Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Preventing Suicide among Inpatients

Objective: Inpatient suicide comprises a proportionately small but clinically important fraction of suicide. This study is intended as a qualitative analysis of the comprehensive English literature, highlighting what is known and what can be done to prevent inpatient suicide. Method: A systematic search was conducted on the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Web of Knowledge, and a personal database for articles on cohort series, preferably controlled, of inpatient suicide (not deliberate self-harm or attempted suicide, unless they also dealt specifically with suicide data). Results: A qualitative discussion is presented, based on the findings of the literature searched. Conclusions: The bulk of inpatient suicides actually occur not on the ward but off premises, when the patient was on leave or had absconded. Peaks occur shortly after admission and discharge. It is possible to reduce suicide risk on the ward by having a safe environment, optimizing patient visibility, supervising patients appropriately, careful assessment, awareness of and respect for suicide risk, good teamwork and communication, and adequate clinical treatment.
Measurement of absolute blood flow velocity and blood flow in the human retina by dual-beam bidirectional Doppler fourier-domain optical coherence tomography.

PURPOSE The present experiments were undertaken to evaluate the validity of absolute flow velocity measurements with a dual-beam bidirectional Doppler Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT) system. METHODS The flow velocities of diluted milk through a glass capillary were measured at 30 different preset velocities in the range of 0.9 to 39.3 mm/s by bidirectional Doppler FD-OCT. The flow through the capillary was controlled by two infusion pumps working in different flow ranges and based on different technical principles. In vivo the validity of the method for measuring blood flow in retinal vessels was tested at bifurcations. The continuity equation was verified at 10 retinal venous bifurcations of 10 young healthy subjects (mean age, 29 ± 3 years) by velocity measurements, using dual-beam bidirectional Doppler FD-OCT, and measurements of retinal diameters, using the Dynamic Vessel Analyzer. RESULTS Flow velocities as measured with bidirectional Doppler FD-OCT in the glass capillary were in good agreement with the preset velocities (r = 0.994, P < 0.001 each). No significant difference was found between flow in the trunk vessels before the bifurcation (11.3 ± 5.2 μL/min) and the sum of flows in the daughter vessels (10.7 ± 4.8 μL/min). A significant association was found between retinal vessel diameters and both retinal blood velocities (r = 0.72, P < 0.001) and retinal blood flow (r = 0.95, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Dual-beam bidirectional Doppler FD-OCT delivered accurate retinal blood velocity values and, thus, offers high potential for examination of retinal blood flow in ocular disease.
Using Hierarchical Cluster Analysis to Generate Clusters of Agile Practices

Agile software development methodologies consist of a set of software practices that can help organizations to produce products faster and deliver what customers want. Despite the benefits they gain from adopting agile practice, organizations could maximize the benefits gained by adopting correlated practices. There is a lack of study on the identification of clusters of independent practices. This paper focuses on identifying clusters of agile practices in software startups in Saudi Arabia. The study was conducted using a questionnaire with 76 software practitioners from software startups in Saudi Arabia. In this paper, 20 agile practices were analyzed using hierarchical cluster analysis. The analysis generated four clusters: Each was associated with a list of practices. These clusters can be used as a guide for agile method tailoring that helps to identify the inter-relationship between different agile practices. The clusters were labeled as project management, quality assurance, team communication, and incremental and iterative clusters. The results can be used to study the co-dependence of agile practices in depth. Moreover, the study can help adopters from similar domains as well as companies with limited resources and experience frequent changes in requirements to adopt these agile practice clusters.
Ten-year experience of pulsed intravenous cyclophosphamide and methylprednisolone protocol (PICM protocol) in severe ocular inflammatory disease

Aims Severe ocular inflammation is a blinding ophthalmological emergency. This study evaluates the efficacy and patient tolerance of a validated regime of pulsed intravenous cyclophosphamide and methylprednisolone (‘PICM protocol’) for these patients. Methods 26 patients with severe inflammatory eye disease (43 eyes: 22 uveitis, 21 scleritis/sclerokeratitis; median age 52 years (IQR 40.25–62.25)) presenting to a regional tertiary referral centre were recruited over a 10-year period (January 2002–December 2011) into the PICM protocol, comprising intravenous cyclophosphamide 15 mg/kg, intravenous methylprednisolone 10 mg/kg, maximum nine pulses over 20 weeks supplemented with low-dose continuous oral prednisolone. Data were captured pretreatment and at 6 and 12 months follow-up. Primary outcome measures were control of inflammation according to standard criteria and reduction in systemic glucocorticoid to ≤10 mg prednisolone/day. Results A median of six pulses (IQR 5–6) were administered over a median of 3 months (IQR 2.25–4). In the scleritis/sclerokeratitis group, 15/21(71%) achieved success or partial success at 6 and 12 months versus 9/22 (41%) for the same time points in the uveitis group (χ2=4.058, p=0.044). Two patients had adverse events requiring treatment withdrawal. Conclusions This PICM protocol is a well-tolerated regimen for managing severe ocular inflammation and appears particularly useful in patients with scleritis/sclerokeratitis.
Effect of indomethacin and aspirin on uterine activity in pregnant rats: comparison of circular and longitudinal muscle.

