Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Decomposition of fractionated local electrograms using an analytic signal model based on sigmoid functions

Abstract Microstructural heterogeneities in cardiac tissue, such as embedded connective tissue secondary to fibrosis, may lead to complex patterns of electrical activation that are reflected in the fractionation of extracellularly recorded electrograms. The decomposition of such electrograms into non-fractionated components is expected to provide additional information to allow a more precise classification of the microstructural properties adjacent to a given recording site. For the sake of this, an analytic signal model is introduced in this study that is capable of reliably identifying extracellular waveforms associated with sites of initiating, free-running, and terminating or colliding activation wavefronts. Using this signal model as a template, a procedure is developed for the automatic decomposition of complex fractionated electrograms into non-fractionated components. The decomposition method has been validated using electrograms obtained from one- and two-dimensional computer simulations in which all relevant intracellular and extracellular quantities are accessible at a very high spatiotemporal resolution and can be manipulated in a controlled manner. Fractionated electrograms were generated in these models by incorporating microstructural obstacles that mimicked inlays of connective tissue. Using this signal model, fractionated electrograms emerging from microstructural heterogeneities in the submillimeter range with latencies between components down to 0.6 ms can be decomposed.
Efficient Decoding Algorithm for Raptor Codes for Multimedia Broadcast Services

This paper presents an efficient decoding algorithm for raptor codes which are widely used for multimedia broadcast services. Decoding raptor codes is the recovery of the source symbols from the received encoding symbols transmitted through an erasure channel. If the received encoding symbols are insufficient to recover the source symbols, additional encoding symbols are delivered and decoded with the previously received encoding symbols. We propose a low complexity raptor decoding algorithm which efficiently combines the previously received encoding symbols and incremental encoding symbols. The proposed algorithm has excellent potential for realizing low power operation for multimedia broadcast services, due to its highly reduced computational complexity.
Dietary exposure to selected perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in four European regions

The dietary exposure to selected PFAAs was estimated in four selected European states (Belgium, the Czech Republic, Italy and Norway) representing Western, Southern, Eastern and Northern Europe. The harmonised sampling programme designed in the European Union project PERFOOD was targeted at identifying seven selected PFAAs, including perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), in food items that are most important both in terms of consumption and based on known high contamination patterns. The estimated average dietary exposure for adults (18–64 years) and children (3–9 years) is generally below or close to 1 ng kg–1 BW day–1 for all seven PFAAs. Considering the high consumption of food groups that contribute most to the exposure does not result in estimates exceeding 4 ng kg–1 BW day–1. Thus, based on the TDIs proposed by EFSA for PFOS (150 ng kg–1 BW day–1) and PFOA (1500 ng kg–1 BW day–1), no concern can be identified. There are distinct dietary exposure patterns from region to region as a result of different food consumption and contamination patterns. Foods of plant origin (e.g. fruit and vegetables) are most important for the dietary exposure to PFHxA, PFOA and PFHxS, while the consumption of foods of animal origin (particularly fish and seafood) mostly contributes to the dietary exposure to PFDA and PFUnDA. For the dietary exposure to PFNA and PFOS, food of animal and plant origin contributes with equal importance. In conclusion, region-to-region differences as well as the relative importance of food of different origin for each PFAA should be paid more attention in further research.
Hospitalisation for Deliberate Self-Poisoning in Scotland from 1981 to 1993: Trends in Rates and Types of Drugs Used

