Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
LiquidEarth - river

Most of the world's population lives near a freshwater source or on the coast and are thus vulnerable to the rise in water level. There are around 260 trans-boundary water bodies that cover more than 40% of the Earth's land surface and account for 60% of global freshwater flow [1] [2]. Most developing countries located at the downstream end of a large river basin are often plagued with flooding problems that are trans-boundary because the flood waters are generated upstream in other nations. However, many large river basins in the developing world are mostly ungauged as they lack the necessary in-situ measurements required for the setting up of flood forecasting models. For such basins, using data from satellite may be the only alternative to overcome the lack of in-situ data. LiquidEarth-River [3] is a client-server based framework that aims to deliver surface-water relevant information such as river height, flood inundation, and reservoir storage directly to the user. LiquidEarth-River version 1.0 provides 8 days river height forecast at two in-situ points (Hardinge Bridge and Bahadurabad Ghat) in Bangladesh using satellite data at upstream locations in India where in-situ data is unavailable. The river levels in upstream locations are obtained from Jason-2 altimetry data (joint NASA-French Satellite). The value of LiquidEarth-River is in better understanding of the future (an 8 day lead time) of potential water levels near rivers, in light of the societal implications for water encroachment into homesteads and farmlands. LiquidEarth-River uses recent innovations in computer science such as multicore and GPU based desktops to solve computationally intensive problems such as river height forecasting. Typically, these problems are solved using traditional cluster or supercomputers. The server side of the application runs on a desktop that downloads Jason-2 data daily, and runs a forecasting scheme to provide the forecast. The client side of the application is a smart phone or a web app that provides a river height forecast to the user. The application has scope for expansion in two areas: 1) integration of new and multiple satellite altimeters, 2) addition of a more intuitive communication format that converts the information to knowledge (such as converting river level forecast to inundation and impact on villagers, houses, roads etc.). For example, farmers of Bangladesh need early warning of monsoonal floods to decide on early harvest or delayed sowing. Providing a visual map of what an X meter of river level means to a farmer, an 8 day forecast can provide a greater sense of empowerment for saving lives, and economic decision making. Currently, the warnings that farmers receive in most developing countries are not only lead-time limited, but are available only to highly skilled users, and are not so intuitive that makes it easy for a layman to understand the value of the warnings. LiquidEarth attempts to remove these barriers to interpretation by creating a highly intuitive and visual format readily accessible to the average farmer who has little time to get training or read a complicated manual.
The Impact of Nearly Universal Insurance Coverage on Health Care Utilization and Health: Evidence from Medicare

We use the increases in health insurance coverage at age 65 generated by the rules of the Medicare program to evaluate the effects of health insurance coverage on health related behaviors and outcomes. The rise in overall coverage at age 65 is accompanied by a narrowing of disparities across race and education groups. Groups with bigger increases in coverage at 65 experience bigger reductions in the probability of delaying or not receiving medical care, and bigger increases in the probability of routine doctor visits. Hospital discharge records also show large increases in admission rates at age 65, especially for elective procedures like bypass surgery and joint replacement. The rises in hospitalization are bigger for whites than blacks, and for residents of areas with higher rates of insurance coverage prior to age 65, suggesting that the gains arise because of the relative generosity of Medicare, rather than the availability of insurance coverage. Finally, there are small impacts of reaching age 65 on self-reported health, with the largest gains among the groups that experience the largest gains in insurance coverage. In contrast we find no evidence of a shift in the rate of growth of mortality rates at age 65.
Age-related macular degeneration – clinical review and genetics update

Age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of central vision impairment in persons over the age of 50 years in developed countries. Both genetic and non‐genetic (environmental) factors play major roles in AMD etiology, and multiple gene variants and lifestyle factors such as smoking have been associated with the disease. While dissecting the basic etiology of the disease remains a major challenge, current genetic knowledge has provided opportunities for improved risk assessment, molecular diagnosis and clinical testing of genetic variants in AMD treatment and management. This review addresses the potential of translating the wealth of genetic findings for improved risk prediction and therapeutic intervention in AMD patients. Finally, we discuss the recent advancement in genetics and genomics and the future prospective of personalized medicine in AMD patients.
Adoption and Use of a Mobile System at Home Care

