Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Swallowing Functions Between Brain Tumor and Stroke Patients

Objective To compare the swallowing functions according to the lesion locations between brain tumor and stroke patients. Methods Forty brain tumor patients and the same number of age-, lesion-, and functional status-matching stroke patients were enrolled in this study. Before beginning the swallowing therapy, swallowing function was evaluated in all subjects by videofluoroscopic swallowing study. Brain lesions were classified as either supratentorial or in-fratentorial. We evaluated the following: the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) National Outcome Measurement System (NOMS) swallowing scale, clinical dysphagia scale, functional dysphagia scale (FDS), penetration-aspiration scale (PAS), oral transit time, pharyngeal transit time, the presence of vallecular pouch residue, pyriform sinus residue, laryngopharyngeal incoordination, premature spillage, a decreased swal-lowing reflex, pneumonia, and the feeding method at discharge. Results The incidence of dysphagia was similar in brain tumor and stroke patients. There were no differences in the results of the various swallowing scales and other parameters between the two groups. When compared brain tumor patients with supratentorial lesions, brain tumor patients with infratentorial lesions showed higher propor-tion of dysphagia (p=0.01), residue (p<0.01), FDS (p<0.01), PAS (p<0.01), and lower ASHA NOMS (p=0.02) at initial evaluation. However, there was no significant difference for the swallowing functions between benign and malig-nant brain tumor patients. Conclusion Swallowing function of brain tumor patients was not different from that of stroke patients according to matching age, location of lesion, and functional status. Similar to the stroke patients, brain tumor patients with infratentorial lesions present poor swallowing functions. However, the type of brain tumor as malignancy does not influence swallowing functions.
Physiological and Psychological Effects of a Walk in Urban Parks in Fall

In recent times, attention has been focused on the role of urban green spaces in promoting human health and well-being. However, there is a lack of evidence-based research on the physiological effects of walking in urban green areas. This study aimed to clarify the physiological and psychological effects of walking in urban parks during fall. Twenty-three males (mean age 22.3 ± 1.2 years) were instructed to walk predetermined 15-min courses in an urban park and in a nearby city area (control). Heart rate and heart rate variability were measured to assess physiological responses, and the semantic differential method, Profile of Mood States, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were used to measure psychological responses. We observed that walking in an urban park resulted in a significantly lower heart rate, higher parasympathetic nerve activity, and lower sympathetic nerve activity than walking through the city area. In subjective evaluations, participants were more “comfortable,” “natural,” “relaxed,” and “vigorous” after a walk in the urban park. Furthermore, they exhibited significantly lower levels of negative emotions and anxiety. These findings provide scientific evidence for the physiological and psychological relaxation effects of walking in urban parks during fall.
A Selection Process Based on Additive Consistency to Deal with Incomplete Fuzzy Linguistic Information

In group decision making situations, there may be cases in which experts do not have an in-depth knowledge of the problem to be solved and, as a result, they may present incomplete information. In this paper, we present a new selection process to deal with incomplete fuzzy linguistic information. As part of it, we use an iterative procedure to estimate the missing information. This procedure is guided by the additive consistency property and only uses the preference values provided by the experts. In addition, the additive consistency property is also used to measure the level of consistency of the information provided by the experts. The main novelties of this selection process are both the possibility to manage decision situations under incomplete fuzzy linguistic information and the importance of the experts' preferences in the aggregation processes is modeled by means of the experts' consistency.
The Centre for Market and Public Organisation Extending Choice in English Health Care: the Implications of the Economic Evidence Extending Choice in English Health Care: the Implications of the Economic Evidence

The principal aim of the CMPO is to develop understanding of the design of activities within the public sector, on the boundary of the state and within recently privatised entities with the objective of developing research in, and assessing and informing policy toward, these activities. Abstract Extending choice in health care is currently popular amongst English, and other, politicians. Those promoting choice make an appeal to a simple economic argument. Competitive pressure helps make private firms more efficient and consumer choice acts as a major driver for efficiency. Giving service users the ability to choose applies competitive pressure to health care providers and, analogously with private markets, they will raise their game to attract business. The paper subjects this assumption to the scrutiny provided by a review of the theoretical and empirical economic evidence on choice in health care. The review considers several interlocking aspects of the current English choice policy: competition between hospitals, the responsiveness of patients to greater choice, the provision of information and the use of fixed prices. The paper concludes that there is neither strong theoretical nor empirical support for competition, but that there are cases where competition has improved outcomes. The paper ends with a discussion of the implications of this literature for policies to promote competition in the English NHS.
Investigating isolation between virtual networks in case of congestion for a Pronto 3290 switch

