Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Type 1 diabetes patients with severe non-proliferative retinopathy may benefit from panretinal photocoagulation.

PURPOSE To examine whether panretinal photocoagulation for severe non-proliferative retinopathy in type 1 diabetes patients could halt the progression of retinopathy with subsequent vitreous haemorrhages and visual impairment. METHODS During a 10-year follow-up study period of 344 type 1 diabetes patients, 81 subjects went through panretinal photocoagulation. Forty patients were treated for severe non-proliferative retinopathy (age at onset of diabetes 14 +/- 8 years, diabetes duration 18 + 10 years) and 41 for proliferative retinopathy (age at onset 15 +/- 10 years, diabetes duration 22 + 13 years). One randomly selected eye per patient forms the basis for the study. Metabolic control, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, serum creatinine and urinary albumin levels were measured and analysed yearly during the follow-up period. RESULTS A total of 35% (14/40) of eyes treated for severe non-proliferative retinopathy developed neovascularizations during a mean time of 2.9 +/- 1.5 years. Vitreous haemorrhages were more frequent in eyes with proliferative retinopathy at treatment than in eyes with severe non-proliferative retinopathy (12/41 versus 2/40; p = 0.007). The number of vitrectomies due to vitreous haemorrhages in eyes treated for severe non-proliferative retinopathy tended to be lower (1/40 versus 6/41; p = 0.052). Before photocoagulation, visual acuity (VA) was similar in eyes with severe non-proliferative retinopathy and in those with proliferative retinopathy (1.0, 0.4-1.0 versus 1.0, 0.1-1.0; median and range). Visual impairment and blindness tended to develop more often in eyes treated for proliferative retinopathy compared to those treated for severe non-proliferative retinopathy (10/40 versus 4/40; p = 0.056). Eyes with neovascularizations at follow-up were more often visually impaired (VA < 0.5) than eyes without neovascularizations (15/55 versus 1/26; p = 0.016). CONCLUSION In type 1 diabetes, panretinal photocoagulation may be beneficial even at the severe non-proliferative retinopathy stage in terms of preventing vitreous haemorrhage, subsequent vitrectomy and visual impairment.
Control Strategy of a Quadratic Boost Converter With Voltage Multiplier Cell for High-Voltage Gain

The need of dc–dc switching converters for power supplies with high-voltage gains has increased in the recent years due to new applications in areas as renewable energy systems, transportation, industrial, medical, and others. A quadratic boost converter is a useful topology to obtain a step-up output voltage; however, a major drawback is the presence of a higher voltage stress over the active and passive switches. In this paper, a quadratic boost converter is combined with a voltage multiplier cell and an output filter to offer a high-voltage gain converter with nonpulsating input and output currents. The expressions for the capacitor voltages and inductor currents are given, as well as the corresponding ripples that allow the proper design of the converter. The bilinear switched, nonlinear averaged and linear averaged models are derived such that the dynamical behavior of the converter is analyzed and used to design a control strategy. A step-by-step procedure is given to tune up a current-mode controller. Experimental results are shown from a prototype, which delivers an output voltage of 220 V and an output power of 300 W. Step load changes between 20% and full load are applied to exhibit the robustness of switching regulator.
Psychological Aspects of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The literature on psychological aspects of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is reviewed. Psychiatric and/or psychometric assessment of IBS samples has consistently revealed a high prevalence of psychological symptoms by comparison with non-psychiatric patient and healthy control groups. Various psychological factors have been implicated in the aetiology of IBS and in the decision to seek medical help, including psychoneurotic personality traits, abnormal illness behaviour and life event stress. Controlled studies of psychological intervention for IBS, while scarce, suggest that supportive psychotherapy and hypnotherapy may be helpful. The long-term efficacy of such treatments remains to be demonstrated.
EFEITO DA SEXAGEM E DE LINHAGENS NO DESEMPENHO E RENDIMENTO DE CARCAÇA DE FRANGOS DE CORTE

