Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Research Paper: A Content Analysis of E-mail Communication between Patients and Their Providers: Patients Get the Message

OBJECTIVE E-mail use in the clinical setting has been slow to diffuse for several reasons, including providers' concerns about patients' inappropriate and inefficient use of the technology. This study examined the content of a random sample of patient-physician e-mail messages to determine the validity of those concerns. DESIGN A qualitative analysis of patient-physician e-mail messages was performed. MEASUREMENTS A total of 3,007 patient-physician e-mail messages were collected over 11 months as part of a randomized, controlled trial of a triage-based e-mail system in two primary care centers (including 98 physicians); 10% of messages were randomly selected for review. Messages were coded across such domains as message type, number of requests per e-mail, inclusion of sensitive content, necessity of a physician response, and message tone. RESULTS The majority (82.8%) of messages addressed a single issue. The most common message types included information updates to the physicians (41.4%), prescription renewals (24.2%), health questions (13.2%), questions about test results (10.9%), referrals (8.8%), "other" (including thank yous, apologies) (8.8%), appointments (5.4%), requests for non-health-related information (4.8%), and billing questions (0.3%). Overall, messages were concise, formal, and medically relevant. Very few (5.1%) included sensitive content, and none included urgent messages. Less than half (43.2%) required a physician response. CONCLUSION A triage-based e-mail system promoted e-mail exchanges appropriate for primary care. Most patients adhered to guidelines aimed at focusing content, limiting the number of requests per message, and avoiding urgent requests or highly sensitive content. Thus, physicians' concerns about the content of patients' e-mails may be unwarranted.
Limited expression of Fas and Fas ligand in fetal nucleated erythrocytes isolated from first trimester maternal blood

Intact fetal cells isolated from maternal blood can be used for non‐invasive gender determination and genetic diagnosis. Recent studies demonstrating a large amount of cell‐free fetal DNA in maternal plasma suggest that the circulating fetal DNA may result from fetal cells undergoing apoptosis. In the present study we evaluated the potential role of Fas and Fas ligand (FasL) cell surface expression with respect to apoptosis induction in fetal cells isolated from maternal blood.
Strong coordination with polar codes

In this paper, we design explicit codes for strong coordination in two-node networks. Specifically, we consider a two-node network in which the action imposed by nature is binary and uniform, and the action to coordinate is obtained via a symmetric discrete memoryless channel. By observing that polar codes are useful for channel resolvability over binary symmetric channels, we prove that nested polar codes achieve a subset of the strong coordination capacity region, and therefore provide a constructive and low complexity solution for strong coordination.
Iterative Constrained Weighted Least Squares Source Localization Using TDOA and FDOA Measurements

This paper investigates the constrained weighted least squares (CWLS) source localization problem by using time difference of arrival and frequency difference of arrival measurements. The problem can be formulated as a quadratic programming with two indefinite quadratic equality constraints, which is nonconvex and NP-hard. Moreover, the weighting matrix is coupled with the unknown source position and velocity. We propose an iterative CWLS method that can efficiently solve this problem. It iteratively performs a linearization procedure on the quadratic equality constraints to obtain an approximate programming with linear constraints, which can be analytically solved, and the weighting matrix is updated in each iteration. Theoretical analysis reveals that the proposed method, if converges, can lead to the global optimal solution of the formulated problem that reaches the CRLB accuracy under mild assumptions on the measurement noises. The Monte Carlo simulation results indicate that the percentage of convergence within $\mathbf 20$ iterations is more than $\mathbf 96\%$, and the localization accuracy is significantly improved over the previous methods with less computation time requirement. Moreover, it is found from simulations that the iterative CWLS method retains acceptable performance even under the ill-conditioned situation when the sensor geometry is not desirable.
Performance evaluation of multiple precision matrix multiplications using parallelized Strassen and Winograd algorithms

