Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Six-year experience with excimer laser surgery for primary keratoconus in Russia.

PURPOSE To report our results using PRK combined with PTK to treat keratoconus. METHODS Forty-one patients (70 eyes) underwent PRK+PTK with a Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser. PRK included spherical or cylindrical ablations, or both. PRK ablation zone diameter was 6.00 mm. PTK was performed with an ablation zone diameter of 8.00 mm and a transition zone of 9 mm. PTK ablation zone was decentered toward the cone apex, according to corneal topography. RESULTS Refractive results: UCVA increased from 0.07 +/- 0.003 to 0.76 +/- 0.03 (69.2% of eyes had uncorrected visual acuity of 1.0); mean BSCVA increased from 0.70 +/- 0.03 to 0.83 +/- 0.04; myopia decreased from a mean 5.32 +/- 0.62 D to 1.55 +/- 0.30 D and astigmatism decreased from a mean 3.25 +/- 0.53 D to 1.75 +/- 0.25 D. Therapeutic results: Keratoconus progression was stopped in 91.43% of eyes with a mean follow-up of 3.5 years and maximum follow-up of 6 years. CONCLUSION PRK+PTK with the Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser was an excellent option for patients with primary keratoconus.
Efficient methods for traffic matrix modeling and on-line estimation in large-scale IP networks

Despite a large body of literature and methods devoted to the Traffic Matrix estimation problem, the inference of traffic flows volume from aggregated data represents a key subject facing the evolution of next generation networks. This is a particular problem in large-scale carrier networks, for which efficient, accurate and stable methods for Traffic Matrix modeling and estimation are vital and challenging to conceive. In the short-term, estimation methods must be efficient and stable to allow crucial real-time tasks such as on-line traffic monitoring. In the long-term, methods must provide an accurate picture of the traffic matrix to tackle problems such as network planning, design, and dimensioning. In this paper we present and compare two efficient methods for on-line traffic matrix estimation. Based on an original parsimonious linear model for traffic flows in large-scale networks, we present a simple approach to compute an accurate traffic matrix from easily available link traffic measurements. We further extend the validation of this parsimonious model to three operational backbone networks. We analyze in depth a method to recursively estimate the traffic matrix, studying the drawbacks and omissions of the former algorithm and proposing new extensions to solve these problems. We finally perform a comparative analysis of the performance of both methods in two operational backbone networks, taking into account significant aspects such as accuracy, stability, scalability, and on-line applicability.
A single RF-chain load modulation transmitter of simple structure for massive MIMO

Massive MIMO technology is needed as the volume of data demand increases. An increase in the number of RF-chains as the number of antennas increases causes hardware complexity and system cost increase. This causes the application of the actual communication system to be delayed. In this paper, we show the applicability to massive mimo by expanding the unit load modulation module with single RF-chain type. 2× LM-MIMO to 4× LM-MIMO and showed N×N MIMO possibilities through actual 4× LM-MIMO implementation and 4× MIMO test.
Clinical characteristics associated with binge eating in obese females: a descriptive study.

OBJECTIVE To investigate differences in clinical characteristics of obese female participants based on presence and degree of binge eating behavior. DESIGN Descriptive comparison of various clinical characteristics of obese women diagnosed with binge eating disorder (BED) assessed by semi-structured interview to those for similar weight participants reporting subthreshold BED and those who do not binge eat. SUBJECTS. 185 healthy women seeking obesity treatment (age: 20-55 y, BMI: 28.4-51.5 kg/m2). MEASUREMENTS Baseline self-report questionnaires included the Weight and Eating Patterns (QEWP), Eating Disorders Questionnaire (EDQ), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI); clinical interviews included the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R-Patient Version (SCID-P). RESULTS In comparison to other obese women, obese participants meeting full BED criteria report an earlier onset of binge eating, increased food cravings, increased diet pill use, decreased fasting, greater fear of gaining weight, increased body perception disturbance, and increased depressive symptomatology and general psychopathology. CONCLUSIONS Obese women with BED report greater eating-related and general psychopathology than non-binge eating disordered women of comparable weight. Although endorsement of food cravings unrelated to hunger was associated with binge eating diagnosis, the role of dietary restriction among this population remains unclear and requires further investigation. Theoretical and clinical implications that binge eating episodes for individuals with BED may be related to negative affect states and increased dietary disinhibition are discussed.
Extended organization of colloidal microparticles by surface plasmon polariton excitation

