Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fracture of the radial head with associated elbow dislocation: results of treatment using a floating radial head prosthesis.

OBJECTIVES To assess elbow function, complications, and problems of radial head fractures associated with elbow dislocation receiving surgical treatment with a floating prosthesis. DESIGN Prospective clinical study. SETTING University Hospital, Orthopaedic Department, Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgium. PATIENTS Eleven consecutive adult patients were treated with a floating prosthesis for acute radial head fractures associated with elbow dislocation from January 1994 to September 1996. INTERVENTION The floating radial head prosthesis (Tornier SA, Saint-Ismier, France) was used in all our patients. The implant is in two parts: a radial head made of high-density polyethylene enclosed in a cobalt-chrome cup, which articulates in a semiconstrained manner with the spherical end of a cemented intramedullary stem. The implants were inserted within the first week following the injury (range 2 to 7 days). Three cases also required internal fixation of the coronoid process of the ulna; in one case plate fixation of an olecranon fracture was also performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS Patients were assessed by physical examination, a functional rating index (Morrey et al.), and radiographs. The parameters evaluated were motion, stability, pain, and grip strength. Potential complications such as infection, prosthetic failure, or dislocation were investigated. RESULTS The minimum follow-up time was two years (mean 32 months, range 24 to 56 months). Four patients were considered to have excellent results, four patients were considered to have good results, two patients had fair results, and one patient had a poor result. There were no cases of infection, prosthetic failure, or dislocation. No patient required prosthetic revision. CONCLUSION The basic principle of maintaining anatomic and physiologic relationships applies when deciding on treatment for radial head fractures with associated elbow dislocation. The loss of lateral osseous support will render the elbow grossly unstable. We believe that a floating prosthesis may be indicated in Mason Type III radial head fractures associated with elbow dislocation, especially in the presence of associated destabilizing fractures. Well-controlled comparative randomized studies will be needed to delineate the optimal treatment for a given situation.
Evaluating Approaches for Supervised Semantic Labeling

Relational data sources are still one of the most popular ways to store enterprise or Web data, however, the issue with relational schema is the lack of a well-defined semantic description. A common ontology provides a way to represent the meaning of a relational schema and can facilitate the integration of heterogeneous data sources within a domain. Semantic labeling is achieved by mapping attributes from the data sources to the classes and properties in the ontology. We formulate this problem as a multi-class classification problem where previously labeled data sources are used to learn rules for labeling new data sources. The majority of existing approaches for semantic labeling have focused on data integration challenges such as naming conflicts and semantic heterogeneity. In addition, machine learning approaches typically have issues around class imbalance, lack of labeled instances and relative importance of attributes. To address these issues, we develop a new machine learning model with engineered features as well as two deep learning models which do not require extensive feature engineering. We evaluate our new approaches with the state-of-the-art.
Randomized Control Trial of Peer-Delivered, Modified Directly Observed Therapy for HAART in Mozambique

Objective:To assess the efficacy of a peer-delivered intervention to promote short-term (6-month) and long-term (12-month) adherence to HAART in a Mozambican clinic population. Design:A 2-arm randomized controlled trial was conducted between October 2004 and June 2006. Participants:Of 350 men and women (≥18 years) initiating HAART, 53.7% were female, and 97% were on 1 fixed-dose combination pill twice a day. Intervention:Participants were randomly assigned to receive 6 weeks (Monday through Friday; 30 daily visits) of peer-delivered, modified directly observed therapy (mDOT) or standard care. Peers provided education about treatment and adherence and sought to identify and mitigate adherence barriers. Outcome:Participants' self-reported medication adherence was assessed 6 months and 12 months after starting HAART. Adherence was defined as the proportion of prescribed doses taken over the previous 7 days. Statistical analyses were performed using intention-to-treat (missing = failure). Results:Intervention participants, compared to those in standard care, showed significantly higher mean medication adherence at 6 months (92.7% vs. 84.9%, difference 7.8, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.0.02, 13.0) and 12 months (94.4% vs. 87.7%, difference 6.8, 95% CI: 0.9, 12.9). There were no between-arm differences in chart-abstracted CD4 counts. Conclusions:A peer-delivered mDOT program may be an effective strategy to promote long-term adherence among persons initiating HAART in resource-poor settings.
Tadalafil therapy and health-related quality of life in pulmonary arterial hypertension

