Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does vitamin D mediate the protective effects of time outdoors on myopia? Findings from a prospective birth cohort.

PURPOSE More time outdoors is associated with a lesser risk of myopia, but the underlying mechanism is unclear. We tested the hypothesis that 25-hydroxyvitamin D (vitamin D) mediates the protective effects of time outdoors against myopia. METHODS We analyzed data for children participating in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) population-based birth cohort: noncycloplegic autorefraction at age 7 to 15 years; maternal report of time outdoors at age 8 years and serum vitamin D2 and D3 at age 10 years. A survival analysis hazard ratio (HR) for incident myopia was calculated for children spending a high- versus low-time outdoors, before and after controlling for vitamin D level (N = 3677). RESULTS Total vitamin D and D3, but not D2, levels were higher in children who spent more time outdoors (mean [95% confidence interval (CI)] vitamin D in nmol/L: Total, 60.0 [59.4-60.6] vs. 56.9 [55.0-58.8], P = 0.001; D3, 55.4 [54.9-56.0] vs. 53.0 [51.3-54.9], P = 0.014; D2, 5.7 [5.5-5.8] vs. 5.4 [5.1-5.8], P = 0.23). In models including both time outdoors and sunlight-exposure-related vitamin D, there was no independent association between vitamin D and incident myopia (Total, HR = 0.83 [0.66-1.04], P = 0.11; D3, HR = 0.89 [0.72-1.10], P = 0.30), while time outdoors retained the same strong negative association with incident myopia as in unadjusted models (HR = 0.69 [0.55-0.86], P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Total vitamin D and D3 were biomarkers for time spent outdoors, however there was no evidence they were independently associated with future myopia.
Equation of state of dense plasmas with pseudoatom molecular dynamics.

We present an approximation for calculating the equation of state (EOS) of warm and hot dense matter that is built on the previously published pseudoatom molecular dynamics (PAMD) model of dense plasmas [Starrett et al., Phys. Rev. E 91, 013104 (2015)PLEEE81539-375510.1103/PhysRevE.91. 013104]. While the EOS calculation with PAMD was previously limited to orbital-free density functional theory (DFT), the new approximation presented here allows a Kohn-Sham DFT treatment of the electrons. The resulting EOS thus includes a quantum mechanical treatment of the electrons with a self-consistent model of the ionic structure, while remaining tractable at high temperatures. The method is validated by comparisons with pressures from ab initio simulations of Be, Al, Si, and Fe. The EOS in the Thomas-Fermi approximation shows remarkable thermodynamic consistency over a wide range of temperatures for aluminum. We calculate the principal Hugoniots of aluminum and silicon up to 500 eV. We find that the ionic structure of the plasma has a modest effect that peaks at temperatures of a few eV and that the features arising from the electronic structure agree well with ab initio simulations.
Safe Placement of Proximal Tibial Transfixation Wires With Respect to Intracapsular Penetration

Objectives To determine the safe zone for transfixation wires in the proximal tibia to avoid intracapsular penetration. Methods The material consisted of five fresh cadaver knees (two paired) and seven knees of volunteer subjects (three paired). High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed on each knee after distension with a gadolinium solution. The distance d from the subchondral bone to the insertion of the reflected joint capsule was measured. Selected cadaver knees were then anatomically sectioned to correlate the MRI findings with anatomic measurements. Results On the anteromedial side of the knee, the distance from the reflected joint capsule to the subchondral bone was less than eleven millimeters in all specimens except one. Posteromedially, d was smaller and ranged from two to four millimeters. On the lateral side of the knee anterior to the proximal tibiofibular joint, this distance ranged from six to nine millimeters. In all knees but two, d was greatest at the posterior aspect of the proximal tibiofibular joint, ranging from eight to thirteen millimeters. In one volunteer knee, the septum that separates the knee joint from the proximal tibiofibular joint was either torn or attenuated, resulting in complete communication between these two synovial cavities. Conclusions Proximal tibial transfixation wires away from the tibiofibular joint are likely to be extraarticular if kept greater than fourteen millimeters from the subchondral bone. In the region of the proximal tibiofibular joint, a safe distance is unclear because it is difficult to know preoperatively which knee has a torn septum.
Studies on the influence of dietary cholesterol on cholesterol metabolism in the isotopic steady state in man.

