Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Combined Training Reduces Subclinical Inflammation in Obese Middle-Age Men.

PURPOSE We investigated the effects of 24 wk of combined training on proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory markers associated with obesity in obese middle-age men. METHODS Thirty obese men (48.73 ± 1.04 yr; body mass index, 31.00 ± 0.29 kg·m) underwent 24 wk of combined training [CT (N = 17), aerobic (50%-85% of V˙O2peak) and resistance (6-10 maximum repetition [RM]) training)] three times per week, 60 min per session, or a control group (N = 13). Anthropometric measures, maximal strength for leg press and bench press, peak oxygen uptake (V˙O2peak) and serum concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10, IL-15, resistin, leptin, and adiponectin were determined before (M1) and after 8 (M2), 16 (M3), and 24 (M4) wk of the experimental design. RESULTS Significant increases were observed in the maximal strength for bench press and leg press, V˙O2peak, and serum concentrations of adiponectin and IL-15 for CT. Concomitantly, significant decreases were observed in percentage body fat and serum concentrations of CRP, resistin, and leptin for CT after the experimental period. CONCLUSION Twenty-four weeks of moderate- to high-intensity CT reduced markers of subclinical inflammation associated with obesity and improved insulin resistance and functional capabilities of obese middle-age men, regardless of dietary intervention and weight loss.
Development of the Learning Health System Researcher Core Competencies.

OBJECTIVE To develop core competencies for learning health system (LHS) researchers to guide the development of training programs. DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING Data were obtained from literature review, expert interviews, a modified Delphi process, and consensus development meetings. STUDY DESIGN The competencies were developed from August to December 2016 using qualitative methods. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS The literature review formed the basis for the initial draft of a competency domain framework. Key informant semi-structured interviews, a modified Delphi survey, and three expert panel (n = 19 members) consensus development meetings produced the final set of competencies. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The iterative development process yielded seven competency domains: (1) systems science; (2) research questions and standards of scientific evidence; (3) research methods; (4) informatics; (5) ethics of research and implementation in health systems; (6) improvement and implementation science; and (7) engagement, leadership, and research management. A total of 33 core competencies were prioritized across these seven domains. The real-world milieu of LHS research, the embeddedness of the researcher within the health system, and engagement of stakeholders are distinguishing characteristics of this emerging field. CONCLUSIONS The LHS researcher core competencies can be used to guide the development of learning objectives, evaluation methods, and curricula for training programs.
Analysis of mutation spectra in UVB‐exposed mouse skin epidermis and dermis: Frequent occurrence of C→T transition at methylated CpG‐associated dipyrimidine sites

We recently reported the kinetics of mutation induction by UVB in the skin epidermis and dermis of transgenic Muta™ mice [Ikehata and Ono, Mutat Res 508:41–47, 2002]. In the present study we determined the complete DNA sequence of the lacZ transgene in 208 mutants isolated from the dermis and epidermis of UVB‐irradiated and control mice. The resulting mutation patterns for the dermis and epidermis were similar, although two CC→TT tandem substitutions, one of the signature mutations for UV insult, were detected only among the UVB‐induced epidermal mutants. The spectra of the UVB‐induced and control mutations were both dominated by C→T transitions (83% and 62%); however, the C→T transitions from irradiated mice occurred almost exclusively in dipyrimidine sites, while those from control mice preferred CpG sites. Thus, the mutation spectrum detected for the irradiated skin tissues was different from the background spectrum and UV‐specific, confirming the utility of the transgenic system for UVB‐induced mutation studies in vivo. An analysis of the bases adjacent to the mutated cytosines from irradiated mice revealed that the dipyrimidine sites preferred for UVB‐induced mutation were 5′‐TC‐3′ > 5′‐CC‐3′ > 5′‐CT‐3′. Among mutants from irradiated mice, C→T transitions were recovered frequently at dipyrimidine sites associated with CpG. We showed that CpG sites in the lacZ transgene of Muta™ mice were heavily methylated in both the epidermis and dermis. Thus, CpG methylation could contribute to the UVB‐induced recurrent or hotspot mutations in the mammalian genome. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 41:280–292, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
DOES SHORT‐SEGMENT COLUMNAR‐LINED ESOPHAGUS ELONGATE DURING A MEAN FOLLOW‐UP PERIOD OF 5.7 YEARS?

