Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Seed yield variation and its relation with phenotypic characteristics in populations of cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata) grown in Hamadan, Iran

In order to study the genetic variation and relationships between seed yield and its components 36 populations of cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.), were sown using complete block design with three replications in Hamadan agricultural research station. Iran in 2010. Analysis of variance showed significant differences among populations for dry matter (DM) yield, plant height, seed yield, panicle number, 1000-grain weight, heading date, flowering date, panicle length and harvest index. The estimates of broad sense heritability for the various traits were low to high (h2b=0.17 to 0.90). The results of phenotypic correlation showed a positive correlation between seed yield with DM yield, panicle number and harvest index. Using principal component analysis, the most important variables were identified. The first three independent components accounted for 46, 21 and 10% of total variation. The relative magnitude of eigenvectors from the first principal component axis, indicates that heading date, flowering date, plant height, panicle number, DM yield and panicle length were the important traits for classifying accessions into clusters. From the second principal component axis, seed yield and harvest index were important variables. 1000 grains weight had high eigenvectors in the third principal component axis. Based on Ward clustering method, 36 were grouped into three clusters. Populations in cluster 1 were known as late maturity group couple with lower yield. Populations in clusters 2 were defined as mid season group plus with higher seed production and cluster 3 averaged well above the overall mean for DM yield couple with early maturity. It was concluded that there was moderate to high heritability for most traits in the cocksfoot populations and selection for DM yield could result in increase in seed yield
Online Survey of Patients with Breast Cancer on Complementary and Alternative Medicine

About 50% of cancer patients use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Women with breast cancer use CAM more frequently than others. We linked a questionnaire to the largest internet portal for cancer patients in Germany. The questionnaire addresses attitude towards CAM, disclosure to the oncologist, source of information, and objectives for use of CAM. 80 patients with breast cancer took part in our study, 61 currently using CAM. Most frequently used CAM methods were selenium, relaxation techniques, prayer, vitamin C, and meditation. Satisfaction was highest with relaxation techniques, vitamin C, homeopathy, yoga and Chinese herbs, lowest with mistletoe and acupuncture. 70% of participants did not think their oncologist took time to discuss CAM. Only 16% believed that their oncologist was well-informed about CAM. 46% relied on naturopaths and non-medical practitioners concerning CAM. Objectives for the use of CAM were to reduce side effects, boost the immune system, and become active.
Questioning the relentless shift to offshore manufacturing

A device for providing a voltage indicating the angular velocity of rotation of the armature in a limited rotation, polarized, moving iron galvanometer. The device includes a means for providing a first voltage dependent upon the angular velocity of the armature, the self-inductance of the galvanometer drive coil, and the drive current in the drive coil. A compensation coil is magnetically coupled to the drive coil and magnetically isolated from the effects of the rotating armature to provide a second voltage which is dependent upon mutual inductance between the drive and compensation coils and upon the drive current, but is not dependent upon the effects of the rotating armature due to the magnetic isolation of the compensation coil from the armature. A combining means proportionally combines the first and second voltages to provide a voltage indicating the angular velocity of rotation of the armature. The means for providing the first voltage includes either the drive coil, with the first voltage appearing across the drive coil, or a pickoff coil wound coaxially with and adjacent to the drive coil so that the first voltage appears across the pickoff coil and is proportional to the voltage appearing across the drive coil. The velocity signal thus derived is introduced to the drive circuit to provide effective damping.
Posterior Capsular Opacification in Pseudophakic Eyes with a Silicone or Acrylic Intraocular Lens

Purpose To compare posterior capsular opacification in eyes with IOL of two different materials - silicone or acrylic. Methods Eighty consecutive eyes undergoing cataract surgery were prospectively randomized in two groups, 40 eyes receiving a silicone (SI – 30NB) and 40 eyes an acrylic (Acrysof MA60BM) intraocular lens (IOL). The same surgeon performed phacoemulsification and the intraocular lens (PHACO IOL) operation in all cases. Patients were re-examined on the first postoperative day, after one week, four months, and 1–2.4 years. Seven eyes were lost to late control. Results Clinically significant posterior capsular opacification (PCO) (including eyes with capsulotomy already performed) was equally common in both groups; 25% in the silicone group and 19% in the acrylic group (p=0.53). The posterior capsule remained clear in 61% of the silicone and 76% of the acrylic IOL eyes (p=0.18). In the whole study group, 29% of eyes with and 14% without concurrent ocular diseases had significant PCO (p=0.13). In the silicone IOL group, PCO was more common in eyes with concurrent ocular diseases (44%) than eyes without other diseases (10%) (p=0.049). Eyes with acrylic IOL showed no difference in significant PCO, with or without other diseases (18% and 20%, respectively). Conclusions In a consecutive series of 80 cataract eyes central PCO was equally common in eyes receiving a silicone or an acrylic IOL. In the silicone IOL group, however, significant PCO was more common if there was concurrent ocular disease, while with the acrylic IOL concurrent ocular disease did not seem to increase the risk of PCO.
Causes of Coral Reef Degradation

