Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does the methacholine test reproduce symptoms?

BACKGROUND The interpretation of methacholine test results do not usually consider the symptoms for which the subject was referred and those that occur during the test. OBJECTIVE To assess the association between methacholine test results and symptoms, and to examine variables that may affect this association. METHODS A total of 400 prospectively chosen subjects who underwent methacholine testing for possible asthma were investigated. The subjects answered a short questionnaire regarding the symptoms for which they had been referred and those that were encountered during the methacholine test. RESULTS The positive predictive value for the reproduction of symptoms during the test compared with symptoms for which subjects had been referred were 84% for dyspnea, 87% for cough, 81% for wheezing and 72% for chest tightness. The positive predictive value among the values obtained by measuring the provocative concentration of methacholine causing a 20% fall (PC20) in forced expiratory volume in 1 s on the one hand, and specific symptoms on the other, varied by up to approximately 50%; negative predictive values were higher. Forty-eight per cent of subjects with a PC20 of 16 mg⁄mL or lower reported that the test had globally reproduced their symptoms. This association was significantly stronger in women, young subjects and those taking inhaled steroids. CONCLUSIONS The methacholine test generally reproduced the symptoms for which the subjects were referred. The absence of a specific symptom (eg, dyspnea, cough, wheezing or chest tightness), either in daily life or at the time of methacholine testing, was more generally associated with a negative test than the reverse. The global impression that the test had reproduced what the patient had experienced in daily life was significantly associated with a positive test (ie, a PC20 of 16 mg⁄mL or lower), with the association being stronger in young subjects and women.
Nurses decision-making in clinical practice.

AIM To identify what decisions nurses make in medical, surgical and critical care areas and compare the results. METHOD A clinical decision-making questionnaire (CDMQ) consisting of 15 statements was developed. A total of 60 nurses completed the questionnaire: 20 from each of three clinical areas. RESULTS Most nurses, in all specialties, regularly made clinical decisions on direct patient care, which included providing basic nursing care and psychological support, and teaching patients and/or family members. Although nurses in all specialties regularly managed the work environment, they did not make decisions on the ward or unit budget, supervise junior staff or mentor student nurses. Critical care nurses regularly made decisions on their extended roles, such as acting in emergency situations and deciding to change patient medication, while medical and surgical nurses only did this occasionally. Length of clinical experience is significantly related to the frequency of decision-making. CONCLUSION The decisions nurses make are directly related to the clinical areas in which they work. However, it would be interesting to know if nurses showed particular aptitudes for different types and levels of decision-making and if this is related to other factors such as personality, education and experience in nursing.
Monosomy 7 and multipotential stem cell transformation

Summary. Monosomy 7 was the sole karyotypic abnormality seen in a case of biphenotypic leukaemia involving both the myeloid and lymphoid lineages and in a case of de novo ALL undergoing a phenotypic shift to acute myeloid leukaemia at relapse. These observations suggest that monosomy 7 can be associated with transformation of a common lymphoid‐myeloid progenitor cell.
Developing Course Materials Using The World Wide Web

The World Wide Web provides a powerful new resource for education in agriculture and the life sciences. This article describes some development tools and strategies employed by the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at North Carolina State University to help teaching faculty to develop and explore new educational methodolo­ gies that take advantage of the Web and other emerging technologies.
Threshold setting by the surround of cat retinal ganglion cells.

1. The slope of curves relating the log increment threshold to log background luminance in cat retinal ganglion cells is affected by the area and duration of the test stimulus, as it is in human pyschophysical experiments. 2. Using large area, long duration stimuli the slopes average 0‐82 and approach close to 1 (Weber's Law) in the steepest cases. Small stimuli gave an average of 0‐53 for on‐centre units using brief stimuli, and 0‐56 for off‐centre units, using long stimuli. Slopes under 0‐5 (square root law) were not found over an extended range of luminances. 3. On individual units the slope was generally greater for larger and longer test stimulus, but no unit showed the full extent of change from slope of 0‐5 to slope of 1. 4. The above differences hold for objective measures of quantum/spike ratio, as well as for thresholds either judged by ear or assessed by calculation. 5. The steeper slope of the curves for large area, long duration test stimuli compared with small, long duration stimuli, is associated with the increased effectiveness of antagonism from the surround at high backgrounds. This change may be less pronounced in off‐centre units, one of which (probably transient Y‐type) showed no difference of slope, and gave parallel area‐threshold curves at widely separated background luminances, confirming the importance of differential surround effectiveness in changing the slope of the curves. 6. In on‐centre units, the increased relative effectiveness of the surround is associated with the part of the raised background light that falls on the receptive field centre. 7. It is suggested that the variable surround functions as a zero‐offset control that sets the threshold excitation required for generating impulses, and that this is separate from gain‐setting adaptive mechanisms. This may be how ganglion cells maintain high incremental sensitivity in spite of a strong maintained excitatory drive that would otherwise cause compressive response non‐linearities.
Cost-benefit analysis : environmental and ecological perspectives

