Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic efficacy of selective nerve root blocks in the treatment of lumbar radicular leg pain.

The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical effectiveness of nerve root blocks (i.e., periradicular injection of bupivacaine and triamcinolone) for lumbar monoradiculopathy in patients with a mild neurological deficit. We have retrospectively analysed 30 patients (29-82 years) with a minor sensory/motor deficit and an unequivocal MRI finding (20 disc herniations, 10 foraminal stenoses) treated with a selective nerve root block. Based on the clinical and imaging findings, surgery (decompression of the nerve root) was justifiable in all cases. Twenty-six patients (87%) had rapid (1-4 days) and substantial regression of pain, five required a repeat injection. 60% of the patients with disc herniation or foraminal stenosis had permanent resolution of pain, so that an operation was avoided over an average of 16 months (6-23 months) follow-up. Nerve root blocks are very effective in the non-operative treatment of minor monoradiculopathy and should be recommended as the initial treatment of choice for this condition.
ORBITAL DISPERSION SIMULATION OF NEAR-EARTH OBJECT DEFLECTION/FRAGMENTATION BY NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS

Attempts to deflect a near-Earth object (NEO) from an impact trajectory using high-energy methods, such as nuclear explosions, can plausibly fragment the NEO rather than deflect it. This paper addresses the orbital dispersion problem of a fragmented NEO using the asteroid 99942 Apophis as a model, and presents a physical description of the relative motion phenomena of a fragmented NEO. The overall stochastic model is approximated using a quasi-random process in which the randomness of fragmentation is associated only with the initial condition. Categories of initial probability distributions are analyzed to obtain relationships between initial conditions and eventual percentage of impacting bodies. A Direct Simulation Monte Carlo approach is used to further investigate the sample initial conditions for the Apophis example previously studied in the literature. Consequences of ignoring mutual gravitation of the fragmented system or relying on the linearized Clohessy-Wiltshire-Hill model for large time scales are discussed.
Inner London Collaborative Audit of Admissions in Two Health Districts

Background Twenty-six per cent of patients in two Inner London districts were admitted to acute wards under the provisions of the Mental Health Act. Compared with those not under compulsion, they were young, male, more likely to be of black Caribbean origin, and to have a diagnosis of schizophrenia of short duration. The hypothesis is tested that ethnicity determines rates of compulsory admission independently of the other factors. Method Sampling and data collection methods were described in the first paper. Statistical analyses included a log-linear analysis of six key variables: compulsory admission, challenging behaviour, diagnosis, ethnicity, age, and sex. Results There were no substantial differences between districts. Analysis provided two similar statistical models. In both, admission under the Act was strongly associated with challenging behaviour and diagnosis of schizophrenia. In the model of best fit there was no significant interaction term for ethnicity and compulsion. In the second model there was a weak association. Conclusions Ethnicity did not appear to be of outstanding importance in decisions to use the Mental Health Act. There was a strong link between ethnicity and diagnosis, independent of compulsion. Differences between the districts made no major contribution to the rates of compulsory admission.
Review and Classification of Cloud Computing Research

: Cloud computing is latest trend in IT world. The relative novelty and rapidly increasing growth of cloud computing makes it an exciting area for research. The present paper aims to assess the state of cloud computing research. We portray a current landscape of this research stream, where it is today, and most importantly, given the current relevance of the topic, some suggestions as to where more effort should be focused in the future in order to produce more ’consumable research’. The remainder of this article is organized as follows: First a brief overview of cloud computing is given. Next the research methodology and our classification schema are presented. This is followed by the results of our literature review and classification.
MUTAGENIC EFFECT OF GAMMA IRRADIATION ON SEED GERMINATION AND YIELD COMPONENTS OF COWPEA (VIGNA UNGUICULATA L. WALP)

Mutation breeding is a conventional breeding method that has become a popular and effective tool for crop improvement. A physical mutagenesis experiment was conducted to study the effect of gamma irradiation on cowpea yield components (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp). Dry cowpea seeds were exposed to Cobalt 60 source of gamma radiation at the doses of 100Gy, 200Gy, 300Gy and 400Gy. Quantitative characters such as percentage germination, plant height, number of leaves, length and width of leaflets, length of longest branches, number of primary and secondary branches, pod and seed yield traits were observed and estimated. In addition, percentage pollen grain viability was also studied and estimated. After 12 days of planting, high percentage germination (70.5-83.6) was recorded in both generations of gamma irradiation treatment (G1 and G2). Leaf abnormalities observed in the study included tetrafoliation, pentafoliation and fused leaflet. Number of days to flowering ranged from 46±2.1-51±2.0 days. Generally, significant differences (P<0.05) were not recorded in data obtained for the characters in the study. Mutations have been ascertained to manifest at higher generations especially when they are recessive and that may explain the no significant differences recorded in the G1 and G2 data. MUTAGENIC EFFECT OF GAMMA IRRADIATION ON SEED GERMINATION AND YIELD COMPONENTS OF COWPEA (VIGNA UNGUICULATA L. WALP)
Authorship/authoring possibilities in three-dimensional virtual worlds in education: The state of art from a systematic review

