Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Review of near-infrared methods for wound assessment

Abstract. Wound management is a challenging and costly problem that is growing in importance as people are living longer. Instrumental methods are increasingly being relied upon to provide objective measures of wound assessment to help guide management. Technologies that employ near-infrared (NIR) light form a prominent contingent among the existing and emerging technologies. We review some of these technologies. Some are already established, such as indocyanine green fluorescence angiography, while we also speculate on others that have the potential to be clinically relevant to wound monitoring and assessment. These various NIR-based technologies address clinical wound management needs along the entire healing trajectory of a wound.
A Circularly Polarized Antenna by Using Rotated-Stair Dielectric Resonator

In this letter, a wideband compact circularly polarized (CP) dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) is proposed. This antenna consists of two rectangular dielectric layers that are stacked with a rotation angle φ relative to its adjacent bottom layer. The antenna is excited by an aperture coupled through a slot cutting on the ground plane. The rotated-stair configuration of DRA contributes dual broadside CP radiating modes and results in a noticeable enhancement in the axial ratio (AR) bandwidth. The proposed antenna achieves 31% impedance bandwidth and 18.2% AR bandwidth. The average gain within the AR bandwidth is 4.5 dBi with less than 0.5-dB variation. Moreover, the proposed dielectric resonator antenna has a low-profile structure. This work demonstrates a CP bandwidth broadening technique for the DRA. The potential applications of the antenna are 5G Wi-Fi and satellite communication systems.
Is technology change good for cotton farmers? A local-economy analysis from the Tanzania Lake Zone

Technological change holds the potential to increase crop output as well as incomes of farmers and the communities in which they live. We carry out a local economy-wide impact evaluation of productivity-enhancing technological change amongst small-scale cotton producers in Tanzania’s Lake Zone. Our analysis reveals that demand constraints shift benefits from farmers to downstream processors, while limiting positive spillovers within local economies. Excess cotton gin capacity does the opposite. Interventions to ensure markets for increased output should complement strategies to raise productivity if a project’s goal is to improve welfare in farm households and the communities in which they live.
Comparison of effects of restraint, cage transportation, anaesthesia and repeated bleeding on plasma glucose levels between mice and rats

We examined the effects of handling, cage transportation, anaesthesia and repeated bleeding on plasma glucose levels in mice and rats. Plasma glucose was determined using a compact glucose analyser Antsense®, which provides a quick and accurate method without the necessity for special specimen preparation. In mice, plasma glucose was significantly elevated after primary handling or cage transportation. Anaesthesia increased plasma glucose levels two-fold, whilst repeated bleeding induced a rapid but transient increase. However, it was found to be possible to sample plasma glucose levels at one-hour intervals without any apparent effect on plasma glucose level as a result of stress from the sampling procedure. In contrast, the same set of procedures i.e. handling, cage transportation and anaesthesia, when performed on rats, seemed to have small or no observable effect on levels of plasma glucose. These results show the importance of the sampling procedure when determining plasma glucose in mice. It is recommended that the procedure which causes the least influence on endogenous glucose levels should be the method of choice and that animals should be acclimatized to the procedure, by appropriate handling, prior to sampling.
The legislative representation of public opinion policy priorities in Italy

Normative democratic theory requires political actors in parliament and government to represent not only the citizens’ policy preferences, but also their issue priorities. This article investigates Italian dynamic agenda representation – the transmission of public priorities into the policy priorities of the Italian political system. To assess the public’s policy priorities, data on the Most Important Problem from the Eurobarometer polls are used, while the legislative agendas of the members of parliament (MPs) and government are built following the rules of the Comparative Agendas Project. The results of longitudinal analyses across 10 policy areas and 20 semesters (2003–13) suggest a persistent link between the public’s agenda and the prioritization of legislation by the Italian parliament, majority MPs, and government. Contrary to expectations, the opposition does not seem to be responsive to public opinion policy problems when introducing bills.
Conundrums of Platelet Function Testing: Does Sex Matter?

