Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Postprandial hyperglycemia is a determinant of platelet activation in early type 2 diabetes mellitus

Summary. Background: Chronic hyperglycemia is a major contributor to in vivo platelet activation in diabetes mellitus. Objectives: To evaluate the effects of acarbose, an α‐glucosidase inhibitor, on platelet activation and its determinants in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients. Methods: Forty‐eight subjects (26 males, aged 61 ± 8 years) with early type 2 diabetes (baseline hemoglobin A1c ≤ 7% and no previous hypoglycemic treatment) were randomly assigned to acarbose up to 100 mg three times a day or placebo, and evaluated every 4 weeks for 20 weeks. The main outcome measures were urinary 11‐dehydro‐thromboxane (TX)B2 (marker of in vivo platelet activation) and 8‐iso‐prostaglandin (PG)F2α (marker of in vivo lipid peroxidation) excretion rate, 2‐h postprandial plasma glucose (PPG) after a test meal, and assessment of glucose fluctuations by mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGE). Results: Baseline measurements revealed biochemical evidence of enhanced lipid peroxidation and platelet activation. As compared with the placebo group, patients treated with acarbose had statistically significant reductions in urinary 11‐dehydro‐TXB2 and 8‐iso‐PGF2α excretion rate as early as after 8 weeks and at each subsequent time point (between‐group P < 0.0001 at 12, 16 and 20 weeks), following earlier decreases in PPG and MAGE. Multiple regression analyses in the acarbose group revealed that PPG was the only significant predictor of 11‐dehydro‐TXB2 urinary excretion rate (β = 0.39, P = 0.002) and MAGE the only predictor of 8‐iso‐PGF2α urinary excretion rate (β = 0.42, P = 0.001). Conclusions: Postprandial hyperglycemia is associated with enhanced lipid peroxidation and platelet activation in early type 2 diabetes. A moderate decrease in PPG achieved with acarbose causes time‐dependent downregulation of these phenomena, suggesting a causal link between early metabolic abnormalities and platelet activation in this setting.
Botulinum toxin A and upper limb functional skills in hemiparetic cerebral palsy: a randomized trial in children receiving intensive therapy

The objective of this study was to determine whether the use of intramuscular botulinum toxin A (BTX‐A) increases upper limb function and skills in the context of a specific therapy programme in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy. Twenty children (nine females, 11 males) aged 4 to 16 years who were thought likely to benefit from BTX‐A treatment were included. After matched pairs were made, on the basis of Zancolli grade and age, randomization took place. All patients were given structured rehabilitation (physiotherapy and occupational therapy three times a week for 6 months), and half of the patients received intramuscular BTX‐A. No placebo injections were given in the control group. Participants were assessed at baseline, at 2 and 6 weeks, and at 3, 6, and 9 months after injection. The Ash worth scale, active range of motion of arm joints, the Melbourne assessment of upper limb function, the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory, and the nine‐hole peg test were used for outcome measurement. Observers were blinded for treatment allocation only for scoring the Melbourne test. The children in the treatment group showed a clinically relevant increase in active dorsal flexion, and tone reduction of the wrist. For the functional outcome measures, no statistically significant differences between the groups could be demonstrated. Intramuscular BTX‐A added to an intensive therapy programme reduces impairment for at least 9 months; the effect on activity level is still uncertain.
Understanding various Techniques for Background Subtraction and Implementation of Shadow Detection

In this paper, we present steps involved in Background Subtraction and their techniques. However, a prominent problem in these is presence of shadow in the foreground. Hence, we discuss two techniques for efficient shadow removal. Further, we conclude with a method to reduce considerably the processing overhead. Here, we take alternate frames and apply background subtraction algorithms on them. This does not impact much on the output data, however, resources are greatly saved.
Comparability of Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory ratings by staff, significant others and people with acquired brain injury

