Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Kronisk utmattelsessyndrom - pågående kliniske studier

nne norske pågående kliniske forsøk om effekt av ulike tiltak for personer med kronisk utmattelsessyndrom. • Vi søkte etter pågående kliniske studier i WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform Search Portal (ICTRP) og International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) Clinical Trials Portal i mars 2011. • Vi identifi serte 45 protokoller for pågående kliniske studier om effekt av tiltak for kronisk utmattelsessyndrom – seks norske, ni engelske, 12 nederlandske, 14 amerikanske, tre australske og én belgisk studie. De fl este omhandler farmakologiske eller atferdsog holdningsrettede tiltak. Fire protokoller henviste til norske randomiserte kontrollerte forsøk, to om farmakologisk behandling (klonidin og rituximab) og to om effekt av atferdsog holdningsrettede tiltak. • Det er nyttig å samle og sammenlikne pågående kliniske studier for å se om den nåværende forskningsaktiviteten dekker de eventuelle kunnskapshull som er avdekket for ulike tiltak og utfallsmål i systematiske oversikter. Klinisk forskning på behandlingstiltak for personer med kronisk utmattelsessyndrom pågår, (fortsetter på baksiden) Kronisk utmattelsessyndrom pågående kliniske studier
Relation between myocardial fractional flow reserve calculated from coronary pressure measurements and exercise-induced myocardial ischemia.

BACKGROUND Myocardial fractional flow reserve (FFRmyo) is a functional index of stenosis severity that can be derived from intracoronary pressure measurements performed during maximal vasodilatation. It is defined as the maximal myocardial perfusion during hyperemia in the presence of a stenosis in the epicardial artery expressed as a fraction of its normal maximal expected value. To determine threshold values of FFRmyo, of hyperemic translesional pressure gradient (delta P(max)), and of resting translesional pressure gradient (delta P(rest)) that are uniformly associated with exercise-induced ischemia, we studied the relation between these pressure-derived indexes and the results of exercise ECG. METHODS AND RESULTS We studied 60 patients with an isolated lesion in one major epicardial coronary artery, normal left ventricular function, and no left ventricular hypertrophy. Maximal exercise ECG (off anti-ischemic medication) was performed within 6 hours before catheterization. Intracoronary pressure measurements were taken at rest and during hyperemia with a pressure monitoring guide wire. ST-segment depressions at peak exercise (considered abnormal when > or = 0.1 mV) were compared with FFRmyo, delta P(max), and delta P(rest). Thirty-seven patients had an abnormal and 23 patients a normal exercise ECG. A significant linear correlation was found between the magnitude of ST-segment depressions and both FFRmyo and delta P(max) (r = -.75, SEE = 0.53; r = .71, SEE = 0.56). A weaker correlation was noted between ST-segment depressions and delta P(rest) (r = .53, SEE = 0.67). Sensitivity and specificity curves were constructed for the prediction of an abnormal exercise ECG for the three pressure-derived indexes. The values that most accurately predicted an abnormal exercise ECG were 66% for FFRmyo, 31 mm Hg for delta P(max), and 12 mm Hg for delta P(rest). No patient with a FFRmyo value > 72% showed an abnormal exercise ECG. In addition, receiver operating characteristic curves demonstrated a greater accuracy of FFRmyo and of delta P(max) than of delta P(rest) for predicting the results of the exercise ECG. CONCLUSIONS In the present study, cutoff values of FFRmyo and translesional pressure gradients are established from the relation between intracoronary pressure-derived indexes and ECG signs of myocardial ischemia during maximal exercise. These values can be helpful for clinical decision making in cases with dubious angiographic results. Furthermore, our data support the concept that stenosis physiology is better reflected by hyperemic than by basal measurements.
Comparative Modelling of Learning in a Decision Making Task

In this paper we compare the behaviour of three competing accounts of decision making under uncertainty (a Bayesian account, an associationist account, and a hypothesis testi ng account) with subject performance in a medical diagnosis task. The task requires that subjects first learn a set of symp tom/disease associations. Later, subjects are required to form diagnoses based on limited symptom information. The competing theoretical accounts are embodied in three computational models, each with a single parameter governing the learning rate. Subjects’ diagnostic accuracy was used to ca librate the learning rates of the models. The resulting parame terfree models were then used to predict subjects’ behaviour in a subsequent related diagnosis task. The fit between the Associationist model’s predictions and subject behaviour was p oor. The fit was slightly better in the case of the Bayesian model, but the hypothesis testing account proved to provide the mos t adequate account of the data.
Optimal Placement of GIC Blocking Devices for Geomagnetic Disturbance Mitigation

