Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fibromyalgia: a randomised, controlled trial of a treatment programme based on self management

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a treatment programme for patients with fibromyalgia (FM) based on self management, using pool exercises and education. Methods: Randomised controlled trial with a 6 month follow up to evaluate an outpatient multidisciplinary programme; 164 patients with FM were allocated to an immediate 6 week programme (n = 84) or to a waiting list control group (n = 80). The main outcomes were changes in quality of life, functional consequences, patient satisfaction and pain, using a combination of patient questionnaires and clinical examinations. The questionnaires included the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Psychological General Well-Being (PGWB) index, regional pain score diagrams, and patient satisfaction measures. Results: 61 participants in the treatment group and 68 controls completed the programme and 6 month follow up examinations. Six months after programme completion, significant improvements in quality of life and functional consequences of FM were seen in the treatment group as compared with the controls and as measured by scores on both the FIQ (total score p = 0.025; fatigue p = 0.003; depression p = 0.031) and PGWB (total score p = 0.032; anxiety p = 0.011; vitality p = 0.013,). All four major areas of patient satisfaction showed greater improvement in the treatment than the control groups; between-group differences were statistically significant for “control of symptoms”, “psychosocial factors”, and “physical therapy” No change in pain was seen. Conclusion: A 6 week self management based programme of pool exercises and education can improve the quality of life of patients with FM and their satisfaction with treatment. These improvements are sustained for at least 6 months after programme completion.
Dynamics of a buoyant plume in a linearly stratified environment using simultaneous PIV-PLIF measurements

The presence of stratified layer in atmosphere and ocean leads to buoyant vertical motions, commonly referred to as plumes. It is important to study the mixing dynamics of a plume at a local scale in order to model their evolution and growth. Such a characterization requires measuring the velocity and density of the mixing fluids simultaneously. Here, we present the results of a buoyant plume propagating in a linearly stratified medium with a density difference of 0.5%, thus yielding a buoyancy frequency of N=0.15 s^{-1}. To understand the plume behaviour, statistics such as centerline and axial velocities along varying downstream locations, turbulent kinetic energy, Reynolds stress, and buoyancy flux were measured. The centerline velocity was found to decrease with increase in height. The Reynolds stress and buoyancy flux profiles showed the presence of a unstable layer and the mixing associated within that layer.
Non-Poissonian Earthquake Clustering and the Hidden Markov Model as Bases for Earthquake Forecasting in California

The quest to find successful methods to forecast earthquakes has proven to be very challenging. Useful earthquake forecasts require detailed specification of a number of variables, namely the epicenter, depth, time, and magnitude of the coming earthquake. While forecasting the times of strong aftershocks within the rupture zone of a strong earthquake has been developed with some success ( e.g. , Reasenberg and Jones 1989, 1994), forecasting the times of future strong earthquakes, even when their locations are known to occur within broad geographic areas, has not been very successful. The apparent success of the M8 algorithm in forecasting the 2003 M 6.7 San Simeon earthquake (Keilis-Borok et al. 2004) followed by the failure of this same algorithm after it mistakenly forecast a strong earthquake in southern California before September 2004, shows the promise and disappointment of the current state of earthquake forecasting. This paper describes a set of long-term (five-year) forecasts of M ≥ 5.0 earthquakes and two different methods for short-term (one-day) forecasts of M ≥ 4.0 earthquakes for California and some adjacent areas. We are submitting this set of forecasts to the Regional Earthquake Likelihood Models (RELM) project of the Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC) for testing against other proposed forecasting methods. Two forecast maps showing the expected rate of M ≥ 5.0 earthquakes in the study region during the next five years were submitted for RELM testing in December 2005. One map presents a forecast of M ≥ 5.0 mainshocks only, while the other map has a forecast of M ≥ 5.0 mainshocks and aftershocks. These long-term forecast maps are based on an extrapolation into the future of the average rates from 1932 to 2004 of M ≥ 5.0 mainshocks in the forecast area. The basis underlying both of the short-term earthquake forecasting methods that are …
Serially concatenated LT code with DQPSK modulation

We consider serial concatenation of a Luby Transform (LT) code with a differential quadrature phase-shift-keying (DQPSK) modulator for transmission over an additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) Channel. Assuming a target average rate for the operation of the rateless LT DQPSK scheme, the degree distribution of the LT code is optimized in terms of convergence threshold using extrinsic information transfer (EXIT) charts. From the EXIT chart analysis, we show that the proposed LT DQPSK scheme has a similar convergence performance, but lower complexity, as compared to a Raptor code with differential modulation, and a LDPC code optimized for DQPSK. The EXIT chart analysis framework is also applied to evaluate the throughput performance for the three schemes in terms of the average code rate as a function of the signal-to-noise ratio. The comparison demonstrates that the proposed structure is well-suited for adaptive-rate transmission over a wide range of rates.
Insertion sort correction of two-way merge sort algorithm for balancing capacitor voltages in MMC with reduced computational load

The Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC) is very suitable for high-power applications like High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission system, in which the number of submodules is commonly very large to reach high voltage. Therefore, the sorting algorithm of the conventional voltage balancing strategy causes too much computational load, greatly increasing the hardware cost and challenging the controller design. This paper introduces a two-way merge sort that evidently reduces computation weight and accelerates the sorting, combining with the prediction of capacitor voltages in ideal conditions. Furthermore, to solve the issue of non-ideal conditions in practical applications, this paper proposes an insertion sort correction algorithm with little and controllable computational load on the basis of the two-way merge sort. The proposed sorting algorithm takes advantage of the features of MMC control strategy, and consequently is much faster than conventional sorting such as quicksort. 401-level MMC simulation results in PSCAD/EMTDC show the validity of the proposed sorting algorithms, and the reduced computational load with shorter execution time is verified by DSP controller TMS320F28335.
Courts and Democracy in Postconflict Transitions: A Social Scientist’s Perspective on the African Case

A “second liberation” swept the African continent beginning in 1989. In many places, multiparty elections and a measured optimism gained ground. Yet during the 1990s, the spirit of moderation and tolerance typical of the early independence movements began to fray. The recent armed conflicts of Central and West Africa and the columns of refugees crossing borders have served as a blunt reminder of the fragility of many of the continent’s democratic experiments. In this new era, law plays a central, visible, yet delicate role in many peace settlements and democratic transitions, from South Africa to Ghana. Africa’s courts have been challenged to provide the kinds of basic dispute resolution that lie at the core of what it means to be a “government. ” At the same time, Africanjudges are mindful of Learned Hand’s caution in The Spirit of Liberty, taped above a secretary’s desk in Uganda. “Liberty lies in the hearts of men and women,” Hand wrote. “[W]hen it dies there, no constitution, no law, no court can save it; no constitution, no law, no court can even do much to help it. ” The success of a postconflict transition will depend, in part, on the role of courts in sustaining a spirit of liberty and tolerance in their societies.
Evolutionary genomics reveals conserved structural determinants of signaling and adaptation in microbial chemoreceptors

As an important model for transmembrane signaling, methyl-accepting chemotaxis proteins (MCPs) have been extensively studied by using genetic, biochemical, and structural techniques. However, details of the molecular mechanism of signaling are still not well understood. The availability of genomic information for hundreds of species enables the identification of features in protein sequences that are conserved over long evolutionary distances and thus are critically important for function. We carried out a large-scale comparative genomic analysis of the MCP signaling and adaptation domain family and identified features that appear to be critical for receptor structure and function. Based on domain length and sequence conservation, we identified seven major MCP classes and three distinct structural regions within the cytoplasmic domain: signaling, methylation, and flexible bundle subdomains. The flexible bundle subdomain, not previously recognized in MCPs, is a conserved element that appears to be important for signal transduction. Remarkably, the N- and C-terminal helical arms of the cytoplasmic domain maintain symmetry in length and register despite dramatic variation, from 24 to 64 7-aa heptads in overall domain length. Loss of symmetry is observed in some MCPs, where it is concomitant with specific changes in the sensory module. Each major MCP class has a distinct pattern of predicted methylation sites that is well supported by experimental data. Our findings indicate that signaling and adaptation functions within the MCP cytoplasmic domain are tightly coupled, and that their coevolution has contributed to the significant diversity in chemotaxis mechanisms among different organisms.
Assessment of fault location techniques in voltage source converter based HVDC systems

This paper investigates fault location techniques in high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission networks utilizing voltage source converters (VSCs). The subject has been extensively researched due to the fault locating actions associated with the supply restoration and the economic loss, and also because of the trending employment of VSC-HVDC transmission systems. However, the fast operation of HVDC protection has made fault localization more challenging as limited measurement data can be extracted. By broadly researching the existing fault locating approaches in such systems, a comprehensive literature review is presented. Then, two selected methods, active impedance method and travelling wave method (using Continuous Wavelet Transformation) are tested. These fault location techniques together with the power system models have been developed using Matlab/Simulink. The results are summarized and systematic comparative analysis of the two fault location techniques is performed.
A Near-Optimal Poly-Time Algorithm for Learning a class of Stochastic Games

