Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Test Anxiety and Working Memory System

The purpose was to examine the effect of test anxiety on deficits in the articulatory loop in the working memory system. We used a verbal memory task to occupy the articulatory loop and a spatial memory task to occupy the visuospatial scratch pad. 17 highly test-anxious and 19 low-anxiety subjects performed both tasks under an anxiety-inducing situation during which they were observed by a monitor camera. Percentage of correct responses and reaction times were measured as indices of task performance. Highly anxious subjects reported feeling worry and cognitive self-concern more than the low-anxiety group. Highly anxious subjects showed a longer mean reaction time on the verbal memory task than the low-anxiety group. On the spatial memory task there was no difference in quality of performance. This finding might suggest that anxiety such as worry and cognitive self-concern interferes with information processing in the articulatory loop of the working memory system.
Bilateral Implantation of Centromedian‐Parafascicularis Complex and GPi: A New Combination of Unconventional Targets for Deep Brain Stimulation in Severe Parkinson Disease

Objectives. Traditional deep brain stimulation (DBS) at the subthalamic nucleus (STN) has proved to be efficacious on core Parkinsonian symptoms. However, very disabling l‐dopa–induced abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs) and axial signs are slightly affected, suggesting that we target less conventional targets. Our candidates for DBS were the globus pallidus internus (GPi) plus the intralaminar thalamic complex (Pf or CM), given its extensive functional links with basal ganglia nuclei.
Eating Behaviors and Social Capital Are Associated With Fruit and Vegetable Intake Among Rural Adults

Few studies have focused on determinants of fruit and vegetable intake in rural areas. This study examined the relationship between demographics, socioeconomic status, social capital, eating behaviors, and fruit and vegetable intake for a large rural sample. Data from 1220 rural adults participating in the 2006 Brazos Valley Community Health Assessment Survey were used. Multivariable regression results demonstrated eating a regular breakfast (P value ≤ 0.001) was positively and drinking sugar-sweetened beverages (P value = 0.010) was negatively associated with fruit and vegetable intake. Being female, older, and having higher levels of education and social capital were associated with consuming more fruit and vegetables. This analysis provides evidence that contextual aspects are important for understanding fruit and vegetable intake in rural areas.
Intraepithelial carcinoma of the cervix

Received June 18, 1998; accepted June 30, 1998. F ifty years ago, Cancer published a seminal mapping study of carcinoma in situ of the cervix (CIS) authored by Foote and Stewart, two giants of modern surgical pathology. This study contributed to our current understanding of cervical carcinogenesis and laid the groundwork for developing effective cervical carcinoma screening programs based on the detection of curable cancer precursors. The authors noted, with great insight, that the concept of a “noninfiltrating phase of carcinoma of the cervix” was gaining widespread acceptance in the 1940s and that increased detection of CIS could provide an answer to “the growing nation-wide plea for diagnosis of cancer in its earliest stages. ” The purpose of the current review is to summarize the progress that has been made in elucidating the pathogenesis of cervical carcinoma since Foote and Stewart’s important work and to describe how these discoveries have laid the groundwork for modern approaches to screening and prevention.
A physical-statistical shadowing correlation model and its application to low-Earth-orbit systems

A shadowing correlation model is proposed in the context of a physical-statistical approach in the view of satellite diversity in built-up areas. The model relies on a model based on the uniform theory of diffraction, applied in a canonical built-up scenario. The correlation model is described and simulation results are presented and analyzed within a physical point of view. The shadowing correlation model is finally applied to several low-Earth-orbit constellations. The impact of geometrical parameters and of the constellation is investigated.
Techniques for optimized reasoning in description logic knowledge bases

