Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Detectability for the Myocardial Fibrosis by Tagging Imaging on Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance

Purpose: Myocardial fibrosis causes cardiac dysfunction, arrhythmias, and sudden death. Tagging imaging on cardiovascular MR can measure the intra-myocardial motion from the dynamic deformation of lines superimposed on the myocardium. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the detectability of myocardial fibrosis using tagging imaging and to compare this with conventional cine imaging. Materials and Methods: We reviewed 4 normal control (NML) subjects, 4 patients with myocarditis (MYO), and 4 patients with old myocardial infarction (ICM). We measured circumferential strain (Ecc) from tagging imaging, and regional wall thickening (rWT) from cine imaging. Fibrosis was determined from a late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) image. We evaluate diagnostic performance by comparing values of the area under curve (AUC) using ROC analysis. Results: Mean values of Ecc and rWT decreased in the area of LGE both in MYO and ICM patients. AUC values of Ecc and rWT in all subjects were 0.98 and 0.84, respectively (p < 0.0001). These values in MYO patients were 0.95 and 0.72 (p = 0.007), respectively, and 0.99 and 0.75, respectively, in ICM patients (p = 0.0008). Conclusions: Both Ecc and rWT decreased in the area with fibrosis in the patients with MYO and ICM. Tagging imaging showed better detectability of myocardial fibrosis than did cine imaging.
Nonadhesive Culture System as a Model of Rapid Sphere Formation with Cancer Stem Cell Properties

Background Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play an important role in tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis and are responsible for high therapeutic failure rates. Identification and characterization of CSC are crucial for facilitating the monitoring, therapy, or prevention of cancer. Great efforts have been paid to develop a more effective methodology. Nevertheless, the ideal model for CSC research is still evolving. In this study, we created a nonadhesive culture system to enrich CSCs from human oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines with sphere formation and to characterize their CSC properties further. Methods A nonadhesive culture system was designed to generate spheres from the SAS and OECM-1 cell lines. A subsequent investigation of their CSC properties, including stemness, self-renewal, and chemo- and radioresistance in vitro, as well as tumor initiation capacity in vivo, was also performed. Results Spheres were formed cost-effectively and time-efficiently within 5 to 7 days. Moreover, we proved that these spheres expressed putative stem cell markers and exhibited chemoradiotherapeutic resistance, in addition to tumor-initiating and self-renewal capabilities. Conclusions Using this nonadhesive culture system, we successfully established a rapid and cost-effective model that exhibits the characteristics of CSCs and can be used in cancer research.
Lack of correlation between elevated maternal serum hCG during second‐trimester biochemical screening and fetal congenital anomaly

Isolated elevations in midtrimester maternal serum human chorionic gonadotrophin concentrations (MShCG) have been reported to be associated with a substantially increased likelihood of fetal congenital malformations. The reported malformations included a wide range of organ systems, originating at different embryologic developmental stages. The purpose of our study was to determine the significance of an isolated elevated MShCG (>2.5 MoM) in midtrimester for the detection of fetal structural anomalies in a large population.
Reduction of maternal-infant transmission of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 with zidovudine treatment. Pediatric AIDS Clinical Trials Group Protocol 076 Study Group.

BACKGROUND AND METHODS Maternal-infant transmission is the primary means by which young children become infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV). We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of the efficacy and safety of zidovudine in reducing the risk of maternal-infant HIV transmission. HIV-infected pregnant women (14 to 34 weeks' gestation) with CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts above 200 cells per cubic millimeter who had not received antiretroviral therapy during the current pregnancy were enrolled. The zidovudine regimen included antepartum zidovudine (100 mg orally five times daily), intrapartum zidovudine (2 mg per kilogram of body weight given intravenously over one hour, then 1 mg per kilogram per hour until delivery), and zidovudine for the newborn (2 mg per kilogram orally every six hours for six weeks). Infants with at least one positive HIV culture of peripheral-blood mononuclear cells were classified as HIV-infected. RESULTS From April 1991 through December 20, 1993, the cutoff date for the first interim analysis of efficacy, 477 pregnant women were enrolled; during the study period, 409 gave birth to 415 live-born infants. HIV-infection status was known for 363 births (180 in the zidovudine group and 183 in the placebo group). Thirteen infants in the zidovudine group and 40 in the placebo group were HIV-infected. The proportions infected at 18 months, as estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method, were 8.3 percent (95 percent confidence interval, 3.9 to 12.8 percent) in the zidovudine group and 25.5 percent (95 percent confidence interval, 18.4 to 32.5 percent) in the placebo group. This corresponds to a 67.5 percent (95 percent confidence interval, 40.7 to 82.1 percent) relative reduction in the risk of HIV transmission (Z = 4.03, P = 0.00006). Minimal short-term toxic effects were observed. The level of hemoglobin at birth in the infants in the zidovudine group was significantly lower than that in the infants in the placebo group. By 12 weeks of age, hemoglobin values in the two groups were similar. CONCLUSIONS In pregnant women with mildly symptomatic HIV disease and no prior treatment with antiretroviral drugs during the pregnancy, a regimen consisting of zidovudine given ante partum and intra partum to the mother and to the newborn for six weeks reduced the risk of maternal-infant HIV transmission by approximately two thirds.
Small Hand-held Object Recognition Test (SHORT)

