Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The suitability of the Sensory Profile for diagnosing sensory modulation dysfunctions in Chinese children

The suitability of the Sensory Profile for Chinese children in Hong Kong was investigated. The parents of 584 children aged 3 to 10 years with typical development completed a validated Chinese version of the instrument. The percentages of children who never or seldom displayed 125 types of behavior were documented and compared with the US data published previously. While none of the 125 items of the Sensory Profile measured dysfunctions at the −2 SD level, 32% of the items did at the −1 SD level. When compared to the performance of children in the US, χ2 analyses revealed differences in 64.8% of the items. Occupational therapists should exercise caution when using the Sensory Profile on Hong Kong Chinese children. More investigation is required on the best means of evaluating sensory processing dysfunction in this group of children.
Comparison of a serological method, a bacteriological method and 16S rRNA Brucella canis PCR for canine brucellosis diagnosis.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity and the positive and negative predictive value of a PCR assay for canine brucellosis diagnosis using 16S rRNA specific primers compared to serology, 2 mercaptoethanol-microtiter plate agglutination tests (2ME-MPAT) and a blood culture test. A sample of 48 dogs was divided into three groups, according to the results of blood culture tests and 2ME-MPAT. Group 1was comprised of infected Brucella canis dogs, who were positive to both a blood culture test and 2ME-MPAT (n=16). Group 2 contained non-infected B. canis dogs, who were negative to both a blood culture test and 2ME-MPAT (n=16). Group 3 contained suspected infected B. canis dogs, who were negative to a blood culture test but positive to 2ME-MPAT (n=16). Samples in Groups 1 and 2 were used to calculate the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of PCR and the results performed in Group 3 were also discussed. The diagnostic sensitivities and specificities of PCR were 100%. The positive and negative predictive values and accuracy of PCR were 100%. In conclusion, the results revealed that the PCR was an effective technique for the diagnosis of canine brucellosis in blood samples, especially in dogs suspected of being positive by 2ME-MPAT, but negative by a blood culture test.
‘The Little Town That Did': Flexible Accumulation and Community Response in Chemainus, British Columbia

BARNES T. J. and HAYTER R. (1992) ‘The little town that did': flexible accumulation and community response in Chemainus, British Columbia, Reg. Studies 26, 647–663. As a result of corporate restructuring within the forest products corporation of MacMillan Bloedel, the sawmill at Chemainus, British Columbia, closed down in 1983 resulting in over 650 workers being laid-off. When the new mill reopened over two years later, computerized sawmill technology had been installed, and just over 140 workers were employed. During the same period the town itself was transformed as a series of giant murals depicting local historical events were painted which, in turn, precipitated what has become a very successful tourist industry. The purpose of the paper is to show that these two events are linked, that they are the result of the same wider changes within the international economy, namely, the advent of flexible accumulation. More generally, drawing upon the works of David Harvey and Harold Innis we argue that differ.
Maize silage supplementation to lower quality grass silage improves the intake, apparent digestibility and N retention in wether sheep.

