Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evidence Resolution Using Concept Hierarchies

This paper describes a conceptual and theoretical framework for the resolution of seemingly contradictory evidence for decision-making. Basic to this approach is the use of granulation provided by the categories obtained by ascending concept hierarchies. This process will be driven by the use of a criterion that represents the utility of granular categories to the user's decision making. The definition of complete and partial evidence resolution and their properties are developed, which permits the formulation of the concept of preponderance of evidence for the decision maker. Finally, we show some preliminary results on the concepts of strength and consensus measures to provide metrics of the goodness of the evidence resolution.
Hybrid EM-simulator based optimization of microwave and millimeter wave diplexers and multiplexers

A hybrid technique for the optimization of microwave diplexers and multiplexers is introduced. The technique is based on a combination of surrogate models with EM simulators. All characteristic model parameters of the initial electromagnetic structure (including the power divider network), as well as their sensitivities, are extracted from an EM-based S-parameter computation of the full structure and are represented by a coupling matrix. The ideal coupling matrix is extracted from the target transfer function representing the multiplexer characteristics. With just n+1 electromagnetic field simulations per optimization step new possibilities of design and tuning of multiplexers are given.
Aberrant markers expression in leukemia patients : a report from Western Iran

Leukemias comprise approximately 8% of the entire human cancers, and around 50% of these cases are classified as acute leukemia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the aberrant markers in Leukemias in the West of Iran. In an analytical-descriptive study, we analyzed the report of flowcytometry of peripheral blood samples from leukemia patients in Dr. Mohammad Kermanshahi Hospital, Kermanshah city, Iran. Age and sex were identified for every patient. Aberrant Markers of flow cytometry were checked for a number of patients. Positive staining of the markers was shown based on three cuts-off that >15%, >20% or >30%. Out of 132 leukemia samples, 67 cases (50.8%) had CLL (all BCLL), 38 cases (28.8%) had ALL (11 T-ALL and 27 B-ALL) and 27 cases (20.4%) had AML-non M3. The mean age at diagnosis for CLL patients was 65.3 years, AML 39.2 years and ALL 13.6 years. CD2, CD3 and CD7 were checked in some of B-CLL and AML-non M3 patients and CD3 in B-ALL patients as aberrant markers and showed positivity, however, further studies are needed for evaluation of prognosis, therapy, response and survival in patients with these aberrant markers.
Dynamic Biomechanical Examination of the Lumbar Spine With Implanted Total Disc Replacement Using a Pendulum Testing System

Study Design. Biomechanical cadaver investigation. Objective. To examine dynamic bending stiffness and energy absorption of the lumbar spine with and without implanted total disc replacement (TDR) under simulated physiological motion. Summary of Background Data. The pendulum testing system is capable of applying physiological compressive loads without constraining motion of functional spinal units (FSUs). The number of cycles to equilibrium observed under pendulum testing is a measure of the energy absorbed by the FSU. Methods. Five unembalmed, frozen human lumbar FSUs were tested on the pendulum system with axial compressive loads of 181 N, 282 N, 385 N, and 488 N before and after Synthes ProDisc-L TDR implantation. Testing in flexion, extension, and lateral bending began by rotating the pendulum to 5º resulting in unconstrained oscillatory motion. The number of rotations to equilibrium was recorded and bending stiffness (N·m/º) was calculated and compared for each testing mode. Results. In flexion/extension, the TDR constructs reached equilibrium with significantly (P < 0.05) fewer cycles than the intact FSU with compressive loads of 282 N, 385 N, and 488 N. Mean dynamic bending stiffness in flexion, extension, and lateral bending increased significantly with increasing load for both the intact FSU and TDR constructs (P < 0.001). In flexion, with increasing compressive loading from 181 N to 488 N, the bending stiffness of the intact FSUs increased from 4.0 N·m/º to 5.5 N·m/º, compared with 2.1 N·m/º to 3.6 N·m/º after TDR implantation. At each compressive load, the intact FSU was significantly stiffer than the TDR (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Lumbar FSUs with implanted TDR were found to be less stiff, but absorbed more energy during cyclic loading with an unconstrained pendulum system. Although the effects on clinical performance of motion-preserving devices are not fully known, these results provide further insight into the biomechanical behavior of these devices under approximated physiological loading conditions.
Dynamics of the plasma concentrations of TSH, FT4 and T3 following thyroxine supplementation in congenital hypothyroidism

