Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Agriculture at the Urban Interface: Attitudes of New Rural Residents

As the buffe r between farming and residential areas shrinks, pesticide related confl icts increase. Dan Levi and Kathryn Sperry discuss their study examining environmental att itudes and health impacts of living at the agricultural / urban interface in Oceano, California. The d iscussion illustrates the importance of including these potential environmental impacts and their mitigation in the planning agenda.
Managing load contract restrictions with online learning

Demand Response (DR) is an effective means of providing flexibility in power systems facing increased variability from renewables. Aggregators must dispatch loads for demand response which provide the most useful services while respecting each load's constraints. In this work, we propose an online learning model where a DR aggregator has to manage a portfolio of curtailable loads subject to several types of restrictions, such as the number of times each load may be curtailed and the total budget. We address this problem with the recent bandits with knapsacks framework. We test the algorithm on numerical examples and discuss the resulting behavior of the algorithm.
Actin assembly mediated by a nucleation promoting factor WASH is involved in MTOC–TMA formation during Xenopus oocyte maturation

During Xenopus oocyte maturation, the microtubule organizing center and transient microtubule array (MTOC–TMA) forms at the vegetal side of the nucleus and we have previously demonstrated that this formation requires actin reorganization. However, the molecular mechanism that coordinates actin filaments with microtubules (MTs) during oocyte maturation is unknown. Here we show that the actin nucleation promoting factor WASH is involved in MTOC–TMA assembly. WASH depletion disrupted the alignment of actin filaments and MT at the base of MTOC–TMA. In vitro cosedimentation assays revealed that the Xenopus WASH VCA domain, which comprises the actin and Arp2/3 complex binding region, directly bound to MT but that the WHD2 domain, which had been previously reported to be an MT‐binding domain of mammalian WASH, did not. Injection of the WHD2‐deleted mutant into oocytes caused a drastic accumulation of actin filaments in the cytoplasm and malformation of MTOC–TMA, suggesting that the WHD2 domain negatively regulates the VCA domain activity during oocyte maturation. Our results suggest that WASH complex‐dependent actin nucleation is involved in the assembly of MTOC–TMA.
European studies on prevalence and risk of autism spectrum disorders according to immigrant status—a review

Background: Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), once considered to be rare, are now reaching prevalence estimates of 1% and higher. Studies conducted in North America indicate large racial/ethnic disparities in the diagnosis of ASDs. Others show, that immigrant children have similar prevalence rates of ASDs as native children, although they are diagnosed later compared with native children. In relation to a EU funded network action, Enhancing the Scientific Study of Early Autism, it was considered important to review the literature on this subject. Method: A comprehensive literature search was undertaken for original articles reporting on prevalence and risk for ASD in Europe among immigrants and ethnic minorities and data across studies were compared. Results: Seventeen studies conducted in Europe concerning immigrants and ethnic minorities were found. Fifteen studies suggest a higher prevalence rate of ASDs among children of immigrants in comparison to native children (RR = 1.02–1.74; OR = 0.6–10.5). One study revealed higher prevalence of autism (OR = 2.2; 95% CI 1.6–3.1) and lower prevalence of Asperger syndrome in immigrants (OR = 0.6; 95% CI 0.3–0.97). One study showed a lower prevalence of Asperger syndrome in immigrants (aOR = 0.1, 95% CI 0.01–0.5). The majority of those analyses involved immigrants from outside Europe, e.g. from Africa and South America. Conclusion: After analysing the results of studies conducted in Europe, it is unclear if higher prevalence estimates of ASDs among immigrants in this region reflect true differences, especially considering many potential confounding factors, e.g. genetic, biological, environmental and cultural. Considering the number of people migrating within Europe there is a substantial need to study further the prevalence of ASDs in immigrant groups.
Using individual‐condition measures to predict the long‐term importance of habitat extent for population persistence

Habitat loss and fragmentation are causing widespread population declines, but identifying how and when to intervene remains challenging. Predicting where extirpations are likely to occur and implementing management actions before losses result may be more cost‐effective than trying to reestablish lost populations. Early indicators of pressure on populations could be used to make such predictions. Previous work conducted in 2009 and 2010 identified that the presence of Eastern Yellow Robins (Eopsaltria australis) in 42 sites in a fragmented region of eastern Australia was unrelated to woodland extent within 500 m of a site, but the robins’ heterophil:lymphocyte (H:L) ratios (an indicator of chronic stress) were elevated at sites with low levels of surrounding woodland. We resurveyed these 42 sites in 2013 and 2014 for robin presence to determine whether the H:L ratios obtained in 2009 and 2010 predicted the locations of extirpations and whether the previous pattern in H:L ratios was an early sign that woodland extent would become an important predictor of occupancy. We also surveyed for robins at 43 additional sites to determine whether current occupancy could be better predicted by landscape context at a larger scale, relevant to dispersal movements. At the original 42 sites, H:L ratios and extirpations were not related, although only 4 extirpations were observed. Woodland extent within 500 m had become a strong predictor of occupancy. Taken together, these results provide mixed evidence as to whether patterns of individual condition can reveal habitat relationships that become evident as local shifts in occupancy occur but that are not revealed by a single snapshot of species distribution. Across all 85 sites, woodland extent at scales relevant to dispersal (5 km) was not related to occurrence. We recommend that conservation actions focus on regenerating areas of habitat large enough to support robin territories rather than increasing connectivity within the landscape.
Performance analysis of multi-pair two-way amplify-and-forward relaying with imperfect CSI over Ricean fading channels

