Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Concussion history predicts self-reported symptoms before and following a concussive event

The authors evaluated how history of concussion affects symptom reporting prior to and after sustaining a concussion. At baseline, athletes with a positive concussion history reported more current symptomatology than athletes who had never been concussed. At 2 hours postinjury, concussed athletes with a history of previous concussion (PC) reported fewer symptoms than concussed athletes with no previous concussion history (NPC). By 1 week postinjury, however, PC athletes reported more symptoms than NPC athletes.
Receptor Signalling and Crosstalk in B Lymphocytes

Eucaryotic cells carry an array of cell surface molecules through which they communicate with their environment. Lymphocytes are no exception, and within recent years it has become increasingly clear that the responses of both T and B lymphocytes to their primary stimuh, i.e. specific antigens, can be modulated by secondary ligand-receptor interactions. In other words, the ultimate response of a particular clonal precursor is regulated by the balance of (either positive or negative) signals received by that cell through a variety of non-antigen-specific receptors. This (fairly self-evident) fundamental concept has recently begun to receive considerable attention, partly because of the availability of increasing numbers of monoclonal antibodies to a variety of cell surface proteins on lymphocytes. The concept puts a new complexion on the problem of immunoregulation. There is no doubt that cell-cell interactions (which have engaged the attentions of several generations of cellular immunologists) are of crucial importance in immune induction and regulation. However, it seems improbable that the increasingly multi-layered and complex cellular circuits which have appeared in the literature within recent years can provide a holistic explanation of how the immune system is regulated. There also have to be simpler mechanisms, and is likely that these will not necessarily be unique to lymphocytes, given that nature tends to be conservative. We will describe here our recent attempts to understand the functions of Bcell receptors, in particular those for antigen (sig), those for the Fc region of IgG antibodies (FcR) and those for certain lymphokines, such as B cell-stimulatory
Prognostic indicators of lenalidomide for multiple myeloma: consensus and controversy

The long-term outcome of multiple myeloma (MM) has been greatly improved through new agents, one being lenalidomide (LEN). Based upon the findings of in vitro experiments, its mode of action against MM occurs through a combination of direct tumoricidal effects on myeloma cells, modulatory effects on tumor immunity and tumor microenvironment-regulatory effects. However, it has not been clearly defined whether the clinical response and long-term outcome of MM with LEN treatment truly reflect the mechanisms of action of LEN proposed by in vitro studies. To ascertain what is known and what remains to be elucidated with LEN, we review the current literature on the mode of action of LEN in association with myeloma pathophysiology, and discuss the prognostic indicators in the treatment of MM with LEN.
Who Is Caring for the Caregiver?: Promoting Spousal Caregiver's Health

Older adults are at high risk for developing chronic illnesses; those older than 85 are also the most rapidly growing segment of the US population. The majority of care for older adults with disabilities is provided in the community by family caregivers, as well as spouses if they are available. Although there has been significant research on the effect of caregiving on spousal health, few studies have addressed the health promotion needs of spousal caregivers. More research is needed to study health-promoting behaviors in the context of the social and physical environments in which spousal caregivers live and work.
Identification of a tissue kallikrein in human polymorphonuclear leucocytes

Summary. We have identified a tissue kallikrein in polymorphonuclear (PMN) leucocytes of normal human blood and bone marrow by immunocytochemistry, radioimmunoassay and enzymology. Immunoreactive tissue kallikrein was visualized in the mature neutrophil leucocytes and in immature forms such as metamyelocytes and myelocytes. No tissue kallikrein was detected in eosinophil leucocytes, lymphocytes, macrophages, megakaryocytes and platelets. So far, we have failed to observe immunoreactivity to tissue kallikrein in basophils. The presence of tissue kallikrein in extracts prepared from PMN leucocytes isolated from peripheral blood was demonstrated by immunodiffusion, dot‐blotting and by radioimmunoassay. The kininogenase and amidase activity of the extracts resembled that of tissue kallikrein in being resistant to soya bean trypsin inhibitor and sensitive to trasylol. The amidase activity attributable to tissue kallikrein was completely inhibited by specific antisera.
Dynamic loss minimizing control of a PM servomotor operating even at the voltage limit when using DB-DTFC

