Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prognosis of patients with idiopathic sudden hearing loss: role of vestibular assessment

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the correlation between caloric and vestibular evoked myogenic potential test results, initial audiogram data, and early hearing recovery, in patients with idiopathic sudden hearing loss. Materials and methods: One hundred and four patients with unilateral idiopathic sudden hearing loss underwent complete neurotological evaluation. Results for vestibular evoked myogenic potential and caloric testing were compared with patients' initial and final audiograms. Results: Overall, abnormal vestibular evoked myogenic potential responses occurred in 28.8 per cent of patients, whereas abnormal caloric test results occurred in 50 per cent. A statistically significant relationship was found between the type of inner ear lesion and the incidence of profound hearing loss. Moreover, a negative correlation was found between the extent of the inner ear lesion and the likelihood of early recovery. Conclusion: In patients with idiopathic sudden hearing loss, the extent of the inner ear lesion tends to correlate with the severity of cochlear damage. Vestibular assessment may be valuable in predicting the final outcome.
Taking "Fun and Games" Seriously: Proposing the Hedonic-Motivation System Adoption Model (HMSAM)

Hedonic-motivation systems (HMS) — systems used primarily to fulfill users’ intrinsic motivations — are the elephant in the room for IS research. Growth in HMS sales has outperformed utilitarian-motivation systems (UMS) sales for more than a decade, generating billions in revenue annually; yet IS research focuses mostly on UMS. In this study, we explain the role of intrinsic motivations in systems use and propose the Hedonic-Motivation System Adoption Model (HMSAM) to increase understanding of the adoption of HMS. Instead of a minor, general TAM extension, HMSAM is a HMS-specific system acceptance model grounded in an alternative theoretical perspective grounded in flow-based cognitive absorption (CA). The HMSAM extends van der Heijden’s (2004) model of hedonic system adoption by including CA as a key mediator of perceived ease of use (PEOU) and behavioral intentions to use (BIU) hedonic-motivation systems. Results from experiments involving 665 participants confirm that in a hedonic context, CA is a more powerful and appropriate predictor of BIU than PEOU or joy, and that the effect of PEOU on BIU is fully mediated by CA sub-constructs. This study lays a foundation, provides guidance, and opens up avenues for future HMS, UMS, and mixed-motivation system research.
Distal Injection Site May Explain Lack of Analgesia From Fascia Iliaca Block for Total Hip

we addressed this issue in the Discussion section of the manuscript: “Our study technique resulted in a 100% success rate in inhibiting shoulder abduction, and although there was a 16% failure rate in providing surgical anesthesia over the shoulder (presumably from supraclavicular nerves and a failure of the second 10mL injection to spread to the superficial cervical plexus), all subjects exhibited an increase in tolerance to cutaneous current, suggesting the sensory fibers of the axillary nerve were affected. ”
Neuron-specific regulation on F-actin cytoskeletons

Dendritic spines are neuron-specific actin-rich subcellular structures and are the location of excitatory synapses. Neurotransmitters released from presynaptic terminals activate the signals modifying the F-actin dynamics and stability and thus control dendritic spine morphology. Many ubiquitously expressed actin-associated proteins, including cortactin, have been shown to regulate dendritic spine morphology and density. Since dendritic spines are neuron-specific structures, neuron-specific proteins are expected to control F-actin cytoskeletons and dendritic spinogenesis. Recently, we demonstrated that cortactin-binding protein 2 (CTTNBP2), a neuron-specific protein, regulates the mobility and distribution of cortactin and controls the density of dendritic spines. This is the first example of a neuron-specific protein that controls the mobility of an F-actin associated protein and influences the dendritic spines. It provides a platform to explore the specific pathway triggering dendritic spinogenesis.
Ultimate Compressive Strength of Cold-Formed Steel Angle Struts Loaded through a Single Bolt

In cold-formed steel trusses and space frames, angles are commonly used for the members, the load being transferred to the members at both ends through a connection to a gusset plate. Such connections are typically formed through bolts or screws. Since this connection is made through one of the angle legs, the load is therefore eccentric to the centroid of the section. On the other hand, owing to contact with the gusset plate and the bolt-head, the ends of the connection possess partial torsional restraint. When designing cold-formed steel angle sections, an engineer would typically take into account the eccentricity of the connection but ignore the beneficial effect of the partial torsional restraint. This paper describes a non-linear elasto-plastic finite element model of angle sections connected to a gusset plate through a single bolt at each end subjected to axial compressive load. The results of the finite element model are validated against previously published full-scale laboratory test results. A parametric study of both equal and unequal angle sections is presented. From the results of the parametric study, simple design recommendations are proposed.
Phylogeny and classification of the Catantopidae at the tribal level (Orthoptera, Acridoidea)

