Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Periovulatory profiles of oestradiol, LH and progesterone in relation to oestrus and embryo mortality in multiparous sows using transrectal ultrasonography to detect ovulation.

The timing of oestrus, the concentrations of oestradiol, LH and progesterone, and embryo survival on day 35 of pregnancy in 16 weaned multiparous sows were studied in relation to the moment of ovulation. Ovulation was detected using transrectal ultrasonography. The interval between weaning and ovulation varied between 126 and 214 h (156 +/- 29). The peak oestradiol concentration was 27 +/- 17 pg ml-7; sows with a shorter interval between weaning and ovulation had higher peaks of oestradiol (r = -0.54, P = 0.02). The interval between the peak oestradiol concentration and peak LH concentration was 11 +/- 4 h. The shape, width and height of the LH surge were variable, but did not influence the interval between the peak LH concentration and ovulation, which varied between 26 and 34 h (30 +/- 3). The interval between ovulation and the time when the progesterone concentration rose to more than 1.0 ng ml-1 above basal progesterone concentrations varied from 6 to 19 h (13 +/- 4). Ovulation took place at a more or less constant relative time of the oestrous period (after 72 +/- 8% of the duration of oestrus), irrespective of the duration of oestrus. The timing of the peak concentrations of oestradiol and LH and the rise in progesterone concentrations were closely related to the occurrence of ovulation but not to the onset of oestrus. Embryo survival on day 35 of pregnancy was related to the interval between the peak concentrations of oestradiol and LH (r = -0.68, P = 0.02); shorter intervals resulted in higher embryo survival. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Diagnosis of Lymphoid Malignancy by PCR for Analysis of Antigen Receptor Rearrangement after Blood Transfusion in a Dog with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia

Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is uncommon lymphoid malignancy in dogs, and its diagnosis is challenging. A 14-year-old spayed female mixed breed dog was transferred to a veterinary medical teaching hospital for an immediate blood transfusion. The dog showed lethargy, pale mucous membranes, and a weak femoral pulse. Complete blood count revealed non-regenerative anemia and severe leukopenia with thrombocytopenia. ALL was tentatively diagnosed based on the predominance of immature lymphoblasts on blood film examination. For confirmation of lymphoid malignancy, PCR for antigen receptor rearrangement (PARR) on a peripheral blood sample and flow cytometry analysis were performed after blood transfusion. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that lymphocyte subsets were of normal composition, but PARR detected a T-cell malignancy. The dog was diagnosed with ALL and survived 1 wk after diagnosis. In conclusion, after blood transfusion, flow cytometry was not a reliable diagnostic method for an ALL dog, whereas PARR could detect lymphoid malignancy. Our results suggest that PARR should be the first-line diagnostic tool to detect canine lymphoid malignancy after a blood transfusion.
Sliding mode control of three-phase, boost-type and three-Wire, single-phase AC/DC power converters

This paper presents a novel control strategy of three-phase, boost-type and, three-Wire, single-phase AC/DC Power Converters AC/DC power converters. The proposed control algorithm is based on Sliding Mode Control methodology. The basic idea is to apply a feedback implementation of pulse-width modulation (PWM). The method exhibits low sensitivity to disturbances and fast dynamic performance in addition to the main converter properties. The proposed sliding mode control method ensures that the power converter has the following properties: pure sinusoidal input currents at unity power factor from the AC line and low level of DC output voltage ripple. Discussion starts with the circuit model and design methodology of three-phase, boost-type and single-phase, three-wire AC/DC Power Converters. Then, a sliding mode current control tracking system is designed for both converters. Finally, output voltage control is developed. The effectiveness of the proposed control strategy has been demonstrated through various simulation cases.
Identification of the central quorum sensing regulator of virulence in the enteric phytopathogen, Erwinia carotovora: the VirR repressor

