Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association of a Dietary Score with Incident Type 2 Diabetes: The Dietary-Based Diabetes-Risk Score (DDS)

Background Strong evidence supports that dietary modifications may decrease incident type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Numerous diabetes risk models/scores have been developed, but most do not rely specifically on dietary variables or do not fully capture the overall dietary pattern. We prospectively assessed the association of a dietary-based diabetes-risk score (DDS), which integrates optimal food patterns, with the risk of developing T2DM in the SUN (“Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra”) longitudinal study. Methods We assessed 17,292 participants initially free of diabetes, followed-up for a mean of 9.2 years. A validated 136-item FFQ was administered at baseline. Taking into account previous literature, the DDS positively weighted vegetables, fruit, whole cereals, nuts, coffee, low-fat dairy, fiber, PUFA, and alcohol in moderate amounts; while it negatively weighted red meat, processed meats and sugar-sweetened beverages. Energy-adjusted quintiles of each item (with exception of moderate alcohol consumption that received either 0 or 5 points) were used to build the DDS (maximum: 60 points). Incident T2DM was confirmed through additional detailed questionnaires and review of medical records of participants. We used Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for socio-demographic and anthropometric parameters, health-related habits, and clinical variables to estimate hazard ratios (HR) of T2DM. Results We observed 143 T2DM confirmed cases during follow-up. Better baseline conformity with the DDS was associated with lower incidence of T2DM (multivariable-adjusted HR for intermediate (25–39 points) vs. low (11–24) category 0.43 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.21, 0.89]; and for high (40–60) vs. low category 0.32 [95% CI: 0.14, 0.69]; p for linear trend: 0.019). Conclusions The DDS, a simple score exclusively based on dietary components, showed a strong inverse association with incident T2DM. This score may be applicable in clinical practice to improve dietary habits of subjects at high risk of T2DM and also as an educational tool for laypeople to help them in self-assessing their future risk for developing diabetes.
Diagnostic Usefulness of Linear and Nonlinear Quantitative EEG Analysis in Alzheimer's Disease

The sensitivity of the EEG in early AD is somewhat limited. In this respect spectral analysis is little better than visual assessment. In this study we address the question whether a new type of EEG analysis derived from chaos theory can improve the sensitivity of the EEG. EEGs were recorded in 15 control subjects and 15 patients with mild AD. The EEG recorded at 02 and 01 during eyes closed and eyes open conditions was subjected to spectral analysis (relative power) and nonlinear analysis (calculation of the correlation dimension D2). AD patients had more relative theta power and impaired reactivity in alpha, delta and theta bands. Also, reactivity of the D2 was impaired in AD subjects. For a specificity of 100%, relative theta power had the highest sensitivity (46.7%). Alpha band reactivity at O1 had a sensitivity of 40% and D2 reactivity at O1 had a sensitivity of 33.3%. Combining theta power with alpha reactivity resulted in a sensitivity of 53.3%; combining theta with D2 reactivity resulted in a sensitivity of 60%. Used in isolation, linear analysis was superior in differentiating AD patients from controls. The best results were obtained by combining linear with nonlinear measures. This approach does not seem practical yet, but deserves further study.
Microbial Communities and Bioactive Compounds in Marine Sponges of the Family Irciniidae—A Review

Marine sponges harbour complex microbial communities of ecological and biotechnological importance. Here, we propose the application of the widespread sponge family Irciniidae as an appropriate model in microbiology and biochemistry research. Half a gram of one Irciniidae specimen hosts hundreds of bacterial species—the vast majority of which are difficult to cultivate—and dozens of fungal and archaeal species. The structure of these symbiont assemblages is shaped by the sponge host and is highly stable over space and time. Two types of quorum-sensing molecules have been detected in these animals, hinting at microbe-microbe and host-microbe signalling being important processes governing the dynamics of the Irciniidae holobiont. Irciniids are vulnerable to disease outbreaks, and concerns have emerged about their conservation in a changing climate. They are nevertheless amenable to mariculture and laboratory maintenance, being attractive targets for metabolite harvesting and experimental biology endeavours. Several bioactive terpenoids and polyketides have been retrieved from Irciniidae sponges, but the actual producer (host or symbiont) of these compounds has rarely been clarified. To tackle this, and further pertinent questions concerning the functioning, resilience and physiology of these organisms, truly multi-layered approaches integrating cutting-edge microbiology, biochemistry, genetics and zoology research are needed.
Mining closed high utility itemsets in uncertain databases

