Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Expression of oral cytokines in HIV-infected subjects with long-term use of antiretroviral therapy.

OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study were to determine (i) the expression of oral pro-inflammatory cytokines in HIV-infected subjects compared with non-HIV individuals, (ii) the cytokine expression in the subjects with antiretroviral therapy (ART) compared with those without ART, and (iii) factors associated with the expression of the cytokines. MATERIALS AND METHODS Oral examination was performed and saliva samples were collected and analyzed for the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines using ELISA. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association between HIV/ART status and the cytokine expression. RESULTS One hundred and fifty-seven HIV-infected subjects with and without ART, and 50 non-HIV individuals were enrolled. TNF-α and IL-6 in saliva were significantly decreased, while IL-8 was significantly increased in HIV infection (P < 0.05). Changes in the expression of IL-8 were also observed between HIV-infected subjects who were and were not on ART (P < 0.05). Duration of HIV infection and smoking was significantly associated with the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in saliva (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Oral innate immunity is affected by HIV infection and use of ART. IL-8 may be the useful biomarker to identify subjects at risk of infection and malignant transformation due to HIV infection and long-term use of ART.
Two-dimensional inversion of refraction traveltimes by progressive model development

SUMMARY We develop a systematic approach for the analysis of 2-D refraction experiments using traveltimes that allows progressive improvement of velocity structure through a sequence from 1-D models to pseudo-2-D models, and then 2-D models. The approach consists of three steps. First, 1-D velocity models are constructed for each segment of the pro¢le using a genetic algorithm inversion, and then pseudo-2-D models are constructed using a turning point approximation. The purpose of this step is to provide an approximate image of 2-D velocity structure, and to infer the number and general location of layer boundaries. The second step uses 1-D layered modelling, again with a pseudo-2-D conversion, to generate a rough 2-D layered structure. The third step consists of smoothing the pseudo-2-D model in order to create initial models for use in 2-D inversion and the construction of a 2-D model using a Bayesian formulation of non-linear iterative inversion. All the steps exploit traveltime data for the ¢rst arrival and do not use any trial-and-error forward modelling. The progressive approach is e⁄cient because the results of each step are employed as the initial model for the next step. The method is applied to real data from an along-strike experiment and also to a related synthetic example so that the quality of the solution can be judged. The results indicate that the method is robust, and this is con¢rmed by a further synthetic example that represents a survey across a trench and dipping subduction zone. The systematic approach to the inversion of refraction data enables a complex inversion to be undertaken in 1 or 2 days. The sequential approach allows the incorporation of additional information if desired.
Nichtinvasive Darstellung tumorassoziierter Angiogenese mittels Positronen-Emissions-Tomographie und radioaktiv markierter Liganden des αvβ3-Integrins

Beim Tumorwachstum kommt es im Rahmen der Angiogenese zur Expression des avs3-Integrins auf Endothelzellen. Diese Arbeit zeigt, dass tumorassoziierte Angiogenese mittels radioaktiv markierter avs3 Liganden nichtinvasiv darstellbar ist. Als Modell dienten auf Nacktmause transplantierte humane A431 Zellen. In-vitro reicherten A431 Zellen avs3-spezifische Liganden ([18F]Gal-RGD/[125I]Glc-RGD) nicht an. In-vivo zeigten die Tumoren jedoch eine intensive Aufnahme von [18F]Gal-RGD (Tumor/Blut nach 90 min 9.8), die durch den avs3 Liganden c(RGD)yV blockierbar war (-73%). Dies konnte mittels Positronen-Emissions-Tomographie (PET) nichtinvasiv erfasst werden. Immunhistochemisch zeigten die Tumorblutgefasse, im Gegensatz zu den Tumorzellen, avs3 Expression. In-vitro bestatigte sich, dass proliferierende humane Endothelzellen [18F]Gal-RGD und [I125]Glc-RGD avs3-spezifisch internalisieren. PET mit [18F]Gal-RGD ist somit vielversprechend zur Darstellung der Angiogenese bei Patienten.
Analysis of Fatigue Development During Elite Male Handball Matches