This study compares the effects of two inhibitors of prostaglandin synthesis, indomethacin and aspirin, on the longitudinal muscle (LM) and circular muscle (CM) of the rat uterus. Microelectrode and tension records were obtained from LM and CM strips isolated from uteri of normal animals on gestation Days 17-21 and during delivery and on the drug-treated rats on Days 2 1-22. In normal pregnant rats the pattern of spontaneous uterine activity changes progressively throughout gestation. The changes are most prominent in the CM and consist of a gradual decline in membrane potential and alteration in the configuration of the action potential from a plateau-type, single spike (Day 17) to repetitive spikes synchronous with contraction (Day 21 and delivering). Although the frequency of contraction declines over this period, the contractions become longer and more regular and synchronize with spike trains as pregnancy progresses. Indomethacin and aspirin delayed parturition by at least 24 h and prevented the “evolution” of the electrical and mechanical activity in both LM and CM. The actions of these agents were different in the two muscle layers and were unique for each drug. While our results do not exclude the possibility that inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis is one component of the actions of indomethacin and aspirin, they also suggest that the drugs have additional effects of their own. The study also emphasizes differences in the activity of the LM and CM in the rat uterus not only during pregnancy but also with respect to the actions of various drugs.
Novel MAF mutation in a family with congenital cataract-microcornea syndrome.

PURPOSE To further unravel the molecular genetic background for the association congenital cataract-microcornea (CCMC). METHODS DNA variation was pointed out by direct DNA sequencing of 13 lens-expressed cataract genes from three CCMC families and one isolated case. The mutation screening included seven crystalline genes, two gap junction protein genes, and four lens expressed regulatory genes. RESULTS A DNA variation in the basic leucine zipper transcription factor V-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog gene (MAF) was identified in one family. The mutation c.895C>A changes arginine 299 to a serine residue, and the substitution destroys the basic region of the DNA binding domain of MAF leucine-zipper. Mutations were not identified in the remaining CCMC patients. CONCLUSIONS One novel mutation affecting a known cataract gene was identified among four unrelated individuals with presumed autosomal dominant congenital cataract-microcornea syndrome. The MAF mutation p.Arg299Ser is the third mutation identified in association with the CCMC phenotype, and all three mutations are located in the basic region of the DNA binding domain in the MAF protein (OMIM 177075). This suggests that the basic region is a hot spot domain for CCMC associated mutations. The identification of a novel mutation associated with the distinct cataract-microcornea phenotype adds a new brick to the puzzle of molecular modeling of the lens-anterior segment structures.
Feedback control of separated flows(invited)

We are developing feedback control methods based on the use of Proper Orthogonal Decomposition POD and Modified Linear Stochastic Measurement mLSM for the flow over a NACA 4412 airfoil. By using a combination of Particle Image Velocimetry PIV and multiple surface pressure measurements, processed through a POD/mLSM algorithm, estimates of the velocity field from wall pressure alone are extracted. From such estimates knowledge of the state of the flow above the airfoil can be obtained (i.e., attached, fully separated or incipiently separated). Integral to the POD/mLSM algorithm is the measurement estimation of the global POD coefficients. Here we demonstrate for the first time the utility of these time dependent coefficients, which are estimated from surface pressure only, for use in a simple proportional feedback loop (as the time series to drive the actuators) to keep the flow attached. What is particularly exciting is that we are having success in a flow that is turbulent and incipiently separated. This methodology is critical for implementation of realistic feedback flow control since surface measurements and not inflow measurements are required for most practical applications.
Experimental Investigation of Turbulent Heat Transfer of High Prandtl Number Fluid Flow Under Strong Magnetic Field

Abstract An investigation of MHD effects on Flibe simulant fluid (aqueous potassium hydroxide solution) flows has been conducted under the U.S.-Japan JUPITER-II collaboration program using “FLIHY” pipe flow facility at UCLA. Mean and fluctuating temperature profiles in a conducting wall pipe were measured for low Reynolds number turbulent flows using a thermocouples probe at constant heat flux condition. It is suggested that the temperature profiles are characterized by interaction between turbulence production, turbulence suppression due to magnetic field and thermal stratification occurred even under the situation where quite small temperature difference exists in the pipe cross-section.
Re-examining the Profitability of Moving Average Rules in Various Financial Markets

