Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modification of the Psoriatic Arthritis Disease Activity Score (PASDAS)

Psoriatic arthritis is a complex heterogeneous disease manifesting with skin disease and a number of musculoskeletal abnormalities including arthritis, enthesitis, dactylitis and spondylitis. While not all of these manifestations are present in every patient, assessment of disease activity should account for these domains. To combine these domains into one composite score has been challenging but several have been developed. The Psoriatic Arthritis Disease Activity Score (PASDAS) was developed as part of an international Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA) exercise.1 This measure includes physician-reported and patient-reported outcome measures combined into a composite index. The PASDAS requires the patient to complete a visual analogue scale and the short form 36 (SF36). The latter consists of 36 questions covering domains of physical and mental health. A shorter, 12 …
Regenerated Hair Cells Become Functional during Continuous Administration of Kanamycin

The compound action potential (CAP) was used to assess the functional status of regenerated hair cells in the chick cochlea during prolonged administration of kanamycin (KM). Immediately after 10 days of KM treatment, the CAP thresholds were elevated by 6–54 dB above those from age-matched control animals. The frequencies with the greatest threshold shifts (>1 kHz) corresponded to the hair cell lesion in the basal 40% of the basilar papilla. After 20 days of KM, the CAP thresholds at 3 and 4 kHz were significantly lower than those after 10 days of KM treatment, but virtually the same as those after 10 days of KM plus 10 days of recovery. Similarly, the CAP amplitudes at frequencies higher than 1.5 kHz were significantly greater in animals that received KM for 20 days than in animals that received KM for 10 days. The threshold as well as amplitude improvement between 10 days and 20 days of KM treatment was associated with the morphological maturation of the regenerated hair cells in the basal 25% of the cochlea. In addition, the rapid functional recovery seen at high frequencies coincided with the base-to-apex gradient of morphological recovery in the basilar papilla. These results suggest that the process of hair cell maturation is not suppressed by the presence of aminoglycosides in the extracellular environment.
Postprandial glycemic control, hormonal effects and carbohydrate malabsorption during long-term administration of the alpha-glucosidase inhibitor miglitol.

This double-blind study was performed to evaluate the relation of the glycemic and hormonal (insulin, gastric inhibitory polypeptide) responses to standardized starch and sucrose meals to signs (H2 exhalation) and subjective symptoms of carbohydrate malabsorption during administration of 100 mg BAYm 1099 (miglitol) t.i. d. over a period of 8 weeks. Two groups of 8 male healthy volunteers received either placebo or verum. Oral sucrose loading tests (50 g) with and without miglitol were performed at day -5, 1, 25 and 53 of the study, starch loading tests (50 g) with and without the inhibitor were carried out at day -2, 4, 28 and 56. Miglitol significantly flattened the glycemic responses to sucrose and starch without evidence of diminished efficacy over the 8-week period. Also the blunting effect of miglitol on serum insulin and gastric inhibitory polypeptide responses and the stimulation of breath hydrogen exhalation proving carbohydrate malabsorption with starch and sucrose remained unchanged over time. Comparing breath hydrogen exhalation, responses were more pronounced after sucrose than after the starch loading tests. Symptoms (bloating, flatulence, diarrhea, cramps) were merely noticeable with starch as the substrate, but clearly present after sucrose. These symptoms were substantially curtailed during continuous drug intake. It is concluded that - irrespective of the substrate (starch/sucrose) - there is no escape of the desired effects of alpha-glucosidase inhibition by miglitol over 8 weeks, but symptoms of gaseousness due to carbohydrate malabsorption may undergo habituation.
A radiographic study of permanent molar development in wild Virunga mountain gorillas of known chronological age from Rwanda.

