Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Amélioration des performances d'un modèle stochastique de génération de hyétogrammes horaires: application au pourtour méditerranéen français

Depuis quelques annees, un modele stochastique de generation de hyetogrammes horaires est developpe au groupement d'Aix-en-Provence du Cemagref, pour etre couple a une modelisation de la pluie en debit, fournissant ainsi une multitude de scenarios de crues analyses statistiquement et utilises en predetermination des debits de crues. L'extension de la zone d'application du modele de pluies horaires au-dela de sa zone de conception, a fait apparaitre une heterogeneite dans les resultats. Ce constat a entraine certaines modifications du modele comme : la recherche d'une loi de probabilite theorique peu sensible aux problemes d'echantillonnage pour une variable du modele (intensite d'une averse), la prise en compte originale de la dependance observee entre deux variables du modele (duree et intensite d'une averse), et la modelisation de la persistance des averses au sein d'une meme periode pluvieuse. Ces differentes modifications apportees au modele initial ont entraine une tres nette amelioration de ses performances sur la cinquantaine de postes pluviographiques du pourtour mediterraneen francais. On obtient ainsi un outil beaucoup plus robuste et valide sur une zone etendue, capable de fournir de multiples formes de hyetogrammes, couvrant toute la gamme des frequences, permettant ainsi de s'affranchir des pluies de projet uniques. On aborde aussi une nouvelle approche du comportement a l'infini des distributions de frequences des pluies qui semble parfois superieur a une tendance strictement exponentielle. De plus, l'etude de plusieurs evenements par an dont chacun presente plusieurs realisations des differentes variables du modele augmente la taille des echantillons analyses, semblant rendre la methode plus rapidement fiable qu'une approche statistique classique basee par exemple sur l'ajustement de valeurs maximales annuelles.
Modeling wireless channel fading

We compare measured fading data with the popular Rayleigh model. Our results show that this model does not agree with the experimental data. As an alternative, we approximate the experimental data using autoregressive moving average (ARMA) models. To validate the models, we compare several characteristics of fading obtained analytically, by simulation, and from measured data.
Network plasticity in cortical assemblies

To investigate distributed synaptic plasticity at the cell assembly level, we used dissociated cortical networks from embryonic rats grown on grids of 60 extracellular substrate‐embedded electrodes (micro‐electrode arrays). We developed a set of experimental plasticity protocols based on the pairing of tetanic bursts (20 Hz) with low‐frequency stimuli (≤ 1 Hz), delivered through two separate channels of the array (i.e. associative tetanic stimulation). We tested our protocols on a large data set of 26 stable cultures, selected on the basis of both their initial level of spontaneous firing and the capability of low‐frequency test stimuli to evoke spikes. Our main results are summarized as follows: (i) low‐frequency stimuli produce neither short‐ nor long‐term changes in the evoked response of the network; (ii) associative tetanic stimulation is able to induce plasticity in terms of a significant increase or decrease of the evoked activity in the whole network; (iii) the amount of change (i.e. increase or decrease of the evoked firing) strongly depends on the specific features of the applied protocols; and (iv) the potentiation induced by a specific associative protocol can last several hours. The results obtained demonstrate that large in vitro cortical assemblies display long‐term network potentiation, a mechanism considered to be involved in the memory formation at cellular level. This pilot study could represent a relevant step towards understanding plastic properties at the neuronal population level.
Song pattern recognition in crickets based on a delay-line and coincidence-detector mechanism

