Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal gender-specific differences in the conversion from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's disease

Predicting who will convert from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to Alzheimer's disease would have large clinical implications, and stratifying this process could enhance its accuracy. This study aimed at identifying features from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative database associated with such a conversion whose temporal evolution significantly differs between men and women. We gathered information from 59 women and 109 men who were diagnosed with MCI at baseline and eventually converted to AD. Information included features from laboratory assays, MRI and PET analyses, and neuropsychological tests. Statistical longitudinal models identified features with significant differences in longitudinal behavior between genders. We found 20 features with such differences at either the time at which subjects were first diagnosed with AD or related to the speed at which they evolved. Our results show that the way in which male and female subjects evolve throughout the MCI to AD conversion process is different, hence, predicting who will go through such a conversion could be better predicting by taking into account these differences.
DNA Methylation Status of the Interspersed Repetitive Sequences for LINE-1, Alu, HERV-E, and HERV-K in Trabeculectomy Specimens from Glaucoma Eyes

Background/Aims Epigenetic mechanisms via DNA methylation may be related to glaucoma pathogenesis. This study aimed to determine the global DNA methylation level of the trabeculectomy specimens among patients with different types of glaucoma and normal subjects. Methods Trabeculectomy sections from 16 primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), 12 primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG), 16 secondary glaucoma patients, and 10 normal controls were assessed for DNA methylation using combined-bisulfite restriction analysis. The percentage of global methylation level of the interspersed repetitive sequences for LINE-1, Alu, HERV-E, and HERV-K were compared between the 4 groups. Results There were no significant differences in the methylation for LINE-1 and HERV-E between patients and normal controls. For the Alu marker, the methylation was significantly lower in all types of glaucoma patients compared to controls (POAG 52.19% versus control 52.83%, p = 0.021; PACG 51.50% versus control, p = 0.005; secondary glaucoma 51.95% versus control, p = 0.014), whereas the methylation level of HERV-K was statistically higher in POAG patients compared to controls (POAG 49.22% versus control 48.09%, p = 0.017). Conclusions The trabeculectomy sections had relative DNA hypomethylation of Alu in all glaucoma subtypes and relative DNA hypermethylation of HERV-K in POAG patients. These methylation changes may lead to the fibrotic phenotype in the trabecular meshwork.
The field efficacy of Nigella sativa and Berberis vulgaris methanolic extracts against Haemoproteus columbae

Objective: The methanolic extracts of Nigella sativaL. seeds (MENS) and Berberis vulgaris L. (MEBV) were investigated for treatment of Haemoproteus columbae-infected pigeons (Columba livia domestica). Materials and Methods: One hundred twenty naturally-infected pigeons were randomly divided into four groups of thirty each. Two groups were treated separately with the extracts, while the positive and negative control groups were given buparvaquone (Butalex®) and distilled water, respectively. The parasitaemia rate was calculated in all groups before and after the experiment at four-day intervals for16 days. Results: The results showed a high therapeutic effect for MENS with a progressive decrease in average parasitaemia rate from 18.17% before treatment to 0.73% at the end of treatment (p<0.05), while Butalex® was able to suppress the parasitemia rate from 18.90% before treatment to 0.23% at the end of experiment (p<0.05). However, no significant changes in parasitemia rate were evident in groups treated with MEBV (p>0.05). Conclusion: Methanolic extracts of N. sativa showed therapeutic effects against H. columbae and may be regarded as a suitable choice for further studies to develop new drugs against blood parasites, in both animals and human beings.
Health State of Google's PlayStore - Finding Malware in Large Sets of Applications from the Android Market

Android has, to this day, more than 80% of the mobile OS market share. Android users also have access to more than 2 million applications via the Google Playstore. The Playstore being an official market, users tend to trust the applications they find in it, and therefore, the store is an interesting platform to spread malware. We want to provide a health state of this store by finding the proportion of malware that managed to get published in it. In this paper, we explain how we developed the crawler that massively downloads the application directly from the Playstore. Then we describe what features we extract from the applications and how we classified them with the help of an Artfificial Neural Network. Our study confirms that there are malicious applications on the Playstore. The proportion of them is around 2%, which corresponds to about 40,000 officially downloadable malware.
Wideband Cross Polarization Rotation Based on Reflective Anisotropic Surfaces