The relation between dietary cholesterol and the concentration of cholesterol in serum has been the subject of intense interest since the original demonstration that both hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis could be induced in the rabbit by the feeding of diets rich in cholesterol (2). On the other hand, in man virtually all studies have demonstrated that rather wide variations in the cholesterol intake result in less marked effects on the serum cholesterol (3-8). Even when the intake of dietary cholesterol greatly exceeds the normal turnover rate, the concentration of cholesterol in the serum almost never rises more than 100 mg per 100 ml (8), and indeed, in careful balance studies it is necessary to compare cholesterol diets with diets totally devoid of cholesterol before any significant changes can be detected (4-7). This ability of the serum cholesterol of man to stabilize at only moderately elevated levels despite enormous intake resembles the situation in such animals as the rat (9) and is in marked contrast to the profound degrees of hypercholesterolemia produced in the rabbit by cholesterol feeding (2). At least three compensatory mechanisms could account for this phenomenon. First, dietary cholesterol suppresses the hepatic synthesis of cholesterol in the human (10) as well as in other species (11) via a negative feedback system. However, the suppression of hepatic synthesis cannot be the only compensatory mechanism since
La dépression chez les personnes âgées : les évènements et les activités agréables et désagréables ainsi que l'aptitude cognitive a résoudre des problèmes interpersonnels

Le but de la presente recherche etait de contribuer a mieux comprendre la depression chez les personnes âgees et plus precisement a etudier les relations entre la depression et certains facteurs de nature comportementale (activites et evenements agreables et desagreables), cognitive (aptitude a resoudre des problemes interpersonnels) et socio-culturelle. 277 femmes âgees francaises, valides, d'un âge moyen de 78. 75 ans vivant dans des foyers-logements pour personnes âgees ont participe a cette etude. Elles ont repondu au qd2 (questionnaire de la symptomatologie depressive) au qea et au qed (questionnaires des evenements agreables et desagreables respectivement) et au meps (procedure de resolution de problemes interpersonnels). La structure factorielle de ces instruments telle qu'elle a ete etablie a partir de reponses de notre echantillon est satisfaisante. Dans l'ensemble les resultats de cette recherche sont positifs et confirment nos hypotheses. Ainsi plus une personne âgee est deprimee, a) plus le niveau de ses activites et evenements agreables (frequence, degre d'agrement subjectif et renforcement positif recu) diminue, b) plus le niveau de ses activites et evenements desagreables (frequence, degre de desagrement subjectif et aversion ressentie) augmentent, et c) plus l'aptitude cognitive a resoudre des problemes interpersonnels est inefficace. Considerees ensemble, ces variables comportementales et cognitives comptent pour environ 50% de la variance dans la prediction de la depression.
Train longer, generalize better: closing the generalization gap in large batch training of neural networks

Background: Deep learning models are typically trained using stochastic gradient descent or one of its variants. These methods update the weights using their gradient, estimated from a small fraction of the training data. It has been observed that when using large batch sizes there is a persistent degradation in generalization performance - known as the "generalization gap" phenomena. Identifying the origin of this gap and closing it had remained an open problem. Contributions: We examine the initial high learning rate training phase. We find that the weight distance from its initialization grows logarithmically with the number of weight updates. We therefore propose a "random walk on random landscape" statistical model which is known to exhibit similar "ultra-slow" diffusion behavior. Following this hypothesis we conducted experiments to show empirically that the "generalization gap" stems from the relatively small number of updates rather than the batch size, and can be completely eliminated by adapting the training regime used. We further investigate different techniques to train models in the large-batch regime and present a novel algorithm named "Ghost Batch Normalization" which enables significant decrease in the generalization gap without increasing the number of updates. To validate our findings we conduct several additional experiments on MNIST, CIFAR-10, CIFAR-100 and ImageNet. Finally, we reassess common practices and beliefs concerning training of deep models and suggest they may not be optimal to achieve good generalization.
Automatic Service Composition and Synthesis: the Roman Model

