Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CORRELATION BETWEEN OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHIC HYPERREFLECTIVE FOCI AND VISUAL OUTCOMES AFTER ANTI-VEGF TREATMENT IN NEOVASCULAR AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION AND POLYPOIDAL CHOROIDAL VASCULOPATHY

Purpose: To investigate the correlation between hyperreflective foci (HF) on spectral domain optical coherence tomography at baseline and visual outcomes after intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injection in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). Methods: The authors retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 44 patients with nAMD and 44 patients with PCV. The number of HF was counted according to the location of HF on spectral domain optical coherence tomography: neurosensory retinal layer, outer retinal layer, and subretinal layer. Statistical correlation between final visual acuity and pretreatment and posttreatment optical coherence tomographic parameters including the number of HF, the status of external limiting membrane and inner segment ellipsoid zone was evaluated. Results: The number of HF in all retinal layers was reduced in nAMD and PCV after treatment. In multivariate regression analysis, final visual acuity was associated with baseline visual acuity (P = 0.028), number of subretinal HF (P = 0.046), and ellipsoid zone disruption length (P = 0.009) in nAMD. In PCV, final visual acuity was associated with baseline visual acuity (P = 0.001), number of subretinal HF (P = 0.001), and pigment epithelial detachment thickness (P = 0.034). The baseline number of subretinal HF was correlated with final foveal thickness and thickness of subretinal fluid and choroidal neovascularization in nAMD (P = 0.002, P < 0.001, P = 0.009, respectively). In PCV, the baseline number of subretinal HF was correlated with final foveal thickness and ellipsoid zone and external limiting membrane disruption lengths (P = 0.027, P = 0.010, P = 0.020, respectively). Conclusion: The number of HF at subretinal layer on spectral domain optical coherence tomography at baseline might predict the final visual acuity after treatment in nAMD and PCV.
Molecular mechanistic explanation for the spectrum of cholestatic disease caused by the S320F variant of ABCB4

ABCB4 flops phosphatidylcholine into the bile canaliculus to protect the biliary tree from the detergent activity of bile salts. Homozygous‐null ABCB4 mutations cause the childhood liver disease, progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis, but cause and effect is less clear, with many missense mutations linked to less severe cholestatic diseases. ABCB4S320F, in particular, is described in 13 patients, including in heterozygosity with ABCB4A286V, ABCB4A953D, and null mutants, whose symptoms cover the spectrum of cholestatic disease. We sought to define the impact of these mutations on the floppase, explain the link with multiple conditions at the molecular level, and investigate the potential for reversal. ABCB4S320F, ABCB4A286V, and ABCB4A953D expression was engineered in naïve cultured cells. Floppase expression, localization, and activity were measured by western blot, confocal microscopy, and lipid transport assays, respectively. ABCB4S320F was fully active for floppase activity but expression at the plasma membrane was reduced to 50%. ABCB4A286V expressed and trafficked efficiently but could not flop lipid, and ABCB4A953D expressed poorly and was impaired in floppase activity. Proteasome inhibition stabilized nascent ABCB4S320F and ABCB4A953D but did not improve plasma membrane localization. Cyclosporin‐A improved plasma membrane localization of both ABCB4S320F and ABCB4A953D, but inhibited floppase activity. Conclusion: The level of ABCB4 functionality correlates with, and is the primary determinant of, cholestatic disease severity in these patients. ABCB4S320F homozygosity, with half the normal level of ABCB4, is the tipping point between more benign and potentially fatal cholestasis and makes these patients more acutely sensitive to environmental effects. Cyclosporin‐A increased expression of ABCB4S320F and ABCB4A953D, suggesting that chemical chaperones could be exploited for therapeutic benefit to usher in a new era of personalized medicine for patients with ABCB4‐dependent cholestatic disease. (Hepatology 2014;59:1921–1931)
Physically based object withering simulation

