Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Utilizing EMG Biofeedback To Modify Cortical Contributions To Postural Control

Electromyography Biofeedback (EMG-BF) is a clinical tool used to enhance patient awareness of muscular functions in real time. When used with rehabilitation exercises, it is believed that EMG-BF can enhance neural plasticity in postural control muscles. We measured peripheral and cortical excitability before and after a balance intervention with or without EMG-BF intervention. Nineteen healthy men and women between the ages of 19-24 participated in this study. The Hoffmann reflex (H-Reflex) and motor evoked potentials (MEP) were elicited for three postural control muscles: tibialis anterior (TA), peroneus longus (PL) and soleus (SOL) with electrical and transcranial magnetic stimulation before and after two sessions of 30-minutes of balance training using the Biodex Balance System. Reflexive excitability and MEP size was compared across muscles, intensity, time, and groups. Results indicated that EMG-BF eliminated differences in reflexive excitability between PL and SOL, potentially causing the PL to behave as a postural muscle. Cortical excitability to the SOL decreased in the group that received EMG-BF, but not for the TA and PL. These findings potentially indicate that balance training with EMG-BF has the effect of inhibiting the SOL, which could be clinically useful for treatment of lower extremity dystonia.
The prevalence of hypertension and hypertension risk factors in a rural Indian community: A prospective door-to-door study

Background: The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence and risk factors for hypertension in a rural community in north-east India. Materials and Methods: A door-to-door survey was conducted amongst all residents of a village in Uttarakhand province. All residents were interviewed and data were was relating to the demographics of the individuals, dietary habits, alcohol consumption, tobacco use, psychosocial stress, past medical history and drug history. Blood pressure (BP) and anthropometric data was recorded and blood samples taken. Results: We identified 1348 people living in the village. Assessment was carried out on all those aged 15 years and over (n=968, 71.8%). Hypertension, defined as BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg or cases of known hypertensive on medication, were present in 30.9% (95% CI 25.6 to 36.0) of males and 27.8% (95% CI 23.4 to 32.2) of females. Standardisation to the World Health Organization (WHO) world population gives an overall prevalence of 32.3% (95% confidence interval, CI 28.9 to 35.8). Increasing age and higher body mass index (BMI) were independent predictors of hypertension in both sexes, with psychosocial stress an additional independent predictor in males. Conclusions: Rates of hypertension in the rural community under study are similar to those seen in high-income countries and in urban India. With the exception of age, all the risk factors identified were potentially modifiable.
Influence of wood on invertebrate communities in streams and rivers

—Wood plays a major role in creating multiple invertebrate habitats in small streams and large rivers. In small streams, wood debris dams are instrumental in creating a step and pool profile of habitats, enhancing habitat heterogeneity, retaining organic matter, and changing current velocity. Beavers can convert sections of free-flowing streams into ponds and wetlands by killing trees and building dams. In low-gradient rivers, undercut trees that fall into the main channel (snags) are often the only stable habitat for invertebrates and provide a refuge and food resource for fishes as well. Invertebrates may use or require wood as food, but many species simply occupy wood as habitat. Althoughsome species adapt to the woody environment by gouging and tunneling into the wood surface, others obtain their food from allochthonous and autochthonous resources that accumulate on the wood surfaces or are directly filtered from the water column. In streams of all sizes, accumulations of wood are often the hot spots of invertebrate diversity, and snags in Coastal Plain rivers of the southeastern United States support invertebrate production that is among the highest in lotic systems. The distribution of biomass and production among functional groups on wood varies greatly depending on the type of system. Loose streambed wood is colonized especially by shredders (gougers), and stable snags in larger streams and rivers are dominated by filterers and gatherers. High diversity of snag predators can result in complex food-web pathways, and snag taxa can be the major components of invertebrate drift in low-gradient rivers. Snag sampling is becoming a standard part of bioassessment, particularly in low-gradient systems, because snags are recognized as a major site of invertebrate diversity and production. Re-introduction of wood in streams and rivers is becoming an important aspect of restoration and management strategies around the world, as attempts are made to increase biodiversity and refuges both for fishes and their invertebrate prey.
Evidence for dust reddening in damped Lyα absorbers identified through Ca ii (H&K) absorption

