Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Convolutional neural networks for decoding of covert attention focus and saliency maps for EEG feature visualization

Objective. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have proven successful as function approximators and have therefore been used for classification problems including electroencephalography (EEG) signal decoding for brain–computer interfaces (BCI). Artificial neural networks, however, are considered black boxes, because they usually have thousands of parameters, making interpretation of their internal processes challenging. Here we systematically evaluate the use of CNNs for EEG signal decoding and investigate a method for visualizing the CNN model decision process. Approach. We developed a CNN model to decode the covert focus of attention from EEG event-related potentials during object selection. We compared the CNN and the commonly used linear discriminant analysis (LDA) classifier performance, applied to datasets with different dimensionality, and analyzed transfer learning capacity. Moreover, we validated the impact of single model components by systematically altering the model. Furthermore, we investigated the use of saliency maps as a tool for visualizing the spatial and temporal features driving the model output. Main results. The CNN model and the LDA classifier achieved comparable accuracy on the lower-dimensional dataset, but CNN exceeded LDA performance significantly on the higher-dimensional dataset (without hypothesis-driven preprocessing), achieving an average decoding accuracy of 90.7% (chance level = 8.3%). Parallel convolutions, tanh or ELU activation functions, and dropout regularization proved valuable for model performance, whereas the sequential convolutions, ReLU activation function, and batch normalization components reduced accuracy or yielded no significant difference. Saliency maps revealed meaningful features, displaying the typical spatial distribution and latency of the P300 component expected during this task. Significance. Following systematic evaluation, we provide recommendations for when and how to use CNN models in EEG decoding. Moreover, we propose a new approach for investigating the neural correlates of a cognitive task by training CNN models on raw high-dimensional EEG data and utilizing saliency maps for relevant feature extraction.
Ulcerative Colitis: Ultrastructure of Interstitial Cells in Myenteric Plexus

Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are key regulatory cells in the gut. In the colon of patients with severe ulcerative colitis (UC), myenteric ICC had myoid ultrastructural features and were in close contact with nerve terminals. In all patients as opposed to controls, some ICC profiles showed degenerative changes, such as lipid droplets and irregular vacuoles. Nerve terminals often appeared swollen and empty. Glial cells, muscle cells, and fibroblast-like cells (FLC) showed no alterations. FLC enclosed macrophages (MLC), which were in close contact with naked axon terminals. The organization and cytological changes may be of pathophysiological significance in patients with UC.
[Experimental study on effect of erzhi tiangui recipe on quality of oocyte in mice].

OBJECTIVE To observe the effect of Erzhi Tiangui recipe (ETR) on quality of oocyte in the process of external fertilization and embryo-transplantation. METHODS Eighty mice were randomly divided into 4 groups, Group A treated with ETR plus human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG), Group B with ETR, Group C with HMG and Group D with normal saline. Ovulation test and cleavage test were conducted to observe the effect of treatment on quality of oocytes. RESULTS The difference on ovulation number between Group A and C was insignificant, but the difference in comparison between the two groups was significant in aspects of oocyte morphological scoring, fertilization rate and cleavage rate (P<0.05). CONCLUSION ETR could play its effect synergistically with Western medicine, and raise the quality of oocytes.
Ability of GDNF to diminish free radical production leads to protection against kainate‐induced excitotoxicity in hippocampus

The primary aim of this study is to explore the protective mechanisms of glial‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) during excitotoxicity by kainate in the hippocampus. After a 15‐min microinjection with kainate, excitotoxicity was induced in the rat hippocampus. The protective effect of GDNF in the hippocampus was evaluated by administering GDNF 14 min after injection of kainate. The resulting hydroxyl free radicals were quantified by microdialysis of the hippocampus. The results show that GDNF can effectively suppress the production of kainate‐induced hydroxyl free radical production. In addition, histological observation indicated the ability of GDNF to decrease the damage level of pyramidal neurons in the CA3 and CA4 areas of the hippocampus. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the hippocampus was elevated significantly at 30 min and 7 days after kainate induction, while glutathione peroxidase (cGPx) activity did not increase significantly until the seventh day. With GDNF treatment, SOD and cGPx activity in the hippocampus was elevated significantly 7 days after kainate induction. We suggest that mechanisms including a decrease in free radical generation and scavenging of free radicals might be involved in GDNF protection against kainate‐induced excitotoxicity. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Social cognition on the Internet: testing constraints on social network size

