Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Finnish physicians' experiences with computer-supported patient information exchange and communication in clinical work

Several researchers share the concern of healthcare information systems failing to support communication and collaboration in clinical practices. The objective of this paper is to investigate the current state of computer-supported patient information exchange and associated communication between clinicians. We report findings from a national survey on Finnish physicians? experiences with their currently used clinical information systems with regard to patient information documentation, retrieval, management and exchange-related tasks. The questionnaire study with 3929 physicians indicated the main concern being cross-organisational patient information delivery. In addition, physicians argued computer usage increasingly steals time and attention from caring activities and even disturbs physician? nurse collaboration. Problems in information management were particularly emphasised among those physicians working in hospitals and wards. The survey findings indicated that collaborative applications and mobile or wireless solutions have not been widely adapted in Finnish healthcare and suggested an urgent need for adopting appropriate information and communication technology applications to support information exchange and communication between physicians, and physicians and nurses.
Relevant, irredundant feature selection and noisy example elimination

In many real-world situations, the method for computing the desired output from a set of inputs is unknown. One strategy for solving these types of problems is to learn the input-output functionality from examples in a training set. However, in many situations it is difficult to know what information is relevant to the task at hand. Subsequently, researchers have investigated ways to deal with the so-called problem of consistency of attributes, i.e., attributes that can distinguish examples from different classes. In this paper, we first prove that the notion of relevance of attributes is directly related to the consistency of attributes, and show how relevant, irredundant attributes can be selected. We then compare different relevant attribute selection algorithms, and show the superiority of algorithms that select irredundant attributes over those that select relevant attributes. We also show that searching for an "optimal" subset of attributes, which is considered to be the main purpose of attribute selection, is not the best way to improve the accuracy of classifiers. Employing sets of relevant, irredundant attributes improves classification accuracy in many more cases. Finally, we propose a new method for selecting relevant examples, which is based on filtering the so-called pattern frequency domain. By identifying examples that are nontypical in the determination of relevant, irredundant attributes, irrelevant examples can be eliminated prior to the learning process. Empirical results using artificial and real databases show the effectiveness of the proposed method in selecting relevant examples leading to improved performance even on greatly reduced training sets.
Automatic Generation of a Subject-Specific Model for Accurate Markerless Motion Capture and Biomechanical Applications

A novel approach for the automatic generation of a subject-specific model consisting of morphological and joint location information is described. The aim is to address the need for efficient and accurate model generation for markerless motion capture (MMC) and biomechanical studies. The algorithm applied and expanded on previous work on human shapes space by embedding location information for ten joint centers in a subject-specific free-form surface. The optimal locations of joint centers in the 3-D mesh were learned through linear regression over a set of nine subjects whose joint centers were known. The model was shown to be sufficiently accurate for both kinematic (joint centers) and morphological (shape of the body) information to allow accurate tracking with MMC systems. The automatic model generation algorithm was applied to 3-D meshes of different quality and resolution such as laser scans and visual hulls . The complete method was tested using nine subjects of different gender, body mass index (BMI), age, and ethnicity. Experimental training error and cross-validation errors were 19 and 25 mm, respectively, on average over the joints of the ten subjects analyzed in the study.
Cognitive Correlates of Anterolateral Entorhinal Cortex Volume Differences in Older Adults

Alzheimer’s disease pathology first appears in the medial temporal lobe (MTL): in particular, in the anterolateral region of the entorhinal cortex (alERC). However, the scientific community has only recently begun to appreciate the importance of the subdivision of the human entorhinal cortex, and as such, our understanding of the alERC’s cognitive roles and how it fits into models of MTL function remains limited. In this dissertation, I describe a series of studies inspired by findings from the animal literature, which shed light on the cognitive functions supported by the alERC. Using structural volumetry, I quantified the volumes of the alERC and other MTL regions in a group of ostensibly healthy older adults with varying degrees of cognitive decline. I compared participants’ structural differences to their performance on behavioral tasks that we hypothesized represented cognitive functions supported by the alERC. Specifically, I investigated how alERC structural differences were related to performance on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), a standard neuropsychological assessment used in the diagnosis of AD (Chapter 2), as well as eyetracking-based behavioral tasks assessing intra-item configural processing (Chapter 3) and object-in-place memory (Chapter 4), cognitive functions which the rodent literature suggest are supported by the alERC. I found that participants who scored below the MoCA threshold score (indicating possible AD) had smaller alERC volumes (Chapter 2),
Non interventional drug studies in oncology: Why we need them?

