Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stroke, Major Bleeding, and Mortality Outcomes in Warfarin Users With Atrial Fibrillation and Chronic Kidney Disease: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies.

BACKGROUND The use of warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) can be problematic because of increased bleeding risk. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies that evaluated the use of warfarin in patients with AF and CKD to evaluate the risks of ischemic stroke/thromboembolism, major bleeding, and mortality. METHODS PUBMED, EMBASE, CINAHL, ProQuest, and Google Scholar databases were electronically searched through January 12, 2015. Additionally, a manual search was performed for relevant references. Random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled hazard ratio (HR) with 95% CI. CKD was divided into non-end-stage CKD and end-stage CKD (on renal replacement therapy) and separate analyses were performed. RESULTS Thirteen publications from 11 cohorts (six retrospective and five prospective) including >48,500 total patients with >11,600 warfarin users were included in the meta-analysis. In patients with AF and non-end-stage CKD, warfarin resulted in a lower risk of ischemic stroke/thromboembolism (HR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.54-0.89; P = .004) and mortality (HR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.59-0.72; P < .00001), but had no effect on major bleeding (HR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.88-1.49; P = .31). In patients with AF and end-stage CKD, warfarin had no effect on the risks of stroke (HR, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.69-1.82; P = .65) and mortality (HR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.81-1.13; P = .60), but increased the risks of major bleeding (HR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.08-1.56; P = .005). CONCLUSIONS Based on this meta-analysis, the use of warfarin for AF may have an unfavorable risk/benefit ratio in patients with end-stage CKD but not in those with non-end-stage CKD.
Laboratory nutritional parameters predict one-year mortality in elderly patients with intertrochanteric fracture.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to investigate the contributing value of nutrition related blood parameters to one-year mortality following intertrochanteric fracture surgery in a Chinese population over the age of 65. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN Nutritional status was evaluated by using admission serum albumin and total lymphocyte count (TLC). One hundred and seventy-four intertrochanteric fracture patients were entered into this study for nutritional status assessment. Gender differences were evaluated by univariate analysis. The predictive value of the variables for one-year mortality was assessed by multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS The mean albumin was 31.0 g/L with 73% of patients less than 35 g/L and the mean TLC was 1.19×10(9) cells/L with 81% less than 1.50×10(9) cells/L. There were no significant differences in albumin (p=0.674) or TLC (p=0.804) between men and women. Survival information was obtained in 149 patients who received surgical treatment. The general one-year mortality was 31% with 35% in men and 29% in women, respectively. The surviving patients were younger and had higher albumin, TLC and calcium than those who died. However, multivariate analysis identified only serum albumin and TLC as independent and significant risk factors associated with one-year mortality; the optimal cut-off points were 29.5 g/L and 0.93×10(9) cells/L, respectively, based on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. CONCLUSIONS Malnutrition is a common phenomenon in an aged Chinese population suffering from intertrochanteric fractures. A lower serum albumin level and total lymphocyte count at admission are significant risk factors to predict the one-year mortality.
Big Data Computing Using Cloud-Based Technologies, Challenges and Future Perspectives

The excessive amounts of data generated by devices and Internet-based sources at a regular basis constitute, big data. This data can be processed and analyzed to develop useful applications for specific domains. Several mathematical and data analytics techniques have found use in this sphere. This has given rise to the development of computing models and tools for big data computing. However, the storage and processing requirements are overwhelming for traditional systems and technologies. Therefore, there is a need for infrastructures that can adjust the storage and processing capability in accordance with the changing data dimensions. Cloud Computing serves as a potential solution to this problem. However, big data computing in the cloud has its own set of challenges and research issues. This chapter surveys the big data concept, discusses the mathematical and data analytics techniques that can be used for big data and gives taxonomy of the existing tools, frameworks and platforms available for different big data computing models. Besides this, it also evaluates the viability of cloud-based big data computing, examines existing challenges and opportunities, and provides future research directions in this field.
Polypharmacy for schizophrenia

