Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Speckle filtering and coherence estimation of polarimetric SAR interferometry data for forest applications

Recently, polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (SAR) interferometry has generated much interest for forest applications. Forest heights and ground topography can be extracted based on interferometric coherence using a random volume over ground coherent mixture model. The coherence estimation is of paramount importance for the accuracy of forest height estimation. The coherence (or correlation coefficient) is a statistical average of neighboring pixels of similar scattering characteristics. The commonly used algorithm is the boxcar filter, which has the deficiency of indiscriminate averaging of neighboring pixels. The result is that coherence values are lower than they should be. In this paper, we propose a new algorithm to improve the accuracy in the coherence estimation based on speckle filtering of the 6/spl times/6 polarimetric interferometry matrix. Simulated images are used to verify the effectiveness of this adaptive algorithm. German Aerospace Center (DLR) L-Band E-SAR data are applied to demonstrate the improved accuracy in coherence and in forest height estimation.
Sexual Behavior and Attitude toward Condoms among Unmarried ins-School and out-of-School Adolescents in a High-HIV Prevalence Region in Ghana

Among adolescents in Africa and in the rest of the world, unprotected sexual intercourse is the primary cause of HIV transmission. There is limited information on population based study of adolescents who are not-in-school. A quantitative and qualitative study was conducted among adolescents aged 10–19 (n = 483, mean age = 16.6) in the Ashanti region of Ghana on sexual behavior, condom use, and peer norms regarding sexuality. Age of sexual debut was younger for those in-school. However, out-of-school adolescents were more likely to ever have sexual intercourse (72.2% vs. 27.8%) and use condoms (83.6% vs. 16.4%) compared to their in-school counterparts. Religious affiliation was associated with being less sexually active. Statistically significant differences occurred for condom use and increased sexual activity with age. There is the need for programs to increase condom use. Adolescents in Ghana represent a vulnerable population and concerted efforts must be made to reach them.
T Mycoplasma in Human Reproductive Failure

In a study of 50 women of child-bearing age, half of whom had infertility problems, it was demonstrated that the infertile group more commonly yielded Ureaplasma urealyticum on culture (84% versus 60%), had more than twice the recoveries from the endocervical canal than fertile women had (80% versus 36%), and grew a much higher log number of T mycoplasma from this locus. No particular serotype predominated as an isolate from infertile women in this study, although antisera to serotype 3 inhibited growth of most of the T mycoplasma recovered. Strains insensitive to erythromycin were recoverable from more than half of the fertile women. Of 143 patients without fertility problems there was no significant difference in Urea-plasma isolation between women who used an intra-uterine device (IUD) and those who did not.
Sex-Dependent Behavioral Effects of Cerebral Cortical Lesions in the Developing Rhesus Monkey

Male rhesus monkeys with orbital prefrontal lesions were imtpaired on behavioral tests at 2� months of age whereas similar deficits were not detected in females with comparable lesions until 15 to 18 months of age. The results suggest that the maturation of a cortical region in the primate brain proceeds at different tempos in males and females.
An Integrative Approach to the Assessment of Narcissism

Narcissism research is poorly calibrated across fields of study in part due to confusion over how to integrate normal and pathological descriptions of narcissism. We argue that pathological and normal narcissism can be integrated in a single model that organizes around self-regulation mechanisms. We present theoretical and empirical support for this interpretation, and demonstrate that modeling pathological and normal narcissism as 2 dimensions underlying the narcissistic character can help to resolve some of the inconsistencies in the field regarding how to best assess adaptive and maladaptive expressions of narcissism.
Lack of Association between the Presence of the pVir Plasmid and Bloody Diarrhea in Campylobacter jejuni Enteritis

ABSTRACT The main mechanisms by which Campylobacter jejuni causes diarrhea are unknown. In contrast to a recent communication, we report here the absence of an association with the plasmid pVir in patients infected with C. jejuni who developed bloody diarrhea in The Netherlands, and we suggest a role for other virulence determinants.
Totally self-checking checker modules revisited

