Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and Rapid Response of Tocilizumab in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients not Responder to Previous Biologic Therapy

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a systemic chronic inflammatory disease associated with progressive joint damage, pain, fatigue, and disability, affecting approximately 1% of the population [1]. Although the exact cause of RA is still unknown, insights into its pathogenesis have confirmed the role of pro-inflammatory cytokines in disease pathways, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) interleukin (IL)-1, and IL-6 [2,3]. Interleukin 6 is a pleiotropic cytokine that is over-expressed in synovial tissue in patients with RA, with raised concentrations in serum and synovial fluid. IL-6 affects the function of neutrophils, T cells, B cells, monocytes, and osteoclast-cells that are highly activated in RA and is the major inducer of the hepatic acute phase response. It is a key feature of RA correlated with disease activity and joint destruction. The effects of IL-6 are mediated by binding to the IL-6 receptor (CD126, IL6Rαchain), which is expressed on cell surfaces and as a circulating soluble form [4]. Volume 8 Issue 3 2017
Online Boosting Algorithm Based on Two-Phase SVM Training

We describe and analyze a simple and effective two-step online boosting algorithm that allows us to utilize highly effective gradient descent-based methods developed for online SVM training without the need to fine-tune the kernel parameters, and we show its efficiency by several experiments. Our method is similar to AdaBoost in that it trains additional classifiers according to the weights provided by previously trained classifiers, but unlike AdaBoost, we utilize hinge-loss rather than exponential loss and modify algorithm for the online setting, allowing for varying number of classifiers. We show that our theoretical convergence bounds are similar to those of earlier algorithms, while allowing for greater flexibility. Our approach may also easily incorporate additional nonlinearity in form of Mercer kernels, although our experiments show that this is not necessary for most situations. The pre-training of the additional classifiers in our algorithms allows for greater accuracy while reducing the times associated with usual kernel-based approaches. We compare our algorithm to other online training algorithms, and we show, that for most cases with unknown kernel parameters, our algorithm outperforms other algorithms both in runtime and convergence speed.
An Asymmetric Approach for Cooperative Caching in Multi Hop Wireless Ad hoc Networks

Most previous research in ad hoc networks focused on the developing of dynamic routing protocols that can effectively find routes between two communicating nodes. Although routing is important issue, the ultimate goal of ad hoc network to provide mobile nodes with access to information. Some recent studies have shown that cooperative cache can improve the system performance in wireless P2P networks such as ad hoc networks and mesh networks. Cooperative caching which allows the sharing and coordination of cached data among multiple nodes has been applied to improve the system performance in wireless P2P networks. We propose a novel asymmetric cooperative cache approach, where the data requests are transmitted to the cache layer on every node, but the data replies are only transmitted to the cache layer at the intermediate nodes that need to cache the data. This solution not only reduces the overhead of copying data between the user space and the kernel space, it also allows data pipelines to reduce the end-to- end delay.
Algorithms and Experiments for the Webgraph This work is dedicated to the memory of Jop F. Sibeyn.

In this paper we present an experimental study of the statistical and topological properties of the Webgraph. This work has required the development of a set of external and semi-external algorithms for computing properties of massive graphs, and for the large scale simulation of stochastic graph models. We use these algorithms for running experiments on a large crawl from 2001 of 200M pages and about 1.4 billion edges made available by the WebBase project at Stanford [19], and on synthetic graphs obtained by the large scale simulation of stochastic graph models for the Webgraph.
The linguistic approach to the natural language requirements quality: benefit of the use of an automatic tool

Natural language (NL) requirements are widely used in the software industry, at least as the first level of description of a system. Unfortunately they are often prone to errors and this is partially caused by interpretation problems due to the use of NL itself. The paper presents a methodology for the analysis of natural language requirements based on a quality model addressing a relevant part of the interpretation problems that can be approached at linguistic level. To provide an automatic support to this methodology a tool called QuARS (quality analyzer of requirement specification) has been implemented. The methodology and the underlying quality model have been validated by analyzing with QuARS several industrial software NL requirement documents showing interesting results.
Long-Term Paired Associative Stimulation Enhances Motor Output of the Tetraplegic Hand

