Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neuropsychologic predictors of competency in Alzheimer's disease using a rational reasons legal standard.

OBJECTIVE To identify neuropsychologic predictors of competency performance and status in Alzheimer's disease (AD) using a specific legal standard (LS). This study is a follow-up to the competency assessment research reported in this issue of the archives. DESIGN Univariate and multivariate analyses of independent neuropsychologic test measures with a dependent measure of competency to consent to treatment. SETTING University medical center. SUBJECTS Fifteen normal older control subjects and 29 patients with probable AD. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Subjects were administered a battery of neuropsychologic measures theoretically linked to competency function, as well as two clinical vignettes testing their capacity to consent to medical treatment under five different LSs. The present study focused on one specific LS: the capacity to provide "rational reasons" for a treatment choice (LS4). Neuropsychologic test scores were correlated with scores on LS4 for the normal control group and the AD group. The resulting univariate predictors were then analyzed using stepwise regression and discriminant function to identify the key multivariate predictors of competency performance and status under LS4. RESULTS Measures of word fluency predicted the LS4 scores of controls (R2 = .33) and the AD group (R2 = .36). A word fluency measure also emerged as the best single predictor of competency status for the full subject sample (n = 44), correctly classifying 82% of cases. Dementia severity (Mini-Mental State Examination score) did not emerge as a multivariate predictor of competency performance or status. Interestingly, measures of verbal reasoning and memory were not strongly associated with LS4. CONCLUSIONS Word fluency measures predicted the normative performance and intact competency status of older control subjects and the declining performance and compromised competency status of patients with AD on a "rational reasons" standard of competency to consent to treatment. Cognitive capacities related to frontal lobe function appear to underlie the capacity to formulate rational reasons for a treatment choice. Neuropsychologic studies of competency function have important theoretical and clinical value.
Nonsurgical treatment of acetabular labrum tears: a case series.

STUDY DESIGN Case series. BACKGROUND While the literature has emphasized surgical treatment of acetabular labrum tears, there is a lack of information regarding conservative treatment. The purpose of this case series was to describe a nonsurgical program for those with clinical evidence of an acetabular labrum tear, that emphasized hip and lumbopelvic stabilization, correction of hip muscle imbalance, biomechanical control, and sport-specific functional progression. CASE DESCRIPTION The 4 patients in this series had clinical evidence and magnetic resonance imaging confirmation of an acetabular labrum tear and underwent a similar treatment protocol consisting of 3 phases. Phase 1 emphasized pain control, education in trunk stabilization, and correction of abnormal joint movement. Phase 2 focused on muscular strengthening, recovery of normal range of motion (ROM), and initiation of sensory motor training. And phase 3 emphasized advanced sensory motor training, with sport-specific functional progression. ROM, flexibility, pain, special tests, and level of function were assessed, and strength was measured with handheld dynamometry. OUTCOMES All patients demonstrated decreased pain, functional improvement, and correction of muscular imbalance. Increased muscle strength, primarily for the hip flexors (1%-39%), abductors (18%-56%), and extensors (68%-139%) was also noted. DISCUSSION All patients responded well to our program. This case series suggests that patients with clinical evidence of an acetabular labral tear confirmed with MRI can show meaningful improvement with nonsurgical intervention. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapy, level 4.
Online visual multi-object tracking based on fuzzy logic

To improve the performance of multi-object tracking in the complex scenario with frequent occlusions and cluttered backgrounds, a novel online multi-object tracking algorithm based on fuzzy logic is proposed. In the proposed algorithm, firstly, the similarity measure of multiple features between the objects and the measurements are calculated, including the background-weighted color feature, histogram of oriented gradients feature, local binary pattern feature and spatial distance feature. Secondly, the fuzzy rule base is constructed by incorporating the expert knowledge, which can adaptively allocate the weight of each feature by using fuzzy logic. The association probabilities between objects and measurements are substituted by the weighted sum of multiple features' similarity measure, which can effectively improve the accuracy of data association. Experimental results using challenging public datasets demonstrate that the improved performance of the proposed algorithm, compared with other state-of-the-art tracking algorithms.
Table 1 . DDX 3 promotes RNA virus replication through multiple mechanisms Virus DDX

