Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Macular laser photocoagulation guided by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography versus fluorescein angiography for diabetic macular edema

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and fluorescein angiography (FA) in the guidance of macular laser photocoagulation for diabetic macular edema. Methods: This was a prospective interventional clinical comparative pilot study. Forty eyes from 24 consecutive patients with diabetic macular edema were allocated to receive laser photocoagulation guided by SD-OCT or FA. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness, and retinal volume were assessed at baseline and two months after treatment. Results: Subjects treated using FA-guided laser improved BCVA from the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) 0.52 ± 0.2 to 0.37 ± 0.2 (P < 0.001), and decreased mean central macular thickness from 397.25 ± 139.1 to 333.50 ± 105.7 μm (P < 0.001) and retinal volume from 12.61 ± 1.6 to 10.94 ± 1.4 mm3 (P < 0.001). Subjects treated using SD-OCT guided laser had improved BCVA from 0.48 ± 0.2 to 0.33 ± 0.2 logMAR (P < 0.001), and decreased mean central macular thickness from 425.90 ± 149.6 to 353.4 ± 140 μm (P < 0.001) and retinal volume from 12.38 ± 2.1 to 11.53 ± 1.1 mm3 (P < 0.001). No significant differences between the groups were found in two-month BCVA (P = 0.505), two-month central macular thickness (P = 0.660), or two-month retinal volume (P = 0.582). Conclusion: The short-term results of this pilot study suggest that SD-OCT is a safe and effective technique and could be considered as a valid alternative to FA in the guidance of macular laser photocoagulation treatment for diabetic macular edema.
alpha-adrenergic responses of isolated canine coronary microvessels.

Although alpha-adrenergic activation is known to increase coronary microvascular resistance in vivo, the magnitude of its segmental microvascular consequences is not well understood. Quantification of these effects in vivo is hindered by escape mechanisms that minimize the influences of constrictors, and alterations in flow and pressure, which effect microvascular tone by shear stress-dependent and myogenic mechanisms, respectively. To eliminate these confounding influences, we have studied responses in vitro under conditions with these variables controlled. We evaluated the diameter changes of isolated canine coronary arterioles (110 +/- 12 microns, n = 35) response to alpha-adrenergic activation by norepinephrine (10(-10) to 10(-4) M) in the presence of beta-adrenergic blockade by alprenolol (10(-6) M). In contrast to the situation in vivo, alpha-adrenergic activation did not constrict isolated coronary arterioles, but constricted isolated coronary venules in a dose-dependent manner over a range of 10(-10) to 10(-4) M (-27 +/- 3% maximum diameter change). Coronary arteriolar alpha-adrenergic constriction was not promoted by 1) subthreshold or vasoactive doses of the vasoconstrictors KCl, angiotensin II, U46619, endothelin-1, neuropeptide Y or arginine vasopressin, 2) inhibition of the presynaptic uptake of norepinephrine by imipramine (10(-6) M), 3) inhibition of EDRF synthesis by NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (10(-5) M) or 4) inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis by indomethacin (10(-5) M). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
2.4 Ghz RFID-based SME algorithm for Multi-lane-supported ETCS in 5.8Ghz DSRC

In this paper, the Supporting Multi-lane ETCS(SME) algorithm attaching data flow and form into Radio Frequency Identification(RFID) communication technology was newly suggested to overcome technical problems on RF-DSRC communication system. In addition, in order to verify the SME algorithm, experiments based on ETCS and 2.4Ghz RFID were carried out. From the result of experiment of RFID dependent on the velocity and precision experiment of information inside of RFID, RFID is detected below 80Km/h and the precision of estimation is more than 86.8%.
Polymer functionalization for air-stable n-type carbon nanotube field-effect transistors.

