Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cognitive computation and communication: A complement solution to cloud for IoT

The Internet of Thing (IoT) is experiencing explosive growth in the number of devices and applications. However, the existing cloud-centric architecture of IoT poses serious challenges regarding network latency, privacy, and energy-efficiency. We have presented COGNICOM+ concept, a brain-inspired software-hardware paradigm, to support IoT's future growth and developed 4 research directions - flexible radio, convolutional neural network accelerator, compressed deep learning, and game theory for reasoning and collaboration - within COGNICOM+. The key idea is to bring computing closer to the end-user while focusing on optimal uses of local smart application gateway and cloud computing. COGNICOM+ consists of two key components: Cognitive Engine (CE) and Smart Connectivity (SC). The cognitive engine is powered by deep-learning algorithms integrated with game-theoretic decision analytics, implemented on a low-power application-specific integrated circuit. It provides cognitive functions to smart objects. The smart connectivity integrates neural network inspired designs of cognitive radio, transceivers, and baseband processors. The SC provides flexible and reliable connections to IoT objects and optimally distributes communication resources.
Safety of continuous nebulized albuterol for bronchospasm in infants and children.

OBJECTIVE To determine the incidence of cardiotoxicity in infants and children who receive continuous nebulized albuterol (CNA) for bronchospasm. DESIGN Prospective, case series. SETTING A university pediatric intensive care and pediatric subacute units. PATIENTS Nineteen infants and children who received CNA for at least 24 hours. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS Creatinine phosphokinase (CK) was measured at the time of admission and then at 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours while the patient received CNA. Isoenzyme CK-MB fractions were measured if CK concentration was > or = 250 IU/L. One electrocardiogram was obtained for each patient during CNA treatment. All patients had continuous cardiac monitoring during continuous nebulization therapy. MAIN RESULTS Creatinine phosphokinase levels remained within normal limits for 16 patients during CNA treatment. Three patients had elevated CK and in two CK-MB fractions were elevated at one measurement. None of the electrocardiograms showed evidence of ischemia and no arrhythmias were noted during CNA therapy, even in the patients with elevated CK-MB fractions. CONCLUSIONS Continuous albuterol therapy appears to be safe in our patient population as there was no significant evidence of cardiotoxicity. The significance of the transient elevation of CK-MB without other evidence of cardiotoxicity remains to be determined.
A Targeted Review of the Neurobiology and Genetics of Behavioural Addictions: An Emerging Area of Research

This review summarizes neurobiological and genetic findings in behavioural addictions, draws parallels with findings pertaining to substance use disorders, and offers suggestions for future research. Articles concerning brain function, neurotransmitter activity, and family history and (or) genetic findings for behavioural addictions involving gambling, Internet use, video game playing, shopping, kleptomania, and sexual activity were reviewed. Behavioural addictions involve dysfunction in several brain regions, particularly the frontal cortex and striatum. Findings from imaging studies incorporating cognitive tasks have arguably been more consistent than cue-induction studies. Early results suggest white and grey matter differences. Neurochemical findings suggest roles for dopaminergic and serotonergic systems, but results from clinical trials seem more equivocal. While limited, family history and genetic data support heritability for pathological gambling and that people with behavioural addictions are more likely to have a close family member with some form of psychopathology. Parallels exist between neurobiological and genetic and family history findings in substance and nonsubstance addictions, suggesting that compulsive engagement in these behaviours may constitute addictions. To date, findings are limited, particularly for shopping, kleptomania, and sexual behaviour. Genetic understandings are at an early stage. Future research directions are offered.
Marine-Derived Penicillium Species as Producers of Cytotoxic Metabolites

