Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessment of patient knowledge of diabetic goals, self-reported medication adherence, and goal attainment

Background: Medication adherence is an integral aspect of disease state management for patients with chronic illnesses, including diabetes mellitus. It has been hypothesized that patients with diabetes who have poor medication adherence may have less knowledge of overall therapeutic goals and may be less likely to attain these goals. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess self-reported medication adherence, knowledge of therapeutic goals (hemoglobin A1C [A1C], low density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C] and blood pressure [BP]), and goal attainment in adult patients with diabetes. Methods: A survey was created to assess medication adherence, knowledge of therapeutic goals, and goal attainment for adult patients with diabetes followed at an internal medicine or a family medicine clinic. Surveys were self-administered prior to office visits. Additional data were collected from the electronic medical record. Statistical analysis was performed. Results: A total of 149 patients were enrolled. Knowledge of therapeutic goals was reported by 14%, 34%, and 18% of survived patients for LDL-C, BP, and A1C, respectively. Forty-six percent, 37%, and 40% of patients achieved LDL-C, BP, and A1C goals, respectively. Low prescribing of cholesterol-lowering medications was an interesting secondary finding; 36% of patients not at LDL-C goal had not been prescribed a medication targeted to lower cholesterol. Forty-eight percent of patients were medication non-adherent; most frequently reported reasons for non-adherence were forgot (34%) and too expensive (14%). Patients at A1C goal were more adherent than patients not at goal (p=0.025). Conclusion: The majority did not reach goals and were unknowledgeable of goals; however, most were provided prescriptions to treat these parameters. Goal parameters should be revisited often amongst multidisciplinary team members with frequent and open communications. Additionally, it is imperative that practitioners discuss the importance of medication adherence with every patient at every visit.
Arabidopsis A BOUT DE SOUFFLE, Which Is Homologous with Mammalian Carnitine Acyl Carrier, Is Required for Postembryonic Growth in the Light Article, publication date, and citation information can be found at www.plantcell.org/cgi/doi/10.1105/tpc.002485.

The degradation of storage compounds just after germination is essential to plant development, providing energy and molecules necessary for the building of a photosynthetic apparatus and allowing autotrophic growth. We identified à bout de souffle (bou), a new Arabidopsis mutation. Mutant plants stopped developing after germination and degraded storage lipids, but they did not proceed to autotrophic growth. Neither leaves nor roots developed in the mutant. However, externally added sugar or germination in the dark could bypass this developmental block and allowed mutant plants to develop. The mutated gene was cloned using the transposon Dissociation as a molecular tag. The gene coding sequence showed similarity to those of the mitochondrial carnitine acyl carriers (CACs) or CAC-like proteins. In animals and yeast, these transmembrane proteins are involved in the transport of lipid-derived molecules across mitochondrial membranes for energy and carbon supply. The data presented here suggest that BOU identifies a novel mitochondrial pathway that is necessary to seedling development in the light. The BOU pathway would be an alternative to the well-known glyoxylate pathway.
Interactive Object Class Segmentation for Mobile Devices

In this paper we propose an interactive approach for object class segmentation of natural images on touch-screen capable mobile devices. The key research question to which this paper tries to give an answer is: can we effectively correct the errors committed by an automatic or semi-automatic figure-ground segmentation algorithm while also providing real time feedback to the user on a low computational power mobile device? Many research works focused on improving automatic or semi-automatic figure-ground segmentation algorithms, but none tried to take advantage of the existing touch-screen technology integrated in most modern mobile devices to optimize the segmentation results of these algorithms. Our key idea is to use super-pixels as interactive buttons that can be quickly tapped by the user to be added or removed from an initial low quality segmentation mask, with the aim of correcting the segmentation errors and produce a satisfying final result. We performed an extensive analysis of the proposed approach by implementing it both on a desktop computer and a mid-range Android device, even though our method is extremely simple, the results we obtained are comparable with those achieved by other state-of-the-art interactive segmentation algorithms. As such, we believe that the proposed approach can be exploited by most image editing mobile applications to provide a simple but highly effective method for interactive object class segmentation.
Sexual Arousal in Rapists

This research explores the validity of phallometric assessments with rapists. The sexual responses of a group of rapists on two assessments of sexual arousal to rape depiction are compared. Data on a group of child molesters are also examined for comparison. Relationships between sexual arousal and offense history variables, psychopathy, and actuarial risk assessment scores are also examined. Rapists, as a group, do not exhibit a sexual preference for depictions of rape as opposed to depictions of consensual sex with adult females on any of the assessments. Furthermore, when men are classified as either deviant or nondeviant according to their deviance indices, there is very low agreement between stimulus sets as to group membership. No meaningful relationships are found between sexual arousal and offense-related variables, psychopathy, or risk assessment measures. Results are discussed in terms of the validity of phallometric assessments.
Step-Size Optimization EASI Algorithm for Blind Source Separation

