Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Alagille Syndrome Mimicking Biliary Atresia in Early Infancy

Alagille syndrome may mimic biliary atresia in early infancy. Since mutations in JAG1 typical for Alagille syndrome type 1 have also been found in biliary atresia, we aimed to identify JAG1 mutations in newborns with proven biliary atresia (n = 72). Five biliary atresia patients with cholestasis, one additional characteristic feature of Alagille syndrome and ambiguous liver histology were single heterozygotes for nonsense or frameshift mutations in JAG1. No mutations were found in the remaining 67 patients. All “biliary atresia” carriers of JAG1 null mutations developed typical Alagille syndrome at the age of three years. Our data do not support association of biliary atresia with JAG1 mutations, at least in Czech patients. Rapid testing for JAG1 mutations could prevent misdiagnosis of Alagille syndrome in early infancy and improve their outcome.
High Incidence of Recurrent Ulceration and Major Amputations Associated With Charcot Foot

&NA; Few studies have evaluated the long‐term clinical outcomes of Charcot foot. The present study evaluated the long‐term effects of Charcot foot in a population treated with early weightbearing in a removable Charcot restraint orthotic walker. A retrospective study of 62 consecutive patients (74 feet) treated for Charcot foot from January 2003 to March 2014 was conducted. Of the 74 affected feet, 48 (64.9%) had developed an ulcer. The total amputation rate was 25.7% (19 feet), and 11 feet (14.9%) underwent major amputations. The mortality rate was 19.4% (12 patients). Low Short‐Form 36‐item scores for all subcomponents were found. The major amputation rate was significantly greater for hindfoot than for midfoot manifestations. Charcot foot results in a high risk of chronic ulceration. The hindfoot Charcot manifestation was associated with a high rate of major amputations. Early weightbearing in a Charcot restraint orthotic walker as treatment of Charcot foot was not supported by the results from the present study. &NA; Level of Clinical Evidence: 4
Systematic study of electronic structure and band alignment of monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides in Van der Waals heterostructures

Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are promising low-dimensional materials which can produce diverse electronic properties and band alignment in van der Waals heterostructures. Systematic density functional theory (DFT) calculations are performed for 24 different TMD monolayers and their bilayer heterostacks. DFT calculations show that monolayer TMDs can behave as semiconducting, metallic or semimetallic depending on their structures; we also calculated the band alignment of the TMDs to predict their alignment in van der Waals heterostacks. We have applied the charge equilibration model (CEM) to obtain a quantitative formula predicting the highest occupied state of any type of bilayer TMD heterostacks (552 pairs for 24 TMDs). The CEM predicted values agree quite well with the selected DFT simulation results. The quantitative prediction of the band alignment in the TMD heterostructures can provide an insightful guidance to the development of TMD-based devices.
Pharmaceuticals and pesticides archived on polar passive sampling devices can be stable for up to 6 years

In the present study, we report the freezer storage stability of pharmaceuticals and pesticides for the organic‐diffusive gradients in thin‐films (o‐DGT) passive sampler and the polar organic chemical integrative sampler (POCIS). The average change on o‐DGT after approximately 18 mo was 9 ± 9% across 30 compounds. For POCIS, the average change after approximately 6 yr was 14 ± 14% for the same compounds. Our data suggest that analytes stored on these samplers are stable and appropriate for archival purposes. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:762–767. © 2017 SETAC
Detecting overlapping structures via network-based competitive learning

In this paper, we present a method for determining overlapping cluster structures in the network using a particle competition model. Specifically, several particles walk in the network and compete with each other to occupy as many nodes as possible, while attempting to reject intruder particles. The overlapping nodes in the input data are uncovered by using the domination level information generated by the competition process itself. In this way, the detection procedure is already embedded in the model, which in turn has low computational complexity. Computer simulations reveal that this overlapping index works well in real-world data sets. Finally, an application on handwritten data clustering is provided and high clustering accuracies are obtained.
Side effects from intense pulsed light: Importance of skin pigmentation, fluence level and ultraviolet radiation—A randomized controlled trial

Intense pulsed light (IPL) is a mainstream treatment for hair removal. Side effects after IPL are known, but risk factors remain to be investigated. The objective of this study was to assess the contribution of skin pigmentation, fluence level, and ultraviolet radiation (UVR) on IPL‐induced side effects.
Effect of three resin cements on micro push-out bond strength of fiber-reinforced composite post to radicular dentin at different root levels

