Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Is movement variability important for sports biomechanists?

This paper overviews the importance for sports biomechanics of movement variability, which has been studied for some time by cognitive and ecological motor skills specialists but, until quite recently, had somewhat been overlooked by sports biomechanists. The paper considers biomechanics research reporting inter- and intra-individual movement variability in javelin and discus throwing, basketball shooting, and locomotion. The overview does not claim to be comprehensive and we exclude such issues as the theoretical background to movement and coordination variability and their measurement. We overview evidence, both theoretical and empirical, of inter-individual movement variability in seeking to achieve the same task goal, in contrast to the concept of “optimal” movement patterns. Furthermore, even elite athletes cannot reproduce identical movement patterns after many years of training, contradicting the ideas of motor invariance and “representative” trials. We contend that movement variability, far from being solely due to neuromuscular system or measurement “noise” – as sports biomechanists may have previously supposed – is, or could be, functional. Such functionality could allow environmental adaptations, reduce injury risk, and facilitate changes in coordination patterns. We conclude by recommending that sports biomechanists should focus more of their research on movement variability and on important related topics, such as control and coordination of movement, and implications for practice and skill learning.
Cord blood transplantation from HLA‐mismatched unrelated donors as a treatment for children with haematological malignancies

Factors influencing the outcome for 39 children with haematological malignancy who were subjected to a cord blood transplantation (CBT) from genotypically HLA‐mismatched unrelated donors were analysed. This retrospective study included 21 children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, 15 with acute myelogenous leukaemia and one each with chronic myelogenous leukaemia, refractory anaemia with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and juvenile myelomonocytic leukaemia (JMML). Those subjected to CBT during the first or second complete remission (CR) and MDS without blasts were assigned to the standard‐risk (SR) group (n = 16). Patients in third or subsequent remission, relapse or partial remission with refractory leukaemia at the time of CBT were considered to be in advanced phase, and placed in the high‐risk (HR) group (n = 11). JMML and the second CR after a relapse (n = 8), or bone marrow failure after a rejection (n = 3), following haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in the first CR were included in the high‐risk group. Kaplan–Meier estimates for neutrophil and platelet recovery were 83·7 ± 12·2 at d 60 and 55·4 ± 16·6% at d 100 respectively. The incidence of grades II–VI acute graft‐versus‐host disease was 58·5 ± 16·8%. The Kaplan–Meier estimate for 3‐year event‐free survival (EFS) was 49·2 ± 16·6. From multivariate analysis, the most important factor influencing EFS was disease status at CBT: SR patients had a 3‐year EFS of 75·0 ± 21·6%, compared with 29·6 ± 20·6% for those with HR disease (P = 0·013, RR 4·746, 95% CI 1·382–16·298). These data confirm that HLA‐mismatched, unrelated CBT is a feasible procedure to cure a significant proportion of children with leukaemia, especially if conducted in a favourable phase of the disease.
Effect of Adding Functionalized Graphene on the Performance of PVDF Membrane in Direct Contact Membrane Distillation

In this paper, the effect of adding modified graphene nanoplatelets (MGNPs) as a filler on the characteristics and performance of Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane in a direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) configuration was investigated. Both pure PVDF and PVDF/MGNPs composite (2%) membranes were fabricated by using electrospinning technique. The fabricated membranes were characterized using different analyses techniques such as SEM imaging, XRD analysis, static water contact angle as well as membrane porosity and liquid enter pressure measurements. Also, the average fiber diameter and the average membrane pore diameter were estimated using ImageJ software. The prepared PVDF/MGNPs composite membrane exhibited lower fiber diameter by about 5.7%, whereas the contact angle increased by 10 and liquid entry pressure increased by 11.7%. The membrane also showed an enhanced flux that reached about 19.8 kg/m2∙h at feed inlet temperature of 65°C, feed flow rate of 30 l/h. and feed inlet concentration of 10000 ppm. This represents about 13.46% improvement over the pure PVDF membrane at the same conditions. The produced membrane presents a viable alternative to commercial MD membranes.
Genotypes of hepatitis C virus circulating in Tunisia

