Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Hopkins symptoms checklist in 25 items : translations in Castilian, Galician, Catalan, French, Greek, Italian, Polish, Bulgarian and Croatian synthesis

Depression is the second most common chronic disorder in primary care. Inter-individual and cross-cultural variations can alter the expression of symptoms. The 25-item Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL-25) was selected by the Family Practice Depression and Multimorbidity (FPDM) study of the European General Practice Research Network (EGPRN) as the most appropriate to diagnose depression according to criteria efficiency, reproducibility and ergonomics versus DSM. The objective was to synthesize the linguistic translations previously produced in Galician, Castilian, Catalan, French, Italian, Greek, Croatian, Bulgarian, German, Polish. Method : Backward-forward translation by Delphi rounds was used to make consensus. A panel of general practitioners (Gp) experts was recruited by a national investigator (NI) in each country. The quantitative data was made with a Likert scale. Consents and anonymity were guaranteed by NI. The backward translation was carried out blind from the original. Results : The panel complies with the inclusion criteria. A single round delphi was needed in Poland, Bulgaria, Germany, Castile and Catalonia, a German version already existed, items were accepted with commantaries. Two were necessary in France, Croatia, Greece, Galicia, Italy after experts disagreed on few items. No more rounds were necessaries. Discussion : Delphi procedure and the quality of the panel of experts guarantee a validated and reliable translation of the HSCL-25. The interest of these translations from English is in teaching, research and practice in primary care. Conclusion : A translation of the HSCL-25 is available in 9 European languages. The next step is a cultural analysis of the translation which will ensure the semantic reproducibility between the original version and the translation.
A novel visual immunoassay for coeliac disease screening

To date, the most commonly accepted techniques for the screening of coeliac disease are indirect immunofluorescence and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), which reveal antiendomysium and antigliadin antibodies respectively. We report the use of a simple visual system for coeliac disease screening based on the use of Staphylococcus aureus protein A, which binds to both IgG and IgA, thus avoiding the need for two parallel immunoassays.
Fabrication of superhydrophobic surfaces by a Pt nanowire array on Ti/Si substrates

Superhydrophobic surfaces were prepared on Ti/Si substrates via the fabrication of a platinum (Pt) nanowire array. The Pt nanowire array was obtained by dc electrodeposition of Pt into the pores of an anodic aluminium oxide (AAO) template on the substrate followed by the removal of the template. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) examination demonstrated that all the nanowires have uniform diameter of about 30 nm. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) showed that the structures at both the micrometre scale and nanometre scale bestowed the prerequisite roughness on the surfaces. The chemical surface modification made the Pt nanowire array superhydrophobic. The surface modified Pt nanowire array exhibited superhydrophobicity even in corrosive solutions over a wide pH range, such as acidic or basic solutions. The results demonstrated that the Pt nanowire array will have good potential applications in the preparation of superhydrophobic surfaces.
Intermittent Discharging for Lead-Acid Batteries

Experiments are carried out to demonstrate that the stored energy in lead-acid batteries can be efficiently exploited if the discharge periods are interleaved with the rest periods. The experimental results reveal that an intermittent discharging current with a longer rest time at a higher frequency can release more charge to the load. It is interesting to find a significant increase in releasable capacity by executing an intermittent discharging current at the deeper discharge state but a negative effect at the earlier stage of a discharging cycle. An efficient discharging profile with intermittent current is figured out based on the investigation results.
Half-Hot State Assignments for Finite State Machines

The state assignment problem for the programmable logic array (PLA) implementation of finite state machines is considered. It is pointed out that the number of PLA columns can be reduced by using state assignments leading to logic that is unate in the state variables. Half-hot state assignments are proposed, where each state has an encoding in which exactly half the state variables are equal to 1. >
An efficient matrix fill-in scheme for surface integral equation with higher order hierarchical vector basis functions

An efficient matrix fill-in scheme is used into Galerkin-type method of moments (MoM) solution of the surface integral equation (SIE) with higher order geometrical modeling and higher order hierarchical vector basis functions. The scheme is achieved by an integral transformation. In contrast to previous studies on conventional higher order SIE, our scheme is reported for the first time in SIE. Compared with the conventional scheme, our scheme requires much less matrix fill-in time, while the memory, iteration performance and accuracy remain at the same level. Numerical results are given to demonstrate the efficiency of our scheme.
Social predictors of non-attendance in an urban mammographic screening programme: A multilevel analysis

