Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Energy-Efficient Clustering Solution for Wireless Sensor Networks

Hot spots in a wireless sensor network emerge as locations under heavy traffic load. Nodes in such areas quickly deplete energy resources, leading to disruption in network services. This problem is common for data collection scenarios in which Cluster Heads (CH) have a heavy burden of gathering and relaying information. The relay load on CHs especially intensifies as the distance to the sink decreases. To balance the traffic load and the energy consumption in the network, the CH role should be rotated among all nodes and the cluster sizes should be carefully determined at different parts of the network. This paper proposes a distributed clustering algorithm, Energy-efficient Clustering (EC), that determines suitable cluster sizes depending on the hop distance to the data sink, while achieving approximate equalization of node lifetimes and reduced energy consumption levels. We additionally propose a simple energy-efficient multihop data collection protocol to evaluate the effectiveness of EC and calculate the end-to-end energy consumption of this protocol; yet EC is suitable for any data collection protocol that focuses on energy conservation. Performance results demonstrate that EC extends network lifetime and achieves energy equalization more effectively than two well-known clustering algorithms, HEED and UCR.
PEMOGEN: Automatic adaptive performance modeling during program runtime

Traditional means of gathering performance data are tracing, which is limited by the available storage, and profiling, which has limited accuracy. Performance modeling is often used to interpret the tracing data and generate performance predictions. We aim to complement the traditional data collection mechanisms with online performance modeling, a method that generates performance models while the application is running. This allows us to greatly reduce the storage overhead while still producing accurate predictions. We present PEMOGEN, our compilation and modeling framework that automatically instruments applications to generate performance models during program execution. We demonstrate the ability of PEMOGEN to both reduce storage cost and improve the prediction accuracy compared to traditional techniques such as least squares fitting. With our tool, we automatically detect 3,370 kernels from fifteen NAS and Mantevo applications and model their execution time with a median coefficient of variation (R2) of 0.81. These automatically generated performance models can be used to quickly assess the scaling and potential bottlenecks with regards to any input parameter and the number of processes of a parallel application.
Laparoscopic Splenectomy and LigaSure

Abstract: Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) is a preferred choice, especially for hematologic diseases. We present the advantages of the use of LigaSure (energy-based equipment that works by applying a precise amount of bipolar energy and pressure to the tissue, achieving a permanent seal) for achieving a precise hemostasis, thus making the LS easier. We have performed LS using LigaSure on 10 patients (4 female, 6 male; mean age, 36 years [range, 16-58]) between December 2002 and August 2003. All patients had ITP. There were no conversion to open surgery. Mean dimensions of spleens were 99 × 49 mm (range, 85 × 36-118 × 60). Intraoperative blood loss was no more than 100 mL in any patients (range, 20-100; mean, 60). The average operative time was 93 minutes (range, 60-155). There were no complications in the postoperative period. The average postoperative stay was 4.3 days (range, 3-7). LS using LigaSure is a safe and time-sparing procedure with almost no complications in this small initial series.
Clinical practice guidelines for hypertension in China: a systematic review of the methodological quality

Objective Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) provide clinicians with specific recommendations for practice, but due to the increasing number of CPGs developed by diverse organisations over the past few years, there are concerns about the quality of some CPGs. This paper proposes a systematic review of the methodological quality of the CPGs for hypertension that were developed in China. Design A systematic review of CPGs for the management of hypertension in adult patients in China. Data resources Chinese electronic databases, Chinese guideline websites and Google Scholar were searched, and the reference lists of relevant publications were also screened for additional information. CPGs for the management of hypertension in adult patients were identified. The main characteristics of the CPGs were extracted, and the scaled Appraisal of Guidelines, REsearch and Evaluation II (AGREE II) domain percentages were independently evaluated by two reviewers. Results A total of 17 CPGs, with publication dates ranging from 2001 to 2011, were identified. There was considerable variation in the quality of the CPGs across the AGREE II domains. Overall, the domains of ‘rigor of development’ and ‘editorial independence’ were poorly addressed, with an average score of 18% and 16%, respectively. Also less well addressed were the ‘stakeholder involvement’ and ‘applicability’ domains, for which the average domain scores were 28% and 20%, respectively. The CPGs performance was less problematic in the domains of ‘scope and purpose’ and ‘clarity and presentation’, with a median of 41% for both. After considering the domain scores, 8 CPGs could be recommended with modification for use. Conclusions There is considerable room for improvement of the methodological quality of CPGs for hypertension in China. Greater efforts should to be devoted to ensure the explicit and transparent reporting of potential conflicts of interest of stakeholders, and to consider the quality of the evidence and grade recommendations in the CPG development process.
Teaching and training operations research in Jordanian Universities: an empirical study

