Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Psychometric evaluation of commonly used game-specific skills tests in rugby: A systematic review

Objectives To (1) give an overview of commonly used game-specific skills tests in rugby and (2) evaluate available psychometric information of these tests. Methods The databases PubMed, MEDLINE CINAHL and Africa Wide information were systematically searched for articles published between January 1995 and March 2017. First, commonly used game-specific skills tests were identified. Second, the available psychometrics of these tests were evaluated and the methodological quality of the studies assessed using the Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments checklist. Studies included in the first step had to report detailed information on the construct and testing procedure of at least one game-specific skill, and studies included in the second step had additionally to report at least one psychometric property evaluating reliability, validity or responsiveness. Results 287 articles were identified in the first step, of which 30 articles met the inclusion criteria and 64 articles were identified in the second step of which 10 articles were included. Reactive agility, tackling and simulated rugby games were the most commonly used tests. All 10 studies reporting psychometrics reported reliability outcomes, revealing mainly strong evidence. However, all studies scored poor or fair on methodological quality. Four studies reported validity outcomes in which mainly moderate evidence was indicated, but all articles had fair methodological quality. Conclusion Game-specific skills tests indicated mainly high reliability and validity evidence, but the studies lacked methodological quality. Reactive agility seems to be a promising domain, but the specific tests need further development. Future high methodological quality studies are required in order to develop valid and reliable test batteries for rugby talent identification. Trial registration number PROSPERO CRD42015029747.
Mechanisms for Opponent Modelling

In various competitive game contexts, gathering information about one's opponent and relying on it for planning a strategy has been the dominant approach for numerous researchers who deal with what in game theoretic terms is known as the best response problem. This approach is known as opponent modelling. The general idea is given a model of one's adversary to rely on it for simulating the possible ways based on which a game may evolve, so as to then choose out of a number of response options the most suitable~in relation to one's goals. Similarly, many approaches concerned with strategising in the context of dialogue games rely on such models for implementing and employing strategies. In most cases though, the methodologies and the formal procedures based on which an opponent model may be built and updated receive little attention, as they are usually left implicit. In this paper we assume a general framework for argumentation-based persuasion dialogue, and we rely on a logical conception of arguments - based on the recent ASPIC^+ model for argumentation - to formally define a number of mechanisms based on which an opponent model may be built, updated, and augmented.
A New Supervised Learning Algorithm for Word Sense Disambiguation

The Naive Mix is a new supervised learning algorithm that is based on a sequential method for selecting probabilistic models. The usual objective of model selection is to find a single model that adequately characterizes the data in a training sample. However, during model selection a sequence of models is generated that consists of the best-fitting model at each level of model complexity. The Naive Mix utilizes this sequence of models to define a probabilistic model which is then used as a probabilistic classifier to perform word-sense disambiguation. The models in this sequence are restricted to the class of decomposable log-linear models. This class of models offers a number of computational advantages. Experiments disambiguating twelve different words show that a Naive Mix formulated with a forward sequential search and Akaike's Information Criteria rivals established supervised learning algorithms such as decision trees (C4.5), rule induction (CN2) and nearest-neighbor classification (PEBLS).
The Language of Compassion

This paper examines the language of compassion in contrast to a language of threat at the heart of a production-line mentality in healthcare. It reports on two preliminary studies of health practitioner interview corpora and elucidates how compassionate language might feature in English for Speciﬁc Purposes (ESP) and other education initiatives relevant to health care interaction. Importantly, this paper identiﬁes a paucity of compassionate language in such corpora, the dominance of management and human processing in contemporary healthcare discourse and a need for further research in this area.
Topical platelet-derived growth factor vs placebo therapy of diabetic foot ulcers offloaded with windowed casts: a randomized, controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE This study sought to compare the efficacy of topical platelet derived growth factor (Regranex, Smith and Nephew, London, UK) (test group) to placebo (control group) in treating diabetic foot ulcers. All subjects had a short leg walking cast with a window fashioned in the cast over the site of the ulcer. METHODS Forty-six subjects were randomized (double-blind) 1:1 to the test or control group and treated for up to 4 months. Subjects had Wagner grade I ulcers with wound area of 1 cm2 to 16 cm2 without severe peripheral arterial disease, osteomyelitis, or any infection requiring antibiotics. Study medication was applied daily and casts changed approximately every 14 days. RESULTS Of the 46 subjects randomized, 38 either healed or completed 16 weeks of therapy without healing. Eight subjects dropped out prior to 16 weeks. Based on intention-to-treat, 12 of 23 (52%) test group subjects healed before 16 weeks compared to 13 of 23 (57%) control group subjects (not significant). Regression analysis demonstrated that slower healing was associated with larger initial wound size (hazard radio [HR] = 0.997, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.995-1.00, P = 0.028) and excessive wound drainage (HR = 0.346, 95% CI: 0.126-0.948, P = 0.039). Excluding the patients who dropped out, 25 of 38 (66%) subjects healed by 4 months. Three additional subjects healed with casts that were worn longer than 4 months, for an overall rate of 74% at 9 months. Five subjects developed cast burns, and 3 patients required amputation. CONCLUSION Topical platelet derived growth factor does not appear to significantly improve healing of Wagner grade I diabetic foot ulcers that are treated by offloading with a short leg walking cast. Excellent healing rates may be achieved with casting alone.
Diabetes as a risk factor for cardiac conduction defects: a review

