Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quadruple H therapy for vasospasm

Triple H therapy has been enthusiastically used to increase cerebral blood flow in cases of vasospasm. Nevertheless, the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood is lowered with this treatment. This side effect can theoretically be partially corrected using hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) which appears to be the missing ring in the above therapeutic regimen. We conducted a review of of the available evidence regarding the beneficial effects of HBO in preventing postoperative ischemic complications due to vasospasm after surgery on ruptured cerebral aneurysms and the rationale for including HBO into the standards of care of these difficult patients.
Protective effect of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on L-arginine-induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative damage in rat kidney

L-Arginine (ARG), an essential amino acid, is the endogenous source of the deleterious nitric oxide. Dietary ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-enriched fish oil (FO) has been shown to reduce the severity of certain types of cancers, cardiovascular disease, and renal disease. Present study examined whether feeding of FO/flaxseed oil (FXO) would have protective effect against ARG-induced nephrotoxicity. ARG-induced nephrotoxicity was recorded by increased serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen. ARG significantly altered the activities of metabolic and brush border membrane (BBM) enzymes. ARG caused significant imbalances in the antioxidant system. These alterations were associated with increased lipid peroxidation (LPO) and altered antioxidant enzyme activities. Feeding of FO and FXO with ARG ameliorated the changes in various parameters caused by ARG. Nephrotoxicity parameters lowered and enzyme activities of carbohydrate metabolism, BBM and inorganic phosphate (32Pi) transport were improved to near control values. ARG-induced LPO declined and antioxidant defense mechanism was strengthened by both FO and FXO alike. The results of the present study suggest that ω-3 PUFA-enriched FO and FXO from seafoods and plant sources, respectively, are similarly effective in reducing ARG-induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative damage. Thus, vegetarians who cannot consume FO can have similar health benefits from plant-derived ω-3 PUFA.
EFFECTS OF SUPERPLASTICIZER ADMIXTURE ON THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOUR OF LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE MIXES CONTAINING MINERAL ADDITIVES

This paper presents an experimental investigation of the effect of a superplasticizer admixture on the mechanical behaviour of expanded clay lightweight concrete containing metakaolin material and recycled glass aggregate. The optimum dosage of the superplasticizer admixture (type SNF) was adjusted and used by weight of cement. The short and long-term mechanical properties of concrete mixes were measured in accordance with the relevant British / EN standards. The obtained results were compared with the results of control concrete mixes (without superplasticizer). The results obtained showed that the superplasticizer admixture exhibited a 20% reduction in content of mixing water. All measured values of unit weight, compressive and splitting tensile strengths increased when the superplasticizer admixture is used. The concrete mix containing 30% recycled glass revealed an increase in the mechanical strength compared with the mix of 15% recycled glass. However, the workability of the superplasticizer concrete mixes was degraded, reaching 44% reduction in slump value.
Analysis of damage outcome in the strength of polymer composite materials

The specific characteristics of composite materials, like carbon fibre-reinforced plastics, have been leading to their rising importance and widespread use. As these parts are normally produced in a near-net shape, secondary operations, like drilling, are necessary prior to their assembly in complex structures. It is still difficult to define a machining process that enables free-damage holes, due to the peculiar laminar nature of these materials. So, the definition of a drilling process that minimizes delamination and increases reliability in produced parts is combined with satisfactory cost and productivity is still of major importance in the composites manufacturing industry. In this paper, two sets of unidirectional coupons from plates with carbon fibre as reinforcement and epoxy resin as matrix are drilled using five different drilling tool strategies and two feed rates for uneven damage extension. One of the strategies is the use of a pre-drilling option. Then the delamination is assessed using enhanced radiography and, finally, three diverse mechanical tests are performed on the resulting coupons: three-point bending, four-point bending and pin bearing. The results allowed establishing and modelling, with the help of statistical tools, the relations between the damaged area caused by drilling and the material’s mechanical resistance. The three-point bending resistance does not vary greatly with the damage area. On the other hand, the bearing resistance and the four-point bending resistance decrease with the increase of the damaged area.
High Q-factor CMOS-MEMS inductor

This study investigates a high Q-factor spiral inductor fabricated by the CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) process and a post-process. The spiral inductor is manufactured on silicon substrate using the 0.35 mum CMOS process. In order to reduce the substrate loss and enhance the Q-factor of the inductor, silicon substrate under the inductor is removed using a post-process. The post-process uses RIE (reactive ion etching) to etch the sacrificial layer of silicon dioxide, and then TMAH (tetra methyl ammonium hydroxide) is employed to remove the underlying silicon substrate and obtain the suspended spiral inductor. The advantage of the post process is compatible with the CMOS process. The Agilent 8510 C network analyzer and a Cascade probe station are used to measure the performances of the spiral inductor. Experiments indicate that the spiral inductor has a Q-factor of 15 at 11 GHz, an inductance of 4 nH at 25.5 GHz and a self-resonance frequency of about 27 GHz.
Stress relaxation behavior of annealed aluminum-carbon nanotube composite