Energy consumption and efficiency of electrical drives became an increasingly important issue. This issue encourages many researchers to develop new control techniques to reduce the energy consumption in electrical drives. Some of those techniques are more effective than others; some of them could save energy but will affect the response of the drive. DB-DTFC control has the fastest possible response, allowing for direct and independent control of the actual motor states. Using this controller, it is possible to select the optimum stator flux linkage each switching period to minimize the motor losses dynamically. Many algorithms were derived for motors that are not operating at the voltage limit. This paper will present an algorithm that can be used to minimize motor losses without affecting the performance of the electrical drive. The proposed algorithm works even at the voltage limit during flux weakening operation. It is also easy to implement, doesn't require any lookup tables that require significant effort to obtain, can also be applied to any kind of PM motor, and it is feasible in real-time for different operating conditions.
Evaluation of an HIV Nucleic Acid Testing Program With Automated Internet and Voicemail Systems to Deliver Results

BACKGROUND Nucleic acid testing (NAT) in routine HIV testing programs can increase the detection of infected individuals, but the most effective implementation of NAT remains unclear. OBJECTIVE To determine how many HIV cases can be identified with NAT and how many persons can be contacted, to identify predictors of acute and early HIV infection cases, and to test reporting of negative results by automated Internet and voicemail systems. DESIGN Prospective study. SETTING San Diego County, California. PARTICIPANTS Persons seeking HIV testing. MEASUREMENTS Rates and predictors of HIV infection by stage, notification of positive NAT results, use of automated Internet or voicemail systems to access negative NAT results, and estimated HIV infections prevented. RESULTS Of 3151 persons tested, 79 had newly diagnosed cases of HIV: 64 had positive results from rapid HIV test, and 15 had positive results only by NAT (that is, NAT increased the HIV detection yield by 23%). Of all HIV infections, 44% (in 35 persons) were in the acute and early stages. Most participants (56%) and persons with HIV (91%) were men who have sex with men (MSM). All persons with NAT-positive results were notified within 1 week. Of all 3070 uninfected patients, 2105 (69%) retrieved their negative NAT results, with 1358 using the Internet system. After adjustment for covariates, persons reporting MSM behavior, higher incomes, younger ages, no testing at substance abuse rehabilitation centers, no recent syphilis, and no methamphetamine use were more likely to access negative NAT results by either Internet or voicemail systems. LIMITATION Findings may not be generalizable to other populations and testing programs. CONCLUSION Nucleic acid testing programs that include automated systems for result reporting can increase case yield, especially in settings that cater to MSM.
Is diffusion imaging appearance an independent predictor of outcome after ischemic stroke?

Background: MR diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in ischemic stroke can be quantified by calculating the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) or measuring lesion volume. Objective: To clarify the association between DWI lesion parameters, clinical stroke severity at baseline, and the relationship with functional outcome. Methods: Consecutive patients with stroke were categorized for stroke type (Oxford Community Stroke Project Classification [OCSP]) and severity (Canadian Neurologic Scale [CN Scale]) before DWI. The ratio of the trace of the apparent diffusion tensor in the ischemic lesion to the mirror image area in the contralateral hemisphere was calculated (r). The volume of the visible lesion on DWI was measured. Any visible lesion on T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) was noted. All assessments were blind to all other information. A blinded observer obtained a 6-month Rankin score. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to test for independent associations with outcome. Results: In 108 patients, those with lower (i.e., more abnormal) r values had more severe strokes according to the CN Scale (p = 0.01) and the OCSP stroke type (p = 0.002), a large lesion on DWI (p = 0.05), a visible lesion on T2WI (p = 0.001), and poor 6-month functional outcome (p = 0.009). However, on logistic regression, neither r nor DWI lesion volume were independent predictors of 6-month outcome over and above age and stroke severity. Conclusion: The r is associated with functional outcome, but that is because it and DWI lesion volume are also associated with stroke severity. Although DWI lesion features are univariate surrogate outcome predictors, the authors were unable to show that they were independent outcome predictors in the current study. Differences between these and other results may be due to differences in study design, sample size, and case mix.
Comparative tomography of central serouschorioretinopathy

Purpose: To provide spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT) of subretinal fibrin leakage and concomitant central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) morphology in four cases. Likewise, to compare the SDOCT of these cases with others documented. Case reports: Four cases of acute onset CSC exhibiting serous neurosensory and retinal pigment epithelium detachment (PED) associated with a hyper-reflective pattern in the subretinal space that appear to emanate from the PED are described. Initially, all cases showed thickening of the photoreceptor outer segment (POS) as well as zones where the inner segment-outer segment junction line (IS/OS) was not visible. All cases had an outer retinal “dipping” appearance. On follow-up visits all cases showed thinning of the POS with an increase of granular deposits on the posterior surface of the detached retina. As the CSC resolved, the IS/OS junction line became visible and the granular deposits diminished. One case exhibited a relative decrease in foveal thickness compared to the unaffected eye. Conclusion: SDOCT imaging of a hyper-reflective pattern at the subretinal space proximal to a PED in CSD may reflect resonance detection of fluid turbulences and density distribution disparities. This occurs as the serous fluid from the choroidal circulation diffuses into the subretinal space from a focal PED leakage site. A clear hypo-reflective area at the core of the hyper-reflective pattern may result from the distribution of less dense constituents centrally while hyper-reflective denser particles surround and concentrate at the peripheral border. The size of the leakage defect in the PED may determine the outline of the hyper-reflective pattern while the location may influence the spatial orientation. The POS swelling may impart pliability to the outer retina. The hydrostatic and fibrin particle pressure flowing from a PED on this retinal layer may contribute to the apparent outer retinal “dipping” imaged on optical coherence tomography.
Machine Learning and Security of Non-Executable Files

