Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Central coherence in adolescents with bulimia nervosa spectrum eating disorders.

BACKGROUND Weak central coherence-a tendency to process details at the expense of the gestalt-has been observed among adults with bulimia nervosa (BN) and is a potential candidate endophenotype for eating disorders (EDs). However, as BN behaviors typically onset during adolescence it is important to assess central coherence in this younger age group to determine whether the findings in adults are likely a result of BN or present earlier in the evolution of the disorder. This study examines whether the detail-oriented and fragmented cognitive inefficiency observed among adults with BN is observable among adolescents with shorter illness duration, relative to healthy controls. METHOD The Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (RCFT) was administered to a total of 47 adolescents with DSM5 BN, 42 with purging disorder (PD), and 25 healthy controls (HC). Performance on this measure was compared across the three groups. RESULTS Those with BN and PD demonstrated significantly worse accuracy scores compared to controls in the copy and delayed recall condition with a moderate effect size. These findings were exacerbated when symptoms of BN increased. DISCUSSION Poorer accuracy scores reflect a fragmented and piecemeal strategy that interferes with visual-spatial integration in BN spectrum disorders. This cognitive inefficiency likely contributes to broad difficulties in executive functioning in this population especially in the context of worsening bulimic symptoms. The findings of this study support the hypothesis that poor global integration may constitute a cognitive endophenotype for BN.
Discrete Fracture Network Modelling of Tracer Migration Experiments at the Kamaishi Mine

This paper presents the results of a discrete fracture network modeling for the non-sorbing tracer migration experiments, which were conducted in the fractured rock at the Kamaishi mine. A newly developed in-plane heterogeneity model, which can address the channeling effects within a fracture, and the matrix diffusion model, which can simulate the retardation time due to the matrix diffusion adjacent to fracture were applied in this study. As a result, the matrix diffusion model better reproduces the general shape of breakthrough curves. The transport aperture A{sub t} was approximately one order of magnitude larger than the hydraulic aperture A{sub c} derived from the cubic law.
Pathological Gambling: A Systematic Review of Biochemical, Neuroimaging, and Neuropsychological Findings

&NA; Pathological gambling is an emerging psychiatric disorder that has recently gained much attention because of its increasing prevalence and devastating personal, familial, and social consequences. Although its pathophysiology is largely unknown, the shared similarities with both addiction and obsessive‐compulsive spectrum disorders have suggested the possibility of common psychobiological substrates. As with many other psychiatric disorders, it is believed that pathological gambling may result from the interplay between individual vulnerability and environmental factors. The aim of this article is to offer a comprehensive review of the main neurobiological aspects of pathological gambling, with particular attention to neuropsychological and related findings. A deeper understanding of the biological correlates of pathological gambling is required in order to develop effective treatment strategies.
Alcohol treatment research assessment exposure subject reactivity effects: part II. Treatment engagement and involvement.

OBJECTIVE This is the second of two articles in this issue on participant reactivity to alcohol treatment research assessment protocols. In the first article, Clifford et al. presented experimental evidence that the combination of less frequent and less comprehensive assessment results in the least assessment reactivity, as measured by alcohol use and related consequences at 1 year after admission for adult outpatient treatment for alcohol problems. In addition, Part I revealed that the presence of either frequent or comprehensive research assessment tends to result in a greater degree of reactivity. This article extends the analyses by Clifford et al. to treatment for substance use-disorders engagement and involvement across a 1-year follow-up. METHOD The design, participants, and procedures were identical to those described in Clifford et al. Treatment data were obtained from hospital records and participants' self-reports as part of the Timeline Followback interview. RESULTS Analyses revealed several effects of frequency of assessment and comprehensiveness of assessment on treatment engagement or involvement. The reactivity effect observed varied with the dependent variable, which included if a participant presented for outpatient treatment (more likely in the comprehensive groups), the number of days of outpatient substance use-disorders treatment during follow-up (no reactivity effects), if a participant engaged in intensive treatment for substance-use disorders during follow-up (more likely for the frequent groups in Months 1-6, but the reverse in Months 7-12, and overall more likely in the brief conditions), and the number of days of intensive treatment for substance-use disorders during follow-up (more days in the frequent groups in Months 1-6, no frequency differences in Months 7-12, and overall more days in the brief groups), respectively. Additional analyses showed that treatment participation did not mediate the reactivity effects on alcohol use and related consequences reported by Clifford et al. CONCLUSIONS Data provide experimental evidence for a causal relationship between frequency of assessment and comprehensiveness of assessment on substance abuse-treatment engagement and involvement. Future research should be directed at understanding the factors in the assessment process that determine reactivity effects.
A theory of competitive analysis for distributed algorithms