Oncology is a highly researched therapeutic area with an ever expanding armamentarium of drugs entering the market. It is unique in how the heterogeneity of tumor, patient and treatment factors is critical in determining outcomes of interventions. When it comes to decision making in the clinic, the practicing physician often seeks answers in populations with obvious deviations from the ideal selected populations included in the pivotal phase III randomized controlled trials (RCTs). While the randomized nature of the RCT ensures its high internal validity by removing bias, their ‘controlled’ nature casts a doubt on their generalizability to the real world population. It is for this reason that trials done in a naturalistic setting post the marketing authorization of a drug are increasingly required. This article discusses the importance of non interventional drug studies in oncology as an important tool in testing the external validity of controlled trial results and its value in generation of new hypothesis. It also discusses the limitations of such studies while outlining the steps in their effective conduct.
A low complexity cooperative spectrum sensing scheme for cognitive radios

Conventional distributed cognitive radio (CR) communication aims to increase the sensing accuracy and reduce the detection time by allowing the CR users to operate in the same frequency band in a cooperative fashion and by forming efficient decision making. In this paper, we propose a spectrum sensing scheme which provides low complexity accurate detection by assigning different sensing tasks to the CRs. In our method, with N cooperative CRs, an effective sensing resolution of N times higher than that of a single CR is achieved. An inherently low complex reconfigurable progressive decimation filter bank is used at each CR. The hardware complexity of our sensing scheme is more than N times lower than that of the conventional spectrum sensor.
Gay-related stress and emotional distress among gay, lesbian, and bisexual youths: a longitudinal examination.

The longitudinal relations between gay-related stress (i.e., gay-related stressful events, negative attitudes toward homosexuality, and discomfort with homosexuality) and emotional distress (i.e., anxious symptoms, depressive symptoms, and conduct problems) were examined at 3 assessment periods (baseline, 6 months, and 12 months) among 140 gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) youths. Although some findings were consistent with the hypothesis that stress would be associated with subsequent distress among GLB youths, the larger number of nonsignificant relations and the presence of relations between distress and subsequent gay-related stress indicate that the hypothesis was unsupported. The authors discuss the potential reasons for the lack of hypothesized relations and offer suggestions for future research.
A novel 8kV on-chip surge protection design in xDSL line driver IC

A novel on-chip surge protection design integrated within xDSL line driver IC is proposed, which has been successfully verified in a 0.11-μm CMOS process to sustain ITU-T surge test of up to 8kV. Compared with the traditional higher cost solution with on-board discrete surge protective device (SPD), this on-chip solution can meet the industry application requirements of both low-cost and high-robustness for surge protection.
Pain and osteoarthritis in primary care: factors associated with pain perception in a sample of 1,021 patients.

OBJECTIVE Pain represents one of the most important predictors of quality of life in patients with osteoarthritis (OA). Prior studies were conducted in hospital settings and/or failed to control important factors such as depression, obesity, or physical activity. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine factors associated with pain intensity in a large sample of OA patients in primary care. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey with a questionnaire containing sociodemographic data, the short form of the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale (AIMS2-SF), and the Patient Health questionnaire, to assess concomitant depression. A hierarchical stepwise multiple regression analysis with the AIMS2-SF dimension "symptom" reflecting patients' pain intensity as the dependent variable was performed. PATIENTS 1,021 patients form 75 primary care practices. RESULTS In the regression model four factors remained, explaining 46.5% of the variation in the dependent variable (P < 0.001): Severity of depression reflected in the PHQ-9 score showed the strongest association with pain intensity (beta = 0.459, P < 0.001). Functional disability of the lower limb achieved a beta of 0.427 (P = 0.003). A low educational level was associated with increased pain scores (beta = -0.321; P = 0.034), as well as a weak social network, (beta = 0.211; P = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS A variety of physical and psychological factors were associated with pain intensity. Appropriate pain treatment of OA patients in primary care should consider as many of these factors as possible. Further research is needed to assess if a more comprehensive and proactive approach will result in less pain and in increased quality of life.
Macrolide-resistant Streptococcus pyogenes: prevalence and treatment strategies

Although penicillin remains the first-choice treatment for Streptococcus pyogenes infection, macrolides are important alternatives for allergic patients and lincosamides are recommended together with β-lactams in invasive infections. S. pyogenes may exhibit macrolide resistance because of active efflux (mef genes) or target modification (erm genes), the latter conferring cross resistance to lincosamides and streptogramin B. Worldwide, resistance is restricted to a limited number of genetic lineages, despite resistance genes being encoded on mobile genetic elements. For reasons that are not completely clear, resistance and the associated phenotypes are highly variable across countries. Although resistance remains high in several countries, particularly in Asia, an overall decreasing trend of resistance has been noted in recent years, mostly in Europe. This decrease is not always accompanied by declines in macrolide consumption, suggesting significant roles of other factors in determining the dynamics of macrolide-resistant clones. Continued surveillance is needed to obtain further insights into the forces governing macrolide resistance in S. pyogenes.
Proposed nomenclature of apoE isoproteins, apoE genotypes, and phenotypes.

