Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Non-attendance and drop-out in cardiac rehabilitation among patients with ischaemic heart disease.

INTRODUCTION Previous studies have shown drop-out from cardiac rehabilitation (CR) to have prognostic influence on morbidity and mortality among patients with ischaemic heart disease (IHD). We aimed to identify and clarify patients' reasons for non-attendance and drop-out from CR. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 872 consecutive patients with acute myocardial infarction and/or after percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass surgery were asked by conventional mail to fill in a self-completion questionnaire on their choice of post-hospital CR and their reasons for drop-out or for non-attendance. RESULTS Age, employment and marital status had a statistically significant influence on the overall course of CR. Younger age, affiliation with the labour market and living alone were related to a higher drop-out from CR in univariate analysis. We found no evidence of a gender difference among the patients who withdrew. Lack of time was stated as the prevailing reason for non-attendance and withdrawal from CR programmes among employed patients and in people aged 65 years or younger. Patients above 75 years of age asked for additional differentiation of exercise levels; currently two levels are offered. Or they found CR meaningless given their physical condition or their overall life situation. CONCLUSION In patients with IHD, age, marital status and employment status play a role in the patient's attendance or drop out from CR. Different physical conditions, lack of time, too great a distance from residence to hospital, transport problems and lack of understanding of the benefits of CR explain why patients refuse to participate in or drop-out from CR. FUNDING supported by grant from The Danish Ministry of Health. TRIAL REGISTRATION not relevant.
One-Dimensional Thickness Scaling Study of Phase Change Material $(\hbox{Ge}_{2}\hbox{Sb}_{2}\hbox{Te}_{5})$ Using a Pseudo 3-Terminal Device

To address the scalability of phase change memory (PCM), we study a 1-D thickness scaling effect on threshold switching voltage (<i>V</i><sub>th</sub>), <i>V</i><sub>th</sub> drift, high resistance state (RESET) resistance (<i>R</i><sub>RESET</sub>) drift, and crystallization temperature (<i>T</i><sub>crys</sub>). We use a pseudo three-terminal device to accurately correlate the amorphous region thickness to the observed characteristics. The pseudo 3-terminal device is a fully functional PCM cell and enables 1-D thickness scaling study down to 6 nm without the need for ultrafine lithography. <i>V</i><sub>th</sub> scales down to 0.65-0.5 V (at 25°C-75°C) for 6-nm-thick Ge<sub>2</sub>Sb<sub>2</sub>Te<sub>5</sub> (GST), showing that stable read operation is possible in scaled PCM devices. The <i>V</i><sub>th</sub> drift measurement suggests that <i>V</i><sub>th</sub> drift can be attributed to threshold switching field (<i>E</i><sub>th</sub>) drift, whereas <i>V</i><sub>th0</sub>, i.e., <i>V</i><sub>th</sub> at zero thickness, stays almost constant. <i>R</i><sub>RESET</sub> drift shows no dependence on the amorphous GST thickness. <i>T</i><sub>crys</sub> is ~175°C for the device with 6-nm-thick GST, compared with ~145°C of thick GST. From the 1-D scaling study, no significant hurdles against scaling are found down to 6 nm. Further study of scaling effect on endurance and development of scalable selection device is needed to assess the ultimate scalability of PCM.
Private Equity Unchained: Strategy Insights for the Institutional Investor

1. Introduction 2. A Neo-Classical Asset Class 3. The 'Repair-Shop of Capitalism' 4. Strategy Challenges 5. Strategic Asset Allocation 6. The Sky is Not the Limit 7. The Limited Partnership as Part of Humanity's DNA 8. Intermediation 9. Economics of Private Equity Firms 10. Objectives 11. Performance Persistence 12. Nobody knows Anything 13. Spreading Risks - Thickly and Thinly 14. Private Equity Risk 15. Performance Measurement 16. The Galapagos Islands of Finance 17. The Locust and the Deep Blue Sea 18. Intelligence 19. Spreading Risks - Part II 20. Open-Ended Relationships 21. Hard and Soft Power 22. Real Options 23. No Plan Survives. 24. The Heavy Hand of Regulation 25. Private Equity Unchained
MOSFET current drive optimization using silicon nitride capping layer for 65-nm technology node

