Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Initial level and rate of change in grip strength predict all-cause mortality in very old adults

Abstract Objective to investigate the associations between initial level and rate of change in grip strength (GS) and all-cause mortality in very old adults (≥85 years) over a 9.6-year follow-up. Methods prospective mortality data from 845 participants in the Newcastle 85+ Study were analysed for survival in relation to GS (kg, baseline and 5-year mean change) using Cox proportional hazards models. Results during the follow-up, 636 (75.3%) participants died. Higher baseline GS was associated with a decreased risk of mortality in all participants [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.95, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.93–0.98, P < 0.001], men (HR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.95–0.99, P = 0.009) and women (HR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.94–0.99, P = 0.007) after adjustment for health, lifestyle and anthropometric factors. Overall GS slope had a downward trajectory and was determined in 602 participants: 451 experienced constant decline (negative slope) and 151 had increasing GS (positive slope) over time. Men and women with a negative slope had a 16 and 33% increased risk of mortality, respectively, with every kg/year decline in GS (P ≤ 0.005), and participants with a positive slope had a 31% decreased risk of mortality (P = 0.03) irrespective of baseline GS and key covariates. Conclusion higher baseline GS and 5-year increase in GS were protective of mortality, whilst GS decline was associated with an increased risk of mortality in the very old over 9.6 years, especially in women. These results add to the biological and clinical importance of GS as a powerful predictor of long-term survival in late life.
The implications of disk-based RAID and virtualization for write-intensive services

Many data-intensive services exist, which create value for different stakeholders. Examples include mobile data analytics services, sensors collecting information for energy management of residences, or network equipment collecting data at high speed for traffic analysis. Such services impose performance requirements for the platform, which is used for implementation of data processing functionalities. This paper focuses on evaluating the impact of disk-based RAID and virtualization, when designing and implementing a platform for write-intensive applications. The results indicate that hard drive speed, and RAID configuration both have a significant impact on performance. However, their effect depends on size of data, and utilization of direct I/O for writing. Virtualization on Eucalyptus cloud platform had a significantly negative effect on write performance.
Spike and burst coding in thalamocortical relay cells

Mammalian thalamocortical relay (TCR) neurons switch their firing activity between a tonic spiking and a bursting regime. In a combined experimental and computational study, we investigated the features in the input signal that single spikes and bursts in the output spike train represent and how this code is influenced by the membrane voltage state of the neuron. Identical frozen Gaussian noise current traces were injected into TCR neurons in rat brain slices as well as in a validated three-compartment TCR model cell. The resulting membrane voltage traces and spike trains were analyzed by calculating the coherence and impedance. Reverse correlation techniques gave the Event-Triggered Average (ETA) and the Event-Triggered Covariance (ETC). This demonstrated that the feature selectivity started relatively long before the events (up to 300 ms) and showed a clear distinction between spikes (selective for fluctuations) and bursts (selective for integration). The model cell was fine-tuned to mimic the frozen noise initiated spike and burst responses to within experimental accuracy, especially for the mixed mode regimes. The information content carried by the various types of events in the signal as well as by the whole signal was calculated. Bursts phase-lock to and transfer information at lower frequencies than single spikes. On depolarization the neuron transits smoothly from the predominantly bursting regime to a spiking regime, in which it is more sensitive to high-frequency fluctuations. The model was then used to elucidate properties that could not be assessed experimentally, in particular the role of two important subthreshold voltage-dependent currents: the low threshold activated calcium current (IT) and the cyclic nucleotide modulated h current (Ih). The ETAs of those currents and their underlying activation/inactivation states not only explained the state dependence of the firing regime but also the long-lasting concerted dynamic action of the two currents. Finally, the model was used to investigate the more realistic “high-conductance state”, where fluctuations are caused by (synaptic) conductance changes instead of current injection. Under “standard” conditions bursts are difficult to initiate, given the high degree of inactivation of the T-type calcium current. Strong and/or precisely timed inhibitory currents were able to remove this inactivation.
Bioswales reduce contaminants associated with toxicity in urban storm water

