Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hybrid Coronary Revascularization for Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease: Strategies and Outcomes

Surgical and percutaneous treatments of coronary artery disease (CAD) have evolved in parallel over the last several decades. Both modalities now offer safe and effective relief from severe CAD, each with unique advantages and disadvantages. Hybrid coronary revascularization (HCR) provides a minimally invasive strategy that exploits the strengths of both traditional coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). HCR entails non-sternotomy left internal mammary artery (LIMA) harvest and grafting to the left anterior descending (LAD) artery, combined with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to non-LAD vessels. The result is a complete revascularization, including the survival benefit of a LIMA-LAD graft, while avoiding the morbidity and convalescence associated with a sternotomy. This review will describe the methods of sternal sparing LIMA-LAD grafting in practice today andexplore the various strategies and current evidence for HCR.
A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Analysis of Aging with a Childhood Onset Disability

In this qualitative study, we combined multiple interviews, field notes, life history review charts, and demographic questions to explore the life course experiences of 25 women, ages 55 to 65 years, who developed impairments due to paralytic polio during childhood. Based on a hermeneutic phenomenological methodology using thematic analysis, multiple themes emerged that traced their lives from childhood to later adulthood. The women described how they pushed their bodies and dismissed their physical decline as long as possible. The women's early experiences combined with the culturally defined role expectations for women to influence their perceptions of how to react to changing physical abilities with age.
Anticipatory control and spatial cognition in locomotion and navigation through typical development and in cerebral palsy

Behavioural evidence, summarized in this narrative review, supports a developmental model of locomotor control based on increasing neural integration of spatial reference frames. Two consistent adult locomotor behaviours are head stabilization and head anticipation: the head is stabilized to gravity and leads walking direction. This cephalocaudal orienting organization aligns gaze and vestibula with a reference frame centred on the upcoming walking direction, allowing anticipatory control on body kinematics, but is not fully developed until adolescence. Walking trajectories and those of hand movements share many aspects, including power laws coupling velocity to curvature, and minimized spatial variability. In fact, the adult brain can code trajectory geometry in an allocentric reference frame, irrespective of the end effector, regulating body kinematics thereafter. Locomotor trajectory formation, like head anticipation, matures in early adolescence, indicating common neurocomputational substrates. These late‐developing control mechanisms can be distinguished from biomechanical problems in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Children's performance on a novel navigation test, the Magic Carpet, indicates that typical navigation development consists of the increasing integration of egocentric and allocentric reference frames. In CP, right‐brain impairment seems to reduce navigation performance due to a maladaptive left‐brain sequential egocentric strategy. Spatial integration should be considered more in rehabilitation.
The modular architecture of the python(P)DEVS simulation kernel: work in progress paper

We introduce two sequential simulation languages and supporting simulation tools: PythonDEVS for Classic DEVS, and PythonPDEVS for Parallel DEVS. Complex simulation initialization and termination conditions are supported. The main contribution is a modular architecture which allows the user to choose the scheduler, the realtime time management platform, the tracer(s), termination conditions,. Both as-fast-as possible and real-time simulation are supported. For real-time simulation (and deployment), three different platforms for time management are supported: thread-based, integration with UI event processing, and integration with the game loop of modern game environments. The simulation kernel is highly optimized and as its modularity allows for user-provided custom schedulers, model-specific knowledge can be taken into account, leading to high performance.
The reinforcing effect of two spoken sounds on the frequency of two responses.

The reinforcing effects of various stimuli presented immediately following a response have been investigated largely with infra-human Ss. In the context of experiments using the operant conditioning paradigm, the accepted definition of the reinforcing stimulus is a stimulus introduced following a response that increases the probability of occurrence of that response. Despite this research utilizing infra-human Ss, there has been relatively little effort to identify reinforcing stimuli for human Ss. Many investigators have conditioned humans, but they have used only a few reinforcing stimuli. Thorndike demonstrated the effectiveness of 'right' and 'wrong' in increasing the frequency of different responses. ' Hurlock demonstrated that praise and reproof significantly affected performance in the classroom situation.2 Other investigators have demonstrated that various stimuli would increase the probability of responding.3 Most of the research involving reinforcing stimuli with human Ss has, however, been designed to test problems other than the identification of reinforcing stimuli for human Ss. The primary purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of the introduction and omission of two spoken sounds following a pre-determined response on the frequency of occurrence of that response.
The Thorny Side of Addiction: Adaptive Plasticity and Dendritic Spines

