Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Anisotropic Sparse Grid Stochastic Collocation Method for Partial Differential Equations with Random Input Data

This work proposes and analyzes an anisotropic sparse grid stochastic collocation method for solving partial differential equations with random coefficients and forcing terms (input data of the model). The method consists of a Galerkin approximation in the space variables and a collocation, in probability space, on sparse tensor product grids utilizing either Clenshaw-Curtis or Gaussian knots. Even in the presence of nonlinearities, the collocation approach leads to the solution of uncoupled deterministic problems, just as in the Monte Carlo method. This work includes a priori and a posteriori procedures to adapt the anisotropy of the sparse grids to each given problem. These procedures seem to be very effective for the problems under study. The proposed method combines the advantages of isotropic sparse collocation with those of anisotropic full tensor product collocation: the first approach is effective for problems depending on random variables which weigh approximately equally in the solution, while the benefits of the latter approach become apparent when solving highly anisotropic problems depending on a relatively small number of random variables, as in the case where input random variables are Karhunen-Loeve truncations of “smooth” random fields. This work also provides a rigorous convergence analysis of the fully discrete problem and demonstrates (sub)exponential convergence in the asymptotic regime and algebraic convergence in the preasymptotic regime, with respect to the total number of collocation points. It also shows that the anisotropic approximation breaks the curse of dimensionality for a wide set of problems. Numerical examples illustrate the theoretical results and are used to compare this approach with several others, including the standard Monte Carlo. In particular, for moderately large-dimensional problems, the sparse grid approach with a properly chosen anisotropy seems to be very efficient and superior to all examined methods.
Twenty-Year Follow-up Study Comparing Operative Versus Nonoperative Treatment of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Ruptures in High-Level Athletes

Background: An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture has major consequences at midterm follow-up, with an increasing chance of developing an old knee in a young patient. The long-term (≥20 years) effects of the operative and nonoperative treatment of ACL ruptures are still unclear. Purpose: To compare the long-term treatment outcomes of operative versus nonoperative treatment of ACL ruptures in high-level athletes. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Fifty patients with an ACL rupture were eligible for participation, and they were treated either nonoperatively (n = 25) in 1992, consisting of structured rehabilitation and lifestyle adjustments, or operatively (n = 25) between 1994 and 1996 with an arthroscopic transtibial bone–patellar tendon–bone technique. The patients in the nonoperative group were drawn from those who responded well to 3 months of nonoperative treatment, whereas the patients in the operative group were drawn from those who had persistent instability after 3 months of nonoperative treatment. Both groups were pair-matched and assessed at 10- and 20-year follow-up regarding radiological knee osteoarthritis, functional outcomes (Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee [IKDC], Tegner, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score), meniscal status, and knee stability (KT-1000 arthrometer, pivot-shift test, Lachman test, 1-legged hop test). Results: All 50 patients (100%) were included in the current study for follow-up. After 20 years, we found knee osteoarthritis in 80% of the operative group compared with 68% of the nonoperative group (P = .508). There was no difference between groups regarding functional outcomes and meniscectomy performed. The median IKDC subjective score was 81.6 (interquartile range [IQR], 59.8-89.1) for the operative group and 78.2 (IQR, 61.5-92.0) for the nonoperative group (P = .679). Regarding the IKDC objective score, 21 patients (84%) in the operative group had a normal or near normal score (A and B) compared with 5 patients (20%) in the nonoperative group (P < .001). The pivot-shift test finding was negative in 17 patients (68%) versus 3 patients (13%) for the operative and nonoperative groups, respectively (P < .001), and the Lachman test finding was negative in 12 patients (48%) versus 1 patient (4%), respectively (P = .002). Conclusion: In this retrospective pair-matched follow-up study, we found that after 20-year follow-up, there was no difference in knee osteoarthritis between operative versus nonoperative treatment when treatment was allocated on the basis of a patient’s response to 3 months of nonoperative treatment. Although knee stability was better in the operative group, it did not result in better subjective and objective functional outcomes.
Inhibition of fucosylation in human invasive ductal carcinoma reduces E‐selectin ligand expression, cell proliferation, and ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK activation

