Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Efficient image-based rendering of volume data

The paper presents an efficient image based rendering algorithm of volume data. Using intermediate image space instead of image space, mapping becomes more efficient and holes coming from the point-to-point mapping can be removed. Mapping in intermediate image space is easily performed by looking up the table with the depth value of a source pixel. We also suggest a way of minimizing space requirement for pre-acquired images. Experimental results show that the algorithm can generate 25-40 images per second without noticeable image degradation in the case of making 256/sup 2/ images with a 256/sup 3/ voxel data set.
Fraser and Ablepharon macrostomia phenotypes: Concurrence in one family and association with mutated FRAS1

To date, Fraser syndrome (FS) and Ablepharon macrostomia syndrome (AMS) have been considered distinct disorders, but they share strikingly similar patterns of congenital abnormalities, specifically craniofacial anomalies. While recent research has led to the identification of the genes FRAS1 and FREM2 as the cause of FS, the genetic basis of AMS continues to be enigmatic. We report on the concurrence of AMS‐like and Fraser phenotypes in a Brazilian family. Both affected sibs were homozygous for a novel splice site mutation in the FRAS1 gene. Extensive studies on mRNA expression indicated that this mutation most likely leads to loss of function as most previously reported FRAS1 mutations associated with FS. We conclude that a phenotype resembling AMS is a rare clinical expression of FS with no obvious genotype–phenotype correlation. However, the molecular basis of “true” AMS which has been reported as a sporadic disorder in all cases but one, and so far with no relation to FS, is probably different and still needs to be further investigated. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anti‐Oxidants Inhibit the Enhancement of the Immune Response Caused by Oil Adjuvants

Adjuvants are agents that can induce strong immunity to different antigens. They are thought to act mainly by stimulating macrophages, causing the release of cytokines, which in turn induce an inflammatory focus necessary for the adjuvant action. The authors found that catalase, ascorbic acid, N‐acetylcysteine and glutathione are able to inhibit the enhancing effect of incomplete Freund adjuvant (IFA) and polyoxyethylated castor oil upon the humoral immune response to sheep red blood cells (SRBC). None of the anti‐oxidants tested inhibited the basal immune response to the antigen. In addition, mice inoculated with different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide showed an enhanced response against SRBC, mimicking the effect observed with adjuvants. Delayed type hypersensitivity induced by SRBC in the presence of IFA was also inhibited by catalase. In conclusion, the report indicates that oxygen radicals are crucial molecules involved in the adjuvant effect observed in SRBC immunized mice.
Apoptosis of renal tubular cells in congenital hydronephrosis.

OBJECTIVE To assess apoptosis in congenital hydronephrosis and discuss its clinical significance. METHODS Apoptosis was detected in 15 kidneys from children with congenital hydronephrosis (5 mild hydronephrosis, 5 moderate hydronephrosis and 5 severe hydronephrosis) using the electronmicroscope, in situ gap labeling of fragmented nuclear DNA and DNA fragmentation analysis. RESULTS Apoptosis was seen in kidneys from children with congenital hydronephrosis. Margination of nuclear chromatin was identified and rounded apoptotic bodies were seen. The mean apoptotic index was 0.0941 +/- 0.017 in severe hydronephrosis, 0.0325 +/- 0.0169 in moderate hydronephrosis, and 0.0021 +/- 0.0031 in mild hydronephrosis. There was a significant difference between severe and moderate hydronephrosis (P = 0.0005), as well as between moderate and mild hydronephrosis (P = 0.0154). Moreover, with an increasing degree of hydronephrosis, the number of apoptotic cells also increased. Five kidneys with severe hydronephrosis and one kidney with moderate hydronephrosis showed typical apoptotic bands. CONCLUSION Apoptosis might participate in damaging kidneys in children with congenital hydronephrosis.
CYTOPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF HONEY IN COMBINATION WITH AQUEOUS AND ETHANOL EXTRACTS FROM CHROMOLAENA ODORATA L. (EUPATORIUM ODORATUM L.) IN RATS

Six groups of adult Sprague-Dawley rats were orally administered with a variety of treatments to elucidate their cytoprotective effects. Absolute ethanol combined with HCl was used to induce gastric lesions in rats. Aqueous and ethanol extracts of Chromolaena odorata , a famous folk herb for treating skin wounds were evaluated to determine their protective effect on gastric mucosa. In this study, aqueous extract and ethanol extract of C. odorata were combined with honey. In addition, honey alone and honey combined with cimetidine were also evaluated. Rat stomachs were examined grossly and histologically. Results were expressed as inhibition per- centage. The honey and aqueous extract combination showed the highest inhibition percentage (72.67%) followed by honey and ethanol extract (58.92%), honey and cimetidine (56.55%) and the lowest was honey alone (46.74%). However, there were no significant differences between the effects of aqueous and ethanol extracts of C. odorata and honey in promoting cytoprotective effects and this may be due to the small sample size. Nevertheless, these results suggest that C. odorata and honey may be beneficial in treating induced gastric mucosal injury. (JUMMEC 2006; 9(1): 7-13)
Molecular mechanisms of copper homeostasis.

