Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ictal 99mTc HM‐PAO Brain Single‐Photon Emission Computed Tomography in Electroencephalographic Nonlocalizable Partial Seizures

A 9‐year‐old child with intractable focal epilepsy was studied for possible surgical treatment. Multiple electroencephalographic studies did not localize the epileptic focus. An ictal single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) study with technetium 99m‐hexamethylpropyleneamineoxime demonstrated a focal area of hyperperfusion. Through three‐dimensional, functional to anatomical image‐matching techniques, the focus was overlaid on the magnetic resonance image localizing the cortical convolution responsible for the epileptogenic focus. Subdural electroencephalographic studies performed for seizure localization and functional mapping confirmed this location. This case emphasized the usefulness of ictal SPECT scans in patients with seizures nonlocalizable by electroencephalography being evaluated for epilepsy surgery.
Phase III Trial to Compare Adjuvant Chemotherapy With Capecitabine and Cisplatin Versus Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy in Gastric Cancer: Final Report of the Adjuvant Chemoradiotherapy in Stomach Tumors Trial, Including Survival and Subset Analyses.

PURPOSE The Adjuvant Chemoradiotherapy in Stomach Tumors (ARTIST) trial tested whether the addition of radiotherapy to adjuvant chemotherapy improved disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with D2-resected gastric cancer (GC). PATIENTS AND METHODS Between November 2004 and April 2008, 458 patients with GC who received gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection were randomly assigned to either six cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy with capecitabine and cisplatin (XP) or to two cycles of XP followed by chemoradiotherapy and then two additional cycles of XP (XPRT). This final update contains the first publication of overall survival (OS), together with updated DFS and subset analyses. RESULTS With 7 years of follow-up, DFS remained similar between treatment arms (hazard ratio [HR], 0.740; 95% CI, 0.520 to 1.050; P=.0922). OS also was similar (HR, 1.130; 95% CI, 0.775 to 1.647; P=.5272). The effect of the addition of radiotherapy on DFS and OS differed by Lauren classification (interaction P=.04 for DFS; interaction P=.03 for OS) and lymph node ratio (interaction P<.01 for DFS; interaction P<.01 for OS). Subgroup analyses also showed that chemoradiotherapy significantly improved DFS in patients with node-positive disease and with intestinal-type GC. There was a similar trend for DFS and OS by stage of disease. CONCLUSION In D2-resected GC, both adjuvant chemotherapy and chemoradiotherapy are tolerated and equally beneficial in preventing relapse. Because results suggest a significant DFS effect of chemoradiotherapy in subsets of patients, the ARTIST 2 trial evaluating adjuvant chemotherapy and chemoradiotherapy in patients with node-positive, D2-resected GC is under way.
The impact of intrinsic series resistance on MOSFET scaling

The intrinsic parasitic series resistance associated with the practical structure of a MOSFET is examined. The components considered include contact resistance, diffusion sheet resistance, spreading (injection) resistance, and accumulation layer resistance. The impact of the total resistance on MOSFET scaling is assessed, down to a channel length of 0.15 µm. The results show that, contrary to what has been claimed before, the transconductance and current of a MOSFET continue to increase as the channel length is miniaturized, although the degradation percentage-wise compared to an ideal device without series resistance continues to increase. Based on the degraded I-V characteristics and their effects on an inverter, it is shown here that for NMOS or PMOS digital circuits, the maximum degradation in speed due to series resistance is 20-35 percent compared to ideal scaling for the shortest channel considered. For CMOS circuits, the maximum degradation is reduced to 7-15 percent. In absolute terms, a loss of speed in either case due to miniaturization of channel length is not expected even down to 0.15 µm.
Sparse Approximation for Nonrigid Structure from Motion

This paper introduces applying a novel sparse approximation method into solving nonrigid structure from motion problem in trajectory space. Instead of generating a truncated traditional trajectory basis, this method uses an atom dictionary which includes a set of overcomplete bases to estimate the real shape of the deformable object. Yet, it still runs reliably and can get an optimal result. On the other hand, it does not need to consider the size of predefined trajectory bases; that is to say, there is no need to truncate the trajectory basis. The mentioned method is very easy to implement and the only trouble which needs to be solved is an L1-regularized least squares problem. This paper not only presents a new thought, but also gives out a simple but effective solution for the nonrigid structure from motion problem.
High-temperature oxygen gasification of sludge

