Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Test–retest reliability of the Swedish version of the Orthotics and Prosthetics Users’ Survey

Background: The Orthotics and Prosthetics Users’ Survey consists of five modules to assess outcomes of orthotic and prosthetic interventions: lower extremity functional status, upper extremity functional status, client satisfaction with device, client satisfaction with services and health-related quality of life. Objectives: To investigate the test–retest reliability and calculate the smallest detectable difference for all modules of the Swedish Orthotics and Prosthetics Users’ Survey. Study design: Test–retest reliability study design. Methods: A total of 69 patients at a Department of Prosthetics and Orthotics completed Orthotics and Prosthetics Users’ Survey on two occasions separated by a 2-week interval, giving 18 answers on lower extremity functional status, 41 on upper extremity functional status, 53 on client satisfaction with device, 12 on client satisfaction with services and 67 answers on health-related quality of life. Raw scores were converted into Orthotics and Prosthetics Users’ Survey units on a 0–100 scale. Intra-class correlation coefficients, Bland–Altman plots, common person linking plots and t-tests of person mean measures were used to investigate the reliability. The 95% confidence level smallest detectable differences were calculated. Results: The intra-class correlation coefficients ranged from 0.77 to 0.96 for the modules, and no systematic differences were detected between the response occasions. The smallest detectable differences ranged from 7.4 to 16.6 units. Conclusions: The test–retest reliability was satisfactory for all Orthotics and Prosthetics Users’ Survey modules. The smallest detectable difference was large on all modules except the health-related quality of life module. Clinical relevance The Orthotics and Prosthetics Users’ Survey modules are reliable and, thus, can be recommended for repeated measurements of patients over time. Relatively large changes are needed to achieve statistical significance when assessing individual patients.
Structure and Response in the World Trade Network

We examine how the structure of the world trade network has been shaped by globalization and recessions over the last 40 years. We show that by treating the world trade network as an evolving system, theory predicts the trade network is more sensitive to recessionary shocks and recovers more slowly from them now than it did 40 years ago, due to structural changes in the world trade network induced by globalization. We also show that recession-induced change to the world trade network leads to an increased hierarchical structure of the global trade network for a few years after the recession.
Rethinking Empirical Approaches to Racial Segregation

Within empirical approaches to racial residential segregation, there has been a tendency to draw on the work of or influenced by Robert E. Park and his ecological hypothesis to explore social and spatial relations between members of different ethnic and racial groups, thus framing research within a race relations paradigm. This has promoted an analysis which naturalizes racial differences but which also sidelines structural considerations. In turn this approach has also fed into political discourses on segregation, at times supporting more reactionary positions. This paper seeks to address this debate by considering whether emphasis on minority ethnic concentration sidelines the more pertinent issue of concentration in deprived areas, suggesting that neighbourhood deprivation as a measure can be more easily aligned with structural conditions which have influenced the settlement and historical experience of many ethnic minority communities. Specifically, I consider the extent to which a measure of neighbourhood deprivation is more important than the ethnic composition of an area for thinking about the distribution of inequalities in unemployment (as one example of socio-economic inequality). Using multilevel logistic regression I find neighbourhood income deprivation to be more important than levels of co-ethnic concentration for explaining ethnic differences in unemployment. The findings imply that neighbourhood deprivation is significantly more important for considering inequalities in unemployment for ethnic minorities than the ethnic composition of an area.
Unsupervised categorisation and cross-classification in humans and rats

