Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modern Approach to Imaging of Biliary Ducts Stenting

A range of minimally invasive interventions is still expanding because the performed procedures may often be more potent and precise than the classical operations. Effectiveness and precision can especially be improved when some combined methods of imaging are used. Videoendoscopy imaging and X-ray imaging are two complementary methods applied during the intervention presented in the paper. These methods facilitate a significant increase in diagnostics and treatment comfort. Interdisciplinary issues of combined medical imaging are presented using some examples of a modern approach to imaging of biliary stenting. The selected examples of effects obtained during interventions assisted by combined imaging of operation site are presented. They have to allow the operator to have great control over the appearance of desirable effects as well as undesirable complications in order to work comfortably and safe.
Reverse piloting protocol for securing time varying wireless channels

We consider single-tone pilot based burst transmission over slow time varying flat fading wireless channels with no line of sight. We propose a reverse pilot signaling protocol, based on sending the pilot signal from the receiver to the transmitter instead of from the transmitter to the receiver and on channel tracking at the receiver. We show that the channel performs automatic symbol level encryption analogous to a shift cipher. We derive explicit relationships between channel and system parameters which guarantee secure transmission of the entire data burst for given channel conditions, and depict them for Rayleigh fading. The proposed protocol exhibits high key generating rates, and no overheads on key distribution, enciphering and deciphering. Its security strength increases with mobility. These properties make it a good candidate for mobile wireless systems where bandwidth and power resources are scarce, such as mobile wireless sensor networks and mobile ad-hoc networks.
On the joint source-channel decoding of variable-length encoded sources: the BSC case

This paper proposes an optimal maximum a posteriori probability decoder for variable-length encoded sources over binary symmetric channels (BSC) that uses a novel state-space to deal with the problem of variable-length source codes in the decoder. This sequential, finite-delay, joint source-channel decoder delivers substantial improvements over the conventional decoder and also over a system that uses a standard forward error correcting code operating at the same over all bit rates. This decoder is also robust to inaccuracies in the estimation of channel statistics.
Interferometric Detection of Linear Polarization from Sagittarius A* at 230 GHz

We measured the linear polarization of Sagittarius A* to be 7.2% ± 0.6% at 230 GHz using the BIMA array with a resolution of 3. ″6 × 0. ″9. This confirms the previously reported detection with the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT) 14 m antenna. Our high-resolution observations demonstrate that the polarization does not arise from dust but from a synchrotron source associated with Sgr A*. We see no change in the polarization position angle and only a small change in the polarization fraction in four observations distributed over 60 days. We find a position angle of 139° ± 4°, which differs substantially from what was found in earlier JCMT observations at the same frequency. Polarized dust emission cannot account for this discrepancy, leaving variability and observational error as the only explanations. The BIMA observations alone place an upper limit on the magnitude of the rotation measure of 2 × 106 rad m-2. These new observations, when combined with the JCMT observations at 150, 375, and 400 GHz, suggest that the rotation measure = -4.3 ± 0.1 × 105 rad m-2. This RM may be caused by an external Faraday screen. Barring a special geometry or a high number of field reversals, this RM rules out accretion rates greater than ~10-7 M☉ yr-1. This measurement is inconsistent with high accretion rates necessary in standard advection-dominated accretion flow and Bondi-Hoyle models for Sgr A*. It argues for low accretion rates as a major factor in the overall faintness of Sgr A*.
The Role of Positron Emission Tomography for Translational Research in Stroke

Translational research has the aim to transform scientific discoveries into clinical applications. Molecular concepts are analyzed in in vitro experiments, tested in vivo in animal preparations, and then explored in human studies by which the applicability for clinical disease management—diagnosis, treatment, prevention—is tested. Pathophysiological studies in animal models traditionally applied invasive methods that could not be used in humans. On the other hand, the resolution capacity of modalities for functional and metabolic imaging in humans in the past did not allow detecting regional abnormalities in small experimental animals. With the advance of high-resolution tomographic devices, comparative studies of metabolic and molecular changes in pathological states could be performed noninvasively and repeatedly in animal models and in humans. Because positron emission tomography (PET) permits the quantitative determination of a large number of physiological, metabolic, and molecular variables, it was in the past and still is an appropriate tool for comparative pathophysiological studies in animal models and human disease. In the following, some examples of the role of PET for translational research in stroke are reviewed.
Causality Between Government Expenditures and National Output in Uzbekistan