In order to reduce the number of high-utility itemsets (HUIs), closed high-utility itemsets (CHUIs) have been proposed. However, most techniques for mining CHUIs require certain databases; i.e., there are no probabilities. However, in many real-world applications, an item or itemset may have a probability. Actual data can be affected by the use of noisy sensors. Many algorithms have been proposed to effectively mine frequent itemsets from uncertain databases; however, there are no algorithms for mining CHUIs from uncertain databases. This paper proposes an algorithm called CPHUI-List (closed potential high-utility itemset PEU-List-based mining algorithm) for mining closed potential high-utility itemsets (CPHUIs) from uncertain databases without generating candidates. CPHUI-List performs a depth-first search of the search space, and uses the downward closure property of high transaction-weighed probabilistic and utilization itemsets to prune non-closed potential high-utility itemsets. Experiments show that the runtime and memory consumption of CPHUI-List are lower than those of CHUI-Miner.
Extended Kalman Filtering for the Modeling and Estimation of ICG Pharmacokinetics in Cancerous Tumors using NIR Measurements

Near infrared (NIR) diffuse optical imaging and spectroscopy methods provide quantitative functional information that cannot be obtained by the conventional radiological methods (Yodh & Chance, 1995; Intes & Chance, 2005; Boas et al., 2001a). NIR techniques can provide in vivo measurements of the oxygenation and vascularization states, uptake and release of optical contrast agents, and chromophore concentrations with high sensitivity. In particular, NIR diffuse optical techniques in conjunction with optical contrast agents have the potential to characterize angiogenesis, and to differentiate between malignant and benign tumors (Hawrys & Sevick-Muraca, 2000; Furukawa et al., 1995; Chen et al., 2003; Becker et al., 1997). Among many commercially available optical contrast agents, only indocyanine green (ICG) is approved for human use by the Food and Drug Administration (El Deosky et al., 1999; Hansen et al, 1993; Shinohara et al., 1996). ICG is a blood pooling agent that has different delivery behaviour between normal and cancer vasculature. In normal tissue, ICG acts as a blood flow indicator in tight capillaries of normal vessel. However in tumor, ICG may act as a diffusible (extravascular) flow in leaky capillary of vessels (Alacam et al., 2006; Cuccia et al., 2003; Ntziachristos et al., 2000; Vaupel et al., 1991). Therefore, pharmacokinetics of ICG has the potential to provide new tools for tumor detection, diagnosis, and staging. A number of research groups reported compartmental modeling of ICG time-kinetic measurements using NIR methods for tumor diagnosis in animal and human subjects (Gurfinkel et al., 2000; Cuccia et al., 2003; Intes et al., 2003; Milstein et al., 2005). A compartmental model is a mathematical description of the concentrations of contrast agents in which each compartment represents a kinetically distinct tissue type (Tornoe, 2002; Anderson, 1983; Cobelli et al., 2000). It consists of a set of coupled ordinary differential equations (ODE) and a measurement model. Coefficients of the ODE's are the physiological parameters of interest that represent rates of exchange between different compartments. These parameters are non-linearly related to the total concentration of ICG measured by NIR methods. Furthermore, concentration of ICG in each compartment cannot be directly measured non-invasively by NIR techniques, making the pharmacokinetic parameter estimation a highly non-linear problem. Current methods of ICG compartmental modeling involve curve fitting methods and various techniques for solving differential equations. Gurfinkel et al. presented a twoO pe n A cc es s D at ab as e w w w . in te ch w eb . o rg
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle as Data Mule for Connecting Disjoint Segments of Wireless Sensor Network with Unbalanced Traffic

