Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
[Retinal angiomatous proliferation in age-related macular degeneration].

BACKGROUND Angiomatous proliferation in ARMD originates from the retina and extends into the subretinal space. Retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP) is diagnosed with angiography. This study investigates the characteristics of RAP in optical coherence tomography (OCT) and correlates them with clinical and fluorescein angiographic findings. METHODS 327 consecutive patients with age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) were retrospectively examined using a standardised protocol. The protocol included best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), binocular ophthalmoscopy, fundus photography, fluorescein angiography (FAG) and OCT. The OCT and angiographic findings were graded in 3 RAP stages. RESULTS 32 of 327 (9.79 %) patients (45 eyes) had RAP. The age ranged from 56 to 90 years (median: 79 years). 9 eyes presented RAP stage I, 23 stage II and 13 stage III. BCVA ranged from 0.01 to 0.7 (median: 0.2). OCT foveal minimum was 136 to 722 microns (median: 327). 33 (73 %) eyes showed a detachment of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Macular oedema was found in 43 (96 %) eyes. Cystoid macular oedema was seen in 36 (80 %) eyes. In stage II, 22 eyes (96 %) showed an RPE detachment, in stage III 11 eyes (85 %). 11 (85 %) eyes in stage III showed retinal-choroidal anastomosis. CONCLUSIONS RAP was found in 9.79 % of the patients with ARMD. The OCT is helpful in detection of RPE detachment, macular oedema and cystoid changes in RAP. RAP and retinal-choroidal anastomosis should be identified because of the possibly poor prognosis.
Association of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphism and diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetes?

morphism in a large sample of patients with type 2 Introduction diabetes with or without diabetic nephropathy. Strong genetic predisposition for nephropathy in type 2 diabetes is suggested by familial clustering [1], associMaterial and methods ation with high frequency of cardiovascular accidents in first degree relatives [2], relation to NaLiDiabetic patients, type 1 or type 2, with defined renal and countertransport in erythrocytes and genetic predisretinal status were recruited in German diabetes clinics (n= position to hypertension [3,4]. It has been observed 543) and one Polish diabetes clinic (n=135). Diabetes was that a cytosine to thymidine substitution of the methylclassified according to National Diabetes Data Group classienetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene at nucfication. The diagnosis of nephropathy was based on conleotide 677 (C677T) was related to retinopathy in firmed (on at least three separate occasions) urinary albumin patients with type 1 diabetes [5]. Recently it has also excretion above 20 mg/min (microalbuminuria). Genomic been reported that it was correlated with the presence DNA was also obtained from a normotensive healthy control of diabetic nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes population (blood donors) matched for age and gender. Genotyping was performed using EDTA blood under [6 ]. This observation prompted us to assess this poly-
Molecular characterization of the Escherichia coli htrD gene: cloning, sequence, regulation, and involvement with cytochrome d oxidase

The Escherichia coli htrD gene was originally isolated during a search for new genes required for growth at high temperature. Insertional inactivation of htrD leads to a pleiotropic phenotype characterized by temperature-sensitive growth in rich medium, H2O2 sensitivity, and sensitivity to cysteine. The htrD gene was cloned and sequenced, and an htrD::mini-Tn10 insertion mutation was mapped within this gene. The htrD gene was shown to encode a protein of approximately 17.5 kDa. Expression of the htrD gene was examined by using an phi (htrD-lacZ) operon fusion. It was found that htrD is not temperature regulated and therefore is not a heat shock gene. Further study revealed that htrD expression is increased under aerobic growth conditions. Conversely, under anaerobic growth conditions, htrD expression is decreased. In addition, a mutation within the nearby cydD gene was found to drastically reduce htrD expression under all conditions tested. These results indicate that htrD is somehow involved in aerobic respiration and that the cydD gene product is necessary for htrD gene expression. In agreement with this conclusion, htrD mutant bacteria are unable to oxidize the cytochrome d-specific electron donor N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine.
Interaction of indole derivatives and tryptophan peptides with interfaces of sodium dodecyl sulfate micelles

The free energies of transfer for indole and tryptophan derivatives and pentapeptides having single tryptophan residues from aqueous to sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) micellar phases have been systematically studied using the conventional method of ultraviolet absorption spectrophotometry. The free energies for the position isomers of methyl indoles varied depending on the substitution positions. Thus, the contribution of the methyl group to the binding affinity of the 4‐methyl indole to the micelle was about twice that of the 2‐ and 7‐methyl indoles. The free energy changes with the introduction of halogen groups to the indole rings were correlated to the nonpolar water‐accessible surface area (ΔAnp) of the halogen moieties, which were regarded as hydrophobic. The relationships followed straight lines passing through the origins. Position dependence having tendencies similar to the methyl indoles was observed among the magnitudes of the slopes of the straight lines. These results strongly suggest that the indole rings of the derivatives residing in the micellar interface regions direct their imino moieties NH toward the micellar surfaces. Experiments using model tryptophan pentapeptides showed that the magnitude of free energy change per methylene unit of an alkyl amino acid residue in the pentapeptide increased with elongation of the alkyl moiety and was not a constant value as reported for various alkyl compounds. When the peptides distribute to the SDS micelles, the peptide backbones are anchored in aqueous phases and the amino acid side chains in the interfaces extend their alkyl groups toward the micellar centers. Thus, the free energy changes can be connected to the positions of the alkyl groups of the amino acid residues in the micelles. Copyright © 2005 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Signaling to the Mammalian Circadian Clocks: In Pursuit of the Primary Mammalian Circadian Photoreceptor

