Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Facial electroneurography: Analysis of techniques and correlation with degenerating motoneurons

Facial electroneurography is the one electrophysiologic test that quantifies the degree of nerve degeneration. This two‐part study establishes electroneurography (ENoG) as a reliable and valid system of measurement. Part I examines three different ENoG techniques in normal subjects and in patients with advanced paralysis. Myogenic compound action potential (CAP) absolute amplitudes differ according to methodology, site, and gender. Analyses of side‐to‐side and test‐retest GAP differences demonstrate optimized and standardized recording lead techniques to be comparable and consistent when CAPs are recorded in the midface. The most significant variable is time, i.e., the inconsistency of test‐retest results. The coefficient of reliability increases when averaging results of test sessions repeated at a similar point in time. Part II, an animal model, supports the correlation between ENoG predictions following facial nerve injury and the level of motoneuron degeneration, as assessed by retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase to the somata of the facial motor nucleus and by peripheral axon counts.
Sarcolipin knockout mice fed a high‐fat diet exhibit altered indices of adipose tissue inflammation and remodeling

To investigate indices of adipose tissue inflammation and remodeling in high‐fat diet (HFD) sarcolipin‐knockout (SLN−/−) mice. SLN regulates muscle‐based nonshivering thermogenesis and is up‐regulated with HFD. SLN−/− mice develop greater diet‐induced obesity and glucose intolerance. This is accompanied by increases in circulating catecholamines and fatty acids. Catecholamines and fatty acids play a role in the pathology of adipose tissue inflammation.
Determinants of the discrepancy in patient- and caregiver-rated quality of life for persons with dementia.

AIMS To determine factors related to the discrepancy in patient- and proxy-rated quality of life for patients with dementia; whether this discrepancy is associated with characteristics of patients, caregivers or the caregiver-patient relationship; and which characteristics best predict this discrepancy. BACKGROUND To increase the reliability of quality of life measurements for persons with dementia, many researchers have incorporated proxy reports. However, their investigations have indicated that caregiver-rated quality of life is not the same as the patient's own rating. The factors related to this discrepancy have previously been explored, but studies rarely focussed on the quality of the caregiver-patient relationship as a determinant of the discrepancy. DESIGN A cross-sectional design was used. METHODS Data were gathered from community-based interviews with 120 dyads of patients with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia and their caregivers in Taipei. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data, and the main variable (quality of life-Alzheimer's disease) was rated separately by patients and caregivers. The data were analysed using intraclass correlation coefficients and multivariate regression methods. RESULTS The agreement between patients' and caregivers' quality of life-Alzheimer's disease ratings was low. This discrepancy was significantly associated with disturbing dementia behaviour, caregivers' perceived distress for problem behaviours, caregivers' overall quality of life and quality of the caregiver-patient relationship. CONCLUSIONS The observed discrepancy between caregiver- and patient-rated quality of life for persons with dementia was largely predicted by the quality of the caregiver-patient relationship. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Medical professionals should cautiously deliberate when using caregiver-reported quality of life to substitute for patient-reported quality of life. When using a proxy report or a combined caregiver-patient rating, medical professionals should assess the quality of the relationship between patient and proxy.
CSF Interocular Interactions in Childhood Ambylopia

Contrast sensitivity functions (CSF's) were measured in the amblyopic and dominant eyes of 17 strabismic and 28 anisometropic children and in 19 similar age normal controls. A three-alternative forced-choice procedure was used to measure CSF's with the VCTS 6500. The results revealed reduced contrast sensitivity (CS) in both the amblyopic and dominant eyes of strabismic and anisometropic amblyopes compared to normal controls. Statistically significant intereye correlations of CS at each spatial frequency were found in all groups and in the presence of deep amblyopia, suggesting continued interocular interactions and binocularity. A separate longitudinal study of 7 of the amblyopes showed that, during the course of occlusion therapy, both the amblyopic and the dominant eyes improved in CSF. The results suggest that the amblyopic eye may influence CS in the dominant eye through interocular interactions. This process may serve to minimize CSF differences between the eyes and maximize binocular vision.
Trade-off between sensitivity and dynamic range in designing MEMS capacitive pressure sensor

Capacitive pressure sensors can be used for touch mode applications with pressure ranging from 0.05 MPa to 2 MPa. This paper provides the information about the variation in dynamic range of a MEMS capacitive pressure sensor when its sensitivity is improved. The shape of the capacitive pressure sensor diaphragm is changed from normal flat diaphragm to a centre bossed structure and was found that Bossed diaphragm membranes improves the central deflection sensitivity but the range was limited. MEMS Capacitive pressure sensor with normal diaphragm and diaphragm with centre boss structure is designed and analysed using multiphysics tool and it is found that while the sensitivity is increased by 0. 92μm/KPa but the range is reduced by 20KPa for the bossed diaphragm.
Polymer nanocomposite for space applications

