Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
[Study on the changes in limb circumferences and muscle areas of critically ill patients using ventilators].

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to identify muscle atrophy in critically ill patients on ventilators. A comparison was made between limb circumferences and muscle areas on the day of admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) and on the 8th day after admission. METHODS The data were collected from 30 critically ill patients using ventilators at S hospital ICU in Seoul during the period from October 2005 to April 2006. Limb circumferences and skinfold thickness were measured on the day of admission and on the 8th day after admission to the ICU. Limb circumferences and skinfold thickness were measured on the right mid-arm, right mid-thigh, and right mid-calf using a measuring tape and a skinfold calipers. Limb muscle areas were calculated by an equation after measuring limb circumferences and skinfold thickness. The data were analyzed by paired t-test and independent t-test. RESULTS 1) Mid-arm circumference, mid-thigh circumference and mid-calf circumference on the 8th day after admission to the ICU were significantly less than those on the day of admission to the ICU, 2) Mid-arm muscle area, mid-thigh muscle area and mid-calf muscle area on the 8th day after admission to the ICU were significantly less than those on the day of admission to the ICU, 3) Steroid and vecuronium medication didn't affect changes in limb circumferences (mid-arm, mid-thigh, mid-calf) and muscle areas (mid-arm, mid-thigh, mid-calf) on the 8th day after admission to the ICU compared to the day of admission. CONCLUSION Limb muscle atrophy may occur on the 8th day after admission to the ICU in critically ill patients using ventilator.
hCODE: An open-source platform for FPGA accelerators

Field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) have demonstrated great speed performance and power efficiency advantages over conventional computers in various domains. However, it is still difficult for general software engineers to employ FPGA-based hardware accelerators because of the gap between hardware and software development methods. In this paper, we propose a heterogeneous computing oriented development environment (hCODE) to simplify the creation, sharing, and project integration of hardware accelerators. The hCODE defines hardware specifications and interface design rules. Hardware developers can provide designs that follow these rules, allowing software engineers to easily search, download, and integrate accelerators in their applications without caring about the details of the hardware.
Lipid Peroxidation Is Not Increased in Patients With Untreated Mild-to-Moderate Hypertension

Abstract—In contrast with the huge amount of experimental data available, only few and somewhat unconvincing clinical studies support the hypothesis that oxidative stress is involved in the early stages of essential hypertension in humans. Isoprostanes are chemically stable lipid peroxidation products of arachidonic acid, the quantification of which provides a novel approach to the assessment of oxidative stress in vivo. The main objective of this study was to quantify the urinary levels of 15-F2t-IsoP in the early stages of essential hypertension, using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, by comparing 30 patients with never-treated mild-to-moderate hypertension with 30 gender- and age-paired healthy controls. Urinary 15-F2t-IsoP levels were not significantly different in hypertensive patients (69±36 pmol/mmol creatinine) compared with controls (75±34 pmol/mmol creatinine, 95% confidence intervals on differences: −23 to 13). No significant correlation was found between basal urinary 15-F2t-IsoP levels and age, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, glucose, clinical pulse pressure, carotid intima-media thickness, left ventricular mass index, or aortic pulse wave velocity. In conclusion, this study shows that lipid peroxidation is not increased in never-treated mild-to-moderate hypertension. This suggests that oxidative stress is not implicated in the pathogenesis of human essential hypertension, at least in the early stages.
Fifty Years of College Choice: Social, Political and Institutional Influences on the Decision-Making Process

Acknowledgments This publication originated in discussions among doctoral students at Indiana University who were concerned about current issues and trends confronting prospective college students and college admissions and enrollment staff. Our earlier study of high school students' college-choice process revealed varied approaches to decision making and complex interactions among institutions and prospective students. As we searched the literature for accounts of the college-choice process, we grew increasingly curious about continuity and change in that process: How had the expansion of access to higher education altered students' college choice? When did college admissions work become professionalized? We are grateful for the opportunity to explore these questions and to produce this publication. The authors wish to acknowledge and thank Lumina Foundation for Education for its financial support of this project. We would also like to thank the staff at the College Board archives for giving us access to documents and for providing technical assistance. Thanks also go to the staff at the National Association for College Admissions Counseling archives for endless photocopying. Two doctoral students at Indiana University, JoAnne C. Bunnage and Colin Davis, also provided assistance with this research. Harold Wechsler, professor of educational leadership at the University of Rochester, and Joseph D. Creech, recently retired from the Southern Regional Education Board, reviewed early drafts of this paper and offered suggestions that strengthened the final product. Finally, we are grateful to the Lumina Foundation staff, and particularly Jerry Davis, for his encouragement and critique of the work in progress. The opinions expressed in this monograph are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the policies or positions of Lumina Foundation for Education, its officers or members of its board of directors.
Real-time tracking meets online grasp planning

