Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Computer Recognition of Partial Views of Curved Objects

The use of a variation of chain encoding of binary boundary images is described in the context of a scene analysis system. The system can learn single views of the three-dimensional curved objects and can later recognize various partial views of the same projections of the objects. The system is completely automatic except for specifying whether the object is to be learned or recognized.
The effect of a murine leukemia virus on RNA metabolism.

Summary RNA metabolism in the spleens of DBA/2 mice infected with a murine leukemia virus (Friend) was investigated. The spleen cells were tested in an in vitro system. Incorporation of uridine-14C into the RNA of spleen cells 4 days after the mice were inoculated with the virus was 4 times higher than that observed in normal spleen cell preparations. Subsequently, the incorporation of uridine-14C declined to control levels. RNA synthesis in both control and leukemic spleen cells was sensitive to the action of actinomycin D. RNA methylase increased in activity early after infection, reaching 3.5 times the control levels on the 5th post-inoculation day, and declining gradually to normal thereafter. Ribonuclease, on the other hand, declined to 25% of the normal activity by the 4th postinoculation day and remained at this level (or lower) throughout the course of the disease.
Predicting errors from reconfiguration patterns in human brain networks

Task preparation is a complex cognitive process that implements anticipatory adjustments to facilitate future task performance. Little is known about quantitative network parameters governing this process in humans. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and functional connectivity measurements, we show that the large-scale topology of the brain network involved in task preparation shows a pattern of dynamic reconfigurations that guides optimal behavior. This network could be decomposed into two distinct topological structures, an error-resilient core acting as a major hub that integrates most of the network’s communication and a predominantly sensory periphery showing more flexible network adaptations. During task preparation, core–periphery interactions were dynamically adjusted. Task-relevant visual areas showed a higher topological proximity to the network core and an enhancement in their local centrality and interconnectivity. Failure to reconfigure the network topology was predictive for errors, indicating that anticipatory network reconfigurations are crucial for successful task performance. On the basis of a unique network decoding approach, we also develop a general framework for the identification of characteristic patterns in complex networks, which is applicable to other fields in neuroscience that relate dynamic network properties to behavior.
Intestinal Parasitoses in HIV Infected Children in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital.

BACKGROUND Intestinal parasitoses are common amongst people living in developing countries. They may impact negatively on the growth and health of immune competent children. There is paucity of information on the association between HIV and intestinal parasitoses in African children. OBJECTIVE To identify the intestinal infections responsible for infections in HIV infected children and document characteristics of HIV infected children at a Nigerian teaching hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS Consecutive children attending a Paediatric anti-retroviral clinic were studied. Information such as socio-demographics and clinical characteristics elicited from clinical examination were recorded in the proforma. Stool samples of the children were obtained and examined for intestinal parasites. Data was analysed with the SPSS 18 software. RESULTS A total 52 children were studied and their age ranged between 6 months and 14 years, with a mean of 6.5 years ± 3.93. The 52 were made up of 27 boys and 25 girls, giving a male: female ratio of 1.1:1. 10 (19.2%) of the 52 children were infected with cryptosporidium spp, while 1(1.9%) had Ascaris lumbricoides infestation. Anti-helminthics had previously been administered to 86.5% of children studied. Those who previously received anti-helminthics had lower prevalence estimates of cryptosporidium infections. (p<0.01, RR = 0.42, 95%CI = 0.20 - 0.90). Children on co-trimoxazole prophylaxis had lower prevalence estimates of cryptosporidium infections. (P<0.01, RR = 0.35, 95%CI = 0.14 - 0.91). Use of highly active antiretroviral drugs was also associated with lower prevalence estimates of intestinal cryptosporidium. (p=0.04, RR = 0.58, 95%CI = 0.31 - 1.10). Eight of the 10 children infected with cryptosporidium had recurrent abdominal pain in comparison with the six with recurrent abdominal pain amongst the 42 without cryptosporidial infections. (p<0.01, RR=5.6, 95%CI= 2.51 - 12.1). CONCLUSION Cryptosporidial infection is the most common intestinal parasitoses among HIV infected children in this study, while intestinal helminthiasis are not so common. Anti-helminthics, Co-trimoxazole prophylaxis and highly active anti-retroviral therapy have a protective effect against intestinal cryptosporidium. Screening for intestinal cryptosporidium is suggested in HIV infected children with recurrent abdominal pain, because of the statistically association.
Influence of a Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Field on Cardiovascular and Hormonal Parameters of the Autonomic Nervous System in Healthy Individuals

