Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Serum Vitamin D Level Associates With Handgrip Muscle Strength Among Ethiopian Schoolchildren: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Despite varying serum levels of 25(OH)D among schoolchildren in Ethiopia, data are lacking whether this affects their muscle function as measured by handgrip strength of these children. Handgrip strength may be used as a proxy indicator of muscle strength and function. This study evaluated the association between serum levels of 25(OH)D and handgrip strength among schoolchildren in Ethiopia. Methods: The study used a data set from a school-based cross-sectional study conducted on a total of 174 randomly selected schoolchildren from urban (N = 89) and rural (N = 85) settings of Adama Town and Adama Woreda, respectively. Handgrip strength, serum 25(OH)D levels, and anthropometry were measured for each child following standard procedures, while data on demographic characteristics of children and their parents were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. A multivariable linear regression model was used to determine the association between serum vitamin D level and handgrip strength after adjusting for other predictors. Results: The mean handgrip muscle strength of the students was 17.6 ± 6.9 kg. The average serum 25(OH)D for the group was 54.5 ± 15.8 nmol/L. On multivariable linear regression model, serum 25(OH)D level was significantly associated with handgrip strength (β = 0.06, P = .008) of the children after controlling for potential confounders. Other variables, female gender (β = −2.20, P = .004), age (β = 1.97, P < .001), height (β = .22, P < .001), weight (β = 0.33, P < .001), and triceps skinfold thickness (β = −0.19, P = .023), were identified to have significant association with handgrip strength of schoolchildren. Conclusion: Serum 25(OH)D levels had significant positive association with handgrip strength of Ethiopian schoolchildren. The results imply the need for incorporating school nutrition education on consumption of foods rich in important nutrients including vitamin D-rich foods in the school curricula and also enhancing behavioral change communication toward exposure to sunlight in the school to produce adequate vitamin D. Further longitudinal study involving a larger sample is recommended to confirm the findings.
Developing a Culturally Based Cardiac Rehabilitation Program: The HELA Study

Background: Heart disease disproportionately affects Native Hawaiians and other Pacific people. In response, researchers proposed and communities endorsed, developing a cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program based on the hula, a Native Hawaiian dance form. The utilization of cultural practices in health interventions can improve outcomes and increase enrollment and retention, but requires sensitivity and understanding. Objective: This paper provides the conceptual framework and methods used for integration of multiple communities’ perspectives to inform the design of a hula-based CR intervention. Methods: Specific strategies and processes were established to ensure the equity of scientific—clinical and patient— cultural knowledge and perspectives. Multiple methods were used and a flow diagram defined steps for the intervention development. Results: Patient and cultural consultations provided information about the multidimensional benefits of hula and its use in a CR intervention. Clinical and scientific consultations provided specific guidelines for exercise prescription and patient monitoring. Integrating findings from all consultations identified important direction and requirements. Conclusions: Community-based participatory research (CBPR) principles guided a complex collaboration of multiple communities; although time consuming, inclusive consultations provided valuable information and relationships.
SOCIAL ROLES IN ELECTRONIC COMMUNITIES

Individuals’ behavior in groups is constrained by several factors, including the skills, privileges and responsibilities they enjoy. We call these factors a social role, and explore using the concept of social roles as an analytical tool for studying communities in Usenet newsgroups. Our understanding of what roles are and how they function is derived from sociolinguistics, social psychology, and the ethnography of communication. We conducted an observational study of several Usenet newsgroups and, from the collected data, constructed a taxonomy of roles, with which we analyzed social interactions and their impact on newsgroup communities, especially how communities change over time
Low Mach Number Fluctuating Hydrodynamics of Binary Liquid Mixtures

Continuing on our previous work [ArXiv:1212.2644], we develop semi-implicit numerical methods for solving low Mach number fluctuating hydrodynamic equations appropriate for modeling diffusive mixing in isothermal mixtures of fluids with different densities and transport coefficients. We treat viscous dissipation implicitly using a recently-developed variable-coefficient Stokes solver [ArXiv:1308.4605]. This allows us to increase the time step size significantly compared to the earlier explicit temporal integrator. For viscous-dominated flows, such as flows at small scales, we develop a scheme for integrating the overdamped limit of the low Mach equations, in which inertia vanishes and the fluid motion can be described by a steady Stokes equation. We also describe how to incorporate advanced higher-order Godunov advection schemes in the numerical method, allowing for the treatment of fluids with high Schmidt number including the vanishing mass diffusion coefficient limit. We incorporate thermal fluctuations in the description in both the inertial and overdamped regimes. We apply our algorithms to model the development of giant concentration fluctuations during the diffusive mixing of water and glycerol, and compare numerical results with experimental measurements. We find good agreement between the two, and observe propagative (non-diffusive) modes at small wavenumbers (large spatial scales), not reported in published experimental measurements of concentration fluctuations in fluid mixtures. Our work forms the foundation for developing low Mach number fluctuating hydrodynamics methods for miscible multi-species mixtures of chemically reacting fluids.
Nursing diagnoses in patients with immune-bullous dermatosis 1

