Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Oral-diadochokinetic rates for Hebrew-speaking healthy ageing population: non-word versus real-word repetition.

BACKGROUND Oral-diadochokinesis (oral-DDK) tasks are extensively used in the evaluation of motor speech abilities. Currently, validated normative data for older adults (aged 65 years and older) are missing in Hebrew. The effect of task stimuli (non-word versus real-word repetition) is also non-clear in the population of older adult Hebrew speakers. AIMS (1) To establish a norm for oral-DDK rate for older adult (aged 65 years and older) Hebrew speakers, and to investigate the possible effect of age and gender on performance rate; and (2) to examine the effects of stimuli (non-word versus real word) on oral-DDK rates. METHODS & PROCEDURES In experiment 1, 88 healthy older Hebrew speakers (60-95 years, 48 females and 40 males) were audio-recorded while performing an oral-DDK task (repetition of /pataka/), and repetition rates (syllables/s) were coded. In experiment 2, the effect of real-word repetition was evaluated. Sixty-eight older Hebrew speakers (aged 66-95 years, 43 females and 25 males) were asked to repeat 'pataka' (non-word) and 'bodeket' (Hebrew real word). OUTCOMES & RESULTS Experiment 1: Oral-DDK performance for older adult Hebrew speakers was 5.07 syllables/s (SD = 1.16 syllables/s), across age groups and gender. Comparison of this data with Hebrew norms for younger adults (and equivalent data in English) shows the following gradient of oral-DDK rates: ages 15-45 > 65-74 > 75-86 years. Gender was not a significant factor in our data. Experiment 2: Repetition of real words was faster than that of non-words, by 13.5%. CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS The paper provides normative values for oral-DDK rates for older Hebrew speakers. The data show the large impact of ageing on oro-motor functions. The analysis further indicates that speech and language pathologists should consider separate norms for clients of 65-74 years and those of 75-86 years. Hebrew rates were found to be different from English norms for the oldest group, shedding light on the impact of language on these norms. Finally, the data support using a dual-protocol (real- and non-word repetition) with older adults to improve differential diagnosis of normal and pathological ageing in this task.
Math in Motion: Learning Math in a Physically Active Environment

Many studies have indicated that participating in regular exercise for the heart and lungs may be one of the most important factors for middle school students to achieve good grades in math and reading. The purpose of this study was to determine if exercise, specifically sprint routines, could improve math competency as well as students’ confidence with solving word problems. In conducting this study, sprint exercises were used as a possible way for students to develop math fluency. The data collected suggests that incorporating physical activity with mathematic computational exercises can make modest gains to students’ mathematical fluency.
Optimizing the Birth Environment With Evidence-Based Design.

E vidence-based design in healthcare is the process of basing decisions about the built environment on research. Optimizing the environment to promote healing and health is a central concept in nursing care. There is significant evidence that the physical environment influences healing, pain, stress, medical errors, infections, falls, and the well-being of patients and staff. In conceptualizing the birth environment, planning and design decisions ideally are woman-centered, taking into account the ample literature on the importance of labor support, mobility, and promotion of comfort. Human-centered design (HCD) is a design and management framework that develops solutions to problems by involving the human perspective in all steps of the problem-solving process. Integrating human-centered architectural design concepts with midwifery, nursing, and medical evidence to reframe the birth environment results in exciting innovations. Florence Nightingale (1856) was the first to focus on the centrality of the environment in patient care. Accordingly, the goals of nursing interventions are to promote, maintain, and regulate the environment. Both how patients respond to their environment and how the environment affects delivery of care are central to HCD. Reconceptualizing healthcare space for birth includes design concepts that promote comfort, control, communication, interaction, therapeutic presence, support, freedom of movement, and family transitions. The evidence for freedom of movement in labor as a means of promoting comfort, facilitating progress, and improving a woman’s experience is profound. Despite this evidence, the majority of hospitalized laboring women remain in bed for most of their labor. Less than half of the women interviewed for the Listening to Mothers III (2013) national survey reported getting
Time-dependent changes in striatal xCT protein expression in hemi-Parkinson rats

