Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Full health coverage improves compliance of 50%.

C ardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the first cause of morbidity and mortality and they contribute heavily to healthcare costs worldwide [1,2]. Diagnosis and control of cardiovascular risk factors represent the strategic approach in order to achieve successful primary and secondary prevention of CVDs. Unfortunately, the simple detection of major cardiovascular risk factors, even if it occurs early, is inadequate: across Europe, treated patients achieving the treatment goal are 37% in type 2 diabetes, 41% in dyslipidaemia, 39% in hypertension, and many of them, though at target for the single risk factor, are maintaininig a raised residual CVD risk [3]. Uncontrolled hypertension alone, which represents the risk factor with the highest impact on cardiovascular mortality, is responsible of 13.5% of premature death worldwide and of 92 million disability-adjusted life years in Europe [4–6]. To the human cost paid for CVD risks, the huge economic cost for the society must be added; cost that for uncontrolled hypertension is much higher than the cost of treating hypertension [7–9]. In the past, it has been largely documented that inadequate primary prevention, because of low compliance of physicians to guidelines and poor compliance of patients to drug therapy, represents the main limiting factor for all projects addressed to reduce and/or delay cardiovascular events [10,11]. In the last few years, different studies have confirmed the pivotal role of compliance to attain an effective control of cardiovascular risks in clinical practice [12] and documented that a low socioeconomic status reduces both drug access and adherence of the patients to physician’s prescriptions [13–15]. A reduced utilization of physician’s visits have been reported also in France, where the insurance plan reimburses 65% of expenditures, and the remaining 35% is covered by supplemental insurance bought on individual basis. In this issue of the journal, Meneton et al. [16], report their data from a cross-sectional survey in a sample of 4646 patients with CVD assessing whether the partial reimbursement by the French health insurance plan may reduce
Effects of intracellular sodium and hydrogen ion on the sodium activated potassium channel in isolated patches from guinea pig ventricular myocytes.

OBJECTIVE The Na+ activated K+ channel (IK(Na)) may be activated during ischaemia when the intracellular Na+ concentration is raised. As ischaemia is also associated with intracellular acidification, the influence of intracellular pH on this K+ channel was investigated. METHODS The effects of intracellular Na+ and H+ on the IK(Na) channel were investigated in isolated patches from guinea pig ventricular myocytes by the patch clamp technique. RESULTS Increase of intracellular Na+ increased the open probability of the channel. Intracellular acidification had no effect on the single channel conductance, but significantly decreased the open probability of the channel in the pH range 7.5-6.5. The effect of intracellular pH on open probability was about the same in a wide range of intracellular Na+ concentrations. The lower open probability induced by acidification seemed to be caused by prolonged closed times. CONCLUSIONS Because the effects of increased intracellular Na+ and decreased pH on open probability are opposite, it is suggested that the IK(Na) channel might be important under conditions of raised intracellular Na+ with relatively unchanged intracellular pH. Consequently, it is hypothesised that this channel may be involved in adaptation of action potential duration at high heart rate and in action potential shortening in the border zone of regional ischaemic areas.
Bias-and-Input Interchanging Technique for Cyclic/Pipelined ADCs With Opamp Sharing

This brief proposes a bias-and-input interchanging (BII) technique for resetting opamp summing nodes to remove the memory effect of residue signals in cyclic/pipelined analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) with opamp-sharing architectures. The proposed BII technique does not need an additional preamplifier stage or need to sacrifice signal swing, as do other opamp summing node resetting (OSNR) techniques. Thus, the size of driving circuits and power consumption can be reduced. In the BII technique, fully differential (FD) BII folded-cascode and pseudodifferential (PD) BII telescopic opamp architectures are developed. The proposed FD-BII technique is more power efficient than existing OSNR techniques. The proposed PD-BII technique can further save more power and opamp area than the FD-BII technique, but the problem of common-mode (CM) offset amplification accompanies the PD architecture. This brief proposes simple floating interconnection schemes that eliminate the CM offset amplification for the PD architecture. Compared with existing OSNR techniques, the proof-of-concept ADCs confirm that the proposed BII technique can be used by ADCs to reset opamp summing nodes more efficiently, using less power and achieving a wider signal swing.
Reward and Learning in the Goldfish

