Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Performance test of a LSO-APD PET module in a 9.4 Tesla magnet

One of the future goals is to install a PET detector in a magnetic field for a combined PET/MRT device. Thus, in this study the influence of a 9.4 Tesla magnetic field on a small scintillation detector with avalanche photodiode (APD) readout was tested. The detector, comprising a 3.7/spl times/3.7/spl times/12.0 mm/sup 3/ lutetium oxyorthosilicate (LSO) crystal coupled to the 3 mm O active surface of an APD was exposed to 511 keV gamma rays from a /sup 22/Na source. The energy resolution at room temperature was 14.4% (FWHM). Measurements of gain and energy resolution were performed outside and in the center of a homogeneous magnetic field of 9.4 Tesla. Both, the gain and energy resolution were unaffected by the magnetic field being either parallel or orthogonal to the electrical field of the APD. These results prove the potential of using APDs in a combined PET/MRT imaging system.
Evaluation of toxin-antitoxin genes, antibiotic resistance, and virulence genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Toxin-antitoxin genes RelBE and HigBA are known to be involved in the formation of biofilm, which is an important virulence factor for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The purpose of this study was to determine the presence of toxin-antitoxin genes and exoenzyme S and exotoxin A virulence genes in P. aeruginosa isolates and whether there is a relationship between toxin-antitoxin genes and virulence genes as well as antibiotic resistance. METHODS: Identification of the isolates and antibiotic susceptibilities was determined by a VITEK 2 (bioMérieux, France) automated system. The presence of toxin-antitoxin genes, virulence genes, and transcription levels were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: RelBE and HigBA genes were detected in 94.3% (82/87) of P. aeruginosa isolates, and exoenzyme S and exotoxin A genes were detected in all of the isolates (n=87). All of the isolates that harbor the toxin-antitoxin and virulence genes were transcribed. There was a significant increase in the RelBE gene transcription level in imipenem- and meropenem-sensitive isolates and in the HigBA gene transcription level in amikacin-sensitive isolates (p<0.05). There was a significant correlation between RelBE and exoenzyme S (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that antibiotic resistance may be linked to toxin-antitoxin genes. Furthermore, the relationship between RelBE and exoenzyme S indicates that toxin-antitoxin genes in P. aeruginosa isolates are not only related to antibiotic resistance but also play an influential role in bacterial virulence. Larger collections of comprehensive studies on this subject are required. These studies should contribute significantly to the solution of the antibiotic resistance problem.
Prospective evaluation of radiographic manifestations of tuberculosis in relationship with CD4 count in patients with HIV/AIDS

A major risk factor to develop active tuberculosis (TB) is the infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Chest radiography is the first-line imaging modality used to rule out TB. Coinfected individuals present often with atypical imaging patterns, due to the immunosuppression caused by the virus, making diagnosis difficult. In this prospective observational study 268 TB and HIV coinfected patients were included. During a follow-up period of 24 weeks, the predominant patterns on chest radiography were analyzed and compared to the cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) count under antiretroviral and anti-TB therapy. Patients with low CD4 counts (<200 cells//µL) showed more often lymphadenopathy (62% vs 38%;P = .08) and a miliary pattern (64% vs 36%;P = .04) but less likely cavitation (32% vs 68%;P = .008) or consolidation (47% vs 63%;P = .002) compared to individuals with higher CD4 counts. Over the follow-up period, partial response to therapy was the most frequent radiological evolution (62%), mainly accompanied by an increase of CD4 cells (92%). Patients with a decrease in CD4 count mostly presented with a worsening in radiological findings (53%). Radiographic TB manifestation correlated with the immune status of patients coinfected with HIV. Low CD4 counts often showed atypical manifestation.
Comparison of midazolam versus captopril in patients with uncomplicated hypertensive urgency in emergency ward: Double-blind randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND The urgency of uncomplicated blood pressure (BP) is known as a sudden rise in BP. The aim of this study was to evaluate the intravascular administration of midazolam as an emergency care to control BP against captopril in patients with uncomplicated hypertension (HTN). METHODS The present study was a double-blind parallel randomized clinical trial (RCT) study that was performed on patients with urgent HTN referred to Imam Hossein Hospital in Shahroud, Iran, in 2018. Patients with BP higher than 180/110 mmHg and with healthy vital organs were selected randomly and allocated into three groups of 43 participants. All patients’ BP in both arms, and after a period of 10 minutes in the left arm, was checked and after administering the medication was checked again for 4 times of 15 minutes till 1 hour complete. RESULTS There were significant differences between systolic (P = 0.024), diastolic (P = 0.001), and mean BP (P = 0.009) in the midazolam group before and after treatment. The group of midazolam and captopril showed the greatest reduction of BP before, in the middle, and after carrying out the treatment methods. As such, systolic, diastolic, and mean BP showed 23.5% (P = 0.047), 17.4% (P = 0.021), and 20.5% (P = 0.031) reduction, respectively. CONCLUSION Midazolam can be used as an effective and low-risk drug for lowering BP. Midazolam also has a faster effect on lowering BP.
Verification of three‐dimensional anisotropic adaptive processes

