Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Different Stimulation Frequencies Alter Synchronous Fluctuations in Motor Evoked Potential Amplitude of Intrinsic Hand Muscles—a TMS Study

The amplitude of motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) elicited with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) varies from trial-to-trial. Synchronous oscillations in cortical neuronal excitability contribute to this variability, however it is not known how different frequencies of stimulation influence MEP variability, and whether these oscillations are rhythmic or aperiodic. We stimulated the motor cortex with TMS at different regular (i.e., rhythmic) rates, and compared this with pseudo-random (aperiodic) timing. In 18 subjects, TMS was applied at three regular frequencies (0.05 Hz, 0.2 Hz, 1 Hz) and one aperiodic frequency (mean 0.2 Hz). MEPs (n = 50) were recorded from three intrinsic hand muscles of the left hand with different functional and anatomical relations. MEP amplitude correlation was highest for the functionally related muscle pair, less for the anatomically related muscle pair and least for the functionally- and anatomically-unrelated muscle pair. MEP correlations were greatest with 1 Hz, and least for stimulation at 0.05 Hz. Corticospinal neuron synchrony is higher with shorter TMS intervals. Further, corticospinal neuron synchrony is similar irrespective of whether the stimulation is periodic or aperiodic. These findings suggest TMS frequency is a crucial consideration for studies using TMS to probe correlated activity between muscle pairs.
Racial/ethnic disparities in HIV diagnoses among persons aged 50 years and older in 37 US States, 2005-2008.

OBJECTIVES We examined racial/ethnic disparities in HIV diagnosis rates for persons aged 50 years and older. METHODS We analyzed surveillance data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding HIV diagnoses during 2005 through 2008 in 37 states. Average annual rates of diagnoses were calculated for persons aged 50 years and older and compared with rates for persons aged 13 to 49 years. RESULTS The average annual rate of diagnosis (per 100,000 persons) for older persons was 9.8. Rates among older Blacks (49.2) and Hispanics/Latinos (19.5) were 12.6 and 5.0 times, respectively, the rate among older Whites (3.9); rates among younger Blacks (102.5) and Hispanics/Latinos (39.0) were 7.7 and 2.9 times, respectively, the rate among younger Whites (13.3). Older persons were more likely than younger persons to receive a late HIV diagnosis (prevalence ratio=1.5, P<.001). CONCLUSIONS Racial/ethnic disparities in HIV diagnosis rates are greater among persons aged 50 years and older than among younger persons. The greater HIV diagnosis rates in Blacks and later diagnosis among older persons of all races/ethnicities indicate a need to increase their awareness of risk factors for HIV infection.
Mountain Survey of Amphibians and Reptiles and their Conservation Status in Manaslu Conservation Area, Gorkha District, Western Nepal

Aim The Manaslu Conservation Area (MCA), a geographically diverse protected area, is known for high diversity of flowering plants and endemism. However, information about status of herpetofauna is limited. This study aims to fill this gap by updating diversity and distribution of herpetofauna of the MCA. Location Sirdibas, Bihi and Prok Village Development Committees (VDCs), Gorkha district, Manaslu Conservation Area (MCA). Materials and methods We used a multi-prolonged strategy combining visual encounter survey (VES) along six transects (500m each) in Sirdibas, Bihi and Prok VDCs, patch sampling (PS) in two sites in Ghap and Prok VDCs and opportunistic observations (OO) along trekking trails from Sirdibas to Prok to document the presence of herpetofauna. We conducted questionnaire survey using photo-elicitation technique (PET) (n=30) to collect ethnoherpetological data. Key Findings We prepared a checklist of 22 species of amphibian and reptile by verification of data from VES, PS, OO and literature review. The Himalayan rock lizard, Laudakia tuberculata was common in all the study sites. The Hodgsonâ€™s racer - Elaphe hodgsonii was first described in the study area. The abundance of herpetofauna species decreased with increasing elevation (r = -0.53, P < 0.01). There was a positive association between species abundances and temperature (r = 0.49, P < 0.01). The ethnoherpetological survey revealed that the stream frogs locally called â€˜Pahaâ€™ (genus â€˜Amolopsâ€™, â€˜Chaparanaâ€™ and â€˜Paaâ€™) were commonly consumed for food and presumed health benefits. This may impose a serious threat. We recommend similar systematic study to document and describe herpetofauna in the region.
MAXIMUM INHIBITORY DILUTION OF MOUTHWASHES CONTAINING CHLORHEXIDINE AND POLYHEXAMETHYLENE BIGUANIDE AGAINST SALIVARY STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS

Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine the in vitro maximum inhibitory dilution (MID) of two chlorhexidine-based oral mouthwashes (CHX): Noplak®, Periogard®, and one polyhexamethylene biguanide-based mouthwash (PHMB): Sanifill Premium® against 28 field Staphylococcus aureus strains using the agar dilution method. Materials and Methods: For each product, decimal dilutions ranging from 1/10 to 1/655,360 were prepared in distilled water and added to Mueller Hinton Agar culture medium. After homogenization, the culture medium was poured onto Petri dishes. Strains were inoculated using a Steers multipoint inoculator and dishes were incubated at 37°C for 24hours. For reading, MID was considered as the maximum dilution of the mouthwash still capable of inhibiting microbial growth. Results: Sanifill Premium® inhibited the growth of all strains at 1/40 dilution and of 1 strain at 1/80 dilution. Noplak® inhibited the growth of 23 strains at 1/640 dilution and of all 28 strains at 1/320 dilution. Periogard® showed inhibited growth of 7 strains at 1/640 dilution and of all 28 strains at 1/320 dilution. Data were submitted to Kruskal-Wallis statistical test, showing significant differences between the mouthwashes evaluated (p<0.05). No significant difference was found between Noplak® and Periogard® (p>0.05). Sanifill Premium® was the least effective (p<0.05). Conclusion: It was concluded that CHX-based mouthwashes present better antimicrobial activity against S. Aureus than the PHMB-based mouthwash.
A Spatial Hedonic Model with Time-Varying Parameters: A New Method Using Flexible Least Squares

The following paper outlines a new econometric model designed to capture both the temporal and spatial dynamics of housing prices. The paper combines existing spatial econometric techniques with a model that allows parameters to evolve over time. In addition, we provide an empirical application to the price effects of confined animal feeding operations to a data set of residential real estate in Tippecanoe County, Indiana from 1993 through 2006.
Enhancing Ensemble Performance through Feature Selection and Hybridization

Ensemble has been proved a successful approach for enhancing the performance of a single classifier. But there are two key factors directly influencing the outcomes of an ensemble: accuracy of each single member and diversity between the members. There have been many approaches used in the literature to create the mentioned diversity. In this paper, we add to them a novel approach, in which classifier type variance is utilized along with feature subset diversification to create a high diversity ensemble of different classifiers and the ensemble is optimized using a multi-objective evolutionary algorithm. The suggested approach outperformed existing ones in experiments conducted on some standard datasets.
Multivariable Type-2 Self-Organizing Fuzzy Logic Controllers for Regulating Anesthesia with Rule Base Extraction

In this paper, three different self-organizing fuzzy logic controllers (SOFLC), type-1, interval type-2 and zSlice general type-2 are used in the simulated control of anesthesia. Experimental results show that both the type-2 SOFLCs have better performance in comparison to the type-1 system. Based on the performance results, we then select the interval type-2 SOFLC to analyze rule usage during real-time regulation and control of anesthesia. Based on this we extracted a new reduced rule base which can provide a better basis to further research in understanding the SOFLC dynamic control behavior.
A Framework for Investigating the Impact of Information Systems Capability on Strategic Information Systems Planning Outcomes

Abstract The Strategic Information Systems Planning (SISP) process is critical for ensuring the effectiveness of the contribution of Information Technology (IT)/Information Systems (IS) to the organisation. A sophisticated SISP process can greatly increase the chances of positive planning outcomes. While effective IS capabilities are seen as crucial to an organisation's ability to generate IT-enabled competitive advantages, there exists a gap in the understanding of the IS competencies which contribute to the forming of an effective SISP capability. In light of these gaps, this study investigates how do IS competencies impact the SISP process, and its outcomes? To address this question, a model for investigating the impact of IS collaboration and IS personnel competencies on the SISP process is proposed. Further research is planned to undertake a survey of top Australian organisations in industries characterised by high IT innovation and competition, to test the proposed model and hypotheses.
Sums of random Hermitian matrices and an inequality by Rudelson

