Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Defining a Bobath clinical framework – A modified e-Delphi study

ABSTRACT Objective: To gain consensus within the expert International Bobath Instructors Training Association (IBITA) on a Bobath clinical framework on which future efficacy studies can be based. Methods: A three-round modified e-Delphi approach was used with 204 full members of the IBITA. Twenty-one initial statements were generated from the literature. Consensus was defined a priori as at least 80% of the respondents with a level of agreement on a Likert scale of 4 or 5. The Delphi questionnaire for each round was available online for two weeks. Summary reports and subsequent questionnaires were posted within four weeks. Results: Ninety-four IBITA members responded, forming the Delphi panel, of which 68 and 66 responded to Rounds Two and Three, respectively. The 21 initial statements were revised to 17 statements and five new statements in Round Two in which eight statements were accepted and two statements were eliminated. Round Three presented 12 revised statements, all reaching consensus. Conclusion: The Delphi was successful in gaining consensus on a Bobath clinical framework in a geographically diverse expert association, identifying the unique components of Bobath clinical practice. Discussion throughout all three Rounds revolved primarily around the terminology of atypical and compensatory motor behavior and balance.
Native and non-native listeners ’ evaluation of degrees of foreign accentedness in English : A literature review 1

Communication in English increasingly involves non-native speakers. Such speakers can speak English with different degrees of non-native accentedness. In order to contribute to insights into the effects that these differences in accentedness can have on listeners, the current study systematically reviews experimental studies into the effects of degrees of foreign accentedness in English. It presents an overview of the L1s of the speakers, nationalities of the listeners, degrees of accent strength tested, dependent variables and outcomes in the studies reviewed. The trend that emerges from the studies included in the review indicates that stronger accents generally have more negative effects on understanding and attitudinal evaluations than weaker accents.
Mineralocorticoid-Induced Sodium Appetite and Renal Salt Retention: Evidence for Common Signaling and Effector Mechanisms

An increase in renal sodium chloride (salt) retention and an increase in sodium appetite are the body's responses to salt restriction or depletion in order to restore salt balance. Renal salt retention and increased sodium appetite can also be maladaptive and sustain the pathophysiology in conditions like salt-sensitive hypertension and chronic heart failure. Here we review the central role of the mineralocorticoid aldosterone in both the increase in renal salt reabsorption and sodium appetite. We discuss the working hypothesis that aldosterone activates similar signaling and effector mechanisms in the kidney and brain, including the mineralocorticoid receptor, the serum- and glucocorticoid-induced kinase SGK1, the ubiquitin ligase NEDD4-2, and the epithelial sodium channel ENaC. The latter also mediates the gustatory salt sensing in the tongue, which is required for the manifestation of increased salt intake. Effects of aldosterone on both the brain and kidney synergize with the effects of angiotensin II. Thus, mineralocorticoids appear to induce similar molecular pathways in the kidney, brain, and possibly tongue, which could provide opportunities for more effective therapeutic interventions. Inhibition of renal salt reabsorption is compensated by stimulation of salt appetite and vice versa; targeting both mechanisms should be more effective. Inhibiting the arousal to consume salty food may improve a patient's compliance to reducing salt intake. While a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms is needed and will provide new therapeutic options, current pharmacological interventions that target both salt retention and sodium appetite include mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists and potentially inhibitors of angiotensin II and ENaC.
Soluble Inflammatory Markers and Risk of Incident Fractures in Older Adults: The Cardiovascular Health Study

