Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Anthropometric finding in Nigerian children with sickle cell disease.

PURPOSE Sickle cell disease (SCD) subjects have been widely reported to present with various anthropometric deficits, including malocclusion and stunting, compared to their unaffected peers. This study was carried out to examine these reports in Lagos. METHODS A hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out in 3 outpatient SCD units of one teaching and two general hospitals. All established SCD subjects aged 1 to 18 years (n = 177) were examined on consecutive clinic days. Controls (unaffected subjects; n = 122) were obtained from well-baby and surgical emergency clinics. Facial profile, occlusion, height, weight, head and mid-upper arm (MUA) circumference measurements were noted. RESULTS A prognathic maxillary profile was found to be more prevalent in SCD subjects (21%) than controls (4%; P < .05). Class II malocclusion was found in 21% of SCD subjects compared to 2% of controls (P < .05). The overall mean height, weight and head circumference of SCD subjects and controls were not significantly different (P > .05). However, at age 18 years, the weight of the SCD group was significantly less than that of the control group (P < .05). The mean MUA circumference was significantly higher in the control group (20.04 cm +/- 3.80) than in SCD subjects (17.91 cm +/- 2.96; P < .05). CONCLUSIONS There was a higher prevalence of maxillary protrusion. and Class II malocclusion in SCD subjects than controls. Height and weight were not significantly different in both groups except at 18 years when SCD subjects weighed less than controls.
Changes in gallbladder volume in healthy dogs after food was withheld for 12 hours followed by ingestion of a meal or a meal containing erythromycin.

OBJECTIVE To assess the influence of meal ingestion and orally administered erythromycin on gallbladder volume in dogs. ANIMALS 22 healthy dogs. PROCEDURES Ultrasonographically determined gallbladder dimensions in unsedated dogs were used to calculate volume. Measurements were recorded after food was withheld for 12 hours (time 0) and 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after a 100-g meal without (n = 22) or with erythromycin (1.0 mg/kg [7], 2.5 mg/kg [7], and both dosages [8]). Gallbladder ejection fraction represented the percentage of volume change from time 0. Intraday and interday coefficients of variation determined operator repeatability and physiologic variation. RESULTS We did not detect significant differences in gallbladder volume per unit of body weight between treatments at time 0 or in ejection fraction percentage within or between treatments. Median time 0 gallbladder volume was 0.6 mL/kg (range, 0.4 to 1.9) but was > 1.0 mL/kg in 3 of 22 (14%) dogs and <or= 1.0 mL/kg in 19 of 22 (86%) dogs. Twenty dogs achieved an ejection fraction >or= 25% with at least 1 treatment, but 2 dogs with a gallbladder volume <or= 1.0 mL/kg at time 0 did not. Intraday and interday coefficients of variation were 18% and 25%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Gallbladder volume <or= 1.0 mL/kg at time 0 and ejection fraction >or= 25% were typical. No treatment consistently induced greater gallbladder contraction. Dogs with a gallbladder volume > 1.0 mL/kg and ejection fraction < 25% may require a combined meal and erythromycin protocol.
Social consequences of children's pain: when do they encourage symptom maintenance?

OBJECTIVE To examine the influence of social factors (e.g., attention, relief from responsibility) and children's perceived competence on pediatric symptom maintenance. METHODS Participants were 151 pediatric patients (ages 8-18) with recurrent abdominal pain. They were interviewed at a clinic visit and again 2 weeks later. The Social Consequences of Pain questionnaire assessed four types of social consequences: positive attention, negative attention, activity restriction, and privileges. RESULTS Two types of social consequences (positive attention and activity restriction) predicted greater symptom maintenance, but this effect was moderated by children's perceived self-worth and academic competence. To the extent that children rated their self-worth and academic competence as low, the impact of social factors on symptom maintenance was stronger. CONCLUSIONS Children's success in their normal social roles may affect the extent to which they identify with the sick role and find it a rewarding alternative to other social roles.
Meat consumption and risk of colorectal cancer: A meta‐analysis of prospective studies

Accumulating epidemiologic evidence indicates that high consumption of red meat and of processed meat may increase the risk of colorectal cancer. We quantitatively assessed the association between red meat and processed meat consumption and the risk of colorectal cancer in a meta‐analysis of prospective studies published through March 2006. Random‐effects models were used to pool study results and to assess dose‐response relationships. We identified 15 prospective studies on red meat (involving 7,367 cases) and 14 prospective studies on processed meat consumption (7,903 cases). The summary relative risks (RRs) of colorectal cancer for the highest vs. the lowest intake categories were 1.28 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.15–1.42) for red meat and 1.20 (95% CI = 1.11–1.31) for processed meat. The estimated summary RRs were 1.28 (95% CI = 1.18–1.39) for an increase of 120 g/day of red meat and 1.09 (95% CI = 1.05–1.13) for an increase of 30 g/day of processed meat. Consumption of red meat and processed meat was positively associated with risk of both colon and rectal cancer, although the association with red meat appeared to be stronger for rectal cancer. In 3 studies that reported results for subsites in the colon, high consumption of processed meat was associated with an increased risk of distal colon cancer but not of proximal colon cancer. The results of this meta‐analysis of prospective studies support the hypothesis that high consumption of red meat and of processed meat is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Presenilin 1 is essential for cardiac morphogenesis

