Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of a Stimulation-evoked ECoG Potential During Stroke Rehabilitation - A Case Study

Cortical stimulation is being investigated as a possible tool to support stroke rehabilitation. In particular the analysis of stimulation-evoked neural activity during the rehabilitation process might be helpful to gain a better understanding of the brain reorganization associated with functional recovery after stroke. In this paper, the stimulation-evoked brain activity from a patient with implanted epidural electrodes undergoing an intervention using of brain-computer interfaces combined with cortical stimulation for stroke rehabilitation has been analyzed. We identified a component of the evoked cortical activity that exhibited several characteristics that have not been described before: A significant latency decrease over the course of the rehabilitation training, a significantly smaller latency if the patient attempted to move his paralyzed hand compared to rest and a significant correlation of the latency with the spectral power of the ECoG signal. In addition to the latency, other parameters such as the peak amplitude of the evoked activity were tested as well, but showed a smaller effect size. We hypothesize that such “dynamic” components of the evoked activity that appear to be correlated with the rehabilitation process and the ongoing brain signal could be a target for future closed-loop stimulation systems.
Intersegmental Spinal Flexibility with Lumbosacral Instrumentation: An In Vitro Biomechanical Investigation

Flexibility of the porcine lumbosacral spine was measured after application of six different types of surgical instrumentation, and in a control state. Fifteen adult pig spines were tested with flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation torques applied to the upper end with the pelvis fixed. Instrumentation was applied across two lumbar segments and the lumbosacral level (L5-6, L6-7, and L7-S1). Stereophotogrammetry was used to track markers applied to each vertebra. Intersegmental motion was measured as three angles and as the relative linear translation of adjacent transverse processes and spinous processes. Results showed that all instrumentation systems reduced intersegmental motion compared with the control state, except for minimal reduction at L5-6 by Harrington instrumentation in all loading directions, especially axial rotation. The pedicle screw systems were always the most rigid. After applying instrumentation, there were differences in the motion occurring at different anatomic levels, most commonly with the least motion occurring in the middle of the instrumented segment (L6-7). When intervertebral motion was expressed as the linear motion between adjacent spinous and transverse processes, the usual site of posterolateral fusion, it was 0.6 to 1.8 mm per degree of angular motion at the transverse processes and 1.3 to 2.1 mm per degree at spinous processes.
Studies in shock and resuscitation, I: use of a hypertonic, albumin‐containing, fluid demand regimen (HALFD) in resuscitation

We have reevaluated and clinically tested the current concepts of shock and resuscitation on a logical, physiological, and physical basis. We have considered the currently accepted resuscitation paradigm which is based upon the thesis that early rapid resuscitation of “lost” fluid volume is mandatory and that adequacy of resuscitation can be evaluated by central venous pressure, PAP, PAWP, pulse rate, blood pressure, and/or urine volume. Such methods also accept as natural concomitants that capillary beds are “damaged by injury”; that they “leak” salt, fluid, and albumin; and that these are expected occurrences which are injury-related. We have also examined and clinically evaluated the thesis that MAP is a primary reflector of the relationships between volume and the size of the currently available functional vascular space. (Currently available functional vascular space is mediated through the baroreceptor (stretch receptor)/neuroendocrine mechanisms. ) Under this hypothesis, fluid resuscitation comprises infusion of a volume per unit time given so as to replete currently measurable fluid losses and to normalize and/or sustain MAP and the normal osmolar and oncotic relationships at the capillary/tissue interface while holding hydrostatic pressure at normal.Using burn injury as a model, we compared statistically homogeneous, randomly selected groups of burn patients who were resuscitated using a hypotonic fluid (130 mOsm/liter) alone (group R: 7 patients), hypertonic fluid (240 mOsm/liter) alone (group R: 5 patients), or the hypertonic fluid containing albumin (12.5 g/liter) (group A: 7 patients). The results indicate that significantly smaller volumes of fluid were needed to resuscitate the patients in group A with a significantly more rapid normalization of physical, physiological, psychological, and biochemical parameters. We conclude that the physically and physiologically appropriate method of resuscitation, demonstrated in burn injury, comprises the use of a fluid given at a rate: (1) to maintain mean arterial and hydrostatic pressures within normal range; (2) that delivers a volume per unit time which does not exceed the capacity of the currently available functional vascular space; (3) that replaces concurrent measurable fluid losses; (4) that is hypertonic (to normalize capillary/tissue osmotic gradients); and (5) that contains colloid (to normalize capillary/tissue oncotic gradients). We further conclude that salt, fluid, and colloid loss into the interstitium during resuscitation frequently is due to the rate delivered and/or the physical nature of the fluid used and not to capillary bed damage outside the zone of injury.
Monoclonal antibodies to Leishmania tropica major: specificities and antigen location

