Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Double Chain Markov M O D E L

Among the class of discrete time Markovian processes, two models are widely used, the Markov c hain and the Hidden Markov Model. A major diierence between these two models lies in the relation between successive outputs of the observed variable. In a visible Markov chain, these are directly correlated while in hidden models they are not. However, in some situations it is possible to observe both a hidden Markov c hain and a direct relation between successive observed outputs. Unfortunately, the use of either a visible or a hidden model implies the suppression of one of these hypothesis. This paper presents a Markovian model called the Double Chain Markov Model which takes into account the main features of both visible and hidden models. Its main purpose is the modeling of non-homogeneous time-series. It is very exible and can be estimated with traditional methods. The model is applied on a sequence of wind speeds and it appears to model data more successfully than both the usual Markov c hains and hidden Markov models.
The Magnitude of Mortality from Ischemic Heart Disease Attributed to Occupational Factors in Korea - Attributable Fraction Estimation Using Meta-analysis

Objectives Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a major cause of death in Korea and known to result from several occupational factors. This study attempted to estimate the current magnitude of IHD mortality due to occupational factors in Korea. Methods After selecting occupational risk factors by literature investigation, we calculated attributable fractions (AFs) from relative risks and exposure data for each factor. Relative risks were estimated using meta-analysis based on published research. Exposure data were collected from the 2006 Survey of Korean Working Conditions. Finally, we estimated 2006 occupation-related IHD mortality. Results For the factors considered, we estimated the following relative risks: noise 1.06, environmental tobacco smoke 1.19 (men) and 1.22 (women), shift work 1.12, and low job control 1.15 (men) and 1.08 (women). Combined AFs of those factors in the IHD were estimated at 9.29% (0.3-18.51%) in men and 5.78% (-7.05-19.15%) in women. Based on these fractions, Korea's 2006 death toll from occupational IHD between the age of 15 and 69 was calculated at 353 in men (total 3,804) and 72 in women (total 1,246). Conclusion We estimated occupational IHD mortality of Korea with updated data and more relevant evidence. Despite the efforts to obtain reliable estimates, there were many assumptions and limitations that must be overcome. Future research based on more precise design and reliable evidence is required for more accurate estimates.
The right hemisphere and optic aphasia/optic apraxia

Abstract We describe a patient with inordinate impairment in oral picture naming (as opposed to oral naming to definitions and viewed gestures). His naming errors were primarily semantically related or perseverative responses. He also had greater difficulty gesturing in response to viewed pictures than gesturing to verbal commands, and produced many semantic and perseverative gesture errors. He performed relatively well in some visual tasks (e.g. matching, object decision, and drawing), but was impaired on others (e.g. copying pictures). He had intact abilities for basic semantic processing of pictures (category sorting, cross-modal matching), but he demonstrated impairment in picture comprehension tasks requiring more detailed semantic information (matching associated pictures). We propose that this patient's impairment may be classified as optic aphasia and optic apraxia, and not visual associative agnosia in which we expect greater recognition Impairment. Current cognitive models that attempt to explai.
Interface Design For Programmable Cameras

This paper outlines the process of designing a set of interfaces for a programmable digital camera back-end. The set of interfaces includes a traditional, advanced and development interface. The traditional interface is a replication of a typical camera interface which is present on today’s commodity cameras. The advanced interface provides access to the programmable pipeline on the new camera architecture [Lindsay and Agu 2009]. The development interface is a tool that provides the building blocks for assembling new camera pipelines. We discuss the process and design decisions that were used in implementing the camera interfaces. We also describe how user tasks were modeled and the types of interaction the interfaces provide. This paper also explains the implementation details of building the three interfaces, along with an Expert User study to validate our design.
In BALB/c Mice, IL-4 Production During the Initial Phase of Infection with Leishmania major Is Necessary and Sufficient to Instruct Th2 Cell Development Resulting in Progressive Disease1

In contrast to intact BALB/c mice, BALB/c mice rendered deficient in Vβ4+ CD4+ T cells develop a Th1 response to infection with Leishmania major and are resistant. Vβ4-deficient BALB/c mice are unable to generate the early IL-4 transcription occurring in Vβ4 Vα8 CD4+ T cells of BALB/c mice within 1 day of infection. Here we demonstrate that treatment of Vβ4-deficient BALB/c mice with IL-4 during the first 64 h after infection instructs Th2 cell development and susceptibility to infection. The demonstrated inability of IL-4 to reverse the resistant phenotype of BALB/c mice treated with anti-CD4 mAb the day before infection suggest that these effects of IL-4 require its interaction with CD4+ T cells. In contrast to draining lymph node cells from BALB/c mice, cells from Vβ4-deficient BALB/c mice remain responsive to IL-12 following infection. Strikingly, administration of IL-4 to Vβ4-deficient BALB/c mice renders their lymph node cells unresponsive to IL-12 by down-regulating IL-12R β2-chain expression. This study directly demonstrates that in BALB/c mice IL-4 is necessary and sufficient to initiate the molecular events steering Th2 cell maturation and susceptibility to L. major.
Life-Cycle and Genome of OtV5, a Large DNA Virus of the Pelagic Marine Unicellular Green Alga Ostreococcus tauri