Objectives: To determine the internal consistency, reliability and comparability of the Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory (MPAI-4) and sub-scales completed by people with acquired brain injury (ABI), family and significant others (SO) and rehabilitation staff. Subjects: 134 people with ABI consecutively seen for outpatient rehabilitation evaluation. Method: MPAI-4 protocols based on independent ratings by the people with ABI undergoing evaluation, SO and rehabilitation staff were submitted to Rasch Facets analysis to determine the internal consistency of the overall measure and sub-scales (Ability, Adjustment and Participation indices) for each rater group and for a composite measure based on all rater groups. Rater agreement for individual items was also examined. Results: Rasch indicators of internal consistency were entirely within acceptable limits for 3-rater composite full scale and sub-scale measures; these indicators were generally within acceptable limits for measures based on a single rater group. Item agreement was generally acceptable; disagreements suggested various sources of bias for specific rater groups. Conclusions: The MPAI-4 possesses satisfactory internal consistency regardless of rating source. A composite measure based on ratings made independently by people with ABI, SO and staff may serve as a ‘gold standard’ for research purposes. In the clinical setting, assessment of varying perspectives and biases may not only best represent outcome as evaluated by all parties involved but be essential to developing effective rehabilitation plans.
Segmentation and estimation of image motion by a robust method

Locating the image of moving objects in a scene and estimating their motion are among the main issues in dynamic scene analysis. They are relevant to a large variety of tasks such as autonomous navigation, tracking, obstacle detection and surveillance. A central problem faced by existing methods is related to the occurrence of motion boundaries. With the aim of achieving correct and robust interpretation in the face of occurrence of motion boundaries, noise, and insufficiently informative image brightness pattern regions, the method we propose is articulated about the fundamental concepts of gradient-based multiconstraint, statistically robust regression, and regularization. <<ETX>>
The Transition from Contemporary to Virtual User Interfaces for Web-Based Services

Computer and Internet based services are increasingly provided to users in our days. The users are also increasing exponentially and it is obvious that they are not experienced in the use of computers. This paper examines the problem of user friendly web based service interfaces and proposes a new kind of interface. This interface is called a Virtual Interface and is thoroughly presented. The Virtual Interface is compared to contemporary User Interfaces and the results of this comparison are also presented.
5. Romaphobia among Serbian and Dutch adolescents: The role of threat, nationalistic feelings and integrative orientations

This study examines the relationships between nationalism and integration attitudes on the one hand, and anti-Roma prejudice on the other. Using Stephan and Stephan's threat theory the study analyzes whether and to what extent these relationships are mediated by perceived economic and symbolic threats. Data were collected among 16 to 17-year-old students in Serbia and the Netherlands. A path analysis shows that perceived economic and symbolic threats mediate the relationships between nationalism and integration on the one hand, and Romaphobia on the other. Moreover, the findings show that these relationships are comparable between Serbian and Dutch youth. Levels of threat and Romaphobia differ between countries. Youth in the Netherlands, who barely have contact opportunities with Roma, are characterized by higher threat and Romaphobia scores than Serbian youth who have proportionally more contact opportunities. Explanations are discussed as well as implications for theory and prejudice reduction in diverse intercultural settings.
A direct link between core histone acetylation and transcriptionally active chromatin.

An antiserum raised against chemically acetylated histone H4 was found to recognize the epitope epsilon‐N‐acetyl lysine. Affinity‐purified antibodies were used to fractionate oligo‐ and mononucleosomal chromatin fragments from the nuclei of 15‐day chicken embryo erythrocytes. Antibody‐bound chromatin was found to contain elevated levels of acetylated core histones. On probing with sequences of alpha D globin, an actively transcribed gene, the antibody‐bound chromatin was 15‐ to 30‐fold enriched relative to the input chromatin. Using ovalbumin sequences as a probe, no enrichment was observed. The results demonstrate directly that transcriptionally active genes carry acetylated core histones.
5-Formyltetrahydrofolate Regulates Homocysteine Remethylation in Human Neuroblastoma*

