Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Primary therapist model for patients referred for rheumatoid arthritis rehabilitation: a cost-effectiveness analysis.

OBJECTIVE To estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness (ICE) of services from a primary therapist compared with traditional physical therapists and/or occupational therapists for managing rheumatoid arthritis (RA), from the societal perspective. METHODS Patients with RA were randomly assigned to the primary therapist model (PTM) or traditional treatment model (TTM) for approximately 6 weeks of rehabilitation treatment. Health outcomes were expressed in terms of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), measured with the EuroQol instrument at baseline, 6 weeks, and 6 months. Direct and indirect costs, including visits to health professionals, use of investigative tests, hospital visits, use of medications, purchases of adaptive aids, and productivity losses incurred by patients and their caregivers, were collected monthly. RESULTS Of 144 consenting patients, 111 remained in the study after the baseline assessment: 63 PTM (87.3% women, mean age 54.2 years, disease duration 10.6 years) and 48 TTM (79.2% women, mean age 56.8 years, disease duration 13.2 years). From a societal perspective, PTM generated higher QALYs (mean +/- SD 0.068 +/- 0.22) and resulted in a higher mean cost ($6,848 Canadian, interquartile range [IQR] $1,984-$9,320) compared with TTM (mean +/- SD QALY -0.017 +/- 0.24; mean costs $6,266, IQR $1,938-$10,194) in 6 months, although differences were not statistically significant. The estimated ICE ratio was $13,700 per QALY gained (95% nonparametric confidence interval -$73,500, $230,000). CONCLUSION The PTM has potential to be an alternative to traditional physical/occupational therapy, although it is premature to recommend widespread use of this model in other regions. Further research should focus on strategies to reduce costs of the model and assess the long-term economic consequences in managing RA and other rheumatologic conditions.
Ecologically relevant measures of tolerance to potentially lethal temperatures

Summary The acute thermal tolerance of ectotherms has been measured in a variety of ways; these include assays where organisms are shifted abruptly to stressful temperatures and assays where organisms experience temperatures that are ramped more slowly to stressful levels. Ramping assays are thought to be more relevant to natural conditions where sudden abrupt shifts are unlikely to occur often, but it has been argued that thermal limits established under ramping conditions are underestimates of true thermal limits because stresses due to starvation and/or desiccation can arise under ramping. These confounding effects might also impact the variance and heritability of thermal tolerance. We argue here that ramping assays are useful in capturing aspects of ecological relevance even though there is potential for confounding effects of other stresses that can also influence thermal limits in nature. Moreover, we show that the levels of desiccation and starvation experienced by ectotherms in ramping assays will often be minor unless the assays involve small animals and last for many hours. Empirical data illustrate that the combined effects of food and humidity on thermal limits under ramping and sudden shifts to stressful conditions are unpredictable; in Drosophila melanogaster the presence of food decreased rather than increased thermal limits, whereas in Ceratitis capitata they had little impact. The literature provides examples where thermal limits are increased under ramping presumably because of the potential for physiological changes leading to acclimation. It is unclear whether heritabilities and population differentiation will necessarily be lower under ramping because of confounding effects. Although it is important to clearly define experimental methods, particularly when undertaking comparative assessments, and to understand potential confounding effects, thermotolerance assays based on ramping remain an important tool for understanding and predicting species responses to environmental change. An important area for further development is to identify the impact of rates of temperature change under field and laboratory conditions.
Motion and Ballistocardiogram Artifact Removal for Interleaved Recording of EEG and EPs during MRI

Artifacts generated by motion (e.g., ballistocardiac) of the head inside a high magnetic field corrupt recordings of EEG and EPs. This paper introduces a method for motion artifact cancellation. This method is based on adaptive filtering and takes advantage of piezoelectric motion sensor information to estimate the motion artifact noise. This filter estimates the mapping between motion sensor and EEG space, subtracting the motion-related noise from the raw EEG signal. Due to possible subject motion and changes in electrode impedance, a time-varying mapping of the motion versus EEG is required. We show that this filter is capable of removing both ballistocardiogram and gross motion artifacts, restoring EEG alpha waves (8-13 Hz), and visual evoked potentials (VEPs). This adaptive filter outperforms the simple band-pass filter for alpha detection because it is also capable of reducing noise within the frequency band of interest. In addition, this filter also removes the transient responses normally visible in the EEG window after echo planar image acquisition, observed during interleaved EEG/fMRI recordings. Our adaptive filter approach can be implemented in real-time to allow for continuous monitoring of EEG and fMRI during clinical and cognitive studies.
Stochastic Simulation of Reaction-Diffusion Systems

