Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Factors and Costs Associated With Delay in Treatment Initiation and Prolonged Length of Stay With Inpatient EPOCH Chemotherapy in Patients With Hematologic Malignancies

ABSTRACT Reducing delays related to inpatient chemotherapy may reduce healthcare costs. Using a national database, we identified patients with lymphoma/leukemia with ≥1 etoposide, vincristine, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and prednisone (EPOCH) chemotherapy claim and evaluated chemotherapy initiation delay (ID), >1 day from admission. Standard tests/procedures prior to initiation were evaluated. Among 4453 inpatient cycles, 19.7% had ID, odds ratio 2.28 (95% confidence interval: 1.83–2.85) with cycle 1 compared to cycle 2, and mean costs were higher in patients with ID than without ID (p < .0001). Prior to cycle 1, patients were more likely to undergo routine diagnostic procedures compared to subsequent cycles. Efforts to perform routine procedures prior to admission may reduce hospital length of stay and costs.
Both low birthweight and high birthweight are associated with cognitive impairment in persons with schizophrenia and their first-degree relatives

Background Both low birthweight and high birthweight have been associated with an increased risk for schizophrenia and cognitive impairments in the general population. We assessed the association between birthweight and cognitive performance in persons with schizophrenia and their unaffected first-degree relatives. Method We investigated a population-based family sample comprising persons with schizophrenia (n = 142) and their unaffected first-degree relatives (n = 277). Both patients and relatives were interviewed with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders, Clinician Version (SCID-CV) and a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery was administered. Information on birthweight was obtained from obstetric records. We used generalized estimating equation (GEE) models to investigate the effect of birthweight, as a continuous variable, on cognitive functioning, adjusting for within-family correlation and relevant covariates. Results Both low birthweight and high birthweight were associated with lower performance in visuospatial reasoning, processing speed, set-shifting and verbal and visual working memory among persons with schizophrenia and their unaffected first-degree relatives compared to individuals with birthweight in the intermediate range. The group × birthweight interactions were non-significant. Conclusions Both low birthweight and high birthweight are associated with deficits in cognition later in life. Schizophrenia does not seem to modify the relationship between birthweight and cognition in families with schizophrenia.
Extracellular matrix and the neural stem cell niche

Basal lamina is present in many stem cell niches, but we still have a poor understanding of the role of this and other extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Here, we review current knowledge regarding ECM expression and function in the neural stem cell niche, focusing on the subependymal zone of the adult CNS. An increasing complexity of ECM molecules has been described, and a number of receptors expressed on the stem cells identified. Experiments perturbing the niche using genetics or cytotoxic ablation of the rapidly dividing precursors, or using explant culture models to examine specific growth factors, have been influential in showing how changes in these ECM receptors might regulate neural stem cell behavior. However the role of changes in the matrix itself remains to be determined. The answers will be important, as they will point to the molecules required to engineer niches ex‐vivo so as to provide tools for regenerative neuroscience. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 71: 1006‐1017, 2011
Gas-Liquid phase transition on a 3 D Lennard-Jones fluid

The gas-liquid phase transition of the three dimensional Lennard-Jones fluid is studied using a Gibbs Ensemble Monte Carlo simulation. The densities of both phases are computed for several temperatures in order to build the phase diagram. The critical parameters, as the temperature, density and the exponent of the order parameter β are calculated using the scaling law and the law of rectilinear diameter. Results are compared with others available in the literature concluding that this model belongs to the Ising-like universality class.
A COMPARISON OF ALTERNATIVE FILTERBANK MULTICARRIER METHODS FOR COGNITIVE RADIO SYSTEMS

We introduce and compare three filterbank-based communication methods for cognitive radio systems. In the first method, called Filtered Multitone (FMT), subcarriers are arranged such that adjacent subbands do not overlap. While this makes FMT robust to channel impariments, it leads to considerable losses in bandwidth efficiency. Next, we discuss orthogonal frequency division multiplexing with offset QAM (OFDM-OQAM). OFDM-OQAM operates based on quadrature amplitude modulated (QAM) symbols whose in-phase and quadrature components are time offset by half the symbol period. The third method, which is referred to as cosine modulated multitone (CMT), is based on cosine modulated filterbanks. In CMT, the subcarrier symbols are pulse amplitude and vestigial side-band (VSB) modulated. We present filter designs for all methods and show that OFDM-OQAM offers highest stopband attenuation for a fixed filter length and number of subcarriers.
New Thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidine Derivatives as Potential Antimicrobial Agents

