Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Direct and Real-Time Cardiovascular Risk Prediction

Coronary artery calcium (CAC) burden quantified in low-dose chest CT is a predictor of cardiovascular events. We propose an automatic method for CAC quantification, circumventing intermediate segmentation of CAC. The method determines a bounding box around the heart using a ConvNet for localization. Subsequently, a dedicated ConvNet analyzes axial slices within the bounding boxes to determine CAC quantity by regression. A dataset of 1,546 baseline CT scans was used from the National Lung Screening Trial with manually identified CAC. The method achieved an ICC of 0.98 between manual reference and automatically obtained Agatston scores. Stratification of subjects into five cardiovascular risk categories resulted in an accuracy of 85\% and Cohen's linearly weighted $\kappa$ of 0.90. The results demonstrate that real-time quantification of CAC burden in chest CT without the need for segmentation of CAC is possible.
Endometrial Assessment by Vaginal Ultrasonography Might Reduce Endometrial Sampling in Patients with Postmenopausal Bleeding: A Prospective Study

EDITORIAL COMMENT: We accepted this paper for publication because it gives strong data that curettage is not necessary to exclude endometrial carcinoma in postmenopausal women, with or without bleeding, if the endometrial thickness does not exceed 4 mm as assessed by vaginal probe ultrasonography. This message seems reliable since the 192 women with bleeding included 19 with endometrial carcinoma and the group of 97 without bleeding included 1 woman with endometrial cancer. The take‐away message from this study and similar series referred to by the authors is that endometrial cancer is associated with an endometrial thickness of 8 mm or more. It is of interest that vaginal probe ultrasonography in these postmenopausal women also has a small pick‐up rate of bladder tumours.
Compact mode-size converters for efficient coupling between fibers and integrated optical waveguides

We present a theoretical and numerical investigation of compact fiber-waveguide couplers that are based on lensing and high index-contrast and are only a few microns long. These structures are characterized by very broadband operation which makes them suitable for WDM systems. We assume that the input mode is from a lensed single-mode fiber and can be approximated by a Gaussian. Thus a preliminary design can be obtained analytically using Gaussian beam optics and ray matrices. Finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulations are performed for evaluation of the performance and optimization of the design.
Mutational analysis of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae general regulatory factor CP1.

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae general regulatory factor CP1, a helix-loop-helix protein that binds the centromere DNA element I (CDEI) of yeast centromeres, is required in yeast for optimal centromere function and for methionine prototrophy. Mutant alleles of CEP1, the gene encoding CP1, were generated by linker insertion, 5'- and 3'-deletion, and random mutagenesis and assayed for DNA binding activity and their ability to confer CP1 function when expressed in yeast. A heterologous CDEI-binding protein, TFEB, was also tested for CP1 function. The results suggested that DNA binding is required for both biological functions of CP1 but is not sufficient. A direct and quantitative correlation was observed between the chromosome loss and nutritional (i.e., Met) phenotypes of strains carrying loss of function alleles, but qualitatively the chromosome loss phenotype was more sensitive to decreased CP1 expression. The data are consistent with a model in which CP1 performs the same general chromatin-related function at centromeres and MET gene promoters and is normally present in functional excess.
A hybrid genetic algorithm to optimize device allocation in industrial Ethernet networks with real-time constraints

With the advance of automation technology, the scale of industrial communication networks at field level is growing. Guaranteeing real-time performance of these networks is therefore becoming an increasingly difficult task. This paper addresses the optimization of device allocation in industrial Ethernet networks with real-time constraints (DAIEN-RC). Considering the inherent diversity of real-time requirements of typical industrial applications, a novel optimization criterion based on relative delay is proposed. A hybrid genetic algorithm incorporating a reduced variable neighborhood search (GA-rVNS) is developed for DAIEN-RC. Experimental results show that the proposed novel scheme achieves a superior performance compared to existing schemes, especially for large scale industrial networks.
Treatment with an Amyloid-β Antibody Ameliorates Plaque Load, Learning Deficits, and Hippocampal Long-Term Potentiation in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease

PDAPP transgenic mice overexpress a mutant form of human amyloid precursor protein under control of the platelet-derived growth factor promoter in CNS neurons that causes early onset, familial Alzheimer's disease in humans. These mice, on a mixed genetic background, have been shown to have substantial learning impairments from early ages, as well as an age-dependent decline in learning ability that has been hypothesized to be caused by amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulation. The goals of this study were to determine: (1) whether PDAPP mice on a pure C57BL/6 background develop more severe age-dependent learning deficits than wild-type mice; (2) if so, whether Aβ accumulation accounts for the excessive decline in learning ability; and (3) whether the learning deficits are reversible, even after significant Aβ deposition. At 4-6, 10-12, or 17-19 months of age, PDAPP and littermate wild-type mice on a C57BL/6 background were tested on a 5 week water maze protocol in which the location of the escape platform changed weekly, requiring the mice to repeatedly learn new information. PDAPP mice exhibited impaired spatial learning as early as 4 months (pre-Aβ deposition), and the performance of both wild-type and PDAPP mice declined with age. However, PDAPP mice exhibited significantly greater deterioration with age. Direct evidence for the role of Aβ accumulation in the age-related worsening in PDAPP mice was provided by the observation that systemic treatment over several weeks with the anti-Aβ antibody 10D5 reduced plaque deposition, increased plasma Aβ, improved hippocampal long-term potentiation, and improved behavioral performance in aged PDAPP mice with substantial Aβ burden.
Two hundred years of psychiatry at Leipzig University: an overview

The University of Leipzig boasts a long tradition in the field of psychiatry. In 1811 J. C. A. Heinroth was appointed as the first professor of psychiatry in Europe. In 1877 brain researcher P. Flechsig inherited his chair, but did not significantly contribute to the progress of this speciality. His first assistant was E. Kraepelin. Flechsig's successors, O. Bumke and P. Schröder, included psychological as well as sociogenetic topics in their research. The latter did pioneering work for the institutionalization of child and adolescent psychiatry. After the destruction of the hospital in 1943, R. A. Pfeifer re-organized its operation, and he also made remarkable contributions to the study of the angiostructure of the brain. With D. Müller-Hegemann, who had a major influence on German psychotherapy, the social psychiatric era began, and it was successfully continued under B. Schwarz, K. Weise and the hospital's present head, M. C. Angermeyer. Under Angermeyer the institutional basis of the clinic has been further improved to include, among its other services, a day clinic and an optionally open-closed ward.
Invertebrate models of Alzheimer's disease

The intensely studied model organisms Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster have been employed to study a number of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although worms and flies are phylogenetically distant from humans, results of both classic genetic analyses and transgenic manipulation of these invertebrates suggest they are valid models for at least some aspects of AD. This review describes the rationale for AD‐relevant studies in worms and flies and discusses both what has been learned from these studies and what may be discovered in the future.
Sustained Expression of Neuritin mRNA After Repeated Electroconvulsive Stimulations in the Rat Hippocampal Formation

In the present study, we compared the expression patterns of neuritin mRNA in the dentate gyrus of hippocampal formation following single (1×ECS) or repeated elctroconvulsive seizures (8×ECS) treatments to the rat. The expression of neuritin mRNA was transiently increased, and returned to basal level within 12 hours after 1×ECS. Whereas initial induction of neuritin mRNA was similarly seen, these increased mRNA level was maintained for 24 hours in 8 ×ECS group. In contrast, induction profile of BDNF was similar following 1× and 8×ECS. These results suggest that regulation of neuritin expression may be plastically changed by repeated ECS treatment.
Cognitive dysfunction in chronic Chagas disease cardiomyopathy

