Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Retroclival ecchordosis physaliphora: MR imaging and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Ecchordosis physaliphora (EP), found in about 2% of autopsies, is a clinically inconspicuous notochordal remnant appearing at the dorsal wall of the clivus. To our knowledge, a systematic review of its MR features does not exist. The aim of this study was to describe the MR imaging findings of incidentally found retroclival EP with special respect to its differentiation from intradural chordomas. METHODS We reviewed 300 consecutive 1.5-T MR imaging studies that included thin-section transverse T2-weighted images of the skull base for the presence of a retroclival EP. In cases in which an EP was identified, two neuroradiologists observed MR signal intensity characteristics, contrast enhancement, size, form, stalk of EP, and signal intensity changes of the adjacent clivus. RESULTS Five cases with retroclival EP were found (incidence, 1.7%). In all cases, the ecchordoses was hyperintense on T2-weighted images and hypointense on T1-weighted images. Contrary to the reported findings in chordomas, none of the lesions showed contrast enhancement. In four cases, there were signal intensity changes in the adjacent clivus. A stalklike connection between clivus and EP was seen in three patients. CONCLUSION Because of the benign character of EP and the difficulties in its histopathologic differentiation from chordomas, precise knowledge of the radiologic characteristics of EP is important. On the basis of these five cases and a review of literature, contrast enhancement and the presence of clinical symptoms seem to be highly reliable parameters in the differential diagnosis of intradural chordoma and EP.
Small Interfering RNA Targeted to IGF-IR Delays Tumor Growth and Induces Proinflammatory Cytokines in a Mouse Breast Cancer Model

Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and its type I receptor (IGF-IR) play significant roles in tumorigenesis and in immune response. Here, we wanted to know whether an RNA interference approach targeted to IGF-IR could be used for specific antitumor immunostimulation in a breast cancer model. For that, we evaluated short interfering RNA (siRNAs) for inhibition of in vivo tumor growth and immunological stimulation in immunocompetent mice. We designed 2′-O-methyl-modified siRNAs to inhibit expression of IGF-IR in two murine breast cancer cell lines (EMT6, C4HD). Cell transfection of IGF-IR siRNAs decreased proliferation, diminished phosphorylation of downstream signaling pathway proteins, AKT and ERK, and caused a G0/G1 cell cycle block. The IGF-IR silencing also induced secretion of two proinflammatory cytokines, TNF- α and IFN-γ. When we transfected C4HD cells with siRNAs targeting IGF-IR, mammary tumor growth was strongly delayed in syngenic mice. Histology of developing tumors in mice grafted with IGF-IR siRNA treated C4HD cells revealed a low mitotic index, and infiltration of lymphocytes and polymorphonuclear neutrophils, suggesting activation of an antitumor immune response. When we used C4HD cells treated with siRNA as an immunogen, we observed an increase in delayed-type hypersensitivity and the presence of cytotoxic splenocytes against wild-type C4HD cells, indicative of evolving immune response. Our findings show that silencing IGF-IR using synthetic siRNA bearing 2′-O-methyl nucleotides may offer a new clinical approach for treatment of mammary tumors expressing IGF-IR. Interestingly, our work also suggests that crosstalk between IGF-I axis and antitumor immune response can mobilize proinflammatory cytokines.
Code Search via Topic-Enriched Dependence Graph Matching

Source code contains textual, structural, and semantic information, which can all be leveraged for effective search. Some studies have proposed semantic code search where users can specify query topics in a natural language. Other studies can search through system dependence graphs. In this paper, we propose a semantic dependence search engine that integrates both kinds of techniques and can retrieve code snippets based on expressive user queries describing both topics and dependencies. Users can specify their search targets in a free form format describing desired topics (i.e., high-level semantic or functionality of the target code); a specialized graph query language allows users to describe low-level data and control dependencies in code and thus helps to refine the queries described in the free format. Our empirical evaluation on a number of software maintenance tasks shows that our search engine can efficiently locate desired code fragments accurately.
Optimally Efficient Neural Systems for Processing Spoken Language

