Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The use of a nerve stimulation test to confirm sacrococcygeal epidural needle placement in cats.

OBJECTIVE To determine if a nerve stimulation test (NST) could act as a monitoring technique to confirm sacrococcygeal epidural needle placement in cats. STUDY DESIGN Prospective experimental trial in a clinical setting. ANIMALS Twenty-four adult cats, scheduled for a therapeutic procedure where epidural anesthesia was indicated. METHODS Under general anesthesia, an insulated needle was inserted through the S3 -Cd1 intervertebral space guided by the application of a fixed electrical current (0.7 mA) until a motor response was obtained. The NST was considered positive when the epidural nerve stimulation produced a motor response of the muscles of the tail, whereas it was considered negative when no motor response was evoked. In the NST positive cases, 0.3 mL kg(-1) of 0.5% bupivacaine was administrated before needle withdrawal. Ten minutes after injection, epidural blockade was confirmed by the loss of perineal (anal), and pelvic limbs reflexes (patellar and withdrawal). RESULTS The use of a fixed electrical stimulation current of 0.7 mA resulted in correct prediction of sacrococcygeal epidural injection, corroborated by post bupivacaine loss of perineal and pelvic limb reflexes, in 95.8% of the cases. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE This study demonstrates the feasibility of using, in a clinical setting, an electrical stimulation test as an objective and in real-time method to confirm sacrococcygeal epidural needle placement in cats.
Synergism of nitric oxide and maturation signals on human dendritic cells occurs through a cyclic GMP‐dependent pathway

Nitric oxide (NO), generated by phagocytes at inflammation sites, contributes to regulate immune responses through autocrine and paracrine actions on bystander cells. Among the latter are dendritic cells (DCs). Little is known about regulation of DC function by NO, especially in the human system. We exposed human monocyte‐derived DCs to the NO donor (z)‐1‐[2‐(2‐aminoethyl)‐N‐(2‐ammonioethyl)amino] diazen‐1‐ium‐1,2 diolate (DETA‐NO) during their maturation process induced by treatment with tumor necrosis factor α or lipopolysaccharide or by CD40 activation. We report here that after exposure to DETA‐NO, DCs exhibit a significantly increased ability to activate T lymphocytes stimulated by mycobacterial antigens, Staphylococcus aureus Cowen strain B, allo‐antigens, or cross‐linking of the CD3–T cell receptor complex. This effect persists after removal of DETA‐NO, depends on the generation of cyclic guanosine 5′‐monophosphate, and is a result of enhanced release by DCs of soluble factors, in particular interleukin (IL)‐12. This modulation of DC function is a result of a synergism between NO and the various maturation stimuli, as neither enhanced T cell activation nor IL‐12 release was observed after DC exposure to DETA‐NO only. These results provide the first evidence that NO acts as a cosignaling molecule regulating human DC response to maturation stimuli.
Anatomy of Corruption in the Nigerian Public Sector

Corruption is a clog in the wheel of progress in Nigeria and has incessantly frustrated the realization of noble national goals, despite the enormous natural and human resources in Nigeria. The article reviews the concept of corruption in line with its forms and effects on the Nigerian State, as well as corruption in public service from Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa’s era to President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. The article examines the idealistic, resource curse, two public, low risk–high benefit and anomie theories, and consequently adopts resource curse, low risk–high benefit theories to explain causes of corruption in Nigeria. Also, some personal observations and data from Transparency International are utilized to explain corrupt practices in Nigeria. The article concludes that there is corruption in the Nigerian Public Sector because of societal pressure, tribalism, nepotism, low risk–high benefits of involving in corruption among others. The article recommends some measures to combat corruption in Nigeria.
Accelerated perioperative care and rehabilitation intervention for hip and knee replacement is effective: A randomized clinical trial involving 87 patients with 3 months of follow-up

