Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prognostic factors in the untreated course of posterior communicating aneurysms.

BEFORE SURGERY is prescribed for intracranial aneurysms, the untreated course of each type of aneurysm must be shown to give results that are inferior to active intervention. A first step in the solution of this problem may be found in the use of random series in which a large group of surgically untreated patients is compared with a similar randomly selected group of treated patient. As an example of this type of analysis, in a study of aneurysms of the internal carotid artery at or near the origin of the posterior communicating artery (hereafter called posterior communicating aneurysms, or PCA), surgical treatment was found to give overall results (limited in this particular report to the acute phase) that were superior to the untreated course of the condition. 1 However, the conclusion cannot be made that all patients with posterior communicating aneurysms will benefit from surgical therapy, but only that
Trypanosoma cruzi: mechanism of entry and intracellular fate in mammalian cells

The mode of entry and intracellular fate of epimastigotes and trypomastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi in cultured cells was studied. Electron microscopic observations indicated the uptake by phagocytosis of both forms into mouse peritoneal macrophages and of trypomastigotes and transition forms into other cultured cell types. In each instance the organisms were initially surrounded by a plasma membrane-derived phagosome. Trypsin and chymotrypsin treatment of the macrophages completely abolished attachment and ingestion of both forms, indicating that protease-sensitive structures on the macrophage plasma membrane mediate ingestion. The macrophage Fc or C3b receptors were not essential for uptake of T. cruzi in the conditions used. Cytochalasin B inhibited ingestion but not the attachment of both forms by macrophages. Epimastigotes were not taken up by HeLa, L cells, and calf embryo fibroblasts. In macrophages, epimastigotes were killed and digested within phagolysosomes. In contrast, trypomastigotes and transition forms escaped from the phagocytic vacuole and then multiplied in the cytoplasmic matrix. Amastigotes released from infected cells exhibited properties similar to those of trypomastigotes and were able to enter all cell types studied and multiply intracellularly.
Random Response Forest for Privacy-Preserving Classification

The paper deals with classification in privacy-preserving data mining. An algorithm, the Random Response Forest, is introduced constructing many binary decision trees, as an extension of Random Forest for privacy-preserving problems. Random Response Forest uses the Random Response idea among the anonymization methods, which instead of generalization keeps the original data, but mixes them. An anonymity metric is defined for undistinguishability of two mixed sets of data. This metric, the binary anonymity, is investigated and taken into consideration for optimal coding of the binary variables. The accuracy of Random Response Forest is presented at the end of the paper.
Mitochondrial DNA and the Peopling of South America

ABSTRACT The initial peopling of South America is largely unresolved, in part because of the unique distribution of genetic diversity in native South Americans. On average, genetic diversity estimated within Andean populations is higher than that estimated within Amazonian populations. Yet there is less genetic differentiation estimated among Andean populations than estimated among Amazonian populations. One hypothesis is that this pattern is a product of independent migrations of genetically differentiated people into South America. A competing hypothesis is that there was a single migration followed by regional isolation. In this study we address these hypotheses using mtDNA hypervariable region 1 sequences representing 21 South American groups and include new data sets for four native Peruvian communities from Tupe, Yungay, and Puno. An analysis of variance that compared the combined data from western South America to the combined data from eastern South America determined that these two regional data sets are not significantly different. As a result, a migration from a single source population into South America serves as the simplest explanation of the data.
Prevention of skeletal muscle wasting: disuse atrophy and sarcopenia

Skeletal muscle plays a considerable role in health and disease. Muscle mass is essential for health and survival and plays a major role in mobility as well as morbidity and mortality. There is continual synthesis and degradation of proteins as part of normal metabolism and homeostasis. Equally remarkable, is the characteristic of plasticity allowing muscle to change and adapt depending on the stimuli and load placed upon it.
A Prospective Study on the Prevalence and Risk Factors of Poststroke Depression