Abstract Background: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare, progressive lung disorder that impairs performance of daily activities and quality of life (QoL), leading to right heart failure and death. Treatment options include prostanoids, endothelin antagonists, and phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (e.g., tadalafil). Currently there is no cure for PAH, but tadalafil has improved exercise capacity in these patients. Objectives: To explore the effect of tadalafil on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measures. Research design and methods: The Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and Response to Tadalafil (PHIRST) clinical trial examined the efficacy and tolerability of tadalafil for the treatment of PAH. The impact of tadalafil on HRQoL and exercise capacity, as measured by 6-minute walk test (6MW test), was also examined. Change from baseline to last non-missing post-baseline was examined for the SF-36, EQ-5D, and 6MW test, along with the relationship between HRQoL and 6MW test performance. Results: Tadalafil 40 mg showed significant improvement over placebo for six of eight SF-36 domains, and EQ-5D index scores. Also, the tadalafil 40-mg group showed significant improvement over placebo on the 6MW test (p < 0.001), but no clear relationship was found between 6MW test performance and HRQoL. Conclusion: Results suggest that tadalafil 40 mg may significantly improve HRQoL and exercise capacity for PAH patients. Limitations of this study include its relatively short nature limited to 16 weeks and the relative heterogeneity of the study population.
Genetic and environmental effects on the covariation between colour polymorphism and a life-history trait

Variation in coloration with a strong underlying genetic basis is frequently found within animal populations but little is known about its function. Covariation between colour polymorphism and life-history traits can arise because morphs perform differently among environments or because they possess alternative alleles coding for key life-history traits. To test these two hypotheses, we studied a population of tawny owls Strix aluco, a bird displaying red, brown and grey morphs. We assessed the colour morph of breeding females, swapped eggs or hatchlings between pairs of nests, and examined how body condition in 3-week-old nestlings covaries with coloration of foster and genetic mothers. Redder foster and genetic mothers produced young in better condition. Because in two other years we observed that greyish females produced offspring in better condition than those of red females, the present study suggests that colour polymorphism signals genetic and phenotypic adaptations to cope with a fluctuating environment.
‘We can handle it out here’. Women officers in Britain and the USA and the policing of public order’

Growing concern about female police officers being in the front line of violent confrontations and public order situations are noted. Drawing on a survey of fifty female officers from Britain and the USA, an analysis is presented of how these women reported handling violence and danger. British and American officers described very similar approaches. That US officers were armed did not appear to make much difference to their actions, although it did so to their attitudes and sense of security. Female officers have very consciously to develop strategies to manage violence. They cannot readily use the same techniques to handle the harassment they experience from male colleagues. An earlier version of this paper was delivered at the British Criminology Conference, at Cardiff in July 1993.
Multisite Evaluation of Point of Care CD4 Testing in Papua New Guinea

