Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PCA for improving the performance of XCSR in classification of high-dimensional problems

XCSR is an accuracy-based learning classifier system (LCS) which can handle classification problems with real-value features. However, as the number of features increases, a high classification accuracy comes at the cost of more resources: larger population sizes and longer computational running times. In this research, we present a PCA-enhanced LCS, which uses principal component analysis (PCA) as a preprocessing step for XCSR, and examine how it performs on complex multi-dimensional real-world data. The experiments show that this technique, in addition to significantly reducing the computational resources and time requirements of XCSR, maintains its high accuracy and even occasionally improves it. In addition to that, it reduces the required population size needed by XCSR.
Three Versions of the Interpersonal Adjective Scales and their Fit to the Circumplex Model

The Interpersonal Adjective Scales (IAS) is a well-supported instrument that is designed to map interpersonal traits onto the interpersonal circumplex. However, three versions of the IAS exist and these vary with respect to the degree to which they included item definitions (i.e., glossary added at the end, definitions attached to each item, and no definitions). The focusof this study was on comparing the structural similarity of each version. Each of the versions was given to different samples ( N = 920) of college students. Results of multidimensional scaling (MDS) and randomized tests of order relations demonstrated that all versions were well and equally described by the circular model. There were no structural differences in the different IAS versions and thus each can be used with this population.
Breast and cervical cancer screening in Spain and predictors of adherence

Gynecological cancers are an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Secondary prevention programmes attempt to improve their prognosis. High participation rates are needed to ensure the desired population impact. We sought to assess the use of mammography and Pap smear and analyze predictors of screening adherence. We included women surveyed in the Spanish National Health Survey 2006. Cancer screening included mammography in the last 2 years and Pap smear in the last 3 years. The target age range of the screening programmes was 50–69 years in breast cancer screening and 25–64 years in cervical cancer screening. Independent variables included: sociodemographics, chronic diseases and lifestyles. Predictors of mammography or Pap smear adherence were explored using logistic regression. The screening coverage for the target age range was 84.1% (95% confidence interval=82.9–85.2) in breast cancer and 67.4% (95% confidence interval=66.5–68.4) in cervical cancer. Mammography uptake was positively associated with age, being married, higher educational level, having visited a physician or gynecologist, supplementary private health coverage and osteomuscular disease. Some unhealthy lifestyles were associated with nonadherence to mammography. Positive predictors of Pap smear adherence behaved in the same way as for mammography and also higher monthly incomes and eating a healthy diet were associated with higher screening compliance. In conclusion, adherence to breast cancer screening in Spain is acceptable in the target age group; nevertheless Pap smear screening must be improved. In both cases, an effort must be made to recruit those women who are less likely to undergo screening, as they are those who are at higher risk of suffering these diseases.
Melatonin and the Prevention and Management of Delirium: A Scoping Study

Background The therapeutic benefit of melatonin in the prevention and treatment of delirium is uncertain. Objective To perform a scoping study to describe the existing literature regarding the use of melatonin and ramelteon in the prevention and treatment of delirium. Methods We performed a scoping study using the Arksey and O’Malley framework to explore our objective. Two independent panels searched MEDLINE, OVID, EMBASE, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library for relevant articles up to November 2017 describing the use of melatonin and ramelteon in the prevention or management of delirium. We extracted relevant summary data from the studies and attempted to draw conclusion regarding benefit. Results We summarized evidence from 20 relevant articles. There were a total of nine articles: five randomized controlled trials (RCTs), two retrospective medical record reviews, one non-randomized observational study, and one case report describing the role of either melatonin or ramelteon in preventing delirium. There were a total of 11 studies studying the role of either melatonin or ramelteon in the management of established delirium. None of these were RCT and were predominantly case series and case reports. Four of the five trials studying the effect of melatonin analogs in preventing delirium reported a beneficial effect but study heterogeneity limited any broad recommendations. Similarly, the lack of any well-designed trials limits any recommendations regarding the effect of melatonin analogs in treating delirium. Conclusion Large, well-designed clinical trials are required to explore the potential beneficial effects of melatonin and ramelteon on delirium prevention and management.
Potentiation of amygdaloid and hippocampal auditory‐evoked potentials in a discriminatory fear‐conditioning task in mice as a function of tone pattern and context

