Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A satisfaction and return-on-investment study of a nurse triage service.

OBJECTIVE To assess patient satisfaction and a health plan's return on investment associated with a telephone-based triage service. STUDY DESIGN A pre-post study design, with medical claims data, to assess changes in medical service utilization and health plan expenditures associated with members' use of the triage service. PATIENTS AND METHODS This study is based on data on 60,000 members of a health plan. A telephone survey was conducted to assess member satisfaction and outcomes with the triage service. The plan's medical claims and encounter data were used to calculate medical utilization rates and plan expenditures for those services. The health plan's return-on-investment was evaluated using a pre/post study design to assess changes in medical service utilization between the baseline (December 1995 through November 1996) and program (December 1996 through November 1997) periods. RESULTS The average nurse response time to a call was just less than 50 seconds, which indicates the service provided ready access to medical advice 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. More than 90% of users were satisfied, and utilization of hospital emergency department (ED) and physician office services decreased significantly after the service was implemented. The changes in medical service utilization resulted in reductions in health plan expenditures that exceeded the plan's costs of providing the service. The plan's estimated return for every dollar invested in the nurse triage service was approximately $1.70. CONCLUSIONS The telephone-based nurse triage service appears to be a cost-effective intervention that improves access to medical advice, thereby encouraging appropriate use of medical services. The service is associated with reductions in utilization of hospital ED and physician office services and with high levels of member satisfaction.
Active Learning with a Human in The Loop

Abstract : Text annotation is an expensive pre-requisite for applying data-driven natural language processing techniques to new datasets. Tools that can reliably reduce the time and money required to construct an annotated corpus would be of immediate value to MITRE's sponsors. To this end, we have explored the possibility of using active learning strategies to aid human annotators in performing a basic named entity annotation task. Our experiments consider example-based active learning algorithms that are widely believed to reduce the number of examples and therefore reduce cost but instead show that once the true costs of human annotation is taken into consideration the savings from using active learning vanishes. Our experiments with human annotators confirm that human annotation times vary greatly and are diffcult to predict, a fact that has received relatively little attention in the academic literature on active learning for natural language processing. While our study was far from exhaustive, we found that the literature supporting active learning typically focuses on reducing the number of examples to be annotated while ignoring the costs of manual annotation. To date there is no published work suggesting that active learning actually reduces annotation time or cost for the sequence labeling annotation task we consider. For these reasons combined with the non-trivial costs and constraints imposed by active learning, we have decided to exclude active learning support from our annotation tool suite, and we are unable to recommend active learning in the form we detail in this technical report to our sponsors as a strategy for reducing costs for natural language annotation tasks.
Local ratio cut and set covering partitioning for huge logic emulation systems

Given a system represented at gate level, we propose an algorithm mapping the design into the minimum number of FPGA's for logic emulation. We first devise a Local Ratio-cut clustering scheme to reduce the circuit complexity. Then a Set Covering partitioning approach, utilizing the paradigm of Espresso II, is proposed as an alternative to the widely adopted recursive partitioning paradigm. Experimental results have shown that our approach achieved significant improvement with much shorter run times compared to the recursive Fiduccia-Mattheyses approach on large designs. For instance, on a benchmark of 160 K gates and 90 K nets, we reduced the number of FPGA's required and the run time by 41 and 86%, respectively. >
Effect of mannan oligosaccharide addition to whole milk on growth and health of Holstein calves

