Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Eliminating racial/ethnic disparities in health care: can health plans generate reports?

A large and growing literature documents disparities in health status, access to care, and quality of care among racial/ethnic groups in the United States.1 Some analyses find that lack of insurance coverage is an important barrier to getting good care.2 If this were the only significant factor, disparities could be reduced or eliminated by policy initiatives that expanded insurance coverage. There is ample evidence, though, of disparities in quality of care among persons who are insured and among persons with the same type of insurance or in the same health plan.3 Interventions aimed at improving quality of care for members of racial/ethnic minority groups are necessary to reduce these disparities.
Once bitten, not necessarily shy? Organisational learning prior experience effects on foreign market re-entry commitment decisions

This study examines foreign market re-entry mode commitment, namely the changes in the modes of operation undertaken by multinational enterprises (MNEs) as they return to foreign markets from which they had previously exited. From an analysis of 1,020 re-entry events between 1980 and 2016, we find that operation mode prior to exit is a strong predictor of subsequent re-entry mode. Contrary to the predictions of learning theory, no support is found for the effect of host experience accumulated during the initial market endeavour on re-entry commitment. The results reveal that when favourable host institutional changes occur during the time-out period re-entrants escalate commitment but do not necessarily de-escalate commitment following unfavourable institutional change. Market exit motives significantly impact the decision to re-enter via a different commitment mode. Re-entrants do not replicate unsuccessful commitment strategies and tend not to return to previously existed markets via the same commitment if they had previously underperformed in the market.
Mirizzi syndrome: a new insight provided by a novel classification

Backgrounds/Aims Mirizzi syndrome (MS) is an uncommon complication of cholelithiasis. The aim of this study is to evaluate our 15-year experience in this challenging entity and to propose a new classification for this disease. Methods A retrospective study including patients diagnosed with Mirizzi syndrome and undergoing surgical procedures for Mirizzi syndrome between January 2000 and October 2015 was conducted. Data collected included clinical, surgical procedure, postoperative morbidity. Patients were evaluated according to the Csendes classification and the proposed system, in which patients were divided into three types and three subtypes. Results 28 patients were included for analysis. They accounted as the 0.5% of a total of 4853 cholecystectomies performed in the study period. There were 21 women and 7 men. Initial laparotomic approach was performed in 12 patients and in 16 patients laparoscopic procedures were attempted. The procedure was completed in only 6 patients, 5 presenting type I and 1 type II Mirizzi syndrome. Mean postoperative stay was 15±9 days. Postoperative morbidity rate was 28%. Postoperative mortality was none. Conclusions Laparoscopic surgery for Mirizzi syndrome has been shown succesful only in early stages. A novel classification is proposed, based on the types of common bile duct injuries and in the presence cholecystoenteric fistula.
On the Evolution of the Instance Level of DL-Lite Knowledge Bases

Recent papers address the issue of updating the instance level of knowledge bases expressed in Description Logic following a modelbased approach. One of the outcomes of these papers is that the result of updating a knowledge base K is generally not expressible in the Description Logic used to express K. In this paper we introduce a formula-based approach to this problem, by revisiting some research work on formulabased updates developed in the '80s, in particular the WIDTIO (When In Doubt, Throw It Out) approach. We show that our operator enjoys desirable properties, including that both insertions and deletions according to such operator can be expressed in the DL used for the original KB. Also, we present polynomial time algorithms for the evolution of the instance level knowledge bases expressed in DL-LiteA,id, which the most expressive Description Logics of the DL-Lite family.
From cognitive to neural models of working memory

Working memory refers to the temporary retention of information that was just experienced or just retrieved from long-term memory but no longer exists in the external environment. These internal representations are short-lived, but can be stored for longer periods of time through active maintenance or rehearsal strategies, and can be subjected to various operations that manipulate the information in such a way that makes it useful for goal-directed behaviour. Empirical studies of working memory using neuroscientific techniques, such as neuronal recordings in monkeys or functional neuroimaging in humans, have advanced our knowledge of the underlying neural mechanisms of working memory. This rich dataset can be reconciled with behavioural findings derived from investigating the cognitive mechanisms underlying working memory. In this paper, I review the progress that has been made towards this effort by illustrating how investigations of the neural mechanisms underlying working memory can be influenced by cognitive models and, in turn, how cognitive models can be shaped and modified by neuroscientific data. One conclusion that arises from this research is that working memory can be viewed as neither a unitary nor a dedicated system. A network of brain regions, including the prefrontal cortex (PFC), is critical for the active maintenance of internal representations that are necessary for goal-directed behaviour. Thus, working memory is not localized to a single brain region but probably is an emergent property of the functional interactions between the PFC and the rest of the brain.
A 150kW Medium Frequency Transformer Optimized for Maximum Power Density