This paper presents a method for federating disjoint segments of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) in the presence of unbalanced traffic. The approach relies on an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for message ferrying. Network disconnections compromise the system operation, ergo an alternative to mitigate disconnections is important to extend the network lifetime. In our work, a UAV becomes a data mule, carrying physically packets across the disjoint partitions to assure network connection. The method presented in this article goes beyond previous work by taking into account the traffic situation among the network segments: highly communicating disjoint segments are visited more frequently than partitions with low outgoing/incoming traffic. Simulations realized evince the effectiveness of our system for concentrated traffic. In this case, a lower latency and data loss resulted when compared with the system without prioritization of highly communicating segments.
Recollections and Representations of Folk in the Classroom: Teacher Perspectives

Using narrative analysis, critical pedagogy, and employing a phenomenological approach, this paper explores the experiences and perspectives of its co-researchers regarding their recollections of folktales and responses to a collection of Caribbean folk narratives. The paper also shares the voices of five educators regarding how similar folk narratives might be incorporated into the classroom. The results support the increased use of folk narratives in the classroom. The authors assert that the use of folk narratives offers a means of increasing student engagement, positive identity, and a sense of community, and enhanding learning among participating teachers and learners.
SCAMC Student Paper Competition Finalist: Computerized Decision Support for Concurrent Utilization Review Using the HELP System

OBJECTIVE Development and evaluation of computerized concurrent utilization review (UR) support taking advantage of a clinically rich computerized patient database. DESIGN The Automated Support System for Utilization Review (ASSURE) applies the Appropriateness Evaluation Protocol (AEP) Day of Care criteria to computerized patient data in the HELP hospital information system. This paper reports the development, verification, and validation of ASSURE. MEASUREMENTS Implementation correctness was verified by measuring agreement with a nurse reviewer, using separate sample sets for all 20 criteria for a total of 560 current inpatients. Usefulness in detecting inappropriate days of care was validated by two nurse reviewers who were crossed with manual and computer-assisted review methods in a blocked design for 168 current inpatients. Agreement with reviewers, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were measured. RESULTS Agreement was very good for satisfaction of criteria, and good for appropriateness of day of care. A patient day identified by ASSURE as potentially inappropriate would be twice as likely to be judged inappropriate by a reviewer as a randomly selected patient day. Review of the 10% of patient days identified as potentially inappropriate by ASSURE would identify approximately 21% of the inappropriate days of care. CONCLUSION ASSURE is a clinically useful tool for screening adult acute care patients for inappropriate days of care, and promises to make a major contribution to reducing health care costs. The prognosis for successful routine clinical use is good.
Naming Plan for Internet Directory-Enabled Applications

Application of the conventional X.500 approach to naming has heretofore, in the experience of the authors, proven to be an obstacle to the wide deployment of directory-enabled applications on the Internet. We propose a new directory naming plan that leverages the strengths of the most popular and successful Internet naming schemes for naming objects in a hierarchical directory. This plan can, we believe, by extending the X.500 approach to naming, facilitate the creation of an Internet White Pages Service (IWPS) and other directory-enabled applications by overcoming the problems encountered by those using the conventional X.500 approach.
Twitter Topic Summarization by Ranking Tweets using Social Influence and Content Quality

In this paper, we propose a time-line based framework for topic summarization in Twitter. We summarize topics by sub-topics along time line to fully capture rapid topic evolution in Twitter. Specifically, we rank and select salient and diversified tweets as a summary of each sub-topic. We have observed that ranking tweets is significantly different from ranking sentences in traditional extractive document summarization. We model and formulate the tweet ranking in a unified mutual reinforcement graph, where the social influence of users and the content quality of tweets are taken into consideration simultaneously in a mutually reinforcing manner. Extensive experiments are conducted on 3.9 million tweets. The results show that the proposed approach outperforms previous approaches by 14% improvement on average ROUGE-1. Moreover, we show how the content quality of tweets and the social influence of users effectively improve the performance of measuring the salience of tweets. TITLE AND ABSTRACT IN ANOTHER LANGUAGE (CHINESE)
Challenges and Strategies of Teaching Qualitative Research in China

