Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Frailty in the Oldest Old: Prevalence and Associated Factors

1. Hamerman D. Toward an understanding of frailty. Ann Intern Med 1999;130:945–950. 2. Walston J, Hadley EC, Ferrucci L et al. Research agenda for frailty in older adults: Toward a better understanding of physiology and etiology: Summary from the American Geriatrics Society/National Institute on Aging Research Conference on Frailty in Older Adults. J Am Geriatr Soc 2006;54:991–1001. 3. Fried LP, Ferrucci L, Darer J et al. Untangling the concepts of disability, frailty, and comorbidity: Implications for improved targeting and care. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2004;59A:255–263. 4. Fried LP, Tangen CM, Walston J et al. Frailty in older adults: Evidence for a phenotype. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2001;56A: M146–M156. 5. Avila-Funes JA, Helmer C, Amieva H et al. Frailty among communitydwelling elderly people in France: The Three-City Study. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2008;63A:1089–1096. 6. Fernandez-Bola~ nos M, Otero A, Zunzunegui MV et al. Sex differences in the prevalence of frailty in a population aged 75 and older in Spain. J Am Geriatr Soc 2008;56:2370–2371. 7. Chen CY, Wu SC, Chen LJ et al. The prevalence of subjective frailty and factors associated with frailty in Taiwan. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2010;50 (Suppl 1):S43–S47. 8. Syddall H, Roberts HC, Evandrou M et al. Prevalence and correlates of frailty among community-dwelling older men and women: Findings from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study. Age Ageing 2010;39:197–203. 9. Santos-Eggimann B, Cu enoud P, Spagnoli J et al. Prevalence of frailty in middle-aged and older community-dwelling Europeans living in 10 countries. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2009;64A:675–681. 10. Jones DM, Song X, Rockwood K. Operationalizing a frailty index from a standardized comprehensive geriatric assessment. J Am Geriatr Soc 2004;52:1929–1933.
Relationship between body habitus and joint leptin levels in a knee osteoarthritis population

Synovial fluid (SF) leptin has been shown to have an association with cartilage degeneration. Our objective was to examine the relationship between different measures of body habitus and SF leptin levels in an end‐stage knee osteoarthritis (OA) population. Sixty consecutive patients with knee OA were surveyed prior to surgery for demographic data. Body habitus was assessed with the body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist–hip ratio (WHR). SF and serum samples were analyzed for leptin and adiponectin using specific ELISA. Nonparametric correlations and linear regression modeling was used to identify the relationship between the measures of body habitus and SF leptin levels. Females had greater levels of leptin than males in both the serum and SF. Significant correlations were found between SF leptin levels and BMI and WC (R2 0.44 and 0.38, respectively; p < 0.05). Regression modeling showed that female gender and WC were independent predictors of a greater SF leptin level independent of age, BMI, and presence of diabetes (p < 0.05). WC may be a more accurate measure of body habitus than BMI in the relationship between the metabolic effects of adipose tissue and OA. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:329–333, 2010
Diagenesis and diagenetic facies distribution prediction of Chang 8 tight oil reservoir in Maling area, Ordos Basin, NW China

In this study, characteristics of Chang 8 tight sandstone pore structure and diagenesis are analyzed. A classification standard for sandstone diagenetic facies is established. Combined with the probabilistic neural network method, logging curves are used to predict the distribution of diagenetic facies. The following results are found: the Chang 8 reservoir has low porosity-low permeability characteristics, and the pore-throat structures have strong microscopic heterogeneity; both compaction and siliceous and carbonate cementation promote reservoir densification; chlorite cement lining, hydrocarbon emplacement, and the dissolution of feldspar and rock fragments have constructive effects on reservoir development; and two favorable diagenetic facies, a weakly compacted and chlorite-authigenic quartz cementation facies and an intensely compacted-dissolution facies, are developed in the middle of the thick sandstone and are a good match in their horizontal distribution with distributary channel sands. The Chang 81 member has a much larger area that is more favorable for the development of reservoir diagenetic facies than the Chang 82
Evaluation of canny and sobel operator for logo edge detection

