Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Detection of Functional Recovery Using Low‐Dose Dobutamine and Myocardial Contrast Echocardiography After Acute Myocardial Infarction Treated with Successful Thrombolytic Therapy

Objective: We studied the value of low‐dose dobutamine stress echocardiography (LDDE) and myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) in early prediction of left ventricular functional recovery (LVFR) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) treated with successful thrombolysis. Design: LDDE and MCE using second‐harmonic intermittent imaging were performed in first week after AMI. LVFR was defined as an absolute ≥5% increase in ejection fraction, from early to 6 months of follow‐up by Technetium‐99m‐Sestamibi single‐photon emission computed tomography. Patients: Out of 50 patients studied, 19 evolved with LVFR (group 1) and 31 without LVFR (group 2). Regional dysfunction was detected in 103 (37%) infarcted‐related segments in group 1 and in 173 (63%) segments in group 2. Results: Sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values and accuracy for detecting LVFR by LDDE were 94.7% (18/19), 87.1% (27/31), 81.8% (18/22), 96.4% (27/28), and 90% (45/50), respectively, and by MCE were 94.7% (18/19), 51.6% (16/31), 54.5% (18/33), 94.1% (16/17), and 68% (34/50). In group 1, functional improvement was observed in 86.9% (53/61) of segments with contractile reserve by LDDE and in 65.8% (52/79) of segments with microvascular perfusion by MCE. In group 2, functional improvement was observed in 78.3% (18/23) of segments with contractile reserve by LDDE and in 25.5% (25/98) of segments with microvascular perfusion by MCE. All segments without perfusion by MCE evolved without functional recovery. Conclusion: LDDE was an accurate predictor of late left ventricular function recovery after AMI, while MCE was sensitive and has a high negative predictive value demonstrating that microvascular perfusion is essential for LVFR.
Robust Detection of Sleep Apnea from Holter ECGs

Summary Introduction: This article is part of the Focus Theme of Methods of Information in Medicine on “Biosignal Interpretation: Advanced Methods for Studying Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems”. Objectives: Detect presence of sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD) in epochs of 1 min by signal analysis of Holter ECG recordings. Methods: In 121 patients, 140 synchronized polysomnograms (PSGs) and 8-channel Holter ECGs were recorded. The only excluded condition was persistent arrhythmias. Respiratory events as scored from the PSGs were mapped to a 1 min grid and served as reference for ECG-based detection. Moreover, 69/70 recordings of the Physionet Sleep Apnea ECG Database (PADB) were included. We performed receiver operating characteristics analysis of a single, novel time-domain feature, the joint local similarity index (jLSI). Based on cross-correlation, the jLSI quantifies the time-locked occurrence of characteristic low-frequency (LF) modulations in ECG respiratory myogram interference (RMI), QRS amplitude (QRSA) and heart rate. Results: Joint oscillations in QRSA, RMI and the envelope of RMI identified positive epochs with a sensitivity of 0.855 (PADB: 0.873) and a specificity of 0.86 (PADB: 0.88). Inclusion of heart rate did not improve detection accuracy. Conclusions: Joint occurrence of LF-modulations in QRSA and RMI is a characteristic feature of SRBD that is robustly quantified by the jLSI and permits reliable and reproducible detection of sleep apnea in very heterogeneous settings.
Systematic Review of Medical Treatment in Melanoma: Current Status and Future Prospects

The incidence of melanoma is increasing worldwide, and the prognosis for patients with high-risk or advanced metastatic melanoma remains poor despite advances in the field. A systematic literature review of treatments for advanced, metastatic disease was conducted to present the success of current treatments and the promise of those still in clinical development that may yield incremental improvements in the treatment of advanced, metastatic melanoma. Advances in the understanding of the mechanism of chemotherapy resistance offer the hope for improved results with chemotherapy, and the triumvirate of more effective chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy are likely to be combined with one another for significant advances in melanoma over the coming few years.
Towards Personalised Synthesised Voices for Individuals with Vocal Disabilities: Voice Banking and Reconstruction

When individuals lose the ability to produce their own speech, due to degenerative diseases such as motor neurone disease (MND) or Parkinson’s, they lose not only a functional means of communication but also a display of their individual and group identity. In order to build personalized synthetic voices, attempts have been made to capture the voice before it is lost, using a process known as voice banking. But, for some patients, the speech deterioration frequently coincides or quickly follows diagnosis. Using HMM-based speech synthesis, it is now possible to build personalized synthetic voices with minimal data recordings and even disordered speech. The power of this approach is that it is possible to use the patient’s recordings to adapt existing voice models pre-trained on many speakers. When the speech has begun to deteriorate, the adapted voice model can be further modified in order to compensate for the disordered characteristics found in the patient’s speech. The University of Edinburgh has initiated a project for voice banking and reconstruction based on this speech synthesis technology. At the current stage of the project, more than fifteen patients with MND have already been recorded and five of them have been delivered a reconstructed voice. In this paper, we present an overview of the project as well as subjective assessments of the reconstructed voices and feedback from patients and their families. Index Terms: HTS, Speech Synthesis, Voice Banking, Voice Reconstruction, Voice Output Communication Aids, MND.
Image Categorization Using Local Probabilistic Descriptors

