Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Synchronized Inputs at the Single Neuron Level

It is commonly assumed that temporal synchronization of excitatory synaptic inputs onto a single neuron increases its firing rate. We investigate here the role of synaptic synchronization for the leaky integrate-and-fire neuron as well as for a biophysically and anatomically detailed compartmental model of a cortical pyramidal cell. We find that if the number of excitatory inputs, N, is on the same order as the number of fully synchronized inputs necessary to trigger a single action potential, Nt, synchronization always increases the firing rate (for both constant and Poisson-distributed input). However, for large values of N compared to Nt, overcrowding occurs and temporal synchronization is detrimental to firing frequency. This behavior is caused by the conflicting influence of the low-pass nature of the passive dendritic membrane on the one hand and the refractory period on the other. If both temporal synchronization as well as the fraction of synchronized inputs (Murthy and Fetz 1993) is varied, synchronization is only advantageous if either N or the average input frequency, fin, are small enough.
Non-invasive diagnosis of coronary artery disease by quantitative stress echocardiography : optimal diagnostic models using off-line tissue Doppler in the MYDISE study

Aims To develop optimal methods for the objective non-invasive diagnosis of coronary artery disease, using myocardial Doppler velocities during dobutamine stress echocardiography. Methods and results We acquired tissue Doppler digital data during dobutamine stress in 289 subjects, and measured myocardial responses by off-line analysis of 11 left ventricular segments. Diagnostic criteria developed by comparing 92 normal subjects with 48 patients with coronary disease were refined in a prospective series of 149 patients referred with chest pain. Optimal diagnostic accuracy was achieved by logistic regression models, using systolic velocities at maximal stress in 7 myocardial segments, adjusting for independent correlations directly with heart rate and inversely with age and female gender (all p<0.001). Best cut-points from receiveroperator curves diagnosed left anterior descending, circumflex and right coronary disease with sensitivities and specificities of 80% and 80%, 91% and 80%, and 93% and 82%, respectively. All models performed better than velocity cut-offs alone (p<0.001). Conclusion Non-invasive diagnosis of coronary artery disease by quantitative stress echocardiography is best performed using diagnostic models based on segmental velocities at peak stress and adjusting for heart rate, and gender or age. © 2003 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The European Society of Cardiology.
Cone beam CT image artefacts related to head motion simulated by a robot skull: visual characteristics and impact on image quality.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to assess artefacts and their impact on cone beam CT (CBCT) image quality (IQ) after head motion simulated by a robot skull. METHODS A fully dentate human skull incorporated into a robot simulated pre-determined patient movements. Ten head motion patterns were selected based on the movement of the C-arm of the CBCT units (no motion as reference). Three CBCT units were used [a three-dimensional eXam (K) (KaVo Dental GmbH, Biberach, Germany), a Promax 3D MAX (P) (Planmeca Oy, Helsinki, Finland) and a Scanora(®) 3D (S) (Soredex Oy, Tuusula, Finland)]. Axial images were qualitatively assessed at three levels: mental foramen (MF), infraorbital foramen and supraorbital foramen, and artefacts characterized as stripe-like, double contours, unsharpness or ring-like. A 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to quantitatively assess IQ. Cross-sectional images of the lower third molar and MF bilaterally were also evaluated by VAS. Four blinded examiners assessed the images. RESULTS For all units and motion patterns, stripe-like artefacts were the most common. The four observers agreed on the presence of at least one artefact type in 90% of the images. Axial images showed lower overall IQ after motion (VAS = 72.4 ± 24.0 mm) than reference images (VAS = 97.3 ± 2.6 mm). The most severe artefacts were seen at the MF level. For cross-sectional images, IQ was lowest after tremor. The mean IQ range was 74-89 and 57-90 for isolated (tilting, rotation and nodding) and combined (nodding + tilting and rotation + tilting) movements, respectively. IQ for MF was lower than for third molar for any movement except tremor. CONCLUSIONS Head motion of any type resulted in artefacts in CBCT images. The impact on IQ depended on the region and level in the skull.
Value vs. deadline scheduling in overload conditions

We present a comparative study among scheduling algorithms which use different priority assignments and different guarantee mechanisms to improve the performance of a real-time system during overload conditions. In order to enhance the quality of service, we assume that tasks are characterized not only by a deadline, but also by an importance value. The performance of the scheduling algorithm is then evaluated by computing the cumulative value gained on a task set, i.e. the sum of the values of those tasks that completed by their deadline. The purpose of this simulation study was twofold. Firstly, we wanted to discover which priority assignment is able to achieve the best performance in overload conditions. Secondly, we were interested in understanding how the pessimistic assumptions made in the guarantee test affect the performance of the scheduling algorithms, and how much a reclaiming mechanism can compensate this degradation. Simulation results show that, without any admission control, value-density scheduling performs best. Simple admission control based on worst case estimates of the load worsen the performance of all value based algorithms. EDF scheduling performs best if admission control is used along with a reclaiming mechanism that takes advantage of early completions. Finally, scheduling by deadline before overload and by value during overload works best in most practical conditions.
First order augmentation to tensor voting for boundary inference and multiscale analysis in 3D

