LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Validation of Sinhala Version of Cardiff Wound Impact Schedule in Patients with Diabetic Leg and Foot Ulcers.

PURPOSE
To validate the Cardiff Wound Impact Schedule (CWIS) to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of Sri Lankan patients with diabetic leg and foot ulcers.


METHODS
English version of CWIS was examined for cultural compatibility, translated into Sinhala and pretested. The Sinhala version was administered in parallel with the validated Sinhala version of SF-36 by an interviewer to all patients (n = 140) at baseline to determine the construct validity. Reliability of CWIS was measured by internal consistency and test-retest stability. The instrument was readministered in 2 weeks on 33 patients with nonhealing ulcers to determine the test-retest stability and in 3 months on 50 patients with healed ulcers to determine the ability of CWIS to discriminate HRQoL between patients with healed versus nonhealed ulcers. Acceptability of CWIS was assessed by the response rate, completion rate and the average time taken to complete a single interview.


RESULTS
The construct validity demonstrated moderately significant correlations between related subscales of CWIS and SF-36 (Spearman's r = .32-.51, p = .021 to p < .001) for the whole study sample. Internal consistencies (Cronbach α = .68-.86) and test-retest stability (.56-.70) were acceptable. The tool was sensitive in discriminating the impact of the wound on HRQoL in healed versus nonhealed status (p ≤ .001). The tool showed good acceptability.


CONCLUSIONS
The Sinhala version of CWIS is valid, reliable and acceptable for assessing the impact of wound on HRQoL. This instrument is sensitive in detecting the differences of the impact of healed and nonhealed ulcers on QoL in patients with diabetic leg and foot ulcer.
Validation of Grace Risk Score in predicting in-hospital mortality in patients with non ST-elevation myocardial infarction and unstable angina.

OBJECTIVE
To validate the global registry of acute coronary event (grace) risk score in a Pakistani population at Tabba Heart Institute Karachi in patients with non ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) and Unstable Angina (UA).


METHODS
In this prospective Observational registry study, 530 adults hospitalized patients with a diagnosis of Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction and unstable angina were enrolled between March 2012 and August 2012 at the Tabba Heart Institute, Karachi, Pakistan. For each patient, the grace risk score was calculated and its discrimination evaluated and correlated with in-hospital mortality using the Kendall's tau-b bivariate correlation test. Each patient was grouped either into high, intermediate or low risk groups according to their GRS.


RESULTS
A total of 530 patients with NSTEMI and UA were included; the overall mean grace risk score in our population was 131.87 +/- 41.56. The GRACE Risk Score showed good discrimination, with Area under the ROC curve of 0.803 (95% CI 0.705-0.902, P < 0.001). During the in-hospital stay, total of 19 (3.6%) patients died, and out of those 15 (8.4%) patients belonged to high risk group.


CONCLUSION
GRACE RS strongly validates the in-hospital mortality among our patient population presenting with a wide spectrum of complications. However, more multicentre registries on a larger population with long-term follow up are required to study detailed trends in our population.
The Effect of Social Capital on Fertiliser Adoption: Evidence from Rural Tanzania

Do the characteristics of local social structures affect fertilizer adoption among rural households? This paper extends the model of technology adoption of Feder and Slade (1984) to incorporate social capital, and then tests the model with household data from two agro-ecological zones in rural Tanzania. Probit estimates of the model show that the probability of adoption of improved fertilizer in 1994-95 in the Central Plateau region is increasing in land under cultivation, cumulative adoption patterns, ethnicallybased social affiliations, the adoption of improved seeds, the availability of credit and extension services, and the average years of residence in the village. In the Plains region, this probability is increasing in land under cultivation, ethnically based social affiliations and consultative norms. Overall, these results, which are robust after testing for the likely reverse causality of land under cultivation, support the finding that ethnically based and participatory social affiliations act as forms of social capital in the adoption decision.
Can preoperative anesthesia consultation clinic help to reduce operating room cancellation rate of cardiac surgery on the day of surgery?

