Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Achieving Linear Convergence in Distributed Asynchronous Multiagent Optimization

This article studies multiagent (convex and nonconvex) optimization over static digraphs. We propose a general distributed asynchronous algorithmic framework whereby 1) agents can update their local variables as well as communicate with their neighbors at any time, without any form of coordination; and 2) they can perform their local computations using (possibly) delayed, out-of-sync information from the other agents. Delays need not be known to the agent or obey any specific profile, and can also be time-varying (but bounded). The algorithm builds on a tracking mechanism that is robust against asynchrony (in the above sense), whose goal is to estimate locally the average of agents’ gradients. When applied to strongly convex functions, we prove that it converges at an R-linear (geometric) rate as long as the step-size is sufficiently small. A sublinear convergence rate is proved, when nonconvex problems and/or diminishing, uncoordinated step-sizes are considered. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first distributed algorithm with provable geometric convergence rate in such a general asynchronous setting. Preliminary numerical results demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed algorithm and validate our theoretical findings.
Postprandial Endothelial Function: The Effect of Various Types of Fat and of Red Wine Intake on Flow- Mediated Dilation in Healthy Volunteers

Background : Current evidence suggests that postprandial lipid composition may have either atherogenic or anti-atherogenic properties. This study investigated the acute postprandial effect of three different types of fat (saturated, mono-unsaturated, poly-unsaturated) and of red wine upon endothelial function of healthy subjects. Methods: We fed 21 healthy young subjects four meals containing 1000 kcal and 50 g fat each. Three of the meals contained different fat sources: yellow cheese (saturated fat-meal A), olive oil (monounsaturated fat-meal B) and margarine (polyunsaturated fat-meal C). The fourth meal contained the same amount of saturated fat as the first one together with 250 cc of red wine (meal D). We measured serum lipoproteins, with the use of standard laboratory techniques. Β rachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD), an index of endothelial function, was also assessed with B-Mode vascular ultrasound. All measurements were performed before, 2 and 4 h after each meal Results: All four meals significantly raised plasma triglycerides. Meal A was associated with a decrease in FMD 2 and 4 hours after its intake ( 16.5 ± 5% vs. 13 ± 4% vs. 12.3 ± 6% , p= 0.030) while with meal D FMD profoundly decreased 2 hours postprandially with a rapid return to baseline levels at 4 hours (14.3 ± 9.5 vs. 8.6 ± 5.5 vs. 12.6 ± 7.5 , p=0.214) . This type of response was associated with a concomitant increase of basal brachial artery diameter at 2 hours postpandially ( 3.7±0.6 mm vs 4.2±0.7 mm vs 3.9±0.7mm at 0, 2 and 4 hours respectively , p=0.000 ). Meals B and C did not significantly affect FMD. Conclusions. Saturated fat acutely decreases FMD while mono-unsaturated and poly-unsaturated fat do not have any harmful effect on endothelium. The concomitant intake of red wine with saturated fat is associated with a delayed counteracting effect on lipid-induced postprandial endothelial dysfunction.
Shining light inside the tunnel: using photovoice as a strategy to define the needs for health promotion among families of low socioeconomic status

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study aimed to identify opportunities to improve the current health and social situation of low socioeconomic status (SES) families and to gain a better understanding of the main needs regarding health promotion. Low-SES families were approached to participate in a photovoice study. Method: The study took place in the municipality of Vaals, which is located in the southernmost part of the Netherlands. A diverse group of ten people from eight different families took about 150 photographs within their community on topics they considered important for their health and quality of life. This was followed by individual interviews and a focus group interview. Results: Four main needs were identified: meeting each other, helping each other, feeling safe and being mobile. The photographs showed that health-related themes had low priority for these families. Conclusion: The low-SES families focused on upstream factors relating to independence, self-resilience and a sense of belonging, to help them cope with their current situation. This study represents a first step towards the development of a community approach to health promotion in low-SES families.
Investigation on the Occurrence of Mid-Latitude E-Region Irregularity by Wuhan VHF Radar and Its Relationship With Sporadic E layer

