Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Screening Tests Used to Detect Toxoplasma gondii in Women in Sudan

Blood samples from 255 child bearing age women distributed into two villages named EL Nuba and EL Massoudia were collected according to their agreement and after obtaining their written consent form. Plasma separated from 255 blood samples were tested at delivery for Toxoplasma gondii antibodies using three different screening tests. These tests were Latex Agglutination Test (LAT), Complement Fixation Test (CFT), and ELISA IgG. Evaluation of the screening test was done for the three tests. The sensitivity of LAT, CFT, and ELISA IgG were 82.5%, 96.8%, and 98.9% respectively. The specificity of these tests was 91.2%, 94.1%, and 97.1% respectively. The Positive predictive value was 96.2%, 97.8%, and 98.9% respectively. The negative predictive value was 66%, 91.4% and 97.8%, respectively. The positive likelihood ratio was 9.35, 16.4, and 33.6 respectively. The negative likelihood ratio was 0.192, 0.0345, and 0.11 respectively. According to these evaluations a proposed protocol was drawn to detect infection in women.
Finite element analysis of the contact problem between graphite-brushes and — Slip rings in double-fed asynchronous generators

The slip ring system is used in double-fed asynchronous generators in wind turbines. The rotor current flows through the resulting contact surfaces between the graphite-brushes and slip rings, passing over a frequency converter into the electrical grid. While transmitting power, sometimes micro brush fires in the area of contact occur, which are caused by the separation of the contact components. Influences to that phenomenon are the electromagnetic forces, radial eccentricity and electro hydrodynamic forces. In this paper, the nonlinear characteristics of steady-state contact problems between graphite-brushes and slip rings and the influence of the electromagnetic forces in the contact areas are analyzed. By using ANSYS software, a finite element model (FEM) of the contact problem is established and simulated. For validation, the main parameters of the contact area are also calculated by using the Hertz contact theory. The electromagnetic forces are mathematically determined from the contact areas and current amplitude in the components. The results obtained by simulation and theoretical analysis are both compared and it is shown that the simulation of the contact between graphite-brushes and slip rings and the electromagnetic forces is feasible.
Appendicular fat mass is positively associated with femoral neck bone mineral density in older women

ObjectiveIn this study, we examined the relationships between body fat accumulation and distribution and bone mineral density (BMD) in older women. MethodsA total of 100 healthy white women (mean ± SD age, 68.7 ± 5.5 y) free of medications known to affect bone were enrolled. Lean mass, fat mass (FM), percentage body fat, android FM, gynoid FM, appendicular FM (AFM), appendicular lean mass, and femoral neck BMD were measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Dietary intake was assessed by 4-day dietary record, and potential renal acid load was also calculated. Performance measures included knee extension and flexion strength measured on an isokinetic dynamometer. Physical activity was assessed using accelerometers and a questionnaire. Lactase nonpersistence was defined by the C/T-13910 genotype. Sociodemographic information, lifestyle behaviors, and clinical status were also examined. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis showed that AFM was the most significant positive predictor of femoral neck BMD. ResultsAfter adjustment for confounders (age, height, age at menopause, potential renal acid load, physical activity, and knee muscle strength), AFM had strong and independent associations with femoral neck BMD (26.4% of variance). ConclusionsThese data highlight that in older women, localization of FM is more important for bone mass than obesity per se or lean mass. AFM (subcutaneous adiposity) seems to exhibit an independent protective effect on BMD.
Efectos de las asimetrías organizativas de los socios en las alianzas estratégicas: una evidencia de naturaleza cualitativa

Partiendo de una revision de la literatura existente sobre el tema, se aborda un estudio de casos, aplicando una metodologia cualitativa de investigacion, con el objeto de avanzar en el conocimiento y comprension de las peculiaridades de las alianzas formadas por empresas asimetricas. Se construye un marco teorico en el que se presentan una serie de proposiciones con relacion a los efectos de dichas asimetrias sobre el desarrollo de la relacion (presencia de conflictos), asi como a la existencia de ciertas variables moderadoras que atenuan o potencian dichos efectos. Asimismo se propone una relacion indirecta entre las asimetrias organizativas y la performance de las alianzas que permite explicar las diferencias entre resultados de trabajos empiricos previos
Finite Element Approximations of the Ericksen-Leslie Model for Nematic Liquid Crystal Flow

