Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Major depression with mood‐congruent psychotic features: a distinct diagnostic entity or a more severe subtype of depression?

The nosological status of major depression with mood‐congruent psychotic features was explored by a cross‐sectional demographic, clinical and biological assessment and a 7‐year prospective follow‐up of 2 samples of patients fulfilling, respectively, DSM‐III criteria for this condition and for major depression without psychotic features. The 2 patient groups did not differ with respect to demographic and historical features, response to DST and outcome. The global severity of the index episode was greater in psychotics. All nonpsychotics and 69% of psychotics were treated with antidepressants alone or in combination with benzodiazepines, whereas the addition of neuroleptics was required only in 31% of psychotics. A tendency towards an interepisodic diagnostic stability was verified in nonpsychotics more than in psychotics, but was less pronounced than that reported by the authors advocating the nosological autonomy of delusional depression. These data support the view that major depression with mood‐congruent psychotic features is not a distinct diagnostic entity, but rather a more severe depressive subtype.
Recruitment and loading of the E1 initiator protein: an ATP‐dependent process catalysed by a transcription factor

Initiation of DNA replication critically depends on ori recognition as well as on catalytic activities of the initiator complex. For replication of papillomaviruses the catalytic activities for initiation are provided by the E1 protein. Here, we show that the transcription factor E2 acts to assemble E1 into a complex active for ori distortion in two steps. First, cooperative DNA binding of E1 and E2 generates a sequence‐specific ori recognition complex. In the second ATP‐dependent step, E2 is displaced and additional E1 molecules are incorporated. The net result is a final complex with low sequence specificity deposited onto a specific sequence in the DNA. This may be a general strategy to accomplish specific positioning of protein complexes with low sequence specificity.
Methylation of the rat glial fibrillary acidic protein gene shows tissue‐specific domains

The gene for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was compared for CpG sites that are potential locations of methylated cytosine (mC). GFAP sequences in the 5′‐upstream promoter and in exon 1 of rat, mouse, and human showed extensive similarity in the locations of CpG sites in the promoter and in exon 1, implying conservation. The methylation of mC at 9 CpG sites in the promoter and 10 sites in exon 1 was analyzed in F344 male rats by a quantitative application of ligation‐mediated polymerase chain reaction (LMPCR). CpG sites with varying mC in different tissues were found in the GFAP promoter and in a CpG island in exon 1. In the brain, the promoter had about 40% less mC than in testis and liver. The degree of methylation varied strikingly between adjacent sites within and between tissues. Testis GFAP exon 1 had a gradient of mC from 5′ to 3′ across the exon that was absent in liver, brain, and cultured neurons and astrocytes. Among brain regions, the hippocampus had 10–40% less mC at 12 CpG sites than in hypothalamus; the other sites (7/19) showed smaller differences between these brain regions. In DNA from primary cultures, astrocytes has slightly less mC than neurons at all sites. Because neuron‐rich hippocampal subregions and primary neuron cultures had less methylation than nonneural tissues, we hypothesize that neuroectodermal derivatives tend to be less methylated, whether or not GFAP is expressed. Four domains of methylated CpG sites are proposed on the basis of tissue and cell‐type distribution: (I) a constitutively methylated domain in the mid‐upstream promoter; (II) a testis‐specific gradient of methylation in exon 1; (III) a hypomethylated domain found in neuroectodermal derivatives; and (IV) subsets of sites in the promoter and in exon 1 that have the least methylation in astrocytes, and therefore may be astrocytespecific domains. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Percutaneous renal biopsy of native kidneys: efficiency, safety and risk factors associated with major complications

Introduction The use of an automated biopsy device and real-time ultrasound (current technology) for percutaneous renal biopsies (PRBs) has improved the likelihood of obtaining adequate tissue for diagnosis and has reduced the complications associated with renal biopsies. Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the current PRB procedure and identify possible risk factors for the development of major complications. Material and methods We collected all native kidney PRBs performed with current technology in our institute from January 1998 to April 2008. Studied variables were collected from the patient's chart at the time of the biopsy. Results We analyzed 623 (96.4%) of 646 renal biopsies performed with the current automated procedure guided by real-time ultrasound. Although the effectiveness was 97.6%, there were 110 complications. Fourteen (2.24%) of these complications were major: 9 cases of renal hematoma, 2 cases with macroscopic hematuria (which needed blood transfusion), 1 case of intestinal perforation (which required exploratory laparotomy), 1 nephrectomy and 1 case of a dissecting hematoma. The logistic regression analysis demonstrated the following risk factors for developing major complications: diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg, RR 7.6 (95% CI 1.35-43); platelet count ≤ 120×103/µl; RR 7.0 (95% CI 1.9-26.2); and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) ≥ 60 mg/dl, RR 9.27 (95% CI 2.8-30.7). Conclusions The observed efficacy and safety of the current technique in the present study were similar to observations in previous studies. Diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg, platelets ≤ 120×103/µl and BUN ≥ 60 mg/dl were independent risk factors for the development of major complications following PRB.
Symptoms of Eating Disorders Among Females in Drug Addiction Treatment

