Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Guided teaching interactions with robots: embodied queries and teaching heuristics

We propose to use concepts from algorithmic teaching to measure and improve human teaching for machine learners. We first investigate input examples produced by human teachers in comparison to optimal or useful teaching sequences, and find that human teachers do not naturally generate the best learning examples. Then we provide humans with teaching guidance in the form of step-by-step teaching strategy or a generic teaching heuristic, to elicit better teaching. We present results for both experiments on three different problems, showing that everyday human teachers are not naturally optimal from a machine learning perspective, but teaching g idance significantly improves their i put. This provides promising evidence that human intelligence and flexibility can be leveraged to achieve better sample efficiency when input data to a learning algorithm comes from a human teacher.
Lymphadenopathy as a primary presenting sign: A clinico‐pathological study of 228 cases

A total of 228 cases of lymphadenopathy as a primary presenting sign are reported. Tissue diagnoses were divided into: metastatic carcinoma (41 per cent), lymphoma (19 per cent), a specific non‐neoplastic condition (10 per cent) and non‐specific hyperplasia and inflammation (30 per cent); thus the overall yield of positive tissue diagnosis was 70 per cent. Just 5 primary sites: breast, lung, gastrointestinal and genito‐urinary tracts and skin (mainly melanomas) accounted for all but one case. Hodgkin's and non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas were evenly distributed. In those with generalized malignant lymphadenopathy a surprisingly even proportion of 1 to 1·5 was found between carcinoma and lymphoma. In those with localized malignant disease metastatic carcinoma predominated. The overall incidence of primary lymphadenopathy increased with age, due to an increase in malignancy. Less than half of patients with carcinomatous lymphadenopathy had symptoms and these tended to be organ specific, whereas three‐quarters of patients with lymphoma had symptoms which were usually non‐specific. A haematological screen, liver function tests and chest X‐ray were frequently abnormal but were not diagnostic.
Does Emotions Communication Ability Affect Psychological Well-Being? A Study with the Mayer–Salovey–Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT) v2.0

The main aim of the current study was to provide evidence regarding the relationship between emotions communication ability—in terms of emotional intelligence (EI)—and psychological well-being. Additionally, the study explored the moderating effect of sex on this relationship. Participants filled in the Mayer–Salovey–Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test, General Health Questionnaire, Psychological General Well-Being Index, and Depression Questionnaire. Results showed the moderating role of sex in the relationship between EI ability and psychological well-being. Furthermore, the associations between EI and psychological well-being measures were generally higher for men than for women, supporting the idea that sex needs to be taken into account when considering EI measures. The potential helpfulness of EI and emotions communications ability in promoting mental health is discussed.
Cellulite: Is there a role for injectables?

Background. Cellulite describes the cutaneous dimpling of the thighs, buttocks, and hips that is seen predominately in women. Current evidence suggests that structural differences in fat architecture between the sexes account for its appearance. Mesotherapy, a method of delivering medication locally with the use of numerous cutaneous injections, has recently become a popular method to purportedly treat the condition. Methods. An overview of cellulite and adipocyte physiology, with a literature review and appraisal of compounds commonly used in mesotherapy. Results. Experimental studies using individual mesotherapy ingredients for other conditions suggest a number of mechanisms, including lipolysis, disrupting connective tissue and augmenting circulation, which may theoretically improve cellulite. Peer‐reviewed studies have not evaluated whether these effects translate clinically. Conclusions. Until further studies are performed, patients considering mesotherapy for cellulite must be aware that the substances currently being injected to treat this cosmetically disturbing, but medically benign, condition have not been thoroughly evaluated for safety or efficacy.
A study of egg transport in the rabbit using a freezing-clearing technique.