Several in vitro and animal studies have showed that inflammatory markers play a role in bone remodeling and pathogenesis of osteoporosis. Additionally, some human longitudinal studies showed suggestive associations between elevated inflammatory markers and increased risk of nontraumatic fractures. We examined several inflammatory markers and multiple fracture types in a single study of older individuals with extensive follow‐up. We assessed the association of four inflammatory markers with the risk of incident hip fractures among 5265 participants of the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS) and a composite endpoint of incident fractures of the hip, pelvis, humerus, or proximal forearm in 4477 participants. Among CHS participants followed between 1992 and 2009, we observed 480 incident hip fractures during a median follow‐up of 11 years. In the composite fracture analysis cohort of 4477 participants, we observed 711 fractures during a median follow‐up of 7 years. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for hip fracture associated with doubling of IL‐6 were HR 1.15 (95% CI, 1.02 to 1.30) overall and HR 1.17 (95% CI, 1.01 to 1.35) in women. We also observed a positive association between each unit increase in white blood cell (WBC) count and risk of hip fracture: HR 1.04 (95% CI, 1.01 to 1.06) overall and HR 1.06 (95% CI, 0.95 to 1.20) in women. We observed no significant associations between any of the four inflammatory markers and a composite fracture endpoint. Our findings suggest that chronic inflammatory and immune processes may be related to higher rates of incident hip fractures. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Critical condition for dynamic recrystallisation of high carbon steels

Abstract A softening mechanism for dynamic recrystallisation has been determined through analysis of the continuous compression flow curves of both hypoeutectoid and hypereutectoid steels, 0·7 and 0·9% carbon respectively, in the range 900 – 1050°C for strain rates 0·01 to 1 s−1. The critical stress and strain for the initiation of dynamic recrystallisation were determined from the inflection points in plots of strain hardening rate against flow stress.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of a sustained-release dexamethasone intravitreal implant.

PURPOSE To determine the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of a sustained-release dexamethasone (DEX) intravitreal implant (Ozurdex; Allergan, Inc.). METHODS Thirty-four male monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) received bilateral 0.7-mg DEX implants. Blood, vitreous humor, and retina samples were collected at predetermined intervals up to 270 days after administration. DEX was quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and cytochrome P450 3A8 (CYP3A8) gene expression was analyzed by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS DEX was detected in the retina and vitreous humor for 6 months, with peak concentrations during the first 2 months. After 6 months, DEX was below the limit of quantitation. The C(max) (T(max)) and AUC for the retina were 1110 ng/g (day 60) and 47,200 ng · d/g, and for the vitreous humor were 213 ng/mL (day 60) and 11,300 ng · d/mL, respectively. The C(max) (T(max)) of DEX in plasma was 1.11 ng/mL (day 60). Compared with the level in the control eyes (no DEX implant), CYP3A8 expression in the retina was upregulated threefold up to 6 months after injection of the implant (0.969 ± 0.0565 vs. 3.07 ± 0.438; P < 0.05 up to 2-month samples). CONCLUSIONS The in vivo release profile of the DEX implant in an animal eye was similar to the pharmacokinetics achieved with pulse administration of corticosteroids (high initial drug concentration, followed by a prolonged period of low concentration). These results are consistent with those in clinical studies supporting the use of the DEX implant for the extended management of posterior segment diseases.
Innovative three-dimensional fabric structure with negative Poisson's ratio for composite reinforcement

This paper presents an innovative three-dimensional (3D) fabric structure for composite reinforcement. Different from most conventional 3D fabric structures, the new structure displays a negative Poisson’s ratio (NPR) effect under compression. Based on a manufacturing process developed by combining both non-weaving and knitting technologies, four NPR 3D fabric samples with different warp yarn diameters were first manufactured manually. Then, their Poisson’s ratio (PR) values under compression along the fabric thickness direction were experimentally evaluated. A geometrical model was also proposed for the theoretical calculation of PR values of these fabrics and was compared with experimental data. The good agreements were obtained between the calculation and experiment. The results show that all the 3D fabrics display NPR effect under compression, which results in a unique feature that allows the structure to concentrate itself under the compressive load to better resist the load. This special feature makes this innovative 3D fabric structure very attractive for many potential applications such as automobile, aerospace, defense and sports equipment, where impact protection can be a highly desirable property.
Cognitive Outcome in Childhood-Onset Epilepsy: A Five-Decade Prospective Cohort Study

