Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fluid-attenuated inversion recovery intraarterial signal: an early sign of hyperacute cerebral ischemia.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Early detection of arterial occlusion and perfusion abnormality is necessary for effective therapy of hyperacute cerebral ischemia. We attempted to assess the utility of the fast fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (fast-FLAIR) sequence in detecting occluded arteries as high signal (referred to as intraarterial signal) and to establish the role of fast-FLAIR in detecting ischemic penumbra of hyperacute stroke within 24 hours after ictus. METHODS We studied 60 patients with hyperacute cerebral ischemia caused by occlusion of intracranial major arteries. We compared intraarterial signal on FLAIR images with time of flight (TOF) on MR angiograms, flow voids on T2-weighted images, hyperintense lesions on diffusion-weighted images, and results of follow-up CT or MR scans. RESULTS In 58 (96.7%) patients, FLAIR detected intraarterial signals as early as 35 minutes after stroke onset. In 48 (80.0%) patients, intraarterial signal on FLAIR images coincided with lack of TOF on MR angiograms. In 41 (74.5%) of 55 patients, the intraarterial signals of fast T2-weighted imaging depicted occlusion better than did deficient flow void on T2-weighted images. In 25 (41.7%) of 60 patients, the area of intraarterial signal distribution was larger than the hyperintense lesion measured on diffusion-weighted images. Areas of final infarction had sizes between those of intraarterial signal distribution on FLAIR images and lesions measured on diffusion-weighted images. In 35 (87.5%) of 40 patients, areas of intraarterial signal distribution were equal to regions of abnormal perfusion. CONCLUSION Intraarterial signal on FLAIR images is an early sign of occlusion of major arteries. FLAIR combined with diffusion-weighted imaging can be helpful to predict an area at risk for infarction (ischemic penumbra). FLAIR plays an important role for determining whether a patient should undergo perfusion study.
The Quality of Dyadic Relationships and the Experience of Social Support

Dyadic quality is described as the quality of the relationship between two partners which is dependent on the level of dyadic cohesion, dyadic consensus, dyadic satisfaction and dyadic adjustment, as well as the way in which the couple deals with conflict. These aspects were measured using the Conflict Tactics Scale and the Dyadic Adjustment Scale. Social support was measured using the Inventory of Socially Supportive Behaviors (ISSB) and the Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ). The purpose of the study was to determine whether there is any relationship between dyadic quality and dimensions of social support. Respondents were 163 undergraduate students at the University of Western Cape, South Africa. Multiple regression analyses indicated that a number of the indices of dyadic quality were significant predictors of the dimensions of social support. The result suggests that the quality of dyadic relationships impacts on the perceived availability and satisfaction with support. Research aimed at exploring and understanding the health-sustaining and stress-reducing functions of social support needs to focus on the potential negative impact of dyadic conflict and poor dyadic adjustment on the experience of social support.
The U.S. National Football League Scheduling Problem

We describe the problem of scheduling the television broadcasts of the U.S. National Football League (NFL). Unlike traditional round-robin tournament scheduling, the NFL problem involves assigning games to broadcast slots under various complex constraints while attempting to satisfy a set of user preferences. As well, a mixed-initiative functionality was required to allow the user to control and assist in the scheduling process. A prototype system was developed for the NFL which produced schedules satisfying many of these constraints and preferences. In this paper, we provide an overview of the constraint solving methodology employed and the implementation of the NFL prototype system.
Multicentre trial to introduce the Ottawa ankle rules for use of radiography in acute ankle injuries

