Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Monitoring auditory cortical plasticity in hearing aid users with long latency auditory evoked potentials: a longitudinal study

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare long-latency auditory evoked potentials before and after hearing aid fittings in children with sensorineural hearing loss compared with age-matched children with normal hearing. METHODS: Thirty-two subjects of both genders aged 7 to 12 years participated in this study and were divided into two groups as follows: 14 children with normal hearing were assigned to the control group (mean age 9 years and 8 months), and 18 children with mild to moderate symmetrical bilateral sensorineural hearing loss were assigned to the study group (mean age 9 years and 2 months). The children underwent tympanometry, pure tone and speech audiometry and long-latency auditory evoked potential testing with speech and tone burst stimuli. The groups were assessed at three time points. RESULTS: The study group had a lower percentage of positive responses, lower P1-N1 and P2-N2 amplitudes (speech and tone burst), and increased latencies for the P1 and P300 components following the tone burst stimuli. They also showed improvements in long-latency auditory evoked potentials (with regard to both the amplitude and presence of responses) after hearing aid use. CONCLUSIONS: Alterations in the central auditory pathways can be identified using P1-N1 and P2-N2 amplitude components, and the presence of these components increases after a short period of auditory stimulation (hearing aid use). These findings emphasize the importance of using these amplitude components to monitor the neuroplasticity of the central auditory nervous system in hearing aid users.
A STUDY OF MICROFOULING ON ANTIFOULING COATINGS USING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY

Scanning electron microscopy has shown that diatoms are the predominant microfouling organisms on a number of antifouling coating specimens from ships and test panels. Surface deposits of amorphous material, attributed to bacteria, have been infrequently observed. Transmission electron microscopy has shown that relatively few species of small, pennate diatoms are present, predominantly of the genus Amphora. Diatoms alter the surface topography and coating structure in such a way that both the frictional resistance and the service life of the coating could be affected. The adhesion of paint applied over diatom layers is adversely affected. The effects of both diatomaceous and bacterial slimes upon the toxic release rate are discussed. Coating composition and the amount of light reaching the coating surface are considered to be major factors affecting the growth of microfouling organisms on antifouling coatings. (Author)
Retinoic Acid Mediates Visceral-Specific Adipogenic Defects of Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells

Increased visceral fat, rather than subcutaneous fat, during the onset of obesity is associated with a higher risk of developing metabolic diseases. The inherent adipogenic properties of human adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) from visceral depots are compromised compared with those of ASCs from subcutaneous depots, but little is known about the underlying mechanisms. Using ontological analysis of global gene expression studies, we demonstrate that many genes involved in retinoic acid (RA) synthesis or regulated by RA are differentially expressed in human tissues and ASCs from subcutaneous and visceral fat. The endogenous level of RA is higher in visceral ASCs; this is associated with upregulation of the RA synthesis gene through the visceral-specific developmental factor WT1. Excessive RA-mediated activity impedes the adipogenic capability of ASCs at early but not late stages of adipogenesis, which can be reversed by antagonism of RA receptors or knockdown of WT1. Our results reveal the developmental origin of adipocytic properties and the pathophysiological contributions of visceral fat depots.
Exercise and Self-Esteem in Menopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial Involving Walking and Yoga