We give a new, elementary proof of a key inequality used by Rudelson in the derivation of his well-known bound for random sums of rank-one operators. Our approach is based on Ahlswede and Winter's technique for proving operator Chernoff bounds. We also prove a concentration inequality for sums of random matrices of rank one with explicit constants.
Digital passive attitude and altitude control schemes for quadrotor aircraft

This paper presents a formal method to design a digital inertial control system for quad-rotor aircraft. In particular, it formalizes how to use approximate passive models in order to justify the initial design of passive controllers. Fundamental limits are discussed with this approach — in particular, how it relates to the control of systems consisting of cascades of three or more integrators in which input actuator saturation is present. Ultimately, two linear proportional derivative (PD) passive controllers are proposed to be combined with a nonlinear saturation element. It is also shown that yaw control can be performed independently of the inertial controller, providing a great deal of maneuverability for quad-rotor aircraft. A corollary, based on the sector stability theorem provided by Zames and later generalized for the multiple-input-output case by Willems, provides the allowable range of k for the linear negative feedback controller KI in which the dynamic system H1 : x1 → y1 is inside the sector [a1, b1], in which −∞ < a1, 0 < b1 ≤ ∞, and b1 > a1. This corollary provides a formal method to verify stability, both in simulation and in operation for a given family of inertial set-points given to the quad-rotor inertial controller. The controller is shown to perform exceptionally well when simulated with a detailed model of the STARMAC, which includes blade flapping dynamics.
Expressiveness and Closure Properties for Quantitative Languages

Weighted automata are nondeterministic automata with numerical weights on transitions. They can define quantitative languages L that assign to each word w a real number L(w). In the case of infinite words, the value of a run is naturally computed as the maximum, limsup, liminf, limit average, or discounted sum of the transition weights. We study expressiveness and closure questions about these quantitative languages. We first show that the set of words with value greater than a threshold can be non-omega-regular for deterministic limit-average and discounted-sum automata, while this set is always omega-regular when the threshold is isolated (i.e., some neighborhood around the threshold contains no word). In the latter case, we prove that the omega-regular language is robust against small perturbations of the transition weights. We next consider automata with transition weights 0 or 1 and show that they are as expressive as general weighted automata in the limit-average case, but not in the discounted-sum case. Third, for quantitative languages L1 and L2, we consider the operations max(L1, L2), min(L1, L2), and 1-L1, which generalize the boolean operations on languages, as well as the sum L1 + L2. We establish the closure properties of all classes of quantitative languages with respect to these four operations.
Benchmarking data warehouses

Database benchmarks can either help users in comparing the performances of different systems, or help engineers in testing the effect of various design choices. In the field of data warehouses, the Transaction Processing Performance Council's standard benchmarks address the first point, but they are not tunable enough to address the second one. We present in this paper the Data Warehouse Engineering Benchmark (DWEB), which allows generating various ad hoc synthetic data warehouses and workloads. We detail DWEB's full specifications, as well as the experiments we performed to illustrate how it may be used. DWEB is a Java free software.
Fractional Hilbert Transform Sampling Method and Its Filter Bank Reconstruction

In this paper, conventional Hilbert transform sampling method is generalized to fractional Hilbert transform sampling method. First, a frequency-domain analysis method is applied to derive the fractional Hilbert transform sampling theorem of a band-limited signal. Then, an analog filter bank method is presented to recover the original continuous-time signal from the discrete-time sampled signals. Because the analog filter bank is not easy to be implemented, a digital filter bank method is proposed to solve the reconstruction problem. Next, a sparse design of digital reconstruction filters is studied to reduce the arithmetic implementation complexity using sparse FIR filter design techniques. Finally, several numerical examples are illustrated to show the effectiveness of the proposed fractional Hilbert transform sampling method and its filter bank reconstruction.
Cancer and scleroderma: a paraneoplastic disease with implications for malignancy screening

