Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mycetoma in the Sudan: An Update from the Mycetoma Research Centre, University of Khartoum, Sudan

This communication reports on the Mycetoma Research Centre of the University of Khartoum, Sudan experience on 6,792 patients seen during the period 1991–2014.The patients were predominately young (64% under 30 years old) males (76%). The majority (68%) were from the Sudan mycetoma belt and 28% were students. Madurella mycetomatis eumycetoma was the most common type (70%). In 66% of the patients the duration of the disease was less than five years, and 81% gave a history of sinuses discharging mostly black grains (78%). History of trauma at the mycetoma site was reported in 20%. Local pain was reported in 27% of the patients, and only 12% had a family history of mycetoma. The study showed that 57% of the patients had previous surgical excisions and recurrence, and only 4% received previous medical treatment for mycetoma. Other concomitant medical diseases were reported in 4% of the patients. The foot (76%) and hand (8%) were the most commonly affected sites. Less frequently affected sites were the leg and knee (7%), thigh (2%), buttock (2%) and arm and forearm (1%). Rare sites included the chest wall, head and neck, back, abdominal wall, perineum, oral cavity, tongue and eye. Multiple sites mycetoma was recorded in 135 (2%) of cases. At presentation, 37% of patients had massive lesions, 79% had sinuses, 8% had local hyper-hydrosis at the mycetoma lesion, 11% had regional lymphadenopathy, while 6% had dilated tortuous veins proximal to the mycetoma lesions. The diagnosis of mycetoma was established by combined imaging techniques and cytological, histopathological, serological tests and grain culture. Patients with actinomycetoma received a combination of antimicrobial agents, while eumycetoma patients received antifungal agents combined with various surgical excisions. Surgical excisions in the form of wide local excision, debridement or amputation were done in 807 patients, and of them 248 patients (30.7%) had postoperative recurrence. Different types of amputations were done in 120 patients (1.7%).
Genes Found Essential in Other Mycoplasmas Are Dispensable in Mycoplasma bovis

Mycoplasmas are regarded to be useful models for studying the minimum genetic complement required for independent survival of an organism. Mycoplasma bovis is a globally distributed pathogen causing pneumonia, mastitis, arthritis, otitis media and reproductive tract disease, and genome sequences of three strains, the type strain PG45 and two strains isolated in China, have been published. In this study, several Tn4001 based transposon constructs were generated and used to create a M. bovis PG45 insertional mutant library. Direct genome sequencing of 319 independent insertions detected disruptions in 129 genes in M. bovis, 48 of which had homologues in Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies mycoides SC and 99 of which had homologues in Mycoplasma agalactiae. Sixteen genes found to be essential in previous studies on other mycoplasma species were found to be dispensable. Five of these genes have previously been predicted to be part of the core set of 153 essential genes in mycoplasmas. Thus this study has extended the list of non-essential genes of mycoplasmas from that previously generated by studies in other species.
Getting Over the Worry Hurdle: Parental Encouragement and the Sports Involvement of Visually Impaired Children and Youths

This paper addresses how parents encourage or discourage sports involvement by their visually impaired offspring, the types of sports involvement these children pursue, and the effects of parental encouragement on sports involvement. It analyzes new evidence from a study of parental adjustment to a visually impaired child. The evidence was derived mainly from open-ended, in-depth interviews of parents of 18 partially sighted and totally blind children who had attended public school. There were 15 mothers and 9 fathers in the 16 families who were interviewed, and 2 of the families had 2 visually impaired children. Additional data were provided through interviews with 14 professionals and volunteers from various fields who had sports-related experiences or observations of visually impaired children and their families. Four major forms of parental encouragement and discouragement were identified: strong encouragers, weak encouragers, tolerators, and discouragers. The predominance of the latter three helped e.
The Effect of Depressotypic Attributions on Marital Satisfaction as Mediated by Spousal Support and Moderated by Length of Marriage in Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

