Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Long-Term Results of Lens-Sparing Vitrectomy for Stages 4B and 5 Retinopathy of Prematurity

Purpose To assess long-term anatomic and visual outcomes and associated complications of lens-sparing vitrectomy (LSV) for treatment of tractional retinal detachments (TRDs) associated with stages 4B and 5 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Methods We performed a retrospective review of medical records and data analyses of consecutive patients who presented with stages 4B and 5 ROP and underwent LSV from 1999 to 2007. Retinal reattachment status, visual acuity and postoperative complications were evaluated. Results Twenty-one eyes of 20 patients, including 13 eyes with stage 4B ROP and 8 eyes with stage 5 ROP, were examined. The mean follow-up period was 5.6 years. In 9 (43%) out of 21 eyes, retinas were eventually reattached. The anatomic success rates were 62% in stage 4B and 13% in stage 5 ROP. In eyes with reattached retinas, visual acuity better than form vision was shown in 7 eyes (78%), whereas no light perception was present in 10 eyes (83%) among eyes with TRD on final examination. Postoperative intraocular hemorrhage occurred in nine eyes (43%). Long-term complications of cataract, corneal opacity, glaucoma and strabismus developed in 4 (19%), 6 (29%), 7 (33%) and 8 (38%) eyes, respectively, and were more common in eyes with TRD. Conclusions After following-up for a mean of 5.6 years, the anatomical success rate of LSV was encouraging for the correction of TRD associated with stage 4B ROP but not for stage 5 ROP. Retinal reattachment is important for obtaining better visual outcomes and preventing the development of late complications.
Decoherence in quantum cosmology.

We discuss the manner in which the gravitational field becomes classical in quantum cosmology. This involves two steps. First, one must show that the quantum state of the gravitational field becomes strongly peaked about a set of classical configurations. Second, one must show that the system is in one of a number of states of a relatively permanent nature that have negligible interference with each other. This second step involves decoherence---destruction of the off-diagonal terms in the density matrix, representing interference. To introduce the notion of decoherence, we discuss it in the context of the quantum theory of measurement, following the environment-induced superselection approach of Zurek. We then go on to discuss the application of these ideas to quantum cosmology. We show, in a simple homogeneous isotropic model, that the density matrix of the Universe will decohere if the long-wavelength modes of an inhomogeneous massless scalar field are traced out. These modes effectively act as an environment which continuously ''monitors'' the scale factor. The coherence width is very small except in the neighborhood of a classical bounce. This means that one cannot really say that a classical solution bounces because the notion of classical spacetime does not apply. The coherencemore » width decreases as the scale factor increases, which has implications for the arrow of time. We also show, using decoherence arguments, that the WKB component of the wave function of the Universe which represents expanding universes has negligible interference with the collapsing component. This justifies the usual assumption that they may be treated separately. « less
Depth-of-field rendering with multiview synthesis

We present a GPU-based real-time rendering method that simulates high-quality depth-of-field effects, similar in quality to multiview accumulation methods. Most real-time approaches have difficulties to obtain good approximations of visibility and view-dependent shading due to the use of a single view image. Our method also avoids the multiple rendering of a scene, but can approximate different views by relying on a layered image-based scene representation. We present several performance and quality improvements, such as early culling, approximate cone tracing, and jittered sampling. Our method achieves artifact-free results for complex scenes and reasonable depth-of-field blur in real time.
Enhancement of Schwann cell myelin formation by K252a in the Trembler‐J mouse dorsal root ganglion explant culture

