Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Evaluation of the Texas Functional Living Scale's Latent Structure and Subscales

Objective Performance-based functional assessment is a critical component of neuropsychological practice. The Texas Functional Living Scale (TFLS) has promise given its brevity, nationally representative norms, and co-norming with Wechsler scales. However, its subscale structure has not been evaluated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the TFLS in a mixed clinical sample (n = 197). Method Reliability and convergent and discriminant validity coefficients were calculated with neurocognitive testing and collateral reports and factor analysis was performed. Results The Money and Calculation subscale had the best psychometric properties of the subscales. The evidence did not support solitary interpretation of the Time subscale. A three-factor latent structure emerged representing memory and semantic retrieval, performance and visual scanning, and financial calculation. Conclusions This study added psychometric support for interpretation of the TFLS total score and some of its subscales. Study limitations included sample characteristics (e.g., gender ratio) and low power for collateral report analyses.
Ad Hoc Privacy Management in Ubiquitous Computing Environments

Privacy in ubiquitous computing is often discussed on a technical level with a focus on cryptography and anonymization. On the other side it is equally important to concentrate on user side aspects of privacy control, i.e., to enable users of ubicomp applications to practice privacy dynamically and in an intuitive way. In our work we review previous approaches on user side management of private information in smart environments and motive a new ad hoc based, semi-automatic privacy control. We present a privacy focused, data mining powered interaction model with ubicomp services and provide a prototype environment for evaluating this model. This environment can be used to perform and capture privacy related service interaction in a user study with real users as well as in a simulation with agents simulating users and their privacy related service interaction. Finally we show results of a first simulation which initially tests the proposed interaction model in the prototype environment.
Evaluation of the effect of postural and gravitational variations on the distribution of pulmonary blood flow via an image-based computational model

We have developed an image-based computational model of blood flow within the human pulmonary circulation in order to investigate the distribution of flow under various conditions of posture and gravity. Geometric models of the lobar surfaces and largest arterial and venous vessels were derived from multi-detector row X-ray computed tomography. The remaining blood vessels were generated using a volume-filling branching algorithm. Equations representing conservation of mass and momentum are solved within the vascular geometry to calculate pressure, radius, and velocity distributions. Flow solutions are obtained within the model in the upright, inverted, prone, and supine postures and in the upright posture with and without gravity. Additional equations representing large deformation mechanics are used to calculate the change in lung geometry and pressure distributions within the lung in the various postures - creating a coupled, co-dependent model of mechanics and flow. The embedded vascular meshes deform in accordance with the lung geometry. Results illustrate a persistent flow gradient from the top to the bottom of the lung even in the absence of gravity and in all postures, indicating that vascular branching structure is largely responsible for the distribution of flow
THE MOVEMENT OF FLUID THROUGH THE HUMAN CAPILLARY WALL IN RELATION TO VENOUS PRESSURE AND TO THE COLLOID OSMOTIC PRESSURE OF THE BLOOD.

It is well established by experiments on normal human subjects that when venous pressure is elevated, fluid is filtered from the blood into the tissue spaces. This filtration has been identified by the increase in the volume of the congested limb (Mende, 1919; Carrier and Rehberg, 1923; Drury and Jones, 1927); and also by the concentration of protein in the blood which has passed through the congested limb (Rowe, 1916). There is no information, however, concerning the effect in normal human subjects of changing the other equally important factor, namely, the colloid osmotic pressure of the blood. The association of a low colloid osmotic pressure of the blood with certain forms of edema occurring as a result of disease in man (Krogh, 1922; Hagedorn, Rasmussen and Rehberg, 1922; Govaerts, 1924; Schade and Claussen, 1924; and others), or occurring with experimental hypoproteinemia in dogs (Leiter, 1928) suggests, but does not prove, that the movement of fluid through the capillary wall is related to the colloid osmotic pressure of the blood. The further finding that capillary pressures in the frog, certain rodents, and man (Landis, 1926, 1930) are approximately equivalent to their different blood colloid osmotic pressures is also suggestive, but not conclusive, evidence that the Starling conception probably underlies the mechanism of fluid balance in the mammal. If fluid balance in man depends upon an approximate balance between capillary pressure and the colloid osmotic pressure of the blood two things must follow. In the first place, as mentioned by Krogh (1929), a relatively small elevation of venous pressure must suffice to cause fluid to accumulate in the tissue spaces, so that the erect human being is constantly near to edema. In the second place, with any given capillary pressure, a rise in the colloid osmotic pressure of the blood must be accompanied by a fall in the rate of filtration.
The localization of glutathione peroxidase in the photoreceptor cells and the retinal pigment epithelial cells of Wistar and Royal College of Surgeons dystrophic rats.