Dendritic spines are morphologically specialized structures that receive the vast majority of central excitatory synaptic inputs. Studies have implicated changes in the size, shape, and number of dendritic spines in activity-dependent plasticity, and have further demonstrated that spine morphology is highly dependent on the dynamic organizational and scaffolding properties of its postsynaptic density (PSD). In vitro and in vivo models of experience-dependent plasticity have linked changes in the localization of glutamate receptors at the PSD with a molecular reorganization of the PSD and alterations in spine morphology. Chronic ethanol consumption results in adaptive changes in neuronal function that manifest as tolerance, physical dependence, and addiction. A potential mechanism supporting these adaptive changes that we recently identified is the homeostatic targeting of NR2B-containing NMDA receptors to the synapse. This increase is associated with and dependent on a corresponding increase in the localization of the scaffolding protein PSD-95 at the PSD, and with an actin-dependent increase in the size of dendritic spines. These observations led us to propose a molecular model for ethanol-induced plasticity at excitatory synapses in which increases in NR2B-containing NMDA receptors and PSD-95 at the PSD provide an expanded scaffolding platform for the recruitment and activation of signaling molecules that regulate spine actin dynamics, protein translation, and synaptic plasticity. This model is consistent with accumulating evidence that glutamatergic modulation of spine actin by the PSD plays a role in the aberrant plasticity of addiction.
FERONIA receptor kinase controls seed size in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Dear Editor, Plants have evolved elaborate mechanisms by which cell elongation regulation is coupled to the environmental signals.The plasma membrane receptor kinase FERONIA (FER) has emerged as an important regulatory node in controlling cell elongation and hormone crosstalk (Guo et al.,2009;Deslauriers and Larsen,2010;Duan et al.,2010;Yu et al.,2012). Initially reported to inhibit pollen tube elongation during fertilization (Escobar-Restrepo et al.,2007),FER has been since found to promote cell elongation in leaves and root hairs (Guo et al.,2009;Duan et al.,2010).
Restless legs syndrome, insomnia and quality of life in patients on maintenance dialysis.

BACKGROUND In a cross-sectional study, we analysed the complex relationship between restless legs syndrome (RLS), insomnia and specific insomnia symptoms and health-related quality of life (QoL) in patients on maintenance dialysis. METHODS Data were obtained from 333 patients on chronic maintenance dialysis. To assess the prevalence of RLS, we used the RLS Questionnaire (RLSQ). The Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) was used to assess insomnia and QoL was measured with the Kidney Disease Quality-of-Life Questionnaire. RESULTS The prevalence of RLS was 14%. The number of comorbid conditions was significantly higher in patients with vs without RLS (median: three vs two; P<0.05). RLS patients were twice as likely to have significant insomnia as patients without RLS (35% vs 16%; P<0.05). Furthermore, RLS was associated with impaired overall sleep quality (median AIS score: 8 vs 4; P<0.01) and poorer QoL. RLS was a significant and independent predictor of several of the QoL domains after statistical adjustment for clinical and socio-demographic covariables. Importantly, this association remained significant even after adjusting for sleep quality. CONCLUSIONS RLS is associated with poor sleep, increased odds for insomnia and impaired QoL in patients on maintenance dialysis. Based on the present results, we suggest that both sleep-related and sleep-independent factors may confer the effect of RLS on QoL.
Use of sentinel chickens to study the transmission dynamics of West Nile virus in a sahelian ecosystem

SUMMARY During the 2003 rainy season, a follow-up survey in sentinel chickens was undertaken to assess the seasonal transmission of West Nile virus (WNV) in a sahelian ecosystem: the Ferlo (Senegal). The estimated incidence rate in chickens was 14% (95% CI 7–29), with a very low level of transmission between July and September, and a transmission peak occurring between September and October. Comparing these results with the estimate obtained from a previous transversal serological study performed on horses the same year in the same area, the relevance of sentinel chickens in estimating the WNV transmission rate is highlighted. Conventionally adult mosquito populations disappear during the dry season but WN disease was shown to be endemic in the study area. The mechanisms of virus maintenance are discussed.
Crossfostering. A research strategy for clarifying the role of genetic and experiential factors in the etiology of schizophrenia.

A technique for clarifying the role of experiential factors in psychopathology-the crossfostering technique-employs the strategy of using adopted-away offspring of normal biological parents who are reared by schizophrenic parents. This group is compared with the adopted-away offspring of normal biological parents reared by normal adopting parents and the adopted-away offspring of schizophrenic biological parents reared by normal adopting parents. Analyses of psychopathology in these adoptees reveals that there is a greater prevalence of psychopathology among the adopted-away offspring of schizophrenics while no such increase is seen among the crossfostered group. The tentative conclusion of the study is that genetic factors play a role in the etiology of the schizophrenias while familial psychopathology (as measured by psychiatric diagnosis of the parents) does not. The possible roles of extrafamilial biological and psychological experience are considered.
The prevention of prostate cancer--the dilemma continues.

Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in the United States, the second leading cause of death from cancer among U.S. men, and the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. The number of new cases of prostate cancer, now estimated at more than 220,000 per year, is expected to increase to more than 380,000 by 2025 because of the aging male population. The incidence of prostate cancer and the rate of death due to the disease increase exponentially with age. The other major risk factors for prostate cancer include a family history of prostate cancer, black .
Gastrointestinal stromal tumours overexpress fatty acid synthase

Fatty acid synthase (FASN), a key enzyme for de novo lipogenesis, is overexpressed in many malignant tumours and is associated with aggressive biological behaviour. FASN expression and its possible relationship with more aggressive behaviour in gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) have not been addressed to date. Here, FASN expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry in 60 primary GISTs (28 low/intermediate risk and 32 high risk) and seven metastatic GISTs. Sixteen smooth muscle gastrointestinal tumours were used as controls. FASN was overexpressed in 36 of 60 GISTs (60%): in 12 of 28 (42%) low/intermediate‐risk GISTs and in 24 of 32 (75%) high‐risk GISTs (p < 0.05). Two primary and seven metastatic GISTs and five GIST cell lines (GIST882, GIST430, GIST522, GIST62, and GIST48), analysed by western blot, showed variable FASN expression. Most metastatic samples expressed high levels of FASN protein. Additionally, seven of 60 GISTs showed a proliferation rate higher than 10% by Ki67 and all of them expressed FASN (p < 0.04). Finally, proliferation and apoptosis were investigated after FASN silencing in GIST882 cells, which displayed the highest FASN expression. siRNA‐mediated FASN knock‐down inhibited expression of the proliferation marker cyclin A, whereas no changes in p27 and cleaved PARP expression were seen. It is concluded that FASN is preferentially overexpressed in high‐risk and metastatic GISTs, and that its overexpression likely contributes to cell proliferation. Copyright © 2006 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The relationship of cold and warmth cutaneous sensation to age and gender

To evaluate cold and warmth cutaneous sensation separately, thermal discrimination thresholds (TDTs) for the foot were estimated for cold and warm stimuli in 71 normal subjects aged between 21 and 92 years. A “thermoaesthesiometer” operating on the Peltier principle was used. A rise of TDTs with age was found. Furthermore, female subjects appeared to have lower thresholds than males. Independent of age or gender, TDTs for cold stimuli were on average lower than for warm stimuli. In accordance with other studies, a large intraindividual variability was found, which emphasizes the necessity for repeated measurements.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms : Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Clinical Implications

Many mouse models of abdominal aortic aneurysms have been developed that use a diverse array of methods for producing the disease, including genetic manipulation and chemical induction. These models could provide insight into potential mechanisms in the development of this disease. Although experimental studies on abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) have used a variety of mammalian and avian approaches, there is an increasing reliance on the use of mice. The models recapitulate some facets of the human disease including medial degeneration, inflammation, thrombus formation, and rupture. Most of the mouse models of AAA are evoked either by genetically defined approaches or by chemical means. The genetic approaches are spontaneous and engineered mutations. These include defects in extracellular matrix maturation, increased degradation of elastin and collagen, aberrant cholesterol homeostasis, and enhanced production of angiotensin peptides. The chemical approaches include the intraluminal infusion of elastase, periaortic incubations of calcium chloride, and subcutaneous infusion of AngII. A common feature of these models is the reduction of AAA incidence and severity by the prophylactic administration of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitors or genetically engineered deficiencies of specific members of this proteolytic protein family. The validation of mouse models of AAAs will provide insight into the mechanisms of progression of the human disease. (Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2004;24:429-434.)
EAC Repeat EGD w / biopsies in 3 – 5 years Optimize PPI therapy repeat EGD Endoscopic

Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is characterized by a change of the normal stratified squamous epithelium lining the esophagus to a metaplastic columnar epithelium with goblet cells. The prevalence of BE is estimated to be 1.5% in the general population and as high as 15% in those with GERD. Other risk factors associated with BE are older age, male sex, smoking, central obesity, and white ethnicity. There also appears to be an increased genetic predisposition among those with first-degree relatives with BE. BE is a known precursor to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), and oncogenesis is thought to occur through a sequential progression from metaplasia to dysplasia to carcinoma. The risk of developing EAC is as high as 7% per year in those with high-grade dysplasia (HGD) and 0.7% per year in those with low-grade dysplasia (LGD). However, reports of EAC risk in LGD are highly disparate, ranging from risks approximating that of nondysplastic BE to risks of progression to HGD or EAC of 10% per year or more. EAC is associated with high mortality and is increasing in incidence in the western world. Risk factors for progression of BE to EAC include increasing degree of dysplasia, increasing age, increasing BE segment length, male sex, and smoking, among others. Therefore, there is a need to optimize screening, surveillance, and treatment of high-risk BE, with the ultimate goal of decreasing the disease burden and mortality associated with EAC.
Human High Frequency Somatosensory Evoked Potential Components Are Refractory to Circadian Modulations of Tonic Alertness

The impact of vigilance states, such as sleep or arousal changes, on the high-frequency (600 Hz) components (HFOs) of somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) is known. The present study sought to characterize the effects of circadian fluctuations of tonic alertness on HFOs in awake humans. Median nerve SEPs were recorded at four times during a 24-hour waking period. In parallel to the SEP recordings, a reaction-time (RT) task was performed to assess tonic alertness. Additionally, the spontaneous EEG was monitored. The low-frequency SEP component N20 and the early and late HFO parts did not change across the measurement sessions. In contrast, RTs were clearly prolonged at night and on the second morning. EEG also showed increased delta power at night. HFOs are sensitive to pronounced vigilance changes, such as sleep, but are refractory to fluctuations of tonic alertness. Tonic alertness is regarded to be the top-down cognitive control mechanism of wakefulness, whereas sleep is mediated by overwhelming bottom-up regulation, which seems apparently more relevant for, at least in part, subcortically triggered high-frequency burst generation in the ascending somatosensory system.
Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping in Patients With Cutaneous Melanoma

SENTINEL LYMPH NODE (SLN) mapping has rapidly become an important diagnostic procedure for many patients with invasive cutaneous melanoma in the United States. Surgeons no longer debate the role of prophylactic removal of clinically negative regional lymph nodes. SLN mapping allows the surgeon to identify the draining lymphatic basin, to remove the first draining or ‘‘sentinel’’ lymph node(s), and to provide the pathologist with one or more nodes for meticulous examination. In this way, the patient is accurately staged with a minimally invasive procedure. Complete lymphadenectomy is only performed for those patients found to have positive SLNs (harboring metastatic melanoma). Indeed, the status of the SLN has been shown to be a strong independent predictor of prognosis in clinical stage I and stage II melanoma patients. Information obtained from SLN mapping is critical to accurate staging using the new AJCC staging system for patients with melanoma. Whether SLN mapping and completion lymphadenectomy in node positive patients favorably influence survival compared with wide excision alone remains unclear. This question can only be answered when the results of the ongoing Multicenter Selective Lymphadenectomy Trial being conducted by Dr. Donald Morton of the John Wayne Cancer Center are reported. In this trial, patients with early-stage melanoma are randomized to undergo wide excision versus wide excision and SLN mapping. Patients with positive SLNs undergo completion lymphadenectomy. Patients randomized to wide excision only undergo regional lymphadenectomy if they develop clinically apparent regional nodal metastasis. It is important to recognize the limitations of SLN mapping as a diagnostic and prognostic procedure. At least a third of patients who will eventually recur do so without involvement of the regional nodal basin. The Importance of Regional Lymph Nodes in Melanoma Patients
Unsupervised Segmentation of Phoneme Sequences based on Pitman-Yor Semi-Markov Model using Phoneme Length Context

Unsupervised segmentation of phoneme sequences is an essential process to obtain unknown words during spoken dialogues. In this segmentation, an input phoneme sequence without delimiters is converted into segmented sub-sequences corresponding to words. The Pitman-Yor semi-Markov model (PYSMM) is promising for this problem, but its performance degrades when it is applied to phoneme-level word segmentation. This is because of insufficient cues for the segmentation, e.g., homophones are improperly treated as single entries and their different contexts are also confused. We propose a phoneme-length context model for PYSMM to give a helpful cue at the phoneme-level and to predict succeeding segments more accurately. Our experiments showed that the peak performance with our context model outperformed those without such a context model by 0.045 at most in terms of F-measures of estimated segmentation.
Scaling trends for random telegraph noise in deca-nanometer Flash memories

We present a thorough investigation of the random telegraph noise scaling trend for both NAND and NOR floating-gate flash memories, including experimental and physics-based modeling results. The statistical distribution of the random telegraph noise amplitude is computed using conventional 3D TCAD simulations, establishing a direct connection with cell parameters. The analysis results in a simple formula for the random telegraph noise amplitude standard deviation as a function of cell width, length, substrate doping, tunnel oxide thickness and drain bias. All the simulation results are in good agreement with experimental data and are of utmost importance to understand the random telegraph noise instability and to control it in the development of next generation flash technologies.