Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cross-linguistic adaptations of The Comprehensive Aphasia Test: Challenges and solutions

ABSTRACT Comparative research on aphasia and aphasia rehabilitation is challenged by the lack of comparable assessment tools across different languages. In English, a large array of tools is available, while in most other languages, the selection is more limited. Importantly, assessment tools are often simple translations and do not take into consideration specific linguistic and psycholinguistic parameters of the target languages. As a first step in meeting the needs for comparable assessment tools, the Comprehensive Aphasia Test is currently being adapted into a number of languages spoken in Europe. In this article, some key challenges encountered in the adaptation process and the solutions to ensure that the resulting assessment tools are linguistically and culturally equivalent, are proposed. Specifically, we focus on challenges and solutions related to the use of imageability, frequency, word length, spelling-to-sound regularity and sentence length and complexity as underlying properties in the selection of the testing material.
Temperature-dependence of noise figure of monolithic RF transformers on a thin (20 /spl mu/m) silicon substrate

We demonstrate an analysis of the effect of temperature (from -45/spl deg/C to 175/spl deg/C) on the quality-factor (Q-factor) and noise figure (NF) performances of monolithic RF transformers on both normal (750 /spl mu/m) and thin (20 /spl mu/m) silicon substrates. The results show that silicon substrate thinning is effective in improving the Q-factor and NF performances of transformers. In addition, Q-factors of both primary and secondary coils decrease with increasing temperature but show a reverse behavior within a higher frequency range. The noise figure (NF) increases with increasing temperature. The present analysis enables RF engineers to understand more deeply the NF (i.e. power loss) behavior of RF monolithic transformers fabricated on a silicon substrate, and hence is helpful for them in designing less temperature-sensitive low-supply-voltage transformer-feedback low-noise-amplifiers (LNA) and voltage-controlled-oscillators (VCO), and other radio-frequency integrated circuits (RF-ICs) which include transformers.
AIS Electronic Library (AISeL)

For its advantages in being able to provide rapid and comprehensive access to knowledge, e-learning system has been widely adopted in education to improve learning processes. However, such IT-mediated processes involving both users and system are subject to changes. There exists adjustment in browsing behavior on user side and web structure refinement on system side. It would impose uncertainty and influence on learning quality and thus create a strong need for rapid adaptation between users and the e-learning system. Focusing upon knowledge organization in terms of web structure management, this study intends to find out an effective way to speed up the adaptation process. It consists of two stages. In the first stage, we would like to study the general adapting behaviors of e-learners, and analyze how they are affected by the web structure. Through analytical modeling, Knowledge Access Efficiency (KAE), which is capable of reflecting the quality of adaptation, is conceptualized mathematically. In the second stage, the dynamics of KAE during the whole adaptation process will be carefully investigated. It is hoped that this study can give us useful clues regarding knowledge organization of e-learning system, and by improving web structure management it can elicit better performance of e-learners.
Wild animals as reservoirs of infectious diseases in the UK.

This review aims to illustrate the extent to which wildlife act as reservoirs of infectious agents that cause disease in domestic stock, pet and captive animals and humans. More than 40 agents are described. In the case of some of these, e.g. Cryptosporidium spp. , Escherichia coli O157 and malignant catarrhal fever, the current evidence is that wildlife either does not act as a reservoir or is of limited importance. However, in the case of many important diseases, including bovine tuberculosis, Weil's disease, Lyme disease, avian influenza, duck virus enteritis and louping ill, wild animals are considered to be the principal source of infection. Wildlife may be involved in the epidemiology of other major diseases, such as neosporosis, Johne's disease, mucosal disease and foot and mouth disease, but further studies are needed. The UK would benefit from a more positive approach to the study of wildlife and the infections they harbour.
Impact of respiratory virus infection in patients with chronic chest disease

