Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Categorical Versus Dimensional Models of Mental Disorder: The Taxometric Evidence

Objective: To review studies of the categorical versus dimensional status of mental disorders that employ taxometric methodology. Method: A comprehensive qualitative review of all published taxometric studies of psychopathology. Results: Categorical and dimensional models each receive well-replicated support for some groups of mental disorders. Studies favour categorical models for melancholia, eating disorders, pathological dissociation, and schizotypal and antisocial personality disorders. Dimensional models tend to be favoured for the broad neurotic spectrum – general depression, generalized anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder – and for borderline personality disorder. Conclusions: Taxometric research clarifies the latent structure of psychopathology in ways that have implications for the classification, assessment, explanation and conceptualization of mental disorder
Endoglin increases eNOS expression by modulating Smad2 protein levels and Smad2‐dependent TGF‐β signaling

The endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is a critical regulator of cardiovascular homeostasis, whose dysregulation leads to different vascular pathologies. Endoglin is a component of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) receptor complex present in endothelial cells that is involved in angiogenesis, cardiovascular development, and vascular homeostasis. Haploinsufficient expression of endoglin has been shown to downregulate endothelium‐derived nitric oxide in endoglin+/− (Eng+/−) mice and cultured endothelial cells. Here, we find that TGF‐β1 leads to an increased vasodilatation in Eng+/+ mice that is severely impaired in Eng+/− mice, suggesting the involvement of endoglin in the TGF‐β regulated vascular homeostasis. The endoglin‐dependent induction of eNOS occurs at the transcriptional level and is mediated by the type I TGF‐β receptor ALK5 and its downstream substrate Smad2. In addition, Smad2‐specific signaling is upregulated in endoglin‐induced endothelial cells, whereas it is downregulated upon endoglin gene suppression with small interference RNA (siRNA). The endoglin‐dependent upregulation of Smad2 was confirmed using eNOS and pARE promoters, whose activities are known to be Smad2 dependent, as well as with the interference of Smad2 with siRNA, Smurf2, or a dominant negative form of Smad2. Furthermore, increased expression of endoglin in endoglin‐inducible endothelial cells or in transfectants resulted in increased levels of Smad2 protein without affecting the levels of Smad2 mRNA. The increased levels of Smad2 appear to be due to a decreased ubiquitination and proteasome‐dependent degradation leading to stabilization of Smad2. These results suggest that endoglin enhances Smad2 protein levels potentiating TGF‐β signaling, and leading to an increased eNOS expression in endothelial cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 210: 456–468, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Compositional Modeling by the Combined Discontinuous Galerkin and Mixed Methods

In this work, we present a numerical procedure that combines the mixed finite-element (MFE) and the discontinuous Galerkin (DG) methods. This numerical scheme is used to solve the highly nonlinear coupled equations that describe the flow processes in homogeneous and heterogeneous media with mass transfer between the phases. The MFE method is used to approximate the phase velocity based on the pressure (more precisely average pressure) at the interface between the nodes. This approach conserves the mass locally at the element level and guarantees the continuity of the total flux across the interfaces. The DG method is used to solve the mass-balance equations, which are generally convectiondominated. The DG method associated with suitable slope limiters can capture sharp gradients in the solution without creating spurious oscillations. We present several numerical examples in homogeneous and heterogeneous media that demonstrate the superiority of our method to the finite-difference (FD) approach. Our proposed MFE-DG method becomes orders of magnitude faster than the FD method for a desired accuracy in 2D.
Determinants of duration of disability and return-to-work after work-related injury and illness: challenges for future research.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this review was to identify critical data and research needs in addressing the following question: What are the primary factors that affect the time lost from work, return-to-work (RTW), subsequent unemployment, and changes in occupation after disabling illness or injury? METHODS Review of the literature to identify research challenges originating from the multitude of disciplines, data sources, outcome measures, and methodological and analytical problems. RESULTS About 100 different determinants of RTW outcomes were identified. Their impact varies across different phases of the disablement process. Recommendations are provided for addressing five selected research challenges. CONCLUSION Interdisciplinary research needs to develop a comprehensive conceptual framework. Priority should be given to studies on specific domains of risk factors meeting five selection criteria: amenability to change; relevance to users of research; generalizability across health conditions, disability phases, and settings; "degree of promise" as derived from qualitative exploratory studies; and capacity to improve measurement instruments. Combining qualitative and quantitative research methods is necessary to bridge existing knowledge gaps.
Hyperactive Ras as a therapeutic target in neurofibromatosis type 1.