Background: The length of Barrett's esophagus is considered to be important because it is associated with the risk of neoplasia. In Japan, there is a high prevalence of short‐segment columnar‐lined esophagus (SS‐CLE). The natural history of SS‐CLE is not fully understood, so the aim of the present study was to investigate the chronological changes of SS‐CLE.
It's Easier to Contract than to Pay: Judicial Independence and U.S. Municipal Default in the 19th Century

It is well established in the literature that an independent judiciary can act as a signal of credibility by a sovereign state and as a guarantor of creditor rights. However, to date there has been little systematic work analyzing how an independent judiciary reacts to fiscal stress and public-sector default. This article addresses that very question by evaluating how and if judicial independence affects default rates using US municipal data through the nineteenth century. Overall, the results do indicate that greater judicial independence is associated with a significantly lower likelihood of default. This channel largely occurs through the method by which a member of a state's court of last resort is selected (either appointment or popular election) and term length.
Plasmid-dependent inhibition of growth of bacteriophage T4 ndd mutants

Mutants of bacteriophage T4 that fail to induce nuclear disruption (ndd mutants) are unable to grow in the wild-type Escherichia coli strain CT447. This inhibition of the growth of ndd mutants occurs only in the presence of a large (ca. 80-megadalton) plasmid resident in CT447 cells.
Association of peripartum synthetic oxytocin administration and depressive and anxiety disorders within the first postpartum year

Due to its potent effects on social behavior, including maternal behavior, oxytocin has been identified as a potential mediator of postpartum depression and anxiety. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between peripartum synthetic oxytocin administration and the development of depressive and anxiety disorders within the first year postpartum. We hypothesized that women exposed to peripartum synthetic oxytocin would have a reduced risk of postpartum depressive and anxiety disorders compared with those without any exposure.
Conversion From Calcineurin Inhibitor to Mycophenolate Mofetil-Based Immunosuppression Changes the Frequency and Phenotype of CD4+FOXP3+ Regulatory T Cells

Background. CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) depend on interleukin (IL)-2 for their function and survival. By interfering with the IL-2 production, calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) may negatively affect Treg. Here, we describe the effects of conversion from CNI to mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) monotherapy on renal function, and on Treg frequency and phenotype in liver transplant recipients. Methods. Patients (n=16) with renal impairment on CNI were converted to MMF and received a single dose of IL-2-receptor blocking antibody (Daclizumab). Control patients (n=8) continued CNI treatment. Results. Renal function rapidly and significantly improved after conversion. Daclizumab treatment resulted in a 75% blocking of CD25 at 1 month causing a significant reduction in the percentage of CD4+CD25+ cells but not affecting the percentage of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ cells. Six months after conversion to MMF, the percentage of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ cells increased significantly by 125%. FOXP3 mRNA analysis of mononuclear cells confirmed the enrichment of Foxp3 in peripheral blood. Interestingly, the CD25 expression level on CD4+Foxp3+, but not CD4+Foxp3−, cells significantly increased compared with preconversion. Conclusion. Conversion to MMF increases the percentage and CD25 expression of CD4+Foxp3+ cells indicating that MMF therapy can overturn the repressive effect of CNI on circulating Treg levels and therefore may promote Treg-mediated suppression of alloreactivity.
THE EMERGENCE OF THE STATE: A GAME THEORETIC APPROACH TO THEORY OF SOCIAL CONTRACT

This paper discusses how a democratic state can emerge as a result of a social contract and how it evolves dynamically in a society with a public good that confronts the Prisoners' Dilemma. Individuals of the society play a game of institutional arrangements to establish a state in which there are two classes: an enforcer who collects tax and has punishing power and enforcees who pay tax. Our main result is that the state emerges with a positive proba bilityif and only if the productivity of the society is lower than a certain level which is deter minedby the population and the marginal productivity of the public good, and that the state will disappear as soon as the productivity becomes greater than this critical level.
Changes in mouse corneal epithelial innervation with age.

