Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Probing the corticospinal link between the motor cortex and motoneurones: some neglected aspects of human motor cortical function

This review considers the operation of the corticospinal system in primates. There is a relatively widespread cortical area containing corticospinal outputs to a single muscle and thus a motoneurone pool receives corticospinal input from a wide region of the cortex. In addition, corticospinal cells themselves have divergent intraspinal branches which innervate more than one motoneuronal pool but the synergistic couplings involving the many hand muscles are likely to be more diverse than can be accommodated simply by fixed patterns of corticospinal divergence. Many studies using transcranial magnetic stimulation of the human motor cortex have highlighted the capacity of the cortex to modify its apparent excitability in response to altered afferent inputs, training and various pathologies. Studies using cortical stimulation at ‘very low’ intensities which elicit only short‐latency suppression of the discharge of motor units have revealed that the rapidly conducting corticospinal axons (stimulated at higher intensities) drive motoneurones in normal voluntary contractions. There are also major non‐linearities generated at a spinal level in the relation between corticospinal output and the output from the motoneurone pool. For example, recent studies have revealed that the efficacy of the human corticospinal connection with motoneurones undergoes activity‐dependent changes which influence the size of voluntary contractions. Hence, corticospinal drives must be sculpted continuously to compensate for the changing functional efficacy of the descending systems which activate the motoneurones. This highlights the need for proprioceptive monitoring of movements to ensure their accurate execution.
An Overexpression Screen in Saccharomyces cerevisiae Identifies Novel Genes that Affect Endocytic Protein Trafficking

A large number of proteins involved in the biogenesis of yeast endosomes and vacuoles have been identified based on screens that scored for inactivation of proteins. Such screens may, however, miss important regulators of the pathway. Here, we present a visual screen in which we examined the effects on vacuole morphology if any of the 6153 yeast open reading frames was overexpressed. Using a progressive screening procedure, we could identify a total of 53 genes. Among the most striking endosomal proteins are the CORVET/HOPS subunits Vps3, Vps18 and Vps39 and the putative tethering inhibitor Ivy1. Furthermore, six endosomal sorting complex related to transport (ESCRT) proteins led to altered vacuole morphology if overproduced. Among the novel proteins, we identify Yer128w as an endosomal protein that interacts with the AAA‐ATPase Vps4, and therefore named it Vfa1 (Vps Four‐Associated 1). We present evidence on the possible role of these novel proteins in trafficking to the vacuole. Our data provide novel insights into the regulation of protein trafficking.
An Effective Method of Monitoring the Large-Scale Traffic Pattern Based on RMT and PCA

Mechanisms to extract the characteristics of network traffic play a significant role in traffic monitoring, offering helpful information for network management and control. In this paper, a method based on Random Matrix Theory (RMT) and Principal Components Analysis (PCA) is proposed for monitoring and analyzing large-scale traffic patterns in the Internet. Besides the analysis of the largest eigenvalue in RMT, useful information is also extracted from small eigenvalues by a method based on PCA. And then an appropriate approach is put forward to select some observation points on the base of the eigen analysis. Finally, some experiments about peer-to-peer traffic pattern recognition and backbone aggregate flow estimation are constructed. The simulation results show that using about 10% of nodes as observation points, our method can monitor and extract key information about Internet traffic patterns.
Measures of forest fire smoke exposure and their associations with respiratory health outcomes

Purpose of reviewExposure to forest fire smoke is episodic, which makes its health effects challenging to study. We review the newest contributions to a growing literature on acute respiratory outcomes. Recent findingsSmoke exposure was associated with increases in self-reported symptoms, medication use, outpatient physician visits, emergency room visits, hospital admissions, and mortality. The associations were strongest for the outcomes most specific to asthma. SummaryStudies with varied approaches to exposure assessment and varied measures of respiratory outcomes were consistent among themselves, and consistent with most previous work.
Effects of Mannan Oligosaccharide and Serotonin on Molting, Growth, Body Composition and Hepatopancreas Histology of White Leg Shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone 1931)

