Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Serum amyloid A protein levels as a possible aid in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in children

Abstract Hematological and biochemical tests, including white blood cell count (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP) and other acute-phase reactants, have been used in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. However, there is controversy among physicians about the value of this practice in children. The objective of our study was to evaluate serum amyloid A protein (SAA) levels in children with confirmed acute appendicitis and to compare the sensitivity and specificity of this marker of inflammation with those for WBC and CRP. A prospective cohort study of 60 children admitted with abdominal pain to rule out appendicitis was used in the study. Of these, 42 underwent surgery, while 18 children who had spontaneous amelioration within 24h of admission were not operated on and served as controls. WBC and serum SAA and CRP levels were obtained preoperatively. Serum concentrations of the analytes were determined with particle-enhanced immunonephelometric methods. Patients with acute appendicitis had WBC, SAA and CRP levels higher than those of the control group (p<0.001). There was no appendicitis patient with a normal SAA value, while 21.4% of the patients had CRP values within the normal range. The performance of each test was measured by receiver-operating characteristic curves. Area under the curve (AUC) values were 0.849 for WBC, 0.868 for CRP and 0.964 for SAA. The sensitivity and specificity of these methods were 76% and 75% for WBC>10.0×10 9/L, 62% and 94% for CRP>10mg/L and 86% and 83% for SAA >45.0 mg/L, respectively. Circulating SAA levels have better discriminatory value than WBC or CRP in the assessment of acute appendicitis in children. Thus, this test appears to be of higher value than the current standards of care in the diagnosis of this condition.
Logic for Learning: Learning Comprehensible Theories from Structured Data by John W. Lloyd, Springer-Verlag, 2003, hard cover: ISBN 3-540-42027-4, x + 256 pages

approach to constraint programming is and whether it can be moved further. Moreover, for those who want to use the book in a course, Apt (as also the authors of some other books on constraint programming (Frühwirth & Abdennadher, 2003; Marriott & Stuckey, 1998)) has made wonderful Latex-generated pdf slides that cover all the material contained in the first eigth chapters of the book (see at the URL http://homepages.cwi.nl/~apt/pcp/). So you don’t need to prepare teaching material if your students can cope with English slides. Since the first time I met K. Apt in 1989, when I attended a Ph.D. course on logic programming that he was teaching, I have always been stunned by his exceptional ability to be formal and clear. This book is yet another witness for this ability, and it is a great present to the constraint programming community, which will certainly advance scientifically because of its publication. We need good books to educate new people to Constraint Programming in the best way, and this book is a great way to do this.
Poster: DeepTFP: Mobile Time Series Data Analytics based Traffic Flow Prediction

Traffic flow prediction is an important research issue to avoid traffic congestion in transportation systems. Traffic congestion avoiding can be achieved by knowing traffic flow and then conducting transportation planning. Achieving traffic flow prediction is challenging as the prediction is affected by many complex factors such as inter-region traffic, vehicles' relations, and sudden events. However, as the mobile data of vehicles has been widely collected by sensor-embedded devices in transportation systems, it is possible to predict the traffic flow by analysing mobile data. This study proposes a deep learning based prediction algorithm, DeepTFP, to collectively predict the traffic flow on each and every traffic road of a city. This algorithm uses three deep residual neural networks to model temporal closeness, period, and trend properties of traffic flow. Each residual neural network consists of a branch of residual convolutional units. DeepTFP aggregates the outputs of the three residual neural networks to optimize the parameters of a time series prediction model. Contrast experiments on mobile time series data from the transportation system of England demonstrate that the proposed DeepTFP outperforms the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) architecture based method in prediction accuracy.
The efficacy of botulinum toxin A and sacral neuromodulation in the management of interstitial cystitis (IC)/bladder pain syndrome (BPS), what do we know? ICI‐RS 2017 think thank, Bristol

This manuscript aims to address the evidence availale in the literature on the efficacy of Botulinum Toxin A (BoNT‐A) and sacral neuromodulation (SNM) in patients suffering from Interstitial Cystitis (IC)/BPS and propose further research to identify mechanisms of action and establish the clinical efficacy of either therapy.
Recent developments in calcium‐related obesity research

The influence of calcium and dairy food intake on energy balance is the object of a growing scientific literature. This manuscript presents the information discussed by subject experts during a symposium on calcium and obesity, initially planned to document in a comprehensive manner the role of calcium and dairy food on energy balance and body composition. This manuscript is organized into 13 propositions statements which either resume the presentation of an invited speaker or integrate recent developments in calcium‐related obesity research. More specifically, the effects of calcium and dairy consumption on body weight and adiposity level, appetite, weight loss intervention outcome, lipid‐lipoprotein profile and the risk to develop metabolic syndrome are discussed together with the metabolic mechanisms proposed to explain these effects. Taken together, the observations presented in this manuscript suggest that calcium and dairy food intake can influence many components of energy and fat balance, indicating that inadequate calcium/dairy intake may increase the risk of positive energy balance and of other health problems.
Diseases of the Pancreas, and Their Surgical Treatment

