Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A mouse model for studying cone photoreceptor pathologies.

PURPOSE Due to the low abundance of cone photoreceptors in the mouse retina and the scarcity of alternative animal models, little is known about mechanisms of cone degeneration. Nrl knockout mice develop exclusively the cone-type of photoreceptors. However, the cone photoreceptor layer in Nrl(-/-) mice displays an irregular morphology with severe rosette formation. Retinas of Rpe65(-/-);Nrl(-/-) mice have no rosettes due to the lack of 11-cis-retinal, but also are not functional. To develop a model with a functional all-cone retina that is morphologically well structured, we generated R91W;Nrl(-/-) double-mutant mice, which express a hypomorphic Rpe65 allele (R91W). METHODS The following analyses were used to characterize the R91W;Nrl(-/-)mice: morphology by light and electron microscopy, protein distribution by immunofluorescence, cone function by electroretinography and optomotor response, RNA levels by RT-PCR, and chromophore levels by HPLC. Cone degeneration was assessed in R91W;Nrl(-/-) mice treated with MNU, and in triple R91W;Nrl(-/-);Cpfl1 and quadruple R91W;Nrl(-/-);Cpfl1;rd10 mutant mice. RESULTS The all-cone retina of R91W;Nrl(-/-) mice is functional and relatively stable with only very slow age-related degeneration. Using triple and quadruple mutant mice, or a chemical treatment, we demonstrated that cone degeneration could be induced and analyzed in these mice. CONCLUSIONS The reduced levels of visual chromophore prevented rosette formation and sustained function in the R91W;Nrl(-/-) retina. Thus, the R91W;Nrl(-/-) mouse allows study of the etiology of diseases related to cone degeneration in a "morphologically intact" and functional all-cone photoreceptor retina.
Hospital morbidity and mortality and changes in quality of life following mitral valve surgery in the elderly.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY An increasing number of elderly patients are now requiring mitral valve surgery (MVS). However, due to a perceived increase in risk of morbidity and mortality following cardiac surgery, many elderly patients tend to be neglected or not referred for surgery. METHODS The outcome of MVS in terms of hospital morbidity and mortality, length of intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stays, and change in NYHA functional class and quality of life following surgery was assessed in 43 elderly patients (18 males, 25 females; median age 77 years (IQR 75-82 years)) who underwent primary open mitral valve repair (MVRr) or replacement (MVR) between November 1994 and September 1997. Their preoperative clinical characteristics, incidence of hospital morbidity, hospital mortality and length of ICU and hospital stays following MVS were recorded. At follow up, NYHA class was assessed and quality of life parameters monitored using the SF-36 questionnaire. RESULTS At surgery, 69% of patients were in NYHA class III/IV, 36% underwent non-elective surgery and 44% had symptoms of more than three years' duration. Among patients, 80% presented with mitral incompetence and MVRr was undertaken in 51%. The median bypass and cross-clamp times for MVRr were significantly longer than for MVR. After surgery, 98% of patients required inotropic support, 9% renal dialysis, and 42% ventilatory support for >24 h. In addition, 37% developed respiratory complications, 12% renal failure, 19% needed re-exploration for bleeding, and 5% suffered a stroke. The mean ICU stay after surgery was three days; average in-hospital stay was 10 days. The 30-day mortality rate was 22.7% after MVRr and 38% after MVR. There was a significant improvement in energy, and role limitation due to physical and mental health after MVS. CONCLUSIONS Elderly patients underwent MVS, usually after a degree of clinical deterioration. Although morbidity and mortality following mitral valve surgery were high, at follow up there was a significant improvement in both symptoms and quality of life of survivors.
DQ Tags and Decision-Making