Abstract The grasshopper family Catantopidae is a well-known group, whose members include some of the most notorious agricultural pests. The existing classifications of the family are mostly utilitarian rather than being based on phylogenetic analysis and therefore unable to provide the stability desired for such an economically important group. In the present study, we present the first comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of the family based on morphology. By extensively sampling from the Chinese fauna, we included in the present analysis multiple representatives of each of the previously recognized tribes in the family. In total, we examined 94 genera represented by 240 species and evaluated 116 characters, including 84 for external morphology and 32 for male genitalia. The final matrix consists of 86 ingroup taxa and 88 characters. Our phylogenetic analyses resulted in a high resolution of the basal relationships of the family while showed considerable uncertainty about the relationships among some crown taxa. We further evaluated the usefulness of morphological characters in phylogeny reconstruction of the catantopids by examining character fit to the shortest trees found, and contrary to previous suggestions, our results suggest that genitalia characters are not as informative as external morphology in inferring higher-level relationship. We further suggest that earlier classification systems of grasshoppers in general and Catantopidae in particular most probably consist of many groups that are not natural due the heavy reliance on genitalia features and need to be revised in the light of future phylogenetic studies. Finally, we outlined a tentative classification scheme based on the results of our phylogenetic analysis.
Leverage Management in a Bull-Bear Switching Market

Should an investor unwind his portfolio in the face of changing economic conditions? We study an investor's optimal trading strategy with finite horizon and transaction costs in an economy that switches stochastically between two market conditions. We fully characterize the investor's time dependent investment strategy in a “bull” market and a “bear” market. We show that when the market switches from the “bull” market to the “bear” market, complete deleveraging, reducing the degree of leverage, or keeping leverage unchanged may all be optimal strategies, subject to underlying market conditions. We further show that the investor may optimally keep leverage unchanged in the “bear” market, particularly so for illiquid asset. On the other hand, a lower borrowing cost in the “bear” market would prevent sell offs.
Patterning of Cognitive and Somatic Processes in the Self‐Regulation of Anxiety: Effects of Meditation versus Exercise

&NA; Davidson and Schwartz (1) have proposed a psychobiological analysis of anxiety that emphasizes the patterning of multiple processes in the generation and self‐regulation of this state. The present article specifically reviews recent research on cognitive and somatic components of anxiety. A dual component scale which separately assesses cognitive and somatic trait anxiety is described and applied to the study of the differential effects of a somatic (physical exercise) and a cognitive (meditation) relaxation procedure. A total of 77 subjects was employed; 44 regularly practiced physical exercise and 33 regularly practiced meditation for comparable periods of time. As predicted, subjects practicing physical exercise reported relatively less somatic and more cognitive anxiety than meditators. These data suggest that specific subcomponents of anxiety may be differentially associated with relaxation techniques engaging primarily cognitive versus somatic subsystems. It is proposed that relaxation consists of (1) a generalized reduction to multiple physiological systems (termed the relaxation response by Benson) and (2) a more specific pattern of changes superimposed upon this general reduction, which is elicited by the particular techniques employed. The data from this retrospective study need to be followed up by prospective studies to establish the precise mechanisms for these effects.
Braking Dopamine Systems: A New GABA Master Structure for Mesolimbic and Nigrostriatal Functions

A new mesopontine structure exerting a strong influence on dopamine systems has recently been defined: the tail of the ventral tegmental area/rostromedial tegmental nucleus (tVTA/RMTg). This review presents a neuroanatomical, physiological, and behavioral overview of some of the recent and ongoing research on this brain region and its relationship with dopamine systems. The tVTA/RMTg sends dense GABA projections to VTA and substantia nigra neurons. The inhibitory influence of tVTA/RMTg on dopamine neurons is supported by both neuroanatomical and electrophysiology data. The latter studies also reveal the tVTA/RMTg as a substrate for morphine and cannabinoid action on dopamine cells. In primates, the tVTA/RMTg has been implicated in reward prediction error signals, through a basal ganglia–lateral habenula–tVTA/RMTg–dopamine–basal ganglia circuit. In rodents, the tVTA/RMTg has been shown to play a critical role in aversive behaviors, particularly those involving behavioral inhibition, such as freezing and avoidance. These findings highlight the functional importance of the tVTA/RMTg as a major GABA brake for dopamine systems.
Prospects for the development of effective pharmacotherapy targeted at the skeletal muscles in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a translational review

Skeletal muscle dysfunction is a prevalent and clinically important systemic manifestation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that predicts morbidity and mortality. Skeletal muscle retains its plasticity in response to anabolic stimuli such as exercise in COPD and is therefore a promising target for novel pharmacological therapies aimed at reducing disability and healthcare utilisation and improving mortality. In this article, we outline the steps the academic and pharmaceutical communities need to undertake for such therapeutic advances to be realised.
Developing a Nomogram for Dose Individualization of Phenytoin in Asian Pediatric Patients Derived From Population Pharmacokinetic Modeling of Saturable Pharmacokinetic Profiles of the Drug