The ubiquity of smartphones with high quality cameras and fast network connections will spawn many new applications. One of these is visual object recognition, an emerging smartphone feature which could play roles in high-street shopping, price comparisons and similar uses. There are also potential roles for such technology in assistive applications, such as for people who have visual impairment. We introduce the Small Hand-held Object Recognition Test (SHORT), a new dataset that aims to benchmark the performance of algorithms for recognising hand-held objects from either snapshots or videos acquired using hand-held or wearable cameras. We show that SHORT provides a set of images and ground truth that help assess the many factors that affect recognition performance. SHORT is designed to be focused on the assistive systems context, though it can provide useful information on more general aspects of recognition performance for hand-held objects. We describe the present state of the dataset, comprised of a small set of high quality training images and a large set of nearly 135,000 smartphone-captured test images of 30 grocery products. In this version, SHORT addresses another context not covered by traditional datasets, in which high quality catalogue images are being compared with variable quality user-captured images; this makes the matching more challenging in SHORT than other datasets. Images of similar quality are often not present in “database” and “query” datasets, a situation being increasingly encountered in commercial applications. Finally, we compare the results of popular object recognition algorithms of different levels of complexity when tested against SHORT and discuss the research challenges arising from the particularities of visual object recognition from objects that are being held by users.
Optimum tuning of defense settings for common attacks on the web applications

Statistics from various sources indicate that there are roughly 75% cyber attacks occurred in the web applications, and the trend is growing. The unsafe coding of web application or the vulnerability of the application itself is yet to be patched result in a high security risk. In addition to white-box testing to examine the source code, black box testing for vulnerability scan or penetration test, one may choose to setup defense facilities at the front-end of the server - such as: application-layer intrusion prevention system, or application software and hardware firewall to enhance the defense mechanism or to gain more time to patch the vulnerability. This paper presents an optimum tuning method utilizing the application firewall widely used by the modern enterprises. We explore several attacking methods commonly used nowadays, such as the signature of cross-site scripting and SQL injection, and introduce a new method to setup the parameters of the device to strengthen the defense. To enhance the security of the back-end application servers, we use keyword filtering and re-treatment to rule out the blacklist, and to adjust the system settings so that it can effectively block the assaults or reduce the possibility of successful attacks. In addition, we also simulate attacks to web browsing and application through vulnerability scanning tools to test the security of application system and to make sure the necessary defense of the optimum tuning parameters. This concept does produce good results in our implementation of verification tests. It is worth promoting as a reference.
Approximate, Computationally Efficient Online Learning in Bayesian Spiking Neurons

Bayesian spiking neurons (BSNs) provide a probabilistic interpretation of how neurons perform inference and learning. Online learning in BSNs typically involves parameter estimation based on maximum-likelihood expectation-maximization (ML-EM) which is computationally slow and limits the potential of studying networks of BSNs. An online learning algorithm, fast learning (FL), is presented that is more computationally efficient than the benchmark ML-EM for a fixed number of time steps as the number of inputs to a BSN increases (e.g., 16.5 times faster run times for 20 inputs). Although ML-EM appears to converge 2.0 to 3.6 times faster than FL, the computational cost of ML-EM means that ML-EM takes longer to simulate to convergence than FL. FL also provides reasonable convergence performance that is robust to initialization of parameter estimates that are far from the true parameter values. However, parameter estimation depends on the range of true parameter values. Nevertheless, for a physiologically meaningful range of parameter values, FL gives very good average estimation accuracy, despite its approximate nature. The FL algorithm therefore provides an efficient tool, complementary to ML-EM, for exploring BSN networks in more detail in order to better understand their biological relevance. Moreover, the simplicity of the FL algorithm means it can be easily implemented in neuromorphic VLSI such that one can take advantage of the energy-efficient spike coding of BSNs.
Sensitivity to correlation in probabilistic environments