The effects of dietary mannan oligosaccharide (MOS), serotonin (5 - HT) and the combination of both on molting, growth, survival, body composition, and hepatopancreas histology of the Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei were investigated for 75 days. Dietary inclusion level of MOS at 3 g kg - 1 , serotonin at 20 mg k g - 1 , and both were tested in triplicate groups against a control diet lacking MOS or serotonin. The shrimps having an average initial weight of 1.35± 0.04 g attained to final weights an average of 10.71 control, 11.05 serotonin and 12.26 MOS respectively. A lthough survival rate was high (86%) in the shrimp fed MOS - supplemented diet, no statistical difference was found among the groups (P>0.05). The results indicate that inclusion of 3 g kg - 1 MOS into diet enhance shrimp survival, moulting rate, growth and FC R compared to the control. Serotonin inclusion at 20 mg/kg also improved the same parameters, but suppressed moulting rate in comparison to the other groups (P<0.05). Hepatopancreatic tissues were not affected by dietary treatments. Body composition (prot ein, lipid, ash and dry matter) of the shrimps were also similar in all the dietary groups. In conclusion, the current result s have demonstrated that MOS at 3.0 g kg - 1 inclusion level could be used as growth promoter in L. vannamei diets.
Relation Between Increased Fetal Nuchal Translucency Thickness and Chromosomal Defects

OBJECTIVE: To examine the prevalence and distribution of all chromosomal defects in fetuses with increased nuchal translucency thickness. METHODS: Assessment of risk for trisomy 21 was carried out by a combination of maternal age and fetal nuchal translucency thickness at 11–13 + 6 weeks. A search of the database was made to identify, first, all singleton pregnancies in which fetal karyotyping was carried out and, second, the cases where the fetal nuchal translucency was equal to or above the 95th centile for fetal crown-rump length. The prevalence and distribution of chromosomal defects were determined for each nuchal translucency category: between the 95th centile for crown-rump length and 3.4 mm, 3.5–4.4 mm, 4.5–5.4 mm, 5.5–6.4 mm, 6.5–7.4 mm, 7.5–8.4 mm, 8.5–9.4 mm, 9.5–10.4 mm, 10.5–11.4 mm, and 11.5 mm or more. RESULTS: The search identified 11,315 pregnancies. The median maternal age was 34.5 (range 15–50) years, and the median fetal crown-rump length was 64 (range 45–84) mm. The fetal karyotype was abnormal in 2,168 (19.2%) pregnancies, and the incidence of chromosomal defects increased with nuchal translucency thickness from approximately 7% for those with nuchal translucency between the 95th centile for crown-rump length and 3.4 mm to 75% for nuchal translucency of 8.5 mm or more. In the majority of fetuses with trisomy 21, the nuchal translucency thickness was less then 4.5 mm, whereas in the majority of fetuses with trisomies 13 or 18 it was 4.5–8.4 mm, and in those with Turner syndrome it was 8.5 mm or more. CONCLUSION: In fetuses with increased nuchal translucency, approximately one half of the chromosomally abnormal group is affected by defects other than trisomy 21. The distribution of nuchal translucency is different for each type of chromosomal defect. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II-3
Evaluation of simparteam – a needs-orientated team training format for obstetrics and neonatology

Abstract Introduction: A standardized team-training program for healthcare professionals in obstetric units was developed based on an analysis of common causes for adverse events found in claims registries. The interdisciplinary and inter-professional training concept included both technical and non-technical skill training. Evaluation of the program was carried out in hospitals with respect to the immediate personal learning of participants and also regarding changes in safety culture. Methods: Trainings in n=7 hospitals including n=270 participants was evaluated using questionnaires. These were administered at four points in time to staff from participating obstetric units: (1) 10 days ahead of the training (n=308), (2) on training day before (n=239), (3) right after training (n=248), and (4) 6 months after (n=188) the intervention. Questionnaires included several questions for technical and non-technical skills and the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety (HSOPS). Results: Strong effects were found in the participants’ perception of their own competence regarding technical skills and handling of emergencies. Small effects could be observed in the scales of the HSOPS questionnaire. Most effects differed depending on professional groups and hospitals. Conclusions: Integrated technical and team management training can raise employees’ confidence with complex emergency management skills and processes. Some indications for improvements on the patient safety culture level were detected. Furthermore, differences between professional groups and hospitals were found, indicating the need for more research on contributing factors for patient safety and for the success of crew resource management (CRM) trainings.
Reflex and steady state tears in patients with latent stromal herpetic keratitis.