Children's Hospital Medical Center/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 021 15,' Institut fur Humangenetik und Genetische Poliklinik der Philipps-Universitat Marburg, Bahnhofstrasse 7A, West Germany,' Gladstone Foundation Laboratories, San Francisco, CA 94 140; Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA 941 43; Health Science Center, University of Texas, Dallas, T X 74235,5 Lipid Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, M O 63110; Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98104; and Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032*
[The study on plasma ET and NO of patients with sudden hearing loss].

OBJECTIVE To study the significance of plasm NO and ET in sudden hearing loss. METHOD We studied the plasma endothelin (ET) and NO in 32 cases of sudden hearing loss with radioimmunoassay (RIA) and nitrate reductase (NR) by using RIA and NR. RESULT The content of plasma ET in sudden hearing loss group is higher than that in control group (P < 0.01), but the NO is lower (P < 0.01). The contents of plasma NO and ET between sudden hearing loss and treated sudden hearing loss group and that between the effective treatment group and effectless treatment group have significant differences (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION The contents of plasma NO and ET will remarkably change during the process of sudden hearing loss and may accelerate the happening and development of the disease.
Reversible Unfolding of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Main Protease in Guanidinium Chloride

Abstract Chemical denaturant sensitivity of the dimeric main protease from severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus to guanidinium chloride was examined in terms of fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism, analytical ultracentrifuge, and enzyme activity change. The dimeric enzyme dissociated at guanidinium chloride concentration of <0.4M, at which the enzymatic activity loss showed close correlation with the subunit dissociation. Further increase in guanidinium chloride induced a reversible biphasic unfolding of the enzyme. The unfolding of the C-terminal domain-truncated enzyme, on the other hand, followed a monophasic unfolding curve. Different mutants of the full-length protease (W31 and W207/W218), with tryptophanyl residue(s) mutated to phenylalanine at the C-terminal or N-terminal domain, respectively, were constructed. Unfolding curves of these mutants were monophasic but corresponded to the first and second phases of the protease, respectively. The unfolding intermediate of the protease thus represented a folded C-terminal domain but an unfolded N-terminal domain, which is enzymatically inactive due to loss of regulatory properties. The various enzyme forms were characterized in terms of hydrophobicity and size-and-shape distributions. We provide direct evidence for the functional role of C-terminal domain in stabilization of the catalytic N-terminal domain of SARS coronavirus main protease.
Social functioning and peer relationships of adolescents with juvenile fibromyalgia syndrome.

OBJECTIVE To assess peer relationships of adolescents with juvenile primary fibromyalgia syndrome (JPFS) compared with matched classroom comparison peers (MCCPs) without a chronic illness. JPFS is characterized by chronic musculoskeletal pain, sleep disturbance, fatigue, and difficulty with daily functioning. Adolescents with JPFS often report problems with school and participating in peer activities, placing them at risk for social isolation from their peers and psychosocial adjustment problems. METHODS Participants were 55 adolescents with JPFS (ages 12-18 years) from a pediatric outpatient rheumatology clinic and 55 MCCPs. Data on peer reputation and peer acceptance were collected from teachers, peers, and self report in a classroom setting with no focus on JPFS. RESULTS Adolescents with JPFS were perceived (by peer and self reports) as being more isolated and withdrawn and less popular. Adolescents with JPFS were less well liked, were selected less often as a best friend, and had fewer reciprocated friendships. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that adolescents with JPFS are experiencing problems with peer relationships. Given the central role that peer relationships play in psychological development of children, and because peer rejection and isolation have been associated with subsequent adjustment problems, these findings are concerning. Longitudinal studies of adolescents with JPFS are needed to ascertain whether these patients are at long-term risk and will provide a foundation for the need for early interventions. Results are discussed within the context of earlier findings for other adolescents with chronic illness and rheumatic conditions, such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis, who demonstrated no social problems.
The Broadly Neutralizing Anti-Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Antibody 2G12 Recognizes a Cluster of α1→2 Mannose Residues on the Outer Face of gp120

