Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Friedrich Leisch Modelling Background Noise in Finite Mixtures of Generalized Linear Regression Models

In this paper we show how only a few outliers can completely break down EM-estimation of mixtures of regression models. A simple, yet very effective way of dealing with this problem, is to use a component where all regression parameters are fixed to zero to model the background noise. This noise component can be easily defined for different types of generalized linear models, has a familiar interpretation as the empty regression model, and is not very sensitive with respect to its own parameters.
Integral backstepping controller for quadrotor path tracking

An integral backstepping control algorithm is presented for the path tracking problem of a quadrotor in this work. The dynamical model of a quadrotor is represented based on unit quaternion representation and includes some modelled aerodynamical effects as a nonlinear part. The integral backstepping controller is designed for translational part to track the desired trajectory. Stability analysis is achieved via a suitable Lyapunov function. The external disturbance and model parameters uncertainty are considered in the simulation tests to justify the proposed controller stability. Simulation results are compared with a standard backstepping controller results.
[Evaluation of mental status of children with malabsorption syndrome after long-term treatment with gluten-free diet (preliminary report)].

: The author examined 41 children, suffering from celiac disease with psychiatric methods and EEG. The children, aged 7-17 y. , were many years on gluten-free diets. Various psychiatric symptoms were found in 48.8%, and EEG abnormalities in 70.7%. Only 9 children (21.9%) were free from any psychiatric disorders and EEG abnormalities.
Modelling learning from Ingress (Google's augmented reality social game)

This is a concept paper looking into how Google's worldwide augmented reality game called Ingress could be used to inform the development of learning from games. Ingress is Google's attempt in creating a game based on augmented reality of actual physical locations where a story line is set to guide two different factions of agents to move around geographical locations with mobile devices to capture strategic places called portals which are based on actual artefacts. This paper describes how Ingress, through the use of mobile devices and augmented reality, incorporated within its gameplay the elements of MOOC, badges, crowd learning, seamless and geo-learning, and learning from gaming which are considered as new and emerging forms of pedagogies identified in Open University's 2013 report on innovating pedagogy. Initial findings of an online survey on the motivation to play and continue playing the game will be presented. This paper will end with a discussion on the potential of using the Ingress model with its integrated forms of pedagogies, and the limitations and issues that might arise. The conclusion is that although the process to enhance learning experience through gamification is not without difficulties, there exists a vast potential of benefits which justifies continuous research and exploration in this area.
Links between temperament and behavioral function

Despite a mutual interest in disordered behavior, the psychological approaches of individual differences and behaviorism historically have had little common research or discourse. Moreover, over time, both fields independently have developed methods of assessment and treatment that—despite being broadly applicable across populations—exist only in parallel. This also is despite the facts that (1) individual differences frequently are defined by specific types of behavior (or lack thereof), and (2) behavioral analyses may include ―organism‖ variables that share features with temperament variables. The primary goal of the current study is to examine relations between broad temperament factors and the function of problem behavior(s) identified through formal clinical assessment. The proposed model hypothesizes unique contributions of extraversion/surgency/positive affectivity (E/SPA) and neuroticism/negative affectivity (NNA) to the behavior functions of attention and escape, respectively. Subsidiary goals of the study included replicating previously identified temperament factors in this sample and assessing relations among temperament scales and behavioral form(s). Fifty-three children and their caregivers were recruited from 4 behavior treatment clinics at the University of Iowa. Caregivers were asked to complete two measures of temperament/personality: the Children‘s Behavior Questionna ire Short Form (CBQ) and the Schedule for Nonadaptive and Adaptive Personality—Other Report Form (SNAP-ORF). Children also underwent behavior assessment procedures as part of their scheduled clinic appointment, and these records were
Discriminating between 5-HT3A and 5-HT3AB receptors

