Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A compact edge-fed filtering microstrip antenna with 0.2 dB equal-ripple response

A compact microstrip antenna with a second order 0.2 dB equal-ripple response and 4 % fractional bandwidth is proposed. This design follows the synthesis process of the bandpass filter. The radiating patch is fed by a new edge-fed gap-coupling mechanism. The coupling section excites the antenna, and it can be an admittance inverter for the filter design as well. Moreover, it does not occupy any additional circuit area. The proposed antenna has the size of 0. 6λg × 0. 6λ, where λg is the guiding wavelength in the substrate. The antenna provides good selectivity, flat in-band antenna gain response, and good out-band rejection. The measurement results agree with the simulated ones.
Syntax score predicts clinical outcome in patients with three-vessel coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND The Syntax score was recently developed as a comprehensive, angiographic tool grading the complexity of coronary artery disease (CAD). It aims to assist in patient selection and risk stratification of patients with extensive CAD undergoing revascularization. However, the prognostic value of the Syntax score in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has not been validated. The aim of this study was to evaluate its role in predicting long-term incidences of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) in patients undergoing PCI for 3-vessel disease. METHODS Two hundred and three consecutive patients with de novo 3-vessel CAD undergoing PCI with sirolimus-eluting stents were studied. Their angiograms were scored according to the Syntax score. The patients were divided into tertiles according to the Syntax score: lowest Syntax score tertile (Syntax score ≤ 22), intermediate Syntax score tertile (Syntax score of 23 to 32), and the highest Syntax score tertile (Syntax score ≥ 33). During the 1-year follow-up, the MACCE-free survival curves were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were performed to evaluate the relation between the Syntax score and the incidence of MACCE. Performance of the Syntax score was studied with respect to predicting the rate of MACCE by receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves with an area under the curve. RESULTS The overall Syntax score ranged from 6 to 66 with mean ± standard deviation of 27.9 ± 12.6 and a median of 26. At 1 year, the Syntax score significantly predicted the risk of MACCE (HR 1.07/U increase, 95%CI 1.04 to 1.11, P < 0.001). The rate of MACCE was significantly increased among patients in the highest Syntax score tertile (17.9%) as compared with those with the lowest Syntax score tertile (1.4%, P < 0.001) or intermediate Syntax score tertile (6.2%, P = 0.041). After the adjustment for all potential confounders, the Syntax score remained a significant predictor of the rate of MACCE (adjusted HR 1.12/U increase, 95%CI 1.05 to 1.20, P < 0.001). The Syntax score accurately predicted MACCE with an area under the receiver operator curve of 0.77 (95%CI 0.65 to 0.90, P < 0.001). A Syntax score of 29.5 was identified as the optimal cutoff to predict MACCE with a sensitivity of 82.4% and specificity of 65.6%. CONCLUSION The Syntax score predicts the risk of MACCE in patients with 3-vessel disease undergoing PCI.
Spectrum Sensing for Cognitive Radios Based on Directional Statistics of Polarization Vectors

In this paper, we propose a new blind spectrum sensing method based on the polarization characteristic of the received signal, which is completely represented by the orientation of a polarization vector. We first discuss a spectrum sensing model based on polarization vectors' orientation. Then we develop the directional statistics of polarization vectors that contain both the signal and noise or noise only. The distinctive difference between the two statistics can be used to decide whether the primary signal exists or not. Based on this, by using the well-known generalized likelihood ratio test (GLRT) paradigm, a new polarization sensing algorithm GLRT-polarization vector (GLRT-PV) is proposed. By applying directional statistics, we derive closed-form expressions for the probability of false alarm and the probability of detection under both dual-polarized additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) and Rayleigh-fading channels. Our numerical simulation and experimental results show that the proposed method exhibits better performance than other existing methods in the case of unknown primary transmitter polarization and/or presence of noise power uncertainty.
Rate of transmission of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing enterobacteriaceae without contact isolation.

