Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association of hypogonadism with vitamin D status: the European Male Ageing Study.

OBJECTIVE Interrelationships between hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis, hypogonadism, vitamin D and seasonality remain poorly defined. We investigated whether HPT axis hormones and hypogonadism are associated with serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) in men. DESIGN AND METHODS Cross-sectional survey of 3369 community-dwelling men aged 40-79 years in eight European centres. Testosterone (T), oestradiol (E(2)) and dihydrotestosterone were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry; LH, FSH, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), 25(OH)D and parathyroid hormone by immunoassay. Free T was calculated from total T, SHBG and albumin. Gonadal status was categorised as eugonadal (normal T/LH), secondary (low T, low/normal LH), primary (low T, elevated LH) and compensated (normal T, elevated LH) hypogonadism. Associations of HPT axis hormones with 25(OH)D were examined using linear regression and hypogonadism with vitamin D using multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS In univariate analyses, free T levels were lower (P=0.02) and E(2) and LH levels were higher (P<0.05) in men with vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D <50 nmol/l). 25(OH)D was positively associated with total and free T and negatively with E(2) and LH in age- and centre-adjusted linear regressions. After adjusting for health and lifestyle factors, no significant associations were observed between 25(OH)D and individual hormones of the HPT axis. However, vitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with compensated (relative risk ratio (RRR)=1.52, P=0.03) and secondary hypogonadism (RRR=1.16, P=0.05). Seasonal variation was only observed for 25(OH)D (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Secondary and compensated hypogonadism were associated with vitamin D deficiency and the clinical significance of this relationship warrants further investigation.
Syndrome of autosomal recessive polycystic kidneys with skeletal and facial anomalies is not linked to the ARPKD gene locus on chromosome 6p.

We report on two sibs, both males, one born at 37 the other at 24 weeks of gestation, both with a syndrome similar to that seen in three sets of sibs by Gillessen-Kaesbach et al. [1993: Am J Med Genet 45:511-518]. Both propositi had polycystic kidneys and hepatic fibrosis indistinguishable from that seen in autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD), and skeletal and facial anomalies. Skeletal abnormalities included "butterfly" vertebrae, square shape of pelvis, and brachymelia. The facial anomalies included hypertelorism, epicanthic folds, and anteverted nares. Additional external findings were apparently low-set ears and a short neck. Histopathological examination of the kidneys showed radial orientation and cystic dilatation of the cortical and medullar tubules. The liver showed "congenital hepatic fibrosis. " The hepatic findings in the second infant were less severe. Renal abnormalities were limited to focal tubular cystic changes. Linkage analysis with polymorphic markers of the region 6p21.1-p12, flanking the gene locus of ARPKD, showed different haplotypes in the sibs, thus excluding the ARPKD gene locus in this family and indicating genetic heterogeneity.
Quantitative analysis of the microstructure of the human cornea and sclera using 2‐D Fourier methods

A two‐dimensional (2‐D) Fourier analysis was used to characterize the microstructure of the human cornea and sclera. The average centre‐to‐centre spacing of collagen fibrils was found to be 59 nm for the cornea and 285 nm for the sclera. These results agreed with those obtained by direct measurement using the electron micrographs, and those reported in the literature. The spatial order in the microstructure of the cornea was much greater when compared with that of the sclera. The results of the 2‐D Fourier analysis were consistent with the theory of transparency of the eye. The 2‐D Fourier analysis will be useful in quantitative characterization and analysis of the complex microstructure of biological cells and tissues in normal development and abnormal pathogenesis.
Lambek's categorical proof theory and Läuchli's abstract realizability

