Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ten-year experience of splenic trauma in New Zealand: the rise of non-operative management.

AIM The aim of this study was to describe the demographics, mechanisms of injury, management and outcomes in patients who suffered splenic trauma in Christchurch, New Zealand. METHODS A retrospective study included all splenic injury patients admitted to Christchurch Public Hospital between January 2005 and August 2015. RESULTS A total of 238 patients were included, with a median age of 26 years (4-88.7). Of these, 235 patients had blunt injuries. Eighty-nine had high-grade injuries. Yearly admissions of splenic trauma patients have gradually increased. A total of 173 (72.7%) patients were managed with observation; 28 patients (11.8%) had radiological intervention and 37 patients (15.5%) had splenectomy. Patients who died were significantly more likely to be older (median, 46.5 vs 25.2 years, p=0.04) and to have been admitted to ICU (100% vs 32%, p=<0.001). CONCLUSION Splenic injuries have shown a steady increase in the last decade. Splenectomy rates have decreased in favour of non-operative techniques. Radiological intervention with splenic artery embolisation was successful in all selected patients with high-grade injuries.
Improvements in Support Vector Machine based localization in Wireless Sensor Networks

Sensor networks are playing an important role in making the dream of ubiquitous computing come into reality. With a variety of applications, sensor networks have the potential to influence everyone's life in the near future. However, in order for sensor network applications to realize this potential, there are a number of issues in deployment and exploitation of these networks that must be dealt with. Localization of the sensor nodes, which is the subject of this paper, is one of the basic problems that must be solved in order for sensor networks to be effectively used. This paper proposes to use a method based on Support Vector Machines (SVM) and probability to gain a fairly accurate localization of sensor nodes, while no extra equipment is assumed on the sensor nodes, as opposed to many of the existing methods. We demonstrate that Probabilistic SVM method (or PSVM) provides a significant improvement over existing localization methods, particularly in sparse networks and rough environments. In addition, we are proposing a post processing step for PSVM called ARPoFiL, which provides even more improvement to the accuracy of the location of sensor nodes.
Blind symbol-timing and frequency-offset estimation in OFDM systems with real data symbols

In this letter, the problem of blind symbol-timing and frequency-offset estimation in orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) systems with real data symbols is considered. Maximum-likelihood (ML) estimators for the parameters of interest have been derived by modeling the OFDM signal as a proper complex Gaussian random process. However, when data symbols belong to a real constellation, the received signal becomes an improper complex random process, and hence, previously mentioned estimators, termed cyclic prefix (CP) estimators, are not ML estimators. In this letter, minimum mean-squared error estimators exploiting the conjugate-symmetry property exhibited by the OFDM signal with real data symbols, termed MSR estimators, that greatly outperform CP estimators in additive noise channels, are derived. Moreover, a modified MSR symbol-timing estimator that can assure satisfactory performance in multipath fading channels is proposed.
Sweden's Riksbank Encounters the Lower Bound

In 2009, in the midst of a global recession, Sweden’s Riksbank approached a lower bound on nominal interest rates. This encounter with the lower bound provides a natural experiment for investigating the causes of monetary policy inertia. To exploit this experiment, we estimate Taylor rules with dynamic Tobit specifications in which unobserved lagged dependent variables are included as explanatory variables. Results indicate that interest rate smoothing was a more important reason for policy inertia than slow adjustment of underlying policy preferences.
An Improved MVDR-Like TOA Estimation Without EVD for High-Resolution Ranging System

This letter proposes an improved minimum variance distortionless response (MVDR)-like TOA estimation algorithm for a high-resolution ranging system. Although the proposed method has some similarity with MVDR, it is based on subspace interpretation, resulting in improved resolution and accuracy. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, we compare its performance with that of MVDR, MUSIC, and ESPRIT.
Condition diagnostics of energized electrical equipment: case studies