The social brain hypothesis (an explanation for the evolution of brain size in primates) predicts that humans typically cannot maintain more than 150 relationships at any one time. The constraint is partly cognitive (ultimately determined by some aspect of brain volume) and partly one of time. Friendships (but not necessarily kin relationships) are maintained by investing time in them, and failure to do so results in an inexorable deterioration in the quality of a relationship. The Internet, and in particular the rise of social networking sites (SNSs), raises the possibility that digital media might allow us to circumvent some or all of these constraints. This allows us to test the importance of these constraints in limiting human sociality. Although the recency of SNSs means that there have been relatively few studies, those that are available suggest that, in general, the ability to broadcast to many individuals at once, and the possibilities this provides in terms of continuously updating our understanding of network members’ behaviour and thoughts, do not allow larger networks to be maintained. This may be because only relatively weak quality relationships can be maintained without face-to-face interaction.
Radiation effects of nuclear physics rays on hepatoma cells

Abstract The traditional method of cloning formation is used to study the radiation effect of nuclear physics rays on hepatoma cells, and the results obtained are not reliable. Therefore, a new method of studying the radiation effect of nuclear physics rays on hepatoma cells is proposed. PCC method is used to study the radiation effect of γ-rays on hepatoma cells. Radiation effects of X-rays on hepatoma cells were studied by radionuclide formation assay, neutral comet electrophoresis and γH2AX focal detection. The results showed that the survival curves of HepG2 hepatoma cells irradiated by γ-rays were well fitted by linear squares. There was a linear relationship between the survival rate and irradiation dose of HepG2 hepatoma cells irradiated by γ-rays. HepG2 hepatoma cells showed strong tolerance to X-ray irradiation, and the positive rate of γH2AX cells reached 100% in each dose group only 0.5 h after X-ray irradiation.
A Prospective Study Evaluating Incision Placement and Wound Healing for Tibial Plafond Fractures

Objectives: To report the soft tissue complications after fixation of tibial plafond fractures to test the validity of the recommendation that a 7-cm skin bridge represents the minimum safe distance between surgical incisions. Design: Prospective observational cohort. Setting: Level 1 Trauma Center. Patients: A total 42 patients with 46 tibial plafond fractures. Intervention: All injuries had a minimum of 2 surgical approaches for operative management of the tibial plafond and associated fibula fracture (if applicable). Two low-energy injuries had single-stage open reduction internal fixation of the tibia and fibula, and the remaining high- energy fractures had a 2-staged approach to management. Main Outcome Measurements: The surgical approaches used, length of the incisions, distance between the incisions, and overlap between the incisions were recorded. Wound healing was assessed in the outpatient clinic over a 3-month period. Results: Two surgical approaches were used in 32 fractures, and 3 approaches were used in 14 fractures. The mean width of the skin bridge was 5.9 cm. The majority of the skin bridges were 5.0 to 5.9 cm (n = 25) or 6.0 to 6.9 cm (n = 16). Only 17% of the skin bridges were greater than 7.0 cm. Soft tissue complications occurred in 4 (9%) of 46 fractures. Healing of 2 anterolateral incisions was complicated by eschars that ultimately resolved with local wound care. One posterolateral fibular incision failed to heal until the fibular plate was removed. One patient required subsequent surgical procedures for infection. Conclusions: Despite a measured skin bridge of less than 7 cm in 83% of instances, the soft tissue complication rate was low in this group of tibial plafond fractures. With careful attention to soft tissue management and surgical timing, incisions for tibial plafond fractures may be placed less than 7 cm apart, allowing the surgeon to optimize exposures on the basis of injury pattern.
Prokr2-Deficient Mice Display Vascular Dysmorphology of the Fetal Testes: Potential Implications for Kallmann Syndrome Aetiology

