Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of Air Pollutants on Outpatient Visits for Acute Respiratory Outcomes

The air pollution in China is a severe problem. The aim of our study was to investigate the impact of air pollutants on acute respiratory outcomes in outpatients. Outpatient data from 2 December 2013 to 1 December 2014 were collected, as well as air pollutant data including ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10). We screened six categories of acute respiratory outcomes and analyzed their associations with different air pollutant exposures, including upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), acute bronchitis (AB), community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD), acute exacerbation of asthma (AE-asthma), and acute exacerbation of bronchiectasis (AEBX). A case-crossover design with a bidirectional control sampling approach was used for statistical analysis. A total of 57,144 patients were enrolled for analysis. PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, and CO exposures were positively associated with outpatient visits for URTI, AB, CAP, and AEBX. PM10, SO2, and CO exposures were positively associated with outpatient visits for AECOPD. Exposure to O3 was positively associated with outpatient visits for AE-asthma, but negatively associated with outpatient visits for URTI, CAP, and AEBX. In conclusion, air pollutants had acute effects on outpatient visits for acute respiratory outcomes, with specific outcomes associated with specific pollutants.
JU_CSE: A Conditional Random Field (CRF) Based Approach to Aspect Based Sentiment Analysis

The fast upswing of online reviews and their sentiments on the Web became very useful information to the people. Thus, the opinion/sentiment mining has been adopted as a subject of increasingly research interest in the recent years. Being a participant in the Shared Task Challenge, we have developed a Conditional Random Field based system to accomplish the Aspect Based Sentiment Analysis task. The aspect term in a sentence is defined as the target entity. The present system identifies aspect term, aspect categories and their sentiments from the Laptop and Restaurants review datasets provided by the organizers.
Cushing's disease: failure of treatment with cyproheptadine.

1963. The mean serum urate concentration during an acute attack was 0 49 mmol/l (8-2 mg/100 ml), but there were 10 men, additional to those described here, whose levels ranged from 0-24 to 0-38 mmol/l (4-0 to 6-4 mg/100 ml) and who were taking no drugs. A further three patients, including one woman, had concentrations of 0-22, 0-24, and 0-25 mmol/l (3 7, 4 0, and 4-2 mg/100 ml) respectively but were taking phenylbutazone or probenecid. A normal serum urate concentration in acute gout may be misleading diagnostically. Polarising nilcroscopy is simple and specific, and the value of a therapeutic test with colchicine should not be forgotten.
Team Knowledge in Enterprise Architecting

Enterprise architecture (EA) seeks to align business process and IT, but architecting involves many stakeholders (e.g., architects, IT staff, and business staff) with very diverse and often conflicting goals, making this alignment difficult to achieve. In this study we investigate how team knowledge helps coordinate the architecting effort to achieve this alignment. We report on four case studies with various degrees of EA success. Specifically, we investigate how EA, IT and business staff coordinate their work, with special focus on implicit coordination through team knowledge.
Assessment of multiangular polarization contribution to the bidirectional reflectance of natural samples

Assessment of the effect of multiangular polarized incident light on the bidirectional reflectance factor (BRF) of vegetation and soil samples is presented in this paper. The samples were evaluated with a reference to 99% white Spectralon calibration standard in the UV-VIS-NIR spectral range. The BRF of the samples was found to be strongly influenced by the polarization of the incident light at different multiangular geometries.
Cognitive Processing of Low Achievers and Children with Reading Disabilities: A Selective Meta-Analytic Review of the Published Literature

Abstract This article synthesizes some of the published literature comparing the cognitive functioning of children with reading disabilities (RD) and children with low reading and low intelligence (low achievers). Nineteen studies, which yielded 274 effect sizes (ESs), indicated that children with reading disabilities outperformed low achievers (LA) on measures of lexical knowledge, syntactical knowledge, and visual-spatial processing (ES means =.55,.87,.36, respectively), but not on measures of phonological processing [e.g., ES mean =. 25 for pseudo-word reading, ES mean = -. 06 for automaticity (rapid naming)]. Regression modeling indicated that the magnitude of effect size differences on cognitive measures between RD and LA children was significantly related to chronological age (older participants yield smaller effect sizes than younger participants) and verbal IQ (the greater the difference in IQ between RD and LA participants the larger the effect size). Model testing further supported the hypothesis that relative to other cognitive measures, children with RD share a common phonological core deficit with LA achievers. However, the results indicated that the deficits shared between these two groups are much broader than a phonological core. The results were discussed within the context of defining children with RD by discrepancy criteria and how advances in the classification of such children might occur.
Static data-flow analysis of synchronous programs