Abstract Objectives: Little is known about the very long-term cognitive outcome in patients with childhood-onset epilepsy. The aim of this unique prospective population-based cohort study was to examine cognitive outcomes in aging participants with childhood-onset epilepsy (mean onset age=5.3 years) five decades later (mean age at follow-up=56.5 years). Methods: The sample consisted of 48 participants with childhood-onset epilepsy and 48 age-matched healthy controls aged 48–63 years. Thirty-six epilepsy participants were in remission and 12 continued to have seizures. Cognitive function was examined with 11 neuropsychological tests measuring language and semantic function, episodic memory, and learning, visuomotor function, executive function, and working memory. Results: The risk of cognitive impairment was very high in participants with continuing seizures; odds ratio (OR)=11.7 (95% confidence interval [CI] (2.8, 49.6), p=. 0008). They exhibited worse performances across measures of language and semantic function, and visuomotor function compared to participants with remitted epilepsy and healthy controls. In the participants with remitted epilepsy, the risk of cognitive impairment was somewhat elevated, but not statistically significant; OR=2.6 (95% CI [0.9, 7.5], p=.08). Conclusions: Our results showed that the distinction of continued versus discontinued seizures was critical for determining long-term cognitive outcome in childhood-onset epilepsy. Few participants in remission exhibited marked cognitive impairment compared to age-matched peers. However, a subgroup of participants with decades long active epilepsy, continuous seizure activity and anti-epileptic drug (AED) medication, showed clinically significant cognitive impairment and are thus in a more precarious position when entering older age. (JINS, 2017, 23, 332–340)
Survival analysis of orthodontic retainers

Objective Retainers play a critical role in the long-term success of orthodontic treatment. The aims of this study were to evaluate the survival time of different retainers and to investigate the potential predictors of the retainer failures. Material and methods A total of 591 retainers from 309 patients (between 2003 and 2014) were included in the study, including Hawley retainers (n = 199), vacuum-formed retainers (n = 34), lingual fixed retainers (n = 278), and the COMBO (a combination of two different retainers in the same arch; n = 80). Patient's demographics, retention procedures, time to failure (survival time), and reasons for failures were extracted from patient files. Failure of retainer was defined as any events after which the retainers needed to be replaced or repaired; loss of retainer was treated as a failure because the retainer could not fulfil its role. Survival analyses were performed to compare the survival time between different retainer groups. Results The survival time was the longest for lingual fixed retainers (median 1604 days) and Hawley retainers (1529 days), followed by COMBO (258 days) and vacuum-formed retainers (105 days; overall P < 0.001). No statistical significance of survival time of lingual fixed retainers was found between maxilla (1497 days) and mandible (1604 days; P = 0.341), nor between different types of the COMBO (overall P = 0.078). These results were unchanged before and after adjusting for the age, gender, and socioeconomic status (SES) of the patients. The reasons for failures varied among different retainers: most failures of the Hawley retainers were 'lost' (52.0%), most failures of the lingual fixed retainers were debond (63.5%), and fracture was the most common cause of failure for both vacuum-formed retainers (43.5%) and the COMBO (41.9%). Conclusion Lingual fixed retainers and Hawley retainers had the longest survival times, followed by the COMBO retainers and vacuum-formed retainers. The reasons of failure were mainly mechanical (debond and fracture) and patient-related (loss).
On Fienup Methods for Sparse Phase Retrieval

Alternating minimization, or Fienup methods, have a long history in phase retrieval. We provide new insights related to the empirical and theoretical analysis of these algorithms when used with Fourier measurements and combined with convex priors. In particular, we show that Fienup methods can be viewed as performing alternating minimization on a regularized nonconvex least-squares problem with respect to amplitude measurements. Furthermore, we prove that under mild additional structural assumptions on the prior (semialgebraicity), the sequence of signal estimates has a smooth convergent behavior toward a critical point of the nonconvex regularized least-squares objective. Finally, we propose an extension to Fienup techniques, based on a projected gradient descent interpretation and acceleration using inertial terms. We demonstrate experimentally that this modification combined with an $\ell _1$ prior constitutes a competitive approach for sparse phase retrieval.
Serum metabolomic profile in genetically modified cows carrying human α-lactalbumin gene

