Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hippocampal Gray Volumes Increase in Treatment-Resistant Depression Responding to Vagus Nerve Stimulation

Background Changes in hippocampal gray matter volumes are proposed to be involved in pathogenesis, course, and treatment response of major depressive disorder. Converging evidence suggests that reduced neurogenesis may occur in treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a well-defined, long-term brain stimulation treatment for TRD. However, its in vivo positive effect on hippocampal modulation as mechanism of action has never been investigated before in clinical studies. In this study, we intended to explore hippocampal volumetric changes and clinical antidepressant responses in patients with TRD after 6 and 12 months of treatment with VNS. Methods The TRD outpatients were evaluated for VNS implantation. Right and left hippocampal volumes in 6 TRD patients, who met the criteria for VNS treatment, were measured at baseline before the implantation and after 6 and 12 months. The patients were assessed using Beck Depression Inventory and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale at baseline and at follow-up visits. Results There was a statistically significant and progressive increase in right and left hippocampal volumes during the follow up (P < 0.05). Furthermore, patients showed a significant improvement on Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Beck Depression Inventory scores (P < 0.05). Conclusions Our data suggest a VNS modulatory effect on hippocampal plasticity as measured by hippocampal gray volume increase in TRD patients. These preliminary findings indicate the fundamental role of hippocampal remodeling as a marker of response to VNS in TRD.
PI3Kγ Deficient NOD-Mice Are Protected from Diabetes by Restoring the Balance of Regulatory to Effector-T-Cells

With a steady increase in its incidence and lack of curative treatment, type 1 diabetes (T1D) has emerged as a major health problem worldwide. To design novel effective therapies, there is a pressing need to identify regulatory targets controlling the balance of autoreactive to regulatory-T-cells (Tregs). We previously showed that the inhibition of the γ-subunit of the Phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K), significantly suppress autoimmune-diabetes. To further delineate the mechanisms and the selectivity of specific immune modulation by PI3Kγ-inhibition, we developed a new NOD mouse model of T1D lacking the γ-subunit of PI3K. Strikingly, the loss of PI3Kγ protected 92% of the NOD-mice from developing spontaneous diabetes. The NOD. PI3Kγ-/- mice are protected from insulitis secondary to a defect in CD4 and CD8 autoreactive-T-cells activation and survival. In addition, PI3Kγ-deficiency promoted Treg generation in-vitro and in-vivo. Furthermore, PI3Kγ-inhibitor (AS605240) inhibited proliferation and cytokine production of a human CD4+ T-cell clone specific for GAD555-567 peptide that was isolated from a patient with T1D. These studies demonstrate the key role of the PI3Kγ pathway in regulating autoimmune-diabetes and provide rationales for future devise of anti- PI3Kγ therapy in T1D.
Rockport Transient Voltage Monitoring System: Analysis and Simulation of Recorded Waveforms

A transient voltage monitoring system has continuously monitored the terminal voltages of the EHV transformers at American Electric Power's Rockport 765 kV Station since late September 1986. This paper presents a summary of the transients recorded by that system through July of 1988, along with representative waveforms of some of the more significant events. A general description of each type of transient and a qualitative analysis of the resultant waveforms is given. In addition, digital computer simulations of select events are presented and compared to corresponding recorded waveforms.
Patient-Centered Medical Home in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive and debilitating but preventable and treatable disease characterized by cough, phlegm, dyspnea, and fixed or incompletely reversible airway obstruction. Most patients with COPD rely on primary care practices for COPD management. Unfortunately, only about 55% of US outpatients with COPD receive all guideline-recommended care. Proactive and consistent primary care for COPD, as for many other chronic diseases, can reduce hospitalizations. Optimal chronic disease management requires focusing on maintenance rather than merely acute rescue. The Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH), which implements the chronic care model, is a promising framework for primary care transformation. This review presents core PCMH concepts and proposes multidisciplinary team-based PCMH care strategies for COPD.
Systematic Drug Repositioning Based on Clinical Side-Effects

Drug repositioning helps fully explore indications for marketed drugs and clinical candidates. Here we show that the clinical side-effects (SEs) provide a human phenotypic profile for the drug, and this profile can suggest additional disease indications. We extracted 3,175 SE-disease relationships by combining the SE-drug relationships from drug labels and the drug-disease relationships from PharmGKB. Many relationships provide explicit repositioning hypotheses, such as drugs causing hypoglycemia are potential candidates for diabetes. We built Naïve Bayes models to predict indications for 145 diseases using the SEs as features. The AUC was above 0.8 in 92% of these models. The method was extended to predict indications for clinical compounds, 36% of the models achieved AUC above 0.7. This suggests that closer attention should be paid to the SEs observed in trials not just to evaluate the harmful effects, but also to rationally explore the repositioning potential based on this “clinical phenotypic assay”.
Leitura recombinativa após procedimentos de fading in de sílabas das palavras de ensino em pessoas com atraso no desenvolvimento cognitivo

