Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Utility of cysticercus fasciolaris antigen in Dot ELISA for the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis.

BACKGROUND Clinical diagnosis of neurocysticercosis (NC) is established by CT scan and MRI. However, absolute diagnosis is not possible in a fair number of cases, and serological assays are used as adjunct. Besides, CT scan and MR imaging are resource-intensive tests and not practical for screening in endemic areas. AIM To provide a low-cost, efficient, and reproducible assay for the detection of antibodies against cysticerci. Hence we have attempted to standardize and evaluate the diagnostic utility of the cysticercus fasciolaris antigen in a Dot ELISA assay for diagnosis of NC. SETTING AND DESIGN Tertiary hospital-based, case-control series. MATERIALS AND METHODS Confirmed cases of NC diagnosed by presence of ring lesions in CT scan or MR imaging with presence of scolex were taken as positive controls (n = 50). Negative controls (n = 50) included subjects with normal CT scan studies (n = 30) and diseased controls with ring lesions in CT scan confirmed to be neurotuberculosis (n = 20). Dot ELISA was standardized and validated with commercially available ELISA (UBI, USA) using sera from the study groups. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS Chi-square test was used to compare the immunodiagnostic performance of the two tests. P value less than . 05 (P < 0.05) was considered significant. RESULTS The Dot ELISA had a sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 74% with a positive predictive value of 77.19% and negative predictive value of 81.06%. Likelihood ratios for a positive and a negative test were 3.4 and 0.2. The sensitivity and specificity of commercial ELISA were 92% and 84% respectively. Difference between the performances of the two tests was not significant statistically. CONCLUSIONS Dot ELISA has sensitivity and specificity comparable to ELISA for the diagnosis of NC. The test is simpler, not requiring expertise and instrumentation. Further validation of the test as a screening tool is required.
Rapid and Simple Diagnosis of Chlamydophila pneumoniae Pneumonia by an Immunochromatographic Test for Detection of Immunoglobulin M Antibodies

ABSTRACT To evaluate a newly developed immunochromatographic test (the MySet test) for the detection of Chlamydophila pneumoniae-specific immunoglobulin M antibodies, the results obtained by the MySet test were compared with those obtained by two serological tests. The sensitivity and specificity of the MySet test were 100% and 92.9%, respectively. The MySet test is rapid and simple to use and is thought to be a useful tool for the selection of appropriate antibiotic therapy.
Which psychoactive substances are used by patients seen in the healthcare system in French overseas territories? Results of the OPPIDUM survey

Addiction to illicit substances or medicines is influenced by cultural, religious, ethnic factors as well as local availability. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the profile of drug users and characteristics of the psychoactive substances used in French overseas territories, using data from the OPPIDUM survey. OPPIDUM is an annual, nationwide, multicentric, cross‐sectional study based on specialized care centres that included subjects presenting a drug addiction or under opiate maintenance treatment. The current study includes data from the 2012 and 2013 surveys and focuses on patients included by drug addiction centres located in French overseas departments and territories: French Pacific Ocean (French Polynesia, New Caledonia), French Americas (Guadeloupe, Saint Martin, French Guiana) and Reunion Island. Data from metropolitan France (2013 survey) were included as reference. Two hundred and forty‐five patients were included. The sex ratio was 3.7 for the Pacific Ocean, 3.5 for the French Americas and 3.3 for Reunion Island. Cannabis was consumed in all the territories, from 50.8% in Reunion Island to 81.7% in Pacific Ocean. Cocaine was most frequently consumed in the French Americas (61%), mainly in the ‘freebase’ form (91%), whereas 6.5% of cocaine users in metropolitan France did so. Problematic use of medicines was most frequent in Reunion Island. Heroin seems rarely used in all overseas territories. This study highlights the complexity of substances used in French overseas territories, which often differ from that in mainland France. The relative difference between different areas provides valuable information for future investigations and possible interventions.
Does financial education matter? Education literacy among undergraduates in Malaysia

Low financial literacy is a global phenomenon. In an increasingly materialistic and complex world, lack of financial literacy can lead to financial problems, even among college and university students. Despite the importance of financial literacy among the young, there is still a dearth of studies on financial literacy and behaviour. Hence, a survey was carried out to provide some insights on this topic. A total of 605 students from four institutions of higher learning in Klang Valley, Malaysia were selected using convenience sampling to provide information on financial literacy, attitude and behaviour as well as financial socialisation factors. The survey revealed that college and university students generally have low financial literacy, a tenuous link between knowledge and attitude but a close association between attitude and behaviour. Parental guidance and life experience were significant predictors of financial knowledge but year of study was not an important predictor. Hence, there is a need to promote experiential learning on financial matters, as financial literacy will lead to positive attitude and good practices.
Dynamic Performance Improvement of Five-Phase Permanent-Magnet Motor With Short-Circuit Fault