The present study aimed to investigate the serum metabolomic profiles in genetically modified cows carrying and expressing human lactalbumin α (LALBA) and non-LALBA cows, and identify altered metabolic characteristics following the genetic modification. Serum biochemistry indexes were measured according to protocols recommended by International Federation of Clinical Chemistry. The metabolomic profiles were determined using the serum samples collected from LALBA (n=6) and non-LALBA cows (n=6). Welch's two-sample t-test was used to identify the metabolites that significantly differed between the LALBA and non-LALBA groups (fold-change ≠ 1 and P<0.05), followed by random forest and pathway analysis. The serum biochemistry indexes of LALBA and non-LALBA cows were within the normal ranges of healthy cows. A total of 273 metabolites were detected, among which 79 metabolites, including 46 increased and 33 decreased metabolites, differed significantly between the LALBA and non-LALBA groups. Random forest analysis identified 30 potential key metabolites, including 14 elevated and 16 reduced metabolites. These metabolites were primarily involved in pathways concerning the metabolism of leucine, isoleucine, valine, tryptophan and lipids, such as myristate and eicosapentaenoate. However, the serum in LALBA cow had unique metabolomic signature compared with non-LALBA cows. The accumulation of polyunsaturated fatty acids and amino acids, and the reduced levels of long chain saturated fatty acids in serum may benefit LALBA cows. However, further investigations are required to validate these benefits and the corresponding mechanisms.
The Use of Electropalatography in Phonetic Research

Abstract The instrumental technique of electropalatography (EPG) provides real-time spatio-temporal information on tongue-palate contacts during speech. In this paper various different systems of EPG are briefly reviewed, and the Edinburgh system, its limitations and its applications in disciplines such as experimental phonetics, education of the deaf, speech pathology and oral physiology are discussed.
Prediction of Tensile Strength of Unidirectional CFRP Composites

The tensile strength of unidirectional carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) composites was predicted by numerical simulation plus size scaling. The fiber strength distribution used in the numerical simulation was determined from the fragmentation process in a single fiber composite. Since the experimental data obviously did not fit the normal Weibull distribution, we fitted them with the Weibull of Weibull model, considering the statistical distribution of scale parameters of fiber strength in the normal Weibull model. Moreover, the constitutive law of the matrix was derived from the stress–strain curves of the angle ply laminates, utilizing the micromechanics approach proposed by Tohgo et al. [9]. Based on these parameters, we simulated the tensile fracture of unidirectional CFRP composites with the spring element model (SEM). The predicted tensile strength by numerical simulation plus size scaling agreed well with the experimental data. The results also confirmed that the Weibull of Weibull model is important to predict size-dependent composite strength.
Robust and Efficient Fourier-Mellin Transform Approximations for Gray-Level Image Reconstruction and Complete Invariant Description

