Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Early Musical Training and White-Matter Plasticity in the Corpus Callosum: Evidence for a Sensitive Period

Training during a sensitive period in development may have greater effects on brain structure and behavior than training later in life. Musicians are an excellent model for investigating sensitive periods because training starts early and can be quantified. Previous studies suggested that early training might be related to greater amounts of white matter in the corpus callosum, but did not control for length of training or identify behavioral correlates of structural change. The current study compared white-matter organization using diffusion tensor imaging in early- and late-trained musicians matched for years of training and experience. We found that early-trained musicians had greater connectivity in the posterior midbody/isthmus of the corpus callosum and that fractional anisotropy in this region was related to age of onset of training and sensorimotor synchronization performance. We propose that training before the age of 7 years results in changes in white-matter connectivity that may serve as a scaffold upon which ongoing experience can build.
Outcomes in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in the North Indian population

Introduction: Hypertensive disorders complicating pregnancy seriously endanger the safety of the mother and fetus during pregnancy. Very few studies have explored hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in India, even though this disease has been associated with adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. This study aimed to analyze the disease pattern and risk factors associated with the disorder and assess the maternal and fetal outcomes in cases of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Subjects and methods: This case-control study was carried out over 1 year from 2011 to 2012 at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. A total of 149 patients were enrolled in the study. As seven were lost to follow-up, analysis was carried out on 142 cases. Patients were further classified according to the National High Blood Pressure Education Program Working Group (2000) as having mild preeclampsia (65 cases), severe preeclampsia (32 cases), or eclampsia (45 cases). Thirty-one healthy pregnant non-hypertensive women were enrolled into the study as controls. Results: The most common manifestation was edema, seen in 90% of cases. Proteinuria was also relatively common, 26.76% of patients with proteinuria of ≥300 mg/24 hours, 47.88% with proteinuria of ≥2 g/24 hours, and 25.35% with a urinary protein excretion of 3–5 g/24 hours. Central nervous system involvement was observed in 42.2% of cases, elevated bilirubin levels in 47.0%, visual symptoms in 6.4%, vaginal bleeding in 11.3%, and HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count) syndrome was reported in 2.80%. Maternal deaths occurred in 2.8% of cases, all of which were from the eclampsia group. Stillbirths occurred in 16.9% of cases, and overall neonatal death observed in 4.23% of cases. Conclusion: Women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were more prone to adverse maternal and fetal outcomes than normotensive pregnant women, but we observed a decreasing trend in the present study compared with that reported in other studies, which might be due to the increased number of hospital deliveries that occurred in our study.
Phase II Trials Published in 2002: A Cross-Specialty Comparison Showing Significant Design Differences between Oncology Trials and Other Medical Specialties

Purpose: Phase II trials play an essential role in drug development pathway, and their conclusions often impact the decision to embark on large, pivotal trials. However, the determination of agent activity is highly dependent on trial design. Formal comparisons of phase II trial designs across medical specialties are uncommon. We hypothesized that there are significant differences in the design of trials conducted by oncologists and those conducted by other medical and surgical specialties. Experimental Design: We screened MEDLINE for the abstracts of phase II trials published in 2002. All abstracts were analyzed and classified by a priori defined variables, including study type, intervention, subspecialty, journal impact factor, method of control, and study conclusions. Results: Our search yielded 703 abstracts of phase II trials published in 2002. A total of 586/703 (83%) were trials on antineoplastic agents. Twenty percent (143/703) of the trials included explicit control subjects. Oncology trials, as compared with all trials done by other specialties, were significantly less likely to use control subjects (13% versus 56%, P < 0.001) and were less likely to conclude that the investigational intervention was safe and efficacious and/or worthy of additional investigation (76% versus 89%, P < 0.01). Conclusions: There are significant differences in the phase II trials published in oncology compared with those conducted by other medical and surgical specialties. The impact that such differences have on the efficiency of drug development should be investigated.
Spatial distribution and survival rate of waterfrog tadpoles in relation to biotic and abiotic factors: a field experiment

Predictions about population and community dynamics are usually based on lab experiments. Because the results are difficult to transfer to natural conditions, the major purpose of this study was to test the effects of biotic and abiotic factors on tadpole populations in a natural environment. We stocked six ponds, created the previous year, with known numbers of Rana esculenta and R. lessonae tadpoles and followed their development over several months. When compared among ponds, tadpole density correlated positively with the nitrate:phosphate ratio. This suggests that water chemistry may have affected survival, either directly or indirectly via productivity. Within ponds, both species showed a clear preference for the shallow zone. This behavior probably reflects a preference for warm water close to the surface, rather than avoidance of predators, because relative densities of odonates also increased from deep to shallow zones. This study is one of few that not only considers the distribution of the anuran tadpoles but the distribution of their predators as well.
Low-Complexity Robust Adaptive Beamforming Algorithms Based on Shrinkage for Mismatch Estimation

