Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Diaphragm Thickness and Inspiratory Muscle Functions in Chronic Stroke Patients

Background The aims of this study are to investigate the difference between the diaphragm thickness at end expiration and the thickness at total lung capacity (TLC), and to examine differences in inspiratory muscle function between stroke patients and healthy individuals. Material/Methods Forty-five stroke patients and 49 healthy volunteers were included in this study. Diaphragm thickness was measured at end expiration and at TLC by ultrasonography. The maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), peak inspiratory flow (PIF), vital capacity (VC), and inspiratory muscle endurance (IME) were assess to evaluate inspiratory muscle function. Results In stroke patients, the diaphragm was significantly thinner on the affected side than the less affected side at end expiration and at TLC. The change between the thickness at end expiration and at TLC were also significant on both sides. Between groups, the difference in diaphragm thickness at end expiration was not significant, but at TLC, the diaphragms were significantly thicker in healthy individuals than on either side in stroke patients, and the change in diaphragm thickness was significantly greater for healthy individuals. Inspiratory muscle functions were also significantly greater in healthy individuals. MIP, PIF, and VC were positively correlated with the change in thickness in healthy individuals, and MIP was positively correlated with the change in thickness and IME in stroke patients. Conclusions Stroke patients showed decreases in the thickening ability of the diaphragm at TLC and in inspiratory muscle function. The change between the diaphragm thickness at end expiration and at TLC was positively correlated with MIP, PIF, and VC.
RNA sequencing unravels the genetics of refractory/relapsed T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Prognostic and therapeutic implications

Despite therapeutic improvements, a sizable number of patients with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia still have a poor outcome. To unravel the genomic background associated with refractoriness, we evaluated the transcriptome of 19 cases of refractory/early relapsed T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (discovery cohort) by performing RNA-sequencing on diagnostic material. The incidence and prognostic impact of the most frequently mutated pathways were validated by Sanger sequencing on genomic DNA from diagnostic samples of an independent cohort of 49 cases (validation cohort), including refractory, relapsed and responsive cases. Combined gene expression and fusion transcript analyses in the discovery cohort revealed the presence of known oncogenes and identified novel rearrangements inducing overexpression, as well as inactivation of tumor suppressor genes. Mutation analysis identified JAK/STAT and RAS/PTEN as the most commonly disrupted pathways in patients with chemorefractory disease or early relapse, frequently in association with NOTCH1/FBXW7 mutations. The analysis on the validation cohort documented a significantly higher risk of relapse, inferior overall survival, disease-free survival and event-free survival in patients with JAK/STAT or RAS/PTEN alterations. Conversely, a significantly better survival was observed in patients harboring only NOTCH1/FBXW7 mutations: this favorable prognostic effect was abrogated by the presence of concomitant mutations. Preliminary in vitro assays on primary cells demonstrated sensitivity to specific inhibitors. These data document the negative prognostic impact of JAK/STAT and RAS/PTEN mutations in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and suggest the potential clinical application of JAK and PI3K/mTOR inhibitors in patients harboring mutations in these pathways.
A spatio-temporal interest point detector based on vorticity for action recognition

How to separate foreground from camera and background motions is a difficult problem for human action recognition in unconstrained environments. Although the existing interest point based methods have shown attractive results, they always come with high computational complexity and lose their power in cluttered field with camera motion. In this paper, a new spatio-temporal interest point detector based on flow vorticity is proposed, which can not only suppress most of effects of camera motion but also provide prominent spatio-temporal interest points around key positions of the moving foreground. Experiments on KTH and UCF sports datasets demonstrate that the proposed detector combined with HOG/HOF descriptors outperforms four popular point detectors. Moreover, when rich descriptors, such as trajectory, HOG/HOF and MBH (Motion Boundary Histogram), are combined with the proposed detector, our approach offers better results than other state-of-the-art methods, and also achieves comparable performance with less than half the computation time compared with dense sampling. Our approach is simple and effective, and manifests a good tradeoff between recognition accuracy and computational complexity.
Energy-Efficient Memories using Magneto-Electric Switching of Ferromagnets

Voltage driven magneto-electric (ME) switching of ferro-magnets has shown potential for future low-energy spintronic memories. In this paper, we first analyze two different ME devices viz. ME-MTJ and ME-XNOR device with respect to writability, readability and switching speed. Our analysis is based on a coupled magnetization dynamics and electron transport model. Subsequently, we show that the decoupled read/write path of ME-MTJs can be utilized to construct an energy-efficient dual port memory. Further, we also propose a novel content addressable memory (CAM) exploiting the compact XNOR operation enabled by ME-XNOR device.
Multidegree-of-Freedom Motion Platform Based on Spherical Wheels

