Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
“Just a Typical Teenager”: The Social Ecology of “Normal Adolescence”—Insights from Diabetes Care

In Western society “normal adolescence” is understood to be a biologically driven phase characterized by emotional turmoil and irrational behavior. Despite being discredited within academic literature this discourse persists both in formal theory and everyday use. Drawing on the case of diabetes care, I argue that the discourse of “normal adolescence” derives its power from its value as a vocabulary of motive through which to navigate the contradictions inherent in the social order at this stage of the life-course. While helping us to comprehend sociologically the ecological niche in which “normal adolescence” is sustained, this analysis raises questions about the persistence of this discourse for social action.
Complement-Dependent P-Selectin Expression and Injury following Ischemic Stroke1

The mechanisms that contribute to inflammatory damage following ischemic stroke are poorly characterized, but studies indicate a role for both complement and P-selectin. In this study, we show that compared with wild-type mice, C3-deficient mice showed significant improvement in survival, neurological deficit, and infarct size at 24 h after middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion. Furthermore, P-selectin protein expression was undetectable in the cerebral microvasculature of C3-deficient mice following reperfusion, and there was reduced neutrophil influx, reduced microthrombus formation, and increased blood flow postreperfusion in C3-deficient mice. We further investigated the use of a novel complement inhibitory protein in a therapeutic paradigm. Complement receptor 2 (CR2)-Crry inhibits complement activation at the C3 stage and targets to sites of complement activation. Treatment of normal mice with CR2-Crry at 30 min postreperfusion resulted in a similar level of protection to that seen in C3-deficient mice in all of the above-measured parameters. The data demonstrate an important role for complement in cerebrovascular thrombosis, inflammation, and injury following ischemic stroke. P-selectin expression in the cerebrovasculature, which is also implicated in cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury, was shown to be distal to and dependent on complement activation. Data also show that a CR2-targeted approach of complement inhibition provides appropriate bioavailability in cerebral injury to enable complement inhibition at a dose that does not significantly affect systemic levels of serum complement activity, a potential benefit for stroke patients where immunosuppression would be undesirable due to significantly increased susceptibility to lung infection.
Transapical Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Implantation and Conventional Aortic Valve Replacement in Octogenarians

Abstract Objective Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has been developed to minimize the operative trauma in high-risk patients. Patient selection for TAVI is still subject to debate and octogenarians are often regarded as high-risk patients. Methods In this single-center study, data of 169 octogenarians who received conventional AVR (90) or TAVI (79) have been analyzed retrospectively according to the endpoint definitions of the Valve Academic Research Consortium to answer the following questions: (a) Should patients due to their age of 80 years or older be considered as high risk? (b) Is the EuroSCORE a suitable tool for estimating mortality after AVR or TAVI in octogenarians? (c) Is TAVI the procedure of choice for octogenarians? Results TAVI patients showed higher comorbid conditions concerning an existing renal dysfunction (31 vs. 56%, p = 0.001), peripheral vascular disease (6 vs. 30%, p < 0.001), diabetes (19% vs. 49%, p < 0.001), a decreased ejection fraction (LVEF < 30%: 2 vs. 13%, p < 0.05), and pulmonary hypertension (23 vs. 48%; p < 0.005) with an increase of the perioperative risk represented by logistic EuroSCORE (AVR 11% ± 1.27 vs. TAVI 38% ± 1.35; p < 0.0005) and STS Score (7% ± 0.52 vs. 14% ± 0.56; p < 0.0005). All-cause and cardiovascular-cause in-hospital or 30-day mortality was 5.6% (n = 5) and 3.4% (n = 3) in the AVR cohort and 8.8% (n = 7) and 7.6% (n = 6) in TAVI-patients (p = 0.55; p = 0.31), respectively. The overall combined safety endpoint at 30 days was 22.2% (n = 20) in AVR patients and 29.1% (n = 23) with regard to the TAVI group (p = 38). Analysis of cerebrovascular complications, vascular complications, and pacemaker revealed no significant differences. In the AVR group, actuarial survival at 6 months and 1 and 2 years was 89, 78, and 74%, respectively. Data of the TAVI patients are only available for a follow-up of 6 months and revealed a survival of 85%. Conclusion AVR and TAVI in octogenarians show comparable results, but the analyzed cohorts differ significantly in their risk profile. The results indicate an overrated perioperative mortality using the EuroSCORE but on the other hand logistic EuroSCORE represents articulately the different risk profile of the two groups. For this reason, we consider the EuroSCORE still to be a useful tool for preoperative risk assessment. Moreover, octogenarians cannot per se be considered as “true high risk” patients. Differentiated clinical judgment is most important for reasonable decision making.
Stepping up to integrative questions on CS1 exams

