Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Towards an outcomes-based system.

THE DILEMMA over how best to satisfy unlimited demand with limited resources is the core problem of health care funding, management and politics. Governments and health authorities have struggled with the conflict throughout history and dealt with it with varying degrees of sophistication and success. Current strategies in Australia predominantly involve limiting supply by limiting access, most commonly by limiting workforce, physical facilities, equipment, pharmaceuticals and operating funding, in any combination. Application of these strategies inevitably results in delays in service or non-provision of service for some. While such a pragmatic approach to the problem is effective for the purpose of financial control, it causes funding tensions and is a weak system for ensuring that the limited resources are used to best effect. Casemix funding is well established in Australia, but is primarily used in an attempt to equitably distribute available resources. Although it is touted as a system for funding output, it is a simplistic and inaccurate system based on weighted throughput of patients and makes no attempt to take into account the effectiveness of services provided.
Arterial stiffness and endothelial inflammation in prediabetes and newly diagnosed diabetes patients.

OBJECTIVE There is a growing body of data supporting the association between diabetes and microcirculatory disfunction. We aimed to study e-selectin levels, and their associations with serum markers of inflammation and arterial stiffness in prediabetes and newly diagnosed diabetes patients in this study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Sixty patients (25 females) with a newly established elevated fasting serum glucose [20 impaired fasting glucose (IFG), 20 impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), 20 newly diagnosed diabetes (T2DM)] and 17 healthy controls (13 females) were included in the study. Serum e-selectin and hs-CRP levels, and arterial stiffness parameters of the patients were studied. RESULTS Fasting serum glucose was the most important predictor of serum e-selectin levels. Pulse wave velocity and central aortic pressures were significantly higher in IFG, IGT and T2DM groups, compared to controls (p = 0.001, < 0.001, 0.013 and 0.015, 0.002, 0.009, respectively). The mean arterial pressure did not show any significant association with serum e-selectin and hs-CRP levels (β coefficient: 0.092, p = 0.358; and β coefficient: 0.189, p = 0.362, respectively). CONCLUSION Prediabetes patients have increasing e-selectin levels through the diagnosis of T2DM. E-selectin is associated with serum glucose levels. Prediabetic and newly diagnosed diabetics have higher arterial stiffness measurements. Serum e-selectin may be a good marker of endothelial inflammation and dysfunction increasing in parallel with serum glucose levels, predicting future cardiovascular events.
Carbon nanotube-like materials in the exhaust from a diesel engine using gas oil/ethanol mixing fuel with catalysts and sulfur

ABSTRACT Particulate matter from a diesel engine, including soot and carbon nanomaterials, was collected on a sampling holder and the structure of the materials was studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). As a result of employing gas oil/ethanol mixing fuel with sulfur and ferrocene/molybdenum as catalyst sources, formation of carbon nanotubes (CNT)-like materials in addition to soot was observed in the exhaust gas from a diesel engine. It was revealed that CNT-like materials were included among soot in our system only when the following three conditions were satisfied simultaneously: high ethanol fraction in fuel, high sulfur loading, and presence of catalyst sources in fuel. This study confirmed that if at least one of these three conditions was not satisfied, CNT-like materials were not observed in the exhaust from a diesel engine. These experimental results shown in this work provide insights into understanding CNT-like material formation mechanism in a diesel engine. Implications: Recent papers reported that carbon nanotube-like materials were included in the exhaust gas from engines, but conditions for carbon nanotube-like material formation have not been well studied. This work provides the required conditions for carbon nanotube-like material growth in a diesel engine, and this will be helpful for understanding the carbon nanotube-like material formation mechanism and taking countermeasures to preventing carbon nanotube-like material formation in a diesel engine.
NONLINEAR CONTROL SYSTEMS MODELLING USING LOCAL LINEAR MAPPINGS

Abstract In this paper new nonlinear control systems modelling methodology is presented. The nonlinear system is given in the form of NARX model. Modelling method is based on decomposition of the nonlinear function (right-hand side of the NARX model) into multiple local linear mappings. These mappings are represented by a self-organising neural network and a local linear mapping is associated with each neuron. The network is trained by a combination of vector quantisation and Winner Takes Most procedure. The application of the proposed method to modelling of nonlinear control system is also given.
Those who ignore the past

