Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Is Dupuytren’s disease really a ‘disease of the Vikings’?

It has been suggested that Dupuytren’s disease has an origin in Norse countries. We harnessed data from a genome-wide association study of Dupuytren’s disease and the People of the British Isles study to determine evidence for a Norse origin of Dupuytren’s disease. We computed Wright’s Fixation Index between Orkney (Norse ancestry), Wales (ancient British) and South East England (Anglo-Saxons); compared mean Wright’s Fixation Index in cases versus controls; used permutation to determine any excess of Norse inheritance in disease associated variants; constructed a genetic risk score for Dupuytren’s disease and applied this to the People of the British Isles dataset to look for systematic differences between counties with known high and low levels of Norse ancestry. Finally, chromosome painting was used to see whether Dupuytren’s disease-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms are geographically structured. In all analyses, no evidence was found for an excess of Norse ancestry in Dupuytren’s disease. We conclude that there is no genetic evidence for a ‘Viking origin of Dupuytren’s disease’.
Pitfalls in the Management of Bronchial Asthma

The incidence of asthma continues to rise world wide, doubling over the last 10 years . The prevalence of this disease has also increased, affecting 5-6% of general population. The prevalence of asthma in our country is 2.38%. This figure may actually be an under-estimate due to a tendency to under-diagnose asthma. The armamentarium for treatment of asthma comprises effective pharmacotherapy, good inhalation devices and availability of various guidelines. 6 In spite of this, asthma still remains a poorly controlled disease as has been evidenced by several multinational community based surveys. These surveys have shown that majority of asthmatic patients have a significantly high rate of symptoms alongwith poor symptoms perception, producing a significant impact on all aspects of patients’ quality of life. This article discusses the various pitfalls leading to under diagnosis of asthma and its poor control. The pitfalls seen commonly in a clinical practice are as follows:-
Association of polymorphisms in LOC105377871 and CASC16 with breast cancer in the northwest Chinese Han population

Breast cancer represents the cancer with the highest incidence and mortality among women in the world, and its pathogenesis is complex. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are one of the factors that influence the risk of breast cancer. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of LOC105377871 and CASC16 polymorphisms on the risk of breast cancer in the northwest Chinese Han population.
A ug 2 00 9 Pb adatom activated dissociation of O 2 and oxidation of Pb surfaces

We investigate the dissociation of O2 on Pb(111) surface using first-principles calculations. It is found that in a practical high vacuum environment, the adsorption of molecular O2 takes place on clean Pb surfaces only at low temperatures such as 100 K, but the O2 easily desorbs at (elevated) room temperatures. It is further found that the Pb adatoms enhance the molecular adsorption and activate the adsorbed O2 to dissociate during subsequent room temperature annealing. Our theory explains the observation of a two-step oxidation process on the Pb surfaces by the unique
Almost Quasi-linear Utilities in Disguise: Positive-representation An Extension of Roberts' Theorem

This work deals with the implementation of social choice rules using dominant strategies for unrestricted preferences. The seminal Gibbard-Satterthwaite theorem shows that only few unappealing social choice rules can be implemented unless we assume some restrictions on the preferences or allow monetary transfers. When monetary transfers are allowed and quasi-linear utilities w.r. t. money are assumed, Vickrey-Clarke-Groves (VCG) mechanisms were shown to implement any affine-maximizer, and by the work of Roberts, only affine-maximizers can be implemented whenever the type sets of the agents are rich enough. In this work, we generalize these results and define a new class of preferences: Preferences which are positive-represented by a quasi-linear utility. That is, agents whose preference on a subspace of the outcomes can be modeled using a quasi-linear utility. We show that the characterization of VCG mechanisms as the incentive-compatible mechanisms extends naturally to this domain. Our result follows from a simple reduction to the characterization of VCG mechanisms. Hence, we see our result more as a fuller more correct version of the VCG characterization. This work also highlights a common misconception in the community attributing the VCG result to the usage of transferable utility. Our result shows that the incentive-compatibility of the VCG mechanisms does not rely on money being a common denominator, but rather on the ability of the designer to fine the agents on a continuous (maybe agent-specific) scale. We think these two insights, considering the utility as a representation and not as the preference itself (which is common in the economic community) and considering utilities which represent the preference only for the relevant domain, would turn out to fruitful in other domains as well.
Comparison of Deep Reinforcement Learning and Model Predictive Control for Adaptive Cruise Control

