Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal evaluation of physician payment reform and team-based care for chronic disease management and prevention

Background: We evaluated a large-scale transition of primary care physicians to blended capitation models and team-based care in Ontario, Canada, to understand the effect of each type of reform on the management and prevention of chronic disease. Methods: We used population-based administrative data to assess monitoring of diabetes mellitus and screening for cervical, breast and colorectal cancer among patients belonging to team-based capitation, non–team-based capitation or enhanced fee-for-service medical homes as of Mar. 31, 2011 (n = 10 675 480). We used Poisson regression models to examine these associations for 2011. We then used a fitted nonlinear model to compare changes in outcomes between 2001 and 2011 by type of medical home. Results: In 2011, patients in a team-based capitation setting were more likely than those in an enhanced fee-for-service setting to receive diabetes monitoring (39.7% v. 31.6%, adjusted relative risk [RR] 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18 to 1.25), mammography (76.6% v. 71.5%, adjusted RR 1.06, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.07) and colorectal cancer screening (63.0% v. 60.9%, adjusted RR 1.03, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.04). Over time, patients in medical homes with team-based capitation experienced the greatest improvement in diabetes monitoring (absolute difference in improvement 10.6% [95% CI 7.9% to 13.2%] compared with enhanced fee for service; 6.4% [95% CI 3.8% to 9.1%] compared with non–team-based capitation) and cervical cancer screening (absolute difference in improvement 7.0% [95% CI 5.5% to 8.5%] compared with enhanced fee for service; 5.3% [95% CI 3.8% to 6.8%] compared with non–team-based capitation). For breast and colorectal cancer screening, there were no significant differences in change over time between different types of medical homes. Interpretation: The shift to capitation payment and the addition of team-based care in Ontario were associated with moderate improvements in processes related to diabetes care, but the effects on cancer screening were less clear.
Maturity‐related differences in physical activity among 10‐ to 12‐year‐old girls

Besides environmental and psycho‐social factors explaining the variation in physical activity levels during adolescence, some evidence suggests that biological processes are involved in regulating habitual daily physical activity and energy expenditure. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of biological maturity status on physical activity. Chronological age, standing height, sitting height, and body mass were measured cross‐sectionally in 268 girls, aged 9.5 to 11.5 years. Biological maturity groups (Early, Average, Late) were created according to estimated age at peak‐height‐velocity (estAPHV). Habitual physical activity was determined with a pedometer (Yamax Digiwalker SW‐200) over a 7‐day period. Differences in steps/day across maturity groups were examined by ANCOVA, controlling separately for time the pedometer was worn, leg length, and body mass. Mean pedometer steps/day was 10,822 ± 2,639. As expected, body size varied by maturity status (e.g., early > average > late). Significant maturity group differences were found with early maturing girls showing lower activity levels compared to average or late maturers. These differences remained after controlling for time the pedometer was worn and leg length; however, the differences were no longer significant when controlling for body mass. The results suggest that biological maturity status influences physical activity levels in girls between 10 and 12 years of age but the relationship is not independent of body mass. Further research is needed to establish the complex inter‐relationships among adiposity, biological maturation, and energy expenditure during puberty. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
PART OF A SPECIAL ISSUE ON POPULATION BIOLOGY Pollen dispersal and gene flow within and into a population of the alpine monocarpic plant Campanula thyrsoides

† Background and Aims Gene flow by seed and pollen largely shapes the genetic structure within and among plant populations. Seed dispersal is often strongly spatially restricted, making gene flow primarily dependent on pollen dispersal within and into populations. To understand distance-dependent pollination success, pollen dispersal and gene flow were studied within and into a population of the alpine monocarpic perennial Campanula thyrsoides. † Methods A paternity analysis was performed on sampled seed families using microsatellites, genotyping 22 flowering adults and 331 germinated offspring to estimate gene flow, and pollen analogues were used to estimate pollen dispersal. The focal population was situated among 23 genetically differentiated populations on a subalpine mountain plateau (,10 km 2 ) in central Switzerland. † Key Results Paternity analysis assigned 110 offspring (33.2 %) to a specific pollen donor (i.e. ‘father’) in the focal population. Mean pollination distance was 17.4 m for these offspring, and the pollen dispersal curve based on positive LOD scores of all 331 offspring was strongly decreasing with distance. The paternal contribution from 20‐ 35 offspring (6.0‐10.5 %) originated outside the population, probably from nearby populations on the plateau. Multiple potential fathers were assigned to each of 186 offspring (56.2 %). The pollination distance to ‘mother’ plants was negatively affected by the mothers’ degree of spatial isolation in the population. Variability in male mating success was not related to the degree of isolation of father plants. † Conclusions Pollen dispersal patterns within the C. thyrsoides population are affected by spatial positioning of flowering individuals and pollen dispersal may therefore contribute to the course of evolution of populations of this species. Pollen dispersal into the population was high but apparently not strong enough to prevent the previously described substantial among-population differentiation on the plateau, which may be due to the monocarpic perenniality of this species.
Stem Cell Therapy: A Future Treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence

The main urinary continence mechanism in human is the striated muscle rhabdosphincter that forms a ring around the mid-urethra. Cellular therapy and the use of stem cells transplanted into the site of the rhabdosphincter in a setting of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) may augment sphincter regeneration. Implanted cells may also release trophic factors promoting muscle and nerve integration into this muscle. We review the use of cellular therapy for SUI and our experience with the development of muscle-derived stem cells.
AN IMPLEMENTATION OF MULTI-BAND ONSET DETECTION

This paper describes an algorithm for onset detection based on the method described by Anssi Klapuri in [1]. The signal is first normalized and filtered by a model of the outer ear, and decomposed in frequency bands by gammatone filters. The amplitude envelope is extracted from each band by full-wave rectification and low-pass filtering. Candidate onset positions in each band are estimated by picking the peaks above a threshold on the derivative of the smoothed log-amplitude envelope. A weight corresponding to the maximum value of the smoothed log envelope of the sound event is assigned to each candidate. Close candidates are combined both in time and across frequency bands, and a threshold is applied to get the final onsets.
Competing or aiming to be average?: normification as a means of engaging digital volunteers

Engagement, motivation and active contribution by digital volunteers are key requirements for crowdsourcing and citizen science projects. Many systems use competitive elements, for example point scoring and leaderboards, to achieve these ends. However, while competition may motivate some people, it can have a neutral or demotivating effect on others. In this paper we explore theories of personal and social norms and investigate normification as an alternative approach to engagement, to be used alongside or instead of competitive strategies. We provide a systematic review of existing crowdsourcing and citizen science literature and categorise the ways that theories of norms have been incorporated to date. We then present qualitative interview data from a pro-environmental crowdsourcing study, Close the Door, which reveals normalising attitudes in certain participants. We assess how this links with competitive behaviour and participant performance. Based on our findings and analysis of norm theories, we consider the implications for designers wishing to use normification as an engagement strategy in crowdsourcing and citizen science systems.
Effect of piperine in the regulation of obesity-induced dyslipidemia in high-fat diet rats

Objective: The present study was undertaken to explore the effect of piperine in obesity-induced dyslipidemia. Materials and Methods: Male Sprague Dawley rats were fed high-fat diet (HFD) for the first eight weeks, to develop obesity-induced dyslipidemia. Later on piperine (40 mg / kg) and sibutramine (5 mg / kg) were administered for three weeks along with the continuation of HFD to two separate groups, which served as the test and standard groups, respectively. Body weight, food intake, serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL, and HDL were measured at the end of the fourth, eighth (before treatment), and eleventh (after treatment) week, while the fat mass was measured at the end of the eleventh week in the normal, HFD-control, test, and standard groups. Results: Supplementing piperine with HFD significantly reduced not only body weight, triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL, and fat mass, but also increased the HDL levels, with no change in food intake. Conclusion: The above results suggest that piperine possesses potential fat reducing and lipid lowering effects, without any change in food appetite, at a small dose of 40 mg / kg. The mechanism of action for such an activity needs to be determined. However, looking to structural similarity with the presently known Melanocortin-4 (MC-4) agonists, involvement of MC-4 receptors in its activity can be guessed.
Crystal structure of 1-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)urea

In the title urea derivative, C9H12N2O, the dihedral angle between the benzene ring and the mean plane of the urea group, N-C(=O)-N, is 86.6 (1)°. In the crystal, the urea O atom is involved in three N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds. Mol-ecules are linked via pairs of N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers with an R (2) 2(8) ring motif. The dimers are linked by further N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming two-dimensional networks lying parallel to (100).
All-fabric flexible supercapacitor for energy storage