This paper presents a new design to broaden polarization conversion ratio (PCR) bandwidth utilizing reflective surfaces. The proposed design is based on anisotropic surfaces for linearly polarized electromagnetic waves. The combination of a traditional two-corner-cut square patch and a two-layer substrate with defected ground structure contributes to PCR bandwidth expansion and size reduction. The experimental results indicate that PCR fractional bandwidth is higher than 121% in 5.4-22 GHz band for both x- and y-polarized waves and the conversion efficiency is greater than 90%. In addition, the proposed structure is approximately robust under oblique incidences, which verifies the applicability of the structure in a practical environment. The experimental results are in excellent agreement with simulated ones. The reflective surface with wideband PCR can be utilized in various practical applications, such as radiometer, reflector antennas, remote sensors, and imaging sensors.
Smart Soft-RAN for 5G: Dynamic Resource Management in CoMP-NOMA Based Systems

In this paper, we design a new smart software-defined radio access network architecture which is flexible and traffic and density aware for the fifth generation (5G) of cellular wireless networks and beyond. The proposed architecture, based on network parameters such as density of users and system traffic, performs five important tasks namely, dynamic radio resource management (RRM), dynamic BS type selection, dynamic functionality splitting, dynamic transmission technology selection, and dynamic framing. In this regard, we first elaborate the structure of the proposed smart soft-RAN model and explain the details of the proposed architecture and RRM algorithms. Next, as a case study, based on the proposed architecture, we design a novel coordinated multi point beamforming technique to enhance the throughput of a virtualized software defined-based 5G network utilizing the combination of power domain non-orthogonal multiple access and multiple-input single-output downlink communication. In doing so, we formulate an optimization problem with the aim of maximizing the total throughput subject to minimum required data rate of each user and maximum transmit power constraint of each mobile virtual network operator and each BS, and find jointly the non-orthogonal set, beamforming, and subcarrier allocation. To solve the proposed optimization problem, based on the network density, we design two centralized and semi-centralized algorithms. Specifically, for the ultra-dense scenario, we use the centralized algorithm while the semi-centralized one is used for the high and moderate density scenarios. Numerical results illustrate the performance and signaling overhead of the proposed algorithms, e.g., taking computational limitations into account the number of supported users is increased by more than 60%.
Men's perceptions of the impact of the physical consequences of a radical prostatectomy on their quality of life: a qualitative systematic review

Objective: To identify men's perceptions of the impact of the physical consequences of a radical prostatectomy on their quality of life. Introduction: Prostate cancer is the most common male cancer and second most common cause of cancer death of men in the Western world. Compared to other prostate cancer treatments, trials report worse urinary incontinence and sexual function and similar bowel function among men with prostate-specific antigen detected prostate cancer who underwent radicalized prostatectomy. Inclusion criteria: This review included men of all ages and nationalities who had undergone a radical prostatectomy as treatment for any stage of prostate cancer. It considered studies that investigated:The physical consequences of radical prostatectomy and its impact on quality of life and life experience as identified by the men.The psychosocial implications of the identified physical consequences of radical prostatectomy as identified by the men. Any setting where the topic was addressed with participants meeting the inclusion criteria was included. The review considered studies that focused on qualitative data including, but not limited to: phenomenology, grounded theory, ethnography and action research. Studies were included if they reported results relating to one or more of the phenomena of interest. Studies not written in English were excluded. Methods: The search strategy aimed to find published studies from six databases from database inception to November 2017. Methodological quality of studies was independently assessed by two reviewers using the standardized JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research. For data extraction, the standardized Joanna Briggs Institute System for the Unified Management, Assessment and Review of Information (JBI SUMARI) data extraction tool was used. A meta-aggregation was undertaken and the final synthesis of the findings was reached through discussion. Results are presented as five aggregated qualitative syntheses. Results: Nineteen qualitative studies were included in the review. The five synthesized findings were:Urinary incontinence is a significant problem for which men feel ill prepared.The impact of erectile dysfunction on men post-radicalized prostatectomy.Acceptance of the side-effects of radical prostatectomy.The impact of erectile dysfunction on relationships.Physical and psychosocial support are perceived to be essential for men to deal with the physical impact of radical prostatectomy on their quality of life. Conclusions: Urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction are significant side-effects of radical prostatectomy which have a negative impact on men's quality of life for which they feel ill prepared, and physical and psychosocial support is essential.
Purinergic Receptors in Neurological Diseases With Motor Symptoms: Targets for Therapy

