Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The modified Selvester QRS score: can we predict successful ST segment resolution in patients with myocardial infarction receiving fibrinolytic therapy?

BACKGROUND We sought to explore whether the simplified Selvester QRS scoring system could predict ST segment resolution in patients with first acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction who receive pharmacological reperfusion therapy. METHODS We enrolled 60 consecutive patients admitted to the critical care unit with the diagnosis of first acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction presenting within 24 hours from symptom onset, and eligible for reperfusion therapy. All patients received streptokinase in the usual dose regimen. Patients underwent resting high-quality 12-lead electrocardiogram recordings to calculate the modified QRS score and estimate the sum of ST segment elevation before (STE1) and 90 minutes after (STE2) streptokinase. The difference between STE1 and STE2 was then measured and accepted as the sum of ST segment resolution, expressed as SigmaSTR. Patients were classified into two groups: those with SigmaSTR > or = 50% of STE1 (the resolution group) and those with SigmaSTR < 50% (the non-resolution group). RESULTS The mean QRS score was significantly lower in the resolution group compared to the non-resolution group (2.88 +/- 1.34 vs 5.93 +/- 1.56, respectively, p < 0.001). There was a highly significant negative correlation between QRS score and SSTR with a correlation coefficient r = -0.76. Using a cut-off value of > or = 4, the QRS score had a sensitivity of 93%, specificity of 72%, positive and negative predictive values of 74% and 92% respectively, for predicting SigmaSTR < 50%. CONCLUSIONS The Selvester QRS score can reliably predict adequate ST segment resolution in patients with first acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction receiving fibrinolytic therapy, with a high sensitivity and an acceptable specificity.
Automated Verification of Critical Systems ( AVoCS 2011 ) Specification and refinement of discrete timing properties in Event-B

Event-B is a formal language for systems modeling, based on set theory and predicate logic. It has the advantage of mechanized proof, and it is possible to model a system in several levels of abstraction by using refinement. Discrete timing properties are important in many critical systems. However, modeling of timing properties is not directly supported in Event-B. In this paper we identify three main categories of discrete timing properties for trigger-response pattern, deadline, delay and expiry. We introduce language constructs for each of these timing properties that augment the Event-B language. We describe how these constructs can be mapped to standard Event-B constructs. To ease the process of using the timing constructs in a refinement-based development, we introduce patterns for refining the timing constructs that allow timing properties on abstract models to be replaced by timing properties on refined models. The language constructs and refinement patterns are illustrated through some generic examples. Event-B refinement allows atomic events at the abstract level to be broken down into sub-steps at the refined level. The goal of our refinement patterns is to provide an easy way to represent and correctly refine timing constraints on abstract atomic events with more elaborate timing constraints on the refined events. This paper presents an initial set of patterns.
Phonological and language disorders in children who stutter: impact on treatment recommendations

In the profession of speech‐language pathology, it is commonly reported that children who stutter, as a group, are more likely to have phonological and language disorders than their non‐stuttering peers. Some support for this belief comes from survey studies that have questioned speech‐language pathologists about the children on their caseloads who stutter. Recently, one such study reported that 44% of children who stuttered had at least one additional communication disorder (Arndt & Healey, 2001). In the present investigation, speech‐language pathologists (n=127) who were treating children with speech and language disorders were questioned about their views on the treatment of stuttering. The results indicated that children who stutter and have at least one additional disorder are more likely to be recommended for treatment than those whose only disorder is stuttering. This suggests that caseload surveys may overestimate the rate of additional communication disorders in children who stutter. The results provide reason to question the widespread belief that children who stutter have a high rate of concomitant disorders, especially when it is based on caseload surveys. Suggestions are offered for ways to determine more precisely the frequency with which stuttering co‐occurs with other speech and language disorders in children through large‐scale epidemiological research.
On-Off Kinetics of Engagement of FNI Modules of Soluble Fibronectin by β-Strand Addition