This study compares Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) and Model Predictive Control (MPC) for Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) design in car-following scenarios. A first-order system is used as the Control-Oriented Model (COM) to approximate the acceleration command dynamics of a vehicle. Based on the equations of the control system and the multi-objective cost function, we train a DRL policy using Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (DDPG) and solve the MPC problem via Interior-Point Optimization (IPO). Simulation results for the episode costs show that, when there are no modeling errors and the testing inputs are within the training data range, the DRL solution is equivalent to MPC with a sufficiently long prediction horizon. Particularly, the DRL episode cost is only 5.8% higher than the benchmark optimal control solution provided by optimizing the entire episode via IPO. The DRL control performance degrades when the testing inputs are outside the training data range, indicating inadequate machine learning generalization. When there are modeling errors due to control delay, disturbances, and/or testing with a High-Fidelity Model (HFM) of the vehicle, the DRL-trained policy performs better when the modeling errors are large while having similar performances as MPC when the modeling errors are small.
Silhouette: Efficient Intra-Address Space Isolation for Protected Shadow Stacks on Embedded Systems

Embedded systems are increasingly deployed in devices that can have physical consequences if compromised by an attacker - including automobile control systems, smart locks, drones, and implantable medical devices. Due to resource and execution-time constraints, C is the primary programming language for writing both operating systems and bare-metal applications on these devices. Unfortunately, C is neither memory safe nor type safe. In this paper, we present an efficient intra-address space isolation technique for embedded ARM processors that leverages unprivileged store instructions. Using a compiler transformation, dubbed store promotion, which transforms regular stores into unprivileged equivalents, we can restrict a subset of the program's memory accesses to unprivileged memory while simultaneously allowing security instrumentation to access security-critical data structures (e.g., a shadow stack) - all without the need for expensive context switching. Using store promotion, we built Silhouette: a software defense that mitigates control-flow hijacking attacks using a combination of hardware configuration, runtime instrumentation, and code transformation. Silhouette enforces Control-Flow Integrity and provides an incorruptible shadow stack for return addresses. We implemented Silhouette on an ARMv7-M board and our evaluation shows that Silhouette incurs an arithmetic mean of 9.23% performance overhead and 16.93% code size overhead. Furthermore, we built Silhouette-Invert, an alternative implementation of Silhouette, which incurs just 2.54% performance overhead and 5.40% code size overhead, at the cost of a minor hardware change.
Tracking Using an Explanatory Framework

We study the tracking problem, namely, estimating the hidden state of an object over time, from unreliable and noisy measurements. The standard framework for the tracking problem is the generative framework, which is the basis of solutions such as the Bayesian algorithm and its approximation, the particle filters. However, the problem with these solutions is that they are very sensitive to model mismatches. In this paper, motivated by online learning, we introduce a new framework – an explanatory framework – for tracking. We provide an efficient tracking algorithm for this framework. We provide experimental results comparing our algorithm to the Bayesian algorithm on simulated data. Our experiments show that when there are slight model mismatches, our algorithm vastly outperforms the Bayesian algorithm.
EUROPEAN ORGANIZATION FOR NUCLEAR RESEARCH

