Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Aerobic Training in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Rehabilitation is a major goal for children with cerebral palsy, although the potential to enhance cardio-respiratory fitness in such individuals remains unclear. This study thus compared current cardio-respiratory status between children with cerebral palsy and able-bodied children, and examined the ability to enhance the cardio-respiratory fitness of children with cerebral palsy by cycle ergometer training. 10 children with cerebral palsy (Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I and II) participated in thrice-weekly 30 min cycle ergometer training sessions for 8 weeks (mean age: 14.2±1.9 yrs). 10 additional subjects with cerebral palsy (mean age: 14.2±1.8 yrs) and 10 able-bodied subjects (mean age: 14.1±2.1 yrs) served as controls, undertaking no training. All subjects undertook a progressive cycle ergometer test of cardio-respiratory fitness at the beginning and end of the 8-week period. Cardio-respiratory parameters [oxygen intake V˙O2), ventilation V ˙ E) and heart rate (HR)] during testing were measured by Cosmed K4 b gas analyzer. The children with cerebral palsy who engaged in aerobic training improved their peak oxygen consumption, heart rate and ventilation significantly (p<0.05) and they also showed a non-significant trend to increased peak power output. In conclusion, children with cerebral palsy can benefit significantly from cardio-respiratory training, and such training should be included in rehabilitation programs.
Comparative analysis of hourly load forecast for a small load area

Accurate load forecasting plays a key role in economical use of energy and real time security analysis of system. In this paper a practical case of small load area of a town getting supplied by nineteen distribution feeders is considered. Four months exhibiting different daily load-curve variation pattern are selected. Graphical analysis of the daily load curves for a week in each month is performed. Also statistical data analysis of hourly load data for each month is conducted. Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) is used for hourly forecasting. Input vector is designed which includes the historical load data, minimum and maximum temperature data as vector elements. Artificial Neural Network models are trained for each month using Back-Propagation algorithm with Momentum learning rule. For the selected months the network performances are evaluated using the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) criterion. The variation in forecasting ability of ANN for different months is also discussed.
Cytosolic nitrate ion homeostasis: could it have a role in sensing nitrogen status?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS question of whether homeostasis occurs for some nutrients and, if so, what are the consequences for how plants sense their nutrient status. Particularly for nitrate, this controversy has focused on the methods used and the cellular pools which they measure. Cytoplasm and cytosol have been distinguished and it has been suggested that two ranges of nitrate values can be separated depending on whether the method separates the pools found in organelles. SCOPE The present study defines homeostasis of nutrient ions and discusses how whole organ averaging techniques can hide important cellular differences that can help to explain some of the discrepancies between results reported by various methods. These results are considered in relation to a possible role in signalling nutrient status, and have relevance to other averaging techniques such as the use of 'omics' technologies.
DiaA Dynamics Are Coupled with Changes in Initial Origin Complexes Leading to Helicase Loading*

Chromosomal replication initiation requires the regulated formation of dynamic higher order complexes. Escherichia coli ATP-DnaA forms a specific multimer on oriC, resulting in DNA unwinding and DnaB helicase loading. DiaA, a DnaA-binding protein, directly stimulates the formation of ATP-DnaA multimers on oriC and ensures timely replication initiation. In this study, DnaA Phe-46 was identified as the crucial DiaA-binding site required for DiaA-stimulated ATP-DnaA assembly on oriC. Moreover, we show that DiaA stimulation requires only a subgroup of DnaA molecules binding to oriC, that DnaA Phe-46 is also important in the loading of DnaB helicase onto the oriC-DnaA complexes, and that this process also requires only a subgroup of DnaA molecules. Despite the use of only a DnaA subgroup, DiaA inhibited DnaB loading on oriC-DnaA complexes, suggesting that DiaA and DnaB bind to a common DnaA subgroup. A cellular factor can relieve the DiaA inhibition, allowing DnaB loading. Consistently, DnaA F46A caused retarded initiations in vivo in a DiaA-independent manner. It is therefore likely that DiaA dynamics are crucial in the regulated sequential progress of DnaA assembly and DnaB loading. We accordingly propose a model for dynamic structural changes of initial oriC complexes loading DiaA or DnaB helicase.
Fruit and vegetable intake in young children.