In this paper, we propose low-complexity robust adaptive beamforming (RAB) techniques that based on shrinkage methods. The only prior knowledge required by the proposed algorithms are the angular sector in which the actual steering vector is located and the antenna array geometry. We firstly present a Low-Complexity Shrinkage-Based Mismatch Estimation (LOCSME) algorithm to estimate the desired signal steering vector mismatch, in which the interference-plus-noise covariance (INC) matrix is estimated with Oracle Approximating Shrinkage (OAS) method and the weights are computed with matrix inversions. We then develop low-cost stochastic gradient (SG) recursions to estimate the INC matrix and update the beamforming weights, resulting in the proposed LOCSME-SG algorithm. Simulation results show that both LOCSME and LOCSME-SG achieve very good output signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) compared to previously reported adaptive RAB algorithms.
A desigualdade é a meta: Implicações socioespaciais do Programa Ensino Integral na cidade de São Paulo

Este artigo propõe uma análise do Programa Ensino Integral (PEI), implantado na rede estadual de São Paulo (Brasil), do ponto de vista da dinâmica da produção das desigualdades socioespacial e educacional. No caso em tela, investigamos o papel da política pública de educação, sob a lógica da Nova Gestão Pública, como indutora e reprodutora de desigualdades. Os resultados sugerem que o PEI se baseia numa lógica insularizante, produzindo unidades escolares destinadas a alunos já privilegiados em suas relações com a cidade. Além disso, a implantação do Programa tem provocado efluxo de matrículas, com efeito positivo no nível socioeconômico (NSE) das escolas PEI e nos seus resultados nas avaliações em larga escala. Tal efeito é contrabalançado pelo efeito negativo nas unidades escolares no entorno das escolas PEI, em que se observou diminuição da quantidade de estudantes com NSE mais elevado. Além disso, as escolas PEI, comparadas às escolas do entorno e à própria rede estadual paulista, possuem menos classes e matrículas. São escolas para poucos: os estudantes de maior NSE da rede estadual. Nessas escolas também se observa a preferência por uma organização em ciclo único, o que coloca o PEI na mesma linha da polêmica proposta de Reorganização Escolar de 2015.
Understanding the changing role of CIOs in the big data and analytics era: an empirical investigation

This research investigates the role of the CIO at organizational level with regard to the rise of big data and big data analytics as a potential source of innovation and competitive advantage. To this end the talk presents the results of a qualitative research based on grounded theory carried out on data concerning CIOs of large companies from different industries in the Italian market.
A design method based on social behaviours for pleasurable user experiences in human-computer interaction

This paper introduces a new design method for producing interface design guidelines. The research on which the design method is based explored social and emotional nature of users to create pleasurable user experiences in human-computer interaction (HCI), focusing on a context of e-commerce. Considering the user‟s social-emotional nature is an attempt to recognise and understand users as social and affective beings and taking a holistic approach to HCI design. This paper describes an interdisciplinary approach to conceptualise context-based user experiences and synthesise design guidelines based on social behaviours identified from real world social interactions. Analytical and interpretive methods were used for the gathering, analysis, and interpretation of information about social behaviours. Findings in this paper provide a process by which real world social behaviours can be translated into user interface designs in a systematic way. Conference theme: Methodological issues
Risk of thrombolysis-related hemorrhage associated with microbleed presence.

To the Editor: We appreciate the article by Fiehler and colleagues regarding thrombolysis-associated bleeding risk in stroke patients.1 This is the largest prospective study to date that investigated the relation between presence of cerebral microbleeds on MRI and the risk of secondary thrombolysis-associated intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in ischemic stroke patients. However, we respectfully disagree with the authors that on the basis of these data one can conclude that the risk of hemorrhage associated with microbleed presence is negligible. First, the prevalence of microbleeds in their study is 15%. This is much lower than expected based on previous studies that reported microbleed prevalence in ischemic stroke patients up to …
Implications of the California nurse staffing mandate for other states.