Reactiondiffusion systems are mathematical models that describe how the concentration of one or more substances distributed in space changes under the influence of local chemical reactions in which the substances are converted into each other, and diffusion which causes the substances to spread out in space. The classical representation of a reaction-diffusion system is given by semi-linear parabolic partial differential equations, whose general form is ∂tX(x, t) = DΔX(x, t), where X(x, t) is the state vector, D is the matrix of the diffusion coefficients and Δ is the Laplace operator. If the solute move in an homogeneous system in thermal equilibrium, the diffusion coefficients are constants that do not depend on the local concentration of solvent and of solutes and on local temperature of the medium. In this paper a new stochastic reaction-diffusion model in which the diffusion coefficients are function of the local concentration, viscosity and frictional forces of solvent and solute is presented. Such a model provides a more realistic description of the molecular kinetics in non-homogenoeus and highly structured media as the intraand inter-cellular spaces. The movement of a molecule A from a region i to a region j of the space is described as a first order reaction Ai k −→ Aj , where the rate constant k depends on the diffusion coefficient. Representing the diffusional motion as a chemical reaction allows to assimilate a reaction-diffusion system to a pure reaction system and to simulate it with Gillespie-inspired stochastic simulation algorithms. The stochastic time evolution of the system is given by the occurrence of diffusion events and chemical reaction events. At each time step an event (reaction or diffusion) is selected from a probability distribution of waiting times determined by the specific speed of reaction and diffusion events. Redi is the software tool, developed to implement the model of reaction-diffusion kinetics and dynamics. It is a free software, that can be downloaded from http://www.cosbi. eu. To demonstrate the validity of the new reaction-diffusion model, the simulation results of the chaperone-assisted protein folding in cytoplasm obtained with Redi are reported. This case study is redrawing the attention of the scientific community due to current interests on protein aggregation as a potential cause for neurodegenerative diseases. Keywords—reaction-diffusion systems, Fick’s law, stochastic simulation algorithm
Discovery of a New Genetic Variant of Methionine Aminopeptidase from Streptococci with Possible Post-Translational Modifications: Biochemical and Structural Characterization

Protein N-terminal methionine excision is an essential co-translational process that occurs in the cytoplasm of all organisms. About 60-70% of the newly synthesized proteins undergo this modification. Enzyme responsible for the removal of initiator methionine is methionine aminopeptidase (MetAP), which is a dinuclear metalloprotease. This protein is conserved through all forms of life from bacteria to human except viruses. MetAP is classified into two isoforms, Type I and II. Removal of the map gene or chemical inhibition is lethal to bacteria and to human cell lines, suggesting that MetAP could be a good drug target. In the present study we describe the discovery of a new genetic variant of the Type I MetAP that is present predominantly in the streptococci bacteria. There are two inserts (insert one: 27 amino acids and insert two: four residues) within the catalytic domain. Possible glycosylation and phosphorylation posttranslational modification sites are identified in the ‘insert one’. Biochemical characterization suggests that this enzyme behaves similar to other MetAPs in terms of substrate specificity. Crystal structure Type Ia MetAP from Streptococcus pneumoniae (SpMetAP1a) revealed that it contains two molecules in the asymmetric unit and well ordered inserts with structural features that corroborate the possible posttranslational modification. Both the new inserts found in the SpMetAP1a structurally align with the P-X-X-P motif found in the M. tuberculosis and human Type I MetAPs as well as the 60 amino acid insert in the human Type II enzyme suggesting possible common function. In addition, one of the β-hairpins within in the catalytic domain undergoes a flip placing a residue which is essential for enzyme activity away from the active site and the β-hairpin loop of this secondary structure in the active site obstructing substrate binding. This is the first example of a MetAP crystallizing in the inactive form.
Continuous core/periphery architecture features of C2 organizations analysis based on Social Network Analysis

The Command and Control Relationships Network Models are constructed. The architecture features of these models are analyzed using “continuous core/periphery model” in Social Network Analysis. It can be seen from research, whether a C2 organization network model has “core/periphery” architecture feature can be judged by calculating and analyzing. If the clear degree of the feature is distinct, the nodes of model can be separated into core, semi-periphery and periphery. The relationships between structure features and organizations efficiency are endeavor to be discovered.
Three CS-based beamformers for single snapshot DOA estimation

In this work, the estimation of the Directions of Arrival (DOAs) of multiple source signals from a single observation vector is considered. In particular, the estimation, detection and super-resolution performance of three algorithms based on the theory of Compressed Sensing (the classical l1-minimization or LASSO, the fast smooth l0-minimization, and the SPICE algorithm) are analyzed and compared with the classical Fourier beamformer. This comparison is carried out using both simulated data and real sonar data.
LLMS Adaptive Array Beamforming Algorithm for Concentric Circular Arrays

