Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the sonographic features of the abdominal wall muscles and connective tissues in individuals with and without lumbopelvic pain.

STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional, case-control study. OBJECTIVES To measure and compare the resting thickness of the 4 abdominal wall muscles, their associated perimuscular connective tissue (PMCT), and interrecti distance (IRD) in persons with and without lumbopelvic pain (LPP), using ultrasound imaging. BACKGROUND The muscles and PMCT of the abdominal wall assist in controlling the spine. Functional deficits of the abdominal wall muscles have been detected in populations with LPP. Investigations of the abdominal wall in those with LPP are primarily concerned with muscle, most commonly the transversus abdominis (TrA) and internal oblique (IO). Because the abdominal wall functions as a unit, all 4 abdominal muscles and their associated connective tissues should be considered concurrently. METHODS B-mode ultrasound imaging was used to measure the resting thickness of the rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique, IO, and TrA muscles; the PMCT planes; and IRD in 50 male and female subjects, 25 with and 25 without LPP (mean ± SD age, 36.3 ± 9.4 and 46.6 ± 8.0 years, respectively). Univariate correlation analysis was used to identify covariates. Analyses of covariance (ANCOVAs) and the Kruskal-Wallis test (IRD) were used to compare cohorts (α = .05). RESULTS The LPP cohort had less total abdominal muscle thickness (LPP mean ± SD, 18.9 ± 3.0 mm; control, 20.3 ± 3.0 mm; ANCOVA adjusted for body mass index, P = .03), thicker PMCT (LPP, 5.5 ± 0.2 mm; control, 4.3 ± 0.2 mm; ANCOVA adjusted for body mass index, P = .007), and wider IRD (LPP, 11.5 ± 2.0 mm; control, 8.4 ± 1.8 mm; Kruskal-Wallis, P = .005). Analysis of individual muscle thickness revealed no difference in the external oblique, IO, and TrA, but a thinner RA in the LPP cohort (LPP mean ± SD, 7.8 ± 1.5 mm; control, 9.1 ± 1.2 mm; ANCOVA adjusted for body mass index, P<.001). CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the morphological characteristics of all 4 abdominal muscles and PMCT in individuals with LPP. The results suggest that there may be altered loading of the PMCT and linea alba secondary to an altered motor control strategy involving a reduced contribution of the RA. Further, the change in RA and connective tissue morphology may be more evident than changes in external oblique, IO, and TrA thickness in persons with LPP. The causes and functional implications of these changes warrant further investigation, as does the role of the RA muscle in the development and persistence of LPP.
Performance of subsurface flow constructed wetland mesocosms in enhancing nutrient removal from municipal wastewater in warm tropical environments

ABSTRACT Nutrient-rich effluents from municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have significantly contributed to eutrophication of surface waters in East Africa. We used vertical (VF, 0.2 m2) and horizontal (HF, 0.45 m2) subsurface flow (SSF) constructed wetland (CW) configurations to design single-stage mesocosms planted with Cyperus papyrus, and operating under batch hydraulic loading regime (at a mean organic loading rate of 20 g COD m−2 d−1 for HF and 77 g COD m−2 d−1 for VF beds). The aim of the investigation was to assess the performance of SSF CWs as hotspots of nutrient transformation and removal processes between the WWTP and the receiving natural urban wetland environment in Kampala, Uganda. C. papyrus coupled with batch loading enhanced aerobic conditions and high efficiency regarding the elimination of suspended solids, organic matter, and nutrients with significant performance (P < .05) in VF mesocosms. The mean N and P elimination rates (g m−2 d−1) were 9.16 N and 5.41 P in planted VF, and 1.97 N and 1.02 P in planted HF mesocosms, respectively. The lowest mean nutrient elimination rate (g m−2 d−1) was 1.10 N and 0.62 P found in unplanted HF controls. Nutrient accumulation in plants and sediment retention were found to be essential processes. It can be concluded that whereas the SSF CWs may not function as independent treatment systems, they could be easily adopted as flexible and technologically less intensive options at a local scale, to increase the resilience of receiving environments by buffering peak loads from WWTPs.
The corner matching based on improved singular value decomposition for motion detection

