LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Speed of motor re-learning after experimental stroke depends on prior skill

Many motor rehabilitation therapies are based on principles of motor learning. Motor learning depends on preliminary knowledge of the trained and other (similar) skills. This study sought to investigate the influence of prior skill knowledge on re-learning of a precision reaching skill after a cortical lesion in rat. One group of animals recovered a previously known skill (skill training, followed by stroke and re-learning training, TST, n = 8). A second group learned the skill for the first time after stroke (ST, n = 6). A control group received prolonged training without stroke (n = 6). Unilateral partial motor cortex lesions were induced photothrombotically after identifying the forelimb representation using epidural stimulation mapping. In TST animals, re-learning after stroke was slower than learning before stroke (post hoc repeated measures ANOVA P = 0.039) and learning in the control group (P = 0.033). De novo learning after stroke (ST group) was not different from healthy learning. These findings show that skill learning can be performed if the motor cortex is partially lesioned; re-learning of a skill after stroke is slowed by prior knowledge of the skill. It remains to be tested in humans whether task novelty positively influences rehabilitation therapy.
Intratympanic steroids as primary initial treatment of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss

The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness, dosage, safety and comfort of intratympanic steroids as primary initial treatment of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL). Prospective nonrandomized clinical practice study was performed in Tertiary referral center university hospital. A total of 35 consecutive patients suffering from newly diagnosed sudden sensorineural hearing loss with mean pure-tone average thresholds of 81 ± 21 dB were treated. No previous therapy had been undertaken. Intratympanic steroid injection as primary initial treatment was administered during 2 weeks on a twice a week schedule, between 2010 and 2011. Treatment was started on average within 2 days of symptoms onset. Pre and post-treatment audiometric evaluations were analyzed on follow-up as well as tolerance of the procedure and possible adverse effects. 66–85 % of patients achieved successful treatment according to the different outcome criteria used to evaluate hearing improvement (Furuhashi criteria/improvement of ≥10 dB in pure-tone average). Mean post-treatment improvement regarding pure-tone average was 34 ± 21 dB. A 48 ± 43 % improvement in speech discrimination score was observed. Patients received an average of 18 mg of methylprednisolone per injection and a total dose of 72 mg per treatment cycle. No serious adverse effects were noted. Intratympanic steroid injection is an effective, safe and well-tolerated office based-procedure for the treatment of ISSHL as primary initial treatment that can avoid the potential adverse effects of systemic steroids. A higher dose, schedule of administration as well as standardization of hearing recovery criteria still need to be established.
Cache invalidation strategies for internet-based mobile ad hoc networks

Internet-based mobile ad hoc network (IMANET) is an emerging technique that combines a mobile ad hoc network (MANET) and the Internet to provide universal information accessibility. Although caching frequently accessed data items in mobile terminals (MTs) improves the communication performance in an IMANET, it brings a critical design issue when data updates. In this paper, we analyze several push and pull-based cache invalidation strategies for IMANETS. A global positioning system (GPS) based connectivity estimation (GPSCE) scheme is first proposed to assess the connectivity of an MT for supporting cache invalidation mechanisms. Then, we propose a pull-based approach, called aggregate cache based on demand (ACOD) scheme that uses an efficient search algorithm for finding the queried data items. In addition, we modify two push-based cache invalidation strategies, proposed for cellular networks, to work in IMANETS. They are called modified timestamp (MTS) scheme and MTS with updated invalidation report (MTS + UIR) scheme, respectively. We compare the performance of all these schemes as a function of query interval, cache update interval, and cache size through extensive simulation. Simulation results indicate that the ACOD scheme provides high throughput, low query latency, and low communication overhead, and thus, is a viable approach for implementation in IMANETS. 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
SpPack: spatial point pattern analysis in Excel using Visual Basic for Applications (VBA)

Many different sciences have developed many different tests to describe and characterise spatial point data. For example, all the trees in a given area may be mapped such that their x, y co-ordinates and other variables, or ‘marks’, (e.g. species, size) might be recorded. Statistical techniques can be used to explore interactions between events at different length scales and interactions between different types of events in the same area. SpPack is a menu-driven add-in for Excel written in Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) that provides a range of statistical analyses for spatial point data. These include simple nearest-neighbour-derived tests and more sophisticated second-order statistics such as Ripley’s K-function and the neighbourhood density function (NDF). Some simple grid or quadrat-based statistics are also calculated. The application of the SpPack add-in is demonstrated for artificially generated event sets with known properties and for a multi-type ecological event set.  2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Examining the effect of class size on classroom engagement and teacher–pupil interaction: Differences in relation to pupil prior attainment and primary vs. secondary schools