Performance isolation between virtual resources is one of the key features of network virtualization. It is typically realized by configuring queues with specific rate guarantees on the egress ports of network devices. The drawback of this architectural choice, however, is that traffic from several ingress ports may result in congestion on an egress port. Hence, the question arises to which extent isolation between virtual networks is realized in state-of-the-art hardware. This work aims at investigating whether congestion within one virtual network may affect the throughput performance of another virtual network. For that, measurements in a local testbed using a Pronto 3290 switch running an OpenFlow-enabling Pica8 firmware are performed.
Analysis of key generation rate from wireless channel in in-band full-duplex communications

In this paper, the impact of in-band full-duplex (IBFD) wireless communications on secret key generation via physical layer channel state information is investigated. A key generation strategy for IBFD wireless devices to increase the rate of generated secret keys over multipath fading channels is proposed. Conventionally, due to the half-duplex (HD) constraint on wireless transmissions, sensing simultaneous reciprocal channel measurements is not possible, which leads to a degraded key generation rate. However, with the advent of IBFD wireless devices, the legitimate nodes can sense the shared wireless link simultaneously at the possible cost of a self-interference (SI) channel estimation and some residual self-interference (RSI). As we demonstrate, with HD correlated observations the key rate is upper bounded by a constant, while with IBFD the key rate is only limited by the SI cancellation performance and is in general greater than that of its HD counterpart. Our analysis shows that with reasonable levels of SI cancellation, in the high SNR regime the key rate of IBFD is much higher, while in low SNRs, the HD system performs better. Finally, the key rate loss due to the overhead imposed by the SI channel estimation phase is discussed.
A low overhead method for recovering unused memory inside regions

Automating memory management improves both resource safety and programmer productivity. One approach, region-based memory management [9] (RBMM), applies compile-time reasoning to identify points in a program at which memory can be safely reclaimed. The main advantage of RBMM over traditional garbage collection (GC) is the avoidance of expensive runtime analysis, which makes reclaiming memory much faster. On the other hand, GC requires no static analysis, and, operating at runtime, can have significantly more accurate information about object lifetimes. In this paper we propose a hybrid system that seeks to combine the advantages of both methods while avoiding the overheads that previous hybrid systems incurred. Our system can also reclaim array segments whose elements are no longer reachable.
Analysis of Cluster Lifetime with Rate Allocation in Wireless Networks Subtitleasneeded (papersubtitle)

We consider the rate allocation problem for data aggregation in wireless sensor networks with two objectives: 1) maximizing the lifetime of a local aggregation cluster and, 2) achieving fairness among all data sources. The two objectives are generally correlated with each other and usually they cannot be maximized simultaneously. We adopt a lexicographic method to solve this multi-objective programming problem. First, we recursively induce the maximum lifetime for the local aggregation cluster. Under the given maximum lifetime, we then formulate the problem of maximizing fairness as a convex optimization problem, and derive the optimal rate allocation strategy. We also present low-complexity algorithms that a local aggregation cluster can use to determine the optimal rate allocation. Our simulation results validate our analytical results and illustrate the effectiveness of the approach.
Transient response of a piezoelectric layer with a penny-shaped crack under electromechanical impacts

In this paper, the dynamic response of a piezoelectric layer with a penny-shaped crack is investigated. The piezoelectric layer is subjected to an axisymmetrical action of both mechanical and electrical impacts. Two kinds of crack surface conditions, i.e., electrically impermeable and electrically permeable, are adopted. Based upon integral transform technique, the crack boundary value problem is reduced to a system of Fredholm integral equations in the Laplace transform domain. By making use of numerical Laplace inversion the time-dependent dynamic stress and electric displacement intensity factors are obtained, and the dynamic energy release rate is further derived. Numerical results are plotted to show the effects of both the piezoelectric layer thickness and the electrical impact loadings on the dynamic fracture behaviors of the crack tips.
H ost he t e roge ne it y a ffe c t s bot h pa ra sit e t ra nsm ission 1 t o a nd fit ne ss on subse que nt host s

1 Host heterogeneity affects both parasite transmission 1 to and fitness on subsequent hosts 2 Jessica F. Stephenson1,2,3*, Kyle A. Young4, Jordan Fox1, Jukka Jokela2,5 Joanne Cable1¶, Sarah E. 3 Perkins1¶ 4 1 School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, United Kingdom 5 2 Department of Aquatic Ecology, EAWAG, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, 8600 6 Dübendorf, Switzerland 7 3 Center for Adaptation to a Changing Environment, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland 8 4 Institute of Evolutionary Biology & Environmental Studies, University of Zürich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland 9 5 Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland 10 ¶These authors contributed equally to this work. 11
Blindness Caused by Cosmetic Filler Injection: A Review of Cause and Therapy