According to the local memory storage hypothesis, information about the tone–shock association in an auditory fear‐conditioning paradigm is stored in synapses within the lateral amygdala. Thus, fear‐conditioning‐induced potentiation of auditory‐evoked potentials in response to a conditioned stimulus (CS+, a series of short lasting tones; patterned tone) has been interpreted as an in vivo correlate of amygdaloid synaptic plasticity. Here, we re‐examine the specificity of potentiation of auditory‐evoked potentials in terms of (i) local confinement to the lateral amygdala, (ii) parameters of CS+ and (iii) influence of context, using a discriminatory fear‐conditioning paradigm. Adult male C57BL/6J mice were implanted with recording electrodes aimed at the lateral amygdala, the CA1 region of the hippocampus and the neck muscles for simultaneous recordings of auditory‐evoked potentials and startle responses. In a neutral context, auditory‐evoked potentials within lateral amygdala and CA1 as well as startle and freezing responses to the CS+ were significantly potentiated following conditioning, as compared with pre‐conditioning values and responses to a neutral stimulus (CSn; tone of different frequency). Potentiation was only evident if CS+ was presented as a uniform series but not if presented mixed with CSn. Accordingly, mice failed to show intensified freezing to a patterned tone if a single lasting tone of the same frequency served as CS+. Both CA1 and lateral amygdala auditory‐evoked potentials were potentiated in response to CSn if presented in the conditioning context. These findings demonstrate that (i) potentiation of auditory‐evoked potentials is not restricted to the lateral amygdala, (ii) both tone frequency and pattern of tone presentation are essential for proper CS+ recognition and (iii) contextual memory leads to a general potentiation of auditory‐evoked potentials.
Validation of the 4AT, a new instrument for rapid delirium screening: a study in 234 hospitalised older people

Objective: to evaluate the performance of the 4 ‘A’s Test (4AT) in screening for delirium in older patients. The 4AT is a new test for rapid screening of delirium in routine clinical practice. Design: prospective study of consecutively admitted elderly patients with independent 4AT and reference standard assessments. Setting: an acute geriatrics ward and a department of rehabilitation. Participants: two hundred and thirty-six patients (aged ≥70 years) consecutively admitted over a period of 4 months. Measurements: in each centre, the 4AT was administered by a geriatrician to eligible patients within 24 h of admission. Reference standard delirium diagnosis (DSM-IV-TR criteria) was obtained within 30 min by a different geriatrician who was blind to the 4AT score. The presence of dementia was assessed using the Alzheimer's Questionnaire and the informant section of the Clinical Dementia Rating scale. The main outcome measure was the accuracy of the 4AT in diagnosing delirium. Results: patients were 83.9 ± 6.1 years old, and the majority were women (64%). Delirium was detected in 12.3% (n = 29), dementia in 31.2% (n = 74) and a combination of both in 7.2% (n = 17). The 4AT had a sensitivity of 89.7% and specificity 84.1% for delirium. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for delirium diagnosis were 0.93 in the whole population, 0.92 in patients without dementia and 0.89 in patients with dementia. Conclusions: the 4AT is a sensitive and specific method of screening for delirium in hospitalised older people. Its brevity and simplicity support its use in routine clinical practice.
Role of Asymmetric Dimethylarginine in Vascular Injury in Transgenic Mice Overexpressing Dimethylarginie Dimethylaminohydrolase 2

