Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rising Rates of Hospital Admissions for Atrial Fibrillation

Background: Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia associated with excess morbidity and mortality. We studied temporal changes in hospital admission rates for atrial fibrillation using data from a prospective population-based cohort study spanning 2 decades (the Copenhagen City Heart Study). Methods: The study included baseline data collected in 1981 through 1983 on 10,955 persons age 40 to 79 years and baseline data collected in 1991 through 1994 on 7212 persons age 40 to 79 years. We used hospital diagnosis data from the Danish National Hospital Discharge Register to determine the rate of first hospital admission for atrial fibrillation during 7 years following each of the 2 baseline data collecting periods. Changes in admission rates were analyzed using Cox proportional hazard models. Results: During the 2 7-year periods, 379 subjects were admitted with a hospital diagnosis of atrial fibrillation. The rate of hospital admissions for atrial fibrillation increased among both men and women from the first to the second period (relative risk = 1.6; 95% confidence interval = 1.3–1.9 [adjusted for age, sex, prior myocardial infarction, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy, decreased lung function, smoking, height, and weight]). Conclusion: During the latest 10 to 20 years, there has been a 60% increase in hospital admissions for atrial fibrillation independent of changes in known risk factors. This increase could result from changes in admission threshold or coding practices, or it could reflect a genuine increase in the population incidence of atrial fibrillation.
Role of the Deltoid Ligament in Syndesmotic Instability

Background: The deltoid ligament (DL) is the principal ligamentous stabilizer of the medial ankle joint. Little is known, however, about the contribution of the DL toward stabilizing the syndesmosis. The aim of this study was to arthroscopically evaluate whether the DL contributes to syndesmotic stability in the coronal plane. Methods: Eight above-knee cadaveric specimens were used in this study. A lateral hook test was performed by applying 100 N of lateral force to the fibula in the intact state and after sequential transection of the DL, anterior-inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL), interosseous ligament (IOL), and posterior-inferior tibiofibular ligament (PITFL). At each stage, distal tibiofibular diastasis was measured arthroscopically at both the anterior and posterior third of the incisura and compared to stress measurements of the intact syndesmosis. Measurements were performed using probes ranging from 0.1 to 6.0 mm, with 0.1-mm increments. Results: There was no significant increase in diastasis at either the anterior or posterior third of the tibiofibular articulation after isolated DL disruption, nor when combined with AITFL transection. In contrast, a significant increase in diastasis was observed following additional disruption of the IOL (anterior and posterior third diastasis, P= .012 and .026, respectively), and after transection of all 3 syndesmotic ligaments (anterior and posterior third diastasis, P=.001 and .001, respectively). Conclusion: When evaluating the syndesmosis arthroscopically in a cadaveric model under lateral stress, neither isolated disruption of the DL nor combined DL and AITFL injuries destabilized the syndesmosis in the coronal plane. In contrast, the syndesmosis became unstable if the DL was injured in conjunction with partial syndesmotic disruption that included the AITFL and IOL. Clinical relevance: Disruption of the DL appeared to destabilize the syndesmosis in the coronal plane when associated with partial disruption of the syndesmosis (AITFL and IOL).
Multilevel queue scheduling in software defined networks

One of the highly reliable protocol stack used in communication networking industry is TCP/IP Protocol suite. Due to the huge support from the customers communication sector grows tremendously, leading to many contributions from the academicians and industrialist. The protocol stack needs to be optimized in order to meet the dynamic changes. The changes must be adopted dynamically from the administration point of view. Since the increase in usage of the communication network increases the traffic rate, network management and control becomes more challenging. Hence the upcoming technology, Software Defined Networking addresses a methodology of handling the above mentioned issues in a simple manner by separating control and data plane at network layer. This article aims to provide scheduling algorithm for handling the incoming data traffic in an effective manner. The simulation is carried using OMNeT++ and results depicts that the proposed method shows a significant reduction in the packet loss.
Predictors of health-related quality-of-life utilities among persons with posttraumatic stress disorder.

