Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
DistanceTouch @ OpenScienceMap towards task-specific map interaction

During the last decade, maps became ubiquitously available. However, maps are not yet recognized as fully interactive interfaces to geographic information, but rather as a background for information rendered on top of them. Possibilities for interaction are typically implemented as generic interaction methods for graphical content and it often requires complex combinations of them to get the desired information. In this paper we introduce DistanceTouch, a task-specific and intuitive query gesture for distance approximation implemented in OpenScienceMap.
THE IMPACT OF ALTERNATIVE IMPUTATION METHODS ON THE MEASUREMENT OF INCOME AND WEALTH : EVIDENCE FROM THE SPANISH SURVEY OF HOUSEHOLD FINANCES 2008

The goal of this paper is to emphasise the importance of the way of handling missing data and its impact on the outcome of empirical studies. Using the 2002 wave of the Spanish Survey of Household Finances (EFF), I study the performance of alternative methods: listwise deletion, non-stochastic, multiple and single imputation based on linear-regression models, and hot-deck procedures. Using descriptive statistics of the marginal and conditional distributions of income and wealth and estimating mean and quantile regressions, listwise deletion brings imprecise and biased estimates, non-stochastic imputation underestimates variance and dispersion and hot deck fails to capture the potential relationships among survey variables.
Abductive case‐based reasoning

This article introduces abductive case‐based reasoning (CBR) and attempts to show that abductive CBR and deductive CBR can be integrated in clinical process and problem solving. Then it provides a unified formalization for integration of abduction, abductive CBR, deduction, and deductive CBR. This article also investigates abductive case retrieval and deductive case retrieval using similarity relations, fuzzy similarity relations, and similarity metrics. The proposed approach demonstrates that the integration of deductive CBR and abductive CBR is of practical significance in problem solving such as system diagnosis and analysis, and will facilitate research of abductive CBR and deductive CBR. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Int Syst 20: 957–983, 2005.
Diagnosis of the attention deficit disorder using ‘D2’ and ‘Symbols Search’ tests through a game-based tool

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) appears at an early age and it is characterized by the inability to pay attention, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity. Systematic diagnosis tools based on tests and questionnaires are extremely useful in the detection and diagnosis of ADHD, especially when they are used at early stages. This work in progress leads with the game and technological adaptation of traditional psychological tests to empower and enhance concentration and motivation in children and teenagers with ADHD symptoms. This adequateness has been implemented through the use of an adaptive system design along with clear and simple guidelines in game design for maintaining the attention of users with ADHD in the task they are performing. The final goal of each test has been maintained, so as not to interfere with the game adaption to the psychological utility. Evaluation of user experience is currently being developed. The results of this evaluation are obtained through the observation and recording of therapies and the use of user satisfaction questionnaires.
A novel extracellular phospholipase C of Pseudomonas aeruginosa is required for phospholipid chemotaxis

Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other bacterial pathogens express one or more homologous extracellular phospholipases C (PLC) that are secreted through the inner membrane via the twin arginine translocase (TAT) pathway. Analysis of TAT mutants of P. aeruginosa uncovered a previously unidentified extracellular PLC that is secreted via the Sec pathway (PlcB). Whereas all presently known PLCs of P. aeruginosa (PlcH, PlcN and PlcB) hydrolyse phosphatidylcholine (PC), only PlcB is active on phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). plcB candidates were identified based on deductions made from bioinformatics data and extant DNA microarray data. Among these candidates, a gene (PA0026) required for the expression of an extracellular PE‐PLC was identified. The protein encoded by PA0026 has limited, but significant similarity, over a short region (∼60aa of 328), to a class of zinc‐dependent prokaryotic PLCs. A conserved His residue of PlcB (His216) that is required for coordinate binding of zinc in this class of PLCs was mutated. Analysis of this mutant established that the protein encoded by PA0026 is PlcB. Three in‐dependent recently published reports indicate that homoserine lactone‐mediated quorum sensing regulates the expression of PA0026 (i.e. plcB). PlcB, but not PlcH or PlcN, is required for directed twitching motility up a gradient of certain kinds of phospholipids. This response shows specificity for the fatty acid moiety of the phospholipid.
The obesity epidemic in Europe: Assessing the past and current mortality burden and the future of obesity

