Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modeling and Interpretation of S-Band Ice Crystal Depolarization Signatures from Data Obtained by Simultaneously Transmitting Horizontally and Vertically Polarized Fields

AbstractData collected by the National Center for Atmospheric Research S-band polarimetric radar (S-Pol) during the Terrain-Influenced Monsoon Rainfall Experiment (TiMREX) in Taiwan are analyzed and used to infer storm microphysics in the ice phase of convective storms. Both simultaneous horizontal (H) and vertical (V) (SHV) transmit polarization data and fast-alternating H and V (FHV) transmit polarization data are used in the analysis. The SHV Zdr (differential reflectivity) data show radial stripes of biased data in the ice phase that are likely caused by aligned and canted ice crystals. Similar radial streaks in the linear depolarization ratio (LDR) are presented that are also biased by the same mechanism. Dual-Doppler synthesis and sounding data characterize the storm environment and support the inferences concerning the ice particle types. Small convective cells were observed to have both large positive and large negative Kdp (specific differential phase) values. Negative Kdp regions suggest that ic.
Salivary α-Amylase Reflects Change in Attentional Demands During Postural Control: Comparison With Probe Reaction Time

Purpose: The influence of attention on postural control and the relationship between attention and falling has been reported in previous studies. Although a dual-task procedure is commonly used to measure attentional demand, such procedures are affected by allocation policy, which is a mental strategy to divide attention between simultaneous tasks. Therefore, we examined the effectiveness of salivary α-amylase, which is a physiological method for measuring attentional demand during postural control. Method: Sixteen healthy participants performed a postural-control task using the Balance System, which is a device that can be calibrated to a specific stability level (“Level 1 = least stable” to “Level 8 = most stable”). Levels 1, 2, and 3 were used for this study. Dependent variables measured were overall stability index, which represents the variance of platform displacement in degrees from a horizontal plane; probe reaction time, which was measured using a sound stimulator and recorder; and salivary α-amylase, which was measured using a portable salivary amylase analyzer. Results: As stability level of the test task decreased, both stability index and probe reaction time significantly increased. In addition, we identified a positive moderate correlation between probe reaction time and salivary α-amylase. Conclusions: Our results suggest that salivary α-amylase and probe reaction time reflect the change in attentional demands during a postural-control task and that salivary α-amylase may be an effective tool for evaluating attentional demands during postural control because it is noninvasive and simple to perform.
Unusual F-18 FDG Uptake at the Ears of a Patient with Discoid Lupus Erythematosus Diskoid Lupus Eritamatozus

A 55-year-old patient, who had undergone excisional biopsy of upper lip two years ago and diagnosed to have squamous cell carcinoma, was referred to us for evaluation with Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (F-18 FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/CT (F-18 FDG-PET/CT) scan. F-18 FDG-PET/CT scan was performed and the maximum intensity projection images (MIP) showed unusual FDG uptake at both ears. Histopathological examination of the biopsy specimen obtained from the ears revealed discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE). Conflict of interest:None declared.
Across Bacterial Phyla, Distantly-Related Genomes with Similar Genomic GC Content Have Similar Patterns of Amino Acid Usage

The GC content of bacterial genomes ranges from 16% to 75% and wide ranges of genomic GC content are observed within many bacterial phyla, including both Gram negative and Gram positive phyla. Thus, divergent genomic GC content has evolved repeatedly in widely separated bacterial taxa. Since genomic GC content influences codon usage, we examined codon usage patterns and predicted protein amino acid content as a function of genomic GC content within eight different phyla or classes of bacteria. We found that similar patterns of codon usage and protein amino acid content have evolved independently in all eight groups of bacteria. For example, in each group, use of amino acids encoded by GC-rich codons increased by approximately 1% for each 10% increase in genomic GC content, while the use of amino acids encoded by AT-rich codons decreased by a similar amount. This consistency within every phylum and class studied led us to conclude that GC content appears to be the primary determinant of the codon and amino acid usage patterns observed in bacterial genomes. These results also indicate that selection for translational efficiency of highly expressed genes is constrained by the genomic parameters associated with the GC content of the host genome.
Normative perceptual estimates for 91 healthy subjects age 60–75: impact of age, education, employment, physical exercise, alcohol, and video gaming

Visual perception serves as the basis for much of the higher level cognitive processing as well as human activity in general. Here we present normative estimates for the following components of visual perception: the visual perceptual threshold, the visual short-term memory (VSTM) capacity and the visual perceptual encoding/decoding speed (processing speed) of VSTM based on an assessment of 91 healthy subjects aged 60–75. The estimates were modeled from input from a whole-report assessment based on a theory of visual attention. In addition to the estimates themselves, we present correlational data, and multiple regression analyses between the estimates and self-reported demographic data and lifestyle variables. The regression statistics suggest that education level, video gaming activity, and employment status may significantly impact the encoding/decoding speed of VTSM but not the capacity of VSTM nor the visual perceptual threshold. The estimates will be useful for future studies into the effects of various types of intervention and training on cognition in general and visual attention in particular.
Anatomy of the facial nerve branching patterns, the marginal mandibular branch and its extraparotid ramification in relation to the lateral palpebral line

