Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Excitability changes in sacral afferents innervating the urethra, perineum and hindlimb skin of the cat during micturition

1 Excitability changes in afferents innervating the urethra, perineum and hindlimb were measured in decerebrated cats during micturition and in response to stimulation of lumbosacral afferents. Increases in excitability were interpreted as primary afferent depolarization (PAD) and decreases as primary afferent hyperpolarization. 2 Excitability increases were observed in 11 of 19 urethral pudendal afferents during micturition. Four of these 11 afferents showed an excitability increase during voiding. Seven of these showed a biphasic change with a decrease in excitability when sphincter activity resumed at the end of the void. Three of 19 afferents showed an excitability decrease during micturition and no change was detected in five afferents. 3 During micturition, the peak amplitude of urethral afferent‐evoked excitatory postsynaptic potentials in seven of eight sphincter motoneurones was diminished to a mean of 36% of control values. 4 Eighty per cent of hindlimb cutaneous afferents and 50% of dorsal penile/clitoral and superficial perineal nerve afferents in the sacral cord showed increased excitability during voiding. No excitability increases were measured in 13 hindlimb cutaneous fibres examined in the lumbar segments. 5 PAD was observed in sacral urethral, perineal and hindlimb cutaneous afferents in response to electrical stimulation of other perineal, urethral, hindlimb cutaneous and group II muscle afferents. 6 It is concluded that control of transmission from urethral afferents by the micturition circuitry is different to that by sensory transmission from hindlimb and perineal regions during micturition. We hypothesize that more than one population of sacral PAD‐mediating interneurones is involved.
Malnutrition Status Among Under-5 Children in a Hill Community of Nepal.

BACKGROUND Malnutrition, especially under nutrition puts children at increased risk of morbidity and mortality and remains a serious barrier in child growth, development and survival. This is a major public health problem among under- 5 children in Nepal particularly in rural areas. OBJECTIVE To assess the burden and contributing factors for malnutrition in hill community of Ilam district in eastern Nepal. METHOD A cross sectional study was conducted in rural hill communities of Ilam district, Nepal with a sample of 240 under- 5 children. Anthropometric measurements were used as per WHO guidelines to asses three nutritional status: Underweight, Stunting, and Wasting using descriptive statistics and chi square test was applied using SPSS 12.0 to assess social and predisposing factors. RESULT Seventeen percent of under- 5 children were moderately and 10.4 % were severely underweight. Similarly, 22.9%, and 17.5% were found to be moderately and severely stunted respectively. Less than 10% were found to be moderately and severely wasted. Older age group of children, education level of mother, not exclusive breast feeding practice had significant (p <0.05) effect on stunting. More than 50% children were affected with stunting, underweight and wasting at the same time. CONCLUSION Significant proportion of under - 5 children were malnourished in the communities of the hilly areas. The study unveiled the importance of literacy and exclusive breast feeding for the prevention of malnutrition in under- 5 children.
Effect of Acetylsalicylic Acid on Microvascular Thrombosis in Autologous Breast Reconstruction

Abstract Although advances in microsurgery have increased success rates of autologous breast reconstruction, microvascular thrombosis still remains a major concern as a cause of flap failure. At present, no evidence-based guidelines on pharmacological prevention of microvascular thrombosis exist. This study investigates the effect of acetylsalicylic acid on the incidence of microvascular complications in patients undergoing autologous breast reconstruction. Patients undergoing deep inferior epigastric artery perforator or free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap breast reconstruction at two academic centers in the Netherlands between 2005 and 2011 were included. Patients at one center received once daily 0.6 mL of nadroparine and 40 mg acetylsalicylic acid, while patients at the other center received 0.6 mL nadroparine only. A total of 430 consecutive patients underwent 592 breast reconstructions. No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in the incidence of flap failure (2.8 and 2.5%), microvascular thromboembolic complications (2.6 and 3.8%), venous congestion (3.4 and 2.8%), or overall complications (28.0 and 32.3%). Hematoma tended to occur more often in the group receiving acetylsalicylic acid (9.2 and 4.7%). It was found that no protective effect of acetylsalicylic acid on microvascular complications was present. Given its known risks and the somewhat increased occurrence of hematoma in the present study, we stopped to routinely administer acetylsalicylic acid after autologous breast reconstruction.
Effects of distribution of infection rate on epidemic models

