Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Increasing demands for quality measurement.

Measurement of health care quality and patient safety is rapidly evolving, in response to long-term needs and more recent efforts to reform the US health system around "value. " Development and choice of quality measures is now guided by a national quality strategy and priorities, with a public-private partnership, the National Quality Forum, helping determine the most worthwhile measures for evaluating and rewarding quality and safety of patient care. Yet there remain a number of challenges, including diverse purposes for quality measurement, limited availability of true clinical measures leading to frequent reliance on claims data with its flaws in determining quality, fragmentation of measurement systems with redundancy and conflicting conclusions, few high-quality comprehensive measurement systems and registries, and rapid expansion of required measures with hundreds of measures straining resources. The proliferation of quality measures at the clinician, hospital, and insurer level has created challenges and logistical problems. Recommendations include raising the bar for qualtiy measurements to achieve transformational rather than incremental change in the US quality measurement system, promoting a logical set of measures for the various levels of the health system, leaving room for internal organizational improvement, harmonizing the various national and local quality measurement systems, anchoring on National Quality Forum additions and subtractions of measures to be applied, reducing reliance on and retiring claims-based measures as quickly as possible, promoting comprehensive measurement such as through registries with deep understanding of patient risk factors and outcomes, reducing attention to proprietary report cards, prompt but careful transition to measures from electronic health records, and allocation of sufficient resources to accomplish the goals of an efficient, properly focused measurement system.
Absorption of light by excitons and trions in monolayers of metal dichalcogenide Mo S 2 : Experiments and theory

We measure the optical absorption spectra and optical conductivities of excitons and trions in monolayers of metal dichalcogenide MoS$_{2}$ and compare the results with theoretical models. Our results show that the Wannier-Mott model for excitons, with modifications to account for small exciton radii and large exciton relative wavefunction spread in momentum space, phase space blocking due to Pauli exclusion in doped materials, and wavevector dependent dielectric constant, gives results that agree well with experiments. The measured exciton optical absorption spectra are used to obtain experimental estimates for the exciton radii that fall in the $7-10\AA$ range and agree well with theory. The measured trion optical absorption spectra are used to obtain values for the trion radii that also agree well with theory. The measured values of the exciton and trion radii correspond to binding energies that are in good agreement with values obtained from first principles calculations.
A model for the prediction of R-tree performance

In this paper we present an analytical model that predicts the performance of R-trees (and its variants) when a range query needs to be answered. The cost model uses knowledge of the dataset only i.e., the proposed formula that estimates the number of disk accesses is a function of data properties, namely, the amount of data and their density in the work space. In other words, the proposed model is applicable even before the construction of the R-tree index, a fact that makes it a useful tool for dynamic spatial databases. Several experiments on synthetic and real datasets show that the proposed analytical model is very accurate, the relative error being usually around 10%-15%, for uniform and non-uniform distributions. We believe that this error is involved with the gap between efficient R-tree variants, like the R*-tree, and an optimum, not implemented yet, method. Our work extends previous research concerning R-tree analysis and constitutes a useful tool for spatial query optimizers that need to evaluate the cost of a complex spatial query and its execution procedure.
Growth of silicon self-assembled nanowires by using gold-enhanced CVD technology

In spite of the fact that, a great deal of experimental research has been published, there is a lack of good understanding of silicon nanowires growth to exert control over important properties of the system, though it presents the simplest system like gold on silicon substrate. In the current research, to find the best conditions to grow silicon nanowires with prespecified properties, we studied various technological regimes both of growth-seed formation and conditions of silicon nanowires growth.
A Mathematical Model on the Resolution of Extrusion Bioprinting for the Development of New Bioinks

