Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Back Belt Use on Isometric Lifting Force and Fatigue of the Lumbar Paraspinal Muscles

Study design. A repeated measures multivariate design to assess the effect of back belts on isometric lifting force and lumbar paraspinal muscle fatigue. Objective. To determine the efficacy of lumbar back belts in minimizing a loss in isometric force production and fatigue of lumbar paraspinal muscles. Summary of Background Data. Increased prevalence of back belts in industry and lack of scientific evidence supporting them suggested additional research was needed. There has been no conclusive research to substantiate manufacturer claims that use of belts reduces fatigue of lumbar paraspinals. Methods. Twenty‐four subjects, 13 men and 11 women, were tested twice: once with and once without a belt. All subjects performed a dynamic lifting task at a rate of 10 lifts per minute for 20 minutes. Surface electromyograms from the lumbar paraspinals and isometric force measurements were recorded during a static maximal isometric lift at 0, 10, and 20 minutes. Load during the dynamic task was determined as 20% of initial maximum isometric force. Electromyographic data were used to detect changes in median power spectral frequencies. Muscular fatigue was indicated by a reduction in median power spectral frequency values or a decrease in isometric force‐generating capacity. Results. Multivariate and univariate analyses suggest that there is no effect on lumbar paraspinal muscle fatigue or isometric lifting force production as a result of back belt use. Conclusions. These findings do not support the use of back belts for the purpose of minimizing either lumbar paraspinal muscle fatigue or a loss in isometric lifting force production.
Uptake of purine bases and nucleosides in African trypanosomes

SUMMARY Uptake of radioactively labelled purine bases and nucleosides by suspensions of Trypanosoma brucei and Trypanosoma congolense in bicine buffer was determined at 37 °C. With T. brucei, the rate of uptake of adenosine was much greater than that of the other compounds tested, the uptake of which decreased in the order adenine, inosine, guanosine and hypoxanthine. With T. brucei, adenosine uptake increased with concentration in a manner suggesting two mechanisms, one with high and the other with low affinity for adenosine. The uptake of adenine increased with concentration only up to about 1·5 µM while the uptake of guanosine increased little with concentration and that of inosine and hypoxanthine not at all. In both species adenosine strongly inhibited the uptake of both of the other nucleosides and of both purine bases. In T. brucei, guanosine and inosine caused small increases in adenosine uptake which was, however, inhibited by them in T. congolense. In T. brucei, each of the purine bases adenine and hypoxanthine inhibited its own uptake maximally but that of each other less effectively. Hypoxanthine was more effective than adenine in inhibiting the uptake of the nucleosides guanosine and inosine, but neither base effected marked inhibition of adenosine uptake. The uptake of adenosine by T. brucei was inhibited by dipyridamole and its analogue, compound RA–233, strongly at 100µM and slightly at 10 µM. The other dipyridamole analogues, VK–744 and VK–774, were ineffective.
Is the PowerCal device suitable for monitoring performance with competitive cyclists

The use of bicycle power meters is becoming an increasingly popular, although somewhat costly, means of monitoring training adaptations in competitive cyclists. The PowerCal (PCal) is a low-cost power prediction device that may offer an alternative means of monitoring cycling performance. The aim of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of the PCal in comparison to a laboratory standard ergometer, over a range of constant load powers. Nine trained male cyclists (35Â±9yrs, 177Â±5cm, 74Â±6kg) completed two exercise trials on a Velotron ergometer (VTron) while wearing the PowerCal (PCal) device. During each trial participantâ€™s performed six constant-load efforts commencing at 100W and increasing by 40W increments up to a final exercise intensity of 300W. Power output predicted by the PCal was significantly lower (p 0.05) in predicted power at any workload between repeat trials. The mean re-test typical error was similar (~6W) across all measured power outputs, corresponding to a mean coefficient of variation of ~5% between trials. The PCal reports substantially lower power outputs compared to the VTron ergometer. Furthermore the variability in the PCal measures across repeated trials of ~5% makes it unsuitable for monitoring performance changes that maybe considered worthwhile in trained competitive cyclists.
Reversible Loss of Neuronal Marker Protein Expression in a Transgenic Mouse Model for Sinusitis-Associated Olfactory Dysfunction

