Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Knockdown and Overexpression of Nmnat in the Heart Improve Cardiac Function When Accompanied by Early Repeated Exercise in Aging Drosophila

Aim: To determine whether early exercise in the form of instinctive upward walking can mitigate the negative effects of cardiac aging in Drosophila with cardiac-specific Nmnat Knockdown and overexpression. Methods: Flies were given exercise periods of 2 h per day, 5 days a week for 3 weeks starting when they were 2 days old. The heart model was used in conjunction with M-mode echocardiography traces to analyze cardiac function. Exercise capacity was assessed using a climbing index, and the survival rate was calculated with respect to the age of each subject upon death. Results: Cardiac-specific Nmnat knockdown severely compromised cardiac function with age by increased incidence of arrhythmias and decreased fractional with extreme dilation. The repeated exercise regimen was found to mitigate the deterioration of systolic function and rhythm caused by knockdown of myocardial Nmnat. Unexpectedly, hearts overexpressing Nmnat exhibited similar cardiac function to those of flies with normal expression after exercise training, and provided notable benefits with respect to lifespan and age-related locomotor decline. Conclusions: Nmnat plays a critical role in maintaining cardiac function and that beginning a repeated exercise regimen later in life may improve cardiac health. It may provide a basis for further research in mammals.
CrowdChart: Crowdsourced Data Extraction From Visualization Charts

Visualization charts are widely utilized for presenting structured data. Under many circumstances, people want to digitalize the data in the charts collected from various sources (e.g., papers and websites), in oder to further analyze the data or create new charts. However, existing automatic and semi-automatic approaches are not always effective due to the variety of charts. In this paper, we introduce a crowdsourcing approach that leverages human ability to extract data from visualization charts. There are several challenges. The first is how to avoid tedious human interaction with charts and design effective crowdsourcing tasks. Second, it is challenging to evaluate worker’s quality for truth inference, because workers may not only provide inaccurate values but also misalign values to wrong data series. Third, to guarantee quality, one may assign a task to many workers, leading to a high crowdsourcing cost. To address these challenges, we design an effective crowdsourcing task scheme that splits a chart into simple micro-tasks. We introduce a novel worker quality model by considering worker’s accuracy and task difficulty. We also devise effective task assignment and early-termination mechanisms to save the cost. We evaluate our approach on real-world datasets on real crowdsourced platforms, and the results demonstrate the effectiveness of our method.
Selection of Excitation Operating Points of 10 MW HTS Exciting Double Stator Direct-Drive Wind Generators Having Single and Double Polarity Inner Stator

The high temperature superconducting (HTS) exciting double stator direct-drive wind generator (HTS-DSDDG) is a promising approach for offshore wind generation, due to the fact that double-stator structure is employed to simultaneously realize stationary seal of the cooling system and brushless of current transfer. In this paper, two kinds of placement strategies of HTS coils are proposed, denoted as single-polarity excitation and double-polarity excitation, respectively. Furthermore, the relationship between the consumption of HTS wires and the volume of the single-/double-polarity HTS-DSDDGs is quantitatively investigated to determine the excitation operating points of HTS coils. Since the different placement strategies of HTS coils will lead to differences of the excitation operating points, as well as differences of generator size and HTS wires consumption, the single-/double-polarity HTS-DSDDGs are compared in terms of the electromagnetic performance, the weight and the material cost. Finally, the conclusion is drawn that the 10 MW double-polarity HTS-DSDDG is lighter and lower cost than the single-polarity one.
Estimation of Survival of Liver Cirrhosis Patients, in the Presence of Prognostic Factors Using Accelerated Failure Time Model as an Alternative to Proportional Hazard Model

