Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Collaborative-controlled LASSO for constructing propensity score-based estimators in high-dimensional data

Propensity score-based estimators are increasingly used for causal inference in observational studies. However, model selection for propensity score estimation in high-dimensional data has received little attention. In these settings, propensity score models have traditionally been selected based on the goodness-of-fit for the treatment mechanism itself, without consideration of the causal parameter of interest. Collaborative minimum loss-based estimation is a novel methodology for causal inference that takes into account information on the causal parameter of interest when selecting a propensity score model. This “collaborative learning” considers variable associations with both treatment and outcome when selecting a propensity score model in order to minimize a bias-variance tradeoff in the estimated treatment effect. In this study, we introduce a novel approach for collaborative model selection when using the LASSO estimator for propensity score estimation in high-dimensional covariate settings. To demonstrate the importance of selecting the propensity score model collaboratively, we designed quasi-experiments based on a real electronic healthcare database, where only the potential outcomes were manually generated, and the treatment and baseline covariates remained unchanged. Results showed that the collaborative minimum loss-based estimation algorithm outperformed other competing estimators for both point estimation and confidence interval coverage. In addition, the propensity score model selected by collaborative minimum loss-based estimation could be applied to other propensity score-based estimators, which also resulted in substantive improvement for both point estimation and confidence interval coverage. We illustrate the discussed concepts through an empirical example comparing the effects of non-selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with selective COX-2 inhibitors on gastrointestinal complications in a population of Medicare beneficiaries.
Narcolepsy in an 8-Year-Old Boy: Neurologic and Psychiatric Study

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Crystal structure of the GABAA‐receptor‐associated protein, GABARAP

The GABAA‐receptor‐associated protein (GABARAP) is a member of a growing family of intracellular membrane trafficking and/or fusion proteins and has been implicated in plasma membrane targeting and/or recycling of GABAA receptors. GABARAP is localized on intracellular membranes such as the trans‐Golgi network, binds to the γ 2 subunit of GABAA receptors and interacts with microtubules and the N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive factor. We report the X‐ray crystal structure of mammalian GABARAP at 2.0 Å resolution. GABARAP consists of an N‐terminal basic helical region, which has been implicated in tubulin binding, and a core structure with a conserved ubiquitin‐like fold. Consistent with the high extent of sequence conservation among GABARAP homologues from plants to mammals, one face of the core structure is absolutely conserved while the opposite face shows considerable divergence. These features are in agreement with the conserved surface mediating protein–protein interactions shared by all members of the family, whereas the non‐conserved surface region may play specific roles, such as docking to particular membrane receptors.
A comparative evaluation of the individual anaerobic threshold and the critical power.

The individual anaerobic threshold (IAT) is defined as the highest metabolic rate where blood lactate (La) concentrations are maintained at a steady-state during prolonged exercise. The asymptote of the hyperbolic relationship between power output and time to fatigue has been defined as the critical power (CP), which, in theory, represents the highest metabolic rate where a steady-state response can be achieved during prolonged exercise. Since IAT and CP may define the same power output, the purpose of this study was to compare the gas exchange, blood La, and acid-base responses during exercise at the metabolic rates defined as IAT and CP. Fourteen males performed a maximal incremental cycle exercise test that was followed by a light active recovery period to determine IAT. Subsequently, subjects exercised to fatigue at five power outputs (calculated to elicit from 90% to 110% VO2max) to determine CP. IAT occurred at a significantly lower power output and VO2 (235 +/- 44 W and 2.97 +/- 0.47 l.min-1, respectively) compared with CP (265 +/- 39 W and 3.35 +/- 0.41 l.min-1, respectively). During 30 min of exercise at IAT, blood La levels increased during the initial 10 min to 3.9 +/- 1.9 mmol.l-1 but did not change during the final 15 min. Blood pH decreased to 7.32 +/- 0.04 at 5 min and did not change thereafter, while PCO2 fell from 41.5 +/- 3.2 mm Hg at 5 min to 36.2 +/- 3.6 mm Hg at 30 min. Only one subject completed 30 min of exercise at CP. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Explaining university students' effective use of e-learning platforms

Students' success in e-learning programs depends on how they adopt and embed technology into their learning activities. Drawing on the Technology Acceptance Model, we propose a framework to explain students' intention to use e-learning platforms effectively, that is, their intention to fully exploit system's functionalities in leaning processes, even when this would require changes in study routines. The model was tested with data from 251 students enrolled in distance learning Business Administration programs. Results of structural equation modeling supported most hypotheses. Over 71% of the variance of intention to use an e-learning platform were explained. Our findings indicate that students' perceptions of system usefulness and ease of use positively influence their intention to effectively use e-learning systems, and that these effects are fully mediated by students' attitudes towards the LMS. Furthermore, system usefulness and ease of use are influenced by students' cognitive absorption and self-efficacy, as well as by system interactivity and facilitating conditions (FC). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
GABAergic inactivation of the central pattern generators for locomotion in isolated neonatal rat spinal cord.