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality with increasing prevalence in the ageing population. Coronary artery disease is the major cardiovascular abnormality in DM patients. Cardiomyopathy and left ventricular hypertrophy are two other known associated cardiovascular abnormalities. There are a few non‐randomized studies reporting increased prevalence of cardiac conduction abnormalities, such as right bundle branch block (RBBB), bifascicular block and high degree atrioventricular (AV)‐block but not left bundle branch block (LBBB), in DM patients. Most clinicians are not aware of this association, and it is rarely mentioned in the published reviews about cardiovascular abnormalities in this population. The cause of cardiac conduction abnormalities in DM patients is not known. If autonomic neuropathy or DM‐associated cardiovascular disease plays a role, it remains unknown. The goal of this manuscript is to review the current literature about the risk of conduction abnormalities in DM patients. For this study, Medline, Google and published books were searched and reviewed for any references that matched cardiac conduction abnormalities, AV‐block, BBB for bundle branch block, LBBB, RBBB, bifascicular block, autonomic neuropathy and DM.
Identification of Secret Agent as the O-GlcNAc Transferase That Participates in Plum Pox Virus Infection

ABSTRACT Serine and threonine of many nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins are posttranslationally modified with O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc). This modification is made by O-linked N-acetylglucosamine transferases (OGTs). Genetic and biochemical data have demonstrated the existence of two OGTs of Arabidopsis thaliana, SECRET AGENT (SEC) and SPINDLY (SPY), with at least partly overlapping functions, but there is little information on their target proteins. The N terminus of the capsid protein (CP) of Plum pox virus (PPV) isolated from Nicotiana clevelandii is O-GlcNAc modified. We show here that O-GlcNAc modification of PPV CP also takes place in other plant hosts, N. benthamiana and Arabidopsis. PPV was able to infect the Arabidopsis OGT mutants sec-1, sec-2, and spy-3, but at early times of the infection, both rate of virus spread and accumulation were reduced in sec-1 and sec-2 relative to spy-3 and wild-type plants. By matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry, we determined that a 39-residue tryptic peptide from the N terminus of CP of PPV purified from the spy-3 mutant, but not sec-1 or sec-2, was O-GlcNAc modified, suggesting that SEC but not SPY modifies the capsid. While our results indicate that O-GlcNAc modification of PPV CP by SEC is not essential for infection, they show that the modification has a role(s) in the process.
New Simple and Rapid Test for Culture Confirmation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex: a Multicenter Study

ABSTRACT Mycobacterial antigen MPB64 has been identified as a Mycobacterium tuberculoisis complex-specific secretory protein since 1984. Recently, a simple culture confirmation test for M. tuberculosis complex has been developed by using lateral flow immunochromatographic assay (ICA) to detect MPB64 with anti-MPB64 monoclonal antibody. The current multicenter study evaluated the performance of an ICA slide test for MPB64 antigen in the clinical setting. Primary positive cultures from clinical specimens, as well as stock cultures, were tested. Approximately 100 μl of positive liquid culture medium or suspension made from colonies on solid medium was placed into the test well of the plastic slide devise, and the test was read after 15 min. No processing or instrumentation was required. A total of 304 mycobacterial isolates consisting of M. tuberculosis complex (171 isolates) and mycobacteria other than M. tuberculosis (MOTT) complex (133 isolates) belonging to 18 different species were tested. Growth in liquid media (Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tube [MGIT] and Radiometric 12B), as well as in solid (Löwenstein-Jensen and Middlebrook 7H10 agar) media, was evaluated. Results were compared with those obtained with nucleic acid-based and/or high-pressure liquid chromatography identification. All MOTT were found to be negative on the ICA slide with no cross-reaction. All M. tuberculosis and M. africanum cultures were found to be positive, whereas the results of M. bovis and M. bovis BCG cultures were variable since some of the BCG strains are known to lack MPB64 antigen production. The results did not change with prolonged storage of cultures. This low-tech rapid test with high sensitivity and specificity could provide an alternative to currently available identification methods, particularly for recently introduced nonradiometric liquid culture systems such as MGIT.
Apparently unidirectional polyamine transport by proton motive force in polyamine-deficient Escherichia coli

A transport system for polyamines was studied with both intact cells and membrane vesicles of an Escherichia coli polyamine-deficient mutant. Polyamine uptake by intact cells and membrane vesicles was inhibited by various protonophores, and polyamines accumulated in membrane vesicles when D-lactate was added as an energy source or when a membrane potential was imposed artificially by the addition of valinomycin to K+-loaded vesicles. These results show that the uptake was dependent on proton motive force. Transported [14C]putrescine and [14C]spermidine were not excreted by intact cells upon the addition either of carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone, A23187, and Ca2+ or of an excess amount of nonlabeled polyamine. However, they were excreted by membrane vesicles, although the degree of spermidine efflux was much lower than that of putrescine efflux. These results suggest that the apparent unidirectionality in intact cells has arisen from polyamine binding to nucleic acids, thus giving rise to a negligible free intracellular concentration of polyamines. Polyamine uptake, especially putrescine uptake, was inhibited strongly by monovalent cations. The Mg2+ ion inhibited spermidine and spermine uptake but not putrescine uptake.
Plasma concentrations of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in control children from the neonatal to adolescent period and in children with congestive heart failure.

OBJECTIVE To determine plasma levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (N-BNP) in control children to establish a normal age-dependent range from the neonatal period to adulthood. In addition, plasma concentrations of N-BNP were measured in children with congestive heart failure (CHF) and correlated with ejection fraction and clinical symptoms of heart failure. METHODS For establishing a normal age-dependent range of plasma N-BNP, venous blood samples were taken in 133 control patients from the neonatal period to adulthood (10 days-32 years) and in 31 children with CHF. Plasma N-BNP levels were determined by an enzyme immunoassay. In children (1 month-14 years) with CHF, plasma N-BNP levels were correlated to ejection fraction measured by echocardiography and clinical symptoms of heart failure using the Ross Score. RESULTS N-BNP levels in control children, adolescents, and adults did not show a significant age-related difference. In control children, the normal range was established between 150 (10th percentile) and 430 fmol/mL (90th percentile). Mean plasma N-BNP in control children was 311 fmol/mL (range: 74-654 fmol/mL). In 31 children with CHF, the plasma N-BNP levels were significantly higher (mean: 846; range: 219-2718) than in control children. N-BNP levels showed a negative correlation with the ejection fraction (r = -0.53) and a positive correlation with the clinical heart failure score (r = 0.74). CONCLUSIONS Plasma N-BNP levels reflect the severity of symptoms of heart failure and the impairment of cardiac function in children with CHF. In the future, determination of plasma N-BNP levels may be used as a helpful adjunct to monitor the effect of various treatments for CHF in children.
Electrical conductivity enhancement of 1D glassy carbon nanostructure using rapid thermal annealing

Rapid thermal annealing (RTA) process enabling significant enhancement of electrical conductivity (up to 2.3 times greater than currently reported conductivity values) of 1D glassy carbon nanostructures fabricated using carbon-MEMS was developed. After the RTA process, the carbon/oxygen and G-/D-band ratios that are strongly correlated to the electrical conductivity were changed depending on the pyrolysis temperature. The architecture of a suspended carbon nanowire also plays strong role on RTA-based conductivity enhancement by up to 14 % compared to carbon nanowire built on the substrate. In addition, electrochemical reactivity can be enhanced via RTA enabling better redox current collection.
Mapeando os valores subjetivos dos gerentes de relacionamento em negociações bancárias

In the context of a very competitive market, having teams very well prepared and properly allocated is critical to the survival of businesses. This study aims to identify the repercussion on customer satisfaction and results of companies, from the knowledge of the people working on the front line of these companies, those professionals who play an important role in negotiation, identifying what they value in a subjectively negotiation. Using the tool SVI (Subjective Value Inventory) developed by Curhan et al (2006), from the dimensions of independent and interdependent self-image, attempts to identify the subjective values of the negotiators of a Brazilian retail bank, responsible for a significant part of the negotiations and results of the company in relation to feelings about themselves (Self), the instrumental results, and the process and relationship (Rapport), using interpersonal trust as a moderator in this relationship. Once identified, found results will be related to the customer satisfaction. The purpose of seeking this correlation is due to the assumption that the company exists only because of the customer. For this purpose, it was conducted a quantitative survey, with the application of a structured and closed questionnaire to 532 of the bank negotiators from that bank, who work in the states of Santa Catarina, Rio de Janeiro and Maranhao, responsible for relationship, prospecting and conducting business with institution’s customers, personal, small business and government. Data were analyzed using statistical techniques, using the method of Partial Least Squares. It was observed that over forty percent of customer satisfaction is explained by the subjective values of the negotiators. The study showed, among others results, that business managers with self-image independently value the Self and instrumental results in a negotiation, and interpersonal trust cognitive negatively moderates this relationship. Still, Rapport is valued in a negotiation by those business managers with interdependent self-image and this appreciation in a negotiation is positively related to customer satisfaction.
Effects of dichotic auditory training on children with central auditory processing disorder

