Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Alertness-training in neglect: behavioral and imaging results.

PURPOSE It has been proposed that the right hemisphere alerting network co-activates, either directly or via the brainstem, the spatial attention system in the parietal cortex. The observation that measures of impaired alertness and sustained attention can be used to predict the outcome of neglect might suggest such a relationship, too. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of alertness training on hemispatial neglect. METHOD A three-week computerised alertness training was applied to patients with chronic (> 3 months) stable visuospatial hemineglect. Training effects were investigated both in a single case and in a group of 7 patients by means of neuropsychological tests and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). RESULTS After the training, the patients showed a significant improvement in a neglect test battery above any natural fluctuation during a three-week baseline phase. Improvements in the neglect tasks were accompanied by an increase of both right and left hemisphere frontal, anterior cingulate and superior parietal activation, areas known to be associated with both alertness and spatial attention. Four weeks after the end of the training, the patients' neglect test performance had mostly returned to baseline. Despite decreases of activation in some of the initially reactivated areas, increases in neural activity bilaterally in frontal areas, in the right anterior cingulate cortex, the right angular gyrus and in the left temporoparietal cortex remained. An Optokinetic Stimulation Training (OKS) in a control group of another 7 neglect patients led to comparable behavioral results. After the training, however, there was a reactivation mainly in posterior parts of both hemispheres suggesting training specific functional reorganization. CONCLUSION The limited stability of the behavioral and reactivation results over time demonstrates that a three-week alertness or OKS training alone does not result in long lasting behavioral improvements and stable reactivation patterns in every patient. We rather suggest that combining alertness and spatial attention oriented training procedures might lead to a more stable amelioration of neglect symptoms.
Consensus Driven Learning

As the complexity of our neural network models grow, so too do the data and computation requirements for successful training. One proposed solution to this problem is training on a distributed network of computational devices, thus distributing the computational and data storage loads. This strategy has already seen some adoption by the likes of Google and other companies. In this paper we propose a new method of distributed, decentralized learning that allows a network of computation nodes to coordinate their training using asynchronous updates over an unreliable network while only having access to a local dataset. This is achieved by taking inspiration from Distributed Averaging Consensus algorithms to coordinate the various nodes. Sharing the internal model instead of the training data allows the original raw data to remain with the computation node. The asynchronous nature and lack of centralized coordination allows this paradigm to function with limited communication requirements. We demonstrate our method on the MNIST, Fashion MNIST, and CIFAR10 datasets. We show that our coordination method allows models to be learned on highly biased datasets, and in the presence of intermittent communication failure.
Olfactory Ensheathing Cells for Human Spinal Cord Injury

The following letters raise issues by the writers about the publication from Lima et al (Olfactory mucosal autografts and rehabilitation for chronic traumatic spinal cord injury. Neurorehabil Neural Repair. 2010;24:10-22) that are sequentially addressed by the authors. The 3 letters and comments from the authors were edited to lessen repetition and length. An editorial is also included in this issue that addresses the publication of case-series reports of cellular interventions for patients.
SnowWall : A Visual Firewall for the Surveillance society