The world is increasingly concerned with bridging the developmental gap between the developed and developing countries. With the establishment of a number of institutions for funding the projects including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and many other agencies, the need to develop mechanisms to assess economically viable projects is more important than ever. The Social-Cost Benefit Analysis (SCBA) is an important technique used in formulating, appraising, and evaluating projects. It is a facet of applied welfare economics which is increasingly being used to identify and assess public projects in both developing and developed countries. This volume presents a comprehensive view of cost-benefit analysis in its theoretical and applied dimensions. Both theory and case studies are presented. The theoretical setting for Cost-Benefit Analysis is established by the first five chapters-"Spatial General Equilibrium and Cost-Benefit Analysis," by David M. Newbery; "Optimum Growth Theory and Social Time Preference: A Computerized Mathematical Modeling Exercise to Choose a Social Discount Rate," by Sardar M. N. Islam; "A Theoretical Inquiry of the Axiomatic Consistency of Distributional Weights used in Cost-Benefit Analysis," by Giuseppe Munda; "The Output Gap: Measurement, Related Concepts, and Policy Implications," by Parameswar Nandakumar; and "A Methodological Comparison of Theoretical Approaches in Dichotomous Choice Contingent Valuation," by John C. Whitehead. This book will be useful as a reference text by professors and students in project appraisal classes and will be of equal value to analysts, planners, and interested general readers.
Motivation as an independent and a dependent variable in medical education: A review of the literature

Background: Motivation in learning behaviour and education is well-researched in general education, but less in medical education. Aim: To answer two research questions, ‘How has the literature studied motivation as either an independent or dependent variable? How is motivation useful in predicting and understanding processes and outcomes in medical education? ’ in the light of the Self-determination Theory (SDT) of motivation. Methods: A literature search performed using the PubMed, PsycINFO and ERIC databases resulted in 460 articles. The inclusion criteria were empirical research, specific measurement of motivation and qualitative research studies which had well-designed methodology. Only studies related to medical students/school were included. Results: Findings of 56 articles were included in the review. Motivation as an independent variable appears to affect learning and study behaviour, academic performance, choice of medicine and specialty within medicine and intention to continue medical study. Motivation as a dependent variable appears to be affected by age, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, personality, year of medical curriculum and teacher and peer support, all of which cannot be manipulated by medical educators. Motivation is also affected by factors that can be influenced, among which are, autonomy, competence and relatedness, which have been described as the basic psychological needs important for intrinsic motivation according to SDT. Conclusion: Motivation is an independent variable in medical education influencing important outcomes and is also a dependent variable influenced by autonomy, competence and relatedness. This review finds some evidence in support of the validity of SDT in medical education.
Knowledge Based 3d Building Model Recognition Using Convolutional Neural Networks from LIDAR and Aerial Imageries

In recent years, with the development of the high resolution data acquisition technologies, many different approaches and algorithms have been presented to extract the accurate and timely updated 3D models of buildings as a key element of city structures for numerous applications in urban mapping. In this paper, a novel and model-based approach is proposed for automatic recognition of buildings’ roof models such as flat, gable, hip, and pyramid hip roof models based on deep structures for hierarchical learning of features that are extracted from both LiDAR and aerial ortho-photos. The main steps of this approach include building segmentation, feature extraction and learning, and finally building roof labeling in a supervised pre-trained Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) framework to have an automatic recognition system for various types of buildings over an urban area. In this framework, the height information provides invariant geometric features for convolutional neural network to localize the boundary of each individual roofs. CNN is a kind of feed-forward neural network with the multilayer perceptron concept which consists of a number of convolutional and subsampling layers in an adaptable structure and it is widely used in pattern recognition and object detection application. Since the training dataset is a small library of labeled models for different shapes of roofs, the computation time of learning can be decreased significantly using the pre-trained models. The experimental results highlight the effectiveness of the deep learning approach to detect and extract the pattern of buildings’ roofs automatically considering the complementary nature of height and RGB information.
How are people enticed to disclose personal information despite privacy concerns in social network sites? The calculus between benefit and cost