objective The dynamics of the plasma concentrations of various diagnostic determinants of thyroid function were analysed in children with congenital hypothyroidism (CH) after the start of T4 supplementation. The description of the biochemical dynamics of TSH and free T4 (FT4) during the first period of thyroxine treatment is important to depict the practical outlines of the initial dosage of T4 and dosage adjustments for newborns with variable forms of CH.
Omnidirectional 2-D Leaky-Wave Antennas With Reconfigurable Polarization

Fabry–Perot cavity two-dimensional leaky-wave antennas with polarization-reconfigurable omnidirectional conical beam are proposed. The antenna cavity is bounded by an annular, locally periodic metal partially reflective surface, and is loaded by a dielectric or a wire-medium slab in order to suppress undesired radiation from the fundamental quasi-TEM mode. A suitable design of the partially reflective surface and of the loading slab, based on a dispersion analysis of the linearized structure, allows for equalizing the phase and attenuation constants of the first higher order TM<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$_1$</tex-math></inline-formula> and TE<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$_1$</tex-math></inline-formula> leaky modes around a given frequency. Omnidirectional beams with full polarization reconfigurability are then achieved through independent excitation of such modes with a pair of azimuthally independent sources. Preliminary designs, aimed at producing a conical beam with circular polarization, are presented and optimized with state-of-art simulation software.
Response of the Vitis vinifera L. cv. ‘Nebbiolo’ proteome to Flavescence dorée phytoplasma infection

Flavescence dorée is a serious phytoplasma disease affecting grapevine in several European countries. We studied the interaction of Flavescence dorée phytoplasma with its natural plant host by monitoring the effects of infection on the protein expression profile. Among the 576 analyzed spots, 33 proteins were differentially regulated in infected grapevines. Grouping into MIPS functional categories showed proteins involved in metabolism (21%), energy processes (9%), protein synthesis (3%), protein fate (18%), cellular transport and transport routes (6%), cell defense and virulence (42%). Among the differentially regulated proteins, we selected six targets (thaumatin I, thaumatin II, osmotin‐like protein, plant basic secretory protein, AAA+ Rubisco activase and proteasome α5 subunit) and we analyzed their expression by quantitative RT‐PCR on samples collected in 2008 and 2009 in several vineyards in Piedmont region, Italy. There was a positive correlation between mRNA and protein expression for most of the genes in both the years. We discuss the involvement of these proteins in the specific response to phytoplasma infection. To our knowledge, this work is the first to investigate the response of the grapevine proteome to Flavescence dorée phytoplasma infection, and provides reference protein profiles for future comparative proteomic and genomic studies.
Stress and Reproduction: Central Mechanisms and Sex Differences in Non-rodent Species

Despite extensive research, the mechanisms by which stress affects reproduction are unknown. Activation of stress systems could potentially influence reproduction at any level of the hypothalamo-pituitary gonadal axis. Nonetheless, the predominant impact is on the secretion of gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) from the brain and the secretion of the gonadotrophins, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), from the gonadotrophs of the anterior pituitary gland. When stress is prolonged, it is likely that secretion of the gonadotrophins will be suppressed but the effects of acute stress or repeated acute stress are not clear. Different stressors activate different pathways for varying durations, and the actions of stress vary with sex and are influenced by the predominance of particular sex steroids in the circulation. The mechanisms by which stress influences reproduction are likely to involve complex interactions between a number of central and peripheral pathways and may be different in males and females. To understand these mechanisms, it is important to determine the stress pathways that are activated by particular stressors and to establish how these pathways affect the secretion and actions of GnRH. Furthermore, there is a need to know how stress influences the feedback actions of gonadal steroids and inhibin.
Multinodular pulmonary fibrosis in five horses.

