Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Charlson comorbidity index with SAPS and APACHE scores for prediction of mortality following intensive care

Background: Physiology-based severity of illness scores are often used for risk adjustment in observational studies of intensive care unit (ICU) outcome. However, the complexity and time constraints of these scoring systems may limit their use in administrative databases. Comorbidity is a main determinant of ICU outcome, and comorbidity scores can be computed based on data from most administrative databases. However, limited data exist on the performance of comorbidity scores in predicting mortality of ICU patients. Objectives: To examine the performance of the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) alone and in combination with other readily available administrative data and three physiology-based scores (acute physiology and chronic health evaluations [APACHE] II, simplified acute physiology score [SAPS] II, and SAPS III) in predicting short- and long-term mortality following intensive care. Methods: For all adult patients (n = 469) admitted to a tertiary university–affiliated ICU in 2007, we computed APACHE II, SAPS II, and SAPS III scores based on data from medical records. Data on CCI score age and gender, surgical/medical status, social factors, mechanical ventilation and renal replacement therapy, primary diagnosis, and complete follow-up for 1-year mortality was obtained from administrative databases. We computed goodness-of-fit statistics and c-statistics (area under ROC [receiver operating characteristic] curve) as measures of model calibration (ability to predict mortality proportions over classes of risk) and discrimination (ability to discriminate among the patients who will die or survive), respectively. Results: Goodness-of-fit statistics supported model fit for in-hospital, 30-day, and 1-year mortality of all combinations of the CCI score. Combining the CCI score with other administrative data revealed c-statistics of 0.75 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.69–0.81) for in-hospital mortality, 0.75 (95% CI 0.70–0.80) for 30-day mortality, and 0.72 (95% CI 0.68–0.77) for 1-year mortality. There were no major differences in c-statistics between physiology-based systems and the CCI combined with other administrative data. Conclusion: The CCI combined with administrative data predict short- and long-term mortality for ICU patients as well as physiology-based scores.
Radially truncated galactic discs

We present the first results of a systematic analysis of radially truncated exponential discs for four galaxies of a complete sample of disc-dominated edge-on spiral galaxies. The discs of our sample galaxies are truncated at similar radii on either side of their centres. With the possible exception of the disc of ESO 416-G25, it appears that the truncations in our sample galaxies are closely symmetric, in terms of both their sharpness and the truncation length. However, the truncations occur over a larger region and not as abruptly as found in previous studies. We show that the truncated luminosity distributions of our sample galaxies, if also present in the mass distributions, comfortably meet the requirements for longevity. The formation and maintenance of disc truncations are probably closely related to stability requirements for galactic discs.
Topographically controlled grassland soils in the Boreal Cordillera ecozone, northwestern Canada.

Properties and ecological relationships of grassland soils were examined at three widely separated sites (Stikine River Valley, British Columbia, and Carmacks and Kluane Lake, Yukon) in the Boreal Cordillera ecozone of northwestern Canada. At these latitudes (58 to 62°N), grasslands are largely restricted to south-facing aspects, and usually occur as islands within the boreal forest. The grayish and yellowish brown, base-rich, Ah horizons had a thickness-weighted mean organic carbon concentration of 19.5 g kg-1. Ah horizons exhibited a range of microstructures similar to that documented in grassland soils in the southern Cordillera and Great Plains, ranging from spongy to massive in the young loess-derived Kluane Lake pedon to well-developed crumb microstructure in the finer-textured Stikine pedon. These pedons met the morphological and chemical criteria, and likely the soil climate requirements, for the Dark Brown and Brown great groups of the Chernozemic order of the Canadian System of Soil Classificati.
Instant Visibility

