Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Differentiating levels of cognitive functioning: a comparison of the Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) and the Brief Cognitive Assessment Tool (BCAT) in a nursing home sample

Objectives: In US nursing homes, cognitive assessment has been an essential component of the federally mandated Minimum Data Set assessment system, inclusive of the Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) for identifying possible cognitive impairment. We compare it with the Brief Cognitive Assessment Tool (BCAT) to determine which instrument is more sensitive in differentiating degrees of cognitive functioning in nursing home residents. We attempt to cross-validate the psychometric properties of both measures. Method: Two hundred twenty-nine individuals residing in a Maryland skilled nursing facility were referred for neurocognitive evaluation over a 10-month period. One hundred eighty-nine of these residents met inclusion criteria by completing the BCAT and BIMS, and were aged 60 or older. Results: The BIMS and the BCAT were confirmed to have strong internal consistency reliability and construct validity. Both cognitive tools were found to predict cognitive diagnoses generally, but only the BCAT was able to identify residents at all specific cognitive levels. The BIMS did not differentiate between residents with normal cognition and those with mild cognitive impairment, or between mild and moderate dementia. Both measures demonstrated high specificity and positive predictive values for identifying severe cognitive impairment or probable dementia. The BIMS had lower sensitivity and negative predictive values for identifying dementia compared to the BCAT. The BCAT accounted for an additional 47% of the variance in dementia diagnoses over and above BIMS scores. Conclusion: Based on these findings, the BCAT appears to be more sensitive than the BIMS in predicting cognitive level for nursing home residents.
Sertoli Cell Development and Function in an Animal Model of Testicular Dysgenesis Syndrome1

Abstract Pregnancy exposure to di(n-butyl) phthalate (DBP) in rats induces a testicular dysgenesislike syndrome (TDS) in male offspring. Earlier studies suggested altered Sertoli cell development/maturation may result, especially in testes that become cryptorchid. This study quantitatively assessed Sertoli cell numerical and functional development in DBP-exposed rats and compared (unilaterally) cryptorchid and scrotal testes. Pregnant rats were gavaged with 500 mg/kg/day DBP or corn oil from embryonic (E) Days 13.5 to 21.5. Male offspring were sampled on E21.5 or Postnatal Day 6, 10, 15, 25, or 90. Sertoli cell number in DBP-exposed males was reduced by ∼50% at E21.5 but recovered to normal by Days 25–90, accompanied by significant changes in plasma inhibin B and testosterone levels. Sertoli cell maturational development in DBP-exposed males, assessed using five protein markers (anti-müllerian hormone, cytokeratin, androgen receptor, CDKN1B, and Nestin), was largely normal, with some evidence of delayed maturation. However, in adulthood, Sertoli cells (SC) in areas lacking germ cells (Sertoli cell-only [SCO] tubules) often exhibited immature features, especially in cryptorchid testes. Sertoli cells in DBP-exposed animals supported fewer germ cells during puberty, but this normalized in scrotal testes by adulthood. Scrotal and especially cryptorchid testes from DBP-exposed animals exhibited abnormalities (SCO tubules, focal dysgenetic areas) at all postnatal ages. Cryptorchid testes from DBP-exposed animals exhibited more Sertoli cell abnormalities at Day 25 compared with scrotal testes, perhaps indicating more severe underlying Sertoli cell malfunction in these testes. Our findings support the concept of altered Sertoli cell development in TDS, especially in cryptorchid testes, but show that maturational defects in Sertoli cells in adulthood most commonly reflect secondary dedifferentiation in absence of germ cells.
Cogging torque analysis and minimization of axial flux PM machines

This paper defines three indexes for the cogging torque waveform and analyzes the effect of slot opening ratio and pole-arc ratio on the three indexes of cogging torque waveform in theory. Two measures to reduce cogging torque of the axial flux PM machines are discussed and analyzed. Using the quasi-3D analysis method, the mechanism of cogging torque minimization for axial flux PM machines equipped with several special magnet shapes is explained by detailed sector results. Finally, a novel method based on magnet shape prediction is proposed for cogging torque minimization.
Neural Systems of Threat Processing in Adolescents: Role of Pubertal Maturation and Relation to Measures of Negative Affect

