Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Metadata Interoperability and Standardization - A Study of Methodology, Part II: Achieving Interoperability at the Record and Repository Levels

This is the second part of an analysis of the methods that have been used to achieve or improve interoperability among metadata schemas and their applications in order to facilitate the conversion and exchange of metadata and to enable cross-domain metadata harvesting and federated searches. From a methodological point of view, implementing interoperability may be considered at different levels of operation: schema level (discussed in Part I of the article), record level (discussed in Part II of the article), and repository level (also discussed in Part II). The results of efforts to improve interoperability may be observed from different perspectives as well, including element-based and value-based approaches.
Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring in the Prediction of Cardiovascular Events and Effects of Chronotherapy: Rationale and Design of the MAPEC Study

Ambulatory blood pressure (BP) measurements (ABPM) correlate more closely with target organ damage and cardiovascular events than clinical cuff measurements. ABPM reveals the significant circadian variation in BP, which in most individuals presents a morning increase, small post‐prandial decline, and more extensive lowering during nocturnal rest. However, under certain pathophysiological conditions, the nocturnal BP decline may be reduced (non‐dipper pattern) or even reversed (riser pattern). This is clinically relevant because the non‐dipper and riser circadian BP patterns constitute a risk factor for left ventricular hypertrophy, microalbuminuria, cerebrovascular disease, congestive heart failure, vascular dementia, and myocardial infarction. Hence, there is growing interest in how to best tailor and individualize the treatment of hypertension according to the specific circadian BP pattern of each patient. All previous trials that have demonstrated an increased cardiovascular risk in non‐dipper as compared to dipper patients have relied on the prognostic significance of a single ABPM baseline profile from each participant without accounting for possible changes in the BP pattern during follow‐up. Moreover, the potential benefit (i.e., reduction in cardiovascular risk) associated with the normalization of the circadian BP variability (conversion from non‐dipper to dipper pattern) from an appropriately envisioned treatment strategy is still a matter of debate. Accordingly, the MAPEC (Monitorización Ambulatoria de la Presión Arterial y Eventos Cardiovasculares, i.e., Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring and Cardiovascular Events) study was designed to investigate whether the normalization of the circadian BP profile toward more of a dipper pattern by chronotherapeutic strategies (i.e., specific timing during the 24 h of BP‐lowering medications according to the 24 h BP pattern) reduces cardiovascular risk. The prospective MAPEC study investigates 3,000 diurnally active men and women ≥18 yrs of age. At inclusion, BP and wrist activity are measured for 48 h. The initial evaluation also includes a detailed medical history, an electrocardiogram, and screening laboratory blood and urine tests. The same evaluation procedure is scheduled yearly or more frequently (quarterly) if treatment adjustment is required for BP control. Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality are thus evaluated on the basis of changes in BP during follow‐up. The MAPEC study, now on its fourth year of follow‐up, investigates the potential decrease in cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and renal risk from the proper modeling of the circadian BP profile by the timed administration (chronotherapy) of antihypertensive medication, beyond the reduction of clinic‐determined daytime or ABPM‐determined 24 h mean BP levels.
Provisional chapter Insights to the Ethiopathogenesis of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease

CD and UC are considered to be multifactorial diseases and the underlying pathological process seems to be a combination of genetic predisposition and immunologic disturbances. Being the largest surface in the human body and since it is constantly colonized by a highly diverse community of microbes that are in normal circumstances either commensal or bene‐ ficial to human health, the role of the intestinal microbiota in development of IBD has been thoroughly investigated over the years. It is now generally accepted that the commensal flora plays a central role in triggering and perpetuating the disease process. [1] Even though there are several logical arguments contributing to the theory that the intestinal microbiota plays a major role in the IBD development, the types of microbes involved have not been adequately described. Studies of experimental animal models of IBD uncover that the pres‐ ence of gut bacteria is essential in inflammation initiation and there is no disease onset in germ-free mice [2]. Furthermore, decreasing bacterial numbers in the intestine by using anti‐ biotics, can lead to clinical improvement and decreased inflammation in both humans [3] and animal models of IBD [4, 5].
Noise Estimation for future large-scale small UAS Operations

This paper provides estimates for ambient noise levels that may be generated by future unmanned air traffic in low-altitude uncontrolled urban airspace. It is motivated by the need to assess the aural impact on communities from such large-scale close proximity unmanned aircraft operations. We simulate unmanned traffic over urban areas and estimate the noise footprint generated over a day. We compute four metrics namely Leq (the long term Average dB level), Ln (dB level exceeded n% of the time over a location for n = 10, 50, 90), A55 (Area affected by noise above 55dB) and P55 (population affected by noise above 55dB). The effect of increasing traffic density, varying source noise and different operation altitudes on the measured noise levels is also captured. The estimates show that noise levels alone will not be a nuisance especially with an expected altitude of high speed operations above 200ft. Future work should measure the spectral content of the sound and the auditory impact of specific frequencies. Keywords—Noise, Capacity, Airspace, unmanned aviation
A notational analysis of elite tennis strategy