ii Acknowledgments. iv List of Tables . vii List of Figures . viii List of Abbreviations . ix Chapter 1: Introduction . 1 Statement of the Problem . 1 Significance of the Problem . 2 Chapter II: Review of Literature . 7 Marital Satisfaction in Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders . 7 Depressotypic Attributions . 13 Depressotypic Attributions and Marital Satisfaction . 17 Spousal Support . 22 Length of Marriage and Marital Satisfaction . 25 Length of Marriage and Depressotypic Attributions . 29 Length of Marriage and Spousal Support . 30 Research Questions . 31 Chapter III: Methods . 33 Participants . 33
. Exposure Data 1.1 Identification of the Agents Chromium (vi) Compounds

Synonyms, trade names, and molecular formulae for selected chromium (VI) compounds are presented in Table 1.1. This list is not exhaustive , nor does it necessarily reflect the commercial importance of the various chromium-containing substances. Rather, it is indicative of the range of chromium (VI) compounds available. 1.2 Chemical and physical properties of the agents Chromium (VI), also known as hexavalent chromium, is the second most stable oxidation state of chromium. Rarely occurring naturally, most chromium (VI) compounds are manufactured (products or by-products). Chromium (VI) can be reduced to the more stable chromium (III) in the presence of reducing agents (e.g. iron) or oxidizable organic matter (OSHA, 2006). Selected chemical and physical properties of various chromium (VI) compounds are presented in the previous IARC Monograph (IARC, 1990). Chromium (VI) compounds are customarily classed as soluble or insoluble in water. Examples of water-soluble chromium (VI) compounds are sodium chromate (873 g/L at 30 °C) and potassium chromate (629 g/L at 20 °C). Water-insoluble chromium (VI) compounds include barium chromate (2.6 mg/L at 20 °C), and lead chromate (0.17 mg/L at 20 °C) (Lide, 2008). Compounds with solubilities in the middle of this range are not easily classified, and technical grade compounds, such as the various zinc chromates, can have a wide range of solubilities (IARC, 1990). In the United States of America, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has divided chromium (VI) compounds and mixtures into the following three categories: water-insoluble (solubility < 0.01 g/L), slightly soluble (solubility 0.01 g/L–500 g/L), and, highly water-soluble (solubility ≥ 500 g/L) (OSHA, 2006). Chromium (VI) compounds are mostly lemon-yellow to orange to dark red in colour. They are typically solid (i.e. crystalline, granular, or powdery) although one compound (chromyl chloride) is a dark red liquid that decomposes into chromate ion and hydrochloric acid in water (OSHA, 2006). Since that time, new data have become available, these have been incorporated in the Monograph, and taken into consideration in the present evaluation.
Static mapping of mixed-critical applications for fault-tolerant MPSoCs

This paper presents a static mapping optimization technique for fault-tolerant mixed-criticality MPSoCs. The uncertainties imposed by system hardening and mixed criticality algorithms, such as dynamic task dropping, make the worst-case response time analysis difficult for such systems. We tackle this challenge and propose a worst-case analysis framework that considers both reliability and mixed-criticality concerns. On top of that, we build up a design space exploration engine that optimizes fault-tolerant mixed-criticality MPSoCs and provides worst-case guarantees. We study the mapping optimization considering judicious task dropping, that may impose a certain service degradation. Extensive experiments with real-life and synthetic benchmarks confirm the effectiveness of the proposed technique.
OVERVIEW OF TOP-K QUERY PROCESSING IN RELATIONAL DATABASES

Query processing is a fundamental part of Database management system. As the amount of text data stored in relational databases is increasing, it is necessary to support the Top-k query processing over text data. The main objective of top-k query processing is to return the k highest ranked results quickly and efficiently. In this paper, we introduce the Top-k query processing in relational database system. We also discuss the classification of Top-k query processing techniques in relational databases with different design dimensions.
Generating Matrix Identities and Proof Complexity Lower Bounds