INTRODUCTION If degenerating photoreceptor outer segments not phagocytized by RPE cells in the retina of Royal College Surgeons (RCS) rats were to undergo peroxidation, the distribution of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PO) in the mitochondria or cytoplasm of the retina might be altered. We evaluated the immunocytochemical localization of GSH-PO to identify subcellular organelles in sections of the retinas of RCS rats. METHODS Immunoblot analysis confirmed the presence of GSH-PO molecules in the retinas of RCS and Wistar rats aged 3 weeks. Sections were reacted with the F(ab) fragment of anti-rat alphaGSH-PO and then examined by laser scanning microscopy (LSM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). RESULTS The size of the GSH-PO molecule in the retina was about 21 KD in the mitochondria and 23 KD in the cytosol in both strains of rats. LSM revealed fluorescent granules in the photoreceptor inner segments of the Wistar rats, and immunohistochemical TEM revealed GSH-PO in the mitochondria of their photoreceptor inner segments and retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. In the RCS rats, the degenerating photoreceptor outer segments were clearly seen to be positive for anti-GSH-PO by conventional light microscopy (CLM). However, the photoreceptor inner segments of the RCS rats were negative for staining with anti-GSH-PO by LSM, and no GSH-PO could be detected in the mitochondria of the photoreceptor inner segments or RPE cells by immuno-TEM. CONCLUSION Degeneration of the photoreceptor outer segments induced mitochondrial damage in the photoreceptor inner segments, and as a result GSH-PO shifted from the photoreceptor inner segments to the degenerating outer segments.
Muscle function at the wrist after eccentric exercise.

PURPOSE The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the effects of eccentric exercise by the wrist extensor muscles on the function and motor control of synergist wrist extensor muscles and the antagonist wrist flexor muscles. METHODS Ten subjects were tested repeatedly over a period of 11 d, once before and four times after a bout of strenuous eccentric exercise with the wrist extensor muscles. Tests performed as indicators of muscle injury were wrist extension MVC, ROM, and soreness. Tests performed as measures of function and motor control were maximum joint velocity, ability to sustain a constant torque, and the ability to track a changing torque. RESULTS Indicators of muscle injury: subjects exhibited a decline in wrist extension MVC and ROM, which peaked on day 1, and reported that muscle soreness was greatest on day 2. All measures returned to baseline values by day 10. Measures of function and motor control: subjects exhibited a greater difficulty sustaining a submaximal contraction and tracking torque after eccentric exercise. Greater torque variances in these tests were most evident at high torque levels. Subjects exhibited the greatest difficulty 24 h after eccentric exercise and had recovered by day 10. There was no change in maximal wrist extension velocity. CONCLUSIONS Strenuous eccentric exercise by wrist extensors had an effect on function and motor control of the wrist extensor muscles. The effect was most evident during contractions in which high torque was required. The response of all of the wrist extensors after the exercise bout was similar, suggesting that they operated in a synergistic manner. The antagonists wrist flexors showed increased coactivation after eccentric exercise.
Adaptive power control of wave energy converters for maximum power absorption under irregular sea-state conditions

This paper proposes a novel wave energy converter (WEC) control technique based on an adaptive vector controller for maximum power absorption of the wave energy resource. The proposed controller arises as a suitable solution for a realistic wave energy converter deployment, as it serves from its own wave energy converter velocity to instantaneously determine the required power-take-off force needed for maximizing the power extraction from the waves. The adaptive characteristic of the wave energy controller is achieved thanks to the implementation of advanced signal monitoring and synchronization processes along with vector control algorithms. As a result, maximum power absorption can be instantaneously achieved regardless of the dominant characteristics of the irregular waves.
Frequent recurrence and progression in pilocytic astrocytoma in adults

Most pilocytic astrocytomas (piloA) are benign growths (World Health Organization [WHO] grade 1) of the deep midline structures, the brainstem, and the cerebellum. To the authors' knowledge, the literature contains only scarce data regarding piloA in adults.
Predictors of Mortality in Severe Malaria: A Two-Year Experience in a Non-Endemic Area

Management of severe malaria is an increasing problem worldwide. This paper reviews the pathophysiology and management documenting two years’ experience of admissions of severe malaria to an ICU in a non-endemic area. Clinical and laboratory features of severe malaria were analysed for predictors of mortality. Twenty-eight patients had clinical or laboratory features compatible with the WHO criteria for severe malaria and, despite treatment with intravenous quinine and supportive ICU care, mortality was 28.5% (8/28). The three pregnant patients died with 100% foetal mortality and the four paediatric patients survived. Of the non-survivors, 8/8 developed ARDS (defined by worst ALI score >2.5), 7/8 developed shock requiring inotropic support and 7/8 developed acute renal failure requiring CVVHD. Admission haemoglobin, platelet count, parasite count, and lowest Glasgow Coma Score in the first 24 hours were shown not to be predictors of mortality.
Perceptions of issues relating to exercise and joint health in rheumatoid arthritis: a UK-based questionnaire study.

