Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Investigating neuroblastoma in childhood opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome

Objective Opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome (OMS) is a serious, often disabling neurological illness of early childhood which is frequently associated with occult neuroblastoma. As investigation methods vary significantly, the authors assessed the usefulness of imaging and metabolic studies in tumour detection. Methods Retrospective case note review of 101 OMS patients from two paediatric neurology centres over 53 years. Results The prevalence of neuroblastoma in OMS was 8% in the 1970s, 16% in the 1980s, 38% in the 1990s and 43% in the 2000s, with tumours being mainly low grade. CT/MR imaging of the chest and abdomen was the most accurate test to detect occult neuroblastoma. Poorer sensitivities were noted for metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy and urine catecholamines, reflecting the low metabolic activity of these tumours. Conclusion CT/MR imaging has the highest detection rate of neuroblastoma and this should be reflected in investigation protocols to achieve the best possible outcome for children with OMS.
Mutual Protection in a Cloud Computing Environment

The term “cloud computing” has emerged as a major ICT trend and has been acknowledged by respected industry survey organizations as a key technology and market development theme for the industry and ICT users in 2010. However, one of the major challenges that faces the cloud computing concept and its global acceptance is how to secure and protect the data and processes that are the property of the user. The security of the cloud computing environment is a new research area requiring further development by both the academic and industrial research communities. Today, there are many diverse and uncoordinated efforts underway to address security issues in cloud computing and, especially, the identity management issues. This paper introduces an architecture for a new approach to necessary “mutual protection” in the cloud computing environment, based upon a concept of mutual trust and the specification of definable profiles in vector matrix form. The architecture aims to achieve better, more generic and flexible authentication, authorization and control, based on a concept of mutuality, within that cloud computing environment.
Complementary Electromagnetic‐Triboelectric Active Sensor for Detecting Multiple Mechanical Triggering

With the fast development of integrated circuit technology and internet of things, sensors with multifunctional characteristics are desperately needed. This work presents an integrated electromagnetic‐triboelectric active sensor (ETAS) for simultaneous detection of multiple mechanical triggering signals. The good combination of a contact‐separation mode triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) and an electromagnetic generator (EMG) realizes the complement of their individual advantages. The theoretical calculation and analysis of EMG and TENG are performed to understand the relationship between their output and the external mechanical signals. The experimental results show that the output voltage of TENG part is suitable to detect the magnitude of the external triggering force with a sensitivity of about 2.01 V N−1. Meanwhile, the output current of EMG part is more appropriate to reflect the triggering velocity and the sensitivity is about 4.3 mA (m s−1)−1. Moreover, both the TENG part and the EMG part exhibit good stabilities after more than 20 000 cycles of force loading and unloading. One ETAS that can record the typing behavior of the finger precisely is demonstrated. In addition, the TENG part can harvest the mechanical energy during typing for possible powering of tiny electronics. This ETAS has promising applications in complex human–machine interface, personal identification, and security system.
Development of role-differentiated bimanual manipulation during the infant's first year.

Role-differentiated bimanual manipulation (RDBM) is a complementary movement of both hands that requires differentiation between actions of the hands. Previous research showed that RDBM can be observed in infants as early as 7 months. However, RDBM could be considered a skill only when its frequency, duration, and use is appropriate for the type of manual task, and there is some evidence of intentionality in use. Twenty-four normally developing infants were studied longitudinally at 7, 9, 11, and 13 months to assess the frequency and duration of five clearly different types of RDBM with three "single-part" and three "two-part" toys as they emerge during development. Also, the sequences of actions that lead to RDBM were examined for evidence of "intentionality. " The results show that although the each type of RDBM appears early in infancy, RDBM only begins to exhibit the characters of a skill by 13 months. Moreover, the type of toy influences not only the likelihood of eliciting role differentiation, but also the type of RDBM behavior and the organization of the sequence of actions that lead to RDBM. Some useful criteria for defining an infant sensorimotor skill are provided in discussion.
Treatment of spinal cord injury: A review of engineering using neural and mesenchymal stem cells

Over time, various treatment modalities for spinal cord injury have been trialed, including pharmacological and nonpharmacological methods. Among these, replacement of the injured neural and paraneural tissues via cellular transplantation of neural and mesenchymal stem cells has been the most attractive. Extensive experimental studies have been done to identify the safety and effectiveness of this transplantation in animal and human models. Herein, we review the literature for studies conducted, with a focus on the human‐related studies, recruitment, isolation, and transplantation, of these multipotent stem cells, and associated outcomes. Clin. Anat. 28:37–44, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The neural signature of phosphene perception

