Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Preschool Children Perceived by Mothers as Irregular Eaters: Physical and Psychosocial Predictors from a Birth Cohort Study

Objective: Parents often report their children display irregular eating patterns. Our aim is to describe the stability of maternal-perceived irregular eating of their offspring from 6 months to 2–4 years of age and to investigate factors that are associated with maternal perceived irregular eating of their 2–4 year old offspring. Methods: A longitudinal mother-child linked analysis was carried out using 5 year follow-up data from a population-based prospective birth cohort of 5122 mothers who were participants in the Mater-University Study of Pregnancy, Brisbane. Measures included responses to standardized questionnaires, pediatrician review and standardized measures such as the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Revised and the Child Behavior Checklist. Results: 20.2% and 7.6% of mothers respectively stated their 2–4 year old was sometimes or often an irregular eater. Continuity of feeding difficulties from age 6 months was prominent: 48% of 6 month olds with a feeding problem were ‘sometimes' or ‘often' irregular eaters at age 2–4 years. From a multivariable analysis, both child-intrinsic factors (chronic physical morbidity, sleeplessness and anxiety-depressive symptoms) and factors that impinge upon the child (poor maternal health and maternal depression and anxiety) independently contributed to irregular eating status at age 2–4 years. Conclusions: We conclude that approximately one third of mothers had some concern with their child's irregular eating, 7.6% of mothers were often concerned. Irregular eating children were usually physically well, more likely to have persisting feeding problems, sleeplessness, behavioral problems and lived with mothers with perceived poor physical and mental health. Intervention strategies should be family orientated and include child, mother and mother-child psychosocial approaches.
Security and Privacy for Mobile Social Networks

With the ever-increasing demands of people’s social interactions, traditional online social networking applications are being shifted to the mobile ones, enabling users’ social networking and interactions anywhere anytime. Due to the portability and pervasiveness of mobile devices, such as smartphones, wearable devices and tablets, Mobile Social Network (MSN), as a promising social network platform, has become increasingly popular and brought immense benefits. In MSN, users can easily discover and chat with social friends in the vicinity even without the Internet; vehicle drivers and passengers can exchange traffic information, videos or images with other vehicles on the road; customers in a shopping mall can share sale information and recommend it to their friends. With MSNs, massive opportunities are created to facilitate people’s social interactions and enlarge the inherent social circle. However, the flourish of MSNs also hinges upon fully understanding and managing the challenges, such as security threats and privacy leakage. Security and privacy concerns rise as the boom of MSN applications comes up, but few users have paid adequate attentions to protect their privacy-sensitive information from disclosing. First of all, to initiate social interactions, users sometimes exchange their social interests or preferences with each other (including strangers in the vicinity) without sufficient protections. As such, some private information may be inferred from the exchanged social interests by attackers and untrusted users. Secondly, some malicious attackers might forge fake identities or false contents, such as spam and advertisements, to disrupt MSNs or mislead other users. These attackers could even collude and launch a series of security threats to MSNs. In addition, massive social network data are usually stored in untrusted cloud servers, where data confidentiality, authentication, access control and privacy are of paramount importance. Last but not least, the trade-off between data availability and privacy should be taken into account when the data are stored, queried and processed for various MSN applications. Therefore, novel security and privacy techniques become essential for MSN to provide sufficient and adjustable protections. In this thesis, we focus on security and privacy for MSNs. Based on the MSN architecture and emerging applications, we first investigate security and privacy requirements for MSNs and introduce several challenging issues, i.e., spam, misbehaviors and privacy leakage. To tackle these problems, we propose efficient security and privacy preservation schemes for MSNs. Specifically, the main contributions of this thesis can be three-fold. Firstly, to address the issues of spam in autonomous MSNs, we propose a personalized fine-grained spam filtering scheme (PIF), which exploits social characteristics during data delivery. The PIF allows users to create personalized filters according to their social inter-
Multicentre phase II study and pharmacokinetic analysis of irinotecan in chemotherapy-naïve patients with glioblastoma.