The first measurements of the scattering parameters of ΛK pairs in all three charge combinations (ΛK+, ΛK−, and ΛKS) are presented. The results are achieved through a femtoscopic analysis of ΛK correlations in Pb–Pb collisions at sNN = 2.76 TeV recorded by ALICE at the LHC. The femtoscopic correlations result from strong final-state interactions, and are fit with a parametrization allowing for both the characterization of the pair emission source and the measurement of the scattering parameters for the particle pairs. Extensive studies with the THERMINATOR 2 event generator provide a good description of the non-femtoscopic background, which results mainly from collective effects, with unprecedented precision. Furthermore, together with HIJING simulations, this model is used to account for contributions from residual correlations induced by feed-down from particle decays. The extracted scattering parameters indicate that the strong force is repulsive in the ΛK+ interaction and attractive in the ΛK− and ΛKS interactions. The results suggest an effect arising either from different quark–antiquark interactions between the pairs (ss in ΛK+ and uu in ΛK−) or from different net strangeness for each system (S=0 for ΛK+, and S=−2 for ΛK−). Finally, the ΛK systems exhibit source radii larger than expected from extrapolation from identical particle femtoscopic studies. This effect is interpreted as resulting from the separation in space–time of the single-particle Λ and K source distributions. ∗See Appendix D for the list of collaboration members ar X iv :2 00 5. 11 12 4v 1 [ nu cl -e x] 2 2 M ay 2 02 0 ΛK femtoscopy in Pb–Pb collisions ALICE Collaboration
Prepared for submission to JHEP MPP-2015-307 N = 3 four dimensional field theories

We introduce a class of four dimensional field theories constructed by quotienting ordinary N = 4 U(N) SYM by particular combinations of R-symmetry and SL(2,Z) automorphisms. These theories appear naturally on the worldvolume of D3 branes probing terminal singularities in F-theory, where they can be thought of as non-perturbative generalizations of the O3 plane. We focus on cases preserving only 12 supercharges, where the quotient gives rise to theories with coupling fixed at a value of order one. These constructions possess an unconventional large N limit described by a non-trivial F-theory fibration with base AdS5 × (S/Zk). Upon reduction on a circle the N = 3 theories flow to well-known N = 6 ABJM theories. ar X iv :1 51 2. 06 43 4v 3 [ he pth ] 2 8 M ar 2 01 7
Cardiac Troponins and Chronic Kidney Disease, What do we Know?

Cardiac Troponins and Chronic Kidney Disease, What do we Know? Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the first cause of mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease. Identifying patients at high risk for CVD is a diagnostic challenge for nephrologists and other clinicians. In the last decades, new biomarkers of myocardial damage have appeared, such as cardiac troponins. Their prognostic value has been widely studied in patients with impaired renal function. However, it has not yet been possible to make a good prognostic stratification of these patients, since the conclusions of the different studies are diverse.
Chapter 8 Juvenile and Adult Ecology

The ecological dynamics that shape the benthic life of all lobsters are largely circumscribed by the settlement of postlarvae, the structure and availability of nursery habitats, prey availability and growth, predation risk, disease, patterns of movement, social and reproductive behaviours, and their interaction with humans and a changing environment. During the fi rst synthetic effort to assess clawed and spiny lobster ecology, nearly three decades ago (Phillips & Cobb, 1977; Cobb & Phillips, 1980), these issues were identifi ed as important directions for research. The great advances since then have come about for numerous reasons but foremost, the integration of basic life-history, ecology studies with applied fi shery research, the application of fi eld experimental and quantitative methods in a hypothesis testing framework, and the emergence of sophisticated computer-assisted modelling. In addition, more species have come under scrutiny by comparable methods, thus supplying the breadth necessary for recognition of general principles and of special cases. A suffi cient knowledge of lobster ecology now exists so that in a single chapter we can proffer a synopsis of an array of ecologically relevant issues pertaining to lobsters, although much remains to be done. In this chapter, we focus on the ecological processes that drive recruitment, the acquisition of shelter and food, predator–prey relationships, movement and migration, and in the case of spiny lobsters, sociality. Growth, reproduction, behaviour, and disease all play important roles in the ecology of spiny and clawed lobsters, but all are covered in depth in other chapters in this volume (Chapters 1, 2, 3 and 5 respectively) so our treatment of these subjects is minimal. Many species of lobster are also of commercial importance, and those species and the fi sheries for them are highlighted in Chapters 9–14. We discuss the ecology of spiny and clawed lobsters separately, so as to emphasise the processes most important, or best known, for each. We also stress recent fi ndings and attempt to avoid repeating detailed topical information provided in recent comprehensive reviews (see Factor, 1995; Phillips & Kittaka, 2000). We apologise for undoubtedly overlooking some of the pertinent literature, particularly that appearing in publications that are not peer-reviewed and therefore not widely distributed, and those written in languages other than English. Still, the information readily available on the ecology of juvenile and adult lobsters is voluminous and relevant whether one is interested in natural history, ecology, or fi shery management.
The HARPS search for southern extra-solar planets XXXV. The interesting case of HD 41248: stellar activity, no planets?