ABSTRACT 2G12 is a broadly neutralizing human monoclonal antibody against human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) that has previously been shown to bind to a carbohydrate-dependent epitope on gp120. Here, site-directed mutagenesis and carbohydrate analysis were used to define further the 2G12 epitope. Extensive alanine scanning mutagenesis showed that elimination of the N-linked carbohydrate attachment sequences associated with residues N295, N332, N339, N386, and N392 by N→A substitution produced significant decreases in 2G12 binding affinity to gp120JR-CSF. Further mutagenesis suggested that the glycans at N339 and N386 were not critical for 2G12 binding to gp120JR-CSF. Comparison of the sequences of isolates neutralized by 2G12 was also consistent with a lesser role for glycans attached at these positions. The mutagenesis studies provided no convincing evidence for the involvement of gp120 amino acid side chains in 2G12 binding. Antibody binding was inhibited when gp120 was treated with Aspergillus saitoi mannosidase, Jack Bean mannosidase, or endoglycosidase H, indicating that Manα1→2Man-linked sugars of oligomannose glycans on gp120 are required for 2G12 binding. Consistent with this finding, the binding of 2G12 to gp120 could be inhibited by monomeric mannose but not by galactose, glucose, or N-acetylglucosamine. The inability of 2G12 to bind to gp120 produced in the presence of the glucose analogue N-butyl-deoxynojirimycin similarly implicated Manα1→2Man-linked sugars in 2G12 binding. Competition experiments between 2G12 and the lectin cyanovirin for binding to gp120 showed that 2G12 only interacts with a subset of available Manα1→2Man-linked sugars. Consideration of all the data, together with inspection of a molecular model of gp120, suggests that the most likely epitope for 2G12 is formed from mannose residues contributed by the glycans attached to N295 and N332, with the other glycans playing an indirect role in maintaining epitope conformation.
Budeanu's Reactive Power and Related Concepts Revisited

This paper deals with the concepts of reactive power and reactive current in a nonsinusoidal periodic situation. It is shown that there exists a close relationship between the definitions proposed by Budeanu, Tenti, and Kusters and Moore. A new result is derived associated with the well-known Budeanu reactive power concept.
Controllability and observability of an n-link planar robot with active joints

This paper considers the linear controllability and observability of an n-link planar robot with active joints. The controllability and observability around the upright equilibrium point (UEP) are investigated. Specific properties of the mechanical parameters are used to derive a necessary and sufficient condition for the linear controllability and observability of the robot when any of the n - 2 joints other than the first or last is active. For the case that there are two active joints adjacent to each other, a necessary and sufficient condition is also established to ensure the controllability and observability at the UEP.
Current Practice in Administration and Clinical Criteria of Emergent EEG

Summary Policies of administration and availability of EEG offeredduring nonbusiness hours vary widely among EEG laboratories. The authorssurveyed medical directors of accredited EEG laboratories (n = 84) todetermine the ranges of availability and clinical indications for approval ofcontinuously available emergent EEG (E-EEG). Of 46 respondents, 37 (80%)offered E-EEG. Two centers recently lost funding for E-EEG. Availability wasnot associated with the total number of EEGs performed annually. The meanestimated response time from request to expert interpretation was 3 ± 4hours (range, 1–24 hours). The five clinical indications for which mostrespondents approved E-EEGs were possible nonconvulsive status epilepticus(100%), treatment of status epilepticus (84%), cerebral death exam (81%),diagnosis of convulsive status epilepticus (79%), and diagnosis of coma orencephalopathy (70%). Respondents disagreed widely when asked which clinicalsituations merited E-EEG, with some approving all requests and others denyingall except for nonconvulsive status epilepticus. The wide range of currentpractice suggests that research focused on outcomes of aggressive, EEG-aidedpatient evaluation and treatment are needed to define better the costs andbenefits of a continuously available EEGservice.
On the control of dynamic systems with unknown operating point

The problem of controlling dynamic systems where the position of the operating point in the state space is unknown is addressed. An adaptive control scheme in which the uncertain parameter is the operating point is proposed. The usually applied solution to this problem is a particular case, with limited applicability, of the proposed scheme. With the proposed scheme the exponential stability of the unknown operating point is obtained under very general conditions. Illustrative examples are also presented.
Parental effects on offspring longevity—evidence from 17th to 19th century reproductive histories

Background: Family studies provide support for a modest genetic influence on offspring life span, although the magnitude of these correlations is small. Aim: The study aimed to clarify the relative contributions of parental age at birth and overall parental longevity on offspring lifespan, and to identify the biological and cultural mechanisms. Subjects and methods: Information was derived from two village genealogies (1650–1927) encompassing 9979 births (5315 males, 4664 females). Data selection was guided by the inclusion of information about parental age at birth and lifespan, offspring lifespan and cohort-specific life expectancy. Results: Parental age at reproduction displayed a negative association with offspring survivability, which was caused by a host of biological as well as environmental factors. In contrast, parental lifespan was positively associated with offspring age at death. These effects differed by parent's and child's sex. Conclusion: The maternal age effect on female progeny is thought to be indicative of a preferential genetic load. From an evolutionary point of view, direct selection for maternal lifespan may be an adaptive strategy to enhance child survival prospects.