Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An imaging investigation of in situ uroliths in hospitalized cats in New Zealand and in the United States

Abstract The submission rates of feline uroliths to laboratories and the composition of uroliths have been reported in studies. The prevalence of uroliths reported on imaging findings has not been published. The objective of this retrospective study was to use imaging data to investigate the anatomical location and the prevalence of macroscopic in situ uroliths in cats. Radiographs, sonograms and imaging reports from two cohorts of cats (from New Zealand (n = 497) and the United States (n = 693)) from 2004‐2013 were reviewed for the presence of in situ uroliths. Uroliths were categorized by their location in the lower or upper urinary tract. Radiographic studies were performed on 43% (212/497) of the cats from New Zealand and 50% (349/693) of the cats from the USA. Sonographic studies were performed on 57% (285/497) of the cats from New Zealand and 50% (344/693) of the cats from the USA. The total prevalence of uroliths was 3% in the New Zealand cohort and 13% in the USA cohort. Lower tract urolith prevalence in the New Zealand cohort was 2.4% (5/212) in cats ≤ 6y and 1.1% (3/285) in cats >6y. Upper tract urolith prevalence in the New Zealand cohort was 0.5% (1/212) in cats ≤ 6y and 1.8% (5/285) in cats >6y. Lower tract urolith prevalence in the United States cohort was 6.0% (11/183) in cats ≤ 6y and 2.9% (15/510) in cats >6y. Upper tract urolith prevalence in the United States cohort was 2.7% (5/183) in cats ≤ 6y and 10.2% (52/510) in cats >6y. The prevalence of uroliths in the upper tract or lower tract was low in the New Zealand cohort compared to that of cats in the USA cohort, irrespective of age category. Geographical location may be important when evaluating risk factors for feline urolithiasis.
Changes in the appearance of venous sinuses after treatment of disordered intracranial pressure

Cerebral angiographic findings in idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) and spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) have been described. Conventional cerebral venography has demonstrated tapered stenoses and filling defects in the transverse sinuses of patients with IIH.1 These stenoses have also been found in >90% of IIH patients imaged with auto-triggered elliptic-centric-ordered three-dimensional gadolinium-enhanced MR venography (ATECO MRV). 2 Conventional cerebral angiography demonstrated prominence of intracranial venous structures in patients with SIH.3 To date, MRI correlates of these dilated venous channels have not been described. This report discusses the use of ATECO MRV to demonstrate the normalization of venous sinus caliber associated with the resolution of these two disorders of intracranial pressure (ICP). ### Case 1. A 21-year-old woman was diagnosed with IIH. CSF opening pressure was 32.5 cm H2O. Months later, she was admitted to our institution with persistent headache and blurred vision despite maximal doses of acetazolamide. Examination revealed an obese woman with bilateral papilledema. CSF opening pressure remained elevated at 24 cm H2O. An MRI …
Measurement of liver stiffness as a non‐invasive method for diagnosis of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the major causes of liver disease worldwide. To detect early stages of NAFLD and start treatment or to monitor the changes in trials of new drugs, non‐invasive diagnostic methods are needed, such as biochemical markers or liver stiffness measurement (LSM). LSM with transient elastography (TE) and acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) has been shown to be useful in NAFLD, although the cut‐off values have varied among reports. Magnetic resonance elastography and real‐time tissue elastography also can be useful for the diagnosis of NAFLD, although the number of studies is limited. Fibrosis is absent in 8–40% of patients with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), making it difficult to diagnose NASH by LSM because LSM is usually associated with fibrotic stage. The presence of inflammation or hepatocyte ballooning may affect LSM and aid the diagnosis of NASH without fibrosis. However, obesity significantly increases the failure of LSM and its interference is more conspicuous in TE than in ARFI. The newly implemented XL probe of TE has overcome the difficulty to some degree. Nonetheless, the effects of obesity, hepatocyte ballooning, steatosis and inflammation on LSM values have not yet been adequately investigated, although they are likely to affect LSM values. Further studies are needed to establish the clinical utility of LSM in NAFLD.
Trust, Performance, and the Communication Process in Ad Hoc Decision-Making Virtual Teams

