Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fundamental movement skills testing in children with cerebral palsy

Purpose. To examine the inter-rater reliability and comparative validity of product-oriented and process-oriented measures of fundamental movement skills among children with cerebral palsy (CP). Method. In total, 30 children with CP aged 6 to 14 years (Mean == 9.83, SD == 2.5) and classified in Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I–III performed tasks of catching, throwing, kicking, horizontal jumping and running. Process-oriented assessment was undertaken using a number of components of the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD-2), while product-oriented assessment included measures of time taken, distance covered and number of successful task completions. Cohen's kappa, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and tests to compare correlated correlation coefficients were performed. Results. Very good inter-rater reliability was found. Process-oriented measures for running and jumping had significant associations with GMFCS, as did seven product-oriented measures for catching, throwing, kicking, running and jumping. Product-oriented measures of catching, kicking and running had stronger associations with GMFCS than the corresponding process-oriented measures. Conclusion. Findings support the validity of process-oriented measures for running and jumping and of product-oriented measures of catching, throwing, kicking, running and jumping. However, product-oriented measures for catching, kicking and running appear to have stronger associations with functional abilities of children with CP, and are thus recommended for use in rehabilitation processes.
Pain During Injection of Propofol: The Effect of Prior Administration of Butorphanol

Propofol causes pain or discomfort on injection in 28%–90% of patients. A number of techniques have been tried for minimizing propofol-induced pain with variable results. We compared the efficacy of butorphanol and lidocaine for prevention of propofol-induced pain. One-hundred-fifty ASA I–II adults, undergoing elective surgery were randomly assigned into 3 groups of 50 each. GroupI(NS)receivednormalsaline,GroupII(L)received lidocaine 2% (40 mg), and Group III (B) received butorphanol 2 mg. All patients received pretreatment solutions made in 2 mL with normal saline administered over 5 s. One min after pretreatment patients received one-fourth of the total calculated dose of propofol (2.5 mg/kg) over 5 s. Assessment of pain with IV propofol was done by using a four-point scale: 0 = no pain, 1 = mild pain, 2 = moderate pain and 3 =severe pain at the time of propofol injection. In the control Group 39 (78%) patients had pain during propofol injection as compared to 21 (42%) and 10 (20%) in the lidocaine and butorphanol groups, respectively (P <0.05). Butorphanol was the most effective. We therefore suggest the IV pretreatment with butorphanol 2 mg for attenuation of pain associated with propofol injection.
Quantitative Analysis of AntiHevea brasiliensis Antibody Cross-Reactivity against Taraxacum kok-saghyz Latex Proteins Demonstrates Significantly Reduced Antibody Recognition

The annual plant Taraxacum kok-saghyz, commonly called Russian dandelion, has recently gained commercial attention as an alternative source to the rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis, for natural rubber latex. While producing rubber of equivalent quality, the potential application of TKS latex for hypoallergenic products remains to be determined. In order to quantify the allergenicity of TKS latex proteins, we compared the extent of anti-Hevea latex polyclonal and monoclonal antibody cross-reactivity toward Hevea latex proteins to that of TKS latex proteins by quantitative ELISA methods and semi-quantitative image densitometry. ELISA measurement of polyclonal antibody recognition toward TKS latex proteins was on the order of one-tenth relative to equal amounts of Hevea latex protein, while recognition by the monoclonal antibody was below 2%. Immunoblots confirmed significantly reduced polyclonal antibody recognition toward TKS latex proteins, in the same range as the cross-reactivity exhibited toward the rubber-producing plant, Lactuca sativa and Glycine max, a non-rubber-producing plant. Despite the presence of cross-reactivity, these quantitative results support TKS as an alternative source of latex that may require lessintensive processing for the reduction of antigenic proteins in the manufacture of hypoallergenic natural rubber latex products.
Mechanics-based solutions to RF MEMS switch stiction problem