Abstract A large proportion of spinal cord injuries (SCI) are incomplete. Even in clinically complete injuries, silent non-functional connections can be present. Therapeutic approaches that can strengthen transmission in weak neural connections to improve motor performance are needed. Our aim was to determine whether long-term delivery of paired associative stimulation (PAS, a combination of transcranial magnetic stimulation [TMS] with peripheral nerve stimulation [PNS]) can enhance motor output in the hands of patients with chronic traumatic tetraplegia, and to compare this technique with long-term PNS. Five patients (4 males; age 38–68, mean 48) with no contraindications to TMS received 4 weeks (16 sessions) of stimulation. PAS was given to one hand and PNS combined with sham TMS to the other hand. Patients were blinded to the treatment. Hands were selected randomly. The patients were evaluated by a physiotherapist blinded to the treatment. The follow-up period was 1 month. Patients were evaluated with Daniels and Worthingham's Muscle Testing (0–5 scale) before the first stimulation session, after the last stimulation session, and 1 month after the last stimulation session. One month after the last stimulation session, the improvement in the PAS-treated hand was 1.02 ± 0.17 points (p < 0.0001, n = 100 muscles from 5 patients). The improvement was significantly higher in PAS-treated than in PNS-treated hands (176 ± 29%, p = 0.046, n = 5 patients). Long-term PAS might be an effective tool for improving motor performance in incomplete chronic SCI patients. Further studies on PAS in larger patient cohorts, with longer stimulation duration and at earlier stages after the injury, are warranted.
Taint Graph of System Call Arguments for Intrusion Detection in Mobile Intelatrac

The intended data-flow in a vulnerable program is subject to be subverted by attacks which exploit buffer overflows or format string vulnerabilities to write data to unintended location. In Mobile Telecommunication it is especially important on data safety. These attacks can be classified into two types: control-flow-attacks exploit buffer overflows or other vulnerabilities to overwrite a return address, a function pointer, or some other piece of control-data; non-control-data attacks exploit similar vulnerabilities to overwrite security critical data without subverting the intended control-flow in the program. The control-flow attacks are well studied and widely used, so there are several typical approaches to prevent them, which monitor the sequence of system calls emitted by the application being monitored and utilize control-flow information of the system calls for intrusion detection. However, the non-control-data attacks are rare for the reason that they rely on specific semantics of the target applications, and there are only few works that defend them to some extent. In order to prevent non-control-data attacks, we leverage dynamic taint technique to track the instruction level relationship between different system call arguments and construct taint graph which can represent behavior profile of a benign program in this paper.
Minimal intervention dentistry: Cavity classification & preparation

The concept of minimal intervention operative dentistry is being accepted and taught in more places all the time. Simply for emphasis the basic principles are repeated here because it is essential that the reader understands the significance of the recognition of caries as a bacterial disease. Once this is established then the entire approach to its treatment needs to be modified. One highly significant aspect of treatment relates to the surgical preparation of the cavity, which is required to eliminate to more advanced lesion where the smooth tooth surface has been breached. Whilst the cavities will be considerably smaller than those designed by GV Black they will certainly not be easier to design and prepare. Conservation of tooth structure is of prime importance and to achieve this there needs to be a high level of visibility and an excellent tactile sense to avoid over-preparation and excess tooth loss. Preparation techniques are discussed in some detail including rotary cutting instruments, lasers and air abrasion techniques.
Analysis of general movements of infants towards understanding of developmental principle for motor control

