Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fasting Blood Glucose and the Risk of Stroke and Myocardial Infarction

Background— Although diabetes is a well-known risk factor of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases, the cardiovascular disease risk of glycemia below the current diabetic threshold remains uncertain. Methods and Results— A total of 652 901 Korean men aged 30 to 64 years from the Korean National Health Insurance System were categorized into 8 groups by fasting blood glucose (FBG) level at baseline and were followed up for cardiovascular diseases occurrence during 1992–2001. Over the follow-up period of 8.8 years, 10 954 stroke and 3766 myocardial infarction events occurred. In age-adjusted analyses, there was evidence of linear associations between FBG and myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and intracerebral hemorrhagic stroke. However, with additional adjustment for socioeconomic position, behaviors, and other cardiovascular disease risk factors, the associations with myocardial infarction and intracerebral hemorrhagic stroke were markedly attenuated with increased risk only at the highest FBG levels (≥7.5 mmol/L). With full adjustment, the association with ischemic stroke persisted; a linear increase in the risk of ischemic stroke was observed from FBG level of 5.6 mmol/L. When the analyses were repeated with those persons who had been diagnosed with diabetes removed, there was no evidence of associations of FBG with intracerebral hemorrhagic stroke, but the association with ischemic stroke persisted. Conclusions— In this Korean male population, the association with high FBG differed between ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhagic stroke, and myocardial infarction. The linear increase in the risk of ischemic stroke, independently of other cardiovascular risk factors, was observed at a level below the current FBG criteria for impaired fasting glucose (≥5.6 mmol/L). However, for other cardiovascular diseases, the current cutoff for diagnosing diabetes appropriately identified Korean men at risk.
Second language fluency and its underlying cognitive and social determinants

Abstract In studying second language (L2) fluency attainment, researchers typically address questions about temporal and hesitation phenomena in a descriptive manner, cataloguing which features appear under which learning circumstances. The goal of this paper is to present a perspective on L2 fluency that goes beyond description by exploring a potential explanatory framework for understanding L2 fluency. This framework focuses on the cognitive processing that underlies the manifestation of fluency and disfluency, and on the ways social context might contribute to shaping fluency attainment. The framework provides a dynamical systems perspective of fluency and its development, with specific consequences for a research program on L2 fluency. This framework gives rise to new questions because of its focus on the intimate link between cognitive fluency and utterance fluency, that is, between measures of the speed, efficiency and fluidity of the cognitive processes thought to underlie implementation of the speech act and measures of the oral fluency of that speech act. Moreover, it is argued that cognitive and utterance fluency need to be situated in the social context of communication in order to take into account the role played by the pragmatic and the sociolinguistic nature of communication in shaping L2 fluency development.
Efficiency and Benefits of Wireless Network Segregation

This paper examines the performance of segregate networks with single and multiple channels. It compares the simulation results to the location-aware channel assignment protocol named GRID. The term segregated means that the network is divided into smaller domains and each one operates on different radios. Each node is assigned a predefine pool of radios, per segregate. The results show that the average delay of the segregate is comparable to GRID topology, in some instances. We also demonstrate that the effect of single channel interference has been minimised and the throughput of the network has been increased, far more when multiple channel allocations are deployed within the segregate. Segregate networks are more robust in harsh environments and provide better data reliability.
High testosterone and low progesterone circulating levels in premenopausal patients with hyperplasia and cancer of the breast.

Serum testosterone, progesterone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin, and sex hormone-binding globulin levels were measured in 55 normal controls, in 31 patients with hyperplastic alterations of breast epithelium, and in 23 patients with breast cancer. All patients and controls were premenopausal, and they were comparable for age, weight, and body surface. In the controls, the mean level of testosterone [0.47 +/- 0.16 (S.D.) ng/ml] was lower and the mean level of progesterone (17.63 +/- 8.11 ng/ml) was higher than in breast cancer patients [testosterone level, 0.62 +/- 0.22 ng/ml (p less than 0.005); progesterone level, 11.4 +/- 8.0 ng/ml (p less than 0.005)] and in patients with breast epithelial hyperplasia [testosterone level, 0.55 +/- 0.2 ng/ml (p less than or equal to 0.05); progesterone level, 13.9 +/- 8.6 ng/ml (p less than 0.05)]. No difference was found in the mean circulating levels of luteinizing hormone, prolactin, or sex hormone-binding globulin between controls and patients. These results confirm previous findings of increased urinary testosterone excretion in women with anovulatory menstrual cycles and epithelial hyperplasia or cancer of the breast and strongly support the hypothesis that androgens play an important role in both induction and development of breast cancer.
How predictive is grip force control in the complete absence of somatosensory feedback?