Background Approximately 12,000 hip and knee replacements were performed in Denmark in 2005. Accelerated perioperative interventions are currently implemented, but there is conflicting evidence regarding the effect. We therefore performed an efficacy study of an accelerated perioperative care and rehabilitation intervention in patients receiving primary total hip replacement, and both total and unicompartmental knee replacement. Methods A randomized clinical trial was undertaken in which 87 patients were randomized to either a control group receiving the current perioperative procedure, or an intervention group receiving a new accelerated perioperative care and rehabilitation procedure. Outcome measures were length of stay (LOS) in hospital, and gain in quality of life (QOL) using EQ-5D from baseline to 3-month follow-up. Results Mean LOS was reduced (p < 0.001) from 8 days (95% CI: 7.1–8.4) in the control group to 5 days (95% CI: 4.2–5.6) in the intervention group. This was accompanied by a greater gain in QOL of 0.08 (95% CI: 0.004–0.16) in the intervention group (p = 0.03). Interpretation An accelerated perioperative care and rehabilitation intervention in patients undergoing primary total hip replacement, and total or unicompartmental knee replacement is indeed effective—and of advantage to both the hospital and the patient.
The Location Substitution Effect: Does it Apply for China?

The notion that China is the factory of the world is now changing. Factories in China are shifting their production base to neighbouring Asia, primarily because of higher input costs in China, a volatile Chinese exchange rate and protectionist measures targeted against Chinese exports. In this article, we examine the location substitution effect for China: Chinese firms are exporting primary, intermediate and machinery items, meant for producing final output in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), which include Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar. Results suggest that GMS countries are exporting finished items to China, that are increasingly getting manufactured using primary and intermediate inputs imported from China.
Hybrid sensing face detection and recognition

The capability to track, detect, and identify human targets in highly cluttered scenes under extreme conditions, such as in complete darkness or in battlefield, has been one of the primary tactical advantages in military operations. In this paper, we propose a new collaborative, multi-spectrum sensing solution to achieve face detection and registration under low lighting conditions. We construct a novel type of hybrid sensors by combining a pair of near infrared (NIR) cameras and a thermal camera (a long wave infrared LWIR camera). We strategically surround each NIR sensor with a ring of LED IR flashes in order to capture the “red-eye”, or more precisely, the “bright-eye” effect of the target. The bright-eyes are used to localize the 3D position of eyes and face. The recovered 3D information can be further used to warp the thermal face imagery to frontal-parallel pose so that additional tasks such as face recognition can be reliably conducted, especially with the assistance of accurate eye locations.
Assessment of visual acuity in adult patients with strabismic amblyopia: a comparison between the preferential looking method and different acuity charts.

PURPOSE Grating acuity values obtained with preferential looking techniques do not correspond to test results obtained with letter charts. The aim of the study was to investigate the agreement between grating acuity and other acuity tests. METHODS Twenty-eight adult patients with strabismic amblyopia were assessed with the preferential looking-method and other linear and single letter and symbol tests. RESULTS Assessment with preferential looking regularly led to an overestimation of the acuity values, but between preferential looking and single optotypes there was a much better agreement. This is most likely due to 'crowding' in strabismic amblyopia. A crowding ratio was calculated in the amblyopic eye, and crowding was found to be more prominent for comparisons of preferential looking with optotypes in rows, than for preferential looking and single optotypes. CONCLUSIONS Strabismic amblyopia cannot be reliably identified with grating acuity. Preferential looking-testing is therefore of limited use as a screening method for the detection of amblyopia, but preferential looking could still be useful in the assessment and treatment.
Rapid and highly sensitive detection of Enterovirus 71 by using nanogold-enhanced electrochemical impedance spectroscopy