Background:A population pharmacokinetic model for phenytoin in Asian pediatric patients was developed to determine the influence of concurrent medications, patient demographics, and blood biochemistry on the pharmacokinetic profile of phenytoin. Methods:Retrospective clinical data were obtained from 66 patients (age, 1–16 years) for the determination of pharmacokinetic parameters of phenytoin using WinNonmix. Data from 49 patients (74.2%) were allocated in the “index” group, and the other 17 patients (25.8%) in the “validation” group. Models were compared by final log likelihood, mean error as a measure of bias, and root-mean-squared error as a measure of precision. Results:The Michaelis–Menten constant (km) and volume of distribution (V) were fixed at 9.08 mg/L and 1.23 L/kg, respectively. The saturated elimination rate (V × Vmax) of phenytoin was then found to be 0.525 mg/kg per hour (352.9 4 mg/d for a 28.0 kg individual). Patients’ body surface area (in square meter) and catalytic activities of liver enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (U/L) and alkaline phosphatase (U/L) appeared to have significant correlation with Vmax, whereas coadministrating drugs with phenytoin did not yield any significant effect. The final model for the saturated elimination rate wasIn validation of the final model, the mean error was found to be −0.805 (95% confidence interval, −3.67 to 2.06), and the root-mean-squared error was 7.92 (95% confidence interval, 3.41–12.43). Conclusions:The obtained results indicated the need to consider patients’ body surface area and the catalytic activities of liver enzymes aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase when dosing phenytoin. Based on the population pharmacokinetic parameters, a nomogram was subsequently developed for dose individualization of phenytoin in Asian pediatric patients.
Altered Functional Connectivity between Emotional and Cognitive Resting State Networks in Euthymic Bipolar I Disorder Patients

Bipolar disorder is characterized by a functional imbalance between hyperactive ventral/limbic areas and hypoactive dorsal/cognitive brain regions potentially contributing to affective and cognitive symptoms. Resting-state studies in bipolar disorder have identified abnormal functional connectivity between these brain regions. However, most of these studies used a seed-based approach, thus restricting the number of regions that were analyzed. Using data-driven approaches, researchers identified resting state networks whose spatial maps overlap with frontolimbic areas such as the default mode network, the frontoparietal networks, the salient network, and the meso/paralimbic network. These networks are specifically engaged during affective and cognitive tasks and preliminary evidence suggests that functional connectivity within and between some of these networks is impaired in bipolar disorder. The present study used independent component analysis and functional network connectivity approaches to investigate functional connectivity within and between these resting state networks in bipolar disorder. We compared 30 euthymic bipolar I disorder patients and 35 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Inter-network connectivity analysis revealed increased functional connectivity between the meso/paralimbic and the right frontoparietal network in bipolar disorder. This abnormal connectivity pattern did not correlate with variables related to the clinical course of the disease. The present finding may reflect abnormal integration of affective and cognitive information in ventral-emotional and dorsal-cognitive networks in euthymic bipolar patients. Furthermore, the results provide novel insights into the role of the meso/paralimbic network in bipolar disorder.
Subjective Benefit After BAHA System Application in Patients With Congenital Unilateral Conductive Hearing Impairment

Objective: To study whether unilateral Bone-anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA) fitting led to subjective hearing benefit in patients with congenital unilateral conductive hearing impairment. Study Design: Prospective evaluation on 20 patients. Setting: Tertiary referral center. Patients: Ten adults and 10 children with congenital unilateral conductive hearing impairment, with a mean air-bone gap of 50 dB, were included. Methods: Subjective bilateral hearing benefit after BAHA fitting was measured using 2 disability-specific questionnaires: Chung and Stephens and the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of hearing profile (children's version in the patients aged <18 yr). The Glasgow children's benefit inventory was also used to measure patient's health benefit after BAHA fitting. Results: Chung and Stephens' questionnaire showed an overall preference for the BAHA in several specific hearing situations. The Glasgow children's benefit inventory demonstrated an overall mean improvement of +34, which was the most prominent in the learning domain. The 10 adults showed an already good score on the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of hearing scale in the unaided situation. Conclusion: The BAHA was well accepted by most of the patients with congenital unilateral conductive hearing impairment. A preoperative trial of the BAHA system with the BAHA on a headband is part of the preoperative procedure. In children with unilateral conductive hearing loss, with regard to possible childs' development and communication difficulties, intervention with BAHA can be considered as an option.
Stabilizing the open conformation of the integrin headpiece with a glycan wedge increases affinity for ligand

