Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multicollinearity and misleading statistical results

Multicollinearity represents a high degree of linear intercorrelation between explanatory variables in a multiple regression model and leads to incorrect results of regression analyses. Diagnostic tools of multicollinearity include the variance inflation factor (VIF), condition index and condition number, and variance decomposition proportion (VDP). The multicollinearity can be expressed by the coefficient of determination (Rh2) of a multiple regression model with one explanatory variable (Xh) as the model’s response variable and the others (Xi [i≠h] as its explanatory variables. The variance (σh2) of the regression coefficients constituting the final regression model are proportional to the VIF (11-Rh2). Hence, an increase in Rh2 (strong multicollinearity) increases σh2. The larger σh2 produces unreliable probability values and confidence intervals of the regression coefficients. The square root of the ratio of the maximum eigenvalue to each eigenvalue from the correlation matrix of standardized explanatory variables is referred to as the condition index. The condition number is the maximum condition index. Multicollinearity is present when the VIF is higher than 5 to 10 or the condition indices are higher than 10 to 30. However, they cannot indicate multicollinear explanatory variables. VDPs obtained from the eigenvectors can identify the multicollinear variables by showing the extent of the inflation of σh2 according to each condition index. When two or more VDPs, which correspond to a common condition index higher than 10 to 30, are higher than 0.8 to 0.9, their associated explanatory variables are multicollinear. Excluding multicollinear explanatory variables leads to statistically stable multiple regression models.
WAVELET BASED SPECTRUM SENSING TECHNIQUES FOR COGNITIVE RADIO - A SURVEY

Spectrum scarcity is one of the major issues faced in Wireless communication technology. Efficient spectrum utilization is of utmost importance to alleviate the problem of interference and reduced data rates. Cognitive Radios adapt themselves according to the available spectrum and thereby enhance transmission and reception of data, without affecting adjacent band users. The pre-requisite for such an objective is the precise calculation of spectrum boundaries. Many methods have been suggested and revised from time to time. The Wavelet Edge Detection is one of the most widely used Spectrum Sensing techniques. This technique observes the spatial distribution of spectral data at multiple resolutions. The aim of this paper is to familiarize the reader with the mathematics behind the application of wavelets for edge detection, which is made use of for spectrum sensing applications. The several variants of this scheme which was originally formulated by Mallat et al are discussed and the inherent flaws or complexities are pointed out. The importance of choosing a suitable wavelet system is explained. We then proceed further and present an adaptive algorithm which chooses a suitable wavelet system by analyzing the nature of the spectrum. The slope of the Power Spectral Density is used as an index to distinguish between sharp and blunt peaks. Sparse spectra with conspicuous peaks utilize Haar wavelet system whereas dense spectra with subtle peaks use Gaussian Wavelet System. Multi-scale sums are used since they produce more accurate results than multi-scale products. The simulations are carried out in the FM frequency band (88-108 MHz) using MATLAB.
Homoarginine Supplementation Prevents Left Ventricular Dilatation and Preserves Systolic Function in a Model of Coronary Artery Disease

Background Homoarginine (hArg) has been shown to be cardioprotective in a model of ischemic heart failure; however, the mechanism remains unknown. hArg can inhibit tissue‐nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP), an enzyme that promotes vascular calcification. We hypothesized that hArg will exert beneficial effects by reducing calcification in a mouse model of coronary artery disease associated with TNAP overexpression and hypercholesterolemia. Methods and Results TNAP was overexpressed in the endothelium in mice homozygous for a low‐density lipoprotein receptor mutation (wicked high cholesterol [WHC] allele). WHC and WHC–endothelial TNAP mice received placebo or hArg supplementation (14 mg/L in drinking water) starting at 6 weeks of age simultaneously with an atherogenic diet. Outcomes were compared between the groups after 4 to 5 weeks on treatment. Experiments were performed in males, which presented a study limitation. As expected, WHC–endothelial TNAP mice on the placebo had increased mortality (median survival 27 days, P<0.0001), increased coronary calcium and lipids (P<0.01), increased left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter (P<0.0001), reduced ejection fraction (P<0.05), and increased myocardial fibrosis (P<0.0001) compared with WHC mice. Contrary to our hypothesis, hArg neither inhibited TNAP activity in vivo nor reduced coronary artery calcification and atherosclerosis in WHC–endothelial TNAP mice; however, compared with the placebo, hArg prevented left ventricular dilatation (P<0.01), preserved ejection fraction (P<0.05), and reduced myocardial fibrosis (P<0.001). Conclusions The beneficial effect of hArg supplementation in the setting of calcified coronary artery disease is likely due to its direct protective actions on the myocardial response to the ischemic injury and not to the inhibition of TNAP activity and calcification.
Pathologic Hip Fracture Demonstrated on Ultrasound