Laboratory-based CD4 monitoring of HIV patients presents challenges in resource limited settings (RLS) including frequent machine breakdown, poor engineering support and limited cold chain and specimen transport logistics. This study assessed the performance of two CD4 tests designed for use in RLS; the Dynal assay and the Alere PIMA test (PIMA). Accuracy of Dynal and PIMA using venous blood was assessed in a centralised laboratory by comparison to BD FACSCount (BD FACS). Dynal had a mean bias of −50.35 cells/µl (r2 = 0.973, p<0.0001, n = 101) and PIMA −22.43 cells/µl (r2 = 0.964, p<0.0001, n = 139) compared to BD FACS. Similar results were observed for PIMA operated by clinicians in one urban (n = 117) and two rural clinics (n = 98). Using internal control beads, PIMA precision was 10.34% CV (low bead mean 214.24 cells/µl) and 8.29% (high bead mean 920.73 cells/µl) and similar %CV results were observed external quality assurance (EQA) and replicate patient samples. Dynal did not perform using EQA and no internal controls are supplied by the manufacturer, however duplicate testing of samples resulted in r2 = 0.961, p<0.0001, mean bias = −1.44 cells/µl. Using the cut-off of 350 cells/µl compared to BD FACS, PIMA had a sensitivity of 88.85% and specificity of 98.71% and Dynal 88.61% and 100%. A total of 0.44% (2/452) of patient samples were misclassified as “no treat” and 7.30% (33/452) “treat” using PIMA whereas with Dynal 8.91% (9/101) as “treat” and 0% as “no treat”. In our setting PIMA was found to be accurate, precise and user-friendly in both laboratory and clinic settings. Dynal performed well in initial centralized laboratory evaluation, however lacks requisite quality control measures, and was technically more difficult to use, making it less suitable for use at lower tiered laboratories.
Applying the LCPs to High School Education

To offset feelings of alienation, it is vital to help youth feel more connected by focusing on both learners and learning. These connections can increase student motivation and achievement, leading to higher self-confidence and more positive feelings about school. This article describes various strategies for engaging high school students, including a research-validated tool for high school teachers, the Assessment of Learner-Centered Practices (ALCP) surveys. Based on the Learner-Centered Psychological Principles (LCPs), the ALCP selfassessment surveys help teachers address the growing number of high school students who are alienated from school. Research results confirming the effectiveness of learner-centered practices in meeting student needs within the current educational agenda are also presented.
Effects of interpersonal orientation and the sex-type of the task on choosing to work alone or in groups.

Etude des preferences des hommes et des femmes pour le travail seul ou en groupe, selon un modele cognitif predictif du choix en fonction de la congruence entre les genres sexuels de l'individu et de la tâche. 150 non-bacheliers sont affectes a une tâche masculine ou feminine et doivent choisir le travail seul ou en groupe. L'orientation interpersonnelle doit aussi affecter le choix
Facilitating Elementary Principals' Support for Instructional Teacher Leadership

Purpose: This exploratory study examines conditions that lead elementary principals to support the work of school-based instructional teacher leaders. The study asks, How do principals' knowledge of teacher leadership and their interaction with teacher leaders contribute to principals' support for teacher leadership? And, How might district communication structures influence principal support? Research Methods: Data collected in 2003-2004 came from five districts, four of which were low−socioeconomic status districts. Interviews with 15 principals, 12 math teacher leaders, and six supervisors focused on the nature and scope of the teacher leader's work and the role of the principal and/or supervisor with regard to the teacher leader. Findings: The study provides evidence of a link between principals' knowledge of the position, their interaction with teacher leaders, and their support for teacher leadership. The research further demonstrates that districts can influence principals' level of support for teacher leaders by increasing communication about the role. Implications: Evidence suggests that districts should build principals' knowledge of teacher leadership and foster principal-teacher leader interaction as a way to promote support. A second implication is the need for further research on other conditions that can influence principals' support.
Sliding Mode Design via Quadratic Performance Optimization with Pole-Clustering Constraint

We consider a novel method for designing the sliding mode that minimizes the quadratic performance while keeping a pole-clustering constraint. Our approach is based on the manipulations of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) imposed by the design objectives. For this purpose, we newly propose LMI conditions for the quadratic performance optimization and the pole-clustering problem, respectively, in a full order state. Then they are combined in the LMI framework that is typically devised for the sliding mode design in the convex form. An effort is made to reduce the generic conservatism by allowing different Lyapunov matrices. In addition, a class of polytope uncertain systems is addressed to illustrate the advantages of the proposed method.
A Systematic Assessment of Operational Metrics for Modeling Operator Functional State