Miniaturization by bottom-up approaches to length scales beyond the current semiconductor processing technology has generated tremendous research efforts in the areas of synthesis, characterization, and assembly of novel nanoscale materials such as quantum dots and wires. 1,2 Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are one-dimensional (1D) molecular wires ideally suited for elucidating basic phenomena in 1D and could play important roles in building miniaturized devices. 3 For instance, it has been shown that field effect transistors (FETs) can be constructed by using individual semiconducting SWNTs, 4 opening up the possibility of building more complex electronic architectures with molecular wire elements. Widely known is that obtaining both pand n-type materials and controlling their charge carrier densities are crucial to the current microelectronics. With SWNTs, an interesting phenomenon has been that tube-FETs under ambient conditions are always p-type with holes as the majority carriers. This has recently been revealed to be due to electron withdrawing by O 2 molecules adsorbed on SWNTs. 5 The ability to tune SWNTs into both nand p-type should be important to their applications in molecular electronics. A classical approach to n-type electron-rich carbon materials is via charge-transfer doping with alkali metals. 6 Indeed, potassium doping has led to n-type SWNT FETs and enabled the derivation of more complex devices such as intra-tube p -n junctions with interesting electronic functions. 3b,7However, alkali dopants suffer from immediate degradation upon exposure to air, making them undesirable for n-doping of SWNTs in practical device applications. Recently, controlled exposure of SWNTs to inorganic (NH 3, NO2) and organic molecules (amines) 7 has revealed the extreme sensitivity of the electrical properties of semiconducting SWNTs to molecular species, and has suggested the possibility of building ultra-sensitive nanosensors. Such sensitivity also hints at a new method of tuning charge carriers in SWNTs by mere adsorption of molecules with suitable functional groups. Rather than a complete ionization of each donor or acceptor as in alkali or halogen doping, partial electron donating or accepting by adsorbed molecular functional groups could be exploited to vary charge carriers in SWNTs. After all, from a theoretical point of view, a doping fraction (number of charges per carbon atom) of ∼10-310-4 is sufficient to shift the Fermi level into the conduction band of a typical semiconducting SWNT, yielding a highly n-doped system. 3b,8
The Runge-Kutta Discontinuous Galerkin Method for Conservation Laws V

This is the fifth paper in a series in which we construct and study the so-called Runge? Kutta discontinuous Galerkin method for numerically solving hyperbolic conservation laws. In this paper, we extend the method to multidimensional nonlinear systems of conservation laws. The algorithms are described and discussed, including algorithm formulation and practical implementation issues such as the numerical fluxes, quadrature rules, degrees of freedom, and the slope limiters, both in the triangular and the rectangular element cases. Numerical experiments for two-dimensional Euler equations of compressible gas dynamics are presented that show the effect of the (formal) order of accuracy and the use of triangles or rectangles on the quality of the approximation.
The Changing Course of Fatherhood

This article documents the changes in men's experience of living with children. Data are drawn from seven Current Population Surveys to address four questions: What changes are evident across birth cohorts of men in the likelihood of living with children? What cohort differences are observed in the experience of living with many children or with preschool age children? How does the timing of living with children change across cohorts? To what extent do the observed patterns vary by race and level of education? Men's experience of living with children declines precipitously across cohorts. More recent cohorts are less likely to be characterized by the experience of large numbers of children. Living with children is increasingly concentrated in middle age. Finally, there are stark differences among men by race and level of education in the experience of living with children.
Cohérence logique entre le modèle stratégico-opérationnel en contrôle de gestion et la théorie de la firme-compétence foncière des économistes évolutionnistes : une lecture historique

In this article, we enhance the link between economics and management to position each generic model in management control within a given paradigm. In the frame of the information paradigm, we underline the conceptual affinities between the scientific management and the economic theories representing the firm as a nexus of contracts. These conceptual affinities legitimate the financial model in management control which emerge in the 1920s at General Motors. Although criticized, this model is still current. At the end of the 1960s, emerge in some Japanese firms the Hoshin Management. This management shows in a relevant manner what constitute the “out-contract”, that is to say the process, the skills, the context and the shared vision of the top management. The increasing status of the “out-contract” in management leads us to a new firm theory, the firm as a land-competence, and to a new generic model in management control, the strategical-operational model. The platform which includes the Hoshin Management, the theory of the firm as a land-competence and the strategical-operational model of management control is set within the knowledge paradigm.
Plasma Exchange for the Recurrence of Primary Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis in Adult Renal Transplant Recipients: A Meta-Analysis