PURPOSE We defined the quantitative changes in corneal epithelial nerve fibers during mouse development. METHODS Corneal whole mounts from 36 mice were immunostained with a specific anti-β-III tubulin antibody to label nerve fibers. Epithelial nerve fibers in the whole cornea were scanned and imaged using deconvolution microscopy. Subbasal nerve fiber and nerve terminal densities were calculated based on the length of nerve fibers located in each 1 mm² area of the corneal surface. RESULTS The epithelial nerve terminals and corneal surface areas increased at different rates; therefore, the variations in corneal epithelial nerve terminal density and number were asynchronous. The maximum epithelial nerve terminal density was reached at postnatal day 24, which remained constant until postnatal month 2 and then decreased significantly. However, the epithelial nerve terminal number increased significantly until postnatal month 2 and then subsequently decreased significantly. In contrast to the epithelial nerve terminal, the subbasal nerve fiber density and number increased significantly until postnatal month 2 and then decreased. Since the subbasal nerve vortex was formed at postnatal day 24, its location, morphological appearance, and directionality did not display any further changes with age. CONCLUSIONS The changes in the corneal epithelial nerve fibers can be divided into two stages after birth (day 1 to 2 months and 2-15 months). During the first stage, the corneal epithelial nerve fiber density increased significantly with increasing corneal surface area. During the second stage, the density presented a significant downward trend.
Strain-induced increase of electron mobility in ultra-thin InGaAs-OI MOS transistors

The impact of strain on the electron mobility is investigated in ultra-thin InGaAs-OI channels by combining tight-binding bandstructure simulations, self-consistent Schrodinger-Poisson, and mobility simulations including all relevant scattering mechanisms. Our model shows that strain induced mobility improvement increases with body thickness downscaling, up to 164% in 4 nm-thick InGaAs channels in strong inversion.
Collectively agreed wages in Belgium: indicators and trends

1 1. Wage bargaining system in Belgium 2 1.1 Traditional framework 2 1.1.1 Institutional structure 2 1.1.2 Public sector 4 1.1. 3 Extension and coverage 4 1.2 Centralised instruments of co-ordination 5 1.2.1 Bi-annual intersectoral programming 5 1.2.2 Minimum wage 5 1.2. 3 Wage indexation 6 1.2. 4 Wage norm 7 2. Examination of national statistical data on collectively agreed wages 9 2.1 Collectively agreed pay levels 9 2.2 Collectively agreed pay increases 9 2.2.1 Overview 9 2.2.2 Quality assessment 11 2.2. 3 Accuracy 13 2.2. 4 Organisational quality 14 3. Descriptive analysis of the development of collectively agreed wages and wage drift in Belgium 15 3.1 Development of collectively agreed pay 15 3.1.1 Whole economy 15 3.1.2 Selected sectors 17 3.2 Development of wage drift 18 3.2.1 Whole economy 18 3.2.2 Selected sectors 20
An exploratory path planning method based on genetic algorithm for autonomous mobile robots

The path planning task for mobile robots consists of define a trajectory to the robot leaves its start position and reach its goal without to collide with obstacles. In general, the robot needs to know previous information about the environment (e.g. maps, predefined routes) to plan its trajectory. In an exploration task, the robot does not know the environment and discovers it when moving to reach the goal coordinates. In this paper, an exploratory path planning aiming to reach a goal position is studied and a new method based on genetic algorithm, topological environment representation and realistic robot actions is proposed. In this method, the robots execute a sequence of reliable local actions (simple reactive behaviors) to move through the unknown environment, adopting a topological environment representation. They plan the path at the same time the environment is explored, in which the genetic algorithm evolves the sequence of actions to be executed. The results show that the squad of robots (GA population) reach the goal faster than an individual search. The proposed approach deal with environment traps better than the classical search A* algorithm and a variation of the A*, named C*, here also introduced.
Late-onset depressive symptoms increase the risk of dementia in small vessel disease

