Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Plasma creatinine: a potential prognostic biomarker in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?

There is increasing recognition of profound clinical, prognostic, neuropathological and genetic heterogeneity of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), underscoring the need for development of reliable prognostic and outcome biomarkers that would be of vital importance in the design of cost-effective and more efficient therapeutic trials.1 The ALS functional rating scale-revised (ALSFRS-R) is a validated and reproducible biomarker of functional disability in ALS which captures clinically relevant features of disease progression, correlates with survival2 and has therefore been widely used in phase I and II trials.3 Despite the beneficial effects, the limitations of the ALSFRS-R score include its subjectivity, the non-linear …
Bone allografts pretreated with a bisphosphonate are not resorbed

Bisphosphonates bind to bone surfaces and inactivate osteoclasts when they start to resorb the bone. Therefore, immersion of a bone graft in a bisphosphonate solution before implantation may protect it from resorption. We implanted frozen cancellous bone allografts into bilateral bone chambers for 6 weeks in 10 rats. One graft in each pair had been immersed in an alendronate solution (1 mg/mL) for 10 minutes, and then rinsed in saline. Controls underwent the same treatment with saline only. Results were evaluated with histomorphometry. Control grafts were almost entirely resorbed, but alendronate-treated grafts seemed intact. In the treated specimens, two thirds of the space behind the bone ingrowth frontier consisted of graft or host bone, but in the controls, only one fifth. Local graft treatment with a bisphosphonate before insertion seems to be risk-free, and may prevent mechanical graft failure due to resorption in patients.
Research review of C4ISR system architure verification and evaluation

C4ISR system architecture verification and evaluation is important guarantee to the design quality of architecture. With the improvement of the size and significance of C4ISR system, the architecture verification is becoming the important step during the development of C4ISR system architecture, and is also increasingly laid store by the academe and engineer. The paper is introduced in terms of techniques of architecture framework, logic storage model and the method of verification and validation. The research indicates that it is necessary to establish the new method of verification and validation focusing on data, and is better to sustain and serve for the design of architecture.
Anorectal temperature sensation: A comparison of normal and incontinent patients

In the skin, temperature sensation plays an important role in discriminating between gas, liquid and solid. To elucidate the role of temperature sensation in idiopathic faecal incontinence we studied the minimum detectable temperature change in the lower, middle and upper zones of the anal canal anal rectum in 33 normal subjects, and 20 patients with idiopathic faecal incontinence. A water perfused thermode was used to vary anorectal temperature from 37°C down to 32.5°C and up to 41.5°C. The temperature change was reported by the patient as the thermode temperature varied from 37°C to each extreme and on return to base line. The anal canal in the control group was highly sensitive to temperature change, the lower rectum was significantly less sensitive (P<0.0001). At each level in the anal canal and lower rectum the incontinent group were significantly less sensitive than their controls (P<0.005). The mid‐rectum had no appreciable sensation in either group. We consider that this sensory deficit may be an important factor in idiopathic faecal incontinence.
The Cellular Basis of a Corollary Discharge

How do animals discriminate self-generated from external stimuli during behavior and prevent desensitization of their sensory pathways? A fundamental concept in neuroscience states that neural signals, termed corollary discharges or efference copies, are forwarded from motor to sensory areas. Neurons mediating these signals have proved difficult to identify. We show that a single, multisegmental interneuron is responsible for the pre- and postsynaptic inhibition of auditory neurons in singing crickets (Gryllus bimaculatus). Therefore, this neuron represents a corollary discharge interneuron that provides a neuronal basis for the central control of sensory responses.
Relation Between Sense of Coherence and Glycemic Control in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

