Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Long-Term Vision and Non-Vision Dominant Behavioral Deficits in the 2-VO Rats Are Accompanied by Time and Regional Glial Activation in the White Matter

The permanent occlusion of common carotid arteries (2-VO) in rats has been shown to induce progressive and long-lasting deficits in cognitive performance, however, whether these aberrant behaviors are attributed to visual dysfunction or cognitive impairment and what are the underlying mechanisms, remain controversial. In the present study, vision dominant (Morris water maze) and non-vision dominant (voice-cued fear conditioning) behavioral tests were assigned to comprehensively evaluate the influence of 2-VO lesion on cognitive behaviors. In the Morris water maze test, escape latencies of 2-VO rats were markedly increased in both hidden and unfixed visible platform tasks, which were accompanied by severe retinal damage. In the voice-cued fear conditioning test, significant reduction in the percentage of freezing behavior was observed at 60 days after 2-VO lesion. Chronic lesion by 2-VO failed to cause noticeable changes in the grey matter, as indicated by intact hippocampal and prefrontal cortical structures, sustained synaptic protein levels and glial cell numbers. In contrast, aberrant arrangement of myelinated axons was observed in the optic tract, but not in the corpus callosum and inner capsule of 2-VO rats. Concurrently, marked astrocyte proliferation and microglia activation in the optic tract occurred at 3 days after 2-VO lesion, and continued for up to 60 days. Differently, robust glial activation was observed in the corpus callosum at 3 days after 2-VO surgery, and then gradually returned to the baseline level at 14 and 60 days. Our study reported for the first time about the effect of 2-VO on the long-term cognitive impairment in the non-vision dominant fear conditioning test, which may be more applicable than the Morris water maze test for assessing 2-VO associated cognitive function. The time and region specific glial activation in the white matter may relate to retinal impairment, even behavioral deficits, in the setting of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion.
The Natural History of Acute Charcot’s Arthropathy in a Diabetic Foot Specialty Clinic

The aim of this longitudinal study was to report on the clinical characteristics and treatment course of acute Charcot’s arthropathy at a tertiary care diabetic foot clinic. Fifty‐five diabetic subjects, with a mean age of 58.6 ± 8.5 years, were studied. All patients were treated with serial total contact casting until quiescence. Following casting and before transfer to prescription footwear, patients were eased into unprotected weightbearing via a removable cast walker. This cohort was followed for their entire treatment course and for a mean 92.6 ± 33.7 weeks following return to shoes. Pain was the most frequent presenting complaint in these otherwise insensate patients (76 %). The mean duration of casting was 18.5 ± 10.6 weeks. Patients returned to footwear in a mean 28.3 ± 14.5 weeks. Nine per cent of the population had bilateral arthropathy. These subjects were casted significantly longer than the unilateral group (p < 0.02). Surgery was performed on 25 % of patients, with approximately two‐thirds of these procedures involving plantar exostectomies and one‐third fusions of affected joints. Patients receiving surgery remained casted significantly longer than non‐surgical patients (p < 0.05). Additionally, men were casted longer than women (p < 0.008).
Sharing Rides with Friends: A Coalition Formation Algorithm for Ridesharing

We consider the Social Ridesharing (SR) problem, where a set of commuters, connected through a social network, arrange one-time rides at short notice. In particular, we focus on the associated optimisation problem of forming cars to minimise the travel cost of the overall system modelling such problem as a graph constrained coalition formation (GCCF) problem, where the set of feasible coalitions is restricted by a graph (i.e., the social network). Moreover, we significantly extend the state of the art algorithm for GCCF, i.e., the CFSS algorithm, to solve our GCCF model of the SR problem. Our empirical evaluation uses a real dataset for both spatial (GeoLife) and social data (Twitter), to validate the applicability of our approach in a realistic application scenario. Empirical results show that our approach computes optimal solutions for systems of medium scale (up to 100 agents) providing significant cost reductions (up to -36.22%). Moreover, we can provide approximate solutions for very large systems (i.e., up to 2000 agents) and good quality guarantees (i.e., with an approximation ratio of 1.41 in the worst case) within minutes (i.e., 100 seconds).
Low Prevalence of Asthma in Westernizing Countries—Myth or Reality? Prevalence of Asthma in Estonia—A Report from the “FinEsS” Study

Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of asthma among adults in Estonia by using different diagnostic methods and criteria for the disease. Methods: In 1995–1996, a postal questionnaire was randomly distributed in three areas of Estonia to a representative sample of 22,579 subjects aged 15–64 years. The participation rate was 78%. A clinical follow-up study including structured interview, skin prick test, lung function, and methacholine test, was performed from 1997 to 2000 among randomly selected responders to the postal questionnaire. Of 2676 subjects, 53% participated. Results: The prevalence of physician-diagnosed asthma for the postal questionnaire (PQ) was 2.7%, and in the same subjects for the structured interview (SI) 3.8%. Respiratory symptoms, except recurrent wheeze, were more common in the SI than PQ. Combinations of symptoms, except wheezing with breathlessness apart from cold, were more prevalent in the PQ responders. The prevalence of asthma defined by different symptom combinations varied from 5.4% to 8.2%. Among responders, 71–87% demonstrated bronchial hyperreactivity defined as methacholine reactivity ≤ 8 mg/mL. The symptom combinations used as surrogate variables for asthma were strongly associated with a positive skin test. Conclusion: The low prevalence of physician-diagnosed asthma probably reflects a considerable underdiagnosis of asthma in Estonia. Disease criteria for asthma based on symptom combinations together with hyperreactivity yielded a prevalence of 5%–8%, which is similar to the prevalence of asthma among adults in neighboring Western countries.
The Archipelago Approach To Mixed Method Evaluation

In this article, we propose a new metaphorical framework for understanding and using mixed methods evaluation. Our re-conceptualization of mixing methods provides important insights into the theoretical and practical challenges of using a mixed method approach. Mixed methods can create philosophical and practical dilemmas in the ways data are collected, analyzed, interpreted and reported. We used an archipelago as a metaphor for resolving these challenges. An archipelago is a set of islands that loosely forms a group. Using the archipelago as a metaphor helped to clarify and re-conceptualize the evaluation approach and its findings by allowing simultaneous consideration of different mixed methods and stances. The results have implications for those attempting to use mixed methods to evaluate programs.
Action research on a teacher education programme

Author’s note: While I have submitted this post-print version to the university to conform to university requirements, I would prefer readers to access the article in its published form. This is because such activity might draw readers to other articles in the same publication, which might thus strengthen the research community centred on the journal. ELT Research is a deeply ethical, freely available, open access journal staffed by volunteers. A link to this particular issue is below: http://resig.weebly. com/uploads/2/6/3/6/26368747/elt_research_issue_29. pdf
Role of behavioural feedback in nutrition education for enhancing nutrition knowledge and improving nutritional behaviour among adolescents.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The integration of nutrition knowledge into nutritional behaviour can help children to develop a healthy lifestyle that may be carried forward into adulthood. E-learning enables students to take ownership of recording their dietary intake and modify their diets by making their own decisions regarding food choices and portion sizes through reflective feedback. This study investigated the role of behavioural feedback in nutrition education in modifying students' nutrition knowledge and behaviour. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN Ninety-five secondary students studying from Secondary 1 to Secondary 3 were recruited from five schools. Moreover, 50 and 45 students were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups, respectively. Nutrition education delivered through e-learning (NeL) was adopted to record students' diets. Online reports with behavioural feedback were provided for the experimental group but not for the control group. NeL sessions lasted for 12 weeks. The energy and nutrient profiles of the students were recorded as pre-post measurements. Pre-post nutrition knowledge was assessed using a self-administered questionnaire at the baseline and after intervention. RESULTS The experimental group had significantly higher scores in the 'dietary recommendation' and 'food choices' domains of the questionnaire and demonstrated significant dietary improvement in the intake of all studied macronutrients and micronutrients. CONCLUSIONS Nutrition education conducted with behavioural feedback can effectively improve adolescents' nutrition knowledge and nutritional behaviour.
Autism spectrum disorder and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Part II: A qualitative comparison of parenting stress

Abstract Background Researchers investigating the impact of parenting children with disabilities suggest that regardless of the specific diagnosis, parents experience increased levels of stress. However, particular disabilities may be associated with distinct stressors and strains. Method Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and parents of children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) participated in in-depth qualitative interviews employing a basic interpretative approach. Results Both groups described some similar stressors, such as multi-tasking, the diagnostic process, and dealing with behavioural issues, but there are distinct differences between families of children with FASD and families of children with ASD. Whereas parents of children with FASD focused on their children's illegal behaviours, parents of children with ASD struggled with their children's tantrums and anxieties. Conclusions Supports must be tailored to meet the specific needs of parents of children with different types of disabilities.
Factors Controlling Velocity Variations at Short‐Term, Seasonal and Multiyear Time Scales, Ritigraben Rock Glacier, Western Swiss Alps