Motivated by the fundamental lower bounds questions in proof complexity, we initiate the study of matrix identities as hard instances for strong proof systems. A matrix identity of $d \times d$ matrices over a field $\mathbb{F}$, is a non-commutative polynomial $f(x_1,\ldots,x_n)$ over $\mathbb{F}$ such that $f$ vanishes on every $d \times d$ matrix assignment to its variables. We focus on arithmetic proofs, which are proofs of polynomial identities operating with arithmetic circuits and whose axioms are the polynomial-ring axioms (these proofs serve as an algebraic analogue of the Extended Frege propositional proof system; and over $GF(2)$ they constitute formally a sub-system of Extended Frege [HT12]). We introduce a decreasing in strength hierarchy of proof systems within arithmetic proofs, in which the $d$th level is a sound and complete proof system for proving $d \times d$ matrix identities (over a given field). For each level $d>2$ in the hierarchy, we establish a proof-size lower bound in terms of the number of variables in the matrix identity proved: we show the existence of a family of matrix identities $f_n$ with $n$ variables, such that any proof of $f_n=0$ requires $\Omega(n^{2d})$ number of lines. The lower bound argument uses fundamental results from the theory of algebras with polynomial identities together with a generalization of the arguments in [Hru11]. We then set out to study matrix identities as hard instances for (full) arithmetic proofs. We present two conjectures, one about non-commutative arithmetic circuit complexity and the other about proof complexity, under which up to exponential-size lower bounds on arithmetic proofs (in terms of the arithmetic circuit size of the identities proved) hold. Finally, we discuss the applicability of our approach to strong propositional proof systems such as Extended Frege.
Enhancing the performance of model-based elastography by incorporating additional a priori information in the modulus image reconstruction process

Model-based elastography is fraught with problems owing to the ill-posed nature of the inverse elasticity problem. To overcome this limitation, we have recently developed a novel inversion scheme that incorporates a priori information concerning the mechanical properties of the underlying tissue structures, and the variance incurred during displacement estimation in the modulus image reconstruction process. The information was procured by employing standard strain imaging methodology, and introduced in the reconstruction process through the generalized Tikhonov approach. In this paper, we report the results of experiments conducted on gelatin phantoms to evaluate the performance of modulus elastograms computed with the generalized Tikhonov (GTK) estimation criterion relative to those computed by employing the un-weighted least-squares estimation criterion, the weighted least-squares estimation criterion and the standard Tikhonov method (i.e., the generalized Tikhonov method with no modulus prior). The results indicate that modulus elastograms computed with the generalized Tikhonov approach had superior elastographic contrast discrimination and contrast recovery. In addition, image reconstruction was more resilient to structural decorrelation noise when additional constraints were imposed on the reconstruction process through the GTK method.
Azithromycin attenuates cigarette smoke extract-induced oxidative stress injury in human alveolar epithelial cells

Cigarette smoking has been verified to be one of the most important etiological factors causing the development of bronchogenic carcinoma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Azithromycin (AZM) has been demonstrated to have antioxidant capacity. In the present study, whether AZM is able to attenuate cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-induced A549 cell oxidative stress injury was investigated. Cells were incubated with CSE in the presence or absence of AZM. Cell viability was measured using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was analyzed using western blotting and ELISA. The expression of epithelial cell structural proteins, zona occludens (ZO)-1 and occludin was determined using western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was examined by flow cytometry and fluorescence staining. The results demonstrated that the exposure of A549 cells to CSE decreased cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner. AZM significantly attenuated the CSE-induced decreases in the expression of VEGF and epithelial cell structural proteins, including ZO-1 and occludin. CSE also stimulated ROS production in the A549 cell, while AZM significantly reversed the effects of CSE. In addition, the inhibition of ROS by N-acetyl-L-cysteine had similar effects as AZM on the expression of VEGF and epithelial cell structural proteins and also enhanced cell proliferation. In conclusion, AZM attenuated CSE-induced oxidative stress injury in A549 cells and may be a promising therapeutic agent for smoking-associated pulmonary diseases.
PLC PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES : A FORMAL APPROACH

