Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Building a System of Care: Integration across the Heart Failure Care Continuum.

CONTEXT MaineHealth provides chronic disease programs using The Planned Care Model as its framework. Over time, programs have evolved from working in silos to integrating across care arenas and organizations, resulting in a coordinated, reliable, and standardized system of care. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the system's heart failure (HF) programs. For years, disparate HF services existed across MaineHealth. The system lacked a comprehensive, integrated approach to support patients and families transitioning across multiple care environments. OBJECTIVE Develop and implement a systemwide set of interventions to facilitate communication between clinicians in different care environments, consistent approaches to patient and clinician education, and improvement of clinical performance. DESIGN An interdisciplinary Joint Heart Failure Workgroup was convened. Relationships were developed between "champions" from diverse care settings and professions. Champions assisted MaineHealth in leading the workgroup, creating a comprehensive set of strategies that better linked HF activities and care settings across the health system. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Readmission rates, core measures, use of home telemonitoring, patient confidence in self management. RESULTS The impact of collaboration and integration has been substantial, resulting in better communication, coordination, reliability, and standardization of HF care. CONCLUSION Through the use of a comprehensive set of improvement strategies, MaineHealth has been successful in overcoming many cultural and structural barriers to increase communication and integration across programs and care settings, and leveraging resources to improve outcomes in patients with HF.
From low-level perception to high-level perception: a coherent approach for visual attention modeling

The saliency-based or bottom-up model of visual attention presented in this paper deals with still color images. The model we built is based on numerous properties of the human visual system (HVS), thus providing a biologically plausible system. The computation of early visual features such as color and orientation is a key step for any bottom-up model and the way to extract these visual features easily permits to differentiate a model from an other. The novelty of the proposed approach lies on the fact that the computation of early visual features is fully based on a HVS model consisting in projecting the picture into an opponent-colors space, applying a perceptual decomposition, contrast sensitivity and masking functions. Moreover, a strategy essentially based on a center surround mechanism and on the perceptual grouping phenomena underscores conspicuous locations by combining visual feature maps. A saliency map which is defined as a 2D topographic representation of conspicuity is then deduced. The model is applied to a number of natural images. Our results are then compared with the results of a well-know bottom-up model.
Neural network models for lexical addressee detection

Addressee detection for dialog systems aims to detect which utterances are directed at the system, as opposed to someone else. An important means for classification is the lexical content of the utterance, and N-gram models have been shown to be effective for this task. In this paper we investigate whether neural networks can enhance lexical addressee detection, using data from a human-human-computer dialog system. Even though we find no improvement from simply replacing the standard Ngram LM with a neural-network LM as class likelihood estimators, improved classification accuracy can be obtained from a modified neural net model that learns distributed word representations in a first training phase, and is trained on the utterance classification task in a second phase. We obtain additional gains by combining the class likelihood estimation and classification training criteria in the second phase, and by combining multiple model architectures at the score level. Overall, we achieve over 2% absolute reduction in equal error rate over the N-gram model baseline of 27%.
Herbal medicines for diabetes mellitus: a review.

Diabetes mellitus is one of the common metabolic disorders and 2.8% of the population suffers from this disease throughout the world and it may cross 5.4% by the year 2025. Oral hypoglycemic agents like sulphonylureas and biguanides are still the major players in the management of the disease but there is growing interest in herbal remedies due to the side effects associated with the oral hypoglycemic agents. Herbal medicines have been the highly esteemed source of medicine throughout human history. They are widely used today indicating that herbs are a growing part of modern, high-tech medicine. The medicinal plants, besides having natural therapeutic values against various diseases and considerable works have been done on these plants to treat diabetes mellitus, describes that the antidiabetic activity of medicinal plants is due to the presence of phenolic compounds, avonoids, terpenoids, coumarins and other constituents which show reduction in blood glucose levels. Some of these herbal plants and their active chemical constituents which have a role in the management of diabetes mellitus are compiled here and discussed in this review.
New Strategies in Sarcoma Therapy: Linking Biology and Novel Agents

The ability to better interrogate the genetic state of a given cancer is giving rise to a new paradigm in cancer therapeutics in which the specific genetic alterations that give rise to the cancer inform the therapeutic decision-making for that specific patient. Sarcomas of soft tissue and bone represent model diseases that underscore this paradigm. However, many barriers prevent linkage of one of the 75 or more different types of sarcoma to novel therapeutic agents. In the present perspective, the authors outline key therapeutic opportunities and hurdles in clinical sarcoma research, focusing on specific examples of sarcomas that are on the verge of new breakthroughs, as well as those in which promise has not lived up to expectations. Focused clinical trial design, ideally with several biomarker or histology-specific arms, is one means to be simultaneously parsimonious and inclusive. Clin Cancer Res; 18(21); 5837–44. ©2012 AACR.
Detecting Learner's To-Be-Forgotten Items using Online Handwritten Data

