Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Apolipoprotein E Polymorphism in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease, Vascular Dementia and Ischemic Cerebrovascular Disease

Apolipoprotein E σ4 allele (ApoE σ4) is associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in familial and sporadic cases, but the associations of ApoE σ4 allele and vascular dementia (VD) and/or ischemic cerebrovascular disease (ICVD) are still controversial. To clarify the associations of ApoE polymorphism with AD, VD and ICVD in Japanese, we examined ApoE polymorphism in samples of 255 patients with AD, 87 patients with VD, and 123 patients with ICVD, as compared with 117 age-matched healthy control subjects (CTL). The frequency of the ApoE σ4 allele was significantly higher in the VD group (0.21), the ICVD group (0.15) as well as in the AD group (0.26) than in the CTL subjects (0.08). These findings suggest that the genotype of ApoE σ4 is associated with not only AD but also VD and ICVD, and that ApoE σ4 plays an important role in the development of dementia and ICVD.
Real-World Analysis of Dispensed IUs of Coagulation Factor IX and Resultant Expenditures in Hemophilia B Patients Receiving Standard Half-Life Versus Extended Half-Life Products and Those Switching from Standard Half-Life to Extended Half-Life Products

BACKGROUND: Hemophilia B requires replacement therapy with factor IX (FIX) coagulation products to treat and prevent bleeding episodes. A recently introduced extended half-life (EHL) recombinant FIX replacement product provided the opportunity to compare the amount of dispensed factor and expenditures for EHL treatment compared with a standard half-life (SHL) product. OBJECTIVE: To determine factor international units (IUs) dispensed and expenditures associated with switching from nonacog alfa, the most commonly used SHL replacement product, to eftrenonacog alfa, an EHL FIX replacement product. METHODS: Two U.S. claims databases were analyzed. A large national specialty pharmacy dispensation claims database was used to identify the number of IUs dispensed and monthly charges for all patients with hemophilia B from April 2015 to June 2016. Truven Health MarketScan Research Databases (January 2010-July 2016) were used to identify IUs and expenditures for patients with claims data for at least 3 months before and after switching from the SHL to the EHL product. Medians for IUs and expenditures are presented to accommodate for skewness of data distribution. RESULTS: The national specialty pharmacy database analysis included 296 patients with moderate or severe hemophilia B (233 on SHL; 94 on EHL). Median monthly factor dispensed was 11% lower (2,142 IU) in the EHL versus SHL cohort over the study period, while individual monthly reductions ranged from 32% to 47% (9,838 IU to 16,514 IU). Using the wholesale acquisition cost, the median per-patient monthly factor expenditures over the 15-month study period were 94% higher ($23,005) for the EHL than for the SHL product. Individual median monthly expenditure differences ranged from 15% ($6,562) to 49% ($19,624). In the Truven database, 14 patients switched from the SHL to the EHL product. The amount of factor dispensed was variable; in the 1-year period before and after the switch from the SHL to the EHL product, mean IUs dispensed decreased by 3,005 IU, while median IUs dispensed increased by 4,775 IU. Factor replacement expenditures were higher after switching from the SHL to the EHL product in each of the 3-month periods examined before versus after the switch. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis of real-world data showed that switching from the SHL to the EHL product was associated with higher expenditures. Increased expenditures noted in the first 3 months after switching may be related to initial stocking up of the EHL product, but expenditures were sustained throughout the 1-year period of data analysis. Further analysis of these findings with larger numbers of patients should be explored.
A Transformer-Less Unified Power Quality Conditioner with Fast Dynamic Control

