Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Use of clinical and impairment-based tests to predict falls by community-dwelling older adults.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Few tests have been found to be strongly predictive of falls in community-dwelling older adults. The purpose of this study was to determine whether data from 5 balance tests-combined with data regarding fall history, number of medications, dizziness, visual problems, use of an assistive device, physical activity level, sex, and age-could predict falls in community-dwelling older adults who were independent. SUBJECTS Ninety-nine community-dwelling older adults aged 65 to 90 years (X =74.02, SD=5.64) were tested. METHODS Subjects were tracked for falls over a 1-year period following testing. Impairment-based tests, which are tests that attempt to specifically identify which sensory systems are impaired or how motor control is impaired (eg, speed, accuracy of movement), were the Modified Clinical Tests of Sensory Interaction for Balance (Modified CTSIB) and the 100% Limits of Stability Test, both of which were done on the Balance Master 6.1. Performance-based tests, which are functional tests that identify functional limitations without necessarily identifying their causes, were the Berg Balance Scale, the Timed "Up Go" Test, and the Dynamic Gait Index. Demographic and health data included age, sex, number of medications, physical activity level, presence of dizziness, vision problems, and history of falls over the previous year. Logistic regression was used to determine which combinations of data from balance tests, demographics, and health factors were predictive of falls. RESULTS Two models-(1) the "standing on a firm surface with eyes closed" (FEC) condition of the Modified CTSIB and (2) the FEC combined with age and sex-were predictive of falls, but predicted only 1 and 2 subjects who were at risk for falling, respectively, out of 20 people who were at risk for falling. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Five balance tests combined with health and demographic factors did not predict falls in a sample of community-dwelling older adults who were active and independent.
Bacterial Vaginosis in Pregnancy:: Diagnosis and Treatment Practices of Physicians in San Diego, California, 1999

Background Treating symptomatic bacterial vaginosis (BV) early in pregnancy may decrease preterm birth (PTB). Understanding how physicians manage BV is important for the development of interventions. Goal The goal was to determine the extent of knowledge and behaviors of physicians related to the diagnosis, treatment, and medical effects of BV in pregnant and nonpregnant patients. Study Design This was a cross-sectional survey. Results The study group consisted of 208 physicians who provided gynecologic care, including 102 (49%) who provided care to pregnant patients. Only 65% believed that there was a strong causal association between BV and PTB. Physicians who believed that BV causes PTB were much more likely to optimally manage vaginal infections (43% versus 7%). Only 12% of physicians prescribed oral metronidazole or clindamycin during the first trimester of pregnancy to treat BV. Conclusion Physicians should be aware of the relation between symptomatic BV and PTB, seek a specific diagnosis for symptoms of vaginitis, use standard criteria to diagnose BV, and treat BV with effective regimens early in pregnancy.
Functional Domains of Murine Cytomegalovirus Nuclear Egress Protein M53/p38

ABSTRACT Two conserved herpes simplex virus 1 proteins, UL31 and UL34, form a complex at the inner nuclear membrane which governs primary envelopment and nuclear egress of the herpesvirus nucleocapsids. In mouse cytomegalovirus, a member of the betaherpesvirus subfamily, the homologous proteins M53/p38 and M50/p35 form the nuclear egress complex (NEC). Since the interaction of these proteins is essential for functionality, the definition of the mutual binding sites is a prerequisite for further analysis. Using a comprehensive random mutagenesis procedure, we have mapped the M53/p38 binding site of M50/p35 (A. Bubeck, M. Wagner, Z. Ruzsics, M. Lötzerich, M. Iglesias, I. R. Singh, and U. H. Koszinowski, J. Virol. 78:8026-8035). Here we describe a corresponding analysis for the UL31 homolog M53/p38. A total of 72 individual mutants were reinserted into the genome to test the complementation of the lethal M53 null phenotype. The mutants were also studied for colocalization and for coprecipitation with M50/p35. The analysis revealed that the nonconserved N-terminal one-third of M53/p38 provides the nuclear localization signal as an essential function. The collective results for many mutants localized the binding site for M50/p35 to amino acids (aa) 112 to 137. No single aa exchange for alanine could destroy NEC formation, but virus attenuation revealed a major role for aa K128, Y129, and L130. The lethal phenotype of several insertion and stop mutants indicated the functional importance of the C terminus of the protein.
State dependence of stimulus-induced variability tuning in macaque MT

