Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of topical lignocaine on postoperative pain after laparoscopic tubal sterilisation in awake patients

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate postoperative pain after administration of topical lignocaine during laparoscopic sterilization in awake patients using Falope rings. STUDY DESIGN: Thirty-six women who underwent laparoscopic tubal sterilization were assigned randomly to receive topical lignocaine (1%, 10ml) or placebo. A 4-point verbal rating score was used to assess pain at ring application, 15 minutes, 1 hour and at discharge. Side effects, complications, extra pain medication requirements, satisfaction rates at follow up were assessed postoperatively. RESULTS: The pain scores were significantly lower in the lignocaine group at 15 minutes (2.06 vs. 2.94), one hour (1.187 vs. 2.33) and at discharge (0.18 vs. 1.1). The side effects and complications were similar in the two groups. Procedure satisfaction and acceptability was more in the lignocaine group (p=0.005). CONCLUSION: Topical lignocaine applied to the fallopian tubes at the time of laparoscopic tubal sterilization decreases postoperative pain and improves satisfaction rates even if done under sedation and local anesthesia.
Direct Plenoptic Odometry - Robust Tracking and Mapping with a Light Field Camera

Calibration methods and models for plenoptic cameras are presented. These consider effects like depth distortion, sensor tilting, and squinting micro lenses. Visual odometry is performed based on probabilistic depth estimation in micro image pairs of subsequent recordings. Camera motion and scale are determined in a photometric optimization. The method is tested in several indoor and outdoor scenes and is compared to state-of-the-art monocular and stereo algorithms.
Jatrorrhizine reduces 5-HT and NE uptake via inhibition of uptake-2 transporters and produces antidepressant-like action in mice

Abstract 1. Jatrorrhizine is an active ingredient found in various traditional Chinese medicinal plants. Based on our previous finding that jatrorrhizine was a potent inhibitor of OCT2 and OCT3, the aim of the present study was to explore whether jatrorrhizine has an antidepressant-like action action via inhibition of uptake-2 transporters. 2. In vitro uptake tests showed that jatrorrhizine strongly inhibited PMAT-mediated MPP+ uptake with an IC50 value of 1.05 μM and reduced 5-HT and NE uptake mediated by hOCT2, hOCT3 and hPMAT with IC50 values of 0.1–1 μM (for OCT2 and OCT3) and 1–10 μM (for PMAT). 3. In mouse synaptosomes, jatrorrhizine suppressed 5-HT and NE uptake in a concentration dependently manner, where the role of uptake-2 inhibition is significant. 4. The antidepressant-like action of jatrorrhizine was evaluated by mouse tail suspension test (TST). The TST showed that one week of jatrorrhizine (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg, i.p.) or venlafaxine (20 mg/kg, i.g.) can significantly reduce the duration of immobility when compared with vehicle control group. 5. The concentration of jatrorrhizine shows a dose-dependent increase in brain tissues. 6. Our study suggested that jatrorrhizine might be used as an antidepressant agent via inhibition of uptake-2 transporters.
Biogenic Amines as Serious Residues in Street Vended Foods

One hundred and thirty-five random samples of street vended foods represented by kofta, hawawshi and liver (45 of each) were collected from Benha (15 of each product), Tukh (15 of each product) and Moshtohor (15 of each product) in Kalyobia governorate for determination of their content of histamine and tyramine. The obtained results recorded that, the percentage of occurrence of histamine in Benha city were 73.33, 93.33 and 66.67 % in the kofta, hawawshi and liver samples, respectively. In Tukh center were 86.67, 100 and 73.33 % in the kofta, hawawshi and liver samples, respectively. Whereas in Moshtohor village were 100, 100 and 80.00 % in the kofta, hawawshi and liver samples, respectively. Furthermore, our results showed that the percentage of occurrence of tyramine in Benha city were 86.67, 100 and 73.33 % in the kofta, hawawshi and liver samples, respectively. In Tukh center were 93.33, 100 and 73.33 % in the kofta, hawawshi and liver samples, respectively. Whereas in Moshtohor village were 100, 100 and 86.67 % in the kofta, hawawshi and liver samples, respectively. It could be inferred that regarding the products contamination, hawawshi represented the highest histamine and tyramine contamination followed by kofta then liver. Regarding the locality, Moshtohor represented the highest contamination of both histamine and tyramine followed by Tukh then Benha city.
Assessing Multiple Abstract Algebra Assessments

Abstract In this qualitative study, we initiate a discussion as to why instructors should implement numerous assessments into their mathematics courses. We describe the purpose and structure of formative and summative assessments implemented in an undergraduate two-semester sequence of abstract algebra. The evaluations included homework, exams, projects, oral assessments, worksheets, and presentations. We discuss students’ reactions to these assessments and summarize how the students believed the assessments contributed to their learning. We describe students’ perceptions of how the assessments measured their abstract algebra knowledge and helped them learn the material in an interactive environment. Through the students’ voices, we illustrate how the assessments promoted interaction among the students and modeled potential alternative assessments for preservice teachers.
Reduplication in Ewe:morphological accommodation to phonological errors

Abstract Speech errors have often been used to support the psychological reality of phonologically dependent allomorphy in inflectional rules. The phenomenon of morphological accommodation to phonological errors is the most compelling evidence of this sort. We investigate reduplication in Ewe, experimentally inducing phonological errors to see whether reduplicated forms show accommodation. This was the case. Implications for reduplication in Ewe and for models of language production are discussed.
Segmental and Tandem Duplications Driving the Recent NBS-LRR Gene Expansion in the Asparagus Genome

Garden asparagus is an important horticultural plant worldwide. It is, however, susceptible to a variety of diseases, which can affect the potential yield, spear quality, and lifespan of production fields. Screening studies have identified resistant germplasm. The genetic resistance is usually complex, and the genes underlying that resistance are still unknown. Most often, disease resistance is determined by resistance genes (R). The most predominant R-genes contain nucleotide binding site and leucine-rich repeat (NBS-LRR) domains. Using bioinformatics and data mining approaches, we identified and characterized 68 NBS predicted proteins encoded by 49 different loci in the asparagus genome. The NBS-encoding genes were grouped into seven distinct classes based on their domain architecture. The NBS genes are unevenly distributed through the genome and nearly 50% of the genes are present in clusters. Chromosome 6 is significantly NBS-enriched and one single cluster hosts 10% of the genes. Phylogenetic analysis points to their diversification into three families during their evolution. Recent duplications are likely to have dominated the NBS expansion with both tandem genes and duplication events across multiple chromosomes. Transcriptome sequencing data provided evidence for their transcription and tissue-specific expression. The total number of cis-regulatory elements as well as their relative positions within the NBS promoters suggests a complex transcriptional network regulating defense responses. Our study provides a strong groundwork for the isolation of candidate R-genes in garden asparagus.
823-mA/mm Drain Current Density and 945-MW/cm2 Baliga’s Figure-of-Merit Enhancement-Mode GaN MISFETs With a Novel PEALD-AlN/LPCVD-Si3N4 Dual-Gate Dielectric

In this letter, we demonstrate a novel PEALD-AlN/LPCVD-Si<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub> dual-gate dielectric employed in enhancement-mode GaN MISFETs, where the gate recess is fabricated based on our proposed self-terminating gate recess etching technique using a GaN cap layer as recess mask. By using LPCVD-Si<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub> and PEALD-AlN dual-gate dielectric layer, the devices exhibit a high-quality gate dielectric and a good GaN channel interface, yielding a high gate swing up to 18 V and a high channel effective mobility of 137 cm<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$^{\textsf {2}}/\textsf {V}\cdot \textsf {s}$ </tex-math> </inline-formula> at such high gate bias. Thus, the fabricated devices feature a high maximum drain current density of 823mA/mm, a threshold voltage of 2.6 V, an on-resistance of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$7.4~\Omega \cdot \textsf {mm}$ </tex-math> </inline-formula>, and an ON/ OFF current ratio of 10<sup>8</sup> with gate–drain distance of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$2~\mu \text{m}$ </tex-math> </inline-formula>. Meanwhile, a high off-state breakdown voltage of 1290 V is achieved with 10-<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mu \text{m}$ </tex-math> </inline-formula> gate–drain distance. The corresponding specific on-resistance is as low as 1.76 <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\text{m}\Omega \cdot \textsf {cm}^{\textsf {2}}$ </tex-math> </inline-formula>, leading to a high Baliga’s figure of merit of 945 MW/cm<sup>2</sup>.
A Prospective Study on 3,907 Patients with Thyroid Nodules. Sono-histological Comparison and the Controversial Significance of the Halo Sign in Predicting Thyroid Malignancy