This paper proposes a moving object detection algorithm using corner point matching based on singular value decomposition to deal with the problem of the effect because of the changes of light and background. Firstly, the Kalman filtering is used to predict the target center and area; Secondly, corner points are detected in the target area by Harris corner detector; finally, corner matching between the corners of current frame and the corners of target template is based on the improved singular value decomposition algorithm. In this paper, a random sample consistency (RANSAC) algorithm is applied to remove mismatch corner point. And then the moving object is got. At last, experimental results show that the algorithm can more accurately detect moving targets, overcome the effect of the changes of light and background, and have good real-time and robustness.
The Effect Of Defence Spending On Economic Development In Central Europe

The relationship between economic development and defence has always been the subject of significant literature in the economic environment. The present study examines the impact of defence spending on economic growth from a global perspective for 2009-2016. It takes into consideration the economic size and status of each country in the current geopolitical context. The SMD model and linear regression are used to investigate the economic development-defence connection by using the SIPRI data set for 12 Central European countries. Numerous regression analysis examine the data using different estimated econometric formulas with maximum probability. The empirical results show that in the long run, the linear relationship between defence spending and economic development is sustained only in some cases with positive effects on GDP. The results are unfavourable in most of the analysed countries, defence spending having significant negative effects on economic development.
Unique and reliable rat model for the assessment of cell therapy: bone union in the rat mandibular symphysis using bone marrow stromal cells

Many kinds of bone graft materials have been developed and reported to repair various bone defects. The defects are usually created by surgical resection of pre‐existing bone tissue. However, spontaneous healing of bone defects without implantation of materials could be seen, because bone tissue possesses inherent repairing property. The central portion of the lower jaw bone in many animals consists of fibrous tissue and is called the mandibular symphysis. It persists even in old animals and thus can be interpreted as a physiological bone gap or a non‐healing bone defect. We implanted calcium phosphate porous ceramics alone or composites of the ceramics and bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) into the bone defect (mandibular symphysis) to examine whether it could be filled with new bone tissue, resulting in bone union.
Predicting carer health effects for use in economic evaluation

Background Illnesses and interventions can affect the health status of family carers in addition to patients. However economic evaluation studies rarely incorporate data on health status of carers. Objectives We investigated whether changes in carer health status could be ‘predicted’ from the health data of those they provide care to (patients), as a means of incorporating carer outcomes in economic evaluation. Methods We used a case study of the family impact of meningitis, with 497 carer-patient dyads surveyed at two points. We used regression models to analyse changes in carers’ health status, to derive predictive algorithms based on variables relating to the patient. We evaluated the predictive accuracy of different models using standard model fit criteria. Results It was feasible to estimate models to predict changes in carers’ health status. However, the predictions generated in an external testing sample were poorly correlated with the observed changes in individual carers’ health status. When aggregated, predictions provided some indication of the observed health changes for groups of carers. Conclusions At present, a ‘one-size-fits-all’ predictive model of carer outcomes does not appear possible and further research aimed to identify predictors of carer’s health status from (readily available) patient data is recommended. In the meanwhile, it may be better to encourage the targeted collection of carer data in primary research to enable carer outcomes to be better reflected in economic evaluation.
The IGF axis in the prostate.