Behavioral states marked by varying levels of arousal and attention modulate some properties of cortical responses (e.g. average firing rates or pairwise correlations), yet it is not fully understood what drives these response changes and how they might affect downstream stimulus decoding. Here we show that changes in state modulate the tuning of response variance-to-mean ratios (Fano factors) in a fashion that is neither predicted by a Poisson spiking model nor changes in the mean firing rate, with a substantial effect on stimulus discriminability. We recorded motion-sensitive neurons in middle temporal cortex (MT) in two states: alert fixation and light, opioid anesthesia. Anesthesia tended to lower average spike counts, without decreasing trial-to-trial variability compared to the alert state. Under anesthesia, within-trial fluctuations in excitability were correlated over longer time scales compared to the alert state, creating supra-Poisson Fano factors. In contrast, alert-state MT neurons have higher mean firing rates and largely sub-Poisson variability that is stimulus-dependent and cannot be explained by firing rate differences alone. The absence of such stimulus-induced variability tuning in the anesthetized state suggests different sources of variability between states. A simple model explains state-dependent shifts in the distribution of observed Fano factors via a suppression in the variance of gain fluctuations in the alert state. A population model with stimulus-induced variability tuning and behaviorally constrained information-limiting correlations explores the potential enhancement in stimulus discriminability by the cortical population in the alert state.
Disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis: A treatment review

Abstract Disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis (DSAP) is a chronic disorder of keratinization characterized by numerous papules and plaques distributed over sun-exposed sites. Treatments are poorly standardized and several investigational therapies have demonstrated limited success in treating DSAP. To our knowledge, there have been no systematic reviews of the literature regarding the treatment of this disease. Herein, we review recent studies pertaining to the treatment of DSAP and evaluate the level of evidence for each of these therapeutic modalities.
Hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis in the Fontan circulation: a detailed morphological study

Aims: To describe the histological features of the liver in patients with a Fontan circulation. Methods: Specimens from liver biopsies carried out as part of preoperative assessment prior to extracardiac cavopulmonary conversion of an older style Fontan were examined and scored semi-quantitatively for pertinent histological features. To support the use of the scoring, biopsy specimens were also ranked by eye for severity to allow correlation with assigned scores. Results: Liver biopsy specimens from 18 patients with a Fontan circulation were assessed. All specimens showed sinusoidal fibrosis. In 17 cases there was at least fibrous spur formation, with 14 showing bridging fibrosis and 2 showing frank cirrhosis. In 17 cases at least some of the dense or sinusoidal fibrosis was orcein positive, although a larger proportion of the dense fibrous bands were orcein positive compared with the sinusoidal component. All specimens showed marked sinusoidal dilatation, and 14 showed bile ductular proliferation; 1 showed minimal iron deposition, and 1 showed mild lobular lymphocytic inflammation. There was no cholestasis or evidence of hepatocellular damage. Similar appearances were observed in 2 patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation. Discussion: The histological features of the liver in patients with a Fontan circulation are similar to those described in cardiac sclerosis. Sinusoidal dilatation and sinusoidal fibrosis are marked in the Fontan series. The presence of a significant amount of orcein negative sinusoidal fibrosis suggests there may be a remediable component, although the dense fibrous bands are predominantly orcein positive, suggesting chronicity and permanence. No inflammation or hepatocellular damage is evident, suggesting that fibrosis may be mediated by a non-inflammatory mechanism.
Near Real-Time Vegetation Monitoring at Global Scale