Summary This study investigated the morbidity associated with respiratory virus infections in patients with well-documented chest disease, and the risk of transmission between close contacts. Patients informed the study team if they were exposed to a family member or colleague with a cold. Patients and symptomatic index cases recorded respiratory symptoms during the study period. Acute nasopharyngeal swabs and paired sera were obtained for viral diagnosis. Twenty-five (43%) of 58 recorded exposures resulted in a symptomatic illness and 16 (28%) patients developed lower respiratory tract symptoms. Sixteen (64%) of the 25 symptomatic patients contacted their general practitioner, 14 (56%) received antibiotics and 4 (16%) were hospitalized. Mean duration of illness was 10·6 days in symptomatic patients and 5·7 days in their corresponding index cases (P < 0·005). Mean symptom scores were 100·6 in symptomatic patients and 62.2 in index cases (P < 0·01). Respiratory viruses were identified in 19 (33%) episodes. Rhinovirus, coronavirus and respiratory syncytial virus infections were all associated with lower respiratory tract exacerbations. Respiratory tract symptoms following exposure to a cold were comparatively severe in these patients with chronic chest disease. This group of patients might gain particular benefit from the introduction of effective vaccines or antiviral therapy.
Impact of back squat training intensity on strength and flexibility of hamstring muscle group.

STUDY DESIGN True experimental design. BACKGROUND The back squat is an integral aspect of any resistance training program to improve athletic performance. It is also used for injury prevention of the lower limbs. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of back squat training at different intensities on strength and flexibility of the hamstring muscle group (HMG). METHODS Twenty-two male recreational bodybuilders with at least two years of experience in resistance training were recruited to participate in a nine-week training program. They were randomly assigned to a heavy back squat group (90-95% of one repetition maximum) or a moderate-intensity back squat group (60-65% of one repetition maximum). RESULTS The heavy back squat group resulted in a significantly (p < 0.001) increased in one repetition maximum strength but a significant (p < 0.001) reduction in HMG flexibility when compared to their counterparts. The results of the study indicate that while a heavy back squat training program is effective in improving strength, it has an adverse effect on the flexibility of the HMG. CONCLUSION The implication of this study is that there is a tradeoff between strength and flexibility and trainers should select the appropriate training protocols for their athletes to maximize athletic performance.
Usability evaluation of selected web portals

This paper presents results of the usability evaluation performed according to the methodology of fuzzy usability evaluation that was presented in the previous research of the authors. As a result of a particular evaluation, a usability score is obtained. The score combines various factors affecting the usability of target system. The authors demonstrate the methodology on the example of usability evaluation of Information Systems of Public administration - Web portals. Paper includes results of the case study, its analysis, validation and conclusions.
Evaluation of methods for parameteric formant transformation in voice conversion

This paper explores methods of estimation and mapping of parametric formant-based models for voice transformation. The main focus is the transformation of the parameters of a model of the vocal tract of a source speaker to a target speaker. The vocal tract parameters are represented with the linear prediction (LP) model coefficients and the associated formant frequencies, bandwidths, intensities and their temporal trajectories. Two methods are explored for vocal tract (formant) mapping. The first method is based on nonuniform frequency warping and the second is based on pole rotation. Both methods transform all parameters of the formants (frequency, bandwidth and intensity). In addition, the factors that affect the selection of the warping ratios for the mapping functions are presented. Experimental evaluation of voice morphing based on parametric models are presented.
Gall-bladder Agenesis Presenting with Obstructive Jaundice and Elevated CA 19–9

Abstract We report the case of an 81-year-old man with agenesis of the gall-bladder that presented with choledocholithiasis, obstructive jaundice, and very high CA 19–9 serum level (2765 U/ml). On ultrasound and CT scan, the gallbladder was not visualised and it was assumed shrunken and filled with gall-stones. After repeated unsuccessful endo-scopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, the patient was operated on for common bile duct (CBD) stones. At laparo-tomy the gall-bladder was not identified but a 3 cm long gall-stone was removed from the CBD. After decompression of the CBD all symptoms disappeared and the CA 19–9 returned to normal. We believe that this is the first report in the literature of gall-bladder agenesis presenting with high serum level of CA 19–9.
Life-time prevalence and psychosocial correlates of adolescent direct self-injurious behavior: a comparative study of findings in 11 European countries.