There has been some evidence that decision outcomes can be impacted by providing metadata about the quality of the data used in a decision, but there is no agreement on the specific context in which such impact is observed. Furthermore, there has been little emphasis on the semantics and usability of such metadata in research to date, with consequent implications for experimental soundness. In this paper, we describe how these issues are addressed through the novel application, respectively, of the information quality framework InfoQual and the interaction design technique of contextual inquiry to the experimental design. In distinct contrast to previous studies, there was evidence that including data quality metadata can significantly increase decision time and may reduce consensus even though decision choice is not changed.
An inner-loop free solution to inverse problems using deep neural networks

We propose a new method that uses deep learning techniques to accelerate the popular alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) solution for inverse problems. The ADMM updates consist of a proximity operator, a least squares regression that includes a big matrix inversion, and an explicit solution for updating the dual variables. Typically, inner loops are required to solve the first two sub-minimization problems due to the intractability of the prior and the matrix inversion. To avoid such drawbacks or limitations, we propose an inner-loop free update rule with two pre-trained deep convolutional architectures. More specifically, we learn a conditional denoising auto-encoder which imposes an implicit data-dependent prior/regularization on ground-truth in the first sub-minimization problem. This design follows an empirical Bayesian strategy, leading to so-called amortized inference. For matrix inversion in the second sub-problem, we learn a convolutional neural network to approximate the matrix inversion, i.e., the inverse mapping is learned by feeding the input through the learned forward network. Note that training this neural network does not require ground-truth or measurements, i.e., it is data-independent. Extensive experiments on both synthetic data and real datasets demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed method compared with the conventional ADMM solution using inner loops for solving inverse problems.
Successful management of pregnancy in women with a history of thrombotic thrombocytopaenic purpura

Pregnancy is an initiating event for acute thrombotic thrombocytopaenic purpura (TTP). There is a high risk of relapse during pregnancy and of foetal morbidity. We describe five cases with successful maternal and foetal outcomes in patients with a history of TTP. Cases 1 and 2 presented with TTP in their first pregnancy and had second-trimester foetal losses. Case 3 had four TTP relapses and soon after achievement of clinical remission became pregnant. Case 4 presented with TTP and left-sided stroke in pregnancy. ADAMTS-13 activity was less than 5% at presentation in four patients and prior to therapy during pregnancy in cases 1–4. Case 5, who had a single acute episode of TTP and became pregnant 6 years later, had normal ADAMTS-13 activity throughout pregnancy. Only case 3 had evidence of an inhibitor on mixing studies. All five patients underwent close haematological and obstetric monitoring and continued low-dose aspirin throughout pregnancy. Patients 1–4 had regular plasma exchange and received low molecular weight heparin during pregnancy. Patient 4 also received rituximab during the third trimester with no observed maternal or neonatal toxicity. Live healthy infants were delivered in all five cases in the third trimester. These findings suggest that successful pregnancy outcome is achievable in patients with a history of TTP and that patients with severely reduced ADAMTS-13 activity at the onset of pregnancy, necessitates regular plasma exchange during pregnancy.
A General Current Ripple Prediction Method for the Multiphase Voltage Source Converter

Current ripple is generated by pulse width modulation (PWM) switching in multiphase voltage source converters (VSCs). This letter introduces a general and fast current ripple prediction method for multiphase VSCs with arbitrary phase numbers. An equivalent converter-load model is derived for the n -phase converter system. By combining the common-mode voltage of both converter terminal and load, the equivalent circuit for each phase can be modeled. The voltage dropping on the ac inductor can be calculated for the 2 n + 2 zones in each switching cycle based on the equivalent circuit for each phase. Then the current ripple can be reconstructed based on the linear di/dt model in each zone. Simulation examples of five- and six-phase converters prove that the current prediction method is accurate. With this real-time prediction method, the current ripple can be controlled in application. An application example of five-phase variable switching frequency PWM is introduced to control the peak current ripple and reduce the switching losses.
Haemodynamic effects of balloon septostomy in tricuspid atresia.

