Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Discriminative analysis of non-linear brain connectivity for leukoaraiosis with resting-state fMRI

Leukoaraiosis (LA) describes diffuse white matter abnormalities on CT or MR brain scans, often seen in the normal elderly and in association with vascular risk factors such as hypertension, or in the context of cognitive impairment. The mechanism of cognitive dysfunction is still unclear. The recent clinical studies have revealed that the severity of LA was not corresponding to the cognitive level, and functional connectivity analysis is an appropriate method to detect the relation between LA and cognitive decline. However, existing functional connectivity analyses of LA have been mostly limited to linear associations. In this investigation, a novel measure utilizing the extended maximal information coefficient (eMIC) was applied to construct non-linear functional connectivity in 44 LA subjects (9 dementia, 25 mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and 10 cognitively normal (CN)). The strength of non-linear functional connections for the first 1% of discriminative power increased in MCI compared with CN and dementia, which was opposed to its linear counterpart. Further functional network analysis revealed that the changes of the non-linear and linear connectivity have similar but not completely the same spatial distribution in human brain. In the multivariate pattern analysis with multiple classifiers, the non-linear functional connectivity mostly identified dementia, MCI and CN from LA with a relatively higher accuracy rate than the linear measure. Our findings revealed the non-linear functional connectivity provided useful discriminative power in classification of LA, and the spatial distributed changes between the non-linear and linear measure may indicate the underlying mechanism of cognitive dysfunction in LA.
Experimental Study Using PTFE (Goretex) Patches for Replacement of the Oesophageal Wall

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate tolerance and integration of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene patches used to replace loss of a fragment of the complete oesophageal wall in rats of the Wistar strain. Methods: The experiment was performed on 10 Wistar rats. Those surviving the experiment were killed 7–28 days after surgery. Results: None of these animals showed signs of peritonitis. The patch was not visible macroscopically. After examination under the microscope, we observed that the material had undergone phagocytosis by macrophages, and there was scar tissue covering the epithelium. Conclusion: It is possible to successfully suture a polytetrafluoroethylene patch to the oesophageal wall in Wistar rats as a prosthetic replacement of a wall fragment.
Validity of a questionnaire survey: response patterns in different subgroups and the effect of social desirability

Questionnaire surveys are often used in epidemiology and survey research. However, investigations have shown that the method suffers from biases. If the intention is to examine differences between subgroups in a sample, studies have shown that people tend to give answers to questionnaires more according to a social norm than to the actual situation. This has been called social desirability. The aim of this study was to investigate response bias in subgroups of a sample in a large questionnaire survey (n = 9,200) and to study whether social desirability has an impact on survey results in dental research. The answers were divided into subgroups according to gender, age, and residence and were compared with corresponding data from dental insurance claims. The levels of agreement were found to vary considerably and the differences were highly statistically significant. The variation in agreement showed that bias on the group level increased when the distance from an anticipated social norm was larger. This implies that the divergence from a socially desirable mode of action influences the magnitude of the bias.
Improved Free-Weighting Matrix Approach for Stability Analysis of Discrete-Time Recurrent Neural Networks With Time-Varying Delay

This paper deals with the problem of exponential stability for a class of discrete-time recurrent neural networks with time-varying delay by employing an improved free-weighting matrix approach. The relationship among the time-varying delay, its upper bound and their difference is taken into account. As a result, a new and less conservative delay-dependent stability criterion is obtained without ignoring any useful terms on the difference of a Lyapunov function, which is expressed in terms of linear matrix inequalities. Finally, numerical examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed techniques.
Development and Use of a Vaccinia Virus Neutralization Assay Based on Flow Cytometric Detection of Green Fluorescent Protein

A rapid and sensitive neutralization assay is required to evaluate alternative smallpox vaccines. Here we describe the development and use of a 96-well plate, semi-automated, flow cytometric assay that uses a recombinant vaccinia virus expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein and which would be applicable to other viruses.
DENGUE FEVER ACTIVATES THE l‐ARGININE–NITRIC OXIDE PATHWAY: AN EXPLANATION FOR REDUCED AGGREGATION OF HUMAN PLATELETS

1 In patients with Dengue fever, a viral inflammatory syndrome, haemorrhage is a significant pathological feature, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Nitric oxide (NO) is an important regulator of platelet function, inhibiting aggregation, recruitment and adhesion to the vascular endothelium. 2 We have investigated whether changes in the activity of the l‐arginine–NO pathway in human platelets may account for increased bleeding in patients with Dengue fever. A total of 16 patients with Dengue fever and 18 age‐matched healthy volunteers participated in the study. 3 Collagen induced platelet aggregation in a dose‐dependent manner in both Dengue patients and controls, but the degree of platelet aggregation was significantly reduced in the patient group. Elevated rates of l‐arginine transport in Dengue fever patients were associated with enhanced NO synthase activity and elevated plasma fibrinogen levels. 4 The present study provides the first evidence that Dengue fever is associated with increased l‐arginine transport and NO generation and reduced platelet aggregation.
Comparative analysis of G‐CSFR and GM‐CSFR expressions on CD34+ cells in patients with aplastic anemia and myelodysplastic syndrome

