Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sure independence screening for ultrahigh dimensional feature space

Summary. Variable selection plays an important role in high dimensional statistical modelling which nowadays appears in many areas and is key to various scientific discoveries. For problems of large scale or dimensionality p, accuracy of estimation and computational cost are two top concerns. Recently, Candes and Tao have proposed the Dantzig selector using L1‐regularization and showed that it achieves the ideal risk up to a logarithmic factor log (p). Their innovative procedure and remarkable result are challenged when the dimensionality is ultrahigh as the factor log (p) can be large and their uniform uncertainty principle can fail. Motivated by these concerns, we introduce the concept of sure screening and propose a sure screening method that is based on correlation learning, called sure independence screening, to reduce dimensionality from high to a moderate scale that is below the sample size. In a fairly general asymptotic framework, correlation learning is shown to have the sure screening property for even exponentially growing dimensionality. As a methodological extension, iterative sure independence screening is also proposed to enhance its finite sample performance. With dimension reduced accurately from high to below sample size, variable selection can be improved on both speed and accuracy, and can then be accomplished by a well‐developed method such as smoothly clipped absolute deviation, the Dantzig selector, lasso or adaptive lasso. The connections between these penalized least squares methods are also elucidated.
Insulin-induced exocytosis regulates the cell surface level of low-density lipoprotein-related protein-1 in Müller Glial cells.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor-related protein-1 (LRP1) is expressed in retinal Müller glial cells (MGCs) and regulates intracellular translocation to the plasma membrane (PM) of the membrane proteins involved in cellular motility and activity. Different functions of MGCs may be influenced by insulin, including the removal of extracellular glutamate in the retina. In the present work, we investigated whether insulin promotes LRP1 translocation to the PM in the Müller glial-derived cell line MIO-M1 (human retinal Müller glial cell-derived cell line). We demonstrated that LRP1 is stored in small vesicles containing an approximate size of 100 nm (mean diameter range of 100-120 nm), which were positive for sortilin and VAMP2, and also incorporated GLUT4 when it was transiently transfected. Next, we observed that LRP1 translocation to the PM was promoted by insulin-regulated exocytosis through intracellular activation of the IR/PI3K/Akt axis and Rab-GTPase proteins such as Rab8A and Rab10. In addition, these Rab-GTPases regulated both the constitutive and insulin-induced LRP1 translocation to the PM. Finally, we found that dominant-negative Rab8A and Rab10 mutants impaired insulin-induced intracellular signaling of the IR/PI3K/Akt axis, suggesting that these GTPase proteins as well as the LRP1 level at the cell surface are involved in insulin-induced IR activation.
Learning from Neighbors’ Export Activities: Evidence from Exporters’ Survival

Recent studies in international trade report that new exporters often start selling small amounts and cease exporting in the first year. These findings reflect a substantial amount of uncertainty facing new exporters. In this paper we study whether export activities in the neighborhood reveal information about export profitability and thus enhance new exporters' performance. Using transaction-level data for the universe of exporters in China over the period of 2001-2005, we find that new exporters; first-year sales and probability of survival are both higher in cities where there are more existing export activities in the same market (industry or destination country). Export activities in other markets do not generate any positive spillovers, and in some cases we find negative spillovers. Spillovers from processing exporters are weaker. Foreign exporters benefit less from neighboring export activities. The relaion between the magnitude of spillovers and the proxies for demand uncertainty is non-monotonic. We empirically verify that our findings are unlikely to be spurious or resulted from spillovers through the credit- constraint or the imported-material channels.
Seeing without knowing: Limitations of the transparency ideal and its application to algorithmic accountability

Models for understanding and holding systems accountable have long rested upon ideals and logics of transparency. Being able to see a system is sometimes equated with being able to know how it works and govern it—a pattern that recurs in recent work about transparency and computational systems. But can “black boxes’ ever be opened, and if so, would that ever be sufficient? In this article, we critically interrogate the ideal of transparency, trace some of its roots in scientific and sociotechnical epistemological cultures, and present 10 limitations to its application. We specifically focus on the inadequacy of transparency for understanding and governing algorithmic systems and sketch an alternative typology of algorithmic accountability grounded in constructive engagements with the limitations of transparency ideals.
Out of the cold: Unveiling the elements required for low temperature induction of gene expression in plants

SummaryCold acclimation is the process which leads to the development of freezing tolerance in plants. It is a multigenic process requiring a programmed and integrated genetic capacity to put the appropriate mechanisms into place for plants to withstand the adverse environment. A plethora of genes are expressed in response to low temperature, and the molecular responses associated with the induction of their expression are complex. Nevertheless, significant advances have been made in the field of abiotic stress tolerance in the past 10 years. Several genes, including the WCS120 gene family from wheat, have been studied extensively to gain insight into the molecular events leading to the expression of cold-inducible genes and cognate proteins. I will review the recent advances in our understanding of the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational events involved in the response to the low temperature stimulus. The knowledge gained from these studies should allow the establishment of strategies aimed at the improvement of freezing/cold tolerance in economically important crops.
Octocoral distributions at Carrie Bow Cay, Belize