An experiment with goldfish showed the effects of change in amount of reward that are predicted from reinforcement theory. The performance of animals shifted from small to large reward improved gradually to the level of unshifted large-reward controls, while the performance of animals shifted from large to small reward remained at the large-reward level. The difference between these results and those obtained in analogous experiments with the rat suggests that reward functions differently in the instrumental learning of the two animals.
Video text extraction based on image regularization and temporal analysis

Video text extraction is the process of identifying embedded text on video, which is usually on complex background. This paper proposes a new approach to cope with this problem considering image regularization and temporal information. The former helps us to decrease the number of gray values in order to simplify the image content, and the second one takes advantage of video text persistence in order to identify video segments ignoring text changes. According to our experiments, the proposed method presents better results than other. Moreover, we propose a post-processing step for improving the text results obtained by Otsu method.
Gonadal function after allogenic bone marrow transplantation for thalassaemia.

SIR,-Altogether 124 health districts in this country have now achieved 90% coverage for measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. 1 Against this background, there have been several reports of meningoencephalitis temporally associated with the administration of MMR.2 The adverse publicity such cases generate and their potential seriously to harm a vaccination programme must not be underestimated. We would like to describe one suspected case which, despite subsequent exoneration of the vaccine, had an immediate impact on MMR coverage. An 11 year old boy was admitted to hospital with a 72 hour history of vomiting and headache. He had received MMR vaccine 10 days before the onset of symptoms. On arrival he was afebrile and semiconscious but immediate investigations (including microscopy of the cerebrospinal fluid) were unremarkable. He was started on acylovir and dexamethasone but died 48 hours after admission. The cause of death was thought to be vaccine induced mumps encephalitis and this was quickly disseminated on the district medical and nursing network. Immediately after the child's death the local director of public health convened an action committee. A press statement was released to the effect that there was no evidence to implicate the vaccine as the cause of death. Investigations subsequently revealed serological evidence of past mumps infection. No mumps virus was demonstrated on direct polymerase chain reaction of brain tissue. The only virus isolated was an echovirus type 25 from nasopharyngeal secretions. The committee therefore produced a further press statement confirming that there was no link between the vaccine and this child's death. Professional and parental anxiety led to a sharp fall in MMR vaccine uptake that has only been restored after six months of considerable efforts by district staff. This case illustrates the importance of thorough investigation of a suspected vaccine reaction and ensuring a coordinated district response. We advise caution in labelling such an incident as vaccine related until conclusive evidence is obtained.
A Comprehensive Study of the Resistive Switching Mechanism in $\hbox{Al/TiO}_{x}/\hbox{TiO}_{2}/\hbox{Al}$-Structured RRAM

The conduction mechanism and resistive switching properties in a resistive-random-access-memory device composed of Al(top)/TiOx/TiO2/Al( bottom) are investigated in this paper. The active-top-electrode (TE) material aluminum interacted with the TiO2 layer and induced an oxygen-deficient TiOx layer near the TE. The naturally formed oxygen-deficient TiOx layer was confirmed by a transmission-electron-microscope energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry analysis. The oxygen-deficient TiOx region acted as a trap for electrons and contributed to the resistive switching. The proposed mechanism and measured data are verified through simulation of a two-variable resistor model.
Human Myosin Vc Is a Low Duty Ratio Nonprocessive Motor*