An all-fabric solid-state flexible supercapacitor has been fabricated using three types of commercial woven fabrics made of carbon fiber, activated carbon fiber, and polyester fiber, respectively. The activated carbon fiber fabric is viscose-based twill through carbonization and activation, followed by a deposition of CeO2 or ZnO nanoparticles through a hydrothermal process. The resultant fabric supercapacitor displays a high specific capacitance of 13.24 mF cm−2 at a scan rate of 0.2 mV s−1, an excellent capacitance retention of 87.6% at 5000 charge/discharge cycles, and a high energy density of 4.6 × 10−7 Wh cm−2 at a power density of 3.31 × 10−6 W cm−2. The supercapacitor is capable of bending in any angles without losing its performance, revealing an excellent flexibility. The facile, cost-effective fabrication process and excellent electrochemical performance allow this all-fabric solid-state flexible supercapacitor to be potentially used in new generation of wearable and self-powered electronic devices.
A Safe Longitudinal Control for Adaptive Cruise Control and Stop-and-Go Scenarios

In this paper, we propose a novel reference model-based control approach for automotive longitudinal control. The reference model is nonlinear and provides dynamic solutions consistent with safety constraints and comfort specifications. The model is based on physical laws of compliant contact and has the particularity that its solutions can be explicitly described by integral curves. This allows to characterize the set of initial condition for which the constraints can be met. This model is combined with a simple feedback loop used to compensate unmodeled dynamics and external disturbances. Model simulations together with experimental results are also presented
Alpha and beta EEG power reflects L-dopa acute administration in parkinsonian patients

Aim: To evaluate the effect of an acute L-dopa administration on eye-closed resting state electroencephalographic (EEG) activity of cognitively preserved Parkinsonian patients. Methods: We examined 24 right-handed patients diagnosed as uncomplicated probable Parkinson’s disease (PD). Each patient underwent Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS)-part-III evaluation before and 60 min after an oral load of L-dopa-methyl-ester/carbidopa 250/25 mg. Resting condition eyes-closed EEG data were recorded both pre- and post L-dopa load. Absolute EEG power values were calculated at each scalp derivation for Delta, Theta, Alpha and Beta frequency bands. UPDRS scores (both global and subscale scores) and EEG data (power values of different frequency bands for each scalp derivation) were submitted to a statistical analysis to compare Pre and Post L-Dopa conditions. Finally, a correlation analysis was carried out between EEG spectral content and UPDRS scores. Results: Considering EEG power spectral analysis, no statistically significant differences arose on Delta and Theta bands after L-dopa intake. Conversely, Alpha and Beta rhythms significantly increased on centro-parietal scalp derivations, as a function of L-dopa administration. Correlation analysis indicated a significant negative correlation between Beta power increase on centro-parietal areas and UPDRS subscores (Rigidity of arms and Bradykinesia). A minor significant negative correlation was also found between Alpha band increase and resting tremor. Conclusions: Assuming that a significant change in EEG power spectrum after L-dopa intake may be related to dopaminergic mechanisms, our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that dopaminergic defective networks are implicated in cortical oscillatory abnormalities at rest in non-demented PD patients.
A direct-execution framework for fast and accurate simulation of superscalar processors

Multiprocessor system evaluation has traditionally been based on direct-execution based Execution-Driven Simulations (EDS). In such environments, the processor component of the system is not fully modeled. With wide issue superscalar processors being the norm in today's multiprocessor nodes, there is an urgent need for modeling the processor accurately. However, using direct execution to model a superscalar processor has been considered an open problem. Hence, current approaches model the processor by interpreting the application executable. Unfortunately, this approach can be slow. In this paper, we propose a novel direct-execution framework that allows accurate simulation of wide-issue superscalar processors without the need for code interpretation. This is achieved with the aid of an Interface Window between the front-end and the architectural simulator, that buffers the necessary information. This eliminates the need for full-fledged instruction emulation. Overall, this approach enables detailed yet fast EDS of superscalar processors. Finally, we evaluate the framework and show good performance for uni- and multiprocessor configurations.
Identification of a type IV secretion substrate of Brucella abortus that participates in the early stages of intracellular survival

Brucella abortus, the aetiological agent of bovine brucellosis, is an intracellular pathogen whose virulence is completely dependent on a type IV secretion system. This secretion system translocates effector proteins into the host cell to modulate the intracellular fate of the bacterium in order to establish a secure niche were it actively replicates. Although much has been done in understanding how this secretion system participates in the virulence process, few effector proteins have been identified to date. We describe here the identification of a type IV secretion substrate (SepA) that is only present in Brucella spp. and has no detectable homology to known proteins. This protein is secreted in a virB‐dependent manner in a two‐step process involving a periplasmic intermediate and secretion is necessary for its function. The deletion mutant showed a defect in the early stages of intracellular replication in professional and non‐professional phagocytes although it invades the cells more efficiently than the wild‐type parental strain. Our results indicate that, even though the mutant was more invasive, it had a defect in excluding the lysosomal marker Lamp‐1 and was inactivated more efficiently during the early phases of the intracellular life cycle.
Properties of Jute and Sheep Wool Fiber Reinforced Hybrid Polypropylene Composites