Large DNA viruses are ubiquitous, infecting diverse organisms ranging from algae to man, and have probably evolved from an ancient common ancestor. In aquatic environments, such algal viruses control blooms and shape the evolution of biodiversity in phytoplankton, but little is known about their biological functions. We show that Ostreococcus tauri, the smallest known marine photosynthetic eukaryote, whose genome is completely characterized, is a host for large DNA viruses, and present an analysis of the life-cycle and 186,234 bp long linear genome of OtV5. OtV5 is a lytic phycodnavirus which unexpectedly does not degrade its host chromosomes before the host cell bursts. Analysis of its complete genome sequence confirmed that it lacks expected site-specific endonucleases, and revealed the presence of 16 genes whose predicted functions are novel to this group of viruses. OtV5 carries at least one predicted gene whose protein closely resembles its host counterpart and several other host-like sequences, suggesting that horizontal gene transfers between host and viral genomes may occur frequently on an evolutionary scale. Fifty seven percent of the 268 predicted proteins present no similarities with any known protein in Genbank, underlining the wealth of undiscovered biological diversity present in oceanic viruses, which are estimated to harbour 200Mt of carbon.
Classification of sparsely and irregularly sampled time series: A learning in model space approach

Classification of sparsely and irregularly sampled time series data is a challenging machine learning task. To tackle this problem, we present a learning in model space framework in which time-continuous dynamical system models are first inferred from individual time series and then the inferred models are used to represent these time series for the classification task. In contrast to the existing approaches using model point estimates to represent individual time series, we further employ posterior distributions over models, thus taking into account in a principled manner the uncertainty around the inferred model due to observation noise and data sparsity. Finally, we present a distributional classifier for classifying the posterior distributions. We evaluate the framework on a biological pathway model. In particular, we investigate the classification performance in the cases where model uncertainties in the training and test phases do not match.
Comparison of push-out bond strength of mineral trioxide aggregate and calcium enriched mixture cement as root end filling materials

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare the push-out bond strength of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and calcium enriched mixture (CEM) as root end filling materials. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 root dentin slices (1 ± 0.2 mm) were prepared from freshly extracted human maxillary central teeth and their lumens were enlarged to 1.3 mm. The slices were randomly divided into two groups (n = 20). MTA and CEM cement were mixed according to manufacturer's instruction and introduced into the lumens. The specimens were wrapped in pieces of wet gauze soaked in distilled water and incubated at 37°C for 3 days. The push-out bond strength was measured using a universal testing machine. The slices were then examined under a light microscope at ×10 magnification to determine the nature of bond failure. The data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney test (P < 0.001). Results: The mean push-out bond strength for CEM cement and MTA were 1.68 ± 0.9 and 5.94 ± 3.99 respectively. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The bond failure was predominantly of adhesive type in MTA group and cohesive type in CEM group. Conclusion: CEM cement showed significantly lower bond strength to the dentinal wall compared to MTA.
Molecular approaches identify known species, reveal cryptic species and verify host specificity of Chinese Philotrypesis (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae)

Philotrypesis, a major component of the fig wasp community (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae), is a model taxon for studying male fighting and mating behaviour. Its extreme sexual dimorphism and male polymorphism render species identification uncertain and in‐depth research on its ecology, behaviour and other evolutionary topics challenging. The fig wasps’ enclosed habitat within the syconia makes their mating behaviour inaccessible, to the extent of matching conspecific females and males. In this study, we combine morphological and molecular analyses to identify species of Philotrypesis sampled from south China and to associate their extraordinarily dimorphic genders and labile male morphologies. Morphological evaluations of females identify 22 species and 28 male morphs. The mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I and nuclear internal transcribed spacer 2 data detect 21 species using females, and 15 species among the males. Most of the males match the species as delimited by females. Both markers reveal cryptic species in P. quadrisetosa on Ficus vasculosa. Most species of wasps live on one species of fig but three species co‐occur in two hosts (F. microcarpa and F. benjamina), which indicates host switching.
Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins: Translating Basic Knowledge into Clinical Practice

The inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) are a family of antiapoptotic proteins that bind and inhibit caspases 3, 7, and/or 9, but not caspase 8. Growing evidence also indicates that IAPs also modulate cell division, cell cycle progression, and signal transduction pathways. As our basic understanding of IAPs has increased, the knowledge is being translated into clinically useful applications in the diagnosis and treatment of malignancy. For example, IAPs such as survivin are being investigated as diagnostic markers for the presence of occult malignancy. In addition, IAP overexpression is a poor prognostic marker in a variety of solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. Finally, IAPs are attractive therapeutic targets, and efforts are under way to develop antisense and chemical IAP inhibitors that may be useful for the treatment of a variety of malignancies. For all of these potential clinical applications, however, the challenge remains to incorporate these findings into actual clinical practice.
A Proposed Speech Discrimination Assessment Methodology Based on Event-Related Potentials to Visual Stimuli

Objective and quantitative assessment methods are needed for the fitting of hearing aid parameters. This paper proposes a novel speech discrimination assessment method using electroencephalograms EEGs. The method utilizes event-related potentials ERPs to visual stimuli instead of the conventionally used auditory stimuli. A spoken letter is played through a speaker as an initial auditory stimulus. The same letter can then be visually displayed on a screen as a match condition, or a different letter is displayed mismatch condition. The participant determines whether the two stimuli represent the same letter or not. The P3 component or late positive potential LPP component are elicited when a participant detects either a match or mismatch between the auditory and visual stimuli, respectively. The hearing ability of each participant can be estimated objectively via analysis of these ERP components.
Kanizsa subjective figures can act as occluding surfaces at parallel stages of visual search

Four experiments examined whether Kanizsa subjective figures can induce amodal completion of a notched circle at parallel stages of visual search. Search for the notched circle among full circles was slow and inefficient when the notched circle appeared stereoscopically behind an abutting subjective surface, as if occluded by it. However, search became efficient and parallel when the notched and completed circles appeared nearer so that the subjective figures could not act as occluders. Control studies ruled out explanations in terms of low spatial frequencies, grouping of aligned edges, or the depth of the circles per se. Multiple Kanizsa subjective figures can be coded in parallel as occluding surfaces; such coding is obligatory because it arises even when highly detrimental to performance.
Influence of injected selenium in dairy bulls on blood and semen selenium, glutathione peroxidase and seminal quality.

A 9 month study was conducted to determine the influence of selenium (Se) injections on blood and semen Se and glutathione peroxidase (GSII-Px) levels in bulls that were moderately Se-deficient. The effects of Se injections on semen production and quality were also examined. Five Holstein bulls were assigned to either a Se or no Se treatment based on their pretreatment seminal production and quality characteristics. Three bulls were given i.m. injections of 5, 10, 20, or 40 mg Se as sodium selenite per 90 kg BW at 6, 16, 22, and 28 weeks, respectively, after initiation of the experiment. Two bulls received sham injections at the same times and served as controls. Blood samples were collected weekly from each bull and assayed for GSII-Px and selenium. Semen was collected 3 times weekly from each bull and assayed for GSII-Px activity in the seminal plasma. Thirteen weeks after initiation of the experiment, semen from each bull was analyzed for Se on a weekly basis. Ejaculates from each bull were evaluated for volume, concentration of spermatozoa, percentage of motile spermatozoa, percentage of intact acrosomes and spermatozoal morphology immediately postcollection. Post-thaw semen quality was determined from two ejaculates from each bull per week. Frozen semen was thawed, incubated for 4 h at 37#{176}C, and spermatozoa were evaluated for post-thaw percentage of motile spermatozoa and percentage of intact acrosomes. Selenium injections increased blood Se (P<0.05), blood GSII-Px (P<O.005), semen Se(P<0.06), and seminal plasma GSII-Px (P<0.05). Blood Se and GSFI-Px did not increase until after the 10mg injection. Seminal plasma GSH-Px appeared highly sensitive to changes in Se status since enzyme levels tripled within 48 h following the 5 mg injection. Subsequent increases in seminal plasma GSII-Px were observed with each Se injection. Neither postcollection nor post-thaw semen quality was influenced by Se injections.
Impact of an electronic health record alert in primary care on increasing hepatitis c screening and curative treatment for baby boomers

