Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multiscale sample entropy of heart rate and blood pressure: Methodological aspects

The entropy of heart rate variability is one of the main features characterizing the complexity of the cardiovascular system. In order to take into account the multiscale nature of cardiovascular regulation, it was proposed to evaluate entropy with a multiscale approach, based on the estimation of Sample Entropy on progressively coarse-grained series (Multiscale Sample Entropy, MSE). Aim of this work is to investigate two methodological aspects related to MSE of cardiovascular signals. The first aspect regards the tolerance below which a couple of points are considered similar in a given embedding dimension, in particular how the way the tolerance is set at each level of coarse graining influences the MSE estimates. The second aspect regards whether heart rate and blood pressure (BP) signals are characterized by different MSE structures.To investigate these aspects, we analyzed 65 continuous BP recordings of more than 90-minute duration in healthy volunteers sitting at rest, and applied MSE estimators to beat-by-beat series of systolic BP, diastolic BP and pulse interval (inverse of heart rate). Results indicate that the way the tolerance is set during coarse graining influences substantially the MSE profile of cardiovascular signals, modifying the relative level of their unpredictability.
Cigarette smoke condensate stimulates urokinase production through the generation of reactive oxygen species and activation of the mitogen activated protein kinase pathways in human gingival fibroblasts.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Tobacco smoking is a significant risk factor for periodontal disease. It has been suggested that smoking may alter connective tissue remodeling in the periodontium. In the present study, we investigated whether cigarette smoke condensate modulates the production of the serine protease urokinase in human gingival fibroblasts. MATERIAL AND METHODS Primary cultures of human gingival fibroblasts were stimulated with cigarette smoke condensate. Urokinase production was evaluated through casein zymography and western blotting. Plasmin activation was assessed by means of a radial diffusion assay. The roles of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and reactive oxygen species in cigarette smoke condensate-stimulated urokinase production were studied using distinct selective inhibitors (SP600125, PD98059, N-acetyl cysteine). Reactive oxygen species production was determined using a fluorometric assay. Activation of ERK and JNK pathways were evaluated using western blots. RESULTS In gingival fibroblasts, cigarette smoke condensate potently stimulated urokinase production and plasmin activation. Cigarette smoke condensate-stimulated urokinase production was dependent on the activity of ERK/JNK pathways and was inhibited by the reactive oxygen species scavenger, N-acetyl cysteine. Cigarette smoke condensate strongly stimulated ERK and JNK phosphorylation and the generation of reactive oxygen species. CONCLUSION Cigarette smoke condensate stimulates urokinase production and plasmin activation in gingival fibroblasts. Moreover, cigarette smoke condensate-stimulated urokinase production depends on both the activation of ERK/JNK pathways and on the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species. These results show that cigarette smoke may alter connective tissue remodeling by inducing production of the urokinase-type plasminogen activator through specific signaling pathways.
Predicting the Need for Surgical Intervention in Patients With Idiopathic Clubfoot