Abstract Braune, S. , Riedel, A. , Schulte-Mönting, J. and Raczek, J. Influence of a Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Field on Cardiovascular and Hormonal Parameters of the Autonomic Nervous System in Healthy Individuals. Radiat. Res. 158, 352–356 (2002). The potential health risks of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (EMFs) emitted by mobile phones are of considerable public interest. The present study investigated the hypothesis, based on the results of our previous study, that exposure to EMFs can increase sympathetic vasoconstrictor activity. Forty healthy young males and females underwent a single-blind, placebo-controlled protocol once on each of two different days. Each investigation included successive periods of placebo and EMF exposure, given in a randomized order. The exposure was implemented by a GSM-like signal (900 MHz, pulsed with 217 Hz, 2 W) using a mobile phone mounted on the right-hand side of the head in a typical telephoning position. Each period of placebo exposure and of EMF exposure consisted of 20 min of supine rest, 10 min of 70° upright tilt on a tilt table, and another 20 min of supine rest. Blood pressure, heart rate and cutaneous capillary perfusion were measured continuously. In addition, serum levels of norepinephrine, epinephrine, cortisol and endothelin were analyzed in venous blood samples taken every 10 min. Similar to the previous study, systolic and diastolic blood pressure each showed slow, continuous, statistically significant increases of about 5 mmHg during the course of the protocol. All other parameters either decreased in parallel or remained constant. However, analysis of variance showed that the changes in blood pressure and in all other parameters were independent of the EMF exposure. These findings do not support the assumption of a nonthermal influence of EMFs emitted by mobile phones on the cardiovascular autonomic nervous system in healthy humans.
Epstein-Barr virus-specific antibody response in cerebrospinal fluid and serum of patients with multiple sclerosis

Cerebrospinal fluid and serum levels and intrathecal synthesis of anti-Epstein—Barr virus (EBV) IgG were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 80 relapsing—remitting multiple sclerosis patients grouped according to clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evidence of disease activity. Eighty patients with other inflammatory neurological disorders (OIND) and 80 patients with non-inflammatory neurological disorders (NIND) served as neurological controls. Cerebrospinal fluid concentrations were higher in OIND than in multiple sclerosis (p < 0.0001) and NIND (p < 0.01) for anti-viral-capsid-antigen (anti-VCA) IgG, in multiple sclerosis than in NIND (p < 0.01) and in OIND than in NIND (p < 0.05) for anti-EBV nuclear antigen-1 (EBNA-1) IgG. Serum levels were more elevated in OIND than in multiple sclerosis (p < 0.05) and in MRI inactive than in MRI active multiple sclerosis (p < 0.0001) for anti-VCA IgG, and in multiple sclerosis than in OIND and NIND (p < 0.01) for anti-EBNA-1 IgG. Serum titres of anti-VCA and anti-EBNA-1 IgG were also positively (p < 0.05) and inversely (p < 0.001) correlated, respectively, with the Expanded Disability Status Scale. An intrathecal IgG production of anti-VCA and anti-EBNA-1 IgG, as indicated by Antibody Index, was present only in a limited number of multiple sclerosis patients and controls (range from 1.3 to 6.3%). These findings do not support a direct pathogenetic role of EBV-targeted humoral immune response in multiple sclerosis.
Involvement of OCTN2 in the transport of acetyl-L-carnitine across the inner blood-retinal barrier.