O objetivo foi avaliar o desempenho produtivo e o rendimento de carcaca de diferentes linhagens e sexagem de frangos de corte. O trabalho foi realizado na UTFPR com 576 aves das linhagens Cobb, Ross e Hubbard, dispostas nas sexagem macho, femea ou misto, dispostos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado (DIC), num bifatorial 3 x 3 (linhagens x sexagem), com quatro repeticoes em cada tratamento e 16 aves em cada unidade experimental. Realizado o acompanhamento diario, com pesagens e calculos de consumo de racao e conversao alimentar semanal. No abate, foi realizado o rendimento de carcaca e dos cortes de cada tratamento. Em outro comparativo, foram utilizados dados de 141 lotes abatidos no periodo de fevereiro a dezembro de 2012, referentes a produtores integrados a cooperativa avicola da Regiao Sudoeste do Parana, com os dados de desempenho das mesmas linhagens e sexagens. Para analise dos dados atraves do programa estatistico Assistat. O peso vivo, ganho de peso, consumo de racao e conversao alimentar apresentaram diferencas significativas no decorrer das fases avaliadas, porem, no final nao houve diferencas significativas. O desempenho dos machos apresentou-se superioridade em todas as variaveis. No rendimento de carcaca nao foi possivel observar diferencas significativas entre as linhagens e sexagens das aves, mas para alguns cortes destaca-se a linhagem Cobb. Nos dados dos lotes a linhagem Hubbard apresentou melhores resultados de mortalidade, peso vivo, ganho de peso diario, conversao alimentar, indice de eficiencia produtiva e densidade. Houve interacao entre linhagem e sexagem, apresentando os machos Hubbard o melhor desempenho zootecnico. Existem diferencas zootecnicas entre as linhagens e a sexagem utilizadas na avicultura de corte.
The Neolithic causewayed camp at Abingdon, Berks.

The situation of the Neolithic Causewayed camp at Abingdon, discovered by the Rev. Charles Overy and made famous by the late Mr. E. T. Leeds, is well known and only requires summarizing. It lies on a spur bounded by the valleys of two brooks at the south edge of an expanse of Summertown-Radley terrace gravel, three-quarters of a mile north of the Thames. The two concentric ditches, to which reference is made below, lay between the brooks; a third similar ditch, of which pit A was possibly a section, may have lain to the south. The site was at its highest (about 202 ft. O.D.) at about the centre of arc of the outer ditch, whence there was a gentle southerly slope. The expanses of Summertown-Radley gravel in the Oxford region have been found rich in prehistoric finds, that between Radley and Abingdon being no exception.
Chromosomal Insertions and Deletions in Streptococcus mutans

Many isolates of Streptococcus mutans lack the ability to ferment melibiose and other sugars. We previously reported that this was commonly due to a chromosomal deletion and, in the present study, sequence information from the S. mutans genome project was used to design PCR primers to explore the nature and extent of the deletion. In all melibiose-negative strains examined, there was an incomplete insertion element, ISSmu3, in place of the 18-kb stretch of chromosome encoding the msm and gal operons. Strains that were also unable to utilise β-glucosides were found to have a separate 4 kb deletion in the bgl regulon that is proposed to be due to homologous recombination between two short stretches of identical sequence. The evidence is consistent with all the melibiose-negative strains examined being derived from a common ancestor.
Superior Strength of Austenitic Steel Produced by Combined Equal-Channel Angular Pressing and Rolling Processing