Abstract Background: Surgery of face and parotid gland may cause injury to branches of the facial nerve, which results in paralysis of muscles of facial expression. Knowledge of branching patterns of the facial nerve and reliable landmarks of the surrounding structures are essential to avoid this complication. Objective: Determine the facial nerve branching patterns, the course of the marginal mandibular branch (MMB), and the extraparotid ramification in relation to the lateral palpebral line (LPL). Materials and methods: One hundred cadaveric half-heads were dissected for determining the facial nerve branching patterns according to the presence of anastomosis between branches. The course of the MMB was followed until it entered the depressor anguli oris in 49 specimens. The vertical distance from the mandibular angle to this branch was measured. The horizontal distance from the LPL to the otobasion superious (LPL-OBS) and the apex of the parotid gland (LPL-AP) were measured in 52 specimens. Results: The branching patterns of the facial nerve were categorized into six types. The least common (1%) was type I (absent of anastomosis), while type V, the complex pattern was the most common (29%). Symmetrical branching pattern occurred in 30% of cases. The MMB was coursing below the lower border of the mandible in 57% of cases. The mean vertical distance was 0.91±0.22 cm. The mean horizontal distances of LPL-OBS and LPLAP were 7.24±0.6 cm and 3.95±0.96 cm, respectively. The LPL-AP length was 54.5±11.4% of LPL-OBS. Conclusion: More complex branching pattern of the facial nerve was found in this population and symmetrical branching pattern occurred less of ten. The MMB coursed below the lower border of the angle of mandible with a mean vertical distance of one centimeter. The extraparotid ramification of the facial nerve was located in the area between the apex of the parotid gland and the LPL.
Holocene climate variability in the winter rainfall zone of South Africa

Abstract. We established a multi-proxy time series comprising analyses of major elements in bulk sediments, Sr and Nd isotopes, grain size of terrigenous fraction, and δ18O and δ13C in tests of Neogloboquadrina pachyderma (sinistral) from a marine sediment sequence recovered off the Orange River. The records reveal coherent patterns of variability that reflect changes in wind strength, precipitation over the river catchments, and upwelling of cold and nutrient-rich coastal waters off western South Africa. The wettest episode of the Holocene in the winter rainfall zone (WRZ) of South Africa occurred during the "Little Ice Age" (700–100 cal years BP) most likely in response to a northward shift of the austral westerlies. Wet phases and strengthened coastal water upwellings are companied by a decrease of Agulhas water leakage into the South Atlantic and a reduced dust incursion over Antarctica, as indicated in previous studies. A continuous aridification trend in the WRZ and a weakening of the southern Benguela Upwelling System (BUS) between 9000 and 5500 cal years BP parallel with increase of dust deposition over Antarctica and an enhanced leakage of warm Agulhas water into the eastern South Atlantic. The temporal relationship between precipitation changes in the WRZ, the thermal state of the coastal surface water, and leakage of warm water in the South Atlantic, and variation of dust incursion over Antarctica suggests a causal link that most likely was related to latitudinal shifts of the Southern Hemisphere westerlies. Our results of the mid-Holocene time interval may serve as an analogue to a possible long-term consequence of the current and future southward shift of the westerlies. Furthermore, warming of the coastal surface water as a result of warm Agulhas water incursion into the southern BUS may affect coastal fog formation.
Which factors make clean intermittent (self) catheterisation successful?