Kallmann syndrome is a form of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism also associated with the loss of smell. It is a phenotypically and genetically heterogeneous disorder, with mutations in several known causative genes now accounting for approximately 30% of cases. The prevalence for the disease is also much higher in males than in females, a phenomenon that remains to be fully explained. Here, we show that loss of Prokr2, which is linked to autosomal recessive Kallmann syndrome type 3 (KAL3; OMIM 244200), affects fetal testis differentiation in mice. We find that Prokr2 is specifically expressed in the XY gonads during sex determination and fetal sexual differentiation, and knockout mice display a variable degree of compromised vasculature in the fetal testes. This phenotype offers potential insight into the clinical heterogeneity observed within familial cases, and may contribute to the gender bias in Kallmann syndrome patients.
An Evaluation of the Effects of the Transobturator Tape Procedure on Sexual Satisfaction in Women with Stress Urinary Incontinence Using the Libido Scoring System

Introduction and Hypothesis. Most women experience automatic urine leakage in their lifetimes. SUI is the most common type in women. Suburethral slings have become a standard surgical procedure for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence when conservative therapy failed. The treatment of stress urinary incontinence by suburethral sling may improve body image by reducing urinary leakage and may improve sexual satisfaction. Methods. A total of 59 sexually active patients were included in the study and underwent a TOT outside-in procedure. The LSS was applied in all patients by self-completion of questionnaires preoperatively and 6 months after the operation. General pleasure with the operation was measured by visual analogue score (VAS). Pre- and postoperative scores were recorded and analyzed using SPSS 11.5. Results. Two parameters of the LSS, orgasm and who starts the sexual activity, increased at a statistically significant rate. Conclusion. Sexual satisfaction and desire have partially improved after the TOT procedure.
The Spectral Excess Theorem for Distance-Regular Graphs: A Global (Over)view

A servo type accelerometer comprises a photoelectric element which is made of a single packaged element and has two separated photoelectric parts, a light-emitting element opposite to the photoelectric element, a pendulum having a member for limiting an optical path of light emitted by the light-emitting element, the member being arranged between the photoelectric element and the light-emitting element, and a frame for supporting the pendulum. The accelerometer further comprises a detection unit for detecting a rotational displacement of the pendulum corresponding to acceleration by use of output signals of the photoelectric parts to produce a detection signal corresponding to the rotational displacement, and torque generating unit for generating a torque corresponding to the detection signal to drive the pendulum towards its original position.
A Simple Picosecond Pulse Generator Based on a Pair of Step Recovery Diodes

A picosecond pulse generator based on a pair of step recovery diodes (SRDs) is proposed. This generator leverages the transient response of the SRD p-n junction, and provides pulsewidth tunability via a resistor. We first explain the operation principle of the device, by decomposing the pulse generation into different phases, and then demonstrate an experimental prototype with two different pulse values.
Are bipolar II patients cognitively impaired? A systematic review

Background There is evidence that bipolar disorder (BD) is associated with significant neurocognitive deficits and this occurs in individuals with BD type I (BD I) and with BD type II (BD II). Only a few studies have focused on cognitive impairment in BD II. The aim of this study was to describe the pattern of cognitive impairment in patients with BD II, in order to identify specific cognitive deficits that distinguish BD II from BD I patients as well as from healthy subjects. Method We performed a systematic review of the literature of neuropsychological studies of BD II published between 1980 and July 2009. Fourteen articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Results Main cognitive deficits found in BD II include working memory and some measures of executive functions (inhibitory control) and approximately half of the studies also detected verbal memory impairment. Conclusions There are subtle differences between the two subtypes regarding cognition. This may suggest neurobiological differences between the two subgroups which will be helpful in order to determine cognitive endophenotypes in BD subtypes.
Probiotics Utilization in Feed to Increase Hepatosomatics Value Index (HSI) and Gonado Somatic Index (GSI) in Catfish (Clarias sp.) Broodstock

