Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of pupillary dilation on Haigis formula-calculated intraocular lens power measurement by using optical biometry

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of pupillary dilation on the Haigis formula-calculated intraocular lens (IOL) power and ocular biometry measurements by using IOLMaster®. Methods A prospective study was performed for biometry measurements of 373 eyes of 192 healthy subjects using the IOLMaster at the outpatient department of King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital from February 2013 to July 2013. The axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), keratometry (K), and IOL power were measured before and after 1% tropicamide eye drop instillation. The Haigis formula was used in the IOL power calculation with the predicted target to emmetropia. Each parameter was compared by a paired t-test prior to and after pupillary dilation. Bland–Altman plots were also used to determine the agreement between each parameter. Results The mean age of the subjects was 53.74±14.41 years (range 18–93 years). No differences in AL (P=0.03), steepest K (P=0.42), and flattest K (P=0.41) were obtained from the IOLMaster after pupillary dilation. However, ACD and IOL power were significantly different postdilation (P<0.01 and P<0.01, respectively). In ACD and IOL power measurements, the concordance rates were 93.03% and 97.05% within 95% limits of agreement (−0.48 to 0.26 mm and −1.09 to 0.88 D, respectively) in the Bland–Altman plots. Conclusion Biometry measurements in the cycloplegic stage should be considered in the IOL formulas that use parameters other than AL and K.
Downregulation of protein kinase CK2 activity induces age-related biomarkers in C. elegans

Studies show that a decrease in protein kinase CK2 (CK2) activity is associated with cellular senescence. However, the role of CK2 in organism aging is still poorly understood. Here, we investigated whether protein kinase CK2 (CK2) modulated longevity in Caenorhabditis elegans. CK2 activity decreased with advancing age in the worms. Knockdown of kin-10 (the ortholog of CK2β) led to a short lifespan phenotype and induced age-related biomarkers, including retardation of locomotion, decreased pharyngeal pumping rate, increased lipofuscin accumulation, and reduced resistance to heat and oxidative stress. The long lifespan of age-1 and akt-1 mutants was significantly suppressed by kin-10 RNAi, suggesting that CK2 acts downstream of AGE-1 and AKT-1. Kin-10 knockdown did not further shorten the short lifespan of daf-16 mutant worms but either decreased or increased the transcriptional activity of DAF-16 depending on the promoters of the target genes, indicating that CK2 is an upstream regulator of DAF-16 in C. elegans. Kin-10 knockdown increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the worms. Finally, the ROS scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine significantly counteracts the lifespan shortening and lipofuscin accumulation induced by kin-10 knockdown. Therefore, the present results suggest that age-dependent CK2 downregulation reduces longevity by associating with both ROS generation and the AGE-1-AKT-1-DAF-16 pathway in C. elegans.
DeepSol: a deep learning framework for sequence‐based protein solubility prediction

Motivation: Protein solubility plays a vital role in pharmaceutical research and production yield. For a given protein, the extent of its solubility can represent the quality of its function, and is ultimately defined by its sequence. Thus, it is imperative to develop novel, highly accurate in silico sequence‐based protein solubility predictors. In this work we propose, DeepSol, a novel Deep Learning‐based protein solubility predictor. The backbone of our framework is a convolutional neural network that exploits k‐mer structure and additional sequence and structural features extracted from the protein sequence. Results: DeepSol outperformed all known sequence‐based state‐of‐the‐art solubility prediction methods and attained an accuracy of 0.77 and Matthew's correlation coefficient of 0.55. The superior prediction accuracy of DeepSol allows to screen for sequences with enhanced production capacity and can more reliably predict solubility of novel proteins. Availability and implementation: DeepSol's best performing models and results are publicly deposited at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1162886 (Khurana and Mall, 2018). Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Some Theoretical Properties of GANs

Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) are a class of generative algorithms that have been shown to produce state-of-the art samples, especially in the domain of image creation. The fundamental principle of GANs is to approximate the unknown distribution of a given data set by optimizing an objective function through an adversarial game between a family of generators and a family of discriminators. In this paper, we offer a better theoretical understanding of GANs by analyzing some of their mathematical and statistical properties. We study the deep connection between the adversarial principle underlying GANs and the Jensen-Shannon divergence, together with some optimality characteristics of the problem. An analysis of the role of the discriminator family via approximation arguments is also provided. In addition, taking a statistical point of view, we study the large sample properties of the estimated distribution and prove in particular a central limit theorem. Some of our results are illustrated with simulated examples.
Incidence of Tuberculosis and Associated Mortality in a Cohort of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Children Initiating Antiretroviral Therapy

