Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Using Social Network Analysis To Measure Information Management Performance Introduced By Business Process Optimization

This paper demonstrates how social network analysis (SNA) can be used in the context of knowledge management and process optimization including the accordant proceeding, metrics and their interpretation theory. These measures offer quantitative information on process and knowledge structure for process designers and managers who are faced with making change and accordant investment tradeoffs, especially as the process optimization task is being undertaken. Business processes that strongly rely on interaction and communication – so called knowledge-intensive business processes (KIBP) – have a high demand of interrelating process change aspects with knowledge management aspects. A methodology is proposed and demonstrated with the help of a case study showcasing the robustness and flexibility of the proposed SNA-related measures. It is demonstrated how content-based clustering for knowledge identification on process tasks can access the hidden knowledge layer to improve information management performance in course of process optimization activities.
Measuring Comorbidity in Cardiovascular Research: A Systematic Review

Background. Everything known about the roles, relationships, and repercussions of comorbidity in cardiovascular disease is shaped by how comorbidity is currently measured. Objectives. To critically examine how comorbidity is measured in randomized controlled trials or clinical trials and prospective observational studies in acute myocardial infarction (AMI), heart failure (HF), or stroke. Design. Systematic review of studies of hospitalized adults from MEDLINE CINAHL, PsychINFO, and ISI Web of Science Social Science databases. At least two reviewers screened and extracted all data. Results. From 1432 reviewed abstracts, 26 studies were included (AMI n = 8, HF n = 11, stroke n = 7). Five studies used an instrument to measure comorbidity while the remaining used the presence or absence of an unsubstantiated list of individual diseases. Comorbidity data were obtained from 1–4 different sources with 35% of studies not reporting the source. A year-by-year analysis showed no changes in measurement. Conclusions. The measurement of comorbidity remains limited to a list of conditions without stated rationale or standards increasing the likelihood that the true impact is underestimated.
Affect in Social Thinking and Behavior

J.P. Forgas, C.L. Wyland, S.M. Laham, Hearts and Minds: An Introduction to the Role of Affect in Social Cognition and Behavior. Part 1. Basic Approaches to Affect and Social Behavior. M.G. Haselton, T. Ketelaar, Irrational Emotions or Emotional Wisdom? The Evolutionary Psychology of Affect and Social Behavior. P. Winkielman, J.T. Cacioppo, A Social Neuroscience Perspective on Affective Influences on Social Cognition and Behavior. H. Bless, K. Fiedler, Mood and the Regulation of Information Processing and Behavior. C.A. Smith, B. David, L.D. Kirby, Emotion-Eliciting Appraisals of Social Situations. Part 2. Affect and Social Cognition. E. Eich, D. Macaulay, Cognitive and Clinical Perspectives on Mood-Dependent Memory. G.L. Clore, J. Storbeck, Affect as Information about Liking, Efficacy, and Importance. R.F. Baumeister, K.D. Vohs, D.M. Tice, Emotional Influences on Decision Making. D. Keltner, E.J. Horberg, C. Oveis, Emotions as Moral Intuitions. E.W. Dunn, S.M. Laham, Affective Forecasting: A User's Guide to Emotional Time Travel. Part 3. Affect and the Social Self. C. Sedikides, T. Wildschut, J. Arndt, C. Routledge, Affect and the Self. Y. Trope, E.R. Igou, C.T. Burke, Mood as Resource in Structuring Goal Pursuit. F.A. Huppert, Positive Emotions and Cognition: Developmental, Neuroscience, and Health Perspectives. R. Erber, S. Markunas, Managing Affective States. Part 4. Affect and Social Behavior. J.P. Forgas, Affective Influences on Interpersonal Behavior: Towards Understanding the Role of Affect in Everyday Interactions. J. Ciarrochi, J.T. Blackledge, Emotional Intelligence and Interpersonal Behavior: A Theory and Review of the Literature. J.R. Kelly, J.R. Spoor, Affective Influence in Groups. J.G. Holmes, D.B. Anthony, Affect and the Regulation of Interdependence in Personal Relationships.
Resilience in Usability Consultancy Practice: The Case for a Positive Resonance Model