Background Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is among the most common causes of olfactory loss. The loss of the sense of smell is thought to result from structural and functional changes occurring in the olfactory epithelium caused by inflammation. However, the cellular mechanisms underlying CRS-associated olfactory loss remain incompletely understood. Methods Transgenic mice expressing TNF-alpha specifically within the olfactory epithelium were used as a model for CRS-associated olfactory loss. TNF-alpha expression was induced over different time intervals, and olfactory epithelial tissue was assessed for the expression of neuronal markers by laser scanning confocal microscopy and Western blot. Results TNF-alpha expression results in an inflammatory infiltrate in the olfactory epithelium, thinning of the olfactory neuron layer, and a progressive loss of olfactory function. Reduced expression of markers for neurons and mature olfactory neurons (neural cell adhesion molecule [NCAM] and olfactory marker protein [OMP], respectively) was observed in the neuroepithelium and in the subepithelial axon bundles. Expression of growth-associated protein (GAP) 43, a marker for immature neurons, was also reduced. These alterations were reversed when TNF-alpha expression was discontinued. Conclusion TNF-alpha expression in a transgenic model of CRS-associated olfactory loss results in progressive loss of olfactory neurons. Decreased GAP-43 expression suggests that TNF-alpha–associated inflammation inhibits differentiation of progenitor cells into immature olfactory neurons. Therefore, reduced regeneration of olfactory neurons may be an important mechanism underlying olfactory loss in CRS, in addition to neuronal loss or apoptosis. This mouse model represents a potential tool in the development of novel therapeutic strategies for the prevention of olfactory neuron loss in CRS.
ERPs associated with monitoring and evaluation of monetary reward and punishment in children with ADHD.

BACKGROUND Several models of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) propose abnormalities in the response to behavioural contingencies. Using event-related potentials (ERPs), the present study investigated the monitoring and subsequent evaluation of performance feedback resulting in either reward or punishment in children with ADHD (N = 18) and normal controls (N = 18) aged 8 to 12 years. METHODS Children performed a time production task, in which visual performance feedback was given after each response. To manipulate its motivational salience, feedback was coupled with monetary gains, losses or no incentives. RESULTS Performance feedback signalling omitted gains as well as omitted losses evoked a feedback-related negativity (FRN) in control children. The FRN, however, was entirely absent in children with ADHD in all conditions. Moreover, while losses elicited enhanced amplitudes of the late positive potential (LPP) in controls, omitted rewards had this effect in ADHD. CONCLUSIONS The lack of modulation of the FRN by contingencies in ADHD suggests deficient detection of environmental cues as a function of their motivational significance. LPP findings suggest diminished response to punishment, but oversensitivity to the loss of desired rewards. These findings suggest that children with ADHD have problems assigning relative motivational significance to outcomes of their actions.
Robust 3D–2D image registration: application to spine interventions and vertebral labeling in the presence of anatomical deformation