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To explore which factors determine successful intermittent catheterisation. BACKGROUND Intermittent catheterisation is a safe, effective treatment and is associated with improved quality of life, although negative issues are reported. Factors which determine adherence are largely unknown. An additional qualitative study was conducted to gain insight into patient's experience with intermittent catheterisation in everyday life. DESIGN A prospective multicentre study was conducted between March 2012-March 2013 with one year follow-up. METHODS Patients with a variety of diagnoses referred to the outpatient clinic, ≥18 years, performed catheterisation at least once a day for ≥3 months were included. Data were obtained by patients' specific questionnaire Visual Analog Scale of quality of life regarding voiding problems, a questionnaire about catheterisation in daily practice, King's Health questionnaire, and a short questionnaire after one year. RESULTS Of the 129 (72 male) patients, mean age 62 (22-86) years, seven died and 63 stopped, 32/63 (50%) due to recovered bladder function. Fifty-nine (47%) continued to perform catheterisation after one year. Forty-seven (86%) patients reported catheterisation had become part of their life or had a positive effect on their life. A weak correlation was found between increasing age and cessation of catheterisation. Visual Analogue Scale - score on quality of life improved for the total group. The King's Health questionnaire identified in the total group that the impact of the bladder problem in daily life, limitations in daily activities and negative emotions decreased over time. CONCLUSION Adherence of successful intermittent catheterisation can be influenced negatively by increasing age. However, we think catheterisation should be considered as an option for older patients. We could not conform that if intermittent catheterisation was beneficial for the patient, it would positively influence adherence. Further prospective studies on adherence of intermittent catheterisation in larger groups need to be undertaken. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE After implementation of the national guideline in 2008, we were able to perform a multicentre study. This prospective study gives insight into patients who were undertaking intermittent catheterisation and which factors determine successful intermittent catheterisation adherence. After following the national guideline, we found no factors for additional interventions in assessment or coaching intermittent catheterisation. Post void residual volume turned out to be not a predictor for the necessity of intermittent catheterisation. A large group of patients could discontinue intermittent catheterisation during follow-up due to bladder function recovery. Although a weak correlation was found between increasing age and ceasing of catheterisation, we think the older can benefit from intermittent catheterisation. In the first period, additional support, for example given by a district nurse, may be necessary for this group to achieve better outcomes.
Assessment of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis over a 24-hour diurnal period and in response to neuroendocrine challenges in women with and without childhood sexual abuse and posttraumatic stress disorder.

BACKGROUND Preclinical studies showed that early stress results in long-term alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. We performed a comprehensive assessment of the HPA axis in women with and without a history of early childhood sexual abuse and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). METHODS Fifty-two women with and without a history of early childhood sexual abuse and PTSD underwent a comprehensive assessment of the HPA axis, including measurement of cortisol in plasma every 15 min over a 24-hour period and cortisol and corticotropin (ACTH) following corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and ACTH challenge. RESULTS Abused women with PTSD had lower levels of cortisol during the afternoon hours (12:00-8:00 PM) of a 24-hour period compared with non-PTSD women. Their ACTH response to a CRF challenge was blunted compared with nonabused non-PTSD (but not abused non-PTSD) women. There were no differences in cortisol response to CRF and ACTH challenges between the groups. Increased PTSD symptom levels were associated with low afternoon cortisol levels. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that early abuse is associated with increased CRF drive as evidenced by decreased pituitary sensitivity to CRF, whereas in abuse with PTSD there is a specific hypocortisolemia that is most pronounced in the afternoon hours.
Pseudogenerators of Spatial Transfer Operators

Metastable behavior in dynamical systems may be a significant challenge for a simulation-based analysis. In recent years, transfer operator--based approaches to problems exhibiting metastability have matured. In order to make these approaches computationally feasible for larger systems, various reduction techniques have been proposed: For example, Schutte introduced a spatial transfer operator which acts on densities on configuration space, while Weber proposed to avoid trajectory simulation (like Froyland, Junge, and Koltai) by considering a discrete generator. In this paper, we show that even though the family of spatial transfer operators is not a semigroup, it possesses a well-defined generating structure. What is more, the pseudogenerators up to order 4 in the Taylor expansion of this family have particularly simple explicit expressions involving no momentum averaging. This makes collocation methods particularly easy to implement and computationally efficient, which in turn may open the door for furt.
The effects of the interplay of genetics and early environmental risk on the course of internalizing symptoms from late childhood through adolescence

Abstract Internalizing symptoms during adolescence and beyond is a major public health concern, particularly because severe symptoms can lead to the diagnosis of a number of serious psychiatric conditions. This study utilizes a unique sample with a complex statistical method in order to explore Gene × Environment interactions found in internalizing symptoms during adolescence. Data for this study were drawn from a longitudinal prevention intervention study (n = 798) of Baltimore city school children. Internalizing symptom data were collected using self-report and blood or saliva samples genotyped using Affymetrix 6.0 microarrays. A major depression polygenic score was created for each individual using information from the major depressive disorder Psychiatric Genetics Consortium and used as a predictor in a latent trait–state–occasion model. The major depressive disorder polygenic score was a significant predictor of the stable latent trait variable, which captures time-independent phenotypic variability. In addition, an early childhood stressor of death or divorce was a significant predictor of occasion-specific variables. A Gene × Environment interaction was not a significant predictor of the latent trait or occasion variables. These findings support the importance of genetics on the stable latent trait portion of internalizing symptoms across adolescence.
Hepatitis C screening in the United States : current models and challenges

