Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prediction of Recurrent Venous Thromboembolism by Clot Lysis Time: A Prospective Cohort Study

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a chronic disease, which tends to recur. Whether an abnormal fibrinolytic system is associated with an increased risk of VTE is unclear. We assessed the relationship between fibrinolytic capacity (reflected by clot lysis time [CLT]) and risk of recurrent VTE. We followed 704 patients (378 women; mean age 48 yrs) with a first unprovoked VTE for an average of 46 months after anticoagulation withdrawal. Patients with natural coagulation inhibitor deficiency, lupus anticoagulant, cancer, homozygosity for factor V Leiden or prothrombin mutation, or requirement for indefinite anticoagulation were excluded. Study endpoint was symptomatic recurrent VTE. For measurement of CLT, a tissue factor-induced clot was lysed by adding tissue-type plasminogen activator. Time between clot formation and lysis was determined by measuring the turbidity.135 (19%) patients had recurrent VTE. For each increase in CLT of 10 minutes, the crude relative risk (RR) of recurrence was 1.13 (95% CI 1.02–1.25; p = 0.02) and was 1.08 (95% CI 0.98–1.20; p = 0.13) after adjustment for age and sex. For women only, the adjusted RR was 1.14 (95% CI, 0.91–1.42, p = 0.22) for each increase in CLT of 10 minutes. CLT values in the 4th quartile of the female patient population, as compared to values in the 1st quartile, conferred a risk of recurrence of 3.28 (95% CI, 1.07–10.05; p = 0.04). No association between CLT and recurrence risk was found in men. Hypofibrinolysis as assessed by CLT confers a moderate increase in the risk of recurrent VTE. A weak association between CLT and risk of recurrence was found in women only.
Augmenting Pivot based SMT with word segmentation

This paper is an attempt to bridge two well known performance degraders in SMT, viz. , (i) difference in morphological characteristics of the two languages, and (ii) scarcity of parallel corpora. We address these two problems using “word segmen-tation” and through “pivots” on the morphologically complex language. Our case study is Malayalam to Hindi SMT. Malay-alam belongs to the Dravidian family of languages and is heavily agglutinative. Hindi is a representative of the Indo-Aryan language family and is morphologically simpler. We use triangulation as pivoting strategy in combination with morphological pre-processing. We observe that (i) significant improvement in translation quality over direct SMT occurs when a pivot is used in combination with direct SMT, (ii) the more the number of pivots, the better the performance and (iii)word segmentation is a must. We achieved an improvement of 9.4 BLEU points which is over 58% compared to the baseline direct sys-tem. Our work paves way for SMT of languages that face resource scarcity and have widely divergent morphological characteristics.
On the Testing Maturity of Software Producing Organizations

This paper presents data from a study of the current state of practice of software testing. Test managers from twelve different software organizations were interviewed. The interviews focused on the amount of resources spent on testing, how the testing is conducted, and the knowledge of the personnel in the test organizations. The data indicate that the overall test maturity is low. Test managers are aware of this but have trouble improving. One problem is that the organizations are commercially successful, suggesting that products must already be "good enough". Also, the current lack of structured testing in practice makes it difficult to quantify the current level of maturity and thereby articulate the potential gain from increasing testing maturity to upper management and developers
CYFRA 21.1 in bronchoalveolar lavage of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients

ABSTRACT Aim: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is one of the most aggressive forms of interstitial lung diseases, however, clinically relevant biomarkers of diagnosis or prognosis are lacking. In this study, we investigated the levels of a fragment of Cytokeratin 19 (CYFRA 21.1) in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) of IPF patients at time of diagnosis. We further evaluated associations between CYFRA 21.1, pulmonary function evolution, mortality, and BAL cell count. Materials and Methods: Using the Lumipulse® G1200, CYFRA 21.1 was measured in BAL samples of 81 IPF patients and 9 controls. Based upon the median detected level (1.2 ng/mL) of CYFRA 21.1 in IPF patients, they were subdivided into an IPF CYFRA 21.1 low group (≤ 1.2 ng/mL) and IPF CYFRA 21.1 high group (> 1.2 ng/mL). Results: The CYFRA 21.1 levels were significantly higher in BAL of IPF patients compared to controls (P = .0015). Worse survival was observed, but no changes in pulmonary function, for IPF patients with high CYFRA 21.1 levels versus patients with low CYFRA 21.1 levels [P = . 030, HR: 0.41, (0.18-0.92)[. The CYFRA 21.1 level correlated with both neutrophils (%: R = 0.60, P < .0001; #: R = 0.47, P < .0001) and eosinophils (%: R = 0.38, P = .0005; #: R = 0.30, P < .0072). Conclusions: CYFRA 21.1 is increased in BAL of IPF patients. IPF patients with a high CYFRA 21.1 concentration have a worse survival. CYFRA 21.1 levels correlate with eosinophils and neutrophils. Further studies are warranted in using CYFRA 21.1 as a biomarker for IPF prognosis.
Two-Stage Management of the Infected Total Hip Arthroplasty

There is currently no consensus on the optimal management of the infected total hip arthroplasty. Multiple management techniques have been described in contemporary literature. This paper focuses on 2-stage revision for the infected total hip arthroplasty. We discuss the rationale and examine the current evidence for the use of this technique.
Outcomes of lung transplantation for cystic fibrosis in a large UK cohort

Background: Lung transplantation is an important option to treat patients with advanced cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease. The outcomes of a large UK cohort of CF lung transplantation recipients is reported. Methods: Retrospective review of case notes and transplantation databases. Results: 176 patients with CF underwent lung transplantation at our centre. The majority (168) had bilateral sequential lung transplantation. Median age at transplantation was 26 years. Diabetes was common pretransplantation (40%). Polymicrobial infection was common in individual recipients. A diverse range of pathogens were encountered, including the Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC). The bronchial anastomotic complication rate was 2%. Pulmonary function (forced expiratory volume in 1 s % predicted) improved from a pretransplantation median of 0.8 l (21% predicted) to 2.95 l (78% predicted) at 1 year following transplantation. We noted an acute rejection rate of 41% within the first month. Our survival values were 82% survival at 1 year, 70% at 3 years, 62% at 5 years and 51% at 10 years. Patients with BCC infection had poorer outcomes and represented the majority of those who had a septic death. Data are presented on those free from these infections. Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) and sepsis were common causes of death. Freedom from BOS was 74% at 5 years and 38% at 10 years. Biochemical evidence of renal dysfunction was common although renal replacement was infrequently required (<5%). Conclusion: Lung transplantation is an important therapeutic option in patients with CF even in those with more complex microbiology. Good functional outcomes are noted although transplantation associated morbidities accrue with time.
Adolescent Diet and Subsequent Serum Hormones, Breast Density, and Bone Mineral Density in Young Women: Results of the Dietary Intervention Study in Children Follow-up Study

Background: Adolescent diet is hypothesized to influence breast cancer risk. We evaluated the long-term effects of an intervention to lower fat intake among adolescent girls on biomarkers that are related to breast cancer risk in adults. Methods: A follow-up study was conducted on 230 girls who participated in the Dietary Intervention Study in Children (DISC), in which healthy, prepubertal, 8 to 10 year olds were randomly assigned to usual care or to a behavioral intervention that promoted a reduced fat diet. Participants were 25 to 29 years old at follow-up visits. All tests of statistical significance are two-sided. Results: In analyses that did not take account of diet at the time of the follow-up visit, the only statistically significant treatment group difference was higher bone mineral content in intervention group participants compared with usual care group participants; their mean bone mineral contents were 2,444 and 2,377 g, respectively. After adjustment for current diet, the intervention group also had statistically significantly higher bone mineral density and luteal phase serum estradiol concentrations. Serum progesterone concentrations and breast density did not differ by treatment group in unadjusted or adjusted analyses. Conclusions: Results do not support the hypothesis that consumption of a lower fat diet during adolescence reduces breast cancer risk via effects on subsequent serum estradiol and progesterone levels, breast density, or bone mineral density. It remains unclear, however, if the results are specific to the DISC intervention or are more broadly applicable. Impact: Modest reductions in fat intake during adolescence are unlikely to lower later breast cancer risk via long-term effects on the biomarkers measured. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 19(6); 1545–56. ©2010 AACR.
Preference Queries with SV-Semantics

