Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Recommender Systems for Technology Enhanced Learning ( RecSysTEL 2010 ) Issues and Considerations regarding Sharable Data Sets for Recommender Systems in Technology Enhanced Learning

This paper raises the issue of missing data sets for recommender systems in Technology Enhanced Learning that can be used as benchmarks to compare different recommendation approaches. It discusses how suitable data sets could be created according to some initial suggestions, and investigates a number of steps that may be followed in order to develop reference data sets that will be adopted and reused within a scientific community. In addition, policies are discussed that are needed to enhance sharing of data sets by taking into account legal protection rights. Finally, an initial elaboration of a representation and exchange format for sharable TEL data sets is carried out. The paper concludes with future research needs. © 2010 Published by Elsevier B.V.
Recommendations for the care of individuals with an inherited predisposition to Lynch syndrome: a systematic review.

CONTEXT About 2% of all colorectal cancer occurs in the context of the autosomal dominantly inherited Lynch syndrome, which is due to mutations in mismatch repair genes. Potential risk-reducing interventions are recommended for individuals known to have these mutations. OBJECTIVES To review cancer risks and data on screening efficacy in the context of Lynch syndrome (hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer) and to provide recommendations for clinical management for affected families, based on available evidence and expert opinion. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SELECTION A systematic literature search using PubMed and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, reference list review of retrieved articles, manual searches of relevant articles, and direct communication with other researchers in the field. Search terms included hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer, Lynch syndrome, microsatellite instability, mismatch repair genes, and terms related to the biology of Lynch syndrome. Only peer-reviewed, full-text, English-language articles concerning human subjects published between January 1, 1996, and February 2006 were included. The US Preventive Services Task Force's 2-tier system was adapted to describe the quality of evidence and to assign strength to the recommendations for each guideline. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS The evidence supports colonoscopic surveillance for individuals with Lynch syndrome, although the optimal age at initiation and frequency of examinations is unresolved. Colonoscopy is recommended every 1 to 2 years starting at ages 20 to 25 years (age 30 years for those with MSH6 mutations), or 10 years younger than the youngest age of the person diagnosed in the family. While fully acknowledging absence of demonstrated efficacy, the following are also recommended annually: endometrial sampling and transvaginal ultrasound of the uterus and ovaries (ages 30-35 years); urinalysis with cytology (ages 25-35 years); history, examination, review of systems, education and genetic counseling regarding Lynch syndrome (age 21 years). Regular colonoscopy was favored for at-risk persons without colorectal neoplasia. For individuals who will undergo surgical resection of a colon cancer, subtotal colectomy is favored. Evidence supports the efficacy of prophylactic hysterectomy and oophorectomy. CONCLUSIONS The past 10 years have seen major advances in the understanding of Lynch syndrome. Current recommendations regarding cancer screening and prevention require careful consultation between clinicians, clinical cancer genetic services, and well-informed patients.
Microalbuminuria in the paediatric age: current knowledge and emerging questions

The prevalence of microalbuminuria (MA) in children and adolescents differs from the one in adults, and it is estimated to be about 5.7–7.3% in boys and 12.7–15.1% in girls. The percentage is greater in smaller age group, whereas a positive association is found between albumin excretion rate and pubertal development stage in nondiabetic subjects. The data so far suggest that impairment of glucose metabolism, obesity‐related proatherosclerotic pathways and the impact of haemodynamic load constitute major determinants of albuminuria development in the early years of life. In everyday practice if persistent MA is present at a young age, especially in the setting of diabetes, further investigation of cardiovascular risk factors, a more careful follow‐up and dietary/lifestyle interventions are needed.
Intra-aural muscular reflexes elicited by air current stimulation of the external ear. Preliminary report.

A review is given of the intra-aural muscular reflexes elicited by air current stimulation of the external human ear. Air current stimulation is advantageous compared with acoustic stimulation, being independent of the hearing in the contralateral ear, provided the reflex path is intact. The diagnostic scope of impedance measurements is thus substantially increased.
A UV-Erasable Stacked Diode-Switch Organic Nonvolatile Bistable Memory on Plastic Substrates

In this letter, we demonstrate a robust and stacked diode-switch organic nonvolatile bistable memory (DS-ONBM) using polymer-chain-stabilized gold nanoparticles on a plastic substrate in ambient air. The absorption spectrum of the gold nanoparticles shows ultraviolet (UV) absorption. Therefore, UV light is used to erase data in the DS-ONBM. The data in the memory can be retained for more than ten days in the air. The estimated retention time is nearly a year. This DS-ONBM is demonstrated to read, write, and retain the data and is reusable by UV-light illumination. Hence, the UV-erasable DS-ONBM is fully applicable in printed electronics such as RFID tags.
HbA1c and heart failure risk among diabetic patients.

