Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Test-Retest Reliability and Minimal Detectable Change of Gait Speed in Individuals Undergoing Rehabilitation After Stroke

Background and Purpose: Gait speed is commonly used to assess walking ability in persons with stroke. Previous research related to the psychometric properties of gait speed has been conducted primarily with individuals who were able to walk independently and/or were in the later stages of recovery after stroke. The purpose of this research was to examine the test-retest reliability and minimal detectable change (MDC90) of gait speed in individuals with stroke who required varying levels of assistance to ambulate during rehabilitation. Methods: Patients who could ambulate with or without physical assistance and were undergoing inpatient rehabilitation were recruited. Gait speed was measured over the middle five meters of a nine-meter walk at a comfortable pace. Data were analyzed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,1) and the MDC90. Results: Thirty-five patients who were a mean 34.5 (standard deviation = 17.7) days post-stroke agreed to participate. For all the subjects combined, the ICC2,1 was 0.862 and MDC90 was 0.30 m/sec. For the 13 subjects who required physical assistance to walk, the ICC2,1 = 0.971 and MDC90 = 0.07 m/sec. For the 22 subjects who could walk without physical assistance, the ICC2,1 = 0.80 and MDC90 = 0.36 m/sec. Discussion: Gait speed is a reliable measure of walking ability for a wide variety of patients undergoing rehabilitation after stroke. Gait speed is more sensitive to change in patients who require physical assistance to walk than in those who can walk without assistance. A change of more than 0.30 m/sec may be necessary in order to determine whether a change in gait speed exceeds measurement error and patient variability.
Whence Molecular Electronics?

Molecular electronics devices hold great promise for electronics applications. But how have the devices fared so far? In their Perspective, Flood et al . , review recent advances in this field. They conclude that several types of molecular electronics devices, such as molecular rectifiers and molecular switch tunnel junctions, have withstood scientific scrutiny: In these devices, the observed effects are indeed molecular in origin. Future practical devices will most likely consist of hybrid devices that combine molecular with existing electronics.
Calcitonin Gene‐Related Peptide (CGRP) and Migraine

The neuropeptide calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) has long been postulated to play an integral role in the pathophysiology of migraine. While clinical findings are consistent with such a role, the specific pathogenic mechanisms of CGRP in migraine have remained speculative until recently. Through advances in molecular neuroscience, the pathogenic mechanisms of CGRP in migraine have begun to be elucidated. This paper discusses the hypothesized role of CGRP in migraine and reviews recent findings on the molecular mechanisms of this neuropeptide in migraine pathophysiology. Studies in cultured trigeminal neurons demonstrate that CGRP is released from trigeminal ganglia cells, that CGRP transcription is increased under conditions mimicking neurogenic inflammation, that migraine pharmacotherapies can both reduce CGRP release and inhibit CGRP transcription, and that tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), an endogenous inflammatory mediator implicated in migraine, can stimulate CGRP transcription. Together, the results suggest that, in migraine, activation of trigeminal nerves release CGRP and other peptides that cause the release of proinflammatory mediators. These mediators further increase CGRP synthesis and release over hours to days in correspondence with the 4‐ to 72‐hour duration of a typical migraine episode. The increased CGRP synthesis and release might be mediated by activation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathways, which, in turn, can be modulated by endogenous inflammatory substances such as TNF‐α and affected by drugs such as sumatriptan.
A VAMP-associated protein, PVA31 is involved in leaf senescence in Arabidopsis

VAMP-associated proteins (VAPs) are highly conserved among eukaryotes. Here, we report a functional analysis of one of the VAPs, PVA31, and demonstrate its novel function on leaf senescence in Arabidopsis. The expression of PVA31 is highly induced in senescence leaves, and localizes to the plasma membrane as well as the ARA7-positive endosomes. Yeast two-hybrid analysis demonstrates that PVA31 is interacted with the plasma membrane localized-VAMP proteins, VAMP721/722/724 but not with the endosome-localized VAMPs, VAMP711 and VAMP727, indicating that PVA31 is associated with VAMP721/722/724 on the plasma membrane. Strong constitutive expression of PVA31 under the control of the Cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter induces the typical symptom of leaf senescence earlier than WT in normal growth and an artificially induced senescence conditions. In addition, the marker genes for the SA-mediated signaling pathways, PR-1, is promptly expressed with elicitor application. These data indicate that PVA31-overexpressing plants exhibit the early senescence phenotype in their leaves, and suggest that PVA31 is involved in the SA-mediated programmed cell death process during leaf senescence and PR-protein secretion during pathogen infection in Arabidopsis.
A Competence-Oriented Approach to Subject-Matter Didactics for Software Engineering