Background. Posttransplant recurrence of primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (rFSGS) in the form of massive proteinuria is not uncommon and has detrimental consequences on renal allograft survival. A putative circulating permeability factor has been implicated in the pathogenesis leading to widespread use of plasma exchange (PLEX). We reviewed published studies to assess the role of PLEX on treatment of rFSGS in adults. Methods. Eligible manuscripts compared PLEX or variants with conventional care for inducing proteinuria remission (PR) in rFSGS and were identified through MEDLINE and reference lists. Data were abstracted in parallel by two reviewers. Results. We detected 6 nonrandomized studies with 117 cases enrolled. In a random effects model, the pooled risk ratio for the composite endpoint of partial or complete PR was 0,38 in favour of PLEX (95% CI: 0,23–0,61). No statistical heterogeneity was observed among included studies (I 2 = 0%, p = 0,42). On average, 9–26 PLEX sessions were performed to achieve PR. Renal allograft loss due to recurrence was lower (range: 0%–67%) in patients treated with PLEX. Conclusion. Notwithstanding the inherent limitations of small, observational trials, PLEX appears to be effective for PR in rFSGS. Additional research is needed to further elucidate its optimal use and impact on long-term allograft survival.
Démence et interventions non médicamenteuses : revue critique, bilan et perspectives

Les interventions non medicamenteuses aupres de personnes atteintes de la maladie d’Alzheimer et de maladies apparentees sont un domaine de recherche en developpement. Si le nombre d’essais prospectifs randomises, la taille des echantillons, la precision des protocoles sont des aspects qui, aujourd’hui, ne conferent qu’une portee limitee a certains types d’interventions, un certain nombre de pistes particulierement prometteuses peuvent neanmoins etre identifiees. Se degagent ainsi, parmi les interventions cognitives, la rehabilitation cognitive individualisee ; parmi les interventions qui visent l’affect, les therapies de reminiscence (incluant les aidants familiaux et le personnel d’accompagnement) ; parmi les interventions destinees aux aidants familiaux, celles qui proposent en parallele une intervention aux personnes malades. Parmi les interventions environnementales et comportementales, les therapies comportementales s’adressant aux aidants familiaux apparaissent notamment efficaces pour le traitement de la depression, ainsi que certaines strategies d’adaptation proposees aux aidants professionnels pour la prevention de troubles du comportement dans des situations de soin precises (toilette). Les impacts de l’environnement physique et de differentes formes de stimulation sensorielle apparaissent comme des strategies prometteuses, qui meriteraient le developpement d’essais prospectifs randomises plus nombreux et plus precis.
Examining facilitators' habits of mind in an asynchronous online discussion environment: A two cases study

Asynchronous online discussion has been widely used by faculty members and students in schools and universities. Previous research has examined how factors such as the discussion activity, knowledge about the discussion topic, and the behaviour of other participants can affect learner participation. This study explored student facilitators' influence in promoting learners' participation in terms of their exhibited habits of mind. The following habits of mind of the facilitators were examined: (a) awareness of own thinking, (b) accurate and seeks accuracy, (c) open minded, (d) taking a position when the situation warrants it, and (e) sensitive to other. A two-cases study methodology approach was used in this study. The habits of "awareness of own thinking" and "open minded" were found to be exhibited more often by the student facilitators in the two cases. When we zoomed into the top 30% of the forums in terms of learners' participation, we also found that the frequency of habits of mind, "awareness of own thinking" and "open minded", were exhibited more often by the facilitators.
Beta diversity of angiosperms in temperate floras of eastern Asia and eastern North America

