Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Thimerosal-containing Hepatitis B Vaccine Exposure is Highly Associated with Childhood Obesity: A Case-control Study Using the Vaccine Safety Datalink

Background: Obesity among children and adolescents in the United States has tripled since 1980, and has become a major public health concern. Aims: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential relationship between exposure to organic mercury from Thimerosal-containing hepatitis B vaccines and the children′s subsequent risk of an obesity diagnosis. Materials and Methods: A hypothesis-testing, case-control study was undertaken to evaluate exposure to organic mercury from Thimerosal-containing hepatitis B vaccines, which were administered at specific intervals in the first 6 months of life, among cases diagnosed with childhood obesity and controls by examining automated medical records for children born from 1991 to 2000 who were continuously enrolled in the Vaccine Safety Datalink database. Results: This study found highly significant associations as follows. Cases diagnosed with obesity were significantly (P < 0.00001) more likely to have received greater exposure to organic mercury from Thimerosal-containing hepatitis B vaccines administered within the first month of life (odds ratio (OR) =1.511), first 2 months of life (OR = 1.486), and first 6 months of life (OR = 3.795) than the controls. Similar outcomes were observed when the overall data were separated by gender. In a dose-response manner, cases diagnosed with obesity were significantly more likely than controls to have received greater exposure to organic mercury from Thimerosal-containing hepatitis B vaccines, which were administered within the first 6 months of life (OR = 1.0375 per μg of mercury, P < 0.00001). Conclusions: In a dose-response manner, the present study associates an increased organic mercury exposure from Thimerosal-containing hepatitis B vaccines with an increased risk of obesity diagnosis, and suggests that Thimerosal is an obesogen. The results are biologically plausible and future studies are needed to examine this phenomenon.
The phrenic nerve infiltration for ipsilateral shoulder pain.

We read with great interest the manuscript by Martinez-Barenys et al. [1] in which they compared phrenic nerve infiltration and suprascapular nerve block for ipsilateral shoulder pain following thoracic surgery. We have used similar technique of infiltration of the periphrenic fat pad in our practice for last 5 years, and we have been able to cut down the use of additional analgesia for the ipsilateral shoulder pain following our lung resections. The technique we use evolved in time and it is different in some aspects. We agree with the authors that shoulder pain is related most likely to the irritation of pericardium, mediastinal, and diaphragmatic pleural surfaces; therefore, we inject the periphrenic fat pad prior to resection and handling of the hilum. We believe that introducing the local anaesthetic at this stage provides a greater reduction in postoperative shoulder pain. We use 20 ml of 0.5% levobupivacaine as our anaesthetic agent and infiltrate the periphrenic fat pad above and below the hilum. We have also considered the use of indwelling catheter with infusion of a local anaesthetic to the periphrenic fat pad; however, we have found that isolated infiltration provided adequate pain relief within first 24 h. We did not observe reduction of the shoulder pain in patients were procedures involved the diaphragm. We think that this may be related to nerve fibres crossing from contra lateral phrenic nerve; however, further studies are required to fully understand the pathophysiology of the shoulder pain following the thoracic surgery.
A model of trophic interactions in the North Sea in 1981 , the Year of the Stomach *

This paper gives an overview of the trophic interactions in the North Sea in 1981 when 55 000 fish stom achs were sampied and analysed. The study is based on the data base of the ICES Muitispecies Assessment Woricing Group (MS WG), and published information. A balanced, steady-state model of interactions and biomasses at ali trophic leveis is constructed using the ECOPATH II software. The re suits indicate that the food consumption rates used by the MS WG for three of the important gadoid species are unrealistically low, whereas other parameters appear very reasonable. Resuits from mixed trophic impact analysis, trophic aggregation, and other network analyses are presented, and the resuits are compared with eariier studies of the North Sea food web. Summaries are given to iliustrate the dis tribution of fiows between demersai and peiagic components, and between large ecological groupings.
The Properties of Choline Chloride-based Deep Eutectic Solvents and their Performance in the Dissolution of Cellulose

A series of choline chloride-based deep eutectic solvents (ChCl-DESs) were synthesized and characterized, and their performance in the dissolution of cellulose was investigated. The hydrogen-bond donors significantly (β-value) affected the properties of ChCl-DESs, causing differentiated dissolution performances. ChCl- imidazole (Im) showed the highest Hammett acidity function (1.869), hydrogen bond basicity (0.864), and dipolarity/polarizability effect (0.382) among the ChCl-DESs. The ChCl-Im showed the lowest pseudo-activation energy for viscous flow (31.76 kJ mol-1) among the ChCl-DESs. The properties of ChCl-Im caused the highest solubility of cellulose (2.48 wt.%) relative to the other ChCl-DESs. Polyethylene glycol (PEG), as a co-solvent, significantly (β-value) enhanced the accessibility of ChCl-Im to cellulose by breaking the supramolecular structure of cellulose, promoting its dissolution. The decrystallization of ChCl-Im-coupled PEG approximately doubled the dissolving capabilities, and the solubility increased by more than 80% in comparison with only ChCl-Im. The cellulose was directly dissolved by ChCl-Im-coupled PEG, and no other derivatives were produced.
Maternal buffering beyond glucocorticoids: impact of early life stress on corticolimbic circuits that control infant responses to novelty

