Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Endothelial cell apoptosis in systemic sclerosis is induced by antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity via CD95.

OBJECTIVE Apoptosis of endothelial cells is a key event in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). The aim of the present study was to analyze in vitro the mechanism causing endothelial cell apoptosis in SSc. METHODS Human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMEC) or human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were cultured with native or heat-inactivated serum from SSc patients or controls with or without interleukin-2-activated natural killer (NK) cells or peripheral blood mononuclear cells. SSc and control sera were tested for the presence or absence, respectively, of anti-endothelial cell antibodies (AECA) by indirect immunofluorescence. Apoptosis was detected by the TUNEL technique. RESULTS Native sera alone had no effect. Apoptosis induction was observed on HDMEC, but not on HUVEC, in the presence of AECA-positive SSc sera and activated NK cells, and could be inhibited by an anti-Fas ligand antibody. Inhibition of the perforin/granzyme pathway with concanamycin A had no effect on apoptosis induction in this in vitro model. Immunofluorescence analysis of cryosections from SSc skin showed Fas (CD95) expression by endothelial cells, supporting the in vitro findings. CONCLUSION The results suggest that endothelial cell apoptosis in SSc is induced by antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity via the Fas pathway. These data not only provide insight into the pathogenesis of SSc, but also may open new ways to rational therapy for this disease.
Code generation for embedded heterogeneous architectures on android

The success of Android is based on its unified Java programming model that allows to write platform-independent programs for a variety of different target platforms. However, this comes at the cost of performance. As a consequence, Google introduced APIs that allow to write native applications and to exploit multiple cores as well as embedded GPUs for compute-intensive parts. This paper proposes code generation techniques in order to target the Renderscript and Filterscript APIs. Renderscript harnesses multi-core CPUs and unified shader GPUs, while the more restricted Filterscript also supports GPUs with earlier shader models. Our techniques focus on image processing applications and allow to target these APIs and OpenCL from a common description. We further supersede memory transfers by sharing the same memory region among different processing elements on HSA platforms. As reference, we use an embedded platform hosting a multi-core ARM CPU and an ARM Mali GPU. We show that our generated source code is faster than native implementations in OpenCV as well as the pre-implemented script intrinsics provided by Google for acceleration on the embedded GPU.
Non-rigid Object Tracking as Salient Region Segmentation and Association

Tracking a non-rigid object in a video in the presence of background clutter and partial occlusion is challenging. We propose a non-rigid object-tracking paradigm by repeatedly detecting and associating saliency regions. Saliency region segmentation is operated in each frame. The segmentation results provide rich spatial support for tracking and make the reliable tracking of non-rigid object without drifting possible. The precise object region is obtained simultaneously by associating the saliency region using two independent observers. Our formulation is quite general and other salient-region segmentation algorithms also can be used. Experimental results have shown that such a paradigm can effectively handle tracking problems of objects with rapid movement, rotation and partial occlusion.
Transforming growth factor beta1, matrix-metalloproteinase-2 and its tissue inhibitor in patients with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma/syndrome.

