Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
University of Groningen Functional relevance learning in generalized learning vector quantization

Relevance learning in learning vector quantization is a central paradigm for classification task depending feature weighting and selection. We propose a functional approach to relevance learning for high-dimensional functional data. For this purpose we compose the relevance profile by a superposition of only a few parametrized basis functions taking into account the functional character of the data. The number of these parameters is usually significantly smaller than the number of relevance weights in standard relevance learning, which is the number of data dimensions. Thus, instabilities in learning are avoided and an inherent regularization takes place. In addition, we discuss strategies to obtain sparse relevance models for further model optimization. & 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
“Well If He Could See Me Now”: The Facilitators and Barriers to the Promotion of Instrumental Independence Following Spousal Bereavement

Older widows face challenges regarding domestic instrumental tasks and independence. We asked 21 British widows about traditional male tasks, pre- and postbereavement. We focus on 3 aspects. First, what changes occurred in instrumental independence following bereavement? A typology of 4 was identified comprising: dependent/independent; dependent/dependent; independent/independent; independent/dependent. Second, what was the nature of independence? Third, what factors promoted or hindered independence? These included familial factors, both as aids and barriers, financial security as an aid, and health as a barrier. The results highlight how successfully widows manage instrumental tasks and how their independence could be enhanced.
A Comparative Analysis of Structural Brain MRI in the Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease

Dementia is a debilitating and life-altering disease which leads to both memory impairment and decline of normal executive functioning. While causes of dementia are numerous and varied, the leading cause among patients 60 years and older is Alzheimer’s disease. The gold standard for Alzheimer’s diagnosis remains histological identification of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles within the medial temporal lobe, more specifically the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus. Although no definitive cure for Alzheimer's disease currently exists, there are treatments targeted at preserving cognition and memory while delaying continued loss of function. Alzheimer's disease exists along a spectrum of cognitive decline and is often preceded by Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Patients with MCI demonstrate memory loss and cognitive impairment while still continuing normal activities of daily living, and are considered to be at increased risk for developing Alzheimer's Dementia. Identifying patients with prodromal states of Alzheimer's dementia such as MCI may allow initiation of appropriate treatment planning and delay of cognitive decline. Therefore, the need for a non-invasive early biomarker for the detection of Alzheimer's disease has never been greater. Multiple neuroimaging methods utilizing visual rating scales, volumetric measurements, and automated methods have been developed to identify, quantify, and track anatomic sequelae of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Hearing Loss Related with Type 2 Diabetes in an Elderly Population

RESULTS: The current investigation produced five major findings. The diabetics had higher thresholds for all frequencies, except 0.25 kHz, compared to the controls. Although there were significant differences at low frequencies, such as 0.5 and 1 kHz, the differences were most pronounced at 2, 4, and 8 kHz. The thresholds for speech reception were significantly higher in the diabetics than in the controls. Also, there were no side differences between the right and left ears in the diabetics or the controls, and the diabetics had lower speech discrimination scores than the controls. CONCLUSION: Diabetes is a complex, systemic disease that can affect multiple organs and physiological functions, on molecular and biochemical levels. The current investigation showed that elderly DM2 subjects had poorer hearing levels when compared with age and sex matched non-DM2 subjects.
NS3 of Bluetongue Virus Interferes with the Induction of Type I Interferon

ABSTRACT Upon infection with Bluetongue virus (BTV), an arthropod-borne virus, type I interferon (IFN-I) is produced in vivo and in vitro. IFN-I is essential for the establishment of an antiviral cellular response, and most if not all viruses have elaborated strategies to counteract its action. In this study, we assessed the ability of BTV to interfere with IFN-I synthesis and identified the nonstructural viral protein NS3 as an antagonist of the IFN-I system.
Comprehensive stability analysis of radial distribution system with load growth

The distribution systems are constantly facing an ever growing power demand and usually operates on the verge of its loadability limit. To operate the distribution system under such critical conditions the network is required to be reconfigured for improving the system stability by load balancing. In the past different configurations have been suggested by the researcher using various methods considering fixed loading pattern. In ever increasing demand scenario the loading with the time passage remains no more fixed. Therefore, the performance of these configurations has to be evaluated with increased demands. This paper considers the effect of load growth on distribution system performance. A comparative study for voltage stability, loadability limit, power losses and additional possible load that can be supplied at respective nodes has been performed on an IEEE 69-node radial distribution system.
Management dilemma in penetrating head injuries in comatose patients: Scenario in underdeveloped countries