In this paper we give an introduction to categorical proof theory, and reinterpret, with improvements, Läuchli's work on abstract realizability restricted to propositional logic (but see [M1] for predicate logic). Partly to make some points of a foundational nature, we have included a substantial amount of background material. As a result, the paper is (we hope) readable with a knowledge of just the rudiments of category theory, the notions of category, functor, natural transformation, and the like. We start with an extended introduction giving the background, and stating what we do with a minimum of technicalities. In three publications [L1, 2, 3] published in the years 1968, 1969 and 1972, J. Lambek gave a categorical formulation of the notion of formal proof in deductive systems in certain propositional calculi. The theory is also described in the recent book [LS]. See also [Sz]. The basic motivation behind Lambek's theory was to place proof theory in the framework of modern abstract mathematics. The spirit of the latter, at least for the purposes of the present discussion, is to organize mathematical objects into mathematical structures. The specific kind of structure we will be concerned with is category. In Lambek's theory, one starts with an arbitrary theory in any one of several propositional calculi. One has the (formal) proofs (deductions) in the given theory of entailments A ⇒ B, with A and B arbitrary formulas. One introduces an equivalence relation on proofs under which, in particular, equivalent proofs are proofs of the same entailment; equivalence of proofs is intended to capture the idea of the proofs being only inessentially different. One forms a category whose objects are the formulas of the underlying language of the theory, and whose arrows from A to B, with the latter arbitrary formulas, are the equivalence classes of formal proofs of A ⇒ B.
Three Thresholds for a Liar

Motivated by the problem of making correct computations from partly false information, we study a corruption of the classic game “Twenty Questions” in which the player who answers the yes-or-no questions is permitted to lie up to a fixed fraction r of the time. The other player is allowed q arbitrary questions with which to try to determine, with certainty, which of n objects his opponent has in mind; he “wins” if he can always do so, and “wins quickly” if he can do so using only O(log n) questions. It turns out that there is a threshold value for r below which the querier can win quickly, and above which he cannot win at all. However, the threshold value varies according to the precise rules of the game. Our “three thresholds theorem” says that when the answerer is forbidden at any point to have answered more than a fraction r of the questions incorrectly, then the threshold value is r = ½; when the requirement is merely that the total number of lies cannot exceed rq, the threshold is ⅓; and finally if the answerer gets to see all the questions before answering, the threshold drops to ¼.
Association of perinatal factors and obesity in 6- to 8-year-old Chilean children.

BACKGROUND It has been reported in Chile that obesity figures in children of 6- to 8-years-old are associated with height for age. We studied the possible influence of perinatal variables on obesity at 6- to 8-years-old controlling for height for age. METHODS All children with 6-8 years of age attending first grade in public primary schools of Chile in year 2005 were included. An historical cohort design was used and perinatal information collected at birth was obtained from the National Registry. Obesity was defined as BMI >or=95th percentile of the CDC reference. Comparisons of obesity prevalence in contingency tables used the chi-squared test. Logistic regression was used to calculate ORs for obesity risk in univariate and multivariate categorical models. RESULTS Out of 167 494 initial subjects, 153 536 children entered the study. Obesity prevalence was higher in stunted and in tall for age children (20.1 and 26.0%, respectively) compared with those with normal height for age (17.3%) (P < 0.0001). Adjusted odds ratio for perinatal information showed that infants born male, premature and short in length at birth were more prone to obesity than their counterparts. However, birth weight (BW) had a stronger positive influence on obesity risk. CONCLUSIONS Taller and stunted children had higher obesity risk than normal height for age children. This association did not change when controlling for the influence of perinatal data; post-natal influences may be playing an independent role. Although BW was linearly associated with obesity, short and premature babies also had a higher risk of obesity.
HIV-1 Latency and Eradication: Past, Present and Future.

BACKGROUND It is well established that antiretroviral therapy (ART), while highly effective in controlling HIV replication, cannot eliminate virus from the body. Therefore, the majority of HIV-1-infected individuals remain at risk for developing AIDS due to persistence of infected reservoir cells serving as a source of virus re-emergence. Several reservoirs containing replication competent HIV-1 have been identified, most notably CD4+ T cells. Cells of the myeloid lineage, which are the first line of defense against pathogens and participate in HIV dissemination into sanctuary organs, also serve as cellular reservoirs of HIV-1. In latently infected resting CD4+ T cells, the integrated copies of proviral DNA remain in a dormant state, yet possess the ability to produce replication competent virus after cellular activation. Studies have demonstrated that modification of chromatin structure plays a role in establishing persistence, in part suggesting that latency is, controlled epigenetically. CONCLUSION Current efforts to eradicate HIV-1 from this cell population focus primarily on a "shock and kill" approach through cellular reactivation to trigger elimination of virus producing cells by cytolysis or host immune responses. However, studies revealed several limitations to this approach that require more investigation to assess its clinical application. Recent advances in gene editing technology prompted use of this approach for inactivating integrated proviral DNA in the genome of latently infected cells. This technology, which requires a detailed understanding of the viral genetics and robust delivery, may serve as a powerful strategy to eliminate the latent reservoir in the host leading to a sterile cure of AIDS.
Developing Secure and Safe Systems with Knowledge Acquisition for Automated Specification (KAOS)

