Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Utility of Established Risk Models to Predict Surgical Mortality in Acute Type-A Aortic Dissection.

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to determine the predictive value of 2 established risk models for surgical mortality in a contemporary cohort of patients undergoing repair of acute type-A aortic dissection. DESIGN Retrospective analysis. SETTING Single tertiary care hospital. PARTICIPANTS Seventy-nine consecutive patients undergoing emergent repair of acute type-A aortic dissection between 2008 and 2013. INTERVENTION All patients underwent emergent repair of acute type-A aortic dissection. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS The receiver operating characteristic curve was compared for each scoring system. Of the 79 patients undergoing emergent repair of acute type-A aortic dissection, 23 (29.1%) were above the age of 70. Seventeen (21.5%) patients presented with hypotension, 25 (31.6%) presented with limb ischemia, and 10 (12.7%) presented with evidence of visceral ischemia. Overall operative mortality was 16.5%. Increasing age was the only preoperative variable associated with increased operative mortality. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for operative mortality was 0.62 and 0.66 for the scoring systems developed by Rampoldi et al and Centofanti et al, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for operative mortality for age was 0.67. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for operative mortality between the 2 scoring systems and for age were not statistically different. CONCLUSIONS Existing predictive risk models for acute type-A aortic dissection provide moderate discriminatory power for operative mortality. Age as a single variable may provide equivalent discriminatory power for operative mortality as the established risk models.
The algorithm for the parameters of AC filters in HVDC transmission system

In conjunction with the reactive power exchange and AC voltage control, the issue of harmonic performance is one of the main power quality topics of high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission projects. AC filters are widely used to restrain the AC side harmonics and to compensate for reactive power. The design of the AC filters has to satisfy the requirements of harmonic performance and reactive power compensation for the various operation modes. First of all the algorithm of the parameters of the single tuned filter are presented. Then during the process of designing double-tuned filter and triple tuned filter, two single tuned filters and three single tuned filters are designed to meet the need of reactive power compensation and the standard of harmonic restraint performance. With the parameters of two or three single tuned filters, formulae are given to calculate the parameters of double tuned filter and triple tuned filter. An example of designing a triple-tuned filter is offered. The impedance frequency characteristics of the three single tuned filters and the triple tuned filter are compared to show that the precision can meet the requirement of projects. Another way of double and triple tuned filter design, which is based on the analysis of circuits and impedance frequency characteristics of AC filters, is introduced. Two methods are compared to show both the advantage and the disadvantage of them.
Determinants of CO2 Emissions in ASEAN+3 Countries

This study investigates the determinants of carbon dioxide emissions in ASEAN+3 countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, China, Japan and South Korea) during the period of 1991 to 2010. The methodologies employed in this study include the Im, Pesaran, and Shin Panel Unit Root test, the Pedroni (Engle-Granger based) Cointegration Test, and the Granger-Causality based on the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM). Results from the panel unit root test show that all the variables are integrated of order one, I (1). For the cointegration test, the results indicate that there is a long relationship between carbon dioxide emissions, energy consumption, economic growth, urbanisation, trade openness, and transportation. The empirical results show that economic growth, energy consumption, and trade openness are the determinants of CO2 emissions in ASEAN+3.
Fuzzy-based self-tuning model predictive direct power control of grid-connected multilevel converters

This paper proposes a self-tuning model predictive direct power control (MPDPC) strategy for power flow control and power quality improvement in grid-connected power converters. At each sampling instant, a fuzzy logic controller is used to determine online the best weighting factor values for a given operating point. These values are then used to solve the multi-objective optimal control problem associated to the MPDPC. The optimal solution that minimizes the multi-objective cost function is chosen as the input (power switch state). The proposed method is examined through a case study and verified numerically via MAT LAB SIMULINK. A comparative study is conducted to demonstrate the effective performance of this approach. As a result of the proposed weighting factor online tuning, an improved performance in terms of total harmonic distortion and average switching frequency is attained when compared with fixed weighting factors.
Retromer-driven membrane tubulation separates endosomal recycling from Rab7/Ypt7-dependent fusion

How does a Rab function in both recycling and fusion? An endosomal subcomplex of the SNX-BAR retromer can bind to Ypt7 and compete with the HOPS complex. Assembly of the full retromer then results in displacement of Ypt7. These data explain how domain formation and Ypt7 participation can be coordinated.
Application of the Spark Plasma Sintering Technique to Low-Temperature Copper Bonding

Planar structures, in which a power die is soldered on a substrate and wirebonds are used to connect the top of the die with the substrate, are limited in terms of thermal management and power density. 3-D packaging techniques have been proposed to overcome these limits. Here, an innovative copper-to-copper bonding solution is presented, that can be used for 3-D packaging. The bonding process is described and the effect of the bonding parameters is investigated. It is found that this technique is compatible with the requirements of power electronic packaging. A test assembly including a silicon power die and ceramic substrates is presented.
A hybrid full-wave analysis of via hole grounds using finite difference and finite element time domain methods