OBJECTIVES While dental development is important to life history investigations, data from wild known-aged great apes are scarce. We report on the first radiographic examination of dental development in wild Virunga mountain gorillas, using known-age skeletal samples recovered in Rwanda. MATERIALS AND METHODS In 43 individuals (0.0-14.94 years), we collected radiographs of mandibular molars, and where possible, cone beam CT scans. Molar crown and root calcification status was assessed using two established staging systems, and age prediction equations generated using polynomial regression. Results were compared to available data from known-age captive and wild chimpanzees. RESULTS Mountain gorillas generally fell within reported captive chimpanzee distributions or exceeded them, exhibiting older ages at equivalent radiographic stages of development. Differences reflect delayed initiation and/or an extended duration of second molar crown development, and extended first and second molar root development, in mountain gorillas compared to captive chimpanzees. However, differences in the duration of molar root development were less evident compared to wild chimpanzees. DISCUSSION Despite sample limitations, our findings extend the known range of variation in radiographic estimates of molar formation timing in great apes, and provide a new age prediction technique based on wild specimens. However, mountain gorillas do not appear accelerated in radiographic assessment of molar formation compared to chimpanzees, as they are for other life history traits. Future studies should aim to resolve the influence of species differences, wild versus captive environments, and/or sampling phenomena on patterns observed here, and more generally, how they relate to variation in tooth size, eruption timing, and developmental life history.
LncRNAs regulate cancer metastasis via binding to functional proteins

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and metastasis is a crucial characteristic of malignancy. Recent studies have shown that lncRNAs play an important role in regulating cancer metastasis through various molecular mechanisms. We briefly summarize four known molecular functions of lncRNAs, including their role as a signal, decoy, guide and scaffold. No matter which pattern lncRNAs follow to carry out their functions, the proteins that lncRNAs bind to are important for them to exhibit their gene-regulating properties. We further illustrate that lncRNAs regulate the localization, stabilization or modification of their binding proteins to realize the binding role of lncRNAs. In this review, we focus on the interactions between lncRNAs and their binding proteins; moreover, we focus on the mechanisms of the collaborative work of lncRNAs and their binding proteins in cancer metastasis, thus evaluating the potential of lncRNAs as prospective novel therapeutic targets in cancer.
Circularly Polarized Antenna With Reconfigurable Broadside and Conical Beams Facilitated by a Mode Switchable Feed Network

A pattern-reconfigurable slot-augmented patch antenna is reported that radiates circularly polarized (CP) fields and is switchable between a broadside and a conical radiating mode. Two novel design strategies were adopted to realize these advantageous performance characteristics. First, a mode switchable feed network which includes a set of eight L-probes was developed that facilitates the proper excitation of either the patch’s TM11 or TM21 mode and yields symmetric radiation patterns. Second, their operating bands were made to overlap by augmenting this patch with an annular slot. Consequently, the radiation pattern is easily switched between the broadside and the conical modes within the overlapping operational bandwidths. A prototype was fabricated and tested. The measured results are in good agreement with their simulated values, verifying the design concepts. The measured operating bandwidth, 7.8% from 2.45 to 2.65 GHz, was determined from the overlap of the impedance and axial ratio bandwidths for both modes. The measured realized gain values are stable for both radiating states within this operational bandwidth, the broadside (conical) peak value being 8.5 dBic (5.8 dBic). The CP pattern reconfigurability of this antenna with its favorable performance characteristics makes it an ideal candidate for many RFID and satellite communication applications.
Meeting the meiotic challenge: Specializations in mammalian oocyte spindle formation

