Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Night shift call systems in family practice residencies.

BACKGROUND The number of hours worked by residents has come under scrutiny recently. One approach to decreasing the number of consecutive hours worked is the night shift call or night float system. METHODS A survey was sent to the directors/administrators of all family practice residency programs. The survey inquired about their experience with the night shift call system (NSCS). Residencies with an NSCS were asked the reasons for its implementation, how it was implemented, its structure, and its effect on resident well-being, medical education, and patient care. RESULTS Of the 295 programs responding, 15% had an NSCS in place, and 12% were considering its implementation. Resident satisfaction, alertness, personal life, quality of care, education, cross coverage, call frequency, reading, and studying improved in 50% or more of residencies. Conference attendance was unchanged. CONCLUSIONS NSCSs are one way of reducing resident work hours without lengthening a residency. It can improve patient care, resident well-being, and postgraduate education.
Ducks as Sentinels for Avian Influenza in Wild Birds

To determine the effectiveness of ducks as sentinels for avian influenza virus (AIV) infection, we placed mallards in contact with wild birds at resting sites in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Infections of sentinel birds with different AIV subtypes confirmed the value of such surveillance for AIV monitoring.
Inhibitory effects of dietary curcumin on forestomach, duodenal, and colon carcinogenesis in mice.

Curcumin (diferuloylmethane), a yellow pigment that is obtained from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa Linn. , is a major component of turmeric and is commonly used as a spice and food-coloring agent. The inhibitory effects of feeding commercial grade curcumin (77% curcumin, 17% demethoxycurcumin, and 3% bisdemethoxycurcumin) in AIN 76A diet on carcinogen-induced tumorigenesis in the forestomach, duodenum, and colon of mice were evaluated. Administration p.o. of commercial grade curcumin in the diet inhibited benzo(a)pyrene-induced forestomach tumorigenesis in A/J mice, N-ethyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine-induced duodenal tumorigenesis in C57BL/6 mice, and azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colon tumorigenesis in CF-1 mice. Dietary commercial grade curcumin was given to mice at: (a) 2 weeks before, during, and for 1 week after carcinogen administration (during the initiation period); (b) 1 week after carcinogen treatment until the end of the experiment (during the postinitiation period); or (c) during both the initiation and postinitiation periods. Feeding 0.5-2.0% commercial grade curcumin in the diet decreased the number of benzo(a)pyrene-induced forestomach tumors per mouse by 51-53% when administered during the initiation period and 47-67% when administered during the postinitiation period. Feeding 0.5-2.0% commercial grade curcumin in the diet decreased the number of N-ethyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine-induced duodenal tumors per mouse by 47-77% when administered during the postinitiation period. Administration of 0.5-4.0% commercial grade curcumin in the diet both during the initiation and postinitation periods decreased the number of AOM-induced colon tumors per mouse by 51-62%. Administration of 2% commercial grade curcumin in the diet inhibited the number of AOM-induced colon tumors per mouse by 66% when fed during the initiation period and 25% when fed during the postinitiation period. The ability of commercial grade curcumin to inhibit AOM-induced colon tumorigenesis is comparable to that of pure curcumin (purity greater than 98%). Administration of pure or commercial grade curcumin in the diet to AOM-treated mice resulted in development of colon tumors which were generally smaller in number and size as compared to the control group of AOM-treated mice. These results indicate that not only did curcumin inhibit the number of tumors per mouse and the percentage of mice with tumors but it also reduced tumor size. Histopathological examination of the tumors showed that dietary curcumin inhibited the number of papillomas and squamous cell carcinomas of the forestomach as well as the number of adenomas and adenocarcinomas of the duodenum and colon.
UWB Radars for Chalenging Applications

A number of challenging radar applications (such as antipersonnel mine detection and human being detection) has been discussed. In these applications UWB technology has a number of advantages of over the traditional narrow-band approach, in particular very high positioning accuracy, rigidity to multi-path propagation and target classification abilities. On a number of examples recent advances of UWB technology in radar have been demonstrated and remaining challenges have been discussed
Index of Problematic Online Experiences: Item Characteristics and Correlation with Negative Symptomatology