BACKGROUND To assess the antitumour activity and safety profile of irinotecan and its pharmacokinetic interactions with anticonvulsants in patients with glioblastoma multiforme. PATIENTS AND METHODS This multicentre phase II and pharmacokinetic study investigated the effects of irinotecan 350 mg/m(2) given as a 90-min infusion every 3 weeks either prior to (group A) or after relapse following radiotherapy (group B) in chemotherapy-naïve patients with glioblastoma. Preferred concomitant medication for seizure prevention was valproic acid. Pharmacokinetic analysis of irinotecan and its main metabolites (SN-38, SN-38-G, APC and NPC) was performed during cycle 1. An independent panel of experts reviewed the activity data. RESULTS Fifty-two patients (25 patients in group A and 27 patients in group B) received a total of 191 cycles of irinotecan. Forty-six patients (22 patients in group A and 24 patients in group B) were evaluable and externally reviewed for activity. According to external review, one partial response (group B), seven minor responses (three in group A and four in group B), 12 disease stabilisations (seven in group A and five in group B) were observed. This resulted in an overall response rate of only 2.2% (95% confidence interval 0.2% to 6.5%). The median time to tumour progression was 9 weeks in group A and 14.4 weeks in group B. Six-month progression-free survival rates were 26% in group A and 43% in group B. Grade 3-4 toxicities (percentage of patients in groups A and B) consisted of neutropenia (12.5% and 25.9%), diarrhoea (8.3% and 7.4%), asthenia (12.5% and 7.4%) and vomiting (0% and 7.4%). The clearance of irinotecan was 12.4 and 14.4 l/h/m(2) in two patients who received no anticonvulsant. In patients receiving valproic acid, the clearance of irinotecan was 17.2 +/- 4.4 l/h/m(2). CONCLUSIONS Irinotecan given at the dose of 350 mg/m(2) every 3 weeks has limited clinical activity as a single agent in patients with newly diagnosed and recurrent glioblastoma after radiotherapy. The toxicity profile and plasma disposition of irinotecan and SN-38 were not strongly influenced by anticonvulsant valproic acid therapy. Although the response rate of irinotecan as a single agent was limited, it remains an attractive drug for combination studies in patients with glioblastoma.
Modulation of innate immunity by African Trypanosomes

SUMMARY The experimental studies of Brucei group trypanosomes presented here demonstrate that the balance of host and parasite factors, especially IFN-γ GPI-sVSG respectively, and the timing of cellular exposure to them, dictate the predominant MP and DC activation profiles present at any given time during infection and within specific tissues. The timing of changes in innate immune cell functions following infection consistently support the conclusion that the key events controlling host resistance occur within a short time following initial exposure to the parasite GPI substituents. Once the changes in MP and DC activities are initiated, there appears little that the host can do to reverse these changes and alter the final outcome of these regulatory events. Instead, despite the availability of multiple innate and adaptive immune mechanisms that can control parasites, there is an inability to control trypanosome numbers sufficiently to prevent the emergence and establishment of virulent trypanosomes that eventually kill the host. Overall it appears that trypanosomes have carefully orchestrated the host innate and adaptive immune response so that parasite survival and transmission, and alterations of host immunity, are to its ultimate benefit.
Competencies and Experiences Needed by Pre–service Agricultural Educators to Teach Globalized Curricula: A Modified Delphi Study

The 21st century graduate must be able to interact with people from all over the world and must also be knowledgeable about the world (Longview Foundation, 2008). In order to produce graduates that are globally competent, The National Council for the Accreditation of Teachers (NCATE, 1982) has mandated that multi–cultural education be incorporated as part of the teacher–preparation curricula. The purpose of this study was to identify competencies and experiences needed by agricultural pre–service teachers in order to teach globalized curricula. A modified Delphi method was used and the panel consisted of 13 (n = 13) experts in the field of agricultural teacher education with additional experience in international agricultural education or extension. Twenty competencies and two experiences were identified for pre–service agricultural educators to teach globalized curricula at the high school level.
Switching LPV control of an F-16 aircraft via controller state reset