BACKGROUND Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae are emerging worldwide. Contact isolation is recommended; however, little is known about the rate of transmission without contact isolation in the non-epidemic setting. Therefore, we aimed to estimate the rate of spread (R(0)) of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae in a tertiary care center with 5 intensive care units. METHODS In this observational cohort study performed from June 1999 through April 2011, all patients at the University Hospital Basel, Switzerland, who were hospitalized in the same room as a patient colonized or infected with an ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae for at least 24 hours (index case) were screened for ESBL carriage by testing of rectal swab samples, swab samples from open wounds or drainages, and urine samples from patients with foley catheters. Strains with phenotypic evidence for ESBL were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. Nosocomial transmission was assumed when the result of screening for ESBL carriage in a contact patient was positive and molecular typing by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) revealed clonal relatedness with the strain from the index patient. RESULTS Active screening for ESBL carriage could be performed in 133 consecutive contact patients. Transmission confirmed by PFGE occurred in 2 (1.5%) of 133 contact patients, after a mean exposure to the index case of 4.3 days. CONCLUSIONS The estimated rate of spread of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae-in particular, Escherichia coli-was low in a tertiary care university-affiliated hospital with high levels of standard hygiene precautions. The low level of nosocomial transmission and the rapid emergence of community-acquired ESBL challenge the routine use of contact isolation in a non-epidemic setting, saving resources and potentially improving patient care.
Reoperative coronary artery bypass grafting with and without cardiopulmonary bypass: determinants of perioperative morbidity and mortality.

BACKGROUND This retrospective study evaluates perioperative results of reoperative coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with and without cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). METHODS From January 1995 to March 1999 reoperative CABG was performed on 581 patients: 307 (52.84%) patients were operated upon on-CPB and 274 (47.16%) off-CPB. Median sternotomy was used in all patients on-CPB. Median sternotomy or alternative surgical approaches were used in the off-CPB group. Data was retrospectively reviewed. To identify the variables independently related to perioperative mortality and adverse outcome, multivariate analysis was performed in the overall population of 581 patients. RESULTS Preoperative risk factors were comparable in the two groups. Critical lesions of the right and left circumflex coronary artery were more common in the on-CPB group (p < 0.005). A total of 2.7 grafts/patient was performed in the on-CPB group versus 1.3 grafts/patient in the off-CPB group (p = NS). Freedom from postoperative complications was higher in the off-CPB group (72% versus 90.9%, p < 0.005). Perioperative stroke and respiratory failure rates were more common in the on-CPB group (3.9% versus 0.7% and 5.9% versus 2.2% respectively, p < 0.005). Actual mortality was 5.9% in the on-CPB group and 3.6% in the off-CPB group (p = NS). Risk adjusted mortality was 2.2% and 1.3% in the on-CPB and off-CPB groups respectively. Although CPB was found to be independently related to adverse outcome (odds ratio (OR) = 2.89, p-value < 0.005), no correlation was found between mortality and CPB. CONCLUSIONS Avoidance of CPB independently reduces adverse outcomes in reoperative CABG without affecting mortality rate.
Using Time‐Driven Activity‐Based Costing to Identify Value Improvement Opportunities in Healthcare

