Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Age on Glasgow Coma Scale in Patients with Moderate and Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: An Approach with Propensity Score-Matched Population

Background: The most widely used methods of describing traumatic brain injury (TBI) are the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS). Recent evidence suggests that presenting GCS in older patients may be higher than that in younger patients for an equivalent anatomical severity of TBI. This study aimed to assess these observations with a propensity-score matching approach using the data from Trauma Registry System in a Level I trauma center. Methods: We included all adult patients (aged ≥20 years old) with moderate to severe TBI from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2016. Patients were categorized into elderly (aged ≥65 years) and young adults (aged 20–64 years). The severity of TBI was defined by an AIS score in the head (AIS 3‒4 and 5 indicate moderate and severe TBI, respectively). We examined the differences in the GCS scores by age at each head AIS score. Unpaired Student’s t- and Mann–Whitney U-tests were used to analyze normally and non-normally distributed continuous data, respectively. Categorical data were compared using either the Pearson chi-square or two-sided Fisher’s exact tests. Matched patient populations were allocated in a 1:1 ratio according to the propensity scores calculated using NCSS software with the following covariates: sex, pre-existing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, systolic blood pressure, hemoglobin, sodium, glucose, and alcohol level. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the effects of age on the GCS score in each head AIS stratum. Results: The study population included 2081 adult patients with moderate to severe TBI. These patients were categorized into elderly (n = 847) and young adults (n = 1234): each was exclusively further divided into three groups of patients with head AIS of 3, 4, or 5. In the 162 well-balanced pairs of TBI patients with head AIS of 3, the elderly demonstrated a significantly higher GCS score than the young adults (14.1 ± 2.2 vs. 13.1 ± 3.3, respectively; p = 0.002). In the 362 well-balanced pairs of TBI patients with head AIS of 4, the elderly showed a significantly higher GCS score than the young adults (13.1 ± 3.3 vs. 12.2 ± 3.8, respectively; p = 0.002). In the 89 well-balance pairs of TBI patients with head AIS of 5, no significant differences were observed for the GCS scores. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that elderly patients with moderate TBI present higher GCS score than younger patients. This study underscores the importance of determining of TBI severity in this group of elderly patients based on the GCS score alone. A lower threshold of GCS cutoff should be adopted in the management of the elderly patients with TBI.
Single Image Haze Removal with Improved Atmospheric Light Estimation

A novel method for atmospheric light estimation has been proposed in this paper. The new estimation method, called Estimation Based on Patch Size Adjustment (PSA), firstly segments the sky region of dark channel through threshold segmentation method and then adaptively adjusts the patch for dark channel until the estimated atmospheric light is right in the segmented sky region. Experimental results show that this method is effective even when the intensity of some scene objects is inherently higher than the atmospheric light and no shadow is cast near them. However, PSA spends a lot of time on adjustment. In order to improve the time efficiency, another simplified method, called Estimation Based on Sky Region Segmentation (SRS), is proposed by directly estimating the atmospheric light in the segmented sky region. The test results show SRS is almost as good as PSA on haze removal effect. Both methods have advantages on improving visual effect and objective indicators of the haze-free images.
Mahalanobis distance-based classifiers are able to recognize EEG patterns by using few EEG electrodes

We explore the use of quadratic classifiers based on Mahalanobis distance to detect EEG patterns from a reduced set of recording electrodes. Such classifiers used the diagonal and full covariance matrix of EEG spectral features extracted from EEG data. Such data were recorded from a group of 8 healthy subjects with 4 electrodes, placed in C3, P3, C4, P4 position of the international 10-20 system. Mahalanobis distance classifiers based on the use of full covariance matrix are able to detect EEG activity related to the imagination of movement with affordable accuracy (average score 98%). Reported average recognition data were obtained by using the cross-validation of the EEG recordings for each subject. Such results open the avenue for the use of Mahalanobis-based classifiers in a brain computer interface context, in which the use of a reduced set of recording electrodes is an important issue.
The reduction in human motoneurone responsiveness during muscle fatigue is not prevented by increased muscle spindle discharge

Non‐technical summary The responsiveness of motoneurones within the spinal cord to non‐invasive stimulation is markedly reduced during a fatiguing maximal effort if tested when voluntary drive from the brain is transiently interrupted. We tested a major possible cause of this effect by vibrating the tendon of the contracting muscle to increase excitatory input to the motoneurones. Application of tendon vibration had a negligible effect on the fatigue‐induced reduction of motoneurone responsiveness. Hence, we believe the reduction in responsiveness is caused by changes to the intrinsic properties of motoneurones due to their repetitive activity during the sustained maximal effort.
Emerging role of fibroblast growth factors 15/19 and 21 as metabolic integrators in the liver