A notational analysis of singles events at all four Grand Slam tournaments between 1997 and 1999 was conducted to determine the influence of the sex of the player and court surface on elite tennis strategy. Rallies of 7.1 ± 2.0 s in women's singles were significantly longer than those in men's singles (5.2 ± 1.8 s P < 0.001). Rallies of 6.3 ± 1.8 s at the Australian Open, 7.7 ± 1.7 s at the French Open, 4.3 ± 1.6 s at Wimbledon and 5.8 ± 1.9 s at the US Open were recorded. Rallies were significantly longer at the French Open than at any other tournament ( P < 0.05) and significantly shorter at Wimbledon than at any other tournament ( P < 0.05). In women's singles, 52.8 ± 12.4% of points were baseline rallies, significantly more than in men's singles (28.6 ± 19% P < 0.001). The proportion of baseline rallies played at the French Open (51.9 ± 14.2% of points) was significantly greater than at the Australian Open (46.6 ± 12.5%), Wimbledon (19.7 ± 19.4%) and the US Open (35.4 ± 19.5% P < 0.05). The results show that both the sex of the player and surface of the court have a significant influence on the nature of singles tennis at Grand Slam tournaments.
Development and application of a headspace solid‐phase microextraction and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry method for the determination of dimethylsulfide emitted by eight marine phytoplankton species

Headspace solid‐phase microextraction (HS‐SPME) coupled with gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) has been developed, optimized, and applied to investigate the dimethylsulfide (DMS) emissions from eight marine phytoplankton species, namely, Calcidiscus leptoporus, Emiliania huxleyi, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Chaetoceros neogracilis, Dunaliella tertiolecta, Synechococcus, Prochlorococcus, and Trichodesmium. Four SPME fiber coatings (PDMS, PDMS‐DVB, PDMS‐CAR, and CW‐DVB) were tested for linearity and limit of detection. Key parameters such as equilibrium and extraction times, desorption temperature and time, and headspace volume were optimized to make extraction as efficient as possible using the PDMS‐DVB fiber coating. This fiber enabled the characterization of DMS in seawater under 0.005 nM levels and within 1 min exposure time. Among the different algae groups, the two coccolithophorids, C. leptoporus and E. huxleyi, were the strongest emitters of DMS. Within the cyanobacteria, Prochlorococcus and Trichodesmium expressed no DMS emission, whereas Synechococcus showed very low DMS emission. The DMS emission of C. leptoporus, however, was several orders of magnitude higher than all other algae, including E. huxleyi, which is known to be a prolific emitter of DMS.
Inherent acoustic nonlinearity in fiber reinforced composites

This paper presents the study of inherent acoustic nonlinearity found in fiber reinforced composites. Nonlinear elastic wave methods such as Nonlinear Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy (NRUS) and Nonlinear Wave Modulation Spectroscopy (NWMS) have been shown earlier to work successfully for nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of various materials. It was observed that applying these techniques to detect damage in composites becomes difficult due to baseline nonlinearity in intact samples. NRUS experiments were conducted on intact and damaged carbon fiber-epoxy samples. In the absence of defect, certain laminates exhibited a nonlinear characteristic which was defined as baseline nonlinearity. With increase in damage, nonlinearity increased beyond the baseline nonlinearity which highlights the importance of understanding the contributions to baseline nonlinearity. This study investigates the cause for the baseline nonlinearity and how it impacts the NDE of composites.
P450 inhibitor ketoconazole increased the intratumor drug levels and antitumor activity of fenretinide in human neuroblastoma xenograft models