A single-phase transformer-less unified power quality conditioner (TL-UPQC) is presented. Apart from having no isolation transformer, the proposed structure utilizes four switching devices only, forming two half-bridge voltage-source inverters—one connected in parallel with the load and another one connected in series with the ac mains. The two inverters share the same dc link. The parallel inverter, which is controlled by a hysteresis current controller, is used to shape the current drawn from the ac mains and regulate the dc-link voltage. The series inverter, which is controlled by a boundary controller with second-order switching surface, is used to regulate the steady-state load voltage and provide voltage sag/swell ride-through. A dc-link capacitor voltage balancing control that coordinates the operations of the hysteresis and boundary controllers is designed. Modeling, design, and analysis of the whole system will be given. A 1 kVA, 110 V, 60 Hz prototype has been built and evaluated on a setup with a nonlinear load. The steady-state and transient responses under a voltage sag will be given. Experimental results are favorably compared with the theoretical predictions and the performance of other UPQCs.
Reliability and validity of a self-administered tool for online neuropsychological testing: The Amsterdam Cognition Scan

ABSTRACT Introduction: To facilitate large-scale assessment of a variety of cognitive abilities in clinical studies, we developed a self-administered online neuropsychological test battery: the Amsterdam Cognition Scan (ACS). The current studies evaluate in a group of adult cancer patients: test–retest reliability of the ACS and the influence of test setting (home or hospital), and the relationship between our online and a traditional test battery (concurrent validity). Method: Test–retest reliability was studied in 96 cancer patients (57 female; Mage = 51.8 years) who completed the ACS twice. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to assess consistency over time. The test setting was counterbalanced between home and hospital; influence on test performance was assessed by repeated measures analyses of variance. Concurrent validity was studied in 201 cancer patients (112 female; Mage = 53.5 years) who completed both the online and an equivalent traditional neuropsychological test battery. Spearman or Pearson correlations were used to assess consistency between online and traditional tests. Results: ICCs of the online tests ranged from . 29 to . 76, with an ICC of . 78 for the ACS total score. These correlations are generally comparable with the test–retest correlations of the traditional tests as reported in the literature. Correlating online and traditional test scores, we observed medium to large concurrent validity (r/ρ = .42 to .70; total score r = .78), except for a visuospatial memory test (ρ = .36). Correlations were affected—as expected—by design differences between online tests and their offline counterparts. Conclusions: Although development and optimization of the ACS is an ongoing process, and reliability can be optimized for several tests, our results indicate that it is a highly usable tool to obtain (online) measures of various cognitive abilities. The ACS is expected to facilitate efficient gathering of data on cognitive functioning in the near future.
The concept of entropy in landscape evolution

_________________________________________ _ General statement _________________________________ _ Aspects of entropy ______ . __________________________ _ Open systems _____________________________________ _ Principle of least work and entropy __________________ _ Longitudinal profile of rivers ________________________ _ Demonstration by use of a random-walk modeL _______ _ Effect of constraint on stream length _________________ _ Pae:e
Thorough analysis of unorthodox ABO deletions called by the 1000 Genomes project

ABO remains the clinically most important blood group system, but despite earlier extensive research, significant findings are still being made. The vast majority of catalogued ABO null alleles are based on the c.261delG polymorphism. Apart from c.802G>A, other mechanisms for O alleles are rare. While analysing the data set from the 1000 Genomes (1000G) project, we encountered two previously uncharacterized deletions, which needed further exploration.
Transformation of cellobiose during the interaction of cellobiose dehydrogenase and β‐glucosidase of Cerrena unicolor

This work investigated the regulatory role of the interaction between cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) and β‐glucosidase (β‐GLU) in the conversion of cellobiose into cellobionolactone or glucose in vitro. To study the regulation, the two enzymes were isolated from the culture medium of the fungus Cerrena unicolor grown on a medium with microcrystalline cellulose. The enzymes were obtained in an electrophoretically homogeneous state. Their properties were studied. Both enzymes had acidic pH optima and were more stable in the acidic pH range. CDH was moderately thermostable, while β‐GLU had a low thermostability. Both enzymes efficiently catalyzed the transformation of cellobiose. A mixture of CDH and β‐GLU transformed cellobiose to glucose or cellobionolactone in the presence of various concentrations of laccase and hydroquinone. Formation of glucose and cellobionolactone in vitro during the competition between CDH and β‐GLU for cellobiose depended on the availability of quinones, formed as a result of the interaction of laccase and hydroquinone, for CDH. At low laccase and hydroquinone concentrations, the formation of glucose was found to predominate over that of cellobionolactone. The possible physiological role of the enzymes’ interaction is discussed.
A comparison of stepwise common singular spectrum analysis and horizontal multi-channel singular spectrum analysis