Multiphase permanent-magnet (PM) brushless motors are popularly adopted for their high efficiency and high power density. However, short-circuit phase fault results in serious problems, such as increased torque fluctuations and deteriorated dynamic performance. This paper proposes a new vectorial approach to minimize pulsating torque and improve dynamic performance in a five-phase PM motor with short-circuit fault. The novelty of the proposed strategy is voltage feedforward compensation based on the relation of the short-circuit current and its fault-phase back electromotive force. First, the compensatory voltages are used to eliminate the impact of the short-circuit current. Then, its combination with the orthogonal reduced-order transformation matrices derived from fault-tolerant current references can improve the dynamic performance of the faulty PM motor. The effect of the short-circuit phase fault on the PM motor model under rotating synchronous frame is also discussed. This control strategy allows minimal reconfiguration of the control structure from healthy operation to fault-tolerant one and exhibits the improved dynamic performance. The simulated and experimental results are presented as validation for the proposed strategy.
Memory B cells from a subset of treatment‐naïve relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis patients elicit CD4+ T‐cell proliferation and IFN‐γ production in response to myelin basic protein and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein

Recent evidence suggests that B‐ and T‐cell interactions may be paramount in relapsing‐remitting MS (RRMS) disease pathogenesis. We hypothesized that memory B‐cell pools from RRMS patients may specifically harbor a subset of potent neuro‐APC that support neuro‐Ag reactive T‐cell proliferation and cytokine secretion. To test this hypothesis, we compared CD80 and HLA‐DR expression, IL‐10 and lymphotoxin‐α secretion, neuro‐Ag binding capacity, and neuro‐Ag presentation by memory B cells from RRMS patients to naïve B cells from RRMS patients and to memory and naïve B cells from healthy donors (HD). We identified memory B cells from some RRMS patients that elicited CD4+ T‐cell proliferation and IFN‐γ secretion in response to myelin basic protein and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein. Notwithstanding the fact that the phenotypic parameters that promote efficient Ag presentation were observed to be similar between RRMS and HD memory B cells, a corresponding capability to elicit CD4+ T‐cell proliferation in response to myelin basic protein and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein was not observed in HD memory B cells. Our results demonstrate for the first time that the memory B‐cell pool in RRMS harbors neuro‐Ag specific B cells that can activate T cells.
A novel wide-band circularly polarized patch antenna based on L-probe and aperture-coupling techniques

The design and measurements of a wide-band patch antenna with circular polarization are presented. For the proposed antenna, an L-probe and an aperture are utilized to feed the patch orthogonally. The distance between the patch and the ground plane is 0.1 free-space wavelength at 1.8 GHz. Air is used as the dielectric substrate. A Wilkinson power combiner is connected to the feeds to generate circular polarization. The antenna possessed a 14-dB return loss bandwidth of 35% (from 1.49 to 2.12 GHz), and has a 3-dB axial ratio bandwidth of 20.4% (from 1.67 to 2.05 GHz). The 3-dB axial ratio beamwidth and the boresight axial ratio are 84/spl deg/ and 1.94 dB at 1.8 GHz, respectively.
Synthetic Diversification, Smart Randomization, and Commodity Indexing

This thesis investigates the use of randomization in asset allocation, and introduces a dynamic commodity index. Randomizing asset holdings can lead to extra rebalancing gains, and lower inter-asset correlations. However, the gains are insignificant in practice. Momentumand correlation-based smart randomization strategies can improve the performance and provide a promising basis for future research. The second part of this thesis introduces a regime-based dynamically weighted commodity index. In this index, the commodity weights are determined by an optimization model that employs an underlying hidden Markov model. Including regimes in the allocation decision leads to vast improvements in index performance. Several extensions of the regime-based allocation model are introduced in the last chapter of this thesis.
Do Cross-Sectional Stock Return Predictors Pass the Test without Data-Snooping Bias?