Instructors not only in higher education are regularly faced with the problem that they need to develop a new course or adapt an existing one to changed requirements. This is especially true for topics related to information technology (IT) due to the fast technological progress. Instructors, however, are not prepared really well for this task since they typically have a professional and educational background in areas different from pedagogy. Therefore, some sort of methodological framework to support the systematic development and refinement of courses would be highly appreciated. This paper presents such a model, called Competence-Oriented Subject-Matter Didactics. This didactical theory builds upon several concepts from general didactics, most notably Klafki’s Didactic Analysis, and combines and extends these concepts. As a proof of concept, Competence-Oriented Subject-Matter Didactics is applied to the refinement of an introductory course on information systems. This case study indicates, among other things, that this theoretical model has the potential to be applicable for course (re-)design in other domains beyond IT as well.
Data Fusion for Real-time Multimodal Emotion Recognition through Webcams and Microphones in E-Learning

This article describes the validation study of our software that uses combined webcam and microphone data for real-time, continuous, unobtrusive emotion recognition as part of our FILTWAM framework. FILTWAM aims at deploying a real-time multimodal emotion recognition method for providing more adequate feedback to the learners through an online communication skills training. Herein, timely feedback is needed that reflects on the intended emotions they show and which is also useful to increase learners’ awareness of their own behavior. At least, a reliable and valid software interpretation of performed face and voice emotions is needed to warrant such adequate feedback. This validation study therefore calibrates our software. The study uses a multimodal fusion method. Twelve test persons performed computer-based tasks in which they were asked to mimic specific facial and vocal emotions. All test persons’ behavior was recorded on video and two raters independently scored the showed emotions, which were contrasted with the software recognition outcomes. A hybrid method for multimodal fusion of our multimodal software shows accuracy between 96.1% and 98.6% for the best-chosen WEKA classifiers over predicted emotions. The software fulfils its requirements of real-time data interpretation and reliable results.
A system-of-systems architecture-driven modeling method for combat system effectiveness simulation

Under the background of system-of-systems (SoS) counterwork, it is more apparent that the simulation modeling of the equipment should be domain-specific, formal, automatic and composable. Current equipment effectiveness simulation modeling approaches are mainly based on the methods and techniques from the modeling and simulation (M&S) community and software engineering community, and they are not capable to satisfy these four requirements systematically. Thus the systems engineering architecture model and domain knowledge should be used to support effectiveness simulation modeling more effectively. In this research, we propose an architecture-driven modeling method which conforms to the principle of architecture-driven development, uses ontology techniques to build equipment SoS architecture model and sub-domain ontology. This method performs architecture driven simulation modeling to realize the transformation from architecture models to simulation model frameworks; employs ontological metamodeling to design domain-specific modeling languages (DSML) based on the comprehensive usage of architecture models, sub-domain ontologies and M&S formalisms; integrates domain-specific simulation models from various domains using the model framework, and supports the composable development of simulation applications.
Arabic handwriting recognition using sequential minimal optimization

Due to the variability of writing styles and to other problems related to the nature of Arabic scripts, the recognition of Arabic handwriting is still awaiting accurate results. Segmentation of Arabic handwritten words into graphemes poses a major challenge in Arabic handwriting recognition and is highly error prone. In this paper, we adopt the holistic approach which handles the whole word image without any segmentation step. A set of different statistical features were investigated in this paper, namely, the Invariant Moments (IV), Histogram of Oriented Gradients (HOG) and the Gabor features. The classifier used is the Sequential Minimal Optimization (SMO) algorithm which is an improvement of the Support Vector Machines (SVM). The dataset used is AHDB which consists of 3045 images containing the most commonly used Arabic words written by one hundred different writers. The application of the features used with the SMO algorithm resulted in 91.5928 % correct classification.
Intensity‐modulated radiation therapy reduces radiation‐induced trismus in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) provides better temporomandibular joint (TMJ) sparing and, thus, may reduce the incidence of radiation‐induced trismus after radiotherapy. The objectives of this study were to evaluate radiation‐induced trismus in patients with NPC who had received IMRT and to assess the pretreatment factors, relevant treatment factors, and dosimetry parameters associated with trismus.
Bi-graph random walk sampling of directed online social networks

During the past several decades, various Online Social Networks (OSNs) have experienced a huge development and have given rise to many related studies. However, the huge size of OSNs brings many difficulties to researchers and kinds of sampling methods have been used to get a relatively small but representative sample. Although some traditional sampling methods (e.g. Random Walk and its several improved forms) can help us to get a high-quality sample, there is still a lot of space for improvement in convergence rate, efficiency and their performance in directed OSNs. In this paper, we focus on sampling directed OSNs and propose Bi-graph Random Walk sampling (BRW) as a new sampling method. During each iteration of sampling, we treat directed structure as a combined graph of in-graph and out-graph, and then use a two-stage procedure to sample network. By evaluating this method in both synthetic graph and real OSNs, we find that BRW can achieve higher efficiency and faster convergence rate than traditional sampling methods.
A Tensor-Based Structural Damage Identification and Severity Assessment