PURPOSE To compare tear production in patients with stromal herpetic keratitis with that in healthy control subjects. METHODS After instillation of 2 microL fluorescein into both eyes, the tear-fluorescein concentration was measured by fluorophotometry. During the first 10 minutes, steady state tear turnover (TTO-1) was determined. After a nasal alcohol stimulus to induce reflex tears, a second steady state tear turnover (TTO-2) was obtained during 15 minutes. The index of reflex lacrimation (IRL) was calculated as the percentage decrease in tear fluorescein concentration directly after the stimulus. TTO-1, TTO-2, and IRL were determined in the patients' affected eyes (n = 12), in the patients' healthy contralateral eyes, if possible (n = 9), and in one eye of healthy control subjects (n = 24). RESULTS The TTO-1 in the affected and healthy eyes of patients was approximately two times lower than the TTO-1 in eyes of healthy control subjects (P = 0.012 and P = 0.024, respectively) and almost equal to the TTO-2 in eyes of healthy control subjects (P = 0.32 and P = 0.40). There were no significant differences in the values of TTO-1, IRL, and TTO-2 between affected and healthy eyes of patients (P > 0.5). IRL and TTO-2 did not differ significantly among the three groups (P > 0.5). CONCLUSIONS Both eyes of the patients were dry. The dryness could be due to a defective reflex lacrimation under physiological conditions that can still be induced by nonphysiological nasal excitation. The cause of this may be demyelination of both trigeminal root entry zones as a result of a unilateral eye infection by the herpes virus. Another possibility is that dryness predisposes to herpetic infection or recurrent inflammation.
Observer-based monitors and distributed wave controllers for electromechanical disturbances in power systems

The thesis deals with monitoring and control of system-wide electromechanical (or “swing”) dynamics in power systems. The first part of the thesis is devoted to observer-based monitoring, while the second part introduces novel decentralized controllers that exploit the wave nature of the swing disturbances in order to manipulate their propagation. Power system monitors can be used to estimate the full state of the system as well as identify and isolate a number of events (e.g., faults) using only sparse local measurements, all in the presence of various system disturbances. The thesis analyzes different observer realizations for the Differential Algebraic Equation (DAE) swing model of a power system, and highlights the advantages of designing singular observers (versus state-space observers) for DAE models. We investigate various design approaches, and introduce a novel graphical design approach using a directed graph that reflects system structure. Investigations into the type, number and placement of measurements are conducted. Design examples on small(9 bus) and large-scale (179 bus) power systems are discussed for both type of monitors. The second part of the thesis develops and exploits a spatio-temporally integrated view of electromechanical dynamics. This contrasts with the traditional approach of either studying temporal variations at fixed spatial points or investigating spatial variations of specified temporal behavior. We use a continuum model of the swing dynamics to expose the wave-like propagation of electromechanical disturbances and to gain insight for the design of controls. We develop strategies for decentralized control of these electromechanical waves, drawing on prototype controllers found in electromagnetic transmission line theory (e.g., matchedimpedance terminations) and active vibration damping (e.g., energy-absorbing controllers and vibration isolators). Finally, we propose various controllers to realize quenching or confining-and-quenching strategies, and test these in simulations of a 179-bus reduced-order representations of the WSCC network. Thesis Supervisor: George C. Verghese Title: Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Thesis Supervisor: Bernard C. Lesieutre Title: Staff Scientist, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Prevalence study to elucidate the transmission pathways of Helicobacter pylori at oral and gastroduodenal sites of a South Indian population.