Breast cancer tissue overexpresses fucosylated glycans, such as sialyl‐Lewis X/A (sLeX/A), and α‐1,3/4‐fucosyltransferases (FUTs) in relation to increased disease progression and metastasis. These glycans in tumor circulating cells mediate binding to vascular E‐selectin, initiating tumor extravasation. However, their role in breast carcinogenesis is still unknown. Here, we aimed to define the contribution of the fucosylated structures, including sLeX/A, to cell adhesion, cell signaling, and cell proliferation in invasive ductal carcinomas (IDC), the most frequent type of breast cancer. We first analyzed expression of E‐selectin ligands in IDC tissue and established primary cell cultures from the tissue. We observed strong reactivity with E‐selectin and anti‐sLeX/A antibodies in both IDC tissue and cell lines, and expression of α‐1,3/4 FUTs FUT4, FUT5, FUT6, FUT10, and FUT11. To further assess the role of fucosylation in IDC biology, we immortalized a primary IDC cell line with human telomerase reverse transcriptase to create the ‘CF1_T cell line’. Treatment with 2‐fluorofucose (2‐FF), a fucosylation inhibitor, completely abrogated its sLeX/A expression and dramatically reduced adherence of CF1_T cells to E‐selectin under hemodynamic flow conditions. In addition, 2‐FF‐treated CF1_T cells showed a reduced migratory ability, as well as decreased cell proliferation rate. Notably, 2‐FF treatment lowered the growth factor expression of CF1_T cells, prominently for FGF2, vascular endothelial growth factor, and transforming growth factor beta, and negatively affected activation of signal‐regulating protein kinases 1 and 2 and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling pathways. These data indicate that fucosylation licenses several malignant features of IDC, such as cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, and growth factor expression, contributing to tumor progression.
Efficient streaming over CoAP

IoT has emerged to realize the notion of ubiquitous interaction of everything. With the help of IoT, various types of objects including human, machine, and almost all things can communicate with each other via the Internet. However, the current state of the art in IoT technology focuses on the limited application such as signalling and exchange of sensing data. In this paper, we look into the necessity of streaming services in IoT, and present an efficient communication scheme for streaming services in IoT.
Surveillance Imaging and Alpha Fetoprotein for Early Detection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients With Cirrhosis: A Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Society guidelines differ in their recommendations for surveillance to detect early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with cirrhosis. We compared the performance of surveillance imaging, with or without alpha fetoprotein (AFP), for early detection of HCC in patients with cirrhosis. METHODS Two reviewers searched MEDLINE and SCOPUS from January 1990 through August 2016 to identify published sensitivity and specificity of surveillance strategies for overall and early detection of HCC. Pooled estimates were calculated and compared using the DerSimonian and Laird method for a random effects model. The study was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis guidelines. RESULTS Thirty-two studies (comprising 13,367 patients) characterized sensitivity of imaging with or without AFP measurement for detection of HCC in patients with cirrhosis. Ultrasound detected any stage HCC with 84% sensitivity (95% confidence interval [CI] 76%-92%), but early-stage HCC with only 47% sensitivity (95% CI 33%-61%). In studies comparing ultrasound with vs without AFP measurement, ultrasound detected any stage HCC with a lower level of sensitivity than ultrasound plus AFP measurement (relative risk [RR] 0.88; 95% CI 0.83-0.93) and early-stage HCC with a lower level of sensitivity than ultrasound plus AFP measurement (RR 0.81; 95% CI 0.71-0.93). However, ultrasound alone detected HCC with a higher level of specificity than ultrasound plus AFP measurement (RR 1.08; 95% CI 1.05-1.09). Ultrasound with vs without AFP detected early-stage HCC with 63% sensitivity (95% CI 48%-75%) and 45% sensitivity (95% CI 30%-62%), respectively (P = .002). Only 4 studies evaluated computed tomography or magnetic resonance image-based surveillance, which detected HCC with 84% sensitivity (95% CI 70%-92%). CONCLUSIONS We found ultrasound alone has a low sensitivity to detect early stage HCC in patients with cirrhosis. Addition of AFP to ultrasound significantly increases sensitivity of early HCC detection in clinical practice.
Trophic Relationships and Habitat Preferences of Delphinids from the Southeastern Brazilian Coast Determined by Carbon and Nitrogen Stable Isotope Composition