NMOSFET strain engineering using highly tensile silicon nitride capping layer was studied by way of extensive numerical simulations and device experiments. At 45nm gate length and 1V supply voltage fabricated NMOSFET delivers 1.00mA/ /spl mu/m drive current for off-state current of 40nA/ /spl mu/m and physical gate oxide thickness of 1.25nm(TEM). These data demonstrate the best up to date NMOSFET current drivability. Next, using extensive process simulations to analyze fabricated devices we developed optimization guidelines for NMOSFET strain engineering enabling us further improvement of device current drivability with reducing the gate length.
Destination brand equity among the host community - a potential source of competitive advantage for DMOs: the case of Brisbane, Australia.

Since the emergence of the destination branding literature in 1998, there have been few studies related to performance measurement of destination brand campaigns. There has also been little interest to date in researching the extent to which a destination brand represents the host community’s sense of place. Given that local residents represent a key stakeholder group for the destination marketing organisation (DMO), research is required to examine the extent to which marketing communications have been effective in enhancing engagement with the brand, and inducing a brand image that is congruent with the brand identity. Motivated by conceptual and practical aims, this paper reports the trial of a hierarchy of consumer-based brand equity (CBBE) for a destination, from the perspective of residents as active participants of local tourism. It is proposed that strong levels of CBBE among the host community representsa strong level of CBBE among the host community represents a source of comparative advantage for a destination, for which the DMO could proactively develop into a competitive advantage.
A Linear Switched Reluctance Motor based position tracking system

A linear switched reluctance motor (LSRM) based position tracking system and its control aspect are presented in this paper. Based on modeling analysis of the drive system, two reduced order controlled models are developed with different time scales, referred as mechanical subsystem and electrical subsystem. Two controllers are respectively designed for the two subsystems. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of this control scheme.
International Production Networks and Domestic Operations of Japanese Manufacturing Firms: Normal periods and the Global Financial Crisis

The paper investigates the features of production networks of Japanese manufacturing firms and their domestic operations and export/import activities in normal periods and during the Global Financial Crisis (GFC). Our previous empirical studies have shown that firms that expand their operations in East Asia are more likely to expand domestic operations, particularly domestic employment, than firms that do not in normal periods. This study further verifies that such tendency stands during the GFC. Moreover, this paper expands the scope of our series of studies by introducing labor productivity as one of the performance variables and also analyzing changes in the relative and absolute size of headquarters and manufacturing activities over time in order to seek a possible sign of de-industrialization.
Integration of human perception for color texture management

For more than thirty years image processing has used the numerical approach for image filtering and segmentation, and for extracting information by using attributes or features. Recent developments have proposed psycho-visual tests to measure the pattern sensitivity of the human visual system in terms of contrast and spatial frequencies. These contrast sensitivity functions make possible assessing the quality of the perceived image for a high resolution image. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to image processing, namely the use of human perception along common image processing tools towards image interpretation.
The functions of the muscles of the thumb, the index, and long fingers. Synchronous recording of motions and action potentials of muscles.