This study investigates the spectral efficiency (SE) and energy efficiency (EE) of a multipair two-way massive multiple-input multiple-output amplify-and-forward relaying system over Ricean fading channels. Both maximum-ratio combining/maximum ratio transmission and zero-forcing transmission/zero-forcing reception beamforming matrices are considered at the relay with imperfect channel state information (CSI). The asymptotic signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio expressions (in the number of relay antennas M) are derived. Moreover, four power scaling schemes are proposed and the asymptotic SE and EE based on the proposed power scaling schemes are obtained analytically. Theoretical analyses and simulation results show that with imperfect CSI when M tends to infinity, the transmit power should be scaled down to different proportions for the Ricean channel with and without line-of-sight components to maintain a desirable rate. However, when M tends to infinity, SE is independent of the Ricean K-factor with perfect CSI.
Model for Steady-State Fully Kinetic Ion Beam Neutralization Studies

Fully kinetic plasma simulations, in which ions and electrons are represented by computational particles, are attractive for modeling electron-ion coupling in spacecraft electric propulsion devices. While conceptually simple, fully kinetic simulations are susceptible to a numerical instability due to a finite computational domain. The widely utilized workaround is to artificially expand the domain and stop the simulation long before the plume reaches the mesh boundaries. The simulation thus never reaches the steady state, and massive computational resources are required. This paper describes a new boundary treatment for fully kinetic studies that allows reaching steady state on a relatively small domain. This approach is demonstrated by first modeling a preneutralized beam. The fully kinetic results are compared with a hybrid model with fluidlike electrons. A more complex setup containing a centrally mounted cathode is investigated next. Grid independence is verified by comparing results on two different sized domains.
Factors influencing the activation of the rapid response system for clinically deteriorating patients by frontline ward clinicians: a systematic review

Abstract Purpose To synthesize factors influencing the activation of the rapid response system (RRS) and reasons for suboptimal RRS activation by ward nurses and junior physicians. Data sources Nine electronic databases were searched for articles published between January 1995 and January 2016 in addition to a hand-search of reference lists and relevant journals. Study selection Published primary studies conducted in adult general ward settings and involved the experiences and views of ward nurses and/or junior physicians in RRS activation were included. Data extraction Data on design, methods and key findings were extracted and collated. Results of data synthesis Thirty studies were included for the review. The process to RRS activation was influenced by the perceptions and clinical experiences of ward nurses and physicians, and facilitated by tools and technologies, including the sensitivity and specificity of the activation criteria, and monitoring technology. However, the task of enacting the RRS activations was challenged by seeking further justification, deliberating over reactions from the rapid response team and the impact of workload and staffing. Finally, adherence to the traditional model of escalation of care, support from colleagues and hospital leaders, and staff training were organizational factors that influence RRS activation. Conclusion This review suggests that the factors influencing RRS activation originated from a combination of socio-cultural, organizational and technical aspects. Institutions that strive for improvements in the existing RRS or are considering to adopt the RRS should consider the complex interactions between people and the elements of technologies, tasks, environment and organization in healthcare settings.
Methods for word encoding: A survey

Internal represention of words has gained a renewed interest with the apparition and extent of word embedders. It is crucial in many fields of research, information retrieval, natural language processing, document indexing, knowledge extraction. The goal of this paper is to revise most word encoding methods and models, from ngram sets to vector space models, through feature models, including word embedding. We propose some typological keys on the models and characterize the emergence of further needs and models in the domain.
Retrospective Evaluation of Metformin and/or Metformin Plus a New Polysaccharide Complex in Treating Severe Hyperinsulinism and Insulin Resistance in Obese Children and Adolescents with Metabolic Syndrome

