Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reliability of the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status scale in clinical practice

Background Previous studies, which relied on hypothetical cases and chart reviews, have questioned the inter-rater reliability of the ASA physical status (ASA-PS) scale. We therefore conducted a retrospective cohort study to evaluate its inter-rater reliability and validity in clinical practice. Methods The cohort included all adult patients (≥18 yr) who underwent elective non-cardiac surgery at a quaternary-care teaching institution in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, from March 2010 to December 2011. We assessed inter-rater reliability by comparing ASA-PS scores assigned at the preoperative assessment clinic vs the operating theatre. We also assessed the validity of the ASA-PS scale by measuring its association with patients' preoperative characteristics and postoperative outcomes. Results The cohort included 10 864 patients, of whom 5.5% were classified as ASA I, 42.0% as ASA II, 46.7% as ASA III, and 5.8% as ASA IV. The ASA-PS score had moderate inter-rater reliability (κ 0.61), with 67.0% of patients (n=7279) being assigned to the same ASA-PS class in the clinic and operating theatre, and 98.6% (n=10 712) of paired assessments being within one class of each other. The ASA-PS scale was correlated with patients' age (Spearman's ρ, 0.23), Charlson comorbidity index (ρ=0.24), revised cardiac risk index (ρ=0.40), and hospital length of stay (ρ=0.16). It had moderate ability to predict in-hospital mortality (receiver-operating characteristic curve area 0.69) and cardiac complications (receiver-operating characteristic curve area 0.70). Conclusions Consistent with its inherent subjectivity, the ASA-PS scale has moderate inter-rater reliability in clinical practice. It also demonstrates validity as a marker of patients' preoperative health status.
Learning By Observation Using Qualitative Spatial Relations

We present an approach to the problem of learning by observation in spatially-situated tasks, whereby an agent learns to imitate the behaviour of an observed expert with no interaction and limited observations. The form of knowledge representation used for these observations is crucial, and we apply Qualitative Spatial-Relational representations to compress continuous, metric state-spaces into symbolic states to maximise the generalisability of learned models and minimise knowledge engineering. Our system self-configures these representations of the world to discover configurations of features most relevant to the task, and thus build good predictive models. We then show how these models can be employed by situated agents to control their behaviour, closing the loop from observation to practical implementation. We evaluate our approach in the simulated RoboCup Soccer domain, and successfully demonstrate how a system using our approach closely mimics the behaviour of both synthetic (AI controlled) soccer players, and also human-controlled players, through observation.
A geographical analysis of knowledge production in computer science

We analyze knowledge production in Computer Science by means of coauthorship networks. For this, we consider 30 graduate programs of different regions of the world, being 8 programs in Brazil, 16 in North America (3 in Canada and 13 in the United States), and 6 in Europe (2 in France, 1 in Switzerland and 3 in the United Kingdom). We use a dataset that consists of 176,537 authors and 352,766 publication entries distributed among 2,176 publication venues. The results obtained for different metrics of collaboration social networks indicate the process of knowledge creation has changed differently for each region. Research is increasingly done in teams across different fields of Computer Science. The size of the giant component indicates the existence of isolated collaboration groups in the European network, contrasting to the degree of connectivity found in the Brazilian and North-American counterparts. We also analyzed the temporal evolution of the social networks representing the three regions. The number of authors per paper experienced an increase in a time span of 12 years. We observe that the number of collaborations between authors grows faster than the number of authors, benefiting from the existing network structure. The temporal evolution shows differences between well-established fields, such as Databases and Computer Architecture, and emerging fields, like Bioinformatics and Geoinformatics. The patterns of collaboration analyzed in this paper contribute to an overall understanding of Computer Science research in different geographical regions that could not be achieved without the use of complex networks and a large publication database.
Effect of ciliates on nitrification and nitrifying bacteria in Baltic Sea sediments