CASE DESCRIPTION 5 horses were evaluated because of decreased appetite, weight loss, fever, cough, tachypnea, and respiratory distress. CLINICAL FINDINGS Tachycardia, tachypnea, increased respiratory effort, lethargy, fever, poor body condition, and nasal discharge were detected in various combinations on initial physical examination. Evaluation of the lower portion of the respiratory tract via radiography and ultrasonography revealed a severe nodular interstitial pattern. Histologic examination of lung tissue revealed interstitial expansion of alveolar parenchyma with collagen, intraluminal accumulation of neutrophils and macrophages within the alveoli, and occasional intranuclear inclusion bodies within alveolar macrophages. Equine herpesvirus type 5 was detected in samples of lung tissue, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, or both via polymerase chain reaction assay in all cases. A diagnosis of equine multinodular pulmonary fibrosis (EMPF) was established. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME Horses were provided supportive treatment and were administered a variety of medications including corticosteroids and acyclovir. Two horses survived and returned to their previous level of activity. Three horses were euthanized because of either deterioration of clinical condition (n=2) or failure to improve within 4 weeks of initiation of treatment (1). CLINICAL RELEVANCE EMPF should be considered as a differential diagnosis for adult horses with interstitial pneumonia and should be suspected on the basis of characteristic radiographic, ultrasonographic, and histopathologic findings. Equine herpesvirus type 5 is found in association with EMPF; although the exact pathogenic role this virus plays in EMPF is unknown, equine herpesvirus type 5 may be an etiologic agent or cofactor in the development of EMPF.
radiation Dose reduction with hybrid iterative reconstruction for Pediatric cT 1

Materials and Methods: A total of 234 patients (median age, 12 years; age range, 6 weeks to 18 years) underwent chest and abdominal CT in this institutional review board–approved HIPAAcompliant retrospective study. CT was performed with a hybrid adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR)enabled 64–detector row CT scanner. Scanning protocols were adjusted for clinical indication and patient weight to enable acquisition of reduced-dose CT images in all patients, and tube current was further lowered for ASIR protocols. Weight, age, and sex were recorded, and objective noise was measured in the descending thoracic aorta for chest CT and in the liver for abdominal CT. Of the 234 consecutive patients who underwent ASIR-enabled CT (115 chest and 119 abdominal examinations), 70 patients had undergone prior FBP CT. ASIR and FBP CT studies (29 chest and 41 abdominal studies) in these 70 patients were reviewed for image quality, artifacts, and diagnostic confidence by two pediatric radiologists working independently. Data were analyzed with multiple paired t tests.
FDG-PET/CT compared with conventional imaging in the detection of distant metastases of primary breast cancer.

PURPOSE Evidence from studies with small numbers of patients indicates that (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) accurately detects distant metastases in the staging of primary breast cancer. We compared the sensitivity and specificity of PET/CT and conventional imaging (CT, ultrasonography, radiography, and skeletal scintigraphy) for the detection of distant metastases in patients with primary breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS We performed a retrospective review that identified 225 patients with primary breast cancer seen from January 2000 to September 2009 for whom PET/CT data were available for review. Imaging findings were compared with findings on biopsy, subsequent imaging, or clinical follow-up. Sensitivity and specificity in the detection of distant metastases were calculated for PET/CT and conventional imaging. Fisher's exact tests were used to test the differences in sensitivity and specificity between PET/CT and conventional imaging. RESULTS The mean patient age at diagnosis was 53.4 years (range, 23-84 years). The sensitivity and specificity in the detection of distant metastases were 97.4% and 91.2%, respectively, for PET/CT and 85.9% and 67.3%, respectively, for conventional imaging. The sensitivity and specificity of PET/CT were significantly higher than those of conventional imaging (p = .009 and p < .001, respectively). Eleven cases of distant metastases detected by PET/CT were clinically occult and not evident on conventional imaging. CONCLUSION PET/CT has higher sensitivity and specificity than conventional imaging in the detection of distant metastases of breast cancer. A prospective study is needed to determine whether PET/CT could replace conventional imaging to detect distant metastases in patients with primary breast cancer.
Variation in Juvenile Steelhead Density in Relation to Instream Habitat and Watershed Characteristics

