Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative efficacy of Berenil and Samorin in albino rats experimentally infected with current field isolates of Trypanosoma brucei brucei

The efficacy of two standard veterinary trypanocides, diminazene aceturate (Berenil-therapeutic) and isometamidium chloride (Samorin-prophylactic) was compared in albino rats experimentally infected with current field isolate of Trypanosoma brucei brucei (Federe strain). The study consisted of forty albino rats, divided into 8 groups of five animals each. The negative control was uninfected and untreated (Group 1), whereas the positive control was infected and untreated (Group 2). Other groups were treated intramuscularly with either 0.5 mg/kg or 3.5 mg/kg body weight of Samorin or Berenil respectively adopting different protocols. Groups 3 and 4 were treated the same day of infection with Berenil and Samorin respectively (treatment was before infection). Groups 5 and 6 were treated at patency (4 days post infection) with Berenil and Samorin respectively. Groups 7 and 8 were infected before treatment on the same day with Berenil and Samorin respectively, and re-challenged with the T.brucei brucei after four days. The results obtained 60 days post treatment showed that the difference between the efficacies of the two drugs was significant (P< 0.05). Berenil cleared the parasites more from the blood of the albino rats than Samorin. From the recorded values of the parameters (body weight, temperature, packed cell volume and parasitaemic profile), it was concluded that Berenil is a more efficacious trypanocide than Samorin, and is recommended as the drug of choice in the treatment of animal trypanosomiasis. Keywords: Laboratory, animal, trypanosomiasis, treatment, trypanocides.
36 Requirements Uncertainty Prioritization Approach : A Novel Approach for Requirements Prioritization

Requirements Prioritization is to ensure the product developed resonates with the expectations of the stakeholders. Requirements prioritization techniques assist in ensuring this where assessments about the priorities of the requirements will be carried out by stakeholders whose judgment is all about their perception of the system which cannot be precise always. Guesses to be made about yet to be built system where only partial knowledge is available. Imprecision shrouded in the forms of uncertainty, incompleteness and vagueness do exist. In order to incorporate these imprecision elements a novel approach for requirements prioritization called Requirements Uncertainty Prioritization Approach (RUPA) is introduced where the basic prioritization technique Numerical Assignment is shaped as Extensive Numerical Assignment by means of probability distribution and grade intervals. The backbone of the approach is Interval Evidential Reasoning Algorithm, used to aggregate the imprecise assessments of stakeholders. A case study is examined to illustrate the usefulness of this approach. KeywordsImprecision, Numerical Assignment, Requirements Prioritization, Uncertainty.
Terahertz Spectroscopy for Real-Time Monitoring of Water Vapor and CO Levels in the Producer Gas From an Industrial Biomass Gasifier

In this paper, we present a study of THz transmission spectroscopy as a novel tool for the monitoring of the steam and CO contents of the raw gas from industrial biomass gasifiers. A THz gas spectrometer with a frequency range of 300-500 GHz was designed and constructed. Proof-of-principle testing was performed at laboratory conditions using mixtures of different gases at high temperatures (600-700 K). The results demonstrate the feasibility of applying strong rotational water vapor lines at 448 and 383 GHz, so as to obtain reliable online measurements of water vapor with an absolute precision of about 0.2 vol.% for the current device. CO lines were identified at 461 and 346 GHz, facilitating measurement of this gas. The gas spectrometer was integrated into an industrial gasifier and boiler, and its performance was tested in terms of online measurements of steam and CO in the hot raw gas and flue gases under real-life conditions. Considering the error intervals, the results are in complete agreement with data acquired by solving loose mass balances around the system. The onsite experiments demonstrate that THz gas spectroscopy is a promising tool for fast, robust, and reliable monitoring in industrial applications.
Genes and mutations causing retinitis pigmentosa

