Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quantitative comparison of segmentation methods for in-body images

In this paper, we present a numerical comparison of how well segmentation algorithms approximate the manual segmentation of gastroenterologists for a set of endoscopic images. Different areas in these images demand different levels of analysis by a clinician and some provide critical information about the patient. Our objective is thus to segment endoscopic images so that the results mimic as closely as possible the areas that were considered relevant by doctors. We focus on a detailed quantitative comparison of two popular segmentation algorithms, mean shift and normalized cuts, when applied to in-body images, most specifically for vital-stained magnification endoscopy. Segmentation results are compared with the manual annotations of the same images performed by two specialist clinicians. Results show that if we simply consider the most relevant segmented patch, normalized cuts performs better. However, if we allow the annotated area to be represented by multiple patches, mean shift is clearly a better choice, although automatic ways to determine its kernel's bandwidth are highly desirable.
A New Bacteroides Conjugative Transposon That Carries an ermB Gene

ABSTRACT The erythromycin resistance gene ermB has been found in a variety of gram-positive bacteria. This gene has also been found in Bacteroides species but only in six recently isolated strains; thus, the gene seems to have entered this genus only recently. One of the six Bacteroides ermB-containing isolates, WH207, could transfer ermB to Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron strain BT4001 by conjugation. WH207 was identified as a Bacteroides uniformis strain based on the sequence of its 16S rRNA gene. Results of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis experiments demonstrated that the transferring element was normally integrated into the Bacteroides chromosome. The element was estimated from pulsed-field gel data to be about 100 kb in size. Since the element appeared to be a conjugative transposon (CTn), it was designated CTnBST. CTnBST was able to mobilize coresident plasmids and the circular form of the mobilizable transposon NBU1 to Bacteroides and Escherichia coli recipients. A 13-kb segment that contained ermB was cloned and sequenced. Most of the open reading frames in this region had little similarity at the amino acid sequence level to any proteins in the sequence databases, but a 1,723-bp DNA segment that included a 950-bp segment downstream of ermB had a DNA sequence that was virtually identical to that of a segment of DNA found previously in a Clostridium perfringens strain. This finding, together with the finding that ermB is located on a CTn, supports the hypothesis that CTnBST could have entered Bacteroides from some other genus, possibly from gram-positive bacteria. Moreover, this finding supports the hypothesis that many transmissible antibiotic resistance genes in Bacteroides are carried on CTns.
Heterogeneity of human Ro ribonucleoproteins (RNPS): nuclear retention of Ro RNPS containing the human hY5 RNA in human and mouse cells

Ro ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) are autoantigens that result from the association of a 60‐kDa protein (Ro60) with a small RNA (hY1, hY3, hY4 or hY5 in humans, mY1 or mY3 in mice). Previous studies localized Ro RNPs to the cytoplasm. Because Ro RNPs containing hY5 RNA (RohY5 RNPs) have unique biochemical and immunological properties, their intracellular localization was reassessed. Subcellular distribution of mouse and human Ro RNPs in intact and hY‐RNA transfected cells was assessed by immunoprecipitation and Northern hybridization. Human RohY1−4 RNPs as well as murine RomY1, mY3 RNPs are exclusively cytoplasmic. Ro RNPs containing an intact hY5 RNA, but not those containing a mutated form of hY5 RNA, are found in the nuclear fractions of human and mouse cells. RohY5 RNPs are stably associated with transcriptionally active La protein and are known to associate with RoBPI, a nuclear autoantigen. Our results demonstrate that RohY5 RNPs are specifically present in the nucleus of cultured human and murine cells. The signal for nuclear localization of RohY5 RNPs appears to reside within the hY5 sequence itself. In conclusion, we suggest that the unique localization and interactions of primate‐specific RohY5 RNPs reflect functions that are distinct from the predicted cytoplasmic function(s) of more conserved Ro RNPs.
An LC-Compensated Electric Field Repeater for Long-Distance Capacitive Power Transfer