ABSTRACT Maternal presence has a potent buffering effect on infant fear and stress responses in primates. We previously reported that maternal presence is not effective in buffering the endocrine stress response in infant rhesus monkeys reared by maltreating mothers. We have also reported that maltreating mothers show low maternal responsiveness and permissiveness/secure-base behavior. Although still not understood, it is possible that this maternal buffering effect is mediated, at least partially, through deactivation of amygdala response circuits when mothers are present. Here, we studied rhesus monkey infants that differed in the quality of early maternal care to investigate how this early experience modulated maternal buffering effects on behavioral responses to novelty during the weaning period. We also examined the relationship between these behavioral responses and structural connectivity in one of the underlying regulatory neural circuits: amygdala-prefrontal pathways. Our findings suggest that infant exploration in a novel situation is predicted by maternal responsiveness and structural integrity of amygdala-prefrontal white matter depending on maternal presence (positive relationships when mother is absent). These results provide evidence that maternal buffering of infant behavioral inhibition is dependent on the quality of maternal care and structural connectivity of neural pathways that are sensitive to early life stress.
Fuzzy object modeling

To make Quantitative Radiology (QR) a reality in routine clinical practice, computerized automatic anatomy recognition (AAR) becomes essential. As part of this larger goal, we present in this paper a novel fuzzy strategy for building bodywide group-wise anatomic models. They have the potential to handle uncertainties and variability in anatomy naturally and to be integrated with the fuzzy connectedness framework for image segmentation. Our approach is to build a family of models, called the Virtual Quantitative Human, representing normal adult subjects at a chosen resolution of the population variables (gender, age). Models are represented hierarchically, the descendents representing organs contained in parent organs. Based on an index of fuzziness of the models, 32 thorax data sets, and 10 organs defined in them, we found that the hierarchical approach to modeling can effectively handle the non-linear relationships in position, scale, and orientation that exist among organs in different patients.
Wireless Caching Helper Networks: Ginibre Point Process Modeling and Analysis

In this paper, we consider wireless caching helper networks (WCHNs) consisting of cache-enabled device-to-device (D2D) transmitters and caching helpers (CHs), which deliver data by exploiting cached contents. We consider two types of modes at a typical user, namely D2D and CH modes. In the D2D and CH modes, after requesting a content, the user receives the content from a D2D transmitter and a CH caching the content, respectively. In practical scenarios, to mitigate interference, the CHs may not be placed close to each other, and thus there exists a form of repulsion among the CHs' locations. In this context, we model the spatial distribution of the CHs as a β-Ginibre point processe, which reflects the repulsive behavior and contains the Poisson point process as a special case. Then, we provide analytical expressions for the coverage probabilities in the WCHNs.
Endocannabinoid System and Migraine Pain: An Update

The trigeminovascular system (TS) activation and the vasoactive release from trigeminal endings, in proximity of the meningeal vessels, are considered two of the main effector mechanisms of migraine attacks. Several other structures and mediators are involved, however, both upstream and alongside the TS. Among these, the endocannabinoid system (ES) has recently attracted considerable attention. Experimental and clinical data suggest indeed a link between dysregulation of this signaling complex and migraine headache. Clinical observations, in particular, show that the levels of anandamide (AEA)—one of the two primary endocannabinoid lipids—are reduced in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma of patients with chronic migraine (CM), and that this reduction is associated with pain facilitation in the spinal cord. AEA is produced on demand during inflammatory conditions and exerts most of its effects by acting on cannabinoid (CB) receptors. AEA is rapidly degraded by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) enzyme and its levels can be modulated in the peripheral and central nervous system (CNS) by FAAH inhibitors. Inhibition of AEA degradation via FAAH is a promising therapeutic target for migraine pain, since it is presumably associated to an increased availability of the endocannabinoid, specifically at the site where its formation is stimulated (e.g., trigeminal ganglion and/or meninges), thus prolonging its action.
Distance and Character-Based Evaluation of the V4 Region of the 18S rRNA Gene for the Identification of Diatoms (Bacillariophyceae)