SIR—In his editorial ‘Inappropriate perioperative fluid management in children: time for a solution? ’ Lönnqvist (1) recommended a solution containing 0.9% glucose and 120 mmolÆl of sodium (2) as an almost ‘fool-proof’ and ‘golden compromise’. We agree that such a solution should contain firstly a glucose concentration (i.e., 1–2%) high enough to avoid hypoglycemia and low enough not to cause significant hyperglycemia and secondly an electrolyte pattern and osmolarity very close to normal physiological extracellular levels. But is the proposed solution really ‘golden’ when it comes to overcoming iatrogenic hyponatremia and acid–base disorders? First, the in vitro osmolarity (the sum of cations and anions including glucose: 307 mosmolÆl) of the proposed solution is nearly identical to that of ‘normal’ saline (308 mosmolÆl). What counts, however, is the osmolarity that is effective in vivo rather than that measured in vitro (3). Glucose enters very rapidly into the intracellular space to be metabolized there and, therefore, in vivo the solution becomes clearly hypotonic (256 mosmolÆl). Second, the lactate concentration of the solution (20.7 mmolÆl) is below the physiological bicarbonate concentration (24 mmolÆl). In vivo, lactate metabolism leads to the release of equimolar amounts of bicarbonate and, therefore, theoretically a high volume infusion of this solution may produce dilutional acidosis. Third, for stabilization of the acid–base status, acetate may be preferable to lactate because it is metabolized significantly faster, more independently of hepatic function, with a lower increase in oxygen consumption and no interference with the diagnostic use of lactate as a marker of low tissue perfusion. From our point of view an almost ‘fool-proof’ solution should be really isotonic with a physiological electrolyte pattern and acetate as a bicarbonate precursor in order to prevent acid–base imbalances. Would it not be more rational to use perioperatively such an isotonic electrolyte solution with 1% glucose added (6 ml glucose 40% in 250 ml isotonic solution)? Indeed, this has proved to be an almost ‘fool-proof’ solution in many of our children’s hospitals for several years and we, in fact, recommended it in our recent guidelines (4). Unfortunately, it has not been possible to find a pharmaceutical company that would be willing to take up this idea because in this case, the cost of clinical studies necessary for approval will be greater than the potential return on investment. Therefore, we filed an application for standard approval with the German regulatory agency, ‘Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte’, Bonn, Germany, and this application is currently under regulatory review! Robert Sümpelmann Harold Hollnberger Jurgen Schmidt Jochen Strauss Rolf Zander Wissenschaftlicher Arbeitskreis Kinderanästhesie der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Anästhesiologie und Intensivmedizin (email: suempelmann.robert@mh-hannover.de)
Reduced steroidogenesis in patients with PCDH19‐female limited epilepsy

Patients affected by protocadherin 19 (PCDH19)–female limited epilepsy (PCDH19‐FE) present a remarkable reduction in allopregnanolone blood levels. However, no information is available on other neuroactive steroids and the steroidogenic response to hormonal stimulation. For this reason, we evaluated allopregnanolone, pregnanolone, and pregnenolone sulfate by liquid chromatographic procedures coupled with electrospray tandem mass spectrometry in 12 unrelated patients and 15 age‐matched controls. We also tested cortisol, estradiol, progesterone, and 17OH‐progesterone using standard immunoassays. Apart from estradiol and progesterone, all the considered hormones were evaluated in basal condition and after stimulation with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). A generalized decrease in blood levels of almost all measured neuroactive steroids was found. When considering sexual development, cortisol and pregnenolone sulfate basal levels were significantly reduced in postpubertal girls affected by PCDH19‐FE. Of interest, ACTH administration did not recover pregnenolone sulfate serum levels but restored cortisol to control levels. In prepubertal girls with PCDH19‐FE, by challenging adrenal function with ACTH we disclosed defects in the production of cortisol, pregnenolone sulfate, and 17OH‐progesterone, which were not apparent in basal condition. These findings point to multiple defects in peripheral steroidogenesis associated with and potentially relevant to PCDH19‐FE. Some of these defects could be addressed by stimulating adrenocortical activity.
Non-small cell lung cancer staging: efficacy comparison of integrated PET/CT versus 3.0-T whole-body MR imaging.

