Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Factors contributing to fecal incontinence in older people and outcome of routine management in home, hospital and nursing home settings

Objective: Fecal loading, cognitive impairment, loose stools, functional disability, comorbidity and anorectal incontinence are recognized as factors contributing to loss of fecal continence in older adults. The objective of this project was to assess the relative distribution of these factors in a variety of settings along with the outcome of usual management. Methods: One hundred and twenty adults aged 65 years and over with fecal incontinence recruited by convenience sampling from four different settings were studied. They were either living at home or in a nursing home or receiving care on an acute or rehabilitation elderly care ward. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit which factors associated with fecal incontinence were present from subjects who had given written informed consent or for whom assent for inclusion in the study had been obtained. Results: Fecal loading (Homes 6 [20%]; Acute care wards 17 [57%]; Rehabilitation wards 19 [63%]; Nursing homes 21 [70%]) and functional disability (Homes 5 [17%]; Acute care wards 25 [83%]; Rehabilitation wards 25 [83%]; Nursing homes 20 [67%]) were significantly more prevalent in the hospital and nursing home settings than in those living at home (P < 0.01). Loose stools were more prevalent in the hospital setting than in the other settings (Homes 11 [37%]; Acute care wards 20 [67%]; Rehabilitation wards 17 [57%]; Nursing homes 6 [20%]) (P < 0.01). Cognitive impairment was significantly more common in the nursing home than in the other settings (Nursing homes 26 [87%], Homes 5 [17%], Acute care wards 13 [43%], Rehabilitation wards 14 [47%]) (P < 0.01). Loose stools were the most prevalent factor present at baseline in 13 of the 19 (68%) subjects whose fecal incontinence had resolved at 3 months. Conclusion: The distribution of the factors contributing to fecal incontinence in older people living at home differs from those cared for in nursing home and hospital wards settings. These differences need to be borne in mind when assessing people in different settings. Management appears to result in a cure for those who are not significantly disabled with loose stools as a cause for their fecal incontinence, but this would need to be confirmed by further research.
Explorations in the Use of Augmented Reality for Geographic Visualization

In this paper, we describe two explorations in the use of hybrid user interfaces for collaborative geographic data visualization. Our first interface combines three technologies: augmented reality (AR), immersive virtual reality (VR), and computer vision-based hand and object tracking. Wearing a lightweight display with an attached camera, users can look at a real map and see three-dimensional virtual terrain models overlaid on the map. From this AR interface, they can fly in and experience the model immersively, or use free hand gestures or physical markers to change the data representation. Building on this work, our second interface explores alternative interface techniques, including a zoomable user interface, paddle interactions, and pen annotations. We describe the system hardware and software and the implications for GIS and spatial science applications.
KML001, a Telomere-Targeting Drug, Sensitizes Glioblastoma Cells to Temozolomide Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy through DNA Damage and Apoptosis

Standard treatment for glioblastoma comprises surgical resection, chemotherapy with temozolomide, and radiotherapy. Nevertheless, majority of glioblastoma patients have recurrence from resistance to the cytotoxic conventional therapies. We examined combinational effects of KML001, an arsenic compound targeting telomeres of chromosomes with temozolomide or irradiation, in glioblastoma cell lines and xenograft models, to overcome the therapeutic limitation of chemoradiation therapy for glioblastoma. Although KML001 alone showed little effects on in vitro survival of glioblastoma cells, cell death by in vitro temozolomide treatment or irradiation was synergistically potentiated by combination with KML001. Since phosphorylated γ-H2AX, cleaved casepase-3, and cleaved PARP were dramatically increased by KML001, the synergistic effects would be mediated by increased DNA damage and subsequent tumor cell apoptosis. Combinatorial effects of KML001 were observed not only in chemo- and radiosensitive glioblastoma cell line, U87MG, but also in the resistant cell line, U251MG. In the U87MG glioblastoma xenograft models, KML001 did not have systemic toxicity but showed synergistic therapeutic effects in combination with temozolomide or irradiation to reduce tumor volumes significantly. These data indicated that KML001 could be a candidate sensitizer to potentiate therapeutic effects of conventional cytotoxic treatment for glioblastoma.
A general framework for adaptive and online detection of web attacks

Detection of web attacks is an important issue in current defense-in-depth security framework. In this paper, we propose a novel general framework for adaptive and online detection of web attacks. The general framework can be based on any online clustering methods. A detection model based on the framework is able to learn online and deal with "concept drift" in web audit data streams. Str-DBSCAN that we extended DBSCAN to streaming data as well as StrAP are both used to validate the framework. The detection model based on the framework automatically labels the web audit data and adapts to normal behavior changes while identifies attacks through dynamical clustering of the streaming data. A very large size of real HTTP Log data collected in our institute is used to validate the framework and the model. The preliminary testing results demonstrated its effectiveness.
Ensembles of Sparse Multinomial Classifiers for Scalable Text Classification

Machine learning techniques face new challenges in scalability to large-scale tasks. Many of the existing algorithms are unable to scale to potentially millions of features and structured classes encountered in web-scale datasets such as Wikipedia. The third Large Scale Hierarchical Text Classification evaluation (LSHTC3) evaluated systems for multi-label hierarchical categorization of Wikipedia articles. In this paper we present a broad overview of our system in the evaluation, performing among the top systems in the challenge. We describe the several new modeling ideas we used that make text classification systems both more effective and scalable. These are: reduction of inference time complexity for probabilistic classifiers using inverted indices, classifier modifications optimized with direct search algorithms, ensembles of diverse multi-label classifiers and a novel feature-regression based method for scalable ensemble combination.
Genetic Variations of TAP1 Gene Exon 3 Affects Gene Expression and Escherichia coli F18 Resistance in Piglets

Firstly, our research group identified Sutai pigs’ phenotypes that exhibited extreme resistance and susceptibility to the Escherichia coli F18 respectively, and then eight ETEC (Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli) F18-resistant piglets and eight ETEC F18-sensitive piglets were selected. Then, the TAP1 (Transporter associated with antigen processing) mRNA relative expression levels were analyzed in 11 tissues of the resistant and susceptible phenotypes. Simultaneously, we detected the genetic variations in exon 3 of the TAP1 gene and evaluated the TAP1 mRNA expression levels among the different genotype pigs to study the effects of the genetic variation on gene expression, and the E. coli F18 resistance. The results revealed higher expression levels in the resistant genotypes than that in the susceptible genotypes in 11 tissues, with significant differences in the spleen, lymph node, lung, thymus, duodenum and jejunum. Furthermore, a G729A mutation was identified in the TAP1 gene exon 3, and this mutation deviates from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (p < 0.01). The TAP1 mRNA levels in GG genotype were significantly higher than that in the other two genotypes, with significant differences in the liver, lung, kidney, thymus, lymph node, duodenum and jejunum tissues. We speculated that high expression of the TAP1 gene might confer resistance against the E. coli F18, the G729A mutation had a significant effect on the mRNA expression, and individuals with the GG genotype possessed a stronger ability to resist the E. coli F18 infection.
A Simulation-Based Approach for Developing Optimal Calibrations for Engines with Variable Valve Actuation

Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) technology provides high potential for achieving improved performance, fuel economy and pollutant reduction. Benefits of VVA stem from better breathing and the ability to control internal residual. However, additional independent control variables in a VVA engine increase the complexity of the system, and achieving its full benefit depends critically on devising an optimum control strategy. The traditional approach relying on experimentation is in this case prohibitively costly, since the number of tests increases exponentially. Instead, this work formulates the task of defining actuator set-points as an optimization problem. It identifies simulation needs for supporting development of a generic methodology, capable of handling increased number of degrees of freedom. A high-fidelity tool predicts effects of various devices being considered. Since solving an optimization problem requires hundreds of function evaluations, direct use of the high-fidelity simulation leads to unacceptably long computational times. Instead, the Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) are trained with high-fidelity simulation results and used to represent engine s response to different control variable combinations with greatly reduced computational time. The paper describes a comprehensive simulation-based methodology, provides details of high-fidelity and surrogate modeling techniques, and then demonstrates application on a prototype four-cylinder spark-ignition engine with dual independent cam-phasers.
Detektion von Directed Hate Speech, Online Harassment und Cyberbullying in Online Communities

Online Harassment is the process of sending messages for example in Social Networks to cause psychological harm to a victim. In this paper, we propose a pattern-based approach to detect such messages. Since user generated texts contain noisy language we perform a normalization step first to transform the words into their canonical forms. Additionally, we introduce a person identification module that marks phrases which relate to a person. Our results show that these preprocessing steps increase the classification performance. The pattern-based classifier uses the information provided by the preprocessing steps to detect patterns that connect a person to profane words. This technique achieves a substantial improvement compared to existing approaches. Finally, we discuss the portability of our approach to Social Networks and its possible contribution to tackle the abuse of such applications for the distribution of Online Harassment.
A Modular Neural Network Architecture for Pattern Classification Based on Different Feature Sets

