Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Considerations for test selection: How do validity and reliability impact diagnostic decisions?

Nine preschool and school-age language assessment tools found to have acceptable levels of identification accuracy were evaluated to determine their overall levels of psychometric validity for use in diagnosing the presence/absence of language impairment. Eleven specific criteria based on those initially devised by McCauley and Swisher (1984) were applied to each of the selected tests in order to determine each test’s overall level of psychometric validity. Results indicated that each of the selected assessment tools met at least eight of the 11 criteria used to evaluate each assessment tool. Five tests met 10 out of 11 criteria. Findings are discussed to assist clinicians in applying psychometric criteria to these selected tests, as well as those not reviewed as part of this current review of standardized assessment tools. A decision tree is included within the discussion of this study’s findings to aid clinicians in the selection of standardized assessment tools that are most appropriate for clinical use, based on their psychometric characteristics.
'Otras visiones de la UNED' : el alumno con discapacidades visuales

Within the last years, the UNED has experienced a great rise in the profiles of its students, which implies an adaptation to the new demands inherent to the different groups of students that are enrolled in this university. According to these facts and taking into consideration the hypothesis that the handicapped students’ motivations, together with their study demands and needs, may differ from the ones other student groups have, handicapped students should be considered a main concern by the institution. So, paying attention to the handicapped students’ demands entails the implementation of general mechanisms of adaptation to the students, that at the same time could give an answer to the common needs that people who choose theDistance University show.
Development of a reliable SSVEP-based BCI mobile dialing system

This paper demonstrates a high performance brain-computer interface (BCI) that allows users to dial phone numbers. The system is based on Canonical Correlation Analysis (CCA) and the automatic artifacts removal system based on BSS-CCA method and Steady-State Visual Evoked Potential (SSVEP). Through six frequency bands (9Hz, 10Hz, 11Hz, 12Hz, 13 Hz, 14Hz) displayed on the screen, subjects can choose a phone number by gazing at the display interface. Implementing a prototype of the SSVEP-based BCI system verifies the effectiveness of the proposed system. Experimental results show that the subjects' SSVEP can successfully control the dial device through the proposed BCI system with high identification accuracy.
Psychopathology in Substance Use Disorder Patients with and without Substance-Induced Psychosis

Background. Substance-induced psychotic disorder (SIPD) is a diagnosis constructed to distinguish substance-induced psychotic states from primary psychotic disorders. A number of studies have compared SIPD persons with primary psychotic patients, but there is little data on what differentiates substance use disorder (SUD) individuals with and without SIPD. Here, we compared psychopathology, sociodemographic variables, and substance use characteristics between SUD patients with and without SIPD. Methods. A retrospective chart review was conducted on newly admitted patients at a rehabilitation centre between 2007 and 2012. Results. Of the 379 patients included in the study, 5% were diagnosed with SIPD (n = 19) and 95% were diagnosed with SUDs without SIPD (n = 360). More SIPD patients reported using cannabis and psychostimulants, and fewer SIPD patients reported using alcohol than SUDs patients without SIPD. SIPD patients scored higher on the “schizophrenia nuclear symptoms” dimension of the SCL-90R psychoticism scale and exhibited more ClusterB personality traits than SUD patients without SIPD. Discussion. These data are consistent with previous studies suggesting that psychopathology, substance type, and sociodemographic variables play important role in the development of SIPD. More importantly, the results highlight the need for paying greater attention to the types of self-reported psychotic symptoms during the assessment of psychotomimetic effects associated with psychoactive substances.
2nd International Workshop on Pervasive Eye Tracking and Mobile Eye-Based Interaction (PETMEI 2012): proposal for a workshop (mini-track) at UbiComp 2012

Early work on applied eye tracking investigated gaze as an input modality to interact with a desktop computer and discussed some of the human factors and technical aspects involved in performing common computer tasks with the eyes such as pointing and menu selection. Since then, eye tracking technology has considerably matured. Research on eye-based interaction is starting to gain interest in various specialized areas that are no longer restricted to desktop environment, such as virtual reality, human-human and humanrobot interaction. There is also a growing interest to take eye tracking out into the wild, to mobile and pervasive settings.
Understanding Modern Banking Ledgers Through Blockchain Technologies: Future of Transaction Processing and Smart Contracts on the Internet of Money

In this chapter we provide an overview of the concept of blockchain technology and its potential to disrupt the world of banking through facilitating global money remittance, smart contracts, automated banking ledgers and digital assets. In this regard, we first provide a brief overview of the core aspects of this technology, as well as the second-generation contract-based developments. From there we discuss key issues that must be considered in developing such ledger based technologies in a banking context.
Solar radiation estimator and fault tolerant model predictive control of a parabolic-trough field