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a heterogeneous set of inherited retinopathies with many disease‐causing genes, many known mutations, and highly varied clinical consequences. Progress in finding treatments is dependent on determining the genes and mutations causing these diseases, which includes both gene discovery and mutation screening in affected individuals and families. Despite the complexity, substantial progress has been made in finding RP genes and mutations. Depending on the type of RP, and the technology used, it is possible to detect mutations in 30–80% of cases. One of the most powerful approaches to genetic testing is high‐throughput ‘deep sequencing’, that is, next‐generation sequencing (NGS). NGS has identified several novel RP genes but a substantial fraction of previously unsolved cases have mutations in genes that are known causes of retinal disease but not necessarily RP. Apparent discrepancy between the molecular defect and clinical findings may warrant reevaluation of patients and families. In this review, we summarize the current approaches to gene discovery and mutation detection for RP, and indicate pitfalls and unsolved problems. Similar considerations apply to other forms of inherited retinal disease.
Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in urban and suburban Rivers State, Nigeria: International Diabetes Federation and Adult Treatment Panel III definitions.

BACKGROUND It was not clear for a while, which of the definitions of metabolic syndrome best predicted those at risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes but recent studies have confirmed the predictive ability of various definitions of metabolic syndrome and have reported that the International Diabetes Federation definition, although more sensitive is associated with a higher false positive predictive rate. OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome, using the International Diabetes Federation and Adult Treatment Panel III definitions among adult Nigerians attending Family Medicine Clinics at two hospitals in Rivers State Nigeria. METHODS Adult subjects attending family medicine clinics at an urban and a sub-urban hospital in Rivers State, Nigeria were bled after an overnight fast, and venous blood obtained for lipid studies and fasting plasma glucose estimations. Measurements were made to determine height, weight, waist circumference and blood pressure. The data obtained was analysed using SPSS for Windows software version 12 and Epi info version 6.04D RESULTS: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 19.81% (ATP III) and 23.19% (IDF) at one centre and 34.17% (ATP III) and 35.42% (IDF) at the other centre. CONCLUSION The prevalence of metabolic syndrome by the two definitions was significantly higher at the second centre. The difference in the prevalence rates by the two definitions was also much smaller in the second centre perhaps because the second centre had more women and the mean age of the subjects was significantly higher.
Psoriasis as a model for T-cell-mediated disease: immunobiologic and clinical effects of treatment with multiple doses of efalizumab, an anti-CD11a antibody.

BACKGROUND Leukocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1), consisting of CD11a and CD18 subunits, plays an important role in T-cell activation and leukocyte extravasation. OBJECTIVE To test whether blocking CD11a decreases immunobiologic and clinical activity in psoriatic plaques. DESIGN Open-label, multicenter, dose escalation study. PATIENTS Thirty-nine patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis. INTERVENTION Intravenous infusions of efalizumab, a humanized anti-CD11a monoclonal antibody, for 7 weeks at doses of 0.1 mg/kg every other week or 0.1 mg/kg weekly (category 1), 0.3 mg/kg weekly (category 2), and 0.3 increasing to 0.6 or 1.0 mg/kg weekly (category 3). Skin biopsies were performed on days 0, 28, and 56. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Serum efalizumab levels, levels of total and unoccupied T-cell CD11a, T cell counts, epidermal thickness, cutaneous intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and keratin 16 (K16) expression, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores. RESULTS Dose-response relationships were observed for pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic measures. Category 1 failed to maintain detectable serum efalizumab or T cell CD11a down-modulation between doses. Category 2 achieved both. Category 3 achieved both and additionally maintained sustained T-cell CD11a saturation between doses. A dose-response relationship was also observed clinically and histologically. The mean decrease in the PASI score was 47% in category 3, 45% in category 2, and 10% in category 1 (P<.001). Epidermal and dermal T-cell counts, epidermal thickness, and ICAM-1 and K16 expression decreased in categories 2 and 3 but not in category 1. Circulating lymphocyte counts increased in categories 2 and 3. CONCLUSIONS At doses of 0.3 mg/kg or more per week, intravenous efalizumab produced significant clinical and histologic improvement in psoriasis, which correlated with sustained serum efalizumab levels and T-cell CD11a saturation and down-modulation.
Modeling and Performance Evaluation of MIMO Transmit Diversity in LTE Cellular Network

