Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Magnetization transfer imaging in multiple sclerosis treated with alemtuzumab

The magnetization transfer ratio reflects the integrity of tissue structure, including myelination and axonal density. Mean magnetization transfer ratio fell in 18 untreated patients with multiple sclerosis both in normal appearing grey (–0.25 pu/year, p < 0.001) and white matter (–0.12 pu/year, p = 0.004). Conversely, mean magnetization transfer ratio was stable in 20 alemtuzumab-treated patients (grey matter: −0.01 pu/year, p = 0.87; white matter: -0.02 pu/year, p = 0.51). The gradient difference in grey matter was 0.25 pu/year (p < 0.001) after age-adjustment. These data suggest that in multiple sclerosis alemtuzumab protects against tissue damage in normal-appearing grey matter, perhaps by preventing new lesion formation.
Statistical Learning, Syllable Processing, and Speech Production in Healthy Hearing and Hearing-Impaired Preschool Children: A Mismatch Negativity Study

Objectives: The objectives of the present study were to investigate temporal/spectral sound-feature processing in preschool children (4 to 7 years old) with peripheral hearing loss compared with age-matched controls. The results verified the presence of statistical learning, which was diminished in children with hearing impairments (HIs), and elucidated possible perceptual mediators of speech production. Design: Perception and production of the syllables /ba/, /da/, /ta/, and /na/ were recorded in 13 children with normal hearing and 13 children with HI. Perception was assessed physiologically through event-related potentials (ERPs) recorded by EEG in a multifeature mismatch negativity paradigm and behaviorally through a discrimination task. Temporal and spectral features of the ERPs during speech perception were analyzed, and speech production was quantitatively evaluated using speech motor maximum performance tasks. Results: Proximal to stimulus onset, children with HI displayed a difference in map topography, indicating diminished statistical learning. In later ERP components, children with HI exhibited reduced amplitudes in the N2 and early parts of the late disciminative negativity components specifically, which are associated with temporal and spectral control mechanisms. Abnormalities of speech perception were only subtly reflected in speech production, as the lone difference found in speech production studies was a mild delay in regulating speech intensity. Conclusions: In addition to previously reported deficits of sound-feature discriminations, the present study results reflect diminished statistical learning in children with HI, which plays an early and important, but so far neglected, role in phonological processing. Furthermore, the lack of corresponding behavioral abnormalities in speech production implies that impaired perceptual capacities do not necessarily translate into productive deficits.
Riboflavin-Ultraviolet A Corneal Cross-linking for Keratoconus

Purpose: To evaluate the safety, efficacy of riboflavin-ultraviolet A irradiation (UVA) corneal cross-linking and present refractive changes induced by the treatment in cases of keratoconus. Materials and Methods: The study includes 15 eyes of 9 patients with keratoconus with an average keratometric (K) reading less than 54 D and minimal corneal thickness greater than 420 microns. The corneal epithelium was removed manually within the central 8.5 mm diameter area and the cornea was soaked with riboflavin eye drops (0.1% in 20% dextran τ-500) for 30 minutes followed by exposure to UVA radiation (365 nm, 3 mW/cm2) for 30 minutes. During the follow-up period, uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), manifest refraction, slit lamp examination and topographic changes were recorded at the first week, first month, 3 and 6 months. Results: There was statistically significant improvement of UCVA from a preoperative mean of 0.11 ± 0.07 (range 0.05–0.3) to a postoperative mean of 0.15 ± 0.06 (range 0.1–0.3) (P < 0.05). None of the eyes lost lines of preoperative UCVA but 1 eye lost 1 line of preoperative BSCVA. The preoperative mean K of 49.97 ± 2.81 D (range 47.20–51.75) changed to 48.34 ± 2.64 D (range 45.75–50.40). This decrease in K readings was statistically significant (P < 0.05). All eyes developed minimal faint stromal haze that cleared in 14 eyes within 1 month. In only 1 eye, this resulted in a very faint corneal scar. Other sight threatening complications were not encountered in this series. Progression of the original disease was not seen in any of the treated eyes within 6 months of follow-up. Conclusion: Riboflavin-UVA corneal cross-linking is a safe and promising method for keratoconus. Larger studies with longer follow up are recommended.
Selectivity of ingestion and digestion in the chrysomonad flagellate Ochromonas malhamensis.