Presenilin 1 (PS1) is the gene responsible for the development of early‐onset familial Alzheimer's disease. PS1‐deficient mice have been reported to show defects in neurogenesis, somitogenesis and angiogenesis. Here, we report cardiac anomaly in PS1‐deficient mice: the mutant hearts exhibited ventricular septal defect, double outlet right ventricle, and stenosis in the pulmonary artery. Immunohistochemistry using anti‐PS1 antibody revealed the prominent expression of PS1 in mesenchymal cells at the septal area of the wild‐type heart. These results suggest that PS1 may play an essential role in heart development. Developmental Dynamics 230:795–799, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Activation of a Cell Entry Pathway Common to Type C Mammalian Retroviruses by Soluble Envelope Fragments

ABSTRACT Mutations that negatively or positively affect the fusion properties of murine leukemia viruses (MLVs) have been found within all subdomains of their SU (surface) and TM (transmembrane) envelope units. Yet, the interrelations between these different regions of the envelope complex during the cell entry process are still elusive. Deletion of the histidine residue of the conserved PHQV motif at the amino terminus of the amphotropic or the ecotropic MLV SU resulted in the AdelH or the MOdelH fusion-defective mutant envelope, respectively. These delH mutant envelopes are incorporated on retroviral particles at normal densities and normally mediate virion binding to cells expressing the retroviral receptors. However, both their cell-cell and virus-cell fusogenicities were fully prevented at an early postbinding stage. We show here that the fusion defect of AdelH or MOdelH envelopes was also almost completely reverted by providing either soluble SU or a polypeptide encompassing the receptor-binding domain (RBD) to the target cells, provided that the integrity of the amino-terminal end of either polypeptide was preserved. Restoration of delH envelope fusogenicity was caused by activation of the target cells via specific interaction of the latter polypeptides with the retrovirus receptor rather than by their association with the delH envelope complexes. Moreover crossactivation of the target cells, leading to fusion activation of AdelH or MOdelH envelopes, was achieved by polypeptides containing various type C mammalian retrovirus RBDs, irrespective of the type of entry-defective glycoprotein that was used for infection. Our results indicate that although they recognize different receptors for binding to the cell surface, type C mammalian retroviruses use a common entry pathway which is activated by a conserved feature of their envelope glycoproteins.
Programmable high density CMOS microelectrode array

We have developed a programmable high density CMOS microelectrode array (ldquoMEArdquo) for in vitro monitoring of electrogenic cells. Non-volatile analog memory within each sensor may be used to calibrate the array and to program arbitrary offsets onto amplifiers integrated within each sensor. As a result, we can compensate for device mismatch, process variation and environmental inhomogeneity that can confound comparison of signals recorded from different sites on conventional MEAs. At the same time, we maintain resolution rivaling the densest integrated MEAs - in a commercial 0.5 mum CMOS process we have implemented a 128times128 array with electrodes spaced at 14 mum pitch, the same scale as biological cells.
Empirical Challenges to Studying Terrorism and Homicide

The study of terrorism has bridged multiple scholarly domains. Terrorism is discussed within political science as a form of political violence (Crenshaw 1981) related to civil conflict (Findley and Young 2012) and interstate war (Findley, Piazza, and Young 2012). Terrorism is studied within criminology as a form of criminal violence along with homicide and assault, and under political crime as a form of oppositional action put alongside sedition and treason (J.I. Ross 2006). In scholarly work, it is becoming increasingly more common to see works on terrorism connected to political violence (e.g., Thomas 2014) or political crimes (e.g., Chermak, Freilich, and Suttmoeller 2013), but less so with other forms of crime (e.g., Mullins and Young 2012). 1 How is studying homicide different from studying terrorism? And how is it similar? The term terrorism evokes images of 9/11, the Boston Bombing, or other grizzly attacks committed for an ideological reason. Conversely, the term homicide brings to mind shootings on the streets or in one’s home, generally for personal reasons. At first glance, these two concepts may not appear connected to one another. LaFree and Dugan (2004), for instance, explore the relationship between terrorism and crime, including homicide, and suggest a long list of affinities and differences. While their investigation is theoretical, this chapter provides an empirical approach. We use standard modeling approaches from the homicide and terrorism literatures to predict each outcome cross‐nationally. Potentially surprising to some who feel these are wholly distinct phenomena, we find more similarities than differences between the factors that predict each. Empirical Challenges to Studying Terrorism and Homicide
Design and Modelling of Thermostatically Controlled Loads as Frequency Controlled Reserve