Loose connections and degraded contact surfaces in current carrying path of electrical equipment induce conduction problems resulting in local temperature rise, which contributes to the downgrading of contact quality and deterioration of insulating material. Continuous on-line temperature monitoring provides the means to evaluate current condition of equipment and detect abnormality, which if not fixed may result in possible disruption of electrical service. It allows timely corrective measures to be taken to prevent upcoming failure. Continuous temperature monitoring of energized equipment in wide temperature range is achieved with a wireless system using miniature temperature sensors located in strategically important points. The paper presents the results of wireless temperature monitoring of switchgear at two power plants in the USA and demonstrates the importance of continuous temperature monitoring for properly and timely performed condition-based maintenance
Household and familial resemblance in risk factors for type 2 diabetes and related cardiometabolic diseases in rural Uganda: a cross-sectional community sample

Objectives Prevention of type 2 diabetes (T2D) has been successfully established in randomised clinical trials. However, the best methods for the translation of this evidence into effective population-wide interventions remain unclear. To assess whether households could be a target for T2D prevention and screening, we investigated the resemblance of T2D risk factors at household level and by type of familial dyadic relationship in a rural Ugandan community. Methods This cross-sectional household-based study included 437 individuals ≥13 years of age from 90 rural households in south-western Uganda. Resemblance in glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), anthropometry, blood pressure, fitness status and sitting time were analysed using a general mixed model with random effects (by household or dyad) to calculate household intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and dyadic regression coefficients. Logistic regression with household as a random effect was used to calculate the ORs for individuals having a condition or risk factor if another household member had the same condition. Results The strongest degree of household member resemblances in T2D risk factors was seen in relation to fitness status (ICC=0.24), HbA1c (ICC=0.18) and systolic blood pressure (ICC=0.11). Regarding dyadic resemblance, the highest standardised regression coefficient was seen in fitness status for spouses (0.54, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.76), parent–offspring (0.41, 95% CI 0.28 0.54) and siblings (0.41, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.57). Overall, parent–offspring and sibling pairs were the dyads with strongest resemblance, followed by spouses. Conclusions The marked degree of resemblance in T2D risk factors at household level and between spouses, parent–offspring and sibling dyads suggest that shared behavioural and environmental factors may influence risk factor levels among cohabiting individuals, which point to the potential of the household setting for screening and prevention of T2D.
Association between the low threshold calcium spike and activation of NMDA receptors in guinea‐pig substantia nigra pars compacta neurons

The aim of this study was to examine the interaction between N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor activation and the low threshold calcium spike (LTS) of phasically firing neurons in the rostral part of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) in mid‐brain slices. Bath perfusion of 10 μm NMDA gradually increased the LTS area and the effect reached a maximum after 6 min of perfusion. This enhancement of the LTS by NMDA was blocked both by a competitive and non‐competitive NMDA receptor antagonist, 50 μm D‐AP5 and 10 μm MK801, respectively, demonstrating that this effect of NMDA was mediated through NMDA receptors. Prolonged exposure to increasing concentrations of NMDA (0.1–100 μm) progressively decreased the LTS area. The higher doses led to an irreversible marked depolarization and decrease of the membrane resistance. These results suggest that the LTS of SNpc neurons can trigger a NMDA receptor‐dependent response which may have physiological and pathological roles.
Product Introduction Strategies under Sequential Innovation for Durable Goods with Network Effects

When network effects are important and technology is rapidly improved, this study explores the relative optimality of five product introduction strategies of a durable goods manufacturer: (1) replacement, (2) skipping, (3) a delayed line, (4) shelving, and (5) line‐extension. Using a two‐period analytical model, we show how the type of compatibility—either full or backward compatibility—and the magnitude of the network effect influence the manufacturer's preference for the above strategies. Our analysis reveals that only the strategies (1)–(3) above can be optimal; and the optimal strategy varies with network strength. Further, the type of compatibility can dramatically change the profitability under each optimal strategy; for instance, while backward compatibility can increase the profitability of replacement under certain conditions, it always reduces the profitability of a delayed line. We also illustrate that if compatibility were a choice, although backward compatibility may be observed widely in practice, the parametric region for its optimality is relatively more restricted than that of full compatibility.
Determinants of Economic Growth

