Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pallidotomy with the Gamma Knife: A Positive Experience

51 patients with medically refractory Parkinson’s disease underwent stereotactic posteromedial pallidotomy between August 1993 and February 1997 for treatment of bradykinesia, rigidity, and L-DOPA-induced dyskinesias. In 29 patients, the pallidotomies were performed with the Leksell Gamma Knife and in 22 they were performed with the standard radiofrequency (RF) method. Clinical assessment as well as blinded ratings of Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) scores were carried out pre- and postoperatively. Mean follow-up time is 20.6 months (range 6–48) and all except 4 patients have been followed more than one year. 85 percent of patients with dyskinesias were relieved of symptoms, regardless of whether the pallidotomies were performed with the Gamma Knife or radiofrequency methods. About 2/3 of the patients in both Gamma Knife and radiofrequency groups showed improvements in bradykinesia and rigidity, although when considered as a group neither the Gamma Knife nor the radiofrequency group showed statistically significant improvements in UPDRS scores. One patient in the Gamma Knife group (3.4%) developed a homonymous hemianopsia 9 months following treatment and 5 patients (27.7%) in the radiofrequency group became transiently confused postoperatively. No other complications were seen. Gamma Knife pallidotomy is as effective as radiofrequency pallidotomy in controlling certain of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. It may be the only practical technique available in certain patients, such as those who take anticoagulants, have bleeding diatheses or serious systemic medical illnesses. It is a viable option for other patients as well.
Do male sex hormones protect from irritable bowel syndrome?

OBJECTIVE:Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is more common in women and it is frequently assumed that being female may predispose to the development of this disorder. Alternatively, being male could offer some degree of protection and if so, this might be mediated by testosterone. The aim of this study was to assess whether male patients with IBS have lower levels of testosterone and related gonadotrophins than their unaffected counterparts and if this relates to rectal sensitivity.METHODS:Fifty secondary care, male outpatients with IBS (aged 19–71 yr) were compared with 25 controls (aged 22–67 yr). Each subject had serum testosterone, free testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin, follicle stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone (LH) measured, together with rectal sensitivity to balloon distension. Anxiety and depression were also assessed.RESULTS:The only difference in the hormone levels between patients and controls that reached statistical significance was the lower value for LH in the IBS patients (p = 0.014). Although patients were more anxious and depressed than the controls (p < 0.001), this could not solely account for the reduced level of LH, as adjusting for these (analysis of variance) still tended to show that LH values were lower in men with rather than without IBS [F(1,70) = 2.74; p = 0.10]. Men with IBS were more sensitive to balloon distension of the rectum, with the distension volumes required for “urgency” (p < 0.001) and “discomfort” (p = 0.001) significantly lower than controls. Paradoxically, the patient's sensory thresholds negatively correlated with levels of testosterone (p < 0.05) and free testosterone (p < 0.002), and positively with levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (p < 0.05). Finally, there was a tendency for IBS symptomatology to be inversely related to testosterone levels (p = 0.15). CONCLUSIONS:These results support the need for further exploration of the role of male sex hormones in the pathophysiology of IBS.
The candidates in their own words: A textual analysis of 2016 president primary debates

In the 2016 election cycle, the two major parties held 20 primary debates, and the candidates spoke hundreds of thousands of words. In this paper, I turn them into "word data" and examine three characteristics of the candidates: (1) Where do the candidates stand on a spectrum of policy positions? (2) How negative are the candidates' political sentiments? (3) How effectively do the candidates' speeches deliver content? This word-data approach makes possible observations that are difficult to discover with conventional methods. For example, I find the political speeches of both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump appear moderate in policy positions, positive in political sentiments, and effective in delivering content.
Fibroblast Senescence and Squamous Cell Carcinoma: How Wounding Therapies Could Be Protective

BACKGROUND Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which has one of the highest incidences of all cancers in the United States, is an age‐dependent disease, with the majority of these cancers diagnosed in people age 70 and older. Recent findings have led to a new hypothesis on the pathogenesis of SCC. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the potential of preventive therapies to reduce the incidence of SCC in at‐risk geriatric patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS Survey of current literature on wounding therapies to prevent SCCs. RESULTS This new hypothesis of SCC photocarcinogenesis states that senescent fibroblasts accumulate in the dermis, resulting in a reduction in dermal insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) expression. This lack of IGF‐1 expression sensitizes epidermal keratinocytes to fail to suppress ultraviolet light B (UVB)‐induced mutations, leading to increased proclivity to photocarcinogenesis. Recent evidence suggests that dermal wounding therapies, specifically dermabrasion and fractionated laser resurfacing, can decrease the proportion of senescent dermal fibroblasts, increase dermal IGF‐1 expression, and correct the inappropriate UVB response found in geriatric skin, protecting geriatric keratinocytes from UVB‐induced SCC initiation. CONCLUSIONS In this review, we will discuss the translation of pioneering basic science results implicating commonly used dermal fibroblast rejuvenation procedures as preventative treatments for SCC.
Influence of Tension Reduction and Peripheral Dissection on Histologic, Biochemical and Bioenergetic Profiles, and Kinetics of Skeletal Muscle Fast‐to‐Slow Transformation