Based on Aspen Plus, a computer simulation model for sludge gasification was developed. The influences of moisture content in sludge, gasification pressure and equivalence ratio(ER) were considered. The results showed that, the producer gas were mainly CO, H<inf>2</inf>, CO<inf>2</inf> and H<inf>2</inf>O with little H<inf>2</inf>S, CH<inf>4</inf>, while SO<inf>2</inf> and N<inf>2</inf> were almost none; with the increase in sludge moisture content, ER should be increased in order to maintain the temperature at 1273K; with the increase in ER, CO and H<inf>2</inf> decreased which led to the decrease of the calorific value of the producer gas; With the increase in gasification pressure, H<inf>2</inf>S and CH<inf>4</inf> increased while CO and H<inf>2</inf> decreased. The calorific value slightly increased with the increase in gasification pressure.
A fast, economical and efficient method for DNA purification by use of a homemade bead column.

A fast, efficient and economical method for purification of DNA from various sources by the use of silica particles packed in homemade bead columns is described. The method is a further development of the method devised by Carter and Milton (1), improved by the introduction of a column operated with a vacuum system. The method is highly suitable for multiple sample handling in the preparation of DNA for sequencing and other purposes. Protocols are devised for plasmid minipreparation, gel elution and purification of DNA from solutions e.g. enzyme reactions.
The Vietnam Era Twin Registry: A Quarter Century of Progress

Now celebrating its 26th year of existence, the Vietnam Era Twin Registry continues to be one of the largest national samples of adult twins in the United States. The Registry twin member population is composed of 7,369 US male–male twin pair Veterans (14,738 total individuals) who served on active duty in the military during the Vietnam conflict (1964–1975). The Registry also maintains a register, data repository, and a biospecimen repository. Details on the operations of the Registry are described, as well as an overview of specific studies. Registry maintenance activities are also described, including the updating of contact information and vital status. Future plans include expanding the biospecimen repository and obtaining input from twins about study methods and diseases and conditions they would like to see investigated.
Stunting Associated with Poor Socioeconomic and Maternal Nutrition Status and Respiratory Morbidity in Colombian Schoolchildren

Background There are few recent reports on the prevalence and risk factors of stunting and thinness among schoolchildren in Latin America. Objective To determine the prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of stunting and thinness among school-age children in Bogotá, Colombia, and to examine whether these nutritional indices are associated with the risk of respiratory and diarrheal morbidity symptoms, visits to the doctor, and school absenteeism during the school year in a prospective study. Methods We obtained information on anthropometric and maternal sociodemographic characteristics of 3,100 children 5 to 12 years of age who attended public primary schools in 2006 and who came from low- and middle-income households. Data on the incidence of common gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms were collected prospectively on morbidity diaries throughout the year. Results The prevalence rates of stunting and thinness were 9.9% and 8.7%, respectively. There were inverse, statistically significant trends in the prevalence of stunting by categories of child's birth and current weight; maternal education level, height, and body mass index (BMI); and household socioeconomic stratum. A strong positive association was found with maternal parity (p for trend < .0001). Thinness was positively associated with the child's and the mother's age and inversely associated with birthweight and maternal BMI. Stunting was associated with a 44% increase in the incidence of cough with fever during the school year (p = .04). Conclusions Child stunting in Bogotá is associated with poor socioeconomic and maternal nutritional status and predicts symptoms of respiratory infection.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Real-Time Electronic Adherence Monitoring With Text Message Dosing Reminders in People Starting First-Line Antiretroviral Therapy

