Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Smoking spells death for millions.

Attention is directed to the toll of smoking focusing on lung cancer other cancers cardiovascular and other vascular diseases chronic obstructive lung disease and reproductive health. Lung cancer is the most important of the tobacco-related cancers. A 3-fold increase in the duration of regular cigarette smoking from 15-45 years can raise the annual incidence of lung cancer by a factor of up to 100. In many Western countries a marked reduction of tar levels in the past 30 years appears to have produced a small decline in lung cancer mortality but not in other diseases associated with smoking. Yet in many developing nations and the countries of Eastern Europe high tar levels persist. Cigarette smoking doubles the risk of bladder cancer in men and increases it to a less extent in women. Most studies show that the increasing prevalence of pancreatic cancer in many countries is due to smoking. In a study of British doctors cardiovascular deaths accounted for about half the excess mortality from cigarette smoking and most were due to coronary heart disease. In men under age 45 at least 80% of coronary deaths can be attributed to smoking. Peripheral vascular disease and abdominal aneurysm have been found to be even more closely related to cigarette smoking than is coronary heart disease. Renal artery stenosis leading to hypertension is also related to cigarette smoking. A heightened risk of subarachnoid hemorrhage exists in cigarette smokers especially among women on oral contraceptives (OCs). 1 study of women who used OCs and smoked cigarettes showed that they had 22 times the risk of women who did neither. Cigarette smoking is the most important cause of chronic obstructive lung disease especially to people also exposed to atmospheric pollution or a dusty work environment. Cigarette smoking has a wide range of effects on reproductive health. Women who smoke during pregnancy increase the risk of stillbirth and neonatal mortality and their children are liable to measurable delay in physical and intellectual development up to age 11. Decreased fertility may occur in women who smoke. In 1 study smoking was found to increase the prevalence of smoking in future-generation men; this was attributed to arteriosclerotic changes in the penile arteries. Smoking also has been shown to be associated with the advent of the menopause at an earlier age than is normal. The risk of cigarette-induced diseases in developing countries is increasing at an alarming rate. Since health workers can play a crucial role in smoking control campaigns the example they set is particularly important. To produce effective plans for smoking control surveys of smoking habits should be conducted particularly of doctors and other health professionals.
So you think you can PLS-DA?

Partial Least-Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) is a popular machine learning tool that is gaining increasing attention as a useful feature selector and classifier. In an effort to understand its strengths and weaknesses, we performed a series of experiments with synthetic data and compared its performance to its close relative from which it was initially invented, namely Principal Component Analysis (PCA). We demonstrate that even though PCA ignores the information regarding the class labels of the samples, this unsupervised tool can be remarkably effective as a feature selector. In some cases, it outperforms PLS-DA, which is made aware of the class labels in its input. Our experiments range from looking at the signal-to-noise ratio in the feature selection task, to considering many practical distributions and models encountered when analyzing bioinformatics and clinical data. Other methods were also evaluated. Finally, we analyzed an interesting data set from 396 vaginal microbiome samples where the ground truth for the feature selection was available. All the 3D figures shown in this paper as well as the supplementary ones can be viewed interactively at http://biorg.cs. fiu.edu/plsda Our results highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of PLS-DA in comparison with PCA for different underlying data models.
Non-pharmacological Approaches for Headaches in Young Age: An Updated Review