This research explores the communication process variables that potentially determine trust and performance quality in ad hoc virtual teams to better inform the choice of communication media for virtual groups engaged in decision-making tasks. Results of a survey indicate that virtual copresence is significantly correlated with intrateam trust and the performance quality that teams achieve. Results also accentuate the prominent role of trust in the virtual collaborative decision-making process; they indicate that trust mediates the relationship between virtual copresence and performance. It is therefore recommended that the efforts related to the design and adoption of communication systems for decision making teams strongly consider that virtual copresence potentially promotes both high levels of trust and high quality performance in virtual teams.
The Synthesis of Unsubstituted Cyclic Imides Using Hydroxylamine under Microwave Irradiation†

Unsubstituted cyclic imides were synthesized from a series of cyclic anhydrides, hydroxylamine hydrochloride (NH2OH∙HCl), and 4-N,N-dimethylamino-pyridine (DMAP, base catalyst) under microwave irradiation in monomode and multimode microwaves. This novel microwave synthesis produced high yields of the unsubstituted cyclic imides for both the monomode (61 - 81%) and multimode (84 - 97%) microwaves.
The neuronal architecture of the human posterior colliculus. A study with the Golgi method.

An electron emissive material of the formula (Y1-xEUx)B6 having the calcium hexaboride type crystal structure can easily produce hexaborides of the single phase. These borides have a number of merits such as small work function, high mechanical properties and low vapor pressure, and they are far more excellent than prior-art materials when used in a thermionic emission cathode and a field emission type cold cathode.
Energy Management for a Hybrid Solar Vehicle with Series Structure

Abstract A study on optimal energy management on a Hybrid Solar Vehicle (HSV) with series structure is presented. Previous results obtained by optimal design analysis for HSV confirmed the relevant benefits of such vehicles with respect to conventional cars in case of intermittent use in urban driving (city-car), and that economical feasibility could be achieved in a near future. In order to develop a supervisory control for a HSV prototype under development at University of Salerno, a study on the performance achievable by an intermittent use of the ICE powering the electric generator is presented. In particular, the effects of engine thermal transients on fuel consumption and HC emissions are studied and discussed. The optimal ICE power trajectory is found by solving a non-linear constrained optimization that suitably accounts for fuel mileage and state of charge, also considering solar contribution during parking mode.
Enhanced Citrate Synthase Activity in Human Pancreatic Cancer

Objectives: Assuming that a high flux of carbohydrate is strictly connected with lipid synthesis in neoplastic cells, one can hypothesize that the activity of citrate synthase, which plays an important role in glucose to lipid conversion, is enhanced in pancreatic cancer. The aim of the present study was to verify this hypothesis. Methods: The activity of citrate synthase (as well as lactate and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenases) was measured using tissue extract prepared from specimens (pancreatic cancer and control specimens taken from the adjacent pancreatic normal tissue) obtained from 24 patients with ductal carcinoma who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy or total pancreatomy. Results: The average of citrate synthase activity in human pancreatic ductal carcinoma is significantly higher comparing with adjacent nonneoplastic tissue: 40.2 ± 27.2 and 18.3 ± 13.6 nmole/min/mg protein, respectively (P = 0.001). The lactate dehydrogenase and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity in human pancreatic ductal carcinoma were also higher than in adjacent nonneoplastic tissues. Conclusion: It is likely that enhanced citrate synthase activity contributes to the conversion of glucose to lipids in pancreatic cancer providing substrate for membrane lipids synthesis.
Uplink-downlink interference alignment in TDD-based cellular networks

Considering the time duplex division (TDD)-based cellular network, this paper investigates the uplink/downlink interference under the framework of centralized-radio access network (C-RAN). According to different uplink/downlink configurations within three neighboring cells, two fundamental cases are discussed, which can be further classified into several scenarios. For the sake of tackling this kind of interference, the interference alignment (IA) transceivers are studied case-by-case. Specifically, by applying the concept of reference vectors, to which direction the interference is to be aligned, we propose a simply methodology to align the interference at the un-intended receivers. Then with respect to the antenna settings, the heuristic process of IA design is presented and discussed. Finally, simulations verify the proposed IA transceivers greatly outperform its benchmark, when there is strong uplink/downlink inter-cell interference.
Effectiveness of a motivational-behavioural skills protocol for oral hygiene among patients with hyposalivation.