This paper presents a finite element method‐based framework for an object withering simulation modeled with heterogeneous material, such as fruits drying or decay. We introduce diffusion procedures for both the moisture content and decay spread, which are solved directly on a tetrahedral mesh representation of the fruit flesh. Then, we use the moisture content to control shrinkage through the initial strain, which is integrated into the Lagrangian dynamic equation, and solved with the finite element method. For the complex structure of the object, another fine triangle mesh is used to represent the skin, and its deformation is solved by a thin shell technique. To couple the motion between different layers of the fruit, a tracking force is used to pull the skin and drive its deformation together with the volume mesh. In comparison with the previous work, our method provides temporally and spatially varying parameters to model the complex phenomena of object withering. Moreover, the water diffusivity can also be given by user input to present various material properties of the cut section and skin‐covered area. Our algorithm is easy to implement and highly efficient in generating a realistic appearance for the withering effect. For a medium‐scale model, we can achieve interactive simulation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Population Density, Species Abundance, and Breeding Structure of Subterranean Termite Colonies in and Around Infested Houses in Central North Carolina

Abstract Pressure from subterranean termites is known to vary geographically across the United States, but there are few quantitative studies concerning the threat of structural infestation for any geographic region. We assessed the number and locations of termite colonies present on 20 infested residential properties in central North Carolina, where subterranean termite pressure is considered to be heavy. This was achieved by using microsatellite markers to determine colony identity of termites collected over 6–14 mo from mud tubes in structures, below-ground monitors, and wood debris in the yard. In total, we identified 188 distinct colonies and determined their breeding structures. Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) was by far the most common species, accounting for nearly 90% of all colonies; the remaining colonies belonged to Reticulitermes hageni Banks and Reticulitermes virginicus (Banks). In four cases, there were two colonies infesting a structure simultaneously; in all other cases only a single colony was detected in the structure. Colony densities were high, averaging 62 colonies per ha (25 per acre) with a maximum of 185 colonies per ha (75 colonies per acre). Foraging ranges of R. flavipes and R. hageni colonies were generally small (<30 linear m), and most colonies were headed by a single pair of monogamous reproductives with nearly all the remaining colonies headed by relatively few inbreeding descendants of the original monogamous pair. These results provide the most detailed picture to date of the number, distribution, and colony characteristics of subterranean termite colonies located in and around residential structures.
Meta-analysis of field experiments shows no change in racial discrimination in hiring over time

Significance Many scholars have argued that discrimination in American society has decreased over time, while others point to persisting race and ethnic gaps and subtle forms of prejudice. The question has remained unsettled due to the indirect methods often used to assess levels of discrimination. We assess trends in hiring discrimination against African Americans and Latinos over time by analyzing callback rates from all available field experiments of hiring, capitalizing on the direct measure of discrimination and strong causal validity of these studies. We find no change in the levels of discrimination against African Americans since 1989, although we do find some indication of declining discrimination against Latinos. The results document a striking persistence of racial discrimination in US labor markets. This study investigates change over time in the level of hiring discrimination in US labor markets. We perform a meta-analysis of every available field experiment of hiring discrimination against African Americans or Latinos (n = 28). Together, these studies represent 55,842 applications submitted for 26,326 positions. We focus on trends since 1989 (n = 24 studies), when field experiments became more common and improved methodologically. Since 1989, whites receive on average 36% more callbacks than African Americans, and 24% more callbacks than Latinos. We observe no change in the level of hiring discrimination against African Americans over the past 25 years, although we find modest evidence of a decline in discrimination against Latinos. Accounting for applicant education, applicant gender, study method, occupational groups, and local labor market conditions does little to alter this result. Contrary to claims of declining discrimination in American society, our estimates suggest that levels of discrimination remain largely unchanged, at least at the point of hire.
An anomalous Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe signal in the ecliptic plane

