Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
development of major gastroduodenal diseases , such as peptic ulcers and gastric cancer

The resistance of Helicobacter pylori strains to clarithromycin is increasing in several developed countries and their association with a genetic pattern circulation has been variously explained as related to different geographical areas. In this study we have reported: the prevalence of the resistance of H. pylori, isolated in Sicily, to clarithromycin; the principal point of mutation associated with this resistance; and the more frequent association between resistance to clarithromycin and cagA, the EPIYA motif, and the vacA and oipA genes. Resistance to clarithromycin was detected in 25 % of cases, the main genetic mutation involved being A2143G. The cagA gene was present in 48 % of cases and the distribution of the EPIYA motif was: ABC in 35 cases; ABCC in 8 cases; ABCCC in 2 cases; ABC-ABCC in 2 cases; and ABC-ABCC-ABCCC in 1 case. Regarding the vacA allele, an s1i1m1 combination was detected in 35 % of cases, s1i1m2 in 12 %, s1i2m2 in 12 %, s2i2m2 in 40 %, and a double s1m1-m2 mosaic in 1 % of cases. The status of the oipA gene was ‘off’ in 45 % of cases and ‘on’ in 55 %. Resistance to clarithromycin was found to be high in Sicily, but no correlation was found among resistance to clarithromycin, the vacA gene and oipA status; a higher correlation was observed between resistant strains and cagA-negative strains. Received 5 January 2015 Accepted 29 August 2015
Engineering students ’ visual thinking of the concept of definite integral

The purpose of this study is not only to extend our understanding of students’ difficulties and strengths associated with visualisation, but also to identify the types of visual image they utilise while solving integral problems. Through detailed analyses of students' work and verbal protocols, high proportions of students with high visualisation ability use imagination images along with algebraic representations, and linking these two representations leads them to successful problem solving. Students with low visualisation ability use memory images. The study shows that students can produce imagination images that play a significant role in the problem-solving process. As such, a process of visualisation allows an articulation between representations to produce another representation that could help students to solve given problems.
Exploring Teaching in Traditional EFL High School Classrooms

This study provides systematic empirical data on the pedagogical practices of eleven Korean EFL high school teachers in ten learner groups belonging to two provincial high schools in Korea. Thirty non-manipulated classes were observed and video-recorded. The 19 hours and 48 minutes of video data were analyzed using a specially developed instrument, the Traditional Language Classroom (TLC) observation scheme. The TLC uses categories of observable teaching features derived from the English language teaching literature and follows a minute-by-minute coding principle. Content analysis of the video data revealed that, on average, students spent about 80% of class time listening to Korean translations of English texts, learning about English through the medium of Korean, and listening to test-taking demonstrations given in Korean. In comparison, they spent about 18% of class-time engaging with English, and were required to produce only minimal amounts of controlled output, which is known to hamper instructed second language acquisition. An analysis of each teacher’s practice uncovered slightly different grammar-translation approaches. Pedagogical implications are discussed.
Is lower hip range of motion a risk factor for groin pain in athletes? A systematic review with clinical applications

Background Whether hip range of motion (ROM) is a risk factor for groin pain in athletes is not known. Objectives To systematically review the relationship between hip ROM and groin pain in athletes in cross-sectional/case–control and prospective studies. Study design Systematic review, prospectively registered (PROSPERO) according to PRISMA guidelines. Methods Pubmed, Embase, CINAHL and SPORTDiscus were systematically searched up to December 2015. Two authors performed study selection, data extraction/analysis, quality assessment (Critical Appraisal Skills Programme) and strength of evidence synthesis. Results We identified seven prospective and four case–control studies. The total quality score ranged from 29% to 92%. Heterogeneity in groin pain classification, injury definitions and physical assessment precluded data pooling. There was strong evidence that total rotation of both hips below 85° measured at the pre-season screening was a risk factor for groin pain development. Strong evidence suggested that internal rotation, abduction and extension were not associated with the risk or presence of groin pain. Conclusion Total hip ROM is the factor most consistently related to groin pain in athletes. Screening for hip ROM is unlikely to correctly identify an athlete at risk of developing groin pain because of the small ROM differences found and poor ROM measurement properties.
Perseverations and non-verbal confabulations on the Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure Test in a fronto-temporal dementia single case study

We describe the case of a patient with late onset fronto-temporal dementia (FTD), who presented with typical personality changes, but also perseverative and confabulatory behaviors while performing the Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure Test. We hypothesize that the progressive atrophy of orbitobasal, medial, and dorsolateral frontal cortices may give rise to both confabulations and perseverations in the non-verbal domain. In agreement with previous studies, reporting atypical profiles, this case report underlines the clinical heterogeneity of FTD. Authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.
Formulating efficient software solution for digital image processing system