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) 15/19 and 21 belong to the FGF endocrine subfamily. They present the intriguing characteristic to be transcribed and secreted in certain tissues and to act as hormones. The insulin‐mimetic properties of FGF21 and the regulatory role of FGF15/19 in bile acid and glucose homeostasis endorse these hormones as druggable targets in metabolic disorders. Here, we present details on discoveries, identification, transcriptional regulation, and mechanism of actions of FGF15/19 and FGF21 with a critical perspective view on their putative role as metabolic integrators in the liver. (HEPATOLOGY 2012;56:2404–2411)
Hybrid Approach to Zero Subject Resolution for multilingual MT - Spanish-to-KoreanCases -

The current paper proposes a novel approach to Spanish zero pronoun resolution in the context of Spanish to Korean Machine Translation (MT). Spanish is one of the well-known 'pro-drop' languages so that especially a subject pronoun is often omitted, if it can be inferred from the linguistic as well as nonlinguistic context. In Spanish to Korean MT the omitted subject doesn't need to be restored in many cases as Korean also allows a zero subject. However, there are some cases where the omitted subject must be identified to ensure a correct translation. To restore the omitted subject, linguistic clues can be employed, as Spanish verbs undergo morphological flections with respect to the gender and number. However, there still remain some ambiguous cases in which there are more than two possible subject candidates for the specific verb endings. In this paper, we propose a hybrid approach to resolve Spanish zero subject that integrates linguistic knowledge (morphological information) and artificial intelligence knowledge (machine learning approach). We proposed 11 linguistically motivated features for ML (Machine Learning). Our approach has been implemented with WEKA 3.6. 10 and evaluated by using 10 fold cross validation method. The accuracy of the proposed method reached 83.6% while the baseline method that randomly chooses a possible subject candidate among three most frequent subject types shows only 33.3% accuracy rate.
Feature Selection Scheme Based on Zero-Sum Two-Player Game

We propose a new filter methodology for feature selection using the concept of game theory whereby features are assimilated to players. In this game theoretical context, a strategy corresponds to a particular affinity between a group of features forming a cluster, and the payoff function is computed based on the weighted distance between a feature and a cluster. A zero-sum two-player game problem is solved through a global combination of pair wise features. Finally, each feature is represented by the value of the objective function, at the optimal solution, which indicates the contribution of each feature. The importance of features is then evaluated by their optimal values. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology, we have conducted a classification task utilizing SVM on various UCI and stat log datasets. The experimental results show that the proposed scheme leads to improvement in classification performance, when compared to mRMR and Fisher score algorithms.
Design of motion-tracking device for intuitive and safe human-robot physical interaction

During the last decade there is an ever increasing interest for human-robot and, in general, user-machine interaction schemes of low-complexity and high-accuracy. In this context, intuitive and user-friendly interfaces based on hand gestures and movements are particular important for everyday users (especially older ones) of service robotics applications. In this paper, we explore the use of Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) in a versatile movement sensing device that can be used by an elderly person to tele-manipulate a robot arm that helps him/her to complete bathing tasks. We present tele-manipulation system requirements taking into account the required accuracy in motion tracking and the need to address the limited physical abilities of the targeted user. We also discuss the integration of the tele-manipulation component into the envisaged service robotics environment and present an approach for its realization. Preliminary results assessing the performance of the proposed motion tracking system are also presented.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus, but Not Bovine Enterovirus, Targets the Host Cell Cytoskeleton via the Nonstructural Protein 3Cpro

ABSTRACT Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), a member of the Picornaviridae, is a pathogen of cloven-hoofed animals and causes a disease of major economic importance. Picornavirus-infected cells show changes in cell morphology and rearrangement of cytoplasmic membranes, which are a consequence of virus replication. We show here, by confocal immunofluorescence and electron microscopy, that the changes in morphology of FMDV-infected cells involve changes in the distribution of microtubule and intermediate filament components during infection. Despite the continued presence of centrosomes in infected cells, there is a loss of tethering of microtubules to the microtubule organizing center (MTOC) region. Loss of labeling for γ-tubulin, but not pericentrin, from the MTOC suggests a targeting of γ-tubulin (or associated proteins) rather than a total breakdown in MTOC structure. The identity of the FMDV protein(s) responsible was determined by the expression of individual viral nonstructural proteins and their precursors in uninfected cells. We report that the only viral nonstructural protein able to reproduce the loss of γ-tubulin from the MTOC and the loss of integrity of the microtubule system is FMDV 3Cpro. In contrast, infection of cells with another picornavirus, bovine enterovirus, did not affect γ-tubulin distribution, and the microtubule network remained relatively unaffected.
Bayesian image analysis

Bayes' theorem is a vehicle for incorporating prior knowledge in updating the degree of belief in light of data. For example, the state of tomorrow's weather can be predicted using belief or likelihood of tomorrow's weather given today's weather data. We give a brief review of the recent advances in the area with emphasis on high-level Bayesian image analysis. It has been gradually recognised that knowledge-based algorithms based on Bayesian analysis are more widely applicable and reliable than ad hoc algorithms. Advantages include the use of explicit and realistic statistic models making it easier to understand the working behind such algorithms and allowing confidence statements to be made about conclusions. These systems are not necessarily as time consuming as might be expected. However, more care is required in using the knowledge effectively for a given specific problem; this is very much an art rather than a science.
Period 2 gene deletion abolishes beta-endorphin neuronal response to ethanol.