Cognitive models claim that spoken words are recognized by an optimally efficient sequential analysis process. Evidence for this is the finding that nonwords are recognized as soon as they deviate from all real words ( Marslen-Wilson 1984), reflecting continuous evaluation of speech inputs against lexical representations. Here, we investigate the brain mechanisms supporting this core aspect of word recognition and examine the processes of competition and selection among multiple word candidates. Based on new behavioral support for optimal efficiency in lexical access from speech, a functional magnetic resonance imaging study showed that words with later nonword points generated increased activation in the left superior and middle temporal gyrus (Brodmann area [BA] 21/22), implicating these regions in dynamic sound-meaning mapping. We investigated competition and selection by manipulating the number of initially activated word candidates (competition) and their later drop-out rate (selection). Increased lexical competition enhanced activity in bilateral ventral inferior frontal gyrus (BA 47/45), while increased lexical selection demands activated bilateral dorsal inferior frontal gyrus (BA 44/45). These findings indicate functional differentiation of the fronto-temporal systems for processing spoken language, with left middle temporal gyrus (MTG) and superior temporal gyrus (STG) involved in mapping sounds to meaning, bilateral ventral inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) engaged in less constrained early competition processing, and bilateral dorsal IFG engaged in later, more fine-grained selection processes.
Root caries in 35-44 and 65-74 year-olds in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE To assess the prevalence and related factors of root caries in Turkish 35-44 and 65-74 year-olds. BASIC RESEARCH DESIGN In this cross-sectional study, using a proportional stratified cluster sampling, 1,631 subjects aged 35-44 years and 1,545 aged 65-74 years were examined. Data were collected via a structured, pre-tested face-to-face administered questionnaire and oral examination following WHO 1997 guidance. Statistical significance was evaluated with chi2 test and binary logistic regression analyses to determine the significance of explanatory variables. RESULTS The prevalence of root caries was 20.1% in dentate 35-44 year-olds, 28.4% in 65-74 year-olds. Mean decayed root increased significantly with the increasing number of retained natural teeth (p = 0.010 for 35-44 and p < 0.001 for 65-74 year-olds). First molars were the most affected by root caries in both age groups. For adults, being male (OR = 1.37), rural residence (OR =1.50), being unschooled (OR = 3.07), no tooth brushing (OR = 1.83) and never visiting dentist (OR = 2.03) were the predictors of the presence of root caries. For elderly, rural residence (OR = 1.54), no tooth brushing (OR = 1.89), and never visiting dentist (OR = 2.38) were the determinants of root caries. CONCLUSION There is a need for the increased implementation of oral health measures with increasing age in Turkey.
A comparison of traditional prosthetic training versus proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation resistive gait training with trans-femoral amputees

Reports in the rehabilitation literature suggest that patients with trans-femoral amputation ambulate well after suitable prosthetic treatment. The effects of exercise protocols on function, however, have not been documented in this population. This study was conducted to compare the outcome of traditional and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) techniques on weight bearing and gait. Fifty unilateral trans-femoral amputees who were attending for their first prosthesis, participated in this study. Amputees were randomly assigned into groups receiving the traditional training or PNF. Traditional treatment was consisted of weight-shifting, balancing, stool-stepping and gait exercises. In the other group the same activities were given by PNF. Amputees were trained 30 minutes daily, for a total of 10 treatments. Pre- and post-training assessment included weight bearing measurements by using two bathroom scales and time-distance characteristics of gait from footprints. A statistically significant difference was found in all parameters within the groups due to pre- and post-training evaluation data (p<0.05), but more obvious improvement was observed in the group who received PNF (p<0.05). The results of the study suggest that the prosthetic training based on proprioceptive feedback was more effective to improve weight bearing and gait when compared with a traditional programme.
Functional Assessment of a Myoelectric Postural Controller and Multi-Functional Prosthetic Hand by Persons With Trans-Radial Limb Loss

The functional assessment of myoelectric control algorithms by persons with amputation promotes the overarching goal of the field of prosthetic limb design: to replace what was lost. However, many studies use experimental paradigms with virtual interfaces and able-bodied subjects that do not capture the challenges of a clinical implementation with an amputee population. A myoelectric control system must be robust to variable physiology, loading effects of the prosthesis on the limb, and limb position effects during dynamic tasks. Here persons with transradial limb loss performed activities of daily living using a postural controller and multi-functional prosthetic hand in order to verify that the postural controller was robust to these clinical challenges. The Southampton Hand Assessment Procedure was performed by persons with limb loss and able-bodied subjects. The results indicate that persons with limb loss and able-limbed subjects achieved the same performance and therefore that the clinical challenges were overcome. Persons with limb loss achieved 55% of physiological hand function on average. Also, the postural controller is compared to other state of the art myoelectric controllers and prosthetic hands previously tested. This work confirms that the postural controller is potentially a clinically-viable method to control myoelectric multi-functional prosthetic hands.
Genetic Diversity of the Hepatitis B Virus Strains in Cuba: Absence of West-African Genotypes despite the Transatlantic Slave Trade