Accelerated Failure Time Model (AFTM) encompasses a wider range of survival time distributions as compared to Cox proportional hazard (PH) model. This article illustrates the use of accelerated failure time model as an alternative to the proportional hazard model in the analysis of time to event data. This kind of study is being done for the first time on Indian population wherein a retrospective data of 666 admitted patients suffering from liver cirrhosis has been obtained and analyzed by both Cox PH and AFT models to evaluate the effect of covariates on the survival of these patients. Model selection criteria include minimization of AIC and graphs showing approximation of cumulative Cox-Snell residuals to (-log) Kaplan-Meier estimates to select the best model. It was conclusively established through the selected model that patients with higher level of serum creatinine and presence of altered sensorium are the significant factors affecting the survival of these patients. In multivariate analysis, all AFT models were judged to be better than Cox regression; Log logistic AFT model was found to be the best fit among candidate models.
Die Rolle der zerebralen Bildgebung für die Therapieentscheidung zur Thrombektomie

Zusammenfassung Sechs aktuelle randomisierte kontrollierte Studien haben einen signifikanten Behandlungseffekt der Thrombektomie auf den klinischen Verlauf bei Patienten mit akutem Schlaganfall aufgrund eines proximalen Gefäßverschlusses im vorderen Stromgebiet gezeigt. Die positiven Ergebnisse dieser Studien müssen jetzt in die klinische Routine übertragen werden. Geeignete Patienten sollten dazu schnell und zuverlässig für eine Thrombektomie evaluiert werden. Alle Studien bestätigten die entscheidende Rolle einer prätherapeutischen Bildgebung in der Auswahl der Patienten, die von einer endovaskulären Therapie profitieren können. Dabei wurden jedoch unterschiedliche bildgebungsbasierte Ansätze mit Darstellung des behandelbaren Gefäßverschlusses, des Infarktkerns, der arteriellen Kollateralversorgung oder der Penumbra gewählt. In dieser Übersichtsarbeit werden anhand der aktuellen Studienlage die verschiedenen Untersuchungs- und Auswertetechniken der nichtinvasiven zerebralen Bildgebung und ihrer Rolle für die Therapieentscheidung zur Thrombektomie beim akuten Schlaganfall diskutiert.
Different Effective Volumes of Local Anesthetics in Axillary Nerve Block : A Comparative Randomized Controlled Trial = كميات مختلفة فعالة من التخدير الموضعي في إحصار العصب الإبطي : دراسة مقارنة وموجهة باستخدام عينات عشوائية

Background: Ultrasound-guided together with the use of nerve stimulator in peripheral nerve block for correct needle placement and local anesthetic spread monitoring around the nerves helped to reduce the volume of local anesthetic (LA) required and achieve high success rate. Objective: Determination of an effective volume of 2% xylocaine with epinephrine (1: 200,000) for ultrasound and nerve stimulator guided axillary brachial plexus block (ABPB). Patients and Methods: Sixty patients who had plastic distal forearm and hand surgeries underwent a singleshot axillary brachial plexus block were enrolled in a prospective randomized clinical trial. Patients were randomly divided into three equal groups, according to the proposed injection volume of study medication LA; 2% xylocaine with epinephrine 1: 200,000 concentrations per nerve. Group I (received 5ml of study medication), group II (received 3 ml of study medication) and group III (received 1.5 ml of study medication). Results: Sixty patients were blindly randomized into 3 groups, four patients did not complete the study and 56 patients were included in the analysis. The mean sensory and motor block duration respectively were 278.8 & 208.6±35.4 minutes in group I, 221&168.6±23.5 minutes in group II and 165.4&138.8±18 minutes in group III respectively with highly statistical significance between group III and both groups I and II. Statistical analysis did not show any significantly difference regarding sensory and motor onset block duration between and among the three groups. No adverse effects were reported during and after the block in all groups. Conclusion: The current study showed highly statistically significance as regarding the total sensory & motor block durations when used volumes 5ml and 3ml VS 1.5ml per nerve of LA; 2% xylocaine with epinephrine 1: 200,000 in ABPB. Also, the present study showed that there was a higher success rate without statistical difference regarding the sensory and motor onset time in these different volumes of local anesthetics together without reported adverse effects when combination of ultrasound-guided and nerve stimulator used in axillary brachial plexus nerve block.
Wireless Sensor Networks for Continuous Structural Health Monitoring of Historic Masonry Towers

