Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Heart rate variability index in trauma patients.

BACKGROUND Heart rate variability (HRV) changes often reflect autonomic dysfunction with high sensitivity, but the specificity is also low. There are several different methods for measuring HRV, but interpretation is often complex, and the units are not interchangeable. For these reasons, HRV monitoring is not routinely used in many clinical situations. We hypothesized that the specificity of HRV as a screening tool for trauma patients could be improved by controlling some of the confounding influences using multiple logistic regression. METHODS A prospective observational trial with waiver of consent was performed in 243 healthy student volunteers and 257 trauma patients, in the resuscitation bay and intensive care units of a Level I trauma center, who received computed axial tomography (CT) scans of the head as part of the initial work up. Electrocardiogram results were recorded for 5 minutes. HRV was defined by SD of normal R-R intervals (SDNN5) and by root mean square of successive differences of R-R intervals (RMSSD5). A head CT scan was considered positive (+) if there were abnormalities in the parenchyma (diffuse axonal injury or contusion), vasculature (intraparenchymal, subdural, or epidural hemorrhage), and/or structural or bony components (fractures of the face or cranium). RESULTS In volunteers, SDNN5 was 73 +/- 15 (M +/- SD) milliseconds, compared with 42 +/- 22, 31 +/- 19, 28 +/- 17, and 12 +/- 8 milliseconds in, CT(-) patients with no sedation (n = 82), CT(-) with sedation (n = 60), CT(+) with no sedation (n = 55), and CT(+) with sedation (n = 60), respectively. The differences between trauma, sedation, and CT categories were significant (all p < 0.001). RMSSD5 differences were similar and also highly significant (all p < 0.001). For both SDNN5 and RMSSD5, in each category, there was wide overlap in the range of values, and strong inverse correlations with heart rate (all p < 0.001). Using multiple logistic regression in a subset with no missing data (n = 194), an index was derived from ln(SDNN5) adjusted for six confounding factors. With a negative predictive value held constant at 0.90, compared with ln(SDNN5) alone, the stepwise addition of heart rate, sedation, age, gender, and blood pressure progressively improved the specificity of the HRV index from 0.56 to 0.77, positive predictive value from 0.55 to 0.68, and efficiency from 0.68 to 0.80. This index was then normalized (0-100 scale) for ease of interpretation. CONCLUSIONS (1) Several factors alter HRV in patients; (2) when HRV was indexed for some of these factors, its specificity and efficiency were improved for predicting a discrete pathologic state in trauma patients, i.e. (+) or (-) cranial CT scans; (3) the algorithm can incorporate other factors to further refine the diagnostic and/or prognostic ability of HRV as a noninvasive clinical tool; (4) this concept should be applicable to any other HRV measurement technique or outcome.
Women’s Reasons for Seeking Breast Reduction

This study explored experiences of women with large breasts who were considering or had had breast reduction surgery. Open-ended questionnaires were returned via email from 32 women, 13 of whom were seeking breast reduction and 19 who had already undergone breast reduction surgery. Transcripts were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Themes arising from this analysis included physical symptoms, information, and body image and self-esteem. Implications for Health Psychology are discussed, including the necessity to assist women to cope with pain prior to breast reduction, and assisting health professionals to develop more effective communication skills.
Remote Interaction and scheduling aspects of cloud based streams

This paper reports on a project concerned with various aspects of stream processing based on distributed components. In earlier work, we have explored dynamic reconfiguration, distributed management and a web services interface for remote deployment and control of cloud-based streams. Here, we look at aspects of remote interaction between a ProActive distributed active object system and the University of Chicago Nimbus cloud, showing that it is a useful environment in which to explore effects of distribution on latency, and commenting on problems of interaction through a firewall. We summarize some performance results of stream processing in the Nimbus cloud, especially our mechanisms for latency tolerance in remote interaction, with network measurements to show their effectiveness. The major contribution of this paper is to look at aspects of scheduling our stream components in a cloud based computation, focusing on criteria for initial deployment of the stream on cloud resources, outlining attributes of cloud resources that can sensibly be used in making scheduling decisions, and working towards a "cost model" suitable for use by economic scheduling heuristics. For this, we make use of Grid-bus; we introduce our model of interaction with it, our preliminary implementation, and demonstration of the use of Gridbus for deployment.
Effects of lipid-based nutrient supplements v. micronutrient powders on nutritional and developmental outcomes among Peruvian infants