This study examines the possible data-snooping bias as a competing explanation for the anomalies in the cross-section of stock returns. We posit that the exhaustive standalone searches for profitable strategies could lead to recommending spuriously predictive variables. In order to explore the severity of this problem, we use a multiple testing method to evaluate the profitability of portfolios constructed by these predictors. Our empirical analyses suggest that over half of the findings based on individual testing method are no longer statistically significant after we adjust for data-snooping bias. Excluding the micro-cap stocks before portfolios construction and applying the notion of economic significance in this study further weaken the evidence for predictability. JEL Classification: G11, G12, G14
Transformation of Mycelial and Yeast Forms of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis in Cultures and in Experimental Inoculations

Carbonell, Luis M. (Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas, Caracas, Venezuela), and Joaquín Rodríguez. Transformation of mycelial and yeast forms of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis in cultures and in experimental inoculations. J. Bacteriol. 90:504–510. 1965. —Experimental transformations of mycelial to yeast and yeast to mycelial forms in culture, and mycelial to yeast forms in tissue, were studied. All the transitional forms that appeared in culture were also seen in tissue, but in fewer number. Most of the hyphae in culture were transformed into yeast, but only a few in tissue. Yeast appeared in testicle around the 3rd day after inoculation, but on the 10th day in subcutaneous tissue. Pathogenicity of mycelium was high, since yeast was found in almost all of the organs inoculated with mycelium. Histologically, an acute inflammation occurred first, owing to the inoculation of mycelium, followed by a giant-cell granuloma with abundant hyphae detritus. These giant cells almost disappeared about 10 days after inoculation, giving place to a second giant-cell granuloma with yeast forms.
Telmisartan Prevents Excess-Salt-Induced Exacerbated (Malignant) Hypertension in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

The effects of angiotensin receptor blocker, diuretic, a calcium antagonist, and their combination were evaluated on the progression of cardiovascular and renal damage in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) given excess salt. To this end, 8-week male SHRs were divided into 7 groups. The control group (C) received normal NaCl (0.6%) diet. All other groups were given 8% NaCl rat chow. In addition, group 2 was given placebo (tap water alone), group 3 the angiotensin receptor antagonist telmisartan (10 mg/kg per d), group 4 received the diuretic chlorothiazide (80 mg/kg per d), group 5 was given telmisartan plus the diuretic, group 6 was given the calcium antagonist amlodipine (10 mg/kg per d), and group 7 was given telmisartan plus amlodipine. All treatments lasted for 8 weeks. Compared with controls, mean arterial pressure (MAP), renal blood flow, coronary flow reserve, minimal coronary vascular resistance, diastolic time constant, and maximal rate of ventricular pressure fall were all adversely affected by salt loading. Increased left ventricular mass with marked cardiac fibrosis was also found in the salt-overloaded SHR group. Telmisartan normalized all indices except MAP, whereas diuretic and amlodipine only partially restored cardiac functional and mass indexes. Combination therapy with telmisartan and either diuretic or amlodipine also normalized all indices including arterial pressure. These data suggest that (1) cardiovascular damage induced by excess salt in the SHRs was not pressure dependent; (2) compared with the calcium antagonist and diuretic, blockade of angiotensin receptors was extremely effective in this model.
Notice of RetractionEnergy consumption, gross domestic product and carbon dioxide emissions: Panel data evidence from nine countries

This study examines the determinants of carbon dioxide emissions within a multivariate panel framework over period 1971–2007 for nine countries, including China, United States, India, Japan, Germany, Canada, United Kingdom, Korea and Iran. We find that in the long run, the primary energy consumption, the GDP and the carbon dioxide emissions are panel non-stationary in their level form and the variables on their level are integrated of order one, I(1). On the basis of parametric estimation, we find that the average elasticity coefficient of the nine countries that CO2 emissions on primary energy consumption are 0.925 and the elasticity coefficient that CO2 emissions on GDP are 0.07. The nine countries are grouped according to the random effect coefficient sign: China, Iran, Germany, Korea, United States and United Kingdom are considered as one group and the rest three countries belong to another group.
Novel calibration method for magnetic source in magnetic tracking system

Magnetic tracking technology using tri-axial magnetic source is widely used in medical positioning and tracking equipment. Calibration of the system prior to the measurement is required in order to achieve better accuracy. In normal circumstances, optical positioning system is used to calibrate the magnetic positioning system. In this paper, a new calibration method of magnetic system is presented by using magnetic field and micro-motion platform. It is possible to solve the sight constraints of the optical system. The simulation result shows that this method has high calibration accuracy.
Sonographic Measurement of Achilles Tendons in Asymptomatic Subjects

