Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clinical outcomes and quality of life 5 years after a randomized trial of concomitant or sequential phlebectomy following endovenous laser ablation for varicose veins

Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) is a popular treatment for superficial venous insufficiency. Debate continues regarding the optimal management of symptomatic varicose tributaries following ablation of the main saphenous trunk. This randomized trial compared the 5‐year outcomes of endovenous laser therapy with ambulatory phlebectomy (EVLTAP) with concomitant ambulatory phlebectomy, and EVLA alone with sequential treatment if required following a delay of at least 6 weeks.
Costs and Benefits of Being Asked About Trauma History

Abstract How do participants feel about trauma history questions in research? We asked 528 undergraduate and community participants to answer three questions about their experience of completing the Brief Betrayal Trauma Survey (BBTS; Goldberg & Freyd, 2004), a self-report trauma measure. The questions tapped (1) participants' experience of whether the trauma history questions were more or less distressing than things encountered in day-to-day life, (2) how important participants believe it is for psychologists to ask about these events, and (3) how good of an idea, according to participants, it is to include such a measure in psychology research. Participants indicated that, on average, questions about trauma are neutral compared to day-to-day experiences. Further, participants reported that research asking about stressful life events is more than “somewhat important,” and that including such measures is more than “somewhat good. ” These results do not support the assumption that trauma history questions are harmful to participants and suggest that participants, on average, appreciate the inclusion of trauma questions in psychological research.
Separating Answers from Queries for Neural Reading Comprehension

We present a novel neural architecture for answering queries, designed to optimally leverage explicit support in the form of query-answer memories. Our model is able to refine and update a given query while separately accumulating evidence for predicting the answer. Its architecture reflects this separation with dedicated embedding matrices and loosely connected information pathways (modules) for updating the query and accumulating evidence. This separation of responsibilities effectively decouples the search for query related support and the prediction of the answer. On recent benchmark datasets for reading comprehension, our model achieves state-of-the-art results. A qualitative analysis demonstrates that the model effectively accumulates weighted evidence from the query and over multiple support retrieval cycles which results in a robust answer prediction.
States of Insecurity: Cold War memory, “global citizenship” and its discontents

This article situates the dominant discourses of “global citizenship” employed in North American universities to internationalize the curricula, drawing in part on evidence from one Pacific northwestern Canadian university in the post-September-11 context of recent restrictive immigration policies, anti-terrorist measures and evocative Cold War memories. Far from weakening the Canadian nation-state or jettisoning neoliberalism, it argues that authoritarian post-Fordism constitutes a supra-juridical state that offers fewer social services but governs with more entrepreneurship through its globalization, immigration and “national security” policies. The article shows how the post-September-11 changes to Canada's immigration and refugee legislation from 1978 to 2001, write evocative fears about “terrorists” and “invading immigrants” on the national body politic. These changes provide literal and metaphorical transnational, economic and socio-legal mobility with substantive and specific human rights to those prospective immigrants deemed “highly skilled global citizens”. Yet, such policy efforts and legislation also reproduce the exclusions and differential hierarchies of gendered, classed, ableist and racialized notions of skill, flexible work and vulnerable or unobtuinuble citizenship for those it deems “non-immigrants”, migrants or non-citizens. The conclusion asks: Is “global citizenship” an oxymoronic slogan; a well-meaning but naïve equation of transnational mobility or “belonging” with formal legal substantive citizenship and human rights; or an opportunity to claim democratic praxis through a decolonized curricular, pedagogical and educational policy?
Multiobjective TDMA optimization for neuron-based molecular communication

This paper proposes and evaluates Neuronal TDMA, a TDMA-based signaling protocol framework for molecular communication, which utilizes neurons as a primary component to build in-body sensor-actuator networks (IBSANs). Neuronal TDMA leverages an evolutionary multiobjective optimization algorithm (EMOA) that optimizes the signaling schedule for nanomachines in IBSANs. The proposed EMOA uses a population of solution candidates, each of which represents a particular signaling schedule, and evolves them via several operators such as selection, crossover, mutation and offspring size adjustment. The evolution process is performed to seek Pareto-optimal signaling schedules subject to given constraints. Simulation results verify that the proposed EMOA efficiently obtains quality solutions. It outperforms several conventional EMOAs.
Visualization of Blood Microcirculation Parameters in Human Tissues by Time‐Integrated Dynamic Speckles Analysis

Abstract: Statistical analysis of images of time‐integrated non‐stationary speckle patterns is a tool for diagnostics and imaging of in vivo dynamics of blood microcirculation in superficial layers of tissues and organs. The approach to monitoring blood microcirculation using the contrast analysis of time‐averaged speckle images is known as the laser speckle contrast analysis (LASCA) technique. This paper presents a modified version of LASCA, based on the application of a localized light source in combination with the speckle contrast analysis of time‐integrated dynamic speckle patterns. This method adds possibilities for the analysis of depth distributions of the blood microcirculation parameters. A theoretical background for the depth‐resolved analysis of blood microcirculation parameters is considered here on the basis of the concept of effective optical path distributions for a multiply scattered probe light.
Update to an evaluation of ICD-11 PTSD and complex PTSD criteria in a sample of adult survivors of childhood institutional abuse by Knefel & Lueger-Schuster (2013): a latent profile analysis

Background The World Health Organization (WHO) International Classification of Diseases, 11th version (ICD-11), has proposed a trauma-related diagnosis of complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) separate and distinct from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Objective To determine whether the symptoms endorsed by individuals who had experienced childhood institutional abuse form classes that are consistent with diagnostic criteria for ICD-11 CPTSD as distinct from PTSD. Methods A latent profile analysis (LPA) was conducted on 229 adult survivors of institutional abuse using the Brief Symptom Inventory and the PTSD Checklist—Civilian Version to assess current psychopathological symptoms. Results The LPA revealed four classes of individuals: (1) a class with elevated symptoms of CPTSD (PTSD symptoms and disturbances in self-organization); (2) a class with elevated symptoms of PTSD and low disturbances in self-organization; (3) a class with elevated disturbances in self-organization symptoms and some elevated PTSD symptoms; and (4) a class with low symptoms. Conclusions The results support the existence of a distinct group in our sample, that could be described by the proposed diagnostic category termed CPTSD more precisely than by normal PTSD. In addition, there seems to be a group of persons that do not fulfill the criteria for a trauma-related disorder but yet suffer from psychopathological symptoms.
Transient voltage compensation by a power electronics-based device

Dynamic Voltage Restorers (DVR) provide an advanced and economical solution for voltage sag/swell events. Such devices are used to protect sensitive loads on distribution electrical systems, placing it in series with sensitive loads. This paper presents a single-phase DVR performance under such events, able to compensate sags/swells in two cycles. A peak detector and the in-phase compensation method are used to get quick and accurate responses. The digital control system is implemented on the CompactRIO embedded system, and is programmed in LabVIEW software. The effectiveness of the proposed DVR system is verified and validated through simulations and experimental tests.
Quasi-Monte Carlo: halftoning in high dimensions?

The goal in Quasi-Monte Carlo (QMC) is to improve the accuracy of integrals estimated by the Monte Carlo technique through a suitable specification of the sample point set. Indeed, the errors from N samples typically drop as N-1 with QMC, which is much better than the N-1/2 dependence obtained with Monte Carlo estimates based on random point sets. The heuristic reasoning behind selecting QMC point sets is similar to that in halftoning (HT), that is, to spread the points out as evenly as possible, consistent with the desired point density. I will outline the parallels between QMC and HT, and describe an HT-inspired algorithm for generating a sample set with uniform density, which yields smaller integration errors than standard QMC algorithms in two dimensions.
Reconfigurable tangible devices for 3D virtual object manipulation by single or multiple users

In this paper we introduce the concept of a Reconfigurable Tangible Device for manipulation of 3D objects in virtual environments by single or multiple users. This Reconfigurable Tangible Device (RTD) provides points of manipulation rigidly linked together. The shape of the RTD can be reconfigured at any time as its arms can be compressed or stretched by users at will. Due to its simple shape the Reconfigurable Tangible Device can be attached to any 3D virtual object. Then, it can fully define the motion of the virtual object in 6 Degrees of Freedom. Two examples of Reconfigurable Tangible Device were developed: one with three points of manipulation (a reconfigurable triangle) and one with four points. We illustrate how these two simple devices can match many different shapes of 3D objects, and in different contexts. Preliminary testing was conducted with the RTD based on three points of manipulation involving a collaborative manipulation task in virtual reality. It produced better subjective appreciation for the RTD compared to more classical 3D collaborative techniques.
The Influence of Elbow Position on the Range of Motion of the Wrist Following Transfer of the Brachioradialis to the Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis Tendon

Background: In patients who have an injury of the cervical spinal cord, the brachioradialis tendon may be transferred to the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon to restore voluntary wrist extension. We hypothesized that the active range of motion of the wrist depends on the position of the elbow after this transfer because the brachioradialis changes length substantially during elbow flexion, which implies the maximum force that the muscle can produce varies with elbow position. The objectives of this study were to determine whether the position of the elbow influences the range of motion of the wrist following transfer of the brachioradialis to the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon and to evaluate the effect of surgical tensioning.Methods: The range of motion of eight wrists was assessed after brachioradialis transfer. Two positions of the elbow were tested, the passive limit of elbow extension and 120° of flexion. The range of motion of the wrist was also simulated with use of a biomechanical model. Using the model, we compared the active range of motion of the wrist, with the elbow at 0° and 120° of flexion, following three different approaches to surgical tensioning. The simulations were also repeated to evaluate how muscle strength influences outcomes.Results: Wrist extension decreased and passive flexion increased when the elbow was flexed. Maximum wrist extension was significantly correlated with passive flexion in all subjects (r = 0.95 and p < 0.001 when the elbow was extended and r = 0.82 and p < 0.03 when the elbow was flexed). The biomechanical model suggested that tensioning the tendon transfer so that the fibers of the brachioradialis do not become excessively short when the elbow is flexed may improve outcomes. The simulations also revealed that it is more difficult to maintain a consistent wrist position with the elbow in different postures when a weaker muscle is transferred.Conclusions: The model suggests that altering the surgical tension could improve wrist extension when the elbow is flexed. However, the ultimate result is sensitive to the strength of the brachioradialis.Clinical Relevance: The brachioradialis is the donor muscle most commonly used to restore the function of the wrist and hand in tetraplegia. Because many self-care activities involve acquiring an object at a distance from the body and then bringing the object close to the body, it is important to consider the influence of the position of the elbow on the function of the transferred brachioradialis.
`All I Can Remember Were Tablets'

There is a growing tradition of narrative inquiry within the social sciences. However, more detailed attention is given here to its application to that group of people labelled as having learning difficulties. This is of consquence given the group's contested ontological status. Narrative is seen as a way of combating hegemonic tendencies and renegotiating identity formation and maintenance. The role of the author's voice in describing authentic experiences is considered in so far as it provides `explanations of the interaction between the individual and the social world' (Goodley, 1996: 336). This is seen as particularly relevant when the person who provides the raw material for the narrative is not the person who actually turns the material into a story. There is a metaphor available for the relationship of the informant to the researcher/writer.
The Role of the Three Phase Bone Scintigraphy in the Management of the Patients with Costochondral Pain

Aim: The bone scintigraphy is indicated in patients with costochondral pain in order to identify the organic etiology. We aimed to investigate the local and projecting pain, or incidental findings in the three phase bone scintigraphy of the patients referred for costochondral pain. Methods: We included 50 patients (36F, 24M; mean: 41±18 years-old) referred to our department for three phase bone scintigraphy for costochondral pain between January 2009-July 2012. Results: Among the 50 patients 22 had normal scintigraphy. An increased activity accumulation in the sternoclavicular joint was observed in 12 patients (right in 4, left in 4 and bilateral in 4) only in late phase and in 9 patients (right in 2, left in 1 and bilateral in 6) with increased vascularity. Among projecting pain causes, activity was present on sternum in 4 patients, on humerus in 2 patients and on the first costae in 2 patients. For the characterization of inflammatory pathology, the three phase bone scintigraphy showed sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values of 43%, 94%, 78%, 77% and 78% respectively. Conclusion: Bone scintigraphy is an effective diagnostic method for the identification of local or projecting pain, and additionally unexpected incidental pathologies ssociated with costochondral pain. However regarding the characterization of inflammatory process false negatives should be considered. Conflict of interest:None declared.
Helicobacter pylori as a zoonotic infection: the detection of H. pylori antigens in the milk and faeces of cows

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection, which may increase the risk of gastritis, peptic ulcers, and cancer, has increased worldwide. This number is estimated to be around 70–90% in developing countries and 25–50% in developed countries. It is possible that the bacterium can be transmitted via food and water as well as zoonotically and iatrogenically. Because of high prevalence of this infection in Iran, the aim of this study is to examine whether H. pylori infection might be transmitted from cow's milk and faeces. METHODS: The existence of the H. pylori antibody and antigen was investigated in samples of serum, milk, and faeces from 92 lactating Holstein cows in Shahrekord, Iran. The H. pylori antigen and antibody were detected using ELISA and were confirmed by PCR. RESULTS: It was found that out of 92 serum specimens, 25 (27%) of the cows were positive for the H. pylori antibody and 67 specimens were negative. From these 25 seropositive cows, 10 (40%) faeces samples and four (16%) milk samples were antigen positive for H. pylori. Four of the antigen-positive milk specimens were also antigen positive for faeces. The existence of the UreC gene was also confirmed in positive samples of milk and faeces. CONCLUSIONS: There is a possibility that cow's milk is a transmission mode in H. pylori infection and faecal contamination and inappropriate management processes could transfer H. pylori to humans. The awareness of the H. pylori epidemiology and its method of distribution are necessary for public health measures and controlling the spread of this bacterium. Further investigation with a greater sample number is necessary to verify the ability of H. pylori transmission via milk consumption.
Kernelet: High-Throughput GPU Kernel Executions with Dynamic Slicing and Scheduling

Graphics processors, or GPUs, have recently been widely used as accelerators in shared environments such as clusters and clouds. In such shared environments, many kernels are submitted to GPUs from different users, and throughput is an important metric for performance and total ownership cost. Despite recently improved runtime support for concurrent GPU kernel executions, the GPU can be severely underutilized, resulting in suboptimal throughput. In this paper, we propose Kernelet, a runtime system to improve the throughput of concurrent kernel executions on the GPU. Kernelet embraces transparent memory management and PCI-e data transfer techniques, and dynamic slicing and scheduling techniques for kernel executions. With slicing, Kernelet divides a GPU kernel into multiple sub-kernels (namely slices ). Each slice has tunable occupancy to allow co-scheduling with other slices for high GPU utilization. We develop a novel Markov chain-based performance model to guide the scheduling decision. Our experimental results demonstrate up to 31 percent and 23 percent performance improvement on NVIDIA Tesla C2050 and GTX680 GPUs, respectively.
The acute effects of strength, endurance and concurrent exercises on the Akt/mTOR/p70S6K1 and AMPK signaling pathway responses in rat skeletal muscle

