Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sleep problems and daytime somnolence in a German population‐based sample of snoring school‐aged children

Habitual snoring is associated with daytime symptoms like tiredness and behavioral problems. Its association with sleep problems is unclear. We aimed to assess associations between habitual snoring and sleep problems in primary school children. The design was a population‐based cross‐sectional study with a nested cohort study. The setting was twenty‐seven primary schools in the city of Hannover, Germany. Habitual snoring and sleep problems were assessed in primary school children using an extended version of Gozal's sleep‐disordered breathing questionnaire (n = 1144). Approximately 1 year later, parents of children reported to snore habitually (n = 114) and an equal number of children who snored never or occasionally were given the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children, a validated questionnaire for the assessment of pediatric sleep problems. Snoring status was re‐assessed using the initial questionnaire and children were then classified as long‐term habitual snorers or ex‐habitual snorers. An increasing prevalence of sleep problems was found with increasing snoring frequency for sleep‐onset delay, night awakenings, and nightmares. Long‐term habitual snorers were at significantly increased risk for sleep–wake transition disorders (e.g. rhythmic movements, hypnic jerks, sleeptalking, bruxism; odds ratio, 95% confidence interval: 12.0, 3.8–37.3), sleep hyperhidrosis (3.6, 1.2–10.8), disorders of arousal/nightmares (e.g. sleepwalking, sleep terrors, nightmares; 4.6, 1.3–15.6), and excessive somnolence (i.e. difficulty waking up, morning tiredness, daytime somnolence; 6.3, 2.2–17.8). Ex‐habitual snorers were at increased risk for sleep–wake transition disorders (4.4, 1.4–14.2). Habitual snoring was associated with several sleep problems in our study. Long‐term habitual snorers were more likely to have sleep problems than children who had stopped snoring spontaneously.
Vitamin D and atopy and asthma phenotypes in children: a longitudinal cohort study

Vitamin D has been linked in some studies with atopy- and asthma-associated phenotypes in children with established disease, but its role in disease inception at the community level is less clear. The aim of the present study was to investigate associations between vitamin D status and biological signatures indicative of allergy and asthma development in children aged 6 and 14 years in Perth, WA, Australia (latitude 32° S). Serum vitamin D was assayed in 989 6-yr-olds and 1,380 14-yr-olds from an unselected community birth cohort; 689 subjects were assessed at both ages. Vitamin D levels were assessed as a risk modifier for respiratory and allergic outcomes at both ages, using previously ascertained phenotypic data. The predictive value of vitamin D levels at age 6 yrs for development of clinical phenotypes at age 14 yrs was also examined. Serum vitamin D levels in children of both ages were negatively associated with concurrent allergic phenotypes; sex stratification revealed that this association was restricted mainly to males. Furthermore, vitamin D levels at age 6 yrs were significant predictors of subsequent atopy/asthma-associated phenotypes at age 14 yrs. In an unselected community setting, children (particularly males) with inadequate vitamin D are at increased risk of developing atopy, and subsequently bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) and asthma. In a large unselected cohort, males with inadequate vitamin D at 6 and 14 yrs of age had increased atopy and BHR. Low vitamin D at age 6 yrs was a predictor of atopy and asthma at 14 yrs of age.
Magnetically tuned, robust and efficient filtering system for spatially multimode quantum memory in warm atomic vapors

Warm atomic vapor quantum memories are simple and robust, yet suffer from a number of parasitic processes which produce excess noise. For operating in a single-photon regime precise filtering of the output light is essential. Here, we report a combination of magnetically tuned absorption and Faraday filters, both light–direction insensitive, which stop the driving lasers and attenuate spurious fluorescence and four-wave mixing while transmitting narrowband Stokes and anti-Stokes photons generated in write-in and readout processes. We characterize both filters with respect to adjustable working parameters. We demonstrate a significant increase in the signal-to-noise ratio upon applying the filters seen qualitatively in measurements of correlation between the Raman scattered photons.
Disruption of Mitochondrial Respiration Inhibits Volume-Regulated Anion Channels and Provokes Neuronal Cell Swelling

Hypoxia and inhibitors of mitochondrial respiration impair the regulatory volume decrease (RVD) of cerebellar granule neurons after hypotonic swelling. RVD is linked to the opening of volume-regulated anion channels (VRACs). VRACs are outwardly rectifying, inactivate slowly during maintained depolarization, and are permeable to the cellular organic osmolyte taurine. Channel activation requires nonhydrolytic ATP binding and is not modulated by intracellular ADP. VRAC opening is reversibly depressed by hypoxia and by mitochondrial inhibitors such as oligomycin, rotenone, and antimycin A. These results demonstrate that neuronal VRAC activation and swelling are both tightly linked to cellular energy. Moreover, the findings reported in this work may have a particular significance for inherited mitochondrial human diseases, such as mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS), which cause brain swelling and edema.
The role of aflibercept in the management of diabetic macular edema