This paper presents a new concept and design of a multidegree-of-freedom (DOF) motion platform capable of controlling three DOFs rotation and three DOFs translation to provide unlimited rotational range of motion for virtual reality (VR) based on spherical wheels. Multi-DOF motion platforms have been developed for various applications such as motion simulators and game industry. In addition, motion recognition is one of main features for VR with visual display. However, existing motion platforms have critical limits of range of motion in motion realization due to mechanical linkages and their actuating mechanisms. In addition, unnatural motion control causes mismatch in the VR environment. The motion platform developed in this paper can provide six DOFs motion, and in particular, unlimited range of rotation without motion singularity. The design is compact and lightweight offering fast speed of response. Kinematic and dynamic analysis of the platform are investigated to provide a basis of motion control in an open loop. Performance of motion control is demonstrated in real scale size (ride on platform). The experimental results show that the platform is successfully capable of multi-DOF motion control and can be utilized for various applications in future demands.
Perception of HIV Risk and Adherence to a Daily, Investigational Pill for HIV Prevention in FEM-PrEP

Background:FEM-PrEP was unable to demonstrate the effectiveness of oral emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (FTC/TDF) as pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention because of low adherence. We hypothesized that one reason for the poor adherence was low perceived HIV risk. Methods:At enrollment and at quarterly follow-up visits, we assessed participants' perceived HIV risk for the subsequent 4 weeks. We used logistic regression to assess factors associated with some (small, moderate, or high) perceived HIV risk. We also used logistic regression with robust variance estimation to assess the association between risk perceptions (none versus some) reported at enrollment and at weeks 12, 24, and 36 and good adherence based on drug concentrations of plasma tenofovir and intracellular tenofovir diphosphate in specimens collected 4 weeks later (at weeks 4, 16, 28, and 40) among 150 randomly selected participants assigned FTC/TDF. Results:Multiple factors were statistically associated with having some perceived risk, including having sex without a condom, having multiple partners, and not knowing if a partner has HIV. We observed a significant association between having some risk perception and good adherence (odds ratio: 2.0; 95% confidence interval: 1.1 to 3.5; P = 0.016). Conclusions:Data suggest that participants are likely knowledgeable about factors that increase their HIV risk. Perceived risk seemed to have influenced some participants' decisions to adhere to the study pill within the context of a placebo-controlled clinical trial. Future research can explore the role of risk perception in the uptake of and adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis, now that FTC/TDF has been shown efficacious.
Money Laundering Prevention Measures among Commercial Banks in Malaysia

The main objective of this study is to examine a range of issues regarding compliance measures adopted by the Malaysian commercial banks. This study assesses the current state of compliance measures adopted by the Malaysian banks. This study also examines the critical success factors in ensuring successful implementation of money laundering and financial terrorism measures. Based on 39 respondents among compliance officers in commercial banks, this study found that commercial banks in Malaysia take responsibilities in money laundering and terrorist financing compliance measures seriously. However, further analysis revealed that there is a significant difference between level of perceived important and the actual level of anti money laundering prevention measures adopted. Such results indicate that despite perceiving the measures as an important tool to combat, detect, investigate and prosecute suspicious money laundering and terrorist financing, the actual level of implementation by the banks is significantly lower. Among the top factors perceived importance to ensure successful implementation of the money laundering prevention measures are support from top management, expert staff, technology infrastructure availability and existence of political influence.
Effect of Golimumab on Patient-reported Outcomes in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Results from the GO-FORWARD Study

Objective. To evaluate the effect of golimumab on physical function, general health, and fatigue in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) despite methotrexate (MTX) therapy. Methods. In the multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled GO-FORWARD study, 444 adults with active RA despite MTX received subcutaneous placebo + MTX (crossover to golimumab 50 mg at Week 24), golimumab 100 mg + placebo, golimumab 50 mg + MTX, or golimumab 100 mg + MTX every 4 weeks. Physical function and general health were assessed using the Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI) and Physical and Mental Component Summary (PCS, MCS) scores of the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 questionnaire (SF-36), respectively, through Week 52. Fatigue was measured through Week 24 using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-Fatigue) questionnaire. Results. Mean improvements from baseline in HAQ-DI, SF-36 PCS, and FACIT-Fatigue scores (Weeks 14 and 24) were significantly greater for golimumab 50 mg + MTX and 100 mg + MTX versus placebo + MTX. Significantly greater proportions of patients treated with golimumab + MTX achieved clinically meaningful improvements from baseline to Weeks 14 and 24 in HAQ-DI, PCS, and FACIT-Fatigue scores. Mean improvements in SF-36 PCS (Week 14), MCS (Week 24), and FACIT-Fatigue (Weeks 14 and 24) scores were significantly greater for golimumab 100 mg + placebo versus placebo + MTX. Mean improvements from baseline in HAQ-DI, SF-36 PCS, and MCS scores through Week 24 were sustained through Week 52. Conclusion. Patients with active RA despite MTX had significant improvement in physical function, general health, and fatigue following golimumab + MTX therapy; improvements in physical function and general health were maintained through Week 52. (Clinical Trials Registration NCT00264550)
Tandem repeats in plant mitochondrial genomes: application to the analysis of population differentiation in the conifer Norway spruce