Background:There are conflicting findings about whether mobile phone text message reminders impact on antiretroviral adherence. We hypothesized that text reminders sent when dosing was late would improve adherence and HIV viral suppression. Methods:Antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naive participants, from a South African outpatient ART clinic, were randomized to standard of care (SoC, 3 pretreatment education sessions), or intervention (SoC and automated text reminders if dosing >30 minutes late). Dosing time was recorded by real-time electronic adherence monitoring devices, given to participants at ART start. CD4 cell count and HIV RNA were determined at baseline, 16 and 48 weeks. Primary outcome was cumulative adherence execution by electronic adherence monitoring device. HIV-1 viral suppression (<40 copies/mL) at week 48 and count of treatment interruptions (TIs) >72 hours were secondary outcomes. Analysis was by intention to treat (missing = failure). Registration was with the Pan-African Clinical Trials Registry: PACTR201311000641402. Results:A total of 230 participants were randomly assigned to control (n = 115) or intervention (n = 115) arms. Median adherence was 82.1% (interquartile range, 56.6%–94.6%) in the intervention arm, compared with 80.4% (interquartile range, 52.8%–93.8%) for SoC [adjusted odds ratio for adherence 1.08; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.77 to 1.52]. Suppressed HIV RNA (<40 copies/mL) occurred in 80 (69.6%) of control and 75 (65.2%) of intervention (adjusted odds ratio for virological failure in intervention arm 0.77; 95% CI: 0.42 to 1.40). In the intervention arm, the count of TIs of >72 hours was reduced (adjusted incident rate ratio, 0.84; 95% CI: 0.75 to 0.94). Conclusions:Text message reminders linked to late doses detected by real-time adherence monitoring reduced the number of prolonged TIs, but did not significantly improve adherence or viral suppression.
A rapid method for detection of N‐acetylglucosaminidase‐type chitinase activity in crossed immunoelectrophoresis and sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis gels using 4‐methylumbelliferyl‐N‐acetyl‐D‐glucosaminide as substrate

A method for the detection of N‐acetylglucosaminidase (GlcNAcase) activity has been developed by using 4‐methyl‐umbelliferyl‐N‐acetyl‐D‐glucosaminide (4‐MU‐GlcNAc) as substrate in crossed immunoelectrophoresis (CIE) and sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) gels. Visualization of the reaction with a 366 nm ultra‐violet light is possible in approximately 30 min. The method is fast and sensitive in comparison with previous methods. The same band as in SDS‐PAGE, showing both GlcNAcase and chitinase activity, was found in the present study; we therefore conclude that this method is also useful in a GlcNAcase‐type chitinase assay.
The T-superfamily of Conotoxins*

We report the discovery and initial characterization of the T-superfamily of conotoxins. Eight different T-superfamily peptides from five Conusspecies were identified; they share a consensus signal sequence, and a conserved arrangement of cysteine residues (- -CC- -CC-). T-superfamily peptides were found expressed in venom ducts of all major feeding types of Conus; the results suggest that the T-superfamily will be a large and diverse group of peptides, widely distributed in the 500 different Conusspecies. These peptides are likely to be functionally diverse; although the peptides are small (11–17 amino acids), their sequences are strikingly divergent, with different peptides of the superfamily exhibiting varying extents of post-translational modification. Of the three peptides tested for in vivo biological activity, only one was active on mice but all three had effects on fish. The peptides that have been extensively characterized are as follows: p5a, GCCPKQMRCCTL*; tx5a, γCCγDGW+CCT§AAO; and au5a, FCCPFIRYCCW (where γ = γ-carboxyglutamate, W+ = bromotryptophan, O = hydroxyproline, T§ = glycosylated threonine, and * = COOH-terminal amidation). We also demonstrate that the precursor of tx5a contains a functional γ-carboxylation recognition signal in the −1 to −20 propeptide region, consistent with the presence of γ-carboxyglutamate residues in this peptide.
Foetal response to maternal coffee intake: role of habitual versus non-habitual caffeine consumption