Aims & Objectives : To assess the micro push-out bond strength of fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) post to root dentin at different levels after cementation with an etch-and-rinse, self-etch and a self-adhesive type of resin cement. Methods : Thirty extracted human maxillary central incisors were transversely sectioned at 15 mm from the apex. Canals were prepared with rotary instruments to obtain an apical size of 45, 0.02 taper and obturated. Standardized post spaces were prepared and specimens were randomly divided into three groups according to the cement used for post cementation: Variolink II (etch-and-rinse resin cement), Panavia F 2.0 (self-etch resin cement) and RelyX Unicem 2 (self-adhesive resin cement). The roots were sectioned into 1 mm thick slices at the coronal, middle and apical level and subjected to micro push-out test in a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.05 mm/minute. Failure mode was evaluated for each specimen under a stereomicroscope at 10X magnification. Two–way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey B multiple comparison test were used to analyze the data with the significance level set at p<0.05. Results : The micro push-out bond strengths were significantly higher for Variolink II compared to the other two types of cements (p<0.05). Bond strength decreased significantly from the coronal to the apical region of the root canal irrespective of the luting cement used. Conclusion : This study showed that the type of resin cement and the region of the root canal dentin does have an effect on the micro push-out bond strength of fiber-reinforced posts.
Effect of the heterotrophic dinoflagellate Oxyrrhis marina and the copepod Acartia tonsa on vertical carbon flux in and around thin layers of the phytoflagellate Isochrysis galbana

Dynamics of material and energy flow through food webs differ when resources are allocated in patches in comparison to situations in which the same resources are distributed evenly throughout the water column. Thin layers of plankton are special cases of such resource patches. While previous studies have predominantly focused on the response of organisms to these layers, we investigated how 2 types of grazers in turn affect thin layers. In an experimental study with tightly controlled environmental conditions, we monitored the redistribution of particulate organic (POC), dissolved organic (DOC) and inorganic (DIC) carbon from thin layers of Isochrysis galbana. The 2 grazers (the protist Oxyrrhis marina and the copepod Acartia tonsa) had significant grazing impact on the thin layers despite the fact that their population maxima were observed outside the layers. Both grazers exported carbon from the thin layer as body burden (i.e. incorporated into cell tissue) and through release of DOC and DIC into the environment above and below the layers, albeit at different rates. The copepods released larger amounts of DIC and DOC within the thin layer, while the protist grazer exported more dissolved carbon (DOC and DIC) from the thin layers. In the copepod treat- ments, a net increase of DIC was observed inside the thin layer (as a result of increased respiration during feeding) and into the atmosphere above the water column due to their vertical migration between the thin layer and the water surface. Whether or not grazers made a positive contribution to DOC net release depended on the strength of grazing, with a negative effect when phytoplankton— itself releasing DOC—was depleted.
Mobile internet diffusion in China: an empirical study

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the diffusion process of mobile internet use (MIU) in China and to explore the determinants driving MIU. , – A survey was conducted to collect data to empirically assess the research model. In total, 736 usable responses were collected using a questionnaire derived from previous research. Both the structural equation model and partial least squares were used to study the model concerning different user groups. , – The results indicate that there are significant differences in the users' perceptions of mobile internet usage during its different innovation diffusion stages. Of the determinants, perceived enjoyment is the most important predictor of MIU. , – In addition to motivating users by making services more enjoyable, the findings suggest that practitioners should take the differences of adopter groups into account. Making the mobile internet easy to use and compatible with users' lifestyles would promote the use of technology as well. , – Few studies have investigated the differences between user groups when studying mobile internet diffusion, especially in China, which is reaching a critical stage in this regard.
Applied Machine Learning at Facebook: A Datacenter Infrastructure Perspective

Machine learning sits at the core of many essential products and services at Facebook. This paper describes the hardware and software infrastructure that supports machine learning at global scale. Facebook's machine learning workloads are extremely diverse: services require many different types of models in practice. This diversity has implications at all layers in the system stack. In addition, a sizable fraction of all data stored at Facebook flows through machine learning pipelines, presenting significant challenges in delivering data to high-performance distributed training flows. Computational requirements are also intense, leveraging both GPU and CPU platforms for training and abundant CPU capacity for real-time inference. Addressing these and other emerging challenges continues to require diverse efforts that span machine learning algorithms, software, and hardware design.
Evaluation of Primary Health Care Units in the Rio De Janeiro City According to the Results of PMAQ 2012

To assess the quality of the primary health care network, the Ministry of Health created the Program for Improving Access and Quality in Primary Care (PMAQ), a national evaluation of family health teams. Thus, this study aims to present the geolocation of PMAQ 2012 quality indicators in the city of Rio de Janeiro. The PMAQ data show that, in the city of Rio de Janeiro, 65% of the teams achieved the performances “good” or “excellent,” 34.7% “regular,” and 0.3% “unsatisfactory. ” The results show a clear PMAQ polarization between teams units classified as optimal and regular in program areas 5 and 3, respectively.
The Impact of Soccer Match Play on the Muscle Damage Response in Youth Female Athletes