This exploratory study aimed to develop and test a quick, easily administered instrument, the Index of Problematic Online Experiences (I-POE). The goal of the I-POE extends beyond assessing for Internet overuse to broadly assess problematic Internet use across several domains and activities. Data was collected from 563 college students from a Northern New England university using an online survey methodology. Results indicated the I-POE has adequate construct validity and is highly correlated with a variety of relevant constructs: depression, anger/irritability, tension-reduction behavior, sexual concerns, and dysfunctional sexual behavior as measured by the Trauma Symptom Inventory; as well as amount of Internet use and permissive attitudes toward engaging in a variety of sexual activities. Early flagging of online experiences could mitigate the negative effects associated with problematic use. The I-POE, as an easy-to-administer, short screening index, holds promise in this regard. Initial testing of the instrument points to its utility in identifying persons who are experiencing a broad range of Internet-related problems.
Performance Investigation of Amorphous InGaZnO Flexible Thin-Film Transistors Deposited on PET Substrates

Amorphous indium gallium zinc oxide (a-InGaZnO) flexible thin-film transistors (TFTs) were deposited on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates at low temperature using a triple-targets magnetron radio frequency (RF) cosputter system. During the deposition of InGaZnO films, triple targets of In<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> target, Ga<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> target, and Zn target were simultaneously sputtered. By varying the mixing gas ratios, the Ar/O<sub>2</sub> ratio of 55 sccm/45 sccm was used as the sputtering gases to deposit the InGaZnO channel layer. The bottom-gate-type triple-targets InGaZnO flexible TFTs operated in n-type enhancement mode with a transconductance of 4.95×10<sup>-5</sup> S, a field-effect mobility of 57.2 cm<sup>2</sup>/V·s, an on/off ratio of 4.19×10<sup>7</sup>, a turn-on voltage of 0 V, a threshold voltage of 2.5 V, and a subthreshold swing of 0.23 V/decade, which were much better than those of the single InGaZnO target flexible TFTs.
Nanoelectrochemistry of mammalian cells

There is a significant current interest in development of new techniques for direct characterization of the intracellular redox state and high-resolution imaging of living cells. We used nanometer-sized amperometric probes in combination with the scanning electrochemical microscope (SECM) to carry out spatially resolved electrochemical experiments in cultured human breast cells. With the tip radius ≈1,000 times smaller than that of a cell, an electrochemical probe can penetrate a cell and travel inside it without apparent damage to the membrane. The data demonstrate the possibility of measuring the rate of transmembrane charge transport and membrane potential and probing redox properties at the subcellular level. The same experimental setup was used for nanoscale electrochemical imaging of the cell surface.
Inductive power transmission technology for Li-ion battery charger

This paper proposes an inductive power transmission technology applied to Li-ion battery charger, and the feature of the system is no metal connections. The proposed system adopts the magnetic coupling structure for inductive charging to promote the safety and the convenience of charging systems. The EER ferrite cores are used to transfer power, and the capacitors are compensated to primary side and secondary sided for improving transform efficiency. The Li-ion battery charger uses CC-CV charging and has the temperature protection. Finally, the proposed system is implemented to verify the performance on a 3.7V/3000mAh Li-ion battery.
Towards a better EOT - mobility trade-off in high-k oxide/metal gate CMOS devices

In this paper, we present electrical results on damascene CMOS devices containing a HfO/sub 2/ gate oxide and a TiN/W gate electrode and give a detailed analysis of the performance data and the carrier mobility in both pMOS and nMOS devices. We report on an improvement of the electron mobility compared to recent literature data, which seems to be related to a slightly higher interfacial oxide layer. These findings are very interesting regarding the definition of a good trade-off between mobility and EOT for future CMOS transistors using high-k materials for the gate oxide.
The Role of T1-Weighted Derived Measures of Neurodegeneration for Assessing Disability Progression in Multiple Sclerosis