There are special techniques languages that are used in risk management in both domains of safety engineering and security engineering. The outputs, known as artifacts, of these techniques are separated from each other leading to several difficulties due to the fact that domains are independent and that there is no one unifying domain for the two. The problem is that safety engineers and security engineers work in separated teams from throughout the system development life cycle, which results in incomplete coverage of risks and threats. The thesis applies a structured approach to integration between security and safety by creating a SaS (Safety and Security) domain model. Furthermore, it demonstrates that it is possible to use goal-oriented KAOS (Knowledge Acquisition in automated Specification) language in threat and hazard analysis to cover both safety and security domains making their outputs, or artifacts, well-structured and comprehensive, which results in dependability due to the comprehensiveness of the analysis. The structured approach can thereby act as an interface for active interactions in risk and hazard management in terms of universal coverage, finding solutions for differences and contradictions which can be overcome by integrating the safety and security domains and using a unified system analysis technique (KAOS) that will result in analysis centrality.
Typology of pentad circulation anomalies over the Eastern Africa-Western Indian Ocean region, and their relationship with rainfall

The aim of this study was to classify the most frequently observed atmospheric circula- tion anomaly patterns in eastern Africa and the adjacent Indian Ocean. As an example of the useful- ness of such a classification, the second objective was to test whether these patterns account for intraseasonal rainfall anomalies in the region. A partitioning algorithm, known as dynamical cluster analysis, was therefore applied to the zonal (U) and meridional (V) components of the wind anom- alies, obtained from the NCEP-NCAR Reanalysis R-2 at the pentad (5 d) timescale. The 3 geopoten- tial levels 850, 700 and 200 hPa were combined. Focus is on the transition seasons (March to May and October to December), which correspond to the 2 East African rainy seasons. The classification domain is large enough (40° latitude × 40° longitude) to describe large-scale anomaly patterns, but it focuses on equatorial and subequatorial atmospheric dynamics. The results consist of 7 major wind anomaly clusters, for which associated atmospheric fields (geopotential height anomalies, precipita- tion anomalies) and the seasonal distribution were explored. Among them, 2 clusters strongly resem- ble the anomaly patterns associated with the Madden-Julian Oscillation. The other major configura- tions show similarities with recurrent previously observed patterns involved in wet or dry spells over East or Southern Africa. Statistical tests reveal that this partition is able to significantly discriminate rainfall anomalies over the eastern part of the African continent; 4 of the 7 clusters correspond to abnormally wet or dry events over Equatorial East Africa.
Television viewing and pedometer-determined physical activity among multiethnic residents of low-income housing.

OBJECTIVES We evaluated the association between television viewing and pedometer-determined physical activity among predominantly racial/ethnic minority residents of low-income housing in metropolitan Boston in 2005. METHODS We used mixed models to analyze the association between reported hours of television viewing and pedometer-determined steps per day among 486 adults. We also examined whether television viewing was associated with the achievement of 10000 steps per day. RESULTS There was a mean 3.6 hours of average daily television watching. In multivariable analyses, each hour of television viewing on an average day was associated with 144 (95% confidence interval [CI]= -276, -12) fewer steps per day and a decreased likelihood of accumulating 10,000 steps per day (odds ratio [OR]=0.84; 95% CI=0.71, 0.99). Weekday and weekend television viewing were each also associated with fewer steps per day. CONCLUSIONS Average daily television viewing was associated with reductions in total pedometer-determined physical activity levels (approximately 520 steps per day) in this lower-income sample. As part of a comprehensive physical activity promotion plan, recommendations to reduce television viewing should be made.
Pharmacokinetics of Sotrastaurin Combined With Tacrolimus or Mycophenolic Acid in De Novo Kidney Transplant Recipients