In this paper, we explore the use of sequences of small code writing questions ("concept questions") designed to incrementally evaluate single programming concepts. We report on a study of student performance on a CS1 final examination that included a traditional code-writing question and four intentionally corresponding concept questions. We find that the concept questions are significant predictors of performance on both the corresponding code-writing question and the final exam as a whole. We argue that concept questions provide more accurate formative feedback and simplify marking by reducing the number of variants that must be considered. An analysis of responses categorized by the students' previous programming experience suggests that inexperienced students have the most to gain from the use of concept questions.
Influence of Inhibition of Adenosine Uptake on the γ-Aminobutyric Acid Level of the Ischemic Rat Brain

Summary Loss of inhibitory GABAergic modulation may induce hyperexcitability of neuronal elements and potentiate their vulnerability to excitotoxic injury. It has been also found that the adenosine system interacts with the GABAergic system during ischemia and anoxia where the adenosine receptors as well as the GABAergic receptors may conscript the same intracellular pathway to increase tolerance to ischemia. Therefore, it was aimed to study whether dipyridamole (CAS 58-32-2), an adenosine uptake inhibitor, or adenosine (CAS 58-61-7) could affect the rat brain γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA, CAS 56-12-2) level after induction of cerebral ischemia, and to test their effect on the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity of the ischemic rat brain. Ischemia was induced by bilateral clamping of the common carotid arteries for 60 min followed by reperfusion for other 60 min. Dipyridamole was administered alone and in combination with adenosine and the effect of the drugs on the brain GABA level as well as on LDH activity was determined. The results show that dipyridamole could protect the brain of rats against the ischemic insult, while adenosine when administered separately failed to influence the selected parameters. Protection of the rat brain by dipyridamole might be related to the elevated level of GABA.
Assessment of subclinical acute kidney injury after abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery using novel markers: L-FABP and H-FABP.

BACKGROUND One of the most severe complications of repair surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) is acute kidney injury (AKI). Even small rises in serum creatinine are associated with increased mortality. The aim of this study was to assess the dynamics of AKI after elective AAA surgery using novel markers. METHODS The study group consisted of 22 patients with AAA. We measured urinary liver- (u-L-FABP) and heart-type fatty acid-binding proteins (u-H-FABP) before, during and within 3 days after surgery. RESULTS We found an abrupt and significant elevation of both urine FABPs normalized to urinary creatinine; u-L-FABP reached its peak value 2 hours after aortic clamp release {137.79 (38.57-451.79) vs. 9.94 (6.82-12.42) ng/mg baseline value, p<0.05; values are medians (lower-upper quartile)}. The peak value of u-H-FABP was reported 72 hours after aortic clamp release {16.462 (4.182-37.595) vs. 0.141 (0.014-0.927) ng/mg baseline value, p<0.05}. The serum creatinine level did not changed significantly during the investigation period. CONCLUSIONS The significant rise of both u-L-FABP and u-H-FABP after AAA surgery indicates renal proximal and distal tubule injury in this population. Our results suggest that, after AAA surgery, the distal tubules could be more affected than the proximal ones. u-FABPs could serve as sensitive biomarkers of kidney tubular injury and may allow to detect the very early phases of AKI.
Survey Graph clustering

In this survey we overview the definitions and methods for graph clustering, that is, finding sets of “related” vertices in graphs. We review the many definitions for what is a cluster in a graph and measures of cluster quality. Then we present global algorithms for producing a clustering for the entire vertex set of an input graph, after which we discuss the task of identifying a cluster for a specific seed vertex by local computation. Some ideas on the application areas of graph clustering algorithms are given. We also address the problematics of evaluating clusterings and benchmarking cluster algorithms. c © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Mechanisms of embodiment

This paper is a critical review of recent studies demonstrating the mechanism of sensorimotor simulation in different cognitive domains. Empirical studies that specify conditions under which embodiment occurs in different domains will be discussed and evaluated. Examples of relevant domains are language comprehension (Tucker and Ellis, 1998), autobiographical memory (Dijkstra et al., 2007), gestures (Alibali et al., 2014), facial mimicry (Stel and Vonk, 2010), and problem solving (Wiemers et al., 2014). The focus of the review is on supporting claims regarding sensorimotor simulation as well as on factors that modulate dynamic relationships between sensorimotor components in action and cognitive domains, such as expertise (Boschker et al., 2002). This discussion takes place within the context of currently debated issues, specifically the need to specify the underlying mechanisms of embodied representations (Zwaan, 2014; Körner et al., 2015).
PLUG-IN ELECTRIC VEHICLE OWNER BEHAVIOUR STUDYUSING FUZZY SYSTEMS