In flight control, the design objective and the aircraft dynamics may be different in low and high angle of attack regions. This paper presents a systematic switching LPV control design method to determine if it is practical to use for flight control designs over a wide angle of attack region. The approach is based on multiple parameter-dependent Lyapunov functions. A family of LPV controllers are designed, and each of them is suitable for a specific parameter subspace. The state of the controller is reset to guarantee the stability requirement of the Lyapunov function when the switching event occurs. Two parameter-dependent switching logics, hysteresis switching and switching with average dwell time, are examined. The proposed switching LPV control scheme is applied to an F-16 aircraft model with different design objectives and aircraft dynamics in low and high angle of attack regions. The nonlinear simulation results using both switching logics are compared.
Electrocardiographic Changes and Mortality Due to Myocardial Infarction in Rats With or Without Imidapril Treatment

Background: Various angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors are known to improve heart function and prolong survival in patients and animals after myocardial infarction. Because myocardial infarction is known to induce arrhythmias, this study tested the hypoth esis that early treatment with the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor imidapril reduces mortality during acute myocardial infarction because of protective effects against arrhythmogenesis. Methods and Results: Rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham control, myocar dial infarction, sham plus imidapril, and myocardial infarction plus imidapril. Myocardial infarction was produced by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Treated rats received imidapril (1 mg/kg/day) through a gastric tube beginning 1 hour after coronary occlusion; control rats received tap water. Electrocardiograms (ECGs) were recorded 1, 3, 7, and 21 days postocclusion. Infarct size and scar weight were determined at 21 days in the myocardial infarction groups with and without imidapril treatment. ECGs of untreated rats showed ST-segment changes, abnormal Q waves, premature ventricular complexes, and QTc prolongation 1-21 days after coronary occlusion. Total mortality in 21 days averaged 35% in untreated rats; mortality within 48 hours was 30%. On the other hand, imidapril-treated rats showed fewer ST-segment changes, fewer abnormal Q waves, and a decreased inci dence of premature ventricular complexes after coronary occlusion; the ST-segment and QTc interval returned to basal values within 1 week after occlusion. Imidapril treatment did not affect the ECG pattern in sham-treated control animals. Total mortality in the imidapril- treated group in 21 days after infarction was 22.5%; mortality within 48 hours was 20% (P < .05 compared with the untreated infarction group). Infarct size and scar weight caused by coronary occlusion did not differ in the untreated and imidapril-treated groups. Conclusions: Early treatment with imidapril markedly decreases mortality in rats after acute myocardial infarction. The lower mortality is not associated with a decrease in infarct size but is consistent with a protective effect of the drug against arrhythmogenesis.
Pemphigus foliaceus Induced by Exposure to Sunlight

Background: Although there are many reports on photo-induced pemphigus, careful analysis in the development of acantholytic blister have rarely been performed in the lesions induced by photochallenge. Objective: The study was intended to elucidate the mechanisms by which ultraviolet light (UV) radiation causes the skin lesions of pemphigus foliaceus. Methods: Photochallenge-induced lesions were examined histologically and immunohistochemically over the time course with three biopsy specimens. Neutrophil adhesion assay was performed using the specimens prepared from the photochallenged lesions as substrates. Results: A small number of neutrophils were seen at 5 h after photochallenge in the dermis and epidermis, and slight acantholysis was detected at 72 h. In neutrophil adhesion assay, greater numbers of neutrophils adhered to the upper epidermis of the skin obtained at 5 h after challenge. Conclusions: Our results suggest that both enhanced binding of autoantibodies to the epidermis after UV radiation and preferential adhesion of neutrophils to the UV-irradiated epidermis contribute to the development of acantholysis in photo- induced pemphigus foliaceus. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression on keratinocytes is not primarily responsible for the epidermal migration of neutrophils.
Huge atrial thrombus causing massive pulmonary and paradoxical embolism via patent foramen ovale.