Context. The search for planets orbiting metal-poor stars is of utmost importance for our understanding of planet formation models. However, no dedicated searches have been conducted so far for very low mass planets orbiting such objects. Only a few cases of low-mass planets orbiting metal-poor stars are thus known. Amongst these, HD 41248 is a metal-poor, solar-type star on the orbit of which a resonant pair of super-Earth-like planets has been announced. This detection was based on 62 radial velocity measurements obtained with the HARPS spectrograph (public data). Aims. We present a new planet search program that is using the HARPS spectrograph to search for Neptunes and super-Earths that orbit a sample of metal-poor FGK dwarfs. We then present a detailed analysis of 162 additional radial velocity measurements of HD 41248, obtained within this program, with the goal of confirming the existence of the proposed planetary system. Methods. We analysed the precise radial velocities, obtained with the HARPS spectrograph, together with several stellar activity diagnostics and line profile indicators. Results. A careful analysis shows no evidence for the planetary system. One of the signals, with a period of similar to 25 days, is shown to be related to the rotational period of the star, and is clearly seen in some of the activity proxies. We were unable to convincingly retrieve the remaining signal (P similar to 18 days) in the new dataset. Conclusions. We discuss possible causes for the complex (evolving) signals observed in the data of HD 41248, proposing that they might be explained by the appearance and disappearance of active regions on the surface of a star with strong differential rotation, or by a combination of the sparse data sampling and active region evolution.
Hyperfibrinolysis – is it common? Measurement and treatment including the role of thromboelastography

Fibrinolysis can be defined as the breakdown of stable fibrin strands by plasmin. It is an important physiological regulatory mechanism within the coagulation cascade and is a dynamic, often localized, response. It is controlled by the interaction of stimulators and inhibitors released from vascular endothelial cells, smooth muscle and platelets. Although it is a normal physiological process, in certain clinical scenarios it can be a cause of excessive bleeding. Pathological over-activity of the fibrinolytic system, so-called primary hyperfibrinolysis leads to accelerated clot breakdown and potential haemorrhage. Secondary or ‘reactive’ hyperfibrinolysis is an increased activation of the fibrinolytic system in response to increased activity of the coagulation cascade such as is seen in disseminated intravascular coagulation. Hyperfibrinolysis during or following surgery will be the main focus of this article.
POLICIES AND PENALTY COST WHEN THE INPUT PROCESS IS AN INVERSE GAUSSIAN PROCESS

We consider P λ,τ policy of a dam in which the water input is an inverse Gaussian process. The release rate of the water is changed from 0 to M and from M to 0 (M > 0) at the moments when the water level up crosses levels λ and down crosses level τ (τ < λ), respectively. We determine the resolvent of the dam content and compute the total discounted as well as the long-run-average cost. We also find the stationary distribution of the dam content.
Multifactorial Etiology of Anemia in Celiac Disease and Effect of Gluten-Free Diet: A Comprehensive Review