Despite effective treatment for chronic hepatitis C, deficiencies in diagnosis and access to care preclude disease elimination. Screening of baby boomers remains low. The aims of this study were to assess the impact of an electronic health record–based prompt on hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening rates in baby boomers in primary care and access to specialty care and treatment among those newly diagnosed. We implemented an electronic health record–based “best practice advisory” (BPA) that prompted primary care providers to perform HCV screening for patients seen in primary care clinic (1) born between 1945 and 1965, (2) who lacked a prior diagnosis of HCV infection, and (3) who lacked prior documented anti‐HCV testing. The BPA had associated educational materials, order set, and streamlined access to specialty care for newly diagnosed patients. Pre‐BPA and post‐BPA screening rates were compared, and care of newly diagnosed patients was analyzed. In the 3 years prior to BPA implementation, 52,660 baby boomers were seen in primary care clinics and 28% were screened. HCV screening increased from 7.6% for patients with a primary care provider visit in the 6 months prior to BPA to 72% over the 1 year post‐BPA. Of 53 newly diagnosed patients, all were referred for specialty care, 11 had advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis, 20 started treatment, and 9 achieved sustained virologic response thus far. Conclusion: Implementation of an electronic health record–based prompt increased HCV screening rates among baby boomers in primary care by 5‐fold due to efficiency in determining needs for HCV screening and workflow design. Streamlined access to specialty care enabled patients with previously undiagnosed advanced disease to be cured. This intervention can be easily integrated into electronic health record systems to increase HCV diagnosis and linkage to care. (Hepatology 2017;66:1805–1813)
T2’-Imaging to Assess Cerebral Oxygen Extraction Fraction in Carotid Occlusive Disease: Influence of Cerebral Autoregulation and Cerebral Blood Volume

Purpose Quantitative T2'-mapping detects regional changes of the relation of oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin (Hb) by using their different magnetic properties in gradient echo imaging and might therefore be a surrogate marker of increased oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) in cerebral hypoperfusion. Since elevations of cerebral blood volume (CBV) with consecutive accumulation of Hb might also increase the fraction of deoxygenated Hb and, through this, decrease the T2’-values in these patients we evaluated the relationship between T2’-values and CBV in patients with unilateral high-grade large-artery stenosis. Materials and Methods Data from 16 patients (13 male, 3 female; mean age 53 years) with unilateral symptomatic or asymptomatic high-grade internal carotid artery (ICA) or middle cerebral artery (MCA) stenosis/occlusion were analyzed. MRI included perfusion-weighted imaging and high-resolution T2’-mapping. Representative relative (r)CBV-values were analyzed in areas of decreased T2’ with different degrees of perfusion delay and compared to corresponding contralateral areas. Results No significant elevations in cerebral rCBV were detected within areas with significantly decreased T2’-values. In contrast, rCBV was significantly decreased (p<0.05) in regions with severe perfusion delay and decreased T2’. Furthermore, no significant correlation between T2’- and rCBV-values was found. Conclusions rCBV is not significantly increased in areas of decreased T2’ and in areas of restricted perfusion in patients with unilateral high-grade stenosis. Therefore, T2’ should only be influenced by changes of oxygen metabolism, regarding our patient collective especially by an increase of the OEF. T2’-mapping is suitable to detect altered oxygen consumption in chronic cerebrovascular disease.
[Intravenous flecainide administration for conversion of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in the emergency room].

INTRODUCTION Since the removal of intravenous propafenone from the Israeli market, flecainide is the only intravenous antiarrhythmic class 1C drug available nowadays in Israel. AIM The study aimed to report our experience of intravenous flecainide administration in the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) in the Emergency Room (ER). METHODS Patients with AF lasting > 1 hour and <48 hour duration were considered possible candidates for entry into the study. Exclusion criteria were clinical signs of congestive heart failure, acute coronary syndrome, electrolyte imbalances, significant hepatic and renal disease, and any previously documented conduction disturbance. Flecainide was administered as a bolus dose of 2mg/kg in 10 minutes (maximum 150 mg). The patients with a ventricular response > 130 beats/min received intravenous verapamil or metoprolol in order to reduce the ventricular rate. Efficacy was defined as conversion to sinus rhythm (SR) within 120 minutes of starting medication. RESULTS Twenty three consecutive patients were enrolled in the study. Their mean age was 60 +/- 19 years; the mean ventricular response at admission was 128 +/- 26 beats/min. SR was achieved in 10 patients (43%) after the intravenous bolus of flecainide (10 minutes) and in 17 patients (74%) 120 minutes after the beginning of the therapy. COMPLICATIONS Hypotension (systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg) was reported in 1 patient and QRS enlargement was seen in 1 patient. CONCLUSION Intravenous flecainide has effective and rapid action in the conversion of PAF and its administration is safe in the treatment of this arrhythmia in the ER.