The NRT algorithm for near-real time estimation of global LAI, FAPAR, and FCOVER variables from SPOT/VEGETATION (VGT) satellite data is described here. It consists of three steps: 1) neural networks (NNT) (one for each variable) to provide instantaneous estimates from daily VGT-P reflectances; 2) a multistep filtering approach to eliminate data mainly affected by atmospheric effects and snow cover; and 3) Savitzky-Golay and climatology temporal smoothing and gap filling techniques to ensure consistency and continuity as well as short-term projection of the product dynamics. Performances of NRT estimates were evaluated by comparing with other products over the 2005-2008 period: 1) the offline estimates from the application of the algorithm over historical time series (HIST); 2) the geoland2 version 1 products also issued from VGT (GEOV1/VGT); and 3) ground data. NRT rapidly converges closely to the HIST processing after six dekads (10-day period) with major improvement after two dekads. Successive reprocessing will, therefore, correct for some instabilities observed in the presence of noisy and missing data. The root-mean-square error (RMSE) between NRT and HIST LAI is lower than 0.4 in all cases. It shows a rapid exponential decay with the number of observations in the composition window with convergence when 30 observations are available. NRT products are in good agreement with ground data (RMSE of 0.69 for LAI, 0.09 for FAPAR, and 0.14 for FCOVER) and consistent with GEOV1/VGT products with a significant improvement in terms of continuity (only 1% of missing data) and smoothness, especially at high latitudes, and Equatorial areas.
Development of Thalamocortical Connectivity during Infancy and Its Cognitive Correlations

Although commonly viewed as a sensory information relay center, the thalamus has been increasingly recognized as an essential node in various higher-order cognitive circuits, and the underlying thalamocortical interaction mechanism has attracted increasing scientific interest. However, the development of thalamocortical connections and how such development relates to cognitive processes during the earliest stages of life remain largely unknown. Leveraging a large human pediatric sample (N = 143) with longitudinal resting-state fMRI scans and cognitive data collected during the first 2 years of life, we aimed to characterize the age-dependent development of thalamocortical connectivity patterns by examining the functional relationship between the thalamus and nine cortical functional networks and determine the correlation between thalamocortical connectivity and cognitive performance at ages 1 and 2 years. Our results revealed that the thalamus–sensorimotor and thalamus–salience connectivity networks were already present in neonates, whereas the thalamus–medial visual and thalamus–default mode network connectivity emerged later, at 1 year of age. More importantly, brain–behavior analyses based on the Mullen Early Learning Composite Score and visual–spatial working memory performance measured at 1 and 2 years of age highlighted significant correlations with the thalamus–salience network connectivity. These results provide new insights into the understudied early functional brain development process and shed light on the behavioral importance of the emerging thalamocortical connectivity during infancy.
Active Broad X-Band Circular Patch Antenna

This letter presents the results of experimental study of omnidirectional circular patch antenna operating in the TM010 mode. Antenna geometrical parameters have been selected on the basis of theoretical calculations. It has been shown that the antenna of this kind with VSWR les 2 and bandwidth of 18% has a conical radiation pattern with maximum oriented 36deg to the zenith. The antenna has a side radiation level of -15 dB and a cross-component level of less than -25 dB. The experimental results are in good agreement with the theoretical calculations. Employment of the one-stage HEMT amplifier makes it possible to obtain the total gain of an active antenna of no less than 10 dB. This antenna can be successfully used for mobile systems, wireless indoor communications, as well as for array applications
The Epithelial Cell and Lung Cancer: The Link between Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Lung Cancer