It is well established that there exists significant interpatient variability in the pharmacodynamic response to clopidogrel.1,2 In turn, multiple studies have demonstrated that higher on-treatment platelet reactivity is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events.3 Although thresholds for inadequate response have been proposed, the optimal therapeutic window of platelet inhibition for a patient on antiplatelet therapy after percutaneous intervention or an acute coronary syndrome has remained disputed.3,4 In part, this stems from the fact that the relationship between platelet reactivity and the risk of ischemic or bleeding events has not always been shown to be consistent across various patient populations. See Article by Yu et al To that end, it is intuitive to assume that lower on-treatment platelet reactivity is reliably correlated with a reduced risk of thrombotic events and an increased risk of bleeding. However, studies have not always been consistent in that regard. For example, several analyses have shown that carriers of a loss-of-function CYP2C19 allele (*2, *3) that diminishes the liver’s ability to convert clopidogrel to its active metabolite are at increased risk of ischemic events after percutaneous intervention compared with wild-type carriers.5 Yet, fewer studies have been able to demonstrate that this genetic variant reduces the risk of bleeding, despite higher on-treatment platelet reactivity.6 Conversely, patients on clopidogrel who carry a gain-of-function CYP2C19 allele (*17) that confers lower on-treatment platelet reactivity have been shown in some studies to be at increased risk of bleeding but not always at reduced risk of ischemic events.7,8 One could hypothesize that the dose–response curves differ for an individual’s risk of bleeding versus their risk of …
A novel experimental approach to calibrating cohesive zone elements for advanced risk analysis of interface delamination in semiconductor packages

Interface delamination in moulded semiconductor packages, being caused by thermo-mechanical load, constitutes a major reliability risk. Delaminated units that are exposed to humidity in automotive environments are prone to moisture absorption via opened interfaces. This increases the risk of metal corrosion, which eventually leads to product failure. In order to identify the failure mechanisms behind delamination, Finite Element Modelling (FEM) based on Cohesive Zone Modelling is an indispensable tool. FEM allows one to assess the robustness of interfaces in moulded packages, e.g. between moulding compound and lead frame. On the contrary, conducting standalone stress tests is not sufficient to identify the root cause of the observed failure mode. Selecting appropriate parameters for the cohesive zone elements is a demanding task, because the set of parameters has significant effect on the failure mechanism that one observes in FE simulation. Experiments that are normally used to quantify adhesion can support calibration of cohesive elements in order to accurately predict potential reliability risks. In this article we present a novel idea that enables determining the interface stiffness and critical fracture energy in shear mode by means of the Advanced Button Shear Test Setup. To this end we sheared buttons of moulding compound off a lead frame stripe. Starting from load-displacement curves we determine the temperature dependence of measured shear forces at crack opening and calculated critical fracture energies. The respective quantities for tensile mode are then derived using phenomenological models. As a result, we obtain all parameters that are required to calibrate cohesive zone element models for FEM.
Mesenchyme Remaining in Human Temporal Bones

This study was conducted in order to gain basic information about mesenchyme remaining in the middle ear cleft in normal infants. Because no previous report has objectively described the quantity or quality of such postnatal remnants in normal infants, it has not been possible to accurately evaluate the significance of mesenchyme remaining in the middle ears of infants with pathologic conditions, such as otitis media and congenital anomalies. Thus, 53 temporal bones obtained from 41 individuals reported upon here—from 26 weeks' gestation to 8 years of age—will be controls for future studies of pathologic conditions. The children from whom these temporal bones were obtained had no anomalies of the ear (or any other known part of the body); nor did they have any pathologic conditions in the ear. The temporal bones were prepared for histologic study with hematoxylin and eosin staining and were examined under the light microscope. After areas of the mesenchyme in the histologic sections were projected and illustrated for each of 19 portions in the middle ear cleft under the microprojector, those areas were measured by compensating polar planimetry. The findings obtained in this study were as follows: (1) The amount of mesenchyme remaining in the days after birth seemed to gradually decrease in volume with increased maturity and had nearly disappeared within the first year in normal infants. Where mesenchyme was noted in the temporal bones of infants over 1 year of age, it was usually present only in small niches. (2) Most mesenchyme found in temporal bones of normal infants was seen in the mastoid antrum; it was also found in the aditus ad antrum, the epitympanum, the hypotympanum, the sinus tympani, the round window niche, the oval window niche, and the mesotympanum.
Development and Validation of a Measure of PTSD-Related Psychosocial Functional Impairment: The Inventory of Psychosocial Functioning

This study describes the three-phase development and validation of the Inventory of Psychosocial Functioning (IPF), an 80-item, self-report measure of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-related psychosocial functional impairment. In Phase I, we conducted 12 focus groups with male and female veterans (n = 53) to identify and operationalize the domains of psychosocial impairment associated with PTSD. This information was used to develop the IPF. We subsequently evaluated the psychometric properties of the newly developed inventory in Phases II (n = 276) and III (n = 368) using two independent samples of veterans. We found that the overall IPF score demonstrated stronger correlations with measures of mental health-related impairment (all rs > |.39|; all ps < .05) and weaker correlations with measures of physical health-related impairment (all rs < |.29|; all ps < .05). Overall IPF scores were most strongly associated with PTSD and other disorders associated with the anxious-misery factor of the three-factor model of psychiatric comorbidity (all rs > .56; all ps < .05) and less strongly associated with disorders associated with the fear factor (all rs < .48; all ps < .05) and the externalizing factor (r = .16; p < .05). The IPF demonstrated strong test–retest reliability (r = .77; p < .05). Our results suggest that the IPF is a valid and reliable measure of PTSD-related psychosocial functional impairment.
Comprehensive MRI analysis of early cardiac and vascular remodeling in middle-aged patients with abdominal obesity

Objectives: To determine, using a comprehensive MRI investigation, prevalence and vascular correlates of early left-ventricular concentric remodeling in middle-aged patients with abdominal obesity. Left-ventricular and vascular remodeling are commonly associated with hypertension, but little is known for abdominal obesity patients, a population with definite increase in cardiovascular risk and high rates of further developments of hypertension and of the metabolic syndrome. Methods: Seventy middle-aged abdominal obesity patients (56 ± 5 years, 49% women, 69% with body mass index > 30 kg/m2), who had no additional cardiovascular risk factor except for untreated stage 1 hypertension (16%), and 40 controls underwent MRI for detecting concentric remodeling (increase in left-ventricular mass/end-diastolic volume ratio) and identifying potential determinants, including arterial compliance indexes [aortic pulse wave velocity and total arterial compliance (TAC)] and total peripheral vascular resistances (TPVRs). Results: Twenty abdominal obesity patients (29%) had concentric remodeling (concentric remodeling+), whereas 50 did not (concentric remodeling−). Concentric remodeling+ patients were mostly men (85%), they frequently had stage 1 hypertension (45%) and few had left-ventricular hypertrophy (20%). When adjusted for sex, there was a step-by-step decline in TAC between controls (mean ± SEM: 2.10 ± 0.06 ml/mmHg), concentric remodeling− (1.82 ± 0.06 ml/mmHg) and concentric remodeling+ (1.42 ± 0.09 ml/mmHg, P < 0.005 for inter-group comparisons) and TPVRs were lower than controls for concentric remodeling− (14.7 ± 0.5 vs. 16.8 ± 0.5 ml/mmHg, P = 0.005) but not for concentric remodeling+ (17.5 ± 0.7 mmHg/min per l). Conclusions: Concentric remodeling is frequently documented by MRI in the middle-aged men with abdominal obesity and in association with a decrease in TAC no longer counter-balanced by a decrease in TPVR, suggesting a remodeling from proximal to peripheral vasculature.
Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Tibolone and Metabolites in Plasma, Urine, Feces, and Bile from Ovariectomized Cynomolgus Monkeys after a Single Dose or Multiple Doses of Tibolone