Previous studies find evidence both in favor and against the usefulness of the moving average (MA) strategies, while a final conclusion is yet to be made. This thesis investigates the performance of MA strategies versus the passive buy-and-hold (BH) strategy, in the commodity, currency, stock and bond markets. To measure the outperformance, we simulate the out-of-sample returns to the MA strategies for all four financial markets. Moreover, possibly for the first time, we provide out-of-sample tests of the performance of MA strategies when a sell signal is a signal to short the underlying asset. In addition, we use a combination of many trading rules and MAs. Our findings are that MA strategies statistically significantly outperform the BH strategy in the commodity markets, and seem to perform well in the currency markets. In the stock and bond markets, the MA strategies do not work well, and even underperform the BH strategy in some cases. For the MA strategies with short sales, we find similar remarks regarding the outperformance, but the risk and mean returns are higher in general. Additionally, we observe that MA strategies rely on bear market states to outperform the BH strategy.
PMSM drives sensorless position control with signal injection and neural filtering

Vector Field Oriented Control (FOC) is one of the best control methods for high-dynamic electrical drives. To avoid the adoption of the speed/position sensor (resolver/encoder), a sensorless technique should be used. Among the various sensorless methods in literature, those based on machine saliency detection by signal injection seem to be most useful for thier giving the possibility of closing the position control loop. This paper proposes a method for enhancing both rotating and pulsating voltage carrier injection methods by a neural adaptive band filter. Results show the goodness of the proposed solution.
In vitro susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to carbenicillin, glycine, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid combinations

Striking bacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa 9D-2 was achieved by glycine-carbenicillin, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid-carbenicillin, and glycine-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid combinations, whereas none of the agents used alone was capable of the same degree of bactericidal activity. Studies using a microtiter modification of the checkerboard technique were performed to evaluate the comparative activity of these antimicrobial combinations. Isobolograms showed synergistic effects with carbenicillin-glycine, carbenicillin-ethylene-diaminetetraacetic acid, and glycine-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid combinations. Bacterial growth inhibitory curves with subinhibitory concentrations of these agents in combination confirmed these findings.
In vitro evaluation of the microbial contamination on new toothbrushes: A preliminary study

Objective: The presence and survival of microorganisms on toothbrush bristles might play a role on the etiology of oral infections. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the presence of bacterial contamination on new toothbrushes before oral contact. Materials and methods: Forty toothbrushes from five different manufacturers were used in this experimental study. Each manufacturer was divided according to conventional local of obtaining: industry, drugstore, market, and perfumery. The toothbrush heads were completely immersed into tubes containing 5.0 mL of sterile peptonated water (dilution 1:10). A group of eight tubes containing the sterile solution was used as control. After 21 days of anaerobic incubation, occurrence of contamination was visually evaluated and confirmed by light microscopy. Results: Bacterial growth in the medium, indicative of bristles contamination, was found in a total of 19 out of 40 samples (47.5%) evaluated: 6 out of 14 samples (42.85%) from industry group, 4 out of 8 samples (50.0%) from drugstore, 5 out of 10 samples (50.0%) from market, and 4 out of 8 samples (50.0%) from perfumery. Only the toothbrushes with bristles coated with chlorhexidine did not show contamination. The Gram‐negative sporulating bacilli were the most prevalent form recovered. Conclusions: Except for chlorhexidine group, bacterial growth was observed in all groups evaluated irrespective local of obtaining. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Power of variance component linkage analysis to detect quantitative trait loci

Expressions are derived for the sample size required to achieve a given power in variance component linkage analysis of a quantitative trait in unascertained samples. For simplicity an additive model, comprising effects due to a single QTL, residual additive genetic factors, and individual‐specific random environmental variation, is considered. Equations are given relating sample size to trait heritability for sibpairs, sib trios, nuclear families having two and three sibs, and arbitrary relative pairs. The effects of nonzero residual additive genetic variance and parental information are discussed, and a scale relationship for sample sizes with sibships and nuclear families is derived. For larger sampling structures such as extended pedigrees the inheritance space is randomly sampled and the relevant equations are solved numerically. Comparative power curves are presented for sibships of size 2–4 and for an extended pedigree of 48 individuals. Simulation results for sibpairs confirm the validity of the theoretical results.
Developing an Electricity Specific Multi-Regional Input-Output Model for Energy Policy Evaluation and Life Cycle Assessment

Input-output (IO) models have been used in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to help understand the economy-wide impacts of goods and services, expanding the boundaries of more traditional process-based studies. IO models are particularly suitable for studies focusing on industries that are part of the supply chain of many other processes, as is the case with electricity generation. However, existing IO-LCA tools usually fail to account for the large variation in regional electricity consumption mixes within the economies they describe, providing only average emissions estimates for electricity use. Using average emissions estimates can lead to misleading results when studying a process that differs significantly from the economy-wide mix. This dissertation addresses this shortcoming by creating a multi-region input-output model (MRIO) focusing on the power generation and supply (PGS) sector that features a mixed-unit PGS sector disaggregated by generation type. The sector disaggregation procedure is combined with region-specific electricity information as well as electricity trading data to yield a technologically and geographically disaggregated model. This method allows for better modeling of both regional supply chains and emissions, yielding for region specific estimates that can be used with process-based methods to build more accurate hybrid LCA studies. While the focus is on the U.S. economy, the methodology can be easily adapted to any region(s) for which the relevant data is available. The model is used explored in two different cases studies. First, environmental effects of national and regional changes in electricity consumption are analyzed using electricity projections to the year 2030. This scenario examines changes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and water consumption (WC) by state and industry given the projected changes. The results show that tradeoffs between GHG and WC emissions per MWh differ for specific states and industries. The second case study looks at the use of electricity by data centers, both at a regional scale and from a practical business perspective, and explores the possible tradeoffs related to switch from regional grid electricity to dedicated renewable sources for operating data centers. The results focus on the effect that geographic distribution of data centers in the U.S. have on their emissions.
Alliance Capability, Governance Mechanisms And Stakeholder Management In Complex Settings

In today’s business environment, inter-firm alliances of simultaneous cooperation and competition (IASCC) have become very important for enhancement of internal resources as well as market shares of firms. Evidence suggests that majority of the alliances today occur between competitors or within the same industry. Given the increasing importance and complexity of IASCC, issues of stakeholder management and governance structures in such alliances need to be more clearly understood. Using primary data collected from Indian firms in different sectors, this paper explores the antecedents of governance mechanisms in IASCC from a stakeholder perspective by viewing alliance partners as stakeholders. It is argued that alliance capabilities are important determinants of governance structures. Moreover, the role of these capabilities is moderated by the strategic context of the IASCC in determining the nature of governance structures.
The effect of body heating on the circulation in skin and muscle

The blood flow in the human forearm increases when the body temperature is raised by heating. The problem is to determine whether the increase is occurring in skin, or in muscle, or in both. Barcroft, Bonnar & Edholm (1947) studied the effect ofbody heating on the forearm blood flow after the cutaneous circulation had been suppressed by the iontophoresis of adrenaline. They came to the conclusion that the greater part of the increased flow was due to dilatation of the muscle blood vessels. Subsequently, similar experiments, with some modification in technique, showed that the increase in the skin blood flow on body heating was apparently much greater than the earlier work suggested (Cooper, Edholm, Fletcher, Fox & Macpherson, 1954). In fact, the increase in the skin blood flow was so large it seemed possible that with further refinements of technique the whole of the increase might be found to be passing through the skin. The experiments to be described were performed in an attempt to decide this point.
Parallel Sentiment Analysis with Storm

In the era of big data, huge volumes of data are generated from online social networks, sensor networks, mobile devices, and organizations’ enterprise systems. This phenomenon provides organizations with unprecedented opportunities to tap into big data to mine valuable business intelligence. However, traditional business analytics methods may not be able to cope with the flood of big data. The main contribution of this paper is the illustration of the development of a novel big data analytics framework named ASMF that leverages a probabilistic language model to analyze the consumer sentiments embedded in hundreds of millions of online product reviews. In particular, an inference model is embedded into the classical language modeling framework to enhance the prediction of consumer sentiments. The practical implication of our research work is that organizations can apply our big data analytics framework to analyze consumers’ product preferences, and hence develop more effective marketing and production strategies.
The prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in relatives of severe trauma patients admitted to the intensive care unit

Aim: To study the prevalence of symptoms suggestive of post-traumatic stress disorder in relatives of severe trauma patients admitted to the ICU. Materials and Methods: 177 relatives of trauma patients admitted to the ICU were studied to evaluate the negative psychological impact resulting from this admission by using the impact of event scale-revised [IES-R]. About 76 of these relatives could be followed up again with questionnaire after 2 years. Result: Of the 177 relatives, 85 (48%) were males and 92 (52%) females with no statistically significant difference in their scores. About 7 days after admission, 34-54% of the 177 relatives had moderate and 19-41% had severe symptoms suggestive of PTSD. For the 76 relatives who participated in both 2002 and 2004, symptoms suggestive of PTSD were moderate in 39-61% and severe in 12-39% initially. After 2 years the scores were moderate in 12-14% and severe in 4-5%. Maximum scores amongst the three subscales were for hyperarrousal symptom with mean scores of 2.1±1. In the group-which could be followed up after 2 years, initially 79% of the respondents had sum of IES-R scores ? 26 suggesting severe symptoms, which declined to 14% after 2 years. Conclusion: Findings of this study suggest that 79% of the relatives of severe trauma patients develop PTSD symptoms following ICU admission. In most, the scores reduced with time but 14% continued to have severe scores at the end of 2 years suggesting the presence of persisting psychological disturbance in them.