Polymer nanocomposites, synthesized using acid-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as filler material, are proposed for space radiation-shielding applications. The morphology and quality of the functionalized MWCNTs (f-MWCNTs) were evaluated using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR). It is well-established that polymer reinforced with MWCNTs enhances of the overall material properties. With the significant progress in the field of polymer composites, there is an increasing demand to use them as an alternative solution; especially in space industry wherein the launch cost can dramatically be reduced by decreasing the overall payload using lightweight, cost-effective, multifunctional polymer composites. In this work, we reinforced a high performance polymer, polybenzimidazole (PBI), with acid-functionalized MWCNTs and evaluated the effects of electron beam radiation on the PBI nanocomposites.
Genome Scan for Susceptibility Loci for Schizophrenia

Objective: Schizophrenia is a relatively common, often chronic and debilitating mental illness. Evidence from various studies has clearly demonstrated that genetic factors contribute substantially to the etiology. The goal of this study was to identify chromosomal regions likely to contain schizophrenia susceptibility genes. Methods: A genome-wide map of 388 microsatellite DNA markers was genotyped in 5 schizophrenia families. Nonparametric linkage analysis (Genehunter) was used to assess the pattern of allele sharing at each marker locus relative to the presence of disease. Results: Nonparametric linkage scores did not reach a genome-wide level of statistical significance (p < 0.00002) or a p value suggestive of linkage (p < 0.007) for any marker; however, one p value suggested replicated linkage (p < 0.01) at chromosome 6p24 in region D6S309 (p = 0.0047). Furthermore, 11 markers resulted in p < 0.05 at chromosomes 6p, 6q, 10q, 12q and 14q. Conclusions: Despite the differences in diagnostic schemes, in markers used and methods of analyses between studies published so far, we think that our result supports the notion that there is possibly some consistent evidence for replicated linkage of a schizophrenia susceptibility locus around the region of D6S309 at chromosome 6p24.
RECQL: a new breast cancer susceptibility gene

Identifying and characterizing novel genetic risk factors for BRCA1/2 negative breast cancers is highly relevant for early diagnosis and development of a management plan. Mutations in a number of DNA repair genes have been associated with genomic instability and development of breast and various other cancers. Whole exome sequencing efforts by 2 groups have led to the discovery in distinct populations of multiple breast cancer susceptibility mutations in RECQL, a gene that encodes a DNA helicase involved in homologous recombination repair and response to replication stress. RECQL pathogenic mutations were identified that truncated or disrupted the RECQL protein or introduced missense mutations in its helicase domain. RECQL mutations may serve as a useful biomarker for breast cancer. Targeting RECQL associated tumors with novel DNA repair inhibitors may provide a new strategy for anti-cancer therapy.
Trends in mortality and morbidity for very low birth weight infants, 1991-1999.

BACKGROUND Medical care for very low birth weight (VLBW) infants and their mothers has changed dramatically during the 1990s, yet it is unclear how these changes have affected mortality and morbidity. OBJECTIVE We used the Vermont Oxford Network Database to identify trends in clinical practice and patient outcomes for VLBW infants born from 1991 to 1999. METHODS Logistic regression was used to evaluate temporal trends in practices and outcomes while adjusting for patient characteristics and accounting for clustering of cases within hospitals. RESULTS There were 118 448 infants 501 to 1500 g from 362 neonatal intensive care units enrolled in the Network Database from 1991 to 1999. Prenatal care, cesarean section, multiple births, antenatal steroids, and 1-minute Apgar scores increased during this period, as did the use of nasal continuous positive airway pressure, high-frequency ventilation, surfactant, and postnatal steroids. The proportion of white infants decreased; the proportions of Hispanic infants and those of other races increased. The crude and adjusted rates of mortality, pneumothorax, intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), and severe IVH declined from 1991 to 1995, whereas from 1995 to 1999, the rates of mortality, IVH, and severe IVH did not change significantly, and pneumothorax increased. CONCLUSIONS There have been major changes in both obstetric and neonatal care during the 1990s. These changes were associated with decreases in mortality and morbidity for VLBW infants during the first half of the decade. However, since 1995, no additional improvements in mortality or morbidity have been seen, ending a decades-long trend of improving outcomes for these infants.
An assessment of diabetes-related knowledge among registered nurses working in hospitals in Jordan.