Abstract Objective: To assess the feasibility and impact of introducing the Ottawa ankle rules to a large number of physicians in a wide variety of hospital and community settings over a prolonged period of time. Design: Multicentre before and after controlled clinical trial. Setting: Emergency departments of eight teaching and community hospitals in Canadian communities (population 10000 to 3000000). Subjects: All 12777 adults (6288 control, 6489 intervention) seen with acute ankle injuries during two 12 month periods before and after the intervention. Intervention: More than 200 physicians of varying experience were taught to order radiography according to the Ottawa ankle rules. Main outcome measures: Referral for ankle and foot radiography. Results: There were significant reductions in use of ankle radiography at all eight hospitals and within a priori subgroups: for all hospitals combined 82.8% control v 60.9% intervention (P<0.001); for community hospitals 86.7% v 61.7%; (P<0.001); for teaching hospitals 77.9% v 59.9%; (P<0.001); for emergency physicians 82.1% v 61.6%; (P<0.001); for family physicians 84.3% v 60.1%; (P<0.001); and for housestaff 82.3% v 60.1%; (P<0.001). Compared with patients without fracture who had radiography during the intervention period those who had no radiography spent less time in the emergency department (54.0 v 86.9 minutes; P<0.001) and had lower medical charges ($70.20 v $161.60; P<0.001). There was no difference in the rate of fractures diagnosed after discharge from the emergency department (0.5 v 0.4%). Conclusions: Introduction of the Ottawa ankle rules proved to be feasible in a large variety of hospital and community settings. Use of the rules over a prolonged period of time by many physicians of varying experience led to a decrease in ankle radiography, waiting times, and costs without an increased rate of missed fractures. The multiphase methodological approach used to develop and implement these rules may be applied to other clinical problems.
Feasibility and acceptability of continuous glucose monitoring and accelerometer technology in exercising individuals with type 2 diabetes.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to develop role model data for an intervention to motivate non-exercising individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus to engage in regular physical activity. Toward that end, the study 1) described Continuous Glucose Monitoring System data and obtained role model CGMS graphs, 2) described a monitor to measure exercise amount and intensity and 3) explored participants' experiences of the monitors and perceptions of the glucose monitoring data. BACKGROUND Physical activity is a cornerstone of diabetes treatment yet the majority of individuals with diabetes are inactive. Thus, increasing physical activity in these individuals demands innovative interventions. DESIGN A two-phase, multi-method design was used. METHODS In phase 1, a descriptive design was used to describe physical activity patterns and glucose levels for 72 hours in nine exercising adults with type 2 diabetes. In phase 2, a focus group interview was used to collect data from seven phase-1 participants. Verbatim transcripts of the audio taped focus group were analysed for themes and trends. RESULTS The glucose monitor data captured lower glucose levels after exercise. Compared to formal diabetes education, visual data from the glucose monitoring technology were perceived as more relevant to participants' particular, everyday experiences with exercise, diet and stress. Participants reported a reinforced commitment to their exercise and diet regimens after using Continuous Glucose Monitoring System. Technology issues were identified, e.g. discomfort wearing activity monitors and forgetting to enter calibration and event data in glucose monitors. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Participants found that visual glucose monitoring data reinforced self-management behaviors, such as exercise. Our results suggest that data depicting the response of glucose levels to diet and exercise could be a useful tool to change behavior in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Restriction of human papillomavirus DNA testing in primary cervical screening to women above age 30: systematic review

Cervical screening with human papillomavirus (HPV) testing is less specific for high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (≥CIN3) than cytology. The aim of this systematic review was to determine whether a restriction of HPV testing to women aged at least 30 years would eliminate the problem. On the basis of the data from randomized controlled trials, we calculated the relative detection of CIN1 and CIN2, and the relative risks of false-positive tests (positive tests without subsequent ≥CIN3) per age group and trial for HPV testing versus cytology. For women aged at least 30 years in trials with a low cytology abnormality rate, detection of CIN1 increased significantly by 50–90% in the two trials with reported data; detection of CIN2 was doubled in three trials; the risks of false-positive HPV tests were also doubled. In trials with a high cytology abnormality rate, these risks were similar for HPV testing and cytology. Adverse effects of HPV testing were for both types of cytology settings, generally higher for women below than above the age of 30. Adverse effects were less common among women aged at least 30 years than among younger women. However, in older women HPV testing still led to more CIN1/CIN2 diagnoses and false-positive tests than cytology.
The effectiveness and impact of the child protection and criminal justice systems in cases of intrafamilial child sexual abuse

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on the findings from a study commissioned by the Office of the Children’s Commissioner (OCC) in England, concerning intrafamilial child sexual abuse (IFCSA)/incest. Specifically, it aims to explore the evidence about child protection and criminal justice responses to victims of IFCSA in the UK and where the gaps in these approaches lie. Design/methodology/approach – A Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) was used, the function of which is to: search the literature as comprehensively as possible within given time constraints; collate descriptive outlines of the available evidence on a topic and critically appraise it; sift out studies of poor quality; and provide an overview of the evidence. Over 57,000 documents were scanned, and 296 ultimately systematically analysed. Findings – It was found that children may be re-victimised by various aspects of “the system” and professionals within it, including social workers, police officers, and lawyers. Research limitations/implications – A REA is not a full systematic review, differing in the scope and depth of the searches and depending almost exclusively on electronic databases, not accompanied by searching journals by hand. Originality/value – The findings of this research provide the evidence-base for a new two-year inquiry into the subject of IFCSA by the OCC.
Implicit Point Location in Arrangements of Line Segments, with an Application to Motion Planning

