Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mapping Based Algorithm for Large-Scale Computation of Quasi-Polynomial Zeros

A method for computing all zeros of a retarded quasi-polynomial that are located in a large region of the complex plane is presented. The method is based on mapping the quasi-polynomial and on utilizing asymptotic properties of the chains of zeros. First, the asymptotic exponentials of the chains are determined based on the distribution diagram of the quasi-polynomial. Secondly, large regions free of zeros are defined. Finally, the zeros are located as the intersection points of the zero-level curves of the real and imaginary parts of the quasi-polynomial, which are evaluated over the areas of the region outside those free of zeros.
A Visual Attention Model Based on DCT Domain

In the last few years, computer vision research has had an increased interest in modelling visual attention and a number of computable models of attention have been developed. But most of these models are based on pixel domain. Compressed domain technique deals with data directly in compressed domain. Computational complexity is greatly reduced owing to avoiding the expensive inverse DCT computation required to convert values from frequency domain to the pixel domain. In this paper, we present a method of detecting regions of interests (ROIS) in DCT domain. We use the properties of DCT coefficients to get low-level features of frames and combining feature maps into a unique saliency map. We use MPEG4 (Xvid) video clips to test our algorithm. The experiment results show that our algorithm can detect ROIS from DCT domain successfully.
Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor therapy for hematologic malignancies

Introduction: Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) regulate cell cycle progression. Certain CDKs (e.g., CDK7, CDK9) also control cellular transcription. Consequently, CDKs represent attractive targets for anticancer drug development, as their aberrant expression is common in diverse malignancies, and CDK inhibition can trigger apoptosis. CDK inhibition may be particularly successful in hematologic malignancies, which are more sensitive to inhibition of cell cycling and apoptosis induction. Areas covered: A number of CDK inhibitors, ranging from pan-CDK inhibitors such as flavopiridol (alvocidib) to highly selective inhibitors of specific CDKs (e.g., CDK4/6), such as PD0332991, that are currently in various phases of development, are profiled in this review. Flavopiridol induces cell cycle arrest, and globally represses transcription via CDK9 inhibition. The latter may represent its major mechanism of action via down-regulation of multiple short-lived proteins. In early phase trials, flavopiridol has shown encouraging efficacy across a wide spectrum of hematologic malignancies. Early results with dinaciclib and PD0332991 also appear promising. Expert opinion: In general, the antitumor efficacy of CDK inhibitor monotherapy is modest, and rational combinations are being explored, including those involving other targeted agents. While selective CDK4/6 inhibition might be effective against certain malignancies, broad-spectrum CDK inhibition will likely be required for most cancers.
Biotransformation of Glucoaurantio‐Obtusin Towards Aurantio‐Obtusin Increases the Toxicity of Irinotecan Through Increased Inhibition Towards SN‐38 Glucuronidation

The present study aims to investigate the influence of irinotecan's toxicity by the biotransformation of glucoaurantio‐obtusin to aurantio‐obtusin. Intraperitoneal administration (i.p.) of 100 mg/kg aurantio‐obtusin significantly increased the toxicity of irinotecan, but the i.p. administration of 100 mg/kg glucoaurantio‐obtusin showed negligible influence towards irinotecan's toxicity. Furthermore, the mechanism was explained through determining the inhibition potential of glucoaurantio‐obtusin and aurantio‐obtusin towards the glucuronidation metabolism of SN‐38 that has been regarded to be the major active product responsible for the toxicity of irinotecan. The results showed that aurantio‐obtusin exhibited strong competitive inhibition towards the glucuronidation of SN‐38, but negligible inhibition potential of glucoaurantio‐obtusin towards SN‐38 glucuronidation was observed. These results showed that biotransformation of glucoaurantio‐obtusin towards aurantio‐obtusin increased the toxicity of irinotecan through increased inhibition of SN‐38 glucuronidation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Provider management of menopause after the findings of the Women's Health Initiative

