Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Changes in retinal synaptic proteins in the transgenic model expressing a mutant HRG4 (UNC119).

PURPOSE HRG4 (UNC119) is a photoreceptor synaptic protein, a truncation mutant of which has been shown to cause late-onset cone-rod dystrophy in a patient and retinal degeneration with marked synaptic degeneration in a transgenic model. To investigate the mechanism of the retinal degeneration, the effect of the mutant protein expression on the other synaptic proteins was examined. METHODS The status of 12 known synaptic proteins in the retinas of 5-month- and 13-month-old HRG4 transgenic and control mice was examined by Western blot analysis. Three selected proteins were analyzed by immunofluorescence in the 13-month-old retinas. The 12 proteins were tested for binding to HRG4 by a direct-binding assay and Western blot analysis. RESULTS A decrease in three synaptic vesicle proteins and an increase in five cytoplasmic and plasma membrane proteins was detected by Western blot analysis in the older but not the younger transgenic retinas. These changes were demonstrated in both the outer and inner plexiform layers of the retina by immunofluorescence, along with a significant reduction in the thickness of the inner plexiform layer. A 23-kDa specie was found to bind to HRG4, but none of the 12 synaptic proteins matched it, according to immunoblot analysis. CONCLUSIONS The expression of a mutant HRG4 protein in the photoreceptor synapses of the transgenic model had an intrasynaptic and transsynaptic effect, resulting in a decrease in three synaptic vesicle proteins, an increase in five cytoplasmic and plasma membrane proteins, and a significant reduction in the thickness of the inner plexiform layer. These changes were age dependent, similar to the pathologic phenotype of the transgenic model and the patient, and supported a close relationship of HRG4 with other participants in synaptic vesicle function. This interaction was not mediated by a direct coupling of HRG4 with any of the tested synaptic proteins but possibly through interaction with a 23-kDa protein.
An Exploratory Study Investigating the Effects of a Treatment Manual for Video Game Addiction

This study investigated the effects of a manualized therapy for video game addiction in 12 males, ages 14–18 yr. The manual was based on cognitive-behavioral therapy, short-term strategic family therapy, solution-focused therapy, and motivational interviewing. Treatment response was reported by the patients, their mothers, and the therapists. The patients reported moderate (but statistically non-significant) improvement from pre- to post-treatment. The mothers, however, reported large effects and statistically significant improvement from pre- to post-treatment. The therapists reported marked or moderate treatment response in six of the 12 patients. The ratings of change by mothers converged well with the views of change of both the patients and therapists, whereas the convergence of views on change between the two latter sources was far lower.
Interventional re‐opening of a PDA for reverse potts shunt circulation after ADO I implantation in a child

We report interventional re‐opening of a PDA for reverse Potts shunt circulation 12 months after closure in a 3.8 year old child, suffering from right ventricular (RV) failure due to suprasystemic pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) after ADO I implantation. After ex vivo simulation, perforation through the mesh of the ADO I with the use of transseptal needle, wire looping (AO‐PA), balloon dilatation, stent implantation (Palmaz 6 mm) and post dilatation, a reverse Pott‐shunt circulation was established. A follow‐up period of 11 months was achieved with preserved RV function and reverse Pott shunt circulation maintained a post ductal saturation of 94–88%. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Childhood leukemia around French nuclear power plants—The geocap study, 2002–2007