It is widely recognized that we need to know more about effects of class size on classroom interactions and pupil behavior. This paper extends research by comparing effects on pupil classroom engagement and teacherepupil interaction, and examining if effects vary by pupil attainment level and between primary and secondary schools. Systematic observations were carried out on 686 pupils in 49 schools. Multilevel regression methods were used to examine relationships between class size and observation measures, controlling for potentially confounding factors like pupil attainment. At primary and secondary levels smaller classes led to pupils receiving more individual attention from teachers, and having more active interactions with them. Classroom engagement decreased in larger classes, but, contrary to expectation, this was particularly marked for lower attaining pupils at secondary level. Low attaining pupils can therefore benefit from smaller classes at secondary level in terms of more individual attention and facilitating engagement in learning. ! 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Compact Double-Sided Modular Linear Motor for Narrow Industrial Applications

Linear drive technologies are steadily expanded in various applications, especially in industry, where high precision electrical direct drive systems are required. In this paper a double-sided variant of a novel direct driven modular permanent magnet linear motor is presented. Its characteristics are computed by means of 3D FEM magnetic field analysis. An interesting industrial application in which it can be used is also presented
MANIPULATOR CALIBRATION USING A SINGLE ENDPOINT CONTACT CONSTRAINT

Most manipulator calibration techniques require expensive and/or complicated pose measuring devices, such as theodolites. This paper investigates a calibration method where the manipulator endpoint is constrained to a single contact point and executes self-motions. From the easily measured joint angle readings, and an identification model, the manipulator is calibrated. Adding a wrist force sensor allows for the calibration of elastic effects due to end-point forces and moments. Optimization of the procedure is discussed. Experimental results are presented, showing the effectiveness of the method. INTRODUCTION Physical errors, such as machining tolerances, assembly errors and elastic deformations, cause the geometric properties of a manipulator to be different from their ideal values. Model based error compensation of a robotic manipulator, also known as robot calibration, is a process to improve manipulator position accuracy using software. Classical calibration involves identifying an accurate functional relationship between the joint transducer readings and the workspace position of the end-effector in terms of parameters called generalized errors (Roth et al., 1987). This relationship is found from measured data and used to predict, and compensate for, the endpoint errors as a function of configuration. Considerable research has been performed to make manipulator calibration more effective both in terms of required number of measurements and computation by the procedure (Hollerbach, 1988; Hollerbach and Wampler, 1996; Roth et al., 1987). Several calibration techniques have been used to improve robot accuracy (Roth et al., 1987), including open and closed-loop methods (Everett and Lin, 1988). Open-loop methods require an external metrology system to measure the end-effector pose, such as theodolites. Obtaining open-loop measurements is generally very costly and time consuming, and must be performed regularly for very high precision systems. In contrast, closed-loop methods only need joint angle sensing, and the robot becomes self-calibrating. In closed-loop calibration, constraints are imposed on the end-effector of the robot, and the kinematic loop closure equations are adequate to calibrate the manipulator from joint readings alone. Past closed-loop methods have had the robot moving along an unsensed sliding joint at the endpoint, or constraining the endeffector to lie on a plane (Ikits and Hollerbach, 1997; Zhuang et al., 1999). This paper investigates a closed-loop calibration method that was among a number suggested by (Bennett and Hollerbach, 1991). In the method, called here Single Endpoint Contact (SEC) calibration, the robot endpoint is constrained to a single contact point. Using an end-effector fixture equivalent to a ball joint, the robot executes self-motions to move to different configurations. At each configuration, manipulator joint sensors provide data that is used in an SEC identification algorithm to estimate the robot’s parameters. A total least squares optimization procedure is used to improve the calibration accuracy (Hollerbach and Wampler, 1996).
Time evolution as a gauge transformation: x5-dependent cosmological solution in 5d Kaluza–Klein theory

Abstract We discuss a new feature of the 5d Kaluza–Klein cosmology. For that purpose, we obtain the simplest x 5 -dependent solution which, in the reduced description, is associated with a radiation-dominated Robertson–Walker universe, and also can be regarded as an extension of the Schwarzschild solution. This solution enables us to deduce an important result that an evolving universe is related with a static universe by the gauge transformation, i.e., they are gauge equivalent. This means that having a different universe simply corresponds to choosing a different gauge.
Elimination of hydrogen flouride from flourosuccinic acids. Kinetics of dehydroflourination of 2,2-diflourosuccinic acid