Background Rates of self-poisoning fell during the 1980s, although recent reports suggest this trend may have reversed. Methods Data on all hospital discharges with a diagnosis of deliberate self-poisoning were obtained from the Information and Statistics Division of the NHS in Scotland. Rates of self-poisoning were investigated by overall trend, and for trends by age and by type of drug. Results Deliberate self-poisoning rates for men and women began increasing in the late 1980s, and did so steadily during the early 1990s. Because the rates are increasing faster in men, the traditional excess of self-poisoning among women is being eroded. For men rates increased in all age groups up to the age of 60, but the greatest rise occurred between ages 15–29. For women the increase was largely restricted to 15–24-year-olds, and rates fell among women over the age of 50. Self-poisoning with paracetamol increased most rapidly; in contrast to aspirin which showed little change. Opiate analgesics, antirheumatics, antidepressants and antipsychotics have also shown some increase in their use in both genders. There has been a substantial fall in the use of benzodiazepines in women, but little change among men. Conclusion Rapid increases in self-poisoning particularly among young adults present a serious public health problem. Controlling this epidemic is made difficult because the principal drug involved, paracetamol, is readily available.
An improved chromatic dispersion compensation technique employing an optical all pass filter equaliser in a 10 Gb/s optical system

The chromatic dispersion (CD) of a single mode fibre (SMF) is an important issue in a long haul optical communication system when the new generation of optical system is introduced operating at the wavelength of 1.55 /spl mu/m with the bit rate of 10 Gb/s. The CD effect will result in pulse spreading and causes inter-symbol interference (ISI). This paper proposes a promising technique to compensate CD by using an optical all pass filter (OAPF) as an equaliser. The phase response of OAPF will be designed to equalise the phase delay of SMF which is the main cause of CD. The simulation of the mathematical model of the optical system at 10 Gb/s employing the proposed OAPF will be presented. A minimum mean square error technique was used to optimise the equaliser and the simulation results show the pulse spread improvement of 33% and fully compensated were achieved at full-width half-maximum (FWHM) for 100 and 160 km of SMF. respectively. The eye diagram also shows an improvement of 32 dB in dispersion penalty when OAPF equaliser is used at a distance of 160 km.
Splitting properties of n-c.e. enumeration degrees

Abstract It is proved that if 1 < m < 2p ≤ n for some integer p then the elementary theories of posets of m-c.e. and n-c.e. e-degrees are distinct. It is proved also that the structures 〈2n, ≤, 〉 and 〈2n, ≤. P〉 are not elementary equivalent where P is the predicate P(a) = “a is a e-degree”.
Physical fitness profiles in young Finnish men during the years 1975-2004.

PURPOSE This population-based study describes fitness profiles in aerobic capacity (N = 387088) during the years 1975-2004, muscle performance (N = 280285) from 1982 to 2003, and body anthropometry (N = 324911) from 1993 to 2004 among the Finnish conscripts at the age of 20 yr. METHODS Endurance performance was tested by the 12-min running test. Muscle fitness tests consisting of sit-ups, push-ups, pull-ups, a back-muscle test, and standing long jump were scored to muscle fitness index (MFI). RESULTS The mean body mass of the conscripts increased from 70.8 to 75.2 kg (P < 0.01) during the years 1993-2004. The mean distance of the conscripts" 12-min running test increased first by 4% from 1975 to 1979, but after it that decreased by 12% (from 2760 m to 2434 m, P < 0.001) compared with the year 2004. MFI increased during the first decade of the follow-up, but thereafter, the number of conscripts who achieved excellent and good MFI decreased from 66.8 to 41.2% (P < 0.001) during the years 1992-2004. The physical ability of the conscripts to meet military service declined during the last 15 yr. CONCLUSION Both the increase in body mass and the decrease in physical fitness may lead to serious health problems in the future.
Implications of coagulation factor VIII and IX pharmacokinetics in the prophylactic treatment of haemophilia