Over the last two to three decades a wide range of studies has inves﬒ gated the determinants of economic growth. Using diff ering conceptual and methodological approaches, these studies have placed emphasis on a number of explanatory parameters and off ered various insights to the process of economic growth. The current paper draws on a ques﬒ onnaire survey addressed to various experts (academics, policy makers and business people), to iden﬒ fy the factors that either support or inhibit growth poten﬒ al and to assess their degree of signifi cance. A number of points emerge. First, that alongside conven﬒ onal determinants, it is also the poli﬒ cal and ins﬒ tu﬒ onal aspects of an economy that play an important role in advancing growth dynamics. Second, determinants infl uence at a diff erent degree each economy depending on the level of development achieved. As such, there are clear indica﬒ ons that policy priori﬒ es should be diff erent between developed and developing countries. Third, despite the previous point, there are some basic elements which are deemed important for economic growth independent of the level of development an area exhibits.
Hyper-individualized recruitment: Rural-urban labour migration and precarious construction work in Bangladesh

Indirect recruitment through individual recruiters triggers specific areas of precarious employment in the construction sector of Bangladesh. This paper critically examines the navigating role of individual recruiters in determining precarious work conditions for the rural-urban migrant labourers. It unpacks the inter-connections between recruitment practices, rural-urban labour migration and precarious employment in the construction sector of Bangladesh. Taking the case study of migrant construction labourers in Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, it draws on surveys and in-depth interviews to examine specific conditions of individualized recruitment practices and employment relations that contribute to various pressures and insecurities amongst migrant construction labourers. Examining labour recruitment through the lens of precarious work, this paper argues that neoliberal practices have led to indirect recruitment practices where the pronounced existence of individual recruiters as the key actors underpins the precariousness of construction labour in Bangladesh.
Youth Leadership Development From the Grade 8 Perspective: A Case Study of a School-based Program

This study examined the leadership development experiences of adolescents participating in a school-based leadership program. A case study of ten Grade 8 students is described based on qualitative data from student response journals, field notes, and program documentation. The evidence from the study suggests that adolescents value and benefit from leadership development experiences and opportunities. The major findings were as follows: (1) Leadership development experiences that adolescents find meaningful are those where they are actively engaged in problem-based, real-life, and experiential learning opportunities; (2) Adolescents value learning experiences where they are granted freedom, decision-making power, and increased responsibility; (3) Adolescents prefer to work in educational groups where collaboration and cooperation are essential to the attainment of a shared goal; (4) Adolescents are drawn to novel, exiting, and interesting learning experiences; (5) Having positive and supportive role models from whom to seek inspiration, guidance and validation is an important experience for an adolescent’s leadership development; (6) Long-term participation in leadership education is critical to leadership development; (7) Leadership development allows adolescents to feel like they
An RF Circuit Model for Interdigital Capacitors-Based Carbon Nanotube Biosensors

We present improved RF circuit modeling of a biosensing element based on a single-walled carbon nanotube combined interdigital capacitors at microwave frequencies. From the resultant circuit, the lumped element values for biomolecular binding are accurately obtained. It is thereby found that the completed RF circuit model shows excellent agreement with measured results. This implies that the electrical properties of a specific biomolecular binding system can be quantitatively analyzed if an optimal RF circuit model is constructed. Finally, we suggest that the suggested methodology can be used to analyze other biomolecular sensing methods.
Morphological and quantitative assessment of mast cells in rheumatoid arthritis associated non-specific interstitial pneumonia and usual interstitial pneumonia