The diversity of a region reflects both local diversity and the turnover of species (beta diversity) between areas. The angiosperm flora of eastern Asia (EAS) is roughly twice as rich as that of eastern North America (ENA), in spite of similar area and climate. Using province/state-level angiosperm species floras, we calculated beta diversity as the slope of the relationship between the log of species similarity (S) and either geographic distance or difference in climate. Distance-based beta diversity was 2.6 times greater in the north‐south direction in EAS than in ENA and 3.3 times greater in the east‐west direction. When ln S was related to distance and climate difference in multiple regressions, both distance and climate PC1 were significant effects in the north‐south direction, but only geographic distance had a significant, unique influence in the east‐ west direction. The general predominance of distance over environment in beta diversity suggests that history and geography have had a strong influence on the regional diversity of these temperate floras.
Distribution of Two Common Idiotypes of Anticardiolipin Antibodies in Sera of Patients with Primary Antiphospholipid Syndrome, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Monoclonal Gammopathies

The frequency of two common idiotypes of anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) was determined in sera from three groups of subjects, patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), with primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS) and with monoclonal gammopathies (MG), as compared to normal population. The idiotype 1.10, which was derived from a patient with active SLE and antiphospholipid syndrome, was found more frequently among patients with PAPS (10.5%, 10.5% and 22.20% in MG, SLE and PAPS, respectively) than the idiotype H3, which was derived from a human hybridoma monoclonal aCL generated from a healthy subject immunized with tetanus and diphtheria. The latter idiotype was detected in 8.7%, 6.5% and 11.7% of patients with MG, SLE and PAPS, respectively. Incidental findings in this study include a high prevalence of aCL among patients with MG (23%) and a high prevalence of anti-dsDNA antibodies, detected only by a sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, among patients with PAPS. Our results indicate that idiotypic diversity exists among aCL derived from different sources. Some of these cross-reactive idiotypes may be more pathogenic than others.
The Problems with Secure On-line Banking

A growing awareness of the commercial benefits of online banking have contributed to a sense of urgency among banks to deploy such systems. However, while security of the communications is usually well considered, most do not sufficiently address the security of the platform on which these applications run. In this paper, we outline two existing on-line banking schemes and describe how this weakness can be exploited to subvert the authentication mechanisms in these systems. The aim is to show that these types of attack are not just theoretically possible, but practical and even easy to implement. We present alternative approaches for securing the authentication of online banking applications including a new method that provides an effective compromise between security and other concerns.
An Exploratory Content Analysis of Offender Concerns Before Incarceration

The time before entry into a correctional facility is stressful for most offenders. Yet, few studies have systematically considered the fears and concerns of persons entering jail or prison. This descriptive study uses an Internet message board forum to explore the central thoughts of individuals entering correctional institutions. A total of 344 posts are coded for key themes in written narratives. Ten categories are identified by researchers: relationships, possessions, violence and safety, medical concerns, self-improvement, privacy, responsibilities, prison conditions, boredom, and reputation. The potential impact of these pre-incarceration concerns on the actual prison experience is explored.
Superficial Macromolecular Arrays on the Cell Wall of Spirillum putridiconchylium

Electron microscopy of the cell envelope of Spirillum putridiconchylium, using negatively stained, thin-sectioned, and replicated freeze-etched preparations, showed two superficial wall layers forming a complex macromolecular pattern on the external surface. The outer structured layer was a linear array of particles overlying an inner tetragonal array of larger subunits. They were associated in a very regular fashion, and the complex was bonded to the outer, pitted surface of the lipopolysaccharide tripartite layer of the cell wall. The relationship of the components of the two structured layers was resolved with the aid of optical diffraction, combined with image filtering and reconstruction and linear and rotary integration techniques. The outer structural layer consisted of spherical 1.5-nm units set in double lines determined by the size and arrangement of 6- by 3-nm inner structural layer subunits, which bore one outer structural layer unit on each outer corner. The total effect of this arrangement was a double-ridged linear structure that was evident in surface replicas and negatively stained fragments of the whole wall. The packing of these units was not square but skewed by 2° off the perpendicular so that the “unit array” described by optical diffraction and linear integration appeared to be a deformed tetragon. The verity of the model was checked by using a photographically reduced image to produce an optical diffraction pattern for comparison with that of the actual layers. The correspondence was nearly perfect.
Association of ISMav6 with the Pattern of Antibiotic Resistance in Korean Mycobacterium avium Clinical Isolates but No Relevance between Their Genotypes and Clinical Features