Nitrification in aquatic sediments is catalyzed by bacteria. While many autecological studies on these bacteria have been published, few have regarded them as part of the benthic micro- bial food web. Ciliates are important as grazers on bacteria, but also for remineralization of organic matter. We tested the hypothesis that ciliates can affect nitrification. Experiments with Baltic Sea sed- iments in laboratory flumes, with or without the addition of cultured ciliates, were conducted. We found indication of a higher nitrification potential (ammonium oxidation) in one experiment and increased abundances of nitrifying bacteria in treatments with ciliates. This is likely due to higher nitrogen availability caused by excretion by ciliates and enhanced transport processes in the sedi- ment.
Inhibition of Bacterial Biofilm Formation and Swarming Motility by a Small Synthetic Cationic Peptide

ABSTRACT Biofilms cause up to 80% of infections and are difficult to treat due to their substantial multidrug resistance compared to their planktonic counterparts. Based on the observation that human peptide LL-37 is able to block biofilm formation at concentrations below its MIC, we screened for small peptides with antibiofilm activity and identified novel synthetic cationic peptide 1037 of only 9 amino acids in length. Peptide 1037 had very weak antimicrobial activity, but at 1/30th the MIC the peptide was able to effectively prevent biofilm formation (>50% reduction in cell biomass) by the Gram-negative pathogens Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Burkholderia cenocepacia and Gram-positive Listeria monocytogenes. Using a flow cell system and a widefield fluorescence microscope, 1037 was shown to significantly reduce biofilm formation and lead to cell death in biofilms. Microarray and follow-up studies showed that, in P. aeruginosa, 1037 directly inhibited biofilms by reducing swimming and swarming motilities, stimulating twitching motility, and suppressing the expression of a variety of genes involved in biofilm formation (e.g., PA2204). Comparison of microarray data from cells treated with peptides LL-37 and 1037 enabled the identification of 11 common P. aeruginosa genes that have a role in biofilm formation and are proposed to represent functional targets of these peptides. Peptide 1037 shows promise as a potential therapeutic agent against chronic, recurrent biofilm infections caused by a variety of bacteria.
Effect of Silver or Copper Nanoparticles-Dispersed Silane Coatings on Biofilm Formation in Cooling Water Systems

Biofouling often occurs in cooling water systems, resulting in the reduction of heat exchange efficiency and corrosion of the cooling pipes, which raises the running costs. Therefore, controlling biofouling is very important. To regulate biofouling, we focus on the formation of biofilm, which is the early step of biofouling. In this study, we investigated whether silver or copper nanoparticles-dispersed silane coatings inhibited biofilm formation in cooling systems. We developed a closed laboratory biofilm reactor as a model of a cooling pipe and used seawater as a model for cooling water. Silver or copper nanoparticles-dispersed silane coating (Ag coating and Cu coating) coupons were soaked in seawater, and the seawater was circulated in the laboratory biofilm reactor for several days to create biofilms. Three-dimensional images of the surface showed that sea-island-like structures were formed on silane coatings and low concentration Cu coating, whereas nothing was formed on high concentration Cu coatings and low concentration Ag coating. The sea-island-like structures were analyzed by Raman spectroscopy to estimate the components of the biofilm. We found that both the Cu coating and Ag coating were effective methods to inhibit biofilm formation in cooling pipes.
Huge heterogeneity in survival in a subset of adult patients with resected, wild-type isocitrate dehydrogenase status, WHO grade II astrocytomas.