Computer malware is a well-known threat in security which, despite the enormous time and effort invested in fighting it, is today more prevalent than ever. Recent years have brought a surge in one particular type: malware embedded in non-executable file formats, e.g., PDF, SWF and various office file formats. The result has been a massive number of infections, owed primarily to the trust that ordinary computer users have in these file formats. In addition, their feature-richness and implementation complexity have created enormous attack surfaces in widely deployed client software, resulting in regular discoveries of new vulnerabilities. The traditional approach to malware detection – signature matching, heuristics and behavioral profiling – has from its inception been a labor-intensive manual task, always lagging one step behind the attacker. With the exponential growth of computers and networks, malware has become more diverse, wide-spread and adaptive than ever, scaling much faster than the available talent pool of human malware analysts. An automated and scalable approach is needed to fill the gap between automated malware adaptation and manual malware detection, and machine learning is emerging as a viable solution. Its branch called adversarial machine learning studies the security of machine learning algorithms and the special conditions that arise when machine learning is applied for security. This thesis is a study of adversarial machine learning in the context of static detection of malware in non-executable file formats. It evaluates the effectiveness, efficiency and security of machine learning applications in this context. To this end, it introduces 3 data-driven detection methods developed using very large, high quality datasets. PJScan detects malicious PDF files based on lexical properties of embedded JavaScript code and is the fastest method published to date. SL2013 extends its coverage to all PDF files, regardless of JavaScript presence, by analyzing the hierarchical structure of PDF logical building blocks and demonstrates excellent performance in a novel long-term realistic experiment. Finally, Hidost generalizes the hierarchical-structure-based feature set to become the first machine-learning-based malware detector operating on multiple file formats. In a comprehensive experimental evaluation on PDF and SWF, it outperforms other academic methods and commercial antivirus systems in detection effectiveness. Furthermore, the thesis presents a framework for security evaluation of machine learning classifiers in a case study performed on an independent PDF malware detector. The results show that the ability to manipulate a part of the classifier’s feature set allows a malicious adversary to disguise malware so that it appears benign to the classifier with a high success rate. The presented methods are released as open-source software.
The ability of the pre-admission criteria to predict performance in a Saudi medical school.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the ability of preadmission criteria used in most health professional schools in Saudi Arabia to predict the in-program performance. METHODS This retrospective cohort study was conducted at King Fahd Medical City, Faculty of Medicine, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between July and September 2008. Four sets were used to examine the predictive power of preadmission variables. The variables are the academic abilities (high school grades), aptitude test, achievement test, and an interview. The criterion variables were the undergraduate grade point averages' (GPAs) of medical college students (n=193). The correlation between admission variables and the GPA was examined using Pearson's correlation coefficient and regression analyses. RESULTS Inclusion of all 4 admission tools in a regression analysis as predictors of GPA performance revealed that only the achievement test was statistically predictive of the GPA. Approximately 6.5% of variance in the GPA can be accounted for by the current admission criteria. CONCLUSION The current admission criteria provide some insight into the predicted future performance of students. The inclusion of other valid and reliable admissions tools, such as the multiple mini-interviews and the questionnaire for candidate's suitability to follow a problem-based learning curriculum, should be considered.
Automatic morphometric analysis of skeletal muscle fibers in the aging man

A qualitative and quantitative analysis of M. vastus lateralis fibers from 40 male sedentary subjects, ranging in age from 30 to 89 years, was carried out by light and electron microscopy and by an automatic Interactive Image Analysis System. Biopsies for enzyme histochemical and ultrastructural studies were taken from subjects subdivided into four age groups: 30–50, 60–70, 71–80, and 81–89 years. Attention was focused on the fiber type size and distribution, the size and the amount of mitochondria, and the amount of lipid droplets. Main changes observed in the four age groups are indicative of a sequence of events within senescent skeletal muscle fibers. With increasing age the enzyme histochemical reactions reveal changes in fiber type distribution characterized by decrease in muscle fiber diameter and by type I fiber predominance.
Effect of low-dose X-ray irradiation on micronucleus formation in human embryo, newborn and child cells

