Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Waveguide Model for Reflection Phase Characterization of Periodic EBG Surfaces

In this paper, we propose a simple and accurate model for computing the reflection phase of various EBG surfaces. This model is based on simulating scattering parameter of a single port waveguide with ideal PEC and PMC walls which is terminated to a unit cell of the EBG structure. It is shown that this model is applicable to both two and three-layer EBG surfaces. The results obtained by this model are in good agreement with the measurements. Several mushroom-like EBG surfaces are analyzed by this model and their reflection phase characteristics are compared with each other.
Prospective analysis of C1 dissociation and complement activation in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the results of complement analysis for assessment of disease activity and severity, and prediction of flares in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS Patients with mild extra-renal flares, severe extra-renal flares or flares of lupus glomerulonephritis were followed for eight months, with investigations being performed every second month. Findings in initial samples four months before the flares were compared with findings in a control group with stable disease. C-reactive protein, and circulating C1q, C4 and C3 were determined together with two types of complexes containing C1 inhibitor (C1 INH), C1 INH-C1r-C1s and C1 INH-C1r-C1s-C1 INH, and the C3 breakdown product C3d. RESULTS Enhanced formation of C1 INH-C1r-C1s appeared to be a marker of low specificity and was mainly seen in patients with extra-renal disease. Concentrations of C1 INH-C1r-C1s-C1 INH, C3d, C1q and C3 clearly varied according to disease activity in patients with severe disease. Interestingly, high C1 INH-C1r-C1s-C1 INH values were found four months before the flares in all but one patient with lupus glomerulonephritis. Assessment of the relative predictivity for a subsequent flare indicated low C1q to be the most reliable marker, the predictivity of the complexes being: low C1q > high C1 INH-C1r-C1s-C1 INH > low C3 > high C3d > low C4. CONCLUSION The importance of C1q and C1-related events in SLE may be underestimated. In addition, our results demonstrate the relevance of serial complement analysis for the assessment of disease activity and severity.
Optimal Inspection and Repair Policies for Infrastructure Facilities

State-of-the-art decision-making models in the area of infrastructure maintenance and rehabilitation (which are based on the Markov Decision Process) do not take into account the uncertainty in the measurement of facility condition. This paper presents a methodology, the Latent Markov Decision Process (LMDP), which explicitly recognizes the presence of random errors in the measurement of the condition of infrastructure facilities. Two versions of the LMDP are presented. In the first version, the inspection schedule is fixed, which is the usual assumption made in state-of-the-art models. The second version of the LMDP minimizes the sum of inspection and M & R costs. An empirical comparison of the two versions of the LMDP and the traditional MDP illustrates the importance of incorporating measurement uncertainty in decision-making and of optimizing the inspection schedule.
Impact of frequency and lateralization of interictal discharges on neuropsychological and fine motor status in children with benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes

Despite a positive prognosis for seizure remission, children with benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS) have been reported to exhibit subtle neuropsychological difficulties. We examined the relationship between patterns of centrotemporal spikes (the typical electroencephalography [EEG] finding in BECTS) and neuropsychological and motor outcomes in children with new‐onset BECTS. Thirty‐four patients with new‐onset BECTS (not taking antiepileptic medication) and 48 typically developing children participated in the study. In BECTS patients, centrotemporal spikes (CTS) were evaluated in the first hour awake and first 2 h of sleep in a 24‐h EEG recording and left or right‐sided origin was noted. General intellectual function, language, visuospatial skill, processing speed, and fine motor skill were assessed in all participants. We found no significant difference between BECTS patients and controls on measures of general intellectual function, or visuospatial or language testing. There were significant differences in processing speed index and nondominant hand fine motor scores between groups. Significant negative relationships were observed between rates of left‐sided CTS and right hand fine motor scores. This suggests that psychomotor and fine motor speed are affected in BECTS, but the extent of affected domains may be more limited than previously suggested, especially in untreated patients early in the course of their epilepsy.
An accurate and efficient method based on ray-tracing for the prediction of local flat-fading statistics in picocell radio channels