In August 2003, a 44-year-old woman suffering from postpartum dilated cardiomyopathy was referred to our coronary care unit with the complaint of sudden-onset dyspnea. She had been monitored since 1995 because of a diagnosis of primary antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. On admission to our hospital, the patient was in respiratory distress, severely cyanotic and hypotensive. Upon physical examination, her arterial blood pressure was severely depressed (70/40 mmHg), her heart rate was 110 beats/min, and her respiration rate was 35/min. Arterial blood gases demonstrated a PaO2 of 40 mmHg and PaCO2 of 35 mmHg, with respiratory alkalosis. Therefore, she emergently underwent mechanical ventilation. Her electrocardiogram showed sinus tachycardia at a rate of 110 beats/min, poor R wave progression in all precordial leads, Q waves in lead III, and deep S waves in lead I. We immediately performed bedside transthoracic (TTE) and transesophageal (TEE) echocardiographic studies, which revealed a large mobile serpentine thrombus, entrapped in a patent foramen ovale (PFO), in the right atrium. The thrombus also extended into the left atrium and protruded into the right ventricle during the diastolic phase of the cardiac cycle (Figs. 1 and 2). Significant tricuspid regurgitation was observed; from the measurement of tricuspid regurgitant velocity, we estimated pulmonary artery systolic pressure to be 60 mmHg. Fig. 1 Transthoracic echocardiographic images obtained from apical 4-chamber view show free-floating right heart thrombus A) entrapped in the patent foramen ovale and B) prolapsing into the right ventricle. Fig. 2 Transesophageal echocardiographic images obtained from basal short-axis view show A) thrombus entrapped in patent foramen ovale and B) magnified image of thrombus. Surgical thrombectomy was not attempted due to the patient's hemodynamic instability and to the development of right hemiparesis from a presumed paradoxical embolus. The patient died despite all resuscitative attempts.
Immediate implantation in fresh extraction sockets. A controlled clinical and histological study in man.

BACKGROUND Early implantation may preserve the alveolar anatomy, and the placement of a fixture in a fresh extraction socket helps to maintain the bony crest. Although a number of clinical studies exist, no histological reports show the outcome of implantation in fresh extraction sockets without the use of membranes in humans compared to implants placed in mature bone. METHODS Forty-eight healthy patients, receiving at least 4 fixtures in each of 2 symmetrical quadrants, underwent placement of 1 experimental fixture placed in a fresh extraction socket (TI) and 1 contralateral fixture in mature bone (CI). TI were placed after atraumatical tooth extraction, with a surgical site at the apex of the socket and a tight contact between the fixture and the socket's walls, but without the use of filling materials or membranes. The flap was coronally repositioned to obtain primary wound closure. Immediately after surgical intervention, a standardized periapical radiograph was taken. Second-stage surgery was done after 6 months. Six months after the second surgery, a second standardized periapical radiograph was taken and clinical parameters (bleeding and plaque index) recorded. Marginal bone loss (MBL) from the time of implant placement to the time of fixture removal was calculated by comparing periapical radiographs. TI and CI were then removed by a hollow drill to obtain histological specimens. Non-demineralized sections were stained by acid fuchsin and toluidine blue, and by von Kossa to evaluate the degree of bone mineralization. The percentage of direct implant-bone contact (DBC) was calculated by a computerized microscopic digitizer. RESULTS No significant differences in the clinical and radiographic parameters were observed between the 2 experimental categories. There was no statistically significant difference between TI and CI for DBC either in the maxilla or in the mandible. No connective or fibrous tissues were present around TI or CI. Bone resorption was not present in any of the histological sections. CONCLUSIONS The present study shows that when a screw-type dental implant is placed without the use of barrier membranes or other regenerative materials into a fresh extraction socket with a bone-to-implant gap of 2 mm or less, the clinical outcome and degree of osteointegration does not differ from implants placed in healed, mature bone.
Immunogen sequence: the fourth tier of AIDS vaccine design