The NF1 gene encodes neurofibromin, a GTPase-activating protein (GAP) for members of the p21(ras) (Ras) family, which negatively regulates Ras output by accelerating the conversion of active Ras. GTP to inactive Ras.GDP. Analysis of tumors from patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) has shown biochemical evidence of hyperactive Ras as well as frequent loss of the normal NF1 allele, consistent with its role as a tumor suppressor gene. Taken together, these data suggest that novel therapeutics directed against components of the Ras signaling cascade might provide effective treatments for certain pathological complications of NF1. Here we summarize data that support a role for hyperactive Ras in NF1 disease, including Ras processing, activation, and down-regulation. We review targets for rational drug design, provide preliminary results, and discuss implications for future studies. Am. J. Med. Genet. (Semin. Med. Genet.) 89:14-22, 1999.
A new networked predictive control method: Design and stability analysis

This paper is concerned with networked predictive controller design and stability analysis of the networked predictive control system. A new networked predictive control method based on linear interpolation is proposed. Compared with the networked predictive control method in the literature, the proposed method can reduce the size of the data packet significantly. The closed-loop system is converted into a switched system by the augmentation method. A sufficient stability condition is obtained on the basis of the switched Lyapunov function approach. A simulation is carried out to confirm the efficacy of the proposed method.
DNA extraction with organic solvents in gel barrier tubes.

The extraction of nucleic acids with phenol and chloroform is the standard method to remove proteins and lipids from cellular digests. A major drawback to the use of these organic solvents is their caustic and toxic qualities. Phenol can cause severe burns while chloroform is hepatotoxic and carcinogenic. We describe in this paper the use of a special blood collection tube to isolate the offensive organic solvents. The customary use of these tubes (SST tube, Becton Dickinson, Rutherford, N.J.) is to separate serum from cells during centrifugation of blood. As blood samples are centrifuged in these collection tubes, the silica gel rises through the red cell layer and fixes itself between the red cells and serum. Similarly, we have found high molecular weight eukaryotic DNA (or plasmid preparations after alkaline lysis purification) can be safely separated from organic solvents after centrifugation. White blood cell nuclei isolated from 5 ml of EDTA anticoagulated blood according to Min (1), were resuspended in 3 ml of 0.2 M Tris pH 8.0, 0.05 M EDTA, 1 % SDS, and 100 micrograms of Proteinase K. The mixture incubated 1 hr. at 60°C was added to the silica gel containing tube, and shaken five minutes with phenol:chloroform (1:1). After a five minute centrifugation at lOOOg, the organic layer along with the proteins, became trapped beneath the gel polymer. This allowed the DNA containing aqueous phase above the gel to be simply poured out of the tube. In the usual extraction without silica gel, when DNA was aspirated with a pipet, DNA close to the interface was left behind to avoid contamination with protein. The yield of DNA using the gel barrier extraction averaged 40 per cent higher than the conventional method since there was no interface to avoid. The A26C/A28O was consistently above 1.8, showing good deproteinization (2). Precipitated DNA could be cut with restriction endonucleases after only one extraction. Also, the silica gel tube improved the nonorganic DNA extraction method of Dykes et al. (3) by trapping the precipitated protein beneath the gel polymer.
Health Information Systems Abstracts Session – Medical Informatics Room 1 , Thursday 3 May , 09 . 00 – 10 . 30 Modelling of the visual sleep stage scoring procedure by a modular algorithm based on elements of artificial intelligence-ARTISANA

