Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Visualisation of future task performance improves naturalistic prospective memory for some younger adults living with HIV disease

ABSTRACT Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease is commonly associated with deficits in prospective memory (PM), which increase the risk of suboptimal health behaviours, like medication non-adherence. This study examined the potential benefits of a brief future visualisation exercise during the encoding stage of a naturalistic PM task in 60 young adults (aged 19–24 years) with HIV disease. Participants were administered a brief clinical neuropsychological assessment, which included a standardised performance-based measure of time- and event-based PM. All participants were also given a naturalistic PM task in which they were asked to complete a mock medication management task when the examiner showed them the Grooved Pegboard Test during their neuropsychological evaluation. Participants were randomised into: (1) a visualisation condition in which they spent 30 sec imagining successfully completing the naturalistic PM task; or (2) a control condition in which they repeated the task instructions. Logistic regression analyses revealed significant interactions between clinical neurocognitive functions and visualisation. HIV positive (HIV+) participants with intact retrospective learning and/or low time-based PM demonstrated observable gains from the visualisation technique, while HIV+ participants with impaired learning and/or intact time-based PM did not evidence gains. Findings indicate that individual differences in neurocognitive ability moderate the response to visualisation in HIV+ young adults. The extent to which such cognitive supports improve health-related PM outcomes (e.g., medication adherence) remains to be determined.
High-Volume Hydraulic Fracturing and Human Health Outcomes: A Scoping Review

Objective: Examine extent of peer-reviewed literature exploring human health effects of hydraulic fracturing (HVHF). Methods: A scoping review methodology was used to examine peer-reviewed studies published from 2000 through 2017 that empirically examine direct health impacts of hydraulic fracturing. Results: Through September 2017, only 18 studies were found published in peer-reviewed journals that met our requirements for inclusion in the review. Most of these studies resulted in positive or mixed findings of health outcomes. Conclusions: The paucity of studies reflects the difficulty in drawing direct connections between HVHF and human health outcomes. Many health outcomes may take years to emerge, exposure often occurs in lightly populated rural areas with older, poorer, and sicker residents, and diagnosis is difficult without physician knowledge of prior exposure. Primary care providers should record thorough histories to help guide future treatment.
An Energy-Efficient FPGA-Based Deconvolutional Neural Networks Accelerator for Single Image Super-Resolution

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) demonstrate excellent performance in various computer vision applications. In recent years, FPGA-based CNN accelerators have been proposed for optimizing performance and power efficiency. Most accelerators are designed for object detection and recognition algorithms that are performed on low-resolution images. However, real-time image super-resolution (SR) cannot be implemented on a typical accelerator because of the long execution cycles required to generate high-resolution (HR) images, such as those used in ultra-high-definition systems. In this paper, we propose a novel CNN accelerator with efficient parallelization methods for SR applications. First, we propose a new methodology for optimizing the deconvolutional neural networks (DCNNs) used for increasing feature maps. Second, we propose a novel method to optimize CNN dataflow so that the SR algorithm can be driven at low power in display applications. Finally, we quantize and compress a DCNN-based SR algorithm into an optimal model for efficient inference using on-chip memory. We present an energy-efficient architecture for SR and validate our architecture on a mobile panel with quad-high-definition resolution. Our experimental results show that, with the same hardware resources, the proposed DCNN accelerator achieves a throughput up to 108 times greater than that of a conventional DCNN accelerator. In addition, our SR system achieves an energy efficiency of 144.9, 293.0, and 500.2 GOPS/W at SR scale factors of 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Furthermore, we demonstrate that our system can restore HR images to a high quality while greatly reducing the data bit-width and the number of parameters compared with conventional SR algorithms.
Analysis of the core genome and pangenome of Pseudomonas putida.