The mammalian circadian system is critical for the proper regulation of behavioral and physiological rhythms. The central oscillator, or master clock, is located in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Additional circadian clocks are dispersed throughout most organs and tissues of an animal. The most prominent stimuli capable of synchronizing circadian oscillations to the environment is light. This occurs through daily photic signaling to the SCN, which ultimately results in the appropriate phasing of the various biological rhythms. Two critical aspects of circadian biology that will be discussed here are photic signaling and the communication between central and peripheral clocks. After 10 years of investigation, the primary mammalian circadian photoreceptor remains elusive. Recent findings suggest that multiple photoreceptive molecules may contribute to the perception of environmental light cycles. In addition, the relatively recent identification of cell-autonomous peripheral clocks has opened up an entirely new area of investigation. Deciphering the communication networks responsible for harmonious central and peripheral clock function is a critical step toward the development of effective therapies for circadian-related disorders. The mammalian circadian system contains central and peripheral molecular clocks that control daily changes in physiology and behavior. The central or master clock is located in a region of the brain called the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Circadian clocks maintain cycles of about 24 hours. The phase of the master clock is primarily set by environmental light cycles, whereas peripheral clocks are thought to be set primarily by light-independent (nonphotic) signals originating from the SCN. Photic and nonphotic signals alter the phase of a molecular clock by stimulating gene activation that fine-tunes the interlocking positive and negative regulatory feedback loops that make up a circadian oscillator.
Vortex shedding effects in grid-generated turbulence

Experiments on grid-generated turbulence reveal that vortex shedding energy along the centerline is lower for a fractal square grid than for a single-square grid and than for a single-square grid with splitter plates. A less intense vortex shedding enhances non-Gaussian behavior of the velocity fluctuations in the production region, and reduces the rate of streamwise growth of the integral length scale in the decay region.
A 900 MHz Low Voltage Low Power Variable Gain CMOS Transmitter Front-end

This paper presents a low-voltage, low-power, variable gain transmitter front-end for 900 MHz ZigBee applications, in a 0.25 mum CMOS technology. The up-mixer achieves a wide range-gain variation by adopting a novel transconductance stage. The measurements show the overall transmitter front-end conversion gain of 16 dB, dB-linear gain variation of over 46 dB with the linearity error less than plusmn0.5 dB, output P-1dB of 2 dBm, while dissipating 3 mA from 1.25 V supply
REFUGEE AND IMMIGRANT HEALTH CARE

Refugee/asylee: A person who, because of a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion, is forced to flee the country of his or her nationality and is unwilling or unable to seek the protection of his or her government. Refugee status is determined by Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) before entering the US for refugees and after entering the US for asylees. "Immigrant" is a more general term, with the refugee sub-cohort more susceptible in particular to psychiatric disease.
Quantum cascade laser: a compact, low cost, solid-state source for plasma diagnostics

Quantum cascade lasers (QCL) are unipolar injection lasers based on intersubband transitions in a modular semiconductor heterostructure. The first THz QCL, operating at 67 μm (4.3 THz), was demonstrated in 2002; the wavelength range now extends beyond 250 μm (1.2 THz) and is entering the sub-terahertz frequency range for devices operated in external magnetic field. Although a number of different quantum designs have been demonstrated, increasing the operating temperature remains a major challenge: the maximum temperature is still ∼ 195 K, and recently approached 225 K in high magnetic fields. Nevertheless, compact continuous wave systems operating within Sterling coolers already ensure ample portability and turn-key operation and QCLs represent then the THz solid-state radiation source that actually shows the best performance in terms of optical output power, which can reach more than 100 mW average, and linewidth, typically in the tens of kHz for single mode devices. THz QCLs have then a realistic chance to deeply impact technological applications such as process monitoring, security controls, and bio-medical diagnostics. They are ideally suited though for plasma polarimetry and interferometry, thanks to their high polarization selectivity, excellent stability and ruggedness, and ease of high-speed modulation. Their compact size and monolithic cavity arrangement allows placement in the very proximity of the plasma to be monitored, easing requirements of stability against vibrations etc. Furthermore, the long coherence lengths should be easily compatible with interferometric arms of even very different lengths, a geometry ideal for coupling to a plasma reactor. The possibility of direct current modulation at MHz if not GHz frequencies ensures then an excellent temporal resolution of the meaurements, and a large low-frequency noise rejection. New analysis schemes also become feasible, for instance employing two-color lasers, operating at the same time at two appropriately chosen wavelengths, or exploiting the laser emission tunability for implementing frequency modulation techniques. This paper will discuss the current state-of-the-art in THz QCL technology and applications, focusing on those aspects of greatest relevance for plasma diagnostics.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Expression in Ovarian Cancer: A Model for Targeted Use of Novel Therapies?