In this paper, conventional gate-level circuit compositions of the totally self-checking two-rail checker unit and the 2-of-4 checker unit are revisited. With respect to the former (latter), when the two input code words compared is not complementary (if two 1's are not present in the four input rails) and in the presence of an internal stuck-at fault, the checker is no more fault secure. In both the cases, the checker ceases to be totally self-checking. Given this, we suggest suitable cell based designs to overcome the above drawbacks. Hence, this work presents a new insight into combinational checker circuits.
Subacute CNS Demyelination after Treatment with Nivolumab for Melanoma

Checkpoint blockade carries risks of immune-related adverse effects, but frequency and severity are unknown. A patient is described who received anti–CTLA-4 (ipilimumab), and then anti–PD-1 (nivolumab). The patient developed lethal subacute and progressive CNS demyelination. Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies targeting cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) or programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) has improved the survival of patients with metastatic melanoma. These agents carry a certain risk of adverse immune-related events. We present a patient with widely metastatic melanoma who was initially treated with ipilimumab and subsequently with nivolumab. After four infusions of nivolumab, he developed subacute multifocal central nervous system (CNS) demyelination. Nivolumab was discontinued and, despite immunosuppressive therapy, the largest lesion progressed significantly, whereas another lesion showed radiographic improvement. After further progression, the patient succumbed to his CNS lesions 4 months later. Autopsy revealed extensive demyelination, a mild multifocal T-cell–rich perivascular lymphoid infiltrate, abundant macrophages, and necrosis. There was no metastatic melanoma in the brain. CNS demyelination has not been described in association with nivolumab. We hypothesize that the combination therapy of ipilimumab and subsequent nivolumab accounted for the severity of the demyelinating process in this patient. This case, with comprehensive clinical, molecular, and neuropathologic characterization, illustrates the need for awareness of these potential CNS complications with the use of multiple checkpoint inhibitors. Cancer Immunol Res; 3(12); 1299–302. ©2015 AACR.
Stability After Medial Collateral Ligament Release in Total Knee Arthroplasty

Six knees from cadavers were tested for change in stability after release of the medial collateral ligament with posterior cruciate-retaining and substituting total knee replacements. Load deformation curves of the joint were recorded in full extension and 30°, 60°, and 90° flexion under a 10 N-m varus and valgus torque, 1.5 N-m internal and external rotational torque, and a 35 N anterior and posterior force to test stability in each knee. The intact specimen and posterior cruciate ligament-retaining total joint replacement were tested for baseline comparisons. The superficial medial collateral ligament was released, followed by release of the posterior cruciate ligament. The knee then was converted to a posterior-stabilized implant. After medial collateral ligament release, valgus laxity was statistically significantly greater at 30°, 60°, and 90° flexion after posterior cruciate ligament sacrifice than it was when the posterior cruciate ligament was retained. The posterior-stabilizing post added little to varus and valgus stability. Small, but significant, differences were seen in internal and external rotation before and after posterior cruciate ligament sacrifice. The posterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasty was even more rotationally constrained in full extension than the knee with intact medial collateral ligament and posterior cruciate ligament.
Effect of priming in subpopulations of peripheral neutrophils from patients with chronic periodontitis.

BACKGROUND Patients with periodontal disease are reported to generate more reactive oxygen species (ROS) than matched controls, suggesting increased inflammatory defense activity. The purpose of this study is to determine whether there are subpopulations of peripheral neutrophils in patients with chronic periodontitis (CP) that generate different levels of intracellular ROS when primed with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) or the chemokine interleukin-8 (IL-8, CXCL8) compared to controls. METHODS Venous blood was collected from 13 patients with CP despite careful maintenance over 2 to 8 years and from 13 healthy age- and sex-matched controls. Neutrophils were separated from whole blood over a Percoll gradient and then activated via the Fcγ receptor with opsonized Staphylococcus aureus after priming with TNF-α or IL-8. The samples were analyzed by flow cytometry using the fluorescent probe dihydrorhodamine 123. Generation of ROS was measured as the intensity of fluorescence (IFL). RESULTS Two subpopulations were found in both patients and controls: one with low and one with high generation of IFL. The subpopulation with high generation of IFL in patients with CP was more responsive to IL-8 (P <0.05) than the same subpopulation in healthy controls. No other differences in generation of ROS or priming effects were found between patients with CP and controls. Generation of ROS was dependent on nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase, and the intracellular ROS was primarily the oxygen anion. CONCLUSION Patients with CP had a subpopulation of peripheral neutrophils that were more responsive to IL-8 priming than controls.
Cocaine-Induced Chest Pain and β-Blockade: An Inner City Experience