This study is to compare how Canny and Sobel Operators can be used as edge detection technique for various logo images. The main process involved Sobel and Canny edge detection techniques using captured logo images and logo images from internet. The images manipulated by median filtering to remove noise and Otsu's method is used to determine threshold value. The result shows that both operators have their own advantages and disadvantages to be used as edge detection aid for logo images.
Discrimination of Picea chihuahuana Martinez populations on the basis of climatic, edaphic, dendrometric, genetic and population traits

Background Picea chihuahuana, which is endemic to Mexico, is currently listed as “Endangered” on the Red List. Chihuahua spruce is only found in the Sierra Madre Occidental (SMO), Mexico. About 42,600 individuals are distributed in forty populations. These populations are fragmented and can be classified into three geographically distinct clusters in the SMO. The total area covered by P. chihuahuana populations is less than 300 ha. A recent study suggested assisted migration as an alternative to the ex situ conservation of P. chihuahuana, taking into consideration the genetic structure and diversity of the populations and the predictions regarding the future climate of the habitat. However, detailed background information is required to enable development of plans for protecting and conserving species and for successful assisted migration. Thus, it is important to identify differences between populations in relation to environmental conditions. The genetic diversity of populations, which affect vigor, evolution and adaptability of the species, must also be considered. In this study, we examined 14 populations of P. chihuahuana, with the overall aim of discriminating the populations and form clusters of this species. Methods Each population was represented by one 50 × 50 m plot established in the center of its respective location. Climate, soil, dasometric, density variables and genetic and species diversities were assessed in these plots for further analyses. The putatively neutral and adaptive AFLP markers were used to calculate genetic diversity. Affinity Propagation (AP) clustering technique and k-means clustering algorithm were used to classify the populations in the optimal number of clusters. Later stepwise binomial logistic regression was applied to test for significant differences in variables of the southern and northern P. chihuahuana populations. Spearman’s correlation test was used to analyze the relationships among all variables studied. Results The binomial logistic regression analysis revealed that seven climate variables, the geographical longitude and sand proportion in the soil separated the southern from northern populations. The northern populations grow in more arid and continental conditions and on soils with lower sand proportion. The mean genetic diversity using all AFLP studied of P. chihuahuana was significantly correlated with the mean temperature in the warmest month, where warmer temperatures are associated to larger genetic diversity. Genetic diversity of P. chihuahuana calculated with putatively adaptive AFLP was not statistically significantly correlated with any environmental factor. Discussion Future reforestation programs should take into account that at least two different groups (the northern and southern cluster) of P. chihuahuana exist, as local adaptation takes place because of different environmental conditions.
High static gain DC-DC converter CUK with current source characteristic for nanogrid application

A high gain DC-DC converter based on the CUK topology, which is suitable for a nanogrid application, is presented in this paper. The proposed converter is composed of two winding coupled inductor and voltage multiplier cells with switch capacitors in order to achieve the high step-up voltage gain. Meanwhile, the converter features current source characteristics at the input and output, which differs from conventional high gain converter topologies. Finally, to validate the proposal a prototype circuit with input voltage 26 V, output voltage 380 V, and rated power 200 W is operated to verify its performance, which presented a maximum efficiency of 95.3%.
Authors of TADS study reply to letter raising concerns

EDITOR—We thank Jureidini et al for their interest in the treatment for adolescents with depression study (TADS) study1 but find their critique to lack accuracy, methodological sophistication, scientific rigour, and credibility. TADS does not consist of “two separate randomised studies. ” Patients were consecutively randomised to one of the four TADS treatments using a computerised, stratified randomisation algorithm.2 3 Because comparative treatment trials that include both medication and psychotherapy conditions …
Two-dimensional equations for electroelastic plates with relatively large shear deformations