Most computer vision applications require the reliable detection of boundaries. In the presence of outliers, missing data, orientation discontinuities, and occlusion, this problem is particularly challenging. We propose to address it by complementing the tensor voting framework, which was limited to second order properties, with first order representation and voting. First order voting fields and a mechanism to vote for 3D surface and volume boundaries and curve endpoints in 3D are defined. Boundary inference is also useful for a second difficult problem in grouping, namely, automatic scale selection. We propose an algorithm that automatically infers the smallest scale that can preserve the finest details. Our algorithm then proceeds with progressively larger scale to ensure continuity where it has not been achieved. Therefore, the proposed approach does not oversmooth features or delay the handling of boundaries and discontinuities until model misfit occurs. The interaction of smooth features, boundaries, and outliers is accommodated by the unified representation, making possible the perceptual organization of data in curves, surfaces, volumes, and their boundaries simultaneously. We present results on a variety of data sets to show the efficacy of the improved formalism.
Policy optimisation of POMDP-based dialogue systems without state space compression

The partially observable Markov decision process (POMDP) has been proposed as a dialogue model that enables automatic improvement of the dialogue policy and robustness to speech understanding errors. It requires, however, a large number of dialogues to train the dialogue policy. Gaussian processes (GP) have recently been applied to POMDP dialogue management optimisation showing an ability to substantially increase the speed of learning. Here, we investigate this further using the Bayesian Update of Dialogue State dialogue manager. We show that it is possible to apply Gaussian processes directly to the belief state, removing the need for a parametric policy representation. In addition, the resulting policy learns significantly faster while maintaining operational performance.
Nonlinear System Identification using Opposition Based Learning Differential Evolution and Neural Network Techniques

The slow convergence and local minima problems associated with neural networks (NN) used for non-linear system identification have been resolved by evolutionary techniques such as differential evolution (DE) combined with Levenberg Marquardt (LM) algorithm. In this work the authors attempted further to employ an opposition based learning in DE, known as opposition based differential evolution (OBDE) for training neural networks in order to achieve better convergence of DE. The proposed OBDE together with DE and neuro-fuzzy (NF) approaches to non-linear system identification has been applied for identification of two non-linear system benchmark problems. Results presented clearly demonstrate that the OBDE-NN method of non-linear system identification provides excellent identification performance in comparison to both the DE and NF approaches.
Vector quantization as a method for integer EMG signal compression

Vector quantization (VQ) is a well-known lossy compression method, which has not often been applied to biosignals. In this paper, VQ and its mean residual variant for encoding and decoding electromyography (EMG) signals have been tested. The methods are selected in such a way that they can be later applied in a low-resource embedded system. A neural network approach is used for codebook generation. The preservation of medical parameters is a prominent sign of quality in medical compression systems. Both signal level fidelity factors and preserving medical parameters are tested. The results show that mean residual vector quantization with short segments is a workable approach for EMG signal compression.
Predictors of Nonadherence to Statins: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Nonadherence to statins limits the benefits of this common drug class. Individual studies assessing predictors of nonadherence haue produced inconsistent results. Objective: To identify reliable predictors of nonadherence to statins through systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: Multiple databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO, were searched (from inception through February 2009) to identify studies that evaluated predictors of nonadherence to statins. Studies were selected using a priori defined criteria, and each study was reviewed by 2 authors who abstracted data on study characteristics and outcomes. Relative risks were then pooled, using an inverse-variance weighted random-effects model. Results: Twenty-two cohort studies met inclusion criteria. Age had a U-shaped association with adherence; the oldest (≥70 years) and youngest (<50 years) subjects had lower adherence than the middle-aged (50-69 years) subjects. Women and patients with lower incomes were more likely to be nonadherent than were men (odds of nonadherence 1.07; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.11) and those with higher incomes (odds of nonadherence 1.18:95% CI 1.10 to 1.28), respectively. A history of cardiovascular disease predicted better adherence to statins (odds of nonadherence 0.68; 95% CI 0.66 to 0.78). Similarly, a diagnosis of hypertension or diabetes was associated with better adherence. Although there were too few studies for quantitative pooling, increased testing of lipid levels and lower out-of-pocket costs appeared to be associated with better adherence. There was substantial (l2 range 68.7-96.3%) heterogeneity between studies across factors. Conclusions: Several sociodemographic, medical, and health-care utilization characteristics are associated with statin nonadherence. These factors may be useful guides for targeting statin adherence interventions.
ERK1/2 is required for myoblast proliferation but is dispensable for muscle gene expression and cell fusion