Personalization of database queries requires a semantically rich, easy to handle and flexible preference model. Building on preferences as strict partial orders we provide a variety of intuitive base preference constructors for numerical and categorical data, including so-called d-parameters. As a novel semantic concept for complex preferences we introduce the notion of ‘substitutable values’ (SV-semantics), characterizing equally good values amongst indifferent values. Pareto and prioritized preference construction preserves strict partial orders, which instantly solves crucial wellknown problems for preference queries. We can point out a new semantic-guided way to cope with the infamous flooding effect of query engines. Contrary to a wide-spread belief we can give evidence that the result sizes of Pareto or skyline queries not necessarily explode for multiple attributes. Moreover, we can show that known laws from preference relational algebra remain valid under SV-semantics. Since most of these laws rely on transitivity, preservation of strict partial order is essential to algebraically optimize complex preference queries. Similarly, well-known efficient evaluation algorithms for the preference selection operator rely on transitivity. In a nutshell, preference constructors with SVsemantics enable an intuitive and powerful personalization of database queries and at the same time are the key to efficient preference query evaluation.
Functional mapping of thalamic nuclei and their integration into cortico-striatal-thalamo-cortical loops via ultra-high resolution imaging—from animal anatomy to in vivo imaging in humans

The thalamus, a crucial node in the well-described cortico-striatal-thalamo-cortical circuits, has been the focus of functional and structural imaging studies investigating human emotion, cognition and memory. Invasive work in animals and post-mortem investigations have revealed the rich cytoarchitectonics and functional specificity of the thalamus. Given current restrictions in the spatial resolution of non-invasive imaging modalities, there is, however, a translational gap between functional and structural information on these circuits in humans and animals as well as between histological and cellular evidence and their relationship to psychological functioning. With the advance of higher field strengths for MR approaches, better spatial resolution is now available promising to overcome this conceptual problem. We here review these two levels, which exist for both neuroscientific and clinical investigations, and then focus on current attempts to overcome conceptual boundaries of these observations with the help of ultra-high resolution imaging.
Gendered constructions of the impact of HIV and AIDS in the context of the HIV-positive seroconcordant heterosexual relationship

This article explores the complex, dynamic and contextual frameworks within which men working in a mining community and their live‐in long‐term partners or spouses (termed “couples” in this study) respond to the introduction of HIV into their heterosexual relationships; the way in which partners adopt gendered positions in enabling them to make sense of their illness; how they negotiate their respective masculine and feminine roles in response to the need for HIV‐related lifestyle changes; as well as the gendered nature of partner support in relation to antiretroviral therapy (ARV) adherence.
Pemetrexed-Induced Interstitial Pneumonitis: A Case Study and Literature Review

Pemetrexed is a new-generation antifolate drug, now widely used in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We report a case of pemetrexed-induced interstitial pneumonitis, and review the literature of eight previously reported cases. As pemetrexed is now a widely used chemotherapeutic agent, it is important to be aware of rare adverse events related to its administration.
A new stochastic model-based image segmentation technique for MR image

