Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF SCHIZOPHRENIA VERSUS BRAIN DAMAGE: A REVIEW

The previous 10 years of research comparing neuropsychological test performances of adults diagnosed as schizophrenic with adults diagnosed as brain damaged is reviewed. Current concepts and criteria for classifying and sub-classifying patients in terms of brain damage and schizophrenia are presented. Right hemisphere, left hemisphere, and diffusely brain-damaged patients and paranoid, reactive, and process schizophrenics may differ in neuropsychological test performances. However, not all differences among these groups are well substantiated or well understood. Few studies were found that reported consistently using the most valid criteria in forming schizophrenic and brain damaged samples. Furthermore, only a small proportion of studies included appropriate controls for age, IQ or education, length of hospitalizaton, and drug effects.Canter's Background Interference Procedure and DeWolfe's Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale sign approach have been found to discriminate well between schizophrenic and brain-damaged groups after replicated investigation of these procedures. The Halstead-Reitan Battery provided discriminatory power equivalent to, but not superior to, many single measures. However, the use of inadequate criteria appears to have resulted in an imposed ceiling (70 to 75 per cent accuracy) on the discriminatory power of psychological tests. Recommendations for future research include: a) the use of more valid criteria for brain damage (i.e., computerized tomographic scan) and more valid and standardized assessment of schizophrenia (i.e., Inpatient Multidimensional Psychiatric Rating Scale) in classifying subjects; b) evaluating all subjects using both neurological and psychopathological criteria; c) reporting percentages of hits, false negatives, and false positives; and d) increased comparisons among schizophrenic and brain-damaged subclassifications.
Perceptual Evidence Against Internal Structure in American Sign Language Syllables

Syllables in spoken languages have been argued to have an internal structure which may cluster the consonants and vowels into subgroups. The most commonly used subgroups are the Onset (initial consonants) and Rhyme (vowel and remaining consonants), with the further possibility of dividing the Rhyme into Nucleus (the vowel and any on- or off-glides) and the Coda (the final consonants). Although linguistic debate continues about the exact formulation of such syllable models, the evidence is clear that listeners identify rhythmic beats at a particular point inside the syllable, namely at the release of the initial consonants into the following linguistically stressed vowels (referred to as the syllable peak, assumed to be part of the Nucleus). To determine whether such loci would be identified for syllables in American Sign Language, deaf native signers, hearing native signers, and hearing subjects unfamiliar with sign language were asked to tap to videotaped signed stimuli. Analysis of the tap locations in signed syllables revealed a relatively flat distribution across the syllable for all three groups and for individual subjects. The absence of syllable peak perception is discussed in relation to the motoric characteristics of sign production.
Redundant array of inexpensive servers (RAIS) for on-demand multimedia services

Previously, we considered the design and implementation of a server array system for delivering video-on-demand service on a computer network. Data blocks are striped across an array of autonomous servers, and each client station contacts the servers one by one to retrieve blocks for constructing its own video stream. The server array approach has the benefits of (1) scalable storage capacity and throughput, and (2) load sharing across the servers. In this paper, we study fault-tolerance issues in a server array system and propose the notion of redundant array of inexpensive servers (RAIS), which is a server-level counterpart to redundant array of inexpensive disks (RAID). While some concepts from RAID may be applicable, we show that RAIS faces new challenges as failure detection and recovery are handled by network protocols, subjecting to error, loss, non-deterministic delay, and bandwidth limitation. Through an implementation of RAIS for delivering multimedia world-wide-web services, we show that (1) server-level fault tolerance can be achieved, (2) continuous playback of video and audio can be maintained in spite of server failures, and (3) graceful service degradation can be implemented using our object striping scheme.
Wavelength response of a surface plasmon resonance palladium-coated optical fiber sensor for hydrogen detection