Let S be a set of n (possibly intersecting) line segments in the plane. We show that the arrangement of S can be stored implicitly into a data structure of size O(n log2n) so that the following query can be answered in time O(n1/2 log2n): Given two query points, determine whether they lie in the same face of the arrangement of S and, if so, return a path between them that lies within the face. This version of the implicit point location problem is motivated by the following motion planning problem: Given a polygonal robot R with m vertices and a planar region bounded by polygonal obstacles with n vertices in total, preprocess them into a data structure so that, given initial and final positions of R, one can quickly determine whether there exists a continuous collision-free translationsal motion of R from the initial to the final position. We show that such a query can be answered in time O((mn)1/2 log2mn) using O(mn log2mn) storage.
“Epileptic Encephalopathy” of Infancy and Childhood: Electro-Clinical Pictures and Recent Understandings

There is growing interest in the diagnosis of cognitive impairment among children with epilepsy. It is well known that status of seizures control has to be carefully investigated because it can be sufficient “per se” to cause progressive mental deterioration conditions. Subclinical electroencephalographic discharges may have subtle effects on cognition, learning and sleep patterns, even in the absence of clinical or sub-clinical seizures. In this respect, electroencephalographic monitoring (long-term and nocturnal recording) and in particular an all night video-polysomnography (V-NPSG) record can be crucial to detect the presence of unrecognized seizures and/or an inter-ictal nocturnal EEG discharge increasing. Epileptic encephalopathies (EE) are a group of conditions in which the higher cognitive functions are deteriorate as a consequence of epileptic activity, which, in fact, consists of frequent seizures and/or florid and prolonged interictal paroxysmal discharges, focal or generalized. AEDs represent the first line in opposing the burden of both, the poor seizures control and the poor interictal discharges control, in the cognitive deterioration of EE affected children. Thus, to improve the long-term cognitive/behavioural prognosis in these refractory epileptic children, it should be taken into account both a good seizures control and a strict sleep control, choosing carefully antiepileptic drugs which are able to control not only seizures clinically recognizable but even the EEG discharges onset and its increasing and spreading during sleep. Here, we review the efficacy and safety of the newer AEDs that, to date, are used in the treatment of EE in infancy and childhood.
A scatter search method for the multidimensional knapsack problem with generalized upper bound constraints

In this article, a scatter search (SS) heuristic is proposed to solve the multidimensional knapsack problem with generalized upper bound constraints (GUBMKP). The method is organized according to the general structure of SS. We discuss the design and implementation for each of the components of SS. A greedy randomized adaptive search procedure is applied in order to diversify the initial solutions. In order to select diversified solutions to enter the reference set, we propose an algorithm based on the structure of generalized upper bound constraints. Several approaches of combining solutions are proposed to solve the problem. The computational results show the heuristic is competitive compared to the former leading method for the GUBMKP.
Birth Order and the Intrahousehold Allocation of Time and Education

This paper develops a model of intrahousehold allocation with endogenous fertility, which captures the relationship between birth order and investment in children. It shows that a birth order effect in intrahouse hold allocation can arise even without assumptions about parental preferences for specific birth orders of children or genetic endowments varying by birth order. The important contribution is that fertility is treated as endogenous, a possibility that other models of intrahousehold allocation have ignored. The implications of the model are that children with higher birth orders (that is, who are born later) have an advantage over siblings with lower birth orders, and that parents who are inequality-averse will not have more than one child. The model furthermore shows that not taking account of the endogeneity of fertility when analyzing intrahousehold allocation may seriously bias the results. The effects of a child's birth order on its human capital accumulation are analyzed using a longitudinal data set from the Philippines that covers a very long period. We examine the effects of birth order on both number of hours in school during education and completed education. The results for both are consistent with the predictions of the model.
PPP LCP Extensions

The Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) provides a standard method for transporting multi-protocol datagrams over point-to-point links. PPP defines an extensible Link Control Protocol (LCP) for establishing, configuring, and testing the data-link connection. This document defines several additional LCP features which have been suggested over the past few years. [STANDARDS-TRACK]
Automated analysis of neurite branching in cultured cortical neurons using HCA‐Vision