Contamination and toxicity associated with urban storm water runoff are a growing concern because of the potential impacts on receiving systems. California water regulators are mandating implementation of green infrastructure as part of new urban development projects to treat storm water and increase infiltration. Parking lot bioswales are low impact development practices that promote filtering of runoff through plants and soil. Studies have demonstrated that bioswales reduce concentrations of suspended sediments, metals, and hydrocarbons. There have been no published studies evaluating how well these structures treat current‐use pesticides, and studies have largely ignored whether bioswales reduce toxicity in surface water. Three storms were monitored at 3 commercial and residential sites, and reductions of contaminants and associated toxicity were quantified. Toxicity testing showed that the majority of untreated storm water samples were toxic to amphipods (Hyalella azteca) and midges (Chironomus dilutus), and toxicity was reduced by the bioswales. No samples were toxic to daphnids (Ceriodaphnia dubia) or fish (Pimephales promelas). Contaminants were significantly reduced by the bioswales, including suspended solids (81% reduction), metals (81% reduction), hydrocarbons (82% reduction), and pyrethroid pesticides (74% reduction). The single exception was the phenypyrazole pesticide fipronil, which showed inconsistent treatment. The results demonstrate these systems effectively treat contaminated storm water associated with surface water toxicity but suggest that modifications of their construction may be required to treat some contaminant classes. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:3124–3134. © 2016 SETAC
Synthesis & Characterization of 50BZT-50BCT Ferroelectric Ceramics by Combustion & Microwave Processing Routes

50BZT-50BCT has been prepared using conventional solid state reaction route and microwave synthesis route. Calcinations were done at 1000 oC, 1100 oC and 1200 oC. Sintering was done by the two reaction routes. For conventional method the sintering was done at 1300 oC, 1350 oC and 1400 oC. For the microwave synthesis method the sintering was done at 1300 oC for 20 minutes, 30 minutes and 40 minutes. Density and porosity measurement, XRD analysis, dielectric constant and dielectric loss measurement, SEM, P-E hysteresis loop and diffusivity measurements were done. Highest density was achieved in sample conventionally sintered at 1400 oC. XRD confirmed a perovskite tetragonal structure. Dielectric measurements were done in the frequency range 1kHz to 1 MHz. It showed a diffused phase transition. Maximum dielectric constant was found at the curie temperature.
Association of malocclusion, self-reported bruxism and chewing-side preference with oral health-related quality of life in patients with temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) with malocclusion and self-reported bruxism and chewing-side preference (CSP) in patients with temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ-OA). METHODS This study involved 511 patients diagnosed with TMJ-OA. Each participant completed the Chinese version of the 14-item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-C14) questionnaire and received a clinical examination concerning malocclusion (posterior crossbite, overbite, overjet and anterior open bite). Also patients' self-reported awake bruxism (AB), sleep bruxism (SB) and CSP based on the Oral Behavior Checklist (OBC) were recorded. The associations of OHIP-C14 with malocclusion and self-reported bruxism and CSP were assessed using multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS Posterior crossbite, overbite, overjet and anterior open bite were not significantly associated with either the total OHIP-C14 score or the scores of each domain of OHIP-C14. AB was significantly associated with both the total OHIP-C14 score and the scores of each domain with the largest standardised coefficients. CSP was significantly associated with both the total OHIP-C14 score and the scores of the psychological and social domains. SB was significantly associated with the scores of both the function limitation and psychological disability domains. CONCLUSIONS Malocclusion is not significantly associated with OHRQoL in patients with TMJ-OA. Self-reported AB is highly associated with OHRQoL in patients with TMJ-OA, while self-reported SB and CSP are both moderately associated with OHRQoL in patients with TMJ-OA.
Risk Factors for Surgical Site Infections Following Adult Spine Operations

