Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Long-Term Impact of Neonatal Breastfeeding on Childhood Adiposity and Fat Distribution Among Children Exposed to Diabetes In Utero

OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether breastfeeding attenuates increased childhood adiposity associated with exposure to diabetes in utero. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Retrospective cohort study of 89 children exposed to diabetes in utero and 379 unexposed youth with measured BMI, waist circumference, skinfolds, visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous (SAT) abdominal fat. A measure of breast milk–months was derived from maternal self-report and used to categorize breastfeeding status as low (<6) and adequate (≥6 breast milk–months). Multiple linear regression was used to model the relationship between exposure to diabetes in utero and offspring adiposity outcomes among youth stratified according to breastfeeding status. RESULTS Adequate (vs. low) breastfeeding status was associated with significantly lower BMI, waist circumference, SAT, and VAT at ages 6–13 years. Among youth in the low breastfeeding category, exposure to diabetes in utero was associated with a 1.7 kg/m2 higher BMI (P = 0.03), 5.8 cm higher waist circumference (P = 0.008), 6.1 cm2 higher VAT (P = 0.06), 44.6 cm2 higher SAT (P = 0.03), and 0.11 higher ratio of subscapular-to-triceps skinfold ratio (P = 0.008). Among those with adequate breastfeeding in infancy, the effect of prenatal exposure to diabetes on childhood adiposity outcomes was not significant. CONCLUSIONS Adequate breastfeeding protects against childhood adiposity and reduces the increased adiposity levels associated with exposure to diabetes in utero. These data provide support for mothers with diabetes during pregnancy to breastfeed their infants in order to reduce the risk of childhood obesity.
Local Deep Descriptors in Bag-of-Words for Image Retrieval

The Bag-of-Words (BoW) models using the SIFT descriptors have achieved great success in content-based image retrieval over the past decade. Recent studies show that the neuron activations of the convolutional neural networks (CNN) can be viewed as local descriptors, which can be aggregated into effective global descriptors for image retrieval. However, little work has been done on using these local deep descriptors in BoW models, especially in the case of large visual vocabularies. In this paper, we provide the key ingredients to build an effective BoW model using deep descriptors. Specifically, we show how to use the CNN as a combination of local feature detector and extractor, without the need of feeding multiple image patches to the network. Moreover, we revisit the classic issues of BoW - including the burstiness and quantization error - in our scenario and improve the retrieval accuracy by addressing these problems. Lastly, we demonstrate that our model can scale up to large visual vocabularies, enjoying the advantages of both the sparseness of visual word histogram and the discriminative power of deep descriptor. Experiments show that our model achieves state-of-the-art performance on different datasets without re-ranking.
Dust induced changes on the West African summer monsoon features

Dust generation and transportation from North Africa are thought to modulate the West African Monsoon (WAM) features. In this study, we investigated the relationship between the Saharan Air Layer located above Atlantic Ocean (OSAL) and WAM features, including Monsoon flow, African Easterly Jet (AEJ) and Tropical Easterly Jet (TEJ) over West Africa using the RegCM4 regional model at 30 km grid resolution. Two sets of experiments with and without dust load were performed between 2007 and 2013 over the simulation domain, encompassing the whole of West Africa and a large part of the adjacent Atlantic Ocean. An intercomparison of the two simulations shows that dust load into the atmosphere greatly influences both the wind and temperature structure at different levels, resulting in the observed changes in the main features of the WAM system during summer. These changes lead to a westward shift with a slight strengthening of AEJ core over tropical Atlantic and weakening of both TEJ and monsoon flux penetration over land. In addition, despite running the RegCM4 with prescribed sea surface temperature, a correlation has been found between Aerosol Optical Depths in OSAL and WAM dynamics suggesting a mechanistic link between dust and WAM well reproduced by RegCM4.
Assessment of soil infiltration characteristics under micro-watershed in North Eastern part of Karnataka, India

In order to assess the soil infiltration characteristics, a standard field-test method was conducted by means of double-ring infiltro-meters under Patapura micro-watershed in Manvi taluk, Raichur district representing north-eastern dry zone (Zone-2) of Karnataka. The rate of infiltration in a micro-watershed was estimated under representative three different land forms viz., upland, midland and lowland topography. The results were shown that the steady infiltration rates of a micro-watershed in these land forms were decreased from the initial measurement upto the end of 360th minutes, the values of infiltration rate remained firmly stable at 2.1, 1.4, and 0.7 cm hr-1 for upland, midland and lowland soils, respectively. The cumulative infiltration (26.3 cm) and terminal infiltration rate (2.1 cm hr-1) were observed highest in case of upland area. Similarly, in midland and lowland areas were recorded lower amount of cumulative infiltrations (22.0 cm and 11.8 cm) and infiltration rates were also showed lowest i.e., 1.4 cm hr-1 and 0.7 cm hr-1, respectively compared to upland area. The terminal infiltration rate followed the order: lowland < midland < upland physiographic locations. The factors influencing infiltration rates are soil texture, soil organic matter, soil sodicity, porosity, bulk density, topography and initial soil moisture content in the testing area. Therefore, increasing of soil infiltration, reducing runoff velocity and volume are the main aims for soil and water conservation in the watershed area for management and development of soil profile
Planning support contact-points for humanoid robots and experiments on HRP-2

This paper deals with the motion planning of a polyarticulated robotic system for which support contacts are allowed to occur between any part of the body and any part of the environment. Starting with a description of the environment and of a target, it computes a sequence of postures that allow our system to reach its target. We describe a very generic architecture of this planner, highly modular, as well as a first implementation of it. We then present our results, both simulations and real experiments, for a simple grasping task using the HRP-2 humanoid robot
Improvements in Activity and Appetite Among Long‐Term Care Patients Treated with Amantadine A Clinical Report

mantadine, an antiviral compound with dopaminergic effects, is used among older people for influenza prophylaxis and for treatA ment of parkinsonism. Agitation, confusion, hallucinations, and other adverse psychiatric effects are known to occur in a proportion of patients receiving amantadine.l-3 However, beneficial psychiatric effects have been reported as well; amantadine may improve mood and energy in healthy hospital employees treated prophylactically‘ and may be an effective treatment for fatigue in multiple sclerosis patient^. ^ In this report we describe eight nursing-home residents in whom institution of amantadine for influenza prophylaxis resulted in improved levels of appetite, sociability, and/or selfcare.
Coyotes as Sentinels for Monitoring Bovine Tuberculosis Prevalence in White-Tailed Deer

Abstract Mycobacterium bovis, the causative agent of bovine tuberculosis (bTB), is endemic in free-ranging white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in 5 counties (Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency, Oscoda, and Presque Isle) in the northeastern Lower Peninsula of Michigan, USA. The presence of a wildlife reservoir of tuberculosis in Michigan and the incidence of bTB in cattle (Bos taurus) resulted in Michigan losing its bTB accredited-free status. Subsequent wildlife surveillance programs identified relatively high disease prevalence in coyotes (Canis latrans), generating interest in their potential to serve as a sentinel species to detect bTB prevalence in white-tailed deer. Our goal was to develop an empirical basis for generating hypotheses about the spatial epidemiology of bTB infection in coyotes for future surveillance, management, and modeling efforts. Though variation in coyote home-range size may confound attempts to spatially correlate the incidence of disease in the sentinel and host species at a fine scale, overlap zones (OZs) between adjacent coyote home ranges may be the appropriate sample unit for spatially correlating disease prevalence in coyotes and white-tailed deer. Because overlapping home ranges are generally configured around resource rich (e.g., small mammals and white-tailed deer) timber management patches, the OZ concentrates spatial interaction between adjacent groups in a relatively small area. Furthermore, there is a direct relationship between interaction probabilities and the spatial dispersion of those patches. The latter finding provides a useful metric to incorporate into future efforts to develop spatially explicit models of bTB dynamics. Modeling efforts can then be used as a foundation to predict the epidemiological ramifications of alterations in intensively managed forested landscapes.
Resistance Exercise Attenuates High-Fructose, High-Fat-Induced Postprandial Lipemia