Background: The prevalence of hepatitis C in the United States is estimated to be 1-1.5% (2.7 to 3.9 million persons). Birth-cohort screening with linkage to care is recommended to augment risk-based screening programs in reducing hepatitis C-associated morbidity and mortality. However, only a small percentage of hepatitis C patients are identified and have received treatment. Aims: To better understand the challenge of screening and linkage to care, we review the reported prevalence of hepatitis C infection among different risk groups in the United States, examine current hepatitis C screening models, identify barriers for hepatitis C screening, and discuss approaches for improving screening. Methods: We searched electronic databases (PubMed and Cochrane Library) to identify articles published from 2008 to 2014 on risk-based and birth-cohort hepatitis C screening programs. Results: Studies have revealed that risk-based and birth-cohort screening programs alone are insufficient to reduce hepatitis C-related morbidity and mortality. Hepatitis C infection is more prevalent in high-risk groups such as persons who inject drugs, incarcerated inmates, persons living with HIV, and persons born between 1945 and 1965. Barriers to hepatitis C screening are observed in patients, providers, and structural insufficiency in the health care system. Gaps exist in the linkage to care after hepatitis C diagnosis, which include bridging patients to subspecialty care providers, medication access with resources for on-treatment monitoring, and patient motivation to receive treatment. Conclusions: Risk-based screening approaches should be expanded to birth-cohort screening to improve the capture rate of patients infected with hepatitis C. Hepatitis C remains an underdiagnosed and undertreated disease in the United States. Thus, patient and physician education with structured programs are needed to address the issues of implementing risk-based and birth-cohort screening. Further studies are needed to determine the appropriate model of linkage to care after identifying those patients from screening as current therapies are highly effective and treatment can reduce disease progression with the possibility of global eradication of hepatitis C infection.
Digestibility and IgE-Binding of Glycosylated Codfish Parvalbumin

Food-processing conditions may alter the allergenicity of food proteins by different means. In this study, the effect of the glycosylation as a result of thermal treatment on the digestibility and IgE-binding of codfish parvalbumin is investigated. Native and glycosylated parvalbumins were digested with pepsin at various conditions relevant for the gastrointestinal tract. Intact proteins and peptides were analysed for apparent molecular weight and IgE-binding. Glycosylation did not substantially affect the digestion. Although the peptides resulting from digestion were relatively large (3 and 4 kDa), the IgE-binding was strongly diminished. However, the glycosylated parvalbumin had a strong propensity to form dimers and tetramers, and these multimers bound IgE intensely, suggesting stronger IgE-binding than monomeric parvalbumin. We conclude that glycosylation of codfish parvalbumin does not affect the digestibility of parvalbumin and that the peptides resulting from this digestion show low IgE-binding, regardless of glycosylation. Glycosylation of parvalbumin leads to the formation of higher order structures that are more potent IgE binders than native, monomeric parvalbumin. Therefore, food-processing conditions applied to fish allergen can potentially lead to increased allergenicity, even while the protein's digestibility is not affected by such processing.
The Clinical Profile and the Efficacy of Prazosin in Scorpion Sting Envenomation in Children of North Karnataka

Results: Local pain, sweating and peripheral circulatory failure were the common clinical presentations. Complications like acute pulmonary oedema, myocarditis, shock and encephalopathy were also seen. These were treated with a combination of Prazosin with either inotropes or vasodilators. Mortality was seen in 18 (7.5%) children. The usage of antihistaminics and steroids in these children led to higher mortality. Oral Prazosin, a postsynaptic alpha –1 blocker, is a highly effective drug for scorpion sting envenomation.
Beyond the black box: drug- and device-associated hypersensitivity events

Background: Drug- and device-associated hypersensitivity reactions are serious toxicities that can result in respiratory failure or acute cardiac ischemic events, or even severe hypersensitivity syndromes such as Stevens–Johnson syndrome. These toxicities are usually poorly described in the “black box” warnings section of the product labels. Methods: Adverse event reports contained in databases maintained by the Project on Medical Research on Adverse Drug Events and Reports (Med-RADAR), product labels, safety advisories disseminated by pharmaceutical manufacturers, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) were reviewed. Results: Adverse event reports identified three health care workers who developed nevirapine-associated Stevens–Johnson syndrome following occupational exposure to HIV-infected blood or blood products; four persons with localized hypersensitivity and fatal cardiac events associated with rapamycin- or paclitaxel-coated coronary artery stent placements; and six persons with breast cancer who developed severe or fatal anaphylaxis after receiving adjuvant chemotherapy with Cremophor-EL containing paclitaxel. Safety advisories from the FDA, CDC, and the relevant pharmaceutical manufacturers were ambiguous in their description in “black box” warning sections of package inserts describing these serious and potentially fatal toxicities. Conclusion: Improvements are needed in pharmacovigilance and subsequent dissemination of safety advisories for drug/device-associated hypersensitivity reactions.