Abundance and size distributions of octocorals in 4 habitats at Carrie Bow Cay, Belize, were determined from a series of transects taken in April 1982. The 4 habitats studied were a sand-flat, patch reef, forereef and forereef ridge. Octocorals were abundant in all 4 habitats but were most abundant on the forereef. The majority of species were represented by greater numbers of large colonies than by recent recruits (colonies < l0 cm tall). However, species which had the largest number of small colonles numerically dominated the conlmunity. On the sand-flat and forereef, species of the genus Pseudopterogorgia predominated. The great abundance of Pseudopterogorgia spp. was achieved through high rates of recruitment and/or juvenile survival. Bn'areurn asbestinurn was the most abundant octocoral on the patch reef and forereef ridge. B. asbestinurn uses a second life history strategy in which it relies on vegetative reproduction to produce large numbers of recruits, many of which sunive and become large colonies. The plexaurids may exhibit a third life history strategy in which low recruitment in concert with high survival leads to an accun~ulation of large colonies. These life history patterns are very similar to those previously observed among stony corals.
Artificial pancreas treatment for outpatients with type 1 diabetes: systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of artificial pancreas treatment in non-pregnant outpatients with type 1 diabetes. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Data sources Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, and grey literature up to 2 February 2018. Eligibility criteria for selecting studies Randomised controlled trials in non-pregnant outpatients with type 1 diabetes that compared the use of any artificial pancreas system with any type of insulin based treatment. Primary outcome was proportion (%) of time that sensor glucose level was within the near normoglycaemic range (3.9-10 mmol/L). Secondary outcomes included proportion (%) of time that sensor glucose level was above 10 mmol/L or below 3.9 mmol/L, low blood glucose index overnight, mean sensor glucose level, total daily insulin needs, and glycated haemoglobin. The Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool was used to assess study quality. Results 40 studies (1027 participants with data for 44 comparisons) were included in the meta-analysis. 35 comparisons assessed a single hormone artificial pancreas system, whereas nine comparisons assessed a dual hormone system. Only nine studies were at low risk of bias. Proportion of time in the near normoglycaemic range (3.9-10.0 mmol/L) was significantly higher with artificial pancreas use, both overnight (weighted mean difference 15.15%, 95% confidence interval 12.21% to 18.09%) and over a 24 hour period (9.62%, 7.54% to 11.7%). Artificial pancreas systems had a favourable effect on the proportion of time with sensor glucose level above 10 mmol/L (−8.52%, −11.14% to −5.9%) or below 3.9 mmol/L (−1.49%, −1.86% to −1.11%) over 24 hours, compared with control treatment. Robustness of findings for the primary outcome was verified in sensitivity analyses, by including only trials at low risk of bias (11.64%, 9.1% to 14.18%) or trials under unsupervised, normal living conditions (10.42%, 8.63% to 12.2%). Results were consistent in a subgroup analysis both for single hormone and dual hormone artificial pancreas systems. Conclusions Artificial pancreas systems are an efficacious and safe approach for treating outpatients with type 1 diabetes. The main limitations of current research evidence on artificial pancreas systems are related to inconsistency in outcome reporting, small sample size, and short follow-up duration of individual trials.
Stereological calibration of the profile method to quickly estimate atresia 1 levels in fish 2 3

12 13 The (physical) ‘disector method’, a frequently cited stereological technique, has so far 14 received little attention within fish fecundity studies, although it can be used to provide 15 unbiased, assumption-free data on levels of atresia (resorption of vitellogenic oocytes). In 16 comparison, traditional simple counting to estimate the numerical ratio of normal to atretic 17 cells is biased because the smaller atretic cells have a lower chance of being transected in 18 histological sections. These problems are circumvented by the disector method as it operates 19 in three dimensions, i.e., uses consecutive pairs of slides. However, the high labour costs 20 involved prevent regular usage of this method in population studies where large numbers of 21 ovarian samples are processed. In the present paper we assess the corresponding bias of the 22 traditional profile method, analysing developing ovaries of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) and 23 herring (Clupea harengus), i.e., in a relatively broad and narrow oocyte frequency situation, 24 respectively. A highly significant but non-linear relationship (r 2 = 0.975, P < 0.001, df = 154) 25 was found between the relative intensity of atretic vitellogenic oocytes (ARI) estimated by the 26 disector and profile method. Both species fitted well to this polynomial model. The degree of 27 underestimation of atretic oocytes still containing yolk (i.e. the alpha stage) was at maximum 28 (11.6 %) at intermediate levels (ARI = 50% (disector)) but, logically, no such bias existed at 29 the extreme ends (ARI: 0 and 100% (disector)). The practical use of this simple, fast approach 30 designated the stereo-profile method, including the additional use of image analysis for 31 further refinements, is successfully demonstrated on field samples. 32 33
Sewage sludge ash ( SSA ) in high performance concrete : characterization and application

