Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of a new device for eye drops instillation in patients with glaucoma

Objective This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of a new device (Eyedrop®) designed for eye drop instillation in patients with and without glaucoma. Methods This prospective study included consecutive patients with glaucoma and healthy participants. After a complete eye examination and determination of baseline intraocular pressure (IOP), topical hypotensive medication was introduced in both eyes, and the Eyedrop® delivery device (a plastic device in which the bottle with eye drops is inserted) was made available to all participants (with video and written instructions) for use in one eye, randomly chosen. In the second phase, all patients were evaluated by an experienced examiner for IOP determination, investigation of possible associated side effects, and ease of instilling eye drops (by a visual analog scale [VAS]; 0–10). Results Thirty two participants (mean age 42.3±16.2 years) were evaluated. Of these, 44% had glaucoma. There was no significant difference in mean IOP variation when comparing the eye using (−3.9±2.9 mmHg) or not using the device (−3.3±2.6 mmHg; P=0.36). The subjective rating of the facility of drops instillation was significantly higher with the Eyedrop® applicator (VAS =7.6±1.6) than without it (VAS =6.2±1.8; P<0.01), with a higher frequency of positive device-related evaluations (VAS score >5) among participants without prior experience with eye drop instillation (78.6% [11/14]) versus those already experienced (66.7% [12/18]). No difference in the frequency of side effects or in the distribution pattern of fluorescein between eyes was observed (P≥0.63). Conclusion Eyedrop® received a better subjective response regarding the ease of instillation of hypotensive eye drops compared to traditional instillation, especially in patients with no previous experience with eye drops. Using the device did not result in any loss of hypotensive effect or increase in the frequency of side effects.
Subgap structure in the conductance of a three-terminal Josephson junction

Three-terminal superconductor (S)-normalmetal (N)-superconductor (S) Josephson junctions are investigated. In a geometry where a T-shape normal metal is connected to three superconducting reservoirs, new subgap structures appear in the differential resistance for specific combinations of the superconductor chemical potentials. Those correspond to a correlated motion of Cooper pairs within the device that persist well above the Thouless energy and is consistent with the prediction of quartets formed by two entangled Cooper pairs. A simplified nonequilibrium Keldysh-Green's function calculation is presented that supports this interpretation.
CORC REPORT 2002-01 Subset Algebra Lift Operators for 0-1 Integer Programming ( Extended version ) ∗

We extend the Sherali-Adams, Lovász-Schrijver, Balas-Ceria-Cornuéjols and Lasserre lift-and-project methods for 0-1 optimization by considering liftings to subset algebras. Our methods yield polynomialtime algorithms for solving a relaxation of a set-covering problem at least as strong as that given by the set of all valid inequalities with small coefficients, and, more generally, all valid inequalities where the right-hand side is not very large relative to the positive coefficients in the left-hand side. Applied to generalizations of vertex-packing problems, our methods yield, in polynomial time, relaxations that have unbounded rank using for example the N+ operator.
The Effect of Abrasive Water Jet Process Variables on Surface and Subsurface Condition of Inconel 718

Experiments were carried out in Inconel 718 in order to investigate the effect of abrasive water-jet process variables on surface and subsurface condition. A Design of Experiments (DoE) approach was taken, considering variables such as water pressure, traverse rate, abrasive mass flow rate and abrasive grit size. The experimental variables were related to taper ratio, surface roughness of different zones in the machined surface and subsurface condition (deformation and crater depth). Statistical analysis was carried out in order to develop mathematical models which include process variable interactions and quadratic terms. This led to models with high correlation and prediction power which allow a better understanding of the process and can form the base for further process optimisation. The models were validated with additional experiments and showed good agreement with the water jet system. The results showed that water pressure has a nonlinear behaviour in the quality of the surface and sub-surfaces and that interaction between the variables had a significant effect on the quality of the surfaces and sub-surfaces generated by the AWJ.
The occurrence of Trichinella zimbabwensis in naturally infected wild crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) from the Kruger National Park, South Africa

