Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Joint Synchronization and Localization in Wireless Sensor Networks Using Semidefinite Programming

A new joint synchronization and localization method for wireless sensor networks using two-way exchanged time-stamps is proposed in this paper. The goal is to jointly localize and synchronize the source node, assuming that the locations and clock parameters of the anchor nodes are known. We first form the measurement model and derive the Cramér–Rao lower bound (CRLB). An analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of a recent scheme on joint synchronization and localization motivates us to develop a maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) that effectively resolves the issues of this existing scheme. A novel semidefinite programming method is then proposed to transform the nonconvex MLE problem into a convex optimization problem. Extensive simulation results are obtained to compare the synchronization and localization performances of proposed scheme and a few state-of-the-art existing schemes.
Influence of the teaching program on the learning in knowledge and practice of osteonecrosis of the jaws produced by antireasorptives in dental students of the Principality of Asturias (Spain)

Background This study aims to evaluate the influence of changes in the teaching contents on medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw may have on the knowledge and the capacity for practical case resolution about this pathology. Material and Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted through a survey divided into four sections: degree of means of knowledge acquisition, habitual practice and ability to solve clinical cases. The total number of respondents (n = 225) was divided into two groups: Group A (Year 2015-2016) and Group B (Year 2016-2017). The students in Group B received more teaching content on the subject than group A. Results A total of 175 survey responses were collected. The internet was the preferred tool for continuing education in both groups. The best known bisphosphonates (BPs) were Alendronate (Fosamax®: 56.9% Group A, 67.5% Group B) and Zoledronic Acid (Zometa®: 56.9% Group A, 51.8% Group B). A low percentage of students (37.9% Group A, 43.4% Group B) acknowledged the existence of other drugs that could also cause osteonecrosis of the jaws. Regarding the correct resolution of practical cases, the respondents of Group B reached a significantly higher score (5.67) than the score observed in Group A (4.04). Conclusions Training on medication-related osteonecrosis among dental students is susceptible to improvement. Introducing minor changes in the teachings allows this goal to be successfully achieved. Key words:Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ), medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), dental education.
Acclimation of branch and leaf hydraulics in adult Fagus sylvatica and Picea abies in a forest through-fall exclusion experiment

Decreasing water availability due to climate change poses the question of whether and to what extent tree species are able to hydraulically acclimate and how hydraulic traits of stems and leaves are coordinated under drought. In a through-fall exclusion experiment, hydraulic acclimation was analyzed in a mixed forest stand of Fagus sylvatica L. and Picea abies (L.) Karst. In drought-stressed (TE, through-fall exclusion over 2 years) and control (CO) trees, hydraulic vulnerability was studied in branches as well as in leaves (F. sylvatica) and end-twigs (P. abies, entirely formed during the drought period) sampled at the same height in sun-exposed portions of the tree crown. In addition, relevant xylem anatomical traits and leaf pressure-volume relations were analyzed. The TE trees reached pre-dawn water potentials down to -1.6 MPa. In both species, water potentials at 50% loss of xylem hydraulic conductivity were ~0.4 MPa more negative in TE than in CO branches. Foliage hydraulic vulnerability (expressed as water potential at 50% loss of leaf/end-twig hydraulic conductance) and water potential at turgor loss point were also, respectively, 0.4 and 0.5 MPa lower in TE trees. Minor differences were observed in conduit mean hydraulic diameter and cell wall reinforcement. Our findings indicate significant and fast hydraulic acclimation under relatively mild drought in both tree species. Acclimation was well coordinated between branches and foliage, which might be essential for survival and productivity of mature trees under future drought periods.
Digital Audio Feedback Technology: Nursing Students' Perspectives