Summary. The utilization of a freezing\p=m-\clearingtechnique with rabbit oviducts produced data which differed from those obtained by tubal flushings or autoradiography. The current study indicated that the primary site for sphincteric activity was the tubo-uterine junction rather than the ampullary\p=m-\isthmicjunction. Previous studies have suggested that ova are retained in the ampullary portion of the oviduct before continuing through the isthmus (Burdick & Pincus, 1935; Aiden, 1942; Black & Asdell, 1958). Attempts by Greenwald (1961) to reveal the existence of a sphincter between the ampulla and isthmus have failed. In the earlier studies, ovum transport data were obtained by such techniques as tubai flushing (Greenwald, 1959) and autoradiography (Harper, Bennett, Boursnell & Rowson, 1960), both of which required manipulation of the oviduct. More recently, Hafez (1963) has suggested that tubai secretions may play a role in egg transport. If this is correct, it is possible that manipulation of the oviducts during flushing or autoradiography could result in the displace¬ ment of ova from their normal position. The purpose of this study was to reveal the position of eggs within the oviduct through the utilization of a technique that minimizes tubai manipulation. Sexually mature, New Zealand does were killed 15 to 65 hr after ovulation (induced by an intravenous injection of 75 i.u. hcg, Squibb, Follutein) by an overdose of Nembutal. Within 1 min, the animals were opened and liquid nitrogen was gently poured over both uterine horns and oviducts. Following gradual thawing, the entire oviducts with a 5-mm segment of the proximal uterine horn were dissected free of fat and subjected to a benzyl benzoate clearing technique described by Orsini (1962). The exact positions of the ova with respect to the ampullary-isthmic junction (AIJ) and the tubo-uterine junction (TUJ) were determined by microscopic examination. The length of the different tubai segments of seventy cleared oviducts was as follows: ampullary portion, 30 to 80 mm (average 58 mm) ; isthmic segment, 40 to 85 mm (average 54 mm) ; total oviduct length including the TUJ, 70 to 160 mm (average 112 mm). The position ofall AIJ was 40 to 65% (average52%) of the distance from the fimbria to the TUJ. Such variation was noted not only among animals but between oviducts in the same doe.
Heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a severe, potentially limb- and life-threatening immune-mediated adverse drug reaction to unfractioned heparin and/or low molecular weight heparin

Th e laboratory diagnosis of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is based on the identifi cation of antibodies against the complex between heparin and platelet factor 4 (PF4) by functional and/or immunological methods. Th ese methods are complicated, timeand labour intensive. Th erefore an introduction of a rapid, easy to perform method for the identifi cation of circulating HPA is of high importance. ID-PaGIA heparin/PF4 assay may be an appropriate candidate. It should be emphasized that the diagnosis of HIT remains the primarily clinical, using pre-test clinical probability scoring system (4T’s) while laboratory results should be considered as an additional tool in confi rming or ruling out clinical diagnosis. An algorithm for HIT diagnosis with combination of clinical and laboratory fi ndings is presented.
Experience with elemental diet in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. Is this primary therapy?

Thirteen patients with inflammatory bowel disease were treated 17 times for an average of 22 days with elemental diet. The diet was well tolerated in all but one patient. All but one demonstrated weight gain and positive nitrogen balance, without apparent irritation of the inflamed gut. Nine patients were considered to have indications for surgery and seven underwent operation, approaching it in an improved nutritional state and withstanding it well. Elemental diet is able to provide nutrition while allowing bowel rest, without the risks of intravenous hyperalimentation. Occasionally indications for surgery resolve during the period of nutritional improvement. Whether this represents a primary therapeutic effect of elemental diet or the natural course of the disease remains to be examined by controlled studies.
Eccentric exercise training in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

The oxygen cost of eccentric exercise is lower than that of concentric exercise at similar work-loads. In this study, the response to eccentric cycle exercise training (EET) in addition to general exercise training (GET) on exercise performance and quality of life was investigated in 24 patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). All patients had a normal resting PaO2 and an arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) below 90% at Wmax, achieved during a maximal incremental concentric cycle exercise test. The patients participated in a comprehensive inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation programme of 10 weeks. They were randomly assigned either to GET (GET group: mean FEV1 38% predicted) or to GET and additional EET (GET/EET group: FEV1 45% predicted). During EET, the patients were able to cycle eccentrically for 15 min continuously at a mean of 160 (69%) of Wmax whereas the Borg dyspnoea score did not exceed 3.0 and SaO2 did not fall below 90%. Parameters of cardiocirculatory fitness and gas exchange improved in the GET/EET group but no further improvement in exercise capacity occurred compared to GET. It is concluded that eccentric cycle exercise is a safe and attractive training modality for patients with severe COPD and can be performed at a high intensity without the patient becoming out of breath or needing supplemental oxygen.
Purification and characterization of an endo-beta-1,6-glucanase from Trichoderma harzianum that is related to its mycoparasitism

