Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Five-repetition sit-to-stand test performance by community-dwelling adults: A preliminary investigation of times, determinants, and relationship with self-reported physical performance

The 5-repetition sit-to-stand (STS) test is a widely used, but insufficiently evaluated, test for lower limb strength. We therefore described STS test times for a sample of community-dwelling adults, examined the association of age, gender, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) with STS time, and determined the relationship of STS time with self-reported physical functioning. Ninety-four community dwelling adults participated. Repeated measures of STS time were reliable (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.957). The mean STS time for all 94 subjects was 7.6 seconds. Age, weight, and BMI were (r = 0.281-0.528), but gender and height were not (r = -0.074 - 0.007), correlated significantly with STS time. Regression analysis showed that age and BMI explained 43.7 percent of the variance in STS time. The correlation between STS time and physical functioning (r = -0.474) was significant (p < 0.001). Regression analysis showed that age and BMI added slightly to the explanation of variance in physical functioning provided by STS time. In conclusion, this study provides STS times that might be useful for interpreting performance of adults screened with the test. Such performance should be considered in light of age and BMI. The relationship of STS time with physical functioning provides evidence of the validity of the measure.
Dependence Calibration in Conditional Copulas: A Nonparametric Approach

Summary The study of dependence between random variables is a mainstay in statistics. In many cases, the strength of dependence between two or more random variables varies according to the values of a measured covariate. We propose inference for this type of variation using a conditional copula model where the copula function belongs to a parametric copula family and the copula parameter varies with the covariate. In order to estimate the functional relationship between the copula parameter and the covariate, we propose a nonparametric approach based on local likelihood. Of importance is also the choice of the copula family that best represents a given set of data. The proposed framework naturally leads to a novel copula selection method based on cross‐validated prediction errors. We derive the asymptotic bias and variance of the resulting local polynomial estimator, and outline how to construct pointwise confidence intervals. The finite‐sample performance of our method is investigated using simulation studies and is illustrated using a subset of the Matched Multiple Birth data.
Hepatitis E Virus Seroprevalence in Austrian Adults: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study among Civilians and Military Professionals

Background Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) infection is globally increasing. The present study was performed to investigate the HEV seroprevalence, exposure risks as well as occupational risks for military personnel in Austria, a Central European country. Methods and Findings A nationwide cross-sectional seroprevalence study was performed in 997 healthy Austrian adults, professional soldiers and civilians. Routine laboratory and HEV specific antibodies were determined. In addition, epidemiological information on possible risk factors for exposure to HEV was obtained. The overall seropositivity for HEV antibodies was 14.3% and significantly increased with age. Seroprevalence was significantly higher among individuals with previous military employments abroad (21.4% vs. 9.9%) and among professional soldiers aged 30–39 years (20.2% vs. 7.3%). No association was found for private travel, occupational or private animal contact or regular outdoor activities. Individuals who tested positive for antibodies against HEV had significantly higher laboratory values regarding liver enzymes, lipid levels and blood fasting glucose. Conclusions Exposure to HEV is common in Austria. Military employment abroad could be a potential risk factor for HEV infection. Further studies are required to investigate the significance of pathological laboratory results found among asymptomatic individuals previously exposed to HEV.
Transfer Learning for Deep Learning on Graph-Structured Data

Graphs provide a powerful means for representing complex interactions between entities. Recently, new deep learning approaches have emerged for representing and modeling graph-structured data while the conventional deep learning methods, such as convolutional neural networks and recurrent neural networks, have mainly focused on the grid-structured inputs of image and audio. Leveraged by representation learning capabilities, deep learning-based techniques can detect structural characteristics of graphs, giving promising results for graph applications. In this paper, we attempt to advance deep learning for graph-structured data by incorporating another component: transfer learning. By transferring the intrinsic geometric information learned in the source domain, our approach can construct a model for a new but related task in the target domain without collecting new data and without training a new model from scratch. We thoroughly tested our approach with large-scale real-world text data and confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed transfer learning framework for deep learning on graphs. According to our experiments, transfer learning is most effective when the source and target domains bear a high level of structural similarity in their graph representations.
Biomarkers of oxidative status: missing tools in conservation physiology

The use of oxidative status markers in animal conservation is dual-faceted, as they reflect the effects of environmentally-induced stress on animal populations and they predict individuals' fitness prospects. Paradoxically, conservation studies rarely include them. Here, we raise awareness of their use, and show how they can valuably complement conservation studies.
Adoption of E-Commerce Applications in SMEs