The Trembler‐J (TrJ) mouse, containing a point mutation in the peripheral myelin protein 22 gene, is characterized by severe hypomyelination and is a representative model of Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth 1A disease/Dejerine‐Sottas Syndrome. Previous studies have shown that protein kinase inhibitor K252a enhances wild‐type Schwann cell myelination in culture. We used a dorsal root ganglion (DRG) explant culture system from the heterozygous TrJ/+ mouse to investigate if myelination could be enhanced by K252a. The TrJ/+ DRG explant cultures replicated some important features of the TrJ/+ mouse, showing reduced myelin protein accumulation, thinner myelin sheaths, and shortened myelin internodes. K252a increased myelin protein accumulation and myelin sheath thickness but did not substantially increase myelin internode length. Furthermore, the TrJ/+ DRG explant culture and sciatic nerves continued to respond to K252a during the stage when myelination is complete in the wild type. A general tyrosine kinase inhibitor, genistein, but not inhibitors of serine/threonine protein kinase inhibitors, had a similar effect to K252a. K252a is therefore able to partially overcome hypomyelination by enhancing mutant Schwann cell myelin formation in the TrJ/+ mouse. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Workload resampling for performance evaluation of parallel job schedulers

Evaluating the performance of a computer system is based on using representative workloads. Common practice is to either use real workload traces to drive simulations or use statistical workload models that are based on such traces. Such models allow various workload attributes to be manipulated, thus providing desirable flexibility, but may lose details of the workload's internal structure. To overcome this, we suggest to combine the benefits of real traces and flexible modeling. Focusing on the problem of evaluating the performance of parallel job schedulers, we partition the trace of submitted jobs into independent subtraces representing different users and then recombine them in various ways, while maintaining features such as long‐range dependence and the daily and weekly cycles of activity. This facilitates the creation of longer workload traces that enable longer simulations, the creation of multiple statistically similar workloads that can be used to gauge confidence intervals, the creation of workloads with different load levels, and increasing the frequency of specific events like large surges of activity. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Advances in cortical modulation of pain

Pain is an intricate phenomenon composed of not only sensory-discriminative aspects but also of emotional, cognitive, motivational, and affective components. There has been ample evidence for the existence of an extensive cortical network associated with pain processing over the last few decades. This network includes the anterior cingulate cortex, forebrain, insular cortex, ventrolateral orbital cortex, somatosensory cortex, occipital cortex, retrosplenial cortex, motor cortex, and prefrontal cortex. Diverse neurotransmitters participate in the cortical circuits associated with pain processing, including glutamate, gamma-aminobutyric acid, dopamine, and opioids. This work examines recent rodent studies about cortical modulation of pain, mainly at a molecular level.
Gap-Junctional Coupling between Neurogliaform Cells and Various Interneuron Types in the Neocortex

Electrical synapses contribute to the generation of synchronous activity in neuronal networks. Several types of cortical GABAergic neurons acting via postsynaptic GABAA receptors also form electrical synapses with interneurons of the same class, suggesting that synchronization through gap junctions could be limited to homogenous interneuron populations. Neurogliaform cells elicit combined GABAA and GABAB receptor-mediated postsynaptic responses in cortical pyramidal cells, but it is not clear whether neurogliaform cells are involved in networks linked by electrical coupling. We recorded from pairs, triplets, and quadruplets of cortical neurons in layers 2 and 3 of rat somatosensory cortex (postnatal day 20-35). Neurogliaform cells eliciting slow IPSPs on pyramidal cells also triggered divergent electrical coupling potentials on interneurons. Neurogliaform cells were electrically coupled to other neurogliaform cells, basket cells, regular-spiking nonpyramidal cells, to an axoaxonic cell, and to various unclassified interneurons showing diverse firing patterns and morphology. Electrical interactions were mediated by one or two electron microscopically verified gap junctions linking the somatodendritic domain of the coupled cells. Our results suggest that neurogliaform cells have a unique position in the cortical circuit. Apart from eliciting combined GABAA and GABAB receptor-mediated inhibition on pyramidal cells, neurogliaform cells establish electrical synapses and link multiple networks formed by gap junctions restricted to a particular class of interneuron. Widespread electrical connections might enable neurogliaform cells to monitor the activity of different interneurons acting on GABAA receptors at various regions of target cells.
The FSHD Atrophic Myotube Phenotype Is Caused by DUX4 Expression

