Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Excimer Laser and Femtosecond Laser in Ophthalmology

Laser technology is used in many basic and clinical disciplines and specialties, and it has played an important role in promoting the development of ophthalmology, especially corneal refractive surgery. We provide an overview of the evolution of laser technology for use in refractive and other ophthalmologic surgeries, mainly focusing on two types of lasers and their applications. First, we discuss the characteristics of the excimer laser and its application in corneal refractive surgery treating ametropia (e.g., photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK), epipolis laser in situ keratomileusis (Epi-LASIK), and transepithelial photorefractive keratecto‐ my (Trans-PRK) and presbyopia surgery). Second, we discuss the characteristics of the femtosecond laser and its application in corneal refractive surgery (e.g., femtosecond laser in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK), insertion of intracorneal ring segments, small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE), and femtosecond lenticule extraction (FLEx)) and other ophthalmologic surgeries (e.g., penetrating keratoplasty (PKP), deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty, Descemet’s stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK), and cataract surgery). The patients studied received many benefits from the excimer laser and femtosecond laser technologies and were satisfied with their clinical outcomes.
Food web structure and habitat loss

In this paper we explore simple food web models to study how metacommunity structure affects species response to habitat loss. We find that patch abundances and extinction thresholds vary according to the kind of food web. Second, for intermediate species, a slight decrease in the exploration cost of the better competitor has a strong effect on the extinction threshold of the poorer competitor. When predicting extinction risk one should consider not only the amount of habitat destroyed, but also the structure of the food web in which species are embedded. Both direct and indirect interactions are critical for predicting the consequences of habitat destruction.
Deployable System for Crash-Load Attenuation

An externally deployable honeycomb structure is investigated with respect to crash energy management for light aircraft. The new concept utilizes an expandable honeycomb-like structure to absorb impact energy by crushing. Distinguished by flexible hinges between cell wall junctions that enable effortless deployment, the new energy absorber offers most of the desirable features of an external airbag system without the limitations of poor shear stability, system complexity, and timing sensitivity. Like conventional honeycomb, once expanded, the energy absorber is transformed into a crush efficient and stable cellular structure. Other advantages, afforded by the flexible hinge feature, include a variety of deployment options such as linear, radial, and/or hybrid deployment methods. Radial deployment is utilized when omnidirectional cushioning is required. Linear deployment offers better efficiency, which is preferred when the impact orientation is known in advance. Several energy absorbers utilizing different deployment modes could also be combined to optimize overall performance and/or improve system reliability as outlined in the paper. Results from a series of component and full scale demonstration tests are presented as well as typical deployment techniques and mechanisms. LS-DYNA analytical simulations of selected tests are also presented.
Response of the global ocean to Greenland and Antarctic ice melting

[1] We investigate the transient response of the global ocean circulation to enhanced freshwater forcing associated with melting of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets. Increased freshwater runoff from Greenland results in a basin-wide response of the North Atlantic on timescales of a few years, communicated via boundary waves, equatorial Kelvin waves, and westward propagating Rossby waves. In addition, modified air-sea interaction plays a fundamental role in setting up the basin-scale response of the Atlantic circulation in its subpolar and subtropical gyres. In particular, the modified ocean dynamics and thermodynamics lead to a depression in the central North and South Atlantic that would not be expected from linear wave dynamics. Moreover, the heat content increases on basin and global scales in response to anomalous freshwater forcing from Greenland, suggesting that the ocean's response to enhanced freshwater forcing would be a coupled problem. Other parts of the world ocean experience a much slower adjustment in response to Greenland freshwater forcing, communicated via planetary waves, but also involving advective/diffusive processes, especially in the Southern Ocean. Over the 50 years considered here, most of the sea level increase associated with freshwater input from Greenland remains in the Atlantic Ocean. In contrast, ice melting around Antarctica has a much reduced effect on the global ocean. In both cases, none of the basins came to a stationary state during the 50-year experiment.
Actinomycetoma due to Actinomadura madurae: A therapeutic challenge. Case report

© Our Dermatol Online 4.2018 399 How to cite this article: Fuentes-Nava AG, Fierro-Arias L, Araiza J, Benitez-Barradas MI, Peláez González HE, Bonifaz A. Actinomycetoma due to Actinomadura madurae: A therapeutic challenge. Case report. Our Dermatol Online. 2018;9(4):399-403. Submission: 17.04.2018; Acceptance: 29.05. 2018 DOI:10.7241/ourd.20184. 9 Actinomycetoma due to Actinomadura madurae: A therapeutic challenge. Case report
Designing the Validity and Reliability of Osteoporosis Prevention Instrument based on Health Belief Model in women