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) infection is an emerging infectious disease causing neurological complications and/or death within two to three days after the development of fever and rash. A low viral titre in clinical specimens makes the detection of EV71 difficult. Conventional approaches for detecting EV71 are time consuming, poorly sensitive, or complicated, and cannot be used effectively for clinical diagnosis. Furthermore, EV71 and Coxsackie virus A16 (CA16) may cross react in conventional assays. Therefore, a rapid, highly sensitive, specific, and user-friendly test is needed. We developed an EV71-specific nanogold-modified working electrode for electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in the detection of EV71. Our results show that EV71 can be distinguished from CA16, Herpes simplex virus, and lysozyme, with the modified nanogold electrode being able to detect EV71 in concentrations as low as 1 copy number/50 μl reaction volume, and the duration between sample preparation and detection being 11 min. This detection platform may have the potential for use in point-of-care diagnostics.
Production and energy-use efficiency of greater yam (Dioscorea a1ata)-based intercropping system as influenced by intercrops and planting patterns

A field experiment was conducted at Bhubaneshwar during 2001-02 and 2002-03 on acid laterite soils under rainfed conditions, to assess the production and energy-use efficiency of various greater yam (Dioscorea alata) based intercropping systems. Greater yam was planted at normal (90 x 90 cm), paired (601120 x 90 cm) and skipped rows (901180 x 90 cm) with 1,2 and 3 rows of maize (Zea mays L.), sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] and pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. ] respectively as intercrop. Sole greater yam was planted as control. The maximum tuber-equivalent yield (18.7 tlha), land-equivalent ratio (1.37) and production efficiency (89.2 kglhalday) were obtained with maize as an intercrop in greater yam (normal planting), followed by greater yam (paired row planting). Pigeonpea and sorghum were the next best intercrops in the order. Similarly, intercrop- ping with normal row and paired row planting irrespective of intercrops produced higher output energy (84.25- 100.70 x 103 MJlha). Skipped row planting, due to lower greater yam tuber yield, recorded lower tuber-equivalent yield, land-equivalent ratio, production efficiency and energy output than sole greater yam cropping. However, en- ergy output : input ratio and energy-use efficiency of greater yam + pigeonpea in skipped row planting was highest due to its lowest seed as well as manures and fertilizers energy inputs. Greater yam + maize (normal row planting) intercropping system was the next best in energy output : input ratio due to higher energy from the yields. Thus, maize was the best intercrop (1 row) with greater yam planted at normal rows (90 cm x 90 cm).
Geriatric Assessment, Falls and Rehabilitation in Patients Starting or Established on Peritoneal Dialysis

Individuals aged over 70 years at the time of starting dialysis have a varied and often challenging existence on dialysis. Canadian data suggest those starting dialysis between the ages of 75 and 79 years will have an average life expectancy of 3.2 years, while based on US data, patients can expect an average life expectancy of 25 months. A substantial proportion of these patients will, however, experience transient or permanent loss of personal independence within the first few months to years on dialysis. Preliminary data from patients recently started on peritoneal dialysis (PD) suggest patients and families adapt, but that the adaptation often involves limiting activities and altering the social role the patient has within the family. As data emerge, it will be possible to hypothesize whether this adaptation is beneficial in the long term, or whether these adaptations are permissive, allowing the patient to play a sick role leading to an accelerated transition to frailty and possibly death. Future research will hopefully inform us whether the functional dependency can be identified early and whether it is preventable. In the interim, repair rather than prevention is possible through rehabilitation. We therefore advocate that programs providing PD care consider the integration of protocols whereby patients may undergo formal evaluation to identify those who would benefit from walking or personal care aids, rehabilitation interventions, and, when needed, personal support.
Modelling of a PEM Fuel Cell System

