Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adaptive Modeling of Progress in Outpatient Psychotherapy

All professional services require adaptive decision making, that is, modifications based on diagnostic configuration and an ongoing assessment of progress or accomplishment of goals. In the delivery of clinical services, outcome monitoring (i.e., repeated assessments of a patient's response to treatment and recurrent revisions of outcome expectations based on the observed treatment response) can be used to support this sort of adaptive decision making. The authors describe a model for determining the expected treatment response of a patient based on presenting characteristics and information collected over the course of treatment. They also discuss how this information could be used to support clinical decisions regarding treatment selection and modification.
Giving hope to refractory epileptic patients

This paper outlines the results and challenges identified by the FP7 Epilepsiae project as a follow up to the initial paper presented at IST-Africa 2009. Four main outcomes are described: (i) the Epilepsy Database with long term acquired multichannel EEG data of 275 patients, (ii) the computational framework Epilab with a set of features and algorithms for seizure prediction, (iii) the real time transportable device Brainatic aimed to be used by refractory epileptic patients to warn impending seizures, (iv) the results of a large study for seizure prediction using data from 278 patients. The project achieved important steps forward but challenges still remain.
Bayesian target tracking after group pattern distortion

A standard assumption of most multiple target tracking filters is that all the targets move independently of one another. However, in many cases, it is known a-priori that the targets move (at least approximately) as a group: this dependency should not be ignored. In this paper we describe an approach to multiple target tracking where the target dynamics are taken to be the superposition of a group effect which is common to all group members and an individual effect which is taken to be independent between members of the group. The method also allows for the presence of clutter and missed target detections. This is done by embedding the dependent target motion model within a multiple hypothesis framework. A closed form solution is derived for the special linear-Gaussian case and simulation results illustrating performance are presented. This paper is a recursive extension of the selection method presented at last year's conference.
A first step toward understanding patient safety

Patient safety has become an important policy agenda in healthcare systems since publication of the 1999 report entitled "To Err Is Human. " The paradigm has changed from blaming the individual for the error to identifying the weakness in the system that led to the adverse events. Anesthesia is one of the first healthcare specialties to adopt techniques and lessons from the aviation industry. The widespread use of simulation programs and the application of human factors engineering to clinical practice are the influences of the aviation industry. Despite holding relatively advanced medical technology and comparable safety records, the Korean health industry has little understanding of the systems approach to patient safety. Because implementation of the existing system and program requires time, dedication, and financial support, the Korean healthcare industry is in urgent need of developing patient safety policies and putting them into practice to improve patient safety before it is too late.
A better way to measure disability in older people.

BACKGROUND Health care experts, older people and carers were asked to weight 18 personal and social activities of daily living (ADLs) with regard to the importance of being able to perform them. RESULTS All groups agreed on the order of importance but experts gave greater weight to personal ADLs. We have used these results to produce a ratio scale.
A new link between transcriptional initiation and pre-mRNA splicing: The RNA binding histone variant H2A.B

The replacement of histone H2A with its variant forms is critical for regulating all aspects of genome organisation and function. The histone variant H2A.B appeared late in evolution and is most highly expressed in the testis followed by the brain in mammals. This raises the question of what new function(s) H2A.B might impart to chromatin in these important tissues. We have immunoprecipitated the mouse orthologue of H2A.B, H2A.B. 3 (H2A.Lap1), from testis chromatin and found this variant to be associated with RNA processing factors and RNA Polymerase (Pol) II. Most interestingly, many of these interactions with H2A.B. 3 (Sf3b155, Spt6, DDX39A and RNA Pol II) were inhibited by the presence of endogenous RNA. This histone variant can bind to RNA directly in vitro and in vivo, and associates with mRNA at intron—exon boundaries. This suggests that the ability of H2A.B to bind to RNA negatively regulates its capacity to bind to these factors (Sf3b155, Spt6, DDX39A and RNA Pol II). Unexpectedly, H2A.B. 3 forms highly decompacted nuclear subdomains of active chromatin that co-localizes with splicing speckles in male germ cells. H2A.B. 3 ChIP-Seq experiments revealed a unique chromatin organization at active genes being not only enriched at the transcription start site (TSS), but also at the beginning of the gene body (but being excluded from the +1 nucleosome) compared to the end of the gene. We also uncover a general histone variant replacement process whereby H2A.B. 3 replaces H2A.Z at intron-exon boundaries in the testis and the brain, which positively correlates with expression and exon inclusion. Taken together, we propose that a special mechanism of splicing may occur in the testis and brain whereby H2A.B. 3 recruits RNA processing factors from splicing speckles to active genes following its replacement of H2A.Z.
Security and management policy specification