Objective:A survey was conducted to determine current provider behaviors and concerns related to menopause management. Design:All gynecology, internal medicine, and family medicine providers (both physicians and nurse practitioners) within a large Midwestern integrated health system were surveyed about current approaches to menopause management, frequency and reasons for hormone therapy (HT) use, approaches to HT discontinuation, treatments for symptom control, bone mineral density testing, and concerns related to menopause management. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were performed to examine frequencies and differences based on gender, specialty, and years in practice. Results:Overall the response rate was 58% with providers from owned clinics, with female providers being the most likely to respond (P < 0.001). Changes in menopause management included using lower dose hormones (74%), encouraging use for shorter time periods (73%), and using different modes of delivery (21%). Most providers (89%) initiate HT use in symptomatic patients, and only 12% initiate use to prevent symptoms. Patients were most likely to discuss HT with gynecologists (78% gynecologists vs 64% family medicine providers and 48% internal medicine providers, P = 0.015). Nearly two thirds of providers (64%) claimed to order bone mineral density testing frequently. Providers' concerns related to information on symptom management, alternative and over-the-counter medications, the risk/benefits of medications, patients' sexual concerns, and maintaining bone health. Conclusions:We found that providers were responsive to current literature, shifting the agents and dosages they prescribe. Still they are faced with women reporting symptoms that interfere with their ability to function optimally and must continue to help women maintain healthy bones.
Occurrence of Belonolaimus in Sinaloa, Northwestern Mexico: A New Report on Distribution and Host Range

Abstract The present study reports the occurrence of the genus Belonolaimus in the state of Sinaloa, Mexico, associated with native plants (i.e., Ziziphus amole and Stenocereus alamosensis) in a natural coastal ecosystem. Both morphological and molecular approaches were employed to characterize the Sinaloa population. Notwithstanding of some morphological and morphometric variation between Belonolaimus from Sinaloa and other valid species, the characterization indicates that this population might belong to the Belonolaimus longicaudatus species complex. Molecular analyses based on the 28S gene and ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 regions of the ribosomal RNA (rRNA) identified four major clades within Belonolaimus; however, none of the species including B. longicaudatus, B. gracilis, and B. euthychilus were supported as monophyletic; yet monophyly is argued to be a basic requirement of species status. Sequence divergence among different Belonolaimus populations and species varied according to the rRNA dataset (i.e., ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 . 28S . 18S) used, thus showing the importance of using genes with different rates of evolution to estimate species relationships. The fact that Belonolaimus has not been found in other cultivated (including on suitable hosts) areas in Sinaloa and that this population is relatively distant from the common B. longicaudatus groups (i.e., clades A and B) suggests that its appearance was not due to a recent introduction associated with the local agriculture.
Disease stage and psychosocial outcomes in colorectal cancer

Objective Disease stage is a strong predictor of cancer survival and is therefore assumed to influence psychosocial outcomes. However, existing findings are inconsistent, perhaps reflecting limited sample sizes, especially among patients with advanced disease. There has also been an emphasis on breast cancer, resulting in a focus on outcomes among women. The present study investigated associations between disease stage and psychosocial wellbeing in 128 patients (52% male, 48% female) diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
SAR image data compression using wavelet packet transform and universal-trellis coded quantization

A wavelet packet image coding algorithm for synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image data compression is proposed in this paper. High rate-distortion (R-D) performance of this algorithm [wavelet packet quantization universal trellis-coded quantization (WPQUTCQ)] is achieved by incorporating the wavelet packet transform for representing the rich texture information of SAR image data, the quadtree technique for classifying the wavelet packet coefficients, and the universal trellis-coded quantization (UTCQ). For a typical SAR image, WPQUTCQ outperforms set partitioning in hiearchical trees and JPEG2000 by about 1.21 and 0.81 dB in peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) at 2 bpp, respectively. The effect of best basis selection on the R-D performance of coding algorithm for SAR image data compression is also evaluated through comparing the effects of different cost functions (e.g., entropy, the texture energy, which is designed for SAR image data compression particularly, and the cost function, based on the actual coding strategy proposed by us) on the R-D performance of WPQUTCQ. The experimental results show the suitability of the cost function based on the actual coding strategy for SAR image data compression when compared with other cost functions. For a typical SAR image, the coding results by WPQUTCQ corresponding to the cost function based on the actual coding strategy achieve gains 0.59 and 0.49 dB on average in PSNR when compared with the coding results corresponding to entropy and the texture energy, respectively.
Mapping the dynamics of brain perfusion using functional ultrasound in a rat model of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion

Following middle cerebral artery occlusion, tissue outcome ranges from normal to infarcted depending on depth and duration of hypoperfusion as well as occurrence and efficiency of reperfusion. However, the precise time course of these changes in relation to tissue and behavioral outcome remains unsettled. To address these issues, a three-dimensional wide field-of-view and real-time quantitative functional imaging technique able to map perfusion in the rodent brain would be desirable. Here, we applied functional ultrasound imaging, a novel approach to map relative cerebral blood volume without contrast agent, in a rat model of brief proximal transient middle cerebral artery occlusion to assess perfusion in penetrating arterioles and venules acutely and over six days thanks to a thinned-skull preparation. Functional ultrasound imaging efficiently mapped the acute changes in relative cerebral blood volume during occlusion and following reperfusion with high spatial resolution (100 µm), notably documenting marked focal decreases during occlusion, and was able to chart the fine dynamics of tissue reperfusion (rate: one frame/5 s) in the individual rat. No behavioral and only mild post-mortem immunofluorescence changes were observed. Our study suggests functional ultrasound is a particularly well-adapted imaging technique to study cerebral perfusion in acute experimental stroke longitudinally from the hyper-acute up to the chronic stage in the same subject.
Pulmonary toxicity in patients with advanced-stage germ cell tumors receiving bleomycin with and without granulocyte colony stimulating factor.

STUDY OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study is to determine whether co-administration of granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) and bleomycin results in enhanced pulmonary toxicity compared with bleomycin alone. DESIGN A retrospective analysis comparing two groups of patients with advanced germ cell tumors receiving combination chemotherapy that includes bleomycin with or without G-CSF. SETTING Indiana University Medical Center. PATIENTS Group A consisted of 29 patients with advanced-stage germ cell tumors who were treated with combination chemotherapy that included bleomycin. All patients received concurrent prophylactic G-CSF. Group B consisted of 57 patients with advanced-stage germ cell tumors who were treated on a phase 3 study comparing standard BEP (bleomycin, etoposide, cisplatin) to BEP with twice the cisplatin dose. None of these patients received growth factor. RESULTS Of the 29 patients who received concurrent chemotherapy and G-CSF, ten (34%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 17.9 to 54.3%) were believed to have clinically significant bleomycin toxicity. Of the 57 patients who did not receive growth factor, 19 (33%; 95% CI, 21.4 to 47.1%) had bleomycin-related toxicity. There was no difference in the incidence of pulmonary toxicity between the groups (p = 1.00 by Fisher's Exact Test). CONCLUSIONS There is no increase in pulmonary toxicity with co-administration of G-CSF and bleomycin compared to bleomycin alone in patients with advanced germ cell tumors.
Axonal Guillain‐Barré syndrome: carbohydrate mimicry and pathophysiology

