Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Acquisition of skilled visual search performance following severe closed-head injury

This study used a semantic-category visual search task to investigate skill acquisition and automatic process development in a severe closed-head injured (CHI) population. Eighteen severe CHI participants (> 1 year post injury) and 18 matched controls completed over 3600 trials of training in both consistent mapping (CM) and varied mapping (VM) training situations. Transfer conditions were also used to test for development of an automatic attention response (AAR) that was independent of general, task-related learning. For both the severe CHI and control group, CM training, where individuals always responded in the same way to a specific class of stimuli, resulted in dramatic performance improvements and the development of an AAR. In the VM training condition, where individuals could not respond in the same way to a class of stimuli from one stimulus exposure to the next, there was little performance improvement and continued reliance on controlled processes. The visual search rates of the CHI participants also remained slower than those of controls following extended VM but not extended CM practice. These results indicate that skill acquisition training guidelines can be used to teach severe CHI patients to develop a new automatic skill. (JINS, 2001, 7, 615–630.)
Evaluation of Typing of Vibrioparahaemolyticus by Three PCR Methods Using Specific Primers

ABSTRACT Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a halophilic bacterium frequently involved in human outbreaks of seafood-associated gastroenteritis. For epidemiological purposes, different molecular typing methods, such as pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) or ribotyping, have been developed for this pathogen; however, these methods are mostly labor-intensive and time-consuming. In this work, we designed and evaluated three rapid PCR typing methods for this pathogen using primers designed on the basis of the following specific sequences: conserved ribosomal gene spacer sequence (RS), repetitive extragenic palindromic sequence (REP), and enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus sequence (ERIC). Typing patterns and clustering analysis indicated that these methods apparently differentiated V.parahaemolyticus strains from reference strains of interspecific Escherichiacoli,V. cholerae, and V.vulnificus and were also valuable in subspecies typing of this pathogen. Forty domestic strains of V.parahaemolyticus, representing a wide range of PFGE patterns, were grouped into 15, 27, and 27 patterns, with discrimination indexes of 0.91, 0.97, and 0.98, by RS-, REP-, and ERIC-PCR, respectively. The discriminative abilities of these PCR methods closely approached or even exceeded those of PFGE and ribotyping. REP-PCR is preferable to ERIC-PCR because of the greater reproducibility of its fingerprints, while RS-PCR may be a practical method because it generates fewer amplification bands and patterns than the alternatives.
Effect of take-off from prosthetic versus intact limb on transtibial amputee long jump technique

Background: Increasing numbers of long jumpers with lower limb amputations choose to take off from their prosthetic limb. It is not yet known what difference in technique, if any, this requires, or which is more advantageous. Objectives: To investigate kinematic differences in long jump technique in athletes with a unilateral transtibial ampution (TT) who take off from their prosthetic limb versus those who take off from their intact limb. Study Design: Naturalistic, field-based, observational; independent group, nonparametric comparison. Methods: Two-dimensional sagittal plane kinematic analysis was performed on all athletes competing in the men’s Paralympic TT long jump finals. Five athletes took off from their prosthetic limb (TOprosth) and five from their intact limb (TOintact). Results: No differences were seen between the two groups in terms of jump distance, approach speed or vertical velocity at touch down. While in contact with the take-off board, the two groups gained a similar amount of vertical velocity. However, the TOprosth group appeared to conserve horizontal velocity by using the prosthesis as a ‘springboard’, minimizing the large hip and knee range of motion displayed by the TOintact group and athletes in previous studies. Conclusions: While differences in technique were observed, no difference was found for jump distance. Clinical relevance Athletes choosing to take-off from their prosthetic limb in long jump require a different technique to those who choose to take-off from their intact limb. Knowledge of the correct technique can help reduce excessive training which can lead to injury, particularly in the residual limb.
Dopamine and synaptic plasticity in the neostriatum

