Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Contrast enhancement using real coded genetic algorithm based modified histogram equalization for gray scale images

Histogram equalization is a well‐known technique used for contrast enhancement. The global HE usually results in excessive contrast enhancement because of lack of control on the level of contrast enhancement. A new technique named modified histogram equalization using real coded genetic algorithm (MHERCGA) is aimed to sweep over this drawback. The primary aim of this paper is to obtain an enhanced method which keeps the original brightness. This method incorporates a provision to have a control over the level of contrast enhancement and applicable for all types of image including low contrast MRI brain images. The basic idea of this technique is to partition the input image histogram into two subhistograms based on a threshold which is obtained using Otsu's optimality principle. Then, bicriteria optimization problem is formulated to satisfy the aforementioned requirements. The subhistograms are modified by selecting optimal contrast enhancement parameters. Finally, the union of the modified subhistograms produce a contrast enhanced and details preserved output image. While developing an optimization problem, real coded genetic algorithm is applied to determine the optimal value of contrast enhancement parameters. This mechanism enhances the contrast of the input image better than the existing contemporary HE methods. The quality of the enhanced brain image indicates that the image obtained after this method can be useful for efficient detection of brain cancer in further process like segmentation, classification, etc. The performance of the proposed method is well supported by the contrast enhancement quantitative metrics such as discrete entropy and natural image quality evaluator. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 25, 24–32, 2015
Quantitation in Hemodialysis: Adequacy Measurement Revisited

Dialysis adequacy is a basic prerequisite to ensure optimal survival of end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients (1, 2). Due to the complexity of metabolic disturbances associated with uremia, it is recognized that the efficacy of renal replacement therapy (RRT) cannot be established on a single and unique marker (3). In the early seventies, dialysis adequacy relies upon the assessment of a series of clinical and biochemical parameters expressing the optimal correction of the internal milieu of the ESRD patient (4, 5). The concept of dialysis quantitation based on urea kinetic modeling (UKM), first proposed in the late seventies by Gotch and Sargent, introduced remarkable changes in dialysis adequacy assessment (6–8). Urea was considered as a “surrogate” of uremic toxins and allowed quantifying dialysis efficacy, dietary protein intake and uremia intoxication (9). Unfortunately, the misuse of this attractive concept led to a dramatic reduction of dialysis time in the US contributing to excessive dialysis morbidity (10–12). The methodology of measuring adequacy in hemodialysis patients is critically important (13–15). Based on our clinical experience, adequacy of measurements is reviewed in this work. Particular emphasis is given to the UKM approach used as a complementary tool for assessing dialysis adequacy. Pitfalls and limits of the modeling approach are discussed in a global quality assurance perspective. Despite increasingly recognized interest and significant technical progress facilitating clinical implementation of UKM, dialysis quantitation is still a matter of concern for nephrologists (16, 17). The purpose of this work is to answer frequently asked questions regarding hemodialysis quantitation in terms of measurement adequacy and its place in the global dialysis adequacy concept.
Flexible superior electrode architectures based on three-dimensional porous spinous α-Fe2O3 with a high performance as a supercapacitor.

Flexible supercapacitors have recently attracted increasing attention as they show unique promising advantages, such as flexibility and shape diversity, and they are light-weight and so on. Herein, we designed a series of 3D porous spinous iron oxide materials synthesized on a thin iron plate through a facile method under mild conditions. The unique nanostructural features endow them with excellent electrochemical performance. The electrochemical properties of the integrated electrodes as active electrode materials for supercapacitors have been investigated using different electrochemical techniques including cyclic voltammetry, and galvanostatic charge-discharge in Na2SO4 and LiPF6/EC : DEC electrolyte solutions. These integrated electrodes showed high specific capacitance (as high as 524.6 F g(-1) at the current density of 1 A g(-1)) in 1.0 M Na2SO4 (see Table S1). Moreover, the integrated electrodes also show high power densities and high energy densities in a LiPF6/EC : DEC electrolyte solution; for example, the energy densities were 319.3, 252.5, 152.1, 74.13 and 38.6 W h kg(-1) at different power densities of 8.81, 21.59, 56.65, 92.09 and 152.64 kW kg(-1), respectively. Additionally, the flexible superior electrode exhibited excellent stability with capacitance retention of 92.9% after 5000 cycles. Therefore, such flexible integrated devices might be used in smart and portable electronics.
Applying the Infant-Toddler Social & Emotional Assessment (ITSEA) and Brief-ITSEA in early intervention.

