Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Balancing Automated Procedures for Confounding Control with Background Knowledge

In this issue of epidemiology, Patorno et al illustrate the importance of using subject-matter knowledge to complement the automated high-dimensional propensity-score algorithm when controlling for confounding in studies based on claims data with few exposed outcomes. the topic of variable selection for propensity-score models in settings involving large numbers of potential confounders has received considerable attention in recent years. this interest is due in part to the uncertainty in determining what role automated procedures should play in the variable-selection process. With large healthcare databases becoming increasingly used in epidemiology, automated procedures can be beneficial in selecting potential confounders that are unknown to the investigator. Furthermore, the application of automated procedures is likely to expand with increased attention to safety surveillance as part of the Food and Drug administration’s Sentinel Initiative. In these settings, automated procedures such as the high-dimensional propensity score can increase the speed and efficiency of active surveillance. With this increasing need for automated methods for confounding control, the question becomes: how should investigators balance automated procedures with the use of subject-matter knowledge? automated procedures can be beneficial in identifying empirical associations among large numbers of covariates. Still, empirical associations and probability distributions by themselves are not sufficient to determine causal relations. In a recent commentary, Pearl explains that probability distributions of observed variables cannot completely characterize causal relations and that “every exercise in causal inference must commence with some extra knowledge that cannot be expressed in probability alone. ” on the topic of variable selection, many authors have argued that the identification of confounding variables should be grounded in previous substantive knowledge. In discussing this issue, Hernán et al have emphasized that “causal inference from observational data requires previous causal assumptions or beliefs, which must be derived from subject-matter knowledge, not from statistical associations detected in the data. ” although it is easy to acknowledge the theoretical limitations of using empirical associations to identify causal relations, the practical consequences of these limitations are less clear. For example, a potential obstacle for automated variable-selection procedures is
Temporal variations in suicide attempt rates: A hospital-based study from India

Background: Temporal variations of suicide attempts can help to better understand correlates of suicidal behavior. This study attempted to find the diurnal, weekly, and seasonal variations in suicide attempts at a tertiary care hospital in India. Materials and Methods: This record-based study was conducted among patients evaluated at a crisis intervention clinic over a 4-year period at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Southern India. Patients who attempted suicide in recent past and had been medically stabilized were evaluated in this clinic. The distribution of suicide attempts across the time of the day, the day of the week, and month of the year was assessed. Results: Of the 407 patients who were included in the analysis, the frequency of suicide attempts varied across time of the day (χ2 = 134.504, P < 0.001). The most common period of the day for the attempt was evenings (6 pm to 9 pm). There were no significant temporal associations between month of the year or day of the week and suicide attempts though peaks were observed for June among the months and Sundays among days of the week. Conclusion: Diurnal variations exist in the suicide attempts. This has implications on clinical caseloads on emergency departments, especially during the times when staffing might be sub-optimal.
Psychedelic Effects of Ketamine in Healthy Volunteers: Relationship to Steady‐state Plasma Concentrations

Background Ketamine has been associated with a unique spectrum of subjective “psychedelic” effects in patients emerging from anesthesia. This study quantified these effects of ketamine and related them to steady‐state plasma concentrations. Methods Ketamine or saline was administered in a single‐blinded crossover protocol to 10 psychiatrically healthy volunteers using computer‐assisted continuous infusion. A stepwise series of target plasma concentrations, 0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 ng/ml were maintained for 30 min each. After 20 min at each step, the volunteers completed a visual analog (VAS) rating of 13 symptom scales. Peripheral venous plasma ketamine concentrations were determined after 28 min at each step. One hour after discontinuation of the infusion, a psychological inventory, the hallucinogen rating scale, was completed. Results The relation of mean ketamine plasma concentrations to the target concentrations was highly linear, with a correlation coefficient of R = 0.997 (P = 0.0027). Ketamine produced dose‐related psychedelic effects. The relation between steady‐state ketamine plasma concentration and VAS scores was highly linear for all VAS items, with linear regression coefficients ranging from R = 0.93 to 0.99 (P < 0.024 to P <0.0005). Hallucinogen rating scale scores were similar to those found in a previous study with psychedelic doses of N,N‐dimethyltryptamine, an illicit LSD‐25‐like drug. Conclusions Subanesthetic doses of ketamine produce psychedelic effects in healthy volunteers. The relation between steady‐state venous plasma ketamine concentrations and effects is highly linear between 50 and 200 ng/ml.
The Nature of Nutritional Deficiency in Relation to Growth Failure and Poverty