There are three distinct members of the myosin V family in vertebrates, and each isoform is involved in different membrane trafficking pathways. Both myosin Va and Vb have demonstrated that they are high duty ratio motors that are consistent with the processive nature of these motors. Here we report that the ATPase cycle mechanism of the single-headed construct of myosin Vc is quite different from those of other vertebrate myosin V isoforms. KATPase of the actin-activated ATPase was 62 μm, which is much higher than that of myosin Va (∼1 μm). The rate of ADP release from actomyosin Vc was 12.7 s-1, which was 2 times greater than the entire ATPase cycle rate, 6.5 s-1. Pi burst size was 0.31, indicating that the equilibrium of the ATP hydrolysis step is shifted to the prehydrolysis form. Our kinetic model, based on all kinetic data we determined in this study, suggests that myosin Vc spends the majority of the ATPase cycle time in the weak actin binding state in contrast to myosin Va and Vb. Consistently, the two-headed myosin Vc construct did not show processive movement in total internal reflection fluorescence microscope analysis, demonstrating that myosin Vc is a nonprocessive motor. Our findings suggest that myosin Vc fulfills its function as a cargo transporter by different mechanisms from other myosin V isoforms.
A novel noise-reduction algorithm for real-time speech processing

We developed a new noise-reduction algorithm based on a joint spectro-temporal representation of signals. The algorithm was inspired by the discovery in our laboratory of higher-level avian auditory cortical neurons that showed invariant responses to communication signals. The algorithm consists of an analysis step and a synthesis step. In the analysis step, the sound is first decomposed into narrow band signals by a frequency filter bank. These time-frequency waveforms are then further analyzed using a spectro-temporal modulation filter bank to obtain a representation that is akin to the one generated by cortical neurons. In our algorithm, this modulation filter bank was obtained from the principal component analysis of the speech signal in the time-frequency representation. We then learned which subset of the modulation filters provided the best information to extract the signal from the noise. In the synthesis step, we then used this subset of spectral-temporal modulation feature detectors to generate .
Normalization and Mixed Degrees of Integration in Cointegrated Time Series Systems

This paper provides one possible explanation of why cointegrated time series systems can have constituent time series displaying mixed degrees of integration. If exogenous forcing variables display di¤ering degrees of integration, choice variables may do so as well if separability restrictions are present in an optimization framework. Pre-testing data for unit roots can thus reveal the presence of separability in an optimizing framework. A method for normalizing cointegrating vectors is also developed for systems with multiple cointegrating vectors. The method permits the normalized cointegrating vectors to contain the parameters of static factor demand functions and the resulting adjustment matrix contains all the adjustment parameters familiar from the neoclassical investment literature. VARs are derived for systems with I(2) forcing series and the I(2) case results in cointegration between the levels and di¤erences of the exogenous and choice variables, a property known as multicointegration. Empirical examples are provided from the literature on money demand and inventories. The price level and nominal cash balances display di¤ering degrees of integration, irrespective of how the money stock is measured. From the perspective of this paper, this nding is di¢ cult to explain unless real balances, rather than nominal balances, are the appropriate choice variable for the household. Evidence is provided that inventories, production workers, and sales in selected two-digit industries do not have the same degree of integration, unlike the predictions of the production smoothing model of inventories. In the selected industries, labor input decisions appear to be separable from decisions on nished goods inventories. Thanks are due to David A. Dickey for helpful discussions and to Richard T. Baillie for useful comments on a previous draft of this paper. I also bene tted from the comments of seminar participants at the Federal Reserve Board and Wayne State University. The usual disclaimer applies regarding responsibility for the remaining limitations of this paper.
Fertilization and development in vivo of rabbit oocytes cultivated in vitro.