Background: Pharmacological treatment of obesity and glucose-insulin metabolism disorders in children may be more difficult than in adults. Thus, we evaluate the effects of metformin in comparison with metformin plus a polysaccharide complex (Policaptil Gel Retard®, PGR) on body weight and metabolic parameters in obese children and adolescents with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Patients and methods: We retrospectively collected 129 children and adolescents (67 girls, 62 boys; median age 12.6 years) treated for a minimum of two years with metformin and low glycemic index (LGI) diet. Of these, 71 patients were treated with metformin plus PGR after at least 12 months of metformin alone. To minimize the confounding effect of the LGI on auxological and metabolic parameters, the patients were compared with age-, sex-, and BMI-matched control group with obesity and MetS (51 subjects; 24 males, 27 females) treated only with a LGI diet. Assessments included lipids, glucose and insulin (fasting and after oral glucose tolerance test) concentrations. The Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), Matsuda, insulinogenic and disposition indices were calculated. Results: Metformin treatment led to a significant reduction in BMI SDS (p < 0.0001), with a significant difference in ΔBMI SDS between patients and controls (p < 0.0001). Moreover, metformin treated patients showed a reduction in HOMA-IR (p < 0.0001), HbA1c levels (p < 0.0001) and a significant increase in Matsuda index (p < 0.0001) in respect to the reduction discovered in controls (p < 0.05). Moreover, in contrast to the group treated with metformin alone and controls, patients treated with metformin plus PGR showed a further reduction in BMI SDS (p < 0.0001), HOMA-IR (p < 0.0001), HbA1c (p < 0.0001), total, HDL and LDL cholesterol (p < 0.0001), as well as an increase in Matsuda (p < 0.0001), disposition (p < 0.005) and insulinogenic (respectively, p < 0.05 and p < 0.0001) indices. Conclusions: Metformin appears to show short-term efficacy in reducing BMI, adiposity and glucose and insulin parameters in obese children and adolescents with MetS. However, PGR added to metformin may be useful to potentiate weight loss and to improve glucose-insulin metabolism and adiposity parameters in these patients.
The use of transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy following the introduction of prostate-specific antigen testing in Denmark: a population-based analysis

Abstract Objective: Incidence rates of prostate cancer in Denmark resemble those of countries that endorse prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening. So far, no studies have described the consequences of PSA testing on diagnostic activity on a population level. The aim of this study was to describe the frequency of systematic transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy (TRUS-gb) activity, including rebiopsy rates, in Denmark between 1995 and 2011. Materials and methods: All men who underwent TRUS-gb during the period were identified in the Danish Prostate Cancer Registry. In total, 83,041 biopsy sets from 64,430 individuals were identified. The diagnostic rate and the frequency of rebiopsy were analyzed. Age, histology and PSA were compared at the time of biopsy. Results: The number of TRUS-gb per 100,000 men per year increased 4.6-fold. The mean number of TRUS-gb procedures per individual increased from 1.08 in 1995 to 1.46 in 2011 (p = .0001), and the proportion of men with negative initial biopsy sets who underwent rebiopsy increased from 22% in 1995 to 41% in 2004, later decreasing to 31% in 2009. Conclusions: The diagnostic activity in Denmark and the rebiopsy rates in men with initial negative TRUS-gb have increased substantially, and guidelines for the management of men with a negative initial biopsy are highly warranted.
Differential Regulation of LET-7 by LIN28B Isoform–Specific Functions

The RNA-binding protein LIN28B plays an important role in development, stem cell biology, and tumorigenesis. LIN28B has two isoforms: the LIN28B-long and -short isoforms. Although studies have revealed the functions of the LIN28B-long isoform in tumorigenesis, the role of the LIN28B-short isoform remains unclear and represents a major gap in the field. The LIN28B-long and -short isoforms are expressed in a subset of human colorectal cancers and adjacent normal colonic mucosa, respectively. To elucidate the functional and mechanistic aspects of these isoforms, colorectal cancer cells (Caco-2 and LoVo) were generated to either express no LIN28B or the -short or -long isoform. Interestingly, the long isoform suppressed LET-7 expression and activated canonical RAS/ERK signaling, whereas the short isoform did not. The LIN28B-long isoform–expressing cells demonstrated increased drug resistance to 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin through the upregulation of ERCC1, a DNA repair gene, in a LET-7–dependent manner. The LIN28B-short isoform preserved its ability to bind pre-let-7, without inhibiting the maturation of LET-7, and competed with the LIN28B-long isoform for binding to pre-let-7. Coexpression of the short isoform in the LIN28B-long isoform–expressing cells rescued the phenotypes induced by the LIN28B-long isoform. Implications: This study demonstrates the differential antagonistic functions of the LIN28B-short isoform against the LIN28B-long isoform through an inability to degrade LET-7, which leads to the novel premise that the short isoform may serve to counterbalance the long isoform during normal colonic epithelial homeostasis, but its downregulation during colonic carcinogenesis may reveal the protumorigenic effects of the long isoform. Mol Cancer Res; 16(3); 403–16. ©2018 AACR.
Meeting the Needs of Mothers During the Postpartum Period: Using Co-Creation Workshops to Find Technological Solutions