Objective: Rate of non-attendance following invitation for breast cancer screening is related to several socioeconomic conditions. To what extent this reflects differences with regard to individual and environmental circumstances, respectively, has received little attention. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of individual socioeconomic and area-level determinants on variations in non-attendance among geographic areas in an urban mammographic service screening programme. Methods: The study population consisted of 32,119 women invited for mammographic screening in 1990—93, residing in 97 neighbourhoods in the city of Malmö in Sweden. The influence of the individual factors age, marital status, education, housing accommodation, household income, and area-level circumstances, e.g. rate of migration and rate of being gainfully employed, on the rate of non-attendance was assessed by multilevel analysis. Results: Area rates of non-attendance ranged from 18% to 63%. Of the total variability in non-attendance, 4.3% was between neighbourhoods. This effect was significantly reduced when adjusting for the individual factors. The area-level factors, migration, and rate of being gainfully employed reduced and almost erased the neighbourhood variance in non-attendance. Conclusion: In addition to individual socioeconomic factors, area-level factors seem to be important determinants of neighbourhood rates of non-attendance in an urban mammographic screening programme. In a public health perspective neighbourhoods may be targeted in order to affect the problem of non-attendance in mammographic screening.
Adenosine-induced hyperpolarization in guinea pig coronary artery involves A2b receptors and KATP channels.

The role of P1 purinoceptor subtypes, the adenylyl cyclase (AC) pathway, and ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels in adenosine (Ado)-induced membrane hyperpolarization was investigated in isolated segments of the guinea pig coronary artery using conventional microelectrode techniques. Ado (1-100 microM) elicited concentration-dependent hyperpolarization (half-maximal effective concentration 7.5 +/- 0.5 microM) that averaged 28.6 +/- 2.9 mV at 100 microM Ado. The A1 selective agonist N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA), the A1/A2 agonist 2-chloroadenosine, and the A2a/A2b agonist 5-(N-ethylcarboxamido)adenosine (NECA) each induced glibenclamide (3 microM)-sensitive hyperpolarization at 10 microM. However, the selective A2a-receptor agonists CGS-21680 and N6-[2-(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-(2-methoxyphenyl]ethyladenosine (10 microM each) were without effect. Responses to CPA and NECA were significantly reduced by the AC inhibitor SQ-22,536 (100 microM). Activation of the AC-adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP)-protein kinase A (PKA) pathway by four additional methods, i.e., 1) forskolin (0.3-1 microM), 2) isoproterenol (0.1-1 microM), 3) combined milrinone (0.4 microM) and rolipram (30 microM), and 4) combined N6-phenyladenosine 3',5'-monophosphate, 8-(6-aminohexyl)aminoadenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate, and the Sp-isomer of 5,6-dichloro-1-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole-3', 5'-cyclic monophosphothioate (100 microM each), also gave rise to glibenclamide-sensitive hyperpolarization. These results suggest that stimulation of A2b receptors coupled to AC represents the predominant mechanism by which Ado elicits hyperpolarization in this vessel. The ensuing increase in cAMP activates PKA, which then increases the activity of KATP channels. Our results further suggest that KATP channels are an important target for numerous pathways that raise cAMP levels in the coronary artery.
A compiler generator for visual languages

Building a compiler for a visual programming language is a significant task, and is complicated by the difficulty in handling visual syntax. Object-oriented picture layout grammars are a grammar formalism for defining visual syntax that uses C++ to define graphical attributes and constraints. SPARGEN is a compiler-compiler that automatically generates a visual language compiler from an OOPLG specification. This paper describes how SPARGEN can be used to construct compilers for visual programming languages. <<ETX>>
Prediction of protein secondary structure content for the twilight zone sequences

Secondary protein structure carries information about local structural arrangements, which include three major conformations: α‐helices, β‐strands, and coils. Significant majority of successful methods for prediction of the secondary structure is based on multiple sequence alignment. However, multiple alignment fails to provide accurate results when a sequence comes from the twilight zone, that is, it is characterized by low (<30%) homology. To this end, we propose a novel method for prediction of secondary structure content through comprehensive sequence representation, called PSSC‐core. The method uses a multiple linear regression model and introduces a comprehensive feature‐based sequence representation to predict amount of helices and strands for sequences from the twilight zone. The PSSC‐core method was tested and compared with two other state‐of‐the‐art prediction methods on a set of 2187 twilight zone sequences. The results indicate that our method provides better predictions for both helix and strand content. The PSSC‐core is shown to provide statistically significantly betterresults when compared with the competing methods, reducing the prediction error by 5–7% for helix and 7–9% for strand content predictions. The proposed feature‐based sequence representation uses a comprehensive set of physicochemical properties that are custom‐designed for each of the helix and strand content predictions. It includes composition and composition moment vectors, frequency of tetra‐peptides associated with helical and strand conformations, various property‐based groups like exchange groups, chemical groups of the side chains and hydrophobic group, auto‐correlations based on hydrophobicity, side‐chain masses, hydropathy, and conformational patterns for β‐sheets. The PSSC‐core method provides an alternative for predicting the secondary structure content that can be used to validate and constrain results of other structure prediction methods. At the same time, it also provides useful insight into design of successful protein sequence representations that can be used in developing new methods related to prediction of different aspects of the secondary protein structure. Proteins 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Singing and Science

Starting out from Manuel Garcia, attention is paid to the work of outstanding personalities having excelled both in performing arts as singers as well as in scientific elaborations. The main focus will be on two aspects: the controversies about the principles of voice production as provoked by Raoul Husson and his revolutionary ideas, and the influence of the vocal tract on the formation of the sound of the voice. Both of these topics offer the opportunity of referring to the basic contributions of the Groningen voice research pioneers Janwillem van den Berg and his scholar Harm Schutte. For the online edition, supplementary material in the form of video and audio clips contributes to a kaleidoscopic compilation of a series of selected fragments representing the fascinating field of the human voice.
Brain‐Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels in the Nervous System of Wild‐Type and Neurotrophin Gene Mutant Mice

Abstract: Although brain‐derived neurotrophic factor is the most abundant and widely distributed neurotrophin in the nervous system, reproducible determinations of its levels have been hampered by difficulties in raising suitable monoclonal antibodies. Following immunization of mice with recombinant fish and mammalian brain‐derived neurotrophic factor, monoclonal antibodies were generated and used in an immunoassay based on the recognition of two different epitopes. Neither antibody cross‐reacts with neurotrophin homodimers other than brain‐derived neurotrophic factor, although reactivity was detected with brain‐derived neurotrophic factor/neurotrophin‐3 heterodimers. As both nerve growth factor and neurotrophin‐3 are known to affect the development of a variety of neurons expressing the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (bdnf) gene, this assay was used to determine levels in tissues isolated from newborn mice carrying a null mutation in the nerve growth factor (ngf) or the neurotrophin‐3 (nt3) gene. Marked differences were observed between mutants and wild‐type littermates in the PNS, but not in the CNS, suggesting that neither nerve growth factor nor neurotrophin‐3 is a unique regulator of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor levels in the newborn mouse CNS.
Breast cancer risk factors: PCB congeners

The chronic effects of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a public health concern, and a potential relationship with breast cancer has been postulated. The purpose of this study was to examine the possible relationship between PCBs and breast cancer. All women (134) treated by excision biopsy because of breast lump at Reina Sofia University Hospital, Cordoba, Spain over a period of 10 months were included in our study. They were all administered a questionnaire by interview, calculation of body mass index, histopathological examination of excised mass and chemical estimation of PCB congener levels in breast fat. The collected samples were from 65 (48.5%) women with benign lesions and 69 (51.5%) with malignant lesions. The variables associated with malignant lesions on univariate analysis were age, lactation period, overweight, PCB n‐28 and PCB n‐52. On the multivariate analysis PCB n‐28 was found to be the most important risk factor (OR 9.6, 95% CI 3.8–24.4). Other risk factors were identified as age, drinking alcohol, low parity and overweight. If these findings can be confirmed in a large study population, however, they may have important implications for breast cancer risk.
A New Multimedia Synchronization Model

The paper presents a hierarchical synchronization model for the description of the time relations and regimes necessary for the presentation of multimedia or animated data which have either natural or implied time dependencies. The model generalizes some previous multimedia synchronization models by unifying time and event based synchronization concepts and offering a consistent framework in which to handle dynamic media presentation functionality.
A high-power-factor half-bridge doubler boost converter without commutation losses

This paper proposes a high-power-factor half-bridge doubler boost converter without commutation losses, which provides high output voltages, i.e., from 600 to 900 V. The voltages across the semiconductor devices are low and approximately equal to the output voltage, as doubled output voltages and reduced high-frequency ripple can be achieved. A detailed mathematical analysis concerning its operation is presented, and simulation and experimental results describe the converter performance.
Changes in prevalence, severity, and recovery in tardive dyskinesia with age.