The enzymes from Trichoderma species that degrade fungal cell walls have been suggested to play an important role in mycoparasitic action against fungal plant pathogens. The mycoparasite Trichoderma harzianum produces at least two extracellular beta-1,6-glucanases, among other hydrolases, when it is grown on chitin as the sole carbon source. One of these extracellular enzymes was purified to homogeneity after adsorption to its substrate, pustulan, chromatofocusing, and, finally, gel filtration. The apparent molecular mass was 43,000, and the isoelectric point was 5.8. The first 15 amino acids from the N terminus of the purified protein have been sequenced. The enzyme was specific for beta-1,6 linkages and showed an endolytic mode of action on pustulan. Further characterization indicated that the enzyme by itself releases soluble sugars and produces hydrolytic halli on yeast cell walls. When combined with other T. harzianum cell wall-degrading enzymes such as beta-1,3-glucanases and chitinases, it hydrolyzes filamentous fungal cell walls. The enzyme acts cooperatively with the latter enzymes, inhibiting the growth of the fungi tested. Antibodies against the purified protein also indicated that the two identified beta-1,6-glucanases are not immunologically related and are probably encoded by two different genes.
Development of vimentin and glial fibrillary acidic protein immunoreactivities in the brain of gray mullet (Chelon labrosus), an advanced teleost

Previous studies in teleosts have revealed the presence of the intermediate filaments vimentin (Vim) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in glial cells of the spinal cord and/or some brain regions, but there is no comprehensive study of their distribution and developmental changes in fishes. Here, the distribution of Vim and GFAP immunoreactivities was studied in the brain of larvae, juveniles, and adults of an advanced teleost, the gray mullet (Chelon labrosus). A different sequence of appearance was observed for expression of these proteins: Vim levels decreased with age, whereas GFAP increased. In general, both immunoreactivities were expressed early in perikarya and endfeet of ependymocytes (tanycytes), whereas expression in radial processes appeared later. In large larvae, the similar expression patterns of Vim and GFAP suggest that some of these glial cells contain both proteins. Subependymal radial glia cells were observed mainly in the optic tectum, exhibiting Vim and GFAP immunoreactivity. The only immunoreactive cells with astrocyte‐like morphology were observed in the optic chiasm of the adult, and they were positive for both GFAP and Vim. The perivascular processes of glial cells showed a different distribution of Vim and GFAP during development and had a caudorostral sequence of appearance of immunoreactivities similar to that observed for ependymal and radial glia cells. Several circumventricular organs (the organon vasculosum hypothalami, saccus vasculosus, and area postrema) exhibited highly specialized Vim‐ and/or GFAP‐expressing glial cells. The glial cells of the midline septa of several brain regions were also Vim and/or GFAP immunoreactive. In the adult brain, tanycytes retain Vim expression in several brain regions. As in other vertebrates, the regions with Vim‐immunoreactive ventricular and midline glia may represent areas with the capability of plasticity and regeneration in adult brain. J. Comp. Neurol. 469:413–436, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Risk Factors Associated with Postoperative Pulmonary Complications Following Total Abdominal Hysterectomy

The purpose of this descriptive correlational study was to describe the relationships between risk factors and the development of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) following total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH). As part of a large, prospective study, data were analyzed on a subset of women who had undergone TAH. Data collection included a preoperative interview and chest exam followed by a daily postoperative interview, chest exam, and review of the medical chart. A multicriteria definition of PPC was used for atelectasis/pneumonia. This study describes the incidence of PPCs in a TAH surgical population and provides foundational work to begin identifying important risk factors to guide pulmonary care.
Periodontal Debridement with Sonic and Ultrasonic Scalers