Three-dimensional virtual worlds have been studied by many researchers around the world, including in educational contexts. A range of possibilities have emerged from this type of environment, such as improvements in distance education and other educational technologies. But there are some problems related to the use of this environment, such as complex authorship tools, which need to be discussed and considered to create situations that encourage use. The goal of this study was to find, analyze, and discuss the studies that focused on these environments, with authorship as the main theme. With this in mind, we conducted a systematic review of published articles in six repositories to extract studies for subsequent analysis using text mining and graph analysis software.
Implications of the IFRS goodwill accounting treatment

Purpose - This paper aims to critically examine the change in accounting treatment for goodwill pursuant to international financial reporting standards (IFRSs) by reference to the Australian reporting regime. Design/methodology/approach - The paper discusses and compares the former Australian and the new IFRS treatments for goodwill. This comparison focuses on the advantages and potential complexities of the new method, with the aim of identifying the issues and challenges that preparers, independent auditors and those involved in corporate governance face in complying with the new requirements. Findings - The paper highlights that the identification and valuation of cash-generating units and goodwill require numerous assumptions to be made in estimating fair value, value in use and recoverable amount. Considerable ambiguity and subjectivity are inherent in the IFRS requirements. Research limitations/implications - Findings suggest that future research should examine how financial report preparers and corporate governance mechanisms are dealing with the complex change required by the new goodwill accounting treatment and how the many critical issues involved in auditing the resulting figures are being addressed. Practical implications - The research has practical implications for financial report preparers in identifying the issues that must be addressed in complying with the international goodwill accounting treatment. In turn, the paper highlights conceptual issues of relevance to auditors in their role of providing assurance on the resulting accounting numbers. It also has implications for others involved in corporate governance, such as audit committee members, in emphasising the areas in which they should be providing oversight of the accounting judgments. These issues are of relevance in any reporting regime based on IFRSs. Originality/value - While much has been written about the mechanics of the new goodwill accounting requirements, there has been a lack of critical research highlighting the many problems and ambiguities that will arise in the application of those rules.
Morphological and molecular data against the monophyly of Dendromurinae ( Muridae : Rodentia )

For the first time, the eight known genera of Dendromurinae have been studied in a comparative analysis of their morphological characteristics, mainly dental ones. Phylogenetic interpretations based on comparative morphology with other African Muridae sensu lato are discussed. The taxon Dendromurinae appears to be paraphyletic and might be composed of at least 4 independent lineages. A first one includes Dendromus, Steatomys, Malacothrix and Megadendromus; a second one groups Prionomys and Dendroprionomys. The third and fourth lineages consist of Deomys and Leimacomys, respectively, and this latter genus clusters with Gerbillinae {Gerbillus, Tatera). Results obtained from DNA-DNA hybridization experiments in which only two Dendromurinae {Deomys and Steatomys) are involved, are also discussed. Molecular and morphological data both agree on the fact that the two genera Deomys and Steatomys do not cluster in a monophyletic group. The status of the Dendromurinae has to be revised.
Social Networks : Mediator of Project Communication and Perceived Project Success

This study examines the mediating effect of social networks in the relationship between project communication and perceived project success in Uganda’s philanthropic projects. It was prompted by the increased failure of most philanthropic projects in Uganda to meet their explicit objects in terms of time, quality, and budget and enhanced corporate awareness which could be attributed to neglect of ‘soft’ factors. Despite numerous classical studies that are reported in different domains involving project communication, social networks and perceived project success, no existing empirical study has examined the mediating effect of social networks in this relationship. This study therefore aims at answering the following research question: Do social networks have a mediating effect in the relationship between project communication and perceived project success in Uganda’s philanthropic projects? Using Structural Equation Modelling to test for mediation, a cross sectional and quantitative survey of all philanthropic projects conducted by commercial banks in Uganda, reveals that social networks is a significant mediator in the relationship between project communication and perceived project success. Also, findings confirmed a full type of mediation between project communication, social networks and perceived project success. This study has both practical and theoretical implications that are discussed.
Internal pH and state of ATP in adrenergic chromaffin granules determined by 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