Abstract Póvoas, SCA, Ascensão, AAMR, Magalhães, J, Seabra, AFT, Krustrup, P, Soares, JMC, and Rebelo, ANC. Analysis of fatigue development during elite male handball matches. J Strength Cond Res 28(9): 2640–2648, 2014—This study aimed at describing the physiological demands and fatigue development during elite male handball matches. Our hypothesis was that players perform multiple high-intensity activities during periods of the game and develop temporary and end-match neuromuscular fatigue. Time-motion analyses and heart rate (HR) recordings were performed in 40 players during 12 competitive matches. Blood samples were collected, and sprint, jump, and intermittent exercise performance (Yo-Yo Intermittent Endurance level 2 test [YYIE2]) was assessed for 18 players at baseline conditions and after 2 competitive matches, and additional blood sampling and testing were performed for 12 of these players during a friendly match. The time spent with high-intensity running (4.4 ± 2.0 to 3.1 ± 1.7%), the frequency of demanding actions (61 ± 5 to 54 ± 6), and the time with HR above 80% HRmax (62 ± 21 to 41 ± 17%) were lowered from the first to the second half. Average blood lactate during the match was 3.6 ± 2.1 (1.3–8.6) mM. Plasma free fatty acids (FFA), glycerol, glucose, and uric acid increased (p ⩽ 0.05) during the first half and plasma FFA and glycerol increased further (p ⩽ 0.05) during the second half. After an intense period in the second half, sprint performance was decreased by 3.9 ± 4.9%. After the match, YYIE2 (33.4 ± 8.7%), vertical jump (7.4 ± 6.5%), and 20-m sprint performance (1.6 ± 2.6%) was lower (p ⩽ 0.05) than at baseline. This study showed that the intensity is high in certain periods during elite male handball games and that physical performance is impaired both temporarily during and toward the end of games confirming our hypothesis. These findings enables physical trainers and coaches to plan and design proper game-specific training exercises aiming at delaying both temporary and end-game fatigue and strengthen the physiological rationale for the need for substitutions in various stages of match-play.
Risk Factors Predicting Colorectal Cancer Recurrence Following Initial Treatment: A 5-year Cohort Study

Purpose: Recurrence is one of the most important factors influencing survival of colorectal cancer patients. Subjects and Methods: In this cohort study, clinical and demographic characteristics of 561 patients with colorectal cancer were collected from 2010 to 2015. Medical records and telephone interviews were used to define the patient’s clinical status including the date of any recurrence during the study period. The multivariate Cox model was used as the main strategy for analyzing data. Results: Some 239 (42.6%) patients experienced cancer recurrence during the 5-year follow-up period. Those with an older age at diagnosis had a higher risk of cancer recurrence than their younger counterparts [Hazard Ratio (HR) >70 y /<50 y= 1.65, P=0.01]. Rectal cancer had a greater risk of disease recurrence compared with other tumor sites [HR colon/ rectum=1.53, P=0.02]. Stage 3 cancer had a higher risk than stage 1 cancer [HR stage 3/ stage 1=4.30, P<0.001], and positive lympho-vascular invasion was also a risk factor [HR yes/ no=2.03, P<0.001]. Finally, tumor size, number of dissected lymph nodes, proportion of positive lymph nodes, perineural invasion and type of treatment did not significantly predict recurrence. Conclusion: Access to enhanced medical services including cancer diagnosis at an early stage and optimal treatment is needed to improve the survival and quality of life of CRC patients.
Freiheit für Formmodelle! Eine robuste Erweiterung der Deformationsgleichungen

Zusammenfassung. Wir stellen eine neuartige Methode zur Segmentierung volumetrischer Bilddaten vor, die Techniken von statistischen Formmodellen mit deformierbaren Oberflachen kombiniert. Die internen Krafte der deformierbaren Oberflache berechnen sich dabei aus einem mitlaufenden Formmodell, wahrend die externen Krafte aus einem graph-basierten Verfahren zur optimalen Oberflachenerkennung gewonnen werden. Testsegmentierungen der Leber auf uber 50 CT-Datensatzen zeigen eine mittlere Oberflachenabweichung von 1.6 ± 0.7mm zu manuellen Referenzsegmentierungen und machen deutlich, dass mehr Freiheit fur Formmodelle die Ergebnisse oft signifikant verbessern kann.
Acoustic Intra-Body Data Transmission