Purpose: Angiogenesis has a vital role in tumor growth and metastasis, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) represents a potent cytokine in this process. However, the influence of VEGF in ovarian cancer remains controversial. Interest has focused on the use of antiangiogenic drugs in ovarian cancer. This study aims to establish the pattern of expression and effect on prognosis of VEGF in a large population of ovarian cancer patients and to potentially identify a cohort in whom antiangiogenic therapy is appropriate. Experimental Design: Using a tissue microarray of 339 primary ovarian cancers, the expression of VEGF was assessed immunohistochemically. Coupled to a comprehensive database of clinicopathologic variables, its effect on these factors and survival was studied. Results: Tumors expressing high levels of VEGF had significantly poorer survival (P = 0.04). Factors shown to predict prognosis independently of each other were age, International Federation of Gynecologists and Obstetricians stage, and the absence of macroscopic disease after surgery. VEGF was independently predictive of prognosis on multivariate analysis (P = 0.02). There was no correlation between VEGF and any clinicopathologic variable. High expression of VEGF was seen in only 7% of the tumors, suggesting that the role of antiangiogenic drugs may be limited to a small subset of patients. Conclusion: High VEGF expression occurs in a small proportion of ovarian cancers, and this independently predicts poor prognosis. The small percentage of tumors with high levels of VEGF activity suggests that the role of bevacizumab may potentially be limited to a few patients; these patients could be targeted by molecular profiling.
Designing Portals for Knowledge Work

An increasing share of work in businesses and organizations depends on information and knowledge rather than manual labor and physical goods (Wolf, 2005). Knowledge work contributes substantially to the long-term success of an organization. It is characterized by unstructured, creative, and learning-oriented tasks and involves access to a wide variety of structured and unstructured data sources such as Web sites, databases, data warehouses, document bases, or messaging systems. Knowledge work is often hampered by the fragmentation of resources across these numerous elements of information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructures. Consequently, concepts for the design and implementation of integrating technologies are required in order to improve ICT support for knowledge work. Originally, the term “portal” has been coined to denote the organized access to Internet resources by search engines and a categorized collections of links (Smith, 2004, p. 93). The metaphor has been extended to integrated access to data sources and applications or, in more recent terminology, contents, and services within businesses and organizations called enterprise (information) portal. Recently, emphasis seems to shift toward semantic integration of data and knowledge sources, services, persons, and processes referred to as knowledge portals (Collins, 2003; Firestone, 2003, p. 30ff; Hädrich & Priebe, 2005; Sandkuhl, 2005; Schwabe & Salim, 2002). This article reflects the ambitious goals and challenges of knowledge portals and proposes the concept of knowledge work situations for the design of knowledge portals.
Agent-based context-aware architecture for a smart living room

Technology is moving beyond the personal computer towards a trend of embedded microprocessors in everyday objects and home appliances. The recent advances in sensor networks and devices with computing ability have provided us the necessary technology to make smart spaces. In such spaces, user activity and behavior are taken into account in order to provide adequate and accurate adapted services to the current context. Services are provided proactively (without explicit user intervention) and in an unobtrusive manner. The main objective of smart spaces is to provide services to the user for improved comfort, energy savings, security, and tremendous benefits for elderly persons living alone or persons with disabilities. Despite the interesting number of proposed architecture for building smart spaces, there still exists a lack of a generic software architecture for the development of such spaces. The major weakness of proposed architecture is that they have not dealt in depth with context-awareness, which is a key feature especially in context-aware services adaptation in smart spaces. In this paper, we propose a multi-agent architecture for building a smart living room with a focus on context-awareness aspects. The proposed architecture is generic enough to be easily used in any smart space.
Strategies for fault-tolerant, space-based computing: Lessons learned from the ARGOS testbed