The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis is a multi-component network of molecules involved in the regulation of cell growth. The axis includes two major ligands, (IGF-I and IGF-II), cell surface receptors, (the type I IGF receptor family as well as the type II IGF receptor), a family of high affinity binding proteins which regulate IGF availability to the receptors, (the IGFBPs), and a group of IGFBP proteases which cleave IGFBBPs and modulate IGF action. Human seminal plasma contains IGF-I and -II, IGFBP-2 and -4, as well as IGFBP-3 fragments and IGFBP-3 protease activity. A prostatic source for these IGF-axis molecules is likely. We have demonstrated the human prostate to contain all the elements of a functional IGF system. Prostate fibroblasts in primary culture (PC-F) express mRNA for IGF-II and produce IGF-II peptide in biologically active concentrations. This IGF-II appears to be of a high molecular weight (15 kD) species. Prostate epithelial cells in primary culture (PC-E) express the type I IGF receptor. These cells also produce IGFBP-2 and -4, (on both mRNA and peptide levels), while PC-F secrete IGFBP-2, -3 and -4. PC-E are exquisitely sensitive to the mitogenic effects of IGFs. Finally, prostate specific antigen (PSA), secreted from PC- and found in seminal plasma, can function as a potent IGFBP-3 protease. This IGFBP-3 protease activity can remove the inhibitory effects of IGFBP-3 on IGF-I induced PC-3 growth. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Sexual function outcomes in women treated for posttraumatic stress disorder.

BACKGROUND This study examined dysfunctional sexual behavior and sexual concerns in women treated for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). There were three objectives: to characterize the relationship between symptoms of PTSD and sexual outcomes, to examine the effect of treatment on sexual outcomes, and to examine the relationship between change in PTSD and change in sexual outcomes. METHODS Female veterans and active duty personnel with PTSD (n = 242), 93% of whom had experienced sexual trauma, were randomly assigned to receive 10 weekly sessions of either Prolonged Exposure or Present-Centered Therapy. PTSD and sexual outcomes were assessed before and after treatment and then 3 and 6 months later. RESULTS At baseline, the reexperiencing, numbing, and hyperarousal symptom clusters were related to one or both sexual outcomes. Although prior analyses had shown that Prolonged Exposure resulted in better PTSD outcomes, there were no differences between treatments for either dysfunctional sexual behavior or sexual concerns. However, loss of PTSD diagnosis was associated with improvements in sexual concerns. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that clinically meaningful improvements in PTSD are necessary in order to reduce sexual problems in traumatized women.
Forecasting Currency in Circulation in Malaysia Using ARCH and GARCH Models

The monthly economic time series commonly contains the volatility periods and it is suitable to apply the Heteroscedastic model to it where the conditional variance is not constant throughout the time trend. The aim of this study is to model and forecast the currency in circulation (CIC) in Malaysia over the time period, from January 1998 to January 2016. Two methods are considered, which are Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedastic (ARCH) and Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (GARCH). Using the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) as the forecasting performance measure, this study concludes that GARCH is a more appropriate model compared to ARCH.
Climate Destabilization in a Religious World: The Role of Religion in Addressing Climate Change in Nigeria

Human activities on earth either pose threat or safe haven to human environment because such human activities contribute to climate situation. Using the exposition method, the aim of this paper is to explore religion in the prevention of possible environmental disaster and the mitigation of post disaster scenario. Drawing from the 2011/2012 flood disaster in Nigeria, it shows that it was human induced in the sense that it was partly caused by blockage of water channels such as drainages. The paper argues on a general note that weather and environmental scientist set the agenda for environmental prevention through scientific means but religion helps to work on the mind of the stake holders and carry out the campaign of the agenda to their adherents. By so doing, religion is playing its role in environmental protection. Key words : Climate Destabilization, Study of Religion, the Role of Religion, Climate Change, Nigeria
Calcium Oxalate Biomineralization by Piloderma fallax in Response to Various Levels of Calcium and Phosphorus