Background: The role of mast cells in extra-articular manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has not been studied so far. Objective: To characterise and quantify mast cells in RA associated interstitial pneumonia (IP) by an immunohistological study. Methods: Lung biopsy specimens from 15 patients with RA associated IP, 12 patients with idiopathic IP, and 5 control patients were stained with antibodies directed against tryptase (mast cell marker). Morphological characterisation of stained specimens was carried out and staining was quantified by computer assisted image analysis. Results: Tryptase staining showed the marked presence of mast cells in idiopathic IP and in RA associated IP. A significant difference in stained tissue area was found between RA associated IP (2.6%, IQR 2.0–3.2%, p = 0.015) and idiopathic IP (3.1%, IQR 1.8–3.7%, p = 0.003) compared with control tissue specimens (1.0%, IQR 0.7–1.5%). The extent of mast cell infiltration correlated well and inversely with pulmonary function variables. Conclusions: Mast cell infiltrates are present in RA associated IP and idiopathic IP. The observed correlation of pulmonary function and mast cell numbers would be consistent with the proposed role of mast cell mediators in the promotion of fibrogenesis. The findings provide a rationale for studying functional aspects of mast cell involvement in the pathogenesis of RA associated lung disease.
Supressive effect of maslinic acid from pomace olive oil on oxidative stress and cytokine production in stimulated murine macrophages

The pentacyclic triterpene maslinic acid (MA) is a natural compound present in the non glyceride fraction of pomace olive oil, also called orujo olive oil. This compound has previously demonstrated antioxidant properties against lipid peroxidation in vitro, but its effects on reactive oxygen and nitrogen-derived species and pro-inflammatory cytokines generated by a cell system have not yet been investigated. In this study, we have tested the effect of MA upon oxidative stress and cytokine production using peritoneal murine macrophages. MA significantly inhibited the enhanced production of nitric oxide (NO) induced by lypopolysaccharide (LPS) when it was measured by the nitrite production with an inhibitory concentration 50% value (IC50) of 25.4 μM. This inhibiting effect seems to be consequence of an action at the level of the LPS-induction of the inducible nitric oxide synthethase (iNOS) gene enzyme expression rather than to a direct inhibitory action on enzyme activity. The secretion of the inflammatory cytokines interleukine-6 and TNF-α from LPS-stimulated murine macrophages was also significantly reduced (p < 0.05 and 0.01) by 50 and 100 μM of MA. In addition, reactive oxygen species were measured after stimulation with phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA). Thus, pre-treatment with MA reduced the generation of hydrogen peroxide from stimulated macrophages in a dose-dependent manner (IC50: 43.6 μM) as assayed by the oxidation of the peroxidase enzyme. However, no inhibitory effect on superoxide release, measured by the reduction of ferricytochrome c, was observed after the pretreatment with MA in the culture medium. These results suggest a potential biopharmaceutical use of this hydroxy-pentacyclic triterpene derivative, present in orujo olive oil, on preventing oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokine generation.
Handling Physical-Layer Deadlock Caused by Permanent Faults in Quasi-Delay-Insensitive Networks-on-Chip

Networks-on-Chip (NoCs) are promising fabrics to provide scalable and efficient on-chip communication for large-scale many-core systems. In place of the well-studied synchronous NoCs, the event-driven asynchronous ones have emerged as promising replacement thanks to their strong timing robustness especially when implemented in quasi-delay-insensitive (QDI) circuits. However, their fault tolerance has rarely been studied. The QDI NoCs show complicated failure scenarios and behave differently from synchronous ones. As the scaling semiconductor technology is expected with the accelerated aging process, permanent faults become more likely to happen at runtime. These faults can break the handshake, leading to physical-layer deadlocks which can spread and paralyze the whole QDI NoC. This physical-layer deadlock cannot be resolved using conventional fault-tolerant or deadlock management techniques. This paper systematically studies the impact of permanent faults on QDI NoCs, and presents novel deadlock detection and recovery techniques to handle the fault-caused physical-layer deadlock. The proposed detection technique has been implemented to protect the NoC data paths that occupy ~90% of the logic. Employing the detection and recovery techniques to protect interrouter links (~60% of the logic), a permanently faulty link is precisely located and the network function can be recovered with graceful performance degradation.
Distinct variant DNA-binding sites determine cell-specific autoregulated expression of the Drosophila POU domain transcription factor drifter in midline glia or trachea