OBJECTIVEWorld Health Organization grade II gliomas are infiltrating tumors that inexorably progress to a higher grade of malignancy. However, the time to malignant transformation is quite unpredictable at the individual patient level. A wild-type isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH-wt) molecular profile has been reported as a poor prognostic factor, with more rapid progression and a shorter survival compared with IDH-mutant tumors. Here, the oncological outcomes of a series of adult patients with IDH-wt, diffuse, WHO grade II astrocytomas (AII) who underwent resection without early adjuvant therapy were investigated.METHODSA retrospective review of patients extracted from a prospective database who underwent resection between 2007 and 2013 for histopathologically confirmed, IDH-wt, non-1p19q codeleted AII was performed. All patients had a minimum follow-up period of 2 years. Information regarding clinical, radiographic, and surgical results and survival were collected and analyzed.RESULTSThirty-one consecutive patients (18 men and 13 women, median age 39.6 years) were included in this study. The preoperative median tumor volume was 54 cm3 (range 3.5-180 cm3). The median growth rate, measured as the velocity of diametric expansion, was 2.45 mm/year. The median residual volume after surgery was 4.2 cm3 (range 0-30 cm3) with a median volumetric extent of resection of 93.97% (8 patients had a total or supratotal resection). No patient experienced permanent neurological deficits after surgery, and all patients resumed a normal life. No immediate postoperative chemotherapy or radiation therapy was given. The median clinical follow-up duration from diagnosis was 74 months (range 27-157 months). In this follow-up period, 18 patients received delayed chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy for tumor progression. Five patients (16%) died at a median time from radiological diagnosis of 3.5 years (range 2.6-4.5 years). Survival from diagnosis was 77.27% at 5 years. None of the 21 patients with a long-term follow-up greater than 5 years have died. There were no significant differences between the clinical, radiological, or molecular characteristics of the survivors relative to the patients who died.CONCLUSIONSHuge heterogeneity in the survival data for a subset of 31 patients with resected IDH-wt AII tumors was observed. These findings suggest that IDH mutation status alone is not sufficient to predict risk of malignant transformation and survival at the individual level. Therefore, the therapeutic management of AII tumors, in particular the decision to administer early adjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy following surgery, should not solely rely on routine molecular markers.
Association of MicroRNAs and YRNAs With Platelet Function.

RATIONALE Platelets shed microRNAs (miRNAs). Plasma miRNAs change on platelet inhibition. It is unclear whether plasma miRNA levels correlate with platelet function. OBJECTIVE To link small RNAs to platelet reactivity. METHODS AND RESULTS Next-generation sequencing of small RNAs in plasma revealed 2 peaks at 22 to 23 and 32 to 33 nucleotides corresponding to miRNAs and YRNAs, respectively. Among YRNAs, predominantly, fragments of RNY4 and RNY5 were detected. Plasma miRNAs and YRNAs were measured in 125 patients with a history of acute coronary syndrome who had undergone detailed assessment of platelet function 30 days after the acute event. Using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions, 92 miRNAs were assessed in patients with acute coronary syndrome on different antiplatelet therapies. Key platelet-related miRNAs and YRNAs were correlated with platelet function tests. MiR-223 (rp=0.28; n=121; P=0.002), miR-126 (rp=0.22; n=121; P=0.016), and other abundant platelet miRNAs and YRNAs showed significant positive correlations with the vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein phosphorylation assay. YRNAs, miR-126, and miR-223 were also among the small RNAs showing the greatest dependency on platelets and strongly correlated with plasma levels of P-selectin, platelet factor 4, and platelet basic protein in the population-based Bruneck study (n=669). A single-nucleotide polymorphism that facilitates processing of pri-miR-126 to mature miR-126 accounted for a rise in circulating platelet activation markers. Inhibition of miR-126 in mice reduced platelet aggregation. MiR-126 directly and indirectly affects ADAM9 and P2Y12 receptor expression. CONCLUSIONS Levels of platelet-related plasma miRNAs and YRNAs correlate with platelet function tests in patients with acute coronary syndrome and platelet activation markers in the general population. Alterations in miR-126 affect platelet reactivity.
Autologous Stem Cells for Cardiac Repair: New Insights on Clinical Trial Safety and Best Cell Source