BACKGROUND
Many surgical procedures are delayed or cancelled due to inadequate preoperative assessment and preparation. Case cancellations can be decreased by improved preoperative patient evaluation, improved communication between physician and patient, and modified schedule design. Because of importance of the high cost associated with operating room cancellations; healthcare providers have exerted efforts to decrease case cancellations on the day of surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of"pre-anesthesia consultation clinic" in reducing operating room cancellation.


METHODS
We prospectively studied cancellation rate in 1716 scheduled cases for open heart surgery during a 4 months period in a teaching hospital. Of the 1716 patients, 866 cases were scheduled for operation before establishment of pre-anesthesia consultation clinic (Group 1) and 850 cases were scheduled after establishment of those clinics (Group 2). The data collected included patient age, ASA physical status and date of the preoperative assessment.


RESULTS
Of the 1716 patients studied, 15.03% of cases were cancelled in the two groups. Cancellation rate in Group 1 was 146 (16.8%) and cancellation rate in Group 2 was 113 (13.29%). This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.046). The most common cause of cancellation in the two groups was incomplete medical work-up (32%) [group 1 (19.8%) more than group 2 (12.6%)].


CONCLUSION
Since the most common cause of cancellation in the two groups was incomplete medical work-up, then visitation of patients to the pre-anesthesia consultation clinic would minimize cancellation rate on the day of surgery.
Structural heterogeneity and protein composition of exosome-like vesicles (prostasomes) in human semen.

BACKGROUND
Human seminal fluid contains small exosome-like vesicles called prostasomes. Prostasomes have been reported previously to play an important role in the process of fertilization by boosting survivability and motility of spermatozoa, in addition to modulating acrosomal reactivity. Prostasomes have also been reported to present with sizes varying from 50 to 500 nm and to have multilayered lipid membranes; however, the fine morphology of prostasomes has never been studied in detail.


METHODS
Sucrose gradient-purified prostasomes were visualized by cryo-electron microscopy (EM). Protein composition was studied by trypsin in-gel digestion and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry.


RESULTS
Here we report for the first time the detailed structure of seminal prostasomes by cryo-EM. There are at least three distinct dominant structural types of vesicles present. In parallel with the structural analysis, we have carried out a detailed proteomic analysis of prostasomes, which led to the identification of 440 proteins. This is nearly triple the number of proteins identified to date for these unique particles and a number of the proteins identified previously were cross-validated in our study.


CONCLUSION
From the data reported herein, we hypothesize that the structural heterogeneity of the exosome-like particles in human semen reflects their functional diversity. Our detailed proteomic analysis provided a list of candidate proteins for future structural and functional studies.
Integrated Manufacture of Exoskeletons and Sensing Structures for Folded Millirobots

Inspired by the exoskeletons of insects, we have developed a number of manufacturing methods for the fabrication of structures for attachment, protection, and sensing. This manufacturing paradigm is based on infrared laser machining of lamina and the bonding of layered structures. The structures have been integrated with an inexpensive palm-sized legged robot, the VelociRoACH [Haldane et al., 2013, “Animal-Inspired Design and Aerodynamic Stabilization of a Hexapedal Millirobot,” IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Robotics and Automation, Karlsruhe, Germany, May 6–10, pp. 3279–3286]. We also present a methodology to design and fabricate folded robotic mechanisms, and have released an open-source robot, the OpenRoACH, as an example implementation of these techniques. We present new composite materials which enable the fabrication of stronger, larger scale smart composite microstructures (SCM) robots. We demonstrate how thermoforming can be used to manufacture protective structures resistant to water and capable of withstanding terminal velocity falls. A simple way to manufacture traction enhancing claws is demonstrated. An electronics layer can be incorporated into the robot structure, enabling the integration of distributed sensing. We present fabrication methods for binary and analog force sensing arrays, as well as a carbon nanotube (CNT) based strain sensor which can be fabricated in place. The presented manufacturing methods take advantage of low-cost, high accuracy two-dimensional fabrication processes which will enable low-cost mass production of robots integrated with mechanical linkages, an exoskeleton, and body and limb sensing. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4029495]
Health status measurement in COPD: the minimal clinically important difference of the clinical COPD questionnaire