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the early factors associated with the need for surgical interventions in patients with idiopathic clubfoot treated with the Ponseti method. Methods: All patients with idiopathic clubfoot treated with Ponseti method at our institution with >3 years of follow-up were evaluated. Age at presentation, history of previous treatment, number of casts used, need for percutaneous Achilles tenotomy (PAT), age of initiation of foot abduction orthosis (FAO), compliance with FAO, and need for additional casts were recorded. Dimeglio/Bensahel and Catterall/Piriani scores were recorded at initial presentation, at initiation of FAO, at 1, 2, 3 years of follow-up, and at the most recent follow-up. Results: Since 2000, 86 patients (134 feet) had >3 years of follow-up from time of initial presentation, and 43 of these feet (32%) had undergone surgery beyond a PAT. Patients who were noncompliant with the FAO were 7.9 times more likely to need surgery than those who were compliant [confidence interval (CI), 2.8-22.0; P<0.001]. Female patients were 5.4 times more likely to need surgery than male patients (CI, 1.8-16.6; P=0.003). For every 1 point increase in Dimeglio/Bensahel score at presentation, patients were 1.3 times more likely to need surgery (CI, 1.0-1.5; P=0.033). For every 1 point increase in Dimeglio/Bensahel score at initiation of the FAO, patients were 1.5 times more likely to need surgery (1.1-2.0, P=0.005). Moreover, for each additional cast required before the initiation of the FAO, patients were 1.5 times less likely to need surgery (CI, 1.1-2.7; P=0.030). No other variable significantly contributed to predicting the need for surgery. Conclusions: There are early factors that can be used to predict increased risk for surgical intervention in patients undergoing treatment for idiopathic clubfoot. Female patients and those patients with higher Dimeglio/Bensahel scores at presentation and at initiation of the FAO are at increased risk for needing surgical intervention. Noncompliance with the FAO is associated with the highest risk for surgical intervention. Level of Evidence: Level III.
Blog summarization via interaction between bloggers

Concise summary of the blog is created automatically for a given blog, which provides the main topic of representation. This paper presents a new summary method based on knowledge of the neighborhood. Specifically, neighborhood knowledge is built by adding the relevant authors write blog topics close to the user, then the manifold ranking model using both the information contained in the local and global blog, which contains information specified in the neighborhood knowledge. Experimental results show that the performance of the method is encouraging.
Examining Role Model and Information Source Influence on Breed Loyalty : Implications in Four Important Product Categories

This study examines the concept and impact of breed loyalty in the pet industry. The authors create a breed loyalty scale then look at what are the influencers of this type of loyalty. Adding other pet owners and veterinarians to the list of role models that have been studied then extends the consumer socialization and role model literature. Various features of the dog breed themselves are examined, such as size, temperament, trainability, cost etc, and these features are then compared with the influence of role models on breed loyalty. The results indicate that the major influencers of breed loyalty are parents, breeders, other pet owners, TV commercials and the trainability aspect of the dog. The research also focuses on the influence these role models have on pet owners buying intentions in pet food, types of pet toys, brand of toy, and brand of pet medicine categories. Interestingly the results indicate that TV commercials on their own are not the most effective way to influence a consumers purchase intentions, but perhaps by including the other role models into these advertisements (such as showing a parent suggesting a specific brand of pet medicine), their effectiveness could be greatly increased.
Hierarchical recurrent state space models reveal discrete and continuous dynamics of neural activity in C. elegans

Modern recording techniques enable large-scale measurements of neural activity in a variety of model organisms. The dynamics of neural activity shed light on how organisms process sensory information and generate motor behavior. Here, we study these dynamics using optical recordings of neural activity in the nematode C. elegans. To understand these data, we develop state space models that decompose neural time-series into segments with simple, linear dynamics. We incorporate these models into a hierarchical framework that combines partial recordings from many worms to learn shared structure, while still allowing for individual variability. This framework reveals latent states of population neural activity, along with the discrete behavioral states that govern dynamics in this state space. We find stochastic transition patterns between discrete states and see that transition probabilities are determined by both current brain activity and sensory cues. Our methods automatically recover transition times that closely match manual labels of different behaviors, such as forward crawling, reversals, and turns. Finally, the resulting model can simulate neural data, faithfully capturing salient patterns of whole brain dynamics seen in real data.
An Integrated Image Fusion Technique for Boosting the Quality of Noisy Remote Sensing Images