We present a new algorithm for polynomial time learning of near optimal behavior in stochastic games. This algorithm incorporates and integrates important recent results of Kearns and Singh [1998] in reinforcement learning and of Monderer and Tennenholtz [1997] in repeated games. In stochastic games we face an exploration vs. exploitation dilemma more complex than in Markov decision processes. Namely, given information about particular parts of a game matrix, how much effort should the agent invest in learning its unknown parts. We explain and address these issues within the class of single controller stochastic games. This solution can be extended to stochastic games in general.
Sigma Receptor Agonists Provide Neuroprotection In Vitro by Preserving bcl-2

BACKGROUND: Sigma (σ)-receptor agonists attenuate brain injury after experimental focal cerebral ischemia in several species. We tested the hypothesis that the potent, prototypical σ1-receptor agonist, 4-phenyl-1-(4-phenylbutyl) piperidine (PPBP), protects neurons by a mechanism involving the antiapoptotic protein bcl-2. METHODS: Primary cortical neuronal cultures were exposed to either 2 h of oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) or glutamate (100 &mgr;M). PPBP treatment was initiated either 15 min prior to the insult or at 15 min postinsult then continued for 24 h. In another set of experiments, cultured neurons were preincubated for 2 h prior to PPBP treatment with σ1-receptor antagonist, rimcazole, in a dose-dependent manner. Alive and dead cells were detected with calcein-AM and propidium iodide respectively. Bcl-2 and bax expression were determined by quantitative real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, and DNA damage was detected by TUNEL staining. RESULTS: PPBP pretreatment attenuated neuronal injury induced by OGD or glutamate (50 or 100 &mgr;M). This protection was reversed with rimcazole (cell death: OGD 48 ± 2%, OGD plus PPBP 31 ± 3%, OGD plus PPBP with rimcazole 46 ± 2%). PPBP treatment increased bcl-2 but not bax mRNA levels. PPBP's ability to preserve bcl-2 protein after OGD by PPBP was fully abolished by rimcazole. Lastly, PPBP reduced the number of TUNEL-positive cells after OGD, suggesting fewer cells with overt DNA damage. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate that PPBP reduces cell death in vitro by a mechanism involving receptor-dependent preservation of protective genes such as bcl-2
Palliative stent implantation for coarctation in neonates and young infants

Background: In selected neonates and infants, primary palliative stent implantation may be indicated for coarctation of the aorta. We describe our experience with this approach in five consecutive patients. Methods: Five neonates and infants (age range 6 to 68 days, gestation 33 to 38 weeks, weight range at procedure of between 1650 to 4000 g) underwent palliative stent implantation as primary therapy for coarctation of the aorta. Indications for primary stent implantation were varied. All procedures were performed by elective surgical cut down of the axillary artery. Standard coronary stents (diameter 4.5 to 5 mm, length 12 to 16 mm) were delivered via a 4F sheath. The axillary artery was repaired after removal of the sheath. Results: All procedures were acutely successful, and without procedural complications. All patients survived to hospital discharge. Four patients have subsequently undergone elective stent removal and surgical repair of the arch, at between 38 and 83 days following stent implantation. Complete stent removal was achieved in three patients. Over a follow-up ranging between 8 weeks and 36 months, none of the patients has had any further complications. Conclusions: This palliative approach is warranted in carefully selected patients. Long-term follow-up is required.
Intercalated Discs and Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy

Heart tissue is subjected to high mechanical stress. Different junctional complexes exist within the intercalated disc (ID) at the site of end-to-end contacts between cardiomyocytes. These junctions are essential for adhesive integrity, morphogenesis, differentiation, and maintenance of cardiac tissue. Recent findings of molecular interactions among intercellular adhesion molecules, gap junctions, and the voltage-gated sodium channel complex suggest that IDs should be considered an organelle in which macromolecular complexes interact specifically to maintain cardiac structure and cardiomyocyte synchrony. It is within this organelle that most of the mutated proteins involved in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) reside. This inherited cardiomyopathy is characterized by both structural and electric abnormalities of the heart, particularly in young people and athletes. This review highlights recent advances in understanding the link between ID alterations and the molecular genetics and pathogenesis of ARVC. Cardiomyocytes are extensively interconnected at their ends through their IDs, a complex region composed of different kinds of intercellular junctions essential for electric, mechanical, and signaling communication between adjacent cells and, hence, for maintaining correct heart function and growth. Although traditionally depicted as a composition of different separate units, recent data indicate that the ID of cardiomyocytes should be considered a single functional unit in which macromolecular complexes interact mechanically and electrically to maintain cardiomyocyte rigidity and synchrony. The ID in vertebrates was originally described as consisting of 3 main junctional complexes: desmosomes, adherens junctions (AJ, also called fascia adherens in cardiac muscle), and gap junctions. It has been proposed that while gap junctions, being essential for chemical and electric coupling of neighboring cells, represent the electric component of ID, desmosomes together with AJ form the mechanical intercellular junctions in cardiomyocytes.1 Desmosomes and AJ are highly specialized anchoring junctions. They are particularly important for maintenance of adhesion and integrity of tissues exposed to …
Social entrepreneurship: an overview of its theoretical evolution and proposed research model