By using the 2015–2016 data set of newly built Wuhan very high-frequency (VHF) radar, we investigate the occurrence of E-region field-aligned irregularities (FAIs) in mid-latitude China region for the first time. Wuhan E-region FAIs present the strongest occurrence of quasi-periodic (QP) echoes at postsunset period in the height range of 100–120 km and moderate occurrence of continuous echoes at postsunrise period in the height range of 90–100 km. Characteristics including temporal and altitudinal distribution, Doppler spectra and period of QP echoes are presented from a statistical point of view. We find that E-region FAIs observed by Wuhan VHF radar show strong linkage with the concurrent sporadic E layer observed by ionosonde. In general, Doppler spectra present type 2 feature with velocity in the range of ±50 m/s and width less than 50 m/s. Our results also indicate that mid-latitude E-region FAIs are closely associated with Es layer. Several mechanisms were proposed to interpret the mid-latitude E-region FAIs; however, further investigation is required to understand the generation with different ionospheric background and irregularity types.
Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences

Best-selling statistics author, Fredrick J. Gravetter, and co-author Lori-Ann B. Forzano have written a text for research methods that helps student see how interesting and exciting experimental and non-experimental research can be. Inviting and conversational, RESEARCH METHODS FOR THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES, Second Edition leads students through the research process from start to finish. Organized to match the research process, the text opens with tips and strategies for generating research ideas, moves to selecting measures and participants, and then offers an examination of research strategy and design. This step-by-step approach emphasizes the decisions researchers must make at each stage of the process. The authors' avoid a "cookbook" approach to the facts by linking terminology with applied concepts; their "lecture in a book" style makes the text accessible to students by emphasizing discussion and explanation of topics. Each chapter ends with a set of student exercises and activities.
Tumor Copy Number Deconvolution Integrating Bulk and Single-Cell Sequencing Data

Characterizing intratumor heterogeneity (ITH) is crucial to understanding cancer development, but it is hampered by limits of available data sources. Bulk DNA sequencing is the most common technology to assess ITH, but mixes many genetically distinct cells in each sample, which must then be computationally deconvolved. Single-cell sequencing (SCS) is a promising alternative, but its limitations — e.g., high noise, difficulty scaling to large populations, technical artifacts, and large data sets — have so far made it impractical for studying cohorts of sufficient size to identify statistically robust features of tumor evolution. We have developed strategies for deconvolution and tumor phylogenetics combining limited amounts of bulk and single-cell data to gain some advantages of single-cell resolution with much lower cost, with specific focus on deconvolving genomic copy number data. We developed a mixed membership model for clonal deconvolution via non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) balancing deconvolution quality with similarity to single-cell samples via an associated efficient coordinate descent algorithm. We then improve on that algorithm by integrating deconvolution with clonal phylogeny inference, using a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model to incorporate a minimum evolution phylogenetic tree cost in the problem objective. We demonstrate the effectiveness of these methods on semi-simulated data of known ground truth, showing improved deconvolution accuracy relative to bulk data alone.
A chemical genetic screen reveals a role for proteostasis in capsule and biofilm formation by Cryptococcus neoformans

Pathogenic microorganisms employ specialized virulence factors to cause disease. Biofilm formation and the production of a polysaccharide capsule are two important virulence factors in Cryptococcus neoformans, the fungal pathogen that causes meningoencephalitis. Here, we show that the bipolar disorder drug lithium inhibits formation of both virulence factors by a mechanism involving dysregulation of the ubiquitin/proteasome system. By using a chemical genetics approach and bioinformatic analyses, we describe the cellular landscape affected by lithium treatment. We demonstrate that lithium affects many different pathways in C. neoformans, including the cAMP/protein kinase A, inositol biosynthesis, and ubiquitin/proteasome pathways. By analyzing mutants with defects in the ubiquitin/proteasome system, we uncover a role for proteostasis in both capsule and biofilm formation. Moreover, we demonstrate an additive influence of lithium and the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib in inhibiting capsule production, thus establishing a link between lithium activity and the proteasome system. Finally, we show that the lithium-mimetic drug ebselen potently blocks capsule and biofilm formation, and has additive activity with lithium or bortezomib. In summary, our results illuminate the impact of lithium on C. neoformans, and link dysregulation of the proteasome to capsule and biofilm inhibition in this important fungal pathogen.
Exploring Care Access Issues for Mexican-Origin Latinos Living with HIV in the San Diego/Tijuana Border Region