Chagas disease (CD) remains a major cause of stroke in developing countries, but cognitive repercussion of CD has not been well studied. Objective To compare the frequency and pattern of cognitive dysfunction in patients with CD cardiomyopathy (CDC) and other cardiomyopathies (OC). Methods We studied 37 patients with CDC and 42 patients with OC with similar age, educational level and cardiac systolic function. Cognitive tests were applied to both groups by a single examiner blinded to CD status. Logistic regression multivariable models were constructed to ascertain predictors of cognitive dysfunction for each test. Results Cognitive dysfunction was detected in 9 (24%) CDC patients and 6 (14%) OC patients by Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE) corrected for educational level. Independent predictors of abnormal MMSE (p<0.05) included stroke history (OR=5.51; 95% CI=1.27–24.01) and digoxin use (OR=0.23, 95% CI=0.06–0.89), while CD showed a trend toward statistical significance (OR=4.63; 95% CI=0.87–24.73, p=0.07). Delayed recall of Rey’s Complex Figure Test was significantly worse in CD patients, where this remained a significant predictor in the multivariable analysis (OR=4.67; 95% CI=1.23–17.68). Conclusions Cognitive dysfunction is frequent in Chagas disease and should be considered as an outcome measure in Chagas disease studies.
Motivación y actividad física : el autoinforme de motivos para la práctica de ejercicio físico (AMPEF)

Las evidencias de que el sedentarismo es un factor de riesgo para muchas enfermedades han ido en aumento. Por ello, la Psicologia de la Salud y la Psicologia del Deporte han demostrado interes por el estudio de la adherencia a la conducta activa. Nuestro objetivo es la adaptacion al castellano de uno de los cuestionarios mas exhaustivos que evaluan la relacion entre motivacion y practica de ejercicio fisico saludable. A partir de la version final (el Autoinforme de Motivos para la Practica de Ejercicio Fisico, AMPEF), se pretende analizar las diferencias de motivacion en una muestra amplia y diversa de sujetos, segun su nivel de practica. La version final del AMPEF resulta un instrumento adecuado, valido y fiable, para evaluar los motivos relacionados con la practica de ejercicio fisico, que permite distinguir a las personas activas de las sedentarias en cuanto a dos estilos o formas de vida diferente: el estilo saludable y el no-saludable. Los sujetos activos muestran una motivacion intrinseca mayor que los sedentarios, que se relaciona con la adherencia a la conducta de ejercicio, de acuerdo con otros estudios. Por ejemplo, puntuan mas alto los motivos de diversion o bienestar, de control del estres o de mejora de la condicion fisica. En cambio, para los sedentarios, las urgencias de salud es el unico motivo puntuado mas alto, posiblemente debido a una incidencia mas elevada de trastornos.
On the best interceptor placement for an optimally deployed visual sensor network

The problem treated in this paper is about optimal visual sensors placement and deployment with estimation of the appropriate location of an interceptor to be placed. The main objective of this research is to ensure accurate coverage of the monitoring space with a minimum number of directional “field-of-view” (FOV) cameras and in the same time to decrease the interception time of an intruder at any entry of a target traveling between two areas. Firstly, we define the coverage problem by realistic and consistent assumptions taking into account the capabilities and limits of the cameras. Then, a novel method based on Binary Particle Swarm Optimization (BPSO) and inspired probability is proposed for solving the cameras placement for coverage problem. The performances of the proposed approach are discussed and compared with several stochastic algorithms such as genetic algorithms, immune system and some adapted versions of evolutionary algorithms based on the BPSO. In the second part of the paper, we address an improved optimal polynomial time algorithm for computing the worst-case breach coverage in directional FOV sensor networks, which represent the best position of an interceptor to be placed
Selection of an attenuated Coxsackievirus B3 variant, using a monoclonal antibody reactive to myocyte antigen

Previously, we described a heart-reactive monoclonal antibody (MAb), 10A1, derived from a coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3)-infected mouse. This MAb selectively inhibits infection of HeLa cells and myocytes with the myocarditic virus variant (CVB3W). A plaque-purified variant (H3) of CVB3W was isolated from the heart of an infected animal, and a second virus (H3-10A1) was obtained by growing H3 in HeLa cells in the presence of MAb 10A1. As with the parental CVB3W virus, H3 infection of HeLa cells can be inhibited by MAb 10A1, but the antibody-selected H3-10A1 variant is resistant to MAb inhibition (presumably an escape mutant). BALB/c mice infected with 10(6) PFU of CVB3W, H3, or H3-10A1 resulted in approximately 90% animal mortality with CVB3W or H3 and less than 10% mortality with H3-10A1, suggesting that the escape mutant is less pathogenic. Additionally, hearts from animals infected with H3-10A1 demonstrated only half the amount of myocarditis observed in either CVB3W- or H3-infected mice. Cardiac virus titers were also reduced approximately 200-fold in H3-10A1-infected animals compared with those in mice given the pathogenic variants. In vitro studies indicate that H3-10A1 is less effective in inhibiting cellular RNA and protein synthesis and show reduced virus replication compared with that of pathogenic viruses in cultured myocytes.
Opportunity exploitation and resource exploitation: An integrative growth model for entrepreneurship

