Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bone marrow histology and CD34 immunostaining in the prognostic evaluation of primary myelodysplastic syndromes

The prognostic impact of bone marrow biopsy (BMB) histology and CD34 immunoreactivity was compared with that of the more conventional parameters (the FAB diagnosis, peripheral blood values, percentage of BM blasts and some common prognostic scores) in 100 MDS patients. Statistical correlations among the cytological, haematological, histological and immunohistochemical parameters and their relationship with clinical outcome were searched for. At univariate analysis, FAB classification (P < 0.001), pattern of blastic infiltration at BMB (P < 0.005), presence of CD34+ aggregates (P < 0.0005), percentage of blasts in BM aspirate (P < 0.0001) and percentage of CD34 positivity (P < 0.0001) proved to be linked to leukaemic transformation and, except for FAB classification, retained a high degree of prognostic significance in terms of survival. Leukaemic transformation occurred in 16/18 patients simultaneously presenting ‘large’ blastic infiltrates at BMB and CD34+ aggregates (P < 0.00001); 9/17 evaluable patients died within 12 months of diagnosis (P < 0.001). Discriminant functions for leukaemic transformation and survival did not offer any advantage over univariate analysis in the prognostic work‐up. The results indicate that the size of blastic aggregates and CD34 positivity allowed patients with a worse prognosis to be identified irrespective of their FAB subtype, but the prognostic impact is considerably greater when both parameters are simultaneously taken into account, as testified by the restricted and homogenous subgroup of patients with both ‘large’ and CD34‐positive aggregates.
Caching cooperation with energy harvesting based small cells in heterogeneous networks

In this paper, the caching cooperation scheme between hybrid-powered small base stations (SBSs) is studied to minimize the system transmit power in heterogeneous networks. The SBS with on-grid power is used to respond to user requests and keep itself working; the harvested energy is exploited for caching cooperation among SBSs. To stimulate the SBS with full use of harvested energy in every slot, a scheme is proposed to select the cooperating target and allocate the harvested energy. The problem of minimizing the system power consumption is formulated and a suboptimal algorithm is used to approximate its solution. According to the numerical results, the proposed scheme can save transmit power greatly compared with a no-caching cooperation scheme and performs much better than the arbitrary selection scheme.
Longitudinal changes in physical activity in a biracial cohort during adolescence.

PURPOSE This report describes the development and use of two self-report methods and an objective measure to assess longitudinal changes in physical activity in a large biethnic cohort of young girls from childhood through adolescence. METHODS The NHLBI Growth and Health Study (NGHS) is a multicenter study of obesity development in 2379 black and white girls followed from ages 9-10 yr to 18-19 yr (NGHS years 1-10). A Caltrac activity monitor was used to objectively quantify activity levels in years 3-5. A 3-d diary (AD) and a habitual patterns questionnaire (HAQ) were administered annually and biannually, respectively, to subjectively quantify physical activity levels. The changing pattern of activities as the girls matured during the 10-yr study period necessitated periodic form changes. Empirical analytic approaches were developed to help distinguish between true longitudinal changes in activity levels from potential numerical artifacts resulting from modifications in forms. RESULTS The longitudinal activity data indicate a steep decline in the level of reported activity from baseline to year 10 as indicated by AD scores (446.8 to 292.1 MET-min x d(-1), 35%) as well as by HAQ scores (29.3 to 4.9 MET-times x wk(-1), 83%). This parallel trend in the pattern of the decline in activity among the two self-report methods was mirrored by a similar decline using the Caltrac method of physical activity assessment. From years 3 to 5, the AD decreased by 22%, whereas both the HAQ and Caltrac declined by 21%. CONCLUSION The longitudinal data on physical activity collected in the NGHS cohort further confirm a dramatic decrease in the overall level of physical activity during the transition from childhood to adolescence. The consistency among the three methods indicate that both the AD and HAQ are useful tools for the assessment of activity levels in adolescent girls.
Risk Factors for Visual Impairment in an Uninsured Population and the Impact of the Affordable Care Act.