INTRODUCTION Since the discovery of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), much progress has been made worldwide in the field of its epidemiology. In spite of these advancements, many aspects of epidemiology still remain unclear, particularly among populations with low socio-economic status. The present study was designed to elucidate the different routes of transmission of H. pylori in the Hyderabad (South India) population and to investigate the impact of certain factors, such as age, gender, and lifestyle. METHODS Samples used for the study included saliva and biopsy samples of 400 symptomatic subjects from Hyderabad, India. The patients were retrospectively grouped, based on histopathology of the biopsy and 16S rRNA amplification of both saliva and biopsy as H. pylori positive and negative. RESULTS This study showed that the prevalence of H. pylori in both saliva and biopsy samples increased with age. In addition, the H. pylori infection was found more commonly in the saliva and biopsy samples among males (64 percent and 60 percent, respectively) than females (53.3 percent and 64 percent, respectively). Similarly, 71.6 percent and 73.5 percent of those who consumed municipal water acquired H. pylori (which were respectively found in their saliva and biopsy samples) compared to a lesser proportion (12.6 percent and 12.6 percent, respectively) of those who consumed boiled or filtered water. The study also found that subjects who preferred home-cooked food (57.1 percent and 57.7 percent) showed a lower prevalence of H. pylori in saliva and biopsy samples, respectively, compared to those (80 percent and 88 percent) who frequently ate out. CONCLUSION The results of the present study suggest that besides the oral-oral route, the transmission of H. pylori also takes place through the consumption of food prepared under unhygienic conditions. Consumption of municipal tap water also has a high impact in the transmission of H. pylori.
A descriptive study on self-poisoning in Ampara.

In our study all hospital admissions after selfpoisoning during a period of three months (from June to September 2009) were retrospectively studied. All 10 hospitals in Ampara area were included: General Hospital – Ampara, Base Hospitals – Dehiattakandiya and Maha Oya and Rural Hospitals – Damana, Thottama, Padiyathalawa, Senarathpura, Panama, Wadinagala and Lahugala. Data obtained from admission registers were verified by tracing actual patient records.
Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA): Validation Study for Vascular Dementia

Abstract The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a brief instrument developed for the screening of milder forms of cognitive impairment, having surpassed the well-known limitations of the MMSE. The aim of the present study was to validate the MoCA as well as its short version, which was proposed by the NINDS-CSN VCI Harmonization Standards for screening Vascular Dementia (VaD) patients. The results, based on a homogeneous sample of 34 VaD patients, indicate that the MoCA is a psychometrically valid and reliable instrument for cognitive screening in VaD patients, showing excellent discriminant validity. Both the full and short versions of the MoCA had excellent diagnostic accuracy in discriminating VaD patients, exhibiting an area under curve (AUC) higher than the MMSE [AUC(MoCA full version) = . 950; 95% IC = . 868–. 988; AUC(MoCA short version) = . 936; 95% IC = . 849–. 981; AUC(MMSE) = . 860; 95% IC = . 754–. 932]. With a cutoff below 17 on the MoCA full version and 8 on the short version, the results for sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and classification accuracy were superior compared to the MMSE. In conclusion, both versions of the MoCA are valid, reliable, sensitive and accurate screening instruments for VaD patients. (JINS, 2012, 18, 1–10)
Follow-up phone calls after an emergency department visit.

Follow-up care of patients treated in an emergency department (ED) is an important component of patient care. Previous studies suggest that follow-up phone calls may improve patient compliance with discharge instructions.1-4 Most of these studies have used nurses to contact the families of children with relatively mild illnesses, such as otitis media or nonspecific viral illness. The families who received follow-up phone calls were more likely to keep their scheduled follow-up appointments than those who did not. We studied patients discharged from the Pediatric Emergency Department (PED) with moderate to severe illness for whom close follow-up is essential. We hypothesized that physician-initiated follow-up phone calls to parents of moderately ill children seen in the PED would improve parental compliance with primary care follow-up.
Stiff-man syndrome and variants: clinical course, treatments, and outcomes.