We present an online occlusion culling system which computes visibility in parallel to the rendering pipeline. We show how to use point visibility algorithms to quickly calculate a tight potentially visible set (PVS) which is valid for several frames, by shrinking the occluders used in visibility calculations by an adequate amount. These visibility calculations can be performed on a visibility server, possibly a distinct computer communicating with the display host over a local network. The resulting system essentially combines the advantages of online visibility processing and region‐based visibility calculations, allowing asynchronous processing of visibility and display operations. We analyze two different types of hardware‐based point visibility algorithms and address the problem of bounded calculation time which is the basis for true real‐time behavior. Our results show reliable, sustained 60 Hz performance in a walkthrough with an urban environment of nearly 2 million polygons, and a terrain flyover.
The Establishment of a Brain Bank for the Study of Late-life Depression: A Feasibility Study of Factors Facilitating Consent

BACKGROUND Studies of postmortem brain tissue are advancing the understanding of the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD). The nature and quality of subject samples, however, limit their applicability to late-life MDD. OBJECTIVE To examine the feasibility of establishing a brain bank for late-life MDD, and identify clinical, demographic, and procedural factors that might facilitate subject enrollment. METHODS Elderly subjects participating in clinical trials associated with the Mental Health Intervention Research Center for Late-Life Mood Disorders (MHIRC/LLMD) at the University of Pittsburgh were approached by clinical research staff for consent to future brain-only autopsy. Subjects who consented to participation were compared with those who refused participation on demographic and clinical variables. MHIRC/LLMD clinical research staff were interviewed to determine factors that may have facilitated or hindered the consent process and reasons for subject consent or refusal. RESULTS Eighty out of 242 subjects (33%) subjects approached for participation in the brain bank provided consent. Consent to participate was associated with higher level of education and with lower Mini-Mental State Examination score. Several factors facilitating and hindering the consent process were identified. CONCLUSION We provide preliminary evidence for the feasibility of establishing a brain bank for the study of late-life MDD. Future efforts may be guided by the factors identified as facilitating the consent process, especially the inclusion of family in the consent process.
The transition in the ventral stream from feature to real-world entity representations

We propose that the ventral visual pathway of human and non-human primates is organized into three levels: (1) ventral retinotopic cortex including what is known as TEO in the monkey but corresponds to V4A and PITd/v, and the phPIT cluster in humans, (2) area TE in the monkey and its homolog LOC and neighboring fusiform regions, and more speculatively, (3) TGv in the monkey and its possible human equivalent, the temporal pole. We attribute to these levels the visual representations of features, partial real-world entities (RWEs), and known, complete RWEs, respectively. Furthermore, we propose that the middle level, TE and its homolog, is organized into three parallel substreams, lower bank STS, dorsal convexity of TE, and ventral convexity of TE, as are their corresponding human regions. These presumably process shape in depth, 2D shape and material properties, respectively, to construct RWE representations.
Coupling of ELF/ULF energy from lightning and MeV particles to the middle atmosphere, ionosphere, and global circuit

In an attempt to explain numerous atmospheric electrical phenomena, the elements of the global electrical circuit are reexamined. In addition to being a “quasistatic “DC” generator” and source of radiated energy at VLF and higher, the thunderstorm is found to be a pulse generator, with most of the external energy contained in ELF and ULF pulse currents to the ionosphere (and Earth). The pulse energy is found to deposit largely in the middle atmosphere above the thunderstorm. The VLF and above components are well understood, as are the ULF components due to the conductivity gradient. However, a previously poorly understood ELF component on the millisecond timescale, or “slow tail,” contains a large fraction of the electrical energy. This component couples strongly to the ionosphere and also launches a unipolar transverse electromagnetic (TEM) wavelet in the radial Earth-ionosphere transmission line. The increase in charge with distance associated with such wavelets, and their ensemble sum at a point, may explain some large mesospheric “DC” fields but there are still difficulties explaining other than rare occurences, except for antipodal reconvergence. These millisecond duration unipolar wavelets also couple to the ionosphere and may trigger other lightning at a distance. A schema is elucidated by which the charge of MeV particles deposited in the middle atmosphere persists for much longer than the local relaxation time. This also gives rise to unipolar waves of global extent which may explain lower-latitude field perturbations associated with solar/geomagnetic events.
Spreading of correlations and entanglement after a quench in the Bose-Hubbard model