To examine the internal consistency and validity of the Infant-Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment (ITSEA) and Brief-ITSEA (BITSEA) parent-report questionnaires in an early intervention sample. A sociodemographically diverse sample of 192 parents of 11- to 36-month-old children referred to early intervention programs completed surveys containing the ITSEA, BITSEA, and Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Parents were interviewed with the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales. Evaluators blind to children's status on the ITSEA and BITSEA rated child behavior during developmental assessments. Finally, a subsample of 71 children was administered the Mullen Scales of Early Learning. Findings support the internal consistency of the ITSEA and BITSEA, with the majority of Cronbach's alphas above . 70. Supporting validity, ITSEA and BITSEA problem scores correlated significantly with CBCL Internalizing and Externalizing scores (rs=.28 to .78), as well as with observational ratings of problem behaviors on constructs paralleling the ITSEA domains (rs=.21 to .45). In contrast, ITSEA Competence and BITSEA Competence demonstrated moderate negative associations with CBCL scores (rs=-.39 to -.43). Finally, ITSEA Competence and BITSEA Competence correlated significantly with developmental level on the Mullen, Vineland Socialization, and observational ratings of competence (rs=.25 to .43). Emphasizing the importance of addressing social-emotional issues in early intervention settings, 58.6% of children had high social-emotional/behavioral problems and/or low competence on the ITSEA; 39.8% had high ITSEA Problems and 38.5% had low ITSEA Competence. Results indicate the need to assess social-emotional adjustment in early intervention settings and support the use of the ITSEA and BITSEA for this purpose.
HLA class II antigen-processing pathway in tumors: Molecular defects and clinical relevance

ABSTRACT The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II antigen-processing machinery (APM) presents to cognate CD4+ T-cells antigenic peptides mainly generated from exogeneous proteins in the endocytic compartment. These CD4+ T cells exert helper function, but may also act as effector cells, thereby recognizing HLA class II antigen-expressing tumor cells. Thus, HLA class II antigen expression by tumor cells influences the tumor antigen (TA)-specific immune responses and, depending on the cancer type, the clinical course of the disease. Many types of human cancers express HLA class II antigens, although with marked differences in their frequency. Some types of cancer lack HLA class II antigen expression, which could be due to structural defects or deregulation affecting different components of the complex HLA class II APM and/or from lack of cytokine(s) in the tumor microenvironment. In this review, we have summarized the information about HLA class II antigen distribution in normal tissues, the structural organization of the HLA class II APM, their expression and regulation in malignant cells, the defects, which have been identified in malignant cells, and their functional and clinical relevance.
TNF‐α polymorphisms and type 2 diabetes mellitus in Taiwanese patients

Type 2 diabetic mellitus (type 2 DM) comprises more than 95% of all Taiwanese patients with DM. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) expression is linked with insulin resistance, and is under strong genetic control. The correlation between TNF promoter genotypes and type 2 DM is still controversial, because discrepancies among different studies exist. Ethnic differences play certain roles in these conflicting results, because the distribution of TNF promoter polymorphisms is different among study subjects with different racial origins. Therefore, we examined the relationship between the incidence of type 2 diabetes in Taiwanese and two polymorphisms of the TNF-alpha promoter region (positions -238 and -308) as well as the correlation between these polymorphisms and the patients' biochemical manifestations. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood cells of 261 Taiwanese patients with type 2 DM and 189 non-diabetic control study subjects, and their TNF promoter G-238A and G-308A polymorphisms were analyzed by PCR-RFLP analysis. No significant association between TNF-alpha G-238A and G-308A polymorphisms with type 2 diabetic incidence was observed. However, associations between TNF-alpha G-238A and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and between G-308A promoter polymorphism and high-fasting plasma glucose levels, using multiple linear regression analysis with adjustment for the subjects' age, sex, body mass index and diabetic status, were found. Our results suggested that though TNF-alpha G-238A and G-308A polymorphisms were not involved in the pathogenesis of type 2 DM, type 2 diabetic patients carrying TNFA-A or TNF-308*2 genotype might be more susceptible to diabetic complications such as atherosclerosis.
Protective function of interleukin 27 in colitis-associated cancer via suppression of inflammatory cytokines in intestinal epithelial cells

