Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Accuracy of Patient Self-Report of Stroke: A Systematic Review from the UK Biobank Stroke Outcomes Group

Objective We performed a systematic review of the accuracy of patient self-report of stroke to inform approaches to ascertaining and confirming stroke cases in large prospective studies. Methods We sought studies comparing patient self-report against a reference standard for stroke. We extracted data on survey method(s), response rates, participant characteristics, the reference standard used, and the positive predictive value (PPV) of self-report. Where possible we also calculated sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), and stroke prevalence. Study-level risk of bias was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Studies tool (QUADAS-2). Results From >1500 identified articles, we included 17 studies. Most asked patients to report a lifetime history of stroke but a few limited recall time to ≤5 years. Some included questions for transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or stroke synonyms. No study was free of risk of bias in the QUADAS-2 assessment, the most frequent causes of bias being incomplete reference standard data, absence of blinding of adjudicators to self-report status, and participant response rates (<80%). PPV of self-report ranged from 22–87% (17 studies), sensitivity from 36–98% (10 studies), specificity from 96–99.6% (10 studies), and NPV from 88.2–99.9% (10 studies). PPV increased with stroke prevalence as expected. Among six studies with available relevant data, if confirmed TIAs were considered to be true rather than false positive strokes, PPV of self-report was >75% in all but one study. It was not possible to assess the influence of recall time or of the question(s) asked on PPV or sensitivity. Conclusions Characteristics of the study population strongly influence self-report accuracy. In population-based studies with low stroke prevalence, a large proportion of self-reported strokes may be false positives. Self-report is therefore unlikely to be helpful for identifying cases without subsequent confirmation, but may be useful for case ascertainment in combination with other data sources.
Kollaborative Gesten für Tabletop-User-Interfaces

In dieser Arbeit wird eine Sammlung von kollaborativen Gesten fur Tabletop-User-Interfaces vorgestellt. Dies sind Gesten, die von mehreren Personen gemeinsam ausgefuhrt werden und deren Zusammenarbeit unterstutzen. Besonders fur Anwendungen, in denen User miteinander agieren, ist die Erforschung der Gesten fur diese Art der Interaktion wichtig. Beispiele fur durch solche Gesten ermoglichte Aktionen sind das Zuweisen und Anfordern von Objekten oder das Verbinden und Losen von virtuellen Objekten. Konzepte fur solche Gesten werden in diesem Paper vorgestellt. Anhand eines Settings einer Live-Video-Analyse werden diese umgesetzt und daraufhin ausgewertet.
Knowing matters : how students address lack of knowledge in bilingual classroom interaction

Jakonen, Teppo Knowing matters: how students address lack of knowledge in bilingual classroom interaction Jyväskylä: University of Jyväskylä, 2014, 306 p. (Jyväskylä Studies in Humanities ISSN 1459-4323; 235) ISBN 978-951-39-5933-3 (nid.) ISBN 978-951-39-5934-0 (PDF) This dissertation investigates how secondary school students initiate and conduct interaction to address lack of knowledge in a Content and Language Integrated (CLIL) classroom and considers how such interactions may relate to learning. Theoretically, the study draws on prior conversation analytic (CA) research on epistemics and language learning (CA-SLA) and research on CLIL classroom interaction. The data are 15 consecutive, video-recorded history lessons taught in English over two months to 14-15-year-old native Finnish-speaking students. Using this corpus, a collection of sequences was created in which a student indicates lack of knowledge regarding some aspect of the on-going instruction or task in a sequence-initial position. Besides these sequences, the analysis makes use of the pedagogic tasks and texts used during the lessons. The focal sequences are shown to involve three interactional and epistemic tasks: recruitment of a knowledgeable recipient, identification of a knowledge gap, as well as answer production and validation. The findings show that students typically address their peers instead of the teacher to resolve lack of knowledge. They also illustrate that students can convey an implication that they do not know something in many ways, not only through talk but also by means of embodied action. Moreover, the fact that peer answers can involve complex negotiations for determining their correctness points to students and teachers being treated as having different rights and responsibilities concerning knowledge. As regards learning, the study argues that student-initiated sequences represent a systematic practice for bringing about a change of epistemic status regarding a knowledge object. Locally produced learning manifests itself in the forward-looking orientation to becoming to know something that is needed for a specific action or a task, and then in the skilled accomplishment of that action or task itself. Students also invoke previously established knowledge and epistemic positions in later interactional sequences, even beyond an individual lesson, to construct social action. The study argues that such backward-looking temporal orientations also involve and demonstrate learning, and propose that learning in the classroom is not only limited to knowledge and skills set out by the curriculum but relate intimately to how actions are formed in recipient designed ways.
Implant-abutment interface: biomechanical study of flat top versus conical.