In this paper, we focused on one of the important aspects of plug-in electric vehicle (PIEV) use: the PIEV owners’ behaviour modelling. In order to investigate the effect of several factors on owners’ behaviour, having a set of historical data about the customers is necessary. For this purpose, a questionnaire has been designed in Google spreadsheet and the output results of this data collection have been used for modelling purpose. Firstly, the collected data was sorted and shown in a fuzzified format based on the final decision-making concept. In the next step, fuzzy rules are defined to calculate the customer acceptance index (CAI) based on four fuzzy inputs: cost of electricity (CE), cost of fuel (CF), fast/slow charging penetration (FSP) and controlled/uncontrolled charging penetration (CUP). Finally, the results have been shown in terms of CAI value which is an integer in the [0,1] interval.
Possibility of Applying Business Process Management Methodology in Logistic Processes Optimization

Raising the service level and developing new logistic services require better understanding of logistic processes and possibilities of optimization. Different methodologies have been used for that purpose, while the application of Business Process Management (BPM) methodology is outlined in this paper. Identifying parts of logistic processes that could be optimized is facilitated by applying BPM methodology. It also enables more accurate quantification of impacts of the changes introduced in a particular process or activity on the processes as a whole and to other interacting processes. The application of BPM methodology is demonstrated in the case study, where a solution for logistic processes optimization is suggested and the prospective outcomes are simulated. The results of the logistic process comparative analysis have indicated a synergic effect of different improvements in sub-process on the effectiveness of the process as a whole, both on the operative and managerial level. The respective changes in workload distribution among interacting logistic processes have been quantified according to the same methodology.
Context Dependent Modeling of Phones in Continuous Speech Using Decision Trees

In a continuous speech recognition system it is important to model the context dependent variations in the pronunciations of words. In this paper we present an automatic method for modeling phonological variation using decision trees. For each phone we construct a decision tree that specifies the acoustic realization of the phone as a function of the context in which it appears. Several thousand sentences from a natural language corpus spoken by several talkers are used to construct these decision trees. Experimental results on a 5000-word vocabulary natural language speech recognition task are presented.
Microvascular Pathology and Morphometrics of Sporadic and Hereditary Small Vessel Diseases of the Brain

Small vessel diseases (SVDs) of the brain are likely to become increasingly common in tandem with the rise in the aging population. In recent years, neuroimaging and pathological studies have informed on the pathogenesis of sporadic SVD and several single gene (monogenic) disorders predisposing to subcortical strokes and diffuse white matter disease. However, one of the limitations toward studying SVD lies in the lack of consistent assessment criteria and lesion burden for both clinical and pathological measures. Arteriolosclerosis and diffuse white matter changes are the hallmark features of both sporadic and hereditary SVDs. The pathogenesis of the arteriopathy is the key to understanding the differential progression of disease in various SVDs. Remarkably, quantification of microvascular abnormalities in sporadic and hereditary SVDs has shown that qualitatively the processes involved in arteriolar degeneration are largely similar in sporadic SVD compared with hereditary disorders such as cerebral autosomal arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL). Important significant regional differences in lesion location within the brain may enable one to distinguish SVDs, where frontal lobe involvement appears consistently with almost every SVD, but others bear specific pathologies in other lobes, such as the temporal pole in CADASIL and the pons in pontine autosomal dominant microangiopathy and leukoencephalopathy or PADMAL. Additionally, degenerative changes in the vascular smooth muscle cells, the cerebral endothelium and the basal lamina are often rapid and more aggressive in genetic disorders. Further quantification of other microvascular elements and even neuronal cells is needed to fully characterize SVD pathogenesis and to differentiate the usefulness of vascular interventions and treatments on the resulting pathology.
DERMATOLOGY IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

Marshall' has indicated that dermatology of the tropics is not different from dermatology elsewhere. The basic problems are the same, but the prevalence and distribution of dermatoses differ from place to place under the influence of varying factors: racial, ethnological, climatic and environmental. There are, of course, some dermatoses restricted to the tropics; however, rapid transport has made them cosmopolitan. There are many causal agents in tropical dermatoses: fungi, bacteria, rickettsia and helminths, as well as dermatoses developing because of excessive heat, light and malnutrition.2 Before one considers proposals to lessen the morbidity from tropical skin diseases or to find cures, it is necessary to view the world problems of health.3-6 The relationship between physical environment and tropical skin diseases has been studied more intensely during the last decade than at any early time: Banerjee and Dasai^ in India, Canizares''' ^ and Convit'' in Latin America, and Marshall,''
Current trends in event-related potential research

