Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reciprocal changes in psychosis and mood after physostigmine in a patient with Alzheimer's disease.

To the Editor. — The role of the cholinergic system in neuropsychiatric disease has been the topic of two recent articles in theArchives. 1,2 The cognitive and behavioral effects of the cholinesterase inhibitor physostigmine salicylate in patients with Alzheimer's disease has been the subject of an ongoing study. We describe the fluctuation in one patient's psychotic and depressive symptoms that were consistent with the hypotheses that associate increased muscarinic activity with depressive and negative symptoms. The patient's psychotic symptoms were alleviated, although the depressive symptoms increased with physostigmine treatment. This agent presumably increases the functional activity of acetylcholine and causes a relative decrease in dopaminergic activity (as reflected by a decrease in cerebrospinal fluid homovanillic acid). This fluctuation of symptoms and biochemical profile suggests certain parallels to patients with schizophrenia, in whom increased muscarinic activity has been associated with depressive and negative symptoms, and increased mesocorticolimbic dopaminergic activity with psychosis. 1
A Hybrid Approach to Video Source Identification

Multimedia Forensics allows to determine whether videos or images have been captured with the same device, and thus, eventually, by the same person. Currently, the most promising technology to achieve this task, exploits the unique traces left by the camera sensor into the visual content. Anyway, image and video source identification are still treated separately from one another. This approach is limited and anachronistic if we consider that most of the visual media are today acquired using smartphones, that capture both images and videos. In this paper we overcome this limitation by exploring a new approach that allows to synergistically exploit images and videos to study the device from which they both come. Indeed, we prove it is possible to identify the source of a digital video by exploiting a reference sensor pattern noise generated from still images taken by the same device of the query video. The proposed method provides comparable or even better performance, when compared to the current video identification strategies, where a reference pattern is estimated from video frames. We also show how this strategy can be effective even in case of in-camera digitally stabilized videos, where a non-stabilized reference is not available, by solving some state-of-the-art limitations. We explore a possible direct application of this result, that is social media profile linking, i.e. discovering relationships between two or more social media profiles by comparing the visual contents - images or videos - shared therein.
[Risk factors of operation and reoperation in patients with Crohn disease].

OBJECTIVE To explore the operative rate and reoperative rate of Crohn disease(CD) in China, and to assess the relative risk factors indicating surgical treatment in CD patients. METHODS Data of initial operation and reoperation were evaluated retrospectively in a cohort of 142 patients with CD. The influence of concomitant risk factors was assessed using multivariate analyses. RESULTS Of the 142 cases of CD patients, 64.8% required at least one operation and the cumulative rate of operation was 52% at 5 years after onset. The relative risk of operation was increased in male patients, older than 40 years of age at onset, and those with CD involving small bowel. Of the patients undergone operation, 33.9% relapsed and required reoperation subsequently. The cumulative reoperation rate was 21% at 3 years after first operation. Male gender, a perforating indication for initial operation, as well as colonic and ileocolonic disease, increased the relative risks of reoperation. CONCLUSIONS Half of patients with CD will undergo an operation at 5 years after onset, and 20% of them will relapse and require reoperation at 3 years after first operation. Men run a higher risk of operation and reoperation than women do. A perforating indication for initial operation predict a higher risk of reoperation.
Possible relationship between the stress‐induced synaptic response and metaplasticity in the hippocampal CA1 field of freely moving rats

Hippocampal long‐term potentiation (LTP) is suppressed not only by stress paradigms but also by low frequency stimulation (LFS) prior to LTP‐inducing high frequency stimulation (HFS; tetanus), termed metaplasticity. These synaptic responses are dependent on N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptors, leading to speculations about the possible relationship between metaplasticity and stress‐induced LTP impairment. However, the functional significance of metaplasticity has been unclear. The present study elucidated the electrophysiological and neurochemical profiles of metaplasticity in the hippocampal CA1 field, with a focus on the synaptic response induced by the emotional stress, contextual fear conditioning (CFC). The population spike amplitude in the CA1 field was decreased during exposure to CFC, and LTP induction was suppressed after CFC in conscious rats. The synaptic response induced by CFC was mimicked by LFS, i.e., LFS impaired the synaptic transmission and subsequent LTP. Plasma corticosterone levels were increased by both CFC and LFS. Extracellular levels of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), but not glutamate, in the hippocampus increased during exposure to CFC or LFS. Furthermore, electrical stimulation of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), which caused decreases in freezing behavior during exposure to CFC, counteracted the LTP impairment induced by LFS. These findings suggest that metaplasticity in the rat hippocampal CA1 field is related to the neural basis of stress experience‐dependent fear memory, and that hippocampal synaptic response associated stress‐related processes is under mPFC regulation. Synapse 63:549‐556, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rhythmic Interlimb Coordination Impairments Are Associated With Mobility Limitations Among Older Adults

