Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An investigation into Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) rupture prediction

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the world. The mortality rate between 1993 -1997 in New Zealand was about 46% and 32% worldwide. CVDs such as Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is life threatening and poses a very high risk for aneurysm patients with particular aneurysm diameter. AAA rupture is a patient-specific problem with evolving structures and on-going growth. Current ultrasound methods are used to probe for and diagnose instantaneous AAA by analysing arterial tissue deformation. However, tracking the progression of potential aneurysms, and predicting their risk of rupturing based on the diameter of the aneurysm is still an insufficient method. AAA image segmentation and analysis using the Patient-Specific Aneurysm Rupture Predictor (P-SARP) protocol is proposed to identify dependent elements that lead to a three-dimensional (3-D) aneurysm reconstructive model. Models of the patientspecific aneurysm images were designed along with biomechanical characterization and specific material properties to be incorporated. Fluid Structure Interaction (FSI) is used to mathematically establish the oscillations of patient-specific cyclic pressure loading in order to visualize the impact of potential pressure distributions on the deformed arterial wall over time. The correlation between the geometric elements and the models’ potential for rupture are extensively investigated to produce a possible AAA rupture mechanism. This research presents a new Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) of Patient-Specific Aneurysm Model (PSAM) which is based on the energy strain function combined with the dilated vessel wall stress-strain relationship to predict aneurysm rupture. This thesis focuses on investigating how computer simulation can be incorporated to predict AAA rupture. The personalized model is developed based on instantaneous arterial deformations obtained from ultrasound images using a 6-9 MHz doppler transducer. The PSAM relies on available vii mechanical properties and parameters obtained from the personalised model. Using the strain energy function based on historical stress-strain relationship to extrapolate cyclic loading on the PSAM along with patient-specific pressure, multi variant factors are proposed and considered to predict the actual location of the weakening points to reach rupture. The material properties of the wall are calculated using biaxial tensile tests to observe the time dependency of the material response and formation of the aneurysm wall rupture. The outcomes indicate that the proposed technique of the PSAM model has the ability correlate the wall deformation and tissue failure mode with predicting rupture. Thus, this method can positively be integrated with already established ultrasound techniques for improvements in the accuracy of future diagnoses of potential AAA ruptures.
Prediction for Nonabelian Fine Structure Constants from Multicriticality

In developing a model for predicting the nonabelian gauge coupling constants we argue for the phenomenological validity of a “principle of multiple point criticality”. This is supplemented with the assumption of an “(grand) anti-uniﬁed” gauge group SMG N gen. ∼ U (1) N gen. × SU (2) N gen. × SU (3) N gen. that, at the Planck scale, breaks down to the diagonal subgroup. Here N gen is the number of generations which is assumed to be 3. According to this “multiple point criticality principle”, the Planck scale experimental couplings correspond to multiple point couplings of the bulk phase transition of a lattice gauge theory (with gauge group SMG N gen. ). Predictions from this principle agree with running nonabelian couplings (after an extrapolation to the Planck scale using the assumption of a “desert”) to an accuracy of 7%. As an explanation for the existence of the multiple point, a speculative model using a glassy lattice gauge theory is presented.
Correlation between HbA1C Serum Level and Sexual Dysfunction in Women with Diabetes Mellitus

Introduction: To study association between the serum level HbA1C and severity of sexual dysfunction and compare sexual function in Diabetic and nondiabetic women. Methods: A total of 240 diabetic women aged 20-60 years old take part in this study which we selected 120 patients with exclusion criteria such as lack of psychosomatic disorder and compared with 120 healthy nondiabetic women. These two groups were matched by age and other parameters. The demographic and medical history data were extracted by 2 questionnaires. Physical exam was done for all subjects and finally female sexual function index (FSFI) questionnaire was filled for them. Check of HbA1C was made with Ion exchange, column chromatography. Results: Eighty eight persent of diabetic women and 72% of nondiabetic women had one or more problem in domains. There isn’t remarkable correlation between HbA1C <12% and FSF score, but in HbA1C >12%, FSF score decrease clearly (P<0.004)Severity of FSD in under weight or normal BMI diabetic women is less than overweight or obese diabetic women (P<0/036). There is a significant negative relation between educational and emotional level with FSD (P<0/001). Type of DM and FSD hasn’t any relation Conclusion: The prevalence of FSD in Iranian women is more than world researches. That is an important neglected problem with in women and physicians. [GMJ. 2012;1(1):13-19]
An investigation of the prevalence of iceA genotypes in Helicobacter pylori strains isolated from peptic ulcer patients in Sari (2008)