In this paper we demonstrate the first use of enhanced optical forces and optically induced thermophoretic and convective forces produced by surface plasmon polariton excitation for large-scale ordering and trapping of colloidal aggregations. We identify regimes in which each of these forces dominate the colloidal dynamics and lead to different collective equilibrium states. These include accumulation and organization into hexagonal close-packed colloidal crystals, arrangement into linear colloidal particle chains, and the formation of colloids in a ring formation about the excited region.
Ethnopharmacological, chemical, and pharmacological aspects of Halenia elliptica: A comprehensive review

Traditional Tibetan medicine (TTM) is an old traditional medical system, which is an effective and natural method of improving physical and mental health, and has been widely spread in the western part of China for centuries. Halenia elliptica (H. elliptica) D. Don, known as "Jiadiranguo" (Tibetan medicine name) is one of the most important herbal medicine in TTM that is from the genus Halenia (family: Gentianaceae). The whole herb can be used as a medicine to treat hepatobiliary diseases and xeransis, and possesses many biological and pharmacological activities including heat clearing, bile benefiting, liver soothing, digestion promoting, blood nursing, detoxification activities, and so on. In modern research, H. elliptica can be used to treat acute or chronic hepatitis, especially hepatitis B. In addition, the chemical compounds of the herb have potent antihepatitis B virus (anti-HBV) activity in vitro. As an important TTM, further studies on H. elliptica can lead to the development of new drugs and therapeutics for various diseases, and more attention should be paid on the aspects of how to utilize it better.
Molecular pathology of NEU1 gene in sialidosis

Lysosomal sialidase (EC 3.2.1.18) has a dual physiological function; it participates in intralysosomal catabolism of sialylated glycoconjugates and is involved in cellular immune response. Mutations in the sialidase gene NEU1, located on chromosome 6p21.3, result in autosomal recessive disorder, sialidosis, which is characterized by the progressive lysosomal storage of sialylated glycopeptides and oligosaccharides. Sialidosis type I is a milder, late‐onset, normosomatic form of the disorder. Type I patients develop visual defects, myoclonus syndrome, cherry‐red macular spots, ataxia, hyperreflexia, and seizures. The severe early‐onset form, sialidosis type II, is also associated with dysostosis multiplex, Hurler‐like phenotype, mental retardation, and hepatosplenomegaly. We summarize information on the 34 unique mutations determined so far in the sialidase gene, including four novel missense and one novel nonsense mutations found in two Czech and two French sialidosis patients. The analysis of sialidase mutations in sialidosis revealed considerable molecular heterogeneity, reflecting the diversity of clinical phenotypes that make molecular diagnosis difficult. The majority of sialidosis patients have had missense mutations, many of which have been expressed; their effects on activity, stability, intracellular localization, and supramolecular organization of sialidase were studied. A structural model of sialidase allowed us to localize mutations in the sialidase molecule and to predict their impact on the tertiary structure and biochemical properties of the enzyme. Hum Mutat 22:343–352, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Induction of apoptosis in malignant pleural mesothelioma cells by activation of the Fas (Apo-1/CD95) death-signal pathway.