OBJECTIVE To identify risk factors for surgical site infections (SSIs) after spine operations. DESIGN Case-control study of SSIs among patients undergoing spine operations. SETTING An academic health center. PATIENTS We studied patients undergoing spinal fusions or laminectomies at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics from January 1, 2007, through June 30, 2009. We included patients who acquired SSIs meeting the National Healthcare Safety Network definition. We randomly selected controls among patients who had spine operations during the study period and did not meet the SSI definition. RESULTS In total, 54 patients acquired SSIs after 2,309 spine operations (2.3 per 100 procedures). SSIs were identified a median of 20 days after spinal fusions and 17 days after laminectomies; 90.7% were identified after discharge and 72.2% were deep incisional or organ-space infections. Staphylococcus aureus caused 53.7% of SSIs. Of patients with SSIs, 64.9% (fusion) and 70.6% (laminectomy) were readmitted and 59.5% (fusion) and 64.7% (laminectomy) underwent reoperation. By multivariable analysis, increased body mass index, Surgical Department A, fusion of 4–8 vertebrae, and operation at a thoracic or lumbar/sacral level were significant risk factors for SSIs after spinal fusions. Lack of private insurance and hypertension were significant risk factors for SSIs after laminectomies. Surgeons from Department A were more likely to use nafcillin or vancomycin for perioperative prophylaxis and to do more multilevel fusions than surgeons from Department B. CONCLUSIONS SSIs after spine operations significantly increase utilization of healthcare resources. Possible remediable risk factors include obesity, hypertension, and perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;1458–1467
Scaffolds based on hyaluronan and carbon nanotubes gels

Physico-chemical and mechanical properties of hyaluronic acid/carbon nanotubes nanohybrids have been correlated with the proportion of inorganic nanophase and the preparation procedure. The mass fraction of -COOH functionalized carbon nanotubes was varied from 0 to 0.05. Hyaluronic acid was crosslinked with divinyl sulfone to improve its stability in aqueous media and allow its handling as a hydrogel. A series of samples was dried by lyophilization to obtain porous scaffolds whereas another was room-dried allowing the collapse of the hybrid structures. The porosity of the former, together with the tighter packing of hyaluronic acid chains, results in a lower water absorption and lower mechanical properties in the swollen state, because of the easier water diffusion. The presence of even a small amount of carbon nanotubes (mass fraction of 0.05) limits even more the swelling of the matrix, owing probably to hybrid interactions. These nanohybrids do not seem to degrade significantly during 14 days in water or enzymatic medium.
Impact of Drug Induced Long QT Syndrome: A Systematic Review

Background Drug induced long QT syndrome is quite common in daily clinical practice but its impact is unknown. Methods PubMed and EMBASE databases (until May 2, 2017) were searched to identify studies reporting drug induced long QT syndrome and followed the PRISMA guidelines. The main outcomes measured in these studies were QTc prolongation, ventricular arrhythmias, torsade de pointes (TdP) and death. Results Out of 176 non-duplicate reports, 36 studies satisfied inclusion criteria and provided data on patients exposed to drugs that can potentially cause long QT. Totally, 14,756 patients were exposed and 930 patients (6.3%) were found to have QTc prolongation. The number of males was 6,400 and females were 5,723 patients. The mean age of the patients was 43.8 ± 9.36 years. Ventricular arrhythmias were found in 379 patients (2.6%), 26 patients were found to have premature atrial contractions (PACs) and premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). TdP was found in 49 patients (0.33 %), sudden cardiac death (SCD) was found in five patients and 586 patients were found to have all-cause mortality. Conclusions Around 6% of patients have risk of QT prolongation when exposed but only 0.3% developed TdP and 2.6% developed ventricular arrhythmias. Risk of developing arrhythmias is higher with concomitant use of multiple QT prolonging drugs.
Progress in EEG-Based Brain Robot Interaction Systems

