Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prenatal ultrasound examinations and risk of childhood leukaemia: case-control study

Obstetric ultrasound examination is part of routine antenatal care and is regarded as safe for both the fetus and the mother. In vitro, however, ultrasound has been shown to cause membrane changes that could affect embryogenesis and late prenatal and postnatal development.1 Studies have also shown an association between exposure to ultrasound and an increased frequency of non-righthandness, indicating that fetal development may be affected by the ultrasonic waves.2 Concerns over a possible association between exposure to ultrasound in utero and an increased risk of childhood malignancies have not been substantiated, but previous studies have been hampered by low statistical power or based on interviews with the parents done retrospectively, or both.3–5 To assess the impact of ultrasound and the risks of childhood lymphatic and myeloid leukaemia, we performed a nationwide population …
Infective endocarditis in congenital heart disease: Japanese national collaboration study

Objective: To provide pure cohorts of paediatric and adult patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) and infective endocarditis (IE) for making future guidelines. Design: Japanese nationwide survey. Setting: 66 Japanese institutions. Patients: 170 children, mean (SD) age 7.4 (5.7) years (range 14 days to 17 years), and 69 adults, age 32.5 (14.1) years (range 18–69) who developed IE between 1997 and 2001 (one in 240 admissions with CHD). Main outcome measures: Clinical presentation of IE. Results: 119 patients including 88 with cyanotic CHD had previous cardiac surgery. Procedures preceding IE were dental (12%) followed by cardiovascular surgery (8%). Sites of infection were left sided in 46% and right sided in 51%. Vegetation with diameter of 11 mm was documented in 151 (63%). Frequent complications were embolic events (stroke 11%, other emboli 20%) and cardiac failure (23%). The most common microorganisms were streptococci (50%) and staphylococci (37%) with methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus in 7.5%. Empirical treatments were penicillins (alone or with other antibiotics 57%) followed by cephems (22%) and vancomycin (11%). Surgery during active IE was common (26%), with vegetation (45%) and heart failure (29%) as the most frequent indications. Mortality was 8.8%: 8.0% among patients who received medical treatment alone and 11.1% among those with active IE who underwent surgery. The causes of death (n = 21) were surgery (7), infection (7), cardiac failure (6), and renal failure (1). Conclusions: Because of a recent increase in the incidence of IE and high mortality and complication rate, it is mandatory to establish well formulated recommendations for management of IE in paediatric and adult patients with CHD based on a large cohort. Results of this nationwide multicentre database should be helpful in establishing guidelines.
PHARMACOKINETICS AND DISPOSITION OF THE KAVALACTONE KAWAIN: INTERACTION WITH KAVA EXTRACT AND KAVALACTONES IN VIVO AND IN VITRO

Reported adverse drug interactions with the popular herb kava have spurred investigation of the mechanisms by which kava could mediate these effects. In vivo and in vitro experiments were conducted to examine the effects of kava extract and individual kavalactones on cytochrome P450 (P450) and P-glycoprotein activity. The oral pharmacokinetics of the kavalactone, kawain (100 mg/kg), were determined in rats with and without coadministration of kava extract (256 mg/kg) to study the effect of the extract on drug disposition. Kawain was well absorbed, with >90% of the dose eliminated within 72 h, chiefly in urine. Compared with kawain alone, coadministration with kava extract caused a tripling of kawain AUC0–8 h and a doubling of Cmax. However, a 7-day pretreatment with kava extract (256 mg /kg/day) had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of kawain administered on day 8. The 7-day pretreatment with kava extract only modestly induced hepatic P450 activities. The human hepatic microsomal P450s most strongly inhibited by kava extract (CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP3A4) were inhibited to the same degree by a “composite” kava formulation composed of the six major kavalactones contained in the extract. Ki values for the inhibition of CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 activities by methysticin, dihydromethysticin, and desmethoxyyangonin ranged from 5 to 10 μM. Kava extract and kavalactones (≤9 μM) modestly stimulated P-glycoprotein ATPase activities. Taken together, the data indicate that kava can cause adverse drug reactions via inhibition of drug metabolism.
Liquidity and fire sales

A “fire sale” occurs when the owner of a good offers it for sale at a price strictly below the price that some buyers would willingly pay for the good. He does so because the advantage of the quick sale made possible by the lower price outweighs the higher price that other potential buyers would pay, given the likely delay in locating these buyers in the latter case. Fire sales can occur only in illiquid markets. This paper generalizes earlier treatments of illiquid markets by assuming that the asset can be offered for sale at any time, rather than only after its owner loses his capacity to operate it profitably. Also, it specifies that profitability follows a random walk.
On the Optimality of Tree-reweighted Max-product Message-passing