ABSTRACT The problem of forecasting a time series by using information provided by a second time series is considered. Two multivariate extensions of Singular Spectrum Analysis (SSA) are compared in terms of forecast error: Horizontal Multi-channel SSA and Stepwise Common SSA. Different signal structures, defined in terms of trend, period, amplitude and phase, are investigated. In broad terms we find that neither Horizontal Multichannel SSA nor Stepwise Common SSA is best in all cases. Horizontal MSSA is outperformed particularly in cases where different trends are considered.
Evaluation of left ventricular strain in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy

Objective Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) can cause structural and functional changes in the left ventricle (LV). In this study, we evaluated whether cardiac magnetic resonance tissue-tracking (MR-TT) can be applied to the detection of LV abnormalities in patients with DCM. Methods We used MR-TT to analyze the global peak radial strain (GPRS), global peak circumferential strain (GPCS), and global peak longitudinal strain (GPLS) in every segment of the LV in 23 patients with DCM and 25 controls. The LV ejection fraction was also measured as a function indicator. Results Compared with the controls, the GPRS, GPCS, and GPLS were significantly reduced in patients with DCM, indicating global LV function impairment in all directions. We also identified a significant linear correlation between the GPRS, GPCS, and GPLS and the LV ejection fraction, indicating that LV function relies on coordinated wall motion from all directions. Moreover, we found that patients with DCM had a significantly reduced magnitude of the PRS, PCS, and PLS in most segments at different levels, indicating impaired myocardial function in most LV regions. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that LV myocardial strain in patients with DCM can be sensitively detected by MR-TT (not only the global LV function changes but also the segmental strain), which can help to identify the injured segment at an early stage and guide clinical treatment.
Evaluating Readmission-Need for More Clarity on Methods.

Evaluating Readmission— Need for More Clarity on Methods We have several questions about the study by Gupta et al1 that are central to interpreting their evaluation of the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP). The Medicare Hospital Quality Chartbooks,2,3 based on national Medicare data, showed that the 30-day mortality of heart failure (HF) rose annually as early as 2006 (before implementation of the HRRP) before leveling off after 2012. Thus, understanding their sample is important. It would be useful to know how many American Heart Association GetWithTheGuidelines(GWTG)–HFhospitalswerecontinuously enrolling throughout the study period and how their characteristics compare with the nation’s hospitals. Moreover, the authors included 115 245 HF hospitalizations from 416 hospitals over 9 years1—on average, 2 to 3 hospitalizations per hospital per month. Because many hospitals in the GWTG-HF program, a voluntary registry, are large, this small number per hospital is unexpected. Therefore, it would also be helpful to know the extent to which includedGWTG-HFhospitals(andalsoamongthosecontinuously enrolling) were enrolling all of their patients with HF into the registry.Specifically,whatpercentageoftheMedicarefee-for-service patients hospitalized with HF at these GWTG-HF hospitals (as documented in Medicare Provider and Analysis Review files) were entered into the GWTG-HF program during the study period? This information differs from the percentage of GWTG-HF patients matched to Medicare data (also of interest). Another point relates to the analysis. Because the HRRP was introduced at the hospital level with consideration of random hospital-specific effects, the study also requires random hospital-specific effects in the interrupted time series; policy effects should be determined by averaging over the hospital effects. It is important to report both marginal estimates and between-hospital variation in the different periods. Finally, the article’s conclusion contrasts with our earlier JAMA publication4 focusing on Medicare patients. While we also found declining readmission rates and modestly rising postdischarge mortality rates for HF across hospitals from 2008 through 2014, we also found that individual hospitals with declining readmission rates were more likely to have, if anything, declining mortalityrates.ThisiscontrarytowhatonewouldexpectifHRRP caused hospitals to reduce readmissions at the expense of increasing mortality. It would be useful to know if this association was also found in the hospitals and patients in the GWTG-HF program. The answers to these queries will assist readers to better interpret the published study and place the comprehensiveness of the results from this voluntary registry in context.
Site-specific Differences in Colonic Adenocarcinoma: KRAS Mutations and High Tumor Budding Are More Frequent in Cecal Adenocarcinoma