Digital image processing systems are complex, being usually composed of different computer vision libraries. Algorithm implementations cannot be directly used in conjunction with algorithms developed using other computer vision libraries. This paper formulates a software solution by proposing a processor with the capability of handling different types of image processing algorithms, which allow the end users to install new image processing algorithms from any library. This approach has other functionalities like capability to process one or more images, manage multiple processing jobs simultaneously and maintain the manner in which an image was processed for later use. It is a computational efficient and promising technique to handle variety of image processing algorithms. To promote the reusability and adaptation of the package for new types of analysis, a feature of sustainability is established. The framework is integrated and tested on a medical imaging application, and the software is made freely available for the reader. Future work involves introducing the capability to connect to another instance of processing service with better performance. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Pilot Meta-Analysis of Computer-Based Scaffolding in STEM Education

This paper employs meta-analysis to determine the influence of computer-based scaffolding characteristics and study and test score quality on cognitive outcomes in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education at the secondary, college, graduate, and adult levels. Results indicate that (a) computer-based scaffolding positively influences learning (g = 0.53), (b) studies with zero threats to internal validity had lower effect sizes than studies with two threats, (c) studies with one threat to external validity had higher effect sizes than studies with zero threats, (d) studies with no fading had higher effect sizes than studies with fixed fading, and (e) students performed better when using conceptual scaffolds than with metacognitive scaffolds. There were no differences based on study design, generic vs. specific, paired intervention, assessment level, or intended learning outcome. Meta-regression indicated that fading or lack thereof explained 30% of the variability in outcomes. The significance of this paper lies in its potential to steer scaffold designers away from fixed fading and metacognitive scaffolds, and toward studying scaffolding in authentic contexts, rather than laboratories. Furthermore, this study indicates that a more comprehensive scaffolding meta-analysis is warranted.
Lymph node harvests directly influence the staging of colorectal cancer: evidence from a regional audit

Aims: To assess the quality of histopathology reporting and accuracy of Dukes’s staging of colorectal cancers in the former South Western Health region and to determine the impact of numbers of lymph nodes examined on stage ascription. Methods: Histopathology reports of colorectal cancer for 1993–7 were analysed. Completeness was assessed regarding reported numbers of lymph nodes examined, numbers found positive, Dukes’s stage, and ICD9 code. Numbers of lymph nodes examined, numbers found positive, and Dukes’s stage were recorded. Results from one hospital known to have high standards of reporting were compared with those from elsewhere. Results: In total, 629 reports were examined from the reference hospital and 918 from elsewhere. Fewer than one in 20 (4.3%) reports from the reference hospital were incomplete, compared with a third (36.1%) elsewhere. The average number of nodes examined for each case at the reference hospital was 18.81 and 6.41 elsewhere. The average number of positive nodes for each case was 2.47 at the reference hospital and 1.15 elsewhere. The proportion of Dukes’s stage C cases was significantly higher at the reference hospital than elsewhere. Ascertainment of Dukes’s stage C cases was related to number of lymph nodes examined, with optimal ascertainment levels when at least 10 and fewer than 15 nodes were examined. Conclusions: Standards of histopathology reporting, and ascertainment of Dukes’s stage C, were significantly higher at the reference hospital. Variations in ascertainment levels of Dukes’s stage C disease mainly resulted from variations in the numbers of lymph nodes examined.
Is Cheating a National Pastime ? Experimental Evidence . DRAFT ∗

This paper experimentally examines the relationship between productivity and performance on one hand, and proclivity toward dishonest behavior on the other. In three countries (Chile, Russia, and UK) we conduct an experiment similar to a public goods game: subjects are assigned to groups of four; earn money through a real effort task; report all, none, or some part of their income; which is subject to deductions that are distributed to other members of their group. We find that performance at the real effort task is positively correlated with maximal dishonesty, when the gains from misrepresenting private information are fully exploited, and is negatively correlated with limited dishonesty. This relationship is similar across countries, although cheating levels vary quite significantly.
Synthesis and mechanical characterization of transversely isotropic nanoporous platinum

We examine the influence of electrochemical parameters on transversely isotropic nanoporous (NP) platinum foam synthesized from amorphous PtxSi1-x by dealloying. The externally applied potential controls the size of the Voronoi polyhedra on the free surface with sizes ranging from 0.01-0.35 μm. The shape of the amperometric curve is governed by the dealloying front progression that in turn advances faster than the rate of diffusion of Si in the electrolyte.
Cyclo-Static Data Flow Model for TDM

Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) allows resource sharing amongst the tasks of concurrent applications, where each application may have its own end-to-end hard real time requirements. Current data flow modeling techniques for TDM arbitrated tasks with cyclo-static execution times are over-pessimistic in modeling their worst-case temporal behavior. This causes unnecessary over-reservation of resources to the application, leading to under-utilization of system resources and unnecessary rejection of additional applications. More accurate models for representing TDM exist but have restrictive assumptions on execution times (should be static) and/or the allocation of resources. We propose a conservative data flow model that accurately estimates the worst-case temporal behavior of TDM arbitrated tasks with cyclo-static execution as well as for the general case. This enables optimized resource allocation for TDM arbitration. Quantitatively, we show that our new model provides up to 30% improvement of resource allocation, in a case study of a wireless LAN radio.
Differential roles of endothelin‐1 ETA and ETB receptors and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide in regulation of the airways and the pulmonary vasculature in isolated rat lung

The available treatment strategies against pulmonary hypertension include the administration of endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) receptor subtype blockers (ETA and ETB antagonists); vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) has recently been suggested as a potential new therapeutic agent. We set out to investigate the ability of these agents to protect against the vasoconstriction and impairment of lung function commonly observed in patients with pulmonary hypertension. An ETA blocker (BQ123), ETB blocker (BQ788), a combination of these selective blockers (ETA+ ETB blockers) or VIP (V6130) was administered into the pulmonary circulation in four groups of perfused normal rat lungs. Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and forced oscillatory lung input impedance (ZL) were measured in all groups under baseline conditions and at 1 min intervals following ET‐1 administrations. The airway resistance, inertance, tissue damping and elastance were extracted from the ZL spectra. While VIP, ETA blocker and combined ETA and ETB blockers significantly prevented the pulmonary vasoconstriction induced by ET‐1, ETB blockade enhanced the ET‐1‐induced increases in PVR. In contrast, the ETA and ETB blockers markedly elevated the ET‐1‐induced increases in airway resistance, while VIP blunted this constrictor response. Our results suggest that VIP potently acts against the airway and pulmonary vascular constriction mediated by endothelin‐1, while the ETA and ETB blockers exert a differential effect between airway resistance and PVR.
Deregulated Stat 3 signaling dissociates pulmonary inflammation from emphysema in gp 130 mutant mice

Saleela M. Ruwanpura, Louise McLeod, Alistair Miller, Jessica Jones, Ross Vlahos, Georg Ramm, Anthony Longano, Philip G. Bardin, Steven Bozinovski, Gary P. Anderson, and Brendan J. Jenkins Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Monash Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton; Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Parkville; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash Micro Imaging, School of Biomedical Sciences, Monash University; and Departments of Pathology and Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
A BEHAVIOURAL ANALYSIS OF INVESTOR DIVERSIFICATION IN AN EMERGING MARKET

This paper studies the link between individual investors’ portfolio diversification levels and various personal characteristics that proxy informational advantages and overconfidence. The analysis is based on a detailed sample from the largest Turkish brokerage house tracking 59,951 individual investors’ accounts with a total of 3,248,654 million transactions over the period 2008-2010. Wealthier, highly educated, older investors working in the finance sector and those trading relatively often show higher diversification levels possibly because they are better equipped to obtain and process information. Finance professionals, married investors, and those placing high-volume orders through investment centers show poorer diversification levels probably due to overconfidence. Our analysis reveals significant nonlinear effects implying that the marginal impact of overconfidence on diversification is not uniform across investors but depends instead on the investor’s information gathering and processing ability.
Effect of Hyper- and Hypothyroidism on many physiological parameters and the rate of some diseases

Thyroid diseases are the second most public endocri ne system disorder which effect many systems of the body. This work aimed to study the effect of hyperand hypothyroidism on the blood pressure (systolic and diastolic, hemoglobin level (Hb), fasting blood sugar level (FBS), and decayed, missi ng, and fulling teeth (dmf-t) and study the frequencies of anemia, hypertension and d iabetes in these three groups. This study included forty patients, who were previously diagnosed with hyperthyroidism (20case) and hypothyroidism (20case) as well as 10 healthy as control (male and female) in age group of 30-65 years. There were sig nificant differences in HB levels among the three groups were detected. The lowest wa in hypothyroidism and the highest was in control. The frequency of anemia was significantly higher in the hyperand hypothyroidism compared to control. The systoli c blood pressure was significantly higher in the hyperthyroidism group. Conversely, significantly higher diastolic blood pressure in the hypothyroidism grou p was detected. The frequencies of Hypertension were significantly higher in the hyper thy oidism and hypothyroidism compared to control. There also were significantly differences in the FB S levels among the three groups. The frequency of diabetic w as significantly higher in the hyperand hypothyroidism compared to control . According to obtained data we suggested that all patients with hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism should be periodically evaluated for probably hematological, cardiovascular, biochemical, and oral changes.
Intracystic Papillary Carcinoma of the Breast: An In Situ or Invasive Tumor? Results of Immunohistochemical Analysis and Clinical Follow-up