In a study of the development of cultivated oocytes transferred to the oviducts of mated females, Chang (1955a) obtained 81% cleavage. In further experiments, Chang (1955b) evaluated embryonic development after the transplantation ofcultivated oocytes and observed positive results with the oocytes isolated for cultivation from the ovaries 6 hr or more after injecting sheep pituitary extract. Thibault & G\l=e'\rard (1970) fertilized cultivated oocytes in vitro and described the formation of anomalies in the development of the male pronuclei. The aim of the present study was to determine whether oocytes collected shortly after mating followed by an injection of HCG and then cultivated in vitro would be capable, after fertilization in the oviduct, of normal development in the initial stages, or whether anomalies would again be found in the formation of the male pronuclei.
The Quest for Strong Inapproximability Results with Perfect Completeness

The Unique Games Conjecture has pinned down the approximability of all constraint satisfaction problems (CSPs), showing that a natural semidefinite programming relaxation offers the optimal worst-case approximation ratio for any CSP. This elegant picture, however, does not apply for CSP instances that are perfectly satisfiable, due to the imperfect completeness inherent in the Unique Games Conjecture. This work is motivated by the pursuit of a better understanding of the approximability of perfectly satisfiable instances of CSPs. We prove that an “almost Unique” version of Label Cover can be approximated within a constant factor on satisfiable instances. Our main conceptual contribution is the formulation of a (hypergraph) version of Label Cover that we call V Label Cover. Assuming a conjecture concerning the inapproximability of V Label Cover on perfectly satisfiable instances, we prove the following implications: • There is an absolute constant c0 such that for k ≥ 3, given a satisfiable instance of Boolean k-CSP, it is hard to find an assignment satisfying more than c0k2/2k fraction of the constraints. • Given a k-uniform hypergraph, k ≥ 2, for all ε > 0, it is hard to tell if it is q-strongly colorable or has no independent set with an ε fraction of vertices, where q=⌈k+√k-1/2⌉. • Given a k-uniform hypergraph, k ≥ 3, for all ε > 0, it is hard to tell if it is (k-1)-rainbow colorable or has no independent set with an ε fraction of vertices.
Treatment of disseminated malignant melanoma with high‐dose oral BCG

Thirty patients with unresectable disseminated melanoma (Stage IV) were treated with Bacillus Calmette‐Guerin (BCG) (Moreau strain—Rio de Janeiro) by mouth, with weekly doses ranging between 200 mg and 28,000 mg. Five patients died in the first two months of treatment. Of the remaining 25 patients, two (8%) showed complete regression, and one (4%) partial regression. Seven patients (28%) had stabilization of the disease for a six‐month period, and 15 (60%) had progression of the disease. Complete and partial regressions were seen only in patients with extravisceral (subcutaneous) metastases, and were associated with a longer survival time. Regression of the subcutaneous metastatic nodules was always accompanied by the following local phenomena: increased temperature; local inflammation; softening, pain and pruritus at the nodule site; and a gradual decrease in size. At the site of the tumor mass, a hypochromic halo appeared. This halo remained permanently and was pathognomonic of the metastatic nodule rejection. When the halo was fully established, the inflammatory infiltrate was minimal and the malignant cells disappeared. If the area contained hairs, they underwent complete albinization. Serial biopsies of the nodules undergoing inflammatory changes and decreased consistency exhibited an intense cellular infiltration of lymphocytes, macrophages, and plasma cells around the malignant cells. This sometimes simulated lymphoid follicle formation involving the melanoma cells associated with necrosis in a centripetal way. Some patients with visceral metastases (particularly pulmonary) had an unexpectedly long survival, apparently associated with interruption of the growth rate of the masses. Eleven out of 20 deaths were due to cerebral metastases. When cerebral disease was diagnosed, BCG was discontinued and the administration of corticoids was usually associated with a disappearance of the inflammatory signs at the nodule sites, but with progression of the disease. Toxicity was minimal.
An exploratory study of RFID implementation in the supply chain