Recent literature indicates that adenocarcinomas of the cecum differ with respect to molecular alterations compared with noncecal proximal colon adenocarcinomas and that cecal tumor site may be a prognostically relevant variable. We compared molecular alterations, histopathologic features, and disease-specific survival in a series of 328 colonic adenocarcinomas identified over a 2-year period and stratified by tumor location (cecum, right colon, and left colon). Overall, cecal adenocarcinomas demonstrated the highest frequency of molecular abnormalities with 74% harboring either a KRAS exon 2 or 3 mutation, a BRAF mutation, or DNA mismatch repair protein deficiency. KRAS mutations were more frequently seen in the cecum compared with all other tumor sites (P=0.03). KRAS mutations were identified in 46% of cecal adenocarcinomas compared with only 25% of adenocarcinomas of the right colon (P=0.004). Cecal adenocarcinomas more frequently displayed adverse histopathologic features, in particular high tumor budding (31%), compared with tumors of the right colon (18%; P=0.04) and tumors of the left colon (17%; P=0.02). Overall stage was the most important independent predictor of disease-specific survival in the multivariable analysis; however, cecal tumor site and high tumor budding were also predictive of poor survival, particularly in patients with stage III or IV tumors. In conclusion, cecal adenocarcinomas are characterized by a high frequency of KRAS mutations compared with noncecal right colon tumors, frequently display high tumor budding, and may be a prognostically relevant variable, particularly in patients with stage III or IV disease.
Gambling and its clinical correlates in university students

Abstract Objective: This study sought to examine the prevalence of gambling disorder (GD) in a university sample and its associated physical and mental health correlates. Methods: A 156-item anonymous online survey was distributed via random email generation to a sample of 9449 university students. Current use of alcohol and drugs, psychological and physical status and academic performance were assessed, along with questionnaire-based measures of impulsivity and compulsivity. Positive screens for GD were based upon individuals meeting DSM-5 criteria. Results: A total of 3421 participants (59.7% female) were included in the analysis. The overall prevalence of GD was 0.4%, while an additional 8.4% reported subsyndromal symptoms of GD. GD was significantly associated with past-year use of cocaine, heroin/opiate pain medications, sedatives, alcohol and tobacco. Those with GD were more likely to have generalized anxiety, PTSD and compulsive sexual behavior. Questionnaire-based measures revealed higher levels of both compulsivity and impulsivity associated with disordered gambling. Conclusions: Some level of gambling symptomatology is common in young adults and is associated with alcohol and drug use, as well as impulsive and compulsive behaviors. Clinicians should be aware of the presentation of problematic gambling and screen for it in primary care and mental health settings.
Prevalence and risk factors for bloodstream infection present on hospital admission