In the Gram‐negative phytopathogen, Erwinia carotovora ssp. atroseptica (Eca) virulence depends on the production of a N‐(3‐oxohexanoyl)‐l‐homoserine lactone (OHHL) quorum sensing (QS) signal. This work identifies the elusive ‘missing link’ between QS and virulence in Erwinia. We have identified and characterized a novel regulator of virulence, VirR, in Eca and show that a virR mutation completely restores virulence factor production to an Eca mutant unable to synthesize OHHL. This effect of the virR mutation translates to a restoration of virulence to wild‐type levels and thus provides evidence that VirR acts to prevent the production of virulence factors at low cell density. We also show that, in Eca, transcription of virulence genes is controlled by OHHL and that this control is effected through the action of VirR. We also demonstrate that the VirR regulatory pathway is present and functional in both blackleg and soft rotting species of Erwinia.
Nuclear chromatin texture in prostatic lesions. I. PIN and adenocarcinoma.

OBJECTIVE To document changes in the chromatin pattern in secretory cell nuclei from prostates with prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) or adenocarcinoma. STUDY DESIGN High-resolution images of nuclei were recorded, and a set of features descriptive of the chromatin texture and spatial distribution was computed. From this data set, features undergoing a monotonic trend of progression were selected and plotted to reveal trends in lesion progression. RESULTS The nuclear chromatin in secretory cells in prostates with either PIN or malignant adenocarcinoma undergoes distinct and statistically significant changes in its texture and spatial distribution. Two trends of progressive change were observed. First, the values of a number of features descriptive of the clumpiness of the chromatin increase from values found in normal prostates to those recorded for nuclei from low grade to high grade PIN lesions. The second trend is a decrease in the values of the same features from those found in nuclei from high grade PIN still facing an intact basal cell layer to those no longer facing such a layer. This may be the first detectable step in progression towards development of a malignant lesion. There is a further decrease in nuclei in glands immediately adjacent to adenocarcinoma and in malignant lesions themselves. CONCLUSION The described changes may lend themselves to the monitoring of lesion progression or of response to treatment or to chemopreventive intervention.
Multiple Introductions of the Old World Begomovirus Tomato yellow leaf curl virus into the New World

ABSTRACT A phylogenetic analysis of three genomic regions revealed that Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) from western North America is distinct from TYLCV isolated in eastern North America and the Caribbean. This analysis supports a second introduction of this Old World begomovirus into the New World, most likely from Asia.
Relationships Between Diurnal Blood Pressure Variation, Physical Activity, and Health‐Related QOL

The aim of this study is to clarify the associations between diurnal blood pressure variation, physical activity and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL). Ninety‐seven volunteers, including 52 hypertensive patients and 45 healthy subjects (average age, 48 years) participated in this study. Twenty‐four hour ambulatory blood pressure and heart rate variability were measured using TM2425 (A&D Co). Physical activity was measured using actigraphy, and HRQOL was assessed by a Medical Outcome Study Short‐Forum 36‐Item Health Survey (SF‐36). Awake mean physical activity positively correlated with the nocturnal dip in systolic blood pressure (SBP) (r = 0.242, p < 0.02) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (r = 0.219, p < 0.04). The score of physical functioning positively correlated with awake mean physical activity (r = 0.265, p < 0.02). The score of role‐emotional also correlated with awake mean physical activity (r = 0.269, p = 0.01). Using multiple regression analysis, the nocturnal dip in SBP was found to be correlated with awake and sleep mean physical activities (p < 0.05, p < 0.05, respectively). In conclusion, physical activity is associated with the nocturnal dip in blood pressure. Moreover, physical activity correlates with some of the factors of HRQOL.
A Yoga Strengthening Program Designed to Minimize the Knee Adduction Moment for Women with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Proof-Of-Principle Cohort Study