Altered glutamate signaling is associated with Parkinson's disease. To study the involvement of the cystine/glutamate antiporter in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease, we developed new polyclonal antibodies recognizing xCT, the specific subunit of this antiporter. The striatal xCT protein expression level was investigated in a hemi-Parkinson rat model, using semiquantitative western blotting. We observed time-dependent changes after a unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesion of the nigrostriatal pathway with increased expression levels in the deafferented striatum after 3 weeks. Twelve weeks postlesion, expression levels returned to normal. These data suggest, for the first time, an involvement of the cystine/glutamate antiporter in determining the aberrant glutamate neurotransmission in the striatum of a parkinsonian brain.
Impact of the Hybrid (DVB-H/UMTS) Network Structure on the Electromagnetic Exposure

A hybrid mobile communication network as considered in this paper consists of a point-to-point network (UMTS) and a point-to-multipoint network (DVB-H). The benefit of combining these two networks is an optimised transfer of data by collecting several user requests for a single response via the broadcast network. Thus, capacity can be saved, UMTS cells can be unloaded and the mean response time of the system can be reduced. Besides these advantages, hybrid networks can be applied to decrease electromagnetic exposure, especially at hot spot areas. In this paper, it is analysed how the hybrid network structure influences the electromagnetic exposure. Therefore, different scenarios have been developed consisting of different user behaviour and different network structures. In order to evaluate the grade of exposure, criteria have been defined. These criteria have been used for comparing a hybrid network with a single UMTS network in terms of electromagnetic exposure. The results are shown for the different network structures and network configurations.
Studies on Mycosis and Mycotoxicosis in Cattle

The present study was conducted on forty diseased and apparently healthy cases of cattle (20 of each) at Cairo Governorate. From districts of diseased cases, 40 serum samples of these cattle and 100 samples of milk of mastitic animals, nasal swab, vaginal swabs and feeds samples which used in breeding of diseased animals (25 0f each) were collected. The mycological examination of collected samples revealed isolation of Aspergillus species in predominant rates from the above samples of infected animals, where in cattle recovered from (88%, 96%, 80%, and 100%) respectively. Whereas, other genera and species of moulds and yeast were recovered in a comparatively lower significant rates. Sera of cases of diseased cattle contained significant levels of aflatoxins and zearalenon. Meanwhile, 60% of cattle had the mean levels of aflatoxins (15.20±0.4 ppb) and zearalenon in 80% in cattle with the mean level of ( 62±0.3). When, the used feed samples in breeding of these animals were had the amounts of AFB1; OA; ZEAR. ; T2; and FB1 were detected in (60%; 40%; 32%; and 44%) of feed samples, with the mean levels of (55.0±1.50, 45.0±0.30 and 31.0±0.2 and 40.0±2.1 ppb), respectively. The biochemical study on sera of the infected and those fed treated toxic feed with ammonium hydroxide 3% , demonstrated that the AFB1 and zearalenon in serum of cattle lead to a marked elevation in the serum enzymes activities of (AST, ALT and GGT, which is indicate of hepatocellular damage. The levels of serum urea and creatinine were significantly high in toxicated animals as compared to apparently healthy animals. Mycotoxins in cattle inducing significantly decreased values in serum total protein, albumin, alpha globulin, beta globulin, and gamma globulin . The mycotoxicated animals had significant increase in serum level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and serum NO level which caused induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein, resulting in cytotoxicity and DNA damage. The feeding of treated toxic feed with ammonium hydroxid resulted a significant improvement of al previous altered biochemical parameters which resulted from toxicosis. The significance of the present result was fully discussed. Key word: Aflatoxins, zear. , T2, Aspergillus sp. , Biochemical parameters, Electrophoresis patterns, NO., MD.
Avifauna and urban encroachment in time and space

Urban expansion significantly alters fringe environments often with undesirable impacts on biodiversity. Consequently, there is a need to define clear conservation objectives for areas subject to urban encroachment. Urban fringe development is a highly dynamic process, both spatially and temporally, but few studies are equipped to examine its temporal effects on biota. We aimed to explore the impacts of urban encroachment on avifauna through space and time.
Injection of platelet- and leukocyte-rich plasma at the junction of the proximal sesamoid bone and the suspensory ligament branch for treatment of yearling Thoroughbreds with proximal sesamoid bone inflammation and associated suspensory ligament branch desmitis.

OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of treatment with platelet- and leukocyte-rich plasma (PRP) on future 2-, 3-, and 4-year-old racing performance of yearling Thoroughbreds with proximal sesamoid bone inflammation and associated suspensory ligament branch (SLB) desmitis. DESIGN Randomized clinical trial. ANIMALS 39 yearling Thoroughbreds. PROCEDURES Yearling Thoroughbreds with radiographic evidence of performance-limiting proximal sesamoid bone inflammation and ultrasonographic evidence of associated SLB desmitis were identified and randomly assigned to undergo PRP (treatment group) or saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (control group) injection at the affected SLB-proximal sesamoid bone junction. Race records of horses for the 2-, 3-, and 4-year-old racing years were obtained. Data regarding amount of money earned and number of races started were used as outcome measures, and results for groups were compared. RESULTS Horses treated with PRP were significantly more likely to start at least 1 race during the 2-year-old racing year than were horses treated with saline solution; no significant differences were detected between groups regarding that variable for the 3- and 4-year-old racing years. No significant differences between groups were detected regarding earnings for any racing year. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Although PRP-treated horses were more likely to start a race during the 2-year-old racing year versus control group horses, results for horses in each group were not significantly different for the 3- and 4-year-old racing years. Therefore, the PRP treatment protocol evaluated in this study did not seem to improve future racing performance of yearling Thoroughbreds with proximal sesamoid bone inflammation and associated SLB desmitis, compared with injection of saline solution.
Task-specific training reduces trip-related fall risk in women.

PURPOSE The potential of task-specific training as a fall-prevention intervention was studied. The primary purpose of the study was to determine the extent to which a task-specific training protocol decreased the number of falls by middle-age and older women after a laboratory-induced trip. Secondary purposes were to explore the ability of trunk kinematics during the initial recovery step and the length of the initial recovery step to correctly classify the trip outcome and to quantify the extent to which the training protocol affected these variables. METHODS Healthy community-dwelling women (n = 52) were assigned to either a training group or a control group that received no training. Training group women participated in an individually tailored, task-specific training protocol during which forward-directed stepping responses were necessary to avoid a fall after treadmill-delivered postural disturbances. Following the protocol, the ability to avoid a fall after a laboratory-induced trip was assessed. The primary outcome variable was the success (recover) or failure (fall) of the posttrip stepping response. RESULTS Compared with the control group, there were fewer falls by the trained women after the laboratory-induced trip (P < 0.001; odds ratio = 0.13). Using logistic regression, falls and recoveries after the trip were sensitively classified by trunk flexion angle at the completion of the initial recovery step and the length of the initial recovery step (sensitivity = 0.67, specificity = 0.98), the former of which improved as a result of the task-specific training protocol. CONCLUSIONS The task-specific training protocol significantly reduced the number of falls after a laboratory-induced trip. Prospective study is required to determine whether this task-specific training reduces falls in the community and, consequently, may complement currently used exercise-based fall prevention intervention methods.
Sulfonation in Pharmacology and Toxicology