BACKGROUND The main objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a motivational-behavioural skills protocol for plaque control in patients with hyposalivation. PATIENTS AND METHODS In a randomised, evaluator-blinded, controlled trial, 60 subjects with hyposalivation (12 men and 48 women) were randomly assigned to two groups: the control group received basic oral hygiene instruction, while for the study (intervention) group, oral hygiene instruction was based on cognitive behavioural principles and motivational interviewing (MI). Both groups were given oral hygiene instruction once every 15 days, with a total of four sessions over a 2-month period: plaque extension and community periodontal index of treatment needs (CPITN), frequency and duration of brushing, frequency of interdental cleaning and scores based on scale of 'self-efficacy for brushing of the teeth'. Clinical characteristics were compared between the two groups. RESULTS Both control and intervention group patients showed significantly lower plaque indices, bleeding indices and an improvement in probe depth after the 2-month study period. Interproximal brushing was significantly more frequent among the intervention group (p = 0.016). CONCLUSION In patients with hyposalivation, the application of oral hygiene instruction based on cognitive principles and MI offers benefits for periodontal health. Longer-term studies are needed to confirm these results.
Influence of refractive error and axial length on retinal vessel geometric characteristics.

PURPOSE To evaluate the influence of refractive error and axial length (AL) on retinal vascular network geometry measurements in an adult Asian population. METHODS This was a population-based, cross-sectional study on 2882 persons with diabetes in the Singapore Malay Eye Study. Spherical equivalent refraction was assessed using an autokeratorefractometer and subjective refraction. AL retinal vascular caliber, tortuosity, and branching characteristics were quantified from retinal fundus photographs using a semiautomated computer-assisted program according to a standardized protocol. RESULTS In multivariate analyses adjusting for age, sex, education, smoking, blood pressure, diabetes status, and antihypertensive medication use, longer AL and more myopic refraction were associated with narrower retinal arterioles and venules (P ≤ 0.001 for all) and less tortuous (straighter) arterioles (P < 0.001 for both). Longer AL and more myopic refraction were also associated with increased branching coefficients in both arterioles (P < 0.001 for both) and venules (P = 0.02 and P < 0.001, respectively). Longer AL and more myopic refraction were associated with more acute branching angles in arterioles (P < 0.001 for both) but not venules. CONCLUSIONS Myopic refractive errors and longer AL are associated with narrower retinal arterioles and venules, less tortuous arterioles, and increased branching coefficients in both arterioles and venules. These findings provide insights into ocular blood flow in myopia and also suggest that future studies evaluating these retinal parameters should account for the influence of AL and refractive error.
The Analysis of the Reliability and Factorial Validity in the Basic Characteristics of Isometric F-t curve of the Leg Extensors in Well Trained Serbian Males and Females

The Analysis of the Reliability and Factorial Validity in the Basic Characteristics of Isometric F-t curve of the Leg Extensors in Well Trained Serbian Males and Females The aim of this research was to establish the reliability and factorial validity of different isometric basic characteristics of F-t curve related to leg extensors in well trained and healthy Serbian males and females. Sample consisted of 159 examinees. In order to assess characteristics of the F-t isometric leg extensor force, tensiometric probe and standardized "seating leg extension" test were used. The measurement range was defined by 4 variables regarding the contractile characteristics of the leg extensor isometric muscle force - 1) the level of the achieved maximal force - FmaxLegExtISO, 2) the indicator of basic (general) level of rate of force development - RFDBASICLegExtISO, 3) the time necessary to reach maximal force - tFmaxLegExtISO, 4) basic synergy index. The results showed a high statistical significance of p<0.001 in representability, generalizability and reliability for all the characteristics observed in both genders (Spearman-Brown r - 0.715 to 0.967 for males and 0.713 to 0.941 for females). As for the methodology aspect of testing, the factor analysis demonstrated the necessity of conducting at least three trials, choosing the best result from the two last trials.
Neuropharmacology: Propylene Glycol Elicits Anxiolytic‐like Responses to the Elevated Plus‐maze in Male Mice