Abstract Objective To determine the effects of lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNS) on children’s Hb, linear growth and development, compared with supplementation with micronutrient powder (MNP). Design The study was a two-arm parallel-group randomized controlled trial, where participants received either LNS or MNP for daily consumption during 6 months. Supplements were delivered by staff at government-run health centres. Hb, anthropometric, motor development, language development and problem-solving indicators were measured by trained research assistants when children were 12 months of age. Setting The study was conducted in five rural districts in the Province of Ambo in the Department of Huánuco, Peru. Subjects We enrolled 6-month-old children (n 422) at nineteen health centres. Results Children who received LNS had a higher mean Hb concentration and lower odds of anaemia than those who received MNP. No significant differences in height-for-age, weight-for-height or weight-for-age Z-score, or stunting and underweight prevalence, were observed. Provision of LNS was associated with a higher pre-verbal language (gestures) score, but such effect lost significance after adjustment for covariates. Children in the LNS group had higher problem-solving task scores and increased odds of achieving this cognitive task than children in the MNP group. No significant differences were observed on receptive language or gross motor development. Conclusions LNS between 6 and 12 months of age increased Hb concentration, reduced anaemia and improved cognitive development in children, but showed no effects on anthropometric indicators, motor or language development.
Nuclear-magnetic-resonance study of the histidine residues of S-peptide and S-protein and kinetics of 1H-2H exchange of ribonuclease A.

1H NMR spectroscopy at 100 MHz was used to determine the first-order rate constants for the 1H-2H exchange of the H-2 histidine resonances of RNase-A in 2H2O at 35 degrees C and pH meter readings of 7, 9, 10 and 10.5. Prolonged exposure in 2H2O at 35 degrees C and pH meter reading 11 caused irreversible denaturation of RN-ase-A. The rate constants at pH 7 and 9 agreed reasonably well with those obtained in 1H-3H exchange experiments by Ohe, J., Matsuo, H. , Sakiyama, F. and Narita, K. [J. Biochem, (Tokyo) 75, 1197-1200 (1974)]. The rate data obtained by various authors is summarised and the reasons for the poor agreement between the data is discussed. The first-order rate constant for the exchange of His-48 increases rapidly from near zero at pH 9 (due to its inaccessibility to solvent) with increase of pH to 10.5 The corresponding values for His-119 show a decrease and those for His-12 a small increase over the same pH range. These changes are attributed to a conformational change in the hinge region of RNase-A (probably due to the titration of Tyr-25) which allows His-48 to become accessible to solvent. 1H NMR spectra of S-protein and S-peptide, and of material partially deuterated at the C-2 positions of the histidine residues confirm the reassignment of the histidine resonances of RNase-A [Bradbury, J. H. & Teh, J. S. (1975) Chem. Commun. , 936-937]. The chemical shifts of the C-2 and C-4 protons of histidine-12 of S-peptide are followed as a function of pH and a pK' value of 6.75 is obtained. The reassignment of the three C-2 histidine resonances of S-protein is confirmed by partial deuteration studies. The pK' values obtained from titration of the H-2 resonances of His-48, His-105 and His-119 are 5.3, 6.5 and 6.0, respectively. The S-protein is less stable to acid than RNase-A since the former, but not the latter, shows evidence of reversible denaturation at pH 3 and 26 degrees C. His-48 in S-protein titrates normally and has a lower pK than in RN-ase-A probably because of the absence of Asp-14, which in RN-ase-A forms a a hydrogen bond with His-48 and causes it to be inaccessible to solvent, at pH values below 9.
Automated Autofluorescence Background Subtraction Algorithm for Biomedical Raman Spectroscopy