This paper proposes an LC-compensated electric field repeater to extend the transfer distance of a capacitive power transfer (CPT) system. The repeater contains two metal plates connected with an external capacitor and an external inductor. The plates are used to generate electric fields to transfer power. The external inductor and capacitor are used to resonate with the plates in order to increase the voltage levels. The repeater is placed between a transmitter and a receiver, which also contains metal plates compensated by an LC network. The repeater can increase the transfer distance of the CPT system without significantly influencing the system power and efficiency. In this paper, the capacitive coupler structure and dimensions are designed and simulated using Maxwell software. Considering all the capacitive coupling between plates, an equivalent circuit model is derived. The fundamental harmonics approximation method is used to analyze the working principle of the circuit. A 150 W input power CPT system is designed as an example to validate the proposed repeater structure and compensation circuit topology. The system can achieve an efficiency of 66.9% from dc source to dc load, when the transfer distance is 360 mm and the repeater is placed between the transmitter and the receiver.
Electrohysterographic signals processing for uterine activity detection and characterization

At present, the most widespread methods of fetal heart rate (FHR) and uterine contractions activity (UA) monitoring during pregnancy and labor are ultrasound and external tocography. These mechanical methods, however, have low accuracy and sensibility. Clinical practice requires more precise methods. Abdominal Electrocardiography (AECG) and Electrohysterography (EHG) can provide a safe, easy, and noninvasive way to monitor the FHR and uterine contractions during pregnancy. In this paper we considered signal processing method and developed three algorithms for extraction of uterine activity signal from multichannel abdominal signal.
Stimulation of Phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate 5-Kinase by Rho-Kinase*

The serine/threonine kinase Rho-kinase was recently identified as a downstream effector of the small GTPase Rho, mediating effects of Rho on the actin cytoskeleton. Also phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2) has been implicated in the regulation of actin polymerization. As the synthesis of PI(4,5)P2 has been suggested to be affected by Rho proteins, we investigated whether Rho-kinase is involved in the control of PI(4,5)P2 levels. Overexpression of RhoA in HEK-293 cells increased phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI4P) 5-kinase activity and concomitantly enhanced cellular PI(4,5)P2 levels, whereas overexpression of the Rho-inactivating C3 transferase decreased both PI4P 5-kinase activity and PI(4,5)P2 levels. These effects of RhoA could be mimicked by overexpression of wild-type Rho-kinase and of the constitutively active catalytic domain of Rho-kinase, Rho-kinase-CAT. In contrast, a kinase-deficient mutant of Rho-kinase had no effect on PI4P 5-kinase activity. Importantly, the increase in PI4P 5-kinase activity and PI(4,5)P2 levels by wild-type Rho-kinase, but not by Rho-kinase-CAT, was completely prevented by coexpression of C3 transferase, indicating that the effect of Rho-kinase was under the control of endogenous Rho. In cell lysates, addition of recombinant RhoA and Rho-kinase-CAT stimulated PI4P 5-kinase activity. Finally, the increase in PI(4,5)P2 levels induced by both Rho-kinase-CAT and RhoA was reversed by the Rho-kinase inhibitor HA-1077. Our data suggest that Rho-kinase is involved in the Rho-controlled synthesis of PI(4,5)P2 by PI4P 5-kinase.
The ASEAN Free Trade Agreement:How Effective?

A careful assessment of intra-regional and extra-regional ASEAN trade volumes from 1970 to 2010 reveals that there has been no significant change during the pre- and post-AFTA era. However, researchers working on the effectiveness of the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement have consistently reported positive trade creationary effects of AFTA. By reassessing the impact of AFTA through the Balassa method of estimating trade creation and diversion, and applying it to traditional gravity estimates, we find that (a) while ASEAN countries have spent more money per dollar earned on foreign goods in the post-AFTA period, this is generally true for all countries in the world, and (b) being a small region with significant historic trade ties, ASEAN, as a whole has always traded more amongst themselves, when compared to the world average, and this fact has been misrepresented as the trade creationary effects of AFTA. By comparing the coefficients of the regionalism dummies of ASEAN, within the scope of the gravity model, we find that there has been no significant change in these coefficients, when the sample is divided into the pre-and post-AFTA years. We thus conclude that the free trade agreement in question has had no significant impact on intra-ASEAN trade.
Challenges following discharge from acute psychiatric inpatient care in Japan: patients' perspectives.