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of mannan oligosaccharide (MOS) mixed in the whole milk on the growth and health of calves. Forty Holstein calves (20 male, 20 female) were randomly assigned, within sex, to one of two groups at 5 d of age. Calves were fed fresh, warm whole milk (control) or fresh, warm whole milk supplemented with MOS (4 g of Bio-Mos per calf daily at a.m. feeding). Calves were fed 4 L of whole milk per day in two equal feedings for 6 weeks. Pelleted calf starter and fresh water were available ad libitum during the experiment. No hay was fed. Body weights (BW) were measured at the beginning of the experiment and then weekly till the end of the experiment. Height at withers, heart girth, withers to pins, and point of shoulder to pins were measured at the beginning and at the end of the experiment. Fecal fluidity scores and respiratory condition were monitored daily. Intake of whole milk was similar between the groups (P>0.10). Although there was no significant difference in starter intakes (P>0.10), calves in MOS treatment consumed 19.9 % more calf starter than calves in control diet (499.2 vs. 416.5 g/d) for 26 to 46 d of age. BW gains for various age periods were unaffected by treatment (P>0.10). However, calves in MOS treatment gained 11.2 % more BW than calves in control diet (627.4 vs. 564.2 g/d) from 26 to 46 d of age. Skeletal growth and feed efficiencies were similar for calves in both groups. No respiratory problems in calves in both groups occurred during the experiment. Fecal fluidity scores, percent calf days with scours and percent calf days treated for scours were unaffected by treatment (P>0.10). However, calf scours was a common problem especially during the first 3 weeks of the experiment. The reason for this may have been that calf scours had been a common problem at the location of the experiment for many years. This suggests that there must have been a significant enteric challenge for calves at this location. Even under these stressful conditions, MOS in whole milk did not elicit an improvement in enteric health in the circumstances of this location. Although there were no significant differences between the groups, the results suggest that starter intake and consequently BW gain from 26 to 46 d of age tended to be improved in calves in MOS group compared with calves in control group.
Effects of Repeated Annual Influenza Vaccination on Antibody Responses against Unchanged Vaccine Antigens in Elderly Frail Institutionalized Volunteers

Background: Concern about the possibility that annually repeated influenza immunizationmayinduce a lower antibody response than first vaccination. Objective: To ascertain the cumulative effects of yearly vaccination on serological response to unaltered vaccine antigens in the elderly. Methods: The haemagglutination-inhibiting (HI) antibody response was examined in 158 elderly institutionalized frail volunteers subdivided in 3 groups according to the sequential winters in which each subject received a trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine. The study, conducted over 5 consecutive winters (from 1998/99 to 2002/03), reports the antibody response only for sequential years (2 or 3) in which the vaccine strain examined was not altered. Results: Significant increases in the values of HI antibody titres were observed after vaccination in each year examined against the different influenza vaccine strains used, except against B antigen in the second of the 3 winters studied (1999/00). The antibody responses found were not always adequate, i.e. at levels above the currently requested values for commercial vaccines (post-vaccination seroprotection rate ≧1:40, increases in geometric mean titres ≧2, positive responses ≧30% compared with pre-vaccination), probably because of old age (mean age ≧81 years) and the presence of underlying diseases in a high percentage of volunteers (≧86%). The most frequent chronic diseases found werecardiovascular diseases (48%), endocrine disorders (19%), functional disability (10%) and pulmonary diseases (4%). The post-vaccination values observed in the sequential years were in general similar for A/H3N2 and A/H1N1 vaccine strains. A decrease, however, for some parameters at statistically significant levels, was observed against B antigen following repeated vaccine administrations. Conclusion: Our data seem to support the possibility of a slight impairment of HI antibody response against unaltered influenza vaccine antigens, especially for influenza strains that have circulated for prolonged periods of time. Indeed a tendency to a lower response was found only against B/Beijing antigen, introduced in the vaccine composition in the winter 1995/96, but not against the A/H3N2 and A/H1N1 vaccine strains, which weremore frequently changed.
The Saccharomyces cerevisiae Start-specific transcription factor Swi4 interacts through the ankyrin repeats with the mitotic Clb2/Cdc28 kinase and through its conserved carboxy terminus with Swi6