Acoustic communication requires filter mechanisms to process and recognize key features of the perceived signals. We analysed such a filter mechanism in field crickets (Gryllus bimaculatus), which communicate with species-specific repetitive patterns of sound pulses and chirps. A delay-line and coincidence-detection mechanism, in which each sound pulse has an impact on the processing of the following pulse, is implicated to underlie the recognition of the species-specific pulse pattern. Based on this concept, we hypothesized that altering the duration of a single pulse or inter-pulse interval in three-pulse chirps will lead to different behavioural responses. Phonotaxis was tested in female crickets walking on a trackball exposed to different sound paradigms. Changing the duration of either the first, second or third pulse of the chirps led to three different characteristic tuning curves. Long first pulses decreased the phonotactic response whereas phonotaxis remained strong when the third pulse was long. Chirps with three pulses of increasing duration of 5, 20 and 50 ms elicited phonotaxis, but the chirps were not attractive when played in reverse order. This demonstrates specific, pulse duration-dependent effects while sequences of pulses are processed. The data are in agreement with a mechanism in which processing of a sound pulse has an effect on the processing of the subsequent pulse, as outlined in the flow of activity in a delay-line and coincidence-detector circuit. Additionally our data reveal a substantial increase in the gain of phonotaxis, when the number of pulses of a chirp is increased from two to three.
Is Serum Albumin An Index of Nutritional Status in Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis Patients?

p atients with chronic renal failure display a variety of metabolic and nutritional abnormalities, and a large proportion of the patients demonstrate signs ofprotein-energy malnutrition (1,2). This may be a consequence of multiple factors (2), including the following: (1) abnormal protein and amino acid metabolism secondary to the influence of uremia per se , loss of renal tissue, and proteinuria; (2) poor food intake because of anorexia caused by uremic toxicity; (3) intercurrent illnesses resulting in increased metabolic stress; (4) decreased biological activity of anabolic hormones such as insulin and somatomedins and increased circulating levels of catabolic hormones such as glucagon and parathyroid hormone; (5) dialytic losses of amino acids, water-soluble vitamins, and other essential small molecular solutes; (6) protein losses into the dialysate (in peritoneal dialysis); (7) catabolic effects of the dialytic procedure (especially in hemodialysis); (8) frequent blood sampIing; (9) low physical activity; (10) abnormal cell energy metabolism, carbohydrate intolerance, and impaired lipid metabolism, contributing to negative energy balance (2). These catabolic factors are to a large extent fundamental components of the uremic condition and are only slightly modified by the mode of dialysis therapy, whereas some factors, for example, dialytic losses of protein and amino acids, are introduced through dialysis (2). Due to the above-mentioned factors, it is not surprising that malnutrition is common in end-stage renal disease patients. Malnutrition has been shown to be a major determinant of clinical outcome in dialysis patients. Serum albumin has been considered to be a marker of nutritional status in dialysis patients and has indeed been shown to correlate to clinical outcome. The study by Struijk et al. in the present issue (3) supports previous observations of the importance of serum albumin as a prognostic indicator in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. In addition, it demonstrates that low serum albumin levels in CAPD patients may also be due to factors other than poor nutritional status. In this editorial we briefly review the role of serum albumin concentrations as a marker of nutritional status and as a prognostic marker of clinical outcome in CAPD patients and, in particular, how serum albumin levels relate to different methods of albumin determination, albumin metabolism, protein intake, and adequacy of dialysis in CAPD.
Modified Leclerc Blocking Procedure With Miniplates and Temporal Fascial Flap for Recurrent Temporomandibular Joint Dislocation

AbstractThis study introduced the modified Leclerc blocking procedure with miniplate and temporal fascial flap for recurrent temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation and evaluated its clinical effects. Seven patients were treated by the modified Leclerc blocking procedure with miniplate and temporal fascial flap. The postoperative follow-up period ranged from half a year to 2 years to access the maximal mouth opening, TMJ disorder symptoms (pain and sound), and incidence of recurrence. No recurrence was observed in all of the 7 patients postoperatively. The mean preoperative and postoperative MMOs were 49.7 mm and 40.1 mm, respectively. There were 3 patients who reported the alleviation of pain and/or sound postoperatively. Two older patients with long-term course of disease reported no improvement of the TMJ symptoms in terms of pain and sound postoperatively. Our results showed that the modified Leclerc blocking procedure with miniplates and temporal fascial flap provided a more stable support for the condylar movement with less recurrence, suggesting that this operation could be a good alternative for the treatment of recurrent TMJ dislocation.
Usage-Centered Design for Government Websites - A Practical Analysis to Canada Government Website