Mitochondrial DNA, widely applied in studies of population differentiation in animals, is rarely used in plants because of its slow rate of sequence evolution and its complex genomic organization. We demonstrate the utility of two polymorphic mitochondrial tandem repeats located in the second intron of the nad1 gene of Norway spruce. Most of the size variants showed pronounced population differentiation and a distinct geographical distribution. A GenBank search revealed that mitochondrial tandem repeats occur in a broad range of plant species and may serve as a novel molecular marker for unravelling population processes in plants.
Factors influencing success of artificial insemination of pigs using extended fresh semen in rural smallholder pig farms of Rwanda

The present study was conducted to analyse the factors influencing the success of artificial insemination (AI) in pigs using extended fresh semen in rural smallholder pig farms. One hundred female pigs from Rulindo and Gicumbi districts in Northern Region of Rwanda were artificially inseminated using locally collected and extended fresh semen. The pregnancy was confirmed by using both no returns to estrus and abdomen palpation at 21 and two and half months post insemination, respectively. The factors influencing the success of AI were analysed using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. The results showed that the number of inseminations per conception (IC) and litter size were 1.89 ± 0.83 and 7.94 ± 2.24, respectively. The number of AI per conception was significantly influenced (p < 0.05) by intrinsic factors (age and parity of the female pig) and extrinsic factors (sex, age and education of household head, time of AI and distance between the farm and semen collection center). The litter size was significantly influenced (p < 0.05) by parity. From the results, we recommend establishing more semen production centers and providing more training on pig management and AI. Key words: Inseminations per conception, litter size, swine, fresh semen, smallholder farms, natural oestrus.
The optical absorption in zincblende and wurtzite GaP nanowire polytypes

The geometry dependence of the absorption in semiconductor nanowires is of large interest currently, and especially the diameter-dependent absorption resonances are promising for tunable detectors. Here, we show that these resonances for both wurtzite and zincblende GaP nanowires can be tuned down to λ ~ 330 nm by decreasing the diameter to 35 nm. This stop of the shifting at λ ~ 330 nm indicates that both polytypes show a critical point in the refractive index in this region of the ultra violet regime. This similarity of the resonant response in both polytypes of GaP nanowires is in strong contrast to the case of InP and InAs nanowires.
Acquisitions Driven by Stock Overvaluation: Are They Good Deals?

Theory and recent evidence suggest that overvalued firms can create value for shareholders if they exploit their overvaluation by using their stock as currency to purchase less overvalued firms. We challenge this idea and show that, in practice, overvalued acquirers significantly overpay for their targets. These acquisitions do not, in turn, lead to synergy gains. Moreover, these acquisitions seem to be concentrated among acquirers with the largest governance problems. CEO compensation, not shareholder value creation, appears to be the main motive behind acquisitions by overvalued acquirers.
The incidence and morphology of maxillary sinus septa in dentate and edentulous maxillae: a cadaveric study with a brief review of the literature

Objectives The aim of this study is to determine the incidence, location, and orientation of maxillary sinus septa in formalin embalmed cadavers. Materials and Methods The study was conducted on 210 cadaveric heads available in our department. After taking the mid-sagittal section the specimens were opened from the medial aspect and the sinus cavity was explored for the presence of maxillary sinus septa, their anatomical plane, location and dimensions. Results The mean linear distance between maxillary sinus floor and its anatomical ostium was 26.76±5.21 mm and 26.91±4.96 mm on right and left side, respectively. A total of 59 maxillary sinus septa (28.1%) were observed in 210 maxillary specimens. Septae were most common, 33 septa (55.9%), in the middle region (between first and second molar tooth) of the sinus cavity. The maxillary sinus membrane (Schneiderian membrane) adhered tightly to the maxillary sinus and over the septae. Significantly more maxillary sinus septa were observed in edentulous maxillae in comparison to the dentate upper jaw. Conclusion Knowledge of location of maxillary sinus ostium is mandatory for the rhinologist for drainage of secretions in maxillary sinusitis. The morphological details of maxillary sinus septa, particularly their location and anatomical planes, will guide dentists in performance of safe implant surgeries. The maxillary antrum septa of category I and II may complicate the procedure of inversion of bone plate and elevation of sinus membrane during maxillary augmentation surgeries. The category III septa observed in the sagittal plane were embedded by one of the branches of the infraorbital nerve in it, and if accidentally cut will lead to infraorbital nerve palsy in maxillary sinus surgeries.
Effect of three different doses of arginine enhanced enteral nutrition on nutritional status and outcomes in well nourished postsurgical cancer patients: a randomized single blinded prospective trial.

OBJECTIVE Patients with head and neck cancer undergoing surgery have a high occurrence of postoperative complications. The aim of our study was to investigate whether postoperative nutrition of head and neck cancer patients, using an enhanced enteral formula with three different doses of arginine could improve nutritional variables as well as clinical outcome, depending of arginine dose. PATIENTS AND METHODS A population of 84 patients with oral and laryngeal cancer was enrolled. At surgery patients were randomly assigned to three different treatment groups, each one containing at less 28 patients. Group I (28 patients) received an enteral diet supplements with a low physiological dose of arginine (5.7 g per day), group II (28 patients) received an isocaloric, isonitrogenous enteral formula with a medium dose of arginine (12.3 g per day) and group III (28 patients) received an isocaloric, isonitrogenous enteral formula with a high dose of arginine (18.9 g per day). RESULTS The length of postoperative stay had a trend to be better with high dose of arginine received (31.9 ± 17.2 days in group I vs 27.8 ± 15.2 days in group II vs 24.8 ± 18.3 days in group III: p = 0.034). No differences were detected in postoperative infections complications and diarrhea. Fistula was less frequent in groups II and III than I (10.7% group I vs 3.6% group II vs 3.6% group III: p = 0.033), The length of postoperative stay had a trend to be better with high dose of arginine received (31.9 ± 17.2 days in group I vs 27.8 ± 15.2 days in group II vs 24.8 ± 18.3 days in group III: p = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that these patients could benefit from a high dose of arginine enhanced enteral formula to decrease length of hospital stay and fistula wound complications.
Instrumental Variables Estimates of the Effect of Subsidized Training on the Quantiles of Trainee Earnings

This paper reports estimates of the effects of JTPA training programs on the distribution of earnings. The estimation uses a new instrumental variable (IV) method that measures program impacts on quantiles. The quantile treatment effects (QTE) estimator reduces to quantile regression when selection for treatment is exogenously determined. QTE can be computed as the solution to a convex linear programming problem, although this requires first-step estimation of a nuisance function. We develop distribution theory for the case where the first step is estimated nonparametrically. For women, the empirical results show that the JTPA program had the largest proportional impact at low quantiles. Perhaps surprisingly, however, JTPA training raised the quantiles of earnings for men only in the upper half of the trainee earnings distribution.
Real Business Cycles of Sticky Prices? The Impact of Technology Shocks on US Manufacturing

In this paper we estimate industry-level VAR models at the 4- digit SIC level for a number of US manufacturing sectors, using TFP series which allow for variable factor utilisation over the cycle. This allows us to verify the relevance of alternative theoretical modelling approaches to the business cycle. Our results support standard RBC models, and models of nominal rigidity based on sticky wages. They o er little support to dynamic general equilibrium models based on imperfect competition and sticky prices. Our results extend those obtained recently by other researchers using aggregate data.
Pulmonary Aspergillosis: Recent Advances

Aspergillosis remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. The spectrum of disease is diverse and ranges from noninvasive disease with an excessive immune response, such as in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), to a lack of an immune response as seen in patients with quantitative or qualitative granulocyte deficits and subsequent invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Noninvasive diagnostic testing has improved the time to initiation of effective antifungal therapy, and numerous agents in different therapeutic classes are now available as treatment options. Voriconazole remains the preferred agent in the treatment of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, and recent data have increased interest in the potential of combination therapy against this often lethal infection. The role of host genetics in selecting patients that may benefit from more aggressive antifungal prophylaxis or treatment practices remains unclear but is likely to guide therapeutic choices as newer data become available.
The Role of Federal Resources in Closing the Achievement Gap

A color television receiver includes conventional circuitry for processing and detecting a received color television signal. Three chrominance-luminance matrices combine detected color difference and luminance signals forming color red, blue and green video signals. Emitter follower coupling stages apply the color video signals individually to each of three output amplifiers which in turn drive the cathode electrodes of a unitized gun CRT. Potentiometers couple the emitter electrodes of the output amplifiers to a source of operating potential providing a simultaneous signal gain and DC output voltage adjustment for each amplifier during CRT color temperature setup. A voltage divider controls the voltage applied to the common screen grid electrode of the CRT providing a master setup adjustment.
Morphological Segmentation Inside-Out

Morphological segmentation has traditionally been modeled with non-hierarchical models, which yield flat segmentations as output. In many cases, however, proper morphological analysis requires hierarchical structure -- especially in the case of derivational morphology. In this work, we introduce a discriminative, joint model of morphological segmentation along with the orthographic changes that occur during word formation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to approach discriminative segmentation with a context-free model. Additionally, we release an annotated treebank of 7454 English words with constituency parses, encouraging future research in this area.