To better identify the objects in remote sensing images, the muItispectral images with high spectral resolution and low spatial resolution, and the panchromatic images with high spatial resolution and low spectral resolution need to be fused. Many fusion techniques are discussed in the recent years to obtain images with high spectral resolution and also high spatial resolution. In this paper an image fusion technique, based on integrating both the intensity-hlue-saturation (IHS) and the discrete wavelet frame transform (DWFT), is proposed for boosting the quality of remote sensing images. A panchromatic and multispectral image from Landsat-7(ETM+) satellite has been fused using this new approach. Experimental results show that the proposed technique improves the spectral and spatial qualities of the fused images. Moreover, when this technique is applied to noisy and de-noised remote sensing images it can preserve the quality of the fused images. Comparison analyses between different fusion techniques are also presented and show that the proposed technique outperforms the other techniques.
Non‐palindromic attI sites of integrons are capable of site‐specific recombination with one another and with secondary targets

Genes borne on cassettes are mobile owing to site‐specific recombination systems called integrons, which have created various combinations of antibiotic resistance genes in R‐plasmids. In these processes, the palindromic site, attC (59‐base element), at cassette junctions has been proposed as being essential. Excised and circularized cassettes have been found to integrate with preference for an attI site at one end of the conserved sequence in integrons. In this work, we give evidence that recombination is possible in the absence of the highly organized attC sites between the more simply organized attI sites. Furthermore, at a very low frequency representing the background in our recombination assay, we observed cross‐overs between attI and secondary sites. To characterize recombination excluding the attC sites, we have used naturally occurring attI variants and constructed mutants. The cross‐over point was identified between a guanine and a thymine in attI using point mutations. Progressive deletions showed the extent of attI and identified two important regions in the conserved sequence 5′ of the cross‐over point. A region 27–36 bp 5′ of attI influenced recombination with attC sites only, whereas a sequence 9–14 bp 5′ of the cross‐over point in attI was important for recombination with both attI and attC. Recombination between attI and secondary sites could allow fusion of the conserved sequence encoding the integron site‐specific recombinase to new sequences.
The Flipped Classroom: A Modality for Mixed Asynchronous and Synchronous Learning in a Residency Program

Introduction A “flipped classroom” educational model exchanges the traditional format of a classroom lecture and homework problem set. We piloted two flipped classroom sessions in our emergency medicine (EM) residency didactic schedule. We aimed to learn about resident and faculty impressions of the sessions, in order to develop them as a regular component of our residency curriculum. Methods We evaluated residents’ impression of the asynchronous video component and synchronous classroom component using four Likert items. We used open-ended questions to inquire about resident and faculty impressions of the advantages and disadvantages of the format. Results For the Likert items evaluating the video lectures, 33/35 residents (94%, 95% CI 80%–99%) responded that the video lecture added to their knowledge about the topic, and 33/35 residents felt that watching the video was a valuable use of their time. For items evaluating the flipped classroom format, 36/38 residents (95%, 95% CI 82%–99%) preferred the format to a traditional lecture on the topic, and 38/38 residents (100%, 95% CI 89%–100%) felt that the small group session was effective in helping them learn about the topic. Most residents preferred to see the format monthly in our curriculum and chose an ideal group size of 5.5 (first session) and 7 (second session). Residents cited the interactivity of the sessions and access to experts as advantages of the format. Faculty felt the ability to assess residents’ understanding of concepts and provide feedback were advantages. Conclusion Our flipped classroom model was positively received by EM residents. Residents preferred a small group size and favored frequent use of the format in our curriculum. The flipped classroom represents one modality that programs may use to incorporate a mixture of asynchronous and interactive synchronous learning and provide additional opportunities to evaluate residents.
Prenatal Diagnosis of a Retroperitoneal Lymphangioma: A Case and Review

Prenatal sonographic findings of lymphangiomas characteristically appear as thin-walled, multiseptate hypoechogenic masses. In our case, a retroperitoneal hypoechogenic mass was detected at 26 weeks of gestation by sonography. Serial sonographic examinations demonstrated multiple septations at 29 weeks of gestation, which in retrospect was a classical finding of retroperitoneal lymphangioma. MRI at 38 weeks of gestation revealed a multilocular mass, which was homogeneous, low on T1-weighted and high on T2-weighted images, in the left retroperitoneal cavity. These findings were compatible with the diagnosis of a lymphangioma. This case shows the change in characteristic imaging features, from a unilocular to multilocular pattern, of a lymphangioma with regard to gestational age. It is important to observe the size and extension of such tumors in order to determine the prospect for neonatal prognosis, as well as to make decisions on the delivery timing and style.
The minimally invasive approach for distal radius fractures and malunions