Purpose of review Combining psychotropic medications is common for people diagnosed with schizophrenia facing a variety of clinical circumstances. This review provides an update on evidence regarding the effectiveness of polypharmacy approaches. Recent findings Epidemiology studies have demonstrated that polypharmacy is extremely common, but evidence regarding all polypharmacy approaches for schizophrenia from randomized controlled trials remains scarce. Combinations of antipsychotic medicines are unsupported by evidence. Antidepressants are commonly used to treat depressive symptoms; this logical role for antidepressants has little support from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) but may be associated with lower suicide and all-cause mortality. Insufficient evidence supports the use of benzodiazepines for schizophrenia; possible risks of benzodiazepines, including increased mortality rates revealed in observational studies, warrant caution and further study. Summary The lack of evidence regarding common treatment strategies exacerbates the tremendous challenge of providing optimal pharmacotherapy for individuals with schizophrenia. Comparative effectiveness research, using observational methods when appropriate and RCTs when possible, is needed to inform clinical practice, use resources wisely and improve outcomes.
“Rapid” Rhythmic Discharges of Sympathetic Nerves: Sources, Mechanisms of Generation, and Physiological Relevance

Like virtually all other physiological control systems, the sympathetic nervous system controlling cardiovascular function is characterized by the presence of rhythmic activity. These include slow rhythms with frequencies at or below that of the respiration and rapid rhythms with frequencies at or above that of the heart beat. The rapid rhythms are the subject of this review. The specific questions entertained are as follows: (1) Are the rapid cardiac-related and 10-Hz rhythms inherent to central sympathetic networks, or are they imposed on sympathetic nerve discharge (SND) by extrinsic periodic inputs? (2) Does basal SND arise from an anatomically circumscribed “vasomotor center” composed of pacemaker neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla or from an anatomically distributed network oscillator composed of different types of brainstem neurons, none of which necessarily have intrinsic pacemaker properties? (3) Are the rapid rhythms generated by single circuits or by systems of coupled oscillators, each with a separate target? (4) Are the rapid rhythms in SND simply by-products of the sympathetic generating mechanisms, or do they subserve selective and special functions, such as the formulation of differential patterns of spinal sympathetic outflow that support particular behaviors? The controversial aspects of these issues and the state-of-the-art analytical methods used to study them are stressed in this review.
The Terminal P Wave Vector in Lead V1 of the Electrocardiogram in Healthy Young Airmen

The terminal P wave vector in lead V1 of the electrocardiograph (V1PTV) was abnormal in 93 (3.2%) of 3119 healthy recruits into the Royal Air Force of mean age 19 (SD 4) years. The inference that an abnormal V1PTV indicates left atrial enlargement should be made with caution in otherwise healthy young men.
Combination of Ondansetron and Droperidol in the Prophylaxis of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of ondansetron plus droperidol with each drug alone or placebo in the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). One hundred females, aged 18-65 yr, ASA physical status I-II, undergoing general anesthesia for elective abdominal surgery were included in a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study. A standardized anesthetic technique and postoperative analgesia (ketorolac plus patient-controlled analgesia [PCA] with morphine) were used in all patients. Patients were randomly assigned to receive placebo (Group 1, n = 25), droperidol 2.5 mg with induction of anesthesia and 1.25 mg 12 h later (Group 2, n = 25), ondansetron 4 mg with induction (Group 3, n = 25), and ondansetron plus droperidol at the same doses as Groups 3 and 2, respectively (Group 4, n = 25). A complete response, defined as no PONV in 48 h, occurred in 28% of patients in Group 1, 60% in Group 2 (P < 0.05 vs Group 1), 56% in Group 3 (P < 0.05 vs Group 1), and 92% in Group 4 (P < 0.01 vs Groups 1, 2, and 3). Sedation was significantly greater with droperidol (Groups 2 and 4) for 12 h postoperatively. In conclusion, the combination of ondansetron plus droperidol was more effective than each antiemetic alone or placebo in the prevention of PONV in women undergoing elective abdominal surgery. (Anesth Analg 1996;83:117-22)
Seeding Specificity in Amyloid Growth Induced by Heterologous Fibrils*