In this paper we propose an estimator of solar radiation and a heuristic radiation selector to design a solar radiation Fault Tolerant Model Predictive Control strategy for solar trough plants. The complete design of the control system proposed has been simulated using the model of ACUREX solar trough plant at the Plataforma Solar de Almería (PSA) using a Gain Scheduling Generalized Predictive Control(GS-GPC) control strategy. Simulation results (estimation/heuristic selector/GS-GPC) of the proposed scheme are compared with simulations of the same GS-GPC controller strategy when using only a pyrheliometer radiation measurement.
Clinically unrecognized mitral regurgitation is prevalent in lone atrial fibrillation.

AIM To investigate the prevalence of clinically unrecognized mitral regurgitation (MR) in lone atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS We studied the prevalence and severity of MR by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in patients with "lone" AF as compared to a matched cohort of patients in normal sinus rhythm (NSR) undergoing TEE for other indications besides recognized valvular heart disease. RESULTS A total of 157 subjects (57 in the AF group and 100 in the NSR group) with structurally normal cardiac valves were included in the study. In the AF group, moderate MR or more was noted in 66% of the patients, mild MR in 18%, trace or no MR in 16%. In the control group, moderate MR was noted in 6% of patients, mild MR 31%, trace or no MR in 63 % of patients. Moderate MR or greater was significantly more prevalent in the AF group compared to the NSR group (66% vs 6%, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION Clinically unrecognized moderate MR is prevalent in "lone" AF -either as an etiologic factor leading to "lone" AF or developing after onset of AF.
Metric clustering via consistent labeling

We design approximation algorithms for a number of fundamental optimization problems in metric spaces, namely computing separating and padded decompositions, sparse covers, and metric triangulations. Our work is the first to emphasize relative guarantees, that compare the produced solution to the optimal one for the input at hand. By contrast, the extensive previous work on these topics has sought absolute bounds that hold for every possible metric space (or for a family of metrics). While absolute bounds typically translate to relative ones, our algorithms provide significantly better relative guarantees, using a rather different algorithm. Our technical approach is to cast a number of metric clustering problems that have been well studied---but almost always as disparate problems---into a common modeling and algorithmic framework, which we call the consistent labeling problem. Having identified the common features of all of these problems, we provide a family of linear programming relaxations and simple randomized rounding procedures that achieve provably good approximation guarantees.
Low-FODMAP Diet Improves Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms: A Meta-Analysis

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects 7–15% of the general population. A recently devised dietary approach consists of restricting foods with highly fermentable oligo-, di-, and monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs), which can trigger and/or exacerbate IBS symptoms. The aim of this study is to use meta-analysis to provide an update on the randomised control trials (RCTs) and cohort studies, and examine them separately in relation to diet type. Papers were selected using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) flowchart. Cohen’s d and odds ratios were used as a measure of effect size for RCTs. A random effects model was used to account for different sources of variation among studies. Heterogeneity was assessed using Q statistics, I2, Tau, and Tau2. Publication bias was analysed and represented by a funnel plot, and funnel plot symmetry was assessed with Egger’s test. The results showed that in the RCTs, the patients receiving a low-FODMAP diet experienced a statistically significant pain and bloating reduction compared with those receiving a traditional diet; as regards to stool consistency, there was no significant difference between treatments. A significant reduction in abdominal pain and bloating were described by patients receiving a low-FODMAP diet compared with those receiving a high-FODMAP diet. In cohort studies, pain and bloating were significantly reduced after treatment compared with the baseline diet. We conclude that there is evidence that a low-FODMAP diet could have a favourable impact on IBS symptoms, especially abdominal pain and bloating. However, it remains to be demonstrated whether a low-FODMAP diet is superior to conventional IBS diets, especially in the long term.
On the Significance of Conflict for Development Processes in Regional High-Tech Cluster

Abstract: Various attempts to initiate and further the development of high-tech clusters have been made at regional levels within the European Union. These clusters are supposed to generate economic growth and create employment. Within the context of empirical sociological research, high-tech clusters are seen as regional economic agglomerations where actors from different institutional contexts (economics, politics, science etc) co-operate or step into competition with one another in a specific technological field. 'Competition', just like 'confrontation', is identified as a basic form of conflict. This framework of relevant sociological concepts forms the starting point of this contribution, which will use the example of a regional cluster to deal with three key questions: What is the nature of the forms of conflict found in a developing cluster? Which specific constellations of individuals engaged in conflict can be observed? And, what influence does conflict have on a cluster's development process? The example at hand draws on the long-term empirical research of an economic agglomeration in the field of microsystems technology which started to evolve in Dortmund (Germany). ;
Dissemination of the blaKPC gene by clonal spread and horizontal gene transfer: comparative study of incidence and molecular mechanisms.