A 65-year-old man with multiple myeloma presented for an ultrasound-guided intraarticular left hip injection. The patient was seen 1 week prior for 2 months of left groin pain. He denied trauma but thought the pain started after discontinuing an oral corticosteroid regimen. Severity ranged from 4 to 5 out of 10, worsened with weightbearing, and improved with rest. Acetaminophen and oxycodone did not relieve his pain. He denied catching, snapping, weakness, paresthesias, or pain radiation. Regarding his multiple myeloma, he had received multiple chemotherapy regimens in the past 5 years and was currently enrolled in a chemotherapy trial. In addition, the patient was pancytopenic due to chemotherapy. Physical examination demonstrated no tenderness. Eighty degrees of hip flexion and any hip internal rotation were painful. Strength and neurovascular testing were normal. Stinchfield and flexion-adduction-internal rotation maneuvers were positive with minimal maneuvering. Hip radiographs demonstrated degenerative changes of bilateral hips, but were read as negative for fracture. He was diagnosed with left hip osteoarthritis and referred for an ultrasound-guided left hip joint injection. Pre-scanning in an oblique sagittal plane in line with the femoral head and neck revealed a large atypical-appearing cleft across the majority of the anterior surface of the femoral head-neck junction (Figure 1). Due to concern for pathological fracture, impending fracture, or active myelomatous lesion, the injection was postponed. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pelvis was obtained, which demonstrated a subacute pathologic fracture of the left femoral neck with mild posteromedial displacement and apex anterior angulation of the femoral head (Figure 2). Extensive osseous metastatic disease was also present in the visualized axial and appendicular skeleton. The patient was subsequently admitted to the hospital for orthopedic evaluation. Due to his thrombocytopenia and neutropenia, however, surgical fixation would require holding his chemotherapy for 3 to 4 weeks to prevent infection and allow healing. The patient preferred to continue his chemotherapy and opted for nonoperative management. He was advised to remain toe-touch weight-bearing Figure 1. Ultrasound in oblique sagittal plane in line with the left femoral head and neck. An atypical cleft was noted near the femoral headneck junction.
Children’s Literature as a Vehicle for Political Socialization: An Examination of Best-Selling Picture Books 2012–2017

Abstract Despite the importance of political engagement, the topic has been the subject of little empirical research in developmental psychology, particularly with preadolescent samples. As a commonly available and developmentally appropriate source of media messages, picture books may inform young children about politics and influence their political engagement and aspirations. This study presents a content analysis of all books included on The New York Times best sellers list for children’s picture books from 2012 to 2017. Books were reviewed for depictions of political issues, political processes, political leaders, symbols associated with politics or political leadership, and government employees. Nearly half of the books in the sample included at least one instance of politically relevant content. Relatively few books included depictions of political issues or processes. More books contained depictions of political leaders. Democratic leaders represented were predominantly historical figures, and were largely men and White. Relative to democratic leaders, monarchical leaders were more likely to be girls or women and to be children and were less likely to engage in political processes or decisions. The findings suggest that although many picture books contain some politically relevant content, picture books represent a missed opportunity for many aspects of political socialization.
A Comparative Test of the Adaptive Plasticity Hypothesis: Relationships between Habitat and Phenotype in Anuran Larvae