SYNOPSIS Ochromonas malhamensis cells were allowed to feed on autoclaved Aerobacter aerogenes, biochemically inert polystyrene latex particles of comparable size, shape and density, or a combination of these to determine if this protozoan is capable of phagotrophic selectivity under defined experimental conditions. Electron microscopic examination of Gomoristained food vacuoles indicated that the type of particle ingested was determined entirely by the type available. Apparently the biochemical or physical configuration of the particle surface is not decisive in particle selection. Gomori acid-phosphatase reaction product, which indicates digestive enzyme activity, was present in all particle-containing vacuoles, suggesting that digestive activity in O. malhamensis is due to the presence of particulate material in the vacuole, but not necessarily to the nature of the particle.
Role of regional extension and uplift in the Plio-Pleistocene evolution of the Aksu Basin, SW Turkey

The Aksu Basin, within the Isparta Angle area of SW Turkey, documents Plio-Pleistocene crustal processes at the interface between the Tauride Mountains and the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Basin sedimentation began in the Late Miocene, following an earlier history of emplacement of Mesozoic allochthonous units (Antalya Complex), Miocene basin development and localized Late Miocene compression (Aksu Phase). Late Miocene–Early Pliocene transtension deformed the Aksu Basin, exploiting pre-existing zones of structural weakness. During Early–Mid-Pliocene, muddy sediments accumulated in a shallow shelf sea (<150 m deep), open to the Mediterranean Sea to the south. Regression in the Late Pliocene then resulted in coarse deltaic progradation. Mature erosion surfaces developed on adjacent elevated areas throughout the Pliocene and were accompanied by fanglomerate deposition along the high-relief western margin of the basin. East–west extension then formed the present Aksu Basin as a N–S half graben in the Late Pliocene–early Pleistocene associated with greatly enhanced fluvial downcutting. Accumulation of very extensive (600 km2) and locally thick (up to 250 m) cool-water Antalya tufa deposits then followed, prior to glacial times. Initial localized lacustrine carbonate deposition was followed by development of mainly algal carbonates that are thickest in the west. The terraced nature of the tufa (terraces at 300, 250, 100 m above present sea level) is explained in terms of fluvial processes. Regional comparisons suggest a two-stage history for the Aksu Basin: first, Late Miocene–Early Pliocene transtension and subsidence; secondly, Late Pliocene–Early Pleistocene rifting and marginal uplift. The overall tectonic setting reflects interplay between supra-subduction zone extension and tectonic ‘escape’ of Anatolia westwards towards the Aegean.
Authoring motion cycles

Motion cycles play an important role in animation production and game development. However, creating motion cycles relies on general-purpose animation packages with complex interfaces that require expert training. Our work explores the specific challenges of motion cycle authoring and provides a system simple enough for novice animators while maintaining the flexibility of control demanded by experts. Due to their cyclic nature, we show that performance animation provides a natural interface for motion cycle specification. Our system allows the user to act several loops of motion using a variety of capture devices and automatically extracts a looping cycle from this potentially noisy input. Motion cycles for different character components can be authored in a layered fashion, or our method supports cycle extraction from higher-dimensional data for capture devices that deliver many degrees of freedom. After capture, a custom curve representation and manipulation tool allows the user to coordinate and control spatial and temporal transformations from a single viewport. Ground and other planar contacts are specified with a single sketched line that adjusts a curve's position and timing to establish non-slipping contact. We evaluate the effectiveness of our work through tests with both novice and expert users and show a variety of animated motion cycles created with our system.
WSF2: A Novel Framework for Filtering Web Spam

