Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Low- and middle-income countries can reduce risks of subsequent neoplasms by referring pediatric craniospinal cases to centralized proton treatment centers

Few children with cancer in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have access to proton therapy. Evidence exists to support replacing photon therapy with proton therapy to reduce the incidence of secondary malignant neoplasms (SMNs) in childhood cancer survivors. The purpose of this study was to estimate the potential reduction in SMN incidence and in SMN mortality for pediatric medulloblastoma (MB) patients in LMICs if proton therapy were made available to them. For nine children of ages 2–14 years, we calculated the equivalent dose in organs or tissues at risk for radiogenic SMNs from therapeutic and stray radiation for photon craniospinal irradiation (CSI) in a LMIC and proton CSI in a high-income country. We projected the lifetime risks of SMN incidence and SMN mortality for every SMN site with a widely-used model from the literature. We found that the average total lifetime attributable risks of incidence and mortality were very high for both photon CSI (168% and 41%, respectively) and proton CSI (88% and 26%, respectively). SMNs having the highest risk of mortality were lung cancer (16%), non-site-specific solid tumors (16%), colon cancer (5.9%), leukemia (5.4%), and for girls breast cancer (5.0%) after photon CSI and non-site-specific solid tumors (12%), lung cancer (11%), and leukemia (4.8%) after proton CSI. The risks were higher for younger children than for older children and higher for girls than for boys. The ratios of proton CSI to photon CSI of total risks of SMN incidence and mortality were 0.56 (95% CI, 0.37–0.75) and 0.64 (95% CI, 0.45–0.82), respectively, averaged over this sample group. In conclusion, proton therapy has the potential to lessen markedly subsequent SMNs and SMN fatalities in survivors of childhood MB in LMICs, for example, through regional centralized care. Additional methods should be explored urgently to reduce therapeutic-field doses in organs and tissues at risk for SMN, especially in the lungs, colon, and breast tissues.
Rat anterior cingulate cortex recalls features of remote reward locations after disfavoured reinforcements

The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) encodes information supporting mnemonic and cognitive processes. We show here that a rat’s position can be decoded with high spatiotemporal resolution from ACC activity. ACC neurons encoded the current state of the animal and task, except for brief excursions that sometimes occurred at target feeders. During excursions, the decoded position became more similar to a remote target feeder than the rat’s physical position. Excursions recruited activation of neurons encoding choice and reward, and the likelihood of excursions at a feeder was inversely correlated with feeder preference. These data suggest that the excursion phenomenon was related to evaluating real or fictive choice outcomes, particularly after disfavoured reinforcements. We propose that the multiplexing of position with choice-related information forms a mental model isomorphic with the task space, which can be mentally navigated via excursions to recall multimodal information about the utility of remote locations.
One-Pot, Highly Stereoselective Synthesis of Dithioacetal-α,α-Diglycosides

A one-step access to dithioacetal-α,α-diglycosides is reported. The synthetic strategy is based on the thioacetalization of aldehydes or ketones via highly stereoselective ring-opening of 1,6 anhydrosugars with bis(trimethylsilyl)sulfide.
Unbiased Estimators and Multilevel Monte Carlo

Multilevel Monte Carlo (MLMC) and unbiased estimators recently proposed by McLeish (Monte Carlo Methods Appl., 2011) and Rhee and Glynn (Oper. Res., 2015) are closely related. This connection is elaborated by presenting a new general class of unbiased estimators, which admits previous debiasing schemes as special cases. New lower variance estimators are proposed, which are stratified versions of earlier unbiased schemes. Under general conditions, essentially when MLMC admits the canonical square root Monte Carlo error rate, the proposed new schemes are shown to be asymptotically as efficient as MLMC, both in terms of variance and cost. The experiments demonstrate that the variance reduction provided by the new schemes can be substantial.
The Postmigratory Alar Topography of Visceral Cranial Nerve Efferents Challenges the Classical Model of Hindbrain Columns