Abstract Health access issues and dynamics of health access for Latinos living with HIV on the U.S.-Mexico border have not been wellcharacterized. Health service utilization and related issues unique to séropositive HIV Latino populations were explored and findings are presented from two focus groups with Mexican women and men living with HIV in the San Diego/Tijuana U.S.-Mexico border. Cross-cutting border issues (same as Trans-border issues) included lack of continuity in HIV treatment options in Mexico, provider and social stigma of AIDS patients in Mexico, and fears of crossing the border to the U.S. for appointments. Findings indicate a need for coordinated binational efforts at HIV/AIDS research and services for border region inhabitants.
Frequent Callers: “Good Care” with ICTs in Indian Transnational Families

ABSTRACT In the context of transnational family life, everyday information and communication technologies (ICTs) are key members of transnational care collectives. Through the approach of material semiotics to care as a relational practice between people and nonhuman entities, I explore frequent calling as one aspect of these collectives. I analyze the practice of frequent calling on phone and webcam between elderly parents living in Kerala, South India, and their adult children who work abroad as nurses. When family members are scattered around the world, frequent calling becomes a way to enact “good care” at a distance. MALAYALAM ABSTRACT ൈദനംദിനമായുള്ള വിവര വിനിമയ സങ്കേതങ്ങളുെട ഉപയോഗം അന്താരാഷ്ട്ര സ്വഭാവമുള്ള വിേദശ ഇന്ത്യ കുടുംബങ്ങളിലെ പരിചരണ ശൃംഘലക്ക് അത്യാവശ്യമായി കാണുന്നു . ഭൗതിക ബിംബ കല്പനാ പഠനത്തിലൂെട പരിചരണത്തിെല മനുഷ്യ മനുഷ്യേതര ബന്ധങ്ങളെയുംതുടച്ചയായ വിവര സങ്കേതങ്ങളുെട ഉപയോഗത്തിലൂടെ അവ എപ്രകാരം ഈ ശൃംഖലയുടെ ഭാഗമാകുന്നു എന്നും ഇവിടെ പഠന വിധേയമാക്കുന്നു. ഫോണിലും വെബ് ക്യാമറയിലും ഉള്ള തുടച്ചയായ സംഭാഷണത്തിലൂടെ വിദേശത്തു ജോലി ചെയ്യുന്ന കേരളത്തി നിന്നുള്ള നഴ്സുമാ അവരുടെ മാതാപിതാക്കളുടെ പരിചരണത്തി എപ്രകാരം പങ്കു വഹിക്കുന്നു എന്ന് ഞാ പരിശോധിക്കുകയാണ്. കുടുംബങ്ങ ലോകത്തിന്റെ പല കോണുകളിലായി ചിതറുമ്പോ എന്നുമുള്ള തുടച്ചയായ ഫോ സംഭാഷണങ്ങ ദൂരത്തു നിന്നും മികച്ച സംരക്ഷണം നകുന്നതിന് ഉപയുക്തമാകുന്നതായി ഈ പഠനത്തി വ്യക്തമാകുന്നു. Video abstract Read the transcript Watch the video on Vimeo
Medullary thyroid carcinoma with breast metastasis

Rationale: Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is an aggressive subtype of thyroid cancer with frequent hematogenous metastasis. While its metastasis is usually observed in the lung, liver, or bone, it rarely migrates to the breast. Patient concerns: Here we report 2 cases with a complaint of breast lump after initial treatment of MTC. Diagnoses: In both patients, the MTC characteristics of breast nodules were confirmed by pathologic analysis of biopsy specimens. Interventions: The genetic mutations within the metastatic breast lesion were evaluated. Wide local excision was thus performed to 1st case, while no therapeutic intervention for another patient due to the wide-spread presence of the disease. Outcomes: No sign of relapse or metastasis was found in 1st case during a 14-month follow-up. For 2nd case, the breast nodule grew to 14 mm within 3 months before remaining stable for 10 months. Lessons: MTC can be a very indolent disease despite its aggressiveness. Reoperation should be considered for patients with local recurrence or resectable distant metastasis of MTC. The findings for both cases supported serum calcitonin as an important marker for the evaluation of disease. Future studies are needed to advance our understanding of its molecular features and improve strategies for its diagnosis and treatment.
Epidemiology of status epilepticus in adults: A population‐based study on incidence, causes, and outcomes