Over the last years, research on web spam filtering has gained interest from both academia and industry. In this context, although there are a good number of successful antispam techniques available (i.e., content-based, link-based, and hiding), an adequate combination of different algorithms supported by an advanced web spam filtering platform would offer more promising results. To this end, we propose the WSF2 framework, a new platform particularly suitable for filtering spam content on web pages. Currently, our framework allows the easy combination of different filtering techniques including, but not limited to, regular expressions and well-known classifiers (i.e., Naive Bayes, Support Vector Machines, and C5.0). Applying our WSF2 framework over the publicly available WEBSPAM-UK2007 corpus, we have been able to demonstrate that a simple combination of different techniques is able to improve the accuracy of single classifiers on web spam detection. As a result, we conclude that the proposed filtering platform is a powerful tool for boosting applied research in this area.
Complexity in genetic diseases: How patients inform the science by ignoring the dogma

The dogma in molecular genetics until the 1990s was that genotype would predict phenotype. We thought that once we cloned and characterized the gene, then the nature of the mutation in the gene would specify the individual’s phenotype. This anticipated predictive capacity of molecular genetics is one of the features that attracted many of us to the field. This was one of the arguments that was used to support funding the Human Genome Project. In fact, this belief was so firmly entrenched in the culture of genetics, that many journals demanded the removal of patients’ clinical descriptions as a condition for publication of manuscripts describing disease-causing mutations. It was felt that the mutation and the clinical descriptions were completely redundant. This concept celebrated reductionism. However, nature had not informed the patients and their biology of this belief system.
Antioxidant Effect of Ethanol toward In Vitro Peroxidation of Human Low-Density Lipoproteins Initiated by Oxygen Free Radicals

Abstract Bonnefont-Rousselot, D. , Rouscilles, A. , Bizard, C. , Delattre, J., Jore, D. and Gardès-Albert, M. Antioxidant Effect of Ethanol toward In Vitro Peroxidation of Human Low-Density Lipoproteins Initiated by Oxygen Free Radicals. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of ethanol on the peroxidation of human low-density lipoprotein (LDL) initiated by oxygen free radicals (O2·– and ·OH in the absence of ethanol; O2·– and ethanol-derived peroxyl radicals, RO2·, in the presence of ethanol) generated by γ radiolysis. Initial radiolytic yields as determined by several markers of lipid peroxidation [i.e. decrease in endogenous antioxidants α-tocopherol and β-carotene, formation of conjugated dienes and of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS)] were determined in 3 g liter−1 LDLs (expressed as total LDL concentration) in the absence of ethanol or its presence at six different concentrations (0.42–17 × 10−2 mol liter−1). Ethanol acted as an antioxidant by decreasing the rate of consumption of LDL endogenous antioxidants and the yields of formation of lipid peroxidation products, and by delaying the onset of the propagation phase for conjugated dienes and TBARS. With regard to the different markers studied, except for α-tocopherol and β-carotene consumption, the effect of ethanol did not appear to be dependent on its concentration. Indeed, ·OH were scavenged by ethanol at the lowest ethanol concentration (0.42 × 10−2 mol liter−1), leading to RO2·. These RO2· resulted in lower radiation-induced yields related to endogenous antioxidant consumption or to formation of lipid peroxidation products (for example, approximately 10% of RO2· oxidized LDLs from TBARS). Thus, under our in vitro conditions, ethanol behaved as an antioxidant when added to the LDL solutions. This should be taken into account in the reported antioxidant activity of wine. This is also of interest when lipophilic compounds have to be added as ethanolic solutions to LDLs to evaluate in vitro their antioxidant activity toward LDL peroxidation.
On the formation of trapezium-like systems

We investigate the formation and evolution of high-order massive star multiples similar to the trapezium in the Orion Nebula Cluster. We perform ensembles of N-body simulations of the evolution of N = 1000 Orion-like clusters with initial conditions ranging from cool and clumpy to relatively smooth and relaxed. We find that trapezium-like systems are frequently formed in the first 2 Myr in initially cool and clumpy clusters and can survive for significant amounts of time in such clusters. We also find that these systems are highly dynamical entities, constantly interacting with the surrounding cluster, changing their appearance and membership regularly. The eventual decay of trapezium-like systems can even destroy the host cluster. We argue that the current state of any trapezium-like system is transient and care should be taken when analysing and drawing conclusions from a single snapshot in the life of a highly dynamic object.
Long-term results of multiple-stage treatment for posttraumatic osteomyelitis of the tibia.