BACKGROUND/AIM Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), oxidative stress and imbalance between matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) may play an important role in pathogenesis of pseudoexfoliation syndrome/glaucoma (PEX Sy/Gl). The aim of the study was to measure concentrations of TGF-beta1, MMP-2, TIMP-2 in the aqueous humor in the examined group, as well as to compare the biochemical findings with the following clinical parameters: degree of chamber angle pigmantation, presence of pseudoexfoliation and the value of intraocular pressure (IOP). METHODS Aqueous samples from 30 patients with cataract, 30 patients with PEX Sy, 36 patients with PEX Gl, and 42 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) were collected during phacoemulsification cataract surgery. TGF beta1, MMP-2, TIMP-2 Fluotokine Multi Analyze Profiling kits and Luminex technology were used to simultaneously measure TGF beta1, MMP-2 and TIMP-2. RESULTS TGF-beta1, MMP-2, TIMP-2 were detected in human aqueous from all the groups with the highest level in the group with PEX Gl. Statistically, a significant correlation between the levels of TGF beta1, MMP-2, TIMP-2 in the aqueous humor of the patients with PEX Gl and the IOP value was confirmed (p < 0.05). In this group, the positive correlations between the TGF beta1 concentration in the aqueous humor and the presence of pseudoexfoliation (p < 0.01), on the one hand, and between the TIMP-2 level and the presence of pseudoexfoliation (p < 0.05), on the other, were reported. A statistically significant positive correlation of TGF-beta1 and MMP-2, and the degree of chamber angle pigmentation in the PEX Gl group was confirmed (p < 0.05). In the POAG group, TIMP-2 values were in a negative correlation with the degree of pigmentation (p < 0.05), and the IOP value (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION TGF beta1 and MMP-2 affect the degree of chamber angle pigmentation and the degree of pseudoexfoliation in patients with pseudoexfoliative glaucoma.
Class of Full-Rank Space-Time Codes Combining Orthogonal Designs With Delay Diversity

This paper considers a new class of full-diversity space-time (ST) codes for multiple-transmit-antenna wireless systems. These codes, relying on partitioning the transmit antennas into groups, consist of a combination of delay transmit diversity with orthogonal ST block codes and specially designed symbol mappings of information bits into channel symbols. Due to the orthogonality of the ST block codes, which guarantees each antenna group composed signal to have full rank, and the blockwise delay diversity, which guarantees independence of the signals transmitted by different antenna groups at the same time, these codes achieve full diversity with relatively low decoding complexity. A computer search has been employed to determine the channel symbol mappings for codes with quaternary phase-shift keying (QPSK) and eight-phase PSK modulation that maximize the asymptotic coding advantages. For 16-phase quadrature amplitude modulation (16 QAM), we present a novel hand-designed code. These codes yield performance gains in terms of both frame error rate and bit error rate with respect to many known full-diversity codes over quasi-static and block-fading Rayleigh channels, with decoding of reasonable complexity.
Concurrent and longitudinal relationships between cognitive activity, cognitive performance, and brain volume in older adult women.

OBJECTIVES We investigated (a) cross-sectional associations between cognitive activity, cognitive performance, and MRI measures and (b) longitudinal associations between cognitive activity and change in cognitive performance, using structural equation modeling (SEM). METHOD Women's Health Initiative Memory Study (WHIMS) Extension participants who continued annual neuropsychological assessments by telephone and completed a concurrent questionnaire of cognitive activities and MRI scans were included (mean age = 81.4 years; N = 393). Cognitive performance was measured by tests of attention, working memory, verbal fluency, executive function, and memory. Cognitive activity was measured by self-reported participation in a variety of cognitive activities (e.g., reading books, playing games, computer activities; N = 11 items) during the previous 12 months. MRI measures included gray and white matter normal and white matter lesion volumes. RESULTS SEM demonstrated a significant association between cognitive activity and baseline cognitive performance but not change over 2-3 years. Gray and white matter was associated with cognitive performance but not cognitive activity. All effects remained significant after modeling covariates (age, education, depressive symptoms, WHIMS intervention assignment, and intracranial volume). CONCLUSIONS Cognitive activity benefits current cognitive performance but is not associated with change over 2-3 years. Cognitive activity and MRI volumes are independently associated with cognitive performance, suggesting distinct cognitive and brain reserve constructs.
Population prevalence, incidence, and predictors of atrial fibrillation in the Renfrew/Paisley study