Artificial percepts (phosphenes) can be induced by applying transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over human visual cortex. Although phosphenes have been used to study visual awareness, the neural mechanisms generating them have not yet been delineated. We directly tested the two leading hypotheses of how phosphenes arise. These hypotheses correspond to the two competing views of the neural genesis of awareness: the early, feedforward view and the late, recurrent feedback model. We combined online TMS and EEG recordings to investigate whether the electrophysiological correlates of conscious phosphene perception are detectable early after TMS onset as an immediate local effect of TMS, or only at longer latencies, after interactions of TMS‐induced activity with other visual areas. Stimulation was applied at the intensity threshold at which participants saw a phosphene on half of the trials, and brain activity was recorded simultaneously with electroencephalography. Phosphene perception was associated with a differential pattern of TMS‐evoked brain potentials that started 160–200 ms after stimulation and encompassed a wide array of posterior areas. This pattern was differentiated from the TMS‐evoked potential after stimulation of a control site. These findings suggest that conscious phosphene perception is not a local phenomenon, but arises only after extensive recurrent processing. Hum Brain Mapp, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Teacher Efficacy and Disciplinary Expectations in Charter Schools: Understanding the Link to Teachers’ Career Decisions

ABSTRACT Much scholarly work describes a culture of low expectations in low-income, urban schools, the challenges these teachers face managing student behavior, and why these problems so strongly influence teacher turnover. By contrast, some urban charter schools, particularly those associated with high achieving Charter Management Organizations (CMOs), are becoming well known for a culture of high expectations and seemingly effective yet controversial methods of managing student behavior. While there are many descriptions and critiques of these methods, little is known about how teachers themselves perceive student behavior or disciplinary methods, and how this impacts their career decisions. This exploratory study uses interviews with CMO and non-CMO teachers to describe how their career decisions and sense of success are affected by perceptions of student conduct, support dealing with behavior, and their school’s behavioral expectations. Strict disciplinary methods may benefit teachers in creating an orderly environment, but they can also undermine efficacy and increase turnover in schools that have a negative behavioral climate.
Recharge Estimation in Karst Aquifers by Applying Water Level Fluctuation Approach

Citation: Abusaada M, Sauter (2017) Recharge Estimation in Karst Aquifers by Applying Water Level Fluctuation Approach. Int J Earth Sci Geophys 3:013 Copyright: © 2017 Abusaada M, et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. *Corresponding author: M Abusaada, Hydro-Engineering Consultancy (HEC), West Bank, Palestinian Authority, E-mail: muath@hydro-pal.com Received: May 09, 2017: Accepted: August 31, 2017: Published: September 02, 2017 VIBGYOR ISSN: 2631-5033
Prevalences of overweight and obesity and their association with physical activity pattern among Iranian adolescents aged 12–17 years

Abstract Objective The objective of the present study was to investigate the prevalences of overweight and obesity and their association with physical activity pattern among adolescents in northern Iran. Design A cross-sectional study. Setting Babol, northern Iran. Subjects A representative sample of 1200 adolescents aged 12–17 years was recruited. All selected adolescents were interviewed, their leisure-time and sport physical activities were collected by a standard Baecke questionnaire and their height and weight were measured by standard methods. The diagnosis of overweight and obesity was determined by comparing BMI values with the BMI index for age and sex percentiles set by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2000. Results The prevalences of overweight and obesity were 15·1 % and 8·3 %, respectively. The proportion of obesity was significantly higher in boys than in girls (10·2 % v. 6·5 %, P = 0·028). Overall, the levels of high, moderate and low leisure-time physical activity were 2·9 %, 79·4 % and 17·7 %, respectively. The corresponding levels of high, moderate and low sport physical activity were 17·4 %, 75·2 % and 7·4 %. The levels of leisure-time and sport physical activities were significantly higher among the boys than the girls (P < 0·001). There was also a significant association of studying in private schools and playing computer games with overweight/obesity (P < 0·001). Moderate leisure-time physical activity was unexpectedly associated with a greater risk of overweight/obesity compared with the low level (P = 0·002). Conclusions The findings indicate a high prevalence of overweight/obesity in these Iranian adolescents, particularly the boys. The influence of physical activity and diet on overweight/obesity requires further prospective studies.
Increased piezoresistive effects of silicon nanowires for effective biomimetic sensing

This paper presents the piezoresistive (PZR) effects of silicon nanowires (SiNWs) and evaluates the possibility of using them in biomimetic sensors. SiNWs have greatly enhanced PZR effects compared to bulk silicon. Their structure can be fabricated to resemble that of receptor cells to mimic their functions. In this paper, SiNWs are fabricated through a new microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) process. The developed process can independently control the width and thickness of SiNWs. The PZR effects of the fabricated SiNWs are measured using a four-point bending technique. They increase as their dimensions decrease, but change as a nonlinear function of the SiNW cross-section dimensions.
Cognitive performance of patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in autobiographical, working and prospective memory in comparison with normal people