Introduction Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterised by the accumulation of permanent neurological disability secondary to irreversible tissue loss (neurodegeneration) in the brain and spinal cord. MRI measures derived from T1-weighted image analysis (i.e., black holes and atrophy) are correlated with pathological measures of irreversible tissue loss. Quantifying the degree of neurodegeneration in vivo using MRI may offer a surrogate marker with which to predict disability progression and the effect of treatment. This review evaluates the literature examining the association between MRI measures of neurodegeneration derived from T1-weighted images and disability in MS patients. Methods A systematic PubMed search was conducted in January 2017 to identify MRI studies in MS patients investigating the relationship between “black holes” and/or atrophy in the brain and spinal cord, and disability. Results were limited to human studies published in English in the previous 10 years. Results A large number of studies have evaluated the association between the previous MRI measures and disability. These vary considerably in terms of study design, duration of follow-up, size, and phenotype of the patient population. Most, although not all, have shown that there is a significant correlation between disability and black holes in the brain, as well as atrophy of the whole brain and grey matter. The results for brain white matter atrophy are less consistently positive, whereas studies evaluating spinal cord atrophy consistently showed a significant correlation with disability. Newer ways of measuring atrophy, thanks to the development of segmentation and voxel-wise methods, have allowed us to assess the involvement of strategic regions of the CNS (e.g., thalamus) and to map the regional distribution of damage. This has resulted in better correlations between MRI measures and disability and in the identification of the critical role played by some CNS structures for MS clinical manifestations. Conclusion The evaluation of MRI measures of atrophy as predictive markers of disability in MS is a highly active area of research. At present, measurement of atrophy remains within the realm of clinical studies, but its utility in clinical practice has been recognized and barriers to its implementation are starting to be addressed.
Composite End Points in Clinical Trials of Heart Failure Therapy: How Do We Measure the Effect Size?

Composite end points are popular outcomes in clinical trials of heart failure therapies. For example, a global rank composite is typically analyzed using a Mann–Whitney U test, and the results are summarized by the mean of ranks and a corresponding P value. The mean of ranks is uninformative, and a clinically meaningful estimate of the treatment effect is needed to communicate study results and facilitate an assessment of heterogeneity (the consistency of the effect across outcomes). The probability index is intuitive for clinicians, easy to calculate, and may be applied to various composites. We suggest a simple and familiar plot to assess heterogeneity across outcomes, which should be routine when analyzing composites. We think that the probability index provides an immediate and simple solution to an overt problem.
BMI among Timorese aged ≥40 years

Abstract Objective To determine the distribution and sociodemographic associations of BMI (kg/m2) among adults aged ≥40 years living in Timor-Leste. Design BMI was calculated for participants of a population-based cross-sectional survey. Setting Urban and rural Timor-Leste. Subjects Adults aged ≥40 years living in Timor-Leste. Results Of those enumerated, 2014 participated (89·5 %). Male gender, rural domicile, older age, illiteracy and source of household income were associated with BMI < 18·5 kg/m2 on multivariate analysis. Female gender, urban domicile and literacy were associated with BMI ≥25·0 and ≥30·0 kg/m2. Adjusting for gender, age and domicile, and extrapolating to those aged ≥40 years across Timor-Leste, 9·9 %, 36·0 %, 6·6 % and 0·8 % had BMI <16·0, <18·5, ≥25·0 and ≥30·0 kg/m2, respectively. Conclusions At this time, being ‘underweight’ or ‘severely thin’ is more prevalent in the Timorese adult population than being ‘overweight’ or ‘obese’.
Sequence analysis of 16S rRNA from mycoplasmas by direct solid-phase DNA sequencing

