Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Determinants of quantitative optic nerve measurements using spectral domain optical coherence tomography in a population-based sample of non-glaucomatous subjects.

PURPOSE To evaluate the ocular and systemic factors influencing measurements of optic nerve head (ONH) parameters and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in healthy Chinese adults. METHODS Adults ranging in age from 40 to 80 years were consecutively recruited from the population-based Singapore Chinese Eye Study. A SD-OCT instrument was used to measure ONH and RNFL parameters. A total of 542 eyes from 542 non-glaucomatous Chinese subjects were analyzed. Univariable and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to examine the effects of a range of ocular (e.g., intraocular pressure [IOP], axial length [AL], disc area) and systemic (e.g., blood pressure, serum glucose) factors on ONH and RNFL parameters. RESULTS In multiple regression analyses, neuroretinal rim area was independently associated with age (β = -0.006, P < 0.001), disc area (β = 0.183, P < 0.001), IOP (β = -0.009, P = 0.008), AL (β = -0.023, P = 0.004), and lens nuclear color (β = 0.042, P = 0.001). Vertical cup-to-disc ratio was independently correlated with age (β = 0.003, P < 0.001), disc area (β = 0.207, P < 0.001), IOP (β = 0.004, P = 0.014), AL (β = 0.010, P = 0.008), and lens nuclear color (β = -0.017, P = 0.006). Average RNFL thickness was independently related to age (β = -0.204, P = 0.001), disc area (β = 4.218, P < 0.001), signal strength (β = 1.348, P < 0.001), and AL (β = -1.332, P < 0.001). Disc area had the strongest effect on measurements of ONH parameters and RNFL thickness. CONCLUSIONS In a non-glaucomatous population, optic nerve measurements with SD-OCT vary with disc area, age, IOP, AL, lens nuclear color, and signal strength, but systemic parameters have little influence. This information may be useful for interpretation of SD-OCT measurements.
Extensively and partially hydrolysed infant formulas for allergy prophylaxis

The allergy preventive effect of extensively (N) and partially (PH) hydrolysed cows’ milk formulas compared with a regular formula (RM) was assessed in 155 infants with a family history of allergy. No cows’ milk was given during the first nine months of life and no egg and fish up to 12 months of age. Breast feeding mothers avoided the same foods. At weaning the infants were randomised to one of the formula groups. The cumulative incidence of atopic symptoms at 18 months was 51, 64, and 84% in the N, PH, and RM groups, respectively. From 6 to 18 months there were significantly less cumulative atopic symptoms in the N group compared with the RM group, and significantly less than the PH group up to 6 (N = 25%; PH = 46%) and 9 months (N = 34%, PH = 58%). At 9 months significantly fewer infants in the N group (10%) than in the PH group (33%) had a positive skin prick test to eggs. The findings support an allergy preventive effect of an extensively hydrolysed formula, but not of a partially hydrolysed formula, during the first 18 months of life of high risk infants.
Hot Swapping for Online Adaptation of Optimization Hyperparameters

We describe a general framework for online adaptation of optimization hyperparameters by `hot swapping' their values during learning. We investigate this approach in the context of adaptive learning rate selection using an explore-exploit strategy from the multi-armed bandit literature. Experiments on a benchmark neural network show that the hot swapping approach leads to consistently better solutions compared to well-known alternatives such as AdaDelta and stochastic gradient with exhaustive hyperparameter search.
Enalapril attenuates the exaggerated sympathetic response to physical stress in prenatally programmed hypertensive rats