Abstract Trichinella zimbabwensis has been found naturally infecting crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Ethiopia and South Africa, as well as monitor lizards (Varanus niloticus) in Zimbabwe. The reports on natural infections were mostly accidental rather than structured surveys and involved very few animals. Previous surveillance studies in South Africa reported a 38.5% prevalence of T. zimbabwensis among wild crocodiles tested from the Mpumalanga province and Kruger National Park (KNP). No studies have been conducted to date on the geographical distribution and occurrence of T. zimbabwensis in wild crocodiles and varans in countries in southern Africa. Recent outbreaks of pansteatitis in crocodile populations of the KNP, South Africa, provided an opportunity to conduct a more structured survey aimed at elucidating the occurrence and distribution of T. zimbabwensis in culled wild crocodile populations within the KNP. Results from this study showed that T. zimbabwensis occurred in 10 out of 12 culled crocodiles form the KNP. The results also showed that the natural distribution of T. zimbabwensis in crocodiles includes all the major river systems in the KNP. The predilection sites of larvae in muscles followed a different pattern in naturally infected crocodiles compared to observations in experimentally infected mammalian hosts.
The effect of aesthetics on web credibility

Credibility influences a user's interest in a web site. Once users perceive the credibility of a web site they will be more likely to use it. A combination of factors affects such credibility -- such as the provider, content, aesthetics, accessibility and solution of technical problems. The aesthetics of a web site can affect a user's first impressions of credibility. Experiments have shown that users can judge a web site's credibility in as little as 3.42 seconds merely on the basis of its aesthetic appeal. But what are the aesthetic factors that influence immediate judgment on web credibility? A study was conducted to ascertain these factors; first a framework of factors was suggested to develop a method focusing on the users' actual perceptions in judging credibility based on aesthetics. This was done with 30 subjects viewing 13 pairs of images of recruitment agency web sites. 'Unity' in design with its elements of balance, harmony, contrast and dominance was found to be an effective aesthetic factor resulting in immediate judgments on web credibility. These factors were presented for beginner web designers in online tutorials. This work is a result of MSc project.
Formulary revision: eliciting the opinions of users.

BACKGROUND Few peer-reviewed reports have been published that document the extent and type of use of published formularies in general practice. As publishers of the Practice Formulary of the Royal College of General Practitioners, the Northern Ireland Faculty Board commissioned a large-scale survey to quantify these issues, for the purpose of improving the revision process. AIM The aim of the survey was to investigate the extent to which general practitioners in Northern Ireland use the Practice Formulary and the ways in which they use it, and to elicit their opinions on ways in which it could be improved. RESULTS A total of 371 completed questionnaires were received (response rate of 38%), 49 respondents (13%) stating that they had not received the formulary. Out of the 322 respondents who had received it, 84% used the formulary occasionally, and 41% either had or were producing their own practice formulary (32% of these had used the RCGP formulary in its production). Almost all respondents (90%) considered a formulary useful in general practice. The presentation and layout was approved by 273 respondents (85%) and 259 (80%) agreed strongly with the drug selection. The formulary was used as a source of drugs information by 191 respondents (59%) and as a teaching aid by 103 (32%). A total of 65 criticisms or suggestions for improving the next edition were received. Revision is now under way and 18 of the original respondents have volunteered to be members of the revision committee. No judgement was made about the non-respondents. CONCLUSION The largest survey yet conducted of published formulary use in one region elicited the extent of use, type of use, criticisms and suggestions for improvement. These suggestions are being used as a guide to revision of the next edition.
S-SCAM, A Rare Copy Number Variation Gene, Induces Schizophrenia-Related Endophenotypes in Transgenic Mouse Model