This article reviews the author’s currently used minimal invasive approach for volar plating of distal radius fractures. A single longitudinal incision of 1.5 cm is drawn on the lateral aspect of the flexor carpi radialis tendon in order to insert a plate under the pronator quadratus. With the wrist flexed, the plate is applied on the anterior cortex of the radius to reduce the fracture. This approach offers the advantage of preserving ligamentotaxis, which facilitates the reduction, and the small scar improves the cosmetics. It is mainly indicated for extra-articular and simple intra-articular fractures of the distal radius. Relative contraindications are comminuted articular fractures in elderly osteoporotic patients. Functional and radiological results are comparable with those obtained with an extended flexor carpi radialis approach. My colleagues and I have used it for more than 2000 cases since 2012. This technique requires practise. Attempted conversion to a larger incision is possible in case of difficulty, but this is seldom necessary.
Imaging features of hepatocellular carcinoma after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and radiofrequency ablation.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this pictorial essay is to show the imaging features of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and radiofrequency thermal ablation on CT, MRI, and contrast-enhanced sonography and to describe the advantages and limitations of each imaging technique in evaluating the therapeutic effect on HCC. CONCLUSION CT is the standard imaging technique for monitoring the effectiveness of TACE and radiofrequency ablation. Contrast-enhanced sonography and MRI can complement CT in evaluating the therapeutic response.
An index for the “local” influence in social networks

In this paper we define a novel index of node centrality in social networks that extends the recently proposed Harmonic Influence Centrality (HIC) and that we call Local-Harmonic Influence centrality (L-HIC). Indeed, when compared with the HIC, our index shows a local nature that rules out one pathological behavior of the HIC. Similarly to the HIC, the L-HIC can be approximated by a distributed message passing algorithm that is inspired by an analogy between electrical and social networks on tree graphs. We prove a result that guarantees convergence on graphs containing at most one cycle.
Protein kinase A regulates resumption of meiosis by phosphorylation of Cdc25B in mammalian oocytes

In mammalian oocytes, meiosis arrests at prophase I. Meiotic resumption requires activation of Maturation-Promoting Factor (MPF), comprised of a catalytic Cyclin-dependent kinase-1 (Cdk1) and a regulatory subunit cyclin B, and results in germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD). Cyclic AMP (cAMP)-mediated Protein Kinase A (PKA) activity sustains prophase arrest by inhibiting Cdk1. However, the link between PKA activity and MPF inhibition remains unclear. Cdc25 phosphatases can activate Cdks by removing inhibitory phosphates from Cdks. Thus one method for sustaining prophase arrest could be inhibition of the activity of the Cdc25 protein required for MPF activation. Indeed, studies in Xenopus identify Cdc25C as a target of PKA activity in meiosis. However, in mice, studies suggest that Cdc25B is the phosphatase essential for GVBD and, therefore, the likely target of PKA activity. To assess these questions, we targeted a potential PKA substrate, a highly conserved serine 321 residue of Cdc25B and evaluated the effect on oocyte maturation. A Cdc25B-Ser321Ala point mutant mRNA induces GVBD when injected into prophase-arrested oocytes more rapidly than wild type mRNA. Using fluorescently-tagged proteins we also determined that the mutant protein enters the nucleus more rapidly than its wildtype counterpart. These data suggest that phosphorylation of the Ser321 residue plays a key role in the negative regulation and localization of Cdc25B during prophase arrest. PKA also phosphorylates a wildtype Cdc25B protein but not a Ser321Ala mutant protein in vitro. Mutation of Ser321 in Cdc25B also affects its association with a sequestering protein, 14-3-3. Our studies suggest that Cdc25B is a direct target of PKA in prophase-arrested oocytes and that Cdc25B phosphorylation results in its inhibition and sequestration by the 14-3-3 protein.
A new species of Curculionichthys (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the north edge of the Brazilian Shield, lower Amazon basin

