Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of GCSF stimulation on sCD40L release kinetic

It has been demonstrated by in vitro experiments using inhibitors that CD40L is cleaved from the surface of activated platelets by matrix-metalloproteinases (MMP). Additionally, after granulocyte colony stimulating factor (GCSF) activation of peripheral stem cell donors a MMP elevation is induced, and stem cell products contain a considerable amount of platelets. Therefore stem cell donations (peripheral stem cell apheresis (PBSC) as well as bone marrow (BM) donation) were used as an in vivo model to observe alterations of the sCD40L release kinetic and its effects on the respective stem cell products. AND METHODS: The study included twelve healthy stem cell donors (PBSC n =6 , BMn = 6). sCD40L concentrations, relative MMP activities and blood cell compositions were determined in peripheral blood as well as in the respective stem cell products before, during and after donation and/or during cell product storage. RESULTS: In stem cell products, sCD40L concentrations were manifold elevated (range from 1121 to 4123 pg/mL) in comparison to concentrations of peripheral blood samples (range from 39 to 334 pg/mL). Dependent on storage duration a sCD40L accumulation in the products could be observed. MMP concentrations were elevated by GCSF stimulation and resulted in an about 2-fold increase of sCD40L release kinetic. In parallel, MMP concentrations were increased in the stem cell products (PBSC as well as BM products). In the peripheral blood of PBSC donors, the sCD40L concentration decreased after apheresis in correlation to a decrease in platelet count. CONCLUSION: As known from platelet concentrates, an accumulation of sCD40L could also be observed in stem cell products pointing out the importance of sCD40L release by platelets. Stem cell products showed elevated MMP concentrations compared to peripheral blood and additionally during stem cell apheresis, sCD40L release kinetic is accelerated by MMP elevation.
Image denoising via sparse data representation: A comparative study

Noise can be an important factor that may significantly degrades the quality of a digital image. This paper investigates the efficiency of sparse data representation in order to recover as much as possible the noise free content of an image when this image is corrupted by additive Gaussian noise. To decompose data into sparse representation the orthogonal matching pursuit approach is used. The experiments undergo several degree of corrupted pixels, ranging from 25 % to 75 %, and the orthogonal matching pursuit approach is compared with three state-of-the art techniques, namely anisotropic diffusion, Srini-Ebenezer filtering and phase preserving denoising method, respectively. We shown throughout experiments, that the sparse data representation achieved higher peak signal-to-noise-ratio values compared to the other approaches indicating the superiority of orthogonal matching pursuit approach in noise removal application when the degree of corrupted pixels covers half of the image. However, its performance is limited and comparable with the Srini-Ebenezer filtering approach for large number of corrupted pixels.
Image Super Resolution Reconstruction Based MCA and PCA Dimension Reduction

Image super-resolution (SR) reconstruction is to reconstruct a high-resolution (HR) image from one or a series of low-resolution (LR) images in the same scene with a certain amount of prior knowledge. Learning based algorithm is an effective one in image super-resolution reconstruction algorithm. The core idea of the algorithm is to use the training examples of image to increase the high frequency information of the test image to achieve the purpose of image super-resolution reconstruction. This paper presents a novel algorithm for image super resolution based on morphological component analysis (MCA) and dictionary learning. The MCA decomposition based SR algorithm utilizes MCA to decompose an image into the texture part and the structure part and only takes the texture part to train the dictionary. The reconstruction of the texture part is based on sparse representation, while that of the structure part is based on more faster method, the bicubic interpolation. The proposed method improves the robustness of the image, while for different characteristics of textures and structure parts, using a different reconstruction algorithm, better preserves image details, improve the quality of the reconstructed image.
Plasma NPY concentrations in women with acute ischemic stroke.