OBJECTIVES Though atrial fibrillation (AF) is an important cause of cardiovascular morbidity, there are few large epidemiological studies of its prevalence, incidence, and risk factors. The epidemiological features of AF are described in one of the largest population cohorts ever studied. METHODS The prevalence and incidence of AF were studied in the Renfrew/Paisley population cohort of 15 406 men and women aged 45–64 years living in the west of Scotland. This cohort was initially screened between 1972 and 1976 and again between 1977 and 1979. Incident hospitalisations with AF in the 20 year period following initial screening were also studied. RESULTS The population prevalence of AF in this cohort was 6.5 cases/1000 examinations. Prevalence was higher in men and older subjects. In those who were rescreened, the four year incidence of AF was 0.54 cases/1000 person years. Radiological cardiomegaly was the most powerful predictor of new AF (adjusted odds ratio 14.0). During 20 year follow up, 3.5% of this cohort was discharged from hospital with a diagnosis of AF; the rate of incident hospitalisation for AF was 1.9 cases/1000 person years. Radiological cardiomegaly (adjusted odds ratio 1.46) and systolic blood pressure (adjusted odds ratio 2.1 for ⩾ 169 mm Hg) were independent predictors of this outcome. CONCLUSIONS Data from one of the largest epidemiological studies ever undertaken confirm that AF has a large population prevalence and incidence, even in middle aged people. More important, it was shown that the long term incidence of hospitalisation related to AF is high and that two simple clinical measurements are highly predictive of incident AF. These findings have important implications for the prevention of AF.
Enclosed layout transistors in saturation

The fabrication of radiation tolerant devices is an emerging field with multiple applications in the space and high-energy physics domains. The reduction of radiation-induced oxide trapped charge characteristic of deep submicron CMOS processes can be boosted if appropriate layout styles such as the gate-enclosed layout transistors are used. In this paper we will present an analytical I-V model of these devices in both the linear and saturation regions of operation and a comparison to experimental data from fabricated devices.
Stock market integration in Africa

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to examine the nature and extent of linkages between African stock markets and the relationships between these markets and that of regional and global indices. Design/methodology/approach - The monthly returns of S&P/IFC return indices for ten African countries over the period 1998-2007 were analyzed. The index return volatility was decomposed into three components following Barari and the contributions of regional and global market movements to the local index volatility were estimated. Findings - It was found that African stock markets are still segmented from global markets in spite of recent structural adjustments and that the local index volatility is largely country-specific, which can be diversified away by cross-country diversification. Originality/value - This paper provides further evidence on stock market integration in emerging markets. The finding suggests that African stock markets, with the exception of South Africa, are still segmented from global markets. Thus, recent structural adjustment and liberalisation policies have not reduced stock market segmentation in Africa. This paper therefore has implications for policy makers and international investors.
Internet-Accessible DNA Sequence Database for Identifying Fusaria from Human and Animal Infections

ABSTRACT Because less than one-third of clinically relevant fusaria can be accurately identified to species level using phenotypic data (i.e., morphological species recognition), we constructed a three-locus DNA sequence database to facilitate molecular identification of the 69 Fusarium species associated with human or animal mycoses encountered in clinical microbiology laboratories. The database comprises partial sequences from three nuclear genes: translation elongation factor 1α (EF-1α), the largest subunit of RNA polymerase (RPB1), and the second largest subunit of RNA polymerase (RPB2). These three gene fragments can be amplified by PCR and sequenced using primers that are conserved across the phylogenetic breadth of Fusarium. Phylogenetic analyses of the combined data set reveal that, with the exception of two monotypic lineages, all clinically relevant fusaria are nested in one of eight variously sized and strongly supported species complexes. The monophyletic lineages have been named informally to facilitate communication of an isolate's clade membership and genetic diversity. To identify isolates to the species included within the database, partial DNA sequence data from one or more of the three genes can be used as a BLAST query against the database which is Web accessible at FUSARIUM-ID (http://isolate.fusariumdb.org ) and the Centraalbureau voor Schimmelcultures (CBS-KNAW) Fungal Biodiversity Center (http://www.cbs.knaw.nl/fusarium ). Alternatively, isolates can be identified via phylogenetic analysis by adding sequences of unknowns to the DNA sequence alignment, which can be downloaded from the two aforementioned websites. The utility of this database should increase significantly as members of the clinical microbiology community deposit in internationally accessible culture collections (e.g., CBS-KNAW or the Fusarium Research Center) cultures of novel mycosis-associated fusaria, along with associated, corrected sequence chromatograms and data, so that the sequence results can be verified and isolates are made available for future study.
A M-theta Method on Mode I and II Failure of Two Cameroonian Hardwoods in Bending