The aim of this article was to explore the pathogenetic differences, as well as to provide a new way for the differential diagnosis of these two diseases by comparative analysis of CD34+ cells numbers and their surface expression of granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor receptor (G‐CSFR) and granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor receptor (GM‐CSFR) in patients with aplastic anemia (AA) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Twenty‐seven patients with AA, 45 patients with MDS, and 20 normal controls were enrolled in this study. The ratio of CD34+ cells and their surface expression of G‐CSFR and GM‐CSFR were detected by flow cytometry (FCM). The ratio of CD34+ cells in BMMNC of AA, MDS patients and controls were 0.2438 ± 0.1129%, 2.1677 ± 1.1345% and 1.0792 ± 0.3221%, respectively. Compared with normal controls as well as MDS patients, the ratio of CD34+ cells in BMMNC of AA was significantly reduced (P < 0.05). The ratio of CD34+ cells in MDS was significantly elevated than controls (P < 0.05). The ratio of CD34+ cells in BMMNC of MDS‐RA and MDS‐RAEB patients were 1.2821 ± 0.4658% and 3.7729 ± 2.3360%, respectively. Compared with normal controls and MDS‐RA patients, the ratio of CD34+ cells in MDS‐RAEB was significantly elevated (P < 0.05). The ratio of CD34+ cells in MDS‐RA was significantly elevated than AA patients (P < 0.05). The surface expression of G‐CSFR on CD34+ cells of AA, MDS patients and controls were 34.402 ± 21.8357%, 26.376 ± 15.2895% and 21.443 ± 7.4465%, respectively. The surface expression of G‐CSFR on CD34+ cells of MDS‐RA and MDS‐RAEB patients were 22.788 ± 14.7628% and 30.682 ± 15.5346%. The surface expression of GM‐CSFR on CD34+ cells of AA, MDS patients and controls were 6.5961 ± 4.4322%, 18.2737 ± 10.9841% and 4.2753 ± 2.6249%, respectively. Compared with AA and controls, the expression of GM‐CSFR in MDS patients was significantly elevated (P < 0.05). The surface expression of GM‐CSFR on CD34+ cells of MDS‐RA and MDS‐RAEB patients were 16.1625 ± 6.9487% and 22.1003 ± 14.2983%. In AA patients, the ratio of CD34+ cells in BMMNC less than 0.1% accounts for 75% (6/8) SAA patients, compared with 10.55% (2/19) in CAA (P < 0.05). The detection of CD34+ cells and their surface expression of granulocyte (macrophage) colony‐stimulating factor receptors G (M)‐CSFR in AA and MDS are helpful in the differential diagnosis or prognosis of these two disorders.
Abnormal Liver Function Test Predicts Type 2 Diabetes

Increased activities of liver enzymes such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) are indicators of hepatocellular injury. Increased activity of these markers is associated with insulin resistance (1), metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes (2–9). However, most of these studies were performed in Western countries (2–5,7,9), and the two studies from Japan and Korea were not community based (6,8). In this prospective community-based study, we evaluated the relationships between markers of liver function and the onset of type 2 diabetes after adjusting for potential risk factors including inflammatory markers. In 2001, the Korean government funded a large community-based epidemiological survey to investigate the trends in diabetes and the associated risk factors (10). For this study, two communities, one from a rural Ansung and the other from an urban Ansan community, were selected. The baseline examination was performed in 2001–2002, and biennial follow-up examinations will continue through 2010. The age range for eligibility was 40–69 years. Of the 7,192 eligible individuals in Ansung, 5,018 were surveyed (70% response rate) using a cluster sampling method. A total of 15,580 individuals were eligible in Ansan, and we successfully recruited 5,020 (32.4%) using a random sampling method of the local telephone directory. The study protocol was approved by the ethics committee of the Korean Health and Genome Study. Anthropometric parameters and blood pressure were measured by standard methods. Fasting plasma glucose, lipid profiles, insulin, high-sensitivity C-reactive …
Impact of Excessive Weight Gain on Cardiovascular Outcomes in Type 1 Diabetes: Results From the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (DCCT/EDIC) Study