Introduction: This study aims to compare the cognitive performance of patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in the field of autobiographical, prospective and working memory compared to normal people. Method: In a causal-comparative study using convenience sampling 200 patients with MS (100 were affected less and 100 were affected more than 2 years (and 100 healthy individuals were matched regarding their age, sex, education level and economic conditions. Research tools included Autobiographical Memory Interviews (AMI), Autobiographical Memory Test (AMT), questionnaire of Prospective Oriented Memory (POM) and the information processing index. The obtained data were analyzed using MANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc test. Results: The results showed that in all three areas of working, autobiographical and prospective memory there is a significant difference between MS patients (groups affected more and less than 2 years) and the normal group. This reflects the poor performance of MS patients in the three working, autobiographical and prospective memory compared to the normal group. Conclusion: According to the findings, it seems that the MS disease can damage cognitive performance. Providing cognitive rehabilitation exercises in order to improve cognitive performance and processing speed in these patients is debatable. Keywords: Multiple Sclerosis, Autobiographical Memory, Working Memory, Prospective Memory
Identification of differential expression lncRNAs in gastric cancer using transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatics analyses

The current study aimed to identify novel long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) associated with gastric cancer (GC). Transcriptome sequencing of the lncRNAs and mRNAs from GC tissues and normal adjacent tissues was performed. The data were analyzed using bioinformatics analysis, specifically analysis of differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNA, target gene prediction and functional enrichment analysis. A total of 1,181 differentially expressed mRNA and 390 differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified. The targets of upregulated lncRNAs were significantly enriched in functions associated with collagen fibril organization, whereas the downregulated lncRNA were significantly associated with ion transmembrane transport and regulation of membrane potential. A total of 7 lncRNAs were verified by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Following RT-qPCR validation, AC016735.2, AP001626.1, RP11-400N13.3 and RP11-243M5.2 were considered to be consistent with the prediction of the bioinformatics analysis. Transcriptome sequencing and RT-qPCR experiments identified 4 lncRNAs, including AC016735.2, AP001626.1, RP11-400N13.3 and RP11-243M5.2 to have an important role in the carcinogenesis of GC.
Myotendinous junction plasticity in aged ovariectomized rats submitted to aquatic training

The study aims to describe the tissue plasticity of MTJ through the morphological analysis of MTJ soleus in ovariectomized aged female Wistar rats submitted to aquatic training. Forty aged Wistar rats, 1 year and 2 months of age, were divided into four groups: sedentary (S), trained (T), ovariectomized (O), and trained/ovariectomized (OT). Employing the transmission electron microscopy, the ultrastructural and morphometric elements were revealed. In the S group, changes in morphological characteristics as a consequence of the aging process were seen, demonstrated by the conical shape of the muscle cell extremity, a large area with collagen deposit, and misalignment of sarcomeres in series. The T group presented ample adjustments when revealed the organization of MTJ, through the increase of the contact area and greater lengths of sarcoplasmatic invaginations and evaginations. The O group revealed extensive tissue disorganization with muscle atrophy, reduction of MTJ contact area, and consequently, changes in sarcoplasmatic invaginations and evaginations. The OT group demonstrated extensive remodeling with restructuring MTJ through the increase of tissue contact area, extensive organization, parallel arrangement, and increased length of sarcoplasmatic invaginations and evaginations. The distal sarcomeres presented higher lengths compared to the proximal sarcomeres in both the groups. We conclude that aquatic training was effective in the organization and structural remodeling of the myotendinous interface of ovariectomized aged rats. There was a greater area of contact, and consequently, greater resistance in the myotendinous interface promoting a lower predisposition to injuries.
Reducing Racial/Ethnic Health Care Disparities Through Innovation and Nursing Advocacy

Underserved/ underprivileged individuals receive inadequate/ unequal health services in the United States due to no health insurance or health insurance with costly premiums and/or poor services coverage. Therefore, these individuals have increased risks of diseases and complications, and decreased health care access. Attempts have been made by various organizations to increase access to healthcare for underserved/ underprivileged individuals. Healthcare reform has been contemplated in the United States by many presidential administrations. Recently, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was passed which proposes universal healthcare coverage. The Centers for Disease Control has initiated a program called the REACH program (Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health). Recent legislation and the REACH program are tools advanced practice nurses can utilize to advocate for patients. Advanced practice nurses are instrumental regarding innovative solutions to improve healthcare quality, access to healthcare services, and reduce disparities.
DIE PSIGOSOSIALE BEHOEFTES VAN MAATSKAPLIKE WERKERS TYDENS ONDERSOEKE NA SEKSUELE MISBRUIK VAN KINDERS