The Ericksen-Leslie model describes dynamics of low molar-mass nematic liquid crystals, where the spatiotemporal distribution of defects defining texture is represented by the director unit vector field ${\bf d}: \Omega_T \rightarrow \mathbb{S}^2$. It consists of the Navier-Stokes equations with an extra viscous stress tensor, and a convective harmonic map heat flow equation to govern the dynamics of the director field. Two fully discrete finite element methods, for a regularized system using the Ginzburg-Landau regularization and for the limiting Ericksen-Leslie model, are proposed, and well-posedness and related discrete energy laws are established. For the regularized model, unconditional convergence of finite element solutions towards weak solutions of the continuum model as well as convergence towards measure-valued solutions of the limiting Ericksen-Leslie model are verified when the mesh parameters and the regularization parameter successively tend to zero. Computational experiments are also presented to show the importance of balancing numerical and regularization parameters, to compare regularized and direct approaches, and to show numerically the finite-time formation, annihilation, and evolution of point defects.
Dapsone motor neuropathy‐An axonal disease

Dapsone produces a potentially reversible toxic neuropathy, with its primary effect on the soma and axons of motor neurons as opposed to myelin. There is very little evidence to suggest involvement of sensory axons in most cases; if present, it would appear minimal. A “dying back” of motor axons is postulated to produce the clinical features of primarily distal weakness and wasting. Recovery appears to occur via axon regeneration and peripheral sprouting. The sporadic occurrence of this neuropathy may be due to slow acetylation of dapsone in some patients.
Relationship between weight at birth and the number and size of renal glomeruli in humans: a histomorphometric study.

BACKGROUND The number of nephrons in humans varies considerably under normal circumstances, and retarded intrauterine growth has been reported to be associated with a significant reduction in nephron number. Low nephron number may be an independent risk factor for the development of hypertension. We therefore decided to evaluate the relationship between body weight at birth and the number and size of nephron units. METHODS We examined coronal sections of the kidneys of 35 neonates who died within two weeks of birth because of hyaline membrane, infectious complications, brain hemorrhage, or perinatal hypoxia and had no urinary congenital malformations. Nine of them (5 males and 4 females) were between 36 and 37 weeks of gestation, and the rest had 38 or more weeks of gestation. Eighteen neonates weighed less than 2500 g at birth [low birth weight (LBW); 9 females and 9 males], and 17 had weights above this value [normal birth weight (NBW); 8 females and 9 males]. In each section, glomeruli present in four sequential subcapsular microscopic fields, corresponding to 0.6 mm2, were counted; in addition, the area of each of 65 consecutive glomeruli was determined by a computerized measurement system. Glomerular volume was calculated from the glomerular area. Linear regression analysis was used to test the relationship between glomerular number and size and the weight at birth. RESULTS The number of glomeruli per 0.6 mm2 of renal cortex was 92.9 +/- 4.85 in the LBW and 105.8 +/- 3.91 in NBW (P < 0.0001). Glomerular volume (micro(3) x 10(-3)) was 529.1 +/- 187.63 in the LBW group and 158.0 +/- 49.89 in the NBW group (P < 0.0001). The glomeruli occupied 8.59 +/- 1.38% of the kidney area under examination in the LBW group and 14.3 +/- 2.75% in the NBW group (P < 0.0001). There were significant direct correlations between the weight at birth and the number of glomeruli (r = 0.870, P < 0.0001) and area occupied by glomeruli (r = 0.935, P < 0.0001). There were inverse correlations between the number of glomeruli and the volume of the glomeruli (r = -0.816, P < 0.0001) and the weight at birth and glomerular volume (r = -0.848, P < 0.0001). These findings were independent of sex and race (black vs. white). Essential arterial hypertension existed in 38.9% of the mothers of children with LBW and in 5.9% of the mothers of children with NBW (P < 0.05). Smoking habits existed in 50% of the mothers of LBW children and in 11.8% of the mothers of NBW children (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION There are strong correlations between glomerular number (direct) and size (inverse) with LBW in this cohort. Endowment with decreased nephron numbers may be a risk factor for hypertension and the rate of progression of renal disease.
A preliminary report on infection of the lizard, Takydromus tachydromoides, with Japanese encephalitis virus.