PURPOSE To compare prospectively the diagnostic efficacies of integrated positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) and 3.0-T whole-body magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for determining TNM stages in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MATERIALS AND METHODS Institutional review board approval and informed consent were obtained. The study included 165 patients (125 men, 40 women; mean age, 61 years) with NSCLC proved at pathologic examination who underwent both unenhanced PET/CT and whole-body MR imaging. Pathologic findings for T (n = 123) and N (n = 150) staging and pathologic or follow-up imaging findings (n = 154) for M staging were reference standards. The efficacies of PET/CT and whole-body MR imaging for lung cancer staging were compared by using the McNemar test. RESULTS Primary tumors (n = 123 patients) were correctly staged in 101 (82%) patients at PET/CT and in 106 (86%) patients at whole-body MR imaging (P = .263). N stages (n = 150 patients) were correctly determined in 105 (70%) patients at PET/CT and in 102 (68%) patients at whole-body MR imaging (P = .880). Thirty-one (20%) of 154 patients had metastatic lesions. Accuracy for detecting metastases was 86% (133 of 154 patients) at PET/CT, and that at whole-body MR imaging was 86% (132 of 154 patients) (P > .99). Although the differences were not statistically significant, whole-body MR imaging was more useful for detecting brain and hepatic metastases, whereas PET/CT was more useful for detecting lymph node and soft-tissue metastases. CONCLUSION Both PET/CT and 3.0-T whole-body MR imaging appear to provide acceptable accuracy and comparable efficacy for NSCLC staging, but for M-stage determination, each modality has its own advantages.
Homotypic Interaction of Bunyamwera Virus Nucleocapsid Protein

ABSTRACT The bunyavirus nucleocapsid protein, N, plays a central role in viral replication in encapsidating the three genomic RNA segments to form functional templates for transcription and replication by the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Here we report functional mapping of interacting domains of the Bunyamwera orthobunyavirus N protein by yeast and mammalian two-hybrid systems, immunoprecipitation experiments, and chemical cross-linking studies. N forms a range of multimers from dimers to high-molecular-weight structures, independently of the presence of RNA. Deletion of the N- or C-terminal domains resulted in loss of activity in a minireplicon assay and a decreased capacity for N to form higher multimers. Our data suggest a head-to-head and tail-to-tail multimerization model for the orthobunyavirus N protein.
Intrinsic Switching Behavior in HfO2 RRAM by Fast Electrical Measurements on Novel 2R Test Structures

In this work, we present a detailed electrical characterization of TiN\HfO2\Hf\TiN RRAM elements, and show for the first time the intrinsic switching characteristics in the low current operation regime (100uA till few uA's) of small scaled cells (20nm) under DC and fast ramps (up to 1MV/s) condition, using a newly proposed 2R test structure. The main characteristic parameters of the SET and RESET switching are defined and their speed dependence is characterized. Resistance decrease during SET is observed to occur at a constant voltage Vtrans, while symmetrically RESET process starts at -Vtrans. With reducing operation current, mean values of the symmetric SET and RESET transition voltages remain unchanged but their spread strongly increases. The actual I-V characteristics show discrete current jumps and non-linear quantum-mechanical conduction is evidenced and more pronounced at smaller currents. Increasing the ramp rate increases the SET and RESET transition voltage logarithmically with a concomitant reduction of the HRS resistance. These measurements allow for a better insight and understanding of the dynamic switching properties in low-current, ultra-scaled RRAM cells.
BIOMASS GASIFICATION IN FLUIDIZED BED GASIFIERS

Using woody biomass as a resource for production of biofuel, heat and power through gasification has been studied for years. In order to reduce the cost of operating and to design the full-scale gasification plant developing a general model to be applicable for different ranges of input data with acceptable level of accuracy, is needed. In order to develop such model for the gasifier, as the main component in the process, three major models have been studied in this thesis; theoretical model (Equilibrium model), semi-empirical model (modified equilibrium model, kinetic combined with hydrodynamic model) and empirical model (statistical model). Equilibrium model (EM), shows low accuracy in predicting the content ofmajor components in product gas especially CH4 and CO. Therefore to improve the accuracy of prediction modification of EM is needed. Analyzing the semi-empirical approaches show that although the accuracy of EM can be improved, the generality of the modified models are still low. Therefore two new modified models have been developed. The first model is based on including data from wider range of operating condition to develop the empirical equation. The second model is based on combining QET and reaction kinetics for char gasification approaches. The first model decreases the overall error from 44% to 31% while the overall error of second model is decreased from 36% to 8%. Other semi-empirical model for fluidized bed gasifiers which is not equilibrium-based is developed by combining reaction kinetics with hydrodynamic equations. Investigating different hydrodynamic models show that combining twophase-structure model with reaction kinetics for bubbling fluidized bed gasifiers improves the accuracy of the kinetic-only model. The third type of approaches, investigated in this thesis, towards developing a general model is the empirical model. This model has been developed based on Partial least square (PLS) approach. The PLSR model show high level of accuracy within the specific range of empirical data used for developing the model. Further analysis on the experimental dataset by PLS-R model show that equivalence ratio (ER) is the operating parameter with the most significant impact on the performance of fluidized bed gasifiers. Optimizing the operation of fluidized bed gasifiers based on this model shows that high gas quality (high volume fraction of H2, CO and CH4 and low volume fraction of CO2), high carbon conversion and low tar yield is achieved when ER≈0.3, Steam to Biomass ratio≈0.7, moisture content≈9% and particle size≈3mm and olivine is the bed material. ISBN 978-91-7485-296-7 ISSN 1651-4238 To my mother and father, that love me unconditionally
Measuring the Evolution of Automotive Software Models and Meta-Models to Support Faster Adoption of New Architectural Features