—Long Term Evolution is designed to have wider channels up to 20MHz, with low latency and packet optimized radio access technology. The peak data rate envisaged for LTE is 100 Mbps in downlink and 50 Mbps in the uplink. Unfortunately, different constraints have a strong influence on system performance such as the velocity of user equipment and effect of multipath channel. To achieve data rate compliance with LTE standard, Different transmissions techniques are deployed such as MIMO transmission, Adaptive Modulation and Coding (AMC) and Hybrid Automatic Repeat request (HARQ) Technique. In this paper, we simulate and discuss the MIMO Transmit Diversity technique which standardized by the 3GPP group for downlink LTE cellular network.
Lymph node staging in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: A comparative study of endoscopic ultrasonography versus computed tomography

Background and Aim: Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is established as a standard approach for locoregional staging of esophageal cancer. However, only a few published studies have attempted to correlate the station of the abnormal lymph nodes detected by EUS with the definitive histology. We compared EUS and computed tomography (CT) in the initial staging of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
Electrical and Temperature Stress Effects on Class-AB Power Amplifier Performances

Normalized degradations of drain efficiency and output power as a function of conduction angle, maximum drain current, and maximum output voltage are modeled. Good agreement between the model predictions and Cadence radio-frequency simulation results is obtained. The output power and efficiency of class-AB power amplifiers (PAs) degrade with channel hot electron stress due to reduced conduction angle, drain current, and output voltage. The degradation is enhanced at high temperature. In addition, the PA third-order input intercept point and adjacent channel power ratio all decrease with stress
Comparison of four antibiotics for inactivating leptospires in bull semen diluted in egg yolk extender and experimentally inoculated with Leptospira santarosai serovar guaricura

Inactivation of leptospires in pools of semen from three Holstein Friesian bulls, collected in an artificial vagina, was investigated. Spermatic concentration was adjusted in egg yolk citrate extender, submitted to the following treatments: A (control; without antibiotics); B (penicillin, 1,000 UI/mL - streptomycin, 1,000 µg/mL); C (amoxicillin, 1,000 µg/mL); D (ceptiofur sodium, 1,000 µg/mL); E (amoxicillin 1,000 µg/mL - ceptiofur sodium 1,000 µg/mL). Leptospires (2.0 x 106 leptospires/mL) were added into the diluted semen. Recovery of leptospires was obtained in modified EMJH semi-solid medium with and without antibiotics. The antibiotics in the concentrations used did not affect means of percentage of progressive motility and individual progressive motility of spermatozoids. Penicillin-streptomycin presented the best results in leptospire inactivation (97.1%). Amoxicillin, ceptiofur sodium and their combination at the concentrations studied presented poor results: 59.29%; 32.5% and 60.36% of inactivation, being less effective in leptospire inactivation than penicillin-streptomycin.
Effect of 3D microstructure geometry on wetting properties of PDMS surfaces by micro 3-dimensional (3D) grayscale fabrication technique

We develop a 3D microstructures on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surface by grayscale fabrication technique with a single mask layer. The effect of the microstructures on wetting properties of the surface was studied. Contact angles of pure water droplet were measured on circular pillar, square pillar and hierarchical pillar to investigate the wetting properties. Results shown that the contact angles on the PDMS surface with microstructures increased. The Wenzel wetting mode occurred in all types of microstuctured PDMS surfaces. The contact angle was improved from 105° to 131.89°.
An Assessment of Host Associations, Geographic Distributions, and Genetic Diversity of Avian Chewing Lice (Insecta: Phthiraptera) from Benin

Abstract Host associations of highly host-specific chewing lice (Insecta: Phthiraptera) across multiple avian species remains fairly undocumented in the West African country of Benin. Two hundred and seventeen bird specimens collected from multiple localities across Benin and housed at the Texas A&M University Biodiversity Research and Teaching Collections were examined for lice. Lice were identified and genetic data (mitochondrial COI and nuclear EF-1α genes) were obtained and phylogenetically analyzed. In total, we found 15 host associations, 7 of which were new to science. Genetically, most lice from Benin were unique and could represent new species. Based on host associations and unique genetic lineages, we estimate we discovered a minimum of 4 and possibly as many as 8 new chewing louse species. Given the lack of current data on chewing louse species distributions in Benin, this study adds to the knowledge of host associations, geographic distribution, and genetic variability of avian chewing louse species in West Africa.
Caveat emptor. "Probiotics" might not be what they seem.