This thesis examines how stimulus similarity structure and the statistical properties of the environment influence human and nonhuman animal categorisation. Two aspects of categorisation behaviour are explored: unsupervised (spontaneous) categorisation and stimulus cross-classification. In my General Introduction, I raise the issue of the respective roles of similarity and the classifier in determining categorisation behaviour. In Chapter 1, I review previous laboratory-based unsupervised categorisation research, which shows an overwhelming bias for unsupervised classification based on a single feature. Given the prominent role of overall similarity (family resemblance) in theories of human conceptual structure, I argue that this bias for unidimensional classification is likely an artefact. One factor in producing this artefact, I suggest, are the biases that exist within the similarity structure of laboratory stimuli. Consequently, Chapter 2 examines if it is possible to predict unidimensional versus multidimensional classification based solely on abstract similarity structure. Results show that abstract similarity structure commands a strong influence over participants' unsupervised classification behaviour (although not always in the manner predicted), and a bias for multidimensional unsupervised classification is reported. In Chapter 3, I examine unsupervised categorisation more broadly, by investigating how stimulus similarity structure influences spontaneous classification in both humans and rats. In this way, evidence is sought for human-like spontaneous classification behaviour in rats. Results show that humans and rats show qualitatively different patterns of behaviour following incidental stimulus exposure that should encourage spontaneous classification. In Chapter 4,1 investigate whether rats exhibit another important aspect of human categorisation namely, stimulus cross-classification. Results show that the statistical properties of the environment can engender such cognitively flexible behaviour in rats. Overall, the results of this thesis document the important influence of stimulus similarity structure and the statistical properties of the environment on human and nonhuman animal behaviour.
Assessment of proprioceptive exercises in the treatment of rotator cuff disorders in nursing professionals: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND Shoulder pain in nursing professionals may lead to limitations in occupational and daily activities and consequently interfere with quality of life. OBJECTIVE To compare the effects of two physical therapy programs which differed in the proprioceptive exercises used on the nursing professionals with rotator cuff disorder, according to quality of life, work satisfaction indicators, and pain intensity. METHOD This study was an experimental, randomized, prospective, comparative trial with quantitative data analysis. The data sampling was carried out between the months of June 2010 and July 2011 by means of a questionnaire containing socio-demographic and professional information, the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC), the Occupational Stress Indicator (OSI), and the Visual Numeric Scale (VNS). Based on randomization, subjects were divided into two groups. Group 1 (control) was submitted to stretching and strengthening exercises and cryotherapy. Group 2 (experimental) was treated with the same protocol as the control group, with the addition of proprioception exercises. The data was analyzed by means of the Statistical Package for the Social Science version 16.0 for Windows. RESULTS After physical therapy intervention, significant reduction in pain levels occurred in both groups, with a significant improvement in quality of life for Group 2. No changes were observed in the work satisfaction indicators after the two types of physical therapy interventions. CONCLUSIONS The proprioceptive exercises were important in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, however the results did not allow us to determine which treatment was the most effective as there was no significant difference between groups.
Effects of Lycopene on Protein Expression in Human Primary Prostatic Epithelial Cells

Clinical trials and animal studies have suggested that lycopene, the red carotenoid found in tomatoes, might be useful for the prevention of prostate cancer in the diet or as a dietary supplement through a variety of chemoprevention mechanisms. As most mechanism of action studies have used prostate cancer cells or males with existing prostate cancer, we investigated the effects of lycopene on protein expression in human primary prostatic epithelial cells. After treatment with lycopene at a physiologically relevant concentration (2 μmol/L) or placebo for 48 hours, the primary prostatic epithelial cells were lysed and fractionated using centrifugation into cytosolic/membrane and nuclear fractions. Proteins from lycopene-treated and placebo-treated cells were trypsinized and derivatized for quantitative proteomics using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) reagent. Peptides were analyzed using two-dimensional microcapillary high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to identify proteins that were significantly upregulated or downregulated following lycopene exposure. Proteins that were most affected by lycopene were those involved in antioxidant responses, cytoprotection, apoptosis, growth inhibition, androgen receptor signaling, and the Akt/mTOR cascade. These data are consistent with previous studies suggesting that lycopene can prevent cancer in human prostatic epithelial cells at the stages of cancer initiation, promotion, and/or progression. Cancer Prev Res; 6(5); 419–27. ©2013 AACR.
Early Progenitor Cell Marker Expression Distinguishes Type II From Type I Focal Cortical Dysplasias