The promise of Web Service Computing is to use Web services as fundamental elements for realizing distributed applications/solutions. When no available service satisfies a desired specification, one might check whether (parts of) available services can be composed and orchestrated in order to realize the specification. The problem of automatic composition becomes especially interesting in the presence of conversational services. Among the various frameworks proposed in the literature, here we concentrate on the so called “Roman Model”, where: (i) each service is formally specified as a transition system that captures its possible conversations with a generic client; (ii) the desired specification is a target service, described itself as a transition system; (iii) the aim is to synthesize an orchestrator realizing the target service by exploiting execution fragments of available services. The Roman Model well exemplifies what can be achieved by composing conversational services and, also, uncovers relationships with automated synthesis of reactive processes in Verification and AI Planning.
Coded Hyperspectral Imaging and Blind Compressive Sensing

Blind compressive sensing (CS) is considered for reconstruction of hyperspectral data imaged by a coded aperture camera. The measurements are manifested as a superposition of the coded wavelength-dependent data, with the ambient three-dimensional hyperspectral datacube mapped to a two-dimensional measurement. The hyperspectral datacube is recovered using a Bayesian implementation of blind CS. Several demonstration experiments are presented, including measurements performed using a coded aperture snapshot spectral imager (CASSI) camera. The proposed approach is capable of efficiently reconstructing large hyperspectral datacubes. Comparisons are made between the proposed algorithm and other techniques employed in compressive sensing, dictionary learning, and matrix factorization.
Clinical Value of Plasma Soluble Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator Receptor Levels in Term Neonates with Infection or Sepsis: A Prospective Study

Background. suPAR, the soluble form of the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor, has been identified as a biomarker of infection in adults but its properties in neonatal infection are not known. Methods. Plasma suPAR levels were determined by ELISA in 47 term neonates with infection (19 bacterial and 28 viral) and in 18 healthy neonates as controls. Thirteen out of 47 infected neonates were septic. In all infected neonates, suPAR levels were repeated at 24 hours, 48 hours, 3–5 days, and 7–10 days following admission. Results. Plasma suPAR levels were significantly increased in infected neonates upon admission, whereas they were highest in septic neonates, in comparison with controls (P < 0.001) and correlated positively with serum CRP levels (P = 0.001). At infection subsidence, suPAR concentrations decreased significantly in comparison with baseline (P < 0.001) but remained higher than in controls (P = 0.01). Receiver operating characteristic analysis resulted in significant areas under the curve for detecting either infected or septic neonates, but not for discriminating between bacterial and viral cause of infection. Conclusions. suPAR is a diagnostic biomarker of infection or sepsis in term neonates; however, it cannot discriminate bacterial from viral infections and also its utility for monitoring the response to treatment is questioned.
Interleaving Belief Updating and Reasoning in Abductive Logic Programming

Most existing work on knowledge representation and reasoning assumes that the updating of beliefs is performed off-line, and that reasoning from the beliefs is performed either before or after the beliefs are changed. This imposes that, if an update occurs while reasoning is performed, reasoning has to be stopped and re-started anew so that the update is taken into account, with an obvious wastage of reasoning effort. In this paper, we tackle the problem of performing belief updating on-line, while reasoning is taking place by means of an abductive proof procedure.
Mean field limit of non-smooth systems and differential inclusions