ABSTRACT Numerous studies have demonstrated that inflammation contributes to a variety of cancer formation, among them, colitis-associated cancer (CAC) represents a typical inflammation-related cancer. Interleukin 27 (IL-27) has been demonstrated to play an important role in inflammation-related disease. The effect of IL-27 in intestinal inflammation is controversial and its role in CAC is not elucidated yet. In our present study, we found that IL-27 has protective function in murine model of CAC through suppression of inflammatory cytokines in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). IL-27Rα (WSX-1) deficiency promotes the CAC development in mice, which is driven by enhanced tumor cell proliferation, more intensive myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) accumulation in colon lamina propria and higher level of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in IECs. The levels of IL-6, TNF-α, GM-CSF and CXCL1 triggered in vitro by toll-like receptor ligands are significantly upregulated in IECs from WSX-1 KO mice. Removal of commensal microorganism through antibiotic treatment in mice to eliminate TLR ligands deprives the protective function of IL-27 on CAC tumor growth. Thus, IL-27 suppresses CAC formation through an anti-inflammation mechanism targeting IECs and in turn resists the tumorigenesis. Hence, our study explained how IL-27 exerts its anti-inflammatory function on epithelial cells to fight against chronic-inflammation-associated cancer, which might provide new insights on the potential therapeutic strategies for cancer.
Personal Knowledge: Towards a Post-Critical Philosophy

The Study of Man. By Michael Polanyi. Price, $1.75. Pp. 102. University of Chicago Press, 5750 Ellis Ave., Chicago 37, 1959. One subtitle to Polanyi's challenging and fascinating book might be The Evolution and Natural History of Error , for Polanyi is at pains to expunge what he believes to be the false notion contained in the contemporary view of science which treats it as an object and basically impersonal discipline. According to Polanyi not only is this a radical and important error, but it is harmful to the objectives of science itself. Another subtitle could be Farewell to Detachment , for in place of cold objectivity he develops the idea that science is necessarily intensely personal. It is a human endeavor and human point of view which cannot be divorced from nor uprooted out of the human matrix from which it arises and in which it works. For a good while
Low-dose post-transplant cyclophosphamide can mitigate GVHD and enhance the G-CSF/ATG induced GVHD protective activity and improve haploidentical transplant outcomes

ABSTRACT Use of high-dose, post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) results in low rates of graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD) and favorable immune reconstitution, although with higher rates of relapse and somewhat high rates of graft failure. We hypothesized that permissible dose reduction of PTCy might be feasible. The current study attempts to establish a murine model and focus on regulatory T cells (Tregs) to clarify the immunological mechanisms for GVHD prevention by low-dose PTCy. In addition, a prospective, clinical cohort study in haploidentical, T-cell replete transplantation is initiated to support the rational. We found that acute GVHD could be alleviated by low-dose PTCy and could be further mitigated after the combined use of low-dose PTCy and antithymocyte globulin (ATG) in mice. Flow-cytometric analyses in mice showed that low-dose PTCy could increase the number of Tregs and the effect on Tregs is significantly prominent with the combined use of low-dose PTCy and ATG. In the clinical cohort study, the cumulative incidence of grades II-IV acute GVHD in combined treatment cohort with low-dose PTCy and ATG/granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) (17%; 95% CI, 5–29%) was significantly lower than both that in matched-pair cohort (33%; 95% CI, 25–41%; P = 0.04) and that in historical cohort (56%; 95% CI, 42–70%; P < 0.001). In-vivo immune reconstitution analysis showed that low-dose PTCy could facilitate suppressive Tregs reconstitution. In conclusion, low-dose PTCy is sufficient for GVHD abrogation under lymphopenic situation and can enhance the protective effect of ATG/G-CSF on GVHD. Intensified conditioning followed by low-dose PTCy might be a feasible option for patients undergoing haploidentical transplantation.
Current Surgical Practices in Cleft Care: Unilateral Cleft Lip Repair  