Accumulating genetic evidence suggests that schizophrenia (SZ) is associated with individually rare copy number variations (CNVs) of diverse genes, often specific to single cases. However, the causality of these rare mutations remains unknown. One of the rare CNVs found in SZ cohorts is the duplication of Synaptic Scaffolding Molecule (S-SCAM, also called MAGI-2), which encodes a postsynaptic scaffolding protein controlling synaptic AMPA receptor levels, and thus the strength of excitatory synaptic transmission. Here we report that, in a transgenic mouse model simulating the duplication conditions, elevation of S-SCAM levels in excitatory neurons of the forebrain was sufficient to induce multiple SZ-related endophenotypes. S-SCAM transgenic mice showed an increased number of lateral ventricles and a reduced number of parvalbumin-stained neurons. In addition, the mice exhibited SZ-like behavioral abnormalities, including hyperlocomotor activity, deficits in prepulse inhibition, increased anxiety, impaired social interaction, and working memory deficit. Notably, the S-SCAM transgenic mice showed a unique sex difference in showing these behavioral symptoms, which is reminiscent of human conditions. These behavioral abnormalities were accompanied by hyperglutamatergic function associated with increased synaptic AMPA receptor levels and impaired long-term potentiation. Importantly, reducing glutamate release by the group 2 metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist LY379268 ameliorated the working memory deficits in the transgenic mice, suggesting that hyperglutamatergic function underlies the cognitive functional deficits. Together, these results contribute to validate a causal relationship of the rare S-SCAM CNV and provide supporting evidence for the rare CNV hypothesis in SZ pathogenesis. Furthermore, the S-SCAM transgenic mice provide a valuable new animal model for studying SZ pathogenesis.
Microsaccade-induced prolongation of saccade latencies depends on microsaccade amplitude

Fixations consist of small movements including microsaccades, i.e., rapid flicks in eye position that replace the retinal image by up to 1 degree of visual angle. Recently, we showed in a delayed-saccade task (1) that the rate of microsaccades decreased in the course of saccade preparation and (2) that microsaccades occurring around the time of a go signal were associated with prolonged saccade latencies (Rolfs et al., 2006). A re-analysis of the same data set revealed a strong dependence of these findings on microsaccade amplitude. First, microsaccade amplitude dropped to a minimum just before the generation of a saccade. Second, the delay of response saccades was a function of microsaccade amplitude: Microsaccades with larger amplitudes were followed by longer response latencies. These finding were predicted by a recently proposed model that attributes microsaccade generation to fixation-related activity in a saccadic motor map that is in competition with the generation of large saccades (Rolfs et al., 2008). We propose, therefore, that microsaccade statistics provide a behavioral correlate of fixation-related activity in the oculomotor system.
Cross‐informant agreement between adolescents with myelomeningocele and their parents

The development of self‐management skills by adolescents with myelomeningocele is an ongoing process. Previous studies lack consensus about what data can be accurately obtained from adolescents. This cross‐sectional study using a convenience sample of 66 adolescent‐parent dyads evaluated whether adolescents with myelomeningocele and their parents are interchangeable reporters of data. Adolescents' ages ranged from 12 to 21 years with a mean of 16 years 2 months (SD 2y 8mo); 38 were female, 28 were male; 30% had thoracic lesions, 32% had lumbar lesions, 15% had lumbosacral lesions, 23% had sacral lesions, and 85% had ventriculoperitoneal shunts. In this analysis, participants reported activities (decision‐making, household responsibility, and friendship activities) and select outcomes (functional status, self‐management, and social competence) similarly. However, differences emerged in reports of beliefs (adolescent future expectations, family variables) and select developmental competencies (school, job, athletic, behavioral, attractiveness, and romantic appeal). Analysis using t‐test and interclass correlations supported a pattern of adolescent‐parent agreement in areas of observable behavior and differences in more subjective domains such as perception of developmental competencies.
Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) Is the Most Effective Cancer Chemopreventive Polyphenol in Green Tea