Since the discovery of penicillin, Penicillium has become one of the most attractive fungal genera for the production of bioactive molecules. Marine-derived Penicillium has provided numerous excellent pharmaceutical leads over the past decades. In this review, we focused on the cytotoxic metabolites * (* Cytotoxic potency was referred to five different levels in this review, extraordinary (IC50/LD50: <1 μM or 0.5 μg/mL); significant (IC50/LD50: 1~10 μM or 0.5~5 μg/mL); moderate (IC50/LD50: 10~30 μM or 5~15 μg/mL); mild (IC50/LD50: 30~50 μM or 15~25 μg/mL); weak (IC50/LD50: 50~100 μM or 25~50 μg/mL). The comparative potencies of positive controls were referred when they were available). produced by marine-derived Penicillium species, and on their cytotoxicity mechanisms, biosyntheses, and chemical syntheses.
Assessment of diagnostic approaches to idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss and their influence on treatment and outcome

Ramesh Zarenoe, Magnus Hansson and Elisabeth Hultcrantz, Assessment of diagnostic approaches to idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss and their influence on treatment and outcome, 2010, ACTA OTO-LARYNGOLOGICA, (130), 3, 384-391. ACTA OTO-LARYNGOLOGICA is available online at informaworld TM : http://dx.doi. org/10.3109/00016480903161541 Copyright: Taylor & Francis http://www.tandf. co.uk/journals/default.asp
Comparison of hospital length of stay and hospitalization costs among patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation treated with apixaban or warfarin: An early view

Abstract Objective: To quantify and compare hospital length of stay (LOS) and costs between hospitalized non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients treated with either apixaban or warfarin via a large claims database. Methods: Adult patients hospitalized with AF were selected from the Premier Perspective Claims Database (01JAN2013-31MARCH2014). Patients with evidence of valvular heart disease, valve replacement procedures, or pregnancy during the index hospitalization were excluded. Patients treated with apixaban or warfarin during hospitalization were identified. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to control for baseline imbalances between patients treated with apixaban or warfarin. Primary outcomes were hospital LOS (days), post-medication administration LOS, and index hospitalization costs, and were compared using paired t-tests in the matched sample. Results: Before PSM, 2894 apixaban and 124,174 warfarin patients were identified. Patients treated with warfarin were older and sicker compared to those treated with apixaban. After applying PSM, a total of 2886 patients were included in each cohort, and baseline characteristics were balanced. The mean (standard deviation [SD] and median) hospital LOS was significantly (p = 0.002) shorter for patients treated with apixaban for 5.1 days (5.7 and 3) compared to warfarin for 5.5 days (4.8 and 4). The trend appeared consistent in the hospital LOS from point of apixaban or warfarin administration to discharge (4.5 vs 4.7 days, p = 0.051). Patients administered apixaban incurred significantly lower hospitalization costs compared to those administered warfarin ($11,262 vs $12,883; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Among NVAF patients, apixaban treatment was associated with significantly shorter hospital LOS and lower costs when compared to warfarin treatment.
Habitual and Value-guided Purchase Behavior

Abstract Society increasingly requests that individuals adopt environmentally benign behavior. Information campaigns purported to change people's attitudes are often regarded as prerequisites to installing such changes. While such information may be a necessary step, it is not sufficient by itself. We argue that many everyday behaviors with environmental consequences are habitual, and that little attention is given to information directed toward changing these habitual behaviors. In other instances, behavior is guided by values in a more reflective process. However, other information besides environmental consequences may draw a person's attention and affect behavioral choice. Using surveys and experimental studies targeting consumer behavior, we studied under what conditions different kinds of information is likely to influence people with varying levels of environmental concern. Based on results from these studies, implications for behavioral change are discussed.
Histochemical study of Magellanic penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus) minor salivary glands during postnatal growth

The histological and histochemical features of the minor salivary glands during postnatal development have been generally associated with the type of food ingested. However, recent studies support the fact that these salivary glands develop independently of the diet; in fact, minor salivary glands have similar morphological and histochemical characteristics in adult individuals of species with different diet regimens. Thus, the aim of this study was to characterize the developmental morphology of the penguin minor salivary glands and to contrast them with minor salivary glands of other species.
Malarial retinopathy in northern Nigerian children