Abstract Elimination of hydrogen fluoride from 2,2-difluorosuccinic acid was found to follow second order kinetics with the activation energy of 16.9 kcal/mol. The probable mechanism is bimolecular trans-elimination giving fluorofumaric acid. No hydrogen-deuterium exchange was observed.
Design of Engineering Systems in Industrial and Enterprise Systems Engineering Department at University of Illinois

This paper presents a sampling of research in design of engineering systems in the Department of Industrial and Enterprise Systems Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Recent activity in design principles for actively controlled and autonomous systems, normative decision based design theory and methodology, and bio-inspired compliant mechanisms and soft robotics is presented. Keywords—design systems; actively controlled systems; autonomous systems; normative design; decision based design; bioinspired compliant mechanisms; soft robotics
A simple measure with complex determinants: investigation of the correlates of self-rated health in older men and women from three continents

BACKGROUND
Self-rated health is commonly employed in research studies that seek to assess the health status of older individuals. Perceptions of health are, however, influenced by individual and societal level factors that may differ within and between countries. This study investigates levels of self-rated health (SRH) and correlates of SRH among older adults in Australia, United States of America (USA), Japan and South Korea.


METHODS
Cross-sectional data were drawn from large surveys of older respondents (≥ 65 years) in Australia (n = 7,355), USA (n = 10,358), Japan (n = 3,541) and South Korea (n = 3,971), collected between 2000 and 2006. Harmonized variables were developed to represent socioeconomic, lifestyle and health indicators. We then assessed whether these variables, and their potentially different impact in different countries, could account for cross-national differences in levels of SRH.


RESULTS
SRH differed significantly between countries, with older Koreans reporting much poorer health than those in the other three nations. This was not the result of biases in response patterns (for example central versus extreme tendency). Health-related correlates of SRH were similar across countries; those with more medical conditions, functional limitations or poor mental health gave poorer ratings. After accounting for the differential impact of determinants in different national contexts, Australians reported better SRH than other nations.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that when examining correlates of SRH, the similarities are greater than the differences between countries. There are however differences in levels of SRH which are not fully accounted for by the health correlates. Broad generalizations about styles of responding are not helpful for understanding these differences, which appear to be country, and possibly cohort specific. When using SRH to characterize the health status of older people, it is important to consider earlier life experiences of cohorts as well as national and individual factors in later life. Further research is required to understand the complex societal influences on perceptions of health.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral montelukast in acute asthma exacerbation

BACKGROUND
Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) are well established in the management of outpatient asthma. However, there is very little information as to their role in acute asthma exacerbations. We hypothesized that LTRAs may accelerate lung function recovery when given in an acute exacerbation.


METHODS
A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital to assess the efficacy of oral montelukast on patients of 16 years of age and above who were hospitalized with acute asthma exacerbation. The patients were given either montelukast or placebo along with standard therapy throughout the hospital stay for acute asthma. Improvements in lung function and duration of hospital stay were monitored.


RESULTS
100 patients were randomized; their mean age was 52 years (SD +/- 18.50). The majority were females (79%) and non-smokers (89%). The mean hospital stay was 3.70 ± 1.93 days with 80% of patients discharged in 3 days. There was no significant difference in clinical symptoms, PEF over the course of hospital stay (p = 0.20 at day 2 and p = 0.47 at day 3) and discharge (p = 0.15), FEV1 at discharge (p = 0.29) or length of hospital stay (p = 0.90) between the two groups. No serious adverse effects were noted during the course of the study.


CONCLUSION
Our study suggests that there is no benefit of addition of oral montelukast over conventional treatment in the management of acute asthma attack.


TRIAL REGISTRATION



TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
375-Med/ERC-04.
Feasibility and efficacy of a robotic device for hand rehabilitation in hemiplegic stroke patients: a randomized pilot controlled study.

OBJECTIVE
The purpose of the study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of robot-assisted hand rehabilitation in improving arm function abilities in sub-acute hemiplegic patients.


DESIGN
Randomized controlled pilot study.


SETTING
Inpatient rehabilitation centers.


PARTICIPANTS
Thirty hemiplegic stroke patients (Ashworth spasticity index <3) were recruited and randomly divided into a Treatment group (TG) and Control group (CG).


INTERVENTIONS
Patients in the TG received intensive hand training with Gloreha, a hand rehabilitation glove that provides computer-controlled, repetitive, passive mobilization of the fingers, with multisensory feedback. Patients in the CG received the same amount of time in terms of conventional hand rehabilitation.


MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Hand motor function (Motricity Index, MI), fine manual dexterity (Nine Hole Peg Test, NHPT) and strength (Grip and Pinch test) were measured at baseline and after rehabilitation, and the differences, (Δ) mean(standard deviation), compared between groups. Results Twenty-seven patients concluded the program: 14 in the TG and 13 in the CG. None of the patients refused the device and only one adverse event of rheumatoid arthritis reactivation was reported. Baseline data did not differ significantly between the two groups. In TG, ΔMI 23(16.4), ΔNHPT 0.16(0.16), ΔGRIP 0.27(0.23) and ΔPINCH 0.07(0.07) were significantly greater than in CG, ΔMI 5.2(9.2), ΔNHPT 0.02(0.07), ΔGRIP 0.03(0.06) and ΔPINCH 0.02(0.03)] ( p=0.002, p=0.009, p=0.003 and p=0.038, respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
Gloreha Professional is feasible and effective in recovering fine manual dexterity and strength and reducing arm disability in sub-acute hemiplegic patients.
New Outer Bounds on the Marginal Polytope

We give a new class of outer bounds on the marginal polytope, and propose a cutting-plane algorithm for efficiently optimizing over these constraints. When combined with a concave upper bound on the entropy, this gives a new variational inference algorithm for probabilistic inference in discrete Markov Random Fields (MRFs). Valid constraints on the marginal polytope are derived through a series of projections onto the cut polytope. As a result, we obtain tighter upper bounds on the log-partition function. We also show empirically that the approximations of the marginals are significantly more accurate when using the tighter outer bounds. Finally, we demonstrate the advantage of the new constraints for finding the MAP assignment in protein structure prediction.
From Personal Informatics to Family Informatics: Understanding Family Practices around Health Monitoring

In families composed of parents and children, the health of parents and children is often interrelated: the health of children can have an impact on the health of parents, and vice versa. However, the design of health tracking technologies typically focuses on individual self-tracking and self-management, not yet addressing family health in a unified way. To examine opportunities for family-centered health informatics, we interviewed 14 typically healthy families, interviewed 10 families with a child with a chronic condition, and conducted three participatory design sessions with children aged 7 to 11. Although we identified similarities between family-centered tracking and personal self-tracking, we also found families want to: (1) identify ripple effects between family members; (2) consider both caregivers and children as trackers to support distributing the burdens of tracking across family members; and (3) identify and pursue health guidelines that consider the state of their family (e.g., specific health guidelines for families that include a child with a chronic condition). We contribute to expanding the design lens from self-tracking to family-centered health tracking.
Classifying the segmentation of customer value via RFM model and RS theory

Data mining is a powerful new technique to help companies mining the patterns and trends in their customers data, then to drive improved customer relationships, and it is one of well-known tools given to customer relationship management (CRM). However, there are some drawbacks for data mining tool, such as neural networks has long training times and genetic algorithm is brute computing method. This study proposes a new procedure, joining quantitative value of RFM attributes and K-means algorithm into rough set theory (RS theory), to extract meaning rules, and it can effectively improve these drawbacks. Three purposes involved in this study in the following: (1) discretize continuous attributes to enhance the rough sets algorithm; (2) cluster customer value as output (customer loyalty) that is partitioned into 3, 5 and 7 classes based on subjective view, then see which class is the best in accuracy rate; and (3) find out the characteristic of customer in order to strengthen CRM. A practical collected C-company dataset in Taiwan’s electronic industry is employed in empirical case study to illustrate the proposed procedure. Referring to [Hughes, A. M. (1994). Strategic database marketing. Chicago: Probus Publishing Company], this study firstly utilizes RFM model to yield quantitative value as input attributes; next, uses K-means algorithm to cluster customer value; finally, employs rough sets (the LEM2 algorithm) to mine classification rules that help enterprises driving an excellent CRM. In analysis of the empirical results, the proposed procedure outperforms the methods listed in terms of accuracy rate regardless of 3, 5 and 7 classes on output, and generates understandable decision rules. 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Power transmission and distribution system laboratories at Drexel University

At Drexel University, two power laboratories have been developed: the transmission oriented interconnected power system laboratory (IPSL) and, more recently, the distribution oriented reconfigurable distribution automation and control laboratory (RDAC). The laboratories provide students with hands-on experience on the analysis, operation, and planning of both transmission and distribution systems. This paper discusses power and measurement hardware in both laboratories as well as an energy management system (EMS) for IPSL and a distribution management system (DMS) for RDAC. It also addresses the successful implementation of the laboratories to undergraduate and graduate curricula at Drexel.