s ESEM 2001: Health Information Systems 8 The ARTISANA algorithm: The ARTISANA algorithm contains two layers of knowledge based systems (Fig. 1): pattern recognition by artificial neural networks (MLP-networks) and rule evaluation by a neuro-fuzzy-system (NEFCLASS). The MLP-networks were trained by the RPROP method to detect one of the following patterns each: α-, δand θ-activity, K-complex, vertex sharp wave, sleep spindle, rapid eye movement, slow eye movement, body movement and artefact. The input vector consists of para meters extracted from the 5 data channels (2 EEG, 2 EOG, 1 EMG), e. g. Power Spectral Densities or correlation coefficients. For K-complexes and vertex sharp waves, direct waveforms are used additionally. The patterns are identified with a temporal resolution of 1 s and are stored in the context layer for the relevant interval (up to 3 minutes of recording time). Based on patterns and features, the NEFCLASS system detects the current sleep stage, initially for 1-s-intervals. It contains a predefined fuzzy-rulebase and self-learning membership functions. Finally, the maximum likelihood for the 30-s-interval is calculated by defuzzification to detect the sleep stage defined by Rechtschaffen and Kales. Methods: As a proof of concept, a demonstrator of the system was trained by the polysomnographic records of 4 healthy subjects and a first validation was performed by 8 records of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrom (OSA). All data were recorded and manually analysed in the sleep centre of the University Hospital Marburg, Germany. Sample frequency was 200 Hz, EEG channels C3A2 and C4A1 were assessed as well as EOG channels E1A1 and E2A2 and the submental EMG channel. Results: The obtained results are shown in Tab. 1. The mean epoch by epoch agreement was 84.6 %. The interobserver agreement among human scorers from different laboratories lies in a similar range [3]. The distribution of sleep stages with higher and poorer agreement also was similar. Discussion: Even though the number of records in the training set was limited, an acceptable agreement rate was obtained. Thus, the potential of the ARTISANA algorithm automatic analysis Wake REM LS SWS
Cellular Basis for Increased Sensitivity of Vascular Smooth Muscle in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

There is evidence that hypersensitivity of vascular muscle to neurotransmitters contributes to the development of hypertension. Comparison of the caudal arteries of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and their genetically related Kyoto-Wistar normotensive control rats (KNR) showed that although there is no difference in membrane potential under unstimulated conditions, greater depolarization of the SHR vascular muscle cells by norepinephrine occurs at concentrations which cause greater contraction. The mechanism for the increased depolarization and resulting increase in contraction appears to be a lower intracellular potassium ion activity in SHR vascular muscle cells, which results in a lower contribution of potassium gradient to membrane potential. Experiments to determine the sensitivity of isolated, dispersed chick omphalomesenteric vascular muscle cells to neurotransmitters showed remark, ably low thresholds to the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, serotonin, and acetylcholine, but not potassium chloride. The high sensitivity of isolated cells to neurotransmitters suggests that factors in the intact vessel may cause thresholds to be high, possibly implying that alterations in a neurotrophic mechanism might be responsible for changes in vascular muscle sensitivity in situ.
Novel small structure for low profile antenna by analogy with EBG structure

By using the image theorem, the relation between the reflection phase of an infinite plane and the input impedance of the dipole antenna just above the plane has been discussed. It has been confirmed that the dipole antenna matches with 50 Omega when the reflection phase is around pi/2, and it is similar to the dipole antenna above an EBG structure. We have proposed the novel small structure which enables the dipole antenna to lay in low profile to the ground plane. The proposed structure rotates the reflection phase through a frequency band and the dipole antenna just above the structure matches with 50 Omega when the reflection phase is around pi/2. It is concluded that the periodicity of an EBG structure is NOT indispensable to realize a low profile antenna.
The Hemo One Autoanalyzer for Glycated Hemoglobin Assay.