It is well known that Strassen and Winograd algorithms can reduce the computational costs associated with dense matrix multiplication. We have already shown that they are also very effective for software-based multiple precision floating-point arithmetic environments such as the MPFR/GMP library. In this paper, we show that we can obtain the same effectiveness for double-double (DD) and quadruple-double (QD) environments supported by the QD library, and that parallelization can increase the speed of these multiple precision matrix multiplications. Finally, we demonstrate that our implemented parallelized Strassen and Winograd algorithms can increase the speed of parallelized LU decomposition.
Structure and RNA binding of the third KH domain of poly(C)-binding protein 1

Poly(C)-binding proteins (CPs) are important regulators of mRNA stability and translational regulation. They recognize C-rich RNA through their triple KH (hn RNP K homology) domain structures and are thought to carry out their function though direct protection of mRNA sites as well as through interactions with other RNA-binding proteins. We report the crystallographically derived structure of the third domain of αCP1 to 2.1 Å resolution. αCP1-KH3 assumes a classical type I KH domain fold with a triple-stranded β-sheet held against a three-helix cluster in a βααββα configuration. Its binding affinity to an RNA sequence from the 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) of androgen receptor mRNA was determined using surface plasmon resonance, giving a Kd of 4.37 μM, which is indicative of intermediate binding. A model of αCP1-KH3 with poly(C)-RNA was generated by homology to a recently reported RNA-bound KH domain structure and suggests the molecular basis for oligonucleotide binding and poly(C)-RNA specificity.
Sedation depth during spinal anesthesia and the development of postoperative delirium in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture repair.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether limiting intraoperative sedation depth during spinal anesthesia for hip fracture repair in elderly patients can decrease the prevalence of postoperative delirium. PATIENTS AND METHODS We performed a double-blind, randomized controlled trial at an academic medical center of elderly patients (>or=65 years) without preoperative delirium or severe dementia who underwent hip fracture repair under spinal anesthesia with propofol sedation. Sedation depth was titrated using processed electroencephalography with the bispectral index (BIS), and patients were randomized to receive either deep (BIS, approximately 50) or light (BIS, >or=80) sedation. Postoperative delirium was assessed as defined by Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Third Edition Revised) criteria using the Confusion Assessment Method beginning at any time from the second day after surgery. RESULTS From April 2, 2005, through October 30, 2008, a total of 114 patients were randomized. The prevalence of postoperative delirium was significantly lower in the light sedation group (11/57 [19%] vs 23/57 [40%] in the deep sedation group; P=.02), indicating that 1 incident of delirium will be prevented for every 4.7 patients treated with light sedation. The mean +/- SD number of days of delirium during hospitalization was lower in the light sedation group than in the deep sedation group (0.5+/-1.5 days vs 1.4+/-4.0 days; P=.01). CONCLUSION The use of light propofol sedation decreased the prevalence of postoperative delirium by 50% compared with deep sedation. Limiting depth of sedation during spinal anesthesia is a simple, safe, and cost-effective intervention for preventing postoperative delirium in elderly patients that could be widely and readily adopted.
Dispersion-Polar Surface Tension Properties of Organic Solids

ABSTRACT A new definition for work of adhesion Wa is applied to computationally define the dispersion γs d and polar γs d components of the solid surface tension γs = γs d + γs d for twenty-five low energy substrates. These calculated surface properties are correlated with surface composition and structure. Surface dipole orientation and electron induction effects are respectively distinguished for chlorinated and partially fluorinated hydrocarbons. Published values for critical surface tension of wetting γc are correlated with both γs d and γs.
Loewner matrix ordering in estimation of the smallest singular value

Abstract. In this paper, some new lower bounds for the smallest singular value of a square complex matrix A are derived. A key tool to obtain these bounds is using some Hermitian matrices which are, in the sense of Loewner matrix ordering, below the Hermitian part of A or, more generally, below the Hermitian part of the unitary equivalences of A. Two types of new bounds are proposed. The first bound can be applied to matrices with positive diagonal entries and strictly diagonally dominant Hermitian parts. It is always at least as large (never worse) as pure Gersgorin-based bound due to C.R. Johnson [C.R. Johnson. A Gersgorin-type lower bound for the smallest singular value. Linear Algebra Appl. , 112:1–7, 1989. ]. The other bound is complementary with the first one and it can be effectively applied to matrices whose Hermitian parts are very far from diagonal dominance.
LRRK2 Expression in Normal and Pathologic Human Brain and in Human Cell Lines

