Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multiclass self-paced motor imagery temporal features classification using least-square support vector machine

Mental tasks classification such as motor imagery based on EEG signals is a challenging issue in brain-computer interface (BCI) systems. Automatic classifier tuning seems to be an essential component in real-time BCI systems which makes the interface more reliable and easy to use and may offer the optimum configuration of classifier. This paper investigates the robustness of Least-Square Support Vector Machine (LS-SVM) to classify multi-class self-paced motor imagery (MI) temporal features while tuning the hyperparameters automatically. MI electroencephalogram (EEG) signals were preprocessed and segmented into non-overlapped distinctive time slots. Five different temporal features were extracted to characterize various properties of three Mis. An extended version of LS-SVM was employed for feature classification while the kernel model parameters were tuned by means of two optimization techniques, Coupled Simulated Annealing (CSA) followed by Simplex. LS-SVM parameters were evaluated and selected through leave-one-out cross validation (LOOCV) cost function. Finally, the proposed method was evaluated and compared to three widely used classifiers. The results indicated the high potential of LS-SVM to classify different Mis by obtaining the average classification accuracy 89.88±8.00 when using Sign Slop Changes (SSC) features. However, this LS-SVM performed slowly due to its additional steps for automatic model parameter tuning. In the comparative study, it was shown that each classifier behaved differently when various features were served; however, KNN outperformed others in both terms of classification accuracy and speed.
Gas chromatographic isolation of individual compounds from complex matrices for radiocarbon dating.

This paper describes the application of a novel, practical approach for isolation of individual compounds from complex organic matrices for natural abundance radiocarbon measurement. This is achieved through the use of automated preparative capillary gas chromatography (PCGC) to separate and recover sufficient quantities of individual target compounds for (14)C analysis by accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS). We developed and tested this approach using a suite of samples (plant lipids, petroleums) whose ages spanned the (14)C time scale and which contained a variety of compound types (fatty acids, sterols, hydrocarbons). Comparison of individual compound and bulk radiocarbon signatures for the isotopically homogeneous samples studied revealed that Δ(14)C values generally agreed well (±10%). Background contamination was assessed at each stage of the isolation procedure, and incomplete solvent removal prior to combustion was the only significant source of additional carbon. Isotope fractionation was addressed through compound-specific stable carbon isotopic analyses. Fractionation of isotopes during isolation of individual compounds was minimal (<5‰ for δ(13)C), provided the entire peak was collected during PCGC. Trapping of partially coeluting peaks did cause errors, and these results highlight the importance of conducting stable carbon isotopic measurements of each trapped compound in concert with AMS for reliable radiocarbon measurements. The addition of carbon accompanying derivatization of functionalized compounds (e.g., fatty acids and sterols) prior to chromatographic separation represents a further source of potential error. This contribution can be removed using a simple isotopic mass balance approach. Based on these preliminary results, the PCGC-based approach holds promise for accurately determining (14)C ages on compounds specific to a given source within complex, heterogeneous samples.
Correlation between the NPPB gene promoter c.-1298 G/T polymorphism site and pulse pressure in the Chinese Han population.

The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between the natriuretic peptide precursor B (NPPB) gene single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) c. -1298 G/T and pulse pressure (PP) of the Chinese Han population and the association between genotype and clinical indicators of hypertension. Peripheral blood was collected from 180 unrelated patients with hypertension and 540 healthy volunteers (control group), and DNA was extracted to amplify the 5'-flanking region and 2 exons of the NPPB gene by polymerase chain reaction; the fragment was sequenced after purification. The clinical data of all subjects were recorded, the distribution of the NPPB gene c. -1298 G/T polymorphism was determined, and differences in clinical indicators between the two groups were evaluated. The mean arterial pressure PP, and creatinine levels were significantly higher in the hypertension group than in the control group (P<0.05), but no other clinical indicators differed between the groups. There were no significant differences in genotype frequency and distribution of the NPPB gene c. -1298 G/T polymorphism between the hypertension group and the control group (P>0.05); in the control group, the mean PP of individuals with the SNP c. -1298 GG genotype was greater than that of individuals with the GT+TT genotype (P<0.05). In conclusion, there was no significant correlation between the NPPB gene c. -1298 G/T polymorphism and the incidence of essential hypertension in the Han population; however, the PP of the SNP c. -1298 GG genotype was greater than that of the GT+TT genotype in the control group.
A discrete-time multivariable neuro-adaptive control for nonlinear unknown dynamic systems