Biofilm and calculus removal are very important components of periodontal therapy, and a variety of instruments may be used for debridement purposes. In recent years, the application range of sonic and ultra sonic scalers in such debridement procedures has been extended to the subgingival area as slim instrument tips allowing good access to the root surfaces have been developed. Treatment using oscillating scalers offers greater patient and operator comfort, and their treatment outcomes may be as successful as with hand instruments. However, a thorough knowledge of instrument function and profound clinical skills are necessary to allow safe, efficient application of these instruments.
Survival After Cancer in Italian Persons With AIDS, 1986–2005: A Population-Based Estimation

Background:Cancer survival in persons with AIDS (PWA) after introduction of antiretroviral therapies remains poorly characterized. The aim is to provide population-based estimates of cancer survival, overall and for the most important cancer types in PWA, and a comparison with persons without AIDS (non-PWA) affected by the same cancer. Methods:PWA with cancer at AIDS diagnosis or thereafter were individually matched with non-PWA by type of cancer, sex, age, year of diagnosis, area of living, and, for lymphomas, histological subtype. Five-year observed survival and hazard ratios (HRs) of death in PWA versus non-PWA with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated. Results:We included 2262 Italian PWA and 4602 non-PWA with cancer diagnosed during 1986–2005. Between 1986 and 1995, and 1996 and 2005, 5-year survival for all cancers in PWA improved from 12% to 41% and the corresponding HR versus non-PWA decreased from 5.1 (95% CI: 4.3 to 6.1) to 2.9 (95% CI: 2.6 to 3.3). During 1996–2005, HRs were 2.0 (95% CI: 1.4 to 2.9) for Kaposi sarcoma, 3.4 (95% CI: 2.9 to 4.1) for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and 2.4 (95% CI: 1.4 to 4.0) for cervical cancer. HRs were 2.5 (95% CI: 2.1 to 3.1) for all non–AIDS-defining cancers, 5.9 (95% CI: 3.1 to 11.2) for Hodgkin lymphoma, and 7.3 (95% CI: 2.8 to 19.2) for nonmelanoma skin cancer. A ⩽3-fold survival difference was found for cancers of the stomach, liver, anus, lung, brain, and the most aggressive lymphoma subtypes. Conclusions:The persisting, although narrowing, gap in cancer survival between PWA and non-PWA indicates the necessity of enhancing therapeutic approaches, so that PWA can be provided the same chances of survival observed in the general population, and improving cancer prevention and screening.
Impedance Matching of a Coaxial Antenna for Microwave In-situ Processing of Polluted Soils

Abstract The present paper is focused on the minimization of return loss of a slotted coaxial radiator proposed for a decontamination system for soils contaminated by volatile or semivolatile organic compounds such as oils or fuels. The antenna upgrade is achieved by coating it with a 5 mm thick Teflon layer. The electromagnetic characteristics reflection coefficient and power density distribution around the antenna surrounded by soils with different moisture levels are analyzed numerically. Simplified analytical approaches are employed to accelerate the optimization of the given antenna for microwave heating systems. The improved antenna design shows a good matching of the antenna to the surrounding soil with varying moisture levels. This ensures a high efficiency of the proposed in-situ soil decontamination system.
Prognostic Significance of EEG Triphasic Waves in Patients with Altered State of Consciousness

Triphasic waves (TWs) are a distinctive, but nonspecific, EEG pattern found in metabolic encephalopathies and a variety of other neurologic conditions. The prognostic value of TWs was studied in 30 patients with altered state of consciousness. Patients were either comatose (18 patients) or very lethargic (12 patients). Triphasic waves were the dominant EEG pattern, present for at least 35% of the tracing. The etiology of their underlying encephalopathy was multiple metabolic derangements (12 patients), hepatorenal syndrome (5 patients), renal failure (4 patients), hypoxic encephalopathy (4 patients), hepatic failure (3 patients), hyponatremia (1 patient), and hypoglycemia (1 patient). Patients were followed up to 22 months. Fifty percent of the subjects died within 30 days of recording TWs. The overall mortality was 77%. Seven patients (23%) have survived, but only three patients (10%) are neurologically normal. In conclusion, TWs occur most often in patients with metabolic encephalopathies, cannot be used to distinguish different diagnostic entities, and indicate a poor prognosis for survival.
Cognitive trait anxiety, stress and effort interact to predict inhibitory control

