Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A 12 year prospective study of circulatory disease among Danish shift workers

Background: Previous studies of the risk of heart disease after shift work reached different estimates and review authors disagree about the validity of some of the studies. A cross sectional study showed that shift workers had a higher prevalence of nearly every unfavourable work environment factor investigated. Conflicts at work and low decision latitude were more frequent among shift workers, and all-day walking or standing work and part-time jobs were more often found among female shift workers. Objectives: To estimate the risk of circulatory disease in a prospective follow up of a representative sample of gainfully employed Danes, considering known or suspected confounding factors. Methods: A cohort of 5517 people who were gainfully employed in 1990 were followed up for all hospital treatments due to circulatory diseases (390–458, ICD-8; I00–I99, ICD-10) from 1991 to 2002 inclusive. A log linear Poisson regression model was applied to control confounding factors and calculate the relative risk for 927 men and women working nights, evenings, or other non-day shifts compared to 4579 day workers. Results: Non-day workers compared to day workers had a relative risk (RR) for all circulatory diseases of 1.31 (95% CI 1.06–1.63). Without control for BMI and smoking, the RR estimate was 1.33 (95% CI 1.07–1.65). For a subgroup of workers with at least three years’ seniority, the RR was 1.40 (95% CI 1.09–1.81). The population based aetiological fraction of shift work was estimated to 5%. Conclusion: This study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that shift work carries an excess risk of circulatory diseases.
FAST BAYESIAN COMPRESSIVE SENSING USING LAPLACE PRIORS S .

In this paper we model the components of the compressive sensing (CS) problem using the Bayesian framework by utilizing a hierarchical form of the Laplace prior to model sparsity of the unknown signal. This signal prior includes some of the existing models as special cases and achieves a high degree of sparsity. We develop a constructive (greedy) algorithm resulting from this formulation where necessary parameters are estimated solely from the observation and therefore no user-intervention is needed. We provide experimental results with synthetic 1D signals and images, and compare with the state-of-the-art CS reconstruction algorithms demonstrating the superior performance of the proposed approach.
Genetic distance between Jews and non-Jews of four regions.

Using gene frequency data of nine blood group and protein loci, genetic relationships between Jews and non-Jews of four regions were studied by genetic distance analysis. The Yemenite Jews to the Israeli Arabs and the Iranian Jews to the Iranians have a high degree of genetic affinity. But on the other hand the Ashkenazi Jews are closer to the North African Jews than they are to the non-Jewish populations in Europe and North-Africa, respectively.
26 S Proteasome-mediated Degradation of Topoisomerase II Cleavable Complexes*

DNA topoisomerase II (TOP2) cleavable complexes represent an unusual type of DNA damage characterized by reversible TOP2-DNA cross-links and DNA double strand breaks. Many antitumor drugs and physiological stresses are known to induce TOP2 cleavable complexes leading to apoptotic cell death and genomic instability. However, the molecular mechanism(s) for repair of TOP2 cleavable complexes remains unclear. In the current studies, we show that TOP2 cleavable complexes induced by the prototypic TOP2 poison VM-26 are proteolytically degraded by the ubiquitin/26 S proteasome pathway. Surprisingly the TOP2β isozyme is preferentially degraded over TOP2α isozyme. In addition, transcription inhibitors such as 5,6-dichlorobenzimidazole riboside and camptothecin can substantially block VM-26-induced TOP2β degradation. These results are consistent with a model in which the repair of TOP2β cleavable complexes may involve transcription-dependent proteolysis of TOP2β to reveal the protein-concealed double strand breaks.
Detection of Data Leaks in Collaborative Data Driven Research

In the current age of big data, machine learning and semantic systems are playing increasingly important roles in data analysis. In the medical sector in particular, large volumes of data are stored in well-protected databases at various institutions, such as hospitals and research facilities. But more traditional industries, such as production environments and factories, have also increased the incorporation of sensor data for optimization purposes or in order to make new features and services available. The industry 4.0 paradigm is often seen as a trendsetter for the next decade, with different speeds of adoption by different industries.
Attitude, social influence, and self-efficacy among Chinese participants of chronic disease self-management program: a latent growth curve modeling study.