Objective: We prospectively investigated the role of depressive symptoms (DS) on all-cause dementia in a population with small vessel disease (SVD), considering onset age of DS and cognitive performance. Methods: The RUN DMC study (Radboud University Nijmegen Diffusion Tensor and Magnetic Resonance Cohort) is a prospective cohort study among 503 older adults with SVD on MRI without dementia at baseline (2006), with a follow-up of 5 years (2012). Kaplan-Meier curves stratified for DS and dementia risk were compared using log-rank test. We calculated hazard ratios using Cox regression analyses. Results: Follow-up was available for 496 participants (mean baseline age 65.6 years [SD 8.8]; mean follow-up time 5.2 years). All-cause dementia developed in 41 participants. The 5.5-year dementia risk was higher in those with DS (hazard ratio 2.7, 95% confidence interval 1.4–5.2), independent of confounders. This was driven by those with late-onset DS. Five-year cumulative risk difference for dementia was higher in participants with depressive symptoms who had high baseline cognitive performance (no DS 0.0% vs DS 6.9%, log-rank p < 0.001) compared with those who had low cognitive performance at baseline. Conclusions: Late-onset DS increases dementia risk, independent of SVD. Especially in those with relatively high cognitive performance, DS indicate a higher risk. In contrast to current practice, clinicians should monitor those with DS who also show relatively good cognitive test scores.
Spirometric Obstructive Lung Function Pattern Early After Lung Transplantation

Background. An obstructive pattern in pulmonary function test is common after lung transplantation (LTx) and may be caused by multiple disorders. In this study, the impact and outcome of an obstructive spirometric pattern identified in transplant recipients early posttransplantation were investigated. Methods. Analyzing all patients undergoing double LTx between September 1, 2007, and October 1, 2009, we separated patients with an obstructive (forced expiratory volume in 1 sec [FEV1]: vital capacity [VC] <0.7) and a nonobstructive pattern (FEV1:VC ≥0.7) in pulmonary function tests 3 months after transplantation. Pulmonary function measurement, bronchoscopy, laboratory parameter, computed tomography morphology, mortality, and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS)-free survival were analyzed up to 36 months after transplantation. In addition, information about donor lungs were collected (age, smoking history, and blood gas before lung harvesting). Results. From 122 recipients included, 17 (14%) exhibited an obstructive pattern. Recipients with an early obstructive pattern were older at transplantation, had significantly decreased FEV1, increased total lung capacity, and donor organ with lower pO2 when ventilated with 100% oxygen before retrieval. Obstructive patients developed their best FEV1 earlier after LTx and demonstrated a significant increase in BOS development (47% vs. 14%). Conclusions. An obstructive lung function pattern early after LTx was associated with earlier development of BOS and may have negative impact on outcome after double LTx. Early obstructive pattern after transplantation might be an indication of structural donor lung injury.
Fourier Spectrometer based on a wide-range and nanometer stabilized Michelson Interferometer

A high signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) and resolution Fourier spectrometer based on a wide-range and phase-locked Michelson interferometer is presented. A novel arrangement of a step motor, a nanometer resolution piezoelectric actuator and an active PID control loop ensures that the Michelson interferometer has a phase stabilized scanning range virtually without limit, resulting in the Fourier spectrometer's high resolution and high SNR. Several experiments demonstrate that this spectrometer, using light sources such as write LED (WLED) and femtosecond laser, can accurately acquire the spectrum information of a given sample as well as the light source itself in a resolution of nanometer order.
Enhancing query interpretation by combining textual and visual analyses

Query analysis is an important phase in image retrieval process especially for ambiguous queries. This paper describes a query analysis process that manages textual and visual queries. The main idea is to select the most appropriate concepts. For the textual part, we extract keywords. Then, we deduce the most relevant concepts related to such keyword by performing a semantic similarity computing based on ontology structure. A similar process is carried out on the visual part based on the associated annotation. The concept set deduced from each part are then merged. Finally, based on a semantic inter-concept graph, we attempt to refine the query by expanding or reweighting the concepts list. Our approach is evaluated in ImagCLEF2012 benchmark. The experiments show encouraging results.
To RAS or Not to RAS? The Evidence for and Cautions with Renin‐Angiotensin System Inhibition in Patients with Diabetic Kidney Disease