This research concerns mobile system adoption and use among home care nurses at one home care organization in Finland. The aim was to get insights on somewhat poor adoption and utilization of a mobile system they use. 12 nurses were interviewed and observed at home visit to gain insights on how the system could better facilitate their work routines. A requirement analysis was produced based on the results and is to be discussed with the management of the organization and the service provider.
Invasive Disease Caused Simultaneously by Dual Serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae

ABSTRACT There are at least 98 known pneumococcal serotypes. Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) is usually caused by a single serotype, and dual-serotype IPD is rare. To assess factors associated with dual-serotype IPD, patient information obtained through laboratory-based surveillance for IPD from 2005 through 2014 in South Africa was reviewed. Genomes of isolate pairs from coinfected individuals were sequenced to determine their molecular characteristics. For 30 (91%) of 33 patients with dual serotypes, one or both isolates were a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) serotype. Dual-serotype IPD was associated with children <5 years of age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 4.7; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.8 to 11.7), underlying illness (other than HIV) (aOR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.1 to 6.6) and death (aOR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.08 to 6.09). For each coinfecting pair, isolates were genotypically unrelated, and their genotypes were common among isolates of the same serotype in South Africa. Of 701 accessory genes identified among dual-serotype IPD isolates, four were common between isolate pairs. Coinfecting isolate pairs had different genotypic backgrounds. The association of dual serotypes with death warrants increased awareness of IPD coinfection caused by two or more serotypes.
The genetics of ischaemic stroke

Abstract. Matarin M, Singleton A, Hardy J, Meschia J (Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Bethesda, MD, USA; UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK; Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA). The genetics of ischaemic stroke (Review). J Intern Med 2010; 267: 139–155.
Influence du contexte mélodique tonal sur la perception de sons musicaux - approches comportementales et neurophysiologiques

Ce projet de these s'inscrit dans une approche cognitive de la perception. son objectif est d'etudier les connaissances de l'auditeur sur la musique occidentale tonale et de specifier l'influence des representations cognitives sur le traitement des signaux sonores en contexte. le projet de these s'articulera autour de trois volets. il analysera la sensibilite du systeme cognitif aux variations du contexte, etudiera les mecanismes perceptifs influences par les relations musicales entre contexte et son a traiter, et recherchera les correlats neurophysiologiques de ces mecanismes. le premier volet consistera en la mise au point d'un paradigme d'amorcage melodique opposant des contextes melodiques relies et non relies ne presentant qu'un minimum de differences acoustiques, suffisantes pour instaurer des contextes tonals specifiques. le deuxieme volet etudiera les processus perceptifs a l'origine de la facilitation de traitement du son en contexte en combinant au paradigme d'amorcage des methodes psycho-acoustiques /.
Calculation of three‐dimensional left ventricular strains from biplanar tagged MR images

The noninvasive measurement of time‐resolved three‐dimensional (3D) strains throughout the myocardium could greatly improve the clinical evaluation of cardiac disease and the ability to mathematically model the heart. On the basis of orthogonal arrays of tagged magnetic resonance (MR) images taken at several times during systole, such strains can be determined, but only after heart motion through the image planes is taken into account. An iterative material pointtracking algorithm is presented to solve this problem. It is tested by means of mathematical models of the heart with cylindric and spherical geometries that undergo deformations and bulk motions. Errors introduced by point‐tracking interpolation were found to be negligible compared with those due to marker identification on the images. In a human heart studied with this technique, the corrected radial strains at the left ventricular base were approximately 2.5 times the two‐dimensional estimates derived from the fixed image planes. The authors conclude that material point tracking allows accurate, timeresolved 3D strains to be calculated from tagged MR images, and that prior correction for motion of the heart through image planes is necessary.
Class II transactivator and class II MHC gene expression in microglia: modulation by the cytokines TGF‐β, IL‐4, IL‐13 and IL‐10