BACKGROUND
Patient-reported outcomes (PRO) questionnaires are being increasingly used in COPD clinical studies. The challenge facing investigators is to determine what change is significant, ie what is the minimal clinically important difference (MCID). This study aimed to identify the MCID for the clinical COPD questionnaire (CCQ) in terms of patient referencing, criterion referencing, and by the standard error of measurement (SEM).


METHODS
Patients were > or = 40 years of age, diagnosed with COPD, had a smoking history of >10 pack-years, and were participating in a randomized, controlled clinical trial comparing intravenous and oral prednisolone in patients admitted with an acute exacerbation of COPD. The CCQ was completed on Days 1-7 and 42. A Global Rating of Change (GRC) assessment was taken to establish the MCID by patient referencing. For criterion referencing, health events during a period of 1 year after Day 42 were included in this analysis.


RESULTS
210 patients were recruited, 168 completed the CCQ questionnaire on Day 42. The MCID of the CCQ total score, as indicated by patient referencing in terms of the GRC, was 0.44. The MCID of the CCQ in terms of criterion referencing for the major outcomes was 0.39, and calculation of the SEM resulted in a value of 0.21.


CONCLUSION
This investigation, which is the first to determine the MCID of a PRO questionnaire via more than one approach, indicates that the MCID of the CCQ total score is 0.4.
Focal cortical dysplasias: MR imaging, histopathologic, and clinical correlations in surgically treated patients with epilepsy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) covers a spectrum of conditions in which the neuropathologic and electroclinic presentations and the surgical outcomes vary. The aim of this study was to identify the MR features of histologic subtypes of FCD that would be useful for differential diagnosis.


METHODS
We reviewed the MR data of 49 patients treated surgically for intractable partial epilepsy, who received a histologic diagnosis of FCD not associated with other brain abnormalities except hippocampal sclerosis and who were classified by histologic criteria as having architectural dysplasia (28 patients), cytoarchitectural dysplasia (six patients), or Taylor's FCD (15 patients).


RESULTS
From the MR features, it was generally possible to distinguish Taylor's FCD from architectural or cytoarchitectural dysplasias (non-Taylor's FCD). Findings suggesting Taylor's FCD were focal cortical thickening, blurring of the gray-white matter junction, and hyperintensity (on T2-weighted images) of subcortical white matter often tapering toward the ventricle. Focal brain hypoplasia with shrinkage and moderate signal intensity alterations in the white matter core were present in most patients with architectural dysplasia. The lesion was generally extratemporal in Taylor's FCD and temporal in architectural dysplasia. Ipsilateral hippocampal sclerosis was often present in architectural dysplasia (dual abnormality).


CONCLUSIONS
In patients with FCD, Taylor's FCD and non-Taylor's FCD can usually be distinguished with MR imaging, although some overlap exists. A provisional MR diagnosis is important for presurgical investigations and surgical planning and may have prognostic implications.
Zero-current-switching switched-capacitor bidirectional DC – DC converter

Abstract: The proposed zero-current-switching switched-capacitor quasi-resonant DC–DC converter is a new type of bidirectional power flow control conversion scheme. It possesses the conventional features of resonant switched-capacitor converters: low weight, small volume, high efficiency, low EMI emission and current stress. A zero-current-switching switched-capacitor stepup/step-down bidirectional converter is presented that can improve the current stress problem during bidirectional power flow control processing. It can provide a high voltage conversion ratio using four power MOSFET main switches, a set of switched capacitors and a small resonant inductor. The converter operating principle of the proposed bidirectional power conversion scheme is described in detail with circuit model analysis. Simulation and experiment are carried out to verify the concept and performance of the proposed bidirectional DC–DC converter.
Unexpected Complications Following Adult Medical Male Circumcision Using the PrePex Device.