A goal of many epidemic models is to compute the outcome of the epidemics from the observed infected early dynamics. However, often, the total number of infected individuals at the end of the epidemics is much lower than predicted from the early dynamics. This discrepancy is argued to result from human intervention or nonlinear dynamics not incorporated in standard models. We show that when variability in infection rates is included in standard susciptible-infected-susceptible (SIS) and susceptible-infected-recovered (SIR) models the total number of infected individuals in the late dynamics can be orders lower than predicted from the early dynamics. This discrepancy holds for SIS and SIR models, where the assumption that all individuals have the same sensitivity is eliminated. In contrast with network models, fixed partnerships are not assumed. We derive a moment closure scheme capturing the distribution of sensitivities. We find that the shape of the sensitivity distribution does not affect R0 or the number of infected individuals in the early phases of the epidemics. However, a wide distribution of sensitivities reduces the total number of removed individuals in the SIR model and the steady-state infected fraction in the SIS model. The difference between the early and late dynamics implies that in order to extrapolate the expected effect of the epidemics from the initial phase of the epidemics, the rate of change in the average infectivity should be computed. These results are supported by a comparison of the theoretical model to the Ebola epidemics and by numerical simulation.
Demographic and individual correlates of achieving 10,000 steps/day: use of pedometers in a population-based study.

ISSUES ADDRESSED The 10,000 steps per day message has become popular, yet few studies have examined correlates associated with achieving this behaviour target. This paper examines demographic and individual factors associated with adults achieving 10,000 steps/day. METHOD Participants in a state-wide, cross-sectional physical activity survey were invited to take part in a pedometer study (n=603, 45% response rate). A pedometer was worn for one week and daily steps recorded in a diary. Participants providing four or more days of pedometer data (n=428) were dichotomised based on achievement of > or =10,000 steps/day. RESULTS Men performed significantly more daily steps than women on average (10,079+/-3,848 and 9,169+/-3,800, p=0.01). In males, those less likely to achieve > or =10,000 steps/day were > or =60 years of age (OR=0.21) and overweight (i.e. body mass index > or =25kgm2) (OR=0.40), while men who regularly walked in the workplace (OR=1.44), who did vigorous activity at work (OR= 3.75), or who were employed in a blue-collar occupation (OR=4.45) were more likely to report reaching this target. In women, being overweight (OR=0.55) was negatively associated with achieving > or =10,000 steps/day, while participating in > or =150 minutes of leisure-time physical activity/week (OR=2.26) was positively associated with reaching this target. CONCLUSION Workplace physical activity and working in blue-collar occupations contributes to the achievement of 10,000 steps/day in males. People who achieve current national physical activity guidelines also achieve 10,000 steps/day. Older adults and those overweight are less likely to achieve this behaviour target.
Temperature measurement and control system for transtibial prostheses: Single subject clinical evaluation

ABSTRACT The snug fit of a prosthetic socket over the residual limb can disturb thermal balance and put skin integrity in jeopardy by providing an unpleasant and infectious environment. The prototype of a temperature measurement and control (TM&C) system was previously introduced to resolve thermal problems related to prostheses. This study evaluates its clinical application in a setting with reversal, single subject design. The TM&C system was installed on a fabricated prosthetic socket of a man with unilateral transtibial amputation. Skin temperature of the residual limb without prosthesis at baseline and with prosthesis during rest and walking was evaluated. The thermal sense and thermal comfort of the participant were also evaluated. The results showed different skin temperature around the residual limb with a temperature decrease tendency from proximal to distal. The TM&C system decreased skin temperature rise after prosthesis wearing. The same situation occurred during walking, but the thermal power of the TM&C system was insufficient to overcome heat build-up in some regions of the residual limb. The participant reported no significant change of thermal sense and thermal comfort. Further investigations are warranted to examine thermography pattern of the residual limb, thermal sense, and thermal comfort in people with amputation.
Soil pH and nutrient (Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium) analyzer using colorimetry

The study was about creating a device that can use colorimetry to determine the Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium content and pH of the soil to be cultivated by using the chemicals of the Soil Test Kit in giving nutrient recommendations. Trials were done to produce the actual color reaction of the reactants which served as the color references. The RGB values were extracted using TCS3471 color sensor and an LDR color sensor. The device was tested using three samples each for every nutrient and pH with ten trials each. The benchmark value used was 0.05 to have a 95% level of confidence. The computed value of Chi-Square was equal to 0 using the table for the critical values 0.05 corresponds to the critical value of 3.841. Therefore, computed value was less than the critical value which can be concluded that there was no significant difference between the proposed device reading the soil pH and nutrient content and the human resource reading.
Effect of fretting in lead-free systems

Electrical performance characteristics of lead-free solders and their potential effects on the reliability of electronic connector separable interfaces is one of the problem areas that has to be addressed. Since fretting is inherent in practically all electronic and electrical connections it is the aim of this work to determine the effect of fretting in commercially available lead-free alloys. For this purpose a number of lead-free alloy wires are subjected to fretting under different conditions such as different mating materials and contact load. Following the fretting tests, the contact zones damaged by the fretting action were subjected to detailed metallographic, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyses which, in turn, enabled to make a comparative assessment of the lead-free alloys used in respect to their susceptibility to fretting.
Effects of High Pressure on pH, Water-binding Capacity and Textural Properties of Pork Muscle Gels Containing Various Levels of Sodium Alginate