Introduction: Assessment tools and questi-onnaires that are used in research to measure the achievement of research ob-jecttives must be standardized themselves to ensure the results. The aim of this study was to design the validity and reliability of osteoporosis prevention instrument based on health belief model in women. Materials & Methods : This cross-sectional study was carried out on 400 women, aged 30 to 50 years old, in Fasa city. After revi-ewing the related literature, a suitable instrument was designed and its content validity ratio, content validity index, face validity, and exploratory factor analysis were mea-sured. For measuring the reliability of the scales, three methods, including test-retest, internal consistency, and agreement were used. Data analysis was done using SPSS software. Findings: Reliability of 42 items with impact score of 0.15 and content validity index of 0. 79 were evaluated based on exploratory factor analysis and classified into se-ven categories. The overall reliability, me-asured through Cronbach alpha, was 0. 87. Reliabilities of knowledge questionnaire, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, mot-ivation, self-efficacy, and cue to action were 0.86, 0.71, 0.82, 0.79, 0.82, 0.77, 0.79, and 0.77, respectively. Discussion & Conclusion: This study prov-ided good evidence on the strength of factor structure and reliability of Health Belief Model structures for prevention of osteoporosis women, according to the study of psychometrics process.
The use of a decremental dose regimen in patients treated with a chronic low-dose step-up protocol for WHO Group II anovulation: a prospective randomized multicentre study.

BACKGROUND In women with chronic anovulation, the choice of the FSH starting dose and the modality of subsequent dose adjustments are critical in controlling the risk of overstimulation. The aim of this prospective randomized study was to assess the efficacy and safety of a decremental FSH dose regimen applied once the leading follicle was 10-13 mm in diameter in women treated for WHO Group II anovulation according to a chronic low-dose (CLD; 75 IU FSH for 14 days with 37.5 IU increment) step-up protocol. METHODS Two hundred and nine subfertile women were treated with recombinant human FSH (r-hFSH) (Gonal-f) for ovulation induction according to a CLD step-up regimen. When the leading follicle reached a diameter of 10-13 mm, 158 participants were randomized by means of a computer-generated list to receive either the same FSH dose required to achieve the threshold for follicular development (CLD regimen) or half of this FSH dose [sequential (SQ) regimen]. HCG was administered only if not more than three follicles >or=16 mm in diameter were present and/or serum estradiol (E(2)) values were <1200 pg/ml. The primary outcome measure was the number of follicles >or=16 mm in size at the time of hCG administration. RESULTS Clinical characteristics and ovarian parameters at the time of randomization were similar in the two groups. Both CLD and SQ protocols achieved similar follicular growth as regards the total number of follicles and medium-sized or mature follicles (>/=16 mm: 1.5 +/- 0.9 versus 1.4 +/- 0.7, respectively). Furthermore, serum E(2) levels were equivalent in the two groups at the time of hCG administration (441 +/- 360 versus 425 +/- 480 pg/ml for CLD and SQ protocols, respectively). The rate of mono-follicular development was identical as well as the percentage of patients who ovulated and achieved pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS The results show that the CLD step-up regimen for FSH administration is efficacious and safe for promoting mono-follicular ovulation in women with WHO Group II anovulation. This study confirms that maintaining the same FSH starting dose for 14 days before increasing the dose in step-up regimen is critical to adequately control the risk of over-response. Strict application of CLD regimen should be recommended in women with WHO Group II anovulation.
A "critical impedance"-based method for identifying harmonic sources

This paper proposes a new method to determine whether the utility or the customer side has more contribution to the harmonic currents measured at the point of common coupling. The method is inspired by the observation that the direction of harmonic reactive power, instead of active power, is a more reliable indicator on the location of dominant harmonic sources. The method needs approximate impedance information to operate. Mathematical analysis, simulation studies, and field measurements have shown that this is a useful, reliable, and practical solution for the harmonic source detection problem.
On consensus algorithms for double-integrator dynamics

This paper extends some existing results in consensus algorithms for double-integrator dynamics. We propose consensus algorithms for double-integrator dynamics in four cases: (i) with a bounded control input, (ii) without relative velocity measurement, (iii) without relative velocity measurement in the presence of a group reference velocity, and (iv) with a bounded control input and with partial access to a group reference state. We show that consensus is reached asymptotically for the first two cases if the undirected interaction graph is connected. We further show that consensus is reached asymptotically for the third case if the directed interaction graph has a directed spanning tree and the gain for velocity matching with the group reference velocity is above a certain bound. We also show that consensus is reached asymptotically for the fourth case if and only if the group reference state flows directly or indirectly to all of the vehicles in the team.
Consensus algorithms with state-dependent weights

