Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Linking Spaceborne and Ground Observations of Autumn Foliage Senescence in Southern Québec, Canada

Autumn senescence progresses over several weeks during which leaves change their colors. The onset of leaf coloring and its progression have environmental and economic consequences, however, very few efforts have been devoted to monitoring regional foliage color change in autumn using remote sensing imagery. This study aimed to monitor the progression of autumn phenology using satellite remote sensing across a region in Southern Quebec, Canada, where phenological observations are frequently performed in autumn across a large number of sites, and to evaluate the satellite retrievals against these in-situ observations. We used a temporally-normalized time-series of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) extracted from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) imagery to monitor the different phases of autumn foliage during 2011–2015, and compared the results with ground observations from 38 locations. Since the NDVI time-series is separately normalized per pixel, the outcome is a time-series of foliage coloration status that is independent of the land cover. The results show a significant correlation between the timing of peak autumn coloration to elevation and latitude, but not to longitude, and suggest that temperature is likely a main driver of variation in autumn foliage progression. The interannual coloration phase differences for MODIS retrievals are larger than for ground observations, but most ground site observations correlate significantly with MODIS retrievals. The mean absolute error for the timing of all foliage phases is smaller than the frequency of both ground observation reports and the frequency of the MODIS NDVI time-series, and therefore considered acceptable. Despite this, the observations at four of the ground sites did not correspond well with the MODIS retrievals, and therefore we conclude that further methodological refinements to improve the quality of the time series are required for MODIS spatial monitoring of autumn phenology over Quebec to be operationally employed in a reliable manner.
Seamless Transfer of Single-Phase Grid-Interactive Inverters Between Grid-Connected and Stand-Alone Modes

This paper presents a novel seamless transfer of single-phase grid-interactive inverters between grid-connected and stand-alone modes. The grid-connected inverter should operate in grid-tied and off-grid modes in order to provide power to the emergency load during system outages. However, the grid current controller and the output voltage controller are switched between the two modes, so the outputs of both controllers may not be equal during the transfer instant, which will cause the current or voltage spikes during the switching process. The transfer between the two controllers does not exist in the proposed method. In grid-tied mode, the voltage controller is used for compensating the filter capacitor current, and the current controller is used to control the grid current. In stand-alone mode, the voltage controller is used to regulate the output voltage, whereas the output of the current controller is zero. With the proposed control method, the seamless transfer can be achieved between both modes, even in polluted grid voltage. The principle and realization conditions of the control methods at both modes are analyzed. The detailed process of the seamless transfer between the two modes is illustrated. Finally, the simulation and experimental results verify the theoretical analysis.
Physical Fitness and Intraocular Pressure

Abstract The ability of moderate to intense aerobic exercise to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) has been reported. Previous studies have focused on a single postexercise recovery period not considering the long‐term effect of improved physical fitness on IOP. A total of 32 adult subjects, all having IOP's of >18 mm Hg in each eye as determined by an American Optical Corporation Non‐Contact Tonometer, were selected for the study. After a complete medical and visual evaluation, participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (N = 18) receiving a 6‐month supervised exercise program to improve physical fitness or into a control group (N = 14). After 6 months, each group was reevaluated to observe changes in physical fitness and IOP. Pre‐ and poststudy measurements of maximum oxygen uptake (ml/kg/min) made with a Beckman O2 analyzer showed significant improvement in physical fitness in the intervention group (p < 0.05). There was a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in IOP, 2.0 mm Hg in the right eye and 1.3 mm Hg in the left eye, in the intervention group; however, decreases in IOP were comparable and significant (p < 0.05) in the control group. Results from multiple regression analysis for each individual group and for combined groups indicated that changes in IOP were not dependent upon changes in physical fitness.
Effects of interdisciplinary rounds on length of stay in a telemetry unit.