Although social network sites (SNS) users' privacy concerns cannot be completely removed by privacy policies and security safeguards, the user base of SNS is constantly expanding. To explain this phenomenon, we use the lens of the calculus of behavior within a cost–benefit framework suggesting privacy concerns as cost factors and behavior enticements as benefit factors and examine how the enticements operate against privacy concerns in users' cost–benefit calculus regarding disclosing personal information and using SNS continuously. Adopting social influence process theory, we examine three enticements—the motivation of relationship management through SNS, the perceived usefulness of SNS for self‐presentation, and the subjective social norms of using SNS. From a survey of 362 Facebook users who have disclosed personal information on Facebook, we find that the motivation of relationship management through SNS and the perceived usefulness of SNS for self‐presentation lead users to disclose information but that subjective social norms do not, suggesting that the perceived benefit of behavior enticements should be assimilated into users' own value systems to truly operate as benefit factors. The results regarding the positive and negative effects of suggested benefit and cost factors on information disclosure show that only the combined positive effects of all three behavior enticements exceed the negative effect of privacy concerns, suggesting that privacy concerns can be offset only by multiple benefit factors.
An Efficient EM Algorithm for Energy-Based Multisource Localization in Wireless Sensor Networks

Energy-based multisource localization is an important research problem in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Existing algorithms for this problem, such as multiresolution (MR) search and exhaustive search methods, are of either high computational complexity or low estimation accuracy. In this paper, an efficient expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm for maximum-likelihood (ML) estimation is presented for energy-based multisource localization in WSNs using acoustic sensors. The basic idea of the algorithm is to decompose each sensor's energy measurement, which is a superimposition of energy signals emitted from multiple sources, into components, each of which corresponds to an individual source, and then estimate the source parameters, such as source energy and location, as well as the decay factor of the signal during propagation. An efficient sequential dominant-source (SDS) initialization scheme and an incremental parameterized search refinement scheme are introduced to speed up the algorithm and improve the estimation accuracy. Theoretic analyses on the algorithm convergence rate, the Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRLB) for localization accuracy, and the computational complexity of the algorithm are also given. The simulation results show that the proposed EM algorithm provides a good tradeoff between estimation accuracy and computational complexity.
Simulation of a computational winding filament model with an exponential spring to represent titin

The goal of developing high fidelity simulation of muscle force is of considerable interest for the biomedical community. Traditionally Hill models have been incorporated. However, feasible scope of the Hill model is inherently limited, especially in light of the growing relevance of muscle history dependence. History dependence is considered to be significant for motor control and stability. Attempts have been made to augment the Hill model to emulate history dependence. The titin winding filament model best elucidates history dependence of muscle force including force enhancement. The recent version of the titin winding filament model accounts for the functionality of titin through a pulley linked with the contractile element and a linear spring to represent the elastic properties of titin. A new and more realistic amendment to the winding filament model is incorporation of an exponential spring to characterize the elastic properties of titin. A sensitivity study as a function of the titin exponential spring constant is presented. Overall the amalgamation of the titin exponential spring to the winding filament model improves the respective force enhancement characteristics with a relatively more optimal exponential spring constant that provides a maximal averaged coefficient of determination.
Associations between psychosis endophenotypes across brain functional, structural, and cognitive domains

Abstract Background A range of endophenotypes characterise psychosis, however there has been limited work understanding if and how they are inter-related. Methods This multi-centre study includes 8754 participants: 2212 people with a psychotic disorder, 1487 unaffected relatives of probands, and 5055 healthy controls. We investigated cognition [digit span (N = 3127), block design (N = 5491), and the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (N = 3543)], electrophysiology [P300 amplitude and latency (N = 1102)], and neuroanatomy [lateral ventricular volume (N = 1721)]. We used linear regression to assess the interrelationships between endophenotypes. Results The P300 amplitude and latency were not associated (regression coef. −0.06, 95% CI −0.12 to 0.01, p = 0.060), and P300 amplitude was positively associated with block design (coef. 0.19, 95% CI 0.10–0.28, p < 0.001). There was no evidence of associations between lateral ventricular volume and the other measures (all p > 0.38). All the cognitive endophenotypes were associated with each other in the expected directions (all p < 0.001). Lastly, the relationships between pairs of endophenotypes were consistent in all three participant groups, differing for some of the cognitive pairings only in the strengths of the relationships. Conclusions The P300 amplitude and latency are independent endophenotypes; the former indexing spatial visualisation and working memory, and the latter is hypothesised to index basic processing speed. Individuals with psychotic illnesses, their unaffected relatives, and healthy controls all show similar patterns of associations between endophenotypes, endorsing the theory of a continuum of psychosis liability across the population.
Pathologies of Open Data Platforms and Desired Transparency-Related Affordances for Future Platforms