Little is known about the effect on the human foetus of long-term and acute exposure to caffeine. We studied the organisation of foetal sleep-wake states in 13 healthy near-term foetuses over a wide range of maternal plasma caffeine concentrations (0—13 μg/mL) reflecting normal lifestyle conditions (day 0) and again following intake of two cups of regular coffee (~300 mg of caffeine) intermitted by 50 h of abstinence (day 2; acute effects). On either day, 2 h simultaneous recordings were made of foetal heart rate, general-, eye-, and breathing-movements. The recordings were analysed for the presence of each of four foetal behavioural states: quiet- and active-sleep, quiet- and active-wakefulness. There was a linear relationship between maternal caffeine content and the incidence of foetal general movements during active sleep on day 0 (R = 0.74; P < 0.02). After coffee loading on day 2, foetuses of non- or low-caffeine consumers showed increases in active wakefulness (P < 0.001), general movements (P < 0.05) and heart rate variation (P < 0.01) but lower basal heart rate (P < 0.01) compared with their day 0 values. The changes in foetal heart rate (variation) and behaviour occurred between 90 and 180 min post-consumption. In contrast, foetuses of habitual caffeine consumers remained unaffected suggestive of foetal tolerance to caffeine. The results indicate differential performance between foetuses regularly exposed to caffeine and those caffeine-naive, both under normal maternal lifestyle conditions and in response to maternal coffee ingestion.
Mixed signature of activation and dysfunction allows human decidual CD8+ T cells to provide both tolerance and immunity

Significance Successful pregnancy requires establishment of immune tolerance for invading fetal trophoblasts, as well as immunity to a variety of pathogens that cause placental and congenital infections. Decidual CD8+ T cells are key cells for recognition and response to foreign fetal, placental, and viral antigens at the maternal–fetal interface. Thus, regulation of decidual CD8+ T cell activation and cytotoxicity is crucial for a healthy pregnancy. Here, we demonstrate that decidual CD8+ T cells have a mixed profile of T cell dysfunction, activation, and effector function, which allows for both immune tolerance and immunity. This is of great relevance for understanding the development of pregnancy complications as well as prevention of congenital infections that occur as result of impaired placental immunity. Understanding how decidual CD8+ T cell (CD8+ dT) cytotoxicity is regulated and how these cells integrate the competing needs for maternal–fetal tolerance and immunity to infection is an important research and clinical goal. Gene-expression analysis of effector-memory CD8+ dT demonstrated a mixed transcriptional signature of T cell dysfunction, activation, and effector function. High protein expression of coinhibitory molecules PD1, CTLA4, and LAG3, accompanied by low expression of cytolytic molecules suggests that the decidual microenvironment reduces CD8+ dT effector responses to maintain tolerance to fetal antigens. However, CD8+ dT degranulated, proliferated, and produced IFN-γ, TNF-α, perforin, and granzymes upon in vitro stimulation, demonstrating that CD8+ dT are not permanently suppressed and retain the capacity to respond to proinflammatory events, such as infections. The balance between transient dysfunction of CD8+ dT that are permissive of placental and fetal development, and reversal of this dysfunctional state, is crucial in understanding the etiology of pregnancy complications and prevention of congenital infections.
Zeroth- and First-Order-Convertible Fiber Interleaving Filter

In this paper, we propose a zeroth- and first-order-convertible fiber interleaving filter that has a frequency-interleaving capability in the zeroth- or first-order multiwavelength transmission spectrum. The proposed interleaving filter is a kind of polarization-diversity-loop-based comb filter composed of a polarization beam splitter, three half-wave plates (HWPs), and two polarization-maintaining fiber (PMF) segments, each of which is located between two adjacent HWPs. The HWP inserted between two PMF segments enables the interleaving filter to operate in the zeroth- or first-order transmission mode by adjusting the relative angular difference between the principal axes of two PMF segments. With the orientation angles of the three HWPs set as specific angles, first-order flat-top and narrow-band transmission spectra with a channel spacing of ~0.792 nm could be obtained and be interleaved by controlling only the HWP between the two PMF segments. In particular, at other specific angle sets of the three HWPs, the zeroth-order transmission spectrum with the same channel spacing could be obtained, and their multiwavelength channels could be interleaved by adjusting only the orientation angle of the intermediary HWP. That is, a first-order comb spectrum could be converted into a zeroth-order one with the same fringe period, and each one could be interleaved through the proper control of the three HWP angles.
Spatial and temporal variations of the estuarine larval fish community on the west coast of Taiwan

