Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Challenges of Exercise Recommendations and Sports Participation in Genetic Heart Disease Patients

Physical activity has been shown to have many health benefits in the primary and secondary prevention of noncommunicable chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and certain cancers.1–3 Physical activity also has a positive effect on psychological well-being, reducing the risk and severity of depression and anxiety and improving stress levels and mood.4,5 Physical activity includes activities undertaken as part of occupational and household duties, or for transport, as well as sporting and other recreational activities.6 Exercise is a major component of physical activity, distinct in that it is generally planned, structured, repetitive and has an objective of improved physical fitness and health.6 With physical activity providing so many health benefits, it follows that physical inactivity should be a major concern for health professionals and the population as a whole. Physical inactivity is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide and has been identified as a pandemic requiring global attention.7 In addition, physical inactivity has been deemed responsible for nearly 10% of premature deaths worldwide.8 Although exercise is beneficial for all age groups for both healthy people and those predisposed to chronic medical conditions, such as coronary artery disease, the role of exercise in the setting of patients with genetic heart diseases is more complex. A well described association between high-intensity exercise and sudden cardiac death (SCD) has been established,9,10 and this has historically led to blanket sport and exercise restrictions for any patient meeting diagnostic criteria for a genetic heart disease. The increased understanding of the beneficial effects of even low intensity exercise has called in to question whether current exercise and sports restrictions are too strict, and more importantly whether we are doing enough to actively encourage patients to undertake low to moderate intensity exercise. …
Determinants of Unmet Needs among Slovenian Old Population

Abstract Background Population ageing has significant effects on societies. The organization of care for dependent old people is one of the key issues for ageing societies. The majority of care for homebound dependent old people in Slovenia is still performed by informal carers, even though the use of formal services has been increasing over the last 20 years. The proportion and characteristics of people with unmet needs are important for the development of long term care social policy. Method The SHARE (Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe) survey was used to assess the determinants of care arrangements and of unmet needs of the aging population in Slovenia. Multinomial regression analysis was used to evaluate individual and contextual determinants of care arrangements and unmet needs. Results The proportion of older people with unmet needs is 4%. As expected, “needs” (Functional impairment OR=4.89, P=0.000, Depression OR=2.59, P=0.001) were the most important determinant, followed by the predisposing factor “age” (age OR 1.15, P=0.000) and two enabling factors, namely:“community setting and “availability of informal care within household” (Urban areas OR=.47, P=0.021; Household size 3+ OR=2.11, P=0.030). Conclusion This study showed that there are a proportion of older people in Slovenia with severe needs for care, which are being unmet. As shown by the importance of enabling factors, social policy should encourage the development of formal services in rural areas and elaborate policy measures for informal carers.
Caffeine: Towards uniformed representation and acceleration for deep convolutional neural networks

With the recent advancement of multilayer convolutional neural networks (CNN), deep learning has achieved amazing success in many areas, especially in visual content understanding and classification. To improve the performance and energy-efficiency of the computation-demanding CNN, the FPGA-based acceleration emerges as one of the most attractive alternatives. In this paper we design and implement Caffeine, a hardware/software co-designed library to efficiently accelerate the entire CNN on FPGAs. First, we propose a uniformed convolutional matrix-multiplication representation for both computation-intensive convolutional layers and communication-intensive fully connected (FCN) layers. Second, we design Caffeine with the goal to maximize the underlying FPGA computing and bandwidth resource utilization, with a key focus on the bandwidth optimization by the memory access reorganization not studied in prior work. Moreover, we implement Caffeine in the portable high-level synthesis and provide various hardware/software definable parameters for user configurations. Finally, we also integrate Caffeine into the industry-standard software deep learning framework Caffe. We evaluate Caffeine and its integration with Caffe by implementing VGG16 and AlexNet network on multiple FPGA platforms. Caffeine achieves a peak performance of 365 GOPS on Xilinx KU060 FPGA and 636 GOPS on Virtex7 690t FPGA. This is the best published result to our best knowledge. We achieve more than 100× speedup on FCN layers over previous FPGA accelerators. An end-to-end evaluation with Caffe integration shows up to 7.3× and 43.5× performance and energy gains over Caffe on a 12-core Xeon server, and 1.5× better energy-efficiency over the GPU implementation on a medium-sized FPGA (KU060). Performance projections to a system with a high-end FPGA (Virtex7 690t) shows even higher gains.
Clinical isolates of Histoplasma capsulatum from Indianapolis, Indiana, have a recombining population structure