Data transmission is one of the most important procedures of the capsule endoscopy technology, which provides patients and physicians with a non-invasive method for diagnosing GI disorders in the small bowel. Data transmission from the capsule to an external data recording system is usually accomplished with an RF data communications channel. It is proposed here to use ultrasound waves for transmission of images and telemetry information from a capsule inside a human body to outside receivers – the acoustic intra-body data transmission system. A physical model of the intra-body acoustic channel is presented, and architecture, schemes and signal processing algorithms of acoustic transmitters and receivers are considered. Digital and analog modulation/demodulation (modem) schemes for multi-path and single-path acoustic channels are proposed. Results of stochastic simulation and experimental testing of the proposed acoustic systems are discussed.
Continuous perioperative apomorphine in deep brain stimulation surgery for Parkinson's disease

Abstract Background. Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) deprived of dopaminergic medication to facilitate awake testing during the deep brain stimulation (DBS) procedure are at increased risk of neurologic deterioration. The aim of this survey was to demonstrate the safety of subcutaneous apomorphine treatment for reducing surgery-related neurologic deterioration in patients undergoing DBS surgery for PD. Methods. Ninety-two patients who underwent DBS surgery for PD between 11/2007 and 10/2011 in our department were retrospectively analyzed for this survey. Demographic data, apomorphine dosage, side-effects and need of ICU/IMC stay were collected and analyzed. Results. Seventy-two out of 92 patients (78.3%) received apomorphine treatment; main reason for omission of treatment was intolerable nausea (16/92, 17.3%). Apomorphine treatment was well tolerated and the most common side effect was nodular panniculitis. No severe complications were observed. No patient required ICU/IMC stay related to dopaminergic deprivation. Conclusions. Perioperative withdrawal of dopaminergic medication in PD patients leads to an increased risk of neurologic and respiratory deterioration during DBS procedures. These complications can likely be tempered using perioperative subcutaneous apomorphine as a substitute. Our 5-year experience indicates a reduction in postoperative neurologic deterioration and ICU/IMC stay need. We consider perioperative apomorphine safe during DBS surgery for PD.
Nasal Carriage of Staphylococcus Aureus among Apparently Healthy School Children in Owerri Metropolis, Nigeria

Staphylococcus aureus has being identified as a risk factor for community acquired and nosocomial infections. It is a common inhabitant of the skin and mucus membrane. Children with nasal carriage of S. aureus play an important role in community spread of S. aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Screening the nasal carriage isolates of S. aureus for antibiotic resistance patterns will provide guidelines for empiric therapy of community-acquired infections. In this study, 270 nasal swabs specimens collected from apparently healthy school children in Owerri metropolis were examined for S. aureus using mannitol salt agar. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed using Kirby-Bauer’s disc diffusion method according to performance standards of Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute guidelines. A total of 152 (56.3%) of the children were culture positive for S. aureus; out of the 152 cases, 78 (55.39) were males while 74 (57.3) were females. Results show that while sex is not a significant risk factor in S. aureus carriage, age was (P< 0.05). The antibiotics susceptibility pattern of the isolates reveled that erythromycin and gentamicin were the most sensitive antibiotics. The high rates of nasal carriage of S. aureus and presence of resistance to commonly used antibiotics are disturbing. Antibiotic stewardship programs that promote judicious use of antibiotic along with strategies to prevent community spread of S. aureus are urgently needed.
Selective modulation of cholinergic properties in cultures of avian embryonic sympathetic ganglia