One of the main goals of the artificial intelligence community is to create machines able to reason with dynamically changing knowledge. To achieve this goal, a multitude of different problems have to be solved, of which many have been addressed in the various sub-disciplines of artificial intelligence, like automated reasoning and machine learning. The thesis at hand focuses on the automated reasoning aspects of these problems and address two of the problems which have to be overcome to reach the afore-mentioned goal, namely 1. the fact that reasoning in logical knowledge bases is intractable and 2. the fact that applying changes to formalized knowledge can easily introduce inconsistencies, which leads to unwanted results in most scenarios. To ease the intractability of logical reasoning, I suggest to adapt a technique called knowledge compilation, known from propositional logic, to description logic knowledge bases. The basic idea of this technique is to compile the given knowledge base into a normal form which allows to answer queries efficiently. This compilation step is very expensive but has to be performed only once and as soon as the result of this step is used to answer many queries, the expensive compilation step gets worthwhile. In the thesis at hand, I develop a normal form, called linkless normal form, suitable for knowledge compilation for description logic knowledge bases. From a computational point of view, the linkless normal form has very nice properties which are introduced in this thesis. For the second problem, I focus on changes occurring on the instance level of description logic knowledge bases. I introduce three change operators interesting for these knowledge bases, namely deletion and insertion of assertions as well as repair of inconsistent instance bases. These change operators are defined such that in all three cases, the resulting knowledge base is ensured to be consistent and changes performed to the knowledge base are minimal. This allows us to preserve as much of the original knowledge base as possible. Furthermore, I show how these changes can be applied by using a transformation of the knowledge base. For both issues I suggest to adapt techniques successfully used in other logics to get promising methods for description logic knowledge bases.
A prospective randomized study comparing partially covered metal stent versus plastic multistent in the endoscopic management of patients with postoperative benign bile duct strictures: a follow-up above 5 years.

BACKGROUND Self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) are often used for biliary drainage due to obstruction of neoplastic etiology, with better results than plastic stents, but seldom for biliary drainage of benign etiology. OBJECTIVE Primary end point: Verify bile duct patency after placement of self-expandable metal and (multiple) plastic stents in patients with benign strictures resulting from bile duct surgery with follow-up above five years. Secondary end point: Evaluate long-term complication rate in patients with metal self-expandable and plastic stents. RESULTS Self-expandable stents were placed in 15 patients and multiple plastic stents in 16. Mean age was 45 years with prevalence of female patients in both groups and no statistical difference between groups was observed (SEMS: 66.7%; plastic multistent: 62.5%; p=0.8). Complication rate resulting from stents occurred more often in the metal stent group (40% versus 25%; p=0.37). In the metal stent group, most frequent complications were hemorrhage (n=3; 20%), stent migration (n=2; 13.3%) and perforation (n=1; 6.7%). In plastic multistent group, most frequent complications were perforation (n:2; 12.5%), hemorrhage (n=1; 6.2%) and ulcer (n=1; 6.2%). Long-term patency rate after biliary drainage was higher in the self-expandable metal stent group, SEMS: 81.67% ± 2.56; CI: 76.47-86.54; plastic multistent: 71.88% ± 2.93; CI: 66.08-77.27. CONCLUSION The temporary passage of partially covered self-expandable metal stents is a feasible option for patients with benign bile duct strictures.
Deterministic implied volatility models

Abstract In this paper, we characterize two deterministic implied volatility models, defined by assuming that either the per-delta or the per-strike implied volatility surface has a deterministic evolution. Practitioners have recently proposed these two models to describe two regimes of implied volatility (see Derman (1999 Risk 4 55–9)). In an arbitrage-free sticky-delta model, we show that the underlying asset price is the exponential of a process with independent increments under the unique risk neutral measure and that any square-integrable claim can be replicated up to a vanishing risk by trading portfolios of vanilla options. This latter result is similar in nature to the quasi-completeness result obtained by Bjork et al (1997 Finance Stochastics 1 141–74) for interest rate models driven by Levy processes. Finally, we show that the only arbitrage-free sticky-strike model is the standard Black-Scholes model.
Effects of Loss of Visual Feedback on Performance of Two Swimming Strokes