1. Experiments were performed using an isolated brainstem‐spinal cord preparation from newborn rats, in order to study the GABAergic control of the spinal neuronal networks that generate locomotor rhythms in mammals. Locomotor‐like activities were recorded in the ventral roots, and the various neurochemical compounds were added to the superfusion saline. 2. Bath application of GABA suppressed in a dose‐dependent manner the motor activity induced by an excitatory amino acid N‐methyl‐D,L‐aspartate (NMA). Both the GABAA agonist muscimol and the GABAB agonist baclofen mimicked the effects of GABA, since they either slowed down or stopped the rhythmic activity. 3. Experiments were performed in which the lumbar compartment was superfused separately from the brainstem. Chemical activation of the brainstem by NMA alone failed to induce locomotor‐like activity. When GABAA (bicuculline) and GABAB (phaclofen) antagonists were simultaneously bath applied to the lumbar spinal cord, however, locomotor‐like activity was induced. 4. The GABA uptake inhibitors nipecotic acid and guvacine suppressed the rhythmic motor pattern induced by NMA in a dose‐dependent manner. The effects of nipecotic acid were reversed by bicuculline and phaclofen. 5. Bicuculline added during NMA‐induced locomotor‐like activity greatly increased both the frequency and amplitude of motor bursts, while phaclofen modified only the frequency. 6. The motor pattern depended on the balance between activatory and inactivatory influences, since the rhythmic patterns recorded with low doses of NMA associated with high doses of bicuculline were similar to those elicited by higher doses of NMA associated with low doses of bicuculline. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
AcrD of Escherichia coli Is an Aminoglycoside Efflux Pump

ABSTRACT AcrD, a transporter belonging to the resistance-nodulation-division family, was shown to participate in the efflux of aminoglycosides. Deletion of the acrD gene decreased the MICs of amikacin, gentamicin, neomycin, kanamycin, and tobramycin by a factor of two to eight, and ΔacrD cells accumulated higher levels of [3H]dihydrostreptomycin and [3H]gentamicin than did the parent strain.
Understanding participation in a trial comparing cryotherapy and radiation treatment.

BACKGROUND To date, few two-arm active treatment randomized control trials (RCTs) have compared prostate cancer therapies. OBJECTIVE To examine the difference and similarities between the reasons for accepting and declining participation in a two-arm active treatment RCT comparing external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) versus cryotherapy. METHODS Eleven men with prostate cancer, selected purposively, participated in a 30-minute post-treatment semi-structured interview. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, coded and analyzed for patterns with the assistance of the text management (TM) software (NVivo). RESULTS RCT accepters participated principally with the hope of being randomized into the cryotherapy treatment arm. Consequently, randomization into the EBRT arm was often perceived as receiving the consolation prize. RCT decliners were either pushed away from cryotherapy and/or pulled towards another treatment (surgery, EBRT, brachytherapy). Factors influencing accepters'/decliners' treatment decisions include (1) personal factors such as patient research and treatment preference, cancer survivors, family/friends, and altruism, and (2) physician, trial, and treatment factors such as patient-physician rapport, RCT awareness and understanding, therapy convenience, expected outcome and perceived side effects. CONCLUSIONS By better understanding patients' views about RCT participation, recruitment rates for prostate cancer RCTs can be improved.
Reactions following administration of influenza vaccine alone or with pneumococcal vaccine to the elderly.

BACKGROUND Even though the efficacy of pneumococcal vaccine against invasive pneumococcal infections and other closely related infections has been established, its use in the United States is only one quarter of that of influenza vaccine. The simultaneous administration of the two vaccines could be expected to raise the coverage of pneumococcal vaccination to a considerable degree. There is a paucity of data regarding the reactions associated with the simultaneous administration of pneumococcal and influenza vaccines. METHODS All persons aged 65 years or older living in 29 administrative districts in Northern Finland were offered influenza vaccine alone or influenza and pneumococcal vaccines. A total of 9336 persons (49.6% of the target population) accepted vaccination: 4581 persons born in odd years received influenza vaccine, and 4755 persons born in even years received influenza and pneumococcal vaccines. Local reactions were recorded in a diary by vaccines on the day of vaccination and for 4 days afterward according to the following scale: no reaction, mild reaction, strong reaction, and disabling reaction. The participants who felt feverish were asked to measure and record their temperature. Ninety-three percent of those vaccinated returned the diary. RESULTS No serious reactions were observed. The incidence of local reactions was 284 per 1000 vaccinations in the influenza-vaccinated group and 441 per 1000 vaccinations in the influenza-pneumococcal-vaccinated group, a difference of 157 (95% confidence interval, 137 to 176), and that of fever (temperature, at least 37.5 degrees C) was 10 and 24 per 1000, respectively, for a difference of 14 (95% confidence interval, 9 to 19). The frequency of local reactions decreased with advancing age. CONCLUSION Because the adverse reactions to the pneumococcal and influenza vaccines when given together were mild, we conclude that the simultaneous administration of the two vaccines to the elderly population, irrespective of age, is safe.
Youth recovery contexts: the incremental effects of 12-step attendance and involvement on adolescent outpatient outcomes.