ABSTRACT Background/Study Context: Mobility limitations affect more than 25% of adults aged 70 years or older. This study tested the hypothesis that impairments in ankle and shoulder coordination are associated with mobility limitations among older adults. Methods: his study consisted of conducted a cross-sectional analysis from a sample of community-dwelling older adults (N = 130) aged ≥67 years. Motion capture equipment was used to collect kinematic data during rhythmic antiphase coordination of the right and left: (a) ankles moving in dorsi-plantarflexion; and (b) glenohumeral (“shoulder”) moving in flexion-extension while paced by an auditory metronome. Coordination variability was measured as the standard deviation of the relative phase between right and left body segments. Mobility limitations were defined as a score of ≤9 on the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Odds ratios for mobility limitations as a function of coordination variability quartiles were determined using multivariable logistic regression. Results: Adjusting for age, gender, body mass index, number of chronic conditions and Mini-Mental State Examination score, the odds ratios for mobility limitation (SPPB score ≤9) were 7.38 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.20–24.78) and 15.40 (95% CI: 4.31–55.07) for the 3rd and 4th (the poorest) ankle coordination quartiles, respectively, and 6.73 (95% CI: 2.11–21.51) for the 4th shoulder coordination quartile, compared with the best (the 1st) coordination quartiles. Conclusion: The results supported the hypothesis that impaired interlimb ankle and shoulder coordination are associated with the manifestation of mobility limitations. These findings indicate the need for further study of the role of coordination impairments as potential contributors to poor mobility among older adults.
Can the Sum of Adenoma Diameters (Adenoma Bulk) on Index Examination Predict Risk of Metachronous Advanced Neoplasia?

Background: Recent data suggest that adenoma size and number are more important predictors of metachronous colorectal neoplasia than advanced histology. Furthermore, there is poor reproducibility in diagnosing advanced histology; high-grade dysplasia and villous histology. Therefore we developed a new metric, adenoma bulk, the sum of diameters of all baseline adenomas, regardless of advanced features. Goal: Compare the predictive value for metachronous advanced neoplasia of adenoma bulk to conventional paradigm. Study: Data were collected prospectively in a multicenter adenoma-chemoprevention trial (2004 to 2013). For the conventional paradigm, high-risk baseline findings were defined as ≥3 adenomas, large adenomas (≥1 cm) or adenomas with villous components or high-grade dysplasia. Adenoma bulk was examined across quartiles and as a continuous variable. Predictive characteristics (sensitivities, specificities, c-statistics) for metachronous advanced neoplasia using conventional criteria and adenoma bulk were calculated. receiver operator characteristic curves were computed using logistic regression. Results: In total, 1948 adults had index and follow-up colonoscopies (mean follow-up, 45.2 mo). Those with an adenoma bulk ≥10 mm (4th quartile) had a higher metachronous advanced neoplasia risk (14.4% vs. 6.9–8.2% in lower 3 quartiles; P=0.0002). The c-statistics and sensitivities (specificity fixed at 0.73) for the adenoma bulk and conventional models were 0.587 and 0.563 (P=0.17) and 0.396 and 0.390, respectively. Conclusions: Categorizing sporadic adenoma patients as high versus low risk for metachronous advanced neoplasia by adenoma bulk of <versus ≥10 mm may be comparably predictive as conventional paradigm and simplifies risk stratification by obviating need for additional histology regarding extent of villous component or degree of dysplasia in resected polyps. The adenoma bulk metric and the 10 mm cutoff in particular would have to be validated in other populations before it can be used in clinical practice.
Folding 19 proteins to their native state and stability of large proteins from a coarse‐grained model

We develop an intermediate resolution model, where the backbone is modeled with atomic resolution but the side chain with a single bead, by extending our previous model (Proteins (2013) DOI: 10.1002/prot.24269) to properly include proline, preproline residues and backbone rigidity. Starting from random configurations, the model properly folds 19 proteins (including a mutant 2A3D sequence) into native states containing β sheet, α helix, and mixed α/β. As a further test, the stability of H‐RAS (a 169 residue protein, critical in many signaling pathways) is investigated: The protein is stable, with excellent agreement with experimental B‐factors. Despite that proteins containing only α helices fold to their native state at lower backbone rigidity, and other limitations, which we discuss thoroughly, the model provides a reliable description of the dynamics as compared with all atom simulations, but does not constrain secondary structures as it is typically the case in more coarse‐grained models. Further implications are described. Proteins 2014; 82:505–516. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An Improved Noise Model for SiGe HBT With an Inductive Breakdown Network in the Avalanche Region