Background and Purpose: Poststroke depression (PSD) is common. Early detection of depressive symptoms and identification of patients at risk for PSD are important as PSD negatively affects stroke outcome and costs of medical care. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine incidence and risk factors for PSD at 3 months after stroke. Methods: We conducted a prospective, longitudinal epidemiological study aiming to determine incidence and risk factors for PSD at 1, 3, 6, 12 and 18 months poststroke. The present data analysis covers the convalescent phase of 3 months poststroke. Participants in this study were inpatients, admitted to a stroke unit with first or recurrent stroke. Demographic data and vascular risk factors were collected and patients were evaluated at baseline and 3 months poststroke for functional and cognitive deficits, stroke characteristics, stroke severity and stroke outcome. Signs and symptoms of depression were quantified by means of the Cornell Scale for Depression (CSD) and Montgomery and Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Significantly associated variables from univariate analysis were analyzed by using multiple linear and logistic regression methods. Results: Data analysis was performed in 135 patients who completed follow-up assessments at 3 months poststroke. Depression (CSD score ≥8) was diagnosed in 28.1% of the patients. Patients with PSD were significantly more dependent with regard to activities of daily living (ADL) and displayed more severe physical and cognitive impairment than patients without PSD. A higher prevalence of speech and language dysfunction and apraxia were observed in patients with PSD (36.8 and 34.3%, respectively) compared to non-depressed stroke patients (19.6 and 12.4%; p = 0.036 and p = 0.004, respectively). Applying multiple linear regressions, cognitive impairment and reduced mobility as part of the Stroke Impact Scale were independently associated with PSD, as scored using CSD and MADRS (r2 = 0.269 and r2 = 0.474, respectively). Conclusions: The risk of developing PSD is increased in patients with more functional and cognitive impairment, greater dependency with regard to ADL functions and with occurrence of speech and language dysfunctions and apraxia. Multiple regression models indicated that the most determining features for depression risk in the convalescent phase after stroke include reduced mobility and cognitive impairment. Further studies on risk factors for PSD are essential, given its negative impact on rehabilitation and quality of life. Identification of risk factors for PSD may allow more efficacious preventive measures and early implementation of adequate antidepressive treatment.
Chapter 5: Perspectives on the Integration of Employee Assistance and Work-Life Programs

SUMMARY A recent qualitative study explored perceptions of critical issues and challenges from the point of view of experts and key informants working in diverse roles in the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) field (Sharar & Hertenstein, 2005). One of the central themes that came out of the study is that EAPs have become a type of platform for the expansion of integrated collateral services, chiefly work-life (WL) programs. This paper presents a variety of perceptions and opinions from experts in the EAP field, both pro and con, on the growing convergence of EA and WL programs, including the rationale to integrate, segregate, and concerns regarding the diffusion of traditional and core EAPs. The paper concludes with the authors? perspectives on implications for the EA field, along with the need to find ways to measure if and when integration leads to employee and organizational improvement.
Lateralization of repeated filtered transients.

The lateralization of a high‐pass and a low‐pass 40 dB SL, 0.1‐msec transient was measured as a function of the number of repetitions of the transient and the repetition rate. A high‐pass transient presented once required 100 μsec more interaural time for lateralization than did a low‐pass transient presented once. Twelve repetitions of the high‐pass transient yielded the same lateralization performance as that obtained with a low‐pass transient. Repetition rate did not affect the lateralization of the high‐ or low‐pass transients, and number of repetitions did not affect the lateralization of the low‐pass transients. These results were compared with results obtained with gated sinusoids presented with and without rise–decay times.Subject Classification: [43]65.62, [43]65.75, [43]65.58.
Effects of Long-Term Monotherapy With Eplerenone, a Novel Aldosterone Blocker, on Progression of Left Ventricular Dysfunction and Remodeling in Dogs With Heart Failure