Mutations in the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 gene (LRRK2) have been recently identified in families with autosomal-dominant late-onset Parkinson disease. We report that by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, the mRNA of LRRK2 is expressed in soluble extracts of human brain, liver, and heart and in cultured human astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendroglia as well as in human neuroblastoma cell lines. We find by Western blotting using a polyclonal antibody of the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 protein (Lrrk2) specific for C-terminal residues 2511-2527 that an apparent full-length protein and several of its fractions are expressed in soluble extracts of normal human brain. By immunocytochemistry, the antibody recognizes neurons, and more weakly astrocytes and microglia, in normal brain tissue. It intensely labels Lewy bodies in Parkinson disease and related neurodegenerative disorders. It also labels a subset of neurofibrillary tangles in Alzheimer disease and the Parkinsonism dementia complex of Guam (PDCG). It labels thorn-shaped astrocytes and oligodendroglial coiled bodies in PDCG; oligodendroglial inclusions in multiple system atrophy; Pick bodies in Pick disease; nuclear and cytoplasmic inclusions in Huntington disease; and intraneuronal and glial inclusions in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In summary, LRRK2 is constitutively expressed in neurons and also in glial cells of human brain. It strongly associates with pathological inclusions in several neurodegenerative disorders.
A Data and Model-Driven Approach to Explore Inter-Subject Variability of Resting-State Brain Activity Using EEG-fMRI

In this paper, we investigate the origin of the large inter-subject-variability of EEG-fMRI correlation patterns. For that purpose, a simplified representation of the fMRI signal is obtained by using a hierarchical clustering algorithm detecting spatial patterns of mutually correlated voxels. The general-linear model is subsequently used to determine which of the identified patterns correlates significantly to the spontaneous variations of the alpha rhythm. This strategy provides insight in the nature of resting state fMRI and reduces the number of statistical tests in the GLM correlation analysis. For all 16 subjects except one, the clustering of BOLD signal yielded very consistent regions which included areas belonging to the ldquodefault moderdquo network as well as the neuronal networks involved in the generation of the alpha and mu rhythms. These BOLD clusters showed much less inter-subject variability than the alpha-BOLD statistical parametric maps obtained on a voxel-by-voxel basis. It is shown that hierarchical clustering is applicable to whole head fMRI and that it is very appropriate to obtain data reduction thereby facilitating the comparison of the results of individual subjects. The very consistent results of BOLD clustering over subjects suggests that the large inter-subject variability observed in the alpha-BOLD statistical parametric maps is related to the individual variations in the EEG.
Factors Creating Trust in Hospitalized Children’s Mothers towards Nurses

Objective: Trust is proposed as the necessary foundation to achieve better performance in the nursing of children. In this regard, Pediatric nurses need to achieve a deeper understanding of parents’ experiences, and find out how these experiences are being related to the nursing practice. So to increase nurses’ understanding of this concept based on the experiences of the recipients of nursing, the present study aims to express the factors that affect the formation of trust in mothers of hospitalized children towards the nurses. Methods: In this study, a qualitative design, conventional content analysis, was used. Pediatric Ward of hospitals in Yazd, Iran were the research environment. 14 mothers whose children were hospitalized in pediatric wards were selected through purposive sampling. They were deeply interviewed and data was analyzed with conventional content analysis. Findings: Data analysis led to emerging a major category “nurses’ attempt for professional nursing” which includes sub-categories of commitment and empathetic caring, skill in performing duties, mothers’ participation in the process of caring, being interested in pediatric nursing and establishing effective communication. Conclusion: Findings from the study showed that mothers know different factors involved in establishing confidence in nurses. Managers and people in charge in the field of nursing - regarding these findings - can design and perform necessary training programs to increase knowledge and skills for pediatric nursing, to win the trust of mothers and children in hospital for an effective step towards providing a better nursing care.
KRAS Mutation Testing in Colorectal Cancer: Comparison of the Results Obtained Using 3 Different Methods for the Analysis of Codons G12 and G13

Targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a new therapeutic option for patients with metastatic colorectal or lung carcinoma. However, the therapy efficiency highly depends on the KRAS mutation status in the given tumour. Therefore a reliable and secure KRAS mutation testing is crucial. Here we investigated 100 colorectal carcinoma samples with known KRAS mutation status (62 mutated cases and 38 wild type cases) in a comparative manner with three different KRAS mutation testing techniques (Pyrosequencing, Dideoxysequencing and INFINITI) in order to test their reliability and sensitivity. For the large majority of samples (96/100, 96%), the KRAS mutation status obtained by all three methods was the same. Only two cases with clear discrepancies were observed. One case was reported as wild type by the INFINITI method while the two other methods detected a G13C mutation. In the second case the mutation could be detected by the Pyrosequencing and INFINITI method (15% and 15%), while no signal for mutation could be observed with the Dideoxysequencing method. Additional two unclear results were due to a detection of a G12V with the INFINITI method, which was below cut-off when repeated and which was not detectable by the other two methods and very weak signals in a G12V mutated case with the Dideoxy- and Pyroseqencing method compared to the INFINITI method, respectively. In summary all three methods are reliable and robust methods in detecting KRAS mutations. INFINITI, however seems to be slightly more sensitive compared to Dideoxy- and Pyrosequencing.
Learning stick-figure models using nonparametric Bayesian priors over trees

We present a probabilistic stick-figure model that uses a nonparametric Bayesian distribution over trees for its structure prior. Sticks are represented by nodes in a tree in such a way that their parameter distributions are probabilistically centered around their parent node. This prior enables the inference procedures to learn multiple explanations for motion-capture data, each of which could be trees of different depth and path lengths. Thus, the algorithm can automatically determine a reasonable distribution over the number of sticks in a given dataset and their hierarchical relationships. We provide experimental results on several motion-capture datasets, demonstrating the modelpsilas ability to recover plausible stick-figure structure, and also the modelpsilas robust behavior when faced with occlusion.
Evaluation and comparison of tests to detect methicillin resistant S. aureus.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Phenotypic methods for detection of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have been compared with the gold standard which, as of now, is by the detection of mecA gene and femA gene by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Discrepancies in detection have an adverse effect on patient management, thereby highlighting the importance of accuracy in detection. Our study aims to evaluate the efficacy of cefoxitin disk diffusion test to detect MRSA and compare it with other phenotypic and molecular methods. METHODOLOGY The study was conducted from June 2006 to December 2007 and included 610 Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) isolates obtained from clinical samples. All isolates were tested for MRSA using oxacillin screen agar plates with 6 microg/ml of oxacillin, cefoxitin disk diffusion using 30 microg disk and MIC of oxacillin. Selected isolates (55) were tested for presence of mecA gene and Fem A gene by PCR. RESULTS Out of 610 isolates, MRSA was identified in 34.09% by cefoxitin disk diffusion, 34.9% by oxacillin screen agar, 34.4% by MIC and 37.3% by oxacillin disk diffusion. When selected isolates were tested with molecular methods, the cefoxitin disk diffusion and PCR tests were comparable. DISCUSSION Prevalence of MRSA (34.09%) is quite high as in other studies. The oxacillin disk diffusion test which was used routinely earlier is showing low specificity (56%). Among all phenotypic methods, cefoxitin disk diffusion and PCR alone have similar sensitivity and specificity. CONCLUSION Results of cefoxitin disk diffusion test are in concordance with the PCR for mecA gene. Thus, the test can be an alternative to PCR for detection of MRSA in resource constraint settings.
Extracorporeal Life Support for Patients With Significant Orthopaedic Trauma

