Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Seventeen Years’ Experience of Peritoneal Dialysis in Iran: First Official Report of the Iranian Peritoneal Dialysis Registry

♦ Background: To facilitate planning, national renal registries provide reliable and up-to-date information on numbers of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), developing trends, treatment modalities, and outcomes. To that end, the present publication represents the first official report from Iranian Peritoneal Dialysis Registry. ♦ Methods: The prevalence, demographics, and clinical characteristics of patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) were collected from all PD centers throughout the country. ♦ Results: By the end of 2009, the prevalence of ESRD was 507 per million population in Iran. The most common renal replacement modality was hemodialysis (51.2%), followed by kidney transplantation (44.7%), and then PD (4.1%). The mean age of PD patients was 46 years, and the most common causes of ESRD were diabetes (33.5%), hypertension (24.4%), and glomerulonephritis (8.2%). Overall patient mortality was 25%, with cardiac events (46%), cerebral stroke (10%), and infection (8%) being the main causes of death. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survivals were 89%, 64%, and 49% respectively. The most common cause of dropout was peritonitis (17.6%). Staphylococcus (coagulase-negative and S. aureus) was the most prevalent causative organism in peritonitis episodes; however, in more than 50% of episodes, a sterile culture was reported. Mean baseline serum hemoglobin and albumin were 10.7 g/dL and 3.6 g/dL respectively. ♦ Conclusions: Our registry results, representing the second largest report of PD in the Middle East, is almost comparable to available regional data. We hope that, in future, we can improve our shortcomings and lessen the gap with developed countries.
Potential Impact of Amyloid Imaging on Diagnosis and Intended Management in Patients With Progressive Cognitive Decline

Florbetapir F18 has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for in vivo assessment of amyloid pathology in patients undergoing evaluation for Alzheimer disease (AD). The aim of this study was to determine the impact of amyloid imaging on the diagnoses and management of patients undergoing evaluation for cognitive decline. Patients were recruited to participate at 19 clinical sites. The site physician provided a provisional diagnosis, an estimate of their diagnostic confidence, and their plan for diagnostic evaluation and management both before and after receiving the results from amyloid imaging with florbetapir F18. Analyses compared the frequency of AD and non-AD diagnoses, plans for ancillary testing, and intended patient management before and after florbetapir imaging. A total of 229 patients participated in the trial (113 amyloid positive, 116 amyloid negative). After receiving the results of the florbetapir scan, diagnosis changed in 125/229, or 54.6% [95% confidence intervals (CI), 48.1%-60.9%], of cases, and diagnostic confidence increased by an average of 21.6% (95% CI, 18.3%-24.8%). A total of 199/229 or 86.9% (95% CI, 81.9%-90.7%) of cases had at least 1 change in their management plan. Intended cholinesterase inhibitor or memantine treatment increased by 17.7% (95% CI, 11.8%-25.8%) of all cases with positive scans and decreased by 23.3% (95% CI, 16.5%-31.8%) of all those with negative scans. Among subjects who had not yet undergone a completed work up, planned brain structural imaging (computed tomographic/magnetic resonance imaging) decreased by 24.4% (95% CI, 17.5%-32.8%) and planned neuropsychological testing decreased by 32.8% (95% CI, 25.0%-41.6%). In summary, amyloid imaging results altered physician’s diagnostic thinking, intended testing, and management of patients undergoing evaluation for cognitive decline.
Lattice-based discriminative training for large vocabulary speech recognition

This paper describes a framework for optimising the parameters of a continuous density HMM-based large vocabulary recognition system using a maximum mutual information estimation (MMIE) criterion. To limit the computational complexity arising from the need to find confusable speech segments in the large search space of alternative utterance hypotheses, word lattices generated from the training data are used. Experiments are presented on the Wall Street journal database using up to 66 hours of training data. These show that lattices combined with an improved estimation algorithm makes MMIE training practicable even for very complex recognition systems and large training sets. Furthermore, experimental results show that MMIE training can yield useful increases in recognition accuracy.
Optimal traces arrangement in planar magnetic based slotless PMSM

This paper presents an automated procedure for coils conductors' arrangement. The procedure has been applied to slotless permanent magnet machines having planar magnetic stator windings, such as printed circuit board (PCB) coils. The proposed method is driven by optimization techniques whose goal is to find a proper arrangement of PCB traces, which make up stator windings in order to find some trade-off solutions, optimal respect to some objective functions. A time-efficient numerical model has been developed to reduce computational load and thus make the optimization based design attractive. The paper shows results of numerical simulations of an annular permanent magnet synchronous machine having 200 poles and PCB windings.
Narrowband weak signal detection by higher order spectrum

A study of narrowband weak signal detection by higher order spectrum (HOS) using real signals and real noise, rather than just Gaussian noise, is presented. Noisy real signals are processed using various HOS techniques. We propose to look at the diagonal slices of the bispectrum and the trispectrum as possible substitutes for the power spectrum. The result of applying these slices to weak, real signals is surprisingly good. The dramatic improvements are presented for visual inspection. The performance of the various techniques are then compared quantitatively for different signal-to-noise ratios. The diagonal slices prove to be fast and robust techniques for weak signal detection.
EFFECT OF METABOLIC CONTROL AND DURATION ON EXERCISE ‐ INDUCED ALBUMINURIA IN DIABETIC TEEN‐AGERS

ABSTRACT. Nineteen type I diabetic teen‐agers without clinical signs of nephropathy with a duration of diabetes varying from 3 to 16.8 years were examined by a standardized exercise test for analysis of urinary excretion of albumin and β2‐microglobulin. The patients were studied both in poor and improved (but not perfect), metabolic control as defined by HbA1 and blood glucose profiles, and the values were compared to those of 14 age‐matched healthy controls. The controls showed no increase in albumin excretion rate during excercise as was found in diabetic patients. The albumin excretion rate during exercise was significantly correlated (p<0.05) to systolic blood pressure in the diabetic patients. Blood pressure in the diabetic patients was, however, similar to that of controls both at rest and during exercise. Urinary β2‐microglobulin did not change during exercise. The urinary albumin excretion during exercise decreased significantly with improved metabolic control in diabetic patients, but the albumin excretion rate was not correlated with either blood or urinary glucose or diuresis during the exercise test. When metabolic control was unproved there was a significant correlation between the increase in albumin excretion rate during exercise and the duration of diabetes, indicating that part of the exercise‐induced albumin excretion might reflect irreversible morphological changes in the diabetic kidney. This test might therefore have a predictive value for diabetic nephropathy if performed during strict metabolic control.
Extreme programming applied in a large-scale distributed system

Nowadays Agile practices are getting increasing popularity in software development communities. In this paper we show how Extreme Programming practices (XP) could enhance the development and implementation of a large-scale and geographically distributed system. A number of papers have been published in the past few years reporting experiences with agile development and XP in particular. However information on the practical usage of XP in large-scale systems is still considered limited. We try to gain better understanding of the impact of using XP process to the development effort of large-scale distributed systems while taking Sudan Automated Traffic Violations Project as a case study. By and large, it has been shown that adaptation of Extreme Programming practices in the project has increased the human factor output and helped in the generation of promising ideas about complex design issues the team used to approach the overall system conceptualization and implementation as well as future extensions.
Expression of calcineurin activity and alpha-subunit isoforms in specific segments of the rat nephron.

Calcineurin activity and alpha-subunit expression were studied in microdissected proximal tubules (S2), medullary thick ascending limbs (MTAL), cortical collecting ducts (CCD), connecting tubules (CNT), and outer medullary collecting ducts (OMCD). We have shown that cyclosporin A (CsA) and FK-506 inhibit sodium-potassium-adenosinetriphosphatase (Na-K-ATPase) activity in CCD, OMCD, and MTAL but did not uncover the mechanism for resistance of proximal tubule segments to these drugs. Because cells expressing high calcineurin activity are relatively resistant to the biological effects of CsA and FK-506, we hypothesized that the resistance of proximal tubules may be linked to increased calcineurin expression. Consequently, we measured calcineurin activity in microdissected tubules using a calcineurin-specific substrate. Calcineurin activity in S2 proximal tubule segments was 10-fold higher than in CCD, CNT, OMCD, or MTAL. FK-506 (6.0 ng/ml) inhibited calcineurin activity in CCD, CNT, and MTAL but not S2; 250 ng/ml FK-506 inhibited S2 calcineurin activity by 50%. Likewise, high concentrations of CsA (25 micrograms/ml) and FK-506 (250 ng/ml) inhibited S2 Na-K-ATPase activity by 77 and 73%, respectively. To investigate whether the resistance of S2 segments might be due to differential expression of calcineurin alpha-subunit isoforms, we determined the isoform expression by Western blot analysis using isoform-specific antibodies against the alpha 1-, alpha 2-, and alpha 3-isoforms. We found that alpha 1 expression in S2 was significantly greater than in the CCD and MTAL, whereas alpha 2 expression in the S2 was significantly less than in CCD and MTAL. No alpha 3 was detected in any nephron segment tested. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Choline Acetyltransferase Activity in the Rat Brain Cortex Homogenate, Synaptosomes, and Capillaries After Lesioning the Nucleus Basalis Magnocellularis

Stereotaxic lesions of the nucleus basalis magnocellularis were made unilaterally in male Wistar rats with either kainic or ibotenic acid, using the contralateral side as control. Differences in behavior, body weight, and survival were observed between the kainic and ibotenic acid‐treated rats. One week after surgery, the rats were sacrificed and the effect of the lesions on choline acetyltransferase activity was measured in brain cortex homogenate, synaptosomes, and capillaries. In kainic acid‐lesioned rats, choline acetyltransferase activity decreased in homogenate and synaptosomes of the ipsilateral side with respect to that of the contralateral side; but the ibotenic acid lesion, which also reduced the ipsilateral choline acetyltransferase activity in homogenate, showed a rather different effect on the enzymatic activity of the synaptosomes. There were also differences between the effect of kainic and ibotenic acid lesions on choline acetyltransferase activity in the capillaries of the ipsilateral side with respect to that of the contralateral one. However, capillary choline acetyltransferase activity of the treated rats was in both sides three times higher than that of unoperated rats.
Net-Structure Proximity Sensor: High-Speed and Free-Form Sensor With Analog Computing Circuit

This paper proposes a proximity sensing system, which has advantages of wide sensing area and rapid response. For the rapid and safe behavior of robots, high-speed detection of nearby and noncontact objects is important because of shorter time-to-contact. Here, we propose net-structure proximity sensor (NSPS), which covers large sensing area and fulfills 1-ms response time. NSPS is an array of infrared reflective proximity sensor elements integrated by a resistor network circuitry. Executing analog computation on the electrical circuitry, the sensing system outputs a few of meaningful signals, from the reaction distribution of all the elements. The signals mean the center position and approximate distance to the object. This sensor requires only six external wires regardless of the number of detecting elements. In this paper, we first show that various sizes of NSPS are easily configured by only using standard electronic parts. Next, we prototype NSPS with 25 elements in 5 × 5 matrix, and verify the output characteristics by experiments. At last, we discuss the availability of NSPS for robot hand systems and human-machine interface systems.
Robert and Sharon Harrison : Support and transportation Graylab : Support and a new way of thinking about the world of science

With the rising importance of proteomics research, current experimental methods of protein structure determination are too slow to map the millions of protein interactions observed in humans. In an effort to remedy this problem, computational methods of protein modeling are being developed. Changes in protein energetic and structural properties, caused by pH, are key to many interactions within the human body and other living organisms. However, current computational protein modeling methods, such as the Rosetta algorithm, cannot account for the effect of pH on the structural and energetic properties of protein-protein interactions. My goal was to add pH functionality to the Rosetta algorithm by building a routine to model the effects of pH on protein energy and structure. This routine uses a two-stage method: explicitly adding/removing hydrogen atoms on ionizable amino acid groups and modifying heavy atom partial charges to reflect the electrostatic effects of protonation/de-protonation. Alpha-helical hydrogel proteins, which are known to exhibit pH-dependency, were used as a preliminary test case to verify that this routine functions as intended. Computational results showed the electrostatic energy was 27% (28.69 kJ/mole) higher at low pH and 74% (78.65 kJ/mole) higher at high pH as compared to neutral pH. These results reflect experimental data; thus, the pH-routine has demonstrated that it is functional for these particular alpha-helical hydrogel proteins. Currently, a plan is being developed to assess the pH-routines accuracy on other pH-dependent structures. Additional ideas include accounting for pKa shifts in buried residues and pH-sensitive backbone movement. Ryan Harrison, 5-9-04 Baltimore Polytechnic Institute Baltimore Branch NAACP, 7009 Pg 2 of 8
Acute effects of ACE inhibition on coronary endothelial dysfunction

The prerequisite of atherosclerosis, endothelial dysfunction, is characterised by impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation caused by the reduced bioavailibility of nitric oxide (NO). In order to assess the role of acute ACE inhibition in this setting, coronary arterial endothelial function was quantified following acute intracoronary administration of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor quinapril. Twenty-one patients with non-limiting coronary artery disease were studied before and after acute intracoronary administration of 10 mg quinapril. Nine patients received pre-treatment with the angiotensin AT1-receptor antagonist losartan (2x50 mg, p.o.). Coronary cross-sectional diameter was measured via quantitative angiography and microvascular reaction was investigated by intracoronary Doppler flow measurement during intracoronary infusion of 0.1 to 10 µmol/l acetylcholine. Quinapril acutely improved endothelial dysfunction on the macro- as well as the microvascular level. Losartan did not alter macrovascular function but facilitated microvascular endothelial function. Acute quinapril application led to no further improvement of endothelial dysfunction in patients pre-treated with losartan. Acute quinapril infusion improved endothelial function in patients with coronary heart disease. Treatment with the AT1-receptor antagonist losartan led to a slight improvement in microvascular endothelial function, but pre-treatment with losartan blunted the vascular effect of quinapril, suggesting that the combination of ACE inhibition and AT1-receptor antagonism may not exert a synergistic benefical impact on the coronary vasculature.
Comparison of PSP and BSIM4 MOSFET model across various parameters

In this paper, the standard compact MOSFET models, the BSIM4 and the PSP, are compared up to 40 GHz. Based on the measurement results, the DC, small signal and large signal performance of these models are studied. Although both of these models show good agreements with the measurement, for cases where the gate-source voltage is slightly larger than the threshold voltage, the BSIM4 model shows accurate small signal performance. For the drain source voltage close to zero, the linearity of the PSP model is more reliable.
Type and Timing of Services Following Postnatal Discharge: Do They Make a Difference?

