Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the Ergodic Capacity of MIMO Free-Space Optical Systems Over Turbulence Channels

Free-space optical (FSO) communications can achieve high capacity with huge unlicensed optical spectrum and low operational costs. The corresponding performance analysis of FSO systems over turbulence channels is very limited, particularly when using multiple apertures at both transmitter and receiver sides. This paper aims to provide the ergodic capacity characterization of multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) FSO systems over atmospheric turbulence-induced fading channels. The fluctuations of the irradiance of optical channels distorted by atmospheric conditions is usually described by a gamma-gamma (rr) distribution, and the distribution of the sum of rr random variables (RVs) is required to model the MIMO optical links. We use an α - μ distribution to efficiently approximate the probability density function (pdf) of the sum of independent and identical distributed ΓΓ RVs through moment-based estimators. Furthermore, the pdf of the sum of independent, but not necessarily identically distributed ΓΓ RVs can be efficiently approximated by a finite weighted sum of pdfs of ΓΓ distributions. Based on these reliable approximations, novel and precise analytical expressions for the ergodic capacity of MIMO FSO systems are derived. Additionally, we deduce the asymptotic simple expressions in high signal-to-noise ratio regimes, which provide useful insights into the impact of the system parameters on the ergodic capacity. Finally, our proposed results are validated via Monte Carlo simulations.
A brave new world: The problems and opportunities presented by new media technologies in prisons

This article discusses the digital inequalities experienced by prisoners and the potential opportunities that providing ‘new’ media in prisons offer for offender rehabilitation and resettlement. Currently denied access to online and social media that most of us take for granted, and unable to communicate in ways that have become ‘ordinary’ in the wider community, it is argued that prisoners experience profound social isolation and constitute one of the most impoverished groups in the digital age. In prisons which provide selected prisoners some access to information and communication technologies, their high socio-cultural status and consequent construction as a ‘privilege’ frequently results in them being used in the exercise of ‘soft’ power by prison officer gatekeepers. Moreover, when prisoners come to the end of their sentences, they not only are faced with prejudice and poor job prospects due to their criminal record, but their digital exclusion during a period of incarceration may have compound effects and lead to long-term and deep social exclusion.
Assessing the short‐ and long‐term outcomes after resection of benign insulinoma

Insulinoma is a rare functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour (NET) believed to have an excellent long‐term outcome, but few studies have solely focused on this issue after apparently curative resection. This study aimed to assess post‐operative and long‐term outcomes after resection of benign insulinomas.
Immediate effect of sukha pranayama on cardiovascular variables in patients of hypertension.

UNLABELLED Hypertension is one of the most common health disorders, and yoga has been shown to be an effective adjunct therapy in its management. Earlier studies have reported blood pressure (BP)-lowering effects of slow, deep breathing after 3 weeks and 3 months of training and beneficial immediate effects of slow, deep breathing in reducing premature ventricular complexes and lowering blood pressure. None of these immediate studies used the concept of pranayama, involving conscious internal awareness of the whole breathing process. This study was undertaken to determine the immediate cardiovascular effects of sukha pranayama in hypertensive patients. METHODS Twenty-three hypertensive patients attending the Yoga OPD at JIPMER were recruited for the study and instructed to perform sukha pranayama for 5 minutes at the rate of 6 breaths/min. This pranayama involves conscious, slow and deep breathing with equal duration for inhalation and exhalation. Heart rate (HR) and BP were recorded before and immediately after the intervention. RESULTS Post-intervention statistical analysis revealed a significant (p < .05) reduction in HR and a highly significant (p < .001) reduction in systolic pressure, pulse pressure, mean arterial pressure, rate-pressure product, and double product with an insignificant fall in diastolic pressure. DISCUSSION It is concluded that sukha pranayama at the rate of 6 breaths/minute can reduce HR and BP in hypertensive patients within 5 minutes of practice. This may be due to a normalization of autonomic cardiovascular rhythms as a result of increased vagal modulation and/or decreased sympathetic activity and improved baroreflex sensitivity. Further studies are required to understand possible mechanisms underlying this beneficial immediate effect and to determine how long such a beneficial effect persists.
almonella species in piglets and weaners from Uganda : revalence , antimicrobial resistance and herd-level risk actors