Abstract Background. We assessed the incidence of tuberculosis, risk factors for tuberculosis, and the contribution of tuberculosis on mortality in a large cohort of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children <15 years of age initiating first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) between 1999 and 2012 in Thailand, one of the 22 high tuberculosis burden countries. Methods. A physician reviewed and classified tuberculosis cases. Incidence was the number of children with incident tuberculosis, defined as a first or recurrent tuberculosis diagnosis >30 days after ART initiation, divided by the total person-years of follow-up (PYFU). Risk factors for incident tuberculosis were identified using Fine and Gray’s competing risks models, with death from other causes treated as a competing event, and risk factors for death were identified using Cox models. Results. At ART initiation, 670 children (55% female) had a median age of 6.4 years (interquartile range, 2.0–9.6), body mass index-for-age z-score −0.8 (−1.9 to 0.0), HIV ribonucleic acid viral load 5.1 log10 copies/mL (4.6–5.6), and CD4 9% (3–17). Median duration of follow-up was 7.7 years. Tuberculosis incidence was 7 per 1000 PYFU (95% confidence interval [CI], 5–11) and decreased with ART duration. Lower age-adjusted hemoglobin, hematocrit, and CD4 at ART initiation were associated with a higher risk of incident tuberculosis. Of the 30 incident tuberculosis cases, 9 died. Diagnosis of incident tuberculosis was associated with mortality (unadjusted hazard ratio = 10.2, 95% CI = 4.8–21.5, P < .001 and adjusted hazard ratio = 5.4, 95% CI = 2.5–11.7, P < .001). Conclusions. Incident tuberculosis was strongly associated with mortality. CD4 counts or hemoglobin or hematocrit levels may prompt clinicians to consider a possible tuberculosis infection.
Particle size effects on yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) phase formation by solid-state reaction

The solid-state reaction of yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG, Y_3Al_5O_12) during the heat treatment of Y_2O_3 and Al_2O_3 powder mixtures, differing in particle size and size ratio, was quantified using in situ high-temperature x-ray analysis and Rietveld refinement. Y_2O_3 particle size has the most profound effect on YAG formation. When the Y_2O_3 particle size was decreased from 5000 to 30 nm (on reaction with 270 nm Al_2O_3), the YAG formation rate increased from 20 to 48 vol% min^−1 over the temperature range of 1350–1450 °C. In this case, the final YAG content increased from 75 to 91 vol%. A simple model that includes the reactant particle coordination number, and thus particle size ratio, shows that when the size ratio ( d _A/ d _Y) is >1 diffusion through the alumina powder is rate controlling whereas when the ratio is <1, diffusion through the yttria, intermediate phases, and YAG is rate controlling.
Distributed Transmit Antenna Selection (DTAS) Under Performance or Energy Consumption Constraints

Motivated by the transmit antenna selection (TAS) concept, used in Multiple-Input-Multiple-Output systems, we argue for distributed transmit antenna selection (DTAS), which corresponds to a method of selecting a subset of available relays in cooperative diversity systems. Assuming amplify and forward relays, the proposed selection method represents a low-complexity tool for determining the optimum relaying set. Two optimization problems are studied: the error probability minimization subject to total energy consumption constraints, and the dual one, the total energy consumption minimization under error performance constraints. Numerical examples verify the advantage of the proposed method in adapting the number of relaying terminals to the desired performance-consumption tradeoff.
N-nitrosamines migrating from food contact materials into food simulants: analysis and quantification by means of HPLC-APCI-MS/MS

ABSTRACT It was the aim of the work described here to develop a validated analytical method for the determination of N-nitrosamines in food simulants. Here, we present the validation of a liquid chromatography–atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation–tandem mass spectrometry method for the determination of 13 N-nitrosamines in the food simulants deionised water, 3% acetic acid and 10% ethanol. Method validation encompassed linearity, LOD, LOQ, recovery, precision and stability of the N-nitrosamines. The method was found to be sufficiently rugged and suitable for routine analysis. In addition, the developed method is on average 10 times more sensitive than the gas chromatography–thermal energy analyser (GC-TEA) method that is currently stipulated in Recommendation XXI for commodities based on natural and synthetic rubber issued by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR). The developed method was applied to determine the N-nitrosamine contents in migration solutions of 12 elastomer samples covering a range of different elastomer types. In 10 out of 12 samples, N-nitrosamines were determined. In most samples, the guidance value of 1 µg/dm2 specified in BfR Recommendation XXI was not exceeded. In conclusion, the analytical method presented here offers a useful alternative to the GC-TEA method currently stipulated in BfR Recommendation XXI. This is of wider relevance, since BfR recommendations are used for compliance assessment of Article 3, paragraph 1 a of the Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004 with respect to their health safety.
A Semi-Empirical Airborne Particle Erosion Model for Polyesteric Matrix Fiberglass Composites

The paper deals with the mathematical modeling of the airborne solid particle erosion rate of composite materials, in particular non-oriented fiberglass reinforced polyesteric matrices. Using the mathematical tool of non-linear regression, based on experimental data available in the state of the art, an algebraic equation has been determined to estimate the relative erosion rate of such composites. The formulation is tailored so that it relates to classical erosion models such as Finnie's, Bitter's or Tulsa angle dependent model which can be implemented into commercial computational fluid dynamics software. Although the implementation - per se - is not described herein, the model proposed can be useful in estimating the global effect of solid particle erosion on composite materials in this class. Further theoretical developments may add to the model the capacity to evaluate the erosion rate for a wider class of matrices as well as more types of weavings.
Low-Cost Preparation of SBA-15 Silica Molecular Sieve and High Humidity Sensing Property in a Wide Range of Relative Humidity

In this paper, different SBA-15 molecular sieves were prepared in a facile sol-gel method by using a low-cost sodium silicate as silicon source at different ripening temperature. The materials were characterized by small-angle XRD, TEM, nitrogen adsorption–desorption test. The results showed that ripening temperature can affect the pore size and mesostructure of SBA-15. High surface area SBA-15 can be obtained at low ripening temperature, and plugged mesostructure can be prepared at high temperature. The gravimetric humidity sensing property of the materials were tested based on a transducer of quartz crystal microbalance. The test results revealed that all the samples showed high response in the wide range of relative humidity. The sensors based on that prepared at 35°C show a good stability and linearity in the range of 11.3%RH to 98%RRH along with fast response (12s) and recovery time (8s), ultrahigh sensitivity and low hysteresis, implying that has a great potential for humidity detection.
The dehulling efficiency and physicochemical properties of pre-conditioned mungbean (vigna radiata (l). wilczek) seeds and flour

Mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) seeds (400g) were each subjected to different pre-conditioning treatments (soaking, boiling and toasting) to evaluate their effect on dehulling efficiencies. They were dried, milled into flour and the effect of pre-conditioning treatments on their proximate composition and functional properties were determined. The samples were also used to produce cakes. Results showed that toasting was the least efficient method of dehulling, having the least dehulling percentages of 32.68% and 36.00% for 45 min and 60 min toasted samples respectively. Samples soaked in boiled water for 45 min were the most efficiently dehulled ( 52.64η) dehulling efficiency, followed by samples soaked in cold water for 8h and 12h (49.92η and 49.82η) dehulling efficiencies respectively which did not significantly differ (p<0.05) from the dehulling efficiency of samples soaked with sodium bicarbonate (43.68η). Toasted samples (45min and 60min) had the least protein content (22.64% and 22.81 %) and differed significantly at p<0.05 from others. Significant differences (P<0.05) existed among the functional properties of samples, especially oil absorption capacity, foam capacity, bulk density and emulsion capacity. The cakes produced from 10% mungbean: 90% wheat flour gave the best sensory characteristics when compared with the cake sample from 20% substitution with mung bean flour.
Carbon and Nitrogen Isotopic Survey of Northern Peruvian Plants: Baselines for Paleodietary and Paleoecological Studies

The development of isotopic baselines for comparison with paleodietary data is crucial, but often overlooked. We review the factors affecting the carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotopic compositions of plants, with a special focus on the carbon and nitrogen isotopic compositions of twelve different species of cultivated plants (n = 91) and 139 wild plant species collected in northern Peru. The cultivated plants were collected from nineteen local markets. The mean δ13C value for maize (grain) was −11.8±0.4 ‰ (n = 27). Leguminous cultigens (beans, Andean lupin) were characterized by significantly lower δ15N values and significantly higher %N than non-leguminous cultigens. Wild plants from thirteen sites were collected in the Moche River Valley area between sea level and ∼4,000 meters above sea level (masl). These sites were associated with mean annual precipitation ranging from 0 to 710 mm. Plants growing at low altitude sites receiving low amounts of precipitation were characterized by higher δ15N values than plants growing at higher altitudes and receiving higher amounts of precipitation, although this trend dissipated when altitude was >2,000 masl and MAP was >400 mm. For C3 plants, foliar δ13C was positively correlated with altitude and precipitation. This suggests that the influence of altitude may overshadow the influence of water availability on foliar δ13C values at this scale.
Silencing the Odorant Binding Protein RferOBP1768 Reduces the Strong Preference of Palm Weevil for the Major Aggregation Pheromone Compound Ferrugineol

In insects, perception of the environment—food, mates, and prey—is mainly guided by chemical signals. The dynamic process of signal perception involves transport to odorant receptors (ORs) by soluble secretory proteins, odorant binding proteins (OBPs), which form the first stage in the process of olfactory recognition and are analogous to lipocalin family proteins in vertebrates. Although OBPs involved in the transport of pheromones to ORs have been functionally identified in insects, there is to date no report for Coleoptera. Furthermore, there is a lack of information on olfactory perception and the molecular mechanism by which OBPs participate in the transport of aggregation pheromones. We focus on the red palm weevil (RPW) Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, the most devastating quarantine pest of palm trees worldwide. In this work, we constructed libraries of all OBPs and selected antenna-specific and highly expressed OBPs for silencing through RNA interference. Aggregation pheromone compounds, 4-methyl-5-nonanol (ferrugineol) and 4-methyl-5-nonanone (ferruginone), and a kairomone, ethyl acetate, were then sequentially presented to individual RPWs. The results showed that antenna-specific RferOBP1768 aids in the capture and transport of ferrugineol to ORs. Silencing of RferOBP1768, which is responsible for pheromone binding, significantly disrupted pheromone communication. Study of odorant perception in palm weevil is important because the availability of literature regarding the nature and role of olfactory signaling in this insect may reveal likely candidates representative of animal olfaction and, more generally, of molecular recognition. Knowledge of OBPs recognizing the specific pheromone ferrugineol will allow for designing biosensors for the detection of this key compound in weevil monitoring in date palm fields.
Depression and anxiety after total joint replacement among older adults: a meta-analysis

Objective: Patients usually experience good physical recovery after total joint replacement (TJR); however, it is unclear whether mood also improves. The current meta-analysis examined changes in depression and anxiety following TJR in older (≥50 years) patients in order to address this gap in the literature. Methods: Data from 26 studies (4045 TJR, 55 controls) that assessed depression and/or anxiety pre- and post-surgery in TJR patients, with or without a control group, were analyzed. Prevalence rates and Cohen's d effect sizes were used to evaluate changes in the prevalence and severity of depression/anxiety, respectively. Results: Approximately 23% of TJR patients had clinically significant levels of depression prior to surgery, which decreased to 13% one year later. The prevalence of anxiety could not be evaluated due to the limited available data. TJR patients did not show any clinically meaningful reductions in symptoms of depression or anxiety, following surgery. Compared to controls, there was no difference in symptom progression over time; although only one study examined this. Conclusions: TJR patients appear to have higher rates of clinically significant symptoms of depression before and after surgery, compared to the general population, however more research with adequate control groups is needed to confirm this. Only a modest improvement in the severity of depression and anxiety symptoms was noted post-surgery. However, existing research is limited; preventing definite conclusions regarding the impact of TJR on mood.
Safety and Acceptability of Community-Based Distribution of Injectable Contraceptives: A Pilot Project in Mozambique

Trained community health workers, including traditional birth attendants (TBAs), safely and effectively administered injectables in northern Mozambique; two-thirds of the women choosing injectables had never used contraception before. Including TBAs in the Ministry of Health’s recent task sharing strategy can improve rural women’s access to injectables and help meet women’s demand for contraception. Trained community health workers, including traditional birth attendants (TBAs), safely and effectively administered injectables in northern Mozambique; two-thirds of the women choosing injectables had never used contraception before. Including TBAs in the Ministry of Health’s recent task sharing strategy can improve rural women’s access to injectables and help meet women’s demand for contraception. ABSTRACT Mozambique has witnessed a climbing total fertility rate in the last 20 years. Nearly one-third of married women have an unmet need for family planning, but the supply of family planning services is not meeting the demand. This study aimed to explore the safety and effectiveness of training 2 cadres of community health workers—traditional birth attendants (TBAs) and agentes polivalentes elementares (APEs) (polyvalent elementary health workers)—to administer the injectable contraceptive depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), and to provide evidence to policy makers on the feasibility of expanding community-based distribution of DMPA in areas where TBAs and APEs are present. A total of 1,432 women enrolled in the study between February 2014 and April 2015. The majority (63% to 66%) of women in the study started using contraception for the first time during the study period, and most women (over 66%) did not report side effects at the 3-month and 6-month follow-up visits. Very few (less than 0.5%) experienced morbidities at the injection site on the arm. Satisfaction with the performance of TBAs and APEs was high and improved over the study period. Overall, the project showed a high continuation rate (81.1%) after 3 injections, with TBA clients having significantly higher continuation rates than APE clients after 3 months and after 6 months. Clients’ reported willingness to pay for DMPA (64%) highlights the latent demand for modern contraceptives. Given Mozambique’s largely rural population and critical health care workforce shortage, community-based provision of family planning in general and of injectable contraceptives in particular, which has been shown to be safe, effective, and acceptable, is of crucial importance. This study demonstrates that community-based distribution of injectable contraceptives can provide access to family planning to a large group of women that previously had little or no access.