Background: The purpose of this study was to report objectively on practice trends in unilateral cleft lip repair in the United States and Canada. This study details current technique preferences, modifications, and adjunct procedure use. Methods: All surgeons in the American Cleft Palate–Craniofacial Association and the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons (n = 1138) were mailed a survey inquiring about their management of unilateral cleft lip. Results: Responses were received from 622 surgeons (55 percent response rate), of whom 269 currently perform cleft surgery. The results arise from this group of 269 active cleft surgeons. Eight-four percent of surgeons perform rotation advancement for complete unilateral cleft lip repair. Nine percent perform a variation of the triangular flap repair. Among those using rotation advancement, 45 percent use a modified technique. The most common modifications are the Noordhoff vermilion flap, the Mohler modification, and the Onizuka triangular advancement flap. Surgeons rarely use more than one technique in their practice, and 86 percent use the same repair for every unilateral cleft lip. Over half of surgeons routinely perform some form of primary nasal correction. Lip adhesion, presurgical orthopedics, nasoalveolar molding, and postoperative nasal stenting are performed by limited numbers of respondents, and the use of these surgical adjuncts is discussed. Conclusions: Rotation advancement remains the most frequently used technique for unilateral cleft lip repair. However, almost half of those using rotation advancement perform a modification to the original technique. Surgeons should be familiar with both the rotation advancement repair and its common modifications. Among adjunct procedures, only primary nasal correction currently garners widespread use.
Divergent Effects of Losartan and Metoprolol on Cardiac Remodeling, C‐kit+ Cells, Proliferation and Apoptosis in the Left Ventricle after Myocardial Infarction

There is strong evidence for the use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and beta‐blockers to reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with myocardial infarction (MI), whereas the effect of angiotensin receptor blockers is less clear. We evaluated the effects of an angiotensin receptor blocker losartan and a beta‐blocker metoprolol on left ventricular (LV) remodeling, c‐kit+ cells, proliferation, fibrosis, apoptosis, and angiogenesis using a model of coronary ligation in rats. Metoprolol treatment for 2 weeks improved LV systolic function. In contrast, losartan triggered deleterious structural remodeling and functional deterioration of LV systolic function, ejection fraction being 41% and fractional shortening 47% lower in losartan group than in controls 2 weeks after MI. The number of c‐kit+ cells as well as expression of Ki‐67 was increased by metoprolol. Losartan‐induced thinning of the anterior wall and ventricular dilation were associated with increased apoptosis and fibrosis, while losartan had no effect on the expression of c‐kit or Ki‐67. Metoprolol or losartan had no effect on microvessel density. These results demonstrate that beta‐blocker treatment attenuated adverse remodeling via c‐kit+ cells and proliferation, whereas angiotensin receptor blocker‐induced worsening of LV systolic function was associated with increased apoptosis and fibrosis in the peri‐infarct region.
Trivalent influenza vaccine-induced antibody response to circulating influenza a (H3N2) viruses in 2010/11 and 2011/12 seasons

To evaluate antibody response induced by trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV) against circulating influenza A (H3N2) strains in healthy adults during the 2010/11 and 2011/12 seasons, a hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) assay was utilized to calculate geometric mean antibody titer (GMT), seroprotection rate (post vaccination HI titers of ≥1 :40), and seroresponse rate (4-fold increase in antibody level). In the 2010/11 season, GMT increased 1.8- to 2.0-fold following the first dose of TIV against 3 circulating strains and 2.2-fold following the second compared to before vaccination. The seroresponse rate ranged from 22% to 26% following the first dose of TIV and from 31% to 33% following the second (n = 54 ). The seroprotection rate increased from a range of 6% to 13% to a range of 26% to 33% following the first dose of TIV and to a range of 37% to 42% following the second (n = 54 ). In the 2011/12 season, GMT increased 1.4-fold against A/Osaka/110/2011 and 1.8-fold against A/Osaka/5/2012. For A/Osaka/110/2011, the seroresponse rate was 29%, and the seroprotection rate increased from 26% to 55% following vaccination (n = 31 ). For A/Osaka/5/2012, the seroresponse rate was 26%, and the seroprotection rate increased from 68% to 84% following vaccination (n = 31 ). HI assays with reference antisera demonstrated that the strains in the 2011/12 season were antigenically distinct from vaccine strain (A/Victoria/210/2009). In conclusion, the vaccination increased the seroprotection rate against circulating H3N2 strains in the 2010/11 and 2011/12 seasons. Vaccination of TIV might have potential to induce reactive antibodies against antigenically distinct circulating H3N2 viruses.
Articles: Association of An Intronic, but Not Any Exonic, FRMD4B Sequence Variant and Heart Failure

