Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Lumbar Spine as a Dynamic Structure Depicted in Upright MRI

AbstractSpinal canal stenosis is a dynamic phenomenon that becomes apparent during spinal loading. Current diagnostic procedures have considerable short comings in diagnosing the disease to full extend, as they are performed in supine situation. Upright MRI imaging might overcome this diagnostic gap.This study investigated the lumbar neuroforamenal diameter, spinal canal diameter, vertebral body translation, and vertebral body angles in 3 different body positions using upright MRI imaging.Fifteen subjects were enrolled in this study. A dynamic MRI in 3 different body positions (at 0° supine, 80° upright, and 80° upright + hyperlordosis posture) was taken using a 0.25 T open-configuration scanner equipped with a rotatable examination bed allowing a true standing MRI.The mean diameter of the neuroforamen at L5/S1 in 0° position was 8.4 mm on the right and 8.8 mm on the left, in 80° position 7.3 mm on the right and 7.2 mm on the left, and in 80° position with hyperlordosis 6.6 mm (P < 0.05) on the right and 6.1 mm on the left (P < 0.001). The mean area of the neuroforamen at L5/S1 in 0° position was 103.5 mm2 on the right and 105.0 mm2 on the left, in 80° position 92.5 mm2 on the right and 94.8 mm2 on the left, and in 80° position with hyperlordosis 81.9 mm2 on the right and 90.2 mm2 on the left.The mean volume of the spinal canal at the L5/S1 level in 0° position was 9770 mm3, in 80° position 10600 mm3, and in 80° position with hyperlordosis 9414 mm3.The mean intervertebral translation at level L5/S1 was 8.3 mm in 0° position, 9.9 mm in 80° position, and 10.1 mm in the 80° position with hyperlordosis.The lordosis angle at level L5/S1 was 49.4° in 0° position, 55.8° in 80° position, and 64.7 mm in the 80° position with hyperlordosis.Spinal canal stenosis is subject to a dynamic process, that can be displayed in upright MRI imaging. The range of anomalies is clinically relevant and dynamic positioning of the patient during MRI can provide essential diagnostic information which are not attainable with other methods.
FPGA implementation of V-BLAST detection algorithm in MIMO system

This paper presents FPGA implementation of various V-BLAST detection algorithms which are Maximum Likelihood, Zero Forcing and Minimum Mean Squared Error. Firstly, the MIMO V-BLAST system structure, the mathematical models and a variety of receiver detection algorithms have been studied detailedly. And then we analyze the characteristic and performance of typical algorithms and focus on using the Verilog hardware description language to implement the V-BLAST system architecture and the three detection algorithms on the Xilinx's Vertex Series FPGA, which can give good performance. Ultimately, these simulation results had been compared with each other in terms of complexity and error performance.
Non-syndromic recessive auditory neuropathy is the result of mutations in the otoferlin (OTOF) gene

It is estimated that about 1 in 500 children are born with a significant hearing loss.1 Non-syndromic recessive hearing loss (NSRHL) represents a major aetiologic factor in childhood hearing loss since it accounts for approximately 40% of all cases.2 Many of these genetic forms of hearing loss are indistinguishable with current clinical methods. Even so, more than 12 recessive genes have been identified primarily from large consanguineous pedigrees (see the Hereditary Hearing Loss Homepage http://www.uia.ac.be/dnalab/hhh for an overview). By definition, non-syndromic suggests a “simple” phenotype limited to hearing loss with no other associated symptoms. However, hearing is a complex process. Since a hearing defect might occur at any place along the auditory pathway, it would seem reasonable to expect to be able to differentiate types of NSRHL based on the location where the auditory process is disrupted. Indeed, new audiological testing strategies now give insight into the point where such defects have occurred. Pure tone audiometry has been the standard method used to measure hearing threshold but, since it subjectively tests the overall integrity of the auditory pathway, it gives only limited information about where that pathway is failing. The auditory brainstem response (ABR) is an objective measure of the overall auditory transduction process. The otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) test is another objective measure of the auditory pathway, which detects responses of the outer hair cells (OHCs) to environmental sound.3–6 A good review of auditory tests can be found in Hood.7 Some children have a hearing loss based on pure tone audiometry and ABR, but with normal OAEs. This type of hearing loss has been defined as auditory neuropathy (AN). 8 Subjects with AN can have varying degrees of hearing loss with poor speech reception out of proportion to the degree of hearing loss. In contrast …
Testing the Adaptation to Poverty-Related Stress Model: Predicting Psychopathology Symptoms in Families Facing Economic Hardship