The aim of this work is to study the risk of childhood acute leukemia (AL) around French nuclear power plants (NPPs). The nationwide Geocap case–control study included the 2,753 cases diagnosed in mainland France over 2002–2007 and 30,000 contemporaneous population controls. The last addresses were geocoded and located around the 19 NPPs. The study used distance to NPPs and a dose‐based geographic zoning (DBGZ), based on the estimated dose to bone marrow related to NPP gaseous discharges. An odds ratio (OR) of 1.9 [1.0–3.3], based on 14 cases, was evidenced for children living within 5 km of NPPs compared to those living 20 km or further away, and a very similar association was observed in the concomitant incidence study (standardized incidence ratio (SIR) = 1.9 [1.0–3.2]). These results were similar for all the 5‐year‐age groups. They persisted after stratification for several contextual characteristics of the municipalities of residence. Conversely, using the DBGZ resulted in OR and SIR close to one in all of the dose categories. There was no increase in AL incidence over 1990–2001 and over the entire 1990–2007 period. The results suggest a possible excess risk of AL in the close vicinity of French NPPs in 2002–2007. The absence of any association with the DBGZ may indicate that the association is not explained by NPP gaseous discharges. Overall, the findings call for investigation for potential risk factors related to the vicinity of NPP and collaborative analysis of multisite studies conducted in various countries.
Regulation of choroidal blood flow during combined changes in intraocular pressure and arterial blood pressure.

PURPOSE To test the hypothesis that human choroidal blood flow (ChBF) may depend, not only on ocular perfusion pressure (OPP), but also on absolute mean arterial pressure (MAP) and intraocular pressure (IOP). METHODS There were two study days in an open design. On the first day, OPP was varied by elevating IOP during a squatting-induced increase in MAP (28 subjects). On the second day, only the IOP was increased (17 subjects). IOP was raised in stepwise increments by using the suction cup METHOD Subfoveal ChBF (laser Doppler flowmetry), MAP, and IOP were assessed, and OPP was calculated as (2/3)(MAP - IOP). For correlation analysis, data from all subjects were pooled according to IOP and MAP, and correlation analyses were performed. RESULTS When data from study day 1 were grouped according to IOP, no correlation was observed between ChBF and MAP; but ChBFs were lower, the higher the IOP (P < 0.001). When data were grouped according to MAP, a significant correlation was found between ChBF and IOP (P < 0.001), but correlations were independent of MAP. When data of study day 2 were pooled according to IOP, a correlation between ChBF and OPP was seen only at IOP > 40 mm Hg (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The data confirm previously published observations that the choroid shows some autoregulatory capacity during changes in OPP. In addition, the data indicate that the choroid regulates its blood flow better during exercise-induced changes in MAP than during an experimental increase in IOP.
Towards Detection of Early Warning Signals on Financial Crises

The financial crises of 2001-2002 and 2008-2009 had a significant impact on the world economy. In this paper, we investigate whether early warning signals can be seen in financial time series preceding the crises. In our analysis, we use data on the Dow Jones Industrial Average and Federal Reserve Interest Rate. We construct a random process describing the occurrence of positive and negative signals in a time series preceding the financial crisis of 2001-2002. We use the constructed random process and a time series for the period 2001-2008 to assess the probability of a crisis to occur in 2008-2009. We show that the probability exhibits a steady growth and conclude that the proposed method demonstrates an ability to register early warning signals on the global financial crisis of 2008-2009.
Cortical Networks Subserving the Perception of Tinnitus - a PET Study

Subjective tinnitus is an auditory phantom perception that may arise from any aberrant signal within the auditory system. Further processing of this signal and the conscious perception of tinnitus takes place in the cerebral cortex. A few functional brain-imaging studies have been performed to elucidate the underlying cerebral mechanisms of this perception. These studies mostly concern rare types of tinnitus (e.g. tinnitus changeable by oral-facial movements), or compared tinnitus patients with healthy volunteers. These studies attributed variable activation of the primary auditory cortices, associative auditory cortices and the left hippocampus to the perception of tinnitus. Based on these heterogeneous results, no consensus on the underlying mechanisms has been reached. The aim of the present study was to obtain further details of the central perception and processing of the tinnitus signal. Positron emission tomography (PET) was used to map the tinnitus-specific central activity. By contrasting PET-images of suppressed tinnitus with PET-images of the habitual tinnitus sensation, we were able to identify a right prefrontal-temporal network associated with the perception of tinnitus. Besides the evidence of activation of associative auditory sensory regions, the results indicated that activation of cortical centres subserving attention and emotion may underlie the continuous irritability associated with severe tinnitus.
Primary care management of childhood and adolescent hypertension