Dimethylarginie dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH) degrades asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor, and comprises 2 isoforms, DDAH1 and DDAH2. To investigate the in vivo role of DDAH2, we generated trangenic mice overexpressing DDAH2. The transgenic mice manifested reductions in plasma ADMA and elevations in cardiac NO levels but no changes in systemic blood pressure (SBP), compared with the wild-type mice. When infused into wild-type mice for 4 weeks, ADMA elevated SBP and caused marked medial thickening and perivascular fibrosis in coronary microvessels, which were accompanied by ACE protein upregulation and cardiac oxidative stress. The treatment with amlodipine reduced SBP but failed to ameliorate the ADMA-induced histological changes. In contrast, these changes were abolished in transgenic mice, with a reduction in plasma ADMA. In coronary artery endothelial cells, ADMA activated p38 MAP kinase and the ADMA-induced ACE upregulation was suppressed by p38 MAP kinase inhibition by SB203580. In wild-type mice, long-term treatment with angiotensin II increased plasma ADMA and cardiac oxidative stress and caused similar vascular injury. In transgenic mice, these changes were attenuated. The present study suggests that DDAH2/ADMA regulates cardiac NO levels but has modest effect on SBP in normal conditions. Under the circumstances where plasma ADMA are elevated, including angiotensin II–activated conditions, ADMA serves to contribute to the development of vascular injury and increased cardiac oxidative stress, and the overexpression of DDAH2 attenuates these abnormalities. Collectively, the DDAH2/ADMA pathway can be a novel therapeutic target for vasculopathy in the ADMA or angiotensin II–induced pathophysiological conditions.
TRAIT-MEDIATED INDIRECT INTERACTIONS IN A SIMPLE AQUATIC FOOD WEB

This investigation examines the role of trait-mediated indirect interactions in a simple aquatic food web. We conducted the experiments in cattle watering tanks in order to establish whether competitive and predator-prey interactions between two species are affected by other species in the system; i.e., are pairwise interaction strengths affected by the background species assemblage? We examined the survival and growth response of small bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) and small green frog (Rana clamitans) tadpoles in the presence and absence of a competitor (large bullfrogs), the lethal presence of the larval odonate predator Tramea lacerata,and the nonlethal (caged) presence of the larval odonate predators Anax junius and Anax longipes. We demonstrate that large bullfrog competitors and caged Anax affect traits (foraging activity level) of small bullfrog and small green frog tadpoles and that these changes in traits, in turn, affect interactions of the small tadpole species with each other and with the other species. In particular, the following four trait- mediated indirect interactions were evident: (1) Presence of large bullfrog competitors increased the predation rate of Trameaon small green frogs and small bullfrogs. (2) Presence of nonlethal Anax reduced the predation rate of Tramea on small green frogs. (3) Presence of nonlethal Anax increased the competitive advantage of bullfrogs over green frogs. (4) Presence of nonlethal Anax facilitated midge invasion of the experimental units. The pro- posed mechanisms (changes in small tadpole activity) involved in these trait-mediated indirect interactions were supported by observational data on tadpole activity and resource levels in the experimental units, and in laboratory experiments examining tadpole activity responses to predators. The occurrence of strong trait-mediated indirect interactions in this simple food web underscores the potential importance of such interactions in animal com- munities.
Performance of portland/silica fume cement concrete produced with recycled concrete aggregate

This paper shows how the use of recycled aggregate in the concrete industry has a great potential in reducing the demand for natural aggregate and the amount of solid waste dumped at landfill sites. The main objective of this paper is to design a concrete made with different proportions of coarse recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) having a similar 28-day design strength to corresponding natural aggregate concrete. Recycled coarse aggregates, obtained by crushing concrete debris from various sources, were used in three proportions of 30, 50, and 100% (by weight) in order to produce concrete with various water-cement ratios (w/c) and different compressive strength grades. The key mechanical properties and durability performance of concrete produced with portland silica fume (PSF) and RCA were investigated in the paper. The RCA used showed inferior mechanical properties (crushing and impact values) than the natural aggregates (NA) and, hence, RCA concrete exhibited slightly lower performance than NA concrete. The results presented in the paper showed that up to 30% coarse RCA had no major effect on the compressive strength of concrete and, thereafter, a gradual reduction in strength with an increase in RCA content was observed. Reducing the w/c of concrete treated with the RCA has led to an enhanced compressive strength, higher resistance to carbonation, and chloride ion ingress. It was also found that, when properly designed, portland cement silica fume (PC-SF) concrete made with different proportions of coarse RCA as substitute of NA may contribute to enhance the durability performance of concrete.
A Novel Local Search Algorithm for the Traveling Salesman Problem that Exploits Backbones