This paper presents an optimization approach for the placement of geomagnetically induced current (GIC) blocking devices (BDs) on power system transformers to mitigate the adverse effects of a geomagnetic disturbance (GMD). Solar storms lead to GMDs which, in turn, drive GICs along transmission lines and through transformer windings. GICs cause half-cycle saturation in power transformers, increase their shunt reactive power loss, lead to a significant lack of power system reactive power support, and, as a result, create voltage instability and, potentially, large-scale voltage collapse. To mitigate these detrimental effects, a long-term remedy is to install GIC BDs at the neutral point of transformers. Since these devices are fairly costly, their placement should be performed in an optimal manner. The optimization problem proposed in this paper minimizes the cost of BD placement while satisfying power system voltage and generator maximum reactive power limits. The numerical results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in maintaining an acceptable voltage profile for the power system in case of GMDs with any degree of severity.
Oxide-based RRAM: Physical based retention projection

Based on the retention failure mechanism of high resistance state due to reconstruction of oxygen vacancy filament in the rupture region, a physical model is proposed to quantify the retention failure behavior of oxide-based RRAM devices, supported by experiments. A new data retention evaluation methodology is proposed to predict the failure probability and lifetime of the memory devices.
Names and Nouns in Jordanian Arabic : A Sociolinguistic and Translational View

Lexicalization occupies a central place in the development of the lexicon of languages, as it is highly pervasive cross-linguistically. This study addresses lexicalized names and nouns in Colloquial Arabic, as the phenomenon is notably self-evident in the formation of new lexical items through borrowing from either the standard variety of Arabic or from an alien source, mainly Turkish. Taken as stems, words from these lending varieties are lexicalized to coin new words and consequently are institutionalized within the everyday use. These include eponyms from the standard variety and nouns from a foreign source. More specifically, it is an attempt to identify these cases and analyze the morphological restructuring in addition to the encoding system they have gone through at the semantic level. Moreover, it shows that the lexicalized names and nouns have gained enough social understanding, which has helped to preserve them alive among whole social groups. Since most of the borrowed names have culture specific implications, they pose a challenge to their translatability, another major concern of the study.
A New Approach to the Control of the Planar One-Legged Hopper

The problem of energy-efficient control of running legged mecha nisms is addressed via the case study of the planar one-legged hopper. Owing to its mechanical simplicity, the planar one-legged hopper is generally considered as the basic prototype of mechanisms capable of ballistic running gaits. What makes this system particularly inter esting is that when properly endowed with energy-storing springs, it can be controlled without spending much energy for actuation. This possibility has already been investigated in a few studies, but has not yet been sufficiently explored. The present study is an at tempt in this direction. Being primarily motivated by control-design and analysis aspects, we have tried to set the basis of a methodol ogy for the derivation of a new class of simple controllers capable of stabilizing passive periodic motions. Elements of this class are derived by making specific novel choices for the model used for con trol design and the control actuation setting. Impulsive feedback inputs applied at discrete time instants and equivalent piecewise- constant feedback inputs, calculated at the beginning of each hop, are considered, instead of more conventional piecewise-continuous feedback controls. Stability analysis is performed on a simplified model of the system, and the soundness of the approach is illustrated via simulation. The study also unveils new results and intriguing questions, some of which could be central to a better understanding of the potentials and limitations of legged locomotion.
Physical Activity and the Perceived Neighbourhood Environment — Looking at the Association the Other Way Around

The association between physical activity (PA) and variables of the perceived environment mainly originate from cross-sectional studies that introduced the idea that the environment influences the PA level of residents. However, the direction of cause and effect has not been solved with finality. The aim of this study was to investigate whether residents’ perception of their proximate environment differs depending on their level of PA in transport and recreation. We conducted a cross-sectional survey with residents of six different parts of the city of Cologne, Germany. The sample of 470 adults (52.8% females; mean age = 35.5 ± 13.8 years) filled in the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), as well as the European Environmental Questionnaire ALPHA. To distinguish between residents with “low” and “high” PA, we split the samples into two on the basis of the specific median in transport- and recreation-related PA. In the “high” vs. “low” PA group of the overall sample, we noted 4%–16% more “PA favourable” environmental perceptions in seven of the 15 environmental variables. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to investigate associations of socio-demographic correlates and transport- and recreation-related PA on the dependent variables of the environmental perception. In this case, levels of PA were significant predictors for eight of the 15 items concerning environmental perceptions. Thus, the present study introduces the idea that residents with higher levels of transport and recreational PA may perceive their environment in a more “PA-favourable” way than residents with lower levels.
Prognostic value of myocardial perfusion imaging in patients with known or suspected stable angina pectoris: Evaluation in a setting in which myocardial perfusion imaging did not influence the choice of treatment