Ray-tracing techniques have proven to be very useful for the analysis and design of wireless systems both in urban microcells and in indoor picocells. At present, the optimization of these techniques enables not only the signal mean level but also the local statistics to be estimated accurately, which is of great practical importance. A wide range of comparisons between measurements and simulations confirming this have been carried out by the authors, and some examples are presented. The most interesting contribution of this paper is that starting from the signal information at one single point, obtained using ray-tracing techniques, it is possible to estimate the signal statistics in a local area of that point. This possibility substantially reduces the local statistics calculation time, confirming the idea that an efficient site specific channel model might be feasible. Finally, it is also shown that ray-tracing techniques are able to accurately estimate the first- and second-order statistics in those environments where the Clarke (1968) or isotropic scattering model is not applicable.
Corneal asphericity and refractive error

The relationship between corneal curvature measured by classical keratometry and refractive error raises the question of a possible systematic relationship between refractive error and the degree of corneal asphericity. A recomputation and analysis of previously published data leads to the conclusion that the different refractive groups have similar values of the parameter ‘p’ and differ only in the apical radius of the cornea.
Standards for Immunohistochemical Imaging: A Protein Reference Device for Biomarker Quantitation

We are developing a reference device to be used in the validation of immunohistochemical imaging of biomarkers by microscopy. The prototype device consists of p53 protein immobilized at various concentrations on a glass slide. The device is designed as a reference control to be used with assays that incorporate commercially available anti-p53 antibodies. p53 protein was characterized by mass spectrometry and covalently immobilized through amide linkage to the (3-aminopropyl)trietoxysilane-modified glass surface. This procedure is reproducible and provides a chemically stable product in high yield. The surface-bound protein was shown to be immunoreactive by its specific interaction with anti-p53 antibody (Ab) and detection by absorbance and fluorescence spectroscopy. Also, comparison was made with microscopic images of Ab-stained tissue samples, known to stain positive for p53. Further development will be required to establish accurate surface protein concentrations in the range required for specific clinical applications.
Telomerase in human development and cancer

A potentially rate‐limiting step in cancer progression is the conversion of a normal human cell into one capable of indefinite proliferation. There are at least two different cellular mechanisms that must be overcome before immortalization occurs. The first step generally requires inactivation of the pathways involving two tumor‐suppressor genes, p53 and pRB, and the second step almost always involves the reactivation of the ribonucleoprotein enzyme telomerase. Telomerase synthesizes hexameric repeats (TTAGGG) onto telomeric ends, thereby compensating for telomeric losses that in its absence occurs at each cell division. Telomerase is present in human embryonic tissues, is not detected in most adult tissues, but is upregulated or reactivated in almost 90% of all human cancers. In the present article, I review the telomere‐telomerase theory of aging and cancer including the roles of telomerase during human development, in differentiation, and in cancer. Research into the regulation of this enzyme may lead to methods to facilitate the accurate diagnosis of cancer and to the development of novel antitelomerase cancer therapeutics. J. Cell. Physiol. 173:266–270, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Why general practitioners use computers and hospital doctors do not—Part 2: scalability

The actions of the medical profession and the British government have encouraged general practitioners to embrace computing at the same time that hospital doctors were alienated. However, clinical computing for a general practice is technically much easier than for a whole hospital or health district. This review focuses on technical issues (patient record architecture, terminology, interoperability standards, security, and developments in computer technology) which prevent what works for general practice working well in hospitals. These issues, which are all related to scalability, present a major challenge to those responsible for delivering the new vision of integrated 21st century information technology support for the NHS.1 #### Summary points General practice computerisation has been a success, but what works in a GP surgery does not readily scale up to work in a hospital Computer based patient records have a more diverse range of uses in hospitals than in general practice, and simple unidimensional classification schemes such as the original Read codes cannot cope In hospitals many different computer systems need to be linked together, requiring common interoperability standards Protection of privacy is a much greater problem in hospitals The number of potential users in hospitals makes substantial demands on hardware and networks This article has had a long gestation. Much of the evidence comes from my experience over nearly 30 years, first as leader of the computer evaluation unit at the Charing Cross Hospital, London (1974-80), then as a general practice system supplier (1980-90), and as a supplier of clinical information systems for hospital doctors (1990-9). An initial version of the article was written in 1993 and extended for the NHS Executive's integrated clinical workstation project 1995. A later version was presented at the AMIA Symposium, Washington, DC, November 2001 (proceedings, pp 42–46). Computer based patient records have long been seen …
Participation-based therapy for children with physical disabilities

