Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Weekly Versus Daily Levothyroxine Tablet Replacement in Adults with Hypothyroidism: A Meta-Analysis

Objectives Daily levothyroxine is the treatment of choice and standard of care in hypothyroidism, sufficient to restore thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) to normal range. For many patients, daily lifelong therapy is required, making adherence a major issue. In such cases, weekly replacement may be a suitable alternative to improve adherence. In this study, we aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of weekly levothyroxine replacement among adults with hypothyroidism. Methodology Electronic databases were searched. Two reviewers (HCC and RBL) independently screened the abstracts, reviewed full-text papers, critically appraised the quality of included studies using PRISMA guidelines. Meta-analysis was performed using the random-effects model. The primary outcome is the difference in serum TSH levels between weekly and daily administration, while secondary outcomes included adverse events and symptoms of hypothyroidism. Results The primary outcome is the difference in serum TSH levels between weekly and daily administration. Secondary outcomes included adverse events and clinical symptoms. The study included two randomized trials (n=109) in the primary analysis. The difference in TSH levels was 1.78 mIU/mL higher [(95% confidence interval (CI): 1.28 to 2.28, p<0.00001] at 6 weeks and 1.22 mIU/mL higher (95% CI: 0.76 to 1.67, p<0.00001) at 12 weeks for the weekly regimen. There was no significant heterogeneity between the two groups. There was no significant difference in hypothyroid symptoms and adverse events before and after levothyroxine treatment within each group. Conclusions Weekly levothyroxine resulted in less suppression and higher mean serum TSH levels, while still remaining within the normal reference range. It may be a suitable alternative for non-adherent patients. However, larger randomized trials with longer duration of follow-up are needed to firmly establish its role.
The association of dietary antioxidants intake with the risk of cardiovascular disease: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study

Aim: This study investigated the association between daily consumption of dietary vitamins A, E, C and zinc and the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Methods: Eligible adults (n=5102) were selected from among participants of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study with an average follow-up of 5.3 years. Dietary intakes were assessed using a valid and reliable semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometrics and biochemical variables were evaluated at baseline and follow-up examinations. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to estimate the development of CVD in relation to total intakes of vitamins A, E, C and zinc. Results: This study was conducted on 2253 men and 2849 women, aged 47.0±11.6 and 45.6±10.5 years, respectively. Main source of dietary vitamins A, E, C and zinc was fruits, vegetables and legumes in our study. Risk of CVD decreased from quartiles 1 to 4 for vitamin E intake (HR (95% CI): 1.00, 0.91, 0.77, 0.57, P trend =0.03). The association between risk of CVD and the quartiles of vitamin A, vitamin C and zinc intake was not significant. Conclusion : Our study suggests an inverse association between vitamin E intake and the risk of CVD, results emphasizing the potential protective role of fruits and vegetables in the prevention of CVD.
The Relationship between Clinical Tests, Ultrasound Findings and Selected Field-Based Wheelchair Skills Tests in a Cohort of Quadriplegic Wheelchair Rugby Athletes: A Pilot Study