A sample of 30 clinical isolates of Histoplasma capsulatum was analyzed to determine (i) whether genetic exchange is important in the life cycle of this fungus and (ii) whether distinct subpopulations which correlate with disease severity or host immune status exist. Eleven biallelic molecular markers were developed, with the frequency of the least common allele at each molecular locus ranging from 10 to 50%. Every isolate had a different, unique multilocus genotype. Data analysis indicated that frequent recombination occurs within the Indianapolis, Ind. , population. There were no associations between isolates from the immunocompromised population or from those with different clinical manifestations of histoplasmosis.
CORRELATION OF BLACK CARBON AEROSOL AND CARBON MONOXIDE IN THE HIGH-ALTITUDE ENVIRONMENT OF MT. HUANG IN EASTERN CHINA

Understanding the relationship between black car- bon (BC) and carbon monoxide (CO) will help improve BC emission inventories and the evaluation of global/regional climate forcing effects. In the present work, the BC (PM1) mass concentration and CO mixing ratio were continuously measured at a high-altitude background sta- tion on the summit of Mt. Huang (30.16 N, 118.26 E, 1840 m a.s.l.). Annual mean BC mass concentration was 1004.5± 895.5 ng m 3 with maxima in spring and autumn, and annual mean CO mixing ratio was 424.1± 159.2 ppbv. A large increase of CO was observed in the cold sea- son, implying the contribution from the large-scale domes- tic coal/biofuel combustion for heating. The BC-CO rela- tionship was found to show different seasonal features but strong positive correlation (R > 0.8). In Mt. Huang area, the 1BC/1CO ratio showed unimodal diurnal variations and had a maximum during the day (09:00-17:00 LST) and min- imum at night (21:00-04:00 LST) in all seasons, indicating the impact of planetary boundary layer and the intrusion of clean air masses from the high troposphere. Back tra- jectory cluster analysis showed that the 1BC/1CO ratio of plumes from the Eastern China (Jiangsu, Zhejiang provinces and Shanghai) was 8.8± 0.9 ng m 3 ppbv 1 . Transportation and industry were deemed as controlling factors of the BC- CO relationship in this region. The 1BC/1CO ratios for air masses from Northern China (Anhui, Henan, Shanxi and Shandong provinces) and southern China (Jiangxi, Fujian and Hunan provinces) were quite similar with mean values of 6.5± 0.4 and 6.5± 0.2 ng m 3 ppbv 1 respectively. The case studies combined with satellite observations demon- strated that the 1BC/1CO ratio for biomass burning (BB) plumes were 10.3± 0.3 and 11.6± 0.5ng m 3 ppbv 1 , sig- nificantly higher than those during non-BB impacted peri- ods. The loss of BC during transport was also investigated on the basis of the 1BC/1CO-RH (relative humidity) rela- tionship along air mass pathways. The results showed that BC particles from Eastern China area was much more eas- ily removed from atmosphere than other inland regions due to the higher RH along transport pathway, implying the im- portance of chemical compositions and mixing states on BC residence time in the atmosphere.
μ3: Multiscale, Deterministic Micro-Nano Assembly System for Construction of On-Wafer Microrobots