The controlled system is assumed to be a nonlinear matrix gain before a linear discrete-time multivariable dynamic system. A forward control based on a nominal system is employed to cancel the system nonlinear matrix gain and to track the desired trajectory. Because the remaining uncertainties are dynamic, a recurrent neural network with a compensation of the upper bound of its residue is applied to model the remaining uncertainties in a compact subset /spl Omega/. The linearly parameterized connection weight for the function approximation error of the proposed network is given. An e-modification updating law with projection for the weight matrix is employed to guarantee its boundedness and the stability of the network without the requirement of persistent excitation. Then a discrete-time multivariable neuro-adaptive variable structure control is designed to improve the system performances.
The Association Between Anxiety, Depression, and Somatic Symptoms in a Large Population: The HUNT-II Study

Objective: Somatic symptoms are prevalent in the community, but at least one third of the symptoms lack organic explanation. Patients with such symptoms have a tendency to overuse the health care system with frequent consultations and have a high degree of disability and sickness compensation. Studies from clinical samples have shown that anxiety and depression are prevalent in such functional conditions. The aim of this study is to examine the connection between anxiety, depression, and functional somatic symptoms in a large community sample. Method: The HUNT-II study invited all inhabitants aged 20 years and above in Nord-Trøndelag County of Norway to have their health examined and sent a questionnaire asking about physical symptoms, demographic factors, lifestyle, and somatic diseases. Anxiety and depression were recorded by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Of those invited, 62,651 participants (71.3%) filled in the questionnaire. A total of 10,492 people were excluded due to organic diseases, and 50,377 were taken into the analyses. Results: Women reported more somatic symptoms than men (mean number of symptoms women/men: 3.8/2.9). There was a strong association between anxiety, depression, and functional somatic symptoms. The association was equally strong for anxiety and depression, and a somewhat stronger association was observed for comorbid anxiety and depression. The association of anxiety, depression, and functional somatic symptoms was equally strong in men and women (mean number of somatic symptoms men/women in anxiety: 4.5/5.9, in depression: 4.6/5.9, in comorbid anxiety and depression: 6.1/7.6, and in no anxiety or depression: 2.6/3.6) and in all age groups. The association between number of somatic symptoms and the total score on Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was linear. Conclusion: There was a statistically significant relationship between anxiety, depression, and functional somatic symptoms, independent of age and gender. ME = myalgic encephalomyelitis; FSS = functional somatic symptoms; ECA = Epidemiological Catchment Area Study; HADS = Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; HADS-A = anxiety subscale of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; HADS-D = depression subscale of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; HADS-AD = comorbid anxiety and depression on Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; HADS-T = total score on Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; OR = odds ratio.
Functional frontoparietal connectivity during short-term memory as revealed by high-resolution EEG coherence analysis.