Since proving adenosine triphosphate (ATP) functions as a neurotransmitter in neuron/glia interactions, the purinergic system has been more intensely studied within the scope of the central nervous system. In neurological disorders with associated motor symptoms, including Parkinson's disease (PD), motor neuron diseases (MND), multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington's Disease (HD), restless leg syndrome (RLS), and ataxias, alterations in purinergic receptor expression and activity have been noted, indicating a potential role for this system in disease etiology and progression. In neurodegenerative conditions, neural cell death provokes extensive ATP release and alters calcium signaling through purinergic receptor modulation. Consequently, neuroinflammatory responses, excitotoxicity and apoptosis are directly or indirectly induced. This review analyzes currently available data, which suggests involvement of the purinergic system in neuro-associated motor dysfunctions and underlying mechanisms. Possible targets for pharmacological interventions are also discussed.
Interaction among variants in the SLC gene family (SLC6A14, SLC26A9, SLC11A1, and SLC9A3) and CFTR mutations with clinical markers of cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is due to dysfunction of the CFTR channel and function of this channel is, in turn, affected by modifier genes that can impact the clinical phenotype. In this context, we analyzed the interaction among rs3788766*SLC6A14, rs7512462*SLC26A9, rs17235416*SLC11A1, and rs17563161*SLC9A3 variants, CFTR mutations and 40 CF severity markers by the Multifactor Dimensionality Reduction (MDR) model.
The Relationship between Persistent Organic Pollutants Exposure and Type 2 Diabetes among First Nations in Ontario and Manitoba, Canada: A Difference in Difference Analysis

We previously studied the association between fish consumption and prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Manitoba and Ontario First Nations (FNs), Canada and found different results. In this study, we used a difference in difference model to analyze the data. Dietary and health data from the First Nations Food Nutrition and Environment Study, a cross-sectional study of 706 Manitoba and 1429 Ontario FNs were analyzed. The consumption of fish was estimated using a food frequency questionnaire. Fish samples were analyzed for dichloro diphenyldichloro ethylene (DDE) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) content. Difference in difference model results showed that persistent organic pollutant (POP) exposure was positively associated with T2D in a dose-response manner. Stronger positive associations were found among females (OR = 14.96 (3.72–60.11)) than in males (OR = 2.85 (1.14–8.04)). The breakpoints for DDE and PCB intake were 2.11 ng/kg/day and 1.47 ng/kg/day, respectively. Each further 1 ng/kg/day increase in DDE and PCB intake increased the risk of T2D with ORs 2.29 (1.26–4.17) and 1.44 (1.09–1.89), respectively. Our findings suggest that the balance of risk and benefits associated with fish consumption is highly dependent on the regional POP concentrations in fish.
Ethical Guidelines for Genetic Research on Alcohol Addiction and Its Applications

ABSTRACT:Research on the genomic correlates to addiction raises ethical issues in a number of different domains. In this paper, we evaluate the status of genetic research on alcohol dependence as background to addressing the ethical issues raised in conducting research on addiction and the application of that research to the formulation of public policies. We conclude that genetic testing is not yet ready for use in the prediction of alcohol dependence liability. Pharmacogenetic testing for responses to treatments may have more clinical utility, although additional research is required to demonstrate utility and cost-effectiveness. Genetic research on addiction raises potential risks for participants that must be clearly communicated to participants, including limitations on the ability of researchers to protect their privacy. Responsible communication of research findings is essential to prevent common misunderstandings about the role of genetics in addiction liability, to prevent its premature or inappropriate use, and to reduce discrimination and stigmatization experienced by addicted individuals. More research is needed to determine the impact of genetic explanations on addicted individuals, treatment-seeking behavior, and on public attitudes towards addicted persons. Importantly, genetic research on addiction must not be at the expense of investments in social, behavioral, and psychological research on addiction.
How to prevent a delayed Alzheimer's diagnosis.

VOL 58, NO 1 / JANUARY 2009 9 www.jfponline. com IN THIS ARTICLE tient thinks this is a natural consequence of age. Fran B, a 72-year-old, presents with complaints of memory problems that began about 6 months ago. She’s worried about her son and has had increasing diffi culty concentrating, sleeping, and keeping track of her things. If these were your patients, whom would you screen for dementia? Would you decide whether to screen based on your “gut,” or a defi ned set of criteria? Would you have several screening tools on hand, and know enough about them to determine which one might be best suited for a particular patient? If you make decisions about screening based on your gut or aren’t sure which tools are best for which patients, you’re far from alone. Cognitive impairment, particularly in the early stages, can be diffi cult and time-consuming to detect, and community physicians fail to diagnose mild-to-moderate dementia more than 50% of the time.1-5 Family members and caregivers often overlook declines in cognitive function, as well. In a study of 741 caregivers of patients with AD, an average of 4 months went by between the time symptoms were fi rst noticed and the patient was seen by a physician—and 22% of the caregivers waited more than a year.6 How to prevent a delayed Alzheimer’s diagnosis
Supporting Online Material Materials and Methods Som Text Figs. S1 to S8 References Cell Type–specific Loss of Bdnf Signaling Mimics Optogenetic Control of Cocaine Reward

