Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Long-term effects of birth weight and breastfeeding duration on inflammation in early adulthood

Chronic inflammation is a potentially important physiological mechanism linking early life environments and health in adulthood. Elevated concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP)—a key biomarker of inflammation—predict increased cardiovascular and metabolic disease risk in adulthood, but the developmental factors that shape the regulation of inflammation are not known. We investigated birth weight and breastfeeding duration in infancy as predictors of CRP in young adulthood in a large representative cohort study (n = 6951). Birth weight was significantly associated with CRP in young adulthood, with a negative association for birth weights 2.8 kg and higher. Compared with individuals not breastfed, CRP concentrations were 20.1%, 26.7%, 29.6% and 29.8% lower among individuals breastfed for less than three months, three to six months, 6–12 months and greater than 12 months, respectively. In sibling comparison models, higher birth weight was associated with lower CRP for birth weights above 2.5 kg, and breastfeeding greater than or equal to three months was significantly associated with lower CRP. Efforts to promote breastfeeding and improve birth outcomes may have clinically relevant effects on reducing chronic inflammation and lowering risk for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases in adulthood.
CTA-aware Prefetching for GPGPU

In this paper, we propose a thread group-aware stride prefetching scheme for GPUs. GPU kernels group threads into cooperative thread arrays (CTAs). Each thread typically uses its thread index and its associated CTA index to identify the data that it operates on. The starting base address accessed by the first warp in a CTA is difficult to predict, since that starting address is a complex function of thread index and CTA index and also depends on how the programmer distributes input data across CTAs. But threads within each CTA exhibit stride accesses. Hence, if the base address of each CTA can be computed early, it is possible to accurately predict prefetch addresses for threads within a CTA. To compute the base address of each CTA, a leading warp is used from each CTA. The leading warp is executed early by pairing it with warps from currently executing leading CTA. The warps in the leading CTA are used to compute the stride value. The stride value is then combined with base addresses computed from the leading warp of each CTA to prefetch the data for all the trailing warps in the trailing CTAs. Through simple enhancements to the existing two-level scheduler, prefetches can be issued sufficiently ahead of time before the demand requests. CTA-aware prefetch predicts addresses with over 99.27% accuracy and is able to improve GPU performance by 10%.
Is Marriage Good For Your Health? The Influential Role Of Marital Quality And Life Events On Individual-Level Health And Well-Being

The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between marital quality and psychological well-being and physical health over time. Recent studies have reported the negative consequences of remaining in a long-term, low-quality marital relationship. However, few studies have examined how changes in marital quality may influence health outcomes. Utilizing the Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS I and II; N = 1,805) dataset, the present study test two main hypotheses: 1) individuals in low-quality marriages will report lower levels of longterm mental and physical health than individuals in high quality marriages and 2) long-term health outcomes are sensitive to shifts in marital status. Results indicate that individuals in persistently low-quality marital relationships report consistently lower levels of well-being than individuals in high-quality relationships. In addition, psychological outcomes are associated with declines, but not improvements in marital
COGENT: Certified Compilation for a Functional Systems Language

We present a self-certifying compiler for the COGENT systems language. COGENT is a restricted, polymorphic, higher-order, and purely functional language with linear types and without the need for a trusted runtime or garbage collector. It compiles to efficient C code that is designed to interoperate with existing C functions. The language is suited for layered systems code with minimal sharing such as file systems or network protocol control code. For a well-typed COGENT program, the compiler produces C code, a high-level shallow embedding of its semantics in Isabelle/HOL, and a proof that the C code correctly implements this embedding. The aim is for proof engineers to reason about the full semantics of real-world systems code productively and equationally, while retaining the interoperability and leanness of C. We describe the formal verification stages of the compiler, which include automated formal refinement calculi, a switch from imperative update semantics to functional value semantics formally justified by the linear type system, and a number of standard compiler phases such as type checking and monomorphisation. The compiler certificate is a series of language-level meta proofs and per-program translation validation phases, combined into one coherent top-level theorem in Isabelle/HOL.
A free differential Lie algebra for the interval