The 31P NMR spectrum of ATP is sensitive to local pH, and the signals from ATP within chromaffin granules can be used, in principle, to measure the intragranular pH. In order to calibrate the ATP signals obtained from granules as a function of pH, we have reversibly adjusted the internal pH of granules to different values by adding weak acid (acetate), weak base (ammonia), or nigericin/K+, which equalize the internal and external pH values. By using this approach, the complete titration curve of the y-phosphate of intragranular ATP was measured by NMR between pH 3 and 8. This titration curve was quite different from the simple curves of either Na2+, Ca2+, or M$+ATP in solution, or of ATP in a physiologically stoichiometric mixture of granule lysate proteins, epinephrine, calcium, and magnesium. Instead, the curve of intragranular ATP had two inflections of relative proportions, about 1:2 with pK, values 6.4 and 4.3, corresponding to the titrations of the terminal phosphate (y-phosphate) and the purine ring nitrogen, respectively. In addition, the y-phosphate resonance of intragranular ATP was shifted downfield by 2.2 ppm at the intragranular pH. The y-phosphate atom of internal ATP may experience the titration of the adenine ring and the deshielding as a result of a close coplanar juxtaposition with the purine ring. Such a conformation is found in crystalline ATP, but apparently not in free solution. Using the new calibration curve, we found that the intragranular pH was 5.7, a value consistent with independent methods, and that exposure of the granule to external MgATP caused the intragranular pH to decline to 5.4. We also computed from the titration curve of internal ATP that the internal pH was at a point at which about 95% of the y-phosphate was protonated to its singly ionized form and 95% of the ring nitrogens were unprotonated in the neutral form, leaving ATP with a minimum net charge. This presumably aids in the packaging of high concentrations of ATP into the granules, and may relate to the pH dependence of granule function.
Detection of Some Toxic Metals in Selected Brands of Skin Powders Sold In Kano Metropolis Markets , Northern Nigeria

A total of 20skin powder productwere sampled from market Sabon Gari (Bata) market Kano, with the aim of detecting the presence of chromium (Cr) and Cadmium (Cd). The samples were processed, digested and analyzed for Cr and Cd using atomic absorption spectrophotometer VGP 210 Model. All the metals (Cr and Cd) were detected in all the samples, even though at different concentrations (P≤0.05). The concentration of the chromium was lower when compared with that of Cd. All the Cr and Cd concentration were beyond the permissible limits. Among the different brands of skin powder products studied, the highest Cr and Cd concentrationswerefound incategoriesrespectively. It is worthy of note that all the skin powders sampled contained Cr and Cd concentrations well above the Maximum Allowable Level (MAL), Threshold Level (TL), Minimum Risk Level (MRL) and Permitted Daily Exposure Level (PEL). Present study concludes that such products are contaminated with heavy metals i.e Cr and Cd hence their usage may results in dermatological problems, consequently and other systemic disorders.Therefore, limited application of such products is recommended,where possible, total abstinence of their usage is best advised.
MRI of the neonatal brain: optimization of spin-echo parameters.

OBJECTIVE Our aim was to measure the relaxation times of the neonatal brain and to use these to derive pulse sequence parameters that enhance the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast of MRI scans of the neonatal brain. SUBJECTS AND METHODS The transverse (T2) and longitudinal (T1) relaxation times were measured for 10 healthy neonates, and the average relaxation times were calculated for both gray and white matter. Simulations using these values were then performed to estimate the optimal pulse sequence parameters. Images were obtained in three neonates using both the optimized and conventional sequence parameters. RESULTS The measured (mean +/- SD) relaxation times of the neonatal brain at 1.5 T were T1 equals 1712 +/- 235 msec and T2 equals 394 +/- 52 msec in white matter and T1 equals 1144 +/- 245 msec and T2 equals 206 +/- 26 msec in gray matter. The optimized T1-weighted imaging used a turbo spin-echo sequence with an echo-train length of 3 and TR/TE of 850/11 msec and showed increases in both the contrast and the SNR. The optimized T2-weighted sequence used a TE of 270 msec and markedly increased the contrast but at the expense of a reduction in the SNR. CONCLUSION Parameters of MRI turbo spin-echo sequences for scanning neonates are different from those required for adult studies, and appropriate protocols should be used.
Dengue Virus stimulation of dendritic cells induces phosphorylation- and proteolysis-dependent signalling

Aims: Dengue virus (DENV) infection is commonly observed in countries with tropical climates and remains a significant health hazard. No real cure has been established for the infection to date. Methodology and results: To better understand the very early molecular events during the initial infection process, we exposed primary dendritic cells with Dengue virus and analysed proteins with increased phosphorylation signatures in the first 10 min using phospho-protein enrichment and tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Upon initial viral interaction, strong phosphorylation was observed for Endoplasmin, BiP, BID, Dok-2, GEF-H1 and Calpain-2. Reduced phosphorylation was noted for Importin-5, ERp72 and Rho-GDI. Knockdown of Calpain-2, a protease activated by calcium flux, reduced DENV infection rates of primary dendritic cells as measured by focus-forming units (FFUs). Conclusion, significance and impact of study: We conclude that Calpain-2, BID, Importin 5 and ATP/GTPases are all active along the apoptosis pathway axis, indicating that dendritic cells commit to early signalling steps of cell death upon initial viral contact. proteomics approach was used to identify and characterise proteins and enzymes involved in calcium-dependent proteolysis during early stages of host-pathogen interactions.
Evaluation of the Antigenic Diversity of Placenta-Binding Plasmodium falciparum Variants and the Antibody Repertoire among Pregnant Women

