Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reliability and clinical validity of a technique to assess lifetime illicit injection drug use.

A lifetime injection drug history is necessary to examine the impact of injection drug use on a physical health problem but it may cover time periods for which information and/or data reported may not be reliable. A test-retest study design was used to examine a technique of questioning persons about lifetime illicit injection drug use history (the Lifetime Injection History Questionnaire), including its reliability and relation to chronic venous disorders as an assessment of validity. Study participants included 104 persons (60 men, 44 women, M age = 49.3 years) provided services at a methadone maintenance treatment center located in a large industrial city in the Midwest. Kappa values for "ever injected" drugs ranged from 1.00 for heroin to . 50 for nonprescription methadone (median = .75). High interclass correlations were found for youngest and oldest ages of injecting, years not injecting, and total injecting years (.90 to .98). Interclass correlation values for years injecting in the upper body and lower body were . 79 and . 70, respectively. Interrater reliability for the clinical portion of the venous disease assessment tool (the Clinical-Etiology-Anatomy-Pathophysiology - CEAP - classification) was high: . 97, right leg; . 94, left leg. Controlling for age, gender, comorbidities, and body mass index, a classification of injection drug use based on the Lifetime Injection History scales accounted for 32% of the variance in the clinical CEAP scores. This is the first study to examine years of injection drug use that takes periods not injecting drugs into consideration. Focused substance abuse questioning (eg, drug, route, years of use) may help clinicians evaluate health problems related to drug use.
Incidence and risk factors associated with hearing loss in high-risk neonates in Srinagarind Hospital.

OBJECTIVE To determine incidence and risk factors associated with hearing loss in high-risk neonates in Srinagarind Hospital. STUDY DESIGN Prospective cohort study. MATERIAL AND METHOD High-risk neonates were screened with TEOAE/AABR. All infants were followed for hearing and developmental evaluation until one year of age. RESULTS Four hundred twenty five neonates underwent hearing screening tests. Nine infants (2.1%) had abnormal TEOAE, AABR and ABR tests. During follow-up, two of the nine infants that had abnormal initial hearing tests were found to have normal hearing at eight and nine months of age. Therefore, seven high-risk neonates (1.6%) had permanent hearing loss. Significant risk factors for permanent hearing loss were craniofacial anomalies, very low birth weight, low Apgar scores at 5 minute and mechanical ventilation usage for more than five days. CONCLUSION Continuing evaluation of hearing and development during follow-up is important in children with abnormal hearing tests. Invasive procedures as early intervention during the first six months of life should be considered with caution because some premature infants can have false positive tests or transient hearing loss and subsequently have normal hearing and development.
By‐product information can stabilize the reliability of communication

Although communication underpins many biological processes, its function and basic definition remain contentious. In particular, researchers have debated whether information should be an integral part of a definition of communication and how it remains reliable. So far the handicap principle, assuming signal costs to stabilize reliable communication, has been the predominant paradigm in the study of animal communication. The role of by‐product information produced by mechanisms other than the communicative interaction has been neglected in the debate on signal reliability. We argue that by‐product information is common and that it provides the starting point for ritualization as the process of the evolution of communication. Second, by‐product information remains unchanged during ritualization and enforces reliable communication by restricting the options for manipulation and cheating. Third, this perspective changes the focus of research on communication from studying signal costs to studying the costs of cheating. It can thus explain the reliability of signalling in many communication systems that do not rely on handicaps. We emphasize that communication can often be informative but that the evolution of communication does not cause the evolution of information because by‐product information often predates and stimulates the evolution of communication. Communication is thus a consequence but not a cause of reliability. Communication is the interplay of inadvertent, informative traits and evolved traits that increase the stimulation and perception of perceivers. Viewing communication as a complex of inadvertent and derived traits facilitates understanding of the selective pressures shaping communication and those shaping information and its reliability. This viewpoint further contributes to resolving the current controversy on the role of information in communication.
EEG feature selection based on weighted-normalized mutual information for mental fatigue classification

