Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Decreasing trend in prostate cancer with high serum prostate-specific antigen levels detected at first prostate-specific antigen-based population screening in Japan

To clarify the recent trends in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) distribution in men in Japan, we analyzed the PSA distributions of men undergoing PSA-based population screening. We summarized the annual individual data of PSA-based population screening in Kanazawa, Japan, from 2000 to 2011, and analyzed baseline serum PSA values of the participants at the first population screening. Serum PSA distributions were estimated in all participants and those excluding prostate cancer patients according to age. From 2000 to 2011, 19 620 men participated aged 54–69 years old in this screening program. Mean baseline serum PSA level of all participants at the first screening was 2.64 ng ml−1 in 2000, and gradually decreased to approximately 1.30 ng ml−1 in 2006. That of participants excluding prostate cancer patients was 1.46 ng ml−1 in 2000, and there was no remarkable change during the study period. The 95th percentiles in the participants excluding prostate cancer patients detected at the first population screening of men aged 54–59, 60–64, and 65–69 years old were 2.90, 3.60, and 4.50 ng ml−1, respectively. After the commencement of population screening, the proportion of prostate cancer patients with high serum PSA levels decreased. However, there were no changes in serum PSA levels in men without prostate cancer. Age-specific PSA reference level of men without prostate cancer in Japan was similar to that in China and Korea.
Prognostic Factors Toward Clinically Relevant Radiographic Progression in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis in Clinical Practice

AbstractTo determine prognostic factors of clinically relevant radiographic progression (CRRP) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in clinical practice.We performed a multicenter prospective study in Japan of biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (bDMARD)-naive RA patients with moderate to high disease activity treated with conventional synthetic DMARDs (csDMARDs) at study entry. We longitudinally observed 408 patients for 1 year and assessed disease activity every 3 months. CRRP was defined as yearly progression of modified total Sharp score (mTSS) > 3.0 U. We also divided the cohort into 2 groups based on disease duration (<3 vs ≥3 years) and performed a subgroup analysis.CRRP was found in 10.3% of the patients. A multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the independent variables to predict the development of CRRP were: CRP at baseline (0.30 mg/dL increase, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–1.11), time-integrated Disease Activity Score in 28 joints-erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR) during the 1 year postbaseline (12.4-unit increase, 95%CI 1.17–2.59), RA typical erosion at baseline (95%CI 1.56–21.1), and the introduction of bDMARDs (95%CI 0.06–0.38). The subgroup analysis revealed that time-integrated DAS28-ESR is not a predictor whereas the introduction of bDMARDs is a significant protective factor for CRRP in RA patients with disease duration <3 years.We identified factors that could be used to predict the development of CRRP in RA patients treated with DMARDs. These variables appear to be different based on the RA patients’ disease durations.
Motivated to adapt: Applying goal-setting theory, primed subconscious goal, and implementation intention

This study investigated the effects that several motivational interventions have on transition and reacquisition adaptability. Goal-setting, whether assigned or self-set, had no effect on either form of adaptability; however, the two goal-setting conditions differed from each other once goal commitment was taken into consideration. High commitment was negatively associated to transition adaptability for assigned goals, but positively related for self-set goals; this trend was marginally significant in reacquisition adaptability as well. Primed subconscious goals were found to have no effect on either form of adaptability. An implementation intention was found to negatively relate to transition adaptability and to have no effect on reacquisition adaptability. Additionally, sex was found to be related to both forms of adaptability in that women displayed greater transition adaptability, while men displayed greater reacquisition adaptability than women.
Keeping calm when riding the rapids: Optimism and perceived partner withdrawal

Partners often encounter situations in which their needs and preferences diverge. Partners sometimes prefer to be on their own and withdraw from interactions, and these situations can cause distress. We hypothesized that optimists may navigate such situations more adaptively. Using momentary assessment and questionnaire data from 103 couples, we examined how spouses responded to perceived partner withdrawal and whether optimism moderated these responses. When spouses perceived the partner to withdraw, they reported less positive and more negative behaviors. Optimism moderated this effect beyond the effects of positive expectations, suggesting that optimists are less reactive to withdrawal. Partners with more positive expectations reported more benevolent behaviors, although they reported less benevolent behaviors on days of partner withdrawal than on other days.
Economic Burden of Hospitalization Due to Injuries in North India: A Cohort Study

