Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Passive shoulder range of motion impairment in spinal cord injury during and one year after rehabilitation

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and course of pass­ ive shoulder range of motion in people with a spinal cord in­ jury and the relationships between shoulder range of motion limitations and personal and lesion characteristics. Design: Multicentre longitudinal study. Subjects: A total of 199 subjects with spinal cord injury ad­ mitted to specialized rehabilitation centres. Methods: Assessments of shoulder range of motion at the start of active rehabilitation, 3 months later, at discharge and one year after discharge. Results: Up to 70% (95% confidence interval (CI): 57–81) of the subjects with tetraplegia and 29% (95% CI: 20–38) of those with paraplegia experienced a limited range of motion of the shoulder during, or in the first year after, inpatient re ­ habilitation. Shoulder flexion was affected most. Up to 26% (95% CI: 20–37) of subjects had a shoulder range of motion limitation on both sides. Increased age, tetraplegia, spastic­ ity of elbow extensors and longer duration between injury and start of active rehabilitation increased the risk. Presence of shoulder pain is associated with limited shoulder range of motion. Conclusion: Limited shoulder range of motion is common following spinal cord injury. Tetraplegia, increased age, spasticity of elbow extensors, longer duration between in­ jury and start of active rehabilitation and shoulder pain are associated with an increased risk for shoulder range of mo­ tion problems and require extra attention.
Bounded model checking of state-space digital systems: the impact of finite word-length effects on the implementation of fixed-point digital controllers based on state-space modeling

The extensive use of digital controllers demands a growing effort to prevent design errors that appear due to finite-word length (FWL) effects. However, there is still a gap, regarding verification tools and methodologies to check implementation aspects of control systems. Thus, the present paper describes an approach, which employs bounded model checking (BMC) techniques, to verify fixed-point digital controllers represented by state-space equations. The experimental results demonstrate the sensitivity of such systems to FWL effects and the effectiveness of the proposed approach to detect them. To the best of my knowledge, this is the first contribution tackling formal verification through BMC of fixed-point state-space digital controllers.
A SCALE ANALYSIS BASED THEORETICAL FORCE BALANCE MODEL FOR CRITICAL HEAT FLUX (CHF) DURING SATURATED FLOW BOILING IN MICROCHANNELS AND MINICHANNELS

Accurate prediction of critical heat flux (CHF) in microchannels and small diameter tubes is of great interest in estimating the safe operational limits of cooling systems employing flow boiling. Scale analysis is applied to identify the relevant forces leading to the CHF condition. Using these forces, a local parameter model is developed to predict the flow boiling CHF. The theoretical model is an extension of an earlier pool boiling CHF model incorporating a force balance among the evaporation momentum, surface tension, inertia, and viscous forces. Weber number, capillary number, and a new non-dimensional group K2 , representing the ratio of evaporation momentum to surface tension forces, emerged as main groups in quantifying the narrow channel effects on CHF. The constants in the model were calculated from the available experimental data. The mean error with ten data sets is 19.7 percent, with 76 percent data falling within ±30% error band, and 93 percent within ±50% error band. Evaluating individualized set of constants for each data set resulted in mean errors of less than 10 percent for all data sets. The success of the model indicates that flow boiling CHF can be modeled as a local phenomenon and the scale analysis is able to reveal important information regarding fundamental mechanisms leading to the CHF condition. The final equations resulting from this model are given by Eqs. (18–22) along with the transition criteria given by Eq. (28). Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Measuring the 2D baryon acoustic oscillation signal of galaxies in WiggleZ: cosmological constraints