Skeletal muscle satellite cells, which are found between the muscle fiber and the basal lamina, remain quiescent and undifferentiated unless stimulated to remodel skeletal muscle or repair injured skeletal muscle tissue. Quiescent satellite cells express c‐met and fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFR) 1 and 4, suggesting these receptors are involved in maintaining the undifferentiated quiescent state or involved in satellite cell activation. Although the signaling pathways involved are poorly understood, the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade has been implicated in the regulation of skeletal muscle growth and differentiation by FGFs. In this study, we investigated if activation of the Raf–MKK1/2–ERK1/2 signaling cascade plays a role in FGF‐dependent repression of differentiation and proliferation of MM14 cells, a skeletal muscle satellite cell line. Inactivation of the Raf–MKK1/2–ERK1/2 pathway in myoblasts through the overexpression of dominant negative mutants of Raf‐1 blocks ERK1/2 activity and prevents myoblast proliferation. Additionally, inhibition of MKK1/2 by treatment with pharmacological inhibitors also blocks FGF‐mediated stimulation of ERK1/2 and blocks the G1 to S phase transition of myoblasts. Unexpectedly, we found that inactivation of the Raf–ERK pathway does not activate a muscle reporter, nor does inactivation of this pathway promote myogenic differentiation. We conclude that FGF‐stimulated ERK1/2 signaling is required during the G1 phase of the cell cycle for commitment of myoblasts to DNA synthesis but is not required for mitosis once cells have entered the S‐phase. Moreover, ERK1/2 signaling is not required either to repress differentiation, to promote skeletal muscle gene expression, or to promote myoblast fusion. J. Cell. Physiol. 186:104–115, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intermediate long-term clinical performance of dental implants placed in sites with a previous early implant failure: a retrospective analysis.

PURPOSE The aim of this retrospective case-control study was to evaluate the intermediate long-term clinical performance and success rate of dental implants inserted into sites of previous early implant failure. MATERIAL AND METHODS A retrospective evaluation was conducted on 6456 patients with 10,234 implants from January 2004 to December 2011. The patients with early implant failure retreated in previous failed sites were enrolled in the study. The collected data included patient's characteristics, implants characteristics (failed and replaced), and if was the case, any additional surgery performed prior or at the same of implant placement to obtain proper hard tissues dimensions. Moreover, peri-implant clinical parameters, marginal bone loss (MBL), and the implant quality scale (IQS) of the replacement implants were recorded after delivering of the final prosthesis and annually thereafter. RESULTS Ninety-six patients (100 implants) showed initial early failure (failure rate = 0.98%). Sixty-six patients (male: 38; female: 28; mean age: 42.3 ± 18.2 years old) with early implant failure received a total of 67 replacement dental implants. Three patients with three implants dropped out of the study during the mean follow-up of 69.4 ± 27.0 months. The implant length and diameter were varied for seven sites. The number of sites that required additional surgeries increased from 18 to 24 for first and replacement implant insertion, respectively. One of the 67 replacement implants failed before prosthesis delivery, and one implant failure occurred 20 months after prosthesis delivery, which represented a cumulative survival rate of 94.6%. At last follow-up evaluation, the overall mean MBL was 1.7 ± 1.3 mm. Two of 64 implants failed according to IQS criteria, three implants showed satisfactory survival, and one implant showed compromised survival. No pain or tenderness was observed in the rest 58 implants evaluated, showing a success rate (optimum health) of 90.6%. CONCLUSION Within the limits of the present study, early implant failure was not an obstacle for implant replacement at the same site after an adequate soft and hard tissues healing period.
Perspectives on research evidence and clinical practice: a survey of Australian physiotherapists.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Physiotherapists' use of research evidence with clinical decision-making has interested researchers world-wide since 1980; however, little is known about such practices in Australia. The present survey sought information on Australian physiotherapists' perceptions of the importance of research, and barriers to uptake of evidence in clinical practice, when compared with an international cohort from 2001. METHOD An Australian-relevant version of an English (UK) National Health Service (NHS) survey instrument was used to canvass 453 physiotherapists, randomly selected from the South Australian Physiotherapy Registration Board 2004-2005 records. The first survey was mailed in August 2005, a reminder was sent two weeks later to non-responders and a follow-up survey was sent in April 2006 to non-responders whose addresses had changed since 2005. RESULTS There was a 51% response rate. Of the non-responders, 12% were not contactable at their listed address, highlighting the mobility of Australian physiotherapists. Most respondents had undertaken research as students (59.5%) or as students and clinicians (11.5%). Of these, 37.1% were encouraged to embark on more research, and 20.5% were discouraged. The significant predictors of positive perceived importance of research were: previous research experience; being positive about undertaking further research; working in hospitals and holding a postgraduate degree. Clinicians working privately were significantly less likely than managers to be positive about research importance. The only significant predictor for not perceiving barriers to uptake of evidence was being positive about undertaking future research. CONCLUSIONS The study identified constraints on uptake of evidence into practice that were related to accessing, reading and interpreting published research, and implementing findings. Found consistently across employment categories were barriers relating to lack of time, uncertainty about what the research reported, scepticism about the value of research and being isolated from peer support and literature sources. The responses indicated a positive shift towards evidence uptake since the 2001 NHS survey, suggesting an influence of increased exposure to information on evidence-based practice. A greater focus on research whilst training, the application of educational strategies for empowerment, better knowledge transfer and upskilling within the workplace, and ensuring dedicated time and organizational support for research activities are indicated.
Collective guilt: what it is and what it is not