CONTEXT Diabetes is an independent risk factor for heart failure (HF); however, it is not known whether tight glycemic control can reduce the occurrence of HF among diabetic patients. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to investigate the race-specific association of different levels of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) with the risk of HF among patients with diabetes. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS We prospectively investigated the race-specific association of different levels of HbA1c at baseline and during an average of 6.5 years of follow-up with incident HF risk among 17 181 African American and 12 446 white diabetic patients within the Louisiana State University Hospital System. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE We measured incident HF until May 31, 2012. RESULTS During follow-up, 5089 HF incident cases were identified. The multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios of HF associated with different levels of HbA1c at baseline (<6.0% [reference group], 6.0-6.9%, 7.0-7.9%, 8.0-8.9%, 9.0-9.9%, and ≥10.0%,) were 1.00, 1.02 (95% confidence interval, 0.91-1.15), 1.21 (1.05-1.38), 1.29 (1.12-1.50), 1.37 (1.17-1.61), and 1.49 (1.31-1.69) (P trend < .001) for African American diabetic patients, and 1.00, 1.09 (0.96-1.22), 1.09 (0.95-1.26), 1.43 (1.22-1.67), 1.49 (1.25-1.77), and 1.61 (1.38-1.87) (P trend < .001) for white diabetic patients, respectively. This graded positive association was also present in diabetic patients with and without glucose-lowering agent treatment; in diabetic patients with different age, gender, and smoking status; and in incident HF defined as systolic HF (ejection fraction ≤ 40%) and HF with a preserved ejection fraction (ejection fraction > 40%). CONCLUSIONS The current study suggests a graded positive association of HbA1c with the risk of HF among both African American and white patients with diabetes.
Lab meets real life: A laboratory assessment of spontaneous thought and its ecological validity

People’s minds frequently wander towards self-generated thoughts, which are unrelated to external stimuli or demands. These phenomena, referred to as “spontaneous thought” (ST) and “mind wandering” (MW), have previously been linked with both costs and benefits. Current assessments of ST and MW have predominantly been conducted in the laboratory, whereas studies on the ecological validity of such lab-related constructs and their interrelations are rare. The current study examined the stability of ST dimensions assessed in the lab and their predictive value with respect to MW, repetitive negative thought (uncontrollable rumination, RUM), and affect in daily life. Forty-three university students were assessed with the Amsterdam Resting State Questionnaire (2nd version) to assess ten ST dimensions during the resting state in two laboratory sessions, which were separated by five days of electronic ambulatory assessment (AA). During AA, individuals indicated the intensity of MW and RUM, as well as of positive and negative affect in daily life ten times a day. ST dimensions measured in the lab were moderately stable across one week. Five out of ten ST lab dimensions were predicted by mental health-related symptoms or by dispositional cognitive traits. Hierarchical linear models revealed that a number of ST lab dimensions predicted cognitive and affective states in daily life. Mediation analyses showed that RUM, but not MW per se, accounted for the relationship between specific ST lab dimensions and mood in daily life. By using a simple resting state task, we could demonstrate that a number of lab dimensions of spontaneous thought are moderately stable, are predicted by mental health symptoms and cognitive traits, and show plausible associations with categories of self-generated thought and mood in daily life.
Internet of Things - potential for libraries

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to subject the potential of Internet of Things (IoT) technology for libraries in terms of the possible scope and usage forms of this technology in public and academic library services. Design/methodology/approach – Based on analysis of the subject literature, the main areas of IoT applications in commercial institutions were identified, then an analysis of Library and Information Science English-language literature from the years 2010 to 2015 was conducted in order to create a profile of modern library services. The range of activities of commercial and non-commercial institutions were compared to ascertain if areas in which commercial entities using or planning to use IoT could also be an inspiration for libraries. In this way, a theoretical model of IoT use in library activities was developed. Findings – The research showed that IoT technology might have the potential to be used in library services and other activities, similar to how it is implemented in the comme.
Two novel ALDH7A1 (antiquitin) splicing mutations associated with pyridoxine‐dependent seizures

Pyridoxine‐dependent seizures (PDS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder causing intractable seizures in neonates and infants. Patients are typically resistant to conventional anticonvulsants but respond well to the administration of pyridoxine. We report two unrelated patients affected with PDS as a result of α‐aminoadipic semialdehyde (α‐AASA) dehydrogenase deficiency caused by pathogenic ALDH7A1/antiquitin mutations. Two of the three reported mutations are novel and result in erroneous splicing, as showed by messenger RNA (mRNA) studies.
Occurrence of polychlorinated biphenyls and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in green mussels (Perna viridis) from Singapore, Southeast Asia