OBJECTIVES This study had two objectives: to elicit preferences for current health in a sample of persons with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD ) in order to establish quality-of-life estimates for this disorder and to identify symptoms and problems that predict these estimates. METHODS The authors used the standard gamble (SG), time tradeoff (TTO), and visual analog scale (VAS) methods for quality-of-life estimation at baseline among 184 individuals with chronic PTSD who were participating in a multisite clinical trial. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize quality-of-life estimates for the sample. A linear mixed-effects regression model was conducted to evaluate predictors of quality of life. RESULTS The modal participant was a single, white female (77%). The mean ± SD age of the sample was 37.31 ± 11.33. On a scale where full health is 1.0 and death is 0.0, mean quality-of-life estimates for living with PTSD were . 87 ±. 25, . 66 ± . 28, and . 64 ± . 20 for SG, TTO, and VAS, respectively. Linear mixed-effects model regression revealed that elicitation method (SG, TTO, and VAS), arousal (a symptom of PTSD), and endorsement of anxiety or depressive symptoms were the strongest predictors of lower quality-of-life scores. Avoidance and re-experiencing of trauma were not predictive of reduced quality of life. CONCLUSIONS Significant decrements in health-related quality of life were found among persons seeking treatment for PTSD. Although arousal and anxiety and depressive symptoms were predictive of quality-of-life estimates, avoidance and re-experiencing were not. These findings identify targets for symptom resolution that may improve quality of life among persons with PTSD.
Efficacy of an executive function intervention programme in MS: a placebo-controlled and pseudo-randomized trial

We evaluated a rehabilitation programme for executive deficits in multiple sclerosis patients by comparing outcome scores of a cognitive intervention group (CIG; n = 11) with those of a placebo group (n = 14) and an untreated group (n = 15). Executive functioning and verbal learning improved significantly more in the CIG. The treatment effect on verbal learning was still present at 1-year follow-up. Baseline brain atrophy, quantified by the brain parenchymal fraction, was associated with treatment effects for one aspect of executive functioning. Consequently, cognitive intervention may be beneficial and baseline brain atrophy has some predictive value in determining treatment outcome for executive functioning.
Second-order Taylor Stability Analysis of Isolated Kinematic Singularities of Closed-chain Mechanisms

When the geometric design of a closed-chain mechanism is non-generic, the singularity locus of the mechanism may exhibit isolated points. It is well known that these isolated points are unstable since they disappear or generate/reveal cusps when the geometric design of the mechanism slightly deviates from a non-generic design, possibly affecting the ability of the mechanism to reconfigure without crossing undesirable singularities. This paper presents a method based on second-order Taylor expansions to determine how these isolated singularities transform when perturbing the different geometric parameters of a non-generic mechanism. The method consists in approximating the singularity locus by a conic section near the isolated singularity, and classifying the resulting conic in terms of the perturbations of the different geometric parameters. Two nongeneric closed-chain mechanisms are used to illustrate the presented method: an orthogonal 3R serial arm with specified position for its tip, and the planar Stewart parallel platform.
Professional Counseling Excellence through Leadership and Advocacy