Cilj istraživanja bio je utvrditi utjecaj interakcije travne silaže losije kvalitete (TS) u kojoj je dominirala klupcasta ostrica (Dactylis glomerata L.) i kukuruzne silaže (KS) (Zea mays L.) na ad libitum konzumaciju, probavljivost i balans dusika (N) u hranidbi kastriranih ovnova. Istraživana su cetiri hranidbena tretmana: 100 % TS, 100 % KS, te kombinacije TS i KS u omjeru 67:33 ili 33:67 bazirano na suhoj tvari (ST). Životinje su hranjene dvaput dnevno u isto vrijeme. Tratina za proizvodnju TS kosena je u pocetku cvatnje klupcaste ostrice (oko 35 % biljaka u cvatnji), a KS je sadržala 264 g ST kg-1 svježeg uzorka i 211 g skroba kg-1 ST. Sadržaj ST u TS iznosio je 408 g kg-1 svježeg uzorka. Sadržaj sirovih proteina (SP) u KS bio je niži (P<0.001) u odnosu na TS (62 g kg-1 ST i 98 g kg-1 ST, respektivno). Sadržaj neutralnih detergent vlakana (NDF) i kiselih detergent vlakana (ADF) bio je visi u TS u odnosu na KS (P<0.001). Dodatak KS (33 % vs. 67 %) u obrok uzrokovao je pozitivan linearni utjecaja na konzumaciju svježeg obroka (P<0.05), probavljivost ST, organske tvari (OT), probavljivost OT u ST (D vrijednost) (P<0.05), probavljivost skroba (P<0.05), konzumaciju N (P<0.01), kolicinu N izlucenog fecesom (P<0.05) i kolicinu apbsorbiranog N (P<0.05). Pozitivan asocijativan utjecaj TS i KS utvrđen je za sve mjerene parametre konzumacije (svježi obrok, ST, OT, NDF) (kvadratni, od P<0.05 do P<0.01), probavljivost ST, ADF (kvadratni, P<0.05), SP (kvadratni, P<0.01), konzumaciju N i kolicinu apsorbiranog N (kvadratni, P<0.01). Zakljuceno je da je pozitivan združeni ucinak TS i KS u hranidbi kastriranih ovnova izostao za pojedine mjerene parametre, i to zbog nedostatka energije u obroku, tj. niže kvalitete KS.
roi Under Scrutiny: The Radical Redefinition of a Core Concept

Summary This article offers a three‐part analysis for identifying and assessing return on investment in healthcare information technology (it) projects. Returns to it can be financial, clinical, or structural. The goal is to identify key areas of measurable returns to both assess the value of a project before it is undertaken and to assess the actual value returned to the organization. Given the choice, many senior executives still prefer to rely on classic financial analyses, but the true value of a project is often found in the clinical and structural returns. Still, projectspecific assessments do not answer the core question of whether longterm strategic investment in it leads to a systemic strategic advantage to healthcare organizations. This article addresses these issues and indicates opportunities for further investigation.
Potential Pitfalls of Clinical Prediction Rules

Is this editorial an attack on clinical prediction rules? Actually, it's quite the contrary. Prescriptive CPRs are useful tools for a select and discrete population of patients. As manually oriented clinicians, we have long realized that sub-sets of the population benefit from manual therapy more so than others. CPRs allow us to isolate a sub-set of desired patient characteristics and to define which techniques are most useful for that population. The current rehabilitation-based CPRs have opened the door for additional research to improve our accuracy as clinicians. Unfortunately, many of the present rehabilitation-based CPRs may have methodological weaknesses that may allow questioning of the utility of the instrument. Although there is no such thing as a “perfect” study, better and more rigorous designs should provide additional, profound and clinically applicable findings. As a clinician and a researcher, I am an advocate of CPRs.
The Taxonomic Composition of the Arthropod Fauna Associated With an Australian Rain-Forest Tree

The composition of the arthropod fauna foraging within the canopy of Argyrodendron actinophyllum Edlin (Sterculiaceae) in a subtropical rainforest near Brisbane, Australia, was investigated during a 2-year field study. Collecting methods included flight interception traps, restricted canopy fogging, and hand-collecting. Over 50 000 canopy arthropods were collected and about 760 species sorted, from which 660 were identified at least to the generic level by taxonomists. The arthropod fauna of A. actinophyllum is characterised by the abundance of Clubionidae, Theridiidae, Psylloidea, Phlaeothripidae, Chrysomelidae, Corylophidae, Curculionidae and Braconidae, and by the scarcity of Empididae, Symphyta, Ichneumonidae and Formicidae. The major determinants of the composition of the arboreal fauna are discussed, including biogeographical and historical constraints, rainforest mesoclimate and host phenology, host architecture and biochemistry, and intrinsic composition of the foliicolous fauna. The faunistic composition of this subtropical rainforest tree species exhibits several features common to both temperate trees (such as the high numbers of homopterans and spiders and the limited populations of arboreal ants) and tropical rainforest trees (such as the large beetle populations and the high orthopteran biomass).
A microwave radio for Doppler radar sensing of vital signs

