Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Pilates as an Adjunct to Conventional Therapy in Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders second to low back pain associated with chronic pain, restricted range of motion and muscular imbalance. Generally, the physiotherapy methods for mechanical neck pain consist of stretching and strengthening the neck muscles, cervical stabilization exercises, cervical mobilization exercises, thoracic thrust manipulation, ischemic compression on trigger points, kinesio-taping method and electrotherapy. The Pilates method is a system of exercise program that aims for body awareness through harmonization of body and mind which has been widely used to enhance physical fitness and rehabilitation in general.Purpose: The purpose of the study was to find out whether Pilates and conventional therapy can bring better results in treating chronic mechanical neck pain when compared to conventional therapy alone.Methods: 60 patients were selected randomly with mechanical neck pain. The study included 2 groups, control group and experimental group, the outcomes measures included Numerical rating pain scale (NRPS), Neck flexors endurance test (NFET) Neck disability index (NDI), Cervical range of motion (CROM). Independent “t” test was done for inter group analysis and paired t-test was done for intra group analysis.Results: Both the groups showed significant difference (P-0.000<0.05) at 12 weeks. The mean difference and paired t-test values of experimental group was greater when compared to control group at the end of 12 weeks.Conclusion: significant improvement was seen in both the groups in NPRS, NDI, NFET, ROM, but early improvement was noted in experimental group in terms of function when compared to conventional group after 12 weeks of treatment.
A Probabilistic Monte Carlo model for pricing discrete barrier options

We present an original Probabilistic Monte Carlo (PMC) model for pricing European discrete barrier options. Based on Monte Carlo simulation, the PMC model computes the probability of not crossing the barrier for knock-out options and crossing the barrier for knock-in options. This probability is then multiplied by an average sample discounted payoff of a plain vanilla option that has the same inputs as the barrier option but without barrier and to which we have applied a filter. We test the consistency of our model with an analytical solution (Merton 1973 and Reiner & Rubinstein 1991) adjusted for discretization by Broadie et al. (1997) and a naive numerical model using Monte Carlo simulation presented by Clewlow & Strickland (2000). We show that the PMC model accurately price barrier equity options. Market participants in need of selecting a reliable and simple numerical method for pricing discrete barrier options will find our paper appealing. Moreover, the idea behind the method is so elementary that it can be applied to the pricing of complex derivatives involving barriers, easing the valuation step significantly. Keywords: Monte Carlo Simulation, Option Pricing; Discrete Barrier Options
On First Order Congruences of Lines in P 4 with Generically Non-reduced Fundamental Surface

Abstract. In this article we obtain a complete description of the congruences of lines in P 4 oforder one provided that the fundamental surface F is non-reduced (and possibly reducible) at oneof its generic points, and their classiﬁcation under the hypothesis that (F) red is smooth.Key words. Algebraic Geometry, focal loci, Grassmannians, congruencesAMS subject classiﬁcations. Primary 14M15, 14N15; Secondary 51N35 Introduction. A congruence of d-dimensional linear subspaces in P n is an irre-ducible subvariety (“family”) B ′ of dimension n− dof the projective GrassmannianG(d,n). By taking a resolution Bof singularities of B ′ , one can pull back the univer-sal subbundle on G(d,n), obtaining a smooth P d -bundle Λ on B, which has dimensionn. Since Λ ⊂ B×P n , the second projection induces a morphism p: Λ → P n betweenmanifolds of the same dimension, and one deﬁnes the order of the family as the degreeof p. Geometrically, this is the number of d-planes of the family passing through ageneral point in P
Digging for red nuggets: discovery of hot haloes surrounding massive, compact, relic galaxies

We present the results of Chandra X-ray observations of the isolated, massive, compact, relic galaxies MRK 1216 and PGC 032873. Compact massive galaxies observed at z > 2, also called red nuggets, formed in quick dissipative events and later grew by dry mergers into the local giant ellipticals. Due to the stochastic nature of mergers, a few of the primordial massive galaxies avoided the mergers and remained untouched over cosmic time. We find that the hot atmosphere surrounding MRK 1216 extends far beyond the stellar population and has a 0.5-7 keV X-ray luminosity of L-X = (7.0 +/- 0.2) x 10(41) erg s(-1), which is similar to the nearby X-ray bright giant ellipticals. The hot gas has a short central cooling time of similar to 50 Myr and the galaxy has an similar to 13-Gyr-old stellar population. The presence of an X-ray atmosphere with a short nominal cooling time and the lack of young stars indicate the presence of a sustained heating source, which prevented star formation since the dissipative origin of the galaxy 13 Gyr ago. The central temperature peak and the presence of radio emission in the core of the galaxy indicate that the heating source is radio-mechanical active galactic nucleus (AGN) feedback. Given that both MRK 1216 and PGC 032873 appear to have evolved in isolation, the order of magnitude difference in their current X-ray luminosity could be traced back to a difference in the ferocity of the AGN outbursts in these systems. Finally, we discuss the potential connection between the presence of hot haloes around such massive galaxies and the growth of super-/overmassive black holes via chaotic cold accretion.
Are Protected Areas Really Protecting Populations? A Test with an Atlantic Rain Forest Palm