ABSTRACT Piloderma fallax is an ectomycorrhizal fungus commonly associated with several conifer and hardwood species. We examined the formation of calcium oxalate crystals by P. fallax in response to calcium (0.0, 0.1, 0.5, 1, and 5 mM) and phosphorus (0.1 and 6 mM) additions in modified Melin-Norkrans agar medium. Both calcium and phosphorus supplementation significantly affected the amount of calcium oxalate formed. More calcium oxalate was formed at high P levels. Concentrations of soluble oxalate in the fungus and medium were higher at low P levels. There was a strong positive linear relationship between Ca level and calcium oxalate but only under conditions of phosphorus limitation. Calcium oxalate crystals were identified as the monohydrate form (calcium oxalate monohydrate [COM] whewellite) by X-ray diffraction analysis. Prismatic, styloid, and raphide forms of the crystals, characteristic COM, were observed on the surface of fungal hyphae by scanning electron microscopy. P. fallax may be capable of dissolving hyphal calcium oxalate under conditions of limited Ca. The biomineralization of calcium oxalate by fungi may be an important step in the translocation and cycling of Ca and P in soil.
Investigating the limitations of single breath‐hold renal artery blood flow measurements using spiral phase contrast MR with R‐R interval averaging

1) To validate an R‐R interval averaged golden angle spiral phase contrast magnetic resonance (RAGS PCMR) sequence against conventional cine PCMR for assessment of renal blood flow (RBF) in normal volunteers; and 2) To investigate the effects of motion and heart rate on the accuracy of flow measurements using an in silico simulation.
Dry self-alignment for batch-assembly of chips

This paper reports experimental results on a dry self-alignment method using a combination of electrostatic fields and mechanical traps to position microsystem chips on a carrier wafer. The electrostatic fields were created by charging SiO2 layers patterned on the carrier and the chips. Pedestal-cavity mating-structures were employed as spacers to avoid premature sticking and ensure unique alignment position. Vertical vibration was applied to stochastically move the chips. During 10 repetitive experiments, 16 dummy-chips with dimension 2×2 mm were accurately aligned on the carrier within an average of 30 seconds and standard deviation of 11 seconds. This method can be used to batch assemble different types of chips, e.g. by carrier-to-carrier transfer, in dry environment with high accuracy and low cost.
Fiscal decentralization and the distributive incidence of the Great Recession

ABSTRACT This paper argues that fiscal decentralization is one important explanation for variation in distributive outcomes following the Great Recession. Using a difference-in-differences approach, it examines how fiscal decentralization mediated the link between spatial distribution, redistributive effort and interpersonal inequality in 21 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries in the years following the Great Recession. It is found that fiscally decentralized nations saw increased interpersonal inequality and lower redistribution, but lower interregional inequality. These results are attributed here to the weaker redistributive mechanisms in fiscally decentralized nations, which increased interpersonal inequality while preserving market-driven declines in high productivity areas that temporary increased regional convergence.
Use of Silicone-Acrylate Contact Lenses for the Control of Myopia: Results after Two Years of Lens Wear

Although a number of reports have been published concerning the use of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) contact lenses for the control of myopia, there have been no reports of the use of gas permeable contact lenses for this purpose. In the study reported here, 100 myopic children between the ages of 8 and 13 years were fitted with Paraperm O2plus silicone-acrylate contact lenses to be worn for a period of 3 years. Lenses were fitted by the alignment method, most lenses having diameters from 8.5 to 9.0 mm. At the end of 2 years 60 subjects remained in the study, 53 of whom were wearing their lenses on a regular basis and the other 7 were irregular wearers. Mean increases in myopia during the 2-year period were found to be 0.28 D for the subjects who wore their lenses regularly and 0.93 D for the irregular wearers, compared to 0.80 D for a group of 31 age-matched single vision spectacle lens wearers. Mean corneal refracting power was found to decrease (the cornea flattened) 0.33 D for the regular wearers as compared to an increase of 0.14 D for the irregular wearers and a decrease of 0.13 D for the spectacle wearers. Mean changes in axial length were an increase of 0.1 mm for the regular wearers, an increase of 0.4 mm for the irregular wearers, and an increase of 0.6 mm for the spectacle wearers. These results show that approximately one-half of the effect of the contact lenses in controlling myopia can be attributed to corneal flattening and support Stone's suggestion that contact lenses worn by young myopes may have an effect in controlling the axial length of the eye.
Morphometric Differentiation Among Anastrepha fraterculus (Diptera: Tephritidae) Exploiting Sympatric Alternate Hosts