Describes a synergistic integration of a grasping simulator and a real-time visual tracking system, that work in concert to (1) find an object's pose, (2) plan grasps and movement trajectories, and (3) visually monitor task execution. Starting with a CAD model of an object to be grasped, the system can find the object's pose through vision which then synchronizes the state of the robot workcell with an online, model-based grasp planning and visualization system we have developed called GraspIt. GraspIt can then plan a stable grasp for the object, and direct the robotic hand system to perform the grasp. It can also generate trajectories for the movement of the grasped object, which are used by the visual control system to monitor the task and compare the actual grasp and trajectory with the planned ones. We present experimental results using typical grasping tasks.
Cognitive Presence in Virtual Learning Community: An EFL Case

This study aimed to investigate the existence of cognitive presence as one of the elements of the Community of Inquiry framework in virtual centers for undergraduate students of science and technology. To achieve the purpose of this study, first a questionnaire was uniquely developed on the basis of the suggestions made in the literature reviewing the indicators of cognitive element. The questionnaire was then administered to undergraduate students ( N = 107) who were studying a technical or a technological course in the Iran University of Science and Technology and Khajeh Nasir Toosi University of Technology. Analysis of the questionnaire data showed that (a) the Exploration and Resolution categories appeared more frequently than others in the virtual centers of this study and (b) the indicators of Divergence , Information Exchange , and Applying New Ideas were hierarchically frequent. In order to promote and sustain cognitive presence, this study recommends that virtual language educators incorporate the indicators of cognitive presence into the online learning environment.
La gestion de la dette publique selon les approches économique, institutionnelle et financière : Application à une petite économie en développement, la Tunisie.

La these s'interesse a la problematique de l'endettement public dans les pays en developpement. Elle a pour cadre d'application la Tunisie. L'objectif recherche est l'etude de la question de l'endettement public sous sa triple nature : economique, institutionnelle et financiere dans le cas d'une petite economie en developpement. En consequence, l'exercice vise est l'approfondissement de la problematique de l'endettement public en general et dans le cas tunisien en particulier. La demarche suivie repose sur un plan en trois approches calque sur la nature tri- dimensionnelle de la question posee. La Tunisie sert de cas d'application pour les trois approches. Ainsi, la premiere partie de la these etudie l'aspect purement economique de la problematique. Elle pose la question de l'impact de la dette de l'Etat sur les agregats macroeconomiques. La deuxieme partie s'interesse a la dimension institutionnelle de la dette souveraine. La troisieme partie s'interesse a l'aspect financier de la problematique de l'endettement public, au travers d'un essai empirique pour la mesure du risque de change associe au portefeuille de la dette publique tunisienne. De par sa construction, cette these rappelle la triple nature de son objet. La dette publique est un instrument de la politique economique mais egalement un ensemble de regles institutionnelles. La dette publique est par ailleurs un portefeuille d'actifs.
Understanding the HIV Risk Behaviors in Haiti:A Rural-Urban Comparison

Regine Alexandra Emilien Understanding the HIV Risk Behaviors in Haiti: A Rural-Urban Comparison (Under the direction of Richard Rothenberg MD, MPH, Faculty Member) Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the extent and potential correlates of sexual risk taking behaviors related to condom use and number of sexual partners among Haitians aged 15 to 49 years old living in the urban and rural areas. Methods: Data were obtained from the 2005-2006 cross-sectional survey conducted by the Demographic Health survey. Our study population (15143) was analyzed based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) theory using a bivariate and multiple logistic regression analysis with SPSS for windows. Results: In both rural and urban areas dwellers had an accurate knowledge of the disease. However, a small proportion in both areas used condoms during their last sexual intercourse. Perceiving the disease’s severity was more likely associated with condom use in the urban (OR 1.36, p≤ .01) and in the rural areas (OR 1.45, p≤.05). Strong associations have been found between some variables of the HBM and condom use but none have been found associated with zero or one sex partner. Findings were similar in both areas Conclusion: Holistic approach should be considered in the prevention strategy conducted in Haiti to tackle other factors that may contribute in delaying responsible sexual behavior in that country.
Chern-Simons theory, analytic continuation and arithmetic