BACKGROUND Current recommendations call for most Americans, 2 years of age and over, to ent more fruits and vegetables. OBJECTIVE To determine, in a sample of healthy children, the extent to which young children's diets include the recommended numbers of fruit and vegetable servings per day. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING A general primary care health center in upstate New York. PARTICIPANTS One-hundred-sixteen 2-year-old children and 107 5-year-old children, who were scheduled for a non-acute visit, and their parent/primary caretaker (PPC) were recruited between 1992 and 1993. MEASUREMENTS For 168 children (94 2-year-old children and 74 5-year-old children), mean dietary intakes were calculated from 7 days of written dietary records, entered and analyzed using the Minnesota Nutrition Data System. The numbers of fruit and vegetable servings/day were calculated according to USDA definitions of serving sizes. RESULTS The 2-year-old children consumed the same amounts of fruits, 100% fruit juice, and total fruits and vegetables as the 5-year-old children (0.8 and 0.7 fruit servings/day, 1.0 and 0.8 juice servings/day, and 2.2 and 2.1 total fruit and vegetable servings/day, respectively). Fruit juice accounted for 54% of all fruit servings consumed and 42% of all fruit and vegetable servings consumed. Total fruit consumption (fruits plus juice) was correlated with carbohydrate intake (R = 0.46), and inversely correlated with total fat and saturated fat intakes (R = -0.48 and R = -0.36, respectively, both p < 0.0001) and with cholesterol intake (R = -0.21, p < 0.01). Citrus fruit and juice consumption was strongly correlated with vitamin C intake (R = 0.56, p < 0.0001). Total vegetable consumption was strongly correlated with beta-carotene and vitamin A intakes (R = 0.63 and R = 0.32, respectively, both p < 0.0001). Total fruit and vegetable consumption correlated with intakes of beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber, and potassium (R = 0.55, R = 0.31, R = 0.56, R = 0.58, and R = 0.66, respectively, all p < 0.0001). Forty percent of 2-year-old children and 50% of 5-year-old children consumed < 2 servings/day of fruits and vegetables. Ninety-five percent of children consuming > or = 2 servings/day of fruits and vegetables met the RDA for vitamin C vs. 50% of those consuming < 2 servings/day (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS In this study, preschool-aged children consumed, on average, about 80% of the recommended fruit servings/day, but only 25% of the recommended vegetable servings/day. Low intakes of fruits and vegetables were associated with inadequate intakes of vitamin A, vitamin C, and dietary fiber, in addition to high intakes of total fat and saturated fat.
Comparative study of permanent magnet-synchronous and permanent magnet-flux switching machines for high torque to inertia applications

This paper investigates the capability of both permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM) and permanent magnet flux switching (PMFS) machine to provide high torque to inertia ratio for applications with demanding response in terms of acceleration and fast dynamic. The PMSM has higher torque density and efficiency among different electrical machines. However, the presence of the permanent magnets can increase the rotor inertia. Thanks to its passive salient-pole rotor, PMFS machine is a suitable solution for those applications requiring lower inertia. This paper provides a comparative analysis between the PMSM and PMFS machines considering the torque to inertia ratio, the challenges of a flooded air gap and dimensional constraints. The electromagnetic performances of both machines have been evaluated by means of finite element method and a detailed sensitivity analysis is carried out for stator and rotor geometry.
Intervals for the assessment of measurement agreement: Similarities, differences, and consequences of incorrect interpretations

