Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sepsis during pregnancy

Objectives:To provide a current review of the literature regarding the assessment and management of sepsis during pregnancy. Design:A comprehensive review of current English-language literature search was performed with Ovid MEDLINE using the Medical Subject Headings pregnancy and sepsis, with Medical Subject Headings or keywords seeking randomized controlled trials and clinical reports, and by reviewing the bibliographies of clinical practice guidelines. Results:Sepsis-related maternal morbidity and mortality is a significant and persistent problem in the modern critical care obstetric unit. The management of sepsis during pregnancy is challenging. The obstetric intensivist must simultaneously discern the effect of maternal physiologic changes on fetal vulnerability and the effect of the fetus on maternal status throughout the various phases of pregnancy. Little direct evidence exists to validate the extrapolation of some sepsis treatment modalities from other nonpregnant patient populations. Nevertheless, early detection, accurate diagnosis, and aggressive appropriate treatment strategies may significantly improve outcome. Approaches like the Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines are unproven but seem reasonable and practical. Conclusions:Sepsis during pregnancy is uncommon yet potentially fatal. Diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines should predominantly pattern those currently utilized for nonpregnant patients.
Automated Data Validation Framework for Data Quality in Big Data Migration Projects

The process of moving vast amount of data from one place to another is called big data migration. Huge volume of data is extracted, transformed, structured and loaded from legacy data base into a newer structure in the process which leads to data corruption. Data validation testing is essential after data migration process over to ensure data quality. To perform efficient data migration process, source data are mapped to new system which handles all the data formats. It is important when upgrade and relocation of existing systems. Businesses are creating significant data management challenges by increasing volumes of data. They should be able to access and organize volumes of data stored in a variety formats. Compare to manual process, automate data validation improve data quality in less time and cost with good quality. This paper emphasis on proposing model to do automatic quality checks for huge volume of data migrations.
Free cysteine is increased in plasma from hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND Although only the total thiol concentration, which includes bound and free forms, has been determined in most previous clinical studies, the free form may be a better predictor of cardiovascular risk. METHODS We measured the apparent concentration of free homocysteine (Hcy) and cysteine (Cys) in filtered and acid-soluble fractions of plasma in healthy control subjects and in patients with chronic renal failure just before and after a hemodialysis session. RESULTS In control, filtered Hcy and acid-soluble Hcy were similar, while filtered Cys was much smaller than in acid-soluble Cys. In prehemodialysis samples, filtered Cys was more than 60 times as abundant (259.2 +/- 26.2 micromol/L) as in control samples (4.1 +/- 0.7 micromol/L ). Free-to-total ratios for filtered Cys were 1.6 +/- 0.3% in controls, but 40.9 +/- 2.7% in prehemodialysis patients. CONCLUSIONS The filtered fraction of thiols can be used to estimate solute transport across the dialysis membrane. In addition, the possible involvement of cysteine in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in hemodialysis patients should be reexamined.
Cytogenetic findings in WHO‐defined polycythaemia vera and their prognostic relevance

Polycythaemia vera (PV) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) that is characterized by increased red cell mass and JAK2 mutations (Tefferi & Pardanani, 2015). Median survival in PV is approximately 14 years although it approaches 24 years in patients younger than age 60 years (Tefferi et al, 2014). The international working group for MPN research and treatment (IWG-MRT) has studied over 1500 patients with World Health Organization (WHO)-defined PV, and identified advanced age, leucocytosis and abnormal karyotype as independent risk factors for overall survival (OS) and leukaemia-free survival (LFS)(Tefferi et al, 2013). In addition, occurrence of venous thrombosis was identified as a risk factor for OS (Tefferi et al, 2013). Most recently, the possibility of additional prognostic information in PV from adverse somatic mutations (ASXL1, SRSF2 and IDH2) was reported (Tefferi et al, 2016). The objective of the current study was to carefully analyse the independent prognostic effect of cytogenetic information in PV, in terms of OS, LFS, myelofibrosis-free survival (MFFS) and thrombosis-free survival (TFS), in the context of other previously established risk factors, including adverse somatic mutations. The current study was approved by the institutional review board of Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN). Study patients fulfilled the 2016 WHO criteria for the diagnosis of PV (Arber et al, 2016) with cytogenetic information available at time of diagnosis. Cytogenetic analysis and reporting was done according to the International System for Human Cytogenetic Nomenclature (Simons et al, 2013). Mutation screening for adverse mutations, including ASXL1, SRSF2 and IDH2, was performed as previously described (Tefferi et al, 2016). Assignment as “unfavourable karyotype” was according to criteria established for primary myelofibrosis (PMF) (Caramazza et al, 2011). Differences in the distribution of continuous variables between categories were analysed by either Mann-Whitney or Kruskal–Wallis test. Patient groups with nominal variables were compared by v-test. OS analysis
Simulating demography — Dynamics of fertility using a multi agent model