OBJECTIVES This study aimed to examine temporal relationships among psychological parameters (readiness to change, changes in self-efficacy [SE], social norm [SN], attitude [AT]) and two self-management behaviors: cognitive symptom management (CSM) and tangible help-seeking (TH) by constructing latent growth change models. METHOD This was a longitudinal study of 60 Chinese participants with various chronic diseases who completed a 6-week chronic disease self-management program. Psychological and behavioral variables were assessed at the beginning of the 1st, 4th, and 6th week of the program. RESULTS Latent growth change curve analysis revealed that, in the early stages of engagement in CSM, SE was a key determinant of behavior. During the 6-week period, changes in SE were influenced directly by both SN and AT. When engaging in TH, SE influenced the behavior with direct and indirect effect from AT and SN. Readiness for change, on the other hand, appeared to be more associated with psychological rather than behavioral changes. This study revealed different underlying change mechanisms for two types of self-management behaviors. CONCLUSION The findings shed light on program modifications that could further strengthen the therapeutic effects of the program.
Experimental Comparison of Model Predictive Control and Cascaded Control of the Modular Multilevel Converter

This paper evaluates two different concepts for the control of the modular multilevel converter (MMC). Generally aiming at medium voltage applications, the considered MMC topology has a low number of submodules, and a pulse-width modulation (PWM) scheme is applied. A model predictive control (MPC) algorithm is developed and experimentally compared to a cascaded control scheme based on conventional PI controllers, which has been proposed by Hagiwara and Akagi. Steady-state and dynamic system performance as well as computational power requirements are discussed. The basis for the comparison is a scaled converter test bench operating from 560-V dc voltage.
Protein Synthesis: Differential Stimulation of Cell-Specific Proteins in Epithelial Cells of Chick Oviduct

Immunofluorescent and radioautographic studies demonstrate that ovalbumin and avidin are cell-specific proteins synthesized by different epithelial cells in the chick oviduct mucosa. The mechanism of the selective induction of ovalbumin synthesis by estrogen and of avidin synthesis by progesterone may be through stimulation of specific target cells by these hormones.
An efficient chemical shift imaging scheme for magnetic resonance‐guided neurosurgery

An efficient magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) or chemical shift imaging (CSI) technique based on multiple spin echoes (MSE) has been implemented, validated, and used in both phantom and in vivo MR‐guided neurosurgical applications. The key concept of the method is to employ MSE to significantly speed up the data collection rate for mapping hydrogen‐containing metabolites. Using an echo train length (ETL) of three per excitation to simultaneously fill three consecutive k‐space areas, the total scan time for a spectroscopic image matrix size of 32 × 32 has been shortened to approximately 11 minutes. An interecho spacing time of 273 msec was used to null the phase anomalies of lactate double peaks due to the J‐coupling. This allowed a sufficient long data sampling time to achieve 4 Hz spectral resolution. Performing CSI intraopertively during an MR‐guided neurosurgical procedure was shown to be feasible at 1.5 T. More importantly, it was shown that more relevant information can be obtained regarding neurochemistry about a targeted lesion, in addition to conventional MR morphological imaging noninvasively. In 25 MR‐guided neurosurgical cases, the alleviated choline signal has been found to be consistent with the existence of rapid tumor cell proliferation in the corresponding area. The actual neurobiopsy guided by the spectroscopic imaging method demonstrated that it could provide valuable information in specifying the optimal site in a biopsy procedure, especially in the case involving a nonenhancing tumor. The multiecho scheme has made the CSI technique efficient enough to be routinely used in MR‐guided surgical procedures at 1.5 T and also allows the possibility of taking full advantage of MRI capability. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2001;14:1–7. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Local Perceptual Weighting in JPEG 2000 for Color Images