A. W. Mayo Robson, F.R. C.S. , and B. G. A. Moynihan, M.S. (Lond.), F.R. C.S. Pp. 293. Philadelphia and London : W. B. Saunders & Company. 1902. The surgery of the pancreas is one of the latest achievements of abdominal work, and the authors have taken a prominent part in bringing it to its present position. The book is, therefore, a timely record of what has been done in this direction, and though it may be needful to alter our present views on many points which require further elucidation, we are grateful for this volume which puts the known facts before us in a clear and masterly manner. There have been many workers in this field, and the labours of Oser, Korte, and Opie have received recognition; but we failed to notice any reference to Riedel, who was among the first to point out the relationship between cholelithiasis and interstitial pancreatitis. The greater part of the book is taken up by a description of the pathology, symptoms and treatment of the various forms of
Central Roles of the Roof Plate in Telencephalic Development and Holoprosencephaly

The roof plate is a well known signaling center in CNS development, but its roles in the developing telencephalon and the common holoprosencephaly (HPE) malformation have been uncertain. Using cellular ablations in mice, we show that roof plate cell loss causes failed midline induction and HPE in the dorsal telencephalon. This morphologic phenotype is accompanied by selective deficits in midline gene expression and a reduced activity gradient for bone morphogenetic proteins (Bmps), the major signals produced by the roof plate. In dissociated cells and mutant explants, exogenous Bmp4 is sufficient to mimic roof plate selectivity in midline gene regulation and to rescue roof plate-dependent midline patterning. Previously unrecognized neuroanatomical defects predicted by the mouse model are then confirmed in human HPE patients. These findings establish selective roles for roof plate-dependent Bmp signaling in dorsal telencephalic patterning and HPE and define novel candidate genes for the human disorder.
FACTOR ANALYSIS AND ARBITRAGE PRICING IN LARGE ASSET ECONOMIES

Abstract The paper develops a framework for factor analysis and arbitrage pricing in a large asset economy modeled as one with a continuum of assets. It is shown that the assumptions of absence of arbitrage opportunities and that returns have a strict factor structure imply exact factor-pricing for a full measure of assets. Interpreting finite subsets of assets as random draws from the underlying economy, there is probability one that every asset in a finite sample is exactly factor-priced. It is further shown that approximate factor structures exist in general and that they can be chosen optimally according to a measure of their explanatory power. Factor structures in the present model are also robust to asset repackaging and to the use of proxies to approximate the true factors. Journal of Economic Literature Classification numbers: G1, G12, C14.
Comparison of major and trace element concentrations in Danish greenhouse tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Cv. Aromata F1) cultivated in different substrates.

The concentration of major and trace elements was determined for tomato (Lycopersicon esculentumcv. Aromata F1) fruits grown in three different substrate systems. The systems were soil and rockwool irrigated with a normal nutrient solution and rockwool irrigated with a nutrient solution with elevated electrical conductivity (EC). At three harvest times, tomato fruits were analyzed for Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, S, Sr, and Zn by ICP-AES and for Cd, Cr, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sn, and V by HR-ICPMS. The concentrations of Ca, Cd, Fe, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Sr, and Zn were significantly different (p < 0.05) for tomato fruits grown on the different substrates. Between the harvest times different levels (p < 0.05) were shown for Ca, Cd, Fe, Mn Na, Ni, Sr, Zn Cu, K, Mg, P, Sn, and V. The concentration of Cd was >15 times higher and the concentration of Ca was 50-115% higher in soil-grown fruits than in rockwool-grown fruits. Principal component analysis applied on each harvest split the data into two groups. One group includes soil-grown fruits, and the other group includes rockwool-grown fruits with the two different nutrient solutions.
Structures from Anomalous Diffraction of Native Biological Macromolecules

Finessing Crystal Analysis Protein crystallography has revolutionized our understanding of a whole variety of biological processes (see the Perspective by Evans). In crystallography, the measure of agreement between the data and the calculated model is not on the same scale as the measure of data quality, making it challenging to choose an optimal high resolution limit beyond which the data should be discarded. Now, Karplus and Diederichs (p. 1030) introduce a statistical model that assesses agreement of model and data accuracy on the same scale. Determining the structures of biological macromolecules by x-ray crystallography requires solving the phase problem. The two techniques that dominate phase evaluation (multi- and single-wavelength anomalous diffraction) rely on element-specific scattering from incorporated heavy atoms. Liu et al. (p. 1033) present procedures for routine structure determination of native proteins with no heavy atom incorporation. The technique, which relies on combining data from multiple crystals, was used to determine the structures of four native proteins, including a 1200-residue complex. Don’t get MAD or be SAD; try lower energy. Crystal structure analyses for biological macromolecules without known structural relatives entail solving the crystallographic phase problem. Typical de novo phase evaluations depend on incorporating heavier atoms than those found natively; most commonly, multi- or single-wavelength anomalous diffraction (MAD or SAD) experiments exploit selenomethionyl proteins. Here, we realize routine structure determination using intrinsic anomalous scattering from native macromolecules. We devised robust procedures for enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio in the slight anomalous scattering from generic native structures by combining data measured from multiple crystals at lower-than-usual x-ray energy. Using this multicrystal SAD method (5 to 13 equivalent crystals), we determined structures at modest resolution (2.8 to 2.3 angstroms) for native proteins varying in size (127 to 1148 unique residues) and number of sulfur sites (3 to 28). With no requirement for heavy-atom incorporation, such experiments provide an attractive alternative to selenomethionyl SAD experiments.
The Ego and the Psychosomatic State: Report of Two Cases

&NA; From observations of the transference neuroses of two patients, data has been obtained from two frames of reference, one dealing with psychic integration and the other with somatic dysfunction. As a consequence it has been possible to make a temporal correlation between the state of ego integration and the appearance or remission of a somatic symptom. Migraine, hypertension, and peptic ulcer were seen to be associated with a well defended state of psychic equilibrium, whereas asthma occurred when the ego seemed to have lost its unity and organization. Rather than viewing the specific drives and conflicts attendant to them, or the symptoms in terms of their defensive or tension discharge potentials, psychoeconomic shifts were correlated with ego integration. Since different ego states can be associated with somatic symptoms there must be a complex relationship between a variety of factors rather than any single dynamic pattern. In this paper, the object relationship of the transference neurosis and the stability of the ego defenses were considered as variables, relevant to the state of integration that determined the level (primitive or mature) at which the ego would function. From this material it is evident that tension was, at times, handled by primitive ego systems when other parts of the ego were defensively adjusted to reality. The single affect consistently present was that of anger. However, since this study does not purport to investigate specific drives, it must be stressed that anger is not being considered on an instinctual basis. Angry tension is considered a sign of a disturbed homeostasis reflected in both psychic and visceral systems. Its origin certainly includes the frustrations and vicissitudes of early development. Disequilibrium was reflected in the particular ego system handling the anger, in terms of behavioral aberrations and level of control, or in a somatic dysfunction. I believe the data are consistent with the thesis that frustration from failure of higher ego systems to achieve instinctual gratification in relation to objects, led to the development of libidinal and aggressive tensions that disrupted the integration of the lower, visceral, ego systems and contributed to the somatic syndrome. It is apparent that many factors rather than any single specific one, could contribute to this result.
Well leg compartment syndrome after pelvic and perineal surgery in the lithotomy position

Objective: Lower limb compartment syndrome after prolonged surgical procedures performed in the lithotomy position is a rare but potentially devastating complication. It is recognised after urological, colorectal, and gynaecological procedures. Sixteen cases of compartment syndrome after urological surgery have been reported. The objective of this study was to estimate the incidence of this complication in urological practice and identify risk factors for its development. Design: A postal survey of UK consultant urologists was conducted. Results: Replies were received from 261 consultants. In total there were 65 cases of compartment syndrome. Compartment syndrome occurred after radical cystectomy and urinary diversion in 51 cases and was rare in procedures lasting less than four hours. The incidence of compartment syndrome after cystectomy was estimated at around 1 in 500 cases. Risk factors for its development included perioperative blood loss, peripheral vascular disease, and obesity. Conclusions: Compartment syndrome after use of the lithotomy position may be more common than is generally appreciated and has been underreported in the past. All staff should be aware of this serious complication and adopt strategies for its avoidance.
Dipeptidyl peptidase IV expression in thyroid cytology: retrospective histologically confirmed study

Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of the thyroid gland is a well‐established method. However, it has inherent limitations, especially in the diagnosis of follicular and oncocytic tumours and in distinguishing between nuclear atypia in colloid goitre with regressive changes and cystic papillary carcinoma. The aim of our study was to evaluate dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV) as a marker of malignancy in FNAC. We tested 254 thyroid specimens (intraoperative imprint smears) for DPP IV. The sensitivity was 71%, the specificity was 96%, and the diagnostic accuracy was 93%, respectively, with a threshold of 50% of positive cells. To the best of our knowledge it is the largest histologically confirmed study reported in the literature. We suggest the assessment of DPP IV as an adjunct diagnostic marker of malignancy in thyroid specimens suspicious of papillary carcinoma. However, the value of the marker in follicular lesions is very limited.
Use of time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy to evaluate diagnostic value of collagen degradation products