Microglia are the resident macrophages of the brain, and when activated, have functions including cytokine production, phagocytosis and antigen presentation. The class II MHC genes encode proteins that present antigenic peptides to helper T cells, leading to T cell activation and the development of an antigen‐specific immune response. Class II MHC gene expression is strictly regulated by the class II transactivator (CIITA) transcription factor. In this study, we investigated the effects of various immunomodulatory cytokines on IFN‐γ induction of class II MHC and CIITA gene expression in microglia, both primary microglia and a murine microglial cell line, EOC 20. By flow cytometry analysis we show that IFN‐γ‐induced surface expression of class II MHC molecules on EOC 20 cells can be inhibited by the cytokines TGF‐β1, IL‐4 and IL‐10, but not IL‐13. Using a ribonuclease protection assay, we have found that TGF‐β1, IL‐4 and IL‐10 act by inhibiting the expression of IFN‐γ‐induced CIITA mRNA and, in turn, class II MHC mRNA. TGF‐β1, IL‐4, and IL‐10 inhibition of IFN‐γ‐induced CIITA mRNA accumulation was not due to destabilization of CIITA mRNA, suggesting an effect at the level of transcription. In primary murine microglia, IL‐10 and TGF‐β1 inhibited IFN‐γ‐induced CIITA and class II MHC expression. However, a discordant effect of IL‐4 was noted in that IL‐4 enhanced IFN‐γ‐induced CIITA and class II MHC expression in primary microglia. Although some differences are observed between EOC 20 cells and primary microglia in terms of responsiveness to TGF‐β, IL‐4 and IL‐10, CIITA and class II MHC gene expression are coordinately modulated.
Neuroprotective and disease-modifying effects of the ketogenic diet

The ketogenic diet has been in clinical use for over 80 years, primarily for the symptomatic treatment of epilepsy. A recent clinical study has raised the possibility that exposure to the ketogenic diet may confer long-lasting therapeutic benefits for patients with epilepsy. Moreover, there is evidence from uncontrolled clinical trials and studies in animal models that the ketogenic diet can provide symptomatic and disease-modifying activity in a broad range of neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, and may also be protective in traumatic brain injury and stroke. These observations are supported by studies in animal models and isolated cells that show that ketone bodies, especially &bgr;-hydroxybutyrate, confer neuroprotection against diverse types of cellular injury. This review summarizes the experimental, epidemiological and clinical evidence indicating that the ketogenic diet could have beneficial effects in a broad range of brain disorders characterized by the death of neurons. Although the mechanisms are not yet well defined, it is plausible that neuroprotection results from enhanced neuronal energy reserves, which improve the ability of neurons to resist metabolic challenges, and possibly through other actions including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. As the underlying mechanisms become better understood, it will be possible to develop alternative strategies that produce similar or even improved therapeutic effects without the need for exposure to an unpalatable and unhealthy, high-fat diet.
Ipilimumab (Anti-CTLA4 Antibody) Causes Regression of Metastatic Renal Cell Cancer Associated With Enteritis and Hypophysitis