It is possible that among mammals a difference in cellular communication within the SCN exists. For example, in rats the expression of clock genes in the ventrolateral and dorsomedial regions of the SCN can be split in vivo under 22-hour light-dark conditions (49). It is possible that this same susceptibility to disso-ciation within the tissue allows for increased sensitivity to temperature changes in this species (21). We have shown that cellular communication within the SCN and between the ventrolateral and dorsomedial SCN confers resistance to temperature resetting. This observation is consistent with the ability of an animal's behavioral rhythms to " free-run " through environmental temperature cycles (18, 19) and suggests that resistance to temperature entrainment in vivo is conferred by the SCN. When communication between cells within the SCN is blocked, the tissue exhibits temperature sensitivity equal in magnitude to that of peripheral tissue, revealing that temperature-sensitive resetting is a cell-autonomous property. Finally, the sensitivity of peripheral clocks to small temperature changes is abolished in the presence of KNK437 or quercetin, thus revealing a critical role of the heat shock response pathway in re-setting of circadian clocks to thermal stimuli and in temperature compensation of circadian period. 50. We thank members of the Takahashi laboratory for helpful discussions; S. Panda and J. B. Hogenesch for providing the U-2 OS cells; S. A. Kay for providing PG 99-465; and R. I. Morimoto for providing HSP70 antibody. We especially thank V. Kumar and K. Shimomura for suggestions and discussion on the manuscript. a biotechnology company that works on circadian rhythms and metabolism. * The nucleus accumbens is a key mediator of cocaine reward, but the distinct roles of the two subpopulations of nucleus accumbens projection neurons, those expressing dopamine D1 versus D2 receptors, are poorly understood. We show that deletion of TrkB, the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) receptor, selectively from D1+ or D2+ neurons oppositely affects cocaine reward. Because loss of TrkB in D2+ neurons increases their neuronal excitability, we next used optogenetic tools to control selectively the firing rate of D1+ and D2+ nucleus accumbens neurons and studied consequent effects on cocaine reward. Activation of D2+ neurons, mimicking the loss of TrkB, suppresses cocaine reward, with opposite effects induced by activation of D1+ neurons. These results provide insight into the molecular control of D1+ and D2+ neuronal activity as well as the circuit-level contribution of these cell types to cocaine …
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma associated with Zalophus californianus papillomavirus 1 in a California sea lion

Papillomaviruses (PVs) are found in many species and infect epithelial cells at both mucosal and cutaneous sites. PVs are generally species-specific and cause benign epithelial proliferations, often forming papillomas or plaques. Rarely, these infections can persist, allowing progression to in situ and invasive cancers. We describe herein a case of multiple cutaneous pigmented plaques from a California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) that progressed to in situ and invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The lesions were characterized by epithelial hyperplasia, hyperkeratosis, and hypergranulosis that bordered more dysplastic areas, and, at one site, bordered an invasive SCC. Immunohistochemistry for papillomavirus antigen revealed strong nuclear immunoreactivity within keratinocytes in the hyperplastic epidermis. PCR was performed using degenerate and specific primers to detect papillomavirus DNA. Specific primers were used to amplify Zalophus californianus papillomavirus 1 (ZcPV-1), the only sea lion papillomavirus known to date. We detected ZcPV-1 DNA within the pigmented plaque, and in both in situ and invasive SCC samples.
Ramp-Rate-Constrained Bidding of Energy and Frequency Reserves in Real Market Settings

The energetic flexibility of electric energy resources can be exploited when trading on wholesale energy and ancillary service markets. This paper considers the problem of a Balance Responsible Party to maximize its profit from trading on energy markets while simultaneously offering Secondary Frequency Reserves to the System Operator. However, the accurate provision of regulation power can be compromised by power ramp-rate limitations of the resources providing the service. To avoid this shortcoming, we take power ramp-rate constraints into account explicitly when computing optimal adjustable energy trading policies that are robust against uncertain activation of reserves. The approach proposed is applicable in real market settings because it models all the different timescales of the day-ahead, intra-day, and reserve markets. Finally, the effect of different market settings and energy trading policies on the amount of available Secondary Frequency Reserves is investigated.
Walking Away from the Robot: Negotiating Privacy with a Robot

Privacy is often applied as an abstract concept in law and regulations. In everyday life, negotiating what information to share with whom, where, and at what times, and in what situations may be a challenge at home and in public space. We apply Palen and Dourish's framework for understanding and discussing privacy to a setting of living with moving robots at home. We compare different ways sensors might be placed in a home environment, and what role proxemics, or motion technologies might have for the negotiation of privacy. By highlighting the role of the place and movement of the sensors, we discuss concrete privacy issues that are emerging with networked robot technologies at home. We hope to contribute new ways of thinking to users, designers, and analysts for creating and using mobile, networked technologies in domestic places.