Manual wheelchair use may determine shoulder joint overload and rotator cuff injury. Chronic shoulder pathologies can also influence the propulsion ability of wheelchair athletes with spinal cord injury (SCI) during sport activities. However, the relationship between shoulder pathology and wheelchair performances has never been explored. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate the correlation between shoulder pathologic findings with clinical tests and ultrasonography evaluation and the results of wheelchair performance tests. Nineteen quadriplegic wheelchair rugby players were evaluated to investigate the association between clinical and ultrasound shoulder pathologic findings and their correlation with the performance of field-based selected wheelchair skills tests (WSTs). The outcome measures were the International Wheelchair Rugby Classification Score, dominant and non-dominant Physical Examination Shoulder Score, and dominant and non-dominant Ultrasound Shoulder Pathology Rating Scale (USPRS). The WST was measured at the beginning and at one-year follow-up. A statistically significant correlation was found between the time since SCI and dominant USPRS (p < 0.005). The non-dominant USPRS was strongly related to WST at the beginning (p < 0.005) and the end of the study (p < 0.05). Data suggest that the severity of the non-dominant shoulder pathology detected on the ultrasound is related to lower performance on the WST. Chronic manual wheelchair use could be responsible for dominant SCI shoulder joint and rotator cuff muscle damage, while non-dominant USPRS could be related to performance on the WST.
Prevalence and Significance of Serum 14-3-3η(eta) in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Background Prompt diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is important to avoid long term complications. Elevated serum 14-3-3η levels improve the diagnostic sensitivity of rheumatoid factor (RF) and cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibody in adult rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and have been associated with more severe phenotype. We investigated the prevalence and clinical significance of serum 14-3-3η in different types of JIA.Methods JIA patients (n = 152) followed by the Pediatric Rheumatology Core at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles were categorized into 5 groups: polyarticular JIA RF+ (PJIA RF+; n = 39), PJIA RF- (n = 39), psoriatic arthritis (PsA; n = 20), enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA; n = 18), and oligoarticular JIA (OJIA [control group]; n = 36). RF, CCP antibody, and 14-3-3η were measured for all patients. 14-3-3η serum levels ≥ 0.2 ng/mL were considered positive. Disease activity was assessed by the Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score-71 (JADAS-71). Results Elevated 14-3-3η levels were detected in 35/152 (23%) patients, and across all groups tested. Most patients with 14-3-3η had titers ≥ 4 times above the cutoff value. The majority (23, 67%) of 14-3-3η-positive patients were also positive for RF or CCP antibodies, 17 (49%) were positive for all 3, and 12 (8%) were single-positive for 14-3-3η. The highest prevalence of 14-3-3η was in PJIA RF + patients (49%), followed by OJIA (22%). Positivity for 14-3-3η was not significantly associated with disease activity or age at diagnosis.Conclusion Serum 14-3-3η can be detected in all forms of JIA tested but appears to be most common in PJIA RF+. 14-3-3η does not appear to correlate with disease activity in JIA.
Who's Afraid of the World Wide Web? An Initial Investigation into the Relative Impact of Two Salient Beliefs on Web Shopping Intent

1 To save space, the final path loadings are also included in this model. Abstract The growth of World Wide Web consumer activity that requires that an individual place sensitive personal information online continues to increase at a phenomenal rate. This study investigates two beliefs about shopping on the web (perceived usefulness and perceived web security) to determine their impact on intent to gather information about products and to purchase products using the World Wide Web. Data from 119 university students is used to develop a scale to assess web security concerns and to perform an initial analysis. Implications are discussed. to Implications are
Why do respondents give non responses to the income question during a transport survey? What can be learned by mhurdle models and for respondents’ attitudes to pricing change

ABSTRAIT This objective of this paper is to improve the understanding of the increased non-response to transport surveys. We have developed a theoretical model based on the travel demand function and the willingness-to-pay when there is a change in travel price. We consider the non-response as a decision to not reveal preferences. Following the literature, we analyzed multiple causes of non-response through a censored model, called the m-hurdle. We tested and estimated the model on the non-responses given to an income question on a survey about pricing change in Lyon (N = 1,500). We showed that non-response can be explained by both—an economic cause linked to the respondent’s lack of resources and a non-economic cause resulting from a rejection of the pricing solution. To decrease the level of non- response, we propose that attention should be paid to the respondents’ contexts, particularly for those with low incomes.
The Co-Creation of Value : -An empirical study of value creation in physical bookstores

Purpose: The aim of the research is to investigate what successful booksellers provide in store that increase interaction and thereby enhance perceived value for the customers.Approach: The study is based on a combination of using both quantitative and qualitative data, collected through questionnaire and through face-to-face interviews. A deductive approach has constituted the paper as the theoretical framework was constructed upon already existing theories.Findings: The investigated booksellers are working with all of the three interaction facilitators; servicescape, shopping event as well as employee competence to create interaction in store that thereafter through relating, communicating and knowing increase the customer perceived value. The success behind the booksellers is based on their niche and personal approach that is thoroughly implemented in their offerings, which will create a community feeling. The personal relationship with the customers gives a structural support for the communication that in the end increase the knowledge. However, the knowledge renewal was more vital for the employees in order to provide personal service.Practical implications: Brick-and-mortar stores should fully acknowledge the importance of interacting with customers, by implementing servicescape, shopping event and employee competence with a personal touch. It is important to be as physical as possible and use the store as a social meeting place. The store should create a unique atmosphere, where like-minded customers socialize. The employee competence is vital for the brick-and-mortar stores in order to provide personal service.Theoretical implications: Gronroos and Voima’s (2012) Value creation sphere-model was extended by integrating Ballantyne and Varey’s (2006) triangulated value-enable-model into the joint sphere of Gronroos and Voima’s (2012) model. Since both of the models were tested empirically the paper supplies empirical evidence for both of the theoretical models.
Using Video-Based Situational Judgment Tests for Teacher Selection: A Quasi-Experiment Exploring the Relations between Test Format, Subgroup Differences, and Applicant Reactions