Policies are rules governing the choices in behavior of a system. They are increasingly being used as a means of implementing flexible and adaptive systems for management of Internet services, networks, and security systems. There is also a need for a common specification of security policy for large-scale multi-organizational systems where access control is implemented in a variety of heterogeneous components. In this article we survey both security and management policy specification approaches, concentrating on practical systems in which the policy specification can be directly translated into an implementation.
Safety profile of iloperidone in the treatment of schizophrenia

Introduction: Iloperidone is a novel antipsychotic medication approved for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults with efficacy similar to its class counterparts. The purpose of this article is to describe the safety profile of iloperidone and its clinical implications. Areas covered: A PubMed search was undertaken on May 10, 2013, using the keyword iloperidone. Of the 121 articles that resulted, those with primary sources of information, along with secondary sources with an emphasis on drug safety, were included in this article. Iloperidone was found to have lower extrapyramidal symptom (EPS) and akathisia rates compared to haloperidol and risperidone. Twelve percent of patients experienced clinically significant weight gain, largely during initiation phase of treatment. No other clinically significant metabolic abnormalities were observed. QTc interval was increased by 10 ms, comparable to the effect observed with ziprasidone. QTc prolongation was heightened under inhibition of CYP2D6 and CYP3A4. Orthostatic hypotension was a common effect seen in the first week of treatment. Expert opinion: The favorable EPS and akathisia profile of iloperidone makes it an attractive choice for patients whose compliance is limited by these effects. However, the slow titration schedule adapted to reduce orthostasis may limit the use of this agent in an acute setting.
Eggshell apex abnormalities in a free-range hen farm with mycoplasma synoviae and infectious bronchitis virus in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil

A farm with 3,000 free-range hens between 24 and 65 weeks of age was investigated. These hens were separated in small flocks of 400 to 700 birds, presenting 10 to 23% egg production reduction. Twenty serum samples were collected during the period of drop in egg production and three weeks later for the investigation of Mycoplasma synoviae (MS), M. gallisepticum (MG) and Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) antibodies using ELISA. At the time of the second collection, egg production had resumed to normal levels; however, with 10.23% of the eggs showed eggshell abnormalities limited to the apex. Eggshell strength was significantly different between normal and those with eggshell apex abnormalities, but not other egg-quality parameters. ELISA tests showed that MS and IBV titers increased during the evaluated period. MS infection was confirmed by culture and by PCR of tracheal swabs. All samples were negative for MG by ELISA and PCR. Further studies with larger samples to ensure the occurrence of this disease in industrial layer flocks in Brazil are under way.
Bridging Cognition and Socioculturalism Within Conceptual Change Research: Unnecessary Foray or Unachievable Feat?

Abstract The articles in this special issue were analyzed in terms of their stance on the nature of knowledge (i.e., its source and location) and the perspective on conceptual change addressed. The analysis supported the argument that efforts to bridge the cognitive and sociocultural orientations toward conceptual change are either unnecessary or unachievable. Specifically, there are those theorists and researchers who do not give credence to the existence of concepts for the one or the collective, and those who do not see sociocultural influences as needed for concept formation or reformation. Attempts to bridge these two positions seem doomed to failure. Conversely, it is argued that the frameworks and models espoused by many researchers, including those contributing to this issue, cannot exist without recognition of the thoughts and reflection of the mind or without consideration of the sociocultural influences that exist in the world outside the mind.
Competence development among nurses: the process of constant interaction.

BACKGROUND The importance of competence to nursing practice was the motivation for this study, which explored nurses' experience in developing their competence as they progress through their careers. METHODS In accordance with grounded theory method, data collection and data analysis were performed simultaneously using the constant comparative method. RESULTS Data revealed that nurses developed competence through an iterative process called "the process of constant interaction. " This five-stage process was found to be a complex, ongoing interpersonal dynamic between the nurse and the surrounding world. CONCLUSIONS Although the nurse is the key player in the process of his or her own competence development, employers have a pivotal responsibility in facilitating the nurse's progress toward ongoing professional competence, which is a key element of the quality of care.
Process Orientation and Object-Orientation — An Approach for Integrating UML and Event-Driven Process Chains (EPC)