BACKGROUND Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is widely used as a clinical marker of long-term blood glucose concentration in patients with diabetes. The clinical laboratory plays a vital role in the diagnosis and management of diabetes. Many methods for the measurement of HbA1c have been developed based on different analytical principles, often causing discordant results. For this reason, the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) established a reference method for HbA1c assay, namely, high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/capillary electrophoresis (HPLC-MS/CE). OBJECTIVE In order to evaluate in parallel 2 different routine methods, namely, ion-exchange HPLC and immunoturbidimetry. METHODS For our comparison study, we used the Tosoh G8 HPLC analyzer and the Hemo One autoanalyzer system to test 100 blood specimens for HbA1c concentration, the values of which ranged from 4.3% (23.5 mmol/mol) to 14.7% (137 mmol/mol). RESULTS Concordance between HPLC and the immunoturbidimetric method revealed perfect agreement with a Kappa value of 0.828. CONCLUSIONS Our results confirm the validity of the immunoturbidimetric method compared with the reference method. Our findings highlight that these 2 methods are equivalent for the diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring of diabetes.
Image-based Bolt-loosening Detection Technique of Bolt Joint in Steel Bridges

This paper presents a novel bolt-loosening detection technique using image information of bolted joints in steel bridges. Firstly, existing bolt-loosening detection techniques are reviewed and their benefits and limitations are analyzed. Secondly, a bolt-loosening detection algorithm using image processing techniques is newly proposed for bolted joints in steel bridges. It consists of 3 steps: (1) taking a picture for a bolt joint, (2) segmenting the image to identify a splice plate and each nut, and (3) identifying rotation angle of each nut and detecting boltloosening. As a key technique, the Hough transform is used to identify rotation angles of nuts, and then boltloosening is detected by comparing the angles before and after bolt-loosening. Finally, the applicability of the proposed technique is evaluated by experimental tests with bolt-loosening scenarios. A bolted joint model which consists of a splice plate and 8 sets of bolts and nuts with 2×4 array is used for the tests.
Modeling bacterial contamination of fuel ethanol fermentation

The emergence of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria may limit the effectiveness of antibiotics to treat bacterial contamination in fuel ethanol plants, and therefore, new antibacterial intervention methods and tools to test their application are needed. Using shake‐flask cultures of Saccharomyces cerevisiae grown on saccharified corn mash and strains of lactic acid bacteria isolated from a dry‐grind ethanol facility, a simple model to simulate bacterial contamination and infection was developed. Challenging the model with 108 CFU/mL Lactobacillus fermentum decreased ethanol yield by 27% and increased residual glucose from 6.2 to 45.5 g/L. The magnitude of the effect was proportional to the initial bacterial load, with 105 CFU/mL L. fermentum still producing an 8% decrease in ethanol and a 3.2‐fold increase in residual glucose. Infection was also dependent on the bacterial species used to challenge the fermentation, as neither L. delbrueckii ATCC 4797 nor L. amylovorus 0315‐7B produced a significant decrease in ethanol when inoculated at a density of 108 CFU/mL. In the shake‐flask model, treatment with 2 µg/mL virginiamycin mitigated the infection when challenged with a susceptible strain of L. fermentum (MIC for virginiamycin ≤2 ppm), but treatment was ineffective at treating infection by a resistant strain of L. fermentum (MIC = 16 ppm). The model may find application in developing new antibacterial agents and management practices for use in controlling contamination in the fuel ethanol industry. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009;103: 117–122. Published 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation Testing of Learning-based Telemetry Monitoring and Anomaly Detection System in SDS-4 Operation