This is a prospective study involving two centres. Children younger than 16 years old who had severe malaria underwent funduscopy. In one centre, direct ophthalmoscopy was performed by both an ophthalmologist and a non-ophthalmologist physician. At the other, two ophthalmologists performed a funduscopy on each patient using different methods (one using direct and the other indirect ophthalmoscopy). The objective was to determine the frequency of retinopathy and evaluate the effectiveness of direct ophthalmoscopy in detecting retinopathy in constantly dilated eyes. Of 62 children seen at both centres, 37% were found to have malarial retinopathy. Macula whitening was the most common finding. There was substantial agreement between the ophthalmologists using either the direct or indirect ophthalmoscopy techniques (Kappa value 0.604). However, at the centre using only direct ophthalmoscopy, there was poor agreement between the ophthalmologist and the non-ophthalmologist (kappa value –0.244). Direct ophthalmoscopy seemed to be effective in detecting malarial retinopathy, but only when performed by experienced personnel.
Ultrasonic Modified Sweet Potato Pectin Induces Apoptosis like Cell Death in Colon Cancer (HT-29) Cell Line

ABSTRACT Background: Pectin and especially modified citrus pectin possesses anticancer activity. Hence, the current study investigated anticancer activity of ultrasonic-modified sweet potato pectin (SPP) on HT-29 cells to assess its potential as a cancer therapeutic agent. Method: The effect of ultrasonic treatment on SPP molecular weight, galacturonic acid content, degree of methoxylation, and neutral sugar was investigated. Moreover, the effect of sonicated variant on human HT-29 cell proliferation was assessed by MTT assay, cell cytotoxicity, and apoptosis by Annexin V/PI flow cytometer and caspase-3 activity was studied. Results and discussion: Sonication led up to seven-fold decrease in molecular weight. The degree of methoxylation (DM) decreased more than two-fold. Moreover, the galacturonic acid (GalA) content increased up to 92%, arabinose and galactose content increased. The SSPP inhibited cell proliferation with the IC50 values 0.5 mg/ml and 0.75 mg/ml for 400 W and 200 W SSPP, respectively. Moreover, 14.41 ± 1.64% cell cytotoxicity was elicited by 400 W SSPP and 6.83 ± 0.80% by 200 W SSPP. Both SSPPs induced apoptosis with 400 W SSPP eliciting 19.42% and 42.21% apoptosis at 0.1 and 0.5 mg/ml, while 200 W SSPP induced 13.79% and 39.50% apoptosis at 0.1 and 0.5 mg/ml, respectively. SSPP activity increased with both increased concentration and sonication intensity.
Orientation Selectivity from Very Sparse LGN Inputs in a Comprehensive Model of Macaque V1 Cortex

A new computational model of the primary visual cortex (V1) of the macaque monkey was constructed to reconcile the visual functions of V1 with anatomical data on its LGN input, the extreme sparseness of which presented serious challenges to theoretically sound explanations of cortical function. We demonstrate that, even with such sparse input, it is possible to produce robust orientation selectivity, as well as continuity in the orientation map. We went beyond that to find plausible dynamic regimes of our new model that emulate simultaneously experimental data for a wide range of V1 phenomena, beginning with orientation selectivity but also including diversity in neuronal responses, bimodal distributions of the modulation ratio (the simple/complex classification), and dynamic signatures, such as gamma-band oscillations. Intracortical interactions play a major role in all aspects of the visual functions of the model. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT We present the first realistic model that has captured the sparseness of magnocellular LGN inputs to the macaque primary visual cortex and successfully derived orientation selectivity from them. Three implications are (1) even in input layers to the visual cortex, the system is less feedforward and more dominated by intracortical signals than previously thought, (2) interactions among cortical neurons in local populations produce dynamics not explained by single neurons, and (3) such dynamics are important for function. Our model also shows that a comprehensive picture is necessary to explain function, because different visual properties are related. This study points to the need for paradigm shifts in neuroscience modeling: greater emphasis on population dynamics and, where possible, a move toward data-driven, comprehensive models.
Anti‐prothrombin antibodies: assay conditions and clinical associations in the anti‐phospholipid syndrome

