Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ethnic Differences in Atrial Fibrillation Identified Using Implanted Cardiac Devices

Ethnic Difference in Atrial Fibrillation Incidence. Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is suggested to be less common among black and Asian individuals, which could reflect bias in symptom reporting and access to care. In the Asymptomatic AF and Stroke Evaluation in Pacemaker Patients and the AF Reduction Atrial Pacing Trial (ASSERT), patients with hypertension but no history of AF had AF recorded via an implanted pacemaker or defibrillator, thus allowing both symptomatic and asymptomatic AF incidence to be determined without ascertainment bias.
Nef Proteins from Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Chimpanzees Interact with p21-Activated Kinase 2 and Modulate Cell Surface Expression of Various Human Receptors

ABSTRACT The accessory Nef protein allows human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) to persist at high levels and to cause AIDS in infected humans. The function of HIV-1 group M subtype B nef alleles has been extensively studied, and a variety of in vitro activities believed to be important for viral pathogenesis have been established. However, the function of nef alleles derived from naturally simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected chimpanzees, the original host of HIV-1, or from the HIV-1 N and O groups resulting from independent zoonotic transmissions remains to be investigated. In the present study we demonstrate that SIVcpz and HIV-1 group N or O nef alleles down-modulate CD4, CD28, and class I or II MHC molecules and up-regulate surface expression of the invariant chain (Ii) associated with immature major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II. Furthermore, the ability of Nef to interact with the p21-activated kinase 2 was generally conserved. The functional activity of HIV-1 group N and O nef genes did not differ significantly from group M nef alleles. However, SIVcpz nef genes as a group showed a 1.8- and 2.0-fold-higher activity in modulating CD28 (P = 0.0002) and Ii (P = 0.016) surface expression, respectively, but were 1.7-fold less active in down-regulating MHC class II molecules (P = 0.006) compared to HIV-1 M nef genes. Our finding that primary SIVcpz nef alleles derived from naturally infected chimpanzees modulate the surface expression of various human cellular receptors involved in T-cell activation and antigen presentation suggests that functional nef genes helped the chimpanzee virus to persist efficiently in infected humans immediately after zoonotic transmission.
Uma avaliação de dados de expressão gênica em leucemias agudas utilizando árvores de decisão

An important issue about gene expression analysis concerns the huge amount of generated results: normally thousands of differently expressed genes can be found. One possible way to solve this problem consists in applying systems that are able to extract knowledge automatically from large datasets yielding to useful hypotheses. For instance, a gene subset could be identified in order to help diagnosing leukemia cases at clinical practice. This work evaluates data from leukemia gene expression through decision trees using rounding of continuous values. Key-words: Machine Learning, Decision Tree, Gene Expression, Leukemia.
A hybrid Delphi-Bayesian method to establish business data integrity policy: A benchmark data center case study

– Over the past decade, many small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises have incurred dramatic losses due to major disasters, causing loss of their business information systems and transaction data, so, they have started to outsource their information operations to data centers (DCs), in order to monitor critical business data operations. The purpose of this paper is to propose a dual‐sided business data integrity policy framework. , – Based on a review of the available literature, case studies, and in‐depth interviews with top CEOs and experts in the field, a fuzzy Delphi method is proposed in two frameworks. In addition, a risk evaluation rule is derived by applying Bayesian decision analysis to mitigate the risk and lower the cost in their outsourcing policy; and Delphi method is used to extract 11 DC service quality evaluation indicators and also use these indicators to conduct a benchmark in Taiwan. Furthermore, the proposed framework is applied to figure out critical service advantages as well as suggestions for the DC involved in the benchmark. , – The results of framework point out that enterprises should monitor the four operation elements (facility and infrastructure, server system management, information security management, and disaster recovery (DR) mechanism) to ensure and improve their data integrity; and DC firms need to build robust facilities and services in the five operation elements (customizability, serviceability, information technology infrastructure, security management, and knowledge intensity). , – This paper uses a hybrid Delphi‐Bayesian method to propose a new framework, which is adequately integrated with the consensus of experts and business decision makers; higher professionalism and content validity are achieved. Enterprises can use these indicators to evaluate the service quality of DCs among DC firms.
Time and money: effects of no-shows at a family practice residency clinic.