Introduction Meals rich in both fructose and fat are commonly consumed by many Americans, especially young men, which can produce a significant postprandial lipemic response. Increasing evidence suggests that aerobic exercise can attenuate the postprandial increase in plasma triacylglycerols (TAGs) in response to a high-fat or a high-fructose meal. However, it is unknown if resistance exercise can dampen the postprandial lipemic response to a meal rich in both fructose and fat. Methods Eight apparently healthy men (Mean ± SEM; age = 27 ± 2 years) participated in a crossover study to examine the effects of acute resistance exercise on next-day postprandial lipemia resulting from a high-fructose, high-fat meal. Participants completed three separate two-day conditions in a random order: (1) EX-COMP: a full-body weightlifting workout with the provision of additional kilocalories to compensate for the estimated net energy cost of exercise on day 1, followed by the consumption of a high-fructose, high-fat liquid test meal the next morning (day 2) (~600 kcal) and the determination of the plasma glucose, lactate, insulin, and TAG responses during a six-hour postprandial period; (2) EX-DEF: same condition as EX-COMP but without exercise energy compensation on day 1; and (3) CON: no exercise control. Results The six-hour postprandial plasma insulin and lactate responses did not differ between conditions. However, the postprandial plasma TAG concentrations were 16.5% and 24.4% lower for EX-COMP (551.0 ± 80.5 mg/dL x 360 minutes) and EX-DEF (499.4 ± 73.5 mg/dL x 360 minutes), respectively, compared to CON (660.2 ± 95.0 mg/dL x 360 minutes) (P < 0.05). Conclusions A single resistance exercise bout, performed ~15 hours prior to a high-fructose, high-fat meal, attenuated the postprandial TAG response, as compared to a no-exercise control condition, in healthy, resistance-trained men.
A basic introduction to fixed‐effect and random‐effects models for meta‐analysis

There are two popular statistical models for meta‐analysis, the fixed‐effect model and the random‐effects model. The fact that these two models employ similar sets of formulas to compute statistics, and sometimes yield similar estimates for the various parameters, may lead people to believe that the models are interchangeable. In fact, though, the models represent fundamentally different assumptions about the data. The selection of the appropriate model is important to ensure that the various statistics are estimated correctly. Additionally, and more fundamentally, the model serves to place the analysis in context. It provides a framework for the goals of the analysis as well as for the interpretation of the statistics.
Oxidative Stress Affects the Integrin-Linked Kinase Signaling Pathway After Transient Focal Cerebral Ischemia

Background and Purpose— The integrin-linked kinase (ILK) signaling pathway contributes to regulation of cellular adhesion, migration, and differentiation, and to apoptotic cell death after a variety of cell death stimuli. We have reported that overexpression of copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD1) reduces apoptotic cell death by promoting the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K)/Akt survival pathway after transient focal cerebral ischemia (tFCI). However, the role of the ILK pathway after tFCI and the role of oxygen free radicals in regulation of apoptosis remain unclear. Methods— To clarify these issues, we used an in vivo tFCI model with SOD1 transgenic mice and wild-type mice. We administered the PI3-K inhibitor, LY294002, into mouse brains after tFCI and examined the role of PI3-K in the ILK pathway and expression of the ILK/Akt complex by immunohistochemistry, Western blot analysis, and coimmunoprecipitation. Results— A transient increase in ILK was detected early after tFCI and was prevented by treatment with LY294002, but promoted by SOD1. Coimmunoprecipitation revealed that the direct reaction of ILK/Akt transiently increased concurrent with the increase in ILK after tFCI. Moreover, the ILK/Akt complex was prevented by LY294002, but promoted by SOD1. Conclusions— These results suggest that the ILK pathway mediated by PI3-K is affected by tFCI and by SOD1.
Can prepregnancy care of diabetic women reduce the risk of abnormal babies?