Copyright © 201 3: at the crossroad of viral iviral immunity Fernando Valiente-Echeverría*, Marcela A. Hermoso and Ricardo Soto-Rifo* Molecular and Cellular Virology Laboratory, Virology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile Innate Immunity Laboratory, Immunology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
Intelligent storage system with machine learning

Storage system is the key component in big data. As data size grows, we need to scale storage system efficiently. Majority of today’s storage devices present a simple linear block address space to the operating system. This simplistic addressing scheme treats each block address as a generic bucket of opaque data. While this architecture allows the operating system to easily abstract the stored data for upper layer application to use, it offers the devices no insight into the content of the data nor the relationship among data at various addresses. Enabling the devices to intelligently assign data storage location and plan data movement across devices in different tiers of the entire storage system can optimize the system’s performance and cost.
Multistate evaluation of anonymous HIV testing and access to medical care. Multistate Evaluation of Surveillance of HIV (MESH) Study Group.

CONTEXT Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the only infectious disease for which anonymous testing is publicly funded, an exception that has been controversial. OBJECTIVE To assess whether anonymous HIV testing was associated with earlier HIV testing and HIV-related medical care than confidential HIV testing. DESIGN Retrospective cohort. SETTING Arizona, Colorado, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, and Texas. PARTICIPANTS Probability sample of 835 new acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) cases reported to the state health department's HIV/AIDS Reporting System from May 1995 through December 1996. All had responded to the AIDS Patient Survey; 643 had been tested confidentially for HIV, and 192 had been tested anonymously. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES First CD4+ cell count; number of days from HIV-positive test result to first HIV-related medical care, from first HIV-related medical care to AIDS, and from first HIV-positive test result to AIDS. RESULTS Persons tested anonymously sought testing and medical care earlier in the course of HIV disease than did persons tested confidentially. Mean first CD4+ cell count was 0.427x 10(9)/L in persons tested anonymously vs 0.267x 10(9)/L in persons tested confidentially. Persons tested anonymously experienced an average of 918 days in HIV-related medical care before an AIDS diagnosis vs 531 days for persons tested confidentially. The mean time from learning they were HIV positive to the diagnosis of AIDS was 1246 days for persons tested anonymously vs 718 days for persons tested confidentially. After adjustment for the subject's age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, income, insurance status, HIV exposure group, whether the respondent had a regular source of care or symptoms at the time of the HIV test, and state residence, anonymous testing remained significantly associated with earlier entry into medical care (P<.001). CONCLUSION Anonymous testing contributes to early HIV testing and medical care.
Viscosity and micro-tensile bond strength of total-etch adhesive system reinforced with hydroxyapatite nanoparticles