Natural categories seem to be comprised of clustered stimuli that contain a myriad of correlated features; birds, for example, tend to fly, have wings, lay eggs, and make nests. Nonetheless, the evidence that people use these correlations during intentional category learning is overwhelmingly negative (Murphy, 2002). People do, however, show evidence of correlational sensitivity during other types of category learning tasks (e.g., feature prediction). The usual explanation is that intentional category learning tasks promote rule use, which discards the correlated feature information; whereas, other types of category learning tasks promote exemplar storage, which preserves correlated feature information. However, all of the intentional category learning tasks employed to examine correlational sensitivity to date have only used deterministic mappings of stimuli to categories (i.e., each stimulus belongs to only one category). The current thesis is concerned primarily with the effects introducing the probabilistic assignment of stimuli to categories on the acquisition of different types of correlational knowledge. If correlational knowledge depends on whether or not people selectively attend to the correlation then probabilistic reinforcement, which is predicted to increase attention shifting (Kruschke & Johansen, 1999), should lead to increased correlational sensitivity. The first paper of this thesis confirms that selective attention provides a way to explain the presence or absence of correlational knowledge in different tasks. However, selective attention models have been unable to account for tasks in which people use the correlation between a non-relevant cue and regions of the category space to switch between the application of multiple rules. This phenomenon, known as knowledge partitioning, is explored in the second paper of this thesis. This thesis iii also extends the empirical implications of the first two papers to existing research (see included paper 3) and also provides recommendations of how utilize this conceptualization of knowledge for practitioners in the applied setting (see included paper 4). Finally, in addition to increasing attention shifting, probabilistic feedback is also assumed to result in an attenuation of learning over time (Kruschke & Johansen, 1999); the fifth paper in this thesis provides empirical confirmation that people attenuate learning in response to unavoidable error.
MicroRNA-145 Function as a Cell Growth Repressor by Directly Targeting c-Myc in Human Ovarian Cancer

MiR-145 is reported to be significantly down-regulated in ovarian cancer. This study was aimed at elucidating the roles of miR-145 in regulating the biological behavior of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells. In this report, we find out that up-regulation of miR-145 in OVCAR-3 and SKOV-3 cells inhibit cell proliferation and promote cell apoptosis. We show that miR-145 directly target the c-Myc 3′-UTR. Moreover, ectopic expression of c-Myc reduces the inhibition of cell proliferation caused by miR-145 transfection. Cell cycle assay showed that up-regulation of miR-145 reduces S phase population, and restoration of c-Myc can rescue this reduction. These findings indicate that miR-145 inhibits cell proliferation and promotes cell apoptosis by targeting c-Myc 3′-UTR. Therefore, the result indicated that miR-145 could be used as a potential therapeutic target in ovarian cancer.
In vivo analysis of the TSWV cap‐snatching mechanism: single base complementarity and primer length requirements

Requirements for capped leader sequences for use during transcription initiation by tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) were tested using mutant alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) RNAs as specific cap donors in transgenic Nicotiana tabacum plants expressing the AMV replicase proteins. Using a series of AMV RNA3 mutants modified in either the 5′‐non‐translated region or in the subgenomic RNA4 leader, sequence analysis revealed that cleaved leader lengths could vary between 13 and 18 nucleotides. Cleavage occurred preferentially at an A residue, suggesting a requirement for a single base complementarity with the TSWV RNA template, which could be confirmed by analyses of host mRNAs used in vivo as cap donors.
Reliability of PET/CT Shape and Heterogeneity Features in Functional and Morphologic Components of Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Tumors: A Repeatability Analysis in a Prospective Multicenter Cohort

The main purpose of this study was to assess the reliability of shape and heterogeneity features in both the PET and the low-dose CT components of PET/CT. A secondary objective was to investigate the impact of image quantization. Methods: A Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act–compliant secondary analysis of deidentified prospectively acquired PET/CT test–retest datasets of 74 patients from multicenter Merck and American College of Radiology Imaging Network trials was performed. Metabolically active volumes were automatically delineated on PET with a fuzzy locally adaptive bayesian algorithm. Software was used to semiautomatically delineate the anatomic volumes on the low-dose CT component. Two quantization methods were considered: a quantization into a set number of bins (quantization B) and an alternative quantization with bins of fixed width (quantization W). Four shape descriptors, 10 first-order metrics, and 26 textural features were evaluated. Bland–Altman analysis was used to quantify repeatability. Features were subsequently categorized as very reliable, reliable, moderately reliable, or poorly reliable with respect to the corresponding volume variability. Results: Repeatability was highly variable among features. Numerous metrics were identified as poorly or moderately reliable. Others were reliable or very reliable in both modalities and in all categories (shape and first-, second-, and third-order metrics). Image quantization played a major role in feature repeatability. Features were more reliable in PET with quantization B, whereas quantization W showed better results in CT. Conclusion: The test–retest repeatability of shape and heterogeneity features in PET and low-dose CT varied greatly among metrics. The level of repeatability also depended strongly on the quantization step, with different optimal choices for each modality. The repeatability of PET and low-dose CT features should be carefully considered when selecting metrics to build multiparametric models.
Photorealism or/and non-photorealism in augmented reality