Propylene glycol is a common solvent often contained in injectable solutions of anxiolytics of low water‐solubility, such as diazepam (Valium) and pentobarbital (Nembutal). Several studies have shown that propylene glycol can have an inhibitory effect on the central nervous system. This study, using ethanol for comparison, further examined whether propylene glycol has anti‐anxiety properties.
The Relationship Between Interferon‐γ Gene Polymorphism and Acute Kidney Allograft Rejection

Cytokine gene polymorphisms have been associated with modified gene expression and cytokine production. Gamma interferon (IFN‐γ) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of kidney transplant rejection. This study evaluated the association between IFN‐γ gene polymorphisms and the history of acute allograft rejection in 53 adult first‐transplant recipients receiving cadaveric kidney grafts. They were followed up in a single centre until 2006, for a median time of 4 years after transplantation (1–22 years). IFN‐γ gene polymorphisms +874 T/A (rs2430561) were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). T/T high IFN‐γ genotype was found in 12, intermediate T/A in 29 and low A/A in 12 patients. Twenty‐six acute kidney rejection episodes were evidenced in 20 patients, of which none occurred in the 12 patients with low IFN‐γ genotype A/A. Age, gender, number of HLA (human leukocyte antigen) mismatches, ABO blood groups, HLA, time after transplantation, creatinine clearance and immunosuppressive regimens were excluded as confounding factors associated with IFN‐γ genotype distribution between rejectors and non‐rejectors. IFN‐γ gene polymorphisms could be an important risk factor for acute kidney transplant rejection, whereas the low A/A IFN‐γ genotype could be protective against rejection.
Experimental Evaluation of On-body Transmission Characteristics for Wireless Biosensors

Wearable health monitoring system has undergone rapid progress in recent years. Traditional wired biosensor network are inconvenient of interconnecting sensors which not only involve high maintenance costs, but also limit the movements of users. Thus, wireless technology is no doubt that it will have impacts on the health care industry. However, wireless connections are not as stable as wired connections. Many factors can reduce the reliability of wireless connections such as the power setting, surrounding environment as well as the gestures of human being. It is our goal to study how these factors affect the links quality. In this paper a prototypical sensor platform is first reported. Then we attach the sensor nodes onto the human body and observe the PRR (packet reception rate), RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) and LQI (Link Quality Indication) to learn oil-body channel characteristics and communication behaviours. We hope the experiment results can help researchers construct more reliable and effective wireless biosensor networks.
Determination of Major-to-Trace Minerals and Polyphenols in Different Apple Cultivars