OBJECTIVES This questionnaire study investigated the perceptions of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients across the UK in relation to exercise and joint health. The validity of the measure was also assessed. METHODS Members of the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) with self-reported RA completed the questionnaire online. Items related to five factors that emerged from previous qualitative research. Participants responded using a five-point Likert-style scale (strongly disagree to strongly agree). The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) assessed physical activity. The model was tested using confirmatory factor analysis (LISREL 8.8); statistical analyses were conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). RESULTS A total of 247 responses were collected over 47 days (88% females; age: 18-77 years; disease duration: <1-51 years). Acceptable factorial validity was revealed (Satorra-Bentler χ(2) = 774.47, df = 454, p < 0.001, root mean squared error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.05, 90% confidence interval RMSEA = 0.05-0.06, comparative fit index = 0.94, standardized root mean square residual = 0.09), with the following factor endorsements: 'Health professionals show exercise knowledge' (19%); 'Knowing what exercise should be done' (43%); 'Having to exercise because it is helpful' (72%); 'Worry about causing harm to joints' (44%); and 'Not wanting to exercise as joints hurt' (52%). Patient concerns about joint pain, joint harm and how to exercise were significantly associated with lower physical activity (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS These results confirm that patients perceive exercise as beneficial. However, concerns about how to exercise, joint pain, causing harm to joints and a perceived lack of exercise knowledge among health professionals remain. Addressing these concerns may have implications for increasing physical activity within the RA population.
Association of Kidney Transplantation with Survival in Patients with Long Dialysis Exposure.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Evidence that kidney transplantation is associated with better survival compared to dialysis stems from data in populations with short durations of dialysis exposure. Recent changes in allocation policy increase access to transplantation for patients with longer dialysis exposure. The objective of this study was to determine the association of transplantation with survival in patients with ≥10 years of dialysis treatment. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS Our study of n=5365 patients in the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients determined the adjusted relative risk of death in recipients of a deceased donor kidney transplant after ≥10 years of dialysis treatment compared with waitlisted patients with the same dialysis exposure in a time-dependent nonproportional hazards analysis. RESULTS The adjusted relative risk of death in n=2320 transplant recipients compared with patients on dialysis who had equal lengths of follow-up from their 10-year dialysis anniversary was 0.60 (95% confidence interval, 0.53 to 0.68), and this benefit was observed in a variety of patient subgroups, including patients ≥65 years of age and patients with diabetes. However, transplant recipients were at higher risk of death for 180 days after transplantation and did not derive survival benefit until 657 days after transplantation, despite receiving good-quality kidneys. The study patients were younger and had higher expected post-transplant survival than patients currently waitlisted with ≥10 years of dialysis. CONCLUSIONS Transplantation is associated with better survival in patients who were actively waitlisted with dialysis exposure ≥10 years. Whether transplantation is associated with better survival in currently waitlisted patients with similar dialysis exposure and whether transplantation of lower-quality deceased donor kidneys is associated with better survival are uncertain.
Physical properties of conventional and Super Slick elastomeric ligatures after intraoral use.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the change in the physical properties of conventional and Super Slick elastomeric ligatures after they have been in the mouth. MATERIALS AND METHODS Nine healthy volunteers took part. One orthodontic bracket was bonded to a premolar tooth in each of the four quadrants of the mouth. Two conventional and two Super Slick elastomeric ligatures were placed at random locations on either side of the mouth. The ligatures were collected after various time intervals and tested using an Instron Universal testing machine. The two outcome measures were failure load and the static frictional resistance. RESULTS The failure load for conventional ligatures was reduced to 67% of the original value after 6 weeks in situ. Super Slick elastomeric ligatures showed a comparable reduction after 6 weeks in situ (63% of original value). There were no statistical differences in the static friction between conventional and Super Slick elastomerics that had been in situ for either 24 hours (P = .686) or 6 weeks (P = .416). There was a good correlation between failure load and static friction (r = .49). CONCLUSIONS There were statistically significant differences in the failure loads of elastomerics that had not be placed in the mouth and those that had been in the mouth for 6 weeks. There were no differences in the static frictional forces produced by conventional and Super Slick ligatures either before or after they had been placed in the mouth. There appears to be a direct proportional relationship between failure load and static friction of elastomeric ligatures.
Curricular integration of elementary French as a second language by non-specialist teachers