The 5‐HT3B subunit was first cloned in 1999, and co‐expression with the 5‐HT3A subunit results in heteromeric 5‐HT3AB receptors that are functionally distinct from homomeric 5‐HT3A receptors. The affinities of competitive ligands at the two receptor subtypes are usually similar, but those of non‐competitive antagonists that bind in the pore often differ. A competitive ligand and allosteric modulator that distinguishes 5‐HT3A from 5‐HT3AB receptors has recently been described, and the number of non‐competitive antagonists identified with this ability has increased in recent years. In this review, we discuss the differences between 5‐HT3A and 5‐HT3AB receptors and describe the possible sites of action of compounds that can distinguish between them.
Regulation of Axonal HCN1 Trafficking in Perforant Path Involves Expression of Specific TRIP8b Isoforms

The functions of HCN channels in neurons depend critically on their subcellular localization, requiring fine-tuned machinery that regulates subcellular channel trafficking. Here we provide evidence that regulatory mechanisms governing axonal HCN channel trafficking involve association of the channels with specific isoforms of the auxiliary subunit TRIP8b. In the medial perforant path, which normally contains HCN1 channels in axon terminals in immature but not in adult rodents, we found axonal HCN1 significantly increased in adult mice lacking TRIP8b (TRIP8b−/−). Interestingly, adult mice harboring a mutation that results in expression of only the two most abundant TRIP8b isoforms (TRIP8b[1b/2]−/−) exhibited an HCN1 expression pattern similar to wildtype mice, suggesting that presence of one or both of these isoforms (TRIP8b(1a), TRIP8b(1a-4)) prevents HCN1 from being transported to medial perforant path axons in adult mice. Concordantly, expression analyses demonstrated a strong increase of expression of both TRIP8b isoforms in rat entorhinal cortex with age. However, when overexpressed in cultured entorhinal neurons of rats, TRIP8b(1a), but not TRIP8b(1a-4), altered substantially the subcellular distribution of HCN1 by promoting somatodendritic and reducing axonal expression of the channels. Taken together, we conclude that TRIP8b isoforms are important regulators of HCN1 trafficking in entorhinal neurons and that the alternatively-spliced isoform TRIP8b(1a) could be responsible for the age-dependent redistribution of HCN channels out of perforant path axon terminals.
Sickle‐cell anemia and pulmonary hypertension

Purpose: To provide nurse practitioners (NPs) information about sickle‐cell disease (SCD) and pulmonary hypertension (PHTN) as a complication. A case study is presented to illustrate the diagnosis of PHTN in a patient with SCD. Clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and interventions for both SCD and PHTN are also discussed. Data source: A literature search to support this case review was conducted in PubMed and SCOPUS using key search words. Specific information for the case study was obtained from a patient in a primary care setting. Conclusion: Pulmonary hypertension is frequently diagnosed secondary to hemoglobinopathies such as SCD. Patients with sickle‐cell anemia, a lifelong hereditary hemoglobinopathy, are now surviving into adulthood because of the advances made in treatment. About one third of these patients develop pulmonary hypertension, a complication that carries a 40% mortality rate. Delayed diagnosis can affect the patient's quality of life. Timely diagnosis and referral is imperative, but only if the advanced practitioner is able to recognize this common complication. Implications for practice: Many patients with SCD are seen in primary care practices. Such is the situation for the patient in this case study. Familiarity with pulmonary hypertension secondary to SCD can increase the awareness of NPs of this potential consequence and initiate early diagnostic evaluation.
An "ex vivo model" contributing to the diagnosis and evaluation of new drugs in cystic fibrosis

SUMMARY Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) gene. About 2000 mutations have been described so far. We setup an ex vivo model of human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs) to study CF patients testing the effect of novel mutations and molecular therapies. We performed sampling (by brushing), followed by culture and analysis of HNECs using a series of molecular techniques. We performed 50 brushings from CF patients and controls. Using cultured cells, we: i) demonstrated the widely heterogeneous CFTR expression in patients and in controls; ii) defined the splicing effect of a CFTR mutation; iii) assessed the CFTR gating activity in patients bearing different mutations; iv) demonstrated that butyrate significantly enhances CFTR expression. Based on our data, we can conclude: 1) HNEC brushing is performed without anaesthesia and is well tolerated in all CF patients (children and adults); 2) HNECs can be preserved for up to 48 hours before culture allowings multicentre studies; 3) HNECs culture can be considered a suitable model to study the molecular effects of new CFTR gene mutations and/or uncertain meaning specific mutations of carriers; 4) an ex vivo model of HNECs may be used to evaluate, before human use, the effect of new drugs on patients’ cells bearing specific CFTR mutations; 5) the methodology is adequate for a quantitative measurement, by fluorescence, of the CFTR gating activity of the HNECs from patients with different genotypes identifying: a) CF patients bearing two severe mutations with an activity < 10% (compared to controls – 100%); b) CF patients bearing at least a mild mutation with an activity of 10-20%; c) CF carriers (heterozygous subjects) with an activity between 40-70%.
Comparison of Paracetamol (Apotel®) and Morphine in Reducing Post Pure Head Trauma Headache