One of the major issues enduring with micro-scale mechanics has been to design high fidelity miniature machines capable of performing complex operations. Though achieved in some proportion through conventional in-plane and out-of-plane designs, the efficacy of such micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) structures is highly limited due to complicate fabrication and inadequate robustness. On the other hand, the use of precise robots to assemble MEMS parts of comparatively simpler design to build 3D micromechanical structures has recently emerged as a viable approach. Such modular assemblies of microscale parts typically utilize minimum energy connectors that are multifunctional, e.g., mechanical, electrical etc. The μ3 is a 3D microassembly station consisting of 19 DOF arranged into 3 micromanipulators, with additional microgrippers and stereo microscope vision. The platform is capable of motion resolutions of 3nm and is small enough to be used inside of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) for nano-manipulation. In this paper we discuss how systematic identification and calibration of the station, combined with appropriate part connector designs can lead to multi-degree of freedom active MEMS robots assembled on a wafer
Expression and Characterization of a Human Carboxylesterase 2 Splice Variant

CPT-11 [7-ethyl-10-[4-(1-piperidino)-1-piperidino] carbonyloxycamptothecin or Irinotecan] is a carbamate prodrug that is activated in vivo by carboxylesterase (CES)-2 to SN-38 (7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin), a potent topoisomerase I inhibitor. There is high interindividual variation when CPT-11 is used in the treatment of colorectal cancer. Several splice variants of CES2 are reported in the expressed sequence tag database. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the abundance of the CES2 and splice variant of human carboxylesterase 2 (CES2Δ458–473) transcripts in 10 paired samples of human tumor and normal colon tissue. The results showed that the CES2Δ458–473 transcript accounts for an average of 6% of total CES2 transcripts in colon tissue, and there is large interindividual variation in CES2 expression in both tumor and normal colon samples. The carboxylesterase activity of the colon samples was determined by 4-methylumbelliferyl acetate hydrolysis assays and nondenaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by activity staining. Significant, positive correlations were found between CES2 expression levels and both measures of carboxylesterase activity. We cloned and expressed the CES2Δ458–473 protein in Sf9 insect cells. The purification profiles and preliminary characterization of the CES2Δ458–473 protein indicated that the expressed protein is folded and glycosylated like CES2. However, in vitro assays show that the CES2Δ458–473 protein lacks 4-methylumbelliferyl acetate and irinotecan hydrolase activities. In conclusion, we found that the CES2Δ458–473 protein is an inactive splice variant of CES2 and that its transcript is spliced at a relatively constant rate in tumor and normal colon tissue.
Robust Spectral Compressed Sensing via Structured Matrix Completion

This paper explores the problem of spectral compressed sensing, which aims to recover a spectrally sparse signal from a small random subset of its n time domain samples. The signal of interest is assumed to be a superposition of r multidimensional complex sinusoids, while the underlying frequencies can assume any continuous values in the normalized frequency domain. Conventional compressed sensing paradigms suffer from the basis mismatch issue when imposing a discrete dictionary on the Fourier representation. To address this issue, we develop a novel algorithm, called enhanced matrix completion (EMaC), based on structured matrix completion that does not require prior knowledge of the model order. The algorithm starts by arranging the data into a low-rank enhanced form exhibiting multifold Hankel structure, and then attempts recovery via nuclear norm minimization. Under mild incoherence conditions, EMaC allows perfect recovery as soon as the number of samples exceeds the order of r log4 n, and is stable against bounded noise. Even if a constant portion of samples are corrupted with arbitrary magnitude, EMaC still allows exact recovery, provided that the sample complexity exceeds the order of r2 log3 n. Along the way, our results demonstrate the power of convex relaxation in completing a low-rank multifold Hankel or Toeplitz matrix from minimal observed entries. The performance of our algorithm and its applicability to super resolution are further validated by numerical experiments.
Cdc24, the GDP-GTP Exchange Factor for Cdc42, Is Required for Invasive Hyphal Growth of Candida albicans