Non-typhoidal salmonellosis is of concern in humans in sub-Saharan Africa, and this is partly due to the high number of immunocompromised persons. Pork and pork products could be among the sources of these non-typhi Salmonella spp. The aim of this study was to identify Salmonella spp. in piglets and weaners in northern and eastern Uganda, characterize their antimicrobial resistance patterns and determine herd-level risk factors. Fecal samples were collected from 465 piglets and weaners from 93 herds (49 and 44 from northern and eastern Uganda, respectively). In addition, information about the herd management and potential risk factors were collected. The fecal samples were cultured for the identification of Salmonella spp. The Salmonella spp. confirmed by serotyping were further characterized by determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) to 12 antimicrobials by broth microdilution. At individual level, the total prevalence of Salmonella spp. was 12% (12.2% in northern and 11.9% in eastern Uganda). At herd level, the total prevalence was 39% (43% in northern and 34% in eastern Uganda). From 56 samples with Salmonella spp. , 20 serovars were identified including two serovars identified only by their antigenic formulae. The predominant serovars were S. Zanzibar, S. Heidelberg, S. Infantis, S. Typhimurium, S. Stanleyville, S. Aberdeen and S. Kampala. In total, 57% of the 53 Salmonella spp. analyzed, originating from 27% of the herds, were resistant to at least one antimicrobial agent. The majority of drug-resistant isolates (60%) were from northern Uganda. Eight multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates were from northern Uganda and three MDR isolates were from eastern Uganda. Increased prevalence of Salmonella spp. was associated with feeding the young and adults separately as compared to feeding the young and adults together (p = 0.043, OR = 4.3; 95% CI 1.1, 17.38). Protective factors were “intensive” method of keeping the pigs versus “tethering and roaming” (p = 0.016, OR = 0.11; 95% CI 0.02, 0.64), “intensive” method versus “semi-intensive” method (p = 0.048, OR = 0.12; 95% CI 0.01, 0.96) ∗ Corresponding author. Tel. : +256 772 959675; fax: +256 414 554685. E-mail addresses: ikwap@vetmed.mak. ac.ug, kikwap@gmail.com
Panic attacks after treatment with zuclopenthixol decanoate

The association between neuroleptics and anxiety is unclear: neuroleptics have been used to treat anxiety though may also themselves be anxiogenic. We present the case of a man who developed new onset panic attacks after treatment with zuclopenthixol decanoate, a commonly administered depot antipsychotic. We review the literature on the association between antipsychotics and anxiety and present possible pathophysiological mechanisms.
Exploring Division-I Student-Athletes’ Memorable Messages From Their Anticipatory Socialization

This study explored the socialization of 118 Division-I student-athletes via the topics of memorable messages that they received prior to their arrival on campus. Ten topics were identified (i.e., desirable attitudes, hard work, physical skill or ability, opportunities, pride, inclusion, challenges, athletes as symbols, the importance of education, and the duration of college athletics) using first cycle coding and were subsequently categorized as either addressing the characteristics or experiences of collegiate student-athletes using second cycle coding. These findings continue to demonstrate that characteristics and experiences associated with roles are prevalent within athletes’ memorable messages but also highlight the inherent ambiguity and the contradictions regarding how to use these messages and balance the dual roles of being a student-athlete. This study provides a novel communicative lens for understanding athlete socialization but underscores the need to recognize receivers’ processing and application of memorable messages.
Prophylactic administration of granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (filgrastim) after conventional chemotherapy in children with cancer

