Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Computer-aided system design for educational purposes: An autonomous Self-balancing two-wheeled inverted pendulum robot

As mobile robotic systems become more complex, the need for software that facilitates the design of such systems becomes more apparent. In this paper, a MATLAB toolbox that allows for easier modeling, control, and motion planning of robotic systems is introduced. The procedure used o develop a robotic system with this toolbox is then described through an example of a Self-balancing two-wheeled inverted pendulum robot (STIP) o provide more insight to the capabilities of his toolbox.
3D human action recognition and motion analysis using selective representations

With the advent of marker-based motion capture, attempts have been made to recognise and quantify attributes of “type”, “content” and “behaviour” from the motion data. Current work exists to obtain quick and easy identification of human motion for use in multiple settings, such as healthcare and gaming by using activity monitors, wearable technology and low-cost accelerometers. Yet, analysing human motion and generating representative features to enable recognition and analysis in an efficient and comprehensive manner has proved elusive thus far. This thesis proposes practical solutions that are based on insights from clinicians, and learning attributes from motion capture data itself. This culminates in an application framework that learns the type, content and behaviour of human motion for recognition, quantitative clinical analysis and outcome measures. While marker-based motion capture has many uses, it also has major limitations that are explored in this thesis, not least in terms of hardware costs and practical utilisation. These drawbacks have led to the creation of depth sensors capable of providing robust, accurate and low-cost solution to detecting and tracking anatomical landmarks on the human body, without physical markers. This advancement has led researchers to develop low-cost solutions to important healthcare tasks, such as human motion analysis as a clinical aid in prevention care. In this thesis a variety of obstacles in handling markerless motion capture are identified and overcome by employing parameterisation of Axis- Angles, applying Euler Angles transformations to Exponential Maps, and appropriate distance measures between postures. While developing an efficient, usable and deployable application framework for clinicians, this thesis introduces techniques to recognise, analyse and quantify human motion in the context of identifying age-related change and mobility. The central theme of this thesis is the creation of discriminative representations of the human body using novel encoding and extraction approaches usable for both marker-based and marker-less motion capture data. The encoding of the human pose is modelled based on the spatial-temporal characteristics to generate a compact, efficient parameterisation. This combination allows for the detection of multiple known and unknown motions in real-time. However, in the context of benchmarking a major drawback exists, the lack of a clinically valid and relevant dataset to enable benchmarking. Without a dataset of this type, it is difficult to validated algorithms aimed at healthcare application. To this end, this thesis introduces a dataset that will enable the computer science community to benchmark healthcare-related algorithms.
Regulation of PPARGC1A gene expression in trained and untrained human skeletal muscle

Promoter‐specific expression of the PPARGC1A gene in untrained and trained human skeletal muscle was investigated. Ten untrained males performed a one‐legged knee extension exercise (for 60 min) with the same relative intensity both before and after 8 weeks of cycling training. Samples from the m. vastus lateralis of each leg were taken before and after exercise. Postexercise PPARGC1A gene expression via the canonical promoter increased by ~100% (P < 0.05) in exercised and nonexercised untrained muscles, but did not change in either leg after training program. In untrained and trained exercised muscle, PPARGC1A gene expression via the alternative promoter increased by two orders of magnitude (P < 0.01). We found increases in postexercise content of dephosphorylated (activated) CRTC2, a coactivator of CREB1, in untrained exercised muscle and in expression of CREB1‐related genes in untrained and trained exercised muscle (P < 0.01–0.05); this may partially explain the increased expression of PPARGC1A via the alternative promoter. In addition, comparison of the regulatory regions of both promoters revealed unique conserved motifs in the alternative promoter that were associated with transcriptional repressors SNAI1 and HIC1. In conclusion, in untrained muscle, exercise‐induced expression of the PPARGC1A gene via the canonical promoter may be regulated by systemic factors, while in trained muscle the canonical promoter shows constitutive expression at rest and after exercise. Exercise‐induced expression of PPARGC1A via the alternative promoter relates to intramuscular factors and associates with activation of CRTC2‐CREB1. Apparently, expression via the alternative promoter is regulated by other transcription factors, particularly repressors.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus complicated by hypertension in Japanese patients: switching treatment from high-dose angiotensin II receptor blockers to losartan plus hydrochlorothiazide.

OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to assess changes in blood pressure and metabolism after switching treatment from maximum-dose angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) therapy to a mixture of conventional-dose ARBs and low-dose diuretics. METHODS This study was conducted among 43 Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes complicated with hypertension in whom continuous treatment with high doses of ARBs did not reduce their blood pressure to the target level (a systolic blood pressure of 130 mmHg or lower and a diastolic blood pressure of 80 mmHg or lower). The antihypertensive and metabolic effects of switching from high-dose ARBs to a combination of losartan (50 mg/day) plus hydrochlorothiazide (12.5 mg/day) were examined. The primary endpoint was a decrease in blood pressure at 24 weeks. RESULTS The combination treatment significantly decreased both systolic (baseline: 147±11; 24 weeks: 133±13 mmHg) and diastolic (baseline: 79±8; 24 weeks: 72±10 mmHg) blood pressure. This treatment was also associated with a significant increase in the HbA1c level (baseline: 7.0±0.8%; 24 weeks: 7.2±0.9%) and a significant decrease in the urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (baseline: 280±590; 24 weeks: 110±253 mg/g creatinine). However, the combination treatment had no effect on lipid metabolism or the serum uric acid or potassium levels. CONCLUSION In patients with diabetes, sodium reabsorption in the renal tubules is enhanced, which leads to the development of salt-sensitive hypertension. Therefore, the concurrent use of a diuretic that promotes sodium excretion can increase the antihypertensive effects of other drugs. This study demonstrated that switching from high-dose ARB treatment to losartan/hydrochlorothiazide combination therapy results in significant control of blood pressure.
Association between circulating oxidised low-density lipoprotein and fibrocalcific remodelling of the aortic valve in aortic stenosis

Introduction: Aortic stenosis (AS) is the most common valvular heart disease in westernised societies. AS is a disease process akin to atherosclerosis in which calcification and tissue remodelling play a crucial role. In patients with moderate/severe AS, we sought to determine whether the remodelling process would be in relationship with transvalvular gradients and circulating oxidised low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) levels. Methods: In 105 patients with AS, the aortic valve and blood plasma were collected at the time of valve replacement surgery. The degree of valve tissue remodelling was assessed using a scoring system (Score: 1-4) and the amount of calcium within the valve cusps was determined. The standard plasma lipid profile, the size of LDL particles and the plasma level of circulating ox-LDL (4E6 antibody) were determined. Results: After adjustment for covariables, aortic remodelling score was significantly related to transvalvular gradients measured by Doppler echocardiography before surgery. Patients with higher valve remodelling score had higher circulating ox-LDL levels (score 2: 27.3 (SEM 2.6) U/l; score 3: 32.2 (SEM 2.3) U/l; score 4: 38.3 (SEM 2.3) U/l; p = 0.02). After correction for age, gender, hypertension and HDL-C, the plasma level of ox-LDL remained significantly associated with the aortic valve remodelling score (p<0.001). The plasma level of ox-LDL was significantly associated with LDL-C (r = 0.41; p<0.001), apoB (r = 0.59; p<0.001), triglyceride (r = 0.39; p<0.001), Apo A-I (r = 0.23; p = 0.01) and cholesterol in small (<255 Å) LDL particles (r = 0.22; p = 0.02). After correction for covariables, circulating ox-LDL levels remained significantly associated with apoB (p<0.001) and triglyceride (p = 0.01) levels. Conclusion: Increased level of circulating ox-LDL is associated with worse fibrocalcific remodelling of valvular tissue in AS. It remains to be determined whether circulating ox-LDL is a risk marker for a highly atherogenic profile and/or a circulating molecule which is actively involved in the pathogenesis of calcific aortic valve disease.
CHEMOSTERILANTS AS AN APPROACH TO RODENT CONTROL

