Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Accuracy of history, wheezing, and forced expiratory time in the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

AbstractOBJECTIVE: To determine the accuracy of the history and selected elements of the physical examination in the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). DESIGN: Independent blind comparison of the standard clinical examination (evaluating the accuracy of history, wheezing, and forced expiratory time [FET]) with spirometry. The gold standard for diagnosis of COPD was a forced expiratory volume at 1 second (FEV1) below the fifth percentile (adjusted for patient height and age). SETTING: Seven sites in 6 countries, including investigators from primary care and secondary care settings. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred sixty-one consecutive patients with varying severity of disease (known COPD, suspected COPD, or no COPD) participated in the study. MAIN RESULTS: One hundred sixty-one patients (mean age 65 years, 39% female, 41% with known COPD, 27% with suspected COPD, and 32% normal) were recruited. Mean (±SD) FEV1 and forced vital capacity were 1,720 (±830) mL and 2,520 (±970) mL. The likelihood ratios (LR) for the tested elements of the clinical examination (and their P values on x2 testing) were: self-reported history of COPD, 5.6 (P<.001); FET greater than 9 seconds, 6.7 (P<0.01); smoked longer than 40 pack years, 3.3 (P=.001); wheezing, 4.0 (P<.001); male gender, 1.6 (P<.001); and age over 65 years, 1.6 (P=.025). The accuracy of these elements was not appreciably different when reference standards other than FEV1 below the 5th percentile were applied. Only 3 elements of the clinical examination were significantly associated with the diagnosis of COPD on multivariate analysis: self-reported history of COPD (adjusted LR 4.4), wheezing (adjusted LR 2.9), and FET greater than 9 seconds (adjusted LR 4.6). Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the model incorporating these 3 factors was 0.86. CONCLUSIONS: Less emphasis should be placed on the presence of isolated symptoms or signs in the diagnosis of COPD. While numerous elements of the clinical examination are associated with the diagnosis of COPD, only 3 are significant on multivariate analysis. Patients having all 3 of these findings have an LR of 59 (ruling in COPD); those with none have an LR of 0.3 (ruling out COPD).
Arterial structural and functional alterations in uraemia

Epidemiological and clinical studies have shown that cardiovascular disease in patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) is frequently related to damage of large conduit arteries. Arterial disease is responsible for the high incidence of ischaemic heart disease, peripheral artery diseases, left ventricular hypertrophy and congestive heart failure. The vascular complications in ESRD are ascribed to two different but associated mechanisms, namely atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis. Whereas the former principally affects the conduit function with ischaemic lesions being the most characteristic consequence, the latter primarily disturbs the dampening function of large arteries. Arteriosclerosis in ESRD patients is characterized by diffuse dilation and wall hypertrophy of large conduit arteries and stiffening of arterial walls. These changes represent a clinical form of an accelerated ageing process. The main clinical characteristics due to arterial stiffening are isolated increase in systolic blood pressure with normal or lower diastolic pressure resulting in an increased pulse pressure. The consequences of these alterations are: (i) an increased left ventricular afterload with development of left ventricular hypertrophy and increased myocardial oxygen demand; and (ii) altered coronary perfusion and subendocardial blood flow distribution. Epidemiological studies have identified arterial remodelling and stiffening as independent predictors of overall and cardiac mortality in ESRD patients.
Fra‐1 regulates vimentin during Ha‐RAS‐induced epithelial mesenchymal transition in human colon carcinoma cells