Objective. This study was undertaken to evaluate the thickness, cross‐sectional area, and length of Achilles tendons in asymptomatic subjects of different age groups and heights and between dominant and nondominant ankles. Methods. High‐resolution sonographic examinations of Achilles tendons were performed in 40 healthy subjects (14 men and 26 women). The subjects were categorized into 4 age groups: (1) 20 to 29 years, (2) 30 to 39 years, (3) 40 to 49 years, and (4) 50 years or older. The thickness, cross‐sectional area, and length of the Achilles tendons of both ankles were measured. All Achilles tendons were measured with the ankle in a relaxed, neutral position. Results. There was no significant difference in the thickness and length of Achilles tendons among subjects of different age groups (P > .05). The Achilles tendon cross‐sectional area of subjects 50 years or older was significantly larger than that of subjects in the younger age groups (P < .05). There was a positive correlation between the height of the subjects and the length, thickness, and cross‐sectional area of the Achilles tendons; however, the correlation coefficient was low (r = 0.07–0.28; P > .05). Dominance of ankles did not affect the thickness and length of the Achilles tendons, whereas the cross‐sectional area of the tendons was significantly larger in the dominant ankles (P < .05). Conclusions. Sonography is a useful imaging tool in the evaluation of Achilles tendons. Normal variations of the tendon morphologic characteristics should be considered in the clinical diagnosis.
A method for assessing the clinical performance and cost‐effectiveness of intensive care units: A multicenter inception cohort study

ObjectivesTo present an approach for assessing intensive care unit (ICU) performance which takes into account both economic and clinical performance while adjusting for severity of illness. To present a graphic display which permits comparisons among a group of hospitals. DesignA multicenter, inception cohort study. SettingTwenty-five ICUs in U.S. hospitals that participated in the European and North American Study of Severity Systems for ICU Patients. PatientsConsecutive patients (n = 3,397) admitted to ICUs in participating hospitals between September 30, 1991 and December 27, 1991. Excluded were coronary care patients, burn patients, cardiac surgery patients and patients aged <18 yrs. Measurements and Main ResultsThe clinical performance index is the difference between observed hospital survival rate and survival rate predicted by the Mortality Probability Model measuring severity of illness at ICU admission. The economic performance (resource use) measure is a length of stay index, Weighted Hospital Days, which weights ICU days more heavily than non-ICU days. The economic performance index is the difference between actual mean resource use and the resource use predicted by a regression including severity of illness and percent of surgical patients. Both the clinical and economic performance indices are standardized to show how far a particular hospital is from the overall mean and are graphed together. Most of the 25 hospitals lie within 1 SD of the mean on both clinical and economic performance scales. The graph makes it easy to identify those hospitals that are outside this range. There is no evidence of a tradeoff between high clinical performance and high economic performance; i.e., it is possible to achieve both. ConclusionsCross-indexing of clinical and economic ICU performance is easy to calculate. It has potential as a research and evaluation tool used by physicians, hospital administrators, payers, and others. (Crit Care Med 1994; 22:1385–1391
An $RC$ Plasma Device for Sterilization of Root Canal of Teeth

The application of cold plasma in sterilization of a root canal of a tooth has recently attracted great attention. In this paper, a reliable and user-friendly plasma-jet device, which can generate plasma inside the root canal, is reported. The plasma can be touched by bare hands and can be directed manually by a user to place it into root canal for disinfection without causing any painful sensation. When He/O2(20%) is used as working gas, the rotational and vibrational temperatures of the plasma are about 300 K and 2700 K, respectively. The peak discharge current is about 10 mA. Preliminary inactivation experiment results show that it can efficiently kill enterococcus faecalis , one of the main types of bacterium causing failure of root-canal treatment in several minutes.
Composition of Trade in Latin America and the Caribbean

This study analyzes composition of goods trade in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) along four main dimensions: revealed comparative advantage, product complexity, sophistication, and diversification. After describing some key trade patterns over the last half century, it compares the findings for LAC with other regions. Second, the study investigates how infrastructure quality, education, and tariff levels affect export composition. Third, using an approach based on product proximity, it aims to predict changes in LAC’s future composition of exports. The study concludes that policies to upgrade human capital and infrastructure are essential for increasing LAC’s export share in high-skill products.
Genetic structure and distribution of Parisotoma notabilis (Collembola) in Europe: Cryptic diversity, split of lineages and colonization patterns

Climatic and biome changes of the past million years influenced the population structure and genetic diversity of soil-living arthropods in Europe. However, their effects on the genetic structure of widespread and abundant soil animal species such as the Collembola Parisotoma notabilis remain virtually unknown. This generalist and parthenogenetic species is an early colonizer of disturbed habitats and often occurs in human modified environments. To investigate ancient climatic influence and recent distributions on the genetic structure of P. notabilis we analyzed populations on a pan-European scale using three genetic markers differing in substitution rates. The results showed that P. notabilis comprises several genetic lineages with distinct distribution ranges that diverged in the Miocene. Genetic distances of COI between lineages ranged between 15% and 18% and molecular clock estimates suggest Late Miocene divergences considering the standard arthropod rate of 2.3% per my. Compared to other soil-living arthropods like oribatid mites, European lineages of P. notabilis are rather young and genetically uniform. The close association with anthropogenic habitats presumably contributed to rapid spread in Europe.