Seven goat latissimus dorsi muscles were submitted to a progressive electrostimulation program through intramuscular electrodes (Medtronic SP5528). Group 1 (n = 3) consisted of muscles stimulated in situ, and group 2 (n = 4), of muscles dissected distally and reinserted on the chest wall with a reduced tension. In group 1, complete fiber switch from type II to I occurred within 60‐100 days after the beginning of stimulation, as demonstrated by myosin isoforms and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) isozymes pattern. Respiratory chain oxidases first increased within 30‐70 days after stimulation, then progressively decreased to stabilized values, higher than the basal ones. Total LDH activity showed progressive decrease to one‐fifth of the initial value. Morphological analysis confirmed the structural integrity and physical reinforcement of the muscles. In group 2, respiratory chain oxidases showed initial increase followed first by a fast reduction to values less than the starting ones, and then by a slow secondary increase between day 40 and 90. LDH activity displayed a sharp decrease between day 15 and 36. Myosin as well as LDH isoforms showed progressive conversion. This kinetic study suggests a three‐phase adaptative evolution of the goat latissimus dorsi submitted to increased workload (group 1): a fast increase (phase I) in oxidative capacities is followed by the development of an efficient contractile machinery (phase II), with subsequent adaptation (phase III) of the terminal chemosmotic enzymes involved in energy production. Transformation of the contractile apparatus occurred in group 2, but the process was noted to be slower. Furthermore, within 90 days the energetic capacities did not approach the peak capacities observed in group 1. This data suggests that preconditioning in situ may be a superior technique, almost as if muscles are expected to work under energy consuming conditions when providing assist to a falling heart.
Standard Cochlear Implantation of Adults With Residual Low-Frequency Hearing: Implications for Combined Electro-Acoustic Stimulation

Objective: This study compared preoperative and postoperative cochlear implant benefit in subjects with steeply sloping high-frequency hearing losses (HLs) who were implanted with standard long cochlear implant electrodes to: 1) determine the effect of etiology, 2) compare outcomes in studies exploring the use of combined electrical and acoustic stimulation, and 3) compare outcomes in patients implanted using standard criteria. Study Design: Retrospective case review. Setting: Tertiary referral center. Patients: Nine adults with steeply sloping high-frequency congenital (n = 2) or acquired (n = 7) bilateral sensorineural HL. All pure-tone audiograms fit the criteria for trials of a short electrode aimed at preserving low-frequency acoustic hearing. Intervention: Subjects received full insertion of a standard cochlear implant long electrode in the poorer ear. Main Outcome Measures: Preoperative versus postoperative audiograms, word and sentence recognition in quiet and noise. Results: Patients with progressive acquired HLs experienced significantly improved speech understanding in quiet and in noise with the cochlear implant, especially when combined with hearing aid use in the contralateral ear. Patients with congenital HLs experienced little or no improvement in the implanted ear when tested with the implant alone, but achieved some benefit when the implant was combined with a hearing aid in the nonimplanted ear. Conclusion: Based on this small sample, patients with acquired steeply sloping high-frequency HLs obtain significant benefit from cochlear implantation with standard long electrodes. In progressive losses, full insertion of a long electrode would be preferable to a short electrode because acoustic hearing may diminish over time. In contrast, patients with congenital losses may not benefit from long electrodes, and might be better served by implanting a short electrode, thereby allowing use of low-frequency acoustic stimulation.
Activity and Diversity of Methanogens in a Petroleum Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Aquifer