Purpose. To examine the effects of walking and yoga on multidimensional self-esteem and roles played by self-efficacy, body composition, and physical activity (PA) in changes in esteem. Design. Four-month randomized controlled exercise trial with three arms: walking, yoga, and control. Subjects. Previously low-active middle-aged women (n = 164; M age = 49.9; SD = 3.6). Intervention. Structured and supervised walking program meeting three times per week for 1 hour and supervised yoga program meeting twice per week for 90 minutes. Measures. Body composition, fitness assessment, and battery of psychologic measures. Analysis. Panel analysis within a structural equation modeling framework using Mplus 3.0. Results. The walking and yoga interventions failed to enhance global or physical self-esteem but improved subdomain esteem relative to physical condition and strength (for walking) and body attractiveness (for both walking and yoga). Over time the effects of PA, self-efficacy, and body fat on changes in physical self-esteem and global esteem were mediated by changes in physical condition and body attractiveness subdomain esteem. Women reporting greater levels of self-efficacy and PA with lower body fat also reported greater enhancements in subdomain esteem. Conclusion. These results provide support for the hierarchic and multidimensional nature of self-esteem and indicate that middle-aged women may enhance certain aspects of physical self-esteem by participating in PA.
CRISPR knock out of programmed cell death protein 1 enhances anti-tumor activity of cytotoxic T lymphocytes

Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) is an immune checkpoint receptor that functions to attenuate T cell activation. In this study, we knocked out (KO) PD-1 in cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) using CRISPR-Cas9 system to evaluate its effect on the anti-tumor activity of the CTLs against multiple myeloma (MM). Results show that PD-1 KO CTLs facilitate apoptosis and caspase activation of the co-cultured MM cells and enhanced MM cell death by 36% compared with the control. PD-1 KO also increased TNF-α and IFN-γ secretion of the CTLs by 2.4 and 1.9-fold respectively. The effectiveness of PD-1 KO in enhancing anti-tumor activity of the CTLs was verified in vivo using mouse xenograft model. The xenografted mice treated with PD-1 KO CTLs demonstrated repressed MM tumor growth and prolonged survival compared with the control group. We conclude that CRISPR-Cas9 is an efficient system to knock out PD-1 from CTLs and PD-1 KO could significantly enhance the anti-tumor activity of CTLs.
Thrombus Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Content Impair tPA-Induced Thrombolysis in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background and Purpose— Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) are DNA extracellular networks decorated with histones and granular proteins produced by activated neutrophils. NETs have been identified as major triggers and structural factors of thrombosis. A recent study designated extracellular DNA threads from NETs as a potential therapeutic target for improving tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA)-induced thrombolysis in acute coronary syndrome. The aim of this study was to assess the presence of NETs in thrombi retrieved during endovascular therapy in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and their impact on tPA-induced thrombolysis. Methods— We analyzed thrombi from 108 AIS patients treated with endovascular therapy. Thrombi were characterized by hematoxylin/eosin staining, immunostaining, and ex vivo enzymatic assay. Additionally, we assessed ex vivo the impact of deoxyribonuclease 1 (DNAse 1) on thrombolysis of AIS thrombi. Results— Histological analysis revealed that NETs contributed to the composition of all AIS thrombi especially in their outer layers. Quantitative measurement of thrombus NETs content was not associated with clinical outcome or AIS pathogenesis but correlated significantly with endovascular therapy procedure length and device number of passes. Ex vivo, recombinant DNAse 1 accelerated tPA-induced thrombolysis, whereas DNAse 1 alone was ineffective. Conclusions— This study suggests that thrombus NETs content may be responsible for reperfusion resistance, including mechanical or pharmacological approaches with intravenous tPA, irrespectively of their etiology. The efficacy of a strategy involving an administration of DNAse 1 in addition to tPA should be explored in the setting of AIS. Clinical Trial Registration— URL: http://www.clinicaltrials. gov. Unique identifier: NCT02907736.
Pseudo multi-exposure fusion using a single image

This paper proposes a novel pseudo multi-exposure image fusion based on a single image. Multi-exposure image fusion is a method to produce images without saturation regions, by using photos with different exposures. However, it is difficult to take photos suited for the multi-exposure image fusion when we take a photo of dynamic scenes or record a video. In addition, the multi-exposure image fusion cannot be applied to existing images with a single exposure or videos. The proposed method enables us to produce pseudo multi-exposure images from a single image. To produce multi-exposure images, the proposed method utilizes a relationship between exposure values and pixel values. The relationship is obtained by assuming that a digital camera has a linear response function. Moreover, it is shown that the use of a local contrast enhancement method allows us to produce pseudo multi-exposure images with higher quality. Most of conventional multi-exposure image fusion methods are also applicable to the pseudo multi-exposure images. Experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed method by comparing the proposed one with conventional ones.
The Alzheimer's disease neuroimaging initiative (ADNI): MRI methods