In this paper, we study deterministic limits of Markov processes made of several interacting objects. While most classical results assume that the limiting dynamics has Lipschitz properties, we show that these conditions are not necessary to prove convergence to a deterministic system. We show that under mild assumptions, the stochastic system converges to the set of solutions of a differential inclusion and we provide simple way to compute the limiting inclusion. When this differential inclusion satisfies a one-sided Lipschitz condition, there exists a unique solution of this differential inclusion and we show convergence in probability with explicit bounds. This extends the applicability of mean field techniques to systems exhibiting threshold dynamics such as queuing systems with boundary conditions or controlled dynamics. This is illustrated by applying our results to several types of systems: fluid limits of priority queues, best response dynamics in games, push-pull queues with a large number of sources and a large number of servers and self-adapting computing systems.
Low-molecular-weight heparin in thrombotic disease in children and adolescents.

PURPOSE The use of unfractionated heparin (UFH) in children is problematic. In adults, subcutaneous low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) is as effective as UFH in the treatment of thrombosis. Because pediatric data are limited, the authors studied the use of enoxaparin in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS Nineteen children (ages 18 days to 19 years; median age, 40 months) with indications for thrombosis treatment or prophylaxis were studied. Six patients (median age, 33 months), treated on a protocol that included pharmacokinetic studies, initially received enoxaparin 1 mg/kg subcutaneously every 12 hours; doses then were adjusted until target plasma levels of 0.5 to 1.2 anti-Xa U/mL were achieved. The records of 13 additional patients treated with enoxaparin off study were reviewed. RESULTS In the first six patients, enoxaparin pharmacokinetics was found to be similar to that in adults; once targeted levels were achieved, these remained stable. Among all 19 subjects, 14 had treatment of active thrombosis and 5 underwent thrombosis prophylaxis. For treatment of thrombosis, enoxaparin 1 mg/kg initially was administered subcutaneously every 12 hours. Target anti-Xa levels were achieved with 0.55 to 1.5 mg/kg every 12 hours (mean, 0.98 mg/kg; median, 1.0 mg/kg) in 1 to 7 days (median, 1 day). All patients in the treatment group had clinical improvement within 2 to 5 days, and 12 had follow-up radiological studies that confirmed this. For prophylaxis, enoxaparin was given at 1 mg/kg subcutaneously every 24 hours. No new thrombi were clinically evident in this group. There was no major bleeding with enoxaparin; one patient had transient mild mucosal oozing. CONCLUSION In this limited population, enoxaparin seems to be a safe, effective, and convenient alternative to UFH in children and adolescents. The adult therapeutic target range of 0.5 to 1.2 anti-Xa U/mL is readily achievable with a starting dose of 1 mg/kg every 12 hours in most children. Initial close monitoring with plasma anti-Xa activity should be done and doses adjusted to achieve target range, particularly in neonates. In the population of this study, enoxaparin seems as effective as UFH in the period immediately thrombotic episode. These results should be confirmed in the ongoing randomized trial comparing LMWH with UFH in children.
[Effects of a physical activity program using exergame with elderly women].