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors within the technology‐organization‐environment (TOE) framework that affect the decision to adopt electronic commerce (EC) and extent of EC adoption, as well as adoption and non‐adoption of different EC applications within small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire‐based survey was conducted to collect data from 235 managers or owners of manufacturing SMEs in Iran. The data were analyzed by employing factorial analysis and relevant hypotheses were derived and tested by multiple and logistic regression analysis.Findings – EC adoption within SMEs is affected by perceived relative advantage, perceived compatibility, CEO's innovativeness, information intensity, buyer/supplier pressure, support from technology vendors, and competition. Similarly, description on determinants of adoption and non‐adoption of different EC applications has been provided.Research limitations/implications – Cross‐sectional data .
Oral disease burden in northern Manhattan patients with diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVES We explored the association between diabetes mellitus and oral disease in a low-socioeconomic-status urban population. METHODS Dental records of 150 adults with diabetes and 150 nondiabetic controls from the dental clinic at Columbia University in Northern Manhattan matched by age and gender were studied. RESULTS There was a 50% increase in alveolar bone loss in diabetic patients compared with nondiabetic controls. Diabetes, increasing age, male gender, and use of tobacco products had a statistically significant effect on bone loss. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide evidence that diabetes is an added risk for oral disease in this low-income, underserved population of Northern Manhattan. Oral disease prevention and treatment programs may need to be part of the standards of continuing care for patients with diabetes.
Corneal Thickness and Volume Measurements by Swept Source Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography in Normal Subjects

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate central corneal thickness (CCT) and corneal volume (CV) in healthy eyes using swept source anterior segment optical coherence tomography (SS-AS-OCT) and other devices. Methods: Thirty-three healthy right eyes of 33 subjects were investigated. CCT was measured with SS-AS-OCT, rotating Scheimpflug camera, ultrasonic pachymetry and specular microscopy. CV was determined within a diameter of 10 mm at the center using SS-AS-OCT and Scheimpflug camera. Results: Mean CCT was 523.5 ± 25.2 μm by SS-AS-OCT, 523.9 ± 26.1 μm by Scheimpflug camera, 532.1 ± 26.6 μm by ultrasonic pachymetry, and 525.5 ± 33.5 μm by specular microscopy. The CCTs measured with SS-AS-OCT, Scheimpflug camera and specular microscopy were significantly thinner than those measured with ultrasonic pachymeter (p < 0.001). The mean CV within a diameter of 10 mm at the center was 57.2 ± 3.0 mm3 by SS-AS-OCT and 59.4 ± 2.9 mm3 by Scheimpflug camera. Scheimpflug measurements of CV were statistically larger than SS-AS-OCT measurements (p = 0.0008). Statistically significant correlation was found between the CCT and CV measurements of each imaging devices (p < 0.0001, r = 0.527, and p < 0.0001, r = 0.749, respectively). Conclusion: SS-AS-OCT enables the measurements of CCT and CV, demonstrating agreement with other devices. CV in addition to CCT measurement may serve as a practical parameter of the corneal endothelial pump function.
Turn on a Dime

A revised car-like vehicle model with forwards and backwards motion, an upper bound on the derivative of curvature and a pause for steering at cusp points is presented. This model has improved performance near cusp points and is shown to converge toward the optimal "Reeds and Shepp" paths under two conditions: 1) when the upper bound of the curvature derivative bound tends to infinity and 2) when the pause at the cusp is sufficient for the vehicle to completely re-orientate its steering before departing the cusp point. This motion model was applied to the general problem of turning a vehicle around between two parallel lines. This required the development of a specialised path planner and a method to search for near-time optimal solutions
Associations of Extroversion and Parental Overprotection with Forming Relationships with Peers among Adolescents with and without Visual Impairments

We analyzed the role of parental overprotection and extroversion in forming relationships with peers among 158 adolescents with visual impairments and 158 adolescents who were sighted. Negative associations of overprotection with the number of friends and membership in a peer group and of low extroversion with having a close friend were stronger in the adolescents with visual impairment.
Multiple Ways to be Smart: Gardener's Theory of Multiple Intelligences and its Educational Implications in English Teaching and Oral Communication.

This article describes Gardener’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences (MI Theory) that was originated in 1983 in his most celebrated book, Frames of Mind. This theory has revolutionised the idea of intelligence providing evidence on the existence of more than one intelligence (i.e. at least seven). The article sheds some light on the history of MI Theory and the traditional IQ tests to clarify the rationale underlying this new theory. Then, it illustrates the initial seven intelligences that Gardener suggested (i.e. Verbal-linguistic intelligence, logical-mathematical intelligence, bodily-kinesthetic intelligence, spatial intelligence, interpersonal intelligence, intrapersonal-reflective intelligence and musical intelligence). It goes on to highlight the educational applications and implications of MI Theory in English Language Teaching, with special focus on what has come to be called MI-Based Instruction. After that, it tackles communications skills in English and the importance of the communication process, with special focus on speaking. Learning styles and strategies as a learner-centred approach which is closely related with MI Theory is also tackled.
Novel Small Molecule Inhibitors of 3-Phosphoinositide-dependent Kinase-1*