An optical fiber using palladium as sensitive layer is characterized in the range of 450 to 900 nm. The sensitive layer is deposited on the outside of a multimode fiber, after removing the optical cladding. The sensor is based on a measurement technique that uses the surface plasmon resonance effect. A continuous change in output intensity is observed as a function of the hydrogen concentration between 0.5% and 4% H2 by volume in Argon. The response shows that the transmitted intensity can either decrease or increase, depending on the selected wavelength. This behavior is directly related to the change in reflectance upon hydrogenation between the polarization s and p. The loading time is 30 s and the unloading time is 90 s in a mix of argon and 10% of oxygen. The detectors show a good reproducibility.
Genetic diversity and population structure of largehead hairtail, Trichiurus japonicus, based on mtDNA control region

Abstract Largehead hairtail, Trichiurus japonicus, is a valuable commercially exploited demersal species. We gathered mtDNA control region sequences (3′ mtDNA CR) of T. japonicus to investigate its genetic diversity and population genetic structure. Fifty-four specimens were collected from the nearshore localities along the coastline of China. A total of 42 polymorphic sites were found, which defined 40 haplotypes. A pattern with high level of haplotype diversity (h = 0.98 ± 0.01) and very low level of nucleotide diversity (π = 0.008 ± 0.005) were detected in the examined range. Comparing π with other fish species shows that T. japonicus has remarkable low genetic diversity values compared with other Pacific Ocean marine fishes. AMOVA and conventional Fst values revealed no significant genetic structure throughout the examined range, which is inconsistent with the previous findings based on the morphological and ecological studies. Using a variety of phylogenetic methods, coalescent reasoning, and molecular dating interpreted in conjunction with paleoclimateic and physiographic evidence, we infer that the genetic make-up of extant populations of T. japonicus was shaped by Pleistocene environmental impacts on the historical demography of this species. Coalescent analyses (Neutrality tests, Mismatch distribution analysis, Bayesian skyline analyses) showed that the species along the coastline of China has experienced population expansions originated in its most recent history at about 153–216 kyr.
A Principal Role for the Proteasome in Endoplasmic Reticulum-associated Degradation of Misfolded Intracellular Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator*

Endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation of misfolded cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein is known to involve the ubiquitin-proteasome system. In addition, an ATP-independent proteolytic system has been suggested to operate in parallel with this pathway and become up-regulated when proteasomes are inhibited (Jensen, T. J., Loo, M. A., Pind, S., Williams, D. B., Goldberg, A. L., and Riordan, J. R. (1995) Cell 83, 129–135). In this study, we use two independent techniques, pulse-chase labeling and a noninvasive fluorescence cell-based assay, to investigate the proteolytic pathways underlying the degradation of misfolded CFTR. Here we report that only inhibitors of the proteasome have a significant effect on preventing the degradation of CFTR, whereas cell-permeable inhibitors of lysosomal degradation, autophagy, and several classes of protease had no measurable effect on CFTR degradation, when used either alone or in combination with the specific proteasome inhibitor carbobenzoxy-l-leucyl-leucyl-l-leucinal (MG132). Our results suggest that ubiquitin-proteasome-mediated degradation is the dominant pathway for disposal of misfolded CFTR in mammalian cells and provide new mechanistic insight into endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation.
Association Between Soluble CD40L with Thrombosis Occurrence and JAK2 V617F Mutation in Essential Thrombocythemia

Thrombo-haemorrhagic events are the main cause of mortality in essential thrombocythemia (ET). The aim of this study was to measure soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) in the plasma of healthy individuals and in patients with an elevated platelet count and investigate the association of sCD40L with thrombosis in ET patients and their JAK2 V617F mutation. The plasma levels of sCD40L was measured in 75 patients. 35 patients diagnosed as ET, 25 patients diagnosed as reactive thrombocytosis (RT), 15 patients with low platelet count and 15 healthy subjects acted as the control group. 35 ET patients were assessed for JAK2 V617F status by utilizing a JAK2 V617F specific quenching probe. ET patients had the highest levels of sCD40L compared to the patients with RT and controls (225.70±79.34, 160.40±54.54 and 83.54±21.54) respectively and a tight correlation was found between the platelet count and sCD40L. Statistical analysis revealed that the JAK2 V617F mutation was associated with significantly increased levels of WBCs (p˂0.04) and sCD40L (p˂0.001) compared to JAK2 V617F negative patients. There was no significant association between JAK2 V617F mutation and thrombosis, but the level of sCD40L was significantly higher in patients with thrombosis than those without thrombosis (236.43 ± 75.93 vs 184.65 ± 62.31) respectively. Based on these findings, the presence of JAK2 mutation may changes the expression of soluble markers of endothelial and platelet activation besides the quantitative and qualitative changes in platelets. Mechanisms leading to thrombosis are more complex and multifactorial.
Regulation of Expression of Nitrate and Dinitrogen Assimilation by Anabaena Species