Six murine monoclonal antibodies to Leishmania tropica major have been prepared and the properties of these antibodies studied. Two (WIC 79.3 and 79.7) were L. tropica major species-specific and bound to promastigote cell surfaces, to parasitized macrophages, but not isolated amastigotes. No evidence was found for the production of antibody to the antigenic determinants recognized by WIC 79.3 or 79.7 during L. tropica major infections in mice and hamsters. One antibody (WIC 79.1) bound to sub-cellular organelles of Leishmania species but to a different sub-cellular organelle of Trypanosoma cruzi. Two others bound to the flagellum, one (WIC 79.2) to all Leishmania species, T. cruzi and Trypanosoma brucei, the other (WIC 79.4) only of L. tropica major and L. donovani species. One antibody (WIC 79.5) was directed against an unknown internal antigen found in all Leishmania species and T. cruzi
Hyperoxia and angiogenesis

We hypothesized that tissue hyperoxia would enhance and hypoxia inhibit neovascularization in a wound model. Therefore, we used female Swiss‐Webster mice to examine the influence of differential oxygen treatment on angiogenesis. One milliliter plugs of Matrigel®, a mixture of matrix proteins that supports but does not itself elicit angiogenesis, were injected subcutaneously into the mice. Matrigel® was used without additive or with added vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) or anti‐VEGF antibody. Animals were maintained in hypoxic, normoxic, or one of four hyperoxic environments: hypoxia—13 percent oxygen at 1 atmosphere absolute (ATA); normoxia—21 percent oxygen at 1 ATA; hyperoxia—(groups a–d) 100 percent oxygen for 90 minutes twice daily at the following pressures: Group a, 1 ATA; Group b, 2 ATA; Group c, 2.5 ATA; Group d, 3.0 ATA. Subcutaneous oxygen tension was measured in all groups. The Matrigel® was removed 7 days after implantation. Sections were graded microscopically for the extent of neovascularization. Angiogenesis was significantly greater in all hyperoxic groups and significantly less in the hypoxic group compared with room air‐exposed controls. Anti‐VEGF antibody abrogated the angiogenic effect of both VEGF and increased oxygen tension. We conclude that angiogenesis is proportional to ambient pO2 over a wide range. This confirms the clinical impression that angiogenesis requires oxygen. Intermittent oxygen exposure can satisfy the need for oxygen in ischemic tissue.
On the improvement of speaker diarization by detecting overlapped speech

Simultaneous speech in meeting environment is responsible for a certain amount of errors caused by standard speaker diarization systems. We are presenting an overlap detection system for far-field data based on spectral and spatial features, where the spatial features obtained on different microphone pairs are fused by means of principal component analysis. Detected overlap segments are applied for speaker diarization in order to increase the purity of speaker clusters and to recover missed speech by assigning multiple speaker labels. Investigation on the relationship between overlap detection properties and diarization improvement revealed very distinct behaviour of overlap exclusion and overlap labeling.
T cell costimulation by fractalkine-expressing synoviocytes in rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) accumulate prematurely aged T cells that have acquired a new profile of regulatory receptors. Many of the de novo-expressed receptors are typically found on natural killer cells, including CX(3)CR1, the receptor for the chemokine fractalkine (FKN). This study explored whether interactions between CX(3)CR1 and FKN are relevant for T cell functions in rheumatoid synovitis. METHODS FKN expression was examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. CX(3)CR1 expression on peripheral blood T cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. T cell activation was quantified by determining proliferative responses, interferon-gamma (IFNgamma) secretion, and granule release. Fibroblast-like synoviocyte (FLS)/T cell adhesion was measured by the retention of 5-carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester-labeled T cells on FLS monolayers. RESULTS FKN was expressed on cultured synovial fibroblasts and hyperplastic synoviocytes in the rheumatoid tissue. Among CD4+ T cells, only senescent CD28- T cells were positive for CX(3)CR1 (P < 0.001). Such CD4+,CD28-,CX(3)CR1+ T cells strongly adhered to FLS, with soluble FKN blocking the interaction. FKN expressed on FLS costimulated T cell-activating signals and amplified proliferation, IFNgamma production, and expulsion of cytoplasmic granules. CONCLUSION Senescent CD4+ T cells that accumulate in rheumatoid arthritis aberrantly express CX(3)CR1. FKN, which is membrane-anchored on synoviocytes, enhances CD4+ T cell adhesion, provides survival signals, and costimulates the production of proinflammatory cytokines as well as the release of granules. By virtue of their altered receptor profile, senescent CD4+ T cells receive strong stimulatory signals from nonprofessional antigen-presenting cells in the synovial microenvironment.
A quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE SoC in 65nm CMOS

A quad-band 2.5G SoC integrates all the RF, DSP, ARM, audio and other baseband processing functions into a single 65nm CMOS die. The radio draws a battery current of 49mA in the RX-mode, and 86mA in the GMSK TX-mode. The low-IF receiver achieves a sensitivity of −110dBm at the antenna, corresponding to a noise figure of 2.4dB at the device input. The 8PSK ±400kHz modulation mask is −64.1/62.7dBc for high/low bands, with an RMS EVM of 2.45/1.95%.
Molecular abnormality of an inactive aldehyde dehydrogenase variant commonly found in Orientals.