OBJECTIVES To investigate the prevalence and associated psychosocial factors of occasional and repetitive direct self-injurious behavior (D-SIB), such as self-cutting, -burning, -biting, -hitting, and skin damage by other methods, in representative adolescent samples from 11 European countries. METHODS Cross-sectional assessment of adolescents was performed within the European Union funded project, Saving and Empowering Young Lives in Europe (SEYLE), which was conducted in 11 European countries. The representative sample comprised 12,068 adolescents (F/M: 6,717/5,351; mean age: 14.9 ± 0.89) recruited from randomly selected schools. Frequency of D-SIB was assessed by a modified 6-item questionnaire based on previously used versions of the Deliberate Self-Harm Inventory (DSHI). In addition, a broad range of demographic, social, and psychological factors was assessed. RESULTS Overall lifetime prevalence of D-SIB was 27.6%; 19.7% reported occasional D-SIB and 7.8% repetitive D-SIB. Lifetime prevalence ranged from 17.1% to 38.6% across countries. Estonia, France, Germany, and Israel had the highest lifetime rates of D-SIB, while students from Hungary, Ireland, and Italy reported low rates. Suicidality as well as anxiety and depressive symptoms had the highest odds ratios for both occasional and repetitive D-SIB. There was a strong association of D-SIB with both psychopathology and risk-behaviors, including family related neglect and peer-related rejection/victimization. Associations between psychosocial variables and D-SIB were strongly influenced by both gender and country. Only a minor proportion of the adolescents who reported D-SIB ever received medical treatment. CONCLUSION These results suggest high lifetime prevalence of D-SIB in European adolescents. Prevalence as well as psychosocial correlates seems to be significantly influenced by both gender and country. These results support the need for a multidimensional approach to better understand the development of SIB and facilitate culturally adapted prevention/intervention.
Akademik işbirliklerinin yeni bir çizge olarak modellenmesi ve istatistiki analizi

Akademik isbirligi (ortak yazarlik) ile kurulan aglar, bir cok acidan onemli bir konudur. Bir ulkenin gelismislik analizinden, universite veya bolumlerin siralanmasi gibi bir cok alanda kullanilmaktadir. Ayrica, akademik isbirliklerinin modellenmesi ve bu modellerden akademik isbirliklerinin duzeyi noktasinda yapilacak cikarim ve yorumlarda buyuk onem arz etmektedir. Bu amacla, bir veri tabani olusturulmus ve Turkiye’nin akademik isbirlikleri cizge kullanilarak modellenmistir. Veri tabani olusturulurken, Web of Science (WOS) verileri kullanilarak, yazar, universite, bolum, arastirma alani ve yayin ana hatlari olmak uzere, iliskisel bir veri tabani olusturuldu. Olusturulan veri tabani, uc noktalar dahil olmak uzere, 1980-2015 yillarini kapsamaktadir. Elde edilen veri uzerinde, ilgili yillar araliginda, Turkiye’nin akademik isbirlikleri modellendi ve akademik isbirliklerini etkileyen faktorler uzerinde bilimsel cikarimlar yapildi. Calismamizda aktor olarak universiteler, universiteler arasi gerceklesen ortak yazarlik ise isbirligi olarak ele alinmistir. Elde edilen modeller uzerinde, bolgesel bazda topluluk kesifleri yapilarak, bolgelerdeki oncu universiteler tespit edildi. Topluluk kesfinde, Bron-Kerbosch (BK) topluluk kesfi algoritmasi kullanildi. Ancak, bu algoritma ile bulunan topluluklar, akademik isbirlikleri ozelinde verinin yapisindan oturu, bazi eksiklikler ve hatalar ortaya koymaktadir. Oncelikle, akademik isbirlikleri cok degisken ve gelisen bir yapidir. Şoyle ki, bir arastirmacinin, danismani ile yapmis oldugu calismalar, ilgili arastirmacinin farkli kurumda calisiyor olmasi durumunda universitelerarasi isbirligi olarak ortaya cikmaktadir. Ancak, belli bir seviyenin altinda ise, gercekte bu guvenilir bir isbirligi olarak yorumlanamaz. Ayrica, veride bulunabilecek, benzer yazar isimleri gibi sebeplerle, gercekte olmayan iliskilerin isbirligi gibi yansimasina sebep olmaktadir. Bu gibi sebeplerle, isbirligi cizgeleri olarak yeni bir cizge turu onerilmekte ve bu tur cizgeler uzerinde yapilacak topluluk kesfi ozel konusunda, en temel algoritmalardan olan BK algoritmasina, bu hatayi giderdigini dusundugumuz, Merkezi Limit Teoremi alt siniri eklenmistir. Bu ekleme ile birlikte, bolgelerdeki topluluk sayisinin arttigi ancak daha guvenilir seviyede topluluklarin kaldigini ve bunun sonucu olarak, bolgelerdeki oncu universitelerin daha net ortaya ciktigini gorulmustur.
Patching Together the Genetics of Gorlin Syndrome