he had been after the myocardial infarction in March 1967. Thereafter he was maintained on lignocaine infusion 1 mg. /min. to a maximum of 500 mg. in 24 hours and remained in sinus rhythm for 48 hours with only occasional extrasystoles. By this time the infusion had been discontinued and he felt well, was in sinus rhythm 80/min., and the blood pressure was 120/70. At this time he suddenly relapsed to the original dysrhythmiasupraventricular tachycardia with right bundle-branch block. On this occasion, as an alternative to further electrical cardioversion but while being monitored on the " cardioverter," he was given a sharp blow on the sternum with no effect. A similar heavy thump with the ulnar side of the clenched fist on the precordium at the cardiac apex immediately induced sinus rhythm with left bundlebranch block (see Fig.). Over the next few days he had runs of ventricular extrasystoles, bigeminy, and multifocal extrasystoles requiring further lignocaine infusion followed by tabs. phenytoin 100 mg. t.i d.
Dental caries status of young children in a suburban community of Mexico City.

One hundred and thirty-four children, 6 to 7 yr of age from a public school in Tepepan, Mexico were examined for the prevalence and severity of dental caries. Average deft score was 6.08 and defs was 12.15. Average DMFT and DMFS scores were . 57 and . 99 respectively. It was observed that 66% of primary teeth with carious lesions required one surface restoration and 11% three or more surface restorations. In the permanent dentition 99% of the affected teeth required one surface restoration. A comparison of the results with those of the Mexico City public school children survey (1980) showed that the Tepepan children had a similar caries level in primary teeth and a lower caries level in permanent teeth. Although the Tepepan group showed fewer carious lesions, their caries index and unmet restorative index are still high, especially for primary dentition, so an intensive educational, preventive and restorative program is required.
Short article: Age and synchrony effects in visuospatial working memory

Younger and older adults were administered a computerized version of the Corsi Block visuospatial working memory (VSWM) span task at either their peak or off-peak time of day and in either a high-interference (ascending order of administration, starting with short lists first) or low-interference (descending order, starting with longest lists first) format. Young adults’ span scores were highest in the ascending format. By contrast, older adults performed better in the low-interference format, replicating findings with verbal memory span studies. Although both age groups benefited from being tested at their peak time, the advantage was far greater for older adults, but only in the low-interference format; their scores on the high-interference format were not helped by peak-time testing. These findings are consistent with the suggestion that young adults’ performance on span tasks is influenced by practice and strategies, but the performance of older adults is heavily influenced by interference—which is best controlled at peak times of day. Our findings suggest that both time of testing and interference play critical roles in determining age differences in VSWM span, and both a reduction in interference and peak-time testing may be necessary to optimize older adults’ performance and to maximize the reduction in age differences.
Donor‐transmitted toxoplasmosis in liver transplant recipients: a case report and literature review

Abstract: Transmission of toxoplasmosis via liver transplantation is extremely uncommon. Here we report the case of a 52‐year‐old male liver transplant recipient who on day 32 post transplant developed pneumonia followed by respiratory failure. Donor‐transmitted toxoplasmosis was confirmed as the etiology by both serologic and molecular testing. We also review all previously published cases of toxoplasmosis in the English‐language adult liver transplant literature.
Real-Time Projection-Based Augmented Reality System for Dynamic Objects in the Performing Arts

This paper describes the case study of applying projection-based augmented reality, especially for dynamic objects in live performing shows, such as plays, dancing, or musicals. Our study aims to project imagery correctly inside the silhouettes of flexible objects, in other words, live actors or the surface of actor’s costumes; the silhouette transforms its own shape frequently. To realize this work, we implemented a special projection system based on the real-time masking technique, that is to say real-time projection-based augmented reality system for dynamic objects in performing arts. We installed the sets on a stage for live performance, and rehearsed particular scenes of a musical. In live performance, using projection-based augmented reality technology enhances technical and theatrical aspects which were not possible with existing video projection techniques. The projected images on the surfaces of actor’s costume could not only express the particular scene of a performance more effectively, but also lead the audience to an extraordinary visual experience.
Efficacy of an acellular pertussis vaccine among adolescents and adults.