Enhancement in the strength of austenitic steels with a small content of carbon can be achieved by a limited number of methods, among which is the ultrafine-grained (UFG) structure formation, especially efficient with the use of severe plastic deformation (SPD) processing that enables increasing significantly the contribution of grain-boundary strengthening, and also involves a combination of other strengthening factors (work hardening, twins, etc.). In this paper, we demonstrate that the use of SPD processing combined with conventional methods of deformation treatment of metals, such as rolling, may lead to an additional strengthening of UFG steel. Analysis of the results of the study on the change of the microstructure and mechanical properties of the Cr-Ni stainless austenitic steel after a combined deformation reveals a substantial increase in the strength properties of this steel, resulting from a consecutive application of SPD processing via equal-channel angular pressing and rolling at a temperature of 400 °С, yielding a strength more than 1.5 times higher that that produced by any of these two methods used separately.
Studying and Analyzing the Evaluation Dimensions of E-learning Platforms Relying on a Software Engineering Approach

We are witnessing currently the launch and development of a huge number of distance training devices, to the Moroccan universities, whose main objective is to meet the society requirements and the knowledge economy, which is in full emerging. All these devices are based on the use of e-learning platforms, whose choice proves problematic for wearers and designers devices, and this for different reasons (costs, utility, usability.), that any random choice entails to a loss of money, effort and time. Being conscious of the impact of these technological tools on learning. Thereby, we propose, as part of this article, a methodical approach, systemic, which identifies the essential criteria to remember for the evaluation of e-learning platforms, to fit the needs of both users (teachers and learners) from an analysis of the evaluation dimensions in multimedia documents, until our study is installed on the dimensions of utility and usability. Then, we followed a detailed analysis of each of them separately, in order to deduce the approach to evaluation of e-learning platforms that is needed. To benefit a maximum from the potential offered by technologies in pedagogy, and to approach of the problematic of the platform choice for a better pedagogy.
Hearables: feasibility of recording cardiac rhythms from head and in-ear locations

Mobile technologies for the recording of vital signs and neural signals are envisaged to underpin the operation of future health services. For practical purposes, unobtrusive devices are favoured, such as those embedded in a helmet or incorporated onto an earplug. However, these locations have so far been underexplored, as the comparably narrow neck impedes the propagation of vital signals from the torso to the head surface. To establish the principles behind electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings from head and ear locations, we first introduce a realistic three-dimensional biophysics model for the propagation of cardiac electric potentials to the head surface, which demonstrates the feasibility of head-ECG recordings. Next, the proposed biophysics propagation model is verified over comprehensive real-world experiments based on head- and in-ear-ECG measurements. It is shown both that the proposed model is an excellent match for the recordings, and that the quality of head- and ear-ECG is sufficient for a reliable identification of the timing and shape of the characteristic P-, Q-, R-, S- and T-waves within the cardiac cycle. This opens up a range of new possibilities in the identification and management of heart conditions, such as myocardial infarction and atrial fibrillation, based on 24/7 continuous in-ear measurements. The study therefore paves the way for the incorporation of the cardiac modality into future ‘hearables’, unobtrusive devices for health monitoring.
Impact of wireless technology on future of big-data industry

The usage of wireless devices has increased drastically from last one decade, and is expected to increase exponentially in the coming age. The advent of wireless sensors, Bluetooth, Radio-Frequency identification tools, Digital gadgets etc, is nowadays a prime source of information generation. This paper presents few aspects related to possible integration of wireless in near future.
Postoperative 3D angiography in intracranial aneurysms.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Postsurgical evaluation of patients with intracranial aneurysms is important because there is a risk of regrowth and subarachnoid hemorrhage from residual aneurysms. We assessed the role and value of 3D angiography in this evaluation. METHODS Images from both 3D angiography and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) were preoperatively obtained in 71 consecutive patients with 88 intracranial clipped aneurysms. We analyzed the incidence of postoperative residual aneurysms and compared the 3D angiographic and DSA images in these patients. RESULTS With 3D angiography, 37 residual aneurysms were found among 88 clipped aneurysms. These comprised 12 large residual necks and 25 small, dog-eared remnants. DSA demonstrated 12 large, residual necks and only six small, dog-eared remnants. 3D angiography also demonstrated the clips, aneurysms, and parent arteries simultaneously, enabling us to appreciate the clip-aneurysm configuration completely. CONCLUSION 3D angiography allowed us to detect more residual aneurysms after surgical clip placement than did conventional DSA, although none of those detected on only 3D angiography were judged to require additional treatment. 3D angiography may provide baseline data for the long-term follow-up of postsurgical aneurysms.
Perceptions of people living with Parkinson's disease: a qualitative study in Iran.