This work deals with the numerical simulation on bending test to characterize two Cameroonian hardwoods under mode I and II loading for different crack lengths. The finite element analysis for fracture in orthotropic medium is developed. The algorithm of fracture is introduced in a finite element software Cast3M. According to the Mtheta method, the calculation of the stress intensity factors and the energy release rate for pure mode I and II fracture are deduced using a SENB (Single Edge Notch Bending) specimen. The path independence of Mθ-method on the specimen is confirmed.
Trombocytopenia: One of the Markers of Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a complication of a variety of severe underlying diseases and a contributing factor in multi-organ failure and death. DIC is diagnosed on the basis of clinical findings (organ failure, bleeding) and laboratory abnormalities. The laboratory data include (repeated) measurements of platelet count and global clotting tests, to which more specific and sensitive tests for activated coagulation are added. The focus of this paper is on thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 100 x 103/microl) as a marker in DIC. First, in patients with suspected DIC it is imperative to consider alternative causes of thrombocytopenia,such as related to heparin use (heparin induced thrombocytopenia II) or thrombocytopenic purpura. Second, the observation of thrombocytopenia in relation to DIC should be interpreted as a marker of advanced or overt DIC and not as an early indicator. According to recommended guidelines measurements of platelet counts should always be coupled to a panel of coagulation markers and not be used as single marker of DIC (or other syndromes). In general, thrombocytopenia should not trigger platelet transfusions except in patients with severe bleeding complications.
Premedication effect of dexmedetomidine and alfentanil on seizure time, recovery duration, and hemodynamic responses in electroconvulsive therapy

Introduction: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective treatment for many mental disorders, especially severe and persistent depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. The aim of this study is to compare the effect of dexmedetomidine and alfentanil on agitation, satisfaction, seizure duration, and patients hemodynamic after ECT. Materials and Methods: In a three phase crossover randomized clinical trial, 75 patients aged between 18 and 50 years and candidate for ECT were enrolled and assigned into three groups (25 patients in each group). All patients, respectively, took premedication of dexmedetomidine, alfentanil, or saline in three consecutive phases. Patients received 0.5 μg/kg dexmedetomidine, 10 μg/kg alfentanil or normal saline intravenously, 10 min before induction. Finally, seizure and recovery duration, satisfaction and agitation score, and hemodynamic parameters were evaluated. Results: There was no significant difference about seizure duration, agitation score, and hemodynamic parameters between groups but recovery duration was significantly lower in the control group than dexmedetomidine (P = 0.016) and alfentanil group (P = 0.0001). Patients′ satisfaction was significantly higher in intervention groups (alfentanil and dexmedetomidine groups) (P = 0.0001). Conclusion: Given the equal effects of alfentanil and dexmedetomidine, it seems that choosing one of these two drugs for premedication of patients undergoing ECT is appropriate. Drug choice is influenced by numerous factors such as accessibility of each drug and the dominance of anesthesiologist and psychiatrist.
Effect of Sodium‐Potassium Pump Inhibitors and Membrane‐Depolarizing Agents on Sodium Nitroprusside‐Induced Relaxation and Cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate Accumulation in Rat Aorta