Background: The aim of this study was a comparison of the ultrasonographic (US) and histopathological findings on patients with thyroid nodules (TNs) in a moderately iodine-deficient region. Methods: The US properties (The echostructure, the presence of halo sign, microcalcification, blurred border, vascularization, and the taller-than-wide sign) of 7,180 TNs were assessed in 3,907 patients later underwent surgery. Results: 411 malignant cases were found. The risk of malignancy was significantly higher in cases Original Research Article
Three-Dimensional Soft-Tissue Evaluation in Patients with Cleft Lip and Palate

Background In cleft lip and palate (CLP) patients, the shape of the facial soft tissues shows variety in 3 dimensions (3D). Two-dimensional (2D) photographs and radiographs are insufficient in the examination of these anomalies. The aim of this retrospective study was to examine the soft tissue and craniofacial characteristics of individuals with nonsyndromic unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP), bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP), skeletal Class III malocclusions, or skeletal Class I malocclusions using 3D facial imaging. Material/Methods The entire study group consisted of a total of 158 patients, aged 8–32 years: 29 of the patients had UCLP, 22 BCLP, 54 had skeletal Class III malocclusions, and 53 had skeletal Class I malocclusions. 3D stereophotogrammetric soft-tissue recordings of all patients were analyzed. ANOVA and the Kruskal-Wallis test were performed to compare the groups. Results Statistically significant differences were observed among the groups in terms of linear, angular, proportional. and volumetric measurements. While nasal differences were not observed in the Class III group, nose and upper-lip deformities were common in the CLP groups. Upper-lip projection was reduced in all 3 groups. In the Class III patients, the lower lip and chin were more prominent than in the other groups. The facial convexity angle was increased in the CLP and Class III groups. The upper-lip volume was decreased in the BCLP, the UCLP, and the Class III groups. Conclusions Patients with skeletal Class III or CLP anomalies showed significantly different soft-tissue characteristics than the Class I control group. 3D stereophotogrammetric facial imaging is an easy and noninvasive method that can be used in examination and recording of these facial deformities. It is possible to make volumetric measurements using this method.
Isorhamnetin alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses in BV2 microglia by inactivating NF-κB, blocking the TLR4 pathway and reducing ROS generation

Isorhamnetin, which is a flavonoid predominantly found in fruits and leaves of various plants, including Hippophae rhamnoides L. and Oenanthe javanica (Blume) DC, is known to possess various pharmacological effects. However, the anti-inflammatory potential of isorhamnetin remains poorly studied. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the inhibitory potential of isorhamnetin against inflammatory responses in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 microglia. To measure the effects of isorhamnetin on inflammatory mediators and cytokines, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, the following methods were used: cell viability assay, griess assay, ELISA, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, flow cytometry, western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. The results revealed that isorhamnetin significantly suppressed LPS-induced secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators, including nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2, without exhibiting significant cytotoxicity. Consistent with these results, isorhamnetin inhibited LPS-stimulated expression of regulatory enzymes, including inducible NO synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 in BV2 cells. Isorhamnetin also downregulated LPS-induced production and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β. The mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of isorhamnetin was subsequently evaluated; this flavonoid inhibited the nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathway by disrupting degradation and phosphorylation of inhibitor κB-α in the cytoplasm and blocking translocation of NF-κB p65 into the nucleus. In addition, isorhamnetin effectively suppressed LPS-induced expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and myeloid differentiation factor 88. It also suppressed the binding of LPS with TLR4 in BV2 cells. Furthermore, isorhamnetin markedly reduced LPS-induced generation of ROS in BV2 cells, thus indicating a strong antioxidative effect. Collectively, these results suggested that isorhamnetin may suppress LPS-mediated inflammatory action in BV2 microglia through inactivating the NF-κB signaling pathway, antagonizing TLR4 and eliminating ROS accumulation. Further studies are required to fully understand the anti-inflammatory effects associated with the antioxidant capacity of isorhamnetin; however, the findings of the present study suggested that isorhamnetin may have potential benefits in inhibiting the onset and treatment of neuroinflammatory diseases.
Freeze-Safe IoT Hibernation using Power Profile Monitor Based on Communication-Centric Auto-Tuning