Synchronous programming languages are well-suited for the design of safety-critical real-time embedded systems. However, the compilers and synthesis procedures are challenged by the synchronous programming paradigm and have to solve additional problems like causality and schizophrenia problems. Algorithms to solve these basic compilation problems have already become mature, but code optimization still lacks behind. Often, code optimization is left to the back-end tools like compilers for sequential software or hardware synthesis tools. In this paper, we develop a static analysis procedure to introduce code optimization techniques to synchronous languages. We develop specialized code optimization procedures that can be applied to all kinds of synchronous languages. Similar to the code optimization techniques used for the compilation of sequential software, our procedures are also based on a static data-flow analysis that is adapted to the synchronous programing model.
Self-organized criticality.

We show that certain extended dissipative dynamical systems naturally evolve into a critical state, with no characteristic time or length scales. The temporal ``fingerprint'' of the self-organized critical state is the presence of flicker noise or 1/f noise; its spatial signature is the emergence of scale-invariant (fractal) structure.
Space-time segmentation using level set active contours applied to myocardial gated SPECT

This paper presents a new variational method for the segmentation of a moving object against a still background, over a sequence of [two-dimensional or three-dimensional (3-D)] image frames. The method is illustrated in application to myocardial gated single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) data, and incorporates a level set framework to handle topological changes while providing closed boundaries. The key innovation is the introduction of a geometrical constraint into the derivation of the Euler-Lagrange equations, such that the segmentation of each individual frame can be interpreted as a closed boundary of an object (an isolevel of a set of hyper-surfaces) while integrating information over the entire sequence. This results in the definition of an evolution velocity normal to the object boundary. Applying this method to 3-D myocardial gated SPECT sequences, the left ventricle endocardial and epicardial limits can be computed in each frame. This space-time segmentation method was tested on simulated and clinical 3-D myocardial gated SPECT sequences and the corresponding ejection fractions were computed.
Development of Orodispersible Tizanidine HCl Tablets Using Spray Dried Coprocessed Exipient Bases

Tizanidine HCl is a centrally acting α-2 adrenergic agonist muscle relaxant with a slightly bitter taste having short half-life of 2.5 h. In the present study effect of co-processed excipient bases in formulation of orodispersible tizanidine HCl tablets by direct compression method was investigated. Co-processed excipient of microcrystalline cellulose with SSL-hydroxypropylcellulose was prepared using spray drier in 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3 ratio. Formulated tablets were evaluated for hardness, friability, in vitro disintegration time and in vitro drug release. Formulation F-3 prepared by addition of co-processed excipient base in ratio of 1:3 showed minimum disintegration time of 9.15±0.04 s and higher amount of drug release of 93.75% at the end of 15 min. Granules obtained by spray drying technique were found to be more spherical which improved its flow property and was supported by scanning electron microscope studies. Thermal studies indicated change in amorphous state, compatibility of drug in formulation was confirmed by fourier transform infrared studies. Analyses of drug release data indicated formulation followed first order kinetics. Inclusion of co-processed excipient base in formulation of orodispersible tablets enhanced disintegration significantly.
Role of protein phosphorylation in TNF‐induced apoptosis: Phosphatase inhibitors synergize with TNF to activate DNA fragmentation in normal as well as TNF‐resistant U937 variants

This study examined the role of protein phosphorylation in TNF induction of apoptosis in several tumor cell lines by testing the effects of agents that either stimulate or inhibit protein phosphorylation. The serine‐threonine phosphatase inhibitors, okadaic acid (OKA) and calyculin A (CLA), synergistically augmented TNF‐induced apoptosis in several TNF‐sensitive tumor cell lines including the U937 histiocytic lymphoma, the BT‐20 mammary carcinoma, and the LNCap prostatic tumor cell line. Furthermore, the phosphatase inhibitors completely reversed the TNF resistance of a variant (U9‐TR) derived from U937. CLA also inhibited phosphatase activity in cell‐free extracts from both U937 and U9‐TR at the same concentrations (0.4–2.0 nM) that it synergized with TNF. In contrast, TNF treatment of U937 cells did not result in inhibition of phosphatase activity mediated by protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) and PP2A in cell extracts. Since the phosphatase inhibitors are known to increase the overall levels of protein phosphorylation in cells, this suggested that TNF may act by stimulating protein kinase (PK) activity. This hypothesis was supported by the results of testing a panel of relatively specific protein kinase inhibitors. TNF activation of DNA fragmentation was blocked by a potent inhibitor of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) but was unaffected by inhibitors of cAMP or cGMP‐dependent PKs. We postulate that a defect in the activation of MLCK or possibly some other as yet unknown PK may be responsible for the TNF resistance of U9‐TR. Furthermore, this resistance may be circumvented by promoting protein phosphorylation with the serine‐threonine‐dependent phosphatase inhibitors.
Story Grammar Analysis in Persons with Mild Aphasia