Emotions can be ephemeral. How events are appraised and the subjective experience they generate can rapidly shift with changes in the social context. In order to capture people's emotional responses to events, psychologists have employed a variety of methods induding the assessment of facial expressions (Ekman, 1984), physiological reactivity (Pennebaker,1982) and, most commonly, self-report methods (Shaver et al., 1987). Particularly for the self-conscious emotions of pride, shame, and guilt, for which differential phYSiological symptoms are not expected, researchers have primarily relied on various participant self-assessments (Tangney & Fischer, 1995). Individual differences in the tendency to experience these emotions are generally assessed via self-ratings of the frequency duration,or intensity with which they are felt. Indices that capture agreement or disagreement with Likert-type statements concerning how much the emotion is experienced with respect to a particular referent are also often employed. In this chapter, we report on the construction and validation of a self-report scale to assess various aspects of the collective guilt experience.
Increasing inequalities in all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among US adults aged 25-64 years by area socioeconomic status, 1969-1998.

BACKGROUND This study examined the extent to which areal socio-economic gradients in all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality among US men and women aged 25-64 years increased between 1969 and 1998. METHODS Using factor analysis 17 census tract variables were used to develop an areal index of socio-economic status that was used to stratify all US counties into five socio-economic categories. By linking the index to county-level mortality data from 1969 to 1998, we calculated annual age-adjusted mortality rates for each area socio-economic group. Poisson regression models were fitted to estimate areal socio-economic gradients in mortality over time. RESULTS Areal socio-economic gradients in all-cause and cardiovascular mortality have increased substantially over the past three decades. Compared to men in the highest area socio-economic group, rates of all-cause and CVD mortality among men in the lowest area socio-economic group were 42% and 30% greater in 1969-1970 and 73% and 79% greater in 1997-1998, respectively. The gradients in mortality among women were steeper for CVD than for all causes. Compared to women in the highest area socio-economic group, rates of all-cause and CVD mortality among women in the lowest area socio-economic group were 29% and 49% greater in 1969-1970 and 53% and 94% greater in 1997-1998, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Although US all-cause and cardiovascular mortality declined for all area socio-economic groups during 1969-1998, the gradient increased because of significantly larger mortality declines in the higher socio-economic groups. Increasing areal inequalities in mortality shown here may be related to increasing temporal differences in the material and social living conditions between areas.
Student Ratings of Teaching: The Research Revisited

A method of mounting solar cells in an array in which the cells are arranged on thermally conductive but electrically insulative wafer and promiences so that they overlap each other in a shingled structure but their bottom surfaces are supported and remain parallel to the top surface of the mounting wafer, the array structure permitting series wiring of the cells and providing a rugged structure having a thermally conductive path from the solar cells through the mounting elements.
Do GOLD stages of COPD severity really correspond to differences in health status?

The purpose of this study was to assess whether different stages of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) severity defined according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) criteria correlate with meaningful differences in health status. A total of 381 COPD patients, aged 73±6 yrs, were classified in the five GOLD stages. Disease-specific (St George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ)) and generic indexes of health status were measured in all patients. Multivariate analysis of covariance or Kruskal Wallis tests were used to compare health status indexes across the spectrum of GOLD stages of COPD severity. GOLD stages of COPD severity significantly differed in SGRQ components and Barthel's index, but not in the indexes assessing cognitive and affective status and quality of sleep. The largest variation in health status was observed at the transition from stage IIa to stage IIb, while there were no other significant differences between consecutive stages. Both female sex and comorbidity were associated with a greater impact of COPD on the health status. In conclusion, the upper limit of stage IIb (forced expiratory volume in one second of 49%) marks a threshold for dramatic worsening of health status. Progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease severity from stage 0 to stage IIa does not correspond to any meaningful difference in health status.