OBJECTIVES In addition to the global spread of the KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-KP) clonal complex (CC)-258 clone, the blaKPC gene may also spread by horizontal gene transfer (HGT), as suspected when more than one KPC-producing Enterobacteriaceae (KPC-Ent) species are isolated in a single patient. We aimed to characterize the incidence and molecular features of KPC-KP that were isolated alone (singular KPC-KP) versus KPC-KP that were isolated together with another KPC-Ent species (joint KPC-KP). METHODS Isolates were collected from April 2011 to August 2012 at the Laniado Medical Center. Typing was done by CC-258 multiplex PCR and MLST. Plasmids were characterized by plasmid MLST (pMLST). The genetic environment of the blaKPC gene was studied by sequencing. RESULTS During the 17 month period, there were 281 cases of singular KPC-KP and 8 cases of joint KPC-KP (P < 0.0001). Among the patients with joint KPC-KP, the additional KPC-Ent species were Escherichia coli (n = 6), Enterobacter aerogenes (n = 1), Enterobacter cloacae (n = 1) and Citrobacter freundii (n = 1). All singular KPC-KP isolates tested (n = 27) belonged to the CC-258 clone and carried the blaKPC-3 allele, located inside a Tn4401a transposon. In contrast, joint KPC-KP/KPC-Ent isolates belonged to different STs and all but one carried the blaKPC-2 allele. The blaKPC-2 gene was located inside ΔTn4401c transposons that were harboured by IncN/pMLST ST-15-type plasmids possessing high conjugation efficiency. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights two dissemination modes of the blaKPC gene: clonal spread of the CC-258 clone and, far less commonly, HGT-related spread, mediated by ST-15 plasmids that shuttle between a variety of species and clones.
Polar Desolvation and Position 226 of Pancreatic and Neutrophil Elastases Are Crucial to their Affinity for the Kunitz-Type Inhibitors ShPI-1 and ShPI-1/K13L

The Kunitz-type protease inhibitor ShPI-1 inhibits human neutrophil elastase (HNE, K i = 2.35·10−8 M) but does not interact with the porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE); whereas its P1 site variant, ShPI-1/K13L, inhibits both HNE and PPE (K i = 1.3·10−9 M, and K i = 1.2·10−8 M, respectively). By employing a combination of molecular modeling tools, e.g., structural alignment, molecular dynamics simulations and Molecular Mechanics Generalized-Born/Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area free energy calculations, we showed that D226 of HNE plays a critical role in the interaction of this enzyme with ShPI-1 through the formation of a strong salt bridge and hydrogen bonds with K13 at the inhibitor’s P1 site, which compensate the unfavorable polar-desolvation penalty of the latter residue. Conversely, T226 of PPE is unable to establish strong interactions with K13, thereby precluding the insertion of K13 side-chain into the S1 subsite of this enzyme. An alternative conformation of K13 site-chain placed at the entrance of the S1 subsite of PPE, similar to that observed in the crystal structure of ShPI-1 in complex with chymotrypsin (PDB: 3T62), is also unfavorable due to the lack of stabilizing pair-wise interactions. In addition, our results suggest that the higher affinity of ShPI-1/K13L for both elastases mainly arises from the lower polar-desolvation penalty of L13 compared to that of K13, and not from stronger pair-wise interactions of the former residue with those of each enzyme. These results provide insights into the PPE and HNE inhibition and may contribute to the design of more potent and/or specific inhibitors toward one of these proteases.
A new mouse model for wound healing in hemophilia A.

PURPOSE To establish a new mouse model for wound healing studies on hemophilia A. METHODS Total 54 male mice with different genotypes including wild-type nude mice, heterozygous mice (FVIII-/-/Nu) and FVIII deficient mice (FVIII-/-) were generated and verified by PCR. Mice were subjected to wound healing research by making a 5 mm-thickness wound on mice skin and applying recombinant human epidermal growth factor (EGF, 10 μg/g) ointment, FVIII ointment (30 IU) or the ointment base to heal the wounds. Furthermore, keratinocytes were isolated from these newborn mice and subjected to migration assay by stimulation of EGF (ng/ml), insulin (10 μM) or vehicle. RESULTS A new hemophilic mouse model (FVIII-/-/Nu) was constructed successfully after genotyping verified by PCR. Compared to FVIII-/- mice, FVIII-/-/Nu and Nu mice showed greater degree of wound contraction and loss of the crust. Topical treatment with EGF exhibited faster wound healing than FVIII and ointment base. Insulin treatment showed more increased migration distance than treated with EGF or vehicle. FVIII-/-/Nu mice showed greater migration than FVIII-/- and Nu mice. CONCLUSIONS A new mouse model (FVIII-/-/Nu) for wound healing in hemophilia A was constructed, and topical treatment of insulin may be a better therapy than EGF for healing wounds in hemophilia A.
FSGS Recurrence in Adults after Renal Transplantation