We compared the demography of the palm Euterpe edulis in a large forest fragment that is protected from palm harvesting with that in three smaller fragments where harvesting has occurred. Palms were censused from 2005 to 2007 in nine 30 m × 30 m plots in each forest fragment. Each individual was assigned to one of five stage classes: seedling, infant, juvenile, immature, and reproductive. Using summary matrices constructed for the fragments and a matrix for the population in the protected area, we compared the asymptotic growth rate (λ) in the protected and non-protected areas. We then quantified the contribution of each lower-level vital rate to the observed differences in λ using a fixed-design LTRE. Euterpe edulis populations in the protected area are projected to shrink at rates of 4.54 to 12.6% per year, and the populations of the fragments are projected to grow at rates of 3.44 to 9.43% per year. Our LTRE analysis revealed that the generally higher λ for the summary matrix based on the populations in fragments was due primarily to greater survival of immatures and reproductives. However, seedling growth contributed negatively to λ in the fragments. We also found that great numbers of immatures and reproductives were killed by the capuchin monkey (Cebus nigritus), which apparently also contributes to the differences between the protected area and the fragments. This study lends support to the idea that small fragments in a landscape actively managed and modified by humans can be very important in maintaining viable plant populations.
Wave Equation Based Prestack Depth Migration of Converted Wave Data In TIV Media

This paper describes ω−x finite-difference prestack depth migration of converted-wave data in TIV media. The migration is accomplished by numerical wavefield extrapolation where the upgoing and downgoing wavefields are extrapolated in depth with space-variant filter operators. The filter operators are precomputed in a separate filter operator design program and accessed by the migration algorithm. The ratio between the temporal frequency and the local velocity, together with the anisotropic media type (defined by one specific set of Thomsen parameters) and wave mode (qP or qSV), are used to determine the correct filter operator at each grid point during the downward and upward continuation. Imaging is performed by crosscorrelating the source wavefield with the data wavefield divided by the source illumination at each depth level.
Raman Spectroscopy in Colorectal Cancer Diagnostics: Comparison of PCA-LDA and PLS-DA Models

Raman spectra of human colorectal tissue samples were employed to diagnose colorectal cancer. High-quality Raman spectra were acquired from normal and cancerous colorectal tissues from 81 patients. Subtle Raman variations, such as for peaks at 1134 cm−1 (protein, C-C/C-N stretching) and 1297 cm−1 (lipid, C-H2 twisting), were observed between normal and cancerous colorectal tissues. The average peak intensity at 1134 and 1297 cm−1 was increased from approximately 235 and 72 in the normal group, respectively, to 315 and 273 in the cancer group. The variations of Raman spectra reflected the changes of cell molecules during canceration. The multivariate statistical methods of principal component analysis-linear discriminant analysis (PCA-LDA) and partial least-squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), together with leave-one-patient-out cross-validation, were employed to build the discrimination model. PCA-LDA was used to evaluate the capability of this approach for classifying colorectal cancer, resulting in a diagnostic accuracy of 79.2%. Further PLS-DA modeling yielded a diagnostic accuracy of 84.3% for colorectal cancer detection. Thus, the PLS-DA model is preferable between the two to discriminate cancerous from normal tissues. Our results demonstrate that Raman spectroscopy can be used with an optimized multivariate data analysis model as a sensitive diagnostic alternative to identify pathological changes in the colon at the molecular level.
WeCareAdvisor t The Development of a Caregiver-focused , Web-based Program to Assess and Manage Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia

Results: We conducted 4 focus groups and a technology survey (n=26) as well as additional individual semistructured interviews (n=12) with family caregivers. Main themes of the qualitative work included: (1) need to minimize difficulty and training time; (2) importance of “one-stop shopping” for information; and (3) necessity for information to be tailored to the caregiver and person with dementia. This information was then combined with effective existing evidence-based behavioral strategies to create a web-based tailored caregiver-support tool.
Cellular lipid production of a heterotrophic bacterium isolated from poultry processing wastewater

Cell growth and lipid production of a heterotrophic bacterium, R4.4 which accumulated the highest lipid content among 12 bacterial colonies being isolated from wastewater of a poultry processing plant in Thailand, were evaluated in this study. The culture was identified as Aeromonas sp. by 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing analysis.The highest lipid content was obtained when the cells were in the early stationary growth phase compared to the cells in the exponential and the late stationary phase. Over 50% of the fatty acid production by Aeromonas sp. KMITL-R4.4 were unsaturated fatty acids, including linoleic acid (C18:2, 43.2%), oleic acid (C18:1, 19.0%), and palmitoleic acid (C16:1, 8.2%). The culture had a preference for glucose and fructose as seen from the maximum biomass and lipid contents that were obtained. Among volatile fatty acid (VFA) species tested, acetic acid was the preferred substrate for lipid production but not favorable for cell growth. In addition, ammonium sulfate was found to be the best among nitrogen sources tested. The C/N ratio exerts significant impact on lipid production as seen from an increase of the lipid content from 10.8% to 18.2% by exposing the bacterial cells to a medium with lower nitrogen concentration (0.1g/l) and higher level of glucose (28 g/l).
Service user involvement and repositioning of healthcare professionals: A framework for examining implications of different forms of involvement

Models or measures to strengthen the position of service users not only change the position of the users, they also alter the position of the professionals involved. However, different forms of involvement alter the position of professionals differently. The aim of this article is to present an analytical framework that allows for an examination of different, ideal types of involvement, and their implications for the positioning of professionals. Three basic forms of involvement are identified: involvement as a) self-determination and self-management, b) sharing of lived experience, and c) co-management and mediation of causes and concerns. Within each of these basic forms, different models or measures are classified according to the positions of patients and professionals respectively. The framework shows that professionals are repositioned as facilitators, not only therapists; as partners and co-workers, rather than sole experts; as learners, rather than experts and teachers; and as recipients rather than in the position of offering knowledge and skills. While detailed and long-term investigation is necessary to determine the impact of involvement in actual cases, the presence of models and measures to strengthen the position of the users in various ways transforms the context of professional work, as well as the classic meaning of professionalism.
Author ’ s Accepted Manuscript Parsing Heterogeneity in the Brain Connectivity of Depressed and Healthy Adults During Positive MoodParsing Heterogeneity in Brain Connectivity

Background: There is well-known heterogeneity in affective mechanisms in depression that may extend to positive affect. We used data-driven parsing of neural connectivity to reveal subgroups present across depressed and healthy individuals during positive processing, informing targets for mechanistic intervention. Methods: 92 individuals (68 depressed patients, 24 never-depressed controls) completed a sustained positive mood induction during fMRI. Directed functional connectivity paths within a depression-relevant network were characterized using Group Iterative Multiple Model Estimation, a method shown to accurately recover the direction and presence of connectivity paths in individual participants. During model-selection, individuals were clustered using community detection on neural connectivity estimates. Subgroups were externally tested across multiple levels of analysis. Results: Two subgroups emerged: Subgroup A, characterized by weaker connectivity overall, and Subgroup B, exhibiting hyperconnectivity (relative to Subgroup A), particularly among ventral affective regions. Subgroup predicted diagnostic status (Subgroup B contained 81% of patients;50% of controls;χ 2 =8.6,p=.003) and default mode network connectivity during a separate resting state task. Among patients, Subgroup B members had higher self-reported symptoms, lower sustained positive mood during the induction, and higher negative bias on a reaction time task. Symptom-based depression subgroups did not predict these external variables. Conclusions: Neural connectivity-based categorization travels with diagnostic category and is clinically predictive, but not clinically deterministic. Both patients and controls showed heterogeneous, and overlapping, profiles. The larger, and more severely affected patient subgroup was characterized by ventrally-driven hyperconnectivity during positive processing. Data-driven parsing suggests heterogeneous substrates of depression, and possible resilience in controls in spite of biological overlap.
How to evaluate portal hypertension Is HVPG measurement a relevant gold standard for portal hypertension assessment ?

The development of portal hypertension is a common consequence of chronic liver diseases leading to the formation of esophageal and gastric varices responsible for variceal bleeding, associated with a high mortality rate, as well as other severe complications such as portosystemic encephalopathy and sepsis. Measurement of hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) and upper GI endoscopy are considered the gold standards for portal hypertension assessment in patients with cirrhosis. However, both types of investigation are invasive and HVPG measurement is routinely available and/or performed with adequate standards only in expert centres. There is thus a need for non invasive methods able to predict, with acceptable diagnostic accuracy, the progression of portal hypertension toward the levels of clinically significant (i.e. HVPG P10 mmHg) and severe (HVPG P12 mmHg) as well as the presence and the size of oesophageal varices. Transient elastography (TE) is a novel non invasive technology that allows measuring liver stiffness and that has gained popularity over the past few years. Although TE has been initially proposed to assess liver fibrosis, a good correlation has been reported between liver stiffness values and HVPG as well as the presence of oesophageal varices, suggesting that it could be an interesting tool for the non invasive evaluation of portal hypertension. This review is aimed at discussing the advantages and limits of TE and the perspectives for its rationale use in clinical practice for the management of patients with portal hypertension. 2011 European Association for the Study of the Liver. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Technical innovations and optimizations for intermediate ice-core drilling operations