BACKGROUND Nurses play a vital role in caring for people with diabetes where knowledge constitutes the cornerstone of this care. AIM This study assessed the level of Jordanian nurses' perceived and actual knowledge of diabetes and examined the relationship between nurses' actual knowledge of diabetes and their different characteristics. METHODS A cross-sectional descriptive design was used to report knowledge regarding diabetes. Registered nurses were asked to complete self-administered questionnaires. The Diabetes Self-Report Tool and the Modified Diabetes Basic Knowledge Test were used to assess nurses' perceived and actual knowledge of diabetes. RESULTS A total of 277 out of the 450 eligible registered nurses accepted to participate and returned questionnaires from seven hospitals in Jordan. Nurses in this study mostly demonstrated a knowledge deficit in clinical and theoretical-based topics, such as initial treatment of hypoglycaemia, insulin storage and preparation; meal planning and duration of action with hypoglycaemic agents. Nurses' actual knowledge of diabetes was positively correlated with their perceived knowledge, perceived competence and level of education. LIMITATIONS Study participants were selected using convenience sampling. The length of time needed for nurses exceeded 50 min to complete study questionnaires. CONCLUSIONS This study examined current knowledge among Jordanian registered nurses regarding diabetes. A knowledge deficit regarding diabetes was demonstrated by the nurses who participated in this study. The role of continuing education is essential to supporting nurses' knowledge of complex clinical conditions, such as diabetes. Adequate implementation and dissemination of evidence-based guidelines on caring for people with diabetes is a prerequisite to improve the nurses' knowledge. IMPLICATION FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY Promoting continuing education in diabetes for nurses requires continuous effort and creativity. Healthcare system administrators must acknowledge and prioritize the need for this education.
Epstein-Barr virus recombinants with specifically mutated BCRF1 genes

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) recombinants with specifically mutated BCRF1 genes were constructed and compared with wild-type BCRF1 recombinants derived in parallel for the ability to initiate and maintain latent infection and growth transformation in primary human B lymphocytes. A stop codon insertion after codon 116 of the 170-codon BCRF1 open reading frame or deletion of the entire gene had no effect on latent infection, B-lymphocyte proliferation into long-term lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs), or virus replication. LCLs infected with the stop codon recombinant were indistinguishable from wild-type recombinant-infected LCLs in tumorigenicity in SCID mice. However, mutant BCRF1 recombinant-infected cells differed from wild-type recombinant-infected cells in their inability to block gamma interferon release in cultures of permissively infected LCLs incubated with autologous human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. This is the first functional assay for BCRF1 expression from the EBV genome. BCRF1 probably plays a key role in modulating the specific and nonspecific host responses to EBV infection.
ATTENTION AND SCHOOL SUCCESS: The Long-Term Implications of Attention for School Success among Low-Income Children

This study examined the longitudinal associations between sustained attention in preschool and children? s school success in later elementary school within a low-income sample (N = 2,403). Specifically, two facets of sustained attention (focused attention and lack of impulsivity) at age 5 were explored as independent predictors of children? s academic and behavioral competence across eight measures at age 9. Overall, the pattern of results indicates specificity between the facets of attention and school success, such that focused attention was primarily predictive of academic outcomes while impulsivity was mainly predictive of behavioral outcomes. Both facets of attention predicted teacher ratings of children? s academic skills and approaches to learning, which suggests that they jointly influence outcomes that span both domains of school success. Patterns of association were similar for children above and below the poverty line. Implications of these findings for interventions targeting school readiness and success among at-risk children are discussed.
3D analysis of circumferential and axial segmentation effect on magnet eddy current losses in permanent magnet synchronous machines with concentrated windings

Eddy current losses calculations in permanent magnets (PM), using 3D analytical and numerical methods are presented. Axial and circumferential segmentation effects on the reduction of eddy currents are investigated. The eddy currents are induced by the stator magnetic field space harmonics, caused by the winding distribution and the slot opening at sinusoidal current supply. Computations are done for two different three phase PM synchronous machines with surface mounted magnets and concentrated stator windings.
Performance comparison of grid-faulty control schemes for inverter-based industrial microgrids

Several control schemes specifically designed to operate inverter-based industrial microgrids during voltage sags have been recently proposed. This paper first classifies these control schemes in three categories and then performs a comparative analysis of them. Representative control schemes of each category are selected, described and used to identify the main features and performance of the considered category. The comparison is based on the evaluation of several indexes, which measure the power quality of the installation and utility grid during voltage sags, including voltage regulation, reactive current injection and transient response. The paper includes selected simulation results from a 500 kVA industrial microgrid to validate the expected features of the considered control schemes. Finally, in view of the obtained results, the paper proposes an alternative solution to cope with voltage sags, which includes the use of a static compensator in parallel with the microgrid. The novelty of this proposal is the suitable selection of the control schemes for both the microgrid and the static compensator. The superior performance of the proposal is confirmed by the analysis of the quality indexes. Its practical limitations are also revealed, showing that the topic studied in this paper is still open for further research.
jMax: A New JAVA-based Editing and Control System for Real-time Musical Applications

In this paper we present jMax, the new editing and control system for Ircam's real-time musical applications. More than a simple evolution of MAX, jMax is a completely new and extensible environment. The components of the architecture will be presented, as well as its application framework.
Analysing Negative Skewness of Spot Returns in the Australian Electricity Market