Analyzing EEG (electroencephalograph) signal is one of the most important methods of mental fatigue classification. Previous studies mainly describe the EEG features they use, however, the process of selecting features has not been synthetically researched. This study proposes the weighted-normalized mutual information feature selection (W-NMIFS) method to select features. W-NMIFS criterion optimizes the estimation of redundancy information in mutual information algorithm. Considering general features which are used in EEG analysis, several important ones are selected by W-NMIFS criterion. In order to guarantee the rigor of the experiment, the source datasets are collected from 10 volunteers using 10-20 EEG system. 3 different mental tasks are designed to introduce mental fatigue in low, medium and high levels. LDA (Linear discriminant analysis) classifier is used to assess mental fatigue and compare different feature selection algorithms. The results of mental fatigue classification show that the chosen features using W-NMIFS criterion are suitable for LDA algorithm. The classification precision is improved compared with mRMR (minimal-redundancy-maximal-relevance), NMIFS (normalized mutual information feature selection) and N-NMIFS (novel normalized mutual information feature selection) algorithm.
A combination scheme for turbo coding and Cayley differential unitary space-time modulation

Cayley differential unitary space-time modulation (CDUSTM) is a good solution for high data rate communication in noncoherent multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) channel as it can greatly increase the data rate without channel state information (CSI). However, at low to medium signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), the bit error rate (BER) is too high to accept. In this paper, we propose a combination scheme of turbo coding with CDUSTM and present the corresponding iterative decoding algorithm. We analyze the convergence behavior of iterative decoding by extrinsic information transfer (EXIT) chart. Simulation results show that it can greatly improve the system performance compared to the uncoded systems for various transmit and receive antennas.
From EMI to CLIL: Methodological strategies for bilingual instruction at university

We report on a small-scale study carried out in the University of Cantabria, Spain, which investigated teaching strategies and methodology for CLIL at the tertiary level. The study was carried out in two stages: in the first one we designed a questionnaire for primary and secondary school teachers, and interviewed 10 CLIL teachers. The focus was on teaching strategies and methodology, with the explicit aim of collecting advice applicable to the tertiary level. In the second stage we have tested these tips in a university context through a second questionnaire and round of interviews. We have interviewed 10 EMI university lecturers and asked them about methodological strategies, and specifically about the advice suggested by their colleagues. Our findings suggest that CLIL teachers from lower levels are well acquainted with CLIL methodology and that EMI practitioners at university find their advice very useful, although they show reluctance towards deeper methodological changes.
Source of tiny wiggles in Chron C5: A comparison of sedimentary relative intensity and marine magnetic anomalies

In addition to the well‐established pattern of polarity reversals, short‐wavelength fluctuations are often present in both sea‐surface data (“tiny wiggles”) and near‐bottom anomaly data. While a high degree of correlation between different geographical regions suggests a geomagnetic origin for some of these wiggles, anomaly data alone cannot uniquely determine whether they represent short reversals or paleointensity variations. Independent evidence from another geomagnetic recording medium such as deep‐sea sediments is required to determine the true nature of the tiny wiggles. We present such independent evidence in the form of sedimentary relative paleointensity from Chron C5. We make the first comparison between a sedimentary relative paleointensity record (ODP Site 887 at 54°N, 148°W) and deep‐tow marine magnetic anomaly data (43°N, 131°W) [Bowers et al., 2001] for Chron C5. The sediment cores are densely sampled at ∼2.5 kyr resolution. The inclination record shows no evidence for reverse intervals within the ∼1 myr‐long normal Chron C5n.2n. Rock magnetic measurements suggest that the primary magnetic carrier is pseudo‐single domain magnetite. We choose a partial anhysteretic magnetization (pARM) as our preferred normalizer, and the resulting relative paleointensity record is used as input to a forward model of crustal magnetization. We then compare the results of this model with the stacked deep‐tow anomaly records. The two records show a significant degree of correlation, suggesting that the tiny wiggles in the marine magnetic anomalies are likely produced by paleointensity variations. An analysis of our sampling density suggests that if any reverse intervals exist at this site, they are likely to be <5 kyr in duration. Furthermore, we suggest that reverse intervals during Chron C5n.2n documented in other locations are unlikely to be global.
The use of a real‐time luciferase assay to quantify gene expression dynamics in the living yeast cell