Abstract Post-match assessment of creatine kinase (CK) activity and delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) are common markers of exercise-induced muscle damage and recovery status in soccer players. These responses have not been examined in youth female players. This study examined the effect of competitive match play on CK activity and DOMS in elite youth players. Thirty-four elite female players, divided into three chronological age groups (U13, n=11; U15, n=10; U17 n=12). Players completed baseline testing for CK and DOMS that was repeated immediately (for DOMS), 80, 128 and 168 h post-competitive match play for CK. Significant time effects were reported for CK (P=0.006) and DOMS (P<0.01). Significant differences between baseline and 168 h post-match were reported for CK (P<0.01), with significant group differences between the U13 and U17 groups for CK (P<0.01). All parameters returned to baseline in U17s at 168 h, but increased CK was evident for U13s and U15s at 168 h. In conclusion, seven days may be insufficient for biochemical recovery in youth female athletes. Therefore, monitoring strategies to assess muscle damage between training and match play should be considered to track recovery and potentially reduce muscular injury risk.
Effects of El Niño on local hydrography and growth of the giant kelp, Macrocystis pyrifera, at Santa Catalina Island, California1

Deepened isotherms associated with El Nino resulted in severe nutrient limitation and very low kelp productivity during the last half of 1983. Frond growth rates were so low that terminal blades formed before reaching the surface, eliminating the canopy. Frond initiation rates were also extremely low, resulting in significant reductions in mean plant size. Plants growing above 10 m were more severely affected than plants at 20 m. These results suggest that nutrient pulses associated with internal waves are critical for survival of Macrocystis pyrifera in nutritionally marginal habitats in southern California.
Race/Ethnicity, Social Support, and Associations With Diabetes Self-Care and Clinical Outcomes in NHANES

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate how social support and race/ethnicity were associated with diabetes self-care behaviors and clinical outcomes. Methods Using the cross-sectional 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), the authors examined white, black, and Latino respondents who self-reported a diabetes diagnosis (n = 450), estimating the associations of social support on diabetes outcomes. The primary exposure was a social support index (0-5), which assessed the number of sources of support in one’s life. Outcomes were self-care behaviors (controlling weight, exercising, controlling fat/caloric intake, checking feet, and self-monitoring blood glucose) and intermediate clinical outcomes (hemoglobin A1C, diastolic blood pressure, and low-density lipoprotein [LDL]). Results There were no differences in social support by race/ethnicity. The authors observed several significant race/ethnicity by social support interactions in adjusted models, controlling for age, gender, education, self-reported health, depression, functional disability, insurance status, and insulin use. Among blacks, social support was associated with controlling weight (odds ratio [OR] = 1.55, P = .03), exercising (OR = 1.38, P = .03), controlling fat/ calories (OR = 1.84, P = .03), and lower diastolic blood pressure (β = -3.07, P = .02). Among whites, social support was associated with lower LDL (β = -9.45, P = .01). No significant effects were noted for Latinos. Conclusions The relationship of social support with diabetes management differed by race/ethnicity, with the strongest findings among blacks. Social support may be influential for maintaining self-care behaviors among blacks and controlling lipid levels among whites.
Electrospinning of single and multilayered scaffolds for tissue engineering applications

Abstract Optimized electrospinning conditions were applied to produce single and multilayered (ML) scaffolds composed of polycaprolactone, collagen and elastin. The ML scaffold was cross-linked with glutaraldehyde to increase the stability. Morphological and structural characteristics of the scaffolds were measured by SEM and FTIR analyses. Results revealed that polymers combined to each other well and uniform fibers were obtained with the diameters ranging from 156 ± 53 to 1536 ± 293 nm. Contact angle measurements were performed to investigate the hydrophilic character of each structure. It was observed that incorporation of the natural polymers into the blends increased the hydrophilicity. Mechanical tests proved that collagen contributed to fabricate stiffer structures while elastin provided more elasticity. Biocompatibility of the scaffolds was examined by SEM analysis and WST-1 test with mouse fibroblast cells (L929) in vitro. Results exhibited that the addition of natural polymers increased the cell growth, and none of the single and ML scaffolds presented cytotoxic effect.
Elevated AEG-1 expression in macrophages promotes hypopharyngeal cancer invasion through the STAT3-MMP-9 signaling pathway