BackgroundCocaine is the most common illicit drug used in patients presenting with chest pain to emergency departments. Data on β-blockers in cocaine-related chest pain syndrome are sparse. We sought out to study the causal and detrimental effects of β-blockers in cocaine-related chest pain in a large inner city cohort of patients. Methods and ResultsAll patients presenting to a large inner city emergency department with chest pain, with positive urine drug screen for cocaine were included. The group comprised predominantly young (mean age 46.8 ± 8.2 years), African American (90.6%) males (73.4%). Evidence of myocardial infarction in the form of elevation of troponin-I was noted in 7.3%. Evidence of myonecrosis (MN) was significantly more likely in those who were taking β-blockers at presentation as compared with those who were not (14% versus 4.4%, P < 0.01). In the absence of prospective controlled data, our observational findings seem to suggest that routine initiation or continuation or of β-blockers after admission increased the likelihood of developing MN (23.3% versus 10.7%, P < 0.01) during the course of hospitalization. ConclusionsMN as reflected by elevation of cardiac biomarkers is uncommon in patients presenting with cocaine-related chest pain. Preexisting use of β-blockers seems to render a higher risk of myocardial injury in patients presenting with cocaine-related chest pain. In addition initiation or continuation of β-blockers during hospitalization should be discouraged.
Prevalence of hepatitis in early syphilis among an HIV cohort

To investigate the prevalence of syphilitic hepatitis among a group of HIV-infected patients we performed a cross-sectional observational study of consecutive HIV-infected patients with early syphilis attending University Hospital Birmingham between 1 January 2005 and 31 August 2008. The AIDS Clinical Trials Group grading for abnormal liver enzymes was used to identify hepatitis. A total of 62 HIV-infected patients were diagnosed with early syphilis during the study period. Twelve (19.3%) of them demonstrated abnormal liver enzymes consistent with syphilitic hepatitis involving raised levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase or gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). Grade 3 hepatotoxicity was observed among five patients. None of the patients with syphilitic hepatitis had grade IV hepatitis or abnormal bilirubin levels. Liver biopsy was not carried out in any of the patients, and following completion of treatment of syphilis all abnormal liver enzymes returned to normal levels after a median of 16 weeks. Exclusion of syphilis must be considered when investigating hepatic disease in HIV-infected patients.
Induced LH surges in the rhesus monkey: strength-duration characteristics of the estrogen stimulus.

The strength—duration characteristics of the increments in circulating estrogen required to elicit LH surges in the rhesus monkey were investigated by implanting (sc) Silastic capsules containing estradiol—17β for varying periods of time during the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. The magnitude of the resultant “square—wave” increments in serum estrogen concentration was varied by the number of capsules implanted. It was found that serum estrogen concentrations below 100 pg/ml were ineffective in eliciting LH surges, even when applied for as long as 120 hr. Serum estrogen concentrations of 100– 200 pg/ml had! to be maintained for approximately 42 hr to induce LH discharges, whereas 200–400 pg/ml were effective when applied for 36 hr. Supraphysiological estrogen levels of 1200 to 2000 pg/ml elicited LH surges when sustained for only 24 hr. In all instances, LH surges were initiated before the capsules were removed, showing that this response is not a consequence of estrogen withdrawal. The re.
Oxytocin modulation of neural circuits for social behavior

Oxytocin is a hypothalamic neuropeptide that has gained attention for the effects on social behavior. Recent findings shed new light on the mechanisms of oxytocin in synaptic plasticity and adaptively modifying neural circuits for social interactions such as conspecific recognition, pair bonding, and maternal care. Here, we review several of these newer studies on oxytocin in the context of previous findings, with an emphasis on social behavior and circuit plasticity in various brain regions shown to be enriched for oxytocin receptors. We provide a framework that highlights current circuit‐level mechanisms underlying the widespread action of oxytocin. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 77: 169–189, 2017
Isometric hip and knee torque measurements as an outcome measure in robot assisted gait training.