ABSTRACT Methanogenic activity was investigated in a petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated aquifer by using a series of four push-pull tests with acetate, formate, H2 plus CO2, or methanol to target different groups of methanogenic Archaea. Furthermore, the community composition of methanogens in water and aquifer material was explored by molecular analyses, i.e., fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of 16S rRNA genes amplified with the Archaea-specific primer set ARCH915 and UNI-b-rev, and sequencing of DNA from dominant DGGE bands. Molecular analyses were subsequently compared with push-pull test data. Methane was produced in all tests except for a separate test where 2-bromoethanesulfonate, a specific inhibitor of methanogens, was added. Substrate consumption rates were 0.11 mM day−1 for methanol, 0.38 mM day−1 for acetate, 0.90 mM day−1 for H2, and 1.85 mM day−1 for formate. Substrate consumption and CH4 production during all tests suggested that at least three different physiologic types of methanogens were present: H2 plus CO2 or formate, acetate, and methanol utilizers. The presence of 15 to 20 bands in DGGE profiles indicated a diverse archaeal population. High H2 and formate consumption rates agreed with a high diversity of methanogenic Archaea consuming these substrates (16S rRNA gene sequences related to several members of the Methanomicrobiaceae) and the detection of Methanomicrobiaceae by using FISH (1.4% of total DAPI [4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole]-stained microorganisms in one water sample; probe MG1200). Considerable acetate consumption agreed with the presence of sequences related to the obligate acetate degrader Methanosaeata concilii and the detection of this species by FISH (5 to 22% of total microorganisms; probe Rotcl1). The results suggest that both aceticlastic and CO2-type substrate-consuming methanogens are likely involved in the terminal step of hydrocarbon degradation, while methanogenesis from methanol plays a minor role. DGGE profiles further indicate similar archaeal community compositions in water and aquifer material. The combination of hydrogeological and molecular methods employed in this study provide improved information on the community and the potential activity of methanogens in a petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated aquifer.
Comparison of forgiveness and anger-reduction group treatments: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract Interventions to promote forgiveness are effective. However, in what ways and in comparison to what other treatments is still unresolved. College students (n=112) who had been hurt in the past and struggled to overcome their negative experiences of it participated in this study. They were randomly assigned to one of two treatments, one focused on promoting forgiveness and one focused on reducing anger for past hurts, or a waiting list control. Treatment consisted of six 90-minute sessions held in small groups led by one facilitator over the course of 3 weeks. Results of three-level (time within participants within groups) hierarchical linear modeling indicated that the forgiveness treatment (n=41) resulted in greater reductions in hostility and psychological symptoms and more empathy for the offender than the alternative treatment (n=39) and the waitlist (n=32). Participants in both treatment conditions reported greater reductions in desires for revenge than those in the waitlist condition. All participants reported a significant reduction in rumination about the offense. Clinical significance testing mirrored these results. These findings support forgiveness-promoting treatments as effective for reducing psychological symptoms and achieving forgiveness, and suggest that they may be more effective than other types of treatments.
Whole-Genome Sequence of Muju Virus, an Arvicolid Rodent-Borne Hantavirus

ABSTRACT The complete genome sequence of Muju virus was determined from lung tissue samples of three royal voles (Myodes regulus) captured in Gangwon province in the Republic of Korea. Since few whole genome sequences of hantaviruses are available, this sequence may help to clarify the molecular phylogeny of arvicolid rodent-borne hantaviruses.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease--a chronic disease of the 21st century

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) comprises a spectrum of metabolic states ranging from simple steatosis to inflammation with associated fibrosis to cirrhosis. Though accumulation of hepatic fat is not associated with a significant increase in mortality rates, hepatic inflammation is, as this augments the risk of terminal liver disease, i.e., cirrhosis, hepatic decompensation (liver failure) and/or hepatocellular carcinoma. Disease progression is usually slow, over a decade or more and, for the most part, remains asymptomatic. Recent estimates suggest that the global prevalence of NAFLD is high, about one in four. In most cases, NAFLD overlaps with overweight, obesity, cardiovascular disease and the metabolic syndrome with numerous contributing parameters including a dysregulation of adipose tissue, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, changes in the gut microbiome, neuronal and hormonal dysregulation and metabolic stress. NAFLD is diagnosed incidentally, despite its high prevalence. Non-invasive imaging techniques have emerged, making it possible to determine degree of steatosis as well asfibrosis. Despite this, the benefit of routine diagnostics remains uncertain. A better understanding of the (molecular) pathogenesis of NAFLD is needed combined with long-term studies where benefits of treatment can be assessed to determine cost-benefit ratios. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge and possible areas of treatment.
Characterization of ATP and DNA Binding Activities of TrwB, the Coupling Protein Essential in Plasmid R388 Conjugation*

TrwB is the conjugative coupling protein of plasmid R388. TrwBΔN70 contains the soluble domain of TrwB. It was constructed by deletion of trwB sequences containing TrwB N-proximal transmembrane segments. Purified TrwBΔN70 protein bound tightly the fluorescent ATP analogue TNP-ATP (K s = 8.7 μm) but did not show measurable ATPase or GTPase activity. A single ATP binding site was found per TrwB monomer. An intact ATP-binding site was essential for R388 conjugation, since a TrwB mutant with a single amino acid alteration in the ATP-binding signature (K136T) was transfer-deficient. TrwBΔN70 also bound DNA nonspecifically. DNA binding enhanced TrwC nic cleavage, providing the first evidence that directly links TrwB with conjugative DNA processing. Since DNA bound by TrwBΔN70 also showed increased negative superhelicity (as shown by increased sensitivity to topoisomerase I), nic cleavage enhancement was assumed to be a consequence of the increased single-stranded nature of DNA aroundnic. The mutant protein TrwB(K136T)ΔN70 was indistinguishable from TrwBΔN70 with respect to the above properties, indicating that TrwB ATP binding activity is not required for them. The reported properties of TrwB suggest potential functions for conjugative coupling proteins, both as triggers of conjugative DNA processing and as motors in the transport process.
Effect of Cavity Lifetime Variation on the Static and Dynamic Properties of 1.3-μm Wafer-Fused VCSELs

