On-site residence time in a driven diffusive system: violation and recovery of mean-field

We investigate simple one-dimensional driven diffusive systems with open boundaries. We are interested in the average on-site residence time defined as the time a particle spends on a given site before moving on to the next site. Using mean-field theory, we obtain an analytical expression for the on-site residence times. By comparing the analytic predictions with numerics, we demonstrate that the mean-field significantly underestimates the residence time due to the neglect of time correlations in the local density of particles. The temporal correlations are particularly long-lived near the average shock position, where the density changes abruptly from low to high. By using Domain wall theory (DWT), we obtain highly accurate estimates of the residence time for different boundary conditions. We apply our analytical approach to residence times in a totally asymmetric exclusion process (TASEP), TASEP coupled to Langmuir kinetics (TASEP + LK), and TASEP coupled to mutually interactive LK (TASEP + MILK). The high accuracy of our predictions is verified by comparing these with detailed Monte Carlo simulations

Stump sensibility in children with upper limb reduction deficiency

Objectives: To compare stump sensibility in children with upper limb reduction deficiency with sensibility of the unaffected arm and hand. In addition, to evaluate the associations between stump sensibility, stump length and activity level.Design: Cross-sectional study.Subjects: Children and young adults aged 6-25 years with upper limb reduction deficiency.Methods: Threshold of touch was measured with Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments, stereognosis was measured with the Shape-Texture Identification test and kinaesthesia and activity level was measured with the Child Amputee Prosthetics Project Functional Status Inventory and the Prosthetic Upper Extremity Functional Index.Results: A total of 31 children with upper limb reduction deficiency (mean age 15 years, 3 prosthesis wearers) were investigated. The threshold of touch of the stump circumference was lower (indicating higher sensibility) than of the unaffected arm (p=0.006), hand (p=0.004) and stump end-point (p=Conclusion: Threshold of touch, stereognosis and kinaesthesia of the affected sides were excellent. Threshold of touch of the stump circumference was lower (indicating higher sensibility) than of the unaffected arm and hand. High stump sensibility may clarify good functioning in the children without prostheses and contribute to prosthesis rejection.</p

Changes in the Content of Pediatric Physical Therapy for Infants:A Quantitative, Observational Study

AIMS: The aim of our observational longitudinal study is to evaluate changes over time in standard pediatric physical therapy (PPT) for infants at risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. METHODS: Treatment sessions in two time periods (2003-2005 [n = 22] and 2008-2014 [n = 16]) were video recorded and analyzed quantitatively in five categories: neuromotor actions, educational actions, communication, position, and situation of treatment session. Differences in percentages of time spent on therapeutic actions between periods were tested with Mann-Whitney U and Hodges Lehmann's tests. RESULTS: No significant changes appeared in the main categories of neuromotor actions. Time spent on not-specified educational actions toward caregivers (median from 99% to 81%, p = .042) and not-specified communication (median from 72% to 52%, p = .002) decreased. Consequently, time spent on specific educational actions (caregiver training and coaching; median from 1% to 19%, p = .042) and specific communication (information exchange, instruct, provide feedback; median from 21% to 38%, p = .007) increased. Infant position changed only minimally: time spent on transitions-that is, change of position-decreased slightly over time (median from 7% to 6%, p = .042). Situation of treatment session did not change significantly over time. CONCLUSIONS: Neuromotor actions in PPT remained largely stable over time. Specific educational actions and communication increased, indicating larger family involvement during treatment sessions

Alpine altitude climate treatment for severe and uncontrolled asthma: An EAACI position paper

Currently available European Alpine Altitude Climate Treatment (AACT) programs combine the physical characteristics of altitude with the avoidance of environmental triggers in the alpine climate and a personalized multidisciplinary pulmonary rehabilitation approach. The reduced barometric pressure, oxygen pressure, and air density, the relatively low temperature and humidity, and the increased UV radiation at moderate altitude induce several physiological and immunological adaptation responses. The environmental characteristics of the alpine climate include reduced aeroallergens such as house dust mites (HDM), pollen, fungi, and less air pollution. These combined factors seem to have immunomodulatory effects controlling pathogenic inflammatory responses and favoring less neuro-immune stress in patients with different asthma phenotypes. The extensive multidisciplinary treatment program may further contribute to the observed clinical improvement by AACT in asthma control and quality of life, fewer exacerbations and hospitalizations, reduced need for oral corticosteroids (OCS), improved lung function, decreased airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), improved exercise tolerance, and improved sinonasal outcomes. Based on observational studies and expert opinion, AACT represents a valuable therapy for those patients irrespective of their asthma phenotype, who cannot achieve optimal control of their complex condition despite all the advances in medical science and treatment according to guidelines, and therefore run the risk of falling into a downward spiral of loss of physical and mental health. In the light of the observed rapid decrease in inflammation and immunomodulatory effects, AACT can be considered as a natural treatment that targets biological pathways. Keywords: altitude; asthma; climate; environment; pulmonary rehabilitation

LEARN2MOVE 0-2 years, a randomized early intervention trial for infants at very high risk of cerebral palsy:neuromotor, cognitive, and behavioral outcome

Contains fulltext : 229748.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access)Purpose: Evidence for efficacy of early intervention in infants at high risk of cerebral palsy (CP) is limited. We compared outcome of infants at very high risk of CP after receiving the family centered program COPing with and CAring for infants with special needs (COPCA) or typical infant physiotherapy.Materials and methods: Forty-three infants were randomly assigned before the corrected age of 9 months to 1 year of COPCA (n = 23) or typical infant physiotherapy (n = 20). Neuromotor development, cognition, and behavior was assessed until 21 months corrected age. Video-recorded physiotherapy sessions were quantitatively analyzed for further process analyses. Outcome was evaluated with nonparametric tests and linear mixed effect models.Results: During and after the interventions, infant outcome in both intervention groups was similar [primary outcome Infant Motor Profile: COPCA 82 (69-94), typical infant physiotherapy 81 (69-89); Hodges Lehman estimate of the difference 0 (confidence interval -5;4)]. Outcome was not associated with contents of intervention.Conclusions: One year of COPCA and 1 year of typical infant physiotherapy in infants at high risk of CP resulted in similar neurodevelopmental outcomes. It is conceivable that combinations of active ingredients from different approaches are needed for effective early intervention.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONFor infants at very high risk of cerebral palsy, 1 year of intervention with the family-centred programme Coping with and Caring for infants with special needs resulted in similar infant outcome as 1 year of typical infant physiotherapy.Infant's neuromotor, cognitive, and behavioural outcome was not associated with specific interventional elements, implying that the various elements may have a similar effect on developmental outcome.We suggest that a specific mix of ingredients of different approaches may work best, resulting in comprehensive care including both infant and family needs

Pelvic floor muscle function in a general female population in relation with age and parity and the relation between voluntary and involuntary contractions of the pelvic floor musculature

Contains fulltext : 80525.pdf (publisher's version ) (Closed access