A hybrid full-wave analysis using FDTD (finite difference time domain) and FETD (finite element time domain) methods has been developed to analyze microwave devices with locally arbitrarily shaped three-dimensional structures. This method is applied to calculate the scattering parameters of cylindrical via hole grounds. The comparison of the results with the mode matching data and FDTD staircasing data verifies the accuracy of this analysis.
Effect of bioconcentration and trophic transfer on realized exposure to oxazepam in 2 predators, the dragonfly larvae (Aeshna grandis) and the Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis)

Psychoactive substances are used worldwide and constitute one of the most common groups of pharmaceutical contaminants in surface waters. Although these pharmaceuticals are designed to be efficiently eliminated from the human body, very little is known about their trophic‐transfer potential in aquatic wildlife. Therefore, the goal of the present study was to quantify and compare uptake of an anxiolytic (oxazepam) from water (bioconcentration) and via the consumption of contaminated diet (trophic transfer) in 2 common freshwater predators: Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis) and the dragonfly larvae Aeshna grandis. Bioconcentration and trophic transfer of oxazepam were found in both predator species. However, higher bioconcentrations were observed for perch (bioconcentration factor [BCF], 3.7) than for dragonfly larvae (BCF, 0.5). Perch also retained more oxazepam from consumed prey (41%) than dragonfly larvae (10%), whereas the relative contribution via prey consumption was 14% and 42% for perch and dragonflies, respectively. In addition, bioconcentration was negatively correlated with perch weight, indicating that exposure levels in natural contaminated environments differ between individuals of different size or between different developmental stages. Hence, trophic transfer of pharmaceuticals may indeed occur, and estimates of environmental exposures that do not consider intake via food or size‐dependent bioconcentration may therefore lead to wrongful estimations of realized exposure levels in natural contaminated ecosystems. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:930–937. © 2016 SETAC
Real‐Time Symmetry‐Preserving Deformation

In this paper, we address the problem of structure‐aware shape deformation: We specifically consider deformations that preserve symmetries of the shape being edited. While this is an elegant approach for obtaining plausible shape variations from minimal assumptions, a straightforward optimization is numerically expensive and poorly conditioned. Our paper introduces an explicit construction of bases of linear spaces of shape deformations that exactly preserve symmetries for any user‐defined level of detail. This permits the construction of low‐dimensional spaces of low‐frequency deformations that preserve the symmetries. We obtain substantial speed‐ups over alternative approaches for symmetry‐preserving shape editing due to (i) the sub‐space approach, which permits low‐res editing, (ii) the removal of redundant, symmetric information, and (iii) the simplification of the numerical formulation due to hard‐coded symmetry preservation. We demonstrate the utility in practice by applying our framework to symmetry‐preserving co‐rotated iterative Laplace surface editing of models with complex symmetry structure, including partial and nested symmetry.
Structural Requirements for the Complement Regulatory Activities of C4BP*

C4b-binding protein (C4BP) is a regulator of the classical complement pathway C3 convertase (C4bC2a complex). It is a disulfide-linked polymer of seven α-chains and a unique β-chain; the α- and β-chains are composed of eight and three complement control protein (CCP) domains, respectively. To elucidate the importance of the polymeric nature of C4BP and the structural requirements for the interaction between C4b and the α-chain, 19 recombinant C4BP variants were created. Six truncated monomeric variants, nine polymeric variants in which individual CCPs were deleted, and finally, four variants in which double alanine residues were introduced between CCPs were functionally characterized. The smallest truncated C4BP variant still active in regulating fluid phase C4b comprised CCP1–3. The monomeric variants were less efficient than polymeric C4BP in degrading C4b on cell surfaces. All three N-terminal CCP domains contributed to the binding of C4b and were important for full functional activity; CCP2 and CCP3 were the most important. The spatial arrangements of the first CCPs were found to be important, as introduction of alanine residues between CCPs 1 and 2, CCPs 2 and 3, and CCPs 3 and 4 resulted in functional impairment. The results presented here elucidate the structural requirements of individual CCPs of C4BP, as well as their spatial arrangements within and between subunits for expression of full functional activity.
The UK national evaluation of the development and impact of Early Intervention Services (the National EDEN studies): study rationale, design and baseline characteristics

National EDEN aims to evaluate the implementation and impact on key outcomes of somewhat differently configured Early Intervention Services (EIS) across sites in England and to develop a model of variance in patient outcomes that includes key variables of duration of untreated psychosis (DUP), fidelity to the EIS model and service engagement. The cohort is being followed up for two further years as patients are discharged, to observe the stability of change and the impact of the discharge settings.
Assessing the Level and Impact of Financial Literacy on African Americans

