Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transverse Process and Needles of Medial Branch Block to Facet Joint as Landmarks for Ultrasound-Guided Selective Nerve Root Block

Background Selective lumbar nerve root block (SNRB) is generally accepted as an effective treatment method for back pain with sciatica. However, it requires devices producing radioactive materials such as C-arm fluoroscopy. This study evaluated the usefulness of the longitudinal view of transverse process and needles for medial branch block as landmarks under ultrasonography. Methods We performed selective nerve root block for 96 nerve roots in 61 patients under the guidance of ultrasound. A curved probe was used to identify the facet joints and transverse processes. Identifying the lumbar nerve roots under the skin surface and ultrasound landmarks, the cephalad and caudal medial branch blocks were undertaken under the transverse view of sonogram first. A needle for nerve root block was inserted between the two transverse processes under longitudinal view, while estimating the depth with the needle for medial branch block. We then injected 1.0 mL of contrast medium and checked the distribution of the nerve root with C-arm fluoroscopy to evaluate the accuracy. The visual analog scale (VAS) was used to access the clinical results. Results Seven SNRBs were performed for the L2 nerve root, 15 for L3, 49 for L4, and 25 for L5, respectively. Eighty-six SNRBs (89.5%) showed successful positioning of the needles. We failed in the following cases: 1 case for the L2 nerve root; 2 for L3; 3 for L4; and 4 for L5. The failed needles were positioned at wrong leveled segments in 4 cases and inappropriate place in 6 cases. VAS was improved from 7.6 ± 0.6 to 3.5 ± 1.3 after the procedure. Conclusions For SNRB in lumbar spine, the transverse processes under longitudinal view as the ultrasound landmark and the needles of medial branch block to the facet joint can be a promising guidance.
Handbook of Radiation Effects

This handbook is intended to serve as a tool for designers of equipment and scientific instruments in cases where they are required to ensure the survival of the equipment in radiation environments. High-technology materials, especially semiconductors and optics, tend to degrade on exposure to radiation in many different ways. Intense high-energy radiation environments are found in nuclear reactors and accelerators, machines for radiation therapy, industrial sterilization, and space. Some engineers have to build equipment which will survive a nuclear explosion from a hostile source. Proper handling of a disaster with radioactive materials requires equipment which depends utterly on semiconductor microelectronics and imaging devices. Thus the technology of radiation-tolerant electronics is an instrument for good social spheres as diverse as disaster planning and the exploration of Mars. In order to design equipment for intense environments like those described above, then degradation from high-energy irradiation must be seen as a basic design parameter. The aim of this handbook is to assist the engineer or student in that thought; to make it possible to write intelligent specifications; to offer some understanding of the complex variety of effects which occur when high-technology components encounter high-energy radiation; and to go thoroughly into the balance ofmore » choices of how to alleviate the effects and hence achieve the design aims of the project. Separate abstracts were prepared for 15 chapters of this book. « less
Cross-layer optimized multipath routing for video communications in wireless networks

Traditionally, routing is considered solely as a network layer problem and has been decoupled from application layer objectives. Although such an approach offers simplicity in the design of the protocol stack, it does not offer good performance for certain applications such as video. In this paper, we explore the problem of how to perform routing with the objective of optimizing application layer performance. Specifically, we consider how to perform multipath routing for multiple description (MD) video in a multi-hop wireless network. We formulate this problem into an optimization problem with application performance metric as the objective function and routing and link layer considerations as constraints. We develop a formal branch-and-bound framework and exploit the so-called reformulation-linearization technique (RLT) in the solution procedure. We show that this solution procedure is able to produce a set of routes whose objective value is within (1 - e) of the optimum. We use simulation results to substantiate the efficacy of the solution procedure and compare the performance with that under non-cross-layer approach.
The XMM Cluster Survey:: The Halo Occupation Number of BOSS galaxies in X-ray clusters

We present a direct measurement of the mean halo occupation distribution (HOD) of galaxies taken from the eleventh data release (DR11) of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey-III Baryon Acoustic Oscillation Survey (BOSS). The HOD of BOSS low-redshift (LOWZ: 0.2 < z < 0.4) and Constant-Mass (CMASS: 0.43 < z < 0.7) galaxies is inferred via their association with the dark-matter halos of 174 X-ray-selected galaxy clusters drawn from the XMM Cluster Survey (XCS). Halo masses are determined for each galaxy cluster based on X-ray temperature measurements, and range between log10(M180/Ms) = 13 - 15. Our directly-measured HODs are consistent with the HOD-model fits inferred via the galaxy-clustering analyses of Parejko et al. (2013) for the BOSS LOWZ sample and White et al. (2011) for the BOSS CMASS sample. Under the simplifying assumption that the other parameters that describe the HOD hold the values measured by these authors, we have determined a best-fit alpha-index of 0.91±0.08 and 1.27^{+0.03}_{-0.04} for the CMASS and LOWZ HOD, respectively. These alpha-index values are consistent with those measured by White et al. (2011) and Parejko et al. (2013). In summary, our study provides independent support for the HOD-models assumed during the development of the BOSS mock-galaxy catalogues that have subsequently been used to derive BOSS cosmological constraints.
A Cluster-Based Analysis of Outdoor-to-Indoor Office MIMO Measurements at 5.2 GHz