Sulfonation has a major function in modulating the biological activities of a wide number of endogenous and foreign chemicals, including: drugs, toxic chemicals, hormones, and neurotransmitters. The activation as well as inactivation of many xenobiotics and endogenous compounds occurs via sulfonation. The process is catalyzed by members of the cytosolic sulfotransferase (SULT) superfamily consisting of at least ten functional genes in humans. The reaction in intact cells may be reversed by arylsulafatase present in the endoplasmic reticulum. Under physiological conditions, sulfonation is regulated, in part, by the supply of the co‐substrate/donor molecule 3′‐phosphadensoine‐5‐phosphosulfate (PAPS), and transport mechanisms by which sulfonated conjugates enter and leave cells. Variation in the response of individuals to certain drugs and toxic chemicals may be related to genetic polymorphisms documented to occur in each of the above pathways. Sulfonation has a major function in regulating the endocrine status of an individual by modulating the receptor activity of estrogens and androgens, steroid biosynthesis, and the metabolism of catecholamines and iodothyronines Sulfonation is a key reaction in the body's defense against injurious chemicals and may have a major function during early development since SULTs are highly expressed in the human fetus. As with many Phase I and Phase II reactions, sulfonation may also serve as the terminal step in activating certain dietary and environmental agents to very reactive toxic intermediates implicated in carcinogenesis.
The Structure of Interleukin-2 Complexed with Its Alpha Receptor

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is an immunoregulatory cytokine that binds sequentially to the alpha (IL-2Rα), beta (IL-2Rβ), and common gamma chain (γc) receptor subunits. Here we present the 2.8 angstrom crystal structure of a complex between human IL-2 and IL-2Rα, which interact in a docking mode distinct from that of other cytokine receptor complexes. IL-2Rα is composed of strand-swapped “sushi-like” domains, unlike the classical cytokine receptor fold. As a result of this domain swap, IL-2Rα uses a composite surface to dock into a groove on IL-2 that also serves as a binding site for antagonist drugs. With this complex, we now have representative structures for each class of hematopoietic cytokine receptor–docking modules.
Is there a role for computerised image analysis in glaucoma management?

The key elements in glaucoma diagnosis and follow up are measurement of the intraocular pressure, assessment of the optic disc, and examination of the visual field. In the 1920s, Ransom Pickard wrote about the benefits of drawing the optic disc to outline the disc and cup boundaries, placing emphasis also on the depth of the cup.1 2 In addition, he used a grid to measure the size of the cup relative to the disc, and his results of serial drawings over many years show an increase in cupping with the passage of time.3 Armaly4 popularised the use of the cup:disc ratio in the 1960s, particularly in epidemiology studies, but the term was later adopted by clinicians and to this day is the most commonly used clinical method of describing the glaucomatous optic disc. In a classic paper by Lichter in 1976,5 the poor agreement in cup:disc ratio estimation by a number of leading glaucoma specialists clearly illustrated that it is an “inexact method of recording the status of the disc” and “is probably not reliable in checking for small disc changes”. The level of within observer agreement is considerably greater than the …
Comparison of modelling methods and of diagnostic of asynchronous motor in case of defects

The aim of this paper is to provide the reader with a comparison base between several methods of modelling and diagnosis of faulted induction machine. In the case of high precision modelling, the paper presents several methods used to simulate the faulted induction machine such as: the extended Park model, the analytical three-phase model, the coupled magnetic circuit model, the reluctance network method and the finite elements method. Also, some compact modelling approaches are described such as the electrical and thermal behavior models used for the parameter estimation diagnosis method, and the pattern recognition approach. These different modelling and diagnosis methods are tested in the case of the broken rotor bars fault.
Die Internationalisierung österreichischer IT-Unternehmen - zur Dynamik von Wertschöpfungsketten und Arbeit

Der Wirtschaftszweig Informationstechnik ist mit seinen globalen Produktionsnetzwerken und weltweiten Wertschopfungsketten hochgradig internationalisiert. Die osterreichische IT-Branche erganzte in den beiden letzten Jahrzehnten die passive Internationalisierung durch die Prasenz auslandischer Unternehmen in Osterreich in erheblichem Umfang durch den Aufbau von Niederlassungen oder die Auslagerung an andere Firmen insbesondere in mittelosteuropaischen Landern. Die Hauptziele dabei waren, die Qualifikationen in den ostlichen Nachbarstaaten zu nutzen und Zugang zu diesen Markten zu gewinnen. In der Folge kam es zu weiteren Verschiebungen in der internationalen Arbeitsteilung mit deutlichen Auswirkungen auf Arbeit und Beschaftigung in Osterreich. Der Beitrag beschreibt die Entwicklung von Wertschopfungsketten insbesondere in der IT-Wirtschaft und stellt die Internationalisierung der Branche in Osterreich dar. Anhand von Fallbeispielen wird diskutiert, wie sich Arbeit und Beschaftigung durch die Verschiebungen in der internationalen Arbeitsteilung verandern. Der Beitrag gibt Einblick in die Entwicklung der osterreichischen IT-Branche und analysiert an diesem Beispiel die Dynamik der Internationalisierung hoch qualifizierter Arbeit.
HMG‐CoA reductase inhibitors activate caspase‐1 in human monocytes depending on ATP release and P2X7 activation