Pseudomonas putida are strict aerobes that proliferate in a range of temperate niches and are of interest for environmental applications due to their capacity to degrade pollutants and ability to promote plant growth. Furthermore solvent-tolerant strains are useful for biosynthesis of added-value chemicals. We present a comprehensive comparative analysis of nine strains and the first characterization of the Pseudomonas putida pangenome. The core genome of P. putida comprises approximately 3386 genes. The most abundant genes within the core genome are those that encode nutrient transporters. Other conserved genes include those for central carbon metabolism through the Entner-Doudoroff pathway, the pentose phosphate cycle, arginine and proline metabolism, and pathways for degradation of aromatic chemicals. Genes that encode transporters, enzymes and regulators for amino acid metabolism (synthesis and degradation) are all part of the core genome, as well as various electron transporters, which enable aerobic metabolism under different oxygen regimes. Within the core genome are 30 genes for flagella biosynthesis and 12 key genes for biofilm formation. Pseudomonas putida strains share 85% of the coding regions with Pseudomonas aeruginosa; however, in P. putida, virulence factors such as exotoxins and type III secretion systems are absent.
IW-Scoring: an Integrative Weighted Scoring framework for annotating and prioritizing genetic variations in the noncoding genome

IW-Scoring represents a new Integrative Weighted Scoring model to annotate and prioritise functionally relevant noncoding variations. The pipeline integrates 11 popular algorithms and outperforms individual methods in three independent data sets, including variants in ClinVar database and GWAS studies, and cancer mutations. Using IW-Scoring, we located 11 recurrently mutated noncoding regions enriched for at least three functional mutations in 14 follicular lymphoma genomes, and validated 9 clusters (82%) in the International Cancer Genome Consortium cohort (n=36), including promoter and enhancer regions of PAX5. IW-Scoring offers greater versatility to identify trait and disease associated noncoding variants.
Effect of a Multidirectional Power Toothbrush and a Manual Toothbrush in Individuals Susceptible to Gingival Recession: A 12-Month Randomized Controlled Clinical Study.

BACKGROUND Clinical studies have explored the relationship between toothbrushing and development of gingival recession (GR), but relevant GR data for the multidirectional power toothbrush (PT) are lacking. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of brushing with either a multidirectional PT or American Dental Association reference manual toothbrush (MT) on mid-buccal preexisting GR (PreGR) during 12 months. METHODS This was a 12-month prospective, single-masked, parallel-group, randomized, controlled clinical study. Healthy participants without periodontitis with at least two teeth showing PreGR ≥2 mm were randomized to a group brushing with either an MT or PT. The primary outcome parameter was change at sites with PreGR ≥2 mm. All clinically based GR measurements were performed by one calibrated examiner at baseline, 6, and 12 months. Secondary outcomes were changes of GR at all mid-buccal sites (with or without PreGR), changes in percentage of GR sites demonstrating a change of ≥1 mm, and changes in probing depths. RESULTS A total of 107 participants completed the study (PT: 55, MT: 52). During the 12-month study period the mean recession at sites with PreGR ≥2 mm decreased significantly from 2.2 to 2.1 mm in both groups (P <0.05). The extent of GR parameters did not differ between MT and PT groups at any time point. GR evaluated clinically and on stone casts was well correlated. CONCLUSION Neither the PT nor MT led to an increase in PreGR during 12 months of daily use.
Prenatal maternal cortisol measures predict learning and short‐term memory performance in 3‐ but not 5‐month‐old infants

Little is known about relations between maternal prenatal stress and specific cognitive processes-learning and memory-in infants. A modified crib-mobile task was employed in a longitudinal design to test relations between maternal prenatal cortisol, prenatal subjective stress and anxiety, psychosocial variables, and learning and memory in 3- and 5-month-old infants. Results revealed that maternal prenatal cortisol was affected by particular psychosocial variables (e.g., maternal age, whether or not the infant's grandmother provided childcare, financial status), but was unrelated to measures of maternal depression, anxiety, and stress. Although maternal prenatal cortisol was not predictive of learning or memory performance in 5-month-old infants, higher levels of basal maternal cortisol and reduced prenatal cortisol response was predictive of some learning and short-term memory measures in 3-month-old infants. These results suggest an influence of maternal neuroendocrine functioning on fetal neurological development, and the importance of separate examination of subjective and biological measures of stress.
The Effect of Ptosis Surgery on Brow Position and the Utility of Preoperative Phenylephrine Testing

Introduction: Many reports have suggested that upper eyelid position and brow height can be interdependent; however, the relation is not universally observed. This study aims to understand the prevalence of this phenomenon and examine the utility of phenylephrine testing in predicting brow height change after surgery. Methods: Ptotic eyelids undergoing Muller’s muscle conjunctiva resection surgery in which phenylephrine testing was performed were included. The distance from both the center of the pupil to the upper eyelid and the lower brow margin were measured in the midpupillary line. Measurements were performed based on photographs taken on presentation, after phenylephrine testing and at postsurgical follow-up. Change in eyelid margin and brow position between each of these conditions was assessed. Associations between changes in eyelid margin and brow position were analyzed, and a receiver operating characteristic curve for brow change after phenylephrine instillation as a predictor of postoperative brow change was fit. Results: In the sample of 125 eyes, there was a significant change in mean marginal reflex distance one both with application of phenylephrine and after surgery (p < 0.05). There was no significant change in brow height with instillation of phenylephrine (p > 0.05). There was a significant change in brow height with surgery (1 mm; p < 0.05). Change in marginal reflex distance one with surgery or with phenylephrine was not significantly correlated with change in brow height after surgery (Pearson’s r = 0.06; p > 0.05). Brow height change with phenylephrine was significantly correlated with brow height change after surgery (p < 0.05). Clinically relevant brow height change was defined as mean change minus one standard deviation, for a total decrease of 3.8 mm. By this criterion, 13.6% patients (n = 17) demonstrated clinically relevant brow height change. These patients had a greater preoperative brow height (p < 0.05) and a greater response to phenylephrine (p < 0.05). Based on receiver operating characteristic analysis, a threshold change of 3.5 mm in brow height with phenylephrine had a sensitivity of 0.94, and specificity of 0.10 for postoperative brow height change. Conclusions: Approximately 15% of the population studied tends to have a significant change in brow position with ptosis surgery. Patients who do not demonstrate a reduction in brow height of at least 3.5 mm after phenylephrine instillation preoperatively are unlikely to have clinically relevant brow height reduction after surgery.
Copula based flexible modeling of associations between clustered event times

Multivariate survival data are characterized by the presence of correlation between event times within the same cluster. First, we build multi-dimensional copulas with flexible and possibly symmetric dependence structures for such data. In particular, clustered right-censored survival data are modeled using mixtures of max-infinitely divisible bivariate copulas. Second, these copulas are fit by a likelihood approach where the vast amount of copula derivatives present in the likelihood is approximated by finite differences. Third, we formulate conditions for clustered right-censored survival data under which an information criterion for model selection is either weakly consistent or consistent. Several of the familiar selection criteria are included. A set of four-dimensional data on time-to-mastitis is used to demonstrate the developed methodology.
Effectiveness of Chewable Tooth Brush in Children-A Prospective Clinical Study.