Several intervals have been proposed to quantify the agreement of two methods intended to measure the same quantity in the situation where only one measurement per method and subject is available. The limits of agreement are probably the most well‐known among these intervals, which are all based on the differences between the two measurement methods. The different meanings of the intervals are not always properly recognized in applications. However, at least for small‐to‐moderate sample sizes, the differences will be substantial. This is illustrated both using the width of the intervals and on probabilistic scales related to the definitions of the intervals. In particular, for small‐to‐moderate sample sizes, it is shown that limits of agreement and prediction intervals should not be used to make statements about the distribution of the differences between the two measurement methods or about a plausible range for all future differences. Care should therefore be taken to ensure the correct choice of the interval for the intended interpretation.
The relationship between cardiac autonomic function and clinical and angiographic characteristics in patients with coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND A reduction in heart rate variability (HRV) is considered an important indicator of autonomic dysfunction. OBJECTIVES The aims of this study were to evaluate the presence of autonomic dysfunction measured by HRV in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and to compare them with normal subjects. METHODS A sample of 52 men (mean age 54±5.39 years) was allocated into three groups: obstructive CAD ≥50% (CAD+ n=18), obstructive CAD <50%, (CAD- n=17) and apparently healthy controls (CG n=17). Heart rate (HR) was measured at rest using a Polar®S810i for 15 min. HRV was analyzed via Shannon entropy (SE) and symbolic analysis (0V and 2ULV), which relate to sympathetic and vagal predominance, respectively. Statistical analysis included the Kruskal-Wallis test and multivariate analysis (p<0.05). RESULTS The CAD+ group presented lower SE and 2ULV% values and higher 0V% compared to CAD- and control groups (p<0.05). In the multivariate analysis, the presence of the clinical characteristics such as myocardial infarction and revascularization in the CAD+ group lead to a lower SE and higher 0V compared to the CAD- group. The use of angiotensin converting enzymes led to a higher SE in the CAD- group compared to the CAD+ (p<0.05). CONCLUSION In uncomplicated CAD+ patients the patterns of HRV have a lower complexity, a greater sympathetic modulation and a lower parasympathetic modulation compared to CAD- and control groups in supine resting conditions. These results indicate that autonomic heart dysfunction is related to the degree of coronary occlusion and cardiac compromise.
Reduced mortality rates in a cohort of long-term underground iron-ore miners.

BACKGROUND Historically, working in iron-ore mines has been associated with an increased risk of lung cancer and silicosis. However, studies on other causes of mortality are inconsistent and in the case of cancer incidence, sparse. The aim of this study was to examine the association between iron-ore mining, mortality and cancer incidence. METHODS A 54-year cohort study on iron-ore miners from mines in northern Sweden was carried out comprising 13,000 workers. Standardized rate ratios were calculated comparing the disease frequency, mortality, and cancer incidence with that of the general population of northern Sweden. Poisson regression was used to evaluate the association between the durations of employment and underground work, and outcome. RESULTS Underground mining was associated with a significant decrease in adjusted mortality rate ratios for cerebrovascular and digestive system diseases, and stroke. For several outcomes, elevated standardized rate ratios were observed among blue-collar workers relative to the reference population. However, only the incidence of lung cancer increased with employment time underground (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Long-term iron-ore mining underground was associated with lower rates regarding several health outcomes. This is possibly explained by factors related to actual job activities, environmental exposure, or the selection of healthier workers for long-term underground employment.
Cancer trends among Hispanic men in South Florida, 1981–1998

Hispanics now represent a majority of residents in Miami‐Dade County, Florida. In this report, the authors present new cancer incidence and mortality data for South Florida's Hispanic men for the period 1990–1998 and compare them with data from a previous report from the 1980s. Periodic updating of cancer incidence data, reflecting current population distribution, lifestyle, and environmental risk factors, is necessary to inform cancer prevention and control activities optimally.
Differences in Patient Experience Between Hispanic and Non-Hispanic White Patients Across U.S. Hospitals