Purpose – Guided by the proposed opportunity and resource integrative entrepreneurial growth model, the purpose of this paper is to explore how different opportunity type firms grow integrally and what the laws for different opportunity integration growth modes are. Design/methodology/approach – A multiple case study on six firms in information and communication technologies industry in China is conducted. Findings – Three types of entrepreneurial opportunities exist. These are identification type opportunity, discovery type opportunity, and creation type opportunity. Entrepreneurship among the three types of entrepreneurial opportunities operates under different laws. For each type of entrepreneurial opportunity, firms need to balance the two growth modes, namely, the opportunity identification and assessment/resource allocation mode and the opportunity utilization and resource identification/acquisition mode, in order to achieve a leveraging effect. Research limitations/implications – Vertical compariso.
Polydepsipeptides. A systematic investigation of guest‐host effects

This paper should have been written 20 years ago. When I left Murray Goodman’s laboratory, in 1985, after 3 years of post-doctoral work, I had not finished this project. Resolved to complete it once back in Padova, I carried out some of the computations, but I never felt that the job was done. I realize now that I did Murray a disservice, and I would like to make up for it with this contribution. The idea behind this project is typical of how Murray worked, and is an example of what I learned from him: Murray took pleasure in understanding the relationship between chemical modifications and the properties of the molecules he created, whether physical, chemical or biological. He sought this understanding thoroughly and methodically, studying series upon series of compounds. In his laboratory, I learned to appreciate this systematic approach. The faults and limits of what I report here are mine, the ingenuity of the approach is his.
The Ras-GTPase-activating protein SH3 domain is required for Cdc2 activation and mos induction by oncogenic Ras in Xenopus oocytes independently of mitogen-activated protein kinase activation

The Ras-GTPase-activating protein (RasGAP) is an important modulator of p21ras - dependent signal transduction in Xenopus oocytes and in mammalian cells. We investigated the role of the RasGAP SH3 domain in signal transduction with a monoclonal antibody against the SH3 domain of RasGaP. This antibody prevented the activation of the maturation-promoting factor complex (cyclin B-p34cdc2) by oncogenic Ras. The antibody appears to be specific because as little as 5 ng injected per oocyte reduced the level of Cdc2 activation by 50% whereas 100 ng of nonspecific immunoglobulin G did not affect Cdc2 activation. The antibody blocked the Cdc2 activation induced by oncogenic Ras but not that induced by progesterone, which acts independently of Ras. A peptide corresponding to positions 317 to 326 of a sequence in the SH3 domain of human RasGAP blocked Cdc2 activation, whereas a peptide corresponding to positions 273 to 305 of a sequence in the N-terminal moiety of the SH3 domain of RasGAP had no effect. The antibody did not block the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase cascade (activation of MAPK/ERK kinase [MEK], MAP kinase, and S6 kinase p90rsk). Surprisingly, injection of the negative MAP kinase mutant protein ERK2 K52R (containing a K-to-R mutation at position 52) blocked the Cdc2 activation induced by oncogenic Ras as well as blocking the activation of MAP kinase. Thus, MAP kinase is also implicated in the regulation of Cdc2 activity. In this study, we further investigated the regulation of the synthesis of the c-mos oncogene product, which is necessary for the activation of Cdc2. We report that the synthesis of the c-mos oncogene product, which is necessary for the activation antibody to the SH3 domain of RasGAP and by injecting the negative MAP kinase mutant protein ERK2 K52R. These results suggest that oncogenic Ras activates two signaling mechanisms: the MAP kinase cascade and a signaling pathway implicating the SH3 domain of RasGAP. These mechanisms might control Mos protein expression implicated in Cdc2 activation.
Real-time multi-board architecture for analog spiking neural networks