Common forms of heart failure (HF) exhibit familial clustering, but specific genetic risk factors have been challenging to identify. A recent single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) microarray study implicated a locus within an intron of FRMD4B in Caucasian HF. Here, we used next‐generation resequencing of pooled DNA and individual Sequenom genotyping to test for associations between FRMD4B SNPs and ischemic and/or nonischemic cardiomyopathy in two independent populations. Exonic resequencing of Caucasians and African‐Americans identified 32 FRMD4B SNPs, 13 of which had allele frequencies greater than 1%. None of these common FRMD4B SNPs were significantly associated with ischemic, nonischemic, or all‐cause HF in either of the study populations. We individually genotyped the seminal intronic rs6787362 FRMD4B SNP in the primary study population and compared genotypes between HF cases and controls. The rs6787362 variant allele was more frequent in Caucasians with ischemic cardiomyopathy, and carriers (heterozygous or homozygous) of the variant allele had increased risk of HF (OR 1.437, CI 1.085–1.904; p= 0.0118). No such association was seen for African‐American HF. These results confirm an association between the intronic rs6787362 FRMD4B SNP and ischemic cardiomyopathy in a European‐derived population, but do not support the proposition that coding FRMD4B variants are susceptibility factors in common HF. Clin Trans Sci 2010; Volume 3: 134–139
Hematologic Markers of Influenza A H1N1 for Early Laboratory Diagnosis and Treatment Assessment

Background: Influenza A H1N1 has contributed to significant morbidity and mortality, yet very few studies on changes in hematologic and biochemical markers have been reported. Methods: The variable characteristics of several laboratory indices were statistically analyzed during the disease course. Results: In the incipient stage, the RBC and platelet counts in most patients were normal, while total WBC, neutrophils, and lymphocytes decreased in some cases. The hepatic and renal function indicators were mostly within the normal limits, while electrolyte imbalance occurred in some cases. T lymphocytes subgroups counts were significantly decreased in the acute stage and became extremely low a few days later, then recovered to normal limits in the convalescent stage. Conclusions: T lymphocytes subgroups could be considered as progressive markers of H1N1, which were of great clinical significance in early diagnosis, progression, and prognosis evaluation of H1N1. This work provided convenient hematologic diagnostic criteria for reference. * CDC : Centers for Disease Control TB : total bilirubin TP : total protein A : albumin ALT : alanine aminotransferase AST : aspartate aminotransferase LD : lactate dehydrogenase UN : urea CR : creatinine RT-PCR : reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction PCR : polymerase chain reaction SARS : severe acute respiratory syndrome RSV : respiratory syncytial virus
New marker for follow up of anti-HBV - retrospective study

Hepatitis related to HBV manifests itself in many forms and can be treated with excellent results in the acute phase whereas, in the chronic phase, only a sustained immunological control (SIC) in time can be achieved. The current gold standard test for therapy is the quantitative HBV DNA which, by itself, does not allow an assessment of the SIC. For the reason we did a retrospective study of 13 patients over a 19 month period during which we simultaneously evaluated both HBV DNA and the new marker: quantitative HbsAg; this test was carried out in house. The relationship that exists between the markers and which could provide the clinician with more information was evaluated in three types: High similarity, Low similarity, No similarity between the performance curves of the two markers probably connected by many types of therapeutic answers: sustained immunological control, low immunological control and no immunological control.