Summary: Vascular occlusion causing blindness is a rare yet greatly feared complication of the use of facial aesthetic fillers. The authors performed a review of the aesthetic literature to ascertain the reported cases of blindness and the literature reporting variations in the vascular anatomy of the human face. The authors suggest a small but potentially helpful addition to the accepted management of the acute case. Cases of blindness, mostly irreversible, from aesthetic filler injections have been reported from Asia, Europe, and North America. Autologous fat appears to be the most frequent filler causing blindness. Some cases of partial visual recovery have been reported with hyaluronic acid and calcium hydroxylapatite fillers. The sudden profusion of new medical and nonmedical aesthetic filler injectors raises a new cause for alarm about patient safety. The published reports in the medical literature are made by experienced aesthetic surgeons and thus the actual incidence may be even higher. Also, newer injectors may not be aware of the variations in the pattern of facial vascular arborization. The authors present a summary of the relevant literature to date and a suggested helpful addition to the protocols for urgent management.
Diversity, invasive species and extinctions in insular ecosystems

Summary 1. Species invasions are a primary driver of species additions and deletions in ecosystems. Understanding the intricacies of invasions and their consequences is central to ecology and biodiversity conservation. Extinctions are rarely random and often are influenced by a suite of factors. 2. We e xplored abiotic and biotic factors that correlate with and help to provide proximate explanations for insular extinctions driven by invasive predators on islands off western Mexico. 3. A number of factors that were hypothesized a priori to explain the observed extinction patterns performed better than island size alone. Alternative prey available to invasive predators was negatively correlated with extinction, with twice the number of alternative prey species present on extinction-free islands compared to islands with extinctions. Carrying capacity estimates of extant populations were 27 times that of extinct populations. 4. An aggregate model that included alternative prey, carrying capacity, and seasonal precipitation was the best performing model. Those factors, which are supported by theory and empirical evidence, are informative to conservation decision-makers. 5. Synthesis and applications . Islands with small native mammals and no, or few, alternative prey species available to invasive predators should be prioritized for eradication. By focusing regionally on a specific threat, we provide a framework to practitioners that aids in prioritizing invasive predator eradications to halt insular extinctions.
Wave Transmission in the Pulmonary Arterial System in Disease in Man

Pulmonary capillary blood flow was measured by the nitrous oxide-body plethysmograph technique in 21 patients with valvular heart disease or pulmonary thromboembolism during routine diagnostic cardiac catheterization. The studies were performed with a high-frequency phonocardiogram recorded from the pulmonary area to indicate the pulmonary valve opening at the beginning of right ventricular ejection. The pulmonary artery to capillary flow conduction time was measured from the time of pulmonary valve opening to the foot of the pulmonary capillary flow pulse. The conduction time was greater than 160 msec when the pulmonary artery pressure was normal. The fall in the conduction time in disease indicated elevated pulmonary arterial pulse wave velocity and this correlated well with the level of pulmonary arterial pressure (correlation coefficient 0.92, P < 0.001). This suggests that there is a reduced pulmonary arterial distensibility in the chronic pulmonary hypertension of valvular heart disease and thromboembolic disorders.
Investigation of a Vector-Controlled Five-Phase Flux-Switching Permanent-Magnet Machine Drive System

