Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Oral appliance treatment in moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnoea patients non‐adherent to CPAP

Summary The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the effect of individually adjusted custom‐made mandibular advancement device/oral appliance (OA) in treatment of patients with moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), who were non‐adherent to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. During 2007‐2013, 116 patients with moderate (n = 82) and severe (n = 34) OSA non‐adherent to CPAP treatment were referred for dental management with an individually adjusted OA at a specialist sleep clinic. Ten of the participants (8·6%) were lost to follow‐up, leaving the data set to consist of 106 patients (71 men/35 women, mean age 57 year, range 28‐90). Nocturnal respiratory polygraphic recordings were performed at baseline and follow‐up. Average time between baseline polygraphy and follow‐up was 12 months. A successful OA treatment outcome was based on polygraphy at the follow‐up and divided into three groups: 1 = AHI <5; 2 = 5 ≤ AHI <10 and >50% reduction in baseline AHI; and 3. >50% reduction in baseline AHI. If there was a ≤ 50% reduction in baseline AHI at the follow‐up, the treatment was considered as a failure. The overall treatment success rate was 75%. There was no significant difference in success rates between patients in the moderate and severe categories (69% and 77%, respectively). Low oxygen saturation (SpO2 nadir) had a high predictive value for OA treatment failure. OA treatment of patients non‐adherent to CPAP is efficient and especially promising for the severe OSA group who are at greatest risks for developing serious comorbidities, if left untreated.
An O(1/k) Convergence Rate for the Variable Stepsize Bregman Operator Splitting Algorithm

An earlier paper proved the convergence of a variable stepsize Bregman operator splitting algorithm (BOSVS) for minimizing $\phi(Bu)+H(u)$, where $H$ and $\phi$ are convex functions, and $\phi$ is possibly nonsmooth. The algorithm was shown to be relatively efficient when applied to partially parallel magnetic resonance image reconstruction problems. In this paper, the convergence rate of BOSVS is analyzed. When $H(u) = \|Au-f\|^2$, where $A$ is a matrix, it is shown that for an ergodic approximation ${\bf u}_k$ obtained by averaging $k$ BOSVS iterates, the error in the objective value $\phi (B{\bf u}_k) + H({\bf u}_k)$ is ${\cal O}(1/k)$. When the optimization problem has a unique solution $u^*$, we obtain the estimate $\|{\bf u}_k - u^*\| = {\cal O}(1/\sqrt{k})$. The theoretical analysis is compared to observed convergence rates for partially parallel magnetic resonance image reconstruction problems where $A$ is a large dense ill-conditioned matrix.
Forming post-strata via Bayesian treed capture-recapture models

For the problem of dual system estimation, we propose a Bayesian treed capture-recapture model to account for heterogeneity of capture probabilities where individual auxiliary information is available. The model uses a binary tree to partition the covariate space into 'homogeneous' regions, within each of which the capture response can be described adequately by a simple model that assumes equal catchability. The attractive features of the proposed model include reduction of correlation bias, robustness and practical flexibility as well as simplicity and interpretability. In addition, it provides a systematic and effective way of forming post-strata for the Sekar--Deming estimator of population size. We compare the performance of estimators based on this model to those of alternative estimators in three scenarios. Copyright 2006, Oxford University Press.
GORDA : An Open Architecture for Database Replication ∗ Extended Report

Recently, third party solutions for database replication have been enjoying an increasing popularity. Such proposals address a diversity of user requirements, namely preventing conflicting updates without the overhead of synchronous replication; clustering for scalability and availability; and heterogeneous replicas for specialized queries. Unfortunately, the lack of native support from database vendors for third party replication forces implementors to either modify the database server, restricting portability, or to develop a middleware wrapper, which causes a performance overhead. This paper addresses this problem with a novel architecture and programming interface for replication, such that different strategies can be efficiently implemented on ∗Parts of this extended report were published in the Proceedings of the 6th IEEE Internacional Symposium on Network Computing and Applications (NCA ’07), Boston, MA, USA. 2007.
Preparation of High Concentration Dispersions of Exfoliated MoS2 with Increased Flake Size

Solvent exfoliation of inorganic layered compounds is likely to be important for a range of applications. However, this method generally gives dispersions of small nanosheets at low concentrations. Here we describe methods, based on sonication of powdered MoS2 in the solvent N-methyl-pyrrolidone, to prepare dispersions with significantly increased lateral nanosheet size and dispersed concentration. We find the concentration to scale linearly with starting MoS2 mass allowing the definition of a yield. This yield can be increased to ∼40% by controlling the sonication time, resulting in concentrations as high as 40 mg/mL. We find the nanosheet size to increase initially with sonication time reaching ∼700 nm (for a concentration of ∼7.5 mg/mL). At longer sonication times the nanosheets size falls off due to sonication induced scission. The nanosheets produced by such methods are relatively thin and have no observable defects. We can separate the dispersed nanosheets by size using controlled centrifugation. Th.
The Group Dantzig Selector