Abstract This paper considers modeling and simulation study of a fuel cell system. A mathematical model of a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cell system is presented in this paper. For the convenience of presentation, cathode flow, anode flow, the membrane hydration, and voltage output expressions of the PEM fuel cell system are given in the paper to bridge a generic model to the model of Fuel Cell Test station (FCT). Within the University research facilities, there is a PEM – FCT station available so the PEM-FCT is used for the simulation study. Comparisons are made between the simulation results from the mathematical model which is implemented in MATLAB/Simulink and FCT test data. A general agreement exists but where there are differences and anomalies the paper gave reasons for this. Overall the PEM Fuel Cell (PEMFC) model represents the FCT station. The PEMFC model can be used for controller development to improve FCT system performance.
A low-power parasitic-insensitive switched-capacitor integrator for Delta-Sigma ADCs

A modified low-power switched-capacitor integrator is proposed. It reduces power dissipation without increasing the thermal noise. The proposed integrator is parasitic-insensitive and allows a high linearity. A modified low-distortion self-coupled Delta-Sigma (ΔΣ) Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) is proposed to incorporate this new integrator. Analysis and simulations show that the high linearity can be achieved, even with mismatched parasitic capacitors.
Mechanical constraints imposed by 3D cellular geometry and arrangement modulate growth patterns in the Arabidopsis embryo

Significance During plant growth and development, the gene expression that promotes growth does not always spatially correlate with observed growth. This suggests that additional factors guide morphogenesis. Here we propose that mechanical cues play an instructive role and test our hypothesis by using a full 3D cellular-level finite-element simulation model of the mature Arabidopsis embryo. We demonstrate that the size, shape, and arrangement of plant cells all influence their ability to grow in response to growth-promoting gene expression. These principles were sufficient to explain the displacement of growth from the center of growth-promoting gene expression. These findings represent a previously undescribed mechanism governing 3D growth patterns in multicellular plant organs. Morphogenesis occurs in 3D space over time and is guided by coordinated gene expression programs. Here we use postembryonic development in Arabidopsis plants to investigate the genetic control of growth. We demonstrate that gene expression driving the production of the growth-stimulating hormone gibberellic acid and downstream growth factors is first induced within the radicle tip of the embryo. The center of cell expansion is, however, spatially displaced from the center of gene expression. Because the rapidly growing cells have very different geometry from that of those at the tip, we hypothesized that mechanical factors may contribute to this growth displacement. To this end we developed 3D finite-element method models of growing custom-designed digital embryos at cellular resolution. We used this framework to conceptualize how cell size, shape, and topology influence tissue growth and to explore the interplay of geometrical and genetic inputs into growth distribution. Our simulations showed that mechanical constraints are sufficient to explain the disconnect between the experimentally observed spatiotemporal patterns of gene expression and early postembryonic growth. The center of cell expansion is the position where genetic and mechanical facilitators of growth converge. We have thus uncovered a mechanism whereby 3D cellular geometry helps direct where genetically specified growth takes place.
Volatility behavior of asset returns based on robust volatility ratio: Empirical analysis on global stock indices

Abstract In this paper, we come up with an alternate theoretical proof for the independence and unbiased property of extreme value robust volatility estimator with respect to the standard robust volatility estimator. We show that the robust volatility ratio is unbiased both in the population and in the finite samples. We empirically test the robust volatility ratio on nine global stock indices from America, Asia Pacific and EMEA markets for the period from January 1996 to June 2017 based on daily open, high, low and close prices to understand the volatility behavior of stock returns over a period of time. Our results show that robust volatility ratio for different k-month periods is significantly less than 1 for all the global stock indices, thus finding the clear evidence of random walk behavior. This is possibly the first study based on robust volatility ratio to understand the volatility behavior of global stock indices.
Standard life: A study of one of the UK’s oldest institutional investors

Corporate governance has become a global phenomenon. This book highlights, through various case studies, how corporate governance has evolved in a number of countries around the world. The international cast of contributors, from varying professional backgrounds including academics, lawyers and company directors, focus on different regions around the globe, reflecting various ownership structures, legal systems, and political and cultural aspirations. Some of the case studies used include: Standard Life; Telecom Italia; and Eskom.
Generalized reconstruction of phase contrast MRI: Analysis and correction of the effect of gradient field distortions