In this electroencephalographic study, the authors modeled the functional connectivity between frontal and parietal areas during short-term memory (STM) processes by spectral coherence analysis and the directed transfer function, that is, for the estimation of coherence "direction. " A no-STM task was used as a reference. STM was characterized by an increased frontoparietal electroencephalograph coherence at high frequencies (beta and gamma, 14-45 Hz). In the control task, parietal-to-frontal flow prevailed at those frequencies. However, the STM task showed a bidirectional frontoparietal flow at the gamma band. In conclusion, frontoparietal connectivity would optimize "representational" memory during STM. In this context, the frontal areas would increase their influence on parietal areas for memory retention.
New NR5A1 mutations and phenotypic variations of gonadal dysgenesis

Mutations in NR5A1 have been reported as a frequent cause of 46,XY disorders of sex development (DSD) associated to a broad phenotypic spectrum ranging from infertility, ambiguous genitalia, anorchia to gonadal dygenesis and female genitalia. Here we present the clinical follow up of four 46,XY DSD patients with three novel heterozygous mutations in the NR5A1 gene leading to a p.T40P missense mutation and a p.18DKVSG22del nonframeshift deletion in the DNA-binding domain and a familiar p.Y211Tfs*83 frameshift mutation. Functional analysis of the missense and nonframeshift mutation revealed a deleterious character with loss of DNA-binding and transactivation capacity. Both, the mutations in the DNA-binding domain, as well as the familiar frameshift mutation are associated with highly variable endocrine values and phenotypic appearance. Phenotypes vary from males with spontaneous puberty, substantial testosterone production and possible fertility to females with and without Müllerian structures and primary amenorrhea. Exome sequencing of the sibling’s family revealed TBX2 as a possible modifier of gonadal development in patients with NR5A1 mutations.
Low TENS treatment on post-stroke paretic arm: a three-year follow-up

Objective: To determine whether stroke patients with initial increases in arm motor recovery following low-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (low TENS) treatment go on to show long-term benefits. Also whether the same therapy results in long-term improvements in motor function, spasticity or activities of daily living (ADL). Design: A three-year follow-up study. Subjects: Twenty-eight stroke patients, who had participated in a randomized trial of daily treatment with low-frequency (1.7 Hz) transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (low TENS) on the paretic arm for three months starting 6–12 months after stroke. Outcomes: Fugl-Meyer Motor Performance Scale for evaluation of changes in arm motor function. A 6-point Ashworth Scale to measure spasticity. Barthel Index to evaluate performance in ADL. Results: Motor function of the paretic arm had deteriorated in both treatment and control groups. Increased spasticity was seen in both groups. ADL score remained at a similar level in the low TENS group, whereas the control group had deteriorated during the same time period. Conclusions: Low TENS stimulation started 6–12 months after stroke may not have a specific effect on arm motor function years after completion of treatment.
Nanoparticles as image enhancing agents for ultrasonography

Nanoparticles have drawn great attention as targeted imaging and/or therapeutic agents. The small size of the nanoparticles allows them to target cells that are beyond capillary vasculature, such as cancer cells. We investigated the effect of solid nanoparticles for enhancing ultrasonic grey scale images in tissue phantoms and mouse livers in vivo. Silica nanospheres (100 nm) were dispersed in agarose at 1–2.5% mass concentration and imaged by a high-resolution ultrasound imaging system (transducer centre frequency: 30 MHz). Polystyrene particles of different sizes (500–3000 nm) and concentrations (0.13–0.75% mass) were similarly dispersed in agarose and imaged. Mice were injected intravenously with nanoparticle suspensions in saline. B-mode images of the livers were acquired at different time points after particle injection. An automated computer program was used to quantify the grey scale changes. Ultrasonic reflections were observed from nanoparticle suspensions in agarose gels. The image brightness, i.e., mean grey scale level, increased with particle size and concentration. The mean grey scale of mouse livers also increased following particle administration. These results indicated that it is feasible to use solid nanoparticles as contrast enhancing agents for ultrasonic imaging.
Sleep and Developmental Psychopathology: Introduction to the Special Issue

Research in the field of pediatric sleep has grown significantly in the past 25 years. However, because much remains to be learned about the complex and dynamic relationship between sleep and developmental psychopathology, this special issue of the Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology was created to provide an influx of cutting-edge research on this important topic. This introduction provides an overview of the special issue, with articles focusing on what different measurement approaches tells us about the intersection of sleep and developmental psychopathology; the overlap between interventions for sleep and anxiety; sleep as a potential mechanism for the development of social, emotional, and behavioral problems; and how population-based studies can be used to consider the interaction between sleep, well-being, and symptoms of psychopathology.
Notice of RetractionThe impact of service failure on customer complaint of inter-cultural service encounters