PURPOSE To assess risk factors for visual impairment in a high-risk population of people: those without medical insurance. Secondarily, we assessed risk factors for remaining uninsured after implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and evaluated whether the ACA changed demand for local safety net ophthalmology clinic services one year after its implementation. METHODS In a retrospective cohort study of patients who attended a community-academic partnership free ophthalmology clinic in Southeastern, Michigan between September 2012 - March 2015, we assessed the prevalence of presenting with visual impairment, the most common causes of presenting with visual impairment and used logistic regression to assess socio-demographic risk factors for visual impairment. We assessed the initial impact of the ACA on clinic utilization. We also analyzed risk factors for remaining uninsured one year after implementation of the ACA private insurance marketplace and Medicaid expansion in the state of Michigan. RESULTS Among 335 patients, one-fifth (22%) presented with visual impairment; refractive error was the leading cause for presenting with visual impairment. Unemployment was the single significant risk factor for presenting with visual impairment after adjusting for multiple confounding factors (OR = 3.05, 95% CI 1.19-7.87, p=0.01). There was no difference in proportion of visual impairment or type of vision-threatening disease between the insured and uninsured (p=0.26). Seventy six percent of patients remained uninsured one year after ACA implementation. Patients who were white, spoke English as a first language and were US Citizens were more likely to gain insurance coverage through the ACA in our population (p≤ 0.01). There was a non-significant decline in the mean number of patient treated per clinic (52 to 43) before and after ACA implementation (p=0.69). CONCLUSION Refractive error was a leading cause for presenting with visual impairment in this vulnerable population, and being unemployed significantly increased the risk for presenting with visual impairment. The ACA did not significantly reduce the need for our free ophthalmology services. It is critically important to continue to support safety net specialty care initiatives and policy change to provide care for those in need.
Vibrotactile Pattern Recognition on the Arm and Back

A series of experiments was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness with which a tactile display mounted on either the forearm or the back can be used to communicate simple instructions and commands. In the first two sets of experiments, participants identified a vibrotactile pattern using a visual template that represented the pattern of activation. For the patterns displayed on the forearm, accuracy depended on the specific set of patterns presented and ranged from 30% to 96% correct for the individual patterns. In a second series of experiments, seven hand-and-arm signals that are used to communicate in military contexts were converted into tactile representations that were displayed on the back. These were identified accurately (98% correct) and, when only the picture of the hand signal was available, participants achieved a recognition rate of 75% correct. A further study with these seven patterns indicated that participants were still able to identify the patterns accurately (92% correct) when they were engaged in a concurrent physical or cognitive task. The results indicate the importance of evaluating tactile communication in the context of the specific patterns or messages that will be conveyed, and that with the judicious selection of tactile patterns both the arm and back provide a functional substrate for tactile communication.
Plasma concentrations of fibroblast growth factors 19 and 21 in patients with anorexia nervosa.

CONTEXT Fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) and FGF21 are novel metabolic regulators that improve insulin sensitivity and decrease adiposity in mice. However, little is known about the nutritional regulation of these factors in humans. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to measure plasma FGF19 and FGF21 levels in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and to explore its relationship with anthropometric and endocrine parameters. DESIGN This was a single-center cross-sectional study. SETTING The study was performed in a university hospital. PATIENTS Seventeen untreated women with a restrictive type of AN and 17 healthy women (control group) were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Fasting plasma FGF19 and FGF21, serum insulin, leptin, soluble leptin receptor, adiponectin, resistin, and C-reactive protein were the main outcome measures. RESULTS Plasma FGF19 levels did not significantly differ between the groups studied, whereas plasma FGF21 levels were significantly reduced in AN relative to the control group. Plasma FGF21 positively correlated with body mass index and serum leptin and insulin and was inversely related to serum adiponectin in both groups. In contrast, plasma FGF19 was not related to any of parameters studied. Partial realimentation significantly reduced plasma FGF21 levels in AN. CONCLUSION Circulating levels of FGF21 but not FGF19 are strongly related to body weight and serum levels of leptin, adiponectin, and insulin in both anorectic and normal-weight women. We suggest that reduced plasma FGF21 levels could be involved in the pathophysiology of AN or in a complex adaptive response to this disease.
Overexpression of copper/zinc superoxide dismutase: A novel cause of murine muscular dystrophy

