Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of health service amenable and non-amenable mortality before and since China's expansion of health coverage in 2009

Objective To explore early impacts of China's health reforms in 2009 on mortality. Methods Annual mortality counts were obtained from 161 counties across all 31 provinces of mainland China between 2006 and 2012. We examined time-series of health service amenable mortality counts, including separate analyses for deaths from stroke and ischaemic heart diseases (IHD). Non-amenable mortality counts, including separate models for oesophageal and pancreatic cancers, were also analysed as part of a negative-outcome strategy to provide stronger foundations for falsification. Deaths due to amenable causes were hypothesised to decrease, whereas non-amenable causes of mortality would remain uninfluenced. All analyses were conducted using multilevel negative binomial regression. Results Geographical variation was observed for each mortality indicator, especially for IHD, oesophageal and pancreatic cancers. Negative covariances in all models indicated slight degrees of convergence in these geographic variations over time (but not significantly for deaths from oesophageal and pancreatic cancers). Linear and square functions of time indicated a curvilinear inverted parabolic trend between 2006 and 2012 for stroke and IHD mortality. Reduction in health-service amenable mortality over time was observed, but also for health service non-amenable mortality, including deaths from oesophageal cancer. Pancreatic cancer was found to increase across the study period. In counties where residents had more years of education, mortality from stroke was lower and reducing faster over time. A similar spatiotemporal patterning was observed for deaths from oesophageal cancer, and health service amenable and non-amenable causes. Counties with higher mean education years had higher mortality from IHD and pancreatic cancer, but also larger reductions in mortality were evident in areas with greater years of education. Conclusions Although there was no clear evidence of an early impact of China's health reform on mortality, this does not rule out potentially important contributions to reducing the burden of disease in the longer term.
Combination between mean platelet volume and platelet distribution width to predict the prevalence and extent of coronary artery disease: results from a large cohort study

The aim of the current study was to investigate whether the combination between mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) may improve the prognostic information in the prediction of prevalence and extent of coronary artery disease (CAD). We measured MPV and PDW in 2330 consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography. Significant CAD was defined as stenosis more than 50% in at least one coronary vessel. We additionally measured carotid intima–media thickness (IMT) in 359 patients. Patients were grouped according to the median value of MPV (10.8fl) and PDW (13fl): Group 1 (MPV and PDW < 50th percentile; n = 958); Group 2 (MPV or PDW ≥50th percentile; n = 288); Group 3 (MPW and PDW ≥ 50th percentile; n = 1055). Patients in Group 3 were older (P < 0.001) with larger prevalence of diabetes (P = 0.024). Combined MPV-PWD was significantly associated with baseline glycemia (P < 0.001) and red blood cell count (P < 0.0001), but inversely related to platelet count (P < 0.0001). Combined MPV-PDW was inversely associated with the presence of thrombus, but directly related to the prevalence of chronic occlusion and worse TIMI flow. However, combined MPV-MPV was not associated with the prevalence of CAD [odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.99 (0.90–1.09), P = 0.87; adjusted OR (95%CI) = 0.95 (0.85–1.05), P = 0.3], or severe CAD [OR (95%CI) = 1.05 (0.95–1.16), P = 0.3; adjusted OR (95% CI) = 0.97 (0.87–1.08), P = 0.63]. No relationship was observed between IMT and the combination of PDW and MPW. This study showed that the combined information on MPV and PDW is not related to the extent of CAD and carotid IMT. Thus, both MPV and PDW can not be considered as a risk factor for CAD.
Association Between Polymorphism in the Chemokine Receptor CX3CR1 and Coronary Vascular Endothelial Dysfunction and Atherosclerosis