Intrinsically disordered sequences within bacterial adhesins bind to E-strands in the β-sheets of multiple FNI modules of fibronectin (FN) by anti-parallel β-strand addition, also called tandem β-zipper formation. The FUD segment of SfbI of Streptococcus pyogenes and Bbk32 segment of BBK32 of Borrelia burgdorferi, despite being imbedded in different adhesins from different bacteria, target the same FNI modules, 2–5,8–9FNI, in the N-terminal 70-kDa region (FN70K) of FN. To facilitate further comparisons, FUD, Bbk32, two other polypeptides based on SfbI that target 1–5FNI (HADD) and 2–5FNI (FRD), and mutant Bbk32 (ΔBbk32) were produced with fluorochromes placed just outside of the binding sequences. Unlabeled FUD competed ~1000-fold better for binding of labeled Bbk32 to FN than unlabeled Bbk32 competed for binding of labeled FUD to FN. Binding kinetics were determined by fluorescence polarization in a stopped-flow apparatus. On-rates for FUD, Bbk32, HADD, and FRD were similar, and all bound more rapidly to FN70K fragment than to full length FN. In stopped-flow displacement and size exclusion chromatographic assays, however, koff for FUD or HADD to FN70K or FN was considerably lower compared to koff of FRD or Bbk32. FUD and Bbk32 differ in the spacing between sequences that interact with 3FNI and 4FNI or with 5FNI and 8FNI. ΔBbk32, in which 2 residues were removed from Bbk32 to make the spacing more like FUD, had a koff intermediate between that of Bbk32 and FUD. These results indicate a “folding-after-binding” process after initial association of certain polypeptide sequences to FN that results in formation of a stable complex and is a function of number of FNI modules engaged by the polypeptide, spacing of engagement sites, and perhaps flexibility within the polypeptide-FN complex. We suggest that contributions of SfbI and BBK32 adhesins to bacterial pathogenicity may be determined in part by stability of adhesin-FN complexes.
On low power test and low power compression techniques

With the ever increasing integration capability of semiconductor technology, today’s large integrated circuits require an increasing amount of data to test them which increases test time and elevated requirements of tester memory. At the same time, as VLSI design sizes and their operating frequencies continue to increase, timing-related defects are high proportion of the total chip defects and atspeed test is crucial. DFT techniques are widely used in order to improve the testability of a design. While DFT techniques facilitate generation and application of tests, they may cause the test vectors to contain non-functional states which result in higher switching activities compared to the functional mode of operation. Excessive switching activity causes higher power dissipation as well as higher peak supply currents. Excessive power dissipation may cause hot spots that could cause damage the circuit. Excessive peak supply currents may cause higher IR drops which increase signal propagation delays during test causing yield loss. Several methods have been proposed to reduce the switching activity in the circuit under test during shift and capture cycles. While these methods reduce switching activity during test and eliminate the abnormal IR drop, circuits may now operate faster on the tester than they would in the actual system. For speed related and high resistance defect mechanisms, this type of undertesting means that the device could be rejected by the systems integrator or by the end consumer and thus increasing the DPPM of the devices. Therefore, it is critical to ensure that the peak switching activity generated during the two functional clock cycles of an at-speed test is as close as possible to the functional switching activity levels specified for the device. The first part of this dissertation proposes a new method to generate test vectors that mimic functional operation from the switching activity point of view. It uses states obtained by applying a number of functional clock cycles starting from the scan-in state
Evaporation from aeolian soils with shallow water tables

xx CHAPTER 1 . 1 MOTIVATION AND OBJECTIVES . 1 1.1 Motivation . 1 1.2 Scope and objectives . 4 CHAPTER 2 . 5 LITERATURE REVIEW . 5 2.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study assessing the anti-inflammatory effects of ketamine in cardiac surgical patients.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether ketamine administration affects markers of inflammation in cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and to investigate differences between 2 low-dose ketamine regimens. DESIGN Prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. SETTING Single-center university hospital. PARTICIPANTS Patients undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB. INTERVENTION Patients (n = 50) were randomized to 1 of 3 groups: ketamine, 0.25 mg/kg (n = 15); ketamine, 0.5 mg/kg (n = 18);or placebo (n = 17) in a double-blind manner at the time of induction of general anesthesia. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and IL-10 were measured at baseline, on intensive care unit (ICU) arrival, and on the first postoperative day (POD 1). Both ketamine doses decreased the serum IL-6 response at ICU arrival and POD 1 compared with placebo (p < 0.05). CRP was lower in the 0.5-mg/kg group than placebo on POD 1 (p = 0.003). IL-10 was lower in the ketamine groups (p = 0.01) at POD 1 compared with placebo; IL-8 levels were not affected by ketamine. Mean arterial pressure and systemic vascular resistance were higher at the end of surgery, arrival in the ICU, and POD 1 in the ketamine groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Low-dose ketamine (0.5 mg/kg) attenuates increases in CRP, IL-6, and IL-10 while decreasing vasodilatation after CPB.
The Properties of an Intercellular Matrix and its Relation to Electrolytes