The aim of this study was threefold. Firstly, the feasibility of the curricular integration of French with another content area by nonspecialist elementary teachers with low to average communicative competency in French was investigated. Secondly, the reaction of these teachers to Explorons la France, an integrated teaching resource incorporating curricular integration, was examined. Thirdly, the study proposed to investigate any changes in students' attitude toward French after their teachers had used the teaching resource, thereby adding a second language component to their study of a content area. There were three instruments used in the course of this study. The first was a teacher questionnaire to measure teacher satisfaction and readiness. The second instrument was an Intermediate Attitudinal scale designed to measure attitudes towards French language and culture. Lastly, an interview questionnaire was administered to ten key individuals involved in French Language Education in British Columbia. The issue of student attitudes toward French improving after having used the language as a tool for further learning was not supported by the data collected. However, further data collected supported the remaining questions. Curricular integration of E.F. S.L. , by non-specialist teachers with low to average linguistic skills in French, is supported by the results of the teacher questionnaire. After having had an opportunity to work with the Explorons la France resource, non-specialist teachers involved expressed a positive reaction to the document. The third research question, attitudinal in nature, examined whether success with an initial attempt at curricular integration would spur non-specialist teachers on to subsequent attempts at further curricular integration. The teacher reaction was generally positive. The fourth research question examined the question of E.F. S.L. and the feasibility of curriculum integration by non-specialists, from administrative perspectives. Results indicate approval of the mandate of E.F. S.L. and support for the exploration of means of integrating French within the curriculum. Notwithstanding certain reservations, the teachers and administrators involved in the study generally expressed optimistic views about the mandating of Elementary French as a Second Language as of Grade 5 in general and its integration within other, specific curricular
Lean techniques for the improvement of patients' flow in emergency department.

BACKGROUND Emergency departments (EDs) face problems with overcrowding, access block, cost containment, and increasing demand from patients. In order to resolve these problems, there is rising interest to an approach called "lean" management. This study aims to (1) evaluate the current patient flow in ED, (2) to identify and eliminate the non-valued added process, and (3) to modify the existing process. METHODS It was a quantitative, pre- and post-lean design study with a series of lean management work implemented to improve the admission and blood result waiting time. These included structured re-design process, priority admission triage (PAT) program, enhanced communication with medical department, and use of new high sensitivity troponin-T (hsTnT) blood test. Triage waiting time, consultation waiting time, blood result time, admission waiting time, total processing time and ED length of stay were compared. RESULTS Among all the processes carried out in ED, the most time consuming processes were to wait for an admission bed (38.24 minutes; SD 66.35) and blood testing result (mean 52.73 minutes, SD 24.03). The triage waiting time and end waiting time for consultation were significantly decreased. The admission waiting time of emergency medical ward (EMW) was significantly decreased from 54.76 minutes to 24.45 minutes after implementation of PAT program (P<0.05). CONCLUSION The application of lean management can improve the patient flow in ED. Acquiescence to the principle of lean is crucial to enhance high quality emergency care and patient satisfaction.
Robust ℋ℞ filter design for polytopic linear discrete-time delay systems via LMIs and polynomial matrices

This paper presents new robust linear matrix inequality conditions for full order robust ℋ℞ filter design of discrete-time polytopic linear systems affected by a time-varying delay. Thanks to the use of a larger number of slack variables, the proposed conditions are less conservative than the existing methods. Numerical experiments illustrate the better performance of the proposed filter design procedure when compared to other approaches available in the literature.
Candidate molecular mechanisms for establishing cell identity in the developing retina

In the developing nervous system, individual neurons must occupy appropriate positions within circuits. This requires that these neurons recognize and form connections with specific pre‐ and postsynaptic partners. Cellular recognition is also required for the spacing of cell bodies and the arborization of dendrites, factors that determine the inputs onto a given neuron. These issues are particularly evident in the retina, where different types of neurons are evenly spaced relative to other cells of the same type. This establishes a reiterated columnar circuitry resembling the insect retina. Establishing these mosaic patterns requires that cells of a given type (homotypic cells) be able to sense their neighbors. Therefore, both synaptic specificity and mosaic spacing require cellular identifiers. In synaptic specificity, recognition often occurs between different types of cells in a pre‐ and postsynaptic pairing. In mosaic spacing, recognition is often occurring between different cells of the same type, orhomotypic self‐recognition. Dendritic arborization can require recognition of different neurites of the same cell, or isoneuronal self‐recognition. The retina is an extremely amenable system for studying the molecular identifiers that drive these various forms of recognition. The different neuronal types in the retina are well defined, and the genetic tools for marking cell types are increasingly available. In this review we will summarize retinal anatomy and describe cell types in the retina and how they are defined. We will then describe the requirements of a recognition code and discuss newly emerging candidate molecular mechanisms for recognition that may meet these requirements. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 71: 1258–1272, 2011