We propose a novel connectionist method for the use of different feature sets in pattern classification. Unlike traditional methods, e.g., combination of multiple classifiers and use of a composite feature set, our method copes with the problem based on an idea of soft competition on different feature sets developed in our earlier work. An alternative modular neural network architecture is proposed to provide a more effective implementation of soft competition on different feature sets. The proposed architecture is interpreted as a generalized finite mixture model and, therefore, parameter estimation is treated as a maximum likelihood problem. An EM algorithm is derived for parameter estimation and, moreover, a model selection method is proposed to fit the proposed architecture to a specific problem. Comparative results are presented for the real world problem of speaker identification.
A Satisficing Design for the Control of Cooperative Uninhabited Aerial Vehicles

We describe a new formal decision theory, in which individual agents are endowed with the ability to coordinate according to an expanded notion of rationality that employs exactly the same criteria as does optimization, but uses it in a different way. Essentially, the agents are committed only to decisions that admit a mathematically precise notion of being ‘good enough,’ without being bound to a single ’best’ decision. This relaxed definition of rationality, which we call satisficing, allows agents to consider multiple acceptable courses of action, which in turn gives them the freedom to negotiate and compromise — i.e., to cooperate. The theory is applied to a simple coordination problem involving stylized UAVs subject to certain operational constraints. System performance is shown to be comparable to that of an optimal control solution and is computationally much simpler to implement. Keywords—Coordination, cooperation, altruism, dual utilities, rationality
Exploring the impact of a developing sexuality on adolescents with autism

This research project sought to understand as far as possible what meanings the period of development termed as ‘adolescence’ meant for a small group of young men on the autism spectrum, as interpreted by the parents and staff who support them. The focus of my enquiry was an exploration of interpretations of behaviour; specifically ‘sexualised behaviour’ and how these interpretations might enable or disable people on the autism spectrum. In this study accessing the ‘meaning of experience’ for the young men within this group, as interpreted by the participants, was mediated through a supported process of reflection in which the participants challenged their initial interpretations and understandings of what the behaviours might mean to the young men. The method used was a series of individual and group interviews with the people who lived and worked with these young men, and used Ashworth’s eight ‘fractions’ of the Lifeworld as starting off points from which to begin framing the examination and interpretation of the participant’s experiences and perceptions. Throughout this research my aim and intention was to challenge some of the canons of autism in relation to sexuality and sexualised behaviour. In doing so I wanted to identify how a supported reflection might move parents and staff towards new ways of interpreting the behaviour of people on the autism spectrum, so that more appropriate and sensitive measures can be formulated in order to bring about positive sexual identity formation during adolescence.
Phase Information in Quantum Oracle Computing

Computational devices may be supplied with external sources of information (oracles). Quantum oracles may transmit phase information which is available to a quantum computer but not a classical computer. One consequence of this observation is that there is an oracle which is of no assistance to a classical computer but which allows a quantum computer to solve undecidable problems. Thus useful relativized separations between quantum and classical complexity classes must exclude the transmission of phase information from oracle to computer.
On Normals and Projection Operators for Surfaces Defined by Point Sets

Levin's MLS projection operator allows defining a surface from a set of points and represents a versatile procedure to generate points on this surface. Practical problems of MLS surfaces are a complicated non-linear optimization to compute a tangent frame and the (commonly overlooked) fact that the normal to this tangent frame is not the surface normal. An alternative definition of Point Set Surfaces, inspired by the MLS projection, is the implicit surface version of Adamson & Alexa.We use this surface definition to show how to compute exact surface normals and present simple, efficient projection operators. The exact normal computation also allows computing orthogonal projections.
COX2 in a euryhaline teleost, Fundulus heteroclitus: primary sequence, distribution, localization, and potential function in gills during salinity acclimation