Objective: Previous investigations on the prognostic value of myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) were performed under circumstances in which the test result was known to the patient's physician. We wanted to examine the prognostic value of MPI in patients with known or suspected stable angina in a setting in which MPI could not influence the diagnostic and therapeutic strategy.
Bridging the Security Gap between Software Developers and Penetration Testers: A Job Characteristic Theory Perspective

Building on Job Characteristics Theory (JCT), this article suggests that job characteristics differ between software developers and penetration testers; and subsequently, this generates different levels of job motivation related to information security protection between these groups. This study proposes a research model based on JCT to examine the differences in job motivation between software developers and penetration testers. Insights gained from the research model can be used to: (1) bridge the security gap between software development and penetration testing for alleviating software vulnerabilities and (2) propose viable suggestions to promote mutual understanding between both professional groups for improving software security. Moving beyond the propositions offered by the research model, this study will design and build a laboratory experiment to capture the actual behaviors related to job motivation.
Gyro-TWT Using a Metal PBG Waveguide as Its RF Circuit—Part I: Analysis and Design

A gyro-TWT using a metal photonic bandgap (PBG) waveguide as its RF circuit has been analyzed using a selfconsistent nonlinear analysis. The analysis focuses on single-mode operation of gyro-TWT by eliminating the mode competition problem existing in an overmoded structure using a mode-selective PBG circuit. A Ka-band, TE01 waveguide mode PBG gyro-TWT has been designed, and analytical results have been computed to demonstrate the beam-wave interaction mechanism of the device. The nonlinear analysis predicted ~91-kW RF output power with an electronic efficiency of ~13% and the saturated gain of ~40 dB from this device.
Center of mass states and disturbance estimation for a walking biped

An on-line assessment of the balance of the robot requires information of the state variables of the robot dynamics and measurement data about the environmental interaction forces. However, modeling errors, external forces and hard to measure states pose difficulties to the control systems. This paper presents a method of using the motion information to estimate the center of mass (CoM) states and the disturbance of walking humanoid robot. The motion is acquired from the inertial measurement unit (IMU) and forward kinematics only. Kalman filter and disturbance observer are employed, Kalman filter is used for the states and disturbance estimation, and the disturbance observer is used to decompose the disturbance into modeling error and acceleration error based on the frequency band. The disturbance is modeled mathematically in terms of previous CoM and Zero moment point (ZMP) states rather than augmenting it in the system states. The ZMP is estimated using the quadratic programming method to solve the constraint dynamic equations of the humanoid robot in translational motion. A biped robot model of 12-degrees-of-freedom (DOF) is used in the full-dynamics 3-D simulations for the estimation validation. The results indicate that the presented estimation method is successful and promising.
Role of epidermal growth factor receptor transactivation in the amplification of Helicobacter pylori-elicited induction in gastric mucosal expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase

Introduction In this study, we report on the role of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) transactivation in H. pylori lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-elicited induction in gastric mucosal expression of COX-2 and iNOS. Materials and methods We aimed to demonstrate that the LPS-induced p38 activation along with MMPs are of critical significance to EGFR transactivation that leads to up-regulation in the activation of ERK signalling cascade, amplification in iNOS and COX-2 induction, and consequently to the excessive increase in gastric mucosal PGE2 and NO generation. Results EGFR transactivation results in the amplification of the LPS-induced ERK phosphorylation and up-regulation in ERK-mediated IKK-β activation for the enhanced induction of NFκB-dependent expression of iNOS. The rise in iNOS-dependent NO generation, in turn, leads to an up-regulation in COX-2 activation through Snitrosylation and excessive PGE2 production. Conclusion Taken together, our data provide strong indications of the involvement of EGFR transactivation in the amplification of ERK signalling cascade associated with up-regulation in gastric mucosal induction of iNOS and COX-2, and excessive NO and PGE2 generation in response to H. pylor
When Computer Science Emerged and Fuzzy Sets Appeared: The Contributions of Lotfi A. Zadeh and Other Pioneers

In the 1960s, the discipline of computer science(CS) emerged from electrical engineering (EE) and research fields in mathematics and mathematical logic. Around the same time, fuzzy sets (FSs) appeared as a new mathematical theory, founded by the electrical engineer Lotfi Aliasker Zadeh. Some unpublished documents of Zadeh's show that the emergence of CS and the theory of FSs were interlinked. Zadeh's task as chair of the EE Department at the University of California, Berkeley (UCB); his activities in the education of mathematics, EE, system theory, information theory (IT), and CSs; and his creation of the theory of FSs generated his view and choice of contents for the new discipline of CS as an FS.
Sequence arrangement and biological activity of cloned feline leukemia virus proviruses from a virus-productive human cell line