Advancing age is one of the few factors suggested to predict increased risk of tardive dyskinesias (TDs). By pooling and reanalyzing available epidemiological data, we found strong linear correlations between ages (< 40 to 70 years) and both the prevalences and severity of TD, while neither increased significantly after age 70 years. There was also a strong inverse correlation between rates of spontaneous remission of TD and age (< 30 to > 80 years); TD in those younger than 60 years improved over three times as often as in older patients. These correlations are not readily explained by the duration of previous exposure to neuroleptic drugs and may reflect increased sensitivity of the aging brain to them. These observations support caution in the prolonged use of neuroleptics in patients older than age 50 years but encourage optimism for eventual spontaneous remission of TD in young adults.
Hypertension Knowledge-Level Scale (HK-LS): A Study on Development, Validity and Reliability

This study was conducted to develop a scale to measure knowledge about hypertension among Turkish adults. The Hypertension Knowledge-Level Scale (HK-LS) was generated based on content, face, and construct validity, internal consistency, test re-test reliability, and discriminative validity procedures. The final scale had 22 items with six sub-dimensions. The scale was applied to 457 individuals aged ≥18 years, and 414 of them were re-evaluated for test-retest reliability. The six sub-dimensions encompassed 60.3% of the total variance. Cronbach alpha coefficients were 0.82 for the entire scale and 0.92, 0.59, 0.67, 0.77, 0.72, and 0.76 for the sub-dimensions of definition, medical treatment, drug compliance, lifestyle, diet, and complications, respectively. The scale ensured internal consistency in reliability and construct validity, as well as stability over time. Significant relationships were found between knowledge score and age, gender, educational level, and history of hypertension of the participants. No correlation was found between knowledge score and working at an income-generating job. The present scale, developed to measure the knowledge level of hypertension among Turkish adults, was found to be valid and reliable.
Adaptive Surface Visualization of Vessels with Animated Blood Flow

The investigation of hemodynamic information for the assessment of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) gained importance in recent years. Improved flow measuring modalities and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations yield in reliable blood flow information. For a visual exploration of the flow information, domain experts are used to investigate the flow information combined with its enclosed vessel anatomy. Since the flow is spatially embedded in the surrounding vessel surface, occlusion problems have to be resolved. A visual reduction of the vessel surface that still provides important anatomical features is required. We accomplish this by applying an adaptive surface visualization inspired by the suggestive contour measure. Furthermore, an illustration is employed to highlight the animated pathlines and to emphasize nearby surface regions. Our approach combines several visualization techniques to improve the perception of surface shape and depth. Thereby, we ensure appropriate visibility of the embedded flow information, which can be depicted with established or advanced flow visualization techniques. We apply our approach to cerebral aneurysms and aortas with simulated and measured blood flow. An informal user feedback with nine domain experts, we confirm the advantages of our approach compared with existing methods, e.g. semi‐transparent surface rendering. Additionally, we assessed the applicability and usefulness of the pathline animation with highlighting nearby surface regions.
EXPRESSION OF EMOTIONS IN GAMES BELONGING TO THE PSYCHOMOTOR DOMAIN : PERSPECTIVES ON GENDER

This essay is part of an international research project entitled “Games and Emotions”, which was created by Lavega et al. (2008) at the Centre for Investigation of Praxiological Studies of the University of Lérida. The main purpose of this study is to provide a deeper analysis of the relation between games or motor-skill practices and emotions considering the bases of Motor Praxeology. The study samples included 98 first-year undergraduate students of both genders from the Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education of the University of Coimbra during the 2008–2009 academic term. The quasi-experimental methodology was used along with the hypothetical-deductive method, and the data collection instruments – a questionnaire on sports background and a recording sheet containing the emotions displayed during real game situations – were taken from the main project after being translated from Catalan. The emotions were divided into three categories: positive (joy, good humour, love, well being), negative (anger, fear, anxiety, sadness, shame, disgust), and ambiguous (hope, surprise, compassion), and they were valuated according to a scale of 0 to 10. The data analysis was carried out through the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 15.0, as that software fits the nature of the study. The results showed that females had more homogeneous emotions and a more stable behaviour in psychomotor-skill games, with very low levels of negative emotions.
Kwetsbaar en eenzaam

Rapport is in druk als in pdf (vanaf deze pagina te downloaden) beschikbaar. Eenzaamheid wordt beschouwd als een probleem in de vergrijzende samenleving. Het lijkt een hardnekkig verschijnsel waar geen eenvoudige oplossingen voor bestaan. Om vereenzaming van mensen in de samenleving te kunnen bestrijden, zullen we het verschijnsel eerst beter moeten leren kennen. Heeft eenzaamheid bijvoorbeeld met ouderdom te maken? Zijn mensen die hulp nodig hebben vatbaarder voor vereenzaming? Beschermt een grote vriendenkring tegen eenzaamheid? Maakt vereenzaming mensen ongelukkig? Deze studie biedt inzichten in de ontwikkeling van eenzaamheid in de samenleving en bij individuele burgers. In het bijzonder bij drie kwetsbare groepen, namelijk: ouderen, verpleeghuisbewoners en mensen die zich melden bij de Wmo voor ondersteuning. Tevens verkent deze studie de achterliggende factoren die samen leiden tot sterke gevoelens van eenzaamheid.