Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chasing "chasing the dragon" with MRI: leukoencephalopathy in drug abuse.

UNLABELLED Spongiform leukoencephalopathy is a rare complication from inhalation of heated heroin vapour, a practice called "chasing the dragon". The MRI findings are considered pathognomonic, making MRI important for diagnosis. This is especially true in busy urban emergency departments where a variety of patients may present obtunded, unable or unwilling to provide a useful history. Even though the MR pattern of "chasing" toxicity is considered pathognomonic, there are mimickers. We compare the MRI findings of two classic cases of chasing leukoencephalopathy with one case of mimickery from cocaine exposure only. All three cases had diffuse symmetrical white matter changes. MR spectroscopy (MRS) in chasing patients showed increased lactic acid and myo-inositol, decreased N-acetyl aspartate and creatine, normal to slightly decreased choline, and normal lipid peak. MRS in the cocaine exposure patient showed marked increase in lactic acid and lipids. MR perfusion in one chasing patient was normal. IN CONCLUSION (1) All three cases have MR findings suggestive of spongiform leukoencephalopathy. MRS may help differentiate toxicity due to inhaled heroin from other non-heroin related toxicities. (2) Discordance between perfusion and spectroscopy in one chasing patient adds evidence that the disease is due to impaired energy metabolism at the cellular level. (3) MR findings of spongiform leukoencephalopathy secondary to chasing heroin can progress despite apparent abstinence of the drug and during clinical improvement, suggesting the MR changes may represent an evolving injury.
The dynein light chain 8 binding motif of rabies virus phosphoprotein promotes efficient viral transcription

Recent studies indicate that the interaction between rabies virus (RV) phosphoprotein and the dynein light chain 8 (LC8) is essential for RV pathogenesis. Through its association with the dynein motor complex, LC8 has been suggested as a molecular factor that links the viral ribonucleoprotein to the host cell transport system. Recent structural investigations, however, dispute this model. To understand the role of LC8 in RV pathogenesis, we generated recombinant RVs with or without the LC8 binding domain (LC8-BD) deleted from the RV phosphoprotein. Peripheral infection of adult mice showed that removal of the LC8-BD did not inhibit entry into the CNS, although it prevented onset of RV-induced CNS disease. However, deletion of the LC8-BD significantly attenuated viral transcription and replication in the CNS. Studies in RAG2 knockout (KO) mice infected with the same recombinant RVs confirmed this finding and indicated that the adaptive immune system is not a factor in the attenuation of viral replication early in the infection. In cell culture, the deletion of the LC8-BD greatly attenuated growth on neuronal cells whereas the growth pattern on nonneuronal cells remained unchanged. However, deletion of the LC8-BD did not affect production of RV virions. We provide evidence that removal of the LC8-BD decreases primary transcription. In this study, we propose that LC8 does not play a role in the retrograde axonal transport of RV and that the deletion of the LC8-BD impairs the infectivity of the virions by reducing early transcription and replication in neurons.
Prokaryotic Protein Glycosylation Is Rapidly Expanding from “Curiosity” to “Ubiquity”