Background: This randomized, clinical trial evaluates the analgesic and safety of paracetamol and Morphine in management of headache. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the analgesic and safety effects of intravenous single dose of paracetamol, versus morphine in post trauma headache in emergency departments. Patients and Methods: This study was a single-center, prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial conducted on two groups treated with intravenous paracetamol and intravenous morphine. Thirty patients were enrolled in each group. Patients (18-55 years-old adults) complaining from headaches due to pure trauma were included in the study. The inclusion criteria required patients to have headachesof more than 40 mm on a 100 mm visual analogue scale without any pathological findings in their clinical examinations and imaging studies. Results: Mean duration required to treat the headache was 37.43 and 71.93 minutes in the groups administered paracetamol (group A) and morphine (group B), respectively. After 15 minutes of treatment, this changed to 31.7 ± 18.0 mm (95% CI 8.2 to 25.2) and 48.3 ± 14.1 mm (95% CI 8.2 to 25.2) in groups A and B, respectively. Headache of the patients of group A significantly mitigated in comparison with group B (P < 0.005). Headache of group Apatients was significantly mitigated 30 minutes after treatment (P < 0.005). Conclusions: Intravenous paracetamol is an effective and safe treatment for patients admitted to the emergency department with headaches caused by head trauma.
Integration of biochemical and physiologic effects of insulin on glucose metabolism.

The major effects of insulin on tissues are: (1) Carbohydrate metabolism: (a) It increases the rate of transport of glucose across the cell membrane in adipose tissue and muscle, (b) it increases the rate of glycolysis in muscle and adipose tissue, (c) it stimulates the rate of glycogen synthesis in a number of tissues, including adipose tissue, muscle, and liver. It also decreases the rate of glycogen breakdown in muscle and liver, (d) it inhibits the rate of glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis in the liver. (2) Lipid metabolism: (a) It decreases the rate of lipolysis in adipose tissue and hence lowers the plasma fatty acid level, (b) it stimulates fatty acid and triacylglycerol synthesis in tissues, although only to a minor extent in humans, (c) it increases the rate of very-low-density lipoprotein formation in the liver, (d) it increases the uptake of triglyceride from the blood into adipose tissue and muscle, (e) it decreases the rate of fatty acid oxidation in muscle and liver, (f) it increases the rate of cholesterol synthesis in liver. (3) Protein metabolism: (a) It increases the rate of transport of some amino acids into tissues, (b) it increases the rate of protein synthesis in muscle, adipose tissue, liver, and other tissues, (c) it decreases the rate of protein degradation in muscle (and perhaps other tissues), (d) it decreases the rate of urea formation. --These insulin effects serve to encourage the synthesis of carbohydrate, fat and protein.
Menaquinone-4 in breast milk is derived from dietary phylloquinone