In this study, the authors examined the relation between glycemic control and sense of coherence (SOC) and the mediating role of psychological distress and of adherence to self-care behaviors in 67 people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In addition, 29 individuals without any chronic disease composed a control group. The authors determined glycemic control by glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) measures. The participants answered a questionnaire that included questions about medical data, an adherence to self-care behaviors inventory, Derogatis' Brief Symptoms Inventory, and Antonovsky's SOC scale. People with diabetes showed higher levels of psychological distress than matched controls, but similar SOC scores. A path analysis revealed that SOC was indirectly related to glycemic control, through adherence to self-care behaviors and psychological distress. Adherence did not mediate the effect of psychological distress on glycemic control. In addition, the type of diabetes of the subject was directly related to glycemic control. The model explained 38% of the variance of glycemic control. The results suggest a possible role of SOC in the psychological and physical wellbeing of people with diabetes. SOC should constitute a focus of further research, particularly studies of possible psychological intervention to enhance SOC in people with diabetes.
Analysis of Distance Measures for Pre-Quantization before Feature Extraction in Automatic Speaker Recognition

The total recognition time as well as the memory requirement in speaker recognition is mainly governed by the number of speakers, the number of frame vectors in the test sequence and the feature dimensionality. The adjacent frame vectors can show similarity in the feature space because of the slow movements of the articulators. Hence efficient frame selection techniques to select non-redundant frames in the preprocessing stage will be very effective in real time application of this recognition system. In pre-quantization (PQ) we select a new sequence of frames Y from the original frames X such that length of Y is less than X. In this paper we propose different distance measure techniques for selecting frames exploiting the redundancies between consecutive frames. The aim is not only to reduce the number of frames for feature extraction but also to maintain the recognition accuracy reasonably high by selecting suitable frames containing speaker specific information. The techniques are evaluated on two different telephone speech databases, POLYCOST and KING.
A Shape-Maintained and Low-Dissipation Fluid Guiding Pipeline

Fluid guiding methods could generate high-resolution simulation results from basic low-resolution simulation results, rather than direct simulation. However, because of dissipation, the high-resolution results always leads to huge shape differences from low-resolution inputs. Previous fluid guiding methods often use complex fluid control methods or artificial force to reduce shape differences. Such approaches need to change the existing fluid simulation method as input. In contrast, we propose a novel fluid guiding pipeline by two basic groups of low-resolution simulation results. It takes balance between physical accuracy and fluid shape, without changing the existing generation method. In addition, we proposed an objective shape similarity evaluation criterion based on finite-time Lyapunov exponent, in order to determine the similarity between fluid shapes. Experimental results demonstrated that our pipeline could quickly generate shape-maintained and low-dissipation high-resolution simulation results. It is much easier to implement than previous fluid guiding methods.
Management of febrile neutropaenia: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines.

Management of febrile neutropenia: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines J. de Naurois, I. Novitzky-Basso, M. J. Gill, F. Marti Marti, M. H. Cullen & F. Roila On behalf of the ESMO Guidelines Working Group* Department of Medical Oncology; Department of Haematology; Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK; Department of Medical Oncology, S. Maria Hospital, Terni, Italy
Eruptive keratoacanthomas on the legs after fractional photothermolysis: report of two cases.

These changes often occur gradually asa person ages but can develop earlier if extensive UVexposure and photodamage have taken place. Whenpatients present early with photodamage, their con-cerns are often cosmetic, inquiring about treatmentsfor rhytides, skin roughness, laxity, and mottledappearance.
Anthelmintic activity of seed extracts of Artocarpusheterophyllus

Helminthic infections are now being recognized as cause of many acute as well as chronic ill healthamong the various human beings as well as cattle’s. Helminthiasis, the condition resulting from worm infestation, is one of the major prevalent diseases in the world, particularly in the tropical countries. Lack of adequate sanitary facilities and supply of pure water coupled with poverty and illiteracy are some of the factors responsible for wide spread nature of this disease in the developing countries. The present study aimed at the in-vitro evaluation of anthelmintic activity of ethanol, ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts of seeds of the plant “Artocarpusheterophyllus” in earthworms (Pheretimaposthuma). The test samples were given in the dose of 25mg/ml, 50mg/ml, and 100mg/ml. The ethyl acetate extract showed more significant activity when compared to ethanol and aqueous extracts of seed. Whereas ethanol and aqueous extracts has showed moderate anthelmintic activity at prefixed time. Since detailed investigation of anthelmintic activity has not been carried out so far, present study was under taken.
Structural MRI classification for Alzheimer's disease detection using deep belief network