Oocytes uniquely accumulate cytoplasmic constituents to support early embryogenesis. This unique specialization is accompanied by acquisition of a large size and by execution of asymmetric meiotic divisions that preserve precious ooplasm through the expulsion of minimal size polar bodies. While often taken for granted, these basic features of oogenesis necessitate unique specializations of the meiotic apparatus. These include a chromatin‐sourced RanGTP gradient that restricts spindle size by defining a spatial domain where meiotic spindles form, acentriolar centrosomes that rely on microtubule organizing centers to form spindle poles, and an actin‐based mechanism for asymmetric spindle positioning. Additionally, localized protein synthesis to support spindle formation is achieved in the spindle forming region, whilst protein synthesis is reduced elsewhere in the ooplasm. This is achieved through enrichment of spindle‐related mRNAs in the spindle forming region combined with local PLK1‐mediated phosphorylation and inactivation of the translational repressor EIF4EBP1. This allows PLK1 to function as an important regulatory nexus through which endogenous and exogenous signals can impact spindle formation and function, and highlights the important role that PLK1 may have in maintaining oocyte quality and fertility.
The role of endomembrane-localized VHA-c in plant growth

ABSTRACT In plant cells, the vacuolar-type H+-ATPase (V-ATPase), a large multis`ubunit endomembrane proton pump, plays an important role in acidification of subcellular organelles, pH and ion homeostasis, and endocytic and secretory trafficking. V-ATPase subunit c (VHA-c) is essential for V-ATPase assembly, and is directly responsible for binding and transmembrane transport of protons. In previous studies, we identified a PutVHA-c gene from Puccinellia tenuiflora, and investigated its function in plant growth. Subcellular localization revealed that PutVHA-c is mainly localized in endosomal compartments. Overexpression of PutVHA-c enhanced V-ATPase activity and promoted plant growth in transgenic Arabidopsis. Furthermore, the activity of V-ATPase affected intracellular transport of the Golgi-derived endosomes. Our results showed that endomembrane localized-VHA-c contributes to plant growth by influencing V-ATPase-dependent endosomal trafficking. Here, we discuss these recent findings and speculate on the VHA-c mediated molecular mechanisms involved in plant growth, providing a better understanding of the functions of VHA-c and V-ATPase.
Relief from nitrogen starvation triggers transient destabilization of glycolytic mRNAs in Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells

Rapid and transient down-regulation of glycolytic mRNAs was observed after replenishment of nitrogen-starved yeast. Glucose sensing, protein elongation, nitrogen metabolism, and TOR signaling are factors affecting glycolytic mRNA stability via carbon/nitrogen cross-talk. Destabilization occurs by the general mRNA decay pathway.
Ecological Virtual Reality Evaluation of Neglect Symptoms (EVENS): Effects of Virtual Scene Complexity in the Assessment of Poststroke Unilateral Spatial Neglect

Background. Unilateral spatial neglect (USN) is a highly prevalent and disabling poststroke impairment. USN is traditionally assessed with paper-and-pencil tests that lack ecological validity, generalization to real-life situations and are easily compensated for in chronic stages. Virtual reality (VR) can, however, counteract these limitations. Objective. We aimed to examine the feasibility of a novel assessment of USN symptoms in a functional shopping activity, the Ecological VR-based Evaluation of Neglect Symptoms (EVENS). Methods. EVENS is immersive and consists of simple and complex 3-dimensional scenes depicting grocery shopping shelves, where joystick-based object detection and navigation tasks are performed while seated. Effects of virtual scene complexity on navigational and detection abilities in patients with (USN+, n = 12) and without (USN−, n = 15) USN following a right hemisphere stroke and in age-matched healthy controls (HC, n = 9) were determined. Results. Longer detection times, larger mediolateral deviations from ideal paths and longer navigation times were found in USN+ versus USN− and HC groups, particularly in the complex scene. EVENS detected lateralized and nonlateralized USN-related deficits, performance alterations that were dependent or independent of USN severity, and performance alterations in 3 USN− subjects versus HC. Conclusion. EVENS’ environmental changing complexity, along with the functional tasks of far space detection and navigation can potentially be clinically relevant and warrant further empirical investigation. Findings are discussed in terms of attentional models, lateralized versus nonlateralized deficits in USN, and tasks-specific mechanisms.
Use of Latent Class Analysis to define groups based on validity, cognition, and emotional functioning

