Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Double Hit Theory for the Development of Vascular Parkinsonism

Introduction: Identify the non-decoded network in Vascular Parkinsonism (VasP). Objective: To determine what pattern of stroke lesions is responsible for VasP, as compared to those patients who had stroke, gait and balance problems, but absence of a hypokinetic rigid syndrome also called Vascular Pseudo Parkinsonism-V PSeuP. Materials and Methods: Design: prospective cohort study. Participants were consecutively screened for parkinsonian symptoms during a year as according to our previous study. Validated questionnaire (Tanner Questionnaire-TQ) was used, and a new scale operationalizing the criteria for VasP (FMAS score). All participants in the original study had a clinical exam to identify if presence of a hypokinetic rigid syndrome. Lesion patterns were analyzed. Setting: tertiary care stroke prevention clinic at the University of Alberta Hospital. Participants: Eligible participants attained a score of ≥ 4 on the TQ, high risk for parkinsonism. Four groups were considered: V PseuP, VasP (onset of parkinsonism within a year of the stroke -FMAS score of 4), Pseudo Vascular Parkinsonism-PseuVP (hypokinetic rigid syndrome not related to stroke), and Pseudo Vascular Pseudo Parkinsonism-PseuV PseuP (no stroke and no extrapyramidal syndrome), but with gait and balance problems. Baseline demographic information and clinical characteristics were recorded including vascular risk factors, and stroke subtype. All participants had a Holter, CT head and/or brain MRI, and CTA. Medications that produce drug-induced-parkinsonism were recorded for every participant. The primary outcome was to find the pattern of anatomical lesions particularly involved in the VasP subgroup considering the Basal Ganglia Motor Output Circuit-BGMO, the Thalamo Cortical Drive Loop-TCD and connections to frontal cortex. Results: 240 consecutive participants were screened during 12 months. We found 46 patients with potential Parkinsonism (TQ>4). VPseuP was found in 25/46 (54%), VasP in 8/46 (17%), PseuVP in 7/46 (15%), and PseuV PseuP in 6/46 (14%). VasP were older (p<0.0007) and had a higher risk for cardio embolism due to atrial fibrillation (p=0.02, odd ratio 6.6 CI 95% (1.2 – 35.2)). Neuro images showed that only the pattern involving the BGMO and frontal cortex was significantly associated to the group of VasP (X2 Fisher exact test p<0.0005 Odds ratio 32 CI 95% (9.6-108)); whereas the pattern TCD was not significantly different between the groups (X2 Fisher exact test p=0.828 Odds ratio 1.2 CI 95% (0.5-2.8)). Discussion and Conclusion: A two strategic location hit within the BGMO circuit and frontal cortex is required, so a phenotype of VasP may occur.
Initial single centre experience with Barrel VRD stent in large neck aneurisms

Introduction. Despite the use of new techniques, such as Y-stenting, the waffle-cone technique and intrasaccular flow disrupters the treatment of wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms is still challenging, especially for those where adjacent branches are arising at the neck level. Moreover, the use of flow diverter stents in bifurcation aneurysms has been proposed by several teams, although the results remain controversial.This study is reflecting initial experience in our department with a relatively new device available on the market: Barrel VRD stent. The unique design feature of the device is the “belly-like” central part of the stent which protects the adjacent branches.Methods. We retrospectively reviewed all patients in whom stenting with braided or laser-cut stents had been performed in our center. Three patients were identified and analyzed. Technical success, complications, immediate angiographic outcomes, procedural data, are reported here.Results. One MCA bifurcation and two basilar tip large neck aneurysms with one branch arising from the neck level have been identified. Technical success was achieved in all procedures. Overall procedure-related morbidity and mortality was 0%. In the immediate post-treatment angiography, adequate occlusion (neck remnant or total occlusion) was observed in all patients. Short- and mild-term follow-up angiography showed adequate occlusion of the aneurysms.Conclusions. In this small case series, retrospective single-center analysis we showed that Barrel VRD - stent assisted coiling is a safe and feasible technique. Moreover, it offers an elegant and effective endovascular solution for large neck basilar tip aneurysms on which the neurosurgical clipping remains challenging.
Infant Neuromotor Development and Neuropsychiatric Problems Modern Epidemiological approaches