AbstractPhysical habitat characteristics can affect the abundance and distribution of organisms, and are frequently used to predict the standing crop of stream fish for purposes of understanding their ecology and better direct management. However, the spatial scale of the investigation and the resolution of the data can affect the outcome of such analyses. In this study we coupled watershed-level characteristics with instream habitat variables to model the density of two age-classes of juvenile steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss in a watershed in the Clearwater River basin, Idaho. Density varied considerably across time and space. Variance partitioning showed that 41–50% of the variances in density were due to unexplained differences between sampling occasions (residual variance), and the rest resulted from variation at the site and site-and-year levels, depending on the age-class. Instream habitat variables better explained the variation in density than did models that included watershed-level characteristics.
Hyperfibrinogenemia and metabolic syndrome in type 2 diabetes: a population‐based study

It has been hypothesized that fibrinogen clusters with several components of the metabolic syndrome, thus increasing its cardiovascular risk. The aims of the present study were to assess in a large population‐based cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes (1) variables associated with fibrinogen and (2) the relationship between hyperfibrinogenemia, a number of components of the metabolic syndrome, and coronary heart disease (CHD).
THE ROLE OF NEUTROPHIL-DERIVED OXIDANTS AS SECOND MESSENGERS IN INTERLEUKIN 1β-STIMULATED CELLS

ABSTRACT The role of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin 1β (IL-1β) as potent agonist of the PMN respiratory burst signal transduction cascade has been described. We hypothesized that this phenomenon is self-limiting and that polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN)-derived reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) might provide feedback regulation on the IL-1β surface receptor (IL-1βR)-G-protein-effector enzyme transducing tripartite complex that ultimately leads to NADPH oxidase activation. Therefore, we separately assessed either baseline or IL-β-induced activation of each member of the IL-1βR-G-protein-phospholipase D (PLD) or IL-1βR-G-protein-phospholipase C (PLC) signaling systems in the presence or absence of one of several specific ROI scavengers/antioxidants. Purified human PMN were lipopolysaccharide primed, adhered for 2 h, and stimulated with 100 ng/mL IL-1β with or without 1% v/v dimethyl sulfoxide, 10 mM NaN3, 30 mM L-alanine, 200 U catalase, or 300 U superoxide dismutase (SOD). To validate the use of these antioxidants, the production of O2−, H2O2, hypochlorous acid, or myeloperoxidase (MPO) in the employed experimental model was confirmed in a separate set of experiments. The expression of IL-1βR type I or II was assessed by binding with corresponding 125I-labeled monoclonal antibodies and corrected for nonspecific binding. PLD activation was assessed by measuring phosphatidyl ethanol formation in the presence of ethanol. PLC activation was determined by quantitative measurement of diacylglycerol. The level of Gα stimulatory and inhibitory subunits was assessed by Western blotting. IL-1βR type I expression was significantly up-regulated in the presence of catalase and SOD. PLD activation was increased by dimethyl sulfoxide and NaN3, and PLC activation was up-regulated by NaN3, l-alanine, SOD, and catalase. After 5 min of stimulation with IL-1β, Giα expression was significantly down-regulated by NaN3 and SOD, whereas SOD had an up-regulating effect on the expression of Gsα. Increasing concentrations of externally added authentic MPO progressively down-regulated both PLD and PLC activity. Thus, PMN-derived ROI, in addition to their role as antibacterial/fungal agents, serve as second messengers in IL-1β signal transduction, with MPO having the most ubiquitous role as a modulator of PMN second messenger pathways.
Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs and the small intestine