Abstract Objective: Latent Class Analysis (LCA) was used to classify a heterogeneous sample of neuropsychology data. In particular, we used measures of performance validity, symptom validity, cognition, and emotional functioning to assess and describe latent groups of functioning in these areas. Method: A data-set of 680 neuropsychological evaluation protocols was analyzed using a LCA. Data were collected from evaluations performed for clinical purposes at an urban medical center. Results: A four-class model emerged as the best fitting model of latent classes. The resulting classes were distinct based on measures of performance validity and symptom validity. Class A performed poorly on both performance and symptom validity measures. Class B had intact performance validity and heightened symptom reporting. The remaining two Classes performed adequately on both performance and symptom validity measures, differing only in cognitive and emotional functioning. In general, performance invalidity was associated with worse cognitive performance, while symptom invalidity was associated with elevated emotional distress. Conclusions: LCA appears useful in identifying groups within a heterogeneous sample with distinct performance patterns. Further, the orthogonal nature of performance and symptom validities is supported.
Hemodialysis Clinic Social Networks, Sex Differences, and Renal Transplantation

This study describes patient social networks within a new hemodialysis clinic and models the association between social network participation and kidney transplantation. Survey and observational data collected between August 2012 and February 2015 were used to observe the formation of a social network of 46 hemodialysis patients in a newly opened clinic. Thirty‐two (70%) patients formed a social network, discussing health (59%) and transplantation (44%) with other patients. While transplant‐eligible women participated in the network less often than men (56% vs. 90%, p = 0.02), women who participated discussed their health more often than men (90% vs. 45.5%, p = 0.02). Patients in the social network completed a median of two steps toward transplantation compared with a median of 0 for socially isolated patients (p = 0.003). Patients also completed more steps if network members were closely connected (β = 2.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.16–4.29, p = 0.03) and if network members themselves completed more steps (β = 2.84, 95% CI 0.11–5.57, p = 0.04). The hemodialysis clinic patient social network had a net positive effect on completion of transplant steps, and patients who interacted with each other completed a similar number of steps.
Heart Rate Recovery and Cancer Risk: Prospective Cohort Study

This study aims to determine the association between 2-minute heart rate recovery (HRR) and cancer risk. Each participant (5379 women; 8485 men) provided HRR obtained from treadmill tests. The outcome was site-specific cancer. Over 9 years of follow-up, 630 cancer events (258 women) were accrued. Slower HRR was associated with increased thyroid cancer risk in women (P for trend = .0121) and colorectal cancer risk in men (P for trend = .0034). The lowest HRR (<13 bpm) had higher hazards of thyroid cancer (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.20; 95% CI = 1.28-3.77) in women and colorectal cancer (HR = 3.08; 95% CI = 1.32-7.15) in men. In women, slower HRR and lower proportions of heart rate recovery (PHRR) were associated with higher hazards of thyroid cancer in women and metabolically related cancers (liver and colorectal) in men. Slower HRR and lower PHRR were independent risk factors for thyroid cancer in women and metabolically related cancers in men.
Predicting crowdfunding success with optimally weighted random forests

The social media version of fundraising, crowdfunding has, within a very short time, become an important and often critical element of the process that allows budding entrepreneurs to grow in todays market. While the underlying principle behind crowdfunding — to get multiple people to financially back an idea and collectively amass enough resources to make it happen — is simple enough in theory, it is much harder to actually implement. Kickstarter, the largest and most well-known crowdfunding website internationally, sees more than half of the uploaded projects rejected due to inadequate funds gathered. In this study, we take a closer look at the reasons for success and failure of these projects from the project description pages, where the creators attempt to persuade potential backers into supporting their respective creations. A dataset of over 26 thousand Kickstarter projects was created and used to understand the factors that most affect the chances of acquiring successful funding. In this study, we propose a novel algorithm for the RandomForests learning model in which we assign optimal weights to the individual classifiers and perform weighted majority voting on them using the 13 predictors that were found to be most suitable through implementation logic. These predictors will serve to be useful to both, a project creator as well as a potential backer, in order to devote their energy and resources judiciously. Finally, we tested our optimized learning model on the freshly acquired dataset and observed 94.289% accuracy, 94.5% precision, 94.3% recall and 94.3% F-measure value in success prediction. This research achieved the best accuracy and greatest amount of success in this field.
"Meaningful Information" and the Right to Explanation

