Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Obesity: definition, diagnosis and disadvantages

Recent scientific advancements in the field of nutrition and obesity are the focal point of this special Medical Journal of Australia Supplement, sponsored by Cadbury Confectionery of Australia. The Supplement presents the proceedings and panel discussions which were part of the "International Symposia on Nutrition and Obesity", which were also sponsored by Cadburyand took place in Sydney and in Melbourne in May 1984. The two-city Symposia attractedover700doctors and health professionals fromAustralia, NewZealand, Southeast Asia, the United States of America and Europe. The theme of the Symposia was "The State of the Science", an apt description, since the topics were presented by world authorities in nutrition and obesity. The international presenters included: Dr George Bray, Professor of Medicine at the University of Southern California USA' Dr John Garrow, Consultant Physician and Member, MRC Scien~ific Staff, Clinical Research Centre, Northwick Park Ho~plta~, UK; Dr Albert Stunkard, Professor of Psychiatry, Umve~slty of Pennsylvania, USA; and Dr John Morley, Associate Professor, Minneapolis Veterans Administration Medical Center and the University of Minnesota, USA. Dr Mario De Luise, of the Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, presented Australian research. Organizer of the Sydney programme was Professor A. StewartTruswell, Boden Professor of Human Nutrition,and Head of the Human Nutrition Unit at Sydney University. Professor Truswell says that the themeof the Symposia was selected to reflect "the continuing needto keepabreastof the latest scientific developments in this area". The Sydney programme wasopened by Dr Bryan Hudson, former President of The Royal Australasian College of Physicians. Organizer of the Melbourne conference was Professor Mark L. Wahlqvist, Head of the Human Nutrition Department of Victoria's Deakin University, and Physician-inChargeof the Clinical and Metabolism Unit, PrinceHenry's Hospital, Melbourne. The Melbourne programme was organized in conjunction with the Victorian Medical Postgraduate Foundation. Professor Wahlqvist comments that the problem of obesity is importantin nutritionresearch and is a problem commonly enountered by doctors. The opening address at the Melbourne programme was given by the Victorian Minister of Health, Mr Tom Roper. The Symposia comprised the first scientific programme sponso~ed br Cadbury. According to Mr Kevin Hayes, Managmg Director, the programme was successful in offering"a balanced exchange of information on a topicthat concerns all Australians". DIANE M. PLUMMER
Universal Source Coding of Finite Alphabet Sources

The application of Shannon’s rate distortion theory to real data compression practice has been limited by a lack of effective distortion measures for most real users and incomplete statistical knowledge of real sources. Universal source coding techniques attempt to overcome the latter limitation by developing codes that are effective (in the sense of approaching the theoretical rate distortion limit) for a large class of sources. Here we examine one such technique for sources with finite alphabets where source sequences are divided into composition classes and a universal code is formed from codes designed for each composition class.
A Computer-Assisted Administration of the Continuous Visual Memory Test

The Continuous Visual Memory Test (CVMT) is a continuous design recognition test designed for the assessment of visual memory for clinical and research applications. Comparisons were made between the traditional and a computer-assisted format of the CVMT using 51 university students. Formats were compared on five CVMT dependent measures, concurrent validity, split-half reliability, and selected dependent measures from the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT). Participants scored higher on the computer format dependent measures, with the exception of false alarms (new items incorrectly identified as old), which remained comparable between formats. Adequate concurrent validity (r = .70) and split-half reliability (rs = .61–.70) were demonstrated for CVMT Total Score. Restriction of range and ceiling effects precluded reliability and validity conclusions for CVMT Delay. The computer format showed a nonsignificant trend towards lower correlations with CVLT dependent measures.
How to create flexible runtime delivery of distance learning courses

Please refer to the original article: Tattersall, C. , Vogten, H. , Brouns, F. , Koper, R. , van Rosmalen, P., Sloep, P., & van Bruggen, J. (2005). How to create flexible runtime delivery of distance learning courses. Educational Technology & Society, 8 (3), 226-236.
Cognitive reserve: The warehouse within