Image categorization involves the well known difficulties with different visual appearances of a single object, but introduces also the problem of within-category variation. This within-category variation makes highly distinctive local descriptors less appropriate for categorization. In this paper we propose a family of local image descriptors, called probabilistic patch descriptors (PPDs). PPDs encode the appearance of image fragments as well as their variability within a category. PPDs extend the usual local descriptors by modelling also the variance of the descriptors' elements, e.g. pixels or bins in a histogram. We apply PPDs to image categorization by using machine learning where the features are the matching scores between images and PPDs. We experiment with two variants of PPDs that are based on complementary local descriptors. An interesting observation is that combining the two PPD variants improves categorization accuracy. Experiments indicate benefits of modelling the within-category variation and show good robustness with respect to noise
Rate of Change of Functional Abilities in Frontotemporal Dementia

Background: Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) causes progressive change in activities of daily living (ADLs) and little is known about their rate of decline. This study aimed to examine changes in ADLs, including subcomponents of initiation, planning or execution. Methods: A total of 72 ADL and general cognitive assessments were analysed. The patients were subdivided into behavioural variant FTD (bvFTD) pathological and phenocopy subgroups, semantic dementia (SemDem) and progressive non-fluent aphasia (PNFA). Results: Pathological bvFTD, SemDem and PNFA groups showed significant decline on ADLs after 12 months, while the phenocopy subgroup did not. In terms of subcomponents of ADLs, each variant showed different profiles of decline. The decline in ADL and cognitive scores were significantly correlated. Conclusions: FTD variants show differential annual rates of functional decline. The rate of decline should be taken into consideration when discussing prognosis.
Process and Decision Control in the Work Place: Separate Effects, Independence From Distributive Justice, and Tests of Explanatory Mechanisms

Research on procedural justice in actual work organizations is not so widespread as research on distributive justice, in spite of the obvious importance of such settings for procedural justice issues. Studies that have been done have failed to examine fully the separate effects of two components of procedural justice: process control and decision control. Further, relatively few explanations of process control and decision control effects have been examined. This study attempted to determine whether or not previously demonstrated process and decision control effects could be observed in organizations, assessed whether such effects were independent of, and comparable in magnitude to, distributive justice concerns, and tests two alternatives to the typical value-expressive interpretation of process control and decision control effects. It was shown that process control and decision control have independent effects on satisfaction with supervisors, perceived fairness of supervisors, and overall job satisfact.
Influence of Age on Healing Capacity of Acute Tears of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Based on Magnetic Resonance Imaging Assessment

Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of patient age on the effects of conservative treatment of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Methods A total of 102 consecutive patients with acute ACL injury were allowed to heal without surgery. Final magnetic resonance imaging images of the ACL were classified from grade I, indicating good morphological recovery, to grade IV, indicating poor recovery. Chi-square analysis was used to determine significant differences in the incidence of grades I and II among those less than 20 versus those 20 years or more of age. Results The mean follow-up to final magnetic resonance imaging was 9 months. A significant difference in the frequency of grades I and II was observed between age groups (<20 years, 13.0%; ≥20 years, 69.6%; P < 0.0001). Conclusion ACL injury was more severe, and morphological recovery with conservative treatment was poorer among younger patients than among adults.
4-Methoxyanilinium 2-carboxy-4,5-dichlorobenzoate

In the title salt C7H10NO+·C8H3Cl2O4 − the benzene rings of the cation and anion are essentially parallel [inter-ring dihedral angle 4.8 (2)°]. In the anion the carboxylic acid and carboxylate groups make dihedral angles of 19.0 (2) and 79.5 (2)°, respectively, with the benzene ring. Aminium N—H⋯O, carboxylic acid O—H⋯O and weak aromatic C—H⋯O hydrogen-bonding associations with carboxyl O-atom acceptors together with cation–anion π–π ring interactions [minimum ring centroid separation = 3.734 (3) Å] give rise to a sheet structure lying parallel to (001).
The oncogenic RNA-binding protein Musashi1 is regulated by tumor suppressor miRNAs