Early damage detection is critical for a large set of global ageing infrastructure. Structural Health Monitoring systems provide a sensor-based quantitative and objective approach to continuously monitor these structures, as opposed to traditional engineering visual inspection. Analysing these sensed data is one of the major Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) challenges. This paper presents a novel algorithm to detect and assess damage in structures such as bridges. This method applies tensor analysis for data fusion and feature extraction, and further uses one-class support vector machine on this feature to detect anomalies, i.e., structural damage. To evaluate this approach, we collected acceleration data from a sensor-based SHM system, which we deployed on a real bridge and on a laboratory specimen. The results show that our tensor method outperforms a state-of-the-art approach using the wavelet energy spectrum of the measured data. In the specimen case, our approach succeeded in detecting 92.5% of induced damage cases, as opposed to 61.1% for the wavelet-based approach. While our method was applied to bridges, its algorithm and computation can be used on other structures or sensor-data analysis problems, which involve large series of correlated data from multiple sensors.
A Novel Transformer-less Adaptable Voltage Quadrupler DC Converter with Low Switch Voltage Stress

In this paper, a novel transformer-less adjustable voltage quadrupler dc-dc converter with high-voltage transfer gain and reduced semiconductor voltage stress is proposed. The proposed topology utilizes input-parallel output-series configuration for providing a much higher voltage gain without adopting an extreme large duty cycle. The proposed converter cannot only achieve high step-up voltage gain with reduced component count but also reduce the voltage stress of both active switches and diodes. This will allow one to choose lower voltage rating MOSFETs and diodes to reduce both switching and conduction losses. In addition, due to the charge balance of the blocking capacitor, the converter features automatic uniform current sharing characteristic of the two interleaved phases for voltage boosting mode without adding extra circuitry or complex control methods. The operation principle and steady analysis as well as a comparison with other recent existing high step-up topologies are presented. Finally, some simulation and experimental results are also presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed converter.
DNA Ligase: Structure, Mechanism, and Function

DNA ligase of E. coli is a polypeptide of molecular weight 75,000. The comparable T4-induced enzyme is somewhat smaller (63,000 to 68,000). Both enzymes catalyze the synthesis of phosphodiester bonds between adjacent 5'-phosphoryl and 3'-hydroxyl groups in nicked duplex DNA, coupled to the cleavage of the pyrophosphate bond of DPN (E. coli) or ATP (T4). Phosphodiester bond synthesis catalyzed by both enzymes occurs in a series of these discrete steps and involves the participation of two covalent intermediates (Fig. 1). A steady state kinetic analysis of the reaction-catalyzed E. coli ligase supports this mechanism, and further demonstrates that enzyme-adenylate and DNA-adenylate are kinetically significant intermediates on the direct path of phosphodiester bond synthesis. A strain of E. coli with a mutation in the structural gene for DNA ligase which results in the synthesis of an abnormally thermolabile enzyme is inviable at 42�C. Although able to grow at 30�C, the mutant is still defective at this temperature in its ability to repair damage to its DNA caused by ultraviolet irradiation and by alkylating agents. At 42�C, all the newly replicated DNA is in the form of short 10S "Okazaki fragments," an indication that the reason for the mutant's failure to survive under these conditions is its inability to sustain the ligation step that is essential for the discontinuous synthesis of the E. coli chromosome. DNA ligase is therefore an essential enzyme required for normal DNA replication and repair in E. coli. Purified DNA ligases have proved to be useful reagents in the construction in vitro of recombinant DNA molecules.
Abused African American Women's Processes of Staying Healthy

Fifteen African American women with a history of intimate partner violence (IPV) were interviewed to examine (a) the ways in which poor, urban African American women stay healthy, and particularly how they protected themselves from sexually transmitted diseases and HIV while in abusive relationships; and (b) the roles of intersecting contextual factors such as lifetime experiences of violence, mental health symptoms, and substance use in women's processes of maintaining their health. Data were analyzed using a qualitative descriptive approach. Women were managing numerous, complex problems as they actively worked to maintain their mental and physical health and that of their children. The turning point at which women made substantial changes came when women were “tired” and believed that a new beginning was needed. Racism, poverty, multiple experiences of violence, and health and mental health problems influenced women's health care decisions. Women's health maintenance strategies were often not visible to health care providers and included some behaviors that may place women at greater risk of violence or disease from the point of view of the health care provider.
A Clinical Trial of Oral Hyposensitization in Systemic Allergy to Nickel