Prenatal programming induced by maternal dietary protein deprivation (6% vs 20% protein diet) results in hypertension in adult rat offspring. We have shown that the hypertension with prenatal programming (PPH) is due to increased sympathetic nerve activity. The purpose of this study was to examine if angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition would attenuate the enhanced sympathetic response to acute physical stress in PPH. To test this postulate, changes in renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) to stimulation of the skeletal muscle exercise pressor reflex (EPR) were assessed in controls and PPH rats chronically treated (from age 4 wks) with either vehicle or enalapril (an ACE inhibitor) in their drinking water. Adult male offspring (age 16–20 wks) were studied. Resting systolic blood pressure (SBP) was greater in PPH than control in vehicle treated groups and the blood pressure was normalized by enalapril in the PPH group. The RSNA response to EPR stimulation was significantly higher in PPH than control in vehicle treated groups. Enalapril treatment significantly attenuated the RSNA response to EPR activation in PPH but had no effect in control rats. These results suggest that angiotensin II contributes to the generation of stress‐induced sympathetic overactivity in PPH. Further, this enhanced sympathetic responsiveness can be reduced by ACE inhibition. Supported by NIH HL‐088422, DK41612 and DK078596
Evidence for the Implementation of the Early Start Denver Model for Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

BACKGROUND: The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is a manualized comprehensive therapy for toddlers with autism spectrum disorder. It emphasizes interpersonal engagement through synchrony, rhythms, and reciprocity to decrease symptom severity and accelerate cognitive, social-emotional, and language development. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review evidence regarding the use of the ESDM as an intervention for young children with autism spectrum disorder. DESIGN: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and CINAHL were searched from 2010-2015 using predetermined inclusion criteria. Study methodology, participant characteristics, and outcomes were evaluated and quality of evidence was assigned. RESULTS: Eight articles met inclusion criteria and consisted of two randomized controlled trials, four controlled trials, and two observational cohort studies. Evidence quality ranged from low to high. CONCLUSIONS: The ESDM is an effective intervention that improves cognition, language, and adaptive behavior. ESDM strategies delivered in community group settings and in the home by parents have potential to be efficacious and feasible.
Management of a Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma in an American Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber)

Abstract A 32-year-old female American flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) was presented with a squamous cell carcinoma of the middle digit of the right foot. No clinical, hematologic, or radiologic evidence of metastasis was present. Salvage amputation of the digit resulted in complete cure, whereas previous electrosurgery and radiation therapy were unsuccessful. Three years later, another squamous cell carcinoma was diagnosed in the middle digit of the left foot. The digit was also amputated. Seven months after the second amputation, the bird did not have any recurrence or signs of metastasis.
Flow structure and transport characteristics of feeding and exchange currents generated by upside-down Cassiopea jellyfish

SUMMARY Quantifying the flows generated by the pulsations of jellyfish bells is crucial for understanding the mechanics and efficiency of their swimming and feeding. Recent experimental and theoretical work has focused on the dynamics of vortices in the wakes of swimming jellyfish with relatively simple oral arms and tentacles. The significance of bell pulsations for generating feeding currents through elaborate oral arms and the consequences for particle capture are not as well understood. To isolate the generation of feeding currents from swimming, the pulsing kinematics and fluid flow around the benthic jellyfish Cassiopea spp. were investigated using a combination of videography, digital particle image velocimetry and direct numerical simulation. During the rapid contraction phase of the bell, fluid is pulled into a starting vortex ring that translates through the oral arms with peak velocities that can be of the order of 10 cm s–1. Strong shear flows are also generated across the top of the oral arms throughout the entire pulse cycle. A coherent train of vortex rings is not observed, unlike in the case of swimming oblate medusae such as Aurelia aurita. The phase-averaged flow generated by bell pulsations is similar to a vertical jet, with induced flow velocities averaged over the cycle of the order of 1–10 mm s–1. This introduces a strong near-horizontal entrainment of the fluid along the substrate and towards the oral arms. Continual flow along the substrate towards the jellyfish is reproduced by numerical simulations that model the oral arms as a porous Brinkman layer of finite thickness. This two-dimensional numerical model does not, however, capture the far-field flow above the medusa, suggesting that either the three-dimensionality or the complex structure of the oral arms helps to direct flow towards the central axis and up and away from the animal.
Incidence of Postdural Puncture Headache in Morbidly Obese Parturients