In their Report “Global trajectories of the long-term decline of coral reef ecosystems” (15 Aug., p. [955][1]), J. M. Pandolfi et al. advocate a novel interpretation of the timing and causes of the worldwide decline of reef-building corals. Expanding on an earlier paper ([1][2]), they conclude
Mutations in ISDR of NS5A gene influence interferon efficacy in Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1b infection

Background and Aim: The interferon sensitivity determining region (ISDR) in the non‐structural 5A protein (NS5A) gene of hepatitis C virus genotype 1b (HCV‐1b) has been demonstrated in Japanese patients; however, contradictory data have been reported from other parts of the world, particularly from Europe and the USA. This study investigated whether mutations in the ISDR of NS5A gene influence interferon efficacy in Chinese patients with chronic HCV‐1b infection
AN ERGOT PREPARATION (HYDERGINE) IN THE TREATMENT OF CEREBROVASCULAR DISORDERS IN THE GERIATRIC PATIENT: DOUBLE‐BLIND STUDY

In a controlled double blind study, 40 geriatric patients with cerebrovascular disorders were treated with sublingual tablets of Hydergine or placebo for twelve weeks. The inventory of symptoms (32 items) included an array which portrayed their physical status, behavioral traits, and intellectual impairments. Final appraisals based on re‐evaluations at three‐week intervals during treatment showed that, compared to the placebo, Hydergine produced greater improvements in 19 of the 30 items rated. The most impressive results ascribable to Hydergine pertained to cognition and intellectual function. No untoward effects from this drug were observed during the course of this study. A probable mode of action of this ergot preparation is also discussed.
Pain Relief in Diabetic Neuropathy: The Effectiveness of Imipramine and Related Drugs

Experience of treating 80 consecutive patients with painful diabetic neuropathy and a double‐blind study of imipramine in acute painful neuropathy are reported. A standard stepwise protocol was used, based on imipramine as the drug of first choice, substitution of amitriptyline or mianserin as second choice, and, thirdly, addition of phenothiazine or clonazepam if necessary. Sixty per cent were satisfied with imipramine alone and all but 3 (5%) were improved by the stepwise scheme. Paradoxically, the most effective analgesia was obtained in those with the most severe and unpleasant pain. Often 150 mg of imipramine or amitriptyline was necessary. The onset of analgesia and relapse after withdrawal of treatment were rapid, facilitating clinical use, and suggesting a peripheral rather than central drug action.
A Sociodemographic Analysis of Preventive Dental Behavior among White American Families

Data collected from a national family dental survey were used to study the relationships between the sociodemographic characteristics and the preventive dental behavior of wives, husbands, and children. A canonical correlational analysis showed that preventive dental be havior of family members including toothbrushing, flossing, and preventive dental visits, sig nificantly correlated with sociodemographic characteristics (level of education, income, occu pation, population density, age, family size, and presence of children). The relationships studied accounted for 11-15% of the variance in the preventive dental behavior of family members. However, the patterns of correlation for different family members varied. The extent of the effects of various sociodemographic variables on preventive dental behavior were not uniform and the degrees of responsiveness of toothbrushing, flossing, and dental visits to the influence of sociodemographic characteristics were also different. The results of the study are compared with those of previous studies. The implications of the findings are discussed.
Value of the new bone classification system for pediatric patients with chronic kidney disease.

The 2009 clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis, evaluation, prevention, and treatment of chronic kidney disease–mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) issued by the global organization Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) (1) has adopted the previous proposal to use a new definition for the skeletal component of this disorder, namely renal osteodystrophy (2). The new definition emphasizes the usefulness of assessing not only bone turnover (T) but also mineralization (M) and volume (V), the two other key histologic descriptors of bone disease. This more complete evaluation system (TMV system) (Table 1) has been recommended in the interpretation of bone biopsies for all patients with CKD. View this table: Table 1. TMV classification system for renal osteodystrophy KDIGO guidelines are meant to be applicable worldwide. From a clinical perspective, it is important to test whether the recommendations made in a global guideline are effectively applicable to different patient populations with CKD, including children, adults, and elderly individuals; to both genders; to patients with variable kidney diseases and disease courses; and to patients on differing treatment modalities, such as conservative management, dialysis, or kidney transplantation and to which extent they are applicable in various parts of the world. Note that each KDIGO global guideline is designed to provide information and assist decision-making. It is not intended to define a standard of care and should not be construed as one; neither should it be interpreted as prescribing an exclusive course of treatment (1). In …
Developing and Educational Design Pattern Language for MOOCs