A new classification of essential nutrients is proposed based on whether the major response to a deficiency is either (a) specific defects which lead to loss of particular functions and characteristic clinical signs and symptoms or (b) a primary cessation of growth. Diagnosis of deficiency of the nutrients which give rise to growth failure (nitrogen, essential amino acids, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, sulphur, zinc, magnesium) is particularly difficult because of the nature of the response and the lack of a body store. The implications of the differences in the types of deficiency are explored in relation to assessment of the likelihood that widespread deficiency exists. Poverty is particularly likely to be associated with unrecognised deficiency of these “growth” nutrients because of the monotony of the diet. This will lead to slow growth. There is probably a difference in the nutrient requirements for longitudinal and ponderal growth. Of the growth nutrients sulphur is likely to be required in much higher amounts for skeletal growth than soft tissue growth.
Emergent Themes in the Interface between Economics of Information Systems and Management of Technology

In this article we look at research published over a five-year time span in the economics of information systems (IS) area in four premier journals, including Management Science, Information Systems Research, MIS Quarterly, and Production and Operations Management, to identify research themes that have implications for future research in the area of Management of Technology (MOT). Through our examination of the literature, we identify three emergent themes that can be used to form foundations for future MOT research from an economics of IS perspective: productivity, vertical relations, and platforms. Within each of these themes we classify previous research into subthemes, summarize the major findings, and explore future research opportunities within the MOT domain that are relevant to these subthemes. Specifically, we examine how information technology has impacted firm productivity, their product design and development process, innovation capabilities, knowledge management capabilities, and supply chain integration.
Compressed Sensing for Efficient Encoding of Dense 3D Meshes Using Model-Based Bayesian Learning

With the growing demand for easy and reliable generation of 3D models representing real-world or synthetic objects, new schemes for acquisition, storage, and transmission of 3D meshes are required. In principle, 3D meshes consist of vertex positions and vertex connectivity. Vertex position encoders are much more resource demanding than connectivity encoders, stressing the need for novel geometry compression schemes. The design of an accurate and efficient geometry compression system can be achieved by increasing the compression ratio without affecting the visual quality of the object and minimizing the computational complexity. In this paper, we present novel compression/reconstruction schemes that enable aggressive compression ratios, without significantly reducing the visual quality. The encoding is performed by simply executing additions/subtractions. The benefits of the proposed method become more apparent as the density of the meshes increases, while it provides a flexible framework to trade efficiency for reconstruction quality. We derive a novel Bayesian learning algorithm that models the most significant graph Fourier transform coefficients of each submesh, as a multivariate Gaussian distribution. Then we evaluate iteratively the distribution parameters using the expectation-maximization approach. To improve the performance of the proposed approach in highly under determined problems, we exploit the local smoothness of the partitioned surfaces. Extensive evaluation studies, carried out using a large collection of different 3D models, show that the proposed schemes, as compared to the state-of-the-art approaches, achieve competitive compression ratios, offering at the same time significantly lower encoding complexity.
Analysis of Rail Erosion Damage During Electromagnetic Launch