Using geometric methods we constructively show the existence of a unique completed free differential graded Lie algebra modelled on the interval, with three generators, a, b and e in degrees -1, -1 and 0, corresponding to the two 0-cells and one 1-cell, such that the `flow' in direction e carries a to b in unit time. The background, historical perspective and related open problems are given at the end of the paper.
On Repeated Games with Complete Information

We consider N person repeated games with complete information and standard signalling. We first prove several properties of the sets of feasible payoffs and Nash equilibrium payoffs for the n-stage game and for the λ-discounted game. In the second part we determine the set of equilibrium payoffs for the Prisoner's Dilemma corresponding to the critical value of the discount factor.
Developmental Neuropsychology: A Clinical Approach

Part 1: Defining the Neurodevelopmental Context. Child Neuropsychology: Dimensions of Theory and Practice. Cerebral Development. Cognitive Development. Part 2: Common CNS Disorders of Childhood: Neurological, Developmental and Psychosocial Dimensions. Recovery from Early Brain Insult: Plasticity, Early Vulnerability and their Neural Bases. Traumatic Brain Injury in Children. Hydrocephalus and Spina Bifida. Cerebral Infections. Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders. Childhood Epilepsies. Part 3: Neuropsychological Practice within a Developmental Context. Child Neuropsychological Assessment: A Conceptual Framework. Case Illustrations: From Referral to Treatment. Closing Comments. References. Index.
Is there an indication for palliative surgical procedure of shoulder and upper limb malignancies?

AIMS Major amputation is not a frequent procedure at present, however, there is a group of patients still considered for these treatments. Our objective was to evaluate the results of this surgical intervention as well as to evaluate morbidity, local control, free disease, and palliation. METHODS The study included 57 patients on whom interscapulothoracic disarticulation (STDI) was carried out at the Instituto Nacional de Cancerología were (Mexico City) from 1974 to 1993. Patients with oncologic pathology were operated with a palliative aims. Twenty eight male and twenty nine female patients were found with average age of 44 years (range: 13 to 79 years). Clinical situation was characterized by tumor (100%), pain (46%), functional incapacity (39%), ulceration (32%), and bleeding (9%), Karnofsky 80% (range, 50 to 100). Time of evolution was 25 months (range: 1-121 months) and size was > 10 cm in 86% of cases. RESULTS Postoperative complications were present in ten, followed by patients follow infection in five cases, hematoma in the upper lung lobe in two and femoral thrombosis, skin wound necrosis, and bleeding in one case each. Palliation was evaluated to eliminate tumoral load, ulceration, bleeding, functional incapacity, and pre- and postoperative pain. Global survival was 12 months (range, 1-139 months). CONCLUSIONS Interscapulothoracic disarticulation is an infrequently performed surgery with low morbidity and mortality, low recurrence, no effect on survival, and excellent palliative results.
Brain mechanisms of perception and memory : from neuron to behavior