The purpose of the paper is to introduce some conjectures re- garding the analytic continuation and the arithmetic properties of quantum invariants of knotted objects. More precisely, we package the perturbative and nonperturbative invariants of knots and 3-manifolds into two power series of type P and NP, convergent in a neighborhood of zero, and we postulate their arithmetic resurgence. By the latter term, we mean analytic continuation as a multivalued analytic function in the complex numbers minus a discrete set of points, with restricted singularities, local and global monodromy. We point out some key features of arithmetic resurgence in connection to various problems of asymptotic expansions of exact and perturbative Chern-Simons theory with compact or complex gauge group. Finally, we discuss theoretical and experimental evidence for our conjecture.
Abandon the coat Experiential group about clinical psychologist’s identity

This research was driven by the fundamental idea that one of the main methodological competencies of a psychologist is to be able to think one’s emotions (especially those formed within a relationship) and to use them to build theories on the relationship itself. In this context, the project aims to explore the role identity of the trainee psychologist, that is to say the mental representations (fantasies, subconscious associations, myths) of those who have just finished their university journey and are about to embark upon the world of work in the field of applied clinical psychology.
Suizidalität bei Menschen mit einer schizophrenen Psychose

Zusammenfassung Schizophrene Psychosen sind für viele Betroffene suizidalitätsbegünstigende biographische Katastrophen – auch unter Behandlungsbedingungen. Die Suizidrate von ca. 10% verdeutlicht die Dimension dieses Problems. Eine Übersicht über die entsprechenden Risikofaktoren zeigt, dass Suizidalität vielfach eine nicht-psychotische bilanzierende Reaktion auf die erkrankungsbedingten Beeinträchtigungen und ihre psychosozialen Auswirkungen ist. Prävention und Behandlung erfordern auf der Basis einer vertrauensvollen Beziehung vor allem eine Akzeptanz suizidaler Krisen als Ausdruck von Hoffnungs- und Perspektivlosigkeit, eine gleichermaßen verständnisvolle und fürsorgliche Haltung sowie ein an realistischen Zielen orientiertes pragmatisches und in der Regel multimodales Vorgehen.
Clinical Evaluation of Effects of Local Application of Aloe vera Gel as an Adjunct to Scaling and Root Planning in Patients with Chronic Periodontitis

Statement of the Problem: Aloe vera gel contains various components with antibiotic and anti-inflammatory characteristics, which may have potential advantages to treat periodontal diseases. Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of local application of aloe vera gel as an adjunct to scaling and root planning in the treatment of patients with chronic periodontitis. Materials and Method: This single-blind clinical trial, performed in a split mouth design, was conducted on 20 patients with moderate to severe chronic periodontitis. Following a baseline examination at first day which included the assessments of plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and probing depth (PD); patients randomly received either SRP in one quadrant (control group), or SRP combined with aloe vera gel in another quadrant (experimental group). All cases were examined again, assessing PI, GI, and PD at 30th and 60th day. Results: There was no significant difference in PI in the three stages between control and experimental groups. In all patients, there was a significant improvement in the three stages in GI and PD for both quadrants treated only with SRP or combination of SRP and aloe vera. However, experimental group presented significantly lower GI (p= 0.0001) and PD (p= 0.009) than the control group at the end of study period. Conclusion: This study revealed that local application of aloe vera gel could be considered as an adjunctive treatment with scaling and root planning for chronic periodontitis.
DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM) Service Overview

This document provides an overview of the DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM) service and describes how it can fit into a messaging service. It also describes how DKIM relates to other IETF message signature technologies. It is intended for those who are adopting, developing, or deploying DKIM. DKIM allows an organization to take responsibility for transmitting a message, in a way that can be verified by a recipient. The organization can be the author's, the originating sending site, an intermediary, or one of their agents. A message can contain multiple signatures, from the same or different organizations involved with the message. DKIM defines a domain-level digital signature authentication framework for email, using public- key cryptography, with the domain name service as its key server technology [RFC4871]. This permits verification of a responsible organization, as well as the integrity of the message contents. DKIM also enables a mechanism that permits potential email signers to publish information about their email signing practices; this will permit email receivers to make additional assessments about messages. DKIM's authentication of email identity can assist in the global control of "spam" and "phishing".
Optimizing Outages and Hydro Strategy to Reduce Load-Shedding in Bangladesh: Strategic Unit Scheduling Software

In this article, we present an industrial optimization tool which is deployed in Bangladesh to schedule unit outages and to manage the water assets of Bangladesh. Contrary to most actual optimization software of the energy sector which focus on cost reduction, this innovative product is able to produce schedules which minimize the load-shedding probability. Load shedding reduction is key to leverage the development of the country. It has a major impact on the economy (reduction of industrial production, cost of supply storage) but also on the inhabitants welfare (lights, water pump). The fact that optimization tools are non-intrusive systems make them suitable for fast improvement of electrical network performance.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Its Receptors Are Expressed in Human Nerve Grafts