Usual human livers contain two major aldehyde dehydrogenase [(ALDH) aldehyde:NAD+ oxidoreductase] isozymes--i.e., a cytosolic ALDH1 component and a mitochondrial ALDH2 component--whereas approximately equal to 50% of Orientals are "atypical" and have only the ALDH1 isozyme and are missing the ALDH2 isozyme. We previously demonstrated that atypical livers contain an enzymatically inactive but immunologically crossreactive material (CRM) corresponding to the ALDH2 component. The enzymatically active ALDH2 obtained from a usual liver and the CRM obtained from an atypical liver were reduced, S-carboxymethylated, and digested by trypsin. Separation of their digests by high-performance reverse-phase chromatography and by two-dimensional paper chromatography and electrophoresis revealed that ALDH2 contained a peptide sequence of -Glu-Leu-Gly-Glu-Ala-Gly-Leu-Gln-Ala-Asn-Val-Gln-Val-Lys- and that the glutamine adjacent to lysine was substituted by lysine in CRM. All other tryptic peptides, including eight peptides containing S-carboxymethylcysteine, were common in ALDH2 and CRM. It is concluded that a point mutation in the human ALDH2 locus produced the glutamine leads to lysine substitution and enzyme inactivation.
Prolonged Neuropsychological Impairments Following a First Concussion in Female University Soccer Athletes

Objective:Although research is accumulating on the cognitive sequelae from sports-related concussions in men, little to nothing is known about the prolonged cognitive outcome after a concussion in women. This point is important because recent evidence suggests that female athletes are at greater risk of sustaining a concussion. Design:We assessed cognitive functioning after a first concussion in female soccer players, 6 to 8 months after their injury. The first-time concussed athletes were compared with a group of age-matched teammates who had never experienced a concussion. Setting and Participants:A total of 22 female university-level soccer players participated in the study. Main Outcome Measurements:Paper-and-pencil and computerized tasks were used to assess different neuropsychological functions. Results:Short- and long-term verbal memory, attention, and simple reaction time were normal. In contrast, compared with the control group, the concussed athletes were significantly slower on tasks that required decision making (complex reaction time), inhibition and flexibility (Stroop), and planning (Tour of London task). Conclusions:The results of this study suggest that cognitive functions related to cognitive processing speed are most vulnerable to a sports-related concussion and are still impaired for a half year after injury in university-level female soccer players.
Development of Novel Task-Based Configuration Optimization Methodologies for Modular and Reconfigurable Robots Using Multi-Solution Inverse Kinematic Algorithms

Modular and Reconfigurable Robots (MRRs) are those designed to address the increasing demand for flexible and versatile manipulators in manufacturing facilities. The term, modularity, indicates that they are constructed by using a limited number of interchangeable standardized modules which can be assembled in different kinematic configurations. Thereby, a wide variety of specialized robots can be built from a set of standard components. The term, reconfigurability, implies that the robots can be disassembled and rearranged to accommodate different products or tasks rather than being replaced. A set of MRR modules may consist of joints, links, and end-effectors. Different kinematic configurations are achieved by using different joint, link, and end-effector modules and by changing their relative orientation. The number of distinct kinematic configurations, attainable by a set of modules, varies with respect to the size of the module set from several tens to several thousands. Although determining the most suitable configuration for a specific task from a predefined set of modules is a highly nonlinear optimization problem in a hybrid continuous and discrete search space, a solution to this problem is crucial to effectively utilize MRRs in manufacturing facilities. The objective of this thesis is to develop novel optimization methods that can effectively search the Kinematic Configuration (KC) space to identify the most suitable manipulator for any given task. In specific terms, the goal is to develop and synthesize fast and efficient algorithms for a Task-Based Configuration Optimization (TBCO) from a given set of constraints and optimization criteria. To achieve such efficiency, a TBCO solver, based on Memetic Algorithms (MA), is proposed. MAs are hybrids of Genetic Algorithms (GAs) and local search algorithms. MAs benefit from the exploration abilities of GAs and the exploitation abilities of local search methods simultaneously. Consequently, MAs can significantly enhance the search efficiency of a wide range of optimization problems, including the TBCO. To achieve more optimal solutions, the proposed TBCO utilizes all the solutions of the Inverse Kinematics(IK) problem. Another objective is to develop a method for incorporating the multiple solutions of the IK problem in a trajectory optimization framework. The output of the proposed trajectory optimization method consists of a sequence of desired tasks and a single IK solution to reach each task point. Moreover, the total cost of the optimized trajectory is utilized in the TBCO as a performance measure, providing a means to identify kinematic configurations with more efficient optimized trajectories. The final objective is to develop novel IK solvers which are both general and complete. Generality means that the solvers are applicable to all the kinematic configurations which can be assembled from the available module inventory. Completeness entails the algorithm can obtain all the possible IK solutions.
Chronic treatment with resveratrol, a natural polyphenol found in grapes, alleviates oxidative stress and apoptotic cell death in ovariectomized female rats subjected to chronic cerebral hypoperfusion