Objectives: the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of HA nanofiller addition to two steps etch and rinse adhesive resin on its viscosity and microtensile bond strength. Methods: The HA nanoparticles were prepared using wet precipitaion method by neutralization of calcium nitrate tetrahydrate [Ca(NO3)2.4H2O] with ammonium dihydrogen orthophosphate [NH4H2PO4]. The nano-particles were treated with silane coupling agent and then added to dental adhesive in different ratios producing four adhesive groups [group 1(control), group 2 (0.2 wt% HA), group 3 (0.5 wt% HA) and group 4 (1 wt% HA)]. The viscosity of the adhesives were measured with a Brookfield rheometer. Forty extracted human molars were ground flat to expose occlusal dentin. The exposed dentin surfaces were polished and rinsed, and the adhesives were applied. Composite buildups were performed with Glacier micro-hybridcomposite. The specimens were sectioned perpendicular to the adhesive interface to produce dentin-resin composite sticks, with an adhesive area of approximately 1 mm. The sticks were subjected to tensile loading until failure occurred. The data were analyzed using One-way ANOVA and Least Significant Difference (LSD) tests. Results: Highest mean viscosity value was (2.53 ± 0.43 centipoise) for group 4 adhesives and the lowest value was for group 2 (0.78 ± 0.13 centipoise). There was a significant difference in viscosity among the adhesive groups (P < 0.0001). Group 2 adhesives showed the highest microtensile bond strength value (35.39 ± 6.96 MPa), while group 4 showed the lowest value (28.82 ± 5.03 MPa). There was a significant difference in microtensile bond strength among the studied groups (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: Modification of two-steps etch and rinse adhesive system with 0.2 wt% HA nano-fillers decreased viscosity and improved the microtensile bond strength. On the other hand, 1 wt% HA-modified adhesive showed increased viscosity and decreased microtensile bond strength.
The mannose 6‐phosphate receptor: function, biosynthesis and translocation

This report summarizes studies concerning the role of the lysosomal protein: Man‐6‐P receptor and describes some recent data on its biosynthesis and cellular translocation. The receptor functions both in the Golgi apparatus (or GERL) and on the cell surface where it binds lysosomal proteins and mediates their transport to lysosomes. Consistent with its dual role, the receptor in several cell types has been localized to the plasma membrane and Golgi cisternae, to clathrin‐coated structures at both locations, and to vesicles characteristic of endosomes or CURL. Biosynthetic studies have shown that the receptor undergoes several post‐translational modifications including the processing of its asparagine‐linked oligosaccharides, phosphorylation of serine residues, and unknown modifications required for acquisition of immunoreactivity and functional activity. Cellular pools of mature receptor readily mix as evidenced by rapid labeling of intracellular receptor by exogenously added receptor antibodies. Degradation of the receptor occurs non‐lysosomally and is perhaps mediated by extracellular Man‐6‐P‐containing hydrolases. A working hypothesis for the mechanism of Man‐6‐P receptor function that is consistent with these observations is presented.
Generalization of auditory intensity following discrimination training.

In a previous study (Pierrel, 1958) a gradient of generalization was obtained for rats following prolonged training in an auditory intensity discrimination. In that situation, SD and SA were at opposite ends of a 40-decibel intensity continuum. When generalization stimulus intensities intermediate between SD and SA were presented, a concave function was obtained relating response rate to stimulus intensity. The maximum of this function occurred at the SD intensity and the minimum at the SA intensity. Hanson (1959), using a nonintensive continuum, obtained generalization gradients showing a maximum displaced from SD in a direction away from 5A. This would suggest the desirability of placing SD and SA away from the extremes of the continuum explored in order to get at certain other relationships. In the current study, we proposed to examine generalization rate relations within the same range of intensities employed in our previous study. However, in this case, SD and St were situated only 20 decibels apart and generalization stimuli were presented at both extremes of the intensity continuum from SD and &5, as well as intermediate between them. By means of a recent pilot study, it was established that, within this intensity range, rats can develop stable discrimination behavior to stimuli separated by a 5-decibel difference. It was therefore decided to obtain a generalization gradient employing stimuli spaced at 5-decibel steps across a 40-decibel range.
Bacterial biofilms and their new control strategies in food industry