Usability evaluation methods (UEMs) play a central role in usability consultancy practice. Their adoption and adaptation plays an important part in making systems more resilient. There is a knowledge gap in how practitioners adopt and adapt UEMs. Wixon (2003) goes as far as to say that the current literature fails the practitioner. Work reported here builds on qualitative research on usability practice. The conceptual framework of resilience engineering can help bridge this gap. However, resilience engineering is typically focused on avoiding accidents at the lower end of performance: e.g. when system resources are too stretched or when system variability leads to failure. We argue that a better way of conceptualizing UEM use is for the maximization of impact on design at the high end of performance. Here practitioners adopt and adapt methods to resonate with the project, people and practices of the host company under constrained resources. This reasoning leads us to introduce and apply a positive resonance model to capture this perspective.
Quality of life and self-esteem of long-term survivors of invasive and noninvasive cervical cancer.

OBJECTIVE We compared long-term survivors of invasive and noninvasive cervical cancer (1) to determine if there are differences in the quality of life (QOL) and (2) to assess the association between self-esteem and QOL. METHODS A sample of cervical cancer survivors diagnosed with invasive and noninvasive cervical cancer during 1995-1996 was drawn from the metropolitan Detroit Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) cancer registry. There were 145 participating survivors, 42 with invasive and 103 with noninvasive cervical cancer. Data were collected using a structured interview, conducted primarily over the telephone. The outcome measures were the QOL (measured by the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 [SF-36]) summary scales, the Physical Component Summary (PCS) score and the Mental Component Summary (MCS) score. Differences in MCS and PCS between women with invasive and noninvasive cancer were determined using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Multivariate analysis was performed to determine the association between self-esteem and MCS and PCS. RESULTS There were no differences in either PCS or MCS scores between long-term survivors of invasive and noninvasive cervical cancer. Self-esteem was associated with MCS but not with PCS in women with invasive cancer as well as in women with noninvasive cancer. CONCLUSIONS The distinctive association of self-esteem with MCS but not PCS indicates that interventions for supporting and improving self-esteem may be more effective by promoting psychological well-being rather than physical well-being. Moreover, women with noninvasive cervical cancer, a group often neglected in cervical cancer studies, should also be targeted for these interventions.
Action Potentials in Basal and Oblique Dendrites of Rat Neocortical Pyramidal Neurons

Basal and oblique dendrites comprise ∼2/3 of the total excitable membrane in the mammalian cerebral cortex, yet they have never been probed with glass electrodes, and therefore their electrical properties and overall impact on synaptic processing are unknown. In the present study, fast multi‐site voltage‐sensitive dye imaging combined with somatic recording was used to provide a detailed description of the membrane potential transients in basal and oblique dendrites of pyramidal neurons during single and trains of action potentials (APs). The optical method allowed simultaneous measurements from several dendrites in the visual field up to 200 μm from the soma, thus providing a unique report on how an AP invades the entire dendritic tree. In contrast to apical dendrites, basal and oblique branches: (1) impose very little amplitude and time course modulation on backpropagating APs; (2) are strongly invaded by the somatic spike even when somatic firing rates reach 40 Hz (activity‐independent backpropagation); and (3) do not exhibit signs of a ‘calcium shoulder’ on the falling phase of the AP. A compartmental model incorporating AP peak latencies and half‐widths obtained from the apical, oblique and basal dendrites indicates that the specific intracellular resistance (Ri) is less than 100 Ω cm. The combined experimental and modelling results also provide evidence that all synaptic locations along basal and oblique dendrites, situated within 200 μm from the soma, experience strong and near‐simultaneous (latency < 1 ms) voltage transients during somatic firing. The cell body, axon hillock and basal dendritic compartments achieve unique synchronization during each AP. Therefore, with respect to a retrograde signal (AP), basal and proximal oblique dendrites should be considered as an integral part of the axo‐somatic compartment.
Protease-activating Receptor-4 Induces Full Platelet Spreading on a Fibrinogen Matrix