Background: Helicobacter pylori iceA gene has been reported to be a genetic marker for the development of peptic ulcer in western populations. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of iceA genotypes and their relationship with peptic ulcer in Iran. Materials and Methods: This observational study was carried out on 75 patients. Biopsy specimens were evaluated for the presence of Helicobacter pylori through rapid urease test. GlmM gene and iceA1 and iceA2 genotypes allelic verification and variation culture were determined via PCR. Results: In this study, iceA1 and iceA2 alleles were identified in peptic ulcer disease (PUD) patients. IceA1 genotype (64%) was more prevalent than iceA2 (21.3%). IceA1 strains were more observable in patients with PUD. No significant relationships were seen between iceA genotypes and the clinical outcomes following infection (p= 0.71). Conclusion: This study revealed a significant two-tailed correlation between iceA genotypes and PUD occurrence. The results indicate that iceA1 gene can be used as a reliable marker in predicting the clinical outcomes of Helicobacter pylori infection. Therefore, further in-vitro and invivo investigations are needed for reaching general consensus in this regard.
Light hadron spectrum in three-flavor QCD with O(a)-improved Wilson quark action

We report on a calculation of the light hadron spectrum and quark masses in three-ﬂavor dynamical QCD using the non-perturbatively O ( a )-improved Wilson quark action and a renormalization-group improved gauge action. Simulations are carried out on a 16 3 × 32 lattice at β = 1 . 9, where a − 1 ≃ 2 GeV, with 6 ud quark masses corresponding to m π /m ρ ≃ 0 . 64 – 0.77 and 2 s quark masses close to the physical value. We observe that the inclusion of dynamical strange quark brings the lattice QCD meson spectrum to good agreement with experiment. Dynamical strange quarks also lead to a reduction of the uds quark masses by about 15%.
The validity of quality of life questionnaires in capturing people's experience of living with asthma

At least six asthma-specific measures of health-related quality of life (HrQoL) exist. It is unclear what concepts of “quality of life” these instruments assess, how they compare psychometrically and what patients think of them. A structured review of six of these questionnaires found that they differ in almost all criteria considered (conceptual model, reliability, validity, interpretability, patient burden, translations). A mini version of the Juniper Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (Mini AQLQ-J) and the Sydney Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ-S) were psychometrically analysed, using data from an adult asthma trial (n=146). Strong correlations with asthma symptoms and asthma control suggest that the measures may not measure a distinct quality of life construct.
Retention of Nursing Faculty: Associate Degree Administrators' Perspectives

Retention of faculty is a complex and dynamic challenge for nursing education. Nursing is facing the growing dilemma of a shrinking population of current nursing faculty (AACN, 2012; Banks, 2012; Evans, 2013, & Proto & Dzurec, 2009). The lack of educators has implications for nursing research and the clinical nursing shortage. Research to better understand current challenges to retaining faculty and current successful faculty retention strategies is imperative for the academic environment in an effort to address the current nursing faculty shortage. There is limited study of Associate Degree faculty populations, yet they are responsible for a large percentage of graduates in Kansas and beyond. In the United States, 45.4 percent of registered nurses’ initial education is at the associate degree level (HRSA, 2010). Nursing schools are concerned about retention of current faculty and may have various strategies in place to promote retention. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to examine experiences and perceptions of academic leaders regarding the challenges and successes of current nursing faculty retention strategies at the associate level. A qualitative design was employed to discover the challenges and successes of current retention strategies being used by faculty leaders at the associate degree level. To better understand the academic leaders’ perspectives, an open-ended survey was developed based on literature findings that address the challenges of faculty retention. Using purposive sampling, members present at a meeting of the Kansas Council of Associate Degree Nurse Educators (KCADNE) were surveyed. After survey completion, two focus groups were completed with consenting participants. The focus groups followed a semi-structured format and were audio-taped with verbatim transcription performed after completion. On the basis of findings from the surveys and focus groups, codes, categories, and themes were created. The four themes identified from the focus group data analysis were:
Professional Learning in Sonography

The healthcare system is in a state of constant and rapid change as a result of the increase in scientific knowledge and rapid technological advances. To provide the best possible healthcare health practitioners must continue to learn throughout their working life. The notion that professionals must continually update their knowledge is not a new concept (1, 2). For example, Dubin (1 p.486) wrote of professionals: A highly trained person must constantly renew his knowledge. The goal is not merely to keep knowledge already acquired during the period of formal education. Much more than this - for past knowledge may become outdated - the aim is. self-renewal by keeping abreast of new knowledge that is constantly being added to by research and publication.
PER-OPERATIVE FINDINGS AND POST-OPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS WITH LAPAROSCOPIC APPENDICECTOMY