Aiming at the problem of blind source separation of the communication signals, we propose a step size optimization equivariant adaptive source separation via independence (SO-EASI) algorithm basing on the EASI block based algorithm. This algorithm adjusts the step-size by the steepest descent method and thereby greatly increases its convergence speed whatever value the step-size is initialized. Simulation results show that SO-EASI algorithm can effectively blindly separate the communication signals and these results also support the expected improvement in convergence speed of the approach.
Orthogonal well-localized Weyl-Heisenberg basis construction and optimization for multicarrier digital communication systems

Utilization of well-localized bases allows to improve considerably the efficiency and robustness against intercarrier (ICI) and intersymbol interference (ISI) of now existing wireless digital communication systems based on Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM). The algebraic procedure of orthogonal well-localized Weyl-Heisenberg basis construction is considered in the paper. Optimal values of basis's phase parameter are derived for several types of symmetry of the prototype function. Presented modeling results confirm good localization characteristics and enable to select the best type of symmetry. This article presents the research work related to the development of enhanced modulation technique with Orthogonal Time-Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFTDM).
Analysis of Multimodal Neuroimaging Data

Each method for imaging brain activity has technical or physiological limits. Thus, combinations of neuroimaging modalities that can alleviate these limitations such as simultaneous recordings of neurophysiological and hemodynamic activity have become increasingly popular. Multimodal imaging setups can take advantage of complementary views on neural activity and enhance our understanding about how neural information processing is reflected in each modality. However, dedicated analysis methods are needed to exploit the potential of multimodal methods. Many solutions to this data integration problem have been proposed, which often renders both comparisons of results and the choice of the right method for the data at hand difficult. In this review we will discuss different multimodal neuroimaging setups, the advances achieved in basic research and clinical application and the methods used. We will provide a comprehensive overview of mathematical tools reoccurring in multimodal neuroimaging studies for artifact removal, data-driven and model-driven analyses, enabling the practitioner to try established or new combinations from these algorithmic building blocks.
Confirmatory factor analysis of the Czech translation of abbreviated form of the Revised Exsenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQR-A) among Czech students.

There is increasing interest in the abbreviated form of the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire Revised (EPQR-A) as a research tool. A number of studies have begun to explore the psychometric properties of the EPQR-A among various cultural groups, including Australia, Canada, Israeli, Northern Ireland, South Africa and the USA using the original English language version of the questionnaire. More recently, work has also begun on examining the psychometric properties of translated versions of the EPQR-A, for example French. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of a Czech translation of the EPQR-A in order to facilitate its use among Czech researchers. Data from a sample of Czech undergraduate university students were used. The dimensionality of the EPQR-A was examined. Using confirmatory factor analysis, evidence was found for the unidimensionality of the four EPQR-A sub-scales of extraversion, neuroticism, psychoticism and the lie scale. These results are consistent with those of previous research with the English and French versions of the EPQR-A. It is concluded that the Czech translation of the EPQR-A can be recommended for further use. Of primary importance is the replication of the present findings among other groups.
Development and plasticity of dorsal and ventral visual functions : insights from behavioral and FMRI investigations of bilateral spastic cerebral palsy

Bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (BSCP) is the most common form of cerebral palsy, and has risen in prevalence in recent years as advances in neonatal care improve survival rates for at-risk infants. In addition to the motor disability that defines the disorder, affected individuals often demonstrate pervasive visual cognitive deficits. Although the typical pattern of brain injury predicts greater compromise of dorsal than ventral stream visual functions, behavioral evidence is currently limited and no studies have evaluated this prediction using functional neuroimaging methods. To further characterize the nature and severity of visual cognitive deficits in BSCP, we probed dorsal and ventral stream functioning in typically developing 8-10 year-old children (n=15), adults (n=15), and children and adolescents with BSCP (n=6), using working memory tasks for locations and faces. In Study 1, behavioral and FMRI data were compared across child and adult control groups to chart the normal course of developmental change in dorsal and ventral stream functioning. Study 2 explored the relative compromise of dorsal and ventral stream functions in BSCP participants via a series of individual case studies. Results of Study 1 revealed continued refinement of dorsal and ventral stream functioning from mid-childhood through adulthood. Across both tasks, ongoing development was apparent at the behavioral level through improvements in speed and accuracy of performance, and at the neural level through increasing reliance on higher-order prefrontal and parietal brain regions. Overall, the data from Study 2 underscored a striking degree of resilience in the face of early brain injury. BSCP participants as a whole performed within normal limits on both tasks and demonstrated only slight departures from expected profiles of regional brain activation. Specifically, across individual cases, findings converged to suggest subtle inefficiencies with face processing and modest reduction in BOLD response in dorsolateral prefrontal regions. Results will be discussed with reference to theories of visual cognitive and prefrontal dysfunction in BSCP, the likely inadequacy of predictions based on adult structure-function correspondences in the study of early brain injury, protective socioeconomic factors potentially relevant to our sample, and implications for neuroplasticity
Identifying and Targeting Mortality Disparities: A Framework for Sub-Saharan Africa Using Adult Mortality Data from South Africa