A verification methodology for adaptive processes is devised. The mathematical claims made during the process are identified and measures are presented in order to verify that the mathematical equations are solved correctly. The analysis is based on a formal definition of the optimality of the adaptive process in the case of the control of the L∞‐norm of the interpolation error. The process requires a reconstruction that is verified using a proper norm. The process also depends on mesh adaptation toolkits in order to generate adapted meshes. In this case, the non‐conformity measure is used to evaluate how well the adapted meshes conform to the size specification map at each iteration. Finally, the adaptive process should converge toward an optimal mesh. The optimality of the mesh is measured using the standard deviation of the element‐wise value of the L∞‐norm of the interpolation error. The results compare the optimality of an anisotropic process to an isotropic process and to uniform refinement on highly anisotropic 2D and 3D test cases. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Increased chromatin accessibility promotes the evolution of a transcriptional silencer in Drosophila

The loss of discrete morphological traits, the most common evolutionary transition, is typically driven by changes in developmental gene expression. Mutations accumulating in regulatory elements of these genes can disrupt DNA binding sites for transcription factors patterning their spatial expression, or delete entire enhancers. Regulatory elements, however, may be silenced through changes in chromatin accessibility or the emergence of repressive elements. Here, we show that increased chromatin accessibility at the gene yellow, combined with the gain of a repressor site, underlies the loss of a wing spot pigmentation pattern in a Drosophila species. The gain of accessibility of this repressive element is regulated by E93, a transcription factor governing the progress of metamorphosis. This convoluted evolutionary scenario contrasts with the parsimonious mutational paths generally envisioned and often documented for morphological losses. It illustrates how evolutionary changes in chromatin accessibility may directly contribute to morphological diversification.
Clinical and biological significance of RNA N6-methyladenosine regulators in Alzheimer disease

RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) regulators are essential for a variety of biological functions, such as early development, viral infections, and cancer. However, their roles in Alzheimer disease (AD) are still not very clear. Here, 16 significant m6A regulators were identified using difference analysis between AD patients and non-demented controls based on the GSE132903 dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Using these 16 m6A regulators, a nomogram model was established to predict the prevalence of AD. We found that patients could obtain a good clinical benefit based on this model. In addition, we revealed 2 distinct m6A patterns and 2 distinct m6A gene patterns in AD and demonstrated their prognostic and risk assessment significance. This present work comprehensively evaluated the functions of m6A regulators in the diagnosis and subtype classification of AD. These results suggested they have potential prognostic and risk assessment significance in AD.
The influence of exercise volume and posture on exercise‐induced plasma volume expansion