UNLABELLED Interdisciplinary rounds (IRs) have been proposed to improve staff communication and reduce LOS. There have been no studies of IRs on an inpatient telemetry ward. Patients on a telemetry unit of a community hospital were randomly assigned to either an IR intervention or standard care. Charts were reviewed to determine LOS, patient characteristics, and indirect indices of quality of care. INTERVENTION Daily work rounds, in which resident physicians, nurses, and ancillary staff meet to discuss patients on the team. RESULTS 84 patients were enrolled, 42 randomized to the intervention and 42 to standard care. There was no significant difference in LOS. Indirect measures of quality of care (dietician, pharmacist, or physical therapist visit) did not differ. In a multiple linear regression model, only abnormal laboratory data, the presence of dementia, and the presence of a home health aid significantly predicted LOS. CONCLUSION IRs did not decrease LOS in a telemetry ward. Whereas a potential benefit of IRs in other settings cannot be ruled out, this study emphasizes the importance of rigorous testing of strategies to enhance the quality or reduce the costs of inpatient care.
Examining the Starting Dose of Glyburide in Gestational Diabetes

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to determine the impact of initial glyburide dosing on pregnancy outcomes. Study Design Retrospective cohort of singleton pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) from 2007 to 2013. Women who received glyburide were compared by initial dose: 2.5 mg (n = 170) versus 5 mg (n = 154) total daily dose. The primary maternal outcome was hypoglycemia, defined as a blood glucose < 60 mg/dL. The primary neonatal outcome was birth weight. Secondary maternal outcomes included time to blood glucose control, preeclampsia, and cesarean delivery. Secondary neonatal outcomes included macrosomia (>4,000 g), hypoglycemia (<40 mg/dL), shoulder dystocia, and preterm delivery. Results The 5 mg/day glyburide dose did not increase maternal hypoglycemia (26% in the 2.5 mg/day group vs. 27% in the 5 mg/day group; adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.67; confidence interval [CI] 0.30–1.49). An increase in macrosomia in the 5 mg/day group was not significant after adjusting for maternal obesity (AOR 2.16; CI 0.96–4.88). Differences in preterm birth and large for gestational age were not significant after adjusting for prior preterm birth and maternal obesity, respectively. Conclusions A higher starting dose of glyburide for the management of GDM was not associated with increased maternal hypoglycemia or decreased adverse neonatal outcomes.
A critical period for functional vestibular development in zebrafish

We have determined a critical period for vestibular development in zebrafish by using a bioreactor designed by NASA to simulate microgravity for cells in culture. A critical period is defined as the briefest period of time during development when stimulus deprivation results in long lasting or permanent sensory deficits. Zebrafish eggs were collected within 3 hours of being laid and fertilized. In experiment 1, eggs were placed in the bioreactor at 3, 24, 30, 36, 48, or 72 hours postfertilization (hPF) and maintained in the bioreactor until 96 hPF. In experiment 2, eggs were placed in the bioreactor immediately after they were collected and maintained in the bioreactor until 24, 36, 48, 60, 66, 72, or 96 hPF. Beginning at 96 hPF, all larvae had their vestibulo‐ocular reflexes (VOR) evaluated once each day for 5 days. Only larvae that hatched from eggs that were placed in the bioreactor before 30 hPF in experiment 1 or removed from the bioreactor later than 66 hPF in experiment 2 had VOR deficits that persisted for at least 5 days. These data suggest a critical period for vestibular development in the zebrafish that begins before 30 hPF and ends after 66 hPF. To confirm this, zebrafish eggs were placed in the bioreactor at 24 hPF and removed at 72 hPF. VORs were evaluated in these larvae once each day for 5 days beginning at 96 hPF. These larvae had VOR deficits that persisted for at least 5 days. In addition, larvae that had been maintained in the bioreactor from 24 to 66 hPF or from 30 to 72 hPF, had only temporary VOR deficits. In a final experiment, zebrafish eggs were placed in the bioreactor at 3 hPF and removed at 96 hPF but the bioreactor was turned off from 24 hPF to 72 hPF. These larvae had normal VORs when they were removed from the bioreactor at 96 hPF. Taken as a whole, these data support the idea that there is a critical period for functional maturation of the zebrafish vestibular system. The developmental period identified includes the timeframe during which the vestibular primary afferent neurons are born, innervate their central and peripheral targets, and remodel their central projections. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Contributions of Social Desirability to Self-Reported Ageism