Section I: ERP Studies of Preparation and Movement (9 papers). Section II: ERP Studies of Attention (14 papers). Section III: ERP Studies of Cognition (20 papers). Section IV: ERP Studies of Conditioning, Learning and Memory (10 papers). Section V: ERP Studies of Language and Hemispheric Specialisation (10 papers). Section VI: Animal Models and Neurophysiological Studies of ERPs (11 papers). Section VII: ERP Studies of Neuropharmacology (9 papers). Section VIII: ERPs in Psychiatry and Neuropsychology: Developmental Studies (10 papers). Section IX: ERPs in Psychiatry and Neuropsychology: Adult Studies (21 papers).
Measuring sleep quality in older adults: a comparison using subjective and objective methods

Sleep quality decreases with aging and thus sleep complaints are prevalent in older adults, particularly for those with cognitive impairment and dementia. For older adults, emerging evidence suggests poor sleep quality increases risk of developing cognitive impairment and dementia. Given the aging population—and the impending economic burden associated with increasing numbers of dementia patients—there is pressing need to improve sleep quality among older adults. As such, research efforts have increased focus on investigating the association between age-related sleep changes and cognitive decline in older adults. Sleep quality is a complex construct to evaluate empirically, and yet the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) is commonly used in studies as their only measure of sleep quality. Furthermore, the PSQI may not be the best sleep quality measure for older adults, due to its reliance on the cognitive capacity to reflect on the past month. Further study is needed to determine the PSQI's validity among older adults. Thus, the current study examined sleep quality for 78 community dwelling adults 55+ to determine the PSQI's predictive validity for objective sleep quality (as measured by actigraphy). We compared two subjective measures of sleep quality—the PSQI and Consensus Sleep Diary (CSD)—with actigraphy (MotionWatch 8©; camntech). Our results suggest perceived sleep quality is quite different from objective reality, at least for adults 55+. Importantly, we show this difference is unrelated to age, gender, education, or cognitive status (assessed using standard screens). Previous studies have shown the PSQI to be a valuable tool for assessing subjective sleep quality; however, our findings indicate for older adults the PSQI should not be used as a substitute for actigraphy, or vice versa. Hence, we conclude best practice is to include both subjective and objective measures when examining sleep quality in older adults (i.e., the PSQI, CSD, and actigraphy).
On the initialization of statistical optimum filters with application to motion estimation

The present paper is focusing on the initialization of statistical optimum filters for motion estimation in robotics. It shows that if certain conditions concerning the stability of a system are fulfilled, and some knowledge about the mean of the state is given, an initial error covariance matrix that is optimal with regard to the convergence behavior of the filter estimate might be analytically obtained. Easy algorithms for the n-dimensional continuous and discrete cases are presented. The applicability to non-linear systems is also pointed out. The convergence of a normal Kalman filter is analyzed in simulation using the discrete model of a theoretical example.
A Model for Human Leukocyte Antigen–Matched Donor-Swap Transplantation in India

Background. In developing countries such as India, extending donor-swap transplantation (DSTx) to human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-mismatched patient-donor pairs would increase well-matched living donor kidney transplantation rates, resulting in use of less immunosuppression and less expenses, lower infective morbidity, and better survival. A model for DSTx based on HLA matching is presented. Methods. Consecutive HLA class 1 antigen (A, B) tests of prospective renal allograft recipients and their related donors, performed at a single center in India was analyzed retrospectively using an HLA matching program to determine the proportion of prospective recipients with poorly matched related donors who could have benefited by DSTx based on HLA matching. Results. Over the past 17.5 years, 2,129 prospective renal allograft recipients and 2,890 donors were tested for HLA class I (A and B) antigens. Of the prospective recipients, 33% did not have well-matched donors (defined as blood group compatible and sharing ≥2 of 4 HLA class I antigens). Among such recipients, 19.2% could have found a well-matched donor-swap pair within a year at a single center. This number would increase to 38% if four major national centers were involved with a shared HLA registry. Conclusions. Nearly 40% of prospective recipients without well-matched donors would find a donor-swap pair based on HLA matching within a year, with coordination among four national centers and a shared HLA registry, increasing the well-matched living donor renal transplant rates and improving transplant outcomes. This finding is relevant in the context of Indian government amending the Transplantation of Human Organs Act to encourage DSTx.
MultiGrid-Based Fuzzy Systems for Time Series: Forecasting: Overcoming the curse of dimensionality

This work introduces a modified Grid Based Fuzzy Sys- tem architecture, which is especially suited for the problem of time series prediction. This new architecture overcomes the problem inherent to all grid-based fuzzy systems when dealing with high dimensional input data. This new architecture together with the proposed algorithm al- lows the possibility of incorporating a higher number of input variables, keeping low both the computational complexity of the algorithm and the complexity of the architecture.