A microwave radio for Doppler radar sensing of vital signs is described. This radio was developed using custom DCS1800/PCS1900 base station RFICs. It transmits a single tone signal, demodulates the reflected signal, and outputs a baseband signal. If the object that reflects the signal has periodic motion, the magnitude of the baseband output signal is directly proportional to the periodic displacement of the object. When the signal is reflected off a person's chest, this radio with appropriate baseband filters can detect heart and respiration rates from a distance as large as one meter from the target.
Anti-apoptotic Actions of the Platelet-activating Factor Acetylhydrolase I α2 Catalytic Subunit*

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is an important mediator of cell loss following diverse pathophysiological challenges, but the manner in which PAF transduces death is not clear. Both PAF receptor-dependent and -independent pathways are implicated. In this study, we show that extracellular PAF can be internalized through PAF receptor-independent mechanisms and can initiate caspase-3-dependent apoptosis when cytosolic concentrations are elevated by ∼15 pm/cell for 60 min. Reducing cytosolic PAF to less than 10 pm/cell terminates apoptotic signaling. By pharmacological inhibition of PAF acetylhydrolase I and II (PAF-AH) activity and down-regulation of PAF-AH I catalytic subunits by RNA interference, we show that the PAF receptor-independent death pathway is regulated by PAF-AH I and, to a lesser extent, by PAF-AH II. Moreover, the anti-apoptotic actions of PAF-AH I are subunit-specific. PAF-AH I α1 regulates intracellular PAF concentrations under normal physiological conditions, but expression is not sufficient to reduce an acute rise in intracellular PAF levels. PAF-AH I α2 expression is induced when cells are deprived of serum or exposed to apoptogenic PAF concentrations limiting the duration of pathological cytosolic PAF accumulation. To block PAF receptor-independent death pathway, we screened a panel of PAF antagonists (CV-3988, CV-6209, BN 52021, and FR 49175). BN 52021 and FR 49175 accelerated PAF hydrolysis and inhibited PAF-mediated caspase 3 activation. Both antagonists act indirectly to promote PAF-AH I α2 homodimer activity by reducing PAF-AH I α1 expression. These findings identify PAF-AH I α2 as a potent anti-apoptotic protein and describe a new means of pharmacologically targeting PAF-AH I to inhibit PAF-mediated cell death.
Isolation and characterization of human periodontal ligament (PDL) stem cells (PDLSCs) from the inflamed PDL tissue: in vitro and in vivo evaluations.

OBJECTIVES Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) could be isolated from healthy periodontal ligaments (PDL). The aims of this study were to isolate and characterize human PDL stem cells (hPDLSCs) from inflamed PDL tissue, and to evaluate their regenerative potential. MATERIALS AND METHODS Inflamed hPDLSCs (ihPDLSCs) were isolated from the inflamed PDL tissue obtained from intra-bony defects during flap surgery, and characterized by immunohistochemical staining, colony-forming unit assay, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and mRNA expression in comparison with healthy hPDLSCs obtained from extracted teeth for orthodontic purpose. The proliferative potential and migratory potential was evaluated, and compared with healthy hPDLSCs. Regenerative potential was assessed by an in vivo ectopic transplantation model. RESULTS ihPDLSCs were successfully isolated and characterized as MSCs. Both ihPDLSCs and hPDLSCs were successfully differentiated under osteogenic/cementogenic and adipogenic microenvironment. The proliferative potential did not differ between healthy hPDLSCs and ihPDLSCs, while the migratory capacity was significantly increased in ihPDLSCs (p<0.05). Both groups exhibited new cementum-like tissue and related PDL fibre regeneration in an in vivo transplantation model. CONCLUSION ihPDLSCs could be successfully isolated from inflamed PDL tissue, and they retained the regenerative potential for cementum and related PDL tissues.
Lean Seafood Intake Reduces Postprandial C-peptide and Lactate Concentrations in Healthy Adults in a Randomized Controlled Trial with a Crossover Design.