To investigate the foraging habitats of delphinids in southeastern Brazil, we analyzed stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotopes in muscle samples of the following 10 delphinid species: Sotalia guianensis, Stenella frontalis, Tursiops truncatus, Steno bredanensis, Pseudorca crassidens, Delphinus sp. , Lagenodelphis hosei, Stenella attenuata, Stenella longirostris and Grampus griseus. We also compared the δ13C and δ15N values among four populations of S. guianensis. Variation in carbon isotope results from coast to ocean indicated that there was a significant decrease in δ13C values from estuarine dolphins to oceanic species. S. guianensis from Guanabara Bay had the highest mean δ13C value, while oceanic species showed significantly lower δ13C values. The highest δ15N values were observed for P. crassidens and T. truncatus, suggesting that these species occupy the highest trophic position among the delphinids studied here. The oceanic species S. attenuata, G. griseus and L. hosei had the lowest δ15N values. Stable isotope analysis showed that the three populations of S. guianensis in coastal bays had different δ13C values, but similar δ15N results. Guiana dolphins from Sepetiba and Ilha Grande bays had different foraging habitat, with specimens from Ilha Grande showing more negative δ13C values. This study provides further information on the feeding ecology of delphinids occurring in southeastern Brazil, with evidence of distinctive foraging habitats and the occupation of different ecological niches by these species in the study area.
Aortic stiffness and change in glomerular filtration rate and albuminuria in older people

Background Aortic stiffness increases with age and increases pulsatile stress in the microcirculation. Abnormalities in kidney microvascular structure and function may contribute to development or progression of chronic kidney disease in older people. Methods We performed a longitudinal analysis of 629 community-dwelling elderly Icelandic adults from the Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility-Reykjavik Study with two visits over a mean follow-up of 5.3 years. We evaluated the associations of carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (CFPWV), carotid pulse pressure (CPP) and augmentation index (AI), with the change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) assessed as annual change and dichotomized as large changes. Models were adjusted for age, sex, height, heart rate, traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors and baseline kidney measures. Results When eGFR was analyzed as a continuous variable, higher baseline CFPWV and CPP, but not AI, were significantly associated with a larger annual decline in eGFR in models adjusted for age, sex, height, heart rate and baseline eGFR, but not after additional adjustment for the mean arterial pressure. When eGFR was analyzed as a categorical variable, higher CFPWV was significantly associated with a decrease in eGFR of ≥3 mL/min/1.73 m 2 /year [odds ratio (OR) 1.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11-2.13] and higher AI was associated with 30% eGFR decline during follow-up (OR 1.44 and 95% CI 1.03-2.00) in fully adjusted models. None of the tonometry measures was associated with change in UACR. Conclusions Abnormalities in vascular health may play a role in large declines in eGFR beyond the traditional cardiovascular disease risks in this older Icelandic cohort.
Acromegalic cardiomyopathy: Epidemiology, diagnosis, and management

Acromegalic cardiomyopathy is the leading cause of morbidity and all‐cause mortality in patients with acromegaly. Though acromegaly is a rare condition, the associated derangements are vast and severe. Stemming from an increase in circulating growth hormone (GH) and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 levels (IGF‐1), acromegalic cardiomyopathy results in pathological changes in myocyte growth and structure, cardiac contractility, and vascular function. These molecular changes manifest commonly as biventricular hypertrophy, diastolic and systolic dysfunction, and valvular regurgitation. Early recognition of the condition is paramount, though the insidious progression of the disease commonly results in a late diagnosis. Biochemical testing, based on IGF‐1 measurements, is the gold standard of diagnosis. Management should be centered on normalizing serum levels of both IGF‐1 and GH. Transsphenoidal resection remains the most cost‐effective and permanent treatment for acromegaly, though medical therapy possesses benefit for those who are not surgical candidates. Ultimately, achieving control of hormone levels results in a severe reduction in mortality rate, underscoring the importance of early recognition and treatment.
Structural basis for the alternating access mechanism of the cation diffusion facilitator YiiP