We introduce a theory of competitive analysis for distributed algorithms. The first steps in this direction were made in the seminal papers of Y. Bartal et al. (1992), and of B. Awerbuch et al. (1992), in the context of data management and job scheduling. In these papers, as well as in other subsequent sequent work, the cost of a distributed algorithm is compared to the cost of an optimal global-control algorithm. In this paper we introduce a more refined notion of competitiveness for distributed algorithms, one that reflects the performance of distributed algorithms more accurately. In particular, our theory allows one to compare the cost of a distributed on-line algorithm to the cost of an optimal distributed algorithm. We demonstrate our method by studying the cooperative collect primitive, first abstracted by M. Saks, N. Shavit, and H. Woll (1991). We provide the first algorithms that allow processes to cooperate to finish their work in fewer steps. Specifically, we present two algorithms (with different strengths), and provide a competitive analysis for each one. <<ETX>>
Doppler Sonography in the Detection of Significant Renal Artery Stenosis

Background Systemic hypertension is a major risk factor both for stroke and for myocardial infarction. The search for underlying treatable cause is a part of the management of a hypertensive patient. Renal vascular hypertension is the most common form of potentially curable hypertension and if untreated may terminate in renal failure. It has been estimated that 10% to 20% of new patients presenting with end-stage renal disease have treatable renal vascular disease. The purpose of screening strategies is to identify significant renal artery stenosis (RAS) in earlier stages before irreversible damage or loss of renal mass occurs. Due to the relatively low prevalence of RAS in the hypertensive population an inexpensive, accurate and non-invasive screening test is required in patients with normal or impaired renal function. Duplex Doppler sonography (DUS) is non-invasive screening test for the detection of RAS. It combines visualization of renal arteries with measurement of various hemodynamic factors within the kidney. Recent studies have shown improvement of diagnostic values of DUS. Encouraging results were obtained by the combination of extrarenal and intrarenal Doppler scanning (2,3,4,5). The aim of the study was to determine the usefulness of DUS of the renal arteries in identifying patients with RAS >50%.
Histopathology of human coronary atherosclerosis by quantifying its chemical composition with Raman spectroscopy.

BACKGROUND Lesion composition, rather than size or volume, determines whether an atherosclerotic plaque will progress, regress, or rupture, but current techniques cannot provide precise quantitative information about lesion composition. We have developed a technique to assess the pathological state of human coronary artery samples by quantifying their chemical composition with near-infrared Raman spectroscopy. METHODS AND RESULTS Coronary artery samples (n=165) obtained from explanted recipient hearts were illuminated with 830-nm infrared light. Raman spectra were collected from the tissue and processed to quantify the relative weights of cholesterol, cholesterol esters, triglycerides and phospholipids, and calcium salts in the examined artery location. The artery locations were then classified by a pathologist and grouped as either nonatherosclerotic tissue, noncalcified plaque, or calcified plaque. Nonatherosclerotic tissue, which included normal artery and intimal fibroplasia, contained an average of approximately 4+/-3% cholesterol, whereas noncalcified plaques had approximately 26+/-10% and calcified plaques approximately 19+/-10% cholesterol in the noncalcified regions. The average relative weight of calcium salts was 1+/-2% in noncalcified plaques and 41+/-21% in calcified plaques. To make this quantitative chemical information clinically useful, we developed a diagnostic algorithm, based on a first set of 97 samples, that demonstrated a strong correlation of the relative weights of cholesterol and calcium salts with histological diagnoses of the same locations. This algorithm was then prospectively tested on a second set of 68 samples. The algorithm correctly classified 64 of these new samples, thus demonstrating the accuracy and robustness of the method. CONCLUSIONS The pathological state of a given human coronary artery may be assessed by quantifying its chemical composition, which can be done rapidly with Raman spectroscopic techniques. When Raman spectra are obtained clinically via optical fibers, Raman spectroscopy may be useful in monitoring the progression and regression of atherosclerosis, predicting plaque rupture, and selecting proper therapeutic intervention.
Serum Vancomycin Levels Resulting From Continuous or Intermittent Infusion in Critically Ill Burn Patients With or Without Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy

We evaluated vancomycin levels as recent guidelines for therapeutic monitoring of vancomycin (not available at the time these data were collected) recommend trough levels of 15 to 20 &mgr;g/mL; however, this may be more difficult to achieve in patients with accelerated vancomycin clearance, such as burn patients or recipients of continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) therapy. We retrospectively studied 2110 serum vancomycin levels of 171 patients admitted to the burn intensive care unit for more than 4 years and who received vancomycin by continuous infusion (CI) or intermittent infusion (II), with or without simultaneous CVVH. In-hospital mortality, 14- and 28-day mortality following vancomycin therapy were not different between dosing methods, although increased mortality was observed in the subgroup of patients receiving CI vancomycin empirically for clinical sepsis with negative blood cultures. More vancomycin was delivered to patients daily by CI than II, and therapeutic drug monitoring costs were similar. After controlling for differences in vancomycin dose by case matching with propensity scores, mean vancomycin levels were 20.0 ± 3.8 &mgr;g/mL for CI, vs 14.8 ± 4.4 &mgr;g/mL for II (P < .001). CI dosing resulted in similar levels with or without CVVH, whereas in II dosing, CVVH appeared to significantly decrease vancomycin levels. Although CI dosing was associated with higher vancomycin levels in general and fewer levels of <10 &mgr;g/mL, significant nephrotoxicity or neutropenia was not observed. Fifty-seven patients (33.3%) developed bacteremia, and 106 Gram-positive bacteria were recovered, including 63 Staphylococcus aureus. Recurrent bacteremia while receiving vancomycin was infrequent. The 90th percentile minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC90) for vancomycin of 36 available S. aureus isolates tested by broth microdilution was 1.5 &mgr;g/mL. CI produced more frequent therapeutic vancomycin levels and less frequent subtherapeutic levels compared to II. However, therapeutic vancomycin levels were achieved infrequently by either method of dosing. Given equivalent therapeutic drug monitoring costs and the lack of a clear clinical benefit, the role of CI dosing remains to be defined in spite of practical and theoretical advantages, particularly when administered in the setting of CVVH.
Alkaline phosphatase in pleural effusions.

BACKGROUND Pleural effusion (PF) is a common clinical presentation in several diseases. Various parameters from pleural fluid have been studied to identify the cause. The diagnostic value of these parameters varies. The present study was carried out to evaluate the value of alkaline phosphatase concentration in the pleural effusions as a diagnostic tool. METHODS One hundred and one patients with pleural effusion admitted over a period of two years were studied. The diagnosis was confirmed by pleural biopsy and cytology for malignant cells. RESULTS Pleural fluid alkaline phosphatase levels of more than 75 mg/dl was found in exudative effusions and less than 75 mg/dl in transudative ones. But it did not differentiate tubercular pleural effusions from other exudative ones. CONCLUSION Pleural fluid alkaline phosphatase of >75 mg/dl is a useful biochemical marker to suggest exudative effusions.
2D Natural Convection and Radiation Heat Transfer Simulations of a PWR Fuel Assembly Within a Constant Temperature Support Structure

Two-dimensional simulations of steady natural convection and radiation heat transfer for a 14×14 pressurized water reactor (PWR) spent nuclear fuel assembly within a square basket tube of a typical transport package were conducted using a commercial computational fluid dynamics package. The assembly is composed of 176 heat generating fuel rods and 5 larger guide tubes. The maximum cladding temperature was determined for a range of assembly heat generation rates and uniform basket wall temperatures, with both helium and nitrogen backfill gases. The results are compared with those from earlier simulations of a 7×7 boiling water reactor (BWR). Natural convection/radiation simulations exhibited measurably lower cladding temperatures only when nitrogen is the backfill gas and the wall temperature is below 100°C. The reduction in temperature is larger for the PWR assembly than it was for the BWR. For nitrogen backfill, a ten percent increase in the cladding emissivity (whose value is not well characterized) causes a 4.7% reduction in the maximum cladding to wall temperature difference in the PWR, compared to 4.3% in the BWR at a basket wall temperature of 400°C. Helium backfill exhibits reductions of 2.8% and 3.1% for PWR and BWR respectively. Simulations were performed in which each guide tube was replaced with four heat generating fuel rods, to give a homogeneous array. They show that the maximum cladding to wall temperature difference versus total heat generation within the assembly is not sensitive to this geometric variation. © 2006 ASME
Harmonization of initial estimates of shale gas life cycle greenhouse gas emissions for electric power generation

Significance Previously published life cycle assessments (LCAs) of greenhouse gas emissions from the production and use of shale gas have come to widely varying conclusions about both the magnitude of emissions and its comparison with conventionally produced natural gas and coal for electricity generation. We harmonize estimates from this literature to establish more consistently derived and robust summary of the current state of knowledge. Whereas median estimates for both gas types appear less than half that of coal, alternative assumptions may lead to emissions approaching best-performing coal units, with implications for climate change mitigation strategies. Recent technological advances in the recovery of unconventional natural gas, particularly shale gas, have served to dramatically increase domestic production and reserve estimates for the United States and internationally. This trend has led to lowered prices and increased scrutiny on production practices. Questions have been raised as to how greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the life cycle of shale gas production and use compares with that of conventionally produced natural gas or other fuel sources such as coal. Recent literature has come to different conclusions on this point, largely due to differing assumptions, comparison baselines, and system boundaries. Through a meta-analytical procedure we call harmonization, we develop robust, analytically consistent, and updated comparisons of estimates of life cycle GHG emissions for electricity produced from shale gas, conventionally produced natural gas, and coal. On a per-unit electrical output basis, harmonization reveals that median estimates of GHG emissions from shale gas-generated electricity are similar to those for conventional natural gas, with both approximately half that of the central tendency of coal. Sensitivity analysis on the harmonized estimates indicates that assumptions regarding liquids unloading and estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) of wells have the greatest influence on life cycle GHG emissions, whereby shale gas life cycle GHG emissions could approach the range of best-performing coal-fired generation under certain scenarios. Despite clarification of published estimates through harmonization, these initial assessments should be confirmed through methane emissions measurements at components and in the atmosphere and through better characterization of EUR and practices.
Performance Analysis of Extracted Rule-Base Multivariable Type-2 Self-Organizing Fuzzy Logic Controller Applied to Anesthesia