The main objective of the present study was investigate if a fading in procedure consisting in gradual increasing of the letters of syllables in teaching reading could favor recombinative reading. Two participants with deficits on the cognitive development were submitted to teach of relations between dictated words and printed words (AC) and soon after, to the equivalence tests between figures and printed words (BC) and printed words and figures (CB). After these tests, the participants were exposed to reading tests, first with the teaching words and after with generalization words. It was used syllabic control probes that verified restricted control by partial units. After these probes, one of the participants was first submitted to combined teaching of copy, dictation and oralization highlighting syllables that had not acquired controlling of reading responses in the anterior phases, and after that to the same combined procedure using fading in of the same syllables, increasing the size of its letters. Another participant was submitted only to the fading in procedure. Both participants presented recombinative reading after fading in. The results suggested that gradual increasing of the size of syllables during copy, dictation and oralization teaching favor control by all of the units of the words producing recombinative reading in people with cognitive developmental deficits.
Modulation of Renin‐Angiotensin and Kallikrein Gene Expression in Experimental Hypertension

Previous studies have shown that chronic lowdose administration of 40 ng/min angiotensin II by osmotic minipump to uninephrectomized rats mimics the temporal hypertensive response and the circulating angiotensin II levels observed in two-kidney, one clip Goldblatt rats. Furthermore, renal tissue angiotensin II contents were higher than the circulating angiotensin II levels, suggesting that circulating angiotensin II induces endogenous intrarenal angiotensin II production. The present study examined the molecular mechanisms by which intrarenal angiotensin II production is modulated in angiotensin H-induced and two-kidney Goldblatt hypertension. Two weeks after clipping, intrarenal renin mRNA levels were elevated threefold in the clipped kidney of Goldblatt rats but were markedly suppressed in the nonclipped kidneys of Goldblatt rats (28% of control values) and in the remaining kidney of uninephrectomized angiotensin II-infused rats (7% of control values). In contrast, there were sustained levels of angiotensinogen mRNA in the kidneys and livers of Goldblatt and angiotensin II-infused rats, indicating differential regulation of the genes of the renin-angiotensin system. Renal kallikrein gene expression was not altered in either of the hypertensive groups 14 days after the induction of hypertension, suggesting the absence of an enhanced counteracting kinin influence.
Significance of word-terminal syllables for prediction of phrase breaks in text-to-speech systems for Indian languages

Phrase break prediction is very important for speech synthesis. Traditional methods of phrase break prediction have used linguistic resources like part-of-speech (POS) sequence information for modeling these breaks. In the context of Indian languages, we propose to look at syllable level features and explore the use of word-terminal syllables to model phrase breaks. We hypothesize that these terminal syllables serve to discriminate words based on syntactic meaning, and can therefore be used to model phrase breaks. We utilize these terminal syllables in building models for automatic phrase break prediction from text and demonstrate by means of objective and subjective measures that these models perform as well as traditional models using POS sequence information. Thus the proposed method avoids the need for POS taggers for prosodic phrasing in Indian languages.
Long-term prognosis of different forms of coronary heart disease: the Reykjavik Study.

BACKGROUND While coronary heart disease (CHD) is a serious and often fatal disease the prognosis is variable and major effort has been invested in risk stratification. The purpose of this study was to examine the relation between long-term prognosis and risk factors in different clinical categories of CHD. METHODS A general population sample of 9141 men, aged 34-79 at entry into the study was divided into six groups with respect to manifestations of CHD at entry: I. Symptomatic infarction. II. Silent or unrecognized infarction. III. Angina pectoris with ischaemic changes on ECG. IV. Angina without ischaemic changes. V. Angina by Rose questionnaire but not confirmed by a physician. VI. No manifestations of CHD. RESULTS The risk factor profile varied considerably between the different categories and by life-table analysis marked differences in survival were demonstrated between the groups. The risk factors maintained their detrimental effects on prognosis in the presence of CHD. Thus, age, serum total cholesterol, impaired glucose tolerance and smoking were found by Cox's regression to be statistically significant independent risk factors of CHD mortality among men having manifestations of CHD (groups I-V). Furthermore, the composite risk score, a measure of the overall risk factor exposures had marked effect on the prognosis of the various CHD groups. When the comprehensive risk factor score for both CHD mortality and all-cause mortality was accounted for marked differences persisted in the long-term prognosis. Compared to those without CHD the infarct groups had about a 7.6- and 3.7-fold risk of dying from CHD and all causes respectively. Those with angina had from 2.5- to 3.2-fold risk of CHD mortality and 1.7- to 2.2-fold risk of all-cause mortality depending on the subgroup of angina, again compared to those without manifestations of CHD. CONCLUSION Different categories of CHD had different risk factor profiles and the long-term prognosis resulted from a complex interplay between those factors and the diagnostic category of CHD. The risk factors maintained their detrimental effects on prognosis in the presence of CHD and after accounting for the comprehensive risk factor score marked differences persisted in the long-term prognosis, being worst for those having suffered a myocardial infarction, either symptomatic or silent.
Decoherence in solid-state qubits