Summary In this study, by starting from ethyl 4-amimo-2,3-dihydro-3-phenyl-2-thioxothiazole-5-carboxylate (1), three compounds having 2,3-dihydro-3-phenyl-5-mercapto-6-alkyl/phenyl-2-thi-oxothiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7(6H)-one (2a-c) structure and their 5-(4’-nonsubstituted/-substituted benzoylmethyl)thio derivatives (3a-l) were synthesized. The antimicrobial activities of the synthesized compounds were investigated against some bacteria and fungi using the micro-dilution method. 2.3- Dihydro- 3,6-diphenyl- 5- (4’-bromobenzoylmethyl) thio- 2-thioxothiazolo [4,5-d]pyrimidin-7(6H) one (3k) possessing remarkable activity against Gram-positive bacteria and yeast like fungi was found to be the most active compound in this series.
Practical application of compressive sensing to ultra-wideband channels

Compressive sensing (CS) is proposed by many researchers as a solution to the formidable sampling requirements of promising ultra-wideband (UWB) technology. Previous research was evaluated by simulating the IEEE UWB channel model. This study examines the behaviour of compressive sensing for practical UWB signals and proposes approaches to enhance signal reconstruction performance. Four practical dictionaries are proposed to increase the sparsity of the realistic UWB signals. Those dictionaries account for the practical effects of channel-like pulse dispersion and the unavoidable effects of antenna directivity. Both measured data and a more practical directional model are used for evaluation. It is shown that CS based on the new dictionaries is able to reconstruct the practical UWB signals more efficiently with reasonable complexity. Performance improvement of the proposed practical dictionaries in channel estimation for two different receivers is quantified.
Incidence of Nonarteritic and Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy: Population‐Based Study in the State of Missouri and Los Angeles County, California

This population-based study was undertaken to obtain information on age-, sex-, and race-specific incidence of nonarteritic and arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy for the State of Missouri and for Los Angeles County, California. Among subjects who were 50 or older the estimated mean annual incidence rates per 100,000 population were 2.30 for nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and 0.36 for arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. White individuals appear to be at significantly higher risk of developing nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy than black or Hispanic individuals, suggesting possible genetic predisposition.
Clinically applicable models to characterize BRCA1 and BRCA2 variants of uncertain significance.

PURPOSE Twenty percent of individuals with a strong family and/or personal history of breast and ovarian cancer carry a deleterious mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2. Identification of mutations in these genes is extremely beneficial for patients pursuing risk reduction strategies. Approximately 7% of individuals who have genetic testing of BRCA1 and BRCA2 carry a variant of uncertain significance (VUS), making clinical management less certain. The majority of identified VUS occur only in one to two individuals; these variants are not able to be classified using current classification models with segregation analysis components. METHODS To develop a clinically applicable method that can predict the pathogenicity of VUS that does not require familial information or segregation analysis, we identified characteristics of breast or ovarian tumors that distinguished sporadic tumors from tumors with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. Study participants included individuals with known deleterious mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 and individuals with classified or unclassified BRCA variants. RESULTS We applied the models to 57 tumors with 43 different deleterious BRCA mutations and 57 tumors with 54 unique classified and unclassified BRCA variants. Of the 33 previously unclassified VUS studied, we found evidence of neutrality for 21. CONCLUSION Our models showed 98% sensitivity and 76% specificity for predicting classified DNA changes. We classified 64% of unknown variants as neutral. Classification of VUS as neutral will have immediate benefit for those individuals and their family members. These models are adaptable for the clinic and will be useful for individuals with limited available family history.
Entre (re-)localisation et globalisation : analyse des stratégies spatiales des laiteries dans six bassins laitiers

Dans un contexte de globalisation des echanges, les filieres agricoles s'inscrivent desormais dans un double processus de mondialisation et de territorialisation des flux (produits agricoles, energie, intrants, travail, .). C'est particulierement vrai pour la filiere laitiere dans laquelle on oppose souvent les multinationales aux petites unites de transformation ancrees dans leur territoire. L'objectif de ce papier est de montrer qu'au-dela de representations hâtives ou caricaturales, les strategies spatiales des laiteries en termes d'approvisionnement et de distribution, s'inscrivent dans ce double processus de globalisation et de (re-)localisation a l'½uvre dans les territoires laitiers, independamment de leur forme economique et de leur taille. Des travaux effectues dans six bassins laitiers a travers le monde (Vietnam, Uruguay, Senegal et en France, Vercors, Livradois-Forez et Cevennes) montrent que partout ces deux processus ne sont pas exclusifs. Ils operent ensemble dans un meme territoire et au sein des laiteries, creant des tensions mais aussi des complementarites. Ainsi, des formes hybrides entre « local » et « global » emergent pour durer et se developper dans les territoires laitiers.
Infliximab for refractory ulcerative colitis

