Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Burden of stroke and other cardiovascular complications in patients with atrial fibrillation hospitalized in France

Abstract Aims Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with numerous cardiovascular complications. We sought to estimate the annual burden of cardiovascular complications in AF patients in French hospitals. Methods and results All AF patients hospitalized in France in 2012 were identified from the national public/private hospital database. Comorbid conditions and medical histories were documented using medical records dating back 5 years. Reasons for hospitalization, type of admission (emergency or otherwise), length of stay, rehabilitation transfers, and death at discharge were identified and costs of acute and rehabilitation care determined (2012 Euros). In total, 533 044 AF patients (mean age ± SD 78.0 ± 11.4 years, 47.1% women) were hospitalized in 2012 for any reason. Hospitalizations were cardiovascular-related in 267 681 patients [22.5% cardiac dysrhythmia, 18.3% heart failure, 7.1% vascular/ischaemic diseases, 6.9% stroke/transient ischaemic attack (TIA)/systemic embolism (SE), and 1.3% haemorrhages]. Patients with stroke/TIA/SE had higher rates of emergency admission (68.1%), transfer to rehabilitation unit (28.1%), and death at discharge (13.7%) than those with other cardiovascular complications, with the exception of haemorrhages, where emergency admission rates were similar. They also had longer mean lengths of stay (12.6 ± 13.2 days for acute care and 46.8 ± 42.5 days for rehabilitation). The annual total cost (acute care and rehabilitation) for all hospitalized cardiovascular events was €1.94 billion, of which heart failure represented €805 million, vascular/ischaemic diseases €386 million, stroke €362 million, cardiac dysrhythmia €341 million, and haemorrhage €48 million. Conclusion Half a million patients with AF were hospitalized in France in 2012. Cardiovascular-related hospitalizations involved half of these admissions, for a global burden of almost €2 billion, equivalent to 2.6% of total expenditure in French hospitals. Among these hospitalizations stroke/TIA/SE represented costly, but potentially preventable, complications.
Confusion matrices for improving performance of feature pattern classifier systems

Learning Classifier Systems (LCS) have not been widely applied to image recognition tasks due to the very large search space of pixel data. Assimilating the image domain's Haar-like features into the XCS framework, the feature pattern classifier system (FPCS) has produced promising results in the numeral recognition task. However for large multi-class image classification problems the training rates can be unacceptably slow, whilst performance does not match supervised learning approaches. This is partially due to the fact that traditional LCS only retain limited information about the problem examples. Confusion Matrices show the classes that a learning technique has difficulty separating, but require supervised knowledge. This paper shows that the knowledge in a confusion matrix is beneficial in directing learning. Most importantly the work shows that confusion matrices can be beneficially adapted to non-supervisory learning.
Function of the Song and Song Repertoire in the European Starling (Sturnus Vulgaris) : an Aviary Experiment

We confronted individually-caged male European starlings, Sturnus vulgaris, with conspecifics of both sexes in order to study singing behaviour during intrasexual and intersexual encounters. Males spent more time at the nestbox, sang more songs and more song types during female presentations than during control periods (observation periods with no conspecifics). Males also sang more songs in the nestbox and flew more to the nestbox with green nest material. During male presentations, only the time spent at the nestbox and the carrying of nest material increased significantly. Males spent more time at the nestbox, sang more songs and more song types in response to a female stimulus than to a male stimulus. Males also sang more songs in the nestbox and flew more to the nestbox with nest material during female than during male presentations. These results suggest that the song and song repertoire of male starlings serve primarily an intersexual rather than an intrasexual function. However, in contrast to a previous study, our results suggest that singing also serves as an intrasexual signal to deter rivals at close encounter. We also tested the hypothesis that the 'whistles' and the 'warbling song' have separate intrasexual and intersexual functions, as has been suggested in the literature. We found no evidence for a specialized intrasexual function of the whistles nor for a specialized intersexual function of the warbling song. From this study it also appears that variations in the size of the aviary can modify the behavioural responses of starling males. New information with regard to the use of green nest material by male starlings is given.
Leading Military Teams to Think and Feel: Exploring the Relations Between Leadership, Soldiers' Cognitive and Affective Processes, and Team Effectiveness

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between leadership and military teams' affective and cognitive processes and the subsequent links between these processes and team effectiveness. Soldiers (N = 148) from 32 teams completed questionnaires assessing these variables. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to analyze the data. Transformational leadership was positively associated with cognitive and affective processes, but only active management-by-exception leadership was related to negative affect. Neither form of management-by-exception leadership related to cognitive processes. Positive affect, negative affect, and cognitive processes were all related to team viability. Finally, some mediation effects were observed. Implications of the results for developing leadership in military teams are drawn.
Influence of attention focus and trait anxiety on tolerance of acute pain.