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) isolates from 93 patients living in Tunisia, including 16 haemophiliacs, were genotyped by INNO LiPA and partial sequencing of the 5′ untranslated region of the viral genome. In non-haemophiliacs, subtype 1b was largely predominant (79%), types 1a, 2a, 2b, 3a and 4a occurred much less frequently at 5, 7, 3, 3 and 1% of cases, respectively. In the group of haemophiliacs, a co-dominance between subtypes 1a and 1b was noticed (38%). Type distribution of HCV in Tunisia differs from that reported in other countries of the Mediterranean and Middle East regions. Genotyping results in respect of clinical status, age, and genotyping methods, are discussed.
Evading the joint decision trap: the multiannual financial framework 2014–20

On 8 February 2013, the European Council agreed on the EU’s multiannual financial framework for 2014–20. The agreement includes a reduction of the overall spending level and significant reprioritisations. This paper asks how this agreement has been reached. Scharpf’s actor-centered institutionalism is applied, including the concept of the joint-decision trap. The paper finds that the outcome was made possible by compensating the member states that were worst affected by the policy changes. A coalition of net contributors, centered on Germany and the United Kingdom, was influential regarding the overall spending level. In addition, the external environment with the fiscal and economic crisis created a momentum for reduced expenditures. Those against the reduction, the member states in favour of agriculture and cohesion, were not able to avoid cutbacks. Member states in favour of the cohesion policy faced hard conditions for maintaining unity in their coalition, whereas member states in favour of agricultural spending could more easily negotiate for their common interests.
Is There a Necessity for Individual Blood Water Corrections when Conductivity-Based Access Blood Flow Measurements Are Made?

Background/Aims:Access blood water flow rate (Qaw) can be measured during hemodialysis using an online effective ionic dialysance (EID) methodology. Fresenius employ this methodology in their 2008K dialysis machine. The machine computer converts Qaw to an access blood flow rate (Fresenius Qa) using a generic blood water constant (BWC). We wished to validate this BWC. Methods: 18 patients had Fresenius Qa measurements using the EID and these were compared with a ‘gold standard’ ultrasound dilution methodology (Transonic Qa). Qa values were also obtained by removing the BWC from Fresenius Qa values to obtain the Qaw and recorrecting it with individualized patient factors using hematocrit and total protein values (HctTp Qa). The measurements were repeated after 1 h. Results:There were no significant differences between Fresenius and Transonic, nor between HctTp and Transonic Qa values (p > 0.17). There were strong correlations between both sets of values (r > 0.856; p < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between the pairs of Transonic Qa values (r = 0.823; p < 0.007), but not for Fresenius Qa pairs (r = 0.573; p > 0.07). It was surmised that the BWC was not valid post-dialysis. Conclusion:The generic BWC is comparable to individualized blood water correction factors when Qa measures are made early in dialysis and prior to ultrafiltration treatment.
A comparison of outcomes in osteoarthritis patients undergoing total hip and knee replacement surgery.

OBJECTIVE The aims of this study were to assess changes in physical function and quality of life with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the instrument of the Medical Outcomes Study SF-36 Health Survey (MOS SF-36), respectively, in patients undergoing hip anf knee joint replacement surgery and to compare the responsiveness of these two outcome measures 1 year after surgery. DESIGN One hundred and ninety-four patients with osteoarthritis (OA knee 108, OA hip 86) admitted to four hospitals in Sydney were followed over a period of 1 year at 3 monthly intervals. RESULTS WOMAC measures improved significantly after 1 year for OA hip and OA knee: there was reduction in pain of 71% and 53%, reduction of stiffness of 55% and 43% and improvement in physical function of 68% and 43%, respectively. MOS SF-36 measures in those having hip surgery improved significantly for pain (222%), physical function (247%), physical role functioning (402%), general health (110%), vitality (143%0, social functioning (169%) and mental health (114%). For those in the knee surgery group, significant improvement was seen for pain (175%), physical function (197%), physical role functioning (275%), vitality (125%) and social functioning (119%). The WOMAC was a more responsive measure than the MOS SF-36. CONCLUSION WOMAC and MOS SF-36 detect significant and clinically meaningful changes in outcome after hip and knee replacement. WOMAC requires a smaller sample size and is more responsive in the short term. For a follow-up longer than 6 months MOS SF-36 provides additional information. The improvement in outcomes following hip joint surgery were significantly greater than those following knee surgery.
Seeing more than we can know: Visual attention and category activation