A set of two-dimensional, nonlinear equations for electroelastic plates in moderately large thickness-shear deformations is obtained from the variational formulation of the three-dimensional equations of nonlinear electroelasticity by expanding the mechanical displacement vector and the electric potential into power series in the plate thickness coordinate. As an example, the equations are used to study nonlinear thickness-shear vibrations of a quartz plate driven by an electrical voltage. Nonlinear electrical current amplitude-frequency behavior near resonance is obtained. The equations and results are useful in the study and design of piezoelectric crystal resonators and the measurement of nonlinear material constants of electroelastic materials.
An Infrastructure for Analog Circuits Testing

This paper presents an infrastructure for analog circuits testing. The proposed infrastructure is designed by the concept of the switch-current (SI) circuit. Two operating modes, which are loading mode and observing one, are used to complete the associated testing procedure. This proposed infrastructure is digitally controlled by switches and a capacitor is used to store the associated analog voltage level. Then the infrastructure can be extended to accomplish a wider range of analog signal. Simulation results also demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed infrastructure for analog circuit testing.
Dietary potassium intake and mortality in long-term hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND Hyperkalemia has been associated with higher mortality in long-term hemodialysis (HD) patients. There are few data concerning the relationship between dietary potassium intake and outcome. STUDY DESIGN The mortality predictability of dietary potassium intake from reported food items estimated using the Block Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) at the start of the cohort was examined in a 5-year (2001-2006) cohort of 224 HD patients in Southern California using Cox proportional hazards regression. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS 224 long-term HD patients from 8 DaVita dialysis clinics. PREDICTORS Dietary potassium intake ranking using the Block FFQ. OUTCOMES 5-year survival. RESULTS HD patients with higher potassium intake had greater dietary energy, protein, and phosphorus intakes and higher predialysis serum potassium and phosphorus levels. Greater dietary potassium intake was associated with significantly increased death HRs in unadjusted models and after incremental adjustments for case-mix, nutritional factors (including 3-month averaged predialysis serum creatinine, potassium, and phosphorus levels; body mass index; normalized protein nitrogen appearance; and energy, protein, and phosphorus intake) and inflammatory marker levels. HRs for death across the 3 higher quartiles of dietary potassium intake in the fully adjusted model (compared with the lowest quartile) were 1.4 (95% CI, 0.6-3.0), 2.2 (95% CI, 0.9-5.4), and 2.4 (95% CI, 1.1-7.5), respectively (P for trend = 0.03). Restricted cubic spline analyses confirmed the incremental mortality predictability of higher potassium intake. LIMITATIONS FFQs may underestimate individual potassium intake and should be used to rank dietary intake across the population. CONCLUSIONS Higher dietary potassium intake is associated with increased death risk in long-term HD patients, even after adjustments for serum potassium level; dietary protein; energy, and phosphorus intake; and nutritional and inflammatory marker levels. The potential role of dietary potassium in the high mortality rate of HD patients warrants clinical trials.
The Relation between Polled and Hermaphroditic Characters in Dairy Goats.

HE problem of the occurrence of hermaphrodites in dairy goats, especially in purebred herds where attention is given to the breeding of polled animals, has led to inquiries regarding the relation between the polled condition and the birth of hermaphrodites. have noted the fact in heredity of in noted that four hermaphrodites, polled, appeared in matings between polled condition. horned hermaphrodites are a very great rarity, occasional goats. 200 hornless.
Genetic parameters for growth, reproductive performance, calving ease and suckling performance in beef cattle heifers