OBJECTIVES To determine whether nurse staffing in California hospitals, where state-mandated minimum nurse-to-patient ratios are in effect, differs from two states without legislation and whether those differences are associated with nurse and patient outcomes. DATA SOURCES Primary survey data from 22,336 hospital staff nurses in California, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey in 2006 and state hospital discharge databases. STUDY DESIGN Nurse workloads are compared across the three states and we examine how nurse and patient outcomes, including patient mortality and failure-to-rescue, are affected by the differences in nurse workloads across the hospitals in these states. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS California hospital nurses cared for one less patient on average than nurses in the other states and two fewer patients on medical and surgical units. Lower ratios are associated with significantly lower mortality. When nurses' workloads were in line with California-mandated ratios in all three states, nurses' burnout and job dissatisfaction were lower, and nurses reported consistently better quality of care. CONCLUSIONS Hospital nurse staffing ratios mandated in California are associated with lower mortality and nurse outcomes predictive of better nurse retention in California and in other states where they occur.
Spectral analysis of vowels /a/ and / ε / in tunisian context

Tunisian dialect is a mixture of several languages; Arabic, Berber, French, Italian, English and Spanish. In this paper, we introduce a study of two common vowels /a/ and / ε / in tunisian dialect and french. Vowels are pronounced in tunisian context. Our study is realized in time-frequency domain. Firstly, we present our corpus and our system Visual Assistance of Speech Processing VASP, which are used to realize our analysis. Then, we describe two visual representations in time-frequency domain: classical and multiresolution spectrogram. Finally, we apply VASP on tunisian dialect and french language. The analysis of the obtained results shows that due to the influence of french language on the tunisian dialect, the vowels /a/ and / ε / are, in some contexts, similarly pronounced.
Distributed PI-control with applications to power systems frequency control

This paper considers a distributed PI-controller for networked dynamical systems. Sufficient conditions for when the controller is able to stabilize a general linear system and eliminate static control errors are presented. The proposed controller is applied to frequency control of power transmission systems. Sufficient stability criteria are derived, and it is shown that the controller parameters can always be chosen so that the frequencies in the closed loop converge to nominal operational frequency. We show that the load sharing property of the generators is maintained, i.e., the input power of the generators is proportional to a controller parameter. The controller is evaluated by simulation on the IEEE 30 bus test network, where its effectiveness is demonstrated.
Using radio bubbles to constrain the matter content of AGN jets

We revisit a method to obtain upper limits on the jet matter content combining synchrotron self-absorption constraints and the large-scale bubble energy. We use both X-ray observations, which give limits on the jet power from the energies and time-scales of bubbles found in clusters of galaxies, and radio observations, which give limits on the magnetic field in the jets. Combining the two imposes constraints on the particle number density, and hence the jet content. Out of a sample of clusters which have clear radio bubbles, there are only two which have sufficient resolution in the radio images to give significant constraints, under the assumption that the jets are fairly steady. The results for M87 and Perseus indicate that the radio emitting region of the jet is electron-positron dominated, assuming that the minimum of the electron energy distribution, γ min ∼ 1.
Is there a unit root in the inflation rate? Evidence from 29 Chinese provinces

This paper investigates the stationarity of inflation rates in 29 Chinese provinces by using a large battery of recently developed panel unit root tests. Overall, our confirmatory analysis provides overwhelming evidence to support that the inflation rates in 29 Chinese provinces are mean reverting. The results suggest that any shock to inflation rates does not have a permanent effect and aggregate demand policies may not be over-implemented.
Nonpromoting 12-deoxyphorbol 13-esters inhibit phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate induced tumor promotion in CD-1 mouse skin.

Prostratin and 12-deoxyphorbol 13-phenylacetate (dPP) form a new class of protein kinase C activators of unique biological activity. Although they bind to and activate protein kinase C, in mouse skin they either fail to induce typical phorbol ester (PMA) effects (e.g., hyperplasia) or induce only partial response (e.g., inflammation). Furthermore, pretreatment with these agents inhibits a range of PMA induced effects (acute and chronic hyperplasia, inflammation, etc.) These observations suggested that prostratin and dPP would function as inhibitors of phorbol ester tumor promotion. Here we verify that prediction. We report that both compounds reduced both the average number of papillomas and the tumor incidence in a tumor promotion schedule in CD-1 mouse skin, in which each PMA application was preceded by 12-deoxyphorbol 13-monoester pretreatment. The highest dose of prostratin used (2.56 mumol or 1 mg/pretreatment) caused a 96% (23-fold) reduction in the average number of papillomas with a decrease of tumor incidence from 97 to 40%. The highest dose of dPP used (21.4 nmol or 10 micrograms/pretreatment) induced an 86% (7-fold) reduction in the average number of papillomas with a 53% reduction of tumor incidence from 100 to 47%. The inhibitory effect was dose dependent. The dose causing 50% inhibition was 11 nmol/pretreatment for prostratin and 0.8 nmol/pretreatment for dPP. Maximal inhibition of tumor promotion was accompanied by a block of epidermal hyperplasia; however, significant inhibition of tumor induction was observed at doses without any apparent effect on the PMA induced hyperplasia.
Transmission of Equine Influenza Virus during an Outbreak Is Characterized by Frequent Mixed Infections and Loose Transmission Bottlenecks