OBJECTIVE Although well characterized in several solid tumors, the effects of Fas/Fas ligand interactions in malignant pleural mesothelioma cells have not been defined. The present study was undertaken to examine the functional status of the Fas/Fas ligand pathway in malignant pleural mesothelioma cells and to determine the feasibility of targeting this death-signal pathway for molecular intervention in patients with mesotheliomas. METHODS Fas expression in primary normal human bronchial epithelial cells and 6 malignant pleural mesothelioma cell lines was quantified by means of flow cytometry. The caspase components of the Fas-mediated apoptotic pathway were evaluated by means of Western blot techniques. Soluble Fas ligand-mediated cytotoxicity and apoptosis were evaluated by means of MTS and TUNEL assays, respectively. Cisplatin (3 microg/mL) and lymphokine-activated killer cells were used to enhance mesothelioma sensitivity to soluble Fas ligand. An H2373 nude mouse xenograft model of malignant pleural mesothelioma was established to assess the in vivo effects of soluble Fas ligand. RESULTS Four of 6 malignant pleural mesothelioma lines exhibited high levels of Fas expression, and 2 of 4 were inherently susceptible to soluble Fas ligand-mediated cytotoxicity (soluble Fas ligand 50% inhibitory concentration, < 15 ng/mL). Two soluble Fas ligand refractory cell lines (H2052 and H513) exhibited high levels of Fas receptor. Pretreatment with cisplatin resulted in a reduction of 50% inhibitory concentration from infinity to 4.17 +/- 0.14 ng/mL and 10.23 +/- 1.58 ng/mL, respectively. Two additional soluble Fas ligand refractory cell lines (H2595 and REN) expressed low levels of Fas. Exposure of these cells to lymphokine-activated killer cells or lymphokine-activated killer cell-conditioned medium followed by a 24-hour treatment with cisplatin resulted in a significant reduction in 50% inhibitory concentration of soluble Fas ligand and pronounced induction of apoptosis. Intraperitoneally administered soluble Fas ligand mediated regression of H2373 xenografts. CONCLUSION The Fas/Fas ligand pathway in mesothelioma cells is either intrinsically intact or can be rendered functional with chemotherapeutic agents or immune effector cells. These preclinical data support further evaluation of strategies to enhance Fas-mediated apoptosis in mesotheliomas.
Effects of noise on hearing.

FEW WOULD DENY THAT WE LIVE IN A NOISY WORLD. NOISE, whether a result of air traffic, crowded urban streets, personal stereos, or high-powered machinery, rifles, and shotguns, is one of America’s most widespread nuisances. Excessive noise disrupts sleep, produces stress, impairs communication, and, in high enough doses, causes significant noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Although roughly 25% of all Americans ages 65 and older suffer hearing loss, hearing loss is not part of the natural aging process. Much hearing loss in older Americans is due to preventable, noiseinduced wear and tear on the auditory system.
Estimation of Repetitions to Failure for Monitoring Resistance Exercise Intensity: Building a Case for Application

Abstract Hackett, DA, Cobley, SP, and Halaki, M. Estimation of repetitions to failure for monitoring resistance exercise intensity: Building a case for application. J Strength Cond Res 32(5): 1352–1359, 2018—The purpose of this study was to (a) examine the accuracy of Estimated Repetitions to Failure (ERF) during resistance exercise between 2 sessions and (b) compare ERF to rating of perceived exertion (RPE) for determining proximity to momentary failure. Forty-eight adults with recreational resistance training experience performed 3 sets of 10 repetitions at 70% one-repetition maximum (1RM) and 80% 1RM for the chest press and leg press, respectively. At the completion of each set, participants reported their ERF and then continued repetitions to failure to determine actual repetitions to failure (ARF). Two sessions of the same experimental protocol were performed with 48 hours between bouts. For session 1, error in ERF was greater during the first sets compared with third sets for the chest press (2.0 vs. 0.6 repetitions and p < 0.001) and leg press (3.1 vs. 1.6 repetitions and p < 0.001). No differences for error in ERF were observed between sessions 1 and 2 for the chest press (p > 0.944); however, less error in ERF was found for the leg press during set 1 of session 2 (3.1 vs. 1.9 repetitions and p < 0.013). Strong to very strong relationships were found between ERF and ARF (r = 0.59–0.87 and p < 0.01), whereas most relationships for RPE and ARF were small to moderate (r = 0.32 to −0.42 and p < 0.01). Improvement in the accuracy of ERF after a single training bout is minimal, whereas ERF compared with RPE seems to have greater sensitivity for discriminating momentary failure.
An intelligent Chinese official document processing system