An improvement of Signal-to-Interference Ratio (SIR) at the base station of a wireless communication system can be obtained using a suitable choice of an array antenna. In this paper we consider Concentric Circular Antenna Array (CCAA) which can be used for adaptive antenna systems. A new adaptive algorithm, called least mean square-least mean Square (LLMS) algorithm, has been proposed for different applications of array beamforming. Unlike earlier LMS algorithm based techniques, the proposed algorithm derives its overall error signal by feeding back the error signal from the second LMS algorithm stage (LMS2) to combine with that of the first LMS algorithm section (LMS1). In this paper, we employ the LLMS beamforming algorithm for a CCAA system. The mathematical model of CCAA is analyzed. Computer simulation results show that employing LLMS algorithm is superior in convergence; and beam pattern performances over earlier LMS based algorithms. Furthermore, CCAA LLMS beamforming is more robust compared with other algorithms when operating in the presence of Rayleigh fading. Fidelity of the recovery signal of all algorithms under test is demonstrated by means of the resultant values of Error Vector Magnitude (EVM) and scatter plots.
Spinal Premotor Interneurons Mediate Dynamic and Static Motor Commands for Precision Grip in Monkeys

The extent of spinal interneuron (IN) contribution to dexterous hand movements is unclear. Here, we studied the response patterns and force relationships of spinal premotor INs (PreM-INs) in three awake, behaving monkeys performing a precision grip task. We recorded activity from the cervical spinal cord (C5–T1) simultaneously with electromyographic (EMG) activity from hand and arm muscles during the task. Spike-triggered averaging of EMGs showed that 25 PreM-INs had postspike effects on EMG activity. Most PreM-INs (23/25) displayed movement-related firing rate modulations: 11 had phasic followed by tonic facilitation (p+t+); 4 were pure phasic; 4 were pure tonic; and 4 were deactivated, while their target muscles consistently had p+t+ activity (65/66 muscles). PreM-IN phasic activity started earlier than target muscle activity (49 ± 81.4 ms, mean ± SD), and the peak amplitude was correlated with the peak amplitude of the rate of change of grip force (4/17, p < 0.05), suggesting that they contributed to force initiation. In contrast, PreM-IN tonic activity started at almost the same time as the target muscle activity and the mean firing rate was correlated with the mean grip force during the hold period (4/15, p < 0.05), suggesting that they contributed to force maintenance. These results indicated that the neural pathway mediated by the spinal PreM-INs makes a significant contribution to the control of precision grip in primates.
Eating Out. Social Differentiation, Consumption and Pleasure

Acknowledgements List of figures List of tables List of boxes 1. The study and its rationale Part I. Modes of Provision: 2. The development of the habit of eating out in the UK 3. The meanings of eating out Part II. Access: 4. Patterns of eating out 5. Domestic organisation, family meals and eating out Part III. Delivery: 6. Personal service in public and private places 7. Last suppers Part IV. Enjoyment: The Attractions of Eating Out: 8. Eating out and its gratifications 9. The enjoyment of meal events Part V. Conclusion: 10. Eating out and the theories of consumption Methodological appendix: data collection and analysis References.
Integrity Attacks on Real-Time Pricing in Smart Grids: Impact and Countermeasures

Recent work has studied the impact caused by attackers that compromise pricing signals used in the emerging retail electricity market and send false prices to a subset of consumers. In this paper, we extend previous work by considering a more realistic adversary model that is not arbitrarily tied to scaling and delay attacks, but that can generate any arbitrary pricing signal and show how to keep the problem tractable with a new analysis based on sensitivity functions. In addition, we extend previous work by proposing countermeasures to mitigate the negative impact of these attacks. Countermeasures include selecting parameters of the controller, designing robust control algorithms, and by detecting anomalies in the behavior of the system.
Labels, Literacy, and Enabling Learning: Glenn's Story.

Too often, the school system regards students who do not learn quickly enough or in a conventional manner as "deficient," and labels them in ways that keep them from joining in a dynamic learning process. In this powerful account of what a creative and trusting relationship between teacher and student can accomplish, Colleen Fairbanks tells of a young man's determination to overcome his "learning disabilities" label and of the consequences the labeling process had on his school life. In so doing, her own story emerges as a teacher who encourages him to explore his feelings about his learning as he struggles to confront his school history. Most important, Glenn's story illustrates an overwhelming need to reevaluate our educational practices for learning disabled students.
Joint task switching

ABSTRACT The present study investigates the representation of task-sets in a joint dual-task setting. To this end, a task-switching approach is used. Task switching is associated with a switch cost, which can be decomposed in several markers of task-set coordination. These markers can be used to investigate whether participants represent the co-actor's task-set in a joint dual-task setting. A joint task-switching procedure was used in which two participants performed a distinct task and the participants’ turn to respond could switch or repeat on a trial-by-trial basis. The results indicate that joint task switching also elicits a switch cost. However, this switch cost does not seem to be related to the representation of the co-actor's task-set. It is suggested that the switch cost observed in joint task switching is based on processes of task monitoring, which increase the saliency of task-irrelevant stimulus information.
biXid: a bidirectional transformation language for XML