People with knee osteoarthritis may benefit from exercise prescriptions that minimize knee loads in the frontal plane. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether a novel 12-week strengthening program designed to minimize exposure to the knee adduction moment (KAM) could improve symptoms and knee strength in women with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. A secondary objective was to determine whether the program could improve mobility and fitness, and decrease peak KAM during gait. The tertiary objective was to evaluate the biomechanical characteristics of this yoga program. In particular, we compared the peak KAM during gait with that during yoga postures at baseline. We also compared lower limb normalized mean electromyography (EMG) amplitudes during yoga postures between baseline and follow-up. Primary measures included self-reported pain and physical function (Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score) and knee strength (extensor and flexor torques). Secondary measures included mobility (six-minute walk, 30-second chair stand, stair climbing), fitness (submaximal cycle ergometer test), and clinical gait analysis using motion capture synchronized with electromyography and force measurement. Also, KAM and normalized mean EMG amplitudes were collected during yoga postures. Forty-five women over age 50 with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis, consistent with the American College of Rheumatology criteria, enrolled in our 12-week (3 sessions per week) program. Data from 38 were analyzed (six drop-outs; one lost to co-intervention). Participants experienced reduced pain (mean improvement 10.1–20.1 normalized to 100; p<0.001), increased knee extensor strength (mean improvement 0.01 Nm/kg; p = 0.004), and increased flexor strength (mean improvement 0.01 Nm/kg; p = 0.001) at follow-up compared to baseline. Participants improved mobility on the six-minute walk (mean improvement 37.7 m; p<0.001) and 30-second chair stand (mean improvement 1.3; p = 0.006) at follow-up compared to baseline. Fitness and peak KAM during gait were unchanged between baseline and follow-up. Average KAM during the yoga postures were lower than that of normal gait. Normalized mean EMG amplitudes during yoga postures were up to 31.0% of maximum but did not change between baseline and follow-up. In this cohort study, the yoga-based strengthening postures that elicit low KAMs improved knee symptoms and strength in women with knee OA following a 12 week program (3 sessions per week). The program also improved mobility, but did not improve fitness or reduce peak KAM during gait. The KAM during the yoga postures were lower than that of normal gait. Overall, the proposed program may be useful in improving pain, strength, and mobility in women with knee osteoarthritis. Clinical efficacy needs to be assessed using a randomized controlled trial design. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02146105
A Linear Discrimination Method Used in Motor Imagery EEG Classification

Classification of EEG signals is core issues on EEG-based brain computer interface (BCI). Typically, such classification has been performed using signals from a set of selected EEG sensors. Because EEG sensor signals are mixtures of effective signals and noise, which has low signal-to-noise ratio, motor imagery EEG signals can be difficult to classification. In this paper, the energy entropy was used to preprocess motor imagery EEG data, and the Fisher class separability criterion was used to extract features. Finally, classification of four types motor imagery EEG was performed by a linear discrimination method or multilayer back-propagation neural networks (BPNN) and support vector machines (SVM). The results showed that classification accuracy using our method was significantly higher then using back-propagation neural networks or support vector machine in any type combination for the three subjects.
The effects of free schooling on quality education in public primary schools in Gachoka division Mbeere south sub county

iv TABLE OF CONTENTS. v LIST OF TABLES . ix LIST OF FIGURES . x ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS . xi CHAPTER ONE:INTRODUCTION . 1 1.1 Background to the study . 1 1.2 Statement of the Problem . 5 1.3 Purpose of the study . 6 1.4 Objectives of the study . 6 1.5 Research Questions . 6 1.6 Significance of the study . 7 1.7 Limitations of the study . 7 1.8 Delimitations of the study . 8
Sleep-related automatism and the law