Automated Chinese official document processing techniques and the public-key based cryptographic methodology are used to improve the efficiency of the existing Chinese executive information systems. They provide executive officials more room to achieve the best decision-making. One of the best solutions in document automation and message transmission is to combine low-cost computing power with stable communication capability. In this paper a computer-based architecture for intelligent Chinese official document processing is proposed. The automation of form analysis, document processing, data filing, security control, and information retrieval are discussed in detail. A digital multisignature technology is employed in this system to meet the basic requirements of data security and trust handling. By using such a technology, users will have confidence in utilizing information transmission systems without security suspicion.
Neuromuscular stimulation after stroke: from technology to clinical deployment

Since the early 1960s, electrical or neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been used to support the rehabilitation of stroke patients. One of the earliest applications of NMES included the use of external muscle stimulation to correct drop-foot after stroke. During the last few decades various clinical applications have been used for the upper and lower limb. Despite a growing body of literature on the use of NMES, its application in stroke is still limited to a few clinical groups that provide dedicated clinical services. Some explanations for the limited use are the sometimes conflicting clinical evidence, the size of the effects or the complicated use of the technology itself. This review points out three directions for future research. First, we need to expand our knowledge on brain plasticity and the use of different electrical stimulation strategies to modulate the neural system. Second, we foresee an increase in therapies combining different training principles, for example, the combination of NMES and robotics or neuromodulating drugs. Finally, with the ever-increasing pressure on healthcare budgets, it is expected that clinical and economic evidence will become more relevant in transferring these interventions to a wider community.
Relationship between Chlorhexidine Gluconate Skin Concentration and Microbial Density on the Skin of Critically Ill Patients Bathed Daily with Chlorhexidine Gluconate

Objective and Design. Previous work has shown that daily skin cleansing with Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) is effective in preventing infection in the medical intensive care unit (MICU). A colorimetric, semiquantitative indicator was used to measure CHG concentration on skin (neck, antecubital fossae, and inguinal areas) of patients bathed daily with CHG during their MICU stay and after discharge from the MICU, when CHG bathing stopped. Patients and Setting. MICU patients at Rush University Medical Center. Methods. CHG concentration on skin was measured and skin sites were cultured quantitatively. The relationship between CHG concentration and microbial density on skin was explored in a mixed-effects model using gram-positive colony-forming unit (CFU) counts. Results. For 20 MICU patients studied (240 measurements), the lowest CHG concentrations (0–18.75 μg/mL) and the highest gram-positive CFU counts were on the neck (median, 1.07 log10 CFUs; P = .014). CHG concentration increased postbath and decreased over 24 hours (P < .001). In parallel, median log10 CFUs decreased pre- to postbath (0.78 to 0) and then increased over 24 hours to the baseline of 0.78 (P = .001). A CHG concentration above 18.75 μg/mL was associated with decreased gram-positive CFUs (P = .004). In all but 2 instances, CHG was detected on patient skin during the entire interbath (approximately 24-hour) period (18 [90%] of 20 patients). In 11 patients studied after MICU discharge (80 measurements), CHG skin concentrations fell below effective levels after 1–3 days. Conclusion. In MICU patients bathed daily with CHG, CHG concentration was inversely associated with microbial density on skin; residual antimicrobial activity on skin persisted up to 24 hours. Determination of CHG concentration on the skin of patients may be useful in monitoring the adequacy of skin cleansing by healthcare workers.
Calcium and phosphate homeostasis in hyperthyroid cats: associations with development of azotaemia and survival time.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate calcium and phosphate homeostasis in hyperthyroid cats and determine if plasma parathyroid hormone and fibroblast growth factor-23 are associated with the presence of -azotaemic chronic kidney disease and/or have prognostic significance. METHODS Retrospective cohort study. Logistic regression analysis and Cox regression analysis were performed to identify if parathyroid hormone and fibroblast growth factor-23 were predictors of development of azotaemia following treatment and survival time, respectively. RESULTS Two hundred and seven hyperthyroid cats were included. Elevated plasma parathyroid hormone concentrations, hyperphosphataemia, decreased plasma fibroblast growth factor-23 concentrations and hypocalcaemia were documented; however, all parameters returned to reference intervals following treatment of hyperthyroid cats without azotaemic chronic kidney disease. After adjustment for plasma creatinine concentration, baseline plasma parathyroid hormone and fibroblast growth factor-23 concentrations were not predictors of the development of azotaemia following treatment. Baseline plasma fibroblast growth factor-23 concentrations were associated with all-cause mortality; however, this association was not maintained after adjustment for packed cell volume. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Changes in plasma parathyroid hormone and fibroblast growth factor-23 concentrations which occur in hyperthyroid cats are not mediators of progression of chronic kidney disease; however, fibroblast growth factor-23 would appear to have some prognostic significance in hyperthyroidism.
Final Synthesis Report of Findings from ASPE'S 'Leavers' Grants