Fractalkine, a chemokine expressed by inflamed endothelium, induces leukocyte adhesion and migration via the receptor CX3CR1, and the CX3CR1 polymorphism V249I affects receptor expression and function. Here we show that this polymorphism is an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD). Genotyping of the CX3CR1-V249I polymorphism was performed in a cohort of 339 white individuals who underwent cardiac catheterization (n=197 with and n=142 without CAD, respectively). In 203 patients, intracoronary acetylcholine 15 &mgr;g/min) and sodium nitroprusside (20 &mgr;g/min) were administered to test endothelium-dependent and -independent coronary vascular function, respectively. Change in coronary vascular resistance (&Dgr;CVR) was measured as an index of microvascular dilation. An association was observed between presence of the CX3CR1 I249 allele and reduced prevalence of CAD, independent of established CAD risk factors (odds ratio=0.54 [95% confidence interval, 0.30 to 0.96], P =0.03). Angiographic severity of CAD was also lower in these subjects (P =0.01). Furthermore, endothelium-dependent vasodilation was greater in these individuals compared with individuals homozygous for the CX3CR1-V249 allele (&Dgr;CVR during acetylcholine = −46±3% versus −36±3%, respectively, P =0.02), whereas &Dgr;CVR with sodium nitroprusside was similar in both groups (−55±2% versus −53±2%, P =0.45). The association between CX3CR1 genotype and endothelial function was independent of established risk factors and presence of CAD by multivariate analysis (P =0.02). Thus, the CX3CR1 I249 allele is associated with decreased risk of CAD and improved endothelium-dependent vasodilation. This suggests that CX3CR1 may be involved in the pathogenesis of CAD.
Constraints on D″ beneath the North Atlantic region from P and S traveltimes and amplitudes

<p>In this study, we discuss possible origins of the D&#8243; reflector beneath the North Atlantic region based on a combined analysis of <em>P</em> and <em>S</em> wave data. We use over 700 USArray station recordings of the <em>M</em><sub>w</sub> 6.3 earthquake that occurred in April 2010 in Spain. In order to investigate the D&#8243; layer we look for waves reflected off the top of it, namely PdP and SdS waves, and compare them to the core&#8211;mantle boundary (CMB) reflections used as reference phases. The differences in traveltimes and amplitudes are sensitive to D&#8243; properties. Because the USArray installation generates a dense array, we are able to provide an almost continuous map of the detection or absence of PdP and SdS waves in the North Atlantic region. We use a Bayesian inversion for traveltimes, together with synthetic seismogram calculations, to find the best-fitting D&#8243; properties, (<em>V</em><sub><em>p</em></sub>, <em>V</em><sub><em>s</em></sub>) jumps across the D&#8243; interface and D&#8243; thickness. We find that the best-fitting models are for a D&#8243; layer of about 300&#8201;km thick, with or without a velocity gradient of about 30&#8201;km at the top of it. Regardless of the model type, positive and similar velocity increases in both <em>P</em> and <em>S</em> velocities at the D&#8243; interface, ranging from 2.7 to 3.8 &#8201;per&#8201;cent, are required to fit the data well. Our data rule out velocity decreases in <em>P</em> and <em>S</em> waves at the D&#8243; interface as well as no velocity reduction above the CMB. There are also regions where we do not observe PdP and SdS waves. Collectively, these observations suggest lateral variations in both chemistry and temperature, combined with phase transitions. For instance, ancient oceanic basalt debris from the Farallon slab could be modulating the detection of the D&#8243; reflector in this region. We then combine these results with ambient seismic noise data in order to extend the coverage over the same region. We will discuss some preliminary results. </p>
Knowledge of cervical cancer and screening among women in east-central England

