LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Development and preliminary testing of a brief screening measure of healthy lifestyle for diabetes patients.

OBJECTIVES
Improving diabetes control is a critical issue world-wide, because mortality rates and costs are increasing dramatically. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is positively associated with diabetes control. However, the availability of practical screening tools suitable for determining and modifying healthy or unhealthy lifestyle choices is limited. The main aim of this study was to determine the appropriateness of the type 2 diabetes and health promotion scale (T2DHPS) for use in patients with type 2 diabetes.


METHODS
This study examined the Cronbach's alpha, content validity, construct and concurrent validity of the Chinese language version of the T2DHPS for assessing lifestyle and disease control among patients with type 2 diabetes. The dimensions of the T2DHPS were generated from the Chinese version of adult health promotion and interviews with experts, and were corroborated by the literature. A total of 323 patients previously diagnosed with type 2 diabetes were recruited. A cross-sectional, descriptive design questionnaire was developed and tested at diabetes outpatient departments in three teaching hospitals between August 2010 and June 2011. Construct validity was established using factor analysis. The total and subscale scores of the T2DHPS were correlated with biomarkers of diabetes control for concurrent validity.


RESULTS
Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) and Bartlett's sphericity tests showed that the sample met the criteria required for factor analysis. A 28-item Likert-type scale of the T2DHPS was established, and explained 56.7% of the total variance. The simplified version of the T2DHPS was made up of six dimensions of behavior: physical activity, risk reduction, stress-management, enjoy life, health responsibility and a healthy diet. The reliability coefficient for the total scale was 0.89, and alpha coefficients for the subscales ranged from 0.63 to 0.86. Concurrent validity indicated that the T2DHPS is significantly positively associated with diabetes control.


CONCLUSIONS
T2DHPS was shown to be a reliable and valid tool for assessing patients with type 2 diabetes, and can possibly predict diabetic control. This scale appears to be a useful screening tool for type 2 diabetic people in primary health care settings, to promote health status through modification of an unhealthy lifestyle.
Issues in political discourse analysis

Preface Poem - The Tongue That Could Not Be Silenced The Cultural Consequences of Economic Migration from Nigeria to the West Cognitive Strategies in Nigerian & German Political Cartoons: A Comparative Study Turn-Taking Strategies in Nigerian Legislative Discourse Pragmatic Features of Political Speeches in English by Some Prominent Nigerian Leaders Legitimization & Coercion in Political Discourse: A Case Study of Olusegun Obasanjo Address to the PDP Elders & Stakeholders Forum on 10 February 2007 Language, Politics & Democratic Governance in Nigeria: A Sociolinguistic Perspective Language Endangerment: Factual & Theoretical Explorations with Special Reference to Erushu, Akoko Bush Versus Blair: Keywords Heading the Nation Federica Ferrari Drawing an Analytical Framework In Search of "Postmodern" Chinese: Language & Politics in Taiwan Intertextuality & Metaphor in Puerto Rican Political Discourse: Statehood & Language Policy Discursive Strategies in Political Speech: The Words of Dr Bingu wa Mutharika Codeswitching in Tanzanian Parliamentary Discourse: A Communicative Innovation Index.
Five-step FFT algorithm with reduced computational complexity

We propose a fast Fourier transform algorithm, which removes two steps of twiddle factor multiplications from the conventional five-step FFT algorithm. The proposed FFT algorithm not only reduces the computational complexity of the five-step FFT algorithm by O(n) operations, but also reduces its memory requirement. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
The impact of culture and education on non-verbal neuropsychological measurements: A critical review

Clinical neuropsychology has frequently considered visuospatial and non-verbal tests to be culturally and educationally fair or at least fairer than verbal tests. This paper reviews the cross-cultural differences in performance on visuoperceptual and visuoconstructional ability tasks and analyzes the impact of education and culture on non-verbal neuropsychological measurements. This paper compares: (1) non-verbal test performance among groups with different educational levels, and the same cultural background (inter-education intra-culture comparison); (2) the test performance among groups with the same educational level and different cultural backgrounds (intra-education inter-culture comparisons). Several studies have demonstrated a strong association between educational level and performance on common non-verbal neuropsychological tests. When neuropsychological test performance in different cultural groups is compared, significant differences are evident. Performance on non-verbal tests such as copying figures, drawing maps or listening to tones can be significantly influenced by the individual's culture. Arguments against the use of some current neuropsychological non-verbal instruments, procedures, and norms in the assessment of diverse educational and cultural groups are discussed and possible solutions to this problem are presented.
Three-Dimensional Maps of All Chromosomes in Human Male Fibroblast Nuclei and Prometaphase Rosettes