Abstract Acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN), an axonal subtype of Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS), is characterized by pure motor involvement, frequent antecedent infection by Campylobacter jejuni, association with anti‐GM1 or anti‐GD1a immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies, and the electrophysiological features of axonal degeneration and reversible conduction block. Molecular mimicry exists between GM1 and GD1a gangliosides and lipooligosaccharides (LOSs) of C. jejuni isolates from AMAN. Sensitization of rabbits with GM1 or C. jejuni LOS induces anti‐GM1 IgG antibodies and subsequent flaccid paralysis. Pathological changes seen in rabbit model peripheral nerves are identical to those in human AMAN. Immunohistochemistry of AMAN rabbits shows disruption of nodal sodium channel clusters and detachment of paranodal myelin terminal loops, similar to paranodal demyelination, which would significantly reduce the safety factor for impulse transmission and might be responsible for the rapidly reversible conduction block frequently present in human AMAN. C. jejuni sialyltransferase (Cst‐II), which functions in the biosynthesis of ganglioside‐like LOSs, determines the transferase activity. Strains with cst‐II (Thr51) express GM1 and GD1a epitopes, whereas GBS patients infected with cst‐II (Thr51) strains have anti‐GM1 or anti‐GD1a IgG antibodies. The cst‐II gene is responsible for the development of GBS. Immunological, pathological, electrophysiological, and bacteriological studies have provided strong evidence of carbohydrate mimicry being a cause of AMAN and clarified the mechanisms of nerve conduction failure in AMAN.
Whole-Body Vibration Intensities in Chronic Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE A single-blinded randomized controlled study was conducted to investigate the effects of different whole-body vibration (WBV) intensities on body functions/structures, activity, and participation in individuals with stroke. METHODS Eighty-four individuals with chronic stroke (mean age = 61.2 yr, SD = 9.2) with mild to moderate motor impairment (Chedoke-McMaster Stroke Assessment lower limb motor score: median = 9 out of 14, interquartile range = 7-11.8) were randomly assigned to a low-intensity WBV, high-intensity WBV, or control group. The former two groups performed various leg exercises while receiving low-intensity and high-intensity WBV, respectively. Controls performed the same exercises without WBV. All individuals received 30 training sessions over an average period of 75.5 d (SD = 5.2). Outcome measurements included knee muscle strength (isokinetic dynamometry), knee and ankle joint spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale), balance (Mini Balance Evaluation Systems Test), mobility (Timed-Up-and-Go test), walking endurance (6-Minute Walk Test), balance self-efficacy (Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale), participation in daily activities (Frenchay Activity Index), perceived environmental barriers to societal participation (Craig Hospital Inventory of Environmental Factors), and quality of life (Short-Form 12 Health Survey). Assessments were performed at baseline and postintervention. RESULTS Intention-to-treat analysis revealed a significant time effect for muscle strength, Timed-Up-and-Go distance, and oxygen consumption rate achieved during the 6-Minute Walk Test, the Mini Balance Evaluation Systems Test, the Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale, and the Short-Form 12 Health Survey physical composite score domain (P < 0.05). However, the time-group interaction was not significant for any of the outcome measures (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION The addition of the 30-session WBV paradigm to the leg exercise protocol was no more effective in enhancing body functions/structures, activity, and participation than leg exercises alone in chronic stroke patients with mild to moderate motor impairments.
In Vitro and In Vivo Inhibition of Murine Gamma Herpesvirus 68 Replication by Selected Antiviral Agents

ABSTRACT We have evaluated the susceptibility of the murine gamma herpesvirus 68 (MHV-68) to a variety of antiviral agents. The acyclic nucleoside phosphonate analogs cidofovir [(S)-1-(3-hydroxy-2-phosphonylmethoxypropyl)cytosine], (S)-1-(3-hydroxy-2-phosphonylmethoxypropyl)adenine (HPMPA), and adefovir [9-(2-phosphonylmethoxyethyl)adenine] efficiently inhibited the replication of the virus in Vero cells (50% effective concentrations [EC50s], 0.008, 0.06, and 2.2 μg/ml, respectively). Acyclovir, ganciclovir, and brivudin [(E)-5-(2-bromovinyl)-2′-deoxyuridine] had equipotent activities (EC50s, 1.5 to 8 μg/ml), whereas foscarnet and penciclovir were less effective (EC50s, 23 and ≥30 μg/ml, respectively). The novel N-7-substituted nucleoside analog S2242 [7-(1,3-dihydroxy-2-propoxymethyl)purine] inhibited MHV-68 replication by 50% at 0.2 μg/ml. The susceptibilities of MHV-68 and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) to cidofovir, HPMPA, adefovir, and acyclovir were found to be comparable. However, for penciclovir, ganciclovir, brivudin, and S2242, major differences in the sensitivity of MHV-68 and EBV were observed, suggesting that MHV-68 is not always an optimal surrogate for the study of antiviral strategies for EBV. When evaluated with a model for lethal MHV-68 infections in mice with severe combined immunodeficiency, cidofovir proved to be very efficient in protecting against virus-induced mortality (100% survival at 50 days postinfection), whereas acyclovir, brivudin, and adefovir had little or no effect.
Heme Regulates Exocrine Peptidase Precursor Genes in Zebrafish