ABSTRACT The recent developments of micro-electro-mechanical systems and wireless sensor networks allow today the use of low-cost and small-size sensors for continuous monitoring of civil structures. Both these features are very important for the low impact of the sensor grid in heritage structures, ensuring a low-cost and sustainable dynamic monitoring system. Over the last 20 years the use of sensor networks for continuous monitoring has received a growing interest. Anyway, still numerous questions remain opened about the sensitivity of measurement devices, the optimization of number and positioning of sensors, the energy efficiency of the network, and the development of algorithms for real-time data analysis. This paper, based on the aforementioned motivations, discusses about a monitoring system made of micro-electro-mechanical sensors connected through a wireless network. The architecture of the wireless sensor network and the automatized procedure proposed for the continuous processing of the recorded signals are discussed and described with reference to an explicative masonry tower case study. It is believed that the proposed technologies can provide an economical and relatively non-invasive tool for real-time structural monitoring and that, moreover, the availability of large amounts of data from actual measurements can give effective information on the structural behaviour of historic constructions.
Depression in Women Treated Releasing Hormone Agonist with a Gonadotropin

Gonadotropin-releasing-hormone (GnRH) is a hypothalamic hormone that controls the formation and release of gonadotropins from the pituitary gland (Matsuo et al 1971). GnRH and its synthetic analogues, when given continuously, were shown to induce a reversible state of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (Belchetz et al 1978). GnRH agonists (GnRH-a) have a wide variety of clinical applications for estrogenand testosteronedependent diseases or conditions, which benefit from the hypogonadotropic hypogonadism state induced by the agonists-e.g., in the treatment of endometriosis and polycystic ovary disease (Freude et al 1988; Shaw 1992) and in the treatment protocol of in vitro fertilization (IVF) (Dor et al 1990). Clinical studies reported depression-like side effects of GnRH-a treatment, including hot flushes, transient headaches, decrease in libido, mild insomnia, chronic fatigue, and depressed mood (Henzl 1988; Erickson and Ory 1989). These were generally attributed a priori to the hypoestrogenism temporarily induced by the GnRH-a. Upon reviewing the literature, no studies were found evaluat-
Patients' Perceptions of Patient Education as Enablement

The efficacy of nursing interventions such as patient education from the recipient's or participant's viewpoint has been studied infrequently. This qualitative study examines perceptions of participants in childbirth classes, represented by Lamaze classes. Semi-structured interviews are conducted at three points during the pregnancy/birth/recovery process. The seven participants were asked questions intended to elicit responses to the following research questions: 1) what are the reasons given for selecting and attending Lamaze classes when interviewed prior to attending; 2) what are the reasons given for selecting and attending Lamaze classes when interviewed after attending one or two classes; 3) what are the patient's perceived role(s) and task(s) during the birth process; 4) how does the perception of role(s) and task(s) change over time; and 5) does the patient perceive Lamaze classes as an enabling or non-enabling factor in fulfilling their perceived role(s) or task(s) during the birth process. The study data was the audio­ taped interviews. Analysis of data was completed using both the computer software, Martin, and manual methods. Themes noted in response to the first two research questions included information and preparation, control, husband, rite of passage, anxiety/relaxation and socialization. All participants assigned themselves the task of maintaining control, and most believed they needed to assist their husband during the birth process. The self­ assigned tasks did not change over time. Three of the participants definitely believed that the classes had assisted them in achieving their goals, one was ambivalent, and R eproduced with perm ission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without perm ission. three were equally sure that the classes had not met their needs. The results of the study were compared to the theoretical concepts of enablement, mastery and role supplementation. Implications for nursing practice and education were offered, and further research areas identified. R eproduced with perm ission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without perm ission. A C K N O W L E D G E M E N T S I wish to thank my Committee Chair, Dr. Madeleine T. Martin, as well as the other members of the Committee, Dr. Carole A. Kenner, Dr. Margaret M. Lockwood and Dr. Patricia O'Reilly for their guidance and strong support throughout this project. Their willingness to share time and expertise with me even over long distance will never be forgotten. I also wish to thank the many friends and colleagues in Winnipeg and Cincinnati who offered their time and ideas, and many times listened to my concerns and joys. A special thank you is for the participants who generously welcomed me into their lives, and for the organizations who allowed me access to them. Finally, a huge thank you to my husband, who kept telling me I could do it, and who even moved across the continent so that I could complete this degree. R eproduced with perm ission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without perm ission.
The mitochondrial genome of a social wasp, Vespa simillima simillima (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