Green tea is a popular drink consumed daily by millions of people around the world. Previous studies have shown that some polyphenol compounds from green tea possess anticancer activities. However, systemic evaluation was limited. In this study, we determined the cancer chemopreventive potentials of 10 representative polyphenols (caffeic acid, CA; gallic acid, GA; catechin, C; epicatechin, EC; gallocatechin, GC; catechin gallate, CG; gallocatechin gallate, GCG; epicatechin gallate, ECG; epigallocatechin, EGC; and epigallocatechin gallate, EGCG), and explored their structure-activity relationship. The effect of the 10 polyphenol compounds on the proliferation of HCT-116 and SW-480 human colorectal cancer cells was evaluated using an MTS assay. Cell cycle distribution and apoptotic effects were analyzed by flow cytometry after staining with propidium iodide (PI)/RNase or annexin V/PI. Among the 10 polyphenols, EGCG showed the most potent antiproliferative effects, and significantly induced cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase and cell apoptosis. When the relationship between chemical structure and anticancer activity was examined, C and EC did not show antiproliferative effects, and GA showed some antiproliferative effects. When C and EC esterified with GA to produce CG and ECG, the antiproliferative effects were increased significantly. A similar relationship was found between EGC and EGCG. The gallic acid group significantly enhanced catechin’s anticancer potential. This property could be utilized in future semi-synthesis of flavonoid derivatives to develop novel anticancer agents.
Growing collagen, not muscle, with weightlifting and ‘growth’ hormone

Email:burdna@mcmaster.caResistanceexerciseremainsunchallengedasan extremely potent exercise perturbationto induce signiﬁcant increases in skeletalmuscle mass. In recent years, manipulationof acute exercise variables (intensity,volume, restinterval) and type(multi-jointor single joint) of exercise has beenemployed to induce a favourable ‘anabolic’hormonal milieu (large systemic increasesin growth hormone (GH), testosterone andinsulin-likegrowthfactor(IGF-1))inwhichto bathe the muscle following the exercisebout has been a goal among resistanceexercise enthusiasts.Presumably, this recommendation haslargely developed based on the observationthat GH secretion is linear in growingchildren and thus must be growthpromoting in adults also; however, humanstudies tell a different story in that nosigniﬁcant increases in muscle proteinsynthesis or lean body mass can bedetected in healthy young adults whenexogenous GH is administered (Yarasheski
Using ICT to enhance knowledge management in higher education: a conceptual framework and research agenda

The adoption and use of ICT to enhance and facilitate Knowledge Management (KM) has brought to focus the urgent need to come out with new methods, tools and techniques in the development of KM systems frameworks, knowledge processes and knowledge technologies to promote effective management of knowledge for improved service deliveries in higher education. To succeed in KM, higher education institutions must endeavor to effectively link KM initiatives and processes with their ever-changing needs to advance their goals. Addressing these challenges call for a new conceptual framework and expanded research agenda to ensure success in the utilization of ICT in KM. Using the synergies from Stankosky’s (2005) KM pillar for enterprise learning together with the task/technology fit theory (Goodhue and Thompson, 1995) to form the basis for defining our approach, this paper proposes a conceptual framework for using ICT to enhance KM in higher education. In addition, the paper identifies several research issues to bridge the gap that currently exists between the requirements of theory building and testing to address the different emerging challenges in using ICT to enhance KM in higher education.
The GnRH challenge test: a quantitative measure of pituitary desensitization during GnRH agonist administration

OBJECTIVE The use of GnRH agonists for desensitization of the pituitary is widespread in gynaecological practice. For indications such as contraception and treatment of uterine leiomyomata partial desensitization may suffice. With respect to partial desensitization of the pituitary we have addressed three basic questions: (1) Is the degree of pituitary desensitization dependent on the dose of agonist used? (2) What is the optimal way to measure the degree of pituitary desensitization? (3) Is it possible to create a standard to express the degree of pituitary desensitization?
Do You Want Your Autonomous Car to Drive Like You?