KEY POINTS Expansion of digital audio feedback to include nursing students' didactic and clinical courses Improved student satisfaction with the use of faculty digital audio feedback Enhancement of student learning with the implementation of emerging technology F aculty have options when providing feedback to nursing students on course assignments and clinical experiences. These options include formative, summative, verbal, and written forms of feedback. Historically, student feedback for course work was provided in a written format. While written feedback continues to be used in didactic course work, there may be more appropriate ways to guide student learning in a practice discipline. Written feedback is one-dimensional and gives the student limited information on ways to improve assignments or their behavior. Research suggests that access to technology enables faculty to give student feedback in ways other than in a written format. Digital audio feedback is still in its early stages in academic settings, even though as early as the 1970s faculty used audio cassettes to provide feedback to students. Early use of digital audio feedbackmay have been considered cumbersome because of the technology available at the time. Audio files were large and difficult to e-mail to students. Audio files often had to be converted to a different format, therefore increasing the time required by faculty to complete the process. Digital audio feedback has been used in other disciplines and industries to enhance student or employee learning. Advances in technology have improved the process of providing student feedback using the audio method. Research continues to indicate audio feedback is an acceptable form of feedback; however, it is underused by faculty.
Vascular Pericyte Impairment and Connexin43 Gap Junction Deficit Contribute to Vasomotor Decline in Diabetic Retinopathy

Adequate blood flow is essential to brain function, and its disruption is an early indicator in diseases, such as stroke and diabetes. However, the mechanisms contributing to this impairment remain unclear. To address this gap, in the diabetic and nondiabetic male mouse retina, we combined an unbiased longitudinal assessment of vasomotor activity along a genetically defined vascular network with pharmacological and immunohistochemical analyses of pericytes, the capillary vasomotor elements. In nondiabetic retina, focal stimulation of a pericyte produced a robust vasomotor response, which propagated along the blood vessel with increasing stimulus. In contrast, the magnitude, dynamic range, a measure of fine vascular diameter control, and propagation of vasomotor response were diminished in diabetic retinas from streptozotocin-treated mice. These functional changes were linked to several mechanisms. We found that density of pericytes and their sensitivity to stimulation were reduced in diabetes. The impaired response propagation from the stimulation site was associated with lower expression of connexin43, a major known gap junction unit in vascular cells. Indeed, selective block of gap junctions significantly reduced propagation but not initiation of vasomotor response in the nondiabetic retina. Our data establish the mechanisms for fine local regulation of capillary diameter by pericytes and a role for gap junctions in vascular network interactions. We show how disruption of this balance contributes to impaired vasomotor control in diabetes. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Identification of mechanisms governing capillary blood flow in the CNS and how they are altered in disease provides novel insight into early states of neurological dysfunction. Here, we present physiological and anatomical evidence that both intact pericyte function as well as gap junction-mediated signaling across the vascular network are essential for proper capillary diameter control and vasomotor function. Changes to capillary blood flow precede other anatomical and functional hallmarks of diabetes establishing a significant window for prevention and treatment.
Time to standardise haematology terminology