Resumo Sewage sludge originated from the process of treatment of wastewater has become an environmental issue for three main reasons: contains pathogens, heavy metals and organic compounds that are harmful to the environmental and human health; high volumes are daily generated; and shortage of landfill sites for proper disposal. This research deals with the viability study of sewage sludge utilization, after calcination process, as mineral admixture in the production of concrete. High-performance concretes were produced with replacement content of 5% and 10% by weight of Portland cement with sewage sludge ash (SSA). The influence of this ash was analyzed through physical and mechanical tests. Analysis showed that the mixtures containing SSA have lower values of compressive strength than the reference. The results of absorptivity, porosity and accelerated penetration of chloride ions, presents that mixtures containing ash showed reductions compared to the reference. This indicates that SSA provided refinement of the pore structure, which was confirmed by mercury intrusion porosimetry test.
Islamophobia, Health, and Public Health: A Systematic Literature Review.

BACKGROUND In 2017, a "Muslim ban" on immigrants to the United States was coupled with a continued rise in Islamophobia and hate crimes toward Muslims. Islamophobia undermines health equity, yet delineating the effects of Islamophobia globally is challenging as it affects a myriad of groups (geographically, racially, and socially). Additionally, stereotypes equate all Muslims with populations from the Middle East and South Asia. To date, health research pays insufficient attention to Islamophobia, Muslims, and those racialized to be Muslim. OBJECTIVES This literature review advances our understanding of racism and health by examining the racialization of religion, by specifically examining Islamophobia as a form of discrimination. SEARCH METHODS Per PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a search in October 2017 using PubMed-MEDLINE and a combination of terms. We identified additional articles using other search engines. For inclusion, articles needed to include a descriptor of discrimination, contain an identifier of Muslim or Muslim-like identity (i.e., groups commonly perceived as Muslim, including Arabs, Middle Easterners, North Africans, and South Asians), include a health outcome, be in English, and be published between 1990 and 2017. SELECTION CRITERIA We identified 111 unique peer-reviewed articles. We excluded articles that did not meet the following criteria: (1) examined Islamophobia, discrimination, or racism among a Muslim or Muslim-like population; (2) included a health outcome or discussion of health disparities; and (3) was conducted in North America, Europe, Australia, or New Zealand. This yielded 53 articles. RESULTS The majority of studies (n = 34; 64%) were quantitative. The remaining studies were qualitative (n = 7; 13%), mixed methods (n = 2; 4%), or reviews (n = 10; 19%). Most studies were based in the United States (n = 31; 58%). Nearly half of the reviewed studies examined mental health (n = 24; 45%), and one fourth examined physical health or health behaviors (n = 13; 25%). Others focused on both physical and mental health (n = 10; 19%) or health care seeking (n = 7; 13%). Studies showed associations between Islamophobia and poor mental health, suboptimal health behaviors, and unfavorable health care-seeking behaviors. CONCLUSIONS This study elucidates the associations between Islamophobia, health, and socioecological determinants of health. Future studies should examine the intersectional nature of Islamophobia and include validated measures, representative samples, subgroup analyses, and comparison groups. More methodologically rigorous studies of Islamophobia and health are needed. Public Health Implications. Addressing the discrimination-related poor health that Muslims and racialized Muslim-like subgroups experience is central to the goals of health equity and assurance of the fundamental right to health.
Riemannian Lp center of mass: existence, uniqueness, and convexity

Let be a complete Riemannian manifold and a probability measure on . Assume . We derive a new bound (in terms of , the injectivity radius of and an upper bound on the sectional curvatures of ) on the radius of a ball containing the support of which ensures existence and uniqueness of the global Riemannian center of mass with respect to . A significant consequence of our result is that under the best available existence and uniqueness conditions for the so-called ``local'' center of mass, the global and local centers coincide. In our derivation we also give an alternative proof for a uniqueness result by W. S. Kendall. As another contribution, we show that for a discrete probability measure on , under the existence and uniqueness conditions, the (global) center of mass belongs to the closure of the convex hull of the masses. We also give a refined result when is of constant curvature.
Mechanophysiology of cupulae and hair cells in the lateral line of fish and pitch perception of complex sounds in humans