OBJECTIVE To assess whether commercially prepared probiotic products contain viable organisms, as claimed by their manufacturers, particularly whether products labeled as containing Lactobacillus did so. To identify and quantify as many species as feasible and to compare them with the contents listed on labels. DESIGN Randomized, double-blind trial. SETTING Community hospital in Chilliwack, BC. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Trial of 10 randomly chosen brands of probiotic preparations bought over-the-counter in British Columbia's lower mainland. Only products claiming to contain lactobacillus were included in this study. Viable organisms in each probiotic brand and quantities of Lactobacillus in each product. RESULTS None of the 10 products tested matched their labeled microbiologic specifications. Two brands grew nothing aerobically or anaerobically. No Lactobacillus grew in five brands, although their labels stated that this was the main species. Eight brands contained viable cells, but only 10% of the number stated by their manufacturers. CONCLUSION Most product labels did not adequately identify or quantify microbes. Use of probiotics should not be recommended at this time.
Comparative Analysis On The Usage Of Business Information Systems among Portuguese And Hungarian Small And Medium-Sized Enterprises

It has become obvious that corporate management, administration, planning, cash flow, and other business activities could hardly function without information technology in the organization of society. Relationships between human activities and the people themselves are reliant more and more broadly on electronic devices. In terms of using information technology devices and services, the development of enterprises are significantly different in the European Union. This has led to a strong and significant relationship with the added value created by micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. In order to meet the needs of corporations, enterprise resource planning and integrated management systems have evolved and have become more and more widespread among small-and medium-sized enterprises as well. Although Portugal in the group of Southern European countries and Hungary in the group of Eastern European countries lag behind the other countries belonging to their group, it turns out that in terms of using and intending to use business information systems, Portuguese enterprises are more advanced in the categories of small-and medium-sized enterprises. This chapter explores this.
Development plans and the state of e-tourism: Case study in Novi Sad

The main idea of this paper is the fact that the development of travel and tourism industry is closely connected to the growth and impact of ICT. It is necessary that governments, realizing the economic and social value of tourism, create a necessary infrastructure able to accommodate this development. Authors define the main concepts of e-tourism in the world today, analyzing them in this case study. Development plans and the actual state of e-tourism in Novi Sad, the capital of the Serbian province Vojvodina, are presented separately. There is also information about the state of implemented ICT solutions for e-tourism in this region.
Promoting Brands through Product Placement in Successful and Unsuccessful Films in Emerging Markets

ABSTRACT This article examines the nature and role of the product placement in film as an alternative strategy for better brand recall. For this study, four films, two successful and another two un-successful based on box office reports, are selected. Clippings of the films are shown to 119 respondents. The article concludes by arguing product placement in film can be an alternative to advertisements for better brand recall, purchase intentions and changes in perceptions toward the brands as well as improving attitudes toward the brand. It also gives direction on developing the consumer as a brand spokesperson for global brands.
Spinal Somatosensory Evoked Potential to Evaluate Neurophysiologic Changes Associated With Postlaminotomy Fibrosis: An Experimental Study