This study tested the Adaptation to Poverty-related Stress Model and its proposed relations between poverty-related stress, effortful and involuntary stress responses, and symptoms of psychopathology in an ethnically diverse sample of low-income children and their parents. Prospective Hierarchical Linear Modeling analyses conducted with 98 families (300 family members: 136 adults, 82 adolescents and preadolescents, 82 school-age children) revealed that, consistent with the model, primary and secondary control coping were protective against poverty-related stress primarily for internalizing symptoms. Conversely, disengagement coping exacerbated externalizing symptoms over time. In addition, involuntary engagement stress responses exacerbated the effects of poverty-related stress for internalizing symptoms, whereas involuntary disengagement responses exacerbated externalizing symptoms. Age and gender effects were found in most models, reflecting more symptoms of both types for parents than children and higher levels of internalizing symptoms for girls.
Effects of coating formulation on coating thermal properties and coated paper print quality in xerography

Abstract The effects of coating formulation on thermal characteristics of coating layers (namely thermal diffusivity, specific heat capacity and heat conductivity) were systematically studied and their impact on xerography print quality was evaluated. Model coatings were prepared using ground calcium carbonate or kaolin pigment mixed with styrene butadiene latex binder in various proportions (from 6 to 25 pph). As expected, porosity was shown to be a key parameter for thermal conductivity of the coating layers, and is mainly determined by the latex concentration. Particle size distribution (PSD) and pigment morphology also affected the thermal characteristics of the coating layers. It was found that the bulk thermal conductivity of the coating layers can be accurately predicted by a geometric mean model based on the pigment, latex and air contents. Print quality on model coated papers was evaluated in terms of print gloss, toner adhesion and pairwise visual ranking. It was demonstrated that print gloss is improved by decreasing the bulk thermal conductivity of the coatings. The coating formulated with the pigments with the steepest PSD and 10 pph of latex had a relatively low thermal conductivity and the best print quality.
Is antibiotic prophylaxis in breast augmentation necessary? A prospective study

Background The role of prophylactic antibiotics in breast augmentation remains controversial. However, the majority of surgeons are administering antibiotics. Objective To investigate the effect of antibiotic(s) use in the incidence of infection and capsular contracture following breast augmentation. Methods From September 2004 to November 2010, 180 patients underwent primary bilateral breast augmentation. They were prospectively divided into two equal groups: in group A (n=90), no antibiotics were given and, in group B (n=90), only one intravenous dose of cephalosporin was administered during the induction of general anesthesia. Preoperative data included age, body mass index, smoking status, medical history and implant volume. All operations were performed by the same surgeon using the same surgical technique and implant type. No drains were used. Operative data included operative time and estimated blood loss. Patients were evaluated for complications such as infection, hematoma and capsular contracture. The study concluded when all of the patients underwent the one-year follow-up. The Student's t test was used to analyze the results. Results All patients completed the study and both groups had similar demographic data. No differences in operative data were observed. The mean operative time was 35 min and the mean blood loss was found to be minimal. In group A, no implant infections were reported, while a wound infection that occurred was treated successfully with oral antibiotics. In group B, no implant or wound infection was noticed. No capsular contractures or hematomas were observed. Conclusions The number of patients who underwent primary breast augmentation without antibiotics (n=90) was insufficient to draw any definitive conclusions. However, the present prospective study demonstrated that prophylactic use of antibiotics in breast augmentation had no significant effect on infection and capsular contracture rates. Further randomized clinical trials, in combination with guidelines from aesthetic plastic surgery societies, appear to be warranted.
Using growth models to monitor school performance: comparing the effect of the metric and the assessment