Purpose: To educate advance practice nurses on the diagnosis, pharmacologic, and nonpharmacologic management of hypertension in children and adolescents. Data sources: Information was collected through a search of published literature and clinical practice guidelines. Conclusions: Increasing rates of hypertension in children and adolescents are correlated to risk for coronary artery disease in adulthood. Nonpharmacologic management includes lifestyle modifications addressing weight reduction, physical activity, and dietary modification. Pharmacologic management is typically reserved for patients with severe hypertension or those who do not respond to lifestyle modifications. Early intervention is critical for preventing target‐organ damage and complications of long‐term hypertension. Implications for practice: Nurse practitioners must identify and address elevated blood pressure levels in children and adolescents. Many children and adolescents can successfully lower blood pressure readings through nonpharmacologic lifestyle changes. Education about lifestyle modification strategies should focus on family‐based changes in order to increase likelihood of successful implementation.
Effects of Levosimendan on Cellular Metabolic Alterations in Patients With Septic Shock: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

Introduction: Mitochondrial dysfunction and consequent cellular energetic failure play a key role in the development of sepsis-related organs failure. Evidence suggests that the pleiotropic effects of levosimendan may positively affect cellular metabolism during septic shock. Objectives: To investigate changes in the concentration of glucose, lactate, pyruvate, and glycerol in the extracellular fluid of the skeletal muscle following levosimendan administration in patients with septic shock. Methods: The study was designed as a prospective, double-blind, controlled, clinical pilot trial and performed in a multidisciplinary intensive care unit. After achieving normovolemia and a mean arterial pressure of at least 65 mm Hg, 20 septic shock patients were randomized to receive either levosimendan 0.2 &mgr;g/kg/min (n = 10), or dobutamine 5 &mgr;g/kg/min as active comparator (n = 10). Interstitial tissue concentrations of lactate, pyruvate, glucose, and glycerol were obtained by using muscle microdialysis. All measurements, including data from right heart catheterization, were obtained at baseline and every 6 h for the following 72 h after randomization. The trial is registered with Clinicaltrials.gov, number NCT02963454. Results: Compared with dobutamine, levosimendan increased interstitial tissue pyruvate concentration (153.3 ± 73 and 187. 2 ± 13.5 vs. 210.7 ± 76.2 and 161 ± 64.6; P < 0.05), and lactate clearance (55 vs. 10). Lactate/pyruvate ratio was lower in the levosimendan group at the end of study period (37. 7 ± 18.9 and 29.3 ± 12.7 vs. 10.9 ± 4.5 and 31.4 ± 13. 2; P < 0.05). Conclusion: Although we investigated a small number of patients, our preliminary results suggest that levosimendan may improve cellular metabolic alterations in patients with septic shock.
The course of the greater occipital nerve in the suboccipital region: A proposal for setting landmarks for local anesthesia in patients with occipital neuralgia

The anatomical relationships of the greater occipital nerve (GON) to the semispinalis capitis muscle (SCM) and the trapezius muscle aponeurosis (TMA) were examined to identify topographic landmarks for use in anesthetic blockade of the GON in occipital neuralgia. The course and the diameter of the GON were studied in 40 cadavers (29 females, 11 males), and the points where it pierced the SCM and the TMA were identified. The course of the GON did not differ between males and females. A left–right difference was detected in the site of the GON in the TMA region but not in the SCM region. The nerve became wider towards the periphery. This may be relevant to entrapment of the nerve in the development of occipital neuralgia. In three cases, the GON split into two branches before piercing the TMA and reunited after having passed the TMA, and it pierced the obliquus capitis inferior muscle in another three cases. The GON and the lesser occipital nerve reunited at the level of the occiput in 80% of the specimens. The occiput and the nuchal midline are useful topographic landmarks to guide anesthetic blockade of the GON for diagnosis and therapy of occipital neuralgia. The infiltration is probably best aimed at the site where the SCM is pierced by the GON. Clin. Anat. 19:332–336, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rice monitoring using ENVISAT-ASAR data: preliminary results of a case study in the Mekong River Delta, Vietnam