1. The intercellular matrix of the cells on the gills of Mytilus edulis is readily dispersed by hydroxyl ions. 2. All cations inhibit the action of hydroxyl ions, but the divalent metals are much more powerful than the monovalent metals. All divalent metallic ions except magnesium irreversibly coagulate the matrix at the hydroxyl ion concentration of seawater. This does not occur in the presence of magnesium ions. 3. There is a marked difference between the action of different non-electrolytes, since in the absence of salts the matrix remains stable for a much longer period in sugar, or glycerine, than in urea. Alcohol in certain concentrations has a marked stabilising action in the absence of salts. 4. With pure solutions of different monovalent sodium salts the anions can be arranged in a well-marked series in which the matrix is most readily dispersed in sodium iodide I9 5. The relationship of the matrix to ions is similar to that between protein systems and ions, when attention is paid to both the electrostatic and lyophilic effect of the ions, and to the fact that the matrix is normally in equilibrium with a solution containing divalent metallic ions -- magnesium in particular. The analogy must, however, not be pushed too far. 6. The intercellular matrix of Mytilus cells can only possess a very slight electro-negative charge when in equilibrium with sea-water. If the constitution of the membrane is altered in such a way as to increase this charge, a type of matrix forms in which calcium is an essential constituent. Such a matrix appears to exist in echinoderms and in some other types.
Experiences of a Mindfulness-Based Stress-Reduction Intervention Among Patients With Cancer

Background: There is increasing recognition of mindfulness and mindfulness training as a way to decrease stress and increase psychological functioning. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the perceived effects and experiences of mindfulness stress-reduction training as described by patients with cancer participating in a mindfulness-based stress-reduction training program. Interventions/Methods: The study is based on analysis of data collected in semistructured interviews of the participants (n = 18) after the completion of a mindfulness-meditation training program. The intervention consisted of an 8-week mindfulness-training course. Results: Most participants expressed a number of perceived positive effects of participating in the mindfulness program including increased calm, enhanced sleep quality, more energy, less physical pain, and increased well-being. However, a few participants experienced no effect. Both negative and positive views of the specific meditation and yoga exercises included in the program were expressed. Components that were described as of particular importance, regarding the experience of participating in the program, were the nonjudgmental and accepting approach guiding the program and the instructors, the influence of the group process and sharing experiences with patients with similar experiences, and the emphasis on increased awareness of the present moment. Conclusion: This study gives support for the use of mindfulness programs in reducing stress-related complaints among some patients with a cancer diagnosis. Implications for Practice: The positive experiences of mindfulness training reported by patients with cancer call for further studies examining the possibilities and requirements for implementation of mindfulness programs in clinical practice.
Titanium and cobalt–chromium alloys for hips and knees

Abstract: As dominant materials used in today’s joint prostheses, titanium and cobalt–chromium alloys frequently suffer from failure due to wear particles, mismatch of modulus, lack of sufficient osseointegration for cementless implants, etc. From this point of view, this chapter will first review material science fundamentals of titanium and cobalt–chromium alloys currently used in hip and knee replacement as well as pointing out their shortcomings in some specific areas. Then, advances in this field will be discussed. Lastly, this chapter will focus on discussing one of the promising metal surface modification methods, called anodization, which has increased implant osseointegration. Some additional surface treatments to increase wear resistance and biocompatibility of titanium and cobalt–chromium alloys surfaces will also be discussed at the end of the chapter.
A turbocharged diesel generator set model

Traditional generator models, most commonly representing large thermal plants, are simplified on the basis that they are not subjected to large fast-acting electrical transients. Typically these models use a fifth-order synchronous machine and a lower order prime mover model. Although these models are generally suitable for large power system analysis with relatively small-scale disturbances, when these models are used within small networks they cannot be expected to remain representative. When diesel gen-sets are used as a backup supply, they may be expected to supply full rating in a single step from no-load. In this application a gen-set will experience much larger speed and voltage transients than a large thermal plant and a high degree of modelling must take place.
Linear Time Algorithms Based on Multilevel Prefix Tree for Finding Shortest Path with Positive Weights and Minimum Spanning Tree in a Networks

In this paper I present general outlook on questions relevant to the basic graph algorithms; Finding the Shortest Path with Positive Weights and Minimum Spanning Tree. I will show so far known solution set of basic graph problems and present my own. My solutions to graph problems are characterized by their linear worst-case time complexity. It should be noticed that the algorithms which compute the Shortest Path and Minimum Spanning Tree problems not only analyze the weight of arcs (which is the main and often the only criterion of solution hitherto known algorithms) but also in case of identical path weights they select this path which walks through as few vertices as possible. I have presented algorithms which use priority queue based on multilevel prefix tree -- PTrie. PTrie is a clever combination of the idea of prefix tree -- Trie, the structure of logarithmic time complexity for insert and remove operations, doubly linked list and queues. In C++ I will implement linear worst-case time algorithm computing the Single-Destination Shortest-Paths problem and I will explain its usage.
Realistic Rendering of Kinetostatic Indices of Mechanisms

The work presented in this paper is related to the use of a haptic device in an environment of robotic simulation. Such device introduces a new approach to feel and to understand the boundaries of the workspace of mechanisms as well as its kinetostatic properties. Indeed, these concepts are abstract and thus often difficult to understand for the end-users. To catch his attention, we propose to amplify the problems of the mechanisms in order to help him to take the good decisions.
Beyond the Burden: A Qualitative Inquiry into the Experiences of Chinese Informal Caregivers for People Living with HIV or AIDS