The classic columnar model of cranial nerve central representation assumes that all motor and sensory hindbrain neurons develop within four radial migration domains, held to be separated by a sulcal alar–basal boundary (sulcus limitans). This essay reviews a number of developmental data that challenge these concepts. These results are interpreted within the framework of present day neuromeric conception of the brainstem (the prosomeric model). Advances in dorsoventral patterning of the spinal cord and hindbrain now show that there exist up to eight alar microzones and five basal microzones (molecularly and histogenetically distinct longitudinal progenitor domains). This reveals that the classic tetracolumnar model is excessively simplistic. There is both older and recent data revealing that the visceral efferent neurons of the cranial nerves (preganglionic and branchiomotor neurons) are generated next to the floor plate and later migrate dorsalwards before adopting their final topography in the mantle, contrary to the purely radial migration assumed in the classic model. Moreover, various results support the conclusion that at least the branchiomotor neurons end their migration and mature within the alar region of the mantle. Evidence on this point obtained in chick embryos is reviewed in detail, and novel evidence in mouse embryos is presented. Anat Rec, 302:485–504, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Understanding Convolutional Neural Network Training with Information Theory

Using information theoretic concepts to understand and explore the inner organization of deep neural networks (DNNs) remains a big challenge. Recently, the concept of an information plane began to shed light on the analysis of multilayer perceptrons (MLPs). We provided an in-depth insight into stacked autoencoders (SAEs) using a novel matrix-based Renyi's {\alpha}-entropy functional, enabling for the first time the analysis of the dynamics of learning using information flow in real-world scenario involving complex network architecture and large data. Despite the great potential of these past works, there are several open questions when it comes to applying information theoretic concepts to understand convolutional neural networks (CNNs). These include for instance the accurate estimation of information quantities among multiple variables, and the many different training methodologies. By extending the novel matrix-based Renyi's {\alpha}-entropy functional to a multivariate scenario, this paper presents a systematic method to analyze CNNs training using information theory. Our results validate two fundamental data processing inequalities in CNNs, and also have direct impacts on previous work concerning the training and design of CNNs.
Self-Regulation of Goals and Performance: Effects of Discrepancy Feedback, Regulatory Focus, and Self-Efficacy

We adopted a social cognitive approach of motivation (Bandura, 1986, 1989, 2002) to examine the influence of normative feedback and self-set goals on positive discrepancy creation and goal revision in the face of a novel task. The moderating effects of self-efficacy and regulatory focus were also examined. A laboratory study in-cluding 297 undergraduate students demonstrated that feedback, whether based on normative standards of performance or goal-performance discrepancies was a strong predictor of positive discrepancy creation and goal revision. Self-efficacy was also an independent predictor of goal revision, but regulatory focus was not. These findings have important practical implications for a variety of performance contexts (e.g., work, school, sports). Individuals will modify their goals based largely on feedback received (goal-performance discrepancies and normative standards); however, self-efficacy independently influences goal revision beyond the effects of feed-back. Other implications for research and practice are discussed.
Preference for anonymity in sperm donation for artificial insemination: an experience from low-resource settings in Nigeria

Objective Anonymous sperm donation is a common practice in Nigeria with its associated legal and ethical challenges. This study aimed to investigate infertile couples’ opinions about issues of sperm donor anonymity and to determine factors that might influence their preferences. Methods A cross-sectional, multicentered, questionnaire-based study was conducted among infertile couples attending infertility clinics in three tertiary hospitals in the south-eastern region of Nigeria over a period of 6 months. Results A total of 450 infertile couples were recruited consecutively from the three study centers. However, 450 females and 352 males (total=802) participated in the study. The level of awareness of artificial insemination using donor sperm for the management of male infertility among the respondents was 69.2%, while its acceptability rate was 62.7%. The majority of the respondents indicated their preference for secrecy and anonymity in sperm donation. Approximately 84% of the respondents indicated that the mode of conception should never be disclosed to the donor-conceived child, and ~92% of them indicated that the identity of the sperm donor should never be revealed to the donor-conceived child. Fear of adverse effect of such disclosure on the child and the possible of rejection of the father in order to seek for the donor were the major reasons for their preference for anonymity. Conclusion Although it has been argued that every child has a right to know their genetic parents, the reasons proffered by the respondents for their preference for anonymity cannot be totally ignored. Establishing a regulatory body and enacting laws that will address both the ethical and legal issues associated with gamete donation in the developing world will go a long way in promoting openness and honest communication with donor-conceived children.
Towards efficient spatial compression in self-overlapping virtual environments