The authors examined the role of social desirability in 445 participants’ responses to self-reported measures of ageism across two studies. In Study 1, college students and community adults completed the Relating to Older People Evaluation (ROPE) and a short form of the Marlowe–Crowne Social Desirability Scale (M-C SDS). Study 2 was a conceptual replication that included the Fraboni Scale of Ageism (FSA). Correlation analyses confirmed a small but significant relationship between scores on the positive ageist items and the social desirability scale in both studies. Ageist attitudes were correlated with negative ageist behaviors in Study 2. Implications for current views on ageism and strategies for reducing ageist attitudes and behaviors in everyday life are discussed.
Low Gut Microbiota Diversity in Early Infancy Precedes Asthma at School Age

TR Abrahamsson, HE Jakobsson, AF Andersson, B Bjorksten, L Engstrand, MC Jenmalm. Clin Exp Allergy. 2014;44(6):842–850 To assess diversity and characterize stool bacteria during the first year of life in relation to the prevalence of allergic disease in school-age children. The children in the current study are a subset of a larger study of infants with a family history of allergic disease conducted in Sweden between 2001 and 2005. Study participants received either Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC 55730 or placebo daily from day 1 to 3 of life until 12 months of age. Stool samples were collected at ages 5 to 7 days, 1 month, and 12 months. At 2 years of age, 20 …
Low Thiamine Diphosphate Levels in Brains of Patients with Frontal Lobe Degeneration of the Non‐Alzheimer's Type

Abstract: We compared the thiamine and thiamine phosphate contents in the frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital cortex of six patients with frontal lobe degeneration of the non‐Alzheimer's type (FNAD) or frontotemporal dementia with five age‐, postmortem delay‐, and agonal status‐matched control subjects. Our results reveal a 40–50% decrease in thiamine diphosphate (TDP) in the cortex of FNAD patients, whereas thiamine monophosphate was increased 49–119%. TDP synthesizing and hydrolyzing enzymes were unaffected. The activity of citrate synthase, a mitochondrial marker enzyme, was decreased in the frontal cortex of patients with FNAD, but no correlation with TDP content was found. These results suggest that decreased contents of TDP, which is essentially mitochondrial, is a specific feature of FNAD. As TDP is an essential cofactor for oxidative metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis, and because low thiamine status (compared with other species) is a constant feature in humans, a nearly 50% decrease in cortical TDP content may contribute significantly to the clinical symptoms observed in FNAD. This study also provides a basis for a trial of thiamine, to improve the cognitive status of the patients.
Follow‐up of sickle cell disease patients with priapism treated by hydroxyurea

Hydroxyurea is one of the most successfully used therapies for sickle cell disease. Results of many clinical trials point to hydroxyurea administration for patients with frequent painful crises and acute chest syndrome. Priapism is one of the complications that could be prevented by hydroxyurea, but there are few reports demonstrating the results. Since November 1993, hydroxyurea has been used in our clinic for preventing priapism in patients with stuttering or major attacks who are still capable of achieving intercourse on demand. Five patients were enrolled in the study, and 4 cases benefited by this treatment. After the initial treatment for the acute attack, all five patients developed stuttering priapism. Hydroxyurea was then introduced at the initial dose of 10 mg/kg, and as the hydroxyurea dosage increased, the number or length of priapism episodes decreased. One to two months after the maximal dose (20–35 mg/kg) was introduced, the episodes disappeared. In two patients, we were forced to administer over 30 mg hydroxyurea/kg to abort the episodes, and, in another patient, 25 mg/kg was necessary. All patients present normal sexual activity. Hydroxyurea was discontinued in two patients, but stuttering priapism reappeared. Hydroxyurea was then re‐introduced, and priapism disappeared. One patient, using 20 mg hydroxyurea/kg, had a 6‐year remission of priapism after hydroxyurea administration; however, he experienced stuttering priapism, 1 month before a major attack, that progressed to impotence. During that month, he did not seek medical attention. In conclusion, the data here presented suggests that hydroxyurea may prevent priapism attacks in sickle cell disease, probably at higher doses than usually prescribed for painful crisis prevention. Am. J. Hematol. 77:45–49, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
STUDIES ON CONVERSION HYSTERIA. I. OPERATIONAL STUDY OF DIAGNOSIS.