Event-driven process chains (EPC) are used by many companies for modelling, analysing and redesigning business processes. The resulting EPC models are used as a starting point for the development of information systems and for the definition of workflows. They can be applied for simulation and activity based costing. A major area of application is the implementation of standard software packages, because many vendors have documented their software's processes with EPCs. Since the unified modeling language (UML) as the new standard for modelling object-oriented systems does not yet cover all aspects required for the above mentioned application areas, an integrated approach is required for describing the dependencies between event-driven process chains and UML diagrams. In this paper, such an integrated approach is presented. It focuses mainly on the connection be-tween EPC, class diagrams, and statechart diagrams, but the relationships between EPC, use case diagrams, and activity diagrams are also discussed.
(Non)acknowledgment of rights as a barrier to conflict resolution: Predicting Jewish Israeli attitudes towards the Palestinian demand for national self-determination

A major barrier to resolution of asymmetric conflicts is the unwillingness of the stronger side to see the out-group as having the right to national self-determination. In the context of the conflict between Jewish Israelis and Palestinians, we investigate psychological factors related to this barrier. We first review the threat and dehumanization two-factor model that was developed by Maoz and McCauley to explain Jewish Israeli support of aggressive acts towards Palestinians that hinder the resolution of the conflict. Using this model, we then explore the extent to which perceived threat and dehumanization also predict – together with other ideological and demographic variables – Jewish Israeli attitudes towards Palestinian demands for national self-determination. Implications of the findings for the “barriers” approach in settings of asymmetrical conflict are discussed.
Exclusion of linkage between the human apolipoprotein B gene and abetalipoproteinemia.

Abetalipoproteinemia (ABLP) is a rare autosomal recessive disease characterized by a lack of plasma apolipoprotein B (apo B). In this report, the hypothesis that ABLP is due to rare mutations in the apo B gene was tested. A total of eight ABLP families were studied. Apo B gene RFLPs were used to establish the haplotypes of the apo B alleles in family members. LOD score analysis was used to study the linkage between the apo B alleles and ABLP. These families were categorized arbitrarily as class I, II, III, or IV because of differences in the results derived from both haplotyping and LOD score analysis. In a class I family, affected siblings, who on the basis of the hypothesis would be expected to have the same apo B alleles, had different ones. LOD score analysis of this family gave an infinite negative number at a recombination fraction (theta) of zero. In two class II families, probands who were the result of consanguineous marriages and who, on the basis of the hypothesis, should be homozygotes for a defective apo B allele, were heterozygotes at this locus. The sum of the LOD scores from these two families was -1.7 at theta = 0. In one class III family, a parent was apparently homozygous for a particular apo B allele and yet not affected. This also contributed negatively to the LOD score. In four class IV families, disease inheritance was compatible with segregation of the apo B alleles. This, however, was not statistically significant (LOD score = 0.97 at theta = 0). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Research Statement 2 Tool Support for Proof Assistants 2.1 Current Research

Research ought to be promotable. It should have potential to inform and motivate those outside the particular sub-discipline in which it originated. It is easy to look into the past and find promotable research; examine the present for the products of research and identify the research that contributed to those products. It is much harder to identify current research which will actually be promoted. Nonetheless, I believe that the following qualities are fundamental to promotable research:
Homicide and Medical Science: Is There a Relationship?

Violent crime remains high in the United States and Canada. Some have hypothesized that there is a disparity between the trend of the rate of aggravated assault (as well as violent crime, in general), on the one hand, and the trend of the rate of homicide, on the other, and that this disparity can be explained by decreases in trauma mortality rates. This hypothesis is supported through the ''lethality approach'' that measures the proportion of actual deaths (homicides) relative to potential deaths (homicides and aggravated assaults) in criminal activity. The present article shows that the lethality approach is sensitive to data definitions and that there is no disparity between the trends of the rates of aggravated assault and of homicide. Les taux de criminalité violente demeurent élevés aux États-Unis comme au Canada. Or, certains chercheurs ont posé l'hypothèse qu'il existerait un écart entre l'évolution du taux de voies de fait graves (ainsi que de crimes violents en général) et du taux d'homicides, évolution qui s'expliquerait par la baisse des taux de mortalité à la suite d'un traumatisme. Par ailleurs, l'approche axée sur l'analyse de la létalité vient appuyer cette hypothèse en mesurant le nombre de décès effectifs par rapport au nombre de décès potentiels (homicides et voies de fait graves) s'étant produits dans le cadre d'activités criminelles. Enfin, on démontre dans le présent article que l'approche axée sur l'analyse de la létalité tient compte des définitions de données et qu'il n'y a pas d'écart véritable entre le taux de voies de fait graves et le taux d'homicides.
A 60-GHz Coplanar Waveguide-Based Bidirectional LNA in SiGe BiCMOS