In the process of launching the electromagnetic rail guns (EMRGs), the erosion damage to the rail surface is mainly caused by the joule heat generated by the rail body resistance and armature-rail contact resistance as the current runs through the rail. According to the joule heat and the law of conservation of energy, this paper develops a formula to calculate the temperature rise of rail surface, proposes the method of using temperature rise of rail surface for representing rail erosion damage, and the mathematical formula indicates the relevance between the temperature rise of rail surface and current, linear current density, armature moving speed, rail material, state of armature-rail contact, and skin effect. Dynamic test data required for calculation of rail current, muzzle voltage, armature bore displacement, and velocity are obtained through launching tests, and are used to calculate the surface temperature rise of rails of different materials during the launch of EMRGs. The calculation produces the temperature rise of rails at any positions along the length direction. The results are compared with the photographs of rail surface after the launch, and the analysis verifies the feasibility of representing rail erosion damage with temperature rise of rail surface.
Mature Agile with a Twist of CMMI

Systematic is an agile company working at CMMI level 5, where the default way of working is based on Scrum and story based early testing development. Solid experiences in combining CMMI with Scrum and story based development, has shown that the mix provides strong synergies (Sutherland et al., 2007) and insights into what CMMI practices fit and amplify the execution of Scrum and story based early testing development. This paper presents specifically how agile methods like Scrum are successfully combined with CMMI. CMMI provides solid support for what disciplines to consider. When applied the disciplines create a focus on important aspects of agile methods that perhaps are not normally elaborated, for example how to ensure a proper quality of a product backlog or how to ensure a proper "production line" for the project. This guidance may not be needed for small agile projects, but as the agile movement continues to grow, and is used for larger and more complex projects, agile projects will need to address these issues related to increased size and complexity. The experiences from combining CMMI and Scrum have led Systematic to identify examples of explicit guidance from CMMI that help to execute normal Scrum activities even better. These activities can be implemented in the spirit of the agile manifesto and principles and by doing so agile methods can be augmented and matured to ensure that even larger and more complex projects in the future can and will benefit from agile - with a twist of CMMI.
Ipsilateral Movement-Evoked Fields Reconsidered

The generation mechanism of movement-evoked fields (MEFs) is poorly known and the existence of ipsilateral MEFs is still in dispute. We recorded whole-scalp neuromagnetic activity from eight subjects who were pressing response keys alternately with the right 2nd and 4th digits, while keeping the left palm on the table containing the keys. Clear ipsilateral MEFs peaked 58 +/- 2 ms after the key touch, with sources in the hand area of the right primary somatosensory cortex. The ipsilateral MEFs decreased to half size when the resting left hand was palm up on the table. However, very similar responses were obtained when another person operated the response keys and the subjects just kept their left palm on the table. No signals were elicited when the subjects only viewed these actions with no hand contact to the table. The results indicate that the MEFs receive a strong contribution from tactile input. In our experiment the ipsilateral sensorimotor activation was triggered by the movement-related vibrations transmitted to the resting hand.
Genetic polymorphisms in the TERT-CLPTM1L region and lung cancer susceptibility in Chinese males

The objective of the present study was to analyze the relationship between genetic polymorphisms of the rs2736098 locus of the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene and the rs401681 locus of the cleft lip and palate transmembrane protein 1 (CLPTM1L) gene and the risk of developing lung cancer in males in Jinzhou. A total of 214 lung cancer patients who were admitted in Jinzhou Medical University were analyzed, and 216 healthy males were selected as controls. Venous blood from all subjects and data on relevant risk factors were collected. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood by the phenol-chloroform method. Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (TaqMan real-time PCR) was used for DNA amplification. The genotyping results of the genetic polymorphisms of the TERT rs2736098 and CLPTM1L rs401681 loci were detected. The risk of developing lung cancer in the population with the TERT rs2736098 locus carrying the T allele was 1.614 times that with the TERT rs2736098 locus carrying the C allele after adjustment of the age factor. The risk of developing lung cancer in the population carrying the TT mutant genotype and the CT genotype increased significantly compared with that carrying the CC wild genotype [odds ratio (OR)=1.815, 95% CI=1.132–2.957; OR=2.417, 95% CI=1.158–4.943]. Based on a comparison between the combination of the two mutant genotypes (CT+TT) and the wild homozygous genotype (CC), the mutant genotype increased the risk of developing lung cancer (OR=1.955, 95% CI=1.213–3.157). The risk of developing lung cancer in the population with the CLPTM1L rs401681 locus carrying the T allele was 1.399 times that carrying the C allele (OR=1.343, 95% CI=1.035–1.978). The population with the TERT rs2736098 locus carrying the mutant genotype (CT+TT) was associated with the number of tumors (OR=0.553, 95% CI=0.236–0.928). In conclusion, in males, the TERT rs2736098 and CLPTM1L rs401681 T alleles are the susceptibility factors for developing lung cancer. Individuals, including the smoking population, who carry both the TERT rs2736098 and CLPTM1L rs401681 T alleles are more likely to develop lung cancer.
Heterogeneity in the Dynamics of Disaggregate Unemployment