OBJECTIVE It has been reported that plasma NPY levels were increased in obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension. The symptoms of metabolic syndrome frequently appear in patients with acute ischemic stroke. The association between plasma NPY levels and metabolic markers in women with acute ischemic stroke was investigated in the current study. METHODS Plasma NPY concentrations were determined using radioimmunoassay in 58 women aged 60-85 (mean age: 76.5±0.8) with acute ischemic stroke and in 24 women aged 63-67 (mean age: 65.6±0.6) of the control group. Stroke was defined according to the NIHSS (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale) and was confirmed using CT or MR scan. RESULTS The prevalence of type 2 diabetes, hypertension and insulin resistance was higher in the group of patients with stroke. Plasma NPY levels measured during the 1st day and 10 days after the acute phase of stroke were significantly lower (p<0.001) compared to the control group. CONCLUSION In women with acute ischemic stroke plasma NPY concentrations were decreased in spite of higher frequency of the occurrence of the symptoms of metabolic syndrome.
How Do Monkeys Look at Faces?

Facial displays are an important form of social communication in nonhuman primates. Clues to the information conveyed by faces are the temporal and spatial characteristics of ocular viewing patterns to facial images. The present study compares viewing patterns of four rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) to a set of 1- and 3-sec video segments of conspecific facial displays, which included open-mouth threat, lip-smack, yawn, fear-grimace, and neutral profile. Both static and dynamic video images were used. Static human faces displaying open-mouth threat, smile, and neutral gestures were also presented. Eye position was recorded with a surgically implanted eye-coil. The relative perceptual salience of the eyes, the midface, and the mouth across different expressive gestures was determined by analyzing the number of eye movements associated with each feature during static and dynamic presentations. The results indicate that motion does not significantly affect the viewing patterns to expressive facial displays, and when given a choice, monkeys spend a relatively large amount of time inspecting the face, especially the eyes, as opposed to areas surrounding the face. The expressive nature of the facial display also affected viewing patterns in that threatening and fear-related displays evoked a pattern of viewing that differed from that recorded during the presentation of submissive-related facial displays. From these results we conclude that (1) the most important determinant of the visual inspection patterns of faces is the constellation of physiognomic features and their configuration, but not facial motion, (2) the eyes are generally the most salient facial feature, and (3) the agonistic or affiliative dimension of an expressive facial display can be delineated on the basis of viewing patterns.
Psychological skills training as a way to enhance an athlete's performance in high‐intensity sports

The importance of psychological skills training (PST) in the development of athletic performance is widely recognized. This paper is a comprehensive review of PST in elite sports, with a special focus on high‐intensity sports (HIS). The reviewed literature showed a lack of convincing evidence and theoretical underpinning concerning traditional psychological skills to enhance performance in HIS. Therefore, a model with three conceptual levels (psychological demands, skills and techniques) is presented. The model facilitates the identification of the psychological demands of a specific sport, which in turn enables distinguishing which psychological skills are required. This allows an expert to choose psychological techniques to improve the athlete's psychological skill. Considerations based on our model and the limited HIS‐related literature available revealed self‐skills, personal development and life skills, arousal‐regulation skills, volitional skills, motivational skills and recovery skills as the most important skills to address in order to enhance performance. Development of harmonious passion, in‐practice integration of volitional strategies, use of associative attentional techniques, pain management techniques, use of the mindfulness‐acceptance approach and the facilitative interpretation of cognitive and somatic sensations are regarded as suitable to meet the psychological demands of HIS. They are recommended for systematic application by athletes and coaches.
New insights into AC RTN in scaled high-к / metal-gate MOSFETs under digital circuit operations

Since devices actually operate under AC signals in digital circuits, it is more informative to study random telegraph noise (RTN) at dynamic AC biases than at constant DC voltages. We found that the AC RTN statistics largely deviates from traditional DC RTN, in terms of different distribution functions and the strong dependence on AC signal frequency, which directly impacts on the accurate prediction of circuit stability and variability. The AC RTN characteristics in high-κ/metal-gate FETs are different from that in SiON FETs, and both of which cannot be described by classical RTN theory. A physical model based on quantum mechanics is proposed, which successfully explains the new observations of AC RTN. It is also demonstrated that, if using DC RTN statistics instead of AC RTN, a large error of 30% overestimation on the read failure probability in ultra-scaled SRAM cells will occur. These new understandings are critical for the robust circuit design against RTN in practical digital circuits.
Novel Targeted Sensory Reinnervation Technique to Restore Functional Hand Sensation After Transhumeral Amputation