In 2015, the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) proposed a new definition of status epilepticus (SE): 5 minutes of ongoing seizure activity to diagnose convulsive SE (CSE, ie, bilateral tonic–clonic SE) and 10 minutes for focal SE and absence SE, rather than the earlier criterion of 30 minutes. Based on semiology, several types of SE with prominent motor phenomena at any time (including CSE) were distinguished from those without (ie, nonconvulsive SE, NCSE). We present the first population‐based incidence study applying the new 2015 ILAE definition and classification of SE and report the impact of the evolution of semiology and level of consciousness (LOC) on outcome.
Kupffer Cells Survive Plasmodium berghei Sporozoite Exposure and Respond with a Rapid Cytokine Release

The liver stage of the Plasmodium life cycle features sporozoite traversal of the liver sinusoidal barrier through Kupffer cells (KCs) followed by invasion of hepatocytes. Little is known about the interaction of Plasmodium sporozoites with KCs, the liver-resident macrophages. Previous reports suggest KCs do not mount a pro-inflammatory response and undergo cell death following this interaction. Our work explores this interaction using primary rat KCs (PRKCs) and Plasmodium berghei sporozoites. We analyzed PRKC culture supernatants for markers of an immunological response through cytokine arrays. Additionally, cell wounding and death were assessed by monitoring lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in these supernatants and by live/dead cell imaging. We found that PRKCs mount an immunological response to P. berghei sporozoites by releasing a diverse set of both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, including IFNγ, IL-12p70, Mip-3α, IL-2, RANTES, IL-1α, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, EPO, VEGF, IL-7, and IL-17α. We also observed no difference in LDH level or live/dead staining upon sporozoite exposure, suggesting that the KCs are not deeply wounded or dying. Overall, our data suggest that sporozoites may be actively modulating the KC’s reaction to their presence and altering the way the innate immune system is triggered by KCs.
Associations Among Sleep Latency, Subjective Pain, and Thermal Pain Sensitivity in Gynecologic Cancer.

Objective. Pain is common among women with gynecologic cancer and contributes to depressed mood, sleep disturbances, and likelihood of future chronic pain. Little is known about how psychosocial factors are associated with central sensitization of pain in gynecologic cancer. This study examined relations among depressive symptoms, sleep, subjective pain, and aftersensation pain (a proxy for central sensitization of pain) in gynecologic cancer. Participants were 42 women (mean age [SD] = 59.60 [10.11] years) enrolled in a randomized clinical trial examining psychological intervention effects on sleep, pain, mood, and stress hormones/cytokines in gynecologic cancer. Six to eight weeks after surgery, participants completed an assessment of depressive symptoms, sleep, and subjective pain and a temporal summation of pain protocol via quantitative sensory testing (QST). Controlling for recent chemotherapy, history of chronic pain, and analgesic medication use, regression analyses revealed that longer sleep onset latency (SOL; B = 3.112, P = 0.039, bias-corrected and accelerated (BCa) 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.371 to 6.014) and greater sensory pain ( B = 0.695, P = 0.023, BCa 95% CI = 0.085 to 1.210) were associated with greater aftersensation pain at 15 seconds. Greater sensory pain scores were associated with greater aftersensation pain at 30 seconds ( B = 0.286, P = 0.045, BCa 95% CI = 0.008 to 0.513). Depression was not associated with aftersensation pain. The overall models accounted for 44.5% and 40.4% of the variance in aftersensation pain at 15 and 30 seconds, respectively. Longer SOL and higher subjective sensory pain were related to greater aftersensation of experimentally induced pain in women postsurgery for gynecologic cancers. Interventions that improve sleep and subjective sensory pain during the perisurgical period may reduce risk for central sensitization of pain.
Epidural steroid for low back pain in pain management clinic