This is a book of the proceedings of a symposium with the same title held in Toyama, Japan in 1991. The book is divided in to seven sections entitled: Perception of form; Perception of motion; Memory: Limbic system; Perception and memory: Neocortex; Neural plasticity; Neural modelling and representation; and Perspectives on thought and consciousness. The authors of each chapter in the book attempt to review current understanding of how the higher functions of the brain can be reduced to the level of neuronal function, with particular focus on their own research. It highlights the complex interactions between the neuronal systems which are involved in visual processing, memory, thought and even consciousness. Unfortunately this book is not for the reader who requires a brief overview of progress in these areas of research. By contrast, for those wishing a comprehensive report of fairly recent research into the higher functioning of the human and primate brain this book would be a valuable acquisition. There are very good chapters outlining research on visual processing in primates. In particular, the reports on how different portions of the same visual image are divided and processed in different areas of the brain are of great interest. The section on how neuronal functioning can affect memory is also excellent. Data is reported from studies on primates as well as from the study of humans with particular brain lesions. The role of the hippocampus in memory is also addressed in great detail. However, in all cases it is apparent that a long journey awaits those wishing to establish how the neurons in the human brain allow its various higher functions to be camed out. Perhaps the most stimulating chapters in the book are those by Dr Masao Ito and Sir John Eccles, entitled How does the cerebellum facilitate thought and Evolution of consciousness, respectively. These chapters attempt to use current knowledge to explain how these two amorphous functions of the brain could be accounted for at the level of the neuron. The mix of science and philosophy in Sir John Eccles’ chapter is particularly interesting and makes an excellent final chapter to the book. Those readers interest in brain mind interactions and World 1 (liaison brain) and World 2 (the world of the conscious) interactions will find this chapter essential reading. In summary, this book is an excellent update on the progress of research into higher brain function; however, it is not a book for anyone wishing to obtain a brief and simplified review of this research. Brian Dean Melbourne, Victoria
Transmission Potential of Rift Valley Fever Virus over the Course of the 2010 Epidemic in South Africa

A Rift Valley fever (RVF) epidemic affecting animals on domestic livestock farms was reported in South Africa during January–August 2010. The first cases occurred after heavy rainfall, and the virus subsequently spread countrywide. To determine the possible effect of environmental conditions and vaccination on RVF virus transmissibility, we estimated the effective reproduction number (Re) for the virus over the course of the epidemic by extending the Wallinga and Teunis algorithm with spatial information. Re reached its highest value in mid-February and fell below unity around mid-March, when vaccination coverage was 7.5%–45.7% and vector-suitable environmental conditions were maintained. The epidemic fade-out likely resulted first from the immunization of animals following natural infection or vaccination. The decline in vector-suitable environmental conditions from April onwards and further vaccination helped maintain Re below unity. Increased availability of vaccine use data would enable evaluation of the effect of RVF vaccination campaigns.
Limitations in Ankle Dorsiflexion Range of Motion, Gait, and Walking Efficiency in Childhood Cancer Survivors

Background: Improvements in survival rates in pediatric oncology have resulted in a growing need to identify adverse effects and improve rehabilitation in this population. Objective: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate active ankle dorsiflexion (DF) range of motion (ROM), gait, walking efficiency, and motor performance in a mixed childhood cancer survivor population in comparison to healthy peers. Methods: Active ankle DF-ROM (goniometer), gait (Microgate Optogait 2D Gait Analysis), walking efficiency (6-minute walk test), and motor performance (German Motor Test 6–18) were assessed in a mixed childhood cancer survivor population after cessation of medical treatment (n = 13) in comparison to healthy children matched for age and gender (n = 13). Results: Active ankle DF-ROM, gait (stance, swing, and preswing phase), and walking efficiency were significantly impaired in survivors compared with control subjects. No significant difference between groups was found in motor performance. Conclusion: Despite sufficient total motor performance levels, specific limitations in physical functioning were identified in a mixed childhood cancer survivor sample. This highlights the importance of the present findings. Implication for Practice: The results from this study highlight the potential significance of limited ankle DF function, inhibited gait, and reduced walking efficiency as adverse effects of various types of childhood cancer. It is hoped this enhanced recognition by pediatric cancer patients, parents, and exercise professionals will initiate specific supportive strategies and potentially prevent further limitations.
Interactions among predators and the cascading effects of vertebrate insectivores on arthropod communities and plants