This article investigates the relationship between government expenditures and national output in Uzbekistan by estimating two vector autoregression (VAR ) models, performing impulse response analysis and testing for Granger causality over the period 1996–2011. The results indicate that there is strong Granger causality from economic growth to the growth rates of total and disaggregated government expenditures, but reverse causality is only weakly, if at all, significant. This suggests that over the sample period a growing share of government expenditures would not have contributed to economic growth in Uzbekistan, most likely due to inefficiency. Accordingly, the Uzbek government should strive to make its expenditures more productive to exert a positive effect on economic growth.
Themed Issue Article: Conservation Physiology of Marine Fishes Progressive hypoxia decouples activity and aerobic performance of skate embryos

Although fish population size is strongly affected by survival during embryonic stages, our understanding of physiological responses to environmental stressors is based primarily on studies of post-hatch fishes. Embryonic responses to acute expo sure to changes in abiotic conditions, including increase in hypoxia, could be particularly important in species exhibiting long developmental time, as embryos are unable to select a different environment behaviourally. Given that oxygen is key to meta bolic processes in fishes and aquatic hypoxia is becoming more severe and frequent worldwide, organisms are expected to reduce their aerobic performance. Here, we examined the metabolic and behavioural responses of embryos of a benthic elasmobranch fish, the little skate ( Leucoraja erinacea), to acute progressive hypoxia, by measuring oxygen consumption and movement (tail-beat) rates inside the egg case. Oxygen consumption rates were not significantly affected by ambient oxygen levels until reaching 45% air saturation (critical oxygen saturation, Scrit). Below Scrit, oxygen consumption rates declined rapidly, revealing an oxygen conformity response. Surprisingly, we observed a decoupling of aerobic performance and activity, as tail-beat rates increased, rather than matching the declining metabolic rates, at air saturation levels of 55% and below. These results suggest a significantly divergent response at the physiological and behavioural levels. While skate embryos depressed their metabolic rates in response to progressive hypoxia, they increased water circulation inside the egg case, presumably to restore normoxic conditions, until activity ceased abruptly around 9.8% air saturation.
‘All her children are born that way’: gendered experiences of stigma in families affected by sickle cell disorder in rural Kenya

Objectives. To explore early experiences of sickle cell disorder (SCD) in families with a young affected child, and the way these experiences influence relations within families. To consider ways in which stigma could be counteracted in health and research programmes in sub Saharan Africa. Design. A qualitative study was conducted in a rural area of coastal Kenya including in-depth interviews with 13 families affected by SCD and 12 staff of a local biomedical research progamme. Purposive selection aimed to maximize diversity in socioeconomic and educational status, religion, severity of illness burden and religion amongst families and draw on relevant experience for staffs. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using the constant comparative method for family interviews and a thematic framework approach for staff data. Results. Low initial recognition of SCD and its cause were associated with lay practices of surveillance within affected families, contributing to stigmatisation that occurred independently of genetic knowledge. Blame was often placed on mothers, including a risk of blame for misaligned paternity. Mothers are often particularly affected by SCD through the loss of independent livelihoods and their limited options in coping with this chronic condition. Conclusions. Mothers of children with SCD were particularly vulnerable to stigmatisation within families, with underlying structural influences that suggest these findings may apply to other similar settings in Africa, and have relevance for other genetic conditions. The potential, nature and form of stigmatisation point to the role of effective communication and SCD management in addressing for blame and discriminative effects of having a child with SCD. The findings highlight the importance of broader social programmes targeting underlying gender and economic inequalities.
Abstract 27: Is Butter Back? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Butter Consumption and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes, and Total Mortality