According to the theory of usability engineer and information architecture, we should pay more attention to the two aspects in doing usage-centered design for government website: how to make information clearer and easier to be understandable and how to deliver Information more expressively. A series of methods can enhance the usability of government website. By analyzing Canada government website, we can see how the theory and methodology can be applied in practice.
Chemical Protection Against X-Ray, Gamma, and Neutron Radiation

1 Introductio n. 3 Materials and Methods. 5 Radioprotector s . 5 Subject s . 6 Irradiation . 6 Results. 7 Effect of Unithiol on Toxicity of Radioprotector s . 7 Effect of Unithiol on the Effectiveness of Chemical Protection in MiceAgainst X Rays . 8 Protection Against Neutron Irradiatio n . 10 Mechanism of Action of Unithio l . 11 Discussion . 13 Suggestions for Further Researc h . 15 References. 17
Triple Infection Keratitis

Objective: To analyze the demographics, risk factors, and clinical and microbiological characteristics of triple infection keratitis. Design: Retrospective case series. Participants: Five patients (five eyes) with triple infection keratitis were identified. Methods: Eyes with polymicrobial keratitis were identified from January 2002 to December 2010. Only culture-positive cases and eyes infected by three different organisms were included. Demographics, risk factors, clinical and microbiological characteristics, and treatment outcomes were analyzed. Main Outcome Measures: The size of the corneal infiltrate, presence of hypopyon, pre- and post-treatment best-corrected visual acuity, antibiotic regimen and sensitivity, types of isolated pathogens, duration of infection, and treatment outcomes. Results: The mean age was 39 years (SD, ±23.4; range, 21–74). Use of topical steroids was the commonest risk factor (80%). Multiple risk factors were identified in four eyes. The average size of corneal infiltrate was 23.5 mm2 (SD, ±35.2; range, 2.08–85.5), and all eyes developed hypopyon. A total of 15 organisms belonging to 10 species (bacteria=7, fungi=3) were isolated. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans were the most frequently isolated bacteria (n=3) and fungi (n=3), respectively. All patients had at least one type of fungal isolate. Infection resolved with medical treatment in four eyes and one eye had to be eviscerated as the patient developed panophthalmitis. The average time taken for infection to resolve was 30 days (SD, ±19.3; range, 13–61). Conclusions: A high index of suspicion of polymicrobial keratitis should be made in patients with multiple and systemic risk factors. Use of topical steroid was the most common risk factor. Prolonged course of disease, relatively large infiltrate, and presence of hypopyon and fungal isolates are typical features of triple infection keratitis.
Case comparison and literature review of glioblastoma: A tale of two tumors

Background: Diagnosis of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) includes a heterogeneous group of tumors. We describe two cases with histopathologically and molecularly similar tumors, but very different outcomes. We attempt to illustrate the need for improved prognostic markers for GBM. Case Description: Two patients with similar molecular profiles were retrospectively identified. The following markers were assessed: O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) methylation, isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) 1 and 2 status, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) amplification, phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) status, Ki-67, p53, and 1p/19q status. Each patient was assigned a Karnofsky performance score at presentation. Case 1 (62-year-old male) was a right temporal lobe glioblastoma with a molecular profile of amplified EGFR, normal PTEN, no IDH1/2 mutation, 28.7% MGMT promoter methylation, 5-20% Ki-67, 1p deletion, and 19q intact. The patient underwent resection followed by radiation therapy and 2 years of chemotherapy, and was asymptomatic and tumor free 5 years post diagnosis. Tumor eventually recurred and the patient expired 72 months after initial diagnosis. Case 2 (63-year-old male) was a right frontal white matter mass consistent with glioblastoma with a molecular profile of amplified EGFR, absent PTEN, no IDH1/2 mutation, 9.9% MGMT promoter methylation, 5-10% Ki-67, and 1p/19q status inconclusive. A radical subtotal resection was performed; however, 2 weeks later symptoms had returned. Subsequent imaging revealed a tumor larger than at diagnosis. The patient expired 3 months after initial diagnosis. Conclusion: The need for formulating more robust means to classify GBM tumor subtypes is paramount. Standard histopathologic and molecular analyses are costly and did not provide either of these patients with a realistic appraisal of their prognosis. Individualized whole genome testing similar to that being reported for medulloblastoma and other tumors may be preferable to the array of tests as currently utilized.
Parietal blood oxygenation level‐dependent response evoked by covert visual search reflects set‐size effect in monkeys