BACKGROUND Strength changes in lower limb muscles following robot assisted gait training (RAGT) in subjects with incomplete spinal cord injury (ISCI) has not been quantified using objective outcome measures. OBJECTIVE To record changes in the force generating capacity of lower limb muscles (recorded as peak voluntary isometric torque at the knee and hip), before, during and after RAGT in both acute and subacute/chronic ISCI subjects using a repeated measures study design. METHODS Eighteen subjects with ISCI participated in this study (Age range: 26-63 years mean age = 49.3 ± 11 years). Each subject participated in the study for a total period of eight weeks, including 6 weeks of RAGT using the Lokomat system (Hocoma AG, Switzerland). Peak torques were recorded in hip flexors, extensors, knee flexors and extensors using torque sensors that are incorporated within the Lokomat. RESULTS All the tested lower limb muscle groups showed statistically significant (p < 0.001) increases in peak torques in the acute subjects. Comparison between the change in peak torque generated by a muscle and its motor score over time showed a non-linear relationship. CONCLUSIONS The peak torque recorded during isometric contractions provided an objective outcome measure to record changes in muscle strength following RAGT.
One year of growth hormone treatment in adults with Prader-Willi syndrome improves body composition: results from a randomized, placebo-controlled study.

CONTEXT Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a multisymptomatic disease that shares many similarities with the GH deficiency syndrome, including altered body composition with more body fat than lean body mass. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to investigate the effect of GH on body composition in adults with PWS. DESIGN AND PATIENTS Forty-six adults with PWS were randomized to GH or placebo treatment for 12 months in a double-blind trial. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We evaluated change in regional body composition of the abdomen and thigh as measured by computed tomography and change in total body composition as measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS Forty patients completed the study. Baseline median IGF-I sd score was -0.4. GH treatment increased IGF-I by 125 μg/liter (1.51 sd score), and based upon computed tomography, body composition improved with a decrease in visceral fat mass of 22.9 ml (P = 0.004), abdominal sc fat mass 70.9 ml (P = 0.003), and thigh fat mass 21.3 ml (P = 0.013), whereas thigh muscle mass increased 6.0 ml (P = 0.005). By dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, lean body mass improved 2.25 kg (P = 0.005), and total fat mass decreased 4.20 kg (P < 0.001). No major side effects were seen. CONCLUSION Unrelated to the GH-IGF-I levels at baseline, our results showed that long-term treatment with GH effectively improved body composition and represents a safe, potential treatment option, relieving some of the negative consequences of PWS.
Scholz , Doosthoseini , Tarmian : Measurement of Wood Cutting Forces

Optimization of wood cutting conditions can decrease the cutting forces, which directly relates to the energy consumption. The aim of this study was to measure cutting force components in bandsaw processing of green oak and beech wood at 90°-90° cutting direction (mode A). For this purpose, a piezoelectric dynamometer (KISTLER type 9257A) mounted on the log carriage of vertical bandsaw machine (ESTERER model EB 1400) was used to measure the parallel, normal and lateral cutting forces for different cutting speeds (20, 30 and 40 m s-1) and feed rates (20, 30 and 40 m min-1 ). Results showed that all cutting force components change by increasing the cutting speed and feed rate over the analysed range. However, little changes were observed for lateral force. Overall, oak wood required greater cutting forces compared to beech wood. Conclusively, in the studied range, with increasing cutting speed ratio to feed rate, main cutting force and normal force were decreased.
Drug interaction potential of resveratrol

