Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comments on “ Causal inference using invariant prediction : identification and confidence intervals ” by Peters , Bühlmann and Meinshausen

I consider that the genuine fundamental problem of causal inference is the need for (partially untestable) invariance assumptions to operationalize interventions, and I thank the authors for emphasizing the role of invariances in a stimulating paper. I would like to make some brief comments on how the ideas introduced here can also be helpful in the context of measurement problems. Much of the contribution involves removing assumptions about the exact target of interventions. This is important: sometimes we may feel uncomfortable to speak of causal effects between some treatment X and outcome Y not because we cannot think of ways of intervening on X, but because we can think of too many ways of intervening. However, perhaps none may plausibly keep the relation between X and Y invariant. In this case, the methods in Peters et al. cannot be applied. Many of these problems can be explained as a result of the difficulty of measuring X or Y . Invariance assumptions, fortunately, can be extended to accommodate measurement error. It can also clarify to some extent the nature of unobserved quantities. Consider the classical example of [2], of which a simplified version is shown in Figure 1. While it may be unrealistic to describe perfect interventions on gross national product that do not directly affect energy consumption, an alternative model postulates an abstract “industrialization level” index measured indirectly by these two variables. Assumptions of invariance under interventions F on this index could be tested by models that capture different regimes among latent variables but share the same measurement model. Identification of measurement models has been studied under the psychometrics [5], machine learning [4] and statistics literatures [3, 1] and these results can be used to build such a test of invariance. Moreover, invariance under interventions provide further operational meaning to latent constructs: a quantity that acts as a mediator between an intervention and measurements, as well as other latent variables. Depending on which invariance assumptions are held as primitives (our “fundamental problem”), violations of measurement invariances may indicate lack of unidimensionality of the latent construct (a different take on the issue of “versions of a treatment” [6]), or further unmeasured confounding between measurements and latent variables. In either case, I predict that the valuable ideas introduced by Peters, Bühlmann and Meinshausen will also change the ways we build and interpret latent variable models in the future.
Suppression of dnaE nonsense mutations by pcbA1

DNA polymerase III has been recognized as the required replication enzyme in Escherichia coli. The synthesis subunit of DNA polymerase III holoenzyme (alpha subunit) is encoded by the dnaE gene. We have reported that E. coli cells can survive and grow in the absence of a functional dnaE gene product if DNA polymerase I and the pcbA1 mutation are present. Existing mutations in the dnaE gene have been conditionally defective thermolabile mutations. We report here construction of nonsense mutations in the dnaE gene by use of a temperature-sensitive suppressor mutation to permit survival at the permissive temperature (32 degrees C). Introduction of the pcbA1 mutation eliminated the temperature-sensitive phenotype. We confirmed by immunoblotting the lack of detectable alpha subunit at 43 degrees C.
Commercially available blood storage containers

Plastic blood bags improve the safety and effectiveness of blood component separation and storage. Progress towards optimal storage systems is driven by medical, scientific, business and environmental concerns and is limited by available materials, consumer acceptance and manufacturing and regulatory concerns. Blood bag manufacturers were invited to submit lists of the bags they manufacture. The lists were combined and sorted by planned use. The lists were analysed by experts to assess the degree to which the products attend to scientific problems. Specific issues addressed included the use of di‐ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) as plasticizer for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) blood bags, the size, material and thickness of platelet bags, and the fracture resistance of plasma bags. Alternatives to DEHP for red blood cell (RBC) storage exist, but are mostly in a developmental stage. Plastic bags (DEHP‐free, PVC‐free) for platelet storage with better gas diffusion capabilities are widely available. Alternatives for plasma storage with better fracture resistance at low temperatures exist. Most RBC products are stored in DEHP‐plasticized PVC as no fully satisfactory alternative exists that ensures adequate storage with low haemolysis. A variety of alternative platelet storage systems are available, but their significance – other than improved oxygen transport – is poorly understood. The necessity to remove DEHP from blood bags still needs to be determined.
Microstructural analysis of simulated Ni33Y67 glass.