Health monitoring and anomaly detection techniques for artificial satellites are very significant, as it is very hard to repair those space systems on orbit. Authors have proposed the framework of learning-based anomaly detection that applies statistical machine learning and data mining techniques to the satellite telemetry data to automatically obtain normal behavior models which can be used for monitoring the health status of the system. In this study, we evaluated the learning-based anomaly detection method in the on-going operation of JAXA's satellite, SDS-4 (Small Demonstration Satellite 4), and obtained miscellaneous insights for putting this technology into practical use.
Are there any job resources capable of moderating the effect of physical demands on work ability? A study among kindergarten teachers

Background. It is recognized that teaching in a preschool context is physically demanding. Despite this, the consequences of physical demands on psychophysical health (including work ability) are significantly understudied among kindergarten teachers. Objectives. The aim of the present study is to examine (a) the association between physical demands and work ability and (b) whether psychosocial job resources buffer the negative impact of physical demands among kindergarten teachers. Method. A total of 426 kindergarten teachers employed in the municipal educational services of a city in northwest Italy filled out a self-reported questionnaire. Results. High association was found between physical demand and work ability. Moderated hierarchical regressions showed that decision authority, skill discretion, reward and meaning of work buffer the hampering effect of physical demands and work ability. No buffering effects were observed for support from superiors and colleagues. Conclusion. The present study has relevant, practical implications, highlighting the importance of investing in interventions encompassing a holistic perspective (e.g., psychosocial and ergonomic) in order to effectively combat the hampering effect of physical demands on work ability.
(Soft) capsules of wisdom: preventing myo-inositol malabsorption caused by coffee

Development of new drugs or alternative formulations of a pre-existing drug face a number of issues that impact on the efficacy and success of the novel product or novel formulation. One of the major issues is bioavailability. One alternative to classical oral formulations, such as tablet or powder, is the soft gelatin capsule (a.k.a. soft gel capsule) or the liquid (ampoule) preparations. A PubMed search run on July 03, 2012 upon entering “soft gelatin capsule” returned 272 items. The latest paper is by De Grazia et al [1] and it appears in the September issue of this journal, while the earliest paper was published in 1968 [2], both having been published by Italian researchers. (The same search but using the key words “soft gel capsule” returned 152 items.) The soft gelatin capsules can be used to dispense active compounds that are formulated as a liquid or semi-solid solution, suspension or microemulsion preconcentrate. The formulation of the fill is individually developed to fulfill the following requirements: i) to optimize the chemical stability of the active compound, ii) to improve bioavailability of the active compound, iii) to allow for an efficient and safe filling process, and iv) to achieve a physically stable capsule product. Soft gel capsules are composed by an outer gelatin shell and by a fill formulation, and the highly specialized manufacturing process is divided in five different steps: i) preparing the gel mass for the outer shell, ii) preparing the fill formulation, iii) encapsulation, iv) drying, and v) packaging. The outer gel mass of the capsule is typically prepared using gelatin, a plasticizer or a combination of plasticizers and water. The gelatins that are used for pharmaceutical or health and nutrition soft capsule products are described by the official pharmacopoeias or are approved by local authorities, with additional physicochemical specifications [3]. After capsule formation, most of the water is removed by drying, leading to finished capsules with a moisture content of 4--10%. As an endocrinologist with a particular interest for thyroid diseases, I become interested to novel formulation of levothyroxine (L-T4) for the reasons explained below. Excluding the vexata quaestio of using the combination of L-T4 with L-T3 as the appropriate therapy for hypothyroidism, there have been no therapeutic advances over recent years in the field of thyroid failure. Indeed, the medical management of hypothyroidism remains anchored to the prescription of L-T4 tablets (for the purpose of this editorial, it is appropriate to mention that prior to the L-T4 tablet there was the thyroid powder). The intestinal absorption of L-T4 is prone to be impaired by a number endogenous and exogenous causes, the latter including drugs and fluids used to swallow the tablet, so that I was faced with clinical cases of L-T4 tablet malabsorption in my daily clinical practice [4-6]. Having become aware of the development of a L-T4 soft gel capsule [7], I was eager to start testing it in the setting of L-T4 tablet malabsorption.