Narratives are often the basis of daily conversational interactions. When narrative skills are compromised, functional conversation is negatively impacted. Narrative coherence can be impacted even in clinical populations with mild word-finding deficits, such as anomic aphasia (Andreetta, Cantagallo, & Marini, 2012). The narrative abilities of those individuals who have had a stroke (and perhaps a previous aphasia diagnosis) but who perform within the normal range on standardized aphasia assessment measures have not been characterized. As every clinician/clinical researcher knows, this subgroup still includes individuals who have difficulty in conversation, who cannot return to work, and whose life participation is negatively impacted. Using AphasiaBank categorization (as this study relies on AphasiaBank transcripts), we refer to this subgroup as “not aphasic by WAB” (NABW). In both persons with anomic aphasia (PWaAs) and NABWs, deficits may be so minor that they are not apparent on traditional standardized assessment measures, but it should not be assumed that they do not exist and do not affect functional communication abilities. Unfortunately, there is often very little help to be offered for this population. In order to continue progressive development of interventions for PWaAs and NABWs, more information regarding narrative strengths and weaknesses in this population is needed. Story grammar analysis is a well-known method of analyzing narrative discourse in several clinical populations and is likely to be sensitive to differences between closely matched groups. The specific aims of this study are to 1) determine if there are differences between PWaAs, NABW, and non-brain injured controls (NBIs) on production of story grammar components during retelling of the Cinderella story, and 2) to examine the relationship between story grammar measures and an easily and quickly derived discourse measure called CoreLex to further characterize the relationship between micro- and macro-level processes in persons with mild aphasia.
Assessing Competency in Spasticity Management: A Method of Development and Assessment

ABSTRACT This project endeavored to create an educational module including methodology to instruct physical medicine and rehabilitation residents in the evaluation and appropriate treatment of patients with spasticity and other sequelae of the upper motor neuron syndrome. It further sought to verify acquired competencies in spasticity management through objective evaluation methodology. A physical medicine and rehabilitation board–certified physician with 10 yrs clinical experience in spasticity management trained 16 residents using a standardized competency-based module. Assessment tools developed for this program address the basic competencies outlined by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. The 16 residents successfully demonstrated proficiency in every segment of the evaluation module by the end of the Postgraduate Year 3 spasticity management rotation. Objective measures compared resident scores on an institution-specific standardized test administered before and after training. Resident proficiency in the skills and knowledge pertaining to spasticity management was objectively verified after completion of the standardized educational module. Validation of the assessment tool is evidenced by significantly improved postrotational institution-specific standardized test scores (mean pretest score, 61.1%; mean posttest score, 95.4%) as well as oral testing. In addition, the clinical development tool was validated by residents being individually observed performing skills and deemed competent by a board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation physician specializing in spasticity management. The standardized educational module and evaluation methodology provide a potential framework for the definition of baseline competency in the clinical skill area of spasticity management.
SELF-RATED HEALTH IN THE OLDEST-OLD 1 Correlates of Subjective Health across the Ageing Lifespan : Understanding Self-Rated Health in the Oldest