Grip force control relies on accurate internal models of the dynamics of our motor system and the external objects we manipulate. Internal models are not fixed entities, but rather are trained and updated by sensory experience. Sensory feedback signals relevant object properties and mechanical events, e.g. at the skin-object interface, to modify motor commands and update internal representations automatically. Here we prove that intact sensory feedback is essential for predictive grip force regulation. The efficiency and precision of grip force adjustments to load fluctuations arising from vertical and horizontal point-to-point arm movements with a hand-held object were analysed in a chronically deafferented subject (G.L.) and three healthy control subjects. Point-to-point movements started and ended with the object being held stationary. G.L. and healthy controls produced similar accelerations of the grasped object and consequently similar load magnitudes during vertical and horizontal movements. Compared with healthy controls, G.L. employed inefficiently high grip forces when holding and moving the object, indicating inaccurate force scaling to object weight and inertial loads. For healthy controls, the grip force profile was precisely timed to the movement-induced load fluctuations during vertical and horizontal movements. However, G.L. 's grip force profile was not processed to match differential loading requirements of movement direction. We conclude that predictive grip force control requires at least intermittent sensory feedback to signal the effectiveness of descending motor commands and to update internal models.
S-Rich CdS 1 − y Te y Thin Films Produced by the Spray P rolysis Technique

Understanding the properties of CdSTe ternary alloys is important because they always form at the interface between the CdS window layer and CdTe absorber layer in CdS/CdTe solar cells due to the intermixing. This interdiffusion is necessary because it improves the device performance. Experimental work has been devoted to studying Te rich p-type CdSxTe1 ́x alloys, but there is a lack of studies on S-rich n-type CdS1 ́yTey solid solutions. In this work, a review of the structure, morphology, and optical properties of the S-rich n-type CdS1 ́yTey thin films produced by the spray pyrolysis technique on glass substrates is presented.
Evidence-Based Interventions Are Necessary but Not Sufficient for Achieving Outcomes in Each Setting in a Complex World

Many evaluations of programs tend to show few outcomes. One solution to this has been an increasing prominence of the movement that requires programs to implement evidence-based interventions (EBIs). But in a complex world with complex organizations and complex interventions, many challenges have arisen to the implementation of EBIs with fidelity to achieve outcomes at scale. This includes challenges to achieving outcomes in each setting. In this article, we propose the use of empowerment evaluation and one of its major approaches (Getting To Outcomes [GTO]) as a promising method to address the challenges, and GTO can help organizations achieve outcomes by leading them through a set of “accountability questions” for implementing EBIs in their particular setting. These questions can be asked at multiple levels (e.g., national, state, and local organizations) responsible for achieving outcomes. Although we illustrate the possibilities with examples from health care and public health, the potential strategies can be applied to many areas of health and human services and education.
A Random Sampling Scheme for Path Planning Draft Paper to Be Presented at the 7th International Symposium on Robotics Research. for Circulation at This Symposium Only

Several randomized path planners have been proposed over the last few years. Their attractiveness stems from their applicability to virtually any type of robots, and their empirically observed success. In this paper we attempt to present a unifying view of these planners and to theoretically explain their success. First, we introduce a general planning scheme that consists of randomly sampling the robot's connguration space. We then describe two previously developed planners as instances of planners based on this scheme, but applying very diierent sampling strategies. These planners are probabilistically complete, that is: if there exists a path, the planner will nd it with high probability, if we let it run long enough. Next, for one of the two planners, we analyze more formally the relation between the probability of failure and the running time. Under two diierent assumptions about the robot's free space, we show that the running time only grows as the logarithm of the probability of failure that we are willing to tolerate. In the last section of the paper we suggest directions of future research.
Long-term management of chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura in adults

Chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is generally a more benign disease than previously thought. Currently it is recommended that only those patients with severe and/or symptomatic thrombocytopenia definitely require treatment. Additional factors, such as age, lifestyle, and uremia can also influence the hemorrhagic risk and should be carefully assessed before decision-making on the appropriate management of patients with less severe forms of ITP. The recent introduction of new classes of therapeutic agents such as rituximab and the thrombopoietic growth factors has had a major impact on the management of ITP. Updated treatment guidelines have recently been made available but they are based largely on expert opinion rather than on high-quality clinical trial evidence. This structured review is focused on the management of adults with chronic ITP, including the use of new classes of agents.
DISK EVOLUTION IN THE THREE NEARBY STAR-FORMING REGIONS OF TAURUS, CHAMAELEON, AND OPHIUCHUS