The aim of this work is to explain how to apply perceptual concepts to define a perceptual pre-quantizer and to improve JPEG2000 compressor. The approach consists in quantizing wavelet transform coefficients using some of the human visual system behavior properties. Noise is fatal to image compression performance, because it can be both annoying for the observer and consumes excessive bandwidth when the imagery is transmitted. Perceptual pre-quantization reduces unperceivable details and thus improve both visual impression and transmission properties. The comparison between JPEG2000 without and with perceptual pre-quantization shows that the latter is not favorable in PSNR, but the recovered image is more compressed at the same or even better visual quality measured with a weighted PSNR. Perceptual criteria were taken from the CIWaM (Chromatic Induction Wavelet Model).
Paternal exclusion: allele sharing in microsatellite testing

Abstract Background: A paternity disagreement analyzed with 15 autosomal microsatellite markers indicated allele sharing between the mother, questioned child and the alleged father generating an inconclusive paternity result. Design and methods: In total, 15 autosomal and 17 Y tandem repeat loci were analyzed using AmpFlSTR Identifiler, AmpFlSTR®Y-filer™ kits followed by six microsatellite markers on X chromosome in DNA extracted from peripheral blood samples of the mother, questioned child and alleged father. Results: Microsatellite analysis examined with 15 autosomal short tandem repeats (STRs) indicated at least one allele sharing at 14 loci between the mother, questioned child and alleged father except for the TPOX locus where a paternal-child allele mismatch was observed. Y chromosome investigations using 17 repeat markers signified the case as non-paternity (exclusion). A complete match of the six X chromosome loci in the questioned child with the mother was observed. Conclusions: Our investigations on inconclusive paternity due to atypical allele sharing in autosomal microsatellites were resolved with X- and Y-chromosome STR analyses confirming the case as non-paternity. Clin Chem Lab Med 2008;46:1586–8.
Mouse Models of Atherosclerosis

Genetically altered mice carrying mutations of genes encoding crucial components of the immune system and lipid metabolism have been widely used to study the role of immune responses and inflammation in atherosclerosis. These mice are often fed a diet, with a high content of cholesterol and saturated fat in order to induce hypercholesterolemia and arterial lesions. We review the different mouse models of atherosclerosis, type of diets, and techniques to measure lipid deposition and lesion size in the arterial walls. Moreover, the methods used to determine the presence of the immune cells in atherosclerotic lesions are also described here. Curr. Protoc. Immunol. 96:15.24. 1‐15.24. 23. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Effectiveness of Pulse Oximetry Versus Doppler for Tourniquet Monitoring.