Obesity is considered a global epidemic in terms of both its prevalence and associated health burden. Although Europe has the second-highest obesity prevalence levels in the world, few studies have focused on the obesity epidemic in Europe, or on its mortality burden. This thesis examined for Europe how obesity affects mortality levels and trends, and how obesity is likely to develop in the future, using a combination of demographic and epidemiological data and methods. In 2012, the share of mortality due to obesity (obesity-attributable mortality fraction) was, on average, 10% in the 26 European countries studied. If obesity was eliminated, life expectancy would, on average, increase 1.22 and 0.98 years among men and women, respectively. The mortality burden of obesity was slightly lower in Western than in Eastern Europe. Within Western Europe, the UK had the largest mortality burden. The mortality burden of obesity has been increasing over time, with important cohort effects. The obesity epidemic in Europe is expected to reach its peak between 2026 and 2054, with prevalence levels of at least 25%. The mortality burden of obesity in Europe is significant, with clear variations between countries. The UK seems to be the forerunner in obesity levels in Western Europe, and to be following US trends. The variations observed between European countries can be linked to both contextual factors (e.g., obesogenic environment) and individual factors (e.g., dietary and physical activity patterns). Obesity and its associated mortality burden in Europe are problems that clearly warrant further attention from society and health policy-makers.
A Comparison between the Predicted Secondary Structures of Potato Virus X and Papaya Mosaic Virus Coat Proteins

Summary Comparison of the predicted secondary structures of the coat proteins of the potexviruses potato X and papaya mosaic, on the basis of a combination of prediction methods, shows that although the proteins differ at their amino termini, and possibly at their carboxyl termini, they are similar in the distribution of α-helical segments in the central regions of the protein chains. There is an approximate twofold symmetry in the distribution of predicted α-helical segments between the amino and carboxyl halves of the molecules.
Early pulmonary infection, inflammation, and clinical outcomes in infants with cystic fibrosis *

A thorough understanding of the early natural history of cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease is critical for the development of effective interventions in the youngest patients. We assessed the evolution of pulmonary infection, inflammation, and clinical course among 40 infants over a 2‐year period through annual bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) for culture and measurements of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines, semiannual infant pulmonary function testing, and quarterly clinical evaluations.
Orange carotenoid protein burrows into the phycobilisome to provide photoprotection

Significance Protection from overexcitation is one of the most important requirements of all photosynthetic organisms. Here we present a model based on coupled cross-linking/mass spectrometry and site-directed mutagenesis of the means by which the orange carotenoid protein (OCP) binds to the phycobilisome (PBS) antenna complex to avoid photodamage. The model shows that the protein must actively burrow into the complex, separating the PBS rings in the process. This penetration explains for the first time, to our knowledge, how the OCP carotenoid could approach the PBS chromophores at a distance that enables nonphotochemical quenching. However, the alteration in the core structure caused by OCP binding could also prevent energy transmission to the reaction centers. In cyanobacteria, photoprotection from overexcitation of photochemical centers can be obtained by excitation energy dissipation at the level of the phycobilisome (PBS), the cyanobacterial antenna, induced by the orange carotenoid protein (OCP). A single photoactivated OCP bound to the core of the PBS affords almost total energy dissipation. The precise mechanism of OCP energy dissipation is yet to be fully determined, and one question is how the carotenoid can approach any core phycocyanobilin chromophore at a distance that can promote efficient energy quenching. We have performed intersubunit cross-linking using glutaraldehyde of the OCP and PBS followed by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS) to identify cross-linked residues. The only residues of the OCP that cross-link with the PBS are situated in the linker region, between the N- and C-terminal domains and a single C-terminal residue. These links have enabled us to construct a model of the site of OCP binding that differs from previous models. We suggest that the N-terminal domain of the OCP burrows tightly into the PBS while leaving the OCP C-terminal domain on the exterior of the complex. Further analysis shows that the position of the small core linker protein ApcC is shifted within the cylinder cavity, serving to stabilize the interaction between the OCP and the PBS. This is confirmed by a ΔApcC mutant. Penetration of the N-terminal domain can bring the OCP carotenoid to within 5–10 Å of core chromophores; however, alteration of the core structure may be the actual source of energy dissipation.
Evaluation of Bacteria Isolated from Wheat Rhizosphere for Plant Growth Promoting Attributes and Antagonistic Activity

The rhizosphere is a dynamic environment, was first described by Hiltner (1904) as the volume of soil surrounding plant roots, which harbours diverse range of microorganisms and the bacteria colonizing this habitat are called rhizobacteria (Schroth and Hancock, 1982). Plant-associated bacteria can be classified into beneficial, deleterious and neutral groups on the basis of their effects on plant growth (Dobbelaere et al., 2003). Among the different groups, Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are a group of beneficial bacteria that colonize the rhizosphere and contribute to increased growth and yield of crop plants (Kloepper and Schroth, 1978). PGPR support the growth of host plants and can stimulate plant growth, increase yield, reduce pathogen infection, as International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 8 Number 04 (2019) Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com
Generating test data from state‐based specifications