IoT systems, which are connected with irregular links between heterogeneous things, are vulnerable to fast error propagation caused by unwanted abnormal statuses. We often add system monitoring circuits to protect against unresolved freezing due to this problem. However, practical approaches in the field result in the over-specification of designs to cover all unknown problems, so that a large amount of additional power is consumed. In this paper, we adopt two ways to solve this problem efficiently: the effective reconfiguration of power state parameters for the low-power operations of embedded hardware and software in a communication-centric system-on-chip (SoC), and a design-space-exploration framework under the large-scale construction of irregular links between the processors. Given the large-scale connection of SoCs for the experiment, the system can be safely operated with a very wide monitoring active cycle, and power consumption can also be reduced.
Risk factors for hospitalizations and readmissions among individuals with sickle cell disease: results of a U.S. survey study

ABSTRACT Objective: Hospital admissions are significant events in the care of individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) due to associated costs and potential for quality of life compromise. Methods: This cross-sectional cohort study evaluated risk factors for admissions and readmissions between October 2014 and March 2016 in adults with SCD (n = 201) and caregivers of children with SCD (n = 330) at six centres across the U.S. Survey items assessed social determinants of health (e.g. educational attainment, difficulty paying bills), depressive symptoms, social support, health literacy, spirituality, missed clinic appointments, and outcomes hospital admissions and 30-day readmissions in the previous year. Results: A majority of adults (64%) and almost half of children (reported by caregivers: 43%) were admitted, and fewer readmitted (adults: 28%; children: 9%). The most common reason for hospitalization was uncontrolled pain (admission: adults: 84%, children: 69%; readmissions: adults: 83%, children: 69%). Children were less likely to have admissions/readmissions than adults (Admissions: OR: 0.35, 95% CI: [0.23,0.52]); Readmissions: 0.23 [0.13,0.41]). For all participants, missing appointments were associated with admissions (1.66 [1.07, 2.58]) and readmissions (2.68 [1.28, 6.29]), as were depressive symptoms (admissions: 1.36 [1.16,1.59]; readmissions: 1.24 [1.04, 1.49]). In adults, difficulty paying bills was associated with more admissions, (3.11 [1.47,6.62]) readmissions (3.7 [1.76,7.79]), and higher spirituality was associated with fewer readmissions (0.39 [0.18,0.81]). Discussion: Missing appointments was significantly associated with admissions and readmissions. Findings confirm that age, mental health, financial insecurity, spirituality, and clinic attendance are all modifiable factors that are associated with admissions and readmissions; addressing them could reduce hospitalizations.
Sébastien Fleuriel, Manuel Schotté, Sportifs en danger. La condition des travailleurs sportifs

« L'important, c'est de participer ». La devise du baron Pierre de Coubertin resume encore l'ethique censee federer les sportifs, de la pratique occasionnelle jusqu'au plus haut niveau. Et si le desinteressement n'etait pas en fait d'abord une ideologie permettant l'exploitation des participants par les organisateurs du spectacle sportif ? Telle est en substance la these que defendent Sebastien Fleuriel et Manuel Schotte, maitres de conference en sociologie a a l'universite de Lille 2, sont m.
Simple method for measuring soil sand content by nylon mesh sieving