20 subjects, aged 11 to 21 yr. , skilled in competitive swimming in both the crawl and the breaststroke, performed a total of 8 timed swimming trials of 25 yd. in both strokes both with and without blindfolds to test the hypothesis that the loss in performance which would occur with loss of visual feedback is related to the complexity of the motor skill being performed. After correction for differences in the speed of each stroke, the loss in speed (performance decrement) in the more complex stroke (crawl) was significantly greater than the decrement in the less complex (breast) stroke.
Giving Uridine and/or Docosahexaenoic Acid Orally to Rat Dams during Gestation and Nursing Increases Synaptic Elements in Brains of Weanling Pups

Developing neurons synthesize substantial quantities of membrane phospholipids in producing new synapses. We investigated the effects of maternal uridine (as uridine-5′-monophosphate) and docosahexaenoic acid supplementation on pups’ brain phospholipids, synaptic proteins and dendritic spine densities. Dams consumed neither, 1 or both compounds for 10 days before parturition and 20 days while nursing. By day 21, brains of weanlings receiving both exhibited significant increases in membrane phosphatides, various pre- and postsynaptic proteins (synapsin-1, mGluR1, PSD-95), and in hippocampal dendritic spine densities. Administering these phosphatide precursors to lactating mothers or infants could be useful for treating developmental disorders characterized by deficient synapses.
Effect of the electric field on the apparent mobility of large DNA fragments in agarose gels

The electrophoresis of a series of DNA fragments ranging in size from 0.5 to 12 kilobase pairs, has been studied as a function of agarose gel concentration and electric field strength. The apparent mobility of all fragments decreased with decreasing electric field strength and with increasing gel concentration. When extrapolated to zero electric field strength and zero agarose concentration, the apparent mobility of all DNA fragments extrapolated to a common value (2.0 ± 0.1) × 10−4 cm2/V s. The square roots of the retardation coefficients of the various fragments were found to be linearly related to the root‐mean‐square radii of gyration of the fragments, as predicted by pore‐size distribution theory. As predicted by reptation theory, the molecular weights of the various fragments were found to be linearly related to the reciprocal of the apparent mobilities. An equation is given for estimating the apparent pore size of agarose gels between 0.25 and 1.5% in concentration.
Comparing the Incomparable? A Systematic Review of Competing Techniques for Converting Descriptive Measures of Health Status into QALY-Weights

Background . Algorithms for converting descriptive measures of health status into quality-adjusted life year (QALY)—weights are now widely available, and their application in economic evaluation is increasingly commonplace. The objective of this study is to describe and compare existing conversion algorithms and to highlight issues bearing on the derivation and interpretation of the QALY-weights so obtained. Methods . Systematic review of algorithms for converting descriptive measures of health status into QALY-weights. Results . The review identified a substantial body of literature comprising 46 derivation studies and 16 studies that provided evidence or commentary on the validity of conversion algorithms. Conversion algorithms were derived using 1 of 4 techniques: 1) transfer to utility regression, 2) response mapping, 3) effect size translation, and 4) “revaluing” outcome measures using preference-based scaling techniques. Although these techniques differ in their methodological/theoretical tradition, data requirements, and ease of derivation and application, the available evidence suggests that the sensitivity and validity of derived QALY-weights may be more dependent on the coverage and sensitivity of measures and the disease area/patient group under evaluation than on the technique used in derivation. Conclusions . Despite the recent proliferation of conversion algorithms, a number of questions bearing on the derivation and interpretation of derived QALY-weights remain unresolved. These unresolved issues suggest directions for future research in this area. In the meantime, analysts seeking guidance in selecting derived QALY-weights should consider the validity and feasibility of each conversion algorithm in the disease area and patient group under evaluation rather than restricting their choice to weights from a particular derivation technique.
Complete Genome Sequence of Metallosphaera cuprina, a Metal Sulfide-Oxidizing Archaeon from a Hot Spring