Distinguishing a target from distractors during visual search is crucial for goal‐directed behaviour. The more distractors that are presented with the target, the larger is the subject's error rate. This observation defines the set‐size effect in visual search. Neurons in areas related to attention and eye movements, like the lateral intraparietal area (LIP) and frontal eye field (FEF), diminish their firing rates when the number of distractors increases, in line with the behavioural set‐size effect. Furthermore, human imaging studies that have tried to delineate cortical areas modulating their blood oxygenation level‐dependent (BOLD) response with set size have yielded contradictory results. In order to test whether BOLD imaging of the rhesus monkey cortex yields results consistent with the electrophysiological findings and, moreover, to clarify if additional other cortical regions beyond the two hitherto implicated are involved in this process, we studied monkeys while performing a covert visual search task. When varying the number of distractors in the search task, we observed a monotonic increase in error rates when search time was kept constant as was expected if monkeys resorted to a serial search strategy. Visual search consistently evoked robust BOLD activity in the monkey FEF and a region in the intraparietal sulcus in its lateral and middle part, probably involving area LIP. Whereas the BOLD response in the FEF did not depend on set size, the LIP signal increased in parallel with set size. These results demonstrate the virtue of BOLD imaging in monkeys when trying to delineate cortical areas underlying a cognitive process like visual search. However, they also demonstrate the caution needed when inferring neural activity from BOLD activity.
Prediction of 6-thioguanine nucleotides levels in Japanese patients with inflammatory bowel diseases during long-term thiopurine administration

Abstract Background. The monitoring of 6-thioguanine nucleotides (6-TGN) levels is warranted during thiopurine therapy for patients with inflammatory bowel diseases. Aims. The aim of this study was to elucidate the parameters that can predict the 6-TGN levels among Japanese patients with inflammatory bowel diseases undergoing thiopurine therapy. Material and methods. The 6-TGN levels were measured in 54 patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (32 with ulcerative colitis and 22 with Crohn's disease), who had been administered azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine for more than 90 days. Possible correlations between the hematologic parameters and 6-TGN levels were investigated. The clinical and hematologic variables were evaluated to determine the 6-TGN levels of less than or over 235 pmol/8 × 108 RBCs. Results. The 6-TGN levels correlated significantly with changes in the mean corpuscular volume (R = 0.423, p = 0.001) and the lymphocyte counts (R = −0.280, p = 0.04). A multivariate analysis revealed changes in the mean corpuscular volume (OR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.07–1.40) and hemoglobin levels (OR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.35–0.99) to be factors predictive of the 6-TGN levels. An increase in the mean corpuscular volume of 3.5 fl was determined to be the most preferable cut-off value to distinguish patients with 6-TGN ≥ 235 pmol/8 × 108 RBCs from those with a lower concentration. Conclusions. Changes in the mean corpuscular volume are considered to be predictive of the 6-TGN levels in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases receiving thiopurine therapy.
Learning to recognition from Bing Clickture data

MSR Image Recognition Challenge (IRC) 2016 tries to deal with designing a dog breeds recognition system based on Clickture-Dog dataset. To address the task, we proposed an effective method with systematic strategies as follows. We presented a data cleaning method using faster-rcnn to learn a dog detector. Besides, we ensembeled a series of CNN models to enhance the robustness. A dense evaluation strategy was carried out to boost the test accuracy. Finally, we achieved the first prize of this challenge with 89.65% top-5 accuracy.
Towards a universal method for protein refolding: The trimeric beta barrel membrane Omp2a as a test case