Teaching qualitative research (QR) in China is challenging due to its short and scattered history with a Western origin and complicated domestic sociopolitical context. This article introduces two strategies that have been developed to address these challenges: pedagogy of unity of knowing and doing (zhi xing he yi知行合一), and practical reasoning (shi jian li xing实践理性). These strategies resonate with the Chinese cultural beliefs of learning by doing in real contexts and learning with appropriate adaptation and flexibility. By exploring the meanings of these strategies, the article aims to claim that the Chinese indigenous epistemology and methodology can shed light on the understanding of knowledge and knowledge production in QR, and that Chinese cultural practice can make contributions to the glocal dialogue on QR.
Constructing the Research Problem

« What am I looking for ? » The research problem is the general question the researcher is trying to answer – the objective of a study. Inasmuch as it expresses and crystallises the study's knowledge target, the subject of the inquiry is necessarily a key element in the whole research process. It provides guidelines by which researchers can question the aspects of reality they have decided to study, or can develop an understanding of the reality. This chapter provides the researcher with some techniques to assist in elaborating the research problem. It begins by defining what is meant by a research problem, and shows how this signification can differ according to the investigator's epistemological assumptions. It then proposes different methods by which a research problem may be constructed, and presents a number of possible approaches to take. Finally, using examples, it illustrates the recursive nature of, and some of the difficulties involved in, the process of constructing the research problem.
Swing-up control of a single inverted pendulum on a cart with input and output constraints

In this paper we propose a new swing-up strategy for a single inverted pendulum. The proposed method has a feature that can handle the limitation of the pendulum-rail length and actuator constraints using both feedforward and feedback control. The feedforward trajectories are generated by solving an optimal control problem having two-point boundary conditions. The limitation of the rail length and the actuator constraints are taken into account in the problem formulation. Feedback control is combined with the feedforward control to compensate the deviation between the desired trajectories and actual trajectories. The experimental results of the proposed strategy show that it has a good swing-up performance while satisfying all the imposed constraints.
Screening und Veränderungsmessung dissoziativer Psychopathologie: Psychometrische Charakteristika der Kurzform des Fragebogens zu dissoziativen Symptomen (FDS-20)

: Given the clinical and scientific relevance of dissociative experiences our study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of a short version of the German Dissociative Experience Scale (called FDS-20) as well as its ability to measure changes in dissociation. In a large sample (N = 1289) the FDS- 20 showed good internal consistency. A factor analysis indicated that the scale measures one single factor reflecting the general degree of dissociative psychopathology. Between-group-comparisons suggested a good discriminant validity between high and low dissociators; however, due to high standard deviations the FDS-20 is not well suited for an individual diagnosis and therefore, it should be used as a screening device. Low effect sizes (d < 0,3) between scores at the beginning and the end of inpatient treatment as well as low micro -indices pointed to a temporal stable construct and a trait scale, respectively. Alternatively to group comparisons, individual parameters of treatment success (statistical and clinical significance) were calculated. They proved to be more appropriate in measuring changes in dissociation.
Benchmarking KAZE and MCM for Multiclass Classification

In this paper, we propose a novel approach for feature generation by appropriately fusing KAZE and SIFT features. We then use this feature set along with Minimal Complexity Machine(MCM) for object classification. We show that KAZE and SIFT features are complementary. Experimental results indicate that an elementary integration of these techniques can outperform the state-of-the-art approaches.
Differentiating SLI from ADHD using children's sentence recall and production of past tense morphology