Assessing the Level and Impact of Financial Literacy on African Americans by Robert Amoah MBA, Ohio Dominican University, 2011 Bachelors of Education, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana, 2003 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Management Walden University April 2016 Abstract Individuals are faced with making important economic decisions regarding retirement, savings, investing, and insurance. Across the globe, developed and emerging economies are experiencing growth in the sophistication of financial markets and products. Individuals require a greater degree of financial literacy to understand and explore theseIndividuals are faced with making important economic decisions regarding retirement, savings, investing, and insurance. Across the globe, developed and emerging economies are experiencing growth in the sophistication of financial markets and products. Individuals require a greater degree of financial literacy to understand and explore these sophisticated and emerging financial markets and products. A review of literature revealed African Americans, however, lack the decision-making tools to function in the financial world. The purpose of this study was to assess the extent to which African Americans have financial knowledge. The sample size was 382 African Americans residing in Columbus, Ohio. The study was based on the planned behavior theory, selfdetermination theory, and transtheoretical theory, all of which emphasize autonomy and competency. Data were collected utilizing the Jump-$tart Coalition survey instrument for measuring financial knowledge. Survey questions focused on personal finance topics including income, money management, savings and investment, and spending and credit. Data were analyzed using t test and ANOVA. On average, participants demonstrated a lower knowledge level of personal finance. Results (M = 45%) were compared with the Jump-$tart Coalition national average (M = 48%). Results however, indicated that, formal financial education has a positive impact on knowledge of personal finance. There was significant knowledge difference (t = 12.921, p = .00) between participants who took courses in finance and economics and participants who did not. This study has positive social change implications in that it could lead to improvement in economic well-being of African Americans as well as the health of the nation’s economy. Assessing the Level and Impact of Financial Literacy on African Americans
Differential expression of immunoregulatory genes in male and female Norway rats following infection with Seoul virus

Males of many species are more susceptible than females to infections caused by parasites, bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Following inoculation with Seoul virus, male rats have more virus present in target organs and shed virus longer than females. The goal of this study was to test the hypothesis that variation in the expression of genes associated with immune function mediates sex differences in hantavirus infection. Using DNA microarrays, we examined changes in gene expression in lung tissue during the early (when animals are viremic and shedding virus; Day 15 post‐inoculation (p.i.)) and late (animals have low levels of infectious virus, but high antibody titers; Day 40 p.i.) phases of infection in adult male and female rats. After normalizing the gene expression levels from infected animals to the gene expression levels from same‐sex uninfected controls, our data revealed that 1,813 genes were differentially expressed between the sexes during infection. The expression of key transcriptional factors (e.g., eIF‐2α, NF‐κB, IRF‐1, NF‐IL‐6, and STAT6) and genes that encode for proinflammatory (e.g., TNFαR, IL‐1R, and IL‐1RAcP), antiviral (e.g., IFNγR and Mx proteins), T cell (e.g., CD3 and TCR), and Ig superfamily (e.g., IgM, IgG, and MHC class I and II) proteins was higher in females than males. Conversely, males had higher expression of heat shock protein genes (e.g., hsp70) suggesting that cellular stress is elevated in males. These data provide candidate genes and cellular pathways that may underlie sex differences in responses to Seoul virus and possibly other hemorrhagic fever viruses. J. Med. Virol. 74:180–190, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Amyloid‐beta oligomerization in Alzheimer dementia versus high‐pathology controls

Although amyloid‐beta (Aβ) peptide deposition into insoluble plaques is a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer disease; soluble oligomeric Aβ has been hypothesized to more directly underlie impaired learning and memory in dementia of the Alzheimer type. However, the lack of a sensitive, specific, and quantitative assay for Aβ oligomers has hampered rigorous tests of this hypothesis.
Cost and cost-effectiveness of hospital vs residential crisis care for patients who have serious mental illness.

BACKGROUND This study evaluates the cost and cost-effectiveness of a residential crisis program compared with treatment received in a general hospital psychiatric unit for patients who have serious mental illness in need of hospital-level care and who are willing to accept voluntary treatment. METHODS Patients in the Montgomery County, Maryland, public mental health system (N = 119) willing to accept voluntary acute care were randomized to the psychiatric ward of a general hospital or a residential crisis program. Unit costs and service utilization data were used to estimate episode and 6-month treatment costs from the perspective of government payors. Episodic symptom reduction and days residing in the community over the 6 months after the episode were chosen to represent effectiveness. RESULTS Mean (SD) acute treatment episode costs was $3046 ($2124) in the residential crisis program, 44% lower than the $5549 ($3668) episode cost for the general hospital. Total 6-month treatment costs for patients assigned to the 2 programs were $19,941 ($19,282) and $25,737 ($21,835), respectively. Treatment groups did not differ significantly in symptom improvement or community days achieved. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios indicate that in most cases, the residential crisis program provides near-equivalent effectiveness for significantly less cost. CONCLUSIONS Residential crisis programs may be a cost-effective approach to providing acute care to patients who have serious mental illness and who are willing to accept voluntary treatment. Where resources are scarce, access to needed acute care might be extended using a mix of hospital, community-based residential crisis, and community support services.
Quality indicators for thyroid cancer surgery: current perspective