A destabilized version of firefly luciferase was used in living yeast cells as a real‐time reporter for gene expression. This highly sensitive and non‐invasive system can be simultaneously used upon many different experimental conditions in small culture aliquots. This allows the dose–response behaviour of gene expression driven by any yeast promoter to be reported and can be used to quantify important parameters, such as the threshold, sensitivity, response time, maximal activity and synthesis rate for a given stimulus. We applied the luciferase assay to the nutrient‐regulated GAL1 promoter and the stress‐responsive GRE2 promoter. We find that luciferase expression driven by the GAL1 promoter responds dynamically to growing galactose concentrations, with increasing synthesis rates determined by the light increment in the initial linear phase of activation. In the case of the GRE2 promoter, we demonstrate that the very short‐lived version of luciferase used here is an excellent tool to quantitatively describe transient transcriptional activation. The luciferase expression controlled by the GRE2 promoter responds dynamically to a gradual increase of osmotic or oxidative stress stimuli, which is mainly based on the progressive increase of the time the promoter remains active. Finally, we determined the dose–response behaviour of a single transcription factor binding site in a synthetic promoter context, using the stress response element (STRE) as an example. Taken together, the luciferase assay described here is an attractive tool to rapidly and precisely determine and compare kinetic parameters of gene expression. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The new role of gaming - how games move outside entertainment

: The potentials of using games and gaming for other purposes than just entertainment are very promising. While today initiatives mainly are focusing on the learning capabilities of games and gaming there are many other potential uses. This new use focuses on combining the advantages of gaming (motivation, stimulation and engagement) while in the same time solving different "serious" and time critical tasks. But along with promises comes economic and cultural differences between the game industry (the developers) and the traditional industries (the users). Even though many of these problems can be avoided by setting up projects differently the biggest challenge is to perhaps to fight the prejudices and preconceptions surrounding both camps.
Multiplex PCR for Detection and Identification of Lactococcal Bacteriophages

ABSTRACT Three genetically distinct groups of Lactococcus lactisphages are encountered in dairy plants worldwide, namely, the 936, c2, and P335 species. The multiplex PCR method was adapted to detect, in a single reaction, the presence of these species in whey samples or in phage lysates. Three sets of primers, one for each species, were designed based on conserved regions of their genomes. The c2-specific primers were constructed using the major capsid protein gene (mcp) as the target. The mcp sequences for three phages (eb1, Q38, and Q44) were determined and compared with the two available in the databases, those for phages c2 and bIL67. An 86.4% identity was found over the five mcp genes. The gene of the only major structural protein (msp) was selected as a target for the detection of 936-related phages. The mspsequences for three phages (p2, Q7, and Q11) were also established and matched with the available data on phages sk1, bIL170, and F4-1. The comparison of the six msp genes revealed an 82.2% identity. A high genomic diversity was observed among structural proteins of the P335-like phages suggesting that the classification of lactococcal phages within this species should be revised. Nevertheless, we have identified a common genomic region in 10 P335-like phages isolated from six countries. This region corresponded toorfF17-orf18 of phage r1t and orf20-orf21 of Tuc2009 and was sequenced for three additional P335 phages (Q30, P270, and ul40). An identity of 93.4% within a 739-bp region of the five phages was found. The detection limit of the multiplex PCR method in whey was 104 to 107 PFU/ml and was 103 to 105 PFU/ml with an additional phage concentration step. The method can also be used to detect phage DNA in whey powders and may also detect prophage or defective phage in the bacterial genome.
Health beliefs and mammography rates of Turkish women living in rural areas.