Probiotics have a positive influence on fish by improving the microorganism balance in the digestive tract, greatly assisting the process of food absorption. The contribution of probiotics to an increase in follicle growth phase is indicated by an increase in the Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) value. Histological observation of ovaries in zebrafish treated with probiotics showed an increase in follicle vitellogenin; there was a corresponding increase in Hepatosomatic Index (HSI). This study determines the effect of probiotics in the feed on increasing HSI and GSI in male and female catfish (Clarias sp.) broodstock. Four treatments (without probiotics, and with 5, 10, and 15 ml probiotics) were repeated three times. The parameters observed were an increase in HSI and GSI of catfish broodstock. The results showed that there was a significant increase (p<0.05) in the HSI and GSI of catfish broodstock. Extra doses of 5 ml probiotics in the feed were optimal for increasing HSI and GSI of catfish broodstock (male and female) compared to the addition of 10 and 15 ml probiotics to the catfish food.
Effects of Two-Phase Treatment with the Herbst and Preadjusted Edgewise Appliances on the Upper Airway Dimensions

Aims. To assess the effects of two-phase treatment with the Herbst and the preadjusted edgewise appliances on upper airway dimensions and to investigate the correlation between changes in the upper airway dimensions and skeletal morphologies. Methods. A total of 27 Chinese male adolescents aged 12.8 ± 1.3 years were selected. Lateral cephalograms were collected to assess the skeletal morphology and upper airway dimensions. Results. Following Herbst appliance treatment, the upper airway space was significantly enlarged, with the retropalatal (U-MPW) increasing by 1.1 ± 1.6 mm (P < 0.001), the retroglossal (PASmin) increasing by 1.3 ± 2.9 mm (P < 0.05), and the hypopharynx (V-LPW) enlarging by 1.6 ± 3.0 mm (P < 0.01). PASmin was found to show a negative correlation to the mandibular plane angle (MnPl-SN) by r = −0.413 (P < 0.05). There was no significant change (P > 0.05) in upper airway dimensions during the second-phase treatment. Conclusions. Herbst appliance treatment increased the oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal airway dimensions among adolescents with Class II malocclusion, and the effects were maintained throughout the second treatment phase with a preadjusted edgewise appliance. There was a negative correlation between the change in the depth of the retroglossal pharynx and the mandibular plane angle.
Differential effect of mode of conception and infertility treatment on fetal growth and prematurity

Abstract Objectives To examine perinatal outcomes in pregnancies conceived by different methods: fertile women with spontaneous pregnancies, infertile women who achieved pregnancy without treatment, pregnancies achieved by ovulation induction (OI) and in vitro fertilization or intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI). Methods Retrospective single-center cohort study including 200 fertile and 748 infertile women stratified according to infertility treatment. The outcome measurements were preterm delivery (PTD), small-for-gestational-age (SGA), gestational diabetes, placenta previa or preeclampsia. Results The overall rate of pregnancy complications was significantly increased in all infertility groups regardless of the infertility treatment (adjusted odds ratio (OR): infertile without treatment 2.3 versus OI 2.2 versus IVF/ICSI 3.4). While PTD was mainly associated to IVF/ICSI (adjusted OR: infertile without treatment 1.3 versus OI 1.6 versus IVF/ICSI 3.3), SGA was significantly associated to both OI and IVF/ICSI (adjusted OR: infertile without treatment 1.9 versus OI 2.7 versus IVF/ICSI 2.6). All these associations remained statistically significant after adjusting by maternal age and twin pregnancy. Conclusions This study confirms the higher prevalence of pregnancy complications in infertile women irrespectively of receiving infertility treatment or not, and further describes a preferential association of prematurity with IVF/ICSI, and SGA with treated infertility (OI and IVF/ICSI).
Current concepts in pathophysiology and management of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Additional approaches to control malignancies are needed due to the emerging trends in the incidence of cancer of different organ sites. Due to the high frequency of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its poor prognosis, preventing HCC is an urgent priority. To explore the antioxidant and apoptotic pathways of grape seed extract (GSE) we induce HCC experimentally by diethylnitrosoamine (DEN) and treated the animals with low and high doses of GSE. The results indicate good therapeutic possibilities for GSE use in treatment of HCC. , This was evidenced via regression of liver enzymes' function (ALT&AST), the HCC markers; α-fucosidase, α-fetoprotein and carcinoembrionic antigen (CEA) in HCC groups treated with the grape seed extract. Also, tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) showed a significant decrease using GSE in HCC bearing animals. Regarding the apoptotic pathways of GSE, we found a significant down regulation of apoptosis enhancing nuclease (Aen), Bcl2-associated X protein (Bax), B-cell translocation gene 2(Btg2), Cyclin G1 (Ccng1) and Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (Cdkn1a) gene expression in HCC+GSE groups as compared to HCC bearing group. In the same trend, the necrotic/apoptotic rates were significantly higher in the HCC groups treated with GSE vs. the HCC bearing group. Finally, the 8-OHdG/2-dG generation decreased by 73.8% and 52.9% in HCC+GSE at low and high doses, respectively. Based on these encouraging observations, grape seed extract could be a promising natural remedy for attenuating hepatocellular carcinoma that has a great future in approaches directed towards control of HCC.
Peri-implant tissue response following connective tissue and bone grafting in conjunction with immediate single-tooth replacement in the esthetic zone: a case series.