We previously determined that yquem harbors a mutation in the gene encoding uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase (UROD), the fifth enzyme in heme biosynthesis, and established zebrafish yquem (yqe tp61 ) as a vertebrate model for human hepatoery-thropoietic porphyria (HEP). Here we report that six exocrine peptidase precursor genes, carboxypeptidase A, trypsin precursor, trypsin like, chymotrypsinogen B1, chymotrypsinogen 1-like, and elastase 2 like, are downregulated in yquem/urod (−/−), identified initially by microarray analysis of yquem/urod zebrafish and, subsequently, confirmed by in situ hybridization. We then determined downregulation of these six zymogens specifically in the exocrine pancreas of sauternes (sau tb223 ) larvae, carrying a mutation in the gene encoding δ-amino-levulinate synthase (ALAS2), the first enzyme in heme biosynthesis. We also found that ptf1a, a transcription factor regulating exocrine zymogens, is downregulated in both yquem/urod (−/−) and sau/alas2 (−/−) larvae. Further, hemin treatment rescues expression of ptf1a and these six zymogens in both yquem/urod (−/−) and sauternes/alas2 (−/−) larvae. Thus, it appears that heme deficiency downregulates ptf1a, which, in turn, leads to downregulation of exocrine zymogens. Our findings provide a better understanding of heme deficiency pathogenesis and enhance our ability to diagnose and treat patients with porphyria or pancreatic diseases.
Precision Health for Chagas Disease: Integrating Parasite and Host Factors to Predict Outcome of Infection and Response to Therapy

Chagas disease, caused by the infection with the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is clinically manifested in approximately one-third of infected people by inflammatory heart disease (cardiomyopathy) and, to a minor degree, gastrointestinal tract disorders (megaesophagus or megacolon). Chagas disease is a zoonosis transmitted among animals and people through the contact with triatomine bugs, which are found in much of the western hemisphere, including most countries of North, Central and South America, between parallels 45° north (Minneapolis, USA) and south (Chubut Province, Argentina). Despite much research on drug discovery for T. cruzi, there remain only two related agents in widespread use. Likewise, treatment is not always indicated due to the serious side effects of these drugs. On the other hand, the epidemiology and pathogenesis of Chagas disease are both highly complex, and much is known about both. However, it is still impossible to predict what will happen in an individual person infected with T. cruzi, because of the highly variability of parasite virulence and human susceptibility to infection, with no definitive molecular predictors of outcome from either side of the host-parasite equation. In this Minireview we briefly discuss the current state of T. cruzi infection and prognosis and look forward to the day when it will be possible to employ precision health to predict disease outcome and determine whether and when treatment of infection may be necessary.
Protective effects of alpinae oxyphyllae fructus (Alpinia oxyphylla MIQ) water‐extracts on neurons from ischemic damage and neuronal cell toxicity

Alpinae Oxyphyllae Fructus (Alpinia oxyphylla MIQ) (Korean name Ik‐Jj‐In) is a medicinal plant used in Korea for the treatment of various symptoms accompanying hypertension and cerebrovascular disorders. The present study was performed to investigate the effects of Alpinae Oxyphyllae Fructus water‐extracts (AOF) on a cultured primary neuron cell system, cell cytotoxicity and lipid peroxidation in Aβ treatment conditions. Cell killing was signiﬁcantly enhanced by addition of increasing concentrations of Aβ. Pretreatment of AOF attenuated in cell killing enhanced by increasing concentrations of Aβ. Aβ‐induced cell death was protected by the application of water extract of AOF in a dose‐dependent manner, and concentrations of 50 to 100 µg/ml had a signiﬁcant effect compared to exposure of Aβ only. AOF has been shown to protect primary cultured neurons from N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor‐mediated glutamate toxicity. The evidence indicated that AOF protects neurons against ischemia‐induced cell death. Oral administration of AOF into mice prevented ischemia‐induced learning disability and rescued hippocampal CA1 neurons from lethal ischemic damage. The neuroprotective action of exogenous AOF was also conﬁrmed by counting synapses in the hippocampal CA1 region. The presence of AOF in neuron cultures did not repress a NMDA receptor‐mediated increase in intracellular Ca2+, but rescued the neurons from NO‐induced death. AOF may exert its neuroprotective effect by reducing the NO‐mediated formation of free radicals or antagonizing their toxicity. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.