We have studied the expression of catecholaminergic and cholinergic phenotypes in sympathetic ganglia removed from 7‐ to 10‐day‐old quail embryos and grown in vitro under different conditions. Quantitative data were obtained by measuring the conversion of (3H) tyrosine and (3H) choline to catecholamines (CA) and acetylcholine (ACh), respectively. In explant cultures, large amounts of both neurotransmitters were synthesized from the onset, but CA generally predominated, the molar ratios of CA:ACh being, on average, of the order of 2:1. If the ganglia were dissociated before plating, there was a selective increase in ACh synthesis (three‐ to fivefold) such that the CA:ACh ratio fell strikingly. The early expression of the cholinergic phenotype appears to be species‐specific in that, under identical conditions, dissociated cell cultures of newborn mouse superior cervical ganglia were overwhelmingly catecholaminergic (CA:ACh ratio of approximately 40:1) and ACh synthesis was only just detectable. Addition of veratridine (1.5 μM) either to explant or to dissociated cell cultures of embryonic quail sympathetic ganglia barely altered CA‐synthesizing ability; in contrast, ACh synthesis and accumulation were stimulated about threefold. This effect, which we found to correspond to a quantitatively similar increase in the activity of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), was completely blocked by tetrodotoxin, indicating that it was due to Na+‐dependent depolarization. A preferential stimulation of ACh production was also observed when the concentration of K+ was raised to 20 mM. Veratridine treatment of cultures of presumptive sympathoblasts, in the form of sclerotome‐associated neural crest cells, had identical effects. Our results reveal the quantitative importance of ACh‐related properties in avian sympathetic ganglia from the earliest stages of their development and suggest that depolarization may be one of the factors selectively enhancing expression of the cholinergic phenotype during ontogeny. In these respects, the neurochemical differentiation of sympathetic neurons unfolds according to dissimilar scenarios in birds and mammals. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modelo para la mejora del desempeño organizacional a través de las prácticas de la gestión de la calidad, gestión del conocimiento y liderazgo transformacional en una universidad privada

La presente investigación, tuvo la finalidad de validar las relaciones de tipo causal según la propuesta del modelo teórico explicando que la mejora del desempeño organizacional se desarrolla a través de las prácticas de gestión de calidad, gestión del conocimiento y liderazgo transformacional. Para ello, se aplicó un cuestionario a una muestra por conveniencia de 222 directivos y docentes de la universidad privada. El diseño de investigación fue considerado como correlacional múltiple con un enfoque transversal. Los datos se analizaron por medio de un sistema de ecuaciones estructurales. Los parámetros obtenidos para valorar la bondad de ajuste del modelo fueron los siguientes: x2 con un valor de 2463.580, x2/gl de 1.582 menor o igual a 3.0, RMSEA de 0.051 menor o igual a . 07, GFI de 0.736 mayor o igual a . 70, y CFI de . 903 mayor o igual a . 90, estos índices revelan una muy buena adaptación de la estructura y validación del modelo propuesto, así también todas las relaciones de tipo causal en el modelo (p-valor < 0.05) son estadísticamente significativos. Con esto se afirma que el desarrollo del desempeño organizacional es afectado por las interacciones de las prácticas de gestión de calidad, gestión del conocimiento y liderazgo transformacional.
Human Visual System based Automatic Underwater Image Enhancement in NSCT domain

Underwater image enhancement has received considerable attention in last decades, due to the nature of poor visibility and low contrast of underwater images. In this paper, we propose a new automatic underwater image enhancement algorithm, which combines nonsubsampled contourlet transform (NSCT) domain enhancement techniques with the mechanism of the human visual system (HVS). We apply the multiscale retinex algorithm based on the HVS into NSCT domain in order to eliminate the non-uniform illumination, and adopt the threshold denoising technique to suppress underwater noise. Our proposed algorithm incorporates the luminance masking and contrast masking characteristics of the HVS into NSCT domain to yield the new HVS-based NSCT. Moreover, we define two nonlinear mapping functions. The first one is used to manipulate the HVS-based NSCT contrast coefficients to enhance the edges. The second one is a gain function which modifies the lowpass subband coefficients to adjust the global dynamic range. As a result, our algorithm can achieve contrast enhancement, image denoising and edge sharpening automatically and simultaneously. Experimental results illustrate that our proposed algorithm has better enhancement performance than state-of-the-art algorithms both in subjective evaluation and quantitative assessment. In addition, our algorithm can automatically achieve underwater image enhancement without any parameter tuning.
A low-noise K-band class-C VCO for E-band 5G backhaul systems in 55nm BiCMOS technology