A significant advantage of Raman spectroscopy as a noninvasive optical technique is its ability to detect subtle molecular or biochemical signatures within tissue. One of the major challenges for biomedical Raman spectroscopy is the removal of intrinsic autofluorescence background signals, which are usually a few orders of magnitude stronger than those arising from Raman scattering. A number of methods have been proposed for fluorescence background removal including excitation wavelength shifting, Fourier transformation, time gating, and simple or modified polynomial fitting. The single polynomial and the modified multi-polynomial fitting methods are relatively simple and effective, and thus are widely used in biological applications. However, their performance in real-time in vivo applications and low signal-to-noise ratio environments is sub-optimal. An improved automated algorithm for fluorescence removal has been developed based on modified multi-polynomial fitting, but with the addition of (1) a peak-removal procedure during the first iteration, and (2) a statistical method to account for signal noise effects. Experimental results demonstrate that this approach improves the automated rejection of the fluorescence background during real-time Raman spectroscopy and for in vivo measurements characterized by low signal-to-noise ratios.
Comparative drought resistance of temperate grassland species : mechanisms, prediction and relation to species distribution across moisture gradients

III Zusammenfassung. VI Synopsis . 1 Backgrounds . 1 Grasslands and drought . 1 Drought resistance and species distribution . 2 Mechanisms of drought resistance . 3 Predictions of species drought resistance using traits . 5 Materials and Methods . 6 Study species . 6 Experiments . 6 Manuscripts of this thesis. 8 Manuscript 1: Comparative drought resistance and its relation with species distribution 8 Manuscript 2: The importance of desiccation avoidance and the use of turgor loss point for predicting whole-plant drought resistance of survival . 9 Manuscript 3: Root traits contributed to whole-plant drought resistance of survival and improved our prediction . 10
A Methodology for Integration of Heterogeneous Databases

The transformation of existing local databases to meet diverse application needs at the global level is performed through a four-layered procedure that stresses total schema integration and virtual integration of local databases. The proposed methodology covers both schema integration and database integration, and uses a four-layered schema architecture (local schemata, local object schemata, global schema, and global view schemata) with each layer presenting an integrated view of the concepts that characterize the layer below. Mechanisms for accomplishing this objective are presented in theoretical terms, along with a running example. Object equivalence classes, property equivalence classes, and other related concepts are discussed in the context of logical integration of heterogeneous schemata, while object instance equivalence classes and property instance equivalence classes, and other related concepts are discussed for data integration purposes. The proposed methodology resolves naming conflicts, scaling conflicts, type conflicts, and level of abstraction, and other types of conflicts during schema integration, and data inconsistencies during data integration. >
Fully discrete-time neural recording front-ends: Feasibility and design considerations

The ever-increasing need for higher number of neural recording channels along with the stringent power and area requirements of a brain-implantable device, demand for ultra-compact and scalable channel architectures. In this paper, we will first briefly discuss the fundamental scaling issues of conventional AC- and DC-coupled neural front-ends. Next, we will analytically examine the feasibility of a fully discrete-time neural front-end, and then will go over various design trade-offs that must be considered.
Fault reconstruction for Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy systems via learning observers

ABSTRACT This paper addresses the problem of observer-based fault reconstruction for Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy systems. Two types of fuzzy learning observers are constructed to achieve simultaneous reconstruction of system states and actuator faults. Stability and convergence of the proposed observers are proved using Lyapunov stability theory, and necessary conditions for the existence of the observers are further discussed. The design of fuzzy learning observers can be formulated in terms of a series of linear matrix inequalities that can be conveniently solved using convex optimisation technique. A single-link flexible manipulator is employed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed fault-reconstructing approaches.
Partitioned Hierarchical alternating least squares algorithm for CP tensor decomposition

Canonical polyadic decomposition (CPD), also known as PARAFAC, is a representation of a given tensor as a sum of rank-one tensors. Traditional method for accomplishing CPD is the alternating least squares (ALS) algorithm. This algorithm is easy to implement with very low computational complexity per iteration. A disadvantage is that in difficult scenarios, where factor matrices in the decomposition contain nearly collinear columns, the number of iterations needed to achieve convergence might be very large. In this paper, we propose a modification of the algorithm which has similar complexity per iteration as ALS, but in difficult scenarios it needs a significantly lower number of iterations.
Burden of Alzheimer's Disease: Population-Based Estimates and Projections for New Zealand, 2006–2031