Anabaena sp. strain 7120 appeared more responsive to nitrogen control than A. cylindrica. Growth in the presence of nitrate strongly repressed the differentiation of heterocysts and fixation of dinitrogen in Anabaena sp. strain 7120, but only weakly in A. cylindrica. Nitrate assimilation by ammonium-grown cultures was strongly repressed in Anabaena sp. strain 7120, but less so in A. cylindrica. The repressive effect of nitrate on dinitrogen assimilation in Anabaena sp. strain 7120, compared to A. cylindrica, did not correlate with a greater rate of nitrate transport, reduction to ammonium, assimilation into amino acids, or growth. Although both species grew at similar rates with dinitrogen, A. cylindrica grew faster with nitrate, incorporated more 13NO3− into amino acids, and assimilated (transported) nitrate at the same rate as Anabaena sp. strain 7120. Full expression of nitrate assimilation in the two species occurred within 2.5 h (10 to 14% of their generation times) after transfer to nitrate medium. The induction and continued expression of nitrate assimilation was dependent on protein synthesis. The half-saturation constants for nitrate assimilation and for nitrate and ammonium repression of dinitrogen assimilation have ecological significance with respect to nitrogen-dependent growth and competitiveness of the two Anabaena species.
Cryptic diversity in Ptyodactylus (Reptilia: Gekkonidae) from the northern Hajar Mountains of Oman and the United Arab Emirates uncovered by an integrative taxonomic approach

The Hajar Mountains of south-eastern Arabia form an isolated massif surrounded by the sea to the east and by a large desert to the west. As a result of their old geological origin, geographical isolation, complex topography and local climate, these mountains provide an important refuge for endemic and relict species of plants and animals. With 19 species restricted to the Hajar Mountains, reptiles are the vertebrate group with the highest level of endemicity, becoming an excellent model for understanding the patterns and processes that generate and shape diversity in this arid mountain range. The geckos of the Ptyodactylus hasselquistii species complex are the largest geckos in Arabia and are found widely distributed across the Arabian Mountains, constituting a very important component of the reptile mountain fauna. Preliminary analyses suggested that their diversity in the Hajar Mountains may be higher than expected and that their systematics should be revised. In order to tackle these questions, we inferred a nearly complete calibrated phylogeny of the genus Ptyodactylus to identify the origin of the Hajar Mountains lineages using information from two mitochondrial and four nuclear genes. Genetic variability within the Hajar Mountains was further investigated using 68 specimens of Ptyodactylus from 46 localities distributed across the entire mountain range and sequenced for the same genes as above. The molecular phylogenies and morphological analyses as well as niche comparisons indicate the presence of two very old sister cryptic species living in allopatry: one restricted to the extreme northern Hajar Mountains and described as a new species herein; the other distributed across the rest of the Hajar Mountains that can be confidently assigned to the species P. orlovi. Similar to recent findings in the geckos of the genus Asaccus, the results of the present study uncover more hidden diversity in the northern Hajar Mountains and stress once again the importance of this unique mountain range as a hot spot of biodiversity and a priority focal point for reptile conservation in Arabia.
Clinical practice guidelines for ostomy surgery.