Objective: To study the per-operative findings and post-operative complications that arise with laparoscopic appendicectomy. Material and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted in Surgical “A” and Surgical “C” Unit of PGMI, Lady Reading Hospital from April 2006 to December 2008. Patients with acute appendicitis, short history, age ranges from 15 to 50 years and recurrent appendicitis were included in this study, while patients with appendicular mass, appendicular abscess, pregnancy and with previous abdominal surgery were excluded. All the data was collected by using a proforma. Data was analyzed by descriptive statistics. Results: Out of 60 patients admitted for Laparoscopic Appendicectomy (LA), 36(60%) were males and 24(40%) were females. Only 6(10%) patients required conversion from laparoscopic to open surgery. Problems and per-operative complications were encountered in 9(15%) patients. These were dense adhesions due to inflammation 4(6.66%), localized perforation 2(3.33%), diffuse peritonitis 2(3.33%) and bleeding during procedure 1(1.66%). Postoperative complications were seen in 5(8.33%) cases, out of which 2(3.33%) patients developed port site infection, 1(1.66%) patient developed postoperative ileus, 1(1.66%) patient developed partial bowel obstruction and 1(1.66%) patient presented with right iliac fossa abscess. There was no mortality. All patients resumed normal activity within 6-7 days of operation and were well satisfied up to median follow-up of 5-6 months. Conclusion: Majority of the patients were males. Per-operative findings were adhesions, perforation and peritonitis. Post-operative complications were port-site infection, ileus and bowel obstruction. Majority recovered within a week time.
Hygienic and Sanitary Conditions in the Hospital Foodservice: Relationship between Good Practices and Microbiological Quality

This study evaluated the hygienic and sanitary conditions of hospital kitchens, assessing good practices through a checklist and comparing the results to microbiological analyses. The good practices that were implemented in the hospital foodservices were evaluated through a checklist based on the current Brazilian legislation. Microbiological analyses of the air, water, utensils, surfaces and food handlers' hands were conducted. The air and water quality were adequate according to the checklist; however, the microbiological analyses of the water detected the presence of coliform bacteria in almost all tested samples. The air quality was also unsatisfactory based on the counts of aerobic mesophilic bacteria, mold and yeast. Even though the checklist assigned a “regular” in the hygienic classification, the utensils and surfaces had satisfactory hygienic results based on the aerobic mesophilic bacteria, mold and yeast counts. The hands of the food handlers tested positive for staphylococcus coagulase, suggesting flaws in their personal hygienic techniques, although the checklist indicated that these professionals were trained on a regular basis. The analysis of good practices in hospital meal preparation through checklists was not sufficiently sensitive for identifying microbiological risks. Practical Applications The importance of this study is in control of sanitary hygienic meals produced in hospitals. Because of the importance of proper meals in the recovery of patients, the objective of this study was to assess the hygiene and sanitation in hospital kitchens, relating the analysis of good practices through a checklist with microbiological analyses.
The effect of publishing hospital charges on healthcare costs: Evidence from Singapore

This paper examines the effect of publishing hospital charges on healthcare costs. We compare hospital charges before and after Singapore's Ministry of Health started publishing the statistics of hospital charges on its website in the late 2003. We do not find evidence of a decrease in healthcare costs. However, we find some evidence of an increase in cost dispersion, a decrease in patients' length of stay at hospitals, and an increase in hospital care cost per day.
Test-Retest Reliability of the Aerobic Power Index Test in Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

AbstractUse of maximal aerobic exercise testing in a chronically ill population may not only deter potential subjects from participating in trials, or returning for repeat trials, but may also result in the exacerbation of symptoms related to CFS. The Aerobic Power Index represents a submaximal exercise test that forms the aerobic component of the Tri-Level Fitness Profile. This incremental bike test has a predetermined termination point based on a target heart rate (THR) of 75% of age predicted heart rate maximum, making successful completion of the test more likely in chronically ill subjects. The aim of this study was to determine reliability of the Aerobic Power Index in 20 CFS subjects. Results for the 17 subjects who reached THR for both trials, demonstrated high reliability for watts per kilogram and oxygen uptake (ml*kg-1*min-1), as demonstrated by an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of . 97 and . 91, respectively, while RPE resulted in moderate reliability (ICC = .87). The results of this s.
A unified model of electroporation and molecular transport