Background: Bloodstream infection present on hospital admission (BSI-POA) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to measure prevalence and describe the risk factors of patients with BSI-POA and to determine the prevalence of resistance in isolates by admission source. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients discharged from three hospitals in New York City between 2006 and 2014. BSI-POA was defined as BSI diagnosed within 48 h of hospitalisation. Results: The prevalence for BSI-POA was 5307/315,010 discharges (1.7%). The odds of being admitted with BSI-POA were greatest among patients admitted with renal failure, chronic dermatitis, malignancies and prior hospitalisation. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were 2.72 (95% CI = 2.56–2.88), 2.15 (95% CI = 1.97–2.34), 1.76 (95% CI = 1.64–1.88) and 1.59 (95% CI = 1.50–1.69), respectively. The largest proportion of BSI-POA presented with Staphylococcus aureus (48.4%), followed by Enterococcus faecalis/faecium (20.3%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (16.2%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (8.7%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (4.2%) and Acinetobacter baumannii (2.2%). Overall, 44% of those admitted from nursing homes presented with antibiotic resistant strains versus 34% from other hospitals and 31% from private homes (P = 0.002). Conclusion: Understanding the risk factors of patients who present to the hospital with BSI could enable timely interventions and better patient outcomes.
Evidence that Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase but Not Heme Oxygenase Increases in the Hypothalamus on Proestrus Afternoon

Nitric oxide (NO) has been implicated in the control of the proestrus luteinizing hormone (LH) surge in the rat but to date no studies have attempted to measure neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) or NO production on proestrus in the hypothalamus in order to determine if endogenous NO is increased on proestrus afternoon to activate gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons. To address this deficit in our knowledge, we measured nNOS mRNA and protein levels as well as NOS activity levels in rat preoptic area (POA) and medial basal hypothalamus (MBH) fragments at 12.00, 14.00, 16.00, and 18.00 h of proestrus. Serum LH levels were also assessed to determine whether NOS changes correlate to the LH surge. To determine the specificity of observed changes we also measured mRNA levels for the enzyme heme oxygenase-2, which is responsible for production of another putative gaseous transmitter, carbon monoxide. In all studies a metestrus 12.00 h control group was included since steroid and LH levels would be basal at this time as compared to proestrus. The results revealed that nNOS mRNA and protein levels, as well as NOS activity did not change significantly in the MBH on proestrus. In contrast, nNOS mRNA levels were significantly elevated in the POA at proestrus 12.00 and 14.00 h, as compared to metestrus 12.00 h. Likewise, at the protein and activity level, nNOS protein levels in the POA were significantly elevated on proestrus at 14.00 and 16.00 h, with NOS activity significantly increased at 16.00 h on proestrus. The elevation of nNOS protein and activity levels in the POA occurred at the time of initiation of the LH surge. The elevation of nNOS was specific as mRNA levels for the CO-synthetic enzyme heme oxygenase-2 did not change significantly on proestrus in the POA or MBH. As a whole, the current studies provide new evidence that nNOS is elevated in the POA on proestrus, and thus could play a role in the activation of GnRH neurons to produce the preovulatory LH surge.
SFI++. II. A New I-Band Tully-Fisher Catalog, Derivation of Peculiar Velocities, and Data Set Properties

We present the SFI++ data set, a homogeneously derived catalog of photometric and rotational properties and the Tully-Fisher distances and peculiar velocities derived from them. We make use of digital optical images, optical long-slit spectra, and global H I line profiles to extract parameters of relevance to disk scaling relations, incorporating several previously published data sets as well as a new photometric sample of some 2000 objects. According to the completeness of available redshift samples over the sky area, we exploit both a modified percolation algorithm and the Voronoi-Delaunay method to assign individual galaxies to groups as well as clusters, thereby reducing scatter introduced by local orbital motions. We also provide corrections to the peculiar velocities for both homogeneous and inhomogeneous Malmquist bias, making use of the 2MASS Redshift Survey density field to approximate large-scale structure. We summarize the sample selection criteria, corrections made to raw observational parameters, the grouping techniques, and our procedure for deriving peculiar velocities. The final SFI++ peculiar velocity catalog of 4861 field and cluster galaxies is large enough to permit the study not just of the global statistics of large-scale flows but also of the details of the local velocity field.