Abstract: The hypothesis that phenotypic plasticity is maintained by divergent natural selection acting across different environments predicts that populations and species exposed to highly variable environments will express high levels of plasticity. I tested this prediction by measuring the behavioral and morphological responses to aeshnid dragonfly larvae of 16 tadpole species and asking whether predator‐induced plasticity is greater in species that experience more variable densities of predators in nature. Tadpole phenotypes were measured in a series of similar experiments in outdoor artificial ponds carried out over a 9‐yr period. I quantified tadpole habitats by soliciting evaluations by seven to 36 experienced field observers for each species. There were large differences among species in phenotype, mostly in agreement with earlier descriptions. Nearly all species responded to dragonflies by decreasing activity and body length relative to overall body size and by increasing relative tail fin depth,.
A One Health approach to prevention, treatment, and control of campylobacteriosis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review recent findings regarding the control and treatment of campylobacteriosis. RECENT FINDINGS The application of improved diagnostics has led to an upward shift in the attributable burden of Campylobacter infections, in both the United States and Europe as well as in resource-poor settings. Increased focus has brought a fundamental feature of campylobacteriosis -- the ability to cause relapsing disease back into focus, and expanding data on antimicrobial resistance has lead from a switch in first-line therapy for severe diarrhea from quinolones to azithromycin in most contexts, even as evidence of expanding macrolide resistance emerges. SUMMARY Campylobacter spp. infection is a common infection worldwide. Antibiotic-resistant Campylobacter spp. has become an emerging threat with the increase in industrial poultry production, as well as the broad use of antibiotics in both animals and humans.
The correlation between infections by human papillomavirus types 6/11 and 16/18 and mammary gland hyperplasia with glandular thickening.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the correlation between human papillomavirus (HPV) type 6/11 and 16/18 infections and glandular thickening mammary gland hyperplasia in order to explore methods for preventing glandular thickening mammary gland hyperplasia. A total of 240 patients with glandular thickening mammary gland hyperplasia who were treated by surgery in our hospital from January 2012 to June 2017 were enrolled in the present study. The hyperplastic breast tissue and adjacent normal breast tissue were taken to test HPV type 6/11 and 16/18 infections using conventional PCR and in situ hybridization techniques. The correlations between HPV type 6/11 and 16/18 infections and glandular thickening mammary gland hyperplasia were analyzed using statistical methods of chi-square test. The infection rates of HPV type 6/11 and 16/18 in the hyperplastic breast tissue were 31.95% and 34.91%, respectively and 11.83% and 14.79% in the normal breast tissue, respectively. The differences were statistically significant (all p<0.05). HPV type 6/11 and 16/18 infections may be closely related to the development of glandular thickening mammary gland hyperplasia, and may be one of the causes of glandular thickening mammary gland hyperplasia.
Caring for Unbefriended Older Adults and Adult Orphans: A Clinician Survey

ABSTRACT Objectives: Unbefriended older adults are those who lack the capacity to make medical decisions and do not have a completed advance directive that can guide treatment decisions or a surrogate decision maker. Adult orphans are those who retain medical decision-making capacity but are at risk of becoming unbefriended due to lack of a completed advance health care directive and lack of a surrogate decision maker. In a follow-up to the 2016 American Geriatrics Society (AGS) position statement on unbefriended older adults, we examined clinicians’ experiences in caring for unbefriended older adults and adult orphans. Methods: Clinicians recruited through the AGS (N = 122) completed an online survey about their experiences with unbefriended older adults regarding the perceived frequency of contact, clinical concerns, practice strategies, and terminology; and also with adult orphans regarding the perceived frequency of contact, methods of identification, and terminology. Results: Almost all inpatient (95.9%) and outpatient (86.4%) clinicians in this sample encounter unbefriended older adults at least quarterly and 92.2% of outpatient clinicians encounter adult orphans at least quarterly. Concerns about safety (95.9%), medication self-management (90.4%), and advance care planning (86.3%) bring unbefriended older adults to outpatient clinicians’ attention “sometimes” to “frequently. ” Prolonged hospital stays (87.7%) and delays in transitioning to end-of-life care (85.7%) bring unbefriended older adults to inpatient clinicians’ attention “sometimes” to “frequently. ” Clinicians apply a wide range of practice strategies to these populations. Participants suggested alternative terminology to replace “unbefriended” and “adult orphan. ” Conclusions: This study suggests that unbefriended older adults are frequently encountered in geriatrics practice, both in the inpatient and outpatient settings, and that there is widespread awareness of adult orphans in the outpatient setting. Clinicians’ awareness of both groups suggests avenues for intervention and prevention. Clinical Implications: Health care professionals in geriatric settings will likely encounter older adults in need of advocates. Clinicians, attorneys, and policymakers should collaborate to improve early detection and to meet the needs of this vulnerable population.
Comparative Performance of Two Whole Genome Capture Methodologies on Ancient DNA Illumina Libraries