ABSTRACT The genome of the metal sulfide-oxidizing, thermoacidophilic strain Metallosphaera cuprina Ar-4 has been completely sequenced and annotated. Originally isolated from a sulfuric hot spring, strain Ar-4 grows optimally at 65°C and a pH of 3.5. The M. cuprina genome has a 1,840,348-bp circular chromosome (2,029 open reading frames [ORFs]) and is 16% smaller than the previously sequenced Metallosphaera sedula genome. Compared to the M. sedula genome, there are no counterpart genes in the M. cuprina genome for about 480 ORFs in the M. sedula genome, of which 243 ORFs are annotated as hypothetical protein genes. Still, there are 233 ORFs uniquely occurring in M. cuprina. Genome annotation supports that M. cuprina lives a facultative life on CO2 and organics and obtains energy from oxidation of sulfidic ores and reduced inorganic sulfuric compounds.
Progress in the understanding and utilization of biologic response modifiers in the treatment of uveitis

ABSTRACT Uveitis is the third most common cause of blindness in developed countries. Considering the systemic and local complications of long-term corticosteroid therapy and the intolerance due to side effects and ineffectiveness of conventional chemotherapy, use of biologic response modifiers is a reasonable alternative in the treatment of non-infectious uveitis and persistent uveitic macular edema. The majority of the evidence presented here comes from open uncontrolled analyses. Based on these studies, tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors, especially infliximab and adalimumab, have been shown to be effective in the treatment of non-infectious uveitis in numerous studies. More research is necessary, particularly multi-center randomized clinical trials, to address the choice of biologic response modifier agent and the length of treatment as we employ biologic response modifiers in different types of uveitis and persistent uveitic macular edema.
Stimulating the Release of Exosomes Increases the Intercellular Transfer of Prions*

Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles released by cells and play important roles in intercellular communication and pathogen transfer. Exosomes have been implicated in several neurodegenerative diseases, including prion disease and Alzheimer disease. Prion disease arises upon misfolding of the normal cellular prion protein, PrPC, into the disease-associated isoform, PrPSc. The disease has a unique transmissible etiology, and exosomes represent a novel and efficient method for prion transmission. The precise mechanism by which prions are transmitted from cell to cell remains to be fully elucidated, although three hypotheses have been proposed: direct cell-cell contact, tunneling nanotubes, and exosomes. Given the reported presence of exosomes in biological fluids and in the lipid and nucleic acid contents of exosomes, these vesicles represent an ideal mechanism for encapsulating prions and potential cofactors to facilitate prion transmission. This study investigates the relationship between exosome release and intercellular prion dissemination. Stimulation of exosome release through treatment with an ionophore, monensin, revealed a corresponding increase in intercellular transfer of prion infectivity. Conversely, inhibition of exosome release using GW4869 to target the neutral sphingomyelinase pathway induced a decrease in intercellular prion transmission. Further examination of the effect of monensin on PrP conversion revealed that monensin also alters the conformational stability of PrPC, leading to increased generation of proteinase K-resistant prion protein. The findings presented here provide support for a positive relationship between exosome release and intercellular transfer of prion infectivity, highlighting an integral role for exosomes in facilitating the unique transmissible nature of prions.
Rapid Detection of aac(6′)-Ib-cr Quinolone Resistance Gene by Pyrosequencing

ABSTRACT Pyrosequencing was used to rapidly detect aac(6′)-Ib and aac(6′)-Ib-cr genes. This plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance determinant is increasing in extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae. This method is faster and more cost-effective than the methods previously described. Sequences obtained with this pyrosequencing method showed 100% concordance with conventional sequencing.
Cognitive Rehabilitation: A Goal-Planning Approach

Background:This case study describes a 33-year-old man who sustained a severe head injury with cerebrovascular complications in a road traffic accident. Method:His rehabilitation program focused on the everyday problems he faced as a result of cognitive deficits resulting from his brain injury. Twelve goals were set after negotiations between the man, his wife, and the rehabilitation team. Results:All goals were achieved by the end of his program. We describe how they were achieved and provide data for three goals in particular. We discuss the advantages of a goal planning approach in cognitive or neuropsychological rehabilitation.
Adenosine and sleep deprivation promote NF‐κB nuclear translocation in cholinergic basal forebrain