Since Bahl’s statement in 1992[1] that, “bacteria, in general, do not contain glycoproteins, except the obligately halophilic bacteria of the genus Halobacteria[2] and Bacillus stearothermophilus NRS 2004/3a,[3] in which their presence has been demonstrated with some degree of certainty”, a complete chance of perception has taken place. Nowadays, the occurrence of prokaryotic glycoproteins is fully accepted,[4,5] particularly in pathogens. [6,7] Recent work in several laboratories has not only shown a great structural diversity of these glycoconjugates but has also provided key advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms of prokaryotic glycosylation, and the application potential and relevant immunological aspects of selected glycoproteins. [8–13] Among these prokaryotic glycoconjugates are archaeal and bacterial surface layer (S-layer) glycoproteins,[2,14] flagella and pili,[10,15,16] and several intra- and extracellular glycosylated enzymes and haptens. [4]
The systolic paradox in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Objective We explored cardiac volumes and the effects on systolic function in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients with left ventricular hypertrophy (HCM LVH+) and genotype-positive patients without left ventricular hypertrophy (HCM LVH−). Methods We included 180 HCM LVH+, 100 HCM LVH− patients and 80 healthy individuals. End-Diastolic Volume Index (EDVI), End-Systolic Volume Index (ESVI) and ejection fraction (EF) were assessed by echocardiography. Left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) was measured by speckle tracking echocardiography. Results EDVI and ESVI were significantly smaller in HCM LVH+ compared with HCM LVH− patients (41±14 mL/m2 vs 49±13 mL/m2 and 16±7 mL/m2 vs 19±6 mL/m2, respectively, both p<0.001) and in healthy individuals (41±14 mL/m2 vs 57±14 mL/m2 and 16±7 mL/m2 vs 23±9 mL/m2, respectively, both p<0.001). HCM LVH− patients had significantly lower EDVI and ESVI compared with healthy individuals (49±13 mL/m2 vs 57±14 mL/m2 and 19±6 mL/m2 vs 23±9 mL/m2, both p<0.001). EF was similar (61%±7% vs 60%±8% vs 61%±6%, p=0.43) in the HCM LVH+, HCM LVH– and healthy individuals, despite significantly worse GLS in the HCM LVH+ (−16.4%±3.7% vs −21.3%±2.4% vs −22.3%±3.7%, p<0.001). GLS was worse in the HCM LVH− compared with healthy individuals in pairwise comparison (p=0.001). Decrease in ESVI was closely related to EF in HCM LVH+ and HCM LVH− (R=0.45, p<0.001 and R=0.43, p<0.001) as expected, but there was no relationship with GLS (R=0.02, p=0.77 and R=0.11, p=0.31). Increased maximal wall thickness (MWT) correlated significantly with worse GLS (R=0.58, p<0.001), but not with EF (R=0.018, p=0.30) in the HCM LVH+ patients. Conclusion HCM LVH+ had smaller cardiac volumes that could explain the preserved EF, despite worse GLS that was closely related to MWT. HCM LVH− had reduced cardiac volumes and subtle changes in GLS compared with healthy individuals, indicating a continuum of both volumetric and systolic changes present before increased MWT.
Adynamic Bone Revisited: Is there Progress?

Adynamic or aplastic bone remains an important medical issue in children with chronic renal failure. To prevent the development of adynamic bone during treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism, clinical recommendations have been made to maintain intact PTH levels at 2 to 4 times the normal values, avoid hypercalcemia, and keep serum phosphorus levels within age-appropriate limits in children with chronic renal failure. Less-calcemic vitamin D analogs and calcium-free and aluminum-free phosphate-binding agents should be used in children who can tolerate these agents. It is important to remember to reduce or discontinue any medication, whether it is vitamin D, a calcium salt, or any other agent that significantly lowers PTH, especially when intact PTH levels decline rapidly (to < 150 pg/mL) and serum calcium levels are higher than 10 mg/dL.
EFFECTS OF TASK DIFFICULTY, RACE OF ADMINISTRATOR, AND INSTRUCTION ON DIGIT-SYMBOL PERFORMANCE OF NEGROES.

Abstract : White and Negro experimenters administered digitsymbol tasks of three levels of difficulty to Southern male Negro college students. The task was described as a test of eye-hand coordination. On the most difficult task Ss worked more efficiently when tested by a white than when tested by a Negro. On the two easier codes the skin color of the administrator had no effect. Next, two additional groups of Negro Ss were tested by the same Negro and white experimenters on the most difficult task only, but now the task was described as a test of intelligence, rather than as a test of motor coordination. The effect of the I.Q. instructions was to elevate slightly performance with a Negro tester and to lower scores markedly in the white-tester group. (Author)
Syddansk Universitet Microarray-based analysis of methylation of 1 st trimester trisomic placentas from down syndrome , edwards syndrome and patau syndrome