In this paper, we present a cluster based analysis of an outdoor-to-indoor Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) measurement campaign, and extract model parameters for the COST273 channel model. The measurements were performed at 5.2 GHz for 159 measurement locations in an office building. Multipath component (MPC) parameters have been extracted for these positions using a high-resolution algorithm. We analyze the clustering of MPCs, i.e., grouping together of MPCs with similar DOAs, DODs, and delays. We compare cluster identification by visual inspection to automatic identification by the recently proposed algorithm of Czink et al. In the paper we include results on the intercluster properties such as the distribution of the number of clusters and the cluster powers, as well as intracluster properties such as the angle and delay spreads within the clusters. In particular, we extract parameters for the COST 273 channel model, a standardized generic model for MIMO propagation channels.
Influence of the muscle-tendon unit's mechanical and morphological properties on running economy

SUMMARY The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that runners having different running economies show differences in the mechanical and morphological properties of their muscle-tendon units (MTU) in the lower extremities. Twenty eight long-distance runners (body mass: 76.8±6.7 kg, height: 182±6 cm, age: 28.1±4.5 years) participated in the study. The subjects ran on a treadmill at three velocities (3.0, 3.5 and 4.0 m s-1) for 15 min each. The \batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \({\dot{V}}_{\mathrm{O}_{2}}\) \end{document} consumption was measured by spirometry. At all three examined velocities the kinematics of the left leg were captured whilst running on the treadmill using a high-speed digital video camera operating at 250 Hz. Furthermore the runners performed isometric maximal voluntary plantarflexion and knee extension contractions at eleven different MTU lengths with their left leg on a dynamometer. The distal aponeuroses of the gastrocnemius medialis (GM) and vastus lateralis (VL) were visualised by ultrasound during plantarflexion and knee extension, respectively. The morphological properties of the GM and VL (fascicle length, angle of pennation, and thickness) were determined at three different lengths for each MTU. A cluster analysis was used to classify the subjects into three groups according to their \batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \({\dot{V}}_{\mathrm{O}_{2}}\) \end{document} consumption at all three velocities (high running economy, N=10; moderate running economy, N=12; low running economy, N=6). Neither the kinematic parameters nor the morphological properties of the GM and VL showed significant differences between groups. The most economical runners showed a higher contractile strength and a higher normalised tendon stiffness (relationship between tendon force and tendon strain) in the triceps surae MTU and a higher compliance of the quadriceps tendon and aponeurosis at low level tendon forces. It is suggested that at low level forces the more compliant quadriceps tendon and aponeurosis will increase the force potential of the muscle while running and therefore the volume of active muscle at a given force generation will decrease.
Plasma glucose, mannose, and non-esterified fatty acid concentrations in layer-type chickens

1. The oral administration of glucose or dietary glucose reduces fasting plasma mannose concentrations in mammals. On the other hand, there have been no reports on plasma mannose levels in birds. We have analysed chicken plasma mannose and glucose by an original high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method, together with plasma non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations in chickens. 2. Plasma glucose concentrations of chickens did not differ among three different age groups (0, 18 and 150 d). However, the plasma mannose concentrations of chicks at the age of 0 d were higher than those of chickens at the ages of 18 and 150 d. 3. At the age of 18 and 150 d, plasma glucose concentrations were elevated and plasma mannose and NEFA concentrations were decreased after regular feeding, compared to fasting levels.
Adjunctive analgesia with intravenous propacetamol does not reduce morphine-related adverse effects.

BACKGROUND Propacetamol is widely used in the management of postoperative pain. It decreases morphine requirements but its effect on the incidence of morphine-related adverse effects remains unknown. METHODS Patients (550) were randomly assigned to receive propacetamol or a placebo over the first 24 h after operation in a blinded study. Intravenous morphine titration was performed, after which morphine was administered s.c. every 4 h according to their pain score. Pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS). The primary end-point was the incidence of morphine-related adverse effects. The main secondary end-points were morphine requirements and VAS score. RESULTS After morphine titration, the VAS score and the number of patients with pain relief did not differ between groups. Morphine requirements were decreased in the propacetamol group (21 vs 14.5 mg, P<0.001) but the incidence of morphine-related adverse effects did not differ between groups (42 vs 46%, not significant). In patients with moderate pain (n=395), morphine requirements decreased by 37% (P<0.001) and the percentage of patients requiring no morphine was greater (21 vs 8%, P=0.002) in the propacetamol group. In patients with severe pain (n=155), morphine requirements decreased by 18% (P=0.04) in the propacetamol group and the number of patients who did not require morphine (3 vs 8%) did not differ significantly. CONCLUSIONS Although propacetamol induced a small morphine-sparing effect, it did not change the incidence of morphine-related adverse effects in the postoperative period. Moreover, no benefit could be demonstrated in patients with severe postoperative pain.
Epidemiology of participation: an Australian community study