Background Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is linked to deletions in 4q35 within the D4Z4 repeat array in which we identified the double homeobox 4 (DUX4) gene. We found stable DUX4 mRNAs only derived from the most distal D4Z4 unit and unexpectedly extended to the flanking pLAM region that provided an intron and a polyadenylation signal. DUX4 encodes a transcription factor expressed in FSHD but not control primary myoblasts or muscle biopsies. The DUX4 protein initiates a large transcription deregulation cascade leading to muscle atrophy and oxidative stress, which are FSHD key features. Methodology/Principal Findings We now show that transfection of myoblasts with a DUX4 expression vector leads to atrophic myotube formation associated with the induction of E3 ubiquitin ligases (MuRF1 and Atrogin1/MAFbx) typical of muscle atrophy. DUX4 induces expression of downstream targets deregulated in FSHD such as mu-crystallin and TP53. We developed specific siRNAs and antisense oligonucleotides (AOs) targeting the DUX4 mRNA. Addition of these antisense agents to primary FSHD myoblast cultures suppressed DUX4 protein expression and affected expression of the above-mentioned markers. Conclusions/Significance These results constitute a proof of concept for the development of therapeutic approaches for FSHD targeting DUX4 expression.
Online Sequential Optimization with Biased Gradients: Theory and Applications to Censored Demand

In this paper, we study a class of stochastic optimization problems, where although the objective functions may not be convex, they satisfy a generalization of convexity called the sequentially convex property. We focus on a setting where the distribution of the underlying uncertainty is unknown and the manager must make a decision in real time based on historical data. Because sequentially convex functions are not necessarily convex, they pose difficulties in applying standard adaptive methods for convex optimization. We propose a nonparametric algorithm based on a gradient descent method and show that the T-season average expected cost differs from the minimum cost by at most $O(1/\sqrt{T})$. Our analysis is based on a careful quantification of the bias that is inherent in gradient estimation because of the adaptive nature of the problem. We demonstrate the usefulness of the concept of sequential convexity by applying it to three canonical problems in inventory control, capacity allocation, and the life.
Vitamin D deficiency is associated with impaired disease control in asthma–COPD overlap syndrome patients

Introduction The association between vitamin D and clinical parameters in obstructive lung diseases (OLDs), including COPD and bronchial asthma, was previously investigated. As asthma–COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS) is a new clinical entity, the prevalence of vitamin D levels in ACOS is unknown. Aim Our aim was to assess the levels of circulating vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]) in different OLDs, including ACOS patients, and its correlation with clinical parameters. Methods A total of 106 men and women (control, n=21; asthma, n=44; COPD, n=21; and ACOS, n=20) were involved in the study. All patients underwent detailed clinical examinations; disease control and severity was assessed by disease-specific questionnaires (COPD assessment test, asthma control test, and modified Medical Research Council); furthermore, 25(OH)D levels were measured in all patients. Results The 25(OH)D level was significantly lower in ACOS and COPD groups compared to asthma group (16.86±1.79 ng/mL and 14.27±1.88 ng/mL vs 25.66±1.91 ng/mL). A positive correlation was found between 25(OH)D level and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (r=0.4433; P<0.0001), forced vital capacity (FVC) (r=0.3741; P=0.0004), forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of FVC (r=0.4179; P<0.0001), and peak expiratory flow (r=0.4846; P<0.0001) in OLD patient groups. Asthma control test total scores and the 25(OH)D level showed a positive correlation in the ACOS (r=0.4761; P=0.0339) but not in the asthma group. Higher COPD assessment test total scores correlated with decreased 25(OH)D in ACOS (r=−0.4446; P=0.0495); however, this was not observed in the COPD group. Conclusion Vitamin D deficiency is present in ACOS patients and circulating 25(OH)D level may affect disease control and severity.
The biology of methanogenic bacteria