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT? : A lack of transitional care covering the period from psychiatric hospital discharge to community mental health care can increase the likelihood of illness recurrence or readmission of discharged patients. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE? : The participants expressed the view that discontinuity between inpatient and community life was a post-discharge challenge after being involuntarily admitted to a psychiatric emergency ward. These challenges arose from the dissatisfaction with inpatient treatment, inability to coordinate post-discharge life WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE? : Patients should be able to disclose their feelings about their own experiences in inpatient care settings and the current challenges in community care settings in an open manner. An advocate should be appointed in acute psychiatric inpatient care settings to reflect patients' own feelings and individual needs to transitional care without bias to inpatient and community care providers. ABSTRACT Introduction Psychiatric care in Japan usually comprises inpatient care provided during lengthy hospital stays. Recently, policies for shortening psychiatric hospital stays have been aggressively pursued. However, appropriate transitional care is not always provided for acute psychiatric inpatient care. Aim We elucidated patients' challenges immediately after hospital discharge following acute psychiatric inpatient care to clarify how to improve inpatient care and post-discharge follow-ups. Method This study utilized a qualitative descriptive study design and incorporated patient interviews. Participants comprised 18 patients who experienced involuntary admission following a diagnosis of schizophrenia spectrum disorder. Inductive qualitative content analysis was used to create codes and categories from interview transcripts. Findings The core category of post-discharge challenges that emerged was 'separating life as an inpatient from community life'. This comprised two subcategories: 'dissatisfaction with the inpatient care received' and 'lack of abilities to coordinate lifestyle following discharge'. Discussion Patients should be able to disclose their feelings about their experiences in inpatient care settings and the current challenges in community care settings openly. Implications for practice Advocate (e.g. peer staff) should be appointed in acute psychiatric inpatient care settings to reflect patients' feelings and individual needs to transitional care without bias to inpatient and community care providers.
Exposure to oral oxycodone is increased by concomitant inhibition of CYP2D6 and 3A4 pathways, but not by inhibition of CYP2D6 alone.

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT Oxycodone is an opioid analgesic that is metabolized mainly in the liver by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6 and 3A4 enzymes. So far, the effects of CYP2D6 or CYP3A4 inhibitors on the pharmacokinetics of oxycodone in humans have not been systematically studied. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS Drug interactions arising from CYP2D6 inhibition most likely have minor clinical importance for oral oxycodone. When both of CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 pathways are inhibited, the exposure to oral oxycodone is increased substantially. AIM The aim of this study was to find out whether the inhibition of cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) with paroxetine or concomitant inhibition of CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 with paroxetine and itraconazole, altered the pharmacokinetics and pharmacological response of orally administered oxycodone. METHODS A randomized placebo-controlled cross-over study design with three phases was used. Eleven healthy subjects ingested 10 mg of oral immediate release oxycodone on the fourth day of pre-treatment with either placebo, paroxetine (20 mg once daily) or paroxetine (20 mg once daily) and itraconazole (200 mg once daily) for 5 days. The plasma concentrations of oxycodone and its oxidative metabolites were measured for 48 h, and pharmacological (analgesic and behavioural) effects were evaluated. RESULTS Paroxetine alone reduced the area under concentration-time curve (AUC(0,0-48 h)) of the CYP2D6 dependent metabolite oxymorphone by 44% (P < 0.05), but had no significant effects on the plasma concentrations of oxycodone or its pharmacological effects when compared with the placebo phase. When both oxidative pathways of the metabolism of oxycodone were inhibited with paroxetine and itraconazole, the mean AUC(0,infinity) of oxycodone increased by 2.9-fold (P < 0.001), and its C(max) by 1.8-fold (P < 0.001). Visual analogue scores for subjective drug effects, drowsiness and deterioration of performance were slightly increased (P < 0.05) after paroxetine + itraconazole pre-treatment when compared with placebo. CONCLUSIONS Drug interactions arising from CYP2D6 inhibition most likely have minor clinical importance for oral oxycodone if the function of the CYP3A4 pathway is normal. When both CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 pathways are inhibited, the exposure to oral oxycodone is increased substantially.
A parallel connected Marchand balun using spiral shaped equal length coupled lines