Many countries of the world have seen fertility rate declines. Sincere efforts have been made by the governments to change this trend. But still, countries like Korea & Japan are facing the problem of fertility rates well below the replacement fertility rates. Modeling and simulation offer a good way of understanding the dynamics of population. Of late, agent based modeling (ABM) has gained quite a lot of popularity in the field of simulation. We propose an actual population data fed agent based model whereby the agents in the simulation would take as input the actual census data and simulate the population fertility dynamics. Fertility rates are the main measures of population change. We will try and understand how fertility evolves by taking into various factors such as age, income, expenditure, social benefits; from the micro to macro level. The decisions of the agents, such as to get married and then have certain number of children, would be based on these factors. The fertility is predicted by accessing number of children a couple would have in the child bearing age. We hope to analyze and understand the effect of factors such as social benefits by this model.
Asymptotically optimal quantization for detection in power constrained decentralized sensor networks

We study a Bayesian decentralized binary hypothesis testing problem, in which N sensors make observations related to a two-valued hypothesis, and send messages based on the observations to a fusion center, with the objective of enabling the fusion center to accurately reconstruct the realized hypothesis. We assume that the observations at the sensors are independent and identically distributed conditioned on the hypothesis, and that the sensors transmit their messages over independent, parallel channels to the fusion center. We also make the natural assumption that the sensors have identical, finite message sets at their disposal, that each message has some cost associated with it, and that there is a constraint on the average cost incurred by a sensor. We study the large N asymptote, and therefore are interested in schemes that optimize the error exponent at the fusion center. Our main contributions are 1) proving that the problem of finding the optimal schemes is a finite dimensional optimization problem, 2) a description of the structure of optimal rules: we prove that optimal sensor rules are randomized likelihood ratio quantizers (LRQs), with randomization being over at most two deterministic LRQs. We further show that under some conditions, randomization is not required
Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) and Clinical Impairment Assessment (CIA): clinical norms and functional impairment in male and female adults with eating disorders

Abstract Aim: The aim of the current study was to collect clinical normative data for the Clinical Impairment Assessment questionnaire (CIA) and the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) from adult patients with eating disorders (EDs). This study also examined unique contributions of eating disorder (ED) symptoms on levels of ED-related impairment. Methods: A sample of 667 patients, 620 females and 47 males, was recruited from six specialist centres across Norway. The majority of the sample (40.3%) was diagnosed with eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS), 34.5% had bulimia nervosa (BN), and 25.2% were diagnosed with anorexia nervosa (AN). Results: There were significant differences for global EDE-Q and CIA scores between females and males. In the female sample, significant differences were found on several EDE-Q sub-scales between the AN and BN group, and between the AN and EDNOS group. No significant differences were found between the diagnostic groups on the CIA. In the male sample, no significant differences were found between diagnostic groups on the EDE-Q or CIA. A multiple regression analysis revealed that 46.8% of the variance in impairment as measured by the CIA was accounted for by ED symptoms. Conclusions: Body mass index, Eating Concern, Shape/Weight Concern, and binge eating served as significant, unique predictors of impairment. The results from the present study contribute to the interpretation of EDE-Q and CIA scores in ED samples.
Sensor-based global planning for mobile robot navigation

SUMMARY The proposed algorithm integrates in a single planner the global motion planning and local obstacle avoidance capabilities. It efficiently guides the robot in a dynamic environment. This eliminates some of the traditional problems of planned architectures (model-plan-act scheme) while obtaining many of the qualities of behavior-based architectures. The computational efficiency of the method allows the planner to operate at high-rate sensor frequencies. This avoids the need for using both a collision-avoidance algorithm and a global motion planner for navigation in a cluttered environment. The method combines map-based and sensor-based planning operations to provide a smooth and reliable motion plan. Operating on a simple grid-based world model, the method uses a fast marching technique to determine a motion plan on a Voronoi extended transform extracted from the environment model. In addition to this real-time response ability, the method produces smooth and safe robot trajectories.
Pulse pressure amplification and its determinants

Background. Pulse pressure (PP) amplification expressed as the peripheral-to-central PP ratio has gained importance in the assessment of cardiovascular phenotypes and cardiovascular risk. The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between PP amplification, large vessel parameters and peripheral blood pressure (BP) to gain insights into the amplification phenomenon. Methods. Peripheral BP, central BP and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) were assessed using the OMRON M6, SphygmoCor and Complior devices, respectively, in 741 adults attending the hypertension outpatient clinic. Analysis of covariance, partial correlations and multiple linear regression models were performed to assess the relationship between PP amplification, peripheral BP and cfPWV. Results. PP amplification was inversely related to BP group. Women showed lower PP amplification than men (1.24 ± 0.18 and 1.35 ± 0.18, respectively, p < 0.001). Age, female gender and mean arterial pressure were inversely associated with PP amplification (p < 0.001), whereas heart rate and body mass index showed positive associations (p < 0.001 and p = 0.049, respectively). cfPWV was a predictor of PP amplification in men but not in women (p = 0.006 and p = 0.424, respectively). Conclusions. PP amplification is related to BP: the higher the BP, the lower the PP amplification. Gender, age and body composition have a significant impact on PP amplification.
Mineração de dados aplicada ao conhecimento em uma população universitária