OBJECTIVES Breast cancer is the most frequently occurring cancer among women globally as well as in Turkey and mammography is known to be an effective screening tool for this disease. This study was undertaken to characterize health beliefs and practices related to mammography of women in Turkey and also to survey mammography rates. DESIGN Cross-sectional. The study was performed between September 2006 and January 2007 in Samsun, Turkey. Of 503 women, aged 35 years or older and registered at a local Health Center, 387 (76.94%) agreed to participate in this study. METHODS A self-administered descriptive questionnaire and the Champion Revised Health Belief Model Scale for breast cancer screening (CHBMS) were used as data collection instruments. Analysis included descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and independent t test. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the extent to which individual variables significantly predicted mammography use. RESULTS Study participants did not undergo mammography at optimal rates (23.5%), but perceived benefits were higher than were perceived barriers to the procedure after education about mammography. Consequently women reported they were likely to adopt the practice of regular mammography in the future. CONCLUSIONS Mammography rates were low in this rural area in Turkey, but may improve after education about the procedure. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Mammography is an important tool in the early diagnosis of breast cancer. Many women still do not understand the benefit of mammograms and further education may help increase rates of early screening.
The acquisition of nuclei: a longitudinal analysis of phonological vowel length in three German-speaking children

Studies of vowel length acquisition indicate an initial stage in which phonological vowel length is random followed by a stage in which either long vowels (without codas) or short vowels and codas are produced. To determine whether this sequence of acquisition applies to a group of German-speaking children (three children aged 1;3–2;6), monosyllabic and disyllabic words were transcribed and acoustically analysed. The results did not support a stage in which vowel length was totally random. At the first time period (onset of word production to 1;7), one child's monosyllabic productions were governed by a bipositional constraint such that either long vowels, or short vowels and codas were produced. At the second (1;10 to 2;0) and third time periods (2;3 to 2;6), all three children produced target long vowels significantly longer than target short vowels. Transcription results indicated that children experienced more difficulty producing target long than short vowels. In the discussion, the findings are interpreted in terms of the representation of vowel length in children's grammars.
Evaluation of the Production Traits and Fruit Quality of German Plum Cultivars

MOLNAR AGNES MONIKA, LADANYI MARTA, KOVACS SZILVIA. 2016. Evaluation of the Production Traits and Fruit Quality of German Plum Cultivars. Acta Universitatis Agriculturae et Silviculturae Mendelianae Brunensis, 64(1): 109–114. Due to the substantial damage caused in Hungarian plum orchards by the spread of plum pox virus (PPV), high-yielding, o en self-fertile German, Serbian and Romanian cultivars with better resistance to PPV have been introduced. Observations on growth characteristics, fl owering and harvest time, yield potential and PPV resistance have been made in commercial plum orchards and gene bank collections since 2006, and these were supplemented with laboratory analysis on the fruit. German cultivars have spread widely in recent years, so it is particularly important to investigate the production value of these cultivars. In addition to fi eld observations, a detailed analysis has been made over the last two years of the physical and chemical properties of the fruit of the most promising German cultivars (‘Topfi ve’, ‘Toptaste’, ‘Tophit’, ‘Topend Plus’ and ‘Jojo’) and of the control cultivars ‘Cacanska rodna’ and ‘Stanley’. The use of the German cultivars led to a lengthening of the harvest period, as fruit could still be harvested from ‘Topend Plus’ even in the middle of October. The onset of bearing was early for these cultivars, which had good yield potential, producing large numbers of buds not only on the spurs, but also on the long shoots. With the exception of ‘Jojo’ the cultivars exhibited greater initial vigour and the scaff old branches grew at a steeper angle, so greater care was required to form a favourable crown structure. The cultivar most resistant to PPV was ‘Jojo’, and ‘Topend Plus’ exhibited moderately severe leaf symptoms, while the other cultivars had only mild leaf symptoms. Among the cultivars included in the study, ‘Topend Plus’ and ‘Tophit’ had the largest fruit size, while ‘Toptaste’ had outstanding chemical properties, especially as regards the soluble solids and polyphenol contents.
Subtotal pericardectomy and epicardial excision for treatment of coccidioidomycosis-induced effusive-constrictive pericarditis in dogs: 17 cases (1999-2003).