The present study examines whether video-based situational judgment test (SJT) formats provide benefits over ‘traditional’ text-based SJTs. Focusing on three SJT conditions—two video-based conditions (with and without text), and a text-based condition—we investigated mean differences in applicant reactions and SJT scores, subgroup differences (ethnicity and gender), and relations between SJT scores and applicant reactions. Using a quasi-experimental design, 290 prospective teachers (56.6 % female) were randomly assigned to one of the three SJT conditions. SJT scores did not significantly differ between conditions, but both video-based formats were perceived as more engaging than the text-based format. Results from a multigroup path model indicated that there were statistically significant gender effects for the text-based condition (females outperforming males), but not for the two video-based conditions. However, ethnicity effects (members from majority groups outperforming members from minority groups) occurred in all conditions. Differentiated patterns of relations were found between applicant reactions and SJT performance, with engagement statistically significantly predicting SJT performance in the video without text condition. Implications for future research and teacher selection practice are discussed.
The efficacy of fitting cochlear implants based on pitch perception

Cochlear implants (CI) provide useful hearing for many hearing-impaired individuals. The CI’s external sound processor has to be programmed to optimise performance. However, performance varies greatly amongst CI recipients. This thesis evaluated a pure-tone electrode-differentiation (PTED) pitch-ranking task for optimising programming. The PTED was evaluated for reliability, validity and clinical-suitability. PTED scores were a significant (p<0.05) predictor of speech-perception. The angular-depth-of-insertion for the CI array was estimated for 16 recipients, there was a significant correlation with speech-perception. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) increased accuracy for estimating scalar-placement of electrodes and no association was found with speech-perception. 25 unilaterally-implanted recipients received programs with indiscriminable electrodes deactivated based on PTED. Two programs were provided, one with the same rate-of-pulses-per-channel (RPC) as the clinical program and one with increased RPC. Programs were evaluated in a cross-over study. Speech-perception was evaluated using BKB (Bamford-Kowal-Bench) sentences in quiet and noise and the Coordinate Response Measure (CRM). Statistically significant improvements were found with at least one research program on all measures. A pure-tone intermediate frequency (PTIF) task was conducted to compare pitch perception in regions of good ED with regions of poor ED. Participants gaining benefit from electrode deactivation had fewer intermediate frequencies (IF) in poor ED regions compared to good ED regions and more IF in electrode deactivation regions following deactivation. This pattern was not observed in participants not gaining benefit from electrode deactivation. Six bilaterally-implanted participants underwent pitch matching between ears and new programs were created using only discriminable electrodes. Two matching approaches were used; direct stimulation via clinical equipment and pure-tone stimulation. Significant improvements were found in localisation and BKB in noise with at least one research program. The results of these experiments suggest potential for improving performance for CI users by programming based on PTED; a clinically viable task.
Modulation approaches of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers with mode control

Vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) are currently the most popular light source for short-haul optical data communication primarily due to their low cost and low operating power. To address the needs for improved data rate, power consumption, and device lifetime, various approaches of digital modulation utilizing VCSELs with modified structures for mode control are presented. Direct modulation of VCSELs with separate optical and current apertures enables high modulation bandwidth of greater than 18 GHz operating single mode at low current density of less than 6 kA/cm2 because the current aperture diameter can be increased independent of the optical apertures. Polarization modulation of anisotropic VCSELs gives an extinction ratio of greater than 9 dB and at the same time requires low modulation amplitude of less than 200 mV, due to the orthogonality of the polarization states. To achieve polarization modulation requires the capabilities of polarization control and polarization switching. Finally, electro-optically modulated VCSELs with isolated cavity and modulator sections are shown to have the potential of digital modulation with a high data rate at low bias current. Design and fabrication of these VCSELs along with their characterization results will be presented, and approaches to improve their performance will also be suggested.
Attention guidance augmentation of virtual reality exposure therapy for social anxiety disorder: a pilot randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT Biased attention to social threats has been implicated in social anxiety disorder. Modifying visual attention during exposure therapy offers a direct test of this mechanism. We developed and tested a brief virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) protocol using 360°-video and eye tracking. Participants (N = 21) were randomized to either standard VRET or VRET + attention guidance training (AGT). Multilevel Bayesian models were used to test (1) whether there was an effect of condition over time and (2) whether post-treatment changes in gaze patterns mediated the effect of condition at follow-up. There was a large overall effect of the intervention on symptoms of social anxiety, as well as an effect of the AGT augmentation on changes in visual attention to audience members. There was weak evidence against an effect of condition on fear of public speaking and weak evidence supporting a mediation effect, however these estimates were strongly influenced by model priors. Taken together, our findings suggest that attention can be modified within and during VRET and that modification of visual gaze avoidance may be casually linked to reductions in social anxiety. Replication with a larger sample size is needed.
High-Speed Research: 1994 Sonic Boom Workshop: Atmospheric Propagation and Acceptability Studies

