Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Computational modeling of vibration‐induced systemic hydration of vocal folds over a range of phonation conditions

Predicting phonation conditions that are benign to voice health remains a biomechanically relevant problem. Our objective is to provide insight into vocal fold (VF) hydration based on continuum‐based VF models that are able to compute VF stresses during phonation and a scheme for the extraction and generalization of such computational data based on the principle of linear superposition. Because VF tissue is poroelastic, spatial gradients of VF hydrostatic stresses computed for a given phonation condition determine VF interstitial fluid flow. The present approach transforms, based on linear superposition principles, the computed interstitial fluid velocities at the particular phonation to those at an arbitrary phonation condition. Intersititial fluid flow characteristics for a range of phonation conditions are compared. For phonation conditions with no or moderate collision, no dehydration per vibration cycle is predicted throughout the VF. For more severe collision conditions, tissue dehydration is restricted to a region close to the glottal surface. Interstitial fluid displacement in the VF is found to be heterogeneous and strongly dependent on the phonation condition. A phonation condition is found to exist for which dehydration peaks. The proposed method significantly expands the scope and relevance of conducting isolated numerical simulations of VF vibration. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Population density methods for stochastic neurons with realistic synaptic kinetics: Firing rate dynamics and fast computational methods

An outstanding problem in computational neuroscience is how to use population density function (PDF) methods to model neural networks with realistic synaptic kinetics in a computationally efficient manner. We explore an application of two-dimensional (2-D) PDF methods to simulating electrical activity in networks of excitatory integrate-and-fire neurons. We formulate a pair of coupled partial differential–integral equations describing the evolution of PDFs for neurons in non-refractory and refractory pools. The population firing rate is given by the total flux of probability across the threshold voltage. We use an operator-splitting method to reduce computation time. We report on speed and accuracy of PDF results and compare them to those from direct, Monte–Carlo simulations. We compute temporal frequency response functions for the transduction from the rate of postsynaptic input to population firing rate, and examine its dependence on background synaptic input rate. The behaviors in the1-D and 2-D cases—corresponding to instantaneous and non-instantaneous synaptic kinetics, respectively—differ markedly from those for a somewhat different transduction: from injected current input to population firing rate output (; ). We extend our method by adding inhibitory input, consider a 3-D to 2-D dimension reduction method, demonstrate its limitations, and suggest directions for future study.
Effect of Preoperative Dexamethasone on Edema of Oral and Extra-Oral Structures Following Trans-Oral Decompression and Posterior Fusion

We investigated the anti-edema effect of intravenous dexamethasone in a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study in 40 ASA physical status I and II patients scheduled for trans-oral decompression and posterior fusion. Patients were divided into two groups to receive either placebo or 10 mg dexamethasone one hour prior to induction of anesthesia. After anesthesia induction, oral structures were graded as swelling grade 0 at direct laryngoscopy. Duration of trans-oral surgery, duration of posterior fusion, and total duration of surgery were recorded. After completion of surgery, direct laryngoscopy was repeated, and swelling was graded from 1 to 4. Patients who had a swelling grade of 1 or 2 were extubated while grades of 3 and 4 were transferred to a neurosurgical intensive care unit, and re-assessments were performed 12 hours apart. Patients with swelling grades of 1 and 2 were extubated on each assessment. On statistical analysis of the results, the study found that in comparison to placebo, patients in the dexamethasone group were extubated earlier (P < 0.006, Chi Square for trend). Total duration of surgery and duration of posterior fusion were significantly greater (P < 0.05) in patients who had swelling grade >2 than in patients who had swelling grade ≤2 at completion of surgery (192.50 ± 16.26, 356.07 ± 17.06 minutes versus. 158.27 ± 9.07, 311.41 ± 14.06 minutes).
The effects of sertindole on sensory gating, sensorimotor gating, and cognition in healthy volunteers

Sensory gating, indexed by P50 suppression, and sensorimotor gating, indexed by prepulse inhibition (PPI), are impaired in schizophrenia spectrum disorders. There is considerable evidence that schizophrenia patients treated with atypical antipsychotics exhibit relatively less gating deficits than do other patients with schizophrenia. Some recent studies have investigated the effects of antipsychotic medications on gating in healthy volunteers exhibiting low levels of gating, rather than in patients. Therefore, the current study investigated the influence of sertindole versus placebo in two separate experimental sessions, on PPI, P50 suppression, and cognition in 30 male volunteers stratified for low and high baseline gating levels. Sertindole increased PPI and P50 suppression in healthy subjects exhibiting low baseline PPI and low baseline P50 suppression, respectively, while sertindole attenuated gating in subjects exhibiting high baseline gating. Furthermore, subjects exhibiting low PPI chose worse strategies in a spatial working memory task. These findings suggest that mixed D2/5-HT2 receptor antagonists enhance both PPI and P50 suppression in a way that enhances it in healthy subjects exhibiting low baseline gating. Furthermore, the results militate in favor of the concomitant assessment of PPI, P50 suppression and cognitive measures while investigating the effect of antipsychotic medication in healthy subjects.
Energy Efficient IoT Sensor With RF Wake-Up and Addressing Capability