The effect of maternal phylloquinone supplementation on vitamin K in breast milk was studied to establish: (1) if phylloquinone is the source of menaquinone-4 in breast milk; (2) the dose–effect relationship between intake and obtainable levels. Four groups of lactating mothers with a full-term healthy infant participated and took oral phylloquinone supplements of 0·0 (n 8), 0·8 (n 8), 2·0 (n 8), and 4·0 (n 7) mg/d for 12 d, starting at day 4 post-partum. Milk samples were collected on days 4, 8, 16, and 19. Blood samples were collected on days 4 and 16. Vitamin K and vitamin E concentrations, the latter for reason of comparison, were assayed. Phylloquinone and menaquinone-4 were present in all milk samples: 5·84 (SD 2·31) AND 2·98 (sd 1·51) nmol/l (n 31) respectively, in colostrum (day 4 sample). A strong correlation between the vitamers was found (r 0·78, P<0·001). Breast-milk phylloquinone levels were raised in a dose-dependent manner: 4-, 12-, and 30-fold on day 16 for the 0·8, 2·0, and 4·0 mg group respectively. In addition, menaquinone-4 levels were higher: 2·5- (P<0·05) and 7-fold (P<0·001) in the 2·0 and 4·0 mg groups respectively. Plasma of supplemented subjects contained 3-, 5-, and 10-fold higher phylloquinone levels on day 16. Detectable menaquinone-4 was found in ten of thirty-one day 4 plasma samples. All day 16 plasma samples of the 4 mg supplemented group contained the vitamin. There was no correlation between the K-vitamers in plasma. Vitamin E and phylloquinone appear to differ in their distribution in breast milk, milk:plasma concentration ratios were ≤1 and 3–5 for vitamin E and phylloquinone respectively. The milk:plasma concentration ratio of menaquinone-4 was >10. In conclusion, dietary phylloquinone is a source of menaquinone-4 in breast milk. Phylloquinone supplementation to lactating mothers may be of benefit to the newborn infant, since both phylloquinone and menaquinone-4 are raised by supplementation.
Optimum High Impedance Surface Configuration for Mutual Coupling Reduction in Small Antenna Arrays

In this paper, the electromagnetic properties of two difier- ent High Impedance Surfaces (HIS) with or without Electromagnetic Band Gap (EBG) in difierent conflgurations are investigated for mutual coupling reduction in small antenna arrays. The resonant mechanisms of these structures are studied using transmission calculations in a par- allel plate waveguide. An optimum conflguration is then proposed. It is shown that a good isolation performance can be achieved without the need of metallic vias when the structure is embedded in a metal- lic cavity, which limits signiflcantly the number of HIS cells needed to perform a good isolation and the cost of manufacture.
Antisense Inhibition of Expression of Cysteine Proteinases Affects Entamoeba histolytica-Induced Formation of Liver Abscess in Hamsters

ABSTRACT Trophozoites of virulent Entamoeba histolyticatransfected with the antisense gene encoding cysteine proteinase 5 (CP5) have only 10% of the CP activity but retain their cytopathic activity on mammalian monolayers. In the present study we found that the transfected trophozoites with low levels of CP activity were incapable of inducing the formation of liver lesions in hamsters.
LncRNAs downregulated in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia modulate apoptosis, cell migration, and DNA damage response

Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (cALL) accounts for 25% of pediatric cancers and is one of the leading causes of disease-related death in children. Although long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been implicated in cALL etiology, progression, and treatment response, little is known about their exact functional role. We had previously sequenced the whole transcriptome of 56 cALL patients and identified lncRNA transcripts specifically silenced in tumoral cells. Here we investigated the impact of restoring the expression of three of these (RP11-624C23.1, RP11-203E8, and RP11-446E9) in leukemic cell lines had dramatic impact on cancer hallmark cellular phenotypes such as apoptosis, cell proliferation and migration, and DNA damage response. Interestingly, both RP11-624C23.1 and RP11-203E8 had very similar impacts on DNA damage response, specifically displaying lower γ-H2A.X and higher apoptosis levels than control cells in response to genotoxic stress. These results indicate that silencing RP11-624C23.1 or RP11-203E8 could provide a selective advantage to leukemic cells by increasing resistance to genotoxic stress, possibly by modulating the DDR pathway. Since genotoxic agents are fundamental parts of antineoplastic treatment, further investigation of the mechanisms these lncRNAs impact would provide novel and interesting avenues for overcoming treatment resistance.
Low-delay joint source-channel coding with side information at the decoder