Musashi1 (Msi1) is an evolutionarily conserved RNA-binding protein that has been implicated in processes like stem cell fate, nervous system development, and tumorigenesis via its activities as a specific regulator of translation. While Msi1 is barely detected in normal adult tissue, it has been observed to be highly expressed in numerous tumor types (e.g. breast, colon, medulloblastoma, glioblastoma, and et cetera). Unfortunately, the molecular cues that are responsible for Msi1 upregulation in cancer cells are largely unknown. Tumor suppressor microRNAs (miRNAs) are known for targeting genes with oncogenic properties like Msi1 and for being either downregulated or deleted in tumor tissue. We observed that Msi1 long 3’UTR region is potentially targeted by several tumor suppressor miRNAs (miR-34a, -101, -128, -137, and -138). Western blotting of endogenous Msi1 protein as well as luciferase assays confirmed Msi1 regulation by these tumor suppressor miRNAs. Furthermore, we observed when examining different cellular states that these miRNAs and Msi1 have opposite expression profiles. Cell proliferation inhibition induced by the tumor suppressor miRNAs was partially rescued by Msi1 transgenic expression. We conclude that tumor suppressor miRNAs are direct and influential regulators of Msi1, affecting its expression pattern during tumorigenesis of malignant nervous system tumors.
Being transsexual : self, identity and embodied subjectivity

In this research I employ an interdisciplinary approach in order to theorize the experience of Being Transsexual and to reflect upon current debates in critical social psychology about such notions as `self, `identity' and `embodied subjectivity'. Seven male-to-female and seven female-to-male individuals who identified as either transsexual or gender transition. A pluralistic methodological approach, drawing upon the principles of discourse analysis and phenomenology, was used to analyse the interviews. I argue that whilst Cartesian dualist constructions of transsexualism regulate the binary gender system they fail to account for the complex process of identifications which the transsexual subject has to negotiate. Transsexual subjects are never completely free from their past experiences, past selves, past relationships or previous practices of embodiment. To varying degrees, these all undermine any new-found sense of gender confirmation. Consequently, I argue that Being Transsexual entails the ongoing process of becoming `male' or `female'. In a move towards a theory of embodied subjectivity, it is suggested that any transition in subjective experiences of gender is intrinsically tied to and nseparable from shifts in gendered embodiment. Finally, I argue that affiliations between transgendered and gay and lesbian communities should be strengthened in order to challenge the regulatory practices of heterosexual normativity, thus enabling individuals to live more ambiguous modes of gendered subjectivity.
Curli Produced by Escherichia coli PHL628 Provide Protection from Hg(II)

ABSTRACT The role of curli, amyloid extracellular fibers, in the tolerance of Escherichia coli PHL628 to Hg(II) was examined. Our findings indicate that by sorbing Hg(II) extracellularly, curli protect the cells. To our knowledge, this is the first time a protective role of curli against toxic metals has been demonstrated.
Homing pigeons as a model for the influence of experience on brain composition-including considerations on evolutionary theory

The brain of homing pigeons seems to be functionally adapted to homing with e.g. larger hippocampi and olfactory bulbs. Furthermore, functional lateralization occurs as well in homing pigeons. Recently, the investigation of the influence of navigational experience on brain composition and lateralization revealed larger hippocampi in homing pigeons with navigational experience compared to unexperienced homing pigeons. Additionally, there are several brain structures in homing pigeons which show a volumetrical lateralization, whereat homing pigeons with navigational experience show a more lateralized brain than pigeons without navigational experience. This gives more insights in the neuronal basis of orientation and brain development in general but demonstrates as well its complexity. Plasticity and lateralization are much more correlated with individual life history than assumed up to date and have to be more considered in comparative research of evolution.
Use of PGM for Form recognition

This paper addresses the use of PGM (Probabilistic Graphical Model) for form model identification from just few items filled up by an electronic pen. Only the electronic ink is sent to the system without any indication on the form model. Two applications are made in this study: one is related to keynote form classification from its filled fields, while the second application concerns a design modelling problem for the on-line configuration of shower areas. In the former, only indications on the filled fields are sent to the system, while in the latter, the designer send strokes corresponding to the elements designed on the form model. In this application a unique form is proposed to the user to fill up the configuration of his shower area. The PGM is exploited advantageously in both cases translating precisely the relationships between corresponding elements in conditional probabilities, from individual elements up to the complete model constitution. Keywords-On-line Form, Probabilistic Graphical Model, Keynote modelling, Shower design
Preparing for the world of work: an exploratory study of disabled students’ experiences of work placement