Background—In heart failure (HF), aldosterone has been implicated in the formation of reactive interstitial fibrosis, a maladaptation that contributes to left ventricular (LV) remodeling. Eplerenone is a novel selective aldosterone blocker. The present study examined the effects of long-term monotherapy with eplerenone on the progression of LV dysfunction and remodeling in dogs with chronic HF. Methods and Results—HF was produced in 14 dogs by intracoronary microembolizations that were discontinued when LV ejection fraction (EF) was between 30% and 40%. Two weeks after the last embolization, dogs were randomized to 3 months of oral therapy with eplerenone (10 mg/kg twice daily, n=7) or no therapy at all (control, n=7). Hemodynamic measurements were made just before randomization and were repeated at the end of 3 months of therapy. In control dogs, LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volume increased significantly (62±4 versus 68±4 mL, P <0.001, and 38±3 versus 47±3 mL, P <0.001, respectively), and EF decreased significantly (38±1% versus 31±2%, P <0.001). In contrast, end-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume, and EF remained unchanged during the 3 months of treatment in eplerenone-treated dogs. LV end-diastolic wall stress increased significantly in control dogs but decreased significantly in eplerenone-treated dogs. Compared with control, eplerenone was associated with a 28% reduction in cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area, a 37% reduction of volume fraction of reactive interstitial fibrosis, and a 34% reduction of volume fraction of replacement fibrosis. Conclusions—Our results indicate that long-term therapy with eplerenone prevents progressive LV dysfunction and attenuates LV remodeling in dogs with chronic HF.
Stiffness Synthesis of a Variable Geometry Six-Degrees-of-Freedom Double Planar Parallel Robot

In this paper, we address the stiffness synthesis problem of variable geometry double planar parallel robots. For a desired stiffness matrix, the free geometrical variables are calculated as a solution of a corresponding polynomial system. Since in practice the set of free geometrical variables might be deficient, the suggested solution addresses also the case where not all stiffness matrix elements are attainable. This is done through the use of Gröbner bases that determine the solvability of the stiffness synthesis polynomial systems and by transforming these systems into corresponding eigenvalue problems using multiplication tables. This method is demonstrated on a novel variable geometry double planar six-degrees-of-freedom robot having six free geometric variables. A solution of the double planar stiffness synthesis problem is obtained through decomposing its stiffness matrix in terms of the stiffness matrices of its planar units. An example of this procedure is presented in which synthesizing six elements of the robot's stiffness matrix is obtained symbolically and validated numerically yielding 384 real solutions.
Predicting the survivability of breast cancer patients using ensemble approach

Data mining in healthcare is one of most preferable research field in these days. In healthcare, data are coming from different sources and are continuously stored in data repositories. Healthcare organization generates vast amount of data which contains useful information. Data Mining is used for uncovering the valuable information from medical data which in turn helpful for making important decision regarding patient's health. This paper used breast cancer data from SEER (Surveillance of Epidemiology and End Result) which is contributed by National Cancer Institute. The dataset consists data of various types of cancer such as breast, lung, oral cancer etc. The proposed research work first analyzes the breast cancer dataset and then applying data mining approach to evaluate the results. Data Mining is used for getting the patterns of the disease which can be effectively utilized by medical practitioner. For predicting the survivability of breast cancer patients an ensemble classification approach is presented in this paper.
Search Reverse Nearest Neighbor Query On Air

A reverse nearest neighbor (RNN) search retrieves all points in a given data set whose nearest neighbor is a given query point. It is important for location-based services such as traffic monitoring and enhanced 911 service and mixed-reality games. The reverse nearest neighbor queries appear in many practical situations. Existing algorithms have been proposed recently to support RNN search in the traditional client-server service model. In this paper, we conduct a preliminary study on RNN search in wireless data broadcast environments. We employ three air indexing techniques, namely, a naive air index, Rdnn-tree air index and D-tree air index, and devise algorithms based on these techniques to search RNNs on the air. A simulation is conducted to compare the three air indexing techniques. The result shows that RNN search methods in Rdnn- and D-tree outperform the naive index approach significantly in terms of tuning time
Animal Lectins as Cell Adhesion Molecules