BACKGROUND The treatment of posttraumatic osteomyelitis of the tibia requires meticulous debridement and adequate soft tissue coverage. At our institution, we perform a staged procedure consisting of surgical debridement followed by muscle coverage. If necessary, implantation of a cancellous iliac bone graft was always performed as a three-stage treatment. METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of 47 patients treated for posttraumatic osteomyelitis of the tibia between 1987 and 1998. RESULTS Twenty-two patients originally had a Gustilo grade III fracture, 21 patients had a Gustilo grade I or II or closed fracture, the Gustilo grade was not known for 2 patients, and 2 patients had no fracture. Using the Cierny-Mader classification, most patients had a localized osteomyelitis. To cover the debrided area, 20 pedicled muscle transfers and 28 microvascular free flaps were used; one patient had two localizations of osteomyelitis (both proximal and distal) and received two muscle flaps. Flap failure was 8% and was successfully treated by additional flap coverage in two cases; one was closed by a split skin graft and one was closed by secundum. Twenty-six patients received a cancellous bone graft. During an average follow-up of 94 months, 9% had a recurrence of osteomyelitis for which additional surgical interventions were necessary. Finally, all the infections were eventually cured. CONCLUSION Our staged surgery proved to be an excellent method of treating osteomyelitis after open or closed fractures of the tibia.
In Vitro Measurements of Mucoadhesive Properties of Six Types of Pectin

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to measure and compare the specific- and general mucin interaction of six pectin types from three manufacturers, differing mainly in the degree of methoxylation and degree of amidation. Mucoadhesive properties were measured using a texture analyzer. It was found that an intermediate degree of methoxylation (35 and 36%) improved the specific mucin interaction. Amidation did not increase mucin interaction. Samples from different manufacturers did not alter these conclusions. This study indicates that the general classification of pectin as a poor mucoadhesive, without differentiating between the amount and type of substituents, probably is an oversimplification.
Stable angina pectoris with no obstructive coronary artery disease is associated with increased risks of major adverse cardiovascular events.

AIMS Patients with chest pain and no obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) are considered at low risk for cardiovascular events but evidence supporting this is scarce. We investigated the prognostic implications of stable angina pectoris in relation to the presence and degree of CAD with no obstructive CAD in focus. METHODS AND RESULTS We identified 11 223 patients referred for coronary angiography (CAG) in 1998-2009 with stable angina pectoris as indication and 5705 participants from the Copenhagen City Heart Study for comparison. Main outcome measures were major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), defined as cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke or heart failure, and all-cause mortality. Significantly more women (65%) than men (32%) had no obstructive CAD (P< 0.001). In Cox's models adjusted for age, body mass index, diabetes, smoking, and use of lipid-lowering or antihypertensive medication, hazard ratios (HRs) associated with no obstructive CAD were similar in men and women. In the pooled analysis, the risk of MACE increased with increasing degrees of CAD with multivariable-adjusted HRs of 1.52 (95% confidence interval, 1.27-1.83) for patients with normal coronary arteries and 1.85 (1.51-2.28) for patients with diffuse non-obstructive CAD compared with the reference population. For all-cause mortality, normal coronary arteries and diffuse non-obstructive CAD were associated with HRs of 1.29 (1.07-1.56) and 1.52 (1.24-1.88), respectively. CONCLUSION Patients with stable angina and normal coronary arteries or diffuse non-obstructive CAD have elevated risks of MACE and all-cause mortality compared with a reference population without ischaemic heart disease.
Transduction magnitude and phase for COM modeling of SAW devices