STUDY OBJECTIVE To determine the levels of participation in social and civic community life in a metropolitan region, and to assess differential levels of participation according to demographic, socioeonomic and health status. To contribute to policy debates on community participation, social capital and health using these empirical data. DESIGN Cross sectional, postal, self completed survey on health and participation. SETTING Random sample of the population from the western suburbs of Adelaide, the capital city of South Australia, a population of approximately 210 000. PARTICIPANTS 2542 respondents from a sample of 4000 people aged 18 years and over who were registered on the electoral roll. MAIN RESULTS The response rate to the survey was 63.6% (n=2542). Six indices of participation, on range of social and civic activities, with a number of items in each, were created. Levels of participation were highest in the informal social activities index (46.7–83.7% for individual items), and lowest in the index of civic activities of a collective nature (2.4–5.9% for individual items). Low levels of involvement in social and civic activities were reported more frequently by people of low income and low education levels. CONCLUSIONS Levels of participation in social and civic community life in an urban setting are significantly influenced by individual socioeconomic status, health and other demographic characteristics. An understanding of the pattern of participation is important to inform social and health policy making. Increasing levels of participation will reduce social exclusion and is likely to improve the overall quality of community life.
WRKY transcription factor genes in wild rice Oryza nivara

The WRKY transcription factor family is one of the largest gene families involved in plant development and stress response. Although many WRKY genes have been studied in cultivated rice (Oryza sativa), the WRKY genes in the wild rice species Oryza nivara, the direct progenitor of O. sativa, have not been studied. O. nivara shows abundant genetic diversity and elite drought and disease resistance features. Herein, a total of 97 O. nivara WRKY (OnWRKY) genes were identified. RNA-sequencing demonstrates that OnWRKY genes were generally expressed at higher levels in the roots of 30-day-old plants. Bioinformatic analyses suggest that most of OnWRKY genes could be induced by salicylic acid, abscisic acid, and drought. Abundant potential MAPK phosphorylation sites in OnWRKYs suggest that activities of most OnWRKYs can be regulated by phosphorylation. Phylogenetic analyses of OnWRKYs support a novel hypothesis that ancient group IIc OnWRKYs were the original ancestors of only some group IIc and group III WRKYs. The analyses also offer strong support that group IIc OnWRKYs containing the HVE sequence in their zinc finger motifs were derived from group Ia WRKYs. This study provides a solid foundation for the study of the evolution and functions of WRKY genes in O. nivara.
The Ca 2 1 Channel b 3 Subunit Differentially Modulates G-Protein Sensitivity of a 1 A and a 1 B Ca 2 1 Channels

We have shown previously that the Ca channel b3 subunit is capable of modulating tonic G-protein inhibition of a1A and a1B Ca channels expressed in oocytes. Here we determine the modulatory effect of the Ca channel b3 subunit on M2 muscarinic receptor-activated G-protein inhibition and whether the b3 subunit modulates the G-protein sensitivity of a1A and a1B currents equivalently. To compare the relative inhibition by muscarinic activation, we have used successive ACh applications to remove the large tonic inhibition of these channels. We show that the resulting rebound potentiation results entirely from the loss of tonic G-protein inhibition; although the currents are temporarily relieved of tonic inhibition, they are still capable of undergoing inhibition through the muscarinic pathway. Using this rebound protocol, we demonstrate that the inhibition of peak current amplitude produced by M2 receptor activation is similar for a1A and a1B calcium currents. However, the contribution of the voltage-dependent component of inhibition, characterized by reduced inhibition at very depolarized voltage steps and the relief of inhibition by depolarizing prepulses, was slightly greater for the a1B current than for the a1A current. After co-expression of the b3 subunit, the sensitivity to M2 receptorinduced G-protein inhibition was reduced for both a1A and a1B currents; however, the reduction was significantly greater for a1A currents. Additionally, the difference in the voltage dependence of inhibition of a1A and a1B currents was heightened after co-expression of the Ca channel b3 subunit. Such differential modulation of sensitivity to G-protein modulation may be important for fine tuning release in neurons that contain both of these Ca channels.
Quantification of relative cerebral blood flow change by flow‐sensitive alternating inversion recovery (FAIR) technique: Application to functional mapping