Substantial morbidity, mortality, and costs are associated with progressive diabetic kidney disease (DKD). A goal of Healthy People 2020 is to reduce kidney disease attributable to diabetes mellitus and increase the proportion of patients who receive agents that interrupt the renin‐angiotensin system (RAS), such as angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). The mechanisms that contribute to progressive loss of kidney function in patients with diabetes are disrupted by inhibition of the RAS. ACEIs, ARBs and direct renin inhibitors (DRIs) all reduce the effect of angiotensin II, yet each works through a different mechanism and displays properties that may or may not be replicated by the others. As single agents, RAS inhibitors and blockers have been shown to slow the rate of progression of DKD and to reduce new cases of end‐stage renal disease in various subsets of patients with diabetes and proteinuria (e.g., albuminuria). However, even with contemporary use of ACEIs, ARBs, and, more recently, DRIs, the burden of kidney disease remains high. Thus investigators sought to explore the utility of combining agents (e.g., dual RAS therapy) in various regimens for cardiovascular and kidney end points. Recent data from the Ongoing Telmisartan Alone and in Combination with Ramipril Global Endpoint Trial (ONTARGET) and Aliskiren Trial in Type 2 Diabetes Using Cardio‐Renal Endpoints (ALTITUDE) studies suggest that kidney‐related outcomes (composite of dialysis initiation, doubling serum creatinine concentration, or death) were increased with ACEI plus ARB or DRI plus ARB combinations. Consequently, dual therapy should not be routinely prescribed in patients with diabetes until further data become available from other future studies. This review provides an introduction to DKD and a rationale for using RAS inhibition; discusses screening, detection, and monitoring of patients with DKD; and summarizes results from meta‐analyses and critical reviews and from recent large randomized controlled studies published since the meta‐analyses or reviews. Finally, we suggest a clinical approach for using RAS agents in patients with DKD.
Validation of methods for assessing cardiovascular disease using electronic health data in a cohort of Veterans with diabetes

Electronic health data are routinely used to conduct studies of cardiovascular disease in the setting of the Veterans Health Administration (VA). Previous studies have estimated the positive predictive value (PPV) of International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision (ICD‐9) codes for acute myocardial infarction (MI), but the sensitivity of these codes for all true events and the accuracy of coding algorithms for prevalent disease status at baseline are largely unknown.
Image representation by blob and its application in CT reconstruction from few projections

The localized radial symmetric function, or blob, is an ideal alternative to the pixel basis for X-ray computed tomography (CT) image reconstruction. In this paper we develop image representation models using blob, and propose reconstruction methods for few projections data. The image is represented in a shift invariant space generated by a Gaussian blob or a multiscale blob system of different frequency selectivity, and the reconstruction is done through minimizing the Total Variation or the 1 norm of blob coefficients. Some 2D numerical results are presented, where we use GPU platform for accelerating the X-ray projection and back-projection, the interpolation and the gradient computations.
Transcutaneous Energy and Information Transmission System With Optimized Transformer Parameters for the Artificial Heart

The transcutaneous energy transmission system (TETS) through intact skin to power a totally artificial heart (TAH) has been designed and built. Due to large air gap, the coupling ability of transformer is low. This paper selects core material, geometrical parameters, and coils axial displacement to study their effects on coupling coefficient (k). By simulating with various values, transformer is optimized. To achieve better system requirements, two capacitors are added in series on both sides to compensate the leakage inductances, which results to the increase of efficiency from 48.7% to 91.7%. Furthermore, an information transmission system, in which through monitoring the temperature of secondary coil which reflects the value of load power, the change of temperature can adjust the input power of the primary coil to achieve high system reliability, is proposed.