Study Design. We evaluated electrophysiologic changes of the cauda equina after lumbar laminotomy in rats. Objective. To clarify immediate and long-term electrophysiologic and neurologic responses in an experimental postlaminotomy animal fibrosis model. Summary of Background Data. Postspinal surgery-induced epidural fibrosis is assessed using either Gadolinium- enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or intraoperative observations. In experimental animal models mimicking this complication, many approaches are used: advanced imaging (computed tomography, CT; and MRI), functional observations, biomechanical techniques, and histologic examinations. However, no study has reported the substantial neurophysiologic changes of the cauda equina in such a model. Methods. Rats were given a sham operation (laminar exposure only), a left L5 hemilaminotomy alone, or a left L5 hemilaminotomy with extradural topical collagen. Mixed-nerve-elicited somatosensory-evoked potentials (M-SSEPs) and dermatomal (D)-SSEPs were recorded at the thoracolumbar junction after percutaneous stimulation of the posterior tibial nerve at the bilateral medial ankles and the L5 dermatomal field, respectively. Potentials recorded on the operated and nonoperated sides before surgery and then 30 minutes, 2 weeks, and 1, 2, and 3 months after surgery were compared. Walking track and thermal hyperalgesia test results and a final histologic analysis of perineural fibrosis were correlated. Results. Electrical stimulation yielded reproducible responses in all rats on all tests. Preoperative and postoperative measurements showed no statistically significant differences in M-SSEP or D-SSEP. Postoperative D-SSEPs in both experimental groups showed significant reductions in relative amplitude, but the M-SSEPs of all groups and D-SSEPs of the control groups remained constant. Conclusion. SSEP is valuable for detecting electrophysiologic changes after laminotomy fibrosis, but acceptable accuracy requires proper stimulation and recording settings. D-SSEP monitoring provided reliable, useful information about the functional integrity of the cauda equina in this animal model. We recommend D-SSEP monitoring as a supplemental tool for quantifying the effect of postlaminotomy fibrosis on neuropathy.
Distribution of Price and Quality under Information Asymmetry

This paper presents a model in which firms compete for consumers who make repeat purchases of experience goods. Consumers can observe price offers of firms, even though they may not observe the quality before purchase. We set up a simple two-period model and find the following results. First, we identify the conditions for the equilibrium in which only one quality of firms can be observed in the market. The result shows that the lemons market problem is partially resolved. Second, the market may observe both quality dispersion as well as price dispersion in equilibrium. In such an equilibrium, the lemons are pooled with high quality firms, while the medium quality firms, if they exist, are separated from the pool. We find that the price of the pool is higher than the price of the medium quality firms. Third, we apply our analysis to insurance markets. We show how our results can be related to the insurance cycle, catastrophe insurance, and guaranty funds.
Screening patients at risk for diabetic foot ulceration: a comparison between measurement of vibration perception threshold and 10‐g monofilament test

The aim is to compare the frequency of increased vibration perception threshold (VPT) with abnormal 10‐g Semmes‐Weinstein monofilament (SWF) testing in a non‐selected diabetic population, and to assess the agreement between these two screening methods. VPT was measured using a neurothesiometer at the pulp of the hallux and 10‐g SWF was applied on three plantar sites on each foot according to the guidelines of the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot, in 400 consecutive diabetic patients. VPT was considered as abnormal if ≥25 V and SWF was considered as abnormal if the patient was unable to feel ≥2 applications at a single site.
On the near-optimality of sensor-based navigation in a 2D unknown environment with simple shape

We focus on how a mobile robot selects its direction to follow an encountered obstacle. For this purpose, in an uncertain 2D environment with simple shape, we propose new sensor-based navigation algorithms Simple(Class1) and Simple(Bug2) based on classic algorithms Class1 and Bug2. Moreover, in order to show a near-optimality of the proposed algorithms, we determine a competitive ratio r/sub 1/=(path length selected by Simple(Class1))/(the shortest path length selected by the model-based path-planning), and also determine a worst ratio r/sub 2/=(path length selected by Class1/(path length selected by Simple(Class1)). Also, we determine a competitive ratio r/sub 1/=(path length selected by Simple(Bug2))/(the shortest path length selected by the model-based path-planning), and also determine a worst ratio r/sub 2/=(path length selected by Bug2)/(path length selected by Simple(Bug2)). Since the competitive ratio r/sub 1/ is bounded by a small finite value, the new algorithms are regarded as near-optimal algorithms. On the other hand, since the worst ratio r/sub 2/ is determined by a large finite valve or infinite, the new algorithms are greatly improved against the classic algorithms.