After the unilateral destruction of the dopamine input to the neostriatum there are enduring changes in rat behaviour. These have been ascribed to the loss of dopamine and the animals are often referred to as ‘hemiparkinsonian’. In the denervated neostriatum, we have shown that not only are the tyrosine hydroxylase positive boutons missing, but also the medium sized densely spiny output cells have fewer spines. Spines usually have asymmetric synapses on their heads. In a recent stereological study we were able to show that there is a loss of approximately 20% of asymmetric synapses in the lesioned neostriatum by 1 mo after the lesion. Current experiments are trying to establish the specificity of this loss. So far we have evidence suggesting that there is no obvious preferential loss of synapses from either D1 or D2 receptor immunostained dendrites in the neostriatum with damaged dopamine innervation. These experiments suggest that dopamine is somehow necessary for the maintenance of corticostriatal synapses in the neostriatum. In a different series of experiments slices of cortex and neostriatum were maintained in vitro in such a way as to preserve at least some of the corticostriatal connections. In this preparation we have been able to show that cortical stimulation results in robust excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) recorded from inside striatal neurons. Using stimulation protocols derived from the experiments on hippocampal synaptic plasticity we have shown that the usual consequence of trains of high frequency stimulation of the cortex is the depression of the size of EPSPs in the striatal cell. In agreement with similar experiments by others, the effect seems to be influenced by NMDA receptors since the unblocking of these receptors with low Mg++ concentrations in the perfusate uncovers a potentiation of the EPSPs after trains of stimulation. Dopamine applied in the perfusion fluid round the slices has no effect but pulsatile application of dopamine, close to the striatal cell being recorded from, and in temporal association with the cortical trains, leads to a similar LTP like effect. The reduction of K+ channel conductance in the bath with TEA also has the effect of making cortical trains induce potentiation of corticostriatal transmission. TEA applied only to the cell being recorded from has no similar effect; the cortical stimulation again depresses the EPSP amplitude, so the site of action of TEA may well be presynaptic to the striatal cell. The morphological and physiological experiments may not necessarily be related but it is tempting to suggest that dopamine protects some corticostriatal synapses by potentiating them but that in the absence of dopamine others simply disconnect and are no longer detectable on electron microscopy.
Germ Line Stem Cell Competition in Postnatal Mouse Testes1

Abstract Niche is believed to affect stem cell behavior. In self-renewing systems for which functional transplantation assays are available, it has long been assumed that stem cells are fixed in the niche and that ablative treatments to remove endogenous stem cells are required for successful donor engraftment. Our results demonstrate that enriched populations of donor stem cells can produce long-lasting spermatogenic colonies in testes of immature and mature, nonablated mice, albeit at a lower frequency than in ablated mice. Colonization of nonablated recipient testes by neonate, pup, and cryptorchid adult donor spermatogonial stem cells demonstrates that competition for niche begins soon after birth and that endogenous stem cells influence the degree and pattern of donor cell colonization. Thus, a dynamic relationship between stem cell and niche exists in the testis, as has been suggested for hematopoiesis. Therefore, similar competitive properties of donor stem cells may be characteristic of all self-renewing systems.
Convergence acceleration and accuracy improvement in power bus impedance calculation with a fast algorithm using cavity modes

Based on the cavity-mode model, we have developed a fast algorithm for calculating power bus impedance in multilayer printed circuit boards. The fast algorithm is based on a closed-form expression for the impedance Z matrix of a rectangular power bus structure; this expression was obtained by reducing the original double infinite series into a single infinite series under an approximation. The convergence of the single series is further accelerated analytically. The accelerated single summation enables much faster computation, since use of only a few terms is enough to obtain good accuracy. In addition, we propose two ways to compensate for the error due to the approximation involved in the process of reducing the double series to the single series, and have demonstrated that these two techniques are almost equivalent.
What Drives Non-Performing Loans? Evidence from Emerging and Advanced Economies during Pre- and Post-Global Financial Crisis

ABSTRACT We examine the determinants of non-performing loans (NPLs) in emerging countries compared to advanced countries during pre- and post-global financial crisis using dynamic panel estimation techniques. We analyze the effects of banking sector-specific factors and macroeconomic factors on NPLs utilizing a panel data set of emerging and advanced countries. Our results suggest that real GDP growth is the main determinant that affects the NPL ratio, and NPLs exhibit high persistence in emerging and advanced economies both for the pre- and post-crisis periods. We find that exchange rate and foreign direct investments (FDI) become statistically significant for emerging countries after the crisis period.
Validation of a new self-report instrument for measuring physical activity.