Headache disorders are common in children and adolescents. Most of the studies on non-pharmacological treatments have however been carried out on adults. In this review we provide information on recent studies examining non-pharmacological approaches for managing headache in children and adolescents. Our search of SCOPUS for primary studies conducted between January 2010 and July 2018 uncovered 11 controlled studies, mostly addressing behavioral approaches, in which a total of 613 patients with a diagnosis of primary headache, and average age 10.2–15.7 years (30–89% females) were recruited. Non-pharmacological treatments were shown to produce sizeable effects on the classical primary endpoint, i.e., headache frequency, with reductions from baseline ranging between 34 and 78%. Among commonly reported secondary endpoints, particularly disability, quality of life, depression and anxiety, marked improvements were noted as well. Taken as a whole, our findings suggest that non-pharmacological treatments constitute a valid option for the prevention of primary headaches in young age. Future research with higher-quality studies is needed. Particular attention needs to be given to studies that randomize patients to condition, blind researchers in charge of evaluating treatment outcomes, routinely include headache frequency as the primary endpoint, include adequate-length follow-up, address changes in biomarkers of disease and other possible mediators of outcome, and that employ predictive models to enhance the level of evidence for these approaches.
Deep scanning lysine metabolism in Escherichia coli

Our limited ability to predict genotype–phenotype relationships has called for strategies that allow testing of thousands of hypotheses in parallel. Deep scanning mutagenesis has been successfully implemented to map genotype–phenotype relationships at a single‐protein scale, allowing scientists to elucidate properties that are difficult to predict. However, most phenotypes are dictated by several proteins that are interconnected through complex and robust regulatory and metabolic networks. These sophisticated networks hinder our understanding of the phenotype of interest and limit our capabilities to rewire cellular functions. Here, we leveraged CRISPR‐EnAbled Trackable genome Engineering to attempt a parallel and high‐resolution interrogation of complex networks, deep scanning multiple proteins associated with lysine metabolism in Escherichia coli. We designed over 16,000 mutations to perturb this pathway and mapped their contribution toward resistance to an amino acid analog. By doing so, we identified different routes that can alter pathway function and flux, uncovering mechanisms that would be difficult to rationally design. This approach sets a framework for forward investigation of complex multigenic phenotypes.
Multikernel Design and Implementation for Improving Responsiveness of Aperiodic Tasks

Modern real-time systems need to efficiently handle aperiodic tasks as well as periodic ones. This paper presents a system design applying the hybrid operating system approach to multi-core architectures. A core is allocated exclusively and dynamically to a newly booted kernel and an aperiodic task on it so that the task can avoid overhead caused by the rest of the system, leading to reduced response time. We implemented and evaluated the presented design on a real multi-core architecture. The evaluation results indicate that the design improves responsiveness of aperiodic tasks that access shared resources frequently.
Strongman Events and Strength and Conditioning Programs

STRONGMAN COMPETITIONS have become very popular and are televised frequently on cable sports channels. Although entertaining, some of these events can be used or modified for strength and conditioning programs. These events not only address strength, but also power, anaerobic endurance, and agility. The purpose of this article is not for the development or training of an individual to compete in a strongman competition, but rather to explain the why and how of integrating strongman events into a strength and conditioning program.
Relational concurrency, stages of infection, and the evolution of HIV set point viral load

