Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Laser Physical Parameters on Lesion Size in Retinal Photocoagulation Surgery: Clinical OCT and Experimental Study

Introduction: The aim of the present study was to determine burn intensity in retinal laser photocoagulation based on laser parameters; wavelength, power, beam size and pulse duration, using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), fundus camera, physical eye model and computer simulation in a clinical study. Materials and Methods: Participants were 10 adult patients between 50-80 years with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. A multicolor-photo coagulator with 532 nm green and 672 nm red for retina photocoagulation in diabetic retinopathy was used to investigate the participants. Lesion size was measured for spot sizes 50 and 100 μm, with 100 and 150 mW laser power, and pulse duration 50 and 100 ms by OCT. Artificial eye and Zemax-optical design software were used with the same laser parameters. Results: Appearance of OCT and fundus images showed direct relationship between retina burn size and lesion intensity with exposure time and power and also reverse relationship with laser spot size. Compared to red wavelength, burn size and lesion intensity increased in green wavelength. On the other hand, results from physical eye model were the same as clinical examination shown. Laser spot size in retina with Zemax simulation demonstrated that red wavelength was greater than green one. Conclusion: This study showed shorter pulses provide decrease in duration of laser surgery with significantly reduced pain. Results and calculations described in this article can help clinicians adjusting the required total coagulated area, the number of lesions and pattern density.
Beamspace MIMO-NOMA for Millimeter-Wave Communications Using Lens Antenna Arrays

The recent concept of beamspace multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) is capable of significantly reducing the number of radio-frequency (RF) chains required by millimeter-wave (mmWave) massive MIMO systems. However, the fundamental limit of the existing beamspace MIMO is that, the number of supported users cannot be higher than the number of RF chains using the same time-frequency resources. To break this limit, beamspace MIMO is integrated with non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) in the proposed MIMO-NOMA system in this paper, where the number of supported users can be higher than the number of RF chains. To reduce the inter-beam interference, a transmit precoding (TPC) scheme based on the principle of zero-forcing (ZF) is designed. Furthermore, a dynamic power allocation scheme is proposed for maximizing the achievable sum rate. Moreover, a low-complexity iterative optimization algorithm is conceived for dynamic power allocation. Simulation results show that the proposed beamspace MIMO-NOMA achieves a higher spectrum and energy efficiency than the existing beamspace MIMO for mmWave communications.
Development of Needle-punched Nonwoven Fabrics from Flax Fibers for Air Filtration Applications

This paper reports an exploratory study on the production and measurement of the air permeability, mechanical properties, pore size distribution and filtration efficiency of different nonwoven fabrics produced by systematically changing the machine variables to influence the physical parameters of the fabrics. Only flax fiber waste was utilized for this trial, so that the possibility of value addition to a cheap source of raw material could be explored. The changes in air permeability were interpreted in terms of fabric density profile and pore size distribution. The tensile strength, fiber orientation distribution and bond strength between the layers of multi-layered fabrics were investigated. The filtration parameters, such as filtration efficiency, dust holding capacity and pressure drop, were evaluated. Furthermore, the effect of calendering on pore size and filtration properties was evaluated to explore the possibility of fine-tuning the performance of filters. The results in this study showed an overall improvement in all filtration characteristics due to the calendering operation.
Determining Factors for Stress Perception Assessed with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-4) in Spanish and Other European Samples

Objective: Stress perception depends on cultural and social aspects that vary from one country to another. One of the most widely disseminated methods of assessing psychological stress is the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-4). Therefore, in order to identify these factors and their impact on mental health, the present study compares the PSS-4 results among three European countries (Great Britain, France and Spain). This study focuses on PSS-4 results within a Spanish sample to determine: (1) normative data, reliability and validity of PSS-4 in a Spanish sample and (2) how stress perception changes depending on cultural and social factors. Methods: The data were obtained from a website representing a service of a smoking cessation program, the study represented a service that was open to all individuals. The number of participants were 37,451. They reported their age, gender, nationality, marital status, education and employment status, and completed two psychological questionnaires (PPS-4 and the anxiety and depression scales of the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised, SCL 90-R). Results: The PSS-4 scores could differentiate between relevant sociodemographic variables (such as sex, age, nationality, marital status, education, parental status, employment status, and income class). The PSS-4 scores showed a positive correlation with the SCL 90-R anxiety and depression scales. The normed values for interpreting the PSS-4 scores are presented. The PSS-4 showed adequate internal consistency and reliability. Conclusions: The PSS-4 is a useful instrument for assessing stress perception levels in the general population in different countries. Its internal consistency is sufficient for a 4-item scale.
White-coat hypertension and cardiovascular events: a meta-analysis