Background Health inequities in developing countries are difficult to eradicate because of limited resources. The neglect of adult mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is a particular concern. Advances in data availability, software and analytic methods have created opportunities to address this challenge and tailor interventions to small areas. This study demonstrates how a generic framework can be applied to guide policy interventions to reduce adult mortality in high risk areas. The framework, therefore, incorporates the spatial clustering of adult mortality, estimates the impact of a range of determinants and quantifies the impact of their removal to ensure optimal returns on scarce resources. Methods Data from a national cross-sectional survey in 2007 were used to illustrate the use of the generic framework for SSA and elsewhere. Adult mortality proportions were analyzed at four administrative levels and spatial analyses were used to identify areas with significant excess mortality. An ecological approach was then used to assess the relationship between mortality “hotspots” and various determinants. Population attributable fractions were calculated to quantify the reduction in mortality as a result of targeted removal of high-impact determinants. Results Overall adult mortality rate was 145 per 10,000. Spatial disaggregation identified a highly non-random pattern and 67 significant high risk local municipalities were identified. The most prominent determinants of adult mortality included HIV antenatal sero-prevalence, low SES and lack of formal marital union status. The removal of the most attributable factors, based on local area prevalence, suggest that overall adult mortality could be potentially reduced by ∼90 deaths per 10,000. Conclusions The innovative use of secondary data and advanced epidemiological techniques can be combined in a generic framework to identify and map mortality to the lowest administration level. The identification of high risk mortality determinants allows health authorities to tailor interventions at local level. This approach can be replicated elsewhere.
Bayesian Approach to Wavelet-based Image Processing

We present a new method for the reduction of noise in images, using a wavelet transform. The method relies on two principles. The rst is the characterization of the local function regularity by wavelet coeecients. The second is an a priori, geometrical model for wavelet coeecients. Both are combined in a Bayesian framework, to compute for each wavelet coeecient the probability of being \suu-ciently clean". The manipulation of the wavelet coeecients is consequently based on the obtained probabilities.
Diagnosing undergraduate biology students' experimental design knowledge and difficulties

S AND PRESENTATIONS  Dasgupta AP, Anderson TR, Pelaez N. CUREnet (Course-based undergraduate research experiences), 2014. Invited workshop speaker. Assessing biology students’ learning about experimental design. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (Workshop).  Dasgupta AP, Anderson TR, Pelaez N. Student Difficulties about Experimental Design in Biology (2012). EcoLunch Seminar, Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University (Presentation).  Dasgupta AP, Anderson TR, Pelaez N. Society for Advancement of Biology Education Research (SABER), 2012. Invited Talk. Designing and Testing of a New Probe to Reveal Student Difficulties with Biological Experiments. University of MinnesotaTwin Cities (Presentation).  Dasgupta AP, Pelaez N. , American Physiological Society, Research Recognition Award. Predicting strategies to improve student perceptions about connections between biology knowledge areas using innovative network analysis software FASEB Journal 26, 2012 (Poster Abstract).  Parker LC, Dasgupta AP, Adedokun OA, Forney J, Minchella DJ. A Faculty Learning Community for Integrating Quantitative Statistical Analysis into Undergraduate Biology: Preliminary Impacts and Lessons Learned. NARST 2012. (Presentation).
WARP: accurate retrieval of shapes using phase of Fourier descriptors and time warping distance

Effective and efficient retrieval of similar shapes from large image databases is still a challenging problem in spite of the high relevance that shape information can have in describing image contents. We propose a novel Fourier-based approach, called WARP, for matching and retrieving similar shapes. The unique characteristics of WARP are the exploitation of the phase of Fourier coefficients and the use of the dynamic time warping (DTW) distance to compare shape descriptors. While phase information provides a more accurate description of object boundaries than using only the amplitude of Fourier coefficients, the DTW distance permits us to accurately match images even in the presence of (limited) phase shillings. In terms of classical precision/recall measures, we experimentally demonstrate that WARP can gain, say, up to 35 percent in precision at a 20 percent recall level with respect to Fourier-based techniques that use neither phase nor DTW distance.
Reference tracking versus path-following for a one-link flexible robot manipulator