This study evaluates the current status of the teaching and training of operations research (OR) in Jordan. The aim is to explore the objectives, topics covered and methods employed in teaching OR courses. It assesses the suitability of the courses to the needs of decision makers and the difficulties encountered in delivering the courses. Two questionnaires were employed. The first was directed to all educators teaching OR courses within all relevant Jordanian Universities during the summer semester 2003. The second was presented to 168 students who were studying OR courses in a random sample of six Universities. It is concluded that OR education in Jordan does not satisfy the needs of decision makers. Some of the problems identified in OR education is the relevance of the curriculum, lack of local teaching materials and specialised personnel, lack of training programmes and computer usage.
Fibroblast Growth Factor-18 Reduced Infarct Volumes and Behavioral Deficits After Transient Occlusion of the Middle Cerebral Artery in Rats

Background and Purpose— Fibroblast growth factor 18 (FGF18) is expressed in rodent brain and is a trophic factor for neuron-derived cells in culture. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate whether FGF18 was neuroprotective in a rat model of cerebral ischemia and to compare the results with those obtained with FGF2. Methods— Cerebral ischemia was produced in rats by a transient 2-hour occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCAo) with an intraluminal filament followed by 22-hour reperfusion. Starting 15 minutes after MCAo, FGF18 or FGF2 was administered by a 3-hour intravenous infusion. Infarct volumes and behavioral deficits were measured 24 hours after MCAo. Results— Infusion of FGF18 produced dose-dependent reductions in infarct volumes and improvements in tests of reference and working memory, motor ability, and exploratory behavior. FGF18 was more efficacious than FGF2 on virtually all measures examined. The reductions in infarct volume and behavioral deficit were associated with FGF-mediated increases in regional cerebral blood flow. Conclusions— These results demonstrate that FGF18 is an effective neuroprotective agent in a rat model of transient MCAo.
Clinical and ultrasonographic remission determines different chances of relapse in early and long standing rheumatoid arthritis

Objectives Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) should aim at full remission. The aims of this study were to define: (1) how many patients reached ultrasound power Doppler (US-PD) remission in a cohort of patients with early RA (ERA) compared with longstanding RA (LSRA); (2) possible predictors of US-PD remission; and (3) how many patients with and without US-PD remission relapsed after 1 year of follow-up in ERA and LSRA. Methods 48 patients with ERA and 46 with LSRA with disease activity score <1.6 underwent US assessment. Six hand and wrist joints were studied for active synovitis. 56.2% of patients with ERA and 50.0% of those with LSRA fulfilled American College of Rheumatology (ACR) remission criteria. Results 43.7% of patients with ERA and 17.4% of those with LSRA had no evidence of synovitis at US evaluation. Using a stricter clinical definition of remission (ie, ACR criteria), US evaluation confirmed clinical remission in 66.7% of patients with ERA and 26.1% of those with LSRA. Early disease was predictive of clinical US remission. 20.0% of patients with RA who had a negative PD signal at the US evaluation had a flare during the 12-month follow-up period compared with 47.1% of patients who had a positive PD signal. Conclusion US-PD remission occurs in half of patients with ERA and in a minority of patients with LSRA in clinical remission. Early disease seems to be the major determinant of full remission.
Determination of tropical deforestation rates and related carbon losses from 1990 to 2010