In the past two decades we have seen a steady increase in the adoption of various technologies that fit into what can be described as a digital lifestyle. Sharing data, experiences and our most intimate thoughts has become second nature to most people connected to the Internet. And as market trends shift so did the approach that companies and governments have in regards to each individual’s digital footprint. The uncharted wild west that used to be the internet of yesteryear has become a battleground where everyone is fighting over who knows the user better. Findings such as the Snowden and the Vault7 leaks have deeply shaken the status quo in privacy. This project revolves around giving the end user back insight and control over what they involuntarily share with the world. We present SnowWall: a networking tool designed to provide insights and control into the networking activity on a Windows-based system. SnowWall interacts with the operating system, intercepts every inbound and outbound connection, provides information on the connection’s state, lifetime, owning process, and most importantly, remote end point, such as geolocation and ownership information. SnowWall is a powerful tool designed to be user-friendly, which allows anyone to block unwanted connections with high-level firewall rules, such as blocking by country or by owning organization name. With an intuitive visual interface, we strive to shake the public apathy formed around the issue of user tracking. Furthermore, we have analysed the nature of the data being leaked and we bring some intriguing results. Running SnowWall on multiple hosts and analysing the data has brought up many red flags. We have observed a regular user working on Windows 7, 8.1, and 10, and we have learned that Microsoft collects data on all of these systems, with the amount of connections which open in general growing exponentially as newer versions of Windows are evaluated. It appears that system processes create TCP connections to both Microsoft servers and advertisers, with a large amount of network bandwidth being dedicated to such activities. Furthermore, many popular programs that ship with Windows appear to send data to Microsoft, in the US as well as Ireland, Hong-Kong, Singapore, and the Netherlands. We suspect that other governmental institutions are also involved.
The Human K-Complex Represents an Isolated Cortical Down-State

Down But Not Out The K-complex, a defining characteristic of slow wave sleep, is the largest spontaneously occurring component of the healthy human electroencephalogram (EEG) but little is known about its physiological characteristics in the human cortex. Cash et al. (p. 1084) investigated the intracortical origin of K-complexes in humans undergoing surgery for epileptic seizures. In simultaneous subdural EEG and intracortical multisite microelectrode recordings, K complexes represented cortical downstates reflecting a decrease in neural firing. These down-states are a fundamental mode of cortical operation that have been well studied in animals and may contribute to sleep preservation and memory consolidation. A characteristic electroencephalogram pattern seen during sleep is accompanied by a steep decline in neural activity. The electroencephalogram (EEG) is a mainstay of clinical neurology and is tightly correlated with brain function, but the specific currents generating human EEG elements remain poorly specified because of a lack of microphysiological recordings. The largest event in healthy human EEGs is the K-complex (KC), which occurs in slow-wave sleep. Here, we show that KCs are generated in widespread cortical areas by outward dendritic currents in the middle and upper cortical layers, accompanied by decreased broadband EEG power and decreased neuronal firing, which demonstrate a steep decline in network activity. Thus, KCs are isolated “down-states,” a fundamental cortico-thalamic processing mode already characterized in animals. This correspondence is compatible with proposed contributions of the KC to sleep preservation and memory consolidation.
Paraesthesiae Induced by Prolonged high Frequency Stimulation of Human Cutaneous Afferents

1 The present study has explored the behaviour of human cutaneous afferents following conduction of prolonged trains of impulses at 200 Hz for 10–20 min, correlating the resultant changes in excitability with the perception of paraesthesiae. 2 Tetanization for 10 min resulted in activity‐dependent changes in axonal excitability, with an initial period of hyperexcitability, followed by a long‐lasting subexcitability. All subjects experienced paraesthesiae soon after cessation of the tetanic train, and these subsided gradually over 16 min. 3 Longer tetanic trains of 20 min duration resulted in greater changes in axonal excitability, but with paraesthesiae of a similar time course. The post‐tetanic increase in excitability was abolished when short tetanic trains were delivered > 30 min before long trains, but all subjects still experienced paraesthesiae. 4 Threshold distributions following tetanic stimulation for both 10 and 20 min established that all axons contributing to the sensory volley underwent a uniform pattern of post‐tetanic threshold changes. There was no evidence of a bimodal distribution with some axons hyper‐polarized and others depolarized, as occurs with motor axons. However, the excitability changes were graded, with axons of lowest threshold undergoing a proportionately greater increase in excitability than axons of higher threshold. 5 The post‐tetanic excitability changes were greater at the site of stimulation than elsewhere along the peripheral nerve. However, DC polarizing currents applied at this site failed to alter the sensation of paraesthesiae in the post‐tetanic period. Furthermore, local anaesthetic block of the peripheral nerve proximal to the stimulation site failed to suppress the paraesthesiae. 6 The uniform pattern of post‐tetanic threshold changes for cutaneous afferents differs from the bimodal distribution seen with post‐ischaemic and post‐tetanic motor axons. This difference in behaviour may reflect greater inward rectification and greater expression of a non‐inactivating threshold conductance in cutaneous afferents. It is suggested that the ectopic activity responsible for paraesthesiae in the post‐tetanic period arises from a more central site than the peripheral nerve.
Myeloid lineage progenitors give rise to vascular endothelium