The Advanced Space Computing and Autonomy Testbed on the ARGOS satellite provides the first direct, on orbit comparison of a modem radiation hardened 32 bit processor with a similar COTS processor. This investigation was motivated by the need for higher capability computers for space flight use than could be met with available radiation hardened components. The use of COTS devices for space applications has been suggested to accelerate the development cycle and produce cost effective systems. Software-implemented corrections of radiation-induced SEUs (SIHFT) can provide low-cost solutions for enhancing the reliability of these systems. We have flown two 32-bit single board computers (SBCs) onboard the ARGOS spacecraft. One is full COTS, while the other is RAD-hard. The COTS board has an order of magnitude higher computational throughput than the RAD-hard board, offsetting the performance overhead of the SIHFT techniques used on the COTS board while consuming less power.
Voltage‐independent catecholamine release mediated by the activation of muscarinic receptors in guinea‐pig adrenal glands

1 The differences between the mechanisms of muscarinic and nicotinic receptor‐mediated catecholamine secretion with respect to their dependence on voltage changes and extracellular Ca were examined using perfused adrenal glands of the guinea‐pig. 2 Acetylcholine (ACh, 10−6 to 10−3 m) caused a dose‐dependent increase in catecholamine secretion. The ED50 value for ACh was 7 × 10−5 m. In the presence of atropine (10−5 m), the dose‐response curve for ACh was shifted to the right. Hexamethonium (5 × 10−4 m) preferentially reduced the responses to higher concentrations of ACh (> 10−5 m). Pilocarpine (5 × 10−4 m) and nicotine (3 × 10−5 m) also stimulated catecholamine release. 3 During perfusion with isotonic KCl solution, ACh and pilocarpine, but not nicotine, evoked catecholamine secretion. These responses were abolished by atropine (10−6 m). Pilocarpine‐stimulated catecholamine secretion was enhanced during perfusion with isotonic KCl solution. Under these conditions, hexamethonium (10−3 m) significantly augmented ACh‐evoked catecholamine release. 4 During perfusion with either Ca‐free isotonic KCl or Ca‐free Locke solution, ACh and pilocarpine caused a partial increase in catecholamine secretion whereas nicotine and high K solution (56 mm) did not. The responses to ACh and pilocarpine were completely inhibited by atropine but not by hexamethonium. 5 When guinea‐pig adrenal glands were perfused with isotonic KCl solution containing 2.2 mm Ca which was subsequently removed and replaced with EGTA, ACh‐induced catecholamine secretion was similar in magnitude to that observed during perfusion with Locke solution. 6 We conclude that both nicotinic and muscarinic receptors are involved in ACh‐induced catecholamine secretion from guinea‐pig adrenal chromaffin cells. Activation of muscarinic or nicotinic receptors appears to stimulate catecholamine release through different mechanisms with respect to both voltage‐dependence and Ca requirements.
A Quantized PSK 8-State Decoder for Spectrally Efficient Communications

Trellis Coded Modulation [5] combines the Viterbi Algorithm [4] with PSK or QAM signalling to achieve a coding gain, using signal set expansion as an alternative to bandwidth expansion. Optimum detection of TCM requires the calculation of Euclidean distances in the signal set space. Circular Quantization of received signal vectors as an alternative to Euclidean distance calculation has been shown to result in minimal loss of performance when used with a 4-state trellis codes [1, 2, 3]. This paper investigates the effect of circular quantization on 2 different 8-state trellis codes. The 8-state codes showed a modest gain over the 4-state code, while the effect of circular quantization on the 8-state codes paralleled the effect on the 4-state code.
3D Mapping for Visualization of Rigid Structures: A Review and Comparative Study

In this review, we discuss state-of-the-art developments in 3D models for small and rigid structures. This includes the pros and cons of cutting-edge range cameras used as active 3D scanners, while also considering passive image reconstruction schemes by means of the well-known structure-from-motion (SfM) algorithms. Furthermore, we discuss the issue of how data fusion algorithms can be used to optimally fuse 2D contour information onto 3D models for several different applications. Considering the benefits of 3D range sensors, we also review current trends in optimum data fusion of point clouds from 3D range sensors. We present the benefits and the limitations of each algorithm against various design considerations. To highlight the pros and cons, we also perform a comparative study of the performance of a 3D range sensor, represented by an iPad structure sensor, with respect to the well-known SfM software packages, namely, Bundler, Microsoft PhotoSynth, Agisoft PhotoScan, and Smart3DCapture. Last, we highlight several research opportunities and potential research challenges associated with each technique.
Perceived Psychosocial Benefits Associated with Perceived Restorative Potential of Wilderness River-Rafting Trips

Analysis of the restorative experiences and psychosocial benefits of wilderness river rafting trips of varying difficulty with 186 Canadian participants of different ages supported the restorative potential of natural settings for all age groups as measured by the Perceived Restorativeness Scale. The two-factor structure (General Restorativeness and Coherence) was confirmed. Significant associations were found between scores on the General Restorative subscale and perceived psychosocial benefits (relaxation, nature appreciation or kinship, and physical fitness or achievement) and positive affect. However, the findings associated with the Coherence subscale were not conclusive.