Abstract The mechanical properties and stress relaxation behavior of annealed aluminum-carbon nanotube composite were studied and compared with those of pure aluminum. The composite was prepared using an induction furnace, where 1.6 vol.% of multiwall carbon nanotubes were added in aluminum as strengthening material. It was found that the mechanical strength of the annealed composite was almost twice that of aluminum. The stress relaxation behavior of both materials was logarithmic in nature. However, the stress relaxation, hardening component, and intrinsic height of the thermally activated barrier were significantly influenced by the presence of nanotubes in the aluminum matrix. It was found that the stress relaxation rate of the composite was reduced (>30%) and the hardening component was increased (>100%) compared with that of aluminum. The calculated strengths of the thermally activated barriers for aluminum and the composite were 1.7 and 2.6 eV, respectively.
Precoder feedback versus channel feedback in massive MIMO under user cooperation

In multiuser massive MIMO systems, it is not clear whether users should feed back the channel or the precoder when they can exchange the channel state information (CSI). This paper compares the precoder feedback scheme with the channel feedback scheme. It is found that when there are sufficient number of bits for CSI exchange, the precoder feedback scheme can reduce the interference leakage to 1 /(K - 1) of the channel feedback scheme, where K is the number of users. Moreover, the interference leakage under the precoder feedback scheme decreases faster than the channel feedback scheme when the number of feedback bits increases.
Environmental aeroallergens and allergic rhino-conjunctivitis

Purpose of reviewThe rising prevalence of allergy and of allergic rhino-conjunctivitis is associated with changes in modern lifestyle. The current period of rapid development and consequent urbanization and migration, coupled with changes in climate, is facilitating a growth in rates of allergy. Recent findingsAlterations to indoor and outdoor environments resulting from urbanization, industrialization, and climate change have significant implications for the prevalence and management of allergic rhino-conjunctivitis. Rising temperatures, precipitation and more extreme weather enable longer pollen seasons and greater viability of indoor and outdoor moulds and result in increased exposure to (and allergenic potential of) these aeroallergens. Outdoor air pollution is a major risk factor for rhino-conjunctivitis; key contributors are fuel combustion and dust storms because of changes in land-use and development. Further studies are needed to recognize and understand sources of indoor pollution including phthalates. SummaryA better understanding of the role of environmental aeroallergens in allergic rhino-conjunctivitis is important to aid future management of allergic conjunctivitis. Strategies such as region-specific modelling of aeroallergens (pollens, air pollution) are required to predict and thus prevent exposure and to better inform appropriate childhood exposure and minimize lifelong effects.
Management of asthma: New approaches to establishing control

PurposeThe high burden of asthma indicates suboptimal control of this chronic condition. This review describes approaches for establishing asthma control based on an understanding of potential issues in the achievement and maintenance of asthma control, recent changes in asthma management guidelines that facilitate attainment of treatment goals, and the importance of the healthcare provider-patient partnership to emphasize treatment based on asthma control. Data sourcesReview of the published literature, asthma management guidelines, and patient asthma education resources. ConclusionsAsthma control is best achieved by patient-oriented versus disease-oriented management strategies that incorporate a combination of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment modalities. Tools that assess and monitor asthma may facilitate the achievement and maintenance of asthma control. Key components of an optimal management strategy include solid partnerships between healthcare providers and patients, comprehensive patient and caregiver education, personalized written asthma action plans, patient-reported evaluation of symptom control, appropriate drug therapy, strategies for improving compliance with asthma medication regimens, and a treatment algorithm that outlines the facets of asthma management. Implications for practiceInformation presented in this article will guide nurse practitioners in helping patients with asthma achieve and maintain long-term disease control.
Two-year clinical performance of cast post and core self-adhesive cementation

Introduction and Objective: Endodontically treated teeth commonly present extensive tissue loss, requiring the use intraradicular posts, which provide retention for a coronal rehabilitation. Cast post and cores (CPCs) have been traditionally used in cases of marked tooth tissue loss. Case report: This case report describes two cast post and cores and subsequent rehabilitation by metal ceramic crowns. The patient was followed-up at intervals of 12 and 24 months after the rehabilitation. The posts were cemented within the root canal with self-adhesive resin cement, in a way that guarantees a perfect sealing of the root and remains stable in the oral environment. Conclusion: Self-adhesive cements are a one-step material capable of providing additional chemical adhesion to the metal, creating a monoblock, quality not found in conventional resin cements, where the adhesion occurs only in the dentin-cement interface.
Autonomous Maneuvers of a Farm Vehicle with a Trailed Implement in Headland