INTRODUCTION
In this study, we describe and depict unexpected sequelae of adult medical male circumcision (MMC) using the PrePex device.


MATERIALS AND METHODS
The PrePex system is an elastic compression device for adult MMC. The device is well studied, has been pre-qualified by the World Health Organization (WHO), and its use is being scaled-up in African countries targeted by WHO. We conducted a PrePex implementation study in routine service delivery among 427 men in the age range of 18-49 in western Kenya. We captured penile photographs to create a record of adverse events (AEs) and to monitor healing. Several unexpected AEs ensued, including some that have not been reported in other PrePex studies. We describe and depict those unexpected complications and resulting treatments to alert circumcision providers in the relevant areas.


RESULTS
We observed 5 device displacements (1.2%); 3 cases of early sloughing of foreskin tissue (0.7%) among men with long foreskins; 2 cases of a long foreskin obstructing urine flow, as it became dry and necrotic (0.5%); and 2 cases of insufficient foreskin removal caused by invagination for which surgical completion was necessary (0.5%). All of the participants healed completely by day 42 post-circumcision or shortly thereafter.


CONCLUSION
The potential for these complications should be incorporated into PrePex training programs. Integration of devices into MMC programs in medically underserved areas requires the availability of prompt surgical intervention for some sequelae, particularly displacement events.
Aesthetic evolutionary algorithm for fractal-based user-centered jewelry design

This paper proposes an aesthetic-driven evolutionary algorithm for user-centered design. The evolutionary algorithm is based on a genetic algorithm (GA). It is developed to work as an art form generator that enhances user’s productivity and creativity through reproduction, evaluation, and selection. Users can input their preferences and guide the generating direction to the system. A two-step fitness function is developed to evaluate morphology and aesthetics of the generated art forms. Fractals created by an iterated function system are used for representing art forms in our process. Algorithmic aesthetics are developed based on the aesthetic measure theory, surveys of human preferences, and popular long-lasting symbols. The algorithmic aesthetics is used for evaluating aesthetics of art forms together with subjective nonquantifiable aspects, and placed in the fitness function. The GA basically creates two-dimensional art forms. However, any twodimensional image can be included through the property of a condensation set of fractals. The proposed GA can increase design productivity by about 80%. Examples of jewelry designs and physical prototypes created by the proposed system are included.
Grid-Synchronization Stability Improvement of Large Scale Wind Farm During Severe Grid Fault

Loss of synchronization between wind farm and power grid during severe grid faults would cause wind farm tripping. In this paper, the mechanism of grid-synchronization is uncovered, described as motion of an autonomous nonlinear differential equation with specific initial states. The revealed mechanism indicates that even though steady-state working point exists, improper initial states and poor system dynamic properties could lead to synchronization instability. In order to keep wind farm synchronous with the power grid during severe grid faults, special requirements on system dynamic properties are stated. Moreover, to satisfy all the requirements, a current injecting method is proposed. By adjusting active and reactive output currents of the wind farm, the proposed method could ensure system synchronization stability during severe grid faults. Implementation of the proposed method on PMSG- and DFIG-based wind farm is illustrated. Simulation results validate the analysis and the control method.
Differential stress responses to NaCl salt application in early- and late-maturing diploid potato (Solanum sp.) clones