This paper investigates whether inferences about school performance based on longitudinal models are consistent when different assessments and metrics are used as the basis for analysis. Using norm-referenced (NRT) and standards-based (SBT) assessment results from panel data of a large heterogeneous school district, we examine inferences based on vertically equated scale scores, normal curve equivalents (NCEs), and nonvertically equated scale scores. The results indicate that the effect of the metric depends upon the evaluation objective. NCEs significantly underestimate absolute individual growth, but NCEs and scale scores yield highly correlated (r >.90) school-level results based on mean initial status and growth estimates. SBT and NRT results are highly correlated for status but only moderately correlated for growth. We also find that as few as 30 students per school provide consistent results and that mobility tends to affect inferences based on status but not growth – irrespective of the assessment or metric used.
An international education perspective study of teachers in the central United States

Abstract The study explored nursery through secondary teachers’ perceptions of international education in their teaching practices. All teachers lived in a rural area of the central US. Data were drawn from a web-based survey comprised of 28 questions addressing international education; interview data provided further understanding of one teacher’s efforts toward internationalising curriculum in her classroom. Findings indicated that the teachers in this area of the US hold varying understandings of international education; despite their limited understanding of international education within the classroom context, teachers were eager for tools and strategies to internationalise their curricula and teaching practices. Results call for professional development to broaden teachers’ perspectives of international education and to explore advanced instructional approaches that incorporate global perspectives, and the role of language and culture in teaching. Last, we propose a model in which international education can be actualised within a formal educational context.
School-wide Positive Behavior Support (SWPBS) in the Classroom: Assessing Perceived Challenges to Consistent Implementation in Connecticut Schools

The number of schools implementing school-wide positive behavior support (SWPBS) practices nationwide is increasing, but still little is known about the fidelity with which teachers implement SWPBS practices in the classroom. Specifically, data are needed that reflect the consistency with which classroom-based SWPBS practices are implemented, as well as challenges to implementation faced by school personnel, to ensure the best possible behavioral and academic outcomes for students. In this study, personnel in Connecticut schools implementing SWPBS (N = 171) were surveyed, and results indicate that although classroom-based SWPBS practices are implemented very consistently by the majority of respondents, certain practices are somewhat challenging to implement. Implications for improving practice and training are offered.
Regulation of the rmf gene encoding ribosome modulation factor 2 in Escherichia coli : Involvement of cAMP receptor protein 3 4 Running title : Regulation of RMF for ribosome dimerization

1 Regulation of the rmf gene encoding ribosome modulation factor 2 in Escherichia coli: Involvement of cAMP receptor protein 3 4 Running title: Regulation of RMF for ribosome dimerization 5 6 Tomohiro Shimada1,2,3,+, Hideji Yoshida4,+, and Akira Ishihama1,2, * 7 8 Department of Frontier Bioscience and Research Center for Micro-Nano 9 Technology, Hosei University, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8584, Chemical Resources 10 Laboratory, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Nagatsuta, Yokohama 226-8503, and 11 Department of Physics, Osaka Medical College, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-8686, 12 Japan 13 14 + These authors contributed equally to this work 15 * Corresponding author: Mailing address: Hosei University, Department of 16 Frontier Bioscience, Kajino-cho 3-7-2, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8584, Japan. Phone: 17 +81-42-387-6231; Fax: +81-42-387-6231; E-mail: aishiham@hosei.ac. jp 18 19
Combined Ex-PRESS LR-50/IOL Implantation in Modified Deep Sclerectomy plus Phacoemulsification for Glaucoma Associated with Cataract