BACKGROUND Overloading has been identified as a primary factor behind dental implant failure. The peak bone stresses normally appear in the marginal bone. The anchorage strength is maximized if the implant is given a design that minimizes the peak bone stress caused by a standardized load. Clinical studies have shown that it is possible to obtain a marginal bone level close to the crest of the implant. Different implant systems make use of different designs of the implant-abutment interface. Different implant-abutment interfaces imply that the functional load is distributed in different ways upon the implant. According to Saint-Venant's principle, this will result in different stress patterns in the marginal bone when this reaches levels close to the implant crest. PURPOSE One aim of the study was to theoretically investigate if a conical implant-abutment interface gives rise to a changed stress pattern in the marginal bone, as compared to a flat top interface, for an axially loaded mandibular titanium implant, the neck of which is provided with retention elements giving effective interlocking with the bone. Further aims were to investigate if the way in which the axial load is distributed on the flat top and on the inner conus respectively affects the stress pattern in the marginal bone. The pertinent stress was considered to be the bone-implant interfacial shear stress. It was assumed that the marginal bone reached the level of the implant-abutment interface. METHOD The investigation was performed by means of axisymmetric finite element analysis. RESULTS The conical implant-abutment interface of the type studied brought about a decrease in the peak bone-implant interfacial shear stress as compared to the flat top interface of the type studied. This peak interfacial shear stress was located at the top marginal bone for the flat top implant-abutment interface whereas it was located more apically in the bone for the conical implant-abutment interface. The way in which the axial load was distributed on the flat top and on the inner conus respectively affected the peak interfacial shear stress level. CONCLUSION The design of the implant-abutment interface has a profound effect upon the stress state in the marginal bone when this reaches the level of this interface. The implant with the conical interface can theoretically resist a larger axial load than the implant with the flat top interface.
Computational Methods for Gravitational Lensing

Modern applications of strong gravitational lensing require the ability to use precise and varied observational data to constrain complex lens models. I discuss two sets of computational methods for lensing calculations. The first is a new algorithm for solving the lens equation for general mass distributions. This algorithm makes it possible to apply arbitrarily complicated models to observed lenses. The second is an evaluation of techniques for using observational data including positions, fluxes, and time delays of point-like images, as well as maps of extended images, to constrain models of strong lenses. The techniques presented here are implemented in a flexible and user-friendly software package called gravlens, which is made available to the community.
Low-Normal Gestational Age as a Predictor of Asthma at 6 Years of Age

Background. Perinatal factors, including gestational age and birth weight, influence the development of atopy in early life. However, the role of these factors in the development of asthma in later life among children who do not develop perinatal respiratory disease remains unclear. Methods. Four hundred fifty-four infants who had a history of allergy or asthma in at least 1 parent, were born in the 36th week of gestation or later, and did not develop perinatal respiratory distress were monitored for at least 6 years. Associations between predictor variables and asthma and wheeze were assessed with multivariate logistic regression and repeated-event analyses. Results. Although we previously observed a relationship between low birth weight and persistent wheeze in the first 1 year of life, we did not observe similar associations between low birth weight and asthma at 6 years of age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.40–2.73). However, a strong relationship was found between low-normal gestational age and asthma at 6 years of age (OR: 4.7; 95% CI: 2.1–10.5). The effects of low-normal gestational age were significantly greater among boys than among girls (boys: OR: 8.15; 95% CI: 2.98–22.3; girls: OR: 1.90; 95% CI: 0.38–13.83). Longitudinal analysis of the relationship between gestational age and wheeze during the 6 years of observation confirmed these gender differences. Conclusions. Among children at high risk of developing atopic disease, late prematurity might be an important additional determinant of asthma later in life, and these effects are gender specific.
Up‐regulation of ADM and SEPX1 in the lymphoblastoid cells of patients in monozygotic twins discordant for schizophrenia

The contribution of genetic factors to schizophrenia is well established and recent studies have indicated several strong candidate genes. However, the pathophysiology of schizophrenia has not been totally elucidated yet. To date, studies of monozygotic twins discordant for schizophrenia have provided insight into the pathophysiology of this illness; this type of study can exclude inter‐individual variability and confounding factors such as effects of drugs. In this study we used DNA microarray analysis to examine the mRNA expression patterns in the lymphoblastoid (LB) cells derived from two pairs of monozygotic twins discordant for schizophrenia. From five independent replicates for each pair of twins, we selected five genes, which included adrenomedullin (ADM) and selenoprotein X1 (SEPX1), as significantly changed in both twins with schizophrenia. Interestingly, ADM was previously reported to be up‐regulated in both the LB cells and plasma of schizophrenic patients, and SEPX1 was included in the list of genes up‐regulated in the peripheral blood cells of schizophrenia patients by microarray analysis. Then, we performed a genetic association study of schizophrenia in the Japanese population and examined the copy number variations, but observed no association. These findings suggest the possible role of ADM and SEPX1 as biomarkers of schizophrenia. The results also support the usefulness of gene expression analysis in LB cells of monozygotic twins discordant for an illness. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increased Risk of Progression of Coronary Artery Calcification in Male Subjects with High Baseline Waist-to-Height Ratio: The Kangbuk Samsung Health Study

Background The waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) is an easy and inexpensive adiposity index that reflects central obesity. In this study, we examined the association of baseline WHtR and progression of coronary artery calcification (CAC) over 4 years of follow-up in apparently healthy Korean men. Methods A total of 1,048 male participants (mean age, 40.9 years) in a health-screening program in Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Seoul, Korea who repeated a medical check-up in 2010 and 2014 were recruited. Baseline WHtR was calculated using the value for the waist in 2010 divided by the value for height in 2010. The CAC score (CACS) of each subject was measured by multi-detector computed tomography in both 2010 and 2014. Progression of CAC was defined as a CACS change over 4 years greater than 0. Results During the follow-up period, progression of CAC occurred in 278 subjects (26.5%). The subjects with CAC progression had slightly higher but significant baseline WHtR compared to those who did not show CAC progression (0.51±0.04 vs. 0.50±0.04, P<0.01). The proportion of subjects with CAC progression significantly increased as the baseline WHtR increased from the 1st quartile to 4th quartile groups (18.3%, 18.7%, 28.8%, and 34.2%; P<0.01). The risk for CAC progression was elevated with an odds ratio of 1.602 in the 4th quartile group of baseline WHtR even after adjustment for confounding variables (95% confidence interval, 1.040 to 2.466). Conclusion Increased baseline WHtR was associated with increased risk for CAC progression. WHtR might be a useful screening tool to identify individuals at high risk for subclinical atherosclerosis.
Vaccination against helminth parasites ‐ the ultimate challenge for vaccinologists?

Summary: Helminths are multicellular pathogens which infect vast numbers of human and animal hosts, causing widspread chronic disease and morbidity, Vaccination against these parasites requires more than identification of effective target antigens, because without understanding the immunology of the host–parasite relationship, ineffective immune mechanisms may he invoked, and there is a danger of amplifying immuno‐pathogenic responses. The fundamental features of the immune response to helminths are therefore summarised in the context of vaccines to helminths parasites. The contention between type‐1 and type‐2 responses is a central issue in helminth infections, which bias the immune system strongly to the type‐2 pathway. Evidence from both human and experimental animal infections indicates that both lineages contribute to immunity in differing circumstances, and that a balanced, response leads to the most favourable outcome. A diversity of immune mechanisms can be brought to bear on various helminth species, ranging from antibody‐independent macrophages, antibody‐dependent granulocyte killing, and non‐lymphoid actions, particularly in the gut. This diversity is highlighted by analysis of rodent infections, particularly in comparisons of cytokine‐depleted and gene‐targeted animals. This knowledge of protective mechanisms needs to he combined with a careful choice of parasite antigens for vaccines. Many existing candidates have been selected with host antibodies, rather than T‐cell responses, and include a preponderance of highly conserved proteins with similarities to mammalian or invertebrate antigens. Advantage has yet to he taken of parasite genome projects, or of directed searches for novel, parasite‐specific antigens and targets expressed only by infective stages and not mature forms which may generate immunopathology. With advances under way in parasite genomics and new vaccine delivery systems offering more rapid assessment and development, there are now excellent opportunities for new antihelminth vaccines.
Reducing sedentary behaviour after stroke: perspectives of ambulatory individuals with stroke