Many reports and hypotheses on the mechanism of overwintering , or maintenance of mosquito-borne arboviruses during winter in temperate regions have been presented by various authors on the basis of experimental and field investigations , as reviewed by Reeves (1961). Recently, poikilothermic animals have attracted attention as overwintering hosts of a few group A arboviruses. Thomas et al. (1959) reported long lasting viremia observed in garter snakes infected with WEE virus . Thomas and Eklund (1960) and Gebhardt and Hill (1960) demonstrated experimental overwintering of WEE virus in garter snakes and Gebhardt et al. (1964) and Spalatin et al . (1964) found high incidence of viremia in snakes caught in nature . Lizards were suggested to play a role in maintenance of EEE virus in Panama by Craighead et al. (1962). Rehacek et al. (1961) reported the infection of green lizards with tick-borne encephalitis virus. The present authors have been investigating the possible role of poikilothermic hosts in the ecology of Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus. This report communicates recent findings that a species of lizard common in Japan was experimentally infected with JE virus and showed viremia for more than two weeks. The lizards, Takydromus tachydromoides, used in the experiments were caught at Tsunashima, Kanagawa Prefecture in October 1967 and were estimated to be less than three months old from their size. This species of lizard is widely distributed and common in almost all parts of Japan. Captive lizards were kept at 26 C in the laboratory and were fed on small German roaches. They were supplied with sufficient water at all times. Twelve lizards were inoculated intraperitoneally (ip) with 0.05 ml of 10-4 diluted emulsion of infected suckling mouse brain and 40 were inoculated subcutaneously (sc) with the same sized inoculum. JaGAr 19461 strain of JE virus at its third passage level in suckling mouse brain was used. It was isolated from infected Culex tritaeniorhynchus in 1961 by the National Institute of Health . The titer of the undiluted inoculum was 107 suckling mouse intracerebral (ic) doses per 0.02 ml. Two to four lizards were bled by heart puncture with 30 cmm blood pipettes at various time intervals after virus inoculation. These blood samples were pooled in phosphate buffered saline supplemented with 2 % calf serum (JE antibody free) and antibiotics so as to obtain a dilution of 1:8 to 1:10. Separated sera were inoculated is into a litter of suckling mice. These mice were observed for 10 days . The results of experimental infection of lizards are shown in Table 1. In Exp. I, 12 lizards were sacrificed 1, 3, 5 and 15 days after inoculation, three at one time .
La matematica nella modellistica elettromagnetica: alcuni esempi

It In questo lavoro sono illustrati alcuni metodi per l'analisi elettromagnetica di strutture la cui dimensione risulta grande in termini di lunghezza d'onda, con lo scopo di evidenziare il loro collegamento con il mondo della matematica. Pur non riportando una casistica esaustiva dei metodi di analisi attualmente impiegati nel campo dell'elettromagnetismo, gli esempi scelti indicano come una accurata formulazione matematica possa ampliare la classe dei problemi analizzabili con una specifica tecnica.
Superintegrable relativistic systems in spacetime-dependent background fields

We consider a relativistic charged particle in background electromagnetic fields depending on both space and time. We identify which symmetries of the fields automatically generate integrals (conserved quantities) of the charge motion, accounting fully for relativistic and gauge invariance. Using this we present new examples of superintegrable relativistic systems. This includes examples where the integrals of motion are quadratic or nonpolynomial in the canonical momenta.
Diabetic retinopathy: pathogenesis, clinical grading, management and future developments