Dementia is characterized by progressive and mostly irreversible memory loss. Other neuropsychiatric disorders affect cognition in varying manner. Are all people affected with such disorders manifest clinically in similar manner or does our brain have some reserve to tolerate insults? Relevant researches over the last two decades were scrutinized to understand brain reserve, appreciate the conceptual change in the same over years, and how the same can be improved for better cognition and memory over the year. Literature evidence suggests that the cognitive reserve (CR) is a dynamic and functional concept. There is adequate evidence to suggest that enriched environment and various other measures are likely to improve CR across all age. Improving CR may delay or reverse the effects of aging or brain pathology.
Development of a Suspicion Index to aid diagnosis of Niemann-Pick disease type C

Objectives: Niemann-Pick disease type C (NP-C) is a rare, autosomal recessive lysosomal lipid storage disorder that is invariably fatal. NP-C diagnosis can be delayed for years due to heterogeneous presentation; adult-onset NP-C can be particularly difficult to diagnose. We developed a Suspicion Index tool, ranking specific symptoms within and across domains, including family members who have NP-C, to provide a risk prediction score to identify patients who should undergo testing for NP-C. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed in 5 centers in Europe and 2 in Australia (n = 216). Three patient types were selected: classic or variant filipin staining NP-C cases (n = 71), NP-C noncases (confirmed negative by filipin staining; n = 64), or controls with at least 1 characteristic symptom of NP-C (n = 81). NP-C signs and symptoms were categorized into visceral, neurologic, or psychiatric domains. Logistic regression was performed on individual signs and symptoms within and across domains, and regression coefficients were used to develop prediction scores for NP-C. Internal validation was performed with the bootstrap resampling method. Results: The Suspicion Index tool has good discriminatory performance with cutpoints for grading suspicion of NP-C. Neonatal jaundice/cholestasis, splenomegaly, vertical supranuclear gaze palsy, cataplexy, and cognitive decline/dementia were strong predictors of NP-C, as well as symptoms occurring in multiple domains in individual patients, and also parents/siblings or cousins with NP-C. Conclusions: The Suspicion Index tool is a screening tool that can help identify patients who may warrant further investigation for NP-C. A score ≥70 indicates that patients should be referred for testing for NP-C.
Diversity of intervertebral disc cells: phenotype and function

The intervertebral disc (IVD) is a moderately moving joint that is located between the bony vertebrae and provides flexibility and load transmission throughout the spinal column. The disc is composed of different but interrelated tissues, including the central highly hydrated nucleus pulposus (NP), the surrounding elastic and fibrous annulus fibrosus (AF), and the cartilaginous endplate (CEP), which provides the connection to the vertebral bodies. Each of these tissues has a different function and consists of a specific matrix structure that is maintained by a cell population with distinct phenotype. Although the healthy IVD is able to balance the slow matrix turnover of synthesis and degradation, this balance is often disturbed, leading to degenerative disorders. Successful therapeutic management of IVD degeneration requires a profound understanding of the cellular and molecular characteristics of the functional IVD. Hence, the phenotype of IVD cells has been of significant interest from multiple perspectives, including development, growth, remodelling, degeneration and repair. One major challenge that complicates our understanding of the disc cells is that both the cellular phenotype and the extracellular matrix strongly depend on disc maturity and health and as a consequence are continuously evolving. This review delineates the diversity of the cell types found in the intervertebral disc, with emphasis on human, but with reference to other species. The cells of the NP appear rounded and express a proteoglycan‐rich matrix, whereas the more elongated AF cells are embedded in a collagen fibre matrix and the CEPs represent a layer of cartilage. Even though all disc cells have often been referred to as ‘intervertebral disc chondrocytes’, distinct phenotypical differences in comparison with articular chondrocytes exist and have been reported recently. The availability of more specific markers has also improved our understanding of progenitor cell differentiation towards an IVD cell phenotype. Ultimately, new cell‐ and tissue‐engineering approaches to regenerative therapies will only be successful if the specific characteristics of the individual tissues and their context in the function of the whole organ, are taken into consideration.
Comparison of theoretical limits between superjunction and field plate structures