We present a new sample of 31 Ca ii (H&K) λλ3935, 3970 absorption-line systems with 0.84 99.99 per cent confidence. The discovery of significant amounts of dust in a subsample of DLAs has direct implications for studies of the metallicity evolution of the Universe and the nature of DLAs in relation to high-redshift galaxies. The gas:dust ratio is discussed. Our results suggest that at least ∼40 per cent of the Ca ii absorption systems are excluded from the magnitude-limited SDSS quasar sample as a result of the associated extinction, a fraction similar to the upper limit deduced at higher redshifts from radio-selected surveys.
Using unexpected questions to elicit information and cues to deceit in interpreter‐based interviews

We examined whether speech-related differences between truth tellers and liars are more profound when answering unexpected questions than when answering expected questions. We also examined whether the presence of an interpreter affected these results. In the experiment, 204 participants from the USA (Hispanic participants only), Russia, and the Republic of Korea were interviewed in their native language by a native-speaking interviewer or by a British interviewer through an interpreter. Truth tellers discussed a trip they had made during the last twelve months; liars fabricated a story about such a trip. The key dependent variables were the amount of information provided and the proportion of all statements that were complications. The proportion of complications distinguished truth tellers from liars better when answering unexpected than expected questions, but only in interpreter-absent interviews. The number of details provided did not differ between truth tellers and liars or between interpreter-absent and interpreter-present interviews.
An efficient medium access control protocol for high-speed networks

In this paper, we propose a new medium access control (MAC) layer protocol, called optical reservation multiple access (ORMA), which is suitable for data traffic on a folded bus high-speed MANs and LANs. Its main feature is an optical reservation technique, to allow stations to reserve transmission slots, which is attractive for use in high-speed networks. Unlike traditional protocols where reservation is mostly done using software, ORMA performs its reservation function using simple and efficient optical hardware circuits. A complete description of the ORMA protocol is given. Then, ORMA is shown to achieve high throughput and small transmission delays while preserving the fairness of the whole network.
Exchange rate variability and the export demand for Malaysia's semiconductors: an empirical study

This article examines the effects of exchange rate variability on export demand for semiconductors, which is the largest sub-sector of electronics industry in Malaysia as reported by Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA, 2004). The empirical results, which are estimated based on the Johansen's multivariate cointegration tests and error-correction model, suggest that there is a unique long-run relationship among quantities of export, relative price, real foreign income and real exchange rate variability. The major finding of this article is that the variability of real exchange rate has some effect on semiconductor exports in both the long run and the short run. In the light of rapid advances in technology in the global markets for electronics products, the findings are useful to policy makers for the design and target of appropriate exchange rate and industrial policies to enhance the export competitiveness of semiconductor industry.
Compassionate use of new drugs in children and adolescents with multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis: early experiences and challenges

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that 480 000 new multidrug-resistant (MDR) tuberculosis (TB) cases occurred globally in 2014, with 190 000 deaths. Limited data are available on the burden of MDR-TB in children. A recent systematic review estimated that 32 000 children acquire MDR-TB annually; of these, very few are correctly diagnosed and provided with appropriate treatment [1]. First experience and challenges of compassionate use of new anti-TB drugs to treat MDR- and XDR-TB in children http://ow.ly/SWXF300a0UX
Asian Spine Journal Asian Spine Journal Risk Factors for Recurrent Lumbar Disc Herniations

which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. The most common complication after lumbar discectomy is reherniation. As the first step in reducing the rate of recurrence, many studies have been conducted to find out the factors that may increase the reherniation risk. Some reported factors are age, sex, the type of lumbar disc herniation, the amount of fragments removed, smoking, alcohol consumption and the length of restricted activities. In this review, the factors studied thus far are summarized, excepting factors which cannot be chosen or changed, such as age or sex. Apart from the factors shown here, many other risk factors such as diabetes, family history, history of external injury, duration of illness and body mass index are considered. Few are agreed upon by all. The reason for the diverse opinions may be that many clinical and biomechanical variables are involved in the prognosis following operation. For the investigation of risk factors in recurrent lumbar disc herniation, large-scale multicenter prospective studies will be required in the future.
Visual physiology of the lateral geniculate nucleus in two species of New World monkey: Saimiri sciureus and Aotus trivirgatis

1 Visual responses were recorded from neurones in the magnocellular and parvocellular layers of the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) of the thalamus in two species of New World monkeys – the diurnal squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus) and the nocturnal owl monkey (Aotus trivirgatis). Recording sites were reconstructed in postmortem tissue and comparisons were made between the response properties of magnocellular and parvocellular neurones. 2 Receptive fields were characterized with both white noise and drifting gratings. We found that most of the differences between magnocellular and parvocellular neurones that have been described in the macaque monkey hold for the squirrel monkey and owl monkey. In squirrel monkey and owl monkey, receptive fields of magnocellular neurones were larger than those of parvocellular neurones at similar eccentricities. Although visual responses in the owl monkey were significantly slower than in the squirrel monkey, in both species magnocellular neurones differed from parvocellular neurones in that their responses (1) had higher contrast gains, (2) tended to peak at higher temporal frequencies (but with considerable overlap), (3) had shorter response latencies, and (4) were more transient. 3 The strength of a neurone's receptive‐field surround was assessed by comparing neuronal responses to gratings of optimal spatial frequency with responses to gratings of low spatial frequency. Using this approach, receptive‐field surrounds were found to be equally strong on average for magnocellular and parvocellular neurones. 4 Spatial summation, as measured by a null test, was linear for all magnocellular and parvocellular cells tested; that is, Y cells were not observed in either species. Finally, most magnocellular neurones showed a contrast gain control mechanism, although this was not seen for parvocellular neurones.
A Compton Upscattering Model for Soft Lags in the Lower Kilohertz Quasi-periodic Oscillation in 4U 1608–52

An empirical Compton upscattering model is described that reproduces both the fractional amplitude (rms) versus energy and the soft time lags in the ≈830 Hz quasi-periodic oscillation (QPO) observed in 4U 1608-52 on 1996 March 3. A combination of two coherent variations in the coronal and soft photon temperatures (with their relative contributions determined by enforcing energy conservation) gives rise to the QPO's energy-dependent characteristics. All input parameters to the model, save a characteristic plasma size and the fraction of Comptonized photons impinging on the soft photon source, are derived from the time-averaged photon energy spectrum of the same observation. Fits to the fractional rms and phase lag data for this kilohertz QPO imply that the spatial extent of the plasma is in the range from ~4 to 15 km.
Temporary Trans-jejunal Hepatic Duct Stenting in Roux-en-y Hepaticojejunostomy for Reconstruction of Iatrogenic Bile Duct Injuries

Background Bile Duct Injuries (BDI) during cholecystectomy are now being recognized as major health problems. Objectives Herein, we present our experience with handling major BDIs and report long-term outcome of hepaticojejunostomies followed by trans-jejunal hepatic duct stenting performed to reconstruct extra-hepatic biliary tracts. Materials and Methods In this case series, we prospectively collected data of 22 patients, who underwent first time biliary reconstruction through Roux-en-y hepaticojejunostomy followed by hepatic duct stenting using a trans-jejunal bifurcated 6F tube drain. The long-term outcome was assessed and defined as excellent (asymptomatic, normal liver enzymes and bilirubin levels), good (asymptomatic, mild abnormality in liver enzyme and bilirubin levels), poor (symptomatic, abnormal liver enzymes and bilirubin level) and failure (requiring reoperation). Results A total of 22 patients including four males (18.1%) and 18 females (81.8%) were evaluated. The mean age was 42.71 (range: 23 - 74) years. Twelve patients had undergone open cholecystectomy (54.5%) and the rest had a history of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The mean interval between the primary operation and reconstruction was 92.71 days. The mean follow-up period after biliary reconstruction was 42.33 (range: 1 - 96) months. No instance of anastomotic leakage or stenosis, biliary sepsis, thromboembolic event, or respiratory infection was noted in the long-term follow-up. The outcome was excellent in all patients. No case with poor or failure of result was noticed. Conclusions Although a devastating complication iatrogenic major bile duct injuries can be corrected surgically with a high rate of success. Temporary trans-jejunal stenting of the hepatic ducts can help in maintaining the integrity of anastomosis without stenosis or biliary sepsis.
Hubungan Penggunaan Media Sosial dengan Tingkat Kepekaan Sosial di Usia Remaja

Social media could improve the deployment of information and communication among users, including teenagers user. However, to be considered is whether the intensity of high social media usage among teens can reduce their social skills, as teens tend to become more individualized. The study was conducted using quantitative methods that involving 145 respondents, who attend in public and private schools, within 1-15 km of study range location. This study done based on the Uses and gratification theory as the grand theory. Other theory which used in this study is media dependency theory, in order to see how dependent the user on the use of social media. The results shows that the more often user access to social media, the more frequently the information search is done as a fulfillment of the information, which will triggered the concern of environment as well as the form of social consciousness.
Acute effects of breaking up prolonged sitting on fatigue and cognition: a pilot study

Objectives To compare the acute effects of uninterrupted sitting with sitting interrupted by brief bouts of light-intensity walking on self-reported fatigue, cognition, neuroendocrine biomarkers and cardiometabolic risk markers in overweight/obese adults. Design Randomised two-condition crossover trial. Setting Laboratory study conducted in Melbourne, Australia. Participants 19 overweight/obese adults (45–75 years). Interventions After an initial 2 h period seated, participants consumed a meal-replacement beverage and completed (on 2 days separated by a 6-day washout period) each condition over the next 5 h: uninterrupted sitting (sedentary condition) or sitting with 3 min bouts of light-intensity walking every 30 min (active condition). Primary outcome measures Self-reported fatigue, executive function and episodic memory at 0 h, 4 h and 7 h. Secondary outcome measures Neuroendocrine biomarkers and cardiometabolic risk markers (blood collections at 0 h, 4 h and 7 h, blood pressure and heart rate measured hourly and interstitial glucose measured using a continuous glucose monitoring system). Results During the active condition, fatigue levels were lower at 4 h (−13.32 (95% CI −23.48 to −3.16)) and at 7 h (−10.73 (95% CI −20.89 to −0.58)) compared to the sedentary condition. Heart rate was higher at 4 h (4.47 (95% CI 8.37 to 0.58)) and at 7 h (4.32 (95% CI 8.21 to 0.42)) during the active condition compared to the sedentary condition. There were no significant differences between conditions by time for other variables. In the sedentary condition, changes in fatigue scores over time correlated with a decrease in heart rate and plasma dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) and an increase in plasma dihydroxyphenylglycol (DHPG). Conclusions Interrupting prolonged sitting with light-intensity walking breaks may be an effective fatigue countermeasure acutely. Fatigue levels corresponded with the heart rate and neuroendocrine biomarker changes in uninterrupted sitting in this pilot study. Further research is needed to identify potential implications, particularly for the occupational health context. Trial registration number ACTRN12613000137796; Results.
Correlates of Mental Health Diversion Completion in a Canadian Consortium

