Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
What is next for ICF?

When WHO’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) was established at the beginning of the new millennium (WHO, 2001), new definitions for ‘functioning’ and ‘disability’ had already been sought for decades. In addition to patients with disabilities themselves, this paradigm change was awaited by different stakeholders – from grass-root workers to governmental decision makers, especially in the social and healthcare field. It was realized over time that unified functional language is needed for human-rights-based equal responding to benefit claims not only in the healthcare field but in relation to well-being-related policy making in general. Accurate ICF definitions with unified linguistic terms were expected to reorganize the content of functioning and disability in the direction of breaking ‘inter-silo’ type of communication between different social systems and organizations. In other words, the ICF was expected to ground possibilities for horizontal interaction both within and between organizational silos, including all the relevant parties dealing with content and quality of service production, policies regulating service development and governmental acts monitoring the service production and delivery. Currently, as we are just about seeing the advantages of using the ICF in practice, one can rightfully ask whether we are happy now – having had the ICF with us for a short but intensive period worldwide. It is tempting to declaim that we are not nearly as happy as we should be and that we have not learnt the ‘non-silo’ communication well enough yet! It may be difficult for silo-experts to adjust their professional language to the ICF terms (Bruyère et al., 2005). Could we do something to facilitate this process?
Fracture and Dislocation Classification Compendium - 2007 Orthopaedic Trauma Association Classification, Database and Outcomes Committee

Summary: The purpose of this new classification compendium is to republish the Orthopaedic Trauma Association’s (OTA) classification. The OTA classification was originally published in a compendium of the Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma in 1996. It adopted The Comprehensive Classification of the Long Bones developed by Müller and colleagues and classified the remaining bones. In this compendium, the introductory chapter reviews new scientific information about classifying fractures that has been published in the last 11 years. The classification is presented in a revised format that is easier to fol-low. The OTA and AO classification will now have a unified alpha-numeric code eliminating the differences that have existed between the 2 codes. The code was significantly revised for the clavicle and scapula, foot and hand, and patella. Dislocations have been expanded on an anatomic basis and for most joints will be coded separately. This publication should stimulate new developments and interest in a unified language to code and classify fractures. Further improvements in classification will result in better patient care and clinical research.
Group Psychoeducation for Parents of Adolescents with Eating Disorders: The Aachen Program

Family-based treatment in adolescents and individual psychoeducation in adults are accepted components in a multimodal treatment of eating disorders. However, only few studies have been conducted on the use of parent-based psychoeducation. This paper presents the structure and content, as well as a preliminary evaluation, of a group psychoeducation program for parents of adolescent patients with eating disorders. The program is limited to five 90-minute sessions and aimed at increasing the parents’ understanding of the disorder and promoting high transparency with regard to our treatment principles. The vast majority of parents rated the group psychoeducation as helpful in coping with their child's disorder and would recommend others to take part in the program. This work was supported by a grant of the Christina Barc Foundation (Essen, Germany).
Crystal structure of the receptor-binding domain of alpha 2-macroglobulin.

BACKGROUND The large plasma proteinase inhibitors of the alpha 2-macroglobulin superfamily inhibit proteinases by capturing them within a central cavity of the inhibitor molecule. After reaction with the proteinase, the alpha-macroglobulin-proteinase complex binds to the alpha-macroglobulin receptor, present in the liver and other tissues, and becomes endocytosed and rapidly removed from the circulation. The complex binds to the receptor via recognition sites located on a separate domain of approximately 138 residues positioned at the C terminus of the alpha-macroglobulin subunit. RESULTS The crystal structure of the receptor-binding domain of bovine alpha 2-macroglobulin (bRBD) has been determined at a resolution of 1.9 A. The domain primarily comprises a nine-strand beta structure with a jelly-roll topology, but also contains two small alpha helices. CONCLUSIONS The surface patch responsible for receptor recognition is thought to involve residues located on one of the two alpha helices of the bRBD as well as residues in two of the beta strands. Located on this alpha helix are two lysine residues that are important for receptor binding. The structure of bRBD is very similar to the approximately 100-residue C-terminal domain of factor XIII, a transglutaminase from the blood coagulation system.
Use of lean management philosophy in health sector: A VSM based case study