OBJECTIVE Intensive treatment (INT) of type 1 diabetes reduces the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events compared with conventional treatment (CONV), but it also results in more weight gain. Our objective was to examine whether excessive weight gain from INT of type 1 diabetes is independently associated with subsequent CVD events. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Quartiles (Q) of weight gain in 1,213 participants aged 18 years and older at enrollment in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) were determined within randomized treatment groups (INT vs. CONV) using change in BMI from baseline to the closeout DCCT visits. Effects of this weight gain on CVD risk factors and outcomes during an additional 20 years of observational follow-up were then determined. RESULTS The Q4 INT group experienced greater proportional weight gain (median change in BMI, 6.08 kg/m2), increases in CVD risk factors, and need for medications for hypertension and lipids compared with the Q1–3 INT and comparable CONV groups. Over a mean of 26 years of follow-up, the numbers of major and total CVD events were not statistically different in Q4 compared with Q1–3 of either the INT or CONV group. By year 14, however, the incident CVD event curve became significantly higher in the Q4 INT group than in the Q1–3 INT groups (P = 0.024) and was similar to that for the CONV group. CONCLUSIONS For the first 13 years after DCCT, INT for type 1 diabetes reduced macrovascular events compared with CONV, even when excessive weight gain occurred. After this, total CVD events significantly increased in the Q4 INT group, becoming equivalent to those in the CONV group. Longer follow-up is needed to determine whether this trend continues and results in more major CVD events.
[Norplant: an effective option for adolescent women. Subdermal implant contraception in adolescent women. Preliminary findings in 174 cases].

Results are presented of a clinical study of Norplant subdermal implants in Colombian adolescents. Implants have been used by 365 adolescents, of whom 174 have completed 2 years of follow-up. Study participants were monitored at months 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 postinsertion. Among the 174 women, 14% were 14-17 years old and 87% were 17-19. 21% were single, 30% married, and 49% in consensual unions. 38.5% were nulliparous, 56% had 1 child, and 5.7% had 2. 14.3% had a history of abortion. There were no pregnancies in the 2 years. 47.9% of users experienced menstrual irregularities at least once during the 2 years, with 9.3% reporting spotting or staining, 21.2% bleeding, and 19.3% amenorrhea. 6.4% reported nausea, 4.3% headache, 4.3% weight alterations, 2% acne, and 1.4% hair loss. There were 12 removals in the 2 years, 3 each because of menstrual and weight alterations, 2 for headaches, and 4 because of desire for pregnancy. 91.4% declared themselves satisfied with the method. The continuation rate was 93.2% at 2 years. The results suggest that Norplant is a good contraceptive choice for adolescents, but a prolonged study over 5 years is needed to confirm the findings.
On Chebyshev Array Design Using Particle Swarm Optimization

In this paper, the evolutionary algorithm of particle swarm optimization (PSO) is applied to synthesis an optimal linear array in the Chebychev sense. Equiripple radiation patterns may be obtained by synthesizing the excitation currents feeding the array or by carefully choosing the interelement spacing. The desired equal side lobes level is achieved simultaneously with the narrowest possible beamwidth (high directivity). Though the optimization problem may become nonlinear, convex and/or sometimes nonconvex, it can be handled using an efficient, a robust and a nongradient based particle swarm optimizer algorithm. In order to effectively utilize this algorithm it is important to define an appropriate objective, or cost, function that return a single number to enable the PSO algorithm minimizing it. In this paper, the objective function is formulated taking into consideration the level of the side lobes as well as the main beam width. In addition to satisfy the objective function, the obtained results using the proposed technique are in agreement with those available in the literature.
THE EFFECT OF SUPRA-FRONTO-ORBITAL (SFO) BRISTLE REMOVAL ON MALE MATING SUCCESS IN THE MEDITERRANEAN FRUIT FLY (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE)

Abstract Here we present the findings of a laboratory study in which male Mediterranean fruit flies (medflies), Ceratitis capitata, (Wiedemann) had one or both supra-fronto-orbital (SFO) bristles artificially removed, for comparison with unoperated controls. All the flies were weighed and had their wings measured. The time at which a male began pheromone-calling was correlated with its weight, lighter males beginning calling earlier, but there was no effect of weight on mating success. Mated males had significantly longer wings than unmated males although there was no correlation with wing width. Although males missing both bristles were rejected more by females than those with one or two bristles, the loss of a single bristle had no effect on female response. The presence of bristles was not essential for successful mating. This study does not support the idea of females visually assessing males on the basis of their bristle symmetry.
Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors: present and future role in gastrointestinal cancer treatment: a review.