The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) is a longitudinal multisite observational study of healthy elders, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and Alzheimer's disease. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), (18F)‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET), urine serum, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers, as well as clinical/psychometric assessments are acquiredat multiple time points. All data will be cross‐linked and made available to the general scientific community. The purpose of this report is to describe the MRI methods employed in ADNI. The ADNI MRI core established specifications thatguided protocol development. A major effort was devoted toevaluating 3D T1‐weighted sequences for morphometric analyses. Several options for this sequence were optimized for the relevant manufacturer platforms and then compared in a reduced‐scale clinical trial. The protocol selected for the ADNI study includes: back‐to‐back 3D magnetization prepared rapid gradient echo (MP‐RAGE) scans; B1‐calibration scans when applicable; and an axial proton density‐T2 dual contrast (i.e., echo) fast spin echo/turbo spin echo (FSE/TSE) for pathology detection. ADNI MRI methods seek to maximize scientific utility while minimizing the burden placed on participants. The approach taken in ADNI to standardization across sites and platforms of the MRI protocol, postacquisition corrections, and phantom‐based monitoring of all scanners could be used as a model for other multisite trials. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Burden of cardiovascular disease across 29 countries and GPs’ decision to treat hypertension in oldest-old

Abstract Objectives: We previously found large variations in general practitioner (GP) hypertension treatment probability in oldest-old (>80 years) between countries. We wanted to explore whether differences in country-specific cardiovascular disease (CVD) burden and life expectancy could explain the differences. Design: This is a survey study using case-vignettes of oldest-old patients with different comorbidities and blood pressure levels. An ecological multilevel model analysis was performed. Setting: GP respondents from European General Practice Research Network (EGPRN) countries, Brazil and New Zeeland. Subjects: This study included 2543 GPs from 29 countries. Main outcome measures: GP treatment probability to start or not start antihypertensive treatment based on responses to case-vignettes; either low (<50% started treatment) or high (≥50% started treatment). CVD burden is defined as ratio of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost due to ischemic heart disease and/or stroke and total DALYs lost per country; life expectancy at age 60 and prevalence of oldest-old per country. Results: Of 1947 GPs (76%) responding to all vignettes, 787 (40%) scored high treatment probability and 1160 (60%) scored low. GPs in high CVD burden countries had higher odds of treatment probability (OR 3.70; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.00–4.57); in countries with low life expectancy at 60, CVD was associated with high treatment probability (OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.12–4.25); but not in countries with high life expectancy (OR 1.06, 95% CI 0.56–1.98). Conclusions: GPs’ choice to treat/not treat hypertension in oldest-old was explained by differences in country-specific health characteristics. GPs in countries with high CVD burden and low life expectancy at age 60 were most likely to treat hypertension in oldest-old. Key Points • General practitioners (GPs) are in a clinical dilemma when deciding whether (or not) to treat hypertension in the oldest-old (>80 years of age). • In this study including 1947 GPs from 29 countries, we found that a high country-specific cardiovascular disease (CVD) burden (i.e. myocardial infarction and/or stroke) was associated with a higher GP treatment probability in patients aged >80 years. • However, the association was modified by country-specific life expectancy at age 60. While there was a positive association for GPs in countries with a low life expectancy at age 60, there was no association in countries with a high life expectancy at age 60. • These findings help explaining some of the large variation seen in the decision as to whether or not to treat hypertension in the oldest-old.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Fracture of Graphene