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer currently form the basis for an enormous disease burden in the developed world. As a result of changing smoking trends and tobacco use, regrettably, a similar picture is arising rapidly within the developing world. COPD is a recognised risk factor for lung cancer, and a significant proportion of patients diagnosed with lung cancer have COPD. An association between both conditions has long been suspected but has proven difficult to demonstrate thus far. However, the common factors between both conditions are now becoming apparent thanks to recent clinical and molecular advances. Abnormal regulation of the immune system and the establishment of chronic inflammation appear to be key events in this process. In addition, the complex interplay between genes and environment and the possibility of a genetic basis to lung cancer susceptibility in the context of COPD are becoming clearer concepts. As we begin to unravel the common pathways and molecules in the pathogenesis of both conditions, we may be able to not only identify novel strategies to prevent and treat COPD and lung cancer, but also recognise molecular markers to identify patients at high risk of developing lung cancer.
Developing new veterinary services in milk quality: A review of a recent mastitis risk management co-development in Australia

Abstract A new veterinary service to promote ongoing, incremental improvements in the risk management of mastitis and milk quality was developed between 2005 and 2008. This was designed to enhance the relationship between the farmer and advisor, as an extension of the Countdown Downunder programme, Australia's national mastitis and milk quality programme. This service was co-developed between the Countdown Downunder programme team and a core development group of veterinarians involved with trialling the service, and farmers and social researchers. The service, known as Countdown MAX, involved advisory input at the planning stage, a written risk management plan, multiple engagements between the farm team and advisor for tracking and re-planning, and a service fee. Risk management resources (modules) were developed to be employed at the drying-off and calving periods, and during lactation. During the development and implementation phase eight veterinary practices conducted Countdown MAX consultations on 55 farms. Eighty-eight Countdown MAX modules were delivered in total, with 55% of farms completing more than one module but only 38% of modules reviewed successfully. A social research project examined the implementation of the Countdown MAX service in participating veterinary practices during the development phase. Findings of the project were that the successful uptake of a new mastitis service into a veterinary practice was enhanced through uptake by practice owners of the concept, the formation of a written practice plan, adequate communication and explanation of the new service to all staff, logistical support for the service within the practice, and transfer of mastitis expertise within the practice.
From Progressive Nonfluent Aphasia to Corticobasal Syndrome: A Case Report of Corticobasal Degeneration

In a previous report, we presented longitudinal clinical, cognitive and anatomical data of a right-handed woman, whose clinical picture evolved from progressive nonfluent aphasia with apraxia of speech to corticobasal syndrome (CBS) in the last stage of the disease. The patient died at age 57 and pathological examination revealed severe atrophy in the left frontal operculum and left premotor area. On histological examination, there was diffuse tau-positive pathology in gray and white cortical hemispheric gray and white matter, basal ganglia and substantia nigra, compatible with corticobasal degeneration (CBD). This case demonstrates the clinical overlap between frontotemporal lobar degeneration and CBD. In this case, early motor speech impairment predicted earlier and more accurately than CBS the presence of underlying tau-pathology and CBD.
Sleeping Site Selection by Agile Gibbons: The Influence of Tree Stability, Fruit Availability and Predation Risk

Primates spend a significant proportion of their lives at sleeping sites: the selection of a secure and stable sleeping tree can be crucial for individual survival and fitness. We measured key characteristics of all tree species in which agile gibbons slept, including exposure of the tree crown, root system, height, species and presence of food. Gibbons most frequently slept in Dipterocarpaceae and Fabaceae trees and preferentially chose trees taller than average, slept above the mean canopy height and showed a preference for liana-free trees. These choices could reflect avoidance of competition with other frugivores, but we argue these choices reflect gibbons prioritizing avoidance of predation. The results highlight that gibbons are actively selecting and rejecting sleeping trees based on several characteristics. The importance of the presence of large trees for food is noted and provides insight into gibbon antipredatory behaviour.
Solvent selection for biocatalysis in mainly organic systems: Predictions of effects on equilibrium position