With progress in enabling autonomous cars to drive safely on the road, it is time to start asking how they should be driving. A common answer is that they should be adopting their users' driving style. This makes the assumption that users want their autonomous cars to drive like they drive - aggressive drivers want aggressive cars, defensive drivers want defensive cars. In this paper, we put that assumption to the test. We find that users tend to prefer a significantly more defensive driving style than their own. Interestingly, they prefer the style they think is their own, even though their actual driving style tends to be more aggressive. We also find that preferences do depend on the specific driving scenario, opening the door for new ways of learning driving style preference.
CONTROL OF CRACKING IN CONCRETE STRUCTURES

PRINCIPAL CAUSES OF CRACKING AND RECOMMENDED CRACK CONTROL PROVISIONS ARE PRESENTED IN THIS REPORT. IT COVERS THE BASIC MECHANISM OF MICROCRACKING AND FRACTURE MECHANICS IN CONCRETE. IT DEALS WITH CONTROL OF CRACKING DUE TO VARIOUS CAUSES IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: SHRINKAGE, REINFORCED CONCRETE BEAMS, ONE-WAY AND TWO-WAY SLABS SYSTEMS, PRESTRESSED CONCRETE SYSTEMS, LONG-TERM EFFECTS INCLUDING CREEP AND OTHER FACTORS, MASS CONCRETE, AND CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURES. THE REPORT GIVES RECOMMENDED CRITERIA AND EQUATIONS, WHERE NECESSARY, FOR USE BY THE DESIGN ENGINEER BASED ON RESEARCH AND APPLIED KNOWLEDGE IN THE FIELD OF CRACK CONTROL IN CONCRETE.
Adaptation and Mobility in Wireless Information Systems

A confusing array of new wireless “untethered” communications services, for voice and data, in real-time or delayed, interactive or one-way, in-building or out-of-doors, are rapidly becoming available. In this paper, we argue that despite the widely varying issues of engineering that span the creation of these diverse wireless services, the unique underlying aspect is that they must be able to adapt to a constantly changing environment brought on by mobility. Mobile systems must be able to detect their transmission environment and exploit knowledge about its cur rent situation, so-called “situation awareness,” to improve the quality of communications. Handoff in cellular phone systems is one example of detection and reaction to the environment. A more pervasive understanding of how to exploit adaptation and situation awareness will be the challenge, especially as systems transition from communications to more general wireless information systems.
Follow-up study of risk factors in progressive supranuclear palsy

The cause of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is not known and has been little studied.The one previous controlled epidemiologic survey, performed at our center in 1986, found small-town experience and greater educational attainment as PSP risks, but, in retrospect, these results may have been produced by ascertainment bias. Since that time, several anecdotal reports have implicated heredity and various environmental exposures in the cause of some cases of PSP. To clarify the results of the previous study and to evaluate the more recently implicated candidate factors in a controlled fashion, we mailed a validated 69-item questionnaire to 91 personally examined patients with PSP and 104 unmatched controls with other neurologic conditions for which they had been referred to our tertiary neurologic center. We were able to match 75 subjects from each group by year of birth, sex, and race and subjected them to a separate matched-pair analysis. We allowed surrogates to supply any or all of the responses. Questions concerned hydrocarbon, pesticide, and herbicide exposure; urban/rural living; auto repair and other occupations; head trauma; educational attainment; maternal age; and family history of PSP, parkinsonism, dementia, and other neurologic conditions. A statistically significant finding was that patients with PSP were less likely to have completed at least 12 years of school (matched odds ratio = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.12-0.95, p = 0.022; unmatched odds ratio = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.21-0.89, p = 0.020). We hypothesize that this result may be a proxy for poor early-life nutrition or for occupational or residential exposure to an as-yet unsuspected toxin. Future studies should examine these potential risk factors in PSP. NEUROLOGY 1996;47: 148-154