Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of Different Dosages of a Continuous Preperitoneal Infusion and Systemic Administration of Ropivacaine After Laparotomy in Rats

INTRODUCTION: To further explain the mechanisms of action involved in the analgesic effect of a local anesthetic wound infusion, we evaluated parietal and visceral sensitivity as well as indices of inflammation after laparotomy and administration of a local anesthetic. Ropivacaine was administered at different dosages by a continuous infusion using a multiholed catheter in the preperitoneal position or systemically in rats. METHODS: Nine groups of rats received 2 injections after laparotomy or sham surgery: (1) a bolus injection (ropivacaine or saline) via a preperitoneal catheter and (2) an IM injection (IM) (ropivacaine or saline). These injections were followed by a continuous infusion (ropivacaine or saline) in the preperitoneal catheter for 24 hours and 1 IM injection every 8 hours. Mechanical and visceral thresholds after stimulation were evaluated 3 times during the 48 hours after surgery. Stimulated production of tumor necrosis factor &agr;, and interleukin 1&bgr; in whole-blood cultures were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The ropivacaine plasma concentration was measured by gas chromatography. RESULTS: Preperitoneal infusion of high doses of ropivacaine and systemic ropivacaine similarly prevented mechanical and visceral sensitivity alterations and led to a better functional recovery. The analgesic effect of systemic administration was associated with an anti-inflammatory effect. CONCLUSION: In the current study, high-dose ropivacaine administered via a preperitoneal infusion or systemic boluses had the same effect on mechanical and visceral sensitivity after laparotomy. Moreover, systemic administration was associated with an anti-inflammatory effect. The merits of the comparable benefit of systemic and high-dose preperitoneal infusion of ropivacaine need to be confirmed with further studies.
Self-leveling mortar as a possible cause of symptoms associated with "sick building syndrome".

In newly constructed houses and buildings in which self-leveling mortar containing casein has been used, residents and office employees have noted a bad odor and have complained of headache, eye and throat irritation, and tiredness. These problems were suspected to result from the degradation products emitted from the mortar. Samples obtained from dry mortar powder and from mortar in buildings where casein was used and from control buildings were found to contain microorganisms (mean of 10(2) culture forming units/g). Environmental species were predominantly found, e.g., Bacillus, Clostridium, Micrococcus, and Propionibacterium. Fungi were found occasionally; no evidence of bacterial degradation was found. Headspace and gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analysis of air from the newly constructed houses and from hydroxide-degraded casein revealed the presence of amines in the 0.003-0.013 ppm range and the presence of ammonia and sulfhydryl compounds, all of which in low concentrations can cause the symptoms observed. These substances, however, were not detected in control buildings.
Detection of a 5 Hz Quasi-periodic Oscillation from X-Ray Nova GRS 1739–278

The X-ray nova GRS 1739-278 flared up near the Galactic center in the spring of 1996. Here we report on the discovery of an ~5 Hz quasi-periodic oscillation (QPO) in Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer/PCA observations of GRS 1739-278. The QPO was only present when the source was in its very high state and disappeared later, when it made a transition down into the high state. We present the energy spectra of this black hole candidate measured in both high and very high states and discuss the similarities between this system and other X-ray transients.
Bacterioplankton community structure and dynamics after large-scale release of nonindigenous bacteria as revealed by low-molecular-weight-RNA analysis.

A set of freshwater mesocosms (1.7 m3 each) was inoculated with large amounts of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas putida, and their culture medium to substantially disturb the natural microbial community. To monitor microbial community dynamics, low-molecular-weight RNA (5S rRNA and tRNA) obtained directly from bacterioplankton was analyzed by using high-resolution electrophoresis. The introduced bacteria showed no significant effect on the community structure of the natural bacterial assemblage and its dynamics for 16 days. In contrast, the addition of culture medium resulted within 2 days in a reduction of community diversity due to dominance of a single 5S rRNA band from an indigenous bacterium. Partial sequencing of several 5S rRNAs demonstrated the molecular homogeneity of most of the abundant bands and enabled the identification of corresponding bacterial isolates and/or species. The dominating bacterium (around 54% of the total 5S rRNA) in the nutrient-amended mesocosms could be identified by partial sequencing as a member of the Aeromonas hydrophila complex. Another bloom of heterotrophic bacteria belonging to the Cytophaga johnsonae complex was detected in the nutrient-amended mesocosms after 13 days. The dominance of this C. johnsonae-like bacterium could even be seen in the environmental tRNAs of the bacterioplankton, where its specific tRNAs prevailed from day 13 onward. This event was also independent of the introduced nonindigenous bacteria because it occurred at the same time in all nutrient-amended mesocosms. By contrast, in the unamended experiments, a different small 5S rRNA could by observed from day 10 onward with less pronounced dominance. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
El núcleo de una estrategia didáctica universitaria: motivación y comprensión