A single-process, synchronized system for simultaneous recording of both motion of body parts and the action potentials of several muscles producing the motion is described. The method owes its advantages of simplicity and efficiency to the dual-lens, rotating prism-shutter motion-picture camera. This instrument operates over a range of five to 11,000 frames per second and superimposes on film moving at constant speed, sequential photographs of the moving parts and continuous oscillograms. Fine control of recording speed makes possible closely grouped series of action potentials approaching in effect an integrated form of the record. Thus a few frames may be projected or printed as charts showing, in a very short space, complete movements and the pertinent electrical activity. Motions of the thumb, index and long fingers were studied, recording the electrical activity of six to eight muscles of each. Isolated as well as functional movements were analyzed. Some observations were made concerning intrinsic muscle behavior. The activity of the lumbricals during interphalangeal extension was apparent, but lack of discernible difference in the actions of the index finger after local anesthetic block of the motor nerve of the first lumbrical cast serious doubt on the functional significance of this muscle. Differences in behavior of the first dorsal interosseus compared with that of the remaining interossei were observed. Owing to the difference in its insertion, which is confined to the proximal phalanx, strong electrical stimulation of this muscle produced metacarpophalangeal-joint abduction and flexion, but no evidence of interphalangeal extension whatsoever. Other interossei demonstrated action potentials on interphalangeal extension in some situations. Special studies of the components of the flexor digitorum sublimis muscle were also done. The components of this muscle's superficial layer, those for the ring and long fingers, as well as the three usually discrete components of the deep layer, the trigastric muscle, containing components to the index and little fingers together with a proximal belly common to both of these digits, were individually penetrated with electrodes and electrically stimulated, then records were made. The advantage of the system used is that all necessary data—motion-picture records of movement and synchronized displays of the electrical activity of several participating muscles—are simultaneously acquired and recorded in a single process. Since the dual-lens, rotating prism-shutter moving-picture camera may be operated at very slow speeds, the original photographic data serve as excellent chart material, after enlargement of the photographs, as well as material for repetitive study as projected moving-picture films.
Solid‐state fermentation of sweet sorghum to ethanol

Solid‐state fermentation of chopped sweet sorghum particles to ethanol was studied in static flasks using an ethanol tolerant yeast strain. The influence of various process parameters, such as temperature, yeast cell concentration, and moisture content, on the rate and extent of ethanol fermentation was investigated. Optimal values of these parameters were found to be 35°C, 7 × 108 cells/g raw sorghum, and 70% moisture level, respectively.
The Inequality of Flexibility Workers in the UK Retail Industry

This paper examines the phenomenon of occupational gender segregation in the retail industry, with a particular focus on part time working. The empirical data was gathered through a series of 59 interviews, and a small survey of employees, with store level managers in three UK retail organisations. The paper illustrates the extent of occupational gender segregation and considers the impact of such stereotyping on the gender pay gap, training and career development. Occupational gender segregation, both vertical and horizontal, is prevalent in the industry (Broadbridge 1995; Craig and Wilkinson 1985; Dawson et al 1987; Freathy 1993; Sparks 1991), and this paper illustrates how line managers consciously perpetuate gender segregation. The research found that managers’ negative views of female part time workers detrimentally impacted on opportunities of selection, development and progression, resulting in women being particularly disadvantaged in terms of pay, training, and career development. As a result such perceptions played an important role in determining the occupation, pay and position of female workers in the retail industry.
Kyasanur forest disease: an epidemiological view in India

Kyasanur forest disease (KFD) was first recognised as a febrile illness in the Shimoga district of Karnataka state of India. The causative agent, KFD virus (KFDV), is a highly pathogenic member in the family Flaviviridae, producing a haemorrhagic disease in infected human beings. KFD is a zoonotic disease and has so far been localised only in a southern part of India. The exact cause of its emergence in the mid 1950s is not known. A variant of KFDV, characterised serologically and genetically as Alkhurma haemorrhagic fever virus (AHFV), has been recently identified in Saudi Arabia. KFDV and AHFV share 89% sequence homology, suggesting common ancestral origin. Homology modelling of KFDV envelope (E) protein exhibited a structure similar to those of other flaviviruses, suggesting a common mechanism of virus‐cell fusion. The possible mechanism of receptor‐ligand interaction involved in infection by KFDV may resemble that of other flavivirses. Present understanding is that KFDV may be persisting silently in several regions of India and that antigenic and structural differences from other tick borne viruses may be related to the unique host specificity and pathogenicity of KFDV. From January 1999 through January 2005, an increasing number of KFD cases have been detected in Karnataka state of Indian subcontinent despite routine vaccination, suggesting insufficient efficacy of the current vaccine protocol. However, the exact cause of the increase of KFD cases needs further investigation. Considering the requirement of safer and more effective vaccines in general, there is clearly a need for developing an alternative vaccine as well as a rapid diagnostic system for KFD. The changing ecology of the prime focus of the KFD also warrants attention, as it may lead to establishment of the disease in newer localities, never reported before. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A VCO Based Digital Microphone Utilizing A FIR Sigma Delta Converter