Social workers are designated by the Children’s Act No.38 of 2005 to investigate alleged cases of sexual abuse of children. During investigations social workers experience intense feelings that could have an emotional impact on them and their role functioning. The researcher adopted a qualitative approach with the interpretive descriptive research design to explore the psychosocial needs of social workers during investigations into child sexual abuse. Eleven participants participated in the study and data were collected by means of semi-structured interviews. It was found that social workers experience unique psychosocial needs which, if not addressed, can lead to negative role functioning.
Instrumental or Physical-Exercise Rehabilitation of Balance Improves Both Balance and Gait in Parkinson's Disease

We hypothesised that rehabilitation specifically addressing balance in Parkinson's disease patients might improve not only balance but locomotion as well. Two balance-training protocols (standing on a moving platform and traditional balance exercises) were assessed by assigning patients to two groups (Platform, n = 15, and Exercises, n = 17). The platform moved periodically in the anteroposterior, laterolateral, and oblique direction, with and without vision in different trials. Balance exercises were based on the Otago Exercise Program. Both platform and exercise sessions were administered from easy to difficult. Outcome measures were (a) balancing behaviour, assessed by both Index of Stability (IS) on platform and Mini-BESTest, and (b) gait, assessed by both baropodometry and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) and Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-8) were administered. Both groups exhibited better balance control, as assessed both by IS and by Mini-BESTest. Gait speed at baropodometry also improved in both groups, while TUG was less sensitive to improvement. Scores of FES-I and PDQ-8 showed a marginal improvement. A four-week treatment featuring no gait training but focused on challenging balance tasks produces considerable gait enhancement in mildly to moderately affected patients. Walking problems in PD depend on postural instability and are successfully relieved by appropriate balance rehabilitation. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03314597.
Differences in the Temporal Typology of Alcohol Hangover

Background At a group level, hangover severity during the day has been described to follow an inverted U‐shaped curve, with gradually increasing severity scores that, after reaching a peak, gradually decrease toward zero. The aim of this study was to examine if and how individual drinkers' hangover severity scores vary during the day. Methods Data from a survey (Penning et al., 2012) in which 727 drinkers reported on their latest alcohol hangover were reanalyzed. The temporal pattern of each individual's hangover was first categorized as belonging to 1 of 6 types based on predefined temporal characteristics. Results Three dominant hangover patterns emerged as comprising more than 95% of the sample: (i) a continuous decline hangover (Severity Type 1 hangover, 54.5%), (ii) a steady state hangover (Severity Type 2 hangover, 19.1%), and (iii) an inverted U‐shaped curve hangover (Severity Type 3 hangover, 21.8%). Of these 3 patterns, Severity Type 2 hangovers are associated with significantly less alcohol consumption and with having the lowest severity scores of individual hangover symptoms. Severity Type 1 hangovers are associated with having the highest severity of individual hangover symptoms. In line with significantly lower levels of alcohol consumption, Severity Type 2 hangovers were significantly more often observed in women when compared to men. Severity Type 1 hangovers were significantly more common in men than in women. Severity Type 3 hangovers, characterized by the increased presence of gastrointestinal complaints, were equally commonly experienced in men and women. Conclusions This study revealed that the temporal pattern of hangover severity can follow marked interindividual variability. Three common temporal patterns were identified, which are uniquely related to the amount of alcohol consumed and the presence and severity of different individual hangover symptoms. Better understanding of individual differences in hangover typology may help to delineate mechanisms underlying alcohol hangover.
Subband analysis of linear prediction residual for the estimation of glottal closure instants

Many state-of-the-art techniques for estimating glottal closure instants (GCIs) use linear prediction residual (LPR) in one way or another. In this paper, subband analysis of LPR is proposed to estimate the GCIs. A composite signal is derived as the sum of the envelopes of the subband components of the LPR signal. Appropriately chosen peaks of the composite signal are the GCI candidates. The temporal locations of the candidates are refined using the LPR to obtain the GCIs, which are validated against the GCIs obtained from the electroglot-tograph signal, recorded simultaneously. The robustness is studied using additive white, babble and vehicle noises for different signal to noise ratios. The proposed method is evaluated using six different databases and compared with three state-of-the-art LPR based methods. The results show that the performance of the proposed method is comparable to the best of the LPR based techniques for clean as well as noisy speech.