Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Healthcare Resource Availability, Quality of Care, and Acute Ischemic Stroke Outcomes

Background Healthcare resources vary geographically, but associations between hospital‐based resources and acute stroke quality and outcomes remain unclear. Methods and Results Using Get With The Guidelines‐Stroke and Dartmouth Atlas of Health Care data, we examined associations between healthcare resource availability, stroke care, and outcomes. We categorized hospital referral regions with high‐, medium‐, or low‐resource levels based on the 2006 national per‐capita availability median of 6 relevant acute stroke care resources. Using multivariable logistic regression, we examined healthcare resource level and in‐hospital quality and outcomes. Of 1 480 308 admitted ischemic stroke patients (2006–2013), 28.8% were hospitalized in low‐, 44.4% in medium‐, and 26.9% in high‐resource hospital referral regions. Quality‐of‐care/timeliness metrics, adjusted length of stay, and in‐hospital mortality were similar across all resource levels. Conclusions Significant variation exists in regional availability of healthcare resources for acute ischemic stroke treatment, yet among Get With the Guidelines‐Stroke hospitals, quality of care and in‐hospital outcomes did not differ by regional resource availability.
Critical Review of Burn Depth Assessment Techniques: Part II. Review of Laser Doppler Technology

The judgment of which wounds are expected to heal within 21 days is one of the most difficult and important tasks of the burn surgeon. The quoted accuracy of 64 to 76% by senior burn surgeons underscores the importance of an adjunct technology to help make this determination. A plethora of techniques have been developed in the last 70 years. Laser Doppler imaging (LDI) is one of the most recent and widely studied of these techniques. The technology provides an estimate of perfusion through the burn wound, the assumption being that a lower perfusion correlates with a deeper wound and, therefore, a longer time to heal. Although some reports suggest accuracy between 96 and 100% and that it does this 2 days ahead of clinical judgment, others have questioned its applicability to clinical practice. This article, the second of a two-part series, has two objectives: 1) a review of the Doppler principle and how the LDI uses it to estimate perfusion; and 2) a critical assessment of the burn literature on the LDI. Part I provides a historical perspective of the different technologies used through the last 70 years to assist in the determination of burn depth. Laser Doppler has brought technology closer to provide a reliable adjuvant to the clinical prediction of healing, yet, caution is warranted. A clear understanding of the limitations of LDI is needed to put the current research in perspective to find the right clinical application for LDI.
Capacity Scaling in MIMO Systems With General Unitarily Invariant Random Matrices

We investigate the capacity scaling of multiple-input–multiple-output systems with the system dimensions. To that end, we quantify how the mutual information varies when the number of antennas (at either the receiver or transmitter side) is altered. For a system comprising <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$R$ </tex-math></inline-formula> receive and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$T$ </tex-math></inline-formula> transmit antennas with <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$R>T$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, we find the following: by removing as many receive antennas as needed to obtain a square system (provided the channel matrices before and after the removal have full rank) the maximum resulting loss of mutual information over all signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) depends only on <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$R$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$T$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, and the matrix of left-singular vectors of the initial channel matrix, but not on its singular values. In particular, if the latter matrix is Haar distributed the ergodic rate loss is given by <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\sum _{t=1}^{T}\sum _{r=T+1}^{R}\frac {1}{r-t}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> nats. Under the same assumption, if <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$T,R\to \infty$ </tex-math></inline-formula> with the ratio <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\phi \triangleq T/R$ </tex-math></inline-formula> fixed, the rate loss normalized by <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$R$ </tex-math></inline-formula> converges almost surely to <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$H(\phi)$ </tex-math></inline-formula> bits with <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$H(\cdot)$ </tex-math></inline-formula> denoting the binary entropy function. We also quantify and study how the mutual information as a function of the system dimensions deviates from the traditionally assumed linear growth in the minimum of the system dimensions at high SNR.
Improvement of the adhesion between polyaniline and commercial carbon paper by acid treatment and its application in supercapacitor electrodes

Abstract Commercial carbon paper was coated with polyaniline (PANI) using in situ polymerization of aniline. Prior to the PANI coating, acid treatment was performed to carboxylate the surface of the carbon paper for enhancing PANI adhesion by sonication of the carbon paper in a mixture of concentrated sulfuric and nitric acids. The loading mass density of PANI on the acid-treated carbon paper increased more than three times compared to that on the carbon paper without acid treatment. The specific capacitance also increased from 112 to 174 F/g in a two-electrode system (calculated using a total mass of carbon paper and PANI) due to better PANI coating on the acid-treated carbon paper. The simple acid treatment provides good adhesion of PANI to the commercial carbon paper and can be applied to prepare supercapacitor electrodes.
Endothelial transplantation rejuvenates aged hematopoietic stem cell function