Anti‐phospholipid antibodies (aPL) are associated with an increased risk of thrombosis and recurrent fetal loss. Antibodies to prothrombin (aPT) have been associated with the anti‐phospholipid syndrome (aPS). We assessed variations in aPT assay methodology to optimize an aPT method that was used to screen patients with aPS (n = 66). Detection of aPT using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was influenced by the concentration of the capture antigen, the microtitre plate type and the buffer system. The combination of γ‐irradiated plates, a phosphate‐buffered saline buffer and coating antigen of 10 μg/ml prothrombin was the most sensitive. Both serum and citrate samples are suitable for the detection of aPT. Under these conditions aPT IgM but not IgG were found to be associated with thrombosis and/or fetal loss.
Acute myeloid leukemia-type chemotherapy for newly diagnosed patients without antecedent cytopenias having myelodysplastic syndrome as defined by French-American-British criteria: a Cancer and Leukemia Group B Study.

PURPOSE To determine the treatment outcome of standard acute myeloid leukemia (AML)-type chemotherapy in a subset of patients with newly diagnosed myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) compared with that of patients with de novo AML as defined using French-American-British (FAB) criteria. In addition, to determine the pretreatment variables having prognostic significance for treatment outcome in patients with MDS. PATIENTS AND METHODS Nine hundred seven newly diagnosed patients with no history of cytopenias having a local institutional de novo AML successfully karyotyped and treated on Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) protocols for AML from 1984 to 1992. Thirty-three of the 907 patients were reclassified as having MDS on central pathology review using FAB criteria and form the basis of this analysis. RESULTS The treatment outcomes for patients with MDS and AML were similar; the complete remission (CR) rate was 79% and 68%, respectively (P = .37); median CR duration was 11 and 15 months, respectively (P = .28); and median survival was 13 and 16 months, respectively (P = .72). For the MDS patients, there were no prognostic variables for CR rate identified. For CR duration, only the Sanz classification had prognostic value. The prognostic factors for survival in a univariate analysis included age, WBC count, Sanz classification, and percent blood blasts. In a proportional hazards analysis of survival, age greater than 60 years and WBC less than 2.6 x 10(9)/L were adverse prognostic factors. CONCLUSION In patients with no known history of cytopenias who are treated intensively at diagnosis, the FAB distinctions between MDS (refractory anemia with excess blasts and refractory anemia with excess blasts in transformation) and AML appear to have little therapeutic relevance.
Establishment of Intestinal Microbiota during Early Life: a Longitudinal, Explorative Study of a Large Cohort of Danish Infants

ABSTRACT Fecal samples were obtained from a cohort of 330 healthy Danish infants at 9, 18, and 36 months after birth, enabling characterization of interbacterial relationships by use of quantitative PCR targeting 31 selected bacterial 16S rRNA gene targets representing different phylogenetic levels. Nutritional parameters and measures of growth and body composition were determined and investigated in relation to the observed development in microbiota composition. We found that significant changes in the gut microbiota occurred, particularly from age 9 to 18 months, when cessation of breastfeeding and introduction of a complementary feeding induce replacement of a microbiota characterized by lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, and Enterobacteriaceae with a microbiota dominated by Clostridium spp. and Bacteroides spp. Classification of samples by a proxy enterotype based on the relative levels of Bacteroides spp. and Prevotella spp. showed that enterotype establishment occurs between 9 and 36 months. Thirty percent of the individuals shifted enterotype between 18 and 36 months. The composition of the microbiota was most pronouncedly influenced by the time of cessation of breastfeeding. From 9 to 18 months, a positive correlation was observed between the increase in body mass index and the increase of the short-chain-fatty-acid-producing clostridia, the Clostridum leptum group, and Eubacterium hallii. Considering previously established positive associations between rapid infant weight gain, early breastfeeding discontinuation, and later-life obesity, the corresponding microbial findings seen here warrant attention.
The Rise in Inequality: Technology and Trade, or History and Taxes? †