The most popular noninvasive Brain Robot Interaction (BRI) technology uses the electroencephalogram- (EEG-) based Brain Computer Interface (BCI), to serve as an additional communication channel, for robot control via brainwaves. This technology is promising for elderly or disabled patient assistance with daily life. The key issue of a BRI system is to identify human mental activities, by decoding brainwaves, acquired with an EEG device. Compared with other BCI applications, such as word speller, the development of these applications may be more challenging since control of robot systems via brainwaves must consider surrounding environment feedback in real-time, robot mechanical kinematics, and dynamics, as well as robot control architecture and behavior. This article reviews the major techniques needed for developing BRI systems. In this review article, we first briefly introduce the background and development of mind-controlled robot technologies. Second, we discuss the EEG-based brain signal models with respect to generating principles, evoking mechanisms, and experimental paradigms. Subsequently, we review in detail commonly used methods for decoding brain signals, namely, preprocessing, feature extraction, and feature classification, and summarize several typical application examples. Next, we describe a few BRI applications, including wheelchairs, manipulators, drones, and humanoid robots with respect to synchronous and asynchronous BCI-based techniques. Finally, we address some existing problems and challenges with future BRI techniques.
Pleural effusion in acute respiratory distress syndrome: water, water, everywhere, nor any drop to drain.

On March 30, 1981, President Reagan received lifesaving chest tubes to drain blood collecting in his left pleural space caused by a gunshot wound. This historic public example of the threat posed by accumulation of pleural fluid seems to make the benefits of removing it obvious, but does the same apply to the pleural effusions frequently encountered in patients undergoing mechanical ventilation as a result of pneumonia, sepsis, and other acute illnesses? In some cases, effusion volumes can be large enough to create respiratory and hemodynamic compromise and warrant thoracentesis. To date, however, there is little information on the physiological effects of pleural effusion during acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), so whether such effusions should be drained is currently unclear. In this issue of Critical Care Medicine, Ciumello et al (1). present evidence suggesting that the physiological benefits of draining a pleural effusion in ARDS are often minimal, concluding that “Pleural effusion in acute lung injury or ARDS patients is of modest entity . without affecting gas exchange or respiratory mechanics”
Anti-oxidation of Tanshinone II_A and Prohibitin on Cardiomyocytes

Objective To investigate the anti-apoptotic mechanism of tanshinone ⅡA and the function of prohibitin (PHB) on myocardial cells apoptosis induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Methods Myocardial cells were primary cultured neonate rat were cultured in medium with 200 μmol/L H2O2, and the medium was supplemented with tanshinone ⅡA (1 × 10-4 mol/L) in advance for 24 h. PHB in myocardial cells was knocked down by RNA interference, and the expression level of PHB was determined by Western blotting analysis. Flow cytometric analysis was used to detect apoptosis rate, intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i), and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Results H2O2-mediated cell apoptosis resulted in activation of PHB, increasing of [Ca2+]i, and decreasing of MMP. Tanshinone ⅡA profoundly inhibited myocardial cell apoptosis induced by H2O2, decreased [Ca2+]i, and increased MMP. Specific silence of PHB by siRNA down-regulated the expression level of PHB, increased apoptosis rate and [Ca2+]i, and decreased MMP. Conclusion The results demonstrate that tanshinone ⅡA could attenuate apoptosis induced by H2O2, and the activation of PHB induced by H2O2 is the major regulatory pathway of cyto-protective gene expression against oxidative stress.
Multi-Forest Classification and Layered Exhaustive Search using a Fully Hierarchical Hand Posture/Gesture Database

In this paper, we propose a systematic approach to building an entirely hierarchical hand posture database. The hierarchy provides the possibility of considering a large number of hand poses while requires a low time-space complexity for construction. Furthermore, two algorithms (random decision forest and exhaustive search) are chosen and tested on this database. We show that by utilizing such a database one will achieve better performances on classifiers’ training and search strategies (two main categories of the algorithms in the field of machine learning) compared with conventional (all-in-one-layer) databases.
Conducting Art Therapy Research Using Quantitative EEG Measures