Diseases of the Colon & ReCtum Volume 58: 4 (2015) the american society of Colon and Rectal surgeons is dedicated to ensuring high-quality patient care by advancing the science, prevention, and management of disorders and diseases of the colon, rectum, and anus. the Clinical Practice Guidelines Committee is charged with leading international efforts in defining quality care for conditions related to the colon, rectum, and anus by developing Clinical Practice Guidelines based on the best available evidence. these guidelines are inclusive, not prescriptive, and are intended for the use of all practitioners, health care workers, and patients who desire information about the management of the conditions addressed by the topics covered in these guidelines. their purpose is to provide information based on which decisions can be made, rather than to dictate a specific form of treatment. it should be recognized that these guidelines should not be deemed inclusive of all proper methods of care or exclusive of methods of care reasonably directed to obtaining the same results. the ultimate judgment regarding the propriety of any specific procedure must be made by the physician in light of all the circumstances presented by the individual patient.
Surgical evacuation of acute subdural hematoma in octogenarians: a ten-year experience from a single trauma center

Abstract Background: Elderly patients presenting with an acute subdural hematoma (aSDH) have historically had unfavorable outcomes. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patient records from 2005 through 2015 that were ≥80 years of age and underwent surgical evacuation of aSDH. Results: Thirty-four patients met inclusion criteria, with a mean age of 84 years (range 80–91). Glascow Outcome Scale (GOS) of 4–5 was deemed a good outcome and a GOS 1–3 was deemed to be a poor outcome. Six patients had good outcome at last follow up and 27 patients had poor outcome. Patients with a higher presenting Glascow Coma Scale (GCS) trended towards better outcome [(good: mean 13.1, median 14.5, IQR 12.5–15) vs. (poor: mean 9.6, median 10, IQR 6–14) p = 0.06]. Patients with a higher in-hospital post-operative GCS score had significantly better overall outcome than patients who left the hospital with a lower GCS score [(good: mean 14.5, median 14.5, IQR 14–15) vs. (poor: mean 8.4, median 9, IQR 4–11) p = 0.001]. Patients with a good outcome had a median aSDH thickness of 17mm (IQR 12.75–19.75) while patients with a poor outcome had a median thickness of 20mm (IQR 16–24.5); p = 0.17. In addition, patients with a good outcome had a median midline shift of 10mm (IQR 6–12.5), while patients with a poor outcome had a median midline shift of 14mm (IQR 10–20); p = 0.07. Conclusions: The prognosis for elderly patients with large aSDH remains poor, but a subset of patients can benefit from surgical intervention.
BIG SAGEBRUSH (ARTEMISIA TRIDENTATA) COMMUNITIES - ECOLOGY, IMPORTANCE AND RESTORATION POTENTIAL

Big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata Nutt.) is the most common and widespread sagebrush species in the Intermountain region. Climatic patterns, elevation gradients, soil characteristics and fire are among the factors regulating the distribution of its three major subspecies. Each of these subspecies is considered a topographic climax dominant. Reproductive strategies of big sagebrush subspecies have evolved that favor the development of both regional and localized populations.
Measurement of Immunoglobulins G, A, and M Levels in B‐Lymphocytes Culture

Abstract Nephelometric immunoassays were developed for human IgG, IgA, and IgM quantitation in B‐lymphocytes culture media. They allowed measurement of immunoglobulin (Ig) levels over a broad range of concentrations with good accuracy and precision. The kinetics of Ig production in B‐lymphocyte cultures was followed and the mean amount of each Ig was determined in six different samples after three days of culture. The nephelometric immunoassays reported here could be used to study, in vitro, the influence of various molecules (inhibitory or amplifying effect) on B‐lymphocytes' functional capacities.
Resolution of Inflammation: A New Paradigm for the Pathogenesis of Periodontal Diseases