Author(s): Marsh, Rex E. ; Howard, Walter E. | Abstract: Capitalizing on research directed toward oral contraceptives for humans, a wide variety of compounds are now under study for their practical value in inhibiting rodent reproduction to suppress detrimental populations. This paper discusses the specifications of ideal rodent chemosterilants and the advantages of chemosterilants over other methods of control and compares the potential values of chemosterilants acting on females, males, and both sexes. Specific situations are detailed where chemosterilants will be most valuable in rodent control, together with proposed methods of application. Chemosterilants are not expected to become a panacea for control, but since they are based on sound biological principles they should be a safe and effective approach to regulation of rodent populations.
Stochastic geometry based analysis of autonomous uplink inter-cell interference coordination in OFDMA/LTE wireless systems

Stochastic geometry has recently become a very attractive tool to model wireless systems because it provides a clear insight in the statistical performance of systems. In this paper, we present a stochastic analysis of the autonomous uplink power allocation scheme we proposed in [1]. This scheme hinges on defining interference limits to the amount of interference produced by each cell. Since the probability of coverage is a major metric to evaluate the performance of wireless systems, we develop herein a theoretical formula for the probability of coverage in an OFDMA wireless system using that proposed uplink power allocation. The provided theoretical formula is shown to be a good approximation to the actual probability of coverage at low interference limits, while at high interference limits it serves as a lower bound to the probability of coverage. The developed formula helps predicting the performance of the system at different interference limits.
Physiotherapy for ankylosing spondylitis: evidence and application

Purpose of reviewAnkylosing spondylitis (AS) is a disease that tends to affect younger individuals, many of whom are in the prime of their lives; therefore, incorporating the most up-to-date evidence into physiotherapy practice is critical. The purpose of this review is to update the most recent evidence related to physiotherapy intervention for AS and highlight the application of the findings to current physiotherapy research and clinical practice. Recent findingsThe results of this review add to the evidence supporting physiotherapy as an intervention for AS. The emphasis continues to be on exercise as the most studied physiotherapy modality, with very few studies examining other physiotherapy modalities. Results of the studies reviewed support the use of exercise, spa therapy, manual therapy and electrotherapeutic modalities. In addition, the results of this review help to understand who might benefit from certain interventions, as well as barriers to management. SummaryA review of recently published articles has resulted in a number of studies that support the body of literature describing physiotherapy as an effective form of intervention for AS. In order to continue to build on the existing research, further examination into physiotherapy modalities, beyond exercise-based intervention, needs to be explored.
Improving quality of organizing cardiovascular preventive care in general practice by outreach visitors: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND Adequate care for patients with cardiovascular risks requires an adequate practice organization. Educational outreach visits are a promising approach to modifying professional behavior. We aimed to assess whether the quality of cardiovascular preventive care in general practice can be improved through a comprehensive intervention implemented by an educational outreach visitor. METHODS After baseline measurements, general practices (n = 124) in the southern half of The Netherlands were randomly allocated to either intervention or control group. The intervention, based on the educational outreach model, comprised 15 practice visits over a period of 21 months and addressed a large number of issues around task delegation, availability of instruments and patient leaflets, record-keeping, and follow-up routines. Twenty-one months after the start of the intervention, postintervention measurements were performed. The difference between ideal and actual practice in each aspect of organizing preventive care was defined as a deficiency score. Primary outcome measure was the difference in deficiency scores before and after the intervention. RESULTS All practices completed both baseline and postintervention measurements. The difference in change between intervention and control group adjusted for baseline was statistically significant (P < 0.001) for each aspect of organizing preventive care. The largest absolute improvement was found for the number of preventive tasks performed by the practice assistant. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that a comprehensive intervention implemented by outreach visitors was effective in improving organization of cardiovascular preventive care in general practice.
CORRELATION OF ANTHROPOMETRIC PARAMETERS WITH BLOOD PRESSURE: AN ANTHROPOMETRIC STUDY IN NORTH INDIAN HARYANAVI MALES