In this paper, we present a multi-board system based on analog neuromimetic ICs. These ICs compute in realtime conductance-based models. These models are implemented in a modular architecture based on our analog IPs. Each IC includes five neurons and analog memory cells to set and store the conductance model parameters, and eventually optimize it to compensate the analog circuit variability. The circuits are embedded in a multi-board system able to host up to 120 neurons spread across 6 boards all connected to a backplane with daisy-chain facilities. Each action potential computed by analog neuromimetic chips is time-stamped when detected by digital device (FPGA). These FPGAs are also in charge of the real-time plasticity computation and of controlling inter-boards communication. The system is designed to compute programmable models and connectivity schemes.
Analysis and test on electric field concentration effect of bipolar conventional air terminal

In this paper, we present that the bipolar conventional air terminal (BCAT) with a floating conductor affects the electric field distribution. When the thunderstorm clouds approach facilities placed on the top of buildings, electric field is intensified around facilities. So, the probability of lightning strikes increases. The BCAT is used to protect the facilities because it alleviates the electric field near them. The mechanism of a floating conductor discharge is explained, and the analysis models according to existence of BCAT are analyzed using finite element method. The object to be protected from lightning is placed between BCATs. In this experiment, the flashover voltage is measured when the flashover occurs at the analysis models by increasing DC high voltage simulating thundercloud. These flashover voltages of each model are measured and compared with each other. As a result, it was found that flashover voltage is reduced by 10% in the condition with BCAT in comparison with the condition without it. This paper reviews the electric field reduction of BCAT. Future study and research are to carry out the electric field analysis and experiment in various conditions with different allocation of structures and the lightning rod and in the condition which flashover does not occur.
SARCOSPA - Sarcopenia in spondyloarthritis patients.

INTRODUCTION The loss of muscle mass (MM) is a serious problem which has been demonstrated in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. There are few studies about the loss of MM in patients with spondyloarthritis (Spa). OBJECTIVE To assess muscle mass index (MMI) in a cohort of patients with Spa and compare it with a control group of healthy individuals; to verify if a higher risk of sarcopenia is related with disease activity, functional impairment, duration of the illness and radiological damage. METHODS Case control study. Muscle mass index (MMI) was determined, from the value of MM, using Lee's equation, in a cohort of patients with spondyloarthritis and in a control group. Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity and Function Indexes (BASDAI and BASFI), Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life (ASQoL) and Modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spinal Score (mSASSS) were assessed in a cohort of patients with axial Spa, as well as Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28) in patients with peripheral disease. Data were treated using SPSS version 17.0. Values of p<0,05 were considered with statistical significance. RESULTS 60 patients were enrolled; 48.2% were males, mean age 45.5±13.4 years, mean disease duration 10.9±11.6 years; 36 had ankylosing spondylitis and 24 had psoriatic arthritis. 62% of patients had sarcopenia and there was a significant difference in mean MMI between patients and controls (7.65±0.98 vs 8.25±0.92; p=0.001, OR =5.23. In male patients, there was a statistically significant moderate negative correlation between MMI and BASDAI and BASFI (p=-0.536 and p=-0.445). No other significant correlations were identified. CONCLUSION Our study supports the hypothesis of a greater prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with Spa compared to healthy controls. Some limitations included the sample size, potential confounding factor such the bias of measurement and the use of a non-validated equation to Portuguese population to calculate MM.
Peroxynitrite-Mediated Mitochondrial Dysfunction

Peroxynitrite anion (ONOO–) is a potent biological oxidant produced by the near diffusion-limited reaction of superoxide and nitric oxide. Peroxynitrite has been implicated in diverse forms of free radical-induced tissue injury. Experimental evidence showed that exogenous and endogenous peroxynitrite causes alterations of the structure and function of mitochondrial proteins, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and cellular or organ injury. These data are discussed along with its physiopathological implications.