A bidirectional low-noise amplifier (LNA) is presented in this letter. By using transistor bias control and low-loss coplanar waveguide structures with defected ground shield as both interconnect traces and distributed passives, the proposed two-port bidirectional amplifier achieves a measured performance close to the stand-alone LNA from 54 to 65 GHz. The design is fabricated in a 0.18-<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mu \text{m}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> SiGe BiCMOS process consuming a maximum 10.6-mA current from a 1.8-V supply voltage and occupies a 0.85-mm<sup>2</sup> core die area.
Layer 3 wireless mesh networks: mobility management issues

Wireless Mesh Networks (WMNs) may be broadly classified into two categories: Layer 2 and Layer 3 WMNs. This article focuses on the Layer 3 WMN, which provides the same service interfaces and functionalities to the conventional mobile host (MH) as the conventional wireless local area network. Three essential design issues to realize seamless mobility management in the Layer 3 WMN are identified and systematically discussed in this article. They are IP address resolution, location management, and Media Access Control (MAC) address resolution. The Layer 3 WMN backbone requires systematic management of the IP and MAC addresses of each MH, which can be realized by four basic approaches: centralized management, home management, replication management, and distributed management. It is shown that the address pair management architecture is fundamental to realizing efficient packet forwarding and address resolution. Design guidelines are provided to realize Layer 3 WMN supporting seamless MH roaming, considering the applicability of address pair management architectures with regard to WMN scale and client mobility; this applicability is considered based on a qualitative evaluation of the management overhead and handover performance.
Neural Activity Reveals Preferences Without Choices

We investigate the feasibility of inferring the choices people would make (if given the opportunity) based on their neural responses to the pertinent prospects when they are not engaged in actual decision making. The ability to make such inferences is of potential value when choice data are unavailable, or limited in ways that render standard methods of estimating choice mappings problematic. We formulate prediction models relating choices to "non-choice" neural responses and use them to predict out-of-sample choices for new items and for new groups of individuals. The predictions are sufficiently accurate to establish the feasibility of our approach.
High School and University Students ’ Self-regulated Efficiency and Emotions

In this study, the authors explore the effect of students’ self-regulated efficiency component on their positive and negative emotions regarding school and school learning. The findings show that challenge and productive learning predetermine 44% of the variance in positive feelings, while autonomy, interactive or cooperative learning as well as independent decision making are variables that are rejected in multiple regression as predictors of positive emotions. When negative emotions are introduced as mediators via a hierarchy regression model, it would appear that their reduction effect on the predictors of positive emotions is trifle, as they do not change the established relations significantly. Likewise, a model in which multiple regressions were used to test the negative components of self-regulation efficiency on negative emotions displayed similar results. Aversion, reproductive learning and execution of teachers’ decisions predetermine negative emotions, but they explain only 10% of the variance, whereby positive emotions, as a mediation variable, do not change the model.
Dynamic respiratory mechanics and exertional dyspnoea in pulmonary arterial hypertension

Patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) may exhibit reduced expiratory flows at low lung volumes, which could promote exercise-induced dynamic hyperinflation (DH). This study aimed to examine the impact of a potential exercise-related DH on the intensity of dyspnoea in patients with PAH undergoing symptom-limited incremental cardiopulmonary cycle exercise testing (CPET). 25 young (aged mean±sd 38±12 yrs) nonsmoking PAH patients with no evidence of spirometric obstruction and 10 age-matched nonsmoking healthy subjects performed CPET to the limit of tolerance. Ventilatory pattern, operating lung volumes (derived from inspiratory capacity (IC) measurements) and dyspnoea intensity (Borg scale) were assessed throughout CPET. IC decreased (i.e. DH) progressively throughout CPET in PAH patients (average 0.15 L), whereas it increased in all the healthy subjects (0.45 L). Among PAH patients, 15 (60%) exhibited a decrease in IC throughout exercise (average 0.50 L), whereas in the remaining 10 (40%) patients IC increased (average 0.36 L). Dyspnoea intensity and ventilation were greater in PAH patients than in controls at any stage of CPET, whereas inspiratory reserve volume was lower. We conclude that DH-induced mechanical constraints and excessive ventilatory demand occurred in these young nonsmoking PAH patients with no spirometric obstruction and was associated with exertional dyspnoea.
A Method to Detect and Characterize Ellipses Using the Hough Transform

We describe a new technique for detecting and characterizing ellipsoidal shapes automatically from any type of image. This technique is a single pass algorithm which can extract any group of ellipse parameters or characteristics which can be computed from those parameters without having to detect all five parameters for each ellipsoidal shape. Moreover, the method can explicitly incorporate any a priori knowledge the user may have concerning ellipse parameters. The method is based on techniques from projective geometry and on the Hough transform. This technique can significantly reduce interpretation and computation time by automatically extracting only those features or geometric parameters of interest from images and making exact use of a priori information.