PURPOSE Development and validation of a physical activity scale for measuring physical activity in 24 h of sports, work, and leisure time on an average weekday. METHODS For development of the physical activity scale, 2500 randomly selected Danish men and women between the age of 20 and 60 were contacted by mail and asked to select frequent and relevant physical activities from a number of activities of known MET intensity. The activities were included in the physical activity scale, organized in nine different MET levels ranging from sleep/rest (0.9 METs) to high-intensity physical activities (>6 METs). Face validity of the physical activity scale was explored through interviews with 10 volunteer men and women. Concurrent validity was assessed against 4 d of accelerometry (CSA 7164) and physical activity diary in 40 volunteer men and women between 20 and 60 yr of age. RESULTS The correlation between the activity scale and the diary was high (r = 0.74, P = 0.000), whereas correlation between the activity scale and accelerometer measurements was poor (r = 0.20, NS). The physical activity scale MET-time was systematically higher than average MET-time estimated from the diary, and the difference increased with increasing total MET-time. CONCLUSION The physical activity scale appears to be a simple and valid alternative to measuring physical activity by diary in adult sedentary to moderately active Danes. The scale encompasses work, leisure time, and sports activity in one measure; it is easy to administer, and it provides detailed information on different activity levels as well as a single measure of the total amount of physical activity on an average weekday.
Eradication of colonization by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus by using oral minocycline-rifampin and topical mupirocin

In an attempt to control the spread of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) within a spinal cord injury unit, we investigated the mode of transmission and implemented a multidisciplinary approach for control that consisted of grouping of patients into cohorts, contact isolation, and antibiotics. Surveillance cultures of patients and nose and hand cultures of medical personnel were performed. Of 11 colonized patients, 6 had MRSA isolates that shared a similar plasmid profile and antibiogram, raising the possibility of interpatient spread of the organism. Medical personnel had no evident role in transmitting MRSA. All patients' pretherapy MRSA isolates were susceptible to minocycline and, except for one, to rifampin. Time-kill studies showed an indifferent interaction of these two antibiotics. Ten colonized patients received a 2-week oral course of 100 mg of minocycline twice daily and 600 mg of rifampin once daily, while the 11th patient was treated for only 1 week. Patients with colonization of the nares also had twice daily nasal application of 2% mupirocin for 5 days. Colonization with MRSA cleared in 10 of 11 patients (91%) and 20 of 21 sites (95%). When the individual circumstances of a medical facility justify eradication of MRSA colonization, a multidisciplinary approach that includes antibiotic therapy with oral minocycline and rifampin, along with topical mupirocin for those with nasal carriage, may be successful.
Eccentric or Concentric Exercises for the Treatment of Tendinopathies?

Synopsis Tendinopathy is a very common disorder in both recreational and elite athletes. Many individuals have recurrent symptoms that lead to chronic conditions and termination of sports activity. Exercise has become a popular and somewhat efficacious treatment regime, and isolated eccentric exercise has been particularly promoted. In this clinical commentary, we review the relevant evidence for different exercise regimes in tendinopathy rehabilitation, with particular focus on the applied loads that are experienced by the tendon and how the exercise regime may affect these applied loads. There is no convincing clinical evidence to demonstrate that isolated eccentric loading exercise improves clinical outcomes more than other loading therapies. However, the great variation and sometimes insufficient reporting of the details of treatment protocols may hamper the interpretation of what may be the optimal exercise regime with respect to parameters such as load magnitude, speed of movement, and recovery period between exercise sessions. Future studies should control for these loading parameters, evaluate various exercise dosages, and think beyond isolated eccentric exercises to arrive at firm recommendations regarding rehabilitation of individuals with tendinopathies. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2015;45(11):853-863. Epub 14 Oct 2015. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015. 5910.
The influence of alternative diet composition in an urban habitat on the breeding success of Eurasian kestrels (Falco tinnunculus) in Vienna