OBJECTIVES In light of inconsistencies in the reported effects of attention and anxiety on pain tolerance, this study examined the separate and combined effects of attention focus and trait anxiety on tolerance of acute experimental pain. DESIGN Participants with 'high' and 'low' trait anxiety were assigned to three attention-focus conditions: pain-focused attention, 'undirected' (no experimenter-induced attempts to influence attention focus) and distraction. METHODS Several indices of autonomic arousal (systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate and EMG) were measured before and during, and several self-report inventories were completed before and after, each of two administrations of the cold pressor test. RESULTS In general, pain tolerance was greater when participants were distracted and in low- rather than high-anxiety participants. However, attention and anxiety interacted such that low-anxiety participants were most pain tolerant, and high-anxiety participants were least pain tolerant, in the undirected condition. CONCLUSION The results are consistent with the notion that anxiety fosters attentiveness to possible environmental threats, and might have implications for the clinical management of acute pain.
Natural history of aspirin‐induced asthma

There is a subset of patients with bronchial asthma who are susceptible to disease exacerbation upon receiving aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This is a clinical syndrome, called aspirin-induced asthma (AIA), associated with alterations in arachidonate metabolism and cysteinyl-leukotriene overproduction. The natural history and clinical characteristics of this type of asthma were studied. Sixteen clinical centres in 10 European countries provided standardized information to the specially developed patient-oriented database regarding: medical history, physical examination, diagnosis, and treatment. Diagnosis of AIA was based on a typical history, confirmed by positive aspirin provocation tests, carried out in 91% of the patients. A total of 500 patients were enrolled in the study. AIA developed according to a pattern, characterized by a sequence of symptoms. First, persistent rhinitis, appearing at a mean age of 29.7+/-12.5 yrs, then asthma, aspirin intolerance and nasal polyposis appear. The clinical presentation in different European countries was remarkably similar. In females, who outnumbered males by 2.3:1, the onset of symptoms occurred significantly earlier and the disease was more progressive and severe than in males. Atopy, present in approximately a third of patients, led to earlier manifestation of rhinitis and asthma, but not of aspirin intolerance or nasal polyposis. A family history of aspirin intolerance, recorded in 6% of patients, had a less evident effect on the course of the disease than sex or atopy. Fifty one per cent of patients, in addition to inhaled steroids, required chronic systemic corticosteroid therapy at a mean dose of 8 mg prednisone x day(-1). Surprisingly, 15% of patients were unaware of intolerance to aspirin and learnt about it only after having provocation tests performed. All over Europe, aspirin-induced asthma develops in a similar characteristic way. Its course is influenced by sex and the presence of atopy. In half of the patients, asthma is severe, and steroid-dependent. The uniform natural history of aspirin-induced asthma might suggest a common underlying principle.
A study on stress, stressors and coping strategies among Malaysian medical students

Introduction: The milieu of tertiary education has always been regarded as a highly stressful environment for students especially for medical students. The study aims to explore the stress level, stressors, and coping strategies among first year medical students in Malaysian public universities and factors contributed to the stress at the end of year. Methodology: A multicenter cross-sectional study involving four Malaysian public universities. The 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), Medical Student Stressor Questionnaire (MSSQ) and Brief COPE inventory were self-administered to measure stress level, sources of stress and coping strategies respectively among the participants. Calculated sample size was 387. Results: Out of 387 selected participants, 359 (92.7%) responded to this survey. This study found that the prevalence (at the end of the year) of distressed first year medical students was 50%. The major stressors across the universities were academic-related issues. The top five coping strategies were religion, active coping, positive re- interpretation, acceptance and planning. University, parent income, academic activities, group activities, and desire related stressors were significant factors contributing to the students' stress (p-value < 0.05). Conclusion: This study found that there was a high prevalence of distressed among first year medical students at the end of year, the major stressors were related to academic and contributing factors of stress were related to university, coping strategy, types of stressor and parent income status. Training first year medical students on adaptive coping strategies, managing stressors, and improving peer-group supports to the students will help to improve this condition.
[Faecal calprotectin in inflammatory bowel diseases: review].

