loss of HSC self-renewal. Therefore, mitotic quiescence of HSCs, relative to their committed progeny, is key to maintain the unique functional and molecular properties of HSCs.
Dietary restriction and walking reduce fat deposition in the midthigh in obese older women.

BACKGROUND It is suggested that fat deposition within midthigh muscle, represented by low-density lean tissue, increases with deconditioning and obesity and is associated with risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women. OBJECTIVE We determined the effects of a 6-mo weight loss and walking (3 times/wk) program (WL+AEX) on midthigh low-density lean tissue and glucose and lipid metabolism in 24 sedentary, obese [body mass index (kg/m(2)): 32 +/- 1 (mean +/- SEM)] postmenopausal women aged 58 +/- 1 y. DESIGN Total body fat and fat-free mass were measured by using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Intraabdominal fat (IAF), subcutaneous abdominal fat (SAF), midthigh fat, midthigh muscle, and midthigh low-density lean tissue areas were measured by using computed tomography. Glucose and insulin responses were determined with a 3-h oral-glucose-tolerance test. RESULTS Body weight decreased 8% (P: < 0.001) and maximal aerobic capacity increased 8% (P: < 0.001) with the weight loss and walking program. Total body fat decreased by 15% (P: < 0.001) whereas fat-free mass did not change. IAF and SAF decreased by 18% and 16%, respectively (P: < 0. 001). Midthigh fat and midthigh low-density lean tissue decreased by 16% and 18%, respectively (P: < 0.001), and midthigh muscle area increased by 7% (P: < 0.05). Fasting plasma insulin decreased by 12% and total glucose and insulin areas under the curve decreased by 6% and 24%, respectively (P: < 0.05). HDL-cholesterol concentrations increased 8% (P: < 0.05) and triacylglycerol concentrations decreased 19% (P: < 0.001). CONCLUSION Increased physical fitness and weight loss reduce midthigh low-density lean tissue and improve glucose and lipid metabolic risk factors for CVD in obese postmenopausal women.
Pore Structure Changes of Blended Cement Pastes Containing Fly Ash, Rice Husk Ash, and Palm Oil Fuel Ash Caused by Carbonation

In this paper, the effects of carbonation on pore structure of blended pozzolan cement pastes were investigated. Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) was partially replaced with ground palm oil fuel ash (POA), ground rice husk ash (RHA) and classified fine fly ash (FA). The strength, total porosity, specific surface area, and pore size distribution were tested. In general, incorporation of pozzolans increased the total porosity of blended cement pastes in comparison to that of OPC paste. Carbonation of pastes under 5% CO2 and 50% relative humidity (RH) for 28 days resulted in filling of the pore voids and possible attack on calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) depending on the type of pozzolan used. After carbonation, total porosity decreased and specific surface areas of the blended pozzolan cement pastes reduced indicating the infilling of voids. Pore size distributions of POA and RHA pastes were different to those of FA pastes. Large pores of the POA and RHA pastes were increased indicating coarsening of pores owi.
Plasma kinetics of lutein, zeaxanthin, and 3-dehydro-lutein after multiple oral doses of a lutein supplement.

BACKGROUND Adequate intake of lutein is postulated to reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration, but kinetic information for developing a dosing regimen is sparse. OBJECTIVE The objective was to characterize lutein plasma kinetics in a multiple dosing design and to assess the effects of lutein intake on concentrations of other plasma carotenoids. DESIGN After a run-in period of 7 d, 19 healthy volunteers were assigned to receive daily oral doses of 4.1 mg lutein (n = 8; group 1) or 20.5 mg lutein (n = 8; group 2) for 42 d or no lutein (n = 3; control group). The supplement contained 8.3% zeaxanthin relative to lutein (100%). The time profiles of plasma xanthophyll concentrations were monitored over the dosing phase, and samples were collected frequently on day 42 and for 24 d after dosing. RESULTS Average plasma all-E-lutein concentrations increased from 0.14 to 0.52 +/- 0.13 and 1.45 +/- 0.69 micromol/L in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Dose-normalized lutein bioavailability in group 2 was approximately 60% of that in group 1. Kinetic disposition half-life did not differ significantly between groups. On average, dosing for 18 d was required to reach a >90% fraction of the steady state concentration, which is consistent with an effective half-life for accumulation of approximately 5.6 d. Plasma kinetics of all-E-lutein were paralleled by those of all-E-3-dehydro-lutein. Kinetic analysis indicated formation of all-E-3-dehydro-lutein from lutein. Lutein was well tolerated and did not affect the concentrations of other carotenoids. CONCLUSION Long-term supplementation with 4.1 and 20.5 mg lutein as beadlets increased plasma lutein concentrations approximately 3.5- and 10-fold, respectively.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern among Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) Isolates in Bihar

Introduction: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major cause of healthcare and community associated infection worldwide. life threatening sepsis, endocarditis and osteomyelitis caused by methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have been reported from several parts of the world. Since MRSA strains are also resistant to multiple antibiotics, there is possibility of extensive outbreaks, which may be difficult to control. Objective: To study the prevalence of MRSA from a tertiary care hospital in Bihar. Methods: Each of the isolated and confirmed Staphylococcus aureus strains were tested for methicillin resistance by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method in Mueller-Hinton agar using oxacillin discs (1 μg). RESULT: From a total of 150 samples of staphylococcus aureus, 87 (58%) samples were MRSA. Conclusion: MRSA is emerging to be a significant problem pathogen.