El articulo discute acerca de las variables principales de una Estrategia Didactica desarrollada en la Universidad que inciden en el proceso de aprendizaje. El diseno e investigacion estuvieron orientados hacia acciones en relacion con la situacion educativa en un curso de grado de Inmunologia. Se diseno e implemento una estrategia buscando promover aprendizajes significativos a partir de la re-estructuracion de las concepciones previas y del pensamiento del aprendiz sobre su propio aprendizaje. La estrategia incidio favorablemente en el cambio de roles de docentes y estudiantes, la motivacion por el aprendizaje, evaluacion como parte integral del proceso de aprendizaje, la dimension grupal y la construccion social del conocimiento. Se llego a una Estrategia Didactica autocorrectiva y flexible, estableciendose un nucleo duro susceptible de ser transferido contextualmente a situaciones educativas similares: la motivacion de los estudiantes por el aprendizaje y la comprension de la disciplina.
Dynamic multi-contact transitions for humanoid robots using Divergent Component of Motion

This paper presents a new method for planning and controlling dynamic multi-contact motions for humanoid robots. Our motion planner takes a sequence of multi-contact stances and generates closed-form reference trajectories for the robot center of mass (CoM) position, velocity, and acceleration, based on the concept of Divergent Component of Motion (DCM). The timing of the contact transitions and the end-effector trajectories are automatically computed such that the motion is feasible with respect to kinematic and dynamic constraints. We verify the constraints using a simplified model of the robot to achieve a very fast planner that finds a feasible solution within a few seconds. The reference trajectories serve as inputs to a passivity-based whole-body controller which includes a DCM controller for tracking the CoM trajectory. We demonstrate the robustness of our approach in simulation and experiments with the humanoid robot TORO.
The impact of Medicaid coverage and reimbursement on access to diagnostic mammography

Women of low socioeconomic status are at risk for delayed evaluation of abnormal mammograms and later stage presentations of breast cancer. Medicaid reimbursement for clinical services is lower than Medicare reimbursement, yet it is unclear whether low Medicaid reimbursement is a barrier to accessing mammography. The objective of the current study was to determine the association between reported insurance type (Medicaid vs Medicare), Medicaid reimbursement rate, and access to diagnostic mammography (DM).
A Low-Profile, Vertically Polarized Ultrawideband Antenna With Monopole-Like Radiation Characteristics

A compact, ultrawideband (UWB) antenna with an extremely low profile is presented. The antenna has consistent monopolelike radiation characteristics over approximately an 8.5:1 bandwidth. It consists of two radiators where one radiator is a smaller, slightly different version of the other one. The smaller radiator is partially embedded into the large one to avoid considerable increase in the maximum antenna height. Each radiator has two parallel loops in the shape of a bent diamond connected to the ground plane at their ends. A properly designed feed network is used to feed the larger antenna at lower frequencies while feeding the smaller one at higher frequencies to improve the consistency of the radiation characteristics of the system over a very broad bandwidth. A prototype of the proposed antenna and the feed network are fabricated and experimentally characterized. The fabricated antenna prototype has electrical dimensions of 0. 26λmin × 0. 26λmin × 0. 046λmin at its lowest frequency of operation and demonstrates monopole-like radiation characteristics with consistent, vertically polarized, omni-directional radiation patterns over roughly an 8.5:1 (0.66-5.6 GHz) bandwidth.
Nanoscale modification of silicon surfaces via Coulomb explosion

Coulomb explosions on silicon surfaces are studied using large-scale molecular-dynamics simulations. Processes under investigation begin by embedding a region consisting of 265\char21{}365 singly charged ${\mathrm{Si}}^{+}$ ions on a Si [111] surface. The repulsive electrostatic energy, initially stored in the charged region, leads to a local state with ultrahigh pressure and stress. During the relaxation process, part of the potential energy propagates into the surrounding region while the remainder is converted to kinetic energy, resulting in a Coulomb explosion. Within less than 1.0 ps, a nanometer-sized hole on the surface is formed. A full analysis of the density, temperature, pressure, and energy distribution as functions of time reveals the time evolution of physical properties of the systems related to the violent explosive event. A shock wave that propagates in the substrate is formed during the first stage of the explosion, 0100 fs. The speed of the shock wave is twice the average speed of sound. After the initial shock the extreme nonequilibrium conditions leads to ultrarapid evaporation of Si atoms from the surface. Qualitatively similar features are observed on a smaller scale when the number of initial surface charges is reduced to 100. Our simulations demonstrate the details of a process that can lead to permanent structure on a semiconductor surface at the nanoscale level. The work reported here provides physical insights for experimental investigations of the effects of slow, highly charged ions (Qg40, e.g.) on semiconductor materials.
Subjective Ratings of Fatigue and Vigor in Adults With Hearing Loss Are Driven by Perceived Hearing Difficulties Not Degree of Hearing Loss

