Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Open tibial fractures with severe soft-tissue loss. Limb salvage compared with below-the-knee amputation.

The long-term outcomes and the quality of life were studied in patients who had had an open fracture of the tibial shaft with severe soft-tissue loss. Limb salvage with a free flap was attempted in twenty-seven patients (sixteen of whom had a successful procedure and were examined personally by us), while eighteen patients were managed concurrently with an early below-the-knee amputation. Soft-tissue coverage was successful in all but one patient in whom limb salvage had been attempted. Ultimately, however, five extremities were amputated, with an infection at the site of a non-union being the most common reason for amputation. The patients who had had limb salvage had more complications (p < 0.001), more operative procedures (p < 0.001), and a longer stay in the hospital (p < 0.05) than the patients who had had an early below-the-knee amputation. The long-term functional results for sixteen patients who had had a successful limb-salvage procedure (average duration of follow-up, thirty-five months) were compared with those for eighteen patients who had had a below-the-knee amputation (average duration of follow-up, forty-four months). The patients who had had a successful limb-salvage procedure took significantly more time to achieve full weight-bearing (p < 0.05), were less willing or able to work (p < 0.01), and had higher hospital charges (p < 0.006) than the patients who had been managed with an early below-the-knee amputation. They also had a significant decrease in motion at the ankle and subtalar joint in the injured leg compared with the contralateral leg (p < 0.001). A quality-of-life evaluation was possible for only thirteen of the patients who had had a successful limb-salvage procedure and for sixteen of the patients who had had a below-the-knee amputation. The two groups were similar in terms of their responses, but significantly more patients who had had limb salvage considered themselves severely disabled (p < 0.05). They also had more problems with the performance of occupational and recreational activities (p < 0.05). This study confirmed the reliability of modern microvascular free tissue techniques for the coverage of large soft-tissue defects associated with tibial fractures. It also showed that complications and difficulties in the restoration of osseous union are common and may be directly related to the less satisfactory functional, occupational, recreational, and quality-of-life outcomes that are seen in many patients who have had limb salvage. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Vacuum instability in external fields.

We study particle creation from the vacuum by external electric fields, in particular, by fields, which are acting for a finite time, in the frame of QED in arbitrary space-time dimensions. In all the cases special sets of exact solutions of the Dirac equation (in and out solutions) are constructed. Using them, the characteristics of the effect are calculated. The time and dimensional analyses of the vacuum instability are presented. It is shown that the distributions of particles created by quasiconstant electric fields can be written in a form which has a thermal character and which seems to be universal, i.e., is valid for any theory with quasiconstant external fields. Its application, for example, to particle creation in an external constant gravitational field reproduces the Hawking temperature exactly. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Test-Retest Reliability, Criterion-Related Validity, and Minimal Detectable Change of Score on an Abbreviated Wingate Test for Field Sport Participants

Abstract Hachana, Y, Attia, A, Nassib, S, Shephard, RJ, and Chelly, MS. Test-retest reliability, criterion-related validity, and minimal detectable change of score on an abbreviated Wingate test for field sport participants. J Strength Cond Res 26(5): 1324–1330, 2012—Repeat measurements in 69 young adults were performed to assess the test-retest reliability and the 95% confidence interval of the difference in score between paired observations (MDC95) of a Wingate test as abbreviated for field sport participants (test of a 15-second duration [15-secT]). Test-retest reliability was excellent for peak power output (PPO) and mean power output (MPO), independently of their mode of expression and was moderate for the fatigue index (FI). The standard errors of measurement (SEM) for absolute, relative, and derived PPO and MPO values ranged from 2.6 to 3.7%, all being smaller than the corresponding smallest worthwhile change (SWC). In contrast, FI values were rated as “marginal,” with an SEM (9.6%) greater than the SWC (1.7). The range of MDC95 values for PPO and MPO were 9.9–10.4 and 7.37–7.42%, respectively. The absolute MPO showed the highest test-retest reliability and was the most effective in detecting real change. A second phase of the study evaluated the criterion-related validity of the 15-secT in 43 young men who performed 15-secT and standard 30-second Wingate anaerobic test (30-secT) in random order, on 2 separate occasions. There were no significant intertest differences in absolute, relative, or derived PPO. However, the FI for the 30-secT was greater than that for the 15-secT. Intertest correlations were highly significant for both MPOs and FIs. These findings suggest that the abbreviated Wingate test offers a reliable and valid tool for the evaluation of PPO and MPO, at least in young physical education students.
On Optimizing Adaptive Algorithms Based on Rebuffering Probability