We analyze samples of Spitzer Infrared Spectrograph spectra of T Tauri stars in the Ophiuchus, Taurus, and Chamaeleon I star-forming regions, whose median ages lie in the <1–2 Myr range. The median mid-infrared spectra of objects in these three regions are similar in shape, suggesting, on average, similar disk structures. When normalized to the same stellar luminosity, the medians follow each other closely, implying comparable mid-infrared excess emission from the circumstellar disks. We use the spectral index between 13 and 31 μm and the equivalent width of the 10 μm silicate emission feature to identify objects whose disk configuration departs from that of a continuous, optically thick accretion disk. Transitional disks, whose steep 13–31 μm spectral slope and near-IR flux deficit reveal inner disk clearing, occur with about the same frequency of a few percent in all three regions. Objects with unusually large 10 μm equivalent widths are more common (20%–30%); they could reveal the presence of disk gaps filled with optically thin dust. Based on their medians and fraction of evolved disks, T Tauri stars in Taurus and Chamaeleon I are very alike. Disk evolution sets in early, since already the youngest region, the Ophiuchus core (L1688), has more settled disks with larger grains. Our results indicate that protoplanetary disks show clear signs of dust evolution at an age of a few Myr, even as early as ∼1 Myr, but age is not the only factor determining the degree of evolution during the first few million years of a disk's lifetime.
Developing embodied cognition: insights from children’s concepts and language processing

Over the past decade, theories of embodied cognition have become increasingly influential with research demonstrating that sensorimotor experiences are involved in cognitive processing; however, this embodied research has primarily focused on adult cognition. The notion that sensorimotor experience is important for acquiring conceptual knowledge is not a novel concept for developmental researchers, and yet theories of embodied cognition often do not fully integrate developmental findings. We propose that in order for an embodied cognition perspective to be refined and advanced as a lifelong theory of cognition, it is important to consider what can be learned from research with children. In this paper, we focus on development of concepts and language processing, and examine the importance of children's embodied experiences for these aspects of cognition in particular. Following this review, we outline what we see as important developmental issues that need to be addressed in order to determine the extent to which language and conceptual knowledge are embodied and to refine theories of embodied cognition.
Reference-Dependent Risk Attitudes

We use Koszegi and Rabin's (2006) model of reference-dependent utility, and an extension of it that applies to decisions with delayed consequences, to study preferences over monetary risk. Because our theory equates the reference point with recent probabilistic beliefs about outcomes, it predicts specific ways in which the environment influences attitudes toward modest-scale risk. It replicates "classical" prospect theory—including the prediction of distaste for insuring losses—when exposure to risk is a surprise, but implies first-order risk aversion when a risk, and the possibility of insuring it, are anticipated. A prior expectation to take on risk decreases aversion to both the anticipated and additional risk. For large-scale risk, the model allows for standard "consumption utility" to dominate reference-dependent "gain-loss utility," generating nearly identical risk aversion across situations. (JEL D81)
Upper Bounds on Return Predictability

Can the degree of predictability found in data be explained by existing asset pricing models? We provide two theoretical upper bounds on the R 2 of predictive regressions. Using data on the market portfolio and component portfolios, we find that the empirical R 2s are significantly greater than the theoretical upper bounds. Our results suggest that the most promising direction for future research should aim to identify new state variables that are highly correlated with stock returns instead of seeking more elaborate stochastic discount factors.
The implementation of a shared reading programme within a university : a case study

Based on research into the benefits of involvement in reading for pleasure and the operation in the US of pre-arrival shared reading schemes for those about to embark on a university education, both within the context of wider research into how to engage newly arrived students in their institution, an exploration was made of the likely response to such a shared reading scheme within a London university. A representative sample of current first years were asked about their how they spent their leisure time, their attitudes towards and involvement in reading for pleasure and their reactions to such a potential scheme. The findings were that more reading for pleasure was taking part than had been anticipated, that students were generally keen to become more involved in reading and that a shared reading scheme would be welcomed by the majority of students. The decisions made on the basis of the outcomes are discussed, along with recommendations for future associated research.
The View from the Cape: Extinction Risk, Protected Areas, and Climate Change

Abstract In the past decade, a growing number of studies have modeled the effects of climate change on large numbers of species across diverse focal regions. Many common points emerge from these studies, but it can be difficult to understand the consequences for conservation when data for large numbers of species are summarized. Here we use an in-depth example, the multispecies modeling effort that has been conducted for the proteas of the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa, to illustrate lessons learned in this and other multispecies modeling efforts. Modeling shows that a substantial number of species may lose all suitable range and many may lose all representation in protected areas as a result of climate change, while a much larger number may experience major loss in the amount of their range that is protected. The spatial distribution of protected areas, particularly between lowlands and uplands, is an important determinant of the likely conservation consequences of climate change.
Diet and lifestyle characteristics associated with dietary supplement use in women