We focus on the spontaneous movements of young infants who have not yet acquired voluntary movements. Dynamical complexity and variability are characteristic points of the movements in the spine position, which are called general movements (GMs). We studied the GMs of 8 normal and 2 abnormal infants from 1 to 6 months old of age. Kinematic analysis of the trajectories of hands and feet using a nonlinear prediction method revealed that a u-shape change occurs around 2 months of age. The trajectories were very complex with no clear coordination among the limbs at the age of 1 and 3 months, while rhythmic movements were conspicuous at the age of 2 months. GMs of 2 abnormal infants with brain impairments showed a simply rhythmic pattern and a random pattern, respectively. The u-shape change in the GM of normal development and the loss of complexity of movements of brain damaged infants support the hypothesis that the neuromuscular system of newborns has nonlinear dynamics and that freezing and freeing degrees of freedom play an important role in motor development.
Application of a One-Dimensional Computational Model for the Prediction of Deposition from a Dry Powder Inhaler.

BACKGROUND Accurate prediction of the regional deposition of inhaled dry powders as a function of powder properties and breathing pattern is a long-term research goal for pulmonary drug delivery. In the present work, deposition along the respiratory tract of dry powders of Fluticasone propionate and Salmeterol is predicted. METHODS A one-dimensional particle transport and deposition model is used, whose novelty is in the treatment of the alveolar space of each airway generation as an efficient mixing chamber. This assumption has been supported by simulations and measurements during the last 20 years. The model is applied to two popular pulmonary tree geometries, to investigate the effect of particle size on localized deposition and to estimate the uncertainty due to variations in airway size. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Application of the model for the specific particle size distribution measured by a cascade impactor in the marketed product ELPENhaler, predicts the whole lung deposition (WLD), as well as the split between pulmonary (PU) and tracheobronchial (TB) deposition. Introduction in the model of modified particle size distributions with increased fractions of fine particles, indicates that the fine-particle dose is a satisfactory predictor of WLD but not of the PU/TB ratio.
An innovative balancing solution used to supply the 12V auxiliary network of an electric vehicle

In a Lithium Ion battery pack, it is necessary to balance the pack in order to guarantee that at the end of the charge, all cells are fully charged. This step is necessary, otherwise the available energy stored will decrease continuously charge after charge. There are traditional ways to achieve it: an active balancing dissipative method, or a non-dissipative balancing method (energy converters) with higher level of energy saving. Both ways work to compensate the dispersion of farad efficiency (balancing) but a non-dissipative solution can also compensate dispersion of capacity of the accumulators in series. There are other solutions, which could be named "smart balancing with direct energy use" solutions, because the energy involved in balancing is used instead of being transferred between accumulators. The goal of this presentation is to describe this innovative solution, to explain its main advantages and to show how it works.
Datos psicométricos de la versión abreviada del cuestionario IMAGEN; evaluación de la insatisfacción corporal

Introduccion y objetivos: la insatisfaccion corporal parece estar asociada con los trastornos alimentarios, obesidad, disminucion de actividad fisica y consumo de frutas y verduras. En este estudio se han obtenido los datos psicometricos de un cuestionario para medir la insatisfaccion corporal: el cuestionario IMAGEN. Metodo: las muestras estuvieron compuestas por 538 mujeres de edades entre 11 y 22 anos, 494 provenientes de centros educativos y 44 con diagnostico de trastorno alimentario procedentes de hospitales. Resultados: los resultados del analisis factorial confirmatorio reducen los items desde 38 de la version original a 25. El modelo muestra una estructura pentafactorial de primer orden: a) emocional, con cinco items; b) miedo a engordar, con cuatro items; c) planteamiento de cambio, con tres items; d) perceptivo, con seis items; e) comportamental, con cuatro items; y un factor de segundo orden (cognitivo-emocional) que incluye a los factores: emocional, miedo a engordar, y planteamiento de cambio. Se analizaron los datos psicometricos siguientes: consistencia interna (alfa entre 0,84-0,92), validez discriminante (diferencias significativas entre grupo clinico y control), y validez convergente (correlaciones significativas con el EDI-2), considerandose adecuados. Ademas, se establecieron puntos de corte para las subescalas, interpretando que puntuaciones altas en insatisfaccion estan asociadas con tener trastorno alimentario. Las estimaciones mas precisas se obtienen para el factor comportamental (odds ratio 33,2; IC 95% = 15,1-68,3). Conclusion: a partir de los resultados se estima que el cuestionario IMAGEN reducido presenta buenos indicadores psicometricos para evaluar la insatisfaccion corporal, aunque se necesitan mas investigaciones con diferentes muestras antes de generalizar su uso.
Hematology Techniques and Concepts for Veterinary Technicians.