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a leading cause of death worldwide. (Wollert and Drexler, 2010) Despite improvements in survival rate after AMI with recent medical advances (Jackson, et al., 2001), the reduced heart function attributed to irreversible loss of viable cardiomyocytes remains a major clinical problem (Timmermans, et al., 2003). Typical MI results in large-scale loss of cardiac muscle, often a billion or more myocytes. (Laflamme and Murry, 2005) The loss of myocardial cell mass and the inability of remaining cells to adequately compensate through hypertrophic or hyperplastic responses result in the development of heart failure due to ventricular dysfunction (Jain, et al., 2005). Endogenous repair mechanisms of the adult human heart are not sufficient for meaningful tissue regeneration, so muscle lost is replaced by non-contractile fibrotic scar tissue, initiating progressive heart failure (Laflamme, et al., 2007). Heart failure is the number one cause of hospitalization in US citizens over 65 of age and has a significant economic impact (Laflamme and Murry, 2005). Despite recent advances in treatment options, mortality remains unacceptably high (Ertl, et al., 1993, Pfeffer and Braunwald, 1990, Towbin and Bowles, 2002) with >50% of all patients succumbing within 5 years of the initial diagnosis of heart failure (Jain, et al., 2005). Improved medical and surgical treatments for patients after AMI have led to the decrease in early mortality, but as a result there of a higher incidence of heart feailure. (Wollert and Drexler, 2010) In some patients with advanced disease, cardiac transplantation may be an option, but due to organ shortage, its practical use is limited to end-stage heart failure. In the current clinical setting, early reperfusion by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) including intra-coronary stenting is the treatment of choice in the situation of acute MI (Topol, 2003). In patients with diffused coronary artery disease associated with severe ischemic cardiomyopathy, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) remains the optimal way of coronary revascularization, and is associated with improved survival and reduction of angina (Detre, et al., 1996, Pell, et al., 2004). Although surgical and catheter-based revascularization of ischemic myocardium can treat angina, reduce the risk of MI, and
Mathematical Modeling of PEMFC and Photovoltaic Module

Abstract— The Physical modeling is not much efficient so the analysis is done through a Mathematical modeling. In this paper modeling of Photovoltaic cell is done in numerical real life simulation through a single diode Photovoltaic cell. A 36 W PV module designed through MATLAB/Simulink environment. Also, designed the SR-12 module PEMFC with 500 W rated powers. Different characteristics of these modules were examined under different states. Main determination of this research is to use this power generation sources for further analysis of hybrid generation system with renewable energy sources.
Risk of neurological, eye and ear disease in offspring to parents with schizophrenia or depression compared with offspring to healthy parents

Abstract Background Neurological, visual and hearing deviations have been observed in the offspring of parents with schizophrenia. This study test whether children to parents hospitalized with schizophrenia have increased the likelihood of childhood neurological disorder. Methods Among all parents in Sweden born 1950–1985 and with offspring born 1968–2002: 7107 children with a parent hospitalized for schizophrenia were compared to 172 982 children with no parents hospitalized for schizophrenia or major depression, as well as to 32 494 children with a parent hospitalized for major depression as a control population with another severe psychiatric outcome. We estimated relative risks (RR) and two-sided 95% confidence intervals calculated from Poisson regression. Results Children to parents with schizophrenia were more likely than controls to have been hospitalized before the age of 10 with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy, RR = 1.76 (95% CI: 1.15–2.69); epilepsy, RR = 1.78 (95% CI: 1.33–2.40), combined neurological disease, RR = 1.33 (95% CI: 1.11–1.60) and certain diseases of the eye, RR = 1.92 (95% CI: 1.17–3.15) and ear, RR = 1.18 (95% CI: 1.05–1.32). Similar disease-risk-pattern was found for children to parents hospitalized with a diagnosis of major depression. A specific risk increase for strabismus RR = 1.21 (95%CI: 1.05–1.40) was found for off-spring with parental depression. Conclusions Compared with children to healthy parents, children to parents with schizophrenia have increased risk of a variety of neurological disorders as well as visual and hearing disorders at an early age. The risk increase was not specific to schizophrenia but was also seen in children to parents with a diagnosis of major depression.
Trimorphic Incompatibility in Pontederia subovata (Pontederiaceae): An Aquatic Macrophyte from Lowland South America