Using demand as frequency controlled reserve (DFR) is beneficial to power systems in many aspects. To study the impacts of this technology on power system operation, control logics and simulation models of relevant loads should be carefully developed. Two advanced control logics for using demand as reserve have been presented in this paper. Electricity loads that are applicable for the technique in practical power systems are analysed. Moreover, a simulation model of thermostatically controlled loads, which can provide frequency activated reserve by controlling their set points according to system frequency, is developed. The developed simulation model is able to represent a variety of aggregated thermostatically controlled loads, such as heaters or refrigerators. Uncertainties including customer behaviours and ambient temperature variation are also modelled. Preliminary simulation results are presented and analysed, which demonstrates the great potentials of the DFR technology.
A novel translocation t(1;7)(p36;q34) in three patients with acute myeloid leukaemia

Studies of large numbers of patients have enabled the identification of relatively infrequent chromosome changes, such as inv(3)(q21;q26), t(6;9)(p23;q34) and t(8;16)(p11;p11), whose clinico‐biological significance is gradually becoming clearer. Translocations involving chromosomes 1 and 7 are relatively rare in myeloid neoplasias, being found in far less than 1% of cases; the rearrangement that occurs most frequently consists of an unbalanced translocation [t(1;7)(p11; p11)], resulting in complete loss of 7q, associated with therapy‐related or environmentally‐induced high‐risk myelodysplasia. We recently observed three cases of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) with a previously unreported balanced translocation t(1;7) (p36;q34). Case 1 underwent autologous bone marrow transplantation and remains alive in CR; cases 2 and 3 relapsed after 10 and 4 months, respectively. The response to chemotherapy observed in our cases suggests that variable clinical features might be present in the broad cytogenetic category usually referred to as ‘7q abnormalities’ and contributes to an interesting previous observation of prolonged disease‐free survival in a subset of AMLs with 7q− as the isolated chromosome change.
A central control strategy of parallel inverters in AC microgrid

This paper focuses on the microgrid control method in different operating modes. The conventional droop control scheme is typically used to achieve autonomous voltage and frequency regulation, which considers only local information, and the global optimal performance can't be guaranteed. In island mode, when the load or generation inside the MG changes, circulations will be generated between the inverters in case the line impedances are mismatch. Furthermore, the MG active power output does not follow the reference in grid connected mode. Dealing with the above problems, a central controller is designed to maintain the stable operation of the microgrid in different modes in this paper. Some simulations are carried out and the results validate the efficiency of the proposed method.
The Role of Parenteral Lipids in Supporting Gluconeogenesis in Very Premature Infants

We have previously demonstrated that very premature infants receiving glucose at 17 μmol/kg min plus appropriate supply of parenteral lipids (Intralipid®) and amino acids (TrophAmine®) maintained normoglycemia by glucose produced primarily via gluconeogenesis. The present study addressed the individual roles of parenteral lipids and amino acids in supporting gluconeogenesis. Fourteen premature infants (993 ± 36 g 27 ± 1 wk) (mean ± SE) were studied for 8 h on d 5 ± 1 of life. All infants were receiving standard TPN prior to the study. At start of study, the glucose infusion rate was decreased to ∼17 μmol/kg min and either Intralipid® (g + AA; n = 8) or TrophAmine® (g + IL; n = 6) was discontinued. Data from 14 previously studied infants receiving glucose (∼17 μmol/kg min) + TrophAmine® + Intralipid® (g + AA + IL) are included for comparison. Gluconeogenesis was measured by [U-13 C]glucose, (g + AA) and (8 infants of the g + AA + IL group) or [2-13C]glycerol, (g + IL) and (6 infants of the g + AA + IL group). Infants studied by the same method were compared. Withdrawal of Intralipid® resulted in decreased gluconeogenesis, 6.3 ± 0.9 (g +AA) vs. 8.4 ± 0.7 μmol/kg min (g + AA + IL) (p = 0.03). Withdrawal of TrophAmine® affected neither total gluconeogenesis, 7.5 ± 0.8 vs. 7.9 ± 0.9 μmol/kg min nor gluconeogenesis from glycerol, 4.4 ± 0.6 vs. 4.9 ± 0.7 μmol/kg min (g+ IL and g + AA + IL groups, respectively). In conclusion, in parenterally fed very premature infants, lipids play a primary role in supporting gluconeogenesis.
Do Perceptions of Corruption Influence Personal Income Taxpayer Reporting Behaviour?: Evidence From Indonesia