As negative feedback in control systems is often not applicable and/or produces undesirable effects, this paper presents an analysis and simulation of a finite impulse response (FIR) sigma delta A/D converter comprising of a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) and D-flip-flop to digitize data. The FIR sigma delta modulator (SDM) is analyzed in terms of performance and simulation results are given. As an application example conventional condenser microphones are introduced and then improved upon utilizing the FIR sigma delta modulator. Proof-of-concept is given along with simulation results
256-QAM Modem Performance in Distorted Channels

Performance degradations of 256-QAM modems in distorted channels are studied in this correspondence. Illustrative linear, parabolic, and sinusoidal amplitude and group delay channel distortions, caused by filter imperfections and/or by selective radio fades, are investigated. To enable an easy comparison with 64-QAM systems, we present the degradations of these systems in the same figures as those of 256-QAM modems. It is shown that linear (slope) group delay and sinusoidal (ripple) amplitude distortions cause the most significant performance degradations.
All Initial Public Offerings (IPO's) Are Not Created Equal

This study examines the relation between the offer price adjustment, initial return, and subsequent short-run performance for a sample of initial public offerings (IPO's) made by US industrial companies from 1986 to 1996. The IPO's are divided into three categories (cold, cool, and hot issues) based on the offer price relative to the suggested price range revealed in the preliminary prospectus. It is found that the offer price adjustment not only predicts the first-day return, but also predicts subsequent short-run performance in the same direction up to three months after issuance. Moreover, different types of IPO's demonstrate distinct cross-sectional behavior in multivariate regressions of initial returns. Our results suggest that cold IPO's are quite unique and deserve more attention in future studies.
Perspectives for DC distribution adoption in Brazil

The main purpose of this paper is to discuss possible means for DC distribution adoption in Brazil in medium term, basing the discussion on the perspective of an emerging country. A main path to be explored is the progressive adaptation of PV residential and commercial distributed generation systems into a DC microgrid, allowing energy efficiency, power quality and energy management improvements. A DC microgrid testbed in current development in the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) will also be described and simulated results will be used to demonstrate the behavior of the proposed architecture.
A NOVEL LOOK AT THE EFFICIENCY OF ITS INFLUENCE ON PROLIFERATION OF A 549 HUMAN LUNG CARCINOMA CELLS

Aqueous extract of Inonotus obliquus was hydrolyzed in dilute hydrochloric acid. The products were extracted applying organic solvents, and separated chromatographically on a silica gel-packed column. Eluted fractions were analyzed by means of GC-MS. The presence of hydrocarbons, alcohols, phenols and various carbonyl compounds in analyzed fractions has been detected and quantified. Preliminarily experiments on the influence of certain separated samples on the proliferation of A549 human lung carcinoma cells were performed. Therefore, we hypothesize that the major antiproliferative effects are related to the presence of benzaldehyde, which is a benzyl alcohol metabolite formed in situ in the cells culture with the yield moderated by the presence of trace amounts of ìhigh molecular mass compoundsî.
Iron Acquisition Strategies of Vibrio anguillarum

The hemorrhagic septicemic disease vibriosis caused by Vibrio anguillarum shows noticeable similarities to invasive septicemia in humans, and in this case, the V. anguillarum–host system has the potential to serve as a model for understanding native eukaryotic host–pathogen interactions. Iron acquisition, as a fierce battle occurring between pathogenic V. anguillarum and the fish host, is a pivotal step for virulence. In this article, advances in defining the roles of iron uptake pathways in growth and virulence of V. anguillarum have been summarized, divided into five aspects, including siderophore biosynthesis and secretion, iron uptake, iron release, and regulation of iron uptake. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of iron acquisition will have important implications for the pathogenicity of this organism.
A retrospective case series comparing the use of demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft and freeze-dried bone allograft combined with enamel matrix derivative for the treatment of advanced osseous lesions.