Since the passage of federal welfare reform in 1996, the federal cash assistance caseloads have dropped by over 50 percent. To address concerns about the well-being of families leaving welfare and to facilitate cross-state comparisons, the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) of the United States the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) awarded competitive grants to select states and large counties in September, 1998, to conduct studies of families that have left the welfare rolls. This report reviews and synthesizes key findings from fifteen of the ASPE-funded leavers studies and includes information on leavers' employment, earnings, program participation, income and poverty status, material hardships, and child well-being.
Muscle afferent responses to isometric contractions and relaxations in humans.

1. One hundred and two single afferents from the finger extensor muscles of humans were studied with the microneurography technique. 2. The afferents were provisionally classified as primary muscle spindle afferents (62/102), secondary spindle afferents (22), and Golgi tendon organ afferents (18) on the basis of their responses to four tests: 1) ramp-and-hold stretch, 2) 20- and 50-Hz small-amplitude sinusoidal stretch superimposed on ramp-and-hold stretch, 3) maximal isometric twitch contraction, and 4) stretch sensitization. 3. The response profiles of the three unit types were analyzed during slowly rising isometric contraction terminating with an abrupt relaxation. About 75% (61/84) of all muscle spindle afferents increased their discharge during isometric contraction, whereas the discharge was reduced for the remaining afferents. All Golgi tendon organs increased their discharge during the contraction. 4. The level of extrafusal contraction at which a spindle afferent increased its discharge rate often varied from trial to trial, speaking against a fixed fusimotor recruitment level of the individual spindle ending. 5. In 70% of the spindle afferents, a distinct burst of impulses appeared when the subject rapidly relaxed after the isometric contraction. The burst was more common and usually much more prominent with primary than secondary afferents, often reaching instantaneous discharge rates well above 100 Hz. 6. Whereas all Golgi tendon organ afferents displayed an increased discharge during the contraction phase, only one of them exhibited a rate acceleration close to the relaxation phase. However, this response could clearly be identified as being of different nature than the spindle bursts. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Parental effects and the evolution of phenotypic memory

Despite growing evidence for nongenetic inheritance, the ecological conditions that favor the evolution of heritable parental or grandparental effects remain poorly understood. Here, we systematically explore the evolution of parental effects in a patch-structured population with locally changing environments. When selection favors the production of a mix of offspring types, this mix differs according to the parental phenotype, implying that parental effects are favored over selection for bet-hedging in which the mixture of offspring phenotypes produced does not depend on the parental phenotype. Positive parental effects (generating a positive correlation between parental and offspring phenotype) are favored in relatively stable habitats and when different types of local environment are roughly equally abundant, and can give rise to long-term parental inheritance of phenotypes. By contrast, unstable habitats can favor negative parental effects (generating a negative correlation between parental and offspring phenotype), and under these circumstances even slight asymmetries in the abundance of local environmental states select for marked asymmetries in transmission fidelity.