ABSTRACT Introduction: While the disease specific mortality of differentiated thyroid cancer has remained low with current treatments, its incidence has been steadily rising over the past several decades, and cancer related recurrence and morbidity have remained a significant problem. Quality indicators currently employed are relevant to the surgical intervention, but do not necessarily reflect oncological outcomes. Therefore, thyroid cancer specific surgical quality indicators, that offer insight into risk of cancer related morbidity and mortality are needed. Areas covered: This review aims to discuss the role of measuring quality in thyroid surgical oncology and carry out a comprehensive review of potential quality indicators for thyroid cancer operations. The three quality indicators reviewed here are the postoperative radioactive iodine update by remnant thyroid tissue, the proportion of resected lymph nodes with evidence of metastases, and the post-operative serum thyroglobulin level. Expert commentary: Together, these quality indicators may be utilized to guide improvement of the quality of surgical care for this unique patient population. A critical future step in establishing the role of quality indicators for thyroid cancer surgery is the determination of cutoff values of each indicator in an evidence-based manner.
Miscegenation: The Morality of Death

The enemies of our race have obviously long understood this truth. That is why, a half-century ago, they waged the most vicious war the world has ever seen in order to destroy an idea based upon that racial truth. That is why they subsequently organized the systematic swamping of White civilization by millions of alien immigrants. And that is why they have used their control of the news and entertainment media, of the government, and of schools and universities to implement a massive propaganda campaign to encourage miscegenation between Whites and non-Whites.
Consensus Control With Failure—Wait or Abandon?

This paper introduces and solves a decision-making problem under the context of consensus control with failure. We study an optimal consensus control problem in which n autonomous agents try to arrive at a target at the same time. One of the agents suddenly fails and the rest n - 1 agents can either wait or abandon the failed agent. If they wait, they must slow down and delay the consensus time. If they abandon the failed agent, they can reach consensus earlier at the cost of losing one agent at consensus. This cost is an added delay to the consensus time. The decision problem is to decide whether to wait or abandon and, if abandon, when? To solve this problem, we derive analytical expressions and establish structural properties for target distance functions. We use numerical examples and simulation examples to demonstrate the applications of the derived formulas and results.
Tumor uptake and elimination of 2',2'-difluoro-2'-deoxycytidine (gemcitabine) after deoxycytidine kinase gene transfer: correlation with in vivo tumor response.

PURPOSE We hypothesized that tumor uptake and elimination of 2',2'-difluoro-2'-deoxycytidine/2',2'-difluoro-2'-deoxycytidine 5'-triphosphate (dFdCyd/dFdCTP) would be altered after dCK gene transfer and that this change would result in an enhanced cytotoxic effect. To test this hypothesis, we examined dFdCyd/dFdCTP uptake and clearance in HT-29 human colon carcinoma xenografts in nude mice by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and fluorine-19 magnetic resonance spectroscopy (F-19 MRS). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN HT-29 tumors were grown from cells infected with either the retroviral vector alone (LNPO-LacZ) or vector containing the dCK gene (LNPO-dCK). HPLC and F-19 MRS analyses were performed after a single 160 mg/kg i.p. injection of dFdCyd. Tumor response was determined in animals receiving a similar dosing schedule of dFdCyd. RESULTS HPLC experiments revealed an increased tumor accumulation of dFdCTP in xenografts overexpressing dCK compared with wild-type controls (P < or = 0.05). dFdCTP in the dCK-infected tumors was easily identified at 24 h postinjection. Conversely, no dFdCTP could be detected in the control xenografts 14 h postinjection. Subsequent F-19 MRS experiments confirmed an altered uptake, revealing a 2.5-fold greater accumulation of dFdCyd/dFdCTP in the dCK xenografts. Whereas a modest tumor growth delay was observed in the wild-type tumors receiving dFdCyd, dCK xenografts demonstrated a marked tumor growth delay following treatment (P < or = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS These data support the hypothesis that increased expression of dCK cDNA in HT-29 xenografts results in an enhanced dFdCTP accumulation and prolonged elimination kinetics, and ultimately a potentiated in vivo tumor response to dFdCyd. Related to these effects, changes in the overall tumor metabolism of dFdCyd/dFdCTP was detectable by noninvasive F-19 MRS. These data are relevant to future preclinical and clinical studies evaluating dCK gene transfer and dFdCyd therapy.