ABSTRACT Candida albicans, the most common human fungal pathogen, is particularly problematic for immunocompromised individuals. The reversible transition of this fungal pathogen to a filamentous form that invades host tissue is important for its virulence. Although different signaling pathways such as a mitogen-activated protein kinase and a protein kinase A cascade are critical for this morphological transition, the function of polarity establishment proteins in this process has not been determined. We examined the role of four different polarity establishment proteins in C. albicans invasive growth and virulence by using strains in which one copy of each gene was deleted and the other copy expressed behind the regulatable promoter MET3. Strikingly, mutants with ectopic expression of either the Rho G-protein Cdc42 or its exchange factor Cdc24 are unable to form invasive hyphal filaments and germ tubes in response to serum or elevated temperature and yet grow normally as a budding yeast. Furthermore, these mutants are avirulent in a mouse model for systemic infection. This function of the Cdc42 GTPase module is not simply a general feature of polarity establishment proteins. Mutants with ectopic expression of the SH3 domain containing protein Bem1 or the Ras-like G-protein Bud1 can grow in an invasive fashion and are virulent in mice, albeit with reduced efficiency. These results indicate that a specific regulation of Cdc24/Cdc42 activity is required for invasive hyphal growth and suggest that these proteins are required for pathogenicity of C. albicans.
Is transnasal TEE imaging a viable alternative to conventional TEE during structural cardiac interventions to avoid general anaesthesia? A pilot comparison study of image quality

Aim The role of transoesophageal echocardiography in cardiac interventional structural procedures is well established and appreciated. However, the need for general anaesthesia (GA) throughout the procedure remains a controversial issue. The aim of the present study is to assess the feasibility and imaging quality of using a transnasal microrobe that allows the usage of conscious sedation in patients who undergo cardiac structural interventional procedures without missing the benefits, guidance and navigation of conventional trans-procedural TEE. Methods We analysed the trans-procedural images of 24 consecutive patients who underwent TAVI, TMVI or ASD/PFO closure, using a transnasal 2D microprobe (PHILIPS) and then we compared them with images taken by using a conventional 3D TEE probe (PHILIPS). In particular, we compared the imaging quality of the two probes regarding: (1) The anatomy, visualisation of valvular calcification and transvalvular colour Doppler of the aortic and mitral valve; (2) the imaging quality of PFO, ASD and interatrial communication colour flow; (3) the imaging of left ventricle systolic function and pericardial space and (4) transgastric imaging. Results All images were graded with a scale from 5 to 1. The average grade of imaging quality in the mitral valve was: anatomy, 4.3; calcification, 3.8; colour Doppler, 4.2. The average grade of imaging quality in the aortic valve was: anatomy, 4.3; calcification, 3.7; colour Doppler, 4.3. The average grade of imaging quality in PFO/ASD was 4.3. The average grade of imaging quality in LV/pericardial space was 4.2. The average grade of imaging quality in transgastric imaging was 4.1. Conclusion These results suggest that transnasal TEE can provide good anatomical image quality of relevant cardiac structures during cardiac structural interventions and this may facilitate these procedures being performed during conscious sedation without having to lose TEE guidance.
Oscillating Populations and Biodiversity Maintenance

ABSTRACT Species persistence in the face of competitive or predatory pressure has long been assumed to be a consequence of either dynamic equilibrium or stochastic longevity. More recently, however, the complex intersection of nonlinear dynamics with elementary ecological interactions has provided a distinct platform for conceptualizing the problem of species coexistence. One well-known result from nonlinear dynamics is that oscillating systems will tend to coordinate with one another when coupled, even if the coupling is extremely weak. This elementary result yields remarkable insights in many fields of study. Here I summarize recent results showing that a particular structure emerging from a nonlinear analysis of the classic equations of ecology can be merged with more qualitative ideas to form a possible general framework for analyzing species diversity. As a specific example, I examine the case of two consumer–resource systems that, when coupled, inevitably produce some kind of phase coordination. Understanding the nature of that phase coordination provides a qualitative viewpoint for understanding exclusion and coexistence in this example. Finally, I discuss possible applications to other classical ecological questions.
Virulent but not Avirulent Mycobacterium tuberculosis Can Evade the Growth Inhibitory Action of a T Helper 1–dependent, Nitric Oxide Synthase 2–independent Defense in Mice