The green mussel, Perna viridis, was used in this study to measure levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and, for the first time, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) in the marine environment. Samples were collected from eight different locations in the coastal waters of Singapore between April and May 2002. Forty‐one PCB and 21 PBDE congeners were quantified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and were all positively detected in the mussel tissues. Total concentrations in green mussel tissues ranged from 6.1 to 82 ng/g and 2.0 to 38 ng/g on a dry‐weight basis for PCBs and PBDEs, respectively. Such levels reflect the ubiquity of these persistent organic pollutants in a tropical marine environment. Principal component analysis was applied to the PCB data and revealed similarities in the congener composition of mussel tissues to that of the commercial PCB mixture, Aroclor 1254. The PBDE levels, to date, were approximately one order of magnitude greater than the upper concentrations reported for blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) tissues in Europe. At some sampling sites, the congener composition of PBDEs in P. viridis tissues indicated recent exposure to a commercial pentabrominated flame retardant.
DNA repair gene O6‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase: Promoter hypermethylation associated with decreased expression and G:C to A:T mutations of p53 in brain tumors

The DNA repair enzyme O6‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) removes alkylating adducts from the O6 position of guanine and protects cells from cytotoxic and mutagenic effects. Expression of MGMT is decreased in some cancers, which may be the result of methylation of CpG islands of both the promoter and coding regions of the gene. We studied the methylation status of the MGMT promoter in a very large collection of brain tumors (85) using methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Aberrant methylation occurred in 48% of 85 human brain tumor samples. Quantitative real‐time PCR showed that expression of MGMT mRNA levels was significantly decreased (P < 0.001) in those brain tumors that had methylation of the promoter region of their MGMT gene. MGMT can prevent G to A mutations by removing alkyl groups from the O6 position of guanine. We found a significantly increased frequency of G:C to A:T mutations of the p53 gene in brain tumors having a methylated MGMT promoter compared with those having an unmethylated MGMT promoter (P < 0.05), and all the non–CpG dinucleotide G:C to A:T mutations of p53 were in samples with a methylated MGMT promoter. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A critical review on physical factors and functional characteristics that may explain a sex/gender difference in work-related neck/shoulder disorders

The objective of this paper is to critically review recent literature on physical and functional sex/gender (s/g) differences, with focus on physical determinants associated with neck/shoulder musculoskeletal injuries. It is well known that there are s/g differences in anthropometrical and functional body characteristics (e.g. size and strength). However, s/g differences may be wrongly attributed if data analysis does not include appropriate corrections (e.g. by strength for endurance). Recent literature on motor control shows that there may indeed be s/g differences in muscle coordination and movement strategies during upper limb tasks that are not currently explained by methodological inadequacies. Moreover, recent studies have shown differences between men and women in sensory hypersensitivity characteristics associated with neck/shoulder injuries. Taken together, the literature points to the importance of accounting for possible s/g differences at all levels of the biopsychosocial system in order to better understand sex- and gender-specific issues relevant to workplace health. Practitioner Summary: This article critically reviews recent literature and a conceptual model highlighting s/g differences in physical and functional characteristics related to neck/shoulder musculoskeletal disorders (NSMSD). Findings have implications on understanding how personal factors may affect NSMSD risk. With better understanding, practitioners can make more appropriate decisions to prevent work-related NSMSD.
How Accurately Can Elbow Flexion Force Be Estimated?

The purpose of this study was to determine how accurately healthy young subjects could produce a muscular force that was 50% of their maximum and to determine the influence of several independent variables on the accuracy. On each of three nonconsecutive days, 14 men and 19 women (18 to 46 yr. old) performed three maximal elbow-flexion efforts and three efforts that they estimated to be 50% of their maximum. Isometric force was measured with a hand-held dynamometer. The estimated forces ranged from 18.3 to 81.7% of maximum. The error in force from 50% was related to whether the dominant or nondominant extremity was tested, but it was unrelated to whether maximal or submaximal efforts were performed first and to the day of testing. When the accurate generation of a submaximal force is required, naive subjects may require feedback.
Supernumerary teeth amongst Iranian orthodontic patients. A retrospective radiographic and clinical survey

Abstract Objective . To investigate the prevalence, characteristics (malocclusion, location, type) and gender distribution of supernumerary teeth (ST) in an Iranian orthodontic population. Material and methods . A retrospective study was carried out using radiographs (periapicals, panoramic) and study models of 1751 subjects (870 girls, 881 boys; age range 9–27 years). The Pearson chi-square test was used to determine differences in the distribution of ST when stratified by gender and malocclusion type. Results . Fourteen ST were found in 13 patients (six males, seven females), giving a prevalence rate of 0.74%. The prevalence rate of ST was higher in Class III malocclusions (5.2%) and was a rare finding among Class II malocclusions (0.1%). The occurrence rate of ST was higher in maxilla (78.5%) than in mandible (21.5%). The most common type of ST was the conical form (43%). We did not observe any late-developing paramolar or distomolar ST. Conclusion . The prevalence rate of ST in our study was 0.74% and ST were more common among Class III malocclusions.
THz Waveguides: The Evolution