Central) auditory processing disorder (CAPD) is a condition in which individuals with normal hearing present with difficulties often associated with hearing loss. While there are currently many tests available for the CAPD assessment, there are very few therapies for the remediation of a CAPD. A new therapy program, called Dichotic Auditory Training (DAT), aimed at improving the performance of those individuals with CAPD, was the focus of this study. Eight children between the ages of seven and twelve went through the four week training. The Staggered Spondaic Word (SSW) test, the SCAN-C/A, and a test designed after the DAT were given prior to and immediately following training. The results from these tests were analyzed for statistically significant differences between preand post-testing. Statistically significant results were yielded for six of the nineteen different testing conditions. All conditions that yielded statistically significant were those associated with the dichotic presentation of words. These results are thought to be reflective of plastic changes occurring within the central auditory systems, and a direct result of the training the subjects underwent. The results from this study offer much promise for the future of the remediation of CAPD.
Lower Bounds for a Subexponential Optimization Algorithm

Recently Sharir and Welzl described a randomized algorithm for a certain class of optimization problems (including linear programming), and then a subexponential bound for the expected running time was established. We give an example of an (artificial) optimization problem fitting into the Sharir–Welzl framework for which the running time is close to the upper bound, thus showing that the analysis of the algorithm cannot be much improved without stronger assumptions on the optimization problem and/or modifying the algorithm. Further we describe results of computer simulations for a specific linear programming problem, which indicate that “one‐permutation” and “move‐to‐front” variants of the Sharir–Welzl algorithm may sometimes perform much worse than the algorithm itself. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Hydrogen Sulfide in Proliferating and Differentiated Cells in Primary Cultures of Juvenile Brain of Masu Salmon Oncorhynchus masou

Analysis of proliferative activity and the ability to neuron differentiation was performed in cultured cells of the brain and spinal cord of juvenile masu salmon Oncorhynchus masou. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was used as a proliferative marker, while the markers of neuronal differentiation—a neuron protein HuCD, and a neuron-specific transcriptional factor with two DNA- binding sites Pax6—detected neurons. The results showed that cell proliferation occurred mainly in the suspension cell fraction. In monolayer, a few cells were only found to express PCNA. The results of morphological and immunohistochemical analysis allow us to conclude that proliferative activity in primary cultures from the O. masou brain is mainly connected with the suspension fraction of small cells. In contrast, a positive correlation between the cells expressing cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), a marker of H2S synthesis, and the cells expressing PCNA in the monolayer, indicates the participation of H2S in proliferative activity of neurons in primary cultures. The data obtained suggest that the hydrogen sulphide is also involved in the process of differentiation.
Localized Arm Volume Index: A New Method for Body Type–Corrected Evaluation of Localized Arm Lymphedematous Volume Change

Background Volume measurement is a common evaluation for upper extremity lymphedema. However, volume comparison between different patients with different body types may be inappropriate, and it is difficult to evaluate localized limb volume change using arm volume. Methods Localized arm volumes (Vk, k = 1–5) and localized arm volume indices (LAVIk) at 5 points (1, upper arm; 2, elbow; 3, forearm; 4, wrist; 5, hand) of 106 arms of 53 examinees with no arm edema were calculated based on physical measurements (arm circumferences and lengths and body mass index [BMI]). Interrater and intrarater reliabilities of LAVIk were assessed, and Vk and LAVIk were compared between lower BMI (BMI, <22 kg/m2) group and higher BMI (BMI, ≥22 kg/m2) group. Results Interrater and intrarater reliabilities of LAVIk were all high (all, r > 0.98). Between lower and higher BMI groups, significant differences were observed in all Vk (V1 [P = 6.8 × 10−18], V2 [P = 3.1 × 10−13], V3 [P = 1.1 × 10−12], V4 [P = 8.3 × 10−12], and V5 [P = 3.0 × 10−14]). Regarding localized arm volume index (LAVI) between groups, significant differences were seen in LAVI1 (P = 9.7 × 10−6) and LAVI5 (P = 1.2 × 10−5); there was no significant difference in LAVI2 (P = 0.60), LAVI3 (P = 0.61), or LAVI4 (P = 0.22). Conclusions Localized arm volume index is a convenient and highly reproducible method for evaluation of localized arm volume change, which is less affected by body physique compared with arm volumetry.