BACKGROUND When patients fail to appear for scheduled appointments, the flow of patient care is interrupted, and clinic productivity declines. This study investigated the impact of failed appointments on a clinic by measuring time and money lost after taking into account same-day treatment patients (walk-ins). METHODS Schedule information was retrieved for 4,055 visits over 20 business days. Data were collected on appointment status (show, no-show, cancel, walk-in), time allocated for the appointment, charges for visit, date and time of the visit, and other appointment information. RESULTS No-shows and cancellations represented 31.1% of scheduled appointments and 32.2% of scheduled time. Rates of failed appointments varied by type of provider, patient demographics, and patient status (new versus established). Walk-in patients replaced 61.0% of failed appointments but only 42.4% of the time blocked for those appointments. Walk-in visits generated 89.5% of the charges associated with scheduled visits. Over the course of a year, total revenue shortfalls could range from 3% to 14% of total clinic income. CONCLUSIONS Failed appointments pose financial as well as administrative problems for residency practices. Proactive reminder systems are needed to promote patient attendance.
The influence of context on quality improvement success in health care: a systematic review of the literature.

CONTEXT The mixed results of success among QI initiatives may be due to differences in the context of these initiatives. METHODS The business and health care literature was systematically reviewed to identify contextual factors that might influence QI success; to categorize, summarize, and synthesize these factors; and to understand the current stage of development of this research field. FINDINGS Forty-seven articles were included in the final review. Consistent with current theories of implementation and organization change, leadership from top management, organizational culture, data infrastructure and information systems, and years involved in QI were suggested as important to QI success. Other potentially important factors identified in this review included: physician involvement in QI, microsystem motivation to change, resources for QI, and QI team leadership. Key limitations in the existing literature were the lack of a practical conceptual model, the lack of clear definitions of contextual factors, and the lack of well-specified measures. CONCLUSIONS Several contextual factors were shown to be important to QI success, although the current body of literature lacks adequate definitions and is characterized by considerable variability in how contextual factors are measured across studies. Future research should focus on identifying and developing measures of context tied to a conceptual model that examines context across all levels of the health care system and explores the relationships among various aspects of context.
New Methods of Formant Analysis-Synthesis for Musical Applications

In this article we introduce some novel methods of formant analysis and synthesis. The latter is performed by the implementation of a technique known as Modified FM synthesis, while the former use an unscented Kalman filter algorithm. The proposed techniques provide a good alternative to the existing time and frequency domain methods that is both flexible and elegant. The synthesis technique, based on an extension of FM, allows for an efficient means of generating an easily-describable spectrum.The Kalman filter analysis provides precise and finely-grained tracking of formant parameters. After a detailed discussion of the methods, we present a number of possible musical applications for them,. Sound examples are provided online, illustrating the techniques and their use.
Functional role of antibody against "core" glycolipid of Enterobacteriaceae.

Antibodies against the "core" glycolipid of Enterobacteriaceae (2-keto, 3-deoxyoctonate-Lipid A) have been associated with protection against the sequelae of gram-negative rod bacteremia. To investigate the nature of this protection, dogs and rabbits were immunized with purified glycolipid prepared by phenol-chloroform-petroleum ether extraction of the "Re" mutant of Salmonella minnesota 595 and opsonophagocytic and bactericidal tests were carried out using lapine peritoneal granulocytes and serum factors. Whereas 1-4 mug/kg of glycolipid i.v. produced hypotension in dogs and 8 mug/kg i.v. was lethal, a rising dosage schedule of immunization with an average total dose of 1 mg/kg produced striking protection against shock and death against challenge with heterologous organisms. 20 control dogs, given approximately 10(10) live, serum-resistant Escherichia coli 0.85:H9 or Serratia marcescens 03 during a continuous intra-arterial pressure transducer recording, showed a drop in mean systolic pressure from 186 (+/- 6 SE) to 101 (+/- 12 SE) MM Hg and a fall in mean diastolic pressure from 118 (+/- 3 SE) to 64 (+/- 8 SE) mm Hg within 60-120 min. Minor pressure changes (average less than 12% of prechallenge levels) were seen in the same number of immunized dogs. In contrast, no significant difference was noted in the bloodstream clearance of these serum-resistant organisms over a period of 4-6 h between immunized and control dogs. Intravascular clearance was greater in animals immunized with the challenged strain or in glycolipid-immunized animals challenged with highly serum-sensitive E. coli 0.14:K7. Antibody against core glycolipid protected against the hemodynamic sequelae of bacillemia, augmented intravascular clearance of serum-sensitive organisms, and abrogated the pyrogenic response to enteric bacilli, but did not enhance clearance of serum-resistant organisms. Although canine and lapine antiserum against core glycolipid passively protected mice against a heterologous challenge, opsonophagocytic and bactericidal activity was at least 100-fold less than type-specific antiserum.
The Role Of Trade Management In The Process Of Overcoming The Secrets Of Sustainable Development