We present and investigate a new method for the Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) that incorporates backbone information into the well known and widely applied Lin-Kernighan (LK) local search family of algorithms for the problem. We consider how heuristic backbone information can be obtained and develop methods to make biased local perturbations in the LK algorithm and its variants by exploiting heuristic backbone information to improve their efficacy. We present extensive experimental results, using large instances from the TSP Challenge suite and real-world instances in TSPLIB, showing the significant improvement that the new method can provide over the original algorithms.
Homologous regulation of the heptahelical D1A receptor responsiveness: specific cytoplasmic tail regions mediate dopamine‐induced phosphorylation, desensitization and endocytosis

In the present study, we investigate the role of specific cytoplasmic tail (CT) regions of the D1A receptor in mediating dopamine (DA)‐induced phosphorylation, desensitization and endocytosis. Results obtained in human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells expressing the wild‐type (WT) or truncation forms (Δ425, Δ379 and Δ351) of the D1A receptor show that sequences located downstream of Gly379 regulate DA‐mediated phosphorylation‐dependent desensitization of D1A receptors. However, the longer truncation mutant Δ351 failed to undergo detectable DA‐induced phosphorylation while exhibiting DA‐induced desensitization features similar to the shorter truncation mutant Δ379. These data potentially suggest a novel role for a receptor phosphorylation‐independent process in the DA‐promoted D1A subtype desensitization. Our immunofluorescence data also suggest that sequences located between Cys351 and Gly379 play an important role in DA‐mediated receptor endocytosis. Additionally, time‐course studies were done in intact cells expressing WT or truncation receptors to measure the observed rate constant for adenylyl cyclase (AC) activation or kobs, a parameter linked to the receptor‐G protein coupling status. In agreement with the desensitization data, Δ425‐ and Δ379‐expressing cells exhibit an increase of kobs in comparison with WT‐expressing cells. Nevertheless, Δ351‐expressing cells, which harbor similar desensitization features of Δ379‐expressing cells, display no change in kobs when compared with WT‐expressing cells. Our results suggest that a defective DA‐induced endocytosis may hamper Δ351 resensitization and concomitant increase in kobs. Thus, our study showing that specific D1A receptor CT sequences regulate DA‐induced phosphorylation, desensitization, and endocytosis highlights the underlying molecular complexity of signaling at dopaminergic synapses.
Multiple-View Tracing for Haskell: a New Hat

Different tracing systems for Haskell give different views of a program at work. In practice, several views are complementary and can productively be used together. Until now each system has generated its own trace, containing only the information needed for its particular view. Here we present the design of a trace that can serve several views. The trace is generated and written to file as the computation proceeds. We have implemented both the generation of the trace and several different viewers.
Myelolipomas of Both Adrenal Glands

Adrenal myelolipoma is a rare, nonfunctional benign tumor that is composed of mature adipose tissue and hematopoietic elements. In the past, these tumors were accidentally discovered at autopsy. Today, they are found much more frequently and incidentally, mainly because of the widespread use of noninvasive imaging with ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Most lesions are asymptomatic, small, and unilateral, but a number of bilateral tumors have been reported. We report here on a case of a 48-year-old man with incidentally found myelolipomas of both adrenal glands. In particular, a giant myelolipoma of the left adrenal gland was treated by transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy.
β-Carboline Compounds, Including Harmine, Inhibit DYRK1A and Tau Phosphorylation at Multiple Alzheimer's Disease-Related Sites