Abstract HIV viral load (VL) predicts both transmission potential and rate of disease progression. For reasons that are still not fully understood, the set point viral load (SPVL) established after acute infection varies across individuals and populations. Previous studies have suggested that population mean SPVL (MSPVL) has evolved near an optimum that reflects a trade-off between transmissibility and host survival. Sexual network structures affect rates of potential exposure during different within-host phases of infection marked by different transmission probabilities, and thus affect the number and timing of transmission events. These structures include relational concurrency, which has been argued to explain key differences in HIV burden across populations. We hypothesize that concurrency will alter the fitness landscape for SPVL in ways that differ from other network features whose impacts accrue at other times during infection. To quantitatively test this hypothesis, we developed a dynamic, stochastic, data-driven network model of HIV transmission, and evolution to assess the impact of key sexual network phenomena on MSPVL evolution. Experiments were repeated in sensitivity runs that made different assumptions about transmissibility during acute infection, SPVL heritability, and the functional form of the relationship between VL and transmissibility. For our main transmission model, scenarios yielded MSPVLs ranging from 4.4 to 4.75 log10 copies/ml, covering much of the observed empirical range. MSPVL evolved to be higher in populations with high concurrency and shorter relational durations, with values varying over a clinically significant range. In linear regression analyses on these and other predictors, main effects were significant (P < 0.05), as were interaction terms, indicating that effects are interdependent. We also noted a strong correlation between two key emergent properties measured at the end of the simulations—MSPVL and HIV prevalence—most clearly for phenomena that affect transmission networks early in infection. Controlling for prevalence, high concurrency yielded higher MSPVL than other network phenomena. Interestingly, we observed lower prevalence in runs in which SPVL heritability was zero, indicating the potential for viral evolution to exacerbate disease burden over time. Future efforts to understand empirical variation in MSPVL should consider local HIV burden and basic sexual behavioral and network structure.
Effectiveness of Prophylactic Intraperitoneal Mesh Implantation for Prevention of Incisional Hernia in Patients Undergoing Open Abdominal Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance Incisional hernia is a frequent complication after open abdominal surgery. Prophylactic mesh implantation in the onlay or sublay position requires dissection of the abdominal wall, potentially leading to wound-associated complications. Objective To compare the incidence of incisional hernia among patients after prophylactic intraperitoneal mesh implantation with that among patients after standard abdominal closure. Design, Setting, and Participants An open-label randomized clinical trial was performed in 169 patients undergoing elective open abdominal surgery from January 1, 2011, to February 29, 2014. Follow-up examinations were performed 1 year and 3 years after surgery. The study was conducted at Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland, a referral center that offers the whole spectrum of abdominal surgical interventions. Patients with 2 or more of the following risk factors were included: overweight or obesity, diagnosis of neoplastic disease, male sex, or history of previous laparotomy. Patients were randomly assigned to prophylactic intraperitoneal mesh implantation or standard abdominal closure. Data were analyzed in August 2017. Interventions Intraperitoneal implantation of a polypropylene-polyvinylidene fluoride mesh with circumferential fixation. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary end point was the incidence of incisional hernia 3 years after surgery. Secondary end points included mesh-related complications. Results After the exclusion of 19 patients, 150 patients (81 in the control group and 69 in the mesh group; mean [SD] age, 64.2 [11.1] years; 102 [68.0%] male) were studied. The cumulative incidence of incisional hernia was significantly lower in the mesh group compared with the control group (5 of 69 [7.2%] vs 15 of 81 [18.5%], log-rank test P = .03). Abdominal pain was observed in significantly more patients in the mesh group compared with the control group at 6 weeks (34 of 52 [65%] vs 26 of 59 [44%], P = .04) but not at 12 and 36 months postoperatively. No difference in surgical site infections was observed, but time to complete wound healing of surgical site infection was significantly longer in patients with mesh implantation (median [interquartile range], 8 [6-24] weeks compared with 5 [1-9] weeks; P = .03). Trunk extension was significantly decreased after mesh implantation compared with the control group (mean [SD], 1.73 [0.97] cm vs 2.40 [1.23] cm, P = .009). Conclusions and Relevance In patients at elevated risk for incisional hernia, prophylactic intraperitoneal mesh implantation reduces the incidence of hernia formation but with increased early postoperative pain and prolonged wound healing of surgical site infection. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01203553
Application of Additive Layer Manufacturing Technique on the Development of High Sensitive Fiber Bragg Grating Temperature Sensors