Purpose Informal caregivers are defined as families or close friends of patients, which take considerable responsibilities for providing care to people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Although there have been a number of studies in caregiver of PLWHA, research studies that sought to quantify the effects of informal caregiving for the caregivers failed to successfully provide empirical understanding of the nature of caregiving experience. Therefore, this study adopted a qualitative approach to explore the experiences and feelings of caregivers of PLWHA during the long-term care process. Methods The qualitative study was conducted in August 2023 in Beijing, China. Data were collected through individual in-depth semi-structured interviews with informal caregivers of PLWHA. Theme analysis was used to identify themes from the interview transcripts. Results A total of 21 participants were recruited into our study, 16 were family members of PLWAHA, and 5 were homosexual lover or close friend of PLWHA. Three major themes and ten sub themes were identified by thematic analysis: (1) care burden experience (including 5 sub-themes: negative emotional experience, psychological burden, economic burden, physical health loss and limitation of social interaction); (2) benefit findings from care (including 3 sub-theme: positive emotional experience, perceived social support, health promotion); (3) Demands for caregiving capacity (including 2 sub-theme: inadequate caregiving capacity and inadequate psychological comfort capacity). Conclusion This qualitative study provides a comprehensive exploration of the experiences faced by informal caregivers of PLWHA in China, uncovering the complex spectrum of psychological, physical, social, and economic challenges inherent in their caregiving roles, while predominantly challenging, caregivers also reported personal growth, increased social support, and emotional fulfillment. The research results could help in developing effective interventions to reduce the caregiver burden and improve their mental health.
NBER WORKING PAPER SERIES THE EFFECT OF STRUCTURAL REFORMS ON PRODUCTIVITY AND PROFITABILITY ENHANCING REALLOCATION: EVIDENCE FROM COLOMBIA

In the U.S., some sectoral evidence suggests that growth is driven mainly by productivity enhancing reallocation. In countries with greater barriers to entry and imperfect competition, the reallocation process may be inefficient. Therefore, for developing countries, an open question is whether reallocation is productivity enhancing. Using a unique plant-level longitudinal dataset for Colombia for the period 1982-1998, we examine the interaction between market allocation, productivity and profitability. Given the important trade, labor and financial market oriented reforms in Colombia in 1990, we explore whether and how the contribution of reallocation changed. Our data include plant-level quantities and prices. Using plant prices, we propose a sequential methodology to estimate productivity and demand shocks. First, with plant-level physical output data, we estimate total factor productivity (TFP) using downstream demand to instrument for inputs. Then, with plant-level price data, we estimate demand shocks and mark-ups in the inverse-demand equation, using TFP to instrument for output. We characterize the evolution of TFP and demand shock distributions. Market reforms are associated with rising overall productivity that is driven by reallocation away from lowand towards high-productivity businesses; and, the allocation of activity across businesses is less driven by demand factors. Marcela Eslava John Haltiwanger University of Maryland University of Maryland Department of Economics Department of Economics College Park, MD, 20742-7225 College Park, MD, 20742-7225 and Universidad de los Andes/CEDE and NBER eslava@econ.umd. edu haltiwan@econ.umd. edu Adriana Kugler Maurice Kugler University of Houston University of Southampton Department of Economics Economics 204 McElhinney Hall School of Social Sciences Houston, TX, 77204-5019 Southampton, SO17 1BJ and Universitat Pompeu Fabra United Kingdom adkugler@uh.edu Maurice.Kugler@soton.ac. uk
Epidemiology and Prevention of Hepatitis B Virus Infection

Hepatitis B is one of the most common infectious diseases globally. It has been estimated that there are 350 million chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers worldwide. The prevalence of chronic HBV infection varies geographically, from high (>8%), intermediate (2-7%) to low (<2%) prevalence. HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B (e-CHB) and occult HBV infection are two special clinical entities, and the prevalence and clinical implications remain to be explored. The predominant routes of transmission vary according to the endemicity of the HBV infection. In areas with high HBV endemicity, perinatal transmission is the main route of transmission, whereas in areas with low HBV endemicity, sexual contact amongst high-risk adults is the predominant route. HBV has been classified into 7 genotypes, i.e. A to G, based on the divergence of entire genome sequence and HBV genotypes have distinct geographical distributions. Three main strategies have been approved to be effective in preventing HBV infection. They are behavior modification, passive immunoprophylaxis, and active immunization. The implement of mass HBV immunization program is recommended by the WHO since 1991, and has dramatically decreased the prevalence of HBV infection and HCC in many countries.