Summary. The pharmacokinetic (PK) response to factor VIII (FVIII) and factor IX varies between patients and this has important clinical implications for treatment. Although PK is affected by patient characteristics, this relationship is too weak to infer a result for an individual and, if required, PK must be measured. An important determinant of the efficacy of prophylaxis is the length of time an individual spends with a low level of coagulation factor. This time is more dependent on the patient’s coagulation factor half‐life and the frequency of dosing than in vivo recovery and dose infused. Improved understanding of the effect of PK and dose frequency on factor levels in patients on prophylaxis will help tailor regimens to individuals better and allow more cost effective use of coagulation factor concentrates. Calculations suggest that adults need less FVIII per kg body weight than children. The effect of half‐life on trough levels questions the logic of Monday, Wednesday, Friday dosing and suggests a role for innovative regimens including low‐dose daily treatment which leads to either higher trough levels or decreased FVIII requirement. This may expand access to prophylaxis in healthcare systems with limited resources and potentially improve patient outcomes. The ideal trough level will vary between individuals and at different times of their lives and may be <1 IU dL−1. If PK is to be used in routine clinical practice, a simplified method for its measurement is required and this methodology is becoming available.
SMART ALTERNATIVES TO DOWNSIZING

Since 1980 U.S. companies have cut more than 43 million jobs through downsizing. That represents layoffs affecting nearly three‐quarters of all U.S. households. Unlike the layoffs of 20 years ago, these cuts are permanent. Historically, layoffs tended to affect line manufacturing workers, but since the mid‐1980s, white‐collar and managerial jobs have been hardest hit. In the largest U.S. firms, 77 percent of the jobs lost since 1989 have been white‐collar jobs (Anfuso, 1996 & Laabs, 1996).
Formulation Development and Bioavailability Evaluation of a Self-Nanoemulsified Drug Delivery System of Oleanolic Acid

This study aims to formulate and evaluate bioavailability of a self-nanoemulsified drug delivery system (SNEDDS) of a poorly water-soluble herbal active component oleanolic acid (OA) for oral delivery. Solubility of OA under different systems was determined for excipient selection purpose. Four formulations, where OA was fixed at the concentration of 20 mg/g, were prepared utilizing Sefsol 218 as oil phase, Cremophor EL and Labrasol as primary surfactants, and Transcutol P as cosurfactant. Pseudo-ternary phase diagrams were constructed to identify self-emulsification regions for the rational design of SNEDDS formulations. Sefsol 218 was found to provide the highest solubility among all medium-chained oils screened. Efficient self-emulsification was observed for the systems composing of Cremophor EL and Labrasol. The surfactant to cosurfactant ratio greatly affected the droplet size of the nanoemulsion. Based on the outcomes in dissolution profiles, stability data, and particle size profiles, three optimized formulations were selected: Sefsol 218/Cremophor EL/Labrasol (50:25:25, w/w), Sefsol 218/Cremophor EL/Labrasol/Transcutol P (50:20:20:10, w/w), and Sefsol 218/Cremophor EL/Labrasol/Transcutol P (50:17.5:17.5:15, w/w). Based on the conventional dissolution method, a remarkable increase in dissolution was observed for the SNEDDS when compared with the commercial tablet. The oral absorption of OA from SNEDDS showed a 2.4-fold increase in relative bioavailability compared with that of the tablet (p < 0.05), and an increased mean retention time of OA in rat plasma was also observed compared with that of the tablet (p < 0.01). These results suggest the potential use of SNEDDS to improve dissolution and oral bioavailability for poorly water-soluble triterpenoids such as OA.
The Underrepresentation of French Canadians on English Canadian NHL Teams

Using a comprehensive data set covering the entire modern era of the National Hockey League (NHL), this article finds evidence that French Canadians have been underrepresented on English Canadian NHL teams, relative to their representation on U.S.-based teams. This underrepresentation on English Canadian teams was found not only for French Canadian players but also for off-ice personnel such as general managers and coaches. None of the traditional arguments as to why French Canadians may face entry barriers in the NHL can adequately explain the results of this article. The findings of the article give support to the hypothesis that French-English tensions may be resulting in English Canadian teams discriminating against French Canadian players. This hypothesis is given more credence when it is found that the degree of underrepresentation of French Canadians is greater during those NHL seasons when sovereigntist political threats in Quebec are highest.
Bilateral thalamic stimulation for the treatment of essential tremor.