INTRODUCTION . METHODS FOR STUDY . Isolation and Cultivation Techniques . Gas Chromatographic Analysis . GENERAL PROPERTIES . Species Characteristics . Selective Enrichment of Genera . Morphological Variation . Fine Structure. Coccus-type cells . Sarcina-type cells . Rod-type cells . Spirillum-type cells . Taxonomy . PHYSIOLOGICAL ASPECTS. Intermediary Metabolism . Unique biochemical components . Methane synthesis. ; Nature of Autotrophic Growth in Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum . ECOLOGICAL ASPECTS . Activities in Nature . Microbial Interactions . ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . LITERATURE CITED.
Accent Discrimination and the Test of Spoken English: A Call for an Objective Assessment of the Comprehensibility of Nonnative Speakers

Immigrants to the United States have been a source of national pride, but also the object of national prejudice. At times, employers have used claims of "unintelligible English" to deny jobs to accented, but otherwise qualified, applicants. However, these claims may be mere pretense to discrimination based on national origin, a violation of title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. In such cases, courts must make a judgment about an individual's comprehensibility, and thus, his or her qualifications. These determinations are subjective and highly vulnerable to the sways of prejudice. In this Comment, the author calls for the use of an objective test to determine the comprehensibility of an individual's speech. She offers the Test of Spoken English, a standardized test administered nationwide by the Educational Testing Service, as a tool available to both parties and the courts in accent discrimination litigation.
Global Share Market Integration and Diversification: A Study of Asian Emerging Market

This study attempts to look at emerging markets as an alternative for international diversification. This study examines if equity investors from Asian Emerging Markets are able to gain diversification benefit by investing in the equity markets of other Asian Emerging Markets. An assessment of market integration is made using a cross country correlation analysis and a Johansen co integration test. The results indicate that Asian Emerging Markets are moving towards integration as well. Therefore, this study concludes that diversification among Asian Emerging Markets is no longer a viable option in the long run.
Hemifacial Spasm: Results of Microvascular Relocation

SUMMARY: Twenty patients with hemifacial spasm were treated between February 1980 and June 1981. All presented with typical disabling unilateral contractions of the face. Computerized Tomographic Scan and angiograms ruled out structural mass lesions. All patients underwent posterior fossa microsurgical relocation of a vessel from the root entry zone of the facial nerve. An offending arterial loop was found in each case. Nineteen patients are free of symptoms and the remaining one is improved. One patient has permanent loss of hearing and two developed mild facial weakness. There has been no recurrence in 18 months follow up. These results give further support to the theory that hemifacial spasm is an affliction of the seventh nerve in the cerebello-pontine angle, most commonly caused by vascular cross compression at the root entry zone. Surgical relocation of the offending vessel relieves the symptoms and there appears to be no recurrence. This procedure is not difficult and carries acceptable risk for the patient with this disabling condition.
Cancer Visibility among Iranian Familial Networks: To What Extent Can We Rely on Family History Reports?

Objective Patients’ unawareness of their cancer diagnosis (PUAW) and their tendency for non-disclosure (TTND) to relatives leads to a lack of cancer visibility among familial networks. Lack of familial cancer visibility could affect the accuracy of family cancer history (FCH) reports. In this study, we investigated familial cancer visibility and its potential determinants. Patients and Methods A sample of patients with a confirmed cancer diagnosis was interviewed. Participants were asked about their number of relatives, number of their relatives who are aware about the cancer diagnosis, and the number of relatives from whom they intended to conceal their diagnosis. PUAW was also assessed. Point estimates and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using the bootstrap technique. Multivariate analyses were conducted using mixed Poisson and logistic regression analyses. Results A total of 415 participants with a mean age of 53±15 years and a male to female ratio of 0.53 were enrolled in this study. The rates of PUAW, TTND, and familial cancer visibility in the total sample were 0.20 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.16, 0.24), 0.16 (95% CI: 0.12, 0.19), and 0.86 (95% CI: 0.83, 0.89), respectively. PUAW (adjusted rate ratio (RR) = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.27, 1.38), TTND (RR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.91, 0.93), and the patients’ gender (RR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.82, 0.95) were the most important determinants of familial cancer visibility. Conclusion Familial cancer visibility may be a point of concern among the Iranian population. Self-reported cancer histories and FCHs may have low sensitivities (not exceeding 80% and 86%, respectively) in this population. However, these estimates may vary across different societies, because of societal and cultural contexts.
ATP-gated ion channels mediate adaptation to elevated sound levels