Acute high‐intensity interval exercise is known to expand plasma volume 24 h after exercise. Upright exercise posture plays a role in expanding plasma volume by influencing lymphatic outflow and redistributing albumin while supine exercise does not. We examined if further upright and weight‐bearing exercises could further promote plasma volume expansion. We also tested the volume of intervals needed to induce plasma volume expansion. To test the first hypothesis, 10 subjects performed intermittent high‐intensity exercise (4 min at 85% V̇O2max, 5 min at 40% V̇O2max repeated 8 times) on separate days on the treadmill and cycle ergometer. For the second study, 10 subjects performed four, six, and eight intervals of the same interval protocol on separate days. Changes in plasma volume were calculated from changes in hematocrit and hemoglobin. Transthoracic impedance (Z0) and plasma albumin were assessed while seated before and postexercise. Plasma volume increased 7.3% ± 4.4% and 6.3% ± 3.5% following treadmill and cycle ergometer exercise, respectively. For four, six, and eight intervals, plasma volume increased by 6.6% ± 4.0%, 4.7% ± 2.6%, and 4.2% ± 5.6%, respectively. The increases in plasma volume were similar for both exercise modes and all three exercise volumes. There were no differences in Z0 or plasma albumin content between trials. In conclusion, rapid plasma volume expansion following eight bouts of high‐intensity intervals appears to be independent of upright exercise posture (treadmill versus cycle ergometer). Meanwhile, plasma volume expansion was similar after four, six, and eight intervals of cycle ergometry.
Categorial Grammar and Lexical-Functional Grammar ⁄

This paper introduces $\lambda$-grammar, a form of categorial grammar that has much in common with LFG. Like other forms of categorial grammar, $\lambda$-grammars are multi-dimensional and their components are combined in a strictly parallel fashion. Grammatical representations are combined with the help of {\em linear combinators}, closed pure $\lambda$-terms in which each abstractor binds exactly one variable. Mathematically this is equivalent to employing linear logic, in use in LFG for semantic composition, but the method seems more practicable. While $\lambda$-grammars could be used to formalize many approaches to grammatical theory, they are certainly natural as a basis for the formalization of LFG. This leads to a theory I would like to call $\lambda$-LFG. In this paper it will be shown how the standard components of LFG can be set up in the framework. We will have descriptions of c-structure, descriptions of f-structure, and semantics. The difference between defining and constraining information will be explained in terms of entailment, and requirements on long-distance paths in f-structure will be explained in terms of entailment in the presence of a simple set of axioms.
A Method for Tracking Multiple Targets based on Multi-feature Fusion

Traditional target tracking methods are easy to lose the target in complex background, especially tracking multiple targets. In this paper PSO(Particle Swarm Optimization)algorithm is presented, it is used to calculate the weights of features. and weight the features to get optimal feature, then apply the optimal feature to Meanshift. And, combine the adjustable window algorithm with Meanshift to adapt to the change of the target scale. The experiments' results show that the proposed algorithm has improved the robustness and accuracy than the traditional tracking algorithm in complex background and with multi-target.
Impact of Topical Cyclosporine-A or Topical Chloroquine on Post-LASIK Ocular Surface Stability – A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Purpose To compare effect of topical cyclosporine-A 0.05% (CsA) and chloroquine phosphate 0.03% (CHQ) as an adjunct to standard therapy in maintaining post-laser assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) ocular surface stability. Methods Randomized controlled trial on 100 eyes undergoing femtosecond-LASIK randomized into three groups: 33 eyes in Group I (Standard Treatment group), 34 eyes in Group II (CsA group) and 33 eyes in Group III (CHQ group). Standard treatment included topical moxifloxacin, topical prednisolone and carboxymethyl cellulose. Group II received topical CsA 0.05% twice daily for three months and group III received topical CHQ 0.03% twice daily for three months in addition to standard treatment. Primary outcome measure was change in ocular surface disease index (OSDI) at 6 months. Secondary outcome measures were tear break up time (TBUT), Schirmer-I score, tear film osmolarity, tear film MMP-9 and visual acuity. Follow-up was performed at postoperative 1, 3 and 6 months. Results At 6 months, OSDI score, MMP-9, tear osmolarity, TBUT and Schirmer score were significantly better in both CsA and CHQ groups as compared with controls (p < 0.001). OSDI, Tear osmolarity, TBUT, MMP-9 levels were comparable in CsA and CHQ group (p > 0.05). In CsA group, tear film MMP-9 levels at 6 months were comparable to preoperative baseline (p = 0.09). There was no significant change in the Schirmer score from baseline in the CsA group; in addition, the Schirmer score was significantly better than the CHQ group at 6 months (p = 0.02). Visual acuity was comparable in all three groups. Adverse effects including burning sensation, stinging, pain and redness were reported by ten patients (CsA group- 3, CHQ group-7; p = 0.28). Conclusion Both CsA and CHQ are useful adjuncts to standard therapy in maintaining ocular surface stability after refractive surgery. Cyclosporine A has more potent and sustained anti-inflammatory effect with less ocular irritative effects.
Commentary on Teacher Pension Papers

