Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The use of virtual reality for balance among individuals with chronic stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Virtual reality (VR) is becoming a popular alternative to traditional upper and lower limb rehabilitation following a stroke. Objective: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effectiveness of VR interventions for improving balance in a chronic stroke (≥6 months) population. Data sources: A literature search of Pubmed, Scopus, CINAHL, Embase, Psycinfo, and Web of Science databases was conducted. Study selection: English randomized controlled trials published up to September 2015 assessing balance with VR in chronic stroke participants. Data extraction: Mean and standard deviations from outcome measures were extracted. Pooled standard mean differences ± standard error were calculated for the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Timed Up and Go test (TUG). Results: In total, 20 studies were selected which assessed the Nintendo® Wii Fit balance board (n = 7), treadmill training and VR (n = 7), and postural training using VR (n = 6). Significant improvements were found for VR interventions evaluating the BBS (n = 12; MD = 2.94 ± 0.57; p < 0.001) and TUG (n = 13; MD = 2.49 ± 0.57; p < 0.001). Sub-analyses revealed postural VR interventions had a significant effect on BBS (n = 5) and TUG (n = 3) scores (BBS: MD = 3.82 ± 0.79; p < 0.001 and TUG: MD = 3.74 ± 0.97; p < 0.001). VR and treadmill training (n = 5) had a significant effect on TUG scores (MD = 2.15 ± 0.89, p = 0.016). Conclusion: Overall, VR interventions compared to conventional rehabilitation had significant improvements. The meta-analyses also suggest that the Nintendo® Wii Fit balance board may not be effective, although further confirmatory studies are necessary. Results should be interpreted with caution due to differences in therapy intensities and effect sizes within the included studies.
Extracting More Concurrency from Distributed Transactions

Distributed storage systems run transactions across machines to ensure serializability. Traditional protocols for distributed transactions are based on two-phase locking (2PL) or optimistic concurrency control (OCC). 2PL serializes transactions as soon as they conflict and OCC resorts to aborts, leaving many opportunities for concurrency on the table. This paper presents ROCOCO, a novel concurrency control protocol for distributed transactions that outperforms 2PL and OCC by allowing more concurrency. ROCOCO executes a transaction as a collection of atomic pieces, each of which commonly involves only a single server. Servers first track dependencies between concurrent transactions without actually executing them. At commit time, a transaction's dependency information is sent to all servers so they can re-order conflicting pieces and execute them in a serializable order. We compare ROCOCO to OCC and 2PL using a scaled TPC-C benchmark. ROCOCO outperforms 2PL and OCC in workloads with varying degrees of contention. When the contention is high, ROCOCO's throughput is 130% and 347% higher than that of 2PL and OCC.
Sexual identity development: relationship with lifetime suicidal ideation in sexual minority women.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES This study draws on a life course perspective to evaluate in a sample of sexual minority women: (1) the relationship between age at reaching sexual identity milestones and risk of suicidal ideation, (2) developmental stages or stages of sexual identity development that represent greatest risk and (3) the relationship between age of reaching milestones and parental support. BACKGROUND Research shows higher rates of suicidal ideation among sexual minority women than heterosexual women. Evidence suggests this is partly accounted for by risk factors including sexual identity development and parental support. However, it remains unclear whether there are stages of particularly high risk. DESIGN This is a cross-sectional study. Data come from a prospective study of sexual minority women that used convenience and respondent-driven sampling methods. METHODS Using logistic regression, we examined associations among age at sexual identity developmental milestones, parental support and suicidal ideation in a large (N = 820), ethnically diverse sample of sexual minority women. RESULTS Compared with women who first wondered about their sexual identity in adulthood, those who first wondered in early, middle or late adolescence had greater odds of lifetime suicidal ideation. Younger age at subsequent milestones (first decided or first disclosed) was not associated with heightened risk of suicidal ideation. Parental support was independently associated with suicidal ideation. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that where one is in the process of identifying as a sexual minority may be more important than age in understanding risk of suicidal ideation in this population. As individuals come to accept and integrate their sexual minority identity risks associated with younger age diminish. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Nurses and other healthcare providers who work with youth should routinely ask about sexual orientation and suicidal ideation and be aware that youth in the earliest stages of coming out as sexual minority may be at particularly high risk of suicide.
Clinical and epidemiologic phenotypes of childhood asthma.