Abstract We analyzed the complete mitochondrial genome of a social wasp, Vespa simillima simillima from South Korea prior to a systematic study on Korean Vespidae. The mitogenome is 16,740 bp in length, includes 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNAs, 2 rRNAs, and a 228 bp short A + T-rich region. The overall base composition is 82.0% AT and 18.0% GC. The maximum-likelihood analysis suggested that V. s. simillima is closely related to V. bicolor, another species of Vespidae.
Equatorial Magnetosonic Waves: Do Nonlinear Interactions Play a Role in Their Evolution?

The occurrence of nonlinear interactions between discrete wave frequencies has been shown to play a significant role in the propagation and evolution of some plasma wave modes. In this paper we take advantage of closely spaced Cluster measurements to investigate the possibility nonlinear interactions occurring between the discrete emissions that are observed in a region of Equatorial Magnetosonic Wave generation. Based on transfer function analysis, it is shown that the role of nonlinear interactions plays a negligible role in the wave evolution as the emissions propagate from one satellite to the other. A bicoherence analysis of the individual signals also fails to find the existence of nonlinear interactions in the evolution of equatorial magnetosonic waves.
A New Method for Determining Critical Irrigation Period for Large Regions Based on Precipitation-Meteorological Yield Integral Regression Relationship—A Case Study of Winter Wheat in Shaanxi Province, China

Using the extremely limited water for deficit irrigation is a notable measure to improve crop yield in water shortage regions. Hence, determining a reasonable irrigation period in large regions is crucial. In this study, a simple and applicable process to determine the irrigation period in a large area by using the precipitation-yield integral regression method of crop growth period was proposed, and the winter wheat planting regions with a serious water shortage in Shaanxi, China were referred to as an example. According to the regional topography, soil, precipitation, temperature, and evaporation, the study area was first divided into four subregions; then, the rainfall water surplus and deficit characteristics of the subregions during the growth period of winter wheat were analyzed, and the precipitation-yield integral regression function of the subregions was calculated. In accordance with the sensitivity of rainfall to crop yield in different periods, the reasonable irrigation period of winter wheat in each subregion was determined. The results are basically consistent with irrigation habits of local farmers, and can be used to guide the irrigation of local winter wheat. They also demonstrate that the method has the advantages of requiring fewer data and being simple and reliable, and can overcome the problem that the existing method is difficult to determine the optimal irrigation period in the large-scale region, due to the lack of test points and representativeness. The proposed method application value in determining the deficit irrigation period with small water amount, in a large region lacking research materials.
Neural networks to solve modern artificial intelligence tasks

Today the information technologies are increasing and improving by leaps and bounds becoming smarter and faster. And artificial intelligence is penetrating deeper and deeper in everyday life. So, artificial intelligence field is becoming more interesting for modern scientists and engineers. Artificial neural networks are used all over the world as one of the approaches that can provide with the high relevance level of resolving results of badly formalized or unformalized tasks. In this article a review of artificial neural networks development tools of different kinds is presented. Also there is a detailed description of all of them and the main features are emphasized. As a result, the table is presented that allows to make a quick compare of described tools and decide if any of them are suitable for a reader or not.
Polite exclusion: high-performing immigrant students experience of peer exclusion