At a point in late G1 termed Start, yeast cells enter S phase, duplicate their spindle pole bodies, and form buds. These events require activation of Cdc28 kinase by G1 cyclins. Swi4 associates with Swi6 to form the SCB-binding factor complex which activates G1 cyclin genes CLN1 and CLN2 in late G1. In G2 and M phases, the transcriptional activity of SCB-binding factor is repressed by the mitotic Clb2/Cdc28 kinase. Mbp1, a transcription factor related to Swi4, forms the MCB-binding factor complex with Swi6, which activates DNA synthesis genes and S-phase cyclin genes CLB5 and CLB6 in late G1. Clb2/Cdc28 kinase is not required for the repression of MCB-binding factor transcriptional activity in G2 and M phase. We show here that the Swi4 carboxy terminus is sufficient for interaction with Swi6 in vitro. A carboxy-terminal domain of Swi6 is required and sufficient for interaction with Swi4. The carboxy terminus of Mbp1 is sufficient for interaction with Swi6, and the carboxy terminus of Swi6 is required for interaction with Mbp1. By coimmunoprecipitation, we show that Swi4 but not Mbp1 interacts with Clb2/Cdc28 kinase in vivo during the G2 and M phases of the cell cycle. We demonstrate that the ankyrin repeats of Swi4 mediate the interaction with Clb2/Cdc28 kinase. The ankyrin repeats constitute a domain by which a cell cycle-specific transcription factor can interact with cyclin-dependent kinase complexes, thus enabling it to link its transcriptional activity to cell cycle progression.
Novel insulation materials for high voltage cable systems

Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) has replaced oil-paper insulated systems as the primary solution for medium and high voltage AC cables decades ago, since they enable marginally higher operating temperatures and can be produced with high throughput and well-controlled extrusion technology [1]. The base for this insulation is polyethylene (PE), which can be crosslinked either with peroxide cure (involving thermal decomposition), or by grafting silane onto the polymer chains, and the use of moisture-based cure [2]. Cross-linking is deemed necessary, since commercially available, branched low-density PE (LDPE) has more significant melting at temperatures around 100°C and the material loses all of its mechanical stability. In contrast, linear high-density PE (HDPE) has a higher melting point and can achieve higher operating temperatures. But, although HDPE found some success in medium voltage cables, it has not managed to establish a foothold in the high voltage (HV) cable sector [3]. After decades of research, conventional XLPE is at the limit of its capabilities, as outlined below, and further development is bound to have diminishing returns. Further, the costs of large extrusion and catenary cross-linking manufacturing facilities and the costs and time of degassing larger cross-section HV and extrahigh voltage cables present significant sustainability issues for cable manufacturers.
A soft-switched full-bridge single-stage AC-to-DC converter with low-line-current harmonic distortion

A single-phase high-frequency transformer-isolated soft-switching single-stage ac-to-dc converter with low-line-current distortion is presented. The circuit configuration is obtained by integrating two discontinuous current mode (DCM) boost converters with a DCM full-bridge buck converter. The zero-voltage switching for the top switches is achieved automatically, whereas bottom switches are aided by zero-voltage transition circuits. The output voltage is regulated by duty-cycle control at constant switching frequency. The intervals of operation and steady-state analysis are presented. A systematic design procedure is presented with a 1-kW converter design example. PSPICE simulation and experimental results obtained from a 1-kW laboratory prototype are presented for a wide variation in line and load conditions.
Un Modelo Dinámico para el Arribo de Tareas en Tiempo Real

Para el estudio de Sistemas en Tiempo Real es necesario conocer el comportamiento de las tareas que lo forman; esto es para aprovechar al maximo los recursos mediante planificadores y conocer el comportamiento del sistema ante diversas situaciones (predictibilidad). Diversos autores han desarrollado modelos de Tareas en Tiempo Real (TTR), sin embargo estos modelos son estaticos y no brindan mucha informacion del arribo de las mismas. En este documento se propone un modelo dinamico general para tiempos de arribo absolutos basado en un Modelo Recursivo con Promedios Moviles (MRPM) que incluye perturbaciones internas y ajenas al procesador; a traves de este modelo es posible representar el comportamiento de las tareas periodicas, esporadicas y aperiodicas.
Oxidation of monohalogenated ethanes and n-chlorinated alkanes by whole cells of Nitrosomonas europaea