Adolescence ushers in dramatic social and affective changes and increased vulnerability for affective disorders. Yet, little is known about the effects of pubertal maturation on neural systems of social threat processing. We examined adolescents' brain function to social stimuli in relation to pubertal maturation, depressive symptoms, and real-world subjective negative affect. Compared with pre/early adolescents, mid/late adolescents exhibited less amygdala reactivity to emotionally neutral faces relative to non-face stimuli; less ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC) reactivity to fearful faces relative to non-face stimuli, neutral faces, or angry faces; and more VLPFC reactivity to angry relative to neutral faces. Amygdala and VLPFC reactivity were correlated with negative affect and depressive symptoms. Threat-processing changes during puberty may facilitate changes in social behavior and negative affect.
The evolution of open‐source mobile applications: An empirical study

Now, mobile applications grow at an exponential speed and their evolution activities are very active, while there is little research on the evolution of mobile apps. To have a better understanding of the evolution of mobile apps and find similarities or patterns in their evolution process, we conduct an empirical study on long spans in the lifetime of 8 typical open‐source mobile apps, which covers 348 official releases. First, we try to verify whether Lehman's laws still apply to mobile apps or not, extract a variety of metrics of the apps, and use statistical hypothesis testing to validate these laws. We find enough data that support a subset of Lehman's laws, while the rest do not. Second, we make some novel observations, eg, the growth of mobile apps is nonsmooth, and some versions of the apps have a great growth in their evolution. Enough data confirming that software instability increases great with the addition of third‐party method invocations, and automatic build and manage tool based on contract is introduced into project as apps continue evolving.
Accurate Continuous and Non-intrusive User Authentication with Multivariate Keystroke Streaming

In this paper, we demonstrate a novel mechanism for continuous authentication of computer users using keystroke dynamics. The mechanism models keystroke timing features, Flight time (the time between consecutive keys) and Hold time (the duration of a key press), as a multivariate time series which serves to dynamically capture typing patterns in real/continuous time. The proposed method differs from previous approaches for continuous authentication using keystroke dynamics, founded on feature vector representations, which limited real-time analysis due to the computationally expensive processing of the vectors, and which also yielded poor authentication accuracy. The proposed mechanism is compared to a feature vector based approach, taken from the literature, over two datasets. The results indicate superior performance of the proposed multivariate time series mechanisms for continuous authentication using keystroke dynamics.
Postural Adaptations to a Sloping Chair and Work Surface

Sitting postures were observed in four different work spaces that were designed using combinations of a conventional chair, a forward-sloping chair, and a horizontal or sloping work surface. Subjects sat at each of the work spaces while a lateral view of posture was recorded using a video camera. The slumped posture typically reported in the literature was observed when the conventional work space was used. When the sloping chair was used, postures exhibited less trunk flexion. When the sloping work surface was used, less neck flexion and a more upright trunk were observed. Although the differences between the work spaces were small, the sloping furniture was perceived to be more comfortable than the conventional furniture.
On 2-D recursive LMS algorithms using ARMA prediction for ADPCM encoding of images

A two-dimensional (2D) linear predictor which has an autoregressive moving average (ARMA) representation well as a bias term is adapted for adaptive differential pulse code modulation (ADPCM) encoding of nonnegative images. The predictor coefficients are updated by using a 2D recursive LMS (TRLMS) algorithm. A constraint on optimum values for the convergence factors and an updating algorithm based on the constraint are developed. The coefficient updating algorithm can be modified with a stability control factor. This realization can operate in real time and in the spatial domain. A comparison of three different types of predictors is made for real images. ARMA predictors show improved performance relative to an AR algorithm.
A DNA microarray for the versatile diagnosis of infectious diarrhea