The process of epithelial mesenchymal transition, whereby cells acquire molecular alterations and fibroblastic features, is a fundamental process of embryogenesis and cancer invasion/metastasis. The mechanisms responsible for epithelial mesenchymal transition remain elusive. Human tumors frequently establish constitutively activated RAS signaling, which contributes to the malignant phenotype. In an effort to dissect distinct RAS isoform specific functions, we previously established human colon cell lines stably overexpressing activated Harvey‐RAS (Ha‐RAS) and Kirsten‐RAS (Ki‐RAS). Using these, we observed that only oncogenic Ha‐RAS overexpression resulted in morphologic and molecular changes suggestive of epithelial to mesenchymal transition. We showed that vimentin, a key molecule of epithelial mesenchymal transition, was differentially regulated between Ha‐RAS and Ki‐RAS leading to a Ha‐RAS specific induction of a migrative phenotype and eventually epithelial to mesenchymal transition. We demonstrated that the AP‐1 sites in vimentin promoter could be involved in this regulation. A potential role of FRA‐1 was suggested in the regulation of vimentin during the Ha‐RAS‐induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition, in association with colon cell migration. Our results therefore propose that in colon cells, the induction of epithelial mesenchymal transition by oncogenic Ha‐RAS could occur through the overexpression of proteins like FRA‐1 and vimentin. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transport properties of a microwave photon in a system with two artificial atoms

In this paper we show a transport characteristic for a system, containing two distanced resonators with artificial atoms inside. The artificial atoms can be realized as superconducting quantum bits performing two level system properties. A fully quantum-mechanical approach is used. We have numerically simulated a transmission through the system with weak and strong couplings. The criteria to observe wavefunction interferences at amplitude-frequency responses was found.
Reversal of Diabetes in NOD Mice by Clinical-Grade Proinsulin and IL-10–Secreting Lactococcus lactis in Combination With Low-Dose Anti-CD3 Depends on the Induction of Foxp3-Positive T Cells

The introduction of β-cell autoantigens via the gut through Lactococcus lactis (L. lactis) has been demonstrated to be a promising approach for diabetes reversal in NOD mice. Here we show that a combination therapy of low-dose anti-CD3 with a clinical-grade self-containing L. lactis, appropriate for human application, secreting human proinsulin and interleukin-10, cured 66% of mice with new-onset diabetes, which is comparable to therapy results with plasmid-driven L. lactis. Initial blood glucose concentrations (<350 mg/dL) and insulin autoantibody positivity were predictors of the stable reversal of hyperglycemia, and decline in insulin autoantibody positivity was an immune biomarker of therapeutic outcome. The assessment of the immune changes induced by the L. lactis–based therapy revealed elevated frequencies of CD4+Foxp3+ T cells in the pancreas-draining lymph nodes, pancreas, and peripheral blood of all treated mice, independent of metabolic outcome. Neutralization of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 and transforming growth factor-β partially abrogated the suppressive function of therapy-induced regulatory T cells (Tregs). Ablation or functional impairment of Foxp3+ Tregs in vivo at the start or stop of therapy impaired immune tolerance, highlighting the dependence of the therapy-induced tolerance in mice with new-onset diabetes on the presence and functionality of CD4+Foxp3+ T cells. Biomarkers identified in this study can potentially be used in the future to tailor the L. lactis–based combination therapy for individual patients.
Globalization of Foreign Academic Credential Placement Recommendations for Graduate Study in the United States, 1932-2015.