Pneumatic extrusion-based bioprinting is a recent and interesting technology that is very useful for biomedical applications. However, many process parameters in the bioprinter need to be fully understood in order to print at an adequate resolution. In this paper, a simple yet accurate mathematical model to predict the printed width of a continuous hydrogel line is proposed, in which the resolution is expressed as a function of nozzle size, pressure, and printing speed. A thermo-responsive hydrogel, pluronic F127, is used to validate the model predictions. This model could provide a platform for future correlation studies on pneumatic extrusion-based bioprinting as well as for developing new bioink formulations.
Plasmid-Borne Type E Neurotoxin Gene Clusters in Clostridium botulinum Strains

ABSTRACT A collection of 36 Clostridium botulinum type E strains was examined by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and Southern hybridization with probes targeted to botE and orfX1 in the neurotoxin gene cluster. Three strains were found to contain neurotoxin subtype E1 gene clusters in large plasmids of about 146 kb in size.
Longitudinal Study of Student Attitudes in a Biology Program

This study is among the first to report longitudinal results of student attitudes across a university program. Biology students become significantly more expert‐like from the first year to the fourth year of the program, but students are still far from expert‐like for problem solving–related attitudes. Also, after four years, high‐performing students displayed significantly more expert-like attitudes than low‐performing students.
Accrued somatic mutations (nucleic acid changes) trigger ALS: 2005–2015 update

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a multilevel disease of the motor neuron system. The mechanisms triggering disease onset should be considered separately from those facilitating its spread and motor neuron death. In 2005, I brought together clinical and epidemiological evidence to support the hypothesis that acquired nucleic acid changes may trigger sporadic ALS. Since 2005, the conceptual foundations for this hypothesis have been strengthened. The journal Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis was renamed Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis & Frontotemporal Degeneration. The focal onset, with simultaneous initial maximal upper and lower motor neuron involvement in the region of onset, and patterns of spread, were characterized further. Clues from the epidemiology of sporadic ALS were affirmed by quantitative analysis, including the increase in disease incidence with age, suggesting accrual of time‐dependent changes, and the confirmation of smoking as an established risk factor. Additional observations support the conclusion that accrued somatic mutations trigger onset of ALS. Muscle Nerve 53: 842–849, 2016
Energy-Efficient Distributed Minimum Spanning Tree Construction : Tight Bounds and Algorithms

Traditionally, the performance of distributed algorithms has been measured in terms of running time and message complexity. However, in many settings, a more ac cur te and relevant measure of performance is required. In ad hoc wireless networks, energy is a very cri tical factor for measuring the efficiency of a distributed algorithm. Thus in addition to the traditional time and message complexity, it is also relevant to considerenergy complexitythat accounts for the total energy associated with the messa g exchanged among the nodes in a distributed algorithm. This paper focuses on the energy complexity of distributed a lgorithms for the Euclidean minimum spanning tree (MST) problem, one of the most important problems i n distributed computing. We show tight upper and lower bounds on the energy complexity of distribut ed (Euclidean) MST algorithms. We also study distributedapproximationalgorithms for MST that have almost optimal energy complexi ty, but give a constant factor approximation to the MST. We present two se ts of results, one where nodes are distributed randomly in a plane, and the other where nodes can be arbitrar ily distributed. For random distribution of nodes, we show that Ω(log n) is a lower bound on the energy complexity of any distributed M ST algorithm. We then give a distributed algorithm that constructs an opti mal MST withO(log n) energy complexity on average andO(log n log log n) energy complexity with high probability. This is an improve m nt over the previous best known bound on the average energy complexity o f Ω(l g n). All the above results assume that nodes do not know their geometric coordinates. If nodes know their own coordinates, then we give an algorithm withO(1) energy complexity that gives an O(1) approximation to the MST. For arbitrary distribution of nodes, we give a lower bound on the energy complexit y for any distributed MST algorithm and present an algorithm matching this lower bound within a poly logarithmic factor. Our algorithm gives an O(1) approximation to the MST. Our results show that message opti mal algorithms (such as the classical algorithm due to Gallager et al.) are not energy-optimal, an d hence it is necessary to design new distributed algorithms that are energy-optimal.
Differentiating unipolar and bipolar depression by alterations in large‐scale brain networks