As the electricity industry reform progresses into maturity, spot price modeling and forecasting become important topics in today's deregulated electricity market research. Electricity is different from other commodities due to its non-storable feature. Hence its spot price and return present unique characteristics, which spot price models should endeavor to capture. In essence, the purpose of this paper is to analyse the negative skewness present in daily average spot returns and test the validity of the hypothesis that there exists a direct relationship between price spikes and negative skewness. Monte Carlo technique has been employed to simulate the spot price return. Using the historical data from the Victorian market, the simulation results confirm the validity of the hypothesis on correlation between the price spikes and negative skewness. Thus, it is proposed that negative skewness should be employed as part of the criteria in evaluating daily average spot price models
Novel frameshift mutation in Troponin C (TNNC1) associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and sudden death

Abstract Purpose Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common cause of sudden death in young people, including trained athletes, and is caused by mutations in genes encoding proteins of the cardiac sarcomere. Mutations in the Troponin C gene (TNNC1) are a rare genetic cause of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. We describe a novel type of mutation (c.363dupG) in Troponin C, a rare form of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Methods A family in which a 19-year-old asymptomatic male died of sudden cardiac death due to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was genetically studied by sequencing 17 genes associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or its phenocopies. Results A c.363dupG mutation in Troponin C was identified, and tested across the family. Conclusions We report the first frameshift mutation (c.363dupG or p.Gln122AlafsX30) in Troponin C causing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (and sudden cardiac death) in a 19-year-old male, and have demonstrated that the mutation segregates with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy within the family.
Low-Power and Compact Successive Approximation ADC for Bio-Electronic Chips

For both the electrical stimulation and recording of cultured neurons, the CMOS-based microelectrode arrays (MEAs) are one of the most promising electronic devices used nowadays. To ensure a robust transmission of the information between the chip and external devices, the MEA chip requires integrated analog-to-digital converters (ADCs). Moreover, the presence of a large number of read-out channels on chip poses stringent requirements on both area and power consumption for the design of the ADCs. Thus, this Master’s thesis work proposes a low-power and compact successive approximation register (SAR) ADC for such bio-electronic chips. In this thesis, some low-power ADC topologies are first investigated and the SAR ADC is finally chosen, that is the optimum solution for the application. The choice of multiplexing the read-out channels of the MEA chip for the analog-to-digital conversion is then presented while the requirements for the ADC are derived. In this work, the design of each part of the converter is described, starting from the switched-capacitor array which is usually used as a sample and hold (S/H) as well as a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The size of the switches that are providing the signals to the DAC is optimized considering the timing requirements. Furthermore, low power solutions are proposed for the comparator while good performances are achieved for both noise and speed. A successive approximation register logic is finally used to provide the digital control signals. The performance of the SAR ADC is evaluated with post-layout simulations. All the preliminary requirements are met and the proposed converter represents a promising solution for low-power applications. In conclusion, the specifications of the entire data-conversion system are compared with the ADCs currently implemented on the MEA device and a possible improvement of the chip is presented.
Velopharyngeal morphology of patients with persistent velopharyngeal incompetence following repushback surgery for cleft palate.

OBJECTIVE To characterize the velopharyngeal morphology of patients with persistent velopharyngeal incompetence (VPI) following repushback surgery for cleft palate. PARTICIPANTS Seven patients with moderate to severe VPI following repushback surgery for secondary correction of cleft palate, and 14 patients who had already obtained complete velopharyngeal closure function (VPF) were enrolled. Control data were obtained from the longitudinal files of 20 normal children in Kyushu University Dental Hospital. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Skeletal landmarks and measurements were derived from tracing of lateral roentgenographic cephalograms. The measurements included velar length, pharyngeal depth, and pharyngeal height and the ratio of velar length to pharyngeal depth. Additionally, the configuration of the upper pharynx (pharyngeal triangle) involving the cranial base, cervical vertebrae, and the posterior maxilla and also the position of posterior pharyngeal wall (PPW) in the pharyngeal triangle were analyzed. RESULTS The VPI group had a significantly shorter velar length and greater pharyngeal depth, resulting in a smaller length/depth ratio than the controls. The points of PPW and cervical vertebrae of the VPI group were located more posteriorly and inferiorly than those in the group with complete VPF after the primary operation and the controls. The positions of cranial base and maxilla were not significantly different. Additionally, the position of PPW in the pharyngeal triangle was located significantly posteriorly and superiorly in the VPI group, compared with the controls. CONCLUSIONS The craniopharyngeal morphology of patients with persistent VPI was characterized by a short palate, wide-based and counterclockwise-rotated pharyngeal triangle, and posteriorly and superiorly positioned PPW. These might be contributory factors for the prediction of VPF before repushback surgery for cleft palate.