This paper presents a 6-20 GHz broadband planar monolithic balun. To get a broadband characteristic without narrow spaced coupled transmission lines, a parallel connected Marchand balun with spiral shaped equal length coupled lines are used. A developed monolithic balun achieves the maximum insertion loss of 5 dB including 3 dB power splitting loss from 6 to 20 GHz.
Analysis of Hoteliers' E-Commerce and Information Technology Applications

Abstract Numerous research studies are being conducted that are related to e-commerce and information technology (IT) applications in the hospitality industry with regard to operational, profitability, productivity, and management perspective. The focus of this study is to examine current e-commerce and IT applications in the hospitality industry and to identify the business travelers' perceptions and needs relative to advanced e-commerce and IT applications to improve customer service. Hoffman and Chung (1999) stated that what customers want most is not what restaurants and hotels are necessarily implementing. This study discusses the typical problems and obstacles of implementing e-commerce and IT applications in hospitality, using the lodging e-commerce and IT applications to satisfy customers, and developing the lodging e-commerce and IT applications as a corporate competitive advantage. Moreover, this study investigated a variety of e-commerce and IT applications related to customer service, satisfaction, and retention as well as e-commerce and IT applications as a distribution channel for receiving travelers' information and accommodation booking. This study provides valuable implications for the hospitality practitioners about customer perceptions and needs relative to e-commerce and IT applications.
Impact of Race on Cardiac Care and Outcomes in Veterans With Acute Myocardial Infarction

Objectives. The goal of this study was to assess racial differences in process of care and outcome for acute myocardial infarction in the VA health care system. Design. Retrospective cohort study using clinical data. Setting. Eighty-one acute care VA hospitals. Patients. Four thousand seven hundred sixty veterans discharged with a confirmed diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. The analysis was restricted to 606 black and 4005 white patients. Main Outcome Measures. Comparison of use of guideline-based medications, invasive cardiac procedures, and all-cause mortality at 30 days, 1 year, and 3 years. Results. Black patients were equally likely to receive &bgr;-blockers, more likely than white patients to receive aspirin (86.8% vs. 82.0%;P <0.05), and marginally more likely to receive angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (55.7% vs. 49.6%;P = 0.07) at the time of discharge. In contrast, black patients were less likely than white patients to receive thrombolytic therapy at the time of arrival (32.4% vs. 48.2%;P <0.01). There was no significant difference in refusal of angiography or percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty between black patients and white patients, or in crude rates of either of these procedures. There was also no difference overall in the percentage of patients who refused coronary artery bypass graft surgery. However, black patients were less likely than white patients to undergo bypass surgery (6.9% vs. 12.5% by 90 days;P <0.001). Black patients remained less likely to undergo bypass surgery even when high-risk specific coronary anatomy subgroups were examined. There was no difference in mortality in the two groups. Conclusions. In this integrated health care system, no significant racial disparities in use of noninterventional therapies, diagnostic coronary angiography, or short- or long-term mortality was found. Disparities in use of thrombolytic therapy and coronary artery bypass surgery existed, however, even after accounting for differences in clinical indications for treatment and patient refusals. Further work should assess the role of the medical interaction and physician behavior in racial disparities in use of health care.
Prevalence of Mutations within the Quinolone Resistance-Determining Region of gyrA, gyrB, parC, and parE and Association with Antibiotic Resistance in Quinolone-Resistant Salmonella enterica

ABSTRACT Salmonella enterica isolates (n = 182) were examined for mutations in the quinolone resistance-determining region of gyrA, gyrB, parC, and parE. The frequency, location, and type of GyrA substitution varied with the serovar. Mutations were found in parC that encoded Thr57-Ser, Thr66-Ile, and Ser80-Arg substitutions. Mutations in the gyrB quinolone resistance-determining region were located at codon Tyr420-Cys or Arg437-Leu. Novel mutations were also found in parE encoding Glu453-Gly, His461-Tyr, Ala498-Thr, Val512-Gly, and Ser518-Cys. Although it is counterintuitive, isolates with a mutation in both gyrA and parC were more susceptible to ciprofloxacin than were isolates with a mutation in gyrA alone.
International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. LXXXIX. Update on the Extended Family of Chemokine Receptors and Introducing a New Nomenclature for Atypical Chemokine Receptors

