Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Drying and wetting of Mediterranean soils stimulates decomposition and carbon dioxide emission: the "Birch effect".

Observations on the net carbon exchange of forests in the European Mediterranean region, measured recently by the eddy covariance method, have revived interest in a phenomenon first characterized on agricultural and forest soils in East Africa in the 1950s and 1960s by H. F. Birch and now often referred to as the "Birch effect. " When soils become dry during summer because of lack of rain, as is common in regions with Mediterranean climate, or are dried in the laboratory in controlled conditions, and are then rewetted by precipitation or irrigation, there is a burst of decomposition, mineralization and release of inorganic nitrogen and CO(2). In forests in Mediterranean climates in southern Europe, this effect has been observed with eddy covariance techniques and soil respiration chambers at the stand and small plot scales, respectively. Following the early work of Birch, laboratory incubations of soils at controlled temperatures and water contents have been used to characterize CO(2) release following the rewetting of dry soils. A simple empirical model based on laboratory incubations demonstrates that the amount of carbon mineralized over one year can be predicted from soil temperature and precipitation regime, provided that carbon lost as CO(2) is taken into account. We show that the amount of carbon returned to the atmosphere following soil rewetting can reduce significantly the annual net carbon gain by Mediterranean forests.
Is there sufficient MDCT capacity to provide colorectal cancer screening with CT colonography for the U.S. population?

OBJECTIVE The impact of introducing widespread colorectal cancer (CRC) screening with CT colonography (CTC) on current resource capacity is unknown. Although a relatively large number of MDCT scanners are currently in operation throughout the United States, these existing units already perform studies for a wide array of indications. Our aim was to assess the ability of the available MDCT capacity in the United States to provide population screening with CTC. MATERIALS AND METHODS Mathematic and Markov models were used to assess the mean number of CTC procedures per MDCT scanner per day (expressed as CTC/MDCT/day) necessary for both the startup and steady-state phases of a nationwide screening effort. Plausible ranges were applied to a number of variables in the sensitivity analysis. The number of existing CT scanners in the United States was based on 2006 estimates. RESULTS At baseline analysis, assuming gradual increases in compliance, CTC penetrance (percentage of screening-compliant population who would opt for CTC), and MDCT capacity, a total of 37,227,541 adults would need to undergo CTC screening over a 10-year startup period, corresponding to 1.2-1.6 CTC/MDCT/day. Assuming a 5-year routine screening interval between the ages of 50 and 80 years, the number of CTC studies needed to be performed in the steady-state period is 1.2 CTC/MDCT/day. These estimates were sensitive to variations in compliance, MDCT capacity, population size, interval for the startup phase, and the routine CTC screening interval. CONCLUSION CT capacity in the United States appears to be adequate for handling the potential demand related to mass population screening with CTC, even without assuming a specific CTC-driven increase in MDCT supply.
Smoothing Splines and Shape Restrictions

Constrained smoothing splines are discussed under order restrictions on the shape of the function m. We consider shape constraints of the type m(r)≥ 0, i.e. positivity, monotonicity, convexity, . (Here for an integer r≥ 0, m(r) denotes the rth derivative of m. ) The paper contains three results: (1) constrained smoothing splines achieve optimal rates in shape restricted Sobolev classes; (2) they are equivalent to two step procedures of the following type: (a) in a first step the unconstrained smoothing spline is calculated; (b) in a second step the unconstrained smoothing spline is “projected” onto the constrained set. The projection is calculated with respect to a Sobolev‐type norm; this result can be used for two purposes, it may motivate new algorithmic approaches and it helps to understand the form of the estimator and its asymptotic properties; (3) the infinite number of constraints can be replaced by a finite number with only a small loss of accuracy, this is discussed for estimation of a convex function.
Consumer loading characterization based on measurement campaigns - A prospective approach

This paper presents a prospective approach on how load curves can be typified using the NCEA (National Classification of the Economic Activities) instrument and also based on energy measurement campaigns commonly carried out. The proposed method intends to obtain load curves sufficiently robust, despite the available measurements may not have statistical significance. The proposed hypotesis tries to identify more representative consumer groups within a certain activity regarding parameters like the consumer class, consumption pattern, average energy, load factor and other available parameters. The results presented, pertaining here to the measurement of Group B (which according to the 1160 NCEA activity involves container manufacture, metal works, etc) indicate that these curves have the potential to replace the curves currently used in engineering (based on GIS) with data obtained through the measurement campaigns for tariff revision.
Assessment of the effects of age and joint disease on hydroxyproline and glycosaminoglycan concentrations in synovial fluid from the metacarpophalangeal joint of horses.