BACKGROUND A major barrier to youth recovery is finding suitable sobriety-supportive social contexts. National studies reveal most adolescent addiction treatment programs link youths to community 12-step fellowships to help meet this challenge, but little is known empirically regarding the extent to which adolescents attend and benefit from 12-step meetings or whether they derive additional gains from active involvement in prescribed 12-step activities (e.g., contact with a sponsor and other fellowship members). Greater knowledge in this area would enhance the efficiency of clinical continuing care recommendations. METHODS Adolescent outpatients (N = 127; M age 16.7; 75% male; 87% white) enrolled in a naturalistic study of treatment effectiveness were assessed at intake and 3, 6, and 12 months later using standardized assessments. Mixed-effects models, controlling for static and time-varying confounds, examined the concurrent and lagged effects of 12-step attendance and active involvement on abstinence over time. RESULTS The proportion attending 12-step meetings was relatively low across follow-up (24 to 29%), but more frequent attendance was independently associated with greater abstinence in concurrent and, to a lesser extent, lagged models. An 8-item composite measure of 12-step involvement did not enhance outcomes over and above attendance, but separate components did; specifically, greater contact with a 12-step sponsor outside of meetings and more verbal participation during meetings. CONCLUSIONS The benefits of 12-step participation observed among adult samples extend to adolescent outpatients. Community 12-step fellowships appear to provide a useful sobriety-supportive social context for youths seeking recovery, but evidence-based youth-specific 12-step facilitation strategies are needed to enhance outpatient attendance rates.
Changes in Life History Parameters of Rhopalosiphum maidis (Homoptera: Aphididae) under Four Different Elevated Temperature and CO2 Combinations

ABSTRACT Biological characteristics of corn leaf aphid, Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch), on barley, Hordeum vulgare L. , were examined for two generations under four different elevated temperature and CO2 combinations. The developmental duration for each life stage was significantly reduced under the elevated temperature (+4°C). The elevated CO2 (700–750 µl/liter) reduced only the development time of fourth-instar nymph. The overall duration of nymphal stage was reduced in the second generation. Thus, the temperature was the dominant factor to development duration of corn leaf aphid. The fecundity of corn leaf aphid was significantly increased under the elevated temperature and CO2, as well as in the later generation. Elevated temperature and CO2 increased the number of alate production, which may enhance the aphid migration or dispersal and the spread of plant viruses. Corn leaf aphid had the highest intrinsic rate of increase under the elevated temperature and CO2 combination in the second generation. These results indicate that the combined effects of both elevated temperature and CO2 on aphid biology may exacerbate aphid damage on barley under the climate change in accompany with elevated temperature and CO2 level.
Effect of Different Professions' Clothing on Children's Height Perception

Height is a biological factor that can affect how others perceive and behave toward an individual. Clothing, as a non-biological factor, can affect these perceptions of height. In this study we investigated the effect of different professions' clothing on children's perceptions of height. One hundred and eighty primary school students participated in this study and estimated the height of an actor in the clothing of four different professions which differed in terms of prestige. The results of study showed that the difference between the perceived and actual height was larger when participants estimated the height of socially esteemed professions. Also there was no difference between girls' and boys' estimation of different professions' height. The implications of these findings are discussed. La talla de un individuo como factor biológico, tiene diferentes efectos sobre cómo otros perciben y se comportan con dicho individuo. La indumentaria como factor no biológico puede alterar las percepciones de la talla. En este estudio, investigamos el efecto de la indumentaria de diferentes profesiones sobre la estimación de la talla percibida por los niños. Participaron en el estudio 180 niños de primaria, quienes estimaron la talla de un actor vestido con la indumentaria correspondiente a cuatro profesiones diferentes. Los resultados mostraron que la diferencia entre la talla real y la percibida era mayor cuando los participantes estimaban la talla de profesiones socialmente valoradas. No hubo diferencias de sexo en la estimación de las tallas de diferentes profesiones.
Security and performance enhancements to OGSA‐DAI for Grid data virtualization