We evaluated granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) as an adjunct to courses of conventional chemotherapy in 16 children with cancer. One course followed by G‐CSF (20 episodes) was compared to identical courses without G‐CSF (20 episodes) in the same patients. The mean duration of G‐CSF therapy was 8.8 (5‐13) days. The periods of neutropenia (4.8 days versus 16.5 days; p < 0.0001), days of hospitalization for febrile neutropenia (13 days versus 65 days; p = 0.02) and days on broad‐spectrum antibiotics (13 days versus 95 days; p = 0.003) were significantly reduced. With the use of G‐CSF the profound neutropenia could be prevented in 11 (55%) episodes. There were two episodes of fever and neutropenia in the G‐CSF group as compared to 10 febrile neutropenias in the control group (p = 0.04). G‐CSF was well tolerated and did not cause additional expenses when compared to the expenses needed for the treatment of febrile neutropenias. The cost benefit analyses showed that through using G‐CSF a savings was realized in the amount of U.S. $20,650 for 20 cycles of chemotherapy, i.e., U.S. $1,033/chemotherapy cycle. We conclude that the use of G‐CSF was efficacious and did not increase the total costs of therapy.
The Effects of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery on Level of Fatigue in Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Background Fatigue is a common symptom of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), but the response of fatigue to endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is rarely studied. Methods A prospective, open cohort of adult patients undergoing ESS for CRS was studied using 10-cm fatigue visual analog scales (VASs), Lund-MacKay computed tomography (CT), and Lund-Kennedy nasal endoscopy scoring. Results Two hundred seventy-two patients, followed for a mean (±SD) of 16.5 ± 8.5 months after ESS, noted significant fatigue improvement with an effect size defined as large by Cohen (0.8 [95% CI, 0.5–1.3]). Neither preoperative CT scores nor preoperative endoscopy scores correlated with preoperative fatigue severity. Compared with the mean preoperative fatigue score (6.1 ± 2.9 cm), preoperative fatigue was more severe in women (6.9 ± 2.6 cm; p < 0.001) patients with depression (7.7 ± 2.4 cm; p < 0.001) and patients with fibromyalgia (7.9 ± 2.2 cm; p = 0.013), but less severe in patients with nasal polyposis (5.4 ± 3.2 cm; p = 0.009). Significantly greater postoperative reduction in fatigue was noted in patients with fibromyalgia when compared with study patients without fibromyalgia (effect size = 1.8 [95% CI, 1.6–2.2]; p > 0.001) with final fatigue severity scores similar to the entire study group. Similarly, patients with severe fatigue (n = 112; mean VAS score, 8.8 ± 0.8 cm) showed a more pronounced improvement than patients less severely fatigued (n = 160; mean VAS score 4.2 ± 2.4 cm; effect size = 2.2 [95% CI, 2.0–2.9]; p > 0.001). Conclusion Fatigue improves after ESS, with significantly greater improvement in patients with fibromyalgia and in patients that are more severely fatigued at presentation.
The outcome of chemoreduction treatment in patients with Reese-Ellsworth group V retinoblastoma.

OBJECTIVE To determine the outcome of chemoreduction treatment in patients with Reese-Ellsworth group V retinoblastoma. METHODS Prospective analysis of 27 eyes in 22 patients with group V retinoblastoma treated with either 2- or 6-cycle chemoreduction and focal treatment methods (argon laser photocoagulation, transpupillary thermotherapy, cryotherapy, and plaque radiotherapy). The need for external beam irradiation and the eventual globe salvage rate were assessed. Median follow-up was 28 months. RESULTS There were 16 eyes in the 2-cycle chemoreduction treatment group and 11 eyes in the 6-cycle chemoreduction treatment group. No significant difference was noted between the 2 groups with respect to baseline patient and eye findings. After chemoreduction treatment, external beam irradiation was necessary in 12 (75%) of 16 eyes in the 2-cycle chemoreduction treatment group and in 4 (36%) of 11 eyes in the 6-cycle chemoreduction treatment group. There was no statistical difference between the 2- and 6-cycle chemoreduction treatment groups with respect to necessity for external beam irradiation (logistic regression analysis). All 4 eyes in the 2-cycle chemoreduction treatment group and 3 of 12 eyes in the 2-cycle chemoreduction treatment and irradiation group were eventually enucleated, the globe salvage rates being 0% and 75%, respectively. Two of 7 eyes in the 6-cycle chemoreduction treatment group and 1 of 4 eyes in the 6-cycle chemoreduction treatment and irradiation group were enucleated, the globe salvage rates being 71% and 75%, respectively. Except for the 2-cycle chemoreduction treatment group, in which the globe salvage rate was significantly lower (P = .03), there was no difference among the other 3 groups (2-cycle chemoreduction treatment and irradiation, 6-cycle chemoreduction treatment, and 6-cycle chemoreduction treatment and irradiation) with respect to globe salvage (logistic regression analysis). CONCLUSIONS Local tumor control of group V retinoblastoma is possible with 6-cycle chemoreduction and focal therapy when external beam irradiation is not used. A larger sample size is necessary to determine how often external beam irradiation can be avoided.
The Foraging Ecology of the Endangered Cape Verde Shearwater, a Sentinel Species for Marine Conservation off West Africa