Foreign educational credential assessment is responsive to assessors’ social, economic, and cultural stimuli. Academic institutions, industries, and governmental bodies treat placement specialists’ recommendations as signals of cross-cultural productive capacity, giving significance to the methodology of foreign education-system analysis. A conceptual framework incorporating globalization, internationalization, massification, and marketization (GLIMM) helps explain how and why paradigms have shifted. GLIMM forces can help explain changes in international higher education and illustrate the fluidity of education in an evolving global society. This study employs a naturalistic qualitative research design with a two-step analysis of the target resource documents, constructivist typological study and substance analysis. The study then asks (a) what information academic credential placement recommendations offer, (b) if and how those styles have changed, and (c) if the forces of massification and marketization resulting from globalization and internationalization inform those changes. The objective of the analysis was to understand authorial intent for the placement recommendations, use of the placement recommendations, and the consequences of authors changing over time. This study examines 1932-2015 primary placement recommendation resource materials from all global regions and potential relationships between those materials and the increasing number of international students in the U.S. Also examined in this study are the impact of economics on international student recruitment and the evolving purpose of education through the late-20th and early-21st centuries. In the absence of regulatory oversight, HEI leaders have needed increasingly to understand national trends regarding use of credential evaluation services, in-house credentialing and necessary resources for success, and impact of inconsistent credential evaluation on fairness in enrollment and admission. The outcomes of this study are relevant to higher education leaders in that they address a common blind spot at many HEIs and challenge accreditation bodies to examine policies and adopt best practices. The researcher cataloged (a) the kinds of information and placement recommendations generally provided, (b) why the information and recommendations were credible or non-credible, (c) changes in this information during the time period under investigation, (d) if and how these changes can be linked to GLIMM, and (e) how in-house credential evaluators have responded.
The Contagion Versus Interdependence Controversy between Hedge Funds and Equity Markets

This study considers the ‘contagion versus interdependence’ controversy between hedge funds and equity markets. We find that contagion effects break down the established interdependence between hedge funds and equity markets and conditional return smoothing could play a key role in the contagion process by increasing or decreasing the contagion likelihood during crisis and prosperity. It is noted that the return smoothing tends to produce a biased pattern of returns during crisis and a decreased amount of return during prosperity. These findings are obtained by linking a single equation error correction model to a factor model and carrying out quantile regression, Z‐test and Wald–Wolfowitz runs tests.
Improving the performance of lineage tracing in data warehouse

The primary use of data warehouse is for decision support. Data warehouse mostly consists of derived data, generally stored as views, rather than raw data, to help in decision making. Sometimes decision-makers want to know the original tuples from which the view has been derived. The purpose of this may be to determine the authenticity of the original data or to bolster the decision-making capabilities. This problem of retrieving the original tuples of a view is termed as data lineage problem or lineage tracing problem. In our work we are suggesting a method, which will perform the task of data lineage with significantly less time. Our method suggests adding an auxiliary column to all tables in the database to store surrogate values for each tuple. Although this method requires extra disc space, the significant saving in response time outperforms this shortcoming.
A rank constrained LMI algorithm for the robust H∞ control of an uncertain system via a stable output feedback controller

The paper presents a numerical algorithm for constructing a stable output feedback controller for the robust Hinfin control of an uncertain system. The uncertain systems under consideration contain structured uncertainty described by integral quadratic constraints. The controller is designed to achieve absolute stabilization with a specified level of disturbance attenuation. The main result gives an algorithm for constructing the desired controller in terms of LMIs subject to rank constraints.
Structural characterization of a 2:1 distamycin A.d(CGCAAATTGGC) complex by two-dimensional NMR.

Two-dimensional NMR has been used to study the 2:1 distamycin A.d(CGCAAATTGGC). d(GCCAATTTGCG) complex. The nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy (NOESY) experiment was used to assign the aromatic and C1'H DNA protons and to identify drug-DNA contacts. These data indicate that two drug molecules bind simultaneously in the minor groove of the central 5'-AAATT-3' segment and are in close contact with both the DNA and one another. One drug binds with the formyl end close to the second adenine base of the A-rich strand, while the other drug binds with the formyl end close to the second adenine of the complementary strand. With this binding orientation, the positively charged propylamidinium groups are directed toward opposite ends of the helix. Molecular modeling shows that the minor groove must expand relative to the 1:1 complex to accommodate both drugs. Energy calculations suggest that electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonds, and van der Waals forces contribute to the stability of the complex.
Elemental versus polymeric enteral nutrition in paediatric Crohn's disease: a multicentre randomized controlled trial.