Vietnam is one of the world’s largest rice exporting countries, and the fertile Mekong River Delta at the southern tip of Vietnam accounts for more than half of the country’s rice production. Unfortunately, a large part of rice crop growing time coincides with a rainy season, resulting in a limited number of cloud-free optical remote sensing images for rice monitoring. Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data allows for observations independent of weather conditions and solar illumination, and is potentially well suited for rice crop monitoring. The aim of the study was to apply new generation Envisat ASAR data with dual polarization (HH and VV) to rice cropping system mapping and monitoring in An Giang province, Mekong River Delta. Several sample areas were established on the ground, where selected rice parameters (e.g. rice height and biomass) are periodically being measured over a period of 12 months. A correlation analysis of rice parameters and radar imagery values is then being conducted to determine the significance and magnitude of the relationships. This paper describes a review of the previous research studies on rice monitoring using SAR data, the context of this on-going study, and some preliminary results that provide insights on how ASAR imagery could be useful for rice crop monitoring. More work is being done to develop algorithms for mapping and monitoring rice cropping systems, and to validate a rice yield prediction model for one year cycle using time-series SAR imagery.
Digital Design of Fixed Bridge Framework

The fixed bridge framework is an important part of prosthodontics. We design a fixed bridge framework in computer with our own original dental CAD software. The 3D data of the abutment teeth is measured by ATOS II 3D scanner. Then the coping crowns are designed based on the implicit surfaces. An algorithm is presented to deform the bridge based on the interactive mesh editing technique, so that the bridge can fit the patient's characteristic very well. We also build a standard crowns and bridges database for our own dental CAD system. The whole design process can be finished only in 30 minutes. After tested, the bridge framework fits the abutment teeth very well. The system designs the fixed bridge framework automatically in efficient, simple and accurate way. It is also an important part of homemade dental CAD/CAM system.
Modeling of risk factors for ischemic stroke. The Willis Lecture.

It is a pleasure for me to give the Willis Lecture. I am especially honored because at the 8th Conference in February 1983 I also gave the Keynote Address, before it became known as the Willis Lecture.1 I am going to discuss a few principles concerning the risk factors for stroke; some recent observations from the Rochester, Minnesota, population on modeling of stroke risk factors; and some new observations about modeling attributable risk for stroke risk factors in a multivariable analysis; and I shall discuss how we might consider the risk factors for stroke in regard to the pathologic substrates for stroke. The Rochester Epidemiology Project medical record linkage system2 provided the means to identify virtually all new cases of ischemic stroke in the Rochester population for a population-based, nested case-control study of risk factors for stroke. The controls for the study were selected from an enumeration of the population through the medical records of the Rochester Epidemiology Project. There were 1444 incidence cases of stroke in the population in the 25 years of the study from 1960 through 1984, with controls from the population matched one-to-one by age, sex, and duration of the medical record. About 80% of the cases were seen and evaluated by a neurologist. This study of risk factors for ischemic stroke provides a unique and powerful set of data because it includes such a large number of incident cases and population-based controls. The size of the data set allowed assessment of interactions that have not been assessed adequately. More details of this study were published in December 1996.3 The effect of a risk factor on the probability of stroke is determined by three considerations: (1) the relative risk of the factor, (2) the prevalence of the factor in the population, and (3) …
The Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program (MBSR) Reduces Stress-Related Psychological Distress in Healthcare Professionals

