Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Detecting REM sleep from the finger: an automatic REM sleep algorithm based on peripheral arterial tone (PAT) and actigraphy

Scoring of REM sleep based on polysomnographic recordings is a laborious and time-consuming process. The growing number of ambulatory devices designed for cost-effective home-based diagnostic sleep recordings necessitates the development of a reliable automatic REM sleep detection algorithm that is not based on the traditional electroencephalographic, electrooccolographic and electromyographic recordings trio. This paper presents an automatic REM detection algorithm based on the peripheral arterial tone (PAT) signal and actigraphy which are recorded with an ambulatory wrist-worn device (Watch-PAT100). The PAT signal is a measure of the pulsatile volume changes at the finger tip reflecting sympathetic tone variations. The algorithm was developed using a training set of 30 patients recorded simultaneously with polysomnography and Watch-PAT100. Sleep records were divided into 5 min intervals and two time series were constructed from the PAT amplitudes and PAT-derived inter-pulse periods in each interval. A prediction function based on 16 features extracted from the above time series that determines the likelihood of detecting a REM epoch was developed. The coefficients of the prediction function were determined using a genetic algorithm (GA) optimizing process tuned to maximize a price function depending on the sensitivity, specificity and agreement of the algorithm in comparison with the gold standard of polysomnographic manual scoring. Based on a separate validation set of 30 patients overall sensitivity, specificity and agreement of the automatic algorithm to identify standard 30 s epochs of REM sleep were 78%, 92%, 89%, respectively. Deploying this REM detection algorithm in a wrist worn device could be very useful for unattended ambulatory sleep monitoring. The innovative method of optimization using a genetic algorithm has been proven to yield robust results in the validation set.
Learning and Shifts in Long-Run Productivity Growth

Shifts in the long-run rate of productivity growth are difficult, in real time, to distinguish from transitory fluctuations. We analyze the evolution of forecasts of long-run productivity growth during the 1970s and 1990s and examine in a dynamic general equilibrium model the consequences of learning on the responses to shifts in the long-run productivity growth rate. We find that an updating rule based on an estimated Kalman filter model using real-time data describes economists' long-run productivity growth forecasts extremely well. We then show that learning has profound implications for the effects of shifts in trend productivity growth and can improve the model's ability to generate responses that resemble historical experience. If immediately recognized, an increase in the long-run growth rate produces a sharp decline in employment and investment, while with learning, a rise in the long-run rate of productivity growth sets off a sustained boom in employment and investment.
A Diagnostic Approach for the Evaluation of Spina Bifida by Three‐dimensional Ultrasonography

Objective. To describe a prenatal diagnostic method for evaluating spina bifida by three‐dimensional ultrasonography. Methods. Two‐ and three‐dimensional ultrasonography were used to determine the extent of vertebral defects among fetuses with spina bifida. Spinal levels were independently counted from the most caudal thoracic vertebra with a rib (e.g., 12th thoracic rib). A virtual cutting plane was manipulated through a volume‐rendered spine to generate optimal multiplanar views for this blinded analysis. Prenatal diagnosis was compared with a postnatal analysis of bony spine defects derived from radiographic films or magnetic resonance imaging. Results. Nine fetuses were examined by two‐dimensional ultrasonography (21.8 ± 3.4 menstrual weeks) and three‐dimensional ultrasonography (22.8 ± 4.4 menstrual weeks). For two‐dimensional ultrasonography, the spinal level agreed to within 1 vertebral segment in 6 of 9 infants. In contrast, three‐dimensional ultrasonography agreed to within 1 vertebral segment in 8 of 9 infants. Three fetuses had vertebral defect levels on two‐dimensional ultrasonography that were 1.5 to 2 segments away from postnatal findings. The same fetuses had results that were within 1 vertebral segment on three‐dimensional ultrasonography. Volume rendering showed splayed vertebral pedicles and disrupted vertebrae. An intact meningeal sac was easily rendered in 5 of 9 subjects. Conclusions. Multiplanar views are generally more informative than rendered views for localizing bony defects of the fetal spine. The level of the defect on three‐dimensional ultrasonography correlates well with those on two‐dimensional ultrasonography and postnatal imaging studies. This approach may improve characterization of spina bifida by adding diagnostic information that is complementary to the initial assessment by two‐dimensional ultrasonography.
Maximum-Likelihood Decoding and Performance Analysis of a Noisy Channel Network with Network Coding