Diabetic macular edema (DME) represents one of the leading causes of visual impairment in working-age adults. Although there are several proven treatments available for this condition, pharmacotherapy through the use of intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor agents has revolutionized the management of DME over the past decade with superior outcomes compared to laser therapy. This review summarizes the pathophysiology and available treatment options for the management of DME, with an emphasis on the efficacy and safety profile of a single particular intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor agent, aflibercept.
Distributed Knowledge

In this paper, two de nitions for the notion of distributed knowledge in possible worlds semantics are discussed and compared. In the rst de nition distributed knowledge is characterized by intersection of information states, the second de nes the concept as `those sentences that are logical consequences of the beliefs of the agents. ' I will argue that the e ect of the rst kind of de nition depends on the ontological view one has about possible worlds, and that the second kind of de nition depends on the expressive power of the language. I will also show that the logic of the two operators is the same, in the sense that the logics have the same weakly sound and complete axiom system. 1 Distributed Knowledge Consider a situation with two agents, a and b, and suppose that a has the information that p is the case, b knows that p implies q, but neither a nor b knows that q is the case. Even though neither one of the agents knows that q, there is a sense in which the information that q is the case is already present in their information states taken together: q is a logical consequence of the information that the two agents have. One way of formulating this is to say that the information that q is present in the `system' consisting of both agents in a `distributed' form: the information that q is distributed over information states of a and b. The standard term for such kind of knowledge is distributed knowledge. The distributed knowledge between a and b is the information of a and b `together. ' To give a formal analysis of this notion, we need a notion of adding two information states. This is the central question of this paper: what does it mean to add the information contained in one information state to the information contained in another one? We can also put the question in a more concrete form. Suppose both a and b each have a certain amount of information, and communicate everything they know to a third agent, who initially has no information at all. What is the information state of this third agent c after a and b have communicated everything they know to c?
Elastic Properties and Enhanced Piezoelectric Response at Morphotropic Phase Boundaries

The search for improved piezoelectric materials is based on the morphotropic phase boundaries (MPB) between ferroelectric phases with different crystal symmetry and available directions for the spontaneous polarization. Such regions of the composition x−T phase diagrams provide the conditions for minimal anisotropy with respect to the direction of the polarization, so that the polarization can easily rotate maintaining a substantial magnitude, while the near verticality of the TMPBx boundary extends the temperature range of the resulting enhanced piezoelectricity. Another consequence of the quasi-isotropy of the free energy is a reduction of the domain walls energies, with consequent formation of domain structures down to nanoscale. Disentangling the extrinsic and intrinsic contributions to the piezoelectricity in such conditions requires a high level of sophistication from the techniques and analyses for studying the structural, ferroelectric and dielectric properties. The elastic characterization is extremely useful in clarifying the phenomenology and mechanisms related to ferroelectric MPBs. The relationship between dielectric, elastic and piezoelectric responses is introduced in terms of relaxation of defects with electric dipole and elastic quadrupole, and extended to the response near phase transitions in the framework of the Landau theory. An account is provided of the anelastic experiments, from torsional pendulum to Brillouin scattering, that provided new important information on ferroelectric MPBs, including PZT, PMN-PT, NBT-BT, BCTZ, and KNN-based systems.
Voting with Limited Information and Many Alternatives

The traditional axiomatic approach to voting is motivated by the problem of reconciling differences in subjective preferences. In contrast, a dominant line of work in the theory of voting over the past 15 years has considered a different kind of scenario, also fundamental to voting, in which there is a genuinely "best" outcome that voters would agree on if they only had enough information. This type of scenario has its roots in the classical Condorcet Jury Theorem; it includes cases such as jurors in a criminal trial who all want to reach the correct verdict but disagree in their inferences from the available evidence, or a corporate board of directors who all want to improve the company's revenue, but who have different information that favors different options. This style of voting leads to a natural set of questions: each voter has a private signal that provides probabilistic information about which option is best, and a central question is whether a simple plurality voting system, which tabulates votes for different options, can cause the group decision to arrive at the correct option. We show that plurality voting is powerful enough to achieve this: there is a way for voters to map their signals into votes for options in such a way that --- with sufficiently many voters --- the correct option receives the greatest number of votes with high probability. We show further, however, that any process for achieving this is inherently expensive in the number of voters it requires: succeeding in identifying the correct option with probability at least 1 − ν requires Ω(n3e−2 log ν−1) voters, where n is the number of options and e is a distributional measure of the minimum difference between the options.
Bringing 5G into Rural and Low-Income Areas: Is It Feasible?