OBJECTIVE To assess the effects of age and joint disease on hydroxyproline and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) concentrations in synovial fluid from the metacarpophalangeal joint of horses and evaluate the association of those concentrations with severity of osteoarthritis and general matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity. SAMPLE POPULATION Synovial fluid was collected from the metacarpophalangeal joints of foals at birth (n = 10), 5-month-old foals (10), 11-month-old foals (5), and adult horses (73). PROCEDURE Hydroxyproline and GAG concentrations were determined in synovial fluid samples. The severity of osteoarthritis in adult joints was quantified by use of a cartilage degeneration index (CDI) and assessment of general MMP-activity via a fluorogenic assay. RESULTS Hydroxyproline and GAG concentrations in synovial fluid were highest in neonates and decreased with age. Concentrations reached a plateau in adults by 4 years and remained constant in healthy joints. In synovial fluid from osteoarthritic joints, hydroxyproline and GAG concentrations were not increased, compared with unaffected joints, but hydroxyproline were significantly correlated with the CDI and general MMP activity. There was no significant correlation between GAG concentration and CDI value or MMP activity. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Changes in hydroxyproline concentration in synovial fluid appeared to indicate damage to collagen of the articular cartilage. In joints with osteoarthritis, the lack of high GAG concentration in synovial fluid and the absence of a significant correlation between GAG concentration and CDI values or MMP activity may severely limit the usefulness of this marker for monitoring equine joint disease.
An assessment of the validity of Freudian dream theory (and Freudian dream interpretation in the therapeutic process) in the light of the Freud/Lear debate

The philosopher Karl Popper (1963) stated that Freud’s theories could not be regarded as scientific because they were not falsifiable. Hobson (2000) disputed the concept of Freudian dream interpretation arguing that dreams are simply a manifestation of the brain in sleep, so that interpreting them is like interpreting an ink blob. Domhoff (2003) wrote that symbolic dream interpretation is a type of fool’s gold. These criticisms aim at the larger question of whether Freudian dream interpretation has any validity at all, rather than at any particular element of his theory. Lear (2005) on the other hand, aims at only a particular aspect of Freud’s dream theory, but in so doing, undermines its overall validity as Freud presented it, because he attacks Freud’s logic. This is different to claims based on indefinite evidence, because it is postulating clear, identifiable evidence that Freud’s theory doesn’t make sense. He divides Freud’s theory into two parts, with the second being the additions related to symbolism after 1900. Lear (2005) attempts to make the illogical overall theory logical, by ‘surgical incision’, or the removal of the post 1900 additions. The potential teeth of this claim lies in the fact that Lear’s criticism has been based on an analysis of the logic of KNOWN FACTS, and an illogical foundation undermines whatever structure one builds upon it. A search failed to find anyone who has addressed this issue raised by Lear, leaving it as one of the most important recent criticisms of Freud needing to be examined. The examination of Lear’s claim not only focuses attention on whether Freud’s dream theory has any validity at all, it also focuses attention on the bigger issue of the logic of symbolic dream interpretation generally, and whether symbolic dream interpretation has a logical place in psychotherapy. My examination of Lear’s claim leads me to conclude that Lear (2005) is incorrect in his assertion, and that symbolic interpretation of dreams has a legitimate place in Freudian theory and practice. I am also led to conclude that the main tenets of Freudian dream theory maintain an inherent cohesion and logic.
Temperature dependence of the phosphorescence and of the thermally activated delayed fluorescence of 12C70 and 13C70 in amorphous polymer matrices. Is a second triplet involved?

The phosphorescence and thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) lifetimes of 12C70 and 13C70 in two different glassy hydrocarbon polymers, one aliphatic (cyclic polyolefin) and one aromatic (polystyrene), were measured between −200 and 100 ºC. The temperature dependence of the lifetimes is equally well described by a three-state mechanism (ground state, S0, and two excited states in thermal equilibrium, T1 and S1, the lifetime of T1 being temperature dependent) and by a four-state mechanism (ground state, S0, and three excited states in thermal equilibrium, T1, T2 and S1, all with temperature-independent lifetimes). The estimated S1–T1 and T2–T1 energy gaps (four-state mechanism) are in good agreement with spectroscopic measurements. These and the determined quantum yield of triplet formation, 0.997 ± 0.001, are found to be essentially independent of the polymer matrix and of the isotopic composition of the fullerene. On the other hand, the lifetimes of both T1 and T2 (four-state mechanism) are weakly dependent on the polymer matrix but strongly vary with the fullerene isotopic composition, nearly doubling when going from 12C70 to 13C70. A parameter useful for the characterization of TADF, the on-set temperature T0, is also introduced.
The real-world cost-effectiveness of adjuvant trastuzumab in HER-2/neu-positive early breast cancer in Taiwan