A new framework for stochastic MR image modeling is presented based on local randomization, and a new model-based MR image analysis technique is developed in terms of stochastic regularization. By discussing the statistical properties of both pixel image and context image, an inhomogeneous hidden Markov random field model is proposed and justified for MR image. The solution of the new problem formulation is implemented with an efficient multistage procedure. The number of image regions is detected by a new information criterion. The parameters in the model are estimated from block-wise classification-maximization and Bayesian maximum likelihood algorithms. The image segmentation is performed via a maximum a posteriori probability classifier. The experimental results with simulated and real MR images are provided to demonstrate the promise and effectiveness of the proposed technique. <<ETX>>
CFD Investigation of a Novel Fuel-Saving Device for Articulated Tractor-Trailer Combinations

Abstract Enhancing the aerodynamic efficiency of commercial vehicles is gaining increasing importance as it helps to reduce both overall fuel consumption as well as emissions. This paper investigates the advantages offered by a novel fuel-saving device for such vehicles. This device uses a moving surface to impart additional kinetic energy to flow near the roof surface. The additional momentum in the flow modifies the flow field, thereby significantly reducing pressure drag. Distribution of drag shows that the front and rear faces of the semi-trailer and the tractor cab are the dominant contributors to drag. The overall reduction in drag has been quantified by the distribution of pressure on the surface as well as the individual contribution to drag by each surface of the vehicle. The newly developed device has been shown to be very effective in reducing the fuel consumption of tractor-trailers.
Daidzein/cyclodextrin/hydrophilic polymer ternary systems

Objective: To evaluate the effect of different cyclodextrins (β-cyclodextrin [β-CD], methyl-β-cyclodextrin [Mβ-CD], or hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin [HPβ-CD]) and/or hydrophilic polymers (carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose [HPMC], polyethyleneglycol, or polyvinylpyrrolidone [PVP]) on daidzein solubility in water. Materials and methods: The corresponding associations were characterized in aqueous media using phase-solubility studies. The morphology of daidzein/cyclodextrin freeze-dried complexes was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, and their spatial configuration was proposed by means of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Results and discussion: In the presence of 6 mM of cyclodextrins, the solubility of daidzein in water was significantly enhanced: 5.7-fold (β-CD), 7.2-fold (Mβ-CD), and 9.4-fold (HPβ-CD). The analysis of the three solid complexes proved that the formation of inclusion complexes occurred through the insertion of the B and C rings of daidzein molecule into the cyclodextrins cavity. The association of daidzein/cyclodextrin complexes to the hydrophilic polymers HPMC or PVP (1%, w/w) was able to improve the solubility of daidzein even further. Conclusion: The highest solubilizing effect was obtained for daidzein/HPβ-CD/PVP ternary system (12.7-fold).
Maritime anomaly detection in ferry tracks

This paper proposes a methodology for the automatic detection of anomalous shipping tracks traced by ferries. The approach comprises a set of models as a basis for outlier detection: A Gaussian process (GP) model regresses displacement information collected over time, and a Markov chain based detector makes use of the direction (heading) information. GP regression is performed together with Median Absolute Deviation to account for contaminated training data. The methodology utilizes the coordinates of a given ferry recorded on a second by second basis via Automatic Identification System. Its effectiveness is demonstrated on a dataset collected in the Solent area.
The relationship between media literacy and health literacy among pregnant women in health centers of Isfahan

Background: The ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and convey information in various forms of media including print and nonprint requires media literacy, but the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic information and services needed for appropriate decisions regarding health, considered an important element in a woman's ability to participate in health promotion and prevention activities for herself and her children, is needed to a level of health literacy. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between media literacy and health literacy among pregnant women in health centers in Isfahan. Materials and Methods: This study used a descriptive correlation study. Data collection tools include Shahin media literacy and functional health literacy in adults’ questionnaires. The population include pregnant women in health centers of Isfahan (4080 people). Ten out of the 351 health centers in Isfahan were selected as cluster. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Media literacy of respondents in the five dimensions was significantly lower than average 61.5% of pregnant women have inadequate health literacy, 18.8% had marginal health literacy, and only 19.7% of them have had adequate health literacy. There was a significant positive relationship between media literacy and health literacy among pregnant women. Conclusion: This study showed that the majority of pregnant women covered by health centers had limited health literacy and media literacy. Since one of the basic requirements for the utilization of health information is needed for adequate media literacy, promotion of media literacy is necessary for the respondents.
Neural substrates of the ability to recognize facial expressions: a voxel-based morphometry study