RATIONALE Clinical and epidemiologic approaches have identified two distinct sets of classifications for asthma and wheeze phenotypes. OBJECTIVES To compare epidemiologic phenotype definitions identified by latent class analysis (LCA) with clinical phenotypes based on patient histories, diagnostic work-up, and treatment responses. To relate phenotypes to genetic and environmental determinants as well as diagnostic and treatment-related parameters. METHODS LCA was performed in an international multicenter birth cohort based on yearly questions about current wheeze until age 6 years. Associations of wheeze classes and clinical phenotypes with asthma-related characteristics such as atopy, lung function, fraction of exhaled nitric oxide, and medication use were calculated using regression models. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS LCA identified five classes, which verified the clinically defined wheeze phenotypes with high sensitivity and specificity; the respective receiver operating characteristics curves displayed an area under the curve ranging from 84% (frequent wheeze) to 85% (asthma diagnosis) and 87% (unremitting wheeze) to 97% (recurrent unremitting wheeze). Recurrent unremitting wheeze was the most specific and unremitting wheeze at least once the most sensitive definition. The latter identified a subgroup of children with decreased lung function, increased genetic risk, and in utero smoke exposure (ODDS RATIO, 2.03; 95% CONFIDENCE INTERVAL, 1.12-3.68; P = 0.0191), but without established asthma diagnosis and treatment. CONCLUSIONS Clinical phenotypes were well supported by LCA analysis. The hypothesis-free LCA phenotypes were a useful reference for comparing clinical phenotypes. Thereby, we identified children with clinically conspicuous but undiagnosed disease. Because of their high area under the curve values, clinical phenotypes such as (recurrent) unremitting wheeze emerged as promising alternative asthma definitions for epidemiologic studies.
Demonstration of Bond Quality Improvement for Closed Loop Control of Thermoplastic Tape-Laying

In thermoplastic tape-laying, the temperature at the interface between the top ply and substrate is critical to achieving interlaminar bonding. Based on a three lump process model, a Kalman filter and a state feedback controller were built to successfully estimate and control the interlaminar bonding temperature during the process. A practical advantage of this controller is that the only measurement required is the heater temperature. In this work, two methods are used to examine the bond quality when applying this feedback control method. One method is a microscopy study and the other is a lap shear strength test. Specimens were manufactured using the developed controller to regulate the bonding temperature. The microscopy pictures show that the interlaminar bond width is reduced as the bonding temperature is increased. The lap shear strength tests show that the bond strength is significantly improved as the bonding temperature is raised. Both test results have consistently demonstrated the causal relationship between interlaminar bonding temperature and bond quality. The control method produces high quality laminates by using temperature feedback from the heater to estimate the interlaminar bonding temperature.
The Differential Impact of Emphysema on Respiratory Symptoms and 6-Minute Walk Distance in HIV Infection

Background: Emphysema is more prevalent in HIV-infected (HIV+) patients independent of smoking behavior. Nonetheless, health effects of emphysema in this population are poorly understood. We determined whether emphysema is associated with a greater burden of pulmonary symptoms and a lower 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) in HIV+ compared with HIV-uninfected (HIV−) subjects. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of 170 HIV+ and 153 HIV− subjects in the Examinations of HIV-Associated Lung Emphysema (EXHALE) cohort study. Subjects completed a self-assessment of respiratory symptoms, pulmonary function testing, and 6MWD testing as well as a chest computed tomography to determine emphysema severity. We used regression models to determine the association of emphysema with respiratory symptoms and 6MWD in HIV+ subjects and compared this to HIV− subjects. Results: Models stratified by HIV status demonstrated an association between >10% radiographic emphysema and chronic cough and/or phlegm and 6MWD in HIV+ subjects. These associations persisted among the subset without airflow obstruction: those with emphysema had 4.2 (95% confidence interval: 1.3 to 14) times the odds of chronic cough and/or phlegm and walked 60 m (95% confidence interval: 26 to 93) less distance than those without emphysema. There was no association between >10% emphysema and symptoms or 6MWD in HIV− subjects. Conclusions: In our cohort, >10% radiographic emphysema was associated with chronic cough and/or phlegm and lower 6MWD in HIV+ but not HIV− subjects. These findings were robust even among HIV+ subjects with milder forms of emphysema and those without airflow obstruction, highlighting the clinical impact of emphysema in these patients.
A CNN-LSTM framework for authorship classification of paintings

The authenticity of digital painting image is an urgent demand in the field of art. Yet, determining the authorship of a certain painting is a challenging task due to two reasons: (1) various artists might share similar painting styles; and (2) an artist could create different styles. In this paper, we present a novel method for authorship classification of paintings based on a CNN-LSTM framework. First, a multiscale pyramid is constructed from a painting image. Second, a CNN-LSTM model is learned and it returns possibly multiple labels for one image. To aggregate the final classification result, an adaptive fusion method is employed. Experimental results show that the proposed method has superior classification performance compared with the state-of-the-art techniques.
Factors Associated with Bone Health in Malaysian Middle-Aged and Elderly Women Assessed via Quantitative Ultrasound