Several bacteria, viruses, and parasites cause diarrhea as coinfecting pathogens. We designed a DNA microarray comprising 60‐bp probes spotted 194 times for the multiplex detection of 33 enteropathogenic bacteria and seven enteropathogenic viruses, and the archaeon Methanobrevibacter smithii was used as an internal positive control. Nine pathogen‐free stool specimens were used as negative controls. One of these control specimens was further spiked with Salmonella enterica as a positive control. The microarray was then tested with 40 pathological stool specimens, comprising S. enterica (n = 30), Campylobacter jejuni (n = 4), pathogenic Escherichia coli (n = 2), and adenovirus (n = 4). M. smithii was detected in 47/49 (95.9%) specimens, no pathogen was detected in negative controls and S. enterica was identified in the S. enterica‐spiked positive control. The overall specificity was 100% and the overall sensitivity was 97.5% because one S. enterica sample was missed by the microarray. The multiplexed detection of C. jejuni spiked into an adenovirus‐positive stool sample gave positive results, with fluorescence values of 14.3 and 9.1, respectively. These data indicate that using the protocol developed in this article, the DNA array allows for the multiplexed detection of some enteropathogens in stool samples.
Validation of Next-Generation Sequencer for 24-Chromosome Aneuploidy Screening in Human Embryos.

BACKGROUND Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) is the latest approach for preimplantation genetic diagnoses (PGD). AIM The purpose of this study was to standardize and validate an NGS method for comprehensive chromosome screening and to investigate its applicability to PGD. METHODS Embryo biopsy, whole-genome amplification, array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH), and semiconductor sequencing were employed. RESULTS A total of 204 whole-genome-amplified products were tested with an NGS-based protocol, from which 100 samples were used for standardization and to evaluate the quality of the results produced by this new technique. The remaining 104 samples tested by NGS were previously analyzed by using the aCGH protocol to determine the sensitivity and specificity of this new technique. In total, 4896 chromosomes were assessed, out of which 196 carried a copy number imbalance. NGS sensitivity and specificity for calling aneuploidy was 100%. CONCLUSION This is the first study reporting preclinical validation and accuracy assessment of the Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine (PGM) NGS-based comprehensive chromosome screening method using blastomeres and blastocysts. The NGS proved to be a robust methodology and is ready for clinical application in reproductive medicine, with the major advantage of low cost and enhanced precision when compared with other technologies used for comprehensive chromosome screening.
Guide des arbres de Polynésie française, bois et utilisations

Jamais les arbres de la Polynesie francaise n'avaient fait l'objet d'un ouvrage aussi complet rassemblant autant d'informations techniques, scientifiques et traditionnelles sur les principaux arbres de Polynesie francaise. Ce guide est le fruit de nombreuses annees de recherches bibliographiques, d'observations de terrain et d'etudes scientifiques coordonnees par le service du Developpement rural de Polynesie francaise. Il a fallu parcourir les cinq archipels pour realiser les observations, les prises de vue et recolter les echantillons de bois. Ces echantillons ont fait l'objet d'etudes par l'unite de recherche "Production et valorisation des bois tropicaux" du CIRAD de Montpellier pour ameliorer la connaissance des bois locaux et proposer des utilisations nouvelles. Mais parce que l'arbre remplit egalement nombre de fonctions et services qui tendent a basculer dans l'oubli, un inventaire des multiples usages traditionnels developpes par nos anciens est propose
Effect of yttria addition on mechanical, physical and biological properties of bioactive MgO–CaO–SiO2–P2O5–CaF2 glass ceramic