ABSTRACT Objective: identify nursing diagnoses in patients with immune-bullous dermatosis. Method: a quantitative and descriptive research, carried out in three institutions located in Rio de Janeiro and Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, using the Client Assessment Protocol in Dermatology during a nursing consultation. Simple descriptive statistics was used for data analysis. Results: 14 subjects participated in the study, nine with a diagnosis of pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus two and three of bullous pemphigoid. The age ranged between 27 and 82 years, predominantly females (11). 14 nursing diagnoses were discussed and identified from a clinical rationale in all study participants, representing the most common human responses in this sample. The application of the Assessment Protocol in Dermatology facilitated the comprehensive assessment, in addition to providing the identification of diagnostics according to the North American Nursing Diagnosis Association International. Conclusion: the nursing diagnoses presented confirm the necessity of interdisciplinary work during the care for this clientele. For better description of the phenomena related to the client in question, it is suggested the inclusion of two risk factors related in three diagnoses of this taxonomy. It is worth noting the contribution of the findings for the care, education and research in nursing in dermatology.
Recent progress on the Random Conductance Model

Recent progress on the understanding of the Random Conductance Model is reviewed and commented. A particular emphasis is on the results on the scaling limit of the random walk among random conductances for almost every realization of the environment, observations on the behavior of the effective resistance as well as the scaling limit of certain models of gradient fields with non-convex interactions. The text is an expanded version of the lecture notes for a course delivered at the 2011 Cornell Summer School on Probability.
Artificial neural network EMG classifier for functional hand grasp movements prediction

Objective To design and implement an electromyography (EMG)-based controller for a hand robotic assistive device, which is able to classify the user's motion intention before the effective kinematic movement execution. Methods Multiple degrees-of-freedom hand grasp movements (i.e. pinching, grasp an object, grasping) were predicted by means of surface EMG signals, recorded from 10 bipolar EMG electrodes arranged in a circular configuration around the forearm 2–3 cm from the elbow. Two cascaded artificial neural networks were then exploited to detect the patient's motion intention from the EMG signal window starting from the electrical activity onset to movement onset (i.e. electromechanical delay). Results The proposed approach was tested on eight healthy control subjects (4 females; age range 25–26 years) and it demonstrated a mean ± SD testing performance of 76% ± 14% for correctly predicting healthy users' motion intention. Two post-stroke patients tested the controller and obtained 79% and 100% of correctly classified movements under testing conditions. Conclusion A task-selection controller was developed to estimate the intended movement from the EMG measured during the electromechanical delay.
LOT SIZE DETERMINATION IN AN EOQ MODEL WITH PLANNED SHORTAGE AND RANDOM DEFECTIVE UNITS

This paper considers the basic Economic Order Quantity model that allows stockouts and backordering. It assumes that the number of defectives produced by the manufacturing process is random rather than constant. Specifically, we assume that each lot contains a random proportion of defective units. Based on this scenario, we adjust the EOQ with planned shortages model for the quality factor. In addition to the general relationships obtained, closed form relationships are also given for the two special cases where the proportion of defectives follow uniform and exponential distributions.
Palettes in block colourings of designs

For any proper block colouring of a Steiner system, a palette of an element is the set of colours on blocks incident with it. We obtain bounds on the minimum possible number of distinct palettes in proper block colourings of Steiner triple systems and Steiner systems S(2, 4, v).
FUSE Observations of Atomic Abundances and Molecular Hydrogen in the Leading Arm of the Magellanic Stream