AIM This study explores the primary concerns and perceptions of patients living with Parkinson's disease (PD). METHOD This was an exploratory qualitative study. A purposive sample of 17 patients with PD who were attending a hospital outpatients' neurology clinic in Iran were recruited. Study data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using the conventional qualitative content analysis approach. FINDINGS We identified the 'fear of becoming disabled' as a primary concern in these patients. This concern affected the physical, emotional, mental, and social aspects of their lives. The 'fear of becoming disabled' fell into four categories, including progressive physical disability, mental alteration, decreasing social connectedness, and self-change. CONCLUSION The study results showed that older adults with PD face a number of challenges in self-care. In addition, the 'fear of becoming disabled' was the main concern of patients with PD, particularly in late stages of the disease.
Quality of life during the first 6 months of interferon-b treatment in patients with MS

Objectives: To determine the quality of life (QoL) of MS patients during the initial 6 months of treatment with interferon-b (IFN-b). Furthermore, to determine whether changes in QoL relate to disability, emotional state, therapeutic expectations or side effect profile. Background: IFN-b has been shown to have beneficial effects on the course of MS. Since the aim of IFN-b treatment is not to cure but to slow down the disease it is important to know how this treatment affects QoL. Surprisingly, the impact of treatment with IFN-b on QoL measures has not been extensively studied so far. Methods: Case report documentation, including EDSS, SF-36 and MADRAS scores, of 51 relapsing-remitting MS patients treated with IFN-b was obtained at baseline and at months 1, 3 and 6. Patients also filled in a form about their expectations of therapy and a questionnaire on side effects. Results: During treatment there was a significant linear trend indicating improvement in the role-physical functioning (RPF) scale of the SF-36 (F1,50=4.9, P=0.032). A transient decrease at month 1 was found in the scale for bodily pain, indicating more experienced pain (F1,50=19.8, P50.001). Subgroup analysis showed that patients with most depressive symptoms on the MADRAS at baseline contributed most to the increase in RPF scores over time (F1,24=5,6 P=0.026). Furthermore, we found associations between adverse event scores and several domains of QoL. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that IFN-b therapy has an impact on QoL of MS patients in that it improves role-physical functioning and transiently worsens experienced bodily pain. QoL during treatment with IFN-b is influenced by depressive symptoms at baseline as well as by treatment-associated side-effects.
Carboplatin plus weekly paclitaxel treatment in non-small cell lung cancer patients with interstitial lung disease.

BACKGROUND Since advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with the interstitial lung disease (ILD) have been excluded from clinical trials, it is uncertain whether chemotherapy really provides a benefit to these patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS Fifteen advanced NSCLC patients with ILD that was detected on the chest X-rays were enrolled in this study. Carboplatin plus paclitaxel was administered by two methods (method A or method B). Method A: Carboplatin (AUC 6, day 1) and paclitaxel (70 mg/m(2), days 1, 8, 15) were administered every four weeks. Method B: Carboplatin (AUC 2, day 1, 8, 15) and paclitaxel (60 mg/m(2), days 1, 8, 15) were administered every four weeks. RESULTS The response rate and the disease control rate were 33% and 53%. The median progression-free survival and the median overall survival time were 2.5 months and 7.0 months, respectively. The hematological toxicities were tolerable, but a grade 3 or higher pneumonitis was observed in 4 patients (27%). CONCLUSION Carboplatin plus weekly paclitaxel must be administered carefully to advanced NSCLC patients with ILD that is detected on chest X-rays after a sufficient evaluation of the risks and the benefits.
Effects of somatic mutations on CDR loop flexibility during affinity maturation