This paper addresses an identified gap in knowledge about whether, and how, perceptions of corruption may influence personal income taxpayer compliance behaviour. It examines how perceptions of five forms of corruption may impact upon intentional tax underreporting behaviour by adopting a sequential mixed-methods approach. Initially, a qualitative phase was carried out by conducting semi-structured in-depth interviews with nine participants (three taxpayers, three tax agents and three tax officers). The secondand corephase of the research involved extensive data collection using a mixed-modes field survey conducted through 12 tax offices across four Indonesian regions. A total of 397 respondents were surveyed, comprising 196 self-employed and 201 employed taxpayers. Three principal findings have emerged from the data. First, as expected, the data from both the qualitative and quantitative phases suggest that high levels of perceived corruption were evident in Indonesia. Second, the quantitative findings clearly demonstrate that perceptions of corruption undermine taxpayers' intention to report actual income. Third, the findings ultimately suggest that high levels of perceived general corruption (that is, abuse of entrusted power by public officials for private gain), grand corruption (that is, corruption involving high-level public officials) and grand tax-corruption (that is, corruption involving high-level tax officials) were influential on intentional tax underreporting behaviour. The present empirical results support the notions that perceptions of corruption are important determinants and have a negative impact upon tax compliance behaviour. The results also imply that combating corruption, especially grand corruption, would have a beneficial effect on voluntary tax compliance in Indonesia.
Fall risk and gait in Parkinson's disease: The role of the LRRK2 G2019S mutation

Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) who carry the G2019S mutation (a glycine to serine substitution at amino acid 2019) in the leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) gene are generally believed to be clinically indistinguishable from patients with sporadic PD. There are, however, conflicting reports on the relationship between the mutation and the motor phenotype. We quantitatively compared gait and mobility in patients with PD carriers of the G2019S mutation to non‐carrier patients with PD to better understand the genotype‐phenotype relationship. Fifty patients with PD carriers of the G2019S LRRK2 mutation and 50 age, disease duration, and disease severity matched PD non‐carriers were studied. An accelerometer quantified gait under three walking conditions: usual‐walking, dual‐tasking, and fast‐walking. The Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale classified patients into PD sub‐types and the Timed Up and Go quantified mobility and fall risk. In all three walking conditions, gait variability was larger and the walking pattern was less consistent among the PD mutation carriers (P < 0.016). The PD carriers also took longer to complete the Timed Up and Go (P = 0.011) and were more likely to report having fallen in the previous year (P = 0.018). 64% of the PD carriers were classified as belonging to the postural‐instability‐gait‐difficulty (PIGD) sub‐type compared to only 17% of the PD non‐carriers (P < 0.0001). Among patients with PD, the G2019S mutation in the LRRK2 gene is apparently associated with increased gait variability, an increased fall risk, and the PIGD sub‐type. Therapeutic approach specifically designed to delay gait disturbances and falls may be justified in patients who carry the G2019S mutation. © 2013 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Sensor on-orbit calibration and characterization using spacecraft maneuvers

Sensor observations made during carefully scheduled spacecraft (S/C) maneuvers, such as pitch, yaw, and roll maneuvers, can be used to support its on-board calibrators (OBC) or to perform independent sensor calibration and characterization. Using MODIS as an example, this paper illustrates applications of various S/C maneuvers, including lunar observations via S/C roll maneuvers to track MODIS reflective solar bands (RSB) radiometric stability, solar observations via S/C yaw maneuvers to map its on-board solar diffuser (SD) bidirectional reflectance factor (BRF) and to derive the SD screen vignetting function, and deep space observations via S/C pitch maneuvers to characterize its thermal emissive bands (TEB) response versus scan angle (RVS). Experiences and lessons learned from these applications will provide valuable information and reference for future sensor as well as spacecraft design.
GroupSpeak: High-level Language Extension for Workflow Capability

Currently, workflow systems are either XML based or component based. Both paradigms have usability deficiencies. XML is not designed for procedural programming. Legacy code is difficult to adapt to component based systems. We propose a new paradigm by adding workflow keywords to an existing high-level language. This approach, called GroupSpeak, uses a procedural style of programming and allows for easy introduction of workflow patterns to legacy code. The programmer can leverage their existing knowledge of the high-level language to easily add workflow capabilities to their applications.
Health-related quality of life in dermatology: measurement, interpretation and application

This thesis consists of three parts. The aim of part one, ‘Measurement of health-related quality of life in dermatology’, was to contribute to the quality of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measurement in dermatological research and clinical practice. The aim of part two, ‘Interpretation of health-related quality of life scores’, was to facilitate the interpretation of Skindex-29 scores and score differences. The aim of part three, ‘Health-related quality of life application in clinical practice’, was to support the application of HRQoL measurement in dermatological practice and to investigate the efficacy of a HRQoL intervention on patients’ HRQoL, doctor-patient communication, health status, and disease severity. The overall aim of the thesis was to contribute to the improvement of HRQoL of patients with a chronic skin disease.