Studies of higher-order chromatin arrangements are an essential part of ongoing attempts to explore changes in epigenome structure and their functional implications during development and cell differentiation. However, the extent and cell-type-specificity of three-dimensional (3D) chromosome arrangements has remained controversial. In order to overcome technical limitations of previous studies, we have developed tools that allow the quantitative 3D positional mapping of all chromosomes simultaneously. We present unequivocal evidence for a probabilistic 3D order of prometaphase chromosomes, as well as of chromosome territories (CTs) in nuclei of quiescent (G0) and cycling (early S-phase) human diploid fibroblasts (46, XY). Radial distance measurements showed a probabilistic, highly nonrandom correlation with chromosome size: small chromosomes-independently of their gene density-were distributed significantly closer to the center of the nucleus or prometaphase rosette, while large chromosomes were located closer to the nuclear or rosette rim. This arrangement was independently confirmed in both human fibroblast and amniotic fluid cell nuclei. Notably, these cell types exhibit flat-ellipsoidal cell nuclei, in contrast to the spherical nuclei of lymphocytes and several other human cell types, for which we and others previously demonstrated gene-density-correlated radial 3D CT arrangements. Modeling of 3D CT arrangements suggests that cell-type-specific differences in radial CT arrangements are not solely due to geometrical constraints that result from nuclear shape differences. We also found gene-density-correlated arrangements of higher-order chromatin shared by all human cell types studied so far. Chromatin domains, which are gene-poor, form a layer beneath the nuclear envelope, while gene-dense chromatin is enriched in the nuclear interior. We discuss the possible functional implications of this finding.
A Novelty-Seeking based Dining Recommender System

The rapid growth of location-based services provide the potential to understand people's mobility pattern at an unprecedented level, which can also enable food-service industry to accurately predict consumer's dining behavior. In this paper, by leveraging users' historical dining pattern, socio-demographic characteristics and restaurants' attributes, we aim at generating the top-K restaurants for a user's next dining. Compared to previous studies in location prediction which mainly focus on regular mobility patterns, we present a novelty-seeking based dining recommender system, termed NDRS, in consideration of both exploration and exploitation. First, we apply a Conditional Random Field (CRF) with additional constraints to infer users' novelty-seeking statuses by considering both spatial-temporal-historical features and users' socio-demographic characteristics. On the one hand, when a user is predicted to be novelty-seeking, by incorporating the influence of restaurants' contextual factors such as price and service quality, we propose a context-aware collaborative filtering method to recommend restaurants she has never visited before. On the other hand, when a user is predicted to be not novelty-seeking, we then present a Hidden Markov Model (HMM) considering the temporal regularity to recommend the previously visited restaurants. To evaluate the performance of each component as well as the whole system, we conduct extensive experiments, with a large dataset we have collected covering the concerned dining related check-ins, users' demographics, and restaurants' attributes. The results reveal that our system is effective for dining recommendation.
Insole plantar pressure measurement during quiet stance post stroke.

PURPOSE
Reliable and clinically relevant measures of change in the postural control of people post stroke are important for evaluating clinical interventions. This study investigated the reliability and usefulness of the F-Scan insole plantar pressure system in measuring possible postural control variables in a sample of 15 people post stroke.


METHOD
A test-retest design was employed to measure contact pressure (CP), contact area (CA), center of force (COF) and its motion characteristics in four different stance positions. The data collection was repeated 30 minutes later to replicate the timing of a standard therapy period.


RESULTS
Good to excellent intertrial reliability was demonstrated (r = 0.704-0.986). The CP and CA data demonstrated relatively equal values between the hemi- and non-hemiparetic foot for the easier tasks (mean 3.6 to 3.7 KPa), and the asymmetry increased towards the non-hemiparetic foot as the tasks became harder (4 KPa vs. 3.3KPa on the hemiparetic). There were unexpected areas of high peak contact pressure on the more affected foot for several participants, whilst CA data quantified the expected redistribution of contact/weight toward the lateral border of the more affected foot in most, but not all, subjects. COF motion was markedly reduced on the more affected lower limb with a mean of 0.3 cm versus 0.5-3.8 cm for the other lower limb.