Social entrepreneurship is an emerging area of research in the entrepreneurship and related disciplines. Social entrepreneurship is seen as differing from other forms of entrepreneurship because of the higher priority given to promoting social and development economic values. A review of the literature emerging from a number of disciplines reveals that the definition of the concept of social entrepreneurship is fragmented and confusing. Current conceptualisations of social entrepreneurship fail to effectively consider the unique characteristics of social entrepreneurs and the context within which they must operate. The purpose of this paper, therefore, is to advance the conceptualisation of the concept by adding some clarity to the debate.
Transmitted-Reference Impulse Radio Systems Based on Selective Combining

Transmitted-reference impulse radio with autocorrelation receiver (TR-IR/AcR) generally requires wideband analog delay line (WADL) with length of several tens nanoseconds. To maximally reduce the length, we propose a TR-IR system based on selective combining, which intelligently selects integration regions for symbol detection. It was shown that when the WADL with a total length of 8 ns is employed, the proposed system has a signal-to-noise ratio gain of 0.5 dB, 2.3 dB, 2,. 3 dB and 3.7 dB over the TR-IR/AcR at bit-error-rate of 10-5 for ultra-wideband channel models CM 1 ~ 4, respectively.
Off-Label Thrombolysis Is Not Associated With Poor Outcome in Patients With Stroke

Background and Purpose— Numerous contraindications included in the license of alteplase, most of which are not based on scientific evidence, restrict the portion of patients with acute ischemic stroke eligible for treatment with alteplase. We studied whether off-label thrombolysis was associated with poorer outcome or increased rates of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage compared with on-label use. Methods— All consecutive patients with stroke treated with intravenous thrombolysis from 1995 to 2008 at the Helsinki University Central Hospital were registered (n=1104). After excluding basilar artery occlusions (n=119), the study population included 985 patients. Clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale 0 to 2 versus 3 to 6) and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage according to 3 earlier published criteria were analyzed with a logistic regression model adjusting for 21 baseline variables. Results— One or more license contraindications to thrombolysis was present in 51% of our patients (n=499). The most common of these were age >80 years (n=159), mild stroke National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score <5 (n=129), use of intravenous antihypertensives prior to treatment (n=112), symptom-to-needle time >3 hours (n=95), blood pressure >185/110 mm Hg (n=47), and oral anticoagulation (n=39). Age >80 years was the only contraindication independently associated with poor outcome (OR, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.27 to 3.73) in the multivariate model. None of the contraindications were associated with an increased risk of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage. Conclusions— Off-license thrombolysis was not associated with poorer clinical outcome, except for age >80 years, nor with increased rates of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage. The current extensive list of contraindications should be re-evaluated when data from ongoing randomized trials and observational studies become available.
A 4.5 to 9.2-GHz Wideband Semidynamic Frequency Divide-by-1.5 in GaInP/GaAs HBT

A semidynamic frequency divide-by-1.5 circuit comprises an image-rejection mixer and a static divide-by-2 in its feedback path. Wideband suppression of unwanted tones is achieved by employing a tunable image-rejection mixer and a tunable single-stage polyphase filter. Implemented in GaInP/GaAs heterojunction bipolar transistor technology, the divide-by-1.5 operates over the input frequency range of 4.5 to 9.2GHz with better than -20-dBc suppressions of 1/3timesfin and fin components, while dissipating 29 mA from a 4.1-V supply
Gender and social resources: digital divides of social network sites and mobile phone use in Singapore

This study examines the impact of gender and social resources on how people use social network sites (SNS) and mobile phones to network in a Confucian culture. Analyses of survey data from Singapore showed that males use mobile phones or SNS for professional connections more frequently than females. The use of SNS or mobile phones to contact friends does not differ between genders. People with more social resources use both technologies more often to interact with professional or personal connections. Nevertheless, the effect of social resource on usage does not vary across genders. Implications for second-order digital divide and media use are discussed.