This paper addresses critical issues and reports key findings with regards to the development of participantgeneric operator functional state (OFS) models in the context of cognitive work. Conceptually, this research is concerned with the nature of the relationship between the physiological state of individuals and human performance. Participants were physiologically monitored (cardiac, respiratory, and eye activity) during the execution a set of two cognitive tasks – n-back and visual search – for which there were two levels of difficulty. Levels of difficulty were associated with levels of mental workload. Performance on the tasks was also monitored and linked with OFS. Modeling of the relationship between physiological state and OFS involved systematic manipulation of three parameters: (1) size of smoothing window for performance, (2) performance decrement threshold for labelling functional and sub-functional states, and (3) the mode of classification being either prospective or descriptive. Modeling was performed using two types of classifiers. Results show that (1) models that use bio-behavioral data were capable of classifying performance on new participant data above chance, (2) levels of mental workload were better classified than OFS, (3) size of smoothing window had a significant impact on classifier performance, and (4) size of smoothing window, threshold values, and classifier type had a significant impact on sensitivity and specificity. Implications for the use of OFS models in operational contexts are discussed.
Nonopsonic phagocytosis of strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from cystic fibrosis patients

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the predominant respiratory pathogen in patients with cystic fibrosis, but its mechanism of persisting in pulmonary secretions is poorly understood. We observed that three nonmucoid cystic fibrosis P. aeruginosa strains were phagocytized and one strain resisted phagocytosis by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the absence of serum. Phagocytosis was assessed by luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence, inspection of stained smears, bactericidal assay, reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium dye, and electron microscopy. Phagocytosis, determined by visual inspection, occurred at 35 degrees C but not at 4 degrees C. Nonopsonic phagocytosis was inhibited most efficiently by D-mannose, mannose-containing saccharides, and D-fructose. Opsonin-dependent phagocytosis of P. aeruginosa and of zymosan was not markedly inhibited by mannose, suggesting different leukocyte receptors for nonopsonic and opsonic phagocytosis.
Mamtaz and Bache : Low-cost Technique of Arsenic Removal from Water 43 Low-cost Technique of Arsenic Removal from Water and Its Removal Mechanism

This study examines the potential of removing arsenic from water by coprecipitation with naturally occurring iron. The experimental study examined the sensitivity of removal of arsenic in response to manual mixing and prolonged settlement. It was found that about 88% arsenic removal could be achieved after 24 h settlement. It has also demonstrated that provided the iron levels are sufficiently high (say 1.2 mg/l), simple shaking of a container and allowing the iron-arsenic complex to settle out for 3 days could reduce the concentration of arsenic from 0.10 mg/l to Bangladesh standard (0.05 mg/l). There was evidence that adsorption may be the dominating trapping mechanism when Fe/As weight ratio was ≥ 10.
Developing a Theory of Website Usability: An Exploratory Study to Identify Constructs and Nomological Networks

Extended Abstract 1 Developing a usable website is pivotal for e-business success, yet previous studies have reported that current websites contain numerous usability problems. There are many reasons for poorly designed websites, but this research focuses on the lack of a good theory of website usability, a theory that explains and predicts the effects of website usability on online customer perceptions. To propose a good theory of website usability, this exploratory study first investigated website usability constructs by integrating the findings of previous studies and the results of interviews with website usability experts. Instruments to measure the constructs were developed and empirically validated. Then nomological networks between website usability constructs and online customer perceptions, focused on purchase intention and purchase, were examined. Three field studies including two questionnaire surveys and a causal mapping analysis were conducted. This study identified 10 website usability factors with strong psychometric properties through conducting a confirmatory factor analysis. Based on these constructs, this study found nomological networks that explain a large amount of variance of purchase intention and purchase through performing a causal mapping analysis and a path analysis (see Figure 1). This research could aid researchers and practitioners of website usability by providing useful knowledge for usable website design. From a theoretical perspective, this study proposed and validated the nomological networks which could be used to develop alternative theoretical models of website usability or enhance the current theoretical models to provide a better understanding of the website usability phenomenon. From a practitioner perspective, using the identified instruments and nomological networks, management of e-business companies can evaluate the usability level of their own website and at the same time, compare the usability level of a company's website with that of competitors to establish industrial standards. By gauging website usability levels and comparing with competitors' sites, e-business companies can make strategic decisions on how to improve current websites.
His or para-His pacing preserves left ventricular function in atrioventricular block: a double-blind, randomized, crossover study.