Despite an important role in vascular development and repair, the origin of endothelial progenitors remains unknown. Accumulating evidence indicates that cells derived from the hematopoietic system participate in angiogenesis. However, the identity and functional role of these cells remain controversial. Here we show that vascular endothelial cells can differentiate from common myeloid progenitors and granulocyte/macrophage progenitors. Endothelial cells derived from transplanted bone marrow-derived myeloid lineage progenitors expressed CD31, von Willebrand factor, and Tie2 but did not express the hematopoietic markers CD45 and F4/80 or the pericyte markers desmin and smooth muscle actin. Lineage tracing analysis in combination with a Tie2-driven Cre/lox reporter system revealed that, in contrast to bone marrow-derived hepatocytes, bone marrow-derived endothelial cells are not the products of cell fusion. The establishment of both hematopoietic and endothelial cell chimerism after parabiosis demonstrates that circulating cells can give rise to vascular endothelium in the absence of acute radiation injury. Our findings indicate that endothelial cells are an intrinsic component of myeloid lineage differentiation and underscore the close functional relationship between the hematopoietic and vascular systems.
Distinction between breast cancer cell subtypes using third harmonic generation microscopy

Third Harmonic Generation (THG) microscopy as a non‐invasive, label free imaging methodology, allows linkage of lipid profiles with various breast cancer cells. The collected THG signal arise mostly from the lipid droplets and the membrane lipid bilayer. Quantification of THG signal can accurately distinguish HER2‐positive cells. Further analysis using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra reveals cancer‐specific profiles, correlating lipid raft‐corresponding spectra to THG signal, associating thus THG to chemical information. THG imaging of a cancer cell.
[Maximum acceptable weight of lift for manual lifting tasks].

OBJECTIVE To explore the maximum acceptable weight of lift (MAWL) in different lifting conditions and the suitable lifting equation for the stipulation of occupational health standard of manual lifting tasks in China. METHODS The MAWL was investigated among the thirteen male and ten female students using psychophysical methodology and the recommended weight of limit (RWL) was compared. RESULTS The MAWL of male and female subjects was decreased gradually with the increase of lifting height. Once the height of lifting was over shoulder, the MAWL was decreased dramatically. The RWL was greater than the MAWL at 25 cm horizontal distance in male subjects, but the RWL was smaller than the MAWL at the distance of 45 cm and 63 cm. The average MAWL of male subjects was 30.8% greater than that of female subjects. The MAWL was decreased gradually with increase of the horizontal distance at the same height of lifting. The result of the male subjects was consistent with that of the female subjects. For the asymmetric lifting tasks of the male subjects, the bigger the angle of rotation was, the less the MAWL became. The angle of rotation had negative correlation with the capability of lifting (r = -0.996 6, P < 0.01). When the subjects performed asymmetric lifting tasks, the RWL was smaller than the MAWL and the difference was significant. CONCLUSION The revision is sufficient for the horizontal distance and asymmetric lifting in the NIOSH lifting equation, but it is not suitable for height, especially for the task of lifting over shoulder. The RWL for the task of lifting over shoulder should be lowered. The factor of gender should be taken into account in the lifting equation and the constant of gender S can be added. Then S = 1 for male while S = 0.692 for female.
Religion and mental health: evidence for an association

The relationship between religion and mental health has been debated for centuries. History shows that religious organizations were often the first to offer compassionate care to the mentally ill; however, for hundreds of years the religious establishment also persecuted the mentally ill. Nevertheless, the first form of psychiatric care in Western Europe and the US was known as 'moral treatment', in which religion played a significant role. The teachings of Freud and others during the early twentieth century concerning the neurotic influences of religion have had an enormous impact on the field, nullifying the quite favorable views toward religion held by nineteenth century psychiatrists. In this article, we review research that has found both negative and positive associations between religious involvement and mental health. We then examine the implications of this research for the clinical practice of psychiatry in the twentyfirst century.
Comparison of a Point-Of-Care Test for High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein with an Established Immuno-Nephelometric Method.