The aim of this study was to investigate the concentration level of some major-to-trace elements and toxic minerals and polyphenols (catechin, epicatechin and quercetin) in fruits belonging to different apple cultivars (â€˜Auriu de Clujâ€™, â€˜Florinaâ€™, â€˜Generosâ€™, â€˜Golden Deliciousâ€™, â€˜Primaâ€™, â€˜Productiv de Clujâ€™ and â€˜Starkrimsonâ€™), under specific climate conditions to northwestern Romania. The apple minerals were determined by the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) after a preliminary, microwave-assisted, acid digestion. The polyphenols were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with MS/MS detection. According to the obtained results, the edible part of the apple contains many minerals with high relative nutritional value (RNV). The major minerals (Na, K, Ca, Mg and P), minor elements (Cu, Fe, Mn, Sr and Zn) and toxic trace elements (Cd, Cr and Pb) were comparatively identified and quantified. It was found that K (31976 mg/kg) was predominant among the major elements, while Fe (3.68 mg/kg) and Cu (3.57 mg/kg) were comparable. The toxic trace metals (Cd, Cr and Pb) were below the limits of detection (0.01, 0.10 and 0.01 mg/kg, respectively) and did not determine any health risk to consumers. The main polyphenols composition (catechin, epicathechin, quercetin) differs slightly among different cultivars. In â€˜Idaredâ€™ and â€˜Jonathanâ€™ cultivars, the investigated polyphenols are in higher quantities comparing to the others. In all investigated apple cultivars, quercetin was proved to be the major polyphenol, followed by epicathechin and catechin. These results suggest that, regarding only the investigated polyphenols, â€˜ Idaredâ€™ and â€˜Jonathanâ€™ cultivars have the highest antioxidant character in all investigated genotypes.
Dual Signaling and Effector Pathways Mediate Human Eosinophil Activation by Platelet-Activating Factor

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) induces various cellular functions in eosinophils including chemotaxis, adhesion, superoxide anion (O2–) production, and degranulation. While PAF shares many biological effects with other chemotactic factors such as N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine, complement fragments, and lipid mediators, PAF is unique in that its action is relatively resistant to pertussis toxin (PTX), and in activating eosinophils more strongly than neutrophils. In this review we consider how PAF might activate human eosinophils in preference to neutrophils, and discuss possible mechanisms of PAF-induced activation of human eosinophils via two distinct signaling and effector pathways. Recently we analyzed O2– production by eosinophils using a sensitive, real-time chemiluminescence method. Our results showed that in human eosinophils PAF activates two distinct signaling and effector pathways coupled to the PAF receptor: one linked to PTX-sensitive G protein(s) and another to PTX-resistant G protein(s), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and cellular adhesion. This activation of two different G proteins by the eosinophil PAF receptor may explain the strong and diverse biological responses of human eosinophils to PAF.
Comparison of Feature Classification Algorithm for Activity Recognition Based on Accelerometer and Heart Rate Data

This paper describes a project to compare two feature classification algorithms used in activity recognition in relation to accelerometer and heart rate data. Data was collected from six male and female subjects using a single tri-axial accelerometer and heart monitor attached to each subject’s dominant thigh. Subjects carried out eight activities and the data was labelled semi-automatically. Features (mean, standard deviation, energy, correlation and mean heart rate) were extracted from the data using a window of 256 (3.4 seconds) and an overlap of 50%. Two classifers, k-NN and J48, were evaluated for activity recognition with 10-fold validation with k-NN (k = 1) achieving a better overall score of 90.07%.
Toxoplasma gondii Infection Inhibits Th17-Mediated Spontaneous Development of Arthritis in Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist-Deficient Mice

ABSTRACT Interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra)-deficient BALB/c mice develop spontaneous arthritis resembling human rheumatoid arthritis. We herein report that infection with Toxoplasma gondii, an intracellular protozoan, is capable of ameliorating the spontaneous development of arthritis in IL-1Ra-deficient mice. The onset of arthritis development was delayed and the severity score of arthritis was significantly suppressed in T. gondii-infected mice. Expression of IL-12p40 mRNA from CD11c+ cells of mesenteric lymph nodes (mLN) and spleen markedly increased at 1 week after peroral infection. While CD11c+ cells also produced IL-10, IL-1β, and IL-6, CD4+ T cells from T. gondii-infected mice expressed significantly high levels of T-bet and gamma interferon (IFN-γ) mRNA in both mLN and spleen. Levels of GATA-3/IL-4 mRNA or RORγt/IL-17 mRNA decreased in the infected mice, indicating Th1 cell polarization and the reduction of Th2 and Th17 cell polarization. The severity of arthritis was related to Th1 cell polarization accompanied by Th17 cell reduction, demonstrating the protective role of the T. gondii-derived Th1 response against Th17 cell-mediated arthritis in IL-1Ra-deficient mice.