ABSTRACT Mental health diversion is an important option for offenders with mental illness who do not pose a serious risk to public safety and who would otherwise be better served outside the criminal justice system. Predictors of complete vs. incomplete diversion were examined in a sample of 708 defendants seen in Toronto's mental health diversion programs. Univariate analyses revealed that unsuccessfully diverted defendants were significantly more likely to be younger, homeless, and have more clinical and legal needs compared to those who were successfully diverted. In multivariate analyses, criminological factors (e.g., criminal history) had the strongest association with diversion completion, compared to clinical (e.g., primary diagnosis) and psychosocial (e.g., employment status) factors outside of marital status, which was strongly associated with completion. The results from this research add to previous research on mental health courts and diversion by giving guidance on how to select and prepare diversion candidates. These findings suggest that diversion programs may benefit from adaptations in order to better suit high need clients.
ASSOCIATION OF PREPROCEDURAL LEVELS OF MATRIX METALLOPROINASE-9, HIGH SENSITIVE C-REACTIVE PROTEIN, SERUM AMYLOID A, AND NEOPTERIN WITH ANGIOGRAPHIC IN STENT RESTENOSIS

Objective: Vascular inflammation induced by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has an important role in the pathogenesis of in-stent restenosis (ISR). Previous studies have addressed that serum amyloid A (SAA), high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), neopterin, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) play an important role in inflammatory process of development of ISR. Aim: We aimed to investigate the relationship of preprocedural levels of these inflammatory markers and the development of ISR. Methods and Materials: This was a prospective-case controlled study. 76 of 123 screened consecutive patients with stable angina who underwent coronary angiography, were scheduled for bare metal stent (BMS) placement. Control angiography was performed 6-12 months after the index intervention. Results: ISR was documented in the of 23 patients (30%), it was not documented in the remaining 53 patients (70%). The basal serum neopterin level was 2.32 ± 1.27 ng/ml and 1.67 ± 0.89 ng/ml, hs-CRP level was 9.16 ± 8.73 mg/L and 5.85±5.59 mg/L, the serum basal SAA level was 18.28 ±39.84 ng/ml and 12.77±23.67 ng/ml, the serum basal MMP-9 level was 75.06 ±35.05 ng/ml and 66.78±38.32 ng/ml, in patients with and without restenosis, respectively. Neopterine and hs-CRP levels exhibited a significant association with the ISR (p:0.01, p:0.04, respectively), SAA and MMP-9 levels did not (p:0.46, p:0.36, respectively). Conclusions: In present study, serum baseline neopterin and hs-CRP concentrations were predictive for the development of ISR. We also observed a significant correlation between the neopterin and hs- CRP in restenosis group.
The role of communication in managing the safety climate of construction site environments

ABSTRACT Managers in the construction sector are met with a critical charge: they are responsible for the safety of employees in one of the most notoriously dangerous industries in the world. In terms of managing the safety climate of construction site environments, no recommendations have been made in the literature that truly elucidate the role of organisational communication therein. The aim of this research was to fill this void by enriching the seminal work of Mohamed (2002) which focusses on the nature of the safety climate in construction organisations, and the factors it is comprised of. To this end, the research comprised a data-triangulated qualitative and quantitative empirical study undertaken at nine different construction sites in South Africa, which allowed for the reformulation of the model for safety climate management in construction environments, with an added understanding of the role of communication therein. The findings indicated that communication is conducive to a positive safety climate when it is managed to be strategic, holistic, relational and symmetrical. The model put forward in this article offers an empirical application of the four identified constructs of communication, which gives way to data-driven recommendations for use in construction organisation settings.
Native Point Defects in yttria as a High-Dielectric-Constant Gate Oxide Material: A First-Principles Study

-Yttria (Y2O3) has become a promising gate oxide material to replace silicon dioxide in metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) devices. The characterization of native point defect in Y2O3 is essential to understand the behavior of the material. We used the firstprinciples pseudopotential method to study the electronic structure, defect structure and formation energy of native point defects in Y2O3. Vacancies, interstitials and antisites in their relevant charge states are considered. The dominant defect types are identified under different chemical potentials and different Fermi levels. Oxygen vacancies are the dominant defect types under high yttrium chemical potential condition. Lower yttrium chemical potential leads to oxygen interstitials and ultimately yttrium vacancies when Y2O3 is used as a high dielectric constant gate oxide material in MOS devices.