We compare type-1 and type-2 self-organizing fuzzy logic controller (SOFLC) using expert initialized and pretrained extracted rule-bases applied to automatic control of anaesthesia during surgery. We perform experimental simulations using a nonfixed patient model and signal noise to account for environmental and patient drug interaction uncertainties. The simulations evaluate the performance of the SOFLCs in their ability to control anesthetic delivery rates for maintaining desired physiological set points for muscle relaxation and blood pressure during a multistage surgical procedure. The performances of the SOFLCs are evaluated by measuring the steady state errors and control stabilities which indicate the accuracy and precision of control task. Two sets of comparisons based on using expert derived and extracted rule-bases are implemented as Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Results indicate that type-2 SOFLCs outperform type-1 SOFLC while handling the various sources of uncertainties. SOFLCs using the extracted rules are also shown to outperform those using expert derived rules in terms of improved control stability.
A Dual Role for KRT81: A miR-SNP Associated with Recurrence in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer and a Novel Marker of Squamous Cell Lung Carcinoma

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in carcinogenesis through the regulation of their target genes. miRNA-related single nucleotide polymorphisms (miR-SNPs) can affect miRNA biogenesis and target sites and can alter microRNA expression and functions. We examined 11 miR-SNPs, including 5 in microRNA genes, 3 in microRNA binding sites and 3 in microRNA-processing machinery components, and evaluated time to recurrence (TTR) according to miR-SNP genotypes in 175 surgically resected non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Significant differences in TTR were found according to KRT81 rs3660 (median TTR: 20.3 months for the CC genotype versus 86.8 months for the CG or GG genotype; P = 0.003) and XPO5 rs11077 (median TTR: 24.7 months for the AA genotype versus 73.1 months for the AC or CC genotypes; P = 0.029). Moreover, when patients were divided according to stage, these differences were maintained for stage I patients (P = 0.002 for KRT81 rs3660; P<0.001 for XPO5 rs11077). When patients were divided into sub-groups according to histology, the effect of the KRT81 rs3660 genotype on TTR was significant in patients with squamous cell carcinoma (P = 0.004) but not in those with adenocarcinoma. In the multivariate analyses, the KRT81 rs3660 CC genotype (OR = 1.8; P = 0.023) and the XPO5 rs11077 AA genotype (OR = 1.77; P = 0.026) emerged as independent variables influencing TTR. Immunohistochemical analyses in 80 lung specimens showed that 95% of squamous cell carcinomas were positive for KRT81, compared to only 19% of adenocarcinomas (P<0.0001). In conclusion, miR-SNPs are a novel class of SNPs that can add useful prognostic information on the clinical outcome of resected NSCLC patients and may be a potential key tool for selecting high-risk stage I patients. Moreover, KRT81 has emerged as a promising immunohistochemical marker for the identification of squamous cell lung carcinoma.
An overview of imaging techniques for liver metastases management

Evaluation of liver metastases is one of the most common indications for liver imaging. Imaging plays a key role in the of assessment liver metastases. A variety of imaging techniques, including ultrasonography, computed tomography, MRI and PET combined with CT scan are available for diagnosis, planning treatment, and follow-up treatment response. In this paper, the authors present the role of imaging for the assessment of liver metastases and the contribution of each of the different imaging techniques for their evaluation and management. Following recent developments in the field of oncology, the authors also present the importance of imaging for the assessment of liver metastases response to therapy. Finally, future perspectives on imaging of liver metastases are presented.
Automation and Optimization of Coverage-driven Verification

This paper proposes a new method for automation and optimization of coverage-driven verification (CDV) of hardware systems that is based on evolutionary computing. In comparison with the standard CDV that utilizes random search, using this method, the convergence to the maximum coverage is much faster, fewer input stimuli are used and no manual effort is required from the user. Moreover, the optimization is targeted to the verification process itself without the dependence on the circuit that is verified. For the demonstration purposes, the sequential arithmetic-logic unit (ALU) and the RISC processor were verified and the results show that using the optimization method, a significant improvement can be achieved.