Introduction: Despite the increased emphasis on patient experience, little is known about whether there are meaningful differences in hospital satisfaction between Hispanic and non-Hispanic whites. Methods: To determine if satisfaction differs, we used Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey data (2009–2010) reported by hospitals to compare responses between Hispanic and non-Hispanic white patients. Clustered logistic regression models identified within-hospital and between-hospital differences in satisfaction. Results: Of the 3,864,938 respondents, 6.2% were Hispanics, who were more often younger and females and less likely to have graduated from high school. Hispanics were overall more likely to recommend their hospital (74.1% vs. 70.9%, p < .001) and to rate it 9 or 10 (72.5% vs. 65.9%, p < .001) than whites. Increased satisfaction among Hispanics was more pronounced when compared with whites within the same hospitals, with significantly higher ratings on all HCAHPS measures. However, hospitals serving a higher percentage of Hispanics had lower satisfaction scores for both Hispanic and white patients than other hospitals. Conclusion: There were significant but only modest-sized differences in patient experience between Hispanic and white patients across U.S. hospitals. Hispanics tended to be more satisfied with their care but received care at lower-performing hospitals.
Characterization of Sublethal Microcystin-LR Exposure in Mice

Microcystin-LR (MCLR) is a potent hepatotoxin produced by the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa. The histology of acute lethal toxicity has been well characterized, but histology is limited regarding sublethal exposure. Balb/C mice were given a single sublethal dose of MCLR (45 μg/kg) and euthanized at 2, 4, 12, and 24 hours after exposure. Centrilobular to midzonal hepatocellular hypertrophy with loss of cytosolic vacuolation consistent with glycogen depletion occurred at 2 hours. At 4 hours, central lobular hepatocytes exhibited eccentric areas of eosinophilic cytoplasmic condensation that were partially aggregated around the outer nuclear membrane. The areas were weakly positive for cytokeratin and somewhat resembled the Mallory bodies of alcoholic human hepatitis. Small numbers of apoptotic hepatocytes were seen at 24 hours. The toxin was detectable by immunohistochemistry (IHC) as early as 2 hours and was colocalized with the areas of hepatocellular hypertrophy. Intense nuclear staining occurred at 4 hours; this was no longer evident after 12 hours. Strong staining of apoptotic bodies occurred at 24 hours. Mice that received two daily doses had a marked increase in apoptotic hepatocytes in the centrilobular areas. Lesions at four and seven doses consisted of marked hepatocytomegaly and karyomegaly with parenchymal disarray and cytosolic vacuolation. IHC revealed diffuse staining throughout the liver parenchyma consistent with toxin accumulation. An anti-MCLR monoclonal antibody detected bands at the 40-kDa mark in nuclear extracts that were identified as protein phosphatases 1 and 2A by western blotting, consistent with a covalent interaction between MCLR and nuclear protein phosphatases.
Association of antimicrobial and clinical efficacy: periodontitis therapy with minocycline microspheres.

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to investigate the association between the antimicrobial and clinical efficacy of minocycline hydrochloride microspheres when used adjunctively with scaling and root planing. METHODS 127 subjects with moderate-to-advanced chronic periodontitis were randomly assigned to receive either minocycline microspheres plus scaling and root planing (n = 62) or scaling and root planing alone (n = 65). Deoxyribose nucleic acid analysis and clinical data were obtained at baseline and 30 days after treatment. End points included changes in the mean sum of red complex bacteria, pocket depth, number of deep pockets, bleeding on probing, and clinical attachment level from baseline to day 30. Regression analysis determined the association between microbiological and clinical efficacy. RESULTS Minocycline microspheres plus scaling and root planing reduced pocket depth, the number of deep pockets and bleeding on probing, and increased clinical attachment level significantly more than scaling and root planing alone (p < 0.05). Comparing minocycline microspheres plus scaling and root planing with scaling and root planing alone, the number needed to treat for a 2 mm pocket depth reduction difference was 6.5. Pocket depth reduction correlated significantly with a decrease in the numbers and proportions of red complex bacteria. Minocycline microspheres significantly improved all clinical parameters compared to scaling and root planing alone. CONCLUSIONS The addition of minocycline microspheres to scaling and root planing led to a greater reduction in the proportions and numbers of red complex bacteria. The reduction in pocket depth was significantly correlated with the reduction of the proportions and numbers of red complex bacteria. Additionally, there were statistically greater improvements in all clinical parameters examined.
What is the role of somatic mutation in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease?