Control of infection with virulent Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) in mice is dependent on the generation of T helper (Th)1-mediated immunity that serves, via secretion of interferon (IFN)-γ and other cytokines, to upregulate the antimycobacterial function of macrophages of which the synthesis of inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS)2 is an essential event. As a means to understanding the basis of Mtb virulence, the ability of gene-deleted mice incapable of making NOS2 (NOS2−/−), gp91Phox subunit of the respiratory burst NADPH-oxidase complex (Phox−/−), or either enzyme (NOS2/Phox−/−), to control airborne infection with the avirulent R1Rv and H37Ra strains of Mtb was compared with their ability control infection with the virulent H37Rv strain. NOS2−/−, Phox−/−, and NOS2/Phox−/− mice showed no deficiency in ability to control infection with either strain of avirulent Mtb. By contrast, NOS2−/− mice, but not Phox−/− mice, were incapable of controlling H37Rv infection and died early from neutrophil-dominated lung pathology. Control of infection with avirulent, as well as virulent Mtb, depended on the synthesis of IFN-γ, and was associated with a substantial increase in the synthesis in the lungs of mRNA for IFN-γ and NOS2, and with production of NOS2 by macrophages at sites of infection. The results indicate that virulent, but not avirulent, Mtb can overcome the growth inhibitory action of a Th1–dependent, NOS2-independent mechanism of defense.
Formocresol pulpotomy of primary teeth and occurrence of enamel defects on the permanent successors.

Fifty-two permanent tooth pairs of 37 children aged 8 to 16 years were evaluated for opacities and hypoplasia of the enamel. Formocresol pulpotomy had been performed in one of the primary teeth proceeding each tooth pair. The study comprised teeth with clinically and radiographically successful and unsuccessful pulpotomies. None of primary control teeth had a history of pulp exposure. 57 permanent teeth with caries-free predecessors were included for further control.In the formocresol treated group the prevalence of opacities according to localization was: occlusal surface 25%, buccal surface 37% and palatal surface 14%. In the control group, the corresponding prevalence was 21%, 35% and 14%. The prevalence of hypoplasia was 2%, 8% and 0% respectively, in the formocresol group and 2%, 14% and 4% in the control group. In the 57 permanent teeth opacities were found in 16% of the occlusal and buccal surfaces and in 18% of the palatal surfaces. The prevalence of hypoplasia was 12%, 5% and 0% respectively.No d.
What is the role of sipuleucel-T in the treatment of patients with advanced prostate cancer? An update on the evidence

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and the second most deadly. About one-third of patients with prostate cancer will develop metastatic disease. We discuss the six United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved treatments for metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) with a strong focus on sipuleucel-T. Sipuleucel-T is the first immunotherapy shown to improve survival in asymptomatic or minimally-symptomatic mCRPC. Herein, we discuss the proposed mechanism of sipuleucel-T and its synthesis. We describe in detail the three randomized controlled trials (RTCs) that led to its approval. We also compiled the newest research regarding use of sipuleucel-T with other agents and in different patient populations. Finally, we discuss the current ongoing trials.
Pure Exploration of Multi-armed Bandit Under Matroid Constraints

We study the pure exploration problem subject to a matroid constraint (Best-Basis) in a stochastic multi-armed bandit game. In a Best-Basis instance, we are given $n$ stochastic arms with unknown reward distributions, as well as a matroid $\mathcal{M}$ over the arms. Let the weight of an arm be the mean of its reward distribution. Our goal is to identify a basis of $\mathcal{M}$ with the maximum total weight, using as few samples as possible. The problem is a significant generalization of the best arm identification problem and the top-$k$ arm identification problem, which have attracted significant attentions in recent years. We study both the exact and PAC versions of Best-Basis, and provide algorithms with nearly-optimal sample complexities for these versions. Our results generalize and/or improve on several previous results for the top-$k$ arm identification problem and the combinatorial pure exploration problem when the combinatorial constraint is a matroid.