Objective: To estimate the burden of Alzheimer's disease (AD, including ‘mixed’ dementia) in New Zealand in 2006, and project this burden out to 2031. Method: An incidence to prevalence methodology was utilized, the foundation of which is a discrete time Markov model allowing for multiple stages of disease (early vs late). Population estimates and projections, and all-cause mortality rates, were obtained from Statistics New Zealand. In the absence of usable New Zealand data, data on disease incidence and progression were obtained from systematic reviews of the international (mainly European, Australian and North American) literature. Projection scenarios included a demographic scenario in which change resulted only from increases in population size and ageing; a prevention scenario in which incidence rates were reduced by 25% from 2011; a treatment scenario in which disease progression rates were likewise reduced by 25% from 2011; and a combined scenario capturing both interventions. Results: The model estimated that approximately 28000 people are currently living with AD (whether formally diagnosed or not), approximately 55% in the early and 45% in the late stage of the disease; approximately 6600 people newly develop AD each year; and approximately 2300 people die from (as opposed to with) this condition. The model projected that the prevalence of AD will increase approximately 2.5-fold (to approx. 70000 people) by 2031, if demographic drivers are unopposed. Plausible improvements in prevention and treatment, however, acting together, could reduce this growth by up to 50%, so that the prevalence of AD only doubles. Conclusion: Even this more optimistic projection has profound implications for the funding and provision of dementia care services, as well as for patients, their families, informal carers and the psychogeriatric workforce. New service configurations and models of care will be necessary. Access, quality and coordination standards for home care, day care, respite care, residential care and specialist services (including memory clinics) will need to respond accordingly.
Critical Role of Lysine 204 in Switch I Region of Gα13 for Regulation of p115RhoGEF and Leukemia-Associated RhoGEF

Heterotrimeric G proteins of the G12 family regulate the Rho GTPase through RhoGEFs that contain an amino-terminal regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) domain (RGS-RhoGEFs). Direct regulation of the activity of RGS-RhoGEFs p115 or leukemia-associated RhoGEF (LARG) by Gα13 has previously been demonstrated. However, the precise biochemical mechanism by which Gα13 stimulates the RhoGEF activity of these proteins has not yet been well understood. Based on the crystal structure of Gαi1 in complex with RGS4, we mutated the Gα13 residue lysine 204 to alanine (Gα13K204A) and characterized the effect of this mutation in its regulation of RGS-RhoGEFs p115 or LARG. Compared with wild-type Gα13, Gα13K204A induced much less serum-response factor activation when expressed in HeLa cells. Recombinant Gα13K204A exhibits normal function in terms of nucleotide binding, basal GTP hydrolysis, and formation of heterotrimer with βγ. We found that lysine 204 of Gα13 is important for interaction with the RGS domain of p115 or LARG and for the GTPase-activating protein activity of these proteins. In addition, the K204A mutation of Gα13 impaired its regulation of the RhoGEF activity of p115 or LARG. We conclude that lysine 204 of Gα13 is important for interaction with RGS-RhoGEFs and is critically involved in the regulation of their activity.
Comprehensive Analysis of Phosphorylation Sites in Tensin1 Reveals Regulation by p38MAPK*