We previously reported that concurrent ketoconazole, an oral anti‐fungal agent and P450 enzyme inhibitor, increased plasma levels of the cytotoxic retinoid, fenretinide (4‐HPR) in mice. We have now determined the effects of concurrent ketoconazole on 4‐HPR cytotoxic dose‐response in four neuroblastoma (NB) cell lines in vitro and on 4‐HPR activity against two cell line‐derived, subcutaneous NB xenografts (CDX) and three patient‐derived NB xenografts (PDX). Cytotoxicity in vitro was assessed by DIMSCAN assay. Xenografted animals were treated with 4‐HPR/LXS (240 mg/kg/day) + ketoconazole (38 mg/kg/day) in divided oral doses in cycles of five continuous days a week. In one model, intratumoral levels of 4‐HPR and metabolites were assessed by HPLC assay, and in two models intratumoral apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL assay, on Day 5 of the first cycle. Antitumor activity was assessed by Kaplan‐Meier event‐free survival (EFS). The in vitro cytotoxicity of 4‐HPR was not affected by ketoconazole (p ≥ 0.06). Ketoconazole increased intratumoral levels of 4‐HPR (p = 0.02), of the active 4‐oxo‐4‐HPR metabolite (p = 0.04), and intratumoral apoptosis (p ≤ 0.0006), compared to 4‐HPR/LXS‐alone. Concurrent ketoconazole increased EFS in both CDX models compared to 4‐HPR/LXS‐alone (p ≤ 0.008). 4‐HPR + ketoconazole also increased EFS in PDX models compared to controls (p ≤ 0.03). Thus, concurrent ketoconazole decreased 4‐HPR metabolism with resultant increases of plasma and intratumoral drug levels and antitumor effects in neuroblastoma murine xenografts. These results support the clinical testing of concurrent ketoconazole and oral fenretinide in neuroblastoma.
Early Reconstruction of Distal Leg and Foot in Acute High-Voltage Electrical Burn: Does Location of Pedicle in the Zone of Injury Affect the Outcome of Distally Based Sural Flap?

Background Distally based fasciocutaneous sural flap is popular in the reconstruction of distal leg and foot burns. However, utilization of this technique in high-voltage electrical injury has been challenging. Aims The present study aimed to compare the outcome of early aggressive debridement and coverage of contact point of acute high-voltage electrical injury using distally based fasciocutaneous sural flap between high-risk and low-risk patients defined by the anatomic proximity of the flap pedicle to the zone of injury. Methods A total of 51 patients with contact point of high-voltage electrical burn (HVEB) in distal leg and foot undergoing distally based fasciocutaneous sural flap were included in this prospective clinical study. In 28 patients, the flap pedicle was not involved in the contact point of high-voltage electrical injury (low risk/control group), whereas in 21 patients, it was located inside the zone of injury (high-risk/case group). Patients were followed up for a median of 21 months (range, 12–44 months). Results Wound dimensions to be covered were relatively similar between the 2 groups. Complications of flap survival (primary outcome) and other minor early and late complications (secondary outcome) did not significantly differ between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions Provided that early and completed debridements of contact points of HVEB were achieved, distally based sural flap is feasible and there is reliable coverage in HVEB even in patients with flap pedicle located in vicinity of the zone of injury.
Improved End-of-Query Detection for Streaming Speech Recognition

In many streaming speech recognition applications such as voice search it is important to determine quickly and accurately when the user has finished speaking their query. A conventional approach to this task is to declare end-of-query whenever a fixed interval of silence is detected by a voice activity detector (VAD) trained to classify each frame as speech or silence. However silence detection and end-of-query detection are fundamentally different tasks, and the criterion used during VAD training may not be optimal. In particular the conventional approach ignores potential acoustic cues such as filler sounds and past speaking rate which may indicate whether a given pause is temporary or query-final. In this paper we present a simple modification to make the conventional VAD training criterion more closely related to end-of-query detection. A unidirectional long shortterm memory architecture allows the system to remember past acoustic events, and the training criterion incentivizes the system to learn to use any acoustic cues relevant to predicting future user intent. We show experimentally that this approach improves latency at a given accuracy by around 100ms for endof-query detection for voice search.
Human Case of Streptococcus suis Disease, Ontario, Canada

We report a case of Streptococcus suis human disease in Ontario, Canada, caused by a serotype 2 strain genotypically similar to those commonly isolated from pigs in North America. Initially, the isolate was misidentified as a viridans group Streptococcus. Human S. suis infections may be underdiagnosed in North America.
Endobronchial actinomycosis associated with broncholithiasis: CT findings for nine patients.

OBJECTIVE Our objective was to assess the CT findings for endobronchial actinomycosis associated with broncholithiasis. CONCLUSION Endobronchial actinomycosis associated with broncholithiasis manifests as a proximal obstructive calcified endobronchial nodule associated with distal post-obstructive pneumonia of the involved lobe or segment on CT. The possibility of endobronchial actinomycosis should be entertained when broncholithiasis is seen on CT in tuberculosis-endemic areas.
Measurement of dose reductions for superficial x-rays backscattered from bone interfaces

Accurate measurement and knowledge of dose delivered during superficial x-ray radiotherapy is required for patient dose assessment. Some tumours treated near the surface (within the first few centimetres) can have large posterior bone structures. This can cause perturbations to dose delivered due to changed backscatter contributions from the bony structure as compared to full water or tissue scattering conditions. Measured results have shown that up to 7.5% of Dmax reductions in dose can occur near the water/bone interface for 100 kVp, using 10 cm diameter field sizes when a 1 cm thick slab of bone is located at 2 cm depth. At smaller field sizes such as 2 cm diameter these values reduce to 2% for the same energy. Larger variations (up to 12.5% of maximum) have been seen at the phantom surface when the bone layer is directly behind the point of interest (within 0.5 mm) and smaller effects (up to 5% of maximum) at depths down to 5 cm. Interesting to note is the fact that for larger field sizes, an increase in percentage dose is found at the water/bone interface due to the production of low energy backscattered electrons similar to the effect found in lead. However, they are much smaller in magnitude and thus would not cause any significant dosimetric effects. In the case where large bony structures lie relatively close to the surface and the tissue above this region is being treated, a dosimeter such as radiochromic film can be used to estimate the dose reduction that may occur due to the changed backscatter conditions.
A Self-Organizing State Space Type Microstructure Model for Financial Asset Allocation

