Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improving Students with Learning Disabilities Ability to Acquire and Generalize a Vocabulary Learning Strategy.

This study examined the effects of providing explicit metacognitive instruction prior to cognitive strategy instruction on students' with learning disabilities ability to generalize a vocabulary strategy learned in a special education setting to a general education setting. The subjects were eight elementary school students with learning disabilities in grades 3, 4, and 5. The students were divided into two groups. Students in Group 1 received metacognitive instruction prior to their receiving instruction in The LINCS Vocabulary Strategy. Students in Group 2 were taught only The LINCS Vocabulary Strategy. Results showed greater increases in generalization of strategic knowledge for students in Group 1 when compared to students in Group 2.
Loneliness in older persons: a predictor of functional decline and death.

BACKGROUND Loneliness is a common source of distress, suffering, and impaired quality of life in older persons. We examined the relationship between loneliness, functional decline, and death in adults older than 60 years in the United States. METHODS This is a longitudinal cohort study of 1604 participants in the psychosocial module of the Health and Retirement Study, a nationally representative study of older persons. Baseline assessment was in 2002 and follow-up assessments occurred every 2 years until 2008. Subjects were asked if they (1) feel left out, (2) feel isolated, or (3) lack companionship. Subjects were categorized as not lonely if they responded hardly ever to all 3 questions and lonely if they responded some of the time or often to any of the 3 questions. The primary outcomes were time to death over 6 years and functional decline over 6 years on the following 4 measures: difficulty on an increased number of activities of daily living (ADL), difficulty in an increased number of upper extremity tasks, decline in mobility, or increased difficulty in stair climbing. Multivariate analyses adjusted for demographic variables, socioeconomic status, living situation, depression, and various medical conditions. RESULTS The mean age of subjects was 71 years. Fifty-nine percent were women; 81% were white, 11%, black, and 6%, Hispanic; and 18% lived alone. Among the elderly participants, 43% reported feeling lonely. Loneliness was associated with all outcome measures. Lonely subjects were more likely to experience decline in ADL (24.8% vs 12.5%; adjusted risk ratio [RR], 1.59; 95% CI, 1.23-2.07); develop difficulties with upper extremity tasks (41.5% vs 28.3%; adjusted RR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.08-1.52); experience decline in mobility (38.1% vs 29.4%; adjusted RR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.99-1.41); or experience difficulty in climbing (40.8% vs 27.9%; adjusted RR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.10-1.57). Loneliness was associated with an increased risk of death (22.8% vs 14.2%; adjusted HR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.11-1.88). CONCLUSION Among participants who were older than 60 years, loneliness was a predictor of functional decline and death.
Features of Illness Versus Features of Romantic Relationships as Predictors of Cognitive and Behavioral Coping Among Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes

ABSTRACT For individuals with a chronic illness, such as type 2 diabetes, a multitude of factors may influence the ways people cope with their condition. This study compares characteristics of the illness and characteristics of a patient’s romantic relationship as factors that predict coping behaviors for individuals with type 2 diabetes. Specifically, we identify illness uncertainty as a feature of chronic illness, as well as relational uncertainty and interference from partners as relationship characteristics that are associated with coping behaviors. Using Amazon Mechanical Turk, we recruited 500 participants who were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and involved in a romantic relationship to complete an online survey about the ways they manage their illness in the context of their relationship. Structural equation model results showed that relational uncertainty and partner interference were both positively associated with the perceived threat of discussing the illness, whereas the effect for illness uncertainty was nonsignificant; thus, relationship characteristics were a more robust predictor of perceived threat than illness characteristics. In turn, the perceived threat of discussing the illness was negatively associated with treatment compliance and positively associated with topic avoidance about the illness. Treatment compliance was also negatively associated with topic avoidance. Implications for health and relationships are discussed.
Smart antennas - state of the art

Aim of this contribution is to illustrate the state of the art of smart antenna research from several perspectives. The bow is drawn from transmitter issues via channel measurements and modeling, receiver signal processing, network aspects, technological challenges towards first smart antenna applications and current status of standardization. Moreover, some future prospects of different disciplines in smart antenna research are given.
Endocannabinoid-Hydrolysing Enzymes in the Post-Mortem Cerebellum of Humans Affected by Hereditary Autosomal Dominant Ataxias