Background: Gorlin syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by developmental defects and susceptibility to cancer, especially to basal cell carcinomas. The genetic basis of this disorder has recently been elucidated. Methods: In this article previous studies are reviewed in which loss of heterozygosity analysis of tumours and normal tissue pointed to a region on chromosome 9 as being involved in Gorlin syndrome. In this light, Knudson's two-hit model is discussed. The identification of the involvement of the patched gene in Gorlin syndrome is reviewed. New data on genotype-phenotype correlations in the syndrome are presented. Results: Loss-of-heterozygosity studies, together with standard family studies using linkage analysis, have proved useful in identifying the location of a gene with complex phenotypic expression. Conclusion: The application of the two-hit model, as utilized in loss-of-heterozygosity studies, has been very useful in elucidating the genetic basis of Gorlin syndrome. There may be a correlation between certain aspects of the mutations in patched and the clinical presentation of the disorder in families.
The extensive polymorphism of KIR genes

The functions of human natural killer (NK) cells are controlled by diverse families of antigen receptors. Prominent among these are the killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptors (KIR), a family of genes clustered in one of the most variable regions of the human genome. Within this review we discuss the vast polymorphism of the KIR gene complex which rivals that of the human leucocyte antigen (HLA) complex. There are several aspects to this polymorphism. Initially there is presence/absence of individual KIR genes, with four of these genes, termed framework genes, being present in all individuals tested to date, except on those very occasional instances when the gene has been deleted. Within each gene, alleles are present at different frequencies. We provide details of a new website that enables convenient searching for data on KIR gene, allele and genotype frequencies in different populations and show how these frequencies vary in different worldwide populations and the high probability of individuals differing in their KIR repertoire when both gene and allele polymorphism is considered. The KIR genes present in an individual may be classified into A and/or B haplotypes, which respectively have a more inhibitory role or a more activating role on the function of the NK cell. Family studies have been used to ascertain the make‐up of these haplotypes, inclusion of allele typing enabling determination of whether one or two copies of a particular gene is present. In addition to genetic diversification the KIR gene complex shows differences at the functional level with different alleles having different protein expression levels and different avidity with their HLA ligand.
Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Agonistic Antibodies Reflect Fundamental Alterations in the Uteroplacental Vasculature

Abnormal uterine perfusion detected by Doppler sonography reflects impaired trophoblast invasion, a factor involved in the pathogenesis of pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia or intrauterine growth retardation. Recent studies have demonstrated an autoantibody against the angiotensin type 1 (AT1) receptor in pregnant women with preeclampsia. Our aim was to determine whether the AT1 autoantibody precedes the clinical symptoms and is thus predictive of preeclampsia. We therefore detected this antibody in serum from second trimester pregnancies with abnormal uterine perfusion because these women show an indirect sign of inadequate trophoblast invasion. Then the AT1 autoantibody distribution/concentration was compared with that of women at term with or without pregnancy pathology. The AT1 autoantibody was already detectable in second trimester pregnant women with abnormal uterine perfusion before the clinical manifestation of preeclampsia (80%). However, it was also found in second trimester pregnant women with abnormal uterine perfusion who later developed intrauterine growth retardation (60%) or even had a normal course of pregnancy (62%). In the third trimester, the AT1 autoantibody was demonstrated in 89% of patients with manifest preeclampsia, 86% of those with manifest intrauterine growth retardation, and even in healthy pregnant women at term with a history of abnormal uterine perfusion in the second trimester. We conclude that the AT1 autoantibody is an early but nonspecific marker for preeclampsia. The generation of this antibody seems to be associated with distinct types of pregnancy disorders resulting from impaired placental development. The AT1 autoantibody may thus be causative for pathological uteroplacental perfusion.
Three‐dimensional tracking and temporal analysis of liposomal transport in live cells using bright‐field imaging