Among the models that describe the dynamic behaviors of financial market, the discrete time microstructure model stands out because of its efficiency in considering the relationship between the price, excess demand, and liquidity of a market. However, the estimation problem of such a microstructure model is challenging, because the model is essentially a nonlinear state space model. A decent solution is to define a self-organizing state-space model by combining the unknown parameters and the state vector of the original model into a new state vector. Then, the sequential Monte Carlo method can be used to simultaneously estimate the parameters and states. To handle the difficulty in setting the initial distributions of parameters for the self-organizing state space model, we propose to use the results obtained by the Kalman filter on the original microstructure model. Finally, a dynamic asset allocation strategy is designed based on estimated excess demand using the self-organizing state space model. The proposed methodology is evaluated by the China SZSE (ShenZhen Stock Exchange) Composite Index time series, and the results show its effectiveness.
Evolutionary Processes Mark Schal ler ,

Two kinds of evolutionary processes inform psychological research on stereotypes and prejudices. One is a process through which genetic variants are selectively transmitted from individuals to their offspring through sexual reproduction; this process has shaped psychological mechanisms that characterize contemporary human populations. The other is a process through which knowledge structures are selectively transmitted between individuals through interpersonal communication; this process shapes the belief systems that characterize human cultures. Inquiry into the first kind of process (genetic evolution) produces novel discoveries about contemporary human prejudices and the cues that trigger them. Inquiry into the second kind of process (cultural evolution) produces novel discoveries about the contents of popular stereotypes. This chapter reviews these bodies of research, and their implications. EVOLUTIONARY PROCESSES Two distinct types of evolutionary process are relevant to the psychology of stereotypes and prejudices. One is articulated within the vast scientific literature on human evolutionary biology. This is a process through which some genetic variants, rather than others, are selectively transmitted from individuals to their offspring through sexual reproduction, with resulting consequences for the phenotypic characteristics of human populations. The human brain is a product of this evolutionary process. Consequently, understanding how the brain evolved in response to selection pressures in ancestral environments leads to novel discoveries about psychological phenomena in contemporary environments. The other kind of evolutionary process focuses not on genes, but on memes – a word coined by the biologist Richard Dawkins (1976) to refer to the vast array of cognitive structures (such as stereotypes) and behavioral tendencies that may, or may not, become widespread within a population. Some memes, rather than others, are especially likely to be transmitted from one individual to another (through ordinary interpersonal communication processes), and this selective interpersonal transmission has implications for the shared belief systems that define human cultures. This process – conceptually distinct from but analogous to genetic evolution (Mesoudi, Whiten, & Laland, 2006) – has been referred to variously as ‘social evolution,‘ ‘socio-cultural
Factors associated with non-adherence to long-term highly active antiretroviral therapy: a 10 year follow-up analysis with correction for the bias induced by missing data.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with non-adherence over a 10 year follow-up of the APROCO-COPILOTE cohort during the maintenance phase of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). METHODS Overall, 1010 patients participated in this analysis, each having had at least 12 months of follow-up after HAART initiation and at least one self-reported adherence measure available during the follow-up period (month 12-month 120). Data collection was based on clinical records and self-administered questionnaires that gathered patients' psychosocial characteristics and experience with HIV disease and treatment. First, a generalized estimating equations (GEE) model was used to identify non-adherence predictors. Secondly, a Heckman two-stage approach was used in order to account for missing data bias and to measure the extent to which this could affect the results of the first model. RESULTS Non-adherent behaviour was reported by 747 patients (2070 visits). After correcting for the bias due to missing data, non-adherence was independently associated with side effects, having a three times or more daily dosing regimen, experience of being at clinical stage B/C and being diagnosed as HIV-positive for <6 months. Non-adherence was more likely among patients who were younger, had children, were born in the European Union, had depressive symptoms, consumed alcohol daily and declared a lack of support from their main partner. Adjusting for missing outcome data changed the pattern of predictors. CONCLUSIONS Reasons for non-adherence depended on both psychosocial conditions and treatment-related characteristics. To improve long-term patient outcomes for those at risk of adherence failure, tailor-made patient-specific psychosocial interventions and regimen-based strategies with improved tolerance need to be implemented.