BACKGROUND Pertussis immunization of adults may be necessary to improve the control of a rising burden of disease and infection. This trial of an acellular pertussis vaccine among adolescents and adults evaluated the incidence of pertussis, vaccine safety, immunogenicity, and protective efficacy. METHODS Bordetella pertussis infections and illnesses were prospectively assessed in 2781 healthy subjects between the ages of 15 and 65 years who were enrolled in a national multicenter, randomized, double-blind trial of an acellular pertussis vaccine. Subjects received either a dose of a tricomponent acellular pertussis vaccine or a hepatitis A vaccine (control) and were monitored for 2.5 years for illnesses with cough that lasted for more than 5 days. Each illness was evaluated with use of a nasopharyngeal aspirate for culture and polymerase-chain-reaction assay, and serum samples from patients in both acute and convalescent stages of illness were analyzed for changes in antibodies to nine B. pertussis antigens. RESULTS Of the 2781 subjects, 1391 received the acellular pertussis vaccine and 1390 received the control vaccine. The groups had similar ages and demographic characteristics, and the median duration of follow-up was 22 months. The acellular pertussis vaccine was safe and immunogenic. There were 2672 prolonged illnesses with cough, but the incidence of this nonspecific outcome did not vary between the groups, even when stratified according to age, season, and duration of cough. On the basis of the primary pertussis case definition, vaccine protection was 92 percent (95 percent confidence interval, 32 to 99 percent). Among unimmunized controls with illness, 0.7 percent to 5.7 percent had B. pertussis infection, and the percentage increased with the duration of cough. On the basis of other case definitions, the incidence of pertussis in the controls ranged from 370 to 450 cases per 100,000 person-years. CONCLUSIONS The acellular pertussis vaccine was protective among adolescents and adults, and its routine use might reduce the overall disease burden and transmission to children.
Differentiation between Trichophyton mentagrophytes and T. rubrum by sorbitol assimilation

Trichophyton rubrum was easily differentiated from T. mentagrophytes by its ability to assimilate sorbitol with an API 20C AUX strip. One hundred percent of 36 T. rubrum strains and none of 147 T. mentagrophytes strains assimilated sorbitol.
White-footed Mice: Tick Burdens and Role in the Epizootiology of Potomac Horse Fever in Maryland

One hundred ten white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) were captured on horse farms in south-central Maryland, examined for ticks, and tested for specific antibodies to Ehrlichia risticii, the causative agent of Potomac horse fever. Peromyscus leucopus were consistently infested with immature American dog ticks (Dermacentor variabilis), with monthly prevalences as high as 80%. Sera from all 97 P. leucopus tested for antibodies to E. risticii were negative. This indicates that P. leucopus is not a reservoir of E. risticii, and suggests that immature D. variabilis do not acquire E. risticii in feeding upon white-footed mice.
Endocytosis of a chimera between human pro‐urokinase and the plant toxin saporin: an unusual internalization mechanism

A fluorescent derivative of a chimeric toxin between human pro‐urokinase and the plant ribo‐some‐inactivating protein saporin (p‐uPA‐SapTRITC), has been prepared in order to study the endocytosis of this potentially antimetastatic conjugate in the murine model cell line LB6 clone19 (Cl19) transfected with the human urokinase receptor gene. The physiological internalization of urokinase‐inhibitor complexes is triggered by the interaction of plasminogen inhibitors (PAIs) with receptors belonging to the low density lipoprotein‐related receptor protein (LRP) family, and involves a macro‐quaternary structure including uPAR, LRP, and PAIs. However, in contrast to this mechanism, we observed a two‐step process: first, the urokinase receptor (uPAR) acts as the anchoring factor on the plasma membrane; subsequently, LRP acts as the endocytic trigger. Once the chimera is bound to the plasma membrane by interaction with uPAR, we suggest that a possible exchange may occur to transfer the toxin to LRP via the saporin moiety and begin the internalization. So an unusual endocytic process is described, where the toxin enters the cell via a receptor different from that used to bind the plasma membrane. —Ippoliti, R. , Lendaro, E. , Benedetti, P. A. , Torrisi, M. R. , Belleudi, F. , Carpani, D. , Soria, M. R. , Fabbrini, M. S. Endocytosis of a chimera between human pro‐urokinase and the plant toxin saporin: an unusual internalization mechanism. FASEB J. 14, 1335–1344 (2000)
Striking the Balance Between Renewable Energy Generation and Water Status Protection: Hydropower in the context of the European Renewable Energy Directive and Water Framework Directive