Misdiagnosing bipolar depression can lead to very deleterious consequences of mistreatment. Although depressive symptoms may be similarly expressed in unipolar and bipolar disorder, changes in specific brain networks could be very distinct, being therefore informative markers for the differential diagnosis. We aimed to characterize specific alterations in candidate large‐scale networks (frontoparietal, cingulo‐opercular, and default mode) in symptomatic unipolar and bipolar patients using resting state fMRI, a cognitively low demanding paradigm ideal to investigate patients.
Regulation of RANKL‐induced osteoclastogenesis by TGF‐β through molecular interaction between Smad3 and Traf6

Previous studies have shown that transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β) promotes receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL)–induced osteoclastogenesis. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been elucidated. When TGF‐β signals were blocked either by a specific inhibitor of TGF‐β type 1 receptor kinase activity, SB431542, or by introducing a dominant‐negative mutant of TGF‐β type 2 receptor, RANKL‐induced osteoclastogenesis was almost completely suppressed. Blockade of Smad signaling by overexpression of Smad7 or c‐Ski markedly suppressed RANKL‐induced osteoclastogenesis, and retroviral induction of an activated mutant of Smad2 or Smad3 reversed the inhibitory effect of SB431542. Immunoprecipitation analysis revealed that Smad2/3 directly associates with the TRAF6‐TAB1‐TAK1 molecular complex, which is generated in response to RANKL stimulation and plays an essential role in osteoclast differentiation. TRAF6‐TAB1‐TAK1 complex formation was not observed when TGF‐β signaling was blocked. Analysis using deletion mutants revealed that the MH2 domain of Smad3 is necessary for TRAF6‐TAB1‐TAK1 complex formation, downstream signal transduction, and osteoclast formation. In addition, gene silencing of Smad3 in osteoclast precursors markedly suppressed RANKL‐induced osteoclast differentiation. In summary, TGF‐β is indispensable in RANKL‐induced osteoclastogenesis, and the binding of Smad3 to the TRAF6‐TAB1‐TAK1 complex is crucial for RANKL‐induced osteoclastogenic signaling. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Aortic Valve Sparing Operations: A Review

Aortic valve sparing operations were developed to preserve the native aortic valve during surgery for aortic root aneurysm as well as surgery for ascending aortic aneurysms with associated aortic insufficiency. There are basically two types of aortic valve sparing oprations: remodeling of the aortic root and reimplantation of the aortic valve. These operations have been performed for over two decades and the clinical outcomes have been excellent in experienced hands. Although remodeling of the aortic root is physiologically superior to reimplantation of the aortic valve, long-term follow-up suggests that the latter is associated with lower risk of developing aortic insufficiency. Failure of remodeling of the aortic root is often due to dilatation of the aortic annulus. Thus, this type of aortic valve sparing should be reserved for older patients with ascending aortic aneurysm and normal aortic annulus whereas reimplantation of the aortic valve is more appropriate for young patients with inherited disorders that cause aortic root aneurysms. This article summarizes the published experience with these two operations. They are no longer experimental procedures and should be part of the surgical armamentarium to treat patients with aortic root aneurysm and ascending aortic aneurysms with associated aortic insufficiency.
Development of the Terminal Nerve System in the Shark Scyliorhinus canicula