This commentary explains how changing labor market conditions have made it more important for schools to attract and retain skilled teachers and yet more difficult to do so. This is important context for considering the contributions of the five papers on teacher pensions in this special issue. I describe and comment on the evidence that defined benefit (DB) pension plans have deleterious impacts on the ability of public schools to provide students with an excellent education. I describe the merits of alternative strategies for responding to the central problem with DB plans as currently funded. I conclude by explaining the importance of considering the design of teacher pension plans as part of a multipronged strategy to provide all students with a high-quality education.
Non-linear position-force control of objects grasped by multifingered mechanical hands

This paper presents a new non-linear position-force control scheme for control of interaction of objects, grasped by multifingered mechanical hands, with the environment. Using the theory of input-output linearization, the hand-object dynamics in joint space is first projected along the position and force control directions, input-output linearized and decoupled. Along the position control direction(s), a state feedback controller (SFC) is used for trajectory tracking. A new dynamic SFC, which programs a variable compliance, is used along the force control direction(s). The variable compliance is appropriately modulated on the basis of the force feedback information to maintain a desired interaction force level. An optimal grasp force decomposition scheme is also developed for the control of grasping forces. The proposed scheme ensures grasp stability under dynamic conditions. The efficacy of the overall control scheme is demonstrated through numerical simulation.
A quantum differentiation of k-SAT instances

We present a quantum adiabatic algorithm to differentiate between k-SAT instances, those with no solutions and those that have many solutions. The time complexity of the algorithm is a function of the energy gap between the subspace of all 0-eigenvectors (ground states) and the first excited states manifold, and scales polynomially with the number of resources. The idea of gaps between subspaces suggests a new tool to analyze time complexity in adiabatic quantum machines.
Multiparametrische quantitative Magnetresonanztomografie bei Lebererkrankungen

Die MRT wird routinemäßig bei Patienten mit einer Erkrankung der Leber zum Ausschluss oder zur Verlaufskontrolle einer strukturellen Parenchymveränderung eingesetzt. Durch spezielle MRT-Sequenzen und -Techniken lassen sich Eigenschaften der Leber bezüglich Funktion, Fibrosestadium, Fett- und Eisengehalt quantifizieren. Die MRT hilft sowohl bei der ersten Diagnostik eines Krankheitsbildes als auch bei der überprüfung des Therapieansprechens.
Analysis of a bacterial model with nutrient‐dependent degenerate diffusion

We introduce and study a degenerate reaction‐diffusion system that can serve as a model prototype for the pattern formation of a bacterial multicellular community where the bacteria produce biofilm, grow and spread in the presence of a nutrient. Under proper conditions on the reaction terms, we prove the global existence and the uniqueness of solutions and illustrate the possible model behaviour in numerical simulations for a two‐dimensional setting. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Das Mikrobiom des Darms: Dysbiose