Predictions may be made for the influence of solvent choice on the equilibrium position of biocatalyzed reactions, based on data for the liquid–liquid distribution of the reactants. The most reliable predictions are probably for dilute systems, based on partition coefficients or correlations derived from them. The effective equilibrium constant for esterification reactions is predicted to alter by more than four orders of magnitude on changing between different water‐immiscible solvents. The equilibrium constant correlates well with the solubility of water in the solvent, and is most favorable for synthesis in the least polar solvents (aliphatic hydrocarbons). Similar effects seem to apply for other reactions, including oxidation of alcohols and hydrolysis of chlorides. Predictions can be made for nondilute systems using the UNIFAC system of group contributions, but the reliability of these is more questionable.
Cytological Phenomena and Sex in Hypomyces Solani F. Cucurbitae.

Further experiments upon the relation of protein-augmented growth to the calcium content of the body at different ages are in progress and we platn to publish additional findings later. We have, however, no desire to "reserve" this field research. Rather, we are publishing this brief account now in the hope that other investigators of high protein feeding may study further, and from vario'us angles, the indication that the body's ability to make good use of high protein diets depends largely upon such diets possessing also a liberal calcium content.
The Deubiquitinating Enzyme AMSH3 Is Required for Intracellular Trafficking and Vacuole Biogenesis in Arabidopsis thaliana[C][W]

This study identifies AMSH3 as a major deubiquitinating enzyme in Arabidopsis that hydrolyzes ubiquitin chains in vitro and in vivo. It finds that AMSH3 is essential for proper vacuole biogenesis, trafficking from the Golgi to the vacuole, and the vacuolar trafficking of endocytosed cargo. Ubiquitination, deubiquitination, and the formation of specific ubiquitin chain topologies have been implicated in various cellular processes. Little is known, however, about the role of ubiquitin in the development of cellular organelles. Here, we identify and characterize the deubiquitinating enzyme AMSH3 from Arabidopsis thaliana. AMSH3 hydrolyzes K48- and K63-linked ubiquitin chains in vitro and accumulates both ubiquitin chain types in vivo. amsh3 mutants fail to form a central lytic vacuole, accumulate autophagosomes, and mis-sort vacuolar protein cargo to the intercellular space. Furthermore, AMSH3 is required for efficient endocytosis of the styryl dye FM4-64 and the auxin efflux facilitator PIN2. We thus present evidence for a role of deubiquitination in intracellular trafficking and vacuole biogenesis.
64- Versus 16-Slice CT Angiography for Coronary Artery Stent Assessment: In Vitro Experience

Objectives:We sought to assess the visualization of different coronary artery stents and the delineation of in-stent stenoses using 64- and 16-slice multidector computed tomography (MDCT). Materials and Methods:A total of 15 different coronary stents with a simulated in-stent stenosis were placed in a vascular phantom and scanned with a 16-slice and a 64-slice MDCT at orientations of 0°, 45°, and 90° relative to the scanner's z-axis. Visible lumen diameter and attenuation in the stented and the unstented segment of the phantom were measured. Three readers assessed stenosis delineation and visualization of the residual lumen using a 5-point scale. Results:Artificial lumen narrowing (ALN) was significantly reduced with 64-slice CT compared with 16-slice CT. At an angle of 0°, 45°, and 90° relative to the scanner's z-axis, the ALN for 16-slice CT was 42.2%, 39.8%, and 44.0% using a slice-thickness of 1.0 mm and 40.9%, 40.4%, and 41.6% using a slice thickness of 0.75 mm, respectively. With 64-slice CT, the ALN was 39.1%, 37.3%, and 36.0% at the respective angles. The differences between attenuation values in the stented and unstented segment of the tube were significantly lower for 64-slice CT. Mean visibility scores were significantly higher for 64-slice CT. Conclusion:Use of the 64-slice CT results in superior visualization of the stent lumen and in-stent stenosis compared with 16-slice CT, especially when the stent is orientated parallel to the x-ray beam.