Despite the growing interest in cross-cultural research in the service encounters literature, little empirical research has been conducted on the effects of consumers' perceived service failure of inter-cultural service encounters. This study was designed to close this gap by investigating cultural-based service failure in intercultural service encounters and explore the relation between service failure and customer complaint behavior in a context of Chinese hotels. The results of this empirical study suggest that service failure is composed of service process failure and service outcome failure. For foreign guests in Chinese hotels, service outcome failure can easily lead to customer complaint than service process failure. Furthermore, service process failure (responsibility and other guests' inference) is positively related to customer voice response, and perceived service failure of foreigner guests produce a weakness effect on the third-party response of customer complaint.
Manage Projects Smarter: Picking Tools for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly dealing with international projects and distributed (sometimes even virtual) teams. Consequently, they are looking for project management (PM) tools which fit their respective needs regarding communication and collaboration. Unfortunately, the majority of the PM software available in the market seems to be oversized for this purpose. Instead most project managers are requesting smart solutions that allow quick implementation without any significant organisational or technical change. Within the research project InterComp SME 2.0 we combine theoretical research and real business to develop hands-on solutions for SMEs. This paper describes an effective approach for a â? PM Toolboxâ?  that allows finding the right project tool for a specific project need. The toolbox has been developed in due consideration of user stories gained from business practice, a more detailed SME business survey, a theoretical PM meta model and a market of PM tools. Since the business survey revealed that the readiness to use and test a â? toolboxâ?  is highly dependent on the type of user and his or her technical background, we designed the system based on use cases and user typology. As a result, we suggest a framework of open, freely available, easy-to-install, single and multi purpose PM software tools which can be selected solely on a need basis. With this free platform we want to guide practitioners through the tool jungle with the potential to grow into a lively community.
The growth of urban centres in Java since 1961.

The rate of urban population growth from 1961 to 1980 in the larger cities of Java, Indonesia, is examined using data from the 1980 census. The author notes that these data disregard boundary changes, and he attempts to take these changes into account by presenting revised rates of growth for various major urban centers in Java. The differences among the growth trends of the national capital, the three provincial capitals, and the remaining urban centers are discussed.
[Changes in intracranial pressure and electrophysiological function in acute subdural hematomas, and postoperative barbiturate therapy following decompressive hemicraniectomy].

Serial changes of intracranial pressure (ICP), electrophysiological dysfunction and the effect of postoperative barbiturate therapy were studied in 40 patients with acute subdural hematoma. The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score before surgery was 8 or less in all cases and the mean age was 49 years. The outcome was assessed by the Glasgow Outcome Scale 3 months after injury. ICP measured from the extradural space and the blood velocity of the common carotid blood flow (CBFV) using the Doppler ultrasonic technique was also observed. For the evaluation of CBFV, the mean velocity during the cardiac diastole (Md) and mean velocity during the cardiac cycle (M) were calculated. The electrophysiological brain function was assessed by multimodality evoked potentials (MEP), consisting of the auditory evoked brainstem response, cortical somatosensory evoked potential and visual evoked potential. Each potential and MEP was graded from grade I to IV after Greenberg et al. ICP measured via the burr hole before craniectomy was higher than 40 mmHg in all instances and a rapid reduction in the ICP was produced by hemicraniectomy. Postoperative ICP was classified into 3 types. Md showed a progressive decrease with a rise of ICP higher than 30 mmHg. MEP grade was improved within 14 days after injury, when the postoperative ICP remained under 35 mmHg. The grade deteriorated within 7 days after injury in patients with elevated ICP above 35 mmHg. A marked aggravation of the MEP was recorded in patients with uncontrollable ICP. Postoperative barbiturate therapy was employed for patients with a GCS score of less than 6 and with an elevated ICP above 30 to 35 mmHg. The ICP was reduced by 5 to 20 mmHg and the mortality rate was reduced from 83.3 to 50%. These results indicate that a progressive decrease of the blood flow through the internal carotid artery was induced when the ICP was elevated by more than 20-30 mmHg and that aggravation of MEP was recorded in intracranial hypertension of more than 30 mmHg. It is also suggested that the outcome of acute subdural hematoma could be improved by reducing the ICP under 30 to 35 mmHg with barbiturate after decompressive hemicraniectomy.
Plasma Total Homocysteine and Cognitive Performance in a Volunteer Elderly Population