BACKGROUND Recently we showed that lean seafood consumption reduced circulating triacylglycerol (TG) and VLDL concentrations and prevented an elevated total-to-HDL-cholesterol ratio relative to intake of a nonseafood diet. OBJECTIVE We aimed to elucidate whether diet-induced altered carbohydrate metabolism could be a contributing factor to the previously observed different lipoprotein patterns. METHODS This was a secondary outcome and explorative randomized controlled trial with a crossover design in 20 healthy adults (7 men and 13 women) that were 50.6 ± 3.4 (mean ± SEM) y old, weighed 75.7 ± 2.5 kg, and had a body mass index (BMI, in kg/m(2)) of 25.6 ± 0.7. After a 3-wk run-in period and separated by a 5-wk wash-out period, the participants consumed 2 balanced diets [in percentage of energy (energy%); 29% fat, 52% carbohydrates, 19% protein] for 4 wk. The diets varied in the main protein sources; 60 energy% of total protein was from either lean seafood or nonseafood sources. On the first and last day of each diet period, fasting and postprandial blood samples were collected before and after consumption of test meals (in energy%; 28% fat, 52% carbohydrates, 20% protein) with cod or lean beef. RESULTS The diets did not alter serum insulin and glucose concentrations. However, relative to the nonseafood diet period, the lean seafood diet period reduced postprandial C-peptide (P = 0.04) and lactate (P = 0.012) concentrations and fasting and postprandial TG/HDL-cholesterol ratios (P = 0.002). Hence, different postprandial lactate levels occurred at equal glucose concentrations. CONCLUSIONS Even though the diets did not alter serum insulin and glucose concentrations, intake of the lean seafood compared with the nonseafood diet reduced postprandial concentrations of C-peptide and lactate and the TG/HDL-cholesterol ratio in healthy adults in a manner that may affect the long-term development of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials. gov as NCT01708681.
Regulation of the cardiac calcium channel by protein phosphatases.

The calcium current (ICa) through the L-type channel in cardiac ventricular cells is enhanced by phosphorylation of a channel protein [Kameyama, M. , Hofmann, F. & Trautwein, W. (1985) Pflügers Arch. Eur. J. Physiol. 405, 285-293]. We investigated the possible contribution of the 'catalytic subunits' of protein phosphatase 1 and 2A in the down-regulation of the cardiac calcium channel. Single guinea-pig ventricular myocytes were voltage clamped and the following results were obtained. (1) Intracellular perfusion of the myocyte with the catalytic subunits of protein phosphatase 1 (2 microM) as well as 2A (2.3 microM) completely abolished the increase of ICa induced by isoprenaline (0.05 microM) but did not decrease the basal level of ICa. Alkaline and acid phosphatases were without detectable effect. (2) Cell dialysis with the modulator of protein phosphatase 1 (inhibitor-2) under control conditions (without addition of isoprenaline) caused a slow significant increase of ICa. (3) The time course for the wash-out of the isoprenaline effect was considerably prolonged in the presence of high concentrations of inhibitor-2. (4) Perfusion of the myocyte under basal conditions with adenosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate led to a slow increase of ICa. Additional superfusion of the cell with a threshold concentration of isoprenaline (0.01 microM) resulted in a rapid increase of ICa which could not be washed out during at least 10 min. From these results we make the following conclusions. (1) The calcium channel from guinea-pig myocytes is regulated by phosphorylation-dephosphorylation. (2) The catalytic subunits of the protein phosphatases 1 as well as 2A, purified from rabbit skeletal muscle, catalyse the down-regulation of the channel. (3) Indirect evidence suggests that endogenous protein phosphatase 1 contributes only partially to the dephosphorylation of the calcium channel in the intact myocyte.
Analyzing Information Flow in JavaScript-based Browser Extensions