Cultivated tetraploid potatoes ( Solanum tuberosumL.) are moderately salt sensitive but greater stress tolerance exists in diploid wild types. However, little work has been published on salt-tolerance in diploid potato. This study utilized sensitive and tolerant diploid potatoes as well as a commercially cultivated potato to investigate mechanisms of stress tolerance. Stem cuttings from salt-tolerant (T) and sensitive (S) clones of early-maturing (EM) and late-maturing (LM) diploid potato clones were stressed for 5 days at the tuber initiation stage with 150 mmol NaCl in a hydroponic sand culture under greenhouse conditions. The stress responses of the earlyand late-maturing potato clones were distinctly different. Under stress, early-maturing clones accumulated Na + in the leaf tissues while late-maturing clones generally excluded Na + from the leaf tissues. Salt tolerant clones of both maturity types were able to tolerate high levels of Na + in the leaf tissues. The lower leaves accumulated more Na + than maturing ure th, tuber intenance af osmotic uber OP creased r maturity the upper leaves in both maturity types. The potassium to sodium ratio was significantly greater in the leaves of the latetypes, reflecting differences in Na + ccumulation rather than alterations in K + levels. Proline levels increased upon salt expos but were not clearly associated with salinity tolerance. Tolerance was manifested in maintenance of vegetative grow yield, and reduced leaf necrosis. These responses require efficient uptake of water and source–sink translocation. Ma of stomatal conductance under stress was not associated with these responses but tuber yield was related to lower-le potential (OP) in both earlyand late-maturity types. Salt tolerant clones of both maturity types also had less negative t under salt stress than sensitive types. High yielding EMT and LMT clones either minimized tuber yield loss or even in yield after exposure to salt stress. Mechanistic studies and screening experiments for salt tolerant clones should conside type, leaf position and source–sink relationships enhancing tuber yield. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Southern Iran: A Population Based Study

BACKGROUND
Population based studies on prevalence and risk factors of NAFLD in Iranian population are few. The prevalence of NAFLD and non alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in Iranians varies from 2.9% to 7.1% in general population and 55.8% in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.


OBJECTIVES
To determine the prevalence and determinants of non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in a sample of adult Iranian general population.


PATIENTS AND METHODS
This was a cross-sectional study being performed in Shiraz, southern Iran during a 10-month period from November 2010 to September 2011 through cluster random sampling of Iranian general population in Shiraz region. All individuals undergone anthropometric, blood pressure measurements, thorough medical history and physical examinations. Laboratory measurements included fasting blood glucose (FBS), lipid profile, complete blood count (CBC) and liver function tests. NAFLD was diagnosed by transabdominal ultrasonography.


RESULTS
819 subjects were included in this study among which were 340 males (41.5%) and 479 females (58.5%) with the mean age of 43.1 ± 14.1 years. NAFLD was diagnosed in 176 (21.5%) subjects. Patients with NAFLD were significantly older (P < 0.001), had higher proportion of male gender (P = 0.004) and had higher BMI (P < 0.001). They also had higher prevalence of hypertension (P < 0.001), high FBS (P < 0.001), high cholesterol (P = 0.026), high triglyceride (P < 0.001) and high waist circumference (P < 0.001). Taking all these together, patients with NAFLD had significantly higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome when compared to healthy subjects (P < 0.001).


CONCLUSION
The prevalence of NAFLD in this group of Iranian adult general population is 21.5%. NAFLD in Iranian population is associated with male gender, old age, obesity, and features of metabolic syndrome.
Crime pattern detection, analysis & prediction

Crimes are a social irritation and cost our society deeply in several ways. Any research that can help in solving crimes quickly will pay for itself. About 10% of the criminals commit about 50% of the crimes [9]. The system is trained by feeding previous years record of crimes taken from legitimate online portal of India listing various crimes such as murder, kidnapping and abduction, dacoits, robbery, burglary, rape and other such crimes. As per data of Indian statistics, which gives data of various crime of past 14 years (2001–2014) a regression model is created and the crime rate for the following years in various states can be predicted [8]. We have used supervised, semi-supervised and unsupervised learning technique [4] on the crime records for knowledge discovery and to help in increasing the predictive accuracy of the crime. This work will be helpful to the local police stations in crime suppression.