Resveratrol is a naturally occurring polyphenol that is often used as a food supplement. Many positive health effects, including cardio protection, tumor suppression, and immune modulation, are associated with the intake of resveratrol. Resveratrol is well tolerated in healthy subjects without any comedication. However, supplemental doses of resveratrol in the range of 1 g/day or above by far exceed the natural intake through food. Whether resveratrol-drug interactions can be harmful in patients taking additional medications remains unknown. Recent in vivo studies and clinical trials indicate a possible drug-drug interaction potential using high-dosage formulations. In this review, the known in vitro and in vivo effects of resveratrol on various cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoenzymes are summarized. They are discussed in relation to clinically relevant plasma concentrations in humans. We conclude that resveratrol may lead to interactions with various CYPs, especially when taken in high doses. Aside from systemic CYP inhibition, intestinal interactions must also be considered. They can potentially lead to reduced first-pass metabolism, resulting in higher systemic exposure to certain coadministrated CYP substrates. Therefore, patients who ingest high doses of this food supplement combined with additional medications may be at risk of experiencing clinically relevant drug-drug interactions.
Soluble Urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor Measurements: Influence of Sample Handling

Aim The influence of sample handling on soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) concentrations in serum and EDTA plasma was studied in 16 healthy premenopausal women. Method Blood was collected in dry tubes and tubes containing EDTA and kept at 4°C or 20°C for 1, 3, 8, 24 or 72 hours before processing into serum or EDTA plasma. In addition, serum and EDTA plasma were frozen and thawed 1–8 times. All suPAR measurements were performed by ELISA. Results No significant differences were found between serum or EDTA plasma suPAR concentrations when whole blood samples were kept for 1, 3, 8 or 24 hours. Significantly higher suPAR levels were found in samples kept for 72 hours at 20°C compared to samples processed into serum or EDTA plasma after short-term storage for no more than 24 hours after collection. No significant differences were observed when whole blood was kept at 4°C for up to 72 hours. Repeated freezing and thawing had no significant effect on the serum and EDTA plasma suPAR levels. Conclusion suPAR values in blood samples are dependent on the handling procedures of the samples. All samples of whole blood must be processed into EDTA plasma or serum within 24 hours if kept at 20°C and within 72 hours if kept at 4°C. However, repeated freezing/thawing cycles had no influence on suPAR values in the samples.
Long term efficacy and safety of adalimumab plus methotrexate in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: ARMADA 4 year extended study

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of adalimumab plus methotrexate (MTX) given for up to 4 years in patients with active, longstanding rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: Patients responding inadequately to MTX were entered into a 24 week, controlled study (ARMADA) with adalimumab plus MTX or placebo plus MTX, and some were enrolled in a subsequent open label extension. The efficacy and safety of treatment were evaluated. Additional analyses were made for those patients whose corticosteroid and/or MTX dosages were adjusted during the extension. Results: Of 271 patients in the original ARMADA trial, 262 received at least one dose of adalimumab and were evaluated. At the time of analysis, 162/262 (62%) patients had remained in the study and received treatment for a mean of 3.4 years. Withdrawals were for lack of efficacy (8%), adverse events (12%), and other reasons (18%). In 147 patients who completed 4 years’ treatment, efficacy achieved at 6 months was maintained. At 4 years, 78%, 57%, and 31% had achieved ACR20/50/70; 43% achieved clinical remission (DAS28 <2.6); and 22% had no physical function abnormalities (HAQ = 0). Results were similar for 196 patients who received treatment for 2–4 years. Efficacy was maintained in many patients when dosages were decreased (corticosteroids (51/81 (63%) patients), MTX (92/217 (42%)), or both (25/217 (12%))). Serious adverse events were comparable during open label treatment and the controlled phase. Serious infections occurring during open label treatment and the blinded period were similar (2.03 v 2.30 events per 100 patient-years, respectively). Conclusions: Adalimumab plus MTX sustained clinical response and remission in patients with RA during 4 years. The safety profile during the first 6 months was similar to that after 4 years’ follow up. Reduction of corticosteroid and/or MTX dosages did not adversely affect long term efficacy.