There is considerable concern about the consequences on fitness-related traits of using narrow breeding objectives for production traits. The aim of this study was to assess the potential consequences of selection for growth in French beef cattle breeds by estimating genetic correlations between growth, reproduction, calving and suckling traits of Charolais, Limousin and Blonde d’Aquitaine heifers. Data consisted of the records collected from 1985 to 2002 in progeny test stations that were used in the genetic evaluation of 284 Charolais, 125 Limousin and 118 Blonde d’Aquitaine AI sires. Seven traits were considered simultaneously in the analysis : weights at 18 months and after calving (for measuring heifer growth), sexual precocity and fertility (for measuring heifer reproductive performance), calving difficulty score and pelvic opening (for measuring calving ease) and milk yield (for measuring the suckling ability of the primiparous cow). REML (co)variance estimates were derived using linear multitrait sire models. Estimates of heritability were in the range of values given in the literature. They were very similar in the Charolais and Blonde d’Aquitaine breeds, and rather different for reproductive and suckling performance in the Limousin breed. Estimates were about 0·35 for heifer growth traits and about 0·15 for calving difficulty score in the three breeds. In the Charolais and Blonde d’Aquitaine breeds, estimates of heritability were 0·15 for sexual precocity and 0·05 for heifer fertility. These estimates were close to zero in the Limousin breed. Heritabilities of pelvic opening and milk yield were, respectively, 0·2 and 0·6 in the Limousin breed and around 0·3 in the other two breeds. Genetic correlations between traits concerning the same ability (as, for instance, weight at 18 months and weight at calving) were high and, in general, similar among breeds. Genetic correlations between heifer growth, reproductive traits, calving ease and suckling performance were nil or slightly favourable in the three breeds. Consequently, past selection mainly directed towards increasing growth seems not to have adversely affected the efficiency of female reproduction and the maternal abilities of French specialized beef cattle breeds.
HIV-1 subtypes: epidemiology and significance for HIV management

Purpose of review This review presents an update on the molecular epidemic patterns of HIV-1 infection and the effects of subtype-related genetic variability on transmission, disease progression, response to antiretroviral therapy and drug-resistance pathways. Recent findings The molecular epidemiology of HIV-1 infection is complex and evolving. The emergence of new variants reflects HIV-1 prevalence, subtype epidemiology and risk-behaviour patterns in different geographical areas. Evidence indicates that certain subtypes may have a transmission advantage while others display higher replicative efficiency. The molecular mechanisms underlying these differences are being identified and include both virus- and host-related factors. Although drug susceptibility varies and clinical evidence remains limited, current antiretroviral regimens appear to have comparable efficacy in patients infected with B and non-B subtypes. Subtype-related variability influences resistance pathways. However, the major treatment-associated resistance mutations seen in subtype B also confer resistance in non-B subtypes and vice versa. Summary Genetic differences among HIV-1 variants can influence the virus biological properties, susceptibility to existing and candidate antiretroviral drugs, and evolution of antiretroviral drug resistance. Further studies are required to define the impact of this variability on risk of transmission, disease outcomes, responses to antiretroviral therapy and resistance pathways. Meanwhile, plasma viral load and CD4 count remain the important predictors of disease outcome, regardless of the infecting subtype. Current antiretroviral regimens can be used reliably to treat patients with both B and non-B subtypes, and resistance interpretation algorithms provide adequate guidance. The limitations of current evidence should be acknowledged and instigate ongoing vigilance.
Draft Genome Sequence of Candida auris Strain LOM, a Human Clinical Isolate from Greater Metropolitan Houston, Texas

Candida auris is an emerging pathogen of considerable public health importance. We present the draft genome sequence of a strain recently cultured from the urine of a patient hospitalized in the greater Houston metropolitan region. Two combined Oxford Nanopore sequencing runs provided sufficient data to rapidly generate a draft genome. ABSTRACT Candida auris is an emerging pathogen of considerable public health importance. We present the draft genome sequence of a strain recently cultured from the urine of a patient hospitalized in the greater Houston metropolitan region. Two combined Oxford Nanopore sequencing runs provided sufficient data to rapidly generate a draft genome.
Uncertainty and Risk-aversion in a Dynamic Oligopoly with Sticky Prices