The metabolic role of 5-formyltetrahydrofolate is not known; however, it is an inhibitor of several folate-dependent enzymes including serine hydroxymethyltransferase. Methenyltetrahydrofolate synthetase (MTHFS) is the only enzyme known to metabolize 5-formyltetrahydrofolate and catalyzes the conversion of 5-formyltetrahydrofolate to 5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate. In order to address the function of 5-formyltetrahydrofolate in mammalian cells, intracellular 5-formyltetrahydrofolate levels were depleted in human 5Y neuroblastoma by overexpressing the human cDNA encoding MTHFS (5YMTHFS cells). When cultured with 2 mM exogenous glycine, the intracellular serine and glycine concentrations in 5YMTHFS cells are elevated approximately 3-fold relative to 5Y cells; 5YMTHFS cells do not contain measurable levels of free methionine and display a 30-40% decrease in cell proliferation rates compared with 5Y cells. Medium supplemented with pharmacological levels of exogenous folinate or methionine ameliorated the glycine induced growth inhibition. Analysis of the folate derivatives demonstrated that 5-methyltetrahydrofolate accounts for 30% of total cellular folate in 5Y cells when cultured with 5 mM exogenous glycine. 5YMTHFS cells do not contain detectable levels of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate under the same culture conditions. These results suggest that 5-formyltetrahydrofolate inhibits serine hydroxymethyltransferase activity in vivo and that serine synthesis and homocysteine remethylation compete for one-carbon units in the cytoplasm.
Behavior-based Recommender Systems for Web Content

In this paper, we demonstrate the implementation of an effective complete-web recommender system (i.e., WebICLite) using browsing behavior models to predict relevant Web pages. Behavior-based models use fine-grained information about the actions a user takes while browsing the web and the exact sequence of pages they follow to proactively provide responsive session-specific site-independent recommendations. The current paper also briefly presents browsing behavior-based models, and summarizes initial results from a large-scale field trial. The study suggests that the positive laboratory results for the original model transfer to real users browsing arbitrary web pages for day-to-day tasks.
Actinophage R4 integrase‐based site‐specific chromosomal integration of non‐replicative closed circular DNA

The actinophage R4 integrase (Sre)‐based molecular genetic engineering system was developed for the chromosomal integration of multiple genes in Escherichia coli. A cloned DNA fragment containing two attP sites, green fluorescent protein (gfp) as a first transgene, and an antibiotic resistance gene as a selection marker was self‐ligated to generate non‐replicative closed circular DNA (nrccDNA) for integration. nrccDNA was introduced into attB‐inserted E. coli cells harboring the plasmid expressing Sre by electroporation. The expressed Sre catalyzed site‐specific integration between one of the two attP sites on nrccDNA and the attB site on the E. coli chromosome. The integration frequency was affected by the chromosomal location of the target site. A second nrccDNA containing two attB sites, lacZα encoding the alpha fragment of β‐galactosidase as a transgene, and another antibiotic resistance gene was integrated into the residual attP site on the gfp‐integrated E. coli chromosome via one of the two attB sites according to reiterating site‐specific recombination. The integrants clearly exhibited β‐galactosidase activity and green fluorescence, suggesting the simultaneous expression of multiple recombinant proteins in E. coli. The results of the present study showed that a step‐by‐step integration procedure using nrccDNA achieved the chromosomal integration of multiple genes.
Phialemoniopsis, a new genus of Sordariomycetes, and new species of Phialemonium and Lecythophora

In molecular studies involving numerous clinical isolates of the genera Acremonium, Phialemonium and Lecytophora some of them could not be identified. To clarify the phylogenetic relationships among these fungi and other related taxa, we performed a polyphasic study based on a detailed morphological study and on the analysis of sequences of four loci: the internal transcribed spacer regions, the D1/D2 domains of the 28S rRNA, actin and β-tubulin genes. The combination of the resulting data let us propose the new genus Phialemoniopsis to accommodate the opportunistic fungi Phialemonium curvatum and Sarcopodium oculorum and two new species, Phialemoniopsis cornearis and Phialemoniopsis pluriloculosa. The taxonomy of Phialemoniopsis has not been completely resolved, however, remaining incertae sedis within the Sordariomycetes. In addition, the new species Lecythophora luteorubra, Lecythophora cateniformis and Phialemonium globosum are described and the species Acremonium atrogriseum and Taifanglania inflata are transferred to the genus Phialemonium. Lecythophora and Phialemonium are currently monophyletic genera of the families Coniochaetaceae (Coniochaetales) and Cephalothecaceae (Sordariales) respectively, according to our results. Tables summarizing key morphological features to distinguish the current species of Lecythophora, Phialemonium and Phialemoniopsis are provided.
Secure group re-keying using key inverses