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of sodium alginate (SA) and pressurization levels on pH, water-binding and textural properties of pork muscle gels (PMG) containing salt. Ground lean pork with 1.0% NaCl and a given amount of SA (0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1.0%, respectively), was pressurized to 100, 200 or 300 MPa and subsequently gelled by heating. Results showed that addition of SA into pork muscle enhanced water-holding capacity (WHC) of PMG (p 0.05). A decrease (p<0.05) was observed in all textural parameters (hardness, cohesiveness, springiness and chewiness). Pressurization had no effect on the tendency of WHC to increase or the decrease of the textural parameters. However, the effectiveness of pressurization to enhance textural properties of PMG was significant at some SA levels, especially ≥200 MPa and at ≤0.75% SA levels. Different combinations of pressure and SA levels could bring about variation in textural properties of PMG while SA enhanced WHC of pork muscle. The multiformity of the texture will open up a wide range of technological possibilities for the manufacture of pork-based restructured low-fat products.
China's Trade and Growth: Impact on Selected OECD Countries

This paper examines China's emergence as a global player in international markets over the last few decades. It provides an overview of China's trade policy environment following the country's process of market opening and joining the WTO. The report analyses China’s role in international processing activities and moving up the global value chain. It also examines China’s impact on world prices and the deterioration of its own terms of trade. The paper looks at China's two-pronged export.
Not If, But When: Impact of a Driving and Dementia Awareness and Education Campaign for Primary Care Physicians

Background Canadian physicians are responsible for assessing medical fitness to drive; however, national data indicate that physicians lack confidence in performing such assessments and face numerous barriers to addressing driving in patients with dementia. We report on the impact of a provincial Web-based resource (www.notifbutwhen.ca) regarding driving cessation in dementia aimed towards primary care physicians (PCPs). Methods A pre/post cross-sectional survey (n = 134 baseline and n = 113 follow-up) of English-speaking, Nova Scotian PCPs. Descriptive statistics, chi-square, Pearson correlation, and multivariable logistic regression (controlling for sex, years of practice, and practice type) are reported. Results Most PCPs consider discussions regarding driving cessation to be routine part of dementia care; however, report multiple barriers to such discussions. Although the Web-based resource and awareness campaign were not associated with improvement in physician comfort in assessing driving risk in dementia, after completion of the campaign, fewer PCPs reported avoiding the topic of driving. Additionally, family resistance and lack of resources were less often reported as barriers. Conclusions Despite a lack of confidence, Nova Scotian PCPs routinely discuss driving cessation, and perform driving assessments for individuals with dementia. The Web-based resource and awareness campaign have shown moderate effectiveness in addressing specific barriers to assessment (e.g., caregiver resistance, lack of resources). Future efforts will address additional barriers, such as lack of comfort in decision-making.
Co-creating and Decolonizing a Methodology Using Indigenist Approaches: Alliance with the Asheninka and Yine-Yami Peoples of the Peruvian Amazon

In this paper, the co-authors discuss how Indigenous theories are operationalized using an indigenist methodology grounded in intercultural collaboration. We describe the specific methodological considerations and methods that were incorporated into a decolonizing strategy for conducting research and co-creating knowledge with the Yine-Yami and Asheninka peoples of the Peruvian Amazon, including: (1) working with Indigenous co-researchers; (2) considering community members and federation officials as allies or collaborators instead of participants or researched subjects ; (3) cultivating relational accountability and creating a research protocol by reflecting on the assumptions, motivations and values for conducting research with Indigenous peoples; (4) having each community ally identify desirable outcomes of the research; (5) sharing control of the design and delivery of the methodology; and (6) having collaborators validate co-created knowledge as the research was conducted. We argue that indigenist approaches are more appropriate frameworks for interacting with Indigenous peoples than methodologies typically deployed by Peruvian public organizations. With some adaptation, the methodology developed here could be used to conduct more respectful, meaningful and culturally sensitive research with Indigenous and historically oppressed groups
Phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation after inadvertent intracapsular injection of intravitreal dexamethasone implant

In this interventional case series, two eyes of two patients with diabetic macular oedema and one eye of a patient with complicated cataract secondary to uveitis associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis had inadvertent injection of dexamethasone implant into the capsular bag. This was followed by successful completion of phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation. At 1-year follow-up, all patients maintained visual acuity of ≥20/40 with absence of macular oedema.
Pancreatic acinar cells: the role of calcium in stimulus‐secretion coupling.