Introduction: Dietary guidelines recommend avoiding foods high in saturated fat. Yet, emerging evidence suggests potential cardiometabolic benefits of dairy products and dairy fat. Evidence on the role of butter, with high saturated dairy fat content, for total mortality, CVD, and diabetes remains unclear. Objective: To systematically investigate the prospective association of butter consumption with all-cause mortality, CVD, and type 2 diabetes. Methods: We searched 9 databases from inception to May 2015 without restriction on publication year, setting, or language, using keywords related to butter intake and outcomes of interest. We included prospective cohorts or randomized clinical trials providing estimates of effects of butter intake on mortality, CVD (including CHD or stroke), or diabetes in general adult populations. Inclusion decisions and data extractions were performed independently and in duplicate, including on study and participant characteristics, exposure and outcome definitions and assessments, analysis methods, and adjusted risk estimates and uncertainty of prospective multivariate associations. Study quality was evaluated by a modified Newcastle-Ottawa score. Findings were pooled by random and fixed effects meta-analysis, with heterogeneity assessed by the I2 statistic and publication bias by Egger’s test and funnel plots. Results: We identified 9 publications including 15 country-specific cohorts, with 636,151 unique participants, 6.5 million person-years of follow-up, and 28,271 total deaths, 9,783 cases of incident CVD, and 23,954 cases of incident diabetes. Quality ratings were high for all studies. Butter consumption was weakly associated with all-cause mortality (N=9 country-specific cohorts; per 14 g (1 tablespoon)/day: RR=1.01, 95%CI=1.00, 1.03, P=0.045); was not significantly associated with any CVD (N=4; RR=1.00, 95%CI=0.98, 1.02; P=0.79), CHD (N=3; RR=0.99, 95%CI=0.96, 1.03; P=0.605), or stroke (N=3; RR=1.00, 95%CI=0.98, 1.03; P=0.79), and was inversely associated with incidence of diabetes (N=11; RR=0.96, 95%CI=0.93, 0.99; P=0.02). We did not identify evidence for heterogeneity nor publication bias. Conclusions: This systematic review and meta-analysis identified a weak association of butter intake with total mortality, no association with CVD, and a modest protective association with diabetes. The studies identified indicate that many global cohorts have not reported on these associations; if publication bias exists, it would likely be for unpublished reports with null findings, rather than significant associations. In sum, these results suggest relatively neutral effects of butter consumption on major health outcomes, with a possible modest benefit for diabetes.
Hybrid communication system applying electric CDMA over optical WDM

The purpose of this work is to describe and demonstrate a new concept of a hybrid communication system, which consists of applying electrical CDMA to each data channel, on a system using optical WDM. Each user has a unique orthogonal CDMA code and modulates an electrical carrier (e.g. QPSK) prior to the data is used to directly modulate an optical carrier, using a laser. Therefore, it is possible to add several independent data channels in a physical link (optical fiber), over the same or different optical carriers, and recover the information associated to each of the channels. With this approach we can avoid the use of optical filters to separate the data channels at reception, making the system more flexible and robust.
Relationship between left-handedness and increased intelligence among university undergraduates

The focus of the study is to examine the relationship between left-handedness and increased intelligence among university undergraduates of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye. Historically, left-handed individuals have had to cope with many difficulties. The level of hand dominance, however, not only depends on the hand with which an individual writes but also on an entire system of processes working together: eye, hand, and foot dominance. Primary data was used for the study. The study sample consisted of both left-handers and right-handers who were drawn from various departments. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data and which were analyzed using appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that male left-handers (x = 115.50) were more intelligent than female left-handers (x = 101.34). The results also showed that left-handers with higher educational level were more intelligent than those with low educational level (t = 6.93, p<0.05). The results also showed that left-handers will be more intelligent in the areas of spatial and musical intelligence than right-handers. The study opined that left-handed individuals can do well in the areas of spatial and musical intelligence and that being a left-hander does possess some advantages for the individual as it would improve his/her retention and memory if well utilized.
A 8-bit 10MS/s asynchronous SAR ADC with resistor-capacitor array DAC

This paper presents a 65nm 8-bit 10MS/s asynchronous successive approximation register analog to digital converter (SAR ADC). This SAR ADC adopts resistor-capacitor array digital to analog converter (DAC) that has more advantages than only resistors or capacitors. This kind of DAC reduces the capacitance area, while ensuring that the DAC processes good integral nonlinearity and differential nonlinearity. In addition, the design uses asynchronous sequential logic control to ensure that SAR ADC regular operates by the feedback signals from comparator when comparison is completed, avoiding the application of high-speed clock. In terms of both power and speed, it can be very good improvement. This design uses the SMIC 65nm CMOS process, simulation results indicate that at 10MS/s sampling frequency, which is Nyquist sampling, with analog power of 2.5V and digital power of 1.2V, the maximum integral nonlinearity error is 0.8LSB, the maximum differential nonlinearity error is 0.5LSB and ENOB is up to 7.8bit.
Epidemiology and morbidity of Epstein-Barr virus infection in pediatric renal transplant recipients: a multicenter, prospective study.