A 50% dosage reduction of gene product, known as haploinsufficiency, as found in heterozygotes with an inactivating mutation, is not usually associated with a detectable physiologic effect. Consequently, either loci associated with dominant disease are those rare ones that are sensitive to haploinsufficiency, or an additional mechanism plays a role to enhance the effect of the single mutant allele. In the case of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), adult-onset disease is characterized by focal cyst development and expansion as a result of heterozygous mutation in PKD1 or PKD2 . In mice, homozygous inactivating mutations to either Pkd1 or Pkd2 results in embryonic lethality with the development of renal and pancreatic cysts from embryonic day 13.5. 1,2 Humans with two fully penetrant mutations are also thought to have a nonviable phenotype. The wide range of human mutations causing ADPKD, approximately 70% of which are clearly inactivating, and the lack of clear genotype–phenotype correlations suggest that a dominant negative mechanism, whereby the mutant product adversely affects the function of the normal ADPKD allele product, is unlikely to be important in the human disease.3 Rather, a widely accepted view is that ADPKD is recessive at the cellular level and that cysts develop clonally from a tubular cell only once the cell has acquired a second, somatic mutation to inactivate the remaining normal allele. There are considerable data to support this two-hit hypothesis for cystogenesis in ADPKD. This includes the demonstration of deletion (loss of heterozygosity) or inactivating point mutations to the remaining normal PKD1 or PKD2 allele in epithelial cyst linings isolated from single cysts, in either the kidney or the liver.4–8 In addition, there is evidence for the clonality of cysts.7 Further data come from a Pkd2 mouse model ( Pkd2 WS25) that is prone …
Mastering Shakedown through the User - the Need for User-Generated Services in Techno Change

Turning IT -investments into organizational benefits is one of the key research objectives for in-formation systems. There is a significant body of knowledge dealing with research on system development and management approaches. However, by leveraging crowd mechanisms, we be-lieve that from a service systems perspective, after the rollout (also called shakedown phase) organizations still require active involvement by end-users in order to create IT-impacts and ultimately enhance organizational performance. We follow a design science research approach and suggest integrating user-generated services into an existing service system. Our artifact will hence consist of design requirements and design principles, which we will validate in our future work through two hermeneutic circles, in which users are given the means to identify existing problems and create their own fitting solutions. The focus of this research-in-progress paper lies on identifying design requirements that address the challenge of motivating users to create and use user-generated services. Our first step of developing design requirements and preliminary results are based on a brief literature review to identify existing motivational factors and incen-tives from the software implementation literature, which is the basis for our design requirement for user-generated services. Our theoretical contribution lies both in showing the potential of user-generated services for the shake-down phase for techno change projects and providing a first tentative motivational design requirement for a service system that enables user-generated service in the context of the shakedown phase.
Short‐Stay Nursing Home Rehabilitation Patients: Transitional Care Problems Pose Research Challenges

A clinical intervention pilot study to improve depression care for short‐stay nursing home Medicare‐reimbursed rehabilitation patients funded by the National Institute on Aging was conducted. Despite solid theoretical and clinical grounding and the support of a large nursing home company, several roadblocks to implementation were encountered, including involving patients and families, communication between providers, involving community primary care physicians, staff time constraints, and conducting research with short‐stay patients. Although frustrating from a research standpoint, these roadblocks closely reflect problems identified by the American Geriatrics Society as impeding the delivery of high‐quality transitional care in geriatrics. These research roadblocks are described as they were encountered in the clinical setting, and each is placed within the larger context of challenges associated with care transitions, especially for older persons with complex health needs receiving nursing home rehabilitation. Finally, recommendations are offered for researchers conducting much‐needed research within geriatric transitional care settings, including starting early in the care transition chain and assisting patients and families with providing continuity across care settings.