Use of plant and animal-based biodegradable resources as reinforcement in polymeric composites has incontestable advantages compared to synthetic fiber composites-including low density, low cost, continuous supply, easy and safe handling and supports their potential across a wide range of applications. Hybrid fiber reinforced composites are generally prepared to enhance different properties as compared to single-fiber reinforced composites. In present research, sheep wool fiber and jute fiber reinforced hybrid polypropylene composites were prepared. Their mechanical properties were examined first by varying the fiber and polypropylene ratio and then by varying wool and jute fiber ratio keeping the polypropylene quantity unchanged. Here, 5%, 10% and 15% of the fibers in a ratio of 1:1 were copulated with polypropylene in a hot press machine. For mechanical characterization, tensile, flexural, impact and hardness tests were conducted. From these tests, it was observed that the composite with 15% fiber content had the best properties. For further enhancement, two separate samples with 1:3 and 3:1 fiber ratios and 85% polypropylene were prepared. Running the aforementioned tests, it was revealed that the sample with wool and jute fiber at 1:3 ratio had the best set of properties.
Intradermal vs intramuscular vaccine against hepatitis B infection in dialysis patients: a meta‐analysis of randomized trials

Summary. Chronic dialysis patients are at risk of contracting hepatitis B virus infection and have a diminished immune response to hepatitis B virus vaccine. Recent reports support intradermal administration of hepatitis B virus vaccine in patients on regular dialysis but the efficacy and safety of this approach remain unclear. We conducted a meta‐analysis of randomized, controlled clinical trials to compare seroprotection achieved by intradermal vs intramuscular hepatitis B vaccine, in patients on maintenance dialysis. Meta‐analysis of data from 718 adults (14 trials) on long‐term dialysis demonstrated that intramuscular hepatitis B vaccination was less likely to achieve seroprotection than intradermal vaccination, the pooled odds ratio was 0.454 (95% CI, 0.3; 0.67), P = 0.001. The test of study heterogeneity was not significant. This difference did not persist during follow‐up (6–60 months after completing vaccine schedule), the pooled odds ratio being 0.718 (95% CI, 0.36; 1.47), NS. Some evidence of significant heterogeneity including publication bias was present but stratified analysis in various subgroups showed that this issue did not meaningfully change our results. Intradermal hepatitis B vaccine was safe and well tolerated. We conclude that intradermal hepatitis B vaccine induces a superior response rate compared to intramuscular route at completion of vaccine cycle, despite a lower vaccine dose. No significant advantage was found over longer follow‐up. It remains unclear whether the higher seroprotection rate achieved with intradermal route translates into a lower frequency of de novo hepatitis B among patients on maintenance dialysis.
Circadian Clock Manipulation for Cancer Prevention and Control and the Relief of Cancer Symptoms

Life has evolved on this planet with regular daily spans of direct solar energy availability alternating with nocturnal spans of dark. Virtually every earth-borne life form has factored this circadian pattern into its biology to ensure the temporal coordination with its resonating environment, a task essential for its individual survival and that of its species. The first whole genome inspections of mutations in human colon and breast cancer have observed specific retained clock gene mutations. Single nucleotide polymorphisms within the genes of clock, clock-controlled, and melatonin pathways have been found to confer excess cancer risk or protection from cancer. Experimental studies have shown that specific core clock genes (Per2 and Per1) are tumor suppressors because their genetic absence doubles tumor numbers, and decreasing their expression in cancer cells doubles cancer growth rate, whereas their overexpression decreases cancer growth rate and diminishes tumor numbers. Experimental interference with circadian clock function increases cancer growth rate, and clinical circadian disruption is associated with higher cancer incidence, faster cancer progression, and shorter cancer patient survival. Patients with advanced lung cancer suffering greater circadian activity/sleep cycle disruption suffer greater interference with function, greater anxiety and depression, poorer nighttime sleep, greater daytime fatigue, and poorer quality of life than comparable patients who maintain good circadian integration. We must now determine whether strategies known to help synchronize the circadian clocks of normal individuals can do so in advanced cancer patients and whether doing so allows cancer patients to feel better and/or live longer. Several academic laboratories and at least 2 large pharmaceutical firms are screening for small molecules targeting the circadian clock to stabilize its phase and enhance its amplitude and thereby consolidate and coordinate circadian organization, which in turn is likely to help prevent and control human cancer. These drugs and strategies can, in turn, be used to make cancer patients with advanced disease feel and function more normally.