DNA barcoding is a molecular tool that exploits a unique DNA sequence of a standardized gene or non-coding region for the species identification of unknown individuals. The investigation into a suitable barcode for diatoms is ongoing and there are several promising candidates including mitochondrial, plastidial and nuclear markers. We analyzed 272 sequences from 76 diatoms species in the orders Thalassiosirales, Lithodesmiales and Cymatosirales, using distance and character based approaches, to assess the applicability of a DNA barcode based on the hypervariable V4 region of the nuclear 18S rRNA gene. We show that the proposed V4 barcode separated ca. 97% of all centric diatom taxa tested using a threshold p-distance of 0.02 and that many problem pairs were further separated using a character based approach. The reliability of amplification, extensive reference library and variability seen in the V4 region make it the most promising candidate to date for a barcode marker for diatoms particularly when combined with DNA character analysis.
Measuring Receiver Diversity on a Low-Altitude UAV in a Ground-to-Air Wireless Mesh Network

We consider the problem of mitigating a highly varying wireless channel between a ground node transmitting to a small, low-altitude unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in a wireless mesh network. One approach is to use multiple receiver nodes on the UAV that exploit the channel’s spatial/temporal diversity and that cooperate to improve overall packet reception. We present a series of measurement studies from a real-world testbed that characterize the wireless channel between a transmitter ground node and multiple receiver nodes on a UAV. We show that the correlation between receiver nodes is poor and that using four receiver nodes can boost packet delivery rates by some 25%.
The Italian Version of the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP-32): Psychometric Properties and Factor Structure in Clinical and Non-clinical Groups

All versions of the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP) are broadly used to measure people's interpersonal functioning. The aims of the current study are: (a) to examine the psychometric properties and factor structure of the Italian version of the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems—short version (IIP-32); and (b) to evaluate its associations with core symptoms of different eating disorders. One thousand two hundred and twenty three participants (n = 623 non-clinical and n = 600 clinical participants with eating disorders and obesity) filled out the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems—short version (IIP-32) along with measures of self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, RSES), psychological functioning (Outcome Questionnaire, OQ-45), and eating disorders (Eating Disorder Inventory, EDI-3). The present study examined the eight-factor structure of the IIP-32 with Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling (ESEM). ESEM was also used to test the measurement invariance of the IIP-32 across clinical and non-clinical groups. It was found that CFA had unsatisfactory model fit, whereas the corresponding ESEM solution provided a better fit to the observed data. However, six target factor loadings tend to be modest, and ten items showed cross-loadings higher than 0.30. The configural and metric invariance as well as the scalar and partial strict invariance of the IIP-32 were supported across clinical and non-clinical groups. The internal consistency of the IIP-32 was acceptable and the construct validity was confirmed by significant correlations between IIP-32, RSES, and OQ-45. Furthermore, overall interpersonal difficulties were consistently associated with core eating disorder symptoms, whereas interpersonal styles that reflect the inability to form close relationships, social awkwardness, the inability to be assertive, and a tendency to self-sacrificing were positively associated with general psychological maladjustment. Although further validation of the Italian version of the IIP-32 is needed to support these findings, the results on its cross-cultural validity are promising.
Benthic organic carbon influences denitrification in streams with high nitrate concentration

SUMMARY 1. Anthropogenic activities have increased reactive nitrogen availability, and now many streams carry large nitrate loads to coastal ecosystems. Denitrification is potentially an important nitrogen sink, but few studies have investigated the influence of benthic organic carbon on denitrification in nitrate-rich streams. 2. Using the acetylene-block assay, we measured denitrification rates associated with benthic substrata having different proportions of organic matter in agricultural streams in two states in the mid-west of the U.S.A. , Illinois and Michigan. 3. In Illinois, benthic organic matter varied little between seasons (5.9–7.0% of stream sediment), but nitrate concentrations were high in summer (>10 mg N L )1 ) and low (<0.5 mg N L )1 ) in autumn. Across all seasons and streams, the rate of denitrification ranged from 0.01 to 4.77 l gNg )1 DM h )1 and was positively related to stream-water nitrate concentration. Within each stream, denitrification was positively related to benthic organic matter only when nitrate concentration exceeded published half-saturation constants. 4. In Michigan, streams had high nitrate concentrations and diverse benthic substrata which varied from 0.7 to 72.7% organic matter. Denitrification rate ranged from 0.12 to 11.06 l gNg )1 DM h )1 and was positively related to the proportion of organic matter in each substratum. 5. Taken together, these results indicate that benthic organic carbon may play an important role in stream nitrogen cycling by stimulating denitrification when nitrate concentrations are high.
A Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Patients With Acute Spinal Cord Injury and Central Cord Syndrome: Recommendations on the Timing (≤24 Hours Versus >24 Hours) of Decompressive Surgery