Purpose: Optimizing home and community participation of children with physical disabilities is an important outcome of rehabilitation. Method: A review of literature identified research and theory on participation of children with physical disabilities. The authors’ incorporated current knowledge to conceptualize the experience of optimal participation, formulate principles of participation-based physical and occupational therapy, and develop a five-step process for intervention. A case report was completed to illustrate application to practice. Results: Optimal participation involves the dynamic interaction of determinants (attributes of the child, family, and environment) and dimensions (physical, social, and self engagement) of participation. Real-life experiences enable children to learn new activities and develop skills that optimize their participation and self-determination. Interventions are: goal-oriented, family-centered, collaborative, strengths-based, ecological, and self-determined. A distinguishing feature of intervention is that the therapist’s primary role is to support the child and family to identify challenges to participation and solutions to challenges. The therapist is a consultant, collaborating with the child, family, and community providers to share information, educate, and instruct in ways that build child, family, and community capacity. Conclusion: The model may have utility for collaboration with families and community providers, determining goals for participation, and providing evidence-informed interventions. Implications for Rehabiliation Home and community participation of children with physical disabilities is an important outcome of rehabilitation. Optimal participation is conceptualized as the dynamic interaction of determinants (attributes of the child, family, and environment) and dimensions (physical, social, and self engagement) of participation. Participation-based physical and occupational therapy is based on the assumption that real-life experiences enable children to learn new activities and develop skills and that the empowerment of families enables them to advocate for the full inclusion and integration of their children in society. In participation-based therapy, the therapist is a consultant, collaborating with the child, family, and community providers to share information, educate, and instruct in ways that build child, family, and community capacity.
Intrinsic control of stem cell fate

Efforts to expand the number of stem cells ex vivo are based on the assumption that the self‐renewal properties of stem cells are subject to extrinsic control. Although loss of stem cell properties ex vivo has been well‐documented, conclusive evidence for a gain of stem cell function in vitro has not been forthcoming. In this short discussion paper, some issues related to the self‐renewal of stem cells in relation to future experimental strategies are presented. Stem Cells 1997; 15(suppl 1): 223–227
Characterization of the aspartate aminotransferase-immunoglobulin M complex in a Japanese woman.

Alterations in serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) concentration usually correlate with the clinical stages of organ-specific disease. However, persistently increased AST concentration is sometimes due to the formation of a macrocomplex between immunoglobulin (Ig) and AST. In most healthy cases, AST-Ig complexes were detected after detailed studies to determine the cause of a persistent high concentration of serum AST. If high AST concentrations are found in the absence of organ-specific disease, we should suspect the presence of an AST-Ig complex. In eight previously reported healthy individuals with a high AST concentration (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6), the Ig that was bound to AST was always IgG. Here we characterize the immunological and biochemical properties of the AST-IgM complex in an individual without serious disease. The patient, a 61-year-old woman, was referred to our hospital for evaluation of persistently high serum AST concentration of 9 years duration. Her AST concentration was measured six times between February and July 1992 in our hospital. Each time, AST was high but all other liver function tests were normal. Laboratory tests at the time of admission showed (reference range): AST, 294 (5–40) U/L; IgM, 2.83 (0.7–1.70) g/L; C3, 0.53 (0.63–0.99) g/L; antimacrosomal antibody, ×400 (<×100). Results of hepatitis B surface and core antibody assays were positive. Computed tomography and ultrasonography of the abdomen revealed no evidence of liver disease such as hepatocellular carcinoma, liver cirrhosis, or fatty liver. A liver biopsy sample was normal. Total AST activities were measured by an Olympus AU-560 automated analyzer …
A Response to the Responders

I n his article "Inclusion: Time for a Change" (JLD Vol. 27, No. 9) Bruce Taylor identified a truth— in many special education classes, there is nothing special going on, no "magical cures. " I believe that the fault, however, lies with the college and university system that fails to provide special education teacher candidates with the skills and knowledge necessary to differentiate instruction. Public school departments of special education share the blame by requiring special educators to use only those materials and strategies utilized in the general education classroom. This practice, in my opinion, dooms the efforts of the special educator who complies. This type of "special" education presumes that mastery will be accomplished if (a) the student-teacher ratio is decreased, and (b) the teacher covers the materials at a slower rate, to enable the student to "catch up. " Special education must be reformed, not by elimination, but by improvement. Special educators must to taught strategies that work and must be allowed to use whatever materials will enable the student to learn. The special education classroom must be special.
Cdc42p GTPase is involved in controlling polarized cell growth in Schizosaccharomyces pombe