Cuba is an HBsAg low-prevalence country with a high coverage of anti-hepatitis B vaccine. Its population is essentially the result of the population mix of Spanish descendants and former African slaves. Information about genetic characteristics of hepatitis B virus (HBV) strains circulating in the country is scarce. The HBV genotypes/subgenotypes, serotypes, mixed infections, and S gene mutations of 172 Cuban HBsAg and HBV-DNA positive patients were determined by direct sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Phylogenetic analysis of HBV S gene sequences showed a predominance of genotype A (92.4%), subgenotype A2 (84.9%) and A1 (7.6%). Genotype D (7.0%) and subgenotype C1 (0.6%) were also detected but typical (sub)genotypes of contemporary West-Africa (E, A3) were conspicuously absent. All genotype A, D, and C strains exhibited sequence characteristics of the adw2, ayw2, and adrq serotypes, respectively. Thirty-three (19.1%) patients showed single, double, or multiple point mutations inside the Major Hydrophilic domain associated with vaccine escape; eighteen (10.5%) patients had mutations in the T-cell epitope (amino acids 28-51), and there were another 111 point mutations downstream of the S gene. One patient had an HBV A1/A2 mixed infection. This first genetic study of Cuban HBV viruses revealed only strains that were interspersed with strains from particularly Europe, America, and Asia. The absence of genotype E supports previous hypotheses about an only recent introduction of this genotype into the general population in Africa. The presence of well-known vaccine escape (3.5%) and viral resistance mutants (2.9%) warrants strain surveillance to guide vaccination and treatment strategies.
In Vivo Effects of Insulin and Free Fatty Acids on Matrix Metalloproteinases in Rat Aorta

OBJECTIVE—Obesity is associated with insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, elevated plasma free fatty acid (FFA), and increased risk for atherosclerotic vascular disease (ASVD). A part of this increased risk may be due to enhanced activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Here, we have examined the effects of physiologically elevated levels of insulin and FFA on three MMPs and their inhibitors (tissue inhibitors of MMP [TIMPs]) in aortic tissue of male rats during euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamping. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Four-hour euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamps with infusion of saline/glycerol, lipid/heparin, or insulin with or without lipid/heparin were performed in alert unrestrained male rats. RESULTS—Hyperinsulinemia increased MMP-2 (∼6-fold), MMP-9 (∼13-fold), membrane type 1-MMP (MT1-MMP; ∼8-fold) (all Western blots), and gelatinolytic activity (zymography) of MMP-2 (2-fold), while not affecting TIMP-1 and TIMP-2. Insulin increased IRS-1–associated PI 3-kinase (PI3K), extracellular signal–regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2), and c-jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) (by Western blots with phospho-specific antibodies). FFA augmented the insulin-mediated increases in MMP-2 (from ∼6- to ∼11-fold), MMP-9 (from ∼3- to ∼23-fold), MT1-MMP (from ∼8- to ∼20-fold), MMP-2 gelatinolytic activity (from 2- to 3-fold), and JNK and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activities but decreased insulin-mediated activation of PI3K and ERK1/2. Raising FFA without raising insulin affected neither MMPs nor TIMPs. CONCLUSIONS—FFA augmented insulin stimulation of the MMP/TIMP balance of three proatherogenic MMPs and increased activities of two MAPKs (JNK and p38 MAPK), both of which are known to stimulate the production of proinflammatory cytokines. This may, over time, increase degradation of extracellular matrix and together with inflammatory changes promote development of ASVD.
Serum cholesterol as a prognostic factor after myocardial infarction: the Framingham Study.

OBJECTIVE To determine the relation between serum cholesterol levels and the long-term risk for reinfarction, death from coronary heart disease, and all-cause mortality in persons who recover from myocardial infarction. DESIGN Prospective, longitudinal study. SETTING A geographically defined population-based cohort of adults participating in the Framingham Heart Study. PATIENTS Men (n = 260) and women (n = 114), 33 to 88 years of age (mean age, 62 years), who had a history of myocardial infarction. MEASUREMENTS A complete physical examination, including electrocardiographic evaluation, blood pressure measurement, height and weight measurements, determination of smoking habits, and casual determinations of blood glucose and serum cholesterol, was done approximately 1 year after recovery from initial myocardial infarction. Patients were followed after infarction for the occurrence of reinfarction or death (mean follow-up, 10.5 years; range, 0.8 to 31.6 years). MAIN RESULTS The mean cholesterol level after infarction was 5.21 mmol/L (242.8 mg/dL); 20% of patients had levels below 5.17 mmol/L (200 mg/dL), and 22% had levels of 7.11 mmol/L (275 mg/dL) or more. Compared with patients who had cholesterol levels below 5.17 mmol/L, patients with levels of 7.11 mmol/L or more were at increased risk for reinfarction (relative risk, 3.8; 95% Cl, 1.6 to 8.7), death from coronary heart disease (relative risk, 2.6; Cl, 1.4 to 4.8), and all-cause mortality (relative risk, 1.9; Cl, 1.2 to 2.9) based on multivariate Cox regression analyses adjusted for other coronary risk factors. Intermediate cholesterol levels (5.17 mmol/L to 7.11 mmol/L) were generally not associated with increased risk. The association between elevated serum cholesterol and increased risk was strongest in men; however, elevated cholesterol levels were found to be most strongly related to death from coronary disease and to all-cause mortality in persons who were 65 years of age or more. CONCLUSIONS Patients who have recovered from a myocardial infarction and who have high cholesterol levels are at an increased long-term risk for reinfarction, death from coronary heart disease, and all-cause mortality. Our results confirm the prognostic value of cholesterol levels measured after myocardial infarction and support the role of lipid management in this population.
An improved averaging combination method for image and object recognition