Extracorporeal life support is a therapeutic modality that can provide cardiorespiratory support for multiply injured patients. Fourteen patients with multiple trauma who sustained pelvic or long bone fractures were referred for treatment with extracorporeal life support at the University of Michigan Medical Center. All patients were considered moribund secondary to their pulmonary injury. Six of the 14 patients had bilateral pulmonary contusions. The mean Injury Severity Score was 19. Twelve of the 14 patients had femoral or pelvic fractures or both. Eight patients had orthopaedic injuries initially treated with traction. The most common complication during extracorporeal life support management was bleeding, which occurred in eight of 14 patients. Eight of the 14 patients survived. Seven of eight patients with less than 6 days of mechanical ventilation before initiation of extracorporeal life support survived. Only one of six patients with six or more days of mechanical ventilation before initiation of extracorporeal life support survived. Patients with significant orthopaedic trauma and severe pulmonary compromise have an extremely high mortality risk. Appropriate aggressive fracture management remains the most important intervention to decrease the risk of pulmonary compromise. Early initiation of extracorporeal life support can be an additional lifesaving intervention in select patients with orthopaedic trauma who have respiratory failure refractory to conventional mechanical ventilation.
Uniform modeling of parameter dependent nonlinear systems

This paper addresses the problem of approximating parameter dependent nonlinear systems in a unified framework. This modeling has been presented for the first time in the form of parameter dependent piecewise affine systems. In this model, the matrices and vectors defining piecewise affine systems are affine functions of parameters. Modeling of the system is done based on distinct spaces of state and parameter, and the operating regions are partitioned into the sections that we call ‘multiplied simplices’. It is proven that this method of partitioning leads to less complexity of the approximated model compared with the few existing methods for modeling of parameter dependent nonlinear systems. It is also proven that the approximation is continuous for continuous functions and can be arbitrarily close to the original one. Next, the approximation error is calculated for a special class of parameter dependent nonlinear systems. For this class of systems, by solving an optimization problem, the operating regions can be partitioned into the minimum number of hyper-rectangles such that the modeling error does not exceed a specified value. This modeling method can be the first step towards analyzing the parameter dependent nonlinear systems with a uniform method.
Architecture to integrate multiple PONs with long reach DWDM backhaul

This paper demonstrates the feasibility of an architecture that consolidates a number of deployed Passive Optical Network (PON) infrastructures into a long-reach, high-split ratio system which further increases equipment sharing between users. The demonstrated system allows the use of uncooled lasers with possible wavelength drift across a CWDM band (20 nm) with optical amplification and narrow optical filtering with no performance degradation. A complete study of potential implementations was performed with experimental results showing that a target performance of 10-10 could be achieved over 120 km of standard fiber with transmitter wavelengths from 1542 to 1558 nm and DWDM backhaul wavelengths from 1520 to 1535 nm. This gives the potential to support up to 2560 users.
Removal of lead and nickel in aqueous solutions using lignocellulosic biomass: a review.

Edgar Quiñones, Candelaria Tejada , Cesar Arcia , Víctor Ruiz 4 1 Ing.Civil. Ph.D. en Ingeniería Ambiental. Docente de la Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Cartagena, 130006. Avenida el Consulado calle 30 No 48-152, Cartagena-Bolívar, Colombia, garedbolanos@hotmail.com; 2 Ing. Química. Magister en Educación. Candidata a Magíster en Ingeniería Ambiental. Docente Universidad de Cartagena, calle 30 # 50-100, CartagenaBolívar, Colombia, ctejadat@unicartagena.edu. co; 3 Ing. Civil. Especialista en Ingeniería Sanitaria y Ambiental, Universidad de Cartagena, 130006, Cartagena-Bolívar, Colombia, arcialafont@yahoo.com; 4 Ing. Civil. Especialista en Ingeniería Sanitaria y Ambiental, Universidad de Cartagena, 130006, Cartagena-Bolívar, Colombia, v_ruiz_r@yahoo.com