Early detection of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the key of preventing, slowing, and stopping the disease. An early detection of AD can be performed by analyzing the neuro-imaging data. The magnetic resonance image (MRI) can be used as a modality of neuro-imaging data in order to detect AD. The MRI also have several advantages such as high-quality of spatial resolution, widely availability, adequate contrast and without requiring radioactive pharmaceutical injection during acquisition process. However, the main challenge of structural MRI data classification is the high dimensionality of the data. Therefore, this study proposes a classification method of AD based on structural modalities using Deep Belief Network (DBN) which is has power in term of predictive models. Support vector machine (SVM) has been used as a comparative classification model againts DBN. The result shows that this approach outperforms SVM and current method in previous study. The DBN achieves 0.9176, 0.9059 and 0.9296 in accuracy, sensitivity and specificity.
SPR Sensor Platform Based on a Novel Metal Bilayer Applied on D–Shaped Plastic Optical Fibers for Refractive Index Measurements in the Range 1.38–1.42

A surface plasmon resonance sensor based on a D-shaped plastic optical fiber and a palladium/gold (Pd/Au) bilayer was designed, implemented, and characterized. The platform was properly thought to work in the 1.38-1.42 refractive index range, where it exhibits excellent performances. This refractive index range is very important when a thin polymer layer is used on the planar metal surface for bio-chemical sensing applications.
A biomechanical investigation into the validity of the modified Ashworth Scale as a measure of elbow spasticity

Objective: To investigate the criterion validity of the modified Ashworth Scale. Population: Volunteers from a stroke population admitted to a district general hospital stroke unit diagnosed with a first ever stroke less than 26 weeks previously. Outcome measures: Resistance to passive movement about the elbow was simultaneously quantified (biomechanically) and graded (modified Ashworth Scale). Passive range of movement and peak instantaneous velocity during passive movement were also measured. Analysis: Criterion validity was investigated as convergent construct validity (using the Spearman's correlation coefficient) and concurrent validity (using analysis of variance). Results: One hundred measurements were taken on 63 subjects. Correlation between the modified Ashworth Scale and resistance to passive movement was 0.511. Resistance to passive movement and velocity showed significant differences between the modified Ashworth score of ‘0’ and a modified Ashworth score greater than ‘0’ (p < 0.01). There were no significant differences between MAS ‘1’, ‘1+’ and ‘2’. Resistance to passive movement in the impaired arm was significantly higher than in the nonimpaired arm (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The modified Ashworth Scale does not provide a valid measure of spasticity at lower grades but it may provide a measure of resistance to passive movement.
Fellows' Forum in Dialysis edited by Mark A. Perazella: Cardiac Troponins: Utility in Renal Insufficiency and End‐Stage Renal Disease

Currently available serum markers of cardiac injury in patients with renal insufficiency suffer from impaired sensitivity and specificity. Cardiac troponins (cTnI, cTnT) are relatively new diagnostic markers of myocardial injury and have gained widespread application in the non‐renal‐failure population to diagnose myocardial infarction. Over the past few years the specificity and sensitivity of cardiac troponins for diagnosing acute myocardial infarction in patients with renal dysfunction have been examined. Most data indicate that cardiac troponin I has an excellent specificity, but until more studies are available this marker should be consdiered a useful but imperfect serum marker of an acute coronary syndrome in patients with underlying renal dysfunction.
Long-term results of upper respiratory syndrome surgery and gastrointestinal tract medical treatment in 51 brachycephalic dogs.