The ability of influenza A viruses (IAVs) to cross species barriers and evade host immunity is a major public health concern. Studies on the phylodynamics of IAVs across different scales - from the individual to the population - are essential for devising effective measures to predict, prevent or contain influenza emergence. Understanding how IAVs spread and evolve during outbreaks is critical for the management of epidemics. Reconstructing the transmission network during a single outbreak by sampling viral genetic data in time and space can generate insights about these processes. Here, we obtained intra-host viral sequence data from horses infected with equine influenza virus (EIV) to reconstruct the spread of EIV during a large outbreak. To this end, we analyzed within-host viral populations from sequences covering 90% of the infected yards. By combining gene sequence analyses with epidemiological data, we inferred a plausible transmission network, in turn enabling the comparison of transmission patterns during the course of the outbreak and revealing important epidemiological features that were not apparent using either approach alone. The EIV populations displayed high levels of genetic diversity, and in many cases we observed distinct viral populations containing a dominant variant and a number of related minor variants that were transmitted between infectious horses. In addition, we found evidence of frequent mixed infections and loose transmission bottlenecks in these naturally occurring populations. These frequent mixed infections likely influence the size of epidemics.
An Online Self-organizing Neuro-Fuzzy System from training data

In this paper, we design a novel Online Self-constructing Neuro-Fuzzy System (OSNFS) based on the proposed generalized ellipsoidal basis functions (GEBF). Due to the flexibility and dissymmetry of the GEBF, the partitioning made by GEBFs in the input space is more flexible and more economical, and therefore results in a parsimonious neuro-fuzzy system (NFS) with high performance under the online learning algorithm. The geometric growing criteria and the error reduction ratio (ERR) method are used as growing and pruning strategies respectively to realize the structure learning algorithm which implements an optimal and compact network structure. The proposed OSNFS starts with no fuzzy rules and does not need to partition the input space a priori. In addition, all the free parameters in premises and consequents are adjusted online based on the ε-completeness of fuzzy rules and the linear least square (LLS) approach, respectively. The performance of the proposed OSNFS is compared with other well-known algorithms on a benchmark problem in nonlinear dynamic system identification. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed OSNFS approach can facilitate a compact and economical NFS with better approximation performance.
Age-Related Differences in Multiple Task Monitoring

Coordinating multiple tasks with narrow deadlines is particularly challenging for older adults because of age related decline in cognitive control functions. We tested the hypothesis that multiple task performance reflects age- and gender-related differences in executive functioning and spatial ability. Young and older adults completed a multitasking session with four monitoring tasks as well as separate tasks measuring executive functioning and spatial ability. For both age groups, men exceeded women in multitasking, measured as monitoring accuracy. Individual differences in executive functioning and spatial ability were independent predictors of young adults' monitoring accuracy, but only spatial ability was related to sex differences. For older adults, age and executive functioning, but not spatial ability, predicted multitasking performance. These results suggest that executive functions contribute to multiple task performance across the adult life span and that reliance on spatial skills for coordinating deadlines is modulated by age.
Low- and high-level controlled processing in executive motor control tasks in 5-6-year-old children at risk of ADHD.

BACKGROUND The scant research on the characteristics of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in kindergarten years curtails progress on early assessment of ADHD. METHOD By screening a general population sample of 1317 five- to six-year-old children, four groups of children were selected. The performance of 30 children later diagnosed with ADHD was compared with 74 children later diagnosed with 'borderline ADHD' (children exhibiting all ADHD symptoms but without disruptions on two situations), 113 children later diagnosed with other psychopathology, and 126 healthy controls on computerised motor control tasks involving low- and high-level controlled processing. In addition, motor control was compared with movement speed. RESULTS The children at risk of ADHD were in general less accurate and more variable in their movements than the children with other psychopathology and healthy controls. Under conditions of high-level controlled processing, the children at risk of ADHD were disproportionately more inaccurate and had a more unstable performance with their preferred hand than the other children. In addition, linear effects were found, with the children at risk of ADHD having the worst performance, followed by the children with 'borderline ADHD', and then both groups of control children. No significant group differences were found in movement speed. CONCLUSIONS The main findings are interpreted as evidence for a specific deficit in high-level controlled processing in young children at risk of ADHD, now found in a motor task, rather than a response task. Furthermore, the results support the notion that ADHD represents a dimensional trait. In addition, problems in movement control (the need to allocate attentional capacity) rather than problems in movement speed distinguish children at risk of ADHD from other children. The findings are interpreted as evidence that higher-order executive processes, such as self-control and self-regulation, are already affected early in the development of ADHD.