Although the involvement of protease-activating receptor PAR1 and PAR4 is well established in platelet aggregation, their role in platelet adhesion and spreading has yet to be characterized. We investigated platelet adhesion and spreading on a fibrinogen matrix after PAR1 and PAR4 stimulation in correlation with the activation of two MAPKs, ERK2 and p38. Of the two PAR-activating peptides (PAR-APs), PAR1-AP and PAR4-AP, which both induce adhesion, only PAR4-AP induced full platelet spreading. Although both PAR1-AP and PAR4-AP induced ADP secretion, which is required for platelet spreading, only PAR4-AP induced sustained Ca2+ mobilization. In these conditions of PAR4 induction, ERK2 and p38 activation were involved in platelet spreading but not in platelet adhesion. p38 phosphorylation was dependent on ADP signaling through P2Y12, its receptor. ERK2 phosphorylation was triggered through integrin αIIbβ3 outside-in signaling and was dependent on the Rho pathway. ERK2 and p38 activation induced phosphorylation of the myosin light chain and actin polymerization, respectively, necessary for cytoskeleton reorganization. These findings provide the first evidence that thrombin requires PAR4 for the full spreading response. ERK2 and p38 and sustained Ca2+ mobilization, involved in PAR4-induced platelet spreading, contribute to the stabilization of platelet thrombi at sites of high thrombin production.
Diabetes and obesity treatment based on dual incretin receptor activation: ‘twincretins’

The gut incretin hormones glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) are secreted after meal ingestion and work in concert to promote postprandial insulin secretion and regulate glucagon secretion. GLP‐1 also slows gastric emptying and suppresses appetite, whereas GIP seems to affect lipid metabolism. The introduction of selective GLP‐1 receptor (GLP‐1R) agonists for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity has increased the scientific and clinical interest in incretins. Combining the body weight‐lowering and glucose‐lowering effects of GLP‐1 with a more potent improvement of β cell function through additional GIP action could potentially offer a more effective treatment of diabetes and obesity, with fewer adverse effects than selective GLP‐1R agonists; therefore, new drugs designed to co‐activate both the GIP receptor (GIPR) and the GLP‐1R simultaneously are under development. In the present review, we address advances in the field of GIPR and GLP‐1R co‐agonism and review in vitro studies, animal studies and human trials involving co‐administration of the two incretins, as well as results from a recently developed GIPR/GLP‐1R co‐agonist, and highlight promising areas and challenges within the field of incretin dual agonists.
100 W highly efficient octave bandwidth GaN-HEMT power amplifier

In this contribution, the design, implementation, and experimental results of a high-efficiency broadband GaN HEMT power amplifier are presented. Optimum fundamental and harmonic load impedances were obtained using load-pull simulations for the active device across the design bandwidth. A systematic approach was applied for the design of wideband output and input matching networks. Continuous wave (CW) large-signal measurement results showed that across 1.1-2.0 GHz (58 % bandwidth), the output power was higher than 110 W, and 50-72% drain efficiency was achieved. Over the octave bandwidth of 1.0-2.0 GHz, at least 84 W output power was measured. The power gain was around 12 dB. An ACLR of -45 dBc was measured for an LTE signal at 42 dBm average output power under additional digital predistortion (DPD).
Cross-sectional association between cigarette smoking and abdominal obesity among Austrian bank employees