Over residues 15–36, which comprise the H-bonded core of the amyloid fibrils it forms, the Alzheimer's disease plaque peptide amyloid β (Aβ) possesses a very similar sequence to that of another short, amyloidogenic peptide, islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP). Using elongation rates to quantify seeding efficiency, we inquired into the relationship between primary sequence similarity and seeding efficiency between Aβ-(1–40) and amyloid fibrils produced from IAPP as well as other proteins. In both a solution phase and a microtiter plate elongation assay, IAPP fibrils are poor seeds for Aβ-(1–40) elongation, exhibiting weight-normalized efficiencies of only 1–2% compared with Aβ-(1–40) fibrils. Amyloid fibrils of peptides with sequences completely unrelated to Aβ also exhibit poor to negligible seeding ability for Aβ elongation. Fibrils from a number of point mutants of Aβ-(1–40) exhibit intermediate seeding abilities for wild-type Aβ elongation, with differing efficiencies depending on whether or not the mutation is in the amyloid core region. The results suggest that amyloid fibrils from different proteins exhibit structural differences that control seeding efficiencies. Preliminary results also suggest that identical sequences can grow into different conformations of amyloid fibrils as detected by seeding efficiencies. The results have a number of implications for amyloid structure and biology.
Identification of a Mutation Associated with Erythromycin Resistance in Bordetella pertussis: Implications for Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance

ABSTRACT Erythromycin treatment failures and in vitro resistance of Bordetella pertussis have been reported on several occasions in the past few years, but the mechanism of resistance has not been described. One potential mechanism, genetic modification of the erythromycin-binding site on the 23S rRNA of the 50S ribosomal subunit, has been observed in other bacteria. To explore this possibility, we amplified the portion of the 23S rRNA gene encoding the central loop of domain V. DNA sequencing and restriction fragment length polymorphism of the PCR products showed that each of the four erythromycin-resistant B. pertussis strains tested contained an A-to-G transition mutation at position 2058 (Escherichia coli numbering) of the 23S rRNA gene. The mutation was not found in seven erythromycin-susceptible isolates tested. Two of the resistant isolates were heterozygous, containing at least one mutant copy and one wild-type copy of the 23S rRNA gene. These results indicate that erythromycin resistance in these strains is likely due to a mutation of the erythromycin-binding site in the 23S rRNA gene. Identification of the resistance mechanism will facilitate development of molecular susceptibility testing methods that can be used directly on clinical specimens in the absence of an isolate.
Synthesis of Electron Energy Loss Spectra for the Quantification of Detection Limits

We describe a method for predicting detection limits of minority elements in electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), and its implementation as a software package that gives quantitative predictions for user-specified materials and experimental conditions. The method is based on modeling entire energy loss spectra, including shot noise as well as instrumental noise, and taking into account all the relevant experimental parameters. We describe the steps involved in modeling the entire spectrum, from the zero loss up to inner shell edges, and pay particular attention to the contributions to the pre-edge background. The predicted spectra are used to evaluate the signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) for inner shell edges from user-specified minority elements. The software also predicts the minimum detectable mass (MDM) and minimum mass fraction (MMF). It can be used to ascertain whether an element present at a particular concentration should be detectable for given experimental conditions, and also to quickly and quantitatively explore ways of optimizing the experimental conditions for a particular EELS analytical task. We demonstrate the usefulness of the software by confirming the recent empirical observation of single atom detection using EELS of phosphorus in thin carbon films, and show the effect on the SNR of varying the acquisition parameters. The case of delta-doped semiconductors is also considered as an important example from materials science where low detection limits and high spatial resolution are essential, and the feasibility of such characterization using EELS is assessed.
Use of Functional Electrical Stimulation to Augment Traditional Orthopaedic Surgery in Children With Cerebral Palsy

