Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Precision measurements of AC Josephson voltage standard operating margins

Recent advances in circuit design and fabrication of superconducting integrated circuits have enabled us to demonstrate an ac Josephson voltage standard (ACJVS) that generates both ac and dc waveforms up to 242-mV peak voltage. Using a Fast Fourier Transform spectrum analyzer and an ac-dc transfer standard, we characterize ACJVS operating margins by performing "flat-spot" measurements at the level of a part in 10/sup 6/ for all eight bias parameters. By verifying that every bias parameter has a "flat-spot" (i.e., a range of bias values over which the measured ACJVS output is precisely constant), we demonstrate that all Josephson junctions on the chip are operating properly.
Modeling the Effects of Urban Design on Emergency Medical Response Calls during Extreme Heat Events in Toronto, Canada

Urban residents are at risk of health-related illness during extreme heat events but the dangers are not equal in all parts of a city. Previous studies have found a relationship between physical characteristics of neighborhoods and the number of emergency medical response (EMR) calls. We used a human energy budget model to test the effects of landscape modifications that are designed to cool the environment on the expected number of EMR calls in two neighborhoods in Toronto, Canada during extreme heat events. The cooling design strategies reduced the energy overload on people by approximately 20–30 W m−2, resulting in an estimated 40–50% reduction in heat-related ambulance calls. These findings advance current understanding of the relationship between the urban landscape and human health and suggest straightforward design strategies to positively influence urban heat-health.
Vaginal birth after one previous caesarean section in a tertiary institution in Nigeria

Vaginal birth after one previous lower segment caesarean section represents one of the most significant and challenging issues in obstetric practice. A 5-year retrospective study was carried out at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital between January 1999 and December 2003, to determine the incidence, the maternal and fetal outcome following vaginal delivery after one previous caesarean section with a view to evaluating its safety and efficacy. There were 5234 deliveries, with 395 cases of one previous caesarean section, giving an incidence of 7.5%. The incidences of emergency caesarean section, elective caesarean section and spontaneous vaginal delivery following trial of vaginal delivery were 34.7%, 9.4% and 48.1%, respectively. During the study period there were 1317 cases of caesarean section, giving an incidence of 25.2% caesarean section rate. The incidence of one previous section among all caesarean section births was 30%. The major morbidity following vaginal delivery was uterine rupture with an incidence of 1.5% and hysterectomy of 0.8%. Three of the uterine ruptures occurred before admission because the patients laboured at home. One maternal death occurred as a result of uterine rupture and postpartum haemorrhage, giving a maternal mortality ratio of 19/100 000 and a case fatality rate of 0.3%. The corrected perinatal mortality rate was 15.2/1000, mainly from obstructed labour, abruptio placenta and fetal distress. Both maternal and fetal mortalities from vaginal birth after one previous section were significantly less than the respective overall maternal and fetal mortality from the institution. The 1-minute apgar score of babies delivered by elective section was significantly (P < 0.001) higher than the apgar score of babies delivered by emergency section and vaginally. There was only one patient with wound dehiscence at elective section without associated perinatal death. Vaginal delivery following caesarean section is relatively safe. However, women in developing countries will continue to require counselling to counter the myths of aversion to operative delivery even at the expense of losing their lives. Our hospitals should have adequate monitoring equipment for high-risk pregnancies so that patients and their babies can be assured of survival.
An  $\boldsymbol {h}$  Adaptive Sub-Domain Framework for Parametric Order Reduction

Methods of parametric order reduction are very appealing for solving parameter-dependent models at the fields level, because they provide fast simulations and low systematic error. This paper presents a self-adaptive framework for computing reduced-order models featuring affine and non-affine parameters. It is based on a hypercube partitioning of the domain of non-affine parameters and employs non-uniform grid refinement, controlled by a suitable error indicator. Compared with state-of-the-art entire-domain methods, the proposed sub-domain approach achieves significant improvements in memory consumption and computer run time.
Solving 94-bit ECDLP with 70 Computers in Parallel