Methylation-based non-invasive prenatal testing of fetal aneuploidies is an alternative method that could possibly improve fetal aneuploidy diagnosis, especially for trisomy 13 (T13) and trisomy 18(T18). Our aim was to study the methylation landscape in placenta DNA from trisomy 13, 18 and 21 pregnancies in an attempt to find trisomy–specific methylation differences better suited for non-invasive prenatal diagnosis. We have conducted highresolution methylation specific bead chip microarray analyses assessing more than 450,000 CpGs analyzing placentas from 12 T21 pregnancies, 12 T18 pregnancies and 6 T13 pregnancies. We have compared the methylation landscape of the trisomic placentas to the methylation landscape from normal placental DNA and to maternal blood cell DNA. Comparing trisomic placentas to normal placentas we identified 217 and 219 differentially methylated CpGs for CVS T18 and CVS T13, respectively (delta β>0.2, FDR<0.05), but only three differentially methylated CpGs for T21. However, the methylation differences was only modest (delta β<0.4), making them less suitable as diagnostic markers. Gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed that the gene set connected to theT18 differentially methylated CpGs was highly enriched for GO terms related to”DNA binding” and “transcription factor binding” coupled to the RNA polymerase II transcription. In the gene set connected to the T13 differentially methylated CpGs we found no significant enrichments.
The natural history of breast carcinoma in the elderly

The authors evaluated the two indicators of metastatic proclivity (namely, virulence [V; the rate of appearance of distant metastases] and metastagenicity [M; the ultimate likelihood of developing distant metastases]) of breast carcinoma in elderly women. The authors then compared these characteristics with the corresponding characteristics in a cohort of younger women to determine whether breast carcinoma was more indolent in women age > 70 years, as is commonly believed in the medical community.
Advanced SiGe BiCMOS Technology for Multi-Mrad Electronic Systems

The total ionizing dose response of both CMOS transistors and SiGe HBTs implemented without utilizing any radiation hardening by design techniques in Jazz Semiconductor's SBC-18-HXL BiCMOS technology platform is evaluated. The SiGe HBTs remain functional up to the 6 Mrad (SiO2) dose levels needed to support multi-Mrad exploration missions such as NASA's Europa mission. The CMOS devices are also functional to this extreme total dose. The nFETs exhibit significantly reduced shallow trench isolation leakage compared with nFETs implemented in prior SiGe BiCMOS processes. Both nFETs and pFETs show negligible transconductance and on-current degradation. We conclude that this SiGe process technology is a potential candidate for implementing reliable and survivable multi-Mrad total ionizing dose-hard electronic systems.
Weak-noise limit of Fokker-Planck models and nondifferentiable potentials for dissipative dynamical systems.

The weak-noise limit of Fokker-Planck models is studied for the case where the steady-state probability density in that limit cannot be represented by a continuously differentiable nonequilibrium potential. In a previous paper [J. Stat. Phys. 35, 729 (1984)], we have shown that this corresponds to the general case in systems outside thermodynamic equilibrium. By using an extremum principle, the nondifferentiable potential is constructed, which generalizes the differentiable case. The relation of approximate differentiable potentials to the exact nondifferentiable potential is considered and discussed for two examples with attracting limit cycles, a periodically forced nonlinear oscillator, and two phase-coupled nonlinear oscillators. The relevance of nondifferentiable potentials for non- equilibrium thermodynamics is pointed out.
Compression-induced changes in intervertebral disc properties in a rat tail model.