This paper introduces describes how to integrate standard editing and code generation functionalities offered by most tools supporting the IEC standard 1131-3 with capabilities for modelling and simulating the plant and its interactions with the digital controller. The 1131-3 notations (in particular Functional Block Diagrams) are complemented with differential equations that describe the behaviour of the plant and with an underlying formal model, which supports the analysis of functional and timing properties.
Discoloration of various CAD/CAM blocks after immersion in coffee

Objectives This study evaluated color differences (ΔEs) and translucency parameter changes (ΔTPs) of various computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) blocks after immersion in coffee. Materials and Methods Eight CAD/CAM blocks and four restorative composite resins were evaluated. The CIE L*a*b* values of 2.0 mm thick disk-shaped specimens were measured using the spectrophotometer on white and black backgrounds (n = 6). The ΔEs and ΔTPs of one day, one week, and one month immersion in coffee or water were calculated. The values of each material were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's multiple comparisons (α = 0.05). The ΔEs after prophylaxis paste polishing of 1 month coffee immersion specimens, water sorption and solubility were also evaluated. Results After one month in coffee, ΔEs of CAD/CAM composite resin blocks and restorative composites ranged from 1.6 to 3.7 and from 2.1 to 7.9, respectively, and ΔTPs decreased. The ANOVA of ΔEs and ΔTPs revealed significant differences in two main factors, immersion periods and media, and their interaction except for ΔEs of TEL (Telio CAD, Ivoclar Vivadent). The ΔEs significantly decreased after prophylaxis polishing except GRA (Gradia Block, GC). There was no significant correlation between ΔEs and water sorption or solubility in water. Conclusions The ΔEs of CAD/CAM blocks after immersion in coffee varied among products and were comparable to those of restorative composite resins. The discoloration of CAD/CAM composite resin blocks could be effectively removed with prophylaxis paste polishing, while that of some restorative composites could not be removed.
Sublinear Partition Estimation

The output scores of a neural network classifier are converted to probabilities via normalizing over the scores of all competing categories. Computing this partition function, $Z$, is then linear in the number of categories, which is problematic as real-world problem sets continue to grow in categorical types, such as in visual object recognition or discriminative language modeling. We propose three approaches for sublinear estimation of the partition function, based on approximate nearest neighbor search and kernel feature maps and compare the performance of the proposed approaches empirically.
Asthma, atopy and tuberculin responses in Chinese schoolchildren in Hong Kong

BACKGROUND The prevalence rates of asthma and other atopic disorders have increased steadily in many developed countries over the past few decades. Recent epidemiological and animal studies have suggested that BCG vaccination might be beneficial in reducing the subsequent development of atopy. This study investigates the relationship between asthma, allergic symptoms, atopy, and tuberculin response in Chinese schoolchildren who received BCG vaccination at birth. METHODS A total of 3110 schoolchildren aged 10 years were recruited for the Hong Kong arm of the phase II International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood. Of the 2599 children born in Hong Kong and vaccinated with BCG after birth, 2201 had tuberculin testing performed at a mean (SD) age of 8.4 (1.4) years. A random subsample of 980 children was also recruited for skin prick testing. RESULTS The prevalence rates of asthma ever, wheeze ever, current wheeze, current rhinoconjunctivitis, and current flexural eczema were not significantly different between tuberculin positive and negative subjects. The mean (SE) tuberculin response was 3.4 (0.2) mm in atopic subjects and 3.3 (0.2) mm in non-atopic subjects (difference not significant). Logistic regression analyses did not reveal any significant relationship between asthma ever, current wheeze, atopy, and positive tuberculin responses. CONCLUSIONS This study did not find any relationship between asthma, allergic symptoms, atopy, and positive tuberculin reactivity in Chinese schoolchildren vaccinated with BCG at birth.
Predictors and outcomes of postpartum mothers' perceptions of readiness for discharge after birth.