Background: The optimal management of patients with minimal injury to brain has been a matter of controversy and this is especially intensified when the patient has a poor neurological status. This is important in the regions where neurosurgical services are limited and patient turnover is disproportionate to the available resources. We aimed to determine the effectiveness of aggressive management in coma patients after penetrating missile injuries of the brain. Methods: All the patients of gunshots or blast injuries were included if they had a Glasgow Coma Scale score of less than 8 after initial resuscitation and had no other injury that could explain their poor neurological status. The indication for emergency surgery was evidence of a mass lesion causing a significant mass effect; otherwise, debridement was done in a delayed fashion. The patients who were not operated were those with irreversible shock or having small intracranial pellets with no significant scalp wounds. The patients who had a Glasgow outcome score of 1, 2, or 3 were classified as having an unfavorable outcome (UO) and those with scores 4 and 5 were classified as having a favorable outcome (FO). Results: We operated 13 patients and the rest 13 were managed conservatively. The characteristics of the patients having a favorable outcome were young age (OR = 28, P = 0 .031), normal hemodynamic status (OR = 18, P = 0.08), presence of pupillary reaction (OR = 9.7, P = 0.1), and injury restricted to one hemisphere only (OR = 15, P = 0.07). All of the patients who were in shock after resuscitation died while 25% of the patients with a normal hemodynamic status had a favorable outcome. Conclusions: In developing countries with limited resources, the patients who are in a comatose condition after sustaining penetrating missile injuries should not be managed aggressively if associated with bihemispheric damage, irreversible shock, or bilateral dilated nonreacting pupils. This is especially important in the event of receiving numerous patients with the same kind of injuries.
Multiscale representation of simulated time

To better support multiscale modeling and simulation, we present a multiscale time representation consisting of data types, data structures, and algorithms that collectively support the recording of past events and scheduling of future events in a discrete event simulation. Our approach addresses the drawbacks of conventional time representations: limited range in the case of 32- or 64-bit fixed-point time values; problematic rounding errors in the case of floating-point numbers; and the lack of a universally acceptable precision level in the case of brute force approaches. The proposed representation provides both extensive range and fine resolution in the timing of events, yet it stores and manipulates the majority of event times as standard 64-bit numbers. When adopted for simulation purposes, the representation allows a domain expert to choose a precision level for his/her model. This time precision is honored by the simulator even when the model is integrated with other models of vastly different time scales. Making use of C++11 programming language features and the Discrete Event System Specification formalism, we implemented a simulator to test the time representation and inform a discussion on its implications for collaborative multiscale modeling efforts.
Comparison of sedation requirements for cataract surgery under topical anesthesia or retrobulbar block.

PURPOSE Topical anesthesia is increasingly being used for cataract surgery. However, it is believed that topical anesthesia causes an increased risk of intraoperative complications from unrestricted eye movement and insufficient pain control and more need for sedation. It is difficult to compare pain and anxiety experienced by individual patients; therefore, the authors used the method of patient-controlled sedation to determine whether there is a difference in sedation requirements under topical or retrobulbar anesthesia. METHODS In this prospective study, patients received either topical anesthesia (n=87) or retrobulbar block (n=104) and self-administered a mixture of midazolam (0.5 mg) and fentanyl (25 g) in increments using a patient controlled analgesia infuser to achieve sedation. At the end of surgery, patients rated their pain on a 10-point numerical rating scale and their comfort on a 5-point scale. The number of demands and deliveries were noted from the patient controlled analgesia infuser display. RESULTS Pain scores were between 0 and 2 in 95.4% in the topical and in 94.2% in the retrobulbar group (p>0.05). Patient comfort was equal in both groups with 2.94 0.92 in the topical group and 2.92 0.99 in the retrobulbar group (p>0.05). Mean sedation requirements were similar in both groups: 26.4% of patients in the topical group and 19.2% in the retrobulbar group did not request any sedation (not significant, p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Sedation requirements were similar for cataract surgery under topical and retrobulbar anesthesia. (Eur J Ophthalmol 2004; 14: #-7).
Simple Objective Detection of Human Lyme Disease Infection Using Immuno-PCR and a Single Recombinant Hybrid Antigen