The inhibitory receptor CTLA4 has a key role in peripheral tolerance of T cells for both normal and tumor-associated antigens. Murine experiments suggested that blockade of CTLA4 might have antitumor activity and a clinical experience with the blocking antibody ipilimumab in patients with metastatic melanoma did show durable tumor regressions in some patients. Therefore, a phase II study of ipilimumab was conducted in patients with metastatic renal cell cancer with a primary end point of response by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) criteria. Two sequential cohorts received either 3 mg/kg followed by 1 mg/kg or all doses at 3 mg/kg every 3 weeks (with no intention of comparing cohort response rates). Major toxicities were enteritis and endocrine deficiencies of presumed autoimmune origin. One of 21 patients receiving the lower dose had a partial response. Five of 40 patients at the higher dose had partial responses (95% confidence interval for cohort response rate 4% to 27%) and responses were seen in patients who had previously not responded to IL-2. Thirty-three percent of patients experienced a grade III or IV immune-mediated toxicity. There was a highly significant association between autoimmune events (AEs) and tumor regression (response rate=30% with AE, 0% without AE). CTLA4 blockade with ipilimumab induces cancer regression in some patients with metastatic clear cell renal cancer, even if they have not responded to other immunotherapies. These regressions are highly associated with other immune-mediated events of presumed autoimmune origin by mechanisms as yet undefined.
Classification of handover schemes within a cellular environment

One way to improve system performance of cellular networks is to use efficient handover schemes when users change between cells. The paper gives an overview of existing handover schemes for current and future systems; it is presented in the form of a classification in order to support future development in handover schemes. The classification categorises the different schemes into two main classes: a horizontal and a vertical class. Whilst the vertical class is based on the concepts that the schemes adopt, the horizontal class is based on how mobile hosts identify the new potential base station(s) (based on received signals or some kind of prediction techniques). The handover schemes in the vertical classification fall into two main categories, rerouting and channel allocation schemes. The different handover schemes are briefly outlined with some of the advantages and disadvantages of the individual approaches.
Understanding Suboptimal Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Uptake Among Ethnic Minority Girls

Background: The introduction of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines represents a breakthrough in the primary prevention of cervical cancer. However, little is known about vaccination uptake and correlates among low-income, ethnic minority, and immigrant populations in the U.S. who may benefit most from the vaccine. Methods: Telephone interviews (N = 490) were conducted in six languages between January and November 2009 among mothers of vaccine-eligible girls (ages 9–18) using the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Office of Women's Health service referral hotline. HPV and vaccine awareness, knowledge, beliefs, barriers, and daughter's vaccine receipt were assessed. Results: The sample consisted of low-income, uninsured, ethnic minority, and immigrant women. Only 29% of daughters initiated the vaccine and 11% received all three doses. No ethnic differences were observed in initiation or completion rates. Ethnic differences were observed in HPV awareness, perceived risk, and other vaccine-related beliefs. The strongest predictor of initiation was vaccine awareness (OR = 12.00). Daughter's age and reporting a younger acceptable age for vaccination were positively associated with initiation. Mothers of unvaccinated girls reported lacking information about the vaccine to make a decision (66%) and not knowing where they could obtain the vaccine (74%). Conclusion: Vaccination rates in this sample were lower than state and national estimates, and were associated with low levels of vaccine awareness. Interventions, including culturally targeted messaging, may be helpful for enhancing HPV–vaccine knowledge, modifying vaccine-related beliefs and increasing uptake. Impact: Our findings provide valuable guidance for developing interventions to address suboptimal HPV vaccination in high-risk groups. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(7); 1463–72. ©2011 AACR.
Understanding the genetics of coronary artery disease through the lens of noninvasive imaging

Coronary artery disease is a common condition with a known heritable component that has spurred interest in genetic research for decades, resulting in a handful of candidate genes and an appreciation for the complexity of its genetic contributions. Recent advances in sequencing technologies have resulted in large-scale association studies, possibly adding to our current understanding of the genetics of coronary artery disease. Sifting through the statistical noise, however, requires the selection of effective phenotypic markers. New imaging technologies have improved our ability to detect subclinical atherosclerosis in a safe and reproducible manner in large numbers of patients. In this article, we propose that advances in imaging technology have generated improved phenotypic markers for genetic association studies of coronary artery disease.
Malignancies and survival patterns in the National Cancer Institute inherited bone marrow failure syndromes cohort study