OBJECTIVES After a first clinical study showing a high prevalence of gastrointestinal tract diseases in brachycephalic dogs presented for upper respiratory syndrome, a prospective study was performed to determine the influence of medical treatment for gastrointestinal tract disorders associated with upper respiratory syndrome surgery. METHODS The gastrointestinal tract and respiratory disorders of 61 brachycephalic dogs presented for upper respiratory syndrome were evaluated. Together with surgery of the upper respiratory tract, a specific gastrointestinal medical treatment was administered. A minimal follow-up of six months was required for inclusion. RESULTS Palatoplasty with rhinoplasty was the most common surgical correction (88.5 per cent). The mortality rate in the perioperative period was 3.3 per cent. Minor complications accounted for 26.2 per cent of cases. No aspiration pneumonia was encountered. A sufficient follow-up was obtained in 51 dogs. The improvement was judged by the owners as excellent or good in 88.3 per cent of the respiratory disorders and in 91.4 per cent of the gastrointestinal disorders. Clinically, a statistically significant improvement was obtained for both respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE In comparison with other studies, digestive tract medical treatment combined with upper respiratory surgery seems to decrease the complication rate and improve the prognosis of dogs presented for upper respiratory syndrome.
Regulation of Chemotactic and Proadhesive Responses to Chemoattractant Receptors by RGS (Regulator of G-protein Signaling) Family Members*

Serpentine Gαi-linked receptors support rapid adhesion and directed migration of leukocytes and other cell types. The intracellular mechanisms mediating and regulating chemoattractant-directed adhesion and locomotion are only now beginning to be explored. RGS (for regulator ofG-protein signaling) proteins are a recently described family that regulate Gαi-stimulated pathways by acting as GTPase-activating proteins. Little is known about the GTPase activity of the Gαi proteins involved in adhesion and chemotaxis, or the significance of their regulation to these responses. Using transiently transfected lymphoid cells as a model system, we show that expression of RGS1, RGS3, and RGS4 inhibits chemoattractant-induced migration. In contrast, RGS2, a regulator of Gαq activity, had no effect on cell migration to any chemoattractant. RGS1, RGS3, and RGS4 also reduced rapid chemoattractant-triggered adhesion, although the proadhesive response appears quantitatively less sensitive to RGS action than chemotaxis. The results suggest that the duration of the Gαi signal may be a particularly important parameter in the chemotactic responses of leukocytes, and demonstrate the potential for RGS family members to regulate cellular adhesive and migratory behaviors.
Energetics of the equilibrium between two nucleotide-free myosin subfragment 1 states using fluorine-19 nuclear magnetic resonance.

A new fluorine-containing reagent has been synthesized and used to specifically label the reactive sulfhydryl [sulfhydryl-1 (SH1)] of myosin subfragment 1 (S-1). The labeled S-1 (S-1-CF3) demonstrates activated calcium and magnesium adenosinetriphosphatase (ATPase) activities relative to S-1 and a lower potassium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) ATPase activity. Maximal effect is obtained with the modification of one thiol per S-1. The 19F NMR spectrum of S-1 CF3 contains only one resonance with a line width of 110 Hz, which implies a rotational correlation time of 2.3 X 10(-7) s. The chemical shift of this resonance is sensitive to temperature, PH, ionic strength, and nucleotides bound in the active site. The temperature dependence of the chemical shift clearly indicates two limiting states for the S-1-CF3 with a highly temperature-dependent equilibrium between 5 and 40 degrees C. The low-temperature state appears to be identical with the state resulting from the binding of Mg.ADP or Mg.AMPPNP at 25 degree C. The energetics of the conformational change have been studied under various conditions. At pH 7 in 25 mM cacodylate, 0.1 M KCl, and 1 mM EDTA, delta H degree = 30 kcal/mol and delta S degree = 105 cal deg-1 mol-1. A decrease in pH to 6.5 results in an increased population of the low-temperature state with delta H degree = 31 kcal/mol and delta S degree = 107 cal deg-1 mol-1. Similarly, the low-temperature state is favored by low ionic strength. In 5.8 mM piperazine-N,N'bis(2-ethanesulfonic acid) and 1 mM EDTA (pH 7), delta H degree = 8 kcal/mol and delta S degree = 27 cal deg-1 mol-1. We have also obtained 19F NMR spectra of S-1-CF3 in D2O solution with 30% ethylene glycol at pH 7.1. Increasing concentrations of ethylene glycol progressively stabilize the high-temperature states.
SURVEY OF TECHNIQUES AND CHALLENGES FOR LOAD BALANCING IN PUBLIC CLOUD 1