The development of waveguides is a key element in the technical maturity of the THz field. Suitably designed waveguides can provide innovative solutions for the most fundamental problems of THz energy transfer to the more advanced problems of THz spectroscopy. This presentation will give an overview of the chronological development of THz waveguides, starting from the initial time-domain experiments to the present state-of-the-art, highlighting breakthroughs. Experimental results obtained through waveguide characterization by THz time-domain spectroscopy will be presented and compared to well-known theoretical models, looking at issues related to energy coupling, attenuation, and dispersion, as well as single and multi-mode propagation.
Why Individuals Share Their Knowledge: Extending Social Exchange Theory with Personal Traits and Task Characteristics

Motivating people to contribute knowledge has become an important research topic and a major challenge for organizations in the Knowledge Economy. In order to promote knowledge-sharing, managers need to understand the mechanism that drives individuals to contribute their valuable knowledge. Several theories have been applied to study the knowledge-sharing behavior, including social exchange, social capital, social cognitive, expectancy theories, and theory of reasoned action/theory of planned behavior (TRA/TPB). In this study, we use the social exchange theory as our base to develop a model that includes personal traits and task characteristics. We conduct a meta-analysis to see how different factors in the social exchange theory affect knowledge-sharing behavior and then use the trait activation theory to explore the moderating effect of personality trait and task characteristics. The theoretical model will be empirically tested using data collected from the members of a virtual community and employees of companies. We expect to find more insight into how the social exchange theory can be applied to explain the knowledge-sharing behavior in an organization.
Airway obstruction during periodic breathing in premature infants.

To characterize changes in pulmonary resistance, timing, and respiratory drive during periodic breathing, we studied 10 healthy preterm infants (body wt 1,340 +/- 240 g, postconceptional age 35 +/- 2 wk). Periodic breathing in these infants was defined by characteristic cycles of ventilation with intervening respiratory pauses greater than or equal to 2 s. Nasal airflow was recorded with a pneumotachometer, and esophageal or pharyngeal pressure was recorded with a fluid-filled catheter. Pulmonary resistance at half-maximal tidal volume, inspiratory time (TI), expiratory time (TE), and mean inspiratory flow (VT/TI) were derived from computer analysis of five cycles of periodic breathing per infant. In 80% of infants periodic breathing was accompanied by completely obstructed breaths at the onset of ventilatory cycles; the site of airway obstruction occurred within the pharynx. The first one-third of the ventilatory phase of each cycle was accompanied by the highest airway resistance of the entire cycle (168 +/- 98 cmH2O.l-1.s). In all infants TI was greatest at the onset of the ventilatory cycle, VT/TI was maximal at the midpoint of the cycle, and TE was longest in the latter two-thirds of each cycle. A characteristic increase and subsequent decrease of 4.5 +/- 1.9 ml in end-expiratory volume also occurred within each cycle. These results demonstrate that partial or complete airway obstruction occurs during periodic breathing. Both apnea and periodic breathing share the element of upper airway instability common to premature infants.
New Biometric Approaches for Improved Person Identification Using Facial Detection

Biometrics is measurable characteristics specific to an individual. Face detection has diverse applications especially as an identification solution which can meet the crying needs in security areas. While traditionally 2D images of faces have been used, 3D scans that contain both 3D data and registered color are becoming easier to acquire. Before 3D face images can be used to identify an individual, they require some form of initial alignment information, typically based on facial feature locations. We follow this by a discussion of the algorithms performance when constrained to frontal images and an analysis of its performance on a more complex dataset with significant head pose variation using 3D face data for detection provides a promising route to improved performance.
Microbes and microbial effector molecules in treatment of inflammatory disorders

Summary: The healthy gut tolerates very large numbers of diverse bacterial species belonging mainly to the Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes phyla. These bacteria normally coexist peacefully with the gut and help maintain immune homeostasis and tolerance. The mechanisms promoting tolerance affect various cell populations, including the epithelial cells lining the gut, resident dendritic cells (DCs), and gut‐homing T cells. Gut bacteria also influence multiple signaling pathways from Toll‐like receptors to nuclear factor κB and regulate the functionality of DCs and T cells. Several bacterial species have been identified that promote T‐cell differentiation, in particular T‐helper 17 and T‐regulatory cells. Insight into the molecular mechanisms by which bacteria mediate these effects will be very important in identifying new ways of treating intestinal and extra‐intestinal immune‐mediated diseases. These diseases are increasing dramatically in the human population and require new treatments. It may be possible in the future to identify specific bacterial species or strains that can correct for T‐cell imbalances in the gut and promote immune homeostasis, both locally and systemically. In addition, new information describing microbial genomes affords the opportunity to mine for functional genes that may lead to new generation drugs relevant to a range of inflammatory disease conditions.