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY As healthcare providers cope with pricing pressures and increased accountability for performance, they should be rededicating themselves to improving the value they deliver to their patients: better outcomes and lower costs. Time‐driven activity‐based costing offers the potential for clinicians to redesign their care processes toward that end. This costing approach, however, is new to healthcare and has not yet been systematically implemented and evaluated. This article describes early time‐driven activity‐based costing work at several leading healthcare organizations in the United States and Europe. It identifies the opportunities they found to improve value for patients and demonstrates how this costing method can serve as the foundation for new bundled payment reimbursement approaches.
Chromosomal mosaicism in human preimplantation embryos: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND Although chromosomal mosaicism in human preimplantation embryos has been described for almost two decades, its exact prevalence is still unknown. The prevalence of mosaicism is important in the context of preimplantation genetic screening in which the chromosomal status of an embryo is determined by the analysis of a single cell from that embryo. METHODS Here we report a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on the chromosomal constitution of human preimplantation embryos. In 36 studies, out of 2117 citations that met our search criteria, data were provided extensively enough to allow classification of each analysed embryo with prespecified criteria for its chromosomal makeup. The main outcome of this classification was the prevalence of chromosomal mosaicism in human preimplantation embryos. RESULTS A total of 815 embryos could be classified. Of these, 177 (22%) were diploid, 599 (73%) were mosaic, of which 480 (59% of the total number of embryos) were diploid-aneuploid mosaic and 119 (14% of the total number of embryos) were aneuploid mosaic, and 39 (5%) contained other numerical chromosomal abnormalities. The distribution of the embryos over these categories was associated with the developmental stage of the embryos, the method used for analysis and the number of chromosomes analysed. CONCLUSIONS Diploid-aneuploid mosaicism is by far the most common chromosomal constitution in spare human preimplantation embryos after IVF. This undermines the reliable determination of the ploidy status of a cleavage-stage embryo based on the analysis of a single cell. Future research should determine the origin and developmental potential of mosaic embryos.
THE GENETIC STRUCTURE OF A HYBRID ZONE BETWEEN TWO CHROMOSOME RACES OF THE SCELOPORUS GRAMMICUS COMPLEX (SAURIA, PHRYNOSOMATIDAE) IN CENTRAL MEXICO

The F5 (2n = 34) and FM2 (2n = 44–46) chromosome races of the Sceloporus grammicus complex form a parapatric hybrid zone in the Mexican state of Hidalgo, characterized by steep concordant clines among three diagnostic chromosome markers across a straight‐line distance of about 2 km. Here, we show that this zone is actually structured into local patches in which hybridization extends over an extremely irregular front. The distribution of hybrid‐index (HI) scores across the transect reveals some hybridization at almost all localities mapped in a central 7 km × 3 km area. Pooling the central samples produces both a strong heterozygote deficit for all diagnostic markers and strong linkage disequilibria between all pairwise combinations of these (unlinked) markers. Moreover, a highly significant association exists between the habitat on which each individual was caught and its karyotype (F5 chromosomes are more likely to be found on oak). Analysis of genotype frequencies over a range of spatial scales shows that there is no significant heterozygote deficit or habitat association within local areas of less than about 200 m; however, there is significant linkage disequilibrium over the smallest scales (R = D (pquv)1/2 = 0.29, support limits, 0.18–0.36) over 100 m. These patterns suggest that lizards mate and choose habitats randomly within local patches. This conclusion is supported by mark‐recapture estimates of dispersal (≈ 80 m in a generation) and by inference of matings from embryo and maternal karyotypes. Closer examination of the two‐dimensional pattern reveals a convoluted cline for all three markers, with a width of 830 m (support limits 770 m–930 m). This cline width, combined with the strength of local linkage disequilibrium, implies a dispersal rate of σ = 160 m in a generation and an effective selection pressure of 30% on each chromosome marker. The proportion of inviable embryos is greater in females from the center of the hybrid zone; this is caused by effects associated with both karyotype and location. The hybrid zone is likely to be maintained by selection against chromosomal heterozygotes, by other kinds of selection against hybrids, and by selection adapting the chromosome races to different habitats. The structure of the contact may be caused by both random drift and by selection in relation to habitat.
Fiscal Policy with Heterogeneous Agents, Banks and Financial Frictions

We assess the role of banks to the transmission of fiscal policy reforms to the economy. We built-up a dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model with heterogeneous agents, banks and government. We find that banks mitigate the negative spillover effects to the economy from higher taxes. Specifically, housing taxes exhibit negative effects to the economy in the short-run and positive in the long-run, if they are welfare enhancing. Borrowers are affected the most from higher housing taxes. The existence of banks benefits impatient households from higher consumption taxes, whereas higher housing tax, targeted on patient households and entrepreneurs, decreases agents' welfare.
Management of Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain in Primary Care: A Descriptive Study