This study assesses the extent and accuracy of women's knowledge of cervical cancer, risk factors, and the efficacy of the national screening program. Data were obtained from a questionnaire survey of randomly selected women eligible for screening, drawn from a population in east-central England. The majority of women in the sample overestimated the current incidence of cervical cancer, both absolutely and relative to other cancers. Perceiving incidence to be high was associated with reporting worries about the disease. With respect to the screening process, 78.3% believe that the smear abnormality rate is higher than it actually is, and only 7.6% correctly appreciate that the abnormality rate is highest at younger ages. With respect to performance, 16.3% believed the smear test to be completely accurate, and more than half overestimated the likely number of cancer cases prevented by screening. While certain cervical cancer risk factors were correctly assigned by the majority of women, undue emphasis was placed on genetic influence, while the risks posed by human papillomavirus infection were unfamiliar to almost half of the sample. We conclude that women typically possess only a partial picture of risk factors and overestimate both the incidence of cervical cancer and the efficacy of screening
Quality of life after radical prostatectomy.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To examine physical and psychosocial factors that affect the quality of life (QOL) for men 12-24 months after radical prostatectomy treatment for prostate cancer. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey. SETTING An entire population from one tumor registry. SAMPLE Of the 132 men meeting inclusion criteria, 97 men responded, with 91 meeting analysis requirements. Analysis was completed on the Caucasian sample (n = 88) with a mean age of 66 years. Most men were married, lived with a spouse or partner, and had a high level of education. METHODS A survey was developed to assess men 12-24 months prostatectomy. The tumor registry mailed the survey, which was completed at home, and participants returned it in a prestamped, addressed envelope. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES Major hypotheses in the causal model were that age, sexual function, urinary function, and sexual appraisal would only have indirect effects on QOL, whereas urinary function appraisal, self-esteem, anger suppression, perceived social support, depression, and health locus of control would directly affect QOL. FINDINGS As analyzed by path analytic techniques, the hypothesized causal model explained 72% variance in the QOL variable. Perceived social support, self-esteem, and health locus of control were significant predictors of QOL. Urinary function appraisal contributed indirectly through health locus of control. Contrary to the hypotheses, anger suppression and depression were not significant predictors of QOL. CONCLUSIONS After radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer, perceived social support, self-esteem, and health locus of control may influence men's QOL. Future research is needed to increase understanding about the adaptation trajectory of men's response to the impact of prostate cancer. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Nurses can help patients by providing a thorough assessment of each patient's values that may affect QOL before any intervention begins, using research-based evidence regarding potential side effects of interventions, clear and concise information from a variety of sources that addresses the possible concerns of men and their spouses, and focused counseling that addresses patient-specific problems.
Ras–ERK Signaling in Behavior: Old Questions and New Perspectives

The role of Ras–ERK signaling in behavioral plasticity is well established. Inhibition studies using the blood–brain barrier permeable drug SL327 have conclusively demonstrated that this neuronal cell signaling cascade is a crucial component of the synaptic machinery implicated in the formation of various forms of long-term memory, from spatial learning to fear and operant conditioning. However, abnormal Ras–ERK signaling has also been linked to a number of neuropsychiatric conditions, including mental retardation syndromes (“RASopathies”), drug addiction, and l-DOPA induced dyskinesia (LID). The work recently done on these brain disorders has pointed to previously underappreciated roles of Ras–ERK in specific subsets of neurons, like GABAergic interneurons of the hippocampus or the cortex, as well as in the medium spiny neurons of the striatum. Here we will highlight the open questions related to Ras–ERK signaling in these behavioral manifestations and propose crucial experiments for the future.
Epidemic Surveillance Using an Electronic Medical Record: An Empiric Approach to Performance Improvement

Backgrounds Electronic medical records (EMR) form a rich repository of information that could benefit public health. We asked how structured and free-text narrative EMR data should be combined to improve epidemic surveillance for acute respiratory infections (ARI). Methods Eight previously characterized ARI case detection algorithms (CDA) were applied to historical EMR entries to create authentic time series of daily ARI case counts (background). An epidemic model simulated influenza cases (injection). From the time of the injection, cluster-detection statistics were applied daily on paired background+injection (combined) and background-only time series. This cycle was then repeated with the injection shifted to each week of the evaluation year. We computed: a) the time from injection to the first statistical alarm uniquely found in the combined dataset (Detection Delay); b) how often alarms originated in the background-only dataset (false-alarm rate, or FAR); and c) the number of cases found within these false alarms (Caseload). For each CDA, we plotted the Detection Delay as a function of FAR or Caseload, over a broad range of alarm thresholds. Results CDAs that combined text analyses seeking ARI symptoms in clinical notes with provider-assigned diagnostic codes in order to maximize the precision rather than the sensitivity of case-detection lowered Detection Delay at any given FAR or Caseload. Conclusion An empiric approach can guide the integration of EMR data into case-detection methods that improve both the timeliness and efficiency of epidemic detection.
Delayed preconditioning with adenosine is mediated by opening of ATP-sensitive K+ channels in rabbit heart.