Purpose of reviewRecent data suggest a paraneoplastic mechanism of scleroderma pathogenesis in unique subsets of scleroderma patients. In this article, we review these data, explore potential links between cancer and scleroderma, and propose an approach to malignancy screening in scleroderma. Recent findingsEmerging data have demonstrated that patients with scleroderma and RNA polymerase III autoantibodies have a significantly increased risk of cancer within a few years of scleroderma onset. Genetic alterations in the gene encoding RNA polymerase III (POLR3A) have been identified, and patients with somatic mutations in POLR3A have evidence of mutation specific T-cell immune responses with generation of cross-reactive RNA polymerase III autoantibodies. These data strongly suggest that scleroderma is a by-product of antitumor immune responses in some patients. Additional epidemiologic data demonstrate that patients developing scleroderma at older ages may also have a short cancer-scleroderma interval, suggestive of paraneoplastic disease. SummaryScleroderma may be a paraneoplastic disease in unique patient subsets. Aggressive malignancy screening in these patients may aid in early cancer detection. Further study is required to determine whether cancer therapy could improve scleroderma outcomes in this patient population.
Clonal Groupings in Serogroup X Neisseria meningitidis

The genetic diversity of 134 serogroup X Neisseria meningitis isolates from Africa, Europe, and North America was analyzed by multilocus sequence typing and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Although most European and American isolates were highly diverse, one clonal grouping was identified in sporadic disease and carrier strains isolated over the last 2 decades in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany, and the United States. In contrast to the diversity in the European and American isolates, most carrier and disease isolates recovered during the last 30 years in countries in the African meningitis belt belonged to a second clonal grouping. During the last decade, these bacteria have caused meningitis outbreaks in Niger and Ghana. These results support the development of a comprehensive conjugate vaccine that would include serogroup X polysaccharide.
Delay-dependent H∞ control for uncertain neutral Systems

This paper deals with the problem of robust Hinfin control for neutral systems. The parameter uncertainty under consideration is assumed to be norm-bounded time-invariant and appears in all the matrices of the model. The aim is to design a state feedback controller such that the plant remained stable for all admissible uncertainties. A linear matrix inequality approach was developed to solve the problem addressed with an Hinfin norm bound constraint on disturbance attenuation. Numerical examples have been presented to demonstrate the potentials of the proposed methods
Acute Respiratory Distress due to Thymoma in a Patient Treated with TK Inhibitor: A Case Report and Review of the Current Treatment Options

Thymic malignancies are rare intrathoracic tumors that may be aggressive and difficult to treat in advanced stage. Surgery is the cornerstone of the management of thymomas: it is significant for the definite histopathological diagnosis and staging, and in most cases, it constitutes the first step of the treatment strategy. For patients with primary unresectable thymomas, the multimodal treatment schedule nowadays includes neoadjuvant chemotherapy, extensive surgery, adjuvant radiotherapy, and in some cases, adjuvant chemotherapy. A patient with a history of stage III COPD and an undiagnosed thoracic mass was admitted to the intensive care unit with acute respiratory distress. A radiologic evaluation by CT scan revealed a mass of 13 cm in diameter at the mediastinum. Fine needle aspiration was performed and revealed a thymoma. Due to poor performance status, the patient was not able to undergo surgery. He refused to be treated with neither chemotherapy nor radiotherapy, but due to EGFR overexpression, treatment with TK inhibitor was suggested. Fine needle aspiration biopsy is commonly used to identify metastasis to the mediastinum. However, it is less often employed as a primary diagnostic tool for tumors, particularly thymic neoplasms. The use of targeted therapies for the treatment of thymic malignancies has been described in the literature. Over the past years, significant efforts have been made to dissect the molecular pathways involved in the carcinogenesis of these tumors. Insights have been obtained following anecdotal clinical responses to targeted therapies, and large-scale genomic analyses have been conducted.
Inhibition of Transglutaminase Activity Reduces Extracellular Matrix Accumulation Induced by High Glucose Levels in Proximal Tubular Epithelial Cells*