Address for Correspondence: Dr. Reena Singla, Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy, MMIMSR (Mullana), Ambala 133001, Haryana India. E-Mail: singla.reena@ymail.com Background and objectives: This study was undertaken to determine the correlation between anthropometric parameters with blood pressure in adult male population of Haryana. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in 300 north indian haryanvi males aged 25-40 years belonging to two endogamous groups (baniyas&jats). Measurements include subjects systolic and diastolic blood pressure, anthropometric measurements include height,weight,hip and waist circumference were taken and data was statistically analysed. RESULTS: Mean ±SD for weight,BMI and WHR were found to be more in baniyas than jats and p-value was found to be statistically significant.Increased anthropometric indices (BMI, WC, WHR, WHtR) and increased prevalence of hypertension was seen (50%) in baniyas and (39.33%) jats. BMI, WC, WHtR have a strong correlation with the hypertension and prehypertension . Information was obtained about lifestyle and dietary habits of the subjects. Conclusion: Sedentary life style and changes in dietary habits resulted in high anthropometric indices further increase the prevalence of hypertension and prehypertension.Preventive measures should be undertaken to reduce the rising burden of hypertension.
[A faculty directed by heads of clinics].

I Goderstad og medarbeideres artikkel i Tidsskriftet nr.15/2008 hevdes det at nasjonal veileder i generell gynekologi ved ektopisk graviditet anbefaler laparoskopi ved kirurgisk behandling og at dette støttes av internasjonale studier (1). I veilederen anbefales i utgangspunktet laparoskopi ved kirurgi, men laparotomi ved hemodynamisk ustabile pasienter (2). Referansen til internasjonale studier konkluderer imidlertid med at laparoskopisk kirurgi er mindre vellykket enn åpen kirurgi på grunn av høyere risiko for persisterende trofoblastvev. I en senere oppdatering av denne Cochranerapporten opprettholdes konklusjonen. Videre konkluderes det med at systemisk metotreksatbehandling er minst like god behandling som laparoskopisk salpingostomi. At laparoskopisk teknikk er mer kostnadseffektivt, er selvsagt et vesentlig poeng (3). Artikkelens figur 1 angir antall kirurgisk behandlede pasienter med ektopisk graviditet og den prosentvise andelen som er operert åpent. Det er enkelt å se hvilke store sykehus de enkelte tegn angir. I forhold til de enkelte sykehus sine nedslagsfelt er det stor variasjon i antall operative inngrep per 1 000 innbyggere, noe forfatterne også poengterer. Med et nedslagsfelt på ca. 500 000 foretar Ullevål universitetssykehus 50 % flere operative inngrep enn Akershus universitetssykehus (nedslagsfelt 340 000) og tre ganger så mange operasjoner som ved de to største sykehusene i Helse Vest (Haukeland universitetssykehus og Stavanger universitetssjukehus, samlet nedslagsfelt ca. 700 000). En plausibel konklusjon blir da at Ullevål universitetssykehus stort sett behandler ektopiske graviditeter operativt, mens andre sykehus med færre inngrep korrigert for størrelsen på nedslagsfelt også benytter annen behandling, for eksempel metotreksat der kvinnen har få symptomer og lave titre av humant choriongonadotropin (HCG). Også i operativ behandling for benigne ovariecyster og hysterektomi er det forskjeller i antall operasjoner i forhold til nedslagsfeltet til de store sykehusene, og forfatterne diskuterer dette. Ved hysterektomi på indikasjon blødningsforstyrrelse og/eller muskelknuter kan det tenkes at en mer konservativ primærbehandling gir endring i den pasientpopulasjonen som til slutt blir operert i forhold til om man hadde gjort hysterektomi primært. Uterus kan ha blitt betydelig større i mellomtiden, og at man derfor valgte laparotomi i stedet for laparoskopi. Studien viser for alle tre operasjoner en reduksjon i den prosentvise andelen av åpne inngrep i løpet av undersøkelsesperioden, og størst reduksjon på de store avdelingene. Siden dette er vanlige operasjoner ved alle gynekologiske avdelinger, er det vanskelig å se behovet for et nasjonalt kompetansesenter. Det burde være tilstrekkelig å sørge for hospitalisering ved de store avdelingene for de som er ferdige spesialister og god opplæring av leger i utdanning under gruppe 1-tjenesten ved universitetsklinikkene, som utgjør de aller fleste store sykehusene.
Organization of genes necessary for growth of the hydrogen-methanol autotroph Xanthobacter sp. strain H4-14 on hydrogen and carbon dioxide