Abstract The British Antarctic Survey, in collaboration with Laboratoire de Glaciologie et Géophysique de l’Environnement, has in recent years successfully drilled to bedrock on three remote sites around the Antarctic Peninsula. Based on the experience from the multi-season project at Berkner Island (948m depth, 2002–05) we optimized the drill set-up to better suit two subsequent single-season projects at James Ross Island (363m depth, 2008) and Fletcher Promontory (654m depth, 2012). The adaptations, as well as the reasons for them, are discussed in detail and include a drill tent set-up without a trench; drilling without a borehole casing with a relatively low fluid column height; and using a shorter drill. These optimizations were aimed at reducing cargo loads and installation time while maintaining good core quality, productivity and a safe working environment. In addition, we introduce a number of innovations, ranging from a new lightweight cable tensioning device and drill-head design to core storage and protection trays. To minimize the environmental impact, all the drill fluid was successfully recovered at both sites and we describe and evaluate this operation.
Obesity is associated with a downregulation of the glucocorticoid receptor-GILZ pathway in Kupffer cells which promotes liver inflammation in mice

Background & Aim Kupffer cells (KC) play a key role in the onset of inflammation in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) induces glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper (GILZ) expression in monocytes/macrophages and is involved in several inflammatory processes. We hypothesized that the GR-GILZ axis in KC may contribute to the pathophysiology of obesity-induced liver inflammation. Methods By using a combination of primary cell culture, pharmacological experiments, mice deficient for the GR specifically in macrophages and transgenic mice overexpressing GILZ in macrophages, we explored the involvement of the GR-GILZ axis in KC in the pathophysiology of obesity-induced liver inflammation. Results Obesity was associated with a downregulation of the GR and GILZ, and an impairment of GILZ induction by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and dexamethasone (DEX) in KC. Inhibition of GILZ expression in isolated KC transfected with GILZ siRNA demonstrated that GILZ dowregulation was sufficient to sensitize KC to LPS. Conversely, liver inflammation was decreased in obese transgenic mice specifically overexpressing GILZ in macrophages. Pharmacological inhibition of the GR showed that impairment of GILZ induction in KC by LPS and DEX in obesity was driven by a downregulation of the GR. In mice specifically deficient for GR in macrophages, GILZ expression was low, leading to an exacerbation of obesity-induced liver inflammation. Conclusion Obesity is associated with a downregulation of the GR-GILZ axis in Kupffer cells, which promotes liver inflammation. The GR-GILZ axis in KC is an important target for the
Plasmon resonance spectroscopy: probing molecular interactions at surfaces and interfaces

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy can be applied to a wide variety of interfacial systems. It involves resonant excitation by polarized light of electronic oscillations (plasmons) in a thin metal film. These generate a surface- localized evanescent electromagnetic field that can be used to probe the optical properties perpendicular to the film plane of materials immobilized at the surface. Spectra depend on three parameters: refractive index ( n), absorption coefficient ( k) and thickness (t). Maxwell's equations provide an analytical relationship between these properties and SPR spectra, allowing their evaluation. An extension of this methodology, called coupled plasmon-waveguide resonance (CPWR or PWR), is able to characterize film properties both perpendicular and parallel to the surface plane. In a PWR device, the metal film is covered with a dielectric coating that acts as an optical amplifier, provides protection for the metal layer, and possesses a surface that allows various molecular immobilization strategies. The exceptionally narrow line widths of PWR spectra yield enhanced sensitivity and resolution. The application of this technology to several biomembrane systems will be described, demonstrating its ability to observe both binding and structural events occurring during membrane protein function.
Prolonging Lifetime of Wireless Sensor Network using Evolutionary Algorithms

The popularity of wireless sensor have been increased in recent time due to growth in MEMS technology. Wireless sensor networks made up of hundreds or thousands of sensing nodes. It is necessary to make these nodes cheap and energy efficient. Most of the attention given to the routing protocol for energy efficient solutions. LEACH has been widely accepted WSN routing protocol for its energy efficiency. Evolutionary algorithm (EA) also used by researcher to resolve cluster based protocol in WSNs. The main goal of EA based clustered routing protocol is to dynamically form clusters in WSNs such that the use of energy resources of the network is minimized and prolong network lifetime. Aim of this paper is to ease the difficulty of undesirable behaviour of EA by formulating a new fitness function by introducing the concept of residual energy. Simulation shows that modified evolutionary routing protocol (ERP-M) prolong the network lifetime and saved more energy as compared to LEACH, SEP and ERP.