Background The postnatal period is associated with many new needs for mothers. Objective The aim of this study was to find technological solutions that meet the needs of mothers during the year following childbirth. Methods Two co-creation workshops were undertaken with parents and professionals. The aim of the first workshop was to create a list of all the criteria the proposed solution would have to address to meet the needs of mothers after childbirth. The aim of the second workshop was to create solutions in response to the criteria selected during the first workshop. Results Parents and health professionals want solutions that include empathy (ie, to help fight against the feelings of abnormality and loneliness), that help mothers in daily life, that are personalized and adapted to different situations, that are educational, and that assures some continuity in their contact with health professionals. In practice, we found that parents and professionals think the solution should be accessible to everyone and available at all times. To address these criteria, technology experts proposed different solutions, such as a forum dedicated to the postpartum period that is supervised by professionals, a centralized website, a system of videoconferencing, an online exchange group, a “gift voucher” system, a virtual reality app, or a companion robot. Conclusions The human component seems to be very important during the postnatal period. Nevertheless, technology could be a great ally in helping mothers during the postpartum period. Technology can help reliably inform parents and may also give them the right tools to find supportive people. However, these technologies should be tested in clinical trials.
A Review of Systematic Reviews Evaluating Diabetes Interventions

Purpose This article reviews the literature on definitions and issues related to measurement of quality of life in people with diabetes and summarizes reviews of evidence of intervention studies, with a particular focus on interven- tions targeted for underserved and minority populations. Methods An integrative literature review of reviews was conducted on adult diabetes interventions and outcomes. Five electronic databases were searched. Eligible publications were those published between 1999 and 2006 that described outcome measures. Twelve review articles are included. Results Review studies were heterogeneous in terms of intervention type, content, participants, setting, and outcome measures. Interventions used variable operational definitions and frequently lacked adequate description; therefore, comparisons of findings proved difficult. A clinical outcome, A1C, was the most frequently assessed, with little inclusion of quality-of-life measures. Several reviews and independent studies did not explicitly con- sider interventions aimed at the underserved. When quality of life was considered, measures and operational definition of domains were limited. Conclusions Understanding the relationship between interventions and resulting outcomes, particularly quality of life, will require attention to operational definitions and better conceptual models. There is an evidence base emerging about important characteristics of effective intervention programs. This evidence base can guide public health and clinical program planners to better understand and make prudent decisions about assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of interventions for people with complex chronic illnesses such as diabetes.
Improving protein fold recognition by extracting fold-specific features from predicted residue–residue contacts

Motivation Accurate recognition of protein fold types is a key step for template-based prediction of protein structures. The existing approaches to fold recognition mainly exploit the features derived from alignments of query protein against templates. These approaches have been shown to be successful for fold recognition at family level, but usually failed at superfamily/fold levels. To overcome this limitation, one of the key points is to explore more structurally informative features of proteins. Although residue-residue contacts carry abundant structural information, how to thoroughly exploit these information for fold recognition still remains a challenge. Results In this study, we present an approach (called DeepFR) to improve fold recognition at superfamily/fold levels. The basic idea of our approach is to extract fold-specific features from predicted residue-residue contacts of proteins using deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) technique. Based on these fold-specific features, we calculated similarity between query protein and templates, and then assigned query protein with fold type of the most similar template. DCNN has showed excellent performance in image feature extraction and image recognition; the rational underlying the application of DCNN for fold recognition is that contact likelihood maps are essentially analogy to images, as they both display compositional hierarchy. Experimental results on the LINDAHL dataset suggest that even using the extracted fold-specific features alone, our approach achieved success rate comparable to the state-of-the-art approaches. When further combining these features with traditional alignment-related features, the success rate of our approach increased to 92.3%, 82.5% and 78.8% at family, superfamily and fold levels, respectively, which is about 18% higher than the state-of-the-art approach at fold level, 6% higher at superfamily level and 1% higher at family level. An independent assessment on SCOP_TEST dataset showed consistent performance improvement, indicating robustness of our approach. Furthermore, bi-clustering results of the extracted features are compatible with fold hierarchy of proteins, implying that these features are fold-specific. Together, these results suggest that the features extracted from predicted contacts are orthogonal to alignment-related features, and the combination of them could greatly facilitate fold recognition at superfamily/fold levels and template-based prediction of protein structures. Availability and implementation Source code of DeepFR is freely available through https://github.com/zhujianwei31415/deepfr, and a web server is available through http://protein.ict.ac.cn/deepfr. Contact zheng@itp.ac.cn or dbu@ict.ac.cn. Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.