An effective learning system is indispensable for human beings with a limited life span. Traditional learning systems schedule repetition based on both the results of a recall test and learning theories such as the spacing effect. However, there is room for improvement from the perspective of remembrance-level estimation. In this paper, we focus on on-line handwritten data obtained from handwriting using a computer. We collected handwritten data from remembrance tests to both analyze the problem of traditional estimation methods and to build a new estimation model using handwritten data as the input data. The evaluation found that our proposed model can output a continuous remembrance-level value of zero to 1, whereas traditional methods output a only binary decision. In addition, the experiment showed that our proposed model achieves the best performance with an F-value of 0.69.
An Aggregation-Disaggregation Approach for Automated Negotiation in Multi-Agent Systems

This paper describes an automated negotiation procedure based on an aggregationdisaggregation approach. Negotiation is based on an oriented graph, namely a negotiation graph. In this graph, nodes represent a state of the world while arcs represent multiple actions of the involved agents. Agents are equipped with a multi-criteria decision making model. Based on the negotiation graph, an agent can make an offer (a proposal of a path) using his strictly individual preference model (multiple criteria aggregation based decision step), while the same agent can receive the counter-offer of a counterpart. In this paper, such a model takes the form of a multiple-attribute additive value function. On these grounds and using a multiple linear regression model (disaggregation step), agents are able to make a first estimation for the parameters of the preference model of their counterpart (that is the trade-offs and the shape of the value functions). Using such an estimation, agents create an enhanced preference model including the estimated preference model of their counterpart in their own model. Then, they compute a new offer on the basis of the enhanced model. The procedure loops until a consensus is reached, that is all the negotiating agents make the same offer.
A Method to Analyse Team Design Activities

This paper presents an approach to the analysis of the dynamics of team design activities. The goal is to contribute to the future development of computer mediated collaborative design (CMCD) tools by providing a method to compare face-to-face collaborative design with CMCD. This approach is based on empirical techniques using “protocol analyses”. Traditional protocol analyses code the protocols verbal data and other activities, here we propose to code the links among the protocols. These links form a linkographical representation which indicates the strength of idea generation and the dynamics of design activities. A pilot study based on data obtained from 1994 Delft Protocol Analysis Workshop is conducted to test the feasibility of this method. Conference theme: Computers and architecture
The Inadequacy of Morphology for Species and Genus Delineation in Microbial Eukaryotes: An Example from the Parabasalian Termite Symbiont Coronympha

Background For the majority of microbial eukaryotes (protists, algae), there is no clearly superior species concept that is consistently applied. In the absence of a practical biological species concept, most species and genus level delineations have historically been based on morphology, which may lead to an underestimate of the diversity of microbial eukaryotes. Indeed, a growing body of molecular evidence, such as barcoding surveys, is beginning to support the conclusion that significant cryptic species diversity exists. This underestimate of diversity appears to be due to a combination of using morphology as the sole basis for assessing diversity and our inability to culture the vast majority of microbial life. Here we have used molecular markers to assess the species delineations in two related but morphologically distinct genera of uncultivated symbionts found in the hindgut of termites. Methodology/Principal Findings Using single-cell isolation and environmental PCR, we have used a barcoding approach to characterize the diversity of Coronympha and Metacoronympha symbionts in four species of Incisitermes termites, which were also examined using scanning electron microscopy and light microcopy. Despite the fact that these genera are significantly different in morphological complexity and structural organisation, we find they are two life history stages of the same species. At the same time, we show that the symbionts from different termite hosts show an equal or greater level of sequence diversity than do the hosts, despite the fact that the symbionts are all classified as one species. Conclusions/Significance The morphological information used to describe the diversity of these microbial symbionts is misleading at both the genus and species levels, and led to an underestimate of species level diversity as well as an overestimate of genus level diversity. The genus ‘Metacoronympha’ is invalid and appears to be a life history stage of Coronympha, while the single recognized species of Coronympha octonaria inhabiting these four termites is better described as four distinct species.
Relationship of MTHFR Gene 677C→T Polymorphism, Homocysteine, and Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate Levels With the Risk of New-Onset Diabetes