Space available for any virtual reality experience is often strictly limited and abridges the virtual world to a size of a room. To extend the amount of virtual space accessible by walking within the same real workspace the methods of spatial compression were proposed. Scene manipulation with a controlled spatial overlap has been shown to be an efficient method. However, in order to apply space compression effectively for a dynamic, scalable and robust 3D user interface, it is important to study how the human perceives different layouts with overlapping spaces. In this paper, we explore the influence of the properties of the layout used on human spatial perception in a physically impossible spatial arrangement. Our first reported study focuses on the following parameters of the path within a simple self-overlapping layout: number of turns, relative door positions, sequences of counter- and clockwise turns, symmetry and asymmetry of the path used. In addition, in the second study we explore the effect of path smoothing by substituting the right-angled corridors by smooth curves. Our studies show that usage of the smooth curved corridors is more beneficial for spatial compression than the conventional right-angled approach.
Dimensional changes of the alveolar ridge contour after different socket preservation techniques.

OBJECTIVES The aim of the following study was to assess contour changes after socket preservation techniques. MATERIAL AND METHODS In five beagle dogs, the distal root of the third and fourth mandibular premolars was extracted. The following treatments (Tx) were randomly assigned for the extraction socket. Tx 1: BioOss Collagen. Tx 2: BioOss Collagen and a free soft tissue graft. Tx 3: No treatment. Tx 4: The internal buccal aspect was covered with an experimental collagen membrane, the extraction socket was filled with BioOss Collagen and the membrane folded on top of the graft. Impressions were obtained at baseline, 2 and 4 months after surgery. Bucco-lingual measurements were performed using digital imaging analysis. RESULTS All groups displayed contour shrinkage at the buccal aspect. Only the differences between the two test groups (Tx 1, Tx 2) and the control group (Tx 3) were significant at the buccal aspect (p< or =0.001). No measurements of the Tx 4 group could be performed. CONCLUSION Socket preservation techniques, used in the present experiment, were not able to entirely compensate for the alterations after tooth extraction. Yet, incorporation of BioOss Collagen seems to have the potential to limit but not avoid the post-operative contour shrinkage.
Diaphragm Muscle Weakness Following Acute Sustained Hypoxic Stress in the Mouse Is Prevented by Pretreatment with N-Acetyl Cysteine

Oxygen deficit (hypoxia) is a major feature of cardiorespiratory diseases characterized by diaphragm dysfunction, yet the putative role of hypoxic stress as a driver of diaphragm dysfunction is understudied. We explored the cellular and functional consequences of sustained hypoxic stress in a mouse model. Adult male mice were exposed to 8 hours of normoxia, or hypoxia (FiO2 = 0.10) with or without antioxidant pretreatment (N-acetyl cysteine, 200 mg/kg i.p.). Ventilation and metabolism were measured. Diaphragm muscle contractile function, myofibre size and distribution, gene expression, protein signalling cascades, and oxidative stress (TBARS) were determined. Hypoxia caused pronounced diaphragm muscle weakness, unrelated to increased respiratory muscle work. Hypoxia increased diaphragm HIF-1α protein content and activated MAPK, mTOR, Akt, and FoxO3a signalling pathways, largely favouring protein synthesis. Hypoxia increased diaphragm lipid peroxidation, indicative of oxidative stress. FoxO3 and MuRF-1 gene expression were increased. Diaphragm 20S proteasome activity and muscle fibre size and distribution were unaffected by acute hypoxia. Pretreatment with N-acetyl cysteine substantially enhanced cell survival signalling, prevented hypoxia-induced diaphragm oxidative stress, and prevented hypoxia-induced diaphragm dysfunction. Hypoxia is a potent driver of diaphragm weakness, causing myofibre dysfunction without attendant atrophy. N-acetyl cysteine protects the hypoxic diaphragm and may have application as a potential adjunctive therapy.
Design of the Moses Decoder for Statistical Machine Translation