The adenosine agonist 2-chloro- N 6-cyclopentyladenosine (CCPA) induces delayed ischemic protection in vivo. We hypothesized that this protection is mediated by opening of ATP-sensitive K+(KATP) channels and increased synthesis of 72-kDa heat shock protein (HSP 72). Six groups ( n = 9-13 animals/group) of animals were studied: group I, control rabbits that received no treatment; group II, animals given glibenclamide (0.3 mg/kg iv) 30 min before ischemia; group III, animals given 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD; 5 mg/kg iv) 15 min before ischemia; group IV, rabbits treated with CCPA (0.1 mg/kg iv) 24 h before ischemia; and groups V and VI, CCPA-treated animals that received the KATP-channel blockers glibenclamide or 5-HD, respectively, 30 or 15 min before ischemia. All animals were subjected to ischemia by 30 min of coronary artery occlusion followed by 3 h of reperfusion. Risk area was delineated by injection of 10% Evans blue dye, and infarct size was determined by triphenyltetrazolium staining. Action potential duration (APD) was measured with an epicardial electrode. HSP 72 was measured by Western blotting. CCPA caused a significant reduction in infarct size [12.02 ± 1.0 vs. 40.0 ± 3.8% (%area at risk) in controls, P < 0.01] that was blocked by glibenclamide (36.2 ± 3.1%, P < 0.01) and 5-HD (35.0 ± 2.9%, P < 0.01). Glibenclamide and 5-HD did not change infarct size in control rabbits. These blockers significantly suppressed ischemia-induced APD shortening in control and CCPA-treated animals. CCPA treatment did not induce HSP 72 in hearts. These data suggest that adenosine-initiated delayed protection is mediated via opening of KATP channels but does not involve the synthesis of HSP 72.
Impact of a delirium screening tool and multifaceted education on nurses' knowledge of delirium and ability to evaluate it correctly.

BACKGROUND The impact of using a validated delirium screening tool and different levels of education on surgical-trauma intensive care unit (STICU) nurses' knowledge about delirium is unclear. OBJECTIVES To measure the impact of using the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC), with or without a multi-faceted education program, on STICU nurses' knowledge and perceptions of delirium and their ability to evaluate it correctly. METHODS The knowledge and perceptions of subject nurses about delirium, and agreement between the independent assessments of delirium by the subject nurse and by a validated judge (who always used the ICDSC), were compared across 3 phases. Phase 1: No delirium screening tool and no education. Phase 2: ICDSC and minimal education (ie, ICDSC validation study only). Phase 3: ICDSC and multifaceted education (ie, pharmacist-led didactic lecture, Web-based module, and nurse-led bedside training). RESULTS Nurses' knowledge (mean [SD] score out of 10 points) was similar (P = .08) in phase 1 (6.1 [1.4]) and phase 2 (6.5 [1.4]) but was greater (P = .001) in phase 3 (8.2 [1.4]). Agreement between nurses and the validated judge in the assessment of delirium increased from phase 1 (κ = 0.40) to phase 2 (κ = 0.62) to phase 3 (κ = 0.74). Nurses perceived use of the ICDSC as improving their ability to recognize delirium. CONCLUSIONS Use of a multifaceted education program improves both nurses' knowledge about delirium and their perceptions about its recognition. Implementation of the ICDSC improves the ability of STICU nurses to evaluate delirium correctly.
Performance Analysis of a Flexible Manufacturing Line Operated Under Surplus-based Production Control