markdownabstract__Background:__ This thesis focuses on the role of infant neuromotor development in relation to neuropsychiatric problems. I performed genetic studies to further our understanding of the association between neuromotor development in infancy and behavioral problems in childhood. Methods: Studies described in this thesis were performed in Generation R, a large prospective population-based cohort in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. In a large ample of children at age 9-20 weeks, 15 research assistants assessed neuromotor development (tone, responses, senses and other observations) using Touwen instrument. Parents reported on their behavior during childhood and cognitive abilities were observed at age 6 years. __Objectives:__ The aims of this thesis were 1) to study the associations between neuromotor development during infancy and childhood behavior and cognitive functioning, 2) to examine the extend to which genetic susceptibility for psychiatric disorders influences neuromotor development 3) to understand the role of infant neuromotor development in the association of genetic susceptibility for psychiatric disorders with behavioral outcomes during childhood. __Results:__ I showed that infant neuromotor development is associated with shifting and cold, but not hot executive functioning, as well as with autistic symptoms. I further found that infant neuromotor development (low muscle tone and senses) predicts internalizing, but not externalizing symptoms during childhood. Problems in shifting partly mediated association between low muscle tone and later internalizing symptoms. Furthermore, a higher genetic risk for schizophrenia and a lower genetic risk for bipolar disorder was associated with non-optimal overall neuromotor development during infancy. I also found that the genetic risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) predicts non-optimal neuromotor development and in particular low muscle tone, while the genetic risk for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) predicts non-optimal senses and other observations in boys. Infant neuromotor development mediates the association of genetic risk for ASD and ADHD with autistic symptoms. In particular, low muscle tone mediates the association of genetic risk for ASD with autistic symptoms, while senses and other observations mediate association of genetic risk for ASD and ADHD with autistic symptoms. __Conclusion:__ Early identification of non-optimal neuromotor development in infants with a high genetic risk, followed by early intervention, could potentially reduce autistic symptoms in children.
Autonoumous Nervous System biosignal processing via EDA and HRV from a wearable device

The assessment of changes in the autonomous nervous system (ANS) with certain diseases and pathologies conditions, has been demonstrated to have important prognostic and diagnostic value, so delineating the role of autonomous activity is important to prevent health diseases. There are many approaches to directly measure the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system, although, most of them are invasive and unable to provide continuous monitoring, leading to inaccurate assessment of the autonomous nervous system. Heart rate variability (HRV) and Electrodermal activity (EDA) are presented has noninvasive methods to assess the ANS, by computing the spectral analysis of both HRV and EDA biosignals. The combination of these signals is necessary to correctly measure the activity of the sympathetic and parasympathetic system, due to the fact that frequency analysis of HRV only provides the level of unbalance between these two systems, while EDA reflects only activity from the sympathetic system. ANS biosignal processing via HRV and EDA from a wearable device was studied in this thesis, in order to provide continuous monitoring. A wearable device is the ideal solution, as HRV can be calculated with photoplethysmography signals from the wrist and EDA from the fingers, providing wireless and continuous monitoring of the subjects. The extraction of the HRV and EDA features, that describe the activity of the sympathetic and parasympathetic system, were obtained by submitting the subjects to a mental arithmetic stress test, and then compared to the baseline values, in order to verify changes in the autonomous nervous system between the two situations. The distinct response to stress for the subjects was then predicted using machine-learning classification mechanisms, with the ability to predict how the subject will respond when submitted to a situation of stress, using only time-domain features, instead of frequency-domain features, which reduces the time needed to perform the classification.
Connections between classroom theory & real world practice: Exploring the perspectives of undergraduate students at a Nigerian faculty of pharmacy