The application of whole genome capture (WGC) methods to ancient DNA (aDNA) promises to increase the efficiency of ancient genome sequencing. We compared the performance of two recently developed WGC methods in enriching human aDNA within Illumina libraries built using both double-stranded (DSL) and single-stranded (SSL) build protocols. Although both methods effectively enriched aDNA, one consistently produced marginally better results, giving us the opportunity to further explore the parameters influencing WGC experiments. Our results suggest that bait length has an important influence on library enrichment. Moreover, we show that WGC biases against the shorter molecules that are enriched in SSL preparation protocols. Therefore application of WGC to such samples is not recommended without future optimization. Lastly, we document the effect of WGC on other features including clonality, GC composition and repetitive DNA content of captured libraries. Our findings provide insights for researchers planning to perform WGC on aDNA, and suggest future tests and optimization to improve WGC efficiency.
Effectiveness of mesalazine to treat irritable bowel syndrome

Abstract Aim: Accumulating evidence has explored the effect of mesalazine on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, these studies remain inconsistent. Thus, a meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the role of mesalazine on IBS. Methods: PubMed, Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library Database were searched for all relevant randomized, controlled, blinded trials on mesalazine in patients with IBS between January 1980 and October 2018. All statistical analyses were performed using Revman 5.3 software. A fixed-effects model was adopted, 95% confidence intervals for SMD was calculated. Heterogeneity was evaluated by χ2 test and I2 statistic. Results: Five studies involving 387 participants were finally included in this meta-analysis. The results showed that the SMD for clinical efficacy on abdominal pain in IBS patients treated with mesalazine in comparison to placebo was 0.19 (95% CI = −0.01 to 0.39, P = .06), which was statistically non-significant but clinically important. For beneficial effect of abdominal bloating, the SMD was 0.05 (95% CI = −0.20 to 0.30, P = .70), which was statistically non-significant. In regard to clinical efficacy on defecation frequency per day, the results revealed that the SMD was 0.29 (95% CI = −0.14 to 0.73, P = .18), which was statistically non-significant but clinically important. As for beneficial effect of general well-being, we found that the SMD was 0.41 (95% CI = −0.75 to 1.58, P = .49), which was statistically non-significant. With respect to stool consistency, the SMD was 0.01 (95% CI = −0.31 to 0.33, P = .96), which was statistically non-significant. For the effect of defecation urgency severity in IBS patients treated with mesalazine in comparison to placebo, we detected a surprising result with an SMD of 0.54 (95% CI = 0.05–1.04, P = .03), which was statistically significant. There was no significant difference between mesalazine group and placebo group on total mucosal immune cell counts of the patients with IBS with an SMD of −1.64 (95% CI = −6.17 to 2.89, P = .48) and there was also no significant difference in adverse reactions between two groups with an SMD of 1.05 (95% CI = 0.76–1.46 P = .77). Conclusion: Mesalazine is not superior to placebo in relieving clinical symptoms of abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, and general well-being of IBS and has no advantage of reducing defecation frequency per day and immune cell infiltration and improving stool consistency though without adverse reactions of mesalazine compared with placebo. For defecation urgency severity, placebo is even superior to mesalazine for IBS patients. Thus, mesalazine might be a cost burden to patients without providing good effectiveness. In view of the small sample size of the current study and the differences in every experimental designs, this study has high heterogeneity and requires subsequent verification.
Robust adaptive techniques for sensor fault detection and diagnosis