Decades of research into the pathophysiology and management of diabetic retinopathy have revolutionized our understanding of the disease process. Diabetic retinopathy is now more accurately defined as a neurovascular rather than a microvascular disease as neurodegenerative disease precedes and coexists with microvascular changes. However, the complexities of the pathways involved in different stages of disease severity continue to remain a challenging issue for drug discovery. Currently, laser photocoagulation is the mainstay of treatment for proliferative diabetic retinopathy, but is gradually being superseded for diabetic macular oedema. However, it is destructive and at best results in a gradual but modest improvement in vision in the long term. So, diabetic retinopathy remains the most prevalent cause of visual impairment in the working‐age population despite established screening programmes, early diagnosis and treatment of the condition. The recent discovery of inhibitors of vascular endothelial growth factor is revolutionizing the management of diabetic retinopathy, particularly diabetic macular oedema. However, not all patients respond to anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor agents, reinforcing the fact that diabetic retinopathy is a multifactorial disease. Studies are still required to improve our understanding of how retinal structure correlates with visual function. It is hoped that these will lead to better characterization of the disease phenotype based on treatment responses to different agents and allow an algorithm to be developed that will guide the management of diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema at different stages of severity.
Blood pressure-lowering treatment should be based on the level of cardiovascular risk, not on the level of blood pressure

Commentary on : Sundstrom J, Arima H, Woodward M, et al.; The Blood Pressure Lowering Treatment Trialists’ Collaboration. Blood pressure-lowering treatment based on cardiovascular risk: a meta-analysis of individual patient data. Lancet 2014;384:591–8. [OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3][Web of Science][4] The 2008 report of the Health Survey for England included a chapter on ‘cholesterol’ (with no mention of ‘hypercholesterolemia’) and another on ‘hypertension’ (with no mention of ‘blood pressure’). 1 This dichotomy echoed a prevalent view. Treatment guidelines advocated blood pressure-lowering drugs for everybody with blood pressure above a certain threshold (somewhat arbitrarily defined) but not for people with blood pressure below the threshold. There was a view (unsupported by evidence) that below the threshold reducing blood pressure did not reduce risk. However, cholesterol-lowering drugs were advocated for everyone at higher risk, irrespective of pretreatment cholesterol; the relationship with cardiovascular disease was correctly judged to be continuous. There is strong evidence that blood pressure-lowering drugs should also be used … [1]: {openurl}? query=rft.jtitle%253DLancet%26rft.volume%253D384%26rft.spage%253D591%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1016%252FS0140-6736%252814%252961212-5%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F25131978%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref? access_num=10.1016/S0140-6736(14)61212-5&link_type=DOI [3]: /lookup/external-ref? access_num=25131978&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febmed%2F20%2F1%2F21.atom [4]: /lookup/external-ref? access_num=000340573300031&link_type=ISI
Induction of hepatic carisoprodol-metabolizing enzyme by pretreatment with some neuropsychotropic drugs in rats.

The degradation of carisoprodol by liver slices was increased by the pretreatments with phenobarbital, phenaglycodol and Doriden. The increase of the enzyme activity began 12 hours after the injection of the inducers and the maximum increase of the enzyme activity (about 2.5-fold) was observed 48 hours after and 96 hours after a little increased activity observed.In contrast to the increase of enzyme activity the shortened duration of paralysis produced by carisoprodol was observed after the pretreatment with the inducers and also the maximum diminution (about 86%) was found 48 hours after the pretreatments. The induction of the enzyme responsible for metabolism of carisoprodol by the inducers was inhibited by combined injection of ethionine which itself does not affect on the enzyme activity of normal rats.The higher activity of the hepatic enzyme responsible for carisoprodol metabolism and the higher sensitivity in the induction of the hepatic enzyme to the inducers in immature rats than in young and adult rats were also reported.
Sensitivity and Specificity of Memory and Naming Tests for Identifying Left Temporal-Lobe Epilepsy