BACKGROUND The clinical course of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterised by a succession of relapses and remissions. A regular and a long term monitoring of such patients is required. Faecal markers, especially calprotectin's use, seem to be useful in these patients. Faecal calprotectin is a reliable maker of intestinal inflammation in IBD. Its level is assessed by a simple and a non invasive test. AIM We proposed to review main indications and study results of faecal calprotectin test use in IBD patients. METHODS Review of literature. RESULTS Faecal calprotectin assessment isn't an IBD specific test. Selective use is required to have a good benefit-cost ratio. Prediction of relapses in asymptomatic patients as well as post operative reccurence seems to be the main indications for its use. CONCLUSION Mucosal healing assessment after anti-TNF treatment can also be an interesting indication although it isn't well evaluated.
Evidence of a large-scale mechanosensing mechanism for cellular adaptation to substrate stiffness

Cell migration plays a major role in many fundamental biological processes, such as morphogenesis, tumor metastasis, and wound healing. As they anchor and pull on their surroundings, adhering cells actively probe the stiffness of their environment. Current understanding is that traction forces exerted by cells arise mainly at mechanotransduction sites, called focal adhesions, whose size seems to be correlated to the force exerted by cells on their underlying substrate, at least during their initial stages. In fact, our data show by direct measurements that the buildup of traction forces is faster for larger substrate stiffness, and that the stress measured at adhesion sites depends on substrate rigidity. Our results, backed by a phenomenological model based on active gel theory, suggest that rigidity-sensing is mediated by a large-scale mechanism originating in the cytoskeleton instead of a local one. We show that large-scale mechanosensing leads to an adaptative response of cell migration to stiffness gradients. In response to a step boundary in rigidity, we observe not only that cells migrate preferentially toward stiffer substrates, but also that this response is optimal in a narrow range of rigidities. Taken together, these findings lead to unique insights into the regulation of cell response to external mechanical cues and provide evidence for a cytoskeleton-based rigidity-sensing mechanism.
From Harvest to Health: Challenges for Developing Biofortified Staple Foods and Determining Their Impact on Micronutrient Status

Background The use of conventional breeding techniques and biotechnology to improve the micronutrient quality of staple crops is a new strategy to address micronutrient deficiencies in developing countries. This strategy, referred to as “biofortification,” is being developed and implemented through the international alliance of HarvestPlus to improve iron, zinc, and vitamin A status in low-income populations. Objective The objective of this paper is to review the challenges faced by nutritionists to determine and demonstrate the ability of biofortified crops to have an impact on the nutritional and health status of target populations. Methods We reviewed available published and unpublished information that is needed to design and evaluate this strategy, including issues related to micronutrient retention in staple foods, micronutrient bioavailability from plant foods, and evidence for the efficacy of high-micronutrient-content staple foods to improve micronutrient status. Results Further information is needed on the retention of micronutrients in staple foods, in particular of provitamin A carotenoids, when stored and prepared under different conditions. The low bioavailability of iron from staple foods and the ability to demonstrate an impact on zinc status are specific challenges that need to be addressed. In target countries, infections and other micronutrient deficiencies may confound the ability to affect micronutrient status, and this must be taken into account in community-based studies. Conclusions Information to date suggests that biofortification has the potential to contribute to increased micronutrient intakes and improved micronutrient status. The success of this strategy will require the collaboration between health and agriculture sectors.
Sub-pixel mapping of urban green space using multiple endmember spectral mixture analysis of EO-1 Hyperion data

Urban green space is an important biophysical component in assessing urban environment. Remote sensing technology offers an alternative method to traditional ground-based survey of these green spaces. However, accurate green space extraction is still a challenge due to the existence of mixed pixels. Tradional methods such as classification and NDVI for deriving green space are found to be inaccurate and unsatisfactory. Multiple endmember spectral mixture analysis (MESMA) models spectra as the linear sum of spectrally pure endmembers that vary on a per-pixel basis, which is a technique for identifying materials in a hyperspectral image using endmembers from a spectral library.
Exploring the Design Space of DRAM Caches

Die-stacked DRAM caches represent an emerging technology that offers a new level of cache between SRAM caches and main memory. As compared to SRAM, DRAM caches offer high capacity and bandwidth but incur high access latency costs. Therefore, DRAM caches face new design considerations that include the placement and granularity of tag storage in either DRAM or SRAM. The associativity of the cache and the inherent behavior and constraints of DRAM are also factors to consider in the design of DRAM caches. In this thesis, we explore and analyze the different factors of DRAM cache design and their impact upon performance; the goal is to identify promising areas of the design space that deserve further study.
Performance Expectations of Salespeople: The Role of Past Performance and Causal Attributions in Independent and Interdependent Cultures

The study compares the role of self-reported causal attributions of past performance on self-generated expectations of future performance among salespeople from independent and interdependent national cultures. The results suggest that salespeople from independent cultures attribute successful past performance to internal factors (i.e., effort or ability), but not external factors (i.e., luck or organizational support). Salespeople from interdependent cultures, however, attribute successful performances to both internal and external factors. Furthermore, the relationship between past performance and future performance expectation is mediated by internal or external causal attributions depending upon whether the salespeople operate in independent or interdependent cultures, respectively.
Putting Science to Work: A Statewide Attempt to Identify and Implement Effective Interventions