The aim of this study was to genetically characterize clinical isolates from patients diagnosed with Mycobacterium avium lung disease and to investigate the clinical significance. Multi-locus sequencing analysis (MLSA) and pattern of insertion sequence analysis of M. avium isolates from 92 Korean patients revealed that all isolates were M. avium subspecies hominissuis. In hsp65 sequevar analysis, codes 2, 15, and 16 were most frequently found (88/92) with similar proportions among cases additionally two isolates belonging to code N2 and an unreported code were identified, respectively. In insertion element analysis, all isolates were IS1311 positive and IS900 negative. Four of the M. avium subsp. hominissuis isolates did not harbor IS1245 and 1 of the M. avium isolates intriguingly harbored DT1, which is thought to be a M. intracellulare-specific element. M. avium subsp. hominissuis harboring ISMav6 is prevalent in Korea. No significant association between clinical manifestation and treatment response has been found in patients with the hsp65 code type and ISMav6, indicating that no specific strain/genotype among M. avium subsp. hominissuis organisms was a major source of M. avium lung disease. Interestingly, the presence of ISMav6 was correlated with greater resistance to moxifloxacin. Conclusively, the genotype of Korean M. avium subsp. hominissuis isolates is not a disease determinant responsible for lung disease and specific virulent factors of M. avium subsp. hominissuis need to be investigated further.
Massive model visualization: An investigation into spatial partitioning

The current generation of visualization software is incapable of handling the interactive rendering of arbitrarily large models. While many solutions have been proposed for Massive Model Visualization, very few are able to achieve the full capabilities needed for a computer visualization solution. In most cases this is due to overly complex approaches that, while achieving impressive frame rates, make it virtually impossible to implement features like part manipulation. What is needed is a simple approach with rendering performance bounded by screen complexity not model size, with primitive traceability to the original model to facilitate part manipulation, and capability to be modified in near-real-time. This thesis introduces MMDr, a simple system to achieve interactive frame rates on extremely large data sets, while retaining support for most if not all the features required for a computer visualization solution.
The Bacterial Flora of the Female Rat Genital Tract

Summary A study of the genital micro-flora in virgin female rats of reproductive age has demonstrated that alpha and nonhe-molytic streptococci, Pasteurella pneumotro-pica, diphtheroid bacilli, Staphylococcus epi-dermidis, and Proteus mirabilis are the predominant genital organisms. The pH of the rat vagina was demonstrated to be near neutrality. It is suggested that the higher pH in the rat vagina as compared to the human vagina may account for some of the differences between human and rat genital micro-flora. A. J. Markovetz is the recipient of a Development Award-Research Career Program (5KO4 GM14681) from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences. The assistance of Marilyn J. Ohm in identifying anaerobic bacteria for this study is gratefully acknowledged.
Palliative Procedures in Lung Cancer

Abstract Palliative care aims to optimize comfort and function when cure is not possible. Image-guided interventions for palliative treatment of lung cancer is aimed at local control of advanced disease in the affected lung, adjacent mediastinal structures, or distant metastatic sites. These procedures include endovascular therapy for superior vena cava syndrome, bronchial artery embolization for hemoptysis associated with lung cancer, and ablation of osseous metastasis. Pathophysiology, clinical presentation, indications of these palliative treatments, procedural techniques, complications, and possible future interventions are discussed in this article.