This paper presents the development of temperature sensors based on fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) embedded in 3D-printed structures made of different materials, namely polylatic acid (PLA) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). A numerical analysis of the material behavior and its interaction with the FBG sensor was performed through the finite element method. A simple, fast and prone to automation process is presented for the FBG embedment in both PLA and TPU structures. The temperature tests were made using both PLA- and TPU-embedded FBGs as well as an unembedded FBG as reference. Results show an outstanding temperature sensitivity of 139 pm/°C for the FBG-embedded PLA structure, which is one of the highest temperature sensitivities reported for FBG-based temperature sensors in silica fibers. The sensor also shows almost negligible hysteresis (highest hysteresis below 0.5%). In addition, both PLA- and TPU-embedded structures present high linearity and response time below 2 s. The results presented in this work not only demonstrate the feasibility of developing fully embedded temperature sensors with high resolution and in compliance with soft robot application requirements, but also show that the FBG embedment in such structures is capable of enhancing the sensor performance.
Screening of a Library of Oligosaccharides Targeting Lectin LecB of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa and Synthesis of High Affinity Oligoglycoclusters

The Gram negative bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is an opportunistic bacterium that causes severe and chronic infection of immune-depressed patients. It has the ability to form a biofilm that gives a selective advantage to the bacteria with respect to antibiotherapy and host defenses. Herein, we have focused on the tetrameric soluble lectin which is involved in bacterium adherence to host cells, biofilm formation, and cytotoxicity. It binds to l-fucose, d-mannose and glycan exposing terminal fucose or mannose. Using a competitive assay on microarray, 156 oligosaccharides and polysaccharides issued from fermentation or from the biomass were screened toward their affinity to LecB. Next, the five best ligands (Lewisa, Lewisb, Lewisx, siayl-Lewisx and 3-fucosyllactose) were derivatized with a propargyl aglycon allowing the synthesis of 25 trivalent, 25 tetravalent and 5 monovalent constructions thanks to copper catalyzed azide alkyne cycloaddition. The 55 clusters were immobilized by DNA Directed immobilization leading to the fabrication of a glycocluster microarray. Their binding to LecB was studied. Multivalency improved the binding to LecB. The binding structure relationship of the clusters is mainly influenced by the carbohydrate residues. Molecular simulations indicated that the simultaneous contact of both binding sites of monomer A and D seems to be energetically possible.
The Efficacy of Intraluminal Brachytherapy as Palliative Therapy of Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma

Background/Aims: The aim of this study is to assess the therapeutic benefits of a combination of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and intraluminal brachytherapy (ILBT) in hilar cholangiocarcinoma as palliative therapy. Methods: A total of 21 patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma were included. Only 12 patients were treated with EBRT (group 1), and only nine patients were treated with EBRT and ILBT (group 2). The survival data and stent patency period were measured in both groups and the results were compared. Results: No statistically significant difference in patient survival was observed between the two groups. The median survival period of group 1 was 353 days and that of group 2 was 224 days. Also, stent patency did not differ significantly between groups. The period for group 1 was 250 days, and that of group 2 was 133 days. In addition, there were no other factors influencing patient survival and stent patency period. However, patient survival tended to increase with increase in the amount of irradiation dose (Spearman’s correlation coefficient=0.65, p =0.065). Conclusions: EBRT with ILBT did not have a benefit when compared with the treatment effect of EBRT alone as palliative therapy for hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Korean J Pancreatobiliary 2015;20(2):71-77
Person Perception from Face and Voice

In the 1980s several information processing models of face recognition were designed by cognitive psychologists. Among them, the famous Bruce and Young (1986) model appeared as particularly seminal. Following the publication of that model, a huge number of studies were conducted by psychologists and neuropsychologists in order to test the model with both healthy people and brain-injured patients. Although several amendments to the original model were proposed during the last 25 years, the general architecture of the Bruce and Young model is still considered as a useful theoretical framework guiding empirical research (see Hanley, 2011). The interest for voice recognition, or person recognition from the voice, started a little later. These first models proposed in the 1990s (e.g., Ellis, Jones, & Mosdell, 1997) were widely and explicitly inspired by the Bruce and Young model. Most of these models applied to voice recognition the processing stages that were earlier considered for face recognition (i.e., structural encoding / rec
Echo-derived peak cardiac power output-to-left ventricular mass with cardiopulmonary exercise testing predicts outcome in patients with heart failure and depressed systolic function.