Molecular-dynamics and energy-minimization calculations with nonadditive Lennard-Jones interactions are used to investigate the microstructure of amorphous ${\mathrm{Ni}}_{33}$${\mathrm{Y}}_{67}$. The interaction parameters are mainly determined from structural data on crystalline Ni-Y alloys at several compositions. The molecular dynamics results reproduce satisfactorily the neutron-diffraction measurements on the glass. Analysis of Voronoi polyhedra, radial, and angular distribution functions indicate that atomic coordination in the glass resembles that of the crystalline species. Distorted ${\mathrm{NiY}}_{6}$ trigonal prisms constitute the most common coordination in the simulated material.
The impact of piracy on the structure of the Pay TV market: a case study for Latin America

ABSTRACT The purpose of this paper is to show that piracy affects competition by reducing the ability of operators to enter and expand in the market. We expect this to be reflected in a more concentrated market. We empirically assess this by employing an unbalanced panel data set for 17 countries in Latin America (years 2013–2015). By using the Herfindahl Hirshman Index (HHI) as an indicator of market concentration, we find that halving piracy reduces market concentration by 6.5% in markets where the HHI index is above 1500. When controlling for endogeneity, halving piracy reduces market concentration by 11–15% for all levels of HHI. Since in most Pay TV markets in Latin America the HHI is above 1500, the results suggest that fighting piracy is a tool for promoting competition.
Cryotherapy of common viral warts at intervals of 1, 2 and 3 weeks

We studied the efficacy, and time to clearance, of more frequent cryotherapy of viral warts, by randomizing 225 patients to receive treatment at 1‐, 2‐ or 3‐weekly intervals. The mean times to clearance of warts in each group were 5.5, 9.5 and 15 weeks in the weekly, 2‐weekly and 3‐weekly groups, respectively (P < 0.01). Cure rates after 3 months correlated with frequency of treatment (P < 0.05). After 3 months, 43% (66% of non‐defaulters) had cleared in the group treated weekly, 37% (47%) of the group treated every 2 weeks, and 26% (30%) of those treated every 3 weeks. The mean numbers of treatments needed to achieve clearance were similar in each group (5.5, 4.75 and 5 treatments). After 12 treatments, cure rates were similar for all three groups: 43% for the weekly‐ treated group (3 months), 48% for the 2‐weekly group (6 months), and 44% for the 3‐weekly group (9 months). Percentage cure is related to the number of treatments received, and independent of the interval between treatments. A more rapid cure may, therefore, be achieved by more frequent treatment.
Locally advanced rectal cancer: MR imaging for restaging after neoadjuvant radiation therapy with concomitant chemotherapy. Part II. What are the criteria to predict involved lymph nodes?

PURPOSE To prospectively determine diagnostic performance of predictive criteria for nodal restaging after radiation therapy with concomitant chemotherapy by using ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO)-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in patients with rectal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS After institutional review board approval and informed consent were obtained, 39 patients (24 men, 15 women; mean age, 64 years) with rectal cancer underwent USPIO-enhanced two-dimensional (2D) T2-weighted fast spin-echo, three-dimensional (3D) T1-weighted gradient-echo, and 3D T2*-weighted MR for restaging. Two observers evaluated nodes for border irregularity, short- and long-axis diameters, and estimated percentage of white region (<30%, 30%-50%, or >50%) within the node (3D T2*-weighted images). Ratio of the measured surface area of the white region within the black node to the measured surface area of the total node (Ratio(A)) was calculated. Signal intensity (SI) in gluteus muscle (SI(GM)) and in total node (SI(TN)) were used to calculate SI(TN)/SI(GM) ratio. Histopathologic findings were reference standard. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were compared and interobserver agreement was determined. RESULTS Lesion-by-lesion analysis was feasible in 201 lymph nodes. Area under the ROC curve (AUC) of border and short- and long-axis diameters for observer 1 were 0.85, 0.87, and 0.88 and for observer 2 were 0.70, 0.89, and 0.87, respectively. AUC for estimated percentage of white region within the node, Ratio(A), and SI(TN)/SI(GM) ratio for observer 1 were 0.98, 0.99, and 0.62 and for observer 2 were 0.97, 0.98, and 0.65, respectively. AUC for USPIO-enhanced MR criteria was significantly better than AUC for conventional MR criteria (P < .01). All criteria except border irregularity and SI(TN)/SI(GM) ratio showed high interobserver agreement (kappa > 0.79). CONCLUSION The most reliable predictors for identifying benign nodes after radiation therapy with concomitant chemotherapy by using USPIO-enhanced MR imaging for restaging in patients with rectal cancer were estimated percentage of white region within the node and Ratio(A). Measurements on standard 2D T2-weighted fast spin-echo images versus primary staging results offer reasonably good accuracy to identify benign lymph nodes after therapy.
Online Synchronous English Learning from Activity Theory Perspectives