Spatio-temporal variations in the distribution and community structure of the estuarine larval fishes on the west coast of Taiwan was examined in the estuaries of Shuangchi Creek (SC), Gongshytyan Creek (GST), Tatu Creek (TT) and Tongkang River (TK). Fish were collected by a net (mesh 0.8-1.8 mm) set against the flood tide at night during the new- and full-moon periods from September 1997 through December 1998; 28-49 families (56-94 species) were collected from the four estuaries. Fish larvae were abundant from spring to autumn. Fish communities differed among estuaries: Mugilidae were the most abundant in SC, Terapon jarbua in GST, Stolephorus insularis in TT and Ambassis urotaenia in TK. The 15 most dominant species constituted 88-94% of the total catch. The relationship of fish abundance and species diversity to water temperature and salinity differed among estuaries. Species composition could be classified into northern (SC, GST winter and TT winter) and southern (TK, GST summer and TT summer) groups. The species composition of the larval fish communities was more diverse in spring-autumn than in winter, and in southern than in northern estuaries. Monsoon-driven coastal currents may influence seasonal dispersal and community structure of the estuarine larval fishes on the western coast of Taiwan.
Pharmacological management of obesity: Past, present and future

Obesity is the problem of children, adolescents and the elderly because it is a problem that affects all ages. Obesity leads to many metabolic disorders diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, angina, depression, indigestion and arthritis. There were several studies and reviews presented on the treatment modality in literature for obesity. But there are no comprehensive reviews on anti-obesity drugs till date. In the present review, we are presenting the pharmacological management of obesity. The literature search carried out using electronic search engines through PubMed, Biological Abstracts, BIOSIS PREVIEWS, Current Contents® /Clinical Medicine, Current Contents® /Life Sciences, EBSCO, ScienceDirect, Ingenta, Springer, Wiley Interscience, J-STAGE, Google scholar and Scifinder from 1990 to September 2013. Based on this search, we are presenting a brief review on pharmacological management of obesity, with a focus on the drugs used in the past, present and future. From this search, it is revealed that some of the drugs approved earlier for treating obesity were withdrawn from the market (Phentermine, Dexfenfluramine, Fenfluramine and Sibutramine). Some of the older drugs are introduced in combination form (Phentermine + Topiramate (Qnexa), Empatic, Concave). Most of the adrenergic and serotonergic drugs possesses adverse effects like increasing heart rate and hypertension. Similarly, some new drugs came into the market for treating obesity (Lorcaserin, Orlistat,) and few are in clinical trials in different phases of drug development (APD-365, CD-945,598, MK-0364, ATL-962, GT-389-255, AOD9604, Leptin, Peptide3-36, obinepitide and TM30338). The drugs that are under clinical trials were subjected for evaluating the safety and efficacy. We have to see in the future how many of these drugs are going to be available for treating obesity.
Correlation of spatial event plots with simulated population responses of mechanoreceptive fibers

The experimental setup for generating spatial event plots (SEPs) from single mechanoreceptive fibers of the skin was computationally simulated. The generic fibers used in the simulations were similar to the rapidly adapting fibers (RAs), and had variable refractoriness and receptive-field size. The speed, lateral shift, and the contact width of the drum scanned across the receptive field of the fiber are adjustable parameters. The stimulus patterns used on the drum mimicked stimuli used by several other investigators. These were dot patterns, grating patterns, and the letter “E”. First, the effects of simulation parameters on the SEPs were studied. The simulation output confirms the results of physiological experiments that SEPs contain information on the spatiotemporal resolution of the fiber. The next series of simulations involved generating SEPs of fibers obtained from the same or varying spatial distributions of receptive fields. Three hypothetical distributions were used: homogeneous rectangular, uniformly random, and Gaussian. The momentary population response at each case was found using the technique by Johansson and Vallbo (Brain Res 184: 353–366, 1980). The population responses were not isomorphic images of the stimulus patterns due to the variations in field sizes and locations. However, every fiber, no matter which distribution it came from, generated almost identical SEPs given similar response properties. Furthermore, the SEPs looked like the outline of the stimulus. These observations show that SEPs do not contain information about the population response. Therefore, reconstructing the population response using SEPs can result in misleading conclusions on central-nervous-system processing and should be viewed cautiously when formulating psychophysical/physiological linking hypotheses.