AIMS Peak cardiac power output-to-mass (CPOM) represents a measure of the rate at which cardiac work is delivered respect to the potential energy stored in left ventricular (LV) mass. We studied the value of CPOM and cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) in risk stratification of patients with heart failure (HF). MATERIALS AND RESULTS We studied 159 patients with chronic HF (mean rest LV ejection fraction 30%) undergoing CPET and exercise stress echocardiography. CPOM was calculated as the product of a constant (K = 2.22 × 10-1) with cardiac output (CO) and the mean blood pressure (MBP), divided by LV mass (M), and expressed in the unit of W/100 g: CPOM = [K × CO (L/min) × MBP (mmHg)]/LVM(g). Patients were followed-up for the primary endpoint, including all-cause death, ventricular assist device implantation, and heart transplantation, and the secondary endpoint that comprised hospitalization for HF. In multivariate Cox regression analyses, peak CPOM was selected as the most powerful independent predictor of both primary and secondary endpoint [hazard ratio (HR) 0.004, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.004-0.3; P = 0.002 and HR 0.09, 95% CI 0.02-0.55; P = 0.009]. Sixty-month survival free from the combined endpoint was 85% in those exhibiting oxygen consumption (VO2) > 14 mL/min/kg and peak CPOM > 0.6 W/100 g. Peak VO2 ≤ 14 mL/min/kg provided incremental prognostic value over demographic and clinical variables, brain natriuretic peptide, and resting echocardiographic parameters (χ2 from 58 to 64; P = 0.04), that was further increased by peak CPOM ≤ 0.6 W/100 g (χ2 77; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Peak CPOM and peak VO2 showed independent and incremental prognostic values in patients with chronic HF.
Large-Scale Cloudscapes Using Noise

Clouds have been of particular interest in computer graphics due to the challenge they present. Clouds are considered fuzzy objects, and need specialized algorithms to model and render realistically. Many techniques exist to model and render clouds that have had much success. This research will take existing techniques in cloud modeling and rendering and create a new technique combining those with noise. The idea is that noise can be used to model large-scale repeatable 3D cloudscapes and to be able to model such cloudscapes much more quickly than current techniques. This would be beneficial to developers of virtual universes that have very many worlds numbering in the ten to hundreds to create convincing cloudscapes on each distinct world.
Extracellular membrane vesicles in the three domains of life and beyond

Abstract Cells from all three domains of life, Archaea, Bacteria and Eukarya, produce extracellular vesicles (EVs) which are sometimes associated with filamentous structures known as nanopods or nanotubes. The mechanisms of EV biogenesis in the three domains remain poorly understood, although studies in Bacteria and Eukarya indicate that the regulation of lipid composition plays a major role in initiating membrane curvature. EVs are increasingly recognized as important mediators of intercellular communication via transfer of a wide variety of molecular cargoes. They have been implicated in many aspects of cell physiology such as stress response, intercellular competition, lateral gene transfer (via RNA or DNA), pathogenicity and detoxification. Their role in various human pathologies and aging has aroused much interest in recent years. EVs can be used as decoys against viral attack but virus-infected cells also produce EVs that boost viral infection. Here, we review current knowledge on EVs in the three domains of life and their interactions with the viral world.
On the Market: Using Trademarks to Reveal Organizational Assets, Strategies and Capabilities

Firms increasingly rely upon trademarks, but research exploiting trademark data is still rather limited and scattered across research domains. Yet, there is an emerging understanding that trademark data can be used to capture several elements of how, when and to what extent firms bring (new) products and services to the market. This paper integrates existing firm-level empirical studies that use trademarks to operationalize organizational constructs. The review reveals that researchers have used trademark-based indicators to operationalize three distinct sets of organizational constructs: assets, market strategies and capabilities. These both complement and substitute organizational constructs often captured by patents. The paper sketches several avenues for further conceptual research and key data opportunities and challenges.