Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reliability of clinical spasticity measurements in patients with cervical spinal cord injury.

BACKGROUND The Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) is the most popular clinical measure of spasticity. Other clinical signs of spasticity include hyperactive tendon reflexes, myoclonus and Babinski sign. PURPOSE To assess reliability of the MAS with myoclonic and tendon reflex examination (MTR) in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). MATERIAL AND METHODS 30 patients (16 with complete and 14 with incomplete neural deficit) who sustained cervical SCI 4-66 months prior to the study. Mean age 33,9 years (SD=14,7). 6 independent observers rated MAS and MTR in each patient. RESULTS Poor interrater reliability of MAS (ICC=0.56) and good reliability of MTR (ICC=0.81) were demonstrated. There was satisfactory to good correlation between averaged MAS rates (Pearson coefficient 0.67-0.9). MAS reliability was lower in the lower limbs and when joint contractures were present. Significantly (p<0.01) lower MAS repeatability was noted in subjects below 30 years of age. There was a positive correlation between patient functional status and MAS repeatability. MAS reliability did not depend on mean muscle tone, sex, or time since injury. CONCLUSIONS Although MAS does not reliably assess the tone of individual muscle groups in patients with SCI, it may be helpful in assessing overall muscular tone. MAS repeatability is lower in younger patients. MAS is inappropriate for the assessment of patients with joint contractures. An examination of tendon reflexes, myoclonus and the Babinski sign is reliable in SCI patients
A Simple Tool for Diet Evaluation in Primary Health Care: Validation of a 16-Item Food Intake Questionnaire

Our aim was to validate a 16-item food intake questionnaire (16-FIQ) and create an easy to use method to estimate patients’ nutrient intake in primary health care. Participants (52 men, 25 women) completed a 7-day food record and a 16-FIQ. Food and nutrient intakes were calculated and compared using Spearman correlation. Further, nutrient intakes were compared using kappa-statistics and exact and opposite agreement of intake tertiles. The results indicated that the 16-FIQ reliably categorized individuals according to their nutrient intakes. Methods to estimate nutrient intake based on the answers given in 16-FIQ were created. In linear regression models nutrient intake estimates from the food records were used as the dependent variables and sum variables derived from the 16-FIQ were used as the independent variables. Valid regression models were created for the energy proportion of fat, saturated fat, and sucrose and the amount of fibre (g), vitamin C (mg), iron (mg), and vitamin D (μg) intake. The 16-FIQ is a valid method for estimating nutrient intakes in group level. In addition, the 16-FIQ could be a useful tool to facilitate identification of people in need of dietary counselling and to monitor the effect of counselling in primary health care.
Role of the PDZ Domain-Binding Motif of the Oncoprotein E6 in the Pathogenesis of Human Papillomavirus Type 31

ABSTRACT A number of PDZ domain-containing proteins have been identified as binding partners for the oncoprotein E6 of the high-risk type human papillomaviruses (HPVs). These include hDlg, hScrib, MAGI-1, MAGI-2, MAGI-3, and MUPP1. The PDZ domain-binding motif (-X-T-X-V) at the carboxy terminus of E6 is essential for targeting PDZ proteins for proteasomal degradation. The presence of this motif only in the high-risk HPVs suggests its possible role in HPV-induced oncogenesis. To investigate the role of the PDZ domain-binding motif of E6 in the HPV life cycle, two mutant HPV31 genomes were constructed: E6ValΔ, with a deletion of the last amino acid residue of E6 (valine), and E6ETQVΔ, with a deletion of the entire PDZ domain-binding motif of E6 (ETQV). Three human foreskin keratinocyte (HFK) cell lines were established which maintained transfected wild-type HPV31 or either of two mutant genomes. Cells containing either of two mutant genomes were significantly retarded in their growth rates and reduced in their viral copy numbers compared to those transfected with wild-type genomes. Western analysis did not reveal any significant changes in the levels of PDZ proteins following stable transfection of any HPV31 genomes into HFKs. Although the E6ETQVΔ-transfected HFKs exhibited a pattern of morphological differentiation that appeared different from the HPV31 wild-type-transfected HFKs in organotypic raft cultures, immunohistochemical analysis failed to identify substantial changes in the differentiation-dependent membrane localization of hDlg proteins. These results suggest that binding of E6 to PDZ proteins modulates the early viral functions such as proliferation and maintenance of the viral copy number in undifferentiated cells.
Tackling Domestic Violence: Theories, Policies and Practice