We investigate the spreading of information in a Bose-Hubbard system after a sudden parameter change. In particular, we study the time-evolution of correlations and entanglement following a quench. The investigated quantities show a light-cone like evolution, i.e. the spreading with a finite velocity. We discuss the relation of this veloctiy to other characteristic velocities of the system, like the sound velocity. The entanglement is investigated using two different measures, the vonNeuman entropy and mutual information. Whereas the von-Neumann entropy grows rapidly with time the mutual information can as well decrease after an initial increase. Additionally we show that the static von Neuman entropy characterises the location of the quantum phase transition. PACS numbers: 03.75. Lm 05.70. Ln 67.40. Fd73.43. Nq ar X iv :0 80 3. 29 47 v1 [ co nd -m at . o th er ] 2 0 M ar 2 00 8 Correlations and entanglement after a quench in the Bose-Hubbard model 2
Helium Flow and Temperature Distribution in a Heated Dual-Channel CICC Sample for ITER

A spare, 3.5 m long dual-channel cable-in-conduit conductor (CICC) section, made according to the most recent ITER toroidal-field coil design, allowed conducting dedicated thermo-hydraulic experiments in the SULTAN test facility. The sample was heated by eddy-current losses induced in the strands by an applied AC magnetic field as well as by strip heaters mounted on the outside of the conductor jacket. Temperature sensors mounted on the jacket surface, in the central channel and at different radii in the annular region revealed a detailed picture of the temperature distribution at different mass flow rates and heat deposition modes. A clear phenomenological description of the temperature deviations from the one-dimensional expectation emerged during the experiments. The measurement of the flow velocities in the central channel and in the annular region under several heat-load conditions led to further insights.
Geodesics and symmetries of doubly spinning black rings

This paper studies various properties of the Pomeransky–Sen'kov doubly spinning black ring spacetime. I discuss the structure of the ergoregion, and then go on to demonstrate the separability of the Hamilton–Jacobi equation for null, zero energy geodesics, which exist in the ergoregion. These geodesics are used to construct geometrically motivated coordinates that cover the black hole horizon. Finally, I relate this weak form of separability to the existence of a conformal Killing tensor in a particular four-dimensional spacetime obtained by Kaluza–Klein reduction, and show that a related conformal Killing–Yano tensor only exists in the singly spinning case.
Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein Expression Prevents Diet-Induced Atherosclerotic Lesions in Male db/db Mice

Objective—Accompanying more atherogenic lipoprotein profiles and an increased incidence of atherosclerosis, plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) is depressed in diabetic obese patients compared with nondiabetic obese counterparts. The depressed levels of CETP in the plasma of diabetic obese individuals may contribute to the development of an atherogenic lipoprotein profile and atherogenesis. We have examined the effect of CETP expression on vascular health in the db/db model of diabetic obesity. Methods and Results—Transgenic mice expressing the human CETP minigene were crossed with db/db strain, and 3 groups of offspring (CETP, db, and db/CETP) were placed on an atherogenic diet for 16 weeks. The proximal aorta was then excised and examined for the presence of atherosclerotic plaques. In db mice, 9 of 11 had intimal lesions with a mean area of 26 098±7486 &mgr;m2. No lesions greater than 1000 &mgr;m2 were observed in db/CETP or CETP mice. CETP-expressing mice had lower circulating cholesterol concentrations than db mice. Fractionating plasma lipids by FPLC indicated that the difference in total cholesterol was primarily attributable to differences in VLDL and LDL. Conclusions—The expression of human CETP in db/db mice prevented the formation of diet-induced lesions, suggesting an antiatherogenic effect of CETP in the context of diabetic obesity.
Deep organ space infection after emergency bowel resection and anastomosis: The anatomic site does not matter