The interaction of solid-state qubits with environmental degrees of freedom strongly affects the qubit dynamics, and leads to decoherence. In quantum information processing with solid-state qubits, decoherence significantly limits the performances of such devices. Therefore, it is necessary to fully understand the mechanisms that lead to decoherence. In this review, we discuss how decoherence affects two of the most successful realizations of solid-state qubits, namely, spin qubits and superconducting qubits. In the former, the qubit is encoded in the spin 1/2 of the electron, and it is implemented by confining the electron spin in a semiconductor quantum dot. Superconducting devices show quantum behaviour at low temperatures, and the qubit is encoded in the two lowest energy levels of a superconducting circuit. The electron spin in a quantum dot has two main decoherence channels, a (Markovian) phonon-assisted relaxation channel, due to the presence of a spin–orbit interaction, and a (non-Markovian) spin bath constituted by the spins of the nuclei in the quantum dot that interact with the electron spin via the hyperfine interaction. In a superconducting qubit, decoherence takes place as a result of fluctuations in the control parameters, such as bias currents, applied flux and bias voltages, and via losses in the dissipative circuit elements.
Action Perspectives on Human Development

This chapter centers on the multiple ways in which personal and collective actions, embedded in cultural and historical contexts, form—and are formed by—development over the life span. Section 1 considers the rise of action perspectives in developmental research, with a particular emphasis on the mutually constitutive relations between development, culture, and processes of self-regulation and intentional self-development. Section 2 delineates different action-theoretical approaches and discusses related conceptual or definitional issues. In the third section, notions of contextual embeddedness, plasticity, regularity, universality in development are addressed from an action perspective. Sections 3 and 4 focus more closely on activities and component processes of intentional self-development, as well as on the development of beliefs and competences related to the control of personal development over the life span. Keywords: action theories; cultural regulation of development; developmental goals; developmental plasticity; development of intentionality; future selves; intentional self-development; life planning; personal control; self-continuity; self-evaluation; self-regulation
Creativity: Theories and Themes: Research, Development, and Practice

An integrative introduction to the theories and themes in research on creativity, the second edition of Creativity is both a reference work and text for courses in this burgeoning area of research. The book begins with a discussion of the theories of creativity (Person, Product, Process, Place), the general question of whether creativity is influenced by nature or nurture, what research has indicated of the personality and style of creative individuals from a personality analysis standpoint, and how social context affects creativity. This wide-ranging work then proceeds to coverage of issues such as gender differences, whether creativity can be enhanced, if creativity is related to poor mental or physical health, and much more. The book contains boxes covering special interest items, including one-page biographies of famous creative individuals, and activities for a group or individual to test or encourage creativity, as well as references to Internet sites relating to creativity. * Includes all major theories and perspectives on creativity* Consolidates recent research into a single source* Includes key terms defined and text boxes with interesting related material* Single authored for clarity and consistency of presentation
Des souris et des groupes :evaluer le travail collaboratif a l'aune de l'utilisation de l'outil ?

Peut-on evaluer la part de l'outil dans un travail collaboratif realise via un intranet pedagogique ? Cette communication vise a examiner de quelle maniere l'outil structure ou non les interactions et contribue a l'elaboration d'une « intelligence collective ». Peut-on definir des indicateurs qui permettraient de mesurer cette contribution de l'outil ? Notre analyse s'appuie sur une double methodologie d'observation a posteriori de l'activite des apprenants dans leur utilisation de l'outil (analyse des traces) et d'entretiens avec les groupes et leur tuteur.
Cholesterol screening guidelines consensus, evidence, and the departure from common sense.