Abstract Objectives: To describe the characteristics of dietary supplement users in a large cohort of women and test the hypothesis that supplement users would be more likely to have a healthier lifestyle than non-users. Design: Comparison of nutrient intakes from food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) data for 8409 supplement users and 5413 non-users. Use of logistic regression modelling to determine predictors of supplement use in this cohort. Subjects: 13,822 subjects from the UK Women's Cohort Study (UKWCS) for whom data on supplement use was available. Results: Significant differences in nutrient intakes from FFQ were seen between the two groups, with supplement users having higher intakes of all nutrients, except for fat and vitamin B12. Use of dietary supplements was associated with being vegetarian, vegan or fish-eating, consuming more fruit and vegetables, being more physically active and having a lower alcohol intake. Supplement use was less likely in those with a body mass index above 25 and those who reported smoking regularly. Conclusions: The findings are consistent with the hypothesis that supplement use is associated with a healthier lifestyle profile and an adequate nutritional intake, suggesting that supplement users do not need to take supplements to meet a nutrient deficiency.
Different Evolutionary Histories of the Two Classical Class I Genes BF1 and BF2 Illustrate Drift and Selection within the Stable MHC Haplotypes of Chickens1

Compared with the MHC of typical mammals, the chicken MHC (BF/BL region) of the B12 haplotype is smaller, simpler, and rearranged, with two classical class I genes of which only one is highly expressed. In this study, we describe the development of long-distance PCR to amplify some or all of each class I gene separately, allowing us to make the following points. First, six other haplotypes have the same genomic organization as B12, with a poorly expressed (minor) BF1 gene between DMB2 and TAP2 and a well-expressed (major) BF2 gene between TAP2 and C4. Second, the expression of the BF1 gene is crippled in three different ways in these haplotypes: enhancer A deletion (B12, B19), enhancer A divergence and transcription start site deletion (B2, B4, B21), and insertion/rearrangement leading to pseudogenes (B14, B15). Third, the three kinds of alterations in the BF1 gene correspond to dendrograms of the BF1 and poorly expressed class II B (BLB1) genes reflecting mostly neutral changes, while the dendrograms of the BF2 and well-expressed class II (BLB2) genes each have completely different topologies reflecting selection. The common pattern for the poorly expressed genes reflects the fact the BF/BL region undergoes little recombination and allows us to propose a pattern of descent for these chicken MHC haplotypes from a common ancestor. Taken together, these data explain how stable MHC haplotypes predominantly express a single class I molecule, which in turn leads to striking associations of the chicken MHC with resistance to infectious pathogens and response to vaccines.
Stable sparse approximations via nonconvex optimization

We present theoretical results pertaining to the ability of lscrp minimization to recover sparse and compressible signals from incomplete and noisy measurements. In particular, we extend the results of Candes, Romberg and Tao (2005) to the p < 1 case. Our results indicate that depending on the restricted isometry constants (see, e.g., Candes and Tao (2006; 2005)) and the noise level, lscrp minimization with certain values of p < 1 provides better theoretical guarantees in terms of stability and robustness than lscr1 minimization does. This is especially true when the restricted isometry constants are relatively large.
When Language Switching has No Apparent Cost: Lexical Access in Sentence Context

We report two experiments that investigate the effects of sentence context on bilingual lexical access in Spanish and English. Highly proficient Spanish-English bilinguals read sentences in Spanish and English that included a marked word to be named. The word was either a cognate with similar orthography and/or phonology in the two languages, or a matched non-cognate control. Sentences appeared in one language alone (i.e., Spanish or English) and target words were not predictable on the basis of the preceding semantic context. In Experiment 1, we mixed the language of the sentence within a block such that sentences appeared in an alternating run in Spanish or in English. These conditions partly resemble normally occurring inter-sentential code-switching. In these mixed-language sequences, cognates were named faster than non-cognates in both languages. There were no effects of switching the language of the sentence. In Experiment 2, with Spanish-English bilinguals matched closely to those who participated in the first experiment, we blocked the language of the sentences to encourage language-specific processes. The results were virtually identical to those of the mixed-language experiment. In both cases, target cognates were named faster than non-cognates, and the magnitude of the effect did not change according to the broader context. Taken together, the results support the predictions of the Bilingual Interactive Activation + Model (Dijkstra and van Heuven, 2002) in demonstrating that bilingual lexical access is language non-selective even under conditions in which language-specific cues should enable selective processing. They also demonstrate that, in contrast to lexical switching from one language to the other, inter-sentential code-switching of the sort in which bilinguals frequently engage, imposes no significant costs to lexical processing.