In our investigations related to the homeostatic sleep factor adenosine (AD), we previously demonstrated that the DNA‐binding activity of the transcription factor NF‐κB in rat cholinergic basal forebrain increased following 3 h of sleep deprivation (SD). However, the neurotransmitter nature of the cells and the SD‐induced stimuli responsible for NF‐κB activation were not defined. In this report, we demonstrate, using double labeling immunohistochemistry, that nuclear translocation of NF‐κB occurs almost exclusively in the cholinergic neurons of the basal forebrain following 3 h of SD. Furthermore, cholinergic basal forebrain microinjection of AD (25 nmol/L) or the A1 receptor agonist N6‐cyclo‐hexyladenosine (100 nmol/L) induced nuclear translocation of NF‐κB, thus suggesting that SD‐induced increased extracellular concentrations of AD, acting via the A1 AD receptor, may be responsible for the nuclear translocation of NF‐κB in cholinergic neurons. Moreover, blocking the nuclear translocation of NF‐κB by injection of inhibitor peptide, SN50, immediately prior to 6 h SD significantly reduced delta activity (1–4 Hz) during the first two hours of recovery sleep. Together, these data suggest a role in sleep homeostasis for the SD‐induced activation of NF‐κB in cholinergic basal forebrain, and that transcription factor NF‐κB may code for factor(s) that play a role in sleep homeostasis.
Sexual dimorphism of splenial thickness of corpus callosum

There are disputed claims about the differences of the size of the human corpus callosum in men and women and the relationship of any such differences to gender differences in human behaviour and cognition. There is scientific dispute not only about the implications of anatomical difference, but whether such a difference actually exists. The corpus callosum is the largest commissure of the brain. It is seen as a thick, curved white band on medial surface of sagittaly bisected brain. The Corpus callosum is 10 cm long, and has 4 parts i.e. rostrum, genu, trunk and splenium. The present study was carried out on 120 individuals (78 males & 42 females) between the age group of 1-85 years of age who visited the OPD of Department of Radio-diagnosis, Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Hospital and NMC Sky Imaging Centre, LLRM Medical College, Meerut. MRI scans were studied for splenial thickness of corpus callosum in mid-sagittal plane & comparison was done in males & females by using two way ANOVA procedure. No significant sexual dimorphism in splenial thickness was found in the present study.
Phase I Study of BIIB028, a Selective Heat Shock Protein 90 Inhibitor, in Patients with Refractory Metastatic or Locally Advanced Solid Tumors

Purpose: Heat shot protein 90 (Hsp90) is a ubiquitous molecular chaperone involved in protein folding, activation, and assembly, including key mediators of signal transduction, cell-cycle control, and transcriptional regulation. We conducted a phase I dose-finding and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic study of BIIB028, a prodrug designed to inhibit Hsp90 activity. Experimental Design: Patients with advanced solid tumors were enrolled and received escalating doses of BIIB028 intravenously twice a week in 21-day cycles (3 + 3 design). Response was evaluated after two cycles. Results: Forty-one patients received doses of 6 to 192 mg/m2. The maximum tolerated dose was 144 mg/m2. Dose-limiting toxicities were syncope (n = 1) and fatigue (n = 1). Common toxicities at least possibly related to drug were grades 1 to 2, including fatigue (46%), diarrhea (44%), nausea (44%), vomiting (29%), hot flushes (29%), and abnormal dreams (17%). The concentration–time curves for day 1 and day 18 for both prodrug and active metabolite (CF2772) showed a negligible difference. There was a dose-dependent increase in plasma exposure for BIIB028 (CF3647) and CF2772 with plasma half-life of 0.5 and 2.1 hours, respectively. Pharmacodynamic analyses showed significant increases in Hsp70 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and significantly decreased circulating human EGF receptor-2 extracellular domain in all patients who received BIIB028 at dose levels of 48 mg/m2 or more. Stable disease for at least eight cycles (24 weeks) was achieved in 5 (12%) patients (for durations of 6, 6, 8, 12.5, and 19 months). Conclusion: BIIB028 is a well-tolerated molecule that showed target impact and was associated with prolonged stable disease in two patients. Clin Cancer Res; 19(17); 4824–31. ©2013 AACR.