Tensin1 is the archetype of a family of focal adhesion proteins. Tensin1 has a phosphotyrosine binding domain that binds the cytoplasmic tail of β-integrin, a Src homology 2 domain that binds focal adhesion kinase, p130Cas, and the RhoGAP called deleted in liver cancer-1, a phosphatase and tensin homology domain that binds protein phosphatase-1α and other regions that bind F-actin. The association between tensin1 and these partners affects cell polarization, migration, and invasion. In this study we analyzed the phosphorylation of human S-tag-tensin1 expressed in HEK293 cells by mass spectrometry. Peptides covering >90% of the sequence initially revealed 50 phosphorylated serine/phosphorylated threonine (pSer/pThr) but no phosphorylated tyrosine (pTyr) sites. Addition of peroxyvanadate to cells to inhibit protein tyrosine phosphatases exposed 10 pTyr sites and addition of calyculin A to cells to inhibit protein phosphatases type 1 and 2A gave a total of 62 pSer/pThr sites. We also characterized two sites modified by O-linked N-acetylglucosamine. Tensin1 F302A, which does not bind protein phosphatase-1, showed > twofold enhanced phosphorylation of seven sites. The majority of pSer/pThr have adjacent proline (Pro) residues and we show endogenous p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) associated with and phosphorylated tensin1 in an in vitro kinase assay. Recombinant p38α MAPK also phosphorylated S-tag-tensin1, resulting in decreased binding with deleted in liver cancer-1. Activation of p38 MAPK in cells by sorbitol-induced hyperosmotic stress increased phosphorylation of S-tag-tensin1, which reduced binding to deleted in liver cancer-1 and increased binding to endogenous pTyr proteins, including p130Cas and focal adhesion kinase. These data demonstrate that tensin1 is extensively phosphorylated on Ser/Thr residues in cells and phosphorylation by p38 MAPK regulates the specificity of the tensin1 Src homology 2 domain for binding to different proteins. Tensin1 provides a hub for connecting signaling pathways involving p38 MAP kinase, tyrosine kinases and RhoGTPases.
Effectiveness of Argan Oil Consumption on Knee Osteoarthritis Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common chronic degenerative disorder. It causes joint pain, walking difficulties and a decline in general physical function. Many pain drugs and treatment modalities can be prescribed for KOA. Among traditional medicines in Morocco, Argan oil has been used in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis to reduce pain and improve physical activity, though there have been no medical-based evidence for such treatment. Argan oil is known to have anti-oxidant and lipid modulatory properties due to its content of many substances, such as tocopherols, phytosterols, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. OBJECTIVES This study was undertaken in order to investigate the effect of daily consumption of culinary argan oil on KOA symptoms. PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted a randomized controlled clinical trial on patients with KOA according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria. Patients were divided into 2 groups: argan oil group who received argan oil to be consumed every morning (30 ml per day) for 8 weeks and control group with no treatment. Clinical assessment before and after 8 weeks study was performed by several tests such as the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, walking perimeter, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC), and the Lequesne index. RESULTS The study included 100 patients. 51 patients were randomly assigned to argan oilgroup while 49 patients were randomly assigned to control group with no treatment. Mean age of our patients was 58.24 ± 7.2 years, with a majority of women (93%). Following 8 weeks of argan oil consumption, argan oil group had a very significant decrease of VAS for pain (p< 0.0001), with a significant decrease in WOMAC pain index (p < 0.0001), and improvement of WOMAC function index (p < 0.0001). Lequesne index (p < 0.0001) as well as walking distance (p =0,002) significantly improved. When data of argan oil group were compared to those of control group, we found statistically significant differences in all the above measured parameters: VAS of pain (P=0,02), WOMAC pain (p<0,0001), WOMAC function (p<0,0001), walking distance (p=0,001) and lequesne index (p<0,0001). CONCLUSION Patient's consumption of argan oil seems to be safe and efficacious in improving clinical symptoms of KOA.
Estimates of the Danish general government budget balance and the cyclical budget volatility 1875-2003

The paper presents time series for Danish general government net lending in the period 18752003 and analyses the long-term term fiscal development in Denmark. Even though Denmark today has one of the largest public sectors in Europe, relatively speaking, the Danish general government’s deficit has only significantly exceeded 3 per cent of GDP during World War II and in the early 1980s. Furthermore, the cyclical impact on the general government budget balance seems most often to be relatively modest compared to that of discretionary fiscalpolicy changes. However, calculations on the cyclical budget volatility also seem to suggest that the cyclically adjusted budget balance has to be in surplus in periods with strong economic growth if the automatic stabilisers should be allowed to work freely during a cyclical downturn without violating a 3-per-cent budget criteria (the reference value in the Maastricht Treaty).