Elliptic curve discrete logarithm problem(ECDLP) is one of problems on which the security of pairing-based cryptography is based. This paper considers Pollard’s rho method to evaluate the security of ECDLP on Barreto-Naehrig(BN) curve that is an efficient pairing-friendly curve. Some techniques are proposed to make the rho method efficient. Especially, the group structure on BN curve, distinguished point method, and Montgomery trick are well-known techniques. This paper applies these techniques and shows its optimization. According to the experimental results for which a large-scale parallel system with MySQL is applied, 94-bit ECDLP was solved about 28 hours by parallelizing 71 computers. Keywords—Pollard’s rho method, BN curve, Montgomery multiplication.
Epidemiology and patterns of hypertension in semi-urban communities, south-western Nigeria

Summary Objective To determine the prevalence and subtypes of hypertension among semi-urban residents in south-western Nigeria. Methods All adults aged 18 years or older in 10 semi-urban communities were recruited for the study. The blood pressure (BP) reading taken with a validated electronic BP monitor after at least 10 minutes of rest was used in the analysis. Hypertension was defined as BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg. Results Seven hundred and fifty subjects with a mean age of 61.7 ± 18.2 years participated in the study. The prevalence of hypertension was 55.5%. Stage 2 hypertension was the most common, present among 225 (54.1%) of the participants with hypertension, and 191 (45.9%) had stage 1 hypertension. Of those with hypertension, systolic–diastolic hypertension (SDH) was present among 198/416 (47.6%), while isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) and isolated diastolic hypertension (IDH) were present among 181/416 (43.6%) and 37/416 (8.9%), respectively. The prevalence of hypertension increased significantly with age. Conclusion The prevalence of hypertension was high in these semi-urban communities. Hence, increased awareness and integrating hypertension care into primary healthcare and other community health services in these areas may prove beneficial in ameliorating its adverse effects.
Periodontal healing after application of enamel matrix derivative in surgical supra/infrabony periodontal defects in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Epidemiologic and clinical studies have indicated that diabetes is a risk factor for periodontal disease progression and healing. The aim of the present study was to evaluate short-term healing after enamel matrix derivative (EMD) application in combined supra/infrabony periodontal defects in diabetic rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS Thirty male Wistar rats were initially divided into two groups, one with streptozotocin-induced diabetes and another one with healthy (non-diabetic) animals. Bony defects were surgically created on the mesial root of the first maxillary molars. After root surface planing and EDTA conditioning, EMD was applied to the roots at one side of the maxillae, while those on the contralateral sides were left untreated. Animals were killed 3 wk after surgery, and block sections were prepared for histologic and histomorphometric analysis. RESULTS There was statistically significant more gingival recession in diabetic animals than in non-diabetic animals. The length of the junctional epithelium was significantly shorter in the EMD-treated sites in both diabetic and normoglycemic rats. Sulcus depth and length of supracrestal soft connective tissue showed no statistically significant differences between groups. In all animals, new bone formation was observed. Although new bone occurred more frequently in healthy animals, the extent of new bone was not significantly different between groups. In none of the teeth, a layer of new cementum was detectable. EMD had no influence on bone or cementum regeneration. Adverse reactions such as excessive inflammation due to bacterial root colonization, ankylosis and bone fractures were exclusively observed in diabetic animals, irrespective of EMD treatment. CONCLUSION Within the limits of the present study, it can be concluded that periodontal healing was impaired in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. EMD had no beneficial effects on new bone and cementum formation during short-term healing in this defect model and could not ameliorate the adverse effects in the systemically compromised animals.
Effect of Differential N-linked and O-linked Mannosylation on Recognition of Fungal Antigens by Dendritic Cells