Often, independent organizations define and advocate different XML formats for a similar purpose and, as a result, application programs need to mutually convert between such formats. Existng XML transformation languages, such as XSLT and XDuce, are unsatisfactory for this purpose since we would have to write, e.g., two programs for the forward and the backward transformations in case of two formats, incur high developing and maintenance costs.This paper proposes the bidirectional XML transformation language biXid, allowing us to write only one program for both directions of conversion. Our language adopts a common paradigm programming-by-relation, where a program defines a relation over documents and transforms a document to another in a way satisfying this relation. Our contributions here are specific language features for facilitating realistic conversions whose target formats are loosely in parallel but have many discrepancies in details. Concretely, we (1) adopt XDuce-style regular expression patterns for describing and analyzing XML structures, (2) fully permit ambiguity for treating formats that do not have equivalent expressivenesses, and (3) allow non-linear pattern variables for expressing non-trivial transformations that cannot be written only with linear patterns, such as conversion between unordered and ordered data.We further develop an efficient evaluation algorithm for biXid, consisting of the "parsing" phase that transforms the input document to an intermediate "parse tree" structure and the "unparsing" phase that transforms it to an output document. Both phases use a variant of finite tree automata for performing a one-pass scan on the input or the parse tree by using a standard technique that "maintains the set of all transitable states. " However, the construction of the "unparsing" phase is challenging since ambiguity causes different ways of consuming the parse tree and thus results in multiple possible outputs that may have different structures.We have implemented a prototype system of biXid and confirmed that it has enough expressiveness and a linear-time performance from experiments with several realistic bidirectional transformations including one between vCard-XML and ContactXML.
An Anonymous Path Routing (APR) Protocol for Wireless Sensor Networks

How to secure data communication is an important problem in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). General solutions to the problem are to encrypt the packet payload with symmetric keys. But those solutions only prevent the packet content from being snooped or tampered. Adversaries still can learn of network topology by the traffic analysis attack for starting devastating attacks such as the denial-of-service attack and the like. In this paper, we propose an anonymous path routing (APR) protocol for WSNs. In APR, data are encrypted by pair-wise keys and transmitted with anonyms between neighboring sensor nodes and anonyms between the source and destination nodes of a multi-hop communication path. The encryption prevents adversaries from disclosing the data, and the anonymous communication prevents adversaries from observing the relation of the packets for further attacks. We implement APR on the MICAz platform to evaluate its overheads for demonstrating its applicability in practical WSNs.
Selecting , Refining , and Evaluating Predicates for Program Analysis

This research proposes and evaluates techniques for selecting predicates for conditional program properties — th at is, implications such as p ⇒ q whose consequent must be true whenever the predicate is true. Conditional propertie s are prevalent in recursive data structures, which behave di fferently in their base and recursive cases, in programs that contain branches, in programs that fail only on some inputs, and in many other situations. The experimental context of the research is dynamic detection of likely program invariants, but the ideas are applicable to other domains. Trying every possible predicate for conditional properties is computationally infeasible and yields too many undesirable properties. This paper compares four policies fo r selecting predicates: procedure return analysis, code con ditionals, clustering, and random selection. It also shows how to improve predicates via iterated analysis. An experimental evaluation demonstrates that the techniques improv e performance on two tasks: statically proving the absence of run-time errors with a theorem-prover, and separating faul ty from correct executions of erroneous programs.
Digitization of Historic Inscription Images using Cumulants based Simultaneous Blind Source Extraction

In this paper a novel method to address the problem of enhancement and binarization of historic inscription images is presented. Inscription images in general have no distinction between the text layer and background layer due to absence of color difference and possess highly correlated signals and noise. The proposed technique provides a suitable method to separate the text layer from the historic inscription images by considering the problem as blind source separation which aims to calculate the independent components from a linear mixture of source signals, by maximizing a contrast function based on higher order cumulants. Further, the results are compared with existing ICA based techniques like NGFICA and Fast-ICA.
A “crackleware” oesophagus

This case report describes a 70 year old woman with excessive diffuse keratinisation of the oral cavity and oesophagus harbouring a squamous cell carcinoma. This excessive diffuse keratinisation of normally non-keratinised squamous epithelium could not be identified in normally non-keratinised epithelia in other parts of the body (the vagina), arguing against a genetic basis for this disorder. The term “crackleware” oesophagus was used to describe this entity, which has not been described previously in the English literature.