Age-related changes in the hematopoietic compartment are primarily attributed to cell-intrinsic alterations in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs); however, the contribution of the aged microenvironment has not been adequately evaluated. Understanding the role of the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment in supporting HSC function may prove to be beneficial in treating age-related functional hematopoietic decline. Here, we determined that aging of endothelial cells (ECs), a critical component of the BM microenvironment, was sufficient to drive hematopoietic aging phenotypes in young HSCs. We used an ex vivo hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell/EC (HSPC/EC) coculture system as well as in vivo EC infusions following myelosuppressive injury in mice to demonstrate that aged ECs impair the repopulating activity of young HSCs and impart a myeloid bias. Conversely, young ECs restored the repopulating capacity of aged HSCs but were unable to reverse the intrinsic myeloid bias. Infusion of young, HSC-supportive BM ECs enhanced hematopoietic recovery following myelosuppressive injury and restored endogenous HSC function in aged mice. Coinfusion of young ECs augmented aged HSC engraftment and enhanced overall survival in lethally irradiated mice by mitigating damage to the BM vascular microenvironment. These data lay the groundwork for the exploration of EC therapies that can serve as adjuvant modalities to enhance HSC engraftment and accelerate hematopoietic recovery in the elderly population following myelosuppressive regimens.
Correlation between Changes in Local Earth’s Magnetic Field and Cases of Acute Myocardial Infarction

The impact of changes in the geomagnetic field on the human body remains the subject of studies across the world, yet there is no consensus. Current studies are observing effects that require further work by researchers in order to find out the mechanisms that would allow a proper assessment of the correlations between the Earth‘s magnetic field variations and changes in human organisms. The main purpose of this study was to investigate possible correlations between the strength of time-varying aspects of the local Earth’s magnetic field and incidence of myocardial infarctions. Study participants included 435 males and 268 females who had diagnosis of myocardial infarction during the period of 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2016 and attended the Department of Cardiology at the Hospital of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LUHS), Kauno klinikos. Time varying magnetic field data was collected at the magnetometer site located in Lithuania. After mathematical analysis, the results support the hypothesis that the Earth’s magnetic field has a relationship between the number of acute myocardial infarction with ST segment elevation (STEMI) cases per week and the average weekly geomagnetic field strength in different frequency ranges. Correlations varied in different age groups as well as in males and females, which may indicate diverse organism sensitivity to the Earth’s magnetic field.
Hystersisters online: social support and social comparison among hysterectomy patients on the internet

Background: The Internet has become a popular source of health information for patients with a variety of medical concerns; however, research examining patient interactions on the Internet has been limited. Purpose: Four questions were examined in a survey study of hysterectomy patients who visited http://www.hystersisters. com: (a) Do hysterectomy patients use the support Web site because they perceive their proximal sources of social support to be inadequate? (b) What kinds of support do patients receive from the Web site? (c) What attributes characterize the “Hystersisters” that are perceived to be most helpful? (d) How do informational sources vary depending on the nature of the patient concern? Methods: Women (N = 137) responded to questions about social support, Web site use, and perceptions of other Web site users.Results: Participants reported high levels of perceived support and tangible assistance from their proximal social environment during recovery from surgery (93%–100%). Hystersisters who were perceived as helpful tended to share similar attributes, such as religion and children. On the Web site, information and advice (61%) was sought significantly more than emotional or esteem support (p < .01). For issues involving spiritual or partner matters versus factual issues connected to the hysterectomy, patients expressed greater interest in communicating with a patient who shared their values even if they were not more knowledgeable.Conclusions: This research contributes to our understanding of how patients utilize the Internet for health information. Longitudinal research is needed to evaluate causal relationships between Internet use and health outcomes.
Robust Subspace Learning: Robust PCA, Robust Subspace Tracking, and Robust Subspace Recovery

Principal component analysis (PCA) is one of the most widely used dimension reduction techniques. A related easier problem is termed subspace learning or subspace estimation. Given relatively clean data, both are easily solved via singular value decomposition (SVD). The problem of subspace learning or PCA in the presence of outliers is called robust subspace learning (RSL) or robust PCA (RPCA). For long data sequences, if one tries to use a single lower-dimensional subspace to represent the data, the required subspace dimension may end up being quite large. For such data, a better model is to assume that it lies in a low-dimensional subspace that can change over time, albeit gradually. The problem of tracking such data (and the subspaces) while being robust to outliers is called robust subspace tracking (RST). This article provides a magazine-style overview of the entire field of RSL and tracking.
Multiple Organ Failure as a Cause of Death in Patients With Severe Burns