RF micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) switches are an attractive solution to switch antenna bands and transmit/receive switching for future multiband, high bandwidth cell phones. However, Stiction is a major concern for resistive switches with metal-to-metal contact. An iterative-coupled electrostatic-structural analysis is utilized to evaluate the effect of design parameters on restoring force of MEMS switches. Parameters including metal thickness, dielectric thickness, beam-to-ground gap height, metal and dielectric width, and cantilever beam length can be evaluated. The electrostatic force is first calculated based on the electrical field component. A structural analysis is then performed to determine the cantilever beam deflection due to the electrostatic force. A unique integrated empirical-numerical method is used to quantitatively determine the stiction force based on measured actuation voltages for real devices. The analysis can provide quick evaluation and screenings of proposed designs to determine if their actuation voltage falls in the acceptable range. Simulation prediction agrees very well with test measurements. Although increasing cantilever thickness and shortening cantilever length both increase restoring force, the actuation voltage will increase significantly as a result. The most favorable modification is to increase the electrode area. A short and wide structure with a large area can increase restoring force while maintaining low actuation voltage. Compared to similar bi-layer designs, sandwich designs can be actuated at further reduced voltages without changing the beam restoring force. In addition, the sandwich structure, being thermal-stress-balanced, is less sensitive to temperature excursion. With the properly selected design parameters, the new designs will be able to achieve the break away restoring force of the original design at much lower actuation voltages. Switches with good electrical as well as mechanical performances have been successfully fabricated.
Interleukin-4 and Interleukin-10 Are Involved in Host Resistance to Staphylococcus aureus Infection through Regulation of Gamma Interferon

ABSTRACT Our previous study showed that gamma interferon (IFN-γ), a T-helper 1 (Th1)-type cytokine, plays a detrimental role inStaphylococcus aureus infection in mice. In this study, the role of Th2-type cytokines such as interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-10 inS. aureus infection was investigated. IL-10 mRNA was induced in parallel with IFN-γ in the spleens and kidneys of mice during S. aureus infection, whereas IL-4 mRNA was induced in the spleens but not in the kidneys of these animals. Spleen cells obtained from S. aureus-infected mice produced lower titers of IFN-γ and higher titers of IL-4 and IL-10 in response to heat-killed S. aureus than did those from uninfected mice. Administration of anti-IL-4 monoclonal antibody (MAb) or anti-IL-10 MAb inhibited the elimination of S. aureus cells from the kidneys of mice. IFN-γ mRNA expression was enhanced in the spleens of anti-IL-4 MAb- or anti-IL-10 MAb-treated mice and also in the kidneys of anti-IL-4 MAb-treated animals. Next, we evaluated the role of IFN-γ in S. aureus infection in IFN-γ−/−mice. An increase in survival rates, a decrease in bacterial numbers in the kidneys, and an amelioration of histologic abnormalities in these organs were observed in IFN-γ−/− mice compared with those in IFN-γ+/+ mice. Administration of MAb against IL-4 or IL-10 failed to affect bacterial growth in the spleens and kidneys of IFN-γ−/− mice irrespective of the expression of Th2 response. These results suggest that S. aureusinfection induced a Th2 response and that IL-4 and IL-10 might play a protective role through the regulation of IFN-γ in S. aureus infection.
A Comprehensive Prognostic Stratification for Patients with Metastatic Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma

Purpose To develop a reliable prognostic model for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) based on features readily available in common clinical settings. Patients and Methods A total of 197 patients with RCC who underwent nephrectomy and immunotherapy from 1995 to 2004 were retrospectively reviewed. Their mean age was 55.1 ± 11.8 yrs (24 - 83 yrs) and mean survival time from metastasis was 22.6 ± 20.2 mos (3 - 120 mos). The impact of 24 clinicopathological features on disease specific survival was investigated. Results On univariate analysis, constitutional symptoms, sarcomatoid differentiation, tumor necrosis, multiple primary lesions, liver metastasis, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG-PS), thrombocytosis, alkaline phosphatase, hematocrit, T stage, N stage, and nuclear grade had significant influence on survival (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed the following features associated with survival: sarcomatoid differentiation [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.99, p < 0.001], liver metastasis (HR = 2.09, p = 0.002), ECOG-PS (HR = 1.95, p = 0.005), N stage (HR = 1.94, p = 0.002), and number of metastatic sites (HR = 1.76, p = 0.003). An individual prognostic score was defined as the sum of the weight of these features. According to prognostic scores, patients could be subdivided into 3 groups: low risk (score 0), intermediate risk (score 1 or 2), and high risk (score ≥ 3). Conclusion A comprehensive prognostic stratification model was developed to predict survival and stratify patients for prospective clinical trials.
THE ATACAMA COSMOLOGY TELESCOPE: DETECTION OF SUNYAEV–ZEL'DOVICH DECREMENT IN GROUPS AND CLUSTERS ASSOCIATED WITH LUMINOUS RED GALAXIES

We present a detection of the Sunyaev–Zel'dovich (SZ) decrement associated with the luminous red galaxy (LRG) sample of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. The SZ data come from 148 GHz maps of the equatorial region made by the Atacama Cosmology Telescope. The LRG sample is divided by luminosity into four bins, and estimates for the central SZ temperature decrement are calculated through a stacking process. We detect and account for a bias of the SZ signal due to weak radio sources. We use numerical simulations to relate the observed decrement to Y200 and clustering properties to relate the galaxy luminosity to halo mass. We also use a relation between brightest cluster galaxy luminosity and cluster mass based on stacked gravitational lensing measurements to estimate the characteristic halo masses. The masses are found to be around 1014 M☉.
Stroke survivors’ experiences of using the Graded Repetitive Arm Supplementary Program (GRASP) in an Australian acute hospital setting: A mixed‐methods pilot study

BACKGROUND/AIM The Graded Repetitive Arm Supplementary Program (GRASP) has been designed to increase the frequency of upper limb therapy sessions occurring without the presence of a therapist. Its use has not been studied when implemented in acute care settings with patients presenting with a stroke within the first week of onset. To investigate patients' experiences of using the GRASP when provided within the first week in an acute stroke setting. METHODS A concurrent nested mixed methods design was used. Participants were assessed prior and post the GRASP implementation using the CAHAI-9, the UL-MAS, and the SIS 3.0 physical dimensions and interviewed regarding their GRASP experience. FINDINGS Participants (n = 8, mean days post stroke =2.75 days, SD = 2.05 at recruitment, mean age = 69.63years, SD = 11.73) used the GRASP regularly while in the acute stroke care setting (mean GRASP use = 28.44minutes/day, SD = 20.40, range = 10-45 minutes, median = 15 minutes). The perceived benefits of the GRASP use reported by patients included 'it's good for your hand', 'they makes other jobs easier' and 'I've got to be doing something'. Categories regarding the participants' motivation to use the GRASP included 'to get my hand better', 'being able to do the things I did before' and 'to get out of here [the hospital]'. Participants experienced clinically significant changes in mean change scores of the CAHAI-9 and UL-MAS at the group level. Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test revealed no statistically significant changes. CONCLUSIONS A clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness of the GRASP when provided to patients within the first week is recommended.
Matching services to patients' beliefs about depression in Dublin, Ireland.

OBJECTIVES This study explored tensions between biomedical and psychosocial illness models and between the public health goal of stigma reduction and patients' perceptions of helplessness. Patients' etiological beliefs and use of language are considered as possible pathways to improved care. METHODS Qualitative and quantitative data were obtained from 18 adults attending a mood disorders support group in Dublin, Ireland. RESULTS Respondents reported feelings of helplessness concerning the occurrence of depressive episodes. When describing episodes of wellness and depression, respondents used a "light switch" metaphor to indicate this lack of control. For several respondents, acceptance of biomedical causality was linked to helplessness. In contrast, spiritual beliefs offered hope. CONCLUSIONS Alleviating patients' sense of responsibility may reduce their guilt, but patients' perceptions of illness uncontrollability may diminish their sense of agency, reinforce depressive attributional styles, and undermine overall treatment outcomes. Communication and the patients' involvement in decisions are vital to treatment.
The use of the mandibular infiltration anesthetic technique in adults.