Study Design A retrospective, descriptive study. Objectives To describe the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for patients with chronic low back pain in primary care. Summary of Background Data Most previous studies have described the management of acute low back pain, but little is known about the management of chronic low back pain in primary care. Methods Twenty‐six general practitioners involved in the Registration Network of Family Practices of the University of Limburg in The Netherlands participated in this study. All patients and general practitioners were asked to complete a retrospective questionnaire, and there was a 12‐month follow‐up. Results The total study population consisted of 524 patients with chronic low back pain. Twenty‐three percent of the patients had had radiographs taken during the previous 12 months, and 5% had been examined by other imaging techniques. Twenty‐nine percent of the study population had not received any therapy at all, 46% had received medication, mostly (36%) nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and for 18% (bed)‐rest had been advised. Thirty‐six percent of the study population had been referred to a physiotherapist. Conclusions The therapeutic management of chronic low back pain seems to lack consistency. Clinical guidelines are needed to improve the management of chronic low back pain in primary care.
A Comparison of Force Curve Profiles Between the Bench Press and Ballistic Bench Throws

Clark, RA, Bryant, AL, and Humphries, B. A comparison of force curve profiles between the bench press and ballistic bench throws. J Strength Cond Res 22(6): 1755-1759, 2008-The purpose of this study was to compare the peak force and force curve characteristics during a traditional bench press (BP) and a ballistic bench throw (BT). Eight (age = 21.0 ± 2.3 years, height = 182.3 ± 7.4 cm, body mass = 85.9 ± 5.5 kg) semi-professional rugby league players with resistance and power training experience performed both BP and BT exercises at loads of 55 and 80% of their predicted one-repetition maximum. The force curves for each test were then divided into three intensity levels, set at low to moderate (0-75%), high (75-95%), and near-maximal force (95-100%). These values were obtained by determining the percentage of the range of motion (ROM) in which the force produced during each test was within these thresholds. The BT exercise produced significantly (p < 0.05) higher peak force than BP under both loading conditions. A significantly greater portion of the ROM during the 80% BT was at a high intensity in comparison with the BP. No significant differences were found between force intensity conditions at 55% loads. It can be concluded that performing the BT exercise results in a greater peak force output when compared with the traditional BP movement under both resistance training and maximal power loading conditions. Furthermore, performing the BT exercise with heavy loads results in a more efficient training method for maintaining high force levels throughout the ROM.
Kinetics of the AHL regulatory system in a model biofilm system: how many bacteria constitute a "quorum"?

Acylated homoserine lactones (AHLs) regulate a wide variety of phenotypes in Gram-negative bacteria. Most research suggests that AHL-mediated phenotypes are not expressed in populations until late logarithmic phase or stationary phase. Here, we model how the concentration of AHLs inside bacterial cells and in a biofilm changes over time as a function of population growth rate, diffusion of AHLs and the rate of autoinduction. Our theoretical results show that the concentration of AHLs inside a single bacterium (and by implication induction of a phenotype) has a non-trivial behaviour over time, and often exhibits a rapid increase early in population growth. This rapid increase is followed by a plateau, followed by another rise in the concentration of AHLs, to a second plateau. High concentrations of AHLs inside the bacterial cell early in population growth are positively affected by slow diffusion rates out of the cell and the biofilm, slow bacterial growth rates and fast autoinduction. In contrast, fast growth rates, slow autoinduction rates and high diffusion rates result in a high concentration plateau in stationary phase. More generally, the density-dependent nature of AHL regulation can be viewed as a trade-off between factors that dilute intracellular concentrations of AHLs (diffusion out of the cell, cell division), and those that increase concentrations (a slowing or restriction of diffusion or growth, or autoinduction). These results suggest that expression of AHL-mediated phenotypes can occur at relatively low cell densities and low external/environmental AHL concentrations.
Morphology of Tibiotalar Osteophytes in Anterior Ankle Impingement