Large Marine Ecosystems such as the Canary Current system off West Africa sustains high abundance of small pelagic prey, which attracts marine predators. Seabirds are top predators often used as biodiversity surrogates and sentinel species of the marine ecosystem health, thus frequently informing marine conservation planning. This study presents the first data on the spatial (GPS-loggers) and trophic (stable isotope analysis) ecology of a tropical seabird—the endangered Cape Verde shearwater Calonectris edwardsii–during both the incubation and the chick-rearing periods of two consecutive years. This information was related with marine environmental predictors (species distribution models), existent areas of conservation concern for seabirds (i.e. marine Important Bird Areas; marine IBAs) and threats to the marine environment in the West African areas heavily used by the shearwaters. There was an apparent inter-annual consistency on the spatial, foraging and trophic ecology of Cape Verde shearwater, but a strong alteration on the foraging strategies of adult breeders among breeding phases (i.e. from incubation to chick-rearing). During incubation, birds mostly targeted a discrete region off West Africa, known by its enhanced productivity profile and thus also highly exploited by international industrial fishery fleets. When chick-rearing, adults exploited the comparatively less productive tropical environment within the islands of Cape Verde, at relatively close distance from their breeding colony. The species enlarged its trophic niche and increased the trophic level of their prey from incubation to chick-rearing, likely to provision their chicks with a more diversified and better quality diet. There was a high overlap between the Cape Verde shearwaters foraging areas with those of European shearwater species that overwinter in this area and known areas of megafauna bycatch off West Africa, but very little overlap with existing Marine Important Bird Areas. Further investigation on the potential nefarious effects of fisheries on seabird communities exploiting the Canary Current system off West Africa is needed. Such negative effects could be alleviated or even dissipated if the ‘fisheries-conservation hotspots’ identified for the region, would be legislated as Marine Protected Areas.
Serum levels of soluble interleukin‐2 receptor in hairy cell leukaemia: a reliable marker of neoplastic bulk

In hairy cell leukaemia (HCL), the strong membrane expression of the Tac antigen, corresponding to the p55 chain of the interleukin‐2 receptor (IL‐2R), is associated with the presence in the serum of high levels of a soluble form of the same molecule (sIL‐2R). Previous observations that therapy‐induced clinical and haematologic improvement in HCL is accompanied by a progressive decrease of sIL‐2R suggest a possible correlation between sIL‐2R levels and tumour burden. To verify this hypothesis, we monitored the variation of sIL‐2R values in 13 non‐splenectomized HCL patients admitted for treatment with recombinant interferon alpha‐2. The data were correlated with the estimated weight of bone marrow (BM) and spleen infiltrations, which in these patients almost entirely account for the tumour mass. The regression analysis test showed a direct correlation between sIL‐2R values and both BM neoplastic involvement (r= 0.63) and spleen tumour mass (r= 0.76). In addition, the correlation was further improved (r= 0.86) when sIL‐2R values were correlated with the total neoplastic mass, as calculated by the sum of spleen and BM neoplastic tissue weight. These data indicate that the detection of sIL‐2R in HCL is a reliable non‐invasive marker of tumour burden, which can be regarded as an additional useful tool for monitoring treatment response.
Combined pancreas and kidney transplantation normalizes protein metabolism in insulin-dependent diabetic-uremic patients.

