Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Intraepidermal nerve fiber density in rat foot pad: neuropathologic–neurophysiologic correlation

Abstract Quantification of cutaneous innervation in rat footpad is a useful tool to investigate sensory small‐diameter nerve fibers, which are affected early in peripheral neuropathies. The aim of this work was to provide normative reference data on the density of intraepidermal nerve fibers (IENFs) and Langerhans cells in the hindpaw footpad of Sprague–Dawley and Wistar rats. We also evaluated the sensibility of IENF density by comparing neuropathologic findings with neurophysiologic examination and the presence of peripheral neuropathy in two well‐characterized animal models of neuropathy. IENF density was quantified in 22 Sprague–Dawley rats and 13 Wistar rats and compared with 19 age‐matched Sprague–Dawley rats with streptozotocin‐induced diabetic neuropathy and 30 age‐matched Wistar rats with cisplatin‐ or paclitaxel‐induced neuropathy. Antidromic tail sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV) was assessed in all animals. IENF and Langerhans cell densities were constant in healthy Sprague–Dawley rats at any age, and they were similar to those observed in healthy Wistar rats. In neuropathic rats, both SNCV and IENF density were significantly reduced with respect to controls. Quantification of IENF density was significantly correlated with changes in conduction velocity. Diabetic neuropathy rats alone showed a significantly higher density of Langerhans cells compared with controls. Our study demonstrated that IENF density quantification correlates with SNCV changes and suggests that this might represent a useful outcome measurement in experimental neuropathies.
Collision avoidance in multi-agent formation keeping cooperative control systems

This paper proposes a collision avoidance method for multi-agent formation keeping cooperative control systems. Each agent is assumed to evolve in discrete time, based on locally computed control laws, which depend on the local information gathered from the cooperating neighboring agents. The collision avoidance problem in multi-agent formation keeping cooperative control is formulated in a distributed model predictive control framework with an added safety guarantee condition. Furthermore, the relations between communication among agents and system performance is also shown in this paper. Finally, a simulation example is given to illustrate the method proposed in this paper.
Estimating dopamine D(2) receptor occupancy for doses of 8 antipsychotics: a meta-analysis: a reply.

Rationale: Dose equivalents based on dopamine D2 receptor occupancy can be used to compare antipsychotics on D2 receptor-mediated (adverse) effects such as extrapyramidal symptoms and altered emotional experiences. Previous meta-analyses modeling the dose-occupancy relationship hardly addressed potential heterogeneity of the imaging data. Objectives: To model the relationship between dose and D2 receptor occupancy for a series of frequently prescribed antipsychotics while addressing the potential heterogeneity of the imaging data. Methods: We conducted a meta-analysis on published D2 receptor occupancy data (positron emission tomography and single-photon emission computed tomography) in patients with schizophrenia treated with antipsychotics. A nonlinear mixed effects model estimated the median D2 receptor occupancy for a given antipsychotic dose. Heterogeneity between studies was investigated by incorporating study as a random effect in the model, in addition to patient- and study-specific explanatory variables. Results: Included were 51 studies, describing 606 patients (mean T SD age, 32.2 T10.8 years; 25.7% female). The models described the doseoccupancy relationship with narrow confidence bands around the therapeutic dose range. Maximum occupancy (95% confidence interval [CI]) was estimated for haloperidol (91.9%; 95% CI, 86.1Y97.8), risperidone (92.4%; 95% CI, 81.8Y100), olanzapine (96.5%; 95% CI, 85.8Y100), clozapine (61.7%; 95% CI, 49.2Y74.2), quetiapine (49.1%; 95% CI, 18.7Y79.6), aripiprazole (86.9%; 95% CI, 78.2Y95.7), ziprasidone (82.9%; 95% CI, 44.9Y100), and amisulpride (85.0%; 95% CI, 68.5Y100). Interindividual differences explained most of the variability in occupancy values, besides significant heterogeneity between studies. Conclusions: Dose-occupancy functions estimated the median level of dopamine D2 receptor occupancy for 8 frequently prescribed antipsychotics in patients with schizophrenia. These dose equivalents can be
Research on Migration Strategy of Mobile Agent in Wireless Sensor Networks