Purpose This is a prospective study reporting on modified deep sclerectomy (DS) using the Ex-PRESS LR-50 in combined cataract and glaucoma surgery. Methods Twenty-four eyes of 24 patients with medically uncontrolled glaucoma underwent modified DS. After phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation, the Ex-PRESS LR-50 was inserted into the anterior chamber under a scleral flap. A partial posterior DS was performed to provide an intrascleral bleb. The complete success rate was intraocular pressure (IOP) without medication ≤18 mmHg; the qualified success rate was IOP ≤18 mmHg with or without medication. Postoperative bleb management (subconjunctival mitomycin C injections ± needling) was performed in case of postoperative hypertension or bleb fibrosis. Results Follow-up was 40.1±10.8 (mean ± SD) months. Preoperatively, IOP was 18.1±5.3 mmHg, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.6±0.3, and number of medications was 2.3±1.1. The IOP decreased by 25.4% at 24 months and by 27.0% at 48 months. At 24 months, 19 patients (86.3%) achieved a BCVA of 0.5 or better, and at 48 months the mean BCVA was 0.7±0.3. At the last visit, the mean number of medications was 0.6±0.8 (p<0.05). The complete and qualified success rates were 45.6% and 85.2%. Mitomycin C injections were performed in 5 eyes. No conjunctival erosions over the Ex-PRESS LR-50 were seen. Conclusions The Ex-PRESS LR-50 inserted into the anterior chamber after modified DS efficiently lowers IOP in combined surgery, preventing conjunctival erosion, a significant complication when using this device without scleral flap coverage.
Emergence of Fluoroquinolone Resistance in Group B Streptococcal Isolates in Taiwan

ABSTRACT Of 1,994 group B streptococcal isolates collected, 26 (1.3%) of the isolates were resistant to levofloxacin, and cross-resistance to other fluoroquinolones was observed. The emergence and prevalence of high-level fluoroquinolone resistance in genetically unrelated isolates were linked to the presence of gyrA, parC, and parE triple mutations in each isolate.
The willingness of heritage tourists to pay for perceived authenticity in Pingxi, Taiwan

Authenticity plays an important role in heritage tourism. Previous studies have employed secondary data to assess the value of authenticity. This study goes further and empirically measures the intrinsic value of authenticity directly by integrating both qualitative and quantitative methods. The study was conducted in Pingxi, Taiwan and used open-ended questions to guide respondents to construct their own perceived authenticity. The respondents were asked whether they were willing to pay for what they had described. Four hundred and three valid responses were obtained. By using the dichotomous choice method and logistic distribution function, the willingness to pay (WTP) was estimated as NT$233. The study compiled 15 items to measure perceived authenticity based on previous literature and on-site visitor surveys. Three factors were derived by employing exploratory factor and confirmatory factor analyses. Discriminant analysis showed that intra-personal authenticity has a greater impact on WTP than object-related and inter-personal authenticity. This study might be the first empirical study to propose three independent concepts of authenticity, and to estimate the intrinsic value of perceived authenticity. The paper concludes suggestions that contribute both to theories of authenticity and applications by heritage management agencies.
[A comparative analysis of neonatal critical illness score and score for neonatal acute physiology, perinatal extension, version II].

OBJECTIVE To investigate the accuracy and clinical utility of neonatal critical illness score (NCIS) and score for neonatal acute physiology, perinatal extension, version II (SNAPPE-II) in predicting the "dead and abandoned" risk in critically ill neonates. METHODS A total of 269 critically ill neonates were divided into two groups according to their prognosis: dead/abandoned and improved/cured. The accuracy of these two scoring systems, NCIS and SNAPPE-II, in predicting the "dead and abandoned" risk was compared. RESULTS The dead/abandoned group had a significantly higher SNAPPE-II score than the improved/cured group (P<0.001), while there was no significant difference in the NCIS score between the two groups (P=0.091). The children who were in line with the individual indicator in the NCIS results had a significantly higher "dead and abandoned" risk than those who were not (P=0.005). CONCLUSIONS SNAPPE-II is more accurate in early prediction of the "dead and abandoned" risk in critically ill neonates compared with NCIS. NCIS has the ability to predict the "dead and abandoned" risk in children in line with the individual indicator.
Gas chromatographic/electron capture detection method for determination of chlorinated acids in water: collaborative study.