This paper deals with distributed joint source-channel coding (DJSCC) of analog signals over impulsive noise channel. DJSCC, and distributed source coding (DSC), of analog sources is commonly realized by quantizing the source and using binary channel codes for coding, i.e., binning is realized in the binary domain. To achieve lower delay, we perform binning in the analog domain. Specifically, a single discrete Fourier transform (DFT) code is used both for compression and protection of signal. To do so, parity samples, with respect to a good systematic DFT code, are generated, quantized, and transmitted over a noisy channel. To improve the decoding performance, we leverage subspace-based error correction. The performance of the proposed system is analyzed for Gauss-Markov sources over impulsive noise channel.
Automatic retinal vessel classification using a Least Square-Support Vector Machine in VAMPIRE

It is important to classify retinal blood vessels into arterioles and venules for computerised analysis of the vasculature and to aid discovery of disease biomarkers. For instance, zone B is the standardised region of a retinal image utilised for the measurement of the arteriole to venule width ratio (AVR), a parameter indicative of microvascular health and systemic disease. We introduce a Least Square-Support Vector Machine (LS-SVM) classifier for the first time (to the best of our knowledge) to label automatically arterioles and venules. We use only 4 image features and consider vessels inside zone B (802 vessels from 70 fundus camera images) and in an extended zone (1,207 vessels, 70 fundus camera images). We achieve an accuracy of 94.88% and 93.96% in zone B and the extended zone, respectively, with a training set of 10 images and a testing set of 60 images. With a smaller training set of only 5 images and the same testing set we achieve an accuracy of 94.16% and 93.95%, respectively. This experiment was repeated five times by randomly choosing 10 and 5 images for the training set. Mean classification accuracy are close to the above mentioned result. We conclude that the performance of our system is very promising and outperforms most recently reported systems. Our approach requires smaller training data sets compared to others but still results in a similar or higher classification rate.
Recent Advances in Elucidating the Genetic Mechanisms of Nephrogenesis Using Zebrafish

The kidney is comprised of working units known as nephrons, which are epithelial tubules that contain a series of specialized cell types organized into a precise pattern of functionally distinct segment domains. There is a limited understanding of the genetic mechanisms that establish these discrete nephron cell types during renal development. The zebrafish embryonic kidney serves as a simplified yet conserved vertebrate model to delineate how nephron segments are patterned from renal progenitors. Here, we provide a concise review of recent advances in this emerging field, and discuss how continued research using zebrafish genetics can be applied to gain insightsabout nephrogenesis.
Current problems and possible solutions in the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in Indonesia

De zorg voor patienten met nasopharynxkanker in Indonesie is op dit moment erg teleurstellend. Maarten Wildeman noemt in zijn promotie verschillende oplossingen om de zorg te verbeteren zoals de implementatie van een datamanagementsysteem, opleiding van huisartsen voor een betere bewustwording en kennis van nasopharynxcarcinoom en introductie van nieuwe behandelingsmethoden. Nasopharynxcarcinoom, een kwaadaardige tumor in de keel-neusholte, is zeldzaam in de westerse wereld, maar komt veel voor in Indonesie. De ziekte is goed te genezen met radiotherapie in combinatie met chemotherapie, maar in Indonesie zijn de behandelresultaten teleurstellend. Wildeman onderzocht de mogelijke oorzaken van de teleurstellende behandelresultaten. Tevens testte hij het effect van training voor huisartsen, tijdens de training kregen huisartsen uitleg zodat ze in de toekomst patienten sneller zullen verwijzen.
Operations research in BASF's supply chain operations

In this paper, we highlight the application of operations research (OR) at BASF in the area of supply chain management (SCM) by using selected examples with annual cost savings ranging between several hundred thousand and several million euros. We address special characteristics of the process industry that should be dealt with and identify future research needs. The examples cover strategic, tactical, and operational topics encountered at BASF. We share our lessons learned, based on our experience from past OR projects in SCM, about challenges as well as benefits of standard and tailor-made OR solutions. In general, we find that the special characteristics often call for a modification or enhancement of standard OR models. Providing appropriate solutions therefore requires a joint effort of SCM, IT, and OR experts.