Type I and type II focal cortical dysplasias (FCDs) exhibit distinct histopathologic features that suggest different pathogenic mechanisms. Type I FCDs are characterized by mild laminar disorganization and hypertrophic neurons, whereas type II FCDs exhibit dramatic laminar disorganization and cytomegalic cells (balloon cells). Both FCD types are associated with intractable epilepsy; therefore, identifying cellular or molecular differences between these lesion types that explains the histologic differences could provide new diagnostic and therapeutic insights. Type II FCDs express nestin, a neuroglial progenitor protein that is modulated in vitro by the stem cell proteins c-Myc, sex-determining region Y-box 2 (SOX2), and Octamer-4 (Oct-4) after activation of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1). Because mTORC1 activation has been demonstrated in type II FCDs, we hypothesized that c-Myc, SOX2, and Oct-4 expression would distinguish type II from type I FCDs. In addition, we assayed the expression of progenitor cell proteins forkhead box G1 (FOXG1), Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), Nanog, and SOX3. Differential expression of 7 stem cellproteins and aberrant phosphorylation of2mTORC1 substrates, S6 andS6 kinase 1 proteins, clearly distinguished type II from type I FCDs(n = 10 each). Our results demonstrate new potential pathogenic pathways in type II FCDs and suggest biomarkers for diagnostic pathology in resected epilepsy specimens.
A Randomized Clinical Trial of the Immunogenicity of 7-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Compared to 23-Valent Polysaccharide Vaccine in Frail, Hospitalized Elderly

Background Elderly people do not mount strong immune responses to vaccines. We compared 23-valent capsular polysaccharide (23vPPV) alone versus 7-valent conjugate (PCV7) vaccine followed by 23vPPV 6 months later in hospitalized elderly. Methods Participants were randomized to receive 23vPPV or PCV7-23vPPV. Antibodies against serotypes 3, 4, 6A, 6B, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F, 23F were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) and opsonophagocytic (OPA) assays at baseline, 6 months and 12 months. Results Of 312 recruited, between 40% and 72% of subjects had undetectable OPA titres at baseline. After one dose, PCV7 recipients had significantly higher responses to serotypes 9V (both assays) and 23F (OPA only), and 23vPPV recipients had significantly higher responses to serotype 3 (ELISA), 19F and 19A (OPA only). In subjects with undetectable OPA titres at baseline, a proportionately greater rise in OPA titre (P<0.01) was seen for all serotypes after both vaccines. The GMT ratio of OPA was significantly higher at 12 months in the PCV7-23vPPV group for serotypes 6A, 9V, 18C and 23F. OPA titre levels for these serotypes increased moderately after 6 months, whereas immunity waned in the 23vPPV only arm. Conclusion We did not show overwhelming benefit of one vaccine over the other. Low baseline immunity does not preclude a robust immune response, reiterating the importance of vaccinating the frail elderly. A schedule of PCV7-23vPPV prevents waning of antibody, suggesting that both vaccines could be useful in the elderly. Follow up studies are needed to determine persistence of immunity. Trial Registration The Australian Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12607000387426
Discovery of a Novel Prolactin in Non-Mammalian Vertebrates: Evolutionary Perspectives and Its Involvement in Teleost Retina Development