The periodontal diseases are infectious diseases caused by predominantly Gram-negative bacteria. However, as our understanding of the pathogenesis of the periodontal diseases grows, it is becoming clear that most of the tissue damage that characterizes periodontal disease is caused by the host response to infection, not by the infectious agent directly. Investigation into the mechanism of action of host-mediated tissue injury has revealed that the neutrophil plays an important role in destruction of host tissues. In this paper, we review the biochemical pathways and molecular mediators that are responsible for regulation of the inflammatory response in diseases such as periodontitis, with a focus on lipid mediators of inflammation. Pro-inflammatory mediators, such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes, are balanced by counter-regulatory signals provided by a class of molecules called lipoxins. The role of lipoxins in the control and resolution of inflammation is discussed, as is the possibility of the development of new therapeutic strategies for the control and prevention of neutrophil-mediated tissue injury in inflammatory diseases like periodontitis.
Are gender and life attitudes associated with the wish to die in older psychiatric and somatic inpatients? An explorative study

ABSTRACT Background: Death wishes are not uncommon in older persons, and to date, several risk factors have been identified. The presence of these risk factors is insufficient to fully understand why some older people, who are exposed to them, develop a wish to die and why others do not. The purpose of the study was to explore whether Purpose in Life as well as other life attitudes are associated with a death wish in older males and females. Methods: The sample comprised 113 older inpatients (from a psychiatric and somatic ward) with a mean age of 74 years. Psychiatric diagnoses were assessed by the SCID-II. Logistic regression analyses estimated the unique contribution of (the interaction between) life attitudes and gender to the wish to die, controlling for sociodemographic variables, depressive disorder, and somatic symptoms. Results: We observed a statistically significant relationship between life attitudes and the wish to die. Purpose in Life and the Purpose in Life*Gender interaction explained significant additional variance in the prediction of the wish to die. Purposelessness in life might therefore be an important correlate of a wish to die, especially in older men, independently from sociodemographic and clinical features. Conclusions: In assessing a wish to die in older adults, life attitudes need to be taken into account, besides the presence of a depressive disorder and/or somatic health. More specifically, finding or maintaining a purpose in later life might be an important feature in the prevention of the wish to die, especially in male persons.
Angiotensin II stimulates water and NaCl intake through separate cell signalling pathways in rats

Angiotensin II (AngII) stimulation of water and NaCl intake is a classic model of the behavioural effects of hormones. In vitro studies indicate that the AngII type 1 (AT1) receptor stimulates intracellular pathways that include protein kinase C (PKC) and mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinase activation. Previous studies support the hypotheses that PKC is involved in AngII‐induced water, but not NaCl intake and that MAP kinase plays a role in NaCl consumption, but not water intake, after injection of AngII. The present experiments test these hypotheses in rats using central injections of AngII in the presence or absence of a PKC inhibitor or a MAP kinase inhibitor. Pretreatment with the PKC inhibitor chelerythrine attenuated AngII‐induced water intake, but NaCl intake was unaffected. In contrast, pretreatment with U0126, a MAP kinase inhibitor, had no effect on AngII‐induced water intake, but attenuated NaCl intake. These data support the working hypotheses and significantly extend our earlier findings and those of others. Perhaps more importantly, these experiments demonstrate the remarkable diversity of peptide receptor systems and add support for the surprising finding that intracellular signalling pathways can have divergent behavioural relevance.
High-density microwave plasma of SiH4/H2 for high rate growth of highly crystallized microcrystalline silicon films

The plasma parameters for the fast deposition of highly crystallized microcrystalline silicon ( µ c-Si) films with low defect density are presented using a high-density and low-temperature SiH 4 -H 2 mixture microwave plasma. A very high deposition rate of 65 A/s was achieved for a SiH 4 concentration of 67% diluted in H 2 with a high Raman crystallinity I c / I a > 2.5 and a low defect density of 1−2 × 10 16 cm −3 by adjusting the plasma conditions. Contrary to the case of a conventional rf plasma, the defect density of the µ c-Si films strongly depends on substrate temperature, T s , and increases with increasing T s even if T s is below 300 °C. This indicates that the real temperature at the growing surface is higher than the monitored value. A sufficient supply of deposition precursors such as SiH 3 at the growing surface under an appropriate ion bombardment is effective for the fast deposition of highly crystallized µ c-Si films as well as for the suppression of the amorphous incubation and transition interface layers at the initial growth stage.