We investigate sink decoding methods and performance analysis approaches for a network with intermediate node encoding (coded network). The network consists of statistically independent noisy channels. The sink bit error probability (BEP) is the performance measure. We first discuss soft-decision decoding without statistical information on the upstream channels (the channels not directly connected to the sink). The example shows that the decoder cannot significantly improve the BEP from the hard-decision decoder. We develop the union bound to analyze the decoding approach. The bound can show the asymptotic (regarding SNR: signal-to-noise ratio) performance. Using statistical information of the upstream channels, we then show the method of maximum-likelihood (ML) decoding. With the decoder, a significant improvement in the BEP is obtained. To evaluate the union bound for the ML decoder, we use an equivalent signal point procedure. It can be reduced to a least-squares problem with linear constraints for medium-to-high SNR.
Comparative evaluation of canal transportation, centering ability, and remaining dentin thickness between WaveOne and ProTaper rotary by using cone beam computed tomography: An in vitro study

Aims: To compare the canal transportation, centering ability, and remaining dentin thickness of WaveOne and ProTaper systems using cone beam computed tomography. Subjects and Methods : Forty extracted human single-rooted premolars were used in the present study. Preinstrumentation scanning of all teeth was taken; canal curvatures were calculated, and the samples were randomly divided into two groups, with twenty samples in each group; one group was instrumented with WaveOne system and the other group with ProTaper rotary system. Postinstrumentation scans were performed, and the two scans were compared to determine canal transportation, centering ability, and remaining dentin thickness at 3 mm, 6 mm, and 9 mm from the root apex. Statistical Analysis Used: Student's unpaired t-test. Results: Using Student's unpaired t-test, results were as follows: for canal transportation, Group 1 showed significant difference at 3 mm and 6 mm and insignificant difference at 9 mm while Group 2 showed insignificant difference in all the three regions. For centering ability and remaining dentin thickness, Group 1 showed insignificant difference at 3 mm and 9 mm while significant difference at 6 mm was obtained. When comparison of remaining dentin thickness was done at three levels using two groups WaveOne and ProTaper, there was no significant difference between two groups. Conclusions: (1) WaveOne single reciprocation file system respected better canal anatomy better than ProTaper. (2) Individually, centering ability of WaveOne was better at 3 mm, 6 mm, and 9 mm levels. (3) However, ProTaper individually was better centered at 3 mm (apical third) and 9 mm (coronal 3rd) levels than 6 mm level (middle third).
Disempowered by whom? Gender vs. generation in India.

Research on gender inequalities has been greatly enhanced by the now frequent use of decision-making and permission questions found in many household surveys. Our concern in this paper is that one potential line of research with these questions has been overlooked and that this neglect may limit our understanding of the results of earlier analyses. These decision making questions derived from a concern to measure more directly the empowerment basis of gender inequalities. However the questions actually tap into more than just a gender dimension of household decision making. While much of the gender interest is in whether these decisions are made by the husband or the wife in the context of developing societies where extended families are common and even normative women frequently respond that an important voice in these decisions is their father-in-laws or mother-in-laws. We argue that it is useful to disentangle the extent to which a woman is being disempowered by her husband versus others in her household. By ignoring the full dynamics of power distributions within a family we may be conflating inequalities of gender with those of generation and thereby mis-specifying our models of empowerment. We use data from a new 40000 household survey the India Human Development Survey 2004-2005 to examine how a respondents lack of power is a function of gender and/or generation. (authors)
Trpm4 Gene Invalidation Leads to Cardiac Hypertrophy and Electrophysiological Alterations