BACKGROUND Despite advances in conventional and targeted anticancer therapy, the prognosis remains poor for many patients with solid tumors. Ongoing research into the molecular basis of malignant disease, however, has yielded many novel agents with potential activity, including the epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs). DESIGN This review summarizes current clinical data for EGFR-TKIs as monotherapy or in combination with 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin, irinotecan, or oxaliplatin, focusing on the rapidly developing area of colorectal, gastroesophageal, and pancreatic cancers. RESULTS EGFR-TKIs have limited but valuable activity as monotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer patients who have received prior anticancer treatment. The potential for application as a single agent in colorectal, gastroesophageal, and pancreatic cancers has yet to be demonstrated conclusively and deserves further investigation, especially as second- or third-line therapy. In combination with oxaliplatin-based regimens and 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin-based regimens, TKIs have shown benefits, suggesting that there may be a synergistic effect with chemotherapy. However, combinations with irinotecan-based regimens have been limited by toxicities. CONCLUSIONS EGFR-TKIs show benefits when used in combination with chemotherapy, and the favorable toxicity profiles observed suggest that these may be of value in frail or elderly patients.
Indwelling voice prosthesis insertion after total pharyngolaryngectomy with free jejunal reconstruction

Total pharyngolaryngectomy with free jejunal reconstruction is often performed in patients with hypopharyngeal carcinoma. However, postoperative speechlessness significantly decreases patient quality of life. We investigated whether Provox® insertion could preserve speech after total pharyngolaryngectomy with free jejunal reconstruction.
Solubilisation and characterisation of wheat gluten proteins: correlations between the amount of aggregated proteins and baking quality.

A comparison was made of the effectiveness of various solvents in extracting protein from wheat gluten. The best proved to be 0.055m cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide-6m urea-0.01m acetic acid. When extracts were separated on columns of controlledpore glass, with a nominal exclusion limit of 1.2 × 106 daltons for molecules in the extended form, two peaks were obtained termed F1 and F2. F1 was excluded from the column and contained material which was stable in the absence of reducing agent but was markedly reduced in size in the presence of 2-mercaptoethanol. SDS-PAGE showed that F1 was enriched in high molecular weight polypeptides (about 100 000 daltons) and also contained polypeptides with molecular weights in the range 30 000–45 000. F2 consisted almost entirely of polypeptides with molecular weights of less than 50 000. The ratio of F1 :F2 in different varieties varied from 0.1 to 0.58 and this variation was correlated with the NIAB potential breadmaking quality score. However, there did not appear to be any difference between the total amounts of high molecular weight polypeptides in a poor and a good breadmaking variety.
Does the presence of one feature of borderline personality disorder have clinical significance? Implications for dimensional ratings of personality disorders.

OBJECTIVE In the draft proposal for DSM-5, the Work Group for Personality and Personality Disorders recommended that dimensional ratings of personality disorders replace DSM-IV's categorical approach toward classification. If a dimensional rating of personality disorder pathology is to be adopted, then the clinical significance of minimal levels of pathology should be established before they are formally incorporated into the diagnostic system because of the potential unforeseen consequences of such ratings. In the present report from the Rhode Island Methods to Improve Diagnostic Assessment and Services (MIDAS) project, we examined the low end of the severity dimension and compared psychiatric outpatients with 0 or 1 DSM-IV criterion for borderline personality disorder on various indices of psychosocial morbidity. METHOD Three thousand two hundred psychiatric outpatients were evaluated with semistructured diagnostic interviews for DSM-IV Axis I and Axis II disorders. The present report is based on the 1,976 patients meeting 0 or 1 DSM-IV criterion for borderline personality disorder. RESULTS The reliability of determining if a patient was rated with 0 or 1 criterion for borderline personality disorder was good (κ = 0.70). Compared to patients with 0 borderline personality disorder criteria, patients with 1 criterion had significantly more current Axis I disorders (P < .001), suicide attempts (P < .01), suicidal ideation at the time of the evaluation (P < .001), psychiatric hospitalizations (P < .001), and time missed from work due to psychiatric illness (P < .001) and lower ratings on the Global Assessment of Functioning (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Low-severity levels of borderline personality disorder pathology, defined as the presence of 1 criterion, can be determined reliably and have validity.
Nanoscale structure of type I collagen fibrils: Quantitative measurement of D‐spacing

This article details a quantitative method to measure the D‐periodic spacing of type I collagen fibrils using atomic force microscopy coupled with analysis using a two‐dimensional fast fourier transform approach. Instrument calibration, data sampling and data analysis are discussed and comparisons of the data to the complementary methods of electron microscopy and X‐ray scattering are made. Examples of the application of this new approach to the analysis of type I collagen morphology in disease models of estrogen depletion and osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) are provided. We demonstrate that it is the D‐spacing distribution, not the D‐spacing mean, that showed statistically significant differences in estrogen depletion associated with early stage osteoporosis and OI. The ability to quantitatively characterize nanoscale morphological features of type I collagen fibrils will provide important structural information regarding type I collagen in many research areas, including tissue aging and disease, tissue engineering, and gene knockout studies. Furthermore, we also envision potential clinical applications including evaluation of tissue collagen integrity under the impact of diseases or drug treatments.