We present results from the 2D anisotropic baryon acoustic oscillation (BAO) signal present in the final data set from the WiggleZ Dark Energy Survey. We analyse the WiggleZ data in two ways: first using the full shape of the 2D correlation function and secondly focusing only on the position of the BAO peak in the reconstructed data set. When fitting for the full shape of the 2D correlation function we use a multipole expansion to compare with theory. When we use the reconstructed data we marginalize over the shape and just measure the position of the BAO peak, analysing the data in wedges separating the signal along the line of sight from that parallel to the line of sight. We verify our method with mock data and find the results to be free of bias or systematic offsets. We also redo the pre-reconstruction angle-averaged (1D) WiggleZ BAO analysis with an improved covariance and present an updated result. The final results are presented in the form of Ωc h2, H(z), and DA(z) for three redshift bins with effective redshifts z = 0.44, 0.60, and 0.73. Within these bins and methodologies, we recover constraints between 5 and 22 per cent error. Our cosmological constraints are consistent with flat ΛCDM cosmology and agree with results from the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey.
Analysis of Factors Driving Incident and Ascending Infection and the Role of Serum Antibody in Chlamydia trachomatis Genital Tract Infection.

BACKGROUND Chlamydia trachomatis genital tract infection is a major cause of female reproductive morbidity. Risk factors for ascending infection are unknown, and the role for antibody in protection is not well established. METHODS We recruited 225 women from urban outpatient clinics and followed them for a median of 12 months. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of serum anti-chlamydial immunoglobulin G (IgG), behavioral factors, and microbiological factors associated with endometrial infection at enrollment, and a longitudinal analysis of factors associated with incident infection. RESULTS Oral contraceptives (adjusted relative risk [RR], 2.02 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.38-2.97]) and gonorrhea (adjusted RR, 1.66 [95% CI, 1.07-2.60]) were associated with endometrial infection. Gonorrhea (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 3.09 [95% CI, 1.41-6.78]), cervical infection at enrollment (adjusted HR, 2.33 [95% CI, 1.07-5.11]), and exposure to uncircumcised partners (adjusted HR, 2.65 [95% CI, 1.21-5.82]) or infected partners (adjusted HR, 4.99 [95% CI, 2.66-9.39]) significantly increased the risk of incident infection. Seropositivity was associated with a reduced cervical burden (P < .05) but no differences in rates of ascending infection (adjusted RR, 1.24 [95% CI, .71-2.19]) or incident infection (adjusted HR, 0.94 [95% CI, .52-1.69]). CONCLUSIONS Serum anti-chlamydial IgG is not associated with a lowered rate of ascending or repeat infection. Identification of factors associated with ascending infection and increased risk of incident infection provide guidance for targeted screening of women at increased risk for sequelae.
Virus transcript levels and cell growth rates after naturally occurring HPV16 integration events in basal cervical keratinocytes

Cervical carcinogenesis is characterized by a clonal selection process in which the high‐risk human papillomavirus (HRHPV) genome usually changes from the extra‐chromosomal (episomal) state seen in productive infections to DNA that is integrated into host chromosomes. However, it is not clear whether all HRHPV integration events provide cells with a selective growth advantage compared with the episome‐containing cells from which they originate. It is also unclear whether selection of cells containing a particular integrant from a mixed population simply reflects the highest levels of virus oncogene expression or has additional determinants. These early events in cervical carcinogenesis cannot readily be addressed by cross‐sectional studies of clinical samples. We used the W12 model system to generate a panel of cervical squamous cell clones that were derived from an identical background under non‐competitive conditions and differed only by the genomic site of HPV16 integration. Compared with the ‘baseline’ episome‐containing cells from which they were isolated, only 9/17 clones (53%) showed significantly greater growth rates and only 7/17 (41%) showed significantly greater expression of the major virus oncogenes E7/E6. There were significant variations in levels of HPV16 transcription per DNA template, changes that were associated with histone modifications in the integrated virus chromatin. Cell growth rates showed only weak and non‐significant associations with protein and mRNA levels for E7, E6, and the mean E7/E6 values. We conclude that HPV16 integration in basal cervical cells does not necessarily lead to increased levels of virus oncogenes, or to a competitive growth advantage, when compared with the initiating episome‐containing cells. © 2014 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
T-cell depletion and immunity to malaria in HIV-infections