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) confined in liposomes of diameters around 200 nm produce strong scattering signal owing to surface plasmon resonance, and therefore bright‐field optical tracking of the AuNP‐encapsulating liposomes can be conducted in living cells. Using an optical profiling technique called noninterferometric wide‐field optical profilometry and a bright‐field tracking algorithm, the polynomial‐fit Gaussian weight method, we analyze three‐dimensional (3D) motion of such liposomes in living fibroblasts. The positioning accuracy in three dimensions is nearly 20 nm. We tag the liposome membranes with fibroblast growth factor‐1 and reveal the intracellular transportation processes toward or away from the nucleus. On the basis of a temporal analysis of the intracellular 3D trajectories of AuNP‐encapsulating liposomes, we identify directed and diffusive motions in the transportation processes. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Channel Prediction Based Scheduling for Data Dissemination in VANETs

In vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs), cooperative data dissemination is a promising approach addressing the problem of limited connection time between vehicles and road side units. However, existing data dissemination strategies rely too much on real-time channel state information, resulting in high communication overhead and transmission delay. To reduce the communication overhead and thus enhance the system throughput, we propose a channel prediction based scheduling strategy for data dissemination in VANETs. The channel prediction is built upon the recursive least squares algorithm. With low computational complexity, our proposed strategy achieves high scheduling efficiency verified by simulations of transmission delay and system throughput under both urban and highway scenarios.
Association of ADAMTS 7 gene polymorphism with 1 cardiovascular survival in coronary artery disease

32 33 Recent genetic studies have revealed an association between polymorphisms at the ADAMTS7 34 gene locus and coronary artery disease (CAD) risk. Functional studies have shown that a CAD35 associated polymorphism (rs3825807) affects ADAMTS7 maturation and VSMC migration. 36 Here, we tested whether ADAMTS7 (A/G) SNP is associated with cardiovascular (CV) survival in 37 patients with established CAD. 38 A cohort of 1128 patients with angiographic proven CAD, who were followed-up prospectively 39 for a mean follow-up of 63 (range 6 -182) months, were genotyped for rs3825807 A/G. Survival 40 statistics (Cox Regression) compared heterozygous (AG) and wild-type (AA) with the reference 41 homozygous GG. Kaplan-Meier (K-M) survival curves were performed according to ADAMTS7 42 genotypes for CV mortality. 43 Results showed that 47.3% of patients were heterozygous (AG), 36.5% were homozygous for 44 the wild-type allele (AA) and only 16.2% were homozygous for the GG genotype. During the 45 follow-up period, 109 (9.7%) patients died, 77 (6.8%) of CV causes. Survival analysis showed 46 that AA genotype was an independent risk factor for cardiovascular mortality compared with 47 reference genotype GG (HR=2.7; p=0.025). At the end of follow-up, the estimated survival 48 probability (K-M) was 89.8% for GG genotype, 82.2% for AG and 72.3% for AA genotype 49 (P=0.039). 50 Carriage of the mutant G allele of the ADAMTS7 gene was associated with improved CV 51 survival in patients with documented CAD. The native overfunctional ADAMTS7 allele (A) may 52 accelerate VSMC migration and lead to neointimal thickening, atherosclerosis progression and 53 acute plaque events. ADAMTS7 gene should be further explored in CAD for risk prediction, 54 mechanistic and therapeutic goals. 55