left paravenebral space at the Tl l level. So. we discontinued this anesthesia and the appendectomy was conducted under a general anesthesia with isoflurane. After the clinical experience. we decided to examine this phenomenon funher. We took a three-pronged approach to our investigation: anatomic investigations using cadavers; animal experiments with rabbits; and clinical studies. In I.he anatomic investigations, our main purpose was to examine the drug dispersion. We found that the injected drug dispersed longitudinally in the anterior pan of the paravenebral space along with the ipsilateral sympathetic trunk and proceeded laterally in the intercostal space in the thorax. At the Tl l level. the paravenebral space had a continuance with transverse fascia in the abdominal cavity through the medial and lateral arcuate ligaments. Thus, lhe drug spread into the transverse fascia, where nerves from the lumbar segments pass through (Fig. I). In the animal experiments. we examined whether or not we could reproduce the unilateral analgesia. as described in the clinical experience. With the aid of general anesthetics (50 /Lg/kg of medetomidine hydrochloride). we successfully conducted hemiorrhaphy. appendectomy. and anificial anus formation with this block. Using the unilateral block. we even conducted herniorrhaphy with three different human patients. Some may describe this anesthesia as a form of thoracic paravenebral block. A typical thoracic block only affects a single segment. Some researchers have reponed multisegment thoracic blocks1•2 ; our unilateral block not only affects multiple segments. but also affects the lumbar segments. For these reasons. we feel obligated to announce our progress thus far. We presume that funher studies will demonstrate the beneficial applications of this anesthesia in. for example, surgeries in which spinal and epidural anesthesia prove unfavorable or inappropriate.
Butterfly abundance declines over 20 years of systematic monitoring in Ohio, USA

Severe insect declines make headlines, but they are rarely based on systematic monitoring outside of Europe. We estimate the rate of change in total butterfly abundance and the population trends for 81 species using 21 years of systematic monitoring in Ohio, USA. Total abundance is declining at 2% per year, resulting in a cumulative 33% reduction in butterfly abundance. Three times as many species have negative population trends compared to positive trends. The rate of total decline and the proportion of species in decline mirror those documented in three comparable long-term European monitoring programs. Multiple environmental changes such as climate change, habitat degradation, and agricultural practices may contribute to these declines in Ohio and shift the makeup of the butterfly community by benefiting some species over others. Our analysis of life-history traits associated with population trends shows an impact of climate change, as species with northern distributions and fewer annual generations declined more rapidly. However, even common and invasive species associated with human-dominated landscapes are declining, suggesting widespread environmental causes for these trends. Declines in common species, although they may not be close to extinction, will have an outsized impact on the ecosystem services provided by insects. These results from the most extensive, systematic insect monitoring program in North America demonstrate an ongoing defaunation in butterflies that on an annual scale might be imperceptible, but cumulatively has reduced butterfly numbers by a third over 20 years.
Bluetooth Low Energy Based Occupancy Detection for Emergency Management

A reliable estimation of an area's occupancy can be beneficial to a large variety of applications, and especially in relation to emergency management. For example, it can help detect areas of priority and assign emergency personnel in an efficient manner. However, occupancy detection can be a major challenge in indoor environments. A recent technology that can prove very useful in that respect is Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), which is able to provide the location of a user using information from beacons installed in a building. Here, we evaluate BLE as the primary means of occupancy estimation in an indoor environment, using a prototype system composed of BLE beacons, a mobile application and a server. We employ three machine learning approaches (k-nearest neighbours, logistic regression and support vector machines) to determine the presence of occupants inside specific areas of an office space and we evaluate our approach in two independent experimental settings. Our experimental results indicate that combining BLE with machine learning is certainly promising as the basis for occupancy estimation
Evaluation Green Suppliers Using DEMATEL Technique in Fuzzy Environment