ABSTRACT Integration problems are often explained in terms of segregation. Students with immigrant backgrounds are frequently associated with so-called ethnically segregated residential areas and stigmatized, low-performing, suburban schools. In contrast, this study investigates high-performing students attending a well-reputed school. While formally valued and included, they are subtly socially excluded by their peers. This exclusion is expressed in a subtle, almost intangible ways. It is, above all, polite, and expressed in tiny, everyday interactions. The fact that this exclusion is polite and intangible makes it hard to resist. There is little concrete action to object to, the risks of social stigma are too high, and the possibility of change too low. Thus the exclusion can continue unchallenged. The results show that formal, structural inclusion does not automatically lead to everyday, social inclusion. The research method consisted of participant observation, including audio recordings of interviews with students, their teachers and school leaders.
Risk Factors for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Introduction: We assessed the association between smoking and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and estimated the magnitude of the association with meta-analysis. Methods: The PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and SciVerse databases were searched through December 2012. Thirteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. Results: Cross-sectional studies reported an association between current smoking and CTS (pooled odds ratio (OR)5 1.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.38–2.60, I-squared5 0%). Meta-analyses of case–control studies did not, however, show an association between smoking and CTS (pooled OR5 1.04, 95% CI 0.95–1.12, I-squared5 0.0%) or surgery due to CTS (pooled OR50.99, 95% CI 0.82–1.15, Isquared50%). Moreover, smoking was not associated with CTS in the meta-analysis of cohort studies (pooled OR50.97, 95% CI 0.45–1.50, I-squared5 0%). Conclusions: We found an association between smoking and CTS in cross-sectional studies. This association should be further explored in appropriately designed case–control and cohort studies. Muscle Nerve 000:000–000, 2013 Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy in the upper extremity. Its prevalence in the general population ranges between 1% and 5%. The etiology of CTS is multifactorial, involving both occupational and non-occupational risk factors. The findings of the role of smoking in CTS are inconsistent. Some studies have shown an association between smoking and increased occurrence of CTS, while others have reported no association or even a lower risk of CTS in smokers compared with non-smokers. However, few studies have been designed specifically to assess the association between smoking and CTS. So far, the role of smoking in CTS has not been addressed with a systematic review and metaanalysis. Our aim was to carry out a systematic review to assess the association between smoking and CTS and to estimate the magnitude of the association with a meta-analysis.
The speech auditory brainstem response as an objective outcome measure

Evaluation of patients who are unable to provide behavioral responses on standard clinical measures is challenging due to the lack of standard objective (non-behavioral) clinical audiological measures that assess the outcome of an intervention (e.g., hearing aids). Brainstem responses to short consonant-vowel stimuli (speech-auditory brainstem responses [speech-ABRs]) have been proposed as a measure of subcortical encoding of speech, speech detection, and speech-in-noise performance in individuals with normal hearing. Here, we investigated the potential application of speech-ABRs as an objective clinical outcome measure of speech detection, speech-in-noise detection and recognition, and self-reported speech understanding in 98 adults with sensorineural hearing loss. We compared aided and unaided speech-ABRs, and speech-ABRs in quiet and in noise. In addition, we evaluated whether speech-ABR F0 encoding (obtained from the complex cross-correlation with the 40 ms [da] fundamental waveform) predicted aided behavioral speech recognition in noise or aided self-reported speech understanding. Results showed that (a) aided speech-ABRs had earlier peak latencies, larger peak amplitudes, and larger F0 encoding amplitudes compared to unaided speech-ABRs; (b) the addition of background noise resulted in later F0 encoding latencies but did not have an effect on peak latencies and amplitudes or on F0 encoding amplitudes; and (c) speech-ABRs were not a significant predictor of any of the behavioral or self-report measures. These results show that speech-ABR F0 encoding is not a good predictor of speech-in-noise recognition or self-reported speech understanding with hearing aids. However, our results suggest that speech-ABRs may have potential for clinical application as an objective measure of speech detection with hearing aids.