The aim of this study was to investigate the causes of death in patients with burns using both medicolegal autopsy reports and clinical data collected during treatment to specify irreversible organ dysfunctions leading to death. Burn deaths occurring in the Helsinki Burn Center from 1995 to 2005 were identified in the hospital database. The clinical charts and medicolegal autopsy reports were retrieved and compared. The data were evaluated by plastic surgeons specialized in burn care, an intensivist, and a pathologist, with special reference to organ-specific changes in the autopsy reports. From 1999 to 2005, there were 71 burn deaths in the Helsinki Burn Center of which 40% was caused by multiple organ failure (MOF). Death from untreatable burn injury was recorded in 28 patients, whereas other causes were scarce. MOF patients displayed approximately four organ failures on average, ranging from three to eight. All 28 MOF patients were recorded to have acute renal failure, followed by liver damage, of which four patients had acute or chronic liver failure. Sepsis was always affiliated with MOF as a cause of death. In conclusion, careful examination of MOF as a cause of death revealed several organ failures: four organ failures per patient. Acute renal failure was noted in all MOF patients. Sepsis was always affiliated with MOF.
Synthesis of Porous Anodic Alumina (PAA) on Aluminum Alloy AA6061 in Mixture of Phosphoric Acid and Oxalic Acid

In this study, porous anodic alumina was formed on aluminum alloy AA6061 by anodizing using mixture of 0.3 M oxalic acid and phosphoric acid with concentration ranged from 0.1 M to 1.0 M. AA6061 alloys were anodized at 40 V and 25°C for 60 minutes. FESEM images show that the uniformity of the pores arrangement of porous anodic alumina decreased with the increasing concentration of phosphoric acid in the electrolyte. Well-ordered porous anodic alumina was formed in mixture of 0.3 M oxalic acid and 0.1 M phosphoric acid while disordered porous anodic alumina were formed when the concentration of phosphoric acid were in the range of 0.3 M to 1.0 M. Pore size and interpore distance were found to increase with the concentration of phosphoric acid in the mixture. X-ray diffraction patterns show that to γ-Al2O3 were formed on the surface of AA6061 after the anodizing process, regardless of the concentration of phosphoric acid in the mixture electrolyte.
Team-Based Learning Experiences of Fourth-Year Pharmacy Students in a South African University

Objective. To determine fourth-year pharmacy students’ learning experiences with team-based learning (TBL) at a South African university. Methods. A survey composed of biographical data and quantitative questions focusing on student learning experiences was sent to students. There were 183 (91.5%) students who completed the survey. Results. Students had a positive experience with TBL and found it valuable and more worthwhile than traditional lecture methods, regardless of their initial negative perception of TBL. Students enjoyed working in multi-cultural, mixed gender teams. Conclusion. TBL is an effective teaching strategy to simulate the reality of health professions where practitioners are required to work in a team. TBL should be offered in more courses in health professions curriculum in South Africa to strengthen and promote efficient health care delivery.
Semapimod Reduces the Depth of Injury Resulting in Enhanced Re-epithelialization of Partial-Thickness Burns in Swine

Studies suggest that tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) plays a role in burn pathogenesis. We conducted a randomized controlled experiment in swine to determine whether a novel macrophage inhibitor, semapimod (formerly known as CNI-1493), would blunt the local production of TNF-α, interleukin (IL)-1, and IL-6 in burns leading to less injury extension and faster re-epithelialization. After creating second-degree burns, animals received one or two intravenous boluses of semapimod 1 mg/kg or normal saline, and all burns were treated with silver sulfadiazine. The depth of follicular necrosis and thrombosis was reduced by either one or two doses of semapimod (P = .04 and .02, respectively). However, no differences were noted between groups in cytokine levels. Depth of scarring was similar in all groups. We conclude that Semapimod reduces the depth of follicular necrosis and thrombosis after second-degree burns in swine, indirectly resulting in more rapid re-epithelialization. However, this affect does not appear to be mediated by reduced local TNF-α, IL-1, or IL-6 protein levels.
Intent to Share: Enhancing Android Inter-Component Communication for Distributed Devices