In this article, we present a complete design for an optimized energy-efficient sensor for use in Internet of Things networks based on the concept of radio wake-up, with embedded addressing capability. Experimental and analytical results demonstrate the validity of the proposed design in terms of low power consumption and efficient functionality compared to existing solutions that are based on periodic wake-up patterns.
Romantic Relationships of Female-to-Male Trans Men: A Descriptive Study

ABSTRACT The present descriptive study examined the prevalence of romantic relationships in a large-scale international sample of female-to-male (FtM) transgender men, the rates that partners stay together during a gender transition of one of the partners, and the relationship between perceived social support from romantic relationships and the mental health of FtMs. Participants were trans men who completed an anonymous online survey. Of those who were in a relationship before they decided to transition, about half reported that their relationship had been maintained. FtMs who were in a relationship reported fewer symptoms of depression than those who were single. Perceived social support from a romantic partner was found to moderate the relation between being in a relationship and symptoms of both depression and anxiety. These findings highlight the fact that some relationships can and do endure through a gender transition and the importance of close, supportive relationships during and after transition.
On the relationship between ketonuria and natriuresis during fasting and upon refeeding in obese patients *

Abstract. This study was conducted to assess whether the natriuresis occurring early in a fast, and the renal sodium retention setting in upon carbohydrate or protein refeeding, can be entirely accounted for on the basis of concomitant changes in renal ketone body and ammonia excretion. To this end, the renal excretion of sodium, 3‐hydroxybutyrate (3‐OHB) and ammonium was determined in non‐diabetic obese subjects submitted to total fast according to the following protocols: (1) 6 day fast: considered as control group (n= 11); (2) 8 day fast save for an isolated 100 g oral glucose load on day 4 (n= 12); (3) 8 day fast with, on day 4, the same glucose load followed by a 6 h infusion of glucagon, 1 mg in 500 ml 5% glucose (n= 7); (4) 5 day total fast followed by 3 days of protein refeeding (53 g protein daily; n = 8). All subjects were refed with a mixed 4.2 MJ diet at the end of the studies.
Effect of Low Level Cadmium Exposure on Superoxide Dismutase Activity in Rat

Purpose: To investigate the effect of low level cadmium (Cd) exposure on the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in rat. Methods: Thirty-two male albino rats were divided into four groups of eight animals each. Group one received distilled water and served as control. The other three groups were exposed to 100, 200 and 300 ppm cadmium doses, respectively, in their drinking water for 6 weeks. At the end of 6 weeks, blood, brain and liver were removed from the animals and SOD activities were investigated spectrophotometrically at 480 nm. Results: The data revealed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in organ weight of the exposed rats, and with the highest cadmium accumulation in liver ranging from 2.99 ± 0.20 μg Cd/g tissue in control to 34.57 ± 2.06 μg Cd/g tissue for the 300 ppm dose group. Exposure to cadmium resulted in significant (p < 0.05) decrease in SOD activity in plasma, erythrocytes, brain and liver in a dose-dependent manner compared to control. The data showed a negative correlation between tissue cadmium and SOD in plasma, erythrocyte and brain. While positive associations were observed between blood and tissue (brain and liver) cadmium and SOD, a significant (p < 0.01), negative correlation was found between tissue cadmium and SOD. Conclusion: As Cd dose increase, plasma, erythrocyte, brain and liver SOD activities decrease. This might affect the maintenance of the normal body physiological conditions. Keywords: Cadmium, Superoxide dismutase, Liver, Brain, Toxicity, Environmental contaminant
Chemical Constituents and Biological Activities of Zanthoxylum limonella (Rutaceae): A Review

Zanthoxylum limonella belongs to the family of aromatic deciduous trees and shrubs, Rutaceae. In traditional medicine practice, various parts of Z. limonella are used for the treatment of dental caries, febrifugal, sudorific, rheumatism, diuretic, stomach ache and diarrhea. Secondary metabolites have been isolated the stems, stem barks, and fruits. The plant contains alkaloid, amide, lignin, coumarin and terpenoid compounds. The extracts of the various parts, essential oil from the fruits and some pure compounds of Z. limonella have been found to have biological activities, for example, mosquito repellent and mosquito larvicidal, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antitumour properties. This review compiles some scientific information on botanical description, traditional uses, phytochemical constituents and biological activities of Z. limonella . Keywords : Zanthoxylum limonella , Chemical constituents, Biological activities, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antitumour
Estimating psychiatric morbidity by logistic regression: application to post-natal depression in a community sample