Abstract Extending existing work on the conditional automaticity of category activation, the present research investigated the extent to which category activation is moderated by the resolution of visual attention. As visual attention gates access to material in semantic memory, so too should it regulate the activation of social categories when triggering verbal labels are encountered. Accordingly, only when triggering stimuli fall within the spotlight of attention did we expect category activation to occur. The results of two studies supported this prediction. We consider the implications of our findings for recent treatments of category automaticity.
The influence of high dietary concentrations of whole wheat and different forms of coccidiosis control on broiler production, nutrient digestibility and on the composition of the intestinal microflora.

An experiment was carried out with a total of 2304 broilers over a period of 35 days in a 2 x 3 factorial design. The birds were randomly divided into 6 experimental groups housed in 48 floor pens (8 replicate pens/group), and were fed with whole wheat either in conventional amounts (10-21d, 15%; 22-35 d, 25%) or in high amounts (10-21d, 30%; 22-35d, 50%). Whole wheat was given as supplement to compound pelleted diets, which were adjusted with respect to their wheat content in order to provide the same total dietary wheat concentration. Protection against coccidiosis was either not provided, or was obtained by vaccination (Paracox-5 Vet.), or by dietary addition of salinomycin (Sacox, 60 mg/kg feed). At 35 d, broilers fed with high whole wheat content weighed less (2043g vs 2117 g, P<0. 001) and had a poorer feed utilisation (1.70 vs. 1.66, P<0.01). The water consumption decreased (5508 mL vs. 5701 mL, P<0.03) as compared to birds fed with conventional amounts of whole wheat. The relative gizzard weight increased following intake of high whole wheat concentrations. Until 21 d, the pH of the gizzard contents of birds fed high whole wheat amounts was approximately 0.5 units higher (P<0.001) than of birds fed conventional amounts of whole wheat, which may indicate that the digestive tract of the young bird is not developed sufficiently in order to respond with an increased hydrochloric acid secretion to an increased mechanical stimulation of the gizzard by whole wheat. Dietary inclusion of salinomycin increased body weight in the range of 80g (P<0.01), improved feed conversion ratio (P<0.001), and reduced the counts of lactic acid bacteria and C. perfringens in the digestive tract. Further, dietary salinomycin addition improved AMEn (P=0.07) and apparent digestibilities (total collection week 4-5) of organic matter (P=0.10) and fat (P<0.01). The apparent nitrogen retention was higher in birds fed the low whole wheat level than in birds fed the high whole wheat level (P<0.03). It is concluded, that the use of high whole wheat concentrations (30 % in the early and 50 % in the late grower phase) negatively influences performance results and does not have any beneficial effect on gastrointestinal health. If ionophore coccidiostats like salinomycin are withdrawn as feed additives and substituted by vaccination in the future, significant production losses can be expected. _____________________________________________________________________________
Characterization of major structural proteins of measles virus with monoclonal antibodies.