Background: Experiential learning attachments are avenues for students to apply classroom learning to real world situations. Therefore, understanding the impressions students develop about classroom theory after these attachments is important. Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of selected fifth year undergraduate bachelor of pharmacy students at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria on the relationship between classroom theory and real world practice. Methods: Two focus group discussions (FGDs) were held and audiotaped in March 2017, with thirteen purposefully sampled students. Data collected were then transcribed and analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results: The students reported that there were notable differences between classroom theory and actual practice. Reasons for these sentiments were covered under two main categories: constraints within the practice environment, and problems with knowledge obtained from the classroom. Conclusions: Redesigning the curriculum to improve the relevance of classroom content, and greater involvement of Nigerian universities in experiential learning placements may help to better integrate classroom theory and real world practice within the country.
EXPLORING THE SENSORIMOTOR NETWORK USING FUNCTIONAL CONNECTIVITY AND GRAPH THEORY

vii LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS USED . viii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . xi CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION . 1 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW . 4 2.1 AN OVERVIEW OF NEURONAL COMMUNICATION . 4 2.2 SYNCHRONOUS NEURAL FIRING . 5 2.2.1 The Beta Rhythm is Related to Movement – Motor Unit Synchrony . 8 2.2.2 Central – Peripheral Neural Synchrony . 9 2.2.3 Cortico – Cortical Synchrony . 10 2.2.4 Determining Cortico – Cortical Synchrony with Neuroimaging . 11 2.3 WHAT IS A NEURAL NETWORK? 13 2.4 THE BRAIN IS A NETWORK . 14 2.5 WHAT IS STRUCTURAL CONNECTIVITY . 15 2.6 WHAT IS FUNCTIONAL CONNECTIVITY . 16 2.6. 1 Functional Connectivity using PET . 16 2.6. 2 Functional Connectivity using fMRI . 18 2.6. 3 Examining Functional Connectivity at Rest: the Default Mode Network . 19 2.6. 4 State-Related Functional Connectivity . 20 2.7 FUNCTIONAL CONNECTIVITY WITH MEG . 21 2.7. 1 Neural Basis of MEG . 21 2.7. 2 MEG Technology . 22 2.7. 3 Comparing MEG to other Modalities . 24 2.8 WHAT IS GRAPH THEORY? 25 2.8. 1 Complex Networks are Small World Networks . 26 2.8. 2 What are Specific Network Measures? 27 2.8. 3 Converting Neuroimaging Data into a Graph . 29 2.8. 4 Applying Graph Theory to Neuroimaging Data . 29 2.8. 5 Graph Theory Applied to Human FC Data . 30 2.8. 6 Graph Theory and Clinical Populations . 30 2.9 IMAGING THE MOTOR NETWORK – EARLY RESEARCH INTO FUNCTIONAL LOCALIZATION . 32
Effect of self-awareness on goal engagement and outcomes after acquired brain injury

Introduction A client’s level of self-awareness may change after acquired brain injury, including impaired self-awareness or hyper-awareness of impairments. As a result of these impairments, engagement in occupational therapy may be more challenging, especially the setting of client-centred goals. Understanding how engagement in goal setting differs according to level of self-awareness is therefore necessary. The aim of this study was to examine differences between: (a) the client-centredness of goal setting; (b) verbal participation in goal setting discussions and (c) the goal outcomes across clients with acquired brain injury who had different levels of self-awareness. Method A prospective cohort study design was used. Participants were 35 adults with acquired brain injury attending outpatient rehabilitation. Goal setting discussions were audio-recorded and measures of self-awareness and client-centredness completed immediately afterwards, and goal-outcome data collected 12 weeks later. Results Participants were classified into three self-awareness groups: hyper-awareness (n=9), accurate self-awareness (n=17) and impaired self-awareness (n=9). All groups demonstrated high levels of client-centredness of goals and achieved clinically significant goal outcomes. Conclusion Clients with impaired self-awareness, hyper-awareness and accurate awareness can be successfully engaged in rehabilitation goal setting to develop and achieve client-centred goals.
Complexity of Megaprojects