Oxidative injury underlies the cellular injury and cell death in a variety of disease states. In muscular dystrophies, evidence from in vivo and in vitro studies suggests that muscle degeneration may be secondary to an increased susceptibility to oxidativ stress. To address the role of free radical metabolism in the pathogenetic process of muscular dystrophies, we examined the muscle of transgenic mice that overexpress copper/zinc (Cu/Zn) superoxide dismutase. Overexpression of this enzyme can sensitize cells to oxidative injury, and Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase activity was elevated approximately fourfold above control levels in skeletal muscle of the transgenic strain. Examination of serum creatine phosphokinase levels in these mice revealed significant elevations after 2 months of age, indicative of active muscle breakdown. By 8 months of age, there was gross atrophy of the quadriceps muscle, and other hindlimb muscles were variably affected. Histologically, there was evidence of widespread muscle necrosis and regeneration, fiber splitting, and replacement of muscle with adipose and fibrous connective tissue, typical of a muscular dystrophy. Associated with the development of this degeneration was an increase in the levels of lipid peroxidation in the muscle of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase transgenic mice, highlighting the central role of oxidative injury in this pathogenetic process. These results demonstrate that oxidative damage can be the primary pathogenetic process underlying a muscular dystrophy.
Adaptive Search Range Algorithms for Variable Block Size Motion Estimation in H.264/AVC

Comparing with search pattern motion estimation (ME) algorithms, adaptive search range (ASR) algorithms are more fundamental, regular and flexible. In variable block size motion estimation (VBSME), ASR algorithms can be applied whether on a whole frame (frame level), or on an entire macroblock which includes up to forty-one blocks (macroblock level), or just on a single block (block level). In the other hand, in H.264/AVC, not the motion vectors (MVs) but the motion vector differences (MVDs) are coded and the median motion vector predictors (median-MVPs) are used to place the search centers. In this sense, it can be thought that the search windows (SWs) are centered at the positions pointed by median-MVPs, the search ranges (SRs) play the role of limiting MVDs. Thus it is reasonable for considering using MVDs to predict SRs. In this paper, one of the MB level and two of the block level, at all three MVD based SR prediction algorithms are proposed. VBSME based experiments are carried out to assess the proposed algorithms. Comparisons between the proposed three algorithms and the previously proposed one given in [8] are done in terms of encoding quality and computational complexity.
“Reinventing the wheel” as an emerging business model innovation paradigm

Purpose This study aims to discuss how business model innovation from both incumbents and startups growingly may stem from past products, services, and approaches reinvented. This results in what is labeled the “Reinventing the Wheel (RTW)” innovation paradigm, where the future is seen through the lenses of the past. Design/methodology/approach This study is based on historical analysis of common business model innovation patterns found in a longitudinal sample of both incumbent companies and startups in the time frame 2008-2016. Findings The RTW paradigm unlocks business model innovation through: the reinvention of past resources and competencies; the use of digital technologies; and the centrality given to customer experience and customer journey. The resulting RTW cycle is made of five steps to follow in the attempt to make the most out of this paradigm: survey, learn, disclose, exploit, and reinvent. Practical implications Entrepreneurs and managers are presented with the key elements, steps, and implications of an emerging business model innovation paradigm to possibly apply in their incumbent or startup context. Originality/value This study presents an original approach to look at business model innovation, in a way that is complementary to alternative practices like the blue ocean strategy, big-bang disruption, and lean startup.
HOT SPOTS OF GENETIC DIVERSITY DESCENDED FROM MULTIPLE PLEISTOCENE REFUGIA IN AN ALPINE UNGULATE