PURPOSE To elucidate the mechanisms of acetyl-L-carnitine transport across the inner blood-retinal barrier (inner BRB). METHODS In vivo integration plot and retinal uptake index (RUI) analyses were used to examine acetyl-L-[(3)H]carnitine transport in the retina across the inner BRB in rats. RUI was determined from the ratio of acetyl-L-[(3)H]carnitine and [(14)C]n-butanol, a freely diffusible internal reference, in the retina divided by the same ratio in the solution injected in the carotid artery. The transport mechanism was characterized in a conditionally immortalized rat retinal capillary endothelial cell line (TR-iBRB2 cells), as an in vitro inner BRB model. RESULTS The apparent influx permeability clearance (K(in)) per gram retina of acetyl-L-[(3)H]carnitine was found to be 2.31 microL/(minute . g retina). The K(in) of acetyl-L-[(3)H]carnitine was 3.7-fold greater than that of [(3)H]D-mannitol, a nonpermeable paracellular marker. Acetyl-L-[(3)H]carnitine uptake by the retina was found to be significantly inhibited by L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine, supporting a carrier-mediated influx transport of acetyl-L-carnitine at the inner BRB. L-[(3)H]carnitine and acetyl-L-[(3)H]carnitine uptake by TR-iBRB2 cells was Na(+)- and concentration-dependent, with a K(m) of 29 and 26 microM, respectively. These forms of transport were significantly inhibited by organic cation/carnitine transporter (OCTN) substrates and inhibitors such as L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine, tetraethylammonium, quinidine, and betaine. These transport properties are consistent with those of carnitine transport by OCTN2. OCTN2 was predominantly expressed in TR-iBRB2 cells and isolated rat retinal vascular endothelial cells. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that OCTN2 is involved in the transport of acetyl-L-carnitine from the circulating blood to the retina across the inner BRB.
Age-Differential Effects of Job Characteristics on Job Attraction: A Policy-Capturing Study

Based on an integration of job design and lifespan developmental theories, Truxillo et al. (2012) proposed that job characteristics interact with employee age in predicting important work outcomes. Using an experimental policy-capturing design, we investigated age-differential effects of four core job characteristics (i.e., job autonomy, task variety, task significance, and feedback from the job) on job attraction (i.e., individuals' rating of job attractiveness). Eighty-two employees between 19 and 65 years (Mage = 41, SD = 14) indicated their job attraction for each of 40 hypothetical job descriptions in which the four job characteristics were systematically manipulated (in total, participants provided 3,280 ratings). Results of multilevel analyses showed that the positive effects of task variety, task significance, and feedback from the job were stronger for younger compared to older employees, whereas we did not find significant age-differential effects of job autonomy on job attraction. These findings are only partially consistent with propositions of Truxillo et al.'s (2012) lifespan perspective on job design.
A Probabilistic Decision-Making Scoring System for Quality and Safety Management in Aloreña de Málaga Table Olive Processing

Table olives are one of the most representatives and consumed fermented vegetables in Mediterranean countries. However, there is an evident lack of standardization of production processes and HACCP systems thus implying the need of establishing decision-making tools allowing their commercialization and shelf-life extension. The present work aims at developing a decision-making scoring system by means of a probabilistic assessment to standardize production process of Aloreña de Málaga table olives based on the identification of potential hazards or deficiencies in hygienic processes for the subsequent implementation of corrective measures. A total of 658 microbiological and physico-chemical data were collected over three consecutive olive campaigns (2014–2016) to measure the variability and relative importance of each elaboration step on total hygienic quality and product safety. Three representative companies were visited to collect samples from food-contact surfaces, olive fruits, brines, air environment, olive dressings, water tanks, and finished/packaged products. A probabilistic assessment was done based on the establishment of Performance Hygiene and Safety Scores (PHSS 0–100%) through a standardized system for evaluating product acceptability. The mean value of the global PHSS for the Aloreña de Málaga table olives processing (PHHSFTOT) was 64.82% (90th CI: 52.78–76.39%) indicating the high variability among facilities in the evaluated processing steps on final product quality and safety. Washing and cracking, and selection and addition of olive dressings were detected as the most deficient ones in relation to PHSSFi values (p < 0.05) (mean = 53.02 and 56.62%, respectively). The relative contribution of each processing step was quantified by different experts (n = 25) from the Aloreña de Málaga table olive sector through a weighted PHSS (PHSSw). The mean value of PHSSw was 65.53% (90th CI: 53.12–77.52%). The final processing steps obtained higher values for PHSSw being the finished product the most relevant one (mean = 18.44%; 90% CI: 10.34–25.33%). Sensitivity analysis concluded that intervention measures focused on reducing the contamination of washing brines could lead to an improvement of PHSSFTOT value to 67.03%. The present work can be potentially applied in the Aloreña de Málaga table olive food sector for improving food quality and safety assurance.
Risk Attitude Reversals in Drivers' Route Choice When Range of Travel Time Information Is Provided