There is little documentation of the potential catastrophic effects of injuries on families due to out of pocket (OOP) expenditure for medical care. Patients who were admitted for at least one night in a tertiary care hospital of Chandigarh city due to injury were recruited and were followed-up at 1, 2 and 12 months after discharge to collect information on OOP expenditure. Out of the total 227 patients, 60% (137/227) had sustained road traffic injuries (RTI). The average OOP expenditure per hospitalisation and up to 12 months post discharge was USD 388 (95% CI: 332–441) and USD 1046 (95% CI: 871–1221) respectively. Mean OOP expenditure for RTI and non-RTI cases during hospitalisation was USD 400 (95% CI: 344–456) and USD 369 (95% CI: 313–425) respectively. The prevalence of catastrophic expenditure was 30%, and was significantly higher among those belonging to the lowest income quartile (OR-26.50, 95% CI: 6.70–105.07, p-value: <0.01) and with an inpatient stay greater than 7 days (OR-10.60, 95% CI: 4.21–26.64, p-value: <0.01). High OOP expenditure for treatment of injury puts a significant economic burden on families. Measures aimed at increasing public health spending for prevention of injury and providing financial risk protection are urgently required in India.
How does eco-coaching help to save energy? assessing a recommendation system for energy-efficient thermostat scheduling

This paper presents findings from a field deployment that explored a design approach we call eco-coaching: giving personalized suggestions for specific actions that would reduce wasted energy. We studied ThermoCoach, which performs eco-coaching for thermostat scheduling. It senses and models occupancy patterns in a home, and provides occupants alternative suggestions for configuring their thermostat. Our study shows that eco-coaching accomplished four things. First, it made it easier for users to implement an effective thermostat schedule. Second, it supported user agency in negotiating energy savings and comfort goals. Third, it facilitated learning different scheduling strategies as well as weighing different options. Finally, it challenged users' beliefs about how well they were doing. These outcomes, in turn, were successful in getting users to employ and experiment with more efficient setback strategies. Going forward, we propose ways that eco-coaching systems could better support users in customizing and assessing the systems' recommendations.
On transmit diversity with imperfect channel state information

The optimal transmission strategy of a multiple-input single-output wireless communication link is studied in which the receiver has full channel state information and the transmitter has only long-term channel state information in terms of the channel covariance matrix. A necessary and sufficient condition for the optimal eigenvalues of the transmit covariance matrix is presented. A necessary and sufficient condition for achieving capacity when transmitting in m directions is developed. Main questions regarding the system design are answered using these conditions. It is shown how the optimal number of transmit antennas can be computed to achieve full spatial diversity given the channel covariance matrix. The maximum number of required parallel data streams is computed and a transmit diversity function is defined in order to obtain a measure for the available spatial diversity.
Some Ideas from Statistics for Efficient Front Calculations under Uncertainty – Preprint

We describe a parameterized family of genetic algorithms for efficient front calculations under uncertainty. Parameters for the algorithms all have clear statistical meaning and serve to reduce the overall computational effort and to ensure solution quality and diversity in the solution set. FCC Report 747-071028-289 v vi FCC Report 747-071028-289
Subjective Visual Vertical and Postural Capability in Children Born Prematurely

Purpose We compared postural stability and subjective visual vertical performance in a group of very preterm-born children aged 3-4 years and in a group of age-matched full-term children. Materials and Methods A platform (from TechnoConcept) was used to measure postural control in children. Perception of subjective visual vertical was also recorded with posture while the child had to adjust the vertical in the dark or with visual perturbation. Two other conditions (control conditions) were also recorded while the child was on the platform: for a fixation of the vertical bar, and in eyes closed condition. Results Postural performance was poor in preterm-born children compared to that of age-matched full-term children: the surface area, the length in medio-lateral direction and the mean speed of the center of pressure (CoP) were significantly larger in the preterm-born children group (p < 0.04, p < 0.01, and p < 0.04, respectively). Dual task in both groups of children significantly affected postural control. The subjective visual vertical (SVV) values were more variable and less precise in preterm-born children. Discussion-Conclusions We suggest that poor postural control as well as perception of verticality observed in preterm-born children could be due to immaturity of the cortical processes involved in the motor control and in the treatment of perception and orientation of verticality.
PCR-based calibration curves for studies of quantitative gene expression in human monocytes: development and evaluation.