Protein-carbohydrate interaction is exploited in cell adhesion mechanisms besides the recognition of peptide motifs. The sugar code thus significantly contributes to the intriguing specificity of cellular selection of binding partners. Focusing on two classes of lectins (selectins and galectins), it is evident that their functionality for mediation of adhesive contacts is becoming increasingly appreciated, as is the integration of this type of interaction with other recognition modes to yield the noted specificity. The initial contact formation between leukocytes and activated endothelium makes use of selectins to guide lymphocyte trafficking. In addition to the three selectins which bind a distinct array of ligands, galectin-1 and galectin-3 and possibly other members of this family are involved in cell-cell or cell-matrix interactions. This review summarizes structural and functional aspects of these two classes of endogenous lectins relevant for cell adhesion.
Approximating edit distance in near-linear time

We show how to compute the edit distance between two strings of length n up to a factor of 2<sup>(O-tilde(sqrt(log n)))</sup> in n<sup>(1+o(1))</sup> time. This is the first sub-polynomial approximation algorithm for this problem that runs in near-linear time, improving on the state-of-the-art n<sup>(1/3+o(1))</sup> approximation. Previously, approximation of 2<sup>Õ √log n)</sup> was known only for embedding edit distance into l<sub>1</sub>, and it is not known if that embedding can be computed in less than a quadratic time.
Using Climate Forecasts for Drought Management

Abstract Drought hazards, and the ability to mitigate them with advance warning, offer potentially valuable applications of climate forecast products. Yet the value is often untapped, owing to the gap between climate science and societal decisions. This study bridged that gap; it determined forecast needs among water managers, translated forecasts to meet those needs, and shaped drought decision making to take advantage of forecasts. NOAA Climate Prediction Center (CPC) seasonal precipitation outlooks were converted into a forecast precipitation index (FPI) tailored for water managers in the southeastern United States. The FPI expresses forecasts as a departure from the climatological normal and is consistent with other drought indicators. Evaluations of CPC seasonal forecasts issued during 1995–2000 demonstrated positive skill for drought seasons in the Southeast. In addition, using evaluation criteria of water managers, 88% of forecasts for drought seasons would have appropriately prompted drought respo.
Psychotherapy for Borderline Personality Disorder: Mentalization Based Treatment

1. EPIDEMIOLOGICAL AND ETIOLOGICAL RESEARCH ON BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER Definition of the problem Epidemiology Clinical picture The natural history of BPD Studies of mechanisms and aetiological factors 2. THERAPY RESEARCH AND OUTCOME Psychological treatments Drug treatments Problems of outcome research 3. MENTALIZATION-BASED UNDERSTANDING OF BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER The developmental roots of BPD The relevance of the attachment theory perspective Optimal self-development in a secure attachment context The impact of an insecure base The impact of attachment trauma 4. CURRENT MODELS OF TREATMENT FOR BPD Transference focused therapy Dialectical behaviour therapy Cognitive behaviour therapy Cognitive analytic therapy Psychodynamic-interpersonal Therapeutic communities Other North American approaches Other European approaches Mentalization: the common theme in psychotherapeutic approaches to BPD 5. TREATMENT ORGANIZATION Service models The treatment programmes Staff Assessment Engagement in treatment Supporting the team Care programme approach Adherence 6. TRANSFERABLE FEATURES OF THE MBT MODEL Structure Consistency, constancy and coherence Relationship focus Flexibility Intensity Individual approach to care Use of medication Integration of modalities of therapy 7. STRATEGIES OF TREATMENT Enhancing mentalization Bridging the gaps Transference Retaining mental closeness Working with current mental states Bearing in mind the deficits Real relationships 8. TECHNIQUES OF TREATMENT Identification and appropriate expression of affect Establishment of stable representational systems Formation of coherent sense of Self Development of a capacity to form secure relationships 9. IMPLEMENTATION PATHWAY Step 1 - Consider the context in which you work . Step 2 - Apply organizational principles Step 3 - Modify the aims and techniques of your current practice Step 4 - Implement procedures for dealing with challenging behaviours Step 5 - Constantly evaluate your practice Appendices References
Injectable cartilage tissue engineering