Nowadays, at least two billion people are experiencing a complete lack of wireless cellular network coverage. These users live in rural areas and low-income regions, where network operators are not keen to invest, mainly due to high capital expenditure and operational expenditure costs, as well as the scarcity of electricity from the grid. We tackle this challenge by proposing a 5G network explicitly designed to serve rural and low-income areas. Our solution investigates the possibility of mounting remote radio heads on top of unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as large cells (LCs) to increase the coverage range. In addition, 5G nodes are powered by solar panels and batteries. Preliminary results, obtained over three representative case studies located in Italy, Cook Islands, and Zimbabwe, show that providing connectivity in rural and low-income areas by means of the proposed 5G architecture is feasible. At the same time, we also show that the monthly subscription fee paid by the users can be kept sufficiently low, that is, less than €1/month in low-income areas, and around €11/month in rural regions.
Identification and synthesis of some fatty acid derivatives from larvae of Chilecomadia valdiviana (Lepidoptera: Cossidae)

Larvae of Chilecomadia valdiviana (Lepidoptera: Cossidae) were extracted and the extract was fractionated by chromatography on silica. As shown by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, the major fraction contained saturated and unsaturated straight-chain acetates, with (Z )-5,13-tetradecadienyl acetate and dodecyl acetate as the main components, while in a minor fraction the corresponding alcohols were detected. The identification of the compounds and the synthesis of some reference material are presented.
Research on Fault Diagnosis Based on Wavelet Packet Multi-class Classification SVM

It’s still in search that how to apply SVM in muti-classify. Directed Acyclic Graph is easier to be computed and has better learning effect than other arithmetic. Experimental platform is used to simulate typical faults of circumrotate machines. Based on the frequency domain feature, energy eigenvector of frequency domain is presented using wavelet packet analysis method. DAGSVM is applied in classification, a "grid-search" is applied on C and using cross-validation. The classify effect is more veracious that of BP network.
Modeling and Adapting JPEG to the Energy Requirements of VSN

We address the problem of modeling and adapting JPEG to the energy requirements of visual sensor networks (VSN). For JPEG modeling purposes, we develop a simplified high-level energy consumption model for each stage of JPEG-like scheme, which can be used to roughly evaluate the energy dissipated by a given visual sensor. This model is based on the basic operations needed at each stage of JPEG, and it does not take into account the complexity of implementation. For JPEG adaptation, we propose to process only a reduced part of each block of 8times8 DCT coefficients of the target image, which minimizes the dissipated energy and maximizes the system lifetime, while preserving an adequate image quality at the sink.
Is Vitamin D Deficiency a New Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease?

The role of vitamin D in the regulation of bone metabolism has been well established. However, in recent years, many studies have demonstrated that its role extends far beyond bone health. Growing evidence has shown a strong association between vitamin D deficiency and hypertension, metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis. The mechanisms by which vitamin D exerts its cardiovascular protective effects are still not completely understood, but there is evidence that it participates in the regulation of renin-angiotensin system and the mechanisms of insulin sensitivity and activity of inflammatory cytokines, besides its direct cardiovascular actions. In this review, several studies linking vitamin D deficiency with cardiometabolic risk as well as small randomized trials that have evaluated the cardiovascular effects of its supplementation are presented. However, large randomized placebo-controlled studies are still needed before we can definitively establish the role of vitamin D supplementation in the prevention and control of cardiovascular disease.
A review of primary and secondary influences on sport expertise

Sport scientists have examined numerous factors influencing the acquisition and manifestation of high levels of performance. These factors can be divided into variables having a primary influence on expertise and variables that have a secondary influence through their interaction with other variables. Primary influences on expertise include genetic, training, and psychological factors while secondary influences include socio‐cultural and contextual elements. This paper reviews the factors affecting the development of expert performance in sport and suggests directions for future research.
A Genomic Survey of Positive Selection in Burkholderia pseudomallei Provides Insights into the Evolution of Accidental Virulence

Certain environmental microorganisms can cause severe human infections, even in the absence of an obvious requirement for transition through an animal host for replication (“accidental virulence”). To understand this process, we compared eleven isolate genomes of Burkholderia pseudomallei (Bp), a tropical soil microbe and causative agent of the human and animal disease melioidosis. We found evidence for the existence of several new genes in the Bp reference genome, identifying 282 novel genes supported by at least two independent lines of supporting evidence (mRNA transcripts, database homologs, and presence of ribosomal binding sites) and 81 novel genes supported by all three lines. Within the Bp core genome, 211 genes exhibited significant levels of positive selection (4.5%), distributed across many cellular pathways including carbohydrate and secondary metabolism. Functional experiments revealed that certain positively selected genes might enhance mammalian virulence by interacting with host cellular pathways or utilizing host nutrients. Evolutionary modifications improving Bp environmental fitness may thus have indirectly facilitated the ability of Bp to colonize and survive in mammalian hosts. These findings improve our understanding of the pathogenesis of melioidosis, and establish Bp as a model system for studying the genetics of accidental virulence.
Photodynamic therapy induces an immune response against a bacterial pathogen