Intracystic papillary carcinoma (IPC) is regarded as an intraductal neoplasm, but recent evidence suggests that it could be invasive, as it often lacks myoepithelial lining. We evaluated myoepithelial cells and collagen IV, a basement membrane component, in 40 IPCs from 39 (35 female and 4 male) patients and assessed their clinical management and follow-up. The mean patient age at diagnosis was 68 years, and the mean tumor size was 1.8 cm. Thirteen cases were pure IPC, 8 cases were IPC with or without microinvasion, and 19 cases were IPC with invasive carcinoma (IPC+IC), including 1 mucinous and 1 cribriform carcinoma. Ductal carcinoma in situ associated more often with IPC+IC (84.2%) than with pure IPC (61.5%) or IPC with or without microinvasion (62.5%). Myoepithelial cells were completely absent in 33 of 40 (82.5%) IPCs, and only focal in the remaining 7 of 40 cases (17.5%). Collagen IV lining was discontinuous in most cases (89%). All tumors were estrogen receptor positive and HER2 negative; most were progesterone receptor positive (93%). Eleven patients underwent mastectomy and 28 lumpectomy; 3 of 27 (11%) patients had lymph node involvement. Fourteen of all patients treated with breast conservation received radiation, 10 hormonal treatment, and none chemotherapy. Four patients treated conservatively (3 with pure IPC and 1 with IPC+IC) recurred locally, including one who later developed bone metastasis. We conclude that IPC constitutes a spectrum of intraductal and IC, with predominance of the latter. IPC rarely involves lymph nodes and carries very good prognosis, but can recur locally. This type of tumor is strongly estrogen receptor positive and hormonal therapy should be pursued for its management, whereas the benefit of radiation after lumpectomy remains unclear.
Closed loop bandwidth impact on doubly fed induction machine asymmetries detection based on rotor voltage signature analysis

This paper investigates the impact of the control system bandwidth on the detection of incipient faults in doubly fed induction generators used in wind turbines. In this application, the rotor is supplied by a static converter for the control of active and reactive power flows from the generator to the electrical grid. The Impact of the closed loop control system cannot be neglected when the detection of asymmetries in the machine are based on the signature analysis of electrical variables. An investigation of the behavior of faulty spectral components for different bandwidths of closed loop regulators is therefore necessary in order to evaluate the effectiveness of diagnostic indexes based on those variables. Simulation and experimental results are here presented to show the limits of two different approaches for fault detection. The first one based on current signature analysis and the second one based on rotor voltage signature analysis.
Management of reproduction and pregnancy complications in maternal obesity: Which role for dietary polyphenols?

Obesity is a global and dramatic public health problem; maternal obesity represents one of the main risk factors of infertility and pregnancy complications as it is associated with adverse maternal and offspring outcomes. In the last few years, adipose tissue dysfunction associated with altered adipocytokine secretion has been suggested to play a critical role in all the phases of reproductive process. Obesity is a nutrition‐related disorder. In this regard, dietary intervention strategies, such as high intake of fruit and vegetables, have shown significant effects in both preserving health and counteracting obesity‐associated diseases. Evidence has been provided that polyphenols, important constituents of plant‐derived food, can influence developmental program of oocyte and embryo, as well as pregnancy progression by modulating several cellular pathways. This review will examine the controversial results so far obtained on adipocytokine involvement in fertility impairment and pregnancy complications. Furthermore, the different effects exerted by polyphenols on oocyte, embryo, and pregnancy development will be also taken in account. © 2013 BioFactors, 40(1):79–102, 2014
Impulsive-Compulsive Sexual Behavior

ABSTRACT Impulsive-compulsive sexual behavior is a little studied clinical phenomenon which affects ~5% to 6% of the population. In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition-Text Revision, it is classified as an impulse control disorder not otherwise specified or a sexual disorder not otherwise specified. It may be placed in a possible new category in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition called substance and behavioral addictions.This clinical entity is reviewed and the merit of classifying it as an addiction is assessed. Information is presented regarding its diagnostic criteria, epidemiology, types of behavior it can involve, relationship to hypersexuality, comorbidities, treatment, and etiology. The data regarding this disorder and its overlap with chemical addiction is limited. If the two disorders are to be grouped together, further data are needed.