The implementation of Online Synchronous Learning (OSL) poses many challenges to existing instruction technology theory because of the complexity of the digital age. Although many studies have been carried out for an OSL, there is little evidence of OSL for teaching language learning. This is especially so when it involves multiple cultural perspectives. This chapter describes the implementation of OSL for teaching English to foreign students from different cultures. The authors believe that the cultural historical Activity Theory is ideal for understanding OSL and its pedagogy. Through the lens of Activity Theory, this study takes close look at OSL courses and examines the socio-cultural factors affecting the success of the course as well as their complex relationships. Applying Activity Theory to analyze data collected over three years we have developed a framework to help educators who intend to implement OSL from multiple cultural perspectives.
New approach for self-parking management system

The parking operation is considered the most stressful task amongst all driving experiences, and during this operation a considerable number of accidents are occurring each day. As a result, Parking Assistance Solutions (PAS) are widely used nowadays. Unfortunately, those systems are not fully automated and their role is limited to assisting the driver during the parking operation. This paper presents a proposal of a low cost, fully automated self-parking management solution. This proposal is a combination of two subsystems that will be collaborating to achieve a fully automated system; the first part is composed of an indoor navigation system, based on the adaptation of the available surveillance camera network in the parking area. This system will locate vehicles in the parking area and provide their current position in real time. And based on the localization information in addition to available free parking lots a server will generate navigation consigns. Those consigns (speed, rotation angle and direction) will be used by an auto-parking kit (that represent the second part of our proposal) to control the parking vehicle, that will drive itself to its reserved place.
Occurrence of Beta- Lactamase Resistance among Isolates from Cancer Patients in Lagos, Nigeria

Bacteria infections associated with multidrug resistance have been implicated in the high mortality and morbidity reported among cancer patients. In recent years gram negative organisms isolates from patients with neoplasia have been found to produce beta-lactamases (β-lactamase) and this is of interest in developing countries where it is unreported or underreported. This study determined beta-lactamase mediated resistance in gram negative bacteria isolates from patients attending the radiology and Oncology clinic of Lagos University Teaching Hospital between April and November 2006.One hundred and nineteen samples were analyzed and sixty one gram negative isolates were recovered.The isolates were characterized with the analytical profile index(API) tests and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was determined using the disk diffusion method according to CLSI standard. Production of beta-lactamase and extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) were investigated using the nitrocefin stick and double disk synergy test (DDST) respectively. Plasmid analysis was done on each bacteria isolate showing multidrug resistance. Of the sixty one gram negative isolates, 55((90.2%) produced beta- lactamases; 20(32.8%) were found to be ESBL producers while 14(23%) showed AmpC enzyme production. Twenty five out of twenty seven strains harbored plasmids of sizes ranging between 3.0-4.9kb. Statistical analyses showed occurrence of ESBL and AmpC production to be significant. The result of this study has shown a high occurrence of beta-lactamase mediated resistance among clinical isolates from cancer patients. Many of these harbored plasmids which may encode genes for antibiotic resistance or virulence factors which are becoming persistent problems in the health care sector. (Researcher.2009;1(6):1-6). (ISSN:1553-9865).
Troglitazone increases the number of small adipocytes without the change of white adipose tissue mass in obese Zucker rats.