We estimate changes in forest cover (deforestation and forest regrowth) in the tropics for the two last decades (1990–2000 and 2000–2010) based on a sample of 4000 units of 10 ×10 km size. Forest cover is interpreted from satellite imagery at 30 × 30 m resolution. Forest cover changes are then combined with pan‐tropical biomass maps to estimate carbon losses. We show that there was a gross loss of tropical forests of 8.0 million ha yr−1 in the 1990s and 7.6 million ha yr−1 in the 2000s (0.49% annual rate), with no statistically significant difference. Humid forests account for 64% of the total forest cover in 2010 and 54% of the net forest loss during second study decade. Losses of forest cover and Other Wooded Land (OWL) cover result in estimates of carbon losses which are similar for 1990s and 2000s at 887 MtC yr−1 (range: 646–1238) and 880 MtC yr−1 (range: 602–1237) respectively, with humid regions contributing two‐thirds. The estimates of forest area changes have small statistical standard errors due to large sample size. We also reduce uncertainties of previous estimates of carbon losses and removals. Our estimates of forest area change are significantly lower as compared to national survey data. We reconcile recent low estimates of carbon emissions from tropical deforestation for early 2000s and show that carbon loss rates did not change between the two last decades. Carbon losses from deforestation represent circa 10% of Carbon emissions from fossil fuel combustion and cement production during the last decade (2000–2010). Our estimates of annual removals of carbon from forest regrowth at 115 MtC yr−1 (range: 61–168) and 97 MtC yr−1 (53–141) for the 1990s and 2000s respectively are five to fifteen times lower than earlier published estimates.
Outcomes of planned home births versus planned hospital births after regulation of midwifery in British Columbia.

BACKGROUND The choice to give birth at home with a regulated midwife in attendance became available to expectant women in British Columbia in 1998. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety of home birth by comparing perinatal outcomes for planned home births attended by regulated midwives with those for planned hospital births. METHODS We compared the outcomes of 862 planned home births attended by midwives with those of planned hospital births attended by either midwives (n = 571) or physicians (n = 743). Comparison subjects who were similar in their obstetric risk status were selected from hospitals in which the midwives who were conducting the home births had hospital privileges. Our study population included all home births that occurred between Jan. 1, 1998, and Dec. 31, 1999. RESULTS Women who gave birth at home attended by a midwife had fewer procedures during labour compared with women who gave birth in hospital attended by a physician. After adjustment for maternal age, lone parent status, income quintile, use of any versus no substances and parity, women in the home birth group were less likely to have epidural analgesia (odds ratio 0.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.14-0.27), be induced, have their labours augmented with oxytocin or prostaglandins, or have an episiotomy. Comparison of home births with hospital births attended by a midwife showed very similar and equally significant differences. The adjusted odds ratio for cesarean section in the home birth group compared with physician-attended hospital births was 0.3 (95% CI 0.22-0.43). Rates of perinatal mortality, 5-minute Apgar scores, meconium aspiration syndrome or need for transfer to a different hospital for specialized newborn care were very similar for the home birth group and for births in hospital attended by a physician. The adjusted odds ratio for Apgar scores lower than 7 at 5 minutes in the home birth group compared with physician-attended hospital births was 0.84 (95% CI 0.32-2.19). INTERPRETATION There was no increased maternal or neonatal risk associated with planned home birth under the care of a regulated midwife. The rates of some adverse outcomes were too low for us to draw statistical comparisons, and ongoing evaluation of home birth is warranted.
Addition of tumor multiplicity improves the prognostic performance of the hepatoma arterial‐embolization prognostic score

The hepatoma arterial‐embolization prognostic (HAP) score predicts survival outcome in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with trans‐arterial chemoembolization (TACE). We validated the HAP score in Korean subjects with HCC and investigated whether its prognostic performance is improved with additional parameters.
Modus operandi and affect in Sweden: the Swedish version of the Regulatory Mode Questionnaire