Significance Zn2+ is a micronutrient that plays important roles throughout the body. We are interested in molecular mechanisms by which appropriate levels of Zn2+ are maintained in cells. We have combined structural and functional studies to deduce the physical changes that a bacterial transporter uses to carry Zn2+ across cell membranes. We have identified parts of the molecule that remain static and characterized the movements of other parts that bind Zn2+ ions and allow them to cross the membrane. YiiP is a dimeric antiporter from the cation diffusion facilitator family that uses the proton motive force to transport Zn2+ across bacterial membranes. Previous work defined the atomic structure of an outward-facing conformation, the location of several Zn2+ binding sites, and hydrophobic residues that appear to control access to the transport sites from the cytoplasm. A low-resolution cryo-EM structure revealed changes within the membrane domain that were associated with the alternating access mechanism for transport. In the current work, the resolution of this cryo-EM structure has been extended to 4.1 Å. Comparison with the X-ray structure defines the differences between inward-facing and outward-facing conformations at an atomic level. These differences include rocking and twisting of a four-helix bundle that harbors the Zn2+ transport site and controls its accessibility within each monomer. As previously noted, membrane domains are closely associated in the dimeric structure from cryo-EM but dramatically splayed apart in the X-ray structure. Cysteine crosslinking was used to constrain these membrane domains and to show that this large-scale splaying was not necessary for transport activity. Furthermore, dimer stability was not compromised by mutagenesis of elements in the cytoplasmic domain, suggesting that the extensive interface between membrane domains is a strong determinant of dimerization. As with other secondary transporters, this interface could provide a stable scaffold for movements of the four-helix bundle that confers alternating access of these ions to opposite sides of the membrane.
Developing Team Cognition: A Role for Simulation

Summary Statement Simulation has had a major impact in the advancement of healthcare team training and assessment. To date, most simulation-based training and assessments focus on the teamwork behaviors that impact team performance, often ignoring critical cognitive, motivational, and affective team processes. Evidence from team science research demonstrates a strong relationship between team cognition and team performance and suggests a role for simulation in the development of this team-level construct. In this article, we synthesize research from the broader team science literature to provide foundational knowledge regarding team cognition and highlight best practices for using simulation to target team cognition.
Linking Redox Regulation of NMDAR Synaptic Function to Cognitive Decline during Aging

NMDA receptors (NMDARs) play a critical role in learning and memory; however, there is a lack of evidence for a direct relationship between a well characterized decline in NMDAR function and impaired cognition during aging. The present study was designed to test the idea that a redox-mediated decrease in the NMDAR component of synaptic transmission during aging is related to a specific cognitive phenotype: impaired memory for rapidly acquired novel spatial information. Young and middle-aged male F344 rats were provided 1 d of training on the spatial version of the water maze, and retention was examined 24 h later. The performance of young rats was used as a criterion for classifying middle-aged rats as impaired and unimpaired on the task. Subsequent construction of CA3–CA1 synaptic input–output curves in hippocampal slices confirmed an age-related decrease in synaptic responses, including the NMDAR component of synaptic transmission. Examination of synaptic transmission according to behavioral classification revealed that animals classified as impaired exhibited a decrease in the total and the NMDAR component of the synaptic response relative to unimpaired animals. Furthermore, bath application of the reducing agent dithiothreitol increased the NMDAR component of the synaptic response to a greater extent in impaired animals relative to unimpaired and young rats. These results provide evidence for a link between the redox-mediated decline in NMDAR function and emergence of an age-related cognitive phenotype, impairment in the rapid acquisition and retention of novel spatial information.
Suicidal Ideation and Schizophrenia: Contribution of Appraisal, Stigmatization, and Cognition

Objective: To predict suicidal ideation in people with schizophrenia, certain studies have measured its relationship with the variables of defeat and entrapment. The relationships are positive, but their interactions remain undefined. To further their understanding, this research sought to measure the relationship between suicidal ideation with the variables of loss, entrapment, and humiliation. Method: The convenience sample included 30 patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. The study was prospective (3 measurement times) during a 6-month period. Results were analyzed by stepwise multiple regression. Results: The contribution of the 3 variables to the variance of suicidal ideation was not significant at any of the 3 times (T1: 16.2%, P = 0.056; T2: 19.9%, P = 0.117; T3: 11.2%, P = 0.109). Further analyses measured the relationship between the variables of stigmatization, perceived cognitive dysfunction, symptoms, depression, self-esteem, reason to live, spirituality, social provision, and suicidal ideation. Stepwise multiple regression demonstrated that the contribution of the variables of stigmatization and perceived cognitive dysfunction to the variance of suicidal ideation was significant at all 3 times (T1: 41.7.5%, P = 0.000; T2: 35.2%, P = 0.001; T3: 21.5%, P = 0.012). Yet, over time, the individual contribution of the variables changed: T1, stigmatization (β = 0.518; P = 0.002); T2, stigmatization (β = 0.394; P = 0.025) and perceived cognitive dysfunction (β = 0.349; P = 0.046). Then, at T3, only perceived cognitive dysfunction contributed significantly to suicidal ideation (β = 0.438; P = 0.016). Conclusion: The results highlight the importance of the contribution of the variables of perceived cognitive dysfunction and stigmatization in the onset of suicidal ideation in people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
Calibrated imaging reveals altered grey matter metabolism related to white matter microstructure and symptom severity in multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) involves damage to white matter microstructures. This damage has been related to grey matter function as measured by standard, physiologically‐nonspecific neuroimaging indices (i.e., blood‐oxygen‐level dependent signal [BOLD]). Here, we used calibrated functional magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging to examine the extent to which specific, evoked grey matter physiological processes were associated with white matter diffusion in MS. Evoked changes in BOLD, cerebral blood flow (CBF), and oxygen metabolism (CMRO2) were measured in visual cortex. Individual differences in the diffusion tensor measure, radial diffusivity, within occipital tracts were strongly associated with MS patients’ BOLD and CMRO2. However, these relationships were in opposite directions, complicating the interpretation of the relationship between BOLD and white matter microstructural damage in MS. CMRO2 was strongly associated with individual differences in patients’ fatigue and neurological disability, suggesting that alterations to evoked oxygen metabolic processes may be taken as a marker for primary symptoms of MS. This work demonstrates the first application of calibrated and diffusion imaging together and details the first application of calibrated functional MRI in a neurological population. Results lend support for neuroenergetic hypotheses of MS pathophysiology and provide an initial demonstration of the utility of evoked oxygen metabolism signals for neurology research. Hum Brain Mapp 38:5375–5390, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Patient Susceptibility to Candidiasis—A Potential for Adjunctive Immunotherapy

Candida spp. are colonizing fungi of human skin and mucosae of the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tract, present in 30–50% of healthy individuals in a population at any given moment. The host defense mechanisms prevent this commensal fungus from invading and causing disease. Loss of skin or mucosal barrier function, microbiome imbalances, or defects of immune defense mechanisms can lead to an increased susceptibility to severe mucocutaneous or invasive candidiasis. A comprehensive understanding of the immune defense against Candida is essential for developing adjunctive immunotherapy. The important role of underlying genetic susceptibility to Candida infections has become apparent over the years. In most patients, the cause of increased susceptibility to fungal infections is complex, based on a combination of immune regulation gene polymorphisms together with other non-genetic predisposing factors. Identification of patients with an underlying genetic predisposition could help determine which patients could benefit from prophylactic antifungal treatment or adjunctive immunotherapy. This review will provide an overview of patient susceptibility to mucocutaneous and invasive candidiasis and the potential for adjunctive immunotherapy.