Both trade and inequality in the US, Europe, and other major economies have increased markedly since 1980, as the working class in rich countries has experienced relatively slow income growth while the Chinese middle class has prospered. Personal computing was also eectively born at this time, which coincided with large cuts in top marginal tax rates. In this study, we test between these theories ‐ trade, taxes, or technology ‐ using two dierent methodologies. First, we study the impact of rising trade integration on inequality using disaggregated sectoral data for 359 US manufacturing sectors over the period 1972-2009. We test whether sectors with greater initial exposure to international trade, or faster TFP growth, experienced greater increases in inequality and more severe declines in unit labor costs when US relative prices were high and imports surged relative to exports. Secondly, using aggregate data for 18 countries internationally, we test whether trade shocks and marginal tax rates are generally correlated with rising inequality. We find little role for trade or technology, but we do find that the level of top marginal tax rates appears to impact changes in the top 1% share of income, implying that top income shares are a function of history.
The incidence and prognostic significance of cardiac arrhythmias and conduction abnormalities in patients with acute coronary syndromes and renal dysfunction.

BACKGROUND The incidence of cardiac arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation (AF) in chronic kidney disease, is unknown, although AF is several times more common in patients with end-stage kidney disease than in the general population. AIM To assess the incidence, types and management of cardiac arrhythmias and conduction abnormalities in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and renal dysfunction. We also evaluated the prognostic significance of arrhythmias in this patient group. METHODS We analysed 86 patients with renal dysfunction (GFR < 60 mL/min) out of 1005 patients hospitalised in our department between 2008 and 2009 for unstable angina and ST-elevation and non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction. RESULTS Cardiac arrhythmias were observed in 44 (51.1%) patients with AF being the most common (27 patients, 31.4%), predominantly in the paroxysmal form (21.4%). A total of 14 (16.3%) patients had cardiac arrhythmias requiring temporary or permanent pacing. Only 4 (4.6%) patients showed transient conduction abnormalities due to hyperkalaemia in the course of renal failure, while the remaining 10 (11.6%) patients demonstrated conduction abnormalities due to ACS. A total of 3 (3.5%) patients had other arrhythmias (atrial tachycardia, ventricular arrhythmias). During the follow-up period (mean duration: 14.3 months) 7 out of 44 patients (15.9%) with renal dysfunction and arrhythmia and 2 out of 42 patients (4.7%) without arrhythmia died (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Cardiac arrhythmias occur more often in patients with ACS if renal dysfunction is also present and are associated with poor prognosis.
Continuous IOP Fluctuation Recording in Normal Tension Glaucoma Patients

Background: Intraocular pressure (IOP) remains the only treatable risk factor of progressive glaucoma. Recently a device became available to continuously record IOP fluctuation in contrast to classical, discreet IOP measurements. Objectives: To perform 24-h IOP fluctuation monitoring using a CE-marked silicone lens-embedded strain gauge sensor (SENSIMED Triggerfish) in five normal tension glaucoma patients in the presence and absence of anti-glaucomatous treatment and to show the clinical importance of this diagnostic tool. Methods: 24-h continuous IOP fluctuation monitoring was performed on two occasions separated by at least 6 weeks in each patient. In the control session patients were untreated or previous IOP-lowering medication was washed-out for at least 6 weeks. In the treatment session patients received IOP-lowering medication for at least 6 weeks. The continuous recordings were analyzed for differences between daytime and nighttime data and for repeatability over time. Furthermore, profiles recorded in each patient in treated and non-treated conditions were compared. Results: Highly individual and repeatable profiles were obtained. Data recorded during daytime portions of the recordings showed higher coefficients of variation than nighttime data. Positive and significant linear slopes for the transition period from wake time to sleep time were detected in all patients in the absence of anti-glaucomatous treatment, while in three patients of five no significant slopes were detected under treated conditions. Conclusion: Our data suggest that the continuous IOP fluctuation monitoring device is sensitive to individual IOP rhythms and to differences in such rhythms due to anti-glaucomatous drug therapy.