The aim of this study is to measure and describe symptoms of eating disorders among females in treatment for drug addiction in Norway. Previous clinical and epidemiological studies have revealed coprevalence between eating disorders and substance use or abuse. However, few studies have measured eating disorders in drug-using samples and even fewer within the context of drug treatment. In this study, 29 females with drug use disorder in residential treatment were tested with the Eating Disorder Inventory–2. A subgroup of 9 females (31%) with significant symptoms of eating disorders was identified. The characteristics of this group and possible clinical consequences are discussed.
Walking, Urban Design, and Health

The authors examine the magnitude of health benefits from urban design characteristics that are associated with increased walking. Using geocoded travel diary data from Portland, Oregon, regression analyses give information on the magnitude and statistical significance of the link between urban design variables and two-day walking distances. From the coefficient point estimates, the authors link to the health literature to give information on how many persons would realize health benefits, in the form of reductions in mortality risk, from walking increases associated with urban design changes. Using a cost-benefit analysis framework, they give monetized estimates of the health benefits of various urban design changes. The article closes with suggestions about how the techniques developed can be applied to other cost-benefit analyses of the health benefits of planning projects that are intended to increase walking.
XPLICIT WINDOW-BASED TRANSPORT CONTROL PROTOCOLS IN LOSSY ENVIRONMENTS

This paper addresses efficient packet loss recovery by retransmission in window-based congestion control protocols. It builds on explicit congestion control mechanisms to decouple the packet loss detection from the congestion feedback signals. Implicit algorithms alternatively infer congestion from losses (which yields to window size reduction), and therefore do not allow to evaluate the performance of window-based transmission algorithms in lossy environments. We first propose a simple modification of TCP that offers the possibility for explicit congestion control. Different retransmission strategies applicable to window-based congestion control protocols are then discussed in the framework of explicit congestion control. We introduce a new early retransmission timer that significantly improves the error resiliency when combined with explicit congestion control. Extensive simulations then compare the error recovery mechanisms generally used in recent TCP implementations, and the new loss monitoring and recovery strategies, combined with explicit congestion control protocols. Performances are analyzed in a simple network topology where a bottleneck link is shared by loss-free, and respectively lossy connections. Retransmissions triggered by the proposed accurate loss monitoring mechanism are shown to end up in a fair share of the bottleneck bandwidth between all connections, even for high loss ratios and bursty loss processes. The link utilization is in the same time close to optimal. Explicit congestion control, combined with efficient error control strategies, can therefore provide a valid solution to reliable and controlled connections over lossy network infrastructures.
Suicides in prison

Introduction PART ONE: 1. Suicides in prison: Rates and Explanations 2. The prisoner suicide profile 3. Young prisoner suicides and suicide attempts 4. A change of direction PART TWO: 5. Investigating suicides in prison 6. Understanding young prisoner suicides and suicide attempts: in their own words 7. In different words: The gender factor 8. Managing to prevent suicide: Staff attitudes and perspectives 9. Understanding suicides in prison: Vulnerable prisoners in high risk situations
Factors contributing to the time taken to consult with symptoms of lung cancer: a cross-sectional study

Objectives: To determine what factors are associated with the time people take to consult with symptoms of lung cancer, with a focus on those from rural and socially deprived areas. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative interview survey was performed of 360 patients with newly diagnosed primary lung cancer in three Scottish hospitals (two in Glasgow, one in NE Scotland). Supplementary data were obtained from medical case notes. The main outcome measures were the number of days from (1) the date participant defined first symptom until date of presentation to a medical practitioner; and (2) the date of earliest symptom from a symptom checklist (derived from clinical guidelines) until date of presentation to a medical practitioner. Results: 179 participants (50%) had symptoms for more than 14 weeks before presenting to a medical practitioner (median 99 days; interquartile range 31–381). 270 participants (75%) had unrecognised symptoms of lung cancer. There were no significant differences in time taken to consult with symptoms of lung cancer between rural and/or deprived participants compared with urban and/or affluent participants. Factors independently associated with increased time before consulting about symptoms were living alone, a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and longer pack years of smoking. Haemoptysis, new onset of shortness of breath, cough and loss of appetite were significantly associated with earlier consulting, as were a history of chest infection and renal failure. Conclusion: For many people with lung cancer, regardless of location and socioeconomic status, the time between symptom onset and consultation was long enough to plausibly affect prognosis. Long-term smokers, those with COPD and/or those living alone are at particular risk of taking longer to consult with symptoms of lung cancer and practitioners should be alert to this.
A ferrofluidic magnetic micropump