The Internet multicast capabilities have been used in enormous number of groups through the Internet. However, IP multicast does not deploy any mechanisms to secure the multicast messages in these groups. A lot of research efforts have been done to secure multicast messages. The idea behind the multicast security is to share a symmetric key between group members to encrypt/decrypt the multicast messages and to change this key after any membership change. The main re-keying problem is how to exchange the new group key between the group members in a scalable and secure way. In this paper we present a new multicast re-keying approach that is based on dividing the whole group into smaller subgroups. Each subgroup in turn is organized in a logical key hierarchy tree, and each subgroup member has the inverse key values of the other members in his subgroup in order to make the subgroup re-keying in a scalable and secure way. This decomposition, the proposed approach, which is named as Key Inverse Re-keying KIR, reduces the multicast complexity from O(n) to O(log 2m) where n is the total number of the whole group members and m is the number of members in each subgroup. The performance of KIR is compared with that of other group re-keying approaches to prove its effectiveness. The comparison is undertaken according to the computational overhead, communication overhead, storage overhead, and message size. The results show that KIR enhances the group performance in terms of computational overhead and communication overhead especially at the leave operation which represents a big problem for most of the previous group re-keying protocols.
Genetic Targeting of Individual Cells with a Voltage‐Sensitive Dye through Enzymatic Activation of Membrane Binding

Optical recording of the electrical activity of individual neurons in culture or in a tissue requires cell‐selective staining with a fluorescent voltage‐sensitive dye. In a proof‐of‐principle experiment, we implement a novel approach to genetically targeted staining. The method relies on a water‐soluble precursor dye and an overexpressed cell‐surface enzyme that transforms the precursor into a hydrophobic dye that binds to the targeted cell. We fused an alkaline phosphatase to a specifically designed general‐purpose membrane anchor, and the fusion protein was expressed on the surface of HEK293 cells, as was corroborated by immuno‐ and histochemical staining. We next synthesised an amphiphilic hemicyanine dye containing two enzymatically cleavable phosphate groups at its hydrocarbon tails. When the phosphate groups were removed, the binding to membranes was enhanced by a factor of a thousand, as shown by titration with lipid vesicles. We observed selective staining of enzymatically active cells by fluorescence microscopy in a mixed population of phosphatase‐transfected and untransfected HEK293 cells. The critical parameters of enzyme‐induced cell‐selective staining were elucidated by a simple kinetic model to guide further developments of the method.
Rare case of massive congenital bilateral chylothorax in a hydropic fetus with true mosaicism 47,XXX/46,XX

Fetal congenital chylothorax is a rare condition that occurs sporadically or can be associated with abnormal karyotype or structural chromosomal anomalies. We report a unique case of fetal congenital bilateral chylothorax associated with mosaicism 47,XXX/46,XX. A female fetus affected by massive bilateral hydrothorax and ascites was diagnosed at 34+1 weeks of gestation. Previous ultrasonographic exams were completely normal. Immune causes of hydrops were excluded. Elective cesarean section was performed soon after bilateral thoracocentesis. The analysis of drained pleural fluid revealed its lymphatic nature. The fetal karyotyping, performed on chorionic villi at the 11th week, had shown mosaicism 47,XXX/46,XX, later confirmed in the newborn's blood. We hypothesized that chylothorax may be part of the phenotypic spectrum of 47 XXX karyotype and we suggest an ultrasound follow‐up of the fetus at closer intervals than the routine timing for this condition, even if it is not usually characterized by severe phenotypic features.
High quality non-invasive full 2D strain tensor imaging using a beam steered linear array ultrasound transducer