Troglitazone (CS-045) is one of the thiazolidinediones that activate the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma), which is expressed primarily in adipose tissues. To elucidate the mechanism by which troglitazone relieves insulin resistance in vivo, we studied its effects on the white adipose tissues of an obese animal model (obese Zucker rat). Administration of troglitazone for 15 d normalized mild hyperglycemia and marked hyperinsulinemia in these rats. Plasma triglyceride level was decreased by troglitazone in both obese and lean rats. Troglitazone did not change the total weight of white adipose tissues but increased the number of small adipocytes (< 2,500 micron2) approximately fourfold in both retroperitoneal and subcutaneous adipose tissues of obese rats. It also decreased the number of large adipocytes (> 5,000 micron2) by approximately 50%. In fact, the percentage of apoptotic nuclei was approximately 2.5-fold higher in the troglitazone-treated retroperitoneal white adipose tissue than control. Concomitantly, troglitazone normalized the expression levels of TNF-alpha which were elevated by 2- and 1.4-fold in the retroperitoneal and mesenteric white adipose tissues of the obese rats, respectively. Troglitazone also caused a dramatic decrease in the expression levels of leptin, which were increased by 4-10-fold in the white adipose tissues of obese rats. These results suggest that the primary action of troglitazone may be to increase the number of small adipocytes in white adipose tissues, presumably via PPARgamma. The increased number of small adipocytes and the decreased number of large adipocytes in white adipose tissues of troglitazone-treated obese rats appear to be an important mechanism by which increased expression levels of TNF-alpha and higher levels of plasma lipids are normalized, leading to alleviation of insulin resistance.
Regulation of the Copper Chaperone CCS by XIAP-Mediated Ubiquitination

ABSTRACT In order to balance the cellular requirements for copper with its toxic properties, an elegant set of mechanisms has evolved to regulate and buffer intracellular copper. The X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) protein was recently identified as a copper-binding protein and regulator of copper homeostasis, although the mechanism by which XIAP binds copper in the cytosol is unclear. Here we describe the identification of the copper chaperone for superoxide dismutase (CCS) as a mediator of copper delivery to XIAP in cells. We also find that CCS is a target of the E3 ubiquitin ligase activity of XIAP, although interestingly, ubiquitination of CCS by XIAP was found to lead to enhancement of its chaperone activity toward its physiologic target, superoxide dismutase 1, rather than proteasomal degradation. Collectively, our results reveal novel links among apoptosis, copper metabolism, and redox regulation through the XIAP-CCS complex.
Information technology project failures: Applying the bandit problem to evaluate managerial decision making

Purpose – This paper seeks to apply results from the study of bandit processes to cases of information technology (IT) project failures.Design/methodology/approach – This paper examines three published case studies, and discusses whether managerial actions are in accordance with the predictions of bandit process studies.Findings – Bandits are a class of decision‐making problems that involve choosing one action from a set. In terms of project management, the firm selects from several alternative IT projects, each with its own distribution of risks and rewards. The firm investigates technologies one by one, and keeps only the best‐performing technology. The bandit perspective implies that managers choosing a risky IT project with high potential reward before safer ones are behaving optimally. It is in the firm's interest to resolve the uncertainty about the innovative project first. In case of failure, the firm can later choose safer technology. A high proportion of risky projects adopted leads to a high nu.
An algorithm for the treatment of Vancouver type B2 periprosthetic proximal femoral fractures.