SUMMARY In the kidneys of mammals, cyclooxygenase type 2 (COX2) is expressed in medullary interstitial cells, the macula densa and epithelial cells of the cortical thick ascending limb where it generates prostaglandins that regulate hormone secretion, inhibit ion transport, and support cell survival during salt loading and dehydration. In teleosts, the gills are in direct contact with an aquatic environment and are the dominant site of osmoregulation. During transfers between salinities, specialized cells in the gills (chloride cells) rapidly regulate NaCl secretion for systemic osmoregulation while they simultaneously are exposed to acute osmotic shock. This study was conducted to determine if COX2 is expressed in the gills, and if so, to evaluate its function in cellular and systemic osmoregulation. Degenerate primers, reverse transcription–PCR and rapid amplification of cDNA ends were used to deduce the complete cDNA sequence of a putative COX2 enzyme from the gills of the euryhaline killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus). The 2738 base pair cDNA includes a coding region for a 610 amino acid protein that is over 70% identical to mammalian COX2. A purified antibody generated against a conserved region of mouse COX2 labeled chloride cells, suggesting that the enzyme may control NaCl secretion as an autocrine agent. Real-time PCR was then used to demonstrate that mRNA expression of the COX2 homologue was threefold greater in gills from chronic seawater killifish than in gills from chronic freshwater killifish. Expression of Na+/K+/2Cl– cotransporter and the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator were also greater in seawater, suggesting that chronic COX2 expression in the gills is regulated in parallel to the key ion transporters that mediate NaCl secretion. Real-time PCR was also used to demonstrate that acute transfer from seawater to freshwater and from freshwater to seawater led to rapid, transient inductions of COX2 expression. Together with previous physiological evidence, the present molecular and immunological data suggest that constitutive branchial COX2 expression is enhanced in seawater, where prostaglandins can regulate NaCl secretion in chloride cells. Our data also suggest that branchial COX2 expression may play a role in cell survival during acute osmotic shock.
Long term measurements of submicrometer urban aerosols: statistical analysis for correlations with meteorological conditions and trace gases

Long-term measurements (over 4 years) of par- ticle number size distributions (submicrometer particles, 3- 800 nm in diameter), trace gases (NO, NO2, and O3), and meteorological parameters (global radiation, wind speed and direction, atmospheric pressure, etc.) were taken in a mod- erately polluted site in the city of Leipzig (Germany). The resulting complex data set was analyzed with respect to sea- sonal, weekly, and diurnal variation of the submicrometer aerosol. Car traffic produced a peak in the number size dis- tribution at around 20 nm particle diameter during morning rush hour on weekdays. A second peak at 10-15 nm particle diameter occurred around noon during summer, confirmed by high correlation between concentration of particles less than 20 nm and the global radiation. This new-particle for- mation at noon was correlated with the amount of global radi- ation. A high concentration of accumulation mode particles (between 100 and 800 nm), which are associated with large particle-surface area, might prevent this formation. Such high particle concentration in the ultrafine region (particles smaller than 20 nm in diameter) was not detected in the parti- cle mass, and thus, particle mass concentration is not suitable for determining the diurnal patterns of particles. In summer, statistical time series analysis showed a cyclic pattern of ul- trafine particles with a period of one day and confirmed the correlation with global radiation. Principal component anal- ysis (PCA) revealed a strong correlation between the parti- cle concentration for 20-800 nm particles and the NO- and NO2-concentrations, indicating the influence of combustion processes on this broad size range, in particular during win- ter. In addition, PCA also revealed that particle concentration depended on meteorological conditions such as wind speed and wind direction, although the dependence differed with particle size class.
Fingerprint Reference Point Determination Based on Orientation Features

In this paper, a new orientation-based method which operates in two-step, called in Dynamic Processing (DP) system, is proposed for the determination of fingerprint reference point. For the two-step operation, it uses different orientation features at different scales: block-based orientation certainty and pixel-based segmented direction map. A block-based orientation certainty is used to describe the change of a block curvature of a fingerprint, which is determined by two eigenvalues of the gradient covariance matrix and a pixel-based segmented direction map is used to find intersections emerging from the directional transition. The DP system is built through their cross-references to determine the position of reference point. While the proposed system has the pixel-based precision by virtue of using a pixel-based segmented direction map, it reduces many possible fault symptoms by virtue of using a block-based orientation certainty. The proposed technique shows better performance in accuracy rate than other previous techniques. The performance of the proposed one is verified through simulations and its analysis.
Disturbing Behaviours: Ole Ivar Lovaas and the Queer History of Autism Science

This paper “queers” the history of autism science through an examination of the overlap between the regulation of autism with that of gender and sexuality in the work of Ole Ivar Lovaas. Lovaas is the founder of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), the most commonly used and funded autism intervention today that seeks to extinguish autistic behaviors, primarily among children. Less commonly recognized is Lovaas’ involvement in the Feminine Boy Project, where he developed interventions into the gender identities and behaviors of young people. Turning to Lovaas’ published works, we perform a “history of the present” and argue that a queer disability studies lens opens up the richness of autism as a cultural nexus, and deepens understandings of intersecting and contested histories of science, professional scopes of practice, and dominant futurities. The article makes a significant and timely contribution to understanding the disabling material effects of autism science in the lives of autistic persons. In particular, this case study highlights the need for feminist science studies to further investigate the historical and contemporary links between dominant scientific constructions of disability, gender, and sexuality.