BACKGROUND Deep organ space infection (DOSI) is a serious complication after emergency bowel resection and anastomosis. The aim of this study was to identify the incidence and risk factors for the development of DOSI. METHODS National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database study including patients who underwent large bowel or small bowel resection and primary anastomosis. The incidence, outcomes, and risk factors for DOSI were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS A total of 87,562 patients underwent small bowel, large bowel, or rectal resection and anastomosis. Of these, 14,942 (17.1%) underwent emergency operations and formed the study population. The overall mortality rate in emergency operations was 12.5%, and the rate of DOSI was 5.6%. A total of 18.0% required ventilatory support in more than 48 hours, and 16.0% required reoperation. Predictors of DOSI included age, steroid use, sepsis or septic shock on admission, severe wound contamination, and advanced American Society of Anesthesiologists classification. The anatomic location of resection and anastomosis was not significantly associated with DOSI. CONCLUSION Patients undergoing emergency bowel resection and anastomosis have a high mortality, risk of DOSI, and systemic complications. Independent predictors of DOSI include wound and American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, sepsis or septic shock on admission, and steroid use. The anatomic location of resection and anastomosis was not significantly associated with DOSI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Epidemiologic/prognostic study, level III.
Downward Nominal Rigidity in US Wage Data from the PSID - An Application of the Kernel-Location Approach

Earlier studies of US wage data from the PSID with a variety of methods have led to mixed results with respect to the existence and extent of downward nominal wage rigidity. Here the kernellocation approach to the analysis of downward nominal wage rigidity in micro data is applied to that data for the first time, in order to non-parametrically estimate counterfactual and factual distributions of annual nominal wage changes, the rigidity function and the average degree of downward nominal wage rigidity. Avoiding several problems of earlier studies by the use of the kernellocation approach, a substantial degree of downward nominal wage rigidity is found, and earlier evidence in favor of the hypothesis of downwardly rigid nominal wages is corroborated, weakening the institutionalist view of downward nominal wage rigidity. Fruhere Untersuchungen zu US-amerikanischen Lohndaten der PSID unter Verwendung unterschiedlicher Methoden haben recht verschiedene Ergebnisse bzgl. der Existenz und des Ausmases von Abwartsnominallohnstarrheit gezeitigt. In diesem Beitrag wird zum ersten Mal der Kernel-Location-Approach zur Analyse der Abwartsnominallohnstarrheit in Mikrodaten verwandt. Mit ihm wird eine nicht-parametrische Schatzung der kontrafaktischen und der faktischen Verteilungen, der Starrheitsfunktion und des durchschnittlichen Grades der Abwartsnominallohnstarrheit durchgefuhrt. Die Vermeidung vieler Probleme fruherer Studien durch die Anwendung des Kernel-Location-Approach ermoglicht den Nachweis eines erheblichen Grades an Abwartsnominallohnstarrheit. Dadurch konnen fruhere, die Hypothese abwartsstarrer Nominallohne stutzende, Ergebnisse untermauert werden, wobei gleichzeitig die institutionalistische Position zur Abwartsnominallohnstarrheit geschwacht wird.
Mapping of drought for Sperchios River basin in central Greece

ABSTRACT The estimation of drought at certain temporal and spatial scales is useful for research on climate change and global warming. Greece is often affected by droughts, which are widespread spatially and temporally due to the complex topography. Within the Greek territory, various complex microclimates are created, linked with the spatial variances in drought phenomena. In this paper an estimation of drought in the Sperchios River basin was conducted using the Aridity Index (AI). Additionally, a seasonal analysis of drought was performed. Meteorological data from the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS) were used as inputs for the AI equation. Spatial interpolation of AI for the Sperchios River basin was performed using a kriging method by the application of ArcGIS 9.3. In order to produce required input data, several models (EmPEst, RayMan) and techniques (linear regression, interpolation) were combined. Finally, the meteorological data series were randomly separated into two periods and AI was estimated for these sub-periods, in order to test the effectiveness of the drought index used. The results indicate that the conditions prevailing in the area are humid, mostly affected by increased rainfall occurring in the mountainous section of the basin. Broadly, the humid environment in the upstream of Sperchios River prevents drought occurring in the lowlands of Sperchios River valley. Nevertheless, some differentiation appeared during the summer period, to which special attention needs to be given in order to prevent drought conditions. Editor Z. W. Kundzewicz Associate editor not assigned
Exploitation of Bush Mango (Irvingia wombolu and Irvingia gabonensis) Among Rural Household in Enugu State, Nigeria