Few systematic efforts have been undertaken to identify and deploy evidence-based interventions at a statewide level. Moreover, no previous attempts have attempted to delineate criteria for judging the effectiveness of evidence-based interventions, and then to apply these criteria to the existing evidence base to evaluate interventions for children's behavioral and emotional disorders. Chorpita and their colleagues are to be commended for addressing these much-needed issues, and systematically attempting to close the gaps between “what we know” versus “what we do. ” While their work represents an important step forward, further evaluation of its impact will be needed. Nonetheless, in the hope that they will succeed, other groups of scientists, parents, providers, and policy-makers should consider such strategic approaches in closing the gaps between optimal, evidence-based treatments and current treatment practices.
Global Patterns of Prostate Cancer Incidence, Aggressiveness, and Mortality in Men of African Descent

Prostate cancer (CaP) is the leading cancer among men of African descent in the USA, Caribbean, and Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The estimated number of CaP deaths in SSA during 2008 was more than five times that among African Americans and is expected to double in Africa by 2030. We summarize publicly available CaP data and collected data from the men of African descent and Carcinoma of the Prostate (MADCaP) Consortium and the African Caribbean Cancer Consortium (AC3) to evaluate CaP incidence and mortality in men of African descent worldwide. CaP incidence and mortality are highest in men of African descent in the USA and the Caribbean. Tumor stage and grade were highest in SSA. We report a higher proportion of T1 stage prostate tumors in countries with greater percent gross domestic product spent on health care and physicians per 100,000 persons. We also observed that regions with a higher proportion of advanced tumors reported lower mortality rates. This finding suggests that CaP is underdiagnosed and/or underreported in SSA men. Nonetheless, CaP incidence and mortality represent a significant public health problem in men of African descent around the world.
Individual-Group Discontinuity: Further Evidence for Mediation by Fear and Greed

The authors have previously shown that intergroup interactions are dramatically more competitive than interindividual interactions and have termed this phenomenon a discontinuity effect. They believe that this effect is partly driven by group members' fear of being exploited by the out-group. Experiment 1 found that when subjects were allowed to select a single, safe alternative, a significant, albeit descriptively smaller competitive effect remained. Intergroup competiteness may also be driven by greed. Experiments 2 and 3 tested whether the group content is propitious for providing social support for totally self-interested acts. Trained role-players consistently suggested selecting either the cooperative or the competitive option in a prisoner's dilemma game; and groups received trial-by-trial feedback about the out-group's responding. The pattern of results is consistent with the assumption that, in the presence of a vulnerable opponent, group members tend to provide social support for immediate self-interest.
Spectrum sensing and vector signal analysis preprocessing based on compressed sampling

This paper investigates the application of a compressed sampling (CS) algorithm as a spectrum sensing and signal analysis preprocessor for vector measurements of digital modulations. Compressed sampling is a paradigm which exploits sparsity, a feature common to several signals of interest, to allow the design of efficient data acquisition schemes. These need to be followed by more complex signal processing algorithms for accurate signal reconstruction.
An experimental investigation of the determinants and consequences of self-handicapping strategies across motivational climates

Abstract The aim of the present study was to determine whether the use of claimed and behavioural self-handicaps and their correlates differed across experimentally manipulated motivational climates. Fifty-six competitive basketball players participated in the study. A crossover design was used, such that all participants completed the experimental task (i.e. a test of basketball skill) in both mastery and performance climates. Analyses of variance showed that claimed self-handicaps were used more in the performance than the mastery condition but only for the men. In addition, greater behavioural self-handicapping occurred in the performance than the mastery climate. Contrary to expectation, neither type of self-handicap was related to performance on the basketball task in either climate. These findings reinforce the conceptual distinction between claimed and behavioural self-handicaps and suggest that individual and environmental factors may differentially influence each type of handicap.
Linguistic Diversity and Education for Democracy in a Multicultural Society

Abstract This paper looks at the gap between policy documents and classroom practice with respect to education in a multi‐ethnic/multi‐lingual society. It discusses the practice of language teaching in the multilingual classroom from the teachers and the teacher trainers point of view. Teachers face a number of dilemma's which they try to solve in their day to day practice. It is argued that external pressures, in addition to a bureaucratic organizational tendency towards resistance to change see to it that teachers decide on conservative resolutions of dilemma's. The conclusion is that any kind of innovative effort should focus both on the content of innovations, as well as on the changes in the school as an organizational structure, consequently dealing with resistance to change and transforming the school into an organization that can learn.