In this note, a framework for automated detection and diagnosis of a class of sensor faults in linear systems is developed. This framework, which addresses both abrupt and incipient faults, utilizes a nonlinear adaptive detection observer along with a parameter estimator for failure assessment. The sensor failure is modeled either as an additive perturbation or as a multiplicative perturbation of the sensor signal that has magnitude described by a time varying function. Robust adaptive schemes are introduced to account for modeling errors that affect the diagnosis process and may cause false alarms. Further extensions from standard adaptive control techniques are applied to guarantee convergence of certain signals to residual sets. Numerical studies for mechanical systems are presented to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed automated diagnostic scheme.
Resistance of t(17;19)‐acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell lines to multiagents in induction therapy

t(17;19)(q21‐q22;p13), responsible for TCF3‐HLF fusion, is a rare translocation in childhood B‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia(BCP‐ALL). t(1;19)(q23;p13), producing TCF3‐PBX1 fusion, is a common translocation in childhood BCP‐ALL. Prognosis of t(17;19)‐ALL is extremely poor, while that of t(1;19)‐ALL has recently improved dramatically in intensified chemotherapy. In this study, TCF3‐HLF mRNA was detectable at a high level during induction therapy in a newly diagnosed t(17;19)‐ALL case, while TCF3‐PBX1 mRNA was undetectable at the end of induction therapy in most newly diagnosed t(1;19)‐ALL cases. Using 4 t(17;19)‐ALL and 16 t(1;19)‐ALL cell lines, drug response profiling was analyzed. t(17;19)‐ALL cell lines were found to be significantly more resistant to vincristine (VCR), daunorubicin (DNR), and prednisolone (Pred) than t(1;19)‐ALL cell lines. Sensitivities to three (Pred, VCR, and l‐asparaginase [l‐Asp]), four (Pred, VCR, l‐Asp, and DNR) and five (Pred, VCR, l‐Asp, DNR, and cyclophosphamide) agents, widely used in induction therapy, were significantly poorer for t(17;19)‐ALL cell lines than for t(1;19)‐ALL cell lines. Consistent with poor responses to VCR and DNR, gene and protein expression levels of P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) were higher in t(17;19)‐ALL cell lines than in t(1;19)‐ALL cell lines. Inhibitors for P‐gp sensitized P‐gp‐positive t(17;19)‐ALL cell lines to VCR and DNR. Knockout of P‐gp by CRISPRCas9 overcame resistance to VCR and DNR in the P‐gp‐positive t(17;19)‐ALL cell line. A combination of cyclosporine A with DNR prolonged survival of NSG mice inoculated with P‐gp‐positive t(17;19)‐ALL cell line. These findings indicate involvement of P‐gp in resistance to VCR and DNR in Pgp positive t(17;19)‐ALL cell lines. In all four t(17;19)‐ALL cell lines, RAS pathway mutation was detected. Furthermore, among 16 t(1;19)‐ALL cell lines, multiagent resistance was usually observed in the cell lines with RAS pathway mutation in comparison to those without it, suggesting at least a partial involvement of RAS pathway mutation in multiagent resistance of t(17;19)‐ALL.
A NEW APPROACH TO CONTEXT AWARE SALIENCY DETECTION USING GENETIC ALGORITHM

In this paper we present a new saliency detection model which not only detect the the dominant salient object but also the image regions that give some information about the scene. Starting from the initial segmentation result obtained from applying multi iteration multithresholding algorithms, and then applying morphology based edge detection method. The proposed method applies hough transforms to detect the energy content of the image, then genetic algorithms can be expoited to detect the salient region in the image.