This accessible text takes a multi-disciplinary approach to exploring issues surrounding domestic violence. It draws on contemporary research findings, policy developments, innovative practice and case studies to explore new directions in professional and voluntary sector responses to domestic violence. Centred on the United Kingdom, but located in a context of global change, the book discusses and critically evaluates new criminal justice and multi-agency initiatives such as domestic violence courts and risk assessment conferences, as well as assessing how far these initiatives improve the safety of women and children.Harne and Radford aim to disseminate ideas about best practice in relation to dealing with this sensitive and still controversial issue. They use real-life case studies from professionals, including the police, health services and Women's Aid, and are inclusive of the experiences of a wide range of survivors, in order to enable an understanding of the need for appropriate responses, depending on different survivor needs. "Tackling Domestic Violence" provides an informed background for professionals in the police, probation, health and social care services, the legal system and voluntary sector with a remit to respond to domestic violence. It is also highly relevant to those undertaking courses on domestic violence at undergraduate and postgraduate level.
Morbidity and health care utilisation among elderly people in Mmankgodi village, Botswana

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the health status among the elderly in a village in Botswana and their pattern of health care utilisation. DESIGN A descriptive study where all persons 60 years and older were invited to participate, including a medical examination, laboratory testing and a questionnaire aiming at gathering sociodemographic data. SETTING Mmankgodi village of Botswana. SUBJECTS 419 persons were identified as elderly in the village, out of which 337 were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The general medical examination also included eye status, vision and hearing tests, nutritional status, blood pressure and registering of physical disabilities. Laboratory tests included haemoglobin, blood glucose, HIV antibodies and serum lipids. The questionnaire contained questions regarding family and civil status, self assessed general health, health problems experienced during the previous month, and health care utilisation. Questions also pertained to smoking, taking snuff, and alcohol consumption. RESULTS A majority (75%) of the elderly experienced good or only somewhat reduced health, while one quarter suffered more serious health problems. The most frequent health problems were related to the musculoskeletal system. Eye diseases, including cataract and blindness, were also common. The concentration of serum lipids is lower than the one found in the elderly population of Norway. Nutritional status indicated a relatively high prevalence (7%) of malnutrition. The majority of men were still married (87%), while most women were widowed (71%). Women reported more health problems than men, and they also reported more worries regarding their own life situation. There is a tendency for the elderly to seek assistance from the established clinics and other health facilities for their health problems. Worries are either kept to themselves or advice is sought from relatives. Traditional healers were not often consulted for health problems or worries. CONCLUSIONS Major health problems were identified among the elderly in this geographical area of Botswana. There is presently no health programme in Botswana aimed at the elderly. Some of the diseases and conditions found in this study could easily be identified and treated in the present health system through a health care programme.
Test Case Prioritization for Regression Testing based on Severity of Fault

— Regression testing is one of the most critical activities of software development and maintenance. Whenever software is modified, a set of test cases are run and the comparison of new outputs is done with the older one to avoid unwanted changes. If the new output and old output match it implies that the modifications made in one part of the software don’t affect the remaining software. It is impractical to re-execute every test case for a program if changes occur. The problem of regression test case selection can be solved by prioritizing the test cases. Regression test prioritization techniques reorder the execution of a test suit in an attempt to ensure that faults are revealed at the earlier stage of the testing process. Test case prioritization techniques schedule test cases for execution so that those with higher priority, according to some criterion are executed earlier than those with lower priority to meet some performance goal. In this paper an algorithm is proposed to prioritize test cases based on rate of fault detection and fault impact. The proposed algorithm identifies the severe fault at earlier stage of the testing process and the effectiveness of prioritized test case and comparison of it with unprioritized ones with the help of APFD.
Saffron Samples of Different Origin: An NMR Study of Microwave-Assisted Extracts