OBJECTIVE To determine the history, clinicopathologic findings, and results of surgery for effusive-constrictive pericarditis associated with Coccidioides immitis infection in dogs. DESIGN Retrospective study. ANIMALS 17 client-owned dogs that underwent a subtotal pericardectomy and epicardial excision. PROCEDURE Hospital records from May 1999 to June 2003 were reviewed. Data collected included history, clinicopathologic findings, treatments, and outcome. Follow-up information was obtained via recheck examination and by use of standardized telephone interviews with referring veterinarians and owners. RESULTS All dogs were of large breeds, and most were male (mean age, 4.66 years). Ten dogs had no prior history of C. immitis infection, and 7 dogs had chronic infection with C. immitis. Having a chronic C. immitis infection reduced the odds of survival, compared with no previous infection. All dogs had clinical signs of right-sided heart failure. All dogs had serum titers (range, 1:8 to 1:256) for antibodies against C. immitis prior to surgery, and titers were not significantly associated with outcome. Predominant echocardiographic findings were thickened pericardium, reduced right ventricular filling, and pleural or pericardial effusion. All dogs underwent a subtotal pericardectomy and epicardial excision and had fibrosing pyogranulomatous pericarditis in biopsy specimens obtained during surgery. The perioperative mortality rate was 23.5%, and the 2-year postdischarge survival rate was 82%. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Surgical treatment via subtotal pericardectomy and epicardial excision is successful at relieving right-sided heart failure in dogs with effusive-constrictive pericarditis secondary to C. immitis infection, but long-term treatment with antifungal agents may still be required.
Grading of Chinese Cantonese Sausage Using Hyperspectral Imaging Combined with Chemometric Methods

Fast and accurate grading of Chinese Cantonese sausage is an important concern for customers, organizations, and the industry. Hyperspectral imaging in the spectral range of 874–1734 nm, combined with chemometric methods, was applied to grade Chinese Cantonese sausage. Three grades of intact and sliced Cantonese sausages were studied, including the top, first, and second grades. Support vector machine (SVM) and random forests (RF) techniques were used to build two different models. Second derivative spectra and RF were applied to select optimal wavelengths. The optimal wavelengths were the same for intact and sliced sausages when selected from second derivative spectra, while the optimal wavelengths for intact and sliced sausages selected using RF were quite similar. The SVM and RF models, using full spectra and the optimal wavelengths, obtained acceptable results for intact and sliced sausages. Both models for intact sausages performed better than those for sliced sausages, with a classification accuracy of the calibration and prediction set of over 90%. The overall results indicated that hyperspectral imaging combined with chemometric methods could be used to grade Chinese Cantonese sausages, with intact sausages being better suited for grading. This study will help to develop fast and accurate online grading of Cantonese sausages, as well as other sausages.
A CMOS-based neural implantable optrode for optogenetic stimulation and electrical recording

This paper presents a novel integrated optrode for simultaneous optical stimulation and electrical recording for closed-loop optogenetic neuro-prosthetic applications. The design has been implemented in a commercially available 0. 35μm CMOS process. The system includes circuits for controlling the optical stimulations; recording local field potentials (LFPs); and onboard diagnostics. The neural interface has two clusters of stimulation and recording sites. Each stimulation site has a bonding point for connecting a micro light emitting diode (μLED) to deliver light to the targeted area of brain tissue. Each recording site is designed to be post-processed with electrode materials to provide monitoring of neural activity. On-chip diagnostic sensing has been included to provide real-time diagnostics for post-implantation and during normal operation.