BACKGROUND The author describes the use of the infiltration anesthetic technique to anesthetize mandibular teeth in adults and explores its mechanism of action. METHODS The author reviewed articles describing randomized controlled trials of the mandibular infiltration anesthetic technique in healthy participants. RESULTS The author found that using the mandibular infiltration anesthetic technique can produce anesthesia in adult mandibular teeth. The success was dose dependent and the choice of anesthetic solution was significant; 4 percent articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine was more effective than 2 percent lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine. Combining buccal and lingual infiltrations increased success in the mandibular incisor region. The success of the mechanism of infiltration of anesthetic at the mandibular first molar appeared to depend on the mental foramen. CONCLUSIONS The mandibular infiltration anesthetic technique is an effective method of anesthetizing mandibular incisors. Four percent articaine with epinephrine appears to be the preferred solution. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS The choice of anesthetic solution is important when using the infiltration anesthetic technique in the adult mandible.
Maternal and Fetal Effects of Epinephrine in Gravid Ewes

Intravenous cannulation by an epidural catheter may complicate epidural anesthesia. Local anesthetic solutions containing epinephcine produce tachycardia and hypertension when given intravenously and may identify intravenous placement. The authors studied the Maternal and fetal effects of intravenous epinephrine-containing solutions in ten chronically instrumented gravid ewes. While continuously monitoring maternal and fetal effects, epinephrine 5, 10, or 20 μg iv bolus was injected. Solutions of bupivacaine 5 mg and bupivacaine 5 mg combined with epinephrine 10 μg given iv were also examined. All epinephrine-containing solutions produced a significant increase (P < 0.001) in maternal mean arterial pressure, which returned to baseline after 1 min. Maternal heart rates decreased transiently and returned to baseline after 1 min. All epinephrine-containing solutions decreased uterine blood flow (UBF) (P < 0.001), and, for doses of 10 to 20 μg, this decrease lasted more than 3 min. Fetal heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure did not change following any test solution, nor did maternal or fetal arterial blood of values. The authors conclude that small intravenous boluses of epinephrine decreased UBF in these animals.
Design and analysis of general rotor-flux-oriented vector control systems

Reduced-order observers for rotor flux estimation of induction motors are considered. The "current" model and "voltage" model are obtained as special cases. It is shown that the flux dynamics form a nonlinear closed-loop system when the flux estimate is used for field orientation. The observer gain selection is extremely critical for good behavior of this system. A framework is developed, in which the properties of any gain selection can easily be assessed. Four candidate gain selections are considered, two of which yield schemes that do not use the rotor speed in their equations (inherently sensorless schemes). It is also shown that for any gain selection, an equivalent synchronous-frame implementation (i.e., indirect field orientation) always exists.
Plato's Conception of the Relations Between Moral Philosophy and Medicine

The first part of this article construes crucial passages from the Platonic dialogues as evidence that Plato takes medicine as a model for moral philosophy and as one of the organizing principles for his writing of the dialogues. The second part reflects upon the significance of one of the most debatable implications of the model: the comparison between health and illness, on the one hand, and moral virtue and moral vice, on the other. It articulates 10 illuminating aspects of this comparison and two potentially serious objections to it. The third part of this article examines what the model implies about the roles of medicine and moral philosophy in the political community and about the natures of doctor-patient and philosopher-interlocutor relationships. It highlights Socrates' criticisms of a kind of politics that covers over moral causes of social disorders by means of Band-Aid legislation, and emphasizes that according to the model, both the doctor and the moral teacher confront agents who must cooperate in the process of reform and accept whatever responsibility they have for their conditions.
Evolutionary pattern of human respiratory syncytial virus (subgroup A): cocirculating lineages and correlation of genetic and antigenic changes in the G glycoprotein