AIMS To compare left ventricular function after a long-term His or para-His pacing (HP) and right ventricular septal pacing (RVSP) in patients with atrioventricular block (AVB). METHODS AND RESULTS We included consecutive patients with AVB, a narrow QRS < 120 ms, and a preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) >0.40, in a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, crossover design. All patients were treated with 12 months HP and 12 months RVSP. A total of 38 patients [mean age, 67 ± 10 years; 30 (79%) men] were included. The primary endpoint was LVEF, which was significantly lower after a 12 months RVSP (0.50 ± 0.11) than after 12 months of HP (0.55 ± 0.10), P = 0.005. We measured the difference in time-to-peak systolic velocity between opposite basal segments in the apical views by using tissue Doppler imaging. In the four-chamber view, the difference was 58 (±7) ms after RVSP and 49 (±7) ms after HP, P = 0.27; in the two-chamber view, the difference was 45 (±5) ms after RVSP and 31 ±(4) ms after HP, P = 0.02, and in the apical long-axis view, the difference was 63 (±6) after RVSP and 44 (±7) after HP, P = 0.03. There was no difference in New York Heart Association class, 6-min hall walk test, quality-of-life assessments, or device-related complications. The mean threshold was significantly higher in HP leads than in RVSP leads. CONCLUSION His or para-His pacing preserves LVEF and mechanical synchrony as compared with RVSP after 12 months pacing in patients with AVB, narrow QRS, and LVEF > 0.40.
Downplaying Leadership: Researching How Leaders Talk About Themselves

This article identifies the notion of downplaying leadership. While some attempt is made to explore the meaning of this practice, our primary intention is to describe a method and framework for analysing the transcripts of leadership interviews. This method has been developed to help identify how leaders may sometimes use language in research interviews to play down the importance of their own leadership and of leadership in general.
Behavioral / Systems / Cognitive Amygdalar and Prefrontal Pathways to the Lateral Hypothalamus Are Activated by a Learned Cue That Stimulates Eating

Experimental animals that are trained to associate a cue with food consumption when hunger prevails will subsequently consume a greater amount of food when that cue is presented under conditions of satiety. Previously, we showed that this phenomenon of conditioned potentiation of feeding is abolished by a neurotoxic lesion that encompasses the basolateral (BL), basomedial (BM), and lateral (LA) nuclei of the amygdala (AMY) and by disconnection of this region and lateral hypothalamus (LHA). Here, we combined immediateearly gene (IEG) and tract-tracing methods to map functional AMY–LHA circuitry that is engaged when potentiated feeding is produced by pavlovian conditioning. Sated rats were assessed for food consumption in the presence of a cue that was paired previously with food (CS! ), or in the presence of another cue that was never paired with food (CS"), in two consecutive tests temporally arranged for activation of the effector IEGs Arc (activity-regulated cytoskeletal protein) and Homer 1a. We examined the selective induction of the IEGs by tests with CS! or CS" presentations in AMY neurons that project to LHA, as identified with the retrograde tracer FluoroGold. Using the same labeling methods, we also examined neurons in several other forebrain regions, including the prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens, that receive strong inputs from BL/BM/LA nuclei and, in turn, innervate the LHA. Our results indicate that a cue that has acquired the ability to promote eating in sated rats (CS! ) strongly activates a functional network formed by direct pathways from the BL/BM and orbitomedial prefrontal cortex to the LHA.