We present a framework for robustly estimating registration between a 3D volume image and a 2D projection image and evaluate its precision and robustness in spine interventions for vertebral localization in the presence of anatomical deformation. The framework employs a normalized gradient information similarity metric and multi-start covariance matrix adaptation evolution strategy optimization with local-restarts, which provided improved robustness against deformation and content mismatch. The parallelized implementation allowed orders-of-magnitude acceleration in computation time and improved the robustness of registration via multi-start global optimization. Experiments involved a cadaver specimen and two CT datasets (supine and prone) and 36 C-arm fluoroscopy images acquired with the specimen in four positions (supine, prone, supine with lordosis, prone with kyphosis), three regions (thoracic, abdominal, and lumbar), and three levels of geometric magnification (1.7, 2.0, 2.4). Registration accuracy was evaluated in terms of projection distance error (PDE) between the estimated and true target points in the projection image, including 14 400 random trials (200 trials on the 72 registration scenarios) with initialization error up to ±200 mm and ±10°. The resulting median PDE was better than 0.1 mm in all cases, depending somewhat on the resolution of input CT and fluoroscopy images. The cadaver experiments illustrated the tradeoff between robustness and computation time, yielding a success rate of 99.993% in vertebral labeling (with ‘success’ defined as PDE <5 mm) using 1,718 664 ± 96 582 function evaluations computed in 54.0 ± 3.5 s on a mid-range GPU (nVidia, GeForce GTX690). Parameters yielding a faster search (e.g., fewer multi-starts) reduced robustness under conditions of large deformation and poor initialization (99.535% success for the same data registered in 13.1 s), but given good initialization (e.g., ±5 mm, assuming a robust initial run) the same registration could be solved with 99 993% success in 6.3 s. The ability to register CT to fluoroscopy in a manner robust to patient deformation could be valuable in applications such as radiation therapy, interventional radiology, and an assistant to target localization (e.g., vertebral labeling) in image-guided spine surgery.
A Comparison of Support Vector Machines Training GPU-Accelerated Open Source Implementations

Last several years, GPUs are used to accelerate computations in many computer science domains. We focused on GPU accelerated Support Vector Machines (SVM) training with non-linear kernel functions. We had searched for all available GPU accelerated C++ open-source implementations and created an open-source C++ benchmark project. We modifed all the implementations to run on actual hardware and software and in both Windows and Linux operating systems. The benchmark project offers making a fair and direct comparison of the individual implementations under the same conditions, datasets, and hardware. In addition, we selected the most popular datasets in the community and tested them. Finally, based on the evaluation, we recommended the best-performing implementations for dense and sparse datasets.
Pharmacological/dynamic rehabilitative behavioural therapy for premature ejaculation: Results of a pilot study.

OBJECTIVES Premature ejaculation (PE) is a sexual disorder characterised by excessive rapidity of orgasm. It is defined as either primary (60%), present since the onset of sexual activity, or secondary (40%), manifesting later in life. To date, dapoxetine is the only preparation approved for the on-demand treatment of PE. However, side effects, costs associated with the treatment of chronic PE, drug dependence and its variable effectiveness leads to a not insignificant drop-out rate. Dynamic rehabilitative/behavioural therapy may be a viable therapeutic option, working alongside pharmacological treatment, as long as the participation and involvement of both the individual and the couple is optimal. MATERIALS AND METHODS 18 patients were enrolled, aged between 25 and 55 (mean: 40), all with primary PE, free of comorbidities and with their partners involved. Six patients were prescribed 30 mg dapoxetine two hours before sexual relations for 3 months (group A); 6 patients began the dynamic rehabilitative treatment (group B); 6 other couples were assigned to pharmacological treatment in association with dynamic rehabilitative behavioural treatment for 3 months (group C). Division of subjects was carried out by simple randomisation, excluding patients with a short frenulum, phimosis, ED, chronic prostatitis or experiencing results from previous treatment. RESULTS Outcomes of treatment were evaluated at the end of the 3 months of treatment and 3 months after discontinuing treatment. In Group A 75% of patients were cured at 3 months and 25% at 6 months. In Group B 25% patients were cured at 3 months and 25% at 6 months. In Group C 75% of patients were cured 3 months and 50% at 6 months. "Cured" means a Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT) score reduced from an average of 12 to an average of 6 and Intravaginal Ejaculation Latency Time (IELT) values from < 1 to > 6 minutes. CONCLUSIONS the integration of pharmacological treatment with dynamic behavioural rehabilitation has the specific aim of optimising and stabilising the results, supporting a more efficient recovery of ejaculatory control. The close involvement of the partner is extremely useful for all results.
A Philosophy of Disciple-Centered Leadership

Disciple-centered leadership is a philosophical approach to ministry training based on the idea that disciples possess assets that are critical to the teaching-learning relationship. After defining the construct, this article proceeds to relate it to the educational literature on learner-centered leadership. Paulo Freire's work and Roland Allen's work are then examined from an inter-disciplinary perspective in order to discuss key ideas relevant to disciple-centered leadership. The article concludes by examining this philosophy in light of the equipping responsibility of ministry leaders.
[Loss of pan-T cell antigens CD2, CD3, CD5 and CD7 in Kikuchi's disease].