Hillmen, P., Hallek, M. & Buske, C. (2015) Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Annals of Oncology, 26, 78–84. Hallek, M. , Cheson, B.D. , Catovsky, D. , CaligarisCappio, F. , Dighiero, G. , Dohner, H. , Hillmen, P., Keating, M.J., Montserrat, E. , Rai, K.R. & Kipps, T.J. (2008) Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia: a report from the International Workshop on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia updating the National Cancer Institute-Working Group 1996 guidelines. Blood, 111, 5446–5456. Huang, Y. , Kumazoe, M. , Bae, J., Yamada, S. , Takai, M. , Hidaka, S. , Yamashita, S. , Kim, Y. , Won, Y. , Murata, M. , Tsukamoto, S. & Tachibana, H. (2015) Green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin-O-gallate induces cell death by acid sphingomyelinase activation in chronic myeloid leukemia cells. Oncology Reports, 34, 1162–1168. Kumazoe, M. , Kim, Y. , Bae, J., Takai, M. , Murata, M. , Suemasu, Y. , Sugihara, K. , Yamashita, S. , Tsukamoto, S. , Huang, Y. , Nakahara, K. , Yamada, K. & Tachibana, H. (2013) Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor acts as a potent agent sensitizing acute myeloid leukemia cells to 67-kDa laminin receptor-dependent apoptosis. FEBS Letters, 587, 3052–3057. Kumazoe, M. , Tsukamoto, S. , Lesnick, C. , Kay, N.E. , Yamada, K. , Shanafelt, T.D. & Tachibana, H. (2015) Vardenafil, a clinically available phosphodiesterase inhibitor, potentiates the killing effect of EGCG on CLL cells. British Journal of Haematology, 168, 610–613. Oscier, D. , Dearden, C. , Eren, E. , Fegan, C. , Follows, G. , Hillmen, P., Illidge, T. , Matutes, E. , Milligan, D.W. , Pettitt, A. , Schuh, A. & Wimperis, J. (2012) Guidelines on the diagnosis, investigation and management of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. British Journal of Haematology, 159, 541–564. Shanafelt, T.D. , Call, T.G. , Zent, C.S. , Leis, J.F. , LaPlant, B. , Bowen, D.A. , Roos, M. , Laumann, K. , Ghosh, A.K. , Lesnick, C. , Lee, M.J., Yang, C.S. , Jelinek, D.F. , Erlichman, C. & Kay, N.E. (2013) Phase 2 trial of daily, oral Polyphenon E in patients with asymptomatic, Rai stage 0 to II chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Cancer, 119, 363–370. Tsukamoto, S. , Yamashita, S. , Kim, Y.H. , Kumazoe, M. , Huang, Y. , Yamada, K. & Tachibana, H. (2012) Oxygen partial pressure modulates 67-kDa laminin receptor expression, leading to altered activity of the green tea polyphenol, EGCG. FEBS Letters, 586, 3441–3447.
Assessment of executive functioning in binge‐eating disorder independent of weight status

OBJECTIVE Executive functioning (EF) problems may serve as vulnerability or maintenance factors for Binge-Eating Disorder (BED). However, it is unclear if EF problems observed in BED are related to overweight status or BED status. The current study extends this literature by examining EF in overweight and normal-weight BED compared to weight-matched controls. METHOD Participants were normal-weight women with BED (n = 23), overweight BED (n = 32), overweight healthy controls (n = 48), and normal-weight healthy controls (n = 29). The EF battery utilized tests from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Toolbox and Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS). RESULTS After controlling for years of education and minority status, overweight individuals performed more poorly than normal-weight individuals on a task of cognitive flexibility requiring generativity (p < .01), and speed on psychomotor performance tasks (p = .01). Normal-weight and overweight BED performed worse on working memory tasks compared to controls (p = .04). Unexpectedly, normal-weight BED individuals out-performed all other groups on an inhibitory control task (p < .01). No significant differences were found between the four groups on tasks of planning. DISCUSSION Regardless of weight status, BED is associated with working memory problems. Replication of the finding that normal-weight BED is associated with enhanced inhibitory control is needed.
Rationale for the clinical guidelines for myasthenia gravis in Japan

According to the 2014 Japanese clinical guidelines for myasthenia gravis, the most important priority in treatment is maintaining patients’ health‐related quality of life. Therefore, the initial treatment goal is defined as maintaining a postintervention status of minimal manifestations or better (according to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America classification) with an oral prednisolone dose of 5 mg/day or less. Every effort should be made to attain this level as rapidly as possible. To achieve this goal, the guidelines recommend minimizing the oral prednisolone dose, starting calcineurin inhibitors early in the course of treatment, using intravenous methylprednisolone infusion judiciously (often combined with plasma exchange/plasmapheresis or intravenous immunoglobulin), and effectively treating patients with an early, fast‐acting treatment strategy. The early, fast‐acting treatment strategy enables more frequent and earlier attainment of the initial goal than other strategies. Thymectomy is considered an option for treating nonthymomatous early‐onset myasthenia gravis in patients with antiacetylcholine receptor antibodies and thymic hyperplasia in the early stages of the disease.
Application of PSO-based clustering algorithms on educational databases