We provide an analysis of a consensus-type algorithm with weights dependent only on the received data. Differently from previous approaches that require a global knowledge of the network, we consider general weights inferred only from local data which can be modified by local functions on each node. We provide convergence conditions of such algorithms for general weight functions and derive analytical steady states in some selected cases.
An investigation of pretend play, mental state terms and false belief understanding: In search of a metarepresentational link

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between false belief comprehension, the exhibition of pretend play and the use of mental state terms in pre-school children. Forty children, aged between 36 and 54 months were videotaped engaging in free play with each parent. The exhibition of six distinct acts of pretend play and the expression of 16 mental state terms were coded during play. Each child was also administered a pantomime task and three standard false belief tasks. Reliable associations were also found between false belief performance and the pretence categories of object substitution and role assignment, and the exhibition of imaginary object pantomimes. Moreover, the use of mental state terms was positively correlated with false belief and the pretence categories of object substitution, imaginary play and role assignment, and negatively correlated with the exhibition of body part object pantomimes. These findings indicate that the development of a mental state lexicon and some, but not all, components of pretend play are dependent on the capacity for metarepresentational cognition.
Multirobot Tree and Graph Exploration

In this paper, we present an algorithm for the exploration of an unknown graph by multiple robots, which is never worse than depth-first search with a single robot. On trees, we prove that the algorithm is optimal for two robots. For k robots, the algorithm has an optimal dependence on the size of the tree but not on its radius. We believe that the algorithm performs well on any tree, and this is substantiated by simulations. For trees with e edges and radius r, the exploration time is less than 2e/k + (1 + (k/r))k-1 (2/k! )rk-1 = (2e/k) + O((k + r)k-1) (for r >; k, <; (2e/k) + 2rk-1), thereby improving a recent method with time O((e/logk) + r) [2], and almost reaching the lower bound max((2e/k), 2r). The model underlying undirected-graph exploration is a set of rooms connected by opaque passages; thus, the algorithm is appropriate for scenarios like indoor navigation or cave exploration. In this framework, communication can be realized by bookkeeping devices being dropped by the robots at explored vertices, the states of which are read and changed by further visiting robots. Simulations have been performed in both tree and graph explorations to corroborate the mathematical results.
Measurements of medium frequency propagation characteristics of a transmission line in an underground coal mine

In underground coal mines, medium frequency (MF) communication systems couple their signals to metal infrastructures such as AC power cables and wire-based telephone lines, which guide the signals to propagate for a long distance. To better understand the propagation characteristics of MF signals, an easy-to-use measurement method was recently developed at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The method will be introduced along with an equivalent transmission line model for a long metallic infrastructure in underground coal mines. The model serves as the fundamental driver for the method development. Propagation measurements on a twisted pair of telephone lines in an underground mine were made using this method. The measurements confirmed the low MF signal attenuation rate and the dependence of the propagation characteristics of the line on the electrical properties of surrounding coal and rock as theoretical studies predicted.
Accuracy of Nuclear Medicine Technologist Reporting on Bone Scintigraphy: A Case Study from Sudan

The expansion of the reporting role of a radiologic technologist (radiographer) has been necessary over the past four decades in order to deliver and to expand clinical imaging services. In developing countries, radiologic technologist reporting has become a requirement when a shortage exists in medical staff. The objective of this study was to assess the accuracy of bone scintigraphy reporting from a nuclear medicine technologist in comparison with that of a nuclear medicine physician as the reference standard. This study comprised a statistical assessment of nuclear medicine technologist (NMT) reporting on 100 bone scans in comparison with nuclear medicine physician reporting as a reference standard. The study was carried out at the National Cancer Institute, University of Gezira, Sudan. The NMT started reporting on bone scans after he successfully completed a formal training course in nuclear medicine clinical reporting, delivered by Salford University, through a continuous professional development program. This study revealed that the accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity of nuclear medicine technologist reporting were 97.4%, 95.8%, and 97%, respectively, when compared to that of a nuclear medicine physician. This study provides evidence that the reporting of nuclear medicine technologists on bone scintigraphy is accurate if they are exposed to formal training in nuclear medicine image reporting. (Suliman Salih. Accuracy of Nuclear Medicine Technologist Reporting on Bone Scintigraphy: A Case Study from Sudan. Life Sci J 2014;11(5):295-298). (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite. com . 41
Global observations of aerosol‐cloud‐precipitation‐climate interactions