Background. Sotrastaurin is a protein kinase C inhibitor in the development for prevention of organ rejection after renal transplantation. Methods. In a multicenter phase 2 trial, 216 de novo renal transplant recipients were randomized to mycophenolic acid (MPA) with standard-exposure tacrolimus (treatment A, n=74), 200 mg sotrastaurin twice daily with standard-exposure tacrolimus (treatment B, n=76), or 200 mg sotrastaurin twice daily with reduced-exposure tacrolimus (treatment C, n=66). After month 3, tacrolimus was replaced with MPA in arms B and C. The longitudinal pharmacokinetics of sotrastaurin and tacrolimus were prospectively evaluated through month 6. Results. Sotrastaurin predose drug concentration (C0) was 0.6±0.4 &mgr;g/mL and did not differ when combined with standard-exposure versus reduced-exposure tacrolimus (P=0.99) nor when tacrolimus was replaced by MPA (P=0.11). Sotrastaurin peak concentration was 1.6±0.6 &mgr;g/mL, and area under the drug concentration-time curve over a dosing interval (AUC) was 12.2±4.2 &mgr;g hr/mL. Intersubject variability in AUC was 27% and not significantly influenced by age (18–67 years), weight (47–121 kg), sex, or creatinine clearance (36–173 mL/min). Sotrastaurin C0 was positively correlated with AUC (r2=0.62, P<0.0001). Sotrastaurin increased tacrolimus concentrations by a pharmacokinetic interaction inasmuch as the tacrolimus dose needed to achieve a given C0 was up to 47% lower when combined with sotrastaurin versus with MPA. Conclusions. Sotrastaurin pharmacokinetics were similar when combined with reduced-exposure or standard-exposure tacrolimus or with MPA. Tacrolimus exposure was significantly increased by sotrastaurin in the initial weeks posttransplant by a pharmacokinetic interaction.
Intermittent Hypoxia does not Increase Exercise Ventilation at Simulated Moderate Altitude

Recent human studies have shown that resting hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR), which is an index of ventilatory chemosensitivity to hypoxia, increased after short-term intermittent hypoxia at rest. In addition, intermittent hypoxia leads to increases in ventilation and arterial oxygen saturation (SaO (2)) during exercise at simulated high altitude, with the increase in ventilation correlated to the change in HVR. However, no study has been made to clarify the relationship between ventilatory chemosensitivity and the exercise ventilation at moderate altitude following intermittent hypoxia during a resting state. The purpose of the present study, therefore, was to elucidate whether intermittent hypoxia at rest induces the increase in ventilation during exercise at moderate altitude that is accompanied by an increase in hypoxic chemosensitivity. Eighteen trained male runners were assigned to three groups, i.e., the first hypoxic group (H-1 group, n = 6), the second hypoxic group (H-2 group, n = 6), and a control group (C group, n = 6). The hypoxic tent system was utilized for intermittent hypoxia, and the oxygen levels in the tent were maintained at 15.5 +/- 0.1 % (simulated 2500 m altitude) for the H-1 group and 12.3 +/- 0.2 % (simulated 4300 m altitude) for the H-2 group. The H-1 and H-2 groups spent 1 hour per day in the hypoxic tent for 1 week. Maximal and submaximal exercise tests while breathing 15.5 +/- 0.01 % O (2) (simulated altitude of 2500 m) were performed before and after intermittent hypoxia. Resting HVR was also determined in each subject using a progressive isocapnic hypoxic method. In the H-2 group, HVR increased significantly (p < 0.05) following intermittent hypoxia, while no change in HVR was found in the H-1 or C group. Neither ventilation nor SaO (2) during maximal and submaximal exercise at a simulated altitude of 2500 m were changed in either group after 1 hour per day for 1 week of intermittent hypoxia. These results suggest that the change in resting hypoxic chemosensitivity after short-term intermittent hypoxia does not affect ventilation during exercise at moderate altitude.
Immune responsiveness in renal transplant recipients: mycophenolic acid severely depresses humoral immunity in vivo.