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between sodium nitroprusside-induced relaxation, inhibition of the sodium-potassium pump, and cyclic guanosine monophosphate. Exposure of rat thoracic aorta to ouabain, or potassium- or magnesium-free Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate solution, procedures which presumably inhibit the sodium-potassium pump, or to potassium chloride or tetraethylammonium, membrane-depolarizing agents, inhibited relaxation to nitroprusside. These conditions had little or no effect on the elevated cyclic guanosine monophosphate levels at a concentration of nitroprusside (0.1 μM) that relaxed norepinephrine contracted tissues by 80%. However, at a maximum relaxant concentration of nitroprusside (1.0 μM), these conditions decreased the elevation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate. The inhibition of elevated cyclic guanosine monophosphate levels was independent of the endothelium, extracellular calcium, and the cyclic guanosine monophosphate phosphodiesterase inhibitor, M&B 22,948. The inhibitory effects of ouabain and of potassium- and magnesium-free solution on the increased levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate caused by 1.0 μM nitroprusside were abolished when tissues were incubated without norepinephrine, or with norepinephrine in the presence of the α-adrenergic blocker, phentolamine. In contrast, a β-adrenergic blocker, propranolol, had no effect on the ouabain-induced inhibition of elevated cyclic guanosine monophosphate levels, with norepinephrine present. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that membrane events regulate cyclic guanosine monophosphate synthesis. At nitroprusside concentrations greater than 0.1 μM, the formation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate appears to be coupled to the status of the smooth muscle cell membrane and integrity of the sodium-potassium pump. Furthermore, the elevated cyclic guanosine monophosphate levels induced by nitroprusside may be compartmentalized and, depending upon the intracellular concentration, may be associated with several functions. These functions may include activation of the sodium-potassium pump and/or membrane hyperpolarization. However, an effect of cyclic guanosine monophosphate on sodium-potassium pump activity and/or membrane potential remains to be demonstrated.
Development of a new global Volcanic Hazard Index (VHI)

Background Globally, more than 800 million people live in areas that have the potential to be affected by volcanic hazards, and this number is growing [Chapter 4]. The need for informed judgements regarding the global extent of potential volcanic hazards and the relative threats is therefore more pressing than ever. There is also an imperative to identify areas of relatively high hazard where studies and risk reduction measures may be best focussed. Various authors have tackled this task at a range of spatial scales, using a variety of techniques. At some well-studied volcanoes, the geological record has been used in combination with numerical modelling to create probabilistic hazard maps of volcanic flows and tephra fall [Chapter 6 and 20]. Such sources of information can be hugely beneficial in land use planning during times of quiescence and in emergency planning during times of unrest. Unfortunately, creating high-resolution probabilistic hazard maps for all volcanoes is not yet feasible. There is therefore a need for a methodology for volcanic hazard assessment that can be applied universally and consistently, which is less data-and computing-intensive. The aim of such an approach is to identify, on some objective overall basis, those volcanoes that pose the greatest danger, in order that more indepth investigations and disaster risk reduction efforts can then be focused on them. Previous methods An index-based approach to volcanic hazard assessment involves assigning scores to a series of indicators, which are then combined to give an overall hazard score. Indicators typically include measures of the frequency of eruptions, the relative occurrence of different kinds of eruptions and their related hazards, the footprints of these hazards, and eruption size. Indices are well suited to the problem of volcanic hazard assessment, as they allow the decomposition of the complex system into a suite of volcanic system controls and simple quantitative variables and factors that jointly characterise threat potential. Ewert (2007) presented an index-based methodology for assessing volcanic threat (the combination of hazard and exposure) in the USA, to permit prioritisation of research, monitoring and mitigation.
Automatic MRI Database Exploration and Applications

The design of representative models of the human body is of great interest to medical doctors. Qualitative information about the characteristics of the brain is widely available, but due to the volume of information that needs to be analyzed and the complexity of its structure, rarely is there quantification according to a standard model. To address this problem, we propose in this paper an automatic method to retrieve corresponding structures from a database of medical images. This procedure being local and fast, will permit navigation through large databases in a practical amount of time. We present as examples of applications the building of an average volume of interest and preliminary results of classification according to morphology.