The number of individuals with periprosthetic fractures of the proximal part of the femur is increasing. Multiple treatment methods have been described but none that correlate to fracture type and few with mostly good-to-excellent results. This article describes an algorithmic reconstruction tactic for treating patients with periprosthetic fractures associated with a loose femoral component. The stem is approached through the fracture fragments. Reconstructing the tube of the proximal part of the femur with 18G cerclage wires allows for canal preparation and implantation of the new stem. Application of the allograft struts and cables maximizes the biomechanical integrity of the proximal part of the femur to promote fracture repair and implant fixation. No treatment failures have occurred as of this date.
Nouvelle approche méthodologique pour la prise en compte de la flexibilité dans les interactions entre molécules biologiques : les modes statiques

La connaissance des proprietes structurales et physico-chimiques des biomolecules passe par une comprehension fine des interactions intra et inter-moleculaires. L'abondance des donnees a traiter et l'importance des enjeux socio-economiques necessitent actuellement la mise en place de moyens d'analyse a haut debit, tels que la recherche in silico. Les algorithmes developpes jusque-la demeurent cependant peu satisfaisants, particulierement pour le traitement de la flexibilite conformationnelle des macromolecules. Nous proposons dans cette these une nouvelle methode, les Modes Statiques, afin d'obtenir un algorithme prenant en compte la flexibilite totale du systeme. Cette approche, fondee sur le concept de deformations induites entre deux macromolecules en interaction, vise a determiner tous les modes de deformation possibles d'une molecule. Chaque deformation, appele Mode Statique, resulte d'une excitation exterieure sur un atome de la biomolecule. Ces modes sont calcules en fonction des constantes de force contenues dans le modele energetique. Ils sont ensuite stockes pour des utilisations futures, du docking en particulier. Le probleme du docking se reduit alors a des interaction entre sites, les deformations moleculaires emanant des Modes Statiques pre-calcules. Ce travail a donne lieu au developpement d'un code, Flexible, dont nous presentons les premieres applications aux proprietes de diverses molecules uniques : des polymeres thermosensibles aux enzymes allosteriques, en passant par les acides nucleiques.
The use of improved ruthenium red staining for the ultrastructural detection of proteoglycan aggregates in normal skin and Lichen myxoedematosus

Improved ruthenium red staining has been applied to normal human skin and lichen myxoedematosus skin lesions for the detection of the fine structure proteoglycan aggregates. In 4 samples of normal skin and in a patient with lichen myxoedematosus, the typical fine ultrastructures of proteoglycan aggregates, i.e., many short irregularly‐curled filaments of varying lengths attached to long and rather straight filaments of hyaluronic acid were shown. Although lichen myxoedematosus is thought o be due to the faulty formation of proteoglycan aggregates, we suggest a different view, that this improved method of ruthenium red staining is useful for the detection of proteoglycan aggregates, and provides a better preparation for electron microscopy.
Working conditions of retail industry workers in Hong Kong

This study investigated the relationship of working hour, work-life balance and mental health conditions in full-time retail industry workers in Hong Kong, an area without standard working hour legislation, in a follow up study during reduction in retail sales. Two questionnaire surveys were conducted, one in 2014 and the other one in 2015. Each survey comprised 100 retail industry workers in the same retail industry area in an anonymous basis. In 2014 the working hour was long (51.92 hours per week). During this reduction in retail sales there was a significant reduction in the originally long working hours (from 51.92 hours to 47.25 hours, p<0.0001), an increase in daily hours of personal or private activities (3.06 hours to 3.606 hours, not statistical significant), a significant increase in self-perceived work-life balance (from 3.76 to 4.51, p=0.0009), a decrease in number of workers having problems due to disturbed work-life balance, and a significant decrease in the high mental health score (from 18.93 to 15.36, p=0.0003) indicating improvement in mental health conditions. The findings provide scientific evidence for policy making, the working hour in an area without standard working hour legislation could be long. Reduction in working hour resulted in an improvement in work-life balance and mental health conditions.