A molecular dynamics (MD) simulation to assess the effect of crack length on the ultimate tensile strength of infinitely large armchair and zigzag graphene sheets is presented. The strength of graphene is inversely proportional to the square-root of crack length as in continuum fracture theories. Further comparison of the strength given by MD simulations with Griffith’s energy balance criterion demonstrates a reasonable agreement. Armchair and zigzag graphene sheets with 2.5 nm long crack exhibit around 55% of the strength of pristine sheets. Investigation of the influence of temperature on the strength of graphene indicates that sheets at higher temperatures fail at lower strengths, due to high kinetic energy of atoms. We also observe out-of-plane deformations of the crack tip at equilibrium configuration of both types of sheets due to compressive forces acting on the crack surface. This deformation propagates with applied strain in the direction normal to the crack and eventually generates ripples in the entire sheet.
Blood pressure manometer using a twin Bragg grating Fabry-Perot interferometer

We propose the use of optical fiber Bragg gratings in a non-invasive blood pressure waveform monitor. Bragg gratings can be written in a Fabry-Perot interferometric configuration to yield a method of strain measurement that has both a high resolution and a wide unambiguous range. This fiber Bragg grating Fabry-Perot interferometer (FBGI) can be used as a sensor to detect strain resulting from blood pressure applied to the walls of an artery situated near the patient’s skin. Strain measurements taken on the skin surface, typically over the radial artery at the wrist, are encoded as phase shifts of the FBGI signal. These phase shifts may be obtained by the analytic representation of the interferometer signal in the wavelength domain or by Fourier analysis in the frequency domain. For the proof of concept a realistic physical model was constructed to simulate pressure conditions at the actual sensor location. The operation of the device is demonstrated by measurements of pressure-pulse waveforms obtained in real-time. This sensor was also successfully tested on human patients, and these results are also presented. Since it yields continuous readings of blood pressure non-invasively, further application of the optical manometer may yield an alternative to conventional sphygmomanometry.
ArF immersion lithography: critical optical issues

We present selected results of our feasibility study on ArF Immersion lithography from the viewpoint of the exposure-tool development. First, we show that utilizing finite bubble lifetime in degassed water can eliminate air bubbles that are generated by wafer scanning. Second, it is shown that thermal fluctuation of immersion liquid as well as vectorial diffraction effect from the mask is not significant in terms of imaging performance. Third, we demonstrate resist imaging of 60-nm and 45-nm line-and-space patterns in interferometric exposure experiments with an ArF laser at the power level of the actual exposure tools. Fourth, the increase of the depth of focus is confirmed using an alpha exposure tool of ArF immersion. All these results indicate that the ArF immersion lithography is promising for 65-nm half-pitch node and beyond.
Glucocorticoid‐remediable aldosteronism in a young adult with a family history of Conn's syndrome

Glucocorticoid‐remediable aldosteronism is a hereditary form of primary hyperaldosteronism and the most common monogenic cause of hypertension. We present the case of a 24‐year‐old man with a family history of Conn's syndrome. Yet, in the index patient, classical characteristics of mineralocorticoid excess could be reversed by exogenous glucocorticoids.
Weak-microcavity organic light-emitting diodes with improved light-extraction and wide viewing-angle

We propose and demonstrate weak-microcavity organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays that deliver both a high light-extraction efficiency and wide viewing-angle characteristics. A single pair of low- and high-index layers is inserted between indium tin oxide (ITO) and a glass substrate. The electroluminescent (EL) efficiencies of discrete red, green, and blue weak-microcavity OLEDs (WMOLEDs) are enhanced by 56%, 107%, and 26%, respectively with minimal changes viewing angle and EL spectra characteristics. The color purity is also improved for all three colors. Moreover, we fabricated full-color 128×160 passive-matrix bottom-emitting WMOLED displays to prove their manufacturability. This design is realized by simple one-step 20-nm etching of the low-index layer of red/green subpixels. The EL efficiency of white color in the WMOLED display is 27% higher than that of a conventional OLED display.
Diagnostic value of combined serum marker changes and quantitative MRI evaluation of cartilage volume of tibial plateau in a surgically-induced osteoarthritis dog model