Introduction. Part I: Foundations of Leadership in Counseling. Sweeney, Leadership: The Counseling Profession. Lewis, Foundations of Leaderships: Theory, Philosophy, and Research. Myers, Professional Leadership, Leading Well: Characteristics, Principles, and Ethics of an Effective Counseling Leader. Myers, Chang, Dixon, Barrio Minton, Sweeney, On Becoming a Leader: A Journey. Part II: Foundations of Advocacy in Counseling. Sweeney, Myers, Professional Advocacy: Being Allowed to do Good. Chang, Professional Advocacy: A Professional Responsibility. Lee, Social Justice as the Fifth Force in Counseling. Kress, Paylo, Theoretical Foundations of Client Advocacy. Brubaker, Goodman, Client Advocacy: In Action. Part III: Leadership and Advocacy Roles in Counseling. Cashwell, Barrio Minton, Counselor Education: Curriculum, Administration, and Mentoring. Glosoff, Durham, Whittaker, Supervision: Clinical and Administrative. Dixon, Dew, Counseling Practice: Schools, Agencies, and Community. Hays, Wood, Smith, Research: Best Practices, Accountability, and Advancing Knowledge. Part IV: Future Directions for Counseling Leadership and Advocacy. Barrio Minton, Wachter Morris, Leadership Training: Entry Level and Doctoral Curriculum. Hill, Harrawood, Vereen, Doughty Horn, Advocacy Training: Curriculum for Professional and Client Advocacy. Loesch, Future Needs: Accountability. Appendices. Web Resources. Chi Sigma Iota Principles and Practice of Leadership Excellence. Counselors Advocacy Leadership Conferences I & II. ACA Advocacy Competencies. CACREP Standards and Corresponding Chapters. Sample Rubrics.
The Markov Switching Asymmetric Multiplicative Error Model

The empirical evidence behind the dynamics of high frequency based measures of volatility is that they exhibit persistence and at times abrupt changes in the average level by subperiods. In the past ten years this pattern has a clear interpretation in reference to the dot com bubble, the quiet period of expansion of credit and then the harsh times after the burst of the subprime mortgage crisis. We conjecture that the inadequacy of many econometric volatility models (a very high level of estimated persistence, serially correlated residuals) can be solved with an adequate representation of such a pattern. We insert a Markovian dynamics in a Multiplicative Error Model to represent the conditional expectation of the realized volatility, allowing us to address the issues of a slow moving average level of volatility and of a different dynamics across regime. We apply the model to realized volatility of the S&P500 index and we gauge the usefulness of such an approach by a more interpretable persistence, better residual properties, and an increased goodness of fit.
A rate adaptive bit-loading algorithm for in-building power-line communications based on DMT-modulated systems

This paper deals with a variable rate discrete multitone modulation system for broadband power-line communications, based on the bit-loading algorithm proposed by Leke and Cioffi. In the proposed system a suitable least mean square channel estimator is considered, which is based on the insertion of a training sequence (TS). The proposed approach will be compared with the ideal channel estimates, showing its effectiveness. Moreover, different TS lengths will be compared. The system performance, expressed in terms of bit rate and bit-error rate, is derived by simulation with and without estimation errors. The propagation environment has been assumed as a frequency-selective multipath fading channel with additive colored Gaussian noise, according to the in-building networks model
Weak gravitational lensing

Abstract We review theory and applications of weak gravitational lensing. After summarising Friedmann–Lemaitre cosmological models, we present the formalism of gravitational lensing and light propagation in arbitrary space–times. We discuss how weak-lensing effects can be measured. The formalism is then applied to reconstructions of galaxy-cluster mass distributions, gravitational lensing by large-scale matter distributions, QSO–galaxy correlations induced by weak lensing, lensing of galaxies by galaxies, and weak lensing of the cosmic microwave background.
Wearable Panic Attack Detection System

The paper proposes a wearable system for panic attack detection, constructed by COTS products. It is the first open hardware/open software prototype of its kind to the best of the authors knowledge. In this paper, the requirements of the system are presented, as well as the development of the system using open hardware and open software. All the components are described and the system is detailed in order to be repeated for use as a reference system for panic attack detection.
Mechanisms of resistance to Corynebacterium kutscheri in mice