Tree-reweighted max-product (TRW) message passing [9] is a modified form of the ordinary max-product algorithm for attempting to find minimal energy configurations in Markov random field with cycles. For a TRW fixed point satisfying the strong tree agreement condition, the algorithm outputs a configuration that is provably optimal. In this paper, we focus on the case of binary variables with pairwise couplings, and establish stronger properties of TRW fixed points that satisfy only the milder condition of weak tree agreement (WTA). First, we demonstrate how it is possible to identify part of the optimal solution—i.e., a provably optimal solution for a subset of nodes— without knowing a complete solution. Second, we show that for submodular functions, a WTA fixed point always yields a globally optimal solution. We establish that for binary variables, any WTA fixed point always achieves the global maximum of the linear programming relaxation underlying the TRW method.
Histological Study of European Starling Uropygial Gland (Sturnus vulgaris)

Thirty healthy starling obtained to describe the histological structures of uropygial glands. The gland lies on base of tail over the pyostyle muscle and surrounded by a thin capsule consist of dense connective tissue and devoid by smooth muscle. The glands parenchyma composed of a large number of secretary tubules that filled with fat droplets, the tubules radiate out from the center and end blindly at the capsule of the glands.
Group sparsity methods for compressive channel estimation in doubly dispersive multicarrier systems

We propose advanced compressive estimators of doubly dispersive channels within multicarrier communication systems (including classical OFDM systems). The performance of compressive channel estimation has been shown to be limited by leakage components impairing the channel's effective delay-Doppler sparsity. We demonstrate a group sparse structure of these leakage components and apply recently proposed recovery techniques for group sparse signals. We also present a basis optimization method for enhancing group sparsity. Statistical knowledge about the channel can be incorporated in the basis optimization if available. The proposed estimators outperform existing compressive estimators with respect to estimation accuracy and, in one instance, also computational complexity.
Modeling class operations in B: Application to UML behavioral diagrams

An appropriate approach for translating UML to B formal specifications allows one to use UML and B jointly in a unified, practical and rigorous software development. We formally analyze UML specifications via their corresponding B formal specifications. This point is significant because B support tools like AtelierB are available. We can also use UML specifications as a tool for building B specifications, so the development of B specifications become easier In this paper we address the problem of automatic derivation from UML behavioral diagrams into B specifications, which has been so far an open issue. A new approach for modeling class operations in B is presented Each class operation is mapped into a B operation. A class operation and its involved data are mapped into the same B abstract machine (BAM). The class operation calling-called dependency is used to arrange derived B operations into BAMs. For each calling-called pair of class operations, the B operation of the called operation participates in the implementation of the B operation of the calling operation.
Digital atlases of the antennal lobe in two species of tobacco budworm moths, the oriental Helicoverpa assulta (male) and the American Heliothis virescens (male and female)

The antennal lobe of the moth brain is the primary olfactory center processing information about pheromones and plant odors. We present here a digital atlas of the glomerular antennal lobe structures in the male of Helicoverpa assulta and the male and female of Heliothis virescens, based on synaptic antibody staining combined with confocal microscopy. The numbers of the glomeruli in the three specimens were similar, 65, 66, and 62, respectively. Whereas the male antennal lobe has a macroglomerular complex consisting of three and four units in the two species, the female lobe has two enlarged glomeruli at a corresponding position, near the entrance of the antennal nerve. Another large glomerulus, showing homology in the three specimens, is ventrally located. The small size of the heliothine moths is advantageous for confocal microscopy because the entire brain can be visualized as a single image stack. The maps are freely accessible on the internet, and the digital form of the data allows each atlas to be rotated and sectioned at any angle, providing for the identification of glomeruli in different preparations. J. Comp. Neurol. 446:123–134, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Author ' s personal copy

Linear and quadratic forms as well as other low degree polynomials play an important role in statistical inference. Asymptotic results and limit distributions are obtained for a class of statistics depending on mþ X, with X any random vector and m non-random vector with JmJ-þ1. This class contain the polynomials in mþ X. An application to the case of normal X is presented. This application includes a new central limit theorem which is connected with the increase of non-centrality for samples of fixed size. Moreover upper bounds for the suprema of the differences between exact and approximate distributions and their quantiles are obtained. & 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
One-parameter families of conformally related asymptotically flat, static vacuum data

Extending the results of Friedrich (2008 Class. Quantum Grav. 25 065012) we give a complete description of the asymptotically flat, conformally non-flat, static vacuum data which admit non-trivial, asymptotically smooth conformal mappings onto other such data. These data form a 3-parameter family which decomposes into 1-parameter families of data which are conformal to each other. The data and the associated static vacuum solutions are given explicitly in terms of elliptic and, in a special case, elementary functions.
Estimating within-study covariances in multivariate meta-analysis with multiple outcomes

Multivariate meta‐analysis allows the joint synthesis of effect estimates based on multiple outcomes from multiple studies, accounting for the potential correlations among them. However, standard methods for multivariate meta‐analysis for multiple outcomes are restricted to problems where the within‐study correlation is known or where individual participant data are available. This paper proposes an approach to approximating the within‐study covariances based on information about likely correlations between underlying outcomes. We developed methods for both continuous and dichotomous data and for combinations of the two types. An application to a meta‐analysis of treatments for stroke illustrates the use of the approximated covariance in multivariate meta‐analysis with correlated outcomes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
RQL: a declarative query language for RDF

Real-scale Semantic Web applications, such as Knowledge Portals and E-Marketplaces, require the management of large volumes of metadata, i.e., information describing the available Web content and services. Better knowledge about their meaning, usage, accessibility or quality will considerably facilitate an automated processing of Web resources. The Resource Description Framework (RDF) enables the creation and exchange of metadata as normal Web data. Although voluminous RDF descriptions are already appearing, sufficiently expressive declarative languages for querying both RDF descriptions and schemas are still missing. In this paper, we propose a new RDF query language called RQL. It is a typed functional language (a la OQL) and relies on a formal model for directed labeled graphs permitting the interpretation of superimposed resource descriptions by means of one or more RDF schemas. RQL adapts the functionality of semistructured/XML query languages to the peculiarities of RDF but, foremost, it enables to uniformly query both resource descriptions and schemas. We illustrate the RQL syntax, semantics and typing system by means of a set of example queries and report on the performance of our persistent RDF Store employed by the RQL interpreter.
Employment in Adults with Down Syndrome in the United States: Results from a National Survey.

BACKGROUND There is no current data about employment/unemployment of adults with Down syndrome in the United States. The data that exists includes adults with Down syndrome as part of the larger group of people with disabilities or people with intellectual disability. METHOD This study used a survey to investigate paid and volunteer employment, unemployment, types of jobs, job training, job settings, job schedules and job satisfaction in adults with Down syndrome. There were 511 survey responses received. RESULTS Findings were that there is high unemployment for adults with Down syndrome and that current employment is in a limited number of fields, primarily in the areas of food, janitorial work, landscaping, and office work. A small percentage of respondents have full time paid employment. A combination of part time paid employment and unpaid volunteer work is typical. CONCLUSIONS Implications for educators, counselors, legislators and employers are discussed.
Structuring a college alcohol prevention program on the low level of response to alcohol model: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND New approaches are needed to bolster the modest effects of campus drinking prevention programs. However, more definitive research on new paradigms is very expensive, and in the current economic climate, progress can be made by evaluating smaller pilot studies. This study describes one such approach. METHODS A sample of 18-year-old or older, healthy, drinking freshmen at our university was assigned to 2 groups stratified to be similar on demography, drinking histories, and their level of response (LR) to alcohol. In the spring quarter of the school year, the 32 subjects in each of 2 groups viewed four 45-minute Internet-based videotapes as part of 4 prevention sessions. All 8 modules were based on the same techniques and general content, but the 4 videos for the first group were structured around the validated model of how a low LR affects heavy drinking (the low level of response-based [LRB] Group), with partial mediation by heavier drinking peers, positive alcohol expectancies, and drinking to cope with stress. Videos for the state-of-the-art (SOTA) comparison group did not place the similar prevention messages into the low LR framework. Changes in drinking were evaluated at 3 times: before Module 1, before Module 4, and 1 month after Module 4. RESULTS Usual and maximum drinks per occasion decreased over time for both high and low LR subjects in both LRB and SOTA groups. As predicted, the low LR students showed greater decreases in the LRB Group, while high LR students showed greater decreases in the more generic SOTA Group. CONCLUSIONS The results support the hypothesis that tailoring prevention efforts to address specific predisposing factors, such as a low LR, may be associated with beneficial effects on drinking quantity. We hope that these data will encourage additional efforts to validate the low LR-based prevention paradigm and test other interventions that are targeted toward predisposing phenotypes such as impulsivity and negative affect.
Flow cytometry‐based enumeration and functional characterization of cd8 t regulatory cells in patients with multiple myeloma before and after lenalidomide plus dexamethasone treatment

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignancy of plasma cells frequently associated with immune abnormalities. Several studies have confirmed that in MM immune deregulation can be mediated by increased numbers of CD4 T regulatory (Treg) cells, and these cells were also associated with poor outcome. In this study, we aimed to study CD8 Treg cells before and after lenalidomide plus dexamethasone (len‐dex) treatment in MM patients.
Different Binding Properties and Function of CXXC Zinc Finger Domains in Dnmt1 and Tet1