Theory on trophic interactions predicts that predators increase plant biomass by feeding on herbivores, an indirect interaction called a trophic cascade. Theory also predicts that predators feeding on predators, or intraguild predation, will weaken trophic cascades. Although past syntheses have confirmed cascading effects of terrestrial arthropod predators, we lack a comprehensive analysis for vertebrate insectivores—which by virtue of their body size and feeding habits are often top predators in these systems—and of how intraguild predation mediates trophic cascade strength. We report here on a meta-analysis of 113 experiments documenting the effects of insectivorous birds, bats, or lizards on predaceous arthropods, herbivorous arthropods, and plants. Although vertebrate insectivores fed as intraguild predators, strongly reducing predaceous arthropods (38%), they nevertheless suppressed herbivores (39%), indirectly reduced plant damage (40%), and increased plant biomass (14%). Furthermore, effects of vertebrate insectivores on predatory and herbivorous arthropods were positively correlated. Effects were strongest on arthropods and plants in communities with abundant predaceous arthropods and strong intraguild predation, but weak in communities depauperate in arthropod predators and intraguild predation. The naturally occurring ratio of arthropod predators relative to herbivores varied tremendously among the studied communities, and the skew to predators increased with site primary productivity and in trees relative to shrubs. Although intraguild predation among arthropod predators has been shown to weaken herbivore suppression, we find this paradigm does not extend to vertebrate insectivores in these communities. Instead, vertebrate intraguild preda-tion is associated with strengthened trophic cascades, and insectivores function as dominant predators in terrestrial plant-arthropod communities.
Valeur physiologique des paramètres pelviens et rachidiens de l'équilibre sagittal du rachis: analyse d'une série de 250 volontaires.

L'analyse de l'equilibre sagittal du rachis est une etape fondamentale dans la comprehension et le traitement de nombreuses pathologies rachidiennes. Les objectifs de ce travail prospectif ont ete d'etablir les valeurs physiologiques des parametres pelviens et rachidiens de l'equilibre sagittal du rachis et d'en etudier les interrelations. A partir de 250 radiographies de profil realisees en position debout incluant tete, rachis et bassin, les parametres suivants ont ete evalues : lordose lombaire, cyphose thoracique, gite sagittale T9, pente sacree, incidence pelvienne, version pelvienne, angulation intervertebrale et angle de cuneiformisation vertebrale de T9 a S1. Ces mesures ont ete effectuees apres numerisation des radiographies a l'aide d'un outil de mesure informatique. Deux types d'analyses ont ete effectues, une analyse descriptive univariee permettant de caracteriser ces parametres angulaires, et une analyse multivariee (etude de correlation, analyse en composantes principales) afin de preciser les variations de ces parametres les uns par rapport aux autres. Les valeurs moyennes des principaux parametres angulaires pris en compte etaient les suivantes : lordose lombaire maximale 61 degres (± 12,7), cyphose thoracique maximale 41,4 degres (± 9,2), pente sacree 42 degres (± 8,5), version pelvienne 13 degres (± 6), incidence pelvienne 55 degres (± 11,2), gite sagittale T9 10,5 degres (± 3,1). Il existait une correlation etroite entre pente sacree et incidence pelvienne (r = 0,8), lordose lombaire et pente sacree (r = 0,86), version pelvienne et incidence pelvienne (r = 0,66), lordose lombaire incidence pelvienne version pelvienne et cyphose thoracique (r = 0,9) et finalement entre incidence pelvienne d'une part et gite sagittale T9, pente sacree, version pelvienne, lordose lombaire, cyphose thoracique d'autre part (r = 0,98). L'etude des relations entre les divers parametres pris en compte a permis d'etablir que la gite sagittale T9, reflet de la situation d'equilibre du rachis de profil, etait fonction de trois parametres independants : le premier etait une combinaison lineaire de l'incidence pelvienne, de la lordose lombaire et de la pente sacree, le second etait represente par la version pelvienne et le troisieme par la cyphose thoracique. Ce travail a permis de fournir une aide a l'analyse et a la comprehension des desequilibres anteroposterieurs rencontres en pathologie rachidienne ainsi que dans le calcul des corrections a effectuer lors de leur traitement grâce aux equations de regression lineaire qu'il a ete possible d'etablir.
Notch signaling in oral squamous neoplasia