Green supply chain management (GSCM) is crucial for environmental compliance and business development of companies. Companies look for new ideas and methods to achieve environmental sustainability. GSCM is an innovative idea which involves all business value-adding operations, such as purchasing and in-bound logistics, production and manufacturing, distribution, out-bound logistics, and collaboration with patrons and suppliers with the minimum negative environmental impact. The main purpose of the present study was to find the interrelationship between green supplier criteria applying a novel model. Thus, experts’ opinions were investigated through nominal group technique (NGT) to understand the interrelationship and causal preferences of the green supplier evaluation aspects through Fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method. The degree of importance factors shows that environmental performance is a proper index for displaying companies adopting their supply chain into the GSCM as the third most important criterion. The results of the priority weight analysis of the criteria demonstrated that the production Capability has minimal impact on GSCM adoption. The findings also revealed that the production capability falls under the effect group, and green design and production capability are correlated.
How does current care practice influence the experience of a new diagnosis of motor neuron disease? A qualitative study of current guidelines‐based practice

Management during the diagnostic phase of MND is considered an important influence on the patient's further disease course. Guidelines for the management of MND have been developed, but little is known on how recommended practices influence patients' experience of a new diagnosis of MND. We undertook an interview‐based study exploring issues surrounding the diagnosis of MND in a sample of consecutive patients recently diagnosed at a neurosciences centre. Data were analysed with Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Thirteen patients were recruited to the study. The major themes identified in descending order were ‘Family/carers’, ‘Communication of the diagnosis’, ‘Reaction to the diagnosis’, ‘Physical difficulties’, ‘Time before diagnosis’, ‘Information’, ‘Future’, ‘Coping with the diagnosis’ and ‘Formal support’. Communication was perceived satisfactory if handled according to existing guidelines. Physical difficulties impacted considerably on patients' lives. Delays in the diagnostic process appeared in various interviews. Five patients were avoiding information following the diagnosis. Some patients commented on an increasing number of uncoordinated services becoming involved after their diagnosis. This study supports the current international guidelines for MND care around diagnosis from the patients' perspective and underlines the importance of a multi‐disciplinary, coordinated approach for patients with MND from diagnosis onwards.
Ornithine decarboxylase activity is affected in primary astrocytes but not in secondary cell lines exposed to 872 MHz RF radiation

Purpose: The effects of radiofrequency (RF) radiation on cellular ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity were studied in fibroblasts, two neural cell lines and primary astrocytes. Several exposure times and exposure levels were used, and the fields were either unmodulated or modulated according to the characteristics of the Global System for Mobile (GSM) communications. Materials and methods: Murine L929 fibroblasts, rat C6 glioblastoma cells, human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, and rat primary astrocytes were exposed to RF radiation at 872 MHz in a waveguide exposure chamber equipped with water cooling. Cells were exposed for 2, 8, or 24 hours to continuous wave (CW) RF radiation or to a GSM type signal pulse modulated at 217 Hz, at specific absorption rates of 1.5, 2.5, or 6.0 W/kg. Cellular ODC activities of cell samples were assayed. Results: ODC activity in rat primary astrocytes was decreased statistically significantly (p values from 0.003 to <0.001) and consistently in all experiments performed at two exposure levels (1.5 and 6.0 W/kg) and using GSM modulated or CW radiation. In the secondary cell lines, ODC activity was generally not affected. Conclusions: ODC activity was affected by RF radiation in rat primary neural cells, but the secondary cells used in this study showed essentially no response to similar RF radiation. In contrast to some previous studies, no differences between the modulated and continuous wave signals were detected. Further studies with primary astrocytes are warranted to confirm the present findings and to explore the mechanisms of the effects.
Selective Recapitulation of Conserved and Nonconserved Regions of Putative NOXA1 Protein Activation Domain Confers Isoform-specific Inhibition of Nox1 Oxidase and Attenuation of Endothelial Cell Migration*