1. Segments of mouse or rat pancreas were placed in a flow cell through which physiological salt solutions of varying composition were pumped at a constant rate. Intracellular recordings of membrane potential, resistance and electrical time constant were made from the acini using fine glass micro‐electrodes. In some experiments two micro‐electrodes were inserted into two acinar cells within the same acinus to assess directly cell to cell coupling. The concentration of amylase in the effluent was measured continuously. 2. Electrical coupling between two acinar cells was observed when the tips of the two micro‐electrodes were less than 50 mum from each other. The coupling ratio was close to 1. Acetylcholine (ACh) always evoked depolarization of exactly the same amplitude in two coupled cells and reduced the amplitude of current‐pulse induced membrane potential changes in both cell simultaneously. 3. Stimulation with ACh caused an immediate increase in amylase output. Replacement of superfusion fluid Na by Tris or Cl by sulphate abolished ACh‐evoked increase in amylase release, but the subsequent reintroduction of Na or Cl caused an increase in amylase release of a magnitude similar to what was normally observed following stimulation. 4. Omitting Ca from the superfusion fluid and adding EGTA rapidly depolarized the acinar cell membrane, reduced the input resistance and caused a marked reduction in amylase secretion. During exposure to a Ca‐free, EGTA containing solution a marked increase in amylase release occurred following maximal ACh stimulation. 5. Addition of small amounts of Mg, Ca or Mn to a Ca‐, Mg‐free solution caused an increase in membrane potential, input resistance and electrical time constant and markedly increased amylase release. The effect on the electrical parameters was reversed in the absence of extracellular Na while extracellular Na was of no importance for the effect on amylase release. 6. The effect of ACh on amylase was enhanced during superfusion with a fluid containing 20 mM‐Ca. The presence of Mn (5 mM) in an otherwise normal control had no effect on ACh‐evoked release. 7. These results show that ACh acts on the acinus by reducing the surface cell membrane resistance. It is suggested that the ACh‐receptor interaction causes a release of Ca from the surface cell membrane and that the concentration of Ca in the surface cell membrane determines the specific membrane resistance particularly for Na. The release of Ca to the cytosol activates exocytosis while the Na influx is of importance for acinar fluid secretion. The effect of ACh on amylase secretion can be mimicked by agents displacing membrane‐bound Ca (Mg, Ca, Mn).
Design of a Simple Transition From Microstrip to Ridge Gap Waveguide Suited for MMIC and Antenna Integration

This letter describes a simple and low-loss microstrip-to-ridge gap waveguide transition with a very compact geometry. The transition transforms the electromagnetic (EM) fields from the microstrip mode to the air-filled ridge gap waveguide mode. This is achievable if the height of the air gap in the ridge gap waveguide is kept almost equal to the thickness of the substrate of the microstrip line. The transition has a pressure contact between the ridge and the microstrip line, so it works without soldering. This is advantageous in systems that require mechanically separable split-blocks or modules and need a lot of transitions. Experimental results of the manufactured back-to-back transition show an insertion loss of 0.32 dB and a return loss of 14.15 dB over 55% relative bandwidth in Ka-band.
Comparison of metformin versus rosiglitazone in patients with Acanthosis nigricans: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a skin condition commonly present on the neck of obese subjects. Obesity is often accompanied by insulin resistance and/or hyperinsulinemia. Metformin and rosiglitazone are 2 pharmacologic agents useful in conditions characterized by insulin resistance. OBJECTIVE The aim of our study was to compare the efficacy of metformin versus rosiglitazone on AN lesions of the neck as well as their effects on metabolic and anthropometric variables. METHODS This 12-week randomized, open-label pilot study involved overweight or obese subjects with AN treat with either metformin (n=4) or rosiglitazone (n=3). RESULTS Only the rosiglitazone group showed a significant reduction in insulin levels. No effect on the severity of AN was observed, but modest improvements of skin texture occurred in both treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS Metformin and rosiglitazone were well-tolerated. Although efficacy on skin lesions was very modest, their use in acanthotic subjects might be useful during longer treatment periods.
“Inspire me” - High-ability students’ perceptions of school science

A decline in the number of students opting to study science in high school is a matter of international concern, particularly in relation to students who demonstrate high academic ability in science. These high-ability students have the potential to be the innovators and leaders of the future. There is a paucity of research that provides insight into how schools address the motivational and learning needs of high-ability science students. Underpinned by a constructivist view of learning, this exploratory case study research used student questionnaires and focus group interviews to explore students’ views about their learning experiences in science. It investigated high-ability students’ perceptions of how their needs were being met. Findings indicate that these students generally experienced a wide range of teaching approaches across all science disciplines. Learning was mostly limited to science content and procedures with little evidence of students learning about how science works through Nature of Science.