Cloud drop condensation nuclei (CCN) and ice nuclei (IN) particles determine to a large extent cloud microstructure and, consequently, cloud albedo and the dynamic response of clouds to aerosol‐induced changes to precipitation. This can modify the reflected solar radiation and the thermal radiation emitted to space. Measurements of tropospheric CCN and IN over large areas have not been possible and can be only roughly approximated from satellite‐sensor‐based estimates of optical properties of aerosols. Our lack of ability to measure both CCN and cloud updrafts precludes disentangling the effects of meteorology from those of aerosols and represents the largest component in our uncertainty in anthropogenic climate forcing. Ways to improve the retrieval accuracy include multiangle and multipolarimetric passive measurements of the optical signal and multispectral lidar polarimetric measurements. Indirect methods include proxies of trace gases, as retrieved by hyperspectral sensors. Perhaps the most promising emerging direction is retrieving the CCN properties by simultaneously retrieving convective cloud drop number concentrations and updraft speeds, which amounts to using clouds as natural CCN chambers. These satellite observations have to be constrained by in situ observations of aerosol‐cloud‐precipitation‐climate (ACPC) interactions, which in turn constrain a hierarchy of model simulations of ACPC. Since the essence of a general circulation model is an accurate quantification of the energy and mass fluxes in all forms between the surface, atmosphere and outer space, a route to progress is proposed here in the form of a series of box flux closure experiments in the various climate regimes. A roadmap is provided for quantifying the ACPC interactions and thereby reducing the uncertainty in anthropogenic climate forcing.
A scaled difference chi-square test statistic for moment structure analysis

A family of scaling corrections aimed to improve the chi-square approximation of goodness-of-fit test statistics in small samples, large models, and nonnormal data was proposed in Satorra and Bentler (1994). For structural equations models, Satorra-Bentler's (SB) scaling corrections are available in standard computer software. Often, however, the interest is not on the overall fit of a model, but on a test of the restrictions that a null model sayM0 implies on a less restricted oneM1. IfT0 andT1 denote the goodness-of-fit test statistics associated toM0 andM1, respectively, then typically the differenceTd=T0−T1 is used as a chi-square test statistic with degrees of freedom equal to the difference on the number of independent parameters estimated under the modelsM0 andM1. As in the case of the goodness-of-fit test, it is of interest to scale the statisticTd in order to improve its chi-square approximation in realistic, that is, nonasymptotic and nonormal, applications. In a recent paper, Satorra (2000) shows that the difference between two SB scaled test statistics for overall model fit does not yield the correct SB scaled difference test statistic. Satorra developed an expression that permits scaling the difference test statistic, but his formula has some practical limitations, since it requires heavy computations that are not available in standard computer software. The purpose of the present paper is to provide an easy way to compute the scaled difference chi-square statistic from the scaled goodness-of-fit test statistics of modelsM0 andM1. A Monte Carlo study is provided to illustrate the performance of the competing statistics.
The Mathematics of Levi ben Gershon , the Ralbag

Levi ben Gershon (1288-1344) was a great talmid hakham, as well as one of the great secular thinkers of his generation. His rationalist ideas were ahead of their time, and not well received by many in his own Jewish community. We present an overview of his mathematical work with a detailed example of a rare bit of mathematics from his commentary on Ta akh. The portion presented is a discussion on the value of π, which hints that Levi understood that π is irrational. The discussion also implies a form ula for calculating π from personal body measurements, relating π to the ratio of the length of one’s arm to the len gth of one’s hand.
New scaling relations to compute atom-in-material polarizabilities and dispersion coefficients: part 1. Theory and accuracy

Polarizabilities and London dispersion forces are important to many chemical processes. Force fields for classical atomistic simulations can be constructed using atom-in-material polarizabilities and Cn (n = 6, 8, 9, 10…) dispersion coefficients. This article addresses the key question of how to efficiently assign these parameters to constituent atoms in a material so that properties of the whole material are better reproduced. We develop a new set of scaling laws and computational algorithms (called MCLF) to do this in an accurate and computationally efficient manner across diverse material types. We introduce a conduction limit upper bound and m-scaling to describe the different behaviors of surface and buried atoms. We validate MCLF by comparing results to high-level benchmarks for isolated neutral and charged atoms, diverse diatomic molecules, various polyatomic molecules (e.g., polyacenes, fullerenes, and small organic and inorganic molecules), and dense solids (including metallic, covalent, and ionic). We also present results for the HIV reverse transcriptase enzyme complexed with an inhibitor molecule. MCLF provides the non-directionally screened polarizabilities required to construct force fields, the directionally-screened static polarizability tensor components and eigenvalues, and environmentally screened C6 coefficients. Overall, MCLF has improved accuracy compared to the TS-SCS method. For TS-SCS, we compared charge partitioning methods and show DDEC6 partitioning yields more accurate results than Hirshfeld partitioning. MCLF also gives approximations for C8, C9, and C10 dispersion coefficients and quantum Drude oscillator parameters. This method should find widespread applications to parameterize classical force fields and density functional theory (DFT) + dispersion methods.