Big data and distributed computing are of great importance in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). They are always bonded together, and the latter one upholds the former one. In distributed computing, mobile agent model is the mainstream technology. With autonomy, communicativeness, mobility, and role, mobile agent model is more suitable for large-scale, resources-restrained WSN to deal with big data. This paper mainly studies migration schemes for mobile agents, determines core factors of migration strategy, and proposes SMLA and DMLA algorithms. And aiming at revealing the characteristics of target tracking, this paper puts forward pid-DMLA algorithm; and considering multiple agents' cooperation, it presents Mpid-DMLA algorithm. Moreover, this paper evaluates and analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of the above-mentioned four algorithms by simulations.
Substitutive Hospital at Home for older persons: effects on costs.

OBJECTIVE To compare the cost of substitutive Hospital at Home care versus traditional inpatient care for older patients with community-acquired pneumonia, exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, exacerbation of congestive heart failure, or cellulitis. STUDY DESIGN Prospective nonrandomized clinical trial involving 455 community-dwelling older patients in 3 Medicare managed care health systems and at a Department of Veterans Affairs medical center. METHODS Costs were analyzed across all patients, within each of the separate health systems, and by condition. Generalized linear models controlling for confounders and using a log link and gamma family specification were used to make inferences about the statistical significance of cost differences. t Tests were used to make inferences regarding differences in follow-up utilization. RESULTS The costs of the Hospital at Home intervention were significantly lower than those of usual acute hospital care (mean [SD], $5081 [$4427] vs $7480 [$8113]; P <.001). Laboratory and procedure expenditures were lower across all study sites and at each site individually. There were minimal significant differences in health service utilization between the study groups during the 8 weeks after the index hospitalization. As-treated analysis results were consistent with Hospital at Home costs being lower. CONCLUSIONS Total costs seem to be lower when substitutive Hospital at Home care is available for patients with congestive heart failure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This result may be related to the study-based requirement for continuous nursing input. Savings may be possible, particularly for care of conditions that typically use substantial laboratory tests and procedures in traditional acute settings.
Enhanced K-Means++ Clustering For Big Data with Mapreduce

Clustering big data using data mining algorithms is a modern approach, used in various science and medical fields. k-means clustering algorithm is a good approach for clustering, but choosing initial centers and provides less accuracy guarantees. The enhanced k-means approach called 𝑘-means++ chooses one center uniformly at random provides better functionality, but fails to handle data of larger volume in distributed environment. The mapreduce 𝑘-means++ method handles k-means++ algorithm by enhancing it in mapper and reducer phases, also reduces the no of iterations required to obtain 𝑘 centers. in which the 𝑘-means++ initialization algorithm is executed in the mapper phase and the weighted 𝑘-means++ initialization algorithm is run in the reducer phase. it reduces huge amount of communication and i/o costs. the proposed mapreduce 𝑘-means++ method obtains (𝛼2) approximation to the optimal solution of 𝑘-means.
Compact high-rejection wideband bandpass filter using asymmetrical resonators

In this paper, a compact wideband bandpass filter using asymmetrical resonators is proposed. A lossless transmission-line model calculation is used to determine the resonant responses of the asymmetrical resonator, which consists of a uniform resonator tapped by an open stub. By adjusting the stub length and the tapping position, one can control the resonant frequencies for wideband bandpass filter design purpose. With the two inherent transmission zeros at both sides of passband, a sharp rejection response is achieved to improve the stopband performance. For the proposed wideband bandpass filter, from 2 GHz to 4.8 GHz (90%), the measured return loss is greater than 11 dB, and the measured insertion loss is less than 2 dB. The maximum group delay variation is 0.7 ns. Furthermore, there are two transmission zeros at 1.8 and 5.15 GHz for a sharp cutoff response. The effective area measures only 0. 34λg ×0. 08λg at center frequency.
Environmental performance indicators of Tunisian companies: Analysis via the decision tree