This study analyses the factors controlling variations in short‐term, seasonal and multiyear deformation velocity of an alpine rock glacier from data obtained over periods of 1–20 years. The Ritigraben rock glacier, in the western Swiss Alps, was monitored using tacheometry, terrestrial laser scanning, an in situ global positioning system and borehole deformation measurements. Rock glacier stratigraphy and ground temperature data were obtained from boreholes, and long‐term meteorological data (temperature, precipitation, snow water equivalent) from nearby weather stations. Shearing within a distinct water‐bearing layer represents the major component of the displacement. Short‐term accelerations and seasonal velocity patterns of the rock glacier deformation appear to have been triggered by water supply to this layer. A long‐term acceleration of the rock glacier was probably also caused by increased water supply. Permafrost temperature in the rock glacier has increased slightly since 2002, yet no direct causality could be established between this limited warming and rock glacier acceleration. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Soy Protein Infant Formulae and Follow-On Formulae: A Commentary by the ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition

ABSTRACT: This comment by the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) Committee on Nutrition summarizes available information on the composition and use of soy protein formulae as substitutes for breastfeeding and cows' milk protein formulae as well as on their suitability and safety for supporting adequate growth and development in infants. Soy is a source of protein that is inferior to cows' milk, with a lower digestibility and bioavailability as well as a lower methionine content. For soy protein infant formulae, only protein isolates can be used, and minimum protein content required in the current European Union legislation is higher than that of cows' milk protein infant formulae (2.25 g/100 kcal vs. 1.8 g/100kcal). Soy protein formulae can be used for feeding term infants, but they have no nutritional advantage over cows' milk protein formulae and contain high concentrations of phytate, aluminum, and phytoestrogens (isoflavones), which might have untoward effects. There are no data to support the use of soy protein formulae in preterm infants. Indications for soy protein formulae include severe persistent lactose intolerance, galactosemia, and ethical considerations (e.g., vegan concepts). Soy protein formulae have no role in the prevention of allergic diseases and should not be used in infants with food allergy during the first 6 months of life. If soy protein formulae are considered for therapeutic use in food allergy after the age of 6 months because of their lower cost and better acceptance, tolerance to soy protein should first be established byclinical challenge. There is no evidence supporting the use of soy protein formulae for the prevention or management of infantile colic, regurgitation, or prolonged crying.
Stress within a Restricted Time Window Selectively Affects the Persistence of Long-Term Memory

The effects of stress on emotional memory are distinct and depend on the stages of memory. Memory undergoes consolidation and reconsolidation after acquisition and retrieval, respectively. Stress facilitates the consolidation but disrupts the reconsolidation of emotional memory. Previous research on the effects of stress on memory have focused on long-term memory (LTM) formation (tested 24 h later), but the effects of stress on the persistence of LTM (tested at least 1 week later) are unclear. Recent findings indicated that the persistence of LTM requires late-phase protein synthesis in the dorsal hippocampus. The present study investigated the effect of stress (i.e., cold water stress) during the late phase after the acquisition and retrieval of contextual fear memory in rats. We found that stress and corticosterone administration during the late phase (12 h) after acquisition, referred to as late consolidation, selectively enhanced the persistence of LTM, whereas stress during the late phase (12 h) after retrieval, referred to as late reconsolidation, selectively disrupted the restabilized persistence of LTM. Moreover, the effects of stress on the persistence of LTM were blocked by the corticosterone synthesis inhibitor metyrapone, which was administered before stress, suggesting that the glucocorticoid system is involved in the effects of stress on the persistence of LTM. We conclude that stress within a restricted time window after acquisition or retrieval selectively affects the persistence of LTM and depends on the glucocorticoid system.
On the design of two single event tolerant slave latches for scan delay testing

This paper proposes two new slave latches for improving the Single Event Upset (SEU) tolerance of a flipflop in scan delay testing. The two proposed slave latches utilize additional circuitry to increase the critical charge of the flip-flop compared to designs found in the technical literature. The first (second) latch design achieves a 5.6 (2.4) times larger critical charge with 11% (4%) delay and 16 % (9%) power consumption overhead at 32 nm feature size as compared to the best design found in the technical literature. Moreover, it is shown that the proposed slave latches have also superior performance in the presence of a single event with a multiple node upset.
The Influence of a Glide Path on the Lifespan of WaveOne Reciprocating Files

Background: Nickel-titanium instrument separation is a serious concern in endodontic therapy. A significant reduction of rotary instrument separation could be obtained when use of rotary file is anticipated by an initial manual preflaring and glide path. Normally this procedure is carried out by stainless steel hand files but new rotary nickel-titanium instruments (PathFiles) for mechanical glide path has been recently introduced. Methodology/Principal Findings: Canal preparation was performed on 100 Endo-Training Block simulators divided in two equal groups, depending on the used technique (with and without a glide path). Average lifespan and cumulative survival at the time of WaveOne (Dentsply Maillefer) files before and after the creation of a glide path with PathFiles (Dentsply Maillefer) were tested. Following the instructions of the producer all the files were operated using The WaveOne™ Endodontic system (Dentsply Maillefer). All WaveOne files worked till fracture occurred. During mechanical instrumentation each file was coated with Glyde™ (Dentsply Maillefer) to act as a lubricant, and copious irrigation with 5.25% NaOCl was carried out. Eight WaveOne reciprocating files were used in canals’ preparation and six of them broke: 4 files before the creation of a glide path and 2 after the initial enlargement of the canals with PathFile system. The average lifespan of one WaveOne file without a creation of a glide path was 10.25±2.50 canals and after a creation of a glide path – 17.50±2.12 canals. The difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). The instruments used after a glide path was created presented a significantly longer survival at the time (р<0.05). Conclusions: Within the limits of this study, NiTi rotary Path Files appear to be suitable instruments for safe and easy creation of the glide path before use of WaveOne reciprocating files. The initial enlargement of the canals increases significantly the average lifespan and the survival rate of WaveOne files.
Factors Influencing Compliance With Early Resuscitation Bundle in the Management of Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock

ABSTRACT The Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines recommend implementing a 6-h resuscitation bundle, which has been associated with reduced mortality of patients presenting with severe sepsis or septic shock. However, this resuscitation bundle has not yet become a widely implemented treatment protocol. It is still unclear what factors are associated with the rate of compliance with the resuscitation bundle. In this study, we evaluated the potential factors associated with implementation and compliance of a 6-h resuscitation bundle in patients presenting with severe sepsis or septic shock in the emergency department. We conducted a retrospective observational study involving adult patients presenting with severe sepsis or septic shock in the emergency department of a tertiary care hospital during the period between August 2008 and July 2010. The resuscitation bundle consisted of seven interventions according to the Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines. The primary outcome measure was the rate of high compliance with the 6-h resuscitation bundle, defined as implementation of more than five of seven interventions. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to adjust for the confounding factors. A total of 317 patients were enrolled into the study. One hundred seventy-two patients (54.3%) were assigned to the high compliance group, and 145 patients (45.7%) to the low compliance group. Significant factors associated with high compliance of the 6-h resuscitation bundle were hyperthermia (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.37; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.10–1.70), care from experienced nurses who had 3 or more years of clinical experience (adjusted OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.10–2.58), and care from senior residents or board-certified emergency physicians (adjusted OR, 3.68; 95% CI, 1.68–6.89). Factors related with lower compliance were cryptic shock (adjusted OR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.13–0.52) and higher serum lactate levels (adjusted OR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.82–0.98). Furthermore, we found several potential factors that influence compliance with the sepsis resuscitation bundle. To improve the compliance with the resuscitation bundle, interventions focusing on those factors will be needed.
Stretching Beyond the Horizon: A Multiplanar Theory of Spatial Planning and Governance

In this innovative work Jean Hillier develops a new theory for students and researchers of spatial planning and governance which is grounded primarily in the work of Gilles Deleuze. The theory recognizes the complex interrelation between place qualities and the multiple space-time relational dynamics of spatial governance. Using empirical examples from England and Australia, Hillier identifies the power of networks and trajectories through which various actors territorialize space and explores the social and political responsibilities of spatial managers and decision-makers. She explores what spatial planning and urban management practices could look like if they were to become along Deleuzean lines and suggests alternative framings for spatial practice: broad trajectories or 'visions' of the longer-term future and shorter-term, location-specific detailed plans and projects with collaboratively determined tangible goals.
Optimized Configurable Architectures for Scalable Soft-Input Soft-Output MIMO Detectors With 256-QAM

This paper presents an optimized low-complexity and high-throughput MIMO signal detector core for detecting spatially multiplexed data streams. The core architecture supports various layer configurations up to 4, while achieving near-optimal performance, and configurable modulation constellations up to 256-QAM on each layer. The core is capable of operating as a soft-input soft-output log-likelihood ratio (LLR) MIMO detector which can be used in the context of iterative detection and decoding. High area-efficiency is achieved via algorithmic and architectural optimizations performed at two levels. First, distance computations and slicing operations for an optimal 2-layer maximum a posteriori MIMO detector are optimized to eliminate use of multipliers and reduce the overhead of slicing in the presence of soft-input LLRs. We show that distances can be easily computed using elementary addition operations, while optimal slicing is done via efficient comparisons with soft decision boundaries, resulting in a simple feed-forward pipelined architecture. Second, to support more layers, an efficient channel decomposition scheme is presented that reduces the detection of multiple layers into multiple 2-layer detection subproblems, which map onto the 2-layer core with a slight modification using a distance accumulation stage and a post-LLR processing stage. Various architectures are accordingly developed to achieve a desired detection throughput and run-time reconfigurability by time-multiplexing of one or more component cores. The proposed core is applied also to design an optimal multiuser MIMO detector for LTE. The core occupies an area of 1.58 MGE and achieves a throughput of 733 Mbps for 256-QAM when synthesized in 90-nm CMOS.