We have investigated the substrate specificity of ammonia monooxygenase in whole cells of the nitrifying bacterium Nitrosomonas europaea for a number of aliphatic halogenated hydrocarbons. To determine the effect of the halogen substituent and carbon chain length on substrate reactivity, we measured the rates of oxidation of the monohalogenated ethanes (fluoroethane, chloroethane, bromoethane, and iodoethane) and n-chlorinated C1 to C4 alkanes by whole cells of N. europaea. For monohalogenated ethanes, acetaldehyde was the major organic product and little or none of any of the alternate predicted products (2-halogenated alcohols) were detected. The maximum rate of haloethane oxidation increased with decreasing halogen molecular weight from iodoethane to chloroethane (19 to 221 nmol/min per mg of protein). In addition, the amount of substrate required for the highest rate of haloethane oxidation increased with decreasing halogen molecular weight. For the n-chlorinated alkanes, the rate of dechlorination, as measured by the appearance of the corresponding aldehyde product, was greatest for chloroethane and decreased dramatically for chloropropane and chlorobutane (118, 4, and 8 nmol of aldehyde formed per min per mg of protein, respectively). The concentration profiles for halocarbon oxidation by ammonia monooxygenase showed apparent substrate inhibition when ammonia was used as the reductant source. When hydrazine was used as the electron donor, no substrate inhibition was observed, suggesting that the inhibition resulted from reductant limitation.
Consumer Feelings and Equilibrium Product Quality

"This paper considers the possibility that a firm can invest not only in the true product quality, but also in activities such as merchandizing and store atmospherics that influence consumer perception of the product quality. Consumers make their purchase decisions based on the signal (perception) of quality they experience, where the signal is influenced by both the true product quality valued by the consumer and the affect of the consumer at the time of the signal formation. In this situation, a firm finds it optimal to invest in both product quality and in variables inducing affect, even though rational consumers, in equilibrium, correctly solve back for the true product quality. We uncover an asymmetry in the effects of the cost of producing quality and the cost of inducing affect. As a firm's cost of quality decreases, the firm will find it optimal to invest more both in the true quality and in the affect inducement, even if it does not have a lower cost of inducing affect. Conversely, if a firm finds it easier to induce affect, then the product quality decreases but affect-inducing activities increase. " Copyright (c) 2010, The Author(s) Journal Compilation (c) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mechanical Noise Limit of a Strain-Coupled Magneto(Elasto)electric Sensor Operating Under a Magnetic or an Electric Field Modulation

The mechanical noise limit of a strain-coupled magneto(elasto)electric composite has been investigated when a magnetic or an electric field modulation is applied to sense a low-frequency magnetic field and access dc field measurement capabilities. The sensitivity and noise of such a composite sensor were derived from constitutive equations based on the piezoelectric and ferromagnetic material properties. The analysis was used to evaluate the equivalent noise floor of the composite sensor and to explain the origin of noise by constituting a mechanically coupled electromagnetic model. Experimental measurements revealed a good fit with the proposed model. For example, an equivalent magnetic noise level of ~60 pT/Hz at 1 Hz with dc capability was achieved using an appropriate field modulation.
Infrastrukturpreise: Eine normativ-theoretische Analyse

Dieser Beitrag beschaftigt sich mit optimalen Preisen fur Verkehrsinfrastruktureinrichtungen. Angefangen von First-Best Preisen werden weitere Moglichkeiten der Preisbildung dargestellt und deren Eignung fur Verkehrsinfrastuktureinrichtungen diskutiert. Bereits aus normativer Sicht wird ersichtlich, dass die Einbeziehung politokonomischer Uberlegungen erforderlich ist, um reelle Infrastrukturpreise zu bilden.
The classification of neurological disorders in the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11)