This study presents a modified, single subject design that measured the patterns of electrical activity of a participant's brain following an hour spent painting and drawing. Paired t tests were used to compare pre and post art-making electroencephalograph (EEG) data. The results indicated that neurobiological activity after drawing and painting was statistically different (p <.05) from activity measured at a state of rest. In general, the higher frequency bands (alpha and beta) were characterized by increases in brain activity, whereas the lower frequency bands (delta and theta) showed decreases. This study suggests that the EEG is a useful and innovative tool for conducting art therapy research.
Result of Ontology Alignment with RiMOM at OAEI'06

In this report, we briefly describe our system RiMOM and its underlying techniques. Given two ontologies, RiMOM intends to combine multiple strategies, aiming at finding the "optimal" alignments from the source ontology to the target one. RiMOM integrates multiple strategies: edit-distance based strategy, statistical-learning based strategy, and three similarity-propagation based strategies. Each strategy is defined based on one kind of ontological-information/approach. RiMOM conducts alignment finding as follows. It first estimates two factors respectively approximately representing the structure similarity and the label similarity of the two ontologies. The two factors are used in strategy selection to determine which strategies will be used in the alignment task. Then, we apply the selected strategies to find the alignment independently and combine the alignment results. Finally we employ the alignment refinement to prune "unbelievable" alignments. This report presents our results based on the evaluation. We also share our thoughts on the experiment design, showing specific strengths and weaknesses of our approach.
6‐n‐propylthiouracil taste disruption and TAS2R38 nontasting form in Parkinson's disease

Background: The few studies that evaluated taste function in Parkinson's disease (PD) showed inconsistent results. The inherited ability to taste the bitter compound of 6‐n‐propylthiouracil has been considered to be a paradigm of general taste perception. 6‐n‐propylthiouracil taste perception is mediated by the TAS2R38 receptor, and reduced 6‐n‐propylthiouracil sensitivity has been associated with several diseases not typically related to taste function.
The influence of Tyrozine on energetic property in Graphene Oxide: A DFT studies

Using the Computational methods, the interaction effect of Tyrosine Amino acid on Graphene was investigated. For this purpose, the Density Functional Theory (DFT ) in the ground state of 6-31G was used, and the interaction effects of Tyrosine on Graphene was investigated through attachment to three different base positions. Different parameters such as energy levels, the amount of Chemical Shift in different atoms, the amount of HOMO/LUMO was determined and related parameters like Electrophilicity scale, chemical hardness, Chemical potential, and the maximum amount of electronic charge transferred. The Graphene oxide has the capability to act as adrug nano carrier and also as a mixture with special electrical properties. The results of this investigation also show that the attachment of Tyrosine Amino acid, as an organic compound, to the chemical structure of Graphene can change these capabilities to a great extent and also increase the role that this mixture already plays in medical, Pharmaceutical, and electronic industries.
Prostate Specific Antigen, Mean Platelet Volume, and Platelet Distribution Width in Combination to Discriminate Prostate Cancer from Benign Prostate Hyperplasia

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) represents the second most commonly diagnosed malignancy and the sixth leading cause for cancer related death among men worldwide. Although use of the prostate specific antigen (PSA) as a diagnostic marker has improved the detection and management of PCa, low specificity and sensitivity has limited its clinical efficacy. Moreover, elevated PSA is frequently observed in benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) are commonly used indicators of platelet activation. The purpose of current study was to investigate the ability of PSA, MPV, and PDW individually or in combination, to differentiate PCa from BPH. Materials and Methods: This study included 100 patients with PCa and 108 patients with BPH. We collected all participants’ clinical and laboratory characteristics. The benefit of adding MPV and PDW to a model with only PSA was evaluated as an increased in the area under the curve (AUC) obtained by receiver operating curve (ROC). Results: PCa patients had reduced MPV and elevated PSA and PDW levels compared to BPH patients. Single biomarkers had AUC values ranging from 0.683 for PDW to 0.865 for PSA. Moreover, the combination of PSA, MPV, and PDW increased the AUC to 0.935 (0.892-0.964) (p<0.0001), significantly higher than those of any single marker. Conclusions: The combined use of PSA, MPV, and PDW may be clinically useful in distinguishing between PCa and BPH.