OBJECTIVE--To see whether a prepregnancy clinic for diabetic women can achieve tight glycaemic control in early pregnancy and so reduce the high incidence of major congenital malformation that occurs in the infants of these women. DESIGN--An analysis of diabetic control in early pregnancy including a record of severe hypoglycaemic episodes in relation to the occurrence of major congenital malformation among the infants. SETTING--A diabetic clinic and a combined diabetic and antenatal clinic of a teaching hospital. PATIENTS--143 Insulin dependent women attending a prepregnancy clinic and 96 insulin dependent women managed over the same period who had not received specific prepregnancy care. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE--The incidence of major congenital malformation. RESULTS--Compared with the women who were not given specific prepregnancy care the group who attended the prepregnancy clinic had a lower haemoglobin AI concentration in the first trimester (8.4% v 10.5%), a higher incidence of hypoglycaemia in early pregnancy (38/143 women v 8/96), and fewer infants with congenital abnormalities (2/143 v 10/96; relative risk among women not given specific prepregnancy care 7.4 (95% confidence interval 1.7 to 33.2]. CONCLUSION--Tight control of the maternal blood glucose concentration in the early weeks of pregnancy can be achieved by the prepregnancy clinic approach and is associated with a highly significant reduction in the risk of serious congenital abnormalities in the offspring. Hypoglycaemic episodes do not seem to lead to fetal malformation even when they occur during the period of organogenesis.
Comparative Evaluation Of Bactec Culture Using Peds Plus F Broth With Standard Microbiological Methods In Detection Of Microbial Aetiologies In Vitreous Aspirates In Infectious Endophthalmitis.

Purpose: Since standard microbiological methods (use of solid media) have low sensitivity to detect aetiological agents in vitreous aspirates in infectious endophthalmitis, a comparative study was undertaken to determine sensitivity of BACTEC Peds Plus F broth for isolation of these aetiological agentsMethods: Four hundred and eighty three consecutive vitreous aspirates from clinically diagnosed infectious endophthalmitis were subjected to culture using standard microbiological media and Bactec culture using Bactec Peds Plus F broth.Results: Of the 483 consecutive vitreous aspirate specimens processed, Peds Plus F broth yielded microbial growth in 150 (31.1 %) specimens as against standard microbiological culture which revealed growth in 81 (16.8 %) specimens indicating a statistically significant (p value =0.005 – Non parametric Chi-square test) increased isolation rate of 14.3 % by Bactec method. Bactec method failed to show growth of infectious agent in 8 vitreous aspirates, though it was noted by standard methods. Thus, among the 158 culture positive specimens, bacterial growth was detected in 132 (83.54%) specimens and fungal growth in 26 (16.46%) specimens. Conclusions: It is recommended that Bactec Peds Plus F broth may routinely be used for culturing the vitreous specimens because of its increased sensitivity and rapidity of growth of the causative agent of infectious endophthalmitis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to be reported in Indian literature.
Bowhead and Beluga Whale Distributions, Sighting Rates, and Habitat Associations in the Western Beaufort Sea in Summer and Fall 2009–16, with Comparison to 1982–91