Sixteen years ago, the Nomenclature Committee of the International Union of Pharmacology approved a system for naming human seven-transmembrane (7TM) G protein-coupled chemokine receptors, the large family of leukocyte chemoattractant receptors that regulates immune system development and function, in large part by mediating leukocyte trafficking. This was announced in Pharmacological Reviews in a major overview of the first decade of research in this field [Murphy PM, Baggiolini M, Charo IF, Hébert CA, Horuk R, Matsushima K, Miller LH, Oppenheim JJ, and Power CA (2000) Pharmacol Rev 52:145–176]. Since then, several new receptors have been discovered, and major advances have been made for the others in many areas, including structural biology, signal transduction mechanisms, biology, and pharmacology. New and diverse roles have been identified in infection, immunity, inflammation, development, cancer, and other areas. The first two drugs acting at chemokine receptors have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), maraviroc targeting CCR5 in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS, and plerixafor targeting CXCR4 for stem cell mobilization for transplantation in cancer, and other candidates are now undergoing pivotal clinical trials for diverse disease indications. In addition, a subfamily of atypical chemokine receptors has emerged that may signal through arrestins instead of G proteins to act as chemokine scavengers, and many microbial and invertebrate G protein-coupled chemokine receptors and soluble chemokine-binding proteins have been described. Here, we review this extended family of chemokine receptors and chemokine-binding proteins at the basic, translational, and clinical levels, including an update on drug development. We also introduce a new nomenclature for atypical chemokine receptors with the stem ACKR (atypical chemokine receptor) approved by the Nomenclature Committee of the International Union of Pharmacology and the Human Genome Nomenclature Committee.
Pharmacological Strategies to Block Rod Photoreceptor Apoptosis Caused by Calcium Overload: A Mechanistic Target-Site Approach to Neuroprotection

Purpose Photoreceptor apoptosis and resultant visual deficits occur in humans and animals with inherited, and disease-, injury- and chemical-induced retinal degeneration. Our aims were three-fold: 1) to determine the kinetics of rod apoptosis and Ca2+ overload in Pde6brd1 mice and developmentally lead-exposed rats, 2) to establish a pathophysiologically-relevant model of Ca2+ overload/rod-selective apoptosis in isolated rat retina and 3) to examine different mechanistic based neuroprotective strategies that would abrogate or mollify rod Ca2+ overload/apoptosis. Methods Retinal morphometry and elemental calcium content ([Ca]) determined the kinetics of rod apoptosis and Ca2+ overload. A multiparametric analysis of apoptosis including rod [Ca], a live/dead assay, rod oxygen consumption, cytochrome c immunoblots and caspase assays was combined with pharmacological studies of an isolated rat retinal model of rod-selective Ca2+ overload/apoptosis. Results Ca2+ overload preceded rod apoptosis in mice and rats, although the extent and kinetics in each differed significantly. The isolated rat model of rod Ca2+ overload/apoptosis showed that blockade of Ca2+ entry through rod cGMP-activated channels with L-cis diltiazem was partially neuroprotective, whereas blockade of Ca2+ entry into rods through L-type Ca2+ channels with D-cis diltiazem or verapamil provided no protection. Inhibition of the mitochondrial Na+/Ca2+ exchanger with D-cis diltiazem provided no protection. CsA and NIM811, mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) inhibitors, blocked all Ca2+-induced apoptosis, whereas the caspase-3 inhibitor DEVD-fmk only blocked the downstream cytochrome c-induced apoptosis. Conclusions The successful pharmacological neuroprotective strategies for rod Ca2+ overload/apoptosis targeted the rod cGMP-activated channels or mPTP, but not the rod L-type Ca2+ channels.