We examined 14 different feline leukemia virus proviruses from the productively infected human cell line RD(FeLV)-2 after cloning in the modified lambda vector Charon 4A. Each isolate was characterized by restriction digestion and Southern blot analysis. The DNA of each isolate was tested for competence to express virus after uptake by sensitive animal cells (transfection). All but one isolate contained an apparently complete provirus, but only four were infectious. Seven isolates (four noninfectious, three infectious) were studied by heteroduplexing followed by electron microscopy or by S1 nuclease treatment and gel electrophoresis. No regions of nonhomology between proviruses were detected by either criterion, and in no case did we observe homology between flanking sequences. Random shearing or removal of flanking sequences by S1 nuclease had no effect on the status of infectivity of the clones. Thus, we were unable to find molecular differences between infectious and noninfectious proviruses. Our data are consistent with either of the following hypotheses: (i) that there is a short host sequence which is essential as a promoter for virus expression; or (ii) that lack of infectivity is due to small mutations within the proviral genome.
A retrospective study of sedation and analgesic requirements of pediatric patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) from a single-center experience

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to describe the sedative and analgesic requirements identifying factors associated with medication escalation in neonates and children supported on ECMO. Method: Observational retrospective cohort study in a tertiary pediatric intensive care unit from June 2009 to June 2013. Results: One hundred and sixty patients were included in the study. Fentanyl and midazolam were the first line agents used while on ECMO. Higher opiate requirements were associated with younger age (p=0.01), thoracic cannulation (p=0.002), the use of dexmedetomidine (p=0.007) and prolonged use of muscle relaxants (p=0.03). Higher benzodiazepine requirements were associated with younger age (p=0.01), respiratory failure (p=0.02) and the use of second line agents (p=0.002). One third of the patients required second line agents as adjuvants for comfort without a decrease in opiate and/or benzodiazepine requirements. Conclusions: Providing comfort to subpopulations of pediatric ECMO patients seems to be more challenging. The use of second line agents did not improve comfort in our cohort. Prospective studies are required to optimize analgesia and sedation management in children on ECMO.
Localizability exploration of sensor network

We propose a group of localizable conditions for two sets of nodes. The localizable conditions need to answer two questions: how many edges and where these edges are placed between two sets of nodes. Here, each set of nodes and their internal connections are modeled as a distance graph. The localizability exploration between two sets of nodes is characterized by the global rigidity test of two merging graphs. A series of necessary and sufficient conditions on the localizability of two merging graphs is given.
Measuring the Body Composition of Preterm and Term Neonates: From Research to Clinical Applications

Assessment of body and weight gain composition is one of the major keys for the evaluation of nutritional requirements in preterm and term infants. The changes in body composition during the first years of life seem to play an important role in the nutritional programming of adult morbidity. Noninvasive and indirect techniques are the most suitable methods for measuring body composition in preterm and term infants. Most of these techniques are used in clinical practice, whereas others are used mainly for research.
Productivity Spillovers from Foreign Direct Investment : Evidence from Firm-Level Data in China

Using firm-level census data, this paper examines the spillover effects of foreign direct investment (FDI) on domestic firms in the Chinese manufacturing industry between 2000 and 2003. We find that FDI has a significant positive spillover on industry productivity that decreases as the share of FDI in the industry increases. These positive spillovers are more likely to occur through forward linkage (where domestic firms purchase high-quality intermediate goods or equipment from foreign suppliers) than through backward linkage (where firms produce goods for foreign multinationals). Entering and exiting firms receive greater benefits from both horizontal and vertical productivity spillovers than existing firms. Benefits are also highest in large, non-exporting and non-SOE firms. Our evidence suggests that domestic firms differ significantly in the extent to which they benefit from FDI according to firm structure as well as the source of FDI.
Optimal software rejuvenation policies

Studies on software reliability and performance reveal that long-running software systems show an increasing failure rate and/or a progressive degradation of their performance. This phenomenon is referred to as software aging, and it may eventually lead to an unacceptable level of system performance degradation and/or crash failure. A technique called software rejuvenation can be used to counteract software aging. This technique involves occasionally terminating an application or a system, cleaning its internal state and/or its environment, and restarting it. By removing the accrued error conditions and freeing up or defragmenting operating system resources, this technique proactively prevents unexpected future system outages. Unlike downtime caused by sudden failure occurrences, the downtime related to software rejuvenation can be scheduled at the discretion of the user or administrator, typically during the middle of the night or over weekends. This paper presents a generalized condition-based software rejuvenation model that is applicable to a wide range of applications. The rejuvenation model includes a stochastic deterioration process, a set of rejuvenation actions and their effects, and a schedule inspection policy that identifies the system deterioration. The optimal rejuvenation policy that minimizes the overall cost associated with the system is obtained using Markov decision processes. With minor modifications, the model can also be used for maximizing the system availability/capacity. This paper demonstrates the proposed model and the optimization procedure using an example of a web server subject to a two-dimensional software degradation process.