While worldwide efforts to develop an effective HIV-1 vaccine are underway, the virus continues to spread, particularly in developing countries where the delivery of antiviral therapies presents formidable challenges. Vaccine research has largely focused on three general aspects: vectors, adjuvants, and immunization schedules. Our group favor the use of computational methods to design potential immunogens that capture the genetic and biological features of circulating viruses. These methods allow researchers to predict, in silico, the presence of potential glycosylation sites, humoral immune responses, and epitope coverage. This review shall compare three computational approaches for immunogen design: the consensus sequence, which has at each site the modal nucleotide or amino acid residue across a sequence alignment; the most recent common ancestor, the sequence estimated at the basal node of the clades seen in the HIV-1 phylogeny; and the center of tree method, which minimizes the evolutionary distance to all sequences in the data set.
Beta‐band activity in auditory pathways reflects speech localization and recognition in bilateral cochlear implant users

In normal‐hearing listeners, localization of auditory speech involves stimulus processing in the postero‐dorsal pathway of the auditory system. In quiet environments, bilateral cochlear implant (CI) users show high speech recognition performance, but localization of auditory speech is poor, especially when discriminating stimuli from the same hemifield. Whether this difficulty relates to the inability of the auditory system to translate binaural electrical cues into neural signals, or to a functional reorganization of auditory cortical pathways following long periods of binaural deprivation is unknown. In this electroencephalography study, we examined the processing of auditory syllables in postlingually deaf adults with bilateral CIs and in normal‐hearing adults. Participants were instructed to either recognize (“recognition” task) or localize (“localization” task) the syllables. The analysis focused on event‐related potentials and oscillatory brain responses. N1 amplitudes in CI users were larger in the localization compared with recognition task, suggesting an enhanced stimulus processing effort in the localization task. Linear beamforming of oscillatory activity in CI users revealed stronger suppression of beta‐band activity after 200 ms in the postero‐dorsal auditory pathway for the localization compared with the recognition task. In normal‐hearing adults, effects for longer latency event‐related potentials were found, but no effects were observed for N1 amplitudes or beta‐band responses. Our study suggests that difficulties in speech localization in bilateral CI users are not reflected in a functional reorganization of cortical auditory pathways. New signal processing strategies of cochlear devices preserving unambiguous binaural cues may improve auditory localization performance in bilateral CI users. Hum Brain Mapp 35:3107–3121, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modeling and design for an electrooptic directional coupler modulator

A numerical model is presented for an electrooptic directional coupler modulator. The model depends on the analysis of simple coplanar uniform electrodes. The analysis is based on the transverse resonance technique. An equivalent circuit is deduced to represent the structure of the modulator. General trial quantities are introduced as virtual adjustable sources in the equivalent circuit. It was observed that it is possible for such a device to be optimized by the variation of a number of fabrication parameters. The applied field and the change in optical waveguides optical field due to the antisymmetric refractive index change are calculated for the structure. Finally, the product of switching voltage and coupling length and optical loss due to the metal electrodes are also investigated.
An exploration of novice and experienced problem-based learning facilitators’ perceptions of their roles in a speech-language pathology programme. Does experience matter?

Abstract Recruitment and training of skilled facilitators is critical to the success of a problem-based learning (PBL) curriculum. However, facilitation skills do not come naturally to all staff and it remains unclear whether experience in the role contributes to competency. PBL facilitators in a Speech Pathology Masters programme were surveyed via questionnaire and open ended questions regarding their perceptions of the competencies needed to facilitate. Novice and experienced facilitators responses were then compared. The survey response rate was 82% (7/14 experienced and 7/14 novices). Two significant differences were evident between the groups consistent with the amount of facilitation experience. Role conflict, challenges associated with managing group dynamics, knowledge of the curriculum and the significance of social congruence were themes that emerged. Our findings suggest that both novice and experienced PBL facilitators benefit from continuing learning opportunities and mapping of facilitators’ perceptions can be useful in delineating professional development needs.