The article at hand is an attempt to identify the various indicators that are more likely to explain the environmental performance of Tunisian companies. In this respective, the emphasis is put on diversification, innovation, intrapersonal and interpersonal skills. Indeed, they are the appropriate strategies that can designate emotional intelligence, the level of indebtedness, the firm age and size as the proper variables that support the target variable. The "decision tree", as a new data analysis method, is utilized to analyze our work. The results involve the construction of a crucial model which is used to achieve a sound environmental performance.
A Region-Based Approach for Investigating the Origin of Bioelectromagnetic Activities in MEG Source Space

In the present study, we develop a region-based approach, which integrates a novel bioelectromagnetic source inverse technique, together with the use of connectivity analysis method, i.e., directed transfer function (DTF), in investigating the origin of activities in MEG source space. The results confirm that the proposed approach is a promising noninvasive tool for the bioelectric field analysis and biomedical applications. In particular, since the regions are defined according to criteria of functional requirements for biomedical applications, the result obtained by the proposed method is easier to understand and interpret, and moreover, the result also facilitates inter-subject comparisons of the source connectivity analysis.
Stuttering and language ability in children: questioning the connection.

PURPOSE This article explains why it is reasonable to question the view that stuttering and language ability in children are linked-the so-called "stuttering-language connection. " METHOD Studies that focused on syntactic, morphologic, and lexical development in children who stutter (CWS) are examined for evidence to support the following claims: (a) that CWS, as a group, are more likely to have disordered or weak language skills ("language deficits") than children who do not stutter (CWNS); (b) that language deficits play a causal role in the onset of stuttering; and (c) that stuttering, over time, restricts children's language development. RESULTS Analysis of the evidence suggests that CWS, like CWNS, show the full range of language abilities (high, average, low); that language deficits are not associated with stuttering onset or persistence; and that stuttering has little or no impact on language development. CONCLUSIONS A connection between stuttering and language ability was not supported. An alternative perspective is that CWS have a compromised motor control system that makes it difficult for them to move forward in speech and that the tie to language lies not in a deficient linguistic system but in difficulty expressing the intended meaning via a fully functional speech system.
FITSelect: An Invention to Select Microbial Strains Maximizing Product Formation from a Single Culture Without High-Throughput Screening

In metabolic engineering of prokaryotes, combinatorial approaches have developed recently that induce random genetic perturbations to achieve a desired cell phenotype. A screening strategy follows the randomized genetic manipulations to select strain(s) with the more optimal phenotype of interest. This screening strategy is often divided into two categories: (i) a growth competition assay and (ii) selection by highthroughput screening. The growth competition assay involves culturing strains together. The strain with the highest growth rate will ultimately dominate the culture. This strategy is ideal for selecting strain with cellular fitness (e.g., solvent tolerance), but it does not work for selecting a strain that can over-produce a product (e.g., an amino acid). For the case of selecting highly productive phenotypes, high-throughput screening is used. This method analyzes strains individually and is costly and time-consuming. In this research, a synthetic genetic circuit was developed to select highly productive phenotypes using a growth competition assay rather than high-throughput screening. This novel system is called Feed-back Inhibition of Transcription for Growth Selection (FITSelect), and it uses a natural feedback inhibition mechanism in the L-
Bis(2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine)cobalt(II) bis(tricyanomethanide)

The title complex, [Co(C15H11N3)2](C4N3)2, is built up from discrete [Co(terpy)2]2+ cations (terpy is 2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine) and [C(CN)3]− anions. In the cation, the CoII atom is coordinated by two terpy molecules, giving a distorted octahedral geometry. The tricyanomethanide anions are not directly coordinated to the CoII atom, but some weak C—H⋯N hydrogen bonds involving the terminal N atoms of the tricyaomethanide ions and the terpyridine H atoms link anions and cations building a three-dimensional network.
Enhance accuracy in pole identification of system by wavelet transform de-noising