OBJECTIVE To study the possible loss of pan-T cell antigens CD2, CD3, CD5 and CD7 in Kikuchi's disease and to evaluate the role of T cell antigen loss in distinguishing benign from malignant T-cell lymphoid lesions. METHODS Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissues of 33 cases of Kikuchi's disease and 15 cases of reactive lymphoid hyperplasia were studied by EliVision immunohistochemical staining for CD2, CD3, CD5 and CD7. RESULTS Twenty-four of the 33 (72.7%) cases of Kikuchi's disease lost one or more of the pan-T cell antigens, including the loss of CD5 only (13 cases), CD7 only (1 case), CD2 only (1 case), CD2 and CD7 (2 cases), CD5 and CD7 (4 cases), CD2 and CD5 (2 cases), and CD2, CD7 and CD5 (1 case). Amongst these cases, the commonest antigen loss was CD5 (20 cases, 60.6%), followed by CD7 (8 cases, 24.2%) and CD2 (6 cases, 18.2%). Compared with the xanthomatous subtype of Kikuchi's disease, the loss of antigens was more commonly seen in the proliferative and necrotizing subtypes. Analysis of follow-up data showed that the loss of antigens in Kikuchi's disease was not significantly associated with the prognosis. In reactive lymphoid hyperplasia, the expression of CD2, CD3, CD5 and CD7 was seen in all cases with similar intensity, with no obvious pan-T cell antigen loss. CONCLUSION Loss of one or more pan-T cell antigens in Kikuchi's disease is demonstrated in present study, suggesting that the immunophenotypic pattern is not unique in T cell lymphoma.
High-Performance Wavelength Multicast With Beat Noise Suppression via Backward Raman Amplification in a Nonlinear Fiber

Fiber-based wavelength multicast offers an attractive solution for efficient and flexible wavelength resource management in future optical networks. Unfortunately, most multicast approaches suffer from inevitable pump-to-pump beatings, generating undesirable products that take up bandwidth resources and result in serious degradation of the output signal quality. In this paper, we propose and experimentally demonstrate the Raman-assisted wavelength multicasting technique. The system performance is assessed through a one-to-seven multicast configuration for 10-GBd QPSK signal. Up to ∼16.8 dB power suppression has been achieved on the beating terms. Six newly generated replicas with Q factors all above the 7% forward error correction (FEC) threshold are obtained, despite their spectral overlap with the suppressed beating terms. Raman-assisted multicast further mitigates the performance penalty associated with signal power depletion, leading to a 0.8 dB Q factor improvement. Our proposed scheme enables more efficient utilization of the available spectrum in flexible bandwidth networks.
Focus on Children

Focus on Children was established in October 1992 as across border initiative to address child welfare issues throughout Ireland within the context of the developing European Union. The initiative is comprised of 24 member organisations, 12 from the North of Ireland and 12 from the Republic and involves children, communities, professionals and policymakers from both jurisdictions, including different religious and political traditions, working nationality and as transnational partners in Europe to improve the life chances of children. Sector: Community Development Address: 542-544 Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, Antrim, BT4 3HE, Northern Ireland Phone: +44 (0)28 9067 2366 Email:
Attribution and Helping Behavior: Testing the Attribution-Affect-Help Judgment Model in a Saudi Sample

A review of the literature on Weiner's attributional theory indicates that the theory has not been tested in Arabic cultures. The present study examined the reactions of Saudi men toward a friend with AIDS, using Weiner's attributional theory of social motivation. A sample of 298 Saudi men read two different vignettes about a friend with AIDS, in which the cause of AIDS was manipulated. Then the assignment of responsibility, reactions of anger and pity, and participants' willingness to provide help were measured.
Right occipital cortex suppresses male rat testosterone secretion by a pituitary-independent mechanism.