Levels of nonsulfated and sulfated tibolone metabolites were determined in plasma, urine, and feces from six ovariectomized, mature female cynomolgus monkeys after a single dose and multiple p.o. doses (including bile) of tibolone using validated gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry assays. In plasma, the predominant nonsulfated metabolite after single and multiple dosing was the estrogenic 3α-hydroxytibolone; levels of the estrogenic 3β-hydroxytibolone were 10-fold lower and of progestagenic/androgenic Δ4-tibolone, 5-fold lower. Tibolone was undetectable. The predominant sulfated metabolite was 3αS,17βS-tibolone; levels of 3βS,17βS-tibolone were about 2-fold lower, and monosulfated 3-hydroxymetabolites were about 10-fold lower. After multiple doses, areas under the curve of nonsulfated metabolites were lower (2-fold), and those of sulfated metabolites were 25% higher. In plasma, >95% metabolites were disulfated. In urine, levels of all the metabolites after single and multiple doses were low. After a single dose, high levels of 3β-hydroxytibolone and the 3-monosulfated metabolites (3βS,17βOH-tibolone and 3αS,17βOH-tibolone) were found in feces. After multiple dosing, 3α-hydroxytibolone increased, and the ratio of 3α/3β-hydroxytibolone became about 1. The predominant sulfated metabolite was 3αS,17βS-tibolone. Levels of all the metabolites in feces were higher after multiple doses than after a single dose. Levels of nonsulfated and 3-monosulfated metabolites were higher in feces than in plasma. Bile contained very high metabolite levels, except monosulfates. This may contribute to the metabolite content of the feces after multiple doses. 3β-Hydroxytibolone and 3αS,17βS-tibolone predominated. In conclusion, tibolone had different metabolite patterns in plasma, urine, feces, and bile in monkeys. The bile contributed to the metabolite pattern in feces after multiple doses. The major excretion route was in feces.
Innovations and developments in initial teacher education: a selection of conference papers presented at St. Martin’s College, Lancaster campus, 18 May 2007

The 2007 ESCalate ITE conference was held at St.Martin’s College in May. This was the last time for St. Martin’s which amalgamated with the Cumbrian Institute of the Arts and the Cumbrian campuses of the University of Central Lancashire to form the University of Cumbria on August 1st 2007. The conference was very well attended and delegates were certainly not disappointed as there was a wide range of excellent symposia and workshops to attend. This booklet draws together papers from some of the symposia and workshops and will be of interest to all staff in schools and Higher Education Institutions concerned with Initial Teacher Education. Reflection is certainly high on the agenda at the moment. One could arguably have hoped that reflective practice and teachers have always gone hand in hand, but if this has slipped somewhat in recent years because of competence-based practice, at least six papers here explore from every angle its re-instatement as a fundamental to the teaching profession. Masters level is never far from people’s thoughts and you will find many references to it. Other topics include research into the differing experiences of PGCE ITE students in college and school, employment-based routes, school leadership, teaching practice observation and wikis.
Use of Special Assessments by Municipal Governments in the Chicago Metropolitan Area: Is Leviathan Tamed?

This study investigates whether the use of special assessments (SAs) by municipalities in the Chicago metropolitan area demonstrates Leviathan behavior. The first part of the study estimates a model of the effect of SA use on capital and operational spending in these governments from 1998 to 2012. The results show that governments do not use SAs to increase spending beyond what taxpayers desire as represented by the median voter hypothesis. The second part of the analysis conducts interviews and collects other qualitative data to inform the model and help explain the low use of SAs in the region. This investigation finds that governments are risk averse in using SAs, and many are strongly guided by precedent and the public's perception of SAs, which are not consistent with Leviathan behavior. Also, contrary to Leviathan assumptions, the data indicate that government officials often do not have enough knowledge of these tools or experience with them to use them in a Leviathan manner.
Recovery of stroke hemiplegia through neurosurgical intervention in the chronic stage.