Copper is an essential trace element which plays a pivotal role in cell physiology as it constitutes a core part of important cuproenzymes. Novel components of copper homeostasis in humans have been identified recently which have been characterised at the molecular level. These include copper-transporting P-type ATPases, Menkes and Wilson proteins, and copper chaperones. These findings have paved the way towards better understanding of the role of copper deficiency or copper toxicity in physiological and pathological conditions.
Cytotoxic T lymphocytes and autoimmunity

Purpose of reviewThe possibility of the recognition by cytotoxic T lymphocytes of tissue autoantigens has been largely ignored in explaining organ-specific autoimmune diseases. Recent advances in the understanding of human leukocyte antigen class I-binding peptides motifs have led to the detection and the characterization of those autoreactive CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes involved in organ-specific autoimmune diseases. The purpose of this review is to discuss recent studies that shed light on the implication of cytotoxic T lymphocytes in several autoimmune disorders as well as the mechanisms underlying their stimulation. Recent findingsSignificant progress has been made in the characterization of autoantigens targeted by cytotoxic T lymphocytes in several class I-restricted autoimmune diseases, including Behçet's disease and ankylosing spondylitis, and their implication in systemic autoimmune disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus. Moreover, the signals involved in the activation of autoreactive cytotoxic T lymphocytes have been better characterized, particularly the molecular requirements of the antigen presentation at the surface of the dendritic cell system, mainly because of a better understanding of the Toll-like receptor-induced signals or the discovery of a defect in regulatory T cells. SummaryNew findings in the pathophysiology of cytotoxic T lymphocytes in autoimmunity and especially a better comprehension of their activation may give a new impetus for the development of targeted immunologic therapies in various autoimmune disorders.
Chromosome 16q22.1‐linked autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia: An autopsy case report with some new observations on cerebellar pathology

An autopsy case of chromosome 16q22.1‐linked autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia is reported. The patient was a 77‐year‐old man who died after a clinical course of about 19 years characterized by pure cerebellar ataxia. Main neuropathological findings included moderate loss of Purkinje cells, variegated degenerative features of the remaining Purkinje cells, finely fibrillary material surrounding the perikarya of Purkinje cells, and ubiquitin‐immunoreactive small dots in the molecular layer and cerebellar white matter. Neuritic hyperplasia surrounding the perikarya of Purkinje cells was also a prominent finding. Golgi impregnation study demonstrated poor dendritic arborization of some Purkinje cells. It is our assumption that the pathological processes leading to Purkinje cell death in this disorder are not singular because the intracellular functions of the protein coded by the mutant gene are manifold, and the multiplicity of the pathological processes is reflected in diverse cytomorphological changes seen in degenerating Purkinje cells.
Therapeutical Cues from the Tumor Microenvironment

The tumor can be considered a complex organ where transformed cells characterized by high genomic instability and altered gene expression are interconnected and communicate with the surrounding microenvironment. The microenvironment (Fig. 1) is composed of a large variety of stromal cells including inflammatory, stem and progenitor cells, fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, perycites, endothelial and mural cells of the blood vessels which are interconnected with the components of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The crosstalk between these components and cancer cells deeply affects their survival and proliferation. Due to the critical role of these interactions in cancer progression, each cellular or molecular component represents a potential target for the development of useful drugs in cancer treatment. The cells of the microenvironment are more genetically stable compared to the
Emergence of multiple-antibiotic-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae in Hong Kong

Two hundred four strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolated in Hong Kong from January 1993 to May 1995 were analyzed for their antibiotic susceptibilities and epidemiological patterns. The ages of the patients from whom the strains were isolated from 1 month to 93 years (median, 53 years); the male-to-female ratio was 2.8, with a predominance of males in the pediatric group. Fifty-nine (28.9%) strains showed reduced penicillin susceptibility, including 40 (19.6%) with frank penicillin resistance (MIC > 1 microgram/ml). Tetracycline resistance alone was found in 28.4% of strains. Isolates with reduced penicillin susceptibility were more common in children than adults (40 versus 23.9%, P = 0.02), and penicillin resistance rates were significantly higher in hospitalized patients than in outpatients (39.5 versus 12.5%; p < 0.001). Penicillin resistance was significantly associated with resistance to ceftriaxone, erythromycin, and tetracycline (P < 0.01) but not with ofloxacin or vancomycin (P = 0.5). Among eight different patterns of resistance to three or more antibiotics, the commonest one (14.2%) was multiple resistance to penicillin, chloramphenicol, ceftriaxone, erythromycin, and tetracycline. Emergence of multiple-antibiotic-resistant S. pneumoniae reflects changes in the pneumococcus itself and the general indiscriminate use of antibiotics in treatment of respiratory infections in Hong Kong.
DC Compact Model for SOI Tunnel Field-Effect Transistors