In this issue of Circulation , Garber and Browner1 present a defense of the American College of Physicians (ACP) guidelines for cholesterol screening, which were originally published in Annals of Internal Medicine in May 1996.2 The bases of these guidelines are that widespread cholesterol screening, such as that recommended by the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP),3 will result in the inappropriate use of cholesterol-lowering drugs in persons at low risk of developing coronary disease. The authors contend that the “evidence-based approach,” which the ACP allegedly used to reach these conclusions, is fundamentally different from the “consensus-based approach” used by the NCEP. Surprisingly, they then conclude that the NCEP “used logic similar to the ACP in development of its treatment recommendations. ” Garber and Browner point out correctly that the two groups are drawing conclusions on the basis of the same database. The authors then discuss the process of developing such guidelines by citing the “extensive internal and external reviews” that the ACP guidelines underwent, without describing the content of those reviews or the background of the individuals asked to make them. This is, of course, in contrast to the NCEP process, which has been and continues to be a completely public endeavor. Contrary to what is implied by Garber and Browner, the NCEP process has been highly inclusive, drawing not only on individuals with expertise in lipids and lipoproteins but also on including individuals from other specialties and from the practicing community and even the most vociferous critics of cholesterol intervention. It is also important to recognize, as Garber and Browner state, that there is no disagreement that cholesterol lowering in individuals with clinically apparent vascular disease prevents recurrent events and saves lives. It is an important intervention central to the medical management of such patients; no debate …
Lip Service: Smiles in Life, Death, Trust, Lies, Work, Memory, Sex, and Politics

When someone smiles, the effects are often positive: a glum mood lifts; an apology is accepted; a deal is struck; a flirtation begins. But not all smiles are equally benign: a rival grins to get under your skin; a bully's smirk unsettles his mark. Who flashes more fake smiles, popular kids or unpopular kids? Is it good or bad when a bereaved person smiles? Much more than cheerful expressions, smiles are social acts with powerful consequences. Drawing on her research conducted at Yale University and Boston College as well as the latest studies in psychology, medicine, anthropology, biology, and computer science, Marianne LaFrance explores the compelling science behind the smile, revealing that this familiar expression is not as simple as it first may seem. Her groundbreaking work shows how the smile says much more than we realize-or care to admit. To read this book is to learn just how much the smile influences our lives and our relationships.
Epithelial Anion Transporter Pendrin Contributes to Inflammatory Lung Pathology in Mouse Models of Bordetella pertussis Infection

ABSTRACT Pertussis disease, characterized by severe and prolonged coughing episodes, can progress to a critical stage with pulmonary inflammation and death in young infants. However, there are currently no effective treatments for pertussis. We previously studied the role of pertussis toxin (PT), an important Bordetella pertussis virulence factor, in lung transcriptional responses to B. pertussis infection in mouse models. One of the genes most highly upregulated in a PT-dependent manner encodes an epithelial transporter of bicarbonate, chloride, and thiocyanate, named pendrin, that contributes to asthma pathology. In this study, we found that pendrin expression is upregulated at both gene and protein levels in the lungs of B. pertussis-infected mice. Pendrin upregulation is associated with PT production by the bacteria and with interleukin-17A (IL-17A) production by the host. B. pertussis-infected pendrin knockout (KO) mice had higher lung bacterial loads than infected pendrin-expressing mice but had significantly reduced levels of lung inflammatory pathology. However, reduced pathology did not correlate with reduced inflammatory cytokine expression. Infected pendrin KO mice had higher levels of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines than infected pendrin-expressing mice, suggesting that these inflammatory mediators are less active in the airways in the absence of pendrin. In addition, treatment of B. pertussis-infected mice with the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor acetazolamide reduced lung inflammatory pathology without affecting pendrin synthesis or bacterial loads. Together these data suggest that PT contributes to pertussis pathology through the upregulation of pendrin, which promotes conditions favoring inflammatory pathology. Therefore, pendrin may represent a novel therapeutic target for treatment of pertussis disease.
Incremental Subspace Data-mining Algorithm Based on Data-flow Density of Complex Network

In order to improve the accuracy of data-mining in large-scale complex networks, an incremental subspace data-mining algorithm based on data-flow density of complex network is proposed in this paper. In order to accommodate this goal, a latent variable model is first introduced and incorporated into Data-flow density model so that the network is divided into different communities and the defect of traditional data-mining can be explained. The undirected traversing loop is used to determine their corresponding communities for data-flow. The incremental subspace data-mining algorithm is also used to calculate the correlation between community network and data-flow and the correlation coefficient between data-flow node and time so as to accurately determine the destination of the object data-flow. In the case of a larger number of nodes and communities, data analysis and simulation experiment results demonstrate that the incremental subspace data-mining algorithm still has a higher mining accuracy
A codebook-based precoding for dual-hop downlink with MIMO amplify-and-forward relaying

This paper deals with the practical precoding design for a two-hop downlink with MIMO amplify-and-forward relaying. A novel scheme of codebook-based joint precoding at both the base station and the relay station is first presented, in which a distributed codeword selection is proposed to concurrently choose two joint precoders such that the feedback delay is considerably reduced. Then, the joint codebook design in such a joint precoding system is analyzed, revealing that independent codebook designs at the base station and relay station using the conventional Grassmannian subspace packing method is able to guarantee that the overall performance improves with either size of two codebooks. The excellent performances of the proposed scheme, in terms of both the sum rate and the BER, are finally confirmed with computational simulations.