Abstract Trade, especially retail, plays an important role in linking producers, consumers, as well as employees and the social community at large. In developed market economies, the trade takes the leading position in marketing channels. In that regard, the trade has a good insight into the changes that occur in the production processes, consumer needs, and demands of the society. Given these changes, trade is heading in the direction of creating a competitive advantage in accordance with the principles of sustainable development, which opens up possibilities for application of this concept in trade. The aim of this paper is to explore the possibilities of implementing the concept of sustainable development in trade and trade management. The starting hypothesis of the work is that the trading companies operate in accordance with the principles of sustainable development. The testing of the hypothesis will be carried out from three angles. The research will start with an analysis of the concept of sustainable development. Second, the subject of a separate analysis in this paper will be the content of the concept of sustainable development in trade and retail, as well as the elements affecting the operational viability of trading companies. In that regard, the subject of the analysis will be the top ten trading companies from the list of 250 largest trading companies in the world and their content of the concept of sustainable development. Bearing in mind the results of the research on the concept of sustainable development in these companies, it can be expected that the trade will base its business philosophy on eco-marketing, with parallel acceptance of eco-management. This means that the companies capable of offering products that do not pollute the environment and that are labeled “eco”, “bio”, or “natural” will ensure their survival in the market. Third, the subject of the research will be the instruments that the trading companies use to achieve the objectives of sustainable business. All these aspects of the research are designed in a way to realize the defined goal and test the initial hypothesis in the paper.
Body size, body composition, and fat distribution: a comparison of young New Zealand men of European, Pacific Island, and Asian Indian ethnicities.

AIMS To investigate body size and body fat relationships and fat distribution in young healthy men drawn from New Zealand European, Pacific Island, and Asian Indian populations. METHOD A total of 114 healthy men (64 European, 31 Pacific Island, 19 Asian Indian) aged 17-30 years underwent measurements of height, weight, and body composition by total body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Body mass index (BMI) was then calculated. Percent body fat (%BF), fat-free mass, bone mineral content, bone mineral density, abdominal fat, thigh fat, and appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASMM) were obtained from the DXA scans. RESULTS For the same BMI, %BF for Pacific Island men was 4% points lower and for Asian Indian men was 7-8% points higher compared to Europeans. Compared to European men for the same %BF, BMI was 2-3 units higher for Pacific Island, and 3-6 units lower for Asian Indian. The ratio of abdominal fat to thigh fat, adjusted for height, weight, and %BF, was significantly higher for Asian Indian men than European (p=0.022) and Pacific Island (p=0.002) men. ASMM, adjusted for height and weight, was highest in Pacific Island and lowest in Asian Indian men. CONCLUSIONS The relationship between %BF and BMI is different for European, Pacific Island, and Asian Indian men which may, at least in part, be due to differences in muscularity. Asian Indians have more abdominal fat deposition than their European and Pacific Island counterparts. Use of universal BMI cut-off points are not appropriate for comparison of obesity prevalence between these ethnic groups.
Pediatrician preferences, local resources, and economic factors influence referral to a subspecialty access clinic

Background Pediatric patients seek timely access to subspecialty care within a complex delivery system while facing barriers: distance, economics, and clinician shortages. Aim We examined stakeholder perceptions about solutions to the access challenge. We engaged over 300 referring primary care pediatricians in the evaluation of Access Clinics at an academic children’s hospital. Methods Using an anonymous online survey, we asked pediatricians about their and their patients’ experiences and analyzed factors that may influence referrals. Findings Referring pediatricians reported satisfaction; they provided feedback about their patients’ experiences, physician communication, and referral influences. Distance from the Access Clinic does not correlate with differences in referral volume; living in areas with higher child populations and higher median income is associated with more referrals. Referring pediatricians have strong opinions about referrals, are attuned to patient experiences, and desire bi-directional communication. Multiple factors influence referral to and acceptance of Access Clinics, but external influences have less impact than expected.
GPS-Free Geocasting Algorithms in Mobile Ad hoc Networks

Ad hoc network is a collection of a large number of wireless devices capable to move in an unspecified geographical area. In this paper it is a question of the geocasting which is an alternative of the multicasting problem in mobile ad hoc networks. We suggest two algorithms of geocasting in which the nodes are located without GPS. After their deployment, nodes execute a distributed algorithm of localization in order to build a global coordinates system. In this global coordinates system each node knows its coordinates. This technique of localization is used to derive two geocasting algorithms which work even in case of blanks between the sender and the geocasting region.
Effects of Treatment of Uterine Cervical Carcinoma Monitored by Magnetic Resonance Imaging - Sarajevo Experience