Next-generation 5G communication systems require adaptive high-order modulations to increase spectral efficiency. To limit EVM, very low phase noise levels are required — i.e. less than −117dBc/Hz at 1MHz offset for 64QAM at f=20GHz. In this paper, the design and measurements of a low-noise K-Band VCO are presented. The challenges of achieving such a low phase noise are discussed in detail, with particular emphasis on the minimization of L/Q, inductor versus quality factor ratio. Prototypes have been realized in a 55nm BiCMOS technology. Operated at 2.5V supply with the largest amplitude allowed by reliability constraints, measurements show a phase noise as low as −119dBc/Hz at 1MHz from a 20GHz carrier offset with a tuning range (TR) of 19% and FoM=−187dBc/Hz. Power consumption is 56mW. To the best of authors' knowledge, the presented VCO shows the lowest reported phase noise among state-of-the-art BiCMOS VCOs with TR>10%.
AC-TR-17-011 December 2017 Dependency Learning for QBF

Quantified Boolean Formulas (QBFs) can be used to succinctly encode problems from domains such as formal verification, planning, and synthesis. One of the main approaches to QBF solving is Quantified Conflict Driven Clause Learning (QCDCL). By default, QCDCL assigns variables in the order of their appearance in the quantifier prefix so as to account for dependencies among variables. Dependency schemes can be used to relax this restriction and exploit independence among variables in certain cases, but only at the cost of nontrivial interferences with the proof system underlying QCDCL. We propose a new technique for exploiting variable independence within QCDCL that allows solvers to learn variable dependencies on the fly. The resulting version of QCDCL enjoys improved propagation and increased flexibility in choosing variables for branching while retaining ordinary (long-distance) Q-resolution as its underlying proof system. In experiments on standard benchmark sets, an implementation of this algorithm shows performance comparable to state-of-the-art QBF solvers.
Handling Time in Query Languages

In this paper, an approach to handle time in relational query languages is outlined. The approach is based on extending Boolean and comparison operators by allowing their operands to be sets of intervals [BASS87]. The proposed temporal logic is shown to satisfy the properties of the normal Boolean logic. New syntax for retrieval statements is defined in order to separate the process of selecting entities (tuples) and the process of selecting required values of temporal attributes from the chosen entities. The extensions presented in this paper offer a good degree of flexibility in expressing different temporal requirements.
Using Converging Strategies to Reduce Divergence in Intercultural User Interface Design

This chapter starts with an introduction illuminating the theoretical back-ground necessary for taking culture into account in HCI design. Definitions of concepts used are provided followed by a historical overview on taking culture into account in HCI design. Subsequently, a glimpse of the current state of research in culture-centered HCI design is derived from secondary literature providing the gist of the structures, processes, methods, models and theoretic approaches concerning the relationship between culture and HCI design (“converging” strategies). After presenting controversies and challenges, a short discussion of results from empirical studies and design recommendations for culture-centered HCI design lead to implications and trends in future intercultural user interface design research to close the knowledge gap (the “divergence”) regarding the relationship between culture and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), i.e. converging the divergence to reach the convergent divergence.
Role of Fcγ receptor IIb polymorphism in the genetic background of systemic lupus erythematosus: Insights from Asia

FCGR2B codes for an inhibitory receptor expressed in B cells and monocytes. Polymorphisms of Fcgr2b in mice have been shown to be associated with autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and targeted disruption of Fcgr2b renders mice susceptible to induced or spontaneous autoimmunity, depending on the genetic background. Polymorphism screening of FCGR2B has been hampered by the complexity and extreme homology among FCGR family members. We established a specific genotyping system, detected a SNP that changes position 232 amino acid in the transmembrane region from Ile to Thr and found a significant association of 232Thr with SLE in the Japanese, Thai and Chinese populations. In contrast, promoter polymorphism of FCGR2B, but not Ile232Thr, was shown to be associated with SLE in Caucasians. Linkage disequilibrium was observed among FCGR2A, 2B, 3A and 3B genes with varying degrees, but in the Asian populations, each of FCGR2B, 3A and 3B genes was suggested to contribute to the susceptibility to SLE. These results indicate that FCGR2B is a susceptibility gene to SLE in the context of a genetic background, both in humans and mice.