INTRODUCTION Dental plaque is one of the aetiological factors in causation of dental caries. Effective removal of plaque can reduce the incidence of caries. Various agents for removing plaque has been introduced, of which, chewable brush is a recent advance. There is limited evidence assessing the effectiveness of using chewable brush in children. AIM The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of chewable brush in relation to efficiency in plaque removal and reduction in S.mutans counts in saliva. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ten children of six-nine years with their first molars erupted were included in the study and the children were supervised for their normal brushing for 7 days. The baseline Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (OHI-S), Plaque Index (PI) and Decay, Missing Filled Tooth Index (DMFT-I) were noted and the saliva sample was collected from the children. The sample was sent for microbiological examination of S.mutans count and the pH of the saliva was also determined. The children were advised to brush their teeth twice daily for seven days using chewable brush. On the seventh day, the indices were noted again and the saliva sample was collected and sent for microbiological examination. Statistical analysis was done using paired t-test to compare the pre and post-brushing index scores, S. mutans count and salivary pH. RESULTS There was a significant reduction in the debris index (p<0.001), oral hygiene index (p<0.000), plaque index (p<0.001), pH of the saliva (p<0.037) and S. mutans level (p<0.006) before and after brushing with chewable brush. However, the calculus index remained unchanged (p=0.168). CONCLUSION Chewable brush can be used as an effective alternative to manual brushing in children.
The same old story? Continuity and change in Swedish print media constructions of cannabis

Aims The purpose of the study is to describe and analyse how cannabis is constructed in Swedish print media and if this has changed over time. Sweden is known for its prohibitionist cannabis policy, but this approach seems increasingly challenged on both international and domestic arenas. It is therefore important to see if and how this international change is mirrored and processed in a key arena such as print media. Methods Newspaper material from two years, 2002 and 2012, was included to analyse continuity and change. The theoretical backdrop for the study is social constructionism, and methodological concepts such as discourse and subject positions from discourse theory were used to investigate how cannabis and cannabis problems are constructed. Results The analysis showed that print media in both years seem to draw mainly on a juridical, a social problems and a medical discourse when portraying cannabis. It is through these discourses that some subject positions become relevant as users (e.g. youth) and as experts (e.g. police). Despite a strong continuity in these cannabis constructions, the analysis also shows signs of change. For example, in 2012 there are articles drawing on economic and recreational discourses, and there is a global outlook enabling new cannabis constructions. Conclusion The Swedish print media generally has a crime-centred and deterrent approach towards cannabis, with prohibition at the heart of the reporting. International events do however introduce discursive alternatives in 2012. It remains to be seen if these new ways of writing about cannabis will strengthen or challenge prohibitionist constructions.
Neurophysiological mechanisms and functional impact of mirror movements in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy

Children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy (CP) often have mirror movements, i.e. involuntary imitations of unilateral voluntary movements of the contralateral upper extremity. The pathophysiology of mirror movements has been investigated in small and heterogeneous cohorts in the literature. Specific pathophysiology of mirror movements and their impact on upper extremity function require systematic investigation in larger and homogeneous cohorts of children with unilateral spastic CP. Here we review two possible neurophysiological mechanisms underlying mirror movements in children with CP and those with typical development: (1) an ipsilateral corticospinal tract projecting from the contralesional motor cortex (M1) to both upper extremities; (2) insufficient interhemispheric inhibition between the two M1s. We also discuss clinical implications of mirror movements in children with unilateral CP and suggest that a thorough examination of the relationship between the pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of mirror movements is warranted. We suggest two premises: (1) the presence of mirror movements is indicative of an ipsilateral corticospinal tract reorganization; and (2) the corticospinal tract organization may affect patients' responses to certain treatment. If these premises are supported through future research, mirror movements should be clinically evaluated for patient selection to maximize benefits of therapy, hence promoting individualized medicine in this population.
Topography of Protein Kinase C βII in Benign and Malignant Melanocytic Lesions