We present Far-Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer observations of the atomic and molecular absorption in high-velocity cloud HVC 287.5+22.5+240, which lies in front of the ultraviolet-bright nucleus of the Seyfert 1 galaxy NGC 3783. We detect H2, N I, N II, Si II, and Fe II and set limits on the amount of absorption due to P III, Ar I, and Fe III. We extend the earlier metallicity and dust-depletion measurements made by Lu and collaborators by examining the relative gas-phase abundances of Si, P, S, and Fe. Corrections to the derived gas-phase abundances due to ionized gas in the HVC are small (≲15%). The HVC has metallicity 0.2–0.4 solar, similar to that of the Small Magellanic Cloud. The relative abundance pattern for the elements studied resembles that of warm gas in the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC), which supports the idea that this HVC is part of the tidally stripped leading arm of the Magellanic Stream. The abundance pattern implies that the HVC contains dust grains that have been processed significantly; it is likely that the grain mantles have been modified or stripped back to expose the grain cores. We have identified more than 30 lines of H2 arising in the HVC from rotational levels J = 0 to J = 3. Synthetic spectra and a curve of growth fitted to these lines with b = 12 km s-1 indicate that log[N(H2)] = 16.80 ± 0.10 and f = 2N(H2)/[N(H I) + 2N(H2)] = 1.6 × 10-3. A two-component temperature distribution is necessary to explain the observed populations of the H2 rotational levels. We find T01 = 133 K, and T23 = 241 K, indicating that the conditions in the molecular gas are more similar to those found for diffuse molecular clouds in the Galactic halo than to those for molecular clouds in the Galactic disk. From an analysis of the J = 2 and J = 3 populations, we find an absorption rate (at 1000 Å) of βuv < 0.1 times the average value in the solar neighborhood. The presence of molecular gas in the HVC requires that either the H2 formed in situ or that molecules formed within the SMC survived tidal stripping. We favor the latter possibility because of the long H2 formation time (∼108 yr) derived for this HVC.
Neurofeedback and networks of depression

Recent advances in imaging technology and in the understanding of neural circuits relevant to emotion, motivation, and depression have boosted interest and experimental work in neuromodulation for affective disorders. Real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) can be used to train patients in the self regulation of these circuits, and thus complement existing neurofeedback technologies based on electroencephalography (EEG). EEG neurofeedback for depression has mainly been based on models of altered hemispheric asymmetry. fMRI-based neurofeedback (fMRI-NF) can utilize functional localizer scans that allow the dynamic adjustment of the target areas or networks for self-regulation training to individual patterns of emotion processing. An initial application of fMRI-NF in depression has produced promising clinical results, and further clinical trials are under way. Challenges lie in the design of appropriate control conditions for rigorous clinical trials, and in the transfer of neurofeedback protocols from the laboratory to mobile devices to enhance the sustainability of any clinical benefits.
Relationship between nutritional status and lung function in cystic fibrosis: cross sectional and longitudinal analyses from the German CF quality assurance (CFQA) project.

BACKGROUND The German cystic fibrosis (CF) quality assurance (CFQA) project is a patient registry for CF which was founded in 1995. Relevant clinical and laboratory data, respiratory function test results, complications, and CF treatments are entered into the database once a year for each patient. Using the database, a study was undertaken to elucidate the relationship between nutrition and lung function in a large patient cohort by cross sectional and longitudinal analysis. METHODS A cohort of 3298 patients above 2 years of age was analysed. Patients were grouped according to the presence or absence of malnutrition (wasting and/or stunting). Cross sectional and longitudinal analyses over 2 and 3 years including mixed model analyses were performed. RESULTS The prevalence of abnormal weight for height (<90% predicted) increased with age from 19% in children aged <6 years to 38% in adults with CF. Patients with malnutrition had significantly lower mean values of vital capacity, arterial oxygen tension (PO(2)), and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)) and higher serum IgG (p<0.05). Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection was also associated with decreased pulmonary function. Malnourished adolescents aged 12-18 years experienced a serious decline in FEV(1) of about 20% predicted, whereas mean FEV(1) values remained stable at above 80% predicted in adolescents of normal weight. Longitudinal follow up showed that malnourished patients of all ages and those with P aeruginosa infection had significantly worse lung function than their normally nourished counterparts and a greater yearly loss of FEV(1) % predicted. During 1 year of observation adolescents who experienced a >5% predicted decrease in weight for height had a concomitant mean loss of FEV(1) of 16.5% predicted during that year, whereas patients who gained relative weight had a parallel increase in FEV(1) of 2.1% predicted. CONCLUSIONS These data emphasise the close relationship between nutrition, lung function, and clinical course in CF. Normal body weight and absence of P aeruginosa infection was associated with better preservation of lung function.
Chloride diffusion, microstructure, and mineralogy of concrete after 15 years of exposure in tidal environment

This research describes a detailed study conducted into the chloride diffusion, microstructure, and mineralogy of 15-year-old concrete specimens of dimensions 150 mm in diameter and 300 mm in height. These specimens were exposed to a tidal environment. The cement types were ordinary portland cement, slag cements of Types A, B, and C, and Type B fly ash cement. Water-cement ratio was 0.45. Compressive strength, carbonation depths, pulse velocity, water- and acid-soluble chloride profiles, microstructure, and mineralogy of concrete were evaluated. Results are provided.
Visual Acuity and Ocular Aberrations With Different Rigid Gas Permeable Lens Fittings in Keratoconus