A physics-based dc compact model for SOI tunnel field-effect transistors (TFETs) has been developed in this paper utilizing Landauer approach. The important transistor electrical parameters, i.e., threshold voltage <i>V</i><sub>th</sub>, charge in the channel <i>Q</i>, gate capacitance <i>C</i><sub>G</sub>, drain current <i>I</i><sub>DS</sub><i>,</i> subthreshold swing <i>S</i>, transconductance <i>g</i><sub>m</sub>, and output conductance <i>g</i><sub>DS</sub><i>,</i> have been modeled. The model predicts the low subthreshold swing values (less than 60 mV/dec) observed in TFETs and shows a good match with the technology computer aided design (TCAD) results. Model validation was carried out using TCAD simulation for different TFET structures with abrupt junctions, i.e., 40-nm Si nTFET and pTFET, a 0.4-μm Si nTFET, and a 40-nm Ge nTFET. The compact model predictions are in good agreement with the TCAD simulation results.
Anti HSV-1 Flavonoid Derivatives Tethered with Houttuynin from Houttuynia cordata

Abstract This paper reports the phytochemical investigation of the 50 % aq. EtOH extract of Houttuynia cordata, an effective TCM and functional food in China, which led to the isolation of 17 flavonoids including four new ones. The four new compounds were flavonoid derivatives tethered with houttuynin (3-oxododecanal). Each of the new compounds was obtained as a pair of inseparable diasteriomeric epimers due to the chiral carbon of hemiketal at C-3″. This phenomenon is rooted in the ring-chain tautomerism of the hemiketal functional group in solution, which was proved by dynamic NMR experiments. The new compounds 1–4 displayed inhibitory activities against herpes simplex virus 1, with respective IC50 values of 38.46, 14.10, 62.00 and 70.76 µM, which was associated with the medicinal functions of H. cordata.
Usefulness of Doppler echocardiographic assessment of diastolic filling in distinguishing “athlete's heart” from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Objective—In some athletes with a substantial increase in left ventricular wall thickness, it may be difficult to distinguish with certainty physiological hypertrophy due to athletic training from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The purpose of the present investigation was to determine whether assessment of left ventricular filling could differentiate between these two conditions. Design—Doppler echocardiography was used to obtain transmitral flow velocity waveforms from which indices of left ventricular diastolic filling were measured. Normal values were from 35 previously studied control subjects. Setting—Athletes were selected mostly from the Institute of Sports Science (Rome, Italy), and patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy were studied at the National Institutes of Health (Bethesda, Maryland). Participants—The athlete group comprised 16 young competitive athletes with an increase in left ventricular wall thickness (range 13–16 mm; mean 14). For comparison, 12 symptom free patients with non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy were selected because their ages and degree of hypertrophy were similar to those of the athletes. Results—In the athlete group, values for deceleration of flow velocity in early diastole, peak early and late diastolic flow velocities, and their ratio were not significantly different from those obtained in untrained normal subjects; furthermore, Doppler diastolic indices were normal in each of the 16 athletes. Conversely, in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, mean values for Doppler diastolic indices were significantly different from both normal subjects and athletics (p = 0·01 to 0·003), and one or more indices were abnormal in 10 (83%) of the 12 patients. Conclusions—Doppler echocardiographic indices of left ventricular filling may aid in distinguishing between pronounced physiological hypertrophy due to athletic training and pathological hypertrophy associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Adsorption and kinetic behavior of purified endoglucanases and exoglucanases from Trichoderma viride

Adsorption on crystalline cellulose of six endoglucanases (Endo I, II, III, IV, V and VI; 1, 4‐β‐D‐glucan glucanohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.4) and two exoglucanases (Exo II and III; 1,4‐β‐D‐glucan cellobiohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.92), purified from a commercial cellulase preparation of Trichoderma viride origin, was studied. Endo I, III, and V adsorbed strongly on Avicel cellulose, while adsorption of Endo II, IV, and VI was much lower. Also, the two exoglucanases could be divided into one enzyme (Exo III) that had a high adsorption affinity and another enzyme (Exo II) that adsorbed only moderately. Adsorption data fitted the Langmuir‐type adsorption isotherm. However, adsorption was only partially reversible with respect to dilution. No relation could be found between adsorption affinity and degree of randomness in cellulose hydrolysis, measured as the diversity of released hydrolytic products. Kinetic measurements indicated that only part of the adsorbed enzyme molecules are hydrolytically active.
Common NOD2 mutations are absent in patients with Crohn's disease in India.