We report the detection of a high Galactic latitude, large-scale, 7σ signal in Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) 5-year data and spatially correlated with the ecliptic plane. Two possible candidates are studied, namely unresolved sources and Zodiacal light emission. We determine the strength of the Zodiacal light emission at WMAP frequencies and estimate the contribution from unresolved extragalactic sources. Neither the standard Zodiacal light emission nor the unresolved sources alone seem to be able to explain the observed signal. Other possible interpretations such as Galactic foregrounds and diffuse Sunyaev–Zel’dovich effect also seem unlikely. We check if our findings could affect the low-� anomalies which have been reported in the WMAP data. Neither Zodiacal light emission nor unresolved point-source residuals seem to affect significantly the quadrupole and octupole measurements. However, a signal with a quasi-blackbody spectrum and with a spatial distribution similar to the Zodiacal light emission could explain both the anomalous signal and the low-� anomalies. Future data (Planck) will be needed in order to explain the origin of this signal.
Altered emotional behaviors and the expression of 5‐HT1A and M1 muscarinic receptors in μ‐opioid receptor knockout mice

Anxiety and depression alterations have been reported in μ‐opioid receptor knockout mice after exon 2 disruption. However, emotional behaviors, such as novelty and emergence responses have not been reported in μ‐opioid receptor knockout mice due to the disruptions of exon 2 and 3. Here, we report that μ‐opioid receptor knockout mice, with deletion of exon 2 and 3, display significant emotional behavior changes; they showed less anxiety in the elevated plus maze and emergence tests, reduced response to novel stimuli in the novelty test, and less depressive‐like behavior in the forced‐swim test. Analysis of the compensatory mechanism in μ‐opioid receptor knockout mice revealed that the M1 mRNA levels were reduced in the cortex, caudate putamen, nucleus accumbens, and hippocampus, and that M1 receptor levels were reduced in the nucleus accumbens, CA1, and the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, versus the wild‐type. However, 5‐HT1A receptor levels were significantly elevated in the cerebral cortex and in the hypothalamus of μ‐opioid receptor knockout mice versus the wild‐type. These aberrant emotional behavioral phenotypes are possibly related to M1 and 5‐HT1A receptor alterations in the μ‐opioid receptor knockout mice. Overall, our study suggests that μ‐opioid receptor may play a role in the modification of emotional responses to novelty, anxiety, and depression. Synapse 54:72–82, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effect of logarithmic compression on estimation of the Nakagami parameter for ultrasonic tissue characterization: a simulation study

Previous studies have demonstrated that the Nakagami parameter estimated using the envelopes of backscattered ultrasound is useful in detecting variations in the concentration of scatterers in tissues. The signal processing in those studies was linear, whereas nonlinear logarithmic compression is routinely employed in existing ultrasonic scanners. We therefore explored the effect of the logarithmic compression on the estimation of the Nakagami parameter in this study. Computer simulations were used to produce backscattered signals of various scatterer concentrations for the estimation of the Nakagami parameters before and after applying the logarithmic compression on the backscattered envelopes. The simulated results showed that the logarithmic compression would move the statistics of the backscattered envelopes towards post-Rayleigh distributions for most scatterer concentrations. Moreover, the Nakagami parameter calculated using compressed backscattered envelopes is more sensitive than that calculated using uncompressed envelopes in differentiating variations in the scatterer concentration, making the former better at quantifying the scatterer concentration in biological tissues.
Evaluation of pentraxin-3 level and its related factors in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND Inflammation has an important role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis, and acute phase proteins such as pentraxin-3 (PTX3) can be deployed in determining the prognosis of coronary artery disease (CAD). So the purpose of this paper was to evaluate the PTX3 level and its related factors in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS In this cross-sectional study, the PTX3 levels were determined for 100 patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction referred to the Modarres Hospital, Tehran, Iran. Checklist included demographic data [age, gender, history of myocardial infarction (MI)] and characteristics of heart disease (type of MI, culprit, and pre-dilation). PTX3 was measured for all patients before PCI. RESULTS In this study, the mean age of the participants was 58.7 (11.4). Global registry of acute coronary events (GRACE) score was higher in the group with abnormal PTX3 levels (P = 0.008). The number of the involved vessels (P = 0.005), MI type (P = 0.05), and the need for PCI all had a significant relation with abnormal PTX3 levels. The increased levels of PTX3 received higher Killip class, lower ejection fraction, and higher GRACE score. The group with abnormal PTX3 had a significant difference in platelet counts (P = 0.018) in comparison with the group with normal level of PTX3. CONCLUSION Currently, the biomarkers are highly important in the field of cardiovascular diseases. The diagnostic and prognostic importance of PTX3 as a new marker has been underscored in recent studies. Differentiating between high-risk patients with acute cardiac infarction and low-risk ones through their clinical signs is difficult.
Molecular Monitoring of the Developmental Bacterial Community in the Gastrointestinal Tract of Japanese Infants