Species that inhabit naturally fragmented environments are expected to be spatially structured and exhibit reduced genetic diversity at the periphery of their range. Patterns of differentiation may also reflect historical processes such as recolonization from glacial refugia. We examined the relative importance of these factors in shaping the spatial patterns of genetic differentiation across the range of an alpine specialist, the North American mountain goat (Oreamnos americanus). Contrary to fossil evidence that suggests a single southern refugium, we detected evidence for additional refugia in northern British Columbia and the Alaskan coast using both mitochondrial and microsatellite DNA. A core area of elevated genetic diversity characterized both regions, and molecular dating suggested a recent Pleistocene split was followed by demographic expansion. Across their range, mountain goats were highly genetically structured and displayed the expected pattern of declining diversity toward the periphery. Gene flow was high within contiguous mountain ranges, but cross‐assignments paradoxically suggest that long‐distance contemporary dispersal movements are not uncommon. These results improve our understanding of how historical vicariance and contemporary fragmentation influence population differentiation, and have implications for conserving the adaptive potential of alpine populations and habitat.
Using Semantic Networks for Assessment of Learners&#146; Answers

In this paper we present a new approach for the assessment of free-text answers. We use semantic networks, based on the MultiNet paradigm, as core for the computer-based analysis of short answers given by learners. In our assessment an answer is automatically transformed in MultiNet, then compared to a reference answer, and finally the results of this analysis are reformulated in natural language. Depending on this analysis and the user model a detailed feedback is presented to the learner for the improvement of his solution. We also describe the first use, advantages, limits, and perspective of our approach
Perception-less terrain adaptation through whole body control and hierarchical optimization

This paper presents a control approach based on a whole body control framework combined with hierarchical optimization. Locomotion is formulated as multiple tasks (e.g. maintaining balance or tracking a desired motion of one of the limbs) which are solved in a prioritized way using QP solvers. It is shown how complex locomotion behaviors can purely emerge from robot-specific inequality tasks (i.e. torque or reaching limits) together with the optimization of balance and system manipulability. Without any specific motion planning, this prioritized task optimization leads to a natural adaption of the robot to the terrain while walking and hence enables blind locomotion over rough grounds. The presented framework is implemented and successfully tested on ANYmal, a torque controllable quadrupedal robot. It enables the machine to walk while accounting for slippage and torque limitation constraints, and even step down from an unperceived 14 cm obstacle. Thereby, ANYmal exploits the maximum reach of the limbs and automatically adapts the body posture and height.
Urban forest of Mendoza (Argentina): the role of Morus alba (Moraceae) in carbon storage

ABSTRACT Carbon dioxide emissions have partially been attributed to urban areas. Nevertheless, cities provide valuable ecosystem services such as carbon storage. The aim of this study is to estimate the carbon storage of Morus alba trees as a dominant species in the urban forest of Mendoza city. A stratified random sampling was selected for both urban and suburban areas. Trees were analyzed considering the following parts: stem, primary and secondary branches, and leaves. Underground dry matter was also estimated. Tree dry matter was distributed as follows: crown 53%, stem 25%, root 20%, and leaf 2%. Considering the total M. alba coverage, the urban area accumulates 24,208 tonnes and the suburban area 43,000 tonnes of carbon, from which 544.6 tonnes (1998.6 t CO2) and 1123.3 tonnes (4,118.8 t CO2) are annually removed by leaves. These quantities are relevant considering the 13,000 t/year of CO released to the atmosphere in Mendoza city. The accumulated carbon values evidence the importance of preservation and conservation tasks that are essential in the management of the urban forest located in drylands.
Multi-message private information retrieval