There is nothing that illustrates complexity as completely as megaprojects. These are almost synonyms for a construct that is not precise. Project complexity is just one of several concepts, but in the world of construction of paramount importance. It can be demonstrated that a distinction among four different types of complexity helps to understand megaprojects best. One is the overall project complexity, the other three are task, social and cultural complexity. Normally, literature (Gidado, 1996) has only been concerned about task complexity. If the others are not addressed as well, a megaproject is set for failure. Contractors in megaprojects reply to overall and to task complexity by breaking it down to functional departments, to social complexity by trust and commitment, and to cultural complexity by sensemaking processes.
Using Local Data to Explore the Experiences and Needs of Children of Incarcerated Parents

The Urban Institute partnered with local research organizations in three sites to learn more about children of incarcerated parents through the merging and analysis of local and state level criminal justice and human services data. The purpose of the project was to better understand the experiences and needs of children of incarcerated parents in each locality and to explore the involvement of affected families with the criminal justice, child welfare, and social welfare systems. This report presents findings from the sites and lessons learned regarding the merging and analysis of administrative data on this population.
Dietetic practice in refeeding syndrome.

BACKGROUND The physiology and consequences of refeeding syndrome have long been recognised, although its management continues to be debated, despite the recommendations made by The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) in their guideline 'Nutrition Support in Adults' (2006). The present study aims to assess current dietetic opinion and practice in this area, as well as whether the NICE recommendations have been adopted. METHODS An anonymous, self-completed Internet survey was designed investigating current practice and opinions on the NICE (2006) guidance on this subject. A link to the questionnaire was distributed with a covering letter via e-mail to the heads of department of National Health Service Trusts in the London region, UK, requesting that it be disseminated to all dietitians working with adults. After the closing date, all responses were collated and analysed. RESULTS The survey elicited a 30.8% response rate. Some 89.8% of respondents have read the NICE guidance on Nutrition Support in Adults (2006) and 66.9% have changed their practice regarding refeeding syndrome management as a result. Sixty-two percent do not wait for biochemistry to normalise before commencing nutrition. Ninety-two percent of respondents completed the mini case studies indicating that current practice is inconsistent among dietitians. Neither NICE criteria for recognising patients at risk of refeeding, nor the recommended starting rates are universally followed. Seventy-five percent continue to supplement electrolytes reactively. CONCLUSIONS Although limited by a small sample size, the findings of the present study suggest that dietetic practice regarding refeeding syndrome management remains inconsistent with the recommendations made by NICE, although some aspects have been adopted.
Flat refractive geometry

While the study of geometry has mainly concentrated on single-viewpoint (SVP) cameras, there is growing attention to more general non-SVP systems. Here we study an important class of systems that inherently have a non-SVP: a perspective camera imaging through an interface into a medium. Such systems are ubiquitous: they are common when looking into water-based environments. The paper analyzes the common flat-interface class of systems. It characterizes the locus of the viewpoints (caustic) of this class, and proves that the SVP model is invalid in it. This may explain geometrical errors encountered in prior studies. Our physics-based model is parameterized by the distance of the lens from the medium interface, beside the focal length. The physical parameters are calibrated by a simple approach that can be based on a single-frame. This directly determines the system geometry. The calibration is then used to compensate for modeled system distortion. Based on this model, geometrical measurements of objects are significantly more accurate, than if based on an SVP model. This is demonstrated in real-world experiments.
Mathematical Structures for Computer Graphics