Involvement of the mononuclear phagocyte system in the mechanism of resistance to Corynebacterium kutscheri was studied in C57B1/6 and Swiss Lynch mice. A major difference between the two mouse strains was that the phagocytic cells of the livers of C57B1/6 mice destroyed the bacteria with much greater efficiency. There was no evidence of serum factors which might have led to this greater bacterial killing observed in the C57B1/6 mice, and in vivo phagocytosis of C. kutscheri was identical in both mouse strains. Resistance to C. kutscheri could be transferred with spleen and/or bone marrow cells from resistant (Swiss Lynch X C57B1/6) F1 mice to 650-rad irradiated susceptible Swiss Lynch mice. Nonspecific and acquired mechanisms of resistance to C. kutscheri are discussed.
Patrons, Clients, and Policies: Meet the new boss, same as the old boss? The evolution of political clientelism in Africa

Clientelism exists in all polities. The forms it takes, its extent, and its political functions vary enormously, however, across time and place. This chapter analyzes the persistence and evolution of political clientelism in sub-Saharan Africa since independence. Pervasive clientelism was a hallmark of the region's non-democratic states until their transition to multiparty politics in the 1990s. To what extent will these practices persist, now that democratic politics, however imperfect, has become the norm in the region? The second half of this chapter examines the likely evolution of political clientelism in the new multiparty electoral regimes of sub-Saharan Africa. A comparison of this region with the regions examined by the other contributions to this book confirms an argument made by Kitschelt and Wilkinson in their introduction, that the structural characteristics of the country determine the nature of the clientelistic politics. The African cases discussed in this chapter have a lower level of economic development and smaller, poorer state structures than those discussed in the other chapters. This impacts the nature of clientelism in the region. The rest of this book uses the terms patronage and clientelism interchangeably, perhaps because most of the case material comes from middle-income countries with relatively wealthy states and extensive experience of electoral politics. It is important to note that in sub-Saharan Africa a pervasive form of elite clientelism, prebendalism , actually involves relatively little patronage.
The response of the intestinal epithelium in B10.A mice to infection with Trichinella spiralis.

Previous studies on intestinal trichinosis have dealt mainly with areas other than the intestinal epithelium. Since the epithelium is now known to be the parasite's habitat, its response to infection is important. Infection with Trichinella spiralis in immunologically slow-responding B10.A mice was associated with crypt hyperplasia and villus atrophy. With similar infection levels in both primary and challenge infections, there was no difference in the maximal degree of atrophy or hyperplasia between the 2 groups. However, challenged mice underwent these mucosal changes in about half the time. Expulsion of worms always occurred during regeneration of the intestinal epithelium suggesting that the host's defense mechanism of altering the kinetics of the epithelium was not the prime factor causing expulsion. Pulse labelling of enterocytes with [3H] thymidine showed that there was no significant increase in the relative size of the proliferation zone. This indicates that the crypt cell output was not altered by this parasite. Atrophy of the villus was analysed with respect to its 3-dimensional shape. There was a decrease in both height and width of the villus but not thickness. Thus, there is a real decrease in the size of the enterocyte population per villus. Histochemical staining of the enterocyte brush border by an alkaline phosphatase method showed that (1) hyperplastic crypts have an enlarged maturation zone and (2) the villus epithelium is composed entirely of mature cells. The distribution of the nematode population was compared to these changes in the intestine. Trichinella spiralis showed a marked anteriad (distal to proximal) migration prior to expulsion. Thus, utilizing a novel approach to study intestinal trichinosis, the response of the mucosal epithelium has been characterized.
NMOS drive current reduction caused by transistor layout and trench isolation induced stress

This paper describes a previously unreported phenomenon wherein NMOS transistors of identical gate length exhibit a significant sensitivity to layout. Drive current may be reduced up to 13%, depending on diffusion overlap of gate. Mobility reduction, induced by stress from the trench isolation edge, is the root cause of the performance degradation. PMOS devices are not affected. Simulation results show that stress varies strongly with distance from the trench edge, and with overall diffusion size. Stress is also a major component of narrow-width effects, and explains why Idsat scaling with W differs for NMOS and PMOS devices.
Knowledge of and Attitude towards Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder among Primary School Teachers in Jordan