For people with disabilities, one of the best ways to achieve independence is through work. Experience gained by undertaking a work placement whilst a student provides valuable knowledge and understanding of the demands of work, and enhances employability on graduation for both students with disabilities and for their non-disabled peers. The aims of this study were to explore the experiences of disabled students who had undertaken work placements as part of their degree courses, and to determine if their experiences adequately prepare them for the world of work once they graduate. A survey, using the Delphi method, was carried out to reveal the five most important positive and negative experiences of students with disabilities following completion of a work placement. Fifty-one students entered the study and 42 completed all requirements. The most important positive experience reported was ‘gaining experience/knowledge’ and the primary negative experience was ‘demanding expectations’. The responses showed highly significant agreement (Kendall’s Co-efficient of Concordance; p < 0.001) for both positive and negative experiences. Findings revealed that students with disabilities have similar work placement experiences to students in general. However, these experiences may have a greater impact on the abilities of students with disabilities to cope and to achieve.
Future Directions in Human-Animal Bond Research

Human-animal contact can influence psychological and physiological parameters important to health and welfare; nevertheless, there has been relatively little research on the variables that influence or mediate those health consequences. In addition, little attention has been paid on how to create or alter the animal interactions for the betterment of people and their animals. The investigation can be guided by two theoretical perspectives, which make powerful but different and testable predictions: the biophilia hypothesis and social support theory. Along with this theoretically driven research, there is a need for replication of salient research findings to resolve important discrepancies in the literature. Last, animal-assisted therapy (AAT) has to be placed in the context of alternative therapies now available to define its specificity, risks, and overall benefits.
Optimal Locating and Sizing of SSSC using Genetic Algorithm in Deregulated Power Market

The aim of this paper is presenting a genetic algorithm based method for congestion management and to maximize social welfare using one unit Static Synchronous Series Compensator (SSSC) in a double auction pool market based power systems. The aims are achieved by optimal locating and sizing one SSSC unit. In this paper, the GenCos cost functions are considered to be the quadratic form. Simulation outcomes on the modified IEEE 14 bus test system are used to show the impact of SSSC unit on the congestion management and social welfare maximization. Inclusion of the benefit functions of customer in the objective function and the utilization of a GA based algorithm for optimal locating/sizing of SSSC to guarantee fast convergence to the global optimal solution are the main contributions. Keywordssocial welfare maximization; congestion management; deregulated power market; genetic algorithms; SSSC; optimal power flow
Dysbiosis in Crohn's disease - Joint action of stochastic injuries and focal inflammation in the gut

ABSTRACT Gut homeostasis involves interrelated biological networks that include the immune system, specialized cells of the epithelium, such as Paneth and goblet cells, as well as triggers derived from the microbiota. Disruption of these homeostatic interactions may lead to the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). To develop more targeted and individual treatments in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, it becomes more and more important to link key mechanisms of the disease pathogenesis to distinct IBD subsets. For the first time, our laboratory demonstrated a causal role of the microbiota for the development of Crohn's disease (CD)-like ileitis, supporting the hypothesis that a non-infectious, dysbiotic microbial ecosystem harbors aggressive traits relevant for the induction of chronic inflammation in the disease-susceptible host (i.e. TNFΔARE mouse model). Despite a growing body of evidence claiming a primary role for Paneth cells in the pathogenesis of ileal CD, we showed in the TNFΔARE mouse model that Paneth cell failure or exhaustion is a secondary event to inflammation. Therefore, additional mechanisms may act synergistically to initialize the development of CD-like pathology. Hereby, we propose a novel hypothesis suggesting that individual development of dysbiotic communities is based on stochastic injury and focal inflammation of the epithelial lining that propagate radially, finally leading to an aggressive microbial milieu.
The impact of divorce on children

The quality of early attachment, security and later adjustment to divorce is linked to the internal working model of the self schema. The degree of emotional trauma that the child may face during or after the parental divorce is related to the five factors of (a) personality profile of both parents, (b) quality of bonding, (c) quality of attachment, (4) parenting styles, and (5) resilience of the child. It is in the interest of the child that courts and child care workers look more closely to the interconnected‐ness between the child's self schema and the personality profile of divorcing parents in access disputes.
Apresentação da Construção dos Parâmetros à Aplicação do Modelo Conceitual Tridimensional de Performance Social de Carroll

The social responsibility of the companies (SRC) is at the present time an important theme. It explores a new paper for the organizations addressed to the reach of the individual and collective interests of the ones that are part of the business and to your contributions for the construction of a more equal context for the societies. SRC should work considering the characteristics and needs of your stakeholders. In the current market, the companies have to act starting from the perceptions of the ones that are part of her and help to maintain your competitiveness. The model of Carroll (1979), that is one of the main theoretical approaches of SRC, discusses the paper and relevance of the stakeholders starting from practices of SRC in an organization. The results show the main features of each item of the model dimensions, whether in the legal, voluntary and discretionary categories, which allows the company to assess its results, diagnose opportunities and challenges and manage their weaknesses, manage their social activities so that stakeholders have an accurate understanding of reality and have their needs properly understood.