Background. Protein kinase C βII promotes melanogenesis and affects proliferation of melanocytic cells but is frequently absent or decreased in melanoma cells in vitro. Objective. To investigate PKC-βII expression and spatial distribution within a lesion in various benign and malignant melanocytic proliferations. Methods. Expression of PKC-βII was semiquantitatively assessed in the various existing compartments (intraepidermal [not nested], junctional [nested], and dermal) of benign (n = 43) and malignant (n = 28) melanocytic lesions by immunohistochemistry. Results. Melanocytes in the basal layer of normal skin or in lentigo simplex stained strongly for PKC-βII. Common nevi lacked completely PKC-βII. All other lesions expressed variably PKC-βII, with cutaneous melanoma metastases displaying the lowest rate of positivity (14%). In the topographical analysis within a lesion, PKC-βII expression was largely retained in the intraepidermal and junctional part of all other lesions (dysplastic nevus, lentigo maligna, and melanoma). Reduced expression of PKC-βII was found in the dermal component of benign and malignant lesions (P = .041 vs intraepidermal). PKC-βII expression in the various compartments did not differ significantly between benign and malignant lesions. Conclusions. The current study revealed a significant correlation between PKC-βII expression and spatial localization of melanocytes, with the lowest expression found in the dermal compartment and the highest in the epidermal compartment.
Presence of Androgen Receptor Variant in Neuronal Lipid Rafts

Abstract Fast, nongenomic androgen actions have been described in various cell types, including neurons. However, the receptor mediating this cell membrane–initiated rapid signaling remains unknown. This study found a putative androgen receptor splice variant in a dopaminergic N27 cell line and in several brain regions (substantia nigra pars compacta, entorhinal cortex, and hippocampus) from gonadally intact and gonadectomized (young and middle-aged) male rats. This putative splice variant protein has a molecular weight of 45 kDa and lacks an N-terminal domain, indicating it is homologous to the human AR45 splice variant. Interestingly, AR45 was highly expressed in all brain regions examined. In dopaminergic neurons, AR45 is localized to plasma membrane lipid rafts, a microdomain involved in cellular signaling. Further, AR45 protein interacts with membrane-associated G proteins Gαq and Gαo. Neither age nor hormone levels altered AR45 expression in dopaminergic neurons. These results provide the first evidence of AR45 protein expression in the brain, specifically plasma membrane lipid rafts. AR45 presence in lipid rafts indicates that it may function as a membrane androgen receptor to mediate fast, nongenomic androgen actions.
Is There a Relationship Between Body Mass Index and Fluoroscopy Time During Sacroiliac Joint Injection? A Multicenter Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE To determine the relationship between BMI and fluoroscopy time during intra-articular sacroiliac joint (SIJ) injections performed for a pain indication. DESIGN Multicenter retrospective cohort study. SETTING Three academic, outpatient pain treatment centers. SUBJECTS Patients who underwent fluoroscopy guided SIJ injection with encounter data regarding fluoroscopy time during the procedure and body mass index (BMI). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Median and 25-75% Interquartile Range (IQR) fluoroscopy time. RESULTS 459 SIJ injections (350 patients) were included in this study. Patients had a median age of 57 (IQR 44, 70) years, and 72% were female. The median BMI in the normal weight, overweight, and obese groups were 23 (IQR 21, 24), 27 (IQR 26, 29), and 35 (IQR 32, 40), respectively. There was no significant difference in the median fluoroscopy time recorded between these BMI classes (p = 0.45). First-time SIJ injection (p = 0.53), bilateral injection (p = 0.30), trainee involvement (p = 0.47), and new trainee involvement (trainee participation during the first 2 months of the academic year) (p = 0.85) were not associated with increased fluoroscopy time for any of the three BMI categories. CONCLUSIONS Fluoroscopy time during sacroiliac joint injection is not increased in patients who are overweight or obese, regardless of whether a first-time sacroiliac joint injection was performed, bilateral injections were performed, a trainee was involved, or a new trainee was involved.
Grasses and Grazers, Science and Management.

The evidence that pure ecological science has influenced grazing management practices employed in livestock husbandry on the North American Great Plains is tenuous at best. Those practices arose from critical technological innovations in the 19th century that modified the essential properties of grazing ecosystems when applied to livestock husbandry. Ecological research has identified many significant differences as well as similarities between natural and human-defined grazing systems, and how husbandry can lead to overgrazing. There is considerable evidence that moderate grazing can increase primary productivity and unequivocal evidence that some plants benefit from the presence of grazing animals.