Background The three pituitary hormones, viz. prolactin (PRL), growth hormone (GH) and somatolactin (SL), together with the mammalian placental lactogen (PL), constitute a gene family of hormones with similar gene structure and encoded protein sequences. These hormones are believed to have evolved from a common ancestral gene through several rounds of gene duplication and subsequent divergence. Principal Findings In this study, we have identified a new PRL-like gene in non-mammalian vertebrates through bioinformatics and molecular cloning means. Phylogenetic analyses showed that this novel protein is homologous to the previously identified PRL. A receptor transactivation assay further showed that this novel protein could bind to PRL receptor to trigger the downstream post-receptor event, indicating that it is biologically active. In view of its close phylogenetic relationship with PRL and also its ability to activate PRL receptor, we name it as PRL2 and the previously identified PRL as PRL1. All the newly discovered PRL2 sequences possess three conserved disulfide linkages with the exception of the shark PRL2 which has only two. In sharp contrast to the classical PRL1 which is predominantly expressed in the pituitary, PRL2 was found to be mainly expressed in the eye and brain of the zebrafish but not in the pituitary. A largely reduced inner nuclear layer of the retina was observed after morpholino knockdown of zebrafish PRL2, indicating its role on retina development in teleost. Significance The discovery of this novel PRL has revitalized our understanding on the evolution of the GH/PRL/SL/PL gene family. Its unique expression and functions in the zebrafish eye also provide a new avenue of research on the neuroendocrine control of retina development in vertebrates.
Handedness and Developmental Disorder

P.Satz, Foreword. Why Handedness? Handedness and Cerebral Lateralization. The Genetics of Handedness. The Development of Handedness. The Definition and Measurement of Handedness. Cognitive Correlates of Handedness. Early Brain Damage and Pathological Left-Handedness. Epilepsy. Mental Impairment. Autism and Rett Syndrome. Specific Reading Retardation (Developmental Dyslexia). Specific Developmental Disorders of Speech and Language. Stuttering. Handedness, Hormones and Developmental Disorders. Conclusions and Clinical Implications. Appendix - A Selection of Assessment Procedures. References. Author Index. Subject Index.
Self-configuration of an adaptive TDMA wireless communication protocol for teams of mobile robots

Interest on using mobile autonomous agents has been growing, recently, due to their capacity to cooperate for diverse purposes, from rescue to demining and security. However, such cooperation requires the exchange of state data that is time sensitive while achieving timeliness with RF communication is intrinsically difficult due to the openess of the medium. This paper describes a communication layer that improves the timeliness of periodic data exchanges among the team reducing the chances of lost packets caused by collisions between team members. In particular, the paper extends a previous proposal for an adaptive TDMA protocol with new self-configuration capabilities according to the current number of active team members. This feature further reduces the likelyhood of collisions within the team. Several experimental results with an actual system implementation show the effectiveness of the proposed solution.
Short Title for Running Head: Dysfunctional Attitudes in Seasonal Depression

(3) Word count of text excluding abstract, tables/figures and reference list: 2382 (Submitted as a shorter communication: 302 lines excluding the title page, tables and figures) Abstract Research examining dysfunctional attitudes in Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) has produced contrasting results. The present study sought to resolve this contradiction by addressing some methodological problems of the previous studies. The study examined dysfunctional attitudes using the Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale (DAS) in individuals with SAD and never-depressed controls. The SAD group were tested both when depressed in the winter (Time 1) and during their remission period (Time 2). At Time 1 the SAD group displayed a relatively elevated DAS compared to controls and to their Time 2 scores. These data therefore provide potential support for a view that SAD is characterized by underlying dysfunctional attitudes. KEYWORDS: seasonal affective disorder (SAD), dysfunctional attitudes 2 Dysfunctional attitudes in seasonal depression
Reflective Practice: Writing and Professional Development

Mind the Gap: How to Use This Book PART ONE: REFLECTION AND REFLEXIVITY: WHAT AND WHY Reflective Practice: An Introduction Reflection and Reflexivity Principles of Reflective Practice Through the Mirror Writing as Reflection PART TWO: REFLECTION AND REFLEXIVITY: HOW Reflective Writing: A 'How-to' Guide The Learning Journal Assessment and Evaluation Group Processes and Facilitation Reflective Practice and Team Development Reflective Practice: Other Methods PART THREE: REFLECTIVE WRITING: FOUNDATIONS The Power of Narrative The Power of Metaphor Wider and Deeper: Other Writing Forms Reflection on Reflection
IslandViewer 3: more flexible, interactive genomic island discovery, visualization and analysis