Biofilm is a multicellular layer of adherent bacteria surrounded by organic polymer matrix. The development of biofilms in food processing environments is a potential source of hazard for food safety and quality [1]. Food contact surfaces are commonly disinfected with different chemical compounds. However, corrosion and toxicity limit the use of these commercial disinfectants [2]. The risk will become more serious, if the bacteria in biofilm increase their resistance to disinfectants [3]. This book chapter provides a contribution to better understand and highlights the importance and relevance of pathogenic food-borne bacteria and their associated biofilm formations, factors affecting their biofilm formations and new natural potential biofilm control strategies compared with commercial disinfectants in food industry.
The epidemiology of irritable bowel syndrome in North America: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE:The aim of this study was to systematically review published literature about the prevalence, incidence, and natural history of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in North America.METHODS:A computer-assisted search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Current Contents/Science Edition databases was performed independently by two investigators. Study selection criteria included: 1) North American population-based sample of adults; 2) objective diagnostic criteria for IBS (i.e., Rome or Manning criteria); and 3) publication in full manuscript form in English. Eligible articles were reviewed in a duplicate and independent manner. Data extracted were converted into individual tables and presented in descriptive form.RESULTS:The prevalence of IBS in North America ranges from 3% to 20%, with most prevalence estimates ranging from 10% to 15%. The prevalences of diarrhea-predominant and constipation-predominant IBS are both approximately 5%. Published prevalence estimates by gender range from 2:1 female predominance to a ratio of 1:1. Constipation-predominant IBS is more common in female individuals. The prevalence of IBS varies minimally with age. No true population-based incidence studies or natural history studies were found. In one cohort surveyed on two occasions 1 yr apart, 9% of subjects who were free of IBS at baseline reported IBS at follow-up producing an onset rate of 67 per 1000 person-years. In all, 38% of patients meeting criteria for IBS did not meet IBS criteria at 1-yr follow-up.CONCLUSION:Approximately 30 million people in North America meet the diagnostic criteria for IBS. However, data about the natural history of IBS is quite sparse and renewed efforts should be focused at developing appropriately designed trials of the epidemiology of IBS.
Archaeological evidence of fish in the diet of the garrison at the Berry Head Forts, Brixham (Torbay) 1794–1817, with special reference to European hake Merluccius merluccius

Abstract Post-excavation analysis of animal bones recovered from late 18th-/19th-century military refuse deposits within the Berry Head Forts (Torbay, Devon, UK) has provided evidence for the inclusion of fresh fish in the garrison’s diet. European hake was the principal fish in the food rations of the ordinary soldiers whilst more expensive fish, notably turbot, sole and John Dory, was only eaten in the officers’ messes. Reconstructed lengths of the hake in the archaeological assemblage formed a distribution pattern very different from that plotted from data on modern trawler-caught hake, showing how much post-industrial commercial fishing activity has profoundly altered the age/size structure of modern hake stocks.
Regional anaesthesia and pain management

Despite recent advances in analgesia delivery techniques and the availability of new analgesic agents with favourable pharmacokinetic profiles, current evidence suggests that postoperative pain continues to be inadequately managed, with the proportion of patients reporting severe or extreme postoperative pain having changed little over the past decade. Regional techniques are superior to systemic opioid agents with regards to analgesia profile and adverse effects in the context of general, thoracic, gynaecological, orthopaedic and laparoscopic surgery. Outcome studies demonstrate that regional analgesic techniques also reduce multisystem co‐morbidity and mortality following major surgery in high risk patients. This review will discuss the efficacy of regional anaesthetic techniques for acute postoperative analgesia, the impact of regional block techniques on physiological outcomes, and the implications of acute peri‐operative regional anaesthesia on chronic (persistent) postoperative pain.
What Factors Moderate Self-Other Discrepancies in Decision Making? Results from a Vaccination Scenario