A microfluidic pump is described that uses magnetic actuation to push fluid through a microchannel. Operation relies on the use of magnetically-actuated plugs of ferrofluid, a suspension of nanosize ferromagnetic particles. The ferrofluid contacts but is immiscible with the pumped fluid. The prototype circular design demonstrates continuous pumping by regenerating a translating ferrofluidic plug at the conclusion of each pumping cycle. The flow rate can be controlled by adjusting device dimensions or the velocity of an external permanent magnet that directs the motion of the ferrofluid. The ferrofluidic plugs also serve as valves; if the magnetic actuator is stopped, pressure can be maintained with no power consumption. Flow can also be reversed by switching the direction of actuation. The maximum flow rate achieved with minimal backpressure was 45.8 /spl mu/l/min. The maximum pressure head achieved was 135 mm water (1.2 kPa).
Counselor Helping Model, Participant Ethnicity and Acculturation Level, and Perceived Counselor Credibility.

An analogue research design was used to examine the relationships between participant ethnicity, acculturation level, counselor model of helping, and ratings of counselor credibility. A total of 199 community college students (109 Mexican Americans, 90 European Americans) evaluated counselor credibility after being exposed to 1 of 4 counseling vignettes. Evidence was found to support the hypothesis that ethnic background and adherence to cultural norms and behaviors are related to perceptions of counselor expertise and trustworthiness. Results also showed that loss of Mexican culture, rather than the acquisition of North American culture, is associated with less positive perceptions of counselor credibility. Contrary to the cultural barrier theory used to explain underutilization of mental health services among Mexican Americans, these results suggest that aspects of the Mexican culture support the use of counseling services among Mexican Americans. Implications for counselors and suggestions for future research are explored.
GABA‐like immunoreactivity of neurons in the chicken diencephalon and mesencephalon

The chick brain is a useful model system for studying the ontogeny and phylogeny of neural circuitry, especially that of the visual system. In this study the distribution of cells and processes showing GABA‐like immunoreactivity (GABA+) in the diencephalon and mesencephalon of the posthatch chick was determined immunohistochemically with a polyclonal antibody to GABA and compared with the results of similar studies in mammals. Most of the small GABA+ cells were found in the chick visual centers such as the nucleus lateralis anterior, suprachiasmatic nucleus, ventral lateral geniculate, optic tract, dorsolateralis anterior pars lateralis, lentiformis mesencephali, ectomammillary nucleus, area pretectalis, and the optic tectum. Large GABA+ cells were found in the following nuclei: reticularis superior, posteroventralis thalami, subpretectalis, isthmi pars magnocellularis, interstitiopretectosubpretectalis, mesencephalicus lateralis pars dorsalis. These large cell‐containing nuclei receive projections from visual or auditory centers. GABA+ axons were found throughout the diencephalon and mesencephalon but were especially prominent in the ansa lenticularis, fasciculus medialis longitudinalis, and optic tract. The distribution of GABA+ cells in the chick is more widespread than in rodents and exhibits an increased association with the visual centers suggesting a correlation with the specialized visual requirements of the bird.
A Content Analysis of the Curricular Philosophies Reflected in States' Alternate Assessment Performance Indicators

Both the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 1997 and the No Child Left Behind Act (2002) require the provision of an alternate assessment for students who cannot participate in state or district assessments with accommodations. Most states have defined performance indicators for these alternate assessments linked to their state standards. In this article, we consider five curricular philosophies (i.e., developmental, functional, social inclusion, self-determination, and academic) for students with severe disabilities and analyze how they are reflected in the performance indicators of states selected from an earlier study on curricular alignment. Overall, these states reflected a blend of academic and functional philosophies in defining reading and math performance indicators with few examples of social inclusion, self-determination, or developmental philosophies. The predominance of an academic philosophy was especially evident in states that experts and stakeholders identified as having performance indicators with clear links to language arts and math. These findings are discussed with recommendations for how to teach skills linked to state standards to students with severe disabilities.
Inductive Effect of Palmatine on Apoptosis in RAW 264.7 Cells

Osteoporosis is a serious public health problem characterized by low bone density and deterioration of the bone microarchitecture. Current treatment options target either osteoclast resorption or osteoblast formation. It has been reported that berberine, a close structural analog of palmatine, inhibited bone loss in an osteoporosis model. In this study, osseous metabolism was observed in vitro with osteoclast bone resorbing cells. We proved that mouse preosteoclastic cell line (RAW 264.7) has a higher sensitivity to palmatine than mouse osteoblastic cell line (MC3T3-E1); the cell survival rates significantly decreased at 40 μM palmatine. The NO2 − level, a metabolic product of nitric monoxide (NO), and iNOS mRNA expression, an osteoclast with NO induced enzyme, also increased with higher dosage of palmatine. Furthermore, it was recognized that the cell viability decrease from palmatine was caused by apoptosis rather than necrosis. Additionally, osteoclast apoptosis from palmatine did not occur when iNOS was inhibited with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (pan NOS inhibitor). These results indicate that palmatine plays an important role in osteoclast apoptosis via the NOS system. Hence, palmatine could be considered as a viable pharmaceutical candidate for osteoporosis bone resorption inhibitor.
Prostate Cancer Risk in Relation to Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF)-I and IGF-Binding Protein-3: A Prospective Multiethnic Study