The WHO, the body responsible for the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) is currently preparing the 11th revision (ICD-11) which is scheduled for approval by the World Health Assembly in 2015. Among its many uses, the ICD is the premier tool for clinical coding and capturing morbidity and mortality statistics worldwide. As the revision process passes the halfway stage, it is timely to consider how the neurology chapter is shaping up. We outline the major changes in the classification of neurological disease expected in ICD-11, how these have been influenced by the significant progress in clinical neuroscience over the past two decades and consider the impact the changes will have on users of ICD-11. WHO has constituted Topic Advisory Groups to assist in revision of specific chapters. The neurology Topic Advisory Group consists of an international group of neurologists, neurosurgeons and members of allied specialties and societies. Their remit is to assist and advise WHO to ensure that the latest revision reflects the progress in our understanding of neurological disease in a manner that is coherent, comprehensive and intuitive. In addition, WHO is ensuring the …
Concise Review: The Obesity Cancer Paradigm: Exploration of the Interactions and Crosstalk with Adipose Stem Cells

With the recognition of obesity as a global health crisis, researchers have devoted greater effort to defining and understanding the pathophysiological molecular pathways regulating the biology of adipose tissue and obesity. Obesity, the excessive accumulation of adipose tissue due to hyperplasia and hypertrophy, has been linked to an increased incidence and aggressiveness of colon, hematological, prostate, and postmenopausal breast cancers. The increased morbidity and mortality of obesity‐associated cancers have been attributed to higher levels of hormones, adipokines, and cytokines secreted by the adipose tissue. The increased amount of adipose tissue also results in higher numbers of adipose stromal/stem cells (ASCs). These ASCs have been shown to impact cancer progression directly through several mechanisms, including the increased recruitment of ASCs to the tumor site and increased production of cytokines and growth factors by ASCs and other cells within the tumor stroma. Emerging evidence indicates that obesity induces alterations in the biologic properties of ASCs, subsequently leading to enhanced tumorigenesis and metastasis of cancer cells. This review will discuss the links between obesity and cancer tumor progression, including obesity‐associated changes in adipose tissue, inflammation, adipokines, and chemokines. Novel topics will include a discussion of the contribution of ASCs to this complex system with an emphasis on their role in the tumor stroma. The reciprocal and circular feedback loop between obesity and ASCs as well as the mechanisms by which ASCs from obese patients alter the biology of cancer cells and enhance tumorigenesis will be discussed. Stem Cells 2015;33:318–326
Assessment of Body Mass Index and Nutritional Status in Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients

Background: Pulmonary tuberculosis is a chronic infectious disease which affects nutritional status of the patients. The presence of poor nutritional status in pulmonary tuberculosis patients has been one of the most important determining factor in recommending adjuvant nutrient therapy to prevent oxidative stress and further complication.Objective: This study was designed to assess the nutritional status and body mass index of pulmonary tuberculosis patients.Patients and methods: During the period 1st of June 2010 to 30th of May 2011, a prospective study was done on 60 patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis and 60 controls.Levels of total protein (TP), albumin (ALB.), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC), and body mass index (BMI) were measured.Results: The mean levels of TP (59.5 ± 0.8g/dl), ALB (23.4 ± 1.8g/dl), TC (138.7 ± 4.9mg/dl), HDLC (32.2 ± 4.0mg/dl), LDLC (86.5 ± 1.3mg/dl) and TG (62.4 ± 1.3mg/dl) were significantly lower while the level of globulin (36.2 ± 1.2g/dl) was significantly higher in pulmonary tuberculosis patients when compared with controls (TP=81.2 ± 4.5g/dl; ALB= 50.0 ± 4.0g/dl; TC = 213.5 ± 26.8mg/dl; HDLC = 57.4 ± 8.5mg/dl; LDLC = 161.1 ± 28.3mg/dl; TG= 148.5 ± 37.1mg/dl; globulin = 31.4 ± 1.7g/dl respectively). (P <0.05)The body mass index (16.9 ± 1.1kg/m2) was significantly lower when compared with controls (BMI= 23.5 ± 2.1kg/m2). (P <0.05)20Conclusion: There is a significant degree of nutritional depletion and weight loss in PTB patients than in general population. BMI is considered to be a useful technique for assessment of nutritional state of PTB.The nutritional derangement could call for prompt nutritional intervention in the management of pulmonary tuberculosis patients.