We present a case study of a novel variation of the targeted sensory reinnervation technique that provides additional control over sensory restoration after transhumeral amputation. The use of intraoperative somatosensory evoked potentials on individual fascicles of the median and ulnar nerves allowed us to specifically target sensory fascicles to reroute to target cutaneous nerves at a distance away from anticipated motor sites in a transhumeral amputee. This resulted in restored hand maps of the median and ulnar nerve in discrete spatially separated areas. In addition, the subject was able to use native and reinnervated muscle sites to control a robotic arm while simultaneously sensing touch and force feedback from the robotic gripper in a physiologically correct manner. This proof of principle study is the first to demonstrate the ability to have simultaneous dual flow of information (motor and sensory) within the residual limb. In working towards clinical deployment of a sensory integrated prosthetic device, this surgical method addresses the important issue of restoring a usable access point to provide natural hand sensation after upper limb amputation.
IDH mutations in cancer and progress toward development of targeted therapeutics.

Isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 (IDH1 and IDH2) are key metabolic enzymes, converting isocitrate to α-ketoglutarate (αKG). IDH1 and IDH2 mutations have been identified in multiple tumor types, including gliomas and myeloid malignancies such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Here we provide an overview of the function of normal and mutated IDH, discuss the role of IDH mutations in tumorigenesis and progression and review the key clinical considerations when treating IDH-mutated tumors based on emerging clinical data from mutant IDH1/2 inhibitor trials. IDH1 and IDH2 mutations confer neomorphic activity in the mutant protein, resulting in the conversion of αKG to the oncometabolite, D-2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG). The subsequent accumulation of 2-HG results in epigenetic dysregulation via inhibition of αKG-dependent histone and DNA demethylases, and a block in cellular differentiation. There is growing preclinical and clinical evidence suggesting that IDHmutations are involved in neoplasia. Furthermore, preclinical studies assessing small molecule inhibitors of mutant IDH1/2 enzymes have provided proof of concept that this approach decreases intracellular 2-HG levels, reverses epigenetic dysregulation and induces cellular differentiation. Phase I studies of mutant IDH inhibitors are currently ongoing in patients with IDH-mutant hematologic and solid tumors, with early data in hematologic tumors suggesting a manageable safety profile as well as clinical benefit, with a mechanism of action based on differentiation of malignant cells. Inhibition of mutant IDH shows promise as a treatment approach in hematologic malignancies, with further development ongoing in solid tumors and glioma. The mutant IDH inhibitors may have clinical utility both as single agents and in combination strategies that target additional oncogenic pathways.
[Extrahepatic manifestations in hepatitis C. Are they overlooked?].

BACKGROUND There are accumulating documentation of autoimmune mediated extrahepatic manifestations of hepatitis C virus infection. The virus is hepatotrophic and lymphotrophic. It mutates frequently with subsequent inadequate immune response and chronic stimulation of T and B cells. This may be one explanation for the increased frequency of the autoimmune diseases associated with hepatitis C virus infection. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this review of the literature published in the period of 1990 to 2000, we present the most common extrahepatic manifestations of the hepatitis C virus infection. RESULTS Mixed cryoglobulinaemia, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis and membranous glomerulonephritis are highly associated with hepatitis C infection. Other autoimmune diseases may also be associated with hepatitis C infection, but further documentation is necessary. INTERPRETATION Extrahepatic manifestations of hepatitis C virus infection are associated with several autoimmune diseases. When diagnosing an autoimmune disease, a test for a coinfection of hepatitis C is highly recommended. Antiviral therapy with interferon may in some cases reduce the activity of the autoimmune disease.
Epidemiological Aspects of Acute Poisoning in Children Admitted to a Referral Hospital During a Six-Year-Period