ABSTRACT A serology-based tiered approach has, to date, provided the most effective means of laboratory confirmation of clinically suspected cases of Lyme disease, but it lacks sensitivity in the early stages of disease and is often dependent on subjectively scored immunoblots. We recently demonstrated the use of immuno-PCR (iPCR) for detecting Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies in patient serum samples that were positive for Lyme disease. To better understand the performance of the Lyme disease iPCR assay, the repeatability and variability of the background of the assay across samples from a healthy population (n = 36) were analyzed. Both of these parameters were found to have coefficients of variation of <3%. Using eight antigen-specific iPCR assays and positive call thresholds established for each assay, iPCR IgM and/or IgG diagnosis from Lyme disease patient serum samples (n = 12) demonstrated a strong correlation with that of 2-tier testing. Furthermore, a simplified iPCR approach using a single hybrid antigen and detecting only IgG antibodies confirmed the 2-tier diagnosis in the Lyme disease patient serum samples (n = 12). Validation of the hybrid antigen IgG iPCR assay using a blinded panel of Lyme disease and non-Lyme disease patient serum samples (n = 92) resulted in a sensitivity of 69% (95% confidence interval [CI], 50% to 84%), compared to that of the 2-tier analysis at 59% (95% CI, 41% to 76%), and a specificity of 98% (95% CI, 91% to 100%) compared to that of the 2-tier analysis at 97% (95% CI, 88% to 100%). A single-tier hybrid antigen iPCR assay has the potential to be an improved method for detecting host-generated antibodies against B. burgdorferi.
Golden Years? The Labor Market Effects of Caring for Grandchildren

The number of Americans raising grandchildren has been rising steadily. In this paper, we add to what is known about the implications of this trend by focusing on the economic effects of raising a grandchild. We make use of a unique data set compiled from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics along with its Parent Identification File. Using this nationally representative sample of 3,240 grandparents who are heads of households, we estimate the effect of taking in a grandchild on a grandparent’s labor force participation and hours worked. We estimate ordinary and two-stage models that distinguishing between grandparents living only with grandchildren (skipped generation families) and those who also have taken in their own children (three-generation families). The results suggest that caring for grandchildren leads to greater attachment to the labor force, especially in skipped-generation families, for grandfathers, and among married grandparents.
Government Health Expenditure and Public Health Outcomes: A Comparative Study among 17 Countries and Implications for US Health Care Reform

This research empirically analyzed the relationship between public health expenditure and national health outcomes among developed countries. The data was collected from 17 OECD countries between 1973 and 2000. Two public health outcome indicators, infant mortality rate and life expectancy at birth, were used as dependent variables. To analyze cross-country panel data, we used a mixed-effect model. A statistically significant association was found between government health expenditure and public health outcomes. Particularly, the findings showed a negative relationship between government health expenditure and infant mortality rate, and a positive relationship between government health expenditure and life expectancy at birth. The results suggest that higher government spending on medical goods and services can be shown to provide better overall health results for individuals. Based on these results, we discussed the policy implication of recent changes in healthcare policy in the United States as well as future research direction.
My approach to pathology of the pituitary gland

The sellar region is the site of a large number of pathological entities arising from the pituitary and adjacent anatomical structures, including brain, blood vessels, nerves and meninges. The surgical pathology of this area requires the accurate identification of neoplastic lesions, including pituitary adenoma and carcinoma, craniopharyngioma, neurological neoplasms, germ cell tumours, haematological malignancies and metastases, as well as non-neoplastic lesions such as cysts, hyperplasias and inflammatory disorders. This review provides a practical approach to the diagnosis of pituitary specimens that are sent to the pathologist at the time of surgery. The initial examination requires routine haematoxylin and eosin staining to establish whether the lesion is a primary adenohypophysial proliferation or one of the many other pathologies that occurs in this area. The most common lesions resected surgically are pituitary adenomas. These are evaluated with several special stains and immunohistochemical markers that are now available to accurately classify these pathologies. The complex subclassification of pituitary adenomas is now recognised to reflect specific clinical features and genetic changes that predict targeted treatments for patients with pituitary disorders.
Implantable cardioverter defibrillator with and without defibrillation threshold testing.

BACKGROUND Defibrillation threshold (DFT) testing at the time of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) insertion is performed routinely. This practice is being reconsidered due to doubts about its ability to improve ICD efficacy and evidence that survival may not be affected by the test. OBJECTIVES To compare the outcome of ICD recipients who underwent DFT testing and those who did not. METHODS A total of 213 eligible patients were implanted with an ICD between 2004 and 2009. DFT testing was performed in 80 of them. We compared total mortality, appropriate and inappropriate ICD shocks, and anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP) events between DFT and non-DFT patients during a follow-up of 2 years. RESULTS On comparing the DFT and non-DFT groups, we found a 2 year mortality rate of 7.5% versus 8.3%, respectively (P = 0.8). Furthermore, 20.7% of patients in the DFT group and 12.4% in the non-DFT group had at least one episode of ICD shock (P = 0.15). With regard to ICD treatment (ICD shocks or ATP events), 57.7% in the DFT group and 64.2% in the non-DFT group received appropriate treatments (P = 0.78). CONCLUSIONS No significant differences in the incidence of 2 year mortality or percentage of ICD treatment emerged between the DFT and non-DFT groups.
Prevalence of blood eosinophilia in hospitalized patients with acute exacerbation of COPD