Abstract This paper details two control approaches for a flexible manipulator system, where the non-minimum phase problem is treated. In the first approach, we use the motion planning technique. It searches for proper output trajectories with polynomial form, in order to cancel the effects of the unstable zeros. The second approach is called Path-Following with internal model control. Its primary objective is to steer a physical object to converge to a geometric path, and its secondary objective is to ensure that an object's motion along the path satisfies a given dynamic specification.
A genomic comparison of two termites with different social complexity

The termites evolved eusociality and complex societies before the ants, but have been studied much less. The recent publication of the first two termite genomes provides a unique comparative opportunity, particularly because the sequenced termites represent opposite ends of the social complexity spectrum. Zootermopsis nevadensis has simple colonies with totipotent workers that can develop into all castes (dispersing reproductives, nest-inheriting replacement reproductives, and soldiers). In contrast, the fungus-growing termite Macrotermes natalensis belongs to the higher termites and has very large and complex societies with morphologically distinct castes that are life-time sterile. Here we compare key characteristics of genomic architecture, focusing on genes involved in communication, immune defenses, mating biology and symbiosis that were likely important in termite social evolution. We discuss these in relation to what is known about these genes in the ants and outline hypothesis for further testing.
Optimism predicting employees' creativity: The mediating role of positive affect and the positivity ratio

We examine how optimism predicts creativity both directly and through the mediating role of positive affect and the positivity ratio (the ratio between the frequency of positive and negative affective states). Five hundred and ninety five employees reported their positive and negative affect, as well as their optimism. Their creativity was reported by supervisors. The main findings are the following: (1) optimism predicts creativity both directly and through the mediating role of positive affect and the positivity ratio; (2) the relationship between the positivity ratio and creativity is curvilinear, in such a way that an “excessive” ratio is detrimental to creativity. The findings stress the relevance of optimism both for individuals and organizations, and suggest that examining positivity ratios is fruitful in the creativity domain, as it has been in other domains, and that negative affect should not be viewed simply as an obstacle when studying employees' creativity.
The Prejudice of Bajau: From Own and Others Ethnic Perspective: A Preliminary Study in Sabah

The purpose of the study is to identify prejudices among government and private worker toward the ethnic of Bajau in Malaysia, especially in Sabah state. A total of 22 workers from government and private agency were invited to join this study. In-depth interview had been used to investigate perception of Bajau towards own ethnic and perception of others ethnic toward Bajau. From analysis, ethnic groups identify themselves according three major aspects, which are 1) attitude and behavior, 2) physical and appearance, 3) culture. The conclusion from these research, the understanding from others ethnic groups toward Bajau is on the lesser side, but there are some of the factors that match the perception of Bajau toward themselves, such as Bajau is or rude natured. This might be due to the less understanding from others ethnic or the disappearing traditional culture of Bajau.
Anterograde and retrograde traffic between the rough endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi complex

The transfer of newly synthesized membrane proteins moving from the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) to the Golgi complex has been studied by electron microscopy in HEp-2 cells transfected with cDNAs for chimeric proteins. These proteins consist of a reporter enzyme, horseradish peroxidase (HRP), anchored to the transmembrane domains of two integral membrane proteins, the transferrin receptor and sialyl- transferase. The chimeras are distributed throughout the nuclear envelope, RER, vesicular tubular clusters (VTCs) and a network of tubules in the cis-Golgi area. At 20 degrees C tubules containing chimera connect the RER to the VTCs and to the cis-Golgi network. On transfer to 37 degrees C in the presence of dithiothreitol (DTT), the chimeras are seen to move from the RER and through the Golgi stack. With this temperature shift the direct connections with the RER are lost and free vesicles form; some of these vesicles contain HRP reaction product which is much more concentrated than in the adjacent RER while others lack reaction product entirely. In cells expressing SSHRPKDEL, DAB reaction product remains distributed throughout the RER, the VTCs, and the cis-Golgi network for prolonged periods in the presence of DTT and almost all of the vesicles which form at 37 degrees C are DAB-positive. Together these observations demonstrate that all three chimeras are transported from the RER to the cis-Golgi in free, 40-60-nm vesicles at 37 degrees C. They also suggest that the retrograde traffic which carries SSHRPKDEL back to the RER is probably mediated by vesicles with a similar morphology but which, in cells expressing membrane-anchored chimeras, lack detectable reaction product.