The increasing volumes of datasets published on open data platforms have had little impact on the public use of open data and perceived transparency of respective governments. At the same time, the innovation potentials of these datasets are far from realized due to many factors including poor quality of datasets. While past studies have attempted to catalog barriers to open data exploitation and use; few studies have focused on the role of the available open data platforms in tackling this problem. In addressing this gap, this research work examines the problems (or pathologies) associated with the use of current generation of open data platforms and perspectives of stakeholders on desirable features and affordances. Results from our analysis of existing platforms and stakeholders' views show several limiting factors on available platforms. Findings also provide insights into three categories of platform affordances that could spur greater use of open data published on these platforms and enhanced transparency of respective governments.
Method of the Analysis of Gender Segregation at the Regional Labour Market

The labour markets of both a region and a country are characterized by a certain level of gender segregation. For the objective assessment of this phenomenon it is necessary to have a clear understanding of how this level changes over time, which processes at the labour market and in society facilitate the increase or decrease of gender asymmetry in the distribution of employees between economic activities and occupations and which economic consequences are caused by segregation. The questions raised are studied in the paper in terms of the dynamics of employed by the economic activities, which on the one hand reflects the desire of workers to be employed in certain activities and, on the other hand, characterizes the real employment opportunities. In order to identify the gender peculiarities of the changes in the regional employment structure, the authors suggested the methodology, based on the qualitative and quantitative approach to the assessment of the dynamics of the number of employed. The use of the index of dissimilarity allowed defining the share of employers of the same gender, which should have changed the sphere of activity provided that the employees of the other gender remain at their jobs, in order to achieve the equal distribution of men and women by economic activities. The obtained data confirm the necessity to implement the measures for the reduction of the gender segregation in the employment structure of the regional employment. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015. v6n3s7p161
Getting Along: The Evolution of Dispute Resolution Regimes in International Trade Organizations

In the face of the remarkable growth of international organizations in the last fifty years, scholars in multiple disciplines have applied various theories in trying to explain why and how states cooperate. This article uses these theories as a window through which we can examine how states resolve disputes. Dispute resolution is one of the most crucial issues of international cooperation and the increased cooperation in this area has led to the creation of different regimes of dispute resolution. Examining the dispute resolution regimes of international organizations in light of these theories can inform and help reform these evolving regimes. This article first explores five legal factors that differentiate between the types of dispute resolution regimes. These five factors-direct effect, standing, supremacy, transparency and enforcement-are not exhaustive. However, it is the differences in each of these factors and the combination of these factors that have dictated the form and function of the four current dispute resolution regimes currently in use by international trade organizations. Next, this article introduces a four-part clarification of dispute resolution regimes. I call these four regimes "Negotiation," "Investment Arbitration," "International Court" and "Supranational Adjudication. " The Negotiation Regime is exemplified by the dispute settlement system of the General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs (GATT) as it existed prior to the creation of the WTO as well as the current form of Chapter 20 of the NAFTA. The second regime is Investment Arbitration. Examples of this regime include arbitration under the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), and arbitration under the UN Commission for International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) rules for ad hoc arbitration. Both of these arbitration options are provided for in most bilateral investment treaties and also in Chapter 11B of NAFTA. The third regime of dispute resolution is International Adjudication. An example of this regime of dispute resolution is the new dispute resolution understanding of the WTO. The fourth and final regime of dispute resolution is the Supranational Court. The classic example of this type of dispute resolution is the ECJ for the EU. After reviewing the types of regimes, the latter sections of the article attempt to assess the effectiveness of current dispute settlement regimes using theories from economics and political science as well as outlining directions for future work in this area.