Synopsis The use of logistic regression to estimate the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity in community samples is illustrated here with data from a study of post-natal depression in 702 primiparous Cambridge mothers. The method is also used to validate the primary screening instrument (in this case the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale – EPDS), and to estimate the effects of cofactors, such as maternal age, previous psychiatric history and social class.
Prefrontal Cortical Networks Related to Visceral Function and Mood

ABSTRACT: At least twenty‐two architectonic areas can be distinguished within the orbital and medial prefrontal cortex (OMPFC). Although each of these areas has a distinct structure and connections, they can be grouped into two “networks,” defined by cortico‐cortical connections that primarily interconnect areas within each network. The networks also have different connections to the striatum, medial thalamus, and other brain regions. The orbital network consists of most of the areas in the orbital cortex. It receives several sensory inputs (olfactory, gustatory, visceral afferent, somatic sensory, and visual) that appear to be related to feeding. It also receives many limbic inputs from the amygdala, entorhinal and perirhinal cortex, and subiculum, including a specific projection from the ventrolateral part of the basal amygdaloid nucleus. The orbital network may therefore serve as a substrate to integrate viscerosensory information with affective signals. The medial network consists of areas on the medial frontal surface together with a few select areas in the orbital cortex. These areas have few direct sensory inputs, and their limbic inputs are somewhat different than those to the orbital network (e.g., from the ventromedial part of the basal amygdaloid nucleus). However, they provide the major output from the OMPFC to the hypothalamus and brain stem (especially the periaqueductal gray). The medial network may therefore serve as a visceromotor system to provide frontal cortical influence over autonomic and endocrine function. Connections between the networks presumably allow information flow from viscerosensory to visceromotor systems. In addition to a probable role in eating behavior, this system appears to be involved in guiding behavior and regulation of mood. Lesions of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex result in sociopathic behavior and difficulty in making appropriate choices, whereas functional imaging studies indicate that subjects with unipolar and bipolar depression have abnormal activity in medial and orbital prefrontal areas. Many of these areas also show volume changes and decreased glial number and density in mood‐disordered subjects.
Nutrient insult in early pregnancy

Nutrient insults in early pregnancy, such as nutrient deprivation during famines, are often associated with an unfavourable outcome. Suboptimal nutrition in the early stage of gestation has been linked to a number of adverse effects on fetal growth and development. Historically, nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP) was an important contributor to pregnancy-related mortality; indeed, Charlotte Bronte died from starvation and dehydration after suffering very severe NVP 4 months into her first pregnancy (Gaskell, 1858). Although NVP seldom now progresses to be life-threatening, it affects the majority of pregnant women, and potentially presents a challenge to nutrient intake in the most vulnerable period of development. Symptoms range from mild (nausea only) to severe (a level of vomiting that restricts nutrient intake and ultimately threatens metabolic and electrolyte balance). Although NVP has been documented for thousands of years, its cause has not yet been satisfactorily elucidated, but seems to be related to endocrinological changes. Pregnant women also frequently report dietary cravings and aversions during pregnancy which can be linked to both the incidence and severity of NVP. Paradoxically, NVP appears to be positively associated with a favourable outcome of pregnancy, including increased birth weight and gestational age. The mechanisms by which NVP favours the outcome of pregnancy are not known. They may be related to women increasing their nutrient intake to alleviate symptoms, improving the quality of their diet or reducing energy expenditure. Alternatively, adaptation to a reduced nutrient intake might stimulate the expression of growth factors and affect placentation or metabolism, thus favouring fetal growth when NVP resolves.
Umeclidinium bromide and vilanterol in combination for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Drugs from the two major classes of bronchodilator; umeclidinium, a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA), and vilanterol, a long-acting β2 agonist (LABA), have been combined in a single inhaler device for once-daily use in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These drugs have been proven safe and well tolerated in patients with COPD and show an enhanced improvement in FEV1 when compared to either drug in isolation and when compared with an established LAMA drug. In this article, we discuss the data supporting this combination inhaler and also review alternative combined LAMA/LABA options. We discuss where these agents are likely to find a place in the current therapy of COPD and where the future is likely to lead with these and other therapies.
Untersuchungen zum Einsatz von Stauchelementen in einer nachgiebigen Spritzbetonschale bei druckhaften Gebirgsverhältnissen