Vascularization and angiogenicity of human nonvascularized nerve grafts in the second stage of facial reanimation were studied. Immunohistochemistry for endothelial markers (CD-31) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors Flt-1 and Flk-1 was performed on distal end biopsies from 35 cross-facial nerve grafts. In grafted nonvascularized nerve, density of vascular structures (also clearly immunopositive for VEGF and both receptors) showed a mean of 166 vessels (range 78 to 267) per unit area, corresponding to control values. In addition, VEGF was expressed in axons and perineural structures. In control samples, VEGF expression was low and occurred in the myelin sheath. In nerve grafts, expression of Flt-1 and Flk-1 (less intense) was seen in axons and perineural structures. A higher density of vessels was associated with lower VEGF expression (not significant). In short, expression of VEGF and its receptors is described in human nerve grafts and compared with basic histology and p75 nerve growth factor receptor expression of the nerve graft and functional outcome of patients.
To Use Physical Restraints Or Not?

N o one likes to use physical restraints. Physical restraints limit mobility and can have related adverse effects. However, they are utilized in the hope of preventing more serious adversities, particularly falls. The authors of a paper in this issue of the Journal have been leaders in increasing the sensitivity of nursing home providers and others to the undesirable side effects of restraints as well as to their limitations as a fall prevention strategy.lr' Building on research by Tinetti and others, this article provides further compelling evidence that restrained residents still experience falls. The issue of restraint use was approached earlier by Tinetti et al., who, for a period of more than 1 year, studied 397 mobile nursing home residents who were not restrained at baseliner':" They found that 122 became restrained, most on an intermittent basis. Serious fall-related injuries were experienced much more commonly in the residents who became restrained compared with those who remained unrestrained (17% vs 5%, respectively; P < .001). Ofthe 607 falls that occurred, 57% were experienced by restrained residents; the mean number of falls increased progressively from 1.0 (± 1.6) in nonrestrained residents to 1.9 (±2.0) and 3.6 (±3.7) in intermittently and continuously restrained residents, respectively. For the restrained residents who fell, only 10% of the falls occurred while the resident was actually restrained or immediately after removal of restraints. Most falls in restrained residents happened during unrestrained periods, suggesting that if restraints increase falls and related injuries, they do so indirectly. The authors point out that restraint use probably worsens deconditioning, gait, and balance abnormalities, thereby increasing their fall and injury risk. Another plausible explanation (which does not exclude the first) is that restraint use is a marker for residents at high risk for falls. In this issue of the Journal, the article by Capezuti et al. explores this question further. " They followed 332 residents in three nursing homes over a period of 9.5 months, and examined correlations between use of physical restraints, falls, and fall-related injuries. Residents were classified on the two variables most likely to affect fall and safety risk: cognitive function and ambulatory status. Cognitive function was assessed using the MiniMental State Exam (MMSE), with residents dichotomized as nonconfused (18 or more of 30) or confused (17 or less). The importance of cognitive function in this context is how it affects safety awareness and judgment. This may not be adequately assessed by the MMSE, and an arbitrary cutoff score of 17 may also not capture critical differences in awareness and judgment. Similarly, the categorical measure of ambulatory status used in this study (ambulatory vs nonambulatory-chair fast) is limited in its ability to detect important differences in injury risk within categories. For example, it would not be surprising if the confused ambulatory residents
Clostridium botulinum toxin A significantly inhibits uterine contractions in rats undergoing mifepristone-induced preterm labor

Preterm labor is defined as the presence of regular uterine contractions with progressive cervical changes before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy. Spontaneous preterm labor accounts for 40% to 50% of all preterm births [1]. An estimated 13 million babies (−10% of all births) are born preterm each year worldwide, and approximately 1 million of all newborn deaths are due to preterm birth [2]. At present, typical uterine contraction inhibitors (e.g., betamimetics, magnesium sulfate, calcium channel blockers, oxytocin receptor antagonists, and prostaglandin inhibitors) have achieved limited success for short-term management of preterm labor. Although tocolytic agents were superior to placebo at delaying delivery for at least 7 days in a meta-analytic study, none was statistically more effective than placebo at delaying delivery to 37 weeks gestation or at reducing neonatal mortality and morbidity [3]. Women receiving tocolytics for preterm labor require monitoring and intenCLOSTRIDIUM BOTULINUM TOXIN A SIGNIFICANTLY INHIBITS UTERINE CONTRACTIONS IN RATS UNDERGOING MIFEPRISTONE-INDUCED PRETERM LABOR