Rationale TRPM4 is a non-selective Ca2+-activated cation channel expressed in the heart, particularly in the atria or conduction tissue. Mutations in the Trpm4 gene were recently associated with several human conduction disorders such as Brugada syndrome. TRPM4 channel has also been implicated at the ventricular level, in inotropism or in arrhythmia genesis due to stresses such as ß-adrenergic stimulation, ischemia-reperfusion, and hypoxia re-oxygenation. However, the physiological role of the TRPM4 channel in the healthy heart remains unclear. Objectives We aimed to investigate the role of the TRPM4 channel on whole cardiac function with a Trpm4 gene knock-out mouse (Trpm4 -/-) model. Methods and Results Morpho-functional analysis revealed left ventricular (LV) eccentric hypertrophy in Trpm4 -/- mice, with an increase in both wall thickness and chamber size in the adult mouse (aged 32 weeks) when compared to Trpm4+/+ littermate controls. Immunofluorescence on frozen heart cryosections and qPCR analysis showed no fibrosis or cellular hypertrophy. Instead, cardiomyocytes in Trpm4-/- mice were smaller than Trpm4+/+with a higher density. Immunofluorescent labeling for phospho-histone H3, a mitosis marker, showed that the number of mitotic myocytes was increased 3-fold in the Trpm4-/-neonatal stage, suggesting hyperplasia. Adult Trpm4 -/- mice presented multilevel conduction blocks, as attested by PR and QRS lengthening in surface ECGs and confirmed by intracardiac exploration. Trpm4-/-mice also exhibited Luciani-Wenckebach atrioventricular blocks, which were reduced following atropine infusion, suggesting paroxysmal parasympathetic overdrive. In addition, Trpm4 -/- mice exhibited shorter action potentials in atrial cells. This shortening was unrelated to modifications of the voltage-gated Ca2+ or K+ currents involved in the repolarizing phase. Conclusions TRPM4 has pleiotropic roles in the heart, including the regulation of conduction and cellular electrical activity which impact heart development.
Ki67 Predicts Progression in Early CIN: Validation of a Multivariate Progression-Risk Model

A recent work by Kruse et al. [1], carried out to verify whether CIN 3 lesions are a “matter of co-existence or true progression”, demonstrated a higher prognostic accuracy of Ki67 quantitation over the histopathological classification of uterine cervix intraepithelial neoplasia. The authors specify that the prognostic value consists in the prediction of progression of CIN 1 and 2 lesions to CIN 3. Prognostic marker evaluations are carried out with an automated interactive image analysis system, which permits the quantitation of “Ki67 features”. Two different types of Ki67 evaluations, the 90th percentile of the stratification index and the percentage of Ki67 positive cells in the middle third layer of the epithelium were combined together in a progression risk model that permits the classification of patients with CIN 1 and 2 lesions into two subgroups at high and low risk. This method appears somewhat complicated and at the very least requires rigorous quality controls on determination intra-reproducibility because of the immunoperoxidase staining used and possible background biases. Moreover, I wonder how diffuse the analysis system is in Pathology Units. Having said that, it must be recognised that the negative predictive value of the model was 100%, that is, none of the CIN 1 or 2 “Ki67 model low-risk” cases progressed to CIN 3 during a mean follow-up of 3.4 years. However, as stated by the Authors themselves, the progression rates from CIN 1/CIN 2 to higher grade lesions are fairly low and it would therefore be important to identify lesions that will definitely progress rather than those that will not. Unfortunately, the positive predictive value for Ki67 model is only 30%, that is less than one third of low-grade “Ki67 model high-risk” lesions which actually progressed to higher grade lesions. Doesn’t this mean that 70% of low-grade “Ki67 model high-risk” lesions are actually “over-diagnosed” by the proposed prognostic model? If the Authors’ goal was to predict low-grade CIN progression, I wonder how, with such a low predictive capacity, Ki67 quantitation could possibly modify the current clinical follow-up of these patients.
Determining Science Teacher Candidates' Academic Knowledge and Misconceptions about Electric Current.