The genetic and antigenic variability of the G glycoproteins from 76 human respiratory syncytial (RS) viruses (subgroup A) isolated during six consecutive epidemics in either Montevideo, Uruguay, or Madrid, Spain, have been analyzed. Genetic diversity was evaluated for all viruses by the RNase A mismatch cleavage method and for selected strains by dideoxy sequencing. The sequences reported here were added to those published for six isolates from Birmingham, United Kingdom, and for two reference strains (A2 and Long), to derive a phylogenetic tree of subgroup A viruses that contained two main branches and several subbranches. During the same epidemic, viruses from different branches were isolated. In addition, closely related viruses were isolated in distant places and in different years. These results illustrate the capacity of the virus to spread worldwide, influencing its mode of evolution. The antigenic analysis of all isolates was carried out with a panel of anti-G monoclonal antibodies that recognized strain-specific (or variable) epitopes. A close correlation between genetic relatedness and antigenic relatedness in the G protein was observed. These results, together with an accumulation of amino acid changes in a major antigenic area of the G glycoprotein, suggest that immune selection may be a factor influencing the generation of RS virus diversity. The pattern of RS virus evolution is thus similar to that described for influenza type B viruses, expect that the level of genetic divergence among the G glycoproteins of RS virus isolates is the highest reported for an RNA virus gene product.
A Novel Broadband Dual Circularly Polarized Microstrip-Fed Monopole Antenna

A broadband dual circularly polarized (CP) planar monopole antenna is presented in this communication. The antenna is fed by dual orthogonal microstrip lines for polarization diversity. Circular polarization is achieved with a modified ground-plane structure and the isolation between the ports is improved by extending a protruded strip between the feed lines. L-shaped strips (LSSs) and inverted LSSs are designed along the radiating edges of the monopole. The combination of these two strips maximizes the axial ratio (AR) bandwidth, when they are placed <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\lambda _{g}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>/4 apart at center frequency of the CP band. This principle is verified by fabricating the prototype on a 1-mm-thick FR4 substrate with 32 mm <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\times32$ </tex-math></inline-formula> mm lateral dimension. From the experimental results, it is observed that the 3-dB AR bandwidth of the proposed antenna is 80.7% (3.74–8.8 GHz). The gain, return loss, and port isolation are higher than 1, 10, and 20 dB, respectively, within the CP band.
The prevalence of asthma has reached a plateau

During the second half of the 20th century, the prevalence of asthma increased in the Western world (1–4), and the term ‘asthma epidemic’ was frequently used. However, during the last 10 years, the previous continuous increase in asthma prevalence seems to have levelled off, and a plateau has been reached in many countries. This is indicated by the results of several studies of the prevalence of asthma in children and adolescents, including the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood Phase 3 (ISAAC Phase 3) (5–11). The study conducted in Patras, Greece by Anthracopoulos et al. (12), and published in this issue of Acta Paediatrica, adds valuable support to the view that the prevalence of asthma is no longer increasing.
Drift Region Integrated Microchannels for Direct Cooling of Power Electronic Devices: Advantages and Limitations

Direct liquid microchannel cooling is of great interest when considering the thermal management of high-heat flux power devices and modules. This paper presents an original concept for efficient cooling of power devices based on the integration of a microchannel cooler, including numerous parallel through wafer fluid vias, directly into the drift region of the vertical power device and perpendicular to the PN junction of the device. Simulation results proved that no negative side effects are resulting from this integration regarding the electrical performance of the device. Electrical tests were carried out to validate the functionality of the fabricated prototypes. The effectiveness of the proposed cooling technique was evaluated with hydraulic and thermal numerical models. In line with the design of the device and the microchannel cooler analysis, an experimental setup for the measurement of the thermal and hydraulic performances of the concept was realized. Pressure drops were measured and compared with the theoretical results.