We introduce a new method | the group Dantzig selector | for high dimensional sparse regression with group structure, which has a convincing theory about why utilizing the group structure can be benecial. Under a group restricted isometry condition, we obtain a signicantly improved nonasymptotic ‘2-norm bound over the basis pursuit or the Dantzig selector which ignores the group structure. To gain more insight, we also introduce a surprisingly simple and intuitive sparsity oracle condition to obtain a block ‘1norm bound, which is easily accessible to a broad audience in machine learning community. Encouraging numerical results are also provided to support our theory.
Differential behaviour of Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto (Diptera: Culicidae) to human and cow odours in the laboratory.

A dual port olfactometer was used to study the response of Anopheles gambiae Giles sensu stricto to odours of human and animal origin. Human odour consisted of human skin emanations collected on a nylon stocking, which was worn for 24 h. This was tested alone or together with 4.5% carbon dioxide, the concentration in human and cattle breath. Cattle odours consisted of cow skin emanations and/or carbon dioxide. Cow skin emanations were collected by tying a nylon stocking ('cow sock') around the hind leg of a cow for 12 h. Anopheles gambiae s.s. was consistently highly attracted by human odour, which is consistent with the high degree of anthropophily in this mosquito. Anopheles gambiae s.s. was not attracted by human or cattle equivalent volumes of carbon dioxide and this gas did not enhance the effect of human skin residues. Furthermore, A. gambiae s.s. showed a high degree of aversion to cow odour. When human odour and cow odour were tested together in the same port, mosquitoes were still highly attracted, indicating that whilst cattle odour may deter A. gambiae s.s. , these mosquitoes can detect human odour in the presence of cattle odour. It was concluded that carbon dioxide plays a minor role in the host seeking behaviour of A. gambiae s.s. , whilst host specific cues such as human skin residues play a major role and very effectively demonstrated anthropophilic behaviour in the laboratory.
Trait Narcissism and Contemporary Religious Trends

In a large sample of adult Americans, we examined trait narcissism among those who identify as nonreligious, traditionally religious, or “spiritual but not religious” (SBNR). Our study reveals that: 1) those who identify as traditionally religious and those who identify as SBNR exhibit fairly similar levels of narcissism; 2) contrary to conventional wisdom, nonreligious Americans are lower in narcissism than religious/spiritual Americans (with nonreligious individuals particularly lower in the NPI subscales of self-absorption/self-admiration); and 3) higher levels of church attendance are not associated with lower NPI scores, though higher levels of church attendance are associated with higher NPI scores in SBNR individuals.
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension : Screening , Management , and Treatment Executive Summary

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a subcategory of pulmonary hypertension (PH), is a rare and progressive disease whose prevalence is estimated to be between 15 and 50 cases per 1 million adults.1 While the pathophysiology is not well understood, both genetic and environmental factors have been found to contribute to changes in the pulmonary vasculature, causing increased pulmonary vascular resistance. This increased resistance, if unrelieved, progresses to right ventricular pressure overload, dysfunction, and ultimately right heart failure and premature death.2 The causes of PAH are numerous and are listed in Table A, taken from the Fourth World Symposium on PAH (2008). 3 Before the availability of disease-specific therapy in the mid-1980s, the median life expectancy at the time of diagnosis was 2.8 years.1,4
Proprioception and muscle torque deficits in children with hypermobility syndrome.

OBJECTIVES Sensorimotor deficits such as impaired joint proprioception and muscle weakness have been found in association with hypermobility syndrome (HMS) in adults. HMS is more common in children than adults, yet such deficits have not been adequately investigated in paediatric populations. It is therefore uncertain as to what sensorimotor deficits are present in children with HMS. This study investigated knee joint proprioception and muscle torque in healthy children and those with HMS. METHODS Thirty-seven healthy children (mean age +/- s.d. = 11.5 +/- 2.6 yrs) and 29 children with HMS (mean age +/- s.d. = 11.9 +/- 1.8 yrs) participated in this study. Knee joint kinaesthesia (JK) and joint position sense (JPS) were measured, with the absolute angular error (AAE) calculated as the absolute difference between the target and perceived angles. Knee extensor and flexor muscle torque was assessed and normalized to body mass. Mann-Whitney U-tests were performed to compare JK, JPS and muscle torque between the two groups. RESULTS Children with HMS had significantly poorer JK and JPS compared with the controls (both P < 0.001). Knee extensor and flexor muscle torque was also significantly reduced (both P < 0.001) in children with HMS compared with their healthy counterparts. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study demonstrated that knee joint proprioception was impaired in children with HMS. They also had weaker knee extensor and flexor muscles than healthy controls. Clinicians should be aware of these identified deficits in children with HMS, and a programme of proprioceptive training and muscle strengthening may be indicated.
Direct heuristic dynamic programming design with extreme learning machine

Extreme learning machine (ELM) as a learning algorithm for neural networks (NN) could provide the best generalization performance at extremely fast leaning speed. Through the use of ELM, it is thus possible to improve the existing schemes especially the ones whose learning speed is not fast enough while addressing control problems. As a popular NN-based approach for control applications, direct heuristic dynamic programming (DHDP) with a good capability of adaptive learning has been successfully applied to solve control problems. But limited by slow learning algorithms in NN, it imposes very challenging obstacles to the real-time controller design of DHDP, which keeps it from widely applied. In this paper, driven by the interest of improving learning speed of DHDP while maintaining its good approximation performance, we employ ELM as a learning algorithm in DHDP. The proposed ELM-based DHDP learning scheme is tested on a cart-pole balancing control problem. The simulation results show the proposed scheme has better learning performance than traditional DHDP. Furthermore, this paper provides a novel idea of applying ELM in control problems.
Project Quality Management Performance: An Insight to Sustainable Development Initiatives in Oil and Gas Host Communities

A fundamental principle of project quality management is that quality is planned into project and not inspected through project. In the context of host communities in developing countries with mineral exploration activities construction projects and contracts generally is a key provider of employment in both short, medium and long term and particularly for the locals, therefore the incorporation of quality management systems in project life cycle is paramount for sustainable development. Ensuring project quality plays an important role in socio-economic development of people as it provides the most basic infrastructure that promotes economic activities. Quality management systems (QMS) has significant value relating to project quality and cost reduction and a comprehensive quality management culture can promote project success, mutual beneficial relationship and organisational sustainability. This study provides empirical findings emanating from local vendor(s) understanding, compliance and implementation of quality management systems in a multinational oil company (MNOC) community assisted projects. The study utilised SPSS version 22 for the statistical data analysis and Goodness-of-fit-test interrogated the assumption that contractors are not complying with quality management systems in project execution. The study found inter alia that 65% of the vendors are registered as closed corporation (sole proprietorship), 15% were limited liability companies, while 20% belong to other category such as subcontractors. Furthermore, 98% of the 222 respondent are yet to develop a quality manual and a conceptual nominated vendor system (NVS) project quality model was developed to improve the contract award and project management status quo, with emphasis on the need for integration of quality management systems in project life cycle for the oil and gas host communities.
Association of nucleoplasmin with transcription products as revealed by immunolocalization in the amphibian oocyte

The oocyte nucleus of Pleurodeles waltlii contains a major 32,000-mol- wt acidic protein which is called nucleoplasmin. Rabbit antibodies were raised against total nuclear proteins from Pleurodeles oocytes. Affinity-purified antibodies directed against nucleoplasmin were prepared using antigens bound to nitrocellulose paper. The specificity of the antibody was controlled on two-dimensional electrophoretic gels of nuclear proteins. The intranuclear distribution of nucleoplasmin was analyzed by indirect immunofluorescence and the immunogold technique in light and electron microscopy. The antibody was tested on a spread of the nuclear content prepared in the presence of calcium, on the nuclear content spread in the presence of phalloidin so that an actin network appeared, and on a spread of nuclei from oocytes previously treated by actinomycin D. In all cases, nucleoplasmin appeared to be localized on the lampbrush loops, i.e., on the sites of transcription and, more specifically, on the ribonucleoprotein (RNP) particles; this protein was also associated with the RNP particles of the nuclear sap (free or inserted in the actin network). Nucleoplasmin was localized on large RNP particles that appeared when transcription was blocked. We never found this protein on the chromosome axis. These results suggest that nucleoplasmin may play a role in transcriptional activity.
Fuzzy inference system based on entropy of traffic for bot detection on an endpoint host

Botnet detection is challenging in that bat behaviour is stealthy, varying and bots use several evasion techniques to avoid detection. In this paper, we present a bot detection method for an endpoint host which differentiates the regularity in bot command and control traffic and randomness of user-induced traffic. The regularity/randomness is measured using entropy of traffic features. A characterization of user-induced and bot traffic is done. A fuzzy rule based system is derived from the characterization. The system is tested using a 3-fold cross-validation scheme. Publicly available datasets were also used to estimate an upper bound on the false positives generated by the system. The ability of the system in handling newer variety of bots is tested and the performance of the system is compared with two other methods which also rely on traffic analysis for bot detection.
The relationship between SLI in English and Modern Greek

We present a computational modelling approach to the study of SLI in two lan- guages with different typological characteristics, namely English and Modern Greek. Our modelling approach was based on the development of three neural network (connectionist) architectures, each assumed to underlie the acquisition of a core domain of language (inflectional morphology, syntax comprehension, and syntax production). The architectures were exposed to artificial linguistic environments reflecting the characteristics of their target domains in English and Greek. Computational simulations also considered conditions of atypical learning constraints, corresponding to different theoretical proposals for the type of deficit underlying SLI. The simulation results, combined with some shared properties of the three models, point to a unified explanation of the impairment under the connectionist framework.
Active Control of Sound for Composite Regions

We present a methodology for the active control of time-harmonic wave fields, e.g., acoustic disturbances, in composite regions. This methodology extends our previous approach developed for the case of arcwise connected regions. The overall objective is to eliminate the effect of all outside field sources on a given domain of interest, i.e., to shield this domain. In this context, active shielding means introducing additional field sources, called active controls, that generate the annihilating signal and cancel out the unwanted component of the field. As such, the problem of active shielding can be interpreted as a special inverse source problem for the governing differential equation or system. For a composite domain, not only do the controls prevent interference from all exterior sources, but they can also enforce a predetermined communication pattern between the individual subdomains (as many as desired). In other words, they either allow the subdomains to communicate freely with one another or otherw.
Capacity of Beamforming with Limited Training and Feedback

We examine the capacity of beamforming over a multi-input/single-output block Rayleigh fading channel with finite training for channel estimation and limited feedback. A fixed-length packet is assumed, which is spanned by T training symbols, B feedback bits, and the data symbols. The training symbols are used to obtain a minimum mean squared error (MMSE) estimate of the channel vector. Given this estimate, the receiver selects a transmit beamforming vector from a codebook containing 2B i.i. d. random vectors, and relays the corresponding B bits back to the transmitter. We derive bounds on the capacity and show that for a large number of transmit antennas Nt , the optimal T and B, which maximize the bounds, are approximately equal and both increase as Nt/logNt. We conclude that with limited training and feedback, the optimal number of antennas to activate also increases as Nt/logNt
Do renin–angiotensin system inhibitors influence the recurrence, metastasis, and survival in cancer patients?

Background: Renin–angiotensin system inhibitors (RAS inhibitors) are antihypertensive agents with potential antitumor effects. However, various studies have yielded conflicting results on the influence of RAS inhibitors on survival of cancer patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of RAS inhibitors on recurrence, metastasis, and survival in cancer patients through a meta-analysis. Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched from inception to December 2016. The pooled hazard ratio (HR) with its 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was calculated to evaluate the association between RAS inhibitors and recurrence, metastasis, and survival in cancer patients. Results: Fifty-five eligible studies were included in the present meta-analysis. Results showed that there were significant improvements in overall survival (OS) (HR = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.77–0.88; P < 0.001), progression-free survival (HR = 0.74; 95% CI: 0.66–0.84; P < 0.001), and disease-free survival (HR = 0.80; 95% CI: 0.67–0.95; P = 0.01) in RAS inhibitor users compared with nonusers. Subgroup analyses revealed that the effect of RAS inhibitors on OS depended on the cancer type or different RAS inhibitors. Conclusion: This meta-analysis suggests that RAS inhibitors could improve the survival of cancer patients and depend on cancer type and types of RAS inhibitors.
Rate Balancing for Multiuser MIMO Systems

We investigate and solve the rate balancing problem in the downlink for a multiuser Multiple-Input- Multiple-Output (MIMO) system. In particular, we adopt a transceiver structure to maximize the worst-case rate of the user while satisfying a total transmit power constraint. Most of the existing solutions either perform user Mean Squared Error (MSE) balancing or streamwise rate balancing, which is suboptimal in the MIMO case. The original rate balancing problem in the downlink is complicated due to the coupled structure of the transmit filters. This optimization problem is here solved in an alternating manner by exploiting weighted MSE uplink/downlink duality with proven convergence to a local optimum. Simulation results are provided to validate the proposed algorithm and demonstrate its performance improvement over unweighted MSE balancing.