In this paper we describe our work on enabling dynamic access control and secure management over federated data resources, such as relational or XML databases exposed to public network infrastructures via OGSA‐DAI middleware. We have proposed some extensions to the OGSA‐DAI architecture and successfully implemented new mechanisms enabling secure communication and distributed data integrity along with fine‐grain authorization and policy enforcement to minimize the complexity of the security right management. As a proof of concept some preliminary results of various performance tests of our solutions are also presented in this paper. We then analyze our achievements and describe future work and research. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dietary Recommendations During and After Cancer Treatment: Consistently Inconsistent?

Recent data reveals that dietary factors may influence outcomes in patients undergoing cancer treatment. However, patient-centered information on dietary recommendations is limited. In this study, we assessed dietary recommendations for cancer patients during treatment and survivorship by evaluating the websites of all National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) member institutions. NCCN members were identified on www.nccn. org, and individual websites were reviewed for nutritional content. Recommendations were categorized by meal frequency, diet type, macronutrient content, and other specific recommendations. Twenty-one NCCN member institutions were identified. Only 4 sites (19%) provided nutritional guidelines. Half promoted a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet recommending 5:1 and 7:1 ratios of carbohydrate to fat food types, and half promoted weight maintenance during treatment, endorsing a 1:1 ratio of carbohydrate to fat. One third of all NCCN sites (n = 7) had links to 9 external websites. Four external sites provided nutrition guidelines: half favored a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet, and half favored high-caloric intake to maintain weight. Consistent online dietary recommendations are lacking for patients during and after cancer treatment. Given the lack of consensus on dietary recommendations, future research is warranted to develop evidenced-based guidelines that can be used by oncologists and patients alike.
Evaluating CNT-Based Interconnects : A Nummerical Tool to Characterize Hybrid CNT-Copper Interconnects

Nanotechnologies offer a vast number of applications due to the unique features of nanostructured materials [1]. In the electronics field, this new technology could open innovative ways to go beyond Moore's law [2], but progress in manufacturing technology still limits the wide dispersion of nanotechnology-based circuits. The bridge between nanoscience and realized devices can be achieved by modeling the multiphysics phenomena at the nanoscale, which will aid in the development of the technology.
Sulfiredoxin is an AP-1 target gene that is required for transformation and shows elevated expression in human skin malignancies

Previous studies have shown that a dominant negative form of c-Jun (TAM67) suppresses mouse skin carcinogenesis both in vitro and in vivo. The current study identifies Sulfiredoxin (Srx) as a unique target of activator protein-1 (AP-1) activation and TAM67 inhibition. Manipulation of Srx levels by ShRNA or over-expression demonstrates that Srx is critical for redox homeostasis through reducing hyperoxidized peroxiredoxins. In JB6 cells, knockdown of Srx abolishes tumor promoter-induced transformation and enhances cell sensitivity to oxidative stress. Knockdown of Srx also impairs c-Jun phosphorylation, implicating a role for Srx in the feedback regulation of AP-1 activity. Screening of patient tissues by tissue microarray reveals elevated Srx expression in several types of human skin cancers. Our study indicates that Srx is a functionally significant target of AP-1 blockade that may have value in cancer prevention or treatment.
Body Mass Index Influences the Outcome of Acute Pancreatitis: An Analysis Based on the Japanese Administrative Database

Objective This study aimed to investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and risk of death in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) using a Japanese national administrative database. Methods We analyzed a total of 6002 patients with AP. We collected patient information, including sex, age, BMI, severity of AP based on the Japan Pancreas Society scoring system, and prognosis. We classified BMI into 5 categories (underweight [BMI, <18.5], normal range [18.5–24.9], preobese [25–29.9], obese class I [30–34.9], and obese class II/III [>35]) and investigated the relationship between each category and risk of death in AP. Results There was a good correlation between the Japanese AP severity score and in-hospital mortality. Overall mortality of severe pancreatitis was 7.0% (n = 2245). Mortality in each BMI category was as follows: underweight, 6.4%; normal range, 3.6%; preobese, 2.4%; obese class I, 3.2%; and obese class II/III, 5.7%. Underweight and obese class II/III patients had significantly higher relative risk (RR) of death in AP compared with preobese patients after adjusting for sex, age, and severity of AP (RR, 2.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.6–4.5; and RR, 6.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.9–20.9, respectively). Conclusions Underweight or overweight was the independent risk factor for mortality in AP.