ABSTRACT Few studies have focussed on the link between anxiety and inhibitory control in the absence of stimulus-driven external threat. This two-part experiment examined the interactions between (1) somatic trait anxiety, somatic situational stress (i.e. threat of electric shock), and effort, and (2) cognitive trait anxiety, cognitive situational stress (i.e. ego-threat instructions), and effort, on inhibitory processes using a Go-No-Go paradigm. Trait anxiety was operationalised using questionnaire scores and effort was operationalised using a visual analogue scale. Performance effectiveness was measured using the d′ parameter from signal detection theory and processing efficiency was indexed by the ratio of d′ to response time on correct trials. Results indicated that somatic trait anxiety and stress did not predict effectiveness or efficiency. Cognitive trait anxiety and stress were associated with both inhibitory effectiveness and efficiency deficits; however, contrary to expectations these deficits were evident at higher rather than lower mental effort. Results suggest a distinction between how somatic and cognitive anxiety manifest on tasks involving inhibitory control.
The Histo-morphometric Evidences of Vernonia amygdalina Leaf Extract-induced Testicular Toxicity

Vernonia amygdalina (bitter-leaf) is native to West Africa but occurs mostly in its cultivated form in various parts of central and southern Nigeria. It is a dark-green leafy vegetable commonly used in cooking and as folkloric medicine for the management of several diseases in Nigeria. In the present study, the effects of varying doses of ethanolic leaf extract of Vernonia amygdalina on the rat testis histo-morphometry were investigated. Forty male wistar rats were divided into groups of four. Group A, as the contro l was given 10 ml/kg/day/oral distilled water while Group B, C and D subsequently treated with 100, 300 and 600 mg/kg/day/oral route Vernonia amygdalina leaves extract respectively for 56 days. Results showed that Group B rats had normal testis histology comparable to the control group. However, rats in Group C and D exhibited dose-dependent poor testes histo-morphometric profiles, with the higher dosage-group (D) providing a worse feature. Thus, there was a statistically significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the tubular dia meter, crosssectional area of the tubules, number of tubular profiles per unit area and the mean numerical density of seminiferous tubules f Group C and Group D animals compared to the control group. Our results therefore indicated that, while the lower dose (100 mg/kg) of Vernonia amygdalina leaves extract can be accommodated by rat testis, the higher doses (300 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg) demonstrate testicular toxicity in the rat.
β2-Adrenergic receptor polymorphisms and asthma

The idea that an abnormality in the β2-adrenergic receptor contributes to asthma has been a long-standing hypothesis. Since the discovery of functionally relevant polymorphisms in the β2-adrenergic receptor gene, there has been intensive research on their impact on asthma and related phenotypes, particularly the responsiveness to bronchodilators. It is the aim of this chapter to summarize the latest developments in this interesting field of research.
Alcohol drinking and pancreatic cancer risk: a meta‐analysis of the dose‐risk relation

In order to provide a more precise quantification of the association between alcohol consumption and pancreatic cancer risk, we performed a meta‐analysis of relevant dose‐risk results. We conducted a PubMed search of all case‐control (N=21) and cohort (N=11) studies published up to March 2009. We computed summary relative risk (RR) estimates using either fixed‐ or, in the presence of heterogeneity, random‐effects models. The pooled RR was 0.92 (95% confidence interval, 95% CI, 0.86–0.97) for <3 drinks/day and 1.22 (95% CI, 1.12–1.34) for ≥3 drinks/day. The increased risk for heavy drinking was similar in women and men, but apparently stronger in cohort studies (RR=1.29), in studies with high quality index (RR=1.30), and did not appear to be explained by residual confounding by either history of pancreatitis or tobacco smoking. This meta‐analysis provides strong evidence for the absence of a role of moderate drinking in pancreatic carcinogenesis, coupled to an increased risk for heavy alcohol drinking. Given the moderate increase in risk and the low prevalence of heavy drinkers in most populations, alcohol appears to be responsible only for a small fraction of all pancreatic cancers.