Preparation of the bioactive MgO–CaO–SiO2–P2O5–CaF2 glass was carried out utilizing tap casting and powder metallurgy methods. The original composition was modified with 0.2% Y2O3 and carbon additions. The mother and the modified bioglass were examined, and comparative studies were performed between the mother and modified type to study the compositional modification effects on physical, mechanical and biological properties. The histology of mother type showed that this type has a good biocompatibility with no rejection or inflammation reaction with the host bone, and new bone generation and formation were shown in the region of implant. The modification with 0.2% Y2O3 achieved a good improvement in the mechanical properties when compared with the mother system. The histology of this type showed a normal acceptance with no inflammation reactions. On the other hand, the modification with carbon achieved a superior improvement in the mechanical properties compared to the mother bioglass and showed a good acceptance with no inflammation reactions with the host body as well.
Chapter 22 DETECTING DIVERSIFICATION RATE VARIATION IN SUPERTREES

Although they typically do not provide reliable information on divergence times, supertrees are nevertheless attractive candidates for the study of diversification rates: by combining a collection of less inclusive source trees, they promise to increase both the number and density of taxa included in the composite phylogeny. The relatively large size and possibly more dense taxonomic sampling of supertrees have the potential to increase the statistical power and decrease the bias, respectively, of methods for studying diversification rates that are robust to uncertainty regarding the timing of diversification events. These considerations motivate the development of atemporal methods that can take advantage of recent and anticipated advances in supertree estimation. Herein, we describe a set of whole-tree, topologybased methods intended to address two questions pertaining to the study of diversification rates. First, has a given (super)tree experienced significant variation in diversification rates among its branches? Second, if so, where have significant shifts in diversification rate occurred? We present results of simulation studies that characterize the statistical behavior of these methods, illustrating their increased power and decreased bias. We also applied the methods to a published supertree of primates, demonstrating their ability to contend with relatively large, incompletely resolved (super)trees. All the methods described in this chapter have been implemented in the freely available program, SYMMETREE.
How Do Meaning in Life and Positive Affect Relate to Adaptation to Stress? The Case of Firefighters Following the Mount Carmel Forest Fire.

BACKGROUND We examined how positive affect (PA) and meaning in life (MIL) conjointly regulate posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and perceived coping self-efficacy. Hypotheses were guided by a recent holistic model, according to which PA and MIL should compensate for each other in relating to adaptation to high stress. METHOD The sample included 75 Israeli firefighters who took active part in extinguishing the 2010 Mount Carmel forest fire. RESULTS PA and MIL helped to compensate for the other, demonstrating that when one of them was low, the other related to higher adaptation. That is, under low MIL, PA related to PTSD symptoms and coping self-efficacy, and under low PA, MIL related to PTSD symptoms and coping self-efficacy. LIMITATION The study design was cross-sectional and therefore precluded any causal inferences. CONCLUSIONS The findings lend additional support to the holistic model and help to understand how subjective well-being and MIL correlate with adaptation to stress.
Antibiotic Resistance in Aeromonas Upstream and Downstream of a Water Resource Recovery Facility

Aeromonas strains isolated from sediments upstream and downstream of a water resource recovery facility (WRRF) over a two‐year time period were tested for susceptibility to 13 antibiotics. Incidence of resistance to antibiotics, antibiotic resistance phenotypes, and diversity (based on resistance phenotypes) were compared in the two populations. At the beginning of the study, the upstream and downstream Aeromonas populations were different for incidence of antibiotic resistance (p < 0.01), resistance phenotypes (p < 0.005), and diversity. However, these differences declined over time and were not significant at the end of the study. These results (1) indicate that antibiotic resistance in Aeromonas in stream sediments fluctuates considerably over time and (2) suggest that WRRF effluent does not, when examined over the long term, affect antibiotic resistance in Aeromonas in downstream sediment.
The Cytoplasmic Domain of the Drosophila Cell Adhesion Molecule Neuroglian Is Not Essential for Its Homophilic Adhesive Properties in S2 Cells (*)