Background: White-coat hypertension (WCH) is a frequent condition particularly in children and elderly individuals. The prognostic significance of WCH is still a matter of debate. Methods: The present study was designed to systematically review cohort studies and assess the effects of WCH compared with normotension and sustained HTN on cardiovascular events and death, stroke, and all-cause mortality. We systematically searched the electronic databases, MEDLINE, PUBMED, EMBASE, and Cochrane for prospective cohort studies, which evaluated participants with office, and ambulatory, and/or home blood pressure. Results: We included 14 studies with a total number of 29 100 participants (13 538 normotensive patients, 4806 with WCH and 10 756 with sustained HTN) with mean age of 59 years and follow-up of 8 years. Individuals with WCH had higher rates of cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality but not significantly different all-cause mortality and stroke risk compared with normotensive patients. Cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality, all-cause mortality, and stroke rates were significantly increased in patients with sustained HTN compared with WCH. Conclusion: The cardiovascular morbidity and mortality associated with WCH may be slightly higher compared with normotension but well below the risks associated with sustained HTN.
Complete mitochondrial genome of the Eurasian siskin, Spinus spinus (Passeriformes: Fringillidae)

Abstract The Eurasian siskin (Spinus spinus), also called the European siskin, common siskin or just siskin, is found throughout Europe and Asia. In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of S. spinus was determined to be 16,828 bp. The size of protein-coding genes (PCGs) in the S. spinus mitochondrial genome was 11,400 bp. The longest PCG of S. spinus mtDNA was nad5 (1818 bp), whereas the shortest is atp8 (168 bp). The nad6 gene of S. spinus mitogenome had strong skews of T versus A (−0.54), and G versus C (0.64). According to the distribution of the conserved motifs in other avian CRs, the CR of S. spinus can be divided into three domains: ETAS domain I, central conserved domain II, and CSB domain III.
Ginsenoside Rb1 for Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury: Preclinical Evidence and Possible Mechanisms

Ginseng is an important herbal drug that has been used worldwide for many years. Ginsenoside Rb1 (G-Rb1), the major pharmacological extract from ginseng, possesses a variety of biological activities in the cardiovascular systems. Here, we conducted a preclinical systematic review to investigate the efficacy of G-Rb1 for animal models of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury and its possible mechanisms. Ten studies involving 211 animals were identified by searching 6 databases from inception to May 2017. The methodological quality was assessed by using the CAMARADES 10-item checklist. All the data were analyzed using RevMan 5.3 software. As a result, the score of study quality ranged from 3 to 7 points. Meta-analyses showed that G-Rb1 can significantly decrease the myocardial infarct size and cardiac enzymes (including lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, and creatine kinase-MB) when compared with control group (P < 0.01). Significant decrease in cardiac troponin T and improvement in the degree of ST-segment depression were reported in one study (P < 0.05). Additionally, the possible mechanisms of G-Rb1 for myocardial infarction are antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptosis, promoting angiogenesis and improving the circulation. Thus, G-Rb1 is a potential cardioprotective candidate for further clinical trials of myocardial infarction.
Localized Weighted Sum Method for Many-Objective Optimization

Decomposition via scalarization is a basic concept for multiobjective optimization. The weighted sum (WS) method, a frequently used scalarizing method in decomposition-based evolutionary multiobjective (EMO) algorithms, has good features such as computationally easy and high search efficiency, compared to other scalarizing methods. However, it is often criticized by the loss of effect on nonconvex problems. This paper seeks to utilize advantages of the WS method, without suffering from its disadvantage, to solve many-objective problems. A novel decomposition-based EMO algorithm called multiobjective evolutionary algorithm based on decomposition LWS (MOEA/D-LWS) is proposed in which the WS method is applied in a local manner. That is, for each search direction, the optimal solution is selected only amongst its neighboring solutions. The neighborhood is defined using a hypercone. The apex angle of a hypervcone is determined automatically in a priori. The effectiveness of MOEA/D-LWS is demonstrated by comparing it against three variants of MOEA/D, i.e., MOEA/D using Chebyshev method, MOEA/D with an adaptive use of WS and Chebyshev method, MOEA/D with a simultaneous use of WS and Chebyshev method, and four state-of-the-art many-objective EMO algorithms, i.e., preference-inspired co-evolutionary algorithm, hypervolume-based evolutionary, $\boldsymbol {\theta }$ -dominance-based algorithm, and SPEA2+SDE for the WFG benchmark problems with up to seven conflicting objectives. Experimental results show that MOEA/D-LWS outperforms the comparison algorithms for most of test problems, and is a competitive algorithm for many-objective optimization.
Radiation-induced esophageal strictures treated with fluoroscopic balloon dilation: clinical outcomes and factors influencing recurrence in 62 patients