This paper addresses the gray-level image representation ability of the Fourier? Mellin transform (FMT) for pattern recognition, reconstruction, and image database retrieval. The main practical difficulty of the FMT lies in the accuracy and efficiency of its numerical approximation and we propose three estimations of its analytical extension. A comparison of these approximations is performed from discrete and finite-extent sets of Fourier? Mellin harmonics by means of experiments in: (i) image reconstruction via both visual inspection and the computation of a reconstruction error; and (ii) pattern recognition and discrimination by using a complete and convergent set of features invariant under planar similarities.Experimental results on real gray-level images show that it is possible to recover an image to within a specified degree of accuracy and to classify objects reliably even when a large set of descriptors is used. Finally, an example will be given, which illustrates both theoretical and numerical results in the context of content-based image retrieval.
Nutritional follow-up of cystic fibrosis patients: the role of nutrition education.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the nutritional status of a group of cystic fibrosis patients and establish the role of nutrition education addressed to them in a comparative study before and after intervention. METHODS All cystic fibrosis patients in regular follow-up in the pulmonology clinic of Instituto da Crianca during 1996-99 were prospectively monitored for 3.5 years. Measurements of weight, height, mid upper arm circumference, skinfolds and calculations of weight/age, height/age, weight/height, mid upper arm circumference and triceps z scores, percentage of ideal weight for height, percentage of body fat, check of the use of enzymes with meals and of the use of nutritional supplements were performed at four points in time: initial (I), 7 (II), 13 (III) and 43 (IV) months after the first evaluation. Nutritional counseling was given both verbally and in writing (booklet) to all patients. RESULTS Seventy-four patients, 38F/36M, age range 6 months to 18.4 years were evaluated. At study entry the anthropometric data showed: percentage of ideal weight for height = 94+/-13, percentage of body fat = 15+/-7.1, z scores for weight/age = -1.13+/-1.3, z scores for height/age = -0.94+/-1.2, z scores for weight/height = -0.69+/-1.1, z scores for mid upper arm circumference = -1.35+/-1.3, triceps z scores = -0.74+/-0.9. Compliance with enzyme therapy and use of high-calorie supplements improved during the study period. There was a significant increase in weight/height and triceps z scores and percentage of body fat throughout the study period. After stratifying patients into three age groups the anthropometric improvement was only significant among children under 5 years of age CONCLUSIONS Mild malnutrition was present in this group of cystic fibrosis patients. The nutrition education led to an improvement in compliance with enzyme therapy, use of nutritional supplements and in nutritional status, mostly among the younger patients.
Projections onto Convex Sets Super-Resolution Reconstruction Based on Point Spread Function Estimation of Low-Resolution Remote Sensing Images

To solve the problem on inaccuracy when estimating the point spread function (PSF) of the ideal original image in traditional projection onto convex set (POCS) super-resolution (SR) reconstruction, this paper presents an improved POCS SR algorithm based on PSF estimation of low-resolution (LR) remote sensing images. The proposed algorithm can improve the spatial resolution of the image and benefit agricultural crop visual interpolation. The PSF of the high-resolution (HR) image is unknown in reality. Therefore, analysis of the relationship between the PSF of the HR image and the PSF of the LR image is important to estimate the PSF of the HR image by using multiple LR images. In this study, the linear relationship between the PSFs of the HR and LR images can be proven. In addition, the novel slant knife-edge method is employed, which can improve the accuracy of the PSF estimation of LR images. Finally, the proposed method is applied to reconstruct airborne digital sensor 40 (ADS40) three-line array images and the overlapped areas of two adjacent GF-2 images by embedding the estimated PSF of the HR image to the original POCS SR algorithm. Experimental results show that the proposed method yields higher quality of reconstructed images than that produced by the blind SR method and the bicubic interpolation method.
Orbital Forging of a Ti6Al4V Alloy Jaw Coupling Sleeve

The paper presents selected results of a numerical investigation of the orbital forging process for producing a hollow part. This part is a jaw coupling sleeve made of titanium alloy, widely used in the agricultural industry. The FEM simulation was performed based on the following assumptions: (i) the orbital forging process is conducted under hot conditions using an industrial press of MCOF type and (ii) the final part is formed from a special hollow preform. The preform shape was selected such to ensure optimal conditions of the orbital forging process. The aim of the investigation was to identify phenomena which occur during the orbital forging process. The results obtained are thoroughly examined and described.
Improved Dielectric and Interface Properties of 4H-SiC MOS Structures Processed by Oxide Deposition and N2O Annealing

Oxide deposition followed by high-temperature annealing in N2O has been investigated to improve the quality of 4H-SiC MOS structures. Annealing of deposited oxides in N2O at 1300oC significantly enhances the breakdown strength and decreases the interface state density to 3x1011 cm-2eV-1 at EC – 0.2 eV. As a result, high channel mobility of 34 cm2/Vs and 52 cm2/Vs has been attained for inversion-type MOSFETs fabricated on 4H-SiC(0001)Si and (000-1)C faces, respectively. The channel mobility shows a maximum when the increase of oxide thickness during N2O annealing is approximately 5 nm. A lateral RESURF MOSFET with gate oxides formed by the proposed process has blocked 1450 V and showed a low on-resistance of 75 mcm2, which is one of the best performances among lateral SiC MOSFETs reported.