ABSTRACT Pregnant women are infected by specific variants of Plasmodium falciparum that adhere and accumulate in the placenta. Using serological and molecular approaches, we assessed the global antigenic diversity of surface antigens expressed by placenta-binding isolates to better understand immunity to malaria in pregnancy and evolution of polymorphisms and to inform vaccine development. We found that placenta-binding isolates originating from all major regions where malaria occurs were commonly recognized by antibodies in different populations of pregnant women. There was substantial antigenic overlap and sharing of epitopes between isolates, including isolates from distant geographic locations, suggesting that there are limitations to antigenic diversity; however, differences between populations and isolates were also seen. Many women had cross-reactive antibodies and/or a broad repertoire of antibodies to different isolates. Studying VAR2CSA as the major antigen expressed by placenta-binding isolates, we identified antibody epitopes encoded by variable sequence blocks in the DBL3 domain. Analysis of global var2csa DBL3 sequences demonstrated that there was extensive sharing of variable blocks between Africa, Asia, Papua New Guinea, and Latin America, which likely contributes to the high level of antigenic overlap between different isolates. However, there was also evidence of geographic clustering of sequences and differences in VAR2CSA sequences between populations. The results indicate that there is limited antigenic diversity in placenta-binding isolates and may explain why immunity to malaria in pregnancy can be achieved after exposure during one pregnancy. Inclusion of a limited number of variants in a candidate vaccine may be sufficient for broad population coverage, but geographic considerations may also have to be included in vaccine design.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON FLEXURAL BEHAVIORS OF ENGINEERED CEMENTITIOUS COMPOSITE BEAMS REINFORCED WITH FRP BARS

The use of FRP reinforcement has attracted great attention in concrete structures due to its high tensile strength, good fatigue performance, and especially inherent anti-corrosion ability. Engineered cementitious composite (ECC) is a class of high performance cementitious composites with pseudo strain-hardening and multiple cracking properties. Substitution of concrete with ECC can avoid the cracking and durability problems from weakness of concrete. In this paper, a kind of FRP reinforced ECC beam is proposed to obtain super high durability and better mechanical performance compared with normal steel reinforced concrete beam. Six FRP reinforced ECC or ECC/concrete composite beams with various longitudinal and transverse reinforcement ratios and ECC thicknesses have been tested. According to the test results, FRP reinforced ECC beams show better flexural properties in terms of load carrying capacity, shear resistance, ductility, and damage tolerance compared with FRP reinforced concrete beams. For the FRP reinforced ECC beam without stirrups, although it finally fails in shear mode, its flexural load capacity and ultimate deformation are comparable to the FRP reinforced concrete beams with proper designed stirrups, and the failure process is ductile due to strain hardening behavior of ECC materials. For ECC/concrete composite beams, partially application of ECC can lead to considerable increase of load capacity, energy dissipation. When the ECC layer is placed in the tension zone, the crack width along the beam can be well controlled, and hence high residual strength and stiffness of the composite beam can be expected.
Attachment Style, Spirituality, and Depressive Symptoms Among Individuals in Substance Abuse Treatment

ABSTRACT. Adult attachment styles and spirituality have been shown to be protective factors against depressive symptoms among individuals in treatment for substance use disorders. However, no studies to date have examined how these two factors simultaneously are related to depressive symptomatology in this population. Thus, this study aimed to examine how adult attachment styles (secure vs. insecure attachment styles) and 2 distinct spirituality dimensions (existential purpose and meaning in life and religious well-being or the perceived relationship with God) are associated with depressive symptoms. Using a cross-sectional design, 77 individuals receiving substance abuse treatment were asked to complete a battery of self-report questionnaires. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated that secure attachment style and higher levels of existential purpose and meaning in life were significantly related to lower levels of depressive symptoms whereby the existential purpose and meaning in life was a stronger predictor of depressive symptoms. These results suggest that practitioners may consider addressing attachment issues during treatment; however, emphasizing ways to increase individuals’ purpose and meaning in life may further enhance treatment outcomes. Future research should utilize a larger sample size, include more comprehensive measures of attachment styles, and explore ways to increase purpose and meaning in life in this population.