Lean management philosophy (LMP), which arose from the discrete manufacturing industry, is currently being adapted to service-providing organizations. The healthcare organizations currently need to improve productivity, especially in the area of the identification and elimination of waste. This manuscript presents a case study carried out in a cardiology clinic. A `family of services' has been identified based on the medical procedures and related set of tests, which are used to treat specific symptoms. The value stream mapping (VSM) method has been used to analyze the `family of services'. The activities that have been involved in a particular service have been identified, and a current state value stream map (CS-VSM) has been developed. Then, time wastage, in relation to patients' waiting for tests, has been calculated and the problems have been identified and analyzed. Finally, the proposal of a future state value stream map (FS-VSM) has been presented.
Expanded Trellis Designs for Noncoherent Communications with Frequency Offset

In this letter, we propose a noncoherent communication system that can be used in the communication environment in which the frequency estimation is only roughly obtained and the phase synchronization is not employed. The transmitter side has the serial turbo coding structure composed of a convolutional encoder followed by an interleaver, an MPSK signal mapper and a differential modulator. At the receiver side an expanded trellis is employed to represent not only the possible paths of the differentially encoded MPSK but also the paths resultant from the possible phase variations due to the frequency offset and the phase noise.
2-D truncated periodic leaky-wave antennas with reactive impedance surface ground planes

In this paper, first, the idea of using reactive impedance surfaces (RISs) as the ground plane of such leaky wave antennas is proposed and studied through a few examples. Next, the effect of a typical source antenna position on the directivity is investigated through a parametric study. Then, the radiation characteristics of these different antennas are determined and compared. Finally, the conclusion is drawn
Role of dimerization and modification of the CSF‐1 receptor in its activation and internalization during the CSF‐1 response.

We have used kinetic and cross‐linking approaches to study CSF‐1‐induced changes in the structure and function of the CSF‐1R. Addition of CSF‐1 to cells stimulates or stabilizes non‐covalent CSF‐1R dimerization resulting in activation of the CSF‐1R kinase and the tyrosine phosphorylation of the receptor and certain cytoplasmic proteins. The non‐covalent dimers become covalently linked via disulfide bonds and/or are subsequently further modified. These modified forms are selectively internalized. Pre‐treatment of cells with the alkylating agent, iodoacetic acid (IAA), selectively inhibits covalent dimerization, modification and internalization but enhances protein tyrosine phosphorylation. It is proposed that ligand‐induced non‐covalent dimerization activates the CSF‐1R kinase, whereas the covalent dimerization and subsequent modification lead to kinase inactivation, phosphotyrosine dephosphorylation and internalization of the receptor–ligand complex.
Differential Computed Tomographic Attenuation of Metabolically Active and Inactive Adipose Tissues: Preliminary Findings

This study investigates differences in computed tomography Hounsfield units between metabolically active (brown fat) and inactive adipose tissues (white fat) due to variations in their densities. Positron emission and computed tomographic data from 101 pediatric and adolescent patients were analyzed. Regions of metabolically active and inactive adipose tissues were identified, and standard uptake values and Hounsfield units were measured. Hounsfield units of active brown fat were more positive (P < 0.001) than inactive fat (−62.4 ± 5.3 vs −86.7 ± 7.0) and the difference was observed in both males and females.
Biochemical and Immunocytological Characterizations of Arabidopsis Pollen Tube Cell Wall1[C][W][OA]

During plant sexual reproduction, pollen germination and tube growth require development under tight spatial and temporal control for the proper delivery of the sperm cells to the ovules. Pollen tubes are fast growing tip-polarized cells able to perceive multiple guiding signals emitted by the female organ. Adhesion of pollen tubes via cell wall molecules may be part of the battery of signals. In order to study these processes, we investigated the cell wall characteristics of in vitro-grown Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) pollen tubes using a combination of immunocytochemical and biochemical techniques. Results showed a well-defined localization of cell wall epitopes. Low esterified homogalacturonan epitopes were found mostly in the pollen tube wall back from the tip. Xyloglucan and arabinan from rhamnogalacturonan I epitopes were detected along the entire tube within the two wall layers and the outer wall layer, respectively. In contrast, highly esterified homogalacturonan and arabinogalactan protein epitopes were found associated predominantly with the tip region. Chemical analysis of the pollen tube cell wall revealed an important content of arabinosyl residues (43%) originating mostly from (1→5)-α-l-arabinan, the side chains of rhamnogalacturonan I. Finally, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis of endo-glucanase-sensitive xyloglucan showed mass spectra with two dominant oligosaccharides (XLXG/XXLG and XXFG), both being mono O-acetylated, and accounting for over 68% of the total ion signals. These findings demonstrate that the Arabidopsis pollen tube wall has its own characteristics compared with other cell types in the Arabidopsis sporophyte. These structural features are discussed in terms of pollen tube cell wall biosynthesis and growth dynamics.
Interaction of mTOR and Erk1/2 signaling to regulate oligodendrocyte differentiation

A multitude of factors regulate oligodendrocyte differentiation and remyelination, and to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this process, we analyzed the interactions of known signaling pathways involved in these processes. Previous work from our lab and others shows that Akt, mTOR, and Erk 1/2 are major signaling pathways regulating oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelination in vitro and in vivo. However, the relative contribution of the different pathways has been difficult to establish because the impact of inhibiting one pathway in in vitro cell culture models or in vivo may alter signaling through the other pathway. These studies were undertaken to clarify the interactions between these major pathways and understand more specifically the crosstalk between them. Oligodendrocyte differentiation in vitro required Akt, mTOR, and Erk 1/2 signaling, as inhibition of Akt, mTOR, or Erk 1/2 resulted in a significant decrease of myelin basic protein mRNA and protein expression. Interestingly, while inhibition of the Erk1/2 pathway had little impact on Akt/mTOR signaling, inhibition of the Akt/mTOR pathways significantly increased Erk1/2 signaling, although not enough to overcome the loss of Akt/mTOR signaling in the regulation of oligodendrocyte differentiation. Furthermore, such crosstalk was also noted in an in vivo context, after mTOR inhibition by rapamycin treatment of perinatal pups. GLIA 2014;62:2096–2109
Efficacy of albuterol in the management of bronchiolitis.

OBJECTIVE To examine the efficacy of albuterol (0.15 mg/kg per dose) in the management of bronchiolitis. DESIGN Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled outpatient clinical trial utilizing four study groups: neubulized albuterol, nebulized saline, oral albuterol, and oral placebo. SETTING Pediatric emergency department and outpatient clinic at University of Maryland in Baltimore. PATIENTS Eighty-eight infants (median age 5.5 months) being treated for their first episode of wheezing were randomly assigned to nebulized albuterol (n = 22), nebulized saline (n = 23), oral albuterol (n = 19), oral placebo (n = 24). INTERVENTIONS The nebulized groups received two nebulizations 30 minutes apart, whereas the oral groups received one oral dose. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Respiratory and heart rates, clinical score, oxygen saturation (Spo2), and the infant's state, ie, asleep, awake, or feeding, were recorded at baseline and at 30 and 60 minutes after treatment. RESULTS Randomization produced equivalent groups in terms of demographics and baseline measures. There were no statistically significant differences in any outcomes among the four treatments, except for oral albuterol, which produced an increase in heart rate (15 beats per minute, P = .005). No differences in the need for additional treatment or hospitalization were observed. Change in the state of the infant during the trial had significant effects on respiratory rate and clinical score. CONCLUSIONS Albuterol is as effective as oral placebo in the management of bronchiolitis. Past studies supporting the use of albuterol did not control for effects of change in state of the infant and did not use a truly inactive placebo group. This study underscores the importance of these design components in measuring the efficacy of albuterol in infants.
A comparison of classical two phase (2L) and transformer — Coupled (XL) interleaved boost converters for fuel cell applications

This paper investigates power interfaces for a PEM fuel cell. The main focus of the investigation is to analyze and test the effects of part-load operation on component selection and stresses with an emphasis on the magnetic components. The standard two-phase interleaved boost with a discrete inductor per phase is compared with the transformer-coupled two-phase interleaved boost, consisting of a single input inductor in series with a phase-coupling transformer. The converter characteristics are investigated for the experimental V-I inputs derived from the polarization curve of an industrial PEM fuel cell. Experimental validation is presented for a 3 kW design. Magnetic sizing of air-cooled components for power converters up to 45 kW are additionally investigated.
Brazilian microfranchising chains: entrepreneurs' backgrounds and perceptions of brands and support

The article aims to analyse how microfranchisees backgrounds influence their perceptions of franchisors' support and the brand. Based on the theory of entrepreneurship and the elements of franchise support and brand, we conducted a qualitative field study utilising the case study method with six Brazilian microfranchisees. Results suggest both the influence of the 'honeymoon period' on perceptions of brands and support and the absence of competencies required to manage a business. The main contribution of this research is positing the relevance and importance of the 'honeymoon period' in microfranchisees' choices and performance.
Macroeconomic Factors and Stock Market Returns: A Study in Indian Context

This paper analyses returns on four equity indices of the Indian capital market in the period from July 2000 to June 2010. Methodology involves sample adequacy tests, factor analysis followed by Cochrane and Orcutt regression analysis. Findings suggests that three statistical factors from linear combinations of several macroeconomic indicators explain significant cross sectional variation in return. These three factors may be proxy for money market factor, foreign involvement factor and domestic macroeconomic factor. The results suggest, consistent with other previous studies, that stock returns are a function of a number of previously identified set of macroeconomic variables. These macroeconomic variables could be represented by a number of estimated macro factors.
The Power of Fitness in Mammals: Perceptions from the African Slipstream*

Evolutionary physiology is the emerging physiological discipline. Unlike environmental physiology or ecophysiology, whose definitions have long been made quite clear, evolutionary physiology has a broader scope of objectives, and its definition lacks a concise treatise. This paper presents the argument that the lack of a common definition of evolutionary physiology is retarding the unification of the mechanistic and amechanistic physiological sciences, a multidisciplinary obligation crucial for a holistic understanding of a physiological basis of fitness. The divide between mechanistic “how” questions, devoted primarily to homeostasis, and evolutionary “why” questions, concerned with understanding phenotypic and genotypic physiological variation, remains broad and is currently not conducive to synergy in the physiological disciplines. Unification may be facilitated, however, by embracing a common currency of measurement and analysis. A likely candidate is the cascade of energy from the environment to offspring and the evolution of physiological form and function, including homeostasis, associated with power management. This currency approach seeks to identify an energetic basis of fitness, namely, whether or how the evolution of life‐history traits is influenced by energetic constraints and/or trade‐offs.
The role of hippocampus in anxiety: intracerebral infusion studies

Although current models of hippocampal function stress its well-known role in cognitive functions, historically it has also been viewed as a neural mediator of emotion. Here, we review recent evidence from intrahippocampal infusion studies in animals that support a distinctive role of the hippocampus in anxiety, independent of its roles in learning and memory. Specifically, &ggr;-aminobutyric acid type A receptor agonists, both direct and indirect, reliably inhibit a number of animals' untrained anxiety reactions when microinfused into the hippocampus, whereas &ggr;-aminobutyric acid type A receptor antagonists do not. Intrahippocampal infusions of glutamatergic, serotonergic and cholinergic compounds also produce statistically reliable antianxiety effects, but the results vary as a function of specific anxiety reactions, and to some extent specific intrahippocampal targets. One hypothesis that may accommodate some of this variability is that anxiety is functionally segregated within the hippocampus, with ventral subregions more involved in anxiety-related processes, and dorsal subregions more involved with cognitive processes. Another possibility is that different hippocampal functions (e.g. memory and anxiety) are mediated by different neurotransmitter systems and/or different receptor subtypes within the hippocampus. Although there is some evidence that supports the latter hypothesis, the evidence for the former is not conclusive. Overall, however, the data clearly suggest that the hippocampus is importantly and directly involved in the mediation of untrained anxiety reactions in animals.
Efficacy of whey protein supplementation on resistance exercise-induced changes in lean mass, muscle strength, and physical function in mobility-limited older adults.

BACKGROUND Whey protein supplementation may augment resistance exercise-induced increases in muscle strength and mass. Further studies are required to determine whether this effect extends to mobility-limited older adults. The objectives of the study were to compare the effects of whey protein concentrate (WPC) supplementation to an isocaloric control on changes in whole-body lean mass, mid-thigh muscle cross-sectional area, muscle strength, and stair-climbing performance in older mobility-limited adults in response to 6 months of resistance training (RT). METHODS Eighty mobility-limited adults aged 70-85 years were randomized to receive WPC (40g/day) or an isocaloric control for 6 months. All participants also completed a progressive high-intensity RT intervention. Sample sizes were calculated based on the primary outcome of change in whole-body lean mass to give 80% power for a 0.05-level, two-sided test. RESULTS Lean mass increased 1.3% and 0.6% in the WPC and control groups, respectively. Muscle cross-sectional area was increased 4.6% and 2.9% in the WPC and control groups, respectively, and muscle strength increased 16%-50% in WPC and control groups. Stair-climbing performance also improved in both groups. However, there were no statistically significant differences in the change in any of these variables between groups. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that WPC supplementation at this dose does not offer additional benefit to the effects of RT in mobility-limited older adults.
Mode converter based on dielectric phase shift

In this paper, mode conversion method in a circular waveguide, based on dielectric phase shift is proposed. Radiation from high power microwave sources generally consists of null or minimum power on the axis, due to presence of TM01 mode. To get the maximum power on the axis, TM01 mode can be converted into dominant TE11 mode. Conventional TM01 to TE11 mode converters are serpentine-profile circular waveguides, while the proposed mode converter is linear-profile circular waveguide. It first converts TM01 mode into coaxial TEM mode and then due to dielectric phase shift, final output is TE11 mode. Proposed mode converter consists of a circular waveguide with centre conductor, and azimuthally divided into two sections by metallic plates. Lower section of the waveguide is loaded with dielectric and upper section with vacuum. An analysis of mode conversion efficiency with respect to different dielectric materials is performed. Selection of PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) or Teflon® as dielectric resulted in an optimized design with high conversion efficiency (more than 90%) for 690 MHz (19%) bandwidth at 3.5 GHz operating frequency.
Perceptions of casino dealers toward organizational justice: Are there any gender differences?

ABSTRACT The emphasis on equity and diversity is vital for businesses to flourish. Promoting workplace equality, essential to enhance employees' satisfaction in delivering excellent service quality, requires understanding of the perception of employees as well as the problems they face. This study examines whether gender equality exists among frontline casino employees, the degree to which inequality is experienced and the consequence of such perceptions, through face-to-face, in-depth interviews with the dealers in Macao. The theory of organizational justice is adopted. Results revealed that perceived inequality and injustices were stronger among the male dealers. Male dealers perceived stronger distributive and procedural injustices than females, while female dealers perceived stronger interactional injustice than males. The perceived injustices resulted in various negative work attitudes among employees. Recommendations to improve work attitudes and counterbalance the inequities are proposed.