In this paper we present our results on the performance analysis of a multi-product manufacturing line. We study the influ- ence of external perturbations, intermediate buffer content and the number of manufacturing stages on the production tracking error of each machine in the multi-product line operated under a surplus- based production control policy. Starting by the analysis of a single machine with multiple production stages (one for each product type), we provide bounds on the production error of each stage. Then, we extend our analysis to a line of multi-stage machines, where similarly, bounds on each production tracking error for each product type, as well as buffer content are obtained. Details on performance of the closed-loop flow line model are illustrated in numerical simulations.
Misdiagnosis of Bipolar Affective Disorder as Personality Disorder

Patients with longstanding recurrent behavioural disturbance, unstable interpersonal relationships and periodic affective symptoms are often diagnosed as having a cluster B personality disturbance using DSM-III-R criteria. Two women are described who were diagnosed as having a personality disorder on several admissions to hospital, but in whom closer inquiry revealed evidence of bipolar affective disorder. Since treatment with lithium and adjunctive mood-stabilizing drugs neither patient has required further admissions to hospital within the past five years.
Program analysis using binary decision diagrams

A fundamental problem in interprocedural program analyses is the need to represent and manipulate collections of large sets. Binary Decision Diagrams (BDDs) are a data structure widely used in model checking to compactly encode large state sets. In this dissertation, we develop new techniques and frameworks for applying BDDs to program analysis, and use our BDD-based analyses to gain new insight into factors influencing analysis precision. To make it feasible to express complicated, interrelated analyses using BDDs, we first present the design and implementation of JEDD, a Java language extension which adds relations implemented with BDDs as a datatype, and makes it possible to express BDD-based algorithms at a higher level than existing BDD libraries. Using JEDD, we develop PADDLE, a framework of context-sensitive points-to and call graph analyses for Java, as well as client analyses that make use of their results. PADDLE supports several variations of context-sensitive analyses, including the use of call site strings and abstract receiver object strings as abstractions of context. We use the PADDLE framework to perform an in-depth empirical study of the effect of context-sensitivity variations on the precision of interprocedural program analyses. The use of BDDs enables us to compare context-sensitive analyses on much larger, more realistic benchmarks than has been possible with traditional analysis implementations. Finally, based on the call graph computed by PADDLE, we implement, using JEDD, a novel static analysis of the cflow construct in the aspect-oriented language AspectJ. Thanks to the JEDD high-level representation, the implementation of the analysis closely mirrors its specification.
Realizing Fully Digital Precoders in Hybrid A/D Architecture With Minimum Number of RF Chains

In this letter, the minimum number of required radio frequency (RF) chains for realizing any MIMO fully digital precoder (FDP) with the hybrid analog/digital precoder (HADP) architecture is investigated from a new perspective. First, in order to take full advantage of the digital domain, an extended system formulation of the hybrid structure is presented in which the digital precoder is taken from an abstract transformation space. Then, a constrained optimization problem is formulated, where the aim is to minimize the number of RF chains subject to an equality constraint on the multi-stream FDP and HADP outputs. We show that non-unique optimum solutions exist for only two RF chains. Based on these results, we further develop a single RF chain design. The implementation of the latter does not require extra hardware or computational complexity. We compare the proposed HADP design with recent works that require larger number of RF chains and demonstrate that significant improvement in performance can be achieved over direct HADP design.
Feature clustering for vehicle detection and tracking in road traffic surveillance

In this paper, we formulate the feature clustering problem for vehicle detection and tracking as a general MAP problem and solve it using MCMC. The proposed approach exhibits two advantages over existing methods: general Bayesian model can handle arbitrary objective functions and MCMC guarantees global optimal solution. Our algorithm is validated on real-world traffic video sequences, and is shown to outperform the state-of-the-art approach.
Exercise-Induced Vascular Remodeling

PRIOR, B.M, P.G. LLOYD, H.T. YANG, and R.L. TERJUNG. Exercise-induced vascular remodeling. Exerc. Sport Sci. Rev. Vol. 31, No. 1, pp. 26-33, 2003. Exercise produces a powerful angiogenic stimulus within the active muscle that leads to a functionally important increase in capillarity. Further, exercise can increase flow capacity by enlarging the caliber of arterial supply vessels. These adaptations are achieved by the processes of angiogenesis and arteriogenesis, respectively.