In order to shrink mass and/or volume of a 150kW transformer, one idea is to operate at higher frequencies enabled by power electronics. Generally, the transformer volume and weight will decrease if the operating frequency increases. But with higher frequency, there will be increased losses, due to skin- and proximity-effect in the windings, and frequency dependent core losses. Increased losses and shrinking volume result in higher operating temperatures, which will result in higher cooling effort (volume and cost of cooling system). It is a multi-parameter optimization problem to find a transformer design with minimum weight (or, e.g., minimum volume or minimum material cost) for given constraints like maximum possible frequency due to the given power semiconductors, cooling system limitations and/or cost targets. There is a large parameter space, and a lot of different effects, often coupled, to be considered. In this paper, it is not the goal to show maximum possible frequency designs. Instead we show dependencies of specific optimized transformer designs for a 150kW medium frequency transformer with a ratio 1800V:750V.
Central Line Associated Blood Stream Infection Rate after Intervention and Comparing Outcome with National Healthcare Safety Network and International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium Data

Background: Benchmarking of central line associated blood stream infection (CLABSI) rates remains a problem in developing countries due to the variations in surveillance practices and/or infection risk as non-availability of national data. Aim: The aim of the following study was to find out the CLABSI rate before and after central line (CL) bundle intervention and compare the outcome with international surveillance data. Subjects and Methods: This prospective longitudinal cohort study on adult intensive care unit patients was conducted at Hera General Hospital, Makkah Saudi Arabia from January 1 to December 31, 2012. Five key components of bundle were selected; hand hygiene, maximal barrier precautions upon insertion, skin antisepsis, optimum site selection and daily review of line necessity with prompt removal of unnecessary lines. Post-intervention CLABSI rate was compared with National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) and International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) rates. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 14.0 software (SPSS Inc., 233 South Wacker Drive, 11 th floor Chicago, USA) was used for statistical analysis included regression analysis for correlation. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: CLABSI rate was reduced from 10.1 to 6.5 per 1000 CL days after interventions and had significant correlation with overall bundle compliance rate 87.6% (P = 0.02) On benchmarking, CLABSI rate after the intervention was similar to mean pool value of INICC (6.8) while higher than NHSN (3.1). The most common microorganisms isolated were; methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (30.8%), Acinetobacter baumanii (23.3%) and Enterococcus faecalis (15.4%). Conclusion: We found that INICC data was a better benchmarking tool comparative to NHSN because it represents the countries that are developing the surveillance system. A multicenter national study is recommended.
Evaluation of the Optimum Mixing Ratio of a Sand-Tire Chips Mixture for Geoengineering Applications

AbstractThis paper presents the evaluation of the optimum mixing ratio of sand-tire chips (STC) mixtures based on void ratio and shear-strength properties. Locally available sand and tire chips of 20×10 mm size are adopted. Different STC mixtures, in the range 10–70% by weight of tire chips (TC), are considered, along with pure sand (0% TC) and pure tire chips (100% TC). Specific gravity, density, and large direct shear tests were conducted for various samples. The volume of voids and weight-volume relations were determined from the dry unit weight and specific gravity values obtained for various mixtures. The results showed that the addition of tire chips up to 40% by weight showed significant decrease of void ratio by 43%. Shear-strength properties, like angle of internal friction values, are increased with TC contents up to 30%. Based on experimental results, the optimum percentage of tire chips of the selected size is in the range of 30–40% by weight, which is the equivalent of 50–60% by volume. Furt.
Past, Present, and Future of Simultaneous Localization and Mapping: Toward the Robust-Perception Age

Simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) consists in the concurrent construction of a model of the environment (the map), and the estimation of the state of the robot moving within it. The SLAM community has made astonishing progress over the last 30 years, enabling large-scale real-world applications and witnessing a steady transition of this technology to industry. We survey the current state of SLAM and consider future directions. We start by presenting what is now the de-facto standard formulation for SLAM. We then review related work, covering a broad set of topics including robustness and scalability in long-term mapping, metric and semantic representations for mapping, theoretical performance guarantees, active SLAM and exploration, and other new frontiers. This paper simultaneously serves as a position paper and tutorial to those who are users of SLAM. By looking at the published research with a critical eye, we delineate open challenges and new research issues, that still deserve careful scientific investigation. The paper also contains the authors' take on two questions that often animate discussions during robotics conferences: Do robots need SLAM? and Is SLAM solved?
Does the Organization of Postacute Stroke Care Really Matter?