Objetivo: Descrever o processo de mineracao de uma base de dados de tabagismo obtida de uma populacao universitaria do Sul de Santa Catarina. Metodos: Estudo de natureza aplicada (tecnologica), transversal, de campo e laboratorio, e descritivo. A base de dados utilizada foi de um estudo de prevalencia realizado na Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense no segundo semestre de 2010, resultando em 575 registros. Foi realizado pre-processamento; em seguida, mineracao de dados, primeiro pela clusterizacao fuzzy, sucedida pela tarefa de classificacao; ultima etapa abordou a avaliacao das arvores e regras geradas. Resultados: Foram realizados mais de 300 experimentos, resultando em 524 regras, 339 oriundas da base completa, e 185 da clusterizada de fumantes. Na base completa obteve-se sensibilidade 98,0[IC95%=(97,0;99,0)], especificidade 87,0[IC95%=(97,0;99,0)], acuracia 98,0[IC95%=(79,0;94,0)]; a base clusterizada resultou em sensibilidade 84,0[IC95%=(78,0;90,0)], especificidade 73,0[IC95%=(61,0;86,0)], acuracia 82,0[IC95%=(74,0;89,0)]. Conclusao: O perfil epidemiologico dos tabagistas resultante das regras geradas em nosso estudo foi semelhante da literatura.
Entropic Discounting of Geometric Means : An Index for Lotteries and Portfolios

This paper models choice under risk, whether such choices are over simple lotteries or over lotteries that arise from a portfolio of endogenously generated shares of assets. Our model satisfies various prudence and risk aversion conditions, is consistent with Allais paradox rankings, and generates various insurance-related results. Within a portfolio framework with compounded reinvestments, our index fits the risks/rewards data from post-war US stock market returns and recent international markets, at least as well as does the standard deviation measures more typically used. It also generates returns that are consistent with the equity premium puzzle. 1
Atenção farmacêutica e práticas integrativas e complementares no SUS: conhecimento e aceitação por parte da população sãojoanense

Em 2006, o Ministerio da Saude criou a Politica Nacional de Terapias Integrativas e Complementares no SUS. O objetivo do estudo foi investigar o conhecimento e a aceitacao das terapias integrativas e complementares e atencao farmaceutica por parte dos usuarios do SUS. O estudo foi realizado na farmacia da Unidade Basica de Saude da cidade de Sao Joao da Mata, Minas Gerais, Brasil. Um estudo transversal descritivo qualitativo e quantitativo foi realizado com tres medicos e 35 usuarios do servico. Destes, 100% nao conheciam as terapias integrativas e complementares. Apos explicacao clara e simples pelo pesquisador, 31,42% disseram que aceitariam o uso de fitoterapia, 51,42% aceitariam a acupuntura, 37,14% aceitariam a homeopatia e nenhum utilizaria a crenoterapia. Quando questionados sobre a atencao farmaceutica, 45,71% disseram ja ter ouvido falar neste assunto, 22,85% sabem do que se trata e 31,42% nunca tinham ouvido falar em atencao farmaceutica. Quando os tres medicos que atendem na unidade de saude foram questionados, observou-se indiferenca, nao-aceitacao e aceitacao, respectivamente. Em conclusao, este estudo demonstrou que a grande maioria dos pesquisados aceitaria as terapias integrativas e complementares se estas fossem oferecidas pela unidade de saude. Alem disso, os usuarios acham importante uma maior atuacao do farmaceutico. E necessaria a implantacao de programas de divulgacao para os pacientes e principalmente para os medicos prescritores de praticas integrativas e complementares.
Reliability and Validity of the Turkish Version of the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale

The purpose of this methodological study is to investigate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS). The scale was adapted to the Turkish language via backward translation. Content validity was examined by referring to experts. Reliability was examined via test-retest reliability and internal consistency, and validity was examined with divergent and convergent validity. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale (MCSDS) were used for divergent validity. As for convergent validity, the Constipation Severity Instrument (CSI) and the Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life Scale (PAC-QOLQ) were utilized. The relationship between the GSRS and the health-related quality of life (36-item short-form health survey [SF-36]) was also analyzed. The study population consisted of patients in orthopedic clinic who volunteered to participate. Test-retest reliability was examined with the participation of 30 patients; internal consistency and validity were examined with 150 patients. Test-retest reliability correlation coefficients of the GSRS varied from 0.39 to 0.87 for all items. For internal consistency, the GSRS's item total correlation was found to be 0.17–0.67, and Cronbach &agr; was 0.82 for all items. There was a positive linear significant correlation between the GSRS, CSI, and PAC-QOLQ. There was no significant correlation between the GSRS, MCSDS, and ESS. Higher GSRS scores inversely correlated with general quality of life (SF-36). The Turkish version of the GSRS has been found to be a reliable and valid instrument for assessing patients' gastrointestinal symptoms. Therefore, this instrument can be confidently used with Turkish individuals.
Use of Routing Capability for Fault-Tolerant Routing in Hypercube Multicomputers

The concept of routing capability is proposed to assist fault-tolerant routing in hypercubes. Routing capability is defined with respect to the entire spectrum of distance. As a result, the amount of information that is useful for message routing is increased. An algorithm is presented to facilitate efficient fault-tolerant routing of messages. The algorithm routes a message in an attempt to minimize derouting. Furthermore, the concept of directed routing capability which contains more useful information for fault-tolerant routing is introduced. Simulation results demonstrate the usefulness of our approach.
Small Private Circuits

Ishai, Sahai, and Wagner initiated in 2003 the theoretical study of securing a circuit against an adversary who can probe its wires. They presented a universal way of transforming an arbitrary boolean circuit of size s into a circuit of size linear in s and quadratic in t, with perfect security against an adversary who can read up to t wires of the circuit. We present a new method for securing circuits against such an adversary with circuit size linear in s and polylogarithmic in t, while meeting the original privacy requirements from Ishai et al. Our solution works for arithmetic circuits over arbitrary fields of positive characteristic. The improvement from quadratic to quasilinear complexity (in t) comes from using the DFT instead of naive multiplication.
Disk storage and file systems with quality of service guarantees

Modern disk-storage systems have to accomplish the requirements of a variety of application classes. Applications that process continuous-media data such as video and audio streams require the storage system to guarantee sustained bandwidths. Interactive applications demand the storage system to ensure bounded response times, posing timing constraints on the execution of individual disk requests. Traditional timesharing applications may require both high throughput or overall short response times. With the described applications being more and more used together in todays computing systems, the disk-storage subsystems have to efficiently combine the different requirements of this application mix. In this thesis, I develop the design of a storage system that comprehensively addresses the various challenges posed by including the support for quality-of-service guarantees in disk-storage systems. The presented storage system provides three main properties. First, the admission control includes the support for statistical guarantees to increase the share of the disk bandwidth that can be utilized by the admission control. Second, the disk-request scheduling clearly separates the enforcement of real-time guarantees from the task to establish the optimal execution order of the requests, and it provides a flexible mechanism to combine the execution of requests with different quality-of-service requirements. Finally, the file system addresses both the needs of the former two elements of the storage system and of the various file types used by the applications by providing a flexible block-allocation policy and customized client interfaces. I show the implementation of the presented designs with the DROPS Disk-Storage System and I provide a detailed evaluation based on this implementation.
Overview of fission yeast septation

Cytokinesis is the final process of the vegetative cycle, which divides a cell into two independent daughter cells once mitosis is completed. In fungi, as in animal cells, cytokinesis requires the formation of a cleavage furrow originated by constriction of an actomyosin ring which is connected to the plasma membrane and causes its invagination. Additionally, because fungal cells have a polysaccharide cell wall outside the plasma membrane, cytokinesis requires the formation of a septum coincident with the membrane ingression. Fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe is a unicellular, rod‐shaped fungus that has become a popular model organism for the study of actomyosin ring formation and constriction during cell division. Here we review the current knowledge of the septation and separation processes in this fungus, as well as recent advances in understanding the functional interaction between the transmembrane enzymes that build the septum and the actomyosin ring proteins.
FemABX Family Members Are Novel Nonribosomal Peptidyltransferases and Important Pathogen-specific Drug Targets*

Pathogen-specific antibiotics kill the offending species without inviting the patient's flora to help develop a resistance mechanism. The current scarcity of pathogen-specific antibiotics reflects the rarity of essential genes that are also not widely represented in and conserved among species. The FemX enzyme that initiates the synthesis of the interchain peptide of the peptidoglycan in a subset of bacterial species was purified fromLactobacillus viridescens. Subsequently, the encodingfemX gene was cloned and sequenced using reverse genetics. The femX gene is a member of the femAB family, a large family of genes previously implicated in interchain peptide synthesis but with unknown specific functions. Mutagenesis of thefemX gene identified the members of the extended FemABX family as novel nonribosomal peptidyltransferases. Determinants of FemX complex substrate recognition and a strong stimulator of FemX activity were also identified. The FemABX family members are ideal candidates for pathogen-specific antibiotic development.