Background: Nox1, an oxidant source in colon carcinoma and vascular disease, is activated by NOXA1. Results: A NOXA1 peptide blocked NOXA1-Nox1 binding and inhibited colon carcinoma and endothelial oxidants and migration. Conclusion: The findings identify a NOXA1-activating domain and an isoform-specific Nox1 inhibitor. Significance: The data provide insight into Nox1 regulation and present a potential therapy for suppressing oxidative stress-related disease. Excessive vascular and colon epithelial reactive oxygen species production by NADPH oxidase isoform 1 (Nox1) has been implicated in a number of disease states, including hypertension, atherosclerosis, and neoplasia. A peptide that mimics a putative activation domain of the Nox1 activator subunit NOXA1 (NOXA1 docking sequence, also known as NoxA1ds) potently inhibited Nox1-derived superoxide anion (O2⨪) production in a reconstituted Nox1 cell-free system, with no effect on Nox2-, Nox4-, Nox5-, or xanthine oxidase-derived reactive oxygen species production as measured by cytochrome c reduction, Amplex Red fluorescence, and electron paramagnetic resonance. The ability of NoxA1ds to cross the plasma membrane was tested by confocal microscopy in a human colon cancer cell line exclusively expressing Nox1 (HT-29) using FITC-labeled NoxA1ds. NoxA1ds significantly inhibited whole HT-29 carcinoma cell-derived O2⨪ generation. ELISA and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching experiments indicate that NoxA1ds, but not its scrambled control, binds Nox1. FRET experiments conducted using Nox1-YFP and NOXA1-CFP illustrate that NoxA1ds disrupts the binding interaction between Nox1 and NOXA1, whereas a control peptide did not. Moreover, hypoxia-induced human pulmonary artery endothelial cell O2⨪ production was completely inhibited by NoxA1ds. Human pulmonary artery endothelial cell migration under hypoxic conditions was also reduced by pretreatment with NoxA1ds. Our data indicate that a peptide recapitulating a putative activation subdomain of NOXA1 (NoxA1ds) is a highly efficacious and selective inhibitor of Nox1 activity and establishes a critical interaction site for Nox1-NOXA1 binding required for enzyme activation.
Conversation-based assessment of social cognition in adults with traumatic brain injury

Primary objective: The purpose of this study was to characterize performance of individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) on a novel video-based test, the Video Social Inference Test (VSIT). The VSIT was designed to capture social inference processes that would be engaged in daily conversations. The test required both initial social inferences and also predictions or explanations of subsequent behaviours. Research design: Between-groups comparison. Methods: Adults with TBI (n= 19) and typical controls matched for age and sex (n= 19) completed the VSIT, as well as a working memory test and the Eyes Test, a widely-used picture-based test of social cognition. Results: VSIT scores were lower in the TBI group and higher than on the Eyes Test. Participants in both groups had lower scores when required to predict or explain future behaviours based on an initial social inference. Conclusions and implications: The results suggest that conversation-based stimuli may yield unique and useful information about social cognition beyond the laboratory.
THE ROLE OF INFORMATION IN BARGAINING: AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY'

A fundamental assumption in much of game theory and economics is that all the relevant information for determining the rational play of a game is contained in its structural description. Recent experimental studies of bargaining have demonstrated effects due to information not included in the classical models of games of complete information. The goal of the experiment reported here is to separate these effects into components that can be attributed to the possession of specific information by specific bargainers, and to assess the extent to which the observed behavior can be characterized as equilibrium behavior. The results of the experiment permit us to identify such component effects, in equilibrium, including effects that depend on whether certain information is common knowledge or not. The paper closes with some speculation on the causes of these effects.
Optimal Control of the Two-Dimensional Stationary Navier-Stokes Equations with Measure Valued Controls

The first author was supported by the Spanish Ministerio de Economia, Industria y Competitividad under research projects MTM2014-57531-P and MTM2017-83185-P. The second author was supported by the ERC advanced grant 668998 (OCLOC) under the EU’s H2020 research program.