This article addresses the theoretical and practical challenge faced by the European policy community and Member States trying to simultaneously pursue renewable energy and environmental goals, as incorporated in the EU Renewable Energy Directive and the Water Framework Directive. Through the case of hydropower, which is today at a crossroads between being a renewable electricity source − answering to climate change and energy security concerns − and a local environmental challenge in the light of degradation of river ecosystems and local biodiversity, the article explores the way renewable energy and water protection objectives are integrated inside the Common Implementation Strategy at the EU level. Based on document analysis and interviews, the mapping of the different frameworks shows that old conflicts and controversies related to the hydropower technology have been reopened and reframed to accommodate both the issue of energy security and the discourse on EU sustainability and climate change. Conclusions reveal that despite the creation of a multi-stakeholder platform for negotiation and collaboration, the Common Implementation Strategy fails on several occasions to explain how to achieve the right balance and leaves unclear what specifically has to be integrated and to what degree. Hence, given the plurality and diversity of values, interests and concerns in relation to hydropower and goals of the Water Framework Directive, a prioritization between water, climate and energy policy goals might be needed, with the possibility of having real winners and losers of the integration process. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
E-Government Portals Maturity Models: A Best Practices' Coverage Perspective

E-government is a field where oriented practice is considered crucial for its prosperity. Therefore, best practices are considered among the success factors of e-government portals. To this end, e-government maturity models can be used to provide guidance and guidelines to identify those best practices. After an extensive literature review, we have collected both; the e-government portals’ best practices and organized them according to their purposes in an e-Government Portals’ Best Practice Model (eGPBPM), and the set of 25 maturity models best practices in two separated previous published studies. The eGPBPM is composed of four best practice categories including: back-end, Web design, Web content and external. Moreover, each maturity model has several stages of maturity and each stage include a set of best practices used to rank the maturity of e-government portals. The goal of this paper is to identify the extent to which e-government maturity models are covering the best practices of the eGPBPM. To achieve this goal, a mapping between the maturity models’ best practices for each maturity stage and the best practices of the eGPBPM has been performed. Our findings show that although this set of maturity models are used in practice, they include only some of the e-government portals’ best practices and none of them have a full coverage of those best practices.
The effect of acetaldehyde on human brain transketolase activity

Chronic alcoholism and thiamine deficiency are well documented factors in the aetiology of Wernicke‐Korsakoff Syndrome. More recently, acetaldehyde (ACH) has been implicated as a possible aetiological factor. In the present investigation the direct effect of ACH was studied on the activity of transketolase, a thiaminedependent enzyme, as well as two non‐thiamine‐dependent enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase), isolated from five control human brains. The concentration of ACH required to inhibit 50% activity of holo‐ and apo‐transketolase was 80 mM and 60 mM, respectively, whereas that for aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase was 14 mM and 10 mM, respectively. None of the enzymes were completely inhibited by the range of ACH concentrations used in the study. It was concluded that the thiamineindependent enzymes were markedly affected by the concentrations of ACH which did not affect the thiaminedependent enzyme, transketolase. In vitro studies with homogenates pre‐treated with ACH in the presence of various concentrations of glutathione showed that the latter had a protective effect against loss of transketolase activity.