Despite its importance ([1][1], [2][2]), relatively little is known about prostate cancer etiology ([3][3], [4][4]). Risks are highest among North American Blacks and lowest in Asians, whereas Whites seem to lie in between ([5][5]). Levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I have been associated
Time-delay estimation via linear interpolation and cross correlation

Time-delay estimation (TDE), which aims at measuring the relative time difference of arrival (TDOA) between different channels is a fundamental approach for identifying, localizing, and tracking radiating sources. Recently, there has been a growing interest in the use of TDE based locator for applications such as automatic camera steering in a room conferencing environment where microphone sensors receive not only the direct-path signal, but also attenuated and delayed replicas of the source signal due to reflections from boundaries and objects in the room. This multipath propagation effect introduces echoes and spectral distortions into the observation signal, termed as reverberation, which severely deteriorates a TDE algorithm in its performance. This paper deals with the TDE problem with emphasis on combating reverberation using multiple microphone sensors. The multichannel cross correlation coefficient (MCCC) is rederived here, in a new way, to connect it to the well-known linear interpolation technique. Some interesting properties and bounds of the MCCC are discussed and a recursive algorithm is introduced so that the MCCC can be estimated and updated efficiently when new data snapshots are available. We then apply the MCCC to the TDE problem. The resulting new algorithm can be treated as a natural generalization of the generalized cross correlation (GCC) TDE method to the multichannel case. It is shown that this new algorithm can take advantage of the redundancy provided by multiple microphone sensors to improve TDE against both reverberation and noise. Experiments confirm that the relative time-delay estimation accuracy increases with the number of sensors.
Ultrastructure and synaptic differences of the boutons of the projection neurons between the lip and collar regions of the mushroom bodies in the ant, Cataglyphis albicans

The mushroom bodies of insects are viewed as key neuropils for sensory integration and perhaps learning and memory. In Hymenoptera, particularly ants, the calyx of the mushroom bodies is divided into two main regions, the lip and the collar. Although most ants are highly dependent on olfaction and have enlarged calyces comprised mostly of lip, some ant groups are also highly visual and have well‐developed collars. The desert ant Cataglyphis albicans, known for its navigational abilities, shifts from the dark olfactory demanding nest interior to the visually demanding desert environment, and unlike many other ants their mushroom bodies are comprised of both a well‐developed lip and collar. In this study, using electron microscope serial‐sectioning and 3D‐reconstructions, we show that axonal processes that innervate the lip and collar are inherently different in structure and synaptic connectivity. The boutons of the lip are larger, with more synaptic vesicles and larger synapses than the collar, while boutons of the collar have more postsynaptic partners per synapse. Our morphological findings suggest that the signals originating from olfactory projection neurons that innervate the lip appear stronger and more likely to propagate than signals that innervate the collar, while the signals entering the collar appear relatively weaker and are further integrated between more postsynaptic partners. We discuss the differences of the signaling properties between the lip and collar projection neurons and suggest that the greater postsynaptic integration in the collar is presumably for spatial processing for visual navigation in Cataglyphis. J. Comp. Neurol. 507: 1102–1108, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hair cortisol in relation to acute and post-traumatic stress symptoms in children and adolescents

ABSTRACT Background: We report on the preliminary results of two independent studies that (1) compare the hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) of healthy controls with patients displaying post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS, study 1+2), (2) investigate whether pre-trauma HCC are predictive for the development of acute stress symptoms (ASS) and PTSS (study 1) and (3) determine whether HCC correlate with PTSS in a clinical sample of children (study 2). Methods: In study 1, the clinical symptoms of 35 minors were examined one (T1) and seven weeks (T2) after surgery following an accident. Hair samples were taken after the accident that reflect cortisol secretion over the past three months before the accident (healthy controls). In study 2, HCC and PTSS symptoms were cross-sectionally assessed in 22 minors who had experienced a psychological trauma. Results: The HCC of patients with PTSS were lower than the HCC of healthy controls (study 1+2). Secondary analyses showed that HCC were significantly lower in male PTSS patients than in male healthy controls, whereas the HCC in females were comparably low in both groups. Pre-trauma HCC did not predict the total ASS and PTSS scores (study 1) and HCC were not directly related to the total PTSS scores (study 2).