The activation of competing intracellular pathways has been proposed to explain the reduced training adaptations after concurrent strength and endurance exercises (CE). The present study investigated the acute effects of CE, strength exercises (SE), and endurance exercises (EE) on phosphorylated/total ratios of selected AMPK and Akt/mTOR/p70(S6K1) pathway proteins in rats. Six animals per exercise group were killed immediately (0 h) and 2 h after each exercise mode. In addition, 6 animals in a non-exercised condition (NE) were killed on the same day and under the same conditions. The levels of AMPK, phospho-Thr(172)AMPK (p-AMPK), Akt, phospho-Ser(473)Akt (p-Akt), p70(S6K1), phospho-Thr(389)-p70(S6K1) (p-p70(S6K1)), mTOR, phospho-Ser(2448)mTOR (p-mTOR), and phospho-Thr(1462)-TSC2 (p-TSC2) expression were evaluated by immunoblotting in total plantaris muscle extracts. The only significant difference detected was an increase (i.e., 87%) in Akt phosphorylated/total ratio in the CE group 2 h after exercise compared to the NE group (P = 0.002). There were no changes in AMPK, TSC2, mTOR, or p70(S6K1) ratios when the exercise modes were compared to the NE condition (P ≥ 0.05). In conclusion, our data suggest that low-intensity and low-volume CE might not blunt the training-induced adaptations, since it did not activate competing intracellular pathways in an acute bout of strength and endurance exercises in rat skeletal muscle.
Agroinfiltration Reduces ABA Levels and Suppresses Pseudomonas syringae-Elicited Salicylic Acid Production in Nicotiana tabacum

Background Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain GV3101 (pMP90) is widely used in transient gene expression assays, including assays to study pathogen effectors and plant disease resistance mechanisms. However, inoculation of A. tumefaciens GV3101 into Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco) leaves prior to infiltration with pathogenic and non-host strains of Pseudomonas syringae results in suppression of macroscopic symptoms when compared with leaves pre-treated with a buffer control. Methodology/Findings To gain further insight into the mechanistic basis of symptom suppression by A. tumefaciens we examined the effect of pre-treatment with A. tumefaciens on the growth of P. syringae, the production of the plant signalling molecules salicylic acid (SA) and abscisic acid (ABA), and the presence of callose deposits. Pre-treatment with A. tumefaciens reduced ABA levels, P. syringae multiplication and P. syringae-elicited SA and ABA production, but promoted increased callose deposition. However, pre-treatment with A. tumefaciens did not suppress necrosis or SA production in leaves inoculated with the elicitor HrpZ. Conclusions/Significance Collectively, these results show that inoculation of N. tabacum leaves with A. tumefaciens alters plant hormone levels and plant defence responses to P. syringae, and demonstrate that researchers should consider the impact of A. tumefaciens on plant signal transduction when using A. tumefaciens-mediated transient expression assays to investigate ABA-regulated processes or pathogenicity and plant defence mechanisms.
Moving On? A Growth-Curve Analysis of Occupational Attainment and Career Progression Patterns in West Germany

In this paper, we use multilevel growth-curve analysis to model occupational stratification across West German careers for cohorts born between 1919 and 1971. We argue that a life-course approach gives a more appropriate perspective into social stratification by focusing on the permanence of inequalities across human lives. With data from the German Life History Study (GLHS), our primary interest is in the amount and timing of career progression and the ways in which educational attainment, class background, and cohort context shape them. We confirm previous findings of limited career progression and permanence in occupational inequality. Thus, career mobility can correct for initial disadvantages only to a limited degree. We also confirm the strong role played by the standardized and stratified German educational system, which channels workers into specific occupations with strict boundaries. We find a substantial gross effect of class background, which is strongly mediated by educational attainment for women but not for men. We do not find any general indications of a trend in change across cohorts, although there are some weak indications that men who entered the labor market in the problematic 1970s had weaker career growth. We conclude by discussing the advantages of a life-course approach to occupational stratification and the possibilities of growth-curve analysis to answer pertinent questions in research on careers and occupational mobility.