Celiac disease (CD) is a multisystemic disorder with different clinical expressions, from malabsorption with diarrhea, anemia, and nutritional compromise to extraintestinal manifestations. Anemia might be the only clinical expression of the disease, and iron deficiency anemia is considered one of the most frequent extraintestinal clinical manifestations of CD. Therefore, CD should be suspected in the presence of anemia without a known etiology. Assessment of tissue anti-transglutaminase and anti-endomysial antibodies are indicated in these cases and, if positive, digestive endoscopy and intestinal biopsy should be performed. Anemia in CD has a multifactorial pathogenesis and, although it is frequently a consequence of iron deficiency, it can be caused by deficiencies of folate or vitamin B12, or by blood loss or by its association with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or other associated diseases. The association between CD and IBD should be considered during anemia treatment in patients with IBD, because the similarity of symptoms could delay the diagnosis. Vitamin B12 deficiency is common in CD and may be responsible for anemia and peripheral myeloneuropathy. Folate deficiency is a well-known cause of anemia in adults, but there is little information in children with CD; it is still unknown if anemia is a symptom of the most typical CD in adult patients either by predisposition due to the fact of age or because biochemical and clinical manifestations take longer to appear.
Immunobiology of Atherosclerosis: A Complex Net of Interactions

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality worldwide, and atherosclerosis the principal factor underlying cardiovascular events. Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by endothelial dysfunction, intimal lipid deposition, smooth muscle cell proliferation, cell apoptosis and necrosis, and local and systemic inflammation, involving key contributions to from innate and adaptive immunity. The balance between proatherogenic inflammatory and atheroprotective anti-inflammatory responses is modulated by a complex network of interactions among vascular components and immune cells, including monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, and T, B, and foam cells; these interactions modulate the further progression and stability of the atherosclerotic lesion. In this review, we take a global perspective on existing knowledge about the pathogenesis of immune responses in the atherosclerotic microenvironment and the interplay between the major innate and adaptive immune factors in atherosclerosis. Studies such as this are the basis for the development of new therapies against atherosclerosis.
The Effect of Biotinylated PAMAM G3 Dendrimers Conjugated with COX-2 Inhibitor (celecoxib) and PPARγ Agonist (Fmoc-L-Leucine) on Human Normal Fibroblasts, Immortalized Keratinocytes and Glioma Cells in Vitro

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most malignant type of central nervous system tumor that is resistant to all currently used forms of therapy. Thus, more effective GBM treatment strategies are being investigated, including combined therapies with drugs that may cross the blood brain barrier (BBB). Another important issue considers the decrease of deleterious side effects of therapy. It has been shown that nanocarrier conjugates with biotin can penetrate BBB. In this study, biotinylated PAMAM G3 dendrimers substituted with the recognized anticancer agents cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor celecoxib and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) agonist Fmoc-L-Leucine (G3-BCL) were tested in vitro on human cell lines with different p53 status: glioblastoma (U-118 MG), normal fibroblasts (BJ) and immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT). G3-BCL penetrated efficiently into the lysosomal and mitochondrial compartments of U-118 MG cells and induced death of U-118 MG cells via apoptosis and inhibited proliferation and migration at low IC50 = 1.25 µM concentration, considerably lower than either drug applied alone. Comparison of the effects of G3-BCL on expression of COX-2 and PPARγ protein and PGE2 production of three different investigated cell line phenotypes revealed that the anti-glioma effect of the conjugate was realized by other mechanisms other than influencing PPAR-γ expression and regardless of p53 cell status, it was dependent on COX-2 protein level and high PGE2 production. Similar G3-BCL cytotoxicity was seen in normal fibroblasts (IC50 = 1.29 µM) and higher resistance in HaCaT cells (IC50 = 4.49 µM). Thus, G3-BCL might be a good candidate for the targeted, local glioma therapy with limited site effects.
Stress analyses of intramedullary fixated joint prosthesis

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