Recurrence of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) in the allograft occurs in 30–50% of patients, and it is associated with poor renal allograft survival. Major risk factors for recurrence are younger age at diagnosis, rapid progression to end-stage renal disease, white race, and the loss of previous allografts due to recurrence. Recent data support the hypothesis that circulating permeability factors play a crucial role in podocyte injury and progression of FSGS. Due to lack of controlled trials, the management of recurrent FSGS is inconsistent and highly empirical. Prophylactic and perioperative treatment with plasmapheresis and high-dose (intravenous) cyclosporine represent the main cornerstones of immunosuppressive therapy. In recent years, therapy with rituximab has shown promising results. Despite evidence of activation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in recurrent FSGS and its association with progression, only limited data exist on the renoprotective role of RAS blockade in this setting. Further well designed studies are needed on pathogenesis risk factors and therapeutical options in FSGS and its recurrence after transplantation.
Gender in the UK architectural profession: (re)producing and challenging hegemonic masculinity

Architecture represents a creative, high profile and influential profession and yet remains under-theorized from a gender perspective. This article examines how gender is (re)produced in architecture, a profession that remains strangely under-researched given its status and position. The empirical work advances the theoretical concept of hegemonic masculinity via an analysis of gendered working practices and the agency of individuals through resistance and complicity with these norms. It reveals how architectural practice relies on long working hours, homosocial behaviour and creative control. However, whereas women perform their gender in ways which reproduce such gendered norms, white, heterosexual, middle class men can transgress them to challenge aspects of practice culture. This has significant implications for understanding the ways in which hegemonic masculinities are reproduced within creative workplaces.
Underwater image enhancement algorithm based on CLAHE and USM

Over the last few decades underwater image processing has received considerable attention due to its challenging nature and its importance. The quality of underwater images is worse than that of images shot in the air and images usually appear foggy and hazy. In this paper a novel algorithm is proposed for underwater image enhancement. Our algorithm is based on a single degraded underwater image, which does not require specialized hardware and any knowledge about the underwater conditions. Our algorithm comprises a combination of classical contrast enhancement techniques and adaptive histogram equalization techniques. We present an evaluation of the proposed algorithm and other approaches on real underwater images. Comprehensive validation experiments performed on real underwater images reveal that the proposed method performs better than the current state-of-the-art.
Functional Roles of a Ca2+-Activated K+ Channel in Atrioventricular Nodes

Since the first description of the anatomical atrioventricular nodes (AVNs), a large number of studies have provided insights into the heterogeneity of the structure as well as a repertoire of ion channel proteins that govern this complex conduction pathway between the atria and ventricles. These studies have revealed the intricate organization of multiple nodal and nodal-like myocytes contributing to the unique electrophysiology of the AVN in health and diseases. On the other hand, information regarding the contribution of specific ion channels to the function of the AVN remains incomplete. We reason that the identification of AVN-specific ion channels may provide a more direct and rational design of therapeutic target in the control of AVN conduction in atrial flutter/fibrillation, one of the most common arrhythmias seen clinically. In this study, we took advantage of 2 genetically altered mouse models with overexpression or null mutation of 1 of a small conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel isoform, SK2 channel, and demonstrated robust phenotypes of AVN dysfunction in these experimental models. Overexpression of SK2 channels results in the shortening of the spontaneous action potentials of the AVN cells and an increase in the firing frequency. On the other hand, ablation of the SK2 channel results in the opposite effects on the spontaneous action potentials of the AVN. Furthermore, we directly documented the expression of SK2 channel in mouse AVN using multiple techniques. The new insights may have important implications in providing novel drug targets for the modification of AVN conduction in the treatment of atrial arrhythmias.
The Role of the Sensorimotor Loop for Cognition

Locomotion is most of the time considered to be the result of top-down control commands produced by the nervous system in response to inputs received via sensory organs from the environment. Locomotion may arise alternatively when attracting states are stabilized in the combined dynamical space made up by the brain, the body and the environment. Cognition is embodied in this case within the sensorimotor loop, viz self-organized. Using a physics simulation environment we show that self-organized locomotion may result in complex phase spaces which include limit cycle corresponding to regular movements and both strong and partially predictable chaos describing explorative behavior.