We consider the problem of multi-message private information retrieval (MPIR) from N non-communicating replicated databases. In MPIR, the user is interested in retrieving P messages out of M stored messages without leaking the identity of the retrieved messages. The information-theoretic sum capacity of MPIR CP is the maximum number of desired message symbols that can be retrieved privately per downloaded symbol. For the case P ≥ M/2, we determine the exact sum capacity of MPIR as C<sup>P</sup><inf>s</inf>=1/1+M-P/PN For P≤M/2, we develop lower and upper bounds for all M, P, N. These bounds match if the number of messages M is an integer multiple of the number of desired messages P, in which case, C<sup>P</sup><inf>s</inf> = 1−1N/1−(1/N)<sup>M/P</sup>. Our results indicate that joint retrieval of desired messages is more efficient than successive use of single-message retrieval schemes.
Dual cannabis and alcohol use disorders in young adults: Problems magnified

Background: Alcohol and marijuana are the 2 most commonly used substances among young adults. The present study examines whether having 2 DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition) diagnoses (alcohol and cannabis) is associated with greater problems than having 1 (alcohol or cannabis) diagnosis. Methods: Participants were 307 young adults (18–25 years) from the community who met criteria for DSM-5 alcohol use disorder (AUD), cannabis use disorder (CUD), or both (dual use disorder [DUD]). Participants reported alcohol and marijuana use in the past 90 days (Timeline Follow-Back), alcohol problems (Short Inventory of Problems), and marijuana problems (Marijuana Problems Scale). Results: Eighty-four participants (27.4%) met criteria for AUD, 107 (34.9%) met criteria for CUD, and 116 (37.8%) met criteria for DUD. In multivariate analyses, the DUD group reported greater alcohol use frequency and more alcohol problems than the CUD-only group but not the AUD-only group. However, DUD individuals reported greater drinking intensity than singly diagnosed individuals. Those with DUD reported a greater proportion of marijuana consumption days than the AUD-only group but not the CUD-only group. However, DUD individuals reported more marijuana problems than both singly diagnosed groups. Conclusions: Results show that the concurrent presence of both DSM-5 AUD and CUD is associated with heavier drinking patterns and greater marijuana problems than disordered use of either substance alone, thus affirming the magnified severity of alcohol and marijuana use that accompanies dual DSM-5 alcohol and marijuana use disorders.
Role of Breastfeeding and Complementary Food on Hemoglobin and Ferritin Levels in a Cambodian Cross-Sectional Sample of Children Aged 3 to 24 Months

Background Iron deficiency derives from a low intake of dietary iron, poor absorption of iron, and high requirements due to growth as well as blood loss. An estimated number of about 50% of all anemia may be attributed to iron deficiency among young children in Cambodia. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in rural Cambodia in September 2012. Villages in pre-selected communes were randomly chosen using stunting as a primary indicator of nutritional status. In total, 928 randomly selected households with children aged 3–23 months were included. Hemoglobin, ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), and retinol binding protein (RBP) were assessed from capillary blood samples. In addition, length/height and weight of mothers and children were taken and data on dietary diversity was collected. A child feeding index (CFI) was created. Associations between biomarkers of iron and vitamin A status and nutritional status or food intake were explored. Results Anemia prevalence was highest among 6- to 12-months-olds (71%). Ferritin and sTfR inversely correlated and were significantly associated with hemoglobin concentrations. The consumption of animal source foods (ASF) significantly impacts on the interaction between ferritin, sTfR and hemoglobin. Concentrations of RBP were significantly higher in children who had received a vitamin A supplement. The CFI was associated with sTfR and hemoglobin. Lower length and weight were associated with lower ferritin levels and showed an indirect effect on hemoglobin through ferritin. Conclusion Nutrition programs targeting children under 2 years of age need to focus on the preparation of complementary foods with high nutrient density to sustainably prevent micronutrient deficiency and generally improve nutritional status. Future assessments of the micronutrient status should include identification of hemoglobinopathies and parasitic infections to better understand all causes of anemia in Cambodian infants and young children. Trial Registration German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00004379