There is no single, neat statutory provision labeled the “right to explanation” in Europe’s new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). But nor is such a right illusory. Responding to two prominent papers that, in turn, conjure and critique the right to explanation in the context of automated decision-making, we advocate a return to the text of the GDPR. Articles 13-15 provide rights to “meaningful information about the logic involved” in automated decisions. This is a right to explanation, whether one uses the phrase or not. The right to explanation should be interpreted functionally, flexibly, and should, at a minimum, enable a data subject to exercise his or her rights under the GDPR and human rights law.
Image sentiment analysis using supervised collective matrix factorization

Text sentiment analysis has gained a great value in social networks due to its popularity and simplicity. Image sentiment analysis has also attracted a lot of attention through recent years. It is apparent that these approaches, neither text sentiment nor image sentiment analyzes are by themselves sufficient to obtain an accurate performance. On the other hand, the combination of them has compounded the problem. Thus, this paper provides a way to utilize the strengths of these techniques to develop a sophisticated method, called Supervised Collective Matrix Factorization (SCMF). The visual feature and textual feature are represented by Alexnet deep learning network and Bag of Glove Vector (BoGV) respectively. The proposed approach takes label information into consideration during matrix factorization, which is inspired by the graph Laplacian work. Experiments have been performed on two datasets, automatically labeled and manually labeled datasets, to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach with other state-of-the-art methods.
Security issues in fog computing using vehicular cloud

In the near future, vehicular cloud will help to improve traffic safety and efficiency. Unfortunately, a computing of vehicular cloud and fog cloud faced a set of challenges in security, authentication, privacy, confidentiality and detection of misbehaving vehicles. In addition to, there is a need to recognize false messages from received messages in VANETs during moving on the road. In this work, the security issues and challenges for computing in the vehicular cloud over for computing is studied.
Mortality in patients with cardiogenic shock treated with the Impella CP microaxial pump for isolated left ventricular failure

Aims: Cardiogenic shock is still associated with high mortality rates of around 50%. Intra-aortic counterpulsation had been frequently used in cardiogenic shock, but was previously found to provide no mortality benefit. We investigated the effect of an interdisciplinary and multiprofessional routine strategy of early invasive haemodynamic support in combination with complete revascularization in patients with cardiogenic shock before admission to our intensive care unit. Methods and results: We analysed all cardiogenic shock patients (mean age 62±13 years) presenting at our institution between 2013 and mid 2016, who received an Impella CP microaxial pump for isolated left ventricle support (n=61). Sixty-one per cent (n=37) had been resuscitated before Impella insertion. Overall mortality was 48% (n=29/61) at 30 days. Thirty-day mortality was higher in resuscitated patients (resuscitated: 65% (n=24/37); non-resuscitated: 21% (n=5/24)). When applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria of the SHOCK-II trial, eligible patients (n=25) had a markedly lower mortality (24% (n=6/25) at 30 days) compared with the published trial (~40% in both arms). The observed mortality of SHOCK-II-like patients in the registry was also lower compared with their predicted mortality using IABP-Shock II score (49%) and CardShock score (36%). Conclusion: The results of this registry suggest that using a standardized protocol including early active haemodynamic support with Impella CP in cardiogenic shock in patients with isolated left ventricle failure may be associated with improved outcomes and lower than previously reported or predicted mortality rates. Pre-implantation cardiac arrest critically influences observed mortality. The results support the case for a randomized trial.