PURPOSE This case series evaluated the peri-implant tissue response following extraction and immediate placement and restoration of an implant in conjunction with subepithelial connective tissue grafting (SCTG) and bone grafting in the esthetic zone. Implant success rates and the peri-implant tissue response were also reported. METHODS AND MATERIALS Ten patients (four men, six women) with a mean age of 48 years (range, 35 to 70) underwent extraction and immediate tooth replacement with SCTG and were evaluated clinically and radiographically presurgically (T0), immediately after immediate tooth replacement and SCTG (T1), and at 3 months (T2), 6 months (T3), and 12 months (T4) after surgery. Data was analyzed using Friedman and Wilcoxon signed-ranks tests at the significance level of a = . 05. RESULTS At 1 year, all implants remained osseointegrated, with an overall mean marginal bone change of +0.10 mm and a mean facial gingival level change of -0.05 mm. Modified Plaque Index scores showed that patients were able to maintain a good level of hygiene throughout the study. Papilla Index scores indicated that at T4, more than 50% papilla fill was observed in 80% of all sites. CONCLUSIONS The results of this case series suggest that, in addition to a favorable implant success rate and peri-implant tissue response, the facial gingival level around single immediately placed implants can also be maintained following connective tissue grafting when proper three-dimensional implant positioning is achieved and bone is grafted into the implant-socket gap.
Global Analysis of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis Zur (FurB) Regulon

ABSTRACT The proteins belonging to the Fur family are global regulators of gene expression involved in the response to several environmental stresses and to the maintenance of divalent cation homeostasis. The Mycobacterium tuberculosis genome encodes two Fur-like proteins, FurA and a protein formerly annotated FurB. Since in this paper we show that it represents a zinc uptake regulator, we refer to it as Zur. The gene encoding Zur is found in an operon together with the gene encoding a second transcriptional regulator (Rv2358). In a previous work we demonstrated that Rv2358 is responsible for the zinc-dependent repression of the Rv2358-zur operon, favoring the hypothesis that these genes represent key regulators of zinc homeostasis. In this study we generated a zur mutant in M. tuberculosis, examined its phenotype, and characterized the Zur regulon by DNA microarray analysis. Thirty-two genes, presumably organized in 16 operons, were found to be upregulated in the zur mutant. Twenty-four of them belonged to eight putative transcriptional units preceded by a conserved 26-bp palindrome. Electrophoretic mobility shift experiments demonstrated that Zur binds to this palindrome in a zinc-dependent manner, suggesting its direct regulation of these genes. The proteins encoded by Zur-regulated genes include a group of ribosomal proteins, three putative metal transporters, the proteins belonging to early secretory antigen target 6 (ESAT-6) cluster 3, and three additional proteins belonging to the ESAT-6/culture filtrate protein 10 (CFP-10) family known to contain immunodominant epitopes in the T-cell response to M. tuberculosis infection.