Automobile drivers were recently found to be risk averse when choosing among routes that had an average travel time shorter than the certain travel time of a route considered as a reference. Conversely, drivers were found to be risk seeking when choosing among routes that had an average travel time longer than the certain travel time of the reference route. In a driving simulation study in which the reference route had a range of travel times, this pattern was replicated when the reference range was smaller than the ranges of the available routes. However, the pattern was reversed when the reference range was larger than the ranges of the available routes. We recently proposed a simple heuristic model that fit the relatively complex data quite well. Actual or potential applications of this research include the design of variable message signs and of route choice support systems.
Inhibitory interneurons of the human prefrontal cortex display conserved evolution of the phenotype and related genes

Inhibitory interneurons participate in local processing circuits, playing a central role in executive cognitive functions of the prefrontal cortex. Although humans differ from other primates in a number of cognitive domains, it is not currently known whether the interneuron system has changed in the course of primate evolution leading to our species. In this study, we examined the distribution of different interneuron subtypes in the prefrontal cortex of anthropoid primates as revealed by immunohistochemistry against the calcium-binding proteins calbindin, calretinin and parvalbumin. In addition, we tested whether genes involved in the specification, differentiation and migration of interneurons show evidence of positive selection in the evolution of humans. Our findings demonstrate that cellular distributions of interneuron subtypes in human prefrontal cortex are similar to other anthropoid primates and can be explained by general scaling rules. Furthermore, genes underlying interneuron development are highly conserved at the amino acid level in primate evolution. Taken together, these results suggest that the prefrontal cortex in humans retains a similar inhibitory circuitry to that in closely related primates, even though it performs functional operations that are unique to our species. Thus, it is likely that other significant modifications to the connectivity and molecular biology of the prefrontal cortex were overlaid on this conserved interneuron architecture in the course of human evolution.
Self-Complementary Adeno-Associated Virus Vectors Improve Transduction Efficiency of Corneal Endothelial Cells

Transplantation of a donor cornea to restore vision is the most frequently performed transplantation in the world. Corneal endothelial cells (CEC) are crucial for the outcome of a graft as they maintain corneal transparency and avoid graft failure due to corneal opaqueness. Given the characteristic of being a monolayer and in direct contact with culture medium during cultivation in eye banks, CEC are specifically suitable for gene therapeutic approaches prior to transplantation. Recombinant adeno-associated virus 2 (rAAV2) vectors represent a promising tool for gene therapy of CEC. However, high vector titers are needed to achieve sufficient gene expression. One of the rate-limiting steps for transgene expression is the conversion of single-stranded (ss-) DNA vector genome into double-stranded (ds-) DNA. This step can be bypassed by using self-complementary (sc-) AAV2 vectors. Aim of this study was to compare for the first time transduction efficiencies of ss- and scAAV2 vectors in CEC. For this purpose AAV2 vectors containing enhanced green fluorescent protein (GFP) as transgene were used. Both in CEC and in donor corneas, transduction with scAAV2 resulted in significantly higher transgene expression compared to ssAAV2. The difference in transduction efficiency decreased with increasing vector titer. In most cases, only half the vector titer of scAAV2 was required for equal or higher gene expression rates than those of ssAAV2. In human donor corneas, GFP expression was 64.7±11.3% (scAAV) and 38.0±8.6% (ssAAV) (p<0.001), respectively. Furthermore, transduced cells maintained their viability and showed regular morphology. Working together with regulatory authorities, a translation of AAV2 vector-mediated gene therapy to achieve a temporary protection of corneal allografts during cultivation and transplantation could therefore become more realistic.
Cytoplasmic Lipid Droplets