A key development in the design of visual object recognition systems is the combination of multiple features. In recent years, various popular optimization based feature combination methods have been proposed in the literatures. However, those methods obtain tiny performance improvement at the cost of enormous computation consumption. In this paper, we propose an improved averaging combination (IAC) method based on simple averaging combination. Firstly, the discriminative power of features are evaluated by dominant set clustering. Then, these features are ranked and added into the averaging combination one by one in descending order. At last, we obtain the best performance improvement of averaging combination by selecting the most powerful features and removing the weak ones. Experimental results on three challenging datasets demonstrate that our method is order of magnitude faster with competitive and even better results than other sophisticated optimization methods, which can be provided as a better baseline method for feature combination.
The Moran effect and environmental vetoes: phenological synchrony and drought drive seed production in a Mediterranean oak

Masting is the highly variable production of synchronized seed crops, and is a common reproductive strategy in plants. Weather has long been recognized as centrally involved in driving seed production in masting plants. However, the theory behind mechanisms connecting weather and seeding variation has only recently been developed, and still lacks empirical evaluation. We used 12-year long seed production data for 255 holm oaks (Quercus ilex), as well as airborne pollen and meteorological data, and tested whether masting is driven by environmental constraints: phenological synchrony and associated pollination efficiency, and drought-related acorn abscission. We found that warm springs resulted in short pollen seasons, and length of the pollen seasons was negatively related to acorn production, supporting the phenological synchrony hypothesis. Furthermore, the relationship between phenological synchrony and acorn production was modulated by spring drought, and effects of environmental vetoes on seed production were dependent on last year's environmental constraint, implying passive resource storage. Both vetoes affected among-tree synchrony in seed production. Finally, precipitation preceding acorn maturation was positively related to seed production, mitigating apparent resource depletion following high crop production in the previous year. These results provide new insights into mechanisms beyond widely reported weather and seed production correlations.
Prenatal Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) and Asthma in Children

Prevalence of asthma increases with increasing dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) levels. However, the effect of early-life exposure, the fundamental window of exposure, is unknown. We assessed the association between prenatal DDE and other organochlorine compounds, and atopy and asthma during infancy. All women presenting for antenatal care in Menorca (Spain) over 12 months starting in mid-1997 were invited to take part in a longitudinal study; 482 children were subsequently enrolled, and 468 (97.1%) provided complete outcome data up to the fourth year of study. Prenatal exposure of organochlorine compounds was measured in cord serum in 405 (83%) children. Asthma was defined on the basis of wheezing at 4 years of age, persistent wheezing, or doctor-diagnosed asthma. We measured specific immunoglobulin-E (IgE) against house dust mite, cat, and grass in sera extracted at 4 years of age. DDE (median = 1.03 ng/mL) was detected in all children, as well as hexachlorobenzene (0.68 ng/mL) and polychlorobiphenyls (0.69 ng/mL). Wheezing at 4 years of age increased with DDE concentration, particularly at the highest quartile [9% in the lowest quartile (< 0.57 ng/mL) vs. 19% in the highest quartile (1.90 ng/mL); relative risk = 2.63 (95% confidence interval 1.19–4.69), adjusting for maternal asthma, breast-feeding, education, social class, or other organochlorines]. The association was not modified by IgE sensitization and occurred with the same strength among nonatopic subjects and among those with persistent wheezing or diagnosed asthma. DDE was not associated with atopy alone. Prenatal exposure to DDE residues may contribute to development of asthma.
EFFECT OF CUTTING CONDITIONS ON THE SERRATED CHIP FORMATION IN HIGH-SPEED CUTTING

Titanium alloy Ti6A14V has been widely used in many engineering fields due to its attractive specific strength and corrosion resistance. A deep understanding of the material's machinability is of primary importance. This article investigates the serrated chip formation mechanism of Ti6Al4V alloy under high-speed cutting by finite element analysis. The effect of the cutting conditions on the serrated chip formation is analyzed comprehensively. The study found that when the initial chip thickness becomes small or when the rake angle becomes large, the size of sawtooth decreases and the number of sawtooth increases. The serrated chip morphology is more sensitive to the initial chip thickness. The severe fluctuation of cutting forces is caused by the formation of sawtooth in chipping. To minimize the serrated chipping in high-speed machining, the initial chip thickness is the most important factor to consider.