BACKGROUND The epidemiology and morbidity of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in pediatric renal transplant recipients have been characterized insufficiently. METHODS In a prospective, multicenter study among 106 pediatric kidney allograft recipients aged 11.4 ± 5.9 years, we investigated the epidemiology of EBV infection and the relationship between EBV load, EBV serology, and EBV-related morbidity (posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease [PTLD] or symptomatic EBV infection, defined as flu-like symptoms or infectious mononucleosis). RESULTS EBV primary infection occurred in 27 of 43 (63%) seronegative patients and reactivation/reinfection in 28 of 63 (44%) seropositive patients. There was no association between the degree or duration of EBV load and EBV-related morbidity: The vast majority (17 of 18 [94%]) of patients with a high, persistent EBV load remained PTLD-free throughout a follow-up of 5.0 ± 1.3 years, while 2 of 3 (66%) patients with EBV-related PTLD exhibited only a low EBV load beforehand. Eight of 18 (44%) patients with a high, persistent EBV load remained asymptomatic during a follow-up of 5.3 ± 2.9 years. Multivariate analysis identified the EBV high-risk (D(+)/R(-)) serostatus (odds ratio [OR], 7.07; P < .05), the presence of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR7 (OR, 5.65; P < .05), and the intensity of the immunosuppressive therapy (OR, 1.53; P < .01) as independent risk factors for the development of a symptomatic EBV infection. CONCLUSIONS Presence of EBV high-risk seroconstellation, HLA-DR7, and intensity of immunosuppressive therapy are significant risk factors for a symptomatic EBV infection, whereas there is no close association between the degree or duration of EBV load and EBV-related morbidity. Clinical Trials Registration. NCT00963248.
A Ring Isomorphism and corresponding Pseudoinverses

This paper studies the set of $n\times n$ matrices for which all row and column sums equal zero. By representing these matrices in a lower dimensional space, it is shown that this set is closed under addition and multiplication, and furthermore is isomorphic to the set of arbitrary $(n-1)\times (n-1)$ matrices. The Moore-Penrose pseudoinverse corresponds with the true inverse, (when it exists), in this lower dimension and an explicit representation of this pseudoinverse in terms of the lower dimensional space is given. This analysis is then extended to non-square matrices with all row or all column sums equal to zero.
Greedy extension of localized auction based protocols for wireless robot-robot coordination

We assume that an event was reported to one of robots, and a response by one robot is required. The goal of robot-robot coordination for task assignment is to select the best robot for responding to a reported event so that communication cost for selecting, and response time for performing the task are minimized. Existing solutions, except those recently proposed in [3], are either centralized, neglecting communication cost, assuming complete graph, or based on flooding with individual responses to robot decision maker (simple auction protocol – SAP), ignoring communication cost and response time bound. This article proposes greedy improvement to previously proposed (in [3]) k-hop simple auction protocol (k-SAP) and k-hop simple auction aggregation protocol (k-SAAP) for task assignment in multi-hop wireless robot networks. After decision about the best robot is made by k-SAP or k-SAAP, new 1-SAP greedy auction is initiated by that robot in order to search for possibly better robot in 1-hop neighborhood. Such greedy approach proceeds until no better robot is found. Improvement of new k-SAPG and k-SAAPG over k-SAP and k-SAAP by applying greedy approach is shown by simulation results.
Effects in postmenopausal women of estradiol and medroxyprogesterone alone and combined on resistance artery function and endothelial morphology and movement.

CONTEXT Endothelial dysfunction in resistance arteries after menopause is important for the development of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. OBJECTIVES Our objectives were to study the effects of different hormone replacement therapies on the function and morphology of isolated resistance arteries, and to look for their mechanistic basis. DESIGN AND SETTING This was a randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind study in a University hospital, along with laboratory based studies. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTIONS We isolated resistance arteries in sc biopsies from 55 postmenopausal women before and after 3-month therapy with estradiol (E2), medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), E2 plus MPA, or placebo. In addition, we studied isolated human endothelial cells. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES AND RESULTS Artery flow-mediated dilatation was augmented after treatment with E2 or E2 plus MPA, whereas MPA or placebo had no effect. Pressure-induced myogenic tone was reduced by E2 plus MPA, whereas it was unchanged in the other groups. Scanning microscopy showed that E2 improved endothelial cell morphology and decreased signs of endothelial apoptosis, but the addition of MPA impaired these events. E2, MPA, or the combination all increased the expression and phosphorylation of the actin-binding protein, moesin and of the focal adhesion complex controller, focal adhesion kinase, and induced the rearrangement of cytoskeletal actin and vinculin fibers. All treatments promoted endothelial cell horizontal migration, with E2 inducing the strongest effect. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that hormone replacement therapy with estrogens or in combination with MPA may benefit the function of resistance arteries and may preserve the morphological integrity of endothelial cells by regulatory actions on the cytoskeleton.
Income portfolios in rural Ethiopia and Tanzania: choices and constraints

The paper analyzes the different income portfolios of households using survey data from rural Ethiopia and rural Tanzania. It suggests that the different portfolios held by households cannot be explained by their behaviour towards risk as is usually suggested. It is better explained by differences in ability, location, and in access to credit. A logit analysis of households with different income portfolios, controlling for the effects of location, suggests that entry into high-return activities is determined by investment in particular skills or by access to capital.