Abstract: Cytoplasmic lipid droplets (LDs) exist in virtually any kind of cell. They have a core of lipid esters covered by the surface phospholipid monolayer. A number of proteins related to various cell functions are present in LDs and/or LD‐rich subcellular fractions, suggesting that LDs are an independent organelle that is engaged in various cellular activities. Furthermore, a recent study suggested that LDs are a platform where the proteasomal and autophagic pathways converge. The molecular composition and architecture of LDs are discussed here, with special reference to the technical difficulties encountered when analyzing this unique organelle.
Effects of a Long-Term Treatment With Aliskiren or Ramipril on Structural Alterations of Subcutaneous Small-Resistance Arteries of Diabetic Hypertensive Patients

Structural alterations of subcutaneous small-resistance arteries are associated with a worse clinical prognosis in hypertension and non–insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. The effects of the direct renin inhibitor aliskiren on microvascular structure were never previously evaluated. Therefore, we investigated the effects of aliskiren in comparison with those of an extensively used angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, ramipril, on peripheral subcutaneous small-resistance artery morphology, retinal arteriolar structure, and capillary density in a population of patients with non–insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Sixteen patients with mild essential hypertension and with a previous diagnosis of non–insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus were included in the study. Patients were then randomized to 1 of the 2 active treatments (aliskiren 150 mg once daily, n=9; or ramipril 5 mg once daily, n=7). Each patient underwent a biopsy of the subcutaneous fat from the gluteal region, an evaluation of retinal artery morphology (scanning laser Doppler flowmetry), and capillary density (capillaroscopy), at baseline and after 1 year of treatment. Subcutaneous small arteries were dissected and mounted on a pressurized micromyograph, and the media-to-lumen ratio was evaluated. A similar office blood pressure–lowering effect and a similar reduction of the wall-to-lumen ratio of retinal arterioles were observed with the 2 drugs. Aliskiren significantly reduced media-to-lumen ratio of subcutaneous small-resistance arteries, whereas ramipril-induced reduction of media to lumen ratio was not statistically significant. No relevant effect on capillary density was observed. In conclusion, treatment with aliskiren or ramipril was associated with a correction of microvascular structural alterations in patients with non–insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
Kinecting the dots: Particle based scene flow from depth sensors

The motion field of a scene can be used for object segmentation and to provide features for classification tasks like action recognition. Scene flow is the full 3D motion field of the scene, and is more difficult to estimate than it's 2D counterpart, optical flow. Current approaches use a smoothness cost for regularisation, which tends to over-smooth at object boundaries. This paper presents a novel formulation for scene flow estimation, a collection of moving points in 3D space, modelled using a particle filter that supports multiple hypotheses and does not oversmooth the motion field. In addition, this paper is the first to address scene flow estimation, while making use of modern depth sensors and monocular appearance images, rather than traditional multi-viewpoint rigs. The algorithm is applied to an existing scene flow dataset, where it achieves comparable results to approaches utilising multiple views, while taking a fraction of the time.
Polar transmembrane interactions drive formation of ligand-specific and signal pathway-biased family B G protein-coupled receptor conformations

Recently, the concept of ligand-directed signaling—the ability of different ligands of an individual receptor to promote distinct patterns of cellular response—has gained much traction in the field of drug discovery, with the potential to sculpt biological response to favor therapeutically beneficial signaling pathways over those leading to harmful effects. However, there is limited understanding of the mechanistic basis underlying biased signaling. The glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor is a major target for treatment of type-2 diabetes and is subject to ligand-directed signaling. Here, we demonstrate the importance of polar transmembrane residues conserved within family B G protein-coupled receptors, not only for protein folding and expression, but also in controlling activation transition, ligand-biased, and pathway-biased signaling. Distinct clusters of polar residues were important for receptor activation and signal preference, globally changing the profile of receptor response to distinct peptide ligands, including endogenous ligands glucagon-like peptide-1, oxyntomodulin, and the clinically used mimetic exendin-4.