Goal: The goal of this study was the determination of the effects in treatment of early stage (<IIB) and locally advanced stages (≥IIB) of uterine cervical carcinoma by using MRI. Material and Methods: The study was a prospective, comparative, analytical, and observational and included 74 patients with cervical cancer (PH confirmed). All 74 patients have initially gone through the pre-therapeutic MRI to determine the tumour FIGO stage. At a renewal of the initial MRI findings, patients were divided into two study groups: group A and group B. Group A consisted from 39 patients with early-stage cervical carcinoma (<IIB) and group B comprised from 35 patients with locally advanced stage (≥IIB). Postterapeutic MRI control, were perfomed in both group (A and B). Further MRI examinations were set for the patients from both groups. Results: An analysis of treatment outcomes in group A showed that most patients had no local recurrence or residuum disease in 89.7%, while local recurrence was observed in only 10.3% cases. An analysis of treatment outcomes in group B showed that most patients had complete regression after local chemoradiotherapy in 68.8%, while 25.7% of patients had local progression of the disease, while the 5.7% cases recorded partial local tumour regression(p<0.05). It has been shown that a complete local regression was more frequent in the case of squamous cell carcinoma in 74.2% vs 25% in adenocarcinoma cases. Also local and partial regression was observed more frequently in the case of squamous cell carcinoma in 6.5% compared to 0% in adenocarcinoma, while progression was more common in adenocarcinoma at 75% compared to 19.4% for squamous cell (p<0.05). MRI results showed positive outcome of treatment group A and B in our study, showed a statistically significant difference in favour of group A (89.7%) compared to group B 68.8% (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results obtained from our studies show that early stage cervical cancer (<IIB) shows a better outcome in treatment of advanced stages (≥IIB). In the treatment of advanced stages (≥IIB), concomitant radio chemotherapy shows significant results in terms of complete tumour regression, especially in squamous cell type of cervical cancer.
On the use of Vivaldi antennas in the detection of partial discharges

Due to their impulsive nature, partial discharges in insulation systems emit in a broad band of frequencies ranging from tens of megahertz to gigahertz. Antennas can be placed at secure distances from the high-voltage source and measure partial discharges pulses on-line. The energy of partial discharges coexists with strong electromagnetic emissions such as frequency modulated radio, television broadcasting and mobile telephones. Then, the antennas should be tuned to detect the emission from partial discharges in bands where the electromagnetic noise is not so important. They should also be capable of receiving in a broad range of frequencies so resonant antennas should be avoided. Vivaldi antennas can be designed to detect emissions from a desired tuned frequency and extended to a band as wide as necessary. This makes them a valuable tool to detect partial discharges avoiding electromagnetic noise present at lower frequencies.
The census and privacy.

The authors discuss "how Americans anger and suspicion toward government could hurt the quality of federal statistics.Research shows rising public alarm over threats to privacy and confidentiality. These fears adversely affect peoples perceptions of the Census Bureau.Without the help of strong privacy legislation in other arenas their fears are likely to affect the accuracy and ultimate cost of the next census. " (EXCERPT)
Considerations when using utility-scale battery storage to black start a gas turbine generator

In the event of a full or partial power system collapse, black start generating units — power plants capable of starting without aid of the external electrical system — are used to re-energize other generation units and restore power to the loading on the system. Plants that can provide black start services are compensated via ancillary markets for this capability, even if it is rarely invoked. Recently, increasing numbers of large-scale battery installations on the electrical grid have spurred interest in the possibility of using batteries to provide black start services, increasing the value proposition of these resources. This paper discusses the challenges related to using battery storage to start up a medium-sized (100 MW) gas turbine generator. Issues considered include inverter sizing, the advantages and disadvantages of various battery chemistries, transients associated with the black start process, and dynamic interactions between inverters and gas turbine starting equipment.
A Study on the No Insulation Winding Method of the HTS Coil

This paper reports a study on BSCCO and ReBCO HTS (high temperature superconducting) test coils, layer-wound and double-pancake, with and without turn-to-turn insulation. Over current tests were performed in a bath of liquid nitrogen to compare stabilities of the test coils at 77 K. Saturation of magnetic fields from the NI (no insulation) coils, both BSCCO and ReBCO, was observed owing to current bypassing through turn-to-turn contacts in local quenches at operating currents higher than their critical currents. In the NI ReBCO coils, global quenches occurred at operating currents higher than the coil critical currents and quench recoveries were observed during discharge of the coils. The experimental results, obtained to date, demonstrate that the NI winding method enables remarkable improvement of thermal stability of the HTS coils.