Objectives There is increasing evidence that smoking is associated with abdominal obesity and other risk factors for the metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study is to investigate these associations in a sample of healthy Austrian adults. Setting and participants Data of 986 employees of an Austrian company (405 men and 581 women; participation rate approximately 80%) obtained during their annual medical check-up at the workplace were analysed. Primary and secondary outcome measures Information on smoking status, education level, physical activity, diet, body weight, height, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and biochemical parameters was obtained. The influence of smoking on health and anthropometric measures was investigated. Results No differences in total body fat and/or body fat distribution were found between non-smokers, smokers and former smokers; however, among daily smokers, the number of cigarettes smoked per day was significantly associated with higher body weight (p=0.001) and BMI (p=0.009). Male and female smokers had significantly higher white cell count than non-smokers and former smokers. Heavy smokers also had an unhealthier lipid profile (lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and higher fasting glucose levels even after controlling for physical activity and calorie intake. Conclusions Contrary to the beliefs of many smokers, heavy smoking is associated with higher body weight and unfavourable metabolic changes.
Cloning and Characterization of a Novel Animal Lectin Expressed in the Rat Sublingual Gland

We cloned a rat gene that is expressed primarily in the sublingual gland and named the predicted 503 amino-acid protein SLAMP (sublingual acinar membrane protein). SLAMP has 63% homology with human ERGIC-53-like protein, a member of the family of animal L-type lectins. Using a cDNA probe for SLAMP mRNA and rabbit antisera against SLAMP, we examined the expression and localization of SLAMP in major rat organs and tissues. With both Northern and Western blot analyses, abundant expression of SLAMP was demonstrated predominantly in the sublingual gland, with single sizes of the mRNA and protein 1.8 kb and 50 kDa, respectively, but not in other organs or tissues, including the parotid and submandibular glands. With immunohistochemistry, SLAMP was localized to the mucous acinar cells, but not to the serous demilunes or the duct system. With immunoelectron microscopy, SLAMP was localized predominantly to regions corresponding to the ER-Golgi intermediate compartment. Besides the sublingual gland, SLAMP immunore-activity was also demonstrated in mucous cells of the minor salivary glands in oral cavity and of Brunner's glands in the duodenum. These results suggested that rat SLAMP plays a specific role in the early secretory pathway of glycoproteins in specific types of mucous cells.
Gut mucosal cell damage in meningococcal sepsis in children: Relation with clinical outcome*

Objective:The pathophysiological sequelae of meningococcal sepsis are mainly caused by deregulated microvasculature function, leading to impaired tissue blood flow. Because mature enterocytes are known to be susceptible to altered perfusion, we aimed to investigate: (1) the development of enterocyte damage; and (2) the relation between enterocyte damage and severity of disease and outcome in children with meningococcal sepsis. Design:Retrospective human study. Setting:Pediatric intensive care unit at a university hospital. Patients:Nineteen consecutive children with meningococcal sepsis were studied during their pediatric intensive care unit stay. Interventions:None. Measurement and Main Results:Circulating levels of intestinal fatty acid binding protein, a small cytosolic protein constitutively present in mature enterocytes and released on cell injury, were assessed. Severity of disease was represented by meningococcal-specific Rotterdam Score, generic Pediatric Risk of Mortality II score, and circulating interleukin-6. Clinical outcome was measured by length of pediatric intensive care unit stay and number of ventilator days. Highest plasma intestinal fatty acid binding protein values were measured on pediatric intensive care unit stay admission. At the time of admission, eight of 19 patients had higher intestinal fatty acid binding protein plasma levels than the upper reference limit of 30 healthy volunteers. In all survivors, intestinal fatty acid binding protein levels declined to normal values within 12 hrs after starting intensive treatment, whereas the three nonsurvivors maintained elevated intestinal fatty acid binding protein plasma levels. A significant correlation was found among intestinal fatty acid binding protein and Rotterdam Score, Pediatric Risk of Mortality II, interleukin-6 at admission (Spearman's r2 = 0.402, p = .006; r2 = 0.243, p = .045; r2 = 0.687, p < .001, respectively). Next, a significant correlation was found between intestinal fatty acid binding protein and clinical outcome. Conclusions:Elevated plasma intestinal fatty acid binding protein is found in eight of 19 children with severe pediatric intensive care unit stay at the time of clinical presentation, suggesting the presence of enterocyte damage. Furthermore, prolonged enterocyte damage is found in nonsurvivors. Further studies are needed to clarify the potential role for assessment of plasma intestinal fatty acid binding protein in monitoring treatment of pediatric intensive care unit stay.
An overlay for latency gradated multicasting