Objectives: To examine the determinants of self-rated health (SRH) in different age groups of older adults, including the oldest-old. Methods: Variables assessing physical health, difficulty with self-care, depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment were pooled and harmonised from three Australian longitudinal studies of ageing (n=5,222). The association of these with SRH was examined in older adults aged 60-64 years, 65-74 years, 75-84 years and 85 years and older. Results: SRH was not associated with cognitive impairment or difficulty with selfcare in the oldest-old, and its association with physical health was diminished compared with younger groups. Depression showed a significant relationship in all age groups, conferring an approximately fourfold increase in the likelihood of poorer SRH. Discussion: As old age progresses, self-reports of poor health become most closely related to psychological symptoms. This explains some of the paradoxes of past literature and offers important insights for health professionals working with the oldest-old.
Positron emission tomographic imaging of the dopamine transporter with 11C‐WIN 35,428 reveals marked declines in mild Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is characterized by a selective loss of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons that results in a marked reduction of dopaminergic nerve terminals in the striatum. Recently, 11C‐WIN 35,428, a cocaine analogue that specifically labels the dopamine transporter, was developed and can be used to label dopaminergic nerve terminals in vivo by positron emission tomography. In healthy control subjects, binding of 11C‐WIN 35,428 is highest in the striatum. In addition, 2 symmetrical focal areas of low binding were observed in the midbrain. The cerebellum functioned as an appropriate region for nonspecific binding. The binding of 11C‐WIN 35,428 in patients with PD (Hoehn‐Yahr II) was compared with that in healthy control subjects by using the (region‐cerebellum)/cerebellum ratio for data acquired 34 to 82 minutes after injection. In control subjects, this ratio varied, at approximately 2, in the striatum. In patients with PD, binding in the posterior putamen was reduced by 78%, whereas the anterior putamen and the caudate nucleus showed a reduction of 59 and 39%, respectively. The reduction in 11C‐WIN 35,428 binding was highest in the midbrain (84%). The high specific/nonspecific binding ratio and the pronounced reduction in binding in mild PD may permit detection of even earlier stages of PD or presymptomatic individuals with dopaminergic cell loss.
Acute Kidney Injury Classified by Serum Creatinine and Urine Output in Critically Ill Cancer Patients

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in critically ill patients and is associated with higher mortality. Cancer patients are at an increased risk of AKI. Our objective was to determine the incidence of AKI in our critically ill cancer patients, using the criteria of serum creatinine (SCr) and urine output (UO) proposed by the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO). Methods. We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of a prospectively collected database at the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Instituto Nacional de Cancerología from January 2013 to March 2015. Results. We classified AKI according to the KDIGO definition. We included 389 patients; using the SCr criterion, 192 (49.4%) had AKI; using the UO criterion, 219 (56.3%) had AKI. Using both criteria, we diagnosed AKI in 69.4% of patients. All stages were independently associated with six-month mortality; stage 1 HR was 2.04 (95% CI 1.14–3.68, p = 0.017), stage 2 HR was 2.73 (95% CI 1.53–4.88, p = 0.001), and stage 3 HR was 4.5 (95% CI 2.25–8.02, p < 0.001). Patients who fulfilled both criteria had a higher mortality compared with patients who fulfilled just one criterion (HR 3.56, 95% CI 2.03–6.24, p < 0.001). Conclusion. We diagnosed AKI in 69.4% of patients. All AKI stages were associated with higher risk of death at six months, even for patients who fulfilled just one AKI criterion.
Calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase: immunocytochemical localization in chick retina

Calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase, previously called CaM-BP80 or calcineurin, is present in high concentrations in the central nervous system. The level of the phosphatase has been shown by radioimmunoassay to increase during development in the retinas of embryonic and hatching chicks (Tallant, E.A., and W.Y. Cheung, 1983, Biochemistry, 22:3630- 3635). The aims of this study are to immunocytochemically localize the phosphatase in developing and mature retinas and to determine if the phosphatase is present in fractions of retinal synaptic membranes and synaptic junctions. Vibratome slices of fixed chick retina and Western blots of detergent-solubilized retinal fractions are both treated sequentially with rabbit primary antisera and goat anti-rabbit Fab fragments conjugated to peroxidase, and then reacted with hydrogen peroxide and diaminobenzidine. The tissue slices are further processed for electron microscopy. This paper demonstrates the presence of peroxidase reaction product in the retina just before synapse formation. In the outer plexiform layer the product is confined to photoreceptor synaptic terminals, whereas in the inner plexiform layer it is present in synaptic terminals of bipolar cells and in dendrites of ganglion cells. In this latter site the product is present postsynaptically at bipolar and amacrine synapses. The phosphatase is detected in Western blots of both synaptic plasma membrane and synaptic junction fractions.
Pattern Spectra for Texture Segmentation of Gray-Scale Images

This paper presents an unsupervised segmentation of textured images which combines local pattern spectra features and dimensionality reduction techniques. A pattern spectrum is a shape-size descriptor which can detect critical scales in an image and quantify various aspects of its shape-size content. We estimated local features from pattern spectra for discrete graytone images and arbitrary multilevel signals by using a discrete-size family of patterns. Then we applied dimensionality reduction techniques on the features extracted for achieving redundancy reduction and noise reduction. Recently, many neural algorithms have proposed for principal component analysis (PCA) and independent component analysis. In this work, we used two neural PCA and two neural ICA algorithms and compared them.