Drosophila neuroglian is a transmembrane glycoprotein that has strong structural and sequence homology to the vertebrate L1 gene family of cell adhesion molecules (Bieber, A. J., Snow, P. M., Hortsch, M., Patel, N. H., Jacobs, J. R., Traquina, Z. R., Schilling, J., and Goodman, C. S.(1989) Cell 59, 447-460). Two different neuroglian protein forms that are generated by a differential splicing process are expressed in a tissue-specific fashion by embryonic and larval cells (Hortsch, M., Bieber, A. J., Patel, N. H., and Goodman, C. S. (1990) Neuron 4, 697-709). The two neuroglian polypeptides differ only in their cytoplasmic domains. Both of these neuroglian species, when transfected into and expressed in Drosophila S2 cells, induce the calcium-independent, homophilic aggregation of transformed cells. A third artificial neuroglian protein form was constructed by substituting the neuroglian transmembrane segment and cytoplasmic domains with the glycosyl phosphatidylinositol attachment signal of the Drosophila fasciclin I protein. This cDNA construct generates a glycosyl phosphatidylinositol-anchored form of neuroglian, which retains the ability to induce homophilic cell aggregation when expressed in S2 cells, and was able to interact with both of the two naturally occurring neuroglian polypeptides. These results demonstrate that neuroglian mediates a calcium-independent, homophilic cell adhesion activity and that neither cytoplasmic neuroglian domains nor a direct interaction with cytoskeletal elements is essential for this property.
Plasmodium berghei MAPK1 Displays Differential and Dynamic Subcellular Localizations during Liver Stage Development

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) regulate key signaling events in eukaryotic cells. In the genomes of protozoan Plasmodium parasites, the causative agents of malaria, two genes encoding kinases with significant homology to other eukaryotic MAPKs have been identified (mapk1, mapk2). In this work, we show that both genes are transcribed during Plasmodium berghei liver stage development, and analyze expression and subcellular localization of the PbMAPK1 protein in liver stage parasites. Live cell imaging of transgenic parasites expressing GFP-tagged PbMAPK1 revealed a nuclear localization of PbMAPK1 in the early schizont stage mediated by nuclear localization signals in the C-terminal domain. In contrast, a distinct localization of PbMAPK1 in comma/ring-shaped structures in proximity to the parasite’s nuclei and the invaginating parasite membrane was observed during the cytomere stage of parasite development as well as in immature blood stage schizonts. The PbMAPK1 localization was found to be independent of integrity of a motif putatively involved in ATP binding, integrity of the putative activation motif and the presence of a predicted coiled-coil domain in the C-terminal domain. Although PbMAPK1 knock out parasites showed normal liver stage development, the kinase may still fulfill a dual function in both schizogony and merogony of liver stage parasites regulated by its dynamic and stage-dependent subcellular localization.
Fundamental Design Issues for the Future Internet (Invited Paper)

The Internet has been a startling and dramatic success. Originally designed to link together a small group of researchers, the Internet is now used by many millions of people. However, multimedia applications, with their novel traffic characteristics and service requirements, pose an interesting challenge to the technical foundations of the Internet. We address some of the fundamental architectural design issues facing the future Internet. In particular, we discuss whether the Internet should adopt a new service model, how this service model should be invoked, and whether this service model should include admission control. These architectural issues are discussed in a nonrigorous manner, through the use of a utility function formulation and some simple models. While we do advocate some design choices over others, the main purpose here is to provide a framework for discussing the various architectural alternatives. >
A seamless soft handover management scheme in NGEO satellite networks

Satellite networks can provide extensive geographic coverage to diverse user population, but handovers of active communications should be controlled considering the satellites' high speed. Mobile IP and many other handover algorithms have been proposed for terrestrial wireless networks. However, the satellite network exhibits several unique features compared with the terrestrial wireless networks, such as the long delay. This paper proposes a seamless soft handover scheme (S2H) for satellite networks. S2H designs an identity locator split addressing to solve the multihoming problem and applies the network coding scheme during handover. This manner is able to reduce the interference opportunity, save transmissions, and achieve low handover delay, short queue length, and high throughput. Relying on the simulation results, S2H is able to achieve better performance compared with the proposed handover algorithms in the satellite environment when there are multiple traffic flows. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.