This paper reports that theoretical limits for the superjunction (SJ) and field plate (FP) structures and the optimum application voltage range is discussed with the previous experimental data. The specific on-resistance limit of the SJ structure is as same as that of the FP structure and inverse proportional to the cell aspect ratio γSJ and γFP (= drift thickness/lateral cell pitch). The cell aspect ratio can be easily increased with the breakdown voltage due to the drift thickness. On the other hand, at the low voltage device, the aspect ratio is determined by the lateral cell pitch due to the process technology. At the FP structure, the insulator thickness interferes to increase the aspect ratio. From the viewpoints of the aspect ratio limit and the output capacitance stored energy (Eoss), the SJ structure is effective for high voltage MOSFETs and the FP structure is effective for low voltage ones. The border of the optimum application voltage is 100-200 V.
New Family of Materials with Negative Coefficients of Thermal Expansion: The Effect of MgO, CoO, MnO, NiO, or CuO on the Phase Stability and Thermal Expansion of Solid Solution Phases Derived from BaZn2Si2O7.

Recently, a silicate with the composition SrxBa1-xZn2Si2O7 was reported, which exhibits a negative coefficient of thermal expansion. The compound BaZn2Si2O7 shows a highly positive coefficient of thermal expansion up to a temperature of 280 °C and then transfers to a high temperature phase, which exhibits a coefficient of thermal expansion near zero or negative over a limited temperature range up to around 500 °C. This high temperature modification can be stabilized to room temperature if Ba(2+) is replaced by Sr(2+). In the solid solution SrxBa1-xZn2Si2O7, also Zn(2+) can be replaced in a wide concentration range by other cations with the respective valency. In the present study, Zn was partially or completely replaced by Mg, Co, Mn, Ni, or Cu. If the high temperature phase is stable at room temperature, the thermal expansion is negative, and if the partial substitution exceeds a certain concentration threshold, the low temperature phase with the crystal structure of BaZn2Si2O7 and highly positive thermal expansion is formed. The lowest mean coefficients of thermal expansion were measured for the composition Ba0.5Sr0. 5Zn1.4Co0. 6Si2O7 with a value of -2.9 × 10(-6) K(-1). In general, a lower Zn-concentration leads to a higher anisotropy and a lower mean coefficient of thermal expansion.
Prussian Blue and Its Analogues: Electrochemistry and Analytical Applications

This article reviews fundamental aspects of deposition, structure and electrochemistry of Prussian Blue and its analogues. Special attention is given to the metal hexacyanoferrates with potential analytical applications. Prussian Blue and its analogues as advanced sensing materials for nonelectroactive ions are discussed. In contrast to common ‘smart materials’, the sensitivity and selectivity of metal hexacyanoferrates to such ions is provided by thermodynamic background. Prussian Blue itself is recognized as the most advantageous low-potential transducer for hydrogen peroxide over all known systems. Both high sensitivity (ca. 1 A M−1 cm−2) and selectivity in relation to oxygen reduction are more than three orders of magnitude higher, than for platinum electrodes. Biosensors based on different transducing principles containing enzymes oxidases are compared, and the devices operated due to hydrogen peroxide detection with the Prussian Blue based transducer are shown to be the most advantageous ones. The future prospects of chemical and biological sensors based on metal hexacyanoferrates are outlined.
Potential impact of climate change effects on preferences for tourism destinations. A psychological pilot study