Objective: We evaluated quantitatively the further recovery from impairment and disability in the hemiplegic stroke survivors who required neurosurgical intervention, i.e. cranioplasty or ventriculoperitoneal (V-P) shunt, in chronic stage. Setting: Rehabilitation (RH) ward affiliated with university hospitals. Patients: Eleven first-ever stroke patients with hemiplegia (mean age, 56.3+/-2.5 years) out of 498 survivors required delayed (between 4 and 10 months after the onset) neurosurgical intervention during continuous RH therapy. Six patients received cranioplasty for preexisting hemicraniectomy, and five required V-P shunt for normal pressure hydrocephalus with later complications. Main outcome measures: Recovery grade (1--12) of hemiplegia and Barthel index were assessed monthly before (the 1st RH) and after the intervention (the 2nd RH). Results: The recovery grade of upper and lower extremity movements significantly increased both in the 1st and 2nd RH. Changes in the upper and lower extremity grades were significantly larger in the 2nd RH (0.5+/-0.3 in the 1st vs. 2.5+/-0.6 in the 2nd RH for upper extremity, p<0.005; 0.9+/-0.3 in the 1st vs. 3.4+/-0.5 in the 2nd RH for lower extremity, p<0.001). Barthel index increased significantly only in the 2nd RH (from 48+/-7 to 90+/-3, p<0.001); all patients regained the ability to walk independently. Conclusions: Significant recovery of functional grade and recovery from disability occurred after the neurosurgical intervention in the chronic stage (geq 4 months) of stroke.
Recent trends in systemic psoriasis treatment costs.

OBJECTIVES To analyze the current total cost of systemic therapy for psoriasis and to compare annual trends in the cost of both generic and brand-name therapies with trends in the Consumer Price Index-Urban since 2000. DESIGN A cost model was developed that includes costs for prescription drugs, office visits, and suggested laboratory tests and monitoring procedures. Annual trends in psoriasis drug costs from 2000 through 2008 were analyzed by calculating the percentage change in the average wholesale price from the previous year; these values were compared with changes in the yearly Consumer Price Index-Urban values. SETTING The United States. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Total annual costs for systemic psoriasis therapies and trends in cost compared with the trends in Consumer Price Index-Urban values (equivalent to inflation). RESULTS Current total annual costs for systemic psoriasis therapies ranged from $1197 (methotrexate) to $27,577 (alefacept, two 12-week courses). Trends in the average wholesale price of brand-name psoriasis therapies from 2000 through 2008 demonstrate an average increase of 66% (range, -24% to +316%); thus, costs of several brand-name psoriasis drugs greatly outpaced the rates of inflation for all items and all prescription drugs. CONCLUSIONS Despite the higher monitoring costs associated with traditional systemic therapies, annual costs of biologics exceed those of other available therapies. Current trends demonstrate that systemic psoriasis therapy costs are increasing at a much higher rate compared with general inflation.
GENOTYPIC VARIATION AND CLONAL STRUCTURE IN CORAL POPULATIONS WITH DIFFERENT DISTURBANCE HISTORIES

Genotypic diversity in six populations of the endemic Hawaiian reef coral, Porites compressa, was directly related to habitat‐disturbance history. The highest diversity (lowest amount of clonal proliferation) was found in populations that had been intensely or recently disturbed. In these populations, space was not limited and mean colony size was small (< 500 cm2), suggesting early stages of recolonization. In an undisturbed, protected habitat, lower genotypic diversity was a result of a significant degree of clonal replication of established genotypes. Unoccupied substratum was rare in this habitat, and average colony size was large (> 2500 cm2). Populations in intermediately disturbed habitats showed intermediate levels of diversity and clonal structure as a result of the combined contributions of sexual and asexual reproduction. Individual clones were distributed over small areas (< 4 m2) or distances (< 1 m) in young populations, and more broadly (> 256 m2) and over longer distances (> 90 m) in the older, undisturbed population. Interpretations of life‐history parameters and estimates of total genetic variability in species that have the potential to reproduce asexually are dependent upon an assessment of the overall clonal structure of populations. The power of genotypic assays to reliably detect clonal versus unique colonies, as well as the spatial scales over which clonal populations are sampled, are critical to such assessments.