In this paper, a vector-controlled five-phase E-core flux-switching permanent-magnet (FSPM) machine drive system is proposed, in which three different control methods are applied, namely, current-hysteresis control, space-vector pulsewidth modulation (SVPWM) method-1 using only large basic vectors, and SVPWM method-2 using large and medium basic vectors in each section, respectively. The operation principle and simulated results are given. Then, a DSP-based driving system employing an E-core five-phase FSPM prototyped machine is set up to verify the proposed control method. Finally, a comparison among the three control methods is discussed, and it reveals that the SVPWM method-2 shows the best performance both in phase current waveform and in output torque.
Persistent poststroke hyperglycemia is independently associated with infarct expansion and worse clinical outcome.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Hyperglycemia at the time of ischemic stroke is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Animal studies suggest that infarct expansion may be responsible. The influence of persisting hyperglycemia after stroke has not previously been examined. We measured the blood glucose profile after acute ischemic stroke and correlated it with infarct volume changes using T2- and diffusion-weighted MRI. METHODS We recruited 25 subjects within 24 hours of ischemic stroke symptoms. Continuous glucose monitoring was performed with a glucose monitoring device (CGMS), and 4-hour capillary glucose levels (BGL) were measured for 72 hours after admission. MRI and clinical assessments were performed at acute (median, 15 hours), subacute (median, 5 days), and outcome (median, 85 days) time points. RESULTS Mean CGMS glucose and mean BGL glucose correlated with infarct volume change between acute and subacute diffusion-weighted MRI (r>or=0.60, P<0.01), acute and outcome MRI (r=0.56, P=0.01), outcome National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS; r>or=0.53, P<0.02), and outcome modified Rankin Scale (mRS; r>or=0.53, P=0.02). Acute and final infarct volume change and outcome NIHSS and mRS were significantly higher in patients with mean CGMS or mean BGL glucose >or=7 mmol/L. Multiple regression analysis indicated that both mean CGMS and BGL glucose levels >or=7 mmol/L were independently associated with increased final infarct volume change. CONCLUSIONS Persistent hyperglycemia on serial glucose monitoring is an independent determinant of infarct expansion and is associated with worse functional outcome. There is an urgent need to study normalization of blood glucose after stroke.
Enhancement Of Infrared Spectroscopy Capabilities For Nanoelectronic And Nanotechnology Applications

Infrared spectroscopy is a characterization technique that is widely used to observe molecular vibration signatures. Using a particular optical configuration such as multiple internal reflections (MIR) or attenuated total reflection (ATR) it is possible to enhance the signal from ultra thin layers or from low concentration contaminants. Reasons of the enhancement of the sensitivity, thanks to these optical configurations, are explained. Advantages of these techniques are highlighted by showing a wide range of applications in which they are used. We present here, the results obtained using these configurations in several fields of microelectronics or nanotechnology: i) the silanization of silicon surfaces are being developed for biological applications; a study of the grafting efficiency and verification of different processes which modify the terminal functional groups are shown; ii) the characterization of high κ materials designed to replace silicon gate oxides 32 nm technology node; results obtained fr.
LTL translation improvements in Spot 1.0

Spot is a library of model-checking algorithms started in 2003. This paper focuses on its module for translating linear-time temporal logic LTL formulas into Buchi automata: one of the steps required in the automata-theoretic approach to LTL model-checking. We detail the different algorithms involved in this translation: the core translation itself, which performs many simplifications thanks to its use of binary decision diagrams; the pre-processing of the LTL formulas with rewriting rules chosen to help their translation; and various post-processing algorithms whose use depends on the intent of the translation: do we favour deterministic automata, or small automata? Using different benchmarks, we show how Spot competes with other LTL translators, and how it has improved over the years.
Searching for Good Policies: Repeated Elections, Learning, and Policy Dynamics ∗

I study a model of dynamic policy making in which citizens do not have complete knowledge of how policies are mapped into outcomes. They learn about the mapping through repeated elections as policies are implemented and outcomes observed. I characterize for this environment the policy trajectory with impatient voters. I find that through experimentation good policies are frequently found. However, I show that this is not always the case and demonstrate how policy making can get stuck at unappealing outcomes, revealing a novel informational failure of policy making. The model also provides insight into the size, direction, and sequencing of optimal policy experiments. Finally, I consider how the structure of political competition affects experimentation and learning.
Recombinant human activated protein C for the postexposure treatment of Ebola hemorrhagic fever.

BACKGROUND Infection of primates with Zaire ebolavirus (ZEBOV) leads to hypotension, coagulation disorders, and an impaired immune response and, in many ways, resembles severe sepsis. Rapid decreases in plasma levels of protein C are a prominent feature of severe sepsis and ZEBOV hemorrhagic fever (ZHF). Currently, recombinant human activated protein C (rhAPC [Xigris; Eli Lilly]) is licensed for treating human patients with severe sepsis who are at high risk of death. The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of rhAPC as a potential treatment for ZHF. METHODS Fourteen rhesus macaques were challenged with a uniformly lethal dose of ZEBOV; 11 of these monkeys were treated by intravenous infusion with rhAPC beginning 30-60 min after challenge and continuing for 7 days. Three control monkeys received sterile saline in parallel. RESULTS All 3 control monkeys died on day 8, whereas 2 of the 11 rhAPC-treated monkeys survived. The mean time to death for the rhAPC-treated monkeys that did not survive ZEBOV challenge was 12.6 days. The difference in survival was significant when the rhAPC-treated monkeys were compared with historical controls. CONCLUSIONS The experimental findings provide evidence that ZHF and severe sepsis share underlying mechanisms and may respond to the same therapies.