Background Balloon dilation is safe and effective for the treatment of radiation-induced esophageal stricture (RIES), with favorable short-term and mid-term outcomes; however, few reports of long-term outcomes exist. Few studies have evaluated factors associated with recurrence after balloon dilation. Purpose To evaluate the long-term outcome of balloon dilation in patients with RIES and to identify factors associated with stricture recurrence. Material and Methods The medical records of 62 consecutive patients who had undergone fluoroscopic balloon dilation for RIES at our institution between December 1998 and June 2016 were reviewed. Results One hundred and twenty balloon dilation sessions were performed in 62 patients (mean = 1.9 sessions per patient). Clinical success was achieved in 53 (86%) patients after single (n = 37) or multiple (n = 16) dilation sessions. Complications occurred in 27% of the dilation sessions. The primary patency rates at one, two, three, and five years were 60%, 56%, 52%, and 52%, respectively. Secondary patency rates at one, two, three, and five years were 87%, 85%, 85%, and 80%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified an interval from radiation therapy (RT) to stricture of ≥6 months (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.205; P < 0.001), strictures located at the cervical esophagus (HR = 5.846; P < 0.001), and stricture length of ≥2 cm (HR = 2.923; P = 0.006) as significant predictors of recurrence. Conclusion Despite the high incidence of ruptures and recurrences, fluoroscopic balloon dilation is valuable as an initial therapeutic option for patients with RIES.
Cost-effectiveness of sacubitril/valsartan in the treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction

Objective Chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HF-REF) represents a major public health issue and is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of sacubitril/valsartan (formerly LCZ696) compared with an ACE inhibitor (ACEI) (enalapril) in the treatment of HF-REF from the perspective of healthcare providers in the UK, Denmark and Colombia. Methods A cost-utility analysis was performed based on data from a multinational, Phase III randomised controlled trial. A decision-analytic model was developed based on a series of regression models, which extrapolated health-related quality of life, hospitalisation rates and survival over a lifetime horizon. The primary outcome was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). Results In the UK, the cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained for sacubitril/valsartan (using cardiovascular mortality) was £17 100 (€20 400) versus enalapril. In Denmark, the ICER for sacubitril/valsartan was Kr 174 000 (€22 600). In Colombia, the ICER was COP$39.5 million (€11 200) per QALY gained. Deterministic sensitivity analysis showed that results were most sensitive to the extrapolation of mortality, duration of treatment effect and time horizon, but were robust to other structural changes, with most scenarios associated with ICERs below the willingness-to-pay threshold for all three country settings. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis suggested the probability that sacubitril/valsartan was cost-effective at conventional willingness-to-pay thresholds was 68%–94% in the UK, 84% in Denmark and 95% in Colombia. Conclusions Our analysis suggests that, in all three countries, sacubitril/valsartan is likely to be cost-effective compared with an ACEI (the current standard of care) in patients with HF-REF.
Efficacy and safety of prolonged-release melatonin in insomnia patients with diabetes: a randomized, double-blind, crossover study

Background: Diabetes is a major comorbidity in insomnia patients. The efficacy and safety of prolonged-release melatonin 2 mg in the treatment of glucose, lipid metabolism, and sleep was studied in 36 type 2 diabetic patients with insomnia (11 men, 25 women, age 46–77 years). Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, crossover study, the subjects were treated for 3 weeks (period 1) with prolonged-release melatonin or placebo, followed by a one-week washout period, and then crossed over for another 3 weeks (period 2) of treatment with the other preparation. All tablets were taken 2 hours before bedtime for a period of 3 weeks. In an extension period of 5 months, prolonged-release melatonin was given nightly to all patients in an open-label design. Sleep was objectively monitored in a subgroup of 22 patients using wrist actigraphy. Fasting glucose, fructosamine, insulin, C-peptide, triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and some antioxidants, as well as glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were measured at baseline and at the end of the study. All concomitant medications were continued throughout the study. Results: No significant changes in serum glucose, fructosamine, insulin, C-peptide, antioxidant levels or blood chemistry were observed after 3 weeks of prolonged-release melatonin treatment. Sleep efficiency, wake time after sleep onset, and number of awakenings improved significantly with prolonged-release melatonin as compared with placebo. Following 5 months of prolonged-release melatonin treatment, mean HbA1c (±standard deviation) was significantly lower than at baseline (9.13% ± 1.55% versus 8.47% ± 1.67%, respectively, P = 0.005). Conclusion: Short-term use of prolonged-release melatonin improves sleep maintenance in type 2 diabetic patients with insomnia without affecting glucose and lipid metabolism. Long-term prolonged-release melatonin administration has a beneficial effect on HbA1c, suggesting improved glycemic control.
Gallager Bound for MIMO Channels: Large- $N$ Asymptotics