IslandViewer (http://pathogenomics.sfu.ca/islandviewer) is a widely used web-based resource for the prediction and analysis of genomic islands (GIs) in bacterial and archaeal genomes. GIs are clusters of genes of probable horizontal origin, and are of high interest since they disproportionately encode genes involved in medically and environmentally important adaptations, including antimicrobial resistance and virulence. We now report a major new release of IslandViewer, since the last release in 2013. IslandViewer 3 incorporates a completely new genome visualization tool, IslandPlot, enabling for the first time interactive genome analysis and gene search capabilities using synchronized circular, horizontal and vertical genome views. In addition, more curated virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance genes have been incorporated, and homologs of these genes identified in closely related genomes using strict filters. Pathogen-associated genes have been re-calculated for all pre-computed complete genomes. For user-uploaded genomes to be analysed, IslandViewer 3 can also now handle incomplete genomes, with an improved queuing system on compute nodes to handle user demand. Overall, IslandViewer 3 represents a significant new version of this GI analysis software, with features that may make it more broadly useful for general microbial genome analysis and visualization.
IL-2, the next best thing in chronic GVHD therapy?

In this issue of Blood , [Koreth et al][1] have reported that interleukin-2 (IL-2) is effective in chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) patients who had failed up to two prior lines of therapy. [1][2] ! [Figure][3] IL-2 induces both Treg expansion and an increase in the median Treg:Tcon
A phorbol ester-regulated ribonuclease system controlling transforming growth factor beta 1 gene expression in hematopoietic cells

12-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced differentiation of U937 promonocytes leads to a 30-fold increase in transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) gene expression, and this effect results from a stabilized mRNA. Similar up-regulation was detected in TPA-treated K562 erythroblasts but was absent from cell lines that do not differentiate in response to TPA. Related studies in vitro showed that postnuclear extracts of U937 promonocytes contain a ribonuclease system that degrades TGF-beta 1 mRNA selectively and that this system is completely blocked by prior treatment of the cells with TPA. These data identify a new mechanism for regulating TGF-beta 1 mRNA levels and allow us to establish the overall basis for control of TGF-beta 1 gene expression by activation of protein kinase C. Our results also provide a new basis for understanding the long-term up-regulation of TGF-beta 1 gene expression that can accompany hematopoietic cell differentiation.
Opportunistic Competition Overhead Reduction for Expediting Critical Section in NoC Based CMPs

With the degree of parallelism increasing, performance of multi-threaded shared variable applications is not only limited by serialized critical section execution, but also by the serialized competition overhead for threads to get access to critical section. As the number of concurrent threads grows, such competition overhead may exceed the time spent in critical section itself, and become the dominating factor limiting the performance of parallel applications. In modern operating systems, queue spinlock, which comprises a low-overhead spinning phase and a high-overhead sleeping phase, is often used to lock critical sections. In the paper, we show that this advanced locking solution may create very high competition overhead for multithreaded applications executing in NoC-based CMPs. Then we propose a software-hardware cooperative mechanism that can opportunistically maximize the chance that a thread wins the critical section access in the low-overhead spinning phase, thereby reducing the competition overhead. At the OS primitives level, we monitor the remaining times of retry (RTR) in a thread's spinning phase, which reflects in how long the thread must enter into the high-overhead sleep mode. At the hardware level, we integrate the RTR information into the packets of locking requests, and let the NoC prioritize locking request packets according to the RTR information. The principle is that the smaller RTR a locking request packet carries, the higher priority it gets and thus quicker delivery. We evaluate our opportunistic competition overhead reduction technique with cycle-accurate full-system simulations in GEM5 using PARSEC (11 programs) and SPEC OMP2012 (14 programs) benchmarks. Compared to the original queue spinlock implementation, experimental results show that our method can effectively increase the opportunity of threads entering the critical section in low-overhead spinning phase, reducing the competition overhead averagely by 39.9% (maximally by 61.8%) and accelerating the execution of the Region-of-Interest averagely by 14.4% (maximally by 24.5%) across all 25 benchmark programs.