Data-intensive applications in diverse domains, including video streaming, gaming, and health monitoring, increasingly require that mobile devices directly share data with each other. However, developing distributed data sharing functionality introduces low-level, brittle, and hard-to-maintain code into the mobile codebase. To reconcile the goals of programming convenience and performance efficiency, we present a novel middleware framework that enhances the Android platform's component model to support seamless and efficient inter-device data sharing. Our framework provides a familiar programming interface that extends the ubiquitous Android Inter-Component Communication (ICC), thus lowering the learning curve. Unlike middleware platforms based on the RPC paradigm, our programming abstractions require that mobile application developers think through and express explicitly data transmission patterns, thus treating latency as a first-class design concern. Our performance evaluation shows that using our framework incurs little performance overhead, comparable to that of custom-built implementations. By providing reusable programming abstractions that preserve component encapsulation, our framework enables Android devices to efficiently share data at the component level, providing powerful building blocks for the development of emerging distributed mobile applications.
Ecological Niche Modeling of Bacillus anthracis on Three Continents: Evidence for Genetic-Ecological Divergence?

We modeled the ecological niche of a globally successful Bacillus anthracis sublineage in the United States, Italy and Kazakhstan to better understand the geographic distribution of anthrax and potential associations between regional populations and ecology. Country-specific ecological-niche models were developed and reciprocally transferred to the other countries to determine if pathogen presence could be accurately predicted on novel landscapes. Native models accurately predicted endemic areas within each country, but transferred models failed to predict known occurrences in the outside countries. While the effects of variable selection and limitations of the genetic data should be considered, results suggest differing ecological associations for the B. anthracis populations within each country and may reflect niche specialization within the sublineage. Our findings provide guidance for developing accurate ecological niche models for this pathogen; models should be developed regionally, on the native landscape, and with consideration to population genetics. Further genomic analysis will improve our understanding of the genetic-ecological dynamics of B. anthracis across these countries and may lead to more refined predictive models for surveillance and proactive vaccination programs. Further studies should evaluate the impact of variable selection of native and transferred models.
Sex chromosome changes in leukemia: cytogenetics and molecular aspects

ABSTRACT Background and objective: Sex chromosome loss (SCL) can occur in older men as a physiological phenomenon or as an acquired abnormality in leukemia. Loss of chromosome Y and loss of chromosome X are acquired disorders that are mainly observed in patients over 80 years as well as in myeloid and lymphoid malignancies. In this review, we examine the cytogenetic and molecular changes of sex chromosomes in leukemia. Methods: Relevant English language literature were searched and retrieved from PubMed search engine (1990–2016). The following keywords were used: ‘Sex chromosomes’, ‘Leukemia’ and ‘Cytogenetics’. Results: The loss of tumor suppressor genes along with these chromosomal abnormalities in the majority of malignant cells in bone marrow (BM) has raised the question whether this is an age-related phenomenon or has occurred as a result of clonal abnormality. On the other hand, the presence of these chromosomal abnormalities in a number of genetic diseases associated with leukemia leads to progression of malignancy, and their role in peripheral blood stem cell transplantation confirm the finding that these chromosomal abnormalities can play an important role in clonal abnormality. Conclusion: The presence of these abnormalities can cause genetic instability in BM and result in the development of a malignant clone and progression of the disease. In addition, the evaluation of SCL together with the genes involved in these chromosomes can contribute to predict the disease prognosis as well as monitoring of malignancy.
Environmental and genetic control of cold tolerance in the Glanville fritillary butterfly

Thermal tolerance has a major effect on individual fitness and species distributions and can be determined by genetic variation and phenotypic plasticity. We investigate the effects of developmental and adult thermal conditions on cold tolerance, measured as chill coma recovery (CCR) time, during the early and late adult stage in the Glanville fritillary butterfly. We also investigate the genetic basis of cold tolerance by associating CCR variation with polymorphisms in candidate genes that have a known role in insect physiology. Our results demonstrate that a cooler developmental temperature leads to reduced cold tolerance in the early adult stage, whereas cooler conditions during the adult stage lead to increased cold tolerance. This suggests that adult acclimation, but not developmental plasticity, of adult cold tolerance is adaptive. This could be explained by the ecological conditions the Glanville fritillary experiences in the field, where temperature during early summer, but not spring, is predictive of thermal conditions during the butterfly's flight season. In addition, an amino acid polymorphism (Ala‐Glu) in the gene flightin, which has a known function in insect flight and locomotion, was associated with CCR. These amino acids have distinct biochemical properties and may thus affect protein function and/or structure. To our knowledge, our study is the first to link genetic variation in flightin to cold tolerance, or thermal adaptation in general.