The study was undertaken to assess the exploitation of Bush Mango Irvingia gabonensis and Irvingia wombolu (ogbono) among rural households in Enugu State, Nigeria. Interview schedule was used to collect data from 91 respondents and data were analyzed by use of descriptive statistics and factor analysis. The mean age of the respondents was 42 years, majority (56%) were male and about 54% married. The mean household size and monthly income of respondents was 6 persons and N15, 970 respectively. About 12% had no formal education. Majority (87.9%) of the respondents had no access to extension services and credit facilities (74.7%). The major system (89%) of exploiting Irvingia gabonensis and Irvingia wombolu is from the wild. Other exploitation systems were: around homestead (85.7%), agroforestry (83.5%), and Irvingia plantations (39.6%). The major benefits of Irvingia products include: condiment/soup thickener (M= 2.80), source of income (M= 2.77), fruit as food (M= 2.63), firewood (M= 2.40), among others. The constraints to exploitation of Irvingia were identified and factorized into production constraints, economic constraints and technological/institutional constraints. Farmers should be educated by extension on how to limit these constraining factors and the need to domesticate Irvingia and appropriate technologies should be transferred to the farmers as this will go a long way to increase productivity.
Of Words, Eyes and Brains: Correlating Image-Based Distributional Semantic Models with Neural Representations of Concepts

Traditional distributional semantic models extract word meaning representations from cooccurrence patterns of words in text corpora. Recently, the distributional approach has been extended to models that record the cooccurrence of words with visual features in image collections. These image-based models should be complementary to text-based ones, providing a more cognitively plausible view of meaning grounded in visual perception. In this study, we test whether image-based models capture the semantic patterns that emerge from fMRI recordings of the neural signal. Our results indicate that, indeed, there is a significant correlation between image-based and brain-based semantic similarities, and that image-based models complement text-based ones, so that the best correlations are achieved when the two modalities are combined. Despite some unsatisfactory, but explained outcomes (in particular, failure to detect differential association of models with brain areas), the results show, on the one hand, that imagebased distributional semantic models can be a precious new tool to explore semantic representation in the brain, and, on the other, that neural data can be used as the ultimate test set to validate artificial semantic models in terms of their cognitive plausibility.
Geocronología K-Ar y geoquímica del volcanismo plioceno superior-pleistoceno de los Andes del sur (39-42°S)

En la Cordillera de los Andes, al sur de los 39°S se emplaza un conjunto de centros volcanicos erosionados que incluyen remanentes de los conductos emisores o facies volcanicas proximales, intermedias o distales. Nuevos datos geocronologicos K-Ar muestran que sus edades se encuentran principalmente en el intervalo Plioceno Superior-Pleistoceno Medio y son equivalentes a los dispuestos en la vertiente argentina. Las caracteristicas geoquimicas de estos centros volcanicos son semejantes a las exhibidas por los centros cuaternarios de este segmento y muestran tambien una variacion gradual hacia el este de las razones La/Sm, Ba/La y K hasta alcanzar las caracteristicas de trasarco exhibidas por los centros volcanicos mas distantes del margen. Trabajos anteriores, bajo el supuesto que en la vertiente occidental de la cordillera los aparatos volcanicos solo incluian unidades cuaternarias, sugirieron la migracion al oeste del arco volcanico hacia el final del Plioceno. Por el contrario, nuestros antecedentes geocronologicos y geoquimicos muestran que, de un arco extremadamente ancho en el Plioceno Superior-Pleistoceno Medio, se ha variado a uno mas reducido y esencialmente concentrado en la cordillera principal, conservando el mismo frente. Una variacion significativa de la velocidad de convergencia se registra a fines del Plioceno y se postula que ella actuaria mas tarde como factor de primer orden en la configuracion espacial del arco volcanico al sur de los 39°S.