BACKGROUND Current immunosuppressive drug treatments for renal transplant recipients result in high one-year graft survival rates. Despite adequate suppression of the immune response directed to the allograft, the immune system remains able to cope with many infectious agents. METHODS To define the influence of distinct immunosuppressive treatment protocols, primary and secondary cellular and humoral immune responses in groups of renal transplant recipients were studied: patient treated with prednisolone and cyclosporine A (P/CsA); with IgA CD3 monoclonal antibody as a rejection treatment superimposed on prednisolone and cyclosporine A (IgA CD3 mAb+P/CsA); and with prednisolone, cyclosporine A and mycophenolate mofetil (P/CsA/MMF). RESULTS Primary in vitro proliferative responses to the protein antigen keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) were not significantly disturbed in P/CsA treated patients, or in IgA CD3 mAb+P/CsA and P/CsA/MMF treated patients. In vitro proliferative responses to the recall antigen tetanus toxoid (TT) were similarly unaffected. Antigen-specific antibody responses to immunization with KLH and TT were not affected by treatment with P/CsA, or by IgA CD3 mAb+P/CsA, but were severely disturbed in patients treated with P/CsA/MMF. All patients displayed a profound inhibition of the delayed-type hypersensitivity skin reactivity to KLH and recall antigens. Nevertheless, in most patients with P/CsA treatment, T cell infiltrates were observed in skin biopsies from the site of KLH challenge, while expression of intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression in challenged skin was significantly decreased in these patients. The balance between T helper 1 and T helper 2 cells was unaffected by immunosuppressive treatments during one year of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Immunosuppressive drug treatment with P/CsA inhibits delayed-type hypersensitivity skin reactions to both primary and frequently encountered antigens. Histological studies indicate an effect on ICAM-1 expression, leaving the influx of CD3pos T cells unaffected. Administration of a 10-day course of IgA CD3 mAb does not add profound immunosuppressive effects on the measured parameters. In contrast, addition of treatment with MMF profoundly decreases both primary and secondary humoral immune responsiveness in vivo. Finally, no effect of the studied immunosuppressive drugs on Th1/Th2 balance in vivo was measured.
Childhood Maltreatment and BMI Trajectories to Mid-Adult Life : Follow-Up to Age 50 y in a British Birth Cohort

Abuse was reported in ~12% of the population. Abuse was not associated with elevated childhood BMI, but adult associations were observed: i.e. the abused had faster child-adult BMI gain than the non-abused; associations were independent of adult covariates. For physical abuse in both genders there was a positive linear association of ~0.006/y zBMI gain with age after adjustment for all covariates. Similarly, there was a linear association of physical abuse with obesity risk: e.g. among females from a low ORadjusted of 0.34 (0.16,0.71) at 7y to 1.67 (1.25,2.24) at 50y. In females faster zBMI gains with age of ~0.0034/y were observed for sexual abuse and increases in obesity risk were faster: from a low ORadjusted of 0.23 (0.06,0.84) at 7y to 1.34 (0.86,2.10) at 50y. Psychological abuse and neglect associations were less consistent.
Rethinking the Business Model with RFID

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is an enabling technology that can provide organizations with unprecedented improved visibility and traceability of items throughout their journey in the value chain. This paper explores how RFID can impact traditional business models or create new ones. In particular, we propose an RFID business model framework and use it to show how value can be created for organizations, suppliers, customers, and business partners. We also identify the major dynamic phases of RFID and their corresponding impact on RFID business models. A taxonomy of 12 specific RFID business models is also presented, reflecting the wide spectrum of potential directions and applications of the technology. Finally, we present a case study to test the practical and theoretical relevance of our conceptual models. The paper outlines the need for technology managers to take a holistic approach to RFID business model innovation, taking into account the interrelated technical, strategic, organizational, and external environmental factors.