The use of multiple antenna arrays in transmission and reception has become an integral part of modern wireless communications. To quantify the performance of such systems, the evaluation of bounds on the error probability of realistic finite length codewords is important. In this paper, we analyze the standard Gallager error bound for both constraints of maximum average power and maximum instantaneous power. Applying techniques from random matrix theory, we obtain analytic expressions of the error exponent when the length of the codeword increases to infinity at a fixed ratio with the antenna array dimensions. Analyzing its behavior at rates close to the ergodic rate, we find that the Gallager error bound becomes asymptotically close to an upper error bound obtained recently by Hoydis et al. 2015. We also obtain an expression for the Gallager exponent in the case when the codelength spans several Rayleigh fading blocks, hence taking into account the situation when the channel varies during each transmission.
Parallel Continuum Robots: Modeling, Analysis, and Actuation-Based Force Sensing

Parallel continuum robots (PCRs) combine the compactness, simplicity, and compliance of continuum robots with the precision and strength of rigid-link parallel robots. In this paper, we provide a generalized Cosserat-rod-based kinetostatic model framework that accommodates various joint types and problem formulations (e.g., forward and inverse kinematics under loads, and deflection-based and actuation-based force sensing) useful for simulation and control. Linearization of this general model provides the manipulator Jacobian, end-effector compliance, input stiffness, and wrench reflectivity matrices, which allow us to examine the effect of design parameters on dexterity, force application, and force-sensing ability. Using ellipsoids based on the matrices, we provide a set of design simulations and graphically depict the relationships between pose, actuation, and forces. We further provide a nondimensional analysis of the compliance of PCRs. Finally, we experimentally demonstrate and validate actuation-based force sensing on a prototype six-degree-of-freedom PCR, demonstrating 3-D force sensing with a median magnitude and a directional error of 0.23 N (8% of actual load) and 12$^{\circ}$ , respectively.
Effects of High Temperature Drying on Rice Quality

Recent research on a form of two-stage drying shows significant advantages in terms of energy saving and quality deterioration, especially fungal deterioration. In two-stage drying, the first stage uses high-temperatures (up to 150°C) to reduce grain moisture from field level to about 18% wet basis quickly. The first stage is followed by a second stage, usually performed at nearambient temperature, which will reduce the moisture content to 14% wet basis, which is adequate for storage or milling of rice. There are obvious advantages in adopting the two-stage drying concept, such as an increase in drying capacity of the first-stage dryer and low energy consumption in the second stage resulting in a substantial overall energy saving. It was found that recent development of a commercial-scale fluidised bed dryer and current work on spouted bed dryers make these dryers suitable options for the a first stage dryer. The quality of both long and medium grain rice were compared over three drying strategies; fluidised bed drying at 80- 90°C (single stage), fluidised bed and in-store drying (two stage) and in-store drying alone (single stage). Quality aspects measured were head rice yield, gel consistency, water absorption, volume expansion, amylose content, pasting properties, digestibility and ergosterol levels.
Social Influences, Social Norms, Social Support, and Smoking Behavior among Adolescent Workers

Purpose. To examine the relationships between worksite interpersonal influences and smoking and quitting behavior among adolescent workers. Design. The cross-sectional survey assessed factors influencing tobacco use behavior. Setting. During the fall of 1998, data were collected from 10 grocery stores in Massachusetts that were owned and managed by the same company. Subjects. Eligible participants included 474 working adolescents ages 15 to 18. Eighty-three percent of workers (n = 379) completed the survey. Measures. The self-report questionnaire assessed social influences, social norms, social support, friendship networks, stage of smoking and quitting behavior, employment patterns, and demographic factors. Results. Thirty-five percent of respondents were never smokers, 21% experimental, 5% occasional, 18% regular, and 23% former smokers. Using analysis of variance (ANOVA), results indicate that regular smokers were 30% more likely than experimental or occasional smokers to report coworker encouragement to quit (p = .0002). Compared with regular smokers, never smokers were 15% more likely to report greater nonacceptability of smoking (p = .01). χ2 tests of association revealed no differences in friendship networks by stage of smoking. Conclusions. These data provide evidence for the need to further explore social factors inside and outside the work environment that influence smoking and quitting behavior among working teens. Interpretations of the data are limited because of cross-sectional and self-report data collection methods used in one segment of the retail sector.