Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rainfall intensity-duration-frequency models for Lokoja Metropolis, Nigeria

Intensity-Duration-Frequency (IDF) relationship is one of the most commonly used tools in water resources engineering. The purpose of this study was to develop rainfall intensity-duration-frequency models/curves for Lokoja Metropolis, Kogi State, Nigeria. Rainfall data was obtained from Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and sorted for frequency analysis. Five different frequency analysis techniques namely; Normal, Log-Normal, Gumbel, Pearson Type III and Log-Pearson Type III distributions were used to develop the IDF relationships for Lokoja. Storm durations of 5, 10, 20, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 minutes, and return periods of 2, 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 years were adopted for the derivation of the models. Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Anderson Darling goodness of fit tests were conducted using Easy Fit software to ascertain the best distribution that fits the data. A power-law model was adopted in developing the desired IDF models/ curves for the study area. The results of the goodness of fit showed that all the five distributions were not rejected both at 5% and 1% significance levels except Pearson Type III which recorded Anderson-Darling value of 3.0814 at 30 minutes’ duration which is above the critical value of 2.5018 at 5% level of significance. Although, all the distributions gave good results, Log-Pearson Type III distribution was adjudged the best for the study area because of its best ranking. It is recommended that the IDF models/curves derived in this study should be used as tools for prediction of rainfall events for design of hydraulic structures in the study area. Also, more meteorological stations should be created in the country and properly equipped to generate requisite data for planning and design of water resources systems. Keywords: Rainfall-Intensity-Duration-frequency models, Log-Pearson Type III distribution, Power model, rainfall events, hydraulic structures
Sirtuin 1 regulation of developmental genes during differentiation of stem cells

The longevity-promoting NAD+–dependent class III histone deacetylase Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is involved in stem cell function by controlling cell fate decision and/or by regulating the p53-dependent expression of NANOG. We show that SIRT1 is down-regulated precisely during human embryonic stem cell differentiation at both mRNA and protein levels and that the decrease in Sirt1 mRNA is mediated by a molecular pathway that involves the RNA-binding protein HuR and the arginine methyltransferase coactivator-associated arginine methyltransferase 1 (CARM1). SIRT1 down-regulation leads to reactivation of key developmental genes such as the neuroretinal morphogenesis effectors DLL4, TBX3, and PAX6, which are epigenetically repressed by this histone deacetylase in pluripotent human embryonic stem cells. Our results indicate that SIRT1 is regulated during stem cell differentiation in the context of a yet-unknown epigenetic pathway that controls specific developmental genes in embryonic stem cells.
Predictors of Sexual-Risk behaviours among Youth in Ibadan North-West Local Government Area, Oyo state, Nigeria

Background: Sexual-Risk behaviours contribute to the leading causes of morbidity, mortality and social problems among youths. Although there are many studies conducted on this subject, the predictors of sexual-risk behaviours among youths have not been well explored. This study was therefore, designed to contribute to existing knowledge and enhance the development of strategies that will positively influence the perception and attitude of youths regarding sexual health risk related matters. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design using multistage sampling methods was conducted among randomly selected 360 youths (15-24 years) using data collected via pre-tested interviewer administered semi-structured questionnaire, which measured the following variables: socio-demographic characteristics; sexual-risk behavior and predictors of sexual-risk. Data was analyzed using Chi-square test and binary logistics regression at p=0.05. Social learning theory was adopted in the development of the instrument. Results: Almost half (49.7%) of the respondents reported to have ever had sex, 57.5% and 71.2% of them had sexual intercourse with casual partners and multiple partners respectively, also 68.7% of them did not use condom during their last sexual activity. Age and gender were the most significant predictors of sexual-risk behavior. Youths aged between 15-17 and 18-20 years are about 5.7 and 3.1 times respectively more likely than those older than 21 years to have an early sexual debut (OR = 5.693, CI = 1.205-26.901; 3.067, CI = 1.260-7.465) while male youths were about 2.6 times more likely than females to use condoms (OR = 2.563, CI = 1.171-5.607). Conclusion: Dearth of information available to youths about sexual health and the dangers associated with risky sexual behaviours can be held responsible for increased levels in participation in sexual-risk behaviours among youths. There is need for concerted effort of all to promote healthy behaviour, via youth-centered programmes and youth targeted behavioural change interventions.
Evaluation of a Pseudo-One-Compartment Model for Phosphorus Kinetics by Later-Phase Dialysate Collection during Blood Purification