BACKGROUND Crohn's disease is being increasingly diagnosed in the Indian subcontinent. Three apparently common mutations in the NOD2 gene are found in up to 30% of sporadic patients with Crohn's disease in western countries. We examined whether such mutations are also found in Indian patients with Crohn's disease. METHODS Venous blood was collected from 82 patients (age range: 7-65 years, 53 men) with Crohn's disease and 149 control subjects; DNA was extracted and subjected to polymerase chain reaction using specific primers. The amplified fragments of size 185, 163 and 151 bp for R702W, G908R and 1007fs, respectively, were digested with MspI, HhaI and ApaI, and the restriction pattern noted after electrophoresis. RESULTS Twenty-eight patients had ileocolonic disease, 26 ileal disease, 20 colonic disease and 8 had disease limited to proximal small bowel or stomach. None of the 82 patients showed any of the three NOD2 mutations. The control subjects (93 men) had a variety of chronic gastrointestinal disorders (ulcerative colitis 52, irritable bowel syndrome 30, intestinal tuberculosis 20, colon cancer 7, miscellaneous 37). None of the control subjects showed a mutation in any of the three NOD2 mutation analyses. CONCLUSION The three NOD2 gene mutations described above are uncommon in Indian patients with Crohn's disease. This study complements information provided by recent studies on NOD2 mutations in Indians.
Efficacy of taping for the treatment of plantar fasciosis: a systematic review of controlled trials.

BACKGROUND The proximal insertional disorder of the plantar fascia is plantar fasciosis. Although plantar fasciosis is frequently seen by different health-care providers, indistinctness of etiology and pathogenesis is still present. A variety of interventions are seen in clinical practice. Taping constructions are frequently used for the treatment of plantar fasciosis. However, a systematic review assessing the efficacy of this therapy modality is not available. METHODS To assess the efficacy of a taping construction as an intervention or as part of an intervention in patients with plantar fasciosis on pain and disability, controlled trials were searched for in CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and PEDro using a specific search strategy. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale was used to judge methodological quality. Clinical relevance was assessed with five specific questions. A best-evidence synthesis consisting of five levels of evidence was applied for qualitative analysis. RESULTS Five controlled trials met the inclusion criteria. Three trials with high methodological quality and of clinical relevance contributed to the best-evidence synthesis. The findings were strong evidence of pain improvement at 1-week follow-up, inconclusive results for change in level of disability in the short term, and indicative findings that the addition of taping on stretching exercises has a surplus value. CONCLUSIONS There is limited evidence that taping can reduce pain in the short term in patients with plantar fasciosis. The effect on disability is inconclusive.
Analyzable Legal Yes/No Question Answering System using Linguistic Structures

A central issue of yes/no question answering is usage of knowledge source given a question. While yes/no question answering has been studied for a long time, legal yes/no question answering largely differs from other domains. The most distinguishing characteristic is that legal issues require precise linguistic analysis such as predicates, case-roles, conditions, etc. We have developed a yes/no question answer-ing system for answering questions in a legal domain. Our system uses linguistic analysis, in order to find correspondences of predicates and arguments given problem sentences and knowledge source sentences. We applied our system to the COLIEE (Competition on Legal Information Extraction/Entailment) 2017 task. Our team shared the second place in this COLIEE 2017 Phase Two task, which asks to answer yes or no given a problem sentence. This result shows that precise linguistic anal-yses are effective even without the big data approach with machine learning, rather better in its analyzable design for future improvements.
An approach to multiparadigm programming database systems

One way to tackle the impedance mismatch problem is to build multiparadigm programming database systems. The author analyzes a stratified LDL program by partitioning it into modules. It is shown by example that many embedded SQL programs may be programmed easily and elegantly in nonrecursive LDL. First, multiparadigm programming relational database systems may be built for nonrecursive LDL, which are easier to design and implement than multiparadigm programming deductive database systems based on recursive LDL. One may then incrementally add modules to handle various recursions. Multiparadigm programming deductive database systems are more powerful and provide more programming methodologies to choose from but are more difficult to construct.
Design of a Function for Tracing the Diffusion of Classified Information for File Operations with a KVM

Cases of leaked classified information are increasingly common. To address this problem, we developed a function for tracing the diffusion of classified information within an operating system. However, this function suffers from the following two problems. First, in order to introduce the function, the operating system’s source code must be modified. Second, there is a risk that the function will be disabled when the operating system is attacked. Thus, we designed a function for tracing the diffusion of classified information in a guest operating system using a virtual machine monitor. By using a virtual machine monitor, it is possible to introduce the proposed function in various environments, because the operating system’s source code need not be modified. In addition, attacks aimed at the proposed function are made more difficult, because the virtual machine monitor is isolated from the operating system. This paper describes the implementation of the proposed function for file operations and child process invocation with the kernel-based virtual machine.