In this paper, an improved radio-frequency (RF) noise model is extended for silicon germanium (SiGe) heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) by applying RF avalanche delay mechanism to investigate noise performance in the breakdown region where reliability is a concern. The impact of inductive feedback due to base-collector (BC) junction avalanche breakdown on noise performance is analyzed and explained by utilizing this improved noise model incorporating an inductive network. The avalanche effects on noise sources are verified and explained physically by the dead-space theory. The contributions of electrons and holes to the avalanche noise are taken into account by including an electron- and hole-breakdown network in the presented noise model. The presented method is compared with the conventional approach. When the avalanche noise is absorbed by base and collector noise sources as in the conventional RF noise model without a breakdown network, simulated noise parameters deviate from experimental data at breakdown. Instead, good agreement between measured and simulated noise parameters and S-parameters from the presented RF noise model is achieved in the inductive breakdown and active regions. The presented noise model and the obtained parameters can be applied to SiGe HBT circuits for reliability investigation.
Sonographic NASCET index: a new doppler parameter for assessment of internal carotid artery stenosis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Established Doppler parameters for carotid stenosis assessment do not reflect North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial (NASCET)-style methodology. We derived a Doppler parameter, termed sonographic NASCET index (SNI), and hypothesized that the SNI would provide greater angiographic correlation and better accuracy in predicting stenosis of 70% or greater than that of currently used peak systolic velocity (PSV) measurements. METHODS Inclusion criteria of angiographically proved carotid stenoses of 40-95% and measured proximal and distal internal carotid artery Doppler PSV values were established. Occlusions and near occlusions were specifically excluded. Doppler and angiographic data meeting the inclusion criteria from 32 carotid bifurcations were identified; actual angiographic stenoses ranged 40-89%. SNI values were calculated for each vessel. PSV and SNI were correlated with angiography by using linear regression analysis. Accuracies of SNI and PSV in predicting stenosis of 70% or greater were compared at two thresholds. RESULTS Correlation between SNI and angiography was superior to that between PSV and angiography (r2=0.64 vs 0.38). PSV and SNI values that corresponded to 70% angiographic stenosis were 345 cm/s and 45.5, respectively. Accuracy of PSV of 345 cm/s or greater in predicting stenosis of 70% or greater was 78%, compared with 88% for SNI of 45.5 or greater. The SNI value that corresponded to a PSV threshold of 250 cm/s was 33. Accuracy of PSV of 250 cm/s or greater in predicting stenosis of 70% or greater was 81%, compared with 88% for SNI of 33 or greater. CONCLUSION Correlation between SNI and angiography was greater than that between PSV and angiography. Accuracy of SNI in predicting stenosis of 70% or greater was also superior to that of PSV at two thresholds. These results suggest that SNI may be a better predictor of high-grade carotid stenosis than is PSV.
Immediate Distraction Osteogenesis: The Sandwich Technique in Combination With rhBMP-2 for Anterior Maxillary and Mandibular Defects

AbstractThe goal of this study was to demonstrate the technique and effectiveness of incorporating recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) to the established sandwich osteotomy technique. Although the success of the sandwich osteotomy procedure has been well documented, we hope to show that the addition of rhBMP-2 will enhance bone formation.We performed a sandwich osteotomy technique in patients who had been treated initially by grafting with suboptimal results. Only defects involving the anterior maxilla (3 patients) or the anterior mandible (1 patient) were included. There were 4 patients, 2 men and 2 women, with an age range of 19 to 62 years. The causes of the ridge deficiencies ranged from pathology to trauma. The height (distance) of distracted transport bone segment was measured. The amount of relapse was measured 6 months after the surgery.All patients exhibited a significant increase in bone height. The amount distracted was 6.75 mm (range, 5–11 mm). The amount of relapse was 8.5% (range, 0%–18%). Dental implants were placed in the reconstructed ridges in all patients. There were no instances of permanent paresthesia. Two patients had exposure of a portion of the hardware, which healed uneventfully.The sandwich osteotomy technique has proven to be an effective method for augmenting deficient alveolar ridges. The addition of rhBMP-2 may aid in its success rate by promoting osteogenesis at the osteotomy site, especially in multiple-operated patients where other traditional techniques have failed to gain the desired ridge height.
Evaluating the Underwater Compressed Air Energy Storage Potential in the Gulf of Maine