The purpose of this study was to compare the functional outcomes of traditional lower extremity orthopaedic surgery to more limited surgery augmented with functional electrical stimulation (FES) applied while walking. Seventeen ambulatory children with cerebral palsy participated in this prospective pretest–posttest control group study. The surgical group (nine subjects) underwent traditional orthopaedic procedures. The FES group (eight subjects) underwent placement of percutaneous intramuscular FES electrodes and limited orthopaedic surgical procedures. Postoperatively, they were provided with an FES home walking program. One year after intervention, all children (combined data) showed improvements in passive range of motion, gait spatiotemporal parameters, and gross motor function (P < 0.05). No differences were seen between groups before or after intervention. The FES group underwent 4.5 fewer ablative procedures per child than the surgical group. These results suggest that FES in combination with more limited surgery may provide similar functional gains with fewer ablative procedures than traditional orthopaedic surgery.
Reliability study of phase-change nonvolatile memories

A detailed investigation of the reliability aspects in nonvolatile phase-change memories (PCM) is presented, covering the basic aspects related to high density array NVM, i.e., data retention, endurance, program and read disturbs. The data retention capabilities and the endurance characteristics of single PCM cells are analyzed, showing that data can be stored for 10 years at 110/spl deg/C and that a resistance difference of two order of magnitude between the cell states can be maintained for more than 10/sup 11/ programming cycles. The main mechanisms responsible for instabilities just before failure as well as for final device breakdown are also discussed. Finally, the impact of read and program disturbs are clearly assessed, showing with experimental data and simulated results that the crystallization induced during the cell read out and the thermal cross-talk due to adjacent bits programming do not affect the retention capabilities of the PCM cells.
Work environment, job satisfaction, stress and burnout among haemodialysis nurses.

AIM To examine the relationships among nurse and work characteristics, job satisfaction, stress, burnout and the work environment of haemodialysis nurses. BACKGROUND Haemodialysis nursing is characterised by frequent and intense contact with patients in a complex and intense environment. METHOD A cross-sectional online survey of 417 haemodialysis nurses that included nurse and work characteristics, the Brisbane Practice Environment Measure, Index of Work Satisfaction, Nursing Stress Scale and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. RESULT Haemodialysis nurses reported an acceptable level of job satisfaction and perceived their work environment positively, although high levels of burnout were found. Nurses who were older and had worked in haemodialysis the longest had higher satisfaction levels, experienced less stress and lower levels of burnout than younger nurses. The in-centre type of haemodialysis unit had greater levels of stress and burnout than home training units. Greater satisfaction with the work environment was strongly correlated with job satisfaction, lower job stress and emotional exhaustion. CONCLUSION Haemodialysis nurses experienced high levels of burnout even though their work environment was favourable and they had acceptable levels of job satisfaction. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT Targeted strategies are required to retain and avoid burnout in younger and less experienced nurses in this highly specialised field of nursing.
Evaluation of methodological and biological influences on the collection and composition of exhaled breath condensate

Abstract The purpose of this inter-species comparison (calves and pigs) was to identify methodological and biological influences on the collection and composition of exhaled breath condensate (EBC). A total of 352 EBC samples were collected, whilst variables of ventilation were registered in parallel. Partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) and pH were analysed in non-degassed EBC samples. The concentration of total protein in EBC was measured colorimetrically. In both species, lung function was evaluated before and after EBC collection. Statistical analyses were performed to study the effect of EBC collection on lung function and to identify the influence of ventilatory variables on the collection and composition of EBC. Collection of EBC did not affect lung function. Despite the volume of EBC collected per unit time being primarily dependent on ventilation per unit time, species-specific conditions during the EBC collection process resulted in different dependences of EBC collection from other variables of ventilation (i.e. maximal airflow during expiration or expired tidal volume kg−1 body weight). The concentration of protein ml−1 EBC increased with the expired volume per min and with peak expiratory flow. Although the pCO2 in fresh EBC was significantly negatively dependent on the duration of collection, comparable pHs (5.6 − 6.2) were measured in EBC of both calves and pigs. The obtained data may help one standardize EBC collection in different species.
Adaptive Backstepping Control for Active Suspension Systems With Hard Constraints