An NMR analytical protocol is proposed to characterize saffron samples of different geographical origin (Greece, Spain, Hungary, Turkey and Italy). A microwave-assisted extraction procedure was developed to obtain a comparable recovery of metabolites with respect to the ISO specifications, reducing the solvent volume and the extraction time needed. Metabolite profiles of geographically different saffron extracts were compared showing significant differences in the content of some metabolites.
Higher education in Afghanistan : an emerging mountainscape

This report, which has been prepared in consultation with senior higher education policy makers, academics, researchers, staff and students in higher education in Afghanistan, intends to serve several purposes. First, the report provides a wide-ranging and evidenced-based review and analysis of the higher education sector in Afghanistan. Second, the report surveys a rich variety of higher education systems, policies and reforms observed in the modern world with an emphasis on those areas where Afghanistan faces the greatest higher education policy challenges. The report provides a menu of policy options for consideration among policy makers in the Government of Afghanistan, including the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Higher Education, as well as stakeholders and beneficiaries of the higher education sector such as public and private higher education institutions, members of the academic community, development partners, and employers and business leaders. The information and analysis presented in the report can contribute to the preparation and implementation the next phase of the higher education development strategy for Afghanistan. Finally, the analysis in the report will inform future support from the World Bank for higher education in Afghanistan.
The effects of surface tension and tube inclination on a two-dimensional rising bubble

The effects of surface tension σ and tube inclination β on the Froude number Fr of a large bubble rising in a two-dimensional duct is considered. It is found that there exists either one (for small σ and β > 0°) or a set (for any σ and β = 0°) of Fr-values for which the bubble has a continuous derivative at the nose. By selecting either this single Fr (or the maximum of the set), we obtain solutions in excellent agreement with both theoretical predictions and experimental results.
Partnership dissolution: how does it affect income, employment and well-being?

We assess comprehensively how incomes, employment, housing, mental health and life satisfaction change following a partnership dissolution, using data from 18 waves of BHPS. We confirm that women and children see living standards decline by more than men, on average, upon separation, but find that the fall in living standards is much greater for those women and children formally in high-income households; it is also high for older women with non-dependent children. We find that mental health and life satisfaction decline around separation, but both return quickly to pre-split levels at rates which are little related to post- split circumstances.
Radical Prostatectomy in High Risk Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the leading cancer diagnosis in men, and the second cuase, after lung cancer, of cancer death in men in the U.S. Worldwide is the fourth most common cancer in men with variable incidence and mortality rates, based on geographic regions (1). In Europe is the most common solid tumor, with an incidence of 214 cases per 1000 men, outnumbering the lung and colorectal cancers, and is the second most common cause of cancer death in men. In recent years, the incidence of prostate cancer is increasing in most countries due to the improvement and widespread use of PSA, aging and probably a real increase in incidence. In men after 40 years there is a progressively incidence increase, with a peak at age 80. The countries with the highest mortality rate for prostate cancer are: Switzerland, Scandinavia and the USA-adjusted death rates by age group between 15-20/100.000 inhabitants. By contrast, the Asian countries with Japan and China leading the way, have the lowest mortality rate (less than 5 per 100,000 population) (1). The geographic incidence variations of prostate Cancer are multiple and complex, but there are genetic and environmental factors, which seem to be more involved in its genesis. African Americans are those who have higher rates of prostate ca. As mentioned above, China and Japan have lower rates in the incidence of prostate ca and USA one of the highest in the world, well, it is noteworthy that Asian Americans have lower incidence rate of prostate cancer than white Americans, the indicating that the genetic factor is crucial in the development of the disease. The overall increase in the incidence of prostate cancer worldwide in recent decades, is justified with the development of PSA screening protocols of prostate Cancer. The diagnosis of prostate cancer is based on the determination of serum PSA. The risk of prostate cancer is depending on Serum PSA (2):
Methane Production of Different Forages in In vitro Ruminal Fermentation