Amiloride is a known blocker of the mechano-electrical transduction current in sensory hair cells. Measurements of cupular motion in the lateral line organ of fish now show that amiloride concurrently changes the micromechanical properties of the hair cell bundles. The effects of amiloride on the mechanics and receptor potentials of the hair cells resemble those previously observed for the aminoglycoside drug dihydrostreptomycin (DHSM) and are similarly antagonized by Ca. Amiloride and DHSM are hypothesized to act on hair cells in two correlated ways, which manifest themselves in both the electrical and mechanical properties of the transduction process. One action is the reduction of the transduction current with a concurrent increase of the hair bundle stiffness. The other action is a shift of the hair cell’s operating point on a current-displacement curve, with a concomitant shift along the associated hair bundle stiffness-displacement curve. The latter action has a reversed effect as compared to that of the first and may lead, at relatively low blocker concentrations, to both an increase of transduction current and a decrease in hair bundle stiffness.
Psychosocial response and symptom burden for male smokers with lung cancer.

PURPOSE Cigarette smoking causes many kinds of cancer, and it is more closely related with lung cancer, rather than other cancers. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer and ninety percent of the smokers are male in China, but there is little published data concerning the psychological responses in the male smokers with lung cancer and its influence on the symptom burden. The aim of the study was to verify the hypothesis that male smokers with lung cancer have more positive attitude and less symptom burden, comparing to male non-smokers. METHODS A total of 194 men with cancer in West China Hospital, Sichuan, China, were assessed by self-administered questionnaire. Psychological response was measured by the Chinese version of Mini-Mental Adjustment to Cancer scale (Mini-MAC), and symptom burden was measured by the physical symptom distress scale from the Rotterdam Symptom Checklist (RSCL). RESULTS We found that smokers with lung cancer got higher scores in positive attitude and a smaller symptom burden than non-smokers. Patients with education lower than high school got higher scores of positive attitude compared to college graduate patients (p=0.038). Smokers with lung cancer who knew the potential carcinogenicity of cigarette showed less negative emotions (p=0.011). The psychological response was not affected by age, clinical stage, cell type, smoking duration and amount. CONCLUSIONS Male smokers with lung cancer have a more positive attitude and fewer symptoms, comparing to male non-smokers. Appropriate psychological intervention for non-smokers with lung cancer deserves more attention.
Unconstrained, phonemic and semantic verbal fluency: age and education effects, norms and discrepancies

OBJECTIVE: To present performance norms and discrepancy score of three one-minute verbal fluency tasks (VFTs); to investigate age and education effects; to analyze the differences between time intervals; and to investigate whether these differences varied according to age and education. METHOD: Three hundred adults divided into three age groups (19-39; 40-59; 60-75) and two groups of educational level (2 to 7 years; 8 years or more) performed unconstrained, semantic, and phonemic VFTs. We compared the performance of the groups using two-way ANOVA with post-hoc Bonferroni test. The depression scale score was covariate. The time interval of verbal fluency was the variable used for subjects' comparison (repeated measures ANOVA). RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that there are age and education effects on phonemic and unconstrained VFTs. We also found an interaction between those variables in the semantic VFT (time intervals and total time) and in the differences between semantic and phonemic tasks. The repeated measures analysis revealed age effects on semantic VFTs and education effects on the phonemic and semantic VFTs. Such findings are relevant for clinical neuropsychology, contributing to avoid false-positive or false-negative interpretation.
Pharmacokinetic studies in children: recommendations for practice and research

Optimising the dosing of medicines for neonates and children remains a challenge. The importance of pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) research is recognised both in medicines regulation and paediatric clinical pharmacology, yet there remain barriers to undertaking high-quality PK and PD studies. While these studies are essential in understanding the dose–concentration–effect relationship and should underpin dosing recommendations, this review examines how challenges affecting the design and conduct of paediatric pharmacological studies can be overcome using targeted pharmacometric strategies. Model-based approaches confer benefits at all stages of the drug life-cycle, from identifying the first dose to be used in children, to clinical trial design, and optimising the dosing regimens of older, off-patent medications. To benefit patients, strategies to ensure that new PK, PD and trial data are incorporated into evidence-based dosing recommendations are needed. This review summarises practical strategies to address current challenges, particularly the use of model-based (pharmacometric) approaches in study design and analysis. Recommendations for practice and directions for future paediatric pharmacological research are given, based on current literature and our joint international experience. Success of PK research in children requires a robust infrastructure, with sustainable funding mechanisms at its core, supported by political and regulatory initiatives, and international collaborations. There is a unique opportunity to advance paediatric medicines research at an unprecedented pace, bringing the age of evidence-based paediatric pharmacotherapy into sight.