We have prepared and characterized monoclonal antibodies against five major structural proteins, i.e. the HA, P, NP, F and M proteins, of measles virus. At least three non-overlapping antigenic sites were delineated on the HA protein, three on the P, four on the NP, four on the F and five on the M proteins by competitive binding assays. Antigenic sites on the HA and F proteins roughly represented functional domains defined by serological tests. The reactivity of monoclonal antibodies with various measles virus strains including those from subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) and other members of the morbillivirus family was studied by immunofluorescence. A monoclonal antibody or set of monoclonal antibodies to each of the antigenic sites showed a characteristic pattern of cross-reactivity with heterologous strains. The HA and NP proteins were antigenically the most variable, followed by the F and M proteins, while the P protein was relatively stable. None of the 14 anti-M monoclonal antibodies reacted with non-virus-producing SSPE cells, strongly suggesting the absence of M protein in these cells.
Molecular Identification of a Novel Fibrinogen Binding Site on the First Domain of ICAM-1 Regulating Leukocyte-Endothelium Bridging*

Binding of fibrinogen to intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) enhances leukocyte adhesion to endothelium by acting as a bridging molecule between the two cell types. Here, a panel of four monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to ICAM-1 was used to dissect the structure-function requirements of this recognition. All four mAbs bound to ICAM-1 transfectants and immunoprecipitated and immunoblotted ICAM-1 from detergent-solubilized JY lymphocyte extracts. Functionally, mAbs 1G12 and 2D5 inhibited binding of 125I-fibrinogen to ICAM-1-transfectants and abrogated the enhancing effect of fibrinogen on mononuclear cell adhesion to endothelium and transendothelial migration. In contrast, mAbs 3D6 and 6E6 did not affect ICAM-1 recognition of fibrinogen. With respect to other ligands, mAbs 1G12 and 2D5 completely inhibited attachment of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes to immobilized recombinant ICAM-1-Fc, whereas they had no effect on LFA-1-dependent T cell binding to ICAM-1-Fc. Conversely, mAbs 3D6 and 6E6 completely abolished LFA-1 binding to ICAM-1-Fc. Epitope assignment using ICAM-1 chimeras and receptor mutants revealed that the fibrinogen-blocking mAbs 1G12 and 2D5 reacted with domain 1 of ICAM-1, and their binding was disrupted by 97 and 70% by mutations of D26 and P70, respectively, whereas mAbs 3D6 and 6E6 bound to domain 2 of ICAM-1. By recognizing a site distinct from that of β2 integrins Mac-1 or LFA-1, fibrinogen binding to ICAM-1 may provide an alternative pathway of intercellular adhesion and/or modulate integrin-dependent adherence during inflammation and vascular injury.
Innovation characteristics and intention to adopt sustainable facilities management practices

Sustainable facilities management (SFM) is important because typical buildings consume more resources and energy than necessary, negatively impact the environment and generate lots of waste (US Department of Energy, 2003, Green Buildings). This study examined innovation characteristics that relate to facility managers' intention to adopt SFM practices. Based on the diffusion of innovations theory (Rogers 1962, 1995, Diffusion of Innovations. 4th ed. New York: The Free Press), an SFM innovation and adoption model was proposed. A survey was conducted with a convenience sample of 240 public facilities managers in 25 facilities management divisions in Seoul, Korea, and its metropolitan areas. Structural equation modelling was employed to analyse the data. The results showed that economic advantage and human comfort aspects are predictors for the intention of SFM adoption. Observability is positively relevant to the intention of SFM adoption. Complexity, however, is not a significant predictor for the intention of SFM adoption. Practical implications for sustainable products and systems and the built environment are suggested. Practitioner summary: To incorporate an innovation like sustainable practices, it is required to meet the needs of potential adopters. Innovation characteristics that influence facility managers' intention to adopt sustainable facilities management were examined. A survey was conducted. Economic advantage, human comfort and observability are predictors for the intention of adoption of sustainable practice.
Understanding Voluntary Disclosures in Australia