Several mammalian proteins involved in chromatin and DNA modification contain CXXC zinc finger domains. We compared the structure and function of the CXXC domains in the DNA methyltransferase Dnmt1 and the methylcytosine dioxygenase Tet1. Sequence alignment showed that both CXXC domains have a very similar framework but differ in the central tip region. Based on the known structure of a similar MLL1 domain we developed homology models and designed expression constructs for the isolated CXXC domains of Dnmt1 and Tet1 accordingly. We show that the CXXC domain of Tet1 has no DNA binding activity and is dispensable for catalytic activity in vivo. In contrast, the CXXC domain of Dnmt1 selectively binds DNA substrates containing unmethylated CpG sites. Surprisingly, a Dnmt1 mutant construct lacking the CXXC domain formed covalent complexes with cytosine bases both in vitro and in vivo and rescued DNA methylation patterns in dnmt1−/− embryonic stem cells (ESCs) just as efficiently as wild type Dnmt1. Interestingly, neither wild type nor ΔCXXC Dnmt1 re-methylated imprinted CpG sites of the H19a promoter in dnmt1−/− ESCs, arguing against a role of the CXXC domain in restraining Dnmt1 methyltransferase activity on unmethylated CpG sites.
Estimating Fixed-Frame Galaxy Magnitudes in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey

Broadband measurements of flux for galaxies at different redshifts measure different regions of the rest-frame galaxy spectrum. Certain astronomical questions, such as the evolution of the luminosity function of galaxies, require transforming these inherently redshift-dependent magnitudes into redshift-independent quantities. To prepare to address these astronomical questions, investigated in detail in subsequent papers, we fit spectral energy distributions (SEDs) to broadband photometric observations in the context of the optical observations of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). Linear combinations of four spectral templates can reproduce the five SDSS magnitudes of all galaxies to the precision of the photometry. Expressed in the appropriate coordinate system, the locus of the coefficients multiplying the templates is planar and, in fact, nearly linear. The resulting reconstructed SEDs can be used to recover fixed-frame magnitudes over a range of redshifts. This process yields consistent results in the sense that, within each sample, the intrinsic colors of similar type galaxies are nearly constant with redshift. We compare our results with simpler interpolation methods and galaxy spectrophotometry from the SDSS. The software that generates these results is publicly available and easily adapted to handle a wide range of galaxy observations.
Addressing the challenges of web data transport

In just a few years since its inception, the World Wide Web has grown to be the most dominant application in the Internet. Since Web browsing is an interactive activity, minimizing user-perceived latency is an important goal. However, layering Web data transport on top of the TCP protocol poses several challenges to achieving this goal. First, the transmission of a Web page from a server to a client involves the transfer of multiple distinct components, each in itself of some value to the user. Second, Web data transfers happen in relatively short bursts, with intervening idle periods. It is difficult to utilize bandwidth effectively during a short burst because discovering how much bandwidth is available requires time. To address these problems, we first developed a new connection abstraction for HTTP, called persistent-connection HTTP (P-HTTP ). The key ideas are to share a persistent TCP connection for multiple Web page components and to pipeline the transfers of these components to reduce latency. These ideas, developed by us in 1994, have been adopted by the HTTP/1.1 protocol. This drawback of P-HTTP led us to develop a comprehensive solution, which has two components. The first component, TCP session, decouples TCP's ordered byte-stream service abstraction from its congestion control and loss recovery mechanisms. It integrates the latter mechanisms across the set of concurrent connections between a pair of hosts, thereby combining the flexibility of separate connections with the performance efficiency of a shared connection. The second component of our solution, TCP fast start, improves bandwidth utilization for short transfers by reusing information about the network conditions cached in the recent past. To avoid adverse effects in case the cached information is stale, TCP fast start exploits priority dropping at routers, and augments TCP's loss recovery mechanisms to quickly detect and abort a failed fast start attempt. In addition to the two challenges we have discussed, a third challenge arises from the increasing deployment of asymmetric access networks . Although Web browsing has asymmetric bandwidth requirements, bandwidth asymmetry could adversely impact Web download performance due to a disruption in the flow of acknowledgement feedback that is critical to sustaining good TCP throughput. To avoid performance degradation, we have developed end-host and router-based techniques, that both reduce disruption in the feedback and reduce TCP's dependence on such feedback. In certain situations, these techniques help decrease download time by a factor of fifteen. This thesis includes mathematical and trace-based analysis, simulation, implementation and performance evaluation. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
Modelling Perceptual Phenomena using Temporal Abstraction Networks

We present Temporal Abstraction Networks, a novel cognitive architecture which can be used to model a variety of perceptual phenomena. The architecture is based on processes operating on collections of time-limited buffers in a parallel model of cognition and draws on aspects of the Multiple Drafts theory [Dennett and Kinsbourne, 1992]. We briefly describe the architecture and show how it can be used to model two relevant experiments from the literature: colour phi [Kolers and von Grünau, 1976], and the cutaneous “rabbit” [Geldard and Sherrick, 1972].