Objective: To develop recommendations on the timing of surgical decompression in patients with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) and central cord syndrome. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted to address key relevant questions. A multidisciplinary guideline development group used this information, along with their clinical expertise, to develop recommendations for the timing of surgical decompression in patients with SCI and central cord syndrome. Based on GRADE, a strong recommendation is worded as “we recommend,” whereas a weak recommendation is presented as “we suggest. ” Results: Conclusions from the systematic review included (1) isolated studies reported statistically significant and clinically important improvements following early decompression at 6 months and following discharge from inpatient rehabilitation; (2) in one study on acute central cord syndrome without instability, a marginally significant improvement in total motor scores was reported at 6 and 12 months in patients managed with early versus late surgery; and (3) there were no significant differences in length of acute care/rehabilitation stay or in rates of complications between treatment groups. Our recommendations were: “We suggest that early surgery be considered as a treatment option in adult patients with traumatic central cord syndrome” and “We suggest that early surgery be offered as an option for adult acute SCI patients regardless of level. ” Quality of evidence for both recommendations was considered low. Conclusions: These guidelines should be implemented into clinical practice to improve outcomes in patients with acute SCI and central cord syndrome by promoting standardization of care, decreasing the heterogeneity of management strategies, and encouraging clinicians to make evidence-informed decisions.
Dietary Nitrate and Muscle Function in Humans: Acute versus Chronic Mechanisms.

I read with interest the recent paper of Whitfield et al. (1), in which it was demonstrated that 7 d of dietary nitrate (NO3 ) supplementation (in the form of beetroot juice [BRJ]) increased peak force and the rate of change in force, and altered the force–frequency relationship, during electrically evoked isometric contractions of the human quadriceps muscle. Unlike comparable previous studies of rodents (2), these effects were observed in the absence of changes in the expression of important Ca-handling proteins; that is, the sarcoplasmic reticulumCa-ATPase, calsequestrin, or the dihydropyridine receptor. Although clearly these are not the only proteins that can influence muscle contractile properties, I nonetheless concur with the assessment of Whitfield et al. that posttranslational modifications, not changes in protein expression, likely explain the changes in function that they, as well as others (3,4), have observed in response Q7 d of NO3 j
Predictably unpredictable — on the implementation of a Walking Pattern Generator for the full-sized humanoid robot HUBO 2 using Model Predictive Control

There is a large body of research related to WPG (Walking Pattern Generators) for humanoid robots. Typically WPG are evaluated based on how well the robot’s actual ZMP (Zero Moment Point) tracks the desired ZMP trajectory, using a simulation of a rigid-body robot walking on a solid floor. However little has been written about how various approaches scale-up to a full-sized humanoid robot, which has unmodeled compliance in the joints or contact surfaces, and makes contact with non-rigid surfaces in the environment like a soft floor. This paper compares the implementation of three WPG: Parametrized Polynomials, Preview Control and MPC (Model Predictive Control), and shows results from simulation and initial testing on the 1.25m tall humanoid robot HUBO2.
The Profile of Executive Functioning in Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment: Disproportionate Deficits in Inhibitory Control

Abstract Amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) represents a group of individuals who are highly likely to develop Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although aMCI is typically conceptualized as involving predominantly deficits in episodic memory, recent studies have demonstrated that deficits in executive functioning may also be present, and thorough categorization of cognitive functioning in MCI may improve early diagnosis and treatment of AD. We first provide an extensive review of neuropsychology studies that examined executive functioning in MCI. We then present data on executive functioning across multiple sub-domains (divided attention, working memory, inhibitory control, verbal fluency, and planning) in 40 aMCI patients (single or multiple domain) and 32 normal elderly controls (NECs). MCI patients performed significantly worse than NECs in all 5 sub-domains, and there was impairment (>1.0 SD below the mean of NECs) in all sub-domains. Impairment on each test was frequent, with 100% of MCI patients exhibiting a deficit in at least one sub-domain of executive functioning. Inhibitory control was the most frequently and severely impaired. These results indicate that executive dysfunction in multiple sub-domains is common in aMCI and highlights the importance of a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation for fully characterizing the nature and extent of cognitive deficits in MCI. (JINS, 2012, 18, 541–555)
High reliability Android application for multidevice multimodal mobile data acquisition and annotation

We have completed the collection of one of the richest accurately annotated mobile dataset of modes of transportation and locomotion. To do this, we developed a highly reliable Android application called DataLogger capable of recording multisensor data from multiple synchronized smartphones simultaneously. The application allows real-time data annotation. We explain how we designed the app to achieve high reliability and ease of use. We also present an evaluation of the application in a big-data collection (750 hours, 950 GB of data, 17 different sensor modalities), analysing the data loss (less than 0.4%) and battery consumption (≈ 6% on average per hour). The application is available as open source.