An in vitro rumen batch culture study was completed to compare effects of common grasses, leguminous shrubs and non-leguminous shrubs used for livestock grazing in Australia and Ghana on CH4 production and fermentation characteristics. Grass species included Andropodon gayanus, Brachiaria ruziziensis and Pennisetum purpureum. Leguminous shrub species included Cajanus cajan, Cratylia argentea, Gliricidia sepium, Leucaena leucocephala and Stylosanthes guianensis and non-leguminous shrub species included Annona senegalensis, Moringa oleifera, Securinega virosa and Vitellaria paradoxa. Leaves were harvested, dried at 55°C and ground through a 1 mm screen. Serum bottles containing 500 mg of forage, modified McDougall’s buffer and rumen fluid were incubated under anaerobic conditions at 39°C for 24 h. Samples of each forage type were removed after 0, 2, 6, 12 and 24 h of incubation for determination of cumulative gas production. Methane production, ammonia concentration and proportions of VFA were measured at 24 h. Concentration of aNDF (g/kg DM) ranged from 671 to 713 (grasses), 377 to 590 (leguminous shrubs) and 288 to 517 (non-leguminous shrubs). After 24 h of in vitro incubation, cumulative gas, CH4 production, ammonia concentration, proportion of propionate in VFA and IVDMD differed (p<0.05) within each forage type. B. ruziziensis and G. sepium produced the highest cumulative gas, IVDMD, total VFA, proportion of propionate in VFA and the lowest A:P ratios within their forage types. Consequently, these two species produced moderate CH4 emissions without compromising digestion. Grazing of these two species may be a strategy to reduce CH4 emissions however further assessment in in vivo trials and at different stages of maturity is recommended.
Kinematical structure of the Magellanic System

Abstract We review our understanding of the kinematics of the LMC and the SMC, and their orbit around the Milky Way. The line-of-sight velocity fields of both the LMC and SMC have been mapped with high accuracy using thousands of discrete traces, as well as H i gas. The LMC is a rotating disk for which the viewing angles have been well established using various methods. The disk is elliptical in its disk plane. The disk thickness varies depending on the tracer population, with V/σ ranging from ~2–10 from the oldest to the youngest population. For the SMC, the old stellar population resides in a spheroidal distribution with considerable line-of-sight depth and low V/σ. Young stars and H i gas reside in a more irregular rotating disk. Mass estimates based on the kinematics indicate that each Cloud is embedded in a dark halo. Proper motion measurements with HST show that both galaxies move significantly more rapidly around the Milky Way than previously believed. This indicates that for a canonical 1012 M⊙ Milky Way the Clouds are only passing by us for the first time. Although a higher Milky Way mass yields a bound orbit, this orbit is still very different from what has been previously assumed in models of the Magellanic Stream. Hence, much of our understanding of the history of the Magellanic System and the formation of the Magellanic Stream may need to be revised. The accuracy of the proper motion data is insufficient to say whether or not the LMC and SMC are bound to each other, but bound orbits do exist within the proper motion error ellipse.
On the reception and detection of pseudo-profound bullshit