Background The Regulatory Mode Questionnaire (RMQ) is the most used and internationally well-known instrument for the measurement of individual differences in the two self-regulatory modes: locomotion (i.e., the aspect of self-regulation that is concerned with movement from state to state) and assessment (i.e., the comparative aspect of self-regulation). The aim of the present study was to verify the independence of the two regulatory modes, as postulated by the Regulatory Mode Theory (Kruglanski et al., 2000), and the psychometric properties of the RMQ in the Swedish context. Furthermore, we investigated the relationship between regulatory modes (locomotion and assessment) and affective well-being (i.e., positive affect and negative affect). Method A total of 655 university and high school students in the West of Sweden (males = 408 females = 242, and five participants who didn’t report their gender; agemean = 21.93 ± 6.51) responded to the RMQ and the Positive Affect Negative Affect Schedule. We conducted two confirmatory factor analyses using structural equation modeling (SEM). A third SEM was conducted to test the relationship between locomotion and assessment to positive affect and negative affect. Results The first analyses confirmed the unidimensional factor structure of locomotion and assessment and both scales showed good reliability. The assessment scale, however, was modified by dropping item 10 (“I don’t spend much time thinking about ways others could improve themselves”.) because it showed low loading (.07, p = .115). Furthermore, the effect of locomotion on positive affect was stronger than the effect of assessment on positive affect (Z = −15.16, p < .001), while the effect of assessment on negative affect was stronger than the effect of locomotion on negative affect (Z = 10.73, p < .001). Conclusion The factor structure of the Swedish version of the RMQ is, as Regulatory Mode Theory suggests, unidimensional and it showed good reliability. The scales discriminated between the two affective well-being dimensions. We suggest that the Swedish version of the RMQ, with only minor modifications, is a useful instrument to tap individual differences in locomotion and assessment. Hence, the present study contributes to the validation of the RMQ in the Swedish culture and adds support to the theoretical framework of self-regulatory mode.
Efficacy and tolerability of preservative-free tafluprost 0.0015% in Korean patients with glaucoma

Dear editor I read with interest the article entitled “Preservative-free tafluprost in the treatment of naive patients with glaucoma and ocular hypertension” by Lanzl et al.1 I have also experienced similar treatment outcomes in Korean patients. In Korea, preservative-free tafluprost (Taflotan-S; Santen Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd, Osaka, Japan) was introduced to the ophthalmic market in October 2012. Thus far, no data have been published on the efficacy and tolerability of preservative-free tafluprost in Korean patients. Thus, I investigated the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering efficacy and safety of preservative-free tafluprost in treatment-naive Korean patients with glaucoma. This study included 58 Korean primary open-angle glaucoma patients who had not undergone previous glaucoma treatment. Preservative-free tafluprost was prescribed to the primary open-angle glaucoma patients and the patients were scheduled to visit the clinic after 1, 3, and 6 months of treatment. The mean (standard deviation) IOP of 58 eyes in 58 patients at the baseline visit was 20.0 (4.6) (range, 12–32) mmHg. After treatment with preservative-free tafluprost, the mean IOP decreased to 15.5 (2.5) mmHg (4.6 mmHg [23.0%] reduction from baseline) at 1 month after treatment, to 14.9 (2.8) mmHg (5.1 mmHg [25.5%] reduction from baseline) at 3 months after treatment, and to 15.1 (2.6) mmHg (4.9 mmHg [24.5%] reduction from baseline) at 6 months after treatment, respectively. No significant difference was found in IOP among 1, 3, and 6 months of treatment (P>0.05). Irritation/stinging/burning sensation, itching, tearing, and dryness were reported by 5 (8.6%), 2 (3.4%), 2 (3.4%), and 9 (15.5%) patients, respectively, during the treatment period. None, mild, moderate, and severe conjunctival hyperemia was observed in 43 (74.1%), 13 (22.4%), 2 (3.4%), and 0 (0%) eyes after treatment, respectively. No eye showed corneal staining during the treatment period. According to my clinical experience, preservative-free tafluprost was both well tolerated and effective for IOP reduction in treatment-naive Korean glaucoma patients. Therefore, I think that preservative-free tafluprost may be a good treatment regimen for glaucoma in Korean patients.
Global Cancer Incidence and Mortality Rates and Trends—An Update