Diabetic nephropathy affects 30–40% of diabetics leading to end-stage kidney failure through progressive scarring and fibrosis. Previous evidence suggests that tissue transglutaminase (tTg) and its protein cross-link product ϵ(γ-glutamyl)lysine contribute to the expanding renal tubulointerstitial and glomerular basement membranes in this disease. Using an in vitro cell culture model of renal proximal tubular epithelial cells we determined the link between elevated glucose levels with changes in expression and activity of tTg and then, by using a highly specific site directed inhibitor of tTg (1,3-dimethyl-2[(oxopropyl)thio]imidazolium), determined the contribution of tTg to glucose-induced matrix accumulation. Exposure of cells to 36 mm glucose over 96 h caused an mRNA-dependent increase in tTg activity with a 25% increase in extracellular matrix (ECM)-associated tTg and a 150% increase in ECM ϵ(γ-glutamyl)lysine cross-linking. This was paralleled by an elevation in total deposited ECM resulting from higher levels of deposited collagen and fibronectin. These were associated with raised mRNA for collagens III, IV, and fibronectin. The specific site-directed inhibitor of tTg normalized both tTg activity and ECM-associated ϵ(γ-glutamyl)lysine. Levels of ECM per cell returned to near control levels with non-transcriptional reductions in deposited collagen and fibronectin. No changes in transforming growth factor β1 (expression or biological activity) occurred that could account for our observations, whereas incubation of tTg with collagen III indicated that cross-linking could directly increase the rate of collagen fibril/gel formation. We conclude that Tg inhibition reduces glucose-induced deposition of ECM proteins independently of changes in ECM and transforming growth factor β1 synthesis thus opening up its possible application in the treatment other fibrotic and scarring diseases where tTg has been implicated.
Demographical and Clinical Characteristics of Behcet’s Disease in Southeastern Turkey

Background We aimed to determine the demographic and clinical features of patients with Behcet’s disease (BD) in Southeastern Turkey. Methods In this study, files of 132 patients with BD (76 females and 56 males) who were diagnosed with BD according to the International Study Group criteria at the Department of Dermatology of Dicle University Faculty of Medicine from 2005 to 2009 were evaluated retrospectively. Demographical and clinical characteristics of the cases were recorded. Results Mean age of the cases was 32.40 ± 9.4 years (range 15 - 59 years) and male/female ratio was 0.73. The mean age at diagnosis was 28.71 ± 9.1 years. Six cases were diagnosed as juvenile BD (4.45%). Oral aphthous lesions (100%) and genital ulcers (94%) were found to be the most common findings of the disease, followed by pathergy positivity (75%), papulopustular lesions (74.2%), erythema nodosum (43.2%), thrombophlebitis (6.8%) and extragenital ulcers (6.1%). Systemic involvement was noted as joint involvement in 79.5%, ocular involvement in 28.8%, vascular involvement in 9.8%, pulmonary involvement in 2.3%, neurologic involvement in 2.3% and genitourinary system involvement in 0.8%. There was no significant difference between mucocutaneous findings and systemic involvement ratios of male and female cases. Conclusion Demographic and clinical features of BD may vary according to geographical region, gender and ethnicity. We hope that this study will contribute to the epidemiologic data of BD which may exhibit different clinical and demographic features in different parts of the world.
What is palliative care?

In 1990, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recognised palliative care as a distinct specialty dedicated to relieving suffering and improving quality of life for patients with life-limiting illnesses or serious injuries. Fourteen years later, the WHO in its publication ‘Global Atlas of Palliative Care at the End of Life’, projected that, ‘each year in the world, around 377 per 100,000 of the adult (over 15 years of age) population and 63 per 100,000 of the child population (under 15 years of age) will require “palliative care at the end of life’. This article will discuss what constitutes palliative care, the different elements of palliative care, the approaches to palliative care, specialist palliative care services, end of life care and where GPs fit into this area. We will also be sharing tips on providing palliative care as a GP and for GP trainees.