The dynamics of the developmental bacterial community in the Japanese neonatal gastrointestinal tract were examined by monitoring 16S ribosomal RNA gene (rDNA) diversity in fecal samples by PCR and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). The results showed a certain pattern common in infants without antibiotic treatment, in which aerobes, e.g., Pseudomonas, appeared first and were then immediately replaced by facultative anaerobe, Enterococcus, Streptococcus, and Enterobacteriaceae through the first month, and finally strictly anaerobic Bifidobactrerium appeared.
Factors affecting anastomotic leak after colorectal anastomosis in patients without protective stoma in tertiary care hospital.

OBJECTIVE To determine the factors associated with clinically significant anastomotic leak in patients having undergone large intestinal anastomosis. METHOD The retrospective study at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, comprised data between January 2000 and March 2010, related to patients who underwent colorectal anastomosis. Demographic details of the patients, as well as preop, intraop and postop risk factors were recorded. Anastomotic leak was identified as per the defined criteria. Outcome of patients was recorded as postop hospital stay and mortality. Univariate and Multivariate analyses were applied to identify risk factors for anastomotic leakage. RESULTS Among the total 127 patients in the study, anastomotic leak occurred in 19 (15%) patients (Group 1), while there was no clinical leak in 108 (85%) patients (Group 2). Univariate analysis showed 8 factors to be affecting the anastomotic leak: operation time (p = 0.003), intraoperative blood loss (p = 0.006), intraoperative blood transfusion (p = 0.013), indication of surgery malignancy vs. benign (p = 0.049), type of surgery elective vs. emergency (p = 0.037), intraop use of vasopressor (p = 0.019), segment of bowel anastomosed left side vs. right side (p = 0.012), and drain placement vs. no drain placed (p = 0.035). Preop immunosuppressive therapy was borderline significant (p = 0.089). Multivariate analysis showed that left vs. right sided anastomosis (p = 0.068), blood transfusion > 2 pack cells (p = 0.028), smoker vs. non-smoker (p = 0.049), elective vs. emergency surgery (p = 0.012) were the independent risk factors which significantly affected the outcome of bowel anastomosis. Mortality rate was 15.79% (n = 3/19) in Group 1, while it was 1.85% (n = 2/108) in Group 2 (p = 0.02). The postop hospital stay was 15 +/- 5.44 days in Group 1, while it was 7.51 +/- 4.04 days in Group 2 (p > 0.001). CONCLUSION In colorectal anastomotic surgeries temporary diversion stoma formation needs to be considered on the basis of risk factors to decrease mortality and morbidity associated with anastomotic leak.
Prostaglandin F2α Induces Distinct Physiological Responses in Porcine Corpora Lutea after Acquisition of Luteolytic Capacity1