Objectives: Anecdotal reports and qualitative research suggests that fatigue is a common, but often overlooked, accompaniment of hearing loss which negatively affects quality of life. However, systematic research examining the relationship between hearing loss and fatigue is limited. In this study, the authors examined relationships between hearing loss and various domains of fatigue and vigor using standardized and validated measures. Relationships between subjective ratings of multidimensional fatigue and vigor and the social and emotional consequences of hearing loss were also explored. Design: Subjective ratings of fatigue and vigor were assessed using the profile of mood states and the multidimensional fatigue symptom inventory-short form. To assess the social and emotional impact of hearing loss participants also completed, depending on their age, the hearing handicap inventory for the elderly or adults. Responses were obtained from 149 adults (mean age = 66.1 years, range 22 to 94 years), who had scheduled a hearing test and/or a hearing aid selection at the Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center Audiology clinic. These data were used to explore relationships between audiometric and demographic (i.e., age and gender) factors, fatigue, and hearing handicap scores. Results: Compared with normative data, adults seeking help for their hearing difficulties in this study reported significantly less vigor and more fatigue. Reports of severe vigor/fatigue problems (ratings exceeding normative means by ±1.5 standard deviations) were also increased in the study sample compared with that of normative data. Regression analyses, with adjustments for age and gender, revealed that the subjective percepts of fatigue, regardless of domain, and vigor were not strongly associated with degree of hearing loss. However, similar analyses controlling for age, gender, and degree of hearing loss showed a strong association between measures of fatigue and vigor (multidimensional fatigue symptom inventory-short form scores) and the social and emotional consequences of hearing loss (hearing handicap inventory for the elderly/adults scores). Conclusions: Adults seeking help for hearing difficulties are more likely to experience severe fatigue and vigor problems; surprisingly, this increased risk appears unrelated to degree of hearing loss. However, the negative psychosocial consequences of hearing loss are strongly associated with subjective ratings of fatigue, across all domains, and vigor. Additional research is needed to define the pathogenesis of hearing loss-related fatigue and to identify factors that may modulate and mediate (e.g., hearing aid or cochlear implant use) its impact.
Immune modulation of human dendritic cells by complement

Deficiency in complement proteins such as C1q is associated with the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Here, we show that the differentiation of dendritic cells (DC) in the presence of C1q (C1qDC) gives rise to CD1a+/DC‐SIGN+ cells with high phagocytic capacity and low expression of CD80, CD83 and CD86. Further, when C1qDC were exposed to LPS, a significant reduction in the production of IL‐6, TNF‐α and IL‐10 occurred with a limited up‐regulation of CD80, CD83 and CD86. In addition, C1qDC were less responsive to activation by CD40L in terms of IL‐12p70 secretion and CD86 expression. C1qDC showed an impaired ability to stimulate alloreactive T cells, with a reduced production of IFN‐γ. In conclusion, we have shown that C1q is a potent modulator of DC, resulting in cells characterized by an impaired capacity of cytokine production and an impaired up‐regulation of costimulatory molecules, leading to a limited T cell response. Therefore, we hypothesize that, next to a pivotal role in the safe clearance of apoptotic cells, C1q regulates the threshold of DC activation and thereby prevents hyperactivation of the overall immune response.
Speech Segmentation in Noisy Street Environment

A conveyor (20) for transporting and inverting strap pans (22) or other pans used for baking. The conveyor includes a closed-loop drive chain (26) to which a number of pan cars (54) are pivotally attached. The pan cars are provided with magnetic bars (36) that create attractive force to hold the strap pans to the pan cars. The conveyor also includes an incline guide (204). When the conveyor is actuated, the pan cars run against the incline guide so as to cause the initial inversion of the pan cars. As the pans cars are inverted they abut against a positioning rail located along side of the drive chain. The positioning rail is shaped to control both the rate at which the pan cars are inverted from their normal upright position and then it is further shaped to force the pan cars to then return to their initial upright position. The inversion of the pan cars causes a like inversion of the strap pans secured to the pan cars. Thus, this conveyor is used to invert pans so as to employ gravity in order to foster the removal of debris from the pans.
Emergency trauma score: An instrument for early estimation of trauma severity*