Relative cerebral blood flow changes can be measured by a novel simple blood flow measurement technique with endogenous water protons as a tracer based on flow‐sensitive alternating inversion recovery (FAIR). Two inversion recovery (IR) images are acquired by interleaving slice‐selective inversion and nonselective inversion. During the inversion delay time after slice‐selective inversion, fully magnetized blood spins move into the imaging slice and exchange with tissue water. The signal enhancement (FAIR image) measured by the signal difference between two images is directly related to blood flow. For functional MR imaging studies, two IR images are alternatively and repeatedly acquired during control and task periods. Relative signal changes in the FAIR images during the task periods represent the relative regional cerebral blood flow changes. The FAIR technique has been successfully applied to functional brain mapping studies in humans during finger opposition movements. The technique is capable of generating microvascular‐based functional maps.
Identifying problems faced by spouses and partners of patients with prostate cancer.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To describe problems chosen as targets of problem-solving therapy by spouses and partners of patients with prostate cancer. DESIGN Descriptive, cross-sectional. SETTING Spouses' and partners' homes. SAMPLE Spouses and partners (N = 66) aged 32-79 years (mean = 60 years). The sample was predominantly Caucasian (82%) and African American (8%). METHODS As part of a randomized clinical trial, women received problem-solving therapy to help manage issues related to their husbands' or partners' prostate cancer. The issues they chose to address during therapy and the categorization of the issues fell into four groups: treatment and side-effect issues, patient issues, family issues, and spouse issues. Scores on the Social Problem-Solving Inventory-Revised, which measures everyday problem-solving skills, and the Profile of Mood States, which measures mood disturbance, were contrasted with the problems women chose to address. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES Problems faced by spouses and partners of patients with prostate cancer. FINDINGS The most frequently reported categories were spouse issues (e.g., women's emotional wellness, balancing their medical concerns with their husbands' condition) and patient issues (e.g., men's lack of communication, fear, or depression). CONCLUSIONS Findings of this study alert nurses to a variety of key problem areas for spouses and partners of patients with prostate cancer. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Spouses and partners play a critical role when their loved ones have cancer. Understanding the problems spouses and partners face can help nurses design optimal supportive care interventions.
CO Desorption from Oxygen Species on Carbonaceous Surface: 1. Effects of the Local Structure of the Active Site and the Surface Coverage

A systematic theoretical study using the density functional theory is performed to provide molecular-level understanding on the desorption of carbon monoxide from surface oxygen complexes that are formed in the gasification and combustion of coal. Particularly, a CO molecule release from carbonyl oxygen complexes in the presence of different oxygen environments was analyzed. Molecular carbonyl models of different sizes in the zigzag, armchair, and tip shapes of the active sites were selected. It was found that the shape of the local active site has a strong effect on the CO desorption energy, and they are correlated with the broaden feature of the CO molecule desorption in the temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) experiments of oxidized carbonaceous material. The calculated desorption activation energy range is in good agreement with experimental data. Molecular size convergence analyses on the carbonyl models suggest that the smallest graphene molecular system for accurate desorption structure on char.
Glutathione deficiency of the lower respiratory tract in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a disease of unknown aetiology. Increased oxidant burden and antioxidant, e.g. glutathione (GSH), deficiency in the lower respiratory tract have been thought to play a role in the progression of IPF. Sputum induction is a safe noninvasive tool to study inflammation in the respiratory tract. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the direct measurement of GSH in induced sputum supernatant. Sixteen IPF patients and 15 healthy, nonsmoking subjects underwent sputum induction. Total GSH in sputum, saliva and plasma was measured spectrophotometrically. Sputum GSH was decreased more then four-fold in IPF patients when compared to healthy subjects (mean GSH 1.4±0.34 µM versus 5.8±0.98 µM). Salivary GSH was generally low or undetectable in all subjects. Plasma GSH levels were lower in IPF patients (0.26±0.1 versus 0.74±0.16 µM). In IPF patients, there was a borderline correlation of sputum GSH levels with disease duration and lung-function impairment. These data confirm the established role of oxidant/antioxidant imbalance in the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and show the potential of induced sputum to directly study inflammatory processes and surrogate markers in interstitial lung diseases like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Does Mechanical Injury of the Peripheral Airways Play a Role in the Genesis of COPD in Smokers?

In the present account it is proposed that in smokers the transition from peripheral airway disease to COPD is characterized by three sequential stages: Stage I, during which the closing volume eventually exceeds the functional residual capacity; Stage II, during which tidal expiratory flow limitation (EFL) is eventually exhibited; and Stage III, during which dynamic hyperinflation progressively increases leading to dyspnea and exercise limitation, which may be considered as markers of overt disease. Presence of airway closure (Stage I) and EFL (Stage II) in the tidal volume range may promote peripheral airway injury and accelerate the abnormalities of lung function. It is such injury that may determine which smoker is destined to develop COPD.