Risk factors for osteoporosis may vary according to different populations. We aimed to investigate the relationship between risk factors of osteoporosis and bone health indices determined via calcaneal quantitative ultrasound (QUS) in a group of Malaysian women aged 50 years or above. A cross-sectional study was performed on 344 Malaysian women recruited from a tertiary medical centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. They answered a self-administered questionnaire on their social-demographic details, medical history, lifestyle, and physical activity status. Their height was measured using a stadiometer, and their body composition estimated using a bioelectrical impedance device. Their bone health status was determined using a water-based calcaneal QUS device that generated three indices, namely speed of sound (SOS), broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA), and stiffness index (SI). A T-score was computed from SI values using a reference database from a mainland Chinese population. Women with three or more lifetime pregnancies, who were underweight and not drinking coffee had a significantly lower BUA. Stepwise multiple linear regression showed that SOS was predicted by age alone, BUA and SI by years since menopause, body mass index (BMI), and number of lifetime pregnancies, and T-score by years since menopause and percentage of body fat. As a conclusion, suboptimal bone health in middle-aged and elderly Malaysian women as indicated by QUS is associated with old age, being underweight, having a high body fat percentage, and a high number of lifetime pregnancies. Women having several risk factors should be monitored more closely to protect their bones against accelerated bone loss.
Designing Trust in Websites - an Evaluation of Leading Infrastructure as a Service Providers' Websites

Cloud Computing (CC) is a computing paradigm that besides its positive outlook is also associated with risks and uncertainties. As a consequence, trust in CC providers is an important antecedent for CC adoption. Trust is a perception which is shaped by communication. From the perspective of CC providers, websites are a convenient way for contacting potential clients. Literature suggests applying trust-inducing features to websites in order to raise CC providers’ trustworthiness. These trustinducing features are classified into three website design dimensions, namely visual, social cue and content design. The goal of our study is to analyze whether leading CC Providers make use of these design recommendations. We find that some website features are used by all CC providers while other website elements are used less frequently. Consequently, there is a need to investigate why certain website elements have not been adapted by CC providers. Moreover, there are differences in how providers embed trust-critical information such as technical information, or storage locations. By getting an impression about how cloud providers in practice design their websites with regard to trust this article may stimulate the discussion and further research on how trust can be created by CC providers via their websites.
The stem cell growth factor receptor KIT is not expressed on interstitial cells in bladder

The mast/stem cell growth factor receptor KIT has long been assumed to be a specific marker for interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in the bladder, with possible druggable perspectives. However, several authors have challenged the presence of KIT+ ICC in recent years. The aim of this study was therefore to attempt to clarify the conflicting reports on KIT expression in the bladder of human beings, rat, mouse and guinea pig and to elucidate the possible role of antibody‐related issues and interspecies differences in this matter. Fresh samples were obtained from human, rat, mouse and guinea pig cystectomies and processed for single/double immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence. Specific antibodies against KIT, mast cell tryptase (MCT), anoctamin‐1 (ANO1) and vimentin were used to characterize the cell types expressing KIT. Gut (jejunum) tissue was used as an external antibody control. Our results revealed KIT expression on mast cells but not on ICC in human, rat, mouse and guinea pig bladder. Parallel immunohistochemistry showed KIT expression on ICC in human, rat, mouse and guinea pig gut, which confirmed the selectivity of the KIT antibody clones. In conclusion, we have shown that KIT+ cells in human, rat, mouse and guinea pig bladder are mast cells and not ICC. The present report is important as it opposes the idea that KIT+ ICC are present in bladder. In this perspective, functional concepts of KIT+ ICC being involved in sensory and/or motor aspects of bladder physiology should be revised.
Eggshell derived hydroxyapatite as bone graft substitute in the healing of maxillary cystic bone defects: a preliminary report.

BACKGROUND Since ancient times, use of graft materials to promote healing of defects of bone is wellknown. Traditionally, missing bone is replaced with material from either patient or donor. Multiple sources of bone grafts have been used to graft bone defects to stimulate bone healing. Hydroxyapatite is naturally occurring mineral component of bone, which is osteoconductive. This versatile biomaterial is derived from many sources. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of eggshell derived hydroxyapatite (EHA) in the bone regeneration of human maxillary cystic bone defects secondary to cystic removal/apicoectomy and compare the material properties of EHA in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of eight maxillary bone defects were grafted after cystic enucleation and/or apicoectomy in the year 2008 and completed the study at 1 year. The patients were followed-up 2 weeks after surgery for signs and symptoms of infection or any other complications that may have been related to surgical procedure. Follow-up radiographs were obtained immediately after surgery followed by 1, 2, and 3 months to assess the efficacy of EHA in bone healing. Physicochemical characterization of the EHA was carried out in comparison with synthetic hydroxyapatite (SHA), also compared the biocompatibility of EHA using in vitro cytotoxicity test. RESULTS By the end of the 8(th) week, the defects grafted with EHA showed complete bone formation. However, bone formation in non-grafted sites was insignificant. The values of density measurements were equal or more than that of surrounding normal bone. These results indicate that the osseous regeneration of the bone defect filled with EHA is significant. EHA showed the superior material properties in comparison with SHA. CONCLUSION EHA is a versatile novel bone graft substitute that yielded promising results. Because of its biocompatibility, lack of disease transfer risks, ease of use and unlimited availability, EHA remains a viable choice as regenerative material. EHA is very cost-effective, efficient bone graft substitute, which can be prepared in a very economical way. It is a worthwhile bone substitute because it is safe and easily available material. How to cite the article: Kattimani VS, Chakravarthi PS, Kanumuru NR, Subbarao VV, Sidharthan A, Kumar TS, Prasad LK. Eggshell derived hydroxyapatite as bone graft substitute in the healing of maxillary cystic bone defects: A preliminary report. J Int Oral Health 2014;6(3):15-9.
Do not hear, see, or speak: views of older residents and their adult children about the nursing unit in the continuing care retirement community