Abstract This study examines differences in intracellular responses to cloprostenol, a prostaglandin (PG)F2α analog, in porcine corpora lutea (CL) before (Day 9 of estrous cycle) and after (Day 17 of pseudopregnancy) acquisition of luteolytic capacity. Pigs on Day 9 or Day 17 were treated with saline or 500 μg cloprostenol, and CL were collected 10 h (experiment I) or 0.5 h (experiment III) after treatment. Some CL were cut into small pieces and cultured to measure progesterone and PGF2α secretion. In experiment I, progesterone remained high and PGF2α low in luteal incubations from either Day 9 or Day 17 saline-treated pigs. Cloprostenol increased PGF2α production 465% and decreased progesterone production 87% only from Day 17 luteal tissue. Cloprostenol induced prostaglandin G/H synthase (PGHS)-2 mRNA (0.5 h) and protein (10 h) in both groups. In cell culture, cloprostenol or phorbol 12,13-didecanoate (PDD) (protein kinase C activator), induced PGHS-2 mRNA in luteal cells from both groups. However, acute cloprostenol treatment (10 min) decreased progesterone production and increased PGF2α production only from Day 17 luteal cells. Thus, PGF2α production is induced by cloprostenol in porcine CL with luteolytic capacity (Day 17) but not in CL without luteolytic capacity (Day 9). However, this change in PGF2α production is not explained by a difference in induction of PGHS-2 mRNA or protein.
International Conference on Information Systems ( ICIS ) 2010 KNOWLEDGE REPOSITORIES AND KNOWLEDGEABLE ACTION

In spite of the importance of knowledge reuse much is still unknown about how knowledge management artifacts influence reuse in practice. In this paper we use the concept of scaffolding to explore how knowledge repositories influence knowledgeable action. We conceptualize anchoring and adjustment as the processes involved in the use of scaffolding such as knowledge repositories. By viewing reuse in terms of these mechanisms, we can begin to consider the reuse processes individually as involving (1) choice of document for reuse and (2) adaptation of the document’s suggested solution applied to a current problem. We suggest the document acts as an anchor to frame the current problem consistent with the problem solved in the document, and that the suggested solution is then adapted through the adjustment process to meet the needs of the current problem. We subsequently explore the factors that influence both anchor choice and adjustment.
S-ADENOSYLMETHIONINE IN THE VACUOLE OF CANDIDA UTILIS

Recently, it has been demonstrated by ultraviolet microscopy that S-adenosylmethionine is accumulated in the vacuole of Candida utilis (Svihla and Schlenk, 1959). The exceptional concentration of this compound under certain cultural conditions, and the availability of simple analytical procedures permit a correlation of optical and biochemical studies. The opportunity of observing a well-defined chemical compound in the vacuole of viable cells without staining or pretreatment should yield information on the structure and function of this part of the yeast cell, especially during the growth cycle. The present report deals with some of these problems.
Bone structural changes after gastric bypass surgery evaluated by HR-pQCT: a two-year longitudinal study

Objective, design and methods Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) has proved successful in attaining sustained weight loss but may lead to metabolic bone disease. To assess impact on bone mass and structure, we measured a real bone mineral density at the hip and spine by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and volumetric BMD (vBMD) and bone microarchitecture at the distal radius and tibia by high-resolution peripheral quantitative CT in 25 morbidly obese subjects (15 females, 10 males) at 0, 12 and 24 months after RYGB. Bone turnover markers (BTMs), calciotropic and gut hormones and adipokines were measured at the same time points. Results After a 24.1% mean weight loss from baseline to month 12 (P < 0.001), body weight plateaued from month 12 to 24 (−0.9%, P = 0.50). However, cortical and trabecular vBMD and microarchitecture deteriorated through the 24 months, such that there was a 5 and 7% reduction in estimated bone strength at the radius and tibia respectively (both P < 0.001). The declines observed in the first 12 months were matched or exceeded by declines in the 12- to 24-month period. While a significant increase in BTMs and decrease in leptin and insulin were seen at 24 months, these changes were maximal at month 12 and stabilized from month 12 to 24. Conclusions Despite weight stabilization and maintenance of metabolic parameters, bone loss and deterioration in bone strength continued and were substantial in the second year. The clinical importance of these changes in terms of increased risk of developing osteoporosis and fragility fractures remain an important concern.