The purpose of this study was to document radiographic trends in the size and location of osteophytes occurring in patients who have undergone surgical treatment of bony anterior ankle impingement. All patients over a period of 31 months who had undergone surgical excision of anterior ankle osteophytes were identified. 9 patients (10 ankles) in whom preoperative CT scans were available were selected as the study group. This group was retrospectively reviewed in terms of basic preoperative characteristics (age, sex, symptomatology, sports history, systemic disease, passive dorsiflexion). Osteophyte size was measured on plain lateral radiographs, and axial CT images were used to determine both tibial and talar osteophyte location by referencing them to the midline of the talar dome. 95% confidence intervals demonstrated that the talar spur peak lies medial to the midline, the tibial spur peak lies lateral to the midline, and the spurs typically do not overlap each other. Further, the tibial spur is wider than the talar spur, and the talar spur usually protrudes medially off the medial edge of the talar neck. Thus, there is evidence that anterior tibiotalar osteophytes may have a relatively consistent pattern of formation, with the talar spur occurring on the medial aspect of the talar neck, and the tibial spur peaking lateral to the midline. This information, if substantiated with additional patients, may provide insight into the pathophysiology of anterior ankle impingement, as well as facilitate the open and arthroscopic approaches toward resection of these lesions.
Model Predictive Direct Power Control for Single Phase Three-Level Rectifier at Low Switching Frequency

This paper presents a new model predictive direct power control (MP-DPC) to overcome the drawbacks of model predictive control (MPC) for single phase three-level rectifiers in the railway traction drive system, including huge online calculation, poor power control precision at the low switching frequency and variable switching frequency. To do so, an exact analytical solution of instantaneous power estimation is adopted to predict active and reactive powers in next duty cycle updating interval for achieving the deadbeat control and reducing the predictive error at the low switching frequency (below 1 kHz). The optimal d-axis and q-axis components of input voltage within next duty cycle updating interval of the adopted rectifier in rotating coordinate system are directly calculated by minimizing the cost function. And the optimal drive pulses are generated by pulse width modulation stage in the proposed MP-DPC, other than evaluating cost function for each voltage vector in traditional MP-DPC. Finally, the influence of inductance mismatch on control system is analyzed, and an inductance estimation method is shown to improve the control precision. An experimental comparison with other five different DPC schemes has verified the effectiveness of the proposed MP-DPC scheme.
Microembolic Signals within 24 Hours of Stroke Onset and Diffusion-Weighted MRI Abnormalities

Background: The clinical relevance of the microembolic signals (MES) detected by transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD) in acute stroke remains unclear. In a prospective study the authors analyzed the relationship between MES and the findings on diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) in acute stroke patients. Methods: We performed TCD for a period of 30 min to detect MES in patients within 24 h of stroke onset, and DWI was done within the initial 7 days. MES were assessed from Doppler waves obtained from the middle cerebral artery contralateral to the side of the neurological deficits. The acute ischemic lesions observed on DWI were classified by their diameter (small, medium or large) and by their site (cortical, superficial perforator territory, internal borderzone or deep perforator territory). Results: We obtained Doppler waves from 39 vessels in 37 patients; 2 patients had bilateral deficits. MES were detected in 12 vessels (MES-positive group) and not detected in 27 vessels (MES-negative group). No significant differences in clinical features were observed between the 2 groups. The number of small lesions was significantly higher in the MES-positive group than in the MES-negative group (p = 0.02). The numbers of cortical and superficial perforator infarcts were significantly higher in the MES-positive group than in the MES-negative group (p = 0.002 and 0.02, respectively). Conclusion: In acute ischemic stroke, MES detected by TCD in the acute phase may produce small cortical and subcortical lesions found on DWI.