Based on the multiscale character of wavelet transform, the method of wavelet transform de-noising (WTDN) is introduced to improve the signal-noise ratio (SNR) of sampled data and to enhance the accuracy of pole identification of system with N4SID (numerical algorithms for subspace state system identification) method. The WTDN method does not require extra limit of the frequency range for the processed signal, and does not need a prior estimate of impulse response for identified system. So it is especially suitable to de-noise the wide-band signal and the noisy impulse response of the blind system. The results of numerical simulation indicate that the WTDN method is reliable. The WTDN method is used to process the sampled data from actual preamplifier coupled to a gas detector. The experimental results show that the WTDN method improves effectively the SNR of sampled data, which can help to enhance the accuracy in pole identification of system with the N4SID method.
Synovial Fluid and Serum Levels of sE-Selectin, IL-1β and TNF-α in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

This work aims at determining the difference of pro- inflammatory cytokines, adhesion molecules in synovial fluid, serum of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis patients Synovial fluid and serum were obtained from rheumatoid arthritis (n = 21), osteoarthritis (n = 11) patients, serum of healthy individuals (n = 12). Interleukin- 1β, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, sE-selectin levels were measured by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Test. Compared to controls, S- sE-selectin was significantly elevated in rheumatoid arthritis while S- IL-1β, S-TNF-α were elevated in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis patients. S-sE-selectin, SF-IL-1β and SF-TNF-α were significantly elevated in rheumatoid arthritis versus osteoarthritis. In rheumatoid arthritis, SF-sE-selectin was significantly lower while SF- TNF-α was higher than serum in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. In rheumatoid arthritis, positive correlation between SF- E-selectin with serum - C-reactive Protein and S-sE-selectin; between S-sE-selectin with disease duration and S-TNF-α; between S-IL1-β with SF-IL1-β and disease activity while negative correlationbetween S-TNF-α with grip strength were found. A degree of vascular endothelial activation reflected by increased sE-selectin, is associated with disease activity, duration in rheumatoid arthritis. The positive association between IL-1β, disease activity and negative association between TNF-α, grip strength indicated that serial estimation of these cytokines may be used to monitor disease progression. Elevated TNF- α in synovial fluid than in serum of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis patients indicates its local formation in the synovium.
Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of Pycnocycla spinosa Extracts

Background: Pycnocycla spinosa (P. spinosa) a member of the Umbelliferae family is traditionally used for treatment of different ailments. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the total phenolic and flavonoid content of P. spinosa extracts (methanol, ethanol and aqueous) and their antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. Materials and Methods: The antimicrobial activity of different extracts of P. spinosa was evaluated using micro broth dilution. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were measured. Their antioxidant effect was evaluated using DPPH assay and β-carotene linoleic acid test. Results: P. spinosa ethanol extract with higher-level phenolic and flavonoid contents showed the highest antioxidant and antimicrobial effects, in comparison with the other extracts. Bacillus sp. and Streptococcus sp. showed higher sensitivity to P. spinosa ethanol extract. Conclusions: P. spinosa ethanol extract can be used as a mouthwash for treatment of the oral infections. More clinical and toxicological studies are required for providing its efficacy.
Interferon-Gamma Release in Sympathetically Denervated Rat Submaxillary Lymph Nodes

Objective: To examine the regulation of interferon (IFN)-γ release by cells derived from submaxillary lymph nodes of rats subjected to an acute or chronic superior cervical ganglionectomy (SCGx). Methods: A unilateral SCGx and a contralateral sham operation were performed. Twenty hours or 7 days later cells from submaxillary lymph nodes were incubated for 24 h without any additional treatment (experiment 1), after adding lipopolysaccharide or concanavalin A (experiment 2) or after adding norepinephrine (NE, 10–8M; experiment 3). IFN-γ concentration in the culture media was measured by ELISA. Results: Compared to controls, cells obtained from lymph nodes at a time of degeneration of sympathetic nerve terminals released more IFN-γ, whereas those derived from chronically SCGx lymph nodes released less IFN-γ. Stimulation of IFN-γ release by mitogens was detectable in the innervated or acutely denervated lymph nodes, but not in chronically denervated lymph nodes. When the effect of 10–8M NE on IFN-γ release was tested, the neurotransmitter augmented cytokine release in cells prepared from chronically denervated lymph nodes only. Conclusion: The microenvironment provided by local sympathetic nerves is essential to enable an appropriate IFN-γ release by submaxillary lymph node cells to occur.
Characterization of myeloid leukocytes and soluble mediators in pancreatic cancer: importance of myeloid-derived suppressor cells