Global zunehmende Urbanisierungsprozesse verandern die Landschaft und damit die Zusammensetzung der Artenvielfalt in den betroffenen Gebieten. Der Turmfalke (Falco tinnunculus L., 1758) ist der haufigste Greifvogel in Wien (415 km2, 1,8 Mio. Einwohner) und als Kulturfolger spatestens seit der zweiten Halfte des 19. Jahrhunderst bekannt. Wahrend seiner Brutsaison besiedelt er die osterreichische Hauptstadt mit 89-122 Brutpaaren/100 km2. Diese Dichte ist die hochste, die die Spezies im innereuropaischen Vergleich erreicht. Im Gegensatz zu ihren Artgenossen im Umland, die auf die Jagd von Wuhlmausen spezialisiert sind, ernahren sich stadtische Turmfalken generalistisch: Kleinsauger und –vogel machen die Hauptkategorien der Nahrung aus, aber auch Reptilien und Insekten werden erbeutet. In der vorliegenden Studie wurde der Zusammenhang zwischen der alternativen Ernahrungsform und dem herabgesetzten Bruterfolg im urbanen Lebensraum untersucht. Ein hoher Vogelanteil in der Nahrung der Turmfalken wirkte sich tendetiell negativ auf das Uberleben der Nestlinge aus, allerdings erzielten andere Einflussfaktoren deutlichere Erklarungswerte. Allen voran schienen lokale Wetterverhaltnisse, gemessen als Regen- und Temperaturparameter, masgeblich fur den Reproduktionserfolg verantwortlich zu sein. Milde und niederschlagsarme Winter, eine trockene Balzzeit und warme Temperaturen wahrend der Nestlingsphase fuhrten zu erhohtem Bruterfolg. Einen signifikant positiven Einfluss auf die Gelegegrose und die Anzahl der ausgeflogenen Jungen hatte auserdem ein moglichst fruhes Gelegedatum. Auf die Verfugbarkeit von Kleinsaugern als Beute wirkten sich milde Winter und eine trockene Balzzeit forderlich aus, ebenso mehr Niederschlag wahrend Inkubation und Nestlingszeit. Ein erhohter Anteil an Kleinvogeln in der Nahrung wurde nach feuchten Wintern und Balzzeiten, sowie bei trockenen Inkubations- und vergleichweise warmen Nestlingsperioden gefunden. Unsere Ergebnisse zeigen an, dass die vorherrschenden Wetterverhaltnisse einen bedeutenderen Einfluss auf den Bruterfolg der Wiener Turmfalkenpopulation haben, als die alternative Nahrungszusammensetzung in der Stadt. Allerdings scheint der Zusammenhang auserst komplex zu sein und auch indirekte Effekte, wie etwa der Einfluss des Wetters auf die Beuteverfugbarkeit und das Gelegedatum, mussen berucksichtigt werden. Eine Langzeitstudie im vorliegenden System wird daher u.a. zur weiteren Erforschung dieses Interaktionsgefuges stark empfohlen.
Research on the Flash Translation Layer Based on Grouping Pages

Flash Translation Layer (FTL) is a key technology in a Solid-State Disk (SSD) system to manage the data transfer. Different mapping granularity in FTL will cause a change in the read/write performance and the size of mapping table. For the scenario that big capacity storage needs to hold high performance, on the basis of former mapping algorithms, this paper design a mapping method based on grouping pages granularity, and a SSD system architecture based on the parallelism of flash chip array. Besides, considering the features of the mapping method, we implement the corresponding wear-leveling algorithm and garbage collection algorithm. By computer simulation verifying, under four kinds of workload, the method proposed in this paper can decrease the size of mapping table and keep excellent read/write performance at the same time.
Effect of iron on leukocyte function: inactivation of H2O2 BY IRON