The paper advocates a course design approach based on learning design patterns and introduces a pattern language to support design for learning in Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). The current version of the Educational Design Pattern Language contains thirty-nine patterns organized into eight categories. Furthermore, it is guided by the Flipped Learning Teaching Model as a pedagogical approach. The paper discusses theoretical and practical aspects of the pattern language, its development, validation, and usefulness for educators and technologists. The application of the approach is illustrated with a case study in the area of Software Engineering education.
Quality‐of‐Life Evaluation in an Interferon Therapy After Radical Surgery in Cutaneous Melanoma Patients

Melanoma is the fastest growing solid tumor in men and women, and despite accounting for only 4% of skin cancer cases, it accounts for more than 79% of skin cancer–related deaths. The present study was designed to evaluate the impact of interferon (IFN) treatment on patients' quality of life (QOL) after radical surgery of cutaneous melanoma. The tests were carried out in a group of patients treated in the Department of Soft Tissue and Bone Cancer, Institute of Oncology, in Warsaw. The present study included 2 groups of the patients, 110 persons each. One group consisted of patients who had been subjected to radical surgery of cutaneous melanoma, and the other one consisted of 110 patients treated with a supplementary interferon alfa-2b (IFN-α-2b) therapy. Data were collected by means of an anonymous QLQ-C30 (version 2.0.) questionnaire elaborated and provided by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer. The QLQ-C30 questionnaire consisted of 43 questions. The IFN-α-2b treatment significantly affected patients' physical condition, mental health, and social life. The emotional state of the patients was more affected during IFN-α-2b treatment. Somatic symptoms were also increased in those patients. The IFN-α-2b therapy also significantly affected family and social life. In spite of several adverse effects, the patients assessed their QOL as good. The IFN-α-2b treatment is troublesome for the melanoma patients. It is important that the treating physician and nurse should be aware of the 4 major categories of IFN-α-2b toxicity: constitutional, neuropsychiatric, hepatic, and hematologic. A number of steps can be taken to minimize the morbidity associated with IFN-α-2b therapy, resulting in an improvement in both QOL and patient compliance.
Comparative efficacy of positron emission tomography with fluorodeoxyglucose in evaluation of small (<1 cm), intermediate (1 to 3 cm), and large (>3 cm) lymph node lesions.

PURPOSE Our objective was to determine if positron emission tomography (PET) with fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG; PET-FDG) imaging is equally efficacious in detection of metastases in small and large mediastinal lymph nodes as compared to CT scanning. MATERIALS AND METHODS PET-FDG imaging, CT scanning, and histology results of sampled mediastinal lymph nodes were compared in 54 patients of total 118 patients studied. Efficacy of PET and CT was determined and compared in small (< 1 cm), intermediate (1 to 3 cm), and large (> 3 cm) mediastinal lesions. RESULTS PET was accurate in 94% of patients in characterizing "N" disease as compared to 61% with CT. Overall, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of PET for staging mediastinal lymph nodes (n = 168 in 54 patients) was 96, 93, and 94%, as compared to 68, 65, and 66% with CT. Positive and negative predictive value of PET in detecting mediastinal adenopathy was 86% and 98%, as compared to 47% and 82% with CT, respectively. PET was also highly reliable and accurate for detecting lymph nodes < 1 cm, 1 to 3 cm, and > 3 cm in size with superior efficacy than CT. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of PET for detecting malignancy in lymph node lesions < 1 cm in size was 97, 82, and 95%, respectively. CONCLUSION PET-FDG imaging is equally reliable and accurate for detecting disease in small and large lymph node lesions in patients with suspected or proven lung cancer with better efficacy than CT.
Essays on the Management of Innovation via IT-related Resources

This thesis comprises of three studies which attempt to address unanswered questions in the prior research on the role of IT in firm innovation specifically: How do firms manage their capabilities and activities with respect to innovation via various types of IT-related resources? The first study of this thesis attempts to address one such gap by theorizing and testing how firms manage their capability for creating innovation (i.e., absorptive capacity) via an IT-related human resource (i.e., high-skilled foreign tech professionals). Regression analyses on 80 semiconductor and 77 software firms suggest that U.S. high-tech firms seek to manage their innovation-related capability by recruiting foreign talents due to their low inter-firm labor mobility as a result of visa regulations. This can counter the high-levels of inter-firm labor mobility in high-tech industries which hampers firms’ innovation capability. The second study of this thesis attempts to address another such gap by investigating whether major IT systems implemented in firms (e.g., ERP, KMS, HRMS, CRM, and SCM) can help them to conduct their entrepreneurial actions of creating new businesses, a key form of innovation activity. This study exploits a unique population-level panel survey data on South Korean firms during the 2007-2013 period. Initial analyses on 7839 South Korean manufacturing firms find that the number of IT systems implemented in the firm increases the probability of conducting entrepreneurial actions of creating new businesses (i.e., plan to start a new business). In addition, the impact of the number of IT on firms’ plan to start a new business in industries different from their current industry is strengthened under turbulent environments i.e., in this case, the financial crisis period; 2008-2009. Building on these results, the third study plans to conduct fuzzyset Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fs/QCA) to identify portfolios of IT systems in firms which can contribute to their entrepreneurial actions.
Low-power 6-GHz wave-pipelined 8b x 8b multiplier