Automated solid-phase DNA sequencing was used for determination of partial 16S ribosomal DNA sequences of mycoplasmas. The sequence information was used to establish phylogenetic relationships of 11 different mycoplasmas whose 16S rRNA sequences had not been determined earlier. A biotinylated fragment corresponding to positions 344 to 939 in the Escherichia coli sequence was generated by PCR. The PCR product was immobilized onto streptavidin-coated paramagnetic beads, and direct sequencing was performed in both directions. One previously unclassified avian mycoplasma was found to belong to the Mycoplasma lipophilum cluster of the hominis group. Microheterogeneities were discovered in the rRNA operons of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides (SC type), confirming the existence of two different rRNA operons. The 16S rRNA sequence of M. mycoides subsp. capri was identical to that of M. mycoides subsp. mycoides (type SC), except that no microheterogeneities were revealed. Furthermore, automated solid-phase DNA sequencing was used to identify a mycoplasmal contamination of a cell culture as Mycoplasma hyorhinis, which proved to be very difficult by conventional methods. The results suggest that the direct solid-phase DNA sequencing procedure is a powerful tool for identification of mycoplasmas and is also useful in taxonomic studies.
ASSESSMENT OF GEOTHERMAL POTENTIAL AT UNGARAN VOLCANO, INDONESIA DEDUCED FROM NUMERICAL ANALYSIS

Ungaran volcano is located in the Central Java, Indonesia. Numerical analysis has performed in order to assess the geothermal potential of Ungaran volcano using a 3-D finite difference simulator HYDROTHERM Ver2.2. A conceptual model constructed based on the results of geophysical studies such as gravity, spontaneous-potential, microearthquake, infrared imagery and shallow ground temperature. Deep geothermal fluids have been supplied from below in the central part of the volcano, then change into a lateral flow; part of the geothermal fluid reaches to the ground surface and forms the Gedongsongo fumarole area. The background temperature distributions and mass flux patterns were calculated for 150,000 years to obtain the quasi-steady state. The meteoric water flow pattern demonstrates predominant downward flow, with mass flux varying between 10 -8 g/cm 2 sec up to
Risk-driven Engineering of Requirements for Dependable Systems

Engineering the right software requirements under the right environment assumptions is a critical precondition for developing the right software. Requirements completeness, in particular, is known to be among the most critical and difficult software engineering challenges. Missing requirements often result from poor risk analysis at requirements engineering time. A natural inclination to conceive over-ideal systems prevents adverse conditions from being properly identified and, when likely and critical, resolved through adequate countermeasure requirements. The paper overviews a model-based approach for integrating risk analysis in requirements engineering. The approach is aimed at anticipating exceptional conditions in which the target system should behave adequately. In a goaloriented modeling framework, obstacles are introduced as as preconditions for the non-satisfaction of system goals. Following the identify-assess-control cycle of risk analysis, the paper reviews a variety of formal techniques available for generating obstacles, for assessing their likelihood and the severity of their consequences, and for resolving them through countermeasures whose integration in the system model results in increased requirements completeness.
Estudio del control integral de una plaga urbana de termitas en el sur de España

En el ano 2000 se iniciaron los trabajos de eliminacion de la plaga de termitas mediante el sistema de cebos, con la inspeccion en profundidad de todas las viviendas del pueblo de Palenciana y posteriormente la instalacion y revision periodica de las estaciones de control suministradas por Dow AgroSciences Iberica S.A. Los trabajos desarrollados para la delimitacion de los termiteros y el tratamiento de la plaga constituyen el contenido de esta Tesis Doctoral. La monitorizacion de todo el sistema permitio determinar la extension realmente ocupada por la plaga, que se estimo en 58.881 m2. Se instalaron mas de 2000 estaciones de dos tipos diferentes, de suelo o exterior y de pared o interior; se estudio el grado de efectividad de dichas estaciones, comprobandose que casi el 80% fueron ocupadas, resultando mas efectivas las de pared que fueron localizadas una media de 8 dias antes que las de suelo. En marzo de 2001 se introdujo el cebo, del que las termitas ingirieron 98 kg hasta septiembre, en que ceso el consumo por eliminacion de la plaga. El seguimiento de todo el proceso permitio determinar que desde la introduccion del cebo hasta que ceso el consumo, transcurrieron una media de 110 dias. Se analizo la variacion del porcentaje de soldados antes y despues del tratamiento, obteniendose un resultado positivo en uno de los termiteros estudiados.
Application of K-Medoids with Kd-Tree for Software Fault Prediction