CONCLUSIONS
The main findings were that the F-Scan generates reliable data and produces variables that are clinically useful for measuring asymmetry parameters of postural control post stroke.
Importance of Host Genetic Factors HLA and IL28B as Predictors of Response to Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin

OBJECTIVES:Viral factors are considered the best predictors of response to treatment for chronic hepatitis C (CHC), but genetic factors are known to have an important role in this respect. This paper investigates the relationships among the host genetic factors HLA and IL28B, viral factors, and the outcome of combination therapy.METHODS:A multicenter retrospective cohort of 428 previously untreated CHC patients was treated with pegylated interferon/ribavirin (pegIFN/RBV) for 48 weeks. In all, 378 (88%) of these patients were genotype 1 or 4, and 50 (12%) were genotype 2 or 3.RESULTS:Multivariate logistic regression showed the rs12979860 CC genotype (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=4.3, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 2.6–7), the HLA-DQB1*0301 allele (aOR=2.08, 95% CI: 1.2–3.5) and age, viral genotype, and viral load levels to be significantly associated with sustained virological response (SVR). When the variable rs12979860 was eliminated, the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) decreased significantly (0.76 vs. 0.69; P=0.03). AUC values derived from viral factors were lower than those corresponding to host genetic factors (0.67 vs. 0.72, respectively; P=0.04). The HLA-DQB1*0301 and A*0201 alleles were associated with rs12979860 CC genotype and SVR (P<0.0001).CONCLUSIONS:The HLA-DQB1*0301 allele and IL28B genotype are factors that are associated independently with SVR. There is a synergism between the HLA-DQB1*0301 and HLA-A*0201 alleles with polymorphism rs12979860 CC, which increases the SVR rate. IL28B genotype is the best predictor of SVR.
Characterization and Catalytic Properties of Sulfated ZrO2–TiO2Mixed Oxides

Abstract The acidity of sulfated zirconia–titania preparations was studied using NH 3 , pyridine, and benzene as the probe molecule. Temperature-programmed desorption curves of ammonia and the IR spectra of adsorbed pyridine were determined to distinguish acid sites. The Bronsted acidic strength of the surface hydroxyl groups was correlated with the red shift of the ν OH IR band induced by adsorption of benzene. The conversion of n -hexane was used as the catalytic test. The thermally effected textural and structural changes were followed by thermogravimetry, X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, and surface area measurements. Sulfate and titania were found to hinder the aggregation of the metal oxide component. The weight-specific concentration of strong Lewis and Bronsted acidic sites were found higher in the zirconia-rich mixed oxides than in SO 4 −2 /ZrO 2 , but, no new kind of acidic center was detected. The strongest acidic sites are Lewis centers. The sulfate treatment of the oxides resulted in the formation of new, strong Bronsted sites. Regardless, whether the basic probe was protonated (as pyridine) or not (as benzene) the negative charge on the conjugated base of the Bronsted acid increased upon adsorption. This is indicated by the induced red shift of the ν S=O band of the surface sulfate group. This effect decreases the acid strength of the proton to an extent depending on the degree of electron donation and the volume available for delocalization of the electrons. The use of basic probes is not suggested for comparing the acid strength of catalysts much different in structure and composition.
Three-dimensional observations of the incisive canal and the surrounding bone using cone-beam computed tomography

The shape of the anterior region of the maxilla is critical when planning implant treatment. The purpose of the present study was to assess the typical morphology of the incisive canal and surrounding bone. In total, 70 maxillae of Japanese dry skulls were used after being divided into dentate and edentulous groups. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of the maxilla were acquired by using standardized methods. Using the anterior nasal spine as a reference point, the change in position was measured and analyzed statistically. Also, three-dimensional (3-D) images of the incisive canal were classified into five subsets: cylinder, groove, penetration, bifurcation at the superior portion, and bifurcation at the inferior portion. The quantity of alveolar bone in the incisor region was greatly reduced from the alveolar ridge and labial surface. Moreover, the vertical position of the incisive foramen was significantly (P < 0.05) superior in the edentulous groups. Regarding the classification of maxillae by the 3-D shape of the incisive canal, many canals were cylindrical. Horizontal bone reduction from the labial side and vertical bone reduction from the alveolar crest were conspicuous; thus, the angle of the anterior alveolar bone changed after the loss of teeth. The incisive canal diameter in the edentulous group was larger than in the dentate group. The nondestructive assessment of the incisive canals and surrounding bone with CBCT showed two typical shapes for the presence or absence of the incisors. These findings indicate the importance of image diagnosis before esthetic restoration.
The Perceived Value of College Physics Textbooks: Students and Instructors May Not See Eye to Eye

This paper describes a study of student textbook use in four introductory college physics courses. Students were surveyed to find out how much they read their physics textbook, when they read, what effect (if any) this had on their performance, and if different instructors/textbooks made a difference. Survey results indicate that while over 97% of our students buy the required textbook, less than 41% regularly read, 60% read after lecture rather than before, and there is little (or no) correlation between reading habits and course grade. Further analysis of how and why students read indicates little or no variation in the perceived value of the textbook for course components tightly coupled to grades. We found that these results were strikingly similar across conceptual-, algebra-, and calculus-based courses with different instructors and textbooks.
Benefits associated with achieving optimal risk factor levels for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in older men.