ABSTRACT Background: The present study evaluated views of continuing care retirement community (CCRC) residents and their adult children concerning the nursing unit (NU) within the CCRC. Methods: Qualitative interviews with older adults and their adult children were conducted. Analysis consisted of 187 interviews with older adults and their adult children over a period of up to six years. Analysis relied on constant comparisons within the same interview, over interviews of the same person over time, and between CCRC residents and their adult children. Major themes were identified to construct a coherent storyline. Results: The NU was viewed as a different universe that should be avoided at all costs. This was attributed to: (1) the association of the NU with one's impending decline and dependence and (2) beliefs about substandard care in the NU. Conclusions: The findings point to the ambivalence expressed by CCRC residents and their adult children concerning the NU, even though to some degree, the NU represents the main reason for the transition to a CCRC.
Association of Intensive Blood Pressure Control and Kidney Disease Progression in Nondiabetic Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Importance The optimal blood pressure (BP) target remains debated in nondiabetic patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Objective To compare intensive BP control (<130/80 mm Hg) with standard BP control (<140/90 mm Hg) on major renal outcomes in patients with CKD without diabetes. Data Sources Searches of PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library for publications up to March 24, 2016. Study Selection Randomized clinical trials that compared an intensive vs a standard BP target in nondiabetic adults with CKD, reporting changes in glomerular filtration rate (GFR), doubling of serum creatinine level, 50% reduction in GFR, end-stage renal disease (ESRD), or all-cause mortality. Data Extraction and Synthesis Random-effects meta-analyses for pooling effect measures. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses for exploring heterogeneity. Main Outcomes and Measures Differences in annual rate of change in GFR were expressed as mean differences with 95% CIs. Differences in doubling of serum creatinine or 50% reduction in GFR, ESRD, composite renal outcome, and all-cause mortality were expressed as risk ratios (RRs) with 95% CIs. Results We identified 9 trials with 8127 patients and a median follow-up of 3.3 years. Compared with standard BP control, intensive BP control did not show a significant difference on the annual rate of change in GFR (mean difference, 0.07; 95% CI, −0.16 to 0.29 mL/min/1.73 m2/y), doubling of serum creatinine level or 50% reduction in GFR (RR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.76-1.29), ESRD (RR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.78-1.18), composite renal outcome (RR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.81-1.21), or all-cause mortality (RR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.66-1.37). Nonblacks and patients with higher levels of proteinuria showed a trend of lower risk of kidney disease progression with intensive BP control. Conclusions and Relevance Targeting BP below the current standard did not provide additional benefit for renal outcomes compared with standard treatment during a follow-up of 3.3 years in patients with CKD without diabetes. However, nonblack patients or those with higher levels of proteinuria might benefit from the intensive BP-lowering treatments.
Medication Adherence Amongst Diabetic Patients in a Tertiary Healthcare Institution in Central Nigeria

Purpose : To investigate the degree of diabetic patients’ compliance with their prescribed medications, factors responsible for non-compliance and how compliance can be enhanced. Methods : The study involved 220 diabetic patients on anti-diabetic medication (insulin, metformin and gliclazide) visiting the out-patient clinic of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria, who met specific criteria. Questionnaires and patient interviews were used to gather information. Results : A total of 162 patients (73.64 %) of the patients were non-compliant with medications; 22 of the compliant patients were males while 36 were females. Twenty three of the compliant patients had no formal education unlike the rest. There was significant association (p 0.05) between number of prescribed medications, side effects, patients’ level of education, patients’ belief of efficacy of medication and compliance. Conclusion : A very high level of non-compliance to anti-diabetic medication has been observed in the facility studied. Institution of policies that will enhance compliance in these facilities and others in Nigeria is highly recommended. Keywords: Compliance, Adherence, Diabetic, Medication, Prescription