BACKGROUND Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) used to detect small changes in specific mRNA concentrations is often associated with poor reproducibility. Thus, there is a need for stringent quality control in each step of the protocol. METHODS Real-time PCR-based calibration curves for a target gene, tissue factor (TF), and a reference gene, beta-actin, generated from PCR amplicons were evaluated by running cDNA controls. In addition, the reverse transcription step was evaluated by running mRNA controls. Amplification efficiencies of calibrators and targets were determined. Variances within and between runs were estimated, and power statistics were applied to determine the concentration differences that could reliably be detected. RESULTS Within- and between-run variations (CVs) of cDNA controls (TF and beta-actin), extrapolated from reproducible calibration curves (CVs of slopes, 4.3% and 2.7%, respectively) were 4-10% (within) and 15-38% (between) using both daily and "grand mean" calibration curves. CVs for the beta-actin mRNA controls were 12% (within) and 19-28% (between). Estimates of each step's contribution to the total variation were as follows: CV(RT-PCR), 28%; CV(PCR), 15%; CV(RT), 23% (difference between CV(RT-PCR) and CV(PCR)). PCR efficiencies were as follows: beta-actin calibrator/target, 1.96/1.95; TF calibrator/target, 1.95/1.93. Duplicate measurements could detect a twofold concentration difference (power, 0.8). CONCLUSIONS Daily PCR calibration curves generated from PCR amplicons were reproducible, allowing the use of a grand mean calibration curve. The reverse transcription step contributes the most to the total variation. By determining a system's total variance, power analysis may be used to disclose differences that can be reliably detected at a specified power.
Caching for Multi-dimensional Data Mining Queries Biswadeep Nag

Multi-dimensional data analysis and online analytical processing are standard querying techniques applied on today’s data warehouses. Data mining algorithms, on the other hand, are still mostly run in stand-alone, batch mode on flat files extracted from relational databases. In this paper we propose a general querying model combining the power of relational databases, SQL, multidimensional querying and data mining. Using this model allows data mining to leverage much of the extensive infrastructure that has already been built for data warehouses including many of the highly successful query processing strategies designed for OLAP. We present one such integrated, chunk-based caching scheme that is central to the design of an interactive, multi-dimensional data mining system and conclude with an experimental evaluation of three different cache replacement algorithms.
Fullerene-related structure of commercial glassy carbons

Glassy carbon is a technologically important material widely used in products such as electrodes and high-temperature crucibles. However, the properties which make glassy carbon so valuable in these applications are poorly understood, since its detailed atomic structure is not known. A model for the structure of glassy carbon put forward many years ago has gained wide acceptance, but appears to suffer from serious shortcomings. In particular, it fails to account for the chemical inertness of the carbon, and for its high proportion of closed porosity. Here I show, using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, that glassy carbons obtained from commercial suppliers contain a high proportion of fullerenerelated structures. On the basis of these observations, models are put forward for the structures of ‘low-temperature’ and ‘high-temperature’ glassy carbons which incorporate non-six-membered rings.
Psychometric Properties of an Arabic Version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS)

Objective: To translate and evaluate the psychometric properties of an Arabic-language version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS). Method: The items were translated, back translated, refined, and tested in an Australian immigrant sample (N = 220). Results: Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the Arabic DASS discriminates between depression, anxiety, and stress but to a lesser degree than the English DASS. The factor loadings for all 42 items were comparable to those of the English DASS, indicating that the items had been appropriately translated and adapted. Analysis of exploratory items suggested by Arabic-speaking mental health professionals failed to reveal any new items that were both psychometrically adequate and theoretically coherent. Analysis of a bilingual sample (N = 24) indicated that the English norms was appropriate for the Arabic DASS. Conclusion: The results support the universality of depression, anxiety, and stress across cultures and provide initial support for the psychometric properties of the Arabic DASS.
The X‐ray structure of a chitinase from the pathogenic fungus Coccidioides immitis

The X‐ray structure of chitinase from the fungal pathogen Coccidioides immitis has been solved to 2.2 Å resolution. Like other members of the class 18 hydrolase family, this 427 residue protein is an eight‐stranded β/α‐barrel. Although lacking an N‐terminal chitin anchoring domain, the enzyme closely resembles the chitinase from Serratia marcescens. Among the conserved features are three cis peptide bonds, all involving conserved active site residues. The active site is formed from conserved residues such as tryptophans 47, 131, 315, 378, tyrosines 239 and 293, and arginines 52 and 295. Glu171 is the catalytic acid in the hydrolytic mechanism; it was mutated to a Gln, and activity was abolished. Allosamidin is a substrate analog that strongly inhibits the class 18 enzymes. Its binding to the chitinase hevamine has been observed, and we used conserved structural features of the two enzymes to predict the inhibitors binding to the fungal enzyme.
Leader Self-Efficacy of Women Intercollegiate Athletic Administrators: A Look at Barriers and Developmental Antecedents