1 Correspondence to: Ayşe Sert Çıbık (PhD), Department of Mathematics and Science Education, Gazi University, Teknikokullar, Ankara 06500 Turkey. Email: sertay@gazi.edu. tr Citation: Sert Çıbık, A. (2017). Determining science teacher candidates’ academic knowledge and misconceptions about electric current. Educational Sciences: Theory & Practice, 17, 1061–1090. http://dx.doi. org/10.12738/estp.2017. 3.0530 Abstract The aim of this study is two-fold. Its first aim is to determine science teacher candidates’ knowledge (academic success) and misconceptions about electric current and its second aim is to compare these results across participants’ year of study and gender. A total of 132 teacher candidates studying in their 2nd, 3rd, and 4th years in Gazi University’s Department of Science Education of the Gazi Education Faculty in Turkey participated in this study. Data were collected using the survey model. The Electrical Current Concept Test and semi-structured interview questions were used as data collection tools. The results of the study revealed that while there are no meaningful differences between students’ academic success regarding electric current based on their year of study, there are meaningful differences based on the gender of participants, with males scoring more favorably. The findings also revealed that teacher candidates have many misconceptions related especially about to such concepts of current, electric field, generators, supply emf, and potential difference. Furthermore, it was observed that teacher candidates held misconceptions about the function of magnetic fields and energy conversion in electric power-plants, a subject dealt with in the context of alternating current.
THE HOLD ME TIGHT PROGRAM FOR COUPLES BECOMING PARENTS: A MIXED METHODS STUDY

Follow this and additional works at: http://scholars.wlu. ca/etd Part of the Clinical and Medical Social Work Commons, Developmental Psychology Commons, Family, Life Course, and Society Commons, Marriage and Family Therapy and Counseling Commons, Maternal and Child Health Commons, Other Mental and Social Health Commons, Public Health Education and Promotion Commons, Social Psychology and Interaction Commons, Social Work Commons, and the Women's Health Commons
Identification of New Genetic Risk Variants for Type 2 Diabetes

Although more than 20 genetic susceptibility loci have been reported for type 2 diabetes (T2D), most reported variants have small to moderate effects and account for only a small proportion of the heritability of T2D, suggesting that the majority of inter-person genetic variation in this disease remains to be determined. We conducted a multistage, genome-wide association study (GWAS) within the Asian Consortium of Diabetes to search for T2D susceptibility markers. From 590,887 SNPs genotyped in 1,019 T2D cases and 1,710 controls selected from Chinese women in Shanghai, we selected the top 2,100 SNPs that were not in linkage disequilibrium (r2<0.2) with known T2D loci for in silico replication in three T2D GWAS conducted among European Americans, Koreans, and Singapore Chinese. The 5 most promising SNPs were genotyped in an independent set of 1,645 cases and 1,649 controls from Shanghai, and 4 of them were further genotyped in 1,487 cases and 3,316 controls from 2 additional Chinese studies. Consistent associations across all studies were found for rs1359790 (13q31.1), rs10906115 (10p13), and rs1436955 (15q22.2) with P-values (per allele OR, 95%CI) of 6.49×10−9 (1.15, 1.10–1.20), 1.45×10−8 (1.13, 1.08–1.18), and 7.14×10−7 (1.13, 1.08–1.19), respectively, in combined analyses of 9,794 cases and 14,615 controls. Our study provides strong evidence for a novel T2D susceptibility locus at 13q31.1 and the presence of new independent risk variants near regions (10p13 and 15q22.2) reported by previous GWAS.
Six Lonely Runners

For $x$ real, let $ \{x\}$ be the fractional part of $x$ (i.e. $ \{x\} = x - \lfloor x \rfloor $). In this paper we prove the $k=5$ case of the following conjecture (the lonely runner conjecture): for any $k$ positive reals $ v_1, \dots , v_k $ there exists a real number $t$ such that $ 1/(k+1) \le \{v_it \} \le k/(k+1) $ for $ i= 1, \dots, k$.
Defining expertise: A taxonomy for researchers in skill acquisition and expertise