Recent studies have demonstrated the stimulatory effects of HMG‐CoA reductase inhibitors, statins, on IL‐1β secretion in monocytes and suggest a crucial role for isoprenoids in the inhibition of caspase‐1 activity. In this study, we further elucidated the molecular mechanisms underlying the stimulatory effects of statins on caspase‐1. Three commonly recognized mechanistic models for NLRP3 inflammasome activation (i.e., ATP/P2X7/K+ efflux, ROS production, and lysosomal rupture) were investigated in statin‐stimulated human THP‐1 monocytes. We found that fluvastatin and lovastatin can synergize with LPS to trigger inflammasome activation. Moreover, statin‐induced caspase‐1 activation and IL‐1β production in LPS‐primed THP‐1 cells are dependent on GGPP deficiency and P2X7 activation. In particular, increased ATP release accounts for the action of statins in P2X7 activation. We also provide evidence that statin‐induced moderate ROS elevation is involved in this event. Moreover, the cathepsin B inhibitor was shown to reduce statin‐induced IL‐1β secretion. Consistently statins can induce cathepsin B activation and lysosomal rupture, as evidenced by LysoTracker staining. Statins also increase intracellular ATP secretion and IL‐1β release in primary human monocytes and murine macrophages. Notably, exogenous ATP‐elicited P2X7 activation and consequent IL‐1β release, an index of direct NLRP3 inflammasome activation, were not altered by statins. Taken together, statin‐induced enhancement of inflammasome activation in monocytes and macrophages covers multiple mechanisms, including increases in ATP release, ROS production, and lysosomal rupture. These data not only shed new insight into isoprenylation‐dependent regulation of caspase‐1 but also unmask mechanisms for statin‐elicited inflammasome activation.
Semantic relationship and identification of music

Automatic search engines for musical documents mostly provide a vast number of relevant and irrelevant hits including multiple appearances of the same documents. Generally, underlying information-processing methods that are based on metadata or simple content-based procedures cause this situation. Therefore we propose a model for the recognition of music that enables identification and comparison of musical documents regardless their actual instantiation. Inherent component of this model is the capability of navigation based on semantic relationship between musical pieces. In order to realize this functionality we introduce a concept that tries to derive deductive music recognition from generic music production as an equivalent counterpart. Hence, some deductive processes of human music perception are simulated. The resulting structures enclose musical meaning and therefore can be used for the estimation of identity and relationship between musical documents. As a byproduct of this functionality, plagiarism and copyright infringements could be detected.
Commentary on: Peterson JL, Hickman MJ, Strom KJ, Johnson DJ. Effect of forensic evidence on criminal justice case processing. J Forensic Sci 2013 Jan;58 Suppl 1:S78–90

Sir, A coworker forwarded to us a recent article that appeared in the Journal of Forensic Sciences and insisted that we contact you about it. The article in question is entitled: “Effect of Forensic Evidence on Criminal Justice Case Processing. ” Although we have neither the time nor the interest in reviewing the article in its entirety, we will briefly outline our concerns and issues and perceived insinuations. We bullet point these issues as a service to the field of forensic science and as our contribution to redressing some of the criticisms raised by the now famous NAS report concerning the scientific status of forensic science. Briefly, the article by Peterson et al. (2013) suffers from significant and damning methodological flaws: