Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
National Differences in Trends for Heart Failure Hospitalizations by Sex and Race/Ethnicity

Background— National heart failure (HF) hospitalization rates have not been appropriately age standardized by sex or race/ethnicity. Reporting hospital utilization trends by subgroup is important for monitoring population health and developing interventions to eliminate disparities. Methods and Results— The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) was used to estimate the crude and age-standardized rates of HF hospitalization between 2002 and 2013 by sex and race/ethnicity. Direct standardization was used to age-standardize rates to the 2000 US standard population. Relative differences between subgroups were reported. The national age-adjusted HF hospitalization rate decreased 30.8% from 526.86 to 364.66 per 100 000 between 2002 and 2013. Although hospitalizations decreased for all subgroups, the ratio of the age-standardized rate for men compared with women increased from 20% greater to 39% (P trend=0.002) between 2002 and 2013. Black men had a rate that was 229% (P trend=0.141) and black women, 240% (P trend=0.725) with reference to whites in 2013 with no significant change between 2002 and 2013. Hispanic men had a rate that was 32% greater in 2002 and the difference narrowed to 4% (P trend=0.047) greater in 2013 relative to whites. For Hispanic women, the rate was 55% greater in 2002 and narrowed to 8% greater (P trend=0.004) in 2013 relative to whites. Asian/Pacific Islander men had a 27% lower rate in 2002 that improved to 43% (P trend=0.040) lower in 2013 relative to whites. For Asian/Pacific Islander women, the hospitalization rate was 24% lower in 2002 and improved to 43% (P trend=0.021) lower in 2013 relative to whites. Conclusions— National HF hospitalization rates have decreased steadily during the recent decade. Disparities in HF burden and hospital utilization by sex and race/ethnicity persist. Significant population health interventions are needed to reduce the HF hospitalization burden among blacks. An evaluation of factors explaining the improvements in the HF hospitalization rates among Hispanics and Asian/Pacific Islanders is needed.
Genotyping of Streptococcus dysgalactiae strains isolated from Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.).

Streptococcus dysgalactiae is an emerging fish pathogen that is responsible for outbreaks of disease on fish farms around the world. Recently, this bacterium was associated with an outbreak at a Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.), farm in Brazil. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity, best genotyping method and aspects of molecular epidemiology of S. dysgalactiae infections in Nile tilapia farms in Brazil. Twenty-one isolates from four farms located in different Brazilian states were characterized genetically using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), ERIC-PCR, REP-PCR and sodA gene sequencing. The discriminatory power of the different typing methods was compared using Simpson's index of diversity. Identical sodA gene sequences were obtained from all isolates, and ERIC-PCR and REP-PCR were unable to discriminate among the isolates. PFGE typing detected three different genetic patterns between the 21 strains evaluated; thus, it was the best genotyping method for use with this pathogen. The strains from Ceará State were genetically divergent from those from Alagoas State. The S. dysgalactiae isolates analysed in this study constituted a genetically diverse population with a clear association between geographical origin and genotype.
Optimal design for nonlinear estimation of the hemodynamic response function

Subject‐specific hemodynamic response functions (HRFs) have been recommended to capture variation in the form of the hemodynamic response between subjects (Aguirre et al., [ 1998 ]: Neuroimage 8:360–369). The purpose of this article is to find optimal designs for estimation of subject‐specific parameters for the double gamma HRF. As the double gamma function is a nonlinear function of its parameters, optimal design theory for nonlinear models is employed in this article. The double gamma function is linearized by a Taylor approximation and the maximin criterion is used to handle dependency of the D‐optimal design on the expansion point of the Taylor approximation. A realistic range of double gamma HRF parameters is used for the expansion point of the Taylor approximation. Furthermore, a genetic algorithm (GA) (Kao et al., [ 2009 ]: Neuroimage 44:849–856) is applied to find locally optimal designs for the different expansion points and the maximin design chosen from the locally optimal designs is compared to maximin designs obtained by m‐sequences, blocked designs, designs with constant interstimulus interval (ISI) and random event‐related designs. The maximin design obtained by the GA is most efficient. Random event‐related designs chosen from several generated designs and m‐sequences have a high efficiency, while blocked designs and designs with a constant ISI have a low efficiency compared to the maximin GA design. Hum Brain Mapp, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Convergence Curve for Non-Blind Adaptive Equalizers

In this paper a closed-form approximated expression is proposed for the Intersymbol Interference (ISI) as a function of time valid during the entire stages of the non-blind adaptive deconvolution process and is suitable for the noisy, real and two independent quadrature carrier input case. The obtained expression is applicable for type of channels where the resulting ISI as a function of time can be described with an exponential model having a single time constant. Based on this new expression for the ISI as a function of time, the convergence time (or number of iteration number required for convergence) of the non-blind adaptive equalizer can be calculated. Up to now, the equalizer’s performance (convergence time and ISI as a function of time) could be obtained only via simulation when the channel coefficients were known. The new proposed expression for the ISI as a function of time is based on the knowledge of the initial ISI and channel power (which is measurable) and eliminates the need to carry out any more the above mentioned simulation. Simulation results indicate a high correlation between the simulated and calculated ISI (based on our proposed expression for the ISI as a function of time) during the whole deconvolution process for the high as well as for the low signal to noise ratio (SNR) condition.
Ceiling work scenario based hardware design and control algorithm of supernumerary robotic limbs

In these days, most of construction workers become aging and tasks have been complicated as construction technology developed. To supplement this trend, many of attempts have been done to automate construction process and replace roles of workers in dangerous situations. Also, diverse methods have been tried to help workers for efficiency enhancement. This paper deals with supernumerary robotic limbs for helping ceiling work near the worker. Supernumerary robotic limbs can alternate simple tasks like holding objects at ceiling. To optimize the structure, work scenario is determined and hardware is constructed based on the scenario. Wearable shoulder mount is designed not to obstruct movement of worker and its structure is described. Manipulator links length are selected by considering workspace and its procedure is shown. The control algorithm pursing cooperation with worker is represented.
Radial glia and neural progenitors in the adult zebrafish central nervous system

The adult central nervous system (CNS) of the zebrafish, owing to its enrichment in constitutive neurogenic niches, is becoming an increasingly used model to address fundamental questions pertaining to adult neural stem cell (NSC) biology, adult neurogenesis and neuronal repair. Studies conducted in several CNS territories (notably the telencephalon, retina, midbrain, cerebellum and spinal cord) highlighted the presence, in these niches, of progenitor cells displaying NSC‐like characters. While pointing to radial glial cells (RG) as major long‐lasting, constitutively active and/or activatable progenitors in most domains, these studies also revealed a high heterogeneity in the progenitor subtypes used at the top of neurogenic hierarchies, including the persistence of neuroepithelial (NE) progenitors in some areas. Likewise, dissecting the molecular pathways underlying RG maintenance and recruitment under physiological conditions and upon repair in the zebrafish model revealed shared processes but also specific cascades triggering or sustaining reparative NSC recruitment. Together, the zebrafish adult brain reveals an extensive complexity of adult NSC niches, properties and control pathways, which extends existing understanding of adult NSC biology and gives access to novel mechanisms of efficient NSC maintenance and recruitment in an adult vertebrate brain. GLIA 2015;63:1406–1428
A modified device for continuous non-invasive blood pressure measurements in humans under hyperbaric and/or oxygen-enriched conditions.

BACKGROUND It would be desirable to safely and continuously measure blood pressure noninvasively under hyperbaric and/or hyperoxic conditions, in order to explore haemodynamic responses in humans under these conditions. METHODS A systematic analysis according to 'failure mode and effects analysis' principles of a commercially available beat-by-beat non-invasive blood pressure monitoring device was performed using specifications provided by the manufacturer. Possible failure modes related to pressure resistance and fire hazard in hyperbaric and oxygen-enriched environments were identified and the device modified accordingly to mitigate these risks. The modified device was compared to an unaltered device in five healthy volunteers under normobaric conditions. Measurements were then performed under hyperbaric conditions (243 kPa) in five healthy subjects. RESULTS Modifications required included: 1) replacement of the carbon brush motorized pump by pressurized air connected through a balanced pressure valve; 2) modification of the 12V power supply connection in the multiplace hyperbaric chamber, and 3) replacement of gas-filled electrolytic capacitors by solid equivalents. There was concurrence between measurements under normobaric conditions, with no significant differences in blood pressure. Measurements under pressure were achieved without problems and matched intermittent measurement of brachial arterial pressure. CONCLUSION The modified system provides safe, stable, continuous non-invasive blood pressure trends under both normobaric and hyperbaric conditions.
Reliability evaluation of electric power systems with solar photovoltaic & energy storage

Renewable portfolio standards (RPS) place an obligation on independent service operators (ISOs) to have a minimum energy generation mix from an approved renewable energy source, e.g. photovoltaic (PV). The variability of PV power output impacts on electric power system reliability and energy storage (ES) is one of several options for better grid reliability. This paper convolves Roy Billinton Test System (RBTS) generation and load model, considering PV and ES to yield system adequacy indices at hierarchical level 1 (HL1) via an analytical technique. Uniform Singapore Energy Price (USEP) from the Energy Market Company (EMC) Singapore and NTU rooftop PV irradiance data are incorporated as parts of annual electricity cost saving research. The analytical technique proposed can help ISOs as first cut analysis to evaluate the potential of PV & ES to benefit system reliability and ways to improve its potential applications.
A new type of the matching structure of a H-plane T-junction for a high power system

This paper presents a H-plane T-junction which is designed for the feed networks of waveguide antenna array. The purpose of the T-junction is to divide power and phase equally without any reflection. To do so, we usually add an iris or a post in the junction area so that this iris or post behaves as an inductor and makes each port of the tee-junction matched [1]-[4]. By changing its shape and the location, it can divide power equally without reflection.
Mechanical Actuation of Conducting Polymer in the Presence of Organic Vapor Stimulus

In this paper, the mechanical actuation of conducting polymer film when exposed to a specific analyte is analyzed. This measurement of actuation could be used as sensing apparatus. A conducting polymer-carbon black composite sensor shows good selectivity for toluene vapors. The interaction between the conducting polymer and toluene vapors is because of the solubility interactions. The solubility-based interaction would also result in a volumetric change of the polymer film which in turn would alter the conductivity of the sensor film. Here laser Doppler vibrometry, a non-contact method, is used to investigate the average displacement in a direction normal to film produced by the absorption of the vapors and hence detect the volumetric change. Therefore, this paper shows sensing action by conducting polymer composite can be detected by measuring the displacement produced during analyte vapor absorption.
A REST model for high throughput scheduling in computational grids

Current grid computing architectures have been based on cluster management and batch queuing systems, extended to a distributed, federated domain. These have shown shortcomings in terms of scalability, stability, and modularity. To address these problems, this dissertation applies architectural styles from the Internet and Web to the domain of generic computational grids. Using the REST style, a flexible model for grid resource interaction is developed which removes the need for any centralised services or specific protocols, thereby allowing a range of implementations and layering of further functionality. The context for resource interaction is a generalisation and formalisation of the Condor ClassAd match-making mechanism. This set theoretic model is described in depth, including the advantages and features which it realises. This RESTful style is also motivated by operational experience with existing grid infrastructures, and the design, operation, and performance of a proto-RESTful grid middleware package named DIRAC. This package was designed to provide for the LHCb particle physics experiment’s “off-line” computational infrastructure, and was first exercised during a 6 month data challenge which utilised over 670 years of CPU time and produced 98 TB of data through 300,000 tasks executed at computing centres around the world. The design of DIRAC and performance measures from the data challenge are reported. The main contribution of this work is the development of a REST model for grid resource interaction. In particular, it allows resource templating for scheduling queues which provide a novel distributed and scalable approach to resource scheduling on the grid. I dedicate this work to Emily and Maggie, who have made it possible, and made it purposeful. 9 What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. 10 Is there anything of which one can say, Look! This is something new? It was here already, long ago; it was here before our time. 11 There is no remembrance of men of old, and even those who are yet to come will not be remembered by those who follow.
Follow the Leaders: competition in the Brazilian Auto Financing Sector

This study seeks to understand the competitive pattern and strategy of the firms in the Brazilian automobile financing market. First, we analyzed the strong segmentation observed in this market, determining market niches. We then estimated reaction functions to price changes. The results indicated that the three largest companies in the sector have a strong influence on interest rate setting within the entire segment. This phenomenon characterizes the competition of this sector as the leader-follower type, rather than Bertrand competition, the latter of which is often expected in the banking sector and it demonstrates the existence of the leading firms' market power.
Motor cortex stimulation for levodopa‐resistant akinesia: Case report

We treated a patient with levodopa‐resistant akinesia with motor cortex stimulation (MCS), and she showed dramatic improvement more than 1 year. On admission, the patient presented severe akinesia and gait disturbance without tremor and rigidity, and did not respond to levodopa test. The patient was suspected pure akinesia and progressive supranuclear palsy. First, high‐frequency rTMS of primary motor cortex was examined, and showed the dramatic improvement. Next, chronic subdural electrodes were implanted over the motor cortex bilaterally. One year after surgery, the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale had improved remarkably, and she could walk four times faster than before. The H215O PET study showed a significant increase of rCBF in the left SMA and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex after bilateral MCS. MCS may be an alternative treatment for patients with akinesia, including those with PD, and particularly for levodopa‐resistant patients, who respond well to rTMS. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Stereoscopic Visual Attention Guided Disparity Control for Multiview Images

Disparity control plays an important role in 3D stereoscopic displays. It aims to produce high-quality 3D images and videos which can offer realistic visual experiences. We propose a disparity control method guided by stereoscopic visual attention. Firstly, the fundamental principle of disparity control is derived. Then, a stereoscopic visual attention model is introduced to get the key-point of disparity control. Finally, the disparity control for multiview images is conducted based on the stereoscopic visual attention model and the principle of disparity control. The experimental results on multiview sequences demonstrate that the proposed method is effective. The salient regions detected by the proposed stereoscopic visual attention model are displayed as the viewer's expectation, and the vivid 3D scenes are presented in autostereoscopic displays.
Serum true insulin concentration and the risk of clinical non-insulin dependent diabetes during long-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND There is considerable evidence that insulin resistance with compensatory hyperinsulinaemia is an early and modifiable defect in the pathogenesis of non-insulin dependent diabetes (NIDDM). Current data, however, are largely based on studies that have used insulin assays which cross-react with proinsulin and other insulin precursors. Using a specific assay, we have addressed the hypothesis that an elevation of serum true insulin concentration, reflecting insulin resistance, is an early event in the pathogenesis of NIDDM. METHODS We have used a prospective cohort study design in which a group of 5550 non-diabetic men aged 40-59 years, from 18 British towns, have been followed for incident cases of physician-diagnosed NIDDM for an average of period of 14.8 years (range 13.5-15 years). We have estimated the incidence of physician-diagnosed NIDDM by quintile of non-fasting serum true insulin concentration at entry into the study. RESULTS There were 168 cases of clinically diagnosed NIDDM among the group of 5550 men during follow-up. Mean serum insulin at entry (geometric mean and 95% range, adjusted for time of sampling) was significantly higher in men who subsequently developed NIDDM than in the rest of the cohort, 19.5 mU/l (4.3-88.2) versus 12.2 mU/l (2.7-54.0), P < 0.0001. There was a highly significant linear trend of increasing risk of NIDDM by quintile of serum insulin which was not attenuated substantially after adjustment for age and body mass index (BMI) and additional lifestyle and biological factors associated with serum insulin and risk of NIDDM. However, in men with non-fasting serum glucose > or =6.1 mmol/l at baseline (80th percentile, n = 1125, 82 cases), the risk of NIDDM, adjusted for age and BMI, was higher in the first quintile of serum insulin than in all other quintiles. CONCLUSION These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that the majority of cases of adult onset NIDDM in this population are characterized by the early development of insulin resistance with compensatory true hyperinsulinaemia.
From filopodia to synapses: the role of actin‐capping and anti‐capping proteins

Actin‐capping and anti‐capping proteins are crucial regulators of actin dynamics. Recent studies have indicated that these proteins may be heavily involved in all stages of synaptogenesis, from the emergence of filopodia, through neuritogenesis and synaptic contact stabilization, to the structural changes occurring at the synapse during potentiation phenomena. In this review, we focus on recent evidence pointing to an active role of actin‐capping and anti‐capping proteins in orchestrating the processes controlling neuronal connectivity and plasticity.
Enhancer-Dependent Splicing of FGFR1 α-Exon Is Repressed by RNA Interference-Mediated Down-Regulation of SRp55

The FGFR1 gene transcript is alternatively processed to produce functionally different receptor forms. Previously, we identified a 69-nucleotide exonic splicing enhancer (ESE) required for α-exon inclusion in JEG3 cells. In the present study, we found that this sequence is composed of three independent elements, two smaller ESE sequences flanking an exonic splicing silencer sequence. Ultraviolet cross-linking and immunoprecipitation identified ESE-specific binding of the splicing regulator SRp55. A RNA interference-mediated decrease in SRp55 confirmed the significance of this interaction. There was a 6- to 14-fold decrease in exon inclusion on ablation of SRp55. In SNB19 glioblastoma cells, which normally skip this exon, SRp55 was also demonstrated to play a role in exon inclusion after the removal of intronic splicing silencer sequences. These observations indicate that SRp55 plays a major role in maintaining normal FGFR1 α-exon inclusion, which is subject to dominant intronic splicing silencer-mediated and exonic splicing silencer-mediated inhibition in SNB19 cells.
Sentence Alignment Using Feed Forward Neural Network

Parallel corpora have become an essential resource for work in multi lingual natural language processing. However, sentence aligned parallel corpora are more efficient than non-aligned parallel corpora for cross language information retrieval and machine translation applications. In this paper, we present a new approach to align sentences in bilingual parallel corpora based on feed forward neural network classifier. A feature parameter vector is extracted from the text pair under consideration. This vector contains text features such as length, punctuate score, and cognate score values. A set of manually prepared training data has been assigned to train the feed forward neural network. Another set of data was used for testing. Using this new approach, we could achieve an error reduction of 60% over length based approach when applied on English-Arabic parallel documents. Moreover this new approach is valid for any language pair and it is quite flexible approach since the feature parameter vector may contain more/less or different features than that we used in our system such as lexical match feature.