Background: Epidural steroid injection for chronic low back pain is the most common procedure performed in the pain management clinics. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of epidural steroid injection for various causes of low back pain in the patients attending pain management clinic (PMC) of this institute. Methods: This is a prospective observational study of the patients attending in pain management clinic with the complaints of low back pain in the year 2007. All the patients who were treated with the epidural steroid injections were enrolled in the study. Data regarding the age of the patients, frequency of steroid injections, outcome of the procedure and complications if any were noted. Results: Majority of the patients attending the PMC complained of low back pain. (Table 1) Among them 74% of the patients had prolapsed intervertebral disc. Among these, 97 patients received epidural steroid injections, among which 34 (35%) patients received single dose only whereas 38 (39%) and 25 (26%) patients received second and third dose of steroid. Among the patients who received epidural steroid, 50 (51%) had significant relief of the symptoms and signs, whereas 18 (19%) patients had moderate relief, 8 (8%) patients had no relief and follow up (FU) was lost in 22 patients (22%). Conclusion: It is concluded that the interlaminar epidural steroid injection for lumbar radicular pain is an effective method of treatment. Key Words: Low back pain, epidural, steroid, interlaminar Journal of Institute of Medicine, August, 2008; 30:2 2-5 The full text of this paper is available from the Journal of Institute of Medicine website
Thymus machinery for T-cell selection

An immunocompetent and self-tolerant pool of naive T cells is formed in the thymus through the process of repertoire selection. T cells that are potentially capable of responding to foreign antigens are positively selected in the thymic cortex and are further selected in the thymic medulla to help prevent self-reactivity. The affinity between T-cell antigen receptors expressed by newly generated T cells and self-peptide-major histocompatibility complexes displayed in the thymic microenvironments plays a key role in determining the fate of developing T cells during thymic selection. Recent advances in our knowledge of the biology of thymic epithelial cells have revealed unique machinery that contributes to positive and negative selection in the thymus. In this article, we summarize recent findings on thymic T-cell selection, focusing on the machinery unique to thymic epithelial cells.
REMEDIATING SOME LEARNING DIFFICULTIES OF L200 SCIENCE EDUCATION STUDENTS OF MODIBBO ADAMA UNIVERSIT

Academic performance and achievement of students is highly dependent on the approach of presenting information and how it is received. This study was an action research using the problem-solving strategy to find out the effect of multiple representations-based instruction on students’ performance in some physics concepts. This was done by collecting both qualitative and quantitative data with two instruments, pre-test, to assess students’ prior knowledge and post-test to determine the final state of the learners. A sample of 40 L200 Geography Education students of the Department of Science Education, Modibbo Adama University of Technology took part in the study. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data collected. The results obtained showed an improvement in students’ achievement on basic concepts in optics, heat and mechanics. Students performed relatively better in optics (80% of the students) scoring 45% and above of the marks; followed by thermal physics (heat) (70%) and mechanics (50%). Also, effect size of 0.41calculated to see effectiveness of the treatment confirmed the improvement in the students’ performance. This study suggests that it is possible to use multiple representations in physics instruction to motivate and sustain students’ interest in the subject, especially those with limited physics’ knowledge to apply the laws and formulae learnt to calculate and solve problems correctly.
A characterization and disproportionality analysis of medication error related adverse events reported to the FAERS database

ABSTRACT Objectives: To characterize adverse reactions associated with medication errors (ME) reported in US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (US-FAERS), and to identify the potential signals of disproportionate reporting (SDR) for different drugs. Methods: ME associated Individual Case Study Report (ICSRs) were identified. ICSRs were categorized by patient age groups, affected stages of medication process and Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification system. Disproportionality analyses were performed for different age groups. Results: 46,8677 ICSRs were retrieved. An increasing trend in reporting of cases of ME was observed during the studied period. Immunosuppressants and psycholeptic drugs were most frequently involved. Administration errors were reported most frequently, followed by prescribing and dispensing errors. In neonates, SDR following wrong drug administration, wrong dose, and accidental overdose were associated with methylergonovine, zidovudine, and acetaminophen. In elderlies, SDR were found for dose omission and underdose error associated with etanercept and evolocumab. Conclusion: While a detailed root-cause analysis for ME characteristic can rarely be performed on such a dataset, data mining for signals in spontaneous reporting database may assist in identifying potential ME in a more standardized and objective manner. Continued use of spontaneous reporting system for identifying MEs is encouraged to prevent unnecessary patient harm.