Description: A comprehensive exploration of the mathematics behind the modeling and rendering of computer graphics scenes Mathematical Structures for Computer Graphics presents an accessible and intuitive approach to the mathematical ideas and techniques necessary for two– and three–dimensional computer graphics. Focusing on the significant mathematical ideas, the book establishes key algorithms used to build complex graphics scenes. Written for readers with various levels of mathematical background, the book develops a solid foundation for graphics techniques and fills in relevant graphics details often overlooked in the literature. Rather than use a rigid theorem/proof approach, the book provides a flexible discussion that moves from vector geometry through transformations, curve modeling, visibility, and lighting models. Mathematical Structures for Computer Graphics also includes:-Numerous examples of two– and three–dimensional techniques along with numerical calculations-Plenty of mathematical and programming exercises in each chapter, which are designed particularly for graphics tasks-Additional details at the end of each chapter covering historical notes, further calculations, and connected concepts for readers who wish to delve deeper-Unique coverage of topics such as calculations with homogeneous coordinates, computational geometry for polygons, use of barycentric coordinates, various descriptions for curves, and L–system techniques for recursive images Mathematical Structures for Computer Graphics is an excellent textbook for undergraduate courses in computer science, mathematics, and engineering, as well as an ideal reference for practicing engineers, researchers, and professionals in computer graphics fields. The book is also useful for those readers who wish to understand algorithms for producing their own interesting computer images.
The Study of Visual Cueing Effects on Attentional Guidance and Individual's Response Prediction to Proposed Questions with Using Their Eye Movement Analysis

In this study we examine whether it is possible or not to raise learning quality in less time with guiding eyes to target points ? And also whether adding visual cues have effects on prediction correctness of individual's responses to visual-auditory presented questions from analyzing their eye movements. We used electrooculographic signals from nine subjects to analyze individual's eye movements facing with visual- auditory stimuli. The stimuli include one spatial visualization test. The data were collected in an experimental procedure wherein subjects were trained how to solve the incoming problems and answering to the related questions. There were sixteen questions from the same category. A novel algorithm based on signal processing techniques was used to analyze EOG signals. After preprocessing using a band pass filter, 31 features were extracted from horizontal and vertical channel of EOG signals. Then 15 best features were selected using mRMR. Finally the selected features used for classification using SVM classifier. We used leave-one-person-out technique for classification to achieve more accurate results. Results from the experiment show a reduction in classification performance in with visual cues stage with respect to without visual cues stage also a reduction in
Qualitative and Quantitative Measurement of Human Brain Activity Using Pixel Subtraction Algorithm

Purpose: To develop an automated quantification program, which is called FALBA (Functional & Anatomical Labeling of Brain Activation), and to provide information on the brain centers, brain activity (%) and hemispheric lateralization index on the basis of a brain activation map obtained from functional MR imaging. Materials and Methods: The 3-dimensional activation MR images were processed by a statistical parametric mapping program (SPM99, The Wellcome Department of Cognitive Neurology, University College London, UK) and MRIcro software (www.mricro.com). The 3-dimensional images were first converted into 2-dimensional sectional images, and then overlapped with the corresponding T1-weighted images. Then, the image dataset was extended to -59 mm to 83 mm with a 2 mm slice-gap, giving 73 axial images. By using a pixel subtraction method, the differences in the R, G, B values between the T1-weighted images and the activation images were extracted, in order to produce black & white (B/W) differentiation images, in which each pixel is represented by 24-bit R, G, B true colors. Subsequently, another pixel differentiation method was applied to two template images, namely one functional and one anatomical index image, in order to generate functional and anatomical differentiation images containing regional brain activation information based on the Brodmann's and anatomical areas, respectively. In addition, the regional brain lateralization indices were automatically determined, in order to evaluate the hemispheric predominance, with the positive (+) and negative (-) indices showing left and right predominance, respectively. Results: The manual counting method currently used is time consuming and has limited accuracy and reliability in the case of the activated cerebrocortical regions. The FALBA program we developed was 240 times faster than the manual counting method: -10 hours for manual accounting and -2.5 minutes for the FALBA program using a Pentium IV processor. Compared with the FALBA program, the manual quantification method showed an average error of 0.3340. 007 (%). Thus, the manual counting method gave less accurate quantitative information on brain activation than the FALBA program. Conclusion: The FALBA program is capable of providing accurate quantitative results, including the identification of the brain activation region and lateralization index with respect to the functional and anatomical areas. Also, the processing time was dramatically shortened in comparison with the manual counting method.