The workshop proceedings include papers on atmospheric propagation and acceptability studies. Papers discussing atmospheric effects on the sonic boom waveform addressed several issues. It has long been assumed that the effects of molecular relaxation are adequately accounted for by assuming that a steady state balance between absorption and nonlinear wave steepening exists. It was shown that the unsteadiness induced by the nonuniform atmosphere precludes attaining this steady state. Further, it was shown that the random atmosphere acts as a filter, effectively filtering out high frequency components of the distorted waveform. Several different propagation models were compared, and an analysis of the sonic boom at the edge of the primary carpet established that the levels there are bounded. Finally, a discussion of the levels of the sonic boom below the sea surface was presented.
Vowel Quality and Language Contact in Miami-Cuban Spanish

Vowel Quality and Language Contact in Miami-Cuban Spanish Brandon Michael Apffel Rogers Department of Spanish and Portuguese, BYU Master of Arts The current study investigated vowel quality in Miami Cuban Spanish, looking specifically at the influence of English on the Spanish vowel system. The vowel production of eleven Miami Cubans from three generations is investigated. Subjects include six males and five females. Three different elicitation instruments were used. The first was a brief sociolinguistic interview, the second was a story that the participants were asked to read aloud. Carrier words were embedded into the story in order to obtain multiple samples of both stressed and unstressed vowels. For the third instrument, subjects were asked to read a list of words with careful attention to their pronunciation. The reading list contained the same words that were embedded in the story of the first task. These three instruments were repeated in both Spanish and in English in order to investigate possible English influence in the Spanish vowel system of these bilinguals.
Unified Dynamics and Control of a Robot Manipulator Mounted on a VTOL Aircraft Platform

An innovative type of mobile manipulator, designated Manipulator on VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) Aircraft (MOVA), is proposed as a potential candidate for autonomous execution of field work in less-structured indoor and outdoor environments. Practical use of the MOVA system requires a unified controller that addresses the coupled and complex dynamics of the composite system; especially the interaction of the robotic manipulator with the aircraft airframe. Model-based controller design methods require explicit dynamics models of the MOVA system. Preliminary investigation of a two-dimensional MOVA system toward a dynamics model and controller design is presented in preparation for developing the controller of the more complex MOVA system in 3D space. Dynamics of the planar MOVA system are derived using the Lagrangian approach and then transforming the result into a form that facilitates controller design using the concept of a virtual manipulator. A MOVA end-effector trajectory tracking controller was designed with the transformed dynamics equation using the integrator back-stepping control design framework. Validity of the controller is shown via stability analysis, simulation results, and results from a physical test-bed. A systematic approach is illustrated for the derivation of the 3D MOVA system dynamics equations. The resulting dynamics equations are represented abstractly in the standard robot dynamics form and proven to have the skew-symmetric property,
EVALUATION OF WIDE CURB LANES AS SHARED LANE BICYCLE FACILITIES. FINAL REPORT

Bicycle transportation related research and development has, in recent years, steered away from separate facilities and concentrated on improving the existing highway environment for bicycle use. Practicing cyclists have recommended that the outside lane of urban highway cross-sections be widened to accomodate bicycle/motor vehicle lane sharing. At the present time, there is insufficient data available on which to base specific width requirements for wide curb lanes for existing levels of bicycle use. This study, using volunteer bicyclists from the Baltimore Bicycling Club, investigated the lateral displacement effects of the presence of a single bicyclist on motor vehicles within the outside lane of a 5 lane urban minor-arterial highway. Observations were performed on three selected highways with 12.5', 13.8', and 17.6' outside lane dimensions. A 4 lane urban minor - arterial highway cross-section that included 4' bike lanes contiguous to the roadway was also studied. The study determined that outside lanes wider than 12' improved bicycle/motor vehicle lane sharing, but that lane widths can be excessive. The bike lane configuration was found to have certain advantages in flow characteristics. Whether the bike lane would be an improvement over simple shoulder construction is unclear. Optimum lane widths can be theorized, but further study is required to form a data base for optimum lane width selection. Regional differences must also be considered when determining minimum curb lane width for bicycle/motor vehicle lane sharing.