This paper explores the role that unobserved heterogeneity within an observed category plays in the dynamics of disaggregate unemployment and in the cross-sectional differences across individuals of the duration of unemployment spells. The distribution of unobserved heterogeneity is characterized as a mixture of two distributions with each mean and weight determined by the inflows and outflows of workers with unobserved types H and L, which are identified based on the nonlinear state-space model of Ahn and Hamilton (2016). I found that the contribution of each factor to the dynamics of disaggregate unemployment differs by observed category. The inflow of type L workers is the most important factor in the majority of demographic groups in the business-cycle frequency. I identify permanent job loss to be the observable characteristic most closely associated with the type L attribute. A simple model of heterogeneity based on two unobserved types can account for explain more than 50 percent of the cross-sectional dispersion in completed-duration spells after the Great Recession, while observed heterogeneity makes only a minor contribution.
alpha-Difluoromethylornithine attenuates monocrotaline-induced airway/lung dysfunction.

On the basis of the previous findings that alpha-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO, an inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase, which is the rate-limiting enzyme in polyamine biosynthesis) treatment prevents monocrotaline-(MCT) induced pulmonary hypertension and that ventilatory dysfunction precedes pulmonary hypertension in MCT-treated rats, we hypothesize that MCT-induced changes in airway/lung function are polyamine dependent. To evaluate this hypothesis, in phase 1, 48 young Sprague-Dawley rats were evenly divided into four groups: control, DFMO, MCT, and DFMO + MCT. Each DFMO rat received DFMO in its drinking water (2%) for 11 days, with additional injections (400 mg/kg sc) on the 5th day. Each MCT rat received a single injection of MCT (60 mg/kg sc) 1 wk before the functional study. Each DFMO + MCT rat received the same DFMO and MCT treatments as above, and MCT was administered on the 5th day of the DFMO treatment. In the MCT group, there were marked rightward shifts in pressure-volume and maximal flow-static recoil (MFSR) curves and significant decreases in dynamic and quasi-static compliance, the maximal expiratory flow, slope of the MFSR curve, and the carbon monoxide diffusing capacity, as well as a significant increase in alveolar wall thickness. However, in rats treated with DFMO + MCT, most of MCT-induced changes were significantly attenuated. To evaluate whether MCT causes bronchoconstriction, a bronchodilator, terbutaline (0.2 mg/kg i.v.), was administered to control (n = 7) and MCT (n = 11) rats in phase 2. Terbutaline significantly reversed MCT-induced decreases in maximal expiratory flow and slope of the MFSR curve, whereas it did not alter these parameters in controls. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Comparison of tibial plateau angles in dogs with and without cranial cruciate ligament injuries.