Objectives: The aim of this case report is to investigate the effect of rigid gas permeable (RGP) lens fitting on visual acuity and ocular higher-order aberrations by systematically applying RGP lenses with different back optic zone radii (BOZR) to a keratoconic eye. Methods: Eight Menicon-EX RGP lenses (Menicon Co., Nagoya, Japan), which ranged from a BOZR of 7.40 to 8.10 mm in 0.10-mm steps, were fitted to a moderate keratoconic eye. All the trial lenses fitted had a total diameter of 9.60 mm, centre thickness of 0.15 mm, and a back vertex power of −3.00 diopter sphere. Measurements of the higher-order aberrations were made with the RGP lenses in place using a Shack-Hartmann aberrometer (IRX-3; Imagine Eyes, Paris, France). Visual acuities with the lenses were recorded using a high-contrast Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letter chart at a distance of 4 m. Results: As the lens BOZR value changed from 7.40 to 8.10 mm, the vertical coma component was found to reduce from +0.34 to +0.21 &mgr;m; third-order root mean square error also reduced from +0.34 to +0.23 &mgr;m and total higher-order root mean square aberrations decreased from +0.35 to +0.23 &mgr;m. More over, changes in the lens BOZR from 7.40 to 8.10 mm led to a substantial change in best-corrected LogMAR acuity from +0.58 to −0.30 log units. Conclusions: The results showed that a flatter RGP lens fit lead to a reduction in higher-order aberrations and improvement in visual acuity in this moderate keratoconic patient. Further investigations into the changes in aberrations with different RGP lens fittings and BOZR values in keratoconic eyes will help to improve our current understanding of how contact lens fitting impacts on optical performance.
Efficacy of high-frequency tympanometry in infants birth to six months of age: A pilot study

The purpose of this study was to assess the use of 1 kHz tympanometry in young infants. A larger sample will be needed to develop definitive norms and determine the sensitivity and specificity of 1 kHz tympanometry for middle ear pathology in young infants. copyright by Toby Wilson May 15, 2009
ER-α36, a Variant of ER-α, Promotes Tamoxifen Agonist Action in Endometrial Cancer Cells via the MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt Pathways

Background Recently, a novel variant of ER-α, ER-α36 was identified and cloned. ER-α36 lacks intrinsic transcription activity and mainly mediates nongenomic estrogen signaling. Here, we studied the role of nongenomic estrogen signaling pathways mediated by ER-α36 in tamoxifen resistance and agonist action. Methodology The cellular localization of ER-α36 was examined by immunofluorescence in MCF-7 cells and Hec1A cells. MCF-7 breast cancer cells, MCF-7 cells expressing recombinant ER-α36 (MCF-7/ER36), Hec1A endometrial cancer cells and Hec1A cells with siRNA knockdown of ER-α36 (Hec1A/RNAiER36) were treated with 17β-estradial (E2) and tamoxifen (TAM) in the absence and presence of kinase inhibitor U0126 and LY294002. We examined phosphorylation of signaling molecules and the expression of c-Myc by immunoblotting, and tumor cell growth by MTT assay. Conclusions ER variant ER-α36 enhances TAM agonist activity through activation of the membrane-initiated signaling pathways in endometrial cancer, and that ER-α36 is involved in de novo and acquired TAM resistance in breast cancer.
Quality improvement capacity: a survey of hospital quality managers

Background Skilled managers are an important component of quality improvement (QI) infrastructure, but there has been little evaluation of QI infrastructure, which is needed to guide enhancement of this capacity. Methods Quality managers at 97 acute care hospitals in Ontario, Canada, were surveyed by mail to describe how their roles were integrated with QI performance objectives. Binary and scaled responses were analysed quantitatively, and open-ended responses were analysed thematically. Results The response rate was 79.4%. Many QI managers were new to their role and had no support staff despite responsibility for multiple portfolios. Respondents thought that QI objectives should be less reactive to hospital executives or boards, adverse events or demands from government and accreditation bodies, and recommended that dedicated QI managers proactively apply explicit strategic plans and engage executives and clinicians. Findings were consistent regardless of rank, staffing or hospital type. Those with master's training and greater experience were more involved in strategic planning, data analysis and communication. Conclusions QI is not well resourced in most acute care hospitals in Ontario. To develop QI capacity, investment and QI training may be required. Research should empirically establish objective performance measures of QI capacity to guide investment and evaluation.