An analytic formulation for transduction parameter required by the coupling-of-modes analysis of surface acoustic wave (SAW) transducers is derived by comparing solutions obtained using the coupling-of-modes analysis and an equivalent quasi-static analysis using the Green function method. This analysis results in the derivation of a convenient representation for the transduction strength of periodic SAW transducers. Using the formulation, analytic solutions are obtained for the transduction magnitude and phase of regular SAW transducers. Nonregular transducers are also modeled with the help of an electrostatic field analysis of the transducer's structure. <<ETX>>
A client-centred programme focusing energy conservation for people with heart failure

Abstract Aim: The purpose of this study was to describe clients and occupational therapists (OTs) experiences of a home-based programme focusing energy conservation strategies (ECS) for clients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Methods: The programme, based on occupational therapy intervention process model (OTIPM), was led by two OTs in primary health care. Five clients’ self-reported activities of daily living (ADL), fatigue, depression, goal achievements and use of ECS. Furthermore, both clients and OTs were individually interviewed. Results: The clients reported mild depression, severe fatigue and both increased and decreased independence in ADL. Most goals were achieved, and multiple ECS were used. Clients perceived that they worked collaboratively with the OTs and gained professional support to enhance daily activities. The OTs experienced knowledge and structure and found benefits from the programme, but doubted the possibility of using it in clinical practice. Conclusions: This study, despite having few participants, indicates that both the OTs and the clients experienced that the specialized programme gave structure to the OTs work, provided knowledge about CHF and valuable energy conservation strategies. The programme supported the OTs in working in a more comprehensive client-centred way. However, its feasibility needs to be further evaluated.
Atrial fibrillation and mild cognitive impairment: what correlation?

AIM Atrial fibrillation (AF), in addition to macroembolic complications, may also produce multiple cerebral ischemic areas due to microembolic phenomena and transient hypoperfusion, eventually leading to a progressive cognitive impairment and even to acclaimed vascular dementia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of cognitive impairment in patients with AF. The reported results concern data obtained at the moment of recruitment. METHODS The authors studied 42 patients with a history of non valvular AF (paroxysmal, persistent, recurrent or permanent) and 40 homogenous controls in sinus rhythm without previous AF. All subjects underwent anamnesis, physical examination, biochemical and instrumental tests. To investigate the cognitive status, subjects underwent the following neuropsychological rating scales: Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (CDR),Activity of Daily Living (ADL), Instrumental Activity of Daily Living (IADL) Global Deterioration Scale (GLDS), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and Hachinski Ischemic Score (HIS). RESULTS AF Patients had worse scores versus controls at GLDS (P=0.0001), HIS (P=0.001), CDR (P=0.07) and GDS (P=0.07); no significant differences were found for MMSE even after correction for age and education. AF patients treated with warfarin showed better scores at CDR (P=0.04),GLDS (P=0.03) and GDS (P=0.007), compared to those in aspirin-treatment. Corrected MMSE scores did not differ. CONCLUSIONS The authors identified a slight cognitive impairment in the AF group; patients with paroxysmal, persistent or recurrent AF showed worse cognitive performances than permanent ones, suggesting a possible microembolic pathogenesis. Anticoagulation therapy could play a protective role, however more evidence is needed.
RECEPTORS FOR COLONY‐STIMULATING FACTORS

The multiple actions of colony-stimulating factors (CSF) on responsive haemopoietic cells must be mediated initially through the molecular recognition of a CSF by its specific cellular receptor and then by the transduction of the recognition even into intracellular molecular interactions leading to biological responses. Although early studies of growth factor/receptor interactions considered these as static events occurring under equilibrium conditions it has become clear more recently that cells dynamically regulate their receptor levels and affinities a t biological temperatures. Here, the recently determined molecular structures of CSF receptors and their dynamic regulation will be discussed.