The phosphoinositide 3-kinase/3-phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1 (PDK1)/Akt signaling pathway plays a key role in cancer cell growth, survival, and tumor angiogenesis and represents a promising target for anticancer drugs. Here, we describe three potent PDK1 inhibitors, BX-795, BX-912, and BX-320 (IC50 = 11–30 nm) and their initial biological characterization. The inhibitors blocked PDK1/Akt signaling in tumor cells and inhibited the anchorage-dependent growth of a variety of tumor cell lines in culture or induced apoptosis. A number of cancer cell lines with elevated Akt activity were >30-fold more sensitive to growth inhibition by PDK1 inhibitors in soft agar than on tissue culture plastic, consistent with the cell survival function of the PDK1/Akt signaling pathway, which is particularly important for unattached cells. BX-320 inhibited the growth of LOX melanoma tumors in the lungs of nude mice after injection of tumor cells into the tail vein. The effect of BX-320 on cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo indicates that PDK1 inhibitors may have clinical utility as anticancer agents.
Progressive Axonal Dysfunction Precedes Development of Neuropathy in Type 2 Diabetes

To evaluate the development of diabetic neuropathy, the current study examined changes in peripheral axonal function. Nerve excitability techniques were undertaken in 108 type 2 diabetic patients with nerve conduction studies (NCS), HbA1c levels, and total neuropathy score (TNS). Patients were categorized into two cohorts: patients with diabetes without neuropathy (DWN group [n = 56]) and patients with diabetes with neuropathy (DN group [n = 52]) and further into severity grade 0 (TNS 0–1 [n = 35]), grade 1 (TNS 2–8 [n = 42]), and grade 2/3 (TNS 9–24 [n = 31]). Results revealed that the DWN group had a significantly increased threshold, prolonged latency, and changes in excitability parameters compared with age-matched control subjects. Patients with neuropathy demonstrated significant alteration in recovery cycle parameters and depolarizing threshold electrotonus. Within the DWN cohort, there were significant correlations between HbA1c level and latency and subexcitability, whereas the estimated glomerular filtration rate correlated with superexcitability in patients with neuropathy. Furthermore, excitability parameters became progressively more abnormal with increasing clinical severity. These results suggest a spectrum of excitability abnormalities in patients with diabetes and that early axonal dysfunction may be detected prior to the development of neuropathy. As progressive changes in excitability parameters correlated to neuropathy severity, excitability testing may provide a biomarker of the early development and severity of diabetic neuropathy, providing insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms producing axonal dysfunction.
The culture of food.

The article examines food preparation. The author explains that westernized food preparation, such as that associated with processed food and solitary eating, is detrimental to public health and well-being. She comments on the need to return to traditional cultures that focus on creating meals together. Photographs of families engaging in food preparation are presented.
Mindfulness-Based Social Cognition Training (SocialMind) for People With Psychosis: A Feasibility Trial

Introduction: Difficulties in social functioning are common among people with psychosis. Negative symptoms such as blunted affect or social withdrawal are often linked to these difficulties and worsen real-life outcomes. One important dimension associated with social functioning is social cognition, which refers to the psychological processes that are necessary to perceive, encode, store, retrieve, and regulate social information. Mindfulness-based interventions for people with psychosis are safe and effective in improving anxiety and depressive symptoms; however, no mindfulness-based interventions addressing social cognition have yet been developed. Method: A pilot, single-arm, nonrandomized, noncontrolled feasibility trial is proposed. The main objectives are to assess the tolerability of mindfulness-based social cognition training (SocialMind) and to test the feasibility of a further randomized controlled trial. Results: A final sample of 25 outpatients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders was included. Attrition rate was lower than usual for this population, and most participants completed the training. No adverse effects were identified in terms of hospitalizations, emergency room visits, dissociative and psychotic symptoms, or state of anxiety during the sessions. Conclusion: This is the first implementation of SocialMind, which is the first mindfulness-based social cognition training. It is well tolerated by participants with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and a further randomized controlled trial is proposed for people who have suffered their first episode of psychosis within the past 5 years. Clinical Trial Registration: www.ClinicalTrials. gov, identifier NCT03434405.
Extensive Reading: Speed and Comprehension.