Crimes carried out during or arising from sleep highlight many difficulties with our current law and forensic sleep medicine clinical practice. There is a need for clarity in the law and agreement between experts on a standardised form of assessment and diagnosis in these challenging cases. We suggest that the time has come for a standardised, internationally recognised diagnostic protocol to be set as a minimum standard in all cases of suspected sleep-related forensic cases. The protocol of a full medical history, sleep history, psychiatric history, neuropsychiatric and psychometric examination and electroencephalography (EEG), should be routine. It should now be mandatory to carry out routine polysomnography (PSG) to establish the presence of precipitating and modulating factors. Sleepwalking is classified as insane automatism in England and Wales and sudden arousal from sleep in a non-sleepwalker as sane automatism. The recent case in England of R v. Lowe (2005) highlights these anomalies. Moreover, the word insanity stigmatises sleepwalkers and should be dropped. The simplest solution to these problems would be for the law to be changed so that there is only one category of defence for all sleep-related offences – not guilty by reason of sleep disorder. This was rejected by the House of Lords for cases of automatism due to epilepsy, and is likely to be rejected for sleepwalkers. Removing the categories of automatism (sane or insane) would be the best solution. Risk assessment is already standard practice in the UK and follow up, subsequent to disposal, by approved specialists should become part of the sentencing process. This will provide support for the defendant and protection of the public.
[Consensus regarding the definition of persons with severe mental illness and the number of such persons in the Netherlands].

BACKGROUND Insurance companies and mental health service planners need to have information about the prevalence of severe mental illness (SMI) and about the numbers of persons affected. They require these data in order to be able to develop, implement and evaluate innovative mental health care for such patients. This information lets them draw up their budgets and define their priorities. AIM To reach a consensus regarding the number of patients with SMI in the Netherlands. METHOD A consensus was reached regarding the definition of SMI, and the prevalence of SMI was determined on the basis of epidemiological literature and policy papers relating to mental health care in the Netherlands. When figures from the literature were inaccurate or unavailable, estimates were checked by a group of experts. RESULTS The definition of SMI was adjusted and amended in relation to psychiatric comorbidity. An analysis of the care-loads of all the mental health care providers yielded an estimate of 160,000 SMI patients aged 18-65, including those receiving addiction care and forensic care (1.6% of the adult population). When children and adolescents (< 18 years) and the elderly (> 65 years) were included, the total number of patients came to 216,000 (1.3%). The prevalence among the population was estimated to be 281,000 (1.7%). CONCLUSION The Consensus group is of the opinion that the consensus document estimates of the number of SMI patients in the Netherlands are as accurate as they can possibly be. Of course, the document contains assumptions and extrapolations which will require further research. The figures will be confirmed or adjusted in the future as soon as new evidence becomes available.
Thierry Garby, Agreed!: Negotiation/mediation in the 21st century

Last February at the ICC International Commercial Mediation Competition 2016 in Paris, Thierry Garby released his latest book on mediation: Agreed! Agreed! is a book on how to find agreement. The author, one of world’s best-known mediators, has been studying negotiation and mediation for over 30 years. Throughout the book, Garby uses the terms negotiation and mediation interchangeably as he argues they are the same thing: a process to reach amicable agreement. The book is easy to read and synthesises key concepts of negotiation and mediation; it emphasises dispute resolution, especially in the civil and commercial fields. It aims to share Garby’s theoretical and practical insights with professional lawyers, corporate counsel, business managers and mediators. His devotion to his practice is reflected in his writing. He discusses his own experiences, visions and techniques; he refers to well-known texts and summarises important insights and approaches from psychology on how to negotiate/mediate successfully. Garby stresses his openness to new methods that can improve outcomes and he invites the reader to do the same: ‘We ought to use all the tools available to us to reach the best possible solutions’. There is a great diversity of styles and strategies across the world of mediation; there is always more to learn as the training of a mediator is never over. He suggests that readers use different philosophies and techniques as tools. In his conclusion, Garby suggests that his explanations of concepts and methods might be too long for practitioners and too superficial for a theoretical and scientific perspective. I think he is right. To get the most out of this book, one should see mediation and negotiation through the eyes of the author so that Garby’s depth of theoretical and practical experience can be deployed and to learn how to negotiate and mediate effectively. As Thomas J. Stipanowich states in his preface to the book:
Frequency-dependent source and load impedances in power systems based on power electronic converters