Although the majority of software testing in industry is conducted at the system level, most formal research has focused on the unit level. As a result, most system‐level testing techniques are only described informally. This paper presents formal testing criteria for system level testing that are based on formal specifications of the software. Software testing can only be formalized and quantified when a solid basis for test generation can be defined. Formal specifications represent a significant opportunity for testing because they precisely describe what functions the software is supposed to provide in a form that can be automatically manipulated.
Energy-Distance Factor Aware (EDFA) Strategy in MANET Routing Protocol

- Critical energy constraint on nodes is among the factors that contribute to decreased lifetime network connection. In a Mobile Ad Hoc Network (MANET), this refers to the processing capability and ability of battery energy for packet transmission. This constraint may hinder the achievement of optimum route connection in extending the network lifetime. To address this problem, the Energy-Distance Factor Aware (EDFA) method has been proposed to sustain node lifetime. This technique is based on the energy-distance efficiency of transmission on relay nodes, which would become a potential candidate relay node in the routing protocol to sustain network lifetime connection. EDFA is a distributed and localized algorithm for the MANET environment. The algorithm scheme combines the methodology of interrelated efficient energy consumption with the distance factor in the routing protocol. The analysis of EDFA showed that the scheme has proven that the probability of quality relay nodes (largest ρ value) in the routing path is preferable for sustaining lifetime connection.
Multi-dimensional data representation using linear tensor coding

Linear coding is widely used to concisely represent data sets by discovering basis functions of capturing high-level features. However, the efficient identification of linear codes for representing multi-dimensional data remains very challenging. In this study, the authors address the problem by proposing a linear tensor coding algorithm to represent multi-dimensional data succinctly via a linear combination of tensor-formed bases without data expansion. Motivated by the amalgamation of linear image coding and multi-linear algebra, each basis function in the authors’ algorithm captures some specific variabilities. The basis-associated coefficients can be used for data representation, compression and classification. When the authors apply the algorithm on both simulated phantom data and real facial data, the experimental results demonstrate their algorithm not only preserves the original information of input data, but also produces localised bases with concrete physical meanings.
A choice model with infinitely many latent features

Elimination by aspects (EBA) is a probabilistic choice model describing how humans decide between several options. The options from which the choice is made are characterized by binary features and associated weights. For instance, when choosing which mobile phone to buy the features to consider may be: long lasting battery, color screen, etc. Existing methods for inferring the parameters of the model assume pre-specified features. However, the features that lead to the observed choices are not always known. Here, we present a non-parametric Bayesian model to infer the features of the options and the corresponding weights from choice data. We use the Indian buffet process (IBP) as a prior over the features. Inference using Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) in conjugate IBP models has been previously described. The main contribution of this paper is an MCMC algorithm for the EBA model that can also be used in inference for other non-conjugate IBP models---this may broaden the use of IBP priors considerably.
Vitamin D receptor activation with calcitriol for reducing urinary angiotensinogen in patients with type 2 diabetic chronic kidney disease

Abstract Background Recently, it has been reported that urinary angiotensinogen levels is a specific index of the intrarenal renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) status and it is significantly correlated with urinary albumin:creatinine (Cr) ratio in hypertensive patients. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of activation of the Vitamin D receptor with calcitriol on albuminuria and urinary angiotensinogen as a novel biomarker of the intra-renal RAAS status in patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN). Methods Ninety-eight patients with type 2 diabetes and albuminuria who were treated with RAAS inhibitors (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE-i) or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB)) have participated in this study. Patients were randomized to receive either placebo (n = 50) or 0.25 μg/day calcitriol (n = 48). We have examined urinary albumin:Cr ratio and urinary angiotensinogen:Cr ratio before and 24 weeks later after treatment in both group. Results The mean urinary albumin:Cr ratio and urinary angiotensinogen:Cr ratio were significantly higher in patients with DN than in normal controls (p < 0.001). Urinary angiotensinogen:Cr ratio was significantly, positively correlated with urinary albumin:Cr ratio in both groups (in the placebo group; p = 0.01, r = 0.4236, in calcitriol group; p = 0.01, r = 0.4564). Conclusion These data indicated that administration of Vitamin D receptor activator in combination with RAAS inhibitors had an additional benefit in lowering albuminuria in patients with DN. More pronounced reduction of urinary albumin:Cr ratio that was positively correlated with angiotensinogen:Cr ratio in calcitriol group suggested that Vitamin D receptor activation might blunt albuminuria by reducing urinary angiotensinogen levels reflecting intra-renal RAAS status.
Bandits for Taxonomies: A Model-based Approach

We consider a novel problem of learning an optimal matching, in an online fashion, between two feature spaces that are organized as taxonomies. We formulate this as a multi-armed bandit problem where the arms of the bandit are dependent due to the structure induced by the taxonomies. We then propose a multi-stage hierarchical allocation scheme that improves the explore/exploit properties of the classical multiarmed bandit policies in this scenario. In particular, our scheme uses the taxonomy structure and performs shrinkage estimation in a Bayesian framework to exploit dependencies among the arms, thereby enhancing exploration without losing efficiency on short term exploitation. We prove that our scheme asymptotically converges to the optimal matching. We conduct extensive experiments on real data to illustrate the efficacy of our scheme in practice.
Optimization of coronary sinus lead placement targeted to the longest right‐to‐left delay in patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy: The Optimal Pacing SITE 2 (OPSITE 2) acute study and protocol

Left ventricular (LV) lead positioning at the site of delayed electrical activation is associated with better response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). We hypothesized that a long electrical conduction delay between right ventricular (RV) and coronary sinus (CS) leads during RV pacing (RLD index) is correlated with a better clinical outcome
Integrated Analysis of Mismatch Repair System in Malignant Astrocytomas

Malignant astrocytomas are the most aggressive primary brain tumors with a poor prognosis despite optimal treatment. Dysfunction of mismatch repair (MMR) system accelerates the accumulation of mutations throughout the genome causing uncontrolled cell growth. The aim of this study was to characterize the MMR system defects that could be involved in malignant astrocytoma pathogenesis. We analyzed protein expression and promoter methylation of MLH1, MSH2 and MSH6 as well as microsatellite instability (MSI) and MMR gene mutations in a set of 96 low- and high-grade astrocytomas. Forty-one astrocytomas failed to express at least one MMR protein. Loss of MSH2 expression was more frequent in low-grade astrocytomas. Loss of MLH1 expression was associated with MLH1 promoter hypermethylation and MLH1 -93G>A promoter polymorphism. However, MSI was not related with MMR protein expression and only 5% of tumors were MSI-High. Furthermore, the incidence of tumors carrying germline mutations in MMR genes was low and only one glioblastoma was associated with Lynch syndrome. Interestingly, survival analysis identified that tumors lacking MSH6 expression presented longer overall survival in high-grade astrocytoma patients treated only with radiotherapy while MSH6 expression did not modify the prognosis of those patients treated with both radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Our findings suggest that MMR system alterations are a frequent event in malignant astrocytomas and might help to define a subgroup of patients with different outcome.
USER ADOPTION OF SOCIALLY-PERVASIVE ICT INNOVATIONS SOME OPEN ISSUES

This paper explores the complex interaction which occurs when human society converges with novel pervasive information and communication technologies – and aims to stimulate thinking and the development of a comprehensive research agenda. The focal point of interest is user adoption of ICT, and some of the main determinants and moderators of the context in which the individual consumer decides to make full use of an innovation, in relation with consumer aspects of Social Influence, Effort Expectancy, and Facilitating Conditions. Prompted by a consideration of the case of Mobile Entertainment, we identify a number of open issues for research. We develop our argument on the basis of eight examples drawn from the field of Mobile Entertainment to illustrate the main issues of theoretical concern in relation to the diffusion of mobile commerce innovations. Building on a multi-disciplinary foundation, the analysis makes use of theories of communication in re-addressing some conventional definitions produced by user adoption and innovation diffusion research.
Neural competition and statistical mechanics

Computational models of activity-dependent competitive neural plasticity typically impose competition in networks in which plasticity is accommodated by permitting changes in the efficacies of synapses in an anatomically fixed network. This is despite the fact that much evidence suggests that neurons compete for neurotrophins, during both target innervation and activity-dependent synaptic re-arrangement, which influence the sprouting and retraction of axonal processes. We therefore present a new approach to the computational modelling of competitive neural plasticity which permits neurons to compete explicitly for neurotrophins. This competition is associated with the sprouting and retraction of axonal processes. Because there is much uncertainty regarding the basic mechanisms, we adopt the powerful machinery of statistical mechanics to avoid the need to address these issues. We show that such an approach can readily account for a wide range of plasticity phenomena in a range of systems, including the results of various pharmacological manipulations.