BACKGROUND Little information is available about the incidence of stiff-man syndrome (SMS) (the classic form or its variants) or about long-term treatment responses and outcomes. OBJECTIVE To comprehensively describe the characteristics of a cohort of patients with SMS. DESIGN Observational study. SETTING Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. PATIENTS Ninety-nine patients with classic SMS vs variants of the disorder, both glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 kD isoform (GAD65) antibody seropositive and seronegative. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Neurological, autoimmune, serological, and oncological findings; treatments; and outcomes between January 1984 and December 2008. RESULTS The median follow-up duration was 5 years (range, 0-23 years). Seventy-nine patients (59 having classic SMS, 19 having partial SMS, and 1 having progressive encephalomyelitis with rigidity and myoclonus [PERM]) were GAD65 antibody seropositive. Sixty-seven percent (53 of 79) of them had at least 1 coexisting autoimmune disease, and 4% (3 of 79) had cancer. GAD65 antibody values at initial evaluation were significantly higher among patients with classic SMS (median value, 623 nmol/L) than among patients with partial SMS (median value, 163 nmol/L) (P < .001). The initial GAD65 antibody value was positively correlated with the last follow-up Rankin score (P = .03). Among 20 patients who were GAD65 antibody seronegative (6 with classic SMS, 12 with partial SMS, and 2 with PERM), 15% (3 of 20) had at least 1 coexisting autoimmune disease, and 25% (5 of 20) had cancer (3 with amphiphysin autoimmunity and breast carcinoma and 2 with Hodgkin lymphoma). Excluding patients with PERM, all patients but 1 had sustained improvements with at least 1 γ-aminobutyric acid agent, usually diazepam; the median dosage for patients with classic SMS was 40.0 mg/d. Additional improvements occurred among 14 of 34 patients (41%) who received immunotherapy (intravenous immune globulin, azathioprine, prednisone, mycophenolate mofetil, or cyclophosphamide). Sixteen of 25 patients (64%) with extended follow-up duration remained ambulatory. CONCLUSIONS Recognition of classic SMS vs variants is important because appropriate therapy improves symptoms in most patients. Classification by anatomical extent and by GAD65 antibody serostatus gives important diagnostic and prognostic information.
The Early Iron Age in Zambia—Regional Variants and some Tentative Conclusions

The Early Iron Age people appear to have been responsible for the introduction into Zambia of pot-making, metallurgy and, less certainly, food production. Recent research has greatly increased the known number of Early Iron Age sites in Zambia and a number of regional variants have been defined, based largely on the typology of the associated pottery. Radiocarbon dates suggest that these groups are all to be dated to the first millennium a.d. and that they are contemporary with, and related to, the earliest known Iron Age in Rhodesia and some East African sites. It is suggested that the Early Iron Age people slowly spread into eastern Africa from an area west of Lake Tanganyika during the first few centuries a.d. Some related sites are known from this westerly region. This hypothesis can be compared with Oliver's interpretation of Guthrie's linguistic evidence; but the use of archaeological and linguistic arguments together is impossible until proof is available that the Early Iron Age people spoke Bantu languages.
[Detection of distinct proteins for brain injury rats serum using a protein chip].

AIM To explore the alteration of serum protein fingerprinting of rats subjected brain injury. METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into seven groups, ie, normal control group, sham operation group, injury 4 h, 8 h, 12 h, 24 h and 48 h groups. The change of protein pattern in serum was monitored with weak cationic exchanger chip and surface-enhanced laser desorption ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometry. RESULTS The reduction of 5648 Da protein expression was detected at 4 h, 8 h or 12 h after injury (P < 0.01, compared with control and sham operation) and recovery at 24 h or 48 h. The increase of 9681 Da protein expression was detected at 4 h, 8 h or 12 h after injury (P < 0.05, compared with control and sham operation) and recovery at 24 h or 48 h. CONCLUSION The alteration of protein expression in serum could be induced after brain injury.