AbstractEast Asian patients with diabetes have a higher risk for renal complications and strokes than Europeans. We aimed to evaluate the effect of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene 677C→T polymorphism, which was associated with a higher stroke risk and was common in the Chinese population, as well as homocysteine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) levels on the risk of new-onset diabetes (NOD). A total of 2422 subjects without diabetes were followed-up for 7 years. NOD was defined as fasting plasma glucose ≥7.0 mmol/L or self-reported physician diagnosis of diabetes.Compared with subjects with MTHFR 677CC genotype, those with TT genotype had a higher risk of NOD in females (odds ratio 2.78, 95% confidence interval 1.39–5.56) but not in males (0.80, 0.40–1.61, P for interaction = 0.008). Furthermore, MTHFR 677C→T polymorphism was more strongly associated with the risk of NOD among females with higher body mass index (BMI, ≥23 vs <23 kg/m2, P for interaction = 0.009) or lower high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C, <1.3 vs ≥1.3 mmol/L, P for interaction = 0.015) levels. Hyperhomocysteinemia (≥16 vs <10 &mgr;mol/L) was not significantly associated with NOD in males (0.88, 0.42–1.85) or females (1.52, 0.65–3.57). However, mildly decreased eGFR (<90 vs 90–120 mL/min/1.73 m2) was associated with NOD mainly in males (1.96, 1.01–3.78; females, 0.74, 0.32–1.72, P for interaction = 0.134). Females with MTHFR 677TT genotype had a significantly higher risk of NOD, particularly those with higher BMI or low HDL-C levels. The higher risk of NOD associated with mildly decreased eGFR also warrants more investigation. Our results provide insights into the ethnic differences of diabetic complications between East Asian patients and Europeans.
Estimation of Antiphospholipid Antibodies in a Prospective Longitudinal Study of Children with Migraine

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and clinical significance of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) in children with migraine. The values of anti-cardiolipin (aCL) and antiβ2 glycoprotein I (antiβ2GPI) antibodies were assayed by an ELISA method in 52 children with migraine and 22 children with tension-type headache. The control group consisted of 61 apparently healthy children at regular preventive visits. Two monoclonal β2GPI dependent aCL (HCAL and EY2C9) were used as calibrators. Lupus anticoagulant (LA) was determined by a modified dilute Russell viper venom time test. Persistently positive aPL were observed during the follow-up in 16.3% of children with migraine (9.3% for aCL, 7.0% for antiβ2GPI and 0% for LA) and in 16.7% of children with tension-type headache (11.1% for aCL, 5.6% for antiβ2GPI and 0% for LA). The prevalence of aPL did not differ significantly between patient groups and healthy children. The prevalence of aPL does not appear to be increased in an unselected group of children with migraine, however, the possible role of aPL in individual cases of paediatric migraine can not be excluded.
ATTITUDES TOWARD ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGY: THE EFFECTS OF GENDER, RELATIONSHIP STATUS, AGE, AND SEXUAL ORIENTATION

OF THESIS ATTITUDES TOWARD ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGY: THE EFFECTS OF GENDER, RELATIONSHIP STATUS, AGE, AND SEXUAL ORIENTATION Reproductive technology has extended procreative options to infertile, subfertile, unpartnered, and same-sex-partnered individuals, but this technology is sometimes used in circumstances that may be deemed unreasonable or inappropriate by some people. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of five contextual variables—gender, relationship status, age, and sexual orientation of the individual or couple seeking reproductive assistance, as well as the source of gametes—on attitudes toward the procurement of reproductive services. A multiple-segment factorial vignette was administered to a sample of 257 reproductive-aged respondents. Results indicate that ART is generally viewed as an acceptable procedure by reproductive aged individuals, particularly in normative contexts with regard to age and marital status, but differences between single men and single women using ART services were surprising and the effects of sexual orientation were both complex and unexpected. As reproductive norms and medical advances change over time, ethical questions will continue to arise and be discussed by professionals and lay commentators alike. The findings reported here can inform those discussions, while also generating new research to make sense out of the surprising results.
Open and extendable speech recognition application architecture for mobile environments

This paper describes a cloud-based speech recognition architecture primarily intended for mobile environments. The system consists of a speech recognition server and a client for the Android mobile operating system. The system enables to implement Android’s Voice Input functionality for languages that are not supported by the default Google implementation. The architecture supports both large vocabulary speech recognition as well as grammar-based recognition, where grammars can be implemented in JSGF or Grammatical Framework. The system is open source and easily extendable. We used the architecture to implement Estonian speech recognition for Android.
Proteomic characterization of the striatum and midbrain treated with 6-hydroxydopamine: Alteration of 58-kDa glucose-regulated protein and C/EBP homologous protein

Abstract The present study performed proteomic analysis of the midbrain and striatum of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-treated neonatal rats—a model of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Proteomic analysis revealed that a 58-kDa glucose-regulated protein (Grp58) was temporarily phosphorylated and its level was elevated by 6-OHDA. Furthermore, 6-OHDA increased the expression level of C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), a mediator of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response, in the midbrain and striatum. In vitro experiments using PC12 cells revealed that 6-OHDA or hydrogen peroxide could induce the elevation of Grp58 and CHOP. 6-OHDA could induce the elevation of Grp58 and CHOP in the presence of catalase, a hydrogen peroxide-removing enzyme, suggesting that the elevation of Grp58 and CHOP are induced by both hydrogen peroxide and p-quinone generated by 6-OHDA. Collectively, these findings suggest that ER stress involving the alteration of Grp58 and CHOP play a significant role in the induction of insults by 6-OHDA in vivo.
A Blind SNR Estimator Based on Iterative Subspace Tracking Algorithm for Digital Modulated Signals

Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is an important parameter in turbo soft decoding. In this paper a blind SNR estimator for digital modulated signals in the complex additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel is proposed. The algorithm uses the eigenvalues of the covariance of the received signal. And the eigenvalues are estimated via an iterative subspace tracking algorithm, known as the projection approximation subspace tracking (PASTd) algorithm. The orthonormality of the estimated eigenvectors is guaranteed by the use of the Gram-Schmidt method. Computer simulations are performed for 2/4/8 PSK signals when the true SNR is in the range from 3 dB to 25 dB. Compared with the eigenvalue decomposition (ED)-based method, the proposed algorithm can achieve a comparable estimation but with a significantly reduced computational complexity
Efficient Bayesian Sample Size Calculation for Designing a Clinical Trial with Multi‐Cluster Outcome Data

Health care utilization and outcome studies call for hierarchical approaches. The objectives were to predict major complications following percutaneous coronary interventions by health providers, and to compare Bayesian and non‐Bayesian sample size calculation methods. The hierarchical data structure consisted of: (1) Strata: PGY4, PGY7, and physician assistant as providers with varied experiences; (2) Clusters: ks providers per stratum; (3) Individuals: ns patients reviewed by each provider. The main outcome event illustrated was mortality modeled by a Bayesian beta‐binomial model. Pilot information and assumptions were utilized to elicit beta prior distributions. Sample size calculations were based on the approximated average length, fixed at 1%, of 95% posterior intervals of the mean event rate parameter. Necessary sample sizes by both non‐Bayesian and Bayesian methods were compared. We demonstrated that the developed Bayesian methods can be efficient and may require fewer subjects to satisfy the same length criterion.
Faculty Opinions recommendation of European phenological response to climate change matches the warming pattern.

Global climate change impacts can already be tracked in many physical and biological systems; in particular, terrestrial ecosystems provide a consistent picture of observed changes. One of the preferred indicators is phenology, the science of natural recurring events, as their recorded dates provide a high-temporal resolution of ongoing changes. Thus, numerous analyses have demonstrated an earlier onset of spring events for mid and higher latitudes and a lengthening of the growing season. However, published single-site or single-species studies are particularly open to suspicion of being biased towards predominantly reporting climate change-induced impacts. No comprehensive study or meta-analysis has so far examined the possible lack of evidence for changes or shifts at sites where no temperature change is observed. We used an enormous systematic phenological network data set of more than 125 000 observational series of 542 plant and 19 animal species in 21 European countries (1971–2000). Our results showed that 78% of all leafing, flowering and fruiting records advanced (30% significantly) and only 3% were significantly delayed, whereas the signal of leaf colouring/fall is ambiguous. We conclude that previously published results of phenological changes were not biased by reporting or publication predisposition: the average advance of spring/summer was 2.5 days decade 1 in Europe. Our analysis of 254 mean national time series undoubtedly demonstrates that species’ phenology is responsive to temperature of the preceding Correspondence: Annette Menzel, tel. 1 49 8161 714743, fax 1 49 8161 714753, e-mail: menzel@forst.tu-muenchen.de Global Change Biology (2006) 12, 1969–1976, doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2486.2006. 01193.x r 2006 The Authors Journal compilation r 2006 Blackwell Publishing Ltd 1969 months (mean advance of spring/summer by 2.5 days 1C , delay of leaf colouring and fall by 1.0 day 1C ). The pattern of observed change in spring efficiently matches measured national warming across 19 European countries (correlation coefficient r 5 0.69, Po0.001).
A Left Turn: Automated Feedback and Activity Generation for Student Writers

Writing is key to educational and workplace success. The majority of computer-based writing support applications target K-12 students and offer standard feedback concerning the U.S.-centric, 5-paragraph, expository essay genre, which is typically taught to developing writers and used on standardized tests. This writing demo takes a “ left turn ”. By “ left turn ”, we mean that this demo is illustrating a new writing support concept. In contrast to most systems that provide only feedback, this demo illustrates how guided activities can be automatically generated as a complement to relevant writing feedback driven by natural language processing (NLP) methods. Further, the demo is intended to handle a wide range of writing genres in postsecondary academic settings. The demo feedback and activities illustrated in this paper are ideas that are intended to promote postsecondary students’ engagement with writing assignments, and address writing domain knowledge that is critical for producing higher quality postsecondary writing assignments across writing genres and academic disciplines.