Background and Purpose— Postacute rehabilitation stroke services represent a large component of stroke care. In the United States and elsewhere, major changes in the organization and funding of these services are limiting patient access to organized inpatient multidisciplinary care. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the effectiveness of such services. Summary of Review— We defined our intervention as organized inpatient multidisciplinary rehabilitation commencing at least 1 week after stroke and sought randomized trials that compared this model of care with an alternative. The analysis was stratified by the particular service characteristics. We identified a heterogeneous group of 9 trials (6 of stroke rehabilitation units; 3 of general rehabilitation wards) recruiting 1437 patients. Organized inpatient multidisciplinary rehabilitation was associated with a reduced odds of death (odds ratio, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.49 to 0.88;P <0.01), death or institutionalization (odds ratio, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.56 to 0.88;P <0.001), and death or dependency (odds ratio, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.50 to 0.85;P <0.001), which was consistent across a variety of trial subgroups. For every 100 patients receiving organized inpatient multidisciplinary rehabilitation, an extra 5 returned home in an independent state. Conclusions— The results indicate that there can be substantial benefit from organized inpatient multidisciplinary rehabilitation in the postacute period, which is both statistically significant and clinically important.
Modeling and calibration of automated zoom lenses

Camera systems with automated zoom lenses are inherently more useful than those with fixed- parameter lenses. Variable-parameter lenses enable us to produce better images by matching the camera's sensing characteristics to the conditions in a scene. They also allow us to make measurements by noting how the scene's image changes as the lens settings are varied. The reason variable-parameter lenses are not more commonly used in machine vision is that they are difficult to model for continuous range of lens settings. In this paper we present a methodology for producing accurate camera models for systems with automated, variable- parameter lenses. To demonstrate our methodology's effectiveness we applied it to produce an `adjustable,' perspective-projection camera model based on Tsai's fixed camera model. Our model was calibrated and tested on an automated zoom lens where it operated across continuous ranges of focus and zoom with an average error of less than 0.11 pixels between the predicted and measured positions of features in the image plane
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy

Abstract Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy is an inherited cardiomyopathy characterised by ventricular arrhythmias and an increased risk of sudden cardiac death. Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy diagnosis is based on criteria that take into account electrical and structural cardiac abnormalities, as well as mutation analysis. Appropriate pharmacological therapy and the prevention of sudden death with implantable defibrillators are important in the management of these patients. Exercise is considered an important environmental factor for the development and progression of the disease.
Autophagy regulates progression of programmed cell death during petal senescence in Japanese morning glory

Petal senescence is a type of programmed cell death (PCD) that is tightly regulated by multiple genes. We recently reported that a putative membrane protein, InPSR26, regulates progression of PCD during petal senescence in Japanese morning glory (Ipomoea nil). Reduced InPSR26 expression in transgenic plants (PSR26r lines) resulted in accelerated petal senescence with hastened development of PCD symptoms, and transcript levels of autophagy-related genes were reduced in the petals. Autophagy visualized by monodansylcadaverine staining indicated reduced autophagic activity in the PSR26r plants. The results from our recent studies suggest that InPSR26 acts to delay the progression of PCD during petal senescence, possibly through regulation of the autophagic process. In this addendum, we discuss the role of autophagy in petal senescence as it relates to these findings.
The Effects of L655,240, a Selective Thromboxane and Prostaglandin Endoperoxide Antagonist, on Ischemia‐ and Reperfusion‐Induced Cardiac Arrhythmias

The purpose of this investigation was to provide a detailed analysis of the effects of the thromboxane antagonist L655,240 (0.3 mg/kg i.v.) on early ischemia-and reperfusion-induced arrhythmias in a canine model of coronary artery occlusion. In a dose that abolished the pulmonary response to U46619, L655,240 attenuated markedly the severity of those arrhythmias that resulted from reperfusion of the myocardium; survival from the combined occlusion-reperfusion insult was increased from 10% in control animals to 70% in dogs administered L655,240. Drug intervention did not significantly alter the total number of arrhythmias during the period of ischemia, but a detailed analysis of the different types of arrhythmia that occurred during this period showed that L655,240 significantly reduced those arrhythmias in phase 1a (0–10 min of occlusion) without affecting the later phase 1b arrhythmias. This was particularly shown in the marked reduction in the number of salvos (couplets and triplets) during this period. Neither those arrhythmias occurring later in the ischaemia period (phase 1b) nor the total number of single ectopics and salvos or the incidence and duration of ventricular tachycardia was modified by L655,240. These results reveal that thromboxane antagonism protects especially against reperfusion-induced ventricular fibrillation and against early (phase 1a) ischemia-induced arrhythmias, possibly implicating a role for thromboxane in the genesis of these cardiac rhythm disturbances.
Immunohistochemical expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in intestinal type gastric carcinoma.