OBJECTIVE To determine the safety and efficacy of bilateral thalamic stimulation in the treatment of essential tremor (ET). METHODS Nine ET patients with disabling tremor refractory to pharmacotherapy underwent bilateral staged implants. Tremor was assessed by the Fahn-Tolosa-Marin Tremor Rating Scale at baseline 1 (before first implant), baseline 2 (before second implant), and at 6-month and 1-year follow-up. Blinded evaluations were performed at 3 months. Associated changes in speech were evaluated in six patients. There were seven men and two women with a mean age of 73.8 years. RESULTS There was a significant improvement in the mean total tremor score from a baseline of 66.1+/-11.6 to 28.4+/-12.8 12 months after the second surgery. Similarly, the mean motor tremor subscore was 20.1+/-5.0 before the first surgery and improved significantly to 14.1+/-3.6 before the second surgery. Motor tremor scores 6 months after the second surgery (6.0+/-3.7) and 12 months after the second surgery (7.5+/-3.9) also improved significantly relative to the preoperative scores. The mean activities of daily living (ADL) subscore at baseline was 18.2+/-2.9 and improved significantly before the second surgery to 9.0+/-3.2. These ADL scores further improved 6 months (6.2+/-5.2) and 12 months (7.9+/-5.7) following the second surgery, but these gains were not significant. Blinded evaluations also revealed a similar degree of improvement. Complications were noted in five patients: asymptomatic intracranial hematoma (1), postoperative seizures (1), a hematoma over the implanted pulse generator (IPG) (1), lead repositioning (1), and IPG malfunction (1). Adverse effects related to stimulation were mild and resolved with adjustment of the stimulation parameters. Three of the six patients demonstrated worsening of dysarthria with both stimulators on. CONCLUSIONS Bilateral thalamic stimulation is effective in reducing tremor and functional disability in ET; however, dysarthria is a possible complication.
An examination of the spectra of the "Kick-Out" pulses for a proposed sampling oscilloscope calibration method

The spectra of the "kick-out" pulses used in a proposed sampler calibration method were examined. The proposed calibration method requires that the amplitude of these pulses be linear with an adjustment parameter called the offset voltage. The kick-out pulses were observed to have a nonlinear dependence on offset voltage, and this may affect the application of the proposed calibration method.
Clinically diagnosed Alzheimer's disease: Autopsy results in 150 cases

One hundred fifty autopsy brains from patients with clinically diagnosed Alzheimer's disease (AD) were examined pathologically. The brains were received consecutively over a 3‐year period from numerous sources as part of research program in which one brain half was frozen for biochemical studies and the other half was fixed in formalin One hundred thirty‐one (87%) of the 150 cases fulfilled histological criteria for AD, with or without additional findings, such as Parkinson's disease or stroke. At least a minimal degree of amyloid angiopathy was found in every brain showing histopathological abnormalities of AD. Twenty‐three (18%) of the 131 AD brains had Lewy bodies in neurons of the substantia nigra. Thirteen of the 19 non‐AD cases were diagnosed as other neurodegenerative disorders. In only 2 cases was no histological correlate for the patient's dementia found. We conclude that (1) the many physicians who diagnosed these cases did so highly accurately; (2) degenerative changes in the substantia nigra were more common in patients with AD than has been reported for the general aged population; (3) amyloid angiopathy was a constant accompaniment of AD, although its severity varied widely; (4) vascular dementia was rarely clinically misdiagnosed as AD; (5) neuropathological findings were insufficient to account for the clinical syndrome of dementia in less than 2% of cases; (6) the histological criteria established by the National Institutes of Health/American Association of Retired Persons Research Workshop on the Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease worked well in assessing this large series.
International Factor Mobility, Government Size and Welfare