In this cohort of 3084 patients hospitalized for acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD), we found that 17% had blood eosinophilia (≥300 cells/μL); the use of an alternative cut‐off level (≥2%) demonstrated that 40% had elevated eosinophil count. Patients with eosinophilia had higher frequency of readmission for AECOPD during 1‐year follow‐up period. This is the first study to investigate the prevalence of eosinophilia among inpatients with AECOPD—the population with the highest morbidity and health‐care utilization.
IUUI - Intuitive Use of User Interfaces

Die Begriffe „Intuition“, „intuitiv“ und „Intuitivitat“ werden in der Alltagssprache haufig gebraucht, um bestimmte Aspekte der Benutzung technischer Systeme zu beschreiben. Im wissenschaftlichen Diskurs werden diese Begriffe dagegen oft vermieden, da fur sie bisher keine etablierte Definition existiert. Der Arbeitskreis "Intuitive Use of User Interfaces" (IUUI) hat sich zum Ziel gesetzt, „Intuitivitat“ im Kontext Mensch-TechnikInteraktion zu untersuchen, zu definieren sowie praktikable Gestaltungslosungen zu erarbeiten. In diesem Beitrag wird eine allgemeine Definition des Begriffs "Intuitivitat" vorgestellt, die Intuitivitat als Eigenschaft von MenschTechnik-Systemen versteht, sowie ein Uberblick uber Voraussetzungen und Einschrankungen der Begriffsverwendung gegeben.
Conjugated linoleic acid: a functional nutrient in the different pathophysiological components of the metabolic syndrome?

Purpose of reviewMuch attention has focused on the therapeutic potential of conjugated linoleic acid with the most abundant isomers being cis-9,trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid and trans-10,cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid. Initial animal studies associated conjugated linoleic acid with beneficial health properties, such as reducing the risk of cancer, diabetes, atherosclerosis, inflammation and obesity. This review has appraised the evidence in relation to the effect of conjugated linoleic acid on components of the metabolic syndrome (clinically or experimentally), in particular, obesity, insulin resistance, atherosclerosis and inflammation. Recent findingsMore recent human conjugated linoleic acid supplementation studies have often shown conflicting and less convincing health benefits. The marked variation between studies may reflect the isomer-specific effect of the individual conjugated linoleic acid isomers, which can often have opposing effects. Detrimental effects have been observed in some studies, in particular after supplementation with the trans-10,cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid isomer. SummaryFurther studies and long-term clinical trials will be required to determine the efficacy and safety of conjugated linoleic acid isomers before conjugated linoleic acid could be considered as a functional nutrient in humans.
Strong Approximation of Eigenvalues of Large Dimensional Wishart Matrices by Roots of Generalized Laguerre Polynomials

The purpose of this note is to establish a link between recent results on asymptotics for classical orthogonal polynomials and random matrix theory. Roughly speaking it is demonstrated that the ith eigenvalue of a Wishart matrix W(In, s) is close to the ith zero of an appropriately scaled Laguerre polynomial, when limn,s→∞ n/s = y ∈ [0, ∞). As a by-product we obtain an elemantary proof of the Marcenko-Pastur and the semicircle law without relying on combinatorical arguments.
Sexual selection can reduce mutational load in Drosophila subobscura

According to theoretical predictions sexual selection can reduce mutational load through male mating success. Males of good genetic quality should be more successful in matings, compared to the males of low genetic quality, thus in this way females can prevent deleterious alleles to be transmitted to the next generation. We tested this hypothesis through set up of two experimental groups from same genetic pool, where in one group genetic quality was manipulated by ionizing radiation. Within each group opportunity for choosing mates was imposed: males and females had no choice or had multiple choice. Mutational load was measured through the variability of different fitness components: fecundity and egg-to-adult viability. Our results indicate that sexual selection can reduce mutational load, only for fecundity. Group with the presence of female choice exhibited higher fecundity than group in which sexual selection was experimentally eliminated, but only in “irradiated” group. There was no overall difference in egg-to-adult viability between different sexual selection regimes in any of the group. It should be considered that sexual selection can cause sexual conflict, and potential opposite effects of sexual selection and sexual conflict on fitness. Genetic structure of populations, in terms of the level of mutational load, is an important factor which can determinate the role of sexual selection. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 173012]