Abstract. The concentration of collagen degradation products (CDPs) may reflect the process of left ventricular remodeling (LVR). The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential diagnostic usefulness of time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy (TRFS) in assessment of CDPs. The preliminary experiment was designed to establish if CDPs’ characteristics might be visible by mean fluorescence lifetime (FLT) in determined conditions. The in vitro model of CDPs was prepared by conducting the hydrolysis of type III collagen. The FLT of samples was measured by the time-resolved spectrometer Life Spec II with the subnanosecond pulsed 360-nm EPLED diode. The FLTs were obtained by deconvolution analysis of the data using a multiexponential model of fluorescence decay. In order to determine the limit of traceability of CDPs, a comparison of different collagen/plasma ratio in samples was performed. The results of our study showed that the increase of added plasma to hydrolyzed collagen extended the mean FLT. Thus, the diagnosis of LVR based on measurements using TRFS is possible. However, it is important to point out the experiment was preliminary and further investigation in this field of research is crucial.
Oxidative DNA damage and repair in chronic atrophic gastritis and gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIMS Increased production of reactive oxygen species, which cause oxidative DNA damage, is considered to be related to gastric carcinogenesis. The aim of this research was to detect the 8-OHdG and the expression of hOGG1and MnSOD, in human gastric mucosa with chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) and gastric carcinoma (GC) comparing with normal controls (NC). METHODOLOGY The level of 8-OHdG in gastric biopsy specimens was assessed with immunohistochemistry. The expression level of hOGG1and MnSOD in gastric tissues was assessed with Western blot. RESULTS The 8-OHdG staining in CAG and GC mucosa was stronger than control (p<0.01). hOGG1 was expressed to a lower degree in GC and CAG when compared to the control group (both p<0.01) and the level of GC was even lower than CAG (p<0.05). MnSOD was expressed to a greater degree in GC group when compared to the control (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS CAG patients who express 8-OHdG highly should be monitored for the potentially occurrence of GC. The lower lever of hOGG1 in CAG and GC with higher level of 8-OHdG implies that hOGG1 is closely related to oxidative DNA damage and may lead to carcinoma. The increasing expression of MnSOD in the gastric mucosa may indicate the occurrence of gastric cancer.
Natural pointing posture in distal pointing tasks

In this poster, we present an experiment to capture user's natural pointing posture in distal pointing tasks at large displays and to examine the effect of pointing posture on the performance of distal pointing tasks. There were two types of pointing posture: stretched arm posture (69% of the participants) and bended arm posture (31% of the participants). The types did not affect movement angle, but affected angular error, task completion time and mean angular velocity.
Mujeres con depresión severa: Relación entre trauma infantil y gravedad de síntomas clínicos Women with sever depression: Relationship between childhood trauma and gravity of clinic symptoms

Resumen La depresion es uno de los problemas de mayor importancia para la salud publica enChile y el mundo. Diversos estudios han demostrado que uno de los factores de riesgo masimportantes para el desarrollo de la depresion, de sus manifestaciones mas graves y asociacio-nes a comorbilidad se derivan de aspectos biograficos traumaticos. El objetivo de este estudioes determinar empiricamente si existen diferencias significativas en mujeres con depresionsevera en la gravedad de su sintomatologia, de sus relaciones interpersonales y rol social,entre las que tienen antecedentes de poli trauma infantil, y aquellas que no los presentan. Elestudio se realizo con una muestra de 136 pacientes, de las cuales 87 presentaban anteceden-tes de politrauma infantil y 49 no los presentaban. Todas fueron evaluadas a su ingreso conla Escala de Hamilton para la Depresion (HAM-D) y OQ 45.2 (outcome questionnaire,cuestionario de resultados) de Lambert. Se analizaron los datos con la version 12.0 del SPSS(p < 0,05). Los resultados mostraron que en las pacientes con politrauma el promedio delHamilton fue de 34,25 puntos versus 24,67 (t= 5,731 p < 0,001) en las pacientes sinpolitrauma. En el OQ 45 los promedios fueron de 113,71 puntos en las primeras y de 85,56puntos en las pacientes sin ese antecedente (t = 5,329 p < 0,001). Se puede concluir que laspacientes con depresion severa, en el subgrupo de pacientes con poli trauma infantil hay unamayor asociacion a gravedad en la sintomatologia depresiva y en todos los items clinicos delOQ 45.Palabras clave: Trauma infantil, depresion severa.
Generation of self‐renewing immature dendritic cells from mouse spleen that can take up mycobacteria and present antigens to T cells

Pal R, Marwaha S, Pepponi I, Mann JFS, Paul MJ, Reljic R. Generation of self‐renewing immature dendritic cells from mouse spleen that can take up mycobacteria and present antigens to T cells. APMIS 2010; 118: 729–38.