ABSTRACT Background: The debate continues as to what constitutes an adequate postnatal follow-up after an early hospital discharge. The main objective of this study was to determine whether the type and timing of postnatal services were associated with mothers' and newborns' health, breastfeeding duration, and maternal assessment of the delay and usefulness of the services they received after discharge. Methods: A telephone survey was conducted one month after a vaginal, uncomplicated delivery by 2,583 mothers who had given birth in five health regions of the Province of Québec, between 1999 and 2003. Results: The response rate to the survey was 72.1%. Virtually all the newborns (98.1%) had at least one routine contact with a health professional after discharge. Within 72 hours of discharge, 26.0% of the mothers received only a telephone call, 44.3% were visited by a public health nurse, 11.1% of the babies were examined by a physician and 49.5% were examined by a nurse or a physician. Newborns who had a first contact with a health professional within 72 hours of hospital discharge were less likely to have been readmitted to the hospital (adjusted Odds Ratio 0.45; 95% CI 0.21–0.97), while their mothers were less likely to have signs of moderate to severe depression at one month postpartum (adjusted Odds Ratio 0.60; 95% CI 0.45–0.79). The sooner the telephone call and the home visit were received the more likely the women were to have found that the services were useful. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the timing, more than the type, of postnatal follow-up after an early obstetrical discharge could make a difference.
A "client-centred activities of daily living" intervention for persons with stroke: One-year follow-up of a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE To compare changes regarding perceived participation, independence in activities of daily living (ADL) and life satisfaction between 3, 6 and 12 months after inclusion in a study of a client-centred ADL intervention and usual ADL intervention after stroke. DESIGN A multicentre randomized controlled trial. METHODS Sixteen rehabilitation units were randomly assigned to provide client-centred ADL intervention or usual ADL intervention. Eligible participants were persons ≤ 3 months after stroke who had been treated in a stroke unit, were dependent in two ADL domains, had not been diagnosed with dementia, and were able to understand instructions. Data collection was performed by blinded assessors. The primary outcome, perceived participation, was assessed with the Stroke Impact Scale 3.0, domain 8. The secondary outcomes, participation, independence in ADL, and life satisfaction, were assessed with validated instruments. For statistical power, 280 participants were required. Statistical analyses were performed on an intention-to-treat basis. RESULTS There were no differences between the groups regarding changes in perceived participation, independence in ADL, or life satisfaction during the first 12 months. There was a trend towards a clinically meaningful positive change in perceived participation that favoured client-centred ADL intervention. CONCLUSION Further research is required to understand the benefits of client-centred interventions.
Gene Flow, Recombination, and Selection in Cyanobacteria: Population Structure of Geographically Related Planktothrix Freshwater Strains

ABSTRACT Several Planktothrix strains, each producing a distinct oligopeptide profile, have been shown to coexist within Lake Steinsfjorden (Norway). Using nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) genes as markers, it has been shown that the Planktothrix community comprises distinct genetic variants displaying differences in bloom dynamics, suggesting a Planktothrix subpopulation structure. Here, we investigate the Planktothrix variants inhabiting four lakes in southeast of Norway utilizing both NRPS and non-NRPS genes. Phylogenetic analyses showed similar topologies for both NRPS and non-NRPS genes, and the lakes appear to have similar structuring of Planktothrix genetic variants. The structure of distinct variants was also supported by very low genetic diversity within variants compared to the between-variant diversity. Incongruent topologies and split decomposition revealed recombination events between Planktothrix variants. In several strains the gene variants seem to be a result of recombination. Both NRPS and non-NRPS genes are dominated by purifying selection; however, sites subjected to positive selection were also detected. The presence of similar and well-separated Planktothrix variants with low internal genetic diversity indicates gene flow within Planktothrix populations. Further, the low genetic diversity found between lakes (similar range as within lakes) indicates gene flow also between Planktothrix populations and suggests recent, or recurrent, dispersals. Our data also indicate that recombination has resulted in new genetic variants. Stability within variants and the development of new variants are likely to be influenced by selection patterns and within-variant homologous recombination.
Hysteresis-Free Nanosecond Pulsed Electrical Characterization of Top-Gated Graphene Transistors

We measure top-gated graphene field-effect transistors (GFETs) with nanosecond-range pulsed gate and drain voltages. Due to high-κ dielectric or graphene imperfections, the drain current decreases by ~10% over timescales of ~10 μs, consistent with charge trapping mechanisms. The pulsed operation leads to hysteresis-free I-V characteristics that are studied with pulses as short as 75 and 150 ns at the drain and gate, respectively. The pulsed operation enables reliable extraction of GFET intrinsic transconductance and mobility values independent of sweep direction, which are up to a factor of two higher than those obtained from simple dc characterization. We also observe drain-bias-induced charge trapping effects at lateral fields greater than 0.1 V/μm. In addition, using modeling and capacitance-voltage measurements, we extract trap densities up to 1012 cm-2 in the top-gate dielectric (here Al2O3). This study illustrates important timeand field-dependent imperfections of top-gated GFETs with high-κ dielectrics, which must be carefully considered for future developments of this technology.