BACKGROUND Combined regenerative approaches have been used for treating advanced osseous lesions around teeth. The aim of combining treatments is to enhance both clinical predictability and regenerative outcome compared to a monotherapeutic approach. This case series from a private practice reports on the clinical efficacy of an enamel matrix derivative (EMD) combined with either demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft (DFDBA) or freeze-dried bone allograft (FDBA) in the treatment of advanced infrabony lesions. The advanced lesions were veneered by a rapidly formed absorbable polymer barrier of poly(DL-lactide) to enhance graft containment. METHODS A total of 22 consecutive patients, each contributing one infrabony lesion, are reported. After patients completed presurgical preparation, the infrabony lesions were surgically treated with a combined approach that included root surface treatment with citric acid. The two groups differed in their composite graft; one received DFDBA-EMD (n = 10) and the other received FDBA-EMD (n = 12). Patients followed a stringent postoperative protocol and were evaluated 6 months postsurgery. Clinical outcomes were assessed by changes in clinical attachment level (CAL) and probing depth (PD) from pretreatment. Surgical re-entry of several sites was possible in each group. RESULTS CAL at pretreatment measured 9.2 +/- 1.3 mm and 9.1 +/- 1.9 mm for DFDBA-EMD and FDBA-EMD groups, respectively, with corresponding PD of 8.4 +/- 1.6 mm and 8.9 +/- 2.0 mm for each group. At 6 months post-treatment, CALs were reduced to 4.7 +/- 1.3 mm and 3.8 +/- 1.0 mm for DFDBA-EMD and FDBA-EMD groups, respectively; with corresponding PD decreased to 3.0 +/- 0.8 mm and 3.2 +/- 1.0 mm. Relative improvements in CAL for the DFDBA-EMD and DFDBA-EMD groups were 49.1% +/- 11.0% and 57.3% +/- 9.4%, respectively (P <0.07). CONCLUSIONS This case series demonstrates the clinical benefits of using a combined therapeutic approach in which a biologic mediator (EMD) was combined with either DFDBA or FDBA. In this limited case series, a trend was observed towards greater improvement in clinical attachment level gain in advanced infrabony defects when EMD was combined with FDBA as compared to DFDBA. Larger prospective controlled clinical trials are needed to determine if differences exist in the relative efficacy of DFDBA versus FDBA in combination with EMD.
Rhythmic sensitization of nematocyst discharge in response to vibrational stimuli.

Sea anemones capture prey by discharging nematocysts and other cnidae. Discharge of microbasic p-mastigophore (mpm) nematocysts is regulated in part by hair bundle mechanoreceptors on tentacles arising from multicellular complexes consisting of supporting cells and a sensory neuron. Anemone hair bundles detect movements of prey and then sensitize cnidocytes (cnida-containing cells) to discharge mpm nematocysts in response to contact between the prey and tentacle. Data from a simple bioassay based on counting nematocysts discharged into test probes, indicate that approximately twice as many nematocysts discharge into test probes touched to tentacles after sensitization than before sensitization. We here report that sub-second bursts of vibrational stimuli at key frequencies (51, 55, 65, or 74 Hz; Watson GM, Mire P, Hudson RR. 1998. J Exp Zool 281:582-593) sensitize discharge for at least 90 sec. Very few complete cycles of vibration are sufficient to sensitize discharge. However, as the number of cycles of vibration is increased, discharge is sensitized in rhythmic patterns. Computer analysis of the data by fast Fourier transforms indicates discharge to vibrations at 65 Hz is sensitized every 6.75 cycles. At 51 Hz discharge is sensitized every 2.00 cycles. At 74 Hz, discharge is sensitized in a polyrhythm occurring every 4.26, 3.76, 2.46, and 2. 10 cycles, respectively. At 55 Hz, discharge is sensitized in a polyrhythm occurring every 6.09, 3.20, 2.91, and 2.0 cycles, respectively. Apparently, cells in the neuronal pathway interconnecting anemone hair bundles with cnidocytes count cycles of vibration and then sensitize discharge or not according to the tally. J. Exp. Zool. 286:262-269, 2000.