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) represents one of the deadliest cancers in the world. PDAC cells activate tumor-specific immune responses but simultaneously trigger a strong immunosuppression. We showed that PDAC cells produce high amount of chronic inflammatory mediators and PDAC tumors build an immunosuppressive cytokine milieu, which correlates with tumor progression. We observed a low frequency of dendritic cells (DC) and a pronounced accumulation of macrophages and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) in murine PDAC tumors. A strong accumulation of MDSC has also been demonstrated in the peripheral blood of resected PDAC patients. While DC and macrophages seem not to play a significant role in this PDAC model in the context of immunosuppression, MDSC are highly suppressive, and their accumulation is associated with an increase in intratumoral VEGF concentration during the PDAC progression. Application of the phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor sildenafil led to a prolonged survival of PDAC-bearing female mice, which was due to the decrease in MDSC frequencies and in the systemic VEGF level. This led to a restoration of anticancer immune responses, manifested in the recovery of T lymphocyte functions and in an increase in the frequency of conventional CD4+ T cells in tumors and IFNγ level in serum of PDAC-bearing mice. Thus, MDSC are strongly involved in the PDAC-associated immunosuppression and that their depletion could create new approaches for therapy of PDAC.
Robotics in rehabilitation: successes and expectations.

The first steps toward the development of rehabilitation robots were made in the late 1980s. However, despite more than 20 years of development, rehabilitation robots have still not found widespread use in everyday life, and the field remains mainly a topic of academic research. This is in contrast to the lively development in the general market for robotics. The International Federation of Robotics announced that 2011 was the most successful year for industrial robots since 1961, as sales increased by 38%. The number of service robots for professional and domestic use increased by 15% in the same year. With regard to robots for supporting people with disabilities, the number of sales was still low (156 units in 2011), but the International Federation of Robotics considers this field to be a potentially huge future market. Several national and international projects focus on this area (World Robotics–Industrial Robots, 2012).
Measurement of technology mediated communication style: the communication preferences inventory (CPI)

This paper describes the development of a new inventory for measuring communication preferences (the CPI). It begins with a discussion of the need for such an inventory, along with a description of earlier work on use of unified communications technology that motivated its development. The current 62-item of the CPI is presented, along with the associated factor structure based on a sample of 110 respondents. The relationship of the CPI to the big five personality factors is discussed, and a study is reported that assesses the ability of CPI items to predict email and newsgroup behaviour.
Symmetric-Key Based Homomorphic Primitives for End-to-End Secure Data Aggregation in Wireless Sensor Networks

In wireless sensor networks, secure data aggregation protocols target the two major objectives, namely, security and en route aggregation. Although en route aggregation of reverse multi-cast traffic improves energy efficiency, it becomes a hindrance to end-to-end security. Concealed data aggregation protocols aim to preserve the end-to-end privacy of sensor readings while performing en route aggregation. However, the use of inherently malleable privacy homomorphism makes these protocols vulnerable to active attackers. In this paper, we propose an integrity and privacy preserving end-to-end secure data aggregation protocol. We use symmetric key-based homomorphic primitives to provide end-to-end privacy and end-to-end integrity of reverse multicast traffic. As sensor network has a non-replenishable energy supply, the use of symmetric key based homomorphic primitives improves the energy efficiency and increase the sensor network’s lifetime. We comparatively evaluate the performance of the proposed protocol to show its efficacy and efficiency in resource-constrained environments.