BACKGROUND Pulse oximeters are common and include arterial pulse detection as part of their methodology. The authors investigated the possible usefulness of pulse oximeters for monitoring extremity tourniquet arterial occlusion. METHODS Tactical Ratcheting Medical Tourniquets were tightened to the least Doppler-determined occluding pressure at mid-thigh or mid-arm locations on one limb at a time on all four limbs of 15 volunteers. A randomized block design was used to determine the placement locations of three pulse oximeter sensors on the relevant digits. The times and pressures of pulsatile signal absences and returns were recorded for 200 seconds, with the tourniquet being tightened only when the Doppler ultrasound and all three pulse oximeters had pulsatile signals present (pulsatile waveform traces for the pulse oximeters). RESULTS From the first Doppler signal absence to tourniquet release, toe-located pulse oximeters missed Doppler signal presence 41% to 50% of the times (discrete 1-second intervals) and missed 39% to 49% of the pressure points (discrete 1mmHg intervals); fingerlocated pulse oximeters had miss rates of 11% to 15% of the times and 13% to 19% of the pressure points. On toes, the pulse oximeter ranges of sensitivity and specificity for Doppler pulse detection were 71% to 90% and 44% to 51%, and on fingers, the respective ranges were 65% to 77% and 78% to 83%. CONCLUSION Use of a pulse oximeter to monitor limb tourniquet effectiveness will result in some instances of an undetected weak arterial pulse being present. If a pulse oximeter waveform is obtained from a location distal to a tourniquet, the tourniquet should be tightened. If a pulsatile waveform is not detected, vigilance should be maintained.
Automated messaging to improve compliance with diabetes test monitoring.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the use of automated systems to prompt patients with diabetes mellitus to obtain overdue laboratory tests for its effectiveness in promoting test compliance and to compare letters, telephone messages, and combinations. STUDY DESIGN Randomized controlled trial. METHODS All subjects (N = 13,057) were adult members of Southern California Kaiser Permanente with diabetes and with no record of glycosylated hemoglobin, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and urinary microalbumin tests in more than 1 year. The effectiveness of automated telephone calls and letters was compared versus a no-contact control group using the following 5 intervention groups: letter, call, letter that is followed by a call 4 weeks later, call that is followed by a letter 4 weeks later, and letter-call-letter combination. Messages were in English and in Spanish. Adherence to all testing was compared at 8 weeks and 12 weeks after initial contact using chi(2) test and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS The proportions of each study group compliant with all tests were 18% to 19% among controls, 21% for a letter or a call, 25% for a letter-call or call-letter, and 26% for a letter-call-letter; letter-call and call-letter were significantly different versus controls (P <.001), and letter-call-letter was not significantly different versus letter-call. Older age was associated with compliance (P <.001). CONCLUSIONS The pairing of automated letters and telephone calls in any order was more effective than any single intervention in promoting compliance with diabetes monitoring tests. The relative cost of the letter-call and call-letter approaches to outreach should be considered to determine which is preferred in any given situation.
Effect of 1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride foam on white spot lesions in orthodontic patients: a randomized trial.

PURPOSE The decalcification of enamel is a serious clinical problem in orthodontic patients and is usually observed as white spot lesions surrounding brackets. This study's purpose was to evaluate the effect of professionally applied 1.23 percent fluoride foam on reducing the formation of white spot lesions (WSLs) in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances. METHODS In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 100 participants were randomly divided into two groups. The two groups received fluoride foam and placebo foam, respectively, every two months during the treatment. The examinations before bonding and after debonding were performed by one examiner and included the presence and severity of WSLs on incisors, canines, and premolars. RESULTS The incidence of WSLs was approximately 13 percent in the fluoride foam group and 51 percent in the placebo group (P<.001). The mean increment of WSLs score was significantly lower in the fluoride foam group (0.71 ± 2.80) than in the placebo group (4.36 ± 5.41; P<.001). The preventive fraction was approximately 76 percent, and the number needed to treat was calculated as 2.6. CONCLUSIONS Professional application of 1.23 percent fluoride foam during orthodontic treatment effectively reduced the development of white spot lesions. A prophylactic regimen based on the routine use of fluoride foam during orthodontic treatment is recommended.
Shaping filter representation of nonstationary colored noise

The problem of determining a shaping filter for nonstationary colored noise is considered. The shaping filter transforms white noise into a possibly nonstationary random process (having no white noise component) with a specified covariance function. A set of conditions to be satisfied by the covariance function leads to the determination of a shaping filter. The shaping filter coefficients are simply related to the solution of a matrix Riccati equation. In order to formulate the Riccati equation, basic results concerning the mean-square differentiability of a random process are developed. If the Riccati equation can not be defined, an autonomous (zero-input) shaping filter may be easily determined.
Screening for chronic diseases in South Africa.

Screening for disease is one of the cornerstones of medicine and public health. A review of screening for chronic diseases in South Africa in an insured population, published in this issue of SAMJ, shows uptake to be low. In the majority of the population, who do not have private insurance but probably have the biggest burden of diseases, coverage is likely to be worse. As the country moves towards universal coverage of services under National Health Insurance, there are major questions to be resolved about the role that community-based screening for chronic diseases will play, and the priorities for services to be developed across the country.
Acute hypothalamic instability in traumatic brain injury: a case report.