Objectives:Early estimation of the mortality risk of severely injured patients is mandatory. To estimate the seriousness of the condition of patients with trauma, we developed the emergency trauma score (EMTRAS) for ease of use, with simple parameters that are available within 30 minutes. Design:Prospective analysis of the German Trauma Registry of multitrauma patients. Setting:EMTRAS was derived from data from 1993 through 2003. Potential parameters that were prognostic for mortality in univariate analysis were evaluated by multivariate binary logistic regression. Selected parameters were then assigned a subscore that varied from 0 to 3. The EMTRAS score was a simple addition of these subscores. EMTRAS was compared with other scores’ receiver operating characteristic curves. After completion, EMTRAS was validated in patients from 2004 and 2005. Patients:A total of 11,533 patients were to be used for developing the score and 3314 patients for validating it. Main Results:The strongest predictors of mortality were age, prehospital Glasgow Coma Scale, base excess (mmol/L), and prothrombin time (% of reference). These parameters were categorized in subscores of 0 through 3. Age: <40, 40 through 60, 61 through 75, and >75 scored 0, 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Glasgow Coma Scale: 13 through 15, 10 through 12, 6 through 9, and 3 through 5 scored 0, 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Base excess: >−1, −5 through −1, −10 through −5.1, and <−10 scored 0, 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Prothrombin time: <80%, 80% through 50%, 49% through 20%, and >20% received a score of 0, 1, 2, and 3, respectively. In the validation dataset, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for EMTRAS was 0.828. Conclusions:EMTRAS combines four early parameters from the emergency room and accurately predicts mortality. Knowledge of the anatomical injuries is not necessary. The determination of the EMTRAS will inform caregivers of the seriousness of patients with trauma at an early stage.
Temperature-dependent characterization of G0.94Sn0.06 light-emitting diode grown on Si via CVD

Temperature-dependent electroluminescence from a double heterostructure n-Ge/i-Ge<sub>0.94</sub>Sn<sub>0.06</sub>/p-Ge LED was studied. The peak position of EL spectra showed a blue-shift as the temperature decreased. A maximum emission power of 7 mW was obtained under the current density of 800 A/cm<sup>2</sup>.
Neurokinin B Signalling in Human Puberty

Recent identification of TAC3 or TACR3 (encoding neurokinin B and its receptor, NK3R, respectively) mutations as the causes of normosmic idiopathic hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism has provided compelling evidence for the involvement of neurokinin B (NKB) signalling in puberty. A surge of subsequent studies pointing towards an understanding of the exact mechanism through which NKB signalling exerts its effects in puberty led to a postulated sketch of the GnRH pulse generator, in which kisspeptin, NKB and dynorphin work in concert to elicit pulsatile gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone release in the median eminence.
Human paleontological evidence relevant to language behavior.

The paleoneurological evidence for human language origins and other cognitive activities is tantalizing, but uncertain given the often incomplete, fragmented, and eroded cranial portions of our fossil ancestors. Nevertheless, both the Taung and A.L. 162-28 endocranial portions, attributed to the earliest-known hominids (i.e. Australopithecus afarensis and africanus) evidence some cerebral organization beyond a typical pongid pattern, in that there appears to be a reduction in primary visual striate cortex, and thereby a relative increase in posterior and inferior parietal cortex. At 1.8-2.0 million years, there is clear fossil evidence for a Homo lineage showing a more modern and enlarged third inferior frontal convolution, expanded brain size (e.g., 750+ ml), and strong cerebral asymmetries identical to those known for modern Homo sapiens. Additional evidence of sexual dimorphism in the modern human corpus callosum, in which the posterior splenial portion is larger in females, taken in conjunction with known clinical and psychological evidence relating to cognitive task specialization, suggests that this dimorphism represents a biological heritage from past selection pressures for a dichotomous but complemental social behavioral set of adaptations to favor a division of sexual labors compatible with nurturing offspring with delayed maturation, prolonged growth, and a longer period of postnatal neural plasticity.
The Internationalization of Industry Supply Chains and the Location of Innovation Activities

Current policy discussions on offshoring mostly focus on its impact on lower skilled manufacturing and services jobs, assuming that higher-value-added jobs and, especially, the location of innovation activities are not affected by offshoring. Contrary to this view, we suggest that innovation mainly driven by R&D activities can also move abroad as a result of offshoring. We suggest that the movement of innovation abroad will be conditioned by the nature of technology innovation processes, in particular knowledge spillovers, causing some innovation activities to remain in the United States while driving other activities away. To explore this idea we conduct an in-depth study of the rare earth industry which provides critical raw materials for numerous technology based applications. This industry is pertinent because it has experienced significant supply chain relocation away from the United States and to developing countries. Using industry accounts and patent information, we examine the impact of the movement of rare earth production from the United States to China on the location of rare earth innovation over the past two decades. We find that, while supply chain offshoring has caused rare earth magnet innovation activities to move away from the United States, innovation activities in rare earth catalysts remains in the country. Direct observations and industry reports suggest this dichotomous response to supply chain internationalization is driven by the role of knowledge spillovers across value chain actors and the changing nature of technology innovation processes. We employ rare earth technology patents to perform regression analyses and develop a model that empirically validates these critical drivers in the co-location of production and innovation activities.