AIM To compare the efficacy and safety of an elemental and a polymeric diet as the primary therapy for active Crohn's disease in children. METHODS In a randomized, non-blind, multicentre, controlled trial in Sweden, 16 children with Crohn's disease received Elemental 028 Extra (E028E) and 17 Nutrison Standard (NuS). Remission rates (Paediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index (PCDAI) < 10 or a PCDAI decrease of 40% or 15 points of initial level) were compared at 6 wk. RESULTS There was no significant difference between the two groups in remission rate at 6 wk (intent-to-treat analysis): E028E 11/16 (69%) and NuS 14/17 (82%) (p = 0.438). There was no difference in the decrease in PCDAI and CDAI between patients treated with E028E and those treated with NuS from 0 to 6 wk. Patients treated with NuS gained significantly more weight than patients treated with E028E (+2.5 kg; 95% CI 0.9, 4.1; p = 0.004), this difference remained when adjusting for maximum caloric intake per kilogram bodyweight (+2.9 kg; 95% CI 1.4, 4.5; p = 0.001). Concomitant disease, complications and side effects were seen in 5/33 patients (pyelonephritis, pneumonia, intraabdominal abscess, perianal abscess and borborygmi). CONCLUSION E028E and NuS did not differ in terms of remission rate. Patients treated with NuS gained more weight than patients with E028E. Polymeric diet may be superior to elemental diet in the treatment of paediatric Crohn's disease where the primary aim is to increase the patient's weight.
Effect of High Temperature on Neuromuscular Jitter in Myasthenia Gravis

To examine if the effect of temperature on neuromuscular jitter differs in myasthenics and normals, we performed single fiber electromyography (SFEMG) in 10 myasthenics and 10 healthy controls after heating the upper extremity to 37 and 42°C. In each case, 10–24 mean consecutive difference (jitter) values were obtained at both temperatures. All jitters were pooled appropriately and the groups were compared with each other. The mean jitter was 33.4 ± 10.4 µs at 37°C and 28.2 ± 11.4 µs at 42°C in controls, and 48.3 ± 18.3 µs at 37°C and 54.8 ± 24.9 µs at 42°C in patients. Seven out of 10 patients showed SFEMG abnormalities at 37°C. The number of patients with SFEMG abnormalities rose to 9 after heating to 42°C. Heating decreases neuromuscular jitter in controls and increases it in myasthenics. SFEMG performed at higher temperatures may increase the diagnostic sensitivity of the method in myasthenia gravis. The change of jitter with temperature in opposite directions in myasthenics and normals could be helpful to detect neuromuscular dysfunction.
Do central bank forecasts matter for professional forecasters

This paper examines to what extent public information provided by the central bank affects the forecasts formulated by professional forecasters. We investigate empirically whether disclosing GDP and inflation forecasts by Narodowy Bank Polski (the central bank of Poland) reduces the disagreement in professional forecastersâ€™ expectations. The results only partially support the hypothesis on the coordinating role of the central bank existing in the literature. The main finding is that by publishing its projection of future GDP growth, the central bank reduces the dispersion of one-year-ahead GDP forecasts. Moreover our study indicates that the role of the central bank in reducing the forecasts dispersion is strengthening over time. We also find using non-linear STR models that the extent to which the projection release affects the dispersion of GDP forecasts varies over the business cycle. By disclosing its own projection the central bank reduces the disagreement among the forecasters the most in the periods when the economy moves from one phase of the business cycle to another. On the contrary, the release of CPI projection by NBP affects neither the cross-sectional dispersion nor the level of forecasts formulated by professional forecasters.
An ethnopharmacological study of aromatic Uyghur medicinal plants in Xinjiang, China