How researchers identify and define levels of skill (e.g., what is an ‘expert’? ) is surprisingly inconsistent across studies in expertise research. This lack of clarity regarding the definitions used in skill acquisition has obvious implications for scientists working in this area. More specifically, the accuracy and appropriateness of definitions for different levels of skill are central to the study of expert performance, from both a theoretical and methodological perspective. This presentation will summarize general approaches used in the past, highlight the need for clear delineations between groups of performers at different levels of skill and propose a taxonomy of sport-skill classification that could aid researchers in this area. This taxonomy is designed to provide a general system for categorizing skill across sport and delineates the various stages in skill acquisition. The taxonomy starts with early phases of skill development beginning with naive (no skill) and novices (limited skill) and moves to transitional phases of development (basic, intermediate and advanced levels of skill) before reaching peak levels of skill (i.e., expert and eminence). Although there are limitations to any taxonomy of skill, continued attention and discussion of these issues are necessary to ensure that emerging evidence can be optimally integrated into the knowledge base regarding acquisition of sport skill.
Language discrimination and rhythm classes: evidence from Portuguese

This paper reports on two discrimination experiments involving Portuguese data. The findings support the prosodic contrast between EP and BP and stress the role played by intonation in this contrast. They also show that the perceptual distance between EP and BP is smaller than that between EP and Dutch. The robust distinction between EP and Dutch provides evidence for different perceptual weights of acoustic parameters, and points to the syllable-timed nature of EP.
Nonopsonic binding of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to human complement receptor type 3 expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells

Nonopsonic invasion of mononuclear phagocytes by Mycobacterium tuberculosis is likely important in the establishment of a primary infection in the lung. M. tuberculosis binds to a variety of phagocyte receptors, of which the mannose receptor and complement receptor type 3 (CR3) may support nonopsonic binding. CR3, a beta2 integrin, is a target for diverse intracellular pathogens, but its role in nonopsonic binding remains uncertain. We have examined the binding of M. tuberculosis H37Rv to human CR3 heterologously expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, thereby circumventing the problems of competing receptors and endogenously synthesized complement, which are inherent in studies with mononuclear phagocytes. The surface expression of CD11b and CD18 was assessed by immunofluorescence, immunobead binding, flow cytometry, and immunoprecipitation with anti-CD11b and anti-CD18 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). The functional activity of the surface-expressed CD11b/CD18 (CR3) heterodimer was confirmed by rosetting with C3bi-coated microspheres. We found that M. tuberculosis bound four- to fivefold more avidly to CR3-expressing CHO cells than to wild-type cells and, importantly, that this binding was at similar levels in the presence of fresh or heat-inactivated human or bovine serum or no serum. In contrast, Mycobacterium smegmatis bound poorly to CR3-expressing CHO cells in the absence of serum, but after opsonization in serum, binding was comparable to that of M. tuberculosis. The binding of M. tuberculosis to the transfected CHO cells was CR3 specific, as it was inhibited by anti-CR3 MAbs, particularly the anti-CD11b MAbs LM2/1 (I domain epitope) and OKM1 (C-terminal epitope), neither of which inhibit C3bi binding. MAb 2LPM19c, which recognizes the C3bi-binding site on CD11b, had little or no effect on M. tuberculosis binding. The converse was found for the binding of opsonized M. smegmatis, which was strongly inhibited by 2LPM19c but unaffected by LM2/1 or OKM1. CR3-specific binding was also evidenced by the failure of M. tuberculosis to bind to CHO cells transfected with an irrelevant surface protein (angiotensin-converting enzyme) in the presence or absence of serum. We conclude that the binding of M. tuberculosis H37Rv to CR3 expressed in CHO cells is predominantly nonopsonic and that the organism likely expresses a ligand that binds directly to CR3.
Dual Opportunity Cost of Childcare and the Low Fertility Trap

This paper develops a model wherein labor income is affected by work experience; further, it analyzes how the fertility rate is determined. In the case where the wage rate is affected through on-the-job training (OJT) or work experience, the fertility rate converges to a low level or continues to increase. Moreover, this paper demonstrates the effects of two childcare support policies. A childcare allowance for children (direct child payment policy) always boosts the fertility rate but decreases the labor participation rate. On the contrary, an infrastructure improvement for childcare, such as building a nursery school, increases not only the fertility rate but also the labor participation rate.