Case-control studies have demonstrated associations between moderately elevated blood levels of total homocysteine (tHcy) and cerebrovascular disease,1 vascular dementia,2–4 and Alzheimer’s disease.3–5 Clarke et al.3 showed an association between elevated tHcy, low levels of folate and vitamin B12, and histopathologically confirmed Alzheimer’s disease. However, the influence of elevated tHcy levels or its biologic determinants on cognitive performance in the normal elderly and on the development of cognitive impairment or its progression to dementia is not well established. Riggs et al.6 and La Rue et al.7 have suggested that levels of plasma homocysteine, vitamin B12, and folate may exert differential effects on cognitive abilities. Recently, Jensen et al.8 reported negative relationships between elevated tHcy levels (>15 μmol/L) and a broad range of cognitive, quality of life, and psychologic variables in 80-year-old subjects. However, these studies could not assess whether these associations were independent of differences in age, gender, IQ, and depression. Furthermore, it is important to explore the relationship between tHcy and cognitive performance as continuous variables, rather than as dichotomous variables. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of plasma tHcy levels on global cognitive performance in 156 elderly community volunteers.
Essential role of YopD in inhibition of the respiratory burst of macrophages by Yersinia enterocolitica

The respiratory burst is a key element of the bactericidal armamentarium of phagocytes. In this study we have shown that a virulent strain of Yersinia enterocolitica serogroup O:9 completely inhibited the ability of murine bone marrow-derived macrophages to mount a respiratory burst in response to stimulation by zymosan. This property of the bacterium was abrogated by curing the strain of its 71.5-kb virulence plasmid and by transposon mutagenesis of the plasmid-borne yopD gene. Derivatives of the bacterium which were unable to inhibit the respiratory burst were also less able to disrupt cytoskeletal actin and to resist phagocytosis. yopD mutants also showed an impaired ability to dephosphorylate phosphotyrosine residues in macrophage proteins and were completely avirulent for mice. All of these defects were fully or partly restored by trans-complementation of a yopD mutant with a cloned yopD gene. The results of this study and those of previous work with YopD (R. Rosqvist, A. Forsberg, and H. Wolf-Watz, Infect. Immun. 59:4562-4569, 1991) suggest that YopD functions chiefly by facilitating the transport of virulence plasmid-encoded proteins, such as YopE, a cytotoxin, and YopH, a protein tyrosine phosphatase, across the cytoplasmic membrane to their targets within host cells. The combined action of these Yops on cytoplasmic proteins, especially actin, could explain the effects of virulent Y. enterocolitica on macrophage morphology, phagocytic capacity, and respiratory burst activity, all of which rely on cytoskeletal integrity to function normally.
Automated patents search through semantic similarity

Patent search is a complex process involving ample time and manpower. The search process is filled with complexity and results are often ambiguous. This research has worked on patent abstract and has found similar patents with the help of expanding query key words. Word Net is used as an external medium for query expansion. Wu-Palmer similarity model is applied in retrieving the output from the database. The output shows that expanded query produces better results in terms of qualitative & quantitative rather than unexpanded query. Query expansion increases the number of keywords which help in fetching similar patents. The results of this model can be used for patent prior art search.