BACKGROUND High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is an established marker of cardiovascular risk particularly in primary prevention. For years, it was exclusively measured using automated methods in clinical laboratories, but point-of-care tests (POCT) are urgently needed to simplify and hasten the determination of hsCRP. METHODS This study compared a novel hsCRP POCT with an established nephelometric method in 104 patients showing a broad spectrum of cardiovascular risk. RESULTS The results indicated a moderate agreement of the POCT with the standard method, with a sensitivity of 87% and a specificity of 80% to detect elevated hsCRP (> 1 mg/L). CONCLUSIONS The minimization of sample volume appears to be the most promising strategy for future test improvement.
Mobilidade urbana em Campinas : análise do espaço de circulação

Esta dissertacao tem por objetivo realizar uma analise do da mobilidade urbana da cidade de Campinas - SP sob o ponto de vista de seu processo de urbanizacao e seu sistema de circulacao. Com este fim, sera estudado a estrutura atual do sistema de transporte publico e como este se relaciona com o processo temporal de crescimento e desenvolvimento urbano. Composto por diversos periodos significativos (que sao abordados de maneira distinta entre os estudiosos do assunto), tal processo sera objeto de reflexao critica utilizando como metodo a analise geografica de circulacao. Pretende-se debater o processo de crescimento e estruturacao da area urbana do ponto de vista da Geografia com relacao aos sistemas de circulacao urbana, de modo a compreender melhor a dinâmica da questao do transporte publico na cidade. Para tanto, e necessario compreender como se deu e como se da a distribuicao espacial dos principais eixos de circulacao utilizados pela populacao a partir do transporte publico a fim de subsidiar propostas para a melhoria de sua circulacao pelo espaco urbano, considerando principalmente as pessoas que mais necessitam deste transporte, e, portanto, de politicas publicas que priorizem esta parcela da populacao. O objetivo do trabalho, portanto, e discutir o espaco do cidadao a mobilidade, sob condicoes minimamente aceitaveis de seguranca atraves de uma enfase maior nas propostas de ampliacao permanente da infra-estrutura das cidades como um todo, e nao apenas do transporte rodoviario, ao inves de analisar as causas dos problemas existentes, considerando esses deslocamentos como sendo meras rotas de ida e volta do local de trabalho. A principal alternativa para isso e levar em conta todas as formas de circulacao no espaco; a pe, de bicicleta, carro, onibus, trem e metro. Todos devem ter condicoes para realizar suas atividades, e, portanto, a estrutura viaria deve considerar todos os meios de transporte apontados acima. O enfoque aqui pretendido contempla a visao do uso social do espaco urbano sobre o tema estudado, considerando algumas regras tecnicas utilizadas pelo enfoque tradicional, destacando-se a analise do espaco urbano onde estes deslocamentos sao mensurados tecnicamente e utilizado por pessoas cujas relacoes sociais, politicas e economicas sao complexas e ocorrem ao mesmo tempo Abstract
Periodontitis could be related factors on metabolic syndrome among Koreans: a case-control study.