Transcriptional regulators utilizing the POU domain DNA-binding motif have been shown to form multi-protein complexes dependent on the POU domain itself and its flexible recognition of various octamer sequence elements. We have identified two variant POU domain recognition elements DFRE1 and DFRE2, which are found within a 514-bp autoregulatory enhancer of the Drosophila melanogaster POU domain gene drifter (dfr). Both elements are capable of binding bacterially produced full-length DFR protein with high affinity, although they differ in the 5'-to-3' orientation of POU-specific and POU homeodomain subelements. When placed in dfr loss-of-function genetic backgrounds, all expression of dfr-lacZ fusion genes under control of the autoregulatory enhancer is dependent on DFR activity levels. However, the complete enhancer sequence directs beta-galactosidase expression in only a subset of cells which normally express the endogenous DFR protein, including the middle pair of midline glias of the ventral nerve cord, the oenocyte clusters, and all tracheal cells. In addition, DFRE1 and DFRE2 exhibit separable tissue-specific functions when independently disrupted or deleted. Disruption of DFRE1 function specifically abolishes beta-galactosidase expression in the middle pair of midline glias. Deletion of DFRE causes a specific loss of tracheal expression, leaving oenocyte and midline glia expression intact. These results suggest that dfr cell-specific autoregulation is determined by the context of DFR POU domain binding within the enhancer, which is possibly mediated by the formation of recognition element-specific heteromultimeric complexes containing additional tissue-specific factors.
Evaluation of Failure Patterns Using Trimodality in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Background The effectiveness of trimodality therapy in NSCLC has been controversial. Methods Ninety-two patients with stage III NSCLC were analyzed retrospectively based on treatment given. Overall survival (OS) and patterns of failure were examined in patients treated with chemoradiation alone (Group 1) versus neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by surgical resection (Group 2). Results OS for 2, 3, and 5 years in Group 1 and 2 were 19.7%, 15.7%, and 4.5% versus 56.4%, 40.4%, and 32.3% (P = 0.003), respectively. Median survival for Group 1 and 2 was 11.0 and 34.0 months, respectively (P = 0.003). The recurrence rate in Group 1 was 61.8% (47 of 76) with distant non-brain involvement (48.9%). In Group 2 it was 50.0% (8 of 16) with brain (50%) involvement. Conclusions Patients with stage IIIA and, perhaps IIIB NSCLC with a high performance status should be considered for trimodality treatment.
Performance of shunt active power filter with DSOGI-FLL Under distorted grid voltage

Proliferation of non-linear loads and power-electronics based distributed generators has aggravated the issue of harmonic and its adverse effects on the electrical utility and various equipment connected to the utility. To mitigate the effects of the harmonics, it is advisable to eliminate them or to maintain them within the statutory limits. This objective can be effectively achieved using Shunt Active Power Filter (SAPF). However, it is a challenging task to control the SAPF to effectively compensate the harmonics, especially when the grid voltage is characterized by different abnormalities like presence of harmonics, imbalance in supply, imbalance in load, dc offset etc. The SAPF's effectiveness depends on the accurate generation of the reference current. Some of the conventional methods fail to generate the desired reference current under some of these grid abnormalities, ultimately leading to deviation from a balanced set of sinusoidal grid currents. The paper presents the technique to compute the reference compensating current using second-order generalized integrator (SOGI), frequency-locked loop (FLL) and instantaneous power theory (p-q theory) to control SAPF. This approach, which obtains the reference current from the voltage and current components derived through dual SOGI-FLL, can effectively and quickly compensate the harmonics even under unbalance conditions. The system's dynamic performance is tested for a three-phase three-wire network under different grid abnormalities and the results are reported and analyzed.