PURPOSE This study was done to investigate the motivational, physical and affective benefits of exergaming in community dwelling older adult women. METHODS The research design was a nonequivalent control group pre-test and post-test design. Sixty-one older adult women over the age of 65 were recruited from 6 community senior centers to participate in the 8 week exercise intervention or control group. Six centers were divided into one of three groups: exergame, qigong exercise, or control. The exergame and the qigong exercise group received 16 sessions, scheduled twice a week, with each session lasting 50 minutes. Test measures were completed before and after the 8 week intervention period for all participants. Measures included: Grip strength, chair stand, 6 m walking, balance, geriatric depression scale, vitality and intrinsic motivation. RESULTS There were significant improvements in the exergame and qigong exercise group for grip strength, chair stand, 6m walking, balance, vitality and intrinsic motivation at the end the 8-week program compared with the control group. CONCLUSION The exergame could be an effective alternative for older adult women to group exercise classes.
Klf4 overexpression activates epithelial cytokines and inflammation-mediated esophageal squamous cell cancer in mice.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Esophageal squamous cell cancer accounts for more than 90% of cases of esophageal cancers. Its pathogenesis involves chronic epithelial irritation, although the factors involved in the inflammatory process and the mechanisms of carcinogenesis are unknown. We sought to develop a mouse model of this cancer. METHODS We used the ED-L2 promoter of Epstein-Barr virus to overexpress the transcriptional regulator Krüppel-like factor 4 (Klf4) in esophageal epithelia of mice; we used mouse primary esophageal keratinocytes to examine the mechanisms by which KLF4 induces cytokine production. RESULTS KLF4 was an epithelial-specific mediator of inflammation; we developed a new mouse model of esophageal squamous dysplasia and inflammation-mediated squamous cell cancer. KLF4 activated a number of proinflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, CXCL5, G-CSF and IL-1α, within keratinocytes in an NF-κB-dependent manner. KLF4 was not detected in proliferating or cancer cells, indicating a non-cell autonomous effect of KLF4 on proliferation and carcinogenesis. CONCLUSIONS KLF4 has distinct functions in carcinogenesis; upregulation of Klf4 specifically in esophageal epithelial cells induces inflammation. This mouse model might be used to determine the molecular mechanisms of esophageal squamous cell cancer and inflammation-mediated carcinogenesis.
catena-Poly[[[(diethylenetriamine-κ3 N,N′,N′′)copper(II)]-μ-cyanido-κ2 C:N] perchlorate]

The structure of the title salt, {[Cu(CN)(C4H13N3)]ClO4}n, is composed of copper-containing cations and perchlorate anions. The CuII atom shows a square-pyramidal coordination, with equatorial positions occupied by the cyanide C atom [Cu—C = 1.990 (3) Å] and the N atoms of the diethylenetriamine ligand (average Cu—N = 2.033 Å), while the axial position is occupied by the N atom of a c-glide-related cyanide group. The axial Cu—N distance of 2.340 (3) Å is longer than the equatorial distances, reflecting Jahn–Teller distortion. The CuII cations are linked by the cyanide groups into infinite chains along the c-axis direction. The refinement included a three-component disordered model for the perchlorate ion. Each minor site is stabilized by hydrogen bonds to N—H donors from four surrounding cations, while one O atom of the major perchlorate site forms hydrogen bonds to three of these cations.
New Disguises for an Old Channel: MaxiK Channel β-Subunits

Ca2+-activated K+ channels of large conductance (MaxiK or BK channels) control a large variety of physiological processes, including smooth muscle tone, neurosecretion, and hearing. Despite being coded by a single gene (Slowpoke), the diversity of MaxiK channels is great. Regulatory b-subunits, splicing, and metabolic regulation create this diversity fundamental to the adequate function of many tissues.
Model Observers in Medical Imaging Research

Model observers play an important role in the optimization and assessment of imaging devices. In this review paper, we first discuss the basic concepts of model observers, which include the mathematical foundations and psychophysical considerations in designing both optimal observers for optimizing imaging systems and anthropomorphic observers for modeling human observers. Second, we survey a few state-of-the-art computational techniques for estimating model observers and the principles of implementing these techniques. Finally, we review a few applications of model observers in medical imaging research.
Precise deep neural network computation on imprecise low-power analog hardware

There is an urgent need for compact, fast, and power-efficient hardware implementations of state-of-the-art artificial intelligence. Here we propose a power-efficient approach for real-time inference, in which deep neural networks (DNNs) are implemented through low-power analog circuits. Although analog implementations can be extremely compact, they have been largely supplanted by digital designs, partly because of device mismatch effects due to fabrication. We propose a framework that exploits the power of Deep Learning to compensate for this mismatch by incorporating the measured variations of the devices as constraints in the DNN training process. This eliminates the use of mismatch minimization strategies such as the use of very large transistors, and allows circuit complexity and power-consumption to be reduced to a minimum. Our results, based on large-scale simulations as well as a prototype VLSI chip implementation indicate at least a 3-fold improvement of processing efficiency over current digital implementations.