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the barriers and motivations for adopting radio frequency identification (RFID), the level of RFID implementation, the processes RFID is utilized in, and issues in the deployment of RFID.Design/methodology/approach – A survey instrument was developed based on a literature review. The survey was then distributed to the members of the Association for Operations Management Rhode Island and Boston chapters. The results were then analyzed.Findings – It was found that the majority of the surveyed firms are not considering RFID implementation. Lack of a business case and lack of understanding were cited as their main concerns. For firms considering RFID implementation and firms that had implemented RFID, better inventory management, obtaining competitive advantage, and cost reduction were the three most important motivations for adopting RFID. Financial concerns and the lack of a business case were the most prevalent issues. In addition, product tracking (pal.
Critical role for OX40 ligand in the development of pathogenic Th2 cells in a murine model of asthma

Bronchial asthma is characterized by massive infiltration of eosinophils and airway hyperreactivity (AHR), which are caused by overproduction of Th2 cytokines (IL‐4, IL‐5, and IL‐13) by allergen‐specific T cells. We recently demonstrated a critical contribution of OX40 ligand (OX40L) to the development of Th2‐mediated experimental leishmaniasis. In this study, we have examined the role of OX40L in the development of Th2‐mediated pulmonary inflammation by utilizing OX40L‐deficient mice and a neutralizing anti‐OX40L mAb in a murine model of asthma. Sensitization and airway challenge with ovalbumin in wild‐type BALB/c mice induced a typical allergic asthma characterized by AHR, accumulation of eosinophils, increased mucus production, and high levels of Th2 cytokines in the lung.All these asthmatic responses were not induced in OX40L‐deficient BALB/c mice. Administration of neutralizing anti‐OX40L mAb in wild‐type BALB/c mice during the sensitization period also abolished the induction of asthmatic responses. In contrast, administration of anti‐OX40L mAb during the challenge period did not inhibit the asthmatic responses. These results indicate a critical role for OX40L in the induction phase, which leads to the development of pathogenic Th2 cells, but not in the effector phase, which includes migration and activation of pathogenic Th2 cells in the lung.
Itraconazole, a P‐Glycoprotein and CYP3A4 Inhibitor, Markedly Raises the Plasma Concentrations and Enhances the Renin‐Inhibiting Effect of Aliskiren

In a randomized crossover study, 11 healthy volunteers took 100 mg (first dose 200 mg) of the antifungal drug itraconazole, a P‐glycoprotein and CYP3A4 inhibitor, or placebo twice daily for 5 days. On day 3, they ingested a single 150‐mg dose of aliskiren, a renin inhibitor used in the treatment of hypertension. Itraconazole raised the peak plasma aliskiren concentration 5.8‐fold (range, 1.1‐ to 24.3‐fold; P < .001) and the area under the plasma aliskiren concentration‐time curve 6.5‐fold (range, 2.6‐ to 20.5‐fold; P < .001) but had no significant effect on aliskiren elimination half‐life. Itraconazole increased the amount of aliskiren excreted into the urine during 12 hours 8.0‐fold (P < .001) and its renal clearance 1.2‐fold (P = .042). Plasma renin activity 24 hours after aliskiren intake was 68% lower during the itraconazole phase than during the placebo phase (P = .011). In conclusion, itraconazole markedly raises the plasma concentrations and enhances the renin‐inhibiting effect of aliskiren. The interaction is probably mainly explained by inhibition of the P‐glycoprotein‐mediated efflux of aliskiren in the small intestine, with a minor contribution from inhibition of CYP3A4. Concomitant use of aliskiren and itraconazole is best avoided.
Monitoring large volumes of interest by using voxel visibility

Classical visual hull implementations are fonded on the hypothesis that the object is entirely visible by all the cameras. This limits the size of the volume to monitor. By adding visibility to the classical occupancy description, we limit the impact of each camera to the sub-volume of interest viewed by it. Different parts of the volume of interest are reconstructed by different sub-groups of cameras. Within a distributed reconstruction system, the volume of interest is no more constrained by camera placement but by the cost of the equipment and the latency of the system. We demonstrate the usage of visibility with a real time system using pinhole cameras and with sequences acquired on board of a moving train with fish eye lenses.