OBJECTIVE To identify predictors and outcomes of postpartum mothers' perceptions of their readiness for hospital discharge. DESIGN A correlational design with path analyses was used to explore predictive relationships among transition theory-related variables. SETTING Midwestern tertiary perinatal center. PARTICIPANTS One hundred and forty-one mixed-parity postpartum mothers who had experienced vaginal birth or Cesarean delivery of normal healthy infants. METHODS Before hospital discharge, patients completed questionnaires about sociodemographic characteristics, hospitalization factors, quality of discharge teaching, and readiness for discharge. Three weeks postdischarge, mothers were contacted by telephone to collect coping difficulty and health care utilization data. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale, Post-Discharge Coping Difficulty Scale, Utilization of postdischarge services. RESULTS Quality of discharge teaching, specifically the relative difference in the amount of informational content needed and received and the skills of nurses in delivering discharge teaching, explained 38% of the variance in postpartum mothers' perceptions of discharge readiness. Readiness for discharge scores explained 22% of the variance in postdischarge coping difficulty scores. Nurses' skills in delivery of discharge teaching, coping difficulty, patient characteristics, and birth hospitalization factors were predictive of utilization of family support and postdischarge health care services. CONCLUSION A trajectory of influence was evident in the sequential relationships of quality of discharge teaching, readiness for discharge, postdischarge coping, and utilization of family support and health care services. Transitions theory provided a useful framework for conceptualizing and investigating the transition home after childbirth.
Multiple object tracking based on sparse generative appearance modeling

This paper addresses multiple object tracking which still remains a challenging problem because of factors like frequent occlusions, unknown number of targets and similarity in objects' appearance. We propose a novel approach for multiple object tracking using a multiple feature framework. The main focus of the proposed method is to build a robust appearance model. The appearance model of an object is built using a color model, a sparse appearance model, a motion model and spatial information. We validated the proposed algorithm on four publicly available videos with comparisons with state-of-the-art approaches. We demonstrate that our algorithm achieves competitive results.
Numerical Resolution of CO 2 Transport Dynamics

We consider a hyperbolic system of conservation laws describing multicomponent flows through a transport pipeline, with applications to CO2 transport and storage. We demonstrate that numerical dissipation easily leads to an underestimation of the amplitude of pressure pulses and the resulting pipe strain. We argue that recently developed high-resolution methods, particularly adapted to our current model, are essential tools for an accurate operations analysis.
Quality assurance in dentistry: the Dutch approach.

PURPOSE To describe the definition of quality, as used in the Dutch literature, and to discuss the policy concerning quality assurance of dental care of both the Dutch government and the Dutch Dental Association. DATA SOURCE Study of relevant literature. RESULTS Quality is described as the degree to which the entire set of characteristics of a product, process or service satisfies established or obvious needs. With respect to quality assurance, the government merely tends to frame the setting, through legislation and stimulation, whereas the professional organization supports the responsibility of individual dentists by developing a quality, assurance system and by delivering tools for quality assessment. Possible activities within such a quality assurance system are continuing education, peer review, the use of practice guidelines and horizontal referral. CONCLUSION In Dutch dentistry a start has been made with the development of a quality assurance policy, which is aimed at the improvement of oral health and the increase of patient satisfaction. However, further research should still be focused on quality of dental care and its assessment in practice.
SCUBA sub-millimeter observations of gamma-ray bursters I. GRB 970508, 971214, 980326, 980329, 980519, 980703, 981220, 981226

We summarize our ongoing program of sub‐millimeter observations of gamma‐ray bursts (GRBs) using the Sub‐millimetre Common‐User Bolometer Array (SCUBA) on the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT). Sub‐millimeter observations of the early afterglows are of interest because this is where the emission peaks in some bursts in the days to weeks following the burst. Of increasing interest is to look for underlying quiescent sub‐millimeter sources that may be dusty star‐forming host galaxies.