Although early reports on HIV and malaria in co-infected subjects indicated little apparent interaction between the two infections, more recent investigations have found evidence for HIV increasing the risk from malaria. Conversely, increased viral load in susceptible cells occurs in malaria-infected people. However, the overall pattern of results is still somewhat confusing and contradictory. While morbidity from malaria may be greater in HIV-positive patients and in several reports the mortality risk is also higher, major increases in blood-stage parasitaemias that one might expect are not generally observed. The results of surveys are summarized and discussed in the context of what is known of malaria and HIV immunology in the light of recent data from humans as well as animal models.
Concentrations of copper in tissues of wapiti raised in Saskatchewan.

In recent years, game farming has become popular, and in western Canada, the business of raising wapiti (North American elk), which are indigenous to the region, has developed rapidly. Although there is little information concerning nutrition of wapiti raised under captive conditions, copper deficiency has been reported in wapiti and red deer throughout the world (1,2). Disease problems related to copper deficiency may be a concern in western Canada, because it has been reported frequently in other livestock species (3) in this region. It also appears that wapiti may be more susceptible to copper deficiency than other wildlife species (1). The disease syndrome associated with copper deficiency may be influenced by many factors, including molybdenum status (4), pregnancy (4,5), season (4,6), and copper supplementation (2,6), which may alter the manifestation of the syndrome. Since copper deficiency impairs the function of many organ systems, it is expressed in a variety of different ways. Copper deficiency has been associated with immunosuppression (7), and this may predispose animals to a number of infectious diseases. Normal copper levels in wapiti are not fully documented. Few studies have investigated alterations in the normal copper status in the presence of the aforementioned factors, and extrapolation from existing information in domestic livestock (3,4,8) may be misleading because of significant species differences associated with copper metabolism. The purpose of the study reported herein was to investigate alterations in values of copper in serum and liver and their association with sex, age, pregnancy, and tuberculosis in wapiti raised in Saskatchewan. Captive Saskatchewan-reared wapiti designated for depopulation by Agriculture Canada because of disease problems related to tuberculosis, were utilized in this study. The wapiti were tested for tuberculosis using the single intradermal test which involves an intradermal injection of tuberculin into the cervical fold of the neck. For each animal, the reaction to the tuberculosis test, as well as sex, age, and state of pregnancy were recorded. Postmortem examination of each animal was also conducted to identify evidence of disease, and in particular, disease associated with tuberculosis. Serum and samples of liver were collected from each animal to measure the corresponding concentrations of copper. These samples were analyzed for copper using standard atomic absorption spectroscopic techniques (9,10). Serum samples were precipitated with
Use of mouthguards among 12- to 14-year-old Ontario schoolchildren.

OBJECTIVES To investigate the frequency of use of mouthguards among a representative sample of Ontario schoolchildren, the type of mouthguard most commonly used and reasons for noncompliance during sporting activities. MATERIALS AND METHODS A population-based, matched case-control study was undertaken in a total of 30 schools in 2 suburban Ontario communities. Dental hygienists trained in the use of the Dental Trauma Index screened 2,422 children 12 to 14 years of age. Of 810 children identified as potential cases (with evidence of dental trauma) and controls (no dental trauma), 270 responded to a mail survey (135 cases and 135 age- and sex-matched controls). The children with dental injuries provided information such as the age at which the injury occurred and the setting and causes of the injury. Children from both case and control groups answered questions concerning use of mouthguards during sports. Parents provided demographic and other information. RESULTS Only 5.5% of children wore mouthguards for school sports, and 20.2% wore protection in league sports. Of those who wore mouth protection, 48.2% wore boil-and-bite mouthguards and 21.4% wore stock-type mouthguards; only 30.4% wore professionally made, custom mouthguards. This high proportion of ill-fitting mouthguards was the major contributor to the commonly perceived problems of speech, breathing discomfort and poor appearance associated with mouthguard use. Boys were 1.52 times more likely to wear mouthguards than girls. Data on history of dental trauma and regularly visiting a dentist were not related to mouthguard use. The single most important predictor of mouthguard use was parents who had private dental insurance (p = 0.02), followed by having a family dentist (p = 0.16). CONCLUSION Mouthguard use was very low in both school and league sports in this sample of Ontario schoolchildren, and the largest proportion of those who wore mouth protection used generic products rather than custom-fitted mouthguards. Lack of parental or coaching advice on mouthguard usage and peer beliefs about esthetics and function were the main reasons for noncompliance.
Characterization of Piezoresistive PEDOT:PSS Pressure Sensors with Inter-Digitated and Cross-Point Electrode Structures