This paper is intended to demonstrate the usefulness of a psychological experimental approach in researching the underlying processes of socio-economic impacts of the effects of an eventual climate change in the field of tourism. Tourism demand for the German coasts at the North and Baltic Seas may be influenced in some way by climate change impacts, e.g. by new preferences for holiday destinations due to changing environmental conditions (especially weather) and due to the actions taken by the tourism industry to cope with these changes. A pilot study was designed and carried out in order to develop a method to measure the sensitivity of destination choice to climate change effects and to gain first ideas of whether and how destination preferences will probably change. 136 subjects in 5 experimental conditions were given scenarios describing ‘positive’ or ‘negative’ climate change effects with and without (re)actions of the regional tourism industry. The control group received a scenario describing no changes. Subjects interest in spending a holiday at the North Sea and Baltic Sea in Germany were defined as the dependent variable. One of the crucial aspects was to check whether the applied technique is appropriate for making the situation, which is only a hypothetical and future one, sufficiently clear (make it feel ‘real’) to the participants in the study. The methodological approach is suitable for further (and more in depth) research: subjects had no trouble imagining the scenarios. The manipulation checks indicated differences, and differences between conditions were also found in the dependent variables. Thus, the adopted procedure appears promising and can be applied in future studies. Nevertheless, some improvements are recommended. Within the restricted possibilities of a pilot study, first ideas on whether and in which direction the effects of an eventual climate change may influence destination choice of tourists are presented. According to the data, climate change can influence the preferences for vacation destinations. With respect to the North German coastal region, this effect is rather a negative one. Under the climate change conditions presented in the scenarios, possible tourists are less eager to travel there than under today’s conditions. It will not be easy for the local and regional tourism industry to reduce negative effects or to use positive effects to a certain extent by appropriate action. Within limits this possibility may exist, but one has to be rather careful in defining what is ‘appropriate’, e.g. with respect to their target groups in tourism. The results still do not allow for predictions of destination choice or behaviour patterns during holidays. The experimental method described here may be one additional tool to the many others used to gain a clearer picture of a possible future of tourism in coastal areas under climate change conditions.
Combining Nonlinear Dimension Reduction and Hashing Method for Efficient Image Retrieval

For large-scale image retrieval, high-dimensional image representations derived from pre-trained Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) make the retrieval system inefficiency. In this paper, we propose to combine nonlinear dimension reduction and hashing method for efficient image retrieval. We firstly extract 4096-dimension features by a pre-trained CNNs model. Secondly, we use t-Distributed Stochastic NeighborEmbedding (t-SNE) to reduce the deep features to 1024-dimension. Finally, we use Sparse Projection (SP) to build 256 bits binary encoding features for image retrieval. We assess the performance of our proposed method with the Oxford5k, Paris6k and Holidaysdatasets. The experimental results show that the proposed method can achieve the state-of-the-art accuracy on common benchmarks.
Les neurones pyramidaux corticaux dans le couplage neurovasculaire et neurométabolique : mécanismes cellulaires et moléculaires

Le couplage etroit entre l'activite neuronale et l'augmentation du flux sanguin, appele couplage neurovasculaire (CNV), est essentiel aux fonctions cerebrales. Ce processus est a la base de l'imagerie medicale cerebrale non invasive utilisee pour determiner l'activite neuronale chez l'individu sain ou malade. Cependant, les mecanismes cellulaires et moleculaires du CNV restent encore debattus. La comprehension de ce processus permettra non seulement une interpretation plus fine des signaux d'imagerie cerebrale mais egalement un meilleur diagnostic des maladies neurologiques.De nombreux messagers vasoactifs sont impliques dans le CNV du cortex cerebral. Les prostanoides, notamment liberes lors de l'activation des recepteurs NMDA, sont impliques dans l'augmentation du flux sanguin cerebral. Cependant, l'origine cellulaire, moleculaire, la nature ainsi que les cibles de ces messagers lipidiques restent incertaines.La prostaglandine E2 (PGE2) et la prostacycline (PGI2), produits par les cyclo-oxygenases de type 1 ou 2 (COX-1 ou COX-2) et des enzymes terminales, sont les deux principaux prostanoides vasodilatateurs du cortex cerebral. Ce travail a montre que les vasodilatations induites par le NMDA dependent de la COX-2 et necessitent egalement l'activation des recepteurs EP2 et EP4 de la PGE2 et IP de la PGI2et que les neurones pyramidaux sont les principales cellules du cortex cerebral equipees pour la biosynthese de la PGE2 et de la PGI2.L'ensemble de ces travaux demontre que les neurones pyramidaux jouent donc un role cle dans le CNV cortical via la liberation de la PGE2. Produite par la COX-2, la PGE2 agit sur les recepteurs EP2 et EP4 et induit des vasodilatations.
Impact of Proficiency Testing Program for Laboratories Conducting Early Diagnosis of HIV-1 Infection in Infants in Low- to Middle-Income Countries