Cartilage is the tissue that lines the surface of bones in articulating joints, allowing painless joint movement. Cartilage loss is an increasingly significant problem, particularly with the ageing of active baby boomers, with few efficacious treatments available at present. Tissue engineering is a field that has evolved over recent years to combat tissue loss by providing a living tissue equivalent or substitute that can mimic the properties of the lost tissue. The general strategy of tissue engineering is to place cells on a biomaterial scaffold that is designed to promote cell function and form new tissue. This review describes the status of materials that are available as injectable scaffolds for tissue engineering and the numerous cell types that can be applied to cartilage repair, including cells derived from cartilage and stem cells. The current state of injectable cartilage tissue engineering and the hurdles that remain for widespread clinical application are discussed.
Modeling informal learning in companies

Informal learning plays a crucial role in the lifelong learning process of professionals. This fact makes the support and optimization of informal learning processes in companies highly desirable. Still, the intangible nature of informal learning complicates support as well as optimization. This paper presents my dissertation project that aims at creating a descriptive and prescriptive model of informal learning in companies. The foundation of model development is a detailed investigation of informal learning activities at a large software company by triangulating qualitative research approaches. The overall goal is the development of a Decision Support System (DSS) which uses the model for a guided analysis process with action recommendations for the company.
Experimental study of odometry estimation methods using RGB-D cameras

Lightweight RGB-D cameras that can provide rich 2D visual and 3D point cloud information are well suited to the motion estimation of indoor micro aerial vehicles (MAVs). In recent years, several RGB-D visual odometry methods which process data from the sensor in different ways have been proposed. However, it is unclear which methods are preferable for online odometry estimation on a computation-limited, fast moving MAV in practical indoor environments. This paper presents a detailed analysis and comparison of several state-of-the-art real-time odometry estimation methods in a variety of challenging scenarios, with a special emphasis on the trade-off among accuracy, robustness and computation speed. An experimental comparison is conducted using public available benchmark datasets and author-collected datasets including long corridors, illumination changing environments and fast motion scenarios. Experimental results present both quantitative and qualitative differences among these methods and provide some guidelines on choosing the “right” algorithm for an indoor MAV according to the quality of the RGB-D data and environment characteristics.
Isolation of a Bacterial Strain with the Ability To Utilize the Sulfonated Azo Compound 4-Carboxy-4′-Sulfoazobenzene as the Sole Source of Carbon and Energy

ABSTRACT A bacterial strain (strain S5) which grows aerobically with the sulfonated azo compound 4-carboxy-4′-sulfoazobenzene as the sole source of carbon and energy was isolated. This strain was obtained by continuous adaptation of “Hydrogenophaga palleronii” S1, which has the ability to grow aerobically with 4-aminobenzenesulfonate. Strain S5 probably cleaves 4-carboxy-4′-sulfoazobenzene reductively under aerobic conditions to 4-aminobenzoate and 4-aminobenzene-sulfonate, which are mineralized by previously established degradation pathways.
The potential of cell-based therapy in lung diseases

Introduction: Many lung diseases have high morbidity and mortality rates and there are no cures or treatments apart from mechanical ventilation or transplantation. Cell-based therapies are currently an area of intense research, and many groups are working to translate successful in vitro results into treatments that are safe for patients. Areas covered: This review discusses several types of stem and progenitor cells that have been proven likely candidates for cell therapies, as well as their applications so far in specific acute and chronic lung diseases, focusing on their mechanisms of action and how best they can be directed toward clinical aims. Expert opinion: The research on cell therapies for the lung, particularly regarding mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), is promising, but there is still much uncertainty surrounding the mechanisms of MSC action and the factors relevant to clinical applications such as the optimal timing of dosage. Future studies will focus on the microenvironment of the stem cells, including the role of microRNAs and extracellular vesicles.