The sense of hearing is remarkable for its auditory dynamic range, which spans more than 1012 in acoustic intensity. The mechanisms that enable the cochlea to transduce high sound levels without damage are of key interest, particularly with regard to the broad impact of industrial, military, and recreational auditory overstimulation on hearing disability. We show that ATP-gated ion channels assembled from P2X2 receptor subunits in the cochlea are necessary for the development of temporary threshold shift (TTS), evident in auditory brainstem response recordings as sound levels rise. In mice null for the P2RX2 gene (encoding the P2X2 receptor subunit), sustained 85-dB noise failed to elicit the TTS that wild-type (WT) mice developed. ATP released from the tissues of the cochlear partition with elevation of sound levels likely activates the broadly distributed P2X2 receptors on epithelial cells lining the endolymphatic compartment. This purinergic signaling is supported by significantly greater noise-induced suppression of distortion product otoacoustic emissions derived from outer hair cell transduction and decreased suprathreshold auditory brainstem response input/output gain in WT mice compared with P2RX2-null mice. At higher sound levels (≥95 dB), additional processes dominated TTS, and P2RX2-null mice were more vulnerable than WT mice to permanent hearing loss due to hair cell synapse disruption. P2RX2-null mice lacked ATP-gated conductance across the cochlear partition, including loss of ATP-gated inward current in hair cells. These data indicate that a significant component of TTS represents P2X2 receptor-dependent purinergic hearing adaptation that underpins the upper physiological range of hearing.
ClC-1 chloride channels: state-of-the-art research and future challenges

The voltage-dependent ClC-1 chloride channel belongs to the CLC channel/transporter family. It is a homodimer comprising two individual pores which can operate independently or simultaneously according to two gating modes, the fast and the slow gate of the channel. ClC-1 is preferentially expressed in the skeletal muscle fibers where the presence of an efficient Cl- homeostasis is crucial for the correct membrane repolarization and propagation of action potential. As a consequence, mutations in the CLCN1 gene cause dominant and recessive forms of myotonia congenita (MC), a rare skeletal muscle channelopathy caused by abnormal membrane excitation, and clinically characterized by muscle stiffness and various degrees of transitory weakness. Elucidation of the mechanistic link between the genetic defects and the disease pathogenesis is still incomplete and, at this time, there is no specific treatment for MC. Still controversial is the subcellular localization pattern of ClC-1 channels in skeletal muscle as well as its modulation by some intracellular factors. The expression of ClC-1 in other tissues such as in brain and heart and the possible assembly of ClC-1/ClC-2 heterodimers further expand the physiological properties of ClC-1 and its involvement in diseases. A recent de novo CLCN1 truncation mutation in a patient with generalized epilepsy indeed postulates an unexpected role of this channel in the control of neuronal network excitability. This review summarizes the most relevant and state-of-the-art research on ClC-1 chloride channels physiology and associated diseases.
Physical and Virtual Laboratories in Science and Engineering Education

The world needs young people who are skillful in and enthusiastic about science and who view science as their future career field. Ensuring that we will have such young people requires initiatives that engage students in interesting and motivating science experiences. Today, students can investigate scientific phenomena using the tools, data collection techniques, models, and theories of science in physical laboratories that support interactions with the material world or in virtual laboratories that take advantage of simulations. Here, we review a selection of the literature to contrast the value of physical and virtual investigations and to offer recommendations for combining the two to strengthen science learning.