Mutants unable to grow on H2 and CO2 were isolated in the hydrogen-methanol autotroph Xanthobacter sp. strain H4-14 and complemented with a clone bank constructed in a broad-host-range cosmid vector. The mutants fell into two classes. Class I mutants (Cfx-) cannot grow on hydrogen or methanol and are deficient in one or more of the key enzymes of the Calvin Cycle. Class II mutants (Hox-) can grow on methanol but not on hydrogen and lack hydrogenase activity. Restriction maps of the complementing clones show that each class is not linked to the other. Subcloning and Tn5 mutagenesis have localized the regions of DNA complementing these mutants. The region complementing a class I mutant which is deficient in ribulosebisphosphate carboxylase activity is approximately 3.2 kilobase pairs in size. Expression of this enzyme activity from cloned DNA gave evidence for the orientation of an operon containing the structural genes for this enzyme. The region complementing most of the class II mutants is 3 to 4.5 kilobase pairs in size.
The Role of Hypothesis Testing in Clinical Trials

15 years ago, a biometric seminar was held at the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, where a group of statisticians gathered to discuss the role of hypothesis testing in clinical trials [2]. The surprising result of this seminar was that the statisticians came to doubt whether hypothesis testing plays an important role in clinical trials. M. A. Schneiderman summarized this opinion in the following statements ([2], p. 872): »1. There is a role for hypothesis testing in clinical trials. It is useful to design an experiment from the hypothesistesting point of view, for it will tell us roughly how big a trial we need. 2. It is not useful to confine data collecting to what is strictly prescribed by the hypothesis to be tested. More data intelligently handled should tell us more things. More data collected could lead to an earlier end to the trial and in many medical experiments this may be'the only ethical thing to do. « It should be mentioned that this seminar was not the first occasion and not the last one where outstanding statisticians expressed their doubts as to the role of hypothesis testing in clinical trials. Some years before this seminar F. J. Anscombe wrote [1]: » . the concept of error probabilities of the first and second kinds . has no direct relevance to experimentation . The formation of opinions, decisions concerning further experimentation and other required actions, are not dictated in a simple prearranged way by the formal analysis of the experiment, but call for judgement and imagination . It is . unwise for the experimenter to view himself seriously as a decision maker . The experimenter pays the piper and calls the tune he likes best; but the music is broadcast so that others might listen . « I don't agree with this underestimation of the role of »decision making« in statistical analysis, but on the other hand one cannot deny that clinical studies are too complex and the information presented by these studies is too extensive and valuable to l'estrict statistical analysis to the rejection or acceptance of one or few null hypotheses. This point was strongly stressed at the above mentioned seminar by M . Zelen who said in the discussion ([2], p. 873): »Today, the way one draws an inference from a real set of data is taught in many classrooms of statistics in exactly the same way as one would teach geometry or algebra. The student learns that statistical methods consist of a body of formulas and fixed sets of rules, which once memorized, can be used throughout one's lifetime in drawing inference from data. We've learned one has only to determine whether to reject at the 5 per cent or 1 per cent level. Then the statistician can grandly draw obvious conclusions about data from any scientific field by proclaiming significance or nonsignificance. Such nonsense is taught usually by professors who have had minimal contact with the applications of statistical methods to scientific problems. As a result the number of scientific papers which use statistical methods for window