We tested a range of facilitating and inhibiting antecedents of leader self-efficacy on a large sample of 692 women intercollegiate athletic administrators in National Collegiate Athletic Association registered institutions. Drawing from social cognitive theory (Bandura, 1997), we examined developmental challenges, peer and supervisor feedback and support, family-work conflict, and perceived gender discrimination as antecedents of leader self-efficacy. We also examined mediating roles of leader self-efficacy in career ascendance. Structural equation modeling results show that developmental challenges were indirectly related to career ascendance, as mediated through leader self-efficacy. Developmental challenges, peer and supervisor feedback, and support were positively related to leader selfefficacy, whereas family-work conflict was negatively related to leader self-efficacy. Perceived gender discrimination was not related to leader self-efficacy. These findings identify potential levers through which int.
Impact of the New WHO Guidelines on Diagnosis and Practice of Male Infertility

The World Health Organization (WHO) has established new reference values for semen characteristics in its 5th edition manual which are lower than those previously reported. Several questions arise after a careful examination of the proposed new values, especially regarding the implications of these references for diagnosis and treatment of male infertility. Despite the notable advance of using controlled studies involving couples whose time to pregnancy was less than 12 months to generate the new limits, reference studies are limited with regard to the population analyzed and the methods used for semen evaluation. As such, it seems unreasonable to assume that reference values represent global semen characteristics of fertile men as proposed in the 5 th edition WHO manual. Caution should be exercised to not over- interpret the new reference values as they may fail to accurately discriminate populations of fertile and infertile men. Properly performed semen analyses coupled with an adequate examination of the man can give valuable information related to the organs producing "semen", a highly complex fluid, and thus help in better understanding of the physiology of the reproductive organs and the causes of their dysfunctions. The present commentary discusses concerns related to the publication of the new reference values for semen parameters such as the impact on patient referral, diagnosis, treatment of recognized conditions such as varicocele and indications of assisted reproductive modalities. We conclude that more debate is needed before the adoption of the proposed WHO current reference values by andrology laboratories around the world. For those considering to adopt them, a better approach would be the presentation of reference values by percentiles rather than solely the lower cutoff limits. The time has come for technological developments that bring robust and cost- effective clinically useful sperm function tests to replace, at least partially, the shortcomings of routine semen analysis.
The probability of inflation in Loop Quantum Cosmology

The probability of there being sufficient inflation to solve the fine-tuning associated with the horizon and flatness problems has recently been shown to be exponentially small, within the context of classical general relativity. Here this result is extended by considering loop quantum gravity effects, that are significant at small scales. In addition to accounting for high-energy departures from classicality, it is shown that, in contrast to the classical case, the loop quantum cosmological probability measure is naturally finite, at least in some well defined region. It is also shown that these loop quantum gravity corrections can overcome the classical suppression of the probability only for extremely unnatural choices of ambiguity parameters, implying that single field, slow-roll inflation is exponentially unlikely.
Developing a holistic model for digital library evaluation

This article reports the author’s recent research in developing a holistic model for various levels of digital library (DL) evaluation in which perceived important criteria from heterogeneous stakeholder groups are organized and presented. To develop such a model, the author applied a three-stage research approach: exploration, confirmation, and verification. During the exploration stage, a literature review was conducted followed by an interview, along with a card sorting technique, to collect important criteria perceived by DL experts. Then the criteria identified were used for developing an online survey during the confirmation stage. Survey respondents (431 in total) from 22 countries rated the importance of the criteria. A holistic DL evaluation model was constructed using statistical techniques. Eventually, the verification stage was devised to test the reliability of the model in the context of searching and evaluating an operational DL. The proposed model fills two lacunae in the DL domain: (a) the lack of a comprehensive and flexible framework to guide and benchmark evaluations,and (b) the uncertainty about what divergence exists among heterogeneous DL stakeholders, including general users.
Violent victimization of youth from a cross-national perspective

The article analyses cross-national variation in violent victimization of youth using data from the second sweep of the International Self-Report Delinquency Study. A multi-level approach is applied which takes into account individual factors as well as the characteristics of the immediate neighbourhood and the context of the given country. The routine activity theory suggested by Cohen and Felson is utilized to derive hypotheses about macro-level factors with the potential to explain differences in violent victimization rates. Specifically, the effects of homicide rates, the Gini coefficient, and the Human Development Index are analysed. The results reveal that the variation in violent victimization rates across countries is only partly attributable to the countries’ heterogeneity with respect to individual characteristics and lifestyle choices of youth, together with neighbourhood features. Furthermore, a significant effect is observed for a country’s Human Development Index, which relates higher levels of development to lower victimization risk, even when individual and neighbourhood characteristics are controlled for.