We investigated the effect of FeSO4 on phagocytosis-associated, increased oxidative metabolism via the hexose monophosphate shunt, with special attention to its effect on H2O2 levels. The availability of glutathione eroxidase and glutathione reductase for H2O2 disposal and hexose monophosphate shunt stimulation also are evaluated. The results show an impairment of phagocytosis-associated hexose monophosphate shunt activity together with an increase both of resting and phagocytosing formate oxidation. These apparently paradoxical findings are resolved by demonstrating a direct enhancement of formate oxidation by FeSO4 in a cell-free system. In addition, measurement of H2O2 concentrations via scopoletin fluorescence shows reduction of H2O2 by Feso4. There is no effect on either glutathione peroxidase or glutathione reductase activities. These data suggest that one mechanism of FeSO4 imairment of microbicidal activity is by its removal of H2O2.
IT Governance Maturity in Higher Education: A study in Brazilian and Portuguese Universities

The use of Information Technology has become prominent in teaching, learning, research, service and management activities in higher education institutions. Such prominent usage has caused a critical dependency on IT that demands adequate IT governance beyond simple and daily IT management. One way of achieving IT governance is through an appropriate set of structure, process and relational mechanisms. We have examined these types of mechanisms in six universities, four in Brazil and two in Portugal. This study was carried out using interviews to assess the level of implementation for seventeen structure, fifteen process and fourteen relational mechanisms. Findings show that the relational mechanisms were the most implemented in these six universities under study. Anyway, from this sample, we are led to the conclusion that IT governance maturity appears quite low in higher education.
Dual Antiplatelet Therapy of Clopidogrel and Aspirin in Secondary Prevention of Ischemic Stroke: Evidence and Indications

Nowadays the dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) becomes more widely used in patients with ischemic stroke. Nevertheless, controversies exist for indications of DAPT. In view of evidence‐based medicine analysis, patients with high‐risk transient ischemic attack and minor stroke, severe symptomatic intracranial artery stenosis, symptomatic intracranial and extracranial artery stenosis causing artery‐to‐artery embolism, ischemic stroke attributed to aortic arch plaques, high‐risk atrial fibrillation not suitable for oral anticoagulants, intracranial and extracranial stent implantation, and ischemic stroke with acute coronary syndrome may gain great benefit from DAPT of clopidogrel and aspirin. In clinical practice, individualized antiplatelet therapy strategies should be taken by weighing risks of ischemia and hemorrhage.
Unique expression of von Willebrand factor by type IIA von Willebrand's disease endothelial cells

Endothelial cells (EC) were cultured from the umbilical cord of a male neonate whose mother was previously diagnosed with type IIA von Willebrand's disease (vWd). The diagnosis of type IIA vWd in the proband was confirmed by low ristocetin activity and the absence of the highest molecular weight (MW) forms of von Willebrand factor (vWf) in his platelet poor plasma. The vWf of EC cultured from the neonate's umbilical cord differed from that of control EC and the cell line EA.hy926 in two respects. Firstly, the full range of molecular weight forms was present in the patient EC lysate and, secondly, vWf:Ag expression was approximately seven‐fold greater than that of control cells, Platelet lysates prepared from other affected members of the type IIA vWd family in the presence or absence of proteolytic inhibitors demonstrated a near normal vWf multimeric distribution. Resistance of these high MW forms to heat degradation was conferred by the presence of proteolytic inhibitors. Moreover, the full plasma vWf multimeric distribution could not be restored by the inclusion of EDTA, N‐ethylmaleimide and leupeptin in the anticoagulant during the rapid preparation of platelet poor plasma. These findings lend support to the heterogeneous nature of type IIA vWd and has possible implications in the understanding of the intracellular processes involved in the biosynthesis and storage of the vWf macromolecular complex as well as the pathogenesis of type IIA vWd.