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer still represents a difficult problem in the field of oncology, in terms of morbidity and mortality. The local progression and systemic spread is significantly influenced by tumor angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. In spite of many studies on the topic, data about the significance of growth factors in gastric cancer is controversial. AIM to investigate the immunohistochemical expression of VEGF and to evaluate the relationships with the tumors stage and grade. MATERIAL AND METHODS The immunohistochemical expression of VEGF was investigated on 80 patients with intestinal type gastric carcinoma. Specimens were fixed in buffer formalin, embedded in paraffin, and sections were stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin and immunohistochemistry was performed for VEGF (clone VG-1). Evaluation was performed using the VEGF score, based on the intensity of reaction and percent of positive cells. RESULTS The reaction for VEGF was positive in 52 from 80 cases (70%). The final product of reaction was found in the cytoplasm of tumor cells, with granular pattern. Positive reaction was also found in eight from 28 cases with associated intestinal metaplasia, and in six from nine cases with gastric dysplasia. In the adjacent apparently normal mucosa, the reaction was positive in hyperplastic gastric pits and parietal cells. A strong correlation was found between VEGF expression and lymph node status and grade of the primary, but not with the stage of the tumor. CONCLUSIONS The investigation of the immunohistochemical expression of VEGF in the intestinal type of gastric carcinoma showed positive reaction in 70% of the cases. It was demonstrated the expression of VEGF in intestinal metaplasia and gastric dysplasia, which could signify an early angiogenic switch during tumorigenesis.
SapF-mediated heme-iron utilization enhances persistence and coordinates biofilm architecture of Haemophilus

Non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHI) is a common commensal bacterium that resides in the human upper respiratory tract of healthy individuals. NTHI is also a known causative agent of multiple diseases including sinusitis, otitis media, as well as exacerbates disease severity of patients with cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. We have previously shown that the Sap transporter mediates resistance to host antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and import of the iron-containing compound heme. Here, we analyzed the contribution of the Sap structural ATPase protein, SapF, in these essential functions. In contrast to SapD, SapF was dispensable for NTHI survival when exposed to AMPs in vitro. SapF was responsible for heme utilization and recovery of depleted internal heme-iron stores. Further, a loss of SapF resulted in morphological plasticity and enhanced community development and biofilm architecture, suggesting the potential role of heme-iron availability in coordinating the complexity of NTHI biofilm architecture. SapF was required for colonization of the nasopharynx and acute infection of the middle ear, as SapF deficiency correlated with a statistically significant decrease in NTHI persistence in vivo. These data suggest that SapF is required for proper heme utilization which directly impacts NTHI survival. Thus, these studies further support a role for the Sap complex in the transport of multiple substrates and further defines substrate specificity for the two ATPase subunits. Given the multiple essential functions provided by the Sap transporter, this complex could prove to be an effective therapeutic target for the treatment of NTHI diseases.
An Efficient Algorithmic Lower Bound for the Error Rate of Linear Block Codes

We present an efficient algorithmic lower bound for the block error rate of linear binary block codes under soft maximum-likelihood decoding over binary phase-shift keying modulated additive white Gaussian noise channels. We cast the problem of finding a lower bound on the probability of a union as an optimization problem that seeks to find the subset that maximizes a recent lower bound - due to Kuai, Alajaji, and Takahara - that we will refer to as the KAT bound. The improved bound, which is denoted by LB-s, is asymptotically tight [as the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) grows to infinity] and depends only on the code's weight enumeration function for its calculation. The use of a subset of the codebook to evaluate the LB-s lower bound not only significantly reduces computational complexity, but also tightens the bound specially at low SNRs. Numerical results for binary block codes indicate that at high SNRs, the LB-s bound is tighter than other recent lower bounds in the literature, which comprise the lower bound due to Seguin, the KAT bound (evaluated on the entire codebook), and the dot-product and norm bounds due to Cohen and Merhav.
Modelling Crowd Scenes for Event Detection

This work presents an automatic technique for detection of abnormal events in crowds. Crowd behaviour is difficult to predict and might not be easily semantically translated. Moreover it is difficulty to track individuals in the crowd using state of the art tracking algorithms. Therefore we characterise crowd behaviour by observing the crowd optical flow and use unsupervised feature extraction to encode normal crowd behaviour. The unsupervised feature extraction applies spectral clustering to find the optimal number of models to represent normal motion patterns. The motion models are HMMs to cope with the variable number of motion samples that might be present in each observation window. The results on simulated crowds demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach for detecting crowd emergency scenarios