Although bullshit is common in everyday life and has attracted attention from philosophers, its reception (critical or ingenuous) has not, to our knowledge, been subject to empirical investigation. Here we focus on pseudo-profound bullshit, which consists of seemingly impressive assertions that are presented as true and meaningful but are actually vacuous. We presented participants with bullshit statements consisting of buzzwords randomly organized into statements with syntactic structure but no discernible meaning (e.g., “Wholeness quiets infinite phenomena”). Across multiple studies, the propensity to judge bullshit statements as profound was associated with a variety of conceptually relevant variables (e.g., intuitive cognitive style, supernatural belief). Parallel associations were less evident among profundity judgments for more conventionally profound (e.g., “A wet person does not fear the rain”) or mundane (e.g., “Newborn babies require constant attention”) statements. These results support the idea that some people are more receptive to this type of bullshit and that detecting it is not merely a matter of indiscriminate skepticism but rather a discernment of deceptive vagueness in otherwise impressive sounding claims. Our results also suggest that a bias toward accepting statements as true may be an important component of pseudo-profound bullshit receptivity.
Belief in altruistic human nature and prosocial behavior: a serial mediation analysis

According to the theory of internal working model, belief in altruistic human nature positively influences prosocial behavior. However, the precise influencing mechanism remains unclear. Based on the determinants of human behavior theory and self-efficacy theory, we hypothesized that belief in altruistic human nature indirectly influences prosocial behavior through causally linked multiple mediators of prosocial attitude and prosocial self-efficacy. The results of the current research supported our hypothesis and demonstrated that this serial mediation model could be generalized across individualistic and collectivistic cultures.
The white dwarf cooling sequence in the old open cluster NGC 188

We develop the white dwarf luminosity function (LF) of the old open cluster NGC 188 in order to determine a lower limit to the age of the cluster by using the faint end of the cooling sequence. To produce an extensive sequence of the cooling white dwarfs we imaged four contiguous HST-WFPC2 fields in the center of the cluster in the F555W and F814W filters. After imposing selection criteria on the detected objects we found a white dwarf cooling sequence (down to $V \simeq 26.5$) including 28 candidate white dwarfs in the cluster. The exposures are not deep enough to reach the end of this sequence, but the results of our analysis allow us to establish a lower limit to the age of the cluster independently of the isochrone fit to the cluster turnoff. The most ancient white dwarfs found are $\simeq$4 Gyr old, an age that is set solely by the photometric limit of our data. Classical methods provide an estimate of $\simeq$7 Gyr (Sarajedini et al. 1999).
p-adic multiple zeta values I. p-adic multiple polylogarithms and the p-adic KZ equation

Our main aim in this paper is to give a foundation of the theory of p-adic multiple zeta values. We introduce (one variable) p-adic multiple polylogarithms by Coleman's p-adic iterated integration theory. We define p-adic multiple zeta values to be special values of p-adic multiple poly- logarithms. We consider the (formal) p-adic KZ equation and introduce the p-adic Drinfel'd associator by using certain two fundamental solutions of the p-adic KZ equation. We show that our p-adic multiple polylogarithms appear as coefficients of a certain fundamental solution of the p-adic KZ equation and our p-adic multiple zeta values appear as coefficients of the p-adic Drinfel'd associator. We show various properties of p-adic multiple zeta values, which are sometimes analogous to the complex case and are sometimes peculiar to the p-adic case, via the p-adic KZ equation.
Current trade trends in Latin America and the growth possibilities for greening the economy

Latin American countries are concentrating their exports in natural resources or industrial goods characterized by relatively high degree of pollution in their production processes. However, this paper shows that an alternative pattern of economic growth is possible: higher expansion of clean economic activities, “greening the economy”, would bring better effects to employment and income generation. This is proved by an inputoutput model that compares alternative economic growth options. The results show that spurious growth based on natural resource depletion or degradation bring worse results than alternative economic options that concentrate output in higher value added products that are less harmful to the environment: employment and wage creation are higher in the scenarios where the dependence on natural resources depletion and degradation are reduced. More pollution and resource depletion would lead to less, rather than more, inclusive growth, the opposite result expected from the “Environmental Kuznets Curve”.