The nervus terminalis (or terminal nerve) system was discovered in an elasmobranch species more than a century ago. Over the past century, it has also been recognized in other vertebrate groups, from agnathans to mammals. However, its origin, functions or relationship with the olfactory system are still under debate. Despite the abundant literature about the nervus terminalis system in adult elasmobranchs, its development has been overlooked. Studies in other vertebrates have reported newly differentiated neurons of the terminal nerve system migrating from the olfactory epithelium to the telencephalon as part of a ‘migratory mass' of cells associated with the olfactory nerve. Whether the same occurs in developing elasmobranchs (adults showing anatomically separated nervus terminalis and olfactory systems) has not yet been determined. In this work we characterized for the first time the development of the terminal nerve and ganglia in an elasmobranch, the lesser spotted dogfish (Scyliorhinus canicula), by means of tract-tracing techniques combined with immunohistochemical markers for the terminal nerve (such as FMRF-amide peptide), for the developing components of the olfactory system (Gα0 protein, GFAP, Pax6), and markers for early postmitotic neurons (HuC/D) and migrating immature neurons (DCX). We discriminated between embryonic olfactory and terminal nerve systems and determined that both components may share a common origin in the migratory mass. We also localized the exact point where they split off near the olfactory nerve-olfactory bulb junction. The study of the development of the terminal nerve system in a basal gnathostome contributes to the knowledge of the ancestral features of this system in vertebrates, shedding light on its evolution and highlighting the importance of elasmobranchs for developmental and evolutionary studies.
Statistical analysis of mechanical damage in nanopillar arrays with mixed-mode load transfer

In the framework of the Fibre Bundle Model we explore the effect of mixed-mode load transfer in two-dimensional arrays of nanopillars. The mixed-mode load redistribution scheme serves as an interpolation between limiting cases, namely global and local transfer. Two types of loading processes are employed i.e. quasi-static and sudden loading. By varying the weight parameter, we identify two behaviours: the GLS and LLS regime. As a regime indicator we use distribution of critical loads and function fitting probability of system breakdown. MSC 2010: 82D30, 82D80, 65Z05
Computational Analysis of Enhanced Circulating Tumour Cell (CTC) Separation in a Microfluidic System with an Integrated Dielectrophoretic-Magnetophorectic (DEP-MAP) Technique

Cell based cancer analysis is an important analytic method to monitor cancer progress on stages by detecting the density of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) in the blood. Among the existing microfluidic techniques, dielectrophoresis (DEP), which is a label-free detection method, is favoured by researchers. However, because of the high conductivity of blood as well as the rare presence of CTCs, high separation efficiency is difficult to achieve in most DEP microdevices. Through this study, we have proposed a strategy to improve the isolation performance, as such by integrating a magnetophoretic (MAP) platform into a DEP device. Several important aspects to be taken into MAP design consideration, such as permanent magnet orientation, magnetic track configuration, fluid flow parameter and separation efficiency, are discussed. The design was examined and validated by numerical simulation using COMSOL Multiphysics v4.4 software (COMSOL Inc., Burlington, MA, USA), mainly presented in three forms: surface plot, line plot, and arrow plot. From these results, we showed that the use of a single permanent magnet coupled with an inbuilt magnetic track of 250 μm significantly strengthens the magnetic field distribution within the proposed MAP stage. Besides, in order to improve dynamic pressure without compromising the uniformity of fluid flow, a wide channel inlet and a tree-like network were employed. When the cell trajectory within a finalized MAP stage is computed with a particle tracing module, a high separation efficiency of red blood cell (RBC) is obtained for blood samples corresponding up to a dilution ratio of 1:7. Moreover, a substantial enhancement of the CTCs’ recovery rate was also observed in the simulation when the purposed platform was integrated with a planar DEP microdevice.
Improving the cytological diagnosis of high‐grade serous carcinoma in ascites with a panel of complementary biomarkers in cell blocks

Precise cytological diagnosis of pelvic high‐grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) in ascites is important for tumour staging, therapeutic decision‐making and prognostic evaluation. However, it can often be difficult to distinguish metastatic HGSC cells from reactive mesothelial cells based on morphology alone. Immunocytochemical analysis of ascites cell blocks has been used to obtain accurate diagnosis and provide a reliable basis for treatment decisions in the clinic. This study was performed to determine whether a panel of antibodies is necessary to achieve high specificity and sensitivity for the identification of HGSC cells.
Oral care for intubated patients: a survey of intensive care unit nurses