An examination of the available data reveals that the size of government varies considerably across time and countries. By making use of a simple general equilibrium model, this paper demonstrates that size of government is affected by the availability of capital and labour within an economy. Specifically, this paper utilises a model of a closed economy that produces one-private and one-public good. Both goods are produced by means of capital and labour. Production functions are subject to constant returns to scale and perfect competition prevails in all markets. The elasticity of substitution between the public and the private good is greater than unity and there is no international factor mobility in the initial equilibrium. The size of government is measured by total spending on the public good as a proportion of the total expenditure on the private and public goods. It is shown that capital (labour) inflow can decrease (increase) the size of government. Capital inflow increases welfare if the private good is relatively capital intensive whereas labour inflow increases welfare if the public good is relatively capital intensive.
A functional variant in NKX 3 . 1 associated with prostate cancer susceptibility down-regulates NKX 3 . 1 expression

Laboratory for Biomarker Development, Laboratory for Genotyping Development and Laboratory for Statistical Analysis, Center of Genome Medicine, RIKEN, Yokohama, Japan, Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan, Department of Urology, Iwate Medical University, Morioka, Japan and Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Human Genome Center, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
PRACTICE MANAGEMENT : THE ROAD AHEAD Building a Cancer Genetics and Prevention Program

Gastroenterologists offer more than just high-quality colonoscopy for colon cancer prevention. We often are the specialists who first recognize a genetic cancer syndrome during our endoscopy or clinic sessions. The patient who peaked my interest in colon cancer genetics was a 24-yearold woman who was referred for postoperative nausea after a hysterectomy for early stage uterine cancer (that alone should have raised alarm bells). Endoscopy revealed (by happenstance) a stomach coated with polyps. This led to a colonoscopy and diagnosis of familial adenomatous polyposis (uterine cancer within FAP is unusual but reported, for those of you studying for boards). In 1991, no coordinated genetics program existed within my practice so I arranged referrals to genetic counselors, surgeons, and pathologists. This led to the discovery of FAP and early stage (and curable) cancers in her 2 brothers and her father, in addition to extended pedigree analysis that established multiorgan cancer risks in other relatives. Years later, she brought her 2 adopted children to meet me and told me of lighting candles in my honor during an American Cancer Society walk. This is why we become doctors. In this month’s Road Ahead column, Dr Xavier Llor describes the cancer genetics program he and others have built at Yale. It provides practical steps that can be taken by health system or community-based gastroenterologists to recognize and manage these complex syndromes. We are the specialists on the front lines and Dr Llor helps us provide the coordinated care our patients expect from us.
Does Hedging Affect Firm Value? Evidence from the Us Airline Industry

Does hedging add value to the firm, and if so, is the source of the added value consistent with hedging theory? We investigate jet fuel hedging behavior of firms in the US airline industry during 1992-2003 to examine whether such hedging is a source of value for these companies. We illustrate that the investment and financing climate in the airline industry conforms well to the theoretical framework of Froot, Scharfstein, and Stein (1993). In general, airline industry investment opportunities correlate positively with jet fuel costs, while higher fuel costs are consistent with lower cash flow. Given that jet fuel costs are hedgeable, airlines with a desire for expansion may find value in hedging future purchases of jet fuel. Our results show that jet fuel hedging is positively related to airline firm value. The coefficients on the hedging variables in our regression analysis suggest that the “hedging premium” is greater than the 5% documented in Allayannis and Weston (2001), and might be as large as 10%. We find that the positive relation between hedging and value increases in capital investment, and that most of the hedging premium is attributable to the interaction of hedging with investment. This result is consistent with the assertion that the principal benefit of jet fuel hedging by airlines comes from reduction of underinvestment costs.
Key research themes on urban space, scale, and sustainable urban mobility

abstract Land-use policies are frequently proposed as a means of reducing the negative impacts of transport on the environment, such as emissions of CO2 and pollutants, and noise nuisance. In this article we discuss whether land-use policies make sense as a strategy for reducing vehicle travel and lessening environmental impacts. We conclude that they do, but that the greatest benefits may come from the enhancement of accessibility. We argue that land-use policies should be evaluated across a much broader range of benefits than is generally done at present.