Im konventionellen Tunnelbau bei druckhaftem Gebirgsverhalten ist die Wahl eines geeigneten Ausbaukonzeptes elementar. Der Einsatz von Stauchelementen zur Schaffung einer gezielten Nachgiebigkeit des Spritzbetonausbaus gehort zum internationalen Stand der Technik. Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit ist es, die grundlegenden Zusammenhange zwischen den Stauchelementen und dem Systemverhalten der Spritzbetonschale zu analysieren, um Aussagen fur ein Ausbaukonzept in druckhaftem Gebirge treffen zu konnen. Um die Kombination des Spritzbetonausbaus mit den Stauchelementen zu verstehen, werden der Spritzbeton und die Stauchelemente zunachst experimentell untersucht. Auf verschiedenen Komplexitatsebenen werden sie anschliesend numerisch zusammengefuhrt, um die Interaktion zu erfassen. Abschliesend werden Implementierungsstrategien fur die Ausbaukomponenten in die jeweiligen Berechnungsmodelle vorgestellt und eine Anwendung fur die entsprechende Projektentwicklungsphase empfohlen.
Relationship of Fat Distribution to Glucose Tolerance: Results of Computed Tomography in Male Participants of the Normative Aging Study

Computed tomography (CT) scanning was used to assess the relationship of glucose tolerance to fat distribution in men. Three cross sections [chest (including upper arms), abdomen, and thigh] were scanned in 41 men randomly selected from the Normative Aging Study, a longitudinal study of aging. Greater amounts of fat in the upper body and greater ratios of upperbody fat to lower-body fat were significantly correlated with higher 2-h serum glucose levels after adjustment for age and body mass index. In particular, intra-abdominal fat, a feature uniquely measured by CT, was a significant correlate of 2-h glucose. Largely parallel results were obtained when we compared a sample of male diabetic subjects (N = 8) with the male normal subjects from our random sample. This investigation demonstrates that body fat distribution, adjusted for overall degree of obesity, is a significant correlate of glucose tolerance even in a sample unselected for extremes Of physique.
Proteasome inhibitor PS‐341 down‐regulates prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) and induces growth arrest and apoptosis of androgen‐dependent human prostate cancer LNCaP cells

Proteasome inhibitor PS‐341 induces growth arrest and apoptosis of multiple myeloma (MM) cells via inactivation of nuclear factor KB (NF‐KB) in vitro. In addition, recent clinical studies of PS‐341 have demonstrated some objective responses in individuals with relapsed, refractory MM. However, the activity of PS‐341 against non‐hematological malignancies remains to be fully elucidated. In this study, we found that PS‐341 induced growth arrest and apoptosis of androgen‐dependent human prostate cancer LNCaP cells in conjunction with markedly up‐regulated levels of p21waf1 and p53. In addition, we found that PS‐341 down‐regulated both 5α dihydrotestosterone (DHT)‐ and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6)‐induced expression of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) as measured by western blot analysis. PS‐341 down‐regulated basal levels of the androgen receptor (AR) in the nucleus; however, it did not affect DHT‐induced nuclear translocation of AR in these cells. Reporter assays using a series of promoters of the PSA gene showed that down‐regulation of PSA by PS‐341 was caused by inhibition of the transcriptional activity of the androgen receptor response element (ARE) in these cells. Taken together, the results indicate that PS‐341 induced growth arrest and apoptosis of LNCaP cells by blockade of the AR signaling pathway. The proteasome may be a molecular target for treatment of a variety of cancers including prostate cancer.
The ANOVA decomposition of a non-smooth function of infinitely many variables can have every term smooth

The pricing problem for a continuous path-dependent option results in a path integral which can be recast into an infinite-dimensional integration problem. We study ANOVA decomposition of a function of infinitely many variables arising from the Brownian bridge formulation of the continuous option pricing problem. We show that all resulting ANOVA terms can be smooth in this infinite-dimensional case, despite the non-smoothness of the underlying payoff function. This result may explain why quasi-Monte Carlo methods or sparse grid quadrature techniques work for such option pricing problems.
Serum Lipids and Uric Acid Relationship in Ischemic Thrombotic Cerebrovascular Disease

Serum lipids and serum uric acid have been studied in 50 patients with ischemic thrombotic Cerebrovascular disease. Patients having diseases known to predispose to hyperuricemia were excluded. Abnormalities of large vessels were present in 14 of 30 cases (46.6%) as a whole, and in 9 of 16 cases (56.5%) below 40 years of age. Thirty percent of the cases showed hyperuricemia. A statistically significant rise in serum triglycerides, pre-beta lipoproteins and serum uric acid was found in all 50 patients and in patients below 40 years of age. In patients above 40 years of age, only the rise in serum triglycerides and pre-beta lipoproteins was found to be statistically significant. A statistically significant rise in serum triglycerides, pre-beta lipoproteins, cholesterols and uric acid was found in patients with abnormal angiograms. A statistically significant correlation was observed between serum uric acid and serum triglycerides in all the groups, between serum uric acid and pre-beta lipoprotein in patients below 40 years of age, and between serum uric acid and serum phospholipids in patients with abnormal angiograms. These factors may be playing a role in the causation of ischemic thrombotic cerebrovascular disease in general and especially in patients below 40 years of age.