The United States has recognized the need to offset current and future electrical demand with clean, renewable generation. However, plans for integration of high penetration levels of often variable and uncertain renewable energy, like offshore wind, pose significant challenges to utility gird operators and system planners. The intermittent nature of renewables can result in dramatic changes in system load, indicating a need for large-scale energy storage technologies that would allow renewables to be dispatched when needed. Among different storage technologies, pumped hydro storage, batteries and fuel cells have some inherent advantages over others but only compressed air energy storage (CAES) has the capacity of pumped hydro and potentially lowest overall capital and capacity costs. Advances in system compression designs and utilization of thermal energy storage has made CAES increasingly attractive, especially as new innovations in air storage technologies are now allowing CAES to break away from site specific geological formations like salt domes by allowing the air to be stored underwater in pressure vessels. In this paper, a thermodynamic evaluation of an idealized underwater pressure-balanced CAES system is conducted and compared to other large-scale underwater storage methods. Using the Gulf of Maine as a case study area, the thermodynamic relations are integrated in ArcGIS, a geospatial analysis program, to determine the energy storage resource potential for the New England area.
Intracellular Ca2+ release contributes to automaticity in cat atrial pacemaker cells

1 The cellular mechanisms governing cardiac atrial pacemaker activity are not clear. In the present study we used perforated patch voltage clamp and confocal fluorescence microscopy to study the contribution of intracellular Ca2+ release to automaticity of pacemaker cells isolated from cat right atrium. 2 In spontaneously beating pacemaker cells, an increase in subsarcolemmal intracellular Ca2+ concentration occurred concomitantly with the last third of diastolic depolarization due to local release of Ca2+ from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), i.e. Ca2+ sparks. Nickel (Ni2+; 25–50 μM), a blocker of low voltage‐activated T‐type Ca2+ current ((ICa,T), decreased diastolic depolarization, prolonged pacemaker cycle length and suppressed diastolic Ca2+ release. 3 Voltage clamp analysis indicated that the diastolic Ca2+ release was voltage dependent and triggered at about ‐60 mV. Ni2+ suppressed low voltage‐activated Ca2+ release. Moreover, low voltage‐activated Ca2+ release was paralleled by a slow inward current presumably due to stimulation of Na+‐Ca2+ exchange (INa‐Ca). Low voltage‐activated Ca2+ release was found in both sino‐atrial node and latent atrial pacemaker cells but not in working atrial myocytes. 4 These findings suggest that low voltage‐activated ICa,T triggers subsarcolemmal Ca2+ sparks, which in turn stimulate INa‐Ca to depolarize the pacemaker potential to threshold. This novel mechanism indicates a pivotal role for ICa,T and subsarcolemmal intracellular Ca2+ release in normal atrial pacemaker activity and may contribute to the development of ectopic atrial arrhythmias.
Demographic variation in the rate of knee replacement: a multi-year analysis.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to describe the practice variation of knee replacements (KRs) in the elderly ( > or = 65) over time from 1985-1990 in terms of the number of primary, bilateral, and revision KRs; the extent of large area variation in performance rates; and the degree to which demographic variables are the determinants of area rates. DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING Data analyzed are from every hospital in the United States that performed a KR on a Medicare patient during the study period. Data were obtained from the MEDPAR, HISKEW, and denominator files of the Medicare Statistical System. STUDY DESIGN This is a cohort study of all Medicare beneficiaries who received a KR between 1985 and 1990. The dependent variable in the analyses was the count of the KRs performed in each area. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS This is a population-based sample of Medicare enrollees in the United States. All hospitalizations for Medicare-reimbursed KRs were included in the initial data set. Exclusion criteria were used to identify the Medicare covered population with a definite KR. These criteria resulted in 7.3 percent exclusions and a final set of 414,079 KR hospitalizations. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The number of Medicare-funded KRs increased in each of the study years corresponding to an annual rate of increase of 18.45 percent. The likelihood of receiving a KR was a function of age, gender, and race. For each year, KRs were almost-twice as likely to be performed on women than on men. The odds of whites getting the surgery were over 1.5 times greater than for blacks. Even after adjusting for demographic factors, significant regional variation remained. CONCLUSIONS Much about area variation and the rate of growth in KR rates remains unexplained. For answers to emerge, better data and different types of studies are required.
Les économistes français et l’usage des modèles étrangers

Vers 1815, quand la paix revient, les economistes francais (Say et Dupin) participent au mouvement d’introduction des techniques en faisant de la Grande-Bretagne un modele a la fois technique et un systeme global. A partir de 1824 et au debut des annees 1830, si le modele britannique continue d’etre admire, Adolphe Blanqui et surtout Michel Chevalier ont conscience de ses limites sociales. Le modele americain, variante du modele anglais montre qu’on peut faire des adaptations nationales originales. Au milieu des annees 1840, l’ampleur du pauperisme qui accompagne l’industrialisation anglaise est telle que Leon Faucher demontre sans peine que l’Angleterre n’est pas un modele. Mais la situation americaine montre que la recherche de modele n’est pas denuee d’ambiguite et suit de pres l’evolution francaise.