International studies have revealed variable levels of knowledge and attitudes among teachers regarding attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study investigated Jordanian teachers' ADHD knowledge and their attitudes towards children with this condition. A standardised self-report questionnaire was completed by a convenience sample of 130 teachers recruited from 13 primary schools in Zarqa city, Jordan. Findings revealed a gap in teachers' knowledge that extended across all aspects of ADHD causes and management. Teachers' attitude towards children with ADHD was also lower than expected, where many misconceptions about the causes and management of ADHD have emerged. The lack of pre-service teachers' training on ADHD, the dearth of studies on the condition, and the almost absent formal and informal support of children with ADHD have contributed to these results. The findings stress the need for implementing special programmes targeting school teachers and reforming pre-service teachers' training to meet the needs of children with ADHD.
Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation for fanconi anemia in patients with pretransplantation cytogenetic abnormalities, myelodysplastic syndrome, or acute leukemia.

PURPOSE Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) can cure bone marrow failure in patients with Fanconi anemia (FA). Data on outcomes in patients with pretransplantation cytogenetic abnormalities, myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), or acute leukemia have not been separately analyzed. PATIENTS AND METHODS We analyzed data on 113 patients with FA with cytogenetic abnormalities (n = 54), MDS (n = 45), or acute leukemia (n = 14) who were reported to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research from 1985 to 2007. RESULTS Neutrophil recovery occurred in 78% and 85% of patients at days 28 and 100, respectively. Day 100 cumulative incidences of acute graft-versus-host disease grades B to D and C to D were 26% (95% CI, 19% to 35%) and 12% (95% CI, 7% to 19%), respectively. Survival probabilities at 1, 3, and 5 years were 64% (95% CI, 55% to 73%), 58% (95% CI, 48% to 67%), and 55% (95% CI, 45% to 64%), respectively. In univariate analysis, younger age was associated with superior 5-year survival (≤ v > 14 years: 69% [95% CI, 57% to 80%] v 39% [95% CI, 26% to 53%], respectively; P = .001). In transplantations from HLA-matched related donors (n = 82), younger patients (≤ v > 14 years: 78% [95% CI, 64% to 90%] v 34% [95% CI, 20% to 50%], respectively; P < .001) and patients with cytogenetic abnormalities only versus MDS/acute leukemia (67% [95% CI, 52% to 81%] v 43% [95% CI, 27% to 59%], respectively; P = .03) had superior 5-year survival. CONCLUSION Our analysis indicates that long-term survival for patients with FA with cytogenetic abnormalities, MDS, or acute leukemia is achievable. Younger patients and recipients of HLA-matched related donor transplantations who have cytogenetic abnormalities only have the best survival.
Characterization and biological abatement of diffuse methane emissions and odour in an innovative wastewater treatment plant

An innovative and patented process for medium-high strength sewage which comprises an anaerobic step followed by a hybrid anoxic–aerobic chamber and a final ultrafiltration stage was characterized in terms of methane fugitive emissions as well as odours. The operation at ambient temperature implies higher methane content in the liquid anaerobic effluent, which finally causes concentrations around 0.01–2.4% in the off-gas released in the anoxic–aerobic chamber (1.25% average). Mass balances indicate that these emissions account for up to 30–35% of the total methane generated in the anaerobic reactor. A conventional biofilter (BF) operated at an empty bed residence time of 4 min was used to treat these emissions for 70 d. In spite of the fluctuations in the methane inlet concentrations derived from the operation of the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), it was possible to operate at pseudo-steady-state conditions, achieving average removal efficiencies of 76.5% and maximum elimination capacities of 30.1 g m−3 h−1. Odour removal was quantified as 99.1%. Fluorescence in situ hybridization probes as well as metabolic activity assays demonstrated the suitability of the biomass developed in the WWTP as inoculum to start up the BF due to the presence of methanotrophic bacteria.