Harmine, a β-carboline alkaloid, is a high affinity inhibitor of the dual specificity tyrosine phosphorylation regulated kinase 1A (DYRK1A) protein. The DYRK1A gene is located within the Down Syndrome Critical Region (DSCR) on chromosome 21. We and others have implicated DYRK1A in the phosphorylation of tau protein on multiple sites associated with tau pathology in Down Syndrome and in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Pharmacological inhibition of this kinase may provide an opportunity to intervene therapeutically to alter the onset or progression of tau pathology in AD. Here we test the ability of harmine, and numerous additional β-carboline compounds, to inhibit the DYRK1A dependent phosphorylation of tau protein on serine 396, serine 262/serine 356 (12E8 epitope), and threonine 231 in cell culture assays and in vitro phosphorylation assays. Results demonstrate that the β-carboline compounds (1) potently reduce the expression of all three phosphorylated forms of tau protein, and (2) inhibit the DYRK1A catalyzed direct phosphorylation of tau protein on serine 396. By assaying several β-carboline compounds, we define certain chemical groups that modulate the affinity of this class of compounds for inhibition of tau phosphorylation.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Al/Graphene Composite Produced by High‐Pressure Torsion

In this work, an Al‐matrix composite reinforced by graphene platelets is first fabricated successfully using high‐pressure torsion at room temperature. The dispersion of graphene platelets in the matrix is homogeneous. Compared with pure Al and Al–matrix composite reinforced by multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs), significant grain refinement and enhanced mechanical properties are achieved in Al/graphene composite. The enhancement in strength is attributed to grain refinement, load transfer, and Orowan bypass mechanism.
Evaluation of Structural, Tensile and Thermal Properties of Banana Fibers

ABSTRACT Recognizing the importance of properties of the plant fibers for their use in polymeric composites and nonavailability of data on tensile, thermal, and other properties of banana fibers of Karnataka (India), a study was undertaken with the objective of determining some of these properties. This article presents determination of structural aspects of the fibers by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques; obtaining stress-strain curves and tensile properties by tensile testing; finally, thermal properties by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. FTIR spectrum of banana fibers showed aromatic character, while XRD results indicated the fiber to have mainly the cellulose I structure and crystallinity index of 52%. Thermal-degradation details of fiber samples were revealed by thermal studies. Stress-strain curves of banana fibers suggested their brittle nature with moderate values of tensile strength, but low percentage elongation. Weibull analysis of obtained tensile strength values revealed variation of “characteristic strength” values from 3800 MPa at 99% reliability to 22,700 MPa with 0.01% reliability. Morphology studies revealed the number of defects along the length of the fiber, while fractured surface exhibited flat surface with intracellular fractures clearly indicating brittle nature of the fiber.
Endophenotyping reveals differential phenotype-genotype correlations between myopia-associated polymorphisms and eye biometric parameters

Purpose To investigate the association with ocular biometric parameters in myopia-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the gap junction protein delta 2 (GJD2), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) genes in two geographically different Chinese cohorts. Methods In 814 unrelated Han Chinese individuals aged above 50 years including 362 inland residents and 432 island dwellers, comprehensive ophthalmic examinations were performed. Three SNPs, including GJD2 rs634990, IGF1 rs6214, and HGF rs3735520, were genotyped. Genetic association with ocular biometric parameters was analyzed in individual cohorts, using linear regression controlled for sex and age. Common associations shared by the two cohorts were revealed by meta-analysis. Results Meta-analysis showed that GJD2 rs634990 alone was not associated with any biometric parameters (adjusted p>0.645). The T allele of IGF1 rs6214 was specifically associated with thicker lens (β±SE=0.055±0.022, adjusted p=0.034). The A allele of HGF rs3735520 was associated with longer vitreous chamber depth (β±SE=0.143±0.060, adjusted p=0.050). Significant interaction between HGF rs3735520 and GJD2 rs634990 was found in association with axial length and vitreous chamber depth (adjusted p=0.003 and 0.033, respectively), and possibly with spherical error (adjusted p=0.056). Conclusions Our endophenotyping analysis showed differential association between selected myopia-associated genes and ocular biometric parameters in our Chinese cohorts, which may underline substantial but diversified effects of these genes and their interaction on the development of eye structure and etiology of myopia.