Zusammenfassung Das Mikrobiom des Darms wird gelegentlich auch als das „zweite menschliche Genom“ bezeichnet, da es eine hoch relevante Bedeutung in Gesundheit, aber auch Krankheit hat. Im Darm gibt es eine beeindruckend große Anzahl von Bakterien, die eine enge Beziehung zum Wirt pflegen. In bestimmten Situationen kann es zu einer Dysbiose kommen, was in der Konsequenz eine Schädigung des Wirtes nach sich ziehen kann. In den Bakterien werden zahlreiche Substanzen gebildet, die vom gesunden Körper nach der Aufnahme unkompliziert verstoffwechselt bzw. ausgeschieden werden können. Bei Patienten mit terminaler Nierenfunktionsstörung hingegen kommt es zum einen zu einer Veränderung des Darmmikrobioms und gleichzeitig zu einer Akkumulation von aus dem Darm aufgenommenen Substanzen, die durch das veränderte Mikrobiom produziert und nicht mehr eliminiert werden können. Dies führt zu einer Akkumulation von Urämietoxinen, die auch wesentlich zu dem exzessiven, v. a. kardiovaskulären Mortalitätsrisiko der Patienten beitragen. Eine Strategie zur Hilfe für den betroffenen Patienten mag die Wiederherstellung des Mikrobioms sein. In der vorliegenden Übersicht werden die Veränderungen des Mikrobioms und deren Auswirkungen vorgestellt. Auch Ideen für eine Beeinflussung des Mikrobioms werden diskutiert.
On the Power of the Blus Procedure

Abstract This article deals with the power of the BLUS test on autocorrelation among regression disturbances. To compute this power a simple method is presented for computing the distribution of any ratio of quadratic forms in normal variables. Three examples are given where the BLUS powers are compared with the fractions of correct decisions of the usual Durbin-Watson test.
An Evaluation of Empirical Bayes’s Estimation of Value-Added Teacher Performance Measures

Empirical Bayes’s (EB) estimation has become a popular procedure used to calculate teacher value added, often as a way to make imprecise estimates more reliable. In this article, we review the theory of EB estimation and use simulated and real student achievement data to study the ability of EB estimators to properly rank teachers. We compare the performance of EB estimators with that of other widely used value-added estimators under different teacher assignment scenarios. We find that, although EB estimators generally perform well under random assignment (RA) of teachers to classrooms, their performance suffers under nonrandom teacher assignment. Under non-RA, estimators that explicitly (if imperfectly) control for the teacher assignment mechanism perform the best out of all the estimators we examine. We also find that shrinking the estimates, as in EB estimation, does not itself substantially boost performance.
Sensitivity of moist convection to environmental humidity

As part of the EUROCS (EUROpean Cloud Systems study) project, cloud‐resolving model (CRM) simulations and parallel single‐column model (SCM) tests of the sensitivity of moist atmospheric convection to midtropospheric humidity are presented. This sensitivity is broadly supported by observations and some previous model studies, but is still poorly quantified. Mixing between clouds and environment is a key mechanism, central to many of the fundamental differences between convection schemes.
ω-3-Fettsäuren und Hirnfunktion

Zusammenfassung Die ω-3-Fettsäuren EPA und DHA sind von entscheidender Bedeutung für die optimale Hirnfunktion. Zur Beurteilung der Versorgung mit diesen Fettsäuren sind Biomarker wie der HS-Omega-3 Index® zu bevorzugen. Niedrige Spiegel von EPA und DHA sind u. a. Prädiktoren für eingeschränkte komplexe Hirnleistungen und psychiatrische Erkrankungen wie ADHS und Depression. Anzustreben ist ein HS-Omega-3 Index von 8-11 %.
Copper drives prion protein phase separation and modulates aggregation

Prion diseases are characterized by prion protein (PrP) transmissible aggregation and toxicity in the brain. The physiological function of PrP seems related to sequestering and internalization of redox-active Cu2+. It is unclear whether Cu2+ contributes to PrP aggregation, recently shown to be mediated by PrP condensation. We investigated the role of Cu2+ and oxidation in PrP condensation and aggregation using multiple biophysical and biochemical methods. We find that Cu2+ promotes PrP condensation at the cell surface and in vitro through co-partitioning. Molecularly, Cu2+ inhibited PrP β-structure and hydrophobic residues exposure. Oxidation, induced by H2O2, triggered liquid-to-solid transition of PrP:Cu2+ condensates and promoted amyloid-like PrP aggregation. In cells, overexpression of PrPC initially protected against Cu2+ cytotoxicity but led to PrPC aggregation upon extended copper exposure. Our data suggest that PrP condensates function as a buffer for copper that prevent copper toxicity but can transition into PrP aggregation at prolonged oxidative stress.