Abstract Background: Trastuzumab was considered a cost-effective adjuvant treatment for HER 2-positive early breast cancer. Since 2010, the Taiwanese National Health Insurance (NHI) has started to reimburse for 1-year adjuvant treatment. This study aims to provide an updated cost-effectiveness analysis from the NHI perspective, which explores assumptions about long-term cardiac toxicity and treatment benefit of 1-year adjuvant treatment sequentially after chemotherapy. Methods: A Markov model was used to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of 1-year adjuvant trastuzumab for HER-2/neu positive early breast cancer over a 20-year life-time horizon. A probability sensitivity analysis using Monte Carlo simulation was performed to characterize uncertainties in the expected outcomes, which are expressed as an incremental costs effectiveness ratio (ICER, cost/QALY). A willingness-to-pay threshold of 3-times the per capita gross domestic product was adopted according to the WHO definition. The Taiwan per capita gross domestic product in 2015 was US$22,355; thus, a threshold was considered as NT$2,011,950 (US$67 065, 1USD =30 NTD in 2015). Results: The model showed that adjuvant trastuzumab treatment in HER-2/neu positive early breast cancer yielded 1.631 quality-adjusted life-years (QALY) compared with no trastuzumab treatment. The ICER was US $51,863 per QALY gained in the base-case scenario. The Monte Carlo simulation by varying all variables simultaneously demonstrated that the probability of cost-effectiveness at the willingness-to-pay threshold of US$67,065 was 50% for 1-year adjuvant trastuzumab. Conclusions: From this real-world study, 1-year adjuvant trastuzumab treatment is likely to be a cost-effective therapy for patients with HER-2 positive breast cancer at the willingness-to-pay threshold of 3-times GDP per capita in Taiwan.
Unparalleled patterns of intussusception and rotavirus gastroenteritis hospitalization rates among children younger than six years in Italy.

BACKGROUND No nationwide studies are available so far in Italy to analyze the annual trend of hospitalizations for intussusception (IS) comparing it with that of rotavirus gastroenteritis (GARV), therefore a survey was undertaken to assess the incidence rates of IS and GARV in children hospitalized between 2005 and 2014 in Italy. STUDY DESIGN A retrospective observational study was conducted analyzing the Italian Hospital Discharge Database (HDD), including a study on all hospitalizations bearing a primary or secondary diagnoses coded as 560.0 along the decade 2005-2014. METHODS The trend and seasonality of hospitalizations rates (HRs) for IS were analyzed stratifying by gender and age groups. The statistical significance of temporal trend was determined using the analysis of the slope of the regression line. For the same period, data related to national hospitalizations for GARV (code 008.61 in any diagnosis) were analyzed for comparative purpose. RESULTS A total of 6,074 hospitalizations for IS in children aged <6 years were recorded. A statistically significant increase of HRs was seen for male, female, 12-23 months and 24-71 months age groups. However, in children within the first year of life there was a downward trend. The analysis of the distribution of the HRs by months of hospitalization showed the absence of seasonality, in contrast to HRs for GARV. CONCLUSION Our analysis confirmed the occurrence of the incidence peak of IS hospitalizations in children aged seven months. HRs decreased after the first year of life, replicating an age distribution that is also observed for other paediatric infectious diseases. Nevertheless, the total trend of HR was increasing. In Italy, IS HRs in the pre-vaccination era resulted in line with those described for other European countries, with an increasing trend and the annual slope of IS hospitalization turned out to unparallel the GARV HRs.
Reaction on the acrylamide and cancer review by Lipworth and colleagues

2012), even after a decade of attempting to find one. Any difference in opinion, therefore, is with respect to the scientific value of additional epidemiologic studies of dietary acrylamide. We stand by our stated view that continued research based on observational studies is unlikely to move the science forward, and that such research thus appears to be a misguided priority in this era of limited research funding (Lipworth et al., 2012).
In-phase and out-of-phase MR imaging of bone marrow: prediction of neoplasia based on the detection of coexistent fat and water.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine if gradient-echo MR imaging with TEs selected with fat and water in phase and out of phase can help predict the likelihood of neoplastic or nonneoplastic lesions in bone marrow. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Thirty consecutive patients with 31 suspected bone marrow lesions underwent MR imaging, including two spoiled gradient-echo sequences identical in all parameters except TE, which was chosen such that fat and water were either in phase or out of phase. Relative ratios of the abnormal bone marrow signal intensity and a control site on the in-phase and out-of-phase images were expressed. The images were also assessed independently by two reviewers who were unaware of the patients' identities and clinical histories. Reviewers assessed decreased marrow signal intensity relative to control sites on the out-of-phase and in-phase images. Pathologic confirmation was obtained in 16 patients (17 lesions); the remainder of patients had either established diagnoses or determination of benignity based on stability of findings at 1 year. Relative ratios were compared with the Student's t test and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, and the reviewers' scores were evaluated with ROC curve analysis. RESULTS The relative signal-intensity ratios were 1.03 +/- 0.13 for the neoplastic group and 0.62 +/- 0.13 for the nonneoplastic group (p < .0001). ROC curve analysis of the signal-intensity ratios showed a z-score of . 99. A ratio cutoff value of 0.81 resulted in a 95% sensitivity and a 95% specificity for detection of neoplasm. Both reviewers achieved 100% sensitivity and 94-100% specificity for detection of neoplasms. CONCLUSION In-phase and out-of-phase gradient-echo MR imaging of bone marrow signal-intensity abnormalities can help predict the likelihood of neoplastic or nonneoplastic lesions.
Effect of rosiglitazone treatment on circulating vascular and inflammatory markers in insulin-resistant subjects