Actual graphic hardware becomes more and more powerful. Consequently, virtual scenes can be rendered in a very good quality integrating dynamic behavior, real-time shadows, bump mapped surfaces and other photorealistic rendering techniques. On the other hand, non-photorealistic rendering became popular as well, because of its artistic merits. An integration in an AR environment is the logical consequence. In this paper we present an AR framework that uses photorealistic rendering as well as non-photorealistic rendering techniques. The prototypes based on these techniques show the advantages and disadvantages of both technologies in combination with Augmented Reality.
Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels BK and IK1 Are Functionally Expressed in Human Gliomas but Do Not Regulate Cell Proliferation

Gliomas are morbid brain tumors that are extremely resistant to available chemotherapy and radiology treatments. Some studies have suggested that calcium-activated potassium channels contribute to the high proliferative potential of tumor cells, including gliomas. However, other publications demonstrated no role for these channels or even assigned them antitumorogenic properties. In this work we characterized the expression and functional contribution to proliferation of Ca2+-activated K+ channels in human glioblastoma cells. Quantitative RT-PCR detected transcripts for the big conductance (BK), intermediate conductance (IK1), and small conductance (SK2) K+ channels in two glioblastoma-derived cell lines and a surgical sample of glioblastoma multiforme. Functional expression of BK and IK1 in U251 and U87 glioma cell lines and primary glioma cultures was verified using whole-cell electrophysiological recordings. Inhibitors of BK (paxilline and penitrem A) and IK1 channels (clotrimazole and TRAM-34) reduced U251 and U87 proliferation in an additive fashion, while the selective blocker of SK channels UCL1848 had no effect. However, the antiproliferative properties of BK and IK1 inhibitors were seen at concentrations that were higher than those necessary to inhibit channel activity. To verify specificity of pharmacological agents, we downregulated BK and IK1 channels in U251 cells using gene-specific siRNAs. Although siRNA knockdowns caused strong reductions in the BK and IK1 current densities, neither single nor double gene silencing significantly affected rates of proliferation. Taken together, these results suggest that Ca2+-activated K+ channels do not play a critical role in proliferation of glioma cells and that the effects of pharmacological inhibitors occur through their off-target actions.
Reference Model in Design Science Research to Gather and Model Information

Design science research, at its current stage, does not offer consistent and detailed phases to guide researchers to manage information systems projects. In this paper we introduce a reference model that covers its phase of creating artefacts. This model serves as a base to gather relevant information in producing solutions to business’ problems in design science context. One aspect of the model is the capability to represent and reuse knowledge. In the domain context, it reflects the relevant knowledge based on domain-specific concepts and relations. This is achieved thanks to activities responsible for literature review, collaboration with practitioners, and information-modelling. The contribution of the paper is that application of the reference model helps improve the quality of design science artefacts, and provides researchers with choices of techniques that might be appropriate for most design science projects.
The Trypomastigote Small Surface Antigen from Trypanosoma cruzi Improves Treatment Evaluation and Diagnosis in Pediatric Chagas Disease

ABSTRACT Chagas disease is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. Assessment of parasitological cure upon treatment with available drugs relies on achieving consistent negative results in conventional parasitological and serological tests, which may take years to assess. Here, we evaluated the use of a recombinant T. cruzi antigen termed trypomastigote small surface antigen (TSSA) as an early serological marker of drug efficacy in T. cruzi-infected children. A cohort of 78 pediatric patients born to T. cruzi-infected mothers was included in this study. Only 39 of the children were infected with T. cruzi, and they were immediately treated with trypanocidal drugs. Serological responses against TSSA were evaluated in infected and noninfected populations during the follow-up period using an in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and compared to conventional serological methods. Anti-TSSA antibody titers decreased significantly faster than anti-whole parasite antibodies detected by conventional serology both in T. cruzi-infected patients undergoing effective treatment and in those not infected. The differential kinetics allowed a significant reduction in the required follow-up periods to evaluate therapeutic responses or to rule out maternal-fetal transmission. Finally, we present the case of a congenitally infected patient with an atypical course in whom TSSA provided an early marker for T. cruzi infection. In conclusion, we showed that TSSA was efficacious both for rapid assessment of treatment efficiency and for early negative diagnosis in infants at risk of congenital T. cruzi infection. Based upon these findings we propose the inclusion of TSSA for refining the posttherapeutic cure criterion and other diagnostic needs in pediatric Chagas disease.