The Web browser is one of the most used, and most exploited application. Today, browsers run not only on desktop computers and laptops, but also on Tablet PCs, PDAs and mobile phones and people can browse at any time and in any place. When seeing this intensive use, it becomes obvious that the question of security will be at the core of the debate. Indeed, as browsers are widely used and deal with particurlaly confidential information (such as bank account, or e-shopping.), they will be a particular target for attackers and so are exposed to many risks. Since the first browser was written by Tim Berners-Lee at the CERN (European Nuclear Research Center) in 1990, things have evolved quickly and browsers become more and more complex with more and more functionalities. But these new functionalities -enabled by plug-ins and extensionsalso mean more risks as they create new security weaknesses for the user. According to a recent report by Symantec [12], during the first half of 2007, Internet Explorer had 93 security vulnerabilities, Mozilla browsers had 74, Safari had 29 vulnerabilities and Opera had 9. And an additional 301 other vulnerabilities in browser plug-ins and extensions. In this paper we study a new type of security weakness caused by browser extensions which can be very pernicious. After a general overview about the way browsers work, as a prerequisite for our study, and seeing their lack in security, we study the Sabre system (Security Architecture for Browser Extensions) which tracks the information flow inside the browser to analyse malicious extensions, and which is an answer proposed to the big security lacks that the use of extensions in browsers represent. Having understood the way Sabre was working, can we then see how relevant it is, and if its answer to security problems is the most appropriate.
Macrophage activation and coronary atherosclerosis in systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis

Activation of macrophages may contribute to increased atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Neopterin, a pteridine derivative, is a novel marker of monocyte and macrophage activation that is associated with atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk in the general population. We examined the hypothesis that macrophage activation is associated with accelerated atherosclerosis in SLE and RA.
Migration, Stem Shape, and Surface Finish in Cemented Total Hip Arthroplasty

In many recent publications it was suggested that the amount of early subsidence of a femoral stem in total hip arthroplasty is indicative for later revision. In this article it is argued that stems can be designed according to alternative objectives, resulting in different shapes and surface roughness, each producing its own characteristic postoperative subsidence pattern. It was investigated whether these inherent subsidence patterns can be estimated in preclinical testing. For that purpose two stems, both without a collar, relying on cement fixation only, were compared regarding their stress transfer, migration, and induced micromotion behavior. Finite element analysis, cyclic bench testing of substitute bone reconstructions, and clinical radiostereophotogrammetric analysis were applied. The stems investigated were the Exeter, which is assumed to be a force closed fixation design, relying on subsidence under load as a method of maintaining stability, and the SHP, as a shape closed fixation design, meant to be contained by the cement mantle. Both designs were true to their design concepts in the analyses, in the sense that migrations and micromotions of the Exeter stems far exceeded those of the SHP stems. It was found that preclinical studies such as finite element analysis or bench tests give reasonable indications of in vivo postoperative behavior. It is concluded that early clinical migration values should be considered relative to stem shape and surface finish, when prediction of later revision probability is the issue.
Effects of aquatic exercise on flexibility, strength and aerobic fitness in adults with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee.

AIM This paper reports a study of the effects of aquatic exercise on physical fitness (flexibility, strength and aerobic fitness), self-reported physical functioning and pain in adults with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee. BACKGROUND Osteoarthritis is a common cause of disability and a primary reason for hip and knee joint replacement. Exercise is important for preventing and/or managing the functional limitations associated with joint disease. Aquatic exercise is thought to be beneficial and is often recommended for people with osteoarthritis; however, few studies have examined the effects on people with osteoarthritis, and these have yielded inconsistent results. METHODS A two-group randomized controlled trial with a convenience sample was used. Participants were recruited from community sources and randomly assigned to a 12-week aquatic programme or a non-exercise control condition. Data for 38 participants were collected at baseline, week 6, and week 12 during 2003 and 2004. Instruments were a standard plastic goniometer, a handheld dynamometer, the 6-minute walk test, the multidimensional Health Assessment Questionnaire, and a visual analogue scale for pain. RESULTS Repeated measures analysis of variance showed that aquatic exercise statistically significantly improved knee and hip flexibility, strength and aerobic fitness, but had no effect on self-reported physical functioning and pain. The exercise adherence rate was 81.7%, and no exercise-related adverse effect was observed or reported. CONCLUSIONS Beneficial short-term effects of aquatic exercise were found in adults with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee. Although the programme may not offer pain relief or self-reported improvements in physical functioning, results suggest that aquatic exercise does not worsen the joint condition or result in injury. Nurses engaging in disease management and health promotion for these patients should consider recommending or implementing aquatic classes for patients.