Abstract A rapid and reagent-free method for measuring soil sand content is presented. In this method, a 20-µm-opening nylon mesh cloth was used for wet sieving of the sand fraction, and the difference of the soil weight before and after sieving was measured with an electric balance. Once air-dried, 2-mm sieved samples are prepared, the analysis can be completed within 2 d and 50 samples can be handled together by one person. The accuracy of this method was evaluated using five agricultural surface soils with various textural classes. The sand content obtained from the proposed method agreed well with that from the conventional method. Repeatability and reproducibility of the proposed method were high for sandy soils and were moderate for a clayey soil. The sensitivity of the method was further evaluated by analyzing 100 surface soils collected from a single paddy field having a similar textural class. The regression analysis of data between the proposed and conventional methods yielded an R2 value of 0.83 and a slope of 1.04. The slight overestimation by the proposed method suggested a systematic error, originating probably from the lack of pretreatment to remove organic matter. Limited to agricultural soils containing total carbon (C) of less than 5%, the proposed method would be useful not only for scientific investigation but also for educational purposes.
The Impact of Government Investment Organizations in Malaysia on the Performance of Their Portfolio Companies

type="main" xml:lang="fr"> La recherche sur l'impact de la propriete publique sur la performance financiere des entreprises cotees considere en general l'Etat comme une entite monolithique et ne tient pas compte que les droits de propriete de l'Etat sont administres par differents types d'organisations publiques. En analysant la performance financiere de societes publiques cotees, les auteurs trouvent qu'en Malaysie l'impact de la propriete publique varie selon le type d'organisation qui gere les participations de l'Etat. Etant donne la detention de “golden share” et la presence d'anciens employes de la fonction publique et d'hommes politiques dans les conseils de direction, les auteurs revelent que les entreprises controlees par des organisations d'investissement sous controle de l'Etat federal ont tendance a etre plus performantes que celles controlees au niveau regional.
Estimation of Slow- and Fast-Cycling Soil Organic Carbon Pools from 6N HCl Hydrolysis

Acid hydrolysis is used to fractionate the soil organic carbon pool into relatively slow- and fast-cycling compartments on soils from Arizona, the Great Plains states and Michigan collected for carbon isotope tracer studies related to soil carbon sequestration, for studies of shifts in C3/C4 vegetation, and for “pre-bomb” soil-carbon inventories. Prior to hydrolysis, soil samples are first treated with cold 0.5–1N HCl to remove soil carbonates if necessary. Samples are then dispersed in a concentrated NaCl solution (ρ≍1.2 g cm-3) and floated plant fragments are skimmed off the surface. After rinsing and drying, all remaining recognizable plant fragments are picked from the soil under 20x magnification. Plant-free soils, and hot, 6N HCl acid-hydrolysis residue and hydrolyzate fractions are analyzed for carbon content, δ13C and 14C age, and the carbon distribution is verified within 1–2% by stable-carbon isotope mass balance. On average, the recalcitrant residue fraction is 1800 yr older and 2.6% more 13C-depleted than total soil organic carbon. A test of hydrolysis with fresh plant fragments produced as much as 71–76% in the acid-hydrolysis residue pool. Thus, if plant fragments are not largely removed prior to hydrolysis, the residue fraction may date much younger than it actually is.
A Critical Appraisal on Computer Navigation in Total Knee Arthroplasty

Objectives Complications after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) often involve the patel-lofemoral joint. Computer assisted surgery has been advocated to address these problems intra-operatively, in order to have the possibility to correct directly during surgery. This study measured the changes of the virtual patel-lofemoralkneekinematics during different velocities of an flexion-extension cycle (FE-EF) to validate tracking on a CAOS system. Methods An experimental knee set-up was used, which allowed single axis tibiofemo - ral and patella movement. The patellar kinematics was measured during active EF and FE motions at different velocities. Measurements obtained during flexion-extension movements were modeled using second-order polynomials based on least squares estimation in order to estimate means per time cycle. One way analysis of variance by ranks was performed using (non-parametric) Kruskal–Wallis test.