Acute hypothalamic instability occurs in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). It usually occurs in the form of autonomic dysfunction syndrome (also known as diencephalic seizures or paroxysmal sympathetic storms); however, there are other causes of acute hypothalamic instability of which the clinician must be aware. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome, malignant hyperthermia, autonomic dysfunction syndrome, and lethal catatonia are all syndromes that clinically present as signs and symptoms of acute hypothalamic instability. Because of the lethal potential of these syndromes, clinicians who care for patients with TBI must be aware of the various syndromes, their clinical presentation, and their treatment. We present a case of life-threatening acute hypothalamic instability in a patient with TBI.
Object-based modelling for representing and processing speech corpora

This thesis deals with modelling data existing in large speech corpora using an object-oriented paradigm which captures important linguistic structures. Information from corpora is transformed into objects and are assigned properties regarding their behaviour. These objects, called speech units, are placed onto a multi-dimensional framework and have their relationships to other units explicitly defined through the use of links. Frameworks that model temporal utterances or atemporal information like speaker characteristics and recording conditions can be searched efficiently for contextual matches. Speech units that match desired contexts are the result of successful linguistically motivated queries and can be used in further speech processing tasks in the same computational environment. This allows for empirical studies of speech and its relation to linguistic structures to be carried out, and for the training and testing of applications like speech recognition and synthesis. Information residing in typical speech corpora is discussed first, followed by an overview of objectorientation which sets the tone for this thesis. Then the representation framework is introduced which is generated by a compiler and linker that rely on a set of domain-specific resources that transform corpus data into speech units. Operations on this framework are then presented along with a comparison between a relational and object-oriented model of identical speech data. The models described in this work are directly applicable to existing large speech corpora, and the methods developed here are tested against relational database methods. The object-oriented methods outperform the relational methods for typical linguistically relevant queries by about three orders of magnitude as measured by database search times. This improvement in simplicity of representation and search speed is crucial for the utilisation of large multi-lingual corpora in basic research on the detailed properties of speech, especially in relation to contextual variation.
Platelet Adhesion Enhances the Glycoprotein VI-Dependent Procoagulant Response: Involvement of p38 MAP Kinase and Calpain

Abstract— In the final stages of activation, platelets express coagulation-promoting activity by 2 simultaneous processes: exposure of aminophospholipids, eg, phosphatidylserine (PS), at the platelet surface, and formation of membrane blebs, which may be shed as microvesicles. Contact with collagen triggers both processes via platelet glycoprotein VI (GPVI). Here, we studied the capacity of 2 GPVI ligands, collagen-related peptide (CRP) and the snake venom protein convulxin (CVX), to elicit the procoagulant platelet response. In platelets in suspension, either ligand induced full aggregation and high Ca2+ signals but little microvesiculation or PS exposure. However, most of the platelets adhering to immobilized CRP or CVX had exposed PS and formed membrane blebs after a prolonged increase in cytosolic [Ca2+]i. Platelets adhering to fibrinogen responded similarly but only when exposed to soluble CRP or CVX. By scanning electron microscopic analysis, the bleb-forming platelets were detected as either round, spongelike structures with associated microparticles or as arrays of vesicular cell fragments. The phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) elicited by CRP and CVX was enhanced in fibrinogen-adherent platelets compared with that in platelets in suspension. The p38 inhibitor SB203580 and the calpain protease inhibitor calpeptin reduced only the procoagulant bleb formation, having no effect on PS exposure. Inhibition of p38 also downregulated calpain activity. We conclude that the procoagulant response evoked by GPVI stimulation is potentiated by platelet adhesion. The sequential activation of p38 MAPK and calpain appears to regulate procoagulant membrane blebbing but not PS exposure.