Abstract Purpose: It is well known that a high-dose of ionizing radiation is sufficient to break DNA strands, which leads to elevated genotoxic risks; however, the risks associated with low doses of ionizing radiation remain unclear. In addition, there is little data about the effect of low-dose ionizing radiation on human-derived embryo, newborn and child cells. We investigated the frequency of micronucleus (MN) formation in these cells to understand the genotoxic effects of ionizing radiation. Materials and methods: We irradiated the cells with X-rays from 0.02–2 Gy at a rate of 0.0635 Gy/min. After irradiation, we investigated the effect of low-dose X-ray irradiation on cellular viability and frequency of MN formation. Results: Increases in MN formation were largely dose-dependent; however, there were no differences between controls and doses lower than 0.2 Gy, except in KMST-6 human transformed embryo cells. Conclusion: We could not detect an obvious effect of low-dose X-ray irradiation at doses lower than 0.1 Gy. The embryonic cells were more sensitive to X-ray irradiation than newborn and child cells. The threshold for X-ray-induced MN formation appears to be in the range of 0.05–0.1 Gy in cultured human embryo, newborn and child cells.
Synchronization of multihop wireless sensor networks at the application layer

Time synchronization is a key issue in wireless sensor networks; timestamping collected data, tasks scheduling, and efficient communications are just some applications. From all the existing techniques to achieve synchronization, those based on precisely time-stamping sync messages are the most accurate. However, working with standard protocols such as Bluetooth or ZigBee usually prevents the user from accessing lower layers and consequently reduces accuracy. A receiver-to-receiver schema improves timestamping performance because it eliminates the largest non-deterministic error at the sender's side: the medium access time. Nevertheless, utilization of existing methods in multihop networks is not feasible since the amount of extra traffic required is excessive. In this article, we present a method that allows accurate synchronization of large multihop networks, working at the application layer while keeping the message exchange to a minimum. Through an extensive experimental study, we evaluate the protocol¿s performance and discuss the factors that influence synchronization accuracy the most.
The role of an alpha-amino group on H+ -dependent transepithelial transport of cephalosporins in Caco-2 cells.

The role of an alpha-amino group on interaction with the intestinal and renal peptide carriers (PEPT 1 and PEPT 2, respectively) has been the subject of much investigation. Studies have differed in their conclusions about the role of an alpha-amino group on carrier-mediated absorption. Most studies have used brush-border membrane vesicles or perfused intestinal segments. These techniques enable the determination of membrane uptake and luminal disappearance, respectively, but not transepithelial transport. Transepithelial transport should be more predictive of absorption because it includes basolateral efflux, which could be the rate-limiting process in drug absorption. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of an alpha-amino group on PEPT 1-mediated transepithelial transport in Caco-2 cells. The apical-to-basolateral permeability coefficients of cephalosporins with or without a free alpha-amino group were determined in the presence and absence of a pH gradient. Permeability coefficients obtained under these conditions were used to calculate a permeability ratio (i.e. P(app) (pH 6.0)/P(app) (pH 7.4)), which should indicate whether PEPT 1 is involved in transport. For cephalosporins with an alpha-amino group (cephalexin, cefaclor, cefadroxil, cephradine, cephaloglycin) the permeability ratios ranged between 1.77 and 2.77. In contrast, the permeability ratios for cephalosporins without an alpha-amino group were 1 (approx.; range = 0.74-1.26). These data suggest that the presence of an alpha-amino group on cephalosporins increases their PEPT 1-mediated transepithelial transport in Caco-2 monolayers.
Schematic Processing in Working Memory Tasks Relies on Learning and Long-Term Memory Resources

This paper presents an evidence for involvement of long-term memory (LTM) resources along volatile memory (VM) resources in active management of information in a working memory (WM) task that features schematic processing of WM content. It was observed that in rehearsing frequently changing WM items in a self-paced concurrent-counting task when subjects learn and use a fixed rehearsing order across different episodes of the task they make significantly less error compared to when they adopt different rehearsing order for different episodes. This finding suggests that while retaining information in this task practically draws on volatile resources such as the phonological loop (PL), access to the corresponding item in WM relies on learning and retaining data structures in LTM. It is discussed that in this role learning and LTM resources help render schematic access to episodic information stored in less structured storage units such as PL. In this role LTM and learning plays a crucial role in execution of WM tasks that employ complex process schemas.