Objectives: Resveratrol appears to have neuroprotective potential in various animal models of brain disorders including cerebral ischemia and neurodegenerative diseases. Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion is a well-known pathological condition contributing to the neurodegenerative diseases such as vascular dementia. Purpose of the present study is to evaluate the possible therapeutic potential of resveratrol in a model of vascular dementia of ovariectomized female rats. Assessment of the potential was based on the determination of brain oxidative status, caspase-3 level, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and neuronal damage on hippocampus and cerebral cortex. Methods: For creating the model of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion, ovariectomized female Wistar rats were subjected to the modified two vessel occlusion method, with the right common carotid artery being occluded first and the left one a week later. Results: At the 15th day following the ligation, neuronal damage was accompanied by the increased immunoreactivities of both GFAP and caspase-3, and significant neurodegeneration was evident in the hippocampus and cortex, all of which were significantly alleviated with resveratrol treatment (10 mg/kg). Biochemical analysis revealed that the resveratrol treatment decreased lipid peroxidation and restored reduced glutathione level as well. Discussion: The collected data of the present study suggest that the administration of resveratrol may provide a remarkable therapeutic benefit for vascular dementia, which is most likely related to the prevention of both apoptotic cell death and oxidative stress. We believe that therapeutic efficacy of resveratrol deserves to be tested for potential clinical application in postmenopausal elderly women suffering from vascular dementia.
Performance Analysis of Selection Relaying Schemes over Different Fading Environments in Wireless Networks

In this paper, two selection relaying schemes are proposed and compared with each other in terms of packet error rate (PER) and diversity order. Moreover, the comparison is performed over two different fading environments including fast and slow fading environments in which the diversity order is considered as the important factor to reach the decision which scheme is suitable for each fading environment. Numerical results validate the analytical results and indicate significant differences on the PER performance of two schemes over two fading environments.
On MOS LC-VCO's oscillation condition using the short-channel MOS model equations

This paper presents new considerations on the oscillation start-up condition for LC-oscillators implemented in sub-micron MOS technologies. Short-channel MOS model equations are employed to derive an accurate expression of the oscillation condition. The obtained start-up condition predicts new current boundaries and a minimum losses level (Rpmin) preventing any oscillation whatever is the oscillator bias current. Theoretical results are confronted to simulations in different MOS technologies (0.25-μm, 0.13-μm and 90-nm) in order to confirm the resulting predictions. Simulation results are shown to fit more accurately with the short-channel based condition than with the traditional long-channel based oscillation condition.
The Friedewald Formula Underestimates LDL Cholesterol at low Concentrations

Abstract Due to recent advances in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations below 2.6 mmol/l have become attainable. In general, LDL cholesterol is determined indirectly according to Friedewald. We examined the performance of the Friedewald formula at low concentrations of LDL cholesterol in comparison with a β-quantification method. We analyzed 176 samples from individuals treated by LDL apheresis with a mean LDL cholesterol concentration of 3.07 mmol/l and found that the Friedewald formula underestimated LDL cholesterol with a bias of −18.5%, −14.5%, −7.3%, and −3.8% at mean LDL cholesterol levels of 1.58, 2.4, 3.49, and 4.67 mmol/l, respectively. Thus, the lower the LDL cholesterol concentration was, the greater the negative bias. We conclude that the Friedewald formula may not be reliable at low LDL cholesterol concentrations produced by LDL apheresis. This finding may also be of relevance to the monitoring of patients being treated with lipid lowering drugs.
Performance evaluation of matrix converter using Direct Space Vector Modulation technique

Matrix converter is a direct AC-AC converter, has received considerable interest as a viable alternative to the conventional back-to-back PWM converter. In this paper, the Direct Space Vector Modulation (DSVM) technique is applied to the matrix converter. This technique is considered the best as it achieves the highest voltage transfer ratio (0.866). The performance of 3Φ to 3Φ matrix converter using direct space vector modulation algorithm is implemented for the solid state integrated Induction Motor drives. The simulation results are presented which validates the modulation technique and operation of Matrix Converter (MC) for the proposed applications.