In this study, a low-power, high-speed, layout-efficient 8 b × 8 b unsigned parallel multiplier based on pair-wise algorithm with wave-pipelining is introduced. Simplified interconnection and data propagation in forward direction with no feedback in pair-wise multiplication technique is the key to achieve high-performance wave-pipelined multiplier. In the proposed work, normal process complementary pass-transistor logic is used to build all the leaf cells of combinational block. The input/output registers are designed with high-performance pulse-triggered true single-phase clocking flip flop. Post-layout simulation with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited 0.18 μm single-poly double-metal complimentary metal oxide semiconductor technology using Tanner EDA V.13 shows that the proposed multiplier works at 6.25 GHz clock frequency and achieves the throughput of 6.25 billion multiplications per second with average power dissipation of 18.54 mW and overall latency of 3.24 ns at 25°C temperature and at 2 V supply rail.
Perceived rather than actual overweight is associated with mental health problems in adolescence

Abstract Background: Overweight and perceived overweight are common among adolescents. The nature of the relationship between overweight/perceived overweight and mental health problems is still unclear. Aims: The aim of this study was to examine whether actual overweight, perceived overweight or both are associated with internalizing and externalizing disorders among adolescents. Methods: Data were collected by two similar school surveys in all Finnish-speaking secondary schools in Tampere (population 200,000) in the academic years 2002–2003 and 2012–2013. A total of 2775 acceptable responses were received. All the analyses were carried out separately for girls and boys. Mean age of the respondents was 15.6 years. Results: In multivariate analyses perceived overweight, not actual weight, was significantly associated with higher risk of self-reported depression (OR: 4.3, 95% CI: 2.9–6.3, p < .001) and self-reported conduct disorder (OR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.6–3.3, p < .001) in girls and with higher risk of self-reported depression (OR: 3.26, 95% CI: 1.65–6.4, p = .001) and self-reported social phobia (OR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.0–5.6, p = .05) in boys. Conclusion: Perceived overweight rather than actual weight status is associated with both internalizing and externalizing mental health problems in adolescents.
Aerosols, Cloud Microphysics, and Fractional Cloudiness

Increases in aerosol concentrations over the oceans may increase the amount of low-level cloudiness through a reduction in drizzle—a process that regulates the liquid-water content and the energetics of shallow marine clouds. The resulting increase in the global albedo would be in addition to the increase due to enhancement in reflectivity associated with a decrease in droplet size and would contribute to a cooling of the earth's surface.
What does governance mean? From conception to elaboration

The mission of sustainable development is in several respects extra demanding for the guidance of societal change (Bressers & Rosenbaum 2000: 532-536). This is one of the reasons that in social science studies on sustainable development, even more than in other domains, the concept of ‘government policy’ often has been more or less replaced by the broader concept of ‘governance’. In recent decades there have been many changes in how the term ‘government policy’ is understood. Views on government policy have changed in recent years through a growing recognition that government alone does not determine the future development of sectors in society, but that this is shaped through the interaction of many actors. Within such networks of actors, the government can adopt a position that is more central and dominant or one that is less so. This change in view represents a shift in accent from government policy, or ‘government’, to ‘governance’. The ‘governance’ pattern consists of all the consequences of the interplay between attempts to intervene by all the actors involved (Kooiman 1993: 258). In addition, interest is growing in the fact that sectors in society are not governed on one level, or on a number of separate levels, but through interaction between these levels. These levels often reflect the various tiers of government, but do not have to; other powerful actors may be present that provide direction at a certain level where no government authority is active. In the same way, actors may also operate on more than one level. One reason for this is a growing recognition that the problem situation itself often contains various interacting levels (such as environmental problems). This whole has been called ‘multi-level governance’. Governance is a broad term, making it suitable for our purposes; but it is also a confusing term which is used in many different ways in the literature (Peters & Pierre 1998, Lynn et al. 2000-a, 2000-b: 234, O’Toole 2000: 276). Björk & Johansson (2000: 1) state in their review paper: ‘There are almost as many ideas of governance as there are researchers in the field. ’ So there is clearly a need for a more synthesizing elaboration of this conception.