Nickel allergy is the most common contact allergy. Some nickel-sensitive patients present systemic (cutaneous and/or digestive) symptoms related to the ingestion of high nickel-content foods, which significantly improve after a specific low nickel-content diet. The etiopathogenetic role of nickel in the genesis of systemic disorders is, furthermore, demonstrated by the relapse of previous contact lesions, appearance of widespread eczema and generalized urticaria-like lesions after oral nickel challenge test. The aim of this study is to investigate the safety and efficacy of a specific oral hyposensitization to nickel in patients with both local contact disorders and systemic symptoms after the ingestion of nickel-containing foods. Inclusion criteria for the recruitment of these patients were (other than a positive patch test) a benefit higher than 80% from a low nickel-content diet and a positive oral challenge with nickel. Based on the previous experiences, our group adopted a therapeutic protocol by using increasing oral doses of nickel sulfate associated to an elimination diet. Results have been excellent: this treatment has been effective in inducing clinical tolerance to nickel-containing foods, with a low incidence of side effects (gastric pyrosis, itching erythema).
Salient Public Beliefs Underlying Disaster Preparedness Behaviors: A Theory-Based Qualitative Study

Abstract Introduction Given the increasing importance of disaster preparedness in Tehran, the capital of Iran, interventions encouraging disaster preparedness behavior (DPB) are needed. This study was conducted to show how an elicitation method can be used to identify salient consequences, referents, and circumstances about DPB and provide recommendations for interventions and quantitative research. Method A theory-based qualitative study using a semi-structured elicitation questionnaire was conducted with 132 heads of households from 22 districts in Tehran, Iran. Following the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), six open-ended questions were used to record the opinion of people about DPB: advantages of engaging in DPB; disadvantages of doing so; people who approve; people who disapprove; things that make it easy; and things that make it difficult. Content analysis showed the categories of salient consequences, reference groups, and circumstances. Results The three most frequently mentioned advantages obtained from inhabitants of Tehran were health outcomes (eg, it helps us to save our lives, it provides basic needs, and it protects us until relief workers arrive); other salient advantages were mentioned (eg, helps family reunification). The main disadvantage was preparedness anxiety. Family members were the most frequently mentioned social referent when people were asked who might approve or disapprove of their DPB. The two main circumstances perceived to obstruct DPB included not having enough knowledge or enough time. Conclusion The results of this qualitative study suggest that interventions to encourage DPB among Tehran inhabitants should address: perceived consequences of DPB on health and other factors beyond health; barriers of not having enough knowledge and time perceived to hinder DPB; and social approval. More accurate research on salient beliefs with close-ended items developed from these open-ended data and with larger sample sizes of Tehran inhabitants is necessary. Research with other stakeholder groups is needed to understand their perceptions about DPB in creating the people’s social environment. NajafiM, ArdalanA, AkbarisariA, NoorbalaAA, ElmiH. Salient public beliefs underlying disaster preparedness behaviors: a theory-based qualitative study. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2017;32(2):124–133 .
Age at Diagnosis Shapes the Prognosis of Childhood Immune Thrombocytopenia

Objective: Childhood immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), an acquired bleeding disorder, occurs at any age. Studies have indicated a less favorable prognosis in children aged above ten years. Low lymphocyte counts have been proposed as predictors of chronic disease. Detailed knowledge of ITP disease characteristics and prognosis at various ages may be useful to support clinical decision-making. We aimed to define the age dependency of the clinical characteristics, biological parameters and disease outcomes in childhood ITP. Design: Post-hoc analysis of two prospective European studies (NOPHO ITP study and TIKI trial). Children were followed for 6-12 months. Setting: Patient inclusion in pediatrics departments in the Netherlands and the five Nordic countries. Patients: Children aged <16 years with newly diagnosed ITP (N=577) and severe thrombocytopenia (diagnosis platelet count [≤]20 x 109/L). Results: By analyzing age effects on a continuous scale, we observed that recovery rates at 3-12 months follow-up were gradually reduced in children aged above five years. An absence of a response to IVIg was observed at all ages, but was more common in older children, in particular above ten years of age. Leukocyte and lymphocyte subset counts were reduced with age, but not elevated or decreased compared to age-appropriate reference intervals. Children aged below seven years showed elevated thrombopoietin levels. Conclusions: Already from five years of age onwards, there is an increasing risk for a long-lasting course of ITP. Given the varying treatment responses and biological variation, age differences should be considered for the design of clinical trials, prediction models and biological studies.