This paper performs an investigation on the application of well-known Particle Swarm Optimization based algorithms for clustering tasks, namely, PSOClustering, Hybrid PSOClustering with K-means and Particle Swarm Clustering. The case study is to tackle a significant problem related to grouping students of an on-line educational database, aiming to increase their learning process through the recommendation of specific grammar lessons. The clustering process is performed based on the type, and the number of errors done by the students. The results show that the PSOClustering algorithm can achieve the best performance when compared to the other PSO-based algorithms and the standard K-means algorithm.
A Mouse Model of Mosquito Allergy for Study of Antigen–Specific IgE and IgG Subclass Responses, Lymphocyte Proliferation, and IL–4 and IFN–Á Production

To date, there are no ideal animal models for study of natural sensitization leading to IgE– and lymphocyte–mediated hypersensitivities. We established such a model in which four BALB/c mice were each sensitized by exposure to at least 16 mosquito Aedes aegypti bites, twice a week for 4 weeks. Four non–exposed control mice were also studied. Mosquito A. aegypti head and thorax extract, saliva, and two recombinant salivary allergens (rAed a 1 and rAed a 2) were used in vitro as antigens. Intradermal tests were performed. Serum mosquito antigen–specific IgG, IgG1, IgG2a, and total IgE were measured by ELISA; specific IgE was measured by passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA). IgE responses to each antigen in the saliva were analyzed using Western blotting. Spleen lymphocyte proliferation assays were performed to determine the cell–mediated hypersensitivity response. Antigen–induced IL–4 and IFN–γ production in the spleen lymphocytes were evaluated using ELISA. After 4 weeks, all 4 mosquito–sensitized mice developed a positive immediate wheal 20 min after skin tests with mosquito antigens, and a positive delayed papule 24 h later, while control mice did not. Also, the sensitized mice had a positive PCA response, which correlated significantly with total IgE levels (r = 0.84, p<0.05), confirming the presence of antigen–specific IgE, while none of control mice had a positive response. Antigen–specific IgG1, but not IgG2a, was increased in the sensitized mice (p<0.01). Western blotting showed that 5 of the 8 antigens which elicited mouse IgE responses, including 2 major antigens, also elicited human IgE responses. The mean lymphocyte proliferation response to mosquito antigens also elicited human IgE responses. The mean lymphocyte proliferation response to mosquito antigens was significantly increased in the sensitized mice (p<0.05). IL–4 production was significantly increased and IFN–γ production was decreased, further suggesting that a Th2 immune response predominates despite the development of the delayed skin reaction. This new model of natural sensitization without using an adjuvant is potentially useful for the study of other allergic disorders as well as mosquito allergy.
Pediatric Tuberculosis: Clinical Presentation and Contact Investigation at anUr ban Medical Center

Objective: (A) To characterize the clinical presentation of pediatric tuberculosis in Los Angeles County; (B) to determine the efficacy of contact investigation in identifying a source case for children with tuberculosis. Methods: We reviewed the medical records, chest radiograph and Tuberculosis Control records of 34 children (age <15 years) evaluated at Los Angeles County from January 1992 through December 1993. Results: All patients were hispanic. The mean age was 2.2 years. Thirty-three patients (97%) had intrathoracic disease. Eighteen patients (53%) were symptomatic and the most common symptoms were fever and cough. The contact investigation revealed only 4 patients (2%) to be adult source cases with active tuberculosis. Conclusion: The clinical features of pediatric tuberculosis in Los Angeles County confirm results previously reported in other parts of the US. In contrast, the identification of adult source cases is suboptimal. Improved methods of contact tracing are needed when evaluating children with tuberculosis.
Atypical Antipsychotic Drug Use and Diabetes