Objectives: Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are characterized by a loss of balance and motor coordination due to degeneration of the cerebellum and its afferent and efferent connections. We recently found important changes in cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors in the post-mortem cerebellum of patients affected by different SCAs. Methods: We wanted to further explore this issue by analysing the two major endocannabinoid-hydrolysing enzymes, fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacyl glycerol lipase (MAGL), in the post-mortem cerebellum of SCA patients and control subjects. Results: Immunoreactivity for the FAAH and MAGL enzymes was found in the granular layer, in Purkinje cells, in neurons of the dentate nucleus and in areas of white matter in the cerebellum of patients at levels frequently notably higher than those in control subjects. Using double-labelling procedures, we found co-localization of FAAH and MAGL with calbindin, supporting the presence of these enzymes in Purkinje neurons. Conclusions: Degradative endocannabinoid enzymes are significantly increased in the cerebellum of SCA patients, which would presumably lead to reduced endocannabinoid levels. The identification of these enzymes in Purkinje neurons suggests a relationship with the pathogenesis of SCAs and suggests that the endocannabinoid system could provide potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of disease progression in SCAs.
Anesthetics isoflurane and desflurane differently affect mitochondrial function, learning, and memory

levels seen in nerve cells (1–11%); this may have additionally contributed to the potentiation of cytotoxic effects of more potent isoflurane. Therefore, in contrast to the preference for 1 inhalational anesthetic agent over another, the take-home message from Zhang et al should support the revival of balanced anesthesia and institution of baseline anesthesia that follows the simple golden guidelines of giving the minimal amount of exogenous substance that will counter the predictable insults to the baseline, which includes the trilogy of cardiac–pulmonary– cerebral status and anxiety/awareness regarding surgical/anesthetic procedure-related insults. Guiding this balanced anesthesia–baseline anesthesia (BABA) requires continuous and vigilant patient monitoring support and limiting the anesthetic agents’ administration to their minimal directed use to keep patients unaware of intraoperative environments. To avoid neuroapoptosis and Alzheimerlike cognitive decline concerns, BABA belittles the use of anesthetics–analgesics for controlling hemodynamics and instigates the use of early and prompt vasopressors/inotropes/vasodilators for perioperative cardiovascular stability.
Inhibitors of Urokinase Type Plasminogen Activator and Cytostatic Activity from Crude Plants Extracts

In view of the clear evidence that urokinase type plasminogen activator (uPA) plays an important role in the processes of tumor cell metastasis, aortic aneurysm, and multiple sclerosis, it has become a target of choice for pharmacological intervention. The goal of this study was thus to determine the presence of inhibitors of uPA in plants known traditionally for their anti-tumor properties. Crude methanol extracts were prepared from the leaves of plants (14) collected from the subtropical dry forest (Guanica, Puerto Rico), and tested for the presence of inhibitors of uPA using the fibrin plate assay. The extracts that tested positive (6) were then partitioned with petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol, in a sequential manner. The resulting fractions were then tested again using the fibrin plate assay. Extracts from leaves of Croton lucidus (C. lucidus) showed the presence of a strong uPA inhibitory activity. Serial dilutions of these C. lucidus partitions were performed to determine the uPA inhibition IC50 values. The chloroform extract showed the lowest IC50 value (3.52 µg/mL) and hence contained the most potent uPA inhibitor. Further investigations revealed that the crude methanol extract and its chloroform and n-butanol partitions did not significantly inhibit closely related proteases such as the tissue type plasminogen activator (tPA) and plasmin, indicating their selectivity for uPA, and hence superior potential for medicinal use with fewer side effects. In a further evaluation of their therapeutic potential for prevention of cancer metastasis, the C. lucidus extracts displayed cytostatic activity against human pancreatic carcinoma (PaCa-2) cells, as determined through an MTS assay. The cytostatic activities recorded for each of the partitions correlated with their relative uPA inhibitory activities. There are no existing reports of uPA inhibitors being present in any of the plants reported in this study.
Strong interlayer coupling in van der Waals heterostructures built from single-layer chalcogenides

Significance A new class of heterostructures consisting of layered transition metal dichalcogenide components can be designed and built by van der Waals (vdW) stacking of individual monolayers into functional multilayer structures. Nonetheless, the optoelectronic properties of this new type of vdW heterostructure are unknown. Here, we investigate artificial semiconductor heterostructures built from single-layer WSe2 and MoS2. We observe spatially direct absorption but spatially indirect emission in this heterostructure, with strong interlayer coupling of charge carriers. The coupling at the hetero-interface can be readily tuned by inserting hexagonal BN dielectric layers into the vdW gap. The generic nature of this interlayer coupling is expected to yield a new family of semiconductor heterostructures having tunable optoelectronic properties through customized composite layers. Semiconductor heterostructures are the fundamental platform for many important device applications such as lasers, light-emitting diodes, solar cells, and high-electron-mobility transistors. Analogous to traditional heterostructures, layered transition metal dichalcogenide heterostructures can be designed and built by assembling individual single layers into functional multilayer structures, but in principle with atomically sharp interfaces, no interdiffusion of atoms, digitally controlled layered components, and no lattice parameter constraints. Nonetheless, the optoelectronic behavior of this new type of van der Waals (vdW) semiconductor heterostructure is unknown at the single-layer limit. Specifically, it is experimentally unknown whether the optical transitions will be spatially direct or indirect in such hetero-bilayers. Here, we investigate artificial semiconductor heterostructures built from single-layer WSe2 and MoS2. We observe a large Stokes-like shift of ∼100 meV between the photoluminescence peak and the lowest absorption peak that is consistent with a type II band alignment having spatially direct absorption but spatially indirect emission. Notably, the photoluminescence intensity of this spatially indirect transition is strong, suggesting strong interlayer coupling of charge carriers. This coupling at the hetero-interface can be readily tuned by inserting dielectric layers into the vdW gap, consisting of hexagonal BN. Consequently, the generic nature of this interlayer coupling provides a new degree of freedom in band engineering and is expected to yield a new family of semiconductor heterostructures having tunable optoelectronic properties with customized composite layers.
On Simple Gödel Numberings and Translations