It has recently been reported that 2‐methyl‐2,4‐pentanediol (MPD) can modulate the protein‐binding properties of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), turning it into a non‐denaturing detergent. Indeed both alpha (the lysozyme) and beta (the carbonic anhydrase II) soluble enzymes, as well as a beta membrane protein (PagP) have been successfully refolded into their native form by using this amphiphatic alcohol. In order to support the universal character of our MPD‐based technique, we have extended its transferability to the Omp2a trimeric membrane porin. The far‐UV circular dichroism signature of Omp2a refolded with our original procedure is identical to that obtained by classical techniques, clearly indicating a proper refolding. Moreover, we show that the optimal SDS/MPD ratio for refolding Omp2a is similar to what has been observed for other types of proteins. While the protocol allows refolding at higher protein concentration (up to 4 mg/mL) and ionic strength (up to 1 M NaCl) than other refolding methods, it is also more efficient at basic pH values and medium temperature (20–40°C). Finally, the key role of the cosolvent was highlighted by a thorough study of the efficiency of MPD analogues, and a high variability was observed, as they can be able or unable to induce refolding at low or high salt concentrations. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110: 417–423. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Posterior-stabilized constrained total knee arthroplasty for complex primary cases.

Numerous publications clearly support the conclusion that, overall, total knee arthroplasty is successful. The definitive improvement in quality of life, in combination with the aging of the population, has led to an increasing demand for total knee arthroplasty. While cruciate-retaining and posterior-stabilized devices will perform well for the vast majority of patients presenting as candidates for primary total knee arthroplasty, the orthopaedic surgeon occasionally encounters cases of advanced severity (Figs. 1-A and 1-B)1-4. Complex presentations range from higher degrees of ligamentous incompetency to severe restriction of the range of motion with substantial flexion contracture to posttraumatic arthritis and to post-osteotomy deformity of either the distal part of the femur or the proximal part of the tibia. The challenge confronting the reconstructive surgeon is to obtain a well-balanced flexion-extension gap with balanced collateral ligaments. This is frequently best accomplished with a modular system that offers a continuum of constraint (Fig. 2). Modularity allows intraoperative customization; namely, the use of stems, wedges, and augments. Frequently these difficult primary arthroplasties require the use of posterior-stabilized constrained implants1,5-16. Figs. 1-A and 1-B An increased degree of preoperative severity must be addressed with an increased level of prosthetic constraint. (Printed with permission of Joint Implant Surgeons, which holds the copyright to this artwork.) While minimal deformity may be addressed with posterior-cruciate-retaining devices, moderate deformity requires the use of anterior or posterior-stabilized devices; severe deformity requires constrained condylar devices with different options for stems, augments, and wedges; and salvage scenarios require rotating or rigid-hinge devices. (Printed with permission of Joint Implant Surgeons, which holds the copyright to this artwork.) We previously reported the early clinical results and failure mechanisms in a large series of 395 patients who had undergone a total of 421 consecutive difficult primary and revision total …
Morbidity and mortality of very low birth weight multiples compared with singletons

Abstract Background: Previous studies comparing the neonatal outcome of very low birth weight (VLBW) multiples and singletons have suggested a worse outcome for multiples at gestational ages on the limits of viability. Objectives: The objective of this study is to determine the neonatal mortality and morbidity of VLBW multiples compared to singletons. Methods: This is a retrospective study including all infants registered in the Spanish network for infants under 1500 g (SEN1500), over a 12-year period (from 2002 to 2013). Mortality and major morbidities were compared between singletons and multiples. Results: About 32,770 infants were included: 21,123 singletons (64.5%) and 11,647 multiples (35.5%), with a mean gestational age of 29.5 weeks (22–38), and mean birth weight of 1115 g (340–1500). When adjusted by other perinatal factors, multiple pregnancy has a significantly higher risk of mortality than singleton pregnancy (odds ratio (OR) 1.15; IC 95% 1.05–1.26, p = . 002), but not a higher risk of major morbidity or composite adverse outcome. In the subgroup of infants born before 26 weeks, multiples showed a higher risk of mortality (63.9% versus 51%, OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.47–1.96) and a higher risk of composite adverse outcome (88.9% versus 81.5%, OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.28–2.24). Conclusions: In preterm infants born with less than 1500 g, multiple pregnancy is a prognostic factor that can slightly increase mortality. Extremely preterm infants born before 26 weeks have a greater risk of mortality and major morbidity if they come from a multiple pregnancy.