_______________________ Claims that extensive reading could lead to significant improvements in learner's reading speeds date back thirty years, and the role of graded readers in programs to promote such reading has an even longer history. Studies that measure reading speeds have been relatively few and far between however, and those that do exist rarely evaluate reading speed in relation to the effect of different classroom methodologies in the teaching of reading. Early work on reading speed tended to focus on the development of techniques to help learners to read faster, and failed to recognize the importance of varying the speed according to the reader's purpose in approaching a text. Such techniques as have been employed on speed reading courses also tend to cause readers to suffer lower levels of reading comprehension. The study reported in this article was conducted in the Yemen Arab Republic on young adult students working in various government ministries. It measured both reading speeds and comprehension in two groups of learners exposed to "intensive" and "extensive" reading programs respectively. The "extensive" group was exposed to a regime of graded readers while the "intensive" group studied short texts followed by comprehension questions. Results indicate that subjects exposed to "extensive" reading achieved both significantly faster reading speeds and significantly higher scores on measures of reading comprehension. ________________________
Exploring the Essence of the Civil-Military Gap: An Interpretative Phenomenological Study of High School Administrators' Feelings Related to JROTC

JROTC, as a national youth citizenship program, is not being offered equally to students throughout the country. The purpose of this interpretative phenomenological study is to determine how the values and attitudes of high school administrators affect unequal offering of JROTC. Through photo elicitation interviews involving six high school administrators in upstate New York, the study uncovers life experiences that may impact the likelihood of an administrator offering the U.S. Army JROTC program. Participants’ responses revealed several themes. These include: (a) JROTC is identified by a polished military uniform and style, (b) administrators have a large military contact reach and feel positive about the military despite sometimes negative military experiences, (c) administrators feel an obligation of opportunities for students, (d) administrators’ values closely match Army values, (e) administrators lack specific knowledge about JROTC, and (f) administrators overwhelmingly express support of the JROTC program. Recommendations include suggested actions for U.S. Army Cadet Command to increase outreach to high school administrators to educate about the JROTC opportunity, as well as to maintain or increase support of the uniform budget. Recommendations for school administrators center on self-education about military opportunities in general and JROTC specifically, with assignment to school counselors to pursue investigation of establishment of a JROTC program. Recommendations include specific resources to apply for an Army JROTC program. Degree Type Dissertation Degree Name Doctor of Education (EdD) Department Executive Leadership First Supervisor Guillermo Montes Second Supervisor Jeanette Silvers Subject Categories Education This dissertation is available at Fisher Digital Publications: http://fisherpub.sjfc. edu/education_etd/174 Exploring the Essence of the Civil–Military Gap: An Interpretative Phenomenological Study of High School Administrators’ Feelings Related to JROTC
Comparison of the density of gamma-aminobutyric acid in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex of patients with first-episode psychosis and healthy controls

Background Abnormality in the concentration and functioning of gamma-aminobutyric acid (γ-aminobutyric acid, GABA) in the brain is not only an important hypothetical link to the cause of schizophrenia but it may also be correlated with the cognitive decline and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Studies utilizing high field magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) report abnormal density of GABA in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) of patients with chronic schizophrenia, but these results may be confounded by study participants’ prior use of antipsychotic medications. Aim Compare the density of GABA in the vmPFC of patients with first-episode psychosis to that in healthy controls and assess the relationship of GABA density in the vmPFC to the severity of psychotic symptoms. Methods Single-voxel 1H-MRS was used to assess the concentration of GABA and other metabolites in the vmPFC of 22 patients with first-episode psychosis (10 with schizophrenia and 12 with schizophreniform disorder) and 23 healthy controls. Thirteen of the 22 patients were drug-naïve and 9 had used antipsychotic medication for less than 3 days. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) was used to evaluate the severity of psychotic symptoms in the patient group. Results The mean (sd) GABA density in the vmPFC was significantly higher in patients than in controls (2.28 [0.54] v. 1.93 [0.32] mM, t=2.62, p=0.012). The densities of other metabolites – including N-acetylaspartic acid (NAA), glutamic acid (GLU), and glutamine (GLN) – were not significantly different between patients and controls. Among the patients, GABA density in the vmPFC was not significantly correlated with PANSS total score or with any of the three PANSS subscale scores for positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and general psychopathology. GABA concentration was not associated with the duration of illness, but it was significantly correlated with patient age (r=0.47, p=0.026). Conclusion Elevation of GABA density in the vmPFC of patients with first-episode psychosis confirms that this abnormality is independent of medication use. The failure to find a correlation of GABA density in the vmPFC with the severity of psychotic symptoms needs to be confirmed in larger studies, but it suggests that there are several intervening steps between brain pathology and clinical symptoms.
Girard translation and logical predicates

We present a short proof of a folklore result: the Girard translation from the simply typed lambda calculus to the linear lambda calculus is fully complete. The proof makes use of a notion of logical predicates for intuitionistic linear logic. While the main result is of independent interest, this paper can be read as a tutorial on this proof technique for reasoning about relations between type theories.