Measures of sentence recall and past tense marking were used to examine the similarities and differences between children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), children with specific language impairment (SLI), and typically developing (TD) children. Both SLI and ADHD group means for sentence recall tasks were significantly lower than the TD control group (SLI<ADHD<TD). In contrast, limitations in past tense marking were characteristic of the SLI group (SLI<ADHD = TD). Frequent affix omissions or bare stem errors (e.g. the girl colour the picture; the girl fall in the net) differentiated the SLI group from the other two groups. Over‐regularization errors (e.g. the girl falled into the net) did not (SLI = ADHD = TD). Clinical implications are discussed.
Tcf-3 expression and β -catenin mediated transcriptional activation in aggressive fibromatosis (desmoid tumour)

Aggressive fibromatosis harbours mutations resulting in β-catenin protein stabilization. Primary cell cultures demonstrate constitutive tcf activation in aggressive fibromatosis. Expression and co-immunoprecipitation studies suggest that β-catenin binds and activates tcf-3 in this tumour. This is the first demonstration of tcf-3 activation by β-catenin stabilization in a human neoplastic process. © 2001 Cancer Research Campaign http://www.bjcancer. com
Mean-Field Games for Resource Sharing in Cloud-Based Networks

In this paper, we consider last level cache (LLC) sharing problems in large-scale cloud networks with a fair payoff function. We formulate the problem as a strategic decision-making problem (i.e., a game). We examine the resource-sharing game with finite and infinite number of players. Exploiting the aggregate structure of the payoff functions, we show that the resource-sharing game has a Nash equilibrium in a wide range of return index. We show that the Nash equilibrium is not an evolutionarily stable strategy in the finite regime. Then, we introduce a myopic mean-field response where each player implements a mean-field-taking strategy. We show that such a mean-field-taking strategy is an evolutionarily stable strategy in both finite and infinite regime. We provide closed-form expression of the optimal pricing that gives an efficient resource-sharing policy. As the number of active players grows without bound, we show that the equilibrium strategy converges to a mean-field equilibrium, and the optimal prices for resources converge to the optimal price of the mean-field game. Then, we address the demand satisfaction problem for which a necessary and sufficient condition for satisfactory solutions is provided. In addition, a very fast mean-field learning algorithm is provided.
Antecedents of Problem Behaviour of People with Intellectual Disability

The study examined associations reported by carers between problem behaviour of 92 adults with intellectual disability and 169 antecedent events, which were either environmental situations or prior behaviours of the client. Factor analyses were used to identify groupings of antecedents, providing a basis for constructing 19 sets of antecedents of problem behaviours. Assessments were made of the psychometric properties of these sets of items or scales. Of the 19 scales, 18 were associated with an increased likelihood of problem behaviour, showing that carers reported that the problem behaviours of this sample occurred in a wide range of defined situations. The preliminary analysis suggests that the scales may be useful for inquiring more systematically about antecedents, for developing descriptions of situations where problems occur, and for identifying situations that warrant further analysis in individual cases.
Chronic myelogenous leukemia

&NA; Chronic myelogenous leukemia is a clonal hematopoietic malignancy characterized by a balanced translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22 that results in the generation of an abnormal bcr/abl fusion protein with increased tyrosine kinase activity. This abnormal fusion protein has transforming activity for hematopoietic cells in vitro and causes chronic myelogenous leukemia-like myelopoiesis in mice. Chronic myelogenous leukemia progenitor cells display abnormalities in their interactions with bone marrow stroma, perhaps due to defective adhesion molecule function. Conventional therapies for chronic myelogenous leukemia include hydroxyurea, busulfan, or interferon. Treatment with interferon may prolong overall survival, especially in patients who achieve a cytogenetic response. Related donor marrow transplantation can result in long-term survival in more than 65% of patients treated early in the course of disease. For patients without an available matched sibling donor, unrelated donor marrow transplantation or autologous marrow transplantation are alternative therapeutic options.