Purpose of reviewThe small intestine may be a more common site for nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug toxicity than the gastroduodenal mucosa. Two-thirds of regular nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug users develop subclinical small bowel enteropathy. This review highlights this emerging issue in patients requiring antiinflammatory drugs. Recent findingsNonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug enteropathy is a stepwise process involving direct mucosal toxicity, mitochondrial damage, breakdown of intercellular integrity, enterohepatic recirculation and neutrophil activation by luminal contents including bacteria. Unlike upper gastrointestinal toxicity, cyclooxygenase-mediated mechanisms are probably less important. Newer imaging modalities such as capsule endoscopy studies demonstrate nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug-induced small bowel erosions, but the clinical implications are unclear. SummaryNonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug toxicity to the small intestine is common. Useful research tools have been developed to indirectly measure intestinal inflammation and permeability, but these are not generally available to the clinician, although enteroscopy and capsule endoscopy can be illuminating. Anaemia or hypoalbuminaemia are useful indications of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug enteropathy. Cessation of the drug would be the preferred option, alternatively there are experimental data to support the use of sulphasalazine and metronidazole. Animal models are unravelling new mechanisms for mucosal toxicity beyond the cyclooxygenase model, including mucosal oxidative injury and nitric oxide mediated pathways.
Practitioner review: clinical applications of attachment theory and research for infants and young children.

Study of attachment in the 1970s and 1980s focused on operationalizing and validating many of the tenets of attachment theory articulated in Bowlby’s landmark trilogy, Attachment and Loss (Bowlby, 1982, 1973, 1980), robustly underscoring the central role of child to parent attachment in the child’s development and mental health. Attachment theory and its implications have long interested clinicians, though determining how best to translate complex theoretical constructs and research methods into the clinical arena has been challenging. Nevertheless, well-defined landmarks in early childhood attachment are clinically useful, and the emergence of interventions drawn from systematic research is promising. The purpose of this paper is to summarize salient issues from attachment theory and research and discuss how these issues inform clinical work with infants and young children. We recognize that there is a range of clinical settings in which child–parent attachment will be important. Likewise, among practitioners serving young children and their families, there is a broad range of familiarity with and expertise in attachment principles and attachment-based treatment. We assert that all clinical services for young children and their families will be enhanced by providers’ understanding of attachment theory and research. We further assert that in some clinical contexts understanding child–parent attachment is essential. We begin by reviewing developmental research on attachment to describe how attachments develop, how individual differences in selective attachments manifest, and the characteristics of clinical disorders of attachment. Next, we turn to assessment of attachment in clinical settings. Then, we describe selected specialized clinical contexts in which assessing attachments are uniquely important. Finally, we describe four interventions for young children and their families, all of which are closely derived from attachment theory, supported by rigorous evaluations, and designed to support directly the developing child–parent relationship.
Effect of Linker Length and Composition on Heterobivalent Ligand‐Mediated Receptor Cross‐Talk between the A1 Adenosine and β2 Adrenergic Receptors

Heterobivalent ligands that possess pharmacophores designed to interact with both the A1 adenosine receptor (A1AR) and the β2 adrenergic receptor (β2AR) were prepared. More specifically, these ligands contain an adenosine moiety that is linked via its N6‐position to the amino group of the saligenin‐substituted ethanolamine moiety present in the well‐known β2AR agonist, salbutamol. The affinities of these ligands were determined at both receptors and found to vary with linker length and composition. With all compounds, affinity and functional potencies were found to have selectivity for the A1AR over the β2AR. In all cases, cAMP accumulation (a β2AR‐mediated response) was mainly observed when the A1AR was blocked or its function decreased by pertussis toxin or chronic agonist treatment. This suggests that heterobivalent compounds for receptors that mediate opposite responses might be useful for elucidating the mechanisms of receptor cross‐talk and how this interaction, in terms of responsiveness, may change under pathophysiological conditions.