AIM Several studies have suggested that metabolic disorders are related to periodontitis. The objective of this study is to assess whether periodontitis is associated with the metabolic syndrome (MetS) among Koreans. MATERIAL AND METHODS This case-control study was performed among 167 cases with MetS and 166 healthy controls from Shiwha-Banwol Environmental Health Cohort (N = 1853). The community periodontal index (CPI) was used to assess periodontitis (CPI 3-4). MetS was an outcome variable and periodontitis was a main explanatory variable. Age-gender-matched conditional logistic regression models were applied. Monthly household income, smoking, drinking, physical activity and diabetes mellitus were factored as confounders. We also performed stratified analyses according to confounders. RESULTS Those with periodontitis are more likely to be patients with MetS than those without periodontitis. The adjusted odds ratio of periodontitis for MetS was 1.76. There was no significant dose-effect response on the relationship between the number of sextants with periodontitis and MetS. Links became higher in adults aged 45-60 years and adults without diabetes mellitus. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that periodontitis could be an independently related factor on MetS. Hence, dentists and physicians should be aware of the importance of periodontitis as a potential source of inflammatory burden.
Assessing measurement error in Medicare coverage from the National Health Interview Survey.

OBJECTIVES Using linked administrative data, to validate Medicare coverage estimates among adults aged 65 or older from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), and to assess the impact of a recently added Medicare probe question on the validity of these estimates. DATA SOURCES Linked 2005 NHIS and Master Beneficiary Record and Payment History Update System files from the Social Security Administration (SSA). STUDY DESIGN We compared Medicare coverage reported on NHIS with "benchmark" benefit records from SSA. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS With the addition of the probe question, more reports of coverage were captured, and the agreement between the NHIS-reported coverage and SSA records increased from 88% to 95%. Few additional overreports were observed. CONCLUSIONS Increased accuracy of the Medicare coverage status of NHIS participants was achieved with the Medicare probe question. Though some misclassification remains, data users interested in Medicare coverage as an outcome or correlate can use this survey measure with confidence.
Antiretroviral medication adherence and the development of class-specific antiretroviral resistance

Objective:To assess the association between antiretroviral adherence and the development of class-specific antiretroviral medication resistance. Design and methods:Literature and conference abstract review of studies assessing the association between adherence to antiretroviral therapy and the development of antiretroviral medication resistance. Results:Factors that determine class-specific adherence–resistance relationships include antiretroviral regimen potency, viral fitness or, more specifically, the interplay between the fold-change in resistance and fold-change in fitness caused by drug resistance mutations, and the genetic barrier to antiretroviral resistance. During multidrug therapy, differential drug exposure increases the likelihood of developing resistance. In addition, antiretroviral medications with higher potency and higher genetic barriers to resistance decrease the incidence of resistance for companion antiretroviral medications at all adherence levels. Conclusion:Knowledge of class-specific adherence–resistance relationships may help clinicians and patients tailor therapy to match individual patterns of adherence in order to minimize the development of resistance at failure. In addition, this information may guide the selection of optimal drug combinations and regimen sequences to improve the durability of antiretroviral therapy.
Superior laryngeal nerve blockade and inspiratory resistive load detection in normal subjects.

The site for detection of added inspiratory resistive loads is unknown, but recent evidence suggests that the airways may play an important role. The aim of this study was to discern whether the larynx has an important independent role in conscious detection of added inspiratory resistive loads. A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study of the effect of superior laryngeal nerve blockade on inspiratory resistive load-detection threshold was carried out in 12 normal subjects (7 women; mean age 27.5 yr; range 18-45 yr). Baseline (preinjection) detection thresholds were similar on the lidocaine [0.58 +/- 0.16 (SE) cmH2O.l-1.s] and saline (0.53 +/- 0.12 cmH2O.l-1.s; P = 0.28) days. There was no significant difference in load-detection thresholds after injection between lidocaine (0.60 +/- 0.15 cmH2O.l-1.s) and saline (0.55 +/- 0.10 cmH2O.l-1.s; P = 0.68). Thus, the larynx does not appear to be an important independent airway site for conscious inspiratory resistive load detection.
Performance of Reed-Solomon Codes in AWGN Channel

The fundamental reason for the use of error-correction control codes is to minimize the error which occurs due to the addition of noise over the noisy channel. These codes are capable of detecting the errors and also rectifying the to achieve minimum error possible. This paper presents the performance of a Reed-Solomon code in an AWGN channel for various modulation schemes in a simulation environment.