Fanconi anaemia (FA), dyskeratosis congenita (DC), Diamond‐Blackfan anaemia (DBA), and Shwachman‐Diamond syndrome (SDS) comprise major inherited bone marrow failure syndromes (IBMFS). Adverse events include severe bone marrow failure (BMF), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), and solid tumours (ST). The natural history of FA is well characterised; hazard rates in the other syndromes have not yet been quantified. An open cohort was established at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in 2002. Patients enrolled prior to December, 2007 were followed up to December, 2008. Diagnoses were confirmed with standard tests. Age‐associated risks of adverse events were calculated. Most patients in each syndrome survived to young adulthood. Patients with FA had earlier onset of cancers, need for stem cell transplant, and death; followed by DC; DBA and SDS were mildest. While FA and DC patients had markedly increased risks of cancer, AML and MDS, there were no cases of leukaemia in DBA or SDS patients. The NCI cohort provides the first direct quantitative comparison of timing and magnitude of cancer risk in the IBMFS. The findings demonstrate that both FA and DC are major cancer susceptibility syndromes. The IBMFS, historically considered paediatric disorders, have important management implications for physicians treating adult patients.
Strabismic amblyopia disrupts the hemispheric asymmetry for spatial stimuli in cortical visual processing

Hemispheric asymmetry in processing visual stimuli was assessed in anisometropic and strabismic amblyopia and control subjects. Measurements of contrast sensitivity for low and high spatial frequencies were performed psychophysically and tested under functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) using a stimulus configuration that generates measurements for each temporal and nasal hemifield. The fMRI and the psychophysics results showed a marked hemispheric asymmetry in processing spatial frequencies for normal and anisometropic adults, in which low spatial frequencies were mainly processed in the left visual field – right hemisphere (LVF-RH: 0.3 cycles per degree [cpd]; F = 12.548; p = .002) and the high spatial frequencies were predominating processed in the right visual field – left hemisphere (RVF-LH: 2.0 cpd; F = 4.582; p = .021 and 8.3 cpd; F = 8.561; p = .001). No asymmetry was present in the amblyopic and the fellow eye of the strabismic amblyopia subjects. We conclude that the developmental organization of visual cortex in strabismic amblyopia is impaired differently from what happens in the anisometropic amblyopia and support the impairment of high-level visual-related functions observed in strabismic children.
Diagnostic Challenges in Inflammatory Choroidal Neovascular Membranes

ABSTRACT Purpose: To describe the clinical presentations of inflammatory choroidal neovascular membranes (CNVMs) and factors leading to their delayed diagnosis. Methods: Retrospective analysis of chart records and digital images of 60 patients (73 eyes) with inflammatory CNVM (January 1998 to December 2013) to obtain demographic and clinical details, particularly the time of the first documentation of inflammatory CNVM by the uveitis specialist, time of its actual appearance on digital images, and the earliest clinical indicators of a CNVM. Results: In total, 14 (19.2%) eyes had a delayed diagnosis of inflammatory CNVMs, of which five developed significant visual loss. The earliest clinical indicators of CNVM that were overlooked initially due to their subtle appearance, included a tiny subretinal hemorrhage (five eyes), peripapillary halo/fluid/scar (eight eyes), and a subfoveal scar (one eye). The causes of uveitis in these eyes included Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada disease (five eyes, 35.7%), tubercular uveitis (five eyes, 35.7%), idiopathic (three eyes, 21.4%), and sympathetic ophthalmia (one eye, 7.1%). Presence of significant background fundus scarring, sunset glow fundus, visually significant cataract, poorly dilating pupil, media haze due to vitritis, cystoid macular edema, and multiple chorioretinal scars in these eyes probably predisposed to delayed detection of an underlying CNVM. Conclusions: A high index of suspicion and comparison of serial fundus photographs to identify the earliest clues of inflammatory CNVMs are important to prevent diagnostic delays and poorer outcomes.