Eight patients with active ulcerative colitis (UC), refractory to usual combination medical therapy, were treated with a single i.v. dose of chimeric monoclonal antibody to recombinant human tumor necrosis factor α; many of these patients were scheduled for surgical colectomy because of their active disease. All patients responded extremely well to a single 5 mg/kg infusion of infliximab, with marked improvement after the infusion clinically, colonoscopically, and histologically on colonic biopsy. There were no significant complications or side effects; mean duration of remission has not been determined because none of the patients have relapsed. Infliximab appears to be a potent agent for inducing remission in refractory patients with ulcerative colitis.
3D synaptic architecture with ultralow sub-10 fJ energy per spike for neuromorphic computation

A high-density 3D synaptic architecture based on self-rectifying Ta/TaOx/TiO2/Ti RRAM is proposed as an energy- and cost-efficient neuromorphic computation hardware. The device shows excellent analog synaptic features that can be accurately described by the physical and compact models. Ultra-low energy consumption comparable to that of a biological synapse (<;10 fJ/spike) has been demonstrated for the first time.
Performance of bedside diagnostic ultrasound in an Ebola isolation unit: the Emory University Hospital experience.

OBJECTIVE Individuals with Ebola virus disease, a contagious and potentially lethal infection, are now being treated in specialized units in the United States. We describe Emory University's initial experience, current operating procedures, and ongoing planning with diagnostic ultrasound in the isolation unit. CONCLUSION Ultrasound use has been limited to date. Future planning considerations include deciding what types of ultrasound studies will be performed, which personnel will acquire the images, and which ultrasound machine will be used.
Genome-Wide Transcriptional Changes in Streptococcus gordonii in Response to Competence Signaling Peptide

ABSTRACT Streptococcus gordonii is a primary colonizer of the multispecies biofilm on tooth surfaces forming dental plaque and a potential agent of endocarditis. The recent completion of the genome sequence of the naturally competent strain Challis allowed the design of a spotted oligonucleotide microarray to examine a genome-wide response of this organism to environmental stimuli such as signal peptides. Based on temporal responses to synthetic competence signaling peptide (CSP) as indicated by transformation frequencies, the S. gordonii transcriptome was analyzed at various time points after CSP exposure. Microarray analysis identified 35 candidate early genes and 127 candidate late genes that were up-regulated at 5 and 15 min, respectively; these genes were often grouped in clusters. Results supported published findings on S. gordonii competence, showing up-regulation of 12 of 16 genes that have been reported to affect transformation frequencies in this species. Comparison of CSP-induced S. gordonii transcriptomes to results published for Streptococcus pneumoniae strains identified both conserved and species-specific genes. Putative intergenic regulatory sites, such as the conserved combox sequence thought to be a binding site for competence sigma factor, were found preceding S. gordonii late responsive genes. In contrast, S. gordonii early CSP-responsive genes were not preceded by the direct repeats found in S. pneumoniae. These studies provide the first insights into a genome-wide transcriptional response of an oral commensal organism. They offer an extensive analysis of transcriptional changes that accompany competence in S. gordonii and form a basis for future intra- and interspecies comparative analyses of this ecologically important phenotype.
Tuning and playing a motor rhythm: how metabotropic glutamate receptors orchestrate generation of motor patterns in the mammalian central nervous system

Repeated motor activities like locomotion, mastication and respiration need rhythmic discharges of functionally connected neurons termed central pattern generators (CPGs) that cyclically activate motoneurons even in the absence of descending commands from higher centres. For motor pattern generation, CPGs require integration of multiple processes including activation of ion channels and transmitter receptors at strategic locations within motor networks. One emerging mechanism is activation of glutamate metabotropic receptors (mGluRs) belonging to group I, while group II and III mGluRs appear to play an inhibitory function on sensory inputs. Group I mGluRs generate neuronal membrane depolarization with input resistance increase and rapid fluctuations in intracellular Ca2+, leading to enhanced excitability and rhythmicity. While synchronicity is probably due to modulation of inhibitory synaptic transmission, these oscillations occurring in coincidence with strong afferent stimuli or application of excitatory agents can trigger locomotor‐like patterns. Hence, mGluR‐sensitive spinal oscillators play a role in accessory networks for locomotor CPG activation. In brainstem networks supplying tongue muscle motoneurons, group I receptors facilitate excitatory synaptic inputs and evoke synchronous oscillations which stabilize motoneuron firing at regular, low frequency necessary for rhythmic tongue contractions. In this case, synchronicity depends on the strong electrical coupling amongst motoneurons rather than inhibitory transmission, while cyclic activation of KATP conductances sets its periodicity. Activation of mGluRs is therefore a powerful strategy to trigger and recruit patterned discharges of motoneurons.
The effect of landscape features on population genetic structure in Yunnan snub‐nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus bieti) implies an anthropogenic genetic discontinuity