Abstract When we make risky decisions for others, we tend to follow social norms about risks. This often results in making different decisions for others than we would make for ourselves in a similar situation (i.e., self-other discrepancies). In an experiment, we investigated self-other discrepancies in young adults’ decisions to purchase a vaccine against a sexually-transmitted virus for themselves or for another person (i.e., the target of the decision). When the target’s preferences were in line with social norms, surrogates showed large self-other discrepancies in line with these norms. When the target’s preferences were contrary to social norms, surrogates did not show self-other discrepancies in line with these preferences; instead they still followed social norms, F(1, 140) = 21.45, p < . 001, η p 2 = . 13. Surrogates with lower numeracy, F(2, 128) = 3.44, p = . 035, η p 2 = . 05, and higher empathy, F(2, 128) = 3.72, p = . 027, η p 2 = . 06, showed self-other discrepancies more in line with the target’s preferences, even when these were contrary to the norm. Surrogates whose own risk attitudes were contrary to social norms showed larger self-other discrepancies, F(1, 128) = 5.38, p = . 022, η p 2 = . 04. These results demonstrate that perceived social norms about risk can predict self-other discrepancies in risky decisions, even when the target’s preferences are known and at odds with the social norm. Further, the surrogates’ numeracy, empathy, and propensity to take risks influence the extent to which risky decisions for others resemble risky decisions for oneself.
Decoding of Short-lived Ca2+ Influx Signals into Long Term Substrate Phosphorylation through Activation of Two Distinct Classes of Protein Kinase C* 210

In electrically excitable cells, membrane depolarization opens voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels eliciting Ca2+influx, which plays an important role for the activation of protein kinase C (PKC). However, we do not know whether Ca2+ influx alone can activate PKC. The present study was conducted to investigate the Ca2+ influx-induced activation mechanisms for two classes of PKC, conventional PKC (cPKC; PKCα) and novel PKC (nPKC; PKCθ), in insulin-secreting cells. We have demonstrated simultaneous translocation of both DsRed-tagged PKCα to the plasma membrane and green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate to the cytosol as a dual marker of PKC activity in response to depolarization-evoked Ca2+ influx in the DsRed-tagged PKCα and GFP-tagged myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate co-expressing cells. The result indicates that Ca2+ influx can generate diacylglycerol (DAG), because cPKC is activated by Ca2+ and DAG. We showed this in three different ways by demonstrating: 1) Ca2+ influx-induced translocation of GFP-tagged C1 domain of PKCγ, 2) Ca2+influx-induced translocation of GFP-tagged pleckstrin homology domain, and 3) Ca2+ influx-induced translocation of GFP-tagged PKCθ, as a marker of DAG production and/or nPKC activity. Thus, Ca2+ influx alone via voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels can generate DAG, thereby activating cPKC and nPKC, whose activation is structurally independent of Ca2+.
Nonverbal and verbal learning: A comparative study of children and adolescents with 22q11 deletion syndrome, non-syndromal Nonverbal Learning Disorder and memory disorder

The 22q11 deletion syndrome (DS) is a common genetic disorder, and a Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NLD) is considered as a predominant part of the phenotype. The focus of our study was to investigate the role of learning in this NLD characteristic. We compared results of children and adolescents with 22q11 DS; with non-syndromal NLD and with memory disorders on multi-trial verbal and nonverbal learning tests. Better verbal and worse nonverbal IQs were significantly discrepant for the 22q11 DS sample and for the NLD sample; the memory sample had a FS-IQ in the normal range with lower verbal IQ. General IQ was lowest for the 22q11 DS group. Similar differences in normal verbal and worse nonverbal learning resulted for the 22q11 sample and NLD-sample, while memory sample showed low performances on both tasks. Error analysis in the visual learning task indicated that lacking integration of visual-spatial information affected impaired visual memory performances in 22q11 DS and NLD. Our results reflected a common neurological basis with visual-spatial and visual memory deficits in NLD and in the 22q11 DS sample. To further investigate the issue of cross modal novelty learning deficits we recommend the use of abstract verbal learning material.
The Pathogenicity of Cytomegalovirus in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review and Evidence-based Recommendations for Future Research

During recent years, a clear association between complicated courses of ulcerative colitis and the presence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) has been established. The exact pathogenic role of CMV in these patients remains unclear despite a great number of published reports. Therefore, we undertook a systematic review to appraise critically all available evidence ìn the literature on the role of CMV during inflammatory bowel disease. We identified and analyzed more than 30 case reports and 9 case series. Based on these results, we propose a model for viral replication during inflammation and provide recommendations for future research.