The piezoresistive characteristics of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) pressure sensors with inter-digitated (IDE) and cross-point electrode (CPE) structures have been investigated. A small variation of the resistance of the pressure sensors with IDE without bottom indium-tin-oxide (b-ITO) film and with CPE structures was observed owing to the single carrier-conducting pathway. For the IDE pressure sensors with b-ITO, the piezoresistive characteristics at low and high pressure were similar to those of the pressure sensors with IDE without b-ITO and with CPE structures, respectively, leading to increased piezoresistive pressure sensitivity as the PEDOT:PSS film thickness decreased. A maximum sensitivity of more than 42 kΩ/Pa was achieved. When the normal pressure was applied, the increased number of conducting points or the reduced distance between the PEDOT oligomers within the PEDOT:PSS film resulted in a decrease of the resistance. The piezoresistive pressure sensors with a single carrier-conducting pathway, i.e., IDE without b-ITO and CPE structures, exhibited a small relaxation time and a superior reversible operation, which can be advantageous for fast piezoresistive response applications.
Critical review of student seating location preferences inlectures linked to student performance

This literature review identifies the main literature that relates students’ seat choice to performance and evaluates and interprets the literature results together with literature that highlights possible reasons for seat choice. The majority of research studies on the relationship between seat location and performance have identified that students seated in the central-front zones have higher course grades than students sitting further back. However, prior subject experience and academic ability may affect results and should be controlled within studies. Only a few studies have done this and most used self-reported academic grades, such as GPA, which have a potential for error, particularly amongst weaker students. A student’s seat reference, rather than actual seat, may be a better indicator of performance. Seat preference maybe driven by the personality of the student. Students who are more motivated and are more positive about a course are more likely to sit in the central-front zones. Therefore, personality traits should also form part of a thorough study.
The Vascular Site of Action of Hypoxia in the Neonatal Pig Lung

ABSTRACT: To determine the vascular site(s) of action of hypoxia in the neonatal pig, isolated lungs were perfused at a constant flow rate and left atrial pressure; arterial, venous, and double occlusions were performed. The distribution of the total pulmonary vascular resistance and the total dynamic vascular compliance were calculated using a model of the pulmonary circulation consisting of upstream, central, and downstream compliances and resistances upstream and downstream of central compliance. In addition, the static vascular compliance was measured by venous followed by arterial occlusion, and the total vascular volume was measured by dye-dilution. In this preparation during control conditions alveolar Po2 = 12 ± 2 kPa), total pulmonary vascular resistance was nearly evenly divided between resistance upstream and downstream of double occlusion pressure and total dynamic vascular compliance was concentrated mainly in the central compliance (7% upstream compliance, 82% central compliance, and 11% downstream compliance). Hypoxia (alveolar Po2 = 4 ± 1 kPa) increased both resistance upstream of double occlusion pressure (p < 0.005) and resistance downstream of double occlusion pressure (p < 0.02) and decreased central compliance (p < 0.005). Hypoxia also decreased total pulmonary blood volume (p < 0.02). These results suggest that in the pulmonary vasculature of the neonatal pig, hypoxia results mainly in 7) arterial constriction as evidenced by a large increase in upstream resistance and a decrease in total pulmonary blood volume and 2) a smaller but significant venous constriction. This venous constriction may have implications in the pathogenesis and therapy of pulmonary vascular diseases associated with hypoxia such as postasphyxiai lung disease and bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
A QUANTITATIVE‐GENETIC MODEL FOR SELECTION ON DEVELOPMENTAL NOISE