A U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) interlaboratory method validation study was conducted on USEPA Method 515.1, "Determination of Chlorinated Acids in Water by Gas Chromatography with an Electron Capture Detector. " This method is one of the 6 pesticide methods developed for the USEPA National Pesticide Survey (NPS). Method recovery and precision for analyses of sub-ppb to low-ppb concentrations of chlorinated acids were determined in reagent water and finished drinking waters. The analytes evaluated in the study included the 12 pesticides that were quantitatively measured in the National Pesticide Survey (bentazon, 2,4-D, 2,4-DB, 3,5-dichlorobenzoic acid, DCPA-diacid, dicamba, dichlorprop. 5-hydroxydicamba, pentachlorophenol, picloram, 2,4,5-T, and 2,4,5-TP) and 5 pesticides (acifluorfen, chloramben, dalapon, dinoseb, and 4-nitrophenol) that were only qualitatively assessed in the National Pesticide Survey because of recognized method imprecision. The study design was based on Youden's nonreplicate plan for collaborative tests of analytical methods. The waters were spiked with 17 chlorinated acids, each at 6 concentration levels, prepared as 3 Youden pairs. Eight laboratories extracted the spiked test waters at pH < 2 with ethyl ether, performed a solvent exchange with methyl tert-butyl ether, prepared methyl esters of the extracted acids using diazomethane, and analyzed an aliquot of each derivatized extract by gas chromatography with electron capture detection. The submitted data were analyzed using a USEPA computer program, which measured recovery and precision for each of the 17 compounds and compared the performance of the method between water types. Method 515.1 was judged acceptable for the 12 NPS analytes recovered quantitatively; mean percent recoveries at 10-15 times the method detection limits ranged from 79 to 105% in reagent water and from 75 to 123% in finished drinking water. In reagent water, overall precision (reproducibility relative standard deviation, RSDR) ranged from 9.6 to 34.2% and in finished drinking water, the RSDR ranged from 11.9 to 37.0%. Single-analyst precision (RSD for repeatability, RSDr) ranged from 5.8 to 17.7% in reagent water and from 4.6 to 27.9% in drinking water. Results for the 5 other NPS analytes were too inaccurate or imprecise and, for these compounds, supported use of the method for qualitative measurements only; the 5 compounds are not included in the adopted method. The method has been adopted first action by AOAC INTERNATIONAL for determination of residues of 12 chlorinated acids in finished drinking water.
A General Method for Two-Level Bridge Type DC/DC Converter to Three-Level DC/DC Converter

This paper studies the approach of derivation of three-level (TL) half-bridge (HB) topology from conventional full bridge DC/DC topology. The derived TL HB topology has same device count and performance as the corresponding full bridge topology, and it is more suitable for high voltage applications. The derivation approach for different control method, i.e. PWM control, frequency control and phase shift control, are presented. Some novel TL HB topologies are proposed based on the approach. The experimental results from these novel topologies verify the validity of the proposed derivation approach.
Academic Literacy in the Mother Tongue: A Pre-requisite for Epistemological Access

Freedom from apartheid oppression in South Africa offered opportunities for the reconsideration and eventual recognition and adoption of the languages that, during the colonial and apartheid eras, were seen as backward and irrelevant to the needs of the modern world. The granting of official status to these languages and providing learners an option to be taught in them within formal education after the demise of apartheid oppression is part of the decolonization and liberation processes. It is against this background that this paper argues that local languages could be enriched to convey the international body of knowledge and enable their speakers to be taught and learn in their first languages, something the English and Afrikaans speaking communities started enjoying since the formation of the Union of South Africa in 1910. The paper uses isiZulu within the context of a Faculty of Education at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, and Northern Sotho within the context of a Faculty of Humanities at the University of Limpopo, two of the indigenous languages in South Africa, to advance the argument. The paper suggests ways in which an environment can be created where indigenous language teaching moves from mundane, structure-focused tuition to becoming more relevant and more engaged with the reality of the language as experienced by people on day-to-day basis, both within and outside the academy.