In this paper we consider classes of Goedel numberings, viewed as simple models for programming languages, into which all other Goedel numberings can be translated by computationally simple mappings. Several such classes of Goedel numberings are defined and their properties are investigated. For example, one such class studied is the class of Goedel numberings into which all other Goedel numberings can be translated by finite automata mappings. We also compare these classes of Goedel numberings to the class of optimal Goedel numberings and show that translation into optimal Goedel numberings can be computationally arbitrarily complex, thus indicating that from a computer science point of view, optimal Goedel numberings have undesirable properties.
In vitro extracellular recording and stimulation performance of nanoporous gold-modified multi-electrode arrays

Objective. Nanoporous gold (Au) structures can reduce the impedance and enhance the charge injection capability of multi-electrode arrays (MEAs) used for interfacing neuronal networks. Even though there are various nanoporous Au preparation techniques, fabrication of MEA based on low-cost electro-codeposition of Ag:Au has not been performed. In this work, we have modified a Au MEA via the electro-codeposition of Ag:Au alloy, followed by the chemical etching of Ag, and report on the in vitro extracellular recording and stimulation performance of the nanoporous Au-modified MEA. Approach. Ag:Au alloy was electro-codeposited on a bilayer lift-off resist sputter-deposition passivated Au MEA followed by chemical etching of Ag to form a porous Au structure. Main results. The porous Au structure was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and tunneling electron microscopy and found to have an interconnected nanoporous Au structure. The impedance value of the nanoporous Au-modified MEA is 15.4 ± 0.55 kΩ at 1 kHz, accompanied by the base noise Vrms of 2.4 ± 0.3 μV. The charge injection limit of the nanoporous Au-modified electrode estimated from voltage transient measurement is approximately 1 mC cm−2, which is comparable to roughened platinum and carbon nanotube electrodes. The charge injection capability of the nanoporous Au-modified MEA was confirmed by observing stimulus-induced spikes at above 0.2 V. The nanoporous Au-modified MEA showed mechanical durability upon ultrasonic treatment for up to an hour. Significance. Electro-codeposition of Ag:Au alloy combined with chemical etching Ag is a low-cost process for fabricating nanoporous Au-modified MEA suitable for establishing the stimulus–response relationship of cultured neuronal networks.
Multi-Amdahl: Optimal Resource Sharing with Multiple Program Execution Segments

This paper presents Multi-Amdahl, a resource allocation analytical tool for heterogeneous systems. Our model includes multiple program execution segments, where each one is accelerated by a specific hardware unit. The acceleration speedup of the specific hardware unit is a function of a limited resource, such as the unit area, power, or energy. Using the Lagrange theorem we discover the optimal resource distribution between all specific units. We then illustrate this general Multi-Amdahl technique using several examples of area and power allocation among several cores and accelerators.
Cooperative buildings—integrating information, organization and architecture

INTRODUCTION Future wor~ cooperation, and organizations wifl be charactetied by a high degree of dynamics, flexibility and mobtity — substantitiy more so than today. Rerdizing this god has profound implications for information and communication technology as u’e~ as architecture because virtual and physical spaces have to be designed in an integrated fashion in order to provide equtiy flexible cooperati~e work environments. The notion of “Cooperative Btidings” [q provides a tiework to focus and merge a number of currentiy SW pardel approaches and developments in ~erent disciplines contributing to tie design of the workspaces of the future. me purpose of this panel is to introdum the CSCW audience to a chdenging generation of new problems and issues which me Nely to shape research in CSCW and architwture in the foreseeable future. Cooperative Workplaces and Buildings Volker Hartkopf, Center for BuiHing Pe#o~ce and Diagnostics, Carnegie Melbn Unh’ersity, Pi~burgh, USA
A New Proposal for Matrix Theory