We propose a new genre of overlay network for disseminating information from popular but resource constrained sources. We call this communication primitive as Latency Gradated Overlay, where information consumers self-organize themselves according to their individual resource constraints and the latency they are willing to tolerate in receiving the information from the source. Such a communication primitive finds immediate use in applications like RSS feeds aggregation. We propose heuristic algorithms to construct LagOver [7] based on preferably some partial knowledge of the network at users (no knowledge slows the construction process) but no global coordination. The algorithms are evaluated based on simulations and show good characteristics including convergence, satisfying peers’ latency and bandwidth constraints even in presence of moderately high membership dynamics. There are two points worth noting. First, optimizing jointly for latency and capacity (i.e., placing nodes that have free capacity close to the source) as long as latency constraint of other nodes are not violated performs better than optimizing for latency only. The joint optimization strategy has faster convergence of the LagOver network, and can deal with adversarial workloads that optimization of only latency can not deal with. Secondly, somewhat counter-intuitively, in order to do the aforementioned joint optimization, it is sufficient to find random nodes based on only the latency constraint, since even if the capacity of individual nodes is saturated it does not matter since the LagOver network can potentially be reconfigured.
Milliarcsecond N-Band Observations of the Nova RS Ophiuchi: First Science with the Keck Interferometer Nuller

We report observations of the nova RS Ophiuchi (RS Oph) using the Keck Interferometer Nuller (KIN), approximately 3.8 days following the most recent outburst that occurred on 2006 February 12. These observations represent the first scientific results from the KIN, which operates in N band from 8 to 12.5 μm in a nulling mode. The nulling technique is the sparse aperture equivalent of the conventional coronagraphic technique used in filled aperture telescopes. In this mode the stellar light itself is suppressed by a destructive fringe, effectively enhancing the contrast of the circumstellar material located near the star. By fitting the unique KIN data, we have obtained an angular size of the mid-infrared continuum emitting material of 6.2, 4.0, or 5.4 mas for a disk profile, Gaussian profile (FWHM), and shell profile, respectively. The data show evidence of enhanced neutral atomic hydrogen emission and atomic metals including silicon located in the inner spatial regime near the white dwarf (WD) relative to the outer regime. There are also nebular emission lines and evidence of hot silicate dust in the outer spatial region, centered at ~17 AU from the WD, that are not found in the inner regime. Our evidence suggests that these features have been excited by the nova flash in the outer spatial regime before the blast wave reached these regions. These identifications support a model in which the dust appears to be present between outbursts and is not created during the outburst event. We further discuss the present results in terms of a unifying model of the system that includes an increase in density in the plane of the orbit of the two stars created by a spiral shock wave caused by the motion of the stars through the cool wind of the red giant star.
On the Energy-Efficiency of Hybrid Analog–Digital Transceivers for Single- and Multi-Carrier Large Antenna Array Systems

Hybrid analog-digital transceivers are employed with the view to reduce the hardware complexity and the energy consumption in millimeter wave/large antenna array systems by reducing the number of their radio frequency (RF) chains. However, the analog processing network requires power for its operation and it further introduces power losses, dependent on the number of the transceiver antennas and RF chains that have to be compensated. Thus, the reduction in the power consumption is usually much less than it is expected and given that the hybrid solutions present in general inferior spectral efficiency than a fully digital one, it is possible for the former to be less energy efficient than the latter in several cases. Existing approaches propose hybrid solutions that maximize the spectral efficiency of the system without providing any insight on their energy requirements/efficiency. To that end, in this paper, a novel algorithmic framework is developed based on which energy efficient hybrid transceiver designs are derived and their performance is examined with respect to the number of RF chains and antennas. Solutions are proposed for fully and partially connected hybrid architectures and for both single- and multi-carrier systems under the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing modulation. Simulations and theoretical results provide insight on the cases, where a hybrid transceiver is the most energy efficient solution or not.