In order to assess the combined and separate effects of pancreas and kidney transplant on whole-body protein metabolism, 9 insulin-dependent diabetic-uremic patients (IDDUP), 14 patients after combined kidney-pancreas transplantation (KP-Tx), and 6 insulin-dependent diabetic patients with isolated kidney transplant (K-Tx), were studied in the basal postabsorptive state and during euglycemic hyperinsulinemia (study 1). [1-14C]Leucine infusion and indirect calorimetry were utilized to assess leucine metabolism. The subjects were studied again with a combined infusion of insulin and amino acids, given to mimic postprandial amino acid levels (study 2). In the basal state, IDDUP demonstrated with respect to normal subjects (CON): (a) higher free-insulin concentration (17.8 +/- 2.8 vs. 6.8 +/- 1.1 microU/ml, P < 0.01) (107 +/- 17 vs. 41 +/- 7 pM); (b) reduced plasma leucine (92 +/- 9 vs. 124 +/- 2 microM, P < 0.05), branched chain amino acids (BCAA) (297 +/- 34 vs. 416 +/- 10 microM, P < 0.05), endogenous leucine flux (ELF) (28.7 +/- 0.8 vs. 39.5 +/- 0.7 mumol.m-2.min-1, P < 0.01) and nonoxidative leucine disposal (NOLD) (20.7 +/- 0.2 vs. 32.0 +/- 0.7 mumol.m-2. min-1, P < 0.01); (c) similar leucine oxidation (LO) (8.0 +/- 0.1 vs. 7.5 +/- 0.1 mumol.m-2.min-1; P = NS). Both KP-Tx and K-Tx patients showed a complete normalization of plasma leucine (116 +/- 5 and 107 +/- 9 microM), ELF (38.1 +/- 0.1 and 38.5 +/- 0.9 mumol.m-2.min-1), and NOLD (28.3 +/- 0.6 and 31.0 +/- 1.3 mumol.m-2.min-1) (P = NS vs, CON). During hyperinsulinemia (study 1), IDDUP showed a defective decrease of leucine (42% vs. 53%; P < 0.05), BCAA (38% vs. 47%, P < 0.05), ELF (28% vs. 33%, P < 0.05), and LO (0% vs. 32%, P < 0.05) with respect to CON. Isolated kidney transplant reverted the defective inhibition of ELF (34%, P = NS vs. CON) of IDDUP, but not the inhibition of LO (18%, P < 0.05 vs. CON) by insulin. Combined kidney and pancreas transplanation normalized all kinetic parameters of insulin-mediated protein turnover. During combined hyperinsulinemia and hyperaminoacidemia (study 2), IDDUP showed a defective stimulation of NOLD (27.9 +/- 0.7 vs. 36.1 +/- 0.8 mumol.m-2.min-1, P < 0.01 compared to CON), which was normalized by transplantation (44.3 +/- 0.8 mumol.m-2.min-1).
Brain Activation in Middle-aged Healthy Adults by the Computer-based Cognitive Training Program for Elderly. : An Activation Study Using Functional Near-infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS)

Due to the growth of aging population, cognitive training has been noted as one of the preventive approaches for cognitive decline. While there has been an accumulation of knowledge, it has not been incorporated into programs that are currently used clinically. We developed a set of tasks named “Atama-no-dojo”, designed to activate multiple cognitive functions and enhance motivational incentives. The objective of our study was to examine the effects of our program on brain activation. We tested 10 middle aged subjects (49.6±8.1 years old) using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. Significant changes in oxygenated hemoglobin were demonstrated over a large portion of the brain, and obvious effects were found especially in the lateral prefrontal cortex area. The graph showed task related waveforms which appeared to indicate general concentration, task phase (thinking, answering, and waiting for the next trial), and the process of becoming accustomed to the tasks. The subjectively rated pleasantness score was correlated to the correct ratio in tasks of inhibition ( r =.75, p <.01), and memory ( r =.67, p <.05). These correlations suggested the possibility of a decrease in pleasantness due to the difficulty level.
Surgical Management of Uterine Fibroids at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital

Objective. To determine the influence of age and parity on the surgical management of uterine fibroids, clinical presentation, presence of pelvic adhesions, cadre of surgeons, and postoperative complications at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria. Methods. A retrospective analysis of 105 cases of uterine fibroids that were managed between 1st January 2003 and 31st December 2007. Results. The period prevalence of uterine fibroids was 24.7% of all major gynecological operations. The mean age was 35.8 ± 7.6 and mean parity 4.7 ± 2.8. Abdominal hysterectomy accounted for 58.1% of the cases and myomectomy 41.9%. The odd of using abdominal hysterectomy was about twice that of myomectomy. Pelvic adhesions were found in 67.6% of the cases. Menorrhagia (86.7%) was the commonest symptom, while post operative anemia and pyrexia showed significant association with myomectomy. There was no maternal mortality. Conclusion. Surgical operations for uterine fibroids are safe and common kind of gynecological operations at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital. Uterine fibroid is associated more with high parity and dominance of abdominal hysterectomy over myomectomy, because early girl marriage is common in our community.
Buschman and Posterior Parietal Cortices Top-Down Versus Bottom-Up Control of Attention in the Prefrontal

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