We present a description of the implementation of the open source decoder for statistical machine translation which has become popular with many researchers in SMT research. The goal of the project is to create an open, high quality phrase-based decoder which can reduce the time and barrier to entry for researchers wishing to do SMT research. We discuss the major design objective for the Moses decoder, its performance relative to other SMT decoders, and the steps we are taking to ensure that its success will continue.
Predicting the likelihood of QA failure using treatment plan accuracy metrics

This study used automated data processing techniques to calculate a set of novel treatment plan accuracy metrics, and investigate their usefulness as predictors of quality assurance (QA) success and failure. A small sample of 151 beams from 23 prostate and cranial IMRT treatment plans were used in this study. These plans had been evaluated before treatment using measurements with a diode array system. The TADA software suite was adapted to allow automatic batch calculation of several proposed plan accuracy metrics, including mean field area, small-aperture, off-axis and closed-leaf factors. All of these results were compared to the gamma pass rates from the QA measurements and correlations were investigated. The mean field area factor provided a threshold field size (5 cm2, equivalent to a 2.2 × 2.2 cm2 square field), below which all beams failed the QA tests. The small aperture score provided a useful predictor of plan failure, when averaged over all beams, despite being weakly correlated with gamma pass rates for individual beams. By contrast, the closed leaf and off-axis factors provided information about the geometric arrangement of the beam segments but were not useful for distinguishing between plans that passed and failed QA. This study has provided some simple tests for plan accuracy, which may help minimise time spent on QA assessments of treatments that are unlikely to pass.
Nintendo Wii™ Versus Xbox Kinect™ for Assisting People With Parkinson's Disease

This study investigated changes in motor and cognitive skills, anxiety levels, and quality of life perception among patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD) following training with different commercial gaming devices—Nintendo Wii™ and Xbox Kinect™. We used a quasi-experimental, simple blinded clinical trial, dividing 27 patients with PD into three equal groups of nine members: (a) Nintendo Wii™, (b) Xbox Kinect™, and (c) control group. After pretests, experimental group participants spent 10 sessions playing four games of the selected gaming device, while control group participants received no intervention. Only those engaged with the Nintendo Wii™ significantly improved their performance on single and dual task gait tests, decreased anxiety levels, and improved memory, attention, and reversibility. The control group showed no changes on any measures.
Epithelial Uptake of Flagella Initiates Proinflammatory Signaling

The airway epithelium serves multiple roles in the defense of the lung. Not only does it act as a physical barrier, it acts as a distal extension of the innate immune system. We investigated the role of the airway epithelium in the interaction with flagella, an important virulence factor of the pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a cause of ventilator associated pneumonia and significant morbidity and mortality in patients with cystic fibrosis. Flagella were required for transmigration across polarized airway epithelial cells and this was a direct consequence of motility, and not a signaling effect. Purified flagella did not alter the barrier properties of the epithelium but were observed to be rapidly endocytosed inside epithelial cells. Neither flagella nor intact P. aeruginosa stimulated epithelial inflammasome signaling. Flagella-dependent signaling required dynamin-based uptake as well as TLR5 and primarily led to the induction of proinflammatory (Tnf, Il6) as well as neutrophil (Cxcl1, Cxcl2, Ccl3) and macrophage (Ccl20) chemokines. Although flagella are important in invasion across the epithelial barrier their shedding in the airway lumen results in epithelial uptake and signaling that has a major role in the initial recruitment of immune cells in the lung.
Better Off Than We Know