Objective To evaluate the combined diagnostic value of two serum osteoarthritis (OA) markers and quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation of the cartilage volume of the tibial plateau in a canine model of experimental OA. Methods A total of 18 male Beagle dogs were used in this longitudinal study. OA was surgically induced via anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) of the right knee in 10 dogs. The remaining eight dogs formed the sham operation control group and underwent the same procedure without ACLT. At various times after surgery, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure serum C-telopeptide of type II collagen (CTX-II) and type X collagen (ColX) levels. Quantitative evaluation of the tibial plateau volume was undertaken using MRI and ImageJ software. Results The serum CTX-II levels were significantly higher in the OA group at weeks 8, 12 and 16 after surgery, but not at week 4, compared with the control group. The serum ColX levels in the OA group were significantly higher than in the control group at weeks 8 and 12. The tibial plateau cartilage volumes in the OA group were significantly lower than in the control group at weeks 8 and 16. Conclusion Serum CTX-II and ColX levels combined with quantitative MRI evaluation of the tibial plateau cartilage volume in a canine model of OA demonstrated the potential to detect and monitor OA progression.
Digital Monopulse Beamforming for Achieving the CRLB for Angle Accuracy

The monopulse angle-estimation technique used in digital beamforming radars is investigated from the perspective of optimizing the angle accuracy. Specifically, a digital difference beamforming taper is proposed in this paper to optimize the monopulse angle accuracy. For a fully digitized array radar with an amplitude-tapered antenna aperture for sum beampattern with low sidelobes, the monopulse angle accuracy obtained using the proposed difference taper coincides with the Cramer–Rao lower bound. The derivation of the monopulse angle accuracy with the proposed difference taper is presented and an improvement of the accuracy over the conventional monopulse accuracy is proved theoretically. The results of computer simulations using a uniform linear array is included to highlight the accuracy improvement by a factor of 1.16 (over the conventional monopulse), which is equivalent to a 1.3 dB reduction in the signal-to-noise ratio for the requisite angle accuracy.
Molecular Modeling of Protein Structure, Biology of Disease and Clinical Electroretinography in Human X-Linked Retinoschisis (XLRS)

We describe a promising approach using in silico structure-function studies of protein atomic structure and computational medicine to understand disease. In silico studies use an atomic structure of proteins and molecular modeling for structure-function analysis. This approach is critical for large-scale genetic studies in order to understand a possible functional role of genetic mutations. Indeed, structural changes associated with missense mutations might impact protein folding, protein-protein interaction sites, or solubility or stability of protein molecules. The structural effect of mutational changes can be analyzed in silico on the basis of 3-dimensional structure, multiple alignments of homologous sequences, molecular modeling, and molecular dynamics simulations. The parameters derived from 3dimensional protein structure could be used in clinical studies to predict a severity of protein structure-function changes caused by genetic mutations and evaluate genotype-tophenotype relationships. In this chapter, we use X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS) as our disease model. XLRS is a form of juvenile macular and retinal degeneration in which schisis or splitting within the retinal layers leads to early and progressive vision loss. XLRS is a rare disease estimated to affect 1:5000 males (George et al., 1995; Wang et al., 2002) and is a disease with considerable clinical and electrophysiological variation. Precise analysis of XLRS is pertinent to identify disease severity and genotype-phenotype correlation. Due to the lack of a protein assay, a correlation between phenotype and genotype is difficult. Advances in molecular modeling give new insight to mutation severity at atomic level and provide a possible connection between genotype-phenotype correlations. This creates the hope that disease risk assessment at the atomic level will be a reality in the future. For our study, we use the electroretinogram (ERG) for our phenotypical data set, which we correlated with expected mutation severity.