There are limited published data on recent cancer incidence and mortality trends worldwide. We used the International Agency for Research on Cancer's CANCERMondial clearinghouse to present age-standardized cancer incidence and death rates for 2003–2007. We also present trends in incidence through 2007 and mortality through 2012 for select countries from five continents. High-income countries (HIC) continue to have the highest incidence rates for all sites, as well as for lung, colorectal, breast, and prostate cancer, although some low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) now count among those with the highest rates. Mortality rates from these cancers are declining in many HICs while they are increasing in LMICs. LMICs have the highest rates of stomach, liver, esophageal, and cervical cancer. Although rates remain high in HICs, they are plateauing or decreasing for the most common cancers due to decreases in known risk factors, screening and early detection, and improved treatment (mortality only). In contrast, rates in several LMICs are increasing for these cancers due to increases in smoking, excess body weight, and physical inactivity. LMICs also have a disproportionate burden of infection-related cancers. Applied cancer control measures are needed to reduce rates in HICs and arrest the growing burden in LMICs.Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(1); 16–27. ©2015 AACR. See related commentary by Bray, p. 3
Learning mathematics in two dimensions: a review and look ahead at teaching and learning early childhood mathematics with children’s literature

In the past 25 years an identifiable interest in using children’s literature in mathematics learning emerged (Clyne & Griffiths, 1991; Haury, 2001; Hellwig, Monroe, & Jacobs, 2000; Hong, 1996; Welchman-Tischler, 1992). We critically review the rationales given for the use of picture books in mathematics learning, with a special focus on geometry due to its underrepresentation in this body of literature and the need for greater focus on this topic. The benefits and effectiveness of using picture books for children’s mathematics learning and interest have been documented (Hong, 1996; O’Neill, Pearce & Pick, 2004; Young-Loveridge, 2004). For geometry, although much learning of shape ideas should be hands-on, two-dimensional figures are essential to develop children’s understanding of plane geometry. Books may effectively engage pre-literate children with plane shapes (Skoumpourdi & Mpakopoulou, 2011; van den Heuvel-Panhuizen & Van den Boogaard, 2008) and shapes as gestalt wholes or prototypes (Clements et al., 1999; Hannibal, 1999; van Hiele, 1986). We review several guidelines and evaluative criteria for book selection, including Cianciolo (2000), Schiro (1997), Hunsader (2004) and Van den Heuvel-Panhuizen and Elia (2012). Geometry concepts have proven challenging for young students, but their difficulties may stem, in part, from inadequate teacher training and professional development (Chard, Baker & Clarke, 2008; Clements & Sarama, 2000) which lead to misconceptions (Inan & Dogan-Temur, 2010; Oberdorf & Taylor-Cox, 1999). Using picture books in teacher training may be an inviting way for early childhood teachers to enhance their own knowledge. We will examine the literature for guidance on incorporating children’s literature into teacher training. In closing we will outline a comprehensive, multi-pronged agenda for best instructional practices for selection and use of children’s books in mathematics activities and for teacher training.
Capturing three-dimensional clavicle kinematics: a validation of surface sensor measurements

Despite conclusions from previous research that clavicle rotation is necessary for normal shoulder motion, dynamic clavicle rotations are rarely included in shoulder studies. This is likely due to the difficult nature in capturing clavicle motion. The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of non-invasive electromagnetic measures of dynamic clavicle motion against bone pin measurements. 3D rotations of the clavicle were collected simultaneously from a surface sensor and bone pin mounted sensor from six cadaveric shoulders. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated to determine the validity of the surface sensor measurements compared to the bone pin measurements. It was determined that the electromagnetic surface sensor accurately tracks retraction and elevation, but underestimates axial rotation. A mathematical equation was developed to improve the fit of surface sensor values for axial rotation. The strong ICC values for each clavicle rotation suggest that the surface sensor.