Abstract Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) is currently considered a complex of cryptic species infesting fruits from Mexico to Argentina and represents an interesting biological model for evolutionary studies. Moreover, detecting and quantifying behavioral, morphological, and genetic differentiation among populations is also relevant to the application of environment-friendly control programs. Here, phenotypic differentiation among individuals coexisting in the wild in a Northern region of Argentina was unveiled and associated with host choice. Six morphometric traits were measured in sympatric flies exploiting three different host species. Phenotypic variation was shown to be host-dependent regardless of geographical or temporal overlap. Flies collected from synchronous alternate hosts (peach and walnut) differed from each other despite the lack of geographical isolation. By contrast, flies emerging from guavas that ripen about two months later than peach and walnut showed no significant differentiation in comparison to flies collected from walnuts, but they differ significantly from flies originating from peaches. This result is consistent with the hypothesis that the same population of flies shifts from walnuts to guavas throughout the year, whereas the population of flies that uses peaches as a host is probably exploiting other alternate hosts when peach availability decreases. Further research is needed to study the underlying mechanism. Results are consistent with previous molecular markers (inter-simple sequence repeat-ISSR) research on flies stemming from the same hosts and the same area, suggesting that differentiation among flies emerging from alternative hosts occurs at both genetic and phenotypic levels. The contribution of host preference in long-term genetic differentiation is discussed.
Social media bots and stock markets

This study examines whether stock indicators are affected by information in social media such as Twitter. Using a daily sample of tweets with a FTSE 100 firm name over two years, we find insignificant associations between tweets/bot-tweets and stock returns whereas there is a strongly significant association with volatility and trading volume. Using a high-frequency sample, we detect a positive (negative) impact of tweets (bot-tweets) on stock returns. The impact of bot-tweets vanishes within 30 minutes. The results for volatility and trading volume are consistent with the daily data analysis. In addition, event study reveals a bounce-back pattern of price reactions in response to negative retweets. Abnormal increases in tweets/bottweets have significant effects on stock volatility, trading volume and liquidity.
Mechanism of action of quinolones against Escherichia coli DNA gyrase

The mechanism of action of quinolones was investigated by use of various DNA gyrases reconstituted from wild-type and mutant GyrA and GyrB proteins of Escherichia coli. The quinolone sensitivities of the DNA supercoiling activity of the gyrases were generally parallel to the quinolone susceptibilities of strains having the corresponding enzymes and depended on gyrase subunits but not on substrate DNA. [3H]Enoxacin did not bind to gyrase alone or DNA alone but bound to gyrase-DNA complexes when measured by a gel filtration method. There appeared to be two enoxacin binding phases, at low and high enoxacin concentrations, for the wild-type gyrase-DNA and type 2 GyrB (Lys-447 to Glu) mutant gyrase-DNA complexes but only one enoxacin binding phase at the concentrations used for the GyrA (Ser-83 to Leu) mutant gyrase-DNA and type 1 GyrB (Asp-426 to Asn) mutant gyrase-DNA complexes. New enoxacin binding sites appeared in the presence of enoxacin, and the enoxacin binding affinities for the sites, especially at low enoxacin concentrations, near the MICs for the strains having the corresponding gyrases, correlated well with the enoxacin sensitivities of the gyrases and the MICs. From the results obtained, we propose a quinolone pocket model as the mechanism of action of quinolones, in which quinolones exert their action through binding to a gyrase-DNA complex and the quinolone binding affinities for the complex are determined by both GyrA and GyrB subunits in concert.