STUDY DESIGN An Ilizarov-type apparatus was applied to the tails of rats to assess the influence of immobilization, chronically applied compression, and sham intervention on intervertebral discs of mature rats. OBJECTIVES To test the hypothesis that chronically applied compressive forces and immobilization cause changes in the biomechanical behavior and biochemical composition of rat tail intervertebral discs. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Mechanical factors are associated with degenerative disc disease and low back pain, yet there have been few controlled studies in which the effects of compressive forces on the structure and function of the disc have been isolated. METHODS The tails of 16 Sprague-Dawley rats were instrumented with an Ilizarov-type apparatus. Animals were separated into sham, immobilization, and compression groups based on the mechanical conditions imposed. In vivo biomechanical measurements of disc thickness, angular laxity, and axial and angular compliance were made at 14-day intervals during the course of the 56-day experiment, after which discs were harvested for measurement of water, proteoglycan, and collagen contents. RESULTS Application of pins and rings alone (sham group) resulted in relatively small changes of in vivo biomechanical behavior. Immobilization resulted in decreased disc thickness, axial compliance, and angular laxity. Chronically applied compression had effects similar to those of immobilization alone but induced those changes earlier and in larger magnitudes. Application of external compressive forces also caused an increase in proteoglycan content of the intervertebral discs. CONCLUSIONS The well-controlled loading environment applied to the discs in this model provides a means of isolating the influence of joint-loading conditions on the response of the intervertebral disc. Results indicate that chronically applied compressive forces, in the absence of any disease process, caused changes in mechanical properties and composition of tail discs. These changes have similarities and differences in comparison with human spinal disc degeneration.
How the level of personalization affects the effectiveness of personalized ad messages: the moderating role of narcissism

Abstract In this study, we examined the effects of two different levels of personalization strategies (individual-level vs. group-level) on consumers’ visual and attitudinal responses to personalized advertising. We further investigated the moderating role of recipients’ narcissism in the effect of personalization. Results show that individuals higher in narcissism paid greater and more frequent attention to ads personalized on an individual level than to those personalized on a group level, while individuals low in narcissism showed no such differences. Regarding attitudinal response, consumers with a high level of narcissism tended to have a more favourable attitude towards the individual-level personalized ad compared to those with a low level of narcissism, while consumers with a low level of narcissism tended to have a more favourable attitude towards the group-level personalized ad compared to those with a high level of narcissism. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.
Computer assisted instruction for autistic children.

Since the beginning of 1980, Computer-Assisted-Instruction (CAI) has been used systematically in special education. The use of computers in the treatment of autistic children is highly controversial and emotional among parents and professionals. Fears of reinforcing autistic withdrawal are often mixed with insecurity and dislike of new technologies. On the other hand, positive effects of CAI on learning and behaviour are reported by parents and published as single case studies. The following paper relates perception, motivation, communication and behaviour--characteristics of autistic children to features of computer-assisted learning. Preliminary findings support the benefit of the use of computer-technology for the management of behaviour and learning of autistic children. In 12 autistics, video-taped evaluations showed higher enthusiasm ratings in computer-sessions than personal instruction sessions. Single case-studies demonstrated a positive influence of CAI on autistic children's behaviour-problems (e.g. avoidance of eye contact, echolalia) as well as improved spontaneous communication and better learning of academics.
Understanding of Advance Care Planning by Family Members of Persons Undergoing Hemodialysis

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore hemodialysis patients’ family members’ understanding of end-of-life decision-making processes. The project aimed to address (a) family members’ constructions of advance care planning (ACP), including their roles and responsibilities, and (b) family members’ perceptions of health care providers’ roles and responsibilities in ACP. Eighteen family members of persons undergoing hemodialysis were recruited primarily from outpatient dialysis facilities and interviewed individually. Confirmed transcript data were analyzed, coded, and compared, and categories were established. Interpretations were validated throughout the interviews and peer debriefing sessions were used at a later stage in the analysis. The overarching construct identified was one of Protection. Family members protect patients by (a) Sharing Burdens, (b) Normalizing Life, and (c) Personalizing Care. Recommendations for future research include the need to explore ACP of persons undergoing hemodialysis who do not have a family support system.
The Complexity of Minimizing and Learning FBDDs ∗