Preparing the books to read every day is enjoyable for many people. However, there are still many people who also don't like reading. This is a problem. But, when you can support others to start reading, it will be better. One of the books that can be recommended for new readers is hematology techniques and concepts for veterinary technicians. This book is not kind of difficult book to read. It can be read and understand by the new readers.
The role of neurohormonal imbalances in obesity

Submit Manuscript | http://medcraveonline.com Hunger and satiety are generally regulated by the central nervous system (CNS) via the gut-brain axis and a number of hormones play critical roles in body weight management [3,4]. Among these hormones, the three most important hormones are leptin, ghrelin and insulin [5]. Leptin is a hormone secreted by fat cells which sends negative feedback signals to the brain to stop eating (satiety hormone) [6]. Ghrelin is a hormone secreted by the stomach when it is empty and stimulates appetite by binding to the growth hormone secretagogue receptors (GHSRs) in the brain (hunger hormone) [7-10]. On the other hand, insulin is a hormone that signals the cells to take glucose from the bloodstream and store it as a glycogen or fat and just like leptin it signals brain to stop eating. The other action of insulin is to interfere with the signals sent to the brain by leptin (reduces leptin sensitivity) and this action can be considered as the major cause of obesity. [11] People with chronically elevated insulin levels (hyperinsulinemia) thus become leptin resistant and start eating more as the brain cannot sense the signals sent by leptin which makes the brain to think that the body is still starving. Another action of insulin is to send signals to fat cells and stimulate them to store fat and keep fat stored for longer period [12]. However, this action of insulin is debatable and many researchers do not agree with the existence of this action.
Dynamic Arc Fitting Path Follower for Skid-Steered Mobile Robots

Many applications, such as surveillance, inspection or search and rescue operations, can be performed with autonomous robots. Our aim is a control of modular autonomous systems in rescue robotics. One of the basic problems with autonomous robotics is the execution part where the control commands (translation and rotational velocities) are produced for mobile bases. Therefore we have focused on this area because there is only a small amount of available path following software for skid-steered mobile robots. Our goal was to develop a velocity controller that could be used for multiple skid-steered mobile bases. We considered differential drive mobile bases such as tracked skid-steering mobile bases. Our approach is based on an arc fitting algorithm, which takes into account the robot constraints and kinematical model. It produces a continuous trajectory where fitting to the given path is adapted based on given parameters. Moreover, we have included orientation angle compensation while the mobile robot is moving and ground inclination compensation. Our rescue robot is described, together with the simulation setup and algorithm implementation. We compared our algorithm to the Hector-based software and curvature velocity approach. The results for the proposed algorithm are shown for the simulation results and the experiment.
Modeling the consequences of regional heterogeneity in human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination uptake on transmission in Switzerland