Biological membranes form transient, conductive pores in r esponse to elevated transmembrane voltage, a phenomenon termed electroporation. These pores facilitate electrical and molecular transport across cell membranes that are normally impermea ble. By applying pulsed electric fields to cells, electroporation can be used to deliver nucleic aci ds, drugs, and other molecules into cells, making it a powerful research tool. Because of its widely dem onstrated utility for in vitro applications, researchers are increasingly investigating relate d in vivo clinical applications of electroporation, such as gene delivery, drug delivery, and tissue ablat ion. In this thesis, we describe a quantitative, mechanistic mod el f electroporation and concomitant molecular transport that can be used for guiding and interpr eting electroporation experiments and applications. The model comprises coupled mathematical de scriptions of electrical transport, electrodiffusive molecular transport, and pore dynamics. Where possib le, each of these components is independently validated against experimental results in t he li erature. We determine the response of a discretized cell system to an applied electric pulse by a ssembling the discretized transport relations into a large system of nonlinear di fferential equations that is e fficiently solved and analyzed with MATLAB. We validate the model by replicating in silico two sets of exp riments in the literature that measure electroporation-mediated transport of fluorescent pr obes. The model predictions of molecular uptake are in excellent agreement with these experimental m e surements, for which the applied electric pulses collectively span nearly three orders of ma gnitude in pulse duration (50 μs – 20 ms) and an order of magnitude in pulse magnitude (0 .3 – 3 kV/cm). The advantages of our theoretical approach are the ability t o (1) analyze in silico the same quantities that are measured by experimental studies in vitro, ( 2) simulate electroporation dynamics that are di fficult to assess experimentally, and (3) quickly screen a wide array of electric pulse waveforms for particular applications. We believe that our approach will contribute to a greater understanding of the mechanisms of electroporation and pro vide an in silico platform for guiding new experiments and applications. Thesis Supervisor: James C. Weaver, Ph.D. Title: Senior Research Scientist, Harvard-M.I. T. Divisio n f Health Sciences and Technology Dedicated to my family.
Intervention Cost-Effectiveness: Overview of Main Messages

Deeper understanding of the role of human health as a critical component of economic development has stimulated interest in improving the efficiency with which the modest health resources available in lowand middle-income countries (LMICs) are spent. In recent years, exponential growth in the number of economic evaluations of health interventions, spurred in part by the first edition of this volume (Jamison and others 1993), has created a wider knowledge base for evaluating the costs and benefits of interventions to enable better targeting of financial resources in the health sector (box 2.1). Although efficient spending on health has always been a desirable goal, it is particularly critical in the face of recent threats, such as HIV/AIDS and drug-resistant bacteria, as well as the problems presented by increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD), that threaten to roll back the significant health gains achieved in the past two decades. This book is an opportunity to assess anew the costs associated with and the health gains attainable from specific interventions and thereby better inform the allocation of new health funding. Drawing from the collective knowledge and analytical work of the many experts who have contributed to this volume, this chapter provides a broader perspective on the relative efficiency and effect on health of a number of interventions than is possible in a single, condition-specific chapter. The objective is to provide information on the cost-effectiveness estimates for 319 interventions covering nearly every disease condition considered in the volume, and the resulting avertable burden of disease. This chapter provides broad conclusions on the economic efficiency of using these interventions to improve health.
Dissecting the genetics of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) can be classified into two main subtypes: Crohn’s Disease (CD) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC). The aim of this study is to identify the genetic contribution to the susceptibility to IBD. In the first part of the study, I focused on Crohn’s Disease, the subtype that shows the greatest heritability. Using both pooled and sub-phenotype data, followed by replication, the results reveal substantial genetic heterogeneity and the total number of confirmed CD susceptibility loci was increased from 71 published by others to 200. This was achieved by analyzing the data using a multimarker approach and high-resolution genetic maps in Linkage Disequilibrium Units. In the second part of the study, I focused on Ulcerative Colitis. The results show that although UC has a lower reported heritability, many loci were also found for Ulcerative Colitis. Some of these overlap with those found for Crohn’s Disease.
Michelson interferometer operating at effects of first order with respect to v/c

In the first version of this paper (arXiv: 1003.2899v1, 15.03.2010) there is described first, traditional method of measuring the non-zero shift of interference fringe in the Michelson interferometer, operating on the effects of second order with respect to v/c, and are revealed hidden causes of the failure to measure the shift of interference fringe in the period from 1881 till 1960. It is shown that at the latitude of Obninsk within a 24-hour observation period the horizontal projection of aether wind velocity varies from 140 km/s to 480 km/s. The second version of this paper (arXiv: 1003.2899v2, 15.04.2010) is supplemented with a second method of finding the velocity of the aether wind -- through measuring the largest seasonal decrease in the ratio of the summer shift of the interference fringe to the winter one (equaled ~12%). It gave the same interval of values of the projections of the aether wind velocity as the first method. More than hundred years there persists a belief that Michelson-type interferometer can not be adjusted such as to detect effects of the first order with respect to v/c. Below I show that it is possible, and more successfully than on the interferometer of the second order. In contrast to the traditional approach, in the interferometer of the first order the light after splitting on a semi-transparent plate propagates in both arms to the reflecting mirrors in one optical medium, and returns after reflection from the mirrors through another optical medium. The shift of the interference fringe was found to be proportional to the difference of dielectric permittivities of these media. The horizontal projection of the Earth's velocity relative to luminiferous aether measured by the first order interferometer agrees with that found by the first two methods.