Three studies examined Americans’ perceptions of incomes and income inequality using a variety of criterion measures. Contrary to recent findings indicating that Americans underestimate wealth inequality, we found that Americans not only overestimated the rise of income inequality over time, but also underestimated average incomes. Thus, economic conditions in America are more favorable than people seem to realize. Furthermore, ideological differences emerged in two of these studies, such that political liberals overestimated the rise of inequality more than political conservatives. Implications of these findings for public policy debates and ideological disagreements are discussed.
Changes in cerebral blood flow and vasoreactivity to CO 2 measured by Arterial Spin Labeling after 6 days at 4,350 m

Changes in cerebral perfusion and CO 2 cerebrovascular reactivity during and immediately after a sojourn at high altitude remain unclear but may be critical for acclimatization. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of 6 days at 4,350 m on cerebral perfusion and cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) to CO 2 by arterial spin labeling (ASL) magnetic resonance imaging at sea level and to compare it with transcranial Doppler (TCD) results at altitude. Eleven healthy male subjects, non-acclimatized to altitude, stayed for 6 days at 4,350 m (Observatoire Vallot, massif du Mont-Blanc). Prior to the stay and within 6 h after returning to sea level, subjects were investigated using pseudo-continuous ASL at 3 T during a block-design inhalation paradigm to measure basal cerebral blood flow (CBF) and CO 2 CVR. End-tidal CO 2 (PetCO 2 ), respiratory rate, heart rate and oxygen saturation were recorded during the exam. Subjects were also examined using TCD prior to and on day 5 of the stay at altitude to measure blood velocity in the middle cerebral artery (MCAv) and CO 2 CVR. CO 2 CVR was expressed as percent change in ASL CBF or TCD MCAv per mmHg change in PetCO 2 . PetCO 2 was significantly decreased during and after altitude. Significant increases in TCD MCAv compared to before altitude measurements were observed on day 5 at altitude (+20.5 ± 15.5 %). Interestingly, ASL CBF remained increased in the MCA and anterior vascular territories (+22.0 ± 24.1 % and 20.5 ± 20.3 %, respectively) after altitude under normoxic conditions. TCD CVR tended to decrease on day 5 at 4,350 m (-12.3 ± 54.5 % in the MCA) while the ASL CVR was significantly decreased after altitude (-29.5 ± 19.8 % in the MCA). No correlation was observed between cerebral hemodynamic changes and symptoms of acute mountain sickness at high altitude. In conclusion, prolonged exposure to high altitude significantly increases blood flow during the altitude stay and within 6 h after returning to sea level. Decreased CO 2 CVR after altitude exposure was also observed using ASL. Changes in cerebral hemodynamics with altitude exposure probably involve other mechanisms than the vasodilatory effect of hypoxia only, since it persists under normoxia several hours following the descent.
Dependence of wear and corrosion properties on holding time of spark plasma sintered SAF 2205 reinforced with TiN nanoparticles

The In this study, duplex stainless steel containing 5 vol% TiN nanoparticles was fabricated by means of spark plasma sintering (SPS). The effect of sintering holding time, microstructure, density, microhardness, corrosion and wear was investigated. The results showed that ferrite and austenite were the dominant phase. New phase of chromium nitride precipitated (Cr2N) was formed when sintering holding time was increased above 5 min. The volume fraction of the precipitated nitrides increased with the increase in the holding time. The microhardness and density of the composites was increased with the increase in holding time. The corrosion resistance of the composites degraded with the increase in the holding time while, the best wear performance was attained with 10 min holding time.