Abstract The recognition of facial expressions of emotion is adaptive for human social interaction, but the ability to do this and the manner in which it is achieved differs among individuals. Previous functional neuroimaging studies have demonstrated that some brain regions, such as the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), are active during the response to emotional facial expressions in healthy participants, and lesion studies have demonstrated that damage to these structures impairs the recognition of facial expressions. However, it remains to be established whether individual differences in the structure of these regions could be associated with differences in the ability to recognize facial expressions. We investigated this issue using acquired structural magnetic resonance imaging, and assessed the performance of healthy adults with respect to recognition of the facial expressions of six basic emotions. The gray matter volume of the right IFG positively correlated with the total accuracy of facial expression recognition. This suggests that individual differences in the ability to recognize facial expressions are associated with differences in the structure of the right IFG. Furthermore, the mirror neuron activity of the IFG may be important for establishing efficient facial mimicry to facilitate emotion recognition.
Spectral Content as a Cue to Perceived Auditory Distance

Changes in the spectral content of wide-band auditory stimuli have been repeatedly implicated as a possible cue to the distance of a sound source. Few of the previous studies of this factor, however, have considered whether the cue provided by spectral content serves as an absolute or a relative cue. That is, can differences in spectral content indicate systematic differences in distance even on their first presentation to a listener, or must the listener be able to compare sounds with one another in order to perceive some change in their distances? An attempt to answer this question and simultaneously to evaluate the possibly confounding influence of changes in the sound level and/or the loudness of the stimuli are described in this paper. The results indicate that a decrease in high-frequency content (as might physically be produced by passage through a greater amount of air) can lead to increases in perceived auditory distance, but only when compared with similar sounds having a somewhat different high-frequency content, ie spectral information can serve as a relative cue for auditory distance, independent of changes in overall sound level.
RELAXATION RATE, DIFFUSION APPROXIMATION AND FICK'S LAW FOR INELASTIC SCATTERING BOLTZMANN MODELS

We consider the linear dissipative Boltzmann equation describing inelastic interactions of particles with a fixed background. For the si mplified model of Maxwell molecules first, we give a complete spectral analysis, and de duce from it the optimal rate of exponential convergence to equilibrium. Moreover we show the convergence to the heat equation in the diffusive limit and compute explicitely the diffusivity. Then for the physical model of hard spheres we use a suitable entropy functional for which we prove explicit inequality between the relative entropy and the production of entropy to get exponential convergence to equilibrium with explicit rate. The proof is based on inequalities between the entropy production functional for hard spheres and Maxwell molecules. Mathematical proof of the convergence to some heat equation in the diffusive limit is also given. From the last two points we deduce the first explicit estimates on t he diffusive coefficient in the Fick's law for (inelastic hard-spheres) dissipative gases .
Can irisin be a linker between physical activity and brain function?

Abstract Irisin was initially discovered as a novel hormone-like myokine released from skeletal muscle during exercise to improve obesity and glucose dysfunction by stimulating the browning of white adipose tissue. Emerging evidence have indicated that irisin also affects brain function. FNDC5 mRNA and FNDC5/irisin immunoreactivity are present in various regions of the brain. Central irisin is involved in the regulation of neural differentiation and proliferation, neurobehavior, energy expenditure and cardiac function. Elevation of peripheral irisin level stimulates hippocampal genes related to neuroprotection, learning and memory. In this brief review, we summarize the current understanding on neuronal functions of irisin. In addition, we discuss the pros and cons for this molecule as a potential messenger mediating the crosstalk between skeletal muscle and central nervous system during exercise.