Abstract Purpose: Understanding the determinants of sedentary behaviour (sitting or lying with low energy expenditure) in stroke survivors can enhance the development of successful behaviour change strategies. This qualitative study explored the perceptions of stroke survivors about sedentary behaviour and ways in which it can be changed. Methods: An interpretative qualitative inquiry was used with thematic analysis of interview data. Interviews were conducted using a semi-structured guide with 13 stroke survivors. Interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Self-reported sedentary time was assessed during interviews. Results: Four main themes emerged from the data: meaning of sedentary behaviour, reasons for sedentary behaviour, barriers and facilitators to reducing sedentary behaviour, and strategies to sit less and move more. Only 6 participants knew about sedentary behaviour, and 2 were aware of the associated health risks. Participants encountered barriers in their daily lives that affect engagement in activity including motor impairments, fatigue, cognitive problems, and lack of motivation. Using wearable technologies and action planning to reduce sedentary behaviour hold promise as behaviour change strategies. Conclusions: There is limited awareness of health risks of sedentary behaviour among stroke survivors. Strategies involving self-monitoring and movement throughout the day are potential ways to reduce sedentary behaviour. Implications for Rehabilitation Reducing sedentary behaviour in ambulatory stroke survivors is dependent on a number of modifiable determinants. Planning regular interruptions in sedentary time, such as standing or walking frequently throughout waking hours, during television commercial breaks or while using the phone are some potential strategies for reducing sedentary behaviour in stroke survivors. Availability of social and professional support and self-monitoring using wearable technologies that provide real-time feedback might result in increased motivation to sit less and move more. Using alarms and devices that provide cues to action by reminding participants to sit less and move more were perceived as important.
Investigating the Role of the Synaptic Transcriptome in Ethanol-Responsive Behaviors

INVESTIGATING THE ROLE OF THE SYNAPTIC TRANSCRIPTOME IN ETHANOLRESPONSIVE BEHAVIORS By Megan Anne O’Brien, M.S. A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2014. Major Director, Michael F. Miles, M.D., Ph.D., Professor, Pharmacology and Toxicology and Neurology Alcoholism is a complex neurological disorder characterized by loss of control in limiting intake, compulsion to seek and imbibe ethanol, and chronic craving and relapse. It is suggested that the characteristic behaviors associated with the escalation of drug use are caused by long-term molecular adaptations precipitated by the drug’s continual administration. These lasting activity-dependent changes that underlie addictionassociated behavior are thought, in part, to depend on new protein synthesis and remodeling at the synapses. It is well established that mRNA can be transported to neuronal distal processes, where it can undergo localized translation that is regulated in a spatially restricted manner in response to stimulation. Through two avenues of investigation, the research herein demonstrates that behavioral responses to ethanol result, at least in part, from alterations in the synaptic transcriptome which contribute to synaptic remodeling and plasticity. The synaptoneurosome preparation was utilized to enrich for RNAs trafficked to the synapse. Two complementary methods of genomic profiling, microarrays and RNA-Seq, were used to survey the synaptic transcriptome of DBA/2J mice subjected to ethanol-induced behavioral sensitization. A habituating expression profile, characteristic of glucocorticoid-responsive genes, was observed for a portion of synaptically targeted genes determined to be sensitive to repeated ethanol exposure. Other ethanol-responsive genes significantly enriched for at the synapse were related to biological functions such as protein folding and extra-cellular matrix components, suggesting a role for local regulation of synaptic functioning by ethanol. In a separate series of experiments, it was shown that altered trafficking of Bdnf, an ethanol-responsive gene, resulted in aberrant ethanol behavioral phenotypes. In particular, mice lacking dendritically targeted Bdnf mRNA exhibited enhanced sensitivity to low, activating doses and high, sedating doses of ethanol. Together these experiments suggest that ethanol has local regulatory effects at the synapse and lays the foundation for further investigations into the role of the synaptic transcriptome in ethanol-responsive behaviors. Supported by NIAA grants R01AA014717, U01 AA016667 and P20AA017828 to MFM, F31AA021035 to MAO, and NIDA
Proposal for new global nanotechnology research and education complex model in Japan

In order to reinforce the international industrial competitiveness of nanotechnology through promoting the industry-academia-government collaboration under a common platform and implementing open innovation, global research and education complexes such as IMEC (Belgium), MINATEC (France), and Albany Nanotech (USA) have been established. These global nanotechnology complexes are successfully managing open user facilities, promoting education programs for the next generation, creating values for the global market, and growing their cluster scale with the support from federal and regional governments. This paper aims to research and evaluate the critical elements and key factors of the success of these 3 nanotechnology complexes, including each complex's operation mechanisms, budgets, private-public partnership models, research areas, development process, organizational structure, decision making mechanisms for research project and management, intellectual property management, and business model. Through this evaluation and analysis, the new global nanotechnology research and education complex model (TIA-nano model: Tsukuba Innovation Arena for nanotechnology model) has proposed taking advantage of the advanced manufacturing industry of Japan, and of the accumulated research/human resources in Tsukuba city. The innovation model and R&D model is changing rapidly toward an “Open innovation model” where technology convergence and research/education integration is possible under a common research platform. The conclusion of this paper will provide the significant ideas in order to build a research and education complex that considers the nation's industrial structure and political/economical situation.