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) employs the triple combination of photosensitizers, visible light and ambient oxygen. When PDT is used for cancer, it has been observed that both arms of the host immune system (innate and adaptive) are activated. When PDT is used for infectious disease, however, it has been assumed that the direct antimicrobial PDT effect dominates. Murine arthritis caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the knee failed to respond to PDT with intravenously injected Photofrin®. PDT with intra-articular Photofrin produced a biphasic dose response that killed bacteria without destroying host neutrophils. Methylene blue was the optimum photosensitizer to kill bacteria while preserving neutrophils. We used bioluminescence imaging to noninvasively monitor murine bacterial arthritis and found that PDT with intra-articular methylene blue was not only effective, but when used before infection, could protect the mice against a subsequent bacterial challenge. The data emphasize the importance of considering the host immune response in PDT for infectious disease.
Superoxide Mediates the Actions of Angiotensin II in the Central Nervous System

Abstract— Angiotensin II (Ang II) has profound effects in the central nervous system (CNS), including promotion of thirst, regulation of vasopressin secretion, and modulation of sympathetic outflow. Despite its importance in cardiovascular and volume homeostasis, angiotensinergic mechanisms are incompletely understood in the CNS. Recently, a novel signaling mechanism for Ang II involving reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been identified in a variety of peripheral tissues, but the involvement of ROS as second messengers in Ang II–mediated signaling in the CNS has not been reported. The hypothesis that superoxide is a key mediator of the actions of Ang II in the CNS was tested in mice using adenoviral vector–mediated expression of superoxide dismutase (AdSOD). Changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and drinking elicited by injection of Ang II in the CNS were abolished by prior treatment with AdSOD in the brain, whereas the cardiovascular responses to carbachol, another central vasopressor agent, were unaffected. In addition, Ang II stimulated superoxide generation in primary CNS cell cultures, and this was prevented by the Ang II receptor (Ang II type 1 subtype) antagonist losartan or AdSOD. These results identify a novel signaling mechanism mediating the actions of Ang II in the CNS. Dysregulation of this signaling cascade may be important in hypertension and heart failure triggered by Ang II acting in the CNS.
An experimental distributed modeling system

Computer systems will increasingly rely on distributed components in order to increase performance while providing autonomous computing facilities. This evolution implies that a corresponding advance must take place in the state of the art of system analysis and evaluation. This paper describes an experimental modeling system developed to study distributed office information systems. The modeling system is unusual in that the simulation component is itself a distributed program. Support facilities and the organization of the simulator are presented.
Clinical Utility of Enhanced Relative Activity Recovery on Systolic Myocardial Perfusion SPECT: Lessons from PET

SPECT and PET myocardial perfusion images show greater myocardial intensity and homogeneity in systole than diastole because of greater systolic myocardial thickness, less partial volume loss, and enhanced activity recovery. Consequently, conventional myocardial perfusion images obtained from whole cardiac cycles have lower myocardial intensity and greater heterogeneity than systolic images. Considering relative activity distribution on SPECT systolic images may add clinical utility to whole-cycle images and wall motion. Methods: Patients undergoing coronary angiogram within 4 mo after SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging were reviewed. Images were interpreted by 2 masked interpreters using a 17-segment, 5-point scale to determine summed rest scores (SSS), summed stress scores, and summed difference scores on conventional and systolic images in 603 patients (55.6% no coronary artery disease [no-CAD] and 44.4% CAD). Studies were considered normal when the SSS was less than 4 and summed difference score was less than 2. Results: In the no-CAD group, systolic SSS was lower than SSS from conventional images (2 ± 2.3 vs. 3 ± 2.6, P < 0.001). In contrast, SSS derived from systolic and conventional images were not different in the obstructive CAD group (9.1 ± 7.6 vs. 9.2 ± 7.4, P = 0.559). When systolic images were considered, true-negative studies increased from 27.2% to 43.3% (P < 0.001) whereas false-positive studies decreased from 28.4% to 12.3% (P < 0.001). True-positive (38% vs. 37.2%, P = 0.505) and false-negative studies (6.5% vs. 7%, P = 0.450) were not significantly changed. Diagnostic accuracy increased from 65.2% to 80.8% (P < 0.001). Conclusion: For gated SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging, when relative activity distribution on systolic images was considered, false-positive studies were reduced and diagnostic accuracy was improved.