We explain the motivation and main ideas underlying our proposal for a Lagrangian for Matrix Theory based on sixteen supercharges. Starting with the pedagogical example of a bosonic matrix theory we describe the appearance of a continuum spacetime geometry from a discrete, and noncommutative, spacetime with both Lorentz and Yang-Mills invariances. We explain the appearance of large N ground states with Dbranes and elucidate the principle of matrix Dbrane democracy at finite N. Based on the underlying symmetry algebras that hold at both finite and infinite N, we show why the supersymmetric matrix Lagrangian we propose does not belong to the class of supermatrix models which includes the BFSS and IKKT Matrix Models. We end with a preliminary discussion of a path integral prescription for the Hartle-Hawking wavefunction of the Universe derived from Matrix Theory.
The stable set polytope of ($P_6$, triangle)-free graphs and new facet-inducing graphs

The stable set polytope of a graph $G$, denoted as STAB($G$), is the convex hull of all the incidence vectors of stable sets of $G$. To describe a linear system which defines STAB($G$) seems to be a difficult task in the general case. In this paper we present a complete description of the stable set polytope of ($P_6$,triangle)-free graphs (and more generally of ($P_6$,paw)-free graphs). For that we combine different tools, in the context of a well known result of Chv\'atal \cite{Chvatal1975} which allows to focus just on prime facet-inducing graphs, with particular reference to a structure result on prime ($P_6$,triangle)-free graphs due to Brandst\"adt et al. \cite{BraKleMah2005}. Also we point out some peculiarities of new facet-inducing graphs detected along this study with the help of a software.
Research in Big Data and Analytics: An Overview

Big Data Analytics has been gaining much focus of attention lately as researchers from industry and academia are trying to effectively extract and employ all possible knowledge from the overwhelming amount of data generated and received. Traditional data analytic methods stumble in dealing with the wide variety of data that comes in huge volumes in a short period of time, demanding a paradigm shift in storage, processing and analysis of Big Data. Owing to its significance, several agencies including U.S. government have released huge funds for research in Big Data and allied fields in recent years. This paper presents a brief overview of research progress in various areas associated to Big Data Processing and Analytics and conclude with a discussion on research directions in the same area.
Rehospitalisation after birth hospitalisation: patterns among infants of all gestations

Aim: To analyse rehospitalisation of newborns of all gestations. Methods: A total of 33 276 surviving infants of all gestations born between 1 October 1998 and 31 March 2000 at seven Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program (KPMCP) delivery services were studied retrospectively. Results: Rehospitalisation rates within two weeks after nursery discharge ranged from 1.0% to 3.7%. The most common reason for rehospitalisation was jaundice. Among babies ⩾34 weeks, the most important factor with respect to rehospitalisation was use of home phototherapy. Among babies who were not rehospitalised for jaundice, African-American race (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.56), and having a scheduled outpatient visit (AOR = 0.73) or a home visit (AOR = 0.59) within 72 hours after discharge were protective. Factors associated with increased risk were: being small for gestational age (AOR = 1.83), gestational age of 34–36 weeks without admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (AOR = 1.65), Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology, version II, ⩾10 (AOR = 1.95), male gender (AOR = 1.24), having both a home as well as a clinic visit within 72 hours after discharge (AOR = 1.84), and birth facility (range of AORs = 1.52–2.36). Asian race was associated with rehospitalisation (AOR = 1.49) when all hospitalisations were considered, but this association did not persist if hospitalisations for jaundice were excluded. Conclusions: In this insured population with access to integrated care, rehospitalisation rates for jaundice were strongly affected by availability of home phototherapy and by follow up. For other causes, moderate prematurity and follow up visits played a large role, but variation between centres persisted even after controlling for multiple factors. Future research should include development of better process measures for evaluation of follow up strategies.
Modafinil for fatigue in MS

Objective: To assess whether modafinil, a wakefulness-promoting agent, is useful for fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: Patients with MS with stable disability, and a baseline score of 45 or more on the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), were eligible for the 5-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study. The initial daily dose of modafinil was 200 mg for 1 week. Depending on tolerance, the dose was increased by 100 mg every week up to 400 mg/day and remained unchanged between day 21 and day 35. The primary outcome variable was the change of MFIS score at day 35. Results: A total of 115 patients with MS were enrolled in the study and in the intention to treat analysis. The mean MFIS score at baseline was 63 ± 9 in the placebo group and 63 ± 10 in the modafinil group. MFIS scores improved between day 0 and day 35 in both placebo-treated and modafinil-treated groups, but no significant difference was detected between the two groups. There was no major safety concern. Conclusions: There was no improvement of fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis treated with modafinil vs placebo according to the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale.