Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Knee joint stiffness in individuals with and without knee osteoarthritis: a preliminary study.

STUDY DESIGN Descriptive, case-matched comparison. OBJECTIVES To compare the knee joint stiffness and damping coefficients of individuals with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) to those of age- and gender-matched individuals without KOA. A secondary purpose was to investigate relationships between these coefficients and complaints of stiffness in individuals with KOA. BACKGROUND KOA is a leading cause of disability, and stiffness is a common complaint in individuals with KOA. Yet the most common method of assessing knee joint stiffness is through a self-report questionnaire. METHODS AND MEASURES Stiffness and damping coefficients at the knee were calculated in 10 volunteers (mean age +/- SD, 64.1+/-15.5 years) with KOA and compared to coefficients from age-and gender-matched individuals without KOA, collected in a previous study (mean age +/- SD, 62.1+/-13.9 years). Stiffness and damping coefficients were calculated from the angular motion of the knee during a relaxed oscillation. Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated between stiffness and damping coefficients and WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) scores for subjects with KOA. RESULTS Independent 2-tailed t tests revealed significantly larger damping coefficients (P = .035) among those with KOA (95% CI, 0.10-2.32 Nm s/rad). Spearman rank correlations revealed a significant positive relationship (r = .85, P = .003) between the damping coefficient and the stiffness subscore of the WOMAC. CONCLUSION This study offers preliminary data demonstrating the feasibility of measuring stiffness and damping coefficients in individuals with KOA. Additionally, the damping coefficient is increased in people with KOA when compared to age- and gender-matched individuals without KOA. The damping coefficient appears to be associated with the complaints of stiffness reported by the WOMAC.
Simultaneous Information and Energy Transfer in Large-Scale Networks with/without Relaying

Energy harvesting (EH) from ambient radio-frequency (RF) electromagnetic waves is an efficient solution for fully autonomous and sustainable communication networks. Most of the related works presented in the literature are based on specific (and small-scale) network structures, which although give useful insights on the potential benefits of the RF-EH technology, cannot characterize the performance of general networks. In this paper, we adopt a large-scale approach of the RF-EH technology and we characterize the performance of a network with random number of transmitter-receiver pairs by using stochastic-geometry tools. Specifically, we analyze the outage probability performance and the average harvested energy, when receivers employ power splitting (PS) technique for "simultaneous" information and energy transfer. A non-cooperative scheme, where information/energy are conveyed only via direct links, is firstly considered and the outage performance of the system as well as the average harvested energy are derived in closed form in function of the power splitting. For this protocol, an interesting optimization problem which minimizes the transmitted power under outage probability and harvesting constraints, is formulated and solved in closed form. In addition, we study a cooperative protocol where sources' transmissions are supported by a random number of potential relays that are randomly distributed into the network. In this case, information/energy can be received at each destination via two independent and orthogonal paths (in case of relaying). We characterize both performance metrics, when a selection combining scheme is applied at the receivers and a single relay is randomly selected for cooperative diversity.
Abnormal Hippocampal Axon Bundling in EphB Receptor Mutant Mice

Axons travel frequently in bundles to reach their target. After arriving at the target, axon terminals defasciculate, migrate to topographically defined positions, and form synapses with appropriate target neurons. Here we present evidence that the B-type receptors of the erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular (Eph) family and a ligand, ephrin-B3, influence hippocampal axon defasciculation. The EphB receptors are expressed in the hippocampus, and the ligand, ephrin-B3, is transcribed in the lateral septum, the major subcortical target of hippocampal neurons. Ephrin-B3 promotes adhesion of hippocampal neurons to the ligand-expressing substrates in vitro, and the loss of the receptor EphB2 abrogates the effects of ephrin-B3. In mice deficient in EphB2 and EphB3, many hippocampal axons remain in bundles. This phenotype was also observed in mice that were specifically deleted for the cytoplasmic domain of EphB2. These observations indicate that the EphB receptors and their ligand regulate hippocampal axon defasciculation at the septal target, possibly through a receptor-mediated forward signaling mechanism.
Molecular Aspects of Breast Cancer Metastasis to the Brain

Our knowledge of the biology underlying the development of brain metastases (BM) from breast cancer has improved over the last decade due to large clinical epidemiological studies, animal models of metastasis, and the use of high-resolution gene expression profiling technologies. However, there are still major gaps in our understanding of the mechanisms utilized by breast cancer cells to colonize the brain microenvironment, thus our arsenal of therapies remains relatively nonspecific, and the prognosis for breast cancer patients with BM remains poor. Additional insights into these mechanisms are necessary to facilitate the development of new preventive and curative therapeutic regimens to block this fatal disease. This paper aims to provide a general overview for the readers of what has been achieved in this field of research and its translation into clinical practice to date and to highlight exciting new areas of research that promise to inform the development of new targeted therapies for BM.
Predictors of health-promoting behaviors in patients with coronary artery disease in the Iranian population.

This study was carried out to determine the predictors of health-promoting behaviors (HPBs) in patients with coronary artery diseases (CAD) in the Iranian population. In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 250 eligible patients ages 42-80 years with a body mass index (BMI) between 18 and 45.7 kg/m2 with CAD who were admitted to a cardiac hospital in Urmia, Iran participated. Valid questionnaires used the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II (HPLP-II), Cardiac Self-Efficacy (CSE) and General Self-Efficacy (GSE) scales to assess HPBs, CSE and GSE, respectively. Fifty five percent of participants were men and mean (SD) age was 59 (12.1) years. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated that CSE, GSE, education and BMI were the best predictors of HPBs, respectively. This model predicted 31% of HPB change (adjusted R2 = 0.31). Responsibility for health and spiritual growth motivates patients to apply HPBs. However, physical activity and stress management are least applied.
WeMuTe – A Weak Mutation Testing Tool for WS-BPEL

—Web Service rapidly grows and is implemented by many famous enterprises. Web Service Business Process Execution Language (WS-BPEL) appears to solve and support more complex business processes. Mutation Testing has occurred for few decades to justify if the test data are sufficient to test the program or a component of code in the program. With fault-based testing method, mutation testing can help testers improve effectiveness of the test cases. Weak mutation testing is a kind of mutation testing which aims at reducing computational cost. Weak mutation considers only a component in the program, mutates it, and finally compares the results between the original program and the mutant. In our previous work [1], we analyzed a set of mutation operators, which can be used for weak mutation with WS-PEL and introduce a framework for weak mutation. This paper we continue our work by proposing a weak mutation tool for WS-BPEL, which supports mutant generation, running test cases against the mutants, as well as specifying live, killed, and equivalent mutants. The tool has been tested with six BPEL programs.
Temperature responsive polymer brushes with clicked rhodamine B: synthesis, characterization and swelling dynamics studied by spectroscopic ellipsometry

Here, we report on a new temperature responsive polymer brush system with a terminal “click” functionality. Bifunctionalized poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNiPAAm) with distinct functional end groups was synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and grafted to a modified silicon substrate. The presence of the active terminal alkyne functionality is validated using an azide-modified rhodamine B (N3-RhB) via copper(I) catalyzed alkyne–azide cycloaddition (CuAAC). The optical properties and swelling dynamics of an N3-RhB modified PNiPAAm brush are analyzed in dry state and in situ by VIS-spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE). The best-fit results are obtained using a Gaussian oscillator model and are confirmed by UV/VIS-spectroscopy. We observed evidence of interactions between the aromatic residues of the dye and the PNiPAAm amide groups, which significantly affect the swelling behavior of the modified polymer brush.
Delayed Presentation of Small Bowel Injury During Suprapubic Catheterisation

We present a case of small intestine injury resulting from suprapubic catheter insertion. This case is of particular interest for three reasons. Firstly, the presentation of the injury was delayed by three months, until the time of the first catheter exchange. Secondly, the injury was managed conservatively, without surgical exploration. Finally, the injury occurred using a newer, Seldinger-type suprapubic catheter insertion kit.
EXTERNAL FOCUS OF ATTENTION ENHANCES DISCUS THROWING PERFORMANCE

A performer’s focus of attention has been shown to influence motor performance and learning in a variety of motor skills. The purpose of the current study was to examine the effects of an external and internal focus of attention on discus throwing. Participants (N=20; mean age: 22 years, SD: 1.58) were recruited from an undergraduate male student population that had limited experience with the task. Using a within-participants design, all participants completed five maximum effort trials under each attentional focus condition (external and internal). The results of a repeated-measures ANCOVA revealed that participants had a significantly more effective performance in external focus of attention condition compared with the internal attentional focus. These findings are in line with the previous studies showing enhanced motor performance as a result of using external versus internal focus of attention. Therefore, it is suggested that coaches and practitioners give instructions that promote an external focus of attention.
Decomposing the academic failure-dropout relationship : A longitudinal analysis

ABSTRACT Data from a 4-wave panel (N = 1,195), tested in the 7th, 8th, and 9th grades and as young adults, were used to estimate a causal model. The model was used to decompose a previously observed relationship between 7th-grade academic failure and later dropout behavior in terms of 5 theoretically informed mediating variables. The academic failure–dropout relationship was partially decomposed by the mediating effects of low motivation, association with deviant peers, and perception of rejection by the students at school. Although perception of rejection by teachers and resistance toward school were, as hypothesized, influenced by earlier negative academic experiences, they had no independent effects on dropping out net of their relationship to association with deviant peers or low motivation. Implications for current practice and future research are also discussed.
Teacher Survival Rates—A Current Look

Data are examined for the period 1968 to 1976 to provide a current look at public school teacher survival rates, and to update Charters’ findings reported in 1970. Results indicate that the downward sloping survival curve that Charters found still exists, although the curve has shifted up steadily through time. For example, of the cohort of new entrants to teaching in the St. Louis area in 1968, only 64.7% lasted beyond 1 year. Further, the survival rate differential between men and women has decreased over time to a point that the rates are virtually identical.
Predicting Low Thermal Conductivity SiGe Nanowires with a Novel Cluster Expansion Approach

The cluster expansion enables fast alloy property computations especially useful for predicting alloy thermodynamics. It expands configurational alloy properties in basis functions called clusters with associated expansion coefficients called effective cluster interactions (ECI). The number of ECI depends on the symmetries of the system. Therefore, when applied to non-bulk low-symmetry systems, the cluster expansion faces difficulties. To improve the cluster expansion of low-symmetry structures, the coarse grained meta cluster expansion (MCE) was recently invented. However, it suffers from important practical issues. The cluster grouping in the MCE depends on both the system and the property being studied, in which sense it is not transferable. An MCE grouping is not unique either. Furthermore, it is not readily implemented in existing cluster expansion software built for bulk systems. Therefore, in this work, we develop a new cluster expansion approach called the ghost lattice method (GLM), which is transferable, unique, and readily implemented in existing cluster expansion software. The GLM can cluster expand any geometry such as nanowires, surfaces, spheres, etc., no matter its complexity. We demonstrate that it can successfully predict the thermal conductivity versus configuration of silicon-germanium (Si-Ge) nanowires.
Inference for a Class of Stochastic Volatility Models Using Option and Spot Prices: Application of a Bivariate Kalman Filter

In this paper Bayesian methods are applied to a stochastic volatility model using both the prices of the asset and the prices of options written on the asset. Posterior densities for all model parameters, latent volatilities and the market price of volatility risk are produced via a Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling algorithm. Candidate draws for the unobserved volatilities are obtained in blocks by applying the Kalman filter and simulation smoother to a linearization of a nonlinear state space representation of the model. Crucially, information from both the spot and option prices affects the draws via the specification of a bivariate measurement equation, with implied Black–Scholes volatilities used to proxy observed option prices in the candidate model. Alternative models nested within the Heston (1993) framework are ranked via posterior odds ratios, as well as via fit, predictive and hedging performance. The method is illustrated using Australian News Corporation spot and option price data.
Interpersonal Concerns in Social Encounters between Majority and Minority Group Members

Dyadic interactions between Whites and Blacks were examined. Whites' concern about appearing prejudiced was manipulated by informing Whites that it was extremely important not to be prejudiced during the interaction. Blacks' concern about being the target of prejudice was manipulated by informing them that their dyadic partner was prejudiced against Blacks. The findings show that these two concerns differentially impacted individuals' own and their partner's experiences in the interaction. Specifically, Whites who tried not to be prejudiced experienced more anxiety and enjoyed the interaction less, but were liked more by their Black partner. Additionally, Blacks who believed their partner was prejudiced enjoyed the interaction more, and their White partner experienced less anxiety and enjoyed the interaction more. The implications of these findings for interpersonal intergroup encounters are discussed.
Globalization's Cultural Consequences

Globalization has been associated with a range of cultural consequences. These can be analyzed in terms of three major theses, namely, homogenization, polarization, and hybridization. The homogenization thesis proclaims that global culture is becoming standardized around a Western or American pattern. While some evidence supports this view, the presence of cultural alternatives and resistance to Western norms suggests that polarization provides a more convincing picture of global cultural development. Global interconnection and interdependence do not necessarily mean cultural conformity. Culture, it seems, is harder to standardize than economic organization and technology. Yet the idea of polarization has its limits, too. The hybridization thesis argues that cultures borrow and incorporate elements from each other, creating hybrid, or syncretic, forms. Evidence to support this view comes mainly from popular music and religious life. The cultural consequences of globalization are therefore diverse and complex.
Enhanced Reverse Transcription-PCR Assay for Detection of Norovirus Genogroup I

ABSTRACT We have developed a one-tube reverse transcription (RT)-PCR method using the real-time TaqMan PCR system for the detection of norovirus genogroup I (NV GGI). By introduction of a novel probe based on locked nucleic acid technology, we enhanced the sensitivity of the assay compared to those of conventional TaqMan probes. The sensitivity of the NV GGI RT-PCR was determined by probit analysis with defined RNA standards and quantified norovirus isolates to 711 copies/ml (95% detection limit). In order to detect PCR inhibition, we included a heterologous internal control (IC) system based on phage MS2. This internally controlled RT-PCR was tested on different real-time PCR platforms, LightCycler, Rotorgene, Mastercycler EP realplex, and ABI Prism. Compared to the assay without an IC, the duplex RT-PCR exhibited no reduction in sensitivity in clinical samples. In combination with an established NV GGII real-time RT-PCR, we used the novel assay in a routine assay for diagnosis of clinical and food-borne norovirus infection. We applied this novel assay to analyze outbreaks of nonbacterial acute gastroenteritis. Norovirus of GGI was detected in these outbreaks. Sequence and similarity plot analysis of open reading frame 1 (ORF1) and ORF2 showed two genotypes, GGI/2 and GGI/4, in semiclosed communities.
Effects of Aligning Self-Management Interventions with Functional Behavioral Assessment

The differential effects of interventions aligned with indicated and non-indicated behavioral function were studied. Disruptive behavior of a fourth grade child at risk for emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) was assessed through functional behavioral assessment (FBA) procedures. Following the FBA, three interventions were designed, only one based on an indicated behavioral function. Each intervention was assessed within a multi-element design. The intervention based on the student’s identified behavioral function resulted in the greatest increase in on-task behaviors and the greatest reduction in disruptions. These results are discussed in terms of the effectiveness of using functional behavioral assessment for designing interventions.
Combination of ketamine and xylazine exacerbates cardiac dysfunction in severely scalded rats during the shock stage

Cardiac inhibition due to burn injury and anesthetics have been documented previously. However, little is known about their combined effects on cardiac function. The aim of the present study was to observe the effects of a ketamine/xylazine (K/X) combination on the cardiac function of rats with severe scalds and compare them with those of avertin. Adult rats were randomly distributed into four groups: the KXB group (scalds anesthetized with K/X, n=10), the KXC group (sham scalds anesthetized with K/X, n=10), the AVB group (scalds anesthetized with avertin, n=10) and the AVC group (sham scalds anesthetized with avertin, n=10). Ketamine and xylazine were administered at 25 and 6 mg/kg, respectively, and avertin at 200 mg/kg before full-thickness scalds or sham scalds of 30% total body surface area (TBSA) were produced. Echocardiographic parameters were assessed following injury. The heart rate (HR) in the KXB group was fatally low during the study period. Fractional shortening (FS%) and ejection fraction (EF) in the KXB group were extremely low initially and remained low. The left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) and left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) were reduced in the burned rats. Serum levels of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) were significantly higher in the KXB group than in the AVB group (1.66±0.28 vs. 1.16±0.34 ng/ml, P<0.01). The highest lung wet/dry weight ratio was observed in the KXB group. However, no evident heart tissue pathological changes were observed in these groups. The apoptotic index of myocardial cells and caspase 3 expression level were highest in the KXB group (P<0.01). In conclusion, K/X exacerbated cardiac inhibition in severely scalded rats during the shock stage by a mechanism which may involve mitochondrial apoptosis.
Model checking class specifications for Web applications

This paper proposes an approach for verifying class specifications of Web applications using model checking. We first present a method to model a dynamic behavior of a Web application from a class specification. We next propose two methods to verify consistencies of the class specification and other design specifications: (1) a page flow diagram which is one of the most essential specifications for Web applications and (2) a behavior diagram such as a UML activity diagram. We applied the proposed methods to real specifications of a Web application designed by a certain company and found several faults of the specifications that had not been detected in actual reviews.
Comment on Christopher Winch's the Economic Aims of Education.

This paper argues that Christopher Winch's contribution to the debate on the aims of education contains some significant errors and omissions. His definition of work is problematic and leads to the conclusion that education should be directed towards very narrow vocational targets. His argument makes unstated and contestable assumptions about the source of educational aims. Lastly, he underplays the implications of the economic aims of education for the achievement of liberal aims. His programme would lead to less pluralism than the liberal alternative.
Mehr als Worte

Zusammenfassung: In zwei Experimenten wurden die Annahmen des Elaboration-Likelihood-Modells zum Einfluss der Urteilsrelevanz auf die Wahl der Verarbeitungsstrategie im Bereich der Glaubwurdigkeitsbeurteilung in Alltagssituationen uberpruft. Experiment 1 konnte zeigen, dass Personen bei hoher Relevanz ihres Urteils die zentrale Route der Verarbeitung wahlten und mehr Gedanken uber den Inhalt von Aussagen berichteten, und dass ihr Glaubwurdigkeitsurteil ausschlieslich mit den Gedanken zum Inhalt korreliert war. Bei niedriger Relevanz ihres Urteils hingegen wurden mehr Gedanken uber die Quelle als uber den Inhalt berichtet, und das Glaubwurdigkeitsurteil korrelierte nur mit den Gedanken zur Quelle. In Experiment 2 wurden nonverbale und inhaltliche Informationen direkt manipuliert. Wie vorhergesagt, wirkte sich die Manipulation der Plausibilitat der Aussagen nur bei Personen mit hoher Urteilsrelevanz auf die Glaubwurdigkeitszuschreibung aus. Das nonverbale Verhalten einer Quelle beeinflusste dagegen nur bei .