To characterize gradient field nonuniformity and its effect on velocity encoding in phase contrast (PC) MRI, a generalized model that describes this phenomenon and enables the accurate reconstruction of velocities is presented. In addition to considerable geometric distortions, inhomogeneous gradient fields can introduce deviations from the nominal gradient strength and orientation, and therefore spatially‐dependent first gradient moments. Resulting errors in the measured phase shifts used for velocity encoding can therefore cause significant deviations in velocity quantification. The true magnitude and direction of the underlying velocities can be recovered from the phase difference images by a generalized PC velocity reconstruction, which requires the acquisition of full three‐directional velocity information. The generalized reconstruction of velocities is applied using a matrix formalism that includes relative gradient field deviations derived from a theoretical model of local gradient field nonuniformity. In addition, an approximate solution for the correction of one‐directional velocity encoding is given. Depending on the spatial location of the velocity measurements, errors in velocity magnitude can be as high as 60%, while errors in the velocity encoding direction can be up to 45°. Results of phantom measurements demonstrate that effects of gradient field nonuniformity on PC‐MRI can be corrected with the proposed method. Magn Reson Med 50:791–801, 2003. Published 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Properties of Entropy Coding for 3D DCT Video Compression Method

This contribution presents a basic structure of video compression coder based on Three Dimensional Discrete Cosine Transform (3D DCT). Mainly, this paper deals with a optimal method of forming the 3D DCT frequency coefficients into output bit stream. It is well known the number of non zero frequency coefficients depends on the video sequence character. The sequence with a slow motion evokes a low number of coefficients and vice versa the dynamic sequence produces a high number of frequency coefficients, thus the compress ratio of an encoded sequence tends to be low. It could be proved the compress properties of 3D DCT encoder do not depends only on scene character but can be improved by the entropy coder and by the way how the coefficients are scanned. The scanning order optimized for the 3D DCT and a content of the dictionary for Huffman coder is proposed in this paper.
Adenosine inhibits cytokine release and expression of adhesion molecules by activated human endothelial cells.

Ischemia induces excessive ATP catabolism with subsequent local release of its metabolite adenosine, an autacoid with anti-inflammatory properties. Because activation of the vascular endothelium is critical to the inflammatory host response during ischemia and reperfusion, the effects of adenosine on two major determinants of endothelial cell activation (i.e., the release of proinflammatory cytokines and the expression of adhesion molecules) were studied. Adenosine dose dependently inhibited the release of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 by stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Expression of E-selectin and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), but not intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), by activated HUVEC was also reduced by adenosine. Inhibition of endogenous adenosine deaminase activity by erythro-9-(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl)adenine or 2'-deoxycoformycin strongly enhanced the inhibitory effects of exogenous adenosine on cytokine release and expression of E-selectin and VCAM-1. However, a clear role for specific adenosine receptors in the described inhibitory events could not be established. Together, these data imply that the vascular endothelium constitutes an important target for the anti-inflammatory actions of adenosine.
Smart textile-based protective system for firefighters

This paper presents a research focused on a smart textile-based protective system which is intended to bring more safety to firefighters facing hazardous conditions. The system is fully integrated into a firefighter protective suit and it is able to monitor heart rate (HR), to detect movements of a firefighter, to detect toxic and combustible gases in the environment and to measure temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH) inside and outside of the suit. The protective system consists of developed integrated sensor modules, e-textile wiring harnesses, body control unit (BCU), central processing unit (CPU), body area network (BAN) and wide area network (WAN). The measured data are wirelessly transmitted over a wide area network with automatic routing algorithm to the central processing unit, which is checked by a firefighter operation chief, who is kept informed about an actual state of individual fire fighters. In case that some monitored parameter oversteps pre-set threshold values the BCU will automatically inform a fire fighter by means of acoustic alarm about oncoming risk.