OBJECTIVE To measure and compare tibial plateau angles (TPA) of dogs with cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) injuries and dogs without CrCL injuries. DESIGN Prospective study. ANIMALS 87 dogs. PROCEDURE Stifle joints were measured from lateral radiographic views to determine TPA in 3 groups: group-1 dogs had CrCL injuries, group-1a dogs, a subgroup of group 1, had 1 unaffected stifle joint, and group-2 dogs had no CrCL injuries. Age, sex, breed, body weight, limb injured, and TPA were recorded for each dog. RESULTS 56 stifle joints were measured in group-1 dogs; mean TPA was 23.76 degrees , and mean age and weight were 5.7 years and 37.91 kg (83.4 lb), respectively. Fourteen stifle joints were measured in group-1a dogs; mean TPA was 24.71 degrees , and mean age and weight were 5.6 years and 38.06 kg (83.8 lb), respectively. Sixty stifle joints were measured in group-2 dogs; mean TPA was 18.10 degrees , and mean age and weight of these dogs were 4.83 years and 35.85 kg (79 lb), respectively. The most common breeds included Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Rottweiler. The TPA of dogs in group 1 and group 1a were significantly greater than the TPA of dogs in group 2. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Dogs with CrCL injuries have a significantly greater TPA than dogs without CrCL injury. With further investigation, a normal TPA can be determined. In the future, TPA measurements may be used to screen dogs suspected of being susceptible to CrCL injury.
Anti-CagA antibodies are associated with atrophic gastritis in a population at high gastric cancer risk: a morphometric study by computerized image analysis.

BACKGROUND CagA-positive Helicobacter pylori strains appear to increase the risk for atrophic gastritis. AIM To verify the association between CagA status and atrophic gastritis in the general population by means of computerized image analysis. SUBJECTS Forty-five subjects were chosen out of a representative sample of a population at high gastric cancer risk. METHODS Helicobacter pylori status was assessed by IgG ELISA, rapid urease test and histology. Serum anti-CagA antibodies were detected by western blotting. Subjects were subdivided into 3 groups: 15 subjects Helicobacter pylori positive CagA-positive, 15 Helicobacter pylori positive CagA-negative and 15 controls Helicobacter pylori negative. Biopsies were studied using the Sydney System score. A computerized image analysis was used to count inflammatory cells in the lamina propria and to measure the area of the gastric glands. RESULTS Anti-CagA antibodies were associated with reduction of gland area (126,671 +/- 81,032 mu 2/mm2 vs 231,384 +/- 54,159; p = 0.0001), with increasing both of polymorphonuclear cells (426 +/- 238 cell/mm2 vs 136 +/- 69; p = 0.0001) and mononuclear cells (8675 +/- 1304 cell/mm2 vs 7141 +/- 1230; p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS The association of anti-CagA antibodies with a high grade of gastric atrophy further supports the hypothesis that Helicobacter pylori CagA-positive strains can promote the multifactorial process of gastric carcinogenesis.
A New Flexure-Based $Y\theta$ Nanomanipulator With Nanometer-Scale Resolution and Millimeter-Scale Workspace

In this paper, the development of a flexure-based two-degree-of-freedom (2-DOF) nanomanipulator with modified differential lever displacement amplifier is conducted, which aims to break through the millimeter-range barrier. The kinetostatics modeling of the mechanism is established by using the pseudorigid body method, also the analytical modeling of lever is built up, as well as the dimension optimizations and the mechanism performance validations are conducted by using the Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm and the finite-element analysis method, respectively. With the consideration of hysteresis effect inherent in piezoelectric ceramics actuators, the hysteresis modeling is conducted by using the Preisach theory. To enhance the mechanism positioning performance, a novel feedforward nonlinear proportion-integration-differentiation control strategy composed by the nonlinear PID controller and the inverted Preisach hysteresis compensator is proposed in this paper. Finally, a series of closed-loop motion tracking experiments have been carried out. It indicates that the developed mechanism has achieved a millimeter workspace (3.1273 mm × 26.5°), nanometer scale motion resolution (40 nm), as well as a closed-loop positioning bandwidth of over 10 Hz.