BACKGROUND
Most incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) occurs after patients reach the age of 65. The additive benefits of aggressive risk factor management with advancing age are not well established.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the relationship between control of four modifiable risk factors (smoking, non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol, blood pressure, and aspirin use) and risk of CVD in a primary prevention population of older men.


MATERIALS AND METHODS
U.S. male physicians from the Physicians' Health Study (n = 4182; an epidemiologic follow-up of a randomized trial of aspirin and beta-carotene) who in 1997 were ≥ 65 years, free of CVD and diabetes, and had a blood sample on file were studied. Cox proportional hazard models were adjusted for age and competing causes of death. The first of any CVD event, defined as cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, angina, coronary revascularization, nonfatal stroke, transient ischemic attack, carotid artery surgery, and other peripheral vascular disease surgery, was measured.


RESULTS
Mean follow-up was 9.3 years, mean age was 73 years, and 96% were nonsmokers. Compared with when 4 of 4 risk factors were controlled (6.0% of participants), control of 0 of 4 risk factors almost quadrupled the risk of CVD (0.4% of participants; event rate 41.2%; hazard ratio [HR] 3.83, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.72-8.55); control of 1 of 4 risk factors more than doubled the risk (14.2% of participants; HR 2.53, 95% CI 1.80-3.57); control of 2 of 4 risk factors almost doubled the risk (43.8% of participants; HR 1.94, 95% CI 1.41-2.69), and those with control of 3 of 4 risk factors also were at increased risk (35.6% of participants; HR 1.80, 95% CI 1.30-2.50). Control of each additional risk factor was associated with greater cardiovascular protection (P for trend P = .002). Depending on the number of risk factors controlled, the number-needed to control to prevent one CVD event ranged from 5 to 22.


CONCLUSION
Control of 4 treatable risk factors (nonsmoking, control of non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol and blood pressure, and aspirin use) was associated with substantial protection against incident cardiovascular events in older men even after adjustment for competing causes of mortality.
Factors associated with teenage pregnancy in South Asia

Background: South Asia has a large proportion of young people in the world and teenage pregnancy has emerged as one of the major public health problem among them. The objective of this study is to systematically review to identify the risk factors associated with teenage pregnancy in South Asian countries. Methods: We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL database (1996 to April 2007) and web-based information. Inclusion criteria were the English-language papers available in the UK and describing teenage pregnancy in South Asia. Results: Out of the seven countries in South Asia, most of the studies were related to Nepal, Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka. Socio-economic factors, low educational attainment, cultural and family structure were all consistently identified as risk factors for teenage pregnancy. Majority of teenage girls are reported with basic knowledge on sexual health however, very few of them have used the knowledge into practice. Both social and medical consequences of teenage pregnancies are reported consistently along the most of the studies. Utilization of health services, which is a protective factor, remains low and consistent. However, teenagers agreed to delay the indexed pregnancy if they would know its consequences. Conclusions: In South Asia, many risk factors are a part of socio-economic and cultural influences. This systematic review is limited by the amount and the quality of papers published on factors associated with teenage pregnancy. In particular, future research in South Asian countries is needed with standardised measures and methodologies to gain an insight into observed variations in pregnancy rates.
Compact 80 kW silicon carbide high voltage generator

This paper presents a concept for a compact high voltage generator based on a highly integrated power chain switching at frequencies above 500 kHz. The high frequency operation in combination with the high integration approach enable a reduction of volume and weight of HY-generators used in industrial or medical applications.
Student attitude and learning outcomes of multimedia computer-assisted versus traditional instruction in basketball

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of multimedia computer-assisted instruction (MCAI), traditional instruction (TI), and combined instruction (CI) methods on learning the skill of shooting in basketball. Additionally, a comparison of the students’ attitudes towards the MCAI and TI methods was made. Seventy-five middle school students of seventh and eighth grade were randomly assigned into three teaching method groups: TI, MCAI and CI. Each group received ten 45-min periods of instruction divided into three sections: (a) 5-min introduction, (b) 30-min instructional time and (c) 10-min questions and review. Students took pre-, post-, and retention written test covering techniques and rules of the games. Participants in the CI group also completed a post-test attitude survey towards the MCAI and TI methods. Two-way analysis of variances (ANOVA), with repeated measures on the last factor, were conducted to determine effect of method groups (MCAI, TI, CI) and measures (pre-test, post-test, re-test) on knowledge test. Paired samples t-test analyses were conducted to measure students’ attitude towards the MCAI and TI methods. Post-test results indicated no significant differences between the groups concerning the written test. Nevertheless, the attitude test scores of the CI group were more favourable to MCAI method than the TI method. Retention test results showed that groups retained the knowledge acquisition. However, the combine method of instruction tended to be the most effective on cognitive learning.