We analyzed data from line-transect aerial surveys for marine mammals conducted in the western Beaufort Sea (shore to 72˚ N, 140˚–157˚ W) from July to October of 2009–16 to investigate the distribution, behaviors, sighting rates, and habitat use preferences of bowhead and beluga whales. The habitat use data allowed for direct comparison with data collected in the same area from 1982 to 1991. Both species are ice-adapted, migrating through leads in sea ice in spring, and are seasonal inhabitants of the western Beaufort Sea during summer and fall. From 2009 to 2016, bowheads were seen in all survey months, with the highest overall sighting rate (whales per km) in August. Bowhead sighting rates were highest in the whales’ preferred habitats: outer shelf habitat (51–200 m depth) in July and inner shelf-shallow habitat (≤ 20 m depth) in August, September, and October. Beluga whales were also seen in all survey months, with highest overall sighting rate in July. Beluga whales were overwhelmingly associated with continental slope habitat (201–2000 m depth) in all months. Bowhead distribution and depth preferences in summer months of 2009–16 differed from those observed in 1982–91, when bowheads were not seen during limited survey effort in July and preferred outer continental shelf habitat in August. These differences indicate that bowhead whale preference for shallow shelf habitat now occurs earlier in summer than it used to. Beluga distribution and depth preference remained similar between 1982–91 and 2009–16, with strong preference for continental slope during both periods. Differences in sea ice cover habitat association for both species are likely due more to the relative lack of sea ice in recent years compared to the earlier period than to shifts in habitat preference. Habitat partitioning between bowhead and beluga whales in the western Beaufort Sea remained evident except in July, when both species used continental slope habitat. In July – October 2009–16, the distribution, sighting rates, and behavior of both bowheads and belugas in the western Beaufort showed considerable interannual variation, which underscores the importance of annual sampling to accurate records of the complex western Beaufort Sea ecosystem.
Learning principled bilingual mappings of word embeddings while preserving monolingual invariance

Mapping word embeddings of different languages into a single space has multiple applications. In order to map from a source space into a target space, a common approach is to learn a linear mapping that minimizes the distances between equivalences listed in a bilingual dictionary. In this paper, we propose a framework that generalizes previous work, provides an efﬁcient exact method to learn the optimal linear transformation and yields the best bilingual results in translation induction while preserving monolingual performance in an analogy task.
Pel is a cationic exopolysaccharide that cross-links extracellular DNA in the Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm matrix

Significance Exopolysaccharides and extracellular DNA are important structural components that contribute to the self-assembly of large aggregates or microcolonies that are characteristic of biofilms. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is capable of producing multiple exopolysaccharides, including alginate, Psl, and Pel. At present, little is known about Pel’s chemical structure and its role in microcolony formation. Our results demonstrate that Pel is composed of cationic amino sugars. Using this knowledge, we have developed a Pel-specific lectin stain to directly visualize Pel in biofilms. We show that the positive charge on Pel facilitates its binding to extracellular DNA in the biofilm stalk, and that Pel can compensate for lack of Psl in the biofilm periphery. Biofilm formation is a complex, ordered process. In the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Psl and Pel exopolysaccharides and extracellular DNA (eDNA) serve as structural components of the biofilm matrix. Despite intensive study, Pel’s chemical structure and spatial localization within mature biofilms remain unknown. Using specialized carbohydrate chemical analyses, we unexpectedly found that Pel is a positively charged exopolysaccharide composed of partially acetylated 1→4 glycosidic linkages of N-acetylgalactosamine and N-acetylglucosamine. Guided by the knowledge of Pel’s sugar composition, we developed a tool for the direct visualization of Pel in biofilms by combining Pel-specific Wisteria floribunda lectin staining with confocal microscopy. The results indicate that Pel cross-links eDNA in the biofilm stalk via ionic interactions. Our data demonstrate that the cationic charge of Pel is distinct from that of other known P. aeruginosa exopolysaccharides and is instrumental in its ability to interact with other key biofilm matrix components.
The Cutest Little Baby Face

We used computer image manipulation to develop a test of perception of subtle gradations in cuteness between infant faces. We found that young women (19–26 years old) were more sensitive to differences in infant cuteness than were men (19–26 and 53–60 years old). Women aged 45 to 51 years performed at the level of the young women, whereas cuteness sensitivity in women aged 53 to 60 years was not different from that of men (19–26 and 53–60 years old). Because average age at menopause is 51 years in Britain, these findings suggest the possible involvement of reproductive hormones in cuteness sensitivity. Therefore, we compared cuteness discrimination in pre- and postmenopausal women matched for age and in women taking and not taking oral contraceptives (progestogen and estrogen). Premenopausal women and young women taking oral contraceptives (which raise hormone levels artificially) were more sensitive to variations of cuteness than their respective comparison groups. We suggest that cuteness sensitivity is modulated by female reproductive hormones.