We investigate experimentally the impact of photon cavity lifetime variations on the static and dynamic performance of high-speed 1.3-μm wavelength wafer-fused vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs). The photon lifetime is modified by decreasing the top mirror reflectivity either by shallow-surface etching or by Bragg-reflector layer-pair removal. Significant improvements in both static and dynamic VCSEL performance as well as the extraction of internal VCSEL device parameters are achieved.
CD36 single nucleotide polymorphism is associated with variation in low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol in young Japanese men

Macrophages uptake oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) via a scavenger receptor such as CD36 from plasma, and then become foam cells. We examined the association of CD36 gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with certain metabolic characteristics in a young male Japanese population (n = 494). The G allele in a SNP located at +30215 on the 3’-untranslated region (UTR) was significantly correlated with the plasma LDL-cholesterol concentrations (r = 0.13, p <0.01). The difference in LDL-cholesterol concentrations was 10 mg dl−1 between GG- and AA-genotype carriers (p <0.05). The CD36 gene SNP is a novel maker of the variation in the LDL-cholesterol levels in young Japanese men.
IPM Use With the Deployment of a Non-High Dose Bt Pyramid and Mitigation of Resistance for Western Corn Rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera)

Abstract Recent detection of western corn rootworm resistance to Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) corn prompted recommendations for the use of integrated pest management (IPM) with planting refuges to prolong the durability of Bt technologies. We conducted a simulation experiment exploring the effectiveness of various IPM tools at extending durability of pyramided Bt traits. Results indicate that some IPM practices have greater merits than others. Crop rotation was the most effective strategy, followed by increasing the non-Bt refuge size from 5 to 20%. Soilapplied insecticide use for Bt corn did not increase the durability compared with planting Bt with refuges alone, and both projected lower durabilities. When IPM participation with randomly selected management tools was increased at the time of Bt commercialization, durability of pyramided traits increased as well. When non-corn rootworm expressing corn was incorporated as an IPM option, the durability further increased. For corn rootworm, a local resistance phenomenon appeared immediately surrounding the resistant field (hotspot) and spread throughout the local neighborhood in six generations in absence of mitigation. Hotspot mitigation with random selection of strategies was ineffective at slowing resistance, unless crop rotation occurred immediately; regional mitigation was superior to random mitigation in the hotspot and reduced observed resistance allele frequencies in the neighborhood. As resistance alleles of mobile pests can escape hotspots, the scope of mitigation should extend beyond resistant sites. In the case of widespread resistance, regional mitigation was less effective at prolonging the life of the pyramid than IPM with Bt deployment at the time of commercialization.
A tunable Ultra Low Power inductorless Low Noise Amplifier exploiting body biasing of 28 nm FDSOI technology

This paper presents the design of an Ultra Low Power (ULP) inductorless Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) based on a Common Gate (CG) architecture using the back gate control of the Fully-Depleted Silicon-On-Insulator (FDSOI) technology. It demonstrates the potential of the back biasing to lower the power consumption of more than 30 % compared to a design without back biasing, while keeping similar performance. This paper also shows the possibility with the back gate control of this technology to reach additional performance, suitable for the design of tunable LNAs. The proposed LNA has been implemented in ST-Microelectronic 28 nm FDSOI Technology and its active area is only 0.0015 mm2. The measured performance exhibit more than 16 dB of voltage Gain (Gv), 7.3 dB of Noise Figure (NF) and an Input referred third-order Intercept Point (IIP3) of −16 dBm. The total power consumption is 300 µW from a 0.6 V supply. The same LNA reached other performance modes at constant Figure of Merit (FoM).
Efficient mapping of EM radiation associated with information leakage for cryptographic devices

This paper presents an efficient map generation technique for evaluating the intensity of electromagnetic (EM) radiation associated with information leakage for cryptographic devices at the PCB level. First, we investigate the relation between the intensity of the overall EM radiation and the intensity of EM information leakage on a cryptographic device. For this purpose, we prepare a map of the magnetic field on the device by using an EM scanning system, after which we perform correlation electromagnetic analysis (CEMA) at all measurement points on the device, including points above the cryptographic module. The examined device is a standard evaluation board for cryptographic modules (SASEBO), where a cryptographic circuit is implemented on one of the FPGAs on the board. With this experiment, we demonstrate that an efficient map of EM radiation associated with information leakage can be generated on the basis of an EM radiation map. We also confirm that the generated map is in fair agreement with the corresponding map obtained from exhaustive CEMA.