The sensitivity and specificity of the Selective Reminding Test (SRT) Delayed Recall, Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS) Logical Memory, the Boston Naming Test (BNT), and two nonverbal memory measures for detecting lateralized dysfunction in association with side of seizure focus was examined in a sample of 143 patients with left or right temporal-lobe epilepsy (TLE). Scores on the SRT and BNT were statistically significantly lower in the left TLE group compared with the right TLE group, whereas no group differences emerged on the Logical Memory subtest. No significant group differences were found with nonverbal memory measures. When the SRT and BNT were both entered as predictors in a logistic regression, the BNT, although significant, added minimal value to the model beyond the variance accounted for by the SRT Delayed Recall. Both variables emerged as significant predictors of side of seizure focus when entered into separate regressions. Sensitivity and specificity of the SRT and BNT ranged from 56% to 65%. The WMS Logical Memory and nonverbal memory measures were not significant predictors of the side of seizure focus.
Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus and Other Risk Factors in Lithuanian Patients with Head and Neck Cancer

Objective: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a disease attributed to exposure to tobacco and alcohol. However, many epidemiological and molecular data suggest that human papillomavirus (HPV) infection may promote head and neck carcinogenesis. The objective of our study was to evaluate the prevalence of HPV and its various types in fresh HNSCC tumor samples using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Methods: 48 patients with primary diagnosed HNSCC carcinoma were investigated. HPV DNA was detected using PCR. HPV-positive samples were additionally tested for HPV16 and 18. Results: Of the 48 patients, 13 (27.1%) had detectable HPV. After HPV typing, HPV16 was found in only 4 cases (30.1%). Conclusions: Our study demonstrated a HPV detection rate of 27.1% in Lithuanian HNSCC patients; 30.1% of them harbored HPV16. There were no differences regarding the other risk factors (smoking, alcohol consumption and occupational history) between HPV-positive and HPV-negative patients with head and neck cancer in our study.
Compiling Object Declarations into Connectionist Networks

VIe introduce a novel knowledge representa­ tIon scheme where high- level object decla­ rations are translated into a connectionist network. This scheme benefits from the robustness of connectionist representations without sacrificing the vital advantages pro~ vided. by a high-Ieyel declaration language. In thIS paper, we mtroduce our declaration language and explain its translation into con­ nectionist nets. The inherent capability of the system to complete partial and inconsistent declarations is d~monstrated by presenting results from expenments performed with our prototype implementation. We also outline the pl.anned integrati? n of the present repre­ sentatIon scheme WIth rule-based systems . e~dowing a. ~onventional expert system sheli WIth the abIlIty to cope with incomplete and inconsistent information.
The effect of recombinant human erythropoietin on haematopoiesis in patients undergoing haemodialysis.

OBJECTIVE To define the effect of intravenous recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) in patients with anaemia caused by chronic renal failure. Data collection included bone marrow response, ferrokinetics, red cell survival as well as the influence on red cell mass and plasma volume. DESIGN A convenience sample of stable individuals on haemodialysis, with haemoglobin (Hb) levels of less than 80 g/l, was surveyed over a 12-week period while they were receiving the hormone. Blood counts and iron studies were monitored serially, while 51Cr-labelled red cells and 59Fe (III) citrate were used in the radionuclide investigations carried out before and after the course of replacement therapy was completed (pre and post injection). Bone marrow aspiration and trephine biopsy were performed at each of these times. RESULTS The actual mean trial period was 14 weeks. Eight patients were enrolled but 1 was withdrawn after developing tuberculosis at the start of the study. Haemoglobin levels rose from 59 g/l (SD 8.8) to 96 g/l (SD 13.9) (P < 0.0001); mean red cell mass rose from 675 ml to 954 ml (P < 0.01). Concurrently, the serial studies in 6 patients showed prominent erythroid hyperplasia. Plasma iron turnover increased insignificantly from 42.5 to 118.9 mumol/l/day; erythron turnover increased from 42.5 to 87.3 mumol/l/day (P < 0.01). There was a marked shortening of the marrow transit time from 4.4 to 3.3 days (P < 0.03). Efficacy of erythropoiesis decreased from 1.17 to 0.65 (P < 0.05). Red cell survival was not altered. CONCLUSIONS The patient with end-stage renal failure remains fully responsive to erythropoietin therapy. This is reflected in improved ferrokinetics, red cell hyperplasia in the marrow and rise in haemoglobin level without alteration in mean erythrocyte lifespan. Simple hormonal replacement is therefore a rational approach to management.