Premise of research. Tristyly is a floral polymorphism that is reliably reported from six flowering plant families. Populations of tristylous species often contain three floral morphs that differ reciprocally in stigma and anther height. Trimorphic incompatibility and a suite of ancillary pollen and stigma polymorphisms are commonly associated with sex organ trimorphism. Here, we investigate the tristylous syndrome of Pontederia subovata (Pontederiaceae), a little-known aquatic from southwest Brazil. Methodology. We conducted measurements of sex organ position, pollen size, pollen production, and stigmatic papillae length on the three floral morphs under glasshouse conditions and carried out a controlled pollination program to investigate whether P. subovata possesses a trimorphic incompatibility system and whether its expression varies among the floral morphs. Pivotal results. Pontederia subovata displays reciprocal stigma and anther heights and trimorphism in the size of pollen grains and the length of stigmatic papillae. Controlled pollinations provided evidence of trimorphic incompatibility: self- and intramorph crosses yielded significantly less seed than do intermorph crosses when pollen from anthers and stigmas of equivalent height were employed. However, trimorphic incompatibility was weakly expressed in the mid-styled morph when pollinations involved long-level anthers. The occurrence of stem-borne tubers is reported for the first time from Pontederiaceae. Conclusions. Our results confirm the presence of tristyly in P. subovata. The species has several features in common with other tristylous members of Pontederia, including striking variation in the strength of incompatibility among the floral morphs. We suggest that weak incompatibility in the mid-styled morph may provide reproductive assurance during colonization. Tuber formation in P. subovata probably evolved as an adaptation enabling persistence of genets during the marked dry season that characterizes the aquatic habitats in which the species occurs.
Monitoring the Arctic Seas: How Satellite Altimetry Can Be Used to Detect Open Water in Sea-Ice Regions

Open water areas surrounded by sea ice significantly influence the ocean-ice-atmosphere interaction and contribute to Arctic climate change. Satellite altimetry can detect these ice openings and enables one to estimate sea surface heights and further altimetry data derived products. This study introduces an innovative, unsupervised classification approach for detecting open water areas in the Greenland Sea based on high-frequency data from Envisat and SARAL. Altimetry radar echoes, also called waveforms, are analyzed regarding different surface conditions. Six waveform features are defined to cluster radar echoes into different groups indicating open water and sea ice waveforms. Therefore, the partitional clustering algorithm K-medoids and the memory-based classification method K-nearest neighbor are employed, yielding an internal misclassification error of about 2%. A quantitative comparison with several SAR images reveals a consistency rate of 76.9% for SARAL and 70.7% for Envisat. These numbers strongly depend on the quality of the SAR images and the time lag between the measurements of both techniques. For a few examples, a consistency rate of more than 90% and a true water detection rate of 94% can be demonstrated. The innovative classification procedure can be used to detect water areas with different spatial extents and can be applied to all available pulse-limited altimetry datasets.
A tour of India in one workplace: investigating complex and gendered relations in IT

Purpose This paper investigates the situation of women working as IT professionals in different regions of India within Multi-National Enterprises (MNEs). The research is part of a cross-national study that compared gendered relations in the UK and Indian IT sector. The complex roles that region, class and caste and gendered values and norms have in shaping women’s work and lives in India are discussed. Design/methodology/approach The cross-national research assumed common themes as part of a programme of in-depth interviewing and observations during site visits. The ‘safari method’ was adopted with research conducted by a sole field worker with intimate knowledge of the languages and cultures of both India and the UK. The research considered intersectionality and difference and aimed to understand material structures and cultural meanings evident from the research process. Findings There are significant differences in organisational culture even within MNEs sharing common legislative and policy environme.