Background An experimental approach for improving vaccine efficacy involves targeting antigens to mannose receptors (MRs) on dendritic cells (DCs) and other professional antigen presenting cells. Previously, we demonstrated that mannosylated Pichia pastoris-derived recombinant proteins exhibited increased immunogenicity compared to proteins lacking mannosylation. In order to gain insight into the mechanisms responsible for this observation, the present study examined the cellular uptake of the mannosylated and deglycosylated recombinant proteins. Methodology/Principal Findings Utilizing transfected cell lines, roles for the macrophage mannose receptor (MMR, CD206) and DC-SIGN (CD209) in the recognition of the mannosylated, but not deglycosylated, antigens were demonstrated. The uptake of mannosylated antigens into murine bone marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs) was inhibited by yeast mannans (YMs), suggesting a mannose-specific C-type lectin receptor-dependent process, while the uptake of deglycosylated antigens remained unaffected. In particular, antigens with both N-linked and extensive O-linked mannosylation showed the highest binding and uptake by BMDCs. Finally, confocal microscopy studies revealed that both mannosylated and deglycosylated P. pastoris-derived recombinant proteins localized in MHC class II+ compartments within BMDCs. Conclusions/Significance Taken together with our previous results, these data suggest that increased uptake by mannose-specific C-type lectin receptors is the major mechanism responsible for the enhanced antigenicity seen with mannosylated proteins. These findings have important implications for vaccine design and contribute to our understanding of how glycosylation affects the immune response to eukaryotic pathogens.
Model reference adaptive control of a two axis direct drive manipulator arm

The model reference adaptive control of a two axis direct drive manipulator arm is presented. The two axes exhibit a significant dynamic interaction. The model reference adaptive controller is utilized in the velocity loop to adaptively decouple the dynamic interaction and to linearize the dynamics. The outer loop controller for positioning and tracking is designed based on the linear decoupled dynamics. The adaptive velocity loop controller as well as position loop controller are implemented digitally. The use of a series-parallel, as well as a parallel reference model is suggested in the adaptive velocity loop controller. The stability problems arising from the straightforward digital implementation of the continuous time algorithm are analyzed and a modification in the digital algorithm is introduced which guarantees the asymptotic stability of the system. Simulation and experimental results show a consistently superior performance of the manipulator under adaptive control.
Lifetime Estimation of MMC for Offshore Wind Power HVDC Application

Due to a series of unique merits, modular multilevel converters (MMCs) have been developing dramatically in the last decade. However, in some applications, such as offshore power transmission, the MMC modules are subjected to a variety of tough temperature profiles with adverse working conditions, and all of these could lead to thermomechanical fatigues in the components and the joints of the power modules, thereby causing reliability challenge. This paper focuses on the lifetime evaluation of the MMC based on power cycling and thermal cycling, considering the mission profiles in the high-voltage direct current application for offshore wind power. The mission profiles as well as the topology of the MMC are first analyzed in order to better understand the loading characteristics of MMC. Then, the power loss calculation along with the electrothermal simulation is conducted to uncover the thermal loading of MMC. At last, the lifetime of MMC is studied based on rainflow counting and lifetime models for power semiconductors.
Species traits and interaction rules shape a species‐rich seed‐dispersal interaction network

Abstract Species phenotypic traits affect the interaction patterns and the organization of seed‐dispersal interaction networks. Understanding the relationship between species characteristics and network structure help us understand the assembly of natural communities and how communities function. Here, we examine how species traits may affect the rules leading to patterns of interaction among plants and fruit‐eating vertebrates. We study a species‐rich seed‐dispersal system using a model selection approach to examine whether the rules underlying network structure are driven by constraints in fruit resource exploitation, by preferential consumption of fruits by the frugivores, or by a combination of both. We performed analyses for the whole system and for bird and mammal assemblages separately, and identified the animal and plant characteristics shaping interaction rules. The structure of the analyzed interaction network was better explained by constraints in resource exploitation in the case of birds and by preferential consumption of fruits with specific traits for mammals. These contrasting results when looking at bird–plant and mammal–plant interactions suggest that the same type of interaction is organized by different processes depending on the assemblage we focus on. Size‐related restrictions of the interacting species (both for mammals and birds) were the most important factors driving the interaction rules. Our results suggest that the structure of seed‐dispersal interaction networks can be explained using species traits and interaction rules related to simple ecological mechanisms.
Relationship Between Determinants of Arterial Stiffness Assessed by Diastolic and Suprasystolic Pulse Oscillometry

AbstractPulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (AI) are independent predictors of cardiovascular health. However, the comparability of multiple oscillometric modalities currently available for their assessment was not studied in detail. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between indices of arterial stiffness assessed by diastolic and suprasystolic oscillometry.In total, 56 volunteers from the general population (23 males; median age 70 years [interquartile range: 65–72 years]) were recruited into observational feasibility study to evaluate the carotid-femoral/aortic PWV (cf/aoPWV), brachial-ankle PWV (baPWV), and AI assessed by 2 devices: Vicorder (VI) applying diastolic, right-sided oscillometry for the determination of all 3 indices, and Vascular explorer (VE) implementing single-point, suprasystolic brachial oscillometry (SSBO) pulse wave analysis for the assessment of cfPWV and AI. Within- and between-device correlations of measured parameters were analyzed. Furthermore, agreement of repeated measurements, intra- and inter-observer concordances were determined and compared for both devices.In VI, both baPWV and cfPWV inter-correlated well and showed good level of agreement with bilateral baPWV measured by VE (baPWV[VI]–baPWV[VE]R: overall concordance correlation coefficient [OCCC] = 0.484, mean difference = 1.94 m/s; cfPWV[VI]–baPWV[VE]R: OCCC = 0.493, mean difference = 1.0 m/s). In contrast, SSBO-derived aortic PWA (cf/aoPWA[VE]) displayed only weak correlation with cfPWV(VI) (r = 0.196; P = 0.04) and ipsilateral baPWV (cf/aoPWV[VE]R–baPWV[VE]R: r = 0.166; P = 0.08). cf/aoPWA(VE) correlated strongly with AI(VE) (right-sided: r = 0.725, P < 0.001). AI exhibited marginal between-device agreement (right-sided: OCCC = 0.298, mean difference: 6.12%). All considered parameters showed good-to-excellent repeatability giving OCCC > 0.9 for 2-point-PWV modes and right-sided AI(VE). Intra- and inter-observer concordances were similarly high except for AI yielding a trend toward better reproducibility in VE (interobserver–OCCC[VI] vs [VE] = 0.774 vs 0.844; intraobserver–OCCC[VI] vs [VE] = 0.613 vs 0.769). Both diastolic oscillometry-derived PWV modes, and AI measured either with VI or VE, are comparable and reliable alternatives for the assessment of arterial stiffness. Aortic PWV assessed by SSBO in VE is not related to the corresponding indices determined by traditional diastolic oscillometry.
KECK OBSERVATIONS OF THE GALACTIC CENTER SOURCE G2: GAS CLOUD OR STAR?

We present new observations and analysis of G2—the intriguing red emission-line object which is quickly approaching the Galaxy's central black hole. The observations were obtained with the laser guide star adaptive optics systems on the W. M. Keck I and II telescopes (2006–2012) and include spectroscopy (R ∼ 3600) centered on the hydrogen Brγ line as well as K′ (2.1 μm) and L′ (3.8 μm) imaging. Analysis of these observations shows the Brγ line emission has a positional offset from the L′ continuum. This offset is likely due to background source confusion at L′. We therefore present the first orbital solution derived from Brγ line astrometry, which, when coupled with radial velocity measurements, results in a later time of closest approach (2014.21 ± 0.14), closer periastron (130 AU, 1600 Rs), and higher eccentricity (0.9814 ± 0.0060) compared to a solution using L′ astrometry. It is shown that G2 has no K′ counterpart down to K′ ∼ 20 mag. G2's L′ continuum and the Brγ line emission appears unresolved in almost all epochs, which implies that the bulk of the emission resides in a compact region. The observations altogether suggest that while G2 has a gaseous component that is tidally interacting with the central black hole, there is likely a central star providing the self-gravity necessary to sustain the compact nature of this object.
Neonatal ventilatory techniques – which are best for infants born at term?