In present days cloud computing is one of the greatest platform which provides storage of data in very lower cost and available for all time over the internet. But it has more critical issue like security, load management and fault tolerance. In this paper we are discussing Load Balancing approach. Many types of load concern with cloud like memory load, CPU load and network load. Load balancing is the process of distributing load over the different nodes which provides good resource utilization when nodes are overloaded with job. Load balancing has to handle the load when one node is overloaded. When node is overloaded at that time load is distributed over the other ideal nodes. Many algorithms are available for load balancing like Static load balancing and Dynamic load balancing. Load balancing in the cloud computing environment has an important impact on the performance. Good load balancing makes cloud computing more efficient and improves user satisfaction. This article introduces a better load balance model for the public cloud based on the cloud partitioning concept with a switch mechanism to choose different strategies for different situations. In this paper the load balancing strategy to improve the efficiency in the public cloud environment. Keywords— load balancing model; public cloud; cloud partition; game theory.
Confirmation that offspring from families with alcohol-dependent individuals have greater hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation induced by naloxone compared with offspring without a family history of alcohol dependence.

BACKGROUND This study was designed to confirm our previous findings that nonalcoholic offspring from families with alcohol-dependent individuals have greater hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation induced by opioid blockade compared with nonalcoholic subjects without a family history of alcohol dependence. METHODS Sixty-four nonalcoholic subjects aged 18 to 25 years were enrolled in the protocol. Twenty-seven subjects were offspring from families with alcohol dependence and were designated as family history-positive subjects (FHP). Thirty-seven subjects were biological offspring of non-alcohol-dependent parents and were designated as family history-negative subjects (FHN). Subjects received naloxone hydrochloride (0, 50, 125, 375, and 500 microg/kg) in double-blind, randomized order; adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and cortisol were monitored over 120 min. RESULTS No hormone differences at baseline or during placebo administration were identified between FHP and FHN subjects. FHP subjects had greater ACTH and cortisol response to opioid receptor blockade induced by naloxone hydrochloride compared with FHN subjects. CONCLUSIONS These observations confirm previous findings that differences in ACTH and cortisol dynamics between FHP and FHN subjects can be unmasked by opioid receptor blockade.
The Differential Diagnosis of Pseudobulbar Affect (PBA): Distinguishing PBA Among Disorders of Mood and Affect

Abstract This monograph summarizes the proceedings of a roundtable meeting convened to discuss pseudobulbar affect (PBA). Two didactic lectures were presented, followed by a moderated discussion among 11 participants. Post-meeting manuscript development synthesized didactic- and discussion-based content and incorporated additional material from the neuroscience literature. A conceptual framework with which to distinguish between disorders of mood and affect is presented first, and disorders of affect regulation are then reviewed briefly. A detailed description of the most common of these disorders, PBA, is the focus of the remainder of the monograph. The prevalence, putative neuranatomic and neurochemical bases of PBA are reviewed, and current and emerging methods of evaluation and treatment of persons with PBA are discussed. The material presented in this monograph will help clinicians better recognize, diagnose, and treat PBA, and will form a foundation for understanding and interpreting future studies of this condition.