Cdc42p is a highly conserved low-molecular-weight GTPase that is involved in controlling cellular morphogenesis. We have isolated the Cdc42p homolog from the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe by its ability to complement the Saccharomyces cerevisiae cdc42-1ts mutation. S. pombe Cdc42p is 85% identical in predicted amino acid sequence to S. cerevisiae Cdc42p and 83% identical to the human Cdc42p homolog. The Cdc42p protein fractionates to both soluble and particulate fractions, suggesting that it exists in two cellular pools. We have disrupted the cdc42+ gene and shown that it is essential for growth. The cdc42 null phenotype is an arrest as small, round, dense cells. In addition, we have generated three site-specific mutations, G12V, Q61L, and D118A, in the Cdc42p GTP-binding domains that correspond to dominant-lethal mutations in S. cerevisiae CDC42. In contrast to the S. cerevisiae cdc42 mutations, the S. pombe cdc42 mutant alleles were not lethal when overexpressed. However, the cdc42 mutants did exhibit an abnormal morphological phenotype of large, misshapen cells, suggesting that S. pombe Cdc42p is involved in controlling polarized cell growth.
Relevance of cognitive deterioration in early relapsing-remitting MS: a 3-year follow-up study

Objective: To assess longitudinally cognitive functioning in relapsing—remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients and its relationship with clinical and MRI variables. Methods: Early RRMS patients and matched healthy controls were assessed in parallel in three testing sessions over 3 years, using the Rao’s Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Tests. Patients also underwent an MRI analysis of T2-weighted lesion volume (T2LV), number of gadolinium-enhanced lesions and whole brain atrophy. Forty-nine RRMS patients (mean age 36.9 ± 8.9 years; mean disease duration 2.9 ± 1.7 years, mean Expanded Disability Status Scale, 1.7 ± 0.7) and 56 healthy controls were recruited. Results: At baseline, cognitive impairment was detected in 15 patients (30.6%). After 3 years, cognitive functioning worsened in the 29.3% of patients, whereas Expanded Disability Status Scale progression was observed in only three patients. The most sensitive test to detect cognitive deterioration over time was the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT). Only the presence of moderate cognitive impairment at baseline predicted further cognitive deterioration (p = 0.03). Among MRI variables, T2LV showed a weak to moderate relationship with some cognitive tasks. Conclusions: Over a 3-year period cognitive deterioration can be expected in approximately one-third of MS patients with relatively short disease duration. The SDMT is particularly suitable for longitudinal assessment of MS-related cognitive changes.
Pregnancy following large loop excision of the transformation zone

formed. A minimal amount of amniotic fluid had been obtained, but the CTG had improved afterwards with the fetal heart rate being 150 beatslmin with reduced variability. The registrar on call was inclined to wait and continue to observe the CTG. The consultant felt initially that waiting might be a reasonable option but after seeing the CTG tracing for himself he had no hesitation in recommending that a caesarean section be performed immediately. The baby was born with poor Apgar scores and weighed 2300 g (below the 10th centile). The umbilical artery cord blood pH was 7.21 with a corrected base excess of -4.1 mmol/l. The baby was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit with hypoglycaemia but subsequently made normal progress. Two other cases involved the interpretation of the CTG of preterm fetuses. In one case, after viewing the CTG, the consultant made a decision to review the patient personally, and this possibly averted a maternal eclamptic crisis. In the other case, faxing the CTG resulted in the consultant advising correctly against the need for a tocolytic. In the remaining eight cases the consultants felt that seeing the CTG for themselves did not alter their management of the case, but in three of the cases it had been of great help in the discussion with the registrar. The additional perceived benefits from faxing the CTG, recorded by the registrars after telephoning the consultant about a case, are shown in Table 1. Beforehand, three out of the four consultants were enthusiastic about the study. A fourth was concerned about the technicalities of operating the machine, and whether he would be able to improve on the opinion of the experienced registrars. After the study all felt that it was very useful to have the option of viewing the CTG for themselves but maybe not as often as had been envisaged. The main disadvantage was for their wives who were disturbed by the working of a fax machine more than by a simple telephone call during the night. Discussion
Music therapy and electronic technology

The paper explains how a mobile Music Therapy van was established using electronic and computer technology developed as part of a long-term university research project. The electronic instruments and computer programs that are used are described along with an overview of their applied uses with children who have special needs. The technology is shown not only to allow access to those clients otherwise alienated from music and the music therapy, but is also beginning to provide quantitative data to expand the analytical techniques of the therapist.