Macrophages play a critical role in tumor invasion and metastasis, which remain major causes of mortality in patients with hypopharyngeal cancer. Here we investigate the effect of an oncogene, AEG-1 expressed in macrophages on the invasion of hypopharyngeal cancer cells. AEG-1 is more highly expressed in macrophages of human hypopharyngeal cancer samples compared with adjacent non-tumor controls. Using matrigel invasion assay system, THP-1-derived macrophages with forced AEG-1 overexpression enhance FaDu cell invasion whereas macrophages with AEG-1 silence inhibit. Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), which is important in tumor invasion and metastasis through degrading extracellular matrix, is up-reulated by AEG-1 partly through NF-κB p65 in macrophages. Intriguingly, macrophage AEG-1 also induces MMP-9 up-regulated expression in FaDu cells. Furthermore, macrophage AEG-1 activates signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in FaDu cells, which is responsible for macrophage AEG-1-induced an increase in MMP-9 expression and invasion of FaDu cells. This is the first to demonstrate that macrophage AEG-1 promotes tumor invasion through up-regulation of MMP-9 in both macrophages and cancer cells. Thus, the results provide evidences that macrophage AEG-1 contributes to promotion of tumor invasion, and represents as a potential target in hypopharyngeal cancer therapy.
Defining Material Parameters in Commercial EM Solvers for Arbitrary Metal-Based THz Structures

Frequency-domain solvers are used extensively for modeling arbitrary metal-based terahertz structures. Four well-known commercially available electromagnetic (EM) modeling software packages include HFSS™, CST Microwave Studio®, EMPro, and RSoft. However, there are a number of operational issues that relate to how they can be used to obtain more meaningful and accurate results. Even experienced users of these and similar software packages may not fully appreciate some of the subtle ambiguities in defining boundaries and material parameters for use in THz applications. To this end, a detailed comparative study has been undertaken, in consultation with all four vendors. First, in order to avoid introducing ambiguities, frequency dispersion in materials has to be clearly defined from first principles; in both intrinsic and effective forms. Different frequency dispersion models are then introduced for `metal-like' materials. To act as benchmark structures, conventional air-filled metal-pipe rectangular waveguides, associated cavity resonators and a spoof surface plasmon waveguide have been simulated, using a raft of different approaches; with a view to illustrating quantifiable weaknesses in commercial software packages for simulating arbitrary metal-based THz structures. This paper highlights intuitive and logical approaches that give incorrect results and, where possible, makes recommendations for the most appropriate solutions that have hitherto not been given in Technical Notes.
Music Generation from MIDI datasets

Many approaches are being used for music generation to this date. Many fields are revolutionized by the recent deep learning breakthroughs. Music generation is no exception. In this work we employ a character-based Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) for music generation. RNNs has renowned for modeling sequential data and has become popular in the deep learning community for many applications.
EFFECTS OF FLOW STRESS AND FRICTION MODELS IN FINITE ELEMENT SIMULATION OF ORTHOGONAL CUTTING—A SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS

ABSTRACT The accuracy of the results obtained from FEM simulation of machining operations depends on the accuracy of input data. Especially, the flow stress data of the workpiece and the friction along tool–chip interface are extremely crucial for the prediction of cutting variables such as cutting forces, chip formation and temperature distribution. The experimental procedures used to determine flow stress and friction are difficult and costly. Understanding how the input variables affect the FEM predictions can lead to more reliable simulation of machining processes. In this study, the sensitivity analysis of flow stress and friction on FEM simulation is conducted. A power law equation was assumed to represent the flow stress of the workpiece. Magnitudes and dependency of the flow stress upon temperature were varied and used in cutting simulations. Sensitivity analysis on friction was conducted by assuming different constant values of friction factors (for shear friction law) and coefficients of friction (for Coulomb's friction law). Simulation results were compared to explain the effects of flow stress and friction upon predictions.
On Statistics of Graph Energy

Abstract The energy EG of a graph G is the sum of the absolute values of the eigenvalues of G. In the case whene G is a molecular graph, EG is closely related to the total π-electron energy of the corresponding conjugated molecule. We determine the average value of the difference between the energy of two graphs, randomly chosen from the set of all graphs with n vertices and m edges. This result provides a criterion for deciding when two (molecular) graphs are almost coeneigetic.
Checking potential validity of XML documents

The process of creation of document-centric XML documents often starts with a prepared textual content, into which the editor introduces markup. In such situations, intermediate XML is almost never valid with respect to the DTD/Schema used for the encoding. At the same time, it is important to ensure that at each moment of time, the editor is working with an XML document that can enriched with further markup to become valid. In this paper we introduce the notion of potential validity of XML documents, which allows us to distinguish between XML documents that are invalid because the encoding is simply incomplete and XML documents that are invalid because some of the DTD rules guiding the structure of the encoding were violated during the markup process. We give a linear-time algorithm for checking potential validity for documents.