In this paper we present a dynamic discrete-time model that allows to investigate the impact of risk-aversion in an oligopoly characterized by a homogeneous non-storable good, sticky prices and uncertainty. Our model nests the classical dynamic oligopoly model with sticky prices by Fershtman and Kamien (Fershtman and Kamien, 1987), which can be viewed as the continuous-time limit of our model with no uncertainty and no risk-aversion. Focusing on the continuous-time limit of the infinite horizon formulation we show that the optimal production strategy and the consequent equilibrium price are, respectively, directly and inversely related to the degrees of uncertainty and risk-aversion. However, the effect of uncertainty and risk-aversion crucially depends on price stickiness since, when prices can adjust instantaneously, the steady state equilibrium in our model with uncertainty and risk aversion collapses to Fershtman and Kamien’s analogue.
A Review of CMOS Time-to-Digital Converter

Nowadays time-to-digital converter (TDC) is the most popular method of time measurement in many applications. The CMOS process, which gains an advantage over Emitter Coupled Logic (ECL) and GaAs in cost and portability, provides sufficient space for TDC development. This paper presents a review of CMOS TDCs classified by circuit topologies and performance. For each TDC structure, the principle exposition and performance analysis are given in detail. Moreover, a comparison among all kinds of TDCs mentioned in this paper is presented in tabular form. Finally, we discuss the obstacle to the development of TDC and the possible tendency for future work in summary.
Presentation, Treatment, and Outcomes of Haitian Women With Breast Cancer in Miami and Haiti: Disparities in Breast Cancer—A Retrospective Cohort Study

Purpose We compared a cohort of Haitian immigrants with residents in Haiti with breast cancer (BC) to evaluate the effects of location on presentation, treatment, and outcomes. Patients and Methods Participants were Haitian women with BC living in Miami who presented to the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital and women with BC living in Haiti who presented to the Innovating Health International Women’s Cancer Center. The primary outcome was the relationship between location, cancer characteristics, and survival. The secondary objective was to compare our results with data extracted from the SEER database. Cox regression was used to compare survival. Results One hundred two patients from University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital and 94 patients from Innovating Health International were included. The patients in Haiti, compared with the patients in Miami, were younger (mean age, 50.2 v 53.7 years, respectively; P = .042), presented after a longer duration of symptoms (median, 20 v 3 months, respectively; P < .001), had more advanced stage (44.7% v 25.5% with stage III and 27.6% v 18.6% with stage IV BC, respectively), and had more estrogen receptor (ER) –negative tumors (44.9% v 26.5%, respectively; P = .024). The percentage of women who died was 31.9% in Haiti died compared with 17.6% in Miami. Median survival time was 53.7 months for women in Haiti and was not reached in Miami. The risk of death was higher for women in Haiti versus women in Miami (adjusted hazard ratio, 3.09; P = .0024). Conclusion Women with BC in Haiti experience a significantly worse outcome than immigrants in Miami, which seems to be related to a more advanced stage and younger age at diagnosis, more ER-negative tumors, and lack of timely effective treatments. The differences in age and ER status are not a result of access to care and are unexplained.
COMPLEX DOMAIN SPARSE PHASE IMAGING BASED ON NONLOCAL BM 3 D TECHNIQUES

The paper is addressed to 2D phase and amplitude estimation of complex-valued signals —that is, in particular, to estimation of modulo-2π interferometric phase images from periodic and noisy observations. These degradation mechanisms make phase image estimation a challenging problem. A sparse nonlocal data-adaptive imaging formalized in complex domain is used for phase and amplitude image reconstruction. Following the procedure of patch-based technique, the image is partitioned into small overlapping square patches. Block Matching Three Dimensional (BM3D) technique is developed for forming complex domain sparse spectral representations of complex-valued data. HOSVD applied to BM3D groups enables the design of the orthonormal complex domain 3D transforms which are data adaptive and different for each BM3Ds group. An iterative version of the complex domain BM3D is designed from variational formulation of the problem. The convergence of this algorithm is shown. The effectiveness of the new sparse coding based algorithms is illustrated in simulation experiments where they demonstrate the state-of-the-art performance.