Abstract Context: An ethnobotanical survey was completed in a remote village and surrounding country of Xinjiang, where most Uyghur medicinal plants could be collected. This work clarifies and increases ethnobotanical data. Objectives: We surveyed and organized aromatic medicinal plants that are commonly used in clinical settings to provide a significant reference for studying new medical activities. Materials and methods: In the survey, informants who have traditional knowledge on aromatic Uyghur medicinal plants were interviewed between March 2014 and September 2014. Aromatic medicinal plant species and pertinent information were collected. Some therapeutic methods and modes of preparation of traditional aromatic medicinal plants were found. Results: A total of 86 aromatic medicinal plant species belonging to 36 families were included in our study. We identified 34 plant species introduced from different regions such as Europe, India and Mediterranean areas. Fruits and whole plants were the most commonly used parts of plant, and most aromatic medicinal plants could be applied as medicine and food. We assigned the medicinal plants a use value (UV). Knowing the UV of species is useful in determining the use reliability and pharmacological features of related plants. Conclusions: Xinjiang is an area in which indigenous aromatic medicinal plants are diversely used and has therefore established a sound dimensional medical healthcare treatment system. Some aromatic Uyghur medicinal plants are on the verge of extinction. Hence, further strategies for the conservation of these aromatic medicinal plants should be prioritized.
A hybrid Brain-Computer Interface for improving the usability of a smart home control

A Brain-computer interface (BCI) provides a new communication channel for a human without using any muscle activities. Within this study we propose hybrid BCI based on the P300 evoked potential and steady-state visually evoked potential (SSVEP) approach to control a smart home environment in an asynchronous way. Firstly a P300 based BCI system was developed and tested in a virtual smart home environment implementation to work with a high accuracy and a high degree of freedom. Secondly, in order to initiate and stop the operation of the P300 BCI, a SSVEP based toggle switch was implemented. Results indicate that a P300 based system is very well suitable for applications with several controllable devices and where a discrete control command is desired. A SSVEP based system is more suitable if a continuous control signal is needed and the number of commands is rather limited. The combination of a SSVEP based BCI as a toggle switch allows to arbitrarily initiate and stop the P300 selection and yielded in all subjects very high reliability and accuracy.
Modeling the Dynamic Processing of the Presynaptic Terminals for Intrabody Nanonetworks

Experimental evidences show that: 1) the release sites from a single axon have variable release probabilities, even when the axon contacts the same postsynaptic neuron; 2) this variability in the release probability implies a compartmentalization at the level of the presynaptic terminals of the neuronal processing; 3) the specificity of the presynaptic terminal processing is driven by and reflects the complex biophysical mechanisms activated at the axon terminals when a spike is fired in response to a stimulus. Stemming from these experimental evidences, we propose a communication engineering model for capturing the behavior of biological neurons. Specifically, by adopting a stochastic approach, the presynaptic terminals are modeled as a dynamic array of transmitters, where each transmitter models the processing specificity of a presynaptic terminal. In particular, we first show that the unique and specific processing of a presynaptic terminal can be reconducted to the cascade of a frequency selector and an amplitude modulator. Then, we characterize the propagation of the presynaptic-filtered signal through the synaptic cleft, and we derive the delay along with the channel attenuation as a function of the distance between the communicating neurons. Finally, the theoretical analysis is validated through numerical simulation.
Facial expression analysis for estimating patient's emotional states in RPMS

Currently, a range of remote patient monitoring systems (RPMS) are being developed to care for patients at home rather than in the costly hospital environment. These systems allow remote monitoring by health professionals with minimum medical intervention to take place. However, they are still not as effective as one-on-one human interaction. The face and its features can convey patient cognitive and emotional states faster than electrical signals and facial expression can be considered as one of the most powerful features of RPMS. We present image pre-processing and enhancement techniques for face recognition applications. In particular, the project is aimed to improve the performance of RPMS, taking into account the cognitive and emotional state of patients by developing a more human like RPMS. The techniques use the value of grey scale of the images and extract efficient facial features. The extracted information is fed into input layer of an artificial neural network for face identification. On the other hand, the colour images are used by the recognition algorithm to eliminate nonskin coloured background and reduce further processing time. A data base of real images is used for testing the algorithms.