Software fault prediction area is subject to problems like non availability of fault data which makes the application of supervised techniques difficult. In such cases unsupervised approaches like clustering are helpful. In this paper, K-Medoids clustering approach has been applied for software fault prediction. To overcome the inherent computational complexity of KMedoids algorithm a data structure called Kd-Tree has been used to identify data agents in the datasets. Partitioning Around Medoids is applied on these data agents and this results in a set of medoids. All the remaining data points are assigned to the nearest medoids thus obtained to get the final clusters. Software fault prediction error analysis results show that our approach outperforms all unsupervised approaches in the case of one given real dataset and gives best values for the evaluation parameters. For other real datasets, our results are comparable to other techniques. Performance evaluation of our technique with other techniques has been done. Results show that our technique reduces the total number of distance calculations drastically since the number of data agents is much less than the number of data points.
Impact of Patient's Weight on Stroke Rehabilitation Results

Kalichman L, Rodrigues B, Gurvich D, Israelov Z, Spivak E: Impact of patient's weight on stroke rehabilitation results. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2007;86:650–655. Objective:To evaluate the influence of patient's weight on rehabilitation results after first stroke. Design:Retrospective, comparative study. The sample comprised 84 males and females, first-time stroke patients, who had been hospitalized in the department of rehabilitation at the Hartzfeld Geriatric Hospital, Gedera, Israel for a full 3 mos and who, on admission, had scored between 40 and 60 on the total Functional Improvement Measure (FIM) test. We evaluated the difference in total FIM improvement between normal-weight, overweight, and obese patients. Results:The relative improvement of FIM score was significantly higher in normal-weight patients than in overweight patients, and improvement in overweight patients was significantly higher than in obese ones. We also found a statistically significant negative correlation (r = −0.27, P = 0.014) between relative improvement of FIM score and body mass index (BMI) in the total sample. Conclusions:Our study revealed that during the first 12 wks, rehabilitation is statistically significantly less effective in overweight and, particularly, in obese patients (evaluated by BMI). We also found a statistically significant negative association between the individual's BMI and relative improvement of the FIM score, representing the functional status of the stroke patient.
Effects of exercise in volume overload: insights from a model of aortic regurgitation.

BACKGROUND Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) imposes a pathologic volume overload to the left ventricle (LV), whereas aerobic exercise causes physiologic volume overloading. The impact of combining both LV volume overloads (pathologic and physiologic) is unknown. Considering the known beneficial effects of aerobic training on the cardiovascular system, we hypothesized that the positive effects would outweigh the negative ones and that exercise would improve the tolerance of the LV to AR. METHODS Forty female adult Wistar rats were randomly divided in the following groups: 1) sham sedentary (SS), 2) sham trained (ST), 3) AR sedentary (ARS), and 4) AR trained (ART). Training consisted in treadmill running for 30 min five times per week at 20 m x s(-1) for 24 wk. In vivo follow-up was made by echocardiography and invasive intracardiac pressure measurements. Hearts were harvested for tissue analysis. RESULTS Echocardiography revealed less LV dilation and hypertrophy in ART versus ARS as well as improved myocardial performance index. LV ejection fractions remained similar and within normal range in ART versus ARS. Invasive cardiac pressures yielded improved dP/dt- in ART versus ARS but similar dP/dt+. beta(1)-Adrenergic receptor mRNA expression was improved in the ART group versus ARS. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that a moderate aerobic exercise program helps minimize LV dilation and hypertrophy and improves diastolic cardiac performance in heart submitted to chronic volume overload due to severe aortic valve regurgitation in this animal model.