We propose a simple model for analyzing the effects of microenvironmental variation in quantitative genetics. Our model assumes that the sensitivity of the phenotype to fluctuations in microenvironment has a genetic basis and allows for genetic correlation between trait value and microenvironmental sensitivity. We analyze the effects of short‐term stabilizing and directional selection on the genotypic and microenvironmental components of phenotypic variance. Our model predicts that stabilizing selection on a quantitative trait increases developmental canalization. We show that stabilizing selection can result in an increase in the heritability. Our findings may provide an explanation for the results of selection experiments in which artificial stabilizing selection did not change the heritability coefficient or increased it.
Calcimimetic agents in the management of secondary hyperparathyroidism among patients with end-stage renal disease; a review article

The current management of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) among dialysis patients included the administration of oral phosphate binders and vitamin D analogues. However, up to one-half of patients with severe SHPT failed by this management. Calcimimetic agents are now considered as a new therapeutic option among these patients. For this review, we used a variety of sources including PubMed, Scopus, Embase and DOAJ to collect current data about effect of calcimimetic agents in the management of SHPT among dialysis patient. Articles published in English from January 1998 up to October 2014, as full-text articles and as abstract forms were included in our review study. There is increasing evidence that the addition of calcimimetic agents to the current therapeutic management of SHPT significantly increase the percentage of dialysis patients who are able to attain targets recommended by the K/DOQI practice guidelines compared with the use of vitamin D analogues and phosphate binders alone. According to these studies calcimimetic agents may be indicated among dialysis patients with PTH levels greater than 300 pg/ml. The drug should not be started if serum calcium levels are below 8.4 mg/dl and the symptoms of hypocalcemia should be monitored during the treatment courses. There are few studies which have evaluated the effect of cinacalcet on mortality and cardiovascular outcomes of dialysis patients, which their results are conflicting. Calcimimetic agents are effective and well tolerated in the treatment of SHPT among patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However further investigations are needed to determine its effect on mortality and cardiovascular outcomes.
Tailoring PS/PPrecycled blends compatibilized with SEBS. Evaluation of rheological, mechanical, thermomechanical and morphological characters

The increasing consumption of polypropylene (PP) in several practical applications contributes to the production of a large amount of post-consumer and post-industrial waste contributing to environmental damages. The practice of material reusing is one of the feasible alternatives to overcome problems generated by these wastes/post-consumer products. Therefore, the effect of recycled polypropylene (PPr) addition in polystyrene (PS)/polypropylene (PPv) blends, compatibilized with styrene-(ethylene/butylene)-styrene (SEBS) was performed in this study. Blends were compounded in a co-rotational twin screw extruder; afterwards extruded granules were injection molded to produce specimens for tensile experiments. Blends were characterized by parallel plate rheometry, mechanical properties, impact strength, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TG), heat deflection temperature (HDT) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). According to complex viscosity data blends behave as pseudoplastic fluid. An increase in impact strength, elongation at break, thermal stability (TG) and HDT was observed in relation to neat PS. Nevetheless, there were losses in the elastic modulus and tensile strength. The morphologies investigated by SEM are typical of immiscible blends corroborating Cole-Cole plots. In the range of investigated compositions for PPr (7, 14, 21 and 35% by mass), no significant differences in the blends properties were verified. Summing up, results collected with this work are valuable for recycling’s researches, which can lead to savings in the final product, since it was used up to 35% PPr, whereas keeping high performance and reconciling economic and environmental purposes.