The affinity of the extracellular domain of integrins for ligand is regulated by conformational changes signaled from the cytoplasm. Alternative types of conformational movement in the ligand-binding headpiece have been proposed. In one study, electron micrograph image averages of the headpiece of integrin aVβ3 show two different conformations. The open conformation of the headpiece is present when a ligand mimetic peptide is bound and differs from the closed conformation in the presence of an obtuse angle between the β3 subunit hybrid and I-like domains. We tested the hypothesis that opening of the hybrid-I-like domain interface increases ligand-binding affinity by mutationally introducing an N-glycosylation site into it. Both β3 and β1 integrin glycan wedge mutants exhibit constitutively high affinity for physiological ligands. The data uniquely support one model of integrin activation and suggest that movement at the interface with the hybrid domain pulls down the C-terminal helix of the I-like domain and activates its metal ion-dependent adhesion site, analogously to activation of the integrin I domain.
The Evolution of Wikipedia

The evolution of online networks is a topic that has generated much interest in research. In the past, scientists have studied some dynamic properties of network evolution, choosing to focus on online social networks and proposing a variety of models with some degree of success. However, much is yet to be learned about how large networks grow and evolve. As the largest online encyclopedic resource in human history, Wikipedia is an interesting example of an online network. Unlike social networks — the usual object of analysis, Wikipedia is an knowledge network, representing the structure of information instead of social relationships. Therefore, studying the dynamics of Wikipedia can be a refreshing addition to network evolution reasearch. In our project, we studied the evolution of Wikipedia on both static and dynamic viewpoints. Using data that contains Wikipedia’s complete edit history, we took snapshots of Wikipedia at different timepoints and computed statistics to look for trends over time and gain insight into the network structure. By comparing snapshots taken between a short period of time, we singled out individual edge creation processes and studied them, focusing on the choice of destination for new edges. On the Wikipedia network, we compared and evaluated previous edge destination models such as the triangle closing model and models based on Preferential Attachment. From this, we went on to propose that not only the degree of the destination node, but also it’s PageRank score can be used to explain the preferential generative process of graph edges. We evaluated the effectiveness of PageRank as a predictor of edge destination, comparing it to node degree.
S.27.05 Genetic contributions to human brain morphology and intelligence

Variation in gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) volume of the adult human brain is primarily genetically determined. Moreover, total brain volume is positively correlated with general intelligence, and both share a common genetic origin. However, although genetic effects on morphology of specific GM areas in the brain have been studied, the heritability of focal WM is unknown. Similarly, it is unresolved whether there is a common genetic origin of focal GM and WM structures with intelligence. We explored the genetic influence on focal GM and WM densities in magnetic resonance brain images of 54 monozygotic and 58 dizygotic twin pairs and 34 of their siblings. For genetic analyses, we used structural equation modeling and voxel-based morphometry. To explore the common genetic origin of focal GM and WM areas with intelligence, we obtained cross-trait/cross-twin correlations in which the focal GM and WM densities of each twin are correlated with the psychometric intelligence quotient of his/her cotwin. Genes influenced individual differences in left and right superior occipitofrontal fascicle (heritability up to 0.79 and 0.77), corpus callosum (0.82, 0.80), optic radiation (0.69, 0.79), corticospinal tract (0.78, 0.79), medial frontal cortex (0.78, 0.83), superior frontal cortex (0.76, 0.80), superior temporal cortex (0.80, 0.77), left occipital cortex (0.85), left postcentral cortex (0.83), left posterior cingulate cortex (0.83), right parahippocampal cortex (0.69), and amygdala (0.80, 0.55). Intelligence shared a common genetic origin with superior occipitofrontal, callosal, and left optical radiation WM and frontal, occipital, and parahippocampal GM (phenotypic correlations up to 0.35). These findings point to a neural network that shares a common genetic origin with human intelligence.
Multimodal Detection of Depression in Clinical Interviews

Current methods for depression assessment depend almost entirely on clinical interview or self-report ratings. Such measures lack systematic and efficient ways of incorporating behavioral observations that are strong indicators of psychological disorder. We compared a clinical interview of depression severity with automatic measurement in 48 participants undergoing treatment for depression. Interviews were obtained at 7-week intervals on up to four occasions. Following standard cut-offs, participants at each session were classified as remitted, intermediate, or depressed. Logistic regression classifiers using leave-one-out validation were compared for facial movement dynamics, head movement dynamics, and vocal prosody individually and in combination. Accuracy (remitted versus depressed) for facial movement dynamics was higher than that for head movement dynamics; and each was substantially higher than that for vocal prosody. Accuracy for all three modalities together reached 88.93 %, exceeding that for any single modality or pair of modalities. These findings suggest that automatic detection of depression from behavioral indicators is feasible and that multimodal measures afford most powerful detection.