ABSTRACT A new species of Curculionichthys is described from the rio Curuá-Una basin, in the northern edge of the Brazilian Shield, State of Pará, Brazil. The new species is diagnosed from congeners by possessing a single rostral plate, by having darkened tooth-crowns, and by a series of morphometric and meristic data. A close examination of the species of Curculionichthys revealed the presence of hyperthrophied odontodes on both dorsal and ventral margins of the snout tip, which are illustrated by electronic microscopy. A discussion is provided on possible phylogenetic relationships of the new taxon. The new species is provisionally accessed as Least Concern (not threatened).
Single cell lineage and regionalization of cell populations during Medaka neurulation

To study the movement of individual cells and development of cell grouping during neurogenesis, we labeled single cells in early Medaka gastrula at stage 13 [13 hours post-fertilization (hpf)] with a fluorescent vital dye, and analyzed cells and their descendants using time-lapse live recording up to stage 24 (44 hpf). At stage 13, all future neural cells were located in a dorsal 140° sector of the embryo, and migrated toward the vegetal pole; but during stage 15 to 16, they converged towards the midline. Cells that contributed to later neural subdivisions initially formed overlapping populations, but after stage 16+ they formed non-overlapping cell groups having characteristics of tissue `compartments', preceding development of morphologically distinct neural subdivisions. In early retinal development, a single compartment for future retinal cells was formed superficial to telencephalic and diencephalic compartments, but it was split into left and right eye components at stage 17 in parallel with anterodorsal movement of the diencephalic compartment. At stage 16+, when these compartments were established, Pax6 expression initiated, but only in the laterally located subpopulation of the retina precursor. These observations revise the current view of bilateral retinal development. Continuous live recording of labeled single precursor cells and computer graphics-assisted data analysis, which are presented for the first time in this study, provide excellent means with which to analyze essential cellular processes in organogenesis.
Plant X-tender: An extension of the AssemblX system for the assembly and expression of multigene constructs in plants

Cloning multiple DNA fragments for delivery of several genes of interest into the plant genome is one of the main technological challenges in plant synthetic biology. Despite several modular assembly methods developed in recent years, the plant biotechnology community has not widely adopted them yet, probably due to the lack of appropriate vectors and software tools. Here we present Plant X-tender, an extension of the highly efficient, scar-free and sequence-independent multigene assembly strategy AssemblX, based on overlap-depended cloning methods and rare-cutting restriction enzymes. Plant X-tender consists of a set of plant expression vectors and the protocols for most efficient cloning into the novel vector set needed for plant expression and thus introduces advantages of AssemblX into plant synthetic biology. The novel vector set covers different backbones and selection markers to allow full design flexibility. We have included ccdB counterselection, thereby allowing the transfer of multigene constructs into the novel vector set in a straightforward and highly efficient way. Vectors are available as empty backbones and are fully flexible regarding the orientation of expression cassettes and addition of linkers between them, if required. We optimised the assembly and subcloning protocol by testing different scar-less assembly approaches: the noncommercial SLiCE and TAR methods and the commercial Gibson assembly and NEBuilder HiFi DNA assembly kits. Plant X-tender was applicable even in combination with low efficient homemade chemically competent or electrocompetent Escherichia coli. We have further validated the developed procedure for plant protein expression by cloning two cassettes into the newly developed vectors and subsequently transferred them to Nicotiana benthamiana in a transient expression setup. Thereby we show that multigene constructs can be delivered into plant cells in a streamlined and highly efficient way. Our results will support faster introduction of synthetic biology into plant science.