BACKGROUND Ethanol exposure during early life has been shown to permanently alter the circadian expression of clock regulatory genes and the beta-endorphin precursor proopiomelanocortin (POMC) gene in the hypothalamus. Ethanol also alters the stress- and immune-regulatory functions of beta-endorphin neurons in laboratory rodents. Our aim was to determine whether the circadian clock regulatory Per2 gene modulates the action of ethanol on beta-endorphin neurons in mice. METHODS Per2 mutant (mPer2(Brdml)) and wild type (C57BL/6J) mice were used to determine the effect of Per2 mutation on ethanol-regulated beta-endorphin neuronal activity during neonatal period using an in vitro mediobasal hypothalamic (MBH) cell culture model and an in vivo milk formula feeding animal model. The beta-endorphin neuronal activity following acute and chronic ethanol treatments was evaluated by measuring the peptide released from cultured cells or peptide levels in the MBH tissues, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS Per2 mutant mice showed a higher basal level of beta-endorphin release from cultured MBH cells and a moderate increase in the peptide content in the MBH in comparison with control mice. However, unlike wild type mice, Per2 mutant mice showed no stimulatory or inhibitory beta-endorphin-secretory responses to acute and chronic ethanol challenges in vitro. Furthermore, Per2 mutant mice, but not wild type mice, failed to show the stimulatory and inhibitory responses of MBH beta-endorphin levels to acute and chronic ethanol challenges in vivo. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest for the first time that the Per2 gene may be critically involved in regulating beta-endorphin neuronal function. Furthermore, the data revealed an involvement of the Per2 gene in regulating beta-endorphin neuronal responses to ethanol.
EGF-Induced Expansion of Migratory Cells in the Rostral Migratory Stream

The presence of neural stem cells in the adult brain is currently widely accepted and efforts are made to harness the regenerative potential of these cells. The dentate gyrus of the hippocampal formation, and the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the anterior lateral ventricles, are considered the main loci of adult neurogenesis. The rostral migratory stream (RMS) is the structure funneling SVZ progenitor cells through the forebrain to their final destination in the olfactory bulb. Moreover, extensive proliferation occurs in the RMS. Some evidence suggest the presence of stem cells in the RMS, but these cells are few and possibly of limited differentiation potential. We have recently demonstrated the specific expression of the cytoskeleton linker protein radixin in neuroblasts in the RMS and in oligodendrocyte progenitors throughout the brain. These cell populations are greatly altered after intracerebroventricular infusion of epidermal growth factor (EGF). In the current study we investigate the effect of EGF infusion on the rat RMS. We describe a specific increase of radixin+/Olig2+ cells in the RMS. Negative for NG2 and CNPase, these radixin+/Olig2+ cells are distinct from typical oligodendrocyte progenitors. The expanded Olig2+ population responds rapidly to EGF and proliferates after only 24 hours along the entire RMS, suggesting local activation by EGF throughout the RMS rather than migration from the SVZ. In addition, the radixin+/Olig2+ progenitors assemble in chains in vivo and migrate in chains in explant cultures, suggesting that they possess migratory properties within the RMS. In summary, these results provide insight into the adaptive capacity of the RMS and point to an additional stem cell source for future brain repair strategies.
Effect of l-dopa on speech in Parkinsonism 1

The articulatory function of the labial musculature has been investigated electromyographically before and after treatment with l-dopa in patients with Parkinsonism who had dysarthria. Before medication the EMG traces generally showed a constant, abnormally increased, tonic activity, together with disturbed reciprocal innervation, which impaired the articulatory activity. After medication the tonic hyperactivity was reduced and the reciprocal innervation re-established. This normalization of the EMG articulatory pattern was paralleled by an improvement of the dysarthria.
Modular dynamic reconfiguration in Virtex FPGAs