Few studies have examined ventilatory modes exclusively in infants born at term. Synchronous intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV) compared to intermittent mandatory ventilation (IMV) is associated with a shorter duration of ventilation. The limited data on pressure support, volume targeted ventilation and neurally adjusted ventilatory assist demonstrate only short term benefits in term born infants. Favourable results of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) in infants with severe respiratory failure were not confirmed in the two randomised trials. Nitric oxide (NO) in term born infants, except in those with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), reduces the combined outcome of death and requirement for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). In infants with severe refractory hypoxaemic respiratory failure, ECMO, except in infants with CDH, reduced mortality and the combined outcome of death and severe disability at long-term follow-up. Randomised studies with long term outcomes are required to determine the optimum modes of ventilation in term born infants.
Mechanism of Vasopeptidase Inhibitor-Induced Plasma Extravasation: Comparison of Omapatrilat and the Novel Neutral Endopeptidase 24.11/Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor GW796406

We describe N-[(2S)-2-(mercaptomethyl)-3-methylbutanoyl]-4-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-l-phenylalanine (GW796406), a vasopeptidase inhibitor (VPI) that possessed ∼3-fold selectivity for neutral endopeptidase 24.11 (NEP) versus angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in in vitro assays using rat and human enzymes. In the same assays, omapatrilat, the most extensively studied VPI, displayed ∼3-fold selectivity for ACE. The in vivo ACE and NEP inhibition profile and the liability of the compounds to increase plasma extravasation were compared at two (low and high) therapeutically equivalent intravenous doses in the rat. At the low dose, both agents inhibited ACE activity by ∼85%. Consistent with their in vitro ACE/NEP selectivity, omapatrilat produced 49% inhibition, whereas GW796406 produced >95% inhibition of NEP. Neither compound increased plasma extravasation. When the low dose was administered to rats pretreated with the NEP inhibitor ecadotril to normalize NEP background to <5% of control, only omapatrilat significantly increased plasma extravasation. At the high dose, omapatrilat and GW796406 produced profound, nonselective inhibition of ACE (>90%) and NEP (>95%), and they significantly increased plasma extravasation. The activity of the agents as inhibitors of dipeptidylpeptidase IV (DPP IV) and aminopeptidase P (APP) was also investigated. Neither compound inhibited DPP IV. Interestingly, omapatrilat, but not GW796406, was a relatively potent inhibitor of APP (IC50 = 260 nM). We investigated whether APP inhibition increased the plasma extravasation liability of GW796406. The low dose of GW796406 administered with apstatin, an APP inhibitor, did not increase plasma extravasation. This finding inferred that APP inhibition is not involved in plasma extravasation in the rat and that APP inhibition does not explain the increased plasma extravasation produced by omapatrilat in NEP-inhibited rats.
Effects of treatment on free radicals in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in South Western Nigeria.

BACKGROUND Formation of Malondialdehyde (MDA), a free radical, in Tuberculosis patients does occur when Tubercule bacilli induces reactive oxygen species as a result of phagocytic respiratory burst. OBJECTIVES This study evaluated the effect of treatment on plasma level of Malondialdehyde among patients infected with Mycobacterium Tuberculosis in Osogbo South Western Nigeria. METHODOLOGY Descriptive cross sectional study among 110 patients, grouped into four categories (three TB patient categories and controls). All patients were screened for presence or absence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in their sputum and HIV 1 & 2 in their blood using standard techniques. The level of free radical (Malondialdehyde, MDA) was determined by Thiobabituric acid reacting method. Data was analyzed using the SPSS software version 17.0. RESULTS Serum Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly lower in TB patients on drugs (TBD) compared with the new cases on treatment (NCT). (0.17+0.88mol/L Vs 0.27+0.08mol/L, p<0.05). Varying degrees of correlations were also found between free radicals and electrolytes. CONCLUSION Reduced serum MDA levels in TBD suggested a reduction in the levels of free radical injury once treatment was commenced. Therefore serum free radical may be an index of monitoring response to treatment in tuberculosis management.