Strain imaging has been performed using 1D, 2D and 3D ultrasound data. Usually, strain is only estimated in the beam direction, because of the availability of phase information. However, strain estimates in other directions are also desired, since most tissues are anisotropic. Beam steering enables measurement of different projections of the 2D displacement field while using phase information. The full 2D displacement field and strain tensor can be derived using multiple projections. This study aims at deriving the full 2D strain tensor by estimating only displacement along the beam while steering the beam at three angles, i.e. 0°, a positive, and a negative beam steering angle. Displacements were iteratively estimated using 2D cross-correlations. The 0° acquisition yielded the vertical displacement vector. Projection of the other measured displacements yielded the horizontal (lateral) vector. The full 2D strain tensor was derived using 1D least squares strain estimators. Since horizontal displacements and strains are usually the least accurate, these were first focused on. Horizontal displacements were estimated for simulated radiofrequency (rf) data of a block with a four times stiffer cylindrical inclusion before and after application of 2% vertical compression. Root mean squared error (RMSE) of the horizontal displacements were calculated for every symmetric pair of beam steering angles in the range of −30 to 30° with angular increments of 5°. The RMSE analysis was performed for signal-to-noise (SNR) levels of 5, 10, 20 and 50 dB. Beam steering combinations of about −25° and 25° were found to be most optimal. The technique's performance was maintained regardless of the SNR level. For an SNR of 5 dB a reduction in RMSE of up to 70% was observed. In analogy with the simulations, experiments were performed with a similar inclusion phantom made of polyvinyl alcohol. Using data from beam steering angles of −25°, 0° and 25° strain images were constructed for all strain components and compared to strain images constructed without beam steering. The horizontal and shear strain images improved clearly with beam steering. Finally, the technique was also applied to derive radial and circumferential strain images for a homogeneous vessel phantom made of gelatin. Radially, SNRe and CNRe increased with 2.2 dB and 8 dB and circumferentially with 2.6 dB and 9.2 dB compared to non steered strain estimates. To conclude, the full 2D strain tensor can be accurately measured by using three beam steering angles.
The Role of Vitreous Magnesium Quantification in Estimating the Postmortem Interval

The use of magnesium as a parameter to estimate the time of death is controversial. In 32 traumatic deaths with known postmortem intervals (PMIs), small quantities of vitreous humor (VH) were sampled repetitively every 3 h until 24 h postmortem. The bodies were kept at the constant ambient temperature of 20°C (68°F). The concentrations of magnesium were in the range of 0.47–1.15 mM. A statistically significant correlation of the concentration of magnesium with the PMI was observed (r = 0.453, p < 0.01), but with small predictive value—coefficient of variation for regression was 45.5%; the average of the paired differences between the estimated and actual PMIs was 5.24 + 3.19 h. Although useful results might be expected due to the large transmembrane gradient for magnesium, the results of this study strongly disprove the usefulness of measuring magnesium in VH to estimate the time of death.
The Impact of the Macroeconomic and Institutional Environment on LBO Fundraising

The most past studies, analyzing the venture capital investments concluded a strong correlation between macro-economic, institutional and entrepreneurial conditions as well as divestment strategies. The purpose of this study is to find out the economic impact of macroeconomic environment and institutional quality on LBO fundraising, using a panel dataset of 19 European countries over 2001-2010. The empirical results confirm the importance of some factors and show that the unemployment rate, interest rate, trade sale and IPO divestments are important determinants in the European LBO market.
Paper Records of Patients in Isolation for Colonization or Infection With Special Organisms: A Potential Fomite?

ciprofloxacin and additional resistance to typical firstline antibiotics. However, without Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines for azithromycin susceptibility interpretation, testing for azithromycin is not routine and inconsistently reported. Transmission to 2 healthcare workers, despite appropriate contact precautions, highlights the increased risk from explosive diarrhea due to shigellosis. Contact precautions are the recommended standard but droplet precautions, including foot coverings, masks, and goggles, may be more appropriate for managing a patient with uncontrolled diarrhea. Soap and water hand hygiene may be more effective than alcohol-based hand rub in removing gross contamination on hands and forearms.