Modular systems implemented on field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) can benefit from being able to load and unload modules at run-time, a concept that is of much interest in the research community. Although dynamic partial reconfiguration is possible in Virtex and Spartan series FPGAs, the configuration architecture of these devices is not amenable to modular reconfiguration, a limitation which has relegated research to theoretical or compromised resource allocation models. Two methods for implementing modular reconfiguration in Virtex FPGAs are compared and contrasted. The first method offers simplicity and fast reconfiguration times, but limits the geometry and connectivity of the system. The second method, developed recently, enables modules to be allocated arbitrary areas of the FPGA, bridging the gap between theory and reality and unlocking the latent potential of dynamic reconfiguration. The cost of this advancement is increased reconfiguration time. The second method has been demonstrated in three applications, including the first reported implementation of modular reconfiguration in a Virtex-4 device.
Establishment and Characterization of a Tumor Stem Cell-Based Glioblastoma Invasion Model

Aims Glioblastoma is the most frequent and malignant brain tumor. Recurrence is inevitable and most likely connected to tumor invasion and presence of therapy resistant stem-like tumor cells. The aim was therefore to establish and characterize a three-dimensional in vivo-like in vitro model taking invasion and tumor stemness into account. Methods Glioblastoma stem cell-like containing spheroid (GSS) cultures derived from three different patients were established and characterized. The spheroids were implanted in vitro into rat brain slice cultures grown in stem cell medium and in vivo into brains of immuno-compromised mice. Invasion was followed in the slice cultures by confocal time-lapse microscopy. Using immunohistochemistry, we compared tumor cell invasion as well as expression of proliferation and stem cell markers between the models. Results We observed a pronounced invasion into brain slice cultures both by confocal time-lapse microscopy and immunohistochemistry. This invasion closely resembled the invasion in vivo. The Ki-67 proliferation indexes in spheroids implanted into brain slices were lower than in free-floating spheroids. The expression of stem cell markers varied between free-floating spheroids, spheroids implanted into brain slices and tumors in vivo. Conclusion The established invasion model kept in stem cell medium closely mimics tumor cell invasion into the brain in vivo preserving also to some extent the expression of stem cell markers. The model is feasible and robust and we suggest the model as an in vivo-like model with a great potential in glioma studies and drug discovery.
Characterization of Wide Bandgap Power Semiconductor Devices

At the heart of modern power electronics converters are power semiconductor switching devices. The emergence of wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductor devices, including silicon carbide and gallium nitride, promises power electronics converters with higher efficiency, smaller size, lighter weight, and lower cost than converters using the established siliconbased devices. However, WBG devices pose new challenges for converter design and require more careful characterization, in particular due to their fast switching speed and more stringent need for protection. Characterization of Wide Bandgap Power Semiconductor Devices presents comprehensive methods with examples for the characterization of this important class of power devices. After an introduction, the book covers pulsed static characterization; junction capacitance characterization; fundamentals of dynamic characterization; gate drive for dynamic characterization; layout design and parasitic management; protection design for double pulse test; measurement and data processing for dynamic characterization; cross-talk consideration; impact of three-phase system; and topology considerations.
Visualization of Gene Regulatory Networks using Bayesian Networks Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Cell cycle Microarray data

Assignment 1 Iti Chaturvedi G0600184G Overview In recent years Bayesian Networks have become a popular choice for Visualization of multi-dimensional data. It has proved to be highly accurate in predicting Gene Regulatory Networks from Microarray expression profiles. Here a comparison with predecessor approaches like ICA is done. Next the algorithm used by " Gene Networks " [Wu et. al. 2004] a software written in C++ based on a Dynamic Bayesian Model is described. Visualization of cell-cycle Microarray data of S. cerevisiae (Baker's Yeast) was performed. Fitness function of the Joint Shannon Entropy of the system is studied to understand the trade off between number of predicted interactions and the number of true positives. The experimental results reveal very high accuracy of over 80% for the one-skip model. Lastly we discuss the shortcomings of the model and scope for improvement.
Prediction of EF-hand calcium-binding proteins and identification of calcium-binding regions using machine learning techniques

Predicting calcium binding proteins and identifying calcium-binding sites is an important problem in the field of proteomics. Most of the currently used methods employ structural protein data to predict calcium-binding sites. Here we present a method developed to predict calcium-binding proteins and identify calcium-binding sites from protein sequence data using machine learning techniques such as neural networks and support vector machines. We have developed the novel application CalPred, having nine implemented algorithms divided into two filters. The first filter predicts proteins as a whole i.e. whether they are calcium-binding proteins or not, and the second filter predicts the specific calcium-binding sites in the proteins which have passed through the first filter. The tool was able to pick sequences that were calcium-binding in nature but were not picked up by pattern sited as calcium-binding domain in PROSITE database. We also scanned four whole proteomes for potential calcium binding proteins. Addition supplementary information is available at http://www.juit. ac.in/calpred/user_docs. html. Availability: The CalPred tool is available for free use to non-commercial users and can be downloaded to be used in-house as a stand alone server from http://www.juit. ac.in/calpred/index.html