Prior studies suggest that antibody affinity maturation is achieved, in part, via prearranging the CDRs for binding. The implication is that the entropy cost of binding is reduced and that this rigidification occurs as a consequence of somatic mutations during maturation. However, how these mutations modulate CDR flexibility is unclear. Here, molecular dynamics simulations captured CDR flexibility differences between four mature antibodies (7G12, AZ28, 28B4, and 48G7) and their germline predecessors. Analysis of their trajectories: (1) rationalized how mutations during affinity maturation restrict CDR motility, (2) captured the equilibrium between bound and unbound conformations for the H3 loop of unliganded 7G12, and (3) predicted a set of new mutations that, according to our simulations, should diminish binding by increasing flexibility. Proteins 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Effects of Quetiapine on Sleep in Recovering Alcohol-Dependent Subjects: A Pilot Study

Objective The aim of this hypothesis-generating pilot study was to assess prospectively the objective and subjective effects of treatment with quetiapine XR on sleep during early recovery from alcohol dependence (AD). Methods Recovering subjects with AD and sleep disturbance complaints were treated with quetiapine XR (n = 10) or matching placebo pills (n = 10) for 8 weeks. Polysomnography was used to assess sleep objectively, and the Insomnia Severity Index and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were used to measure subjective insomnia. Other assessment measures included the 10-minute psychomotor vigilance task (for neurobehavioral functioning), the time-line follow-back measure (for alcohol consumption), the Penn Alcohol Craving Scale (for alcohol craving), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 item scale (for depressive symptoms), and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (for anxiety symptoms). Results Although there was no effect of quetiapine XR on sleep efficiency (time spent asleep/total recording time), there was a pre-to-post reduction in wake after sleep onset time (P = 0.03) and nonsignificant trends for increases in sleep onset latency (SOL) and stage 2 sleep time. A time × drug interaction was seen for the subjective insomnia, such that quetiapine XR–treated subjects reported greater initial improvement in their subjective insomnia, but the difference was not sustained. There were no differences between treatment groups on other measures or medication compliance. Conclusion Quetiapine XR improves objective sleep continuity and transiently improves subjective insomnia early in recovery from AD.
Perceptual Benchmarking for Multivariate Data Visualization

Benchmarking is a method for quantitatively assessing and comparing the performance of systems. We define perceptual benchmarking as a method for assessing the performance of humans in solving perceptual tasks, and in this paper we describe our research to develop benchmarks for evaluating different multivariate visualization methods under different data and task characteristics.
Automated Signature Insertion in Combinational Logic Patterns for HDL IP Core Protection

This paper presents significant improvements to previous watermarking technique for intellectual property protection (IPP) of IP cores. The technique relies on hosting the bits of a digital signature at the HDL design level using resources included within the original system. The technique also includes a procedure for secure signature extraction requiring minimal modifications to the system. The new advances refer to increasing the applicability of this watermarking technique to any design and the provision of an automatic tool for signature hosting that, in addition to easy the signature hosting, leads to reduced area penalties. Synthesis results show that the application of the proposed watermarking strategy results in negligible degradation of system performance and very low area penalties.
The effect of electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) on mobile application downloads: an empirical investigation

In this study, we conduct empirical research to identify the effect of electronic word-of-mouth eWOM on the downloading of mobile applications. In addition, we examine how consumers' involvement affects the relationship between eWOM and mobile application downloads, comparing consumer behaviours for free and paid application downloads. For this analysis, we use actual data from T store, the largest mobile application store in Korea. We find that eWOM plays an important role in mobile application downloads. Furthermore, external eWOM, which is provided by third-party informediaries, plays an important role in paid application downloads because consumers are motivated to make an extensive search effort to get additional information. From a practical perspective, this study provides strategic directions on eWOM management to mobile application stakeholders.