This paper proposes an adaptive backstepping control strategy for vehicle active suspensions with hard constraints. An adaptive backstepping controller is designed to stabilize the attitude of vehicle and meanwhile improve ride comfort in the presence of parameter uncertainties, where suspension spaces, dynamic tire loads, and actuator saturations are considered as time-domain constraints. In addition to spring nonlinearity, the piecewise linear behavior of the damper, which has different damping rates for compression and extension movements, is taken into consideration to form the basis of accurate control. Furthermore, a reference trajectory is planned to keep the vertical and pitch motions of car body to stabilize in predetermined time, which helps adjust accelerations accordingly to high or low levels for improving ride comfort. Finally, a design example is shown to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed control law.
Design of high-efficiency interior permanent magnet synchronous machine with stator flux barriers and single-layer concentrated windings

This paper presents the design of a high-performance 14-pole, 12-slot interior permanent magnet synchronous machine with flux barriers inside the stator iron core and fractional-slot concentrated windings. This work focuses on electromagnetic, mechanical and thermal aspects of the machine design. The specific goal of this work was to design an electrical machine, which will have a small size, high power-to-weight ratio, high efficiency, especially at part-load operating points, and high speed capability for traction drive applications. Therefore the unconventional stator design is used. The proposed machine design was compared with the conventional one, concerning the magnetic saturation, spectrum of the magneto-motive force and produced torque. To ensure the high speed capability of the motor, the numerical structural analysis of the rotor is shown. Temperature behavior inside of the designed motor at steady-state operating point is shown.
On Testing the Competition‐Colonization Trade‐Off in a Multispecies Assemblage

The competition‐colonization trade‐off has long been considered an important mechanism explaining species coexistence in spatially structured environments, yet data supporting it remain ambiguous. Most competition‐colonization research examines plants and the dispersal‐linked traits of their seeds. However, colonization is more than just dispersal because rapid population growth is also an important component of colonization. We tested for the presence of competition‐colonization trade‐offs with a commonly used artificial assemblage consisting of protozoan and rotifer species, where colonization was the ability of a species to establish populations in patches. By ranking species according to their colonization abilities and their pairwise competitive interactions, we show that these species exhibit competition‐colonization trade‐offs. These results reveal that the competition‐colonization trade‐off exists within nonplant assemblages and that even in a laboratory setting, species are constrained to be either good competitors or colonizers but not both.
Ultralight-Trapping Filters With Volume Reflection Holograms

Light trapping is a useful approach for increasing the absorption of thin film photovoltaic (PV) cells. Simple light trapping can be achieved by incorporating a scattering layer on the top and bottom surface of cells and can increase absorption by a factor of 4n2. Recently, ultralight trapping using Rugate and 1-D photonic bandgap filters have been proposed to increase light trapping by a factor of 4n2 /sin2θ, where θ is half of the acceptance angle. In this paper, we present the design of a holographic ultralight trapping filter. The holographic filter can be implemented in large areas at a low cost, which makes it scalable for PV applications. A design is presented that increases the optical path length for near bandgap wavelengths in a thin-film silicon PV cell. The optical path length enhancement is converted to electrical output using the PC-1D simulation software. The short-circuit current for a 10-μm-thick silicon PV cell increases by nearly 14.7% relative to a cell without light trapping.