Background: The ever-increasing amount of software in cars today combined with high market competition demands fast adoption of new software solutions in car development projects. One challenge in enabling such a fast adoption is to develop the architecture and models of the automotive software systems in a structured and controlled way. Objective: The main objective of this thesis was to enable the fast utilization of new architectural features in automotive software models. This was achieved by developing methods and tools to analyze the evolution of the domain-specific meta-models that are used to define the language of software models and their features. In particular, we wanted to identify the underlying changes caused by meta-model evolution related to a specific set of architectural features and assess their impact on both the architectural models and modeling tools used by different roles (e.g., the Original Equipment Manufacturers, OEMs, and their suppliers) in the development process. Method: We achieved our objective by conducting an action research project in close collaboration with the Volvo Car Group (Volvo Cars) and the consortium of the AUTOSAR standard, which aims to standardize the architecture of automotive software systems. This collaboration facilitates fast feedback from experts in the field on the problems, ideas and methods we developed in the course of this research, thereby enabling the validation of the research results and proposed methods in on-going development projects, i.e., their direct application in the industry. Results: We identified the most suitable software measures for measuring the evolution of both the automotive software models and meta-models. The calculation and presentation of the measurement results were done with the support of two, newly-developed tools. We also developed a method for the automated identification of an optimal set of new architectural features that should be adopted in development projects to facilitate the decision-making process concerning the selection of which of these new features would be adopted. Conclusion: We applied the developed methods and tools to the architectural models and meta-models used at Volvo Cars and concluded that they provide valuable input for the decision-making process concerning which new versions of the standardized meta-model should be used in different projects. We also concluded that these methods and tools can facilitate the assessment of the impact of adopting new architectural features on the different roles involved in the development process.
Properties of Baculovirus Particles Displaying GFP Analyzed by Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy

Abstract Recombinant baculovirus particles displaying green fluorescent protein (GFP) fused to the major envelope glycoprotein gp64 of the Autographa californica multicapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) were characterized by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS). FCS detected Brownian motion of single, intact recombinant baculovirus display particles with a diffusion coefficient (D) of (2.89±0.74)10 8 cm2s 1 and an apparent hydrodynamic radius of 83.35±21.22 nm. In the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), Triton X-100, and octylglucoside, the diffusion time was reduced to the 0.2 ms range (D = 7.5710 7 cm2s 1), showing that the fusion proteins were anchored in the viral envelope. This allowed for a calculation of the number of single gp64 fusion proteins incorporated in the viral membrane. A mean value of 3.2 fluorescent proteins per virus particle was obtained. Our results show that FCS is the method of choice for studying enveloped viruses such as a display virus with one component being GFP.
The prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in the patients visiting a dental school in Northern India in relation to sex, site and distribution: A retrospective study.

Objective: To determine the distribution of oro-mucosal lesions in patients of Maharishi Markendeshwer College of Dental Sciences and Research, (MMCDSR), Mullana. Further to identify sex predilection and different sites which are more susceptible to different oro-mucosal lesions. Materials and methods: A hospital based retrospective study was carried out from 1st January 2007 till 31st December 2009 at (MMCDSR), Mullana. A total of 451 biopsy reports were studied. Distribution and prevalence of oro-mucosal lesions among the data were analyzed using SPSS software package version 13. Results: There was no mention of habits in the biopsy reports of 85.4 % (385 patients) of the subjects. Out of the 66 subjects whose habits were mentioned, 71.2 % (47 patients) used to smoke tobacco in one form or the other. 21.2 % (14 patients) used to chew tobacco, 4.5 % (3 patients) of the subjects were in the habit of both smoking and chewing tobacco. More percentage of females 53.1 % were present in the age-group of 11-20 years as compared to males 46.9 % whereas in all other age-groups males were more in number. Regarding the distribution of oral lesions in the oral cavity, buccal mucosa was the common site for the presence of potentially malignant disorders in 16.8 % of the subjects and it was also the most common site for all the lesions. Conclusion: Lesion prevalence differed significantly by age, sex, and tobacco use. Individual demographic details such as age, gender, occupation, food habits, other deleterious oral habits, religion and oral hygiene measures should have a provision in biopsy request sheet and should be duly filled which will help in identifying risk-groups. Community programmes should be taken for public health to get them screened for any oral-mucosal lesions by availing pathological lab facilities.