Objective: Acute poisoning is considered as an important health problem leading to admission of children. Also, the epidemiologic surveillance specific for each country is necessary. Therefore, we conducted this study to obtain the epidemiological information on poisoning in Nemazee Hospital, a referral center in South of Iran. Methods: In this cross sectional study, we determined age, sex, presence of suicidal intent and poisoning incidence and causes of the children admitted to Nemazee Hospital due to poisoning from 2008 to 2013. Results: We found that 1391 out of 21940 admissions were due to poisoning with an incidence of 6.3%. Mean age of the patients was 9.34±6.11 years; 40.5% were male. Poisoning was intentional in 53.3% of cases. The most frequent causes of poisoning were drugs (54.3%), opium (7.9%), methadone (7.6%), household products (6%) and hydrocarbons (3.5%). Conclusion: According to our findings, the rate of pediatric in-patient poisoning was high. Also, drugs, opium and methadone were the most common poisonous substances.
Erythropoietin prevents the development of interleukin-12-induced anemia and thrombocytopenia but does not decrease its antitumor activity in mice.

To the Editor: It has recently been shown in preclinical studies that local or systemic treatment with interleukin-12 (IL-12) produces profound antitumor effects causing regression of established tumors and tumor metastases. [1][1] [2][2] The antitumor activity of IL-12 is to a large extent mediated
Analysis of major histocompatibility complex class I expression on Reed-Sternberg cells in relation to the cytotoxic T-cell response in Epstein-Barr virus-positive and -negative Hodgkin's disease.

To get insight into the failure of the immune system to eradicate Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) harboring Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg cells (H-RS cells), expressing the latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1), we analyzed major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I expression on H-RS cells in relation to the presence of activated cytotoxic cells, i.e., granzyme-B-expressing lymphocytes. H-RS cells in EBV+ cases of Hodgkin's disease (HD) were found to express significantly higher levels of MCH class I heavy- and light-chain molecules compared with EBV- HD cases. When low levels of MHc class I expression were found (mainly in EBV- cases), these were not associated with low levels of the transporter protein associated with antigen presentation 1 (TAP-1). The relatively high levels of MHC class I expression in H-RS cells in EBV+ HD cases were accompanied by significantly higher numbers of activated cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) as shown by the presence of increased numbers of CD8 and granzyme B+ lymphocytes. However, these cells were only sporadically detected in the close vicinity of the H-RS cells. These data suggest that mechanisms other than downregulation of MHC class I or TAP-1 expression on H-RS cells are involved in the failure of the immune system to eradicate EBV harboring H-RS cells. Probably, the function of activated CTLs is locally inhibited by the H-RS cells or by reactive cells in the vicinity of the H-RS cells.
Comparative Study Using Intramedullary K-wire Fixation Over Titanium Elastic Nail in Paediatric Shaft Femur Fractures.

BACKGROUND Fracture shaft femur is common paediatric trauma leading to significant morbidity. Conservative treatments available are associated with prolonged periods of immobilization. Use of flexible intramedullary implant allows early rehabilitation in diaphyseal fractures of femur in children. AIM The aim of the present study is to compare fixation of diaphyseal femur fracture by titanium elastic nail and intramedullary K-wires in children. SETTING AND DESIGN Prospective randomized study in a tertiary care hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS Fifty-two children between 6 years and 14 years of age with femoral shaft fracture were assigned either in Group I or Group II based on computer generated random numbers. In Group I closed percutaneous intramedullary K- wire fixation and in Group II closed percutaneous intramedullary titanium elastic nail was used to fix the fractures. Partial weight bearing was allowed after 6 weeks of surgery and full weight bearing at clinico-radiological union. RESULTS Average time of radiological union was 6 to 10 weeks in both groups. In both the groups two cases had entry site irritation which resolved with early implant removal. One case in both the groups had unacceptable mal-alignment. Both the groups had few cases of limb-length discrepancy, which was in acceptable limit, except two cases of TENS. There was no statistically significant difference between the results of both the groups. But, using K-wires significantly reduced the cost of treatment. CONCLUSION Most of such fractures in our society are neglected because of high cost of treatment. Providing a cheaper alternative in form of K-wires may be beneficial for the patients from low socio-economic status.
Decreased level and defective function of circulating endothelial progenitor cells in children with moyamoya disease

Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play an important role in physiological and pathological neovascularization and may be involved in attenuating ischemic diseases. This study aimed to characterize circulating EPCs in moyamoya disease (MMD), one of the most common pediatric cerebrovascular diseases. Twenty‐eight children with MMD prior to any surgical treatment and 12 healthy volunteers were recruited. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) were isolated and cultured in endothelial cell growth medium. Temporal change of phenotype of cells was analyzed on days 0 and 7. The formation of EPC clusters was evaluated on day 7. The CD34+, CD133+, and KDR+ cells, and the number of EPC clusters was significantly reduced in children with MMD. In controls, CD34+ cells were significantly decreased on day 7 compared with day 0, but in MMD they were only slightly decreased. The change in KDR+ cells on day 7 compared with day 0 was the reverse of that for CD34+ cells. Functional assay of EPC demonstrated less tube formation and increased senescent‐like phenotype in children with MMD. Analysis of the circulating EPCs of MMD children reveals decreased level and defective function. This study suggests that circulating EPCs may be associated with MMD pathogenesis. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
VE-Based Training Strategies for Acquiring Survey Knowledge

Virtual environments (VEs) have been used successfully to train wayfinders to navigate through buildings and learn their layout. However, at the same time, for many, the VE deficiencies have reduced the effectiveness of VEs for training spatial tasks. In an effort to improve VE effectiveness, we conducted research to determine if certain unique capabilities of VEs could compensate for its deficiencies. Research participants were required to learn the layout or configuration of one floor of an office building as portrayed in a VE. To improve spatial learning, we developed three VE navigation training aids: local and global orientation cues, aerial views, and a themed environment enhanced with sights and sounds and divided into four distinct sectors. The navigation aids were provided during the training but were not available during testing of survey knowledge. Of the three training aids investigated, only the aerial views were effective in improving performance on the survey knowledge tests. The effectiveness of the navigation aids seemed to depend on how they were used during training. A retention test given one week after training indicated that spatial knowledge acquired in a VE diminished little over the one-week retention interval.
Microbial Interactions within a Cheese Microbial Community

ABSTRACT The interactions that occur during the ripening of smear cheeses are not well understood. Yeast-yeast interactions and yeast-bacterium interactions were investigated within a microbial community composed of three yeasts and six bacteria found in cheese. The growth dynamics of this community was precisely described during the ripening of a model cheese, and the Lotka-Volterra model was used to evaluate species interactions. Subsequently, the effects on ecosystem functioning of yeast omissions in the microbial community were evaluated. It was found both in the Lotka-Volterra model and in the omission study that negative interactions occurred between yeasts. Yarrowia lipolytica inhibited mycelial expansion of Geotrichum candidum, whereas Y. lipolytica and G. candidum inhibited Debaryomyces hansenii cell viability during the stationary phase. However, the mechanisms involved in these interactions remain unclear. It was also shown that yeast-bacterium interactions played a significant role in the establishment of this multispecies ecosystem on the cheese surface. Yeasts were key species in bacterial development, but their influences on the bacteria differed. It appeared that the growth of Arthrobacter arilaitensis or Hafnia alvei relied less on a specific yeast function because these species dominated the bacterial flora, regardless of which yeasts were present in the ecosystem. For other bacteria, such as Leucobacter sp. or Brevibacterium aurantiacum, growth relied on a specific yeast, i.e., G. candidum. Furthermore, B. aurantiacum, Corynebacterium casei, and Staphylococcus xylosus showed reduced colonization capacities in comparison with the other bacteria in this model cheese. Bacterium-bacterium interactions could not be clearly identified.