This study provides preliminary analysis of the extent and quality of financial ratio disclosures in the 2007 annual reports of Australian listed companies. The extent of financial ratio disclosures is captured through a 43 item template. In addition a unique 16 item matrix, evolved from the International Accounting Standards Board's conceptual framework to measure the quality of financial ratio disclosures, is developed. The extent of financial ratios by Australian firms is a surprisingly low 9.2 percent. Shareholders return and return on equity ratios were reported by at least half of the companies yet 16 other ratios had zero communication. The quality of the financial ratios is rated somewhat better with reliability tenets best presented and comparability issues the worst. Resource firms tended to have the lowest quality of disclosure. Consistent with agency theory, statistical analysis shows that larger firms - those with a higher proportion of independent directors and entities that have a higher proportion of independent auditors - are likely to disclose financial ratio information more extensively. The findings of this research have important implications for understanding managerial disclosure incentives as they relate to the extent and quality of financial ratio disclosures in Australia. Economic drivers seem to better explain extent than the inherent quality of such communication.
A systematic review of health economic models and utility estimation methods in schizophrenia

ABSTRACT Introduction: There is a growing need for economic evaluations describing the disease course, as well as the costs and clinical outcomes related to the treatment of schizophrenia. Areas covered: A systematic review on studies describing health economic models in schizophrenia and a targeted literature review on utility mapping algorithms in schizophrenia were carried out. Models found in the review were collated and assessed in detail according to their type and various other attributes. Fifty-nine studies were included in the review. Modeling techniques varied from simple decision trees to complex simulation models. The models used various clinical endpoints as value drivers, 47% of the models used quality-adjusted life years, and eight percent used disability-adjusted life years to measure benefits, while others applied various clinical outcomes. Most models considered patients switching between therapies, and therapeutic adherence, compliance or persistence. The targeted literature review identified four main approaches to map PANSS scores to utility values. Expert commentary: Health economic models developed for schizophrenia showed great variability, with simulation models becoming more frequently used in the last decade. Using PANSS scores as the basis of utility estimations is justifiable.
Influence of Semi‐Rigid Connections and Local Joint Damage on Progressive Collapse of Steel Frameworks

Abstract: Semi‐rigidly connected steel frames are more vulnerable than rigidly connected frames to resist progressive collapse due to abnormal loading events. This article extends the threat‐independent method for progressive‐failure analysis of rigid frames to analysis accounting for semi‐rigid connections. The influence of joint damage caused by disengagement of member(s) is also considered in the analysis, and the degree of damage is modeled by a health index. A compound element model is employed to include the contributions of nonlinear behavior of beam‐to‐column connections, connection and member‐end damage, member inelasticity, member shear deformation, and geometrical nonlinearity to structural response. Four beam collapse modes are illustrated for the progressive collapse analysis associated with debris loading generated when disengaged structural components fall onto lower parts of the structure. The impact effect is taken into account for the quasi‐static nonlinear analysis by utilizing an impact amplification factor according to GSA and DoD guidelines. Any progressive collapse occurring thereafter involves a series of collapse events associated with topological changes of the frame. The analysis procedure is illustrated for the progressive collapse behavior of two planar steel frames. The results demonstrate that the proposed method is potentially an effective tool for the progressive collapse analysis of semi‐rigid steel frames under abnormal loading events.
What Explains the Gender Gap in Private School Enrolment? Recent Evidence from India

The paper provides new evidence that there is significant gender gap in private school enrollment in India and that the gender gap is greater than the national average among children residing in northern and north-western states. Our best estimates come from the household fixed effects model with selection that exploits the within household variation in private school enrollment among 7-18 year old boys and girls born to the same parents, after correcting for the possible selection bias arising from any school enrollment. A further investigation into the causes of gender gap in private school enrollment does not identify any significant positive effect of perceived ability of children, but possible negative effect of child health. Further, mother’s education is an important household characteristic that significantly boosts private school attendance among girls. We also identify interesting variation of our central results across primary and secondary age groups and also across regions and argue that these results highlight a rational choice of parents aiming to maximise future earnings prospects.