OVER THE centuries, hysteria has been applied as a label for almost any ailment which was, at the time, obscure. For example, Richard Whytt, 1 physician to His Majesty George III and president of the Royal College of Physicians, described 200 years ago many "hysterical" syndromes which one can recognize as rheumatic fever, peptic ulcer, etc. While there has been some revival of interest in clarifying the meaning of the diagnosis of "hysteria" or "conversion reaction" and what specific processes in the patient are implied thereby, there remains considerable confusion in medical and in everyday usage. Any discussion of hysteria with colleagues reveals that everyone is well informed and clear in one's own mind on the subject of hysteria until one begins to try to discuss it with someone else, at which point confusion in communication appears. We are like Alice, in that the word hysteria means what we
Beyond the IFN-&ggr; horizon: biomarkers for immunodiagnosis of infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Latent infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (LTBI) is defined by the presence of M. tuberculosis-specific immunity in the absence of active tuberculosis. LTBI is detected using interferon-&ggr; release assays (IGRAs) or the tuberculin-skin-test (TST). In clinical practice, IGRAs and the TSTs have failed to distinguish between active tuberculosis and LTBI and their predictive value to identify individuals at risk for the future development of tuberculosis is limited. There is an urgent need to identify biomarkers that improve the clinical performance of current immunodiagnostic methods for tuberculosis prevention, diagnosis and treatment monitoring. Here, we review the landscape of potential alternative biomarkers useful for detection of infection with M. tuberculosis. We describe what individual markers add in terms of specificity for active/latent infection, prediction of progression to active tuberculosis and immunodiagnostic potential in high-risk groups' such as HIV-infected individuals and children. The field of biomarkers for the guidance of clinical management of patients with tuberculosis is rapidly evolving http://ow.ly/r2Ep2
The Importance of Calibration in Clinical Psychology

Accuracy has several elements, not all of which have received equal attention in the field of clinical psychology. Calibration, the degree to which a probabilistic estimate of an event reflects the true underlying probability of the event, has largely been neglected in the field of clinical psychology in favor of other components of accuracy such as discrimination (e.g., sensitivity, specificity, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve). Although it is frequently overlooked, calibration is a critical component of accuracy with particular relevance for prognostic models and risk-assessment tools. With advances in personalized medicine and the increasing use of probabilistic (0% to 100%) estimates and predictions in mental health research, the need for careful attention to calibration has become increasingly important.
Healthcare associated infections in university hospitals in Latvia, Lithuania and Sweden: a simple protocol for quality assessment.

Surveillance of healthcare associated infections is an overlooked parameter of good clinical practice in most healthcare institutions, due to the workload demanded in the absence of adequate IT-systems. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether a simple protocol could be used to estimate the burden of healthcare associated infections in three university hospitals in Huddinge in Sweden, Riga in Latvia and Vilnius in Lithuania and form the basis for initiating a long term follow up system. The medical records of all patients receiving antibiotics were reviewed according to a standardised protocol, focusing on the indications for the drugs and on the frequency of hospital acquired infection (HAI) in a point-prevalence survey. Only comparable specialities were included. The proportion of patients treated with antibiotics (prophylaxis not included) were 63/280 (22%) in Huddinge, 73/649 (11%) in Riga and 99/682 (15%) in Vilnius. The proportion of admitted patients treated for a HAI were 15%, 3% and 4%, respectively, (both comparisons Huddinge versus other centres P<0.001). Surgical site infections were most common, followed by infections with an onset more than 2 days after admission without any of the other registered risk factors present. Our inexpensive and simple method showed that healthcare associated infections were a significant problem among patients admitted to Huddinge. The figures obtained can be used for further discussion and form a baseline for follow up at the local level. The comparison of figures between centres was far less relevant than the process the study created.
Oxygen Concentration during Reperfusion in Mitral Valve Surgery