Traditionally, video adaptive algorithms aim to select the representation that better fits to the current download rate. In recent years, a number of new approaches appeared that take into account the buffer occupancy and the probability of video rebuffering as important indicators of the representation to be selected. We propose an optimization of the existing algorithm based on rebuffering probability and argue that the algorithm should avoid the situations when the client buffer is full and the download is stopped, since these situations decrease the efficiency of the algorithm. Reducing full buffer states does not increase the rebuffering probability thanks to a clever management of the client buffer, which analyses the buffer occupancy and downloads higher bitrate representations only in the case of high buffer occupancy.
Mutagenesis in crop improvement under the climate change

The purpose of mutation induction is to enhance mutation rate in a short duration in developing new plant varieties. The occurrence of spontaneous mutation frequency rate is very low and difficult to use in plant breeding. Traditionally mutations are induced by physical (e.g. gamma radiation) and chemical (e.g. ethylmethane sulfonate) mutagen treatment of both seed and vegetatively propagated crops. Recently high energy ion beams have been used for mutation induction. They induce largely deletion mutants. In International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) mutant database, over 3000 officially released mutant varieties have been released worldwide in cereals, ornamental plants, fruits, vegetables, and oil crops. As a result, sustainable food production has been maintained. By in vitro selection, desirable mutants with useful agronomical traits, e.g. abiotic and biotic stress tolerant can be isolated in a short period of time. The genetic fidelity of the regenerated plants is highly desirable for developing new improved plant varieties and a useful as a reliable tool for feeding the ever-growing human population, genomic function especially under climate change and limited arable land.
Integrating activity-based costing and environmental cost accounting systems: a case study

The integration of activity-based costing (ABC) and environmental cost accounting (ECA) systems provides companies with more accurate information to make both well-rounded and effective decisions. The purpose of this study is to propose an effective approach to integrate both ABC and ECA systems. A case study analysing process is used to compare the traditional accounting system and the ABC system for allocating environmental costs. The results enable managers not only to understand financial information regarding the activities for environmental protection and the percentage of environmental costs in the overall product costs but also to make more objective and accurate decisions.
Measurements and receptor modeling of volatile organic compounds in Southeastern Mexico City, 2000–2007

Abstract. Ambient samples of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were measured between 2000 and 2007 in Southeastern Mexico City, quantifying 13 species (ethane, propane, propylene, butane, acetylene, pentane, hexane, heptane, benzene, octane, toluene, nonane, o-xylene). These time series were analyzed for long-term trends, using linear regression models. A main finding was that the concentrations for several VOC species were decreasing during this period. A receptor model was applied to identify possible VOC sources, as well as temporal patterns in their respective contributions. Domestic use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and vehicle exhaust are suggested to be the principal emission sources, contributing together between 70% and 80% to the total of quantified species. Both diurnal and seasonal patterns, as well as a weekend effect were recognized in the modelled source contributions. Furthermore, decreasing trends over time were found for LPG and hot soak (−7.8% and −12.7% per year, respectively, p
Factors Influencing Help Seeking, Hearing Aid Uptake, Hearing Aid Use and Satisfaction With Hearing Aids: A Review of the Literature

Objectives: This descriptive summary of the literature provides an overview of the available studies (published between January 1980 and January 2009) on correlates of help-seeking behavior for hearing loss, hearing-aid uptake, hearing-aid use, and satisfaction with the device. Methods: Publications were identified by structured searches in Pubmed and Cinahl and by inspecting the reference lists of relevant articles. The articles covered different stages that a person with hearing impairment may go through: prior to hearing aid fitting, the period covering the fitting and the period post hearing aid fitting. Inclusion of articles occurred according to strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were extracted by two independent researchers. Thirty-nine papers were included that identified 31 factors examined in relation to the four outcome measures. These covered personal factors (e.g., source of motivation, expectation, attitude), demographic factors (e.g., age, gender) and external factors (e.g., cost, counseling). Only two studies covered the actual fitting process. There was only one factor positively affecting all four outcome variables. This was self-reported hearing disability. The vast majority of studies showed no relationship of age and gender with any of the outcome domains. Discussion and conclusion: Whereas research of the last 28 years yielded valuable information regarding relevant and irrelevant factors in hearing aid health care, there are still many relevant issues that have never been investigated in controlled studies. These are discussed.
Establishment of Transgenic Lines for Jumpstarter Method Using a Composite Transposon Vector in the Ladybird Beetle, Harmonia axyridis

In this post-genomic era, genome-wide functional analysis is indispensable. The recent development of RNA interference techniques has enabled researchers to easily analyze gene function even in non-model organisms. On the other hand, little progress has been made in the identification and functional analyses of cis-regulatory elements in non-model organisms. In order to develop experimental platform for identification and analyses of cis-regulatory elements in a non-model organism, in this case, the ladybird beetle, Harmonia axyridis, we established transgenic transposon-tagged lines using a novel composite vector. This vector enables the generation of two types of insertion products (jumpstarter and mutator). The jumpstarter portion carries a transposase gene, while the mutator segment carries a reporter gene for detecting enhancers. The full-composite element is flanked by functional termini (required for movement); however, the mutator region has an extra terminus making it possible for the mutator to remobilize on its own, thus leaving an immobile jumpstarter element behind. Each insertion type is stable on its own, but once crossed, jumpstarters can remobilize mutators. After crossing a jumpstarter and mutator line, all tested G2 females gave rise to at least one new insertion line in the next generation. This jumping rate is equivalent to the P-element-mediated jumpstarter method in Drosophila. These established transgenic lines will offer us the ideal experimental materials for the effective screening and identification of enhancers in this species. In addition, this jumpstarter method has the potential to be as effective in other non-model insect species and thus applicable to any organism.
Owners of the secret: The impact of rape trauma on Ugandan women in the Rakai district

abstract This focus investigates the effects of rape trauma on women in the Rakai District of south-western Uganda from the perspective of their own culture. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews with female rape survivors, analysed using computer coding and verified through discussion of preliminary results with participants in a feedback meeting. Results indicate that female rape survivors in Uganda experience a multitude of symptoms as a result of their rape, including fear of disease, physical problems, emotional/cognitive difficulties, negative social changes (including relational and sexual impacts), occupational difficulties, lack of security, shame (including issues of secrecy and reporting) and loss of choice.
The dead little girl

Abstract Despite our sensitivity to the suffering experienced by adult clients, victims of childhood sexual abuse, echoes of these events continue to reverberate throughout their lives. Rarely does a client afford us more than a glimpse into the agony caused by those traumatic experiences. This paper describes the treatment of a woman whose initial complaint centered on a lack of desire for sexual contact with her husband. As the case evolved, she began to recall childhood traumatic experiences that had remained long repressed. Her literary talent allowed a level of expression not often available in the therapy setting. Excerpts from her writings provide a unique dimension to this case description.
Detecting redundant CSS rules in HTML5 applications: a tree rewriting approach

HTML5 applications normally have a large set of CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) rules for data display. Each CSS rule consists of a node selector and a declaration block (which assigns values to selected nodes' display attributes). As web applications evolve, maintaining CSS files can easily become problematic. Some CSS rules will be replaced by new ones, but these obsolete (hence redundant) CSS rules often remain in the applications. Not only does this “bloat” the applications – increasing the bandwidth requirement – but it also significantly increases web browsers' processing time. Most works on detecting redundant CSS rules in HTML5 applications do not consider the dynamic behaviours of HTML5 (specified in JavaScript); in fact, the only proposed method that takes these into account is dynamic analysis, which cannot soundly prove redundancy of CSS rules. In this paper, we introduce an abstraction of HTML5 applications based on monotonic tree-rewriting and study its "redundancy problem". We establish the precise complexity of the problem and various subproblems of practical importance (ranging from P to EXP). In particular, our algorithm relies on an efficient reduction to an analysis of symbolic pushdown systems (for which highly optimised solvers are available), which yields a fast method for checking redundancy in practice. We implemented our algorithm and demonstrated its efficacy in detecting redundant CSS rules in HTML5 applications.
Impacts of Fog Characteristics, Forward Illumination, and Warning Beacon Intensity Distribution on Roadway Hazard Visibility

Warning beacons are critical for the safety of transportation, construction, and utility workers. These devices need to produce sufficient luminous intensity to be visible without creating glare to drivers. Published standards for the photometric performance of warning beacons do not address their performance in conditions of reduced visibility such as fog. Under such conditions light emitted in directions other than toward approaching drivers can create scattered light that makes workers and other hazards less visible. Simulations of visibility of hazards under varying conditions of fog density, forward vehicle lighting, warning beacon luminous intensity, and intensity distribution were performed to assess their impacts on visual performance by drivers. Each of these factors can influence the ability of drivers to detect and identify workers and hazards along the roadway in work zones. Based on the results, it would be reasonable to specify maximum limits on the luminous intensity of warning beacons in directions that are unlikely to be seen by drivers along the roadway, limits which are not included in published performance specifications.
Complementing the Eukaryotic Protein Interactome

Protein interaction networks are important for the understanding of regulatory mechanisms, for the explanation of experimental data and for the prediction of protein functions. Unfortunately, most interaction data is available only for model organisms. As a possible remedy, the transfer of interactions to organisms of interest is common practice, but it is not clear when interactions can be transferred from one organism to another and, thus, the confidence in the derived interactions is low. Here, we propose to use a rich set of features to train Random Forests in order to score transferred interactions. We evaluated the transfer from a range of eukaryotic organisms to S. cerevisiae using orthologs. Directly transferred interactions to S. cerevisiae are on average only 24% consistent with the current S. cerevisiae interaction network. By using commonly applied filter approaches the transfer precision can be improved, but at the cost of a large decrease in the number of transferred interactions. Our Random Forest approach uses various features derived from both the target and the source network as well as the ortholog annotations to assign confidence values to transferred interactions. Thereby, we could increase the average transfer consistency to 85%, while still transferring almost 70% of all correctly transferable interactions. We tested our approach for the transfer of interactions to other species and showed that our approach outperforms competing methods for the transfer of interactions to species where no experimental knowledge is available. Finally, we applied our predictor to score transferred interactions to 83 targets species and we were able to extend the available interactome of B. taurus, M. musculus and G. gallus with over 40,000 interactions each. Our transferred interaction networks are publicly available via our web interface, which allows to inspect and download transferred interaction sets of different sizes, for various species, and at specified expected precision levels. Availability: http://services.bio. ifi.lmu. de/coin-db/.
Detection, classification and tracking of moving objects in a 3D environment

In this paper, we present a framework based on 3D range data to solve the problem of simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) with detection and tracking of moving objects (DATMO) in dynamic environments. The basic idea is to use an octree based Occupancy Grid representation to model dynamic environment surrounding the vehicle and to detect moving objects based on inconsistencies between scans. The proposed method for the discrimination between moving and stationary objects without a priori knowledge of the targets is the main contribution of this paper. Moreover, the detected moving objects are classified and tracked using Global Nearest Neighbor (GNN) technique. The proposed method can be used in conjunction with any type of range sensors however we have demonstrated it using the data acquired from a Velodyne HDL-64E LIDAR sensor. The merit of our approach is that it allows for an efficient three dimensional representation of a dynamic environment, keeping in view the enormous amount of information provided by 3D range sensors.
Molecular recognition of a carboxy pyridostatin toward G‐quadruplex structures: Why does it prefer RNA?

The pyridostatin (PDS) represents the lead compound of a family of G‐quadruplex (G4) stabilizing synthetic small molecules based on a N,N′‐bis(quinolinyl)pyridine‐2,6‐dicarboxamide scaffold. Its mechanism of action involves the induction of telomere dysfunction by competing for binding with telomere‐associated proteins, such as human POT1. Recently, through a template‐directed “in situ” click chemistry approach, a PDS derivative, the carboxypyridostatin (cPDS), was discovered. It has the peculiarity to exhibit high molecular specificity for RNA over DNA G4, while PDS is a good generic RNA and DNA G4‐interacting small molecule. Structural data on the binding modes of these compounds are not available, and the selectivity mode of cPDS toward TERRA G4 is unknown too. Therefore, this work is aimed at rationalizing the selectivity of cPDS versus TERRA G4 by means of molecular dynamics and docking simulations, coupled to better understand the binding mode of these compounds to telomeric G4 structures.
Online condition monitoring of partial discharge in HV underground cables

Partial discharges are symptomatic of many degradation phenomena in power cables and can cause further deterioration of the insulation in many cases. The partial discharges may be detected by using online and offline techniques. However, offline techniques have a significant disadvantage in that they require the cables to be taken out of circuit. Hence, electricity supply companies prefer the use of online techniques. The downside is that online techniques have their own disadvantages e.g. interference, ambiguity of partial discharge location, and sensor optimisation difficulties. The paper provides an overview of the current state of the art in partial discharge detection and location and also suggests how some of the disadvantages of online detection and location might be overcome.