Representations of power systems by frequency dependent impedance equivalents is an emerging technique in dynamic analyses of power systems including power electronic converters. The technique has been applied for decades in DC-power systems, and it has been recently adopted to map the impedances in AC systems. In the impedance-based stability analysis, the system is split into a source and load subsystem, both of which are represented by their respective frequency-dependent Norton and Thevenin equivalents. These equivalents can be obtained from analytic calculations, from numeric simulations, or from laboratory setup measurements. This paper will present a comparison of analysis and simulation-based techniques for obtaining the impedance equivalents. Different approaches for extraction of impedance equivalents are found in the literature but a rigorous comparison among the methodologies is still missing. Such comparison is relevant since non validated/verified impedance equivalents and extraction methods can lead to misleading conclusions. This work is attempting to bridge this gap by presenting a comparison of different simulation-based extraction methods and an analytical one.
Consequences of Firms' Relational Financing in the Aftermath of the 1995 Mexican Banking Crisis

This paper shows that, in the aftermath of the 1995 banking crisis, relational financing was a two-edged sword for firms listed on the Mexican Securities Market. On the negative side, only bank-linked firms observed on average a dependence on cash stock to finance their investment projects. On the positive side, the banking connection was important to boost their profit rates during the 1997–2000 period, at least for financially healthy firms. These econometric results are derived from dynamic panel data models of investment and profit rates, which are estimated by the Generalized Method of Moments, where level and difference equations are combined into a system.
Two Dimensional Arrays for Real Time 3D Intravascular Ultrasound

We have previously described 2D arrays operating at up to 10.0 MHz consisting of several thousand elements for transthoracic cardiac imaging and over a hundred elements for intracardiac imaging using 7 Fr to 12 Fr catheters. We have begun to explore forward viewing real time 3D phased array intravascular ultrasound, which may require imaging depths of a few centimeters to look down the axis of a vessel to view vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque. We used a noncoaxial based cable technology that allowed 100 signal wires to be placed inside a 4.8 French IVUS lumen with an inner diameter of 1.3 mm. We pursued two different fabrication technologies for the building of the transducers. Each transducer was constructed in the forward viewing configuration to allow simultaneous real time B-scans, C-scans and volumetric rendering of vessels and vascular stents distal to the catheter tip. In order to obtain the desired penetration depth, each transducer was constructed to operate at 10.0 MHz. The first method included an ordered array of 11 × 11 = 121 elements. In order to conform to the round aperture of the IVUS lumen, the corners were cut off, resulting in a total of 97 signal channels. Real time images include a 4 mm diameter vessel in a tissue mimicking phantom, an expanded stent and a stent in an excised sheep aorta. The second method is based upon a laser dicing technique that cuts the individual elements in a random pattern. This resulted in 61 signal channels. Real time 3D images of the AIUM test object were made with this transducer.
Investigations on Factors Affecting Chitosan for Dissolution Enhancement of Oxcarbazepine by Spray Dried Microcrystal Formulation With an Experimental Design Approach

In the present work effect of chitosan on microcrystal formulation for dissolution enhancement of oxcarbazepine using controlled crystallization technique coupled with spray drying was explored. The work was extended for exploration of simplified approach for stable particle size reduction. The study was performed with an experimental design approach i. e. a fractional factorial design of resolution 5 (with all 2 factor interaction) for the screening of predefined independent variables drug concentration, chitosan concentration, feed rate, inlet temperature and percent aspiration for spray drying. Whereas percent drug dissolved, wettability time, flowability in terms of angle of repose and particle size were designated as response variables. Resultant models were analyzed using multiple linear regression analysis, which generated equation to plot response surface curves along with desirability function. Results showed that chitosan concentration had significant effect on dissolution enhancement of oxcarbazepine at a level of 2% w/v. Increase in drug concentration showed decreased dissolution rate however on particle size it did not show statistically significant effect. Topographical characterization was carried out by SEM which showed that feed rate, percent aspiration and inlet temperature had significant effect on particle morphology. For deriving optimized formulation results were analyzed using desirability function for the maximum percent drug dissolved and least drug polymer matrix particle size. DSC studies showed that drug was molecularly associated with chitosan matrix or particles.