Background: By lowering the oxygen fraction of the reperfusate, the reactive oxygen-derived free radicals can be reduced thus facilitating myocardial recovery during weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass and after surgery. Materials & Methods: Thirty patients undergoing mitral valve replacement were randomly exposed to an oxygen fraction of 0.7 (hyperoxic, n = 15) or 0.5 (normoxic, n = 15) during reperfusion. Hemodynamic variables, number of patients requiring additional inotropes and who developed new arrhythmia, duration of ventilation and intensive care unit stay, arterial blood gas and renal function were measured. Results: The demographic data, duration of cardiopulmonary bypass, aortic cross clamp time, duration of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit stay, additional inotropes, arrhythmia after reperfusion and renal function were similar in both groups. Arterial blood gas analysis was not significantly different, except for the low oxygen partial pressure in the normoxic group during reperfusion. With regard to hemodynamic variables, mean arterial pressure of the hyperoxic group was higher one hour after the cross clamp release. Hemodynamic variables were comparable in all other time periods. Conclusion: By reducing the oxygen concentration during reperfusion, the clinical outcomes in terms of inotropes usage, new arrhythmia after reperfusion, renal function, duration of ventilation and intensive care unit stay were not significantly altered.
Two‐Port Pars Plana Anterior and Central Core Vitrectomy (Lam Floaterectomy) in Combination With Phacoemulsification and Intraocular Lens Implantation Under Topical Anesthesia for Patients with Cataract and Significant Floaters: Results of the First 50 Consecutive Cases

Purpose: To study the safety and efficacy of 2‐port pars plana anterior and central core vitrectomy (Lam floaterectomy) in combination with phacoemulsification (phaco) and intraocular lens implantation (IOL) for patients with cataract and significant floaters under topical anesthesia. Design: Retrospective review of the first 50 consecutive cases. Methods: A standardized treatment protocol was used for patients with cataract and significant floaters (duration >3 months). Lam floaterectomy using 23G valved sclerotomy cannulas and the anterior vitrectomy system of phaco machine was done in combination with phaco and IOL under topical anesthesia. Data analysis included intraoperative and postoperative complications, floaters clearance and patient satisfaction rates. Results: There were 50 eyes (38 patients) with 11 males 27 females. Twelve patients had bilateral sequential eye surgeries. The mean age was 57.05 ± 10.90 (range, 39‐83) years. All patients completed the 3‐month follow‐up. One eye had mild vitreous hemorrhage at the end of surgery arising from sclerotomy wound oozing. Postoperatively, there was 1 case of transient hypotony and 1 case of congestion at sclerotomy wound. There were no cases of retinal break, retinal detachment, or macular edema. Total floaters clearance rate was 88% (5 cases (10%) of mild residual floaters and 1 case (2%) of floaters recurrence). Patient satisfaction rate was 94% (very satisfied: 80% and satisfied: 14%). Acceptable and unsatisfied rates were 6% and 0% respectively. Conclusions: The 3‐month results of the Lam floaterectomy are encouraging. Further larger‐scale, prospective, multicenter studies seem warranted.
Risk Factors and Outcomes of Influenza A (H3N2) Pneumonia in an Area Where Avian Influenza (H5N1) Is Endemic

We conducted a cohort study to identify the risks and outcomes of influenza A (H3N2) pneumonia. Of the 145 patients studied, 10 (7%) had influenza A pneumonia. Logistic regression identified multiple comorbidities (P<.001) and diarrhea at the initial presentation (P = .001) as associated risks. Infection with influenza A (P = .01) and receipt of inadequate antimicrobial therapy (P = .005) were predictors of mortality.