Purpose Phosphorus removal is a major issue to assess for physicians engaging in hemodialysis. A pseudo-one-compartment model was reported as a novel model for phosphorus kinetics. We aimed to evaluate the adequacy of this model from the standpoint of the total mass of removed phosphorus during prolonged treatment. Methods Dialysate was collected during 6-h hemodialysis and hemodiafiltration treatment in 5 patients. Later-phase (from 4 to 6 h) dialysate was collected separately. Mobilization clearance (Km and dialyzer clearance (K) were calculated by simple arithmetic operations utilizing stable serum phosphorus concentrations in this later phase. Volume of the accessible compartment (V0) was estimated by a fitting method. Amounts of removed phosphorus were calculated with these parameters and compared with measured values. The best sampling time points during treatment were also assessed, when the parameters were determined by serial serum phosphorus concentrations alone. Results Pearson's correlation coefficient (R) between calculated and measured values of removed phosphorus was 0.991 and the concordance correlation coefficient (ρ) was 0.987. When Km, K and V0 were determined by serial serum concentrations alone, including those at 0, 1, 4, and 6 h, the calculated mass of removed phosphorus had high R (0.974–0.975) or ρ (0.966–0.972) with the measured values. Conclusions We confirmed that a pseudo-one-compartment model is useful for the estimation of removed phosphorus mass during prolonged blood purification by collecting dialysate. When the parameters are determined by a fitting method using serial serum concentrations alone, sampling at 0, 1, 4, and 6 h seems to be adequate.
Grip Strength and Intertrial Rest

This experiment illustrates that the 1991 Montazer and Thomas conclusion that grip strength declines over time is incomplete. 15 men performed 4 grip-strength trials with imertrial rests of 120 sec. Analysis showed that performance did not decrease over the 4 trials, on the contrary, the pattern was that of a learning curve, with a significant difference across the 4 trials, i.e., on Trial 1 grip strength was lower than on successive trials. Such a result points to the importance of ‘warming-up’ the muscle to obtain optimum functioning. Also, subjects should be familiar with the task and the equipment to reduce the chance of a Type I error. Implications for research are discussed.
Tyrosine Phosphorylation of p72syk Induced by Anti‐9‐O‐Acetyl GD3 Antibodies in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

We have previously shown that a subpopulation of peripheral blood CD4+ T‐cells are strongly positive for the ganglioside 9‐O‐acetyl GD3. Treatment of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) with monoclonal anti‐9‐O‐acetyl GD3 antibodies (MoAb 27A) induced a dose‐dependent proliferative response in the cells. Here we show that binding of 27A IgG to PBMC induces rapid tyrosine phosphorylation of p72syk and mobilization of phosphoinositides. Equal phosphorylation was not seen after stimulation of PBMC with anti‐GD3 antibodies (MoAb R24) despite the apparent similar cell surface distribution of the two gangliosides. This suggests that the O‐acetyl modification enhances the signal transduction mediated by GD3 ganglioside.
Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation in Inflammation and Malignancy

Omega-3 fatty acids (FAs), which include eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid, are found in fish oils and have long been investigated as components of therapy for various disease states. Population studies initially revealed the cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3 FAs and EPA, with subsequent clinical studies supporting the therapeutic role of omega-3 FAs in cardiovascular and chronic inflammatory conditions. Prospective randomized placebo-controlled trials have also demonstrated the utility of omega-3 FA supplementation in malignancy and cancer cachexia. In recent years, in vitro and animal studies have elucidated some of the mechanistic explanations underlying the wide range of biological effects produced by omega-3 FAs and EPA, including their antiproliferative and anticachectic actions in malignancy. In this review, the authors discuss the recent progress made with omega-3 FAs, focusing on the advances in mechanistic understanding and the results of clinical trials.
Rank-density-based multiobjective genetic algorithm and benchmark test function study

Concerns the use of evolutionary algorithms (EA) in solving multiobjective optimization problems (MOP). We propose the use of a rank-density-based genetic algorithm (RDGA) that synergistically integrates selected features from existing algorithms in a unique way. A new ranking method, automatic accumulated ranking strategy, and a "forbidden region" concept are introduced, completed by a revised adaptive cell density evaluation scheme and a rank-density-based fitness assignment technique. In addition, four types of MOP features, such as discontinuous and concave Pareto front, local optimality, high-dimensional decision space and high-dimensional objective space are exploited and the corresponding MOP test functions are designed. By examining the selected performance indicators, RDGA is found to be statistically competitive with four state-of-the-art algorithms in terms of keeping the diversity of the individuals along the tradeoff surface, tending to extend the Pareto front to new areas and finding a well-approximated Pareto optimal front.
Functional glycan‐free adhesion domain of human cell surface receptor CD58: design, production and NMR studies

A general strategy is presented here for producing glycan‐free forms of glycoproteins without loss of function by employing apolar‐to‐polar mutations of surface residues in functionally irrelevant epitopes. The success of this structure‐based approach was demonstrated through the expression in Escherichia coli of a soluble 11 kDa adhesion domain extracted from the heavily glycosylated 55 kDa human CD58 ectodomain. The solution structure was subsequently determined and binding to its counter‐receptor CD2 studied by NMR. This mutant adhesion domain is functional as determined by several experimental methods, and the size of its binding site has been probed by chemical shift perturbations in NMR titration experiments. The new structural information supports a ‘hand‐shake’ model of CD2–CD58 interaction involving the GFCC′C″ faces of both CD2 and CD58 adhesion domains. The region responsible for binding specificity is most likely localized on the C, C′ and C″ strands and the C–C′ and C′–C″ loops on CD58.
Proxy and self-report agreement on the Stroke and Aphasia Quality of Life Scale-39

Background and purpose: Health related quality of life outcomes are increasingly used to measure the effectiveness of stroke interventions. People with severe aphasia after stroke may be unable to self-report on such measures, necessitating the use of proxy respondents. We explored the level of agreement between people with aphasia (PWA) and their proxies on the Stroke and Aphasia Quality of Life Scale (SAQOL-39) and whether this agreement is influenced by demographic variables and proxy levels of depression and carer strain. Methods: People with chronic aphasia (⩾6 months post stroke) were recruited through the UK national charity for PWA. They were interviewed on the SAQOL-39 and their nominated proxies were interviewed on the SAQOL-39, the General Health Questionnaire and the Caregiver Strain Index. Proxy respondents had to be ⩾18 years of age, see the person with aphasia at least twice a week and have no known severe mental health problems or cognitive decline. Results: 50 of 55 eligible pairs (91%) took part in the study. Proxies rated PWA as more severely affected than PWA rated themselves. The SDs of the difference scores were large and the difference was significant for three of the four SAQOL-39 domains and the overall mean (p⩽0.01). However, the bias as indicated by effect sizes was small to moderate (0.2–0.5). The strength of the agreement was excellent for the overall SAQOL-39 and the physical domain (intra-class correlation coefficient ICC 0.8), good for the psychosocial and communication domains (0.7) and fair for the energy domain (0.5). Demographic variables and proxy’s mood and carer strain did not affect the level of agreement. Conclusions: For group comparisons, proxy respondents who are in frequent contact with people with chronic aphasia can reliably report on their health related quality of life, using the SAQOL-39. Although there are significant differences between PWA and proxy responses, the magnitude of this difference is small to moderate.
Does this adult patient have acute meningitis

Context Early clinical recognition of meningitis is imperative to allow clinicians to efficiently complete further tests and initiate appropriate therapy. Objective To review the accuracy and precision of the clinical examination in the diagnosis of adult meningitis. Data Sources A comprehensive review of English- and French-language literature was conducted by searching MEDLINE for 1966 to July 1997, using a structured search strategy. Additional references were identified by reviewing reference lists of pertinent articles. Study Selection The search yielded 139 potentially relevant studies, which were reviewed by the first author. Studies were included if they described the clinical examination in the diagnosis of objectively confirmed bacterial or viral meningitis. Studies were excluded if they enrolled predominantly children or immunocompromised adults or focused only on metastatic meningitis or meningitis of a single microbial origin. A total of 10 studies met the criteria and were included in the analysis. Data Extraction Validity of the studies was assessed by a critical appraisal of several components of the study design. These components included an assessment of the reference standard used to diagnose meningitis (lumbar puncture or autopsy), the completeness of patient ascertainment, and whether the clinical examination was described in sufficient detail to be reproducible. Data Synthesis Individual items of the clinical history have low accuracy for the diagnosis of meningitis in adults (pooled sensitivity for headache, 50% [95% confidence interval {CI}, 32%-68%]; for nausea/vomiting, 30% [95% CI, 22%-38%]). On physical examination, the absence of fever, neck stiffness, and altered mental status effectively eliminates meningitis (sensitivity, 99%-100% for the presence of 1 of these findings). Of the classic signs of meningeal irritation, only 1 study has assessed Kernig sign; no studies subsequent to the original report have evaluated Brudzinski sign. Among patients with fever and headache, jolt accentuation of headache is a useful adjunctive maneuver, with a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 54%, positive likelihood ratio of 2.2, and negative likelihood ratio of 0 for the diagnosis of meningitis. Conclusions Among adults with a clinical presentation that is low risk for meningitis, the clinical examination aids in excluding the diagnosis. However, given the seriousness of this infection, clinicians frequently need to proceed directly to lumbar puncture in high-risk patients. Many of the signs and symptoms of meningitis have been inadequately studied, and further prospective research is needed.
Swarm Intelligence-Inspired Autonomous Flocking Control in UAV Networks

The collaboration of multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has stimulated the emergence of a novel wireless network paradigm named UAV network. UAV network, compared with uncoordinated UAV systems could provide wider coverage, better monitoring, and understanding of the interested area, and smarter decision-making. However, realizing the full potential of UAV network in dynamic environments poses great challenges in topology/flocking control, energy conservation, and quality of service guarantee. In this backdrop, this paper proposes a swarm intelligence-inspired autonomous flocking control scheme for UAV networks. First, based on the concept of intelligent emergence of swarm agents, a swarm intelligence-inspired multi-layer flocking control scheme is built for the flocking control problem. Second, an integrated sensing and communication method is put forward to regulate how a UAV can calculate its distances to its neighbors and its deflection angle. Finally, a series of experiments are conducted on our simulator developed on OMNeT++ and the flocking prototype to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme. The simulation and experimental results have shown that the proposed scheme could realize efficient flocking control with low energy consumption and satisfied the quality of service.
Multiple positive results during a neonatal screening program: a retrospective analysis of incidence, clinical implications and outcomes

Abstract Aims: Neonatal screening programs perform different screening tests on the same blood-spot sample collected on a Guthrie card. We retrospectively investigated the incidence of multiple positive results as well as the outcomes and the physical characteristics of newborns with more than one positive result for phenylketonuria (PKU), congenital hypothyroidism (CH) and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Methods: Neonatal screening was performed on blood-spot for PKU (phenylalanine concentration by fluorescent ninhydrine method), for CH (simultaneous total thyroxin (tT4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels by fluoroimmunometric assay); and for CAH (17-hydroxyprogesteron level by fluoroimmunometric assay). Results: During three years of screening, 39 newborns (37 preterms) showed multiple positive results at screening tests (incidence 1:6387). The most frequent positive results were the combinations of CH and CAH (25/39) and PKU and CH (12/39). At recall, only two newborns were confirmed positive and each for only one disease: one, premature baby, for PKU from the PKU and CH combination; the other, born at term, for CAH from the CH and CAH combination. Conclusions: Multiple positive results are a rare observation at neonatal screening for PKU, CH and CAH, more frequently observed in preterm babies. However, multiple positive results must not be overlooked because of true positive results at recall.
Effect of lens extraction on primary angle closure in a Thai population.

OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of phacoemulsification surgery in eyes with acute or chronic angle closure glaucoma in terms of intraocular pressure (IOP) control and vision improvement. MATERIAL AND METHOD A total of 58 eyes from 46 patients with angle closure received phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation. The patients were followed-up for a minimum period of 6 months. RESULTS The mean age was 68.5 years. Two eyes were acute angle closure and 56 eyes were chronic angle closure glaucoma. Peripheral anterior synechiae were present in 88% of the patients. The mean pre-operative IOP was 23.3 +/- 10 mm Hg and the mean post-operative IOP was 14.8 +/- 6. 5 mm Hg (p < 0.05). The mean visual acuity was improved from 0.92 logMar to 0.53 logMar (p < 0.01). The extent of peripheral anterior synechia was decreased from 2.3 quadrants to 2.0 quadrants (p = 0.076). CONCLUSION Phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation can lower the intraocular pressure, remove pupillary block, increase angle width, relieve peripheral anterior synechiae, decrease antiglaucoma medications and improve visual acuities in patients with angle closure glaucoma and cataracts.
Annular elastolytic giant cell granuloma in association with Hashimoto's thyroiditis

Annular elastolytic giant cell granuloma (AEGCG) is a rare granulomatous skin disease characterized clinically by annular plaques with elevated borders and atrophic centers found mainly on sun-exposed skin and histologically by diffuse granulomatous infiltrates composed of multinucleated giant cells, histiocytes and lymphocytes in the dermis along with phagocytosis of elastic fibers by multinucleated giant cells. We report a case of AEGCG in a 50-year-old woman and is highlighted for the classical clinical and histological findings of the disease and its rare co-existence with Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
Crop Drought Monitoring using MODIS NDDI over Mid-Territory of China

Drought is one of the major environmental disasters in north China, whereas in recent years it have happened in mid and southern of china seriously, so it is very important to detect and monitor drought periodically at large scale for decision making. Droughts can be assessed with many kinds of indices but it is extremely difficult to quantitatively monitor and predict. Remote sensing is able to supply us with an update on crop condition over a large geographic area using a series of coarse resolution satellites and this technology has become the important means of drought monitoring. In this study, the analysis was conducted on the combining information from visible, near infrared, and short wave infrared channels to improve sensitivity to drought severity. Using the normalized difference drought index (NDDI) that had a stronger response to summer drought conditions than a simple difference between NDVI and NDWI, and is therefore a more sensitive indicator of drought in Jiangxi province of mid-territory in china than NDVI or NDWI alone. With the support of land use map and soil humidity of crop for the growing season, we build a simple model of Jiangxi province of China for crop drought monitoring. The results of August 2007 show that the large scale temporal and spatial characteristics of drought over mid-territory of China can be effectively detected by this way. Based on this method, we have developed a operational crop drought monitoring system for Jiangxi province land areas.
Intentions to Purchase and the Online Experience

The Internet plays a strategic role for companies competing in today’s rapidly expanding digital economy. However, establishing a Web presence for online shopping does not automatically guarantee consumer purchases. Understanding the factors that contribute to how consumers form intentions to buy online is important for developing Web applications that exploit the competitive forces of electronic commerce. A theoretical model, based on the Theory of Planned Behavior, that predicts individuals’ intentions to engage in online purchasing transactions is proposed and empirically tested. Data was gathered from a survey administered to 346 undergraduate college students and the two-phase structural equation modeling approach was utilized to verify construct validity and test proposed relationships. The resultant model explains 61% of individuals’ intentions to make purchases online. Key theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.