Background Completed human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination by age 16 years among women in Switzerland ranges from 17 to 75% across 26 cantons (states). The consequences of regional heterogeneity in vaccination coverage on transmission and prevalence of HPV-16 are unclear. Methods We developed a deterministic, population-based model that describes HPV-16 transmission among young adults within and between the 26 cantons of Switzerland. We parameterized the model using sexual behavior data from Switzerland and data from the Swiss National Vaccination Coverage Survey. First, we investigated the general consequences of heterogeneity in vaccination uptake between two sub-populations. We then compared the predicted prevalence of HPV-16 after the introduction of heterogeneous HPV vaccination uptake in all of Switzerland with homogeneous vaccination at an uptake that is identical to the national average (52%). Results HPV-16 prevalence in women is 3.34% when vaccination is introduced and begins to diverge across cantons, ranging from 0.14 to 1.09% after 15 years of vaccination. After the same time period, overall prevalence of HPV-16 in Switzerland is only marginally higher (0.55 %) with heterogeneous vaccination uptake than with homogeneous uptake (0.49%). Assuming inter-cantonal sexual mixing, cantons with low vaccination uptake benefit from a reduction in prevalence at the expense of cantons with high vaccination uptake. Conclusions Regional variations in uptake diminish the overall effect of vaccination on HPV-16 prevalence in Switzerland, although the effect size is small. Cantonal efforts towards HPV-prevalence reduction by increasing vaccination uptake are impaired by cantons with low vaccination uptake. Harmonization of cantonal vaccination programs would reduce heterogeneity in uptake and increase impact.
Estimation methods for quality factors of inductors fabricated in silicon integrated circuit process technologies

By examining uses of quality ( ) factors for in- ductors in silicon integrated circuit design, new methods for estimating quality factors are proposed. These methods extract factors by numerically adding a capacitor in parallel to measured data of an inductor, and by computing the fre- quency stability factor and 3-dB bandwidth at the resonant frequency of the resulting network. These parameters are then converted to effective quality factors using relationships for simple parallel RLC circuits. By sweeping the numerically added capacitance value, effective quality factors at varying frequen- cies are computed. These new techniques, in addition to being more relevant for circuit design, provide physically reasonable estimates all the way up to the self-resonant frequencies of inductors. At moderate to high frequencies, the commonly used definition can significantly underestimate and can even give unreasonable results. Data obtained using the new methods suggest that quality factors remain high and integrated inductors remain useful all the way up to their self- resonant frequencies, contrary to the behavior obtained using . These indicate that the commonly used technique can lead to improper use and optimization of integrated inductors.
Liposomal Amphotericin B and Delayed Presentation of Renal Tubular Acidosis: A Case Report

and raised ICP, LP was done and CSF analysis was suggestive of cryptococcal meningitis. Patient received Liposomal formulation of Amphotericin B and Flucytosine for 2 weeks in the hospital. Patient was found to have persistent hypokalemia with the lowest nadir value of 2.6 mEq/L (Lab normal 3.5-5.0 mEq/L) on day 9 of receiving Liposomal Amphotericin B and serum creatinine (S.Cr) worsened from 0.7mg/dl to 1.5mg/dl at the time of discharge (Lab normal for S.Cr 0.5-1.5 mg/dl). He was discharged on Fluconazole 400mg once a day. One month later, patient came back with complaints of severe generalized body aches and weakness. At the time of admission, he was found to have potassium level of 1.7mEq/L, lowest serum potassium level on the day of admission was 1.3 mEq/L and serum creatinine 1.3mg/dl. Anion gap was 14. Spot urinalysis showed urine Ph of 7.0 (Lab Normal 6.008.00). 24-hour urine collection showed urine potassium 27.4 mEq/L (Lab normal 22-160 mEq/L) and urine creatinine 57 mg/ dl (Lab normal 20-320 mg/dl), Urine potassium-creatinine ratio was 26.9. Patient was given intravenous potassium supplement and his symptoms improved significantly. He was started on oral potassium chloride and sodium bicarbonate supplementation, observed clinically and on labs, remained stable and was discharged home with K supplements. The impression was renal tubular acidosis type I secondary to recent AmBisome use. There was documented evidence of normal anion gap metabolic acidosis, renal wasting of potassium and hypokalemia in the setting of recent AmBisome.