AIMS This study aimed to determine attitudes and practices of intensive care unit (ICU) nurses towards provision of oral care for intubated patients. BACKGROUND Oral care is as an essential nursing intervention for intubated patients to maintain patient comfort and prevent colonization of dental plaque by respiratory pathogens. DESIGN This was a cross-sectional study. METHODS Data were collected from 93 ICU nurses of a teaching hospital in the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia using a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS Some nurses agreed that oral cavity of intubated patients was difficult (40·8%) and unpleasant (16·2%) to clean, but all of them realized the importance of oral care and the majority (97·9%) would like to learn more about it. Most nurses reported providing oral care at least two times daily using various methods and products such as suction toothbrush (90·4%), manual toothbrush (49·5%), cotton swab (91·5%) and foam swab (65·7%). Chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse was the preferred mouthwash (97·8%) and swabs (93·5%) solution although few used non-optimal products such as sodium bicarbonate (14·0%), tap water (4·3%) and hydrogen peroxide (3·2%) to wash their patients' mouths. While the majority of nurses agreed that oral care supplies and equipments were available (93·6%) and suitable (88·2%), most of them also thought they need better hospital support (88·2%). CONCLUSIONS The nurses' attitudes towards oral care were generally positive and most oral care methods were appropriate. However, some methods and products used were inconsistent with the current recommendations and they have mixed views about the suitability of oral care supplies and equipment provided by the hospital. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Recommendations were made for providing standard oral care protocols for intubated patients and oral care training programs for ICU nurses to support delivery of quality patient care.
Robust output regulation of singular nonlinear systems via a nonlinear internal model

The robust output regulation problem for singular nonlinear systems has been studied recently under a restrictive assumption that the solution of the regulator equations is polynomial. This assumption essentially limits the nonlinear systems to contain only polynomial nonlinearities. In this note, we will further show that the polynomial assumption can be replaced by a much milder condition. The new condition applies to a larger class of nonpolynomial nonlinear systems, thus significantly improving the existing result.
A Distributed Model Predictive Control Strategy for Back-to-Back Converters

In recent years, model predictive control (MPC) has been successfully used for the control of power electronics converters with different topologies and for different applications. MPC offers many advantages over more traditional control techniques such as the ability to avoid cascaded control loops, easy inclusion of constraint, and fast transient response. On the other hand, the controller computational burden increases exponentially with the system complexity and may result in an unfeasible realization on modern digital control boards. This paper proposes a novel distributed MPC (DMPC), which is able to achieve the same performance of the classical MPC while reducing the computational requirements of its implementation. The proposed control approach is tested on a ac/ac converter in a back-to-back configuration used for power flow management. Simulation results are provided and validated through experimental testing in several operating conditions.
VHF coherent radar signals from the E region ionosphere and the relationship to electron drift velocity and ion acoustic velocity

The Scandinavian Twin Auroral Radar Experiment (STARE) coherent radar system measures the Doppler shifts caused by ∼1 m plasma waves in the high-latitude E region ionosphere. These Doppler velocities are here related to the electron drift velocity and ion acoustic velocity derived from measurements with the incoherent radar system European Incoherent Scatter (EISCAT). The Doppler velocity is limited in magnitude to near the ion acoustic velocity in the plasma. For large flow angles θ, i.e., the angle between the radar line of sight and the electron drift velocity, the Doppler shifts are equal to the component of the electron drift velocity on the line of sight. For θ ∼ 40° the Doppler velocity is equal to the ion acoustic velocity at 105-km altitude, and for decreasing flow angle the Doppler velocity increases. For 0° < θ < 60° the variation with flow angle can be described as cosαθ, where the α decreases from 0.8 to 0.2 with an increase in drift speed from ∼400 to 1600 ms−1. The ratio of the line-of-sight velocity for θ ∼ 0° to the ion acoustic velocity decreases from 1.2 at low velocities to 1.05 at large velocities. The systematic variations of the Doppler shifts with drift speed and flow angle make it possible, in principle, to recover the electron velocity from the coherent radar measurements. The observations are used to illustrate how well the recovery is possible in practice.