Free Binary Decision Diagrams (FBDDs) or read-once branching programs are a data structure for Boolean functions. They can efficiently be manipulated if only FBDDs respecting a fixed graph ordering are considered. However, the size of such FBDDs may strongly depend on the chosen graph ordering. In this paper it is shown that the existence of polynomial time approximation schemes for optimizing graph orderings or for minimizing FBDDs implies NP = P, and so such algorithms are quite unlikely to exist. The same holds for the related problem of computing minimal size FBDDs that are consistent with a given set of examples. The latter result implies that size bounded FBDDs are not PAC-learnable unless NP = RP.
Study of the cognitive effects of chemotherapy: Considerations in selection of a control group

Neuropsychological data collected in 28 breast cancer patients before and after chemotherapy were compared to those of a local healthy control group, a local disease control group, and published norms, respectively, in order to determine whether the nature of the control group influenced outcome. The frequency of decline in the chemotherapy group was 21% and significantly higher than that of the control group whether referenced to the healthy controls, disease controls, or published norms. These results suggest that published norms may be adequate to demonstrate cancer-related cognitive impairment provided that cognitive function is measured adequately, practice effects and base rates are taken into account, and demographic factors that might influence practice effects are considered.
L'école et le défi ethnique

Le livre est une entreprise collective pour deployer le paradigme des relations ethniques et discuter son application au cas de l'ecole francaise. Il comprend des chapitres theoriques, ecrits par Francoise Lorcerie, qui developpent une conception psycho-socio-politique des relations ethniques, derivee de Max Weber. L'expose s'attache a expliciter la composante politique de cette approche : notamment le traitement qu'elle fait de la nation, vue comme la forme par excellence des relations ethniques aujourd'hui, et correlativement l'importance accordee au statut majoritaire dans la dynamique des relations ethniques : les relations ethniques ne sont pas une affaire d'immigres, mais une question de relations entre individus et groupes majoritaires en raison de leur origine territoriale supposee et groupes minorises a raison de leur extraneite d'origine supposee. Pour finir, on discute comment la philosophie politique de l'education prend (ou peut prendre) en charge cette analyse. Treize autres chapitres sont ecrits par des specialistes (J. Bordet, E. Debarbieux, O. Douville, S. Ernst, N. Guenif, S. Morel, J. Perroton, C. Rinaudo, J. Streiff-Fenart, J.-P. Zirotti) ou des praticiens (F. Alamartine, F. Berrou, S. Contrepois). Ils developpent ou illustrent des aspects specifiques de l'approche psycho-socio-politique des relations ethniques, a partir de leurs terrains.
Evoked oscillations and Early Components of Event-Related Potentials: an Analysis

In the present work, we provide new arguments and data indicating that early ERP components are generated at least in part by evoked theta and alpha oscillations. We proceed from the general hypothesis, originally proposed by Erol Basar that ERP's are generated by a superposition of evoked oscillations with different frequencies. Based on findings about event-related desynchronization/synchronization (ERD/ERS), we analyze the following specific hypotheses. If evoked theta and alpha oscillations contribute to the generation of ERP components and if their functional role, type of reactivity and frequency specificity are similar to those of event-related oscillations (measured by ERD/ERS), we expect (i) to see the same functional relationship between frequency and cognitive processes, (ii) the same type of "reactivity" and a (iii) dependency of latency measures of evoked components on IAF. By reviewing respective data, we demonstrate that similar to research about event-related oscillations, evoked alpha reflects attention, whereas evoked theta reflects working memory processes. Furthermore, it was found that individual alpha frequency (IAF) has a significant influence on P1 latency in particular. For a better understanding of these findings, we outline a new theoretical framework. We assume that the P1–N1 complex is generated by an interplay between the synchronous activation of three neuronal network systems, a working memory, attentional, and semantic memory system, each operating with a different frequency, the first in the theta (about 6 Hz), the second in the lower alpha (about 8 Hz) and the third in the upper alpha (about 12 Hz) frequency range. The implications of this theoretical framework are discussed by reviewing research using phase sensitive measures to analyze "local" and "large scale" integration processes between different neural networks.