Thiazolidinedione (TZD) compounds enhance insulin sensitivity and attenuate inflammation. The effect of the TZD compound, rosiglitazone (RSG) on both actions was evaluated in two groups of insulin-resistant subjects with minimal elevations of fasting plasma glucose (PG) concentration: group A (n=15, PG < 7.0 mmol/L) and group B (n=14, PG 7.0–8.3 mmol/L). Insulin action, quantified by the insulin suppression test, improved after three months of treatment in both groups, and concentrations of C-reactive protein, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and E-selectin all fell. Significant decreases in L-selectin and P-selectin were confined to group B, and concentrations of interleukin-6, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1 did not fall in either group. Significant relationships were not discerned between enhanced insulin sensitivity and related variables and decreases in inflammatory/vascular markers, suggesting that RSG-induced changes in the latter variables in insulin-resistant individuals might be at least partly independent of the effects of the drug on insulin action.
Distributed interface for group affinity-diagram brainstorming

Affinity diagram is a popular brainstorming method for groups to visualize and organize their ideas together. These groups likely use sticky-note paper and whiteboard as their brainstorming tool. While there is simplicity in using paper, engineers develop technologies that make the process more efficient. However, despite the advantages of technologies, utilizing them in brainstorming was not widely adopted. We explore the earlier technologies proposed and their design flaws, and based on their studies, we propose a digital affinity-diagram system using the concept of concurrent engineering of distributed system and conducted an experiment to compare the productivity of group brainstorming between paper analog method and our proposed digital methods. We will report on which of the two methods is more productive and on whether the proposed system could increase the adoption of digital tools for group brainstorming.
Confusing One Instrumental Other for Another: Goal Effects on Social Categorization

How do everyday goals shape the way people categorize others in the social environment? Research on social categorization has emphasized the role of feature-based categories such as race and gender, showing that people rely on such categories when perceiving and remembering others. We tested the hypothesis that social perception may depend on a new type of category—what we call “goal instrumentality,” or the extent to which others are useful for an active goal. We demonstrate that people make more memory errors within the categories of “instrumental” and “noninstrumental,” and fewer between-category errors, when a goal has been subtly activated. We also demonstrate that people perceive others within the categories of “instrumental” and “noninstrumental” to be more similar, and others from the two different categories to be less similar, following subliminal goal activation. We discuss implications for the understanding of social categorization and the influence of goals on social cognition.
International Journal of Web Information Systems Access control and privacy in web-based social networks

Purpose – Web-based social networks (WBSNs) are today one of the most relevant phenomena related to the advent of Web 2.0. The purpose of this paper is to discuss main security and privacy requirements arising in WBSNs, with a particular focus on access control, and to survey the main research activities carried out in the field. The social networking paradigm is today used not only for recreational purposes; it is also used at the enterprise level as a means to facilitate knowledge sharing and information dissemination both at the internet and at the intranet level. As a result of the widespread use of WBSN services, millions of individuals can today easily share personal and confidential information with an incredible amount of (possible unknown) other users. Clearly, this huge amount of information and the ease with which it can be shared and disseminated pose serious security and privacy concerns. Design/methodology/approach – The paper discusses the main requirements related to access control and privacy enforcement in WBSNs. It presents the protection functionalities provided by today WBSNs and examines the main research proposals defined so far, in view of the identified requirements. Findings – The area of access control and privacy for WBSNs is new and, therefore, many research issues still remain open. The paper provides an overview of some of these new issues. Originality/value – The paper provides a useful discussion of the main security and privacy requirements arising in WBSNs, with a particular focus on access control. It also surveys the main research activities carried out in the field.