Notch signaling is involved in cell–cell communication. It is an evolutionarily ancient mechanism and plays a fundamental role in development. The typical function of Notch signaling is the regulation of cell fate segregation at asymmetric division; however, a role in tumorigenesis has also been suggested. Inactivating mutations of NOTCH1 are present in about 10 % of cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, oral cavity, esophagus, and lung, rendering it one of the most frequently mutated genes in squamous cell carcinoma. Mouse knockout studies have demonstrated that Notch1 is imperative for early development but is dispensable for formation of the squamous epithelium. However, loss of Notch signaling predisposes the epidermis to hyperplasia and increases tumor incidence. This tumor‐inducing effect resulting from the loss of Notch signaling is associated with non‐cell‐autonomous effects that are elicited by subtle alteration of epithelial cell features, generating a wound‐like microenvironment in the underlying stroma. We found that Notch1 was expressed specifically in the basal cells of the oral squamous epithelium. In cancer and oral epithelial dysplasia, it was significantly downregulated, suggesting that reduced Notch activity plays a distinct role in oral neoplasia.
Hand-Assisted Retroperitoneoscopic Nephroureterectomy With Bladder Cuffing After Preperitoneal and Retroperitoneal Perivesical Ballooning

Purpose We aimed to describe the surgical technique of hand-assisted retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy (HARNU) with bladder cuffing after preperitoneal and retroperitoneal perivesical ballooning. Materials and Methods From March 2008 to September 2012, we performed HARNU and open bladder cuffing in 28 consecutive series of patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma. We performed HARNU according to the following procedure: (1) a camera port incision was made on the posterior axillary line; (2) multiple, repeated, preperitoneal and retroperitoneal ballooning was performed on both the posterior axillary line and in the umbilicus; (3) a 7.0 cm skin incision was made from the suprapubic to the lower inguinal with the balloon present in the extraperitoneal area; (4) hand-assisted laparoscopic retroperitoneal nephroureterectomy; (5) cessation of gas insufflation; and (6) extravesical cuffing as an open surgical procedure. Results The mean estimated blood loss was 250 mL. The mean operation time was 240 minutes. The mean time to oral intake and ambulation was 1.0 day and two days, respectively. As for postoperative complications due to the hand-assisted device, one patient developed febrile urinary tract infection within three weeks postoperatively and was hospitalized again to receive parenteral antibiotics. Conclusions We made a low Gibson incision for a route for the hand-assisted procedure as well as a window for open surgery in dissecting the distal ureter and extracting the surgical specimens. Thus, our results indicate that the HARNU might be a feasible surgical modality.
A transferrable shell-based magnetic flux density distribution model for a magnetic proximity detection system

A magnetic proximity detection system relies on magnetic flux density measurement to determine the position of a worker relative to a mobile mining machine. It is desirable for the magnetic flux density distribution to be automatically adjustable to conform to the protection requirements for the different types of machines and working environments. In support of the development of an automatic field distribution adjustment process, we developed a transferrable magnetic flux density distribution model. The transferrable model can also be used to control and stabilize the field against field drift to enhance system performance.
Whole Earth Telescope observations of BPM 37093: A seismological test of crystallization theory in white dwarfs

BPM 37093 is the only hydrogen-atmosphere white dwarf currently known which has sufficient mass (~1.1 $M_\odot$) to theoretically crystallize while still inside the ZZ Ceti instability strip ($T_{\rm eff}\sim12\,000$ K). As a consequence, this star represents our first opportunity to test crystallization theory directly. If the core is substantially crystallized, then the inner boundary for each pulsation mode will be located at the top of the solid core rather than at the center of the star, affecting mainly the average period spacing. This is distinct from the “mode trapping” caused by the stratified surface layers, which modifies the pulsation periods more selectively. In this paper we report on Whole Earth Telescope observations of BPM 37093 obtained in 1998 and 1999. Based on a simple analysis of the average period spacing we conclude that a large fraction of the total stellar mass is likely to be crystallized.