Recently, there has been increased concern about the occurrence of diabetes associated with the use of atypical antipsychotic (AAP) drugs. The relationship between diabetes, schizophrenia, and antipsychotic drugs is complex and intriguing, as untreated patients with schizophrenia are known to suffer from diabetes more often than the general population. Thirty individual case reports of clozapine-, 26 cases of olanzapine- and a few others of seroquel- and risperidone-associated diabetes mellitus, hyperglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis were found by a Medline search. The case reports do not provide the incidence of diabetes in patients treated with AAP drugs, but they suggest that AAP drugs may cause hyperglycemia. Further research is needed to identify the cause of the susceptibility of the schizophrenic population, and to elucidate the mechanisms by which the antipsychotic drugs either cause diabetes or precipitate its onset. Which antipsychotic drugs have a higher and which have a lower potential to induce diabetes is not conclusively answered at present. However, the findings that 50% of the patients completely improve upon drug discontinuation, and that hyperglycemia promptly recurs upon reinstitution of the incriminated drug indicate that this side effect is reversible and is drug related. African Americans are particularly susceptible to AAP drug-induced diabetes. Until the new research data become available, AAP drug treatment of schizophrenic patients aims at prevention, institution of vigilant screening procedures, and management of hyperglycemia.
Prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors among pharmacy students from Wroclaw Medical University (Poland).

BACKGROUND Atherosclerotic processes begin in childhood and their development worsens during adolescence. Early prevention of CVD risk factors may have an important impact on the future health of young people. It can be also helpful in reducing the costs of treating CVD later in life. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of selected cardiovascular disease risk factors among pharmacy students. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study group consisted of 1,168 pharmacy students (892 women and 276 men) from Wroclaw Medical University. The average age was 22.9 years among women and 23.2 years among men. This cross-sectional study was conducted between 2004-2012. RESULTS 27.5% of men and 7.1% of women were found to be overweight, while visceral obesity was found in 15.2% and in 10.1% of students, respectively. Hypertension was diagnosed in 27.2% of men and in 7.8% of women. Low physical activity was declared by 41.9% of women and by 31.9% of men. There were 22.1% of men and 10% of women who were current smokers. The majority of the study group did not consume enough fruits and vegetables (women 61.8%, men 75%). Body mass index (BMI) was positively associated with waist and hip measurements, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and body fat percentage, while blood pressure was positively associated with BMI and waist circumference. It was found that men with high physical activity had lower BMIs, body fat percentage, waist and hip circumferences, WHR, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate than those who declared low physical activity. Comparing women with high physical activity to those with low physical activity, only lower heart rate was observed. CONCLUSIONS A higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors was found more often among men than women. Preventive actions which promote proper nutrition, more physical activity, smoking cessation and regular blood pressure checks and lipid profile tests should be implemented for the students.
Rater reliability and construct validity of a mobile application for posture analysis

[Purpose] Measurement of posture is important for those with a clinical diagnosis as well as researchers aiming to understand the impact of faulty postures on the development of musculoskeletal disorders. A reliable, cost-effective and low tech posture measure may be beneficial for research and clinical applications. The purpose of this study was to determine rater reliability and construct validity of a posture screening mobile application in healthy young adults. [Subjects and Methods] Pictures of subjects were taken in three standing positions. Two raters independently digitized the static standing posture image twice. The app calculated posture variables, including sagittal and coronal plane translations and angulations. Intra- and inter-rater reliability were calculated using the appropriate ICC models for complete agreement. Construct validity was determined through comparison of known groups using repeated measures ANOVA. [Results] Intra-rater reliability ranged from 0.71 to 0.99. Inter-rater reliability was good to excellent for all translations. ICCs were stronger for translations versus angulations. The construct validity analysis found that the app was able to detect the change in the four variables selected. [Conclusion] The posture mobile application has demonstrated strong rater reliability and preliminary evidence of construct validity. This application may have utility in clinical and research settings.