The Tibetan Plateau is one of the top 10 biodiversity hotspots in the world and acts as a modern harbour for many rare species because of its relatively pristine state. In this article, we report a landscape genetic study on the Yunnan snub‐nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus bieti), a primate endemic to the Tibetan Plateau. DNA was extracted from blood, tissue and fecal samples of 135 wild individuals representing 11 out of 15 extant monkey groups. Ten microsatellite loci were used to characterize patterns of genetic diversity. The most striking feature of the population structure is the presence of five subpopulations with distinct genetic backgrounds and unique spatial regions. The population structure of R. bieti appears to be shaped by anthropogenic landscape features as gene flow between subpopulations is strongly impeded by arable land, highways and human habitation. A partial Mantel test showed that 36.23% (r = 0.51, P = 0.01) of the genetic distance was explained by habitat gaps after controlling for the effect of geographical distance. Only 4.92% of the genetic distance was explained by geographical distance in the partial Mantel test, and no significant correlation was found. Estimation of population structure history indicates that environmental change during the last glacial maximum and human impacts since the Holocene, or a combination of both, have shaped the observed population structure of R. bieti. Increasing human activity on the Plateau, especially that resulting in habitat fragmentation, is becoming an important factor in shaping the genetic structure and evolutionary potential of species inhabiting this key ecosystem.
Thermal Driven Module Placement Using Sequence-pair

TThe increase of power consumption in recent VLSI chip has led to uneven thermal distribution and high temperature on the chip. This brings inappropriate distribution of wire delay and may adversely effect the behavior of the chip by the increase of clock skew. The rise of local temperature causes the electro migration which brings wire disconnections. Therefore, some module placement methods considering the thermal distribution were proposed so far. However, these conventional methods require much time for obtaining the placement. In this paper, we propose a method to quickly obtain a module placement with good thermal distribution. We confirmed that the proposed method with simulated annealing can obtain good placements in shorter time
Predictors of Complications after Sheath Removal Post Transfemoral Percutaneous Coronary Interventions

Background: Complications post percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) are more threatening than it was previously thought so that necessary measures should be taken to minimize those risks. Objective: To identify the risk factors related to patient and procedure which could be used as predictors of complications after sheath removal post PCI. Methods: The study used a prospective non-experimental correlational descriptive. Design: The sample was chosen conveniently from three different hospitals and included 118 patients who were subjected to PCI. Results: Three models were used to predict complications. In the first model, none of the baseline variables were predictive of complications. In the second model, the only type of procedure (diagnostic, stent or balloon) was predictive of complications. In the third model, compression time was found to be a risk factor and a predictor of complications after sheath removal. Conclusion: Nurses and medical professionals are in a vital position to prevent, detect and manage PCI complications at the earliest possible opportunity. It is a must to assess and categorize patients in accordance with their risk level to develop post PCI and post sheath removal complications, in order to plan management strategies to decrease the health costs and the suffering.
The Effects of Augmented Reality Head-Up Displays on Drivers' Eye Scan Patterns, Performance, and Perceptions

This paper reports on an experiment comparing Head-Up Display HUD and Head-Down Display HDD use while driving in a simulator to explore differences in glance patterns, driving performance, and user preferences. Sixteen participants completed both structured text and semi-structured grid visual search tasks on each display while following a lead vehicle in a motorway highway environment. Participants experienced three levels of complexity low, medium, high for each visual search task, with five repetitions of each level of complexity. Results suggest that the grid task was not sensitive enough to the varying visual demands, while the text task showed significant differences between displays in user preference, perceived workload, and distraction. As complexity increased, HUD use during the text task corresponded with faster performance as compared to the HDD, indicating the potential benefits when using HUDs in the driving context. Furthermore, HUD use was associated with longer sustained glances at the respective display as compared to the HDD, with no differences in driving performance observed. This finding suggests that AR HUDs afford longer glances without negatively affecting the longitudinal and lateral control of the vehicle-a result that has implications for how future researchers should evaluate the visual demands for AR HUDs.
Enhancing Security of Information in E-Government Shareef

In our daily lives, the advances of new technology can be used to sustain development for people across the globe. Particularly, e-government can be the dynamo of the development for the people. E-government services are intended to be responsive, citizen-centric based and social inclusive. It also engages citizen to participate in the process of delivery of services. Consequently, users can easily use the available services from places at a time that are convenient to them via internet, anywhere and anytime. The development of technology and the rapid growth in the use of internet creates a big challenge in the administration in both public and private sector. E-government is a vital accomplishment of the internet. In contrast the security is the main downside in which occurs in each process of e-government. E-government has to be secure as technology grows and the users have to follow the procedures to make their own transactions safe. This paper tackles the challenges and obstacles that impact the security of the information in e-government by considering both technical and non-technical security perspectives and identifies the critical success factors to enhance the security of information in egovernment.