This semi-experimental study examines how Mindfulness facilitates a distress reduction in a group of health professionals. The sample comprises 29 professionals seeking stress reduction who undertook an 8 weeks psico-educative intervention, involving 28 hours of class, based on a program called Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction or MBSR. Results show a 35% reduction of distress, from percentile 75 to 45, combined with a 30% reduction in rumination and a 20% decrease in negative affect. These benefits lasted during the 3 months of the follow up period. The correlation analysis indicates that the decrease in distress is significantly related to the other two variables. These results confirm the effectiveness of MBSR to decrease distress and its applicability in training programs for health professionals. Este estudio cuasi-experimental examina si el Mindfulness o conciencia plena reduce el malestar psicológico asociado al estrés en profesionales de la salud. La muestra estaba compuesta por 29 profesionales interesados en reducir el estrés, que siguieron una intervención psicoeducativa de 8 semanas, empleando un total de 28 horas lectivas y denominada Reducción de estrés basada en Mindfulness (Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction o MBSR). Los resultados muestran una disminución del malestar del 35%, descendiendo del percentil 75 al 45, así como reducciones del 30% en rumiación y del 20% en afectividad negativa. Estas mejoras se mantienen durante el periodo de seguimiento de 3 meses posteriores a la intervención. Las correlaciones encontradas indican que la reducción en malestar psicológico conlleva una disminución de la rumiación y de la afectividad negativa. Estos resultados confirman la utilidad de la técnica MBSR para reducir el malestar psicológico en programas de formación para profesionales de la salud.
Social variation in reasons for contacting general practice out-of-hours: implications for daytime service provision?

BACKGROUND Contact with general practice out-of-hours services increases with socioeconomic deprivation. The reasons for this association are unclear but may include variations in access to daytime services or differences in morbidity. AIM To identify the reasons for contact with the Glasgow Emergency Medical Service (GEMS) in relation to patient sociodemographic characteristics and the nature of the presenting problem. METHOD All contacts with GEMS over a one-week period (n = 3193) in October 1996 were identified and a random 1:2 sample were sent a postal questionnaire investigating their reasons for contacting the service. Sociodemographic data and presenting problems were extracted from the service contact sheet. Data were analysed using correspondence analysis. RESULTS Correspondence analysis identified two factors characterised as 'perceived problems with daytime services' and 'perceived urgency'. Scores on the former dimension were significantly associated with age (P < 0.0001), gender (P < 0.0001), socioeconomic category (P < 0.0001), and presenting problem (P = 0.015) and scores were higher in adults, in males, among the non-affluent (particularly those resident in deprived areas), and in those presenting with a musculoskeletal problem. Scores on the latter dimension were significantly associated with age (P < 0.0001) and presenting problem (P < 0.0001). Scores tended to increase after childhood and for each of the five most frequent categories of presenting problem relative to other symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Compared to those from affluent areas, patients from non-affluent areas appear to perceive difficulties accessing their general practitioner during surgery hours and may contact out-of-hours services as an alternative.
ZenIDS: Introspective Intrusion Detection for PHP Applications

Since its first appearance more than 20 years ago, PHP has steadily increased in popularity, and has become the foundation of the Internet's most popular content management systems (CMS). Of the world's 1 million most visited websites, nearly half use a CMS, and WordPress alone claims 25% market share of all websites. While their easy-to-use templates and components have greatly simplified the work of developing high quality websites, it comes at the cost of software vulnerabilities that are inevitable in such large and rapidly evolving frameworks. Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) are often used to protect Internet-facing applications, but conventional techniques struggle to keep up with the fast pace of development in today's web applications. Rapid changes to application interfaces increase the workload of maintaining an IDS whitelist, yet the broad attack surface of a web application makes for a similarly verbose blacklist. We developed ZenIDS to dynamically learn the trusted execution paths of an application during a short online training period and report execution anomalies as potential intrusions. We implement ZenIDS as a PHP extension supported by 8 hooks instrumented in the PHP interpreter. Our experiments demonstrate its effectiveness monitoring live web traffic for one year to 3 large PHP applications, detecting malicious requests with a false positive rate of less than . 01% after training on fewer than 4,000 requests. ZenIDS excludes the vast majority of deployed PHP code from the whitelist because it is never used for valid requests–yet could potentially be exploited by a remote adversary. We observe 5% performance overhead (or less) for our applications vs. an optimized vanilla LAMP stack.