OBJECTIVES In addition to being regulated by the hypothalamo-hypophyseal system, testosterone (T) secretion is influenced by a number of less understood mechanisms. The aim of the present study was to examine whether defined areas of the right cerebral cortex could modulate T production. METHODS In adult male Wistar rats right frontal or occipital decortication, anterior or posterior callosotomy and corresponding sham-operations were performed. After 7-day survival time, T secretion in vitro, serum T and LH concentrations were measured by RIA. RESULTS Right occipital decortication and posterior callosotomy resulted in an increase in T secretion in vitro when compared to the corresponding sham-operated controls. In contrast, right frontal decortication or anterior callosotomy did not interfere with steroidogenesis. Serum LH concentration was not altered by any interventions. CONCLUSION The right occipital but not the right frontal cortex is involved in the control of T secretion. The caudal part of the corpus callosum accommodating the fibers originating from the occipital cortex might have a similar function. The fact that LH remained unchanged in all experimental groups suggests that the right occipital cortex and the caudal part of the corpus callosum influence testicular steroidogenesis by a pituitary-independent mechanism.
[Marital violence in Barranquilla [Colombia]: prevalence and risk factors].

OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of violence against women of fertile age living in a couple and identify the personal, socioeconomic, and family function characteristics associated with this phenomenon. METHODS We performed a cross-sectional study in a random sample of 275 women of fertile age living in the neighborhood of Carlos Meisel in Barranquilla, Colombia. Information was gathered through a structured questionnaire and face-to-face interviews at the participants' homes. The questionnaire was adapted from the World Health Organization's recommendations on ethics and safety when investigating domestic violence. The questionnaire included items on personal characteristics, habitual alcohol and drug consumption, family function test (Family Apgar), socioeconomic characteristics, and physical abuse in the 12 months prior to the interview. RESULTS The prevalence of marital violence was 22.9%. Women aged 25-29 years old were the most commonly affected (33.3%). Factors associated with violence were habitual alcohol consumption in women (Odds ratio [OR] = 6.02; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.7-22.2) and in the spouse (OR = 10.11; 95% CI, 5.1-20.1) and drug consumption by the husband (OR = 11.01; 95% CI, 4.2-29.5). A monthly wage of less than 300,000 Colombian pesos (140 euros) was also significantly associated with domestic violence as was moderate or severe family dysfunction (respectively, OR = 16.9; 95% CI, 4.8-59.0; OR = 81.6; 95% CI, 18.8-335). CONCLUSIONS Because this was a cross-sectional study, the results should be interpreted with caution. Nevertheless, violence against women in the study sample was associated with potentially modifiable factors.
[Preliminary study of metabonomcs on aqueous extract of Evodia rutaecarpa in sprague-dawley rats].

OBJECTIVE To study the change of endogenous metabolites of SD rats administrated of aqueous extract of Evodiae rutaecarpa. METHOD Six SD rats had been successively administrated aqueous extract of E. rutaecarpa (0.3857 g x kg(-1)) for 33 days. An agilent 1200 6410 triplequadrupole mass spectrometer was used for the analysis of endogenous metabolites in rat urine samples. These data was analyzed by the principal component analysis (PCA) and PLS-DA using the SIMCA-P 10.0 software. RESULT The significant difference in metabolic profiles between the control group and the dosed group was well observed by PCA of the MS data. CONCLUSION The E. rulaecarpa has changed the endogenous metabolites of SD rats. This work can provide the base for the further research on the interpretation of drug property of E. rulaecarpa.