ABSTRACT A voluntary, cost-free external quality assessment (EQA) program established by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was implemented to primarily monitor the performance of laboratories conducting HIV Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) from dried blood spots (DBS) in low- to middle-income countries since 2006. Ten blind DBS proficiency test (PT) specimens and 100 known HIV-positive and -negative DBS specimens (to be used as internal controls) were shipped triannually to participating laboratories with reports for the PT specimens due within 30 days. The participant's results and a summary of the performance of all participating laboratories and each diagnostic method were provided after each test cycle. Enrollment in the CDC PT program expanded progressively from 17 laboratories from 11 countries in 2006 to include 136 laboratories from 41 countries at the end of 2012. Despite external pressures to test and treat more children while expanding EID programs, mean PT test scores significantly improved over time as demonstrated by the upward trend from mid-2006 to the end of 2012 (P = 0.001) and the increase in the percentage of laboratories scoring 100% (P = 0.003). The mean test scores plateaued over the past 10 testing cycles, ranging between 98.2% and 99.7%, and discordant test results still occur but at a rate of no higher than 2.6%. Analysis of these test results suggests a positive impact of proficiency testing on the testing performance of the participating laboratories, and a continuous training program and proficiency testing participation may translate into laboratories improving their testing accuracy.
Les substantifs déverbaux événementiels

The aim of the paper is to propose a classification of complex event nouns based on event structure. The claim is made that the event structure of verbs can be identified on the basis of the compatibility of verbs with temporal adverbiale. In addition to the traditionally used in — and for — adverbiale one has to take into consideration punctual adverbiale (e.g. a deux heures "at two o'clock"), durative adverbiale which denote the duration of a consequent state (e.g. pour une duree de deux heures "for two hours") and continuative adverbiale (e.g. de deux ans "by two years"). This classification yields at least nine event types. Since the event structure of verbs is inherited by complex event nouns , it is concluded that in French there must be at least nine different types of such nouns.
Duality analysis and improving the capacity of multi-input multi-output channel using dirty paper coding technique

In wireless communication, Multi-Input Multi-Output (MIMO) technology offers significant increase in data throughput and link range without additional bandwidth. The dirty paper coding (DPC) achieves the sum rate capacity of Gaussian MIMO broadcast channel. The dirty paper coding is a technique for efficient transmission of digital data through a channel that is subject to some interference that is known to the transmitter. This technique consists of precoding the data so as to cancel the effect of interference. The duality relationship between BC and MAC channel has been studied and The Sato upper bound and Marton's inner bound on the capacity of Broadcast channel has been considered and applied this capacity to the MAC channel by showing the duality. The use of dirty paper coding closely achieves the sum-rate capacity region of broadcast channel. MIMO is abbreviation of Multiple Input Multiple Output. In MIMO fading environment, the so called degenerating channels or keyholes may exist that exhibit low partial fading correlation at both ends of the link but still have poor rank properties, and hence low ergodic capacity. The performance of dirty-paper coding over MIMO keyhole channels has been analyzed. The capacity and the probability of error of a MIMO system with Binary phase shift keying (BPSK) over keyhole channel. This paper also proves the intuitive result that the capacity under keyhole condition can be improved using Dirty paper coding.