This paper addresses the problem of path generation and motion control for the autonomous maneuvers of a farm vehicle with a trailed implement in headland. A reverse turn planner is firstly investigated, based on primitives connected together. Then, both steering and speed control algorithms are considered. When the system is driving forward, the control algorithms are based on a kinematic model extended with additional sliding parameters and on model predictive control approaches. When the system is driving backward, two different steering controllers are proposed and compared. Real world experiments have been carried out with an experimental trailer hitched to a mobile robot. At the end of each row, the reverse turn is automatically generated to connect the next reference track, and the maneuvers are autonomously performed. Reported experiments demonstrate the capabilities of the proposed algorithms.
Self-Management and Self-Management Support Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Mixed Research Synthesis of Stakeholder Views

Introduction Self-management has received growing attention as an effective approach for long-term condition management. Little is known about which outcomes of supported self-management are valued by patients, their families, health professionals and those who commission self-management services. This study systematically reviewed published empirical evidence in accordance with PRISMA guidelines to determine the outcomes of self-management valued by these key stakeholder groups, using three prominent exemplar conditions: colorectal cancer, diabetes and stroke. Aim To systematically review the literature to identify which generic outcomes of self-management have been targeted and are considered important using three exemplar conditions (colorectal cancer, diabetes and stroke), which collectively have a range of features that are likely to be representative of generic self-management issues. Methods Systematic searching of nine electronic databases was conducted in addition to hand searches of review articles. Abstracts were identified against inclusion criteria and appraised independently by two reviewers, using a critical appraisal tool. Synthesis of findings was conducted using mixed research synthesis. Results Over 20,536 abstracts were screened. 41 studies which met the review criteria were fully retrieved and appraised. The majority of evidence related to diabetes. Few studies directly focussed on stakeholders’ views concerning desired self-management outcomes; the majority of evidence was derived from studies focusing upon the experience of self-management. The views of health care commissioners were absent from the literature. We identified that self-management outcomes embrace a range of indicators, from knowledge, skills, and bio-psychosocial markers of health through to positive social networks. Conclusions Patients’, families’, health professionals’ and commissioners’ views regarding which outcomes of self-management are important have not been clearly elicited. The extent to which bio-psychosocial indicators relate to successful self-management from the perspectives of all groups of stakeholders is unknown. Further investigation regarding which self-management outcomes are considered important by all stakeholders is necessary to guide the commissioning and design of future self-management services.
Feasibility of three electronic instruments in studying the benefits of adaptive seating

Purpose. This pilot study assesses the suitability of three electronic instruments for the potential to objectively and consistently measure the effectiveness of adaptive seating for children with neuromotor disorders such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy. Method. A MiniMicroactigraph, an XSens accelerometer and an Xsensor pressure mapping system were assessed for their ability to measure change in five participants' stability, movement and posture when seating in a flat CAPS II chair and a contoured CAPS II chair. Results. The accelerometer and pressure mapping system showed a difference in amount of movement and body/seat interface between two contrasting seated surfaces on all children, demonstrating potential for use in future research. The results of the actigraph were inconclusive, but did highlight the importance of instrument placement for future studies that utilise this technology. Conclusion. The three instruments have potential suitability for use in future, more comprehensive studies of adaptive seating. It is recommended that future studies explore the additional features of these instruments for their potential to provide objective data regarding the effects of adaptive seating on children's postural alignment and support, pressure management, stability, functional ability and comfort.
Moving out from the control room: ethnography in system design

Ethnography has gained considerable prominence as a technique for informing CSCW systems development of the nature of work. Experiences of ethnography reported to date have focused on the use of prolonged on-going enthnography to inform systems design. A considerable number of these studies have taken place within constrained and focused work domain. This paper reflects more generally on the experiences of using ethnography across a number of different projects and in a variety of domains of study. We identify a number of ways in which we have used ethnography to inform design and consider the benefits and problems of each.
Further Studies on the Roles of Sodium and Potassium in the Generation of the Electro-Olfactogram

In the negative EOG-generating process a cation which can substitute for Na+ was sought among the monovalent ions, Li+, Rb+, Cs+, NH4 +, and TEA+, the divalent ions, Mg++, Ca++, Sr++, Ba++, Zn++, Cd++, Mn++, Co++, and Ni++, and the trivalent ions, Al+++ and Fe+++. In Ringer solutions in which Na+ was replaced by one of these cations the negative EOG's decreased in amplitude and could not maintain the original amplitudes. In K+-Ringer solution in which Na+ was replaced by K+, the negative EOG's reversed their polarity. Recovery of these reversed potentials was examined in modified Ringer solutions in which Na+ was replaced by one of the above cations. Complete recovery was found only in the normal Ringer solution. Thus, it was clarified that Na+ plays an irreplaceable role in the generation of the negative EOG's. The sieve hypothesis which was valid for the positive EOG-generating membrane or IPSP was not found applicable in any form to the negative EOG-generating membrane. The reversal of the negative EOG's found in K+- , Rb+- , and Ba++-Ringer solutions was attributed to the exit of the internal K+. It is, however, not known whether or not Cl- permeability increases in these Na+-free solutions and contributes to the generation of the reversed EOG's.
The detection and resolution of optical signals

The principles of statistical signal-detection theory are applied to the detection of optical signals by postulating the photoelectric effect as the mechanism for the interaction of the electromagnetic field of the light with matter. The data with which the detection system works are the numbers of photoelectric events in various parts of a receptor on which the light falls after passing through an aperture. The theory prescribes how the data should be processed and measures the detectability of the signals in terms of an SNR. The theory is applied to the detection of a point source and of an array of incoherent point sources, all against a uniform background. The resolution of two weak close point sources of radiation observed against a uniform background is also treated as a problem in the testing of hypotheses, and the reliability of the system derived on this basis is measured by an SNR that is a function of the angular separation of the sources. The estimation of the parameters of an optical signal is discussed from the standpoint of statistical estimation theory. Estimation of the angular position of a point source against a uniform background is treated as an example.
Automatic Semantic Role Labeling for Chinese Verbs

Recent years have seen a revived interest in semantic parsing by applying statistical and machine-learning methods to semantically annotated corpora such as the FrameNet and the Proposition Bank. So far much of the research has been focused on English due to the lack of semantically annotated resources in other languages. In this paper, we report first results on semantic role labeling using a pre-release version of the Chinese Proposition Bank. Since the Chinese Proposition Bank is superimposed on top of the Chinese Tree-bank, i.e., the semantic role labels are assigned to constituents in a treebank parse tree, we start by reporting results on experiments using the handcrafted parses in the treebank. This will give us a measure of the extent to which the semantic role labels can be bootstrapped from the syntactic annotation in the treebank. We will then report experiments using a fully automatic Chinese parser that integrates word segmentation, POS-tagging and parsing. This will gauge how successful semantic role labeling can be done for Chinese in realistic situations. We show that our results using hand-crafted parses are slightly higher than the results reported for the state-of-the-art semantic role labeling systems for English using the Penn English Proposition Bank data, even though the Chinese Proposition Bank is smaller in size. When an automatic parser is used, however, the accuracy of our system is much lower than the English state-of-the-art. This reveals an interesting cross-linguistic difference between the two languages, which we attempt to explain. We also describe a method to induce verb classes from the Proposition Bank "frame files" that can be used to improve semantic role labeling.
Sudden cardiorespiratory arrest following spinal anesthesia

S cardiac arrest after spinal anesthesia is a relatively rare but potentially catastrophic event. The true incidence of cardiac arrest during neuraxial anesthesia is not as low as it was traditionally believed to be; it varies between 1.3 and 18 in 10,000 (1"12). A review by Sprung et al. (1) reported the frequency of arrest for patients during regional anesthesia to be 1.5 per 10,000, which was less than the reported frequency of arrest for patients receiving general anesthesia (5.5 per 10,000). These facts do not necessarily imply greater safety of regional anesthesia. Rather, this may reflect the fact that a wider variety of more complex surgical cases are performed under general anesthesia, and also that there may be a bias toward general anesthesia in the emergency setting. Two large prospective studies designed to evaluate the incidence of complications during spinal anesthesia reported 2 cardiac arrests in 1881 patients (9) and 26 arrests in 40,640 patients (2) for an overall incidence of 7 in 10,000 (0,07%). This incidence is high compared with the rate of one cardiac arrest for every 10,000 cases (0,01%) reported for epidural anesthesia (2). Equally important are the long-term survival and outcome after such events. Auroy et al. (2, 3) reported 29 cardiac arrests among 40,640 spinal and 30,413 epidural anesthetics, only 6 of which were fatal. Importantly, no neurologic deficits were observed in the 23 (79%) patients who survived cardiac arrest. In another large 20-yr prospective study, Kopp et al. (13) showed that median time to arrest was 50 min (range 0-210 min) after last local anesthetic administration (intrathecal/epidural/caudal). Because the time of onset of cardiac arrest cannot be predicted, it is of utmost importance that all the patients who receive neuraxial anesthesia get constant monitoring and vigilance. Also, in order to achieve satisfactory neurologic outcome, resuscitative measures of an advanced cardiac life support protocol have to be promptly initiated.