Manual neuron tracing is a very labor‐intensive task. In the drug screening context, the sheer number of images to process means that this approach is unrealistic. Moreover, the lack of reproducibility, objectivity, and auditing capability of manual tracing is limiting even in the context of smaller studies. We have developed fast, sensitive, and reliable algorithms for the purpose of detecting and analyzing neurites in cell cultures, and we have integrated them in software called HCA‐Vision, suitable for the research environment. We validate the software on images of cortical neurons by comparing results obtained using HCA‐Vision with those obtained using an established semi‐automated tracing solution (NeuronJ). The effect of the Sez‐6 deletion was characterized in detail. Sez‐6 null neurons exhibited a significant increase in neurite branching, although the neurite field area was unchanged due to a reduction in mean branch length. HCA‐Vision delivered considerable speed benefits and reliable traces. © 2007 International Society for Analytical Cytology.
Robust Mobile Terminal Tracking in NLOS Environments Based on Data Association

An algorithm for mobile terminal (MT) tracking based on time-of-arrival measurements in non-line-of-sight (NLOS) environments is proposed. It is based on NLOS detection together with a modified probabilistic data association approach where different subgroups of range measurements are constructed. Each of the subgroups provide a position estimate of the MT with it's corresponding covariance matrix that are both used in a hypothesis test for NLOS detection. The accepted position estimates are weighted with different probabilities in a Kalman filter framework. Simulation results show a significant increase in positioning accuracy in NLOS environments with respect to both, the extended Kalman filter (EKF) and a NLOS mitigation algorithm from the literature. In LOS environments similar performance to the EKF is achieved. The proposed method does not assume any statistical knowledge of the NLOS errors and only assumes the sensor noise variance to be known.
Optimal Partitioning for Classification and Regression Trees

An iterative algorithm that finds a locally optimal partition for an arbitrary loss function, in time linear in N for each iteration is presented. The algorithm is a K-means-like clustering algorithm that uses as its distance measure a generalization of Kullback's information divergence. Moreover, it is proven that the globally optimal partition must satisfy a nearest neighbour condition using divergence as the distance measure. These results generalize similar results of L. Breiman et al. (1984) to an arbitrary number of classes or regression variables and to an arbitrary number of bills. Experimental results on a text-to-speech example are provided and additional applications of the algorithm, including the design of variable combinations, surrogate splits, composite nodes, and decision graphs, are suggested. >
A Parameterized Probabilistic Model of Network Evolution for Supervised Link Prediction

We introduce a new approach to the problem of link prediction for network structured domains, such as the Web, social networks, and biological networks. Our approach is based on the topological features of network structures, not on the node features. We present a novel parameterized probabilistic model of network evolution and derive an efficient incremental learning algorithm for such models, which is then used to predict links among the nodes. We show some promising experimental results using biological network data sets.
[Prognosis of stroke in department of neurology of Dakar].

INTRODUCTION The general objective of this study was to determine the morbid-mortality of stroke followed in the Department of neurology of Dakar. MATERIALS AND METHODS This prospective and longitudinal studywas carried out from August 2003 at May 2005 and concerned 170 patients hospitalized or seen in external consultation for cerebral vascular accident confirmed by the cerebral tomodensitometry. All the patients were subjected to a protocol allowing determining the sociodemographic data, the therapeutic itinerary, the nature and the mechanism of stroke. The follow-up was monthly for 12 months. RESULTS The patients were old 25 to 90 years. The mean age was 61 +/- 13 years. The sex-ratio is 0.68. The ischemic cerebral vascular accidents represented 64.7% against 35.3% for the hemorrhagic vascular accidents. In 71.7 the AVCH was related to arterial hypertension. For the AVCI, a cardiopathy emboligene was objectified in 16.36% of the cases. The HTA constituted the principal factor of risk and was observed in 63.53% of the cases. The mortality rate was 28.8% (between j0 and j30) and 50.6% at one year. The age constitutes a factor of bad prognosis. For the sex the statistical analysis shows a no significant difference (p = 0.703). The